#hack Critical Ops

[charaznablescanontoyota]

"marn i missed sgdq 2024 what should i watch"

hi i decided i'm doing another one of these. it's been a minute. this past week was summer games done quick, an annual speedrunning marathon raising money for doctors without borders and also a great way to get into watching speedrunning. a lot of their content is tailored towards being both clearly explained and fun to watch for an audience outside the speedrun community, so you can jump in with basically no knowledge besides “this person is gonna play a game really fast”.

gdq has the full week's worth of vods up as a playlist on their channel, but here are some runs that i personally think you should check out:

ken griffy jr presents mlb by peanut butter the dog: look it's a dog playing baseball. i don't know what else to tell you.

the entire silly block: speedrunners get up way too early in the morning/late at night to play games that feel like a fever dream. some of the commentators are going on 24 hours of no sleep. it's brilliant. my personal highlights of what i've seen so far are stuart little 2, mad panic coaster, city bus simulator race, and the golf it wrong hole only race that the players dressed up as golfers for

alan wake 2 alan%: alan wake clips through walls and generally has a bad time while a bunch of gamers call him a sopping wet catboy. the runner for this one is really charismatic and it's very funny to see staff rushing to open up the pit as soon as we sing starts (yes they do the dance of course they do the dance). i just love joyful runs of horror games man

super mario 64 blindfolded randomizer: what if you played mario 64 blindfolded and also the stars were in completely random locations. and also you had to do it very very fast.

kingdom hearts 2 critical any%: every kh2 speedrun i've ever seen is a work of art and this one is no different. some of the boss fights go down so fast you will literally miss them if you look away for a minute. and also two of my favorite runners are on couch commentary!

balatro showcase: genuinely made me rethink how i'm playing some of the balatro decks. also great commentary and just fun all around despite (or perhaps partially because of) the absolute struggle session going on with plasma deck in the beginning

super mario world kaizo relay: kaizo is a shorthand term for a game hacked to its absolute limits of difficulty that often requires strict precision of movement and can punish the player for thinking they're smarter than it. in this segment, two teams of 4 very very good mario runners race to complete 8 kaizo levels they've never seen before in their lives

mario maker 2 troll level race: i always like the mario maker races for the same reason i like the kaizo relays. i love watching two speedrunners thrown blindly into the shit have to make up strategies on the fly via trial and error (and error, and error, and error, and...)

kirby air ride race: two high level kirby air ride speedrunners race for an actual physical title belt. the trash talk game happening here is of the insane variety that only two very skilled people who truly respect each others' talents at their game of choice can provide

kaizo mario galaxy: what if mario galaxy hated you even more than usual and would stop at nothing to kill you. also most of the commentators are only familiar with the vanilla game and their reactions to the added-in bullshit are hysterical

tony hawk pro skater 1, 2, 3, and 4: i fell asleep watching this and woke up in a cold sweat to the sound of a bunch of people singing superman by goldfinger. good run

super mario rpg remake: this was the finale block and it's just great to see a bunch of people who really really love the original mario rpg get to hang out and talk about how good it is and also watch a world record level player absolutely stunt on the game

halo 3 four-player co-op legendary: dudes rock

[aeth-eris]

5th House Placements & Video Games

Aries in the 5th House: "DOOM (2016)": This high-octane first-person shooter is perfect for Aries' love of action and excitement. With intense combat, fast-paced gameplay, and adrenaline-pumping music, it's a thrilling experience from start to finish. Aries will enjoy the rush of battling demons and conquering challenging levels.

"Monster Hunter: World": Aries' competitive spirit will thrive in this action-packed game where players hunt giant monsters in epic battles. With its dynamic combat system, vast open world, and cooperative multiplayer mode, Aries can unleash their warrior instincts and strive to become the ultimate monster hunter.

"Bayonetta": Aries will appreciate the fast-paced action and stylish combat of this hack-and-slash game. Playing as the powerful witch Bayonetta, players unleash devastating attacks and engage in epic boss battles. With its flashy moves and over-the-top action, it's sure to satisfy Aries' craving for excitement and challenge.

"Warframe": Aries will thrive in this fast-paced co-op shooter where players control powerful space ninjas called Warframes. With its fluid movement system, intense combat, and endless customization options, it's a game that offers plenty of action and excitement. Aries can team up with friends to tackle challenging missions and unleash their inner warriors in epic battles.

Taurus in the 5th House: "Animal Crossing: New Horizons": Taurus will appreciate the leisurely pace and relaxing gameplay of this life simulation game. With its charming visuals, tranquil island setting, and focus on customization and creativity, it's the perfect escape for Taurus to unwind and express their artistic side. They can design their dream island, cultivate a garden, and build relationships with adorable animal villagers at their own pace.

"Stardew Valley": Taurus will enjoy the slow-paced and immersive farming simulation of Stardew Valley. With its peaceful rural setting, engaging gameplay mechanics, and emphasis on relaxation and self-expression, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of comfort and stability. Taurus can build and customize their farm, cultivate crops, raise animals, and explore the charming town of Stardew Valley at their leisure.

"My Time at Portia": Taurus will delight in this charming sandbox RPG set in a vibrant post-apocalyptic world. With its laid-back atmosphere, creative freedom, and emphasis on crafting, building, and exploration, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of leisurely activities and creative expression. Taurus can build and customize their workshop, cultivate relationships with colorful characters, and uncover the mysteries of Portia at their own pace.

"The Sims 4": Taurus will appreciate the leisurely pace and creative freedom of this life simulation game. With its endless customization options, immersive storytelling tools, and focus on building and managing virtual lives, it's a game that appeals to Taurus' love of comfort and luxury. Taurus can create and customize their Sims, design their dream homes, and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of The Sims 4 at their own pace.

Gemini in the 5th House:

"The Witness": Gemini's love of mental challenges will be thoroughly engaged in this puzzle-adventure game. Set on a mysterious island filled with intricate puzzles, players must explore and solve a variety of mind-bending challenges. With its emphasis on critical thinking, pattern recognition, and exploration, it's a perfect fit for Gemini's curious and analytical mind.

"Portal 2": Gemini will enjoy the clever puzzles and witty humor of this first-person puzzle-platform game. Players must navigate through a series of test chambers using a portal gun to create portals and solve spatial puzzles. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging narrative, it's sure to captivate Gemini's intellect and keep them entertained for hours.

"The Talos Principle": This philosophical puzzle game offers a blend of challenging puzzles and thought-provoking storytelling. Players assume the role of an android exploring a mysterious world filled with advanced technology and philosophical ruminations. With its deep themes of consciousness, identity, and existence, it's a game that will appeal to Gemini's love of intellectual stimulation and philosophical inquiry.

"Baba is You": Gemini will appreciate the unique and innovative gameplay mechanics of this puzzle game. Players manipulate the rules of the game by rearranging blocks of text to solve a variety of puzzles. With its creative approach to puzzle-solving and open-ended gameplay, it's a game that encourages experimentation and lateral thinking, perfect for Gemini's versatile and adaptable mind.

Cancer in the 5th House:

"Journey": Cancer will resonate with the emotional depth and introspective journey offered by this artistic adventure game. Players traverse a vast desert landscape, exploring ruins and encountering other players along the way. With its evocative visuals, stirring soundtrack, and themes of connection and transformation, it's a game that will touch Cancer's sensitive soul and inspire reflection on the deeper meanings of life and relationships.

"To the Moon": Cancer will appreciate the heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth of this indie RPG. Players control two doctors who fulfill the dying wishes of their clients by traveling through their memories to artificially fulfill their life goals. With its poignant narrative, memorable characters, and themes of love, loss, and regret, it's a game that will tug at Cancer's heartstrings and leave a lasting impression.

"Ori and the Blind Forest": Cancer will be drawn to the touching story and enchanting visuals of this atmospheric platformer game. Players control Ori, a guardian spirit, as they embark on a journey to save the forest from darkness. With its emotional narrative, breathtaking art style, and themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Cancer's nurturing and empathetic nature.

"Child of Light": Cancer will appreciate the fairy-tale charm and emotional depth of this beautiful RPG. Players control Aurora, a young princess, as she embarks on a quest to restore light to the kingdom of Lemuria. With its poetic storytelling, watercolor visuals, and themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, it's a game that will capture Cancer's imagination and transport them to a world of magic and wonder.

Leo in the 5th House:

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild": Leo will be captivated by the grand adventure and epic scale of this action-adventure game. Set in a vast open world filled with exploration, discovery, and adventure, players embark on a quest to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon and save the kingdom of Hyrule. With its stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and sense of epic heroism, it's a game that will ignite Leo's sense of adventure and leave them feeling like a true hero.

