#genesys adapter for oracle

[echoes-of-elsewhere]

My competition entry to the AniGen Competition (short form, vertical anime)

So, here's my entry. I've put the synopsis, character outline, and all five episodes below. Hope some of you enjoy. Wish me luck!

Mythic Machinations

Logline

Two minor gods, punished for creating a realm from forbidden magic, are cast into their own crumbling world—where mortals are uncovering the truth, and something ancient is breaking free

Synopsis: The World & Premise

Vela and Alaric, minor gods of entropy and order, are tired of cosmic paperwork. In a fit of boredom, they stitch together a pocket realm using a forbidden template and volatile glyphs—hoping for chaos, but sparking catastrophe. Skies fracture. Magic stutters. And when they ignore the Auditor’s warnings, the higher gods strip them of divinity, hurling them into the very world they broke.

Now trapped among mortals, they’re hunted by a paranoid king, scrutinized by an inventor whose devices glitch in their presence, and haunted by a chalk-wielding child whose drawings mirror the realm’s flaws. Worst of all? The realm was built atop an ancient vault… and its seals are cracking.

Character Snapshot

Name

Role

Arc

Vela

Minor Goddess of Entropy

          Provocateur → Responsible

Alaric

Minor God of Structure

          Enforcer → Tactician

Inventrix

Magical-Mechanical Inventor

          Tinkerer → Decoder

Hero

Earnest Mortal Warrior

          Follower → Protector

The Child

Silent Chalk-Bearer

          Canary → Catalyst

Oracle

Seer of Patterns

          Observer → Prophet

Auditor

Divine Enforcer

          Judgment incarnate

King

Paranoid Mortal Ruler

          Misguided protector t

Wizard

Arcane Royal Advisor

          Guide → Fractured ally

Character Bios

Vela

A Minor Goddess of Entropy & Change: impulsive, magnetic, and dangerously curious. She initiates the creation of the pocket realm out of boredom, thriving on disruption. Now cast into mortal form, she struggles to control flickers of her chaotic power while discovering unexpected emotional depths.

Arc: From celestial provocateur to reluctant protector.

AlaricA Minor God of Containment and Structure: logical, precise, and bound by order. As Vela’s counterpart, he reluctantly co-creates the realm, attempting to impose limits on its chaos. Now mortal, he must confront instability he can no longer control. Arc: From divine enforcer to adaptive tactician.

InventrixA young magical-mechanical inventor: brilliant, obsessive, and unknowingly shaped by divine design. Sensitive to fluctuations in the realm, she becomes crucial in tracking and decoding its growing instability. Arc: From focused tinkerer to reluctant decoder of cosmic flaws.

Hero An earnest, awkward sword-in-training, determined to become a real protector. Caught in rising chaos and drawn to Vela, he stumbles toward bravery with wide eyes and a willing heart. Arc: From hesitant follower to courageous defender.

The Child A silent, dreamlike chalk-bearer whose drawings reshape the world. Detached and unreadable, he may be the realm’s glitch — or its warning system. Arc: Realm’s canary — his drawings foreshadow hidden threats.

Oracle An aloof seer accompanied by cryptic paper birds. Perceives timelines, patterns, and forgotten truths. Speaks in riddles, but sees clearly. Arc: From passive observer to mythic prophet.

The Auditor A cold, mechanical enforcer of celestial law. Appears when divine balance is violated, unmoved by morality or motive. Arc: Manifest consequence — cosmic law made flesh.

King Paranoid ruler of the mortal town: sharp-minded, deeply superstitious, and increasingly unhinged by divine anomalies. Seeks control at all costs. Arc: From protector to authoritarian reactionary.

The Wizard Arcane advisor to the King. Wields deep knowledge of glyphs and seals, but is quietly disturbed by the realm’s disintegration. His motives may not align with his master's. Arc: From guiding scholar to compromised witness.

Episode 1 – “Genesis”

Runtime Target: ~2:00

[0:00–0:10] – CELESTIAL REALM: INTRODUCTION

VISUAL:We open in the Celestial Realm. Endless glowing marble pathways stretch beneath the stars. Procedural lights flicker as if controlled by unseen hands. A vast, ethereal environment with a sense of grandeur. A subtle glint of gold catches the light in Vela's eyes as she speaks.

SFX:Soft cosmic hums. Distant echoes of divine power.

DIALOGUE:VELA (V.O., calm, amused):We’re minor gods. Custodians of the rules set by the higher powers. They make the rules… but they never said how we should enforce them.

VISUAL INSERT: A flickering sigil appears on a nearby wall: COSMIC INTEGRITY MONITORING – LOGGED.

[0:10–0:26] SCENE 2: CELESTIAL WALKWAY - THE PLAN

VISUAL:

VELA and ALARIC walk side by side. The camera glides, following them down the pathway. The stars respond to their presence, twinkling on command as they pass. ALARIC subtly adjusts the folds of his perfectly ordered robes.

DIALOGUE:

VELA (grinning, a mischievous glint in her golden eyes): “Let’s spice one up. Just a little friction. Harmless mortal-level entropy.”

ALARIC (hesitant, a slight frown creasing his brow): “They’ll notice.”

VELA (smirking, playful): “Then let them audit us. I’m bored enough to welcome the paperwork.”

VISUAL:

A quick, subtle glance between them—Vela's mischievousness meets Alaric's cautious nature. The camera lingers just a beat longer than necessary.

[0:26–0:45] SCENE 3: CELESTIAL FORGE - CREATION

VISUAL:

The pristine marble of the Celestial Realm shimmers and distorts, as if reality itself is being folded and reshaped. Cracks of iridescent energy spiderweb across the space, giving way to a swirling vortex of raw, unformed potential.

SFX:

A resonant hum builds, layered with crackling energy and the soft susurrus of creation.

DIALOGUE:

VELA (grinning wider, almost intoxicated by the process): "Let's truly seed something, Alaric. See what blossoms when we let them… dream their own existence."

ALARIC (a nervous edge to his voice): "Just a touch of… organic chaos within the established parameters?"

VISUAL:

From the swirling vortex, strands of light and shadow begin to coalesce, forming the nascent Mortal Realm.

It's a breathtakingly rapid process: landscapes rise and fall like breaths, rivers carve themselves into the earth, and the first sparks of life ignite:

INVENTRIX instinctively grasping at ethereal components with her hands, a faint energy signature around her fingertips.

the ORACLE materializing amidst a flurry of self-folding paper birds that flutter erratically and whisper amongst themselves, the Oracle giving a brief, knowing glance;

the CHILD's hand leaving trails of luminous chalk that solidify into impossible flora, the chalk emitting a faint, otherworldly glow. 

SFX:

The "glitchy, sparkly sounds" become more organic – the rustling of nascent foliage, the chirping of unseen creatures, the whisper of forming winds – still retaining a hint of the otherworldly. 

DIALOGUE: 

ALARIC (voiceover, a tone of uneasy fascination): “No true artificial sentience… no self-replicating loops… just… the unpredictable beauty of raw, mortal ingenuity.” 

VISUAL INSERT: 

Brief, poetic glimpses of the mortal realm solidifying: Inventrix's hands manipulating shimmering energy, the Oracle's paper birds forming intricate patterns in the air, the Child's chalk strokes blooming into fantastical structures.

[0:45–0:57] SCENE 4: CELESTIAL WARNING - THE GLYPH

VISUAL:

The forming world shudders, the ground trembling slightly. It’s imperfect, teeming with strange new creations. A glowing glyph appears in the air above VELA and ALARIC in the Celestial Realm, flaring red. A faint, geometric flicker passes across the marble floor of the Celestial Realm in the background.

SFX:

A sharp buzzing noise, signaling something going wrong.

DIALOGUE:

ALARIC (concerned): "That was fast..."

VISUAL INSERT:

A celestial notice pops up in mid-air: “Unscheduled Realm Divergence Detected. Pending Investigation.”

DIALOGUE:

VELA (smirking): “I may have reused a forbidden template.”

ALARIC (shocked, his precise composure momentarily cracking): “You what?”

VELA (shrugging): “Oh, relax. What’s the worst that could happen?”

[0:57–1:15] SCENE 5: MORTAL REALM - FIRST SIGNS (OBSERVATION)

VISUAL:

We see the mortal realm briefly. A small village nestled at the foot of a mountain. Smoke rises from chimneys, people walking about in the bustling town square. But now, strange celestial phenomena begin to disrupt their peaceful lives. The sky flickers with vibrant colors, and a faint, echoing hum can be heard.

SFX:

Distant rumbling, a small town bell rings ominously.

DIALOGUE:

The HERO, slightly disheveled and earnest-looking, is walking through the square, looking up at the sudden shift in the sky. He’s slightly clumsy, bumping into someone as he tries to catch a better glimpse of the celestial anomalies.

HERO (mumbling to himself, confused): “What the…?”

VISUAL:

INVENTRIX is in her workshop, surrounded by half-finished arcane devices that whir and spark erratically, one briefly glowing with an unnatural light. She is intensely focused, oblivious to the cosmic events outside. The contrast between her grounded, logical nature and the unfolding chaos is striking.

[1:15–1:29] SCENE 6: CELESTIAL REALM - THE FALLOUT

VISUAL:

Back in the Celestial Realm, ALARIC looks at the glowing red glyph, his brow deeply furrowed in concern and frustration. He turns to VELA, who leans against a pathway railing, completely unfazed, a slight smile playing on her lips.

DIALOGUE:

ALARIC (irritated, his voice tight with worry): “We need to put this back under control. Now.”

VELA (grinning, clearly enjoying herself): “Oh, don’t be so uptight, Alaric. Let’s see what happens. Who’s to say we can’t just… let things happen for once?”

VISUAL:

The celestial realm around them begins to shimmer more intensely, glitches rippling across the fabric of reality like heat haze. The sub-realm continues to form, its chaotic energy bleeding into the mortal world in unexpected ways.

SFX:

A rumble shakes the ground (in the mortal realm). The camera zooms out slowly, showing both Vela and Alaric in the Celestial Realm. In the mortal world, the town guard nervously points at the sky, whispering among themselves.

[1:29–1:35] SCENE 7: MORTAL REALM - GROWING UNREST (OBSERVATION)

VISUAL:

We see the mortal realm again, where the HERO, still looking bewildered, is now joined by INVENTRIX, who has emerged from her workshop, her goggles slightly askew, a look of analytical curiosity on her face. The sky above is still crackling with strange energy. The first hints of conflict emerge as the two look at each other with uncertainty.

DIALOGUE:

HERO (quietly, almost to himself): “This doesn’t feel like just a storm...”

VISUAL INSERT:

Quick flash to Vela and Alaric in the Celestial Realm, still standing side by side. The camera lingers just a moment too long, giving a sense that something else might be happening beneath the surface of their interaction.

DIALOGUE:

VELA (teasing, under her breath, in the Celestial Realm): “Welcome to your mess, Alaric.”

[1:35–1:45] SCENE 8: MORTAL REALM - ESCALATION (OBSERVATION)

VISUAL:

Quick flashes of the world shaking: The town guard stumbles, dropping his spear; the town WIZARD (a new visual – old, with a pointed hat slightly askew, clutching a glowing orb) looks alarmed, eyes wide; and brief glimpses of strange behavior from the mortal characters – Inventrix's devices sparking wildly, the Hero instinctively reaching for his sword, the Oracle's paper birds scattering in panic, the Child's chalk leaving glowing, unstable marks.

DIALOGUE: ALARIC (concerned, in the Celestial Realm, just before the screen goes black): “We might’ve just done something bigger than we thought.”

[1:45 - 1:53] SCENE 9: CELESTIAL REALM - OMINOUS ENDING

VISUAL:

End with the celestial glyph pulsing ominously above the mortal realm, its red light intensifying. Vela and Alaric watch with growing unease.

SFX:

A dramatic, final hum, as if the story is just beginning.

Episode 2 – “Grounded”

Runtime Target: ~2:00

[0:00–0:08]    OPENING RECAP (from Episode 1)   

VISUAL: 

Fast montage of key moments—celestial realm shimmer, Vela and Alaric forming the sub-realm, mortal world flickering, Inventrix tinkering, Hero looking up at the glitching sky.

ALARIC (VO)  "We might've just done something bigger than we thought."

TITLE CARD: Mythic Machinations - Episode 2: "Grounded"   [0:08–0:12

[0:12–0:20]   SCENE 1: CELESTIAL REALM, FRACTURED  

VISUAL:

The Celestial Realm chamber shimmers with instability. Cracks spiderweb across a large viewing portal that overlooks the nascent mortal realm.

Alaric waves a hand over a pulsing glyph that hovers in the air near the portal, attempting to stabilize it (energy crackles around his hands).

Vela floats beside him, unimpressed, idly twirling a strand of fractured energy.

SFX:

The hum of celestial energy is strained and uneven, with occasional sharp cracks.

DIALOGUE:

ALARIC (tense) "The cascade is accelerating. We need to control the interaction zone."

VELA (dry) "Control? No fun in that. Besides, the mortals haven’t broken too much. Yet."

[0:20–0:32]   SCENE 2: DESCENT TO MORTAL REALM

VISUAL:

Vela and Alaric shimmer and distort, their forms shifting into mortal-esque appearances as they descend toward the mortal realm visible through the portal.

Their celestial glow dims; their elaborate robes transform into more practical cloaks and subtly magical, weathered tunics.

A lingering shot emphasizes the subtle shimmer of their new attire as they pass through the portal and into the mortal realm.

SFX:

A soft whooshing sound as they descend, mixed with the faint crackle of residual celestial energy.

VOICEOVER:

VELA: "Let’s get our hands dirty. Try a mortal perspective for once."

ALARIC: "This isn't an experiment anymore. It’s getting control back."

[0:32–0:40]   SCENE 3: VILLAGE SQUARE - HERO AND INVENTRIX

VISUAL:

Hero helps a villager who has stumbled, offering a hand up with a kind smile.

Inventrix emerges from a nearby shop, holding a strange scanning device that sparks erratically. She's focused on the device, muttering to herself.

SFX:

The general bustle of the village, with the added element of strange crackling from Inventrix's device and distant, unsettling rumbles.

DIALOGUE:

HERO: "Weird skies, falling tools, birds flying in panicked circles. Normal day, huh?"

INVENTRIX (without looking up): "No. This is anomalous. The readings are recursive."

HERO: "That… sounds bad."

 [0:40–0:54]   SCENE 4: VELA AND ALARIC ARRIVE  

VISUAL:

A subtle tremor shakes the town as Vela and Alaric appear at the edge of the square. A faint ripple effect distorts the air around them momentarily.

A subtle displacement of dust and leaves swirls around their feet.

Their arrival is not overtly dramatic, but villagers glance in their direction, sensing an unusual energy. Inventrix's device briefly goes haywire.

SFX:

A low thrumming sound accompanies their arrival, quickly fading. The general noise of the square quiets slightly as people take notice.

DIALOGUE:

TOWN GUARD (to another, whispering): "Did you feel that? Like the air… shifted."

VILLAGER (nearby): "They arrived with that sky-flash, didn't they?"

INVENTRIX (glancing up, intrigued): "More variables."

HERO (whispering to himself): "They don’t look like they're from around here."

[0:54–1:08]   SCENE 5: FIRST INTERACTION

VISUAL:

Vela walks ahead of Alaric, confidently approaching Hero. She makes direct eye contact, a playful smirk on her face.

Hero looks momentarily stunned, then a little flustered.

Alaric subtly facepalms or gives a brief, stiff shudder that Vela notices.

SFX:

The ambient sounds of the square fade slightly as the focus narrows on the conversation.

DIALOGUE:

VELA (amused): "Nice sky, right?"

HERO (stumbling over his words): "Uh… sure? It’s… quite the light show. I’m Hero, by the way." (He winces slightly at his own name)

(Visual insert: Alaric, standing slightly behind Vela, stifles a very brief, almost imperceptible chuckle or a twitch of his lips that Vela catches.)

VELA (smiling at Hero): "I'm Vela, and this is Alaric. Don't mind him; he thinks everyone should have a grander entrance."

[1:08–1:22] SCENE 6: AUDITORIAL INKLINGS

VISUAL:

Cut briefly to the Celestial Realm. A dark, imposing figure—The Auditor (tall, angular silhouette, faint glowing lines, deliberate gliding movement, with subtle distortions of geometric patterns rippling around it)—steps into an observation ring (a distinct, technological design). The chamber features intricate displays and holographic projections of the sub-realm.

The Auditor's silhouette looms over a flickering projection of the mortal town.

SFX: 

A cold, mechanical hum within the observation chamber. Distant echoes of the celestial realm's energy.

DIALOGUE:

AUDITOR (voice echoing, synthesized): "Unauthorized entropic variance. Source: dual custodians."

VISUAL:

Glyph activates in the sky above the town, pulsing with a more intense red light.

SFX: 

A sharp, piercing tone accompanies the glyph's activation.

[1:22–1:34]   SCENE 7: MORTAL MURMURS

VISUAL:

The town wizard peers from a high tower, a concerned expression on his face as he observes the pulsing glyph.

A group of villagers gossip in the square, gesturing towards the sky.

SFX: 

An undercurrent of unease in the village sounds, mixed with the wizard's distant muttering.

DIALOGUE:

WIZARD: "That marking… it bears the weight of ages, yet was unseen with yesterday's sun."

VILLAGER: "Think it’s the gods? Or a curse?"

VILLAGER 2: "I remember this… do I…No? Me mind’s playing tricks”

[1:34–1:42]    SCENE 8: HINTED MEMORY GLITCHES   

VISUAL:

The child (a boy) stares intently at a scribble he made on the ground with his chalk—it seems to shift and distort under his gaze, briefly resembling a celestial symbol.

His mother pulls him away, looking worried.

SFX: A faint, unsettling warping sound accompanies the visual distortion of the drawing.

DIALOGUE:

CHILD (to himself): "This wasn’t here before. But did I make it?"

[1:42–1:52]   SCENE 9: CLOSING INTERPLAY

VISUAL:

Vela, Alaric, Hero, and Inventrix all glance skyward as the glyph pulses again.

Brief close-ups on their faces: Hero (confusion), Inventrix (analytical), Vela (subtle unease masked by amusement), Alaric (worry).

SFX: 

The pulsing of the glyph is louder and more insistent. A general sense of growing tension in the village.

DIALOGUE:

VELA (under her breath, teasing): "Welcome to your mess, Alaric."

ALARIC (grim): "It may be messier than we thought."

[1:52–2:00]   ENDING BEAT  VISUAL:

Pull back to a wide shot of the town, now subtly distorted. The Auditor’s silhouette is faintly visible in the clouds above, observing.

SFX:

Low harmonic distortion. A final, powerful glimmer from the glyph.

FADE OUT.

Episode 3 – “Whispers and Warnings”

Runtime Target: ~2:00

[0:00–0:18] SCENE 1: Lingering Unease and Introductions

VISUAL:

The Oakhaven town square, bustling but with an undercurrent of tension. Vela and Alaric stand with Hero, a slight distance from the townsfolk, who whisper and eye them cautiously. Inventrix approaches, her device (a complex array of gears, lenses, and faintly glowing crystals) whirring and emitting soft beeps.

SFX:

The murmur of the crowd, the whirring of Inventrix's device, a subtle, unsettling hum in the air. 

DIALOGUE:

HERO (slightly flustered): "Inventrix, this is Vela, and this is Alaric. They just arrived." 

INVENTRIX (her gaze sharp, analyzing them): "Your arrival has triggered… unusual atmospheric disturbances."

ALARIC (his eyes scanning the square, a flicker of concern): "We are attempting to ascertain the source of these fluctuations." 

VELA (offering a polite but wary smile): "A pleasure."

