vincentvault

[vincentvault]

rb this to get a love letter, a question abt ur f/o / selfships, or positivity in your inbox!

after seeing some negative stuff in the tags today, i think everyone deserves a reminder about how much they're loved by their f/os! everyone deserves interaction, no matter if it's 'obligated' or not, so please remember to practice reblog karma and make someone smile!

div credit | proship dni plz!

[vincentvault]

selfship craft ideas

themed jewelry (kandi, locket, etc.)

write them a love letter, or have them write one to you

customize your wardrobe (paint shirts, color coordinate with your f/o, etc.)

create your own merch (plushies, pins, wall art, patches, etc.)

scrapbook or journal spread dedicated to your f/o

make a mixtape for your selfship (I burn mine onto CDs)

research and create a custom scent blend for your f/o, then find a candle or perfume that matches it (you don't have to purchase it)

recreate your f/o's signature clothing or jewelry item

decorate a picture frame to put a photo of your f/o in (or print any art of your ship and put it in there)

air dry clay crafts (magnet of your f/o's symbols or a figurine)

felt crafts (wall banners, keychain, etc.)

perler bead crafts

pocket shrine (fabric or altoids tin)

Feel free to add any more ideas, I'm always looking for more!

[vincentvault]

My friend @thisistomuchforme just made the greatest joke ever I thought I was dying of laughter XDDDD

[vincentvault]

[vincentvault]

this is your gentle reminder to stop fighting against your adhd and instead structure your life around it

buy a pack of chapsticks and put one in the pocket of all of your coats and jackets because you always forget to bring one and chapped lips is sensory hell

leave important things where you can see them. if they go in a box or a drawer you will forget they exist

put any appointments or deadlines in your phone calendar As Soon As you get them. set a reminder for a week before, a day before, an hour before, as many as you need as often as you need them.

when that little voice in your head says "i dont need to write that down, ill remember it" that is the devil talking!!! write it down anyway!!

plan for down time. have a few hours at the end of every day to just do fun stuff like engage in your hyperfixations. even if you didnt get all of your work done that day, have the rest anyway. you probably spent the whole day beating yourself up for not doing what you Should be doing, so you still need the break.

if you never eat vegetables because its too much effort to chop and cook them, get the frozen or canned shit. it doesnt go off for ages and you just have to microwave it. theres no point buying fresh vegetables if they just keep going off and being left to rot in the bottom of your fridge

if you struggle to decide what to have for dinner every day, take the decision out of it. choose a set of meals and eat those on rotation until you get sick of them, then choose some new ones and do it again.

its not stupid if it works! our brains literally have a chemical deficiency. you are allowed to accommodate yourself. go forth and stop making your life more difficult than it has to be because "this shouldn't be this hard". it is hard, so make it easier.

[vincentvault]

@ my f/o

[vincentvault]

Things to do instead of talking to your f/o on c.ai:

draw something with them

write something with them

make an edit or other graphics of them. screenshot edits where you add your headcanons or other changes to their design are great too even if you don't commit to the new design

revisit your favorite scenes or even reconsume their entire source

go hunt for pictures of them you didn't save yet

go look for new fanart, fanfics, or other fan content made by others

gush to other people about them

talk about them in general even if it's not a gush. share your favorite fun facts, talk about their source, or share some headcanons

find someone to roleplay your f/o for you

make a journal page dedicated to them

write them a letter (and maybe write a response letter from their perspective too)

listen to songs that remind you of them. you could also make a 2010s style AMV of them with that song

[vincentvault]

Cyber elf X save me......

[vincentvault]

SOMEONE WENT TO A STAR TREK CONVENTION IN THE 1980’S AS SPOCK AND KIRK’S PENISES I AM NOT MAKING THIS SHIT UP

THEY PERFORMED SPIRK THROUGH INTERPRETIVE DANCE

[vincentvault]

visual representation of me when my f/o comes on screen

[vincentvault]

For all you gil fuckers, just a reminder that this absolute piece of HEARTWARMING SIN exists. Gil openly says he loves her, (emiya acknowledges it too) and they make out amongst... Other implied things.) I STRONGLY reccomend you read the subs I've provided with the audio because Holy fuck. Have fun degenerates

0:00

Oh? So you're willing to solve this treasure's puzzle? Well, if it isn't splendid of you. Then that means you'll be staying by my side, as my attendant, does it not? Then I shall allow it. For you to stay by the side of the King of Heroes.

0:22

What a prosaic face you have while asleep. How many times has it been, that you've slept by my side... for the time being, be free to wander inside your dreams.