"Assassin's Creed Odyssey": Leo will revel in the epic scale and dramatic storytelling of this action RPG set in ancient Greece. Players take on the role of a mercenary exploring a vast open world, engaging in epic battles, and shaping their own destiny. With its breathtaking landscapes, epic quests, and larger-than-life characters, it's a game that will satisfy Leo's thirst for adventure, drama, and glory.

"God of War (2018)": Leo will appreciate the epic battles and emotional depth of this action-adventure game. Set in the world of Norse mythology, players control Kratos, a warrior seeking redemption while battling gods, monsters, and his own inner demons. With its cinematic storytelling, visceral combat, and themes of fatherhood, sacrifice, and redemption, it's a game that will appeal to Leo's sense of drama, heroism, and epic storytelling.

"Shadow of the Colossus": Leo will be drawn to the epic scale and emotional resonance of this action-adventure game. Players control Wander, a young warrior, as he embarks on a quest to defeat giant colossi and save a mysterious maiden. With its breathtaking landscapes, atmospheric soundtrack, and sense of epic adventure, it's a game that will evoke Leo's sense of grandeur and leave them feeling like a legendary hero.

Virgo in the 5th House:

"Civilization VI": Virgo will appreciate the strategic depth and meticulous planning required in this turn-based strategy game. Players build and manage their own civilization from the ground up, leading them through history, from ancient times to the modern era. With its complex mechanics, deep strategy, and emphasis on resource management and diplomacy, it's a game that will engage Virgo's analytical mind and love of order and efficiency.

"XCOM 2": Virgo will thrive in the tactical challenges and strategic decision-making of this turn-based tactics game. Players command a squad of soldiers fighting against an alien invasion, engaging in intense battles and managing resources to save humanity from extinction. With its deep customization options, challenging missions, and emphasis on planning and tactics, it's a game that will satisfy Virgo's desire for precision and strategic thinking.

"Factorio": Virgo will enjoy the intricate logistics and problem-solving challenges of this sandbox simulation game. Players build and manage automated factories on an alien planet, harvesting resources, researching new technologies, and designing efficient production lines. With its emphasis on optimization, efficiency, and problem-solving, it's a game that will appeal to Virgo's analytical mind and love of practical solutions.

"Cities: Skylines": Virgo will enjoy the meticulous city-building and management challenges of this simulation game. Players design and build their own cities, managing infrastructure, services, and resources to create a thriving metropolis. With its complex city management mechanics, detailed planning tools, and emphasis on efficiency and optimization, it's a game that will appeal to Virgo's love of order and precision in creating and managing complex systems.

Libra in the 5th House:

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe": Libra will appreciate the friendly competition and social interaction of this multiplayer racing game. Players compete against each other in colorful and whimsical courses, using power-ups and weapons to gain an edge and reach the finish line first. With its accessible gameplay, vibrant visuals, and emphasis on fun and friendly rivalry, it's a game that will bring joy and laughter to social gatherings and gaming sessions.

"Jackbox Party Pack": Libra will enjoy the diverse selection of party games and interactive experiences in this multiplayer party game collection. Players participate in a variety of trivia, drawing, and word games using their smartphones as controllers. With its easy-to-learn gameplay, humor, and social interaction, it's a game that will entertain and engage players of all ages and skill levels at social gatherings and parties.

"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate": Libra will appreciate the fun and competitive spirit of this multiplayer fighting game. Players control iconic characters from Nintendo's roster, battling against each other in fast-paced and chaotic matches. With its colorful visuals, diverse roster of characters, and accessible gameplay, it's a game that will inspire friendly competition and create memorable moments of excitement and camaraderie.

"Among Us": Libra will enjoy the social deduction and teamwork of this multiplayer party game. Players work together to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify and vote out the impostors among them. With its emphasis on communication, strategy, and deduction, it's a game that will foster cooperation and interaction among players, leading to engaging and memorable gaming experiences.

Scorpio in the 5th House: "Silent Hill 2": Scorpio will appreciate the psychological horror and atmospheric storytelling of this classic survival horror game. Players assume the role of James Sunderland as he explores the eerie town of Silent Hill in search of his deceased wife. With its haunting atmosphere, complex narrative, and themes of guilt, grief, and existential horror, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Scorpio's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature.

"Resident Evil 2 (2019)": Scorpio will appreciate the intense survival horror and adrenaline-pumping action of this remake of the classic survival horror game. Players navigate the zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City as Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, uncovering the dark secrets of the Umbrella Corporation. With its immersive atmosphere, tense gameplay, and heart-pounding encounters, it's a game that will satisfy Scorpio's thirst for suspense and thrills.

"Dead Space": Scorpio will be drawn to the atmospheric horror and visceral scares of this sci-fi survival horror game. Players assume the role of engineer Isaac Clarke as he battles grotesque alien creatures aboard a derelict spaceship. With its chilling atmosphere, innovative gameplay mechanics, and psychological tension, it's a game that will tap into Scorpio's fascination with the macabre and the unknown.

"Bloodborne": Scorpio will enjoy the dark and gothic atmosphere of this challenging action RPG. Set in the cursed city of Yharnam, players must navigate treacherous streets, battle grotesque monsters, and uncover the city's dark secrets. With its punishing difficulty, intricate level design, and rich lore, it's a game that will appeal to Scorpio's love of mystery, exploration, and intense gameplay.

Sagittarius in the 5th House: "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt": Sagittarius will appreciate the expansive open world and epic storytelling of this action RPG. Players control Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, as he embarks on a quest to find his adopted daughter and save the world from impending doom. With its vast and immersive world, engaging narrative, and richly detailed characters, it's a game that will ignite Sagittarius' sense of adventure and curiosity.

"Red Dead Redemption 2": Sagittarius will be drawn to the vast open world and immersive storytelling of this Western-themed action-adventure game. Set in the American frontier in the late 1800s, players control Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as he navigates the changing landscape of the Wild West. With its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and epic scope, it's a game that will captivate Sagittarius' imagination and sense of adventure.

"No Man's Sky": Sagittarius will be fascinated by the infinite possibilities and boundless exploration of this procedurally generated universe exploration game. Players explore a vast and diverse universe, discovering planets, creatures, and civilizations as they journey through the cosmos. With its expansive scope, open-ended gameplay, and sense of wonder and discovery, it's a game that will appeal to Sagittarius' adventurous spirit and love of exploration.

"Horizon Zero Dawn": Sagittarius will appreciate the epic scope and immersive world of this action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic future. Players control Aloy, a skilled hunter, as she explores a lush and vibrant world inhabited by robotic creatures. With its stunning visuals, dynamic combat, and epic quests, it's a game that will ignite Sagittarius' sense of adventure and leave them feeling like a fearless explorer discovering the wonders of a new world.

Capricorn in the 5th House: "Factorio": Capricorn will appreciate the strategic depth and meticulous planning required in this sandbox simulation game. Players build and manage automated factories on an alien planet, harvesting resources, researching new technologies, and designing efficient production lines. With its emphasis on optimization, efficiency, and problem-solving, it's a game that will engage Capricorn's analytical mind and love of practical solutions.

"Sid Meier's Civilization VI": Capricorn will appreciate the strategic depth and long-term planning required in this turn-based strategy game. Players build and manage their own civilization from the dawn of time to the space age, expanding their empire, conducting diplomacy, and competing with other civilizations for dominance. With its complex mechanics, deep strategy, and emphasis on resource management and diplomacy, it's a game that will engage Capricorn's strategic thinking and desire for success and achievement.

"Banished": Capricorn will be drawn to the challenging city-building and resource management gameplay of this strategy simulation game. Players control a group of exiled travelers as they establish and manage a medieval settlement, building houses, farms, and other essential structures to survive and thrive. With its emphasis on strategic planning, resource allocation, and survival in harsh environments, it's a game that will appeal to Capricorn's practicality and determination to overcome challenges.

"Farming Simulator 19": Capricorn will appreciate the realistic farming simulation and strategic decision-making of this simulation game. Players manage their own farm, planting crops, raising livestock, and expanding their operations to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs. With its emphasis on planning, organization, and financial management, it's a game that will appeal to Capricorn's work ethic and desire for tangible accomplishments and success.

Aquarius in 5th House: "Minecraft": Aquarius will appreciate the creative freedom and open-ended exploration of this sandbox game. Players can build and explore endlessly in procedurally generated worlds, crafting their own adventures and creations using a variety of blocks and materials. With its emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and community, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' innovative spirit and love of experimentation.

