#the rules don't apply to the rich and powerful

[frevandrest]

Understanding 18th Century

There's a prevailing problem I've noticed in interpreting frev: people not really understanding that this was 18th century. Oh, they understand it on an intellectual level, but they still apply today's worldview to it. And you can't do that if you wish to understand wtf was going on.

(This is not about anyone here nor a shade at anyone in particular. Just a trend I've noticed, especially in bad takes).

All historical periods have this problem where people interpret things from the point of view of our own time. So that's hardly special about frev and 18c. But a tricky part is that 18c saw the development of things that we still use today (constitutions, voting system, etc.) that it may seem like it's more similar to our world than it actually was.

For example. The voting system. They had it and so do we. Except they were assholes who didn't allow women to vote. (Which is fair criticism, but people often forget that not all men had the right to vote either - so any criticism of exclusion should take that into account. Was it really about women per se, or about their ideas on who can and cannot make a free and rational vote? What is that they saw wrong about women and certain men voting? - Their attitude sure sucks, but if we ask these questions we understand better what was going on vs just going "sexist men", which only explains part of the issue). Or: journalism. They had political slander and so do we. But uuugh, their slander was so openly personal and often ridiculed someone's looks/sexual practices in supposedly serious political attacks - wtf was that? Or: trials. Of course we all know how trials are supposed to be done and what kind of arguments/evidence they should include. The fact they focused so much on character slander is incorrect and ridiculous, and...

Stop. Instead of assuming that they "did it incorrectly", think about: 1) how we do these things today is a product of decades/centuries of development; they didn't have that. They were only inventing it for the first time. 2) They did stuff according to their cultural beliefs. If they focused so much on character assassination as an argument, it means it was significant for their worldview.

You might not like it (and fair enough) but it's not possible to understand what was going on unless we understand how they thought and what they knew and what their worldview was. Which is not easy. It's not simply about knowing the state of scientific thought or what they believed about the world. Understanding how this affected the way they thought and how they interpreted things, or how they build meaning and conclusions - none of that is easy. But we have to question our assumptions, even if we're unable to see things from their pov. Because that's the only way not to arrive at wrong conclusions.

Similarly, many terms what they used had a different meaning to how they are used today (or, at least, they were understood in ways dissimilar to how we use them). Concepts such as despotism, tyranny, dictator, terror; also some seemingly easy to understand terms like "being a moderate" or even "patriotism". If we assume 18th century people used them in the same way that we do, we won't be able to understand wtf they are talking about.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Apple to EU: “Go fuck yourself”

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/06/spoil-the-bunch/#dma

There's a strain of anti-anti-monopolist that insists that they're not pro-monopoly – they're just realists who understand that global gigacorporations are too big to fail, too big to jail, and that governments can't hope to rein them in. Trying to regulate a tech giant, they say, is like trying to regulate the weather.

This ploy is cousins with Jay Rosen's idea of "savvying," defined as: "dismissing valid questions with the insider's, 'and this surprises you?'"

https://twitter.com/jayrosen_nyu/status/344825874362810369?lang=en

In both cases, an apologist for corruption masquerades as a pragmatist who understands the ways of the world, unlike you, a pathetic dreamer who foolishly hopes for a better world. In both cases, the apologist provides cover for corruption, painting it as an inevitability, not a choice. "Don't hate the player. Hate the game."

The reason this foolish nonsense flies is that we are living in an age of rampant corruption and utter impunity. Companies really do get away with both literal and figurative murder. Governments really do ignore horrible crimes by the rich and powerful, and fumble what rare, few enforcement efforts they assay.

Take the GDPR, Europe's landmark privacy law. The GDPR establishes strict limitations of data-collection and processing, and provides for brutal penalties for companies that violate its rules. The immediate impact of the GDPR was a mass-extinction event for Europe's data-brokerages and surveillance advertising companies, all of which were in obvious violation of the GDPR's rules.

But there was a curious pattern to GDPR enforcement: while smaller, EU-based companies were swiftly shuttered by its provisions, the US-based giants that conduct the most brazen, wide-ranging, illegal surveillance escaped unscathed for years and years, continuing to spy on Europeans.

One (erroneous) way to look at this is as a "compliance moat" story. In that story, GDPR requires a bunch of expensive systems that only gigantic companies like Facebook and Google can afford. These compliance costs are a "capital moat" – a way to exclude smaller companies from functioning in the market. Thus, the GDPR acted as an anticompetitive wrecking ball, clearing the field for the largest companies, who get to operate without having to contend with smaller companies nipping at their heels:

https://www.techdirt.com/2019/06/27/another-report-shows-gdpr-benefited-google-facebook-hurt-everyone-else/

This is wrong.

Oh, compliance moats are definitely real – think of the calls for AI companies to license their training data. AI companies can easily do this – they'll just buy training data from giant media companies – the very same companies that hope to use models to replace creative workers with algorithms. Create a new copyright over training data won't eliminate AI – it'll just confine AI to the largest, best capitalized companies, who will gladly provide tools to corporations hoping to fire their workforces:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/09/ai-monkeys-paw/#bullied-schoolkids

But just because some regulations can be compliance moats, that doesn't mean that all regulations are compliance moats. And just because some regulations are vigorously applied to small companies while leaving larger firms unscathed, it doesn't follow that the regulation in question is a compliance moat.

A harder look at what happened with the GDPR reveals a completely different dynamic at work. The reason the GDPR vaporized small surveillance companies and left the big companies untouched had nothing to do with compliance costs. The Big Tech companies don't comply with the GDPR – they just get away with violating the GDPR.

How do they get away with it? They fly Irish flags of convenience. Decades ago, Ireland started dabbling with offering tax-havens to the wealthy and mobile – they invented the duty-free store:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duty-free_shop#1947%E2%80%931990:_duty_free_establishment

Capturing pennies from the wealthy by helping them avoid fortunes they owed in taxes elsewhere was terribly seductive. In the years that followed, Ireland began aggressively courting the wealthy on an industrial scale, offering corporations the chance to duck their obligations to their host countries by flying an Irish flag of convenience.

There are other countries who've tried this gambit – the "treasure islands" of the Caribbean, the English channel, and elsewhere – but Ireland is part of the EU. In the global competition to help the rich to get richer, Ireland had a killer advantage: access to the EU, the common market, and 500m affluent potential customers. The Caymans can hide your money for you, and there's a few super-luxe stores and art-galleries in George Town where you can spend it, but it's no Champs Elysees or Ku-Damm.

But when you're competing with other countries for the pennies of trillion-dollar tax-dodgers, any wins can be turned into a loss in an instant. After all, any corporation that is footloose enough to establish a Potemkin Headquarters in Dublin and fly the trídhathach can easily up sticks and open another Big Store HQ in some other haven that offers it a sweeter deal.

This has created a global race to the bottom among tax-havens to also serve as regulatory havens – and there's a made-in-the-EU version that sees Ireland, Malta, Cyprus and sometimes the Netherlands competing to see who can offer the most impunity for the worst crimes to the most awful corporations in the world.

And that's why Google and Facebook haven't been extinguished by the GDPR while their rivals were. It's not compliance moats – it's impunity. Once a corporation attains a certain scale, it has the excess capital to spend on phony relocations that let it hop from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, chasing the loosest slots on the strip. Ireland is a made town, where the cops are all on the take, and two thirds of the data commissioner's rulings are eventually overturned by the federal court:

https://www.iccl.ie/digital-data/iccl-2023-gdpr-report/

This is a problem among many federations, not just the EU. The US has its onshore-offshore tax- and regulation-havens (Delaware, South Dakota, Texas, etc), and so does Canada (Alberta), and some Swiss cantons are, frankly, batshit:

https://lenews.ch/2017/11/25/swiss-fact-some-swiss-women-had-to-wait-until-1991-to-vote/

None of this is to condemn federations outright. Federations are (potentially) good! But federalism has a vulnerability: the autonomy of the federated states means that they can be played against each other by national or transnational entities, like corporations. This doesn't mean that it's impossible to regulate powerful entities within a federation – but it means that federal regulation needs to account for the risk of jurisdiction-shopping.

