#did we ever get to see the 6th relic??

[aaapplepie]

so a while ago I did a drawing of Anisa w/ the intention of doing something similar for the rest of the Starsworn, but I got uh. sidetracked. for two years. anyway by the time I got back to it I didn't love the original anymore, and it didn't fit w/ what I had in mind for the others, so I redid it! finally.

(I lost the original post when I switched to a sideblog and I'm too lazy to go looking for it but the og drawing is under the cut!)

I still like some parts of the old version but the new one is closer to what I was going for! this was also before I read the wiki and saw the Q+A post w/ everyone's elements

so I also made some changes based on that ✨

[slstmaraudersjple]

Belated Fic Rec Event post!

Soooo... some of you may know that I was unfortunately not able to post my fic recs for the KC Fic Rec Event hosted by @klaroline-events due to my laptop dying and me needing to order a replacement battery/charging cord. So here are the fic recs for days 2-6! Lots of good fics ;)

Klaroline Fic Rec Event 2020 - Day 2 Sep 1st: All Human!AU Title: Colored You In (Links: FFN | AO3) Author: @lalainajanes (Links: FFN | AO3) Summary: AH-AU. Rebekah asks a favor that turns out to be kind of life changing (life ruining?) for Caroline. Living with a temporarily broke Kol is one thing. A really, really annoying thing. And then Klaus is suddenly always around, planted on her couch, drinking her wine and adding snarky commentary which Caroline DOES NOT appreciate. Mikaelson's and boundaries apparently did not mix. Warnings: none Status: Complete

Why you should read it: This has everything I love in a Klaroline fic: Caroline friendship with Rebekah and Enzo, Caroline/Kol bonding, Mikaelson sibling drama... and of course, Klaus secretly being trash for Caroline. It’s hilariously entertaining, especially when Caroline suspects SOMETHING is up and Kol keeps teasing her about it because he KNOWS, and Rebekah DOESN’T know what’s happening until she does, and the Mikaelson sibling dynamic is so entertaining and YOU WLL LOVE IT. I mean, in the first chapter, Rebekah bribes Caroline into letting Kol stay with her. That alone should set the tone for the entir story for you. Seriously, just read it already!

A favorite scene:

The box said 'Louboutin' so Caroline was on guard. When Rebekah had called yesterday and asked Caroline to meet her for drinks Caroline had agreed immediately. Work was hectic, she had fundraiser to oversee tomorrow, so a martini (or three) to wind down sounded like a good idea.

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts, or so the saying went.

"Do you need a kidney, or something? Because I love you, Bex. But I love gin too."

Klaroline Fic Rec Event 2020 - Day 3 Sep 2nd: Angst Title: all you need to grow inside my spine (Links: FFN | AO3) Author: @highgaarden (Links: FFN | AO3) Summary: Klaus watches, satisfied, and in that moment she realizes something terrible: that she is grateful for the blood in her mouth. The sooner they break this bond the better. / or, Klaus and Caroline try to bargain their way out of their soulmate bond, but discover that dealing with magic isn't quite as easy or liberating as snapping a neck. ONESHOT. Warnings: none Status: Complete

Why you should read it: You should read this for the writing alone. The lines just TUG at your very soul and if you didn’t know words could hurt, this does it. This story is a variation on the soulmates AU where Klaus and Caroline are NOT delighted by what they learn, and so they agree to try to break this bond. What I like about this is that it’s a story where, while Klaus may be intrigued by Caroline, he still chooses power over his soulmate. Or does he? 

A favorite scene: 

“I tried, so hard, to be good.” Caroline closes her eyes to the blood dripping down her forehead. “So freakin’ hard. I was on the bunny diet. I thought if I ever showed you who I was, my soulmate would run for the hills.”

 “Aren’t you glad then that it’s me?”

Klaroline Fic Rec Event 2020 - Day 4 Sep 3rd: Fluff Title: The Sound of Settling (Link: AO3) Author: @galvanizedfriend / Yokan (Link: AO3) Summary: Klaus hates his job at Mikaelson & Sons. He hates wearing a suit. He also hates his brothers constantly butting into his life. Everything will be better once he gets his much desired transfer to the New York branch. Caroline Forbes is the owner of Mystic Café, and when Klaus accidentally wanders into her coffee shop, his whole perspective changes. [AH/Coffee Shop!AU where Klaus is a lawyer. Lots of Mikaelsons and some Carenzo friendship.] Warnings: none Status: Complete

Why you should read it: I love this story so much! It’s a variation of the coffee shop meet cute, and I love how @galvanizedfriend​ can take a simple setting like a coffee shop and making something beautiful out of it!!! All Klaus wants in life is to get away from his family, so he works himself to the bone in hopes of getting a transfer. One day he comes across Caroline’s coffee shop as he’s looking for his next coffee fix, but discovers reasons to keep coming back... and the best part about all this? This beautifully written story reminds us that sometimes, what we think we want is not what we truly want.

A favorite scene:

"Well, you haven't run for the hills. I think you turned out pretty ok, if you ask me." Caroline pushes up her seat and winks at him. "Duty calls."

Klaus is left in a state of absolute disbelief as she walks back to the counter. Thirty-two years of age and this might be the first time anyone claims he's turned out ok. His ex-girlfriend with a degree to validate her opinion would probably have some points to make.

He doesn't know if Caroline is completely crazy or if she genuinely sees something no other person ever did. Klaus is almost afraid of believing the latter.

Klaroline Fic Rec Event 2020 - Day 5 Sep 4th: Smut Title: Battle Lines (Links: FFN | AO3) Author: Jinxed-Wood (Links: FFN | AO3) Summary: Battle Lines [Dark Season 2 AU ] The little cheerleader had seemed the perfect candidate for Klaus's purposes, an outlier of the herd if you will, but as he tried to bend her to his will, it quickly became apparent she was not the pushover she had first appeared to be... Warnings: character deaths, dubious(?) consent, mentions of sexual assault and trauma Status: Incomplete

Why you should read it: This is a dark season 2 AU where morality is very, very gray. Klaus decides to use Caroline to spy on her friends. Caroline, on the other hand, is used to being underestimated, and she takes advantage of it to ensure her survival. In an interesting turn of events, Klaus’ actions result in Caroline getting what she deserves, which is better. However, since this fic is incomplete, I have no idea how it’s going to end! Also, tons and tons of smutty goodness!

A favorite scene: 

He collapsed on top of her and waited for their thrum of their hearts to ease, stroking her hair absently as his mind turned over the future. Truth be told, Caroline's usefulness as a spy had been somewhat eroded as a result of his earlier than planned return to Mystic Falls, but he found her...diverting, and that was not a phrase he used for a lot of people. Perhaps he could convince her to make a more permanent arrangement?

But that meant he would have to to seduce her into his life as well as his bed, and what did he have to offer that Caroline Forbes would want?

Klaroline Fic Rec Event 2020 - Day 6 Sep 5th: Supernatural!AU (undine!Caroline and Originals!Mikaelsons) Title: Drown Me in Ash, Burn Me in Salt (links: FFN | AO3) Author: @cupcakemolotov (links: FFN | AO3) Summary: Cursed with legs by a witch as the gods were unmade, Caroline is a relic of ancient times. Bored and lonely, her interest is peaked by the newest predators in the world - vampires. And in particular, Klaus Mikaelson, with his monsters teeth and the wolf caged in his blood. Warnings: some blood and gore, nothing explicit Status: Complete

Why you should read it: If you’re looking for powerful Caroline and the Mikaelsons, this is it! This is a rather lengthy 14k-word one-shot, and one that I find myself turning to time and time again. @cupcakemolotov does an incredible job building worlds upon worlds, and this is no exception. I love that in this world, Caroline is older than the Mikaelsons (but not an Original), an ancient creature who finds amusement in this dysfunctional family and keeps them around because she can. I love her interactions with the Mikaelson siblings, of the way she seamlessly moves through the world on her own terms and no one else’s.

A favorite scene:  

“So, you’re more of a siren?” Klaus asked thoughtfully, head tilting as he faced her with no fear.

Caroline sighed and disentangled herself from the chains and corpse. “What is it with humans and naming things?”

“Power,” Klaus murmured as she reached for his locks. “Dominion does not come easily, against the unnamed night terrors. Why are you helping us?”

“I’m bored,” Caroline told him, switching to Rebekah’s chains. “Your little vampire creations are amusing, even if you taste like the grave.”

  Klaroline Fic Rec Event 2020 - Day 7 Sep 6th: Free for all! Title: A Pregnant Pause (Links: FFN | AO3) Author: @supremeuppityone (Links: FFN | AO3) Summary: Klaroline supernatural AU multi-chap. Pregnant and alone, Caroline meets a woman named Rebekah, and an unexpected friendship is formed. But then, her ridiculously attractive asshat of a brother starts inserting himself into their lives, causing all kinds of trouble. Despite being distracted by those dimples, she notices something seems a bit off about the Mikaelsons... Warnings: discussions on abortion Status: Incomplete

Why you should read it: It should go without saying that this is one of my FAVORITE Klaroline fics of all time. This features a clueless and pregnant human Caroline who finds herself entangled with the MIkaelson family. I absolutely adore the Caroline/Rebekah friendship that forms, the way Caroline wins over each of the Mikaelson siblings, and the way they find themselves drawn to her in turn. This story makes me laugh and cry, and I appreciate @supremeuppityone’s writing SO MUCH.

A favorite scene:

Clearing her throat, she told Rebekah, “You’ll figure it out. And I’ll help.”

She favored Caroline with a weak smile. “I thought I was supposed to be helping you.”

“So, we’ll help each other then.” Caroline laid back against one of the fluffy pillows on the chaise, a forearm over her eyes as she let out a soft groan.

So here we go! One epic belated post!

[merelliahallewell]

Community Organization - A Kul Tiras RP Postmortem

I should probably preface this whole ridiculous thing with the fact that I genuinely don’t want to upset anybody with it, but just do something of a postmortem. I removed all names save for those people I’m explicitly calling out for being great and handling this community well despite what’s happened to it. These are genuine observations from somebody who’s tried to both run events and be as involved in Kul Tiras as I can be for the last yearish.

I wish there was a way to make Kul Tiras roleplay a thing again but I genuinely don’t really have the connections to do so or the time to put together a lot of events personally- I already run two communities on Moon Guard and officer for a small guild. 

I’ll keep ranting after the jump I suppose.

The early cross-realm Kul Tiras community started off with a huge bang. I think despite how bad the gameplay of the early expansion came out to be, there was a lot of energy around the setting and a ton of excitement for Boralus as a whole. We had not one, but two in-game communities that had a good deal of crossover in membership between them. Surprisingly, BoralusRP and PortRP proved that in-game communities could still remain strong despite the total absence of a Discord to back it up. It broke the conventional wisdom I’d heard about how in-game RP was dead and there was RP to be found in abundance during the early days. While a discord server was later created for PortRP (now Living Kul Tiras), the in-game communities always remained far more popular and active than it. 

Unfortunately, I think the biggest blows to Kul Tiras RP weren’t sharding, but more that those who had created the communities didn’t necessarily have very many intentions past making the space for roleplay to maybe happen. Were it not for the awesome and very regular bar nights being hosted in the early expansion, we’d very quickly realize that there was nothing actually going on in the communities besides them. People made these groups with seemingly no intention of hosting events- unless it was a guild event that had open invitation.

What was more, there wasn’t any support from the leadership of these groups for the kind souls willing to run these awesome events. Nobody in leadership was interested in helping event runners get the word out regarding their stuff or otherwise promote them save for leaving calendar invites open. I know firsthand, after all, having tried to run the Shadows over Duskford arc back in October 2018 and having a hell of a time trying to invite Kul Tiras-based guilds to it. 

A number of dramatic things also seemed to undercut the efforts being made in the community- Having a prominent community member wind up to be a neo nazi didn’t help the image of Kul Tiras, nor did one of PortRP’s admins getting in a huge fight on the forums and caught using alt characters to back themselves up. 

Kul Tiras limped along on life support after the new year. Community events got hosted still and I can only voice utter appreciation at that. I absolutely adore my memories of the Shattered Glass (miss you a heck of a lot, Mac) despite this fact, but things were rough in January/february. 

Hype about the addition of Kul Tirans as an allied race infused the community with new life, at least for a little bit. Three new discords were created for each of the zones in preparation for this infusion of new people the community expected to get...

...but then we didn’t really get a lot of new people. What was more, the community suddenly found three new discords to have to be involved in, but the Tiragarde Sound and Drustvar ones were basically just empty and dead most of the time. It was the same discord just copy/pasted for the zones, with the same leadership team. While I’ve heard the Tidesage one was active, by the time I joined long after it was made, the place was incredibly quiet. I don’t really know a lot about the leadership teams of these discords, but I don’t think any major events came out of them.

On Moon Guard, the Boralus Law Project (a sort-of clone of the very popular Stormwind Law Project) was started in June, had one meeting, and then barely ever met again. While the effort was earnest, the delivery was... lacking, really hard. The solitary meeting was mostly argument over Drust relics and being told where we were allowed to stand. 

At this point in time, about a year after the trio of new Kul Tiras servers got started, all five public discords related to it are dead and most of the stuff in that vein is over, save for what I’ll list below. 

Some Praise

The only time I’ve seen life infused back into the Kul Tiras community as it was fading was the hosting of @caelin-tautstring​‘s Kul Tiras Market. I know things have gotten quieter there, but I think he’s absolutely done the best with what he’s been handed. I wish the market had more patronage than it does now, but I’m not really a huge member of WrA’s community and MG’s Kul Tiras groups are laughably distant, small, or don’t play retail so I have no real way of getting the word out about it. 

