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ytsame · 2 months ago

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MY INNER DEMONS REWRITE/HEADCANON 🤓☝️

- Since humans lived in the same world as Daemos, it wouldn’t be too far off to assume that at one point Daemos and Humans had children with each other. My thoughts spiraled and i thought “hmm why not expand on it” hence this long ahh post

Pure Bloods:

Pure bloods are Daemos without any relations to humans, and because of this their magic is more rich and potent, but not necessarily the most powerful. Most royalty are pure bloods, but few are rumored to be Red Bloods

Red Bloods:

Red bloods are Daemos with human relations. The blood of these types of Daemos tend to be more purple that Pure Bloods, indicating a mix of Red and Indigo blood. This also brings us to the concept of Heritages

Heritages:

Heritage is a concept used by Daemos to indicate that whilst they are Red Bloods, they do not have direct connection or relation anymore to their human relative.

🔥DAEMOS BOYS HEADCANONS🔥

ASCH

Remember what I said about SOME royals being Red Bloods? Yeah Asch is one of them

He was born from an affair between his father, the Daemos King, and a random human who was later killed for her soul. Initially, the Daemos King had planned on killing Asch, but Lady Grandma intervened, spinning a tale that since Asch is of Royal Blood and with Human Blood, it could be possible his magic could grow more powerful as he ages.

This backfires eventually due to the magic crisis, and the king believes killing Asch might provide enough magic to sustain Daemos a while longer. This is part of the reason on why Lady Grandma aided Asch in bringing him to Earth, feeling partially guilty for possibly influencing that decision.

Only the royal family + Rhys is aware of Asch being a Red Blood. Although the rest of his knights might figure it out later on 👀?

RHYS

Amongst all of Asch’s knights, Rhys is one of two who’s actually pure blooded. This is part of the reason on why Rhys can master spells better than the other knights, however this also means his magic exhausts quicker.

Having many brothers who became prestigious knights, Rhys wanted something different in his life and decided to dedicate himself to his studies. This eventually caught Lady Grandma’s attention, who offered him to become her student and master his magic well.

LIEF

To everyone’s shock, Lief is actually also pure blooded, which is almost unheard of amongst assassins. This allows him to master spells faster than others, but he tends to use it in short bursts knowing he exhausts quicker (hence sticking to teleportation and healing magic).

Lief was abandoned by his parents as a baby, so he never really knew who they were or why they didn’t want him. He was eventually found by a veteran assassin, who upon realizing he was pure blood, took him in and raised him to be an assassin. He was often sent on missions involving nobles and high ranking Daemos because his pure blood status helped conceal his identity well.

Being pure blooded was also part of the reason Lief was abandoned by his fellow assassins, being seen as an imposter or threat amongst the rest of them. Asch, understanding the feeling of being considered an imposter, offered him a position as his knight (although he’ll never admit the empathy he felt that moment).

NOI

Noi’s a Red Blood, and one of Japanese descent. Being a Red Blood is partially the reason on why he was given the lowest ranking position, but the knights don’t consider Red Blood as a reason and more-so his gentle nature as the cause.

Unlike Asch, Noi actually got to know his mother before her death, and she raised him to be tough and strong for the world of Daemos, but also gentle and nurturing in hopes of leaving some good for their world. This is also part of the reason why Noi tends to hesitate in killing, but understands it’s necessary for the sake of survival.

After his mother’s death, Noi was taken by the people who killed his mother and forced into a fighting ring, where Red Bloods were forced to kill each other for their souls and small bits of magic in them. Noi eventually managed to escape, and stumbled upon Asch begging for help. Asch had offered him a position as his knight, and Noi accepted knowing he’d have better protection from being brought back to the fighting ring.

Additional but I’d like to think Noi was born during a lightning storm, which was why Noi wanted to harness lightning magic the most despite it being considered a waste.

PIERCE

Pierce has polynesian heritage, but no one really knows he has red blood due to his blood being near Indigo. Because of this, people tend to mistake Pierce for being Pure Blood. Only Asch and the knights are aware of his heritage since Rhal had never asked Pierce about whether he was Red Blood or Pure Blood.

Pierce was one of the few examples of Red Bloods being much more powerful than most pure bloods. Although still unsure how it happened, his supposed mix of human and daemos blood triggered enhanced EVERYTHING for his body to adapt better.

Rather than his magic possibly growing, his body grew instead. This explains his giant-like height and enhanced strength, alongside enhanced senses such as hearing and smell. Because of this, it allowed him to rise the ranks quickly until he became the General of Rhal’s army, and eventually Asch’s knight.

While most believe Pierce was chosen as one of Asch’s knight’s due to his reputation, the real reason of him being promoted was due to the fact his mixed blood had a positive reaction on his physique, something that Lady Grandma, Rhys, and Asch have been looking for in the midst of the magic crisis.

HOLY YAP okay its done I finally got it all out and written down 😭💀. It’s just a general idea though and only for fun so try not to be too heated if my ideas or headcanons contradict canon + your own. Enjoy the food folks 🔥

#my inner demons #pierce my inner demons #lief my inner demons #noi my inner demons #asch my inner demons #rhys my inner demons #aphmau #aphmau fanart #my inner demons fanart #mid fanart #headcanons #headcanon #my inner demons headcanon #this is all for fun gang

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sweatinghoneybee · 4 months ago

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Future Silhouette Serenade Sisters

Ok I know that we're still far away til the war future of the fic but can you blame me for fantasizing on how badass MC and Nebula are gonna be? No just me? WELP to bad cause I've already drawn so you deal with my fantasies for now Kay?

Now, TIME TO RAMBLE ON DESIGN DETAILS!!!

For MC honestly she's the easiest since I wanted her to resemble Glowburst since she's mentioned to resemble her carrier but since this is into the distant future with MC's character arc in a war I wanted her to also have her own thing going on and to look like she's a warrior in her own right. Also yes I wanted to give her tattoos (or should I say biolights in this case?) because of two reasons which is one I thought it would be cool if MC goes to Nyon to get her tattoos as her pride for her heritage and also like come on MC would definitely LOVE to have beautiful engravings on her!! And cause two I thought it would be so funny if when the war goes on and MC has her own faction the reason it was made was because people thought her tattoos was a symbol of a new faction and when everyone realizes it wasn't they still stay along making a new faction cause they liked being with MC as their leader, I don't know I thought it'd be funny. And funfact at first I wanted to give MC freckles like belle in the U movie but it made the face part cluttered so instead I decided on making Belle's freckles be marks on MC's battle mask, tho still wanted MC to have abit of something on her face so I just made only her left cheek to have freckles with a star on. Why I put a scar on MC's right optic? I just thought it would be so angsty that her right optic that has resemblance on the decepticons red optics color cause the one that gave her that scar thought she was "evil" only to realize later on that she wasn't and now MC has a mark on her face for something she didn't do but she wore it proudly without regret cause in her mind it is a symbol of her resilience. For MC's claws tho, uuuuhhhh I might have just made it cause I thought it made MC hot.

And finally for Nebula I wanted to design a future version on her cause like COME ON!!! I say it ain't fair that Nebula doesn't get an evolved version as her sister cause like I'm pretty sure she's gonna get her own character arc going on since while we're seeing this in MC's perspective, honestly technically this journey is as much of Nebula's as it is MC's and come tell me if MC wouldn't be fangirling over how badass her sister is? So when I designed Nebula honestly can I just say I'm so disappointed in myself cause only now I just realized even with me drawing Nebula a lot I never incorporated ANY actual nebulas, which is a cloud of stars, into Nebula's design and I am DEVASTATED CAUSE IT WAS SUCH A MISSED OPPORTUNITY!!! but I've come to compromise that all the designs before this one of Nebula because she hasn't fully evolved yet and her evolution was from smokes/mists into clouds (just pretend I've planned this all along Kay please?). And with that I just went ALL OUT on it! I was trying to based off Nebulas look like she's wearing those over the top bed robes where there's fluff on the edges of them cause I thought it would be so badass that Nebula practically looks like she was pissed being worked up from her nap and she just KO everyone just to finally get them to shut up so she can get more shut eye time (and cause cloudy stars made it look like sleepy dream times right?) and I honestly made Nebula with a concept of volcanoes cause I thought it would be so cool since it made her look like she's about to "erupt" with her abilities and cause I wanted Nebula to have her own way to show she's from Nyon cause like come on HELLO Nebula is also Glowburst's daughter here and she's just as proud of her heritage as her sister!! And I love how by making the marks that looks like lava flowing down that it made Nebula look like a storm cloud which I thought both ways it really fits! Tho question which hair cloud do you prefer Nebula with, up or down with a swirl like bangs? I couldn't really decide so I drew Nebula what she might look like with her hair down tho honestly I also like the thought that Nebula likes to style her cloud hair in styles that MC told her sister about, Nebula wants to have fun with her style too you know?

If anyone is wondering what I'm rambling about these are based off of my friend @springingsour tf fanfic

Pls give them some love Kay? They worked really hard on it and it's field with so many cool plotlines so if you read it pls show them many appreciating pls!

#sweatinghoneybee #fanfic #fanfic recommendation #fanart #transformers x reader #various x reader #traditional art #transformers #yanderes x reader #traditional drawing

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digitalagepulao · 10 months ago

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My sincere Black Myth: Wukong review

Full disclosure! This is from a recent but earnest fan of JTTW as the original novel, as well as all the social, cultural and religious layers of it. I've seen my fair share of adaptations and derivative media, from shlocky to silly to grimdark to cutesy. I'm a bachelor in visual arts, with an interest in the field of game development since high school. I am also, white and brazillian, and have talked with other jttw fans, both Chinese and not, on this game. If any of these are for some reason motive to not read further, then fair enough. Hope you have fun and continue to enjoy the game, do not let me or my opinion stop you!

Now to the review proper <3

First things first, let the obvious not remain unsaid. This game, is supremely gorgeous. In every sense of the word, and I mean this fully, it's a work of art. The sound design, the character concepts and execution, the animations, the voice acting, the visual effects, the UI design, the cinematography, the 3D scanning of actual historical artofacts and heritage sites throughout China, and everything beyond and between, are phenomenal, full stop.

This was never a debate, I'm sure, but I don't think I can in good conscience not praise them for their work. It's no news that Asian talent, not just in China either, have been often hired to supplement projects on the West, and we can all agree it's about time they got to shine in their own AAA project. My issues with the international game industry notwithstanding, I hope this brings some much needed acknowledgment and appreciation for Chinese culture and arts, both traditional and modern!

Now, from this point on, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS, so proceed with caution!

(word count: +1.8k)

I also deeply enjoy their choices in arcs to revisit. Some like the Flaming Mountain arc are classic picks to adapt but still a very good match to the whole Six Senses throughline. I don't think you can do a JTTW 2 electric bogaloo without bringing up Niumowang and his family in some way (um, put a pin on that), but the other arcs like Yellowbrow or Black Wind Mountain aren't as explored imo, so it's nice to see them being given a bit of a spotlight.

(speaking of the Yellow Ridge arc, whoever made the executive decision of Lingji Bodhisattva being a Xaanxi singer is, genius!!)

I'm also kind of in love?? with Bajie's design and role in the story overall?? Gameplay wise he sticks around just enough to not feel lonely, but not too long to be a nuisance or overstay his welcome. He's no Atreus (GoW) or Ellie (TLoU) of course, but he doesn't need to be, and most importantly, he isn't trying to be, which I feel is admirable of the devs. Given the visible inspirations from the recent God of War games, it would have been easy to lean a bit too hard on it, but I'm glad they didn't overreach.

Him having a more complex love life is also a nice touch imo. It explores more his womanizer ways in an interesting way, and I appreciate it. I love when people complicate the pig! Also, the way he treats Xiaosheng (Destined One) like a nephew?? The scene on the Huaguoshan throne??? I'M GONNA CRY!!!

I think, I've run out of positive things to say.... time for the spicy takes.

I, kind of detest the premise by default. I'm not a big fan of "Superman is Dead" plots, cus it's usually either done for shock value, or taken so lightly that the weight is totally lost. I have such a love-hate situationship with the introduction cutscene because of this. On one hand, it's phenomenal cinema, and seeing Wukong stand up to the Heavenly armies in glorious 4K high fidelity graphics is delicious. On the other hand, the whole debate they are having has me going "?????", not because I don't get it but just, why?? Why did this have to be the premise?? (put another pin on that)

Also the set up and call to adventure is kind of blergh.

Now is as good a time as any to talk about the gameplay. It's, okay. If you enjoy trying to figure out the most stylish combos, or to mash buttons, then you'll definitely have fun. I was sorely disappointed that I pretty much have been going through the bosses rather easily. Chapter 1 it was mostly the struggle of learning the controls, but I never stuck to a boss for longer than seven tries (Whiteclad Noble, the snakeman that you are). Chapter 2 I only struggled on Tiger Vanguard, because I was sorely underleveled and had missed a pathway to explore before him. After that I second tried him. Chapter 3, I have and I'm not joking, gotten halfway through first or second trying every boss.

Mind you, this is not being some godtier gamer or whatever, I'm pretty average and only a recent player of soulslike games too (maybe playing Lies of P made too OP, but I sincerely doubt it lol). No, this is me saying that if you do explore the game and not rush through it, you won't struggle nearly as much as some people have and still are. Most of the final chapter bosses can be trivialized with the chapter's Obsession Realm gimmick artifact, which isn't in itself a bad thing, just feels like an odd choice personally.

Which leads me to, the level design. So far? Preeeeetty lame! It's very pretty and fancy, but so chockful of invisible walls that it feels stiffling and discourages exploration. I can never tell what is meant to be a path or just fancy scenery, and I never know when a jump will get walled or send me to my death by fall damage. When it's not being confusing, the level design is either a bunch of looping circles, or straight lines. And so far, besides a few interactables and loot, there is not much else to look at. That is, bad level design, plain and simple.

Also, the animations are glorious, but what is the point if I can't see the enemy?? That camera is my true nemesis, and I mean that. the fact that a boss can be beyond my field of vision at ANY POINT when I'm locked on and it strifes sideways, is dreadful. GameScience, FIX IT. It is also, very hard to tell what parts of a boss will damage me if I collide with them or not. The Kang-Jin Long fight was baffling on a design point of view, same for Captain Lotus-Vision. Some clearer hitboxes would be swell.

