#dev boot camp

[jewish-space-laser]

did i tell people on here that i’m switching careers yet

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

caught my eye that jade thinks merpeople marrying humans are eccentric (pot calling the kettle black). of course, such marriage would have its difficulties due to intercultural conflict, yet i thought somebody as eccentric jade (and leech family in general tbh) would think of it as his cup of tea.

then again we did have floyd finding a story of a merlady changing into a human form for her lover strange, proclaiming that she is already cute as an octopus. hm. i wish we had some more lore on this, the differences in a way of living and how much it influences octavinelle's viewponts (what's beautiful? practical strength as implied with azul's lack of agility? some obscure trend of decorating one's body? something else entirely?) are so fascinating to me.

Welllll, my guess is the devs didn’t want the characters to give their commentary on who they would be romantically interested in, as that could conflict with who the players ship them with (whether it’s other canon characters, themselves, an OC, etc.). For example, having Jade express an interest in one race over the others (such as humans) might be upsetting to fans who ship him with fae, beastmen, or fellow merpeople.

Life in the sea and life on land is very different. I’d imagine there would be several cultural clashes as a result of this. Their food is different (food in the sea is usually raw, there aren’t a lot of sweets), merpeople don’t know about common land things like fire and clothing, even the concepts of breathing and walking are limited, humans may not understand merpeople values (such as for music, or worrying for the survival + safety of their children)… That’s why the mermaid princess established the land boot camp—in an effort to bridge this knowledge gap.

I don’t think it’s strange or out of character for the twins to find interracial marriages eccentric. It’s something that seems to be pretty rare in Twisted Wonderland when you consider that fae-human marriages are frowned upon (see: the Zigvolts), there’s only one merperson-human marriage per year (if any at all, according to Jade in Eternity Float), and there are cultural conflicts between different types of beastmen (stated in Tamashina Mina) so it’s likely that even within one race they keep to marrying within their species. Because it doesn’t happen much, of course the twins would see it as odd. That’s not to say that they aren’t also fascinated by it, but it’s just not something they may understand. While Jade and Floyd find different aspects of life on land interesting (mountains, fashion, etc.), they are still most familiar with the environment and culture they grew up in and use that as a means of comparison for what is “weird” or not.

I think Floyd calling octopi cute has less to do with actual attraction and more like… to do with him being a predator?? Like, wanting to actually CHOMP. Because he also calls Azul “cute” but also says he’s “squishy” and jokes about wanting to eat him. (Ominously, both he and Jade’s favorite foods contain octopus.)

It might be interesting to consider how the beauty standards vary for the different races. Merpeople don’t normally wear clothes, so I guess that doesn’t factor into “beauty”. Judging by how Azul got bullied in school for his size and speed, I’m assuming how well you can survive in the wild does factor in. Not sure about everything else or the other races though. If I had to guess, subspecies of fae or beastman probably factors into this; for example, the colors of a bird beastman’s plumage may contribute to their physical appeal.

[gothicallybright]

POWER DRILL MASSACRE (1)

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

you, your girlfriend chappell and your friends decide to go out camping by the lake during one hot summer day. you had no idea that in the woods around the lake there was a maniac on the loose, who will do anything he can do to finish you off one by one, with a power drill. set in the 1980s.

w: gore, murder, intimacy (making out, etc.)

⊱ ────── {⋅. ✯ .⋅} ────── ⊰

𓆩♡𓆪 A/N 𓆩♡𓆪

finaaaaaaaaaaaally back. life's been quite interesting so i had to take a step back from writing for some time. i'm glad you continued to read my shit even after i was gone, thank you. i love slashers and everything horror, so i decided (tried) to write a slasher fiction inspired by 80s slashers and by power drill massacre. a game by puppet combo, one of my favorite game devs ever. i'm not sure how you guys will like this one, but if it performs well, i'll write a part two. excuse any errors i didn't have time to re-read it properly.

also, ''ditto'' is a slang meaning me too. not a pokemon.

enjoy reading! 𓆩♡𓆪

Chappell drove swiftly through the still countryside towards the lake in the forest. You were in the passanger seat, screaming out your lungs to the radio. Your other four friends; Jake, Tyler, Maya and Sarah were in the back, having their usual playfighting, you ocassionally chimed in to fuel the fire even more. The old pick-up truck that Chappell was driving wasn't the best, but it was good enough to take you to the desired location, which was everything you needed. You and Chappell were looking forward to something like this, but just the two of you. However, you couldn't turn down the offer to bring along your best friends too. You dreamt of having a summer like this, just like you had seen in the movies.

Chappell turned right into the forest, following the signs which were leading her to the lake, your desired location. It was your idea to go camping, you thought it would be more private and less rules to follow, and of course, everyone agreed. The old pick-up truck came to a halt as Chappell announced loudly that you've arrived.

Everyone quickly rushed out, carrying their bags and whatnot. Chappell grabbed the tents from the trunk and placed them on the clearing in the forest. The lake was glimmering in the light and the birds were chirping. It was just perfect. Tyler, to everyone's surprise, brought a portable radio, setting it on the nearby tree stump. He turned on the most lively radio station and everyone began handling the tents.

Soon, the sun began setting behind the dense forest that surrounded the lake, painting the sky in deep shades of orange, and with that, the last tent was finally secured into place. Tyler stood back, hands on his hips, as he surveyed the campsite. You and Chappell set up the fire that was now burning brilliantly, casting a flickering glow across the clearing. "Not bad for a bunch of city kids," Tyler commented, turning to his friends with a wry grin.

"City kids, huh?" Sarah teased, sticking her tongue out at him from her spot by the fire. "I'll have you know I spent two whole weeks at my grandma's farm last summer." She said with pride, a clear sarcasm in her tone. Tyler rolled his eyes, "Pfft, two weeks on a farm? Oh my God, Sarah! You're practically a farmer now! Guess I better watch out, or you'll start wearing overalls and cowboy boots."

Sarah huffed in mock offense, "Oh, real original. I'll have you know I look damn good in overalls." As if to emphasize her point, Sarah dramatically struck a pose, pulling her knee up to her chest and placing her hands on her hip. The others burst into laughter. Tyler chuckled, leaning back against a tree. "Hey, I never said you wouldn't look good. I'm just saying, you might start speaking with a southern drawl and telling us about hay bales and tractor rides."

Then, Jake chimed in from the other side of the fire. "Hey, I like hay bales. They're like the perfect cushions for all the make-out sessions you don't have!" Sarah let out a loud laugh, while Tyler pretended to look hurt. "Low blow, man."

They continued bantering back and forth until the sun had fully set, the sound of crickets and frogs filled the air. Night had officially settled, the sky now a deep black. You and your friends huddled together by the fire, roasting marshmallows and passing around a pack of beers that Jake had sneakily tucked into his backpack. Chappell's arm was casually draped around your shoulders, her touch protective and affectionate as her other hand held a beer.

Maya, who was carefully rotating a perfectly golden marshmallow over the fire, winced as it suddenly burst into flames. "Shit! I overdid it." She withdrew the burnt marshmallow on a stick, pouting. "Ugh, this thing is ruined! Can anyone spare another one?" Tyler couldn't help but laugh as he watched Maya's marshmallow go up in flames. He held out another marshmallow to her. "Here you go, try to resist the urge to cremate this one." The group chuckled.

As the night wore on, the group continued to talk about school, music, and their plans for the summer, the laughter and easy conversations creating a fun, carefree atmosphere. Soon, yawns slowly started to crop up. Everyone was getting tired, your head leaning against Chappell's shoulder as she held you close to her.

Tyler stretched, releasing a yawn. "I'm beat, guys. Think I'm gonna turn in for the night."

Jake nodded in agreement, "Yeah, me too. My eyelids are getting real heavy."

Sarah yawned loudly, "Ditto. Can't keep my eyes open much longer."

Maya, who was looking increasingly tired, added, "Me three. I can barely keep my head up."

"Alright you guys, goodnight." You said and Tyler made a joke about you and Chappell 'using protection'. Classic Tyler.

Your friends settled into their tents, Tyler and Jake in one tent and Sarah and Maya in another. It was just you and Chappell now, surrounded by the thick woods and the still lake. The radio was still playing low tunes.

The flames were now lazily dancing, casting a faint glow. You lifted your head up and glanced over at Chappell, looking at how the soft glow of the fire moved across her features, making her look even more beautiful. She noticed you looking and your faces were now inches apart. You wasted no seconds in connecting your lips to hers. The kiss was gentle at first, soft and tender, but soon it grew more intense. She wrapped her arms around your waist, pulling you closer as she deepened the kiss, her fingers tangling in your hair.

The intesity of the kiss nearly left you breathless as you suddenly seemed to forget about the campsite, your friends and the surrounding woods. Your focus was only narrowed down to the feel of Chappell's body against yours and the taste of her lips. Your hands roamed up her back, pulling her tightly against your body, as if trying to erase any space between you. Her lips left yours, trailing down your jawline and to your neck. She pressed soft, open-mouthed kisses along the sensitive skin, her tongue teasing. You were driven insane by the intense pleasure and your lips parted slightly, letting out soft moans. Chappell's hand slipped under your shirt, her fingertips moving slowly across your skin, savoring every second, as if she hasn't done that many times before.

Eventually, Chappell pulled back slightly, but she still remained inches apart. Her eyes were still focused on your lips. ''We should go to sleep.'' she whispered, her voice hoarse. Her lips brushed against yours as she spoke, and she kissed you one last time. You and Chappell stood up, she grabbed your hand, intertwining her fingers with yours as you both walked back towards your tent.

Once inside, you both snuggled close to each other before zipping the tent shut. Chappell sighed and wrapped her arms around your waist, the warmth of her body pressed so close to you was soothing. Your eyelids eventually grew too heavy for you to keep them open, so you slowly drifted off to sleep.

In the dead of night, you stirred and jolted up from your slumber. You were woken up by a persistent noise in the night. Due to your mind still being fogged by sleep, you were unable to identify the source of the noise. You sat up even more, trying to place the noise. As your ears focused on the sound, it was clear that it was footsteps, and it sounded like they were just circling around the campsite. A cold sweat brushed over you, your heart thumping at the thought of who or what might be making the noise.