00:39

You've got a pretty foolish face right now, is this the so called "hovering between sleep and waking"? Hey! Don't close your eyes just as I say that! Are you planning to leave me bored?!

0:54

Noon, huh? I guess it should be time for lunch-... wait, you! Isn't your face red-... don't tell me you partook of wine on an empty stomach?! Why is it that you make a hobby out of inconveniencing me?! Even though the sun is already on it's zenith, it seems that your brain is still asleep, as usual.

What? You're already awake? In that listless condition?

Very well, this is the perfect timing to show that mad dog how to fish. I permit you to come with me, Master. To see me do every little thing perfectly, be sure to fall in love with me all over again.

1:41

The sun is finally going down huh... Seeing you illuminated by the light of the setting sun, you truly are my treasure.

....What? Why did you become restless and avoided my gaze?

Heh, did you think that I would reach for you? Very well. Let's see if you can get me into that mood.

2:09

It's almost morning, huh... So, how was it? Spending the whole day today by my side? Well, though I say that, this is just the usual, isn't it?

The night has deepened... Hm...? What's wrong? Are you feeling cold? Very well then, lean your body into mine. The coldness of the night does not discriminate after all. I permit you to draw closer to me.

Hm... Almost time for you to sleep, isn't it? If you wish for it, then it's no problem for me to lend you my arm to sleep on.

Come now, don't be ashamed. Say it honestly, and out loud.

3:00

Master, staying up late is disadvantageous in an emergency. Right now, the strongest servant is lending you his power, you should be more aware of that fact.

3:11

Hmm... what is it? Because you're moving around, even I woke up...

Come now, just behave and let me embrace you. We can wake up properly later...

3:32

There is no one else permitted to touch this King of Heroes' head but you alone.

What you're touching is my body after all, isn't it...? Come now, no need to say that, I understand perfectly.

This is not a bad sensation at all... What's wrong? I haven't given you permission to stop your hands yet.

4:01

This might seem sudden but, I am considerably pleased with your face.

Rejoice, for I am saying that your face is not bad at all!

When I think of you as mine, a rush of affection gushes forth from me.

4:19

What is it? Do you wish to draw my attention?

You really don't tire of touching me every time huh, you sure do some lovable things...

Come now, let me do the same to you...

4:35

These eyes of mine has already seen the far ends of human knowledge, these eyes have also seen the the edge of wilderness that was beyond human knowledge.

And right now... only you are reflected in these eyes of mine.

It's an honor, don't you think?

4:56

It is said that the eyes conveys a lot of things.

I have now, finally understood your passion.

What about you? Do you now understand what it is, that I want, what I demand?

You don't...? What a troublesome fellow...

Well then... let me show you exactly what it is...

5:20

Those eyes wet with lust... good, good. Now, draw a little closer to me...

These lips of mine are what you want, isn't it? An arduous poison, it might be for you, but I permit you to taste them to your heart's content...

5:20

Those eyes wet with lust... good, good. Now, draw a little closer to me...

These lips of mine are what you want, isn't it? An arduous poison, it might be for you, but I permit you to taste them to your heart's content....

Oh? Aren't you aggressive... Or is this because you got drunk on the wine's scent...?

Well, since you're already at that state, I shall let you feel this tongue of mine.

I wonder if it'll make your legs go so numb, enough for you to not be able to stand...?

5:58

Oh? Is it hard? Then, let me touch yours to compare.

Wait, why are you prying yourself away from me? You wouldn't stand without my permission now, would you?

Now, now, don't look glare at me so much. If you do it too much, even I would get angry, you know.

Or rather than that... are you satisfied by merely staring at me?

6:29

Of course, it cannot be helped that one would unconsciously reach out for my perfectly sculpted body.

Don't be shy and restrain yourself by just touching me with your fingertips... I shall give you special permission to touch me more brazenly!

6:45

I don't feel hungry yet. When that time comes, I will inform you.

For now, just stay quietly by my side... if you do so, I shall cherish you.

7:01

So, you've finally discovered that heat sleeping inside of you, huh? What, isn't it just human nature to seek pleasure?

Very well then, I shall let you taste it to your heart's content.

Though you are my master, aren't you no different from a mongrel urged by desire?

No, it's not like I don't want to do it, but there is a thing called "time and place", is there not...?

Though both of those are fulfilled right now...

7:36

Amongst the mongrels thriving in this world, there are those who are engulfed but this*, right?

What about you, are you one of them? Or are you one that engulfs instead?

What, isn't it natural for me to want to know more about what is mine?

If you possess this, you could continue to exchange drinks with this King of Heroes. Come now, don't be so stiff.

