Covetous antisocial

Appraisal patterns of envy and related emotions

2024.05.09 22:56 theconstellinguist Appraisal patterns of envy and related emotions

Appraisal patterns of envy and related emotions

Crossposting audience: The bad news is there does not seem to be a cure for envy. This is congruent with the recidivism statistics of maladapted/antisocial behavior in narcissists, without which narcissism and those with NPD would not be so socially undesirable. However, there are clear signs that the circuitry of envy is noticeably different than the circuitry of admiration, and that jealousy pathways are similar to addiction and expectation of reward pathways. A neuroeconomic analysis of "I won't win this one without illegal/unethical leveling" may be occurring in the envious, showing there may be insight that could resolve what has been until this point and unresolvable emotion full of frustration and pain at the perceived inferiority these individuals suffer. It is important to study and resolve this to help protect their victims from violence, psychological, and economic abuse, theft, hostage-taking of what is critical to the envied person, and unreasonable dislike that turns into hate crime on a whim. Victims deserve protection (the envious say the opposite) and so we research. Follow this subreddit for the first research-backed subreddit on envy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356518/#:~:text=The%20more%20a%20situation%20was,as%20both%20deserved%20and%20controllable.
Deservingness predicts whether someone will engage in benign or malicious envy. When someone feels low control over something, deservingness tends to be perceived as lower. For instance, there are people that believe that young Angelina Jolie had lip fillers because they themselves have small lips. Due to the fact their bodies may not produce that kind of estrogen, they feel malicious envy. Interestingly, that creates a circular loop where they feel it isn’t deserved because they can’t also have it, and because it isn’t deserved according to them subjectively (for instance, this is a case where subjective deservingness is completely incorrect…she was born that way, it’s not about deserving or not) then they feel malicious envy. (Interestingly this particular example may explain the malicious envy economic abuse levelling properties of misogyny…people without estrogen may feel malicious envy towards those with it as empathy is valued and factoring in all the moving pieces like a more high empathy mind can may be a coveted trait). Higher entitlement is more likely to lead to malicious envy; narcissists and narcissistic people are proven to over-appraise their own features and create cases of social inflation (zeronarcissists) meaning they are more likely to believe they will be given things, deserve things, or have things they will not be given, do not objectively deserve by truly just criteria, or do not have. Therefore narcissists are more likely to feel people have things they don't deserve because they believe they are the only people that deserve them and therefore they are more likely to experience malicious envy and engage in illegal “bring them down to my level” behaviors. Misogynists who believe everything women have is given to them by men show this same narcissistic trait as a group; interestingly this may be an attempt to feel in control of having low estrogen by making delusions of control about women that do not withstand evidence when rigorously examined (thinking they program women in the same way infants think they control their mothers before they develop a sense of the external world when successfully psychologically developed, but when examined no such control exists).
Similarly, research on how resentment means objective criteria of undeservingness is not fulfilled and how that differs from envy which is a subjective evaluation that something is not deserved based often on entitlement and narcissistic self over-appraisal (narcissistic areas show severe social inflation, such as a low quality prison community mathematics program issued by Edmonds College where they give everyone A's, but their comprehensjon would all collapse if their comprehension was put into action, showing the importance of accurate feedback against the flattery of the masses who did not earn it and did not work to improve themselves…the poor are just as able to actually study and get real A’s in math if given enough stability, food, and safety from harassment and aggressors) shows how the idea that looks are something to embody or that you are, rather than something you possess, again reflects the narcissist’s cognition in pride towards their being a nationality, vs. possessing a nationality. (This is of course different from ethnicity). Thus, if someone feels looks aren't deserved and shows envy, it suggests that they think people are their looks and so everything they gain is through their looks, this shows dehumanization of people whose looks they are jealous of, completely discrediting all other parts of their personality where looks are something they merely have and they also have other skills specific to them as well that are a direct consequence of those skills and nothing to do with their looks. This dehumanization shows therefore incel logic, a narcissistic cognition pattern, and reveals the entitlement that caused the malicious envy insofar as after examining this it becomes clear they feel entitled to BE someone else’s looks as their social self-inflation has awarded them as more deserving. This may cause them to try to control and make a possession (commodify) the person they feel they deserve to be in order to feel like they actually have become what they deserve to be, and then weaponize it for their own use instead of realizing that person is an agent, not a commodity, with skills that create results external to their looks…they are unable to comprehend that, showing true hate crime characteristic of the incel (male and female and nonbinary can all engage in commodification and blanket statements of those with looks they are jealous of as hate crime; I have recently dealt with who I believe to be an incel woman who completely dehumanized me and just because men found me to be prettier she tried to chalk up all my accomplishments to that…even though my grades and accomplishments in the field we both shared are publicly viewable, all As, and just as good or even better than hers…that is the sign that a lot of deservingness is rationalized, not objective). Depending on the weakness of the targeted proxy, this will work with enough money, power and control. If the proxy is strong, it will not work, and the narcissist will be triggered and really attack them on what they perceive is “undeservingness” even deliberately sinking their appraisal. This is the danger of incels, and we can learn how this broken logic may have also collapse our housing market just like any group that resorts to terrorism and malicious envy will, such as invasive, aggressive communists entitled to the "glory of America" (targetting LA and Hollywood in particular) while not even remotely showing the foundational comprehension of it.
Malicious envy is predicted by subjective, not objective, appraisals of undeservingness.
The more a situation was appraised as undeserved, the more participants experienced malicious envy.
Envy is always malicious according to some theories
Scholars have argued that only a malicious form of envy aimed at derogating the envied person should be considered “envy proper” (Miceli and Castelfranchi 2007; Schoeck 1969; Smith 2004; Smith and Kim 2007).
Appraisals have a strong socialemotional component, just like sentiment analysis has an intractable projection problem even in collecting databases based on subjective analysis of what people perceive to be certain emotions on average
The core idea in appraisal theory is that each emotion can be related to a specific pattern of appraisals, which are cognitions about the perceived antecedents of emotional experiences.
Low control over the situation leads to more malicious envy
Smith and colleagues (Smith 2000; Smith et al. 1994) clarified that someone should also perceive to have low control over the situation (making it difficult to change the situation), and feel that it is unfair that the other has the superior position.
Envy is differentiation with non-maladapted emotions by lack of social comparison. When social comparison is initiated, the initiator is in at least benign envy, potentially malicious envy
Where these studies did not differentiate benign and malicious envy, Van de Ven et al. (2009) content analyzed written personal experiences of malicious envy, benign envy, admiration, and resentment. That analysis confirmed that both benign and malicious envy contained explicit social comparisons (“she got a good grade while I did not”), whereas these were hardly ever present for episodes of admiration and resentment.
Low control and perceived unfairness cause malicious envy
low control potential and perceived unfairness, appeared to be mainly present in stories about malicious envy, not in those of benign envy.
Appraisal-emotion relationships are a critical component to any competent analysis of an appraisal system, especially if it is broken
“Unless the subject is instructed to specify the appraisals that are relevant to the primary emotion under investigation, appraisals relevant to other emotions may be reported, obscuring true appraisal-emotion relationships.”
When subjective feelings that someone doesn’t deserve something are high, malicious envy tends to be the result. This malicious envy can then motivate them to break the appraisal system, showing appraisal is inherently social-emotional.
We expected that envy-eliciting situations in which another is undeservedly better off will elicit malicious envy, while situations in which another is deservedly better off are more likely to elicit benign envy.
Calling age instead of skill can, for example, lead to feelings that deservingness criteria has not been met
For example, a colleague might not deserve a promotion, but might be entitled to it based on the number of years he works for the company. The deservingness of the situation provides information as to which emotion will be elicited and thus seems important to add as one of the important appraisal dimensions (Feather 2006; Feather and McKee 2009). For example, a deserved positive outcome can lead to feelings of pride, while a similar but undeserved outcome can lead to feelings of guilt.
Subjective injustice is not objective injustice. Envious people become less cooperative and have more ideas of subjective injustice for it. They can or cannot be based in factual injustices (such as someone doing all the work and another getting the pay–calorically and energetically corrupt, broken and unsustainable; human trafficking is a good example of a true and actual factual injustice…it will collapse everything if unchecked).
Consistent with this are findings that subjective injustice is indeed related to typical envy experiences, such as depressive and hostile feelings (Smith et al. 1994). Envious people also became less cooperative towards someone who was undeservedly better off, but not when the advantage of the other was deserved (Parks et al. 2002).
Alternative theories have suggested that the more something is deserved, the more the lack of control creeps in and the more intense the envy is because they have no way to prop up their own delusion that they are the more deserving due to evidence about the sheer gravity of the facts about deservingness. These theories deserve more attention.
In contrast to this, Miceli and Castelfranchi (2007) theorize that the more deserved it is perceived to be that the other has something one lacks, the more intense the envy will be. After all, an envious person who is outperformed by someone who really is much better might feel especially frustrated. We, however, predict that the intensity of the emotional experience of envy will not be affected by the perceived deservingness of the situation, but that appraisals of deservingness determine whether malicious or benign envy is felt.
Envy was hypothesized as strongest for those who feel they cannot improve their situation
As early as 1597, Bacon already reasoned that envy would be strongest for those who feel they cannot improve their situation. Similarly, Rawls (1971) argued that envy would become hostile when people have no opportunity to act constructively. Others go even further and argue that low perceived control is a necessary condition for envy to occur (Ortony et al. 1988; Smith 1991).
Low control created more malicious envy while high control created more benign envy
We predicted that appraisals of low control potential would elicit malicious envy, while appraisals of high control potential would elicit benign envy.
Benign envy resembles admiration, and malicious envy resembles resentment
One could argue that benign envy resembles admiration, and that malicious envy resembles resentment. If we were to find clear differences between these emotions, it would be testimony to both the importance of studying envy and distinguishing benign from malicious envy.
Admiration differs from benign envy because it feels frustrating. Benign envy was almost always seen before people began taking action to relieve the feelings of inferiority, often doing the same thing. That was not present in mere admiration, showing that with just a little more hate people doing this are at risk of malicious envy.
Admiration has been defined as the emotional response to non-moral excellence (Algoe and Haidt 2009). Although both benign envy and admiration are felt when people are confronted with a superior other, there is a strong indication that they are different experiences (Van de Ven et al. 2009). First, benign envy feels frustrating, while admiration is a pleasant feeling. Second, benign envy was found to lead to action tendencies aimed at improving one’s own situation, while admiration was not.
Benign envy, but not admiration, was related to explicit social comparisons. If it is without social comparisons, it is not envy. This shows that there is a codependent element at the heart of envy, which suggests broken codependent appraisal systems.
This would be consistent with our earlier content analysis (Van de Ven et al. 2009). In it, we found that benign envy, but not admiration, was related to explicit social comparisons (e.g., “I did not pass the exam, while the other person did”).
If the upward comparison reflects badly, frustration occurs.
if the upward comparison reflects badly on oneself frustration is more likely to occur. Because of this, we also expected the situation to have worsened somewhat for benign envy but not for admiration (predicting a difference for benign envy and admiration on the situational state appraisal).
Resentment is indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as wrong. This is usually based on more factual, independent appraisal systems not easily infiltrated and affected by codependent factors.
Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines resentment as the indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as wrong.
For example, people who feel that their situation is superior to that of people in a communist system, might still resent communists if they perceive the communist belief system to be morally wrong. In the current research, we asked participants to recall experiencing resentment for one specific person, as that is the resentment that is relatively close to malicious envy.
Objective unfairness causes resentment while subjective feelings and perceptions of undeservingness leads to malicious envy. These subjective feelings and perceptions may not have any basis at all, showing much of aesthetics is perceptual and is more about an inability to process intuitions, feelings and processes analytically to break them down into an actionable, processable form. (With the exception of art for its own sake; but art for a moral or judgmental sake suggests this analytical inability)
Others have theorized that resentment is more likely if the situation is perceived to be objectively unfair (D’Arms 2009; Rawls 1971), while (malicious) envy is more likely if there is more of a subjective feeling of undeservingness (Feather and Sherman 2002; Smith et al. 1994). However, appraisal theory suggests that appraisals that lead to certain emotions are by definition subjective perceptions of the situation (Scherer et al. 2001). Furthermore, perceptions of fairness and deservingness are likely to be strongly related, making these unlikely candidates for differentiating envy from resentment.
If someone actually caused you to be worse off, resentment is more likely, such as for a bad manager who was factually incompetent and endangered your life repeatedly due to extreme covert rages (for example). Malicious envy would instead be that somebody made you feel bad about yourself, which is not an actual flaw of them as a manager, but would be experienced as malicious envy.
Thus, if the other person actually caused you to be worse off resentment is more likely, while malicious envy is more likely if situational factors are responsible. For example, a football player could be maliciously envious of another player who undeservedly made the first team if it was the decision of the coach to choose the other, but the football player would resent the other player if the other player had cheated with his playing record to get into the first team.
Deservingness was clearly related to the type of envy elicited. Appraisal of control was a huge core feature of appraisal of deservingness. If people felt something was not in their control, it was more likely to be found undeserving, showing saying someone doesn’t deserve something may be at root an attempt to establish power and control to relieve feelings of inferiority.
First, and as expected, the perceived deservingness of the situation clearly mattered: For malicious envy, the situation was strongly perceived to be undeserved, while for benign envy this was not the case. Deservingness was thus clearly related to the type of envy elicited. Second, we also found a difference with respect to the appraisal of control potential. Those in the benign envy condition indicated that they had more control over the situation than those in the malicious envy condition.
Admiration is more likely if being outperformed is not appraised to reflect badly on oneself (low personalization). If it is appraised to reflect badly, benign envy is more likely (those with high personalization are more likely to begin the process of envy, linking narcissism to higher likelihood to feel envy as they process information through the ego instead of through its found environment).
Study 1 thus suggests that admiration is more likely if being outperformed does not reflect badly on oneself. If it does reflect badly upon oneself, but the situation is deserved, benign envy is likely to result.
A key difference between malicious envy is whether the other is blamed for the situation. High blame of the envied one shows malicious envy.
A key difference between malicious envy and resentment is whether the other is blamed for the situation (which leads to resentment) or whether the circumstances are blamed (leading to malicious envy).
Benign envy makes people take similar action (not seem in admiration) to relieve feelings of inferiority, malicious envy shows leveling and destructive behaviors to try to bring the person down where they don’t make them feel inferior anymore. It is seriously not ok and very dangerous.
Benign envy was assessed by asking whether they “would be inspired” and “would start to work harder,” r(124) = .46, p < .001. Malicious envy was assessed by asking whether they “would secretly wish that their coworker would lose clients” and “would gossip about the coworker to others”, r(124) = .40, p < .001.
Malicious envy seeks to pull down the envied person, ironically creating the very injustice they subjectively perceived to be the case, which may or may not actually have a foundation depending on the case (perception does not mean reality)
The results are important because they provide insight into when benign envy exists that leads to constructive behavior aimed at moving up to the superior position, and when malicious envy exists that leads to destructive behavior aimed at pulling down the envied person.
If the other is to blame, resentment is more likely. If the circumstances are to blame, malicious envy is more likely.
if the other is to blame resentment will be elicited, if the circumstances are to blame than malicious envy is more likely.
A feedback loop exists where someone who makes someone feel inferior makes them disliked, and making them disliked makes what they have seem to be more undeserved. This shows that many people have broken, rationalizing appraisal systems.
For example, it seems likely that a person more easily becomes maliciously envious towards a disliked person. We predict this to be the case because an advantage of a disliked person could easily be perceived as undeserved.
Confounding of undeservingness and low control seems to be in all situations considered as undeserved
This could reflect an issue with our scenario, but we do wish to note that this confounding of undeservingness and control potential seems to be present in all undeserved situations: undeserved situations by definition constitute of a discrepancy between what someone put into a situation and what they got out of it (Feather 1999)
People who are entitled feel injustice when literally anyone has an advantage over them. This is definitely not a correct injustice appraisal and shows a rationalization, not a logical, process at the root of greed.
People who tend to feel entitled to many things (Campbell et al. 2004) may also find it undeserved when others have an advantage over them.
Internal locus of control shows that people with an internal locus of control tend to experience only benign envy certain they can control it back to favor them. Finding they cannot, it will slowly turn into malicious envy.
Furthermore, people with an internal locus of control (Duttweiler 1984) tend to feel that they can easily influence situations themselves, and might thus be especially likely to experience benign envy.
Why different brains are more likely to become hostile when seeing someone’s success as opposed to inspired again remains a very fruitful place of investigation that is not receiving the push and attention required (envy is behind so much destruction)
Investigating which persons are likely to become hostile or who become inspired after being confronted with others who outperform them seems an interesting line of study.
A possible healing force for envy would be to encourage logic that broke down knee jerk envy and move that logic to show it was deserved, and to assign this deservingness in a coolheaded, non-core attribution (aka, it is things they possess like gifts, not things they are at the core like a genius, that leads to narcissism in feeling pride for being (genius) instead of happiness with a state one is currently in (giftedness))
Evaluating the positive outcomes of someone else as deserved prevents possible negative behavior following envy, and is actually likely to inspire people to work harder and attain more for oneself.
Apparently this paper above just threw someone at Reddit into a narcissistic rage and I have multiple screenshots of about 10 minutes later being unable to post this new post, so I'm putting it here until it works.
Strange case of narcissistic and victim blaming research, has the tell-tale sign of relying on psychoanalysis, not quantitative fact based evidence and qualitative report, which would reveal the victim blaming. Bob Ferguson shows similar signs of this kind of incompetence so could be good to analyze
Analysis of this paper; victim blaming in young victims by the very men who normalize this culture under a Satanist "male desire to enjoy the period of the flesh".
How this author fails to have global comprehension of the variables at play while still so certainly stating them is a strong case of narcissism in itself. This would be interesting to analyze on its own sake. It also shows a high reliance on psychoanalysis, which is a common theme I have been seeing when things collapse without evidence.
https://intapi.sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/pcssr-2022-0005

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2024.05.08 17:19 theconstellinguist Envy Manifestations and Personality Disorders

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2024.05.06 21:05 theconstellinguist Envy and Schadenfreude Part 2

a subjective sense that the advantage enjoyed by the target person is undeserved, 2)

anger or resentment toward the target person, 3) disliking the target person, and 4) feelings of
inferiority.
). For example, Van Dijk et al. (2009)
found that participants experienced more schadenfreude toward high achievers with undeserved
achievements as opposed to those with deserved achievements, which was mediated by perceived
deservedness of the misfortune. In other words, people think an unfairly advantaged person
deserves a misfortune, which intensifies schadenfreude if a misfortune occurs. Although perceived
deservedness of the misfortune might have an effect via anger or resentment (e.g., Feather & Nairn,
2005), that perceptions of deservedness are an important antecedent of schadenfreude is clear.
Benign envy is vague desires and wishes. Malicious envy actively takes steps to "get revenge" for someone having what they believe is theirs, even when it's not at all. Envy creates feelings of dislike. In many if not most cases, the envy comes first and rationalizes the dislike to create the emotional environment that makes the vindictive, taking behaviors of malicious envy possible where they try to "even the playing field" but it becomes no evening will be enough because they are full of malicious envy that has no resolution and is a pathological emotion. It is not reasonable and it does not resolve; there does not seem to be a cure for envy but those who are envious and express its telltale sign, unreasonable dislike kept in place to create the motivation for taking and reappropriating behind malicious envy, can be avoided.
two benign envy questions (“a desire to have what the other has” and
“wishing to be like the other”), which could explain why they found no effect of envy on
schadenfreude.
Understanding how dislike and envy predict schadenfreude is complicated by the likelihood
that envy, especially malicious envy, contains, and indeed cultivates, a component of dislike or
hostility toward the other (see Smith & Kim, 2007). We agree with Hareli and Weiner (2002) that
dislike likely has a strong impact on schadenfreude, but we predicted that, in addition to dislike,
malicious envy would also increase schadenfreude
Schadenfreude has more to do with inferiority of the self rather than the success of others. Thus it is very hard to resolve as people do not like to admit they feel inferior at their core and it never had anything to do with the other person at all.
From this, Leach and Spears concluded
that “schadenfreude has more to do with inferiority of the self than the success of others” (p.1383).
Dislike can be a consequence of envy, but also an antecedent. However, the maliciously envious clearly rationalize their ill will (schadenfreude) so rationalization is well into play showing dislike is a product of malicious envy; they don't like that someone has what they feel they're entitled to. Unreasonable dislike is therefore a screaming red flag of someone who might become narcissistic and economically abusive in the future.
For example, dislike can be both an antecedent of envy (people
envy those they dislike more) and a consequence (if we envy people, we start to dislike them more;
Smith & Kim, 2007). To separate the individual effects of all variables that we used as control
variables, manipulations of each variable are necessary. This fell outside the scope of the main goal
of the current research.
Malicious envy was related to schadenfreude, in congruence with the hypothesis.
We thus found that malicious envy was related to schadenfreude, but a better (and more
conservative) test of our hypothesis is to include all variables simultaneously and then test which
variables predict schadenfreude
Only malicious envy, not benign envy, was associated with schadenfreude.

Most importantly, malicious envy but not benign envy was associated with schadenfreude.

Schadenfreude was characterized by a disturbing amusement when someone else encounters suffering, smiling upon hearing about a crime toward someone (often reported as the most disturbing encounter of someone with schadenfreude), and satisfaction when something bad happens to someone. All very disturbing.
The schadenfreude measure was the same as in Study 1 (α = .91). Participants imagined
that the person they had just described would suffer a minor misfortune and indicated how they
would feel by answering the following three questions (0 not at all; 6 very much so): “I would have
been a little amused by what happened to him/her,” “I would have been pleased by the little
misfortune that happened to him/her,” and “I’d find it difficult to resist a little smile
Admiration is not benign envy. It should not be confused. Admiration hopes to internalize the ideals of the admired others, there is no following try to gain what they have and take for themselves what the person owns such as found in malicious envy. Benign envy is malicious envy without the motivational factor to enact; just vague desires and wishes.
y. Van de Ven et
al. (2009) found that feelings of admiration resemble benign envy more than malicious envy, but also
that admiration is distinct from benign envy. Although benign envy and admiration are similar in
some aspects, they are clearly different on others. For example, benign envy feels frustrating while
admiration does not (Van de Ven et al., 2009). Furthermore, Van de Ven et al. found that benign
envy triggers a motivation to improve oneself, but admiration did not. Admiration seems to trigger a
motivation to internalize the ideals of the admired other (Schindler, Zink, Windrich, & Menninghaus,
2013).
used an envy measure that contained questions like “Frankly, the success of my neighbor makes me resent them” (Smith et al., 1996). Making it explicit that different subtypes of envy exist also helps*
scholars to make it explicit how they see (and measure) envy.
Coveting what someone else has for oneself is a tell tale sign of envy. Only malicious envy actually tries to act on it, showing economic abuse occurs at the hands of the maliciously envious.
. In this line of thinking only coveting what someone else
has should be considered part of the envious experience. Malevolence might sometimes arise from
envy, but is not an integral part of it. It is this malevolence that is then related to schadenfreude as
we find in this manuscript.
The envious feel literal pain at the good fortune of others. The opposite is vicarious joy at the success of others; we often see heartening footage of someone crying at the success of others. This is in stark contrast to someone trying to squash or destroy the success of another, not paying what they are due to try to level the playing field, often resulting in betrayal and economic abuse.
Our view is that envy at the broadest level is the pain over the good fortune of others.
Low self-esteem increases schadenfreude, connecting back to how it temporarily relieves excruciating feelings that one is inferior, and has more to do with the inferiority feelings of the maliciously envious and wanting relief from them. Why they are not able to transform them to admiration is a question for study.
This seems in conflict with the
work by Leach and Spears (2008) who found that prior feelings of in-group inferiority led to more
schadenfreude if a successful outgroup failed, and also with work that found that a self-threat or
having low self-esteem increased schadenfreude
The experiment confirmed that the maliciously envious feel schadenfreude and experience dislike of the person they are jealous of.
The current set of studies found that people who experience malicious envy toward someone
experience more schadenfreude when that person suffers a misfortune. This effect is independent of
other known antecedents of schadenfreude, such as perceived undeservedness of the other’s
advantage, disliking of the other, anger, and inferiority. Thus, even if we operationalize (malicious)
envy in a very basic, dressed-down manner (i.e., excluding all other factors), it still leads to
schadenfreude. These findings help to obtain a better understanding of the antecedents of
schadenfreude. They also help to reconcile seemingly contradicting findings on the relationship
between envy and schadenfreude

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2024.05.06 09:41 theconstellinguist Envy and schadenfreude Part 1

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2024.02.15 21:23 somewell [S] That Pokémon Survivor: Buried Relic

Hello guys
Welcome to "That Pokémon Survivor: Buried Relic"! 🌟 In this season, set in the ancient depths of Buried Relic, castaways face a unique twist: Inside the Buried Relic there’s an urn that allow the players to Mutiny. As they navigate treacherous terrain and strategic challenges, they must decide whether to stay loyal to their tribe or forge new alliances. Join us for an unforgettable journey of twists, turns, and the ultimate test of survival! ⚔️🏝️

Watch the season here!