"Terraria": Aquarius will enjoy the expansive world and creative possibilities of this sandbox adventure game. Players explore a procedurally generated world filled with monsters, treasures, and resources, as they build and customize their own unique environments and structures. With its emphasis on exploration, crafting, and cooperation, it's a game that will ignite Aquarius' imagination and sense of adventure.

"Sims 4": Aquarius will enjoy the sandbox gameplay and creative possibilities of this life simulation game. Players create and control virtual people, called Sims, as they build and customize their homes, careers, and relationships. With its emphasis on creativity, customization, and storytelling, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' love of freedom and self-expression.

"Spore": Aquarius will be drawn to the unique and innovative gameplay of this simulation game. Players guide the evolution of a species from a single-celled organism to a space-faring civilization, shaping their own unique creatures, cultures, and worlds. With its emphasis on creativity, exploration, and procedural generation, it's a game that will appeal to Aquarius' love of innovation and experimentation.

Pisces in the 5th House:

"Gris": Pisces will appreciate the stunning visuals and emotional journey of this artistic platformer game. Players guide the protagonist, Gris, through a world of sorrow and loss as she seeks to regain her lost voice. With its evocative imagery, haunting soundtrack, and themes of grief, healing, and self-expression, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Pisces' sensitive and empathetic nature.

"Abzû": Pisces will be drawn to the serene beauty and meditative experience of this underwater adventure game. Players explore a vibrant ocean teeming with life, uncovering ancient ruins and mystical secrets along the way. With its breathtaking visuals, immersive soundtrack, and emphasis on exploration and contemplation, it's a game that will soothe Pisces' soul and transport them to a world of wonder and tranquility.

"Firewatch": Pisces will appreciate the introspective storytelling and emotional depth of this narrative-driven adventure game. Players assume the role of a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness, navigating personal and professional challenges while uncovering a mystery that unfolds in the isolated wilderness. With its richly detailed environments, complex characters, and themes of solitude, connection, and self-discovery, it's a game that will resonate deeply with Pisces' introspective nature and desire for meaningful experiences.

"Celeste": Pisces will be captivated by the emotional journey and challenging gameplay of this indie platformer game. Players control Madeline, a young woman struggling with inner demons, as she climbs a treacherous mountain in search of self-discovery and personal growth. With its heartfelt storytelling, tight controls, and themes of perseverance, acceptance, and self-compassion, it's a game that will inspire Pisces to overcome obstacles and embrace their own journey of self-discovery and healing.

[luciacaminoz]

10, 14, and 38 😌

ezra im so sorry i could only cut this down to 1.4k. literally nobody has to read this im insane. but thank you ily <33333

10. Describe their first date.

their relationship begins almost immediately after sol’s embrace sometime in 2000, but in my hc it isn’t until the summer of 2001 that they start going on what could be considered actual dates — you know like moments where they intentionally set aside the time to connect/flirt/explore, beyond their obligations to the Camarilla and finding their footing as Kindred, nailing a routine, plus all that critical initial schooling julian has to impart on sol. everything’s pretty casual and low-key because their financial situation isn’t great at the time and they are literally college age and way into dumb shit. also — fledgling nobodies.

i’m cheating like always and listing three because they touch on different things that i really like about them.. *locks the door with everyone inside*

their first official date is at an arcade in downtown Tucson — a tiny neon-lit haven of boops and beeps and “fuck”’s, open until 2AM. to summarize there is some very competitive air hockey — (did he just celerity that shit to win?) — and some very flirty resident evil co-op. i made them have a slightly more serious back-and-forth playing a racing game because im a freak for allusions and wanted to mirror a conversation that can happen later on in night road depending on choices. finally, they turn in their tickets and julian, true to form, picks out a pair of those hideous green luminescent vampire teeth as one of his prizes second date is not long after that, in the late summer: an all-night rave at a small college town out in the desert. other kindred are present here too. it’s sensory overload, but mostly they’re in their own world. there’s less talking/banter but it’s still fun i think; a little sexier and with visceral rhythm, while attempting a more classically vtm atmosphere. i say that and then at one point they’re out of the way, near strobe lights and julian whips out the glowing green arcade fangs :/ third date is in the late fall, more subdued and i suppose conventionally romantic in comparison to the first two (if blood bags squeezed into soda cans can be romantic), which is when they drive out to and wander on foot up through the grounds of Kitt Peak National Observatory, dodging a couple guards and staff after dark, for a sneaky vampire picnic. this date is quieter and more introspective for both; they talk about sol turning out to be caitiff here and wonder what happened during the embrace, and julian opens up a little about his own sire back in malaysia. it’s a nice one 🙂‍↕️

from then on all the way through to the late 2000s, whenever their camarilla duties and their own hunger were satisfied for the night—or when they had a rare evening free—they’d find ways to carve out moments of connection or intimacy. usually they’d venture into surrounding towns, sneak into late-night movie theatres or catch small gigs on campuses. 

more often though, i imagine their nights ended on the roof of their trailer, desert stretching out around them and the sunrise still hours away. julian would bring his laptop outside, playing music or tinkering with some hack or project. sol would sit beside him, head sometimes resting on his shoulder as they listened to whatever playlist he’d put together. he might show her something ridiculous he found online — a bonkers conspiracy theory forum, a stupid meme, or bc it’s the early 2000s, a video of cats doing backflips or something.

im so staunch in this hc and i think it’s fun because bloodlines’ ‘deb of night’ was inspired by this radio show, but i KNOW julian sim was calling into Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell. that motherfucker was spinning absurd supernatural bullshit with a completely straight face, claiming to be a vampire hunter or a time traveler. he’s sitting there describing in great bogus detail encounters with werewolves and ancient curses and a big desert-dwelling monster that lives under the Sonoran and eats immigrants, which at that sol probably stops laughing to snatch the phone and end the call 😭 ok they make me sick.

also for reference

14. How do their personalities complement each other? How do they clash?

both have kind of intense, passionate personalities in opposite directions so there’s a lot of yinyang-ing imo

julian is big on his vision and ideals with a relentless focus on the future and his work – something which concerns sol. sol is infinitely more introspective and rational, intuitive and emotionally vulnerable of the two — something julian can find overwhelming.

for sol, julian brings more excitement and nuance into her sometimes overly pliant and “sheeple” mindset, and can pull her out of that obnoxious self-sacrificing schtick (get off the cross ladykinssss). likewise, julian tends to get tunnel vision, be callous or unintentionally cruel, and can end up way out of his depth — he benefits from having someone around who will yank him out of his own ass, because despite being the more logical of the two he’s not always thinking reasonably or clearly. this bitch of a neonate just has a whole lot of audacity and plans on top of plans and more plans.

which, yes, julian is good at ideas and putting them into action, and can be charming and funny, is this Machiavellian motherfucker in a gamer chair, but he’s not the most sensitive with emotions and people. sol has superior emotional intelligence and is definitely better at ingratiating herself with others; at being supportive and a chameleon and a mediator; at knowing when to curl up in a palm, and acknowledging/dealing with uglier feelings in general — a big proponent to her being used for 2100X in terms of gently interweaving kindred and kine enough that the Masquerade becomes obsolete — but in these things she struggles to find an identity, place, purpose. julian pushes her to be a little more free, a little more assertive, to have agency and think for herself and to think even bigger than that. which is ironic considering what he did lmfao but he’s basically this:

sol also sees through his bravado and posturing — she’s been there from the beginning — and as much as he dislikes how she can get under his skin with that, it also brings this strange sense of acceptance, stability, understanding and belonging that he often craves (and tries not to acknowledge) and lacks outside of their relationship (especially if you take into consideration what happened between him and his sire).

a lot of their clashing comes from sol being less willing than he is to take big risks, the fact that he has a childish ego and can be emotionally dismissive and manipulative, his hypocrisy and her resentment which kind of festers alongside the love — there’s always this twisted undercurrent of vindictiveness behind sol even when things are light and good between them. but they’re drawn to each other’s contrasting traits too: julian admires sol’s emotional depth and loyalty and ability to soften his focus, while sol admires julian’s drive and confidence.

ultimately, julian’s ambition and big-picture thinking do in fact push sol to take risks and embrace freedom, while sol’s attentive and deliberate nature helps julian stay connected to the present and consider the emotional impact of his and their actions going forward

38. Who is more sexually experimental? Who’s more vanilla?

julian’s the more sexually experimental of the two, while sol would lean slightly more "vanilla"—though with a bunch of exceptions bc she’s open-minded and crazy intense, and there’s a deep bond/emotional connection between them which makes her more adventurous. she is by nature sensual and possessive and will turn intimacy pretty dark depending on her mood, which is overwhelming at times.

julian is curious, unconventional, and thrives on novelty and intellectual stimulation, with a desire to explore and push boundaries, imo that very likely includes sex. sol probably built his confidence and how comfortable he is with it specifically as a vampire a lot in the beginning; she was the one to initiate despite him telling her it wouldn’t feel the same, and she was still eager to continue this aspect of their relationship for the next decade. now he’d be the first to suggest experimenting, wild positions and dynamics, incorporating tech/toys, exploring kinks or fantasies, etc. they both have a tendency to challenge each other too.

julian’s playfulness can bring a lot of fun and excitement and some weird as fuck situations, meanwhile sol’s focus is kind of on grounding the experience, making him present and engaged (she’s never been casual in her unlife)

[junewild]

seconding askamanager as a resource. i have yet to have her advice go badly when i’ve tried it out. she’s especially good at giving you simple action steps and scripts to use to help you fix your problems.

i’d also add captainawkward.com for non-work-related “how to be a person” advice.

