#if anyone can guess my color coded system they'll get a fic

[imperatorrrrr]

mayhaps, you're wondering, "hey T, who are you rooting for in the 'yoffs anyhow?"

well...

Carolina Hurricanes v. New York Islanders - New York Islanders. They are an acceptable Metro team, and we can all agree the Rags suck, which is a massive plus point in my eyes. And I mean, why in the world would I ever root for the Canes. I'm a Devils fan, let's be serious for a moment.

Boston Bruins v. Toronto Maple Leafs - Boston Bruins. Look, the Bruins are in my top three most hated teams, and the Leafs are in the following tier. To me the Leafs are just Canada's Yankees. AM34 is just another Derek Jeter variant. If it wasn't made clear, I am a Mets fan, and I've been a Mets fan longer than I've been a Devils fan and I've been a Devils fan for over two decades. You'd think given that logic, I'd choose the team I hated less, which would be the Leafs, but nope. I mean, I want to pick neither. I would rather pick neither. Don't ask me to explain my brain. It is what it is.

Florida Panthers v. Tampa Bay Lightning - Florida Panthers. This is almost purely because I've been Catspilled by the Discord. Do you understand how much I viscerally disliked the Panthers up until mere months ago. I still don't actually like them, but I wouldn't be upset if they won, so there. Sigh. Thanks, I hate it. Another match up where I'd rather have neither. Another matchup of hated teams.

New York Rangers v. Washington Capitals - Washington Capitals. For one series only, I am a Caps believer. When I tell you, I dislike the Caps so heavily, so so so deeply. Its so historic. But you know what team I hate the most ever because they're cops...the Rags. So this is actually so incredibly straightforward. Anyone but the Rags is the policy here on imperatorrrrr dot tumblr dot com. The East is mostly just unwatchable for me and mostly just filled with matchups of teams I hate.

Winnipeg Jets v. Colorado Avalanche - Colorado Avalanche. This is easy. Fuck the Jets. I like the Avs.

Vancouver Canucks v. Nashville Predators - Vancouver Canucks. This is the team I am rooting for to go all the way. This is the team I have transferred all of my Devils emotions onto. This is the team that I have chosen. Fun fact tho! I actually wouldn't be entirely mad about the Preds making it either, but the Nuckies are my playoff team. They're also like my third favorite team, so.

Dallas Stars v. Vegas Golden Knights - Dallas Stars. Like I think I'm in the pipeline to become a full fledged Stars fan, but I'm not completely there yet, ya feel? In the meantime tho, definitely rooting for them against Vegas. Here's the thing, fuck Vegas right. Like fuck 'em. Here's policy numero dos here on imperatorrrrr dot tumblr dot come: anyone but the Knights.

Edmonton Oilers v. Los Angeles Kings - Los Angeles Kings. Another lesser of two evils situation here. Kings dislike is historic as in 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs historic right. Oilers hatred is more visceral? More of the moment? I'm softening on my Kings historic dislike. I mean look at me, I'm rooting for the Avs. Do you understand that any Devils fan worth their salt in the early 2000s absolutely did not like the Avs? And look at me now! So yeah, this is mostly I don't want the Oils to win, so the Kings it is! Oh, here's a west coast matchup of hated teams. Some variety in the mix!

there you have it folks! a rooting summary for Round One for those interested!

[vynsvision]

Overwhelmed by the new TOT update as expected

Listen, there's a lot going on, and I'm sure I'm the last person to get the update.

But holy heck, there's a lot to process. Of course, I love more chances to get schips, and I love the lounge, fieldwork, and weekly achievements. But its a lot.

I'm just going to process this bit by bit, idk if I'll notice more than anyone else, but anyway.

Fieldwork

D.A.V.I.S. is here!!! In Fieldwork!! (/pos) As someone who got Genshin Impact first but is more active on TOT, its awesome to see a reputation system! I'm a little confused as to how the "costumes"/"outfits" will work, but I'm excited for those schips. Each LI has a "region"... and Davis said they'll be adding regions...!!! My wlw heart hopes it means they add more LI's (Celestine, ofc, but also Darius would be nice), but it probably just means more outfits. I wonder if they'll raise the fatigue limit eventually, too, since its only 50 and can only debate 5 times before that's maxed out. Anyway, I like this a lot, and I'm excited to see how it develops! :)

The Lounge

Considering they didn't bring out the Serenitea Pot for Genshin until, like, This Year, its a lot that they've brought in something with basically the same exact premise... 3 months into their new game. Im not complaining, but I gotta say, its a lot. I am, tho, excited to decorate my lounge, and to see what styles/designs they choose for next sets. I wonder if there will be holiday related sets! I also hope to see the Lounge pop up in fics. NXX is very office-y, and its important for everyone to get to have a place to chill out. Its like a secret clubhouse. I'm really excited about it!!!