I hope you enjoy it!

Cast:

Utu Tribe:

Bubbles, the Finizen. Bubbles may look all sweet and friendly, but that is all an act. He is actually much more ruthless, sadistic, and tough than other Pokémon give him credit for. A huge fan of the game, he will go into it acting all nice and sweet, when actually he will be the unsuspecting puppet master, controlling what his tribe and fellow Pokémon do. Submitted by: u/FrieNads
Drake, the Machoke. Drake is a Machoke who only wants to have fun and hang out with other Pokémon. He relies on his strength and charisma. He aims to meet new Pokémon to be friends with. Submitted by: u/Wolfnox616
Erika, the Celebi. Erika has traveled from the beginning of time to the end of it. Being through all time, she has gained many skills and no longer finds anything challenging. She's now going through time looking for something to challenge her, and is interested by this "Survivor" game, hoping it might give her some sort of challenge. Submitted by: u/gemini_b
Lucia, the Pichu. Lucia is from a well-known family of Pikachu’s who model for various products. As such, she is expected to follow her family business when she evolves. Until then, she plans on having new life experiences and getting her name out there, and Survivor seems like a good place to do both. Overall, she is a jack of all trades but other than her looks she does not excel in anything. Submitted by: Ultdragon
Mahogany (Maho), the Braixen. A stoic academic, Mahogany (she allows people calling her Maho for short) likes being alone. She moonlights as a magical girl, but her antisocial behavior doesn’t endear herself to her team. Which leads her here, Maho decides she needs to learn to better work with other people for the sake of the world. Submitted by: u/Hi-Shinx her nickname was wrongly misspelled Mahi in the simulator
Marot, the Raichu. A shy Raichu, Marot did not have a good childhood due to neglect by her parents and constantly being bullied. After her parents were arrested for child neglect when their daughter almost ended up kidnapped, Raichu now lives with a new family. Despite that, she still has trouble socializing with other people. She hopes that with this show Marot can at least gain a friend and if she can, win the competition for her academic studies. Submitted by: u/Nahuelfire39
Woo-Chang, the Mienshao. A Mienshao who finished suddenly to live in a great city of the Korea Republic. During that "exile", she became really able in social matters. Submitted by: u/NastyShip102
Zapper, the Zebstrika. Zapper was once in a ranch with a happy family. But a massive flood hit them one day and he got injured in the process. Even when he got out of the hospital, he joined to prove that he's still capable of doing things the right way. Submitted by: u/IdkWhatToDoHere-

Nanna Tribe:

Bubble, the Froakie. Bubble is well known and cheery. They can do a lot of things that others can do but better. Once they found out about this competition, they think they can crush the others even with a happy personality. Submitted by: u/IdkWhatToDoHere-
Cherri, the Heart Trim Furfrou. Cherri is a delinquent who likes messing with people in petty ways. This is a facade, she is a show Pokémon inside and out, a regular in Pokémon contests and Showcases. She is very vain and haughty but genuinely enjoys stuff like baseball. Besides that, if you do get to know her, Cherri can show her softer side eventually instead of delinquent bravado. Submitted by: u/Hi-Shinx
Dan and Danielle, the Zweilous. Dan and Danielle have gone through life hating each other and fighting with each other every chance that they have gotten. They are complete opposites of each other, one being smart the other being dumb, one being girly the other being manly and so on. Their parents applied them for this show so it would hopefully be a bonding experience between the two of them getting them to be closer to each other. Will the two be able to work together or will one sink both of their games, as they’re too busy getting in each other's way. Submitted by: u/Yellower_
Jason, the Ducklett. Known among his friends as the life of the party, Jason plans on portraying the stereotypical party bro. He is trying to win the million like everybody else and hopes that a party boy would be the last person everyone would think is stabbing them in the back. Submitted by: Ultdragon
Mesut, the Persian. Since he became an adult, Mesut started living like a sultan, becoming able to command his allies. His laziness leads him to go badly in individual challenges. Submitted by: u/Nastyship102
Paulo, the Skitty. Born into a family of skilled performers, Paulo inherited a love for captivating others with his graceful movements and playful antics. From a young age, he trained tirelessly to perfect his skills, mesmerizing audiences with his agility and charm. But deep down, Paulo yearned for something more than the applause of spectators—he craved the thrill of exploration and discovery. Submitted by: u/Nahuelfire39
Ruby, the Shiny Skorupi. Ruby is a shiny Skorupi. She knew she was different and was laughed at by other Skorupi for being red. Having been picked on, Ruby lashed out and started acting like her color made her better than others, but deep down she's still insecure. Submitted by: u/gemini_b
The Prophet, the Arceus. The Prophet isn’t their real name, it’s what they like to call themselves because they are the leader of a cult. Apart from that, nothing else is known about them. They have followers who will do their bidding, and treat them like a god. It’s that social skills and attitude is what they believe will win them the game. If not, then hopefully they can some more members for their cult. Submitted by:
.

Season summary
Episode 1 - "Trek Through Tribulations"
The cast learns they must trek for four hours through rough terrain to reach their respective tribe's campsite. Adding to the stress, one member from each tribe is immediately subjected to a vote. At Utu tribe, first impressions guide the decision-making process, leaving Drake as the chosen one to stay behind. Meanwhile, at Nanna tribe, The Prophet is designated as the supposed liability. Both Drake and The Prophet initially fear they're being cast out. To their relief, they discover they'll be airlifted directly to their campsite while their tribemates trek on foot. Arriving at their campsites, the castaways must choose: search for an immunity idol or start building shelter. Drake and Marot both opt for the idol, successfully finding it. This raises suspicions among their tribemates when they arrive at the camps. Zapper, working on shelters, stumbles upon a hidden immunity idol.
Nanna celebrates their first immunity win. Back at Utu camp, Drake, moved by Zapper's story, expresses interest in allying. Bubbles sees this as an opportunity to improve his image and proposes an alliance with Zapper. Erika targets Lucia for poor performance, while Lucia attempts to shift blame onto Marot. Drake sought to redirect the target onto Woo-Chang. In a private conversation, Bubbles and Zapper agree to vote out Lucia. Over at Nanna camp, Mesut's refusal to contribute causes tension with Paulo and The Prophet. After that Paulo bonds with Cherri, discovering her softer side. Unbeknownst to others, Mesut has formed a strong alliance with Bubble, Jason, and Ruby.
At Utu's tribal council, tensions run high as votes are cast. Lucia is voted out in a 6-2 decision against Woo-Chang, leaving her feeling betrayed and unsure whom to trust.
Lucia's final words: "Maybe I should've focused less on my family's legacy and more on forging my own path in the game. Lesson learned, I guess."
Episode 2 "Struggle for Supremacy"
At the immunity challenge, three castaways from each tribe face off in a river, retrieving a ball to score points for their tribe. Nanna secures their second immunity win! They select Zapper from the losing tribe to go to Exile Island, who then chooses The Prophet from Nanna to join him. On Exile Island, Zapper and The Prophet find two urns: one with an idol clue and the option to mutiny, the other empty. Zapper chooses the bottle with the clue and shares it with The Prophet. They decide against mutiny.
Back at Utu camp, Woo-Chang sees potential in aligning with Erika and proposes voting together, which she accepts. Meanwhile, Zapper and Bubbles silently dissolve their alliance, realizing the need for more options. Maho also approaches Erika, who agrees to align, and they decide to target Marot due to his targeting of Bubbles.
In Nanna tribe, Jason and Mesut clash over food duties, with Dan and Danielle defending Mesut's berry gathering efforts. Bubble and Cherri discuss forming a big alliance, including Dan, Danielle, Mesut, Paulo, and Ruby, leaving Jason and The Prophet on the outside.
At Utu's tribal council, Marot is voted out 5-2 against Bubble, with Drake again in the minority.
Marot's final words: "This was supposed to be my chance to break out of my shell, but instead, I feel like I've been shocked back into it."
Episode 3 - Stacking the Odds"
The episode opens with Ruby excitedly revealing she found the hidden immunity idol concealed behind a trunk while searching for water. Later, Nanna triumphs in a reward challenge, earning a bounty of comforts. They select Erika from Utu to join Ruby on Exile Island. On Exile Island, Erika opts for the urn containing the idol clue and options but decides against mutiny. Meanwhile, at the immunity challenge, castaways race to retrieve crates in their tribe's colors, stacking them into a staircase. Utu secures their first immunity win!
Back at Utu camp, Erika confesses she only aligned with Maho out of necessity, expressing doubts about their compatibility. Cherri and Bubble clash over the vote, prompting Cherri to seek an alternative alliance with Dan, Danielle, Jason, and The Prophet. However, she fails to sway them to target Paulo, as The Prophet insists it's Paulo's destiny to go home. Frustrated, Cherri opts to follow her six-person majority alliance but secretly plots against The Prophet. Fearing an idol, the alliance decides to split their votes between Jason and The Prophet.
However, at tribal council, The Prophet shocks everyone by revealing his idol and instructing the tribe to vote for Paulo. Confusion ensues, leading to a chaotic vote. Ultimately, Paulo is voted out in a surprising 5-3 decision against Jason, confirming The Prophet's prophecy.
Paulo's final words: "Survivor was like a dance of trust and deceit, and I found myself tripping over false promises. I thought I had loyal allies, but they were just waiting for the right moment to stab me in the back."
Episode 4 - "Berry Celebrations"
At Utu camp, bonds are forming among the tribe members, except for Maho, whose antisocial nature prevents her from connecting with Zapper. In contrast, the Nanna tribe faces dysfunction with numerous alliances and relationships. Nanna triumphs in a grueling resistance challenge, with Bubble emerging as the last player standing. They earn a Tribe Raid of two items from the losing tribe and send Bubbles from Utu to Exile Island, who chooses D and D from Nanna to join him.
On Exile Island, Bubbles and D and D find urns containing an idol clue and options for mutiny. Opting against mutiny, they return to their respective tribes. In the immunity challenge, Nanna prevails once again, with Bubble hailed as the tribe hero, while Woo-Chang's slow performance leads Utu to another tribal council.
Maho blames Woo-Chang for the loss, but Zapper, disliking Maho, tries to shift the target onto her, backfiring and making him and Woo-Chang the tribe's targets. In Nanna, Jason's berry celebration irks Mesut, leading to a meltdown when his concerns are ignored. Bubble questions the alliance with Mesut, while Ruby decides to replenish the berries Jason distributed, finding the task more challenging than expected.
At Utu's tribal council, the vote is unanimous against Woo-Chang.
Woo-Chang's final words: "This game taught me that even in the wild, social skills are crucial. Looks like my urban charm couldn't save me from the tribal council chopping block."
Episode 5 - "The Muffin Dilemma"
At Utu, it's now Bubbles who's struggling to bond with Maho, while on Nanna, Mesut and The Prophet's relationship worsens, leading them to consider voting each other out when the opportunity arises. Utu wins a reward, earning a trip to a cafe with coffee, pastries, and other treats, along with a much-needed toilet with toilet paper. They decide to send D and D from the losing tribe to Exile Island. D and D, in turn, select Bubbles to join them. On Exile Island, Bubbles is deceived by D and D, who falsely claim they're at the bottom of the Nanna tribe and share the idol clue with him. Feeling there might be a good chance on the other tribe, Bubbles decides to mutiny.
Back at Utu camp, tensions rise as Erika picks fights with Drake and Maho over muffins she saved from the reward challenge but refuses to share. Zapper attempts to diffuse the situation by cooking for everyone, but his efforts only seem to add to the stress. Meanwhile, at Nanna, internal conflicts arise as Mesut struggles to convince Ruby to blindside The Prophet. Jason and The Prophet, confident in their alliance's strength, plan for the future.
Bubbles, influenced by D and D's deception, attempts to turn the tribe against them. The Prophet, harboring strong animosity towards Mesut, finds it absurd that others aren't targeting him for his laziness. Despite Jason's belief in their alliance's unity, Mesut successfully convinces their allies to blindside The Prophet. In a surprising turn of events, The Prophet is voted out in an epic blindside, with a vote of 6-2 against Bubbles.
The Prophet's final words: "Looks like my Survivor prophecy didn't quite unfold as planned. I thought I held all the cards, but in the end, I was just another player in the game."
Episode 6 - "Broken Bonds, Chosen Paths"
At Utu, Erika's muffin debacle leads to strained relations, while at Nanna, post-Prophet departure, the tribe remains chaotic, offering Bubbles an opportunity to exploit divisions. Nanna's triumph in a rewarding challenge brings a refreshing waterfall excursion and a savory burger feast. With the power to send one from each tribe to Exile Island, they choose Erika, who learns of the tribe dynamics and opts to switch sides upon her return.
With the new Nanna tribe, a decisive victory at the immunity challenge. In Utu, with only three remaining members, internal strife intensifies as Zapper and Drake turn against each other, leaving Maho torn between loyalty and strategic advantage. Meanwhile, discord simmers in Nanna as Mesut and Ruby clash over the tribe's future direction. Mesut advocates for voting out all Utu members when the merge arrives, while Ruby sees potential in leveraging their presence for strategic moves.
As tribal council approaches, Maho faces a crucial decision: whether to prioritize personal affinity or strategic gameplay. Despite her preference for Drake, Maho ultimately concludes that Zapper's reliability offers a safer path forward for her game. At tribal council, Maho navigates the delicate balance between loyalty and self-preservation, ultimately opting to safeguard her game by voting out Drake, despite her fondness for him over Zapper.
Drake'sfinal words: "Leaving now feels like saying goodbye to a sinking ship. Maybe if the others had chosen unity over mutiny, things could've ended differently."
Episode 7 - "Trials, Tactics, Triumph"
Maho's surprising decision to spare Zapper raises eyebrows among the others, given their lack of bonding. Nonetheless, Zapper is relieved, grateful for Maho's unexpected loyalty despite their differences. The cast receives the news of the impending merge, transitioning into the Mul tribe. Zapper, relieved by Maho's choice, finds solace in retaining his hidden immunity idol, while Ruby celebrates possessing a secret idol as well.
The immunity challenge tests endurance, with Erika emerging victorious. However, tensions flare at camp when Bubble clashes with D and D, frustrated by their indecisiveness. Meanwhile, Maho struggles to cope with the sudden influx of players and the necessity to both socialize and strategize. Following a heated altercation, Bubble opts to sever ties with his alliance, plotting his course through the unpredictable merge. Erika approaches Zapper with a proposition for a final 2 pact, capitalizing on the chaos of the former Nanna tribe. Zapper, recognizing the opportunity, decides to lay low for the first tribal council. As discussions unfold, Cherri proposes targeting Bubble, citing his lack of immunity and potential for disruption. Unaware of the brewing plot against him, Bubble endeavors to rally votes against D and D, with Maho emerging as an unexpected target due to her struggles with socialization.
Ultimately, at tribal council, Bubble finds himself unanimously voted out, becoming the first casualty of the merge.
Bubble's final words: "I thought my bubbly charm would win me allies, but sometimes, you end up alone in the end."
Episode 8 - "A River of Plots"
Bubbles, Jason, and Ruby triumph in a thrilling reward challenge, treating themselves to a whitewater rafting adventure down a river, followed by a delectable picnic feast. Their victory also affords them the opportunity to exile Maho, who searches in vain for a hidden immunity idol clue during her solitary time on the island.
The following day, Cherri emerges triumphant in the immunity challenge, prompting reflective discussions at camp. Cherri empathizes with D and D's struggles to maintain unity amidst the game's chaos, fostering a deeper connection with them. Meanwhile, Zapper shares personal anecdotes, forging unexpected bonds with D and D.
In strategic deliberations, Cherri advocates for targeting Maho, citing their limited connection, while Bubbles makes a case for voting out Ruby, questioning her perceived lack of depth. Mesut suggests blindsiding Erika, proposing an unexpected move to shake up the game, a plan the alliance reluctantly agrees upon, despite Ruby's preference to target Bubbles. Erika and Zapper find themselves on the outside, devoid of solid information, as suspicions mount.
Aware of the need to protect himself, Zapper decides to play his hidden immunity idol at tribal council, surprising everyone by sacrificing it for Erika's safety. The tribal council unfolds dramatically, with Zapper's idol play nullifying six votes. Ultimately, Ruby is blindsided by the remaining votes, becoming the first member of the jury in a stunning turn of events.
Ruby's final words: "This Tribal council showed me the importance of taking risks. If only I'd taken the chance and played my idol, maybe my story would've ended differently. True strength comes from embracing vulnerability. "
Episode 9 - "Unspoken Agendas"
As the final eight contestants vie for supremacy, Erika and Zapper's alliance strengthens after Zapper's critical save of Erika. Maho seethes with resentment towards Bubbles for withholding crucial information about the plan to oust Ruby, a breach of trust that weighs heavily on Bubbles, who defends his right to strategic secrecy. On the shore, Dan and Danielle share a laugh over Cherri's spot-on impression of Ruby's elimination reaction, cementing their newfound camaraderie. Winning the reward challenge, Erika, Jason, Mahogany, and Mesut indulge in a local village feast, while they send Zapper to Exile Island, where he uncovers a clue to the hidden immunity idol. At the immunity challenge, Erika secures safety with a skilled shuffleboard display, cognizant of the shifting dynamics among the group.
Back at camp, Dan and Danielle discover a surprising connection with Jason, bonding over shared memories from their past. Meanwhile, Bubbles seeks reconciliation with Maho, aligning over mutual distrust of Cherri's influence in the game. Jason's confession reveals his diminishing trust in Mesut, stemming from Mesut's exclusion of Jason from a proposed final four alliance involving former Utu members, except for Maho. Learning of Maho's targeting from Jason, Cherri mobilizes her allies to counter, arguing for Maho's elimination. Despite Erika and Zapper's efforts to spare her, Maho becomes the target, ousted in a 5-3 vote against Cherri, marking her as the second jury member.
Maho's final words: "I'm leaving with a sense of regret for the walls I built instead of bridges."
Episode 10 - "Lost in the Divide"
After Maho's departure, Zapper and Erika find themselves navigating uncertain terrain. Their alliance's survival hinges on strategic maneuvers. Utilizing a clue discovered by Zapper, Erika unearths an idol, sparking hope for their continued dominance. Meanwhile, Bubbles and a unified Dan and Danielle foster newfound camaraderie, surpassing prior disagreements.
During a challenge, Erika's triumph secures a reward for her, Zapper, and Bubbles, fostering deeper bonds over a shared experience. As they indulge in a local feast, Erika exercises her power, sending a reluctant D and D to Exile Island upon Bubbles' suggestion. However, their quest for the idol devolves into internal conflict, fracturing their unity.
After Erika victory at the immunity challenge, Jason severs ties with former allies, recognizing the threat posed by the remaining Utu members. Cherri, alerted to Zapper's intentions, mobilizes opposition against him.
At tribal council, Erika stuns the group, utilizing her idol to safeguard Zapper, blindsiding Cherri in a move of unexpected solidarity. The vote unfolds in a dramatic fashion, with Zapper spared from elimination. However, the repercussions of Erika's bold move reverberate as Cherri becomes the third jury member.
Cherri's final words: "It feels like falling from a pedestal I thought was secure. I never saw that idol play coming, and now, I can't help but wonder where I lost control."
Episode 11 - "Shattered Dreams"
As the sun rises on the island, the search for the newly hidden idol consumes the castaways, each hoping to secure a lifeline in the game. Despite their efforts, the idol remains elusive, leaving everyone on edge. Later, the Survivor Auction brings a semblance of normalcy, but only Jason, Zapper, and D and D manage to acquire food items. D and D's victory comes in the form of a heartfelt video message from home, accompanied by a surprise visit from their father, a gruff Druddigon.
At the immunity challenge, contestants navigate a series of obstacles, memorize symbols, and solve a complex math equation. Erika emerges victorious once again, securing her spot in the final five. Back at camp, Mesut stumbles upon the idol in a previously overlooked area, igniting hope for a game-changing move. Meanwhile, Bubbles finds himself growing weary of managing the dynamics among his fellow castaways, particularly Jason and Zapper, whose energy levels are overwhelming. Jason sets his sights on targeting Mesut, the only remaining player he dislikes, while Erika contemplates the threat posed by D and D, especially after their heartwarming display at the reward challenge. Believing Mesut could be persuaded to flip, Erika initiates a conversation with him, but Mesut expresses a preference for targeting Jason instead. Mesut attempts to sway D and D's vote, but their indecisiveness and his own impatience lead to a deadlock. Ultimately, fearing a blindside, D and D align with Jason's plan to oust Mesut. Meanwhile, Erika and her allies finalize their decision to target D and D.
At tribal council, Mesut shocks everyone by standing up and revealing his intent to use his idol, not for himself, but to save D and D from the Utu alliance's onslaught. Despite Mesut's sacrifice, the votes fall against him in a blindsiding 2-1 vote, making him the first member of the jury and the unwitting victim of his own undoing.
Mesut's final words: "I put my faith in D and D, only to be blindsided by their vote against me. It's a harsh reality to accept."
Chapter 12 - "The Last Stand"
With Mesut's departure, former Nanna members find themselves in the minority, while D and D feel confident in their relationships with the Utu members, that are better than Jason's. Erika's victory in the reward challenge brings respite as she shares her prize with Zapper, enjoying an overnight retreat at the Governor's Retreat.
Upon their return, Zapper secures the immunity collar in a grueling resistance challenge, solidifying his spot in the final four. Erika wastes no time in rallying her allies to target D and D, who become the prime focus of the vote.
Sensing danger, Jason attempts to shift the target to Erika as she's vulnerable this round, but his efforts fall short. At tribal council, D and D are voted out in a close 3-2 vote against Erika, leaving Jason isolated in the game, facing an uncertain future as the last remaining member of his alliance.
Dan's final words: "It was an adventure, and I'm glad we experienced it together."
Danielle's final words: "For me it was a nightmare, and I'm relieved it's finally over."
Final episode Intro
Welcome to the Final Episode of That Pokémon Survivor: Buried Relic. As we reach the pinnacle of this riveting season, let's take a closer look at our four remaining finalists:
Bubbles: After boldly mutinying to a new tribe, Bubbles leveraged his charismatic charm to forge powerful alliances and navigate the turbulent waters of Survivor.
Erika: Master of strategy and alliances, Erika's survival has been bolstered by her ability to form strong bonds and secure immunity when it mattered most. As the leader of the minority, she's poised to make her mark on the game.
Jason: The lone survivor from the Nanna tribe, Jason has persevered against the odds, utilizing his resourcefulness to search for opportunities amidst the dominant Utu alliance.
Zapper: With a blend of social finesse and well-timed idol plays, Zapper has deftly maneuvered through the game, surviving the tribulations of a decimated tribe and emerging as a formidable contender despite being in the minority.
As these four competitors vie for a coveted spot in the finale, the stakes have never been higher. Who will outmaneuver the rest and secure their place in Survivor history? Let's find out together!
Final episode part 1
Jason faces a precarious situation, reliant on immunity for survival amidst the unyielding unity of the Utu alliance. However, Erika secures her fifth immunity, solidifying her spot in the final three. Returning to camp, Erika swiftly strategizes with her allies, sealing Jason's fate. With limited options, Jason finds himself at the mercy of Zapper and Bubbles, each aiming to evade his crosshairs. At tribal council, Jason's departure is unanimous, marking him as the sixth member of the jury.
Jason's final words: "Unfortunately, my game ends here. It's been a wild ride, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Final Episode part 2
In the thrilling conclusion, the remaining trio faces a grueling immunity challenge, navigating a treacherous course with one hand tied behind their backs. Erika emerges victorious, securing her place in the final teo. With a pivotal decision looming, Erika deliberates between Bubbles and Zapper. While both boast compelling journeys, Erika ultimately opts for loyalty, choosing Zapper as her ally in the final tribal council. At tribal council, Bubbles is sent packing, joining the esteemed ranks of the final jury member.
Bubbles' final words: "Falling short of the final two stings, but hey, at least I went out with a splash. I knew my time was up when Erika snagged that last immunity."
Final tribal council:
As the final tribal council commences, Erika and Zapper step forward to make their case to the jury. Erika emphasizes her impressive record of six immunity wins, a feat unparalleled in the series, and highlights her adeptness at surviving in the minority through strategic alliances. Zapper follows, recounting his early game idol find, his resilience in a decimated tribe, and his ability to forge unexpected alliances, including with Maho, to secure his position in the majority alliance. With the jury visibly divided, hints of allegiance emerge as they prepare to cast their votes. Ruby appears inclined towards Erika, while Maho leans towards Zapper, reflecting the intricate dynamics at play in this intense final showdown.
Reunion:
As the votes are tallied, tension fills the air, with Zapper ultimately emerging victorious in a nail-biting 4-3 decision against Erika. Despite Erika's formidable challenge prowess, Zapper's compelling personal journey and survival instincts ultimately secured his title as the season's winner, celebrated alongside his family. The reunion continues with the announcement of the fan favorite, with Jason earning the title for his infectious positivity and sharp wit. Surprisingly, Jason also claims third place in the category of most strategic player, a testament to his resilience as the last Nanna standing despite his social challenges. Bubbles takes second place, hailed for his adept navigation of tribal dynamics and impressive survival near the season's end. However, it's Zapper who claims the coveted top spot, recognized for his whole-hearted gameplay and adept utilization of strategic tools, including idol plays and alliances.
Winner: _____Zapper_____
Runner-Up: _____Erika_____
**Fan Favorite:**>! _____Jason_____!<
My thoughts: This was one of my favorite seasons! It has a bunch of iconic moments, Erika's and Zapper's idol plays and reverting their bad situation were a joy to follow, it also has one of the best moments in this season so far on Mesut using his idol on Dan and Danielle who just voted for him! Poor boy! I really love Zapper story as a winner, he survived that bad Utu tribe with someone who didnt like him, I dont know how he reverted that situation. But both of the finalists would be a great winner, Erika winning 6 individual immunities was outstanding, maybe the others were just too bad, I guess.
With this conclusion, the season wraps up, paving the way for the highly anticipated Heroes vs Villains season. I'll select the cast by myself like I did on All-Stars, but I appreciate suggestions, who among the memorable castaways from this season and past seasons will return to vie for supremacy?
Stay tuned for the thrilling sequel!

submitted by somewell to BrantSteele [link] [comments]

2024.01.15 05:08 iQueLocoI Do the Masters represent the “Dark Triad” of personality disorders?

Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy make up the dark triad. They correlate with the three vices of the game relatively well, especially with the original antagonists.
Auguste is a narcissist.
This one is the most obvious and straightforward. He is grandiose, manipulative, and egotistical. He gaslights everybody around him, and he pits people against each other for entertainment. He’s also definitely psychopathic, given his penchant for murder and torture, but the Master of Fame is absolutely a textbook narcissist. Which shouldn’t surprise anybody.
Tytos is a psychopath.
He’s bold, violent, and remorseless. He coerces his followers by threatening their families. He insults, abuses, and murders his servants. His army is composed of convicts, who likely have no other options. The way he laughs and delights in harming others is very suggestive of antisocial personality disorder. He seems to be more way more sadistic than the others.
Herminia is machiavellian.
This one is the least certain, as she bleeds across the other two a little bit. (I blame sexism, female villains are just always crazier than male ones see below.) Herminia is the most cunning of the three; she clawed her way to the top, and she manipulated lots of people to get there. She isn’t protected by soldiers or reputation, she is untouchable because she exploited the rules of society to become disgustingly wealthy. She’s got the most resources, and manages to hold her seat despite being despised as “the covetous witch.” I also think it’s notable that her second-in-command is unnamed.
(There’s too many scenes with Herminia that are just over the top. Her gilded sisters feel like something a narcissist would do, but it’s so ridiculously random. And the part where she punishes her servants for having red blood instead of white… stupid.)
Anyway, it was fun writing this up. Curious what others think of the Masters.

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2024.01.11 15:53 somewell [S] That Pokémon Survivor: Silver Trench

Hello guys
Welcome to "That Pokémon Survivor: Silver Trench" 🌊🌌, where Pokémon from all corners of the Pokémon world dive into the mysterious depths of the Silver Trench! In this aquatic adventure, they'll face the unexplored ocean depths, form alliances, and confront unforeseen challenges as they vie for the prestigious title of Sole Survivor! Amidst the swirling currents and hidden mysteries of the Silver Trench, which Pokémon will demonstrate their resilience and emerge victorious in the ultimate battle for supremacy? 🌌🌊

Watch the season here!

I hope you enjoy it!
You can read the summary I made or just make your assumptions :D
Please comment with your thoughts and the most liked players. Did we have a good winner or someone was robbed? Who should return?
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Cast:

Xing Tribe:
Ashton, the Sirfetch'd: Raised in luxury by the wealthy, Ashton is accustomed to a pampered life. Determined to save his owner's mansion from being sold, he plans to use the Survivor prize money to solve the problem, even if the rough conditions of the game are positively dreadful for him. Submitted by u/UltDragon.
Benny, the Corphish: Hailing from a shady neighborhood, Benny joined a gang to survive, but now seeks a fresh start. Hoping to leave his troubled past behind, he aspires to use the winnings from Survivor to carve out a better life for himself. Submitted by u/UltDragon.
Casey, the Nickit: Known for her impulsive and rash decision-making, Casey, who prefers the name "Cassie," is a transgender Pokémon. Her bestest friend Luca is the only one aware of this fact, as she navigates the game with her unique approach. Submitted by u/Hi-Shinx. (I forgot to change her preferred name in the simulator, but i remembered on the writing)
Luxie, the Girafarig: Enduring bullying for her distinctive appearance with two faces, Luxie developed a self-reliant attitude. She harbors a disregard for others, using them as pawns to further her own agenda. Convinced of her ability to outmaneuver everyone, Luxie sees Survivor as the perfect arena to showcase her cunning. Submitted by u/Yellower_.
Manny, the Venusaur: Manipulative and cunning, Manny employs his intelligence to talk down to others and manipulate them for strategic advantage. His journey in Survivor is marked by a shrewd mindset and a willingness to use others to propel himself further in the game. Submitted by u/IdkWhatToDoHere-.
Marcy, the Meltan: Living a secluded life with fellow Meltan, Marcy seeks to break free from her insular world. Eager to interact with non-Meltan and experience a broader social landscape, she joins Survivor with the hope of overcoming her communication barriers and connecting with others. Submitted by u/TEARSOFDESPAIR.
Nikki, the Ceruledge: A self-proclaimed lone wolf, Nikki revels in her independence and prides herself on being a formidable fighter. Having won battles against 100 Pokémon using only her hands, she approaches Survivor with a relentless determination, ready to fire back fivefold at anyone attempting to cross her. Submitted by u/FrieNads.
Ningyo, the Primarina: Highly regarded by others, Ningyo hides a hidden ability – the knack for betraying allies while excelling in challenges. However, her Achilles' heel lies in low stamina, potentially serving as a long-term hindrance in the game. Submitted by u/NastyShip102.

Yun Tribe:
Christy, the Corsola: An attentive and loving Corsola, Christy aims to be a beacon of support for others, maintaining a friendly and optimistic demeanor. Dedicated to being a positive force even in challenging situations, she aspires to be the bright spot in the tribe's journey through Survivor. Submitted by u/TheRegalOneGen.
Fiducia, the Solgaleo: Firmly believing in the power of loyalty as the ultimate weapon, Fiducia carries strength that cannot be ignored. With an unwavering commitment to this principle, he navigates the complexities of Survivor, viewing loyalty as both a shield and a sword. Submitted by u/NastyShip102.
Jacob, the Swalot: Hailing from Hoenn's marshy terrains, Jacob, the Swalot, combines intelligence with astuteness. Masterfully utilizing toxic abilities in battles, he is reclusive and antisocial, preferring solitary exploration over social interactions with other Pokémon. Submitted by u/xXiDamXx.
LJ, the Lucario: A well-known Pokémon famed for starring in action movies, LJ grapples with the downsides of popularity. Seeking to win Survivor money for an early retirement and to escape the drawbacks of his fanbase, he hopes to conclude his career on a high note. Submitted by u/IdkWhatToDoHere-.
Luca, the Linoone: Embracing her identity as an idiotic and ditzy Pokémon, Luca pays little heed to perceptions of her being slow. Unfazed by societal expectations, she carries herself with an air of carefree nonchalance. Submitted by u/Hi-Shinx.
Morton, the Cetitan: Applying to Survivor out of sheer boredom, Morton is an enigma who joined the show without fully understanding its dynamics. Adhering to his authentic self, he navigates the challenges with the hope that being genuine will lead him to victory. Submitted by u/FrieNads.
Pistil, the Petilil: Hailing from a family with a protective streak due to his weak stature, Pistil strives to prove his independence and capability. Working tirelessly on the family farm, he aims to demonstrate his strength on Survivor, dispelling any doubts about his abilities. Submitted by u/Yellower_.
Tony, the Iron Jugulis: Unaware of his mother's robotic origins (Magearna), Tony aspires to emulate his father's strength, a formidable Hydreigon. Seeking to unravel the mystery of his own robotic nature, he joins Survivor with the hope that appearing on TV will bring him closer to meeting his mother. Submitted by u/TEARSOFDESPAIR.
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Season summary
Episode 1: "Temple Tensions"
The 16 castaways were captivated as they arrived at the Silver Trench, the allure of a submerged temple pulling them in. Fiducia observed with a quiet intensity, recognizing the potential for alliances amidst the tribal dynamics. Meanwhile, Luca playfully explored the surroundings, seemingly oblivious to the historical significance of the temple. Gathered around the submerged structure, Luxie couldn't conceal her disdain; the carvings held no meaning for her, viewing the visit as an unnecessary distraction. Alongside her, Manny, the cunning Venusaur, assessed strategic possibilities with a sly smile. Marcy approached the temple with a metallic gleam, curiosity, and trepidation in her eyes. Unaccustomed to vast expanses, she marveled at the intricate carvings on the walls.
In the immunity challenge, Xing triumphed, securing immunity and a flint for fire. Back at camp, Luxie and Marcy's differing perspectives sparked a small altercation, with Ningyo siding with Marcy. On the strategic front, Luxie and Manny initiated an alliance with Ashton and Nikki, aiming to seize control. In Yun, Christy formed bonds with Pistil and Morton, securing an alliance with the powerful Fiducia. As the tribe navigated the social game, Tony observed from the sidelines, recognizing the simplicity of the first Tribal Council vote. Luca became the target due to perceived slowness, leading him to attempt to shift the vote onto Morton. However, Luca's plans crumbled at the Tribal Council, resulting in a 7-1 vote against him.

Episode 2: "Hidden Bonds, Exposed Truths"
Both tribes struggled to keep warm in the damp. Yun won rewards—fishing gear and a boat—and kidnapped Marcy, who seized an opportunity to give Tony a hidden immunity idol clue. Their futile search led to a massive fight, but they reconciled, forming an unexpected alliance as Marcy aided him in the idol quest. Yun secured immunity, leaving Xing vulnerable.
At Xing, minor disagreements and shifting alliances unfolded. Cassie and Nikki disagreed on performance, while Ningyo warned Luxie about Marcy's cross-tribal ties. Ashton disagreed with Ningyon, dismissing Marcy as too dumb. Manny decided to shift his game, aligning with Cassie and Ningyo. On deciding on who to vote, Luxie threw Marcy under the bus, suggesting she was plotting with the other tribe. Marcy, oblivious, believed Ningyo was the target. However, Ningyo rallied allies, suggesting her to vote for Benny instead.
At Yun, Christy and Tony clashed over suspicions about the idol. Meanwhile Jacob is able to make fire for the tribe, making everyone happy. Fiducia and Christy gets distant these days and they realize their duo is not a thing anymore. Seeking help to find the idol, Tony formed an unexpected trio with Jacob and LJ. The episode ends with Xing's tribal council resulted in a unanimous 7-1 vote to eliminate Marcy, revealing Survivor's unforgiving nature.

Episode 3: "Shifting Sands of Allegiance"
After Marcy's departure, Ningyo accidentally discovers Xing's hidden immunity idol while fetching water in the morning. Simultaneously, in the Yun tribe, Jacob successfully locates the idol using Tony's clue and decides to keep it a secret for now. Yun secures a reward, kidnapping Nikki, who unwittingly hands Jacob another idol clue, unaware he already possesses the idol. Meanwhile, Tony and Pistil engage in a lighthearted discussion about privileges, masking Tony's internal meltdown over his idol search.
Pistil, sensing discord between Fiducia and Christy, takes the initiative to reunite them, forming a trio. Xing, determined to rebound, clinches immunity. In Yun, LJ experiences a major meltdown, feeling responsible for the tribe's loss and succumbing to jealousy over the tribe praising Tony. Fiducia seeks more control, aligning with Jacob, who suggests targeting Christy, Tony's perceived antagonist. Meanwhile, Tony aims to eliminate Fiducia, viewing her as an authoritative figure, while Fiducia targets Morton. Jacob successfully convinces LJ and Tony to vote for Christy, but in last minute Fiducia induces him to vote on Morton.
At tribal council, a shocking blindside unfolds as LJ is voted out in an epic 3-2-2 against Christy and Morton. Jacob becoming quite frustrated that he changed his vote from Christy, unaware Morton did the same.

Episode 4: "Idol Gambit"
Xing tribe stands divided into two trios, with Benny caught in the middle, while Yun is dominated by the potent alliance of Jacob and Tony, overshadowing other dynamics led by Fiducia. Yun's reward win leads to kidnapping Ashton, who unknowingly hands Jacob an idol clue, oblivious to Jacob already possessing the idol. Ashton's attempt to connect with Yun falls flat due to a mismatch in personalities. Xing secures immunity once again, placing Yun in a vulnerable position for tribal council.
Back at the Yun camp, Manny and Ningyo engage in a deep conversation about the game, envisioning a thrilling finale where they face off against each other. Meanwhile, Fiducia faces a major meltdown after their defeat, torn over the impending vote. Tony, discontent with Fiducia's motherly role in the tribe, targets her, especially since Fiducia blames him for the tribe's losses. However, Jacob has his sights set on Morton, viewing him as a potential liability in future challenges.
As tribal council approaches, tensions rise. Jacob tries to convince Tony to vote for Morton, and they both agree to target Christy. Meanwhile, Fiducia tells Jacob she will vote as he wants, despite her other alliance going on Tony. At tribal council, sensing deception, Jacob plays his idol, unsure whom to protect, ultimately using it for Tony. The first two votes against Tony are nullified, leaving uncertainty. The votes unfold—one for Fiducia, one for Christy, one for Morton—and the suspenseful final vote is cast for Christy. Another epic blindside reshapes the dynamics of Yun tribe.

Episode 5: "Tribe Transitions"
After a shocking tribal council, each tribe is tasked with selecting the two strongest players from the opposing tribe to switch sides. Xing chooses Jacob and Tony from Yun, placing them at the bottom of the new tribe but with a reliable alliance. Yun selects Benny and Nikki from Xing, leaving them in a minority without the support of their former tribe. Despite the shift, Yun secures immunity.
Back at the Xing camp, tensions rise as Cassie and Tony engage in a major fight, blaming each other for the challenge performance. Jacob attempts to mediate, emphasizing the need to play a low profile, but Tony disagrees. Feeling unsupported by her alliance, Cassie decides to play alone. Jacob identifies Ashton as potentially on the outs and rallies against him, while Ashton advocates for voting out Cassie, whom he sees as responsible for the challenge loss. Manny and Ningyo align with Jacob's strategy to target Ashton, fearing Cassie's potential elimination.
At Yun, Fiducia and Pistil dissolve their alliance due to diverging game strategies. Yun's tribal council sees Jacob's plan unfold successfully, resulting in Ashton's elimination in a 5-2 vote against Cassie.

Episode 6: "Teahouse Tensions"
Yun secures a reward, earning a teahouse visit with a bath and shower. They also kidnap Ningyo, who receives a clue to the hidden immunity idol and passes it to Pistil, sharing the story of Jacob's idol play. Despite this strategic exchange, Fiducia and Nikki clash over camp roles, escalating into a major fight. However, Yun rallies to win immunity.
At Xing, Cassie and Luxie engage in a small dispute about Luxie's previous vote against Cassie. Manny and Ningyo decide to play independently, but Luxie suggests forming an alliance Ningyo. Despite her conflict with Luxie, Cassie believes Tony is the best vote. However, Ningyo and Jacob target each other, while Tony sees Manny as the ideal vote. Fearing Ningyo's access to valuable information, Jacob and Tony decide to vote her out. Meanwhile, Ningyo discusses Jacob and Tony's powerful alliance with Luxie, highlighting their lack of an idol as a potential vulnerability. At tribal council, Jacob is blindsided in a 4-2 vote against Ningyo, marking the end of his game disrupted by the swap.

Episode 7: "Merge Melodies"
The much-anticipated merge finally arrives, forming the Yin tribe, which will reside at the Xing camp due to their majority. The merged tribe enjoys an extravagant feast accompanied by fireworks, dancers, contortionists, and acrobats. Despite the festivities, many castaways keep their focus on the game and the new individual dynamics. Tony mourns the loss of his ally Jacob but finds solace in deepening his connection with Morton.
At the Immunity challenge, the merged tribe competes by answering questions about the merge feast and performance. Incorrect answers result in automatic elimination, and Pistil emerges victorious with individual immunity. Back at camp, Morton and Tony strengthen their bond, realizing they need each other more than ever. Ningyo and Pistil, happy to reunite, plan to work together.
Tony, anticipating potential animosity toward Yun members, suggests targeting Fiducia as the leader of the old Yun tribe. Cassie disagrees, advocating for Benny's elimination, given his outsider status. Benny, targeting Morton, reflects on their lack of connection during the merge feast. Fiducia, discovering Tony's attempt to throw her name, retaliates by targeting him. Luxie, Nikki, and Ningyo decide to vote out Fiducia.
At tribal council, chaos ensues as names are thrown around. A close vote unfolds between Benny, Morton, and Fiducia, with three votes for each. The last vote is read, and in a narrow 4-3-3 vote, Fiducia becomes the first member of the jury in another unpredictable tribal council.

Episode 8: "Village Vendettas"
The game intensifies with two clear duos emerging: Morton and Tony, and Ningyo and Luxie. The reward challenge involves a selection chain, resulting in two teams of four and one player left out. Cassie, the odd one out, sits out. The challenge requires members to try and sink the opposing team's boat in a pool, with Nikki, Benny, Morton, and Pistil emerging victorious. They win a village trip for an authentic local meal and a clue to the Hidden Immunity Idol.
In a resistance challenge, Nikki secures individual immunity. Back at camp, chaos ensues as Benny stirs trouble, first engaging in a major fight with Ningyo over shady comments. Pistil defends Ningyo, leading Benny to tell her to focus on her own life. Seeking control, Cassie and Ningyo align with former Yun members Morton, Pistil, and Tony. Realizing his vulnerable position, Benny attempts to curry favor by working hard and providing food. However, Nikki is already considering him as a target, while Luxie tries to sway her toward voting for Morton.
At tribal council, Benny is voted out in a 5-3 vote against Morton, leaving Manny and Nikki in a precarious position.

Episode 9: "Health Crisis"
Despite being in the minority after the previous tribal council, Nikki recognizes Luxie as a reliable ally. Meanwhile, the alliance between Tony and Cassie begins to fray as they struggle with poor communication, resulting in a loss at the reward challenge. Luxie, Manny, Morton, and Nikki emerge victorious, winning the reward.
Pistil secures individual immunity in another elimination challenge, solidifying her spot in the final seven. Back at camp, Tony's health deteriorates, likely due to consuming something that didn't agree with him. Ningyo attempts to care for him, while Manny and Pistil bond over shared perspectives as the only Grass-type Pokémon in the game.
Recognizing the growing rift with Tony, Cassie makes a strategic move, leaving their majority alliance to form a new one with the outcast Manny and Nikki. At Manny's request, Pistil is brought into this emerging alliance, placing her in both quartets. Despite Ningyo's efforts to assist Tony, he collapses from exhaustion and is medically evacuated from the game, requiring immediate medical attention. The episode concludes with Morton, visibly emotional, as Tony exits the game.

Episode 10: "Feud Over Fruits"
Tony's departure leaves a profound impact on the tribe dynamics. Morton, now without his closest ally, also sees his once-majority alliance reduced to just three players. A new majority alliance forms with Cassie, Manny, Nikki, and Pistil, who has been skillfully playing both sides. Luxie adopts a one-on-one strategy, building strong connections with both Ningyo and Nikki.
Morton manages to win a reward and shares the prize—an overnight trip to the Silver Trench Temple—with his allies Ningyo and Pistil. The following day, Pistil secures individual immunity in a throwing stars challenge. Back at camp, tensions rise between former allies Manny and Luxie during a dispute over a berry tree. The disagreement quickly escalates from a discussion about food to a heated argument about the game and personal matters.
In the aftermath, Nikki rallies his allies to target Morton, now vulnerable without Tony. Ningyo, however, aims to vote out Nikki, viewing him as a threat to Luxie's attention. Pistil sees an opportunity to eliminate Luxie but struggles to sway her allies, who are more inclined towards Morton and Nikki. Despite apparent divisions within the tribe, Morton is unanimously voted out in a 6-1 vote against Nikki, becoming the fourth member of the jury.

Episode 11: "Love, Loyalty, and Lies"
Back at camp, Cassie and Manny's relationship continues to flourish, with their bond growing stronger every day. The players receive a special visit from their loved ones in a reward challenge. Blindfolded players and their blindfolded loved ones navigate a maze, calling out to each other to reunite in the center. Nikki wins immunity with her younger sister Maya, the Charcadet. Nikki shares the reward with Luxie and Pistil, resulting in a boat trip, a feast with loved ones, an overnight stay at camp, and emotional phone calls home.
The next day, Pistil secures another immunity, solidifying her spot in the final five. Back at camp, a disagreement arises between Cassie and Manny regarding Nikki's choice to invite Luxie instead of one of them to the reward challenge. Manny becomes suspicious, thinking Nikki is not aligned with them, while Cassie believes it was part of Nikki's strategic plan. Meanwhile, Ningyo attempts to rally support against Nikki, driven by personal dislike. The stress of her mission wears her out, but she remains determined.
Aware that Luxie won't vote against Nikki, Ningyo convinces Luxie to target Cassie. Luxie does the same with Nikki, while Ningyo discreetly enlists Pistil's help to sway others against Nikki. At tribal council, a tie vote emerges between Nikki and Cassie in a 3-3 split. Ningyo voted in Cassie to keep her deal with Luxie, but at the revote she had an excuse to flip to avoid a deadlock and then Nikki is voted out in a 3-1, becoming the 5th member of the jury.

Episode 12: "Idol Dilemma"
With Nikki gone, Luxie and Cassie find themselves as the only players in camp with a mutual dislike for each other, knowing that one of them might be the next to go. The following day, Pistil continues her dominance by winning a reward, further solidifying her reputation as the season's challenge beast. She shares the reward with Cassie and Ningyo, enjoying an overnight trip with traditional local meals. However, Cassie emerges victorious in the immunity challenge, securing her spot in the final four and adding to Luxie's displeasure.
Back at camp, Manny advocates for targeting Luxie, expressing his preference for Ningyo despite their current lack of alliance. Ningyo, torn between Luxie and Pistil, both of whom she considers allies, also likes Manny and wants to keep him in the game. Suspicious that Pistil may be plotting against her, Ningyo contemplates using her idol to protect herself.
At tribal council, faced with the last opportunity to use her idol, Ningyo grapples with doubt but ultimately decides to play it for herself. When the votes are revealed, none are cast for Ningyo. Instead, Luxie receives three votes and is voted out in a 3-2 decision against Pistil, becoming the sixth member of the jury.
Season Finale Intro:
As That Pokémon Survivor: Silver Trench hurtles toward its gripping conclusion, only four survivors remain on the desolate island, each weaving a unique narrative that has defined their journey. Cassie, with her strategic acumen and calculated decisions, stands as a formidable force. Manny's affable nature and solid alliances have secured him a coveted spot in the final four, showcasing his adept social gameplay. Ningyo, having played a strategic yet subtle game, faces the final chapter with her once-secret idol already in the rearview mirror. Armed with the experience of her journey, Ningyo holds the potential to shift dynamics in her favor. Pistil, defying the odds, emerges as a challenge powerhouse, showcasing resilience and adaptability. As the last remaining Yun member, Pistil introduces an element of unpredictability. The final chapter unfolds with the survivors ready to face last challenges and the critical scrutiny of the jury. Alliances will be tested, strategies laid bare, and the ultimate Survivor is poised to emerge from the depths of the Silver Trench. The stage is set for a riveting conclusion to an unforgettable season.