Enter the Digital Markets Act, a new Big Tech specific law that, among other things, bans monopoly app stores and payment processing, through which companies like Apple and Google have levied a 30% tax on the entire app market, while arrogating to themselves the right to decide which software their customers may run on their own devices:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/07/curatorial-vig/#app-tax

Apple has responded to this regulation with a gesture of contempt so naked and broad that it beggars belief. As Proton describes, Apple's DMA plan is the very definition of malicious compliance:

https://proton.me/blog/apple-dma-compliance-plan-trap

Recall that the DMA is intended to curtail monopoly software distribution through app stores and mobile platforms' insistence on using their payment processors, whose fees are sky-high. The law is intended to extinguish developer agreements that ban software creators from informing customers that they can get a better deal by initiating payments elsewhere, or by getting a service through the web instead of via an app.

In response, Apple, has instituted a junk fee it calls the "Core Technology Fee": EUR0.50/install for every installation over 1m. As Proton writes, as apps grow more popular, using third-party payment systems will grow less attractive. Apple has offered discounts on its eye-watering payment processing fees to a mere 20% for the first payment and 13% for renewals. Compare this with the normal – and far, far too high – payment processing fees the rest of the industry charges, which run 2-5%. On top of all this, Apple has lied about these new discounted rates, hiding a 3% "processing" fee in its headline figures.

As Proton explains, paying 17% fees and EUR0.50 for each subscriber's renewal makes most software businesses into money-losers. The only way to keep them afloat is to use Apple's old, default payment system. That choice is made more attractive by Apple's inclusion of a "scare screen" that warns you that demons will rend your soul for all eternity if you try to use an alternative payment scheme.

Apple defends this scare screen by saying that it will protect users from the intrinsic unreliability of third-party processors, but as Proton points out, there are plenty of giant corporations who get to use their own payment processors with their iOS apps, because Apple decided they were too big to fuck with. Somehow, Apple can let its customers spend money Uber, McDonald's, Airbnb, Doordash and Amazon without terrorizing them about existential security risks – but not mom-and-pop software vendors or publishers who don't want to hand 30% of their income over to a three-trillion-dollar company.

Apple has also reserved the right to cancel any alternative app store and nuke it from Apple customers' devices without warning, reason or liability. Those app stores also have to post a one-million euro line of credit in order to be considered for iOS. Given these terms, it's obvious that no one is going to offer a third-party app store for iOS and if they did, no one would list their apps in it.

The fuckery goes on and on. If an app developer opts into third-party payments, they can't use Apple's payment processing too – so any users who are scared off by the scare screen have no way to pay the app's creators. And once an app creator opts into third party payments, they can never go back – the decision is permanent.

Apple also reserves the right to change all of these policies later, for the worse ("I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it further" -D. Vader). They have warned developers that they might change the API for reporting external sales and revoke developers' right to use alternative app stores at its discretion, with no penalties if that screws the developer.

Apple's contempt extends beyond app marketplaces. The DMA also obliges Apple to open its platform to third party browsers and browser engines. Every browser on iOS is actually just Safari wrapped in a cosmetic skin, because Apple bans third-party browser-engines:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/13/kitbashed/#app-store-tax

But, as Mozilla puts it, Apple's plan for this is "as painful as possible":

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/26/24052067/mozilla-apple-ios-browser-rules-firefox

For one thing, Apple will only allow European customers to run alternative browser engines. That means that Firefox will have to "build and maintain two separate browser implementations — a burden Apple themselves will not have to bear."

(One wonders how Apple will treat Americans living in the EU, whose Apple accounts still have US billing addresses – these people will still be entitled to the browser choice that Apple is grudgingly extending to Europeans.)

All of this sends a strong signal that Apple is planning to run the same playbook with the DMA that Google and Facebook used on the GDPR: ignore the law, use lawyerly bullshit to chaff regulators, and hope that European federalism has sufficiently deep cracks that it can hide in them when the enforcers come to call.

But Apple is about to get a nasty shock. For one thing, the DMA allows wronged parties to start their search for justice in the European federal court system – bypassing the Irish regulators and courts. For another, there is a global movement to check corporate power, and because the tech companies do the same kinds of fuckery in every territory, regulators are able to collaborate across borders to take them down.

Take Apple's app store monopoly. The best reference on this is the report published by the UK Competition and Markets Authority's Digital Markets Unit:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63f61bc0d3bf7f62e8c34a02/Mobile_Ecosystems_Final_Report_amended_2.pdf

The devastating case that the DMU report was key to crafting the DMA – but it also inspired a US law aimed at forcing app markets open:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/2710

And a Japanese enforcement action:

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Japan-to-crack-down-on-Apple-and-Google-app-store-monopolies

And action in South Korea:

https://www.reuters.com/technology/skorea-considers-505-mln-fine-against-google-apple-over-app-market-practices-2023-10-06/

These enforcers gather for annual meetings – I spoke at one in London, convened by the Competition and Markets Authority – where they compare notes, form coalitions, and plan strategy:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cma-data-technology-and-analytics-conference-2022-registration-308678625077

This is where the savvying breaks down. Yes, Apple is big enough to run circles around Japan, or South Korea, or the UK. But when those countries join forces with the EU, the USA and other countries that are fed up to the eyeballs with Apple's bullshit, the company is in serious danger.

It's true that Apple has convinced a bunch of its customers that buying a phone from a multi-trillion-dollar corporation makes you a member of an oppressed religious minority:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/12/youre-holding-it-wrong/#if-dishwashers-were-iphones

Some of those self-avowed members of the "Cult of Mac" are willing to take the company's pronouncements at face value and will dutifully repeat Apple's claims to be "protecting" its customers. But even that credulity has its breaking point – Apple can only poison the well so many times before people stop drinking from it. Remember when the company announced a miraculous reversal to its war on right to repair, later revealed to be a bald-faced lie?

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/22/vin-locking/#thought-differently

Or when Apple claimed to be protecting phone users' privacy, which was also a lie?

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

The savvy will see Apple lying (again) and say, "this surprises you?" No, it doesn't surprise me, but it pisses me off – and I'm not the only one, and Apple's insulting lies are getting less effective by the day.

Image: Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Annelid_worm,_Atlantic_forest,_northern_littoral_of_Bahia,_Brazil_%2816107326533%29.jpg

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

--

Hubertl (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2015-03-04_Elstar_%28apple%29_starting_putrefying_IMG_9761_bis_9772.jpg

CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

[stellarwhisper]

Celestial Insights: Exploring Astrological Dynamics and Personal Charisma

People with Virgo Mars signs have a tendency to communicate their fury clearly and precisely. They frequently have an excellent sense of detail and can identify the particular thing that has irritated them fast. Sometimes this directness catches people off guard, particularly if they don't anticipate such a quick turn from argument to confrontation.

Because of the influence of their ruling planet, Saturn, Capricorn rising individuals are recognized in astrology for their careful and realistic approach to relationships.

Astrology attributes aggressiveness, confidence, and a dynamic energy to Aries, which can truly give them a powerful demeanor. Aries people are frequently described as being beautiful and charismatic, and their ambition is shown in their tenacity ("mom I'm the rich man" mentality).

It is possible that Andrea's metamorphosis and adjustment to Miranda's expectations in "The Devil Wears Prada" are similar to a Pluto-influenced path of self-actualization and empowerment. Pluto relates to extreme metamorphoses, power dynamics, and deep psychological processes. Andrea's development into an even more effective assistant than Emily, her coworker, may allegorically represent Pluto's impact on aiming high and standing up for oneself in difficult situations.

People with Mercury square Saturn frequently approach jobs and conversation with precision and strategy. The tension that arises from the square aspect of Mercury (thinking, communication) and Saturn (structure, discipline) might make them feel as though they require precise instructions in order to feel confident in their actions. They could find it difficult to be spontaneous or unclear, and they would rather follow set rules. This can also apply to routine duties, when they look for particular aspects to guarantee accuracy and efficiency in their work or obligations, such as location, color, and layout.

People with an Aquarius Sun or Rising frequently have a distinctive and one-of-a-kind presence, particularly in online or digital settings. They frequently value uniqueness, creativity, and nonconformist thinking, which might help them stand out in the digital world. They are fascinating and memorable to others because of their charisma and intelligence, which frequently come through in conversations and encounters. They are considered to be "internet stunning" by many, which is partly due to their innate affinity for technology and their capacity to interact with a wide range of ideas and viewpoints.

It's common to characterize Aries Sun people as charming and self-assured, qualities that might add to their allure for women. They might be inherently attractive to others because of their forceful demeanor and sense of adventure. Aries people are also renowned for their physical vigor and frequently have a youthful appearance, which can include qualities like a pleasing face structure and straight teeth that improve their allure. Their smirky, lighthearted, and occasionally naughty personality might enhance their appeal. When it comes to sexual attraction, these traits taken together might make people born under the sign of Aries stand out.