Jacquell has been at it hosting bars in Kul Tiras for as long as I can remember. Seriously, it may not be every week but that’s absolute dedication that no other event runners have had. I wish I made it to more of these just to show up and support her because she absolutely deserves it. Go give her forum thread some love and go to the next event on the 6th. 

@atc-wra runs the HARBOR GAMES. Gosh, those are awesome. go to them! support them! Support Kul Tiras. They’re really cool people and I wish I had gotten more opportunity to interact. 

Some Takeaways

Don’t start a community unless you intend to provide for it.

I appreciate the various Kul Tiras communities being founded. I absolutely, 100% do- my own character wouldn’t be around there if I hadn’t been given a great place to be. However, my main gripe with the people who founded these communities is that they just made them as a place to congregate, and very little else. 

The same goes for the trio of discords that got founded- where are the events? Bar nights, roll events meet & greets, stories. We’re all here to write stories, yeah? I feel like it is the role of moderators or leaders to do their best to provide for these communities with events, support, and most importantly, direction. People need to know what a community is for, rather than just being “the kul tiras community” or “the tidesage community.” 

Support community events!

Seriously, I remember being discouraged when my events weren’t supported. If you can’t make the event, then hawk it to your friends or guild members who can. Hell, make a guild event out of attending. Give them praise, feedback, anything. People who make events are the lifeblood of communities. They will die if they do not have a variety of events happening at frequent intervals.

If you’re going to abandon something, pass ownership off to somebody else in the community.

BfA sucked. yeah, we all know. I don’t blame anybody for going to FF14 or ESO or any other game, but I do blame them for leaving and failing to put other people in charge of the communities they ran. If you don’t want to host a bar event anymore, then give it to one of your customers or take on an apprentice or something. If you don’t want to run a discord, see if a community contributor can help.

I think the community would have been better off if they weren’t left waiting for things that weren’t going to happen.

A couple of prominent event runners left people waiting for events that never came. I feel like it’s important to be communicative, and if necessary, pass popular events off to other people if you’re no longer interested in running them. Promising how there will be more bar nights soon, or that you’ll do an event in the future, and then never following up on it? That sure sucks, especially if the event runner moved to FFXIV or Classic. 

I’m grumpy about Moon Guard’s Kul Tiras community.

Nobody is responsible for supporting a community if they don’t want to. That is very important to preface this with. However, I do feel like if one is trying to position themselves as the center of Kul Tiras roleplay, they should engage themselves and their entire guilds in the community. Refusing to show up to the cross-realm events (or host anything) despite having like... at least 20 people around in your guild really sucks. A golden opportunity to beef the RP up was lost. If you want an example of what should have been done, <Kul Tiran Admiralty/Commonwealth> hosted open events for people to come to, supported other events, and generally was super active. 

Hell, MG’s most active Kul Tiran groups were <Boralus Merchant Marine> and <Outliers> and they were both really small guilds. I love ‘em and I wish I’d helped support them more. The big ones should have taken lessons from their involvement, because at least they did it.

Now the people who ran the big guilds complain a lot about the death of the community, and i’m like... hello?? You had your chance and didn’t bother until it was too late. 

- - - 

This has been an extremely long rant about Kul Tiras. Is it fair? Maybe? I don’t know. I’m trying to throw out whatever I can for this without being too harsh. 

[littlemisssquiggles]

Hey little miss I have a question, when ever I go into to Oscar or rosegarden tag a lot of people talk about the merge with Oscar and Oz but I rewatched the 5th and 6th volume and I can’t find a single mention about it. And didn’t the god of light say that Oz would always have a person to talk and bounce ideas off of? And with the mental state both of them are in would Oz take over again and would Oscar let that happen. I also had a mini headcanon that Oscar will show Oz the person he used to be

Hello Dark. You can say that the Merge was firstly mentioned back in V5 C3after Oz revealed himself to be paired with Oscar to the RNJR squad. 

During that moment Ozpin, when Jaune questioned Oz on the nature of what he was, the old wizard described himself as a culmination of men who have sacrificed their lives for protecting human as designated to them by the Gods as part of their eternal curse for failing to stop Salem. 

This was later confirmed and slightly retconned in V6, for lack of a better term. Not sure if to call it that. Funnily enough, when Oz told RNJR about his curse, he described it as it being inflicted on him for failing to stop Salem. 

But as revealed in V6, the Gods never cursed Ozpin for failing to stop Salem. The reincarnation cycle was placed on Ozma because the God of Lightchose him to try and save what was left of humanity in the afterlife. The whole bit with Salem was basically Ozma’s own mistake since in fairness to the Brother Gods, the God of Light did warn him of the type of woman Salem had become during his absence. Light did more or less tell Ozma to not return to Salem but he did it anyways due to his ties to her. So I guess you can say that not only did Ozpin—Ozma lie

about his curse but he also withheld the truth about his original connection toSalem. I guess out of shame since his relationship with her did lead to possibly one of his biggest mistakes—the one he’s most ashamed off even till now.

Anyways, where the Merge comes in is when Oz started describing his cycle to RNJR and Qrow. He said that with every rebirth, his soul is eventually merged with another and Oz is changed but his memories (all the memories he has culminated over the years throughout all of his lifetimes) remain with him after the change.

When Oz first talked about the Merge, he said ‘I am changed’. I as in him—Ozpin or whoever he is supposed to be since he is the current version of what I dubbed the Wizard—the persona representing all the Wizards combined into one soul.

He never said ‘we are changed’ alluding to both himself and Oscar being affected by the Merge. Oscar was never ever mentioned as part of the Merge prcoess. It was always Oz destined to change with it.

But I think where and why fans and RWBY theorists started to get the impression about Oscar possibly losing himself to the Merge was the whole call back to the Man with Two Souls. 

Remember back in V1, when Ruby asked Blake about the story of the Man with Two Souls, she said it was basically two souls sharing one body and fighting each other for control. This statement was then brought to life between V5 and V6 where on two occasions; we saw Oz and Oscar fight each other for control of the body. 

We saw Oz pilfer control from Oscar during the Hazel  fight and we even saw Oscar literally fight to restrain Ozpin when he was plotting to, I assume, forcefully take the Relic of Knowledge away from Ruby, possibly harming her in the process. Why else would Oscar make an attempt to mentallyrestrain Oz in such an intense manner if he didn’t sense that his desperate intentions might harm Ruby? At least, that’s my assumption.

I’ve been hearing talk about the Merging of the Two Souls as early as V5 ever since it was canonically confirmed that Oz and Oscar could switch control of Oscar’s body. But in the past, the common assumption of the Merge was that Oz would ultimately fade away and become a part of Oscar leaving him to carry on the mantle of Wizard with all of his memories and abilities at his behest. 

I myself used to share a similar headcanon of the Merge leading to Oscar and Ozpin becoming one mind with their new combined persona being a perfect fusion of either soul but with Oscar, as the current incarnation of the Wizard as the more dominant personality, just with quirks and mannerisms inherited from Ozpin passed down from their first life as Ozma.

Even now, I’m still kind of holding onto that headcanon. It’s just that I’ve also gone on to embellish this Pinhead headcanon of mine with the additional titbit of Oscar being revealed as the rightful true reincarnation of Ozma as the embodiment of his original form that he never got back reborn in Modern Remnant.

I personally have never liked any of the theories that described Ozpin completely taking over Oscar’s body with Oscar disappearing. As a matter of fact, the more I pondered on it the more I realized that it wouldn’t make sense for Ozpin to take over Oscar’s body. 

From a writing standpoint, it’s nonsensical to me because then I’d have to ask why would the CRWBY Writers go through the hassle of creating an entirely new character with his own individual personality and backstory (that many Pineheads are still waiting for them to dive into) just for the sake of having him be replaced by a character you made the choice to kill off. 

If the CRWBY Writers honestly wanted to make a child version of the original Ozpin, they should have just have him come back as a young boy but still be the same character instead of being a different person. That’s what some fans keep forgetting. 

Oscar is his own person. 

Or at least he’s supposed to be. So looking at that, I’m going to assume that it’s not Miles and Kerry’s intention to get rid of Oscar. They already killed off Ozpin.Essentially the character of Ozpin is technically dead. His sole purpose now isto guide his next successor who is Oscar Pine. 

Oscar is destined to take Ozpin’s place in this war against Salem. He is destined for greatness. And because of this, I don’t think Oscar is going to disappear.

This is why I love my Pinehead headcanon of Oscar being the true Ozma. The way how I see it, when Ozma was reincarnated, he never regained his original body. His cycle involved ONLY his soul being paired with the souls of others, sharing their bodies instead until eventually whoever that person was, Ozma becomes a part of him and so the cycle follows. 

This is why I also have a small peeve about fans treating Ozpin or any of the Wizards for that matter as Ozma and Ozma alone. If Oscar is his own person then so were the others.

Technically it isn’t just Ozma in there. It’s all of them. All the souls together to become one soul that embodies them all.

The way how I’m looking at the Wizards and the way in which their cycle works now, it’s no different than what happens when you update or upgrade a piece of software. You have the first version that you get to use and familiarize yourself with but when it’s time to change to the new update, you get the newer version with all the fancy perks that come with it but you still get to retain the original settings left behind by the previous version. And in some cases, the new version is generally no different from the old one.

It’s still the same old interface you’re accustomed to just more fully functional. This is how I see the Merge in a way. I don’t see it killing off Oscar. I see the Merge making Oscar whole. This ties into my belief that Oscar is Ozma’s original body reborn in Modern Remnant. My theory is that Oscar is meant to be the end. In V6, Oscar asked Ruby if he was just going to be another one of Ozma’s lives.

“…I’m just gonna be another one of his lives, aren’t I?”

That quote still rings in my head till now. I don’t think this will be Oscar’s fate. I refuse to believe it, as a matter of fact. This squiggle meister’s stance is that Oscar is meant to be the last life. The last in the cycle. And it is for this reason why I like the sound of Ozma’s Cycle ending where it all began. The Wizard ofLight lineage started with Ozma so for me, it would be more fitting it ended with him as well.

I like the sound of Oscar being revealed as Ozma—the real Ozma or…at least the other half of him the Gods never permitted him to get back when this all started. I like the idea of Oscar being Ozma’s original self—his former body, now given new life in a new time in Remnant’s history. 

I like this concept better than any other Pinehead headcanon I’ve seen and shared myself since I like the thought of here we have Oscar being concerned that he’s about to lose his entire life to the burdens and responsibilities of this person (i.e. Ozma) when in actuality he isn’t going to lose himself. He’d be made whole again.

My stance is that the Merge is meant to reunite the two halves ofOzma—the current version of his soul (i.e. Ozpin) and the current version of his original body (i.e. Oscar) and make him complete again, thus fully reviving Ozma as Oscar since the two are one and the same person.

And from there, knowing the truth of who he is truly is, Oscar can then make the conscious choice of his own accord to be whoever he wants to be moving forward. He can be his first self as Ozma or his new self as Oscar. It’s his choice to make this time so therefore, he chooses to remain as Oscar whilepromising to stop Salem once and for all, not just for humanity but for the sakeof the men who gave their lives for his mistakes.

Oscar would fight to honour his fellow Wizard brothers and ensure that his last life as Oscar is indeed his last so that the cycle can finally stop and his brothers can be allowed to rest in peace (or like Ozma, gain a second chance at life and be reborn in Modern Remnant too according to a cool theory by @miki-13). 

Oscar won’t make the same detrimental mistake twice over. That’s my theory as far as the Merge is concerned and by golly, I’m sticking with it firmly till theCRWBY Writers tell me otherwise even if I’m the cheese that stands alone in support of this Pinehead headcanon.

There is definitely something unique about Oscar that sets him apart from his past incarnates. Seriously, how can folks believe that Oscar’s experience with the Merge is going to be the same as his predecessors when all aspects point to him being different.

Even the nature of how Oz reincarnated into Oscar seemed different. If you were to compare Oscar to all the past Wizards, you’d clearly see one key differentiating factor about him. He is by far the youngest of Ozma’s successors. While all the other Wizards have been adult men, possibly even middle-aged to elderly men, Oscar is a teenager. He’s still just a boy—a child on the cusp of manhood.

That’s one fact. The other one is how everyone kept acting so surprised about Ozpin being reincarnated so soon. As if there is meant to be some kind of huge time gap between when one wizard dies and his soul is reincarnated in a new body. 

My fan theory is that there is a gap of at least 50 years or more between eachWizard rebirth. Reason being is when the God of Light first met with Ozma in the Realm Between Realms, he told him that Remnant was gone but in time humanity would soon walk the Earth again. So when Light spoke to Ozma, this was after all of mankind had been killed off except for Salem.

But when Ozma was first reincarnated as Diggs, humanity was already back in full swing. Civilizations were already constructed. 

So I’d like to think that Ozma was first brought back a good 50 odd years or more into the future when Remnant was already restored and since then, every time Ozma dies, he comes back in a new time period in Remnant’s history—a solid half a century or more in the future. Possibly. That’s my theory.

This is what makes Oscar’s predicament so unique. I’d like to believe that Oscar is the first time Oz has ever reincarnated so prematurely and I’m hoping that the series either confirms this or not. At least touch more on it.

This is why Atlas is the perfect setting to delve into the whole Ozma Cycle and the nature of the Wizard’s Soul. Once upon a time I wrote a Pinehead headcanon ( in the form of my longest RWBY Musing ever) about Ironwood proposing to Oscar to use Atlas’ aura experimental technology to possibly separate him and Ozpin’s souls. Of course this idea fails and even leads to a subplot where Ironwood  tricks and double crosses Oscar, forcing him to undergo the experiment against his will, revealing that it was never meant to help Oscar but control him and the Ozma Cycle in general. This makes me wonder if Ozpin and the nature of the Man with Two Souls was what sparked Ironwood’s innovation to study aura in the first place. It wouldn’t surprise me if it was.