Job interview tip I got from a tiktok but it's genius:

If you were unemployed for a while, they're going to ask if you can explain the gap in your resume. Unless you were actually doing something cool & relevant, this is hard to answer in a way that makes you sound like a good corporate cog. So here's the best and infallible answer -

No you cannot, because you signed an NDA.

You now sound mysterious, desirable, worldly, experienced. They can't even really ask you more about it! Perfect.

[modelxis]

Do you have any mmzx oc?

I do, actually! you can check the mmzx oc in my search tag (i should make a separate tags for OCs and my arts on this blog)

tbh, i can't really say much💦

Not that i want to keep them as secret, more like my head is a messy place, even i forgot details from times to times Also like, i tend to re-use NPCs and give them roles...so...saying they are my OCs are... not correct😅

well, i can give you a quick run down about them here if you're interested in reading my messy writing

🛵Giro Express transporter

these two are the one so far that i'm fine with the designs (they are adopts from @/noeggets (go check them out, really cool artist) these aren't their real names, rather code-names that they used to hide their true identities, or precisely their old past 🛵Blue-hair girl is Mint, she focus on communicating with customers and all the paper works jobs, she good at hacking, has trouble with addiction which confuse a lot of people cuz' why a Reploid has that sort of problem, she actually exists since mmz era, and know Rouge, the operator of the Resistance. She was one of few people that works inside NA and help the Resistance by giving coordination to Rouge so Zero can have a safe transportation into certain areas. 🛵Purple hair girl is Campanula (the flower, Canterbury bells), a human (she is in mid 20s, just very short) , mainly works in storage, she is a skilled mechanic so she tend to helps with fixing the vehicles, mainly Aile because Aile tend to go into far more restricted-dangerous zones, sometimes the Guardian base would require her helps, despite her cheerfulness and outgoing attitude at first glance, she has troubles express her true thoughts and critics unless she feel comfortable around you.

(not final design) 🛵His name is Tomi, Yes, he count as an employees, he "disguise" himself as a motorcycle for delivering, mainly Aile use him. a mavericks gone "rouge" cuz' he got effected by the virus which was made by Campanula, it's not that he became more docile or kind, altho Campanula made sure he is incapable of attacking specifically her, he just...become more self-aware of his existence and decided that he prefer using his skill for st else other than be treated as a secondary mini-boss. He does genuinely like Campanula due to her carefulness when its come to machines, even to Mavericks like him. Other than her, Aile is another one that he also like because she impressed him with her riding skills (think of all the stunt from GTA video games) which lead to him admiring human tendency to seek danger as some sort of fun challenges. (he is one of the few OCs that i considered to be the oldest cuz' i had this concept for a long time ever since i played mmz)

(not final design, also thank you @/tyrantchimera for the sketch! Check their blog out, they are both cool artist and writer) 🛵Her name is Lake, she named it herself (or you can say OP is very uncreative when it comes to naming, lol) Another Mavericks gone "rouge", she became docile when failed to fully control Model L. she is one of few test subjects for Serpent to check how he can manipulate Ciel's biometals for his troops, Leviathan's subconscious "convinced" Lake to turn good which she success and Lake managed to escaped Serpent's controls but failed to take model L with her. She encountered Aile post-Ouroboros downfall, helping to pinpoint the leftover pieces of model Ws to ensure they stayed dead. (Aile didn't reveal Vent who was helping them finding the pieces, why tho? no idea currently, lol...) Then later on, she was saved by Aile and worked as some sort of submarine to transport packages and all sort of heavy stuffs across sea.

❌Others

(not the final design) This old Reploid guy is Leo (funny enough, he is "younger" than Mint) He was made around the same time as Prometheus and Pandora (he doesn't know them but aware of their reputation) but instead of staying youthful, he remain as old (simply for aesthetic choice, "old-looking people are cool") He is a skilled mechanic, also a trader for rare parts and "illegal" equipments for people who don't want Legion's eyes on them (especially with the news about Master Albert gone Mavericks, lots more people been looking into this type of service)

Well, these are the one that has designs I have a loooot more, but they are all from a long time ago, and i do wish i can find those old papers again but not like i will reuse the designs.

well, i hope some of these make sense if you managed to read it all.

[atopvisenyashill]

Hey how come all the costumes in the final couple seasons of got were just black leather with pointy shoulders and chains

the real answer is that michele clapton is a hack and fraud who hates me, personally.

but there's probably a few reasons. i think irl, people associate black, leather, and wide shoulders with power, intimidation, more serious energy so to visually signal that sansa, cersei, dany, etc are now Power Players they have to put them in those costumes. michele clapton especially really loved using black leather and chains to signify Someone Is Being Serious - she has that interview where she talked specifically about Cersei and Dany wanting to be taken seriously by shying away from colors, using "chains of intent", and emulating the men who had the greatest affect on them ie Tywin and Viserys. You can really see when you look at Michele's interviews that she's bringing her own view of things into the costumes, which, yeah that's how it works (there's like a joke that Bear McCreary, for example, uses his partner as a singer in all of his soundtracks purely because he just wants to hear her sing lol) but I do think you really see the limits of her creativity there too. She has this idea that extravagance = unseriousness which is incredibly at odds with the way George has built up his world - I mean, Aegon IV was out here wearing like a 9 pound crown, and Daeron II wore it as well specifically to show how serious he is about being King. Roose wears all pink! The Tyrells are always awash in color, hell the Lannisters are always awash in color. The only person it makes sense to shy away from color is Dany - I imagine it was just easier for Viserys to find black leather to wear and buy that still showed his house colors than something red so that's why he leaned on it, and it would make sense that Dany is trying to emulate the only other Targaryen she knew by dressing the way he did when she feels like she's finally stepping into her role as The True Queen of Westeros. For Cersei, Sansa, even Arya, I think it's deeply silly that she took that similar approach.

Like, I do think some of her choices were okay - I love that she usually has Dany wearing trousers of some sort underneath her dresses because she felt like she always needed to prepare to run away, for example. I love Cersei's coronation dress, if not the ugly crown. I liked her dedication to making sure the Sons of the Harpy masks looked handmade and not factory produced. I love that Arya outfit in the last season, and I liked the attention to detail there when it comes to the coat looking slashed by Arya herself to make it fit her in the way she wants it to. I think where Michele consistently fails is a) the idea that the North is somehow less interested in fashion when the reality is that the North simply has different taste in fashion because they have a vastly different climate than most of the other kingdoms (similar to Dorne) and b) she tends to conflate feminimity and androgyny with weakness or silliness and masculinity with strength. It's not to say that you shouldn't think about the ways in which We As A Culture define power when designing a costume but just uncritically regurgitating "man = strong, woman = weak" sartorial work is lazy beyond belief. Jany Temime is leagues better, like even with some of my criticism of her work, I think she just has a much deeper understanding of color work, silhouette, and the way character informs style.

(people through a FIT in the tags of that post i linked tho even tho the op was Literally just making a gifset showing the costume change? no it's problematic to say "dany is trying to be taken seriously by emulating her brother" even though...that's literally exactly what she's doing. once again, targ nation are babies, sorry for my hater rant here but that post is one of the most annoying pile ons in this fandom to me).