This is the point where I say my main issue with the game lies: it's very pretty, and adoringly crafted, but it lacks substance design wise. I feel like it needed to cook more, the level design polished more so I wouldn't get lost every five minutes, and clearer.... well, everything. Mechanic explanations, level progression, gimmicks, etc. It all needed to be less murky and convoluted to understand.

It also needed more meat in between bosses. I have yet to run into common enemies that give me actual trouble, so it ends up being just a jolly waltz from boss to boss. Boss rushes are fun and great, but not as the base game experience (for me at least). I had to stop one boss away from completing Chapter 1 cus I was just so exhausted. And I had been playing for like, an hour and a half?? That left a sour taste in my mouth, I'll be honest.

Okay, I'm gonna pick open those pins now.

#1 the Flaming Mountain Arc. I'm gonna be very real here chat, that was so cringe. What do you MEAN, Red Son wasn't Demon Bull King's biological son, and Princess Iron Fan was forced to drink from the Childbearing River??? And Red Son hates him????When I watched that cutscene, I had to pause and walk away for a moment, legitimately. This plotbeat is SO WILD to me, I got nothing to say. Just, why??Soooo bizarre. And that the Flaming Mountain Keeper has such a presence in Iron Fan's life is also, weird?? Not bad weird, just Weird, but that's like a nitpick more than an actual criticism. Ping Ping is fine though, I like that Bull has a daughter with Princess Fair Fox, that's cute and interesting. Wish she was in a better plot and adaptation but lol

And #2, the premise. Now we are getting to the meat of it all.

The underlying premise of the whole plot, including the true ending, is flawed by default. The premise runs on what is sometimes called as a "conspiracy theory plot", as in, "what if the gods were bad actually??". It's reddit movie theory content in very short terms, and while it had a place during the 00s grimdark years pre-Marvel, it's become quite a jaded and boring take nowadays. Now you may say that it comes from a genuine desire to show distrust and critique to insitutions and the powers than be, and I can see that.

There is a hiccup in that though.

In JTTW, Wukong is the Mind Monkey because of the religious text and subtext of the stories. Its interwoven in the whole thing, and makes it cohesive. It still offer critique and mockery to institutions, without entirely invalidating their foundations. Not only for genuine fear of prosecution, but because, shockingly, religion and belief is a major component of human society in general. But going back to my point, JTTW is *already* a critique of institutions and the power that be. Adding further layers into it feel like angst and edginess just for the sake of it, and that feels hollow to me.

To go further, this intent also clashes with their own plot. See, they bring up that Wukong's Mind, his Sixth Sense, died. Thus they need another Mind to guide his other senses and reform him, so that he may be reborn.

For one, that is such a convoluted way to do a reincarnation plot, it feels complicated just for novelty sake. Secondly, Wukong being the Mind Monkey, as I said, implies a tie to the underlying themes of the Journey as a person's path to enlightenment. If enlightenment itself is flawed because the gods are flawed/evil, then both themes are clashing. By making a "what if the gods were evil all along" plot while also going by the laws and order of said gods, then what are we even fighting against? What is the point of this whole rebellion between Erlang and Wukong??

my friend @ryin-silverfish said it best a while back, and I'm paraphrasing here (do pitch in or correct me if needed! <3), but the issue with these conspiracy narratives is the inherent anti-religion of them. They don't believe in anything, and thus they cannot properly retell the story of JTTW through a postmodern lense, because they refuse to engage with the religiosity that runs throughout the story.

It also leaves a sour taste in my mouth, because this game will likely be many people's first genuine experience with the JTTW mythos and story, and I tend to be concerned for how much this will "sour the pot" in the conversation. The novels are sadly innacessible enough as it is; the sheer size of them scare many people away, not even to mention the amount of underlying cultural context you'll miss out without proper footnotes and commentary. Most people will not engage with them directly, and certainly not most gamers.

While the narrative of someone embodying Wukong's spirit is not new in itself, I do find that it coexisting with such a poor premise and spin on it will be a sore first experience for new fans, and I can only hope that them meeting fans of the OG novels won't cause much friction in the fandom (we have enough as it is imo).

It also concerns me that, sadly, people and gamers in particular, get too swept up in the ooh-aah beauty of flashy sfx and highly detailed graphics, and fail to notice some of the underlying issues in game design. As I said, this game is a work of art, but it has flaws, and I don't think people are speaking of them enough. No, the issue is not "lack of diversity" or whatever the hell.

It runs deeper than that, and it's an issue I've come to see in recent movies as well. I'm aware it might just be different cultural expectations of the pacing and span of a story, and it may as well be! But I think if there was more care given to the bones of a media, it would bring much needed longevity and weight to these wonderful artworks.

All this said, I wanna see what acolades this game gets and see what the devs are cooking up with the DLCs (they said at one point the game was supposed to have 12 chapters and my god, that game would be TOO LONG. So glad it didn't get like that!), and further more see how this ripples in the eastern game dev scene. While this is a flawed game with a flawed story, it can be the first on a genuinely wonderful wave of new creations, not just by GameScience, and overall I'm hopeful for what might come next!

#jttw #journey to the west #sun wukong #black myth: wukong #game review #black myth wukong

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mavlabajuri · 3 months ago

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Aru'e, Aruetti, Dar'manda and my thoughts thereof

After this conversation sent me into a very fun and productive nerd binge, I wanted to compile my thoughts in one place. This is based on what I can glean from the available material and surrounding context of these words. Contains my thoughts on the adjective -yc, -la forms.

Aru’e - Enemy

“We must distinguish between the gebaru’e and the chaajaru’e.” - The Bounty Hunter Code

Meaning: “Enemy”

This is the most straightforward military or adversarial term. It refers to someone who is actively opposed to the Mandalorians, usually in war or ideology.

Use this when someone is an active threat, physically, politically, or ideologically.

Variant forms:

Aru'e is seemingly used both as singular and plural.

Aru’ela - hostile (adjective form; inherently hostile)

Aru'eyc - hostile (adjective form; currently antagonistic)

From The Bounty Hunter Code: Gebaru’e - "near enemies" (internal threats, with the New Mandalorians used as an example) Chaajaru’e - "far enemies" (external threats, with the Republic used as an example)

Aruetii / Aruetiise - Non-Mandalorian outside, foreigner, traitor

“He often wondered how the commandos trained by aruetiise—non-Mandalorians, a word that could mean anything from foreigner to traitor—felt about being surrounded by others who were so steeped in Mandalorian culture.”

Meaning: “Outsider,” “not one of us.”

This isn’t always hostile, but it’s often dismissive, distrusting, or contemptuous, especially when used by traditionalists. Used mostly for non-Mandalorians, even allies. Can imply someone who doesn’t understand, follow, or respect Mando culture or values. Use this when referring to someone who isn’t Mando’ade, not necessarily an enemy, but not family either.

Now, as I've pondered it, you can divide aruetti into two groups:

an outside/foreigner - someone who does not belong, that is not part of the Manda, doesn’t adhere to mandalorian values or principles of honor.

an honorless oath-breaker or betrayer - one can not be a traitor if one is never trusted, if there were no loyalty. Here the outsider/foreigner makes a return, as in “you have become an outsider, foreign to me, yourself and the Manda”.

Variant forms:

Aruetiise - plural form

1. Aruetyc - foreign, non-Mandalorian (adjective form; unfamiliar, strange; often disagreeable, off-putting, or offensive to Mandalorian sensibilities)

2. Aruetyc - traitorous, honorless (adjective form; behaving traitorously; someone acting in betrayal of Mandalorian values)

Aruetla - traitorous, without honor (apostate of Mandalorian values; the true antithesis of being Mandalorian - not someone failing the code, but someone who embodies its rejection.) Could also be for those who are culturally irreconcilable, used for beings or groups that can fundamentally never be Mandalorian. (I don't know if there are any sophont filial cannibalism in SW, but that's what I have in mind)

I divide it like this:

1. aruetyc = "You are acting like a traitor."

1. aruetla = "You are, at your core, a traitor."

2. aruetyc = "You are acting like an outsider." / "This is a non-Mandalorian concept/thing"

2. aruetla = "You are, at your core, an outsider." "This is, fundamentally and inherently, non-Mandalorian"

Dar’manda - Soulless / Lost Mandalorian

“All we have to hold us together is what we are, what we do, and without that we’re … dar’manda. I don’t know how to explain it … we have no soul, no afterlife, no identity. We’re eternally dead."

Meaning: “Without a soul.” (lit. not/no longer of the Manda)

This is much worse than an aruetii. A dar'manda isn't just an outsider or a traitor, they're someone who was or should be Mandalorian, but now isn't.

Someone dar’manda has no place in the Manda, and will not join it in the afterlife. They have lost their identity; have abandoned or been denied their heritage; have broken or forsaken the Resol’nare (the six tenets of being Mandalorian).

Not necessarily a traitor, but a tragic or pitiful figure, seen as empty, ignorant, or spiritually dead.

Use this when referring to a Mandalorian who has forgotten, forsaken, or been denied their cultural roots. In Mando thinking, this is the worst fate imaginable.

Quick Comparison

In short

Aru’e is your battlefield enemy.

Aruetii is someone who’ll never really get you.

Dar’manda is someone who used to be you, but lost the way.

For Mandalorians, identity is everything. These words don’t just define other people, they define the boundaries of belonging.

K'oyacyi! // Mavla

If you have any comments, feedback, corrections or speculations, they are as always warmly welcomed!

#mando'a #mandalorian culture #star wars #mandalorians #mandalorian language #mandoa #mavla does mando'a #mavla originals collection

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deusvervewrites · 1 month ago

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Since you've come up with multiple mha crossover/fusion aus, do you have any advice for how to go about coming up with ideas for how the other franchise affects things? I've been working on a crossover with Megaman and got stuck because I had no idea what to actually DO with the Megaman characters and concepts once they were in mha, in part because they break a lot of rules and in part because everything I thought of felt way too forced, so I figured I'd ask for advice.

Usually I start with the idea of what I want to do with the crossover elements and then kind of design everything backwards from there.

For example, in Heroes May Cry, I wanted Midoriya to be of the Sparda lineage and fight demons, so I upped the number of demon attacks and handwaved his heritage. In DotFG, all I cared about were the breathing techniques so I let the dead rest and didn't include any demons.

The other thing is that I tend to keep the crossover a bit loose. Like how the DC crossovers pick-and-choose continuity instead of trying to keep the DC lore accurate, the lack of canon Dragonball characters in Saiyan and how I roped aspects of it into MHA (like the MLA).

A good starting point is looking for where the settings you're working with overlap. Megaman is based around a future society with advanced robotics tech, and My Hero Academia is vaguely-futuristic and has various advanced technologies, including robotics. Off the top of my head, you could easily change out the UA robots to Megaman robots, have that kind of robotics on I-Island (Maybe even Dr. Light?) and include Dr. Wily as an independent Villain without actually having to dramatically change anything about MHA.

#asks

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olderthannetfic · 6 months ago

Note

https://olderthannetfic.tumblr.com/post/772134036909047808/tumblrcomolderthannetfic772021907545554944elsa#notes

That's fair. But this is mainly about someone who's completely shitting on any concept of ethnicity, culture, heritage, history and lived reality, and tries to make everything "a human-racial classification" to begin with. Same shit applies to latino and Asian. Do they mean East Asian? South East Asian? South Asian? West Asian? Literally none of them are the same. Even with "white" and "black" you're setting your ass on fire, you mean East, West, South, North White/Black? Do we even wanna start with Latino? Latino is probably even more so straddling a line between all that bullshit.

Hell, RACE doesn't make a lick of fucking sense because it's not actually "race" it's clearly 100% about ethnicity and even then it's more shallow than a puddle during a drought. Because even if we went with ethnicity it lacks any kind of intersectionality between identities. But we're just arguing within whatever the fuck the maker of those lists is doing every year.

Just as a sidenote, I know several Saami. That's why I spoke about them specifically. The one dude I know who used to be in my class, who's Saami has never considered himself anything but Norwegian and never really used Saami about himself, but does that make him any less Saami? He just IS a Saami, but he seems to think more of the location he's living. The other guy, he's like 40 year my senior, thinks of himself as a Saami, but his children are both Saami and ALSO half-Saami because of their mother. His children, slightly older than me, share that view about themselves, if you asked they'd probably just say whatever's more relevant to the question at hand. BUT!!! That's also just the people I know, and I also know that there are more Saami who consider themselves only Saami, regardless of their other parentage. 100% Saami, because it's none of anyone's business what their genetics are, they are Saami so deal with it.

Clearly this is 100% more complicated than whatever the fuck that list is making it, or any arbitrary race thinking, and it's complete bullshit to even include "race" when it's this poorly done and this surface level this crosses borderline offensive into straight up offensive racism.

The list is completely ridiculous because it actually tells us nothing. It's a completely arbitrary label slapped onto random characters, without any care what it'd actually mean in real life. Does a black person stop being black because they're also Latino? Or does a Latino stop being Latino because they're black? According to this list? This isn't a math equation where one cancels the other out, but according to the list it does. That's the problem, because it also perpetuates the idea that you can divide people into neat little boxes, and just ignore any kind of "complicated" intersections of a person's identity.

So for Elsa and Anna. Does their indigenous heritage from the second movie erase that they were/are also Disney Norwegian? Do they have the same view of themselves now? Or does one have stronger feelings towards one heritage than the other? Especially since they were raised completely without the knowledge of said heritage. How complicated is it to find out there's an entire half of your heritage you never knew, and now you're supposed to try and figure out how to handle that? Well who knows, because this is a question about identity that has never been answered, because only the people "living"* that reality can actually answer their own view on who they are and with what they identify as. *living in quotations because obviously they're just fictional. So the real answer would have to come from a creator of them. (Hell, just calling from the side, I'm mixed ethnicities, and I identify with both, but my sibling only identifies as one half, and really doesn't care about the other half/is ambivalent towards it. Does anyone have the right to override my siblings view about their own identity and what they want to be perceived as? Or what I want to be perceived as? That's why that list, and any comparable list or understanding of "race" or ethnicity are complete bullshit that should have been flushed long ago because it never includes the nuance of individual perception and identity.)