Achievements

The first thing I want to talk about here is the art on each tab. The font is gorgeous, the symbols of each boy in the background is such a nice detail. Also, I love color coding- it helps me keep stuff organized. I knew the boys were color-coded, but in- game before this, I didn't know where I could see who was which color. (Beside, maybe, their eyes.) But this is such a great bonus for me here and the colors they chose are so PRETTY!!!! (Also guess who just realized the two thin slashes in the opposite direction across the N is for the two "x"s in the... the name NXX. Im slow, ok??) Also I like that there's easy access to who's-codename-is-what, like how there's easy access to the color-coding.

I'm hoping, too, that as we get used to this update, we will get more main story. Of course I loved the Sins of Cynicism, but I hope we get more soon! With more characters and plot beyond... yanno... whodunnit's. And more re-occuring characters!

Weekly Tasks

Alright, maybe its just me getting to the less important stuff, but I think this??? Is so cool. Its a little stressful since I don't even know how I get work permits in the first place (I know how to use them, I just don't use them often. Anyone need any? I've got, like, 77!), but its also cool because it adds more (in quantity) rewards on top of daily that can give things like more schips, energy drinks, xp, etc. And Mora- i mean, Stellin.

Namecards

Maybe this is a small bone to pick (aka: there's not a lot to this), but i don't super love how they changed the namecard and the friends screen. The main thing i like from this is that I can show off more of my badges. Other than that, it just seems like a strange choice to use the space this way. I guess, too, I like that maybe (definitely) I will get something on my birthday. Idk what it is, and honestly I kinda hope I don't see anyone else's bday present so it doesn't spoil for me what I may get in mine. It would be the same gift but like. A surprise! :)

Misc

Idk who else realized this, but when in "Resource Requisition" in NXX, there's this funky little button here:

that smoothly and easily allows you to get to the File Room. As I did my daily check-in today, it was nice to not have to go back, wait for the HQ to load, just to click on File Room. Its small, but I really like it.

I also really like both of these icons, and that there's a way to get to one or the other. From NXX HQ you can get to the Lounge, but if you want to get to just the Lounge, easy-peasy just hit the button. Nice :)

What once was the "Decks" button is now the "Fieldwork" button, and "Decks" is hidden away in the "Cards" button. Phenomenal choice, great idea.

And finally, the wonder that is the "this is for Marius" (etc) info on a Study. Luke's was always the easiest for me to remember because Luke>Sherlock>Pipe, but the rest were trickier. Now its super clear "oh, I need to do this study to get stuff for this LI." Very nice.

I also wanted to add that they made it so that if you were really wanting to do a different Study, you could unlock it for 20schips. I really like that. I probably won't use my schips for that, but its very nice to have the option. I'm not always on top of which study is available on which day, so if I'm evolving Artem cards and I can't get that Study, I can open it to evolve his card. Not necessarily something I'll spend on, but still very neat.

ANOther thing!!! Sometimes, I tapped too fast when I was accepting/receiving cards, and I didnt get to see the animation of getting said cards. Now you can replay/watch that!! Super exciting and cool, I love that as a function. Look away if you catch me replaying Vyn's bday card thing. You Don't See That. 👀

TL;DR: (i mean you should but) This update has a ton of cool, new things, that help make this game more interesting, rewarding, and even smoother to navigate. Im excited to see how the game continues to develop, and I'm excited to see how the story progresses!

[crackinwise]

If I could still draw, I'd make an art series showing Taka wearing or using all the Monomono Machine gifts you can give him. But I'll have to settle for uselessly pointing and talking about them, because some are like "ah yes," while others...

LOVES:

Mac's gloves: A pair of boxing gloves infused with a staggering amount of passion and effort. Wearing them makes you want to throw a thousand cross-counters.

We know the reference (Punch-Out) but is it just the passion and effort Taka likes? Taka only mentions kendo, I think, but maybe he also takes boxing for exercise and last-resort self defense. Middle school was rough on him for unknown reasons. Whether he picked up boxing for focus or just learning to dodge a punch, it's cute picturing Mondo holding the punching bag for him or them sparring in a ring with very different fighting styles.