Seriously, how many years has it been and have you still not get used to being loved by me?

*it's not clear, but I think he's referring to the grail

8:11

Emiya: Ah, it's you. What a coincidence, I didn't think that I would meet you here. I was just about to go home and make some tea, would you like some?

Gil: Wait, you fool! Who gave you permission to talk to her?! And of course, tea poured by a droll like you would be third rate!

I'm several times better than him, Master!

Hm? That's-... Hey! Faker!You bastard, don't you dare come any closer to her!

Emiya: Is there any problem with me being next to her?

Ahh, I see. That was rude of me.

Were you worried that the princess that you finally got your hands on would change her mind?

As a master, I'm sure you're having a hard time.

I'm sure there are other servants who'll be able to understand you better, someone you could utilize better, and would compliment you better.

Gil: Don't dare come any closer to her! Don't you have any idea to whom this woman belongs to? What, are you trying to seduce a married woman?

Emiya: How unexpected. I've thought of you as an unreasonable man. But it seems that you're the type that exerts all effort for the one they've fallen in love with, huh.

Gil: Of course! Who do you think I am?!

I who have anticipated this treasure*, is a man who would grant any privilege. Exerting effort is a matter of course.

And you, you're truly a man who doesn't know when to quit, huh.

*this treasure = you/master

[vincentvault]

Fate Grand Order material XII [Digital]part 4

[vincentvault]

Fate Grand Order material XII [Digital]part 3

[vincentvault]

[vincentvault]

During the scene where Fujiwara and co. confront Nanashi on Anarchy, I noticed Flynn has more to say in Japanese. In English, he basically says Nanashi is his lord and god and he'll kill anyone who stands in his way, but in Japanese (from the machine translation I used), he mocks the crowd for "clinging to a cage." What do you think? (also, super cool how smt4 has optional alignment convos like that. I didn't notice. Thank you for sharing!)

"Come, you weaklings that hang onto the cage that must be destroyed! You are at the presence of a god, clear the path!"

Some Japanese fans bring this scene for the argument that Flynn having unsolved feelings regarding humanity's helplessness could convince him to work under Krishna (or Dagda). So...

Let's remind ourselves of a key element of the duology.

The process of "influencing one's mind" is a recurring theme in SMTIV&A, and comes from both deities and humans. -> The fragile and elusive Goddess of Tokyo that is the result of Tokyo's hopeless state (to which Masakado pushes back through Flynn) -> Flynn impacting the Tokyoites to such a great extent that he becomes their Messiah (and the Divine Powers take advantage of) -> The monastery controlling Mikado, Lilith (and later, Maitreya) controlling the Ring of Gaea, Tayama (and later, Samyaza) controlling the Ashura-kai etc.

Even Nanashi himself is acting differently than how he would prior to his death.

However, contrary to what many fans think, the power of influence addressed in SMTIVA isn't found only in extreme cases (where you may call it brainwashing) but also in situations where one must 'read the air' and think in collectivist terms (which is inherently linked to respecting hierarchy and rules) rather than focus on yourself individually.

When you're in a vulnerable position, you will agree with who has the most power in order to avoid social stigma and, depending on the seriousness of the situation, even out of survival.

In SMTIVA's dialogue options, you either "respect harmony" through Nanashi considering other people's feelings or "disregard everyone but yourself" through Nanashi acting in ruthless manner.

As I also mentioned before, these dialogue options shouldn't necessarily be seen as Nanashi's "personalities". There's a margin of interpretation where the player can infer as those being ways in how he wants to be perceived. Nanashi can still be apathetic in Bonds while also being able to act kind in Massacre.

Nanashi can act in a deceitful manner, in however way you, the player, interpret him to be.

Therefore, if Nanashi can hide his displeasures with harmony and the cycle of suffering in order to have everyone alive OR put on a sociopathic pretense so he won't feel heartbroken anymore...

Why the same couldn't be true for Flynn?

"The real thrill of Megaten is being able to make the main character fall into darkness. [...] Dagda respected the person's wishes, so I think that Flynn's words and actions are all from his true intentions. (Although it cannot be denied that once you die, your personality becomes different.) He was tired of being treated as a savior while being ignored as an individual."

But what is Flynn as an individual? Rather, what is a genuine Flynn?

Reflecting on the parallels between the childhood friends is intrinsic for measuring why Flynn and Nanashi would "fall into darkness".

Just like Nanashi with Asahi, Flynn can't mask his true nature from Issachar. They are the first character introduced to the player in each game, which conveys the fact they are who the protagonist has the most familiarity with.

Of course, there's not a single way of interpreting what Issachar and Asahi mean to the player. Many might see them in a despicable manner.