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lostuntothisworld · 5 months ago

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Lilamoth's Rogues Gallery: Backstory updates and Luka's many bad romances

I've been thinking a lot of my "Lilamoth is collecting 'siblings' for her rogue's gallery" fanfic premise (Link to original concept post here)

I have FINALLY decided which oc is represented with which of Lilamoth's bracelets and how they met, dated, and broke up with Luka. Below the cut is a rough draft, and please be wary of season 6 spoilers.

In a somewhat edited summary, basically my concept is that the show is a 15 year time-loop, and Lilamoth stole the identities of 3 people who were Ladybugs in previous Universes that got erased due to Gabemoth's Wishes. The three characters are sentimonsters in the current main universe, with stolen reconfigured Miraculous (in the shape of locking bracelets that cannot be taken off without breaking) from the Native American Miracle Box as their amoks. The Miraculous were stolen by Colt Fathom and Tomoe Tsurugi.

Mio (AKA Jean Duparc): Luka's first ex

First Ladybug Universe

His Chat Noir: Felix

Dragon Miraculous carrier: Shone

Represented by Lila's red and green bracelet

Luka and Juleka were unjustly sent to a group home due to racism against their Romani heritage that took them from Anarka’s care. Luka fell in love at first sight with Mio when he showed Juleka and him extreme kindness when they first arrived at the facility by showing them around, and continuing to help Juleka with adjusting to her new life after the fact.

Luka and Mio had a brief sweet first relationship while they were at the group home. It had to be kept secret, due to policies, but they did manage to sneak out once for a dumpster diving date. They did get caught and were punished but it the official story was “just boys being boys” instead of a romantic escapade.

When the Couffaine twins left the group home to return to their mother by the hand of their mysterious father, Luka and Mio broke up amicably, but not before Luka promised him that he’d find out who his father was and have his influential hand help with Mio’s situation. Despite it all, it took years for Jagged’s identity to revealed, and Mio had left the group home with a changed name. Due to privacy laws, Luka wasn’t allowed to contact Mio during the entire time, and the group home wouldn't give Luka any information on how to contact the boy in the event if he did leave the group home. Luka even considered breaking into the facility, but decided against it because he didn’t want his sister and mother to suffer the consequences if he did. Juleka developed selected mutism and his mother’s midnight black hair turned gray during the trauma of the first separation. So Luka suffered guilt and regret alone…

A few years later, a new boy started to attend Francois DuPont who bore a striking resemblance to Mio. Juleka asked him if he was Mio, for her brother’s sake, but he said no, and that his name was Jean Duparc. Of course, this WAS Mio, but why did he insist he wasn’t???

Season 6 might imply that Lilamoth is akumatizing herself every morning as her (secret) twin brother (hers and her brother's rough draft origin story fanfic here), and deakumatizing herself in secret and transforming herself into her villain self in order to akumatize others. I haven't figured out the details yet, and season 6 is still airing so this is probably moot.

I'm still in the early stages of figuring out how the twins got to the way that they are in the current show trajectory, but I'm leaning towards Mio being into cahoots with Lilamoth, whether it be consensual or not, or in a gray area.

In his original universe, Ladybug Mio had Felix as his Chat Noir. They were deeply in love. Unfortunately for them, their Miraculous required a kiss to remove, and on top of that they had to contend with secret identities.

During the finale battle between the pair and the Miracularized villains, the lovers shared their first and final kiss and traded Miraculous in order to best hide from the millions of scanners locked on their position.

They find and confront Gabemoth.

But Gabemoth has the upper hand and casts Voyage. He sends the new Cat holder to the surface of the sun.

Felix yo-yos a brace, and grabs Mio's outstretched hand. But the gravitational pull was too great.

Jean’s hand slips from Felix’s.

Gabemoth Clouts Felix’s chest, launching the child across the crypt, and closes the portal

All that there is left of of Jean is the Black Cat ring clutched in Felix’s fingers.

Felix starts to stir. He has to combine the Ladybug and the Black cat to defeat Gabriel.

Gabemoth sends out an akuma to the ring.

“Tikki! Pla--AAA!” The boy crumples to the ground.

It was child’s play after that. Gabemoth makes his Wish.

In the current universe, Mio/Jean was "gifted" the reconfigured Raccoon Miraculous from Tomoe. Tomoe said that it was it his amok.... it was not his amok. In reality, KAGAMI has the raccoon Miraculous as her amok, and Mio/Jean's amok is Kagami's ring. This is so Tomoe can manipulate the two children, despite Felix's meddling. In fact, Felix recognized "Kagami's" ring, and is convinced Kagami is his old partner reborn because he recognizes Mio's soul. This leads to lots of misunderstandings and heartbreak that works in Tomoe's favor.

I'm still debating what emotion Mio should be created from, but I'm partial to it being Curiosity. I'm also still debating what emotion his twin sister Cerise should be created from, but I'm partial to it being Greed.

Shone: Luka's second ex

Second Ladybug Universe

Her Chat Noir: undecided on that yet

Dragon Miraculous carrier: Marina

Represented by Lila's teal and yellow bracelet

As Luka has trouble not doing anything useful, he took a part time job renting out skates at the ice rink. He fell in love with Shone at first sight during his first week at the job while watching her private skating lesson. She performed on the ice like a snow goddess.

Of course, Shone has her own skates, as she’s a budding Olympic figure skater, and didn’t need to interact with Luka at all, but she still took time to talk to him. Shone was impressed that Luka patiently assisted people finding the perfect size for their skates, and willing to help them learn how to best tie them. Shone even got Luka to tie her skates, several times for "good luck" during tournaments. Luka happily obliged.

Within a couple of short weeks, Luka asked Shone out, and she said “Yes”. Things were looking so promising. Unfortunately, despite being upper class, Shone’s home life wasn’t and still isn’t very good. (Original backstory linked here). It quickly bled into their relationship. Luka was more than willing to help Shone, but there was something else holding her back from completely opening up… The couple’s relationship slowly went sour, and despite Luka’s support, Shone still refused to open up. She said their relationship was the only good thing in her life, and if she said her issues out loud it would ruin everything.

After months of attempted support and conflict, Luka realized he couldn’t help her, and painfully broke up with Shone, but promised her if she ever needed anything at all, to just ask him, he would help her immediately. Shone agreed, but never contacted Luka after the break up.

I've been workshopping Shone's backstory in the current universe, and I think Shone should be the younger identical twin of Sublime. You see, Sublime and Shone were born perfectly identical. Until as either as infants or toddlers, Sublime's lower legs started rot away. Doctors saved Sublime through amputation. It turns out that Gabriel transferred his Cataclysm wound to Sublime via the Wish, and is in hiding. [Original concept post here].

Shone and Sublime's mother is controlling and overpowering, and for the most part it is negative, but in a few ways it is positive. Sublime is fluent in many languages, plays multiple instruments, and is an award winning athlete. Sublime's father built her prothetic legs from scratch, and is a very good support for her, and a much healthier one at that.

Caroline, their mother pitted the twins against one another. Sublime was pushed to be perfect, and Shone was ignored at best, and ridiculed at worst. Luckily the twins' relationship improves throughout the series once they discover they weren't truly each other's enemies. Shone promises to Sublime that she would walk with her if she can't run, and would carry her if she cannot walk, and to please "fly with me". This is foreshadowing to a future event where Shone has to reveal her villainous side to her sister in order to save their lives.

In the current universe, Shone was "gifted" her amok through Tomoe: the Miraculous of the Falcon. Shone's powers are ice-based.

The emotion Shone and Sublime were made from is Fear. Shone and Sublime share the same amok, as they are identical twins. This works in Tomoe's favor, because while Shone has no self preservation, she loves her sister and doesn't want her to be hurt or die because of her.

In the the future, once all the sentikids are free from their amoks and the Peacock Miraculous, Sublime is gifted the Miraculous of the Owl or Raven (haven't decided which one yet) through Monk. This Miraculous was another Miraculous secretly stolen from the Native American Box.

Marina: Luka's third ex

Third Ladybug Universe

Her Chat Noir: undecided on that yet

Dragon Miraculous carrier: Marinette

Represented by Lila's orange and purple bracelet

A newly formed Kitty Section was having auditions for a lead singer. They saw two dozen potential singers, but the final one, Marina, was transcendental. Luka fell in love with her the moment she walked in, before she even sang a single note.

After they recruited Marina, Luka couldn’t hold himself back. He just had to know more about her. It was cliche that the lead guitarist would ask out the lead singer, but he hadn’t felt love at first sight like this before. It was like flames had been lit beneath him. After a few band rehearsals, and much mutual flirting, Marina seemed receptive, so Luka finally asked her out. Marina admitted that if he didn’t ask her out that evening, she would ask him out herself at the next rehearsal. Luka was over the moon.

After that, their relationship escalated extremely fast. Neither Luka nor Marina kiss and tell, but it was a very good thing that Anarka sensed what was going on and privately gave Luka and Marina separate talks about “safety”

Although, it is a definitive fact that Luka and Marina wouldn’t have lasted as long as they did if they didn’t become physical together. Their relationship was purely based on how amazing Luka thought Marina’s voice and inner melody was, and how physically attracted Marina was to Luka.

Eventually, Luka realized that Marina was a difficult person to get along with, but due to his previous baggage, was still insistent he could make it work. Marina had a mean streak, and became power hungry with how she could manipulate Luka into doing what she wanted due to his issues. Their relationship was mostly making out, arguing, and then making out again.

Unfortunately for Marina, Luka eventually put his foot down, and he broke up with her. A relationship requires compromise and kindness, and cannot subside on physicality alone.

It's a long story, but Marina is Marinette's biological older sister who was adopted by Mrs. Verdi. Her adopted brother is actually Wayhem, and Wayhem is the biological younger brother of both Mio and Lilamoth. Another long story...

Marina has a sour disposition, and a bit of a temper, though not nearly as destructive as Lilamoth's temper. She has trouble making and keeping friends because of this. Although, she does befriend Kagami, and surprisingly, also Nino.

In the current universe, Marina was "gifted" her amok through Tomoe: the Miraculous of the Coyote. Marina's powers are flame based.

The emotion Marina was made from is Pride.

Interlude: MarinaxShone

Bob Roth signs Mio, Marina, and Shone in a contract to be a musical group. The trio form a themed band dedicated to Ladybug. They wear red costumes with black polkadots, and sing inspirational songs.

Kitty Section just so happens to join a battle of the bands that the trio is also attending. Luka is attending in support of his previous bandmates. He spots his three previous exes, wonders if they know they're all his exes, and decides to avoid them. Unfortunately, the trio spot Luka. Mio pretends he doesn't know him, but unfortunately for Luka, Marina and Shone don't do such a thing.

Marina and Shone decide they want Luka back. The other one cannot have him. Lilamoth akumatizes the yoyo's they're wearing (I'm pretty sure she can send out multiple akumas now). But if not, they could be holding the same object, and that object is akumatized.

Shone and Marina are akumatized into their previous Ladybug personas, but with the addition of a black leather jacket with a red number on the back. Shone (Now called Ladybird) has number 2, as she is Luka's second ex, and Marina (Now called Le Petit Chaperon Rouge, or Petit Rouge for short) has number 3, as she's Luka's third ex.

Ladybug uses her Lucky Charm and receives a red leather jacket with a ladybug symbol and a number 4 on on the back of it. She puts it on, and battles the pair of akumas. She is nearly bested, so she hides with Chat Noir and Lucky Charms again. She gets another red leather jacket with a ladybug symbol and a number 5 on the back of it. Her eye twitches and she Lucky Charms again, only to get a red leather jacket with a ladybug symbol and a number 6 on the back of it. frustrated, she lucky charms again and gets a red leather jacket with a ladybug symbol and a number 7 on the back of it. She throws it at Chat Noir, and angrily tells him to put it on. He does, and pair return to the fight.

Chat Noir is able to distract the akumatized duo by taunting them that he's gonna steal Luka before they have a chance, while Ladybug forms another plan.

After a lengthy battle, it turns out that the pair aren't actually fighting to date Luka. In fact, Marina and Shone are in love with one another, and they're fighting so the other one DOESN'T date Luka, even if that means dating someone they don't love. While the pair is distracted by each other's confessions, Chat Noir quietly cataclysms the akumatized object(s). The pair are embracing when they come to, and Ladybug explains that they might have something to confess to one another, that is, if they are ready for it.

This is when the pair confess (timidly on Shone's part, and awkwardly on Marina's part) and start their relationship.

Marinette: Luka's fourth ex

Fourth Ladybug Universe

Her Chat Noir: Adrien Agreste

Dragon Miraculous carrier: Kagami Tsurugi

Not represented by a Lilamoth bracelet... yet

We all know the Lukanette story. But in case you need a refresher, Luka fell in love with Marinette with his eyes closed. He heard her timid footsteps, and beautiful inner melody, and just had to open his eyes to see what person fate had dropped at his feet. Marinette awkwardly introduces herself, and Luka playfully teases her for it. Unfortunately, Marinette finds the teasing upsetting, and Luka quickly apologizes and says he has trouble with words, and has a better time communicating with music. This rescued the two fledgling lovebird’s relationship, and the first interaction is remembered fondly by both parties. Luka is impressed with Marinette’s “ingenuity” when his mom was akumatized.

Luka was shocked that Marinette invited him to go skating shortly afterwards. Of course, there was another akumitization during their pseudo-double date, but he considered it a good experience in the end. A few weeks later, Luka himself is akumatized into Silencer after XY stole Marinette’s designs (don’t forget he stole your music, Luka!). While he doesn’t remember anything of when he was akumatized, he confessed his feelings to Marinette after the fact. He also develops a celebrity crush on Chat Noir here.

A short while later, Ladybug entrusts him with the Snake Miraculous. This is when he starts to suspect Adrien is Chat Noir...

Luka also attends a boys only party hosted by Adrien… which Marinette crashes.