Although an old theory, this is still an idea I wish for the show to delve into in thecanon, possibly for V7 as part of Oscar’s side of things.

If Atlas has the technology to study aura then I can see Oscar volunteering himself to become a guinea pig test subject for Ironwood to study his soul. This could prompt Ironwood to revisit some of his old theories on aura and study how the soul works through Oscar. And for Oscar himself, he would be looking to Ironwood as a beacon in the night, seeing him as his one and only chance at freeing him of his impending fate. Even if it’s just a small possibility.  

In Oscar’s eyes, perhaps Ironwood might be smart enough to figure out a way to actually stop the Merge from happening. Oh! I can even picture a case where Ironwood probably wanted to experiment on Ozpin in the past; invited him to become a test subject however Ozpin always refused. Thus, for the sake of their long-standing friendship, Ironwood never pushed the idea with Oz again since a) he respected Ozpin and b) he knew fully well he could never ever get Oz to bend to his whim so easily.

However…Oscar isn’t Ozpin. He’s an impressionable fourteen-year-old boy who’s been left without Ozpin’s proper guidance who Ironwood might find easier to twist at the arm. 

Especially if he paints it in a way that more appeals to the young farm boy’s favour and doesn’t necessarily tell him the true intent of his actions. So basically picture Ironwood emotionally manipulating Oscar into undergoing his aura experiments. 

Heck I can even picture this being another issue that forces the two souls to fight again with Oz, sensing what Ironwood is trying to do with Oscar, trying to warn him but Oscar refuses to listen to Ozpin since…well…

What if…once our heroes have settled down in Atlas Kingdom, Oscar tries reaching out to Oz. 

But even though Oz helped him out in the plane, he still refuses to meet Oscar half way for them to talk and it becomes a frustrating thing where Oscar feels abandoned by Oz. This leaves Ironwood to come swooping in to easily fill that whole role of mentor and guide to Oscar left behind by Ozpin that he was supposed to fulfil and Oscar grows close to Ironwood—looking up to him. Trusting him. 

Possibly even seeing him as a dad figure. Maybe Ironwood might remind Oscar of one of his parents or parental figures. However Ironwood is only manipulating Oscar to get him to sign off on undergoing his aura experiments. Something he knew Oz didn’t approve of but he tries to make it happen anyways through Oscar. I mean, it wouldn’t be the first time Ironwood went behind Ozpin’s back to get what he wants, right? 

But Oscar doesn’t quite catch o to Ironwood’s intentions but Oz does and he immediately tries to pull reigns on him. Even go so far as to probably pull the same stunt he did at Haven. 

However by the time Oz tries this again, Oscar is already mentally strong enough to resist him from forcefully relinquishing control. Let’s just say that Oscar becomes a bit resentful towards Oz for leaving him (and everyone else) behind the way he did and it basically becomes this whole thing where Ironwood drives a wedge between the two souls and uses that to his advantage to get what he ultimately wants.

Perhaps….Ironwood might even invent and implant a sort of chip device on Oscar—like a small doohickey that fits perfectly on his neck that he tells him has a function to suppress the influence of Ozpin’s soul whenever Oscar fears he might try to forcefully take control. 

So whenever Oscar felt Ozpin trying to take control, he could mentally tap into the device and use it to prevent this from happening. Of course, the device has a secret secondary function that would instantly turn Oscar into a puppet under Ironwoods command when necessary but…I’ll stop this headcanon right here. 

I know this is making Ironwood out to be the bad guy and it’s sad since I kind of like General Dimples. Nonetheless, given the kind of metallic grey character Ironwood is, I think this can be a possibility for his side of the story in Atlas. But we’ll see what the Writers have in store for us with him. 

Getting back on track with the Merge, I believe I’ve pretty much summed up all that I had to say on that. Hopefully I was able to answer your in some shape or form. Emphasis on hopefully. 

As for your mini headcanon—funny enough it reminds me of another old Pinehead theory I shared in a musing where Oscar would deep dive into his mind to bring Ozpin back. In V6, Oscar described Oz locking himself away deep inside his head. That being said, for V7, I was hoping us Pineheads could get a small subplot involving Oscar possibly entering a deep sleep, going on a journey inside of his mind to find Oz and bring him back. I called it ‘Oscar’s Journey to Oz’. Get it.  

Just as how Dorothy Gale went on a journey to the Emerald City to find the Wizard in hopes of him possibly sending her back home to Kansas, I figured the CRWBY Writers could do something like that with Oscar where he must go on a journey inside of his own mind to reconnect with the soul of the old wizard locked away inside him.

In one version of this headcanon, I envisioned Oscar reliving the most important memories of some of the previous Wizards leading up to Ozpin’s and in Ozpin’s memory, it’s the nigh he was fell in combat with Cinder and was left for dead before connecting with Oscar.

In the next version of the Oscar’s Journey to Oz headcanon—my favourite of the two— it was Oscar reliving his most cherished memories from his past to current day; meeting the souls of some of the other Wizards (like Diggs, Henkle and Norman for example) who arrived to help him on his journey to finding Oz.  

Since viewers never got to see more of Oscar’s past, I figured this could’ve been a neat way to see what Oscar’s backstory was like through his eyes by reliving his past with him in his mind. That’s the concept I had. 

But regarding of either version of this theory, it concluded the same way with Oscar finding Oz locked behind a memory that belonged to him—a key defining memory in Oscar’s life that was so painful to him that he repressed it, burying it deep within his mind. 

It’s the memory of the day Oscar lost his family explaining how he came to stay with his aunt and it is this memory that Oscar must face yet again in order to find Oz; dealing with the grief he forced himself to ignore before. 

I’d like to think that Oz isn’t the only one who chose to hide the painful memories of his past. I’d like to think Oscar has done this too with his own past with his family and it’s something he and Oz can relate to. 

It’s also a nice way for me to justify why I had Oz hide behind Oscar’s most painful memory. You could say It’s a place where the Wizard ironically found himself most at home and it’s also a place he figured Oscar would never find him.

By Ozpin’s impression, he figured Oscar wouldn’t face this pain. But to Ozpin’s surprise, Oscar would face this pain. He’d relive one of the most traumatizing memories for him because he was determined to find him.

And once Oscar finds Oz, the two souls sit and have a nice long chat that finally builds more upon their growing dynamic and Oscar as a person. His own person. 

Since RWBY has a habit of having young children impart wisdom on adults, I’d love to see Oscar council Ozpin. Show the old soul that despite everything that’s happened and despite everything he’s learnt about his past, Oscar understands where Oz and Ozma were coming from and why he made the choice to do things the way he did. 

I don’t wish for Oscar to scold Ozpin for his and the others’ past mistakes but extend him an olive branch—not one of compromise. But one that clearly says ‘I understand’ and ‘It’s not your fault’. 

It’s a feat where Oscar shows Oz who he’s supposed to be, as you put it. This then then ends with Oscar taking Ozpin’s hand and becoming the guiding light that takes the two of them home so that Oz may reconcile with everyone else who were waiting on the other side for Oscar to regain consciousness. 

Then, with Ozpin back,through Oscar’s guidance, he aids everyone—the group as well as Oz, towards the path of forgiveness on both sides. It’s not Oz apologizing for his actions for the billionth time while the JNR_QROWBY get off scotch free for what they did too. 

It’s everyone apologizing and coming clean for the mistakes they made. A promise for a new leaf involving no more lies. No more half-truths. A promise for a clean slate for all including Ozpin. And Oscar is the instigator in all of it as the glue that helped mend the bonds between the team and Ozpin when it was needed to be done. Thus officially solidifying Oscar as a prominent and important member of the hero team in a much more meaningful and convincing way than what was done in V6. 

At least, that’s how I saw it. Not sure if this also ties into your theory too. Hopefully you can let me know. For now, I think I’ve jibberjabbed long enough. Believe it or not, I had more to say but I think I’ll spare you more paragraphs of reading through my long response.

In the meantime, thank you for the question and I hope to hear your thoughts on my thoughts and theories shared here.

~LittleMissSquiggles (2019) 

[lheott]

LFRP // FFXIV 『Lheott Dragmyr』

THE BASICS ––– –

Name: Lheott Dragmyr. Only goes by Dragmyr.

Age: 38

Birthday: 13th Sun of the 6th Umbral Moon

Race: Xaela/Au Ra

Gender: Male

Additional Website: Lheott.carrd.co

Sexuality: Pansexual, but leans heavily toward males.

Marital Status: Single [Not looking.]

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE ––– –

Hair: Amber orange like the tips of flames. Bedhead and curly on the tips. Messy.

Eyes: Red as fire with aflame rings along the rim. A blazed that will never die out.

Height: 7 fulms, 1 ilms

Build: Handsome, tall and finely muscled. Not over toned or muscular as some, but enough to gain some turn heads his way.

Distinguishing Marks: Bullets wounds scattered about along their chest and arms, scars along their legs and neck. Nothing too serious. Has a left augmented limb that is glamoured over 90% of the time.

Common Appearance: Roguish comfortable outfits. Somewhat dirty depending on his work for that eve. Mostly enjoys more of the comfortable side of his attire, not too picky with what he wears. If he wishes, even dressing fancy. Mostly to when he takes someone out for the night.

PERSONAL ––– –

Profession: Owner of 'Malignity in Metal'. Magitek engineer. Off tasked as a bounty hunter. 

Hobbies: Cooking, cleaning, reading books and sharping his skills, singing, playing his harp and the piano. Magitek creating, finding unwilling victims to his demented goals, hunting monsters for meat or gain.

Languages: Fluent in the native language of Eorzea, Doman and Xelic. Holds an accent sometimes, other times talks normal, even elegant.

Residence: In his apartment in the goblet. Works as an outsource from it. Once inside, someone would feel rather comfortable and cozy. As if some cottage of comforts. 

Birthplace: Steppe

Religion: None

Fears: Dying alone and afraid. Powerless. Unable to control his fate.

RELATIONSHIPS ––– -

Spouse: None

Children: None

Parents: Both dead. Murdered.

Siblings: Brother, dead (?).

Other Relatives: None he cares for or knows about.

Lackey/Pet: Kaz Ashura

TRAITS ––– -

Extroverted / In Between / Introverted

Disorganized / In Between / Organized

Close Minded / In Between / Open Minded

Calm / In Between / Anxious

Disagreeable / In Between / Agreeable

Cautious / In Between / Reckless

Patient / In Between /  Impatient

Outspoken / In Between / Reserved

Leader / In Between / Follower

Empathetic / In Between / Apathetic

Optimistic / In Between / Pessimistic

Traditional / In Between / Modern

Hard-working / In Between / Lazy

Cultured / In Between / Uncultured

Loyal / In Between / Disloyal

Faithful / In Between / Unfaithful

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ––– –

Smoking Habit: Never Drugs: Never Alcohol: Sometimes, when no one is around or looking.

RP HOOKS ––– –

MAGITEK ENGINEER IN NEED! Lheott is able to provide services if anyone is in need of a small town business. One that has a wide assortments of items. For supplies: https://lheott.weebly.com/malignity-of-metal.html

RETAINER AND MORE Lheott is hiring for any retainers that would like to work under him! Be it from Collectors, gatherers, fishermen. Anyone really! Unskilled? Yes! Hired mercenaries for traveling? Yes! Trained fighters? Of course! As well as those that he needs to ‘test’ certain experiments on. Paid hourly in gil.

YOUR VILLAIN, YOUR PATH Lheott believes he is the means to the end, a soul creator and leader of his corrupted world. If you are interested in more darker eventful role-play with a villainous character, DM me! Be it kidnap, force placement, labor worker, your villain, or forced lackey! Any and all can be done.

FACADE Lheott is one of many mask. Hiding between them as if some snake. He can be kind to one person, and down right cruel to the next. Depending on race and gender, Lheott tends to have different approaches to each one. Either someone rubs his wrong or tickles his interest. It is very unclear and very unpredictable. Overall, he is a being of many layers. Be it from being friendly, to down right villainous.

HATRED FOR XAELA/AU RA Basically as it says, Lheott has a burning hatred for his own kin, mostly against anyone within the Steppe’s tribe or any Xaela in order. If you wish someone to come after you or try and ruin your life, perhaps Lheott is your guy. With consent of course!

WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS If you wish to work under Lheott, either by gaining some gil on the side or am in need, Lheott pretends to care while also taking advantage of the person in such dire events. Depending on what someone would be interested in for such an outcome, it can go many ways. Lheott also activity goes into bars to seek out the most ragged looking fellows, or those that looked as if they need a job.

UL’DAH There are brief moments Lheott will be out and about along the city’s streets. Either observing those around him or looking for a potential test subjects for his experiments. Or, if at all, merely to mingle and be among the 'crowd'. Scouting for potential clients and workers to take on task or desiring something from his own creations. If lucky in his wanting to approach others, Lheott will even walk up to strangers and hand over a leaflet to promote his business front! If seen, do say hi! Yet be warned, Lheott is not all as he seems at first!

ALLAGAN, MAGITEK, AND MORE Unsurprisingly, Lheott has a huge interest in anything technology wise. Either it being of the allagan technology or to the more modern technology done by Ironworks and garleans. There is a desire to know more, and, if by chance, even use it for his own advantage against the masses.