"I think it's a relief that [in the Massacre Route] Flynn's memory disappears and he's left wondering what a fishing hook is. Fishhook Mount Man was a piece of scum who pretended to be Flynn's best friend, got jealous, turned into a devil [...] and attacked him. And because of this guy, Flynn's parents..."

What's relevant however, specially in Issachar's case, is that he consistently stays as part of how Flynn sees himself as a person at the same time of also reflecting on Flynn's view on humanity.

To which gives the opening for Krishna to act on (and later, Dagda).

Now let's analyze what points Krishna brings that would, in his opinion, "reach and save Flynn":

Krishna talks of Flynn in a familiar tone as if he's in the know of what was happening inside the Samurai's mind. To which is later confirmed by Flynn himself, in Bonds:

Talking about the long-lasting and complex dynamic between Krishna and Flynn's soul is where things start getting.... tangled.

While the direct cause behind the tragedies that befell onto Flynn's Sengoku period's incarnation (which was only addressed in the side-story published in the SMTIVA Artbook), Krishna is also a victim of YHVH's meddling and the humans' observation.

As I mentioned earlier, SMTIVA addresses the power of influence with observation being the one that directly affects myths.

Due to the religious syncretism, Krishna became fused with Buddhist and Shinto deities (Mahakala and Okuninushi respectively) and turned into the deity Kokuten, an unrelenting deadly force whose bloodthirsty nature turned him into the culprit behind the 26 Martyrs of Japan in the fictional world of SMTIV.

What happened with Krishna's past self is the best example of how disastrous "influence" can be.

On another note, Kokuten was also responsible for the death of Gamo Ujisato, an IRL feudal lord that also happened to be the master Sengoku-Flynn served under, to which made Sengoku-Flynn go on a journey of vengeance and self-sacrifice that lasted over two decades.

Ironically, Sengoku-Flynn's obsession in avenging his master and trading his life away to succeed in defeating Kokuten made him die free of regrets and even more, feeling "saved" by Krishna's return to himself.

Thus we must finally connect to how Krishna is in the myth.

1) Are Flynn and Krishna compatible?

"One has the right to perform their expected duty, But not to the right to the fruits of action; One should not consider oneself as the doer of the action, Nor should one attach oneself to inaction." - Bhagavad Gita 2 : 47

In the context of SMTIV, we can see Flynn in a similar place as the morally troubled Arjuna, the warrior to whom Krishna advises in the battlefield.

In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches Arjuna about the eternal nature of the soul and the temporary nature of the body, advising him to perform his warrior duty with detachment and without grief. Krishna emphasizes in the scripture that this is the key to attaining inner peace and spiritual growth.

The entire scope of what we see Flynn's undying soul going through fits into Krishna's ideal concept of a stoic warrior that fulfills his duties selflessly while renouncing the rewards of his achievements by constantly throwing away his body in the process.

2) How did Sengoku!Flynn change Kokuten back to Krishna?

"And whoever, leaving their body, goes forth remembering Me alone at the time of death, they will attain My Being; there is no doubt about this." - Bhagavad Gita 8 : 5

Krishna reveals the importance of the last thought before death. If you remember Krishna at the time of death, you will certainly attain him.

3) What is the great singularity?

3.1) Why would it be the solution for humanity's cycle of suffering?

"Having attained Me, the great souls are no more subject to rebirth in this world, which is transient and full of misery, because they have attained the highest perfection. In all the worlds of this material creation, up to the highest abode of Brahma, you will be subject to rebirth [...] But on attaining My Abode, [...] there is no further rebirth. [...] At the advent of Brahma’s day, all living beings emanate from the unmanifest source. And at the fall of his night, all embodied beings again merge into their unmanifest source. Multitudes of beings repeatedly take birth with the advent of Brahma’s day, and are reabsorbed on the arrival of the cosmic night, to manifest again automatically on the advent of the next cosmic day. Transcendental to this manifest and unmanifest creation, there is yet another unmanifest eternal dimension. That realm does not cease even when all others do. That unmanifest dimension is the supreme goal, and upon reaching it, one never returns to this mortal world. That is My Supreme Abode. The Supreme Divine Personality is greater than all that exists. Although He is all-pervading and all living beings are situated in Him, yet He can be known only through devotion." - Bhagavad Gita 8:15-8:22

Krishna talks about the various abodes in the material realm and the cycle of creation. He further explains how the multitudes of beings manifest on these abodes, and at the time of dissolution, everything absorbs back into Him.