Season Finale:
The remaining castaways are confronted with one last reward challenge. In a grueling test of skill, Cassie emerges victorious, choosing to share the spoils of pizza, beer, brownies, and soft drinks with Pistil and Manny. Ningyo remains alone at camp, contemplating her next moves. The following day unfolds with the final immunity challenge, requiring contestants to balance porcelain dishes on a precarious arm. Cassie's strategic prowess shines as she clinches immunity.
Back at camp, Manny and Ningyo reaffirm their commitment to reach the end together, though the challenges ahead loom large. Cassie, despite her fondness for Ningyo, eyes her as the most expendable. Simultaneously, Manny endeavors to sway the group by highlighting Pistil's threat level with her underdog story and challenge victories. With limited options, Pistil identifies Manny as the primary target, given their tenuous connection. Conversations unfold with Pistil, Ningyo, and Manny, each attempting to secure their path to the final three.
At tribal council, initial votes split as expected, but a sudden twist emerges with a vote for Pistil, leaving her shocked. Ultimately, Pistil becomes the 12th person voted out, and the 7th member of the jury, in an unforeseen blindside. The final vote tally: 2 for Pistil, 1 for Manny, and 1 for Ningyo. With this unexpected turn, Manny and Ningyo deviate from their alliances, paving the way for an unpredictable endgame in the Silver Trench.

Final tribal council:
The sun dipped below the horizon as the final three faced the scrutinizing jury. Cassie, the strategic maestro, attempted to articulate her pivotal moves. Manny, relying on social finesse, emphasized the authentic bonds he had woven. Ningyo, the subtle strategist, defended her understated gameplay.
The jury's questions were incisive. Morton expressed his indecision until Manny's compelling speech appeared to sway his vote. Pistil challenged Cassie to pinpoint the standout move of her game, while Luxie, thanking Ningyo for their friendship, delved into the emotional nuances of Cassie and Manny's relationships.
Nikki focused on Manny's social prowess, leaving Cassie and Ningyo to clarify their social games. Tony sought the most significant moves from Cassie and Manny. Throughout, Ningyo struggled to distinguish herself, and the jury seemed skeptical.
As the votes were cast, a palpable anticipation hung in the air. The reunion show promised the resolution to an unpredictable season, leaving fans eager for the revelation of the winner of That Pokémon Survivor: Silver Trench.

Reunion:
As the final votes were tallied, Manny emerged as the Sole Survivor of Silver Trench, his social finesse and compelling final speech winning over the jury. The reunion show unfolded with surprises, as the second-voted-out Marcy was crowned Fan Favorite, resonating with the audience despite her early exit.
The production recognized the strategic prowess of the finalists. Manny secured the third-place spot, showcasing his impeccable social game. Ningyo, with her subtle and strategic maneuvers, clinched the second-place position. Cassie, the rational strategist, claimed the title of Most Strategic Player of the Season.
With the season's closure, the production teased the next adventure: That Pokémon Survivor - Marvelous Sea. Ten returning players would face off against ten superfans, promising yet another thrilling chapter in the Survivor saga.
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If you've read until here, please do not forget to place your thoughts and comments about the season or any further feedback for improving the series :)
See you next season!
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That Pokémon Survivor seasons list:
S01 - Tiny Woods
S02 - Thunderwave Cave
S03 - Sinister Woods
s04 - Silent Chasm
s05 - Lapis Cave
s06 - All-Stars: Mt. Blaze
s07 - Frosty Forest
s08 - Mt. Freeze
s09 - Sky Tower
s10 - Joyous Tower
s11 - Great Canyon
s12 - Silver Trench
Voting History

PS: Past seasons' links were updated to Reddit links, inspired by the amazing DK series ofu/dksurvivor :)

submitted by somewell to BrantSteele [link] [comments]

2023.04.30 00:45 katyovoxo Uvalde shooter's personality style

He exhibited various behaviors that fall into the antisocial personality disorder category. Here is a list of ASPD subtypes described by Theodore Millon that could be close to what S.R.'s personality was like:
■ The Covetous Antisocial (pure subtype):
These individuals feel that life has not given them "their due"; they have been deprived of their rightful amount of love, support, or material reward. Jealous of those who have received the bounty of a good life, they are driven by an envious desire for retribution to take what destiny has refused them. Whether through deceit or destruction, their goal is compensation for the emptiness of life, rationalized by the assertion that they alone can restore the imbalance fated to them. Seething with anger and resentment, their greatest pleasure lies in taking control of the property and possessions of others. Some are overtly criminal.
■ The Risk-Taking Antisocial (histrionic traits):
For them, risk-taking is intended to impress others with a front of courageous indifference to potentially painful consequences. While others shrink in fear, they are unfazed by the possibility of gambling with death or serious injury. The most important factors making them antisocial are the irresponsibility of their actions and their failure to consider the consequences for their own life, or the lives of others, as they pursue ever more daring challenges.
■The Malevolent Antisocial (sadistic traits):
They may display a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude and a willingness to confirm their strong self-image by victimizing those too weak to retaliate or those whose terror might prove particularly entertaining.
Source

submitted by katyovoxo to uvalde_shooter [link] [comments]

2023.03.10 14:17 MLCifaretto The "Leftist" Aristocracy and Their "Left" Intellectuals

Read this on the website of the Marxist Anti-Imperialist Collective: https://mac417773233.wordpress.com/2023/03/10/the-leftist-aristocracy-and-their-left-intellectuals/

https://preview.redd.it/sndkudatvwma1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=0beaa26adf6779ece4145de60fdceb183d5d8d3e
While it may seem unnecessary to point this out to anyone with even a little sense, the entirety of “the left” in any imperialist country is a complete joke. In stripping down their purely aesthetic and laughably performative attempts to replace enlightenment era intellectuals, which itself does irreparable damage as it concerns optics, they betray their condescension and contempt towards both the productive forces and anyone that could contribute to a popular movement. While it is not incorrect to say these bourgeois idiots are useless or irrelevant, it does not acknowledge their role as it concerns a “workerist” movement. With all sincerity, we wish it were the case that these were simply ineffectual intelligentsia bearing no effect whatsoever on anti- imperialist or socialist movements. The problem we face is that they are extremely useful to our enemy, the more effective evil. Even this could be forgiven or ignored at the very least if this myth of “lazy, snobbish, cosmopolitan communist” was localized exclusively to the west. However, given the shared economic life between imperialist powers and those they exploit, there has been moderate success in spreading this “leftist” zionist filth and thus controlled opposition of a similar caliber to imperialized countries as well.
As I’m sure several of you will understand from experience, Marxism-Leninism and the achievements of comrade Stalin in particular are felt in the soul by sincere communists. This is because in this, we see a demonstrably effective method to raising the standard of living for the majority of the population, increasing life expectancy, re-establishing the family unit, absolving the pervasive loneliness and antisocial behavior of those touched by capitalism and most importantly of all, ensuring the survival and prosperity of all nations, especially those that are smaller, isolated and more vulnerable to assimilation. As such, many of us get greatly demoralized that we are conflated with the “leftists” and bourgeois intellectuals in any way. While communists seek to future-proof the family unit and as a consequence, the societal collective as a whole, they promote bad health and try to reconcile the most vulgar kind of individualism with some “inclusive community” which would be concocted at the expense and at the cost of the existence of every historically constituted community at once. Their existence alone is enough to crush anyone’s spirit especially considering that they call themselves socialist while being to the right of even the social fascists of yore.
An obvious sign of this is that we have reached the point of having to carefully explain how and why the intelligentsia, by and large, is always opposed to proletarian causes. The fact of the matter is that this kind of controlled opposition, guided whether directly or indirectly by imperialist oligarchs have successfully duped a great many people into believing brazen lies through their masters’ full control over the flow of information, censorship and halfway competent use of optics. It is disconcerting that they’re able to convince anyone of anything considering their belief in false consciousness. This necessarily means that neither they, nor the people susceptible to this kind of disinformation understand things like the national question or class interests or account for any class’s access to the means of production. The fact that college students and/or (as horrifying as the very idea is) professional “content creators”/streamers think themselves capable of representing the proletariat should show how deluded and detached from reality the intelligentsia is capable of being.
It is not worth explaining or elaborating upon the fact that the majority of the denizens of the west are not currently and have not been proletarian for several decades. It is beyond counterintuitive, transitioning straight into the realm of insanity to deny that imperialism profits these overcompensated unproductives or that this fact alone allows imperialists to retain power in the imperial core. Most importantly, any class lacking access to the industrial means of production, regardless of numbers, is forever incapable of communist revolution. I will clarify that classes this applies to, such as the peasantry, are capable of communist revolts and can significantly contribute to a communist revolution, but this is if and only if they collude with the class with access to the industrial means of production. For any revolution to have hope of success, popular support is necessary and this only comes if the subsequent relations of production result in a more robust economy, hence providing bread, a higher standard of living, socialized healthcare, higher life expectancy, free education and any and every other thing a revolutionary could possibly promise his people. In layman’s terms, without exponentially higher production or greater yields, there is no hope of altering the economy in any meaningful way. There is also the matter of heavy industry which is the only way of generating the necessary amount of capital to make the new ruling class’s hegemony viable. Only rapid production of essential commodities with the careful management and coordination of resources will ever result in or amount to socialism.
The issue with suggesting socialism to anyone in the imperial core is their statistical likelihood of having no ability whatsoever to operate or administrate the means of production. These people know damn well that the international division of labor and their ruling class’s control over supply chains are the only things that allow them to have commodities to sell in the first place. It does not matter to them that the whole of the west is only ever involved in production towards the very end, nor that it is done automatically, with the majority of the population having literally nothing to do with the production. Their interests are in maintaining their standard of living which means every single decision they make will be in the interests of furthering monopolies, having greater amounts of product, not to produce themselves, but steal from others and increase their dividend. For all this, it is in the best interests of the imperialist to push for as much domestic de-industrialization as possible, so the masses will forever be beholden to him. The proletariat in western countries did not become service workers, they became obsolete due to international monopolies and imperialist hegemony.
The labor aristocratic majority of any given imperialist country are just as covetous as the imperialists themselves given that their interests are the very same. Factoring in that these are service workers, mostly of the labor aristocracy or intelligentsia, the very nature of their work means that they will be overcompensated. It should be noted that while certain essential services are required for society as a whole, it does not change that they do not account for production. Whatever payment a labor aristocrat achieves is always going to be garnished from proletarian workers. In a fair world, meaning society during the dictatorship of the proletariat, certain aspects of the labor aristocracy would be acknowledged as a necessary evil, but the service workers to be paid well or anyone who would be overcompensated in general would be responsible for things like maintaining infrastructure or coordinating/specializing in production in some way. It would be necessary to overcompensate these kinds of people so society would function until further automation and technological development would dispense of the need.
These people cannot ever be the majority in a country that conducts industrial production off its own strength and for such an arrangement to continue, it would require that the previously mentioned garnished earnings would come out of an imperialized nation’s end in ever- increasing amounts. The response of the western “leftist” if one is to bring up any of this is to apologize for the labor aristocracy and claim that they are merely unfortunate illiterates who are incapable of understanding what’s in their best interest. They will hand-wave the complacency and complicity of their people because of their lack of exposure to Marxism and “lack of education”. This is particularly hilarious on account of the fact that even the relatively impoverished in imperialist countries have access to greater education than the proletariat of the global south and still the latter is more likely to choose socialism, literacy, access to resources and even free time notwithstanding. Somehow it’s beyond the intelligentsia that they come from privilege and that their education will result not in their becoming proletarian, but becoming labor aristocrats. It is obvious, most of all to an industrial worker, that there is no set of circumstances where the intelligentsia assists directly in industrial production and isn’t overcompensated regardless of their line of work. Any economy where one is compensated in proportion to production is necessarily rigged against the intelligentsia, hence perfectly explaining their liberal sensibilities and why workers would see them hanged.
The condescension of the intelligentsia will cause them to believe that the “sheeple need to wake up” and are misled into being stupid instead of admitting that the profiteers of imperialism, even at lower ranks, are highly likely to be genuinely stupid. Given that these “radical” college students couldn’t even give a coherent, let alone correct description of what the proletariat is, it should be no surprise that they fail so completely at recognizing the relationship between economic life and psychology. Even faced with the fact that multiple psyops which are confirmed to be psyops inform their people’s beliefs, it does not occur to them that perhaps these people don’t believe in anything. In general, there is confirmation bias where class interest is concerned, but for a westerner, nothing exists beyond what is most convenient at any given
Beyond all of this liberal apologia, the cosmopolitanism and calls for integration by the lefist should be enough to make anyone nauseous. In point of fact, the “anti-racist” posturing done by “the left” is a pathetic and transparent attempt to trade the blatant chauvinism of the Anglo- saxon colonialists of previous decades for the thinly veiled condescending chauvinism of the Anglo-saxon neo-colonialists of today. It is no question when considering their aversion to genuine nationalisms that they do not respect any nation’s right to self-determination. They would force multiple nations to cohabit, effectively demanding that the smaller nations within their borders acquiesce to assimilation in favor of the integrationist state. The cost of keeping a multinational formation of any kind together is always going to be shouldered by smaller nations with chauvinism being integral to a prison of nation’s continued existence. The most hilarious aspect of this integrationism is that they understand that this exact approach categorically, does not work. This can be observed by the state of affairs in Africa and Asia with details acknowledged as fact even by the most liberal and most chauvinistic imperialist filth possible.
It is commonly known that several African countries are multinational formations, not on any historical or national basis, but the design of European colonizers who sought to make them easier to plunder. The racist colonizer knew just as the “anti-racist” colonizer knows that a country with an unresolved national question is always going to be subject to unrest and civil war. The nations within such a fake country know to a certainty that they are doomed to assimilation and will cease to exist in the absence of their own state. This state of affairs leaves imperialists with everything they could possibly ask for, meaning an endless supply of potential compradors and every possible way to acquire new monopolies. While this exact set of circumstances is not pertinent to a prison of nations like the US, that is because it is held together by parasitism and imperialist plunder. It does not change that the cosmopolitan bourgeoisie is effectively bribing nations out of existence.
There is a byproduct of the unrest created by neo-colonialists in the form of immigration en-masse which works in their favor by causing the price of labor to go down by means of underbidding. It also creates a potential national question, leaving nationalist forces less resources to work with when seeking to create their own state. While not every western leftist is an idiot calling for open borders, there are several who would look to further the imperialists’ interests in this regard as well. It does not occur to these degenerates, with their supremely liberal sensibilities that the cost of integration is always going to be assimilation. The left flank of imperialism has invested a great deal in promoting “inclusivity” and in opposing “racism”, but while they pathetically cry their crocodile tears supposedly over violence and prejudice, they display greater chauvinism than anyone else in history.

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As far as an immigrant is concerned, on the front end of the arrangement, they may be “accepted” wherever they end up with a greater standard of living. The back end of the deal is that they are now complicit in the desecration of their country, have all but begged the imperialist powers to wipe their people from existence and often are rightfully regarded with the utmost contempt by their actual countrymen. While the scenario caused by imperialism is genuinely destitute for first generation emigres, there is damn near no diaspora in history that has ever been viewed with any measure of respect. While a first generation immigrant is forced on threat of death or abject poverty to leave his home, his children and their children, for nothing but scraps of imperialist plunder will cheer the “wholesome inclusive west” as it commits wholesale genocide against their own people while never truly being capable of integration. Furthermore, at the point that their country of origin is strong and capable of mounting opposition to the imperialist bloc, they will be treated with great amounts of contempt regardless of their sensibilities or inclination to integrate.
This is soul-crushing. The reality of the matter is that in becoming an emigre, one dooms their children to inevitably becoming used condoms in a scenario that unilaterally profits genocidal war criminals. Any part of this accepted or promoted by “the left” (meaning all of it) means that imperialists have no opposition as death, poverty and starvation run rampant. The fact that the more effective evil is backed by “the left” in the imperial core shows how far this situation has deteriorated. In closing, do not try to convince these idiots and degenerates of anything as they have negative revolutionary potential. Should they tuck their tail between their legs and modify the way they carry themselves to appease liberals, all that’s left to do is be as callous as possible. If any part of you values the survival of your nation and peace overall, they must be treated as an existential threat.
-Aarif Firaas

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submitted by MLCifaretto to EuropeanSocialists [link] [comments]

2023.01.19 13:35 YakiTapioca A Recipe for Disaster (Part 9) - A Fanfic of Nature of Predators