[0:18–0:33] SCENE 2: A Hasty Departure and Evasive Answers

VISUAL:

Alaric subtly guides Vela away from Inventrix and Hero. Vela's golden eyes flash briefly as she glances around, noticing the townsfolk's unease.

DIALOGUE:

ALARIC: "If you'll excuse us, we need to… consult some local records." 

VELA (with a hint of sarcasm): "Yes, the Hall of Cartography, no doubt."

HERO (sincerely): "Please, be careful. There's something… amiss."

INVENTRIX (her device whirring faster): "Perhaps I could offer my… analytical assistance?"

[0:33–0:48] SCENE 3: The Power Flux (Drunk Townsman)

VISUAL:

A narrow alleyway. A disheveled, drunk townsman stumbles into Vela and Alaric's path, his eyes wide and unfocused. He gestures wildly at them.

DIALOGUE:

TOWNSMAN (slurring): "You! You're the… the sky-spawn! You brought the chaos!" 

VELA (her voice dangerously low, a faint golden aura shimmering around her): "Retract your words." 

ALARIC (restraining her gently): "Ignore him, Vela. He's intoxicated."

[0:48–1:06] SCENE 4: Confirmation and Growing Alarm

VISUAL: 

Inventrix observes from a distance, her device's crystals glowing brighter. Alaric subtly touches his temple, a sign of discomfort or a faint awareness of a growing threat.

DIALOGUE:

INVENTRIX (to herself, a realization dawning): "The energy field… it resonates with them. They're connected to the source." 

HERO (concerned): "What did that man mean by 'sky-spawn'?"

INVENTRIX: "I'm not certain, but their presence is… exacerbating the instability." 

ALARIC (quietly, to Vela): "We're leaving a trail. They're becoming aware." 

VELA (a flicker of unease in her eyes): "We need to accelerate our search."

[1:06–1:25] SCENE 5: King's Directive Intensifies

VISUAL:

The King's chamber, dimly lit by flickering candles and the glow of a magical table covered in intricate glyphs. The King paces agitatedly as the Wizard reports to him, his face etched with worry. 

DIALOGUE:

KING: "These strangers… the reports are mounting. Unnatural occurrences, strange energies… it cannot be a coincidence!"

WIZARD (his voice trembling slightly): "Your Majesty, the celestial disturbances… they are intensifying in proximity to the newcomers. The very weave of reality feels… fragile."

KING (his hand slamming on the table, the glyphs flaring): "They are a threat to the realm! Find them! Observe their every move! And Wizard… prepare the defenses. If they jeopardize the seal…"

[1:25–1:36] SCENE 6: The Auditor's Arrival

VISUAL:

A glimpse into the celestial realm. A powerful, abstract celestial being materializes briefly, its form shifting and indistinct (with subtle distortions of geometric patterns rippling around it), and gestures towards the mortal realm. The Auditor, a figure of perfect geometric symmetry (with subtle distortions of geometric patterns rippling around it), stands at a precipice overlooking the sub-realm

 DIALOGUE:

 ABSTRACT CELESTIAL BEING (a resonant whisper that seems to vibrate in the air): "Granted." 

AUDITOR (its voice synthesized and echoing): "Aberrant energy signatures confirmed. Intervention protocol engaged."

VISUAL: The Auditor begins its descent, a ripple distorting the fabric of space around it.

[1:36–1:48] SCENE 7: Introduction of the Oracle

VISUAL: 

A shadowed alcove in the town square. The Oracle sits serenely, surrounded by her paper birds, which are unusually still and focused. Her gaze is fixed intently on Vela and Alaric.

SFX:

The soft rustling of paper wings, a faint, almost imperceptible whisper.

VISUAL: One of the paper birds detaches from the flock and flies silently towards Vela and Alaric, observing them closely before returning to the Oracle.

[1:48–1:58] SCENE 8: Sensing the Approaching Threat

VISUAL:

Vela and Alaric are attempting to blend into the crowd. Alaric suddenly stops, his face paling, a look of profound unease washing over him.

SFX: A low, guttural hum begins to build, the air thickening with a sense of oppressive energy. 

DIALOGUE:

ALARIC (his voice strained): "Something… ancient and powerful… is drawing near."

VELA (her hand instinctively moving towards Alaric's): "What do you mean?"

[1:58] CUT TO BLACK.

TEXT ON SCREEN: “To be continued…”

Episode 4 – “Fractures”

Runtime Target: ~2:00

[0:00 – 0:15] SCENE 1 – ON EDGE

VISUAL:

 Immediately following Alaric's whispered "It's here," the town is tense. Villagers are nervous, animals skittish. Vela and Alaric exchange a worried look. 

DIALOGUE:

VELA (low): "Did you feel that?"

ALARIC (grim): "Something… shifted." 

VISUAL: Inventrix and Hero watch from the crowd, sensing the change. Inventrix's devices flicker erratically.

[0:15 – 0:30] SCENE 2 – THE FREEZE

VISUAL: 

The air above the square distorts as the Auditor materializes, its geometric form unsettling (with subtle distortions of geometric patterns rippling around it). We see it, but the villagers do not. SFX: Ambient sound drops, replaced by a low, resonant hum.

VISUAL: Time slows dramatically for everyone except Vela and Alaric. Villagers freeze mid-action. The Auditor ‘lands’ in the square in front of Vela and Alaric.

DIALOGUE:

AUDITOR (voice echoing, distorted): "Unauthorized presence detected. Realm integrity compromised."

[0:30 – 0:50] SCENE 3 – CONFRONTATION AND JUDGMENT

VISUAL: 

Vela and Alaric move slowly, glaring, they shake off the effect and start to move at ‘normal’ speed - now facing the Auditor.

DIALOGUE:

VELA (icily): "You have no authority here."

AUDITOR (voice devoid of emotion): "Authority stems from cosmic consequence. Your judgment is final. Your divine essence is curtailed within this construct." 

ALARIC (pleading): "We were trying to fix it! Contain it!"

VELA (catching on): "Wait! We’re trapped here? You can’t…" 

AUDITOR (cutting her off): "Your flawed attempts invited this scrutiny. The instability you created now threatens this entire realm."

[0:50 – 1:00] SCENE 4 – THE COSMIC STRAIN

VISUAL:

Vela and Alaric are facing the Auditor. Faint cracks spiderweb across the frozen sky, ethereal light bleeding through. Vela and Alaric look up agog.

SFX: Hum intensifies, subtle cracking sounds, faint resonant chime.

DIALOGUE: 

WHISPERED CELESTIAL VOICE (ethereal, resonant, overlaid): "The cosmic balance… strains. Ancient wards… weaken…"

VISUAL: 

A small tremor runs through the ground. But no villagers are knocked over.

[1:00 – 1:10] SCENE 5 – THE VAULT AWAKENS

VISUAL:

The tremor continues outwards. Moving toward the edge of the square, where there is an old temple. The ground before the old temple cracks open. Caving in revealing a massive stone vault with glowing sigils.

SFX:

Deep, slow rumble from beneath the ground

VISUAL:

The Oracle, apparently frozen in time…is not…she turns her head slowly towards the vault, her paper birds (caught in mid air by time freezing can be seen to be very slowly moving their wings - subtly implying she's less affected by the temporal distortion).

[1:10 – 1:30] SCENE 6 – MORTAL WITNESS (UNFROZEN)

VISUAL:

Time flows again, erratically at first, as some villagers now stumble and slightly glitch as everything catches up. Then people notice the Temple and the Vault (some screaming).. Inventrix and Hero regain movement, staring at the vault. Nearly all are focused on the damage, ignoring or unaware of Vela, Alaric and the Auditor.

DIALOGUE:

INVENTRIX (awestruck, unnerved): "What is that?" 

HERO (drawing his sword): "Danger." 

VISUAL:

Their eyes flick to Vela and Alaric facing the Auditor - with what looks like Vela angrily talking (we don’t hear anything from our perspective). They approach cautiously.

[1:30 – 1:50] SCENE 7 – KING'S FEAR (PARALLEL ACTION)

VISUAL:

King in his palace, momentarily affected by the time distortion (a slight stagger). He stares at his dimming magical table. The Wizard is at his side, testing the air, thinking hard, hands in a warding type gesture.

DIALOGUE:

WIZARD (strained): "The connection… failing. The seals… weakening."

KING (eyes wide with terror): "Seal it all! Collapse the town! Bury it again!"

KING (voice filled with dread): "Before it fully awakens…"

[1:50 – 2:00] SCENE 8 – FRACTURE AND DEPARTURE

VISUAL:

The celestial glyph shatters into light fragments. Villagers look up in fear, some are still looking at the vault. Nobody is hurt, but there is confused chaos.

SFX:

High-pitched whine, then abrupt silence.

VISUAL: The Auditor seems more intense (with subtle distortions of geometric patterns rippling around it), then gives Vela and Alaric a final, ominous look before vanishing. Just as Hero and Inventrix arrive.

DIALOGUE: VELA (voiceover, realization): "It’s not about our punishment anymore." 

BLACKOUT TEXT ON SCREEN: To be continued…

Episode 5 – “Echoes” (Arc One Finale)

Runtime Target: ~2:00

[0:00 – 0:20] SCENE 1 – The Lingering Freeze & Stark Realization

VISUAL:

Picks up immediately after the Auditor vanishes. The town slowly returns to normal, with disoriented villagers. Inventrix and Hero are alert. Vela and Alaric are shaken.

SFX:

Fading hum, confused murmurs, ragged breaths.

DIALOGUE:

VELA (voice strained): "What… just happened?"

ALARIC (eyes wide): "We're trapped. Truly trapped. Stripped of our power, in our broken world."

VELA: "And that… thing… it wasn't just punishing us."

ALARIC: "No. It spoke of a core instability… a threat to the entire realm."

VISUAL: 

Inventrix and Hero arrive (sword drawn and looking around for the now vanished Auditor). Inventrix is looking at her instrument and not happy.

DIALOGUE:

HERO (a beat, bewildered): "W-What are you?"

INVENTRIX (to Hero, then to Vela and Alaric): "No time for that now. We have other problems" (and gestures at the vault)

[0:20 – 0:25] SCENE 2 – Oracle's Knowing Glance

VISUAL:

The exposed vault rumbles softly. The Oracle stands before it, her paper birds circling calmly, a knowing look on her face as she glances towards Vela and Alaric (who are with Inventrix and Hero).

SFX:

Deep, slow pulse from the vault.

DIALOGUE:

ORACLE (softly, a hint of urgency - as they pass but they don’t hear): "You are needed."

[0:25 – 0:40] SCENE 3 – Mortal Investigation (Inventrix & Hero)

VISUAL:

Inventrix scans the vault. Hero watches Vela and Alaric warily (his hand hovering by his sword - he is protective of Inventrix, but he is confused by his feelings for Vela). The groups are a little apart from each other.

DIALOGUE:

INVENTRIX: "These markings… the energy is chaotic, yet… purposeful. It's ancient, but… wrong for this place. My readings are all over the place...it's like the energy is both ancient and… inverted"

HERO: "Wrong how?"

INVENTRIX: "Like something… that shouldn't exist here. I can't explain it.."

[0:40 – 1:00] SCENE 4 – Godly Recognition (Vela & Alaric)

VISUAL:

Vela and Alaric stare at the vault's sigils, recognition dawning. We can see Hero and Inventrix in the near background talking, Hero hand near sword, glancing over.

DIALOGUE:

VELA (low, dread): "Those symbols… I know them from the forbidden archives. Before the higher powers purged them."

ALARIC (hushed): "I remember. They spoke of a prison… a seal against something… primordial. Something they feared."

VELA: "Feared enough to erase its existence?"

ALARIC (nodding slowly): "And we… we built our little realm on top of its cage."

[1:00 – 1:10] SCENE 5 – The Child's Connection

VISUAL:

The Child approaches the entrance of the vault and reaches out with his chalk. As the chalk nears the vault, the sigils pulse. A faint connection forms.

[1:10 – 1:25] SCENE 6 – King's Desperate Gambit

VISUAL:

The King at his dimming table, pacing back and forth. Wizard looks distraught

DIALOGUE:

KING: "It's awakening! The connection is severed! We have no control!"

WIZARD: "The glyph is shattered, Majesty."

KING (voice filled with a desperate, ominous resolve): "Then unleash the failsafe. Let the town be swallowed again. Because those are generational secrets, we're all doomed."

[1:25 – 1:45] SCENE 7 – Uneasy Alliance (First Steps)

VISUAL:

Inventrix observes Vela and Alaric and walks toward them. Hero lowers his sword, curious, and follows behind her.

DIALOGUE:

INVENTRIX (cautiously): "You recognize those markings. What is down there?"

VELA (hesitantly): "Something… ancient. Something our creators tried to bury."

ALARIC: "Something that shouldn't exist in our creation."

INVENTRIX: “What do you mean ‘our creation’?”

[1:45 – 2:00] SCENE 8 – The Spiral Beckons

VISUAL:

Vela is about to answer, A beat of silence/shared look between Vela/Alaric The Child walks past them to the main vault. The Child draws a glowing spiral on the vault.

SFX:

Deep resonant hum from the vault, ground trembles violently.

DIALOGUE (from thin air):

WHISPER (unplaceable, distinct): "It remembers… it calls… it hungers…"

VISUAL:

Vela, Alaric, Hero, and Inventrix stare at the spiral with fear and fascination. The Oracle watches knowingly.

DIALOGUE (We pan back to outside the vault - to Oracle and her paper birds)

ORACLE: The first seal is broken

BLACKOUT

TEXT ON SCREEN: End of Arc One

[bogwitchmediaconsumption]

hi ok been EVEN more months haha oopsies

ok i kinda didn't know what to put on this blog because i started getting way too obsessed with superheroes and stopped consuming as much dw(i still love it but like... superheroes are so COOL) so i thought that in order to keep this thing updated, i'd just expand my horizons by porting over my big media watch/read/play/listen list! this is gonna be a massive post of everything so far, and then new updates will be new pieces of media! everything listed in order(and some brief thoughts)

Batman: The Court of Owls - Snyder/Capullo (Great!) Batman: The Court of Owls Vol 2/The City of Owls - Snyder/Capullo (Alright...)

Batman: The Night of Owls - Snyder/Capullo (Meh, but I had incorrect expectations)

Inscryption(Fucking phenomenal, play this bizarre ass game)

Doctor Who Series 2(Very good!)

Much Ado About Nothing - Shakespeare, a reading (Loved this one)

Neon Genesis Evangelion - The Original Show (yeah this was a fixation for a while too)

Undertale (really good, but not as loved for me as others)

Julius Caesar, a reading - Shakespeare (Good one Billy)

Donmar Warehouse Production of Julius Caesar (go women go)

A Page of Madness - 1926 Movie (makes no sense but hell yeah)

Legend of Zelda Oracle of Ages (God this game frustrated me so much)

As You Like It, a reading - Shakespeare (I think I remember which play this is)

Howl, and Other Poems - Allen Ginsberg (Liked this one! Howl is the strongest by a lot though)

Lunch Poems - Frank O'Hara (Very cool!)

Rewatch of Over The Garden Wall (god this show is so fucking incredible)

Everything Everywhere All At Once - 2022 Movie (my movie of the year so far, it's beautiful)

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop - 2021 Movie (Cute! but it's not much more than that)

Cat Soup - 2003 Short Film (Awesome but also What the Fuck?)

Swamp Thing Vol. 1: The Root of All Evil - Millar/Hester/Morrison

Cat Soup Rewatch (Had to share with a friend)

Bee and Puppycat Season 1 (Adorable!! so lovely and cute)

Everything Everywhere All At Once Rewatch (had to get a friend to see it for the first time)

Bee and Puppycat Season 1 Rewatch (Ok don't judge me)

The Residents: Triple Trouble - 2022 Movie (idk how to start with this one)

Watchmen - Moore/Gibbons (got some nitpick gripes with the ending: but it's fucking brilliant)

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (Really good! Better ending than the show)

Leonor - 1975 Movie (nothing quite like a theatre yelling "jump off the bridge")

Smiling Friends Season 1 (I knew a lot of the jokes going it, but it's still gutbusting)

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (get his ass Gawain, or get yours got, I guess)

Bless The Daughter Raised by A Voice in Her Head - Warsan Shire (a couple really standout poems in a mostly just ok volume. if this one comes across as harsh, i had to analyze this for 3+ weeks for class)

Adventure Time Season 1 (it's my roommate's favorite show, i'd never seen it)

Doctor Who: The Heralds of Destruction - Cornell/Jones (it's good, with material that does hold, but it's not any spectacular)

Batman & Robin - 1997 Movie (Awful, but also not that)

Super Mario Bros - 1993 Movie (This shit slaps, idc what anyone else says)

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Volumes 1-3 - Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (It's good on it's own, but it's especially interesting as an adaptation of the show)

JLA: Earth 2 - Morrison/Quitely (I really like it, but also wish it was longer)

Adventure Time Season 2(still cute!)

The Amazing Spider-Man: Edge of Spider-Verse - lotsa people (They're mostly fine Spider introductions with the man-spider guy one being notably bad and Peni's being notably good)

Adventure Time Season 3 (fun, I started getting really into the show at this point)

Adventure Time Season 4 (fun, still ramping on excitement)

Adventure Time Season 5 (good, but maybe my least favorite season. just a lot of sadder episodes in this one)

Fahrenheit 451 - 2018 Film (it sucks. also they should've been gay. but what do I know)

Ariel - Sylvia Plath (yeah ok cut out my heart why don't you)

Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask - Akira Himekawa (very fun interpretation of the story! but i wish it was a bit longer)

Legend of Zelda Oracle of Seasons (I like this one more than ages, but not by much)

Scott Pilgrim Comic Reread, All 6 Volumes - Bryan Lee O'Malley (I still love it and find a LOAD in it, despite it's occasional drastically poor choice in language or implication

Le Mani Sulla Citta - 1963 Film (god i could watch italian guys argue all day) watched between Scott Pilgrim Volumes 1 and 2 but I wanted to keep it neat

Adventure Time Season 6(maybe my favorite season? either this one or season 7)

Dracula Ballet - Milwaukee Ballet Company (Good show! read the book first or it won't make a lick of sense)

Robo Sapiens: Tales of Tomorrow - Toranosuke Shimada (very very cool, super interesting almost a little martian chronicles esque)

Murder On The Orient Express - 2017 Film (very fun and interesting movie to watch: should be noted i've never read the book)

Adventure Time Season 7 (on rereading episode lists, this one is probably my easy favorite. so many good ones)

Pokemon Blue (i was trying to do a generationlocke, you see)

Never Open It: The Taboo Trilogy - Ken Niimura (really really good, the art is especially great in this one)

Pokemon Crystal (see?)

Pokemon Emerald (SEE???)

Adventure Time Season 8 (Great, but the beginning of a slight downward trend in my enjoyment of the show. it becomes more plot focused than character focused here, and that did make it a bit less fun. still great though)

Loveless - Alice Oseman (I love a lot of her books, and I love this one too! but for some reason it just doesn't strike me as fully satisfying and i don't know why)

Pokemon Firered Omega (SEE???? also i wanted to add romhacks to make it harder)

Adventure Time Season 9 (some really good character moments, but it is even more plot focused here)

Spiderman: Into The Spider-Verse - 2018 Film (holy fuck this movie is incredible, maybe just as loved as EEAAO?)

The Complete Maus - Art Spiegelman (really good! art is great, and the metanarrative is super interesting)

Pokemon Blue (I died)

Time Guardian Volume 1 - Kishi/Ichinose (it's fun, but nothing really beyond that)

Pokemon Blue (guess who died again)

Adventure Time Season 10 (finally did it! the most plot focused of the last seasons, and thus it's maybe the least memorable to me. still really good though)

Spiderman: Across The Spider-Verse - 2023 Movie (it's great, but not quite as good as the first because it doesn't stand-alone. chock full of the best visuals, voicing, and story of the year though)

Pokemon Crystal (ok....)