TREASURE HUNTER • ARTIFACT HUNTER • BOUNTY HUNTER Even for being someone that enjoys magitek, he also enjoys the hunt to gain. Either from treasure hunting to tracking down a terrible beast. When he can, even to finding artifacts, searching maps within his gathering, Lheott is always keeping himself busy. Be it from hired onto someone's goals, to his own with assisted 'help'. Either way, there will be a reward at the end.

DARK ROLEPLAY As directed, Lheott is an extremely -extremely- dark character. One that will eat another, abuse, force interactions and much more. If this does not interest you or you believe IC = OOC, then it would be best not to interact with my villain. However, if this does interest you and wish to start a plot, please DM me!

A FEW RULES TO LHEOTT ––– –

Mun is over 30+ of age, Muse is over 30+ as well. Please provide your your age to the mun, as well as your OC if you wish to roleplay with Lheott. Must be above the age of 21+ please. As well as be comfortable and able to provide what may make you uneasy in any part of the roleplay!

I prefer One on one with a character. I am a heavy paragraph- roleplayer and it helps me stabilize my attention. If there is a group that wishes to roleplay with me, do realize I am a lengthy with my paragraphs and to please be patient with me!

I am seeking anything really with Lheott. Mostly, if not seriously, seeking long term plots and darker theme characters. However, even though I prefer still a darker more conflicted plots, As well as business plots and customer ones! Simple interactions, or meeting one another and seeing what happens between them! Be it from Relic finding, searching for something, to treasure hunts!

If you wish to hunt my character, or think he deserves punishment, ask me first. We can work out something between a group or an individual. Do know I will not nor allow Lheott to die. For warning if anyone tries to murder Lheott without my consent, I will end the plot.

I enjoy darker roleplays for the majority of my stories. Or action to conflicting ones. Though I can do some fluff and slice of life if it comes off interesting. I have to have a plot to grasp at, and fully sink into.

I am not shy at all and am very blunt. I will say what is on my mind if I believe its something of an issue. Communication is very key for me to roleplay with you!

As said, I am huge with communication. If there is something I know Lheott will do, I will whisper you if you are ok with the actions. I expect the same treatment back! Lheott, as I said, is a heavy character, please respect that and me as a person!

Bounce ideas with me! I love people that interact with me for a plot. One that will grow and evolve as the character’s interact more. I revel in such plots. And thoroughly enjoy them.

Lheott is not me, nor will -ever- be. Do not think his actions are reflected on my own. Please know the difference.

OTHER OOC NOTES ––– –

I enjoy PVE a lot! More buddies to torment me in dungeons. If you are on crystal, I would love to do dungeons with anyone! I can help with queue if someone is leveling up, and teach others jobs! I enjoy helping others. Here is another post I did in seeking a RP/PVE partner! <HERE> ♥

I do not roleplay everyday! Please keep that in mind.

I am open to roleplay on discord/Skype/In-game. I prefer in-game mostly, and I get slightly distracted through discord/Skype. 

EST times. Sleep is…Odd.

I will give my discord out to those interested! 

I am open to anything! Just nothing that ends in the life of my character. He maybe vile, but unless consented, I do not wish his death.

[Will add more when more arises.]

@mooglemeet @balmungrp @balmungroleplayers @ffxiv-crystal-rp @crystalxivrp

[thegameison97]

MARVEL Chatroom ~ Are We Real? (A.k.a. The Wade Discussion)

Y/N has created a chatroom.

Y/N has invited Steve, Tony, Bruce, Clint, Nat, Thor, Loki, Pietro, Wanda, Vision, Scott, Bucky, Sam, T'Challa, Stephen, Wong, Peter P., Peter Q., Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot.

Y/N: Have you ever wondered if you actually existed?

Y/N: Have you ever wondered that maybe you were just a small piece of a larger whole?

Y/N: A whole that wasn’t real and was fictional?

Nat: You’ve been hanging out with Wade, haven’t you?

Y/N: Think about it, though! What if we aren’t actually real and are just fictional characters that people in some other parallel world read about or watch on the TV?

Clint: Yeah, she’s definitely been hanging out with Wade.

Y/N: Ugh, forget about Wade!

Y/N: EVERYTHING WE KNOW IS A LIE!!!

Tony: Who votes to suspend Y/N’s Wade privileges? Yea or nay? I vote yea.

Steve: Yea.

Bruce: Yea.

Clint: Yea.

Nat: Yea.

Y/N: Wow, don’t hold back, guys. 🙄

Thor: Nay! Sir Wade is most entertaining!

Loki: I am sad to say that I agree with my brother. That spandex wearing madman takes away the dullness that seems to envelop us when we are not on missions. Therefore, I vote nay. Now if you will excuse me, I have mischief to go cause. ✌️

Loki has left the chat.

Nat: *sigh* I’ll go stop him.

Nat has left the chat.

Pietro: I agree with Thor and Loki. So nay.

Y/N: Thank you! 😘

Wanda: I’m sorry Y/N/N, but yea. Last time Wade was around he ate all of the hot fudge brownies Vision and I made. They were little masterpieces! And then they were all eaten without a care to the thought of what was put into them to make them that way! They took all day! I am still mourning their loss… 😥

Vision: They did take extra work. And I also do not like seeing Wanda so upset. So I will take the same position as her. Yea.

Scott: ScarletVision, anyone…? Also, I vote nay. Wade’s hilarious.

Y/N: Oh, ScarletVision has wounded me! 😉 And thank you, Scott! ❤️

Bucky: Yea. He kept trying to take my metal arm off while asking me if I could “give him a hand”. 😑

Sam: 😂

Sam: Also, nay.

T'Challa: Sorry (not sorry), but I vote yea. Last time I was over there from Wakanda he kept playing the Pink Panther theme every time I would enter the room. It was funny the 1st time. But the 6th and 7th? No. Now, I will speak to you all again later. I have duties to attend to.

T'Challa has left the chat.

Stephen: I vote yea. Y/N, please don’t bring Wade to the Sanctum again. The Cloak of Levitation will not listen to me whenever he’s around. It takes him on joyrides!

Wong: 😂

Wong: Nay. Please do bring him again. 😁

Stephen: Wong!

Peter P.: Ahem… Wade’s my friend, so… nay.

Y/N: Okay, one: I can understand T'Challa’s reasoning. That actually did get a bit annoying. Two: Stephen, you’re no fun. Three: Don’t worry, Wong! I am definitely bringing him back for another game of hide the relic from Stephen. 😁 And four: Thank you, Peter. ❤️ Friends don’t betray each other! 😉 *fist bump*

Peter P.: *fist bump*

Peter Q.: Alright, so I would say yea… I mean, he did try to steal the Milano last time we were visiting Earth. However, we don’t actually come to Earth that often, so… eh. Have at it, Y/N/N. Nay! ƪ(‾ε‾")ʃ

Gamora: I’m sorry, Y/N. I vote yea. He likes to hit on me every time we’re there. He won’t take no for an answer. One of these days, I think I might actually throttle him. I won’t feel bad about it either. It’s not like it’ll permanently damage him. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Drax: I do not see how you can “suspend” privileges. You cannot suspend a figurative thing. However, I vote yea. I find that red grape man unsettling.

Rocket: Yea. He pets me. 😠 No one pets me. I only like it when Y/N does it.

Y/N: ❤️

Groot: I am Groot.

Y/N: Thank you, Groot. 😘

Tony: So, that’s… 13 yea’s, and… 9 nay’s. Sorry, Y/N. Looks like your Wade privileges are suspended for a while. Time for you to get back to reality. You know, our reality. The reality that IS REAL.

Wade has joined the chat.

Wade: ‘Sup, bitches! 'Tis I! Your beloved Deadpool. Your beloved spandex wearing madman. Your beloved red grape man. The one who brings the party!

Steve: Language!

Tony: And there it is… 🙄

Y/N: 😃 Wade! 😍

Wade: Y/N! 😘

Peter P.: Wade! 😀

Wade: Spidey! 🕷

Thor: Sir Wade, 'tis good to see you again!

Wade: You, too, Blondie.

Thor: I wish I could stay, but I believe I hear the sounds of my brother and Lady Widow fighting. I must go and be sure that my brother does not sustain permanent injury. Farewell.

Thor has left the chat.

Wade: Well, it’s been real. But I just dropped by to see who wanted to go and teepee the X Mansion with me. All those who did not try and take away my Y/N’s time with me, you are welcome to come along. I’m waiting outside the compound. Later!

Wade has left the chat.

Y/N: Wait for me! Meet me outside, Groot. I’ll carry you!

Y/N has left the chat.

Groot: I am Groot!

Groot has left the chat.

Steve: Y/N, get back here!

Steve has left the chat.

Peter P.: I’m leaving my apartment right now!

Peter P. has left the chat.

Tony: Peter!

Tony has left the chat.

Bruce: Bye. I gotta go Science. 🔬

Bruce has left the chat.

Clint: Bye. I gotta go Archery. You know, 'cause I’m an archer… Whatever.

Clint has left the chat.

Pietro: Hurry up, guys! I’ve made it to the X Mansion. I’m waiting for you all in the bushes.

Pietro has left the chat.

Wanda: And I believe I just heard the oven timer go off. Vision, our casserole is ready!

Wanda has left the chat.

Vision has left the chat.

Scott: Since I don’t have Cassie this weekend, I will gladly go to the X Mansion. I’ll even bring my suit so I can sneak along the edges of the balconies without being seen. Be there soon!

Scott has left the chat.

Bucky: I was actually getting ready to go for a jog. So, I think I’ll get back to that.

Bucky has left the chat.

Sam: I’m bringing my wings so I can fly and reach high enough to get the teepee over the roof of the mansion.

Sam has left the chat.

Stephen: Sorcerer Supreme and all that. Can’t leave the Sanctum unattended.

Stephen has left the chat.

Wong: Opening a portal to the X Mansion right now. :)

Wong has left the chat.

Peter Q.: Not on Earth at the moment, so…

Peter Q. has left the chat.

Gamora: What Quill said.

Gamora has left the chat.

Peter Q. has joined the chat.

Peter Q.: Btw, tell Y/N we’ll be coming to pick up Groot next week.

Peter Q. has left the chat.

Drax: I am not on Earth either. So I bid you all goodbye.

Drax has left the chat.

Rocket: And now I’m alone… Oh well. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Rocket has left the chat.

Stan has joined the chat.

Stan: Long live Y/N’s Wade privileges!

Stan has left the chat.

Author has joined the chat.

Author: Hi, it’s Maddy! 😊 I hope you enjoyed the chat. Comment if you have any ideas on what sorts of chats you’d like to see in the future. I’m open to pretty much any idea. Anyway, goodbye for now! 😘

Author has left the chat.

Tags are below the cut.

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[the-record-columns]

Dec. 4, 2019: Columns

A cook book including a couple of recipes for life…

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

Through the good offices of Ben Lane of Wilkesboro, I now have in my possession a fascinating relic from 1946. 

No, not Ben, but a fairly well preserved copy of the North Wilkesboro Woman's Club Cook Book.  The Woman's Club was established in 1920 and has been a fixture in North Wilkesboro ever since.  The cook book had recipes from the members and I am sure some others as well.  For me, having grown up on North Wilkesboro in the 50’s, many of the names were familiar.

  Some of the ladies who had recipes in the book were folks I delivered the Greensboro Daily News to as an 11-year-old boy.  Of them, one of my favorites was Mrs. Fred Hethcock.  The Hethcock's were a retired couple who lived on 6th Street in North Wilkesboro, just down the hill a bit and across the street from one of my other favorites, Carl W. Steele.  When I would go by on Saturdays to collect my 45 cents for the previous week’s paper, Mrs. Hethcock would always invite me into her kitchen and give me a glass of sweet tea—a treat like no other.  She would let me sit at her table and I remember she put lots of lemon in the tea the way I liked it.  Her recipe in the cook book was for shrimp sauce.

Another name I saw in the cook book was Mrs. William Marlow, Mary.  I was fortunate enough to get to know Bill and Mary Marlow through my association with the Lions Club of North Wilkesboro, and later, as a neighbor down the street from them.  They were just the kind of people you are thankful to have known and I can remember my daughter, Jordan, remarking about Mrs. Marlow's wonderful cookies, and the fact that the Marlow's always bought whatever stuff the school system had the kids out selling without complaint.  Mary Marlow had her recipe for Dream Bars in the cook book, which I have personally been lucky enough to have enjoyed.  I have also had many opportunities to speak with Mary, who had an accent I won't try to describe, except to say it was a wonderful Southern voice which was perfect for the stately lady she was.

There were lots of other familiar names in the cook book, Mrs. W.K. Sturdivant, Madge; Mrs. A.B. Johnston, Ruby; Mrs. Hoyle Hutchens, Virginia; Mrs. Maurice Walsh, Sina; Mrs. Jack Brame, Virginia; just to name a few.

 However, it is the two nuggets in the boxes I want to call your attention to.  They both caught me completely off guard and I was very pleased to see them.  The first is just past the title page and is called "Club Sandwiches," and the second was in the Pickles and Preserves section and is entitled "How to Preserve A Husband."

  These gals obviously knew their way around life, as well as the kitchen.

Club Sandwiches

A very special recipe from page 2 of the 1946 North Wilkesboro Woman's Club Cook Book

Take 80 club women, well seasoned by the experience of living--these should be firm, yet tender.  Mix well with equal parts of faith and hope.  Sprinkle in the spirit of service and add a dash of pep.  Stir in a heaping cup of tolerance, and let stand until all arguments have dissolved and the mixture has cooled.  Spread between two slices of courage with all crusts removed and wrap in a cloth dampened with the milk of human kindness.  This recipe will serve the entire community.

How To Preserve A Husband

Interestingly enough, this piece was in the "Pickles and Preserves" section of the cook book.