Capricorn moons indeed respect loyalty and dedication in partnerships. They may develop strong emotional bonds with their loved ones and struggle to let go of unpleasant or pleasant memories of the past. Capricorn moons are renowned for their fortitude and will to bounce back from setbacks, even when someone wrongs them. They might use their hurt or rage as fuel for self-improvement, trying to become the best versions of themselves both as a covert means of self-validation and as a means of personal development. Their methodical and aspirational approach demonstrates their drive to overcome obstacles and make a lasting impact.

Neptune can produce an air of mystery, appeal, and charisma when it is placed in the first house, which represents the self and how one is viewed by others. Neptune is also related to dreams, illusions, and spirituality. Neptune in the first house can give off an alluring aura that attracts attention. They frequently arouse curiosity and appreciation due to their dreamy, sensitive, and artistic appearance. However, this location can also lead to misunderstandings or unreasonable expectations from others, as Neptune's influence can blur lines between truth and fantasy.

When considering astrology, the combination of water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) placements can indeed bring issues connected to emotional and behavioral dynamics. Fire signs are defined by passion, aggressiveness, and spontaneity, whereas water signs are usually connected to feelings, sensitivity, and intuition. A person's chart may show imbalances or discordance between these elements, which can result in unresolved issues including victimization and attachment problems: Victimization: If their emotional requirements aren't satisfied or if they think they're being mistreated, water signs are more likely to feel victimized or to be extremely sensitive. Fire signs, on the other hand, may respond impulsively or assertively, thus worsening emotional problems.

[flightfoot]

i think you rec fics if i'm wrong i'm so sorry. any fluffy fics with all 4 lovesquare sides? - though just ladynoir/adrienette would work too.

Yep I give those recs! This is actually one of the tricker cases, because on the one hand there's a lot of them and on the other hand they're interwoven with a lot of other things and often don't have specific tags to search with, so I'll see what I can do. I'm mostly just looking for fluff fics that have more than one side of the Lovesquare represented.

I Put A Spell On You by dazaimaru

Friday, October 25. 6 days until Halloween. It’s their first high school Halloween dance, and Marinette and Adrien are ready to throw on some non-superhero costumes for once--that is, until an akumatized witch spoils the party and threatens to reveal what lies underneath everyone’s disguise. With Hawkmoth taking full advantage of the spooky season, the days leading up to Halloween are certainly going to be thrilling! Especially considering Marinette’s growing feelings for a certain black cat…

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Fate, Destiny... A Hamster by @mostmagical

After finally moving into his very first apartment per Ladybug’s suggestion, Adrien stumbles upon something no movie or TV show could have ever prepared him for: someone else's hamster. At least now there’s an excuse to talk to the new neighbor. (Adrinette Never Met AU)

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Villainous Matchmaking by @nedjsmlfavs

When Chat Noir is tragically unable to attend an event with Ladybug, the mayor calls in a favor from a designer ‘friend’. Now she’s attending in style, on the arm of the hottest male model in Paris. Which would be fine if it weren’t for one, tiny issue: Paris’ favorite domestic terrorist now knows how Ladybug feels about his son. This leads him to his greatest plan yet, using Ladybug’s extremely obvious crush on Adrien Agreste to akumatize Chat Noir. A Ladrien/“platonic” Ladynoir fic

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Painted Canvas by @wehadabondingmoment

And then, Adrien would send her a selfie, acting as if he was some secret agent trying to not get caught and he was so ridiculous that Marinette’s heart ached at the thought of being away from him. Hushed phone calls, his voice sounding like honey; in moments like these, she wasn’t Ladybug, only a teenage girl drunk on love. Or: Adrien and Marinette are soulmates and it still takes them years until they finally meet. Also fencing.

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Professeure (of your love) by @mostmagical

“We should do it.” Her voice came out in a screech. “What?” “Just a fake wedding at graduation,” he said, like it wasn’t completely crazy. . . After ages of letting Paris believe their beloved superheroes are married and in love, Marinette's superhero partner turned fellow teacher wants to apply the same logic to their civilian lives and put on a fake wedding for their students. Only problem is, for Marinette, the being in love part is very much not an act.

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From School Bells to Wedding Bells by @linnieluna

When the superhero duo takes on another exhausting fight against an akuma, Chat Noir does what he never hesitates to do and takes a hit for his partner. The problem being: neither of them knew what power the akuma possessed. That is... until he is transported into the future. More specifically, to his friend Marinette's wedding.

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The Power of Love by @nedjsmlfavs

In which Ladybug announces that she’s pregnant via her long term boyfriend and Chat Noir is a supportive partner. After all, he can hardly be upset when he’s been dating his Princess for years! A different take on the show’s tagline (“The Power of Love Always so Strong”) written for Valentine’s day 2023.

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The Rules of Engagement by underworkedoverwhelmed

When tragedy sends Adrien Agreste racing back to Paris to run his father’s fashion house, Marinette doesn’t expect much from her very new, very rich boss. At least not until she is set up on a blind date with a very familiar face. Much to her surprise, Adrien Agreste was hiding far more secrets behind his stoic business-like mask of temporary CEO. Maybe as many secrets as she had been trying to hide for years. As they grow closer, Marinette fears her mask isn’t nearly as foolproof. Day after day, it gets harder for her to keep all her secrets well hidden from the surprisingly sweet man who insisted on staying by her side as often as possible. Only she couldn’t afford to fail. Not when her biggest secret could spell the end of the job she’d dreamed about for years.

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Dreams of You by @chocoluckchipz

Dreams had long been his only escape. Dreams of Ladybug, the girl who had always been there for him. If only in his dreams. And only while she was also sleeping. Because with the first rays of sunshine gliding over her skin, with the first fluttering of her eyelashes, from the moment she opened her eyes in the morning, memories of Adrien would vanish from her mind. She would go on living her life. He would always be the only one who remembered. At least until they meet in the real world and fall in love all over again, something that would’ve been easier to do if Adrien wasn't a prisoner in his own home.

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Tell Me Why You Love Me by @linnieluna

“Anyway, that piece of paper contains the name of this texting app. It’s completely anonymous, so you can download it, make your account with no attachments to your personal life, and communicate with me outside our suits. I included my username on the paper, too, so you can add me once you’re done." Her partner skimmed through the words on the paper and nodded his head. “Brilliant as always, M’lady. I’m surprised we didn’t figure this out sooner within our superhero careers.” “Yeah, it would’ve been nice to have this before, but hey, better late than never. Make sure not to have your phone screen on the messages if you’re going to leave it somewhere. We don’t want anyone reading our texts. Also, this is for emergencies only. No jokes or puns. I can only deal with you for so long.” “I don’t know if I can agree to that last one,” he said. Now 22 and working full-time, Marinette and Adrien seem to be getting busier and busier, which means fewer opportunities to keep track of akumas and show up on time. With the idea of using a messaging app to communicate with each other without revealing their identities, their lives immediately grew to be easier... until it wasn't.

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Soul Searching by LiquefiedStars

Marinette was devastated when her soulmate turned out to be Adrien Agreste and not her sweet, loving partner Chat Noir. Despite their misunderstandings, she is willing to give Adrien a chance, even if he doesn’t seem all that interested in her. After all, they are soulmates and the universe says they are meant to be together. A Soulmate AU.

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Love is Blind by @jennagrinsoverml

Tired of all of his potential girlfriends being blinded by his face, his fame and his name, Adrien takes a chance to compete on Love Is Blind: France, where he hopes that dating without seeing each other—or learning each other’s names—will finally help him to be lucky in love. What will he do when he realizes that his Lady is one of the contestants, however? And will he be able to win her heart where he’s never succeeded before? Meanwhile, Marinette is looking to meet the right guy after years of pining away for someone who has only ever seen her as a friend. She’s not entirely sure if she can fall in love with someone without seeing them, but the things that have always mattered to her most are the kinds of things that can’t be seen. What will she do when she realizes her heart is being pulled in two directions? And will she be ready to make a decision in time?

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Over and Over by stcrsquad

Marinette Dupain-Cheng has had the worst day possible. She's failed to confess to Adrien (again), made an embarrassment of herself, and got into a fight with Chat Noir. Adrien Agreste has had the worst day possible. He is tired of being pushed aside by everyone, including his crime-fighting partner Ladybug. Luckily, fate (and Bunnyx) works in mysterious ways because they wake up again on the same day. A do-over. Except it keeps happening. Can the two figure out what they need to fix to break the loop, or will they be stuck forever?