And then a little while later sacrifices himself so Marinette would be safe from Miracle Queen's wasps, entrapping himself in said wasp's spell. Luckily, Ladybug and Chat Noir save the day and he spends the evening eating ice cream and playing guitar with Marinette.

Maybe it’s because of his previous baggage, as he knows she still has feelings for Adrien, but Luka pushes back his doubts, and shortly afterwards, he asks out Marinette. She says yes, and the couple start a relationship.

Unfortunately, the relationship ends quickly. It took a while for Marinette to come around, but Luka is thankful that she was eventually willing to stay friends with him by the time his birthday rolled around.

For better or for worse, Luka discovers Ladybug’s and Chat Noir’s identities, and it is a heavy burden to carry. He ends up having to flee Paris, so Monarch doesn’t use him or threaten his family and loved ones. Luckily he was able to return once Ladybug defeated Monarch.

I think Gabriel's Wish transformed Marinette into a Sentimonster, and her amok is the Mouse Miraculous, which is stolen in the future, and time traveled back into the past. The emotion Marinette was created from would most likely be Anxiety, but I'm still debating.

It is implied to the audience that the plot as we know it (for seasons 1-5) wouldn't change whether or not Marinette is a sentimonster or not, as the events that occur happen before the start of the show.

Dragon Miraculous Meta Interlude

You may have noticed that the Dragon Miraculous holder in the previous Universes end up being the next Ladybug... this is intentional. That means after another Wish, in the next potential Universe after the main one, Kagami would be the next Ladybug. Hopefully it won't come to that, as if that were the case, Marinette would join Lilamoth's and Tomoe's team of supervillains, while wielding a reconfigured Mouse Miraculous.

Luka's Honorable Mentions...

Soqueline: Luka's fifth ex

Luka and Soqueline were set up as a blind date via Marinette’s insistence. Soqueline certainly had love at first sight for for Luka. Luka, on the other hand, found Soqueline tenacious, but wasn’t optimistic. He was willing to give it a chance, as Marinette praised the girl highly, and he knew relationships can grow due to proximity. Their first date went poorly. Soqueline found out Luka was friends with Adrien and they spent the entire date talking about him. Marinette, who was listening in on the date through Soqueline’s earpiece was mortified. But she was convinced their opposites would attract eventually… It did not.

When Soqueline found out Luka knew Ladybug’s identity, she wouldn’t stop insisting Luka tell her, and when he refused, Soqueline attempted to pry it out of him by disguising herself in her Ladybug costume and attempting to convince him to say “her name,” out loud. Luka could hear Soqueline’s inner melody and knew it wasn’t Marinette the moment he saw her. The interaction went sour, and Socqueline, still disguised as Ladybug ran away. It was the final straw and Luka resolved to break up with Soqueline if she doesn’t change.

Soqueline gets akumatized as a result, and the heroes then have to contend with that. After she is de-akumatized, Socqueline admitted that she really loves Luka, but the temptation to know Ladybug’s identity was too great so she acted impulsively. Luka was sympathetic but still gently broke up with her. Socqueline tearfully agrees it’s for the best and the pair hug, and Luka asks to be friends. Socqueline says that she needs time to heal her broken heart, but would like to be on friendly terms in the future. Luka agrees to give her space, and that he looks forward to their future friendship. The pair part on hopeful terms.

Zoe: Luka's sixth ex

Zoe had fallen in love with Marinette at first sight, but it was not meant to be, so she let it go. Her relationship with Luka was one of platonic fondness until he heroically saved her from an akuma. That’s when she fell for him.

Luka Couffaine was son of Rock King Jagged Stone, and he was forced into a contract with Bob Roth to be a Rockstar Prince. Zoe was the daughter of famous fashion empress Audrey Bourgeois, and dreamed to be an actress.

It was fate that her step father was a director and he convinced Bob Roth to insist she and Luka be costars in his latest movie. The movie was a fictional version of Ladybug and Chat Noir. The fictional Ladybug (played by Zoe), was a sheltered daughter of a rich politician who was overprotective of her. The Chat Noir (played by Luka), was a poor boy of a busy overworked single mom with many younger siblings in a (very racist on Andre’s part) Romani camp.

In the movie, it turns out that Chat Noir’s unknown father is revealed to the audience as Hawkmoth, an evil rival politician (played by Jagged Stone), and the end of the movie is left vague enough, so it opens up for the film to be a trilogy.

During filming, Zoe falls more and more in love with Luka. It is very fortunate for Zoe that Bob Roth and Andre Bourgeois formed an alliance and agreed for them to date in order to promote the movie trilogy. An arranged marriage of sorts… Unfortunately, Luka is not in love with Zoe.

Although, the publicity stunt was successful. The general public adored the couple. Zoe was ecstatic, but Luka was uncomfortable. This wasn’t like any of his previous relationships, and Luka never liked being controlled.

After many fake publicity dates, Zoe is more in love with the boy than ever, but Luka is ready for it to end. Fortunately for him... luck is on his side.... in the form of a fake relationship with Adrien!

Luka's 7th Relationship, The True Endgame: Adrien

Secret Ladybug Universe Number Zero

His Chat Noir: His older twin sister, Adrienne (explanation linked here)

Dragon Miraculous carrier: Mio

Not represented by a Lilamoth bracelet...

This post is long enough as it is, and this section would be the longest, so I'll make a separate fanfic premise post about how endgame Lukadrien transpires later. But it's important to note that with all of Luka's consensual relationships, he has only fallen in love at first sight. His relationship with Adrien breaks the pattern. It's a bit of a frog in a slowly boiling pot sort of situation, and Luka is in denial about it until it's too late.

It's also important to note that all of Luka's exes have a Ladybug persona. Mio, Shone, and Marina were true Ladybugs in previous Universes, and were consensual relationships where he fell in love with them at first sight. Socqueline and Zoe play a role of Ladybug, but were not actually Ladybugs, and are nonconsensual relationships where he does not love them.

Marinette is the (hopefully) final Wish Timeloop Ladybug, and Luka fell in love with her at first sight, and had a (albeit short) consensual relationship with her.

And Adrien is the very first Ladybug within the Wish Timeloop of their Universe that started it all...

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xparalynx · 3 months ago

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The thing about Radqueer

I want to share my stance on Radqueer and the topics connected to it.

I believe that any identity that doesn’t cause harm is valid. This differs from the Radqueer stance of “good faith identities.” I don’t think it’s right to hate on Radqueers or transids because I genuinely believe most don’t intend to cause harm, but the reality is that some of the radqueers do with how they comunicate and name certain things and I’d like to explain how.

When it comes to concepts like "transabled," I don’t think feeling a disconnect between how you experience yourself and how you physically are is inherently bad, not at all.

However, the issue lies in labeling these experiences as "trans." People who identify as "transabled" often say they feel like they were supposed to be disabled. This is controversial because it can dismiss or trivialize the struggles disabled people face. I do believe there’s a way to describe and express these feelings without causing harm, but calling it “transabled” is not that way. I also believe that those who call themselves "transabled" experience some kind of struggles and should be supported to feel comfortable in non harmful ways.

Same goes for the concept of "transracial." There is nothing inherent in our identities that ties us to a specific ethnicity. Ethnicity is primarily based on physical characteristics, and when we place too much emphasis on these features, we risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes and racism. While it's important to acknowledge ethnic identities and the concept of race in order to combat racism and address historical inequalities, the idea of "transracial" suggests that ethnicity is a definite and personal identity in the same way that gender identity is. This isn't the case.

It’s absolutely okay to feel a connection to a culture outside of the one you grew up in. It’s also okay to wish you looked different or identify with aspects of a culture that isn't your own. However, these experiences should not be conflated with being "transracial." Being trans is about being a gender different from what you were assigned at birth, whereas ethnicity is tied to ancestral and cultural heritage, which cannot be different in the same way.

Beyond that, calling a feeling of wanting or believing you were meant to be something you are not “trans” is transphobic. Trans people don’t feel like they were “supposed” to be another gender, they ARE that gender. Many transid identities reduce conditions that aren’t social constructs to being solely identity-based, they are not.

I believe it’s fine to feel this kind of disconnection, and even dysphoria, and I don’t think we should police identities. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of how we name, communicate, and express certain identities, especially when they intersect with marginalized experiences.

I do believe that the feelings behind these identities are real. I support these feelings and identities, but I do not support the terms used in radqueer spaces to describe them. They misunderstand and misuse what being transgender is and dismiss the lived experiences of disabled people, racial minorities, and age-based struggles. Language matters, and using "trans-" in these contexts is both harmful and misleading. Being transgender is not about transitioning to something, being meant to be something, or relating to something, it is who you are.

I know that dysphoria can be more than gender dysphoria, I know things like age dysphoria exist and they definately are valid but having dysphoria is not the same as being trans, those are two different things. These feelings are valid, but the words used to describe them should not invalidate or appropriate marginalized identities. There are already alternative terms that avoid harm. For example, "Chronosian" describes the experience some "transage" individuals feel without misusing the term "trans." Finding new, respectful language is possible, and I think it’s an important step forward.

Another topic is being alterhuman or nonhuman. I fully support any alterhuman and nonhuman identities I myself am alterhuman, I know species dysphoria and phantom limbs are real as I do experience them myself. I don't think that alterhumanity itself is LGBTQIA+ but I do believe they belong to pride since I view pride as more than LGBTQIA+ pride but more on that later.

Now about paraphilias. As my username implies and my bio shows I am an anti-abuse paraphilic, I coined the term anti-abuse and it is linked here. Paraphilias are not something a person chooses, and simply having one does not make someone a bad person. However, what truly matters is how a person acts on their paraphilia.

For example, it is a wrong but widely spread stand that all pedophiles are monsters, which isn't true. They did not ask for or choose their attraction, what does matter is how they handle their attraction. It is never okay to engage with children on a sexual level because they don't understand the full meaning and consequences of sexuality plus adults have a certain power over kids which makes that an unhealthy power dynamic, either way: children can't consent. But many people with minor-related paraphilias hate themselves for their attraction, struggling with deep shame, depression, or even suicidal thoughts because on the one side they know that acting on their attraction would cause harm and on the other side society calling them predators and monsters for just having attraction they didn't ask for. I believe that, as a society, we should work on destigmatizing paraphilias themselves while maintaining clear boundaries that acting in ways that cause harm is unacceptable. People cannot control what they are attracted to, but they can control their actions.

Currently, the term "pedophilia" is often used as a catch-all for attraction to minors, but technically, it refers only to prepubescent children. Other terms like Infantophilia (attraction towards babies), Nepiophilia (attraction towards toddlers), hebephilia (attraction to early pubescent minors) and ephebophilia (attraction to mid-to-late adolescents) exist, but there isn't a widely used neutral term to describe all paraphilias related to minors. Because of this, I propose the term "minophilia" (I will maybe make a seperate post about it and if I did I will link it here) as an umbrella term to describe these attractions in a neutral way since the connotations of "MAP" can be seen as wanting to get rid of the paraphilia label or even glorifying attraction towards minors. Rather than doing that Paraphilias should be destigmatised and there should be a lot mor of education, we need to have open, informed discussions about these topics to prevent harm rather than driving people into isolation and self-hatred. Education and support for non-abusive individuals can reduce risks and help ensure that no one is harmed.

Paraphilias should not be included under LGBTQIA+, however they should be recognised as a marginalised group and do belong (under certain conditions) at pride in the same way as kink belongs at pride.

In conclusion, my stance is that we should focus on supporting people with non-harmful identities and attractions, while also making it clear that harmful behaviors, such as abusing or exploiting others, trivializing others struggles or misu´sing certain language in ways that cause harm, are never acceptable. Destigmatizing these topics and creating open, empathetic conversations is essential for promoting education, understanding, and mental well-being. Let’s work together to build a society that addresses these sensitive issues with care and responsibility, while ensuring the safety and dignity of all people. The "Radqueer" movement is not the answer. It is an attempt to talk about real experiences but does so in a way that causes mor harm than good.

I am open to any opinion and I will read all answers. I hope what I wrote is clear and doesn't offend anyone but rather gives a new perspective on how names and actions affect others.

#radqueer #transid #paraphilia #anti abuse paraphile #alterhumanity #anti-abuse #radqueer discourse #paraphilia discourse #transid discourse #anti radqueer

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pleiades-7 · 6 months ago

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I knew which clips I wanted use for the middle of this edit, so I ended up going from there and working my way out.

I might’ve even gotten the quality to behave? We’ll see.

This isn’t a unique take, but I think a lot of the reason Tom Riddle went on to become Lord Voldemort, isn’t that he hated muggle-borns. I don’t think he hated half-bloods. Or rather, he hated them equally, and less than he grew to hate pure-bloods.

He’s far too intelligent to be blinded by the pure-blood inbred rhetoric. Perhaps before seeing the Gaunts, with the Black madness as the only example of the issues that inbreeding causes, he might’ve wanted to think himself the exception to the rule. He probably wanted to believe the evidence didn’t point to inbreeding being the cause of such drastic issues, in order to cling to some aspect of his heritage. To carry on the ideals of the only ancestor he could respect.

However, after seeing the Gaunts, and learning his father was a muggle, I can’t believe he would subscribe to the concept of blood purity. Especially as the first wizarding war came to be. Snape was a half-blood and he was the most talented, most valuable, death eater of the bunch.

I think it’s more likely that he was using pure-blood fanaticism to get what he wanted.

Which I’m going to assume, wasn’t just power. He could have always had power. He didn’t need any followers for that. It wasn’t influence he was after either. He could’ve been minister if he’d taken the long route as Tom Riddle, and he could’ve done it through brute force later in the second war. I think his real goal was to burn it all down. Everything. Everyone.

I think Tom Riddle was furious. He was orphaned, his mother too weak to survive long after giving birth to him. Something I’m sure he would go on to, in part, blame the Gaunts for. After realizing the reality they subjected her to. I think he felt robbed. Robbed of a mother, who might’ve survived if she was a little more talented. A little more beautiful. If she’d had the opportunity to learn a little more. If anyone had bothered to help her. I think he felt robbed of a heritage, absolutely disgusted with the Gaunts, and enraged with his muggle father. He believed he was superior to everyone else. For his magical ability, his magical reserves, his brilliant mind, his charm and finely honed manipulation tactics. And yet, he found himself surrounded by ruin.