However, the divine Abode of God is untouched by this cycle of creation and dissolution. Those who progress on the path of light finally reach the divine abode and never return to the material world. Whereas those fallen souls who tread the path of darkness endlessly keep transmigrating in the cycle of birth, old age, sickness, and death.

Krishna emphasizes that every being has an impermanent body and an eternal Self, and that "Krishna as Lord" lives within every creature. Everything is in Krishna and Krishna is in everything. However, only through devotion, when our mind is perfectly absorbed in Krishna, we will elevate from the material dimension to the spiritual realm.

3.2) How are worshippers divided through it?

The majority of Hindus believe in one supreme god (The Brahman). Everything is a part of and a manifestation of Brahman, the ultimate reality; however, Brahman’s qualities and powers may be represented by a great diversity of gods/deities all of which emanate from The Brahman.

Rather than being a single doctrinal religion, Hinduism encompasses a broad range of perspectives on the nature of god including polytheism, pantheism, monism and monotheism. Which might be a possible reason for the Polytheistic Alliance being renamed as Divine Powers in the localization.

This one ultimate reality can be perceived in and through an infinite number of names and forms. The Hindu concept of god and deity varies from supreme god to a personal god to even hundreds of deities. For Hindus, god is one, but also many.

In conclusion, Krishna is worshipped as one of the many reincarnated forms of Brahman.

When SMT4 Krishna states that those that side with him will each get their own slice of followers, he means that his allies will all become manifestations of the same supreme god.

4) What does Krishna mean by "love"?

"For those whose minds are attached to the unmanifest, the path of realization is full of tribulations. Worship of the unmanifest is exceedingly difficult for embodied beings. But those who dedicate all their actions to Me, regarding Me as the Supreme goal, worshiping Me and meditating on Me with exclusive devotion, O Parth, I swiftly deliver them from the ocean of birth and death, for their consciousness is united with Me." - Bhagavad Gita 12:5 – 12:7

In the 12th chapter, Arjuna asks Krishna about the two types of yogis (yoga practitioner) and among them whom does he consider perfect, those who worship the formless Brahman or those who are devoted to the personal-form of God.

Krishna declares that devotees can attain Him by both paths. However, he considers those who worship His personal-form as the best yogis with Krishna stating that when God is loved in a personal aspect, the way is vastly easier.

Hindus believe that god permeates all things—animate or inanimate—and, as they enhance our well-being, intellect, and spirituality, one worships them. For example, the sun provides us with warmth and life, so they respect the Sun god; our parents protect us, feed us, guide us, and look after our well-being, so they respect our parents as gods.

Krishna can be projected as "a merciful father, a divine mother, a wise friend, a passionate beloved, or even a mischievous child".

The text states that combining "action with inner renunciation" with the love of Krishna as a personal God leads to peace. In the last eight verses of this chapter, Krishna states that he loves those who have compassion for all living beings, are content with whatever comes their way, and live a detached life that is impartial and selfless, neither craving for praise nor depressed by criticism and unaffected by fleeting pleasure or pain.

Flynn's soul shared most of the qualities Krishna desired in a warrior. Strong devotion towards those he serves and incredible endurance towards his own pain.

However...

Vishnu-Flynn ultimately lost in both routes.

In Bonds, Flynn couldn't detach himself from you and your allies so he struggled the most against Krishna in this route.

In Massacre, with all of your companions dead, there seemed to be no signals of Flynn coming out. Thus Nanashi's own will prevailed over Flynn's broken will.

WHAT I THINK:

-> Yes, the duology had plenty of buildup for a dark Flynn to come out regardless of alignment. Flynn's PTSD regarding Issachar was the leading cause towards him being mentally scarred and constantly unsure of himself. -> No, I don't believe Flynn would worship Krishna by his own will (at least from what we were presented). Being "manipulated" or "coerced into it" are the ways I can see Flynn consciously working under Krishna, similarly to how Dagda put Nanashi in an unfair situation when reviving the young Hunter.

But even for those what-ifs to take place, Krishna would've needed to give a choice to Flynn, which didn't happen due to his Supreme God ego. As friendly and compassionate as he may appear on the surface, at the end of the day Krishna is a deity that demands complete exclusionary devotion from his worshipper.

And as Krishna himself states in the Gita, it won't flow smoothily if the devotee isn't doing it with love. It's a two-way street.

On a personal level, I consider Flynn and Krishna's dynamic interesting regarding their long history of clashing but not in a sense where there would be genuine reciprocity.

AND NOW...

Dissecting the Massacre route

In contrast to Krishna's depiction being an obvious reference to the Gita, Dagda's is more of an implicitly clever "subverted take".