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Graine de toi by MireilleTanaka

Ladybug and Chat Noir think they’re close, until they begin waking up in one another’s skin. AU: Adrien is homeschooled, and he and Marinette have never met. Written for Adrinette April 2020, Day 17: Life Swap. The one prompt snowballed into a multi-chapter fic. Loosely inspired by Your Name (Kimi no na wa), but no need to have watched it to read, since there's no actual plot connection except the premise of swapping lives.

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Knight in Shining Amour by Cakedecorator

Marinette is the daughter of the castle bakers, and she herself is the royal seamstress. She lives her life making clothes, helping her parents, and generally living a simple life. However, she also laments the loss of her childhood friendship with Prince Adrien, and remembers the promise they made when they were five years old. Resigning herself to the reality that she would never be able to marry the prince, and assuming he'd forgotten their promise, Marinette tries to live her life without letting loss get to her. However, her love story begins a new chapter when she's approached by Cat Noir, a debonair new knight in the castle.

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Evergreen by tanyatakaishi

Everything was gone. The entire cityscape had been obliterated, leaving them in a valley of trees. Blue mountains, peaks dressed in snow, stretched tall in the distance and at their foot lay an array of vineyards, miles wide with no civilization in sight. AKA: two heroes lost alone in the woods with no cheese.

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Someone to Watch Over Me by @dfcfanfics

Adrien is used to his father taking him for granted and treating him poorly, especially since his mother's disappearance... but it's never been anywhere _near_ this bad before. Between that and trouble at school, his life is in quite the downward spiral. He's been putting on a brave face, but he's struggling... and his friends are starting to notice. One special friend in particular. Marinette is determined to help him, any way that she can -- with _and_ without her mask. But when Akumas fly towards Adrien, he soon finds himself more deeply entwined in Marinette's life AND Ladybug's private life than he'd ever imagined. Can Adrien possibly decide between the two angels who are making his life worth living again? Can Marinette process Adrien's crush on Ladybug AND his growing feelings for her? And can Gabriel stop laughing long enough to launch his master plan? A fluffy DFC - buggachat Ladrienette jam. 10/15: Our story is now complete with the posting of Chapter 24, the epilogue. Thank you so much for reading, as always.

[paragonrobits]

I've seen a few takes suggesting that vampires would be considered disabled because of their need for blood, with a tone of writing assuming this was the default, and its honestly kind of fascinating and I honestly wonder how this came about.

I have, quite literally, never seen vampires depicted like this outside of this site. So I'm forced to contemplate why this has become any kind of natural thought about vampires.

I suppose the first thing to consider is a leaning towards thinking of vampires as disenfranchised, oppressed, or otherwise having to deal with accommodations or unique problems they have. And this is genuinely surprising to me because the element most common with vampires in modern work (dating back to at least the 90s from media I personally remember, and certainly much older than that with multiple decades spanning vampires becoming increasingly less used as antagonists and becoming romantic, however threatening or even genuinely malicious), is power.

Vampires are powerful. This sort of requires that they be supernatural in nature (a lot of the ideas I see here suggest them as people with unusual dietary needs, which I find a lot less interesting than them grappling with the monster inside), but can apply in a more mundane context. But over everything else, vampires are powerful. They are physically powerful; they're almost always far stronger than humans, either by default or because they can develop the power to rip you apart like wet tissue paper, throw trucks around, and similar feats.

Powers of mental influence, domination and mind control are incredibly common, almost universal. This also factors into the idea of vampires as predators and... well, to be blunt, another kind of predator. Vampires can force you to do things you don't want to; take over your mind, make you think and feel and do things and make you think you WANT to do them. They can coerce you.

This element of potential coercion also factors into another aspect of vampiric power, being that they have almost universally been depicted into two ways until very recently. The first one is wandering undead abomination; the corpse that rises from its grave to prey on the living (and this one is SO OLD that when people claim that vampires are inherently sexual, or that lust is a core aspect of a vampire, it kind of ignores that the entire vast body of folklore that created the idea of a vampire across many different cultures very rarely has anything like that). This type of vampire is not relevant here, but it IS worth noting that until recently, most vampires were like this.

The second one is power in the sense of social status. Vampires were almost always depicted as wealthy and ridiculously rich if they weren't borderline feral thugs and brutes. This leads towards metaphors about the rich and powerful, literally eating the poor. The coercive nature of the vampire is instead reflected here in their wealth and social status, and the privilege it accords them. This particular aspect is so overwhelmingly common that whenever vampires are treated as people, this one became the rule. If vampires were treated as individual beings with some capability for moral choices, they were rich and/or aristocrats of some kind, such as old money families for modern works. Vampires that were not rich (such as animalistic vampires, ones desperately holding themselves back from killing people to satisfy their hunger) were a glaring exception to the rule.

above all else, a recurring motif is that vampires take. Sometimes they physically require blood to live, or if they're genuinely undead, prolong their existences. (Specifically, at the expense of others.) They might be monstrous, undead predators who feed off the life and pain of others. Sometimes they are monstrous, but are capable of moral decisions and choosing not to hurt others as much as possible (and then, a big draw of the concept is the struggle between restraining the beast within and how good it feels to let loose and embrace that monster).

So with that all, it begs a question; where exactly did this idea of vampires as victims or at least a more or less defanged take become more prominent?

Personally my take is that its the logical conclusion of the increasing emphasis on a vampire as tragic and romantic, while minimizing the more harsh aspects of the vampire and making them more useful as metaphors in some way, though it runs the risk of losing what actually makes vampires interesting in favor of a disability metaphor that honestly feels to have come from nowhere and, in all honesty, also feels potentially really iffy when you consider what vampires otherwise tend to be.

[captainofthetidesbreath]

here's the reminder you asked for, why do you think colin being lucas fontina would be fun?? (i agree)

Note: This is as of the end of the first episode, and before the second.

Thank you, random citizen!

Now, when it comes to the question of "what is Colin's deal?", there's a LOT of possibilities. (I'm also very fond of the idea that he is Fontina's son and/or only living heir.) Some other possibilities are arguably more plausible than Colin being Lucas Fontina, but we're not here to talk about those other theories. We're here to talk about why it'd be fun if Colin was Lucas Fontina.

First, to establish who our man Lucas is. He is brought up when Colin looks at the cloth in his blackmail package. Matt narrates as follows:

It's a partially burned banner flag bearing a dotted mountain atop an island. This you do recognize as the banner of Fontina. Not since the failed coup of Lucas Fontina many decades ago has this banner been seen, a dark spot on the history of the isles, and a deep shadow that lingers at the edge of your hard-buried origins.

This is all we know about Fontina. It's not clear what the connection is between the coup and Colin. It's not clear what the timeline is relative to Colin's age or what the nature of the coup was (succession dispute, power grab by a non-ruling noble, military takeover, rebellion of the common people, etc.). All we know is the above: that Colin immediately and unquestionably recognizes it, the state of the banner and that it is Fontina's, that the coup failed but left a dark mark on history, and that the banner represents Colin's secret.

As I said at the beginning, there's a lot of possibilities. It's so open, and everything we know is vague. But, again, I (and anon) think the idea that Colin is Lucas Fontina living under an assumed identity is fun, so here's some of the why. (Some of these apply to other theories too!)

Fontina played the game—and lost! It'd position Colin as a foil to Tomaté and Amangeaux, as people who are jockeying for the throne of Greenhold and rule of Vegetania. In addition to that, the party has someone who is trying to maintain power in the government and someone who expects to one day come into power in the government. Colin being someone who has made his grab for it and failed would make him a great counterpoint, and it'd be interesting to have the perspective of someone who has been here before.

I'd generally be interested in hearing about how his perspectives on politics, power, and the game have changed over time (or haven't!) as someone who has vied for power and failed. It's also an interesting layer on top of the idea that Colin is currently positioned as someone who isn't influential or powerful; it'd be not only that, he made an attempt and lost a significant amount of the influence and power he had at one point. That's conceptually interesting in this group.

It'd be pretty great for Karna to say to Delissandro, "So when I say I don't know who the fuck you are, you should probably take that as, you know, you're not worth knowing yet," while Colin is directly standing next to Delissandro and is completely unrecognized by her as someone who has already made an indelible mark on the history of the Islands. Real learning moment for her.