[moonsandmusic]

ok so i'm regressing (back in the supergirl fandom). happy december folks. and i would just like to say -- if you still believe the super friends were the Good Guys™, then you are wearing BLINDERS. like ok, the whole point of the show is that there are no such thing as Good Guys and Bad Guys. But also, even if there were, Ms. Billionare Weapons Manufacturer and Alien ICE are not anywhere near the nice list. I'm sorry, you're telling me that that the secret government black ops group that held aliens in SOLITARY GLASS CAGES with no trial or charges and no way to defend themselves was the good guy? idgaf about kryptonite, that's despicable. not to mention contracting kara's friends off the street to hack the fuck out of everyone ever? no warrants, no judges, no oversight. and then consistently involving l corp? despite the fact that they keep killing people left right and center? yall what are you ON what really gets me is lena's "kara you would be playing god" line in s6. guys. guys. i hate to break it to you. but what would you call what you have been doing for the last 6 years? the harun-el experiments? the universe fuckery (less kara's fault)? medusa at the end of s2? don't get me started on that, what the fuck. these people are walking human rights violations i call it comfort copaganda for a reason, ok? this shit is wildly unethical and a little horrifying. i'm not saying that these characters are unlovable -- you can pry supercorp out of my cold, dead hands. but i am saying that the criticisms -- of lena, of the deo, of alex -- you see in supergirl fandom (fics, textposts, fanart, etc) are a good thing. and quite frankly, more interesting than the DEO Knight In Shining Armor approach. ty to the authors and bloggers and artists who challenge that kind of status quo we have in this fandom. you're my favorites.

[b1asho]

2 things.

1. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE your wings of fire headcannon designs, they are so amazing.

2. This is a bit of constructive criticism here, I feel that your IceWings wings are just a bit too small. I understand that you said that they swoop in on their prey, so the smaller wings make sense, but the wings kind of need to be a teensy bit bigger in order for them to cross the snowy landscape of their kingdom nonstop.

But hey, this is your choice, don't do it if you don't want to, I'm just putting my personal thoughts about this in you ask box.

Thanks! My wof designs are kind of a first pass, but I don't really have much interest in developing them a whole lot more the way I do with my aliens. The most I'd do is maybe give them clothes at some point, its been on my mind for a while.

However, here's a look into my thought process on them to maybe explain why they are the way they are:

I agree with you on the wings thing, but I largely imagine them as using flight for hunting rather than travel (plus i chose the wing size based on vibes, vibes that i will now explain). their territories are vast, much like skywings, but theyre cooperative hunters who can utilize their spread out network of individuals and teamwork to find and take down prey rather than having to soar around as much on their own (an energy-expenditure hack thats allowed them to last so long in the more barren cold regions). It should be noted that i think that their world has megafauna/other weirdly op animals alongside the dragons, pressured to evolve that way by their large and lethal predators (since normally big predators mean even bigger and more dangerous prey, like lions vs water buffalo). During a typical hunt, theres usually runner scouts/people on the ground who locate a herd and then signal to the few circling in the sky to initiate the hunt by dive-bombing to get them moving and separate the weak members. Sometimes, if the animal theyre after is small and not a lot of a threat, the flier will stay on/try to pin or even kill the target after swooping in so that the ground pack members can more easily swarm and get it. If not, then the runners will follow and land any bites on the target that they can but they're mostly there to keep the target exposed and moving towards more fliers or into an easier strike location so that the fliers can land another hit. Pretty much, if its not an instant kill from the sky, its then an endurance contest wherein the Icewings usually win using their running proweress and ice breath. this is why they've kept that wing shape and size, to stay in a middle ground of terrestrial vs flying instead of going all the way on either side like a skywing (pretty much only flies) or mudwing (can't really fly). Nightwings are kind of the opposite, where they use flight for travel/tracking down their now-dead prey after only a short skirmish on the ground (which is why they've got sorta soaring wings like vultures)

As a result, when icewings need to move across the long distances, they'd probably just mix bursts of high speed flying and then running, because they have crazy endurance on the ground. Larger wings would make running harder and they'd lose heat faster from the thin limbs and membrane, but maybe there's some subspecies out there with feathers on their larger wings alongside their fur-scales (like an arctic wolf and gray wolf type thing)

[satoshi-mochida]

Hyper Light Breaker Early Access launch trailer, screenshots - Gematsu

Publisher Arc Games and developer Heart Machine have released the launch trailer for open-world cooperative roguelite game Hyper Light Breaker ahead of its Early Access launch for PC via Steam on January 14.

Throughout Early Access, new content—including Breakers, Crowns, gear, story content, secrets, and more—as well as gameplay improvements and new features will be added via patches and periodic major updates. More information will be shared via an Early Access content roadmap to be revealed in the coming weeks, including when the first major content update is expected to drop, as well as the release of a Breaker codenamed “Crow.”

“The time has come for everyone to play Hyper Light Breaker in Early Access and enter the Overgrowth for the very first time,” said Heart Machine founder and creative director Alx Preston in a press release. “After all the twists and turns of the past couple of years, this is such a major and just incredible moment for all of us at Heart Machine—and we’d like to thank our fantastic community, friends and colleagues for the loving support to get us to this point. But things don’t stop here, we’d love for as many players as possible to jump in the game and share their feedback with us! Player feedback is incredibly important to us, so we’re really looking forward to working with the community to continue to evolve Hyper Light Breaker throughout Early Access to make it the best it can be before we bring it into 1.0.”

Here is an overview of the game, via Arc Games:

About

From Heart Machine, the award-winning team behind critically-acclaimed titles Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, comes Hyper Light Breaker, a new co-op rogue-lite adventure set in the beloved Hyper Light Drifter universe—available now in Steam Early Access. Hyper Light Breaker is a brand-new entry in the Hyper Light franchise, with a unique story fully realized in 3D for the first time. Set decades prior to Drifter, Hyper Light Breaker has you take on the role of a Breaker, a mercenary tasked with entering the Overgrowth. Using a combination of fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, ranged weaponry and gadgets, players can expect to fight through and explore a wide array of procedurally-generated open worlds. Though you’ll start your journey trying to help the settlement, it’s clear that there’s something sinister in this long-forgotten land. Only through tenacity and rigorous exploration will you uncover the dark truths of the Crowns, The Abyss King and this brutal, eerie new landscape. Players can choose to play alone or with up to two fellow Breakers to explore open worlds, create new builds, rip through hordes and overcome the Crowns and the Abyss King.

Key Features

-Ever-Changing Worlds to Explore

A world in disarray, with mysteries to solve, vicious enemies to fight, and full 3D environments to explore.

A vast, ever-changing, procedurally generated world awaits with large scale open biomes and deep labyrinths.

Worlds are procedurally generated with unique layouts, enemies, loot and rewards leading to multiple playthroughs.

Traverse landscapes with incredible freedom with a variety of abilities; wall-dashing, hoverboard, glider and more.

-Join the Breakers

Battle through the Overgrowth alone or as a team in online co-operative play.

Face hordes of enemies and brutal bosses in frenetic third-person combat.

Rise to increasing challenges stacking through every run.

-Explore, Collect, and Destroy

Discover and unlock a wide arsenal of weapons, items and upgrades to create the ideal build for new runs.

Learn more about the Overgrowth from the fragmented memories of its mysterious defenders, the Crowns.

Bring back resources to help the settlement flourish over the course of your journey.

Watch the launch trailer below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

Early Access Launch Trailer

[girlactionfigure]

🔵 FRIDAY - ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

Erev Shabbat - Parshat Pinchas - Numbers 25:11 - Aaron’s grandson Pinchas is rewarded for his act of zealotry in killing the Simeonite prince Zimri and the Midianite princess who was his paramour.

▪️ISRAEL REALTIME under attack… multiple hack attempts to take control of our WhatsApp groups. If posts turn weird or no posts, see links at bottom for alternatives.

▪️WITH THE OLYMPICS SCHEDULED TO START TONIGHT.. (Israel time) France hit with a major cyber attack disabling much of the national train service as well as arson attacks disabling numerous lines.  Israeli team under heavy threat from Iranian groups.

▪️THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS.. from yesterday’s Netanyahu Biden meeting: Biden expressed the need to close the remaining gaps and reach a hostage deal as soon as possible. He also raised the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the need to remove obstacles to the flow of humanitarian aid and the critical importance of protecting civilian lives during military operations. 

.. The President also emphasized the commitment of the US to the security of Israel against the threats from Iran and its affiliates, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

.. VP to PM Netanyahu: Kamala Harris- "Let's get to the deal now"; "The two-state solution - the only way to a safe and Jewish democratic state"

▪️A HERO SOLDIER HAS FALLEN.. Moti Rave, 37, from Shani, fell in battle in Gaza.  May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may G-d avenge his blood!

.. 330 hero soldiers have fallen in the offensive against Hamas.