Be careful in your selection.  Don't choose too young, and take only such as have been reared in good moral atmosphere.  Do not go to market for him, as the best are always brought to your door.  When once decided upon and selected, let that part remain forever settled and give your entire thought to the preparation for domestic use.  Some insist in keeping them in a pickle, while others are constantly getting them in hot water.  This only makes them sour, hard and sometimes bitter.  Even poor varieties may be made sweet, tender and good by garnishing them with patience, well sweetened with smiles, flavored with kisses to taste.  Then wrap them in a mantle of charity; keep warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion, and serve with peaches and cream.  When thus prepared, they will keep for years.

 ‘In A World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind’ 

By HEATHER DEAN

Record Reporter

Note: This was not my planned topic this week but I have many friends either struggling with the loss, or caregivers dealing with  serious ailments of loved ones, and wanted to rerun this column from a few years back to remind us all to be kind, and be present.

 Tis the season… All the hustle and bustle, rushing here and there, making sure everything is perfect for the gatherings that are getting ready to happen. We sing holly jolly songs, take the kids to see Santa, make plans to see family out of town, and eat enough goodies to stuff a reindeer. We giggle and snort about tacky sweater parties, and maybe we roll our eyes at those that don't share the enthusiasm of the holiday; maybe even muttering "Scrooge" or "Grinch" under our breath.

But…maybe they have lost their joy for a very valid reason.  It's hard sometimes to see the melancholy, past all the glitter and lights. For many people, this is a horrid time of year; reflecting on who won't be home for holidays, especially if it’s the first one without them.  

I would like to share with you a song that my friend Brian Brown penned about his daughter, who was the poster child for Christmas, if ever there was one. .She was named "Bria", after her father, was the only daughter, and the baby of the family. Bria suffered from asthma, but that never stopped her from enjoying all things Christmas- singing, playing in the snow, all the fun kid stuff. It was after all, her favorite holiday.

Bria died in February 2015, after suffering an acute asthma attack at the age of 14. Christmas was never the same for Brian and his wife, or the rest of the family.

My Christmas is Gone

My Christmas is Gone

Hard to see the blinking lights

Tough to see the twinkling stars

Hearing them bells ring

just opens up all the scars

Happy families holding hands

humming holiday tunes

I'm Scrooge in the corner

wishing it was June

CHORUS

Please don't happy me this

Please don't merry me that

Cause my Christmas is gone

It ain't coming back

Even if Santa's sleigh landed right here

I'd step right over them reindeer tracks he knows my Christmas is gone...it ain't coming back

Yeah my Christmas is gone

It ain't coming back

This was her time of year

Loved decorating the tree

Singing those old Christmas songs; come adore on bended knee.

Everytime the snow fell

Bundling up to go outside

Fingers went numb

From the snowball fights

CHORUS

I got no more silent nights

No more decking the halls

Every day's now to be the same

Behind these four blank walls

There might be joy to the world

It just hasn't found me

My soul's laid bare

As Charlie Brown's Christmas tree

CHORUS

Brian wrote this song, "to find a way out of the dark pit of self pity while still embracing the sadness that is so important for healing.”

So while you’re out there, take a moment to make eye contact with people.

Be aware.  

Try to be the comfort in another’s holiday grief.

If you are the one grieving, know you are not alone.  

 HOTLINE 800-273-TALK (8255)  

Israel - The U.S. security net

 By AMBASSADOR EARL COX and KATHLEEN COX

Special to The Record

Those who wrongly consider Israel as "illegal occupiers" of land deeded to her by God Himself, are woefully failing to accept the truth which, in plain language, means a Middle East without Israel would be nothing more than a region filled with overwhelming violence and chaos. 

In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza Strip hoping to receive peace in return.  It did not happen.  Prior to 2005, Israel vacated a significant portion of Judea and Samaria leaving the West Bank, which includes the Golan Heights, in the hands of Palestinian Arabs who, with the support of Iran, Turkey and North Korea, turned the area into a giant launching pad for missiles and terrorist attacks threatening Israel and every pro-US Arab regime in the region. 

In 1967, Israel seized the strategically significant Golan Heights from Syria in a defensive war - a war which she did not instigate.  Israel was again attacked by her hostile Arab neighbors without any provocation whatsoever. In only six days and against seemingly impossible odds, Israel emerged the victor. She successfully defended her land and her citizens and even gained land in the process. 

Israel's presence on the mountain tops and ridges and in the Golan Heights serves as a sort of security policy for Jordan and others who are friendly to the United States.  Having Israeli troops in the Golan is also a kind of security safety net for the U.S. negating the need to send U.S. troops to patrol the Golan Heights as unrest and war rage in Syria, as Iran continues to spread it tentacles in Lebanon and Syria with ambitions to control the land all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, as Turkey's president sets his sights on Syria with expansionist intentions, and as Russia continues to expand its presence in Syria, Lebanon and any other place in the Middle East where there is the slightest opening or where leadership is weak.

Controlling the Golan Heights is important not only to Israel but also to the entire world.  Damascus, Syria is less than 50 miles from the Golan.  In the Middle East, Damascus is the center for the proliferation of global terrorism and drug trafficking.  You might remember that Damascus welcomed Nazi war criminals who fled Germany and Poland following WWII.   

Keeping Israel in control of the Golan Heights is essential to maintaining stability in the region.  Anyone who thinks otherwise is simply not thinking. Israel's presence is one of deterrence from which the United States, and the world in general, greatly benefits.     

It’s a Carolinas Heritage Christmas

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

We have been busy elves working on our new Christmas Special.

The 2019 theme is A Carolinas Heritage Christmas. We have been filming on location in historic Gold Hill.

The people of Gold Hill kick off the Holiday celebrations with an annual event they call “The Lighting of the Fall Fires.” The event is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving and is held rain or shine. This year it rained, but that did not seem to dampen the sprits of the attendees.

When people arrive, they exchange their tickets for a bag of gold nuggets (painted gold that is). Once they have their nuggets in hand, they board a trolley that takes guests to their choice of three stops. The nuggets can be exchanged for various food offerings throughout the village.

I met a fellow at the Brunswick Stew station. He so loved the stew that he used three nuggets for three servings. He said it was the best he had ever eaten. Then we met a lady at the chicken and dumpling station who was in line for the second time. She said it brought back great memories.

The village was filled with all sorts of music for people to enjoy as they went from place to place. It was a friendly event with all the charm you might imagine.

Vivian Hopkins at the E. H. Montgomery General Store provided great assistance in our production as well as sharing a look into life in the village. The Montgomery is a popular location during the Holidays and throughout the year with weekly Friday Night Bluegrass gatherings.  

There were three fires. We were on location with three cameras at the largest fire when it was set ablaze. As the fire was set, I chatted with Darrius Hedrick and John Yelton who have been part of the event from the very beginning,19 years ago. Darrius said that the event transitions us into the Holiday season.  John, now in his 90’s, said we need to be thinking about what we can be thankful for.

We were enjoying our chat as the fire grew, so much so that Darrius looked at me and said with a calm smile, “We better move back a bit before my pants melt.” I suppose I was so caught up in the moment that I did not notice that the ground around us was starting to steam from the mist in the air and the growing heat of the blaze.  

It was great talking with Darrius and John as they were both involved in making the Gold Hill Village what it is today. Naturally, there are many people involved; however, at that moment I became very aware that “The Lighting of the Fall Fires” is much more than an event to raise money and awareness for the Gold Hill Historic Preservation Society; it is a celebration of the fact that Gold Hill has significant Carolina history and, most importantly, it stands today as the Historic Gold Hill Village and provides a glimpse into our past and comfort for our future.

We will be back in Gold Hill for more filming during the “Christmas in the Village” celebration which is always the first full weekend in December.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas Season!  Let’s make some new friends and traditions this year and if we do maybe depression will not be in our stockings during the upcoming months.

Carl White is the executive producer and host of the award-winning syndicated TV show Carl White’s Life In the Carolinas. The weekly show is now in its eleventh year of syndication.   For more on the show visit  www.lifeinthecarolinas.com and join the free weekly email list. It’s a great way to keep up with the show and things going on in the Carolinas. You can email Carl White at Carl@lifeinthecarolinas.com.  

[genjasolstice]

Resurfacing a piece gifted to Genevieve and Sunja following their wedding day a year ago. Happy Anniversary to the both of you.

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

We were due for a Genja Solstice. 

I remember meeting the both of you for the first time. Genevieve, popping up near my desk, new from New York and more professional and tenured than the entire GREYSF staff put together (...we’d find out ...sorry, MJ), and Sunja coming to meet us in those first few days, hanging out near the window at work, catching up in the light of the sun and on whatever drama that particular day served up. I remember the friendship growing, mostly through G at work. And by way of being her work wife, falling in love with Sunja in parallel. You cannot hear the way G talks about Sunja and not - the depth of her caring is so evident in how she speaks of him. We have unbelievable memories from those first 2 years; from 2am pitch nights to 2am hamburgers.

I also remember Genevieve's feeble attempt at conniption fit over a New Years Eve - just wanting a proposal, a ring - to be Sunja’s wife. Pouting outside of the Make Out room trying to make a point - I’m laughing right now recalling it. I remember feeling that Sunja’s greatest art was his romance to Genevieve - the art pieces, the jean jackets, the hours toiling at night in secrecy to bring these things to life - and asking him to push a deadline up on the most precious form of romance and commitment - a proposal - would go against every fiber of his creativity. Good things take time.

Well thank the Lord you did it Sunja, and made way for us to have a front row seat to what would be one of the most iconic weddings I’ve attended in my lifetime.

Genja Solstice was the first break in the hiatus of weddings I’ve experienced for the last 4 years. I’ve never been able to complain about how many weddings/ showers/ bachelorettes I’ve got to juggle physically and financially for the summer – I just don’t have enough close friends. I’m okay with it. This past weekend in Dripping, though .... was a hell of a falling off the wagon.

I love you, Genevieve, and I love Sunja. Both magical in your existence, unapologetically yourselves, and unsparing in doling out your love for each other in personal, non-flashy ways. It feels so real. In Talib’s foreword, I registered with the notion of G being “scared to introduce her friends to Sunja… out of fear they would like him more.” He is a fresh thing, untarnished by the outside world, blossoming and loving and gentle. He is so damned likeable. And, as previously mentioned, he will forever be my Burger King - the only man I’ve truly ever eaten in non-tensioned silence with - peeling off to a relic burger joint two doors down while the rest of our friends partied for a birthday.

Genevieve, you command any room you enter, squinty-eyed as you hone focus on your next victim (you refuse to wear glasses whaaaaaat whyyyyyyy),** let laughs escape from deep in your soul, and are forward and open and strong in your convictions. I have once, rather famously said “To Genevieve, fact and opinion are the same.” Genevieve, if you were a professional athlete, I whole heartedly believe you’d play scrappy ... for the sheer fun of it.

Your bachelorette was the event I began to believe in humanity again. Before I touch on the supernaturality of the friend group, do know that I am a generally fear-laced, anxiety-prone human. I need alone time. I need sleep. I need deep and constant hydration. I need to talk about these things with whoever will listen. The love and fun of G’s friends that weekend taught me I might not need any of those things if I am enjoying myself and the company I keep, enough. The group of friends should be studied closely, appreciated for the individual traits and how they contribute to the ecosystem of the group. I felt like I was on safari, but if you got to hang out with the animals close up and they give you lots of compliments. People in the crew do what they want when they want to do it, with the team behind them cheering them on - usually with a “FUCK ME UP!”. They make decisions, and laugh together at the wrong ones, and prefer anything that makes for a better story.

G’s friends are family. There are actual real-life family units within this chosen family, but the sibling connection you feel and the peace a loving one provides is palpable. It contributes to the strength of the tribe. There is no competition. If there are big feelings, the words associated with them are released immediately - unsavory sentiments do not stay trapped within this group. I could speak on their beauty and palate of ethnicities and skin tones and hand movements and hair textures that I am absolutely mesmerized by; how they speak so freely, handle their business and work, and never seem tired. About how every conversation is a deep one. How intelligent each of them is - another thread of similarity none of them seem acknowledge but all just know. They understand life is for living, and they lean into experiences with reckless abandon. I learned this weekend they all said yes to moving to New York some years ago while rolling to Boyz Noize. They actually did it. I’m still shaken up.

The wedding weekend started slowly for me, at my weekend cottage, so beautiful and out in the open that I felt as though I was checking into rehab. I could have stayed there for 3 months of summer, easily. Doing nothing and losing my edge. There is a bench swing attached to an oak tree that I will bring my morning coffee to and swing for about an hour. After a stint of getting unreasonably lost with Uber (Does this story belong here? Probably not), I make way to the event, excited to see everyone but somehow overwhelmed by anxiety. Bird, my guardian angel, pulls me aside for a conversation that becomes something much bigger. About my thoughts holding me back, what I have to offer to this world, and how to tap into strength and be my own source of abundance, acceptance and love. It will trigger me to go home that night, stay up 3 hours listening to The Women Who Run with Wolves (completing the book by the end of the weekend), and decide I am going to make some cataclysmic changes in my life to direct it where it needs to go. Weirdly, I’m realizing, the weekend does become a rehab.

Saturday is a day and night out in Austin with new friends. I am out eating lunch alone, in one place, in all of Texas, and I see them outside. I had been texting with Amber and we had planned to meet up later, but by some stroke of luck, mid-bite of brisket, they materialized in front of me. Of all the restaurants, of all the cities, of all the people. They were only outside because Rachel wanted to buy a homeless woman food. The day was more good conversations, sugary shots from the bartender at Jackalopes Scates took $120 from the night prior, which would turn to me playing dice with Scates and 5 beautiful, dangerous, dirty, tattooed men (I thought Austin was going to have more cowboys?), bars bars bars, vegan bowls and drinks and dancing at gay bars. We become part of a block party on 6th Street while walking and eating pizza and checking out some snakes.