I also think it'd be funny because of the HUGE gap between the idea of what kind of man Lucas Fontina is and the wet pathetic meow meow 6 Charisma that Colin is. It's very funny, but also I think it's very interesting the idea of the years and failure and depression and anxiety just shaving ten points off his Charisma. Real.

The actual motivations and logistics surrounding going into hiding and assuming an identity to separate yourself from the person you really are is always super compelling, and the specific circumstances that Lucas Fontina is apparently an infamous figure feels like rich ground for that question: how did you escape the eyes of history—and why?

[makingspiritualityreal]

The sign of Cancer only Begins to Display its Functioning Properly when it Embraces its Nature of Being Jupiter's Exaltation Point.

Traditionally, the sign of Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which goes in tandem with Cancer's emotional ebbs and flows, their private, guarded, sensitive, creative nature. However, in its negative expression, especially if any planet within the Cancer sign is positioned in a challenging house, you might get the needy, clingy manipulative expression of the sign instead.

Even though Cancer and its Moon rulership are compatible, it is an intense point in the zodiac, challenging to master from a spiritual perspective. The Moon rules receptivity and emotional regulation. Having planets in Cancer sign makes one very perceptive and receptive to both one's own and other people's needs, and creates a natural desire and tendency to establish reciprocity. The world, however, is not always as soft as responsive as the Cancer native themselves, as people are struggling with all kinds of difficulties. Being so sensitive to every event, so empathetic and forgiving, can make a Cancer native a magnet for difficult people, and over time they themselves can exhibit the traits that people hurt them with, or enter a high degree of dissociation to cope with the pain.

That however, is not the goal of Cancer planets in your chart. Nothing in this Universe exists to torture you without reason. The highest expression of the sign is described within Jupiter reaching its exaltation point in the sign of Cancer, which indicates what the goal of Cancer planets should be.

The first skill, that Cancer natives need to learn is self care and self protection. They absolutely need their own sacred space, their own holy ground, where they feel nurtured and they don't have to respond to negative external influences. Their living environment is vital for their mental peace, and they should be very choosy and protective of it, just to be able to function. They need the possibility of undisturbed space of unquestionable positivity. Cancer being a Moksha sign, needs to spend a certain part of the day in solitude for internal balance, and to be able to develop the capacity to let go of the past and move to healthier emotional territories. As they develop a routine of avoiding exposing themselves to negative triggers, they realise not everything or everyone is worth their time and attention, and prevent themselves from clinging to the wrong influences. That's why Saturn, and Capricorn, is a polarity of Cancer, because it teaches Cancer how to place boundaries, and how to use their sensitivity efficiently. Not everything and everyone deserves the powerful caring, reactive force that Cancer is capable of producing. Cancer's Jupiterian protecting must first apply to the self.

The other skill, that Cancer planets are meant to develop in this incarnation is sharing their protective, nurturing energy with the right people, in correct, receptive environments. Looking at your Jupiter placement is important for this, because it will show what you are meant to create and provide, and how. The second biggest problem Cancers have besides placing boundaries is transitioning from being the consumer to being the creator. Ultimately, these energies operate on a cycle, in which we consume and create repeatedly, and Cancer rules this part of life on Earth. Since Cancer transitions from Gemini, where we learned how to plug into and exchange with our environment, its natural instinct is first to connect into this flow. However, the Cancer challenge is to learn, that from synthesizing influences not just from a local environment, but from the entire Cosmos, one can create new worlds, based on one's preference. Cancers need to learn, that they can not only get what they want from others, but they can also have a creative part in the process, because of the riches they have on the inside, and that what they have created can also give provision to others. As a result of what the Cancer native provides, people flock to them and reciprocate, continuing the cycle of mutual exchange, that reflects the patterns of the Moon on this Earth, with the Cancer native surrounded with a loving embrace of Cosmic Waters, in a Protective, Motherly role in the middle of that natural Lunar Cycle.

The journey of Cancer is one from Gemini to Leo, from networking and mimicking to self empowerment, self sustenance and ultimately leadership, caring, parenting and protecting others. It's the journey of feeling dependent on others emotionally to creating a healthy network of mutual connections, and being in the provider, caretaker role in this network, where people can depend on you instead.

[readingthenight]

The worst cities in India poll really made me think about Ahmedabad, where I spent a decade of my life, went to school, turned 18, and why it's the worst city in India.

1. It is genuinely the most communally and economically segregated city in India. Muslim residents are forced into ghettoes and all economic opportunities and real estate is seized by upper caste Hindus and Jains. I went to a school in the Hindu part of Ahmedabad and had one Muslim classmate the whole time. There was no Eid holiday.

2. Ahmedabad has a truly vile history of Anti-Muslim pogroms. The 2002 genocide was so horrific beyond words that I don't think there's been that kind of mass destruction in the country except for the Partition.

3. Ahmedabad and its residents facilitate and support Modi, Shah, and the BJP - much of their power came from Ahmedabad, and they are now trying to make UP what Gujarat is.

4. Alcohol is prohibited because Gandhi was born there. This has led to an underground bootlegging culture which disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged populations and leads to many deaths due to spurious alcohol. Also makes for one hell of a boring city.

5. Speaking of Gandhi, the whole city is obsessed with him, and there's a whole tourism economy dedicated to him with no reflection on his racism, casteism, and r*pe.

6. Speaking of tourism, there is absolutely nothing to do or see in the city. It truly has erased whatever culture it had to begin with.

7. This is because the culture is dominated by UC Hindus and Jains and caters to their preferences. Of course it's boring. While they drink alcohol at house parties, the working class folks have to follow rules which of course don't apply to the rich. Restaurants in other cities have alcohol menus, Ahmedabad restaurants have no onion no garlic menus.

8. Unless you study commerce or medicine, there is absolutely nothing for you here in terms of career prospects. Forget trying to stay in Ahmedabad if you studied humanities, because the city has killed the prospect of communities around the arts.

9. There is a very hostile attitude towards non-vegetarian food - I've been told my house smells like fish, I probably eat anything etc etc. Housing communities are illegally "pure veg". Also for everything that gets said about it being safe....try wearing a dress and going out. There is no non veg street food. Food courts don't serve non veg food. This is not normal.

10. Even the "liberal" circuit is painfully elite and gatekeepy.

[the-words-we-sung]

The songs of Young Royals - S1E2 & E3

And I'm back with another song analysis article ^^ You can find the first one (in which I covered the songs from S1E1) here. I'm gonna do 2 episodes in this post because there are not many songs in episodes 2 and 3!

No tomorrow, Ty Frankett, Stephane Lo Jacomo and Myariag Summers

I'll be in my feels They know I'm the truth When I'm pullin' up I'm bulletproof I don't really care 'bout the rules The most cool Wilhelm has ever looked ^^ He was all blushing and stressed during lunch about what almost happened with Simon, but here he's collected, alone but looking like he doesn't care and just plays it cool. He's the Prince so I guess it's true that the "rules" don't really apply to him but is he "bulletproof"? Unfortunately the whole debacle that is gonna happen with the sex video will prove that statement wrong... (We also know that most of the students at Hillerska don't care that much about the rules, and August says it himself: they could "murder someone and nobody would say a word")

ALPHA, Yung Titties

ABC I'm the alpha bitch If you wanna know who runs this shit ABC I'm the alpha bitch When I'm in a car, I'm driving When I'm on a date, I'm buying Yes girls!! They run this shit ^^ I like that they choose this song when we see the 4 girls hanging out together. I do like them (Felice, Stella, Frederika and Madison) (putting Sara on the side because *complicated feelings*) They're far from perfect but compared to most of the guys in the school, they're pretty cool. I love Felice and how smart/nice/strong she is, and I love her friendship with Wilhelm later on. I hope she'll become even more badass in season 3!! And Madison is the best (and one of the few people in this school who is not terrible to Simon). The song stops as soon as August arrives and takes a chair to sit next to Wilhelm: because yeah, he's not an "alpha". I like that Madison and Felice don't take shit from August: when he starts mocking Simon and Sara (after Felice invites them to the movie night), they immediately tell him off. Then we see Vincent and Nils join August and start bothering the girls (throwing gums/candies at them) and they're not impressed: it's a very short scene but it highlights the fact that they're not interested in their stupid behavior. It's also the episode in which we see the difference between the girls and the boys when it comes to their relationships: we learn at the beginning that Madison and Nils hooked up during the party, but also that Nils was bragging about it and giving the experience a 9/10 while Madison admits doing it mostly because she was bored and not being at all into Nils. We also see August pursuing Felice who is not interested at all. Who run the world? Girls!!