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I've been having the opposite problem that I normally have recently. It turned out that this chapter was running like 5 pages over what I normally do, so I had to split them up. Unfortunately, the halfway point was right in the middle of a conversation, so I did my best to make it pause naturally between chapters.
Alright, looks like it's time to see where the story takes Sylvan and Jeela, or more acurately, where Jeela takes the story. As always, I hope you enjoy reading!
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Note: This is a Fanfic of the Nature of Predators\ series by u/Spacepaladin15. Please support the original content.
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Memory Transcript Subject: Sylvan, Venlil Civilian
Date: [Standardized Human Time]: November 2, 2136
The Province of Ebson, the landmass in which Sweetwater and a number of other cities and towns resided, was completely and utterly controlled by a branch of Venlil Prime’s government, formally referred to as the “Magistrate.” While the Provinces were by no means separated as much as any of Terra’s “nations” with their separate cultures and languages, in order to keep peace and make sure the herd was safe, these governmental subsections existed to help watch over the entirety of the planet at once.
In layman’s terms, Governor Tarva had complete control over the entire planet’s decisions. Then, Venlil Prime was split into many Provinces as a means to keep order, which were each watched over by that Province’s “Magistratta.” Each Province contained many Districts, which were individual cities or groups of towns and villages, that were looked over by that District's “High Magister,” who in turn assigned a number of duties to the Magisters below them.
Because the surrounding area was first settled when explorers found the historic “Sweetwater Lake,” the town and subsequent District within the Ebson Province was named after it. I remembered all the times I got confused in school trying to wrap my head around there being a Sweetwater Lake, Sweetwater Town, and Sweetwater District, but it wasn’t the most confusing naming scheme I had heard of, especially when compared to some of the names Terra gave their cities. But it was annoying whenever somebody referred to the area as just "Sweetwater" and you had to guess which one of the three they were talking about.
Regardless, because of Sweetwater Town being the main town within the area, a number of the District's Magisters decided to live here. They each had relatively complete control of their respective duties. And while all of their decisions could ultimately be overturned by Sweetwater District's High Magister should they deem fit, without interference, the Magisters could pretty much do whatever they wanted. There were Magisters for Agriculture, Healthcare, Education… almost everything a society needed.
But one of the most important roles was of Law and Order… and I had just made a fool of myself in front of her.
Why did I try to turn her away!? Why didn’t I know who she was!? Why was I so rude to her!?
My heart raced as I placed the pasta and miso down in front of Jeela, who’s presence had invoked a feeling of fear in me that no Human nor Arxur could ever hope to achieve. Everything had to be perfect. The cutlery in front of her, the water in her glass, the napkins to her side, and especially the food! Someone of her power could have this restaurant and subsequent neighborhood torn down for even the slightest offense!
I mentally kicked myself repeatedly for my stupidity. If anything went wrong, she’d be able to do pretty much whatever she wanted to me and I’d have little to no say in the matter. She could shut me down for good, she could have me imprisoned, she could even….. deport Kenta. For some reason, this was the possibility that hurt the most deeply. I couldn’t tell why, but the thought of being separated from Kenta and having him go back to his now destroyed home twisted my heart to the point of breaking.
I won’t let that happen. I just need to not screw it up.
“Oh my. What an uncommon colouration!” she suddenly spoke up, looking at the food like she wanted to poke it with a stick. “I didn’t know what I was exactly expecting, but after that wonderful soup, I suppose it’s only natural you’d give me something extraordinary!”
This new meal, which Kenta called “Pasta,” was apparently another famous dish on Terra, many of which used the “Tomatoes” that we had been talking about earlier. I wouldn’t have guessed by the dry, crunchy looking snack that he had produced from his bag, but apparently after boiling them in water, they turned into incredibly soft bits of delight that were shaped like bite-sized hollow tubes. A thick plume of steam was constantly rising from it, showing off just how juicy and water filled they appeared, which was only added to by the equally hot stew that had been poured over the top like a kind of sauce. It was almost similar to the curry in a way, but instead of white and brown, it was blaringly yellow and red.
Too red…. While red foods, in the form of leaves and flowers and the like, were common enough, the idea of a red fruit was simply peculiar. Not that it was exactly impossible, as I had heard of a good couple of planets growing such things, but on Venlil Prime, the fruit would be seen as no less than an oddity. And as we all knew… oddities were a danger…
Even though there were many bits of green and white visibly cooked into it, there was no denying that it contained alien ingredients. I’d have to spin it into a believable story that even a Magister could believe.
It was too late to back out now. I had already promised Jeela a meal.
“Oh yes! It’s absolutely a strange colour! I know exactly what you’re thinking, and you’d be correct. The main ingredient for this dish is actually a red coloured fruit that’s….” I hesitated, trying to think of any kind of excuse that wouldn’t dig me too much further into my own grave. “From Valanar! Yes! And it’s very rare too! It’s actually a special import that we just received the other day.”
“All the way from Valanar, hm?” Jeela seemed skeptical, then picked up a utensil and dug it into the dish, the bits of boiled dough pushed around with a satisfying squish as the sauce moved in to fill the holes. “Valanar… The Krakotlian colony? The ones who are on an active, indefinite trade block with the Venlil?”
I had just thought of the first planet I could remember that had a very specific climate to make it believable enough for a strange plant to be able to grow there. I was not aware that it was in the Krakotl territories. I couldn’t exactly just let my bluff be called any more, though, and needed to double down.
“Y-yes, that’s the one!” I said, trying to maintain my cool.
“Oh darling, that’s… Very creative of you! You must have a great business sense to be able to make trade deals with Valanar despite the trade block!”
She… actually believed that…?
“You know,” she continued, “it never ceases to amaze me what kinds of fantastical things one can find out there in the great beyond. And ‘fantastical things’ you found! The smell of this sauce speaks for itself! I’m practically drooling just looking at it!” With a couple wags of her tail in a happy frenzy, she dug her utensil into the pasta and pulled out a sizable amount all at once. “But enough chit chat. I’d absolutely love to dive into whatever this thing is!”
This was perfect. If there was a possibility that she believed my story about the tomatoes, then there was a chance I could sneak a little good will in there too. The whole situation reminded me of the first time the Coin Counters sent Ginro, before I had any idea what an appeasable person he was. Except this time, it was a little more high stakes.
“It’s my pleasure to serve such an established member of the Ebson Province’s Magistrate,” I spoke cordially. “I’d like to formally thank you for your kindness.”
“Oh hun you don’t need to strain yourself like that,” she spoke back with a kind, motherly tone, not batting an eye as she pulled apart my poultry attempt at manners. “I’m just a quaint little Magister with nowhere else to go for lunch. Now why don’t you make yourself comfortable across from me here and try it with me?”
Kenta had prepared a second plate for me, and I brought it out with the intention of eating it later, but I didn’t dare think to eat within the vicinity of the powerful Venlil. All instincts were telling me to stay as far away from her as possible, afraid that even the slightest mistake could cost me everything.
“I-I believe it would be more polite if I-”
“Sit. I’m not going to say it again, hun.” This time, she was fierce, commanding, and my prey heart couldn’t help but follow their request for fear of my life. How was this Venlil so forceful? Bit by bit, every moment around her progressively broke my perception of what a Venlil should even be capable of. My theory about her Predator Disease was growing more believable by the moment.
“Of course ma’am…” I yipped back, immediately taking a seat across from her and mirroring her preparations to eat. Digging my own utensil into the pasta, I began to realize my perception of the food was beginning to change. With every second, it looked more and more appetizing to me, if not for the smell alone. It was strongly acidic like Kenta had said, and carried with it a mix of tangy kicks and the slightest bit of sweetness. The red sauce had a perfect mixture between watery and viscous, allowing it to hold its shape without dripping down between the dough, but still watery enough to flow and cover each piece seamlessly.
Time to see if the tomatoes aren’t actually poisonous.
The moment of truth came as we both reached up and tasted the pasta at the same time. Just the tube-shaped boiled dough alone would be enough to make me squeal in delight. It was both soft and chewy at the same time, collapsing perfectly inside my mouth and allowing me to bite into each piece without slowing down. It was still piping hot, instantly warming my body with its juicy form, the water held inside it easily still retaining much of the heat from being cooked. It felt like a sauna was building inside my body, like if I opened my mouth I might see a plume of steam rise out of me. But it didn’t hurt… In fact it was remarkably comforting.
I barely had time to appreciate the dough itself before the taste of the sauce hit me. I nearly choked in surprise as it filled my senses all at once. A wave of watery tanginess, bitterness, and sweetness hit me, switching between each taste in a constant flux so fast I couldn’t begin to describe which exact taste I was feeling in a single moment. It was like each aspect of the sauce was perfectly blended together, yet somehow differentiated at the same time, resulting in an unbelievably smooth taste that only made me crave more.
“This is absolutely divine!” Jeela hollered, coveting the plate of pasta as she tore into it in a way that was somehow both calm and collected, yet desperate for more. In between bites, she took deep sips of the miso at her side, drinking it like water on a hot day. “I can’t even begin to describe it! I thought the aroma was divine, but the taste is even more delightful! These little yellow bits are so delicate, yet so hardy! But the sauce is so rich, too! I can’t quite keep track of everything I’m tasting at once!”
For the first time since I first realized who she was, I could finally empathize with her. I didn’t know if it raised me up a peg or lowered her down, but I saw in her the same reactions to Kenta’s cooking that I had so far come to deeply enjoy. The love of good food was a trait that all Venlil, no… all species, could share! It made us all equal, all brothers and sisters living our lives in the harsh world, if only for a few seconds at a time. Perhaps this would be something that all peoples could bond over, some time in the distant future of a dream.
“So, tell me now, darling…” Jeela spoke up again, sneaking in bites of the pasta between breaths. “What exactly is the name of this mysterious red fruit you found on… Where was it again? Valanar?”
“A-ah… Its, uhh… Its name is…” I mumbled. Despite how much the pasta had made me relate to her, I still had to remember that this was not the time to lower my guard. She could like the pasta all she wanted, but if she found out about Kenta… I didn’t want to think about it.
She placed her elbows firm on the table, her massive size needing to bend down slightly before resting her head on top of her paws. “Don’t tell me… you forgot? Where does someone so tactful and knowledgeable about intragalactic, risky trade find the power to forget something like this?”
I needed to defend while thinking of something fast. “Ahahh, well… It’s not really like that! I can absolutely tell you the name of the fruit! They’re… they’re called… uhhh… Poisons!”
I had borrowed the word from Kenta. It apparently was used to describe plants that were dangerous to ingest, but I didn’t know if the term extended to anything else. The way he described it almost sounded close to the concept of ‘Fer’minash,’ which detailed how the accidental ingestion of certain heavy metals could horrifically clash with a person’s homeostasis, rendering them ill. The concept never applied to plants though, and I had to wonder what kind of hellscape Terra must be for Humans to have to worry about such a thing.
Still, the alien word was just silly-sounding enough to make for a fake name. I didn’t want Jeela’s “contacts” to have any more information about Kenta’s place of origin than they already had. Perhaps I shouldn’t have called the new dishes by their Terran names… But at the same time, it felt like a disgrace to the foods to call them by anything but what they were.
“‘Poisons,’ hm? Well, I must say… I certainly haven’t heard of any fruits by that name,” Jeela commented, keeping the same elevated, yet curious tone she had maintained throughout the conversation. “And… If I may ask as well, how exactly did you manage to come across this trade deal? While it isn’t illegal on Venlil Prime to break the Krakotl trade block, it is most certainly illegal in the Federation. I’ve got some rather strong cravings for some outside foods as well, so I’d absolutely love to be enlightened by your genius, darling.”
Another block in the road… How can I possibly explain that part to her? Maybe I can divert the focus?
This time, I was a little bit faster with my response. “Oh, well that’s not exactly my department. It’s just something that my cook has been working out for the last few months he’s been here. I can ask him later if you’d like.”
“Your cook…? The same one that cooked us this strange food?”
“The very same, yes!”
“The one you said was new?”
Uh oh.
“Uhh… that’s not what I-”
“You know, hun. I think it’s about time I met this cook of yours…” Jeela said with a completely emotionless tail, staying perfectly still like an unreadable statue. “After all, with all this amazing food they’ve prepared, it would be quite rude of me to not thank them personally.”
She moved to get up from the seat, and then began walking towards the kitchen door. She tread past me with a determined confidence, the unstoppable footsteps threatening to simply be around. Immediately, I got flashbacks to Ginro from the other day. If she so much as peaked into the kitchen, everything would be over.
“W-wait!” I yelled, and jumped up from my own seat to halt her in any way I could.
Running in front of her, I held out my arms in an attempt to stop her. She barely slowed down, the extremely soft fluff over her body barely brushing into my paws as Jeela stopped right before me. I didn’t know if it was a crime to touch someone of the Magister status, and cringed at the thought of her taking that as an offense. Still, I couldn’t let her take another step forward.
Jeela looked down at me and made a dismissive motion of her tail. “Oh? Any reason why I shouldn’t go back there, darling?”
“Y-yes! You can’t go back there becaussseee…..” I thought back to Ginro and how he fallen for my story about the skittish Venlil cook. It was just believable enough to work. I had to try. “He’s a Fainter! I’m the only one he’s comfortable around. If you go back there, you might scare him!”
“A Fainter, hmm?” Jeela grumbled, seeming even more unsatisfied with my answer. “So darling, let me get this straight. You’re a Venlil restaurant owner who hired a cook with the knowledge and capabilities to make highly illegal trades with a Krakotl colony along with the skills to prepare recipes so unfathomable that they completely destroy a person’s perception of taste. All the while, you have to keep them hidden in the kitchen because they're a Fainter, and would collapse at even the slightest scare.”
“That’s… correct,” I mumbled.
We were standing next to the wall, only a few meters away from the kitchen door around the corner. With a bit of curiosity, and without making a sound, Jeela reached over before slamming one of her paws into the wall, making a shockingly loud BANG sound that rang throughout the restaurant. For some reason, I doubted that Kenta could be capable of making such a noise. Not because Jeela was especially stronger than a Human, but simply because she seemed to lack the hesitation behind making such a jarring sound out of nowhere.
To my relief, Kenta seemed to pick up on the test from the other end of the wall, and recreated the same fake sound of falling over that he had done with Ginro. This time, I could imagine the Human carefully dropping the silver utensils into a metal pot, clattering to feign the actions of a fainting Venlil.
“Well, hun… If I’m being perfectly honest…” Jeela said, leaning down a bit closer and pushing her perfectly groomed and fuzzy coat further into my paws. “That makes perfect sense! It explains why you’re so nervous to talk about him, with how antisocial he seems to be. I understand many Fainters like to keep a low profile, so please know that I apologize for asking such personal questions. Please let him know that I deeply enjoyed his cooking.”
How did that story work a second time…? I’m starting to think that a Venlil’s empathy towards the weak is actually our downfall. Would other species believe me so easily? Would Humans?
“I-I’m glad you’re so understanding,” I responded with a sigh of relief, “Trust me when I say that going back there is a bad idea.”
“Of course, darling! Wouldn’t dream of it!” Like a heavenly sign that I might be making it out of the scenario alive, I saw Jeela’s tail start to wag in a friendly manner, like the imposing figure I had just barely managed to stop was sated for the time being. “Ah, but if you don’t mind… It would at least be nice to know your cook’s name. I want to know what kind of person could be responsible for such an immaculate meal so I can properly thank them.”
“Their… name?”
“Yes darling, I’d like to know what to call them by. Unless, of course… you managed to forget that too?”
“N-no! Their name is…”
I stumbled again. I couldn’t just tell her Kenta’s real name! It sounded too much like a Human name! No, he’d need an entirely different name if I even had a chance at convincing Jeela there wasn’t a giant… adorable… predator back there! Kenta… Kenta… Kenta…. It was actually funny, the name almost sounded like my cousin-
“Kahnta!” I yelled, completely mismatched with the volume I had had with the sentence it was supposedly a part of.
Jeela seemed happy with the answer, and turned to the side to repeat the new information loudly. “Ah, so I may call them Kahnta! I see whoever named them must have taken a historic route. Why, that is the name of one of the most accomplished Exterminators in all of Venlil history.”
Oh… Right, I forgot about that… Well that’s awkward.
“Yes! I see your keen eye never fails to make an acute observation,” I agreed, glad that she seemed to latch on to the name as realistic. Exterminator or not, if it was a believable, Venlil-sounding name, then I was happy. Plus, it didn’t seem like Kenta even knew what an Exterminator was, though I hoped he wouldn’t be too upset with me if he ever found out.
“Why thank you darling!” Jeela replied with an exhaustive, cheery tone. She turned and began to walk back towards the table. “Well, enough flattery. It seems like you have quite the situation in the kitchen you need to address. Meanwhile, I have the rest of my plate to tidy up!”
“Ah yes! The fainting! I should go check on him!” I began to make motions towards the kitchen, happy that Jeela was actually letting me go without even a single warning. It felt like I had been struggling to come up with excuses for eons, delving further and further into a web of lies of my own creation. To be entirely honest, it was exhausting, but I was glad it was finally about to be over. Kenta and I would have a good laugh about all of this when we closed later tonight.
“Oh, and before you go Sylvan, I have a quick request,” she said, stopping in her tracks and facing away from me. “While you’re in the kitchen, do you mind asking the Human back there to pour another bowl of that soup I love?”
I froze.
I suspected Kenta had as well. The moment the words left her mouth, the clang of a metal tool hitting the ground suddenly rang through the wall. Unlike how he had just faked it moments beforehand, this one sounded much more real.
“W-what…?” I mumbled.
A giggle echoed behind me, and I didn’t dare turn around to face it. My heart jumped, making me have the sudden urge to run away. But despite everything, my body knew that there was nowhere to run to.
The giggling stopped, and a fake inward breath of embarrassment was pulled in, “Whoops, guess that leaf’s been burned.”
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submitted by YakiTapioca to HFY [link] [comments]

2023.01.16 15:53 YakiTapioca NoP: A Recipe For Disaster (Part 9)

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I've been having the opposite problem that I normally have recently. It turned out that this chapter was running like 5 pages over what I normally do, so I had to split them up. Unfortunately, the halfway point was right in the middle of a conversation, so I did my best to make it pause naturally between chapters.
Also, I read all your comments from the last one and once again realized I do in fact be a stupid. Venlil blood is ORANGE...! Ugh, there goes my really cool visual metaphor. Anyways, I changed the last chapter a bit to talk around that while doing my best to keep it canon. It wasn't a massive plot point, but it does feel like it lost some of the impact. It's not all without victories though, as someone commented a really interesting idea regarding orange juice....
Alright, looks like it's time to see where the story takes Sylvan and Jeela, or more acurately, where Jeela takes the story. As always, I hope you enjoy reading!
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Memory Transcript Subject: Sylvan, Venlil Civilian
Date: [Standardized Human Time]: November 2, 2136
The Province of Ebson, the landmass in which Sweetwater and a number of other cities and towns resided, was completely and utterly controlled by a branch of Venlil Prime’s government, formally referred to as the “Magistrate.” While the Provinces were by no means separated as much as any of Terra’s “nations” with their separate cultures and languages, in order to keep peace and make sure the herd was safe, these governmental subsections existed to help watch over the entirety of the planet at once.
In layman’s terms, Governor Tarva had complete control over the entire planet’s decisions. Then, Venlil Prime was split into many Provinces as a means to keep order, which were each watched over by that Province’s “Magistratta.” Each Province contained many Districts, which were individual cities or groups of towns and villages, that were looked over by that District's “High Magister,” who in turn assigned a number of duties to the Magisters below them.
Because the surrounding area was first settled when explorers found the historic “Sweetwater Lake,” the town and subsequent District within the Ebson Province was named after it. I remembered all the times I got confused in school trying to wrap my head around there being a Sweetwater Lake, Sweetwater Town, and Sweetwater District, but it wasn’t the most confusing naming scheme I had heard of, especially when compared to some of the names Terra gave their cities. But it was annoying whenever somebody referred to the area as just "Sweetwater" and you had to guess which one of the three they were talking about.
Regardless, because of Sweetwater Town being the main town within the area, a number of the District's Magisters decided to live here. They each had relatively complete control of their respective duties. And while all of their decisions could ultimately be overturned by Sweetwater District's High Magister should they deem fit, without interference, the Magisters could pretty much do whatever they wanted. There were Magisters for Agriculture, Healthcare, Education… almost everything a society needed.
But one of the most important roles was of Law and Order… and I had just made a fool of myself in front of her.
Why did I try to turn her away!? Why didn’t I know who she was!? Why was I so rude to her!?
My heart raced as I placed the pasta and miso down in front of Jeela, who’s presence had invoked a feeling of fear in me that no Human nor Arxur could ever hope to achieve. Everything had to be perfect. The cutlery in front of her, the water in her glass, the napkins to her side, and especially the food! Someone of her power could have this restaurant and subsequent neighborhood torn down for even the slightest offense!
I mentally kicked myself repeatedly for my stupidity. If anything went wrong, she’d be able to do pretty much whatever she wanted to me and I’d have little to no say in the matter. She could shut me down for good, she could have me imprisoned, she could even….. deport Kenta. For some reason, this was the possibility that hurt the most deeply. I couldn’t tell why, but the thought of being separated from Kenta and having him go back to his now destroyed home twisted my heart to the point of breaking.
I won’t let that happen. I just need to not screw it up.
“Oh my. What an uncommon colouration!” she suddenly spoke up, looking at the food like she wanted to poke it with a stick. “I didn’t know what I was exactly expecting, but after that wonderful soup, I suppose it’s only natural you’d give me something extraordinary!”
This new meal, which Kenta called “Pasta,” was apparently another famous dish on Terra, many of which used the “Tomatoes” that we had been talking about earlier. I wouldn’t have guessed by the dry, crunchy looking snack that he had produced from his bag, but apparently after boiling them in water, they turned into incredibly soft bits of delight that were shaped like bite-sized hollow tubes. A thick plume of steam was constantly rising from it, showing off just how juicy and water filled they appeared, which was only added to by the equally hot stew that had been poured over the top like a kind of sauce. It was almost similar to the curry in a way, but instead of white and brown, it was blaringly yellow and red.
Too red…. While red foods, in the form of leaves and flowers and the like, were common enough, the idea of a red fruit was simply peculiar. Not that it was exactly impossible, as I had heard of a good couple of planets growing such things, but on Venlil Prime, the fruit would be seen as no less than an oddity. And as we all knew… oddities were a danger…
Even though there were many bits of green and white visibly cooked into it, there was no denying that it contained alien ingredients. I’d have to spin it into a believable story that even a Magister could believe.
It was too late to back out now. I had already promised Jeela a meal.
“Oh yes! It’s absolutely a strange colour! I know exactly what you’re thinking, and you’d be correct. The main ingredient for this dish is actually a red coloured fruit that’s….” I hesitated, trying to think of any kind of excuse that wouldn’t dig me too much further into my own grave. “From Valanar! Yes! And it’s very rare too! It’s actually a special import that we just received the other day.”
“All the way from Valanar, hm?” Jeela seemed skeptical, then picked up a utensil and dug it into the dish, the bits of boiled dough pushed around with a satisfying squish as the sauce moved in to fill the holes. “Valanar… The Krakotlian colony? The ones who are on an active, indefinite trade block with the Venlil?”
I had just thought of the first planet I could remember that had a very specific climate to make it believable enough for a strange plant to be able to grow there. I was not aware that it was in the Krakotl territories. I couldn’t exactly just let my bluff be called any more, though, and needed to double down.
“Y-yes, that’s the one!” I said, trying to maintain my cool.
“Oh darling, that’s… Very creative of you! You must have a great business sense to be able to make trade deals with Valanar despite the trade block!”
She… actually believed that…?
“You know,” she continued, “it never ceases to amaze me what kinds of fantastical things one can find out there in the great beyond. And ‘fantastical things’ you found! The smell of this sauce speaks for itself! I’m practically drooling just looking at it!” With a couple wags of her tail in a happy frenzy, she dug her utensil into the pasta and pulled out a sizable amount all at once. “But enough chit chat. I’d absolutely love to dive into whatever this thing is!”
This was perfect. If there was a possibility that she believed my story about the tomatoes, then there was a chance I could sneak a little good will in there too. The whole situation reminded me of the first time the Coin Counters sent Ginro, before I had any idea what an appeasable person he was. Except this time, it was a little more high stakes.
“It’s my pleasure to serve such an established member of the Ebson Province’s Magistrate,” I spoke cordially. “I’d like to formally thank you for your kindness.”
“Oh hun you don’t need to strain yourself like that,” she spoke back with a kind, motherly tone, not batting an eye as she pulled apart my poultry attempt at manners. “I’m just a quaint little Magister with nowhere else to go for lunch. Now why don’t you make yourself comfortable across from me here and try it with me?”
Kenta had prepared a second plate for me, and I brought it out with the intention of eating it later, but I didn’t dare think to eat within the vicinity of the powerful Venlil. All instincts were telling me to stay as far away from her as possible, afraid that even the slightest mistake could cost me everything.
“I-I believe it would be more polite if I-”
“Sit. I’m not going to say it again, hun.” This time, she was fierce, commanding, and my prey heart couldn’t help but follow their request for fear of my life. How was this Venlil so forceful? Bit by bit, every moment around her progressively broke my perception of what a Venlil should even be capable of. My theory about her Predator Disease was growing more believable by the moment.
“Of course ma’am…” I yipped back, immediately taking a seat across from her and mirroring her preparations to eat. Digging my own utensil into the pasta, I began to realize my perception of the food was beginning to change. With every second, it looked more and more appetizing to me, if not for the smell alone. It was strongly acidic like Kenta had said, and carried with it a mix of tangy kicks and the slightest bit of sweetness. The red sauce had a perfect mixture between watery and viscous, allowing it to hold its shape without dripping down between the dough, but still watery enough to flow and cover each piece seamlessly.
Time to see if the tomatoes aren’t actually poisonous.
The moment of truth came as we both reached up and tasted the pasta at the same time. Just the tube-shaped boiled dough alone would be enough to make me squeal in delight. It was both soft and chewy at the same time, collapsing perfectly inside my mouth and allowing me to bite into each piece without slowing down. It was still piping hot, instantly warming my body with its juicy form, the water held inside it easily still retaining much of the heat from being cooked. It felt like a sauna was building inside my body, like if I opened my mouth I might see a plume of steam rise out of me. But it didn’t hurt… In fact it was remarkably comforting.
I barely had time to appreciate the dough itself before the taste of the sauce hit me. I nearly choked in surprise as it filled my senses all at once. A wave of watery tanginess, bitterness, and sweetness hit me, switching between each taste in a constant flux so fast I couldn’t begin to describe which exact taste I was feeling in a single moment. It was like each aspect of the sauce was perfectly blended together, yet somehow differentiated at the same time, resulting in an unbelievably smooth taste that only made me crave more.
“This is absolutely divine!” Jeela hollered, coveting the plate of pasta as she tore into it in a way that was somehow both calm and collected, yet desperate for more. In between bites, she took deep sips of the miso at her side, drinking it like water on a hot day. “I can’t even begin to describe it! I thought the aroma was divine, but the taste is even more delightful! These little yellow bits are so delicate, yet so hardy! But the sauce is so rich, too! I can’t quite keep track of everything I’m tasting at once!”
For the first time since I first realized who she was, I could finally empathize with her. I didn’t know if it raised me up a peg or lowered her down, but I saw in her the same reactions to Kenta’s cooking that I had so far come to deeply enjoy. The love of good food was a trait that all Venlil, no… all species, could share! It made us all equal, all brothers and sisters living our lives in the harsh world, if only for a few seconds at a time. Perhaps this would be something that all peoples could bond over, some time in the distant future of a dream.
“So, tell me now, darling…” Jeela spoke up again, sneaking in bites of the pasta between breaths. “What exactly is the name of this mysterious red fruit you found on… Where was it again? Valanar?”
“A-ah… Its, uhh… Its name is…” I mumbled. Despite how much the pasta had made me relate to her, I still had to remember that this was not the time to lower my guard. She could like the pasta all she wanted, but if she found out about Kenta… I didn’t want to think about it.
She placed her elbows firm on the table, her massive size needing to bend down slightly before resting her head on top of her paws. “Don’t tell me… you forgot? Where does someone so tactful and knowledgeable about intragalactic, risky trade find the power to forget something like this?”
I needed to defend while thinking of something fast. “Ahahh, well… It’s not really like that! I can absolutely tell you the name of the fruit! They’re… they’re called… uhhh… Poisons!”
I had borrowed the word from Kenta. It apparently was used to describe plants that were dangerous to ingest, but I didn’t know if the term extended to anything else. The way he described it almost sounded close to the concept of ‘Fer’minash,’ which detailed how the accidental ingestion of certain heavy metals could horrifically clash with a person’s homeostasis, rendering them ill. The concept never applied to plants though, and I had to wonder what kind of hellscape Terra must be for Humans to have to worry about such a thing.
Still, the alien word was just silly-sounding enough to make for a fake name. I didn’t want Jeela’s “contacts” to have any more information about Kenta’s place of origin than they already had. Perhaps I shouldn’t have called the new dishes by their Terran names… But at the same time, it felt like a disgrace to the foods to call them by anything but what they were.
“‘Poisons,’ hm? Well, I must say… I certainly haven’t heard of any fruits by that name,” Jeela commented, keeping the same elevated, yet curious tone she had maintained throughout the conversation. “And… If I may ask as well, how exactly did you manage to come across this trade deal? While it isn’t illegal on Venlil Prime to break the Krakotl trade block, it is most certainly illegal in the Federation. I’ve got some rather strong cravings for some outside foods as well, so I’d absolutely love to be enlightened by your genius, darling.”
Another block in the road… How can I possibly explain that part to her? Maybe I can divert the focus?
This time, I was a little bit faster with my response. “Oh, well that’s not exactly my department. It’s just something that my cook has been working out for the last few months he’s been here. I can ask him later if you’d like.”
“Your cook…? The same one that cooked us this strange food?”
“The very same, yes!”
“The one you said was new?”
Uh oh.
“Uhh… that’s not what I-”
“You know, hun. I think it’s about time I met this cook of yours…” Jeela said with a completely emotionless tail, staying perfectly still like an unreadable statue. “After all, with all this amazing food they’ve prepared, it would be quite rude of me to not thank them personally.”
She moved to get up from the seat, and then began walking towards the kitchen door. She tread past me with a determined confidence, the unstoppable footsteps threatening to simply be around. Immediately, I got flashbacks to Ginro from the other day. If she so much as peaked into the kitchen, everything would be over.
“W-wait!” I yelled, and jumped up from my own seat to halt her in any way I could.
Running in front of her, I held out my arms in an attempt to stop her. She barely slowed down, the extremely soft fluff over her body barely brushing into my paws as Jeela stopped right before me. I didn’t know if it was a crime to touch someone of the Magister status, and cringed at the thought of her taking that as an offense. Still, I couldn’t let her take another step forward.
Jeela looked down at me and made a dismissive motion of her tail. “Oh? Any reason why I shouldn’t go back there, darling?”
“Y-yes! You can’t go back there becaussseee…..” I thought back to Ginro and how he fallen for my story about the skittish Venlil cook. It was just believable enough to work. I had to try. “He’s a Fainter! I’m the only one he’s comfortable around. If you go back there, you might scare him!”
“A Fainter, hmm?” Jeela grumbled, seeming even more unsatisfied with my answer. “So darling, let me get this straight. You’re a Venlil restaurant owner who hired a cook with the knowledge and capabilities to make highly illegal trades with a Krakotl colony along with the skills to prepare recipes so unfathomable that they completely destroy a person’s perception of taste. All the while, you have to keep them hidden in the kitchen because they're a Fainter, and would collapse at even the slightest scare.”
“That’s… correct,” I mumbled.
We were standing next to the wall, only a few meters away from the kitchen door around the corner. With a bit of curiosity, and without making a sound, Jeela reached over before slamming one of her paws into the wall, making a shockingly loud BANG sound that rang throughout the restaurant. For some reason, I doubted that Kenta could be capable of making such a noise. Not because Jeela was especially stronger than a Human, but simply because she seemed to lack the hesitation behind making such a jarring sound out of nowhere.
To my relief, Kenta seemed to pick up on the test from the other end of the wall, and recreated the same fake sound of falling over that he had done with Ginro. This time, I could imagine the Human carefully dropping the silver utensils into a metal pot, clattering to feign the actions of a fainting Venlil.
“Well, hun… If I’m being perfectly honest…” Jeela said, leaning down a bit closer and pushing her perfectly groomed and fuzzy coat further into my paws. “That makes perfect sense! It explains why you’re so nervous to talk about him, with how antisocial he seems to be. I understand many Fainters like to keep a low profile, so please know that I apologize for asking such personal questions. Please let him know that I deeply enjoyed his cooking.”
How did that story work a second time…? I’m starting to think that a Venlil’s empathy towards the weak is actually our downfall. Would other species believe me so easily? Would Humans?
“I-I’m glad you’re so understanding,” I responded with a sigh of relief, “Trust me when I say that going back there is a bad idea.”
“Of course, darling! Wouldn’t dream of it!” Like a heavenly sign that I might be making it out of the scenario alive, I saw Jeela’s tail start to wag in a friendly manner, like the imposing figure I had just barely managed to stop was sated for the time being. “Ah, but if you don’t mind… It would at least be nice to know your cook’s name. I want to know what kind of person could be responsible for such an immaculate meal so I can properly thank them.”
“Their… name?”
“Yes darling, I’d like to know what to call them by. Unless, of course… you managed to forget that too?”
“N-no! Their name is…”
I stumbled again. I couldn’t just tell her Kenta’s real name! It sounded too much like a Human name! No, he’d need an entirely different name if I even had a chance at convincing Jeela there wasn’t a giant… adorable… predator back there! Kenta… Kenta… Kenta…. It was actually funny, the name almost sounded like my cousin-
“Kahnta!” I yelled, completely mismatched with the volume I had had with the sentence it was supposedly a part of.
Jeela seemed happy with the answer, and turned to the side to repeat the new information loudly. “Ah, so I may call them Kahnta! I see whoever named them must have taken a historic route. Why, that is the name of one of the most accomplished Exterminators in all of Venlil history.”
Oh… Right, I forgot about that… Well that’s awkward.
“Yes! I see your keen eye never fails to make an acute observation,” I agreed, glad that she seemed to latch on to the name as realistic. Exterminator or not, if it was a believable, Venlil-sounding name, then I was happy. Plus, it didn’t seem like Kenta even knew what an Exterminator was, though I hoped he wouldn’t be too upset with me if he ever found out.
“Why thank you darling!” Jeela replied with an exhaustive, cheery tone. She turned and began to walk back towards the table. “Well, enough flattery. It seems like you have quite the situation in the kitchen you need to address. Meanwhile, I have the rest of my plate to tidy up!”
“Ah yes! The fainting! I should go check on him!” I began to make motions towards the kitchen, happy that Jeela was actually letting me go without even a single warning. It felt like I had been struggling to come up with excuses for eons, delving further and further into a web of lies of my own creation. To be entirely honest, it was exhausting, but I was glad it was finally about to be over. Kenta and I would have a good laugh about all of this when we closed later tonight.
“Oh, and before you go Sylvan, I have a quick request,” she said, stopping in her tracks and facing away from me. “While you’re in the kitchen, do you mind asking the Human back there to pour another bowl of that soup I love?”
I froze.
I suspected Kenta had as well. The moment the words left her mouth, the clang of a metal tool hitting the ground suddenly rang through the wall. Unlike how he had just faked it moments beforehand, this one sounded much more real.
“W-what…?” I mumbled.
A giggle echoed behind me, and I didn’t dare turn around to face it. My heart jumped, making me have the sudden urge to run away. But despite everything, my body knew that there was nowhere to run to.
The giggling stopped, and a fake inward breath of embarrassment was pulled in, “Whoops, guess that leaf’s been burned.”
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2022.10.01 21:52 Cyrusk4 Channeling Emanuel Swedenborg - The Great 18th Century Theologian