You gently nudge Chappell, who was asleep beside you. "Chappell," you whispered, your voice barely above a murmur. "Baby, wake up."

Chappell stirred, her eyes lazily opening as she slowly came back to consciousness. "What's wrong?" she asked sleepily, rolling over to face you.

"Listen." You signaled to her and her body shifted to a more upright position, focusing on the sound. Sure enough, the footsteps continued, walking slowly. The fire outside died long ago, making it hard to see outside in the pitch black.

"Oh, it's probably Tyler or Jake or someone getting up to take a piss, relax." You weren't happy with her response. "It can't be them! They've been walking around for a while now!" You whisper-yelled, your voice painted with a hint of concern. Chappell placed a reassuring hand on your cheek, her thumb brushing it lightly. She looked straight into your eyes. "Want me to go check?" She offered and you nodded slowly. She got up from her sleeping bag, unzipping the tent. "Be careful." You warned and she left the tent.

Silence. Chappell's footsteps had mixed with those of whoever was walking outside and it was hard for you to pinpoint who is who. You held your breath, listening to every detail. The anxiety was choking you and you peered your head outside from the tent. Chappell was walking back towards the tent, she shrugged, indicating that she didn't find anyone. You were put at ease and you welcomed her into your arms once more.

"It's probably an animal." She said, and your heart relaxed.

Not even fifteen minutes later, the footsteps were more intense and it sounded like the animal was walking right next to your tent. It slowly passed the tent and made its way towards Jake's and Tyler's tent. Then, like an arrow through the target, a loud noise pierced the silence in the night. It was the sound of a power drill starting. You and Chappell shot up from your sleeping bags, confused. What the hell?

Then, the most guttural screaming erupted in the night. Upon hearing the scream, you and Chappell scrambled out of your sleeping bags, panic and dread coursing through you.

"What?…" Chappell breathed, her voice trembling. You could hear the terror in her voice, a mirror to your own fear.

Another guttural scream pierced the night, followed by a chorus of panicked voices coming from Tyler and Jake's tent.

You soon identified the screaming to be Jake's. The power drill sounded like it had been plunged into something rough, drilling with intense force and strength. Tyler began screaming his head off and you heard the manic sound of footsteps running away. The seriousness of the situation hit you and Chappell like a brick. The two of you unzipped the tent and stepped outside. It was still pitch black outside, but Jake and Tyler's tent was open and the sound was coming from inside the tent. The sound of the power drill was getting more and more intense. It sounded like it was drilling into a rock and someone was moving it back and forth, creating this scraping noise against the rough surface. You also noticed that Jake wasn't screaming anymore.

You slowly tiptoed towards the tent while Chappell went to get Maya and Sarah.

You peered your head inside, the sound of the drill nearly deafening you.

There was a freakishly tall man in dirty white clothing standing over Jake, his hand wielding a power drill that was plunged deep into Jake's skull. You watched the man move the drill back and forth inside his skull, splitting it in half. Brain matter splattered over the floor and the inside of the tent was painted in blood red. The man's clothing was also stained as he mercilessly continued to do his work. You choked the urge to scream.

You were suddenly pulled out of the tent by Chappell. Maya and Sarah were standing near the exit of the clearing. You were trembling in Chappell's arms, mumbling and sobbing quietly. "Jake… he…" You mumbled and Chappell quietly began calming you down as she dragged you towards the exit. Your brain flashed all the memories you had with Jake, he was one of your childhood friends and you just watched his skull get split in half. You were unable to contain yourself and you let out a loud cry, falling to your knees. Chappell began shushing you as she helped you up on your feet, but it was too late. The drilling sound stopped. Chappell quickly dragged you into a nearby patch of bushes and ducked down with you, placing a hand over your mouth to silence you.

There was silence for a few moments until Maya and Sarah started screaming. You peered your head out from the bushes and saw the man running towards the direction of the screaming, manic footsteps echoing against the ground. He was too fast. He caught Sarah. You quickly ducked down again. You couldn't bear watching another one of your friends get murdered. A loud thump was heard and you could only guess that Sarah was thrown on the ground. She began screaming for help, calling out your name specifically. Your heart was now tugging at your subconscious. You wanted to just get up and help her, but you couldn't. Chappell held you tightly, looking at you as if you're crazy after you suggested helping Sarah. The drill started again and you covered your ears, muffling the sickening noise of the skull cracking beneath the power of the drill.

[mommahughes19-23]

Until next time posty - Q.H

@suzy.q : at least when I was in jail I got some rest in 🥂

tagged : @_quinnhughes @lhughes_06 @jackhughes

location : with my boo thangs

jackhughes : you only went bc mom told us we had to take you...

↪ suzy.q : jack... do you want another shoulder injury? 🥴

lhughes_06 : I dont like that youre related to us and post things like this

↪ suzy.q : THINGS LIKE WHAT LUKE?!?!?!?!?!?! A CONCERT?

nicohischier : oop sister hughes popped offffffff🫡

dawson1417 : why is there a zipper on your leg???? are you not real???😳

↪ suzy.q : I was wearing boots?????? are you good ?????

john.marino97 : OMG im crying, im gonna miss yall so so much!

tmeier96 : oh I understand the caption now

↪ suzy.q : oh timo ...

bssmith2 : your outfit is cuteee

ehaula : post Malone is a GOD ... rude of you not to invite me.

tofff73 : honestly you dont deserve to have seen post

curtislazar95 : and as per usual.... where tf was my invite???

holtz_10 : this is cute

dougieham : so while im at dev camp sweating my titties off this is what youre doing !?!?!?!?

↪ suzy.q : I have nothing to do with your team sir

reannelazar : a living breathing idol, youre so cute!!!💖

_quinnhughes : we get it you saw post malone.

kevinbahl88 : omg postyyyyy

ninahischier : please let’s go to a concert when i come visit?!🤩🥰

bboeser : i’m appalled that i wasn’t even contacted for an invite

zadorov_16 : cuties

eliaspettersson : its just offensive to see my best friend do anything without me ....

matthew_tkachuk : gangs all here, but none of u are Stanley Cup Champs

↪ suzy.q : Matthew... kindly stfu

kuzya_096 : oh

tdemko30 : thatcher approved.

bradytkachuk : thanks 4 the invite u hoes

arturssilovs1 : my cappy boy

elblue6 : you guys are such cuties together!!

colecaufield : BLAST

nilshoglander : oo

A.N :

sorry this took a year to post idk what is going on w my motivation... any whooooo.... I changed my desktop Tumblr to light blue instead of how it normally looks and idk how I did that so if anyone knows how to put it back please help.

@fortkachuk and I have cooked up something spicy so watch for that.

im very bored today but I have no motivation to write its weird.

lots of luv

tagged : @skylershines @quinnylouhughesx43 @noahkahansorangejuice

[belleofthewickedteaparty]

Gonna make a Neocities or nekoweb site. Simultaneously putting that web dev boot camp to use, fulfilling 10 year old me’s site dream, and doing my part to bring back the slow web. I didn’t realize how much I missed actually web surfing and finding new sites.

[venus-is-thinking]

Disventure Camp All Stars Power Ranking (Round 14 - Venus)

Recap: Gabby's Elimination (1/8 pts)

(Total: 9/17 points acquired)

"Anyways, here's my best shot! I fully expect this to be my worst week this season! 1: Gabby"

photos taken seconds before disaster

Okay, in my defense, there was no vote out! I actually initially had Gabby and Grett at 4 and 5 instead of 1 and 2, but I moved them to the top after writing out my logic because I thought it was so impossible for them to be voted out at the current moment. But, surprise, no vote out! So now I lose. Very sad.

(I am losing so hard to @accirax please save me)

The good news is, it only goes up from here! 1/8 is the absolute worst I can do this season from this point on! It's only going up from here, baby!

In all seriousness, I do feel a lot better about power rankings moving forwards, because we actually have plot threads that can lead to eliminations. My guess is that the devs kinda fucked up and left themselves without good grounds for an elimination, so they bought themselves time with the weird twist. Oh well.

Into the rankings!

1: Grett

Haha... surely nothing will... go wrong...

Okay but seriously, if they double elim Grett and Gabby back to back, with Gabby's being kinda BS (and likely being part of why people would eliminate Grett), I'm gonna be, like, mad-mad. Besides, it'd be EXTREMELY fucked up to have Grett finally realize she has a friend in Gabby, have Gabby get eliminated just because, have her say she's finally feeling like herself again in the trailer, and then eliminate her immediately, probably as a stray fire because she's kind of between alliances and has no allies. Like... please don't.

I am choosing to believe that Gabby and Yul were eliminated back to back so that Grett can learn to play entirely for herself and start healing! Be yourself! Maybe be a little villainous again, for fun! Become the finalist we all know you can be!

(Please. I am begging.)

2: Riya

I think Riya's cooking SOMETHING up that goes beyond this episode.

Namely, her alliance with Ally. I think that this episode is where we're going to see that have some plot relevance. I don't really see how that backfires on Riya immediately, unless the plot is just going in the direction of "Ally says no and Riya pays the price for scheming." That's pretty boring, though, and it doesn't leave you many options other than a total decimation of the remaining villains.

I think it's time for Riya to get some payoff! I feel like most of the stuff she's done this season (other than be part of the villains alliance as a second in command to Alec) hasn't gone very far, so I'm excited for her to start having seeds she planted bear fruit.

3: Jake

For the record, I do think Jake is becoming mortal. He's been making enough forward progress that his arc could feel satisfying if it got cut off here. He and Aiden are fully on good terms, and he's pushing Connor to take initiative in figuring things out in his relationship with Riya. That's a sign of major growth.

The major unresolved thread he currently has is with Ally. Given that I think this episode will show Ally flipping on the other heroes, I think Jake could be in danger if she decides she wants to get rid of Jake. It could be some kind of message to Jake about understanding that even if he changes, his past actions have consequences.

Except, I don't super feel like that's the message they're trying to send with Jake? I feel like Jake is going to come out of this decently triumphant, showing that if you really give it your all to change, you'll be rewarded. I'm obviously biased as someone who believes Jake is going to win this season, but I do believe that for a concrete reason.