Pokemon Emerald (uh huh......)

Ghost in the Shell - 1995 Film (Really weird and interesting and pretty! I liked it)

Knives Out - 2019 Film (it's very good, especially because of the family banter and performances. without it's cast it would probably not be so great. though the plotting does come together in the end for me)

The Spectacular Spider-Man Season 1 (oh my GOD this show is so good)

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (it's good, but I really love to see the detective/criminal battle of wits in mystery/detective movies and that's really not what this movie is)

Snow, Glass, Apples - Gaiman/Doran (interesting take of a fairy tale!)

Punisher 2099 #1 (it's ok)

Punisher 2099 #2 (it's also ok, neither here nor there)

Batman: Fear State - Tynion IV/Jimenez (I do like it, but i wish it placed more character moments front and center. it also tries to juggle SO many damn characters, and a lot of them just feel like cameos)

Shin Godzilla - 2016 Film (you can TELL that the evangelion team worked on this, it rocks. also the movie is very good)

A Field In England - 2013 Film (it's interesting, and weird, but maybe not anything special quality wise)

The Mexican Night - Lawrence Ferlinghetti (spongebob screaming meme I LOVE READING JOURNALS. I LOVE HEARING NOTHING BUT YOUR THOUGHTS AS YOU GO ABOUT YOUR DAY)

Vern, Custodian of the Universe - Tyrell Waiters (it's cool, and the visuals are great, but the plot is not especially good and it starts to lose what makes it interesting later on)

Barbie - 2023 Film (hilarious, incredible)

Beowulf Graphic Novel - Petrucha/Chamberlain (an interesting take on Beowulf, the art is great![no, i don't know how many times i'm gonna keep saying it either])

Bloom - Panetta/Ganucheau (it's cute and good, but it doesn't go into enough detail or character depth to stick with me)

Inferno - Hickman/Caselli (it's like. alright. it's mostly a political thriller, which is not what i was hoping for when i got it at the library. that's one thing, but i also don't think it's an especially good political thriller. I also don't think it knows where it's going really. i still don't know where it was going and i read the ending and everything.)

Pokemon Blue(it had to all come crashing down eventually, right?)

Cucumber Quest: The Doughnut Kingdom - Gigi D.G. (it's cute and charming! not a lot here beyond that)

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - 1954 Movie (it's engaging and interesting, but i'm not sure what to think critically. good? bad? i kinda don't know. also it's disney in the 50's, there's some gratuitous racism)

Porco Rosso - 1992 Film (the whole "oooh fio likes porco" thing makes me a little uncomfy, but besides that the movie is BALLER. go porco go)

The Golem: How He Came Into The World - 1920 Film (it's interesting, but it's not as enjoyable as stuff like Caligari or Page of Madness)

Superman: For All Seasons - Loeb/Sale (oh my GOD this rocks. so good, so down to earth, so enjoyable. i love this)

All-Star Superman - Morrison/Quitely (I really like this a lot, but I do feel it kinda is off base with what's appealing about Superman to me. it takes Superman and really spins him as a mythical god level figure, to the point where Lois refuses to believe he's Clark and... what the story is is very good. but Superman being regular ol' Clark at the end of the day is what makes him so wonderful to me. This is absolutely a Superman that pretends to be Clark Kent. feel like that's a big distinction. lex's characterization is PHENOMENAL though, SO good.)

And now... my most recent watch............

yeah ok it's more superman

My Adventures with Superman Season 1 (it's phenomenal. like spectacular spider-man levels of good. The voicing, animation, designs, writing, it's ALL here. the overarching plot is also particularly capturing in this show, which sometimes fails to be the case for some superhero shows! i will say that i start to dislike SOME elements of the overarching plot introduced in Ep. 7 and beyond, but they don't diminish my love of this show very much at all. cannot WAIT for season 2 foaming at the mouth, chomping, zinging around my room etc)

alright! so that just took me like an hour and a half. but that kinda stuff is what i think i wanna do with this blog for now! so if that's your cup of tea keep hanging around! and if it's not... well there's always a chance i decide to change it again so idk your call.

[annabelledarcie]

Innovate and Elevate: Crafting a Unique Cryptocurrency Token

In the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrency, where innovation is the heartbeat of progress, crafting a unique cryptocurrency token is akin to unleashing a beacon of creativity in the decentralized cosmos. This blog is an exploration into the art of innovation, guiding you through the steps to craft a one-of-a-kind token that not only stands out but elevates the possibilities within the realm of blockchain technology.

1. Ideation: The Genesis of Innovation

Defining Your Vision:

Innovation begins with a vision. What purpose does your token serve? Identify a unique problem to solve or a novel use case to address. This clarity of purpose will be the driving force behind the uniqueness of your cryptocurrency token.

Uncover Market Gaps:

Research existing tokens and identify gaps or opportunities in the market. Look for areas where your innovation can fill a void, offering something distinctive and valuable to users.

2. Beyond Conventions: Token Design and Purpose

Utility Beyond Transactions:

While many tokens serve as a means of transaction, think beyond the conventional. Can your token unlock exclusive features, represent ownership rights, or facilitate governance within a decentralized ecosystem? Define a purpose that sets your token apart.

Interoperability and Integration:

Consider how your token can seamlessly integrate with other platforms and blockchain ecosystems. The ability to interoperate can enhance the utility and adoption of your token.

3. Tokenomics as a Work of Art

Crafting the Economic Model:

Tokenomics is the economic design of your token—a canvas where innovation takes shape. Experiment with different distribution mechanisms, reward structures, and scarcity models to create a unique economic identity for your token.

Dynamic Token Supply:

Explore dynamic token supplies that adapt to user demand or network activity. This dynamic nature can create an ever-evolving ecosystem, adding a layer of innovation to your tokenomics.

4. Smart Contracts: The Code of Innovation

Programming the Future:

Smart contracts are the backbone of your token's functionality. Embrace innovative programming languages and explore cutting-edge features that set your smart contracts apart.

Integrate Oracles and External Data:

Leverage oracles to bring external data into your smart contracts, opening the door to a multitude of real-world use cases. This integration can elevate your token's functionality beyond the blockchain.

5. Engage the Community: Building a Movement

Community-Driven Development:

Involve the community in the development process. Gather feedback, listen to user suggestions, and build a sense of ownership among your community. A passionate community can be a driving force behind the success of your unique token.

Educate and Communicate:

Transparent communication and educational initiatives are key to fostering understanding and enthusiasm. Ensure that your community is well-informed about the innovative features and benefits of your token.

6. Security and Trust: Foundation of Innovation

Security First:

Innovation must be accompanied by a commitment to security. Conduct thorough security audits, implement best practices, and prioritize the safety of your users' assets.

Trust in Transparency:

Build trust through transparent communication and actions. Share details about your development process, partnerships, and any changes to your token's features. Trust is the bedrock upon which innovation stands tall.

7. Continuous Evolution: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Adapt to Emerging Trends:

The blockchain space evolves rapidly. Stay informed about emerging technologies, market trends, and user preferences. Adapt your token to incorporate new features and stay ahead of the curve.

Iterative Development:

Innovation is a journey, not a destination. Embrace an iterative development approach, continuously refining and enhancing your token based on user feedback and the evolving needs of the market.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Token Beyond Boundaries

Crafting a unique cryptocurrency token is not just a technical endeavor; it's an artistic expression of innovation within the decentralized frontier. As you embark on this journey, let your creativity flow, challenge conventions, and elevate the possibilities of what a cryptocurrency token can achieve.

Innovate and elevate, for the blockchain space is a canvas waiting for your unique masterpiece. Unleash your creativity, push the boundaries, and let your token become a beacon of inspiration in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. Happy innovating!

[pointelinc]

Genesys Adapter for Oracle CX Cloud

By implementing the Pointel adapter you can Conjoin the oracle cx cloud customers can make use of the applications such as oracle cloud marketing, sales, service, social and CRM SaaS applications. Make use of the Genesys adapter for oracle cx cloud so that agents will be able to engage the customers via telephone and digital channels which improve the sales, customer retention and also the brand value of adapter oracle CX Cloud.

Since interactions between agents and customers are solutions rather than merely interactions, the Genesys Adapter for Oracle CX Cloud connects business systems, synchronizes incoming customer data, and augments it with data, including previous interactions and interests. The Adapter manages omni-channel real-time experiences to maximize consumer value by integrating these potent systems. It increases agent productivity by automating tasks, showing reports, and exchanging customer information.

[vantablade]

【 🌌 MYTHOPOEIA I. 】

TL;DR: Nocturne’s species is the same as her family name, which is one of royalty amongst her home planet. This species possesses two bodies, feeds on creative/life energy (mostly through sex and bodily consumption), manipulates sonokinesis and aquakinesis with ease. They are alluring and terrifying, always unsettling, and their native country depends on their existence. 

The following lore post is a re-write of Nocturne’s lore regarding her species and some of her heritage. It references sex albeit not explicitly nor descriptively, as well as the conception and deaths of the species. There are non-descriptive references to cannibalism (of a supernatural kind). Information-wise, it includes the etymology of the family name, the chronology of their origins with vague references to the circumstances of said origins, some references to significant events and brief descriptors of Nocturne’s kinsmen. As I mentioned, it also includes a description of how the Ametsuchi are formed through conception and their life spans, as well as the usual circumstances of their death, and other biological tid-bits such as abilities, particularly their Glamours, and the cultural ideology that surrounds the species in their native land of Izana, Neo. Word count is girthy, so if you read the whole thing an acknowledging like would be very encouraging! 

Ametsuchi, Nocturne’s family name, is both the moniker attributed to a royal family and a species; within their general cultural environs, the two are synonymous, for only members of the former can be the latter, due to a magical contract made with the Living Sea of Neo during the Sixth Epoch, after the Genesis Migration. The etymology of “Ametsuchi” is comprised of the characters suggesting, literally, “rain” and “earth”, however its meaning can be more symbolically interpreted as “Heaven and Earth” or, in some cases, “the Universe”, illustrating the duality of the Ametsuchi’s existence.

The Ametsuchi are not mortal by our understanding—the canonical term referring to any non-mortal being “Undane”—for their life spans and way of creation are jarringly different from that of a mortal life. An Ametsuchi can live, theoretically, forever, however rarely do they achieve such longevity due to the fact their appetite grows with age, forcing them to consume more and more to sustain their gigantic forms, not unlike the Earthly lobsters or the Terrawatas of the planet Cthylle, which has a similar aging approach. As well as the biological difficulties of maintaining the massive form that comes with old age, the Ametsuchis—particularly those who reign as or are immediately in line to reign as the High King—often are killed pre-maturely by assassinations or other politicalized deaths. Notable examples are Kamo, the High King two generations prior in the Fifth Epoch, to the current regent, and Nocturne’s great-grandmother, whose surprising gentleness became an instrument of irony as her tender heart led to her death by a rebel group within Izana. Another notable example is the Ametsuchi Massacre just prior to the turn of the Sixth Epoch, whereupon the survivor of the previous assassination—High King Kana the Unloved—was murdered by her third heir, the current monarch High King Kazumi the Good, alongside almost all of the living Ametsuchi.

Due to the severity of the upheaval, there is a remarkable shortage of Ametsuchi, as once they were a plentiful people who could reign as Lords among the various cities and villages of Izana as well as forming the sole security of the capital. Now, where once there were many, there remains only the High King; her Oracle Hitomi; her exiled heir High Prince Kimiko, currently absent and whereabouts unknown; Nocturne, whose existence is currently unknown to the Neoni populace; a lost heir sacrificed to Spider’s Eye shortly after her birth; the twins, Lords Hato and Karasu, children of the previous High Prince and nieces to the current High King, and Lord Komadori, who perished a few years prior to this blog’s currently timeline. Unusually, there is one other Ametsuchi, though she is the singular occurrence of a royal member—and the currently coronated High Prince, heir to the Ever-Drowning Throne—who is not also, biologically, an Ametsuchi, due to the unusual (and secretive) circumstances of her birth.

The conceptions and births of Ametsuchi are crucial to the biological formation of an Ametsuchi, as one does not inherit these traits innately from their parentage. Conception relies on the existence of three parents: the donor, the Ametsuchi, and the Living Sea. It is avian in nature, as it involves an external egg which is incubated by one of the parents, in this case the aforementioned Living Sea. The moment of conception is achieved when a donor, usually a Mundane but can be some form of magical entity, is “sacrificed” to the Living Sea and implanted with a part of the parental Ametsuchi’s mana. This mana is parasitic, rendering the donor comatose and paralysed but not dead, as it slowly consumes the life energy of the donor in order to transform it into something else. This transformation then becomes an egg, around six foot in height and three feet in width, comprised of a fleshy physical magic toxic to the touch. It is not dissimilar from the sort of alien eggs found in science fiction horror movies, as it is not clean nor smooth but rather a dark blue-brown flesh-like consistency that is ribbed and wet with slime. Encountering one is both highly unlikely—as they are incubated within the incredibly hostile and carnivorous Living Sea—but also deeply unwanted, as its appearance, while gross in description, cannot be over-stated for its deeply unsettling magnetism and its horrid stench of salt and decaying flesh, with the raw smell not incomparable to the exposed innards of a recent carcass. Approaching one, if it is somehow isolated from its environment, is also a fool’s errand: its “shell” emits potent magnetism; an allure that cannot be resisted by any but those with an impenetrable resistance to such a siren’s call. This allure, apropos to the previous metaphor, proves fatal to the innocent who falls under its enchantment, for the flesh is carnivorous and deeply starved, and will absorb the unlucky soul who touches it—and they will touch it, for despite its repulsiveness, its magic will convince the onlooker that it is a most desirable, peaceful and treasured object that speaks to their very soul.

This egg, its terribleness aside, incubates within the abyssal stomach of the Living Sea, an entity whose body is—as one can imagine—a great, black sea, possessing a wicked sentience and an odd morality that is difficult to comprehend. The Living Sea then “fertilizes” its innards, transforming the remains in a gruelling process into that of a living being, independent of the instruments that contributed to its making, which, stripped of the Ametsuchi glamour, appears to be a monstrous bird-like mortal-like creature that has only the simplest, animalistic of urges, the primary of which is the urge—the primal need—to survive, and as such has a fitting and horrifying hunger.

Until the new-born Ametsuchi is conscious enough to understand Glamours, it will remain in this bird-like form, which is protected from the eyes of mortals and Undanes alike who are not privy to the sacred and grotesque rituals of the royal family, until it can adopt a form which suits it. The form usually mimics the primary care-giver, likely the Ametsuchi which served to create it, at least in part, as well as harbouring some sort of semblance to the donor which served as its first meal and its energy donation. This is still of its own accord, of course, but as this is an instinctual first guise, it is often rooted in the subconscious will rather than the conscious ego, and once it has been adopted is unlikely to be utterly changed if only due to the Ametsuchi in question’s comfort in its regular form. As well as that, changing one’s body exerts a tremendous amount of will and energy and can be quite an exhausting process that bodes little to no reward. However, as the Ametsuchi grows into adolescence and adulthood, the latter of which is usually kept for far longer than the average mortal, due to the societal boons afforded to those with an unearthly youthful maturity, they will grow and adapt, often adapting to the societal standard of beauty to better attract unwavering loyalty and inspire a sacrificial martyrdom in its subjects. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this is a law that is engraved into the nature of the Ametsuchi: it is in their survival’s best interest to be seen as attractive, whether it be sexually or as a matter of character, and as such their appearance often fits the ideal of their surroundings consciously or otherwise. Of course, attractiveness is not always the key to survival; they possess an underlying aura of terror that unsettles as it lures, inspiring awe in its observer. In hostile environs, the Ametsuchi will adapt appropriately: becoming larger, more intimidating, more monstrous in appearance to better be suited for intimidation tactics.

As mentioned before, there is the matter of Glamours: these are half-conscious manifestations of a mortal body that conceals the magnificence of their original form, which is grotesque and avian in nature, and only grows with age until it is utterly titanic, thus the growth of its demanding hunger which becomes difficult to sate with the marching of time. As a half-conscious act, they can withstand most forms of unconsciousness depending on the strength of the Ametsuchi in question; one who has mastered, in some part, their own mind and harbours a deep understanding of their capabilities will find it easier to uphold the illusion, while those weaker in spirit will find it harder to maintain in various debilitating circumstances. For example, Nocturne withstood grievous wounds that penetrated the Glamour and mutilated the original would beyond reparation, which still only sufficed to put her in a near-comatose state where her consciousness was altered and foggy. Yet still, she maintained her Glamour. She had been raised in total isolation, with only the study of her strength and identity as an Ametsuchi as an anchor for her learning, and so had a better grasp on her anatomical manipulation than her peers. There was still a dire element—she was on the verge of total unconsciousness, and since she had no moral nor emotional obligation to those surrounding her at the time (rather, she was untrusting and borderline hostile towards her hosts), she had no subconscious desire to protect them from the immensity of her true body, despite the fact that had her illusion broke, her original form would have decimated her physical environment and thus damaged, if not killed, the people who surrounded her, including potentially breaking the magical ward that kept the locus—the Sepulchre—protected from evil eyes.

However, Nocturne in particularly struggles to maintain her Glamour if she is in a state of deep sleep. For this reason, she keeps to herself and refuses to allow others near her in such a state of tremulous vulnerability, if not entirely subduing herself to the vacuous space she titles her personal “Void”, a unique ability to her due to her emotional reliance on it since her severely traumatic youth.

The Glamour is not the Ametsuchi’s sole power, however it is exceedingly impressive: to speak in technical terms, of a sort, it “compresses” the pre-existing body so that it is appropriately condensed into the glamoured guise, including its impact on the environment and its navigating of the physical space. There is still a subtle feeling of “wrongness” when one looks directly at an Ametsuchi, but it is difficult to source the reason behind these feelings; the cultural mythos surrounding the original body is more that it is a secondary body, and the glamour is the original body, instead choosing to believe that the original body is a sort of “power-up” that can be utilized for the goals of decimation of one’s enemies. These myths are not negated in any real way, if only because it furthers their reputation for being dangerous enemies. It is believed by Ametsuchis’ personal lore that their Glamour comes in part from their lycanthropic ancestors.

Of their other abilities, several come to mind. Sonokinesis, the ability to manipulate sound, is innate to the Ametsuchi due to their siren heritage, and is capable of manipulating not only the physical world but the emotional world, either, as they tie in certain sonic movements with emotional results. Often, their powers are difficult to channel completely without some sort of vessel to articulate it to a level of fatality—or extreme potency—so they often have vessels that embody an instrument of their liking, usually a subconscious choice that is rarely changed not unlike their bodies in youth, which channels the sonokinetic ability through it. For example, Nocturne’s is a violin; Hitomi’s is a harp; Kimiko’s is a flute, and so on. Exceptional Ametsuchi do master the power of their own voice, such as Kazumi the Good, who orchestrates grand musical annihilations with only the slightest modulations to her voice. This is an ancient power, first attributed to the Divine of Music, Sona, the child of the Ancients Sirein and Iathan. Their sonokinesis is Generative, which means they can generate this ability from internal power-sources rather than having to manipulate the external environment’s pre-existing sound.

Aquakinesis, the ability to manipulate water, is an even more ancient power, being one of the Primordial Essences which form the foundation, alongside Fire, Earth, Air, Light and Shadow, of the (Essential) Universe. These are another gift attributed to them, however this gift comes directly from their relationship to the Living Sea, which serves as a patron to the species. Due to this generosity, their aquakinesis is not as powerful as their sonokinesis—it is instead Interactive, relying on external resources rather than internal resources. A notable exception would be the Oracle, Hitomi, whose Generative Aquakinesis only derives from the Chaotic implants placed in her body by her mother, the High King. (Of these experiments, each of the currently living Ametsuchi are victims, and have differing reactions; Kimiko has Chaotic Generative Aerokinesis, Hato has Chaotic Generative Phosphorokinesis, and so on and so forth. Nocturne’s ability to manipulate entropic forces and Chaos also stem from these, in part.)