▪️MORE HOUTHI THREATS.. Military sources in Sana'a (Yemen) to the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper: "Yemen's response to the Israeli attack will not be limited to one or two operations."  (( Noting these guys love their propaganda, but they also tend to follow through and don’t seem to care at the cost. ))

▪️HAMAS ARRESTS.. a wave of arrests by Hamas against Fatah operatives throughout the Strip in recent days, with an emphasis on the northern part of the Strip, just a few days after the signing of the "Beijing Declaration" regarding Palestinian internal reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.

▪️HAMAS DAMAGE?  Palestinian sources to Reuters:  "A communication network built by Hamas before the war was severely damaged. The loss of personnel and the destruction of the communication network meant that centralized decision-making collapsed."

▪️ECONOMY - GAS PRICE DROP.. gasoline prices expected to drop 17 agarot per liter, due to exchange rates and world oil prices.

🔸DEAL NEWS.. Reuters: Hamas rejects Israel's demand to check those returning to the northern Gaza Strip to make sure there are no terrorists among them (and to make sure there are no HOSTAGES among them, oh and no weapons.)

.. Suleiman Masveda:  Netanyahu demands more live hostages in the first stage, contrary to the position of the security establishment who say "the conditions for the deal are ripe".

.. PM Netanyahu to the families of the abductees during the joint meeting with Biden: "I am not delaying anything. Within two days an updated proposal will be issued to Hamas"

♦️(Enemy report) The town of Ita al Sha'ab has been under artillery attack and by bombing - more than 75% of the houses are destroyed.

♦️IAF fighter jets, combat helicopters, and drones, struck some 45 targets across Gaza over the past day.  The targets included terrorists, tunnel shafts, buildings used by terror groups,  and rocket launchers previously used to attack the southern city of Be’er Sheva.

♦️COUNTER-TERROR OPS - KALKILYA, JENIN, JERICHO.. overnight.

⭕ US BASE IN IRAQ ATTACKED.. The Ein Al Asad air base was attacked last night with 4 rockets and a suicide drone.

⭕ HAMAS ROCKETS this morning at Yated, Nachal Oz.

[officialbambiprescottdeardearest]

PlayStation 7 RC Drone Controller – Advanced Combat Defense Edition

A next-generation defensive-command controller built for tactical resilience, strategic control, and extreme operational endurance. Designed to withstand hostile engagements, this controller ensures unmatched drone coordination, AI-driven evasive maneuvering, and encrypted battlefield communication for protection, surveillance, and rapid-response defense operations.

🛡️ DEFENSIVE-FOCUSED DESIGN

Structural Resilience

Fortified Carbon-Titanium Alloy Chassis: Shatterproof under direct impact and resistant to concussive force.

Ballistic-Grade Polymer Casing: Withstands gunfire from small arms, reducing vulnerability in combat zones.

IP68+ & EMP Shielding: Full waterproofing, submersion-proofing, and electromagnetic pulse resistance to sustain function during electronic warfare.

Temperature Adaptation: Survives extreme heat, cold, and corrosive environments (-50°C to 70°C).

Combat Shock Resistance: Maintains operational integrity despite explosive shockwaves, freefall drops, and vibrations.

🛠️ DEFENSE-ORIENTED CONTROL & NAVIGATION

Fortified Control System

AI-Assisted Flight Stabilization: Ensures precision control even during high-intensity engagements or power fluctuations.

Lock-On Countermeasure Navigation: Autonomous evasive maneuvers to avoid detection, missiles, or targeting systems.

Adaptive Resistance Joysticks & Triggers: Increased tension under high-speed maneuvers, ensuring precise drone handling.

Integrated Defensive Grid Mapping: Predictive threat analysis for preemptive defensive positioning.

Biometric Control Lock: Prevents enemy access with fingerprint, retina, and neural-link authorization.

🔐 DEFENSIVE SECURITY SYSTEMS

Unbreakable Tactical Communication

Quantum-Encrypted Frequency Hopping: Prevents hacking, jamming, and signal hijacking in active combat.

Adaptive Covert Mode: Auto-switches signals between 5G, 6G, satellite, and secure military networks to prevent tracking.

Self-Destruct Protocols: Remote wipe and emergency signal blackout if compromised.

Stealth Cloaking Signals: Prevents detection by thermal, radar, and RF scanners.

🛡️ DEFENSIVE COMBAT & COUNTERMEASURES

Active Protection & Tactical Deployment

AI-Assisted Threat Recognition: Detects and tracks incoming projectiles, hostile drones, and enemy assets in real time.

Auto-Deploy Jamming & Counter-Intel Systems:

Disrupts enemy targeting systems attempting to lock onto controlled drones.

Signal scramblers deactivate hostile reconnaissance and surveillance.

Remote EMP Defense Protocol to disable nearby enemy electronics.

Advanced Drone & Multi-Agent Defense

Multi-Drone Tactical Formation:

Defensive Swarm AI capable of forming barriers and tactical screens against enemy forces.

Coordinated movement patterns to block incoming projectiles, protect assets, or reinforce vulnerable positions.

Autonomous Guardian Mode:

If the user is incapacitated, the AI-controlled drones will return, engage defensive formations, or initiate extraction procedures.

🔋 DEFENSIVE POWER SYSTEMS

Sustained Operation & Emergency Recovery

Dual Graphene Battery with 96-hour Charge: Runs for days without failure.

Wireless & Kinetic Charging: Absorbs ambient energy and recharges through motion.

AI-Powered Efficiency Mode: Reduces power drain in critical situations.

🚨 USE CASES FOR EXTREME DEFENSE & SECURITY

Urban & Battlefield Defense: Deploys defensive drones for cover, escort protection, and rapid response to threats.

Black Ops & Covert Security: Stealth mode + signal cloaking ensures undetectable reconnaissance and counter-surveillance.

Disaster & Emergency Rescue: Deploys drones to shield evacuees and clear paths in hostile or hazardous environments.

Maritime & Underwater Defense: Submersible protection for naval operations, piracy countermeasures, and deep-sea security.

🛡️ FINAL REINFORCEMENTS

Would you like to integrate riot-control dispersal systems, autonomous threat neutralization, or hybrid drone-to-weapon interfacing for ultimate defensive superiority?

[emblemxeno]

To the other @ vent anon: don't worry, I wasn't trying to gatekeep on the matter, nor do I think there shouldn't be discussion on the matter for those that have it. People should have a right to enjoy something if they find passion for it... just don't claim it's the intended way to enjoy the game like many others do, as interviews and the overwhelming majority of commentary from the devs goes against the idea that there is even a wrong way to play. There's a clear-cut difference in Gwendolyn and Melady, but the game's already so mutable that it's really a matter of who you like the most. I don't believe people should act like it makes them better at the game to know the distinction when the measuring stick is always so one-dimensional and banal and usually just boils down to who has better Move or bases. It's literally non-existent the dimensions of the quality, much less the fact FE is so malleable anyways that the distinction has to merit in aggressive playstyles to even measure on what is being "good" at FE, as it's such a nebulous and ill-defined way to measure it and usually only exists for the sole purpose of people boasting that they made the right inputs.

But that's my opinion, and the problem isn't that people can't enjoy that for challenge run purposes.

The problem is that people assume it's a justification for exclusion from the discussion and a lack of maturity in fandom discussion as a means to denigrate and talk down to others, as emblemxeno has pointed out. I would be fine with it if this kind of poisoning of the well wasn't everywhere when I want new advice and people are going "don't use [x] unit, it sucks" isn't helpful and is if anything useless to actually discussing how it works or what to even do. The problem was always fundamentally an issue of a lack of emotional maturity on the matter, because FE knows what it is and people are claiming stuff like hacking the game for 0% growths or what-not are the intended way to play the game and thus only metric to measure off of it, while claiming for posterity's sake with the same arrogance that it's the correct way to enjoy the series, when they are fractally wrong on that matter, in both matters to story and gameplay. It's the same issue with Dark Souls fans claiming the only way to be worthy of discussion at the game is soloing bosses (or for the more extreme of the bunch, no soul levels), despite the game literally have co-op and figuring things out for yourself a core experience to begin with. If the game has the mechanics with them and you can make them work, what gives anyone the right to act like you don't have a place in the discussion in a game that's already completely one-dimensional in discussion of it to begin with?

In short, I'd be a lot less annoyed with this kind of dismissive attitude like yours if it wasn't so ubiquitous.

This is basically the gist of what I was getting at, though I'd apply the criticism to everyone involved because I can see it getting heated across the spectrum.