We find out the next day Courtney will much later lock herself out of her hotel room in the middle of the night while naked, and have to yank down a common area curtain to go speak to the concierge. You cannot repeat this story unless she brings it up because I don’t even think I am supposed to know it. In any event, Genevieve has more wonderful friends who I also want to be friends with for as long as they’ll let me.

Saturday is the wedding. G, despite it being your fucking wedding weekend, you make it a point to think of me, text me how much I mean to you on Friday night, and graciously extend an invite for me to come whenever. So, beyond thoughtful. I take up the opportunity after lunch in Drippings with Courtney, Rachel and Sarah, who got rear ended an hour before by a 16 year old named Luke Harrison Ford who was late for his summer lifeguarding job… truly. We do make-up to Staple Sisters, people have wine to kill the nerves that hangovers have generously exacerbated, and we head out. I head down to the area G had toured me the night before with her sick ass pony, to have my breath taken away by the backdrop of the ceremony and the weight of realizing... it’s here. Baby’s breath peppers the alter that will frame the ceremony of two people I love, and behind them, a crystal clear creek with cattails, sweet little frogs, and ciccaedas chirping. We have a warm breeze (is there anything better in this life?), and New York style park jazz playing for us.

Sarah and I keep looking around (why? we still don’t know). We are talking to each other but neither of us are listening. And then the moment is here. The xx plays, and lithe, beautiful Talib appears, his shoulders back and down, gliding along the white rose petals, to the archway he will officiate from. He is the perfect entity to accept and deliver the responsibility of officiating a wedding and a lifetime of love together. He professes on the subject of Love. It sounds metaphorical, it is not. You could register for one of his courses. For this - it couldn’t be more meaningful. Sunja surfaces in a suit that makes me want a suit - mauve crush velvet. His skin is glowing. Next is Mona and Austin, followed by Bella and Jared, Sunja’s siblings, and the Plahey girls. When Ajinder and Parmeet surface, I have goosebumps. For most of this 95 degree event, I will be showing anyone who will give me the time of fucking day, that I have goosebumps. Women are so beautiful and powerful, and knowing the heart of the bride is in both these girls hands and safe forever. I think of the secrets and stories and laughter they have shared in this lifetime. These are the girls. They sit down in front of Sarah and I, with their thick, tousled hair, in their blush chiffons, fanning themselves in the heat and air that is rich with love.

After what felt like eternity, escorted on each side by her loving parents, Genevieve emerges.

I do not plan on crying at this wedding but will end up crying violently at this wedding. It is not me, watching Genevieve walk down the aisle and imagining myself – something that triggers crying so often for people. No. This is me, seeing Genevieve, the bride who is so beautiful and has wanted this since she was itty bitty and embodied what it means to be a good partner whole heartedly. She is walking down that aisle and passing the threshold, no matter her fears and hurts and worries that day or that lifetime has served up to her, knowing she can handle it and that her marriage will continue to conquer these hurdles that she is challenged with, and she will chose to show up anyways. Knowing how important this day was and her friendships were there, did it for me. It was at this wedding that I got it.

The vows are beautiful – and I refuse to say which was better even though I know Genevieve is reading this hoping I will reveal it. I will not. It was Sunja’s.

In all seriousness, the vows were exactly what we hoped for and what we needed. Each were laced with words that spoke as much to the person reciting them a as the person they were meant for.  And when the you both faced us and acknowledged the crowd, something I had never seen before, it felt so, so meaningful. I was absolutely honored to be there.

And when it was time, Talib, whose cadence and low voice guided us so eloquently and calmly through the ceremony, announced you both life partners. I was deeply moved. 

There are moments in a wedding that you feel that what you are watching is some kind of a movie, show, or form of entertainment. The bride is with you but mentally on to the next table, conversation, or portion of the evening, playing out everything in her head, the angles for the camera, making sure nothing about the evening is out of place or captured incorrectly. There is a high alert. It feels like you are observing a celebrity amongst common folks. There are outfits, customs and traditions that are reserved for weddings that don’t make much sense outside of them (or in them for that matter), but this wedding had none of that. There was a moment, where myself, on the other side of the room, waiving at G, and honestly dumbfounded when I saw her wave back at me. How was she even noticing me right now? So beautiful and glowing and in the spotlight. But GENEVIEVE ALWAYS NOTICES. And I know it would have been so easy to embody the alternative, I appreciate Genevieve so much during this wedding for stepping outside of the standard bride role and being who we came to support all along – her.

We have a bit of well-timed southern summer rain, some wine, some more excellent music choices. Grimes??? I’m shaken. And the dances. In a very moving moment, Sunja’s mother joins him standing, and supported by him, for a single song. I can only imagine what this meant to each of them. I look at Amber, a table over, who is crying into the sky. You cannot prepare for how these moments will take you away. 

We have incredible food and BBQ from the famed Salt Lick. This also leads me to my next tangent - almost everything that has been served up to me, from the locations of these bachelorette and wedding events, to the food and experiences at them, WAS STUFF I WOULD HAVE GONE LOOKING FOR ON MY OWN. It felt like you guys were truly looking out for our best interests and offering experiences you we would enjoy doing. It was such a gift. 

The speeches delivered from Adela, Parmeet and Ajinder were windows into G’s former adolescent and collegiate life. Each breathed to life with the personality of the story teller, including Parmeet’s impressive 6-page narrative, which allegedly when confirmed by the wedding coordinator, Genevieve approved with negative hesitation.

As one may expect, once the dance floor opened up we about blew the roof off the place. Most of us were busting at the seams waiting for gen pop to get the okay to infiltrate. I danced with Joe, I danced with Jake, I danced with Talib and almost died from cardiac arrest in the process of keeping up. Sometimes it was all too much for my little heart to handle that I had to face on the goddamn window to settle myself the hell down. Everyone at that event held their own. Everyone at that event realizes their power as individuals is as important as their power as a group. No place is as telling as this as a dance floor. It was the most beautiful way to share the evening with people. 

On that note, I want to thank both you and Sunja for this window into your life and love beyond what I already knew. Outside of the wedding itself, which I would lift directly and replicate for myself if I could, you are living out a truth in love that is honoring you as individuals as much as it is as you as partners. I want that. It was clear as day to me that my current path was not this, and I guess Ajinder felt it too, because we both went home and broke up with the people we were seeing. When it’s real, it’s real.

At the end of the weekend it was very clear to me what was important in this life - it is the relationships those who you surround yourself with on this journey. You are truly blessed if you get to laugh with them, which we both know, YOU ARE. You have not only incredible friends, Genevieve, but the most incredible best-friend to call your husband. I am honored to have witnessed this evening, considering it a pivoting moment in my own realization for the life I want to lead, and look forward to seeing the rest of your story unfold.

May we dance on many more floors together.

Love you both,

T

6.22.19

**((update here G came over last night and now she wears very cool, very hip tortoise shell glasses) 

[ladystylestores]

Magic: The Gathering’s digital history, from first build to end step

It was easy to get into Magic: The Gathering when I was 11 years old. The air was crisp, and the leaves were turning, as September 1994 rolled into October. The game was taking over my schoolyard thanks to Ms. Dierdre Lukyn, the coolest teacher at the school. Like any young soul who wants to be part of the action, I bought a starter pack and some boosters and mashed my favorite cards together with some lands. I didn’t know what I was doing. But it didn’t matter. Nobody had any idea about how to build a good deck. Competitive play didn’t exist then the way it does now. Nobody cared. We were kids falling in love with a unique card game that made us feel like wizards.

Over 25 years later, Magic remains a mainstay in my life. I still play games against those same schoolyard rivals. I follow the news daily. I’ve played in tournaments, and I watch my favorite players stream the game. More than Tolkien, more than Final Fantasy, more than anything else, Magic: The Gathering turned me into a fantasy fan.

Untap

It’s always been easy to get into Magic, and the latest effort to reach new audiences is Magic: The Gathering — Arena, and it’s creator Wizards of the Coast’s most ambitious digital product since 2002’s Magic: The Gathering Online. Arena is the latest in a long line of digital Magic products that have attempted to bring the gameplay of the original paper game to computers, game consoles, and phones.

In June, less than a year after entering its open beta phase, Arena celebrated its one billionth game played. A billion. That’s a big number, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the number of games played in tournament halls and around kitchen tables since Magic’s original release in 1993. But the relationship between digital and paper Magic isn’t competitive so much as symbiotic.

VB Transform 2020 Online – July 15-17. Join leading AI executives: Register for the free livestream.

“The digital versions of Magic have all had a positive impact overall,” Chris Cao told me when I spoke with him for this piece. “They help drive more engagement of the core brands, increase play activity and broaden awareness for the game. We also think they provide vastly different experiences, each with their own strengths.”

Cao is the executive producer of Wizards’s internal digital game studio. His job is to focus Magic’s development, operations, and expansion over multiple digital platforms.

Above: The Sol Ring is an iconic Magic: The Gathering card from its first set in 1993. It’s received many reprints.

Image Credit: GamesBeat

Like any product that’s survived multiple decades, Magic’s 25-year journey is full of world-class successes and almost catastrophic missteps. But if there’s one thing that never changes, it’s Wizards’s willingness to experiment and push forward, and their ever-present mandate to make the game as broadly accessible and appealing as possible to players around the planet.

History is best told by the people who experienced it, so I’ve connected with pro players, Wizards of the Coast staff, journalists, and content creators who have devoted their lives to this wonderful game. Join us as we dive deep into the history of Magic: The Gathering’s digital ambitions.

To find the beginning of this digital journey, we have to travel way back to 1997, just four years after the release of the game’s ultra-rare Alpha edition.

Dig through time

“I’ve played way more digital Magic over the years than paper Magic,” Saffron Olive told me when I asked him about his history with the game. “While I started off as a causal paper player a long time ago, as I became more interested in Magic, I started playing more and more Magic Online,” he said, referring to Magic’s long-running online client, Magic: The Gathering Online (MTGO). As Saffron Olive began producing more video content, he moved even further away from paper Magic “since digital is way, way easier for video production and streaming.”

With his jubilant beard and infectious laugh, Saffron Olive, whose real name is Seth, is a writer for MTGGoldfish, a noted Magic site with articles, videos, and decklists, and one of the community’s best known “brewers”—players who find enjoyment crafting and playing creative decks, rather than chasing the “meta” decks popular with competitive players. From his home in upstate New York, he can be found daily streaming some of the most unique decks the game has to offer.

Like Saffron Olive, I play more digital Magic these days than paper Magic. I got back into the game around 2013’s Dragon’s Maze digital and paper expansion set, just after a period of major growth for the game during 2009-2012, which Hipsters of the Coast‘s Rob Bockman attributes to a “digital-driven surge of popularity.”

But it took a long time for digital Magic to catch on the way it did during that period.

Shandalar

Above: Magic’s earliest digital incarnation looks far different than what we see today.

Image Credit: GOG

Wizards of the Coast and MicroProse awkwardly ushered in Magic’s digital era with the release of 1997’s Magic: The Gathering—colloquially known as Shandalar. It was a bit of a Frankenstein’s monster. Unlike most of Magic’s future digital offerings, Shandalar wanted to do more than mimic tabletop gameplay, instead borrowing many elements from role-playing and adventure games. Random battles played out like typical Magic games, enabling the player to improve their collection by winning “ante” cards (each player bets a random card from their library at the beginning of each match; winner takes all.) Not completely forsaking the game’s tabletop roots, Shandalar also offered a “duel” mode that pitted players against each other in a more traditional game of Magic.

An expansion called Spells of the Ancients debuted in 1998 and included game engine, AI, and interface improvements along with new cards. A special edition combining the base game and the expansion, plus new cards and features, was released the same year. In August 1999, MicroProse announced a robust new edition of the game with many new features called Gold Edition, but it was not released before the company folded in 2001.

Shandalar earned a special place in the hearts of Magic players as the first attempt to emulate the paper game in a digital format. Twenty years later, it stands as a relic of its time, an interesting forebear of later forms of digital Magic. It’s a bit of a cobbled together mess, but, like the work of Dr. Frankenstein, there’s something undeniably endearing about it.

Popular Magic streamer Gaby Spartz released a video series where she plays through Shandalar. If you want to play along, Shandalar is available as a free download on Abandonware DOS.

Sideboard: BattleMage, Armageddon, and Sega

Released alongside MTGO in 1997, Magic: The Gathering: BattleMage (PC and PlayStation) took Shandalar’s concept even further, with combat playing out like a real time strategy game with cards representing playable units and abilities.

Also in 1997, Acclaim released a rare arcade game called Magic: The Gathering: Armageddon. As few as four known units exist. The game was so poorly received that one VentureBeat writer saw the only known prototype unit being “used as a shelf for trash” at his local Sunnyvale Golfland in the Bay Area back in the day. Before it could be trashed, the unit was snapped up by a collector and now makes a regular appearance at the California Extreme arcade expo.

Sega released a Japan-only Magic game called, repetitively, Magic: The Gathering for the Dreamcast in 2001. It features cards from 6th edition, Alliances, and Tempest, as well as 10 exclusive cards with Hearthstone-style random effects.

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[televisor-reviews]

Top 10 Worst Movies Of 2017!