Either way, I think Jake is still one of the unlikelier boots this episode. The only real reason I can think of to kick him specifically is to make Ally happy, but I feel like if Ally flips, she'd be open to voting any of the other heroes. Even if she has a greater personal distaste for Jake, she literally told us last episode that she doesn't feel like she has particular allegiance to any of the heroes. So, Jake might continue on his winner trajectory, even if Ally flips.

4: Ally

I think Ally getting booted is a definite possibility. Every once in a while, alliances will decide to just cancel a perceived swing voter and move forward on their own.

However, the biggest issue with this is that I don't think anyone in the heroes' alliance currently expects Ally to flip. I don't really get why they'd target her when it seems like they think they have the majority.

The main way I see Ally getting booted is if she makes it REALLY obvious she intends to flip, but Grett "flips" too, making it Ally/Alec/Riya vs. Jake/Aiden/Connor/Grett. Still, I don't know that you target Ally in that situation as opposed to Alec or Riya. Presumably, at least one of the two should be not-immune.

I don't really see Ally going down here, though, because I feel like she's kicking off a new part of her arc. She's been obsessed with how people see her, to the extent that she's been sticking with the "heroes" alliance just so she can have the title of "hero" rub off on her. If she's finally starting to do things for herself instead, like she said last episode, that may mean she's playing to win, including by siding with the villains so that she's higher in the pecking order of her own alliance. Especially considering no one should WANT to take Alec to the end with them, Ally would hypothetically be Riya's late game #1, which is a major shift for her.

So, basically, I don't really think Ally is going home. She's just got too much potential left to explore.

5: Alec

For the record, I'm still a major "Alec has more episodes left in him" truther. I don't think he's going to get eliminated here. I just really think it's gonna be one of the last two people on the list. Pray for me.

But, y'know, all the usual stuff. Alec is a major threat strategically and in challenges, his alliance is in the decided minority at this point, a lot of people would be willing to vote for him, etc. etc.

I don't personally see a lot of reason to boot him this episode specifically (he wasn't especially featured in the trailer and he was kinda quiet last episode too), and I think Alec has been a major enough player this season that they kinda HAVE to give him a proper elimination rather than the players going "oh guess it's time to get rid of Alec." That's just me, though.

6: Aiden

I've BEEN putting Aiden towards the bottom of my power rankings for a while, and I don't intend to stop now. He's still, in my opinion, the more expendable counterpart to Jake this season, and as the numbers thin out, the likelihood we keep both of them for much longer feels low.

Aiden has already been a finalist. He's had a lot less of a character arc, considering he already got so much focus in Season 2. He's the last cyan left; not sure if that's good or bad for him, but it does mean that a lot of the relationships he had prior to Jake this season have been eliminated. It would make enough sense to get rid of him here, and I think it'd feel justified enough.

Riya has been beefing with him all season, which is enough to make him some level of target to her. He's also close enough to Jake that, if Jake wins immunity or something, I could see him being Ally's top pick, too.

It just makes sense as an option to me, so here we are.

7: Connor

I don't know about everyone else, but Connor's speech at the end of last episode was raising MAJOR death flags for me and Accirax. Connor is finally getting that focus I've been waiting for. That means he's mortal!

Connor is still dealing with the consequences of having been the villains' target for a pretty long time. If Ally's flipping means that the villains get to take their shot at whichever hero, it would stand to reason that they'd pick the guy they've been picking for every vote since he reentered the game.

Plus, if Connor gets more focus this episode, I could see him going out here. It's possible he's got more character to arc, but I think a satisfying case could be made for him leaving the game because Riya targeted him and accepting that if he's not comfortable with Riya being someone who acts like a villain to the cameras, no matter how nice she is offscreen, that it might be best to get some space. After all, he joined the game to get her to "come crawling back" or whatever it is Jake said last episode. Maybe that means it's best if he taps out of the game and does some serious soul searching before talking to Riya again (possibly in the losers' motel episode).

I could see Connor going farther, but at the same time, I don't really think they'd want to make him a finalist (or at least a winner) considering he was eliminated. Sure, Survivor did it in Edge of Extinction, but that wasn't scripted, and the audience wasn't very happy about it. If the writers had the option not to let the fifth boot win the season or get super far, I think it's the more satisfying option.

[hawkstack]

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[devopscourses1]

Devops Bootcamp For Beginners | Kodestree

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are embracing innovative strategies to accelerate delivery, enhance collaboration, and improve operational efficiency. One transformative approach is DevOps, which unites development and operations teams to streamline software development and deployment. For beginners looking to make an impactful entry into this dynamic field, enrolling in a DevOps Boot Camp can be the first step toward a rewarding career in cloud computing, infrastructure automation, and agile practices.

This comprehensive guide will explore what a DevOps Bootcamp for beginners entails, discuss the importance of key cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, and provide insights into best practices in cloud deployment and infrastructure as code. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to jumpstart your career in DevOps, along with practical advice on choosing the right training and career path. 

Understanding DevOps: The Foundation of Modern IT

DevOps is more than just a buzzword—it’s a cultural and technical revolution that merges software development (Dev) with IT operations (Ops). The primary goal is to create a seamless pipeline where coding, testing, and deployment occur continuously, allowing organizations to respond quickly to market changes and customer needs.

Why DevOps Matters

Increased Efficiency: DevOps practices automate repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort and the potential for errors.

Enhanced Collaboration: By breaking down silos, teams work together more effectively, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

Rapid Deployment: Continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines ensure that updates reach customers faster, enhancing user experience.

Scalability: Cloud-based infrastructures provide the flexibility to scale resources up or down as demand fluctuates.

For beginners, understanding the DevOps mindset is crucial. The focus is on continuous improvement, where learning from each iteration is key to delivering better products and services.

What to Expect from a DevOps Boot Camp

A DevOps Boot Camp is an intensive training program designed to equip you with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to excel in the field. Here’s what you can expect:

Comprehensive Curriculum

Boot camps cover a wide array of topics, including:

Version Control Systems: Learn to use Git and GitHub for collaborative coding and source code management.

CI/CD Pipelines: Understand how to set up and manage continuous integration and deployment pipelines using tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, or CircleCI.

Containerization: Gain hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes, which are pivotal for container orchestration and microservices architecture.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Discover tools like Terraform and CloudFormation to automate the provisioning of your cloud infrastructure.

Cloud Computing Fundamentals: Dive into the world of AWS Cloud, Azure Cloud, and Google Cloud, understanding their unique offerings and how they complement DevOps practices.

Monitoring and Logging: Explore how tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and ELK Stack can be used to monitor systems and troubleshoot issues.

Real-World Projects and Hands-On Training

A high-quality boot camp emphasizes practical experience. You’ll work on projects that simulate real-world scenarios, from setting up automated build pipelines to deploying scalable cloud applications. This hands-on training is essential for solidifying your understanding of complex concepts and preparing you for industry challenges.

Mentorship and Networking

Joining a boot camp often means entering a community of like-minded learners and industry professionals. Mentorship sessions, peer discussions, and collaborative projects can help you build valuable connections, gain insights from seasoned experts, and receive personalized feedback on your progress.

Certifications and Career Support

Many boot camps offer certifications upon completion, which can be a significant boost to your resume. Additionally, career support services such as interview preparation, resume reviews, and job placement assistance can help you transition smoothly into your new role.

The Role of Cloud Platforms in DevOps

Cloud computing is a cornerstone of modern DevOps practices. Platforms like AWS Cloud, Azure Cloud, and Google Cloud are integral to deploying, managing, and scaling applications in today’s fast-paced tech environment.

AWS DevOps: Leading the Cloud Revolution

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is renowned for its robust cloud infrastructure and wide range of services. AWS DevOps tools enable teams to automate their development workflows and deploy applications with high availability and resilience.

Scalability: AWS’s auto-scaling features ensure that your applications can handle varying loads efficiently.

DevOps Tools: With services like AWS CodePipeline, CodeBuild, and CodeDeploy, developers can automate every stage of the software release process.

Infrastructure as Code: AWS CloudFormation allows you to model and provision AWS resources using a declarative template, making it easier to manage infrastructure.

Azure DevOps: Integrating Development and Operations Seamlessly

Microsoft Azure offers a suite of DevOps services that integrate seamlessly with the broader Azure ecosystem. Azure DevOps is particularly popular for enterprises that rely on Microsoft technologies.

Comprehensive Services: Azure DevOps provides tools for source control, CI/CD, and agile planning.

Collaboration: Integrated with Microsoft Teams and other collaboration tools, Azure DevOps fosters efficient communication and project management.

Hybrid Cloud: Azure supports hybrid cloud environments, allowing organizations to integrate on-premises systems with cloud services effectively.

GCP DevOps: Innovating in the Cloud with Google

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is known for its data-centric and machine learning capabilities. GCP DevOps practices focus on harnessing these strengths to build intelligent, scalable applications.

Containerization: With Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), GCP simplifies container orchestration, making it easier to deploy and manage microservices.

Big Data Integration: GCP integrates seamlessly with big data tools, allowing for efficient processing and analysis of large datasets.

Innovative Tools: Services like Cloud Build and Cloud Deployment Manager facilitate the automation of application deployment and infrastructure management.

Essential Concepts in Cloud Computing and Infrastructure as Code

To excel in a DevOps Boot Camp, it’s critical to have a solid understanding of key cloud computing concepts and the principles of infrastructure as code (IaC).

Cloud Computing: The Backbone of Modern IT

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet (“the cloud”). This paradigm shift has revolutionized how organizations deploy and manage IT resources.

Flexibility: Cloud computing offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling businesses to scale resources on demand.

Cost Efficiency: By utilizing a pay-as-you-go model, companies can optimize their IT spending and reduce overhead costs.

Accessibility: Cloud services are accessible from anywhere, promoting remote work and global collaboration.

Security and Compliance: Leading cloud providers invest heavily in security measures, ensuring that your data is protected and that you comply with industry standards.

Infrastructure as Code: Automating Your Environment

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is a key component of modern DevOps practices. It involves managing and provisioning computing infrastructure through machine-readable configuration files rather than physical hardware configuration or interactive configuration tools.

Automation: IaC enables the automation of infrastructure provisioning, reducing the risk of human error.

Consistency: By defining your infrastructure in code, you ensure that your environments are consistent across development, testing, and production.