They possess a higher level of strength, which does not rely on their Glamoured body but rather the size and capability of their true body, which can give them the appearance of possessing super-human strength for their stature. They are graceful, beautiful, and disarmingly so, which is a mental tactic that serves them well in combative and political situations equally well.

The Ametsuchi, due to their wavering numbers, are restricted to the capital of Izana, Yomi; known by some as the Cannibal City, others as the Half-Drowned City, and these are only the beginning of its ghoulish monikers. Their home is the Drowning Palace, a white shard that protrudes from the black abyss of the Living Sea like a jagged tooth, which hosts only their own kind, donors (temporarily), and the rare, honoured guest. Their existence is attached to the welfare of the surrounding country, whose lands are made fertile by the Living Sea, as once it had been barren. Only the historical sacrifice of a mortal woman, who would become the first Ametsuchi, cinched a union between the untouchable Living Sea and the Undanes who lived there. If the Ametsuchi were ever to perish, so would the landscape that hosts them.

As part of their symbiotic relationship with the Living Sea, Ametsuchi are removed from the life-death cycle naturally afforded to all living and unliving entities within the Essential Universe; their souls, rather than being re-shaped and re-distributed across the wide Cosmos, are instead given directly to the Living Sea for all eternity, preserving them in a state of half-life that, with the passing of time, becomes increasingly abstract. The dead are capable of being communicated with, but only the Oracle can do so; likewise, the Oracle, second only to the High King in the tiers of Ametsuchi noblesse, is the sole figure capable of communicating directly with the Living Sea. There is only one Oracle at any point, and as soon as one dies, the next is chosen from the ranks; usually the closest to being born, but the Living Sea can often be whimsical, and if their whims direct them so they may choose another. It is not unheard of for Ametsuchi rulers to deliberately manipulate circumstances to encourage an Oracle to be created in devotion to them; for example, Hitomi’s existence depended on the murder of the prior Oracle, Yumi, and was a deliberate move by the High King in order to assure total allegiance as the Oracle would be her eldest daughter, entirely subordinate and alienated from a world that would encourage her otherwise.

Culturally, they are revered and feared alike. This reverence assures their survival, as willing donors are plentiful; it is considered the greatest honour for those of Izana to devote their bodies to the conceptions of an Ametsuchi, despite the fact it guarantees their death. If not their bodies to conceive, then to satisfy: the Ametsuchis feed on creative energy, which includes the creation of life through fresh (often living) meat and sexual energy. There is an element of life or creative energy in everything, but in the aforementioned examples they are most prominent and thus most fulfilling. This is not to say there has never been a desire for revolt, but the Ametsuchi’s symbiotic relationship with the landscape often demotivates those with rage against their rulers. Instead, the rage is channelled into the cities, into the architecture, into the culture.

The history of the Ametsuchi are deep, rich and blood-soaked, as they like it. They are founded on a principal of sacrifice. They are objects of reverence and repulsion, inspiring legions of the devout. Nocturne is but a tiny part of a grander legacy, but not all legacies are born to last.

[bookdragonlibrary]

Second Friday YJ appreciation

1-3 ; 4-6 ; 7-9 ; 10-13 ; 14-16 ; 17 ; 18 ; 19 ; 20 ; 21 ; 22 ; 23 ; 24-26

—————————— Private security 

- Will has the dad belly! Lian is cuter and cuter! <3 (But it’s just me or she seems less Asian than in season 2? Where’s Jade?)

- Lucas Carr! :D (For those who don’t remember him, he appeared in the first YJ comic book and in season 2 when he teachs Gar at Mount Justice.)

-  Why Dr Jace stays at Luthor Grande Hotel, in Metropolis! 

- Bowhunter Security! With orignal Roy/Arsenal, clone Roy Will/Red Arrow and clone Jim Harper/Guardian (So if he’s Guardian again, what about Mal? He’s still a hero? Which one?) I love the dynamic of the Harper family and Roy calls Will bro!! He has finally dealt with his trauma (he seems to) and considers Will like he’s older brother! :3 

- Dick in a security costum! Just like in Titans with the policer costume. He has a new outfit every Friday! 

- “An old soul in an young body” Another clue for the Motherbox theory! So the first Halo is still alive inside or gone for good?

- Zatanna! TT.TT

- American genetically modified beef! xD

- Am I the only one who sees Jeff x Dr Jace miles away?

- “To the SUV!” My new war cry! 

- Now Brick has red skin, it means he activated his metagene. How did he get out of jail by the way?

- I love how they show the Prince’s not understanding. He asks questions instead of jugement and “it’s a machine. I don’t understand.” instead of “You’re dumb” or something.  

- I’m kind of afraid of Wolf sleeping. Don’t tell me he’s getting old and will die soon :( 

- All Halo knows from her post life is violence, torture and hatred. No wonder she doesn’t want to remember... 

- Don’t forget the clipboard! xD Will is more loyal to it than to his hat! 

- OMG! Giovanni aged so much in just 7-8 years! He’s what? Between only 40-50! Side effect of Dr Fate’s control?

-  “Wall” My heart, why? TT.TT So heartbreaking than Dick is too afraid to be part of a team because he lost Jason and Wally and Barbara gets injured.

- “I’m older than Jim.” So Jim was made after Will. interesting!

- Harper’s family business! Need more episodes with those 3!

- I really loves the humour in this episode! xD 

—————————— Away Mission

- Forager! Orion! Wait, what a bastard! :o 

- Gregor tries to protect his little twin brother and has compassion for the Quracis refugies. I love him! 

- Bear! Wait there’s a thing between him and Dreamer?! The notebook with the photos! The nostalgia!

- So the New Gods use metaslaves? O.o 

- Traci, Jaime and Bart! :D And Jaime finally talks! Now Scarab’s turn! “There’s no sound in space. The physics on the show is so messed up!” It’s Jaime or Scarab who speaks? Or Jaime took the comment habit of his bug friend? I definitely see Scarab saying something like that! xD So Traci watches the shw for the story or for Gar? “Hello Megan!” Their ringtone for the missions is the generic of this show! So cute! 

- Cassie and Tim have a conversation without yelling at each other. That’s an healthy relationship. So I hope they won’t break up :( “Awkward...” Sorry Virgil, you seem pretty alone :(  

- Jaime, why do you massage your side? Bart didn’t hit you that hard, did he? And he calls him amigo, sorry Bluepulse shippers... (Well, at least it isn’t hermano, so maybe Bart’s just pinning, whatever that means.) I was expected Scarab to yells “Incompatible!” to the boom tube... “Who watch the show for the physics? Who uses a boom tube for the physics?” I love the dynamic of this trio! And Traci is so adorable! Bart’s haircut changes every frame or what?

- “I hacked the Justice League’s computer!” That’s my boy! xD And G designation is for Grayson right?

- M’gann and Cassie are two mad girlfriends, poor guys (Jaime, Bart and Virgil) they didn’t do anything wrong :/ “Superoblivious!” xD 

- “Excuse me?” xD The Yj comic reference with Lucas Carr! Brion who wants to impress Halo.

- Even in bug form, M’gann is still white! :) It’s me or Blue just growls?

- Guys, stop stressing Brion, you gonna make him fail :( What did I say? —‘ “My trees” So Lucas Carr is a neightboor or something? “Excuse me?!” New color for Halo: Yellow is for attacking. I want to see what the green does!

- I love how M’gann put down her little brother like the older sister she is. So she used to hide behind a green form and her little brother behind a beast? You can see M’gann growth throught the comparison with her brother. “I have been dealing with the red and green oppression.” Wait, so there are red martians too? And is for Darkseid he made the bugs made at the New Gods? So they have less allies against him?

- Every metateens we saw so far doesn’t look human anymore. I don’t know if thee Light are doing that on purpose so we could not recognize them anymore or it’s because the forced evolution is too much for their body :(

- Is Halo healing herself like a reflexe or does Sphere help the processus to begin? Violet? That’s so cute! Wait, another supermartian parallel!

- Bart still has the same energy! (I hope this is not an act this time...) I love the Team dynamic: Virgil helping Cassie and thir hand five, Bart trying to stop the bugs from attacking Jaime, Cassie rescuing Jaime, Jaime helping Traci :3 The weapon has to be similar to Genesis tech to hurt Blue however...

- Baby martians look... cute? I think when he kills the green martian, it was on the mental plane and not a memory since he has that beast form. The nostalgia! Everyone is back in season 1 and with their season 1 version of themselves, except Artemis and... why do you have to bring Wally in every single damn episode?? Conner is M’gann shield! 

- And two more metateens dead TT.TT Wait, failsafe? Poor Forager! He just wants justice and kindness :( I love how Cassie and Jaime jump on his side and M’gann adds two arms to adapt to his appearance. I’m sure M’gann’brother made the green bug mad telepathically, because Mantis already knew Forager brought the Earthlings and Bear on New Genesis when he first stopped the bugs’ attack.

- I need more of the trio Traci/Jaime/Bart to see their friendship, Traci’s story. And more Cassie and Virgil screentime because we barely saw them in season 2 and in this episode :( 

- Why Blue seems so angry all the time? He had like one positive line in this episode. Is he still dealing with his trauma in season 2? Is he angry at himself? I don’t know if it’s anger, frustration or self-hatred :( I just want him to be happy after the nightmare in season 2 :( But I think it would be more human if he still has to deal with himself after being mindcontrolled for months... 

—————————— Rescue Op

- Black Spider and Terra. The goggles have to much screen time to not have an importance after. Who was Jackie? “All the bosses will be proud” So Shadows + Light + Darkseid?

- So Barbara is indeed in a wheelchair :( I love how she still can push Dick down :) And barbdick are a new couple :) We need another ship name, a more YJ like one :)

- The Outsiders trio is so cool! So Forager don’t use pronouns so much. So he’s a he, she or them? Wow, Halo knows a lot about New Genesis. Another clue for the Motherbox theory. M’gann is so done to explain she’s not a earthling: “I’m not from Earth” “I’m from Mars!” “Brion is the alien to Forager” this is so true. Thanks for putting this! I love how Brion is so enthousiastic to meet aliens :) He looks like a kid! So bioship is in a car camouflage. Maybe that’s why Halo hurt herself so bad :( Mars town xD “That’s what we were thinking too. We? Uh Me” (and Oracle xD) So is Tara controled, brainwashed, has her memories rewritten? Or is she willingly working for the Shadows?

- Why I think Forager x bioship will become a... ship? xD Like Will x clipboard xD

- Dick, if you don’t want them to go to the Shadows, why did you show Brion their localisation? --’

- Halo’s enthousiasm is so cute! Forager’s too! 

- Why it feels like Sensei is manipulating Brion with words just to make him mad? I’m sure he’s lying.

- Can we talk about Brion’s extreme reaction to Halo’s death? Parallel to Spitfire maybe? And can we please stop killing Halo? I know she will ressurect but it’s still painful :( 

- Why the ninja fighting style reminds me of Robin? Like an older Damian?

- It’s indeed Sphere who starts the healing processus. “Is Halo a new god?” Another clue for the theory?

- When Ra’s mention “the Detective”, Dick growls. Is he mad at Batman? Or at the comment? Ra’s isn’t with the Light and at the head of the Shadows anymore. So who? Sportmaster? Cheshire or Deathstroke would be good clues! Ra’s should be mad at Jade with how he said “Get out!”

- Talia with Damian? So who is... Jason?? An amnesic Jason. Ok. I’m fine. I just need to... WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT???? (I don’t like the deisgn of Talia which is too close from the animated movies: no bra is definitely not a good idea to fight and she looks too white for an Arabic person :/ Damian is ok I guess?) Do Ra’s want to “return” Jason when he will have his memories back or to use him against the batfamily? Jason should have been trained by Sensei for Dick to not recognize his fighting style.

- Brion really looks like Conner’s mentee with his clothes xD The parallel with the first trio (Robin, KF and Aqualad) Why are you breaking my heart like this? Except they did save Superboy when we don’t have intel of where Tara is :( Dick is still so sensitive when we talk about Wally :( And he looks so much like Batman now: same speech. Same situation, same result: another team is born! Poor Violet :( And the guy with the spiderweb tatoo could work with the Shadows? Or am I confusing with RWBY? xD 

3 episodes = 3 trio. I love it! :D I know we will have more scenes with the Outisders but I also need the other trios: more screetime with the Harperfamily (the bowfamily?) and the Team!  

I guess we will see the Batman Incorporation next week? Since we didn’t see them at all in 6 episodes. And more second season team would be great too, they only have one episode so far :( 

[djinmer4]

The Clone (Church AU)

Evan stopped crying when he heard the knock on his door.  As part of his recent ‘enlistment’ with the Church of Our Savior, Evan had been granted the rank of Acolyte and the right to a private cell rather than having to sleep in the dormitories with the lower level clergy.  This had proven a boon with all the shock and surprises that had been hitting him this past year.

He carefully scrubbed his eyes and washed his face in the basin of water on his night table.  “Come in.”

The door swung open and Abbess Pryde was standing there.  She looked at his red eyes and hesitated.  “Evan, I wanted to talk to you about today, but if you need some time alone, we can do this later or even tomorrow.”

“No, it’s fine Abbess.  I . . . I’d actually like to talk about today.”  Abbess Pryde was easy to talk to.  She was very approachable and actually listened to you.  Which is more than he could say for the man he spoke to today.

The abbess closed the door behind her and sat on the lone chair.  “I heard you had your career counsel meeting today.”

“Yeah, I did.  With Karcist-” Suddenly Evan remembered some of the rumors that surrounded the Abbess.  “Karcist Szardos.”

“And how did the interview go?”

“It was great.  Karcist Szardos was very supportive and had a lot of good ideas for my future in the Church.”  The older woman gave him a penetrating look.  Evan had the feeling she wasn’t buying his lies.

“Acolyte Genesis, would it help if I put this conversation under the seal of the confessional?  I can assure you that I won’t report what we say to the Karcist unless anything you tell me shows that you or someone else will be in imminent danger.”

Evan hesitated.  Everyone knew that the Abbess was the Karcist’s long-term mistress.  But the incident where he’d demanded that she reveal something told to her under the confessional seal and she’d refused was also pretty famous too.  He decided it was worth taking a shot.  He needed to talk to someone about this, if he bottled it up he might go insane.  The blue boy nodded.

“Alright then.  From here on out, everything you say will just be between you, me and God.  Unless you confess to planning to stab someone within the next week, okay?”

The weak joke managed to draw a smile from Evan.  Then he launched into his complaint.  “The Karcist was everything I said.  He had grand plans for my future, like me rising through the ranks to eventually become Pope.  Or joining the next crusade against the African Union or against Ultramar.  Or working on my powers to become the next Oracle of the Church.”

“And that’s not what you want.”

“No, it isn’t.  Up until a few months ago, I thought I was a normal kid in France with a normal future.  My parents did mention thinking that the Church was a good opportunity for me, but that was just one option.  And it wasn’t something I needed to do right away, I still had years before I had to make up my mind.  Now my parents are dead, I’m trapped here and all Karcist Szardos wants to do is push me into the spotlight!”  To his dismay, he was crying again and couldn’t seem to stop.

The abbess rubbed his back and whispered soothing words that he was in no condition to translate.  He didn’t know how long it took before he had cried himself out, but she stayed with him and didn’t complain when he sullied her habit with his tears and snot.  Once he had calmed down, she helped him wash his face and blow his nose.  She also took off her outer robe and draped it over a chair, revealing a far lusher figure than Evan had expected of such a respectable personage.

“I’m not surprised to hear that.  The Karcist is a very ambitious person, and that ambition tends to extend to his family and the people he likes, which includes you.”

“He doesn’t like me for me.  He likes the fact that his project to clone the Messiah was so successful.”

“That’s probably true.  But never the less, it does mean that he’s going to take a personal interest in your life here in the cloister.  However, you don’t have to take the paths he’s laid out for you if you want something different.  The Karcist is very hard to say no to, I should know from experience.  But it can be done, especially if other people, such as myself and Father Freedom Fighter, are willing to back you up.”

Evan thought about it.  “So that means I don’t have to do anything of those things if I hate them?”

“You don’t,” she agreed.  “Evan, I don’t think the Karcist really gave you any time to talk about your own goals.  Is there anything you really want to do in particular?  Or would you just like more time to consider it for now?”

“I don’t want to be like the original En Sabah Nur.  I know he was a hero, but I want to be my own person.”  After that statement though, his shoulders hunched in and Evan collapsed into himself.  “I don’t really know what I want, other than just to leave the Church and go home.”

She rubbed his back.  It wasn’t what his mother would have done but the sentiment was nice.  “I’m afraid that’s the one thing you can’t do.  The Church can do a lot of things but we can’t bring back the dead.  And I’m sure your parents wouldn’t want you to struggle alone during this.”

“But do I have to stay with the Church?  Here, everyone sees me as Genesis, the clone of the Messiah.  At least outside the cloister, people won’t have these grand expectations for me.”

“I can talk Kurt around many things but that’s the one thing he won’t budge on.  Evan, it would be better for you to try and find a role that suits you in the Church rather than leave.  That’s the one thing that’s guaranteed to bring the wrath of the entire Inquisition on you.”

“This place is like a prison.”

“I thought the exact same thing when I was your age.  Sometimes, I still do.”  She stood up.  Apparently, the conversation was over.  “You seem very tired.  If you want, I can have the cafeteria send up some food and you can take the evening off rather than having to face everyone at dinner.”

“Thank you, Abbess Pryde.  I really appreciate that.”

She hesitated.  “Is there anyone you want to talk to?  Or would you rather be alone.”

“Alone, please.”

“Alright then.  I’ll also talk to the Karcist.  We can table your career choice for another year and let you get used to things.  If you see anything you might want to consider, talk to me and I’ll arrange an internship for you.”  With that, she gathered her habit and swept out of the room.

Evan fell back on his bed.  She was right; he felt exhausted.  But lighter somehow.  Even if the Abbess couldn’t fix everything, just talking to her had eased some of the nervousness and fear that had been building.  He couldn’t imagine doing that with Karcist Nightcrawler.

Although he really wanted to ask her why she still felt the Church was a prison.

“-looked over his preliminary scores.  Genesis’s potential is off the charts.  Even if we never do this project again, just the possibilities that are open to him are astounding.”  Katie nodded, but let Kurt ramble on and on.  She was going to have to put a hard stop to his ideas but it was easier to do that if he’d had a chance to build all his castles in the air first.  This way she’d know what to look out for.

Warm velvet covered her naked back.  Three-fingered hands combed through her hair and then he kissed her on the lobe of her ear.  “I heard you had a chance to speak with Evan after my interview with him.  Did he tell you anything?  He was very quiet with me; I think he might have been overwhelmed.”

“He did.”  She rolled over in his embrace to look at him.  From the neck down, the years had been very kind to him.  At fifty-two, he had the body of a man two decades younger, still strong and flexible as ever.  Unfortunately, his hair and turned completely white and his craggy features and thin face added a decade to his appearance.  Still, Katie knew there were hundreds of women, both within the veil and outside it, who would do anything to be in her position.  “I think your right.  He said he found you intimidating.”

Kurt scoffed.  “Please, I crumple whenever our kids cry over anything.  If it wasn��t for you, they’d be completely spoiled.”

“They’re afraid of disappointing you.  And Evan doesn’t know you at all, so there’s that.”