Äter upp dig, Maxida Märak

Nu ska vi leka hela världen är våran Huh inga hinder är för svåra Flyger över alla jag är lätt som en fjäder Strike like a pro BDSM läder Good boys gone bad Alla ser rött King Kong gone mad Jag är blöt du är naken Okay so it's a bit hard to do this one because it's in Swedish and I'm definitely not there yet with this language ^^' From what I understand with the translated lyrics, it's quite a "sexy" song (with some violent undertones: being a wolf, being naked, being wet, good boys gone bad, etc.). The first sentences are about playing and how they have the whole world, which is interesting because it's the parents day at Hillerska and we are introduced to a lot of upper class people, people who have a lot of money and power. In this sense, they are the people who can use the world as a playground: they have the means for that. They're rich and powerful, they're above. The lyrics are also about getting angry though, "seeing red, King Kong gone mad": a little nod to Simon and Sara being pebbles that are gonna throw the whole machinery off? During the lunch, Sara is going to mess up Felice's family with the riding issue (and they're the richest family apparently!). Wilhelm is also gonna upset the order by not sitting at August's table but choosing instead the one table with a family that doesn't belong to Hillerska's upper class environment. So I guess yeah, things aren't going to go that well. And to top it off, August is gonna learn that his family is in fact broke! Oh, how the rich and mighty have fallen...

Hillerska Song

Hope and faith wherever we roam As we make our way back home Oh, we meet with open hearts Another one in Swedish but with the English subtitles directly in the show so it makes it easier to understand ^^ Simon and Wilhelm look SO happy and smiling and smitten in this scene 💜 I like the idea of making their "way back home" because they're not there yet, but they're getting there: being a safe space, being home for each other. And yeah in this scene they still have "open hearts", because Erik has not died yet, because the sex tape hasn't been made/released yet, because none of the awful stuff that is going to make them close in on themselves has happened yet. And Wilhelm is so cute and happy (and it's gonna become very rare to see him like that afterward) that this song deserves another picture ^^

The songs of Young Royals - part 1

[the-trans-folk-witch]

The Planets as Angels and Demons

In my tradition I work with planetary virtues by assigning them to days and hours in which certain works must be performed. As someone who also works in a Catholic context, I've assigned Angels and demons to embody the benefic and malefic aspects of these Planets. To me, an angel is not ruled by a planet, but is the planet itself. This is where anism comes into my practice. I acknowledge western occult classifications of angels and their planets, but I rework them to fit my own revelations instead of that according to old irrelevant wiccan men. That said, the 7 angels vs 7 demons lists across the world are heavily influenced by kabbalah. However my own list pulls from Greek Orthodox traditions and Philippino Catholic traditions based in Manila. I also allow the 3 books of occult philosophy to influence my worldview of these spirits and purposes. The 3 books of occult philosophy state that there is a benefic and malefic side to each planet. To copy this within my practice I assign one angel and one demon to a planet. I come to them not in ceremonial methods, but as folk saints.

The angels and their remedies are as followed:

Uriel- (sun/sunday) "regent of the sun" in folklore. He is known for being renowned, amiable, and acceptable; he adds potency in all good works, equaling a man to kings and princes, elevation to high fortunes, and success in all endeavors- I understand Michael as being the Sun in most traditions but I view micahel as being more war-minded and aligned with Mars. Uriel is historically referred to as regent of the sun and that should not be ignored.

Gabriel- (moon/monday) rendering the bearer grateful, amiable, pleasant, cheerful, and honored; removing malice and ill will, security during travel, increase of riches, bodily health, and the driving away of enemies and other evil things. - dreams, blessed pregnancy, prophecy of futures pertaining to spiritual paths and one's fate. Protector of families.

Michael-(mars/tuesday) potency in war, judgments, and petitions; victory against enemies, justice toward enemies for the sake of justice, not revenge. , and stopping of blood. Michael isncommonlynassociated with the color red and as mars is the" red planet" I saw it as fitting. Mars is described as our "sister planet" due to its similarities with earth. Given michael being so close and dear to humanity I saw this closeness and resemblance as representative of his love for us.

Raphael- (mercury/wednesday) rendering the bearer grateful and fortunate to do what they please, bringing gain, preventing poverty, and helping memory, understanding, and divination. He also encourages occult understanding through travel and reading signs given in nature. The protector of travelers and claims vengeance towards thieves.

Sealtiel- (jupiter/thursday) is often seen as the Patron Saint of prayer and worship for members of the Eastern Orthodox Church and some Catholic traditions. In some Orthodox traditions, he is said to help people interpret dreams, break addictions, protect children, preside over exorcisms, and rule over music in heaven. Orthodox Christians will seek his help if their prayer is suffering from distractions, inattentiveness, or coldness. In Catholic tradition, he is depicted with a thurible. He helps fight addiction, helps one seeking gains and riches, favor and love, peace, concord, appeasement of enemies, confirmation of honors, dignities, and counsels, and dissolving of enchantments. "The undoer of witchcraft" which is a title given to St Michael Archangel in traditions that don't recognize this angel.

Jehudiel- (venus/friday) ending concord, ending strife, procuring a woman's love traditionally but all genders apply. aiding in conception, working against barrenness, and causing spiritual abilities in a generation (or gifting a child with the power of prayer). also known for the dissolving of enchantments or lustful charms of a woman causing peace between men and women, making all kind of animals fruitful, protecting pets, curing melancholy, causing joyfulness, and bringing good fortune.

Barachiel-(saturn/saturday) the ability to bring forth, to make one safe, to make one's prayer powerful, and to cause a success of petitions with princes and powers. Marsilio Ficino and others also associated Saturn with intellectuals, whose minds are more lofty and divine than those of common folk. This is because Saturn is the highest planet in occult cosmology and therefore closest to God. this angel brings creativity, good study habits, focus, peace of mind and strengthens decision making skills to ensure good choices are made. -------

The Demons to be shared below are the traditional names of demons taken from Agrippa's 3 books of occult philosophy. It was common in older orthodox beliefs to associate the demons of the 7 deadly sins with the Planets, but I find the demons of the 7 deadly sins to be less influential and deadly than planetary powers would rival. Sin is on earth and changes as nature does. It's not written in the stars and predestined. Therefore, the 7 most well-known known demons on earth would not be fit to personify a planet. Expect a post on the 7 shortly.

After requesting the aide of these planetary demons, always cleanse the soul by prayer to the corresponding angel. Cursing another is similar to rolling in the mud yourself. Wash your hands as Caesar did. Without furthermore, here are the planetary demons that oppose these angels for matters of harming others:

Sorath(sun/sunday)- causing a man to be a tyrant, proud, ambitious, unsatisfiable, and to have an ill ending. Causes requested illness and can only be remedied by the corresponding angel.

Hasmodai- (moon/monday) rendering a location unfortunate and causing people to flee from it, hindering physicians, orators and all men whatsoever in their office. Blurs the psychic senses, hides works, ruins divination, curses divination tools to never work again.

Barzabel- (mars/Tuesday) hindering of buildings/homes, casting down the powerful from dignitaries, honors, and riches; causing discord, strife and hatred among men and beasts, chasing away bees, pigeons. and fish; hindering mills, rendering misfortune toward hunters and fighters, causing barrenness in men, women, and animals; striking terror into enemies, and compelling enemies to submit. Blighting of crops and all works money flows from.

Taphthartharath - (mercury/wednesday) rendering the bearer ungrateful and unfortunate in activities, encouraging poverty, driving away gains, and inhibiting memory, understanding, and divination. Steals spiritual gifts from others and gives them to the witch, can steal luck and good fortune of others. Hides the works of thieves, and protects stolen property from recovery.

Hismael- (jupiter/thursday) attract the baleful influences of Jupiter, of which Agrippa is curiously silent. However I am here with my own thoughts and experiences. This demon quite literally brings an end to the mind. It decays one's thoughts and happiness. It causes lunacy and mania. The hottest of the demons here.

Kedemel- (venus/friday) encouraging strife, driving away a woman's love, blocking conception, encouraging barrenness, blocking generational gifts and the blessing of ancestors, bringing bad luck, destroying joy, and encouraging melancholy. Ruins families, causes miscarriage, and attracts another's lover to you.