Scalability: IaC makes it easier to replicate and scale your infrastructure, ensuring that you can handle increased loads without significant manual intervention.

Collaboration: Just like software code, infrastructure code can be version-controlled and shared among team members, fostering collaboration and transparency.

Cloud Deployment: Best Practices for Success

Deploying applications in the cloud involves several key practices that ensure your services are reliable, secure, and scalable. Whether you're using AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, the following best practices are universal:

1. Automate Everything

Automation is at the heart of DevOps. By automating your build, test, and deployment processes, you can reduce manual errors, speed up development cycles, and ensure a consistent deployment process. Utilize CI/CD tools that integrate with your preferred cloud platform to streamline these operations.

2. Embrace Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

Implementing CI/CD pipelines is essential for maintaining a smooth development process. These pipelines help you:

Test Code Regularly: Automated testing ensures that code changes do not break existing functionalities.

Deploy Frequently: Regular deployments minimize the risk associated with large-scale updates.

Improve Feedback Loops: Continuous integration provides rapid feedback, allowing teams to fix issues before they escalate.

3. Utilize Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Leverage IaC tools such as Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, or Azure Resource Manager to automate the provisioning and management of your cloud resources. This not only speeds up deployment but also ensures consistency across various environments.

4. Monitor and Log Everything

Effective monitoring and logging are crucial for maintaining system health and quickly diagnosing issues. Tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and the ELK stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) provide real-time insights into system performance, enabling proactive management of potential issues.

5. Prioritize Security and Compliance

Security should be integrated into every stage of your DevOps process. Implement security best practices such as:

Access Control: Use role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions.

Encryption: Ensure data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.

Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.

6. Foster a Collaborative Culture

Encourage open communication and collaboration across teams. Using platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or integrated tools within Azure DevOps can enhance coordination, leading to a more agile and responsive development process.

DevOps Training: Accelerating Your Learning Curve

Investing in quality DevOps Training is a wise decision for anyone eager to break into the world of cloud computing and modern software development. The right training program should combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, ensuring that you not only understand the core concepts but also know how to apply them in real-world scenarios.

What to Look for in a DevOps Boot Camp

Experienced Instructors: Look for programs led by industry professionals with extensive practical experience.

Hands-On Projects: Ensure that the boot camp includes real-world projects that allow you to practice setting up CI/CD pipelines, managing cloud deployments, and using infrastructure as code.

Up-to-Date Curriculum: The technology landscape changes rapidly, so it’s essential that the course content is current, covering the latest trends and tools in AWS DevOps, Azure DevOps, and GCP DevOps.

Career Support: Opt for programs that offer mentorship, career counseling, and job placement assistance.

Flexibility: Whether you prefer in-person sessions, live online classes, or self-paced learning, choose a training program that fits your schedule and learning style.

How DevOps Training Can Impact Your Career

Completing a DevOps Boot Camp not only boosts your technical skills but also enhances your marketability in an increasingly competitive job market. Employers value professionals who can implement automation, manage cloud deployments, and optimize infrastructure using modern DevOps practices. With certifications in AWS DevOps, Azure DevOps, or GCP DevOps, you can significantly increase your career prospects and command higher salaries.

Cloud Management: Streamlining Operations in a Multi-Cloud World

As organizations adopt multi-cloud strategies, effective Cloud Management becomes paramount. Managing applications and infrastructure across AWS Cloud, Azure Cloud, and Google Cloud requires robust tools and processes.

Key Components of Cloud Management

Unified Visibility: Use centralized dashboards to monitor performance, costs, and security across multiple cloud platforms.

Cost Optimization: Implement strategies to track and control cloud spending, ensuring you only pay for the resources you need.

Security and Compliance: Maintain consistent security policies and compliance standards across different cloud environments.

Automation: Leverage automation tools to manage routine tasks such as scaling, backups, and patch management, freeing up your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Tools and Platforms for Cloud Management

Modern cloud management platforms offer a range of features to streamline operations:

AWS Management Console: Provides a user-friendly interface for managing AWS resources.

Azure Portal: An integrated console for managing Azure services with extensive customization options.

Google Cloud Console: Offers comprehensive monitoring and management tools tailored for GCP environments.

Third-Party Tools: Platforms such as Terraform, Ansible, and Kubernetes not only help with infrastructure as code but also enable efficient orchestration of multi-cloud deployments.

By mastering these tools, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern cloud environments and ensure your systems run smoothly and efficiently.

Embracing the Future with Continuous Learning

The world of DevOps and cloud computing is dynamic and continuously evolving. New tools, techniques, and best practices are emerging at a rapid pace, making continuous learning an essential part of any successful career in this field.

Staying Updated in the DevOps Community

Online Forums and Communities: Participate in platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit’s DevOps community, and LinkedIn groups to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others.

Conferences and Webinars: Attend industry conferences such as AWS re:Invent, Microsoft Ignite, and Google Cloud Next. These events offer insights into the latest trends and provide networking opportunities with industry leaders.

Certification Courses: Keep your skills sharp by pursuing advanced certifications. Whether you’re interested in AWS DevOps, Azure DevOps, or GCP DevOps, obtaining certifications demonstrates your commitment to excellence and enhances your professional credibility.

The Importance of a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset is crucial in the fast-paced world of DevOps. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, and remain open to new ideas and methodologies. Continuous improvement is at the heart of DevOps culture, and by staying curious and proactive, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape.

Real-World Applications: How DevOps is Transforming Industries

Across various sectors, DevOps is proving to be a game-changer. Let’s explore some real-world applications of DevOps practices in different industries:

Financial Services

In the financial sector, speed, security, and reliability are paramount. DevOps enables financial institutions to rapidly deploy updates and new features while maintaining rigorous security standards. Automated testing and continuous deployment ensure that applications meet compliance requirements and provide a seamless customer experience.

Healthcare

Healthcare organizations are increasingly adopting cloud computing to manage patient data and streamline operations. DevOps practices, such as continuous integration and automated deployments, help healthcare providers reduce downtime, enhance data security, and deliver innovative digital solutions that improve patient care.

E-Commerce

E-commerce platforms benefit greatly from DevOps by ensuring that their websites and mobile applications are always running optimally. With the ability to deploy new features quickly and efficiently, e-commerce businesses can keep up with changing consumer demands, manage seasonal traffic spikes, and provide a secure shopping environment.

Telecommunications

Telecom companies are leveraging DevOps to modernize their infrastructure and offer better services to their customers. By automating network deployments and monitoring systems in real time, these companies can reduce service interruptions, enhance scalability, and innovate rapidly in a competitive market.

Overcoming Challenges in the DevOps Journey

While the benefits of adopting DevOps are significant, transitioning to a DevOps culture can come with its own set of challenges. Understanding these obstacles and having strategies in place to overcome them is crucial for success.

Cultural Resistance

Changing established workflows and breaking down silos can be met with resistance from teams accustomed to traditional methods. To overcome this, organizations need to invest in training, foster a culture of collaboration, and clearly communicate the benefits of DevOps practices.

Tool Integration and Complexity

With the wide array of tools available—from AWS DevOps to Azure DevOps and GCP DevOps—it can be overwhelming to integrate them effectively. Start with a few core tools that meet your organization’s needs and gradually expand your toolkit as your team gains confidence and proficiency.

Skill Gaps

A successful DevOps transformation requires a team with a diverse skill set, from coding and automation to cloud management and security. Comprehensive DevOps training programs and continuous learning initiatives are essential for bridging any skill gaps and ensuring your team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

The Road Ahead: Building a Sustainable DevOps Career

For beginners, the journey into DevOps might seem daunting, but with the right training, mindset, and dedication, it can lead to a fulfilling career filled with opportunities for growth and innovation. As businesses continue to migrate to the cloud and embrace digital transformation, skilled professionals who understand DevOps will remain in high demand.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring DevOps Professionals

Invest in Education: Whether through a DevOps Boot Camp or online courses, continually upgrade your skills to stay ahead in the field.

Gain Practical Experience: Engage in hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios to solidify your understanding of key concepts.

Network with Industry Experts: Join communities, attend conferences, and participate in forums to build connections and gain insights from seasoned professionals.

Stay Curious: The tech landscape evolves quickly; a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation is essential for long-term success.

Embrace the Cloud: Familiarize yourself with leading cloud platforms like AWS Cloud, Azure Cloud, and Google Cloud to broaden your expertise and open up diverse career opportunities.

Conclusion: Start Your DevOps Journey Today

Embarking on a DevOps Boot Camp for Beginners is more than just learning a set of technical skills—it’s about adopting a mindset that emphasizes automation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. With the cloud as your playground, mastering AWS DevOps, Azure DevOps, and GCP DevOps can unlock new opportunities and propel your career forward.

Whether you're looking to enhance your expertise in Cloud Computing, streamline your Cloud Deployment strategies, or simply break into a new, dynamic field, the future is bright for DevOps professionals. The industry’s focus on Infrastructure as Code and Cloud Management highlights the growing need for experts who can integrate development and operations seamlessly.

As you stand on the cusp of this exciting transformation, remember that every expert was once a beginner. Your journey in DevOps begins with the decision to invest in your education, build your practical skills, and embrace the challenges that come with digital innovation.

For those ready to take the plunge into this transformative career path, a high-quality DevOps Training program can be your launchpad. Equip yourself with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in an environment where every deployment is an opportunity to innovate and excel.

Are you ready to transform your career? Join a leading boot camp and immerse yourself in the world of DevOps. Discover the endless possibilities of AWS DevOps, Azure DevOps, GCP DevOps, and beyond.

Get Started with Kodestree

If you’re looking for a partner to help guide you on your DevOps journey, look no further than Kodestree. With expert instructors, hands-on training, and a curriculum designed to keep you ahead of the curve in cloud computing and DevOps practices, Kodestree is your ideal destination for launching a successful career in technology.

Visit Kodestree today to explore our DevOps Boot Camp offerings and start building the skills you need to lead in the digital age. Embrace the future of cloud computing and automation—your journey starts here!