Other pure-bloods, the Malfoys and the Blacks, had rich family histories. Vaults of books and knowledge and heirlooms and wealth, which the Gaunts had all squandered away. All these pure-blooded fools, less dedicated, less ambitious, less capable, less deserving, got what should have been his.

I think from the start it was always about tearing these families apart, one member at a time. I think he delighted in having them bow at his feet, the irony of his status as a half-blood is very in character for his unique sense of humor.

The families closest to him, the Malfoys, the Blacks, the Lestranges, suffer the worst consequences, continually. He had no qualms killing any pure-blood family, and so he gave them a war. He let his followers imagine they were soldiers. He could actively torture those with the mark, and kill those without. Either way, it was their destruction he was after.

He knew what a muggle war looked like. He had lived through one. The sound of bombs and the fear of everything exploding, actively drove him to create his first horcrux. And still, he never subjected the wizarding world to that. For many reasons. He didn’t need muggle weapons to get what he wanted, he was above the use of such indiscriminate methods of annihilation, and he didn’t want the whole magical community extinguished. He loved magic. He coveted magic.

Magic was the very first thing that ever brought him joy, and probably what brought him the most intense amount of joy. It was what solidified his belief in his sense of superiority. He traveled the world, to learn. To put spells and skills in his repertoire. He would’ve taught at Hogwarts if he’d been given the chance. Not because he’d enjoy teaching, but because he is a collector. Those with talent and ability, he could’ve encouraged, to his own means of course. He would’ve been surrounded by magic and potential, and he would’ve been home. The primary draw to obtaining a position as a professor, was to settle himself. To finally find that connection, if only to a place.

Hogwarts was the second thing that brought him joy. I think that using the founders heirlooms to create his horcruxes, was an action driven by the same desperation that drove an eleven year old Tom Riddle to hoard the other children’s toys. If he could not have any of his own, he would take what he imagined he was owed, what he deserved. He dug his claws into that school and had to be pried from it. After finding that he was related to a founder of the school, the belief that he had a right to it was cemented.

I think in the end, he was furious, and a lot of his actions were motivated by that rage. So many of his actions were governed by the fear he tried so hard to escape, to run from. So many of his actions came from the gnawing cavern in his chest, that demanded to be filled.

He had this need to be seen, to be unforgettable. Nothing would have ever enough.

He was seeking something he never got.

He’s so interesting. 🫠 I hope this doesn’t mischaracterize him, all discussion is welcome! Just be kind :)

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bestboiraditz · 6 months ago

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I''m gonna do an annoying rant here so sorry in advance to legit fans, but the universe 6 Saiyans kinda tick me off a little.

I personally think it would've much better if Cabba's backstory was that he was one of the weak Saiyan babies who was discarded into space and somehow ended up in Universe 6 (heck, that could've been all three of their backstories, just have them be abandoned at the same time, their pod coordinates the same, the Saiyans were probably lazy like that).

Their tails could've been explained as missing because they were removed for safety from the locals (like Bulma did with Trunks, although I just wish they'd let Saiyans have tails again). I don't mind Cabba as a character, but he went super saiyan WAY too easily for my taste (and that "tingle in the back" line from Vegeta fills me with more rage than Broly. Speaking of Broly...).

Califla is fine even though her entitled attitude did put me off initially, her sass is very Saiyan so it works. Kale however is infuriating beyond measure, especially how she's just discount Broly without what made him interesting. Her whiny, overly clingy attitude gets really grating. She never even met Goku so her shouting "Goku" was even more dumb than when Broly did it (and OG Broly's reason was pretty dumb already). I will admit she is better written in the manga, her and Califla being heads of a sorta space yakuza was neat, Kale was way less whiny and more sneaky which actually made her interesting.

Plus them being abandoned Saiyans would've been much more interesting thematically. Think of it, abandoned by the Saiyans for being unpromising warriors and yet now, with the Saiyan race destroyed, it's the abandoned babies who are the only ones able to carry on its legacy.

It would also give Cabba and Vegeta a much more interesting dynamic as Vegeta is the only connection Cabba has to his people, Cabba desperate for a connection. Make Cabba troubled over who he is and how there's so little others like him, maybe have him struggle with the fact he was abandoned for being a dissapointment and get THAT to be part of the reason he becomes a super saiyan. He could have the same fight with Vegeta asking about his heritage and pleading for help and Vegeta beats him down calling him a failure and saying that such weakness was the reason he was discarded in the first place.

But Vegeta won't let Cabba give up and threatens to blow up his planet which makes Cabba stop caring about his past and realize he doesn't need to appease the whims of a violent race that abandoned him. It doesn't matter where he comes from, what matters is who he is right now.

Then Vegeta could still do his pep talk, but now it has more weight because he's telling it to an abandoned Saiyan, in essense mending the sins of his forefathers, so it's good for Vegeta's arc too.

IDK, I actually like Super (the slice of life moments are the best), but there was some stuff I was hoping they'd do a lot more with and think it could be made much better with some minor tweaking here and there.

Toriyama tends to "Toriyama" concepts and characters out of existence out of convenience, I was kinda hoping with Toyotaro more at the helm, he'd restore some consistency, he does a good job of that in the manga. I mean Toriyama didn't have to personally draw the tails anymore so they don't present the same problem they did back when he was the sole writer/artist.

I know Cabba is supposed to be different, but making the saiyans of universe 6 so inately peaceful and mild feels like another step in whittling away what makes the saiyans unique initially, they were basically space spartans.

First the tails go (and with them Oozaru), then the reason Goku was sent to earth is more benign, Bardock's apathetic and brutal personality is lessened significantly, Broly's legendary super saiyan malice is rewritten, now there's an entire saiyan race that is less interested in fighting and gentle.

It's not that any of these changes are necessarily bad on their own, but they seem to be making the Saiyans as a race less and less brutal which takes away from one of Dragonball's most interesting conflicts: how can one desire strength and battle without being violent?

Goku's most interesting conflict in Z was admitting he was a Saiyan and letting Vegeta go. He openly stated that despite knowing it was wrong and stupid, he couldn't help but want to fight and recognized that as an inherent flaw. His desire to become stronger and fighting strong opponents was ironically his biggest failing and all because of his Saiyan nature.

Also, I feel Trunks and Goten were able to go super saiyan easily being around so many super saiyans as it seems exposure from an early age helps accelerate the change, plus goten and trunks had tranquil hearts (being innocent children) so it makes sense they'd be able to achieve that form being exposed to the power so much. Cabba had never seen the form before Vegeta so he should've had more of a struggle or at least a bigger arc to achieve the form

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velvet-vox · 1 year ago

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My Top 10 Favourite Male Villains of all time.

"How arrogant of you to think that any of us are anything but irrelevant". -John Greer, Person of Interest (2011-2016).

There comes a moment in a blog's life where some things are just long overdue, and while the argument could be made that this happened way too early, I'd say that as long as this helps me to find my groove, I am free to experiment as much as I want.

So..... Villains.

Gotta love them. As long as I do not meet them in real life. This post is in particular about male villains since I have one dedicated to their female counterparts in the pipeline so expect that to come soon enough and for this part to be rewritten. By the way, "villain" is a generalisation, I can totally put antivillains, antagonists or more general antiheroes in this list; your definition of "Bad Guy" can vary greatly and so can mine, someone like Walter White from Breaking Bad could have made it in here. My taste is very unusual, so prepare yourself for some unexpected picks.

Also, since these are meant to be some big celebratory posts, for the occasion I'll reveal my Italian heritage and translate every line of dialogue in Italian and publish it separately with a link, so that English readers who are learning Italian can exercise.

Here's also a follow up to this post, the first part of my top 30 favourite female antagonists of all time. Check it out, if you are curious to see more.

The bad girls

But first, some honourable mentions:

Oropo (Wakfu): Once you see the number 2 spot for both this list and the female villains list you might notice that I tend to gravitate towards characters with wasted potential more often than not, but while we're just talking about this guy, I cannot stress enough the amount of unceremonious mishandling that lies within his concepts and execution. Really needed two seasons of 25 episodes each to explore it to their maximum.

Tai Lung (Kung Fu Panda): I love him, but not as much as others, it's a matter of personal preference. He's an amazing antagonist, so even if he is just an honourable mention, I wouldn't call him a lesser villain by any stretch of the imagination; I once felt like he was too sympathetic for his movie's sake, but looking back at it again, he's actually moderately evil for a lot of reasons, even if Shifu is the main one.

Bill Chyper (Gravity Falls): It's been way too long since I watched Gravity Falls, I really can't give you an accurate opinion on this guy anymore.

Flintheart Glomgold (DuckTales 2017): That season 2 episode. If you know what I'm talking about, you KNOW. Also the music for that whole sequence was a banger, really driving home the deranged nature of that twist reveal.

Big Jack Horner (Puss in Boots The Last Wish): I feel like when people praise Jack for being a breath of fresh air in a stale environment, they often forget just how good of a villain he was in his own right without the larger industry wide void of truly devious antagonists that act out of pure malice.

The Wolf (Puss in Boots The Last Wish): Two villain entries from one movie? Of course it was gonna be The Last Wish, what else could it be? Honestly I don't even wanna talk about this guy, you need to experience the movie for yourself.

Rob (The Amazing World of Gumball): Everything I have to say about this guy gets talked about much better by the number 6 Spot on this list, but as it stands Rob was my first villain OTP and the guy who opened the box of Pandora for me on what an antagonist could and should be, since then my perception of villainy only widened and now I enjoy their role in a story in much different way.

And now, with that out of the way, let's finally start with the ranking of my personal favourite male villains of all time.

Major spoilers down below:

Number 10: Silco (Arcane)

This guy is the reason that brought me to specify who or what counted for this list as trying to simplify Silco into one specific group of characters is a challenge that can only end in a misunderstanding of what makes Silco such a complex and fascinating character with an amazing character arc, that ends with him not being redeemed, mind you, but allows the audience to grieve in such a way that would make a side character death jealous.

When writing an antagonistic character, Silco is my goal and high standard, and just for that he deserves all of my respect and endless praise.

Now, admittedly, Silco's arc takes a while to kick in, but it works out to his advantage by the end of it since you don't realise just how much you've grown to care for him until he's dead and you're left with the surprise.

10 out 10, the nation of Zaun would have been much better (worse) with him than with Vander.

Number 9: The Riddler (DC)

The Riddler is literally my ride or die villain, when I'm in the mood for him, he's literally my favourite antagonist ever; when I am not in the mood for him, I completely forget about his existence.

When compared to many other entries on this list, Riddler is definitely more on the pop culture side of antagonism, and when you've been around for almost a century, you tend to have many different versions of the same character written by different writers, so I wanted to highlight here my favourite versions of him:

Arkham Games: He's hilarious. He's not my ideal Riddler, but whenever he comes on screen, his whiny rat's ass voice stimulates my pheromones.

Batman The Animated Series: I've heard somewhere that this version of him is disappointing, and to that I'll say... yeah, but only when he wasn't on screen, because otherwise, he kind of slayed.

Matt Reeves The Batman: This is the version that rekindled my love for him after so long. Out of every interpretation of The Riddler throughout the years, this is the one version that treated Edward more as a character rather than an obstacle for Batman to overcome, and for that I'll be eternally grateful.

LEGO Batman The Videogame: My very first introduction to The Riddler and the Batman universe as a whole, this version has a permanent place in my heart , I love how much information and emotion you can get out of him by just looking at his mannerisms and quirks alone; unironically, being silent helps him reach that quote on quote idealised version of Riddler that I was talking about earlier.

Number 8: The Snatcher (A Hat In Time)

There are many things that can carry on a villain in a story, their evolution, stage presence, complexity, thematic contrast to their counterpart, and so on and so forth. While an antagonist can check off many of these boxes simultaneously (like the one pictured), there's one box that is almost impossible to truly nail perfectly: comedy.

You see, comedy is subjective, and when your main antagonist is also the funniest part of a given story, it becomes hard to also match a sense of gravity and menace that allows them to also be an imposing threat, even harder is to give said antagonist depth and a tragic backstory.

But somehow, out of nowhere, The Snatcher from A Hat In Time manages to simultaneously be the funniest character in his section of the game, carrie said energy throughout the whole experience even down to the DLC, simultaneously strikes the balance between being scary, wholesome, sympathetic and tragic, exude an insane amount of charisma, all while having a deeply disturbing backstory that touches on some heavy themes and re contextualises his actions into something more complicated and out of a broken man, everything I just said + he's the biggest bastard in his videogame and never repents nor does he have his actions called out.

Snatcher really has all the right cards that make a stationary character work and uses them to his maximum potential, and it works because his character arc throughout the game is more about becoming affectionate to Hat Kid than it is about redeeming himself.

Lastly, his voice actor, Luke Sizemore, aka Yungtown, really sells the performance of this devious soul eating worm and burns his catchphrases into your brain for the rest of eternity, much like his boss theme,

Your Contract Has Expired

A song that switches around being scary, epic, energetic and desperate in a short, yet perfectly paced amount of time. You need to listen to it regardless of if you've played the game or not.

Fool.

Number 7: Judge Claude Frollo (Hunchback of Notre Dame)

You can never say no to a classic.

There's nothing that I could say that hasn't already been said by thousands of videos on YouTube, but I'll try anyway: you see, Frollo is the reason why we need a new term to identify certain villains that aren't "sympathetic" but still make you feel some sort of human emotion and a form of "I wish someone could give you the care you need to fix your life", I guess the term empathetic exists, but when do you really see it used?

Now, don't get me wrong, Frollo is absolutely not sympathetic in the slightest, he wants to r##e a Romani woman that's way younger than him, but you can still feel that he's very troubled about it in the Hellfire scene and has definitely a lot of unidentified issues and internalised bigotry that could be worked through, even if it's too late to work through them right now.

In general, I feel like people forget that the main reason why past Disney villains worked had to do more with their human traits juxtaposed to their malice rather than just their plain wickedness, otherwise the Horned King from the Black Cauldron would be top of the Disney villains league and that couldn't be further from the truth.