As everyone is gearing up for their 2018 lists, I prefer to take that extra year to see as much crap as I could from the year before! Now, keep in mind, even with that extra year to watch as many movies as I possibly could, I still didn’t see everything. So, as awful as I’m sure Baywatch or The Bye Bye Man are, I just didn’t around to seeing them. If you want a comprehensive list of every single film I did see from 2017 in order from best to worst, you can go here: https://letterboxd.com/animatorreviewa/list/every-2017-movie-ive-seen/

#10. A Bad Moms Christmas Bad Moms (2016) was a surprise hit with both audiences & critics: with interesting characters, some really funny moments, & a clever moral; it wasn’t anything that would win an Oscar, but if it was on, I wouldn’t complain. A Bad Moms Christmas on the other hand: has annoying as hell characters, obvious humor, & the same damn moral from the first film! In a world with the MCU, which is constantly trying different & unique things, especially with their sequels in hopes to make them stand out, this kind of cheap, cash-grabby sequel with no heart or care put into it simply has no place. If this came out in the ‘80s or ‘90s, it’d be un-notable among Caddyshack 2 & A Christmas Story 2. But in today’s day & age, these kinds of sequels are a relic of a time once left & forgotten & for good reasons. It’s unfunny, uninteresting, & just straight up awful! If I wasn’t keeping track of these movies, I would’ve easily forgotten about it.

#9. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul Growing up in the early to mid-2000s, I grew up with the Diary Of A Wimpy Kid books. I remember being very excited when the movies came out, & to this day, the books & movies continue to be (at the very least) guilty pleasures. The Long Haul book kept with the spirit of the series, being about a relatively un-notable piece of someone’s childhood, mixed with the feeling of being of nostalgic reminiscing while keeping with the spirit & imagination of a preteen. Its lack of reliability & humor that made past books more enjoyable made The Long Haul my least favorite DOAWK book, but it was still notably timeless as it had little to no potty humor or modern technology that tends to ruin perfectly nice children’s media. The DOAWK movies tend to have the same feel, like it’s just as relatable for children at the time as it would be for kids 50 years from now. What made the films so enjoyable, as opposed to the books, is the spot-on chemistry & acting of the cast. Everyone seemed believable in their roles, Zachary Gordon felt like a genuine kid making genuine kid decisions how a genuine kid would act in a genuine kid filled world. The Long Haul movie is absolutely nothing like these. It relies heavily on bad potty humor, horrendous acting, scenes too out of this world to ever seem believable, & characters who act nothing like any human being. The Rodrick in book & first 3 movies was a dumb older brother who compensated by bullying around his younger brother while still being somewhat caring towards him by giving him honest advice (even if it’s bad). The Rodrick in this would have a hard time breathing & walking at the same time. There was way too much use of modern technology, making it unrelatable to older audiences & cringy to younger audiences, who’re smart enough to know that the old farts making this probably never met a child before. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul was an unfunny, annoying, & unrelatable slog! #NotMyRodrick

#8. Bigger Fatter Liar Coming about a decade too late, Bigger Fatter Liar is mostly unfunny & annoying. It’s a repeat of the first movie except less funny, less interesting, & less Frankie Muniz. I cannot over-exaggerate how much I hate these kinds of sequels: the kind that takes a great comedy, strips any of the humorous moments, repeats the plot point-for-point, mostly repeats the jokes point-for-point, & adds nothing of interest or value. This is why Vacation made my Top 10 Worst 2 years ago, this is why Bigger Fatter Liar makes my list now. Just like Vacation, it takes a bunch of ingenious build-ups from their original film & fucks up the punch-line by being too over-the-top. Now, going over-the-top isn’t inherently bad (Ghostbusters & Spaceballs are 2 of my favorite comedies & their very over-the-top), but it can be easily overdone, & when it is, you get The Big Bang Theory. I guess what I find most perplexing is who is this made for? Anyone who grew up with Big Fat Liar are too old to be interested in an obvious cash-grab & younger children who might’ve been shown it by their parents aren’t going to be shown it because their parents are smart enough to not show it to them! I can only assume its target audience are people like me, who go out of their way to find the worst movies they possibly can, & this is a damn good contender.

#7. Snatched There really are few things in the world as hard to watch as a bad comedy as so far, it’s made up my entire list & Snatched isn’t going to be the last. Snatched is one of those comedies that has some serious tone issues. You’re supposed to laugh even after Amy Schumer & Goldie Hawn are kidnapped & probably almost raped! I’ve heard of dark comedy, but that’s a hard sell especially since it isn’t a dark comedy! It has generally pretty light humor in it that you’d see in A Bad Moms Christmas or The House, & though those movies are also quite terrible, Snatched puts them in the context of one of the really bad Scary Movies. This film offers the kind of balls you’d see in Deadpool or The Hitman’s Bodyguard but instead gives the least daring comedy in years. It’s humor is safe but doesn’t have the context of a safe film.

#6. Woody Woodpecker I’m going to be entirely honest... I never really liked Woody Woodpecker. I never found him funny or enjoyable, he’s always been just annoying. Now take the concept of a classic character who’s only personality trait is being annoying & make an entire annoying movie around him with the animation that’d make some of the D-list Blue Sky movies look like Pixar & you get the Woody Woodpecker movie. A movie that literally nobody needs to see! The story is... well, who cares? It’s a Woody Woodpecker movie in the style of The Smurfs, who cares about anything in this? You wanna know how bad it is? Guess... you’re right. How about the comedy... you’re right. It has so few twists & turns that if you simply imagine what it’s like, you’ve seen it. Congrats, you saw the 6th worst movie of 2017.

#5. F The Prom Say what you want about the Smosh movies or the Shane Dawson docuseries, but at least they’re naturally creative people doing creative things. Sure, Ghostmates is horrendously edited, but at least it’s made by people with experience at making popular sketch comedy with an actual audience. The Mind Of Jake Paul probably didn’t go as deep as it should’ve, but at least it’s made by someone who’s used to having to be energetic & humorous on the spot & has an audience who likes his stuff. The Fine Bros. have limited experience at being creative. All of their hit series (Kids React, Elders React) have been based around other people’s creative reactions to someone else’s creative content. And I’m not saying that doesn’t take some hard work; they must have a talent at finding people-pleasers, getting the kinds of reactions to make a compelling opinion, editing them together as to not fuck up their opinions nor the original content, & marketing that to the right audience. That’s why I think they’d make for decent producers, but creative types they are not. That’s why their more creative series like Emo Dad & MyMusic ended as failures with little fanfare. F The Prom was directed & written by the Fine Bros. & watching it, you can tell that everything I just said was true. It’s just a knockoff of The D.U.F.F. which was a knockoff of The Breakfast Club! Why would you want to be The D.U.F.F.? The critical bomb no one saw because it’s nothing like anyone’s high school experience? They both have all the tellings of an ‘80s high school (queen bee cheerleaders, bully jocks, bullied nerds, etc.), which is fine, but then they threw in cell phones & emojis to relate to modern day teenagers. Doing so alienates older audiences who didn’t have sexting when they were in high school & alienates modern teens who don’t have these kinds of cliches anymore. It’s funny that they have a hit series called Teens React because they pretty clearly didn’t ask any of them what modern high schools are like! I was hoping that The Edge Of Seventeen would bring on a wave of great teen movies & Eighth Grade would bring on a wave of great YouTuber movies. But I guess the Fine Bros. had the worst YouTuber movie & 2nd worst teen comedy ever still in them.

#4. CHiPS Okay, I didn’t realize that this list would be made almost entirely of bad comedies, we just happen to be in a bad age for comedy so you’ll have to deal with me typing “unfunny” a little bit longer. CHiPS is cheap & unfunny garbage that I wish I never saw! Every joke was just “sex this” & “sex that” which is fine in moderation & with good writing, but this has neither! It’s trying to be 21 Jump Street but doesn’t understand that what made that so great was it’s clever humor to parody the original franchise & reboot movies as a whole, not just cheap sex jokes! You want to get drunk? Take a shot every time they mention sex, you don’t even need other rules, you’ll be dead 10 minutes in! There’s no cleverness, no nuance, nothing of substance to make it even worth talking about! And that’s why it’s #4!

#3. Let There Be Light Here’s the obligatory Christian movie, I’d stop including them if they stopped being so badly made. The writing, acting, story, cinematography, everything (& I mean everything) seems like they were done by people who don’t know how to make a movie because they were. Christian movies aren’t made to be interesting or Oscar contenders, they’re made to propagate their shitty ideals. That Christianity is good, all other religions are bad. It is, quite literally, propaganda. Which isn’t inherently bad. What is bad that it’s in the service of hatred towards the other (whether it be Atheists, Muslims, gays, etc.) & it’s really badly made. And don’t think that I hate all Christian movies just on principal simply because I myself am a bisexual Atheist. I love Angels In The Outfield, Field Of Dreams, & VeggieTales just as much as everyone else. I hate bad Christian movies that open with 9/11 for literally no reason other than to say “fuck Muslims”. I hate bad Christian movies that support hating others rather than love & acceptance (like what Jesus Christ preached). I hate bad Christian movies that hate me because of how I was born for no reason other than because an old book told them to. There, have I made my point yet? Can these movies please stop being made?

#2. Pitch Perfect 3 I know it’s weird to follow up “this movie hates gay people” with Pitch Perfect 3, but I saw this in theaters surrounded by a bunch of middle-aged women who seriously need to get laid laughing with that kind of annoying theater-people laugh every time a character literally named Fat Amy said “I’m fat, ppppffffttttt!!!!” I have never had such a negative theater experience & the fact that I still had to sit through a movie as bad as Pitch Perfect 3 didn’t fucking help! I can’t stand this movie! It’s annoying, frustrating, unfunny, cheap, & all around bad... but so was A Bad Moms Christmas & Snatched & they were delegated to #10 & #7 respectively. What made Pitch Perfect 3 particularly awful to sit through? Well I wish death upon the audience I saw this with, but there is one more thing... The Pitch Perfect movies weren’t ever, well, perfect but they were perfectly fine, harmless films. There’s a few decent laughs, I like Princess Poppy in them alright, I think the singing was genuinely good. But what separates those films from their sequel is their basis in reality. The Pitch Perfect films always took place in a very realistic, very grounded reality. Pitch Perfect 3, on the other hand, opens with all of the main characters tied up on a Bond-esc villain’s boat, about to be murdered because Fat Amy is his daughter & reasons. If that isn’t jumping the shark, I don’t know what is! And I would accept this if it was fun, but it’s not. In fact, it’s barely focused on until the last half hour when it’s entirely that. The rest of the film is just a less funny Pitch Perfect. Wouldn’t be good, but not 2nd worst movie of 2017 bad. But it’s just so unfunny & the story so convoluted & the audience that annoying! I hate everything in this, I can’t imagine anyone liking this! Fuck this movie!

Before we get to #1, here’s some runners up:

Sandy Wexler I think both I & Adam Sandler are tired of the general Adam Sandler shtick. Encapsulated by the fact that I didn’t include this on my list & Sandler releasing critically praised films such as The Meyerowitz Stories (New And Selected) & 100% Fresh right after this. There’s nothing of note or particularly interesting about Sandy Wexler when compared to Grown Ups or Pixels. It’s another bad Adam Sandler movie, the same as any other, I’m just happy that they seem just about over.

Wish Upon I heard a lot of people consider this film so-bad-it’s-good but I didn’t enjoy its awfulness quite that much. But I did enjoy it just enough to keep it off of the list. There’s lots of accidentally funny moments in this, just not as many as I was hoping.

The Emoji Movie I know a ton of people put this as their worst movie of 2017... but I don’t know. Maybe it’s because people hyped it up too much by the time I got to see it or maybe because I’m a sucker for fast paced animation but I enjoyed this film way too much to put it here. I don’t know, I don’t think it’s that bad. Mostly mediocre, I guess. Same goes for Duck Duck Goose & Gnome Alone.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales 2017 was not a very good year for mediocre movie franchises. Between this, Tom And Jerry: Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory, & Transformers: The Last Knight, all being god awful & not making much money, maybe it’s the end to these 3 not very beloved series... or Bumblebee will make a bunch of money & nobody will learn any valuable lessons.

What The Health I have no problem with vegans, if anything, I think they’re objectively correct in their arguments, I just like medium rare steak too much! Just please don’t make shitty documentaries with shotty evidence & bad science! This one in particular made me so mad that I stopped watching it half way through & I would’ve put it on the list if I included documentaries!

All Eyez On Me Joke’s on me! I thought Straight Outta Compton would’ve brought a new wave of great music biopics, but apparently it only brought along terribly boring & overly long music biopics with 2018′s Bohemian Rhapsody & 2017′s All Eye’s On Me. The longest 2 & a half hours of my life!

Death Note As a huge fan of the Death Note anime & manga, this is practically blasphemy!... but there is still a lot of creativity & cleverness in it. Granted, those are all from the anime & the worst parts are whenever it tries to be original. But, granted again, if it was just the anime there’d be no reason to watch it. I feel like the people working on this were given a bad hand & probably did the best they could... but it still sucked. I strangely feel very similar about Beauty And The Beast.

Despicable Me 3 I think I just have a really low tolerance for annoyance. I cannot stand being annoyed, I’d rather be tortured! And that is the fatal wound of the Despicable Me franchise. I like the first 2 films just fine, but between this & Minions, I think it’s doomed to annoying purgatory!

47 Meters Down Shark movies are more dead than the shark at the end of Jaws: totally terminated & yet still showing up in films. 47 Meters Down is another hackney entry into a tired genre.

Happy Death Day I feel like I’m alone in hating this film. People praise it for being funny & clever while I bash it for being void of any entertainment & doing the same shit that got overused a decade ago.