Red scarf: A scarf belonging to a certain masked hero. It's tattered and worn due to the countless battles it's been through.

I... don't know the reference. I couldn't find it either. Does anyone know? Strider Hiryu could fit, but Taka thinks games are a waste of time when Makoto talks to him. Red is very much a hero color in Japan as well as associated with deities and protection. Does Taka like the certain hero? Does Taka want to be seen as a hero or protector as well as a good leader?

Ya know what? I've read like two fics where Mondo is a secret superhero--where are the superhero!Taka fics and pics?! (No official art of Taka in a red scarf either makes me boo.)

Adorable Reactions Collection: A DVD that contains footage of people reacting to various pieces of art.

Your guess is as good as mine. For the culture of it? Studying reactions/expressions of others? Maybe he likes seeing people learn of things for the first time? That'd be very wholesome of him.

Chin Drill A fashion accessory that allows you to equip a drill on your chin. It is said to represent the idea of "spiral energy".

Okay. Okay, what? Either we're doing a Gurren Lagann joke--spiral power gets stronger thru generations (Taka's stronger than his grandfather) and causes people to be blindly driven towards their goals--or we're referencing spiral energy in mysticism: all stages of life and rebirth going for infinity. For spiral symbolism, there's "spirals represent evolution and growth of the spirit." But this is... Dude, this attaches to your chin. And he LOVES it. Dafuq.

LIKES:

[sakura bouquet, math problems, & handheld console cut for image limit]

Overflowing Lunchbox: A lunch box stuffed with rice, ginger, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, and more. It's meat-free, so you vegetarians out there are covered, too.

"Give the poor kid a generous meal." Just punch me in my chest. This gift is why I made the post about Taka and Mondo gifting food to each other.

G-Sick Watch: Most people consider it a "throwaway watch" due to its poor quality. Still, it enjoys massive popularity thanks to its low price.

"Give the poor kid a watch he could afford." Ya know what's weird? This watch is in Hina's Love category. Does she break watches in the pool a lot because she forgets to take them off?

Leaf Covering: A loincloth meant to emphasize one's manliness. Its simple design features a single leaf overlaid on white cloth.

I mean, it's... it's self-explanatory.

Quality Chinchilla Cover: A dark red seat cover. Its refined design is intended for only the most elite clientele.

My dudes, this is a fur motorcycle/bike seat. It's on Mondo's Love list, obviously. Why is it in Taka's Likes? Does he like soft things? Is he envious of luxury items maybe he remembers his grandpa having? Does he just want a really plush seat as he rides with Mondo? (Idk, man, but chinchilla farms are cruel.)

Cherry Blossom Bouquet: A collection of branches from a sakura tree. In the language of flowers, cherry blossoms represent "a woman of superior beauty".

Every other character Likes or Loves this too, including Mondo. As for flower language, I can't find that definition at all. I do find it meaning love, general beauty, renewal/new beginnings, fleeting life/mortality (ouch) and imagery tied with samurais because of that short life.

Berserker Armor: Donning this armor bestows the wearer with immense power, but at the cost of their soul and senses.

Uh. Ishida? Actually, even for Ishida that's a bit intense. The cost of their soul? Taka's/Ishida's whole thing is preserving his soul & Mondo's together. Unless he silently wants his soul out completely because it's causing him so much pain, and only Mondo's should live on in him. Maybe this item is leftover from the early code where you could interact with Ishida in Free Time at least once.

The only other person that likes it is Jack/Jill/Syo, so I assume this is a joke about personality switches (for two different mental health reasons) to their less stable selves, who go berserk.

Millennium Prize Problems: These seven important mathematical problems were posted by the Clay Mathematics Institute, with a reward of one million dollars for each one solved.

"Give the poor nerd a way to pay off his family's debt!"

The Funplane: The newest popular portable game system. It has a hi-def touchscreen, and can also play music and videos, making for the perfect all-in-one media machine!

Now, this is another gift you can give to everyone and they'll at least Like it. I guess Taka could use it for educational videos, or "studying" pop culture with Professor Makoto.

And just because we're here, can I just...

MONDO LOVES: sonic cup-a-noodle, quality chinchilla cover, fresh bindings, and

Roller Slippers: Slippers with a small wheel installed in each heel. They were invented to move easily around the house, but there is absolutely no demand for them.

Mondo. Mondo, your taste, hun. No. I want to see Mondo rolling by on these in their house and Taka going apoplectic.