I discussed it in depth in this post and strongly recommend to read it before proceeding in order to understand the full scope of Dagda's character and associated themes I'll be using here.

......

......

Read it? Okay, let's move on to the original point of your ask.

1) Flynn's personality change

"I'lll always be by his side, no matter what. This body* exists only for my master..." *(身 means body in a philosophical sense to which can be translated as one’s self, mind or social position. For this context, "body and soul" could fit as well)

The thing about Massacre Flynn is that, rather than only taking what he says at face value, one should delve into the WHOLE context of the alignment this Flynn is working under.

To try seeing through the lenses of another fan once again, I asked a friend what was their opinion on Flynn's behavior in the Massacre route and they gave me 3 possibilities of what happened.

1) Dagda brainwashed Flynn after pulling his soul out of the underworld

My response: This contradicts SMTIVA Dagda's philosophy of maintaining a human's will thus the least likely on the perspective that Dagda isn't being hypocritical. ❌

2) Dagda only revived Flynn's body, and since his soul is strongly devoted to those he serves, he was born ready and willing to serve.

My response: We can put this one together from what we see. First evidence: yes, Flynn is only stated in-game to "have his wounds healed" by Dagda. Second evidence: S E V E R A L instances of Flynn's soul acting self-sacrificial in 3 different lifetimes. => Previously I've also thought of a similar explanation but with Krishna being the one that broke Flynn's original self instead, thus when Nanashi defeated his previous master Krishna, Nanashi filled the seat for who Flynn "worships" <=

However, in either case, it's not a very... conclusive outcome. The margin of interpretations is too wide and there's still a feeling of contradiction regarding Dagda's philosophy.

While it's the most possible one within the boundaries of evidence, it still would lead to the player interpreting that Dagda might be using Flynn without a sense of respect contrasting his own pact with Nanashi. △

And here's the final possibility:

3) Dagda had a conversation off-screen with Flynn in the underworld, and Flynn is back out of his own free will. Maybe his change in personality reflects his conviction to the new cause.

My response: While we don't have scenes where this specific instance is conveyed verbally to the player, an attentive player will recognize that:

-> Flynn talks to Charon before deciding between being revived or not. Just like, guess. Nanashi with Dagda.

-> It'd explain much deeper why Dagda and Nanashi's agreement works, why Flynn couldn't work with Krishna and THUS why Flynn can work with Dagda.

Dagda would act respecting Flynn's will, therefore staying genuine to his ideals. ⭕

If Flynn is acting on his senses, what does it mean?

Sidetracking for a bit, the Japanese script is more clarifying for why Dagda had to revive Flynn.

After killing Vishnu-Flynn, Nanashi snatches the Cosmic Egg's throne and ascends to a higher level of existence. While not the full-fledged God (as he needs to defeat YHVH for that), by this point Nanashi is no longer considered in the limits of a human.

"To destroy YHVH, the god who rules the current universe, a <<Godslayer>> will be necessary..." "[Player], make use of Flynn as a Godslayer to defeat YHVH"

As powerful as Nanashi became, just like Dagda and any other deity, he can't actually do an one-on-one fight with YHVH. He needs to take advantage of Flynn's status as a human to observe YHVH.

The last screenshot is the most important in this subject:

"This is why the gods goad humans to their side, and make them observe things which are beneficial to them."

Deities can't escape influence from humans. Stephen himself is indirectly pushing Nanashi to "influence" Flynn in order to have a chance at defeating YHVH.

Dagda chooses Nanashi on the perspective that their "new world" together will be from humans to humans while all the other phenomena (including Dagda) goes back to being nature — the "original" or, you could say, scientific versions of themselves.

Since we're at it, let's finally talk about...

2) Death of belief as a philosophy

2.1) When SMTIVA was first revealed in the Famitsu magazine, the main keyword of the game was "Deicide."

2.2) Stephen Hawking

Real-life Stephen Hawking was well-known for rejecting the conventional notion of God and had its fair share of quotes on the matter:

“God is the name people give to the reason we are here” “Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist” “It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going.” "In my opinion, there is no aspect of reality beyond the reach of the human mind"

2.3) Parallels to Nietzsche's Übermensch

In Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883), the character Zarathustra posit the Übermensch as a goal for humanity to set for itself. Über can have connotations of superiority, transcendence, excessiveness, or intensity, depending on the words to which it is attached. Mensch refers to a human being. A way to translate would be "Superhuman".