Zazel- (saturn/saturday) according to Agrippa includes the hindering of buildings and plantings i.e. growth, casting a man from honors and dignities, causing discord and quarrels, and dispersing armies. Turns one's men against him and creates jealousy. Ends the life of men.

Call on these spirits at your own risk. Always follow it with proper spiritual hygiene.

[gabwynart]

So, you want a magic/power system with multiple categories assigned by birth or luck, where each category has different applications and uses outside of combat, based on real-life sciences like physics and chemistry. This system includes shapeshifting and the ability to add runes, symbols,tattoos and objects of power to improve or learn new abilities. Additionally, each ability represents the psychological mind of its user. There are also specialists who don't fit into any of the categories and therefore possess really cool, unique powers. In this system, training and discipline are more important than talent AND the world is populated with a rich fauna of fantastical beasts, animals, and plants??

And also you should add paranormal, esoteric and espiritual entities and rules that applies to all the cultures but each culture have to be unique !

huhhhh

[kari-go]

Hello! I'm evil, and has an evil suggestion😁. Since you said it's kinda a point system with fusions, and you also said Marinette, as a Guardian, has 9 instead of 6, what would you say about a 9x1 fusion for her, with these fellas 😃

I felt this is the strongest group I can come up with! If you designe it, that would be awesome! 🤯🤩

But if you won't, that's cool too, than I'm

1. Interested, what do you say about this group (fused power or other whise)

2. Wondering, who would you swap out with whom, to make a stronger fusion? (Rule is, it has to be a 9 way fusion, so only 3rd layer kwamies in play)

3. Could you tell us; in your rewrite, Pretention amphesises a choosen ability... Does this power applies to other Miraculous or other superpowers, if it's used together? Like HM🟣 -> SM🔴 ?

Marinette is not a Guardian. None of the kids are or will be. The fusion system also changed a little. The normal capacity is just 5 points and Guardians get 6

Four of those kwamis (Stompp, Rotte, Orikko, Finni) don't exist anymore. Arra is also a second layer now. There would be no new power since there's no first layer. Kwami-wise, I think that they'd get along pretty well. Atta would be sort of a mother figure, Kaalki the aunt, Mullo and Arrathe babies, and Saas the most serious one.

I'm gonna use the new versions, so Arra can't be here. So, I'd keep Kaalki, Sass, Atta, and Mullo and the new one would be Nooroo, he's a third layer now.

Do you mean like Riches and Vigor? No, they only enhance physical abilities

[deathbirby]

I think there needs to be a rundown on what is and what isn't colonialism cause the amount of times I'm seeing the whole "OG! Sothis is a colonizer therefore the slithers are the good guys and genocide and racism is good actually" is getting out of hand.

There are only 2 factors where the argument can make some sense a) she's a foreigner has otherworldly powers and b) she shared her technology and knowledge with the natives. But otherwise, she didn't oppress anyone nor did she deplete the land of its resources or anything like that. There's no evidence that she erased any pre-existing culture and sharing resources and technology is not erasing a culture. And she sure as hell didn't come to Fodlan with the intent of conquering or ruling over it. Plus when the war was over, she didn't order anyone nor did she herself try to prosecute or kill all of the Agarthans; she instead restored the land which took up all her powers and then went to Zanado and died in her sleep.

And if people are going to say her making Fodlan her home or settling there is proof that she's a colonizer, then are they going to apply that same logic to any immigrant moving to America to settle down, get a job and stuff? Or any immigrant building a shrine/temple or a store to worship their religion or sell their goods? Cause that's what this reminds me of; a bunch of anti-immigrant talking points coming from nativist nationalists who are pissed that the immigrants are "stealing their jobs or invading their land" and wants them to "go back to where they came from" or something. It's why I say this take is xenophobic and anti-immigrant and considering who keeps spewing it, it's really rich coming from them.

Sorry for the long vent/ask.

Lmao don't apologize, you put all of my complaints into one beautiful ask. Bless you.

You're completely right. Sothis did nothing to harm the environment or economy. She helped them by granting them knowledge that made their civilations thrive. There is no exploitation involved.

They are so desperate to see Sothis (and the Nabateans) as colonizers, that they completely ignore canon. That on its own wouldn't be an issue, headcanons exist, but then they start spouting incredibly harmful rhetoric that has been said irl.

[statementlou]

It's not just the age difference. It's the complete and utter power imbalance. He's rich, famous, far more experienced (even when he was her age), male. She's some Danish kid who's fresh off the plane. And don't you think it's more likely that LTHQ flew her to LA specifically for this rather than she somehow got into a celebrity party before she'd even recovered from jet lag? And as if a young girl who had just come to LA and met famous folk wouldn't have posted on her insta. I do wonder how and when she was recruited.

okay well first of all she lives in LA and your whole "innocent girl imported from Denmark and doesn't even know what's going on" narrative is weird, but more to the point I think she's plenty old enough to make her own decisions around what she can handle by way of jetlag and other work choices, and that this is a weirdly condescending way to talk about an adult trying to make it in the entertainment industry. But more to the point- the power imbalance would be a potential issue IF THEY WERE DATING. But power imbalances between bosses and employees are not just normal, they are literally an integral part of that relationship. That's why it's gross and not okay for people in those positions to date! And if you're making an argument that it's also gross in work situations well listen, I'm an anti capitalist and I couldn't agree more, abolish wage labor and all of it, but a non famous non celeb person being an employee of a rich celeb is hardly a red flag in this society, and no more exploitative than most other jobs. The power imbalances around experience and status and wealth also exist between, like, Harry and his PA Luis for example, so why is this different and is she less able to make that call for herself? It seems to me that this is where you really see the parallels between how people view bearding and sex work- even people who say and think that they know it's fake still get all weird and puritanical about it and think it's just that little bit different from other jobs, that okay it's fake but like it's still kind of like it's real so dating rules apply! No: it's a job. It's not in a special category or personal or intimate: it's just a job. She's an influencer trying to make it and just got her big break (insta followers up 600% and counting in 12 hours!) and chose to take it, good for her. Do you think Louis and the other guys would thank you for denying them their big break as actual teens on the grounds that they were too young and inexperienced to handle it? With the experiences they had in the industry (and presumably would never perpetuate on someone else) and Louis' commitment to helping up and coming folks make it, to say nothing of his general caretaker tendencies and concern for young women he sees as his responsibility, I actually can't think of anyone I'd rather see someone in her position take a job like this with, she hit the fucking jackpot.

[linkemon]

Bitter lie (Makeela Riju x Reader)

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Other oneshots can be found here.

ʀɪᴊᴜ ʜᴀꜱ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴇʀᴜᴅᴏ ᴛʜʀᴏɴᴇ ꜱɪɴᴄᴇ ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀ ᴄʜɪʟᴅ. ʙᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴄʜɪʟᴅʜᴏᴏᴅ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴀᴍᴇ?

— I will be strong like Urbosa! — shouted little Riju on the roof of one of the stalls, swinging a wooden training spear.

— Shut up, someone heard us... — [Reader] wasn't able to finish.

— You're here again? You little...— the voice of one of the booth's owners echoed.

The girls always ran around the high floors on their days off. They also liked to climb to the peak of the palace. Sometimes they went out at night. The cold in Gerudo wasn't as bad as outside the city, so they didn't need any extra preparation. However, this didn't go over well with the city's women, who couldn't sleep.

Daily combat training left Riju and [Reader] little time for each other but that didn't bother them. They rarely felt like being apart. They saw each other so often that they practically operated as one. They were training partners as well as outside of it. Although their arguments were heated, they usually ended quickly, as they couldn't stay away from each other for long.

— Do you really want to run for leader when you grow up? — [Reader] sat down on one of the walls.

She divided the melon she had brought from home earlier and gave half to her friend.

— Of course you can. It's a great job. You have a throne, nice clothes and you're rich. You can also order others around. Mom did it, so I can do it even better. My first decree will be a sand seal for everyone. — She bared her teeth.

— Power sounds like responsibility for others to me. — [Reader] looked up at the sky. — Urbosa died in battle. I wouldn't want you to end up like that too.

— Come on! — She spat out the seed. — I'll be fine. And when I sit on the throne, I'll get you a place in the palace.

— It's not that simple. You know the rules.

A series of decrees appeared before [Reader]'s eyes. They both had to know them by heart. It was required of candidates for the palace guard.