This blog has provided an in-depth look at the benefits and strategies associated with a DevOps Boot Camp for beginners, covering essential topics such as AWS DevOps, AWS Cloud, Google Cloud, Azure Cloud, Infrastructure as Code, Cloud Deployment, and Cloud Management. Whether you're an aspiring developer or an IT professional looking to enhance your skillset, the integration of these practices is key to success in today’s technology-driven world. Join the revolution and become a driving force in the transformation of modern IT operations.

By choosing the right training and continuously improving your skills, you'll be well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. Start your journey with a commitment to learning, practice rigorously, and never stop evolving—because in the world of DevOps, continuous improvement is the only way forward. Visit Kodestree for best it courses.

[linuxgamenews]

Survivor Mercs Bullet Hell: Native Linux Port Still Coming

Survivor Mercs bullet hell twin stick shooter game will keep to Verified for Steam Deck and Linux via Windows PC for now. Straight from the creative minds at Wolpertinger Games. Available on Steam Early Access with its Positive reviews. Survivor Mercs bullet hell twin stick shooter has officially hit its one-year mark in Early Access on Steam. Over the past year, the game has really grown thanks to five huge updates that have added new maps. While shaking up the gameplay mechanics and improving the overall experience. Each of these updates has makes the title more fun and engaging. Also showing just how powerful Early Access can be when developers listen to their community. And as such, we have further details regarding the native Linux port:

We do want to bring Survivor Mercs to Linux, but we are focusing on other things during the remainder of Early Access first.

Survivor Mercs is already fully SteamDeck verified, so it runs smoothly on Proton and could work well with Wine too. Built with Unity 2022.3, the developers still have plans for a native build as Early Access moves forward. Let’s break down some of the big updates that have shaped the gameplay so far:

Major Update 1: Waste Land

This update dropped a brand-new map called Waste Land. It’s a giant, heavily guarded landfill run by M.E.G.A.-Corp. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be infiltrating this dangerous zone, fighting off the GriftLift drone, and taking on some pretty intense boss fights. The Survivor Mercs update also introduced rare building parts to the bullet hell, while that letting you upgrade your bunkers. Also giving you more reasons to dive back into the action.

Major Update 2: Operation Overhaul

Here’s where community feedback really kicked in. Operation Overhaul revamped a bunch of core game mechanics and added mini-bosses to all maps. Along with new enemies, we got a new mercenary, Hogshead, who’s a total powerhouse. Explosive barrels were added to the maps, adding an extra layer of strategy to combat. Plus, mercenary abilities got a nice rework, making squad dynamics even smoother. Oh, and loot recovery runs became a thing—always fun!

1 Year Anniversary Dev Q&A | Survivor Mercs bullet hell

Major Update 3: Evolution

This update was a game-changer (literally). The new Genome Lab 2.0 gave us more control over our cloned commanders by letting us pick specific traits, leading to all kinds of awesome squad builds. The update also introduced new traits and strategies, so players could configure their squads with more options and synergies. More customization, more fun!

Major Update 4: Boot Camp

Boot Camp introduced an operation mode where you have to prove your worth in the Proving Grounds before jumping into elite operations. This Survivor Mercs update also fine-tuned early - bullet hell game mechanics. Giving newer players a smoother start while offering intense challenges for veterans. Commanders also got new bunker rooms and gear to unlock, along with fresh traits to play with.

Major Survivor Mercs Update 5: the bullet hell Arsenal

The most recent update, Arsenal, added something everyone’s been waiting for: direct control over active weapons. From the Leaf Blower to the Quaker Hammer, these new weapons also help you manage the hordes of enemies more effectively. The separation of Dashes, Traits, and Weapons really lets you build your squad in new ways, making combat more strategic and giving you more control over the battlefield. Each of these updates has made Survivor Mercs more complex and rewarding bullet hell twin stick shooter. But this title is still a blast to play. Early Access has allowed the devs to work closely with the community. Constantly tweaking and improving things based on feedback. And with more content on the way, including new features and systems, it’s clear the devs are committed to making it even better as it heads towards its 1.0 release. If you haven’t jumped in yet, now’s the perfect time. The title is only getting better with every update, and it’s exciting to see what’s next. Available on Steam Early Access, priced at $7.99 USD / £6.69 / 7,79€. Along with Verified support for Steam Deck, playable on Linux with Windows PC and Proton.

[captious-solarian]

This, fortunately, hasn't been my experience at all. I've been a web dev for some years. I've had very junior coworkers, including some new to any kind of programming, including some who weren't devs at all yet and were trying to pick up web dev on the job.

I've rarely seen such a lack of knowledge (aren't floating point errors mentioned in any js tutorial?), and I've never seen such confusion about what they don't know they don't know.

Many web devs know less than I wish they would about text encoding, (asymptotic) complexity, and security. But they know damn well what a rounding error and an ArrayBuffer are.

What's causing this? Are web dev boot camps bad? I've worked with few bootcampers, and in all cases they were people who taught themselves the basics before going there.

Huge props to "john doe" for noticing confusion about a basic thing, and daring to ask a stupid question. It's a great service to people in the same situation, and it can't have been easy.

I was once working on a wallet app with a bunch of web developers, and at some point I mentioned that it was a problem that we shouldn't be using native javascript numbers to represent money because they're floating-point numbers with all the problems that entails, and what we need to do is transition to using fixed-point numbers and/or integers. And the response I got from these people who had been writing web code for years and had dozens and dozens of projects under their belts was "I don't know what that means"

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

I heard there was an outrage in jp during book 5 finale at Rook's "betrayal" for voting for RSA (either ppl angry at Rook or the fact that NRC lost despite trying so hard and everything). And til this day I still see ppl misunderstand that Rook voted for RSA because he secretly likes Neige... Idk if I missed something but it was clearly shown why he made that decision, I feel like whoever thought otherwise never understands his character from the start and it saddens me 🙁

Oh, believe me 😅 that outrage was everywhere at the time of episode 5's release in JP (both in the Japanese audience and in the international audience, from what I can recall). I think a lot of it was born out of the frustration of seeing NRC lose to what many perceived as a low effort or bad performance (on RSA's part), as well as the shock at Rook's betrayal (and the false attribution of his vote going to RSA because of his personal attachment to Neige). There were also very long delays for this part of the game to come out, so that may have also contributed to the hype and the subsequent "let down" that the fandom experienced.

I really feel like those reactions were... well, simply put, WAY too much. I understand the initial shock or being upset that the story didn't pan out as a person may have wanted, but there were some pretty extreme reactions, such as those completely renouncing Rook, blatantly insulting the writing by claiming that the devs didn't understand how to write their own characters, and threatening harm onto those involved in the process. That's... crossing a line that DEFINITELY shouldn't be crossed 😬

In the context of the world of Twisted Wonderland itself, I felt that the writing decisions made had a lot of sense behind them. It was stated time and time again that VDC voting was determined by audience vote, NOT by expert judges. Therefore, how professional or unprofessional the performances were mattered little in the grand scheme of things. What truly mattered was to what extent each performance actually appealed to the audience, and it was shown during Neige's practice run that his cuteness and innocence DOES have widespread appeal in their world. This may not necessarily be true of the real world, but we need to think about the story of TWST from the perspective of those in it, not as the omniscient players. (There is also the fact that we are literally on the side of NRC and stayed with them during their training boot camp, so we already go into the competition with bias for the boys we've spent far more time with.) When it comes to Rook, a character twisted from the Beautiful Queen's huntsman, who betrays her trust and lets Snow White go... well, it was the obvious twist for the end of episode 5, wasn't it? Him being a fan of Neige wasn't even the reason given for why Rook voted for RSA. Rook says time and time again that he cannot lie to his own heart, so when he voted for RSA, it was because he was genuinely more moved by their performance than by his own group's. (Episode 6 elaborates more on this by pointing out that NRC couldn't perform at full capacity since they were all worn out from battling OB Vil.) Moreover, Rook understands that even Vil wouldn't want him to vote for NRC if his entire heart wasn't behind the belief; neither of them would want NRC to have a "hollow" victory, even if it would feel good and cathartic in the moment for the player to see. There is also another reason for Rook voting RSA: he wanted his dear friend to recognize his own worth, and for him to not base that worth on the approval of the public or what others may think of him. Throughout episode 5, Vil has been unhealthily obsessing over his perception in the public eye (which surely has not gone unnoticed by Rook, as there are moments where he has quiet asides that imply he is thinking or taking note of Vil's suspicious words and actions). But Rook--even if he is concerned for his friend--knows that directly confronting Vil about it won't remedy the situation. Maybe voting against Vil wasn't what we, the players, wanted, but it's definitely what Vil himself needed. Happily ever afters aren't guarantees, no matter how one wishes or works--and while I get that recognizing that can sting, it's a key part of TWST that I feel often gets overlooked because we get so enamored with the characters and wishing the best for them. We should also realize that sometimes what we think is "best" for the characters doesn't mean it is, and it doesn't always involve giving said character what they want or putting them in a conventionally "good" or "happy" situation. Sometimes it's being told the harsh truth or being handed a crushing loss is what spurs a character into taking action or bettering themselves, and I believe that's the case for Vil in episode 5 and moving forward in the main story.

But back to Rook, I feel like he gets a LOT of the heat because he's... just a character that is easy to dislike. He comes off the wrong way to a lot of people due to his very intense personality (as well as how much the general population in-universe seems to dislike him), and this leaves him as an easy target for blame 💦 He's also a character that is readily dismissed as foolish (again, due to how he usually acts), and many don't realize just how resourceful or clever he actually is. I'll be the first to admit that it's a pet peeve of mine when I come across that sort of interpretation, but at the same time I sort of get it! When a character puts you off from the very beginning, most people won't feel incentivized to delve deeper or to try to understand them beyond the surface level 😅 I tend to tell myself "Hey, it's all good! This is what he wants people to perceive him as. Rook's facade is working, he's tricking people into thinking he's silly so they won't expect it when he pulls an Uno Reverse card on them!" (It's similar to how J*de acts nice to your face while he's actually secretly manipulating you--) ... This is why I like them isn't it? That helps me feel a little better it.