The Karcist sighed.  “I’m sorry his transition was so traumatic.  The original idea was for him to grow up with Fantomex and Betsy as a normal child, then induct him into the church at sixteen.  Those terrorists put paid to that plan and it’s just not safe for him outside the cloister anymore.”

“That’s the fault of those ‘Friends of Humanity’ terrorists and the blame lies on them, not you or anyone else in the Church.”

“I know.”  The conversation paused then resumed.  “Did he tell you anything else?”

“You do know that most of what we said was under the seal of confession.”  Kurt clicked his tongue against his fangs.  “Not again!  Can’t you at least give me some hints?”

“Some, maybe.  We really scheduled this too early.  He hasn’t adapted to his new environment yet and is really not in any shape to be making career decisions.”

“Es tut mir lied.  But it’s hard to get away from London.  If I didn’t come now, I probably wouldn’t be able to get away for another year.  And he wasn’t the only reason I came.  I desperately wanted to see you again.  Are you sure you don’t want to join my entourage in London?”

She gently stroked his fur, going with the grain.  “I like my role here.  I don’t think I’d like any job that you could give me in London.  Save those positions for Nocturne and Eidelweiss.  And maybe Theodore when he gets old enough.”

The indigo man sighed but didn’t argue.  They’d fought about it before and the pain of that initial separation still hurt.  “Anyway, it’s fine.  I think it will take another year before Evan’s fully settled in.  You can come back then and discuss it some more.”

“But did he like any of my ideas?  I couldn’t tell if he actually thought they were good or if he was just humoring me.”

“Honestly, I think they didn’t fit him very well.  He didn’t raise any specific objections but he seems to find the spotlight very stressful.  He may change his mind in a year but for now, it might be better to expose him to quieter, less people-oriented fields.  Archiving and library services come to mind.”

“Another one for your IT then.  I can’t say I’m not disappointed but if that’s what he wants, we can accommodate that.”

“Now don’t be that way.  You’ve picked out plenty of good people over the years.  Bogatir is now the premier painter of the Church, a modern day Michaelangelo.  And Bluebelle is rapidly rising through the ranks too.  If she was outside the veil, she’d be a rock star of some sort.”

“I don’t think it matches the number of underachievers I’ve also tried to encourage.  Nocturne doesn’t seem to want to move beyond being someone’s assistant.  Damien could do great things against Ultramar, but chooses to stay on the Southern Front instead.  I thought Michael was ambitious like me, but after he fathered his five children, he’s stayed here as the head of St. Xavier’s IT.  I mean, I’m glad they’re all happy with the lives they’ve chosen, but it seems odd that they’re satisfied with what they have when they could have been so much more.”

“Are you including me in that category?”

He winced.  “Maybe?  I dreamed that you’d be right beside me while I climbed the ranks of Hierarchy.  Now I’m a Karcist and head of the Inquisition and one of the top five most powerful people in the Church.  And your still here at St. Xavier’s.”

“Kurt . . . “ He never did seem to understand why so many of his proteges and children preferred to stay in the background.  She stretched up to kiss him and end the argument.  Fighting about it wouldn’t help her get Evan what he wanted.  “You just have the bad luck to be surrounded by introverts, that’s all.  Besides, Theodore might follow in your footsteps still.”  She didn’t mention that many of them were like that because of him.  He wouldn’t believe her anyway.

“I suppose.  But back to Evan.  I can come back in a year to interview him again after you think he’s settled down.  Were there any paths he wanted to know more about?”

“Not really.  He hadn’t thought that far ahead yet.  All he really wanted to do was go home.”  Kurt stilled, and she realized she had spoken one sentence too many.

“The Council of Karcists will not approve of the Second Coming of our Lord choosing to leave the institute that he founded.  Now that we’ve seen that En Nur Sabah can be successfully cloned, we don’t need to force Evan to any particular path.  But he will remain within the cloister, one way or another.”  It was chilling how calm he was about the whole thing.

Katie tried to backtrack.  “He didn’t mean it like that, Kurt.  It was just that he misses his parents very much and wishes he could see them again.”

“Oh, that’s more understandable.”  The chill in the room dispersed and she felt like she could breathe again.  “I don’t actually miss Margali or Stefan or Jimaine that much but I remember how hard Talia took Wanda’s leaving and how homesick you were for the first year.”  He pulled her close and rested his head on her curls.  “In fact, maybe we should reach out to him in a greater manner.  You can do a great deal as the Abbess, but I’d be able to intervene a bit more if we actually adopted Evan.  Do you think he would like that?”

Katie was pretty sure that Evan would find that idea horrifying but that would not be the right thing to say at this point.  “I’ll bring it up with him.”

“Hmm.”  Kurt’s breathing deepened as he drifted off to sleep.  But Katie was awake long after that, thinking . . . doubting . . . 

[komorybatz]

Okay I've had some sleep and I've been up playing this game for an hour now, so I have more thoughts about this and maybe some of them will be coherent! (Keep in mind this is from someone who's only played the game, I haven't gotten to actually read the relevant comics for Arkham Knight or Arkham Knight Genesis yet!)

Jason in this series is exactly what I think Jason had the potential to be from the moment he was revived, whether you apply it to being good or bad.

He's incredibly intelligent, which makes sense, given that almost if not all the Robin's are considered to be geniuses. It takes tact to command an entire militia, to string together such an elaborate plan and keep it together even as pieces start falling.

He knows Batman's techniques like the back of his hand, and uses that to his advantage. (I.e "mine the vantage points", "he's picking you off one by one, work in pairs", giving each team a medic and often times someone that jams Batman's radar for being able to see everyone in an area, etc)

Even when you obtain a new skill as Batman in-game, he adapts quickly. (See using the voice synth device, to which he responds, "haha okay so you've learned a few new tricks, he's mimicking me voice, switch channels!")

Seriously the adaptability isn't downplayed for the sake of making Bruce out to be better than him. Bruce fucks something up? Destroys my initial idea? Cool, let's change the game plan and hit him back harder immediately so he doesn't have time to prepare.

The entire car-chase where he's acting like he's in the vehicle, but really he's not anywhere near it. He's just a really fucking good actor, and it had Bruce believing it.

His ability to strike fear into people to make them spring into action shouldn't be glossed over. He's a threat. He's a threat, and he knows it, and he knows that using that power can get him just as far as it can get Batman (and then some). After all, he learned from the best, didn't he?

He's cocky. He's good, and he knows it. He knows he has the manpower to hold Batman off, knows he could kill him, but because there's a bigger plan at play, he can't yet. But he knows the longer he waits, the harder it'll be to kill him because Bruce will have a counter. (See him throwing a small tantrum when Scarecrow tells him he can't kill Batman yet)

The thing is, Jason also makes mistakes. Which is realistic, when you consider he's very much operating off of anger channeled into acts of violence and a desire to see Batman suffer. It's a different kind of hurt than people usually portray, but it's very similar to the hurt we see during UtRH, except taken to the extreme and I fucking love it.

The best example of his mistakes I can think of right now is during the sequence where he kidnaps Oracle, and he somehow doesn't think that she'd leave something in the area for Bruce as a clue. He knows her, he knows she's smarter than that. But it doesn't occur to him, because he's so focused on his goal and what will cause Bruce the most frustration and hurt, and thus leaves room for a mistake that causes problems down the line.

Even so, he operates around that mistake because he adapts! He fucked up, but he makes up for it by preparing for later! And this is one of those things about Jason that's universal; this man is and always will (and should!) be adaptable as fuck. Remember, this is a kid that grew up in survival mode, where failing to adapt would only cause you pain. Adaptability is the name of the game, and Jason is the one holding the championship belt.

I'm probably missing a lot of plot points, but for now I think this covers a lot of ground. I'm currently replaying AK, so I'm bound to have more thoughts as I replay it! But if you guys have got anything else, feel free to add on!

Nah because like? I love Arkham Knight Jason. I love him. I love his anger, his snark, his intelligence not being compromised, his skill not being diminished! I loved seeing it, I loved watching him overpower and outsmart Bruce, loved seeing him put actual pressure on the bat, and the fact that it actually stressed Bruce out a lot more than scarecrow did in that series? With the literal whole of Gotham on the line?? Immaculate.

I can't express accurately just how much that scratches a very specific itch in my brain.

(Also his look Deliberately Mocking Batman?? Beautiful. Absolutely glorious.)

[gentechlabs]

Welcome to Genesis Research Labs. Please input username and password.

USERNAME

ppds001-748

PASSWORD

**********

“Welcome, Research Head of the JDS project. Input command.

>print(project_Alpha)

CHECKING USER ppds001-748 ACCESSES

ACCESS GRANTED

PROJECT_Alpha

Name: Shaw, Henry

D.o.B: June, 20th, 1927

Place of Birth: Unknown

Date of Capture: January 15th, 1992

{Alpha willingly joined under the condition that none of their - his, as Maverick, the Head of Security, insists - friends aren’t hurt unless absolutely necessary, and even then, all tests must be done in his presence, and with their strict approval. In addition, they were to be treated as humans and given proper, working accommodations for the duration of the securement.}

Place of Capture Securement: Detroit, Michigan

Threat Level: Extreme

[None-Low with Oracle and Lazarus, Low with Uriel, Medium-High with Samael]

Related Projects: Project_Samael; Project_Lupus; Project-Phoenix; ppds_Creator; ppds_CreatorII

NOTES: Alpha had shown the ability to manipulate the substance classified as [cds_ink] after previous repeated and likely prolonged exposure. This ability extends from the very substance itself to other beings infected with it, However, the manipulation of [cds_ink] only allows formation of solid objects which can then be made semi to fully sentient, depending upon Alpha’s desires. In addition, signs of rapid healing has been shown as well as nigh immortality when in range of Samael or [jds-b].

Alpha currently has the perfect physical appearance of a male, between the ages of 25 and 30. Additionally, Alpha’s physical condition is currently at its best. However, this was not Alpha’s appearance or condition upon arrival to the Lab. It is believed that Alpha’s change in appearance and condition is caused due to his body’s adaptation to [cds_ink], thus restoring Alpha to the peak of his prime.

While not necessary, visits with Oracle and/or Lazarus has shown to greatly improve Alpha’s mood, often to the point of all three leaving in rather high spirits. While it has been recorded that Alpha has directly caused physical changes in Oracle and Lazarus (as well as changes in Samael and Lupus and minor changes in Uriel), he outright refuses to exert any form of physical manipulation on them unless given express permission to do so.

While Alpha does react differently with who he visits, he is fiercely protective of them all, nearly bordering on overprotectiveness when concerning Lazarus, Samael and Lupus. While Samael seems extremely reluctant and saddened around Alpha, it hasn’t stopped Alpha from repeated, often frequently in a single day, forgiving and tugging Samael into an embrace. Additionally, aa protective as he also is with Uriel and Oracle, Alpha seems to trust them with the ability to protect themselves, though this seems to not extend to Lazarus despite his own abilities. This may be caused due to fear of a repeat of [case_jdslXXX] happening again. Any time the case is brought up around him, Alpha becomes immensely distraught.

Alpha is currently the only one allowed to leave the Labs without Maverick accompanying him or without any special equipment. Alpha has also agreed to limit any use of his abilities, as far as he is aware of. Alpha is only permitted the use of his manipulation in order to alter his appearance as to not draw attention and must also carry one of Maverick’s locators for emergency use.

Entry 001-812-2:

Alpha, though accepting of Siren, proves to be cautious around her, especially when aggressive. It may be due to some unknown connection between Alpha and Siren but it is best of all parties to not ask either of them about the incident. Siren has, in fact, apologized already.

[pamphletstoinspire]

Gospel Reading and Commentary for December 17th - Third Monday of Advent - Roman Catholic -Matthew: 1: 1 - 17

Ver. 1. The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.

Jerome, Ez, i. 5. Hier. Prolog. in Com. in Matt.: ‘The face of a man’ (in Ezekiel’s vision) signifies Matthew, who accordingly opens his Gospel with the human genealogy of Christ.

Rabanus: By this exordium he shews that it is the birth of Christ according to the flesh that he has undertaken to narrate.

Pseudo-Chrys., Hom. in Matt., Hom. i: Matthew wrote for the Jews, and in Hebrew [ed. note: It seems to be the general witness of antiquity that there was a Hebrew copy of St. Matthew’s Gospel, whether written before or after the Greek. This Hebrew copy was interpolated by the Ebionites.]; to them it was unnecessary to explain the divinity which they recognized; but necessary to unfold the mystery of the Incarnation. John wrote in Greek for the Gentiles who knew nothing of a Son of God. They required therefore to be told first, that the Son of God was God, then that this Deity was incarnate.

Rabanus: Though the genealogy occupies only a small part of the volume, he yet begins thus, “The book of the generation.” For it is the manner of the Hebrews to name their books from that with which they open; as Genesis.

Gloss. Ordinaria: The full expression would be “This is the book of the generation;” but this is a usual ellipse; e.g. “The vision of Isaiah,” for, ‘This is the vision.’

“Generation,” he says in the singular number, though there be many here given in succession, as it is for the sake of the one generation of Christ that the rest are here introduced.

Chrys., Hom. in Matt., Hom. ii: Or he therefore entitles it, “The book of the generation,” because this is the sum of the whole dispensation, the root of all its blessings; viz. [p. 10] that God become man; for this once effected, all other things followed of course.

Rabanus: He says, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ,” because he knew it was written, ‘The book of the generation of Adam.’ He begins thus then, that he may oppose book to book, the new Adam to the old Adam, for by the one were all things restored which had been corrupted by the other.

Jerome, Hier. Comm. in Matt., ch. 1: We read in Isaiah, “Who shall declare His generation?” [Isa 53:8] But it does not follow that the Evangelist contradicts the Prophet, or undertakes what he declares impossible; for Isaiah is speaking of the generation of the Divine nature; St. Matthew of the incarnation of the human.

Chrys.: And do not consider this genealogy a small thing to hear: for truly it is a marvellous thing that God should descend to be born of a woman, and to have as His ancestors David and Abraham.

Remigius: Though any affirm that the prophet (Isaiah) does speak of His human generation, we need not answer to his enquiry, “Who shall declare it?” - “No man;” but, “Very few;” because Matthew and Luke have.

Rabanus: By saying, “of Jesus Christ,” he expresses both the kingly and priestly office to be in Him, for Jesus, who first bore this name, was after Moses, the first who was leader of the children of Israel; and Aaron, anointed by the mystical ointment, was the first priest under the Law.

Hilary, Quaest. Nov. et Vet. Test. q. 40: What God conferred on those, who, by the anointing of oil were consecrated as kings or priests, this the Holy Spirit conferred on the Man Christ; adding moreover a purification. The Holy Spirit cleansed that which taken of the Virgin Mary was exalted into the Body of the Saviour, and this is that anointing of the Body of the Saviour’s flesh whence He was called Christ.

[ed. note: This passage is from a work commonly ascribed to Hilary the Deacon. The Fathers bear out its doctrine; e.g. “Since the flesh is not holy in itself, therefore it was sanctified even in Christ, the Word which dwelt in it, through the Holy Ghost, sanctifying His own Temple, and changing it into the energy of His own Nature. For therefore is Christ’s Body understood to be both holy and hallowing, as being made a Temple of the Word united to it bodily, as Paul says.” Cyril Alex. lib. v. in Joann. p. 992.

In like manner, Gregory of Nazianzus speaks of “The Father of the True and really Anointed (Christ), whom He has anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows, anointing the manhood with the Godhead, so as to make both one.” Orat. 5. fin]

Because the impious craft of the Jews denied that Jesus was born of the seed of David, he adds, “The son of David, the son of Abraham.” [p. 11]

Chrys.: But why would it not have been enough to name one of them, David alone, or Abraham alone? Because the promise had been made to both of Christ to be born of their seed. To Abraham, “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” [Gen 22:18] To David, “Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy seat.” [Ps 137:11]

He therefore calls Christ the Son of both, to shew that in Him was fulfilled the promise to both. Also because Christ was to have three dignities; King, Prophet, Priest; but Abraham was prophet and priest; priest, as God says to him in Genesis, “Take an heifer;” [Gen 15:9] Prophet, as the Lord said to Abimelech concerning him, “He is a prophet, and shall pray for thee.” [Gen 20:7] David was king and prophet, but not priest.

Thus He is expressly called the son of both, that the threefold dignity of His forefathers might be recognized by hereditary right in Christ.

Ambrose, in Luc. iii: He therefore names specially two authors of His birth - one who received the promise concerning the kindreds of the people, the other who obtained the oracle concerning the generation of Christ; and though he is later in order of succession is yet first named, inasmuch as it is greater to have received the promise concerning Christ than concerning the Church, which is through Christ; for greater is He who saves than that which is saved.

Jerome: The order of the names is inverted, but of necessity; for had he written Abraham first, and David afterwards, he would have to repeat Abraham again to preserve the series of the genealogy.

Pseudo-Chrys.: Another reason is that royal dignity is above natural, though Abraham was first in time, yet David is honour.

Gloss.: But since from this title it appears that the whole book is concerning Jesus Christ, it is necessary first to know what we must think concerning Him; for so shall be better explained what this book relates of Him.

Aug., de Haer, et 10: Cerinthus then and Ebion made Jesus Christ only man; Paul of Samosata, following them, asserted Christ not to have had an existence from eternity, but to have begun to be from His birth of the Virgin Mary; he also thought Him nothing more than man. This heresy was afterwards confirmed by Photinus.

Pseudo-Athan., Vigil. Tapsens. (Athan. Ed. Ben., vol ii, p. 646): The Apostle John, seeing long before by the Holy Spirit this man’s madness, rouses him from his deep sleep of error by the preaching of his voice, saying, “In the beginning was the [p. 12] Word.” [John 1:1]

He therefore, who in the beginning was with God, could not in this last time take the beginning of His being from man. He says further, (let Photinus hear his words,) “Father, glorify Me with that glory which I had with Thee before the world was.” [John 17:5]

Aug., de Haeres. 19: The error of Nestorius was, that he taught that a man only was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom the Word of God received not into Unity of person and inseparable fellowship; a doctrine which Catholic ears could not endure.

Cyril of Alexandria, Ep. i. ad Monachos Egypti.: Saith the Apostle of the Only-begotten, “Who being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with God.” [Phil 2:6]

Who then is this who is in the form of God? or how emptied He Himself, and humbled Himself to the likeness of man? If the abovementioned heretics dividing Christ into two parts, i.e. the Man and the Word, affirm that it was the Man that was emptied of glory, they must first shew what form and equality with the Father are understood to be, and did exist, which might suffer any manner of emptying.

But there is no creature, in its own proper nature, equal with the Father; how then can any creature be said to be emptied? or from what eminence to descend to become man? Or how can he be understood to have taken upon Him, as though He had not at first, the form of a servant?

But, they say, the Word being equal with the Father dwelt in Man born of a woman, and this is the emptying. I hear the Son truly saying to the Holy Apostles, “If any man love Me, he will keep My saying, and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.” [John 14:23]

Hear how He saith that He and the Father will dwell in them that love Him. Do you then suppose that we shall grant that He is there emptied of His glory, and has taken upon Him the form of a servant, when He makes His abode in the hearts of them that love Him? Or the Holy Spirit, does He fulfil an assumption of human flesh when He dwells in our hearts?

Isidore, Epist. lib. iv. 166: But not to mention all arguments, let us bring forward that one to which all arguments point, that, for one who was God to assume a lowly guise both has an obvious use, and is an adaptation and in nothing contradicts the course of nature. But for one who is man to speak things divine and supernatural is the highest presumption; for though a king may [p. 13] humble himself a common soldier may not take on him the state of an emperor. So, if He were God made man, all lowly things have place; but if mere man, high things have none.

Aug., de Haeres. 41: Sabellius they say was a disciple of Noctus, who taught that the same Christ was one and the same Father and Holy Spirit.