We should really strive towards writing more villains like Frollo, less omnipotent beings that end up falling flat because they don't have much thematic relevance aside from being a threat (Bill Chyper works because he represents Ego and he's used sparingly) and more average vicious individuals who use their power and influence to get what they want.

All in all, if you've seen The Hunchback of Notre Dame, then you know why this guy is here, but just to cite a couple of repeated points, the Hellfire scene is perfect. It's immaculate. It's unreproducible; there will never be another scene like this coming out of the House of Mouse or animation ever again, the excessive amount of stars and elements that came together to create this gothic classic is so vast that it's literally a miracle.

Frollo is truly the personification of the dark, twisted side of humanity peaking through the door and into your mind, from which he shall never escape as his performance still remains perfect to this very day.

Number 6: The Spot (Spider-man across the Spiderverse)

"You've hit me with a bagel!" It's still the greatest villain origin story of all time. There's truly something maniacal about this reveal, like the entire universe was shattered and reality was shocked at the mere realization that while Miles was having his coming of age moment back in the first film, this guy was having his normal life completely and utterly shattered by a combination of both our heroes stepping up to do the right thing and our doofus lack of foresight and self reflection; all of this stuff is hilarious and completely made up for the film but good god they did such an amazing job tying all the elements together in an unexpected way that makes sense and parallels the journey that our protagonist faced in the first movie.

Like with Rob from The Amazing World of Gumball, and a little bit like number 2 on this list, I just really enjoy the concept of turning background characters who had no relevance whatsoever into the big bad of the story who's been there all along and the heroes (and the audience) just couldn't notice.

With The Spot in particular, there's that sense of satisfaction of turning the wasted potential of a villain who has been underestimated for literal decades and treated as a "villain of the week" (God do I love the meta narrative of this movie) into an actual competent, well written antagonist that is aware of his reputation and strives towards bettering himself and his powers.

He's also the funniest character of his movie too and the voice acting of Jason Schwartzman only accentuates his mannerisms and pettyness.

He also has the coolest usage of portals I have ever seen and his whole "There's a hole inside all of us" metaphor is simultaneously hilarious and very deep personal information that can only be understood if you put yourself into his shoes.

I can't wait for Beyond the Spiderverse to come out and see how his arc resolves, more importantly, I wonder if he's going to rank higher in the future.

Number 5: Lord Shen (Kung Fu Panda)

"Happiness must be taken. And I'll take mine"

.....

What a character.

What a movie.

You cause so much pain and suffering, because you don't understand the people around you, and then those people banish you, and you can't understand why, so you start to believe that they hated you.

They never loved you, so you keep causing pain and suffering but it's not that easy anymore; the guilt starts to resurface, all those bodies keep piling up, but you can't stop because then it would have all been for nothing; so you keep chasing those dreams of grandeur because that's all you have left; the emptiness in your heart can no longer be filled by love, so you try to fill it with something else.

You try to fill it with power. You try to fill it with glory. You try to take everything else for yourself so that you can fill that cup, but it doesn't work, because that cup has no bottom.

And so you're left... with yourself.

And the damage you've done. But now it's different; you've failed. You are left with nothing. Nothing.

And so you outrage, for the last time... And then it all ends. Forever. And you've finally come to accept this, after all....... Who could ever love you?

Number 4: Spamton G Spamton (Deltarune)

You know, in retrospect, it's kind of insane what Toby Fox managed to achieve when creating Spamton.

Not only because Spamton feels like the most insane combination of ideas ever conceived, but also because Toby Fox created such a complex character with such a complicated language and personality and then not only shafted it all aside for the players to go out of their way to interact, but also made all of this in what are officially 2 or 3 cutscenes at most (4 if you consider his shop encounter as one) and only one of them being truly mandatory.

You spend so little time with Spamton, and most of that time is spent fighting him, and yet by the end of it you've become enlightened by the knowledge of him, that after a while... you forget how scary it all was.

All the memes comparing Spamton with Turbo are 100% correct and justified, Spamton truly is Turbo but better; you go through an insane rollercoaster of emotions with this character that you are left absolutely dumbfounded when it all comes to a stop and you go back to play the rest of chapter 2 normally.

His insane mannerisms and mood swings are pretty funny at first, but once you peel back the layers a bit they reveal a pretty realistic and sad portrayal of mental illness, mania and hysteria coupled with an unhealthy amount of social distancing, loneliness, and abandonment issues, that reinforce into your brain the idea of someone lacking proper healthcare and needing to be locked away from society for their (society) own good, simulating the vicious cycle that Spamton lives by: nobody wants to help him but he's still expected to act like a regular individual despite the amount of hardships he's facing and the lack of a support system keeping him from falling back into his bad habits.

I'll admit, I've considered putting Spamton in place of the Number 3 spot on this list; but then I've realised that on an objective level, the next entry totally deserves to be ranked above Spamton; plus, with at least 5 more chapters of Deltarune on our way, whose to say that one of the next gremlins won't be able to dethrone even the number 1 spot?

Drumroll for our top 3:

Nox, the Watchmaker (Wakfu)

There will never be another experience in my life as cathartic as watching the first season of Wakfu for the first time ever again.

On a later rewatch, the initial problems that you've noticed throughout the first half of the season and a little bit in the second half become too apparent to ignore, but the first time everything that goes from the ball tournament to the finale is one of the best paced arcs of television, and everything that happens when the team reaches the Sadida kingdom is just peak Wakfu.

And the king, the culprit, the crown jewel of properly paced stories and arcs is no other than the sad clockwork dilf himself: Noximilliem Coxen the Watchmaker.

Arguably, the greatest sympathetic villain of all time. There has never been another case of a character who has committed such vile, unspeakable crimes, and yet still managed to make me root for them while simultaneously not putting down the heroes.

And let's not be mistaken here, Nox is pretty evil:

Aside from the generic murder, Nox also defiled and stitched together the corpses of multiple victims and turned them into his obedient puppets in order to commit even more murder and genocide in order to achieve his goals.

Also, this is one of the funniest crimes Nox has committed: he abused his dog. It's really not that hilarious nor is it that important in the context of the show, but if you look back at it from an outside perspective then it's really like: Oh yeah. That happened too. Lol.

One of the best parts of his entire arc is his defeat. The "20 minutes" scene deserves a "One Villainous Scene" coverage video to forever immortalise it amongst the greatest. Everything from the music, the subversiveness, the cinematography, the voice acting and just the general art direction of it is worthy of an Eminem award at the Oscars, there's genuinely nothing wrong with this scene, it's truly immaculate.

Words alone cannot do justice to the treacherous, gut wrenching emotional rollercoaster that is experiencing his story for the first time. An hour long video essay would only serve to cover the basics and fundamentals, while for the real deal you need to watch the first season of Wakfu for yourself.

Number 2:

Bradford Buzzard (DuckTales 2017)

And now it's the perfect time to pull out my final wild card, the hole of the sink of my autism, the masterpiece of wasted potential that is Bradford Buzzard from the DuckTales remake of 2017.

When you'll also see the number 2 spot on my villainesses list, you'll come to realise that this spot is more of the "I really wish I could put this at number one but I can't because objectively he doesn't deserve it and the majority of things I love about him in canon were probably an afterthought and in fanon were never plausible to begin with."

And that's how I feel about Bradford Buzzard, an antagonist I spent more time thinking about than probably anybody else on the Earth.

The show runners were so genius for this: we are going to create an original character that will probably struggle to maintain a foot print on the franchise due to the way the Duck verse works, we'll give him an insanely cool backstory and motivation, all coupled with interesting character traits and ideology, we'll make him the ultimate foil to Scrooge McDuck that has been working with him for literal decades, we'll make him the one who has got the closest to isolating Scrooge and destroying his family, and THEN we'll turn him into a generic anime villain that shoots lasers and fumbles his own plan and loses because of insane plot armour and contrivance. Good job writers.

Anyway, I should probably make the case for why this guy ranks so highly in my mind to the point of almost taking the podium for my most liked villain of all time, especially when compared to the stiff competition that we just went through.

Now, part of it is just because this is a personal top 10 and so I can put whoever I want in whatever order I want. But also, with Bradford in particular, there's a personal aspect of relatability, various interests, and passions all coming together to make him stand out in my brain.

The thing is, I've had a pretty strong connection to Disney's Duck's comic books my entire life, even if my love for them came dwindling over time, so when I finally started watching the Reboot and it was amazing, all of that buried passion and love finally re emerged back to the surface, turning me into an annoying super fan. But while season 1 and 2 were great, season 3 actually gave me something to latch on for the rest of time even after the show had ended: the character of Bradford Buzzard.

You see, DuckTales, both in the shows and comics, always had a plethora of villains; from the crazy, megalomaniacal millionaires, to witches, demons, and other mythological creatures, to power hungry aliens, to straight up super-villains. But while all of that is true, there has never been another villain, aside from Magica, Glomgold and Rockerduck at traits, that was built specifically as the anti Scrooge McDuck, and even further, there has never been another antagonist who challenged the very core ideas and concepts of the entire franchise.

Bradford is like the Frank Grimes of DuckTales: just a regular, average, real world guy who's fed up with the nonsensical constant state at which their fictional universe operates and seeks to correct it in the most logical way possible. And while Frank was ultimately a victim of a world in which he couldn't conform, Bradford's outrageous and extreme plans and methods put him on everybody's hit list until he was left all alone, but not before indirectly causing every major disaster throughout the reboot's runtime.

A cold, calculating, machiavellian mastermind whose impact and presence secretly permeates the show, right till the very end.

Shame he wasn't written better.

And now, for the one and only,

Number 1:

Qilby (Wakfu)

Qilby is the biggest example of an anomaly that you could ever observe in a work of fiction. The first time experiencing a story is the most important and impactful moment of that story, as every future rewatch won't be as good as the first. In particular, this is an important aspect of twist villains, as they can only surprise you the first time, since at future rewatches the twist becomes predictable.

Furthermore, if the twist ends up ruining the character that was established up to this point, or it doesn't make any sense, then the story is kind of ruined and it only gets worse on future rewatches, since now you know that everything that you are seeing right now is ultimately worthless and doesn't provide any value.

So why do we love twist villains and keep churning them out? Well, you see, it's a matter of execution. A bad guy introduced in an unconventional manner is much more memorable than one introduced in a straightforward way; the twist can also serve to showcase different aspects of the character before becoming an obvious obstacle, be it quirks, interests, personality in casual settings, or cunning.

Let's not beat around the bush.

If Nox is the single greatest sympathetic villain of all time, then Qilby is by far the greatest twist villain of all time, and the crazy thing is, that he surprises you two times in a row, at first by revealing himself as more evil than you could ever imagine, and then, by outing himself as more complex than you could have ever anticipated.

Let me paint you the picture: you just finished the first season of Wakfu, and you are still pretty fresh of the hype surrounding Nox, so you think to yourself "Oh, now every future antagonist is ruined because nothing could ever top the emotional gut punch that I just went through. Whatever, I'm going to stick around just to see if the story gets worse" and you start the second season.

So far, everything is normal, even better of the first season in terms of engagement value, but you can't help but feel the lack of a Nox like figure inside of the story, but at this point, you just accept it.

Then the final six episodes roll around and OH MY GOD WHAT IS HAPPENING, HAS THE WHOLE SHOW JUST GONE INSANE?

Somehow, in some mystical, french, magical way, the season 2 finale is arguably even better than the ending of season 1 despite the fight having less buildup and introducing a lot of brand new characters and an entirely irrelevant faction into his conflict.

The entirety of the scene in Emrumb is some of the best writing I have ever experienced in any work of fiction, and the music accompanying it only accentuates the repressed dopamine being released after various episodes of filler, all of them important for this moment to be as impactful as it is.

Qilby is also just a great, tragic character, that is simultaneously an unforgivable bastard that tried to kill his family and doomed his entire race for a family trip, and a sad, nihilistic man still trying to reconcile his love for his family and his need for knowledge and discovery; his curse never truly allows him to move on or relate to others but his ego and need for his forgetful brothers attention just pushes him even further into resentment, ending up damaging himself and those around him, until he's finally isolated again by the vary people he harmed and showed his love towards.

He's as good as the evil secret sibling trope can get and I never get tired of watching him on screen. His reveal scene to Adamai still gives me the chills to this very day and demonstrated me just how good the surprise villain concept can get when it's executed correctly.

Just an all around great show.

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mask131 · 1 year ago

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So you want to know about Oz! (5)

Now that we looked at the MGM-continuity of movie and cartoons adaptation, I propose you in those post some adaptations that are either more in line with the original novels or... just not following either the novels or the MGM movie, and just doing their own thing. Since there is a lot of Oz adaptations, for this movie I will stay by American productions, post-1939.

First my three faves, and the rest will be under the cut.

2005's The Muppets' Wizard of Oz

This movie did quite poorly upon its release - and of all the Muppets movies, it is not considered to the best in any way. There is notable use of some old CGI that aged very poorly when it comes to the Wizard's scenes... But, not only does it have one of the most hilarious depiction of the Witches of Oz ever (what do you expect when they are played by Miss Piggy?) and some cool songs - this movie has the honor of being the most book-accurate, book-faithful adaptation of The Wizard of Oz there ever was. (Well outside of Japanese animes I'll talk about later). Yep... this Muppets parody is the closest you can get to experiencing the original novel as a movie. Crazy, right?

2011's The Witches of Oz

Originally it was released as a mini-series in two parts ; and in 2012 it was recut and edited as a single movie known as "Dorothy and the Witches of Oz" (but the single-movie version deleted a lot of scenes and segments from the complete mini-series). It tells a sort-of sequel to the Oz books (yes ALL of the Oz books), while mixing it with urban fantasy - as young real-life Dorothy, all grown-up in 2000s Oz, is depicted as the current author of Oz books, only for her to discover the fictional adventures in Oz that were written about her are real, and Oz is coming to New-York to get her...

Now... this mini-series aged VERY badly. The special effects are so cheap, most of the characters are insufferable, the plot is very weak... BUT! BUT this mini-series deserves to get some attention and to be known due to specific elements, such as, the most badass depiction of Langwidere ever ; Christopher Lloyd delightfully playing the Wizard of Oz... And the Wicked Witch of the West! This incarnation of the Witch is without a doubt one of my favorit reimaginings of the character, striking the perfect balance between the character of the original novel and the MGM Wicked Witch. Just in design she is the coolest Wicked Witch of the West there ever was. Too bad the rest of the mini-series is... quite cringe.