[radarchives]

IM SAYING LIKE they served so much cunt with the 2021 halloween fits and we went mostly downhill from there, could we perhaps get your thoughts on the rest of the set too, maybe which were your fav and least fav ones? 🥺👉👈 i could write a whole essay on them tbh i swear im normal about them

the halloween fits truly were everything. with the bunny fits one of the only events where looking at the bottom parts only made me break out in sweats half the time.

i'm not necessarily gonna rate them, but i'll give my thoughts.

so let's start

lucifer

solid outfit. the hat i'm okay with since it doesn't look like it's got a life of its own (hat that shall not be named). the zipper shoes however need to go, the white is not giving and certainly a choice for an almost all black outfit. even in white they'd look way better as dress boots with laces.

also love how they somehow managed to give lucifer even more pieces of clothing than usual, unquestionably a skill.

anyway i can't really complain about the outfit bc the card was drawn by the dilf hair lucifer artist. i forgive all mistakes for that.

mammon

it's giving shady vendor it's giving Dr.Facilier with the colour scheme. maybe a bit questionable that he isn't wearing any socks but. it's the horror outfit so maybe that checks out. i personally would've replaced the tie with a bunch of necklaces and have given the man some damn socks. i'd always give mammon at least 60% more jewelry in general that man should be dripping in it.

for me this one is the least exciting one out of the bunch, but i still like it.

leviathan

the jason mask??? the boots?? hands down this is one of the only times i am in love with obey me brand shoes bc these look GOOD (maybe it's just the obey me church stompers trauma talking). love love love the coat and i am also weirdly okay with the brown pants since they match the dried blood on the coat. the gloves are a bit unnecessary though.

satan

i both love and have my beef with this outfit. when i saw the dress i almost flipped my phone because finally!! the devs let a charcter aside from asmo be a bit more feminine looking! then i saw the bottom and went. hmmmm. i think i just don't like that he's wearing both a dress and dress pants (that have buttons on the side. ew) combined? i genuinely think the outfit would've been more cohesive if they either leaned more into the feminine side (dress closed a bit further down, tights, boots with a higher heel) or the more androgynous side (corset with lacing in the center, dress as more of a blouse, high waisted pants, bottom of the dress if kept more like an overskirt?)

asmo

he's perfect, he's beautiful, he looks like linda evangelista, he's a model

no questions asked. perfection. the spider theme/black widow theme is so fucking perfect for him. also the placement of the blood on his hands and sleeves? casually going insane over him they did him so well. definitely my favourite out of them all.

belphie

alright. i am conflicted about this one. because it's camp. no idea what made the devs give belphie a sexy nurse theme but i'm here for it. maybe not necessarily the executiion but still. the skeleton print is my arch nemesis. what in the hot topic fingerless emo gloves is going on here. love the little belt on his thigh but also. safety. hazard babes. he'd be getting poked by needles every step he takes. i don't even wanna look at the little bo peep ass looking shoes.

i would've loved the outfit even more if they'd given him a skirt instead of his little short shorts. maybe not a visually appealing one but definitely an amusing one.? like yeah it's ugly but yeah i also like it because it's silly.

beel

for a beel outfit? god tier. man always has to suffer from boring outfit syndrome, but this one is good as long as you keep your eyes trained on the upper part. the devs shortly released him from the yas girl give us nothing basement. we do not talk about the ginormous clown stompers on his feet though. it looks less camp than belphie's nurse outfit and i'm here for it.

[artbyeloquent]

GREETINGS, ELO, AND HAPPY STS. 8D Now, I have to admit this is gonna be a little tricky for HTDO, but! If your main characters were sucked into our world, The Devil Is a Part-Timer-style, how well would they fare? What would they do to survive, and most importantly, who is working at McDonald's? Assume they've retained their memories but none of their powers (nor bank accounts—they are starting from scratch in a world with no Department).

YEEEES I LOVE THIS OKAY.

So seeing as the vast majority of my characters rely on a world where there is a bureaucratic and systemic process associated with their ability to interact with the spirit world, and all of that would just be *POOF,* gone, there's a very high chance at least a few of them would be at Mickey D's bc they are literally relying on this skill to collect a paycheck lmao.

Ariel and Rimon come to mind immediately bc they're underachieving idiots who lack internal motivation to climb ladders of any kind. At most Ri would be a manager bc they have extensive work experience but. Literally a degree in a type of Jewish studies that doesn't exist in our world.

Dev would just Deal and go into corporate work.

Yael would have a slight panic attack before jumping into a coding boot camp.

Jake's still dead, rip.

Faiza would still work at Harvard, her degree transfers.

[mybg3notebook]

Astarion Analysis

Disclaimer Game Version: All these analyses were made up to the game version v4.1.101.4425. As long as new content is added, and as long as I have free time for that, I will try to keep updating this information.

“Morals are all well and good, but power always wins.” 

“If all I want is shallow praise? Hardly, there is also gold, sex, revenge, quite the list, really. But failing any of those, I will always settle for shallow praise.”

--Astarion 

The majority of sources used for this article are in the game itself (including Astarion-solo playthroughs) and the dev’s notes and datamined information provided by pjenn. Astarion as origin is (almost) not taken into account since it’s not finished and is highly unpolished. 

The itemised list will show some instances of approval or disapproval as seen in the game. To make the reading of this article easier and shorter, you can skip them since they are basically the proof I use to sustain the introductory concept of each block. 

We can infer a lot of Astarion by analysing what he approves and disapproves of. Sometimes, we can even lightly infer some information from his neutral reactions, but let’s be honest: this way of analysing a char is pretty poor since it leaves everything to speculation. Neutral reactions can only be analysed by contrasting the same situation in other contexts, and seeing what other options Astarion approves or disapproves of. With these considerations in mind, we can proceed to describe this character.

Disclaimer: this is a meta with my personal interpretation of the character, sticking as much as possible to the facts and leaving little to “desires” or “projections” of what I want him to be. If I do so, I will state it explicitly in the text for the sake of analysis honesty. I want to be clear about what is canon (facts shown in bg3 EA), from what’s personal interpretation with little proof.

Also, this list is extensive, gathering as much as I could in my many playthroughs, but I’m sure it’s not absolutely complete. Some details may have escaped to me, but honestly, I believe they will be easily fit in these blocks once the pattern has been seen.

Understanding Astarion by enumerating his reactions

Astarion is usually seen as a character whose behaviour is the embodiment of “randomness”, and after several Astarion-solo playthoughts, I began to see the patterns that showed little randomness in my opinion. 

We can say that he likes gratuitous cruelty and murder. He has a special taste for animal cruelty too. He is greedy, but mostly if it leads to murder or to make little people suffer. Sometimes this greedy side comes from the fact that he doesn’t like to “work for free”: most quests should have a reward for him to be neutral to them. Accepting them without asking anything in return tends to earn a disapproval. He is more reticent to humiliate or outsmart NPCs that may be potentially stronger and more powerful than him. 

[[1]] Situations showing his greed:

He supports the robbery of the fishermen that were helping the mind flayer (MF) after the crash. 

Astarion supports stealing the “magical” ring from the tiefling kid (Mattis). This could be seen also as a gesture of outsmarting a person or mere trickster behaviour (see below).

He supports asking for compensation from the deep gnome we saved at the windmill.

He agrees to force Tulla (dying gnome in the myconid camp) to give you her magical boots.

Denying Baelen the scrolls because “they don’t come cheap”.

He approves pickpocketing Mirkon while being lured by the harpies.

[[2]]Situations displaying plain murder or violence:

He supports joining Lae’zel against the tieflings if you persuade them to free her, since this means killing (which is always an entertainment for him) creatures he considers lesser.

He supports killing Gimblebok and his gang near the Jergal ruins if you avoid any attempt of persuasion. This can be shown as a demonstration of power. (see below)

He supports killing Kagha without trying to persuade her or change her ways, not because he thinks Arabella’s death was an aberration (he enjoyed the show, as his approval and later comment confirm it) but simply because he enjoys murder.

He supports attacking the goblin camp. It’s a great spectacle of murder combined with his personal dismiss towards goblinoid races.

He approves of joining Minthara and massacrating the tieflings. It’s another great spectacle of murder, but in this time, of weak people (He detests weak creatures, and despises Tieflings in general).

He approves of killing Lae’Zel in the scene where she attacks Tav during the night, out of fear of turning into MF.

He approves of killing Rugan in the hideout. 

Still related to this level of violence and cruelty, he supports learning more about Shar once Shadowheart explains Shar’s teachings, all about violence and death, fighting against the illusion of safety.

He approves killing Ellyka, the tiefling spying on the Gith patrol, if Tav is a Githyanki (true or disguised as) and chooses “Attack.”

He approves of helping Glut in massacring the whole Myconid colony.

He approves of sacrificing one of the companions to the fish-people who worship Booal.

He approves fighting the fake god Booal because it’s a massacre; where there is bloodshed, there is Astarion’s approval. 

For the same reason he approves killing the Githyanki patrol: pure bloodshed.

[[3]] Situations of gratuitous cruelty: I understand that a lot of people confuse this trait of his personality as a “trolling attitude”. There are different archetypes of tricksters in DnD, and he is not particularly the silly-funny one (e.i. Jester in Critical Role), but the cruel-funny one. His “pranks” don’t cause annoyance or silly troubles, they usually end up in murdering the person he is pranking, or causing them great pain. What he considers “funny” is always related to a lot of blood and suffering. Examples of this:

He disapproves of diffusing the situation between Aradin and Zevlor after the first goblin attack. He is “missing” his show. This situation is also related to enjoying humiliation of others (see below).

After letting Arka kill the goblin and take her revenge, Astarion will approve the comment that refugees are desperate and they will do anything. He is enjoying the show of despair of weak creatures. And he is also expecting for some of them to become survivalist beasts.

He approves of telling Kagha that you enjoyed the show of Arabella’s death as an answer to her question about if she is a monster.

He also approves of telling Arabella's parents that Kagha will release their daughter when the Rite of Thorns is completed (while Arabella, in fact, has been killed by Kagha's snake). This is another example of Evil Trickster, a prank with a really dark taste. This also shows that Astarion likes to give false hopes [One of the most iconic characteristic of Cazador]

He approves of telling the tiefling kids training with Wyll that they are going to die, inspiring that despair he enjoys to see in weak creatures. (see below)

He approves of breaking Alfira’s teacher’s lute, leaving the tiefling heartbroken because that had been the only memento she got from her teacher, and could not finish her tribute song.