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Channeled Telepathic Communication with Emanuel Swedenborg - 18th Century Theologian and Enlightenment Scholar - Life on an Angelic World, Unrevealed Truths of His Life, Devious S-xual Behavior in the Modern Age – CENSORED BY FACEBOOK SO READ HERE INSTEAD… ASTERISKS ON NAUGHTYWORDS BECAUSE THE TECH CENSORSHIP AGE IS WONDERFUL… See: The Great Cosmic Shift by Cyrus Kirkpatrick on YouTube for more information, Afterlife Topics and Metaphysics on Facebook. Taken from upcoming book: The Cosmic Shift of Mankind, to be released this fall.
Greetings to those reading this anthology. What a great pleasure it is to be here and to write through the very fingers of this young man, Cyrus, who has grown into a talent we can recognize throughout the ages. It [communications like this one] is nothing new, and is a normal occurrence on your world. What is very different, however, is the nature of any creative, artistic pursuit that attacks at the truth, so to speak—which illustrates the importance of this work.
My message for those reading comes a full two-and-a-half centuries since my passing. Yet, you may be reading this book at some ungodly date into the far-flung future. In which case, add as many zeroes to that prior date as you like!
Most importantly, I want to talk about a few prime concepts, potential misconceptions, that concerns work some are familiar with like Heaven and Hell. And also importantly, reminders about the very nature of the migration of souls from the terrestrial, to the less-than-terrestrial. To the higher realities. To the heavenly realms.
This is of especial importance to the former reality of this man Swedenborg; for my world—the Earth—was a battleground planet, a testing center between light and darkness. A prelude to great judgments that were borne upon the realities far and between. From the realities of spirit where I once dwelt to the grand, heavenly planets of the Archangels themselves (where I exist now)—a magnificent contrast exists for those souls migrating from a world like yours into what awaits.
As such, a topic I never quite discussed on your world were the specific details of my encounters with divine beings, and how that would someday lead to my life among such angels. Such mysteries will be revealed in these forthcoming pages.
It was long a prerogative of mine to understand the very naturalistic, even biologic elements of what a heavenly reality would be like. This became almost an obsession of mine. Surely, in the olden days at Uppsala University, I would have taken an angel and used every lovely ancient device of microscopy to investigate those angel feathers. Back then, we had scant knowledge of subjects like atoms and molecules—just traces of the truth—but armed with such traces of knowledge, I’d been very concerned with trying to understand the compositional elements of a divine being. Why? Well, surely, the angelic being must exist in a naturalistic state; for what would not be a naturalistic state? All must derive from nature, including realms of divinity. This was my view. Who else thought this way? Few, if any. I was standing out like a peacock in the sun. Also, because I thought, “Surely, we must understand worlds beyond this one in literal terms. For most people, it seems divinity is understood in the realm of faith alone. Faith is most important, yet what will I be doing in heaven? I’d very much like to continue my sciences. I wanted to understand my future life not purely in the light of faith, but also through science and inquiry—the literal imaginings of it all.”
At this time, I faced an enormous amount of criticism from ecclesiastic authorities because I dared to think in such a way. Why? Because literal terms should be placed into the “faithless fire”, as they would say. Instead, we trust in the Word and place the material sciences, the literality of things, into the realm of Man. Odd, I would say, as this perspective did not appeal to me. Yet, subjection to criticism can wear on any soul, as it did my own, faced by such a constant barrage.
Criticisms arise, however, in light of publicity and reputation. What occurred to much attention were my direct communion, and communication, with angelic beings. This is important to point out because there was a host of them, including communications I dared not reveal publicly, including that of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
To reveal the extent of these visitations would place me in a lot of hot water. Possibly even now, upon your world. However, this will not ward me away from revealing these stories. Some of my tales were known about, a scant bit of it I would say. For example, Jesus Christ did visit me in person. And as a rationalist, I did not attribute it to hallucination. And those who knew me understood the reality of such claims coming from a level-headed, rationally minded, scientific authority as myself. What I did not reveal, however, is that I ate with Jesus, dined with him as a house guest. He even stayed in my home for a night. When our communion finished, he called me his brother and he left my home.
Strange, how do you parse such a reality entering your life? It’s very hard to do it. But I am an inquisitive mind, and I’d have preferred the Lord Savior Jesus Christ to stay a while so I could poke at him with scientific instruments and figure out the physicality of his existence. Sadly, this event did not go in such a direction.
So, herein lies the challenge going forward, so we can be pithy for my role in this anthology: Your world is in a state of confusion about divinity, theology, religion, spirituality, magic and God. The first is an inability to adapt to change as it arises. The very element of the heavenly kingdoms is adaptation to change, and allowing so much to flow. I shall speak shortly of my meetings with the Archangels; and my eventual migration to their realms. However, this point about the turmoil facing your world must be elucidated to a stronger degree first.
For you see, institutes, and I shall include even the Swedenborgian fellows, should bear in mind that half truths are worse than lies. I am not speaking ill of any such persons who continue forward in my name, but these plights are simply things that occur, do occur, and must be approached vigilantly. A half truth occurs when one element is correct, another element is false, and the package is presented. No one knows how to unravel it, or understand what goes where, and soon an idea persists, like among Lutherans, that m-sturbation is such an immoral act you can soon be sent into hell.
In fact, to see m-sturbation in a shameful lens creates a host of psychological issues among people. For one thing, it causes an internalized sense of guilt and shame for elements of nature, completely unrelated to mentality, morality, are classified as such.
It creates a sense in a soul that reality is out to get them. That God’s rules do not fit with what is occurring in their midst. It also causes a sense that we are walking a path down a treacherous road with cliffs on either side, in the dark, and despite our best attempts at survival, we could fall into hell at any point.
Finally, with life’s hardships, if we should step onto a road like sexuality for too long, it’s the devil’s fruit and we are off to the classification of sinner, which only makes the hardships worse.
We could go on, and on. Yet, do keep in mind, this was all my strong belief set during my day. I believed m-sturbation was most certainly a detraction from the Lord, and a blasphemy against a sacred part of life—the holy conception of a new soul—which should be relegated to a brief important moment of sperm fertilization of an egg—the act of biological fertilization that I was endlessly interested in. However, to explore this beyond that sacred moment was a plight against God and an indulgence. Hmm. Most interesting.
In order to prevent battles erupting between various factions, there are elements I never spoke about publicly on your world, such as the extent of my visitations with Jesus in my own home. In this same regard, subjects like the churches’ view of m-sturbation, spoken of in such a plain fashion as in this essay, could be quite a new experience for certain long-time readers of mine—especially considering my own standpoint has altered considerably since my days on your world. As you can imagine, there are a great many subjects I’d love to get of my chest given this opportunity and platform to speak to an audience within the Lower Earth.
As some recall, in my work I often spoke of the nature of angels—souls that were us, from our world, surely, transformed into angelic status in realities that are certainly as real as ours. I would reinforce how the natural world must remain natural. What is the world of spirit by contrast? Ah, the mysteries of trying to understand where matter and spirit converge. I can see from the rest of this anthology other authors have spoken much about this subject—the soul collective versus the manifested, higher realities. I will not delve so deeply into what has already been explained. However, to put it in simple terms: My work would focus on the organic spirit of life, and not the mental realities, although I would spend much time in the mental reality after my passing, before walking through those gates into the true dwellings of the Archangels.
Angels, as I have spoken of before, certainly do originate from our world—but the cosmos is vast and wondrous and those souls elevated to angelic status extend far beyond just the trappings of our one, single planet. Creation is too bountiful to be exclusive to just our one meager world. Unfortunately, ecclesiastic authorities in my day saw things very different.
In time, I would prove to myself the existence of greater realities, where angelic authority extends far beyond the reaches of the Earth—even though my constituents saw things very differently, that Earth was a singular creation. The idea of other planets constituting a divine reality was outrageous. I speak now to an audience where perhaps such notions are no longer so outrageous.
Before we continue exploring such outrageous ideas, I’d like to summarize a little more my exodus from your world: It was a great series of steps to arrive to where I am now, upon an Archangelic, divine planet. And much of this relates to that very concept of moving from the reality of the ‘bardo’, the mental lucid states of the mind and spirit, even among heavenly realms of such an existence, and into the Divine Manifested Reality, as I shall term it. So, my life has gone through transformation after transformation.
If only I knew back then, [in my era], what I know now, so much I would have written differently, so much I would have added or changed, and I most certainly wouldn’t have been going on with my peers about the great folly of m*sturbation. Certainly in my day there were greater, pressing concerns.
So, what is this realm of Archangels I exist in now? Ah, yes. I live in a kind of study hall. Much to my liking. For you see, the realm of the mind, the spirit world, never did suit me as I prefer a naturalistic environment. In a realm of the mind, I never did come to suitable conclusions about the biologic nature of heaven; for my mental reality was constructed in a synthetic fashion. Two different modes of being. That is what I learnt, actually. And an important lesson, for the realm of the mind feels physical to the touch, and is confusing, until it is clear the nature of such an existence. So, the Archangelic forces I first encountered back during my life upon Earth were eventually ready to accept me at a certain point in the evolution of my soul into their reality. Indeed, even before my passing, I had developed a relationship among the highest order of angelic authority that would of course influence my work and my life’s purpose.
Now I shall speak of who I met before within my Earthly life: The Archangel Jophiel. This was the great, wondrous figure that summoned me to her court from my own home.
Wait, surely not Jophiel! Ah, the controversy should begin. Jophiel is a figure from Angelicanism and the Kabbalah, of all places. My credibility would be flame-roasted and toasted. It would be as bad as finding out I was m-sturbating, to have a visionary experience with the Archangel Jophiel. Yet, that is precisely what occurred. And I couldn’t tell a soul any of the details until now.
No less, it was not merely a visionary experience but I was taken to Jophiel’s reality. It should be understood Jophiel is written as companion to the Archangel Metatron. This is surely true as well. Metatron now resides around this reality; yet, not a permanent resident, as Metatron is a guiding power and watcher; and of course, he is also known as Samael.
Jophiel, in a great assembly, is in power along her deputies, Michael and Gabriel, and ascended above them is the Archangel Ariel. There are many more in this assembly to note, including grand elder beings of the cosmos—dating to the dawn of creation—something unfathomable yet real—with names never before uttered among the lips of people from your world.
Even this information shared so far would have caused too much controversy during my day. Perhaps of a deadly variety against myself or my loved ones. It is not something to trifle with—the extremities of the church, and the power of such authority in my era of the 18th century.
Yet, there I was under the magnificent throne of the Archangel Jophiel, who was the ruler in her kingdom. Others surrounded her with wings, many with armours, and weapons, and flaming swords, and there she sat on a golden throne in every bit of illumination, glory, grandiosity one could imagine. Yet, there I was, noticing the small details: What was this environment? A real place, literally. And there were others, I noticed men with beards and adornments and offering her praise, or pleading to her, and she appeared to be a very busy woman.
So I quipped, “Archangel Jophiel, you are a very busy woman and here I am, mucking about. So sorry for my troubles.”
Of course, Jophiel went straight to my mind, and said, “No, Emanuel Swedenborg, come hither.” And so I did.
So, up some marble steps I went, quite contented to be in heaven. For heaven appears as anticipated as it had been for me in my life. And, to think: On my mind were the opportunities of this world. Surely, this reality would be ideal for a man like myself. I could see myself among those bearded blokes over yonder, maybe a scribe or a scientist in the court of these angels.
But most importantly, I felt to be in a reality that was not my own. No, certainly not, because every moment of this reality had magic behind it. Every scent, every perfume, every glance of every being, every communication occurring mentally—often rapidly—every moment felt an awe-inspiring gravitas that cannot, could never, be described in words. We must not even try. Yet, manifested in physical reality, it was!
Jophiel looked at me and spoke, “You may also call me Flourella.”
Ah, what a beautiful name: Flourella. Surely, this Queen of Archangels’ true, beautiful name had never been uttered on my world before. Therefore, I can simply go revise the ancient Kabbalah, rewrite current scripture, and be thought of as a madman. Alternatively, I shall keep the name Flourella somewhere near and dear in my heart, while at the same time never revealing the full extent of this particular experience lest I fall into a kind of civil war upon my return to my old reality.
Ah, yes, the great taboos of orthodoxy come home to roost, as they say. Fortunately, the Archangelic powers work in mysterious ways. Yet, so does the Lord—and what Jophiel intended of me was to take my reality, and turn it upside down. Jophiel’s plan, to summon me to her kingdom, was initiated because of my great influence. At the time, I did not consider myself to have a great legacy that would echo over the ages, perhaps turning into its own denomination. The Archangels saw it differently; and intended to bring me into their world for a set of valuable lessons.
Some of these lessons I did bring back to my flock. An important lesson would concern the nature of the angelic powers in a cosmological perspective. This led to my understanding of planetary bodies, in existence within a higher strata of life. That the planetoid is not a random encumbrance of nature, but a divine recognition that casts its power into all creation, as dwellings of civilization and great existences beyond our own.
I was taken to see, through mental power, the entire embodiment of the planetoid I was on. A planetoid of divine power. Angelic power. And this was heaven? Ah surely, who would believe that heaven existed as a planet. Yet, if we are to imagine heaven, why not a planet? Planets are a part of creation, so let us rejoice that planets exist within our great hereafter as the physicality, tangibility, molecular sense-making of divinity.
Next, The Archangel Fluorella sent me to meet the Archangel Lashiandros. Not a name known about in our histories, yet for me to even be concerned about this matter tells many tales: For those on the Earths, at least per the age this book is written, tend to consider their denomination to be infallible, completely understood, and no new knowledge is allowed. There is a great prophet, that prophet arises, the prophet’s word becomes holy scripture—and nothing else should be taken away nor added to it. Period. Ever. And so, I have even suffered attacks against me most recently by those who reject that I am truly Emanuel Swedenborg for the simple matter of having had changes in perspective. Apparently, the real Emanuel Swedenborg is sitting somewhere in a cloud, quite upset about this imposter running around with stories of Archangels with names other than those taught in ancient texts. Oh, dear.
And, well, Lashiandros was a woman with fiery auburn hair, a few freckles here and there, and a lacy garment like a form-fitting white tunic that appears with ruffles around the edges. Lashiandros was a bit taller than myself, and wore silver and leather boots—a bit like a cowgirl, I suppose. So, she took my arm, and brought me from the throne of Fluorella and off to tour the realities of heaven.
To make matters even worse, Lashiandros told me the name of her world was “Sandoterrai”. Alright, and so heaven is named Sandoterrai? Surely, I shall go out amongst my fellow clerics and let everyone know with great zeal, “Heaven has a name! It is Sandoterrai!” And everyone can celebrate Swedenborg having finally lost his mind completely. It’d been a ways coming, but it finally occurred.
What was this reality like? Let’s put it this way: I was no longer in my home. My bed was empty. Much like Ebenezer Scrooge, I suppose, I was taken away to this other world from out of my bed. Maybe another analogy could be Peter Pan. My embodiment on that world was my former body that had, moments prior, been tucked away into my wool blankets. Why former? Because through being physically exposed to a reality I would later know by its technical terms—6th density—my entire bodily composition began to transform. And that transformation remained even after I returned home.
I became a different type of man. I said I was transformed by the miracle of heaven—and people did not know what it meant, but truly my molecular composition turned into a more robust, more energetic existence by virtue of entering the 6th density-molecular composition. It would only be much later—after my physical death—that I learned the true nature of physics as they relate to divinity—as I was always curious about, and the true nature of the transformation I had undertaken.
After this tour, I was taken by Lashiandros to an adjacent temple that appeared in almost different colours than we’d ever imagine. Our same colours—yet on a higher magnitude. And up the stairs we went into this magnificent temple of beautiful pastel colours and engravings signifying ancient histories beyond my scope of imagination.
By the time I left that temple complex, things had changed quite a bit for old Swedenborg, because I was forced to reevaluate certain principles.
I was brought back to the throne of Archangel Jophiel. She had a laugh, a very lovely laugh from this thin-framed woman with long dark hair. She said, “I hope you enjoyed our world, Swedenborg. I want you to please take the wisdom of our reality back to your Earth so we can spread greater knowledge, and work toward the eventual great shift of your planet into our realities.” It’s like she snapped her fingers, and I was back in my bed.
Now what am I eluding to? The worst, most blasphemous thing of all that could never be repeated or I could have literally found my head on a pike outside the Swedish court: Lashiandros favored my rebellious nature, my predilection toward upending the clergy in a most subversive fashion, my ability to balance multiple realities at once, but was disturbed about my views on sexuality, deeply embedded through my religious heritage. Lashiandros, over the course of about 45-minutes, decided to introduce a different perspective to me, and certainly you understand what I mean.
The issue is this: Such an experience was reserved for one like myself. A s*xual experience of such caliber on your Earth could potentially disrupt a man’s life. The reason for this is the Archangelic reality, and higher worlds in general, transcend far beyond anything the people of Earth could understand or fathom. And so, a man of the Earth may lose the ability to integrate back into their old life after experiencing such splendor. And what is that splendor like? Well, on a surface-level, it might ‘appear’ similar to your own existence. For example: My s*xual organs were quite functional, to say the least. Well, that’s terrible! We must move beyond those fleshly instruments. This does not sound so divine at all, Mr. Swedenborg! This is surely not the words of this great man. Heresy!
Not so fast. I would daresay these organ structures have existed in human fashion for an unfathomable era since the dawn of creation. It’s just on our world, s*xuality is a muted experience. [Editor's note: Asterisks added or FB will remove the post, ban me, lol.]
Not on this world of Sandoterrai.
Through manifestation on that world, one is now a part of that existence and suddenly our old Earth is just… a bunch of silly nonsense. An average person, taken in s*xually by a woman—an angel—like Lashiandros, would enchant that man (or woman) to such an extent he or she would never be able to think about anyone else, or possibly anything else—ever again—and certainly not clunky, mortal s*xuality.
However, for better or worse—Swedenborg was a special circumstance. This was done to me because of my growing, enormous influence which threatened to throw together another puritanical movement of sorts. This was made clear to me through a vision Lashiandros embedded into my mind, that it would be bad for society. That my great influence and work threatened to cause mass societal condemnations against prostitution or even pre-marital affairs, perhaps to pain of death, as occurs during such radical reformations many times throughout history. It was Fluorella’s plan to exorcise this belief out of me. And what better instrument than Lashiandros.
And I blew it. You see, this was the great, magnificent experience of all time. Truly. I returned to my bed, my old life. As months passed, I thought long and hard, very philosophically about every element of my “ultimate vision” and finally concluded: The s*xual experience was meant for me, and only me. In fact, that type of divine experience was a way for the angels to test me, and I should double-down on my views of s*xuality as a sacred experience reserved for husband and wife, and lessened to preferably procreation purposes. How could I backtrack? I think part of my mind could not handle that reality, that life, that entire method of existence, and so I put it out of my mind for about the next two hundred-years .
More recently, it’s been very important to reevaluate these elements in light of so many from these realities springing forth across your higher cosmos; and my ability to return to the world of Sandoterrai and discover how reality here, on a day-to-day basis, is everything I imagined it to be during my first visitation—and so much more.
Most importantly, however, there is no condemnation for a s*xual experience to occur, even if it were among a divine, angelic being and perhaps a man—or a woman—who is already wed. Why? Because as it turns out, s*xuality was a creation at the dawn of all reality—the Grand Creation as they call it on Sandoterrai—and everything is put to the scales, as they say here. That is to say, all is tested and weighed on a karmic platform. There is no inherent sin in such experiences, at all.
Yet, there is still great sin within realities of s-xuality—exploitation, manipulative prostitution, human trafficking, or even the greedy, zealous, covetous nature of those who collect s-xual partners for power, social status, money, or just an attempt to use, exploit, and suck the magic and energy from a victim via s-xuality.
Great sins of s-xuality are found in abundance across your world—especially amongst your youth—that encompasses both men and women. Yet, it takes an especial interest in rotting away the minds of your youth via “dating apps” that further suck the life-spirit away from the sacred elements of s-xuality, turning it frivolous and status-based.
Imagine a “dating app” on my world, or even your higher density world known by some here as Mal'brega—it would be just fine, and certainly a lot of fun. On your world, full of so much sin, a spirit of corruption constantly infiltrates. I call this the spirit of the Devil, seen in a myriad ways, in so many frightening incarnations, and s-xuality is just one aspect of it.
From my vantage, in the Angelic World, I see this dark spirit possess young people’s minds—viewing life as a game. For example, the female youth seeking to obtain the hottest, hunkiest male partners off the lower Earth’s infernal dating apps, competing with other ladies for the greatest catch. Worse yet, often with the most superficial of standards in place—“Oh, Brad is a surfer. But I am really hoping my next catch is going to be even hotter than Brad, with larger muscles. Or maybe I’ll find a real dangerous bad boy. A thug or criminal. So hot.” As if this is all that matters. It's a social disorder with priorities based on media imagery and a need to impress peer groups by being extreme, “gangster” .
I see it when I view youth at a party, taking harder and harder drugs, laughing hysterically about things that are not funny, trying to impress each other with how edgy they are—to be more calloused, to be more like some mean character from a gangster rap music video—the more a youth steps into that arena, the more impressive they become to their peers. It’s like this behavior begins in high school and does not stop. They all encourage each other to become worse, meaner, more salacious, scandalous. Ah, because this is part of being rebellious, part of being cool. Or is it? No! Just media, cultural programming. Much of it introduced on purpose by the terrifying cabal of the Earth. Infectious in people’s minds. It becomes “cool” to do the opposite of what is seen as right—for what is seen as right is boring, cliché, uninteresting. Yet, this is absurd. So, let’s value hurting people, or being criminal, or admiring criminals, or turning each other into s-xual objects and destroying people’s self worth—while laughing about it, being catty about it, fist-bumping over it.
See, as a spirit guide, I get into people’s minds, memories, and I see things play out in such a way, and in this perspective, within this arena of cultural programming, I witness the “hook up culture” and its aftermath; I see broken situations everywhere. I see young men feeling neglected, completely unable to live up to unfair, sometimes terrifying standards imposed by extremely domineering women who pass even extremely high quality men by any normal civilization’s standards. No, such a man is still not good enough, only a top percentile are worthy, as female peer groups reinforce strict criteria of being “the prize.”Therefore, only selecting men based on standards of either bad boy, thug or criminal behavior, or archetypal offerings of social roles—tall, dark, handsome businessmen who are dangerous, cowboys driving only the largest trucks with the most oversized wheels, some surfer who fits something they saw on TV. This almost sounds silly to speak about, doesn’t it? No. It is not silly at all. This is deadly serious. Young men everywhere feel this intense social standard that sends them spiraling into depression.
On the flip-side of the gender spectrum, I see young women feeling used and worthless.I see men with an attitude to use women for s-x—men who fit a particular social criteria and standard of attractiveness achieving the privilege of boasting about his conquests with all of his “bros”. The men I witness in this terrifying “hook up” culture then turn it into a masculine show of force about how many women they are with, to “hit it and forget it” they say.
Yet, why? Why forget it? Ah, the same insanity—to make “cool” and “edgy” terrible, antisocial behavior rooted in the seven deadly sins. Use someone for their essence, then discard the rest, laugh about it, and move to the next victim. This attitude can then be found in abundance in your p-rnography. Now, even men not fortuitous enough to participate in “hook up culture” can fantasize about it with degrading videos on the Internet where they imagine they are experiencing what that slim percentage of s-xually worthy males can achieve through “Tinder” or whichever app your world prefers.
The women, careful to keep this side of their lives hidden, chat about it in a very catty way to all their friends, perhaps making size comparisons of the latest catches’ packages, contrasting to the man from the prior week, and from the week before, or perhaps multiple men all in the same week. Judging them based on physical criteria so merciless, the “dating world” of your Earth becomes a terrifying reality for youth everywhere, causing innumerable social problems, plain as daylight among those from my vantage in life.
Where is the relationship between that strange, hedonistic, blasphemous way of life, and my experience with Archangel Lashiandros? Hah! There is no relationship. None at all. A different reality entirely, on a spectrum so wondrous, those sinful youth of your world be in envy of it, and want to experience—only to find it is impossible within their spiritual framework that is so dirtied. That shows you the spectrum of righteousness that I hope I am making clear through this essay.
To finish this text, I want to say that the scales of sin are not outright and apparent. It is never black-and-white. It is hard to always track down. The “hook-up culture” that arises on the Earths, occasionally even the densities due to your Earth’s influence upon our worlds, has the potential to take the aforementioned form, where everyone is using each other. But how do we spot it? How do categorize it? It is never easy like people think.
You see, souls may go from living within divinity and creation to throwing it away, and seeing reality from a most-selfish angle. This occurs sporadically among certain souls, in particular souls on a newer path and not yet reaching a point of karmic ascendance. No angel on my world would ever start thinking this way, but juvenile souls, fickle souls, souls easily corruptible in different directions, are likely to begin treacherous paths.
There is a very specific behavior I have surmised upon studying this phenomenon, in order to track the “trappings of sin”—and it’s the process of turning inward. No longer do we see the majesty of another soul and experience that majesty, we think, “What can I take from the situation to further my own ends?” This attitude can manifest anywhere, and it is not black-and-white. Someone thinks like this because they have an aspiring political career, or perhaps a young woman is an aspiring social media star seeking one million Instagram followers. Now, they will use this power for great good of society—or so they think—so they adopt a very inward-perspective to view everything through a political lens. Perhaps it will even work. They will look back and think, “Boy, I sure was ridiculous in my rise to the top. Yet, I’m so happy I’m here to make the world a great place.”
Yet, this strategy can go terribly wrong—for with it, everything has motive behind it. They choose where they eat carefully to gain the most social media attention via those selfie-sticks at a trendy restaurant popular among the youth, or whatever is trending to amass as much popularity and approval as possible.
Well, such a person will view others through this same lens of constant political leverage. They will choose s-xual partners in a way to boost fame, attention, social desirability, and power. All part of the “master plan” that ends with being some type of God or Goddess, supremely popular, wonderful, amazing, and as beautiful as the Archangel Ariel, or the Archangel Mandrasa (who you would know as Mary Magdalene). In their desire to reach the beauty of heavenly planets like my own, they will stop at nothing to gain as much popularity as possible. For some, it begins on your Earth, and extends after death into the higher density, cosmopolitan worlds that await so many from beyond the Lower Earths.
Much can be spoken about “hell” to finish this essay. Let us put it this way: Vast bardo states exist, as spoken of by certain Buddhist sects, that are mental realities where souls enter realms of pain and suffering. There exists hellish realities where truly evil souls face the judgment of divinity. There is, however, no system that automatically casts people into any such state based upon some ridiculous arbitrary criteria, and let’s not even discuss the absurdities of words like “eternal” in this context.
However, another type of hell exists for people on a path like this, which is the torture of disconnection from God. Take such a person as I described, and deliver them up to the Angelic World of Sandoterrai, and watch as they feel and experience none of the majesty. Such a person surely would have a plastic smile on their face, wanting to take photos to return to their world in the lower density—to seem as cool as possible for being taken to such a reality.
Meanwhile, they are experiencing an angelic world and being utterly cast away from it. In complete darkness to it. Cordoned away from divinity. Existing in a state of mock happiness, mock satisfaction, but only generating the magic of life via an internal state of consumption and greed. Often seeking the magic and wonder from other souls, wanting to experience their joy, and perhaps using tools like s-xuality to siphon it out of people.
Such souls could eventually end up in a truly terrifying external reality. Nevertheless, with their plastic smiles and pretenses of spirituality, yoga poses on their social media accounts, or adherence to the latest spiritual fad of astrology or channelings. All are practices enjoyed by the very teachers of this world! Even astrology has fun significance for people. But what I speak about is the pretentious, indulgent, fake spiritual practices use to gather social media followers, likes, attention, and a pretense of importance, a moral high-ground from whence there is none to begin.
These souls already exist in a blasphemous, sad, debilitating type of life that they think is enlightened, beautiful, and wondrous through the advent of supreme rationalizations. Take such a soul to glimpse upon the beauty of a world like mine, and watch as they are overgrown with jealousy, and a desire to become as popular as the angels.
To resist this way of being, education is needed on your world. An educational system must remain in place that teaches the true nature of divinity as passed on by the angels. The New Angelic Scriptures exist around my worlds which pass so many tales of wisdom and understanding to help lead us into a new, greater reality united between all the Earths.
I would suggest to keep these concepts in mind, as every single person with goodness in their heart has the capacity to help lead us all toward a less sinful, and by definition, more wondrous and beautiful existence—a lesson needed most of all on a greatly disturbed society known as the Lower Earth.
With love, that concludes my essay for this anthology. Now, there is a host of Swedenborgian fellows that wish to speak with me, many skeptical that it is really myself, as they have never been to my world and find my continued existence to be strange—as they expect me to be inaccessible, on some higher vista than they are. So strange to me, which is why I need to go slap some sense into them. Farewell.