2017's Emerald City

Yet another proof of the "Oz curse" that plagues most of Oz adaptations - because the series got cancelled after its first season, leaving the show unfinished.

What is Emerald City? It was an Oz television series from the era of "post-Game of Thrones". Since the success of GoT, every channel and network tried to create its own dark and gritty big-budgeted high fantasy series... And "Emerald City" is what happened when Oz got caught in the trend.

People were very divided on the show (hence why it ended up cancelled) - some people adored its beginning and got tired of it by the end, others hated the first episodes but by the final ones were eagerly awaiting for the next season. On one side, most people agree that it is too much and that the show handled itself in a strange way, everything being a bit crammed-in. This TV show is actually adapting simultaneously THREE different Oz novels (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz), all mixed together in a new, dark, adult iteration of Oz, so yes, that's a LOT.

However the show does work out several very cool and interesting concepts, playing around with both the MGM and the novel heritages. And while the story can get a bit convoluted due to the so-many plots and subplots mixing each other in a complicated way and not giving each other enough time to breath, the visuals are 10/10. There was a real visual effort on this show that makes it entirely worth the watch, if just as an eye-candy. They literaly used GAUDI ARCHITECTURE for the Emerald City, come on, how cool is that?

And also it is one of these shows were several actually working languages were created by experts, so that's always cool. I always stand by fictional linguistics.

Now I'll go a bit quicker for these ones because else it's going to be one LONG post:

In the 1960s, there was one animated show that dominated the Ozian landscape. 1961's Tales of the Wizard of Oz.

One of the early creations of the future Rankin/Bass studios, it is a cartoon that reuses the settng and characters of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"... But not the plot X) Basically Dorothy and Toto end up entering Oz by... by a hole, as if she was Alice. And there she meets her companions and each episode is about them trying to have a wish granted by the Wizard of Oz, or trying to avoid the schemes of the Wicked Witch. So... it is quite a VERY loose adaptation, and the modern cartoon "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz" is kind of a modern heir to this old cartoon.

After 114 episodes, there was an animated special created to conclude the show. Called "Return to Oz", it IS actually an adaptation of the plot and events of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"... But happening after all of the events of the cartoon, and thus taking a different direction in terms of set-up.

1969's The Wonderful Land of Oz

This low-budget movie was an adaptation of the second Oz book, "The Marvelous Land of Oz". There's quite a lot of interesting stories surrounding this production - from Judy Garland supposedly having been intended as the narrator, to the background actresses having appeared in nude films created by the movie's director... However the movie tend to be ignored or forgotten compared to the other 60s Land of Oz adaptation...

1960's "The Land of Oz". First episode of the second season of Shirley Temple's Storybook

This was a much more famous adaptation of "The Marvelous Land of Oz", if only because of Shriley Temple's name. Retrospectively, I should have added it in my previous Oz post because this mini-movie takes a lot of visual cues from the MGM's Wizard of Oz, such as the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman being designed after their MGM incarnation, or Glinda's outfit calling for the MGM Glinda's design.

1980's "Thanksgiving in the Land of Oz"

An animated special for Thanksgiving of the year 1980, which is - as the title says - about Dorothy going to celebrate Thanksgiving in Oz. In 1981 it was re-cut to become "Dorothy in the Land of Oz" (with most Thanksgiving references being removed so the animated short could be aired at any time of the year - which is quite a challenge since the special is ALL about Thanksgiving... Dorothy is literaly brought to Oz by a "giant green turkey ballooon", come on!)

1987's Dorothy meets Ozma of Oz

This animated middle-sized movie is an adaptation of the novel "Ozma of Oz", and remained for quite a long time the only adaptation of Ozma of Oz alongside Disney's Return to Oz.

1997's The Oz Kids

A direct-to-video cartoon series that is just what it says. We follow the adventures of the children of the various protagonists of the Oz novels. Dot and Neddie, Dorothy's children ; Bela and Boris the children of the Cowardly Lion ; Tin Boy and Scarecrow Junior ; the son of the Nome King, and more...

2007's Tin Man

Ah, Tin Man! A cult-classic a lot of people remember fondly - especially on Tumblr. This mini-series was part of the long suite of SyFy "dark sci-fi" fantasy reimaginings (2011's Neverland ; 2009's Alice, etc).

Described as an "adult steampunk reimagining" of the Wizard of Oz, it depicts the adventures of DG, a waitress of Kansas, as she gets taken by an interdimensional storm to the otherwordly "Outer Zone", and there befriends a telepathic leonine humanoid, a man who lost half of his brain, and a former cowboy-like law enforcer of the dictature a wicked witch-queen set upon the Outer Zone...

Speaking of steampunk, the last two Oz adaptations I want to talk about are...

2015's Lost in Oz

This animated show was part of Amazon Prime Video early days at producing its own content. Originally it was just a pilot episode released in 2015. Since the pilot episode proved good, it became a three-episodes mini-series in 2016. Since THIS mini-series proved good, it became a full season in 2017. And since this first season proved good, a second season was released in 2018. And then they stopped.

At first it seems that this show is just an "updated" version of The Wizard of Oz: Dorothy and her dog Toto gets transported to the Land of Oz, and must find a way to get back home while making friends and all together fighting through the many plots and scehmes dividing the land... Except that this Oz is a more modern and updated Oz filled with magi-tech, and Dorothy's companions are not exactly your traditional band... Turns out Dorothy has to team up with Ojo, here depicted as a "giant Munchkin", and a teenage witch by the name of... West. Yes, she is the (not so) wicked witch "of the west".

And thus starts a quite unique retelling of Oz where the three teenagers must face various threats taken from later Oz books: Langwidere, here West's evil aunt ; the mysterious Crooked Magician ; and Roquat, the Nome King.

And a last steampunk Oz for the road: 2018's "The Steam Engines of Oz". This Canadian animated movie is actually an adaptation of an Oz graphic novel of the same name, by Erik Hendrix and about a modernized Oz set after the events of "The Wonderful Wizard". A young mechanician of the Emerald City, Victoria, is chosen by the Good Witch of the North to help fight the ever-growing expansion and industrialization of the Emerald City, pushed by a Tin Man who became a cruel dictator of Oz...

#oz #so you want to know about oz #oz adaptations #land of oz #oz cartoons #oz series #the marvelous land of oz #ozma of oz #the wonderful wizard of oz #tin man #emerald city #the muppets' wizard of oz #the witches of oz #lost in oz #the oz kids

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rainsfiction · 1 year ago

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Been thinking about my Saltburn boys and how Farleigh is so obviously a Slytherin but with Oliver and Felix it could almost be any combination? Walk with me…

Slytherin Oliver and Hufflepuff Felix: Felix is a total sweetheart, a cutie patootie, the Cedric Diggory of his generation! Everyone loves him. He’s just so easy to love. Oliver is… well. He’s without a doubt the most knowledgeable student when it comes to the Dark Arts, there’s rumours that he’s a parselmouth and he moves in complete expressionless silence… Needless to say, everyone is shocked at their sudden relationship. How the two of them became close is a total mystery, and witnessing their intimacy feels like watching a legend in the making… but Felix smiles brighter now, and everyone has seen the small smiles Oliver directs at Felix, so you won’t catch anyone complaining.

Ravenclaw Oliver and Gryffindor Felix: Popular, quidditch captain Felix who everyone admires and his bookworm, certified genius boyfriend Oliver. Oliver is the top student in all of his subjects, and that is a lot of subjects. He has no energy for stupidity, and enjoys studying alone… but for Felix he will always make an exception. Oliver will happily help Felix study, and the two of them can often be found in the library as Oliver re-explains concepts with all the patience in the world. Felix is a himbo at heart, but that’s okay! Who needs to think when you have the smartest boyfriend ever? Instead of stressing about school, he can focus on his future seeker career. Oliver will always be there to support him through exam season. Students are used to the spot of Ravenclaw colours in the Gryffindor stands. Oliver is always there with a book to read or an assignment to finish. “You’re my lucky charm Ollie! Who cares if you’re watching? I’m just happy with the comfort of knowing that whenever I look into the stands, you’ll always be there.”

Hufflepuff Oliver and Slytherin Felix: Felix comes from a powerful pureblood family and he’s always been part of the elite. He may seem relaxed and lax a lot of the time, but he’s smarter than he looks. He’s silently top of a lot of his classes, and he won the Triwizard Tournament effortlessly. He’s charismatic and charming and Oliver being his best friend makes no sense to any of his Slytherin circles. Oliver is a soft spoken, soft hearted, Hufflepuff who’s muggle-born heritage means that he should never have been on Felix is radar. Felix is the most sought out match in pureblood society, so everyone is shocked – and Farleigh is completely unimpressed – when it looks like Felix might genuinely be courting Oliver. (All the other students don’t get why all that pureblood nonsense even matters. Sure it’s sad to realise that Felix is off the market, but have you seen him with Oliver?! Oliver’s usually so reserved, but he absolutely glows when Felix is around. Felix can be pretty cocky sometimes, but with Oliver he mellows out and he can be so soft and sweet. Oliver is so timid that he barely notices, but everyone else can see that Felix looks absolutely smitten whenever Oliver’s around. It’s the purest love story, and all that exhausting blood purity stuff pales in comparison).

i could go on and on about every possible house dynamic but i’m not sure if anyone else cares so i’ll stop here for now and say to be (possibly) continued

#oliver quick #felix catton #saltburn harry potter au #hogwarts houses #farleigh start is a slytherin #saltburn #farleigh start #cattonquick #this theory exists in the multiverse of madness i've created for saltburn in my head

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venusianpulp · 1 year ago

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Astrology Insights: Releasing Negative Ancestral Karma

This is an outtake on my original post about Ancestral Karma and I feel I could have been more in depth with my analysis, as I was still doing relational syncronicities between vedic and sidereal, but here this post will break it up for you so that you can actually conceptualize your chart whilst reviewing. <3

I appreciate your tips, they help me become more able to create free time in order to produce these posts for you all

Are you curious about astrology's insights into releasing negative ancestral karma? Delve into the intriguing realm of astrology natal charts to uncover the influence of past life karma on your present circumstances. Discover whether these karmic ties are positive or negative, unravel if you were the wrong-doer in past lives, and find guidance on how to release any adverse ancestral karma.

Understanding Ancestral Karma in Astrology

Introduction to Natal Charts (to start from the absolute basics)

The natal chart, a cornerstone of astrology, is a snapshot of the sky at the moment of your birth. It maps out the positions of the sun, moon, planets, and constellations through different astrological houses, each house representing an aspect of your life. Your natal chart is unique to you, acting as a cosmic blueprint that holds insights into your personality, tendencies, and potential life path. It's here that we can begin to understand ancestral karma—energetic patterns passed down from previous generations that can influence your current life experiences. By examining the specific placements and aspects in your natal chart, you can start to identify the imprints of those ancestral energies and begin the process of acknowledging and releasing any negative karmic patterns.

What is Ancestral Karma?

Ancestral karma refers to the concept that the energetic influence of your ancestors' actions, decisions, emotions, and experiences can be passed down through generations, impacting your own life. This form of karma is not just about heredity or genetic traits, but rather the subtle energies that are inherited and can manifest as patterns or challenges in various aspects of your life. These can include relationships, health, or even specific phobias and fears without apparent cause. Ancestral karma can be both positive, contributing to talents and beneficial predispositions, or negative, leading to recurring obstacles or difficulties. Understanding ancestral karma is about recognizing these patterns and working towards resolving any negative cycles, thus freeing yourself from the past's hold and enabling personal growth and healing.

Roles of Ancestral Karma in Past Lives

Ancestral karma is thought to play a significant role in shaping the experiences of our past lives, which in turn, influence our present. The challenges and lessons that our ancestors faced can be encoded into the energetic fabric of the family line. This means that unresolved issues, patterns of behavior, or unlearned lessons could potentially reappear in your life, inviting you to work through them. In astrology, it is believed that these karmic debts or gifts are carried over from one life to the next, potentially creating a chain that links you to your ancestral past. Understanding these roles can empower you to break cycles that no longer serve you and reinforce the positive aspects of your heritage. This process creates an opportunity for karmic healing, not only for you but possibly for your lineage both past and future.

Identifying Ancestral Karma in Your Natal Chart

Recognizing Indicators of Past Life Karma

In astrology, certain elements in your natal chart can serve as indicators of past life karma. The South Node, for instance, speaks to past life experiences and the qualities you're moving away from, while the North Node represents the qualities you're striving towards in this life. Planets in a close association with these nodes can highlight specific karmic challenges or talents you've inherited. Additionally, the 12th house in your chart is often associated with karma from past lives, revealing hidden strengths or weaknesses that may need to be addressed. Astro notes, such as repeated patterns or heavy aspects like squares and oppositions involving Saturn, can also suggest karmic lessons. By piecing together these astrology observations, you can pinpoint areas where ancestral karma might be influencing your present life and start to work on resolving these patterns.

Deciphering Positive and Negative Aspects

Astrology provides a nuanced view of our lives by revealing both positive and negative aspects within our natal chart. Positive aspects, such as trines and sextiles, can reflect the beneficial ancestral karma that enhances our abilities and brings ease to certain areas of life. These aspects can show where we may have innate talents or where we experience natural flow and support. On the flip side, challenging aspects such as squares and oppositions can indicate areas of tension, which may stem from unresolved ancestral karma. These negative aspects often highlight the lessons we need to learn and the patterns we are called to break. By consciously working with these aspects, we can transform challenges into growth opportunities, thereby improving our relationship with ourselves and those around us. It is not just about resolving difficulties but also about activating the potential within the positive placements.