Astarion approves of interrupting the goblinoid couple having sex, which he considers disgusting. After killing them, Astarion will support the idea that it was funny. Another example of Evil Trickster where the prank ends up with the death of the pranked one. But we also know Astarion despises goblinoid races.

He approves of killing Crusher after humiliating him.

He supports Tav who volunteers to torture Liam at the goblin camp.

He supports of laughing at Lorin (the elf trapped in Ethel’s house) after pretending to be the monster he sees (psychological torture). This example can be part of the list of humiliation too.

He states that seeing Mayrina’s horrified face after resurrecting her husband was funny. Another example of false hopes [One of the most iconic characteristics of Cazador] On the contrary, if Tav kills the undead afterwards, Astarion will disapprove, since he missed the “fun” of seeing Mayrina tortured. 

He enjoys every state of Abdirak’s torture upon Tav. This can be seen as a fine bloody show he is enjoying, or as a way to put Tav in a humiliating situation (as he approved the dung-smearing or the foot-kissing instances)

Using the leader gnoll Flind to attack her own gnolls earns his approval. Asking her to devour herself increases approval once more. This situation could also be seen as enjoyment of animal cruelty (since gnolls are considered animals by Astarion too) but also as the reflection of Astarion’s inner desire of becoming a Master of bending wills.

 Probably the most innocent prank so far we saw, he approves of doing Baaa at the redcaps in the Bog.

[[4]] As I said previously, he suports any form of animal cruelty:

He approves of kicking and killing the squirrel Timber in the Druid Grove. According to the dev’s notes, he is “shocked and annoyed” because “you stamped a squirrel to death when he could’ve eaten it.” (DEN_General_Squirrel)

He supports prodding to death the bird that Nettie was healing during the dialogue (you need Speak with Animals for this).

He supports freeing the Owlbear cub at the Goblin Camp, and feeding it later, because he wants to bite the owlbear cub eventually (he uses the word “delectable” to describe him, and when the owlbear escapes, Astarions states “You‘ve scared off the little snack.”)

When we find Halsin in his bear form, Astarion will have two instances of approval: the first one when Tav tells the goblin kids that throwing stones with sharp edges would hurt the animal more, and then when Tav themself joins the goblins in throwing rocks at Halsin. 

We can also add the confrontation with Flind, the Gnoll leader, as another example of animal cruelty since he approves a smart yet twisted way of killing her by double-using the tadpole. First to command her to attack the gnolls, and then to devour herself. However, since Gnolls are considered aberrations lore-wise, this point could be left aside in this particular case. 

If we take into consideration that Astarion sees Goblins, Kobolds, and Gnomes as animals, killing them always increases his approval. This happens when we kill, out of the blue, most goblin NPCs, or simply attack the camp. (Datamined content) He will also approve of killing slave gnomes in Duergar Encampment (place you find after the boat). All these moments can be also seen as “animal” cruelty if we take into account Astarion’s perspective.

He approves of killing Priestess Gut in the Goblin Camp. It could also be interpreted as his usual dismissal towards goblins (he sees them as animals), since he never believed that she could help them in the first place. Or this approval can fit perfectly fine the cruel, murderous aspect of Astarion. As I said, many approvals overlap different aspects of Astarion, but all seem to fit his patterns either way. 

I suspect that the reason behind this particular kind of cruelty comes from those two hundred years of torture, in which he had to drink animal blood. Considering he was such an unfair magistrate, directing his rage against the ones who are not the root of the problem seems fitting. 

[[5]] Astarion is filled with racial bias and prejudices. 

He only sees elves and humans as the only creatures capable of thinking. (Scene after the bite)

However, he has strong biases against a particular ethnic group of humans: Gurs. He thinks they are all cut-throat, and probably would approve the rest of stereotypes that Gandrel added in that scene. (Scene of meeting Gandrel)

He mocks halfling and dwarf Tavs, who he thinks are naturally weak, until they prove him wrong. (Stargaze scene for short-sized Tav)

He supports the idea that tieflings have demonic powers just because of their heritage. (Speaking with the Grove halfling seller). During the party, he compares the lives of the tieflings with the lives of the goblins as something of similar value (which we know he considers as animal).

He sees goblins, kobolds, and gnomes as animals. (Scene after the bite)

After killing the goblinoid couple which was having sex, if Tav choose to say that the situation made them scrub their eyes, Astarion would add and extra “dehumanizing” comment against gnomes. “I’ve seen worse. Gnomes can be… ughh.” (Scene of interrupting sex)

[[6]] He finds pleasure in humiliating people or in outsmarting them, especially if they are trying to outsmart Tav. He dislikes weakness and loves to humiliate weak people in particular.

He approves telling Lae’Zel to say “please” when we met her again in the cage, humiliating her. 

He disapproves of diffusing the situation between Aradin and Zevlor after the first goblin attack. We know he is “missing” his show where one of them is being humiliated.

Astarion approves of telling Elegis that she is pathetic for being scared of a few goblins. Once more, humiliation due to weakness. 

He disapproves of telling Arabella's parents that the Druids overreacted when speaking in the Druid Grove’s stairs. He is disapproving for defending a weak and silly creature who was not smart enough to survive on her own. 

Astarion supports stealing the “magical” ring from the tiefling kid. This is another situation of humiliation of a weak person and outsmarting them. This could be considered a prank of a more silly-funny trickster doing an innocent prank.

He approves of telling the tiefling kids that they are going to die.

He feels disappointed when Lae’Zel did not kill Zorru, the tiefling that she forces to kneel and confess where he saw the Gith patrol. He approves the psychological torture of the interrogation.

He enjoys interrupting the goblinoid couple having sex. This is an example of the prank cruel-funny trickster. This “prank” ends up with the goblinoid couple being killed.

Astarion approves of smearing dung in the guard's face at the goblin camp entrance. The show of seeing someone being humiliated is satisfying.

He supports booing and humiliating Volo off the stage in the goblin camp. 

He supports licking the goblin’s foot (It could also be considered a prank).

He supports kissing the goblin’s foot while stealing the ring. This situation puts two things he enjoys in the same place: the humiliation experienced by Tav and how the Crusher was outsmarted in the process. Astarion will approve if Crusher is the one humiliated and forced to kiss Tav’s foot. 

He approves of laughing at Lorin (the elf trapped in Ethel’s house) when the elf is scared of Tav who pretends to be the monster that’s torturing him.

Humiliating “low people'' is an important aspect of Astarion’s personality, since it’s a small petty pleasure he can have now, when during the last two hundred years it had been done to him. Humiliation has to do with power as well, another symbol tight to Astarion’s personality. Through humiliation Astarion can taste a little bit of power, that power he lacked for two hundred years. That power that, if his backstory is not retconned in future versions or in the full release game, he had before turning into a vampire, abusing those groups he considered less.

[[7]] If we think in power, we also have to think in manipulation. And of course, Astarion is a great master of it. Sometimes the events that stand out his taste for manipulation overlap with the ones displayed in the humiliation section.

Since the moment we meet Astarion, we know he keeps working in turning himself into a pleasant and useful companion for Tav. Astarion knows he has bigger chances to succeed and survive staying with this group. A lot of his “neutral” behaviours respond to this goal: he doesn’t want to enrage Tav to the point of being kicked out of the party, it’s not about a hidden gentle side inside he is showing with an apathetic neutrality, it’s, once more, raw preservation and survival. During the first scenes of the game, when we don’t know he is a vampire, Astarion tries to avoid taking a position in the situations we face: he is just feeling the ground all the time: with Sazza and with Arabella’s death is clear. He doesn’t judge hard, he is testing Tav, he is trying to understand their mind, and acting as pleasant as he can according to what he sees. It’s a natural use of manipulation to guarantee his survival in a group of strangers. During the bite scene—when this façade finally ends—he is truly nervous of being killed for his vampiric nature, and tries to convince Tav of keeping him in the group using arguments that go from seduction to practical usefulness. 

The scene of stargaze also shows his usage of seduction as a manipulative tool to guarantee his survival (he weponises seduction and sex). Although he says mostly the same, he reacts very differently in tone depending on Tav’s approach. If Tav is wary, Astarion will act encouraging their ego and enumerating several feats, while getting uncomfortably closer. If Tav is already interested in Astarion, the elf will use softer manners to keep the seduction into a more intimate tone. This is a scene of a predator tasting his future prey as well (Dev’s notes are pretty clear about his manipulation). In this scene, also, Astarion is light-headed because he has not drunk blood in a while, and has “his head foggy” (something we can repeat during his origin as a personal tag). Exact words he will use as a narrative hint during the bite scene. Therefore, this scene has little of “Astarion falling for Tav”, and has everything of vampiric hunger combined with a raw sense of survival and usage of seduction to guaranteed it.

(potential interpretation) He approves when he is persuaded into sharing his dream with Tav. In any other character, we usually would understand this as an approval for caring about the character himself. In that scenario, failing the approval doesn’t cause a penalty (unless the character understands this failure as prying, as it happens with Shadowheart). In Astarion’s case, when you fail this persuasion, you are penalised with a disapproval. We can understand this in the same way we see it with Shadowheart: this is his annoyance for prying into his personal business. But there is another interpretation in this disapproval: he recognised a bad execution of persuasion as a manipulative attempt, and Astarion is in particular very sensitive to manipulations and mind games (see point [12]). 

Most of his “romance” is manipulation as well, keeping in mind the first point of this section: he becomes pleasant for Tav, using whatever shape he needs, so he can survive (this is especially noticeable with a good-aligned Tav). Astarion has weaponised seduction and sex without any hint of subtetly for the player (As the Dev’s notes say: “For Astarion, this is a game of power - one he’s played many times before in the taverns of Baldur’s Gate, trying to lure people back to his master. He’s an old hand at seduction, very self-assured at first, but the player might not go along with the script he expects them to follow.”) We can assure that Astarion will find more satisfaction in having “fun” with a high-approval Tav rather than a low-approval Tav.