2.3.1) The Übermensch represents a shift from otherworldly Christian values and manifests the grounded human ideal. The Übermensch is someone who has "crossed over" the bridge, from the comfortable "house on the lake" (the comfortable, easy, mindless acceptance of what a person has been taught, and what everyone else believes) to the mountains of unrest and solitude;

2.3.2) Zarathustra declares that the Christian escape from this world also required the invention of an immortal soul separate from the earthly body. He further links the Übermensch to the body and to interpreting the soul as simply an aspect of the body;

2.3.3) The Übermensch is tied to the death of God. "God is dead" means that the idea of God can no longer provide values. Nietzsche refers to this crucial paradigm shift as a reevaluation of values.

Sidenote: throughout SMTIV&A, one can see other concepts explored by Nietzsche such as the “eternal return”, which frames existence in terms of endlessly repeating cycles and the "will to power", which involves a ceaseless struggle for survival and mastery.

2.4) Parallels to Sartre's Being and Nothingness

The central notion of this book is that "existence precedes essence". It also introduces of the concept of bad faith, a psychological phenomenon whereby individuals act inauthentically, by yielding to the external pressures of society to adopt false values and disown their innate freedom as sentient human beings.

Sartre said that human beings have no essence before their existence because there is no Creator. This forms the basis for his assertion that because one cannot explain one's own actions and behavior by referring to any specific human nature, they are necessarily fully responsible for those actions. "We can act without being determined by our past which is always separated from us."

Sartre maintained that the concepts of authenticity and individuality have to be earned but not learned. We need to experience "death consciousness" so as to wake up ourselves as to what is really important; the authentic in our lives which is life experience, not knowledge. Death draws the final point when we as beings cease to live for ourselves and permanently become objects that exist only for the outside world. In this way death emphasizes the burden of our free, individual existence.

"We can oppose authenticity to an inauthentic way of being. Authenticity consists in experiencing the indeterminate character of existence in anguish. It is also to know how to face it by giving meaning to our actions and by recognizing ourselves as the author of this meaning. On the other hand, an inauthentic way of being consists in running away, in lying to oneself in order to escape this anguish and the responsibility for one's own existence."

Would you look at that! Both 2.3.3 and 2.4 covered my friend's theory that Flynn's change in personality would reflect his conviction to the new cause.

-> Nanashi "becomes a god" -> Stephen states in-game he "transcended humanity as well".

In Christian context, an ordinary human being is still accountable and responsible to (capital 'G') God. In existential atheism, each individual is considered fully responsible for the entire world they live in.

Nanashi isn't "setting himself to be a second YHVH". He becomes "godlike" in his self-determination, thus having command over his own destiny.

->->-> So when Flynn says, in the original script:

"Come, you weaklings that hang onto the cage that must be destroyed! You are at the presence of a god, clear the path!"

He means that Nanashi is "a human that is above faith itself"<-<-<-

Sounds edgy? It might sound edgy. And yet....

3) Rejecting God doesn't make you nihilistic

3.1) Despite his lack of faith, Stephen Hawking believed that the universe and life have meaning:

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist”

3.2) Nietzsche's Zarathustra proclaims the will of the Übermensch to give purpose to life on earth, and admonishes his audience to ignore those who promise otherworldly fulfillment to draw them away from the earth.

3.3) Karl Marx famously stated:

"The foundation of irreligious criticism is: Man makes religion, religion does not make man. Religion is, indeed, the self-consciousness and self-esteem of man who has either not yet won through to himself, or has already lost himself again. But man is no abstract being squatting outside the world. Man is the world of man – state, society. This state and this society produce religion, which is an inverted consciousness of the world, because they are an inverted world. Religion is the general theory of this world, its encyclopaedic compendium, its logic in popular form, its spiritual point d’honneur, its enthusiasm, its moral sanction, its solemn complement, and its universal basis of consolation and justification. It is the fantastic realization of the human essence since the human essence has not acquired any true reality. The struggle against religion is, therefore, indirectly the struggle against that world whose spiritual aroma is religion. Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness. To call on them to give up their illusions about their condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions. The criticism of religion is, therefore, in embryo, the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo. Criticism has plucked the imaginary flowers on the chain not in order that man shall continue to bear that chain without fantasy or consolation, but so that he shall throw off the chain and pluck the living flower. The criticism of religion disillusions man, so that he will think, act, and fashion his reality like a man who has discarded his illusions and regained his senses, so that he will move around himself as his own true Sun. Religion is only the illusory Sun which revolves around man as long as he does not revolve around himself." Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right of 1843

Remember what Flynn blurts out after being saved in Bonds:

And yet, realize how similar the Law ending is to the Bonds ending:

Was any of this really what Flynn truly wanted? For humans to stay dependent on him in this illusionary happiness instead of being able to save themselves?