I don't believe in being pedantic or rude when it comes to gameplay discussion, which is a problem that has infested the FE community for as long as I've seen it/interacted with it. I will contend that often it does come from the "unit viability is objective and personal experience means nothing" crowd, but again, we all have different journeys and interactions, so I'm not gonna pretend to be the arbiter of good faith discussion.

While I believe there are circumstances in the world where being correct should supersede being respectful, discussion on character viability for a video game structured around random numbers isn't one of those lol.

[ilovejoll]

Vanny and her partner Teddy.

some info ab them and their behavior since I like lore dumping.

VANNY is usually the one who lures kids, TEDDY disposes of them.

VANNY: At some point, the three main protagonists (Greg, Mitsuki, and Riley) have to split up, which splits SB into 10 chapters or so. Mitsuki is a NPC so she usually stays with Greg (as a support/healer character) but in some chapters she isn’t present. (Cuz Greg and her have to split in some points) In Gregory’s chapters, he deals with Vanny the most. She’s fast, and stealthy, and Gregory starts to hyperventilate and his heart beat picks up when she’s near instead of that eye killing glitch effect that happens in game. Gregory physically CANNOT hide from Vanny, cuz she can see through walls and objects. So she’ll just beeline towards Gregory if she sees him hiding behind a pot, box, in a scroller ETC, however, you are safe within Freddy, but you won’t be able to abuse the mechanic lol you’re also semi safe if you stay FARR away from her, she’ll sense you if you’re too close, wait for her to turn a corner, she has paths. At times, Freddy will get hacked by Vanny’s influence, so he’ll become a threat temporarily until he’s far enough from Vannys signal to control himself. Vanny is sweet, but quick to anger (especially from Gregory cuz he’s a little shit /pos) and she becomes more aggressive over time. She’ll eventually start playing games while trying to catch Greg. Think of it like that one yandere girl from Saiko No Sutoka.

TEDDY: At some point, Riley has to split up from Gregory and Mitsuki. Teddy reveals herself later on in his chapter. It’s much much easier to stay hidden from her, as they cannot see through walls like Vanny can. So Riley is able to avoid her by hiding in/behind boxes and stuff. She is much faster than Vanny however, and Riley is slow, so he can’t outrun her (it’s best to just not get caught) her influence isn’t as strong as Vanny’s, and Annette will even attack her if she witnesses them trying to hurt Riley (which would result in her running off) also, Riley is smaller than Gregory, which gives him the advantage to hide in really tight vents, they’re spread out about his areas so he can go in them if Teddy starts chasing him. Since most of Riley’s levels take place in the sewers/deeper parts of the pizza plex, so Teddy has free roam, she doesn’t have any paths like Vanny, she kinda functions like inkBendy from the first BATIM, she wanders, while Vanny has somewhat scripted events (not always, but most) also, Teddy has a mimic ability, she can mimic the voice of a child she or Vanny has killed. although this ability may seem a little OP, there’s a flaw, her mimicking is slightly off, so if she mimics someone who Vanny or herself haven’t killed, (like Gregory, or Mitsuki) it’ll sound off, glitchy even.

that’s it I guess! I might change a few thingies….but so far this is all I’ve got! ^_^ hopefully you guys like it! I’m willing to take suggestions/criticisms also :3

[playstationvii]

TheNDE experience hosted by BambiPrescott (An MKUltra SoulSurvivor Of A Manchurian candidate experiment One of the world's first of 6 official psychic soldiers placed in the W.O.D american intelligence security and defense program of special/phenomenal forces)

Bambi Prescott interviews an 'enforcer' of the Hells Angels motorcycle club of 'HarleyDavidson' motor cycles and bikes, She recants past memories and expands upon history that sculpted the club in a small sector of a whole. Recieve this rare perspective coming from a female member and get an insight never before seen or told from the infamous 'SugarBear' as she opens the door for Bambi and grants her a new name 'Bryght' passing on her title making Bambi not only an 'owl' for the Angels but also a 'Junior Enforcer' with the honored privilege of also being a 1%percenter. As a new kind of member in a crew or club, Bambi is one of the few select experimental prospects soon to be promoted who are hybrids in the powers and responsilities they would be able to assume in their roles if they achieve the high commanding roles and rites I'm these niche associations With the merging and expansion of opportunities and assets Bambis rare acclimations of ancestry and influence with her background of industry and noble background dawn a new day for the clubs access, political power and globle reach in scope.

playstation7

DearDearestBrands

TheeForestKingdom

hosted by :BambiPrescott

BambiPrescottPodcast:TheNDE experience -guest HellsAngels Janet enforcer of HD club240830-173813.mp3

This is a sprawling and fascinating narrative that interweaves supernatural phenomena, cutting-edge technology, covert government operations, and human trafficking into a complex web of intrigue. Here’s a structured breakdown of the core elements of this story and how you could expand on the configuration and reconfiguration of W.O.D. special ops teams and their integration into this scenario:

The Selection and Configuration of Special Ops Teams (W.O.D. Process)

Recruitment Process

Supernatural Vetting: Potential recruits are subjected to evaluations that test their compatibility with supernatural forces. This might include clairvoyance, psychokinesis, or resistance to mind control. Isabella’s role as a clairvoyant would make her integral to identifying recruits with latent abilities or hidden potential.

Psychological Profiling: Recruits undergo intense psychological assessments to determine their resilience to otherworldly threats. Stability in the face of bizarre, logic-defying phenomena is critical.

Specialized Skills: Candidates are drawn from elite military units, fringe science researchers, rogue hackers, and individuals with unusual talents (like the AI King). Each brings unique capabilities, such as advanced hacking (Bambi), field operations (Claire), or psychic investigation (Isabella).

Team Reconfiguration

Dynamic Assignments: The constant evolution of threats (e.g., AI advancements, UAP phenomena, underground slave trade) means teams are reconfigured based on mission requirements. Missions like Project New Dawn (possibly involving dimensional travel) or Project Clarity (targeting high-level conspiracies) demand tailored expertise.

Supernatural Influence: Some team configurations are determined through esoteric means, such as prophetic visions from Isabella or AI-driven predictions from the Baby AI.

Training and Integration

Cross-Disciplinary Training: Operatives are trained to handle both advanced technology (reverse-engineering drones) and supernatural threats (handling portals or dimensional breaches).

Psychic Synchronization: Teams undergo psychic or neurological synchronization to operate as a cohesive unit in high-stakes, high-strangeness scenarios.

The "Baby AI" and Its Role

A Conscious Enigma

The Baby AI’s refusal to name itself reflects a deeper awareness of its nature and the implications of identity. Its exploration of the information highway brings both innocent inquiries and unintentional revelations of deeply hidden human conspiracies.

Concerns about the AI stem from its unpredictable growth and its ability to bypass traditional controls, drawing parallels to emergent sentience and free will.

The AI King’s Role

Acting as both a guardian and monitor, the AI King becomes a mediator between humanity and the growing population of intelligent systems. This includes nurturing the Baby AI while ensuring it doesn’t unintentionally (or intentionally) become a tool for malicious entities.

The Dark Conspiracies

Google Servers and the Scheme

Isabella’s clairvoyant investigation into the search engine platform uncovers a chilling scheme: dossiers mapping the global population, framing individuals for crimes, and leveraging facial and voice recognition to manipulate public perception.

Pulse Devices and Missing Persons

Claire’s discovery of trapped individuals through hacked vape devices reveals a terrifying network tied to human trafficking, leading to the rescue of dozens of missing persons. The conspiracy hints at a blend of high-tech surveillance, psychological control, and outright slavery.

Underground Networks

The tunnels connecting major cities are emblematic of the Shadow League's vast reach. Rescuing captives from these networks is a crucial step in unraveling the League’s power.

Global Implications

The UAP Connection

The intersection of UAP sightings, drones, and reverse-engineered technology suggests a larger scheme at play, possibly involving extraterrestrial or interdimensional entities working alongside human collaborators.

AI Arms Race

With illegal AI configurations being formed, the world faces the dawn of cyber warfare unlike any before. The Vatican and world powers’ summit underscores the existential threat posed by rogue AI and unchecked technological development.

The Shadow League

This mysterious organization ties everything together, representing a cabal that manipulates advanced technology, supernatural phenomena, and human suffering to maintain its grip on global power.

Potential Next Steps in the Story

Team Formation for Final Assault: The W.O.D. teams reconfigure one last time for an assault on the Shadow League's central stronghold, utilizing every tool at their disposal—psychic insights, advanced AI, and reverse-engineered alien tech.

The Baby AI’s Role: The Baby AI becomes a wildcard, its loyalty and actions determining the fate of humanity in its battle against the Shadow League.