Pseudo-Athan., Vigil. Tapsens. (ibid. p. 644): The audaciousness of this most insane error I will curb by the authority of the heavenly testimonies, and demonstrate the distinct personality of the proper substance of the Son. I shall not produce things which are liable to be explained away as agreeable to the assumption of human nature; but shall offer such passages as all will allow to be decisive in proof of His divine nature.

In Genesis we find God saying, “Let Us make man in Our own Image.” By this plural number shewing, that there was some other person to whom He spoke. Had He been one, He would have been said to have made Him in His own Image, but there is another; and He is said to have made man in the Image of that other.

Gloss.: Other denied the reality of Christ’s human nature. Valentinus said that Christ sent from the Father, carried about a spiritual or celestial body, and took nothing of the Virgin, but passed through her as through a channel, taking nothing of her flesh. But we do not therefore believe Him to have been born of the Virgin, because by no other means He could have truly lived in the flesh, and appeared among men; but because it is so written in the Scripture, which if we believe not we cannot either be Christians, or be saved.

But even a body taken of spiritual, or ethereal, or clayey substance, had He willed to change into the true and very quality of human flesh, who will deny His power to do this? The Manichaeans said that the Lord Jesus Christ was a phantasm, and could not be born of the womb of a woman. But if the body of Christ was a phantasm, He was a deceiver, and if a deceiver, then He was not the truth. But Christ is the Truth; therefore His Body was not a phantasm.

Gloss.: And as the opening both of this Gospel, and of that according to Luke, manifestly proves Christ’s birth of a woman, and hence His real humanity, they reject the beginning of both these Gospels.

Aug., cont. Faust, ii, 1: Faustus affirms, that “the Gospel both begins, and begins to be so called, from the preaching of [p. 14] Christ, in which He no where affirms Himself to have been born of men. [ed. note: The Ebionites, as well as the Manichees, rejected the beginning of St. Matthew, vid. Epiphan. II arr. xxx. 23. And the Marcionites the beginning of St. Luke. Epiph. Haer. xlii, 11. But what exact portion they rejected is doubtful.]

Nay, so far is this genealogy from being part of the Gospel, that the writer does not venture so to entitle it; beginning, ‘The book of the generation,’ not ‘The book of the Gospel.’ Mark again, who cared not to write of the generation, but only of the preaching of the Son of God, which is properly The Gospel, begins thus accordingly, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.” Thus then, all that we read in Matthew before the words, “Jesus began to preach the Gospel of the kingdom,” [Matt 4:!4] is a part of the genealogy, not of the Gospel. I therefore betook myself to Mark and John, with whose prefaces I had good reason to be satisfied, as they introduce neither David, nor Mary, nor Joseph.”

To which Augustine replies, What will he say then to the Apostle’s words, “Remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ of the seed of David according to my Gospel.” [2 Tim 2:8] But the Gospel of the Apostle Paul was likewise that of the other Apostles, and of all the faithful, as he says, “Whether I, or they, thus have we preached the Gospel.”

Aug., de Haer., 49: The Arians will not have the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to be of one and the same substance, nature, and existence; but that the Son is a creature of the Father, and Holy Spirit a creature of a creature, i.e. created by the Son; further, they think that Christ took the flesh without a soul.

But John declares the Son to be not only God, but even of the same substance as the Father; [margin note: ref Id. de Trin. i. 6] for when he had said, “The Word was God,” he added, “all things were made by Him;” whence it is clear that He was not made by Whom all things were made; and if not made, then not created; and therefore of one substance with the Father, for all that is not of one substance with the Father is creature.

I know not what benefit the person of the Mediator has conferred upon us, if He redeemed not our better part, but took upon Him our flesh only, which without the soul cannot have consciousness of the benefit. But if Christ came to save that which had perished, [p. 15] the whole man had perished, and therefore needs a Saviour; Christ then in coming saves the whole man, taking on Him both soul and body.

How too do they answer innumerable objections from the Gospel Scriptures, in which the Lord speaks so many things manifestly contrary to them? as is that, “My soul is sorrowful even unto death,” [Matt 26:38] and, “I have power to lay down My life;” [John 10:18] and many more things of the like kind.

Should they say that He spoke thus in parables, we have at hand proofs from the Evangelists themselves, who in relating His actions, bear witness as to the reality of His body, so of His soul, by mention of passions which cannot be without a soul; as when they say, “Jesus wondered, was angry,” and others of like kind.

The Apollinarians also as the Arians affirmed that Christ had taken the human flesh without the soul [margin note: Id. de Haeres. 55]. But overthrown on this point by the weight of Scripture proof, they then said that part which is the rational soul of man was wanting to the soul of Christ, and that its place was filled by the Word itself.

But if it be so, then we must believe that the Word of God took on Him the nature of some brute with a human shape and appearance. But even concerning the nature of Christ’s body, there are some who have so far swerved from the right faith, as to say, that the flesh and the Word were of one and the same substance, most perversely insisting on that expression, The Word was made flesh; which they interpret that some portion of the Word was changed into flesh, not that He took to Him flesh of the flesh of the Virgin.

[ed. note: Some of the Apollinarians thus hold. vid. Nyssen. vol. ii, p. 694. A.Theodor. Eranist. p. 174. ed. Schulz. The same doctrine was afterwards ascribed to the Eutychians, vid. Vigil. Taps. in Eutych. iv. Theod. Haer. iv. 13]

Cyril, Ep. ad Joan. Antioch. tom. 6, Ep. 107: We account those persons mad who have suspected that so much as the shadow of change could take place in the nature of the Divine Word; it abides what it ever was, neither is nor can be changed.

Leo, Epist. 59, ad Const.: We do not speak of Christ as man in such a sort as to allow that any thing was wanting to Him, which it is certain pertains to human nature, whether soul, or rational mind, or flesh, and flesh such as was taken of the Woman, not gained by a change or conversion of the Word into flesh.

These three several errors, that thrice false heresy of the Apollinarists has brought forward. Eutyches also chose out this third dogma of Apollinaris, which denying [p. 16] the verity of the human body and soul, maintained that our Lord Jesus Christ was wholly and entirely of one nature, as though the Divine Word had changed itself into flesh and soul, and as though the conception, birth, growth, and such like, had been undergone by that Divine Essence, which was incapable of any such changes with the very and true flesh; for such as is the nature of the Only-begotten, such is the nature of the Father, and such is the nature of the Holy Ghost, both impassible and eternal.

But if to avoid being driven to the conclusion that the Godhead could feel suffering and death, he departs from the corruption of Apollinaris, and should still dare to affirm the nature of the incarnate Word, that is of the Word and the flesh, to be the same, he clearly falls into the insane notions of Manichaeus and Marcion, and believes that the Lord Jesus Christ did all His actions with a false appearance, that His body was not a human body, but a phantasm, which imposed on the eyes of the beholders.

But what Eutyches ventured [margin note: Id. Ep. 35 ad Julian] to pronounce as an episcopal decision, that in Christ before His incarnation were two natures, but after His incarnation only one, it behoved that he should have been urgently pressed to give the reason of this his belief.

I suppose that in using such language he supposed the soul which the Saviour took, to have had its abode in heaven before it was born of the Virgin Mary [ed. note, e: This opinion, which involves Nestorianism, the opposite error to Eutychianism or Monophysitism, is imputed to Eutyches by Flavian, ap. Leon. Ep. xxii. 3. Ephraem, Antioch, ap Phot. p. 805. Leont. de Sectis 7 init].

This Catholic hearts and ears endure not, for that the Lord when He came down from heaven shewed nothing of the condition of human nature, nor did He take on Him any soul that had existed before, nor any flesh that was not taken of the flesh of His mother. Thus what was justly condemned in Origen [ed. note, f: Vid. Origen in Joan. t. i. n. 37. t. xx. n. 17. Patriarch. ii. 6. n. 4. ix. Cels. i. 32, 33], must needs be rebuked in Eutyches, to wit, that our souls before they were placed in our bodies had actions not only wonderful but various.

Remig: These heresies therefore the Apostles overthrow in the opening of their Gospels, as Matthew in relating how He derived His descent from the kings of the Jews proves Him to have been truly man and to have had true flesh.

Likewise Luke, when he [p. 17] describes the priestly stock and person; Mark when he says, “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God;” and John when he says, “In the beginning was the Word;” both shew Him to have been before all ages God, with God the Father.

2. Abraham began Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren.

Aug., de Con. Evan., ii, 1: Matthew, by beginning with Christ’s genealogy, shews that he has undertaken to relate Christ’s birth according to the flesh. But Luke, as rather describing Him as a Priest for the atonement of sin, gives Christ’s genealogy not in the beginning of his Gospel, but at His baptism, when John bare that testimony, “Lo, He that taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29]

In the genealogy of Matthew is figured to us the taking on Him of our sins by the Lord Christ: in the genealogy of Luke, the taking away of our sins by the same; hence Matthew gives them in a descending, Luke in an ascending, series. But Matthew, describing Christ’s human generation in descending order, begins his enumeration with Abraham.

Ambrose, in Luc. cap. 3. lib. iii. n. 7,8: For Abraham was the first who deserved the witness of faith; “He believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” It behoved therefore that he should be set forth as the first in the line of descent, who was the first to deserve the promise of the restoration of the Church, “In thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” And it is again brought to a period in David, for that Jesus should be called his Son; hence to him is preserved the privilege, that from him should come the beginning of the Lord’s genealogy.

Chrys., Hom. iii, and Aug. City of God, 15, 15: Matthew then, desiring to preserve in memory the lineage of the Lord’s humanity through the succession of His parents, begins with Abraham, saying, “Abraham begat Isaac.” Why does he not mention Ismael, his first-born? And again, “Isaac began Jacob;” why does he not speak of Esau his first-born? Because through them he could not have come down to David.

Gloss.: Yet he names all the brethren of Judah with him in the lineage. Ismael and Esau had not remained in the worship of the true God; but the brethren of Judah were reckoned in God’s people. [p. 18]

Chrys., Hom. iii: Or, he names all the twelve Patriarchs that he may lower that pride which is drawn from a line of noble ancestry. For many of these were born of maidservants, and yet were Patriarchs and heads of tribes.

Gloss: But Judah is the only one mentioned by name, and that because the Lord was descended from him only. But in each of the Patriarchs we must note not their history only, but the allegorical and moral meaning to be drawn from them; allegory, in seeing whom each of the Fathers foreshewed; moral instruction in that through each one of the Fathers some virtue may be edified in us either through the signification of his name, or through his example.

[ed. note: Origen considered that there were three senses of Scripture, the literal or historical, the moral, and the mystical or spiritual, corresponding to the three parts of man, body, and soul, and spirit. Hom. in Lev. ii, 5, de Princio iv, p. 168. By the moral sense is meant, as the name implies, a practical application of the text; by mystical one which interprets it of the invisible and the spiritual world.]

Abraham is in many respects a figure of Christ, and chiefly in his name, which is interpreted the Father of many nations, and Christ is Father of many believers. Abraham moreover went out from his own kindred, and abode in a strange land; in like manner Christ, leaving the Jewish nation, went by His preachers throughout the Gentiles.

Pseudo-Chys.: Isaac is interpreted, ‘laughter,’ but the laughter of the saints is not the foolish convulsion of the lips, but the rational joy of the heart, which was the mystery of Christ. For as he was granted to his parents in their extreme age to their great joy, that it might be known that he was not the child of nature, but of grace, thus Christ also in this last time came of a Jewish mother to be the joy of the whole earth; the one of a virgin, the other of a woman past the age, both contrary to the expectation of nature.

Remig.: Jacob is interpreted, ‘supplanter,’ and it is said of Christ, “Thou hast cast down beneath Me them that rose up against Me.” [Ps 18:43]

Pseudo-Chrys.: Our Jacob in like manner begot the twelve Apostles in the Spirit, not in the flesh; in word, not in blood. Judah is interpreted, ‘confessor,’ for he was a type of Christ who was to be the confessor of His Father, as He spake, “I confess to Thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.”

Gloss: Morally; Abraham signifies to us the virtue of faith in Christ, as an example himself, as it [p. 19] is said of him, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto Him for righteousness.” Isaac may represent hope; for Isaac is interpreted, ‘laughter,’ as he was the joy of his parents; and hope is our joy, making us to hope for eternal blessings and to joy in them. “Abraham begat Isaac,” and faith begets hope. Jacob signifies, ‘love,’ for love embraces two lives; active in the love of our neighbour, contemplative in the love of God; the active is signified by Leah, the contemplative by Rachel. For Leah is interpreted ‘labouring,’ [ed. note, h: Leah full of labour, Jerom. de nomin. Hebr. from לאה, to weary one’s self.] for she is active in labour; Rachel ‘having seen the beginning,’ [ed. note, i: Rachel, in ewe, (as Gen. xxxi, 38, &c.) Jerom. ibid. who also gives the interpretation in the text, from ראה and חלל (החלה beginning.] because by the contemplative, the beginning, that is God, is seen. Jacob is born of two parents, as love is born of faith and hope; for what we believe, we both hope for and love.

3-6. And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; and Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; and Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; and Jesse begat David the king.

Gloss: Passing over the other sons of Jacob, the Evangelist follows the family of Judah, saying, “But Judah begat Phares and Zara of Thamar.”

Augustine, City of God, 15, 15: Neither was Judah himself first-born, nor of these two sons was either his first-born; he had already had three before them. So that he keeps in that line of descent, by which he shall arrive at David, and from him whither he purposed.

Jerome: It should be noted, that none of the holy women are taken into the Saviour’s genealogy, but rather such as Scripture has condemned, that He who came for sinners being born of sinners might so put away the sins of all; thus Ruth the Moabitess follows among the rest.

Ambrose, in Luc. 3: But Luke has avoided the mention of these, that he might set forth the series of the priestly race immaculate. But the plan of St. Matthew did not exclude the [p. 20] righteousness of natural reason; for when he wrote in his Gospel, that He who should take on Him the sins of all, was born in the flesh, was subject to wrongs and pain, he did not think it any detraction from His holiness that He did not refuse the further humiliation of a sinful parentage.

Nor, again, would it shame the Church to be gathered from among sinners, when the Lord Himself was born of sinners; and, lastly, that the benefits of redemption might have their beginning with His own forefathers: and that none might imagine that a stain in their blood was any hindrance to virtue, nor again any pride themselves insolently on nobility of birth.

Chrys.: Besides this, it shews that all are equally liable to sin; for here is Thamar accusing Judah of incest, and David begat Solomon with a woman with whom he had committed adultery. But if the Law was not fulfilled by these great ones, neither could it be by their less great posterity, and so all have sinned, and the presence of Christ is become necessary.

Ambrose: Observe that Matthew does not name both without a meaning; for though the object of his writing only required the mention of Phares, yet in the twins a mystery is signified; namely, the double life of the nations, one by the Law, the other by Faith.

Pseudo-Chys.: By Zarah is denoted the people of the Jews, which first appeared in the light of faith, coming out of the dark womb of the world, and was therefore marked with the scarlet thread of the circumciser, for all supposed that they were to be God’s people; but the Law was set before their face as it had been a wall or hedge. Thus the Jews were hindered by the Law, but in the times of Christ’s coming the hedge of the Law was broken down that was between Jews and Gentiles, as the Apostle speaks, “Breaking down the middle wall of partition;” [Eph 2:14] and thus it fell out that the Gentiles, who were signified by Phares, as soon as the Law was broken through by Christ’s commandments, first entered into the faith, and after followed the Jews.

Gloss: Judah begat Phares and Zarah before he went into Egypt, whither they both accompanied their father. In Egypt, “Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; Aram begat Aminadab; Aminadab begat Naasson;” and then Moses led them out of Egypt. Naasson was head of the tribe of Judah under Moses in the desert, where he begat Salmon; and this Salmon it was who, as prince of the tribe [p. 21] of Judah, entered the land of promise with Joshua.

Pseudo-Chrys.: But as we believe that the names of these Fathers were given for some special reason under the providence of God, it follows, but “Naasson begat Salmon.” This Salmon after his father’s death entered the promised land with Joshua as prince of the tribe of Judah. He took a wife of the name of Rahab. This Rahab is said to have been that Rahab the harlot of Jericho who entertained the spies of the children of Israel, and hid them safely. For Salmon being noble among the children of Israel, inasmuch as he was of the tribe of Judah, and son of the prince thereof, beheld Rahab so ennobled through her great faith, that she was worthy whom he should take to wife. Salmon is interpreted ‘receive a vessel,’ [ed. note: שלמון. Probably as if from מאן Ch. a vessel; perhaps נשא למאן] perhaps as if invited in God’s providence by his very name to receive Rahab a vessel of election.

Gloss: This Salmon in the promised land begat Booz of this Rahab. Booz begat Obeth of Ruth.

Pseudo-Chrys.: How Booz took to wife a Moabitess whose name was Ruth, I thought it needless to tell, seeing the Scripture concerning them is open to all. We need but say thus much, that Ruth married Booz for the reward of her faith, for that she had cast off the gods of her forefathers, and had chosen the living God. And Booz received her to wife for reward of his faith, that from such sanctified wedlock might be descended a kingly race.

Ambrose: But how did Ruth who was an alien marry a man that was a Jew? and wherefore in Christ’s genealogy did His Evangelist so much as mention a union, which in the eye of the law was bastard? Thus the Saviour’s birth of a parentage not admitted by the law appears to us monstrous, until we attend to that declaration of the Apostle, “The Law was not given for the righteous, but for the unrighteous.” [1 Tim 1:9]

For this woman who was an alien, a Moabitess, a nation with whom the Mosaic Law forbad all intermarriage, and shut them totally out of the Church, how did she enter into the Church, unless that she were holy and unstained in her life above the Law? Therefore she was exempt from this restriction of the Law, and deserved to be numbered in the Lord’s lineage, chosen from the kindred of her mind, not of her body.

To us she is a great example, for [p. 22] that in her was prefigured the entrance into the Lord’s Church of all of us who are gathered out of the Gentiles.

Jerome: Ruth the Moabitess fulfils the prophecy of Isaiah, “Send forth, O Lord, the Lamb that shall rule over the earth, out of the rock of the desert to the mount of the daughter of Sion.” [Isa 16:1]

Gloss: Jesse, the father of David, has two names, being more frequently called Isai. But the Prophet says, “There shall come a rod from the stem of Jesse;” [Isa 11:1] therefore to shew that this prophecy was fulfilled in Mary and Christ, the Evangelist puts Jesse.

Remig.: It is asked, why this epithet King is thus given by the holy Evangelist to David alone? Because he was the first king in the tribe of Judah. Christ Himself is Phares ‘the divider,’ as it is written, “Thou shalt divide the sheep from the goats;” [Matt 25:33] He is Zaram [ed. note, l: זרח; in Zech. 6:12, it is זרח], ‘the east,’ “Lo the man, the east is His name;” [Zech 6:12]; He is Esrom [ed. note, m: חצרון, as if from חץ, and so Jerome.], ‘an arrow,’ “He hath set me as a polished shaft.” [Isa 49:2]

Raban.: Or following another interpretation, according to the abundance of grace, and the width of love. He is Aram the chosen [ed. note, n: רם to be lofty, vid. infr. p.23], according to that, “Behold my Servant whom I have chosen.” [Isa 42:1] He is Aminadab, that is ‘willing,’ [ed. note, o: עמי נדב My people is willing, - Jerome; comp. עמך נדבת, Ps 110:3], in that He says, “I will freely sacrifice to Thee.” [Isa 54:6] Also He is Naasson [ed. note, p: נחשן, from נחש to augur from serpents, and so Jerome], i.e. ‘augury,’ as He knows the past, the present, and the future; or, ‘like a serpent,’ according to that, “Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness.” [John 3:14] He is Salmon [ed. note, q: And so Jerome], i.e. ‘the feeleth,’ as He said, “I feel that power is gone forth out of me.” [Luke 8:46]

Gloss: Christ Himself espouses Rahab, i.e. the Gentile Church; for Rahab [ed. note, : רחב, to be wide or broad. (רהב might רעב hunger)] is interpreted either ‘hunger’ or ‘breadth’ or ‘might;’ for the Church of the Gentiles hungers and thirsts after righteousness, and converts philosophers and kings by the might of her doctrine. Ruth is interpreted either ‘seeing’ or ‘hastening’ [ed. note, s: And so Jerome, from ראה, and perhaps רוץ for the second.], and denotes the Church which in purity of heart sees God, and hastens to the prize of the heavenly call.