#1. Fifty Shades Darker As out of touch F The Prom is, as hate-filled Let There Be Light is, as annoying Pitch Perfect 3 is... at least they have stories. They have comprehensive plots. Things actually happen in them. That is a lot more than what I can say for Fifty Shades Darker. On my 2015 list, I didn’t include Fifty Shades Of Grey because, as a film, it was decently made & had more than a few funny moments that made it worth watching. Its sequel did absolutely nothing, & I mean nothing! Nothing happens! How is this enjoyable for anyone? Just watch porn! You’ll get more out of it & it’ll probably have a better plot anyways.

[jaeame-blog]

Knightfall showrunner Dominic Minghella on adapting the Holy Grail of Knights Templar stories | Knightfall

Welcome to the recap for the premiere episode of Knightfall Season 1. In one, don't let the title fool you. "Happy" is roughly the least-happy show ever. Two ambitious cable hours start simultaneously. But there's still centuries of mystery surrounding the organization regarding their power, politics, purpose and wealth.

To say there's been plenty written and discussed about the Knights Templar would be an understatement. Across its 20-plus year run, the History Channel has been known to shape its drama programming around real people, from the Norse warriors of Vikings to the war heroes of Six. The Knights Templar were a powerful military order of the High Middle Ages, an elite fighting force that was wealthy as it was mysterious.Cullen, who stars as Landry on History's 'Knightfall,' talks embodying a 'classic hero,' getting jacked for the series, and why he'll never use beard oil again. Its mission: protecting Christian relics.

A place imbued with legends Arthurian where actor played with his friends at foot of medieval ruins. Tom Cullen grew up among castles in north Wales.Tonight on HISTORY their new drama series Knightfall premieres with an all-new Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 episode and we have your Knightfall recap below. SPOILER ALERT: This recap contains information about Episode 1 of History Channel's Knightfall Season 1. And to be clear, if the drama's embellishments were fresh or surprising in any way, "Knightfall" would earn a pass. Honestly, most accounts of what the Knights Templar actually did are nowhere nearly as interesting as the fiction. Tom Cullen knows his way around a period piece. Knightfall, the new television series from the History Channel, chronicles the fall of the Knights Templar, a military group that fought on behalf of the Catholic Church - and follows one member who wants to find the legendary Holy Grail. TONIGHT'S ALTERNATIVE: "Happy" or "Knightfall" debuts, both 10 pm. History's Knightfall, meanwhile, is about the Christian order of the Knights Templar, so you can sort of see the Christmas connection if you squint. There's a lot of early burdens falling on the chainmail-adorned shoulders of Knightfall, History's latest entry into the scripted drama playing field. Now, they're introducing another bellicose drama, the Knightfall TV show, from executive producer Jeremy Renner.

[jaeame-blog]

Knightfall showrunner Dominic Minghella on adapting the Holy Grail of Knights Templar stories | Knightfall

SPOILER ALERT: This recap contains information about Episode 1 of History Channel's Knightfall Season 1. There's a lot of early burdens falling on the chainmail-adorned shoulders of Knightfall, History's latest entry into the scripted drama playing field. Two ambitious cable hours start simultaneously. History's Knightfall, meanwhile, is about the Christian order of the Knights Templar, so you can sort of see the Christmas connection if you squint.

Tonight on HISTORY their new drama series Knightfall premieres with an all-new Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 episode and we have your Knightfall recap below. The Knights Templar were a powerful military order of the High Middle Ages, an elite fighting force that was wealthy as it was mysterious. Across its 20-plus year run, the History Channel has been known to shape its drama programming around real people, from the Norse warriors of Vikings to the war heroes of Six.To say there's been plenty written and discussed about the Knights Templar would be an understatement. Tom Cullen knows his way around a period piece.

And to be clear, if the drama's embellishments were fresh or surprising in any way, "Knightfall" would earn a pass. Welcome to the recap for the premiere episode of Knightfall Season 1.But there's still centuries of mystery surrounding the organization regarding their power, politics, purpose and wealth. Tom Cullen grew up among castles in north Wales. A couple of decades later he's still playing a gentleman, but now at work. Cullen, who stars as Landry on History's 'Knightfall,' talks embodying a 'classic hero,' getting jacked for the series, and why he'll never use beard oil again. Knightfall, the new television series from the History Channel, chronicles the fall of the Knights Templar, a military group that fought on behalf of the Catholic Church - and follows one member who wants to find the legendary Holy Grail. A place imbued with legends Arthurian where actor played with his friends at foot of medieval ruins. With Vikings having kicked off its fifth season just last week, and Six set to begin season 2 sometime in 2018, History launches its third original scripted drama with the medieval sword-and-chainmail saga Knightfall. Its mission: protecting Christian relics. TONIGHT'S ALTERNATIVE: "Happy" or "Knightfall" debuts, both 10 pm. The flood of dramas featuring hordes of bearded men fighting with swords will not stop any time soon, certainly not for at least a decade after "Game of Thrones" goes off the air.

[jaeame-blog]

Knightfall showrunner Dominic Minghella on adapting the Holy Grail of Knights Templar stories | Knightfall

Welcome to the recap for the premiere episode of Knightfall Season 1. Its mission: protecting Christian relics. With Vikings having kicked off its fifth season just last week, and Six set to begin season 2 sometime in 2018, History launches its third original scripted drama with the medieval sword-and-chainmail saga Knightfall. Tom Cullen grew up among castles in north Wales.

Tonight on HISTORY their new drama series Knightfall premieres with an all-new Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 episode and we have your Knightfall recap below. The Knights Templar were a powerful military order of the High Middle Ages, an elite fighting force that was wealthy as it was mysterious. Tom Cullen knows his way around a period piece.In one, don't let the title fool you. "Happy" is roughly the least-happy show ever. SPOILER ALERT: This recap contains information about Episode 1 of History Channel's Knightfall Season 1.

And to be clear, if the drama's embellishments were fresh or surprising in any way, "Knightfall" would earn a pass. History's Knightfall, meanwhile, is about the Christian order of the Knights Templar, so you can sort of see the Christmas connection if you squint.But there's still centuries of mystery surrounding the organization regarding their power, politics, purpose and wealth. The flood of dramas featuring hordes of bearded men fighting with swords will not stop any time soon, certainly not for at least a decade after "Game of Thrones" goes off the air. There's a lot of early burdens falling on the chainmail-adorned shoulders of Knightfall, History's latest entry into the scripted drama playing field. Cullen, who stars as Landry on History's 'Knightfall,' talks embodying a 'classic hero,' getting jacked for the series, and why he'll never use beard oil again. A place imbued with legends Arthurian where actor played with his friends at foot of medieval ruins. Knightfall, the new television series from the History Channel, chronicles the fall of the Knights Templar, a military group that fought on behalf of the Catholic Church - and follows one member who wants to find the legendary Holy Grail. A couple of decades later he's still playing a gentleman, but now at work. Honestly, most accounts of what the Knights Templar actually did are nowhere nearly as interesting as the fiction. To say there's been plenty written and discussed about the Knights Templar would be an understatement. Two ambitious cable hours start simultaneously.

[jaeame-blog]

Knightfall showrunner Dominic Minghella on adapting the Holy Grail of Knights Templar stories | Knightfall

And to be clear, if the drama's embellishments were fresh or surprising in any way, "Knightfall" would earn a pass. Now, they're introducing another bellicose drama, the Knightfall TV show, from executive producer Jeremy Renner. To say there's been plenty written and discussed about the Knights Templar would be an understatement. History's Knightfall, meanwhile, is about the Christian order of the Knights Templar, so you can sort of see the Christmas connection if you squint.

A couple of decades later he's still playing a gentleman, but now at work. Two ambitious cable hours start simultaneously. In one, don't let the title fool you. "Happy" is roughly the least-happy show ever.With Vikings having kicked off its fifth season just last week, and Six set to begin season 2 sometime in 2018, History launches its third original scripted drama with the medieval sword-and-chainmail saga Knightfall. There's a lot of early burdens falling on the chainmail-adorned shoulders of Knightfall, History's latest entry into the scripted drama playing field.

Tom Cullen knows his way around a period piece. Honestly, most accounts of what the Knights Templar actually did are nowhere nearly as interesting as the fiction.Welcome to the recap for the premiere episode of Knightfall Season 1. TONIGHT'S ALTERNATIVE: "Happy" or "Knightfall" debuts, both 10 pm. But there's still centuries of mystery surrounding the organization regarding their power, politics, purpose and wealth. SPOILER ALERT: This recap contains information about Episode 1 of History Channel's Knightfall Season 1. Knightfall, the new television series from the History Channel, chronicles the fall of the Knights Templar, a military group that fought on behalf of the Catholic Church - and follows one member who wants to find the legendary Holy Grail. The Knights Templar were a powerful military order of the High Middle Ages, an elite fighting force that was wealthy as it was mysterious. A place imbued with legends Arthurian where actor played with his friends at foot of medieval ruins. Across its 20-plus year run, the History Channel has been known to shape its drama programming around real people, from the Norse warriors of Vikings to the war heroes of Six. Cullen, who stars as Landry on History's 'Knightfall,' talks embodying a 'classic hero,' getting jacked for the series, and why he'll never use beard oil again. The flood of dramas featuring hordes of bearded men fighting with swords will not stop any time soon, certainly not for at least a decade after "Game of Thrones" goes off the air.

[jaeame-blog]

Knightfall showrunner Dominic Minghella on adapting the Holy Grail of Knights Templar stories | Knightfall

The flood of dramas featuring hordes of bearded men fighting with swords will not stop any time soon, certainly not for at least a decade after "Game of Thrones" goes off the air. There's a lot of early burdens falling on the chainmail-adorned shoulders of Knightfall, History's latest entry into the scripted drama playing field. In one, don't let the title fool you. "Happy" is roughly the least-happy show ever. But there's still centuries of mystery surrounding the organization regarding their power, politics, purpose and wealth.

To say there's been plenty written and discussed about the Knights Templar would be an understatement. Now, they're introducing another bellicose drama, the Knightfall TV show, from executive producer Jeremy Renner. Honestly, most accounts of what the Knights Templar actually did are nowhere nearly as interesting as the fiction.SPOILER ALERT: This recap contains information about Episode 1 of History Channel's Knightfall Season 1. The Knights Templar were a powerful military order of the High Middle Ages, an elite fighting force that was wealthy as it was mysterious.

A place imbued with legends Arthurian where actor played with his friends at foot of medieval ruins. Tom Cullen grew up among castles in north Wales.Knightfall, the new television series from the History Channel, chronicles the fall of the Knights Templar, a military group that fought on behalf of the Catholic Church - and follows one member who wants to find the legendary Holy Grail. TONIGHT'S ALTERNATIVE: "Happy" or "Knightfall" debuts, both 10 pm. Cullen, who stars as Landry on History's 'Knightfall,' talks embodying a 'classic hero,' getting jacked for the series, and why he'll never use beard oil again. With Vikings having kicked off its fifth season just last week, and Six set to begin season 2 sometime in 2018, History launches its third original scripted drama with the medieval sword-and-chainmail saga Knightfall. Its mission: protecting Christian relics. And to be clear, if the drama's embellishments were fresh or surprising in any way, "Knightfall" would earn a pass. Across its 20-plus year run, the History Channel has been known to shape its drama programming around real people, from the Norse warriors of Vikings to the war heroes of Six. A couple of decades later he's still playing a gentleman, but now at work. Tom Cullen knows his way around a period piece. History's Knightfall, meanwhile, is about the Christian order of the Knights Templar, so you can sort of see the Christmas connection if you squint.

[jaeame-blog]

Knightfall showrunner Dominic Minghella on adapting the Holy Grail of Knights Templar stories | Knightfall

A place imbued with legends Arthurian where actor played with his friends at foot of medieval ruins. Tonight on HISTORY their new drama series Knightfall premieres with an all-new Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 episode and we have your Knightfall recap below. Knightfall, the new television series from the History Channel, chronicles the fall of the Knights Templar, a military group that fought on behalf of the Catholic Church - and follows one member who wants to find the legendary Holy Grail. Now, they're introducing another bellicose drama, the Knightfall TV show, from executive producer Jeremy Renner.

The Knights Templar were a powerful military order of the High Middle Ages, an elite fighting force that was wealthy as it was mysterious. The flood of dramas featuring hordes of bearded men fighting with swords will not stop any time soon, certainly not for at least a decade after "Game of Thrones" goes off the air. Welcome to the recap for the premiere episode of Knightfall Season 1.TONIGHT'S ALTERNATIVE: "Happy" or "Knightfall" debuts, both 10 pm. But there's still centuries of mystery surrounding the organization regarding their power, politics, purpose and wealth.

In one, don't let the title fool you. "Happy" is roughly the least-happy show ever. Tom Cullen knows his way around a period piece.With Vikings having kicked off its fifth season just last week, and Six set to begin season 2 sometime in 2018, History launches its third original scripted drama with the medieval sword-and-chainmail saga Knightfall. There's a lot of early burdens falling on the chainmail-adorned shoulders of Knightfall, History's latest entry into the scripted drama playing field. Honestly, most accounts of what the Knights Templar actually did are nowhere nearly as interesting as the fiction. Tom Cullen grew up among castles in north Wales. Across its 20-plus year run, the History Channel has been known to shape its drama programming around real people, from the Norse warriors of Vikings to the war heroes of Six. To say there's been plenty written and discussed about the Knights Templar would be an understatement. SPOILER ALERT: This recap contains information about Episode 1 of History Channel's Knightfall Season 1. Two ambitious cable hours start simultaneously. Cullen, who stars as Landry on History's 'Knightfall,' talks embodying a 'classic hero,' getting jacked for the series, and why he'll never use beard oil again. Its mission: protecting Christian relics.