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2022.06.28 21:49 Real_Marsupial8984 Enneagram Levels of Development

Type One—Levels of Development
Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Become extraordinarily wise and discerning. By accepting what is, they become transcendentally realistic, knowing the best action to take in each moment. Humane, inspiring, and hopeful: the truth will be heard.
Level 2: Conscientious with strong personal convictions: they have an intense sense of right and wrong, personal religious and moral values. Wish to be rational, reasonable, self-disciplined, mature, moderate in all things.
Level 3: Extremely principled, always want to be fair, objective, and ethical: truth and justice primary values. Sense of responsibility, personal integrity, and of having a higher purpose often make them teachers and witnesses to the truth.
Average Levels
Level 4: Dissatisfied with reality, they become high-minded idealists, feeling that it is up to them to improve everything: crusaders, advocates, critics. Into "causes" and explaining to others how things "ought" to be.
Level 5: Afraid of making a mistake: everything must be consistent with their ideals. Become orderly and well-organized, but impersonal, puritanical, emotionally constricted, rigidly keeping their feelings and impulses in check. Often workaholics—"anal-compulsive," punctual, pedantic, and fastidious.
Level 6: Highly critical both of self and others: picky, judgmental, perfectionistic. Very opinionated about everything: correcting people and badgering them to "do the right thing"—as they see it. Impatient, never satisfied with anything unless it is done according to their prescriptions. Moralizing, scolding, abrasive, and indignantly angry.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: Can be highly dogmatic, self-righteous, intolerant, and inflexible. Begin dealing in absolutes: they alone know "The Truth." Everyone else is wrong: very severe in judgments, while rationalizing own actions.
Level 8: Become obsessive about imperfection and the wrongdoing of others, although they may fall into contradictory actions, hypocritically doing the opposite of what they preach.
Level 9: Become condemnatory toward others, punitive and cruel to rid themselves of wrongdoers. Severe depressions, nervous breakdowns, and suicide attempts are likely. Generally corresponds to the Obsessive-Compulsive and Depressive personality disorders.

Type Two—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Become deeply unselfish, humble, and altruistic: giving unconditional love to self and others. Feel it is a privilege to be in the lives of others.
Level 2: Empathetic, compassionate, feeling for others. Caring and concerned about their needs. Thoughtful, warm-hearted, forgiving and sincere.
Level 3: Encouraging and appreciative, able to see the good in others. Service is important, but takes care of self too: they are nurturing, generous, and giving—a truly loving person.
Average Levels
Level 4: Want to be closer to others, so start "people pleasing," becoming overly friendly, emotionally demonstrative, and full of "good intentions" about everything. Give seductive attention: approval, "strokes," flattery. Love is their supreme value, and they talk about it constantly.
Level 5: Become overly intimate and intrusive: they need to be needed, so they hover, meddle, and control in the name of love. Want others to depend on them: give, but expect a return: send double messages. Enveloping and possessive: the codependent, self-sacrificial person who cannot do enough for others—wearing themselves out for everyone, creating needs for themselves to fulfill.
Level 6: Increasingly self-important and self-satisfied, feel they are indispensable, although they overrate their efforts in others' behalf. Hypochondria, becoming a "martyr" for others. Overbearing, patronizing, presumptuous.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: Can be manipulative and self-serving, instilling guilt by telling others how much they owe them and make them suffer. Abuse food and medication to "stuff feelings" and get sympathy. Undermine people, making belittling, disparaging remarks. Extremely self-deceptive about their motives and how aggressive and/or selfish their behavior is.
Level 8: Domineering and coercive: feel entitled to get anything they want from others: the repayment of old debts, money, sexual favors.
Level 9: Able to excuse and rationalize what they do since they feel abused and victimized by others and are bitterly resentful and angry. Somatization of their aggressions results in chronic health problems as they vindicate themselves by "falling apart" and burdening others. Generally corresponds to the Histrionic Personality Disorder and Factitious Disorder.

Type Three—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Self-accepting, inner-directed, and authentic, everything they seem to be. Modest and charitable, self-deprecatory humor and a fullness of heart emerge. Gentle and benevolent.
Level 2: Self-assured, energetic, and competent with high self-esteem: they believe in themselves and their own value. Adaptable, desirable, charming, and gracious.
Level 3: Ambitious to improve themselves, to be "the best they can be"—often become outstanding, a human ideal, embodying widely admired cultural qualities. Highly effective: others are motivated to be like them in some positive way.
Average Levels
Level 4: Highly concerned with their performance, doing their job well, constantly driving self to achieve goals as if self-worth depends on it. Terrified of failure. Compare self with others in search for status and success. Become careerists, social climbers, invested in exclusivity and being the "best."
Level 5: Become image-conscious, highly concerned with how they are perceived. Begin to package themselves according to the expectations of others and what they need to do to be successful. Pragmatic and efficient, but also premeditated, losing touch with their own feelings beneath a smooth facade. Problems with intimacy, credibility, and "phoniness" emerge.
Level 6: Want to impress others with their superiority: constantly promoting themselves, making themselves sound better than they really are. Narcissistic, with grandiose, inflated notions about themselves and their talents. Exhibitionistic and seductive, as if saying "Look at me!" Arrogance and contempt for others is a defense against feeling jealous of others and their success.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: Fearing failure and humiliation, they can be exploitative and opportunistic, covetous of the success of others, and willing to do "whatever it takes" to preserve the illusion of their superiority.
Level 8: Devious and deceptive so that their mistakes and wrongdoings will not be exposed. Untrustworthy, maliciously betraying or sabotaging people to triumph over them. Delusionally jealous of others
Level 9: Become vindictive, attempting to ruin others' happiness. Relentless, obsessive about destroying whatever reminds them of their own shortcomings and failures. Psychopathic behavior. Generally corresponds to the Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Type Four—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Profoundly creative, expressing the personal and the universal, possibly in a work of art. Inspired, self-renewing and regenerating: able to transform all their experiences into something valuable: self-creative.
Level 2: Self-aware, introspective, on the "search for self," aware of feelings and inner impulses. Sensitive and intuitive both to self and others: gentle, tactful, compassionate.
Level 3: Highly personal, individualistic, "true to self." Self-revealing, emotionally honest, humane. Ironic view of self and life: can be serious and funny, vulnerable and emotionally strong.
Average Levels
Level 4: Take an artistic, romantic orientation to life, creating a beautiful, aesthetic environment to cultivate and prolong personal feelings. Heighten reality through fantasy, passionate feelings, and the imagination.
Level 5: To stay in touch with feelings, they interiorize everything, taking everything personally, but become self-absorbed and introverted, moody and hypersensitive, shy and self-conscious, unable to be spontaneous or to "get out of themselves." Stay withdrawn to protect their self-image and to buy time to sort out feelings.
Level 6: Gradually think that they are different from others, and feel that they are exempt from living as everyone else does. They become melancholy dreamers, disdainful, decadent, and sensual, living in a fantasy world. Self-pity and envy of others leads to self-indulgence, and to becoming increasingly impractical, unproductive, effete, and precious.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: When dreams fail, become self-inhibiting and angry at self, depressed and alienated from self and others, blocked and emotionally paralyzed. Ashamed of self, fatigued and unable to function.
Level 8: Tormented by delusional self-contempt, self-reproaches, self-hatred, and morbid thoughts: everything is a source of torment. Blaming others, they drive away anyone who tries to help them.
Level 9: Despairing, feel hopeless and become self-destructive, possibly abusing alcohol or drugs to escape. In the extreme: emotional breakdown or suicide is likely. Generally corresponds to the Avoidant, Depressive, and Narcissistic personality disorders.

Type Five—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Become visionaries, broadly comprehending the world while penetrating it profoundly. Open-minded, take things in whole, in their true context. Make pioneering discoveries and find entirely new ways of doing and perceiving things.
Level 2: Observe everything with extraordinary perceptiveness and insight. Most mentally alert, curious, searching intelligence: nothing escapes their notice. Foresight and prediction. Able to concentrate: become engrossed in what has caught their attention.
Level 3: Attain skillful mastery of whatever interests them. Excited by knowledge: often become expert in some field. Innovative and inventive, producing extremely valuable, original works. Highly independent, idiosyncratic, and whimsical.
Average Levels
Level 4: Begin conceptualizing and fine-tuning everything before acting—working things out in their minds: model building, preparing, practicing, and gathering more resources. Studious, acquiring technique. Become specialized, and often "intellectual," often challenging accepted ways of doing things.
Level 5: Increasingly detached as they become involved with complicated ideas or imaginary worlds. Become preoccupied with their visions and interpretations rather than reality. Are fascinated by off-beat, esoteric subjects, even those involving dark and disturbing elements. Detached from the practical world, a "disembodied mind," although high-strung and intense.
Level 6: Begin to take an antagonistic stance toward anything which would interfere with their inner world and personal vision. Become provocative and abrasive, with intentionally extreme and radical views. Cynical and argumentative.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: Become reclusive and isolated from reality, eccentric and nihilistic. Highly unstable and fearful of aggressions: they reject and repulse others and all social attachments.
Level 8: Get obsessed yet frightened by their threatening ideas, becoming horrified, delirious, and prey to gross distortions and phobias.
Level 9: Seeking oblivion, they may commit suicide or have a psychotic break with reality. Deranged, explosively self-destructive, with schizophrenic overtones. Generally corresponds to the Schizoid Avoidant and Schizotypal personality disorders.

Type Six—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Become self-affirming, trusting of self and others, independent yet symbiotically interdependent and cooperative as an equal. Belief in self leads to true courage, positive thinking, leadership, and rich self-expression.
Level 2: Able to elicit strong emotional responses from others: very appealing, endearing, lovable, affectionate. Trust important: bonding with others, forming permanent relationships and alliances.
Level 3: Dedicated to individuals and movements in which they deeply believe. Community builders: responsible, reliable, trustworthy. Hard-working and persevering, sacrificing for others, they create stability and security in their world, bringing a cooperative spirit.
Average Levels
Level 4: Start investing their time and energy into whatever they believe will be safe and stable. Organizing and structuring, they look to alliances and authorities for security and continuity. Constantly vigilant, anticipating problems.
Level 5: To resist having more demands made on them, they react against others passive-aggressively. Become evasive, indecisive, cautious, procrastinating, and ambivalent. Are highly reactive, anxious, and negative, giving contradictory, "mixed signals." Internal confusion makes them react unpredictably.
Level 6: To compensate for insecurities, they become sarcastic and belligerent, blaming others for their problems, taking a tough stance toward "outsiders." Highly reactive and defensive, dividing people into friends and enemies, while looking for threats to their own security. Authoritarian while fearful of authority, highly suspicious, yet, conspiratorial, and fear-instilling to silence their own fears.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: Fearing that they have ruined their security, they become panicky, volatile, and self-disparaging with acute inferiority feelings. Seeing themselves as defenseless, they seek out a stronger authority or belief to resolve all problems. Highly divisive, disparaging and berating others
Level 8: Feeling persecuted, that others are "out to get them," they lash-out and act irrationally, bringing about what they fear. Fanaticism, violence.
Level 9: Hysterical, and seeking to escape punishment, they become self-destructive and suicidal. Alcoholism, drug overdoses, self-abasing behavior. Generally corresponds to the Passive-Aggressive and Paranoid personality disorders.

Type Seven—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Assimilate experiences in depth, making them deeply grateful and appreciative for what they have. Become awed by the simple wonders of life: joyous and ecstatic. Intimations of spiritual reality, of the boundless goodness of life.
Level 2: Highly responsive, excitable, enthusiastic about sensation and experience. Most extroverted type: stimuli bring immediate responses—they find everything invigorating. Lively, vivacious, eager, spontaneous, resilient, cheerful.
Level 3: Easily become accomplished achievers, generalists who do many different things well: multi-talented. Practical, productive, usually prolific, cross-fertilizing areas of interest.
Average Levels
Level 4: As restlessness increases, want to have more options and choices available to them. Become adventurous and "worldly wise," but less focused, constantly seeking new things and experiences: the sophisticate, connoisseur, and consumer. Money, variety, keeping up with the latest trends important.
Level 5: Unable to discriminate what they really need, become hyperactive, unable to say "no" to themselves, throwing self into constant activity. Uninhibited, doing and saying whatever comes to mind: storytelling, flamboyant exaggerations, witty wise-cracking, performing. Fear being bored: in perpetual motion, but do too many things—many ideas but little follow through.
Level 6: Get into conspicuous consumption and all forms of excess. Self-centered, materialistic, and greedy, never feeling that they have enough. Demanding and pushy, yet unsatisfied and jaded. Addictive, hardened, and insensitive.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: Desperate to quell their anxieties, can be impulsive and infantile: do not know when to stop. Addictions and excess take their toll: debauched, depraved, dissipated escapists, offensive and abusive.
Level 8: In flight from self, acting out impulses rather than dealing with anxiety or frustrations: go out of control, into erratic mood swings, and compulsive actions (manias).
Level 9: Finally, their energy and health is completely spent: become claustrophobic and panic-stricken. Often give up on themselves and life: deep depression and despair, self-destructive overdoses, impulsive suicide. Generally corresponds to the Bipolar disorder and Histrionic personality disorder.

Type Eight—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Become self-restrained and magnanimous, merciful and forbearing, mastering self through their self-surrender to a higher authority. Courageous, willing to put self in serious jeopardy to achieve their vision and have a lasting influence. May achieve true heroism and historical greatness.
Level 2: Self-assertive, self-confident, and strong: have learned to stand up for what they need and want. A resourceful, "can do" attitude and passionate inner drive.
Level 3: Decisive, authoritative, and commanding: the natural leader others look up to. Take initiative, make things happen: champion people, provider, protective, and honorable, carrying others with their strength.
Average Levels
Level 4: Self-sufficiency, financial independence, and having enough resources are important concerns: become enterprising, pragmatic, "rugged individualists," wheeler-dealers. Risk-taking, hardworking, denying own emotional needs.
Level 5: Begin to dominate their environment, including others: want to feel that others are behind them, supporting their efforts. Swaggering, boastful, forceful, and expansive: the "boss" whose word is law. Proud, egocentric, want to impose their will and vision on everything, not seeing others as equals or treating them with respect.
Level 6: Become highly combative and intimidating to get their way: confrontational, belligerent, creating adversarial relationships. Everything a test of wills, and they will not back down. Use threats and reprisals to get obedience from others, to keep others off balance and insecure. However, unjust treatment makes others fear and resent them, possibly also band together against them.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: Defying any attempt to control them, become completely ruthless, dictatorial, "might makes right." The criminal and outlaw, renegade, and con-artist. Hard-hearted, immoral and potentially violent.
Level 8: Develop delusional ideas about their power, invincibility, and ability to prevail: megalomania, feeling omnipotent, invulnerable. Recklessly over-extending self.
Level 9: If they get in danger, they may brutally destroy everything that has not conformed to their will rather than surrender to anyone else. Vengeful, barbaric, murderous. Sociopathic tendencies. Generally corresponds to the Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Type Nine—Levels of Development

Healthy Levels
Level 1 (At Their Best): Become self-possessed, feeling autonomous and fulfilled: have great equanimity and contentment because they are present to themselves. Paradoxically, at one with self, and thus able to form more profound relationships. Intensely alive, fully connected to self and others.
Level 2: Deeply receptive, accepting, unselfconscious, emotionally stable and serene. Trusting of self and others, at ease with self and life, innocent and simple. Patient, unpretentious, good-natured, genuinely nice people.
Level 3: Optimistic, reassuring, supportive: have a healing and calming influence—harmonizing groups, bringing people together: a good mediator, synthesizer, and communicator.
Average Levels
Level 4: Fear conflicts, so become self-effacing and accommodating, idealizing others and "going along" with their wishes, saying "yes" to things they do not really want to do. Fall into conventional roles and expectations. Use philosophies and stock sayings to deflect others.
Level 5: Active, but disengaged, unreflective, and inattentive. Do not want to be affected, so become unresponsive and complacent, walking away from problems, and "sweeping them under the rug." Thinking becomes hazy and ruminative, mostly comforting fantasies, as they begin to "tune out" reality, becoming oblivious. Emotionally indolent, unwillingness to exert self or to focus on problems: indifference.
Level 6: Begin to minimize problems, to appease others and to have "peace at any price." Stubborn, fatalistic, and resigned, as if nothing could be done to change anything. Into wishful thinking, and magical solutions. Others frustrated and angry by their procrastination and unresponsiveness.
Unhealthy Levels
Level 7: Can be highly repressed, undeveloped, and ineffectual. Feel incapable of facing problems: become obstinate, dissociating self from all conflicts. Neglectful and dangerous to others.
Level 8: Wanting to block out of awareness anything that could affect them, they dissociate so much that they eventually cannot function: numb, depersonalized.
Level 9: They finally become severely disoriented and catatonic, abandoning themselves, turning into shattered shells. Multiple personalities possible. Generally corresponds to the Schizoid and Dependent personality disorders.