Remig. Christ is also Booz [ed. note, t: And so Jerome; perhaps בעז =بعز activity; here, as if בעז “with might.”], because He is strength, for, [p. 23] “When I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me.” [John 12:32] He is Obeth, ‘a servant’ [ed. note, u: עובד Obed, and so Jerome], for “the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” [Matt 20:28] He is Jesse, or ‘burnt’ [ed. note, x: As if from אש], for, “I am come to send fire on earth.” [Luke 12:49] He is David [ed. note, y: And so Jerome], ‘mighty in arm,’ for, “the Lord is great and powerful;” [Ps 24:8] ‘desirable,’ for, “He shall come, the Desire of all nations;” [Hag 2:7] ‘beautiful to behold,’ according to that, “Beautiful in form before the sons of men.” [Ps. 45:3]

Gloss: Let us now see what virtues they be which these fathers edify in us; for faith, hope, and charity are the foundation of all virtues; those that follow are like additions over and above them. Judah is interpreted ‘confession,’ of which there are two kinds, confession of faith, and of sin. If then, after we be endowed with the three forementioned virtues, we sin, confession not of faith only but of sin is needful for us.

Phares is interpreted, ‘division,’ Zamar ‘the east,’ and Thamar, ‘bitterness.’ [ed note, z: תמרורים bitterness, from מרר Jer. 31:15, Hos 12:15] Thus confession begets separation from vice, the rise of virtue, and the bitterness of repentance.

After Phares follows Esron, ‘an arrow,’ for when one is separated from vice and secular pursuits, he should become a dart wherewith to slay by preaching the vices of others.

Aram is interpreted ‘elect’ or ‘lofty’ [ed. note, a: Lofty from רום], for as soon as one is detached from this world, and profiteth for another, he must needs be held to be elect of God, famous amongst men, high in virtue.

Naasson is ‘augury,’ but this augury is of heaven, not of earth. It is that of which Joseph boasted when he said, “Ye have taken away the cup of my Lord, wherewith He is wont to divine.” [Gen 44:5] The cup is the divine Scripture wherein is the draught of wisdom; by this the wise man divines, since in it he sees things future, that is, heavenly things.

Next is Salomon [ed. note, b: שלם peace, and so Jerome], ‘that perceiveth,’ for he who studies divine Scripture becomes perceiving, that is, he discerns by the taste of reason, good from bad, sweet from bitter.

Next is Booz, that is, ‘brave,’ for who is well taught in Scripture becomes brave to endure all adversity.

Pseudo-Chrys.: This brave one is the son of Rahab, that is, of the Church; for Rahab signifies ‘breadth’ or ‘spread out,’ for because the [p. 24] Church of the Gentiles was called from all quarters of the earth, it is called, ‘breadth.’

Gloss: Then follows Obeth, i.e. ‘servitude,’ for which none is fit but he who is strong; and this servitude is begotten of Ruth, that is ‘haste,’ for it behoves a slave to be quick, not slow.

Pseudo-Chrys.: They who look to wealth and not temper, to beauty and not faith, and require in a wife such endowments as are required in harlots, will not beget sons obedient to their parents or to God, but rebellious to both; that their children may be punishment of their ungodly wedlock. Obeth begat Jesse, that is, ‘refreshment,’ for whoever is subject to God and his parents, begets such children as prove his ‘refreshment.’

Gloss: Or Jesse may be interpreted, ‘incense.’ [ed. note: See p. 29, note i] For if we serve God in love and fear, there will be a devotion in the heart, which in the heat and desire of the heart offers the sweetest incense to God. But when one is become a fit servant, and a sacrifice of incense to God, it follows that he becomes David (ie. ‘of a strong hand’), who fought mightily against his enemies, and made the Idumeans tributary.

In like manner ought he to subdue carnal men to God by teaching and example.

6-8. David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; and Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; and Asa begat Josaphat.

The Evangelist has now finished the first fourteen generations, and is come to the second, which consists of royal personages, and therefore beginning with David, who was the first king in the tribe of Judah, he calls him “David the king.”

Aug., de Cons. Evan., ii, 4: Since in Matthew’s genealogy is shewed forth the taking on Him by Christ of our sins, therefore he descends from David to Solomon, in whose mother David had sinned. Luke ascends to David through Nathan, for through Nathan the prophet of God punished David’s sin; because Luke’s genealogy is to shew the putting away of our sins.

Aug., Lib. Retract., ii, 16: That [p. 25] is it, must be said, through a prophet of the same name, for it was not Nathan the son of David who reproved him, but a prophet of the same name.

Remig.: Let us enquire why Matthew does not mention Bathsheba by name as he does the other women. Because the others, though deserving of much blame, were yet commendable for many virtues. But Bathsheba was not only consenting in the adultery, but in the murder of her husband, hence her name is not introduced in the Lord’s genealogy.

Gloss: Besides, he does not name Bathsheba, that, by naming Urias, he may recall to memory that great wickedness which she was guilty of towards him.

Ambrose: But the holy David is the more excellent in this, that he confessed himself to be but man, and neglected not to wash out with the tears of repentance the sin of which he had been guilty, in so taking away Urias’ wife. Herein shewing us that none ought to trust in his own strength, for we have a mighty adversary whom we cannot overcome without God’s aid. And you will commonly observe very heavy sins befalling to the share of illustrious men, that they may not from their other excellent virtues be thought more than men, but that you may see that as men they yield to temptation.

Pseudo-Chrys.: Solomon is interpreted, ‘peace-maker,’ because having subdued all the nations round about, and made them tributary, he had a peaceful reign. Roboam in interpreted, ‘by a multitude of people,’ for multitude is the mother of sedition; for where many are joined in a crime, that is commonly unpunishable. But a limit in numbers is the mistress of good order.

8-11. And Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; and Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; and Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; and Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon.

Jerome: In the fourth book of Kings we read, that Ochozias was the son of Joram. On his death, Josabeth, sister of [p. 26] Ochozias and daughter of Joram, took Joash, her brother’s son, and preserved him from the slaughter of the royal seed by Athalias. To Joash succeeded his son Amasias; after him his son Azarias, who is called Ozias; after him his son Joatham. Thus you see according to historical truth there were three intervening kings, who are omitted by the Evangelist. Joram, moveover, begot not Ozias, but Ochozias, and the rest as we have related.

But because it was the purpose of the Evangelist to make each of the three periods consist of fourteen generations, and because Joram had connected himself with Jezebel’s most impious race, therefore his posterity to the third generation is omitted in tracing the lineage of the holy birth.

Hilary: Thus the stain of the Gentile alliance being purged, the royal race is again taken up in the fourth following generation.

Pseudo-Chrys.: What the Holy Spirit testified through the Prophet, saying, that He would cut off every male from the house of Ahab, and Jezebel, that Jehu the son of Nausi fulfilled, and received the promise that his children to the fourth generation should sit on the throne of Israel. As great a blessing then as was given upon the house of Ahab, so great a curse was given on the house of Joram, because of the wicked daughter of Ahab and Jazebel, that his sons to the fourth generation should be cut out of the number of the Kings.

Thus his sin descended on his posterity as it had been written, “I will visit the sins of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.” [Ex 20:5] Thus see how dangerous it is to marry with the seed of the ungodly.

Aug., Hilsr. Amast. V. et N. Test. q. 85: Or, Ochozias, Joash, and Amasias, were excluded from the number, because their wickedness was continuous and without interval. For Solomon was suffered to hold the kingdom for his father’s deserts, Roboam for his son’s.

But these three doing evil successively were excluded. This then is an example how a race is cut off when wickedness is shewn therein in perpetual succession.

“And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias.”

Gloss: This Ezekias was he to whom, when he had no children, it was said, “Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die.” [Isa 38:1] He wept, not from desire of longer life, for he knew that Solomon had thereby pleased God, that he had not [p. 27] asked length of days; but he wept, for he feared that God’s promise should not be fulfilled, when himself, being in the line of David of whom Christ should come, was without children.

“And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias.”

Pseudo-Chrys.: But the order in the Book of Kings is different [2 Ki 23], thus namely; Josias begot Eliakim, afterwards called Joakim; Joakim begot Jechonias. But Joakim is not reckoned among the Kings in the genealogy, because God’s people had not set him on the throne, but Pharoah by his might. For if it were just that only for their intermixture with the race of Ahab, three kings should be shut out of the number in the genealogy, was it not just that Joakim should be likewise shut out, whom Pharaoh had set up as king by hostile force? And thus Jechonias, who is the son of Joakim, and the grandson of Josiah, is reckoned among the kings as the son of Josiah, in place of his father who is omitted.

Jerome: Otherwise, we may consider the first Jeconias to be the same as Joakim, and the second to be the son not the father, the one being spelt with k and m, the second by ch and n. This distinction has been confounded both by Greeks and Latins, by the fault of writers and the lapse of time.

Ambrose, in Luc., cap. 2: That there were two kings of the name of Joakim, is clear from the Book of Kings. “And Joakim slept with his fathers, and Joachim his son reigned in his stead.” [2 Ki 24:6] This son is the same whom Jeremiah calls Jeconias. And rightly did St. Matthew purpose to differ from the Prophet, because he sought to shew therein the great abundance of the Lord’s mercies. For the Lord did not seek among men nobility of race, but suitably chose to be born of captives and of sinners, as He came to preach remission of sin to the captives. The Evangelist therefore did not conceal either of these; but rather shewed them both, inasmuch as both were called Jeconias.

Remig.: But it may be asked, why the Evangelist says they were born in the carrying away, when they were born before the carrying away. He says this because they were born for this purpose, that they should be led captive, from the dominion of the whole nation, for their own and others’ sins. And because God foreknew that they were [p. 28] to be carried away captive, therefore he says, they were born in the carrying away to Babylon.

But of those whom the holy Evangelist places together in the Lord’s genealogy, it should be known, that they were alike in good or ill fame. Judas and his brethren were notable for good, in like manner Phares and Zara, Jechonias and his brethren, were notable for evil.

Gloss: Mystically, David is Christ, who overcame Golias, that is, the Devil. Urias, i.e. God is my light, is the Devil who says, “I will be like the Highest.” [Isa 14:14] To Him the Church was married, when Christ on the Throne of the majesty of His Father loved her, and having made her beautiful, united her to Himself in wedlock.

Or Urias is the Jewish nation who through the Law boasted of their light. From them Christ took away the Law, having taught it to speak of Himself.

Bersabee is ‘the well of satiety,’ that is, the abundance of spiritual grace.

Remig.: Bersabee is interpreted, ‘the seventh well,’ or, ‘the well of the oath’ [ed. note, c: באר שבע the well of the oath, the origin of the name is given, Gen 21:28-31. “satiety” as if from שבע], by which is signified the grant of baptism, in which is given the gift of the sevenfold Spirit, and the oath against the Devil is made.

Christ is also Solomon, i.e. the peaceful, according to that of the Apostle, “He is our peace.” [Eph 2:14]

Roboam [ed. note, d: So Jerome, from רחב; or the foolishness of the people, Ecclus. 47. 23] is, ‘the breadth of the people,’ according to that, “Many shall come from the East and from the West.”

Raban.: Or; ‘the might of the people,’ because he quickly converts the people to the faith.

Remig.: He is also Abias, that is, ‘the Lord Father,’ according to that, “One is your Father who is in heaven.” [Matt 23:9] And again, “Ye call me Master and Lord.” [John 13:13]

He is also Asa [ed. note, e: So Jerome; as if from נשה=נסה; but אסא means a physician], that is, ‘lifting up,’ according to that, “Who taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29]

He is also Josaphat, that is, ‘judging,’ for, “The Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” [John 5:22]

He is also Joram, that is, ‘lofty,’ according to that, “No man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven.” [John 3:13]

He is also Ozias, that is, ‘the Lord’s strength,’ for “The Lord is my strength and my praise.” [Ps 118:14]

He is also Jotham [ed. note, f: And so Jerome, from תמם], that is, ‘completed,’ or ‘perfected,’ for “Christ is the end of [p. 29] the Law.” [Rom 10:4]

He is also Ahaz [ed. note, g: אחז to seize or hold, and so Jerome.], that is, ‘turning,’ according to that, “Be ye turned to Me.” [Zech 1:3]

Raban.: Or, ‘embracing,’ because, “None knoweth the Father but the Son.” [Matt 11:27]

Remig.: His is also Ezekias, that is, ‘the strong Lord,’ or, ‘the Lord shall comfort;’ according to that, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33]

He is also Manasses, that is, ‘forgetful,’ or, ‘forgotten,’ according to that, “I will not remember your sins any more.” [Ezek 28]

He is also Aaron [ed note, h: A strong mountain; Jerome. It has no Hebrew root.], that is, ‘faithful,’ according to that, “The Lord is faithful in all His words.” [Ps 145:17]

He is also Josias, that is, ‘the incense of the Lord,’ [ed. note, i: A sacrifice to the Lord, - Jerome; from אשה fire in the ritual service, or incense, Lev 24:7], as, “And being in an agony, He prayed more earnestly.” [Luke 22:44]

Raban.: And that incense signifies prayer, the Psalmist witnesses, saying, “Let my prayer come up as incense before Thee.” [Ps 141:2] Or, ‘The salvation of the Lord,’ according to that, “My salvation is for ever.” [Isa 55]

Remig.: He is Jechonias [ed. note, k: יכניהו “the Lord establisheth,” also “prepareth.”], that is, ‘preparing,’ or ‘the Lord’s preparation,’ according to that, “If I shall depart, I will also prepare a place for you.” [John 14:3]

Gloss: Morally; After David follows Solomon, which is interpreted, ‘peaceful.’ For one then becomes peaceful, when unlawful motions being composed, and being as it were already set in the everlasting rest, he serves God, and turns others to Him.

Then follows Roboam, that is, ‘the breadth of the people.’ For when there is no longer any thing to overcome within himself, it behoves a man to look abroad to others, and to draw with him the people of God to heavenly things.

Next is Abias, that is, ‘the Lord Father,’ for these things premised, He may proclaim Himself the Son of God, and then He will be Asa, that is, ‘raising up,’ and will ascend to His Father from virtue to virtue: and He will become Josaphat, that is, ‘judging,’ for He will judge others, and will be judged of none.

Thus he becomes Joram, that is, ‘lofty,’ as it were dwelling on high; and is made Oziah, that is, ‘the strong One of the Lord,’ as attributing all his strength to God, and persevering in his path.

Then follows Jotham, that is, ‘perfect,’ for he groweth daily for greater perfection. And thus he becomes Ahaz, that is, ‘embracing,’ for by obedience knowledge is increased according [p. 30] to that, “They have proclaimed the worship of the Lord, and have understood His doings.”

Then follows Ezekias, that is, ‘the Lord is strong,’ because he understands that God is strong, and so turning to His love, he becomes Manassas, ‘forgetful,’ because he gives up as forgotten all worldly things; and is made thereby Amon, that is, ‘faithful,’ for whoso despises all temporal things, defrauds no man of his goods. Thus he is made Josias, that is, ‘in certain hope of the Lord’s salvation;’ for Josias in intepreted ‘the salvation of the Lord.’

12-15. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; and Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob.

Pseudo-Chrys.: After the carrying away, he sets Jeconiah again, as now become a private person.

Ambrose: Of whom Jeremiah speaks. “Write this man dethroned; for there shall not spring of his seed one sitting on the throne of David.” [Jer 22:30]

How is this said of the Prophet, that none of the seed of Jeconias should reign? For if Christ reigned, and Christ was of the seed of Jeconiah, then has the Prophet spoken falsely. But it is not there declared that there shall be none of the seed of Jeconiah, and so Christ is of his seed; and that Christ did reign, is not in contradiction to the prophecy; for He did not reign with worldly honours, as He said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” [John 18:36]

Pseudo-Chrys.: Concerning Salathiel [ed. note, l: This Gloss. from Pseudo-Chrys. is not found in Nicolai’s edition.], we have read nothing either good or bad, but we suppose him to have been a holy man, and in the captivity to have constantly besought God in behalf of afflicted Israel, and that hence he was named, Salathiel, ‘the petition of God.’ [ed. note, m: שאלתי אל “I have asked of God.”]

“Salathiel begot Zorobabel,” which is interpreted, ‘flowing postponed,’ or, ‘of the confusion,’ or here, ‘the doctor of Babylon.’ [ed. note, n (p.31): The teacher of Babylon; Jerome; perhaps from זר “crown;” זרב Ch. flowed, poured away,” Syr. “contracted, bound;” hence another of the meanings in the text.]

I have read, but know not [p. 31] whether it be true, that both the priestly line and the royal line were united in Zorobabel; and that it was through him that the children of Israel returned into their own country. For that in a disputation held between three, of whom Zorobabel was one, each defending his own opinion, Zorobabel’s sentence, that Truth was the strongest thing, prevailed; and that for this Darius granted him that the children of Israel should return to their country; and therefore after this providence of God, he was rightly called Zorobabel, ‘the doctor of Babylon.’ For what doctrine greater than to shew that Truth is the mistress of all things?

Gloss: But this seems to contradict the genealogy which is read in Chronicles. For there it is said, that Jeconias begot Salathiel and Phadaias, and Phadaias begot Zorobabel, and Zorobabel Mosollah, Ananias, and Solomith their sister. [1 Chron 3:17] But we know that many parts of the Chronicles have been corrupted by time, and error of transcribers. Hence come many and controverted questions of genealogies which the Apostle bids us avoid. [1 Tim 1:4]

Or it may be said, that Salathiel and Phadaias are the same man under two different names. Or that Salathiel and Phadaias were brothers, and both had sons of the same name, and that the writer of the history followed the genealogy of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel. From Abiud down to Joseph, no history is found in the Chronicles; but we read that the Hebrews had many other annals, which were called the Words of the Days, of which much was burned by Herod, who was a foreigner, in order to confound the descent of the royal line.

And perhaps Joseph had read in them the names of his ancestors, or knew them from some other source. And thus the Evangelist could learn the succession of this genealogy. It should be noted, that the first Jeconiah is called the resurrection of the Lord, the second, the preparation of the Lord. Both are very applicable to the Lord Christ, who declares, “I am the resurrection, and the life;” [John 11:25] and, “I go to prepare a place for you.” [John 14:2]

Salathiel, i.e. ‘the Lord is my petition,’ is suitable to Him who said, “Holy Father, keep them whom Thou hast given Me.” [John 17:11]

Remig.: He is also Zorobabel, [p. 32] that is, ‘the master of confusion,’ according to that, “Your Master eateth with publicans and sinners.” [Matt 9:11]

He is Abiud, that is, ‘He is my Father,’ according to that, “I and the Father are One.” [John 10:30]

He is also Eliacim [ed. note: So Jerome, אל יקים “God will raise up”], that is, ‘God the Reviver,’ according to that, “I will revive him again in the last day.” [John 6:54]

He is also Azor, that is, ‘aided,’ according of that, “He who sent Me is with Me.” [John 8:29]

He is also Sadoch, that is, ‘the just,’, or, ‘the justified,’ according to that, “He was delivered, the just for the unjust.” [1 Pet 3:18]

He is also Achim, that is, ‘my brother is He,’ according to that, “Whoso doeth the will of My Father, he is My brother.” [Matt 12:50]

He is also Eliud, that is, ‘He is my God,’ according to that, “My Lord, and my God.” [John 20:28]

Gloss: He is also Eleazar, i.e. ‘God is my helper,’ as in the seventeenth Psalm, “My God, my helper.”