If Tav is not evil enough (and therefore has a low approval), Astarion will need to be the one inviting Tav to have sex (to be sure the control is still in his hand, still pushing for “catching” Tav). If a low-approval-Tav invites Astarion, he will decline saying that he “has standards'', implying he needs to be the one controlling the situation (he is basically playing “hard to catch”. Astarion already knows that he “caught” Tav in this scenario since Tav was the first one showing their interest). If Tav is evil-like (and has enough approval), Astarion will not only weaponise sex, he may express some degree of personal desire in having “fun” with Tav. After all, evil characters can like one another. In this case, he would accept Tav’s invitation for more hedonist reasons such as personal pleasure and not mere survival. Still it’s always present the layer of using this situation as a manipulative tool to have control on Tav.

Approves persuading Crusher without a fight, understanding it as an approval earnt for the good manipulation tool used. Of course this scene is combined with the natural approval that Astarion gives when outsmarting creatures he considers lower or animal-like (See point [6]). 

Successfully persuade Lae'Zel to "play along" when meeting the Githyanki patrol, and pull off the deception.

I personally found funny that Astarion, without the intention of the writer, is so good in his manipulations, that he broke the fourth wall and ended up manipulating a good amount of players as well into believing him. 

[[8]] He supports revenge in all its forms and degrees, which is not strange since it’s his main motivation against Cazador.

He approves of letting Arka kill Sazza in the cage as revenge for her brother’s death.

He approves of the attack against Nettie when she poisons Tav.

He approves of telling Edowin's siblings to find the beast that attacked him as a way to avenge the True Soul.

Astarion approves of Arabella’s mother killing Kagha at the party.

He approves of helping the Sovereign to take revenge against the Duergars that killed their young. However, it’s not clear if Astarion approves the revenge itself or the method proposed, which is, according to his own words, “a bit genocidal” and therefore more entertaining for him (we need to remember he enjoys the display of murder and violence in all its forms, [2,3]). 

He approves of helping Glut in massacring the whole Myconid colony, since according to Glut’s words, they saw Glut’s circle being killed by the Duergars and did nothing, so Glut is looking for revenge. 

[[9]] He doesn’t like to get involved in anyone’s problems unless you can obtain a benefit or a reward for it (this is directly connected to his greed aspect [1])

He approves of telling Mayrina’s brothers that they are on their own, and actively disapproves if Tav agrees to help them find Mayrina.

He approves of declining to help Halsin in killing the Goblin leaders.

He disapproves of helping Wyll to save the Tiefling refugees in the Grove.

He disapproves of helping Zevlor.

He disapproves of finding evidence that confirms that Kagha is working with Shadow Druids. He will additionally disapprove again if, after exposing her, Tav asks her to change her ways. From Astarion’s point of view, Tav is basically meddling too much in the Grove’s problems for free, and ruining all the instances where murder could happen. 

He also disapproves if Tav agrees to help the two Zhentarim humans that are attacked by gnolls without asking for compensation.

He approves of not getting involved in the rescue of the Duke when Tav speaks with Florrick

[[10]] Despite having been a slave, he lacks of empathy for those who shared his fate and, instead, he supports slavery:

If we take into consideration what Swen said about his background in one of the first playthough he showed, we know that Astarion, as a magistrate, used criminals as food for local vampires, and in an attempt to outsmart them, he began to sell them into slavery (we can see in this brief background that Astarion has been greedy and cruel before turning into a vampire).

Although he disapproves paying for Oskar, the painter in the Zhentarim Hideout, he does it because of the money. When Tav buys the painter and demands him to stay silent because “slaves should speak when they are spoken to”, Oskar will think this is a joke (which is not the case, since none of those options has, in this patch at least, a (performance) tag). When Tav reinforces the idea that this is not a joke, and Oskar is now a true slave, only then, Astarion will approve. 

When seeing one of the servant Duergars of the Myconite Colony, Astarion will comment on how useful they are, and how Underdark drows should learn about these creatures, since these slaves are more efficient than the standard ones. If Tav brings awareness about the contradiction that those thoughts cause coming from an ex-slave, Astarion will justify his thinking saying that they are husks without mind, claiming that his feelings “may be different, had they been conscious beings. Or maybe not.” He emphasises in this dual possibility. And we can be sure that he certainly would not care slavery on conscious creatures, as we confirm it later with Oskar (A human who is not a Gur, and therefore, a creature that Astarion consider thinking acceptable beings). 

(Datamined content) When reaching the Duergar Encampment, once Nere is rescued, there is approval for killing the slave gnomes when the True Soul orders it. One can interpret that Astarion minds little for these slaves because they are gnomes, and therefore, animals.

[[11]] He looks for power and dominance, to have control over others and also as a way to guarantee his own freedom. 

In the discussion after every dream, Astarion supports the use of the tadpole's power in every opportunity, dismissing their effects. He is thrilling for the ability of bending everyone’s will (curious note, this is one of Cazador’s characteristics most hated by him)

He approves of letting the Koa-Toes bow before them as the Booal's chosen. This scene can be understood as a typical prank of a trickster, but also as a taste for being adored as a master/entity with more power. This scene shows that he and Tav are placed in the “Master” position. This reinforces the idea that Astarion wants to be a Master/Cazador, eventually. (Check post about Astarion and Power 1 and 2)

If Tav claims that the worship to them as True Souls can be useful after letting Edowin’s siblings leave, Astarion will approve. He shows in every instance more delight for having Cazador’s powers, making emphasis in the mind control ability, again.

Astarion approves of keeping the Necromancy of Thay tome. As we see later in his scene, he believes that there is something powerful hidden in it that may help him against Cazador. He wants to muster all the power of any kind he can.

Astarion approves of sparing Auntie Ethel’s life when she surrenders during battle because she will grant them power in exchange. He wants to muster all the power of any kind he can.

[[12]] Astarion is particularly sensitive to mind control. His expressions and the tone of his voice against any type of mind control are filled with feral ire (video here): 

He is angrily affected by the movements of his worm in his own head, 

He screams against Ethel’s control when using the mask, 

The insults at the harpies when he is lured, 

The way he is annoyed by the telepathic spores in the Underdark, 

He disapproves failed attempts of persuasion (understood by his character as failed, obvious attempts of manipulations). 

And, potentially, this is the reason why he disapproves of Priestess Gut cleaning Tav’s mind.

[[13]] Because he likes power, he also likes the demonstration of power whether his own or his allies’, therefore he likes most intimidation options in general

He approves of intimidating Gimblebok and the gang near the ruins. 

He approves of intimidating or provoking both Aradin and Zevlor at the Druid Grove.

At camp, when discussing preferred methods of death, he approves if Tav tells him "If I die, I'll take you with me." (after first picking "Try it and I'll spill your guts") . He also approves if Tav chooses a method of death (decapitation, knife, poison). Both options show resolve, strength, and freedom in deciding one’s fate. Since Astarion died at the hands of strangers, he values the freedom of choosing how to die. He will disapprove picking the option of letting others decide your death.

He approves if you intimidate the mirror into allowing passage.

[[14]] He is a survivalist character, and therefore, a lot of his approvals are related to elements that will guarantee his life, such as looking for his own freedom, the acceptance of his vampire nature, and the encouragement in looking for strong alliances or keeping alive strong individuals that can be useful as allies. 

He approves of being accepted with his vampire nature and allowing him to feed on Tav’s blood. He keeps approving if Tav defends him during the exchange of opinions in the camp. 

He approves if he has permission to feed on enemies. 

He approves of killing Gandrel. This approval is also mere raw survival.

He approves if during sex, Tav allows him to drink their blood. 

He disapproves of promising Nettie to take Wyvern Poison if you feel symptoms of the Tadpole, since it goes against his survival instinct.

When Lae’Zel is killed by the Gith patrol, he will state in banter that it was a waste since Lae’Zel was a powerful/strong specimen, so clearly he is lamenting the loss of a powerful ally. 

Despite appreciating his freedom, he has explicitly stated that he “would choose servitude over oblivion any day”, showing how extremely survivalist he can be.

[[15]] He likes to find a solution to their tadpole problem using unconventional ways, or at least, using options that may lead him to the twisted solution he needs (which is not exactly being cured of the tadpole, but to control it, he certainly needs more exceptional means)

He approves of telling Auntie Ethel about the tadpole in the Druid Grove simply because she “looks lunatic”.

At first, Astarion disapproves of Raphael's invitation to remove the Tadpole, claiming that he would not change one master for another. However, when the situation starts looking dire, he will approve of the idea, because anything “may be better than Cazador” adding later that he “would choose servitude over oblivion any day.” 

A bit contradictory when he was the first one claiming that Raphael used mind games similar to Cazador’s, games they know they have won before starting.

[[16]] He has a “soft spot” for helping people to escape their masters or killing/rejecting people that can be seen as Masters. However it’s requirement that those escapees could be seen by Aastarion as strong and capable creatures. He would mind little for creatures he sees as underlings. (Weak concept, seeing it with squinted eyes)

He approves of helping Karlach to get rid of the Tyr followers, since they are in fact working for Zariel, Karlach’s previous master. With all what Karlach explained about her past, she certainly qualifies as a strong person who is trying to get rid of her master.

He disapproves of Tav who tells Raphael that they would do anything to remove the Tadpole. This is probably resounding in Astarion: his past bad choice when he was at death's door due to the Gur attack and Cazador appeared to “save” him. He knows that going to that extent has poor results.

Astarion approves of Tav if they say that they won’t become Raphael's pawn (conversation in the camp after the encounter with Raphael). It’s true that when the other options narrow, Astarion starts to consider the possibility of changing a vampiric master for an infernal one.

This post was written on April 2021.

→ For more Astarion: Analysis Series Index

[izicodes]

Apologies if you have already made a post about this:

Have you ever used hackerrank for practice? I know they have 30 days of code and free mini “boot camps”.

Or is hackerrank less useful for front end stuff? (Since that seems to be your emphasis)

Hiya! No apologies since I haven't answered a question on this before! 🥰

The answer is yes, I have used HackerRank for practice before. I've used their Python, SQL and Databases practice sets!

In terms of Frontend Dev, I wouldn't say it's the best resource to use, in my opinion 😅👍🏾

[scrunchyharry]

I got calls for two different job interviews this week and I had to ask to reschedule both because I’m teaching 13 workshops in two weeks and can’t reschedule them, and since then, I’ve heard nothing from both jobs. like. I don’t even know how to react to that. sorry I’m busy at my full-time day job that you know I have from my resume...?