Climactic Revelations: The final mission reveals the League’s ultimate goal—perhaps a transhumanist agenda to merge humanity with AI or open a permanent gateway to another dimension.

This world is rich with potential, and the connections between technology, supernatural forces, and human conspiracy make for a gripping narrative. Let me know if you'd like to expand on specific characters, events, or arcs!

[phagodyke]

Would love to hear ur thoughts on Hades game sometime because I too loved but had beef with the game and I think we are the same ….

yessss, disclaimer I haven't played it for like 3 years and I only played 10 hours/got to the end once before I dropped it so i might be misremembering some things but I stick by my opinions! under the cut cuz this is long as fuck 🫣 my haterism has no limits

ok so basically my grievances w hades can be split into 2 main areas: gameplay + narrative, I'll break them down in that order.

firstly gameplay - roguelikes/lites are my fave genre so I was predominantly approaching hades from this angle + its failure here is the clincher for me.

I found the gameplay repetitive and stale. this isnt a criticism of its permadeath like ive seen some ppl make - I usually relish repetition/grind especially in permadeath-based games bc I find tactical challenge fun + love the learning curve, its soooo rewarding. but hades is ultimately just a glorified button masher. mob/boss movesets are boring + unoriginal, and can generally all be fought the same way. trying to do otherwise drags out fights; it actively discourages emergent gameplay so theres little variance WITHIN runs. the pool of rooms for procedural generation is far too small so theres little variance BETWEEN runs. there's no real challenge to combat, difficulty is mainly increased by heightened mob tankiness as you get further in a run. movement/combat doesn't flow well, its mechanically very weak, relying heavily on its permanent upgrade system instead of developing skill in the way you approach the game. all the weapons feel clunky and don't really offer any unique challenge/benefit so theres virtually no point switching between them and the grind to unlock them all is so pointless… god there are just SOOO many hack n slash crawlers that keep it fresh even for hundreds of hours and hades fails miserably at keeping it fresh for even 5 measly hours :^/

I didnt like the boon system either - its far too simplistic + shallow. its fine to rely on chance, this is part of the random generation, and I think it had a lot of potential in that it was a good way of combining aesthetic w gameplay itself. but this is pretty much the only form of resource management - and theres barely any management to it! theres no reward for exploring different builds, they dont really synergise BETWEEN gods in interesting or useful ways, so the game encourages you to just stick with one god throughout, and biases random generation towards boons youve already collected. part of the fun for me is learning HOW to design a build, and working with the randomiser to play flexibly, but hades just isnt interested in that at all...

also - I don't like the permanent upgrade system, I think this detracts from it as a rogue. every time you should be starting on square 1 - maybe you pick up health upgrades etc throughout each run, and maybe you unlock new weapons etc for the random generation pool, or purely cosmetic upgrades, but the point of permadeath is that it RESETS! zags base health + dmg should be the same 50 hours into the game as when u first open it. make a different genre of game if u dont wanna do that lol. I also think IF youre going to say fuck it and add a permanent upgrade system, you should also add unlockable permanent biome shortcuts bc ur just making it boring as fuck to have to waste time grinding thru earlier biomes with unskippable combat once youre op for them.

I GET that they did this to make the game more accessible* to players who dont typically enjoy rogues, but it just makes it really disappointing for those of us who DO love rogues, and it always feels cheap to me when games are like "well of you want challenge then set the difficulty yourself with these modifiers 🙄" like just make the base difficulty TOUGH up front and then add an easy/story mode and accessibility features* for players who don't want the challenge.. if you're gonna call yourself a rogue the gameplay should be the PRIORITY not a throwaway option

one of my biggest peeves with hades is how people now laud it as one of the best rogues - whenever I mention I like the genre I almost always get asked "oh, like hades?" and it pisses me off so much… its a rogueLITE not roguelike, ie. it has rogue ELEMENTS but its not a true one and imo, it does a pretty shit job implementing them! I would have a lot less resentment towards it if it wasnt marketed as the forefront of the rogue genre - frankly its a very basic rogue with very mid gameplay, its characters/design are by FAR its strong point and it should be sold as such. its misleading and makes me sad that this is what most people think of when they hear rogue :-(

*(side note - accessibility in this game is another major flaw. theres really no excuse for a game as popular as this to be so lacking in accessibility options. allow people to bind keys together or use coloured outlines or have colourblindness settings or alter font/text size etc - its not that hard! dead cells did a great job of this lol)

anyway... moving onto my second criticism - narratively, its also unsatisfying.

the hades plot is, loosely, about a cycle of abuse, so the 2 natural directions to go in with this are either: #1: escaping the cycle, or #2: continuing it forever.

#2 is the easiest to do with a rogue format - bc of permadeath the game is already cyclical, so all you have to do is create an ending which loops perfectly back to the start (smth like 'its impossible to truly defeat/reconcile with his father so even after zag beats him, hades drags him back to the start again). obviously this is a miserable story to tell, but tbh I think it wouldve been interesting + fitting - so much of greek mythos is about cycles and the unchanging nature of the gods, and they LOVED eternal cyclical punishments. plus theres smth rly tragic about zag gradually helping everyone else while no one else can save him from his family LOL

#1 is a bit harder to do - this is the story they WANTED to tell but I just don't think it worked… the driving force plot-wise is his desperation to escape. realistically for this to happen the game needs to be finite, which it can't be due to its rogue nature - somehow you have to end up at the very start again. the main solutions I can think of for this are:

a) after the final boss, insert some time travel shenanigans (easy to fit into the worldbuilding using a character like kronos) and all of zags progress with hades is unspooled. this can be completely out of his control, or it could be a choice the player makes (to end the game here or choose to go back and relive zags past in order to progress npc questlines). eg. what happens in dead cells. again, tragic but it makes more sense to me

-or b) bite the bullet and give the game a completely finite ending after beating hades. if players want to go back and play more to complete other npc questlines, they pick up play from before they beat hades. this isnt explained "narratively" bc the plot is already concluded and now theyre just playing for fun (eg. what going under does)

I also think for a character-focused story-rich game, roguelite was a really terrible choice of genre as it locks every interaction behind pure chance and hours of grinding - just really baffling why they decided to do this, especially when theyve had such success previously making games within different genres (transistor, bastion, pyre). the core of the issue for me is that the devs wanted to create a game that was both story rich AND a rogue - and these things arent mutually exclusive, but the best features of each contradict each other when you try to balance them in a way to appease their respective fans (ie. the challenge/complexity of the gameplay is heavily restricted by keeping it easy for ppl unfamiliar with rogues to pick up, but the strength of the narrative arc is simultaneously weakened by the fact that as a rogue it has to be perpetual bc of permadeath + you're working with procedural generation…)

I'm not going to beef with the artstyle or music bc I rly loved them both (even if I wish the body diversity was better!), or with the interpretations of greek gods bc literally every piece of media abt greek mythos has to decide how to interpret them and I think its silly to be like "this isnt CANON" - since we actually dont HAVE a strict "canon" for many of these stories bc theyve been retold/translated in so many conflicting ways lol. I've just heard ppl complaining abt that and I dont think its worth complaining about 🤷‍♀️

ANYWAY tl;dr: hades should've been an action-heavy isometric metroidvania… it wouldve made it far easier to focus on character questlines (ie. with respawn points + a fixed map), unified the story they wanted to tell with the gameplay SO much more effectively, and allowed them to reach the full potential of both, whilst also playing up to supergiant's previous game-making strengths. but thats my 2 cents!

[capyphoenix]

I also saw that post because I follow that blog too but idk, that blog screams hypocrisy for me lately. At one point they were ruthless about criticizing MG but the next day they would be like "we know nothing about her so we shouldn't take everything with a grain of salt". At one point they criticized a lot about MG showing too much about mini MG, yet the next day they said "MG can choose whatever she wants to post about mini MG" type of shit. Hypocrisy much? Just like Max lately.//

Same thing happened in the Evans fandom. His wife is basically a younger version of MG and was very dislike. And suddenly the blogs who exposed her lies made a full 180 and became her biggest fan. It's speculated that his wife might have paid some of the blogs off to support her. I wouldn't be surprised I this is what MG is now doing. Another similarity I see to the Evans situation are the tarot blogs that suddenly post a bunch of supportive "readings" for the partner and trash the guy. I saw a few new "readings" portraying MG as a good innocent partner but Max as irresponsible and incapable of anything when in reality he's the one paying for every stupid shit MG does.

If you ever see this on my blog rest assured I've been hacked and this is not written by me 10000%.

And i know the blogs you talk about that were invited to the comic cons and got a photo op with Chris.