Understanding Wrongdoings from Past Lives

An essential part of working with ancestral karma involves confronting and understanding wrongdoings from past lives. These are often reflected in our natal chart through challenging aspects or placements that seem to repeatedly stir up trouble in our lives. The presence of planets like Saturn or Pluto in hard aspect to personal planets, or located in the 12th house, might suggest karmic debts that are due for resolution. These astrological markers can indicate where we may have misstepped or caused harm in the past, and now face the consequences in this lifetime. By acknowledging these areas, we can begin the process of making amends, whether through direct action, changes in behavior, or spiritual practices aimed at healing. It's important to approach these insights with compassion for oneself and the understanding that karmic healing is a journey toward growth and balance.

Unlocking the Influence of Ancestral Karma on Your Current Life

How Ancestral Karma Affects Self Development

Ancestral karma can profoundly affect self-development by creating unconscious patterns that shape our behaviors and choices. These patterns, often rooted in unresolved issues from our family's past, can limit our personal growth if left unaddressed. For example, a history of financial difficulty in a family might instill a deep-seated fear of scarcity, influencing one's approach to money and abundance. Conversely, positive ancestral influences can provide a strong foundation for developing resilience and resourcefulness. By identifying and understanding these karmic influences within our natal chart, we can begin to consciously work on these areas. This may involve confronting fears, healing old wounds, and learning to trust in our capabilities. As we release the hold of negative ancestral karma, we clear the path for genuine self-development and the ability to shape our own destiny.

The Role of Ancestral Karma in Self Love

Ancestral karma can be a powerful influence on the relationship we have with ourselves, particularly in the realm of self-love. Negative ancestral karma may manifest as inherited self-critical thoughts or feelings of unworthiness, making it challenging to embrace and love oneself fully. These patterns can be deeply ingrained, often passed down through generations, and may go unrecognized without introspection. However, recognizing and understanding these patterns through the lens of your natal chart is the first step towards healing. As you work to release these karmic bonds, you create space for a more nurturing and loving relationship with yourself. This process can also reveal the strengths and virtues that have been passed down, bolstering self-esteem and fostering a profound sense of self-love. Embracing both the light and shadow aspects of your ancestry allows for a more holistic and compassionate view of oneself.

Ancestral Karma's Impact on Self Improvement

The impact of ancestral karma on self-improvement is significant, as it can both hinder and enhance our personal evolution. Negative ancestral patterns, such as a tendency towards certain destructive behaviors or thought processes, can impede our growth and lead to repetitive cycles. These might manifest as recurring challenges in relationships, career, or health that seem to resist our efforts to change. On the other hand, recognizing and tapping into the positive aspects of our inheritance can be a powerful catalyst for self-improvement. These can be traits like resilience, determination, or creativity that have been honed over generations. By confronting and resolving the negative while embracing the positive, we can overcome inherited limitations and cultivate a more empowered self. This process not only benefits us but can also shift the karmic narrative for future generations, creating a legacy of positive growth and development.

Practical Steps to Release Negative Ancestral Karma

Ascertain Healing Signs in Your Natal Chart

Identifying healing signs in your natal chart is a practical approach to releasing negative ancestral karma. These signs often come in the form of favorable aspects or placements that offer insight into your healing journey. For instance, Chiron's placement can reveal a key area for potential healing and growth, while Jupiter's aspects might point to where you can find support and expansion. Additionally, the placement of Venus can indicate pathways to finding harmony and balance, key components in overcoming karmic challenges. Paying attention to transits and progressions that activate these healing areas can also provide timing for when you might be most open to healing work. By focusing on these positive influences and working with them consciously, you can facilitate the release of negative ancestral patterns and actively engage in your karmic healing process.

Effective Ways to Neutralize Negative Karma

Neutralizing negative karma involves intentional actions that can break cycles and foster positive change. One effective method is through self-reflection and meditation, which allows you to delve into your subconscious and identify karmic patterns. Practices like journaling or therapy can help in articulating and processing these insights. Forgiveness, both of oneself and one's ancestors, is another powerful tool in neutralizing negative karma. It releases the energetic ties to the past and opens up a path for healing. Engaging in acts of kindness and service can also shift the karmic balance, as it creates positive energy that can counteract the negative. Additionally, rituals and affirmations that resonate with your beliefs can reinforce your intentions to break free from these patterns. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can actively work towards neutralizing negative karma and cultivating a more positive future.

Power of Positivity and Hope in Releasing Karma

Maintaining a positive outlook and embracing hope are essential when working to release negative ancestral karma. Positivity helps to elevate your energy and can transform your perspective, allowing you to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Hope acts as a beacon, guiding you through the process of healing and encouraging resilience when facing deep-seated patterns. These attitudes also have a tangible effect on your mental and emotional states, which in turn can influence the karmic energy you carry and transmit. When you approach your karmic journey with a mindset of positivity and hope, you are more likely to engage in behaviors that promote healing and growth. Affirmations and visualization techniques can be used to reinforce these states of mind, fostering an environment where karmic resolution is not just possible but expected.

Healing the Soul with Astrology

Utilizing Synastry and Composite Charts

Synastry and composite charts are valuable tools in astrology that can aid in understanding and healing relationships, which is often where ancestral karma plays out strongly. Synastry charts compare the natal charts of two individuals, revealing the dynamics between them, including areas of harmony and potential conflict. These insights can help to identify karmic connections and the lessons that you can learn from each other. Composite charts, on the other hand, combine two natal charts to create a single chart that represents the relationship itself. This chart can illustrate the overall purpose of the union and the karmic implications it holds. By analyzing these charts, you can gain a deeper understanding of the karmic ties within your relationships and work toward resolving any negative patterns. This can be a profound step in your journey of soul healing and personal growth.

Astrological Observations for Self Empowerment

Astrological observations can be a powerful tool for self-empowerment by offering a deeper understanding of personal strengths, challenges, and potentials. The placements of planets, signs, and houses in your natal chart can reveal where you have natural competencies and where you might face struggles that require extra attention. For example, Mars can indicate your drive and how you assert yourself, while Jupiter can point to where you find growth and abundance. By actively working with these energies, you can harness your innate abilities and work towards overcoming any limitations. Additionally, transits and solar returns provide insights into the timing of certain life events, enabling you to make informed decisions and take control of your destiny. Embracing the guidance from astrological observations empowers you to navigate life with confidence and awareness, turning potential karmic challenges into victories of personal empowerment.

The Journey Towards Spiritual Enlightenment

The journey towards spiritual enlightenment is a deeply personal and transformative process that can be enriched with the insights from astrology. This spiritual path is about seeking a higher understanding of oneself and the universe, and astrology provides a symbolic language to interpret the soul's code. Through your natal chart, you can uncover spiritual lessons, karmic challenges, and the deeper purpose behind life events. It offers a way to align with the cosmic energies and work with them to foster spiritual growth. Practices such as meditation, ritual, and reflection can be synchronized with astrological cycles, enhancing their effectiveness and deepening your connection to the divine. As you navigate your spiritual path with the guidance of astrology, you cultivate a sense of inner peace, wisdom, and a connection to something greater than yourself, marking the essence of spiritual enlightenment.

#natal astrology #astrology #zodiac #natal chart #sagittarius #astro notes #libra #capricorn #astro observations #virgo #astroblr #astronomy #astro community #synastry notes #synastry #astrology observations #astrology notes #astrology community #ascendant

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talenlee · 1 year ago

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Goblin, Vandal, Sugg

Every word you’ve ever used comes from somewhere. The structures you use to discuss ideas is informed by ideas that came before it. I’m not getting all Sapir-Worf about this (and if you don’t know what that is, you don’t have to know because it’s probably not true), but rather wanting to draw your attention to the way the world you live in is in part defined by the words you use. If you’re an English speaker, there are ways you describe food that are a byproduct of French invasion centuries ago. Words like ‘technocrat’ and ‘hyperspecialised’ are constructions that borrow from how intellectuals used to use Latin. Your swear words are almost all from the poor working class, and used to describe sex, god, or excrement, and that’s not how all swear words work in all cultures!

Your world shapes your language.

In any given fantasy setting you work on, you don’t usually have the same linguistic history to justify why the people there talk like we talk now. In fact, to be completely fair, they probably don’t talk like us at all: you have fantasy languages, across fantasy constructions. Any given phrase a character in your world says is probably not using the exact same words as we are and we’re all working with a sort of fictionalised fantasy that makes the concepts reasonably translate across.

There’s a whole treatise then about how we handle Native American names and loanwords that we italicise like etouffee.

Point is that you have words, in your world, and you can attach stories to them. You’ve probably seen me talk about Orcs and how they relate to language and stereotypes, along in my long post on the word ‘Orc’. Here’s another set of examples I like for my world of Cobrin’Seil, as they pertain to the best little evolved raccoons, the Goblins.

The word ‘Goblin’

In Cobrin’Seil, most people speak two languages. Most people who speak only one language speak Common, and Common is full of loanwords from other languages. ‘Orc’ and ‘Beast’ are well known loanwords. There is a word that has risen in prominence throughout all the common-speaking countries in less than seventy years, and the word it displaced is still even in functional and legal use.

The word is both new and old; new to common, but an old word to the language it’s from. This word is Goblin.

Goblins are by no means new. They’re one of the three great old cultures of the world, a social symbiote culture that pretty much exists in any given settlement of any size. It’s usually seen as a sign of health that a community can sustain Goblins — in the same way that communities that lack pets are probably culturally alienated from all the cultures that do keep pets — and if you encounter an enclave that lacks goblins, it’s often because that enclave is specifically for a purpose and has done proactive things to drive out Goblin presence. Goblins are a culture that’s as old as Orcs, older than Ogres and even most of what you’d consider modern-day Elves.

But the word Goblin was not a word in common language and descriptors that was used in dictionaries and education and technical words, until what are known as the Peoples Reform. Not People’s Reforms – but the legal system of the Eresh Protectorate (which tends to set precedents most of the rest of the world follows) formalised the idea of Peoples. For most cultures, this didn’t make a lot of changes, but it did peel out of the laws one of the largest and long-standing carve-outs for Goblins that eroded the idea of their own cultural identity and heritage. The word Goblin is encoded as the term Goblins use to describe Goblins.

Linguistically, Goblin is a funny word. It’s an omniterm; without modification, it serves as noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb and preposition and it does so in entirely intelligible ways to those contextually familiar. The sentence ‘Goblin goblin goblin goblin goblin’ is a meaningful sentence describing a party taking care of a third party because they see the commonality they have with one another. Good luck making that make sense in a sent letter though.

Goblin is possessive; in a lot of ways it can be translated to the common term ‘us,’ with some wiggle room. It’s also a comical non-answer; guards asking a Goblin ‘what are you doing?’ will often get the answer ‘goblin,’ which in this case means something like ‘being myself and doing what I should be doing,’ which is an answer but it is also unhelpful, and you have to understand how goblins communicate to get a handle on what that might mean. Goblin language is simple but contextual and it tends to highlight that goblins are extremely prosocial. Goblin language makes very little sense without the context of who is talking and about what.

There’s a real truth to the fact that many Goblins who have taken to theatre or art will write dialogue in Goblin but stage directions in Common.

But the word is new, legally, but the people aren’t. What was the change? Well, prior to the Peoples Reforms, the term the human kingdoms used for the people known as Goblins was the term Vandal.

The Word ‘Vandal’

You can’t kidnap a Goblin.

Legally, I mean.

This isn’t because Goblins were protected under the law, no no, the laws were way too racist for that. The crime was that, wherever you transported the Goblins to, the people didn’t want Goblins there, so you were committing a crime by inflicting Goblins on them. Basically, it was considered a crime to take a Goblin from one place to another, because the place the Goblin arrived didn’t necessarily consent to the presence of a Goblin.

The term for transporting a Goblin was based on an archaic term for Goblins that operated on the assumptions that Goblins were just a problem and a pest brought into any space. They were known as Vandals, a term hypothetically meaning all nonhuman troublesome cultures including Gnolls and Bugbears, because if those people arrived in a place, they’d wreck things. Funnily enough, Gnolls and Bugbears got removed from this term over time because they would usually, if it rose to legal levels, be committing much more dire crimes, and also, guards didn’t like just bullying them at random, since they were very big and tough people by comparison to the much smaller Goblin. Over time, ‘Vandal’ came to mean ‘Goblins, and behaving like a Goblin,’ and that association meant the legal term got ensnared around it. Ultimately, dropping Goblins off in a space that did not want them was the act of Vandalism. Vandal then, was a term used to not to refer to the Goblins themselves; much funnier, instead, it was the legal term for a person who committed the crime of nonconsensual transporting of Goblins.

During the Peoples Reforms, since this law already existed, the crime of Transporting A Goblin Nonconsensually remained on the books, but Kidnapping, as defined under laws, had its historical Goblin Carve-Out. Nowadays, kidnapping a Goblin is typically treated as Vandalism (Kidnapping), because tidying up old and technically incorrect laws is a lot of a pain in the butt. This even applies when the Goblins are lawyers, who as it turns out, delight in getting non-Goblins in trouble for ‘Vandalism,’ which is a catch-all term under Eresh law for ‘general goblin-like behaviour.’ And we’ll talk more about what makes something Goblin-like in the context of Cobrin’Seil another time.

The word ‘Sugg’

But there is a word, ambiguous in meaning and origin that exists in common, that most people know and that word is ‘sugg.’ It seems to indicate a sort of laziness, a restful state. If you see a Goblin curled up on a pile of playing cards, ears out, eyes closed, you might say ‘can’t use those cards, there’s a goblin sugging on it.’ Or ‘sorry man, I’m pretty sugg.’ The word is extremely ambiguous but it has a thread throughout it of being:

Indulgently lazy

Very relaxed

Overwhelming and absolute

The thing is, nobody’s too sure what it means, and when you ask people who would know, they tell you to ask a Goblin. Goblins, after all, are where the word comes from. In fact, if you ask the right goblins in the right trail you’ll find that while Goblins use the word ‘sugg’ in the same way, they think it comes from Common. Why?

Because Goblins got the word from this thing they found in established human communities. There’d be a nice small dark box, full of paper that you could just curl up in and nest in, and on the outside of the box, there’d be a notice: SUGGEST IN BOX. So they assume the Goblin who enjoys that box the most must surely be their sugg-est Goblin. Which meant paying attention to how they all sugg, and from there, the neologism was born.

Now, non-Goblins and Goblins alike use ‘sugg’, each convinced they got it from the other.

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

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