The concept of Nanashi being a "god that retains his humanity" might not be only based on he being a human originally; as shown above, there's a strong margin of interpretation that Nanashi could have hid behind a cold-blooded front all along in order to release the cycle of pain that has blighted his peers and loved ones among humanity. Once and for all.

WHAT I THINK:

-> Flynn isn't 'worshipping' Nanashi as he being a traditional god.

He either...

a) follows Nanashi paralleled to the way he followed his late master Ujisato (in other words, like a leader he's debted to); or b) is equating worshipping Nanashi as worshipping the concept of 'humanity free of its chains' itself.

Flynn's servant's nature may or may not have been part of Dagda's contract; as I discussed earlier, Flynn's soul acting self-sacrificial and subservient happened even in situations where he supposedly had full autonomy. And again, Dagda would occasionally "coerce" Nanashi into thinking he was his puppet, but Dagda wasn't defacto making Nanashi act involuntarily.

-> Nanashi, his Goddess of choice and Flynn all "change personalities" in their consequent revivals, as a reevaluation of values adapted their cores to a new purpose in life.

Alternatively, if deities can get syncretized by the humans that follow them, humans can become "influenced" by the deities they follow. Remember the power of influence I discussed at the beginning of this post? Flynn used honorifics for Masakado, so it's expected that he would call Dagda and Nanashi by titles as well.

Which is why Nanashi and Flynn can disregard their childhood friends and allies alike for the purpose of "throwing away" what made them their old selves, but still acknowledge Walter and Jonathan that explicitly were chained to the reincarnation cycle alongside the protagonist duo and also "threw away" their past in order to become Law and Chaos pieces (and by twist of fate, the pieces turned back against their creator).

Although, at the end of the day, the degree in which this personality change occurs, be partly or fully, at once or gradual, fluctuating or immutable, is ultimately hard to evaluate due to lack of dialogue in this route; thus stays as an indefinite answer.

And my last observed point:

-> By becoming a god while Flynn stays as the last remaining humanity, Nanashi creates an 'ouroboros'. To which, ironically, makes him endlessly depend on Flynn's power of observation.

In other words, Nanashi's character from then on will logically be a reflection of how his sole follower views him. Whether this was Flynn's intention all along when agreeing with Dagda, it's up to you. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

On a playful ending note:

Stephen Hawking (both irl and in-game) is afraid of no gods. That being said, you know what he said that humans should beware of?

Aliens.

There's a catch: If there are other civilizations out there, we'd better be careful not to run across the bad guys, a la "Prometheus." Hawking has previously warned against calling too much attention to ourselves, for fear of attracting the wrong sort of extraterrestrials. Such a visit might well be similar to Christopher Columbus' visit to the Americas, "which didn't turn out very well for the Native Americans," Hawking said. But how likely is it that intelligent life exists? Surely someone who's skeptical about God's existence would be skeptical about E.T.'s existence as well, right? Not really. NBC News

To complement on his opinion, evolutionary biologist (and outspoken atheist) Richard Dawkins suggested it's "most likely" that the universe has many forms of life — although those life forms may be on "islands separated by vast distances."

"The idea that we are alone in the universe seems to me completely implausible and arrogant [...] Considering the number of planets and stars that we know exist, it's extremely unlikely that we are the only form of evolved life."

What kind of messiahs does this man have in mind? I'm scared to even think about it...

[vincentvault]

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ Things to do with your f/o! (no drawing!)

♡Write a love letter themed around your f/o!

Pour your heart out! Decorate the page with stickers, doodles, or your favorite pens. Write about your feelings, confess your love, or pen a romantic poem. You can even keep it casual—just ask how their day is or tell them about yours. They'll love hearing from you!

♡Create a wall/journal collage!

Print out some photos/quotes of your f/o and create a collage for them. Include things that they love--like their favorite colors, hobbies, or symbols. Hang it on your wall or make it a journal spread!

♡Go on a IRL date!

You could go on a movie date, have a picnic with all of your f/o's favorite foods, or chat with them while going on a walk! Create a special moment just for them.

♡Make a character journal!

Imagine your F/O writing about their feelings for you! What would they say if they kept a diary? Write from their perspective and explore their inner thoughts. (Just make sure not to get caught snooping!)

♡Create notes that your f/o would write to you!

Write sweet messages from your f/o's perspective to leave around your home or room. They could remind you to take out the trash, cheer you on for the day, or simply say “I love you.” It’s a fun way to make their presence feel real!

(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ

[vincentvault]

Naoya is the most reasonable Chaos Alignment representative in the whole series. Which is saying a lot because he genuinely has to be talked down from using murder as a first resort.