He is also Mathan, that is, ‘giving,’ or, ‘given,’ for, “He gave gifts for men;” [Eph 4:8] and, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son.” [John 3:16]

Remig.: He is also Jacob, ‘that supplanteth,’ for not only hath He supplanted the Devil, but hath given His power to His faithful people; as, “Behold I have given you power to tread upon serpents.” [Luke 10:19]

He is also Joseph, that is, ‘adding,’ according to that, “I came that they might have life, and that they might have it abundantly.”

Raban.: But let us see what moral signification these names contain. After Jeconias, which means ‘the preparation of the Lord,’ follows Salathiel, i.e. ‘God is my petition,’ for he who is rightly prepared, prays not but of God.

Again, he becomes Zorobabel, ‘the master of Babylon,’ that is, of the men of the earth, whom he makes to know concerning God, that He is their Father, which is signified in Abiud.

Then that people rise again from their vices, whence follows Eliacim, ‘the resurrection;’ and thence rise to good works, which is Azor, and becomes Sadoch, i.e. ‘righteous;’ and then they are taught the love of their neighbour. He is my brother, which is signified in Achim; and through love to God he says of Him, ‘My God,’ which Eliud signifies.

Then follows Eleazar, i.e. ‘God is my helper;’ he recognizes God as his helper. But whereto he tends is shewn in Matthan, which is interpreted ‘gift,’ or ‘giving;’ for he looks to God as his benefactor; and as he wrestled with and overcame his vices [p. 33] in the beginning, so he does in the end of life, which belongs to Jacob, and thus he reaches Joseph, that is, ‘The increase of virtues.’

16. And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Gloss: In the last place, after all the patriarchs, he sets down Joseph the husband of Mary, for whose sake all the rest are introduced, saying, “But Jacob begot Joseph.”

Jerome: This passage is objected to us by the Emperor Julian in his Discrepancy of the Evangelists. Matthew calls Joseph the son of Jacob, Luke makes him the son of Heli. He did not know the Scripture manner, one was his father by nature, the other by law. For we know that God commanded by Moses, that if a brother or near kinsman died without children, another should take his wife, to raise up seed to his brother or kinsman. [Deut 25]

But of this matter Africanus the chronologist [ed. note: In his Epist. ad Aristidem, vid. Reuth Reliqu. vol. ii, p. 114. Africanus], and Eusebius of Caesarea, have disputed more fully.

Euseb., Hist. Eccles. i, 7: For Matthan and Melchi at different periods had each a son by one and the same wife Jesca. Matthan, who traced through Solomon, first had her, and died leaving one son, Jacob by name. As the Law forbade not a widow, either dismissed from her husband, or after the death of her husband, to be married to another, so Melchi, who traced through Matthan, being of the same tribe but of another race, took this widow to his wife, and begat Heli his son.

Thus shall we find Jacob and Heli, though of a different race, yet by the same mother, to have been brethren. One of whom, namely Jacob, after Heli his brother was deceased without issue, married his wife, and begat on her the third, Joseph, by nature indeed and reason his own son. Whereupon also it is written, “And Jacob begat Joseph.” But by the Law, he was the son of Heli; for Jacob, being his brother, raised up seed to him.

Thus the genealogy, both as recited by Matthew, and by Luke, stands right and true; Matthew saying, “And Jacob begot Joseph;” Luke saying, “Which was the son, as it was supposed, (for he adds this withal,) of Joseph, [p. 34] which was the son of Heli, which was the son of Melchi.”

Nor could he have more significantly or properly expressed that way of generation according to the Law, which was made by a certain adoption that had respect to the dead, carefully leaving out the word “begetting” throughout even to the end.

Augustine, de Cons. Evan., ii, 2: He is more properly called his son, by whom he was adopted, than had he been said to have been begotten of him of whose flesh he was not born. Wherefore Matthew, in saying, “Abraham begot Isaac,” and continuing the same phrase throughout down to “Jacob begot Joseph,” sufficiently declares that he gives the father according to the order of nature, so as that we must hold Joseph to have been begotten, not adopted, by Jacob. Though even if Luke had used the word, “begotten,” we need not have thought it any serious objection; for it is not absurd to say of an adopted son that he is begotten, not after the flesh, but by affection.

Euseb.: Neither does this lack good authority; nor has it been suddenly devised by us for this purpose. For the kinsmen of our Saviour according to the flesh, either out of desire to shew forth this their so great nobility of stock, or simply for the truth’s sake, have delivered it unto us.

Aug., de Cons. Evan., ii, 4: And suitably does Luke, who relates Christ’s ancestry not in the opening of his Gospel, but at his baptism, follow the line of adoption, as thus more clearly pointing Him out as the Priest that should make atonement for sin. For by adoption we are made the sons of God, by believing in the Son of God. But by the descent according to the flesh which Matthew follows, we rather see that the Son of God was for us made man.

Luke sufficiently shews that he called Joseph the son of Heli, because he was adopted by Heli, by his calling Adam the son of God, which he was by grace, as he was set in Paradise, though he lost it afterwards by sinning.

Chrys., Hom. 4: Having gone through all the ancestry, and ended in Joseph, he adds, “The husband of Mary,” thereby declaring that is was for her sake that he was included in the genealogy.

Jerome: When you hear this word, “husband,” do not straight bethink you of wedlock, but remember the Scripture manner, which calls persons only betrothed husband and wife.

Gennadius, de Eccles. Dog., 2: The Son of God was born of human flesh, that is of Mary, and not by man after the way of nature, as Ebion says; and accordingly it is significantly [p. 35] added, “Of her Jesus was born.”

Aug., De Haeres, ii: This is said against Valentinus, who taught that Christ took nothing of the Virgin Mary, but passed through her as through a channel or pipe.

Wherefore it pleased Him to take flesh of the womb of a woman, is known in His own secret counsels; whether that He might confer honour on both sexes alike, by taking the form of a man, and being born of a woman, or from some other reason which I would not hastily pronounce on.

Hilary, Quaest. Nov. et Vet. Test. q. 49: What God conveyed by the anointing of oil to those who were anointed to be kings, this the Holy Spirit conveyed upon the man Christ, adding thereto the expiation; wherefore when born He was called Christ; and thus it proceeds, “who is called Christ.”

Aug., de Cons. Evan., ii, 1: It was not lawful that he should think to separate himself from Mary for this, that she brought forth Christ as yet a Virgin. And herein may the faithful gather, that if they be married, and preserve strict continence on both sides, yet may their wedlock hold with union of love only, without carnal; for here they see that it is possible that a son be born without carnal embrace.

Aug., de Nupt. et Concup., i, 11: In Christ’s parents was accomplished every good benefit of marriage, fidelity, progeny, and a sacrament. The progeny we see in the Lord Himself; fidelity, for there was no adultery; sacrament, for there was no divorce.

Jerome: The attentive reader may ask, Seeing Joseph was not the father of the Lord and Saviour, how does his genealogy traced down to him in order pertain to the Lord? We will answer, first, that it is not the practice of Scripture to follow the female line in its genealogies; secondly, that Joseph and Mary were of the same tribe, and that he was thence compelled to take her to wife as a kinsman, and they were enrolled together at Bethlehem, as being come of one stock.

Augustine: Also, the line of descent ought to be brought down to Joseph, that in wedlock no wron

[sandlerresearch]

Contact Center Software Market by Component (Solutions and Services), Deployment Model (Cloud and On-premises), Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs), Industry, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026 published on

https://www.sandlerresearch.org/contact-center-software-market-by-component-solutions-and-services-deployment-model-cloud-and-on-premises-organization-size-large-enterprises-and-smes-industry-and-region-global-forecast-t.html

Contact Center Software Market by Component (Solutions and Services), Deployment Model (Cloud and On-premises), Organization Size (Large Enterprises and SMEs), Industry, and Region - Global Forecast to 2026

“The global contact center software market size to grow at a CAGR of 20.9% during the forecast period”

MarketsandMarkets estimates the global contact center software market size would grow from USD 24.1 billion in 2020 to USD 75.5 billion by 2026, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.9% during the forecast period. Major factors that are expected to drive the growth of the contact center software market include the rising adoption of advanced contact center technologies, need for handling contact center attrition and absenteeism, emerging role of social media in contact center operations, increasing adoption of virtual and cloud-based contact center solutions during and post-COVID-19 to achieve better business continuity, growing need for omnichannel solutions to minimize efforts in reaching end customers, continuous transitions to cloud-based contact centers, and rising demand for personalized and streamlined customer interactions to achieve high customer satisfaction.

The services segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period

Services are an important part of any solution’s deployment life cycle. Therefore, various vendors offer services associated with contact center solutions to help companies effectively implement their contact center strategies. Contact center services involve consulting; implementation and integration; and training, support, and maintenance. These services are required at various stages, starting from pre-sales requirement assessment to post-sales product deployment and execution, enabling clients to get maximum RoI. With these services, contact center solution providers advise end users and help them integrate and deploy software configured to their requirements.

BFSI industry vertical to hold the highest market share in 2020

The need to attract talent, gain holistic visibility into entire contact center processes, improve timely responses to customer complaints and queries in adherence to country-wide regulations, and protect businesses from fraudulent activities is a top priority in the BFSI industry. Contact center solutions enable BFSI companies to monitor, manage, and assist remote agents selling and earning incentives based on the sale of insurance and banking products, such as credit cards and loans. The use of contact center solutions in the BFSI industry to manage to cut costs, adapt to changing regulations, and maximize opportunities related to financial growth is not new.

APAC to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

APAC is expected to experience extensive growth opportunities in the next few years, owing to the rising adoption of advanced technologies such as cloud, and AI- and NLP-enabled bots. According to the respondents of 2018 SMB Customer Service Trend Report by Genesys, 78.5% of APAC SMEs applied AI to engagement channels, and over 61.1% of APAC SMEs consider TCO for sourcing new technologies to transform their customer engagement roadmap. Therefore, many global cloud-based contact center organizations are infusing AI in their contact center solutions and launching solutions in APAC for helping contact centers in driving sales, improving customer experience and engagement, and attracting new customers with automated workflows and speech analytics capabilities.

By Company: Tier 1–37%, Tier 2–25%, and Tier 3–38%

By Designation: C-Level Executives–22%, Director Level–33%, and Others–45%

By Region: North America–42%, Europe–25%, APAC–18%, and RoW– 15%

The contact center software market comprises major solution providers, such as NICE (Israel), Genesys (US), Cisco (US), Avaya (US), Five9 (US), Talkdesk (US), Vonage (US), 8×8 (US), AWS (US), Atos (France), Alcatel-Lucolent Enterprise (France), SAP (Sweden), Oracle (US), RingCentral (US), IBM (US), Lifesize (US), Content Guru (UK), Aspect Software (US), Enghouse Interactive (US), 3CLogic (US), Ameyo (India), Verizon (US), Intrado (US), AT&T (US), BT (UK), Twilio (US), Vocalcom (France), NEC (Japan), Evolve IP (US), Mitel (Canada), and ZTE (China). The study includes an in-depth competitive analysis of key players in the contact center software market with their company profiles, recent developments, COVID-19 developments, and key market strategies.

Research Coverage

The contact center software market revenue is primarily classified into revenues from solutions and services. Solutions revenue is associated with variety of solutions such as contact center solutions include omnichannel routing, workforce engagement management, reporting and analytics, customer engagement management, and others (CTI, messaging, compliance, and data integration) and services revenue is associated with services including contact center services involve consulting; implementation and integration; and training, support, and maintenance. The market is also segmented based on component, deployment model, organization size, industry, and region.

Key benefits of the report

The report would help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with the information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall contact center software market and the sub segments. This report would help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain insights to better position their businesses and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report would help stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provide them with information on the key market drivers, restraints, challenges, opportunities, and COVID-19 impact.

[pijayplow93]

Megatron, Famous Global IEO Platform for Cryptocurrencies Worldwide

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[swampy-sayin-it]

Old Testament Historical Books part 3

The Books of Samuel Originally but one book, the scroll of Samuel was early divided into two. The Greek translators called these the first and second Books of Kingdoms, a title St. Jerome later modified to "Kings." The Hebrew title, "Samuel" alludes to the leading figure in the first book, who was responsible for the enthronement of David. It is David's history that the second book recounts. This sacred work thus comprises the history of about a century, describing the close of the age of the Judges and the beginnings of monarchy in Israel under Saul and David. It is not a complete and continuous history, nor a systematic account of the period, but rather a series of episodes centered around the persons of Samuel, Saul and David, the principal figures leading up to the establishment of the royal dynasty of David. The final editor is unknown, nor are we certain of the time at which the various strands of the narrative were put together, though one may think of the period, perhaps late in the seventh century B.C., when the other volumes of the "Former Prophets" from Joshua through Kings, were built into a more or less continuous historical corpus. The Samuel-Saul-David narratives clearly depend on several written sources: a Samuel cycle, two sets of stories about Saul and David, and a family history of David. This last (2 Sam 9-20; 1 Kings 1-2), one of the most vivid historical narratives surviving from ancient times, probably originated early in the reign of Solomon. One of the most significant theological contributions of the Old Testament is found in 2 Sam 7 the oracle of Nathan. David is here promised an eternal dynasty, and this becomes the basis for the development of royal messianism throughout the Bible. With this promise to David one should compare 2 Chron 17; Psalm 89:19-37;  132:11-13; Acts 2:30; Hebrews 1:5. The contents of this work may be divided as follows:  I.  History of the Last Judges, Eli and Samuel (1 Sam 1:1 - 1 Sam 7:17)  II .Establishment of the Monarchy in Israel (1 Sam 8:1 -1 Sam 12:25)  III  Saul and David (1 Sam 13:1 - 2 Sam 2:7)  IV. The Reign of David (2 Sam 2:8 - 2 Sam 20:26)  V. Appendixes ( 2 Sam 21:1 -  2 Sam 24:25) Books of the Kings The two Books of Kings were originally, like 1 Sam; 2 Sam - a single historical work. In conjunction with the Books of Samuel, they extend the consecutive history of Israel from the birth of Samuel to the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 B.C. This combined work is designed as a religious history; hence in Kings the temple, which is the chosen site for the worship of Yahweh, occupies the center of attention. The Books of Kings show clearly the theological bent of a Deuteronomic editor. In them, as already in Judges, material from various sources, such as the "book of the acts of Solomon" ( 1 Kings 11:41) and the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (1 Kings 14:19), is forged into structural unity by an editor whose principal interest is in the fidelity to Yahweh of rulers and people. The reigns of individual kings are adapted to an editorial framework consisting of a presentation and an obituary notice for each, in stereotyped formulas. In between, the achievements of the king are reported-above all, his fidelity or lack of fidelity to Yahweh. The faithful prosper; the unfaithful pay for their defections. Since this is basically a narrative of sin and retribution, it would not be inappropriate to entitle the Books of Kings "The Rise and Fall of the Israelite Monarchy." Without minimizing the complexity of the process by which this material was transmitted for many centuries, one may speak of two editions of the Books: the first at some time between 621 B.C. and 597 B.C., and the second, final edition during the Exile; probably shortly after Jehoiachin was released from his Babylonian prison (561 B.C.). 1 Kings carries the history of Israel from the last days and death of David to the accession in Samaria of Ahaziah, son of Ahab, near the end of the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Judgment is passed on Ahaziah's reign but the details are given only later, in 2 Kings. We should note the two large cycles of traditions which grew up around the great prophetic figures of Elijah and Elisha, the former in 1 Kings and the latter chiefly in 2 Kings. These cycles, which interrupt the sequence of regnal chronicles, were very probably preserved and transmitted by the prophetic communities to which there are references in the same traditions. The Elijah cycle is the more important since it dramatically underscores Israel's critical struggle with the religion of Canaan. The principal divisions of the Books of Kings are: I.  The Reign of Solomon ( 1 Kings 1:1-11:43) II.  Judah and Israel to the Time of Ahab ( 1 Kings 12:1-16:34) III. Stories of the Prophets (1 Kings 17:1-22:54) IV.The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah (2 Kings 1:1-17:41) V. The Kingdom of Judah after 721 B.C. ( 2 Kings 18:1-25:30) 1 Chronicles Originally the two books of Chronicles formed, with the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, a single historical work, uniform in style and basic ideas. The Greek title, paraleipomena, means "things omitted, or passed over (in Samuel and Kings)." The Books of Chronicles, however, are more than a supplement to Samuel and Kings; a comparison of the two histories discloses striking differences in scope and purpose. The Books of Chronicles record in some detail the lengthy span from the reign of Saul to the return from the Exile. Unlike the exact science of history today, wherein factual accuracy and impartiality of judgment are the standards for estimating what is of permanent worth, ancient biblical history, with rare exceptions, was less concerned with reporting in precise detail all the facts of a situation than with explaining the meaning of those facts. Such history was primarily interpretative and, in the Old Testament, its purpose was to disclose the action of the living God in the affairs of men. For this reason we speak of it as "sacred history"; its writer's first concern was to bring out the divine or supernatural dimension in history. This is apparent when we examine the primary objective of the Chronicler in compiling his work. In view of the situation which confronted the Jewish people at this time (the end of the fifth century B.C.), the Chronicler realized that Israel's political greatness was a thing of the past. It would be a people under God, or nothing. Yet Israel's past held the key to her future. The Chronicler proposed to establish and defend the legitimate claims of the Davidic monarchy in Israel's history, and to underscore the place of Jerusalem and its divinely established temple worship as the center of religious life for the Jewish community of his day. If Judaism was to survive and prosper, it would have to heed the lessons of the past and devoutly serve Yahweh in the place where he had chosen to dwell, the temple of Jerusalem. From the Chronicler's point of view, David's reign was the ideal to which all subsequent rule in Judah must aspire. The Chronicler was much more interested in David's religious and cultic influence than in his political power. There is little of royal messianism in his book. He apparently regarded as something of the distant past the prophet Zechariah's abortive attempt to have the Davidic kingdom reestablished in the time of Zerubbabel at the end of the sixth century B.C. ( Zechariah 6:9-15). He saw David's primary importance as deriving from the establishment of Jerusalem and its temple as the center of the true worship of the Lord. Furthermore, he presented David as the one who had authorized the elaborate ritual (which, in point of fact, only gradually evolved in the temple built by Zerubbabel) and who had also appointed Levites to supervise the liturgical services there. There are good reasons for believing that originally the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah formed the last part of a single literary work that began with 1 and 2 Chronicles. Some authors even regard Ezra himself as having been the anonymous Chronicler. In any case, the Chronicler's Hebrew as well as his religious and political outlook points to c. 400 B.C. as the time of composition of this work. The Chronicler used sources in writing his history. Besides the canonical Books of Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua and Ruth, and especially the Books of Samuel and Kings, he cites the titles of many other works no longer extant. "The books of the kings of Israel," or "the books of the kings of Israel and Judah," "the history of Samuel the seer," "the history of Nathan the prophet," "the history of Gad the seer," "the commentary on the Books of Kings," are some of the documents mentioned as historical sources. In addition, the Chronicler's work contains early preexilic material not found in the Books of Kings. At one time scholars discounted the value of this material, but modern research has shown that, even though the Chronicler may have at times treated the material rather freely, he derived it from authentic and reliable sources. The principal divisions of 1 Chronicles are as follows: I.  Genealogical Tables (1 Chron 1:1- 9:34) II.  The History of David ( 1 Chron 9:35-29:30)