For centuries, women, the undisputed rulers of the Gerudo, had made new laws. Passing them took a long time. Many were put to a vote by the citizens. The leader held the real power but without the support of her people, she couldn't change much.

Her eventual place in the palace as a guest would go through a number of stages before becoming a reality.

— Boooring. You've been awfully serious lately. Is this about your mom? — A shadow of concern briefly appeared in her green irises.

The girl nodded.

She still hadn't told Makeela that her mother had joined the Yiga clan. Knowing that would put the two people closest to her in danger. On top of that, she was afraid of her friend's reaction.

A member of an illegal organization could be sentenced to life in prison. The same applied to people who helped such a person. It was the proper duty of every citizen to inform the authorities about a potential traitor.

She felt torn.

—Then we have to do something crazy. — Riju swayed, her fiery braid swaying with her.

— Oh no...— [Reader] looked at the canal of water below them. — Don't you dare...

A loud scream tore from her throat as she was pushed straight into the icy water. A loud splash announced that her friend had landed right next to her. She pushed her wet hair back from her head and rubbed her eyes.

Her first instinct was to walk away and say she didn't like it at all but the words never left her mouth.

The sky was reflected in the surface. Millions of stars on a navy blue background, just within arm's reach. Both girls swam in twinkling sparkles.

The anger evaporated. It was replaced by laughter, waves of water being thrown at each other and complaints from neighbours.

Riju always knew what was needed in others. At first glance, she seemed to be just a troublemaker but there was much more underneath. This was proven by visiting the old woman under the statue, who needed company. Likewise, helping at the stalls and taking care of small children. The friend had the gift of selfless help.

It revealed itself in moments like this, when it was necessary to comfort a loved one.

— Makeela. — At this word she raised her head.

No one else but [Reader] used it. People knew her by her middle name. She thought it was much better than her first.

— If you’re chosen, I know you’ll be a great leader — she took her hand, which was dripping wet — because you care about people like no one else.

— Sarqso.

Something that might have been a tear of emotion dripped down Riju's cheek but [Reader] could be mistaken. Her friend's face was wet with water and besides, they were surrounded by night.

— Let's get out of this water — she ordered briskly, turning her back. — We have a training again tomorrow. We can't get sick.

Riju stared in disbelief at the face she had known for so many years.

— Why are you entering the contest? — She tightened her fingers around the hilt of her spear. — You've never been interested in it.

— You don't understand me. I have to win. — [Reader] looked away. — If I lose, I'll leave Gerudo.

She felt like the questions were weakening her. She wanted to confess everything to her friend but she knew how she would react. The person in front of her had changed. She still cared about others but she had grown more serious. She no longer transgressed the rules. She had grown into a leader.

This made her happy but it also scared her at the same time.

The Gerudos looked impatient. The fight for the title should have begun without further ado, yet the rivals stood facing each other, neither willing to make a move.

— Makeela, if you'd win… Her voice broke slightly. — Would you break the law for me?

She knew what the answer would be before she even asked the question. Still, she clung desperately to the last chance.

— Why do you speak in riddles?

She held out her hand but then she hesitated and lowered it again.

— You can't ask me to do that... It would mean treason and...— Her inner conflict was reflected in her words.

— I understand. I don't blame you. I'm just sure now that we have to fight. — She forced a smile.

The mother planned to steal the Thunder Helm. The priceless artifact became the object of interest of the Yiga clan. The daughter overheard one of her evening conversations with an informant.

She couldn't betray the only family she had left. She couldn't warn the guards either because they would surely catch the thief. Her friend wasn't ready to break the law for her. So she had to protect the item on her own. She was too young to join the guard. She could only get into the palace at night in one way — by becoming a leader.

However, her childhood friend stood in her way. Someone who had wanted this position from a young age. She trained a lot and spent a lot of free time trying to match her mother (the previous ruler).

Tradition dictated that other candidates be given a chance. The throne was not hereditary, although those raised in the palace had a better chance of training properly. This gave [Reader] a chance. She passed every test. The results were practically identical to those of her rivals. So the only remaining test was the combat test.

The entire town gathered to watch and judge their skills.

She knew that if she lost, she would have to go off alone to try and stop her mother. The situation was bleak.

[Reader] took a deep breath. She took a defensive stance like she had many times before. She braced herself for the first blow. A duel with her friend had never seemed as terrifying as it did in that moment.

Red hair shimmered in the hot sun. The spear spun with its owner. The weapons flashed in the sunlight, clashing again and again. It was a deadly dance. Every step brought precision. Years of training ensured the spectacle. The delighted women formed a tight circle. They clapped and cheered, encouraging their opponents.

Riju felt like she was training. Sweat ran down her face and her muscles worked as she focused on her next attack. For a moment, she forgot that this wasn't just training. She was enjoying the moment. Everything was like it was back when they were just a few years old and no secrets stood in the way of their friendship.

The beautiful moment burst in a second like a soap bubble. The tip of the spear hit [Reader], injuring her left arm.

— First blood! The fight is over! The winner is Riju! — Buliara shouted.

The guard's voice could barely be heard above the screams of excited townswomen.

The new leader was carried away by the crowd of congratulatory people but she couldn't take her eyes off her rival.

Several people consoled the loser, assuring her that she had done great. However, she paid no attention to them. [Reader] found the familiar green eyes staring at her for years.

— Sarqso — she whispered. Years of friendship couldn’t be expressed in a simple thank you but she wanted to say it anyway.

Riju just nodded, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. She wanted to run after her departing friend. To stop her by force because they were inseparable but she knew that if she left, the coronation would not take place.

So she gritted her teeth, raised her head proudly and headed towards the throne room.

— [Reader]! — she called out over the crowd on the palace threshold. — Once you’ve done your business and you'll come back here, you’ll never leave again. Got it?

— You know it, boss! — she said, walking toward the main gate.

She couldn't tell her that she didn't know if she'd live to see the next morning. So all that was left was a lie, the bitter taste of which she felt all the way to the Yiga Clan hideout.

[thegoldenhoof]

This was perhaps the first meta I wrote in the fandom when the show had just come out and building on the Black Sails dialogue between Silver and Flint where Silver points out how Flint's name doesn't belong to him alone. It is a jointly held asset for to build which the crew has spilt blood and which they have a stake in. And how that applied to Ed's desire to first quit being Blackbeard, then run away and then stop being pirates and become a travelling troupe of entertainers or what ever fancy catches his eye next.

While the actual realities of the social structures obviously varied pirate crews did not as a rule sail together for love or loyalty. They risked their life for their share and shares varied as per responsibility.

So we have Blackbeard attacking a pirate ship and loosing men and risking more men which he brushes off as commonplace for the pirate life and this would be entirely true except for a small problem. There is no prize taken from the Revenge so there is no share to be recieved by the pirates who fought. Those men die just because Ed wanted to meet Stede.

Their gain, it could be argued here was just being on Blackbeard's crew which would have come with its share of respect and reputation. In which case the Blackbeard name, his reputation must be considered as part of the crew's share.

Edward's disregard for the crew's lives is not that he is risking their lives, which in fairness he acknowledges and is his right as their captain, but that he is willing to risk them for his personal interests with no reward in return. That on a lot of ships would have been reason enough to mutiny.

This becomes worse in season 2 in the Kraken era but it is not exactly unprecedented. Edward commands the crew to dump the treasure, give up their shares that they risked their lives for because *he* wants to break a record.

His use of the guilt room money is suspect to but lets extend the benefit of doubt and assume that all that was just his share of the money,hopefully after compensating his crew for their share he made them throw away. Do we get any hint of this? No. But since we don't see anything against this either.. Let's assume so. (But if so Frenchie, Fang Archie and Izzy should have been filthy rich in their own right.)

It is canon that Ed has acted like the existence of the crew is for his own personal benefit even before the Kraken era. But they stay because presumably his name alone brings them safety and power. Even wealth considering Ed's comment about ships just surrendering to his flag. The Blackbeard name in itself is then part of the prize for which they are willing to risk their lives.

So when it comes to Ed wanting to end Blackbeard the question comes as to how much does he actually own Blackbeard and what exactly does he owe the crew in the currency of Blackbeard's name. It is, after all, a jointly held asset.

The show's solution to this is of course handwave away the QAR crew because if they are not real people but mere props in Edward's story he doesn't owe them anything...

But if you take a step back from the Edward centric world and wonder.....