What level do you belong to?

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2022.06.17 10:24 MirkWorks Eros and Magic in The Renaissance by Ioan P. Couliano, translated by Margaret Cook (Continuation)

Continuing from: First section

ACCULTURATION OF THE WEST
The observer of ideas and currents taking place on the twelfth-century stage is frustrated by their variety. A quick foray into the wings, which few have yet dared to attempt, shows us that many strings are held in the same hand, the same "selective will," perhaps.
The phenomenon that characterizes the movements of ideas in the twelfth century might be compared to a huge flux and reflux of data and cultural values. Spain at the time of the Reconquista is one of the most important centers. In proportion as the Christian kingdom of Castille advances and the Arabs retreat, "specialists" or adventurers throng the field, fascinated by the wealth and culture of the Moslems, and begins their feverish work of translation in which wonder and religious controversy intermingle. Quickly, due chiefly to the college of translators installed at Toledo, the Latin West comes into contact with the principal records of Arab culture (and of Greek Antiquity) in the fields of medicine, philosophy, alchemy, and religion.
The latter remains subject to rebuttal, and Rodrigues Ximénez de Rada or Peter the Venerable, abbot of Cluny, carry out this task conscientiously. Their philosophy offers food for thought; in any case it was not accepted at once and without changes unless, by chance, a Jewish philosopher of Cordoba such as Solomon ibn Gabirol happened - under the Latinized name of Avicebron, Avencebrol, or Avemcembron - to pass for Christian. But as soon as the Arab Aristotle and the Greek Aristotle were discovered, Scholasticism had found its man. No authority, until the rediscovery of Plato and of pagan Neoplatonism, could give that master any competition. Medicine had the same fate: it was adopted immediately, especially because the Galenism of the Arabs concurred on many points with the doctrines of Aristotle. The time of the great syntheses, or summae, had come.
With regard to the Arab culture of Spain, it is more difficult to specify what it carried away in its reflux: perhaps traces of Christian mysticism evident in Ibn 'Arabi, the great Sufi master of the thirteenth century. Be that as it may, those who stood to profit from the exchange of values were primarily the Christians.
This process of acculturation that occurred at the western end of Europe was also accompanied by infiltration of elements from the east, threatening the bases of medieval society with disintegration. Long disguised under other names or simply remaining hidden, the ancient universalistic gnosis of Mani reappeared, in the tenth century, in the teachings of the Bulgarian pope Bogomil . Bogomilism, which had quickly come to Byzantium, showed off the whole arsenal of dualistic gnoses: it held the adversary of God to be the creator of the visible world and inspirer of the Old Testament, which was rejected in one lump, or almost so; it preached encratism, or abstention from marriage and sexual relations, in order not to perpetuate Satan's evil doings, and vegetarianism, to avoid incorporating the Satanic element present in animals; it also preached antinomianism or nonobedience to laws formulated by the civil and religious authorities.
Catharism, which appears toward the end of the first half of the twelfth century, probably represents the Western branch of Bogomilism. Sporadic traces of dualistic gnosis, however, appear from the beginning of the eleventh century in France and Italy. A group of noblemen and priests from Orléans, around 1015, practiced encratism, vegetarianism, and docetism, the idea that Christ never assumed a real human body, this also constituting part of the dualistic dogma. A second example, in Monforte in Piedmont, closely resembles that of Orléans, both in the nature of its beliefs and in the composition of the group. Anticlerical, docetist, antinomian, encratite, and vegetarian, they also presage the Catharan endura with the idea that the members of their sect nearing death should be ritually killed in order to spare them death throes. At the beginning of the twelfth century the Bogomil influences are revealed in the anticlerical and inconoclastic heresy of Peter of Bruis and the itinerant preacher Henry, as well as in the profession of dualistic faith of two peasants from Soissons, Clement and Ebrard (1114). Tanchelm of Anvers and Eudo (Eon) of l'Etoile, both very strange people, seems to have been inspired by the gnosticism of the first centuries A.D., the former being especially influenced by Simon the Magician of Samaria. Perhaps this was a spontaneous inspiration - coming from the innermost depths of the collective unconscious, since both men were declared insane by some of their contemporaries as indeed they are by modern scholars.
The Cathars, Puritan dualists of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, were alone in organizing themselves along the lines of the Bogomils into powerful churches, which, in southern France and northern Italy became a real threat to the Catholic Church. It was in the fight against the Cathars that the Church created and perfected the shocking agency of the Inquisition.
The difference between the Cathars and the heretics of Orléans and Monforte is not to be sought on the ideiological level but rather on the level of practical power, which the Cathars attained by means of their active preaching. Although they rationalized their dogma in a different way than the people from Orléans and Monforte, the Cathars professed no less than anticosmism or opposition to the evil world created by Satan, docetism, encratism, antinomianism, anticlericalism, and vegetarianism (or almost, since fish, which they maintained were generated spontaneously and nonsexually, by water, were not excluded from their lean repasts).
All that interests us here is the codification of theories about love in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and not the history of medieval dualism. Now, it is very important that the Cathars' code of morals, in principle puritan, did not exclude, in certain cases, licentiousness, a grave form of antinomianism with respect to the social regulations for Catholics. The Cathars, being encratite, did not permit marriage: Legitima connubia damnant. Matrimonium est meretricium, matrimonium est lupanar, they declared in opposing such "legalization of concubinage." "They absolutely proscribe marriage . . . ," the inquisitor Bernardus Guidonis tells us; "they assert that it is a perpetual state of sin. They deny that the good Lord ever instituted it. They declare that carnal knowledge of a wife is no lesser sin than incestuous relations with a mother, daughter, or sister."
On the other hand, given that the path of Cathar initiation went from mere believer to the perfect one, sexual lapse of believers was openly (publice) allowed, provided that it not bear the legal seal of marriage, because it was much more weighty to make love to a wife than to another, facere cum uxore sua quam cum alia muliere. This opened the way to a sexual licentiousness that the Catholic Church feared at least as much as the dualistic dogma of the Cathars, because of its antisocial and antidemographic consequences.
The cultural flux that swamped western Europe from west to east, which resulted in the scholasticism of the early Middle Ages as well as the dualistic sects, can be considered an important phenomenon. When the tide receded, the influences coming from the west and those coming from the east were united in the strange and original ideology of courtly love.
Courtly love has in common with Catharism a contempt for marriage and an ambiguous message which, though opposed in principle to sexual intercourse, is contradicted, in practice, by the licentious behavior of the troubadours. Like the Cathar faithful, some of them seem systematically to have indulged in debauchery. The phenomenon of courtly love had, however, more in common with Arab medicine and mysticism, which nevertheless does not negate the hypothesis of a dual origin.
Idealization and even hypostatization of woman, a vital component of courtly love, had long imbued Arab mystical poetry. The latter, moreover, did not escape the charge of dualism, a phenomenon meeting with the same intolerance both by Moslem and Christians. In 783, the poet Bashshar ibn Burd was sentenced to death as a zindïq or crypto-Manichaean (hence a Cathar ahead of his time) "because he had identified the woman, to whom he had dedicated his poem, with Spirit or ruh, the intermediary between man and God." Only unattainable womanhood can be deified, and R. Boase recalls, as a Cathar adjunct to the story of Bashshar, that Gervais of Tilbury sent a young girl to the stake only because she had resisted his erotic advances.
In Islam, the identification of woman as suprasensory entity was more or less current, without lacking ambiguity. For the sufi mystic Sana'i, who died about 1150, a Madonna Intelligenza hidden behind the features of a woman was the pilgrim's guide in the cosmos of the Neoplatonists of Islam; he was, at the same time, the author of one of the most dreadful diatribes against wahmin ever conceived. It is probably a question of the dual aspect of the feminine: the natural aspect, which prompts and justifies the misogyny of the ascetic man, and the essential aspect, under which woman is the "other half of heaven."
Mitigating the contradiction between those two separate aspects of the feminine, the sufi mystic Ibn 'Arabi of Murcia considers woman merely an ideal species. In Mecca in 1201, he composes a Diwandedicated to Nezam (Harmony), daughter of an Imam nobleman of Persian origin, Zahir ibn Rostam. Entitled The Interpreter of Burning Desires, the Diwan's prologue contains these intimate confessions:
Now this sheik had a daughter, a slender and willowy adolescent who attracted the attention of anyone who saw her, whose presence alone was the embellishment of public meetings and struck with amazement all who looked upon her. Her name was Nezam (Harmonia) and her surname "Eye of the Sun and of Beauty" ['ayn al-Shams wa 'l-Baha']. Scholarly and pious with experience of the spiritual and mystical life, she personified the venerable antiquity of the Holy Land and the innocent youth of the prophet's great city. The magic of her glance, the grace of her conversation, was so enchanting that if she happened to be prolix her speech was filled with references; if concise, a marvel of eloquence; holding forth on a subject, clear and lucid. . . . Were it not for petty minds eager for scandal and inclined to slander, I would here comment on the beauty that God lavished on her body as well as on her soul, which was a garden of generosity. . . . At the time I used to visit her I carefully observed the noble qualities of her person besides what the company of her aunt and her father added to it. Thus I took her as the prototype for inspiration of the poems contained in this book, love poems, composed of elegant and sweet phrases, albeit I have not been able to succeed in expressing even part of the emotion in my soul that meeting this young girl aroused in my heart, nor the wholehearted love I felt, nor the stamp that her continuous friendship left on my memory, nor the grace of her spirit and her modesty of demeanor, because she is the object of my Quest and of my hope, the Purest virgin [al-Adkra al-batul]. Nevertheless, I have succeeded in putting into verse some of my nostalgic thoughts like precious objects offered here. I have clearly expressed my smitten soul, I have wished to suggest the deep attachment that I felt, the deep solicitude that troubled me during the period that has elapsed and the sorrowful longing that still moves me when I think of the exalted companionship of this young girl.
...

Although Ibn 'Arabi is at great pains to specify that his poems are symbolic, that the visible beauties only evoke the suprasensory realities of the world of angelic meanings, a doctor from Aleppo accuses him of having concealed a sensual love in order to save his reputation for austerity. This personage, real or fictional, here fills the place he deserved: the moralist who interferes in order to question the purity of intent of the lover and who arouses the very protests of the lover that form the explanation of courtly love. What is involved here is not just a personage but a function in the structure of the literary and existential style cultivated by love's faithful, from the troubadours to Dante. To refute these vulgar insinuations, Ibn 'Arabi decides to write his long commentary on the Diwan in which he explains what Henry Corbin calls "the manner of theophanic apperception" typical of love's faithful. Hence, Nezam becomes "a sublime and divine Wisdom [Sophia], fundamental and sacrosanct, who reveals herself visibly to the author of these poems, with such sweetness as to engender in him joy and rapture, delight and ecstasy."
The intelligential beauty revealed in the sensory beauty of the feminine is the expression, optimistic and moving, of the Platonism of the Andalusian mystic. The corollary of this conception is dual: that which belongs to the intelligential is endowed with feminine beauty, like the angel appearing with the features of a "princess of the Greeks"; second, everything influenced by the intelligential shares in the virginal virtues, like St. Fatima of Cordova, who, at the age of ninety, still looks like a young girl. Contrary to Sana'i who states that the sensory world is a trap in which beauty does not correspond to an ontological quality, Ibn 'Arabi is completely indifferent to that truth, only retaining the idea of a continuum between sensory beauty and intelligential Beauty.
This said concerning the idealization of feminine beings, it behooves us to return to the believers in love in the West. One of the most striking aspects of courtly love is the "vocation of suffering" on the part of the faithful. The occultation of love represents an essential element of the ritual of eroticism. In this process of voluntary withdrawal from the love object, a withdrawal that causes the indefinite postponement of the consummation of desire, is to be seen one of the secrets of Western tradition. No obstacle is too great in this case, including one set up by the lover himself in adopting fickle conduct conveying a mood of public defiance. His purpose in this voluntary fickleness is to obtain not the favors but rather the contempt of the beloved so that this may increase her unattainability. Instead of assuaging his pangs of passion, the faithful lover employs every means to increase them. He has a divine call to be ill and refuses to be cured by the vulgar method of appeasing desire either furtively, like lovers, or legally, like married people.
That Eros can take pathological forms is not new in the history of medicine. An allusion to the cogitatio immoderata aroused by a female image even appears in the very conventional treatise On Love by Andreas Capellanus, a twelfth0century puritan who had the misfortune to be mistaken for a Cathar:
When a man sees a woman deserving of erotic attentions, he at once begins to desire her with his whole heart. Then, the more he thinks of it, the more he feels himself imbued with love until he reconstructs her in her entirety in phantasy. Then he begins to think of her figure, he perceives her limbs, imagines tham in action and explores [rimari, lit: splits] the private parts of her body.
The feminine phantasm can then take entire possession of the pneumatic system of the lover, producing - unless desire finds its natural outlet - somatic disturbances of a quite vexing sort. Called 'ishq, this syndrome of love is described by Avicenna, whose Liber canonis was the manual of medicine in use in the early Christian Middle Ages. But previously, Constantine the African had spoken of it in his translation of the Liber regius of Ali ibn 'Abbas al-Majusi, called Haly Abbas. After Constantine, the semiology of the pathological Eros is described by Arnaldus of Villanova and by Vincent of Beauvais, who classify it among the varieties of melancholia.
The name of the syndrome is amor hereos or, Latinized, heroycus, as its etymology is still in doubt: it might be derived from the Greek eros, corrupted heros (love), or directly from heros (hero), for heroes represented, according to ancient tradition, evil aerial influences, similar to devils*.
The relationship between melancholia nigra et canina and amor hereos is explainable by virtue of the fact that abnormal erotic phenomena were associated, ever since Aristotle, with the melancholic syndrome. According to that tradition, St. Hildegarde of Bingen (d. 1179) attributes to melancholics unlimited sexual capacities:
Melancholics have big bones that contain little marrow, like vipers . . . They are excessively libidinous and, like donkeys, overdo it with women. If they desisted from this depravity, madness would result. . . Their love is hateful, twisted and death-carrying, like the love of voracious wolves . . . They have intercourse with women but they hate them.

Ficino himself admits the relationship between melancholy and erotic pathology, and Melanchthon makes them one and the same thing in his turn of phrase melancholia illa heroica.
The most complete etiology of the illness is found in the section De amore qui hereos dicitur in the Lilium medicinale of Doctor Bernard of Gordon (ca. 1258-1318), professor at Montpellier:
The illness called hereos is melancholy anguish caused by love for a woman. The cause of this affliction lies in the corruption of the faculty to evaluate, due to a figure and a face that have made a very strong impression. When a man is in love with a woman, he thinks exaggeratedly of her figure, her face, her behavior, believing her to be the most beautiful, the most worthy of respect, the most extraordinary with the best build, in body and soul, that there can be. This is why he desires her passionately, forgetting all sense of proportion and common sense, and thinks that, if he could satisfy his desire, he would be happy. To so great an extent is his judgment distorted that he constantly thinks of the woman's figure and abandons all his activities so that, if someone speaks to him, he hardly hears him. And since this entails continuous contemplation, it can be defined as melancholy anguish. It is called hereos because noblemen and lords of the manor, because of plenty of pleasures and delights often were overcome by this affliction.
The semiology of the syndrome is as follows: "The symptoms are lack of sleep, food, and drink. The whole body weakens, except the eyes." He also mentions emotional instability, irregular pulse and "ambulatory mania." The prognosis is worrisome: "If they are not treated, they become maniacal and they die." Finally, the treatment should begin with "gentle methods" such as persuasion, or "strong" ones such as whipping, travel, the pursuit of erotic pleasures with several women natural diversions (coito, digiuno, ebrieta e esercizio as Ficino is to recommend). Only "if there is no other remedy," the doctor Bernard de Gordon, professor and practitioner, advises that there be recourse to the talents of an old and horrible shrew, to stage a dramatic scene. Under her clothes the old woman should wear a rag soaked in menstrual blood. In full view of the patient she should first utter the worst invectives regarding the woman he loves and, if that proves useless, she should removed the rag from her bosom, wave it under the nose of the unhappy man, and shout in his face: "Your friend, she is like this, she is like this!" suggesting that she is only - as the Malleus maleficarum is to say - "a bane of nature."
Exhausted, the doctor draws his conclusion: "If, after all that, he does not change his mind, then his is not a man but the devil incarnate."
<* I think, part of what snared me, is the perception that we're both possessed by the same kind of Heroic Devilry, by Heroic Love. Melancholy Burning. The imbecility in me honors and recognizes the imbecility in you. In vulgar terms, it is Sadomasochistic isn't it? Could we really avoid it or has it been a process of learning how to Aestheticize it as a Devotion to God and in that manner ennoble it, that most of all we cradle remorse, over the hurt we have generated, in those left behind by affections of extreme fixedness and fickleness. That most of all, we've held Love so powerful it threatens to tear us asunder. My Beloved. That maybe we can move pass that and become a blessing instead of a curse on those we love and who love us. I probably sound pseud as fuck, but I think we're in this together for a reason, right? It's difficult for me to believe in myself, it's not difficult at all for me to believe in you. You're a fucking Hero dude, in like the Classical terrifying sense and in the Romantic one. I have an insane amount of Faith in you and despite how much psychic mortification I engage in, I'm somewhat of an elitist and my tastes are masterful and never off. Your Soul cannot be obfuscated or obscured, not from my sight, and it's Beautiful. Really. I really believe you're a wonderful person. My Star that the mere thought of you should force me to muster all the incantation and formulae at my disposal to keep from igniting into fine ash before my time. I owe you some stuff and until my promises to you are actualized and fulfilled, by the Grace of God I'm functionally Immortal. A Revenant. Perhaps that's why I procrastinate so much, that my heart should still sink over not having your eyes be the last things I see before I'm called away from these Lands. God have Mercy on your inadequate poet and his lapses of Faith.
Chin up and onward Christian Soldier. Don't underestimate me, I'll never regret you or any of this, despite my occasional theatrics. Though I may never experience your voice addressing me direct. Though I may never feel your touch. How I gnash and wail in my wishing and penitent washing. This still was and continues to be and will be forever. None will hurt you, no weapon forged against you will triumph.
I won't renounce you, even though it's a sin, to covet what is not yours. I'm your ghost enchained. I cannot renounce you. Forgive me. God, I hope you can forgive me. None of this is your fault. The weight of this sin is mine and mine alone. Though I appreciate the fact that you've tried, that you've cared enough to try. I've never not been a fool. Even if some busted-ass spinster hag should shake a used tampon in my face, I still wouldn't renounce you. >

To be continued...
HOW A WOMAN, WHO IS SO BIG, PENETRATES THE EYES, WHICH ARE SO SMALL
If we closely examine Bernard of Gordon's long description of amor hereos.
we observe that it deals with a phantasmic infection finding expression in the subject's melancholic wasting away, except for the eyes. Why are the eyes excepted? Because the very image of the woman has entered the spirit through the eyes and, through the optic nerve, has been transmitted to the sensory spirit that forms common sense. Transformed into phantasm, the obsessional image has invaded the territory of the three ventricles of the brain, inducing a disordered state of the reasoning faculty (virtus estimativa), which resides in the second cerebral cell. If the eyes do not partake of the organism's general decay, it is because the spirit uses those corporeal apertures to try to reestablish contact with the object that was converted into the obsessing phantasm: the woman.
The second thing worthy of note is that the erotic syndrome only represents the medical semiology - of necessity, negative since we are in the realm of psychosomatic pathology - of the courtly love glorified by "the faithful." Indeed, they seem to use every means not only to escape that baneful infection but, on the contrary, to catch it. Quite rightly, mention has been made of a "semantic reversal," a reverse valorization of the pathologic symptoms described by the Greco-Arab materia medica. Even the locus amoenus, recommended in the treatment of hereos love, reappears in Provençal poetry, as we know.
We must deduce for this that the phenomenon of courtly love results from a warped purpose that brought about a shift of emphasis concerning the concept of health as defined by medical science at the time. Through this Umwertung, the gloomy equilibrium of psychic forces recommended by learned treatises was transformed into a sickness of the intellect, whereas, on the contrary, the spiritual sickness induced by love ended by being extolled as the real health of body and soul.
But - and here we disagree with G. Agamben - this reversal of evaluation did not take place in Provencal poetry beginning with the syndrome of amor hereos but well before, in Sufi mysticism with the equivalent concept of 'ishq described by Avicenna. Even the paradoxical attitude of love's faithful, which consists in feigning frivolous and licentious behavior the better to keep the pure flame of passion burning, is presaged by the Sufi attitude called malamatiya, which consists - according to the definition received by Ibn 'Arabi from the magician Abu Yahya al Sinhachi - in "concealing holiness beneath apparent licentiousness of behavior."
The semantic reversal of the concept of psychophysical health is spelled out in the dolce stil novo, which describes in detail the process of phantasmic infection caused by the feminine image. In the fact that this symptom becomes the object of a supreme spiritual experience resides the secret of love's faithful; it amounts to saying that the "gentle heart," far from following the precepts of medical science, becomes ennobled in proportion as it turns to account the delights of the sickness that consumes it.
That sickness is precisely the experience described by Guido Cavalcanti, continuing from the moment the visual spirit intercepts the woman's image and transmits it to the anterior cell of the brain, seat of the imaginative faculty, until the moment the feminine phantasm has infested the whole pneuma and spreads from now on through the spiritual canals of the febrile organism. No one will be astonished that the poet Giacomo da Lentino should ask this seemingly childish question: How can it be that so large a woman has been able to penetrate my eyes, which are so small, and then enter my heart and my brain? The physicians of antiquity, like Galen, were also fascinated by the same phenomenon: Si ergo ad visum ex re videnda aliquid dirigitur . . . quomodo illumangustum foramen intrare poterit? Averroës answers the astonishment (feigned) of both parties: it is not a corporeal impression but a phantasmic one. Common sense receives the phantasms on this side of the retina and transmits them to the imaginative faculty.
Dante goes farther in his erotic pneumophantasmology. In sonnet 21 of his Vita nova. he envisages the Lady as the recipient of spirit overflowing through eyes and mouth, miracolo gentil. His experience does not pine away in an interior pneumatic circle but represents, in a certain way, a decanting of spirit which takes for granted, albeit involuntarily, some reciprocity of desire. Through a kind of significatio passiva, what was the object of covetous desire is transformed into a subject whence Love emanates, but emanates without being aware of it. Virginal innocence that only increases the pangs of passion, the exquisite torment of love's faithful.
With his Vita nova, Dante also enters a mysterious realm that our rudiments of medieval psychology are inadequate to explain: dream, vision.
To be continued...
(iii) The Vehicle of the Soul and Prenatal Experience

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2022.02.13 01:24 JessonBI89 I love rejecting things

I've always been an extremely picky person who's very set in her ways. I don't like going along to get along, unless my withdrawal would create a bigger headache than my involvement. But for reasons I don't quite understand, I get a thrill out of knowing that other people covet something I reject, and even more of a thrill out of justifying my rejection and catching people off-guard with it. I love being offered something that most people would want and turning it down. To be clear, the dislike is real; I don't form opinions just for the sake of that thrill. But it's a fun fringe benefit.
Here's the first example I remember. In eighth grade, I was the only person in my class not to participate in Secret Santa as a giver or recipient. My teacher took me aside and asked why. (I guess he was on the case about any sign of antisocial behavior.) I told him the truth: I didn't want to give anything to any of those people, and I didn't want them to give anything to me. Witnessing his absolute failure to compute that response was one of the most hilarious moments of my life.
A more recent example happened at work. Earlier this week our department's new admin sent around a survey asking everyone's preferences for birthday celebrations and other events. I wrote that I didn't celebrate my birthday at all and would prefer not to share the date. Indeed, no coworker has ever found out about my birthday in the 11 years of my career, and I haven't celebrated in any meaningful way since I turned 24 (I'm 32 now). Nobody has asked me about that survey, but I keep hoping they will, just so I can insist that I really don't want the fun thing.
Other examples exist in the realm of fiction. Since having my first child, I've been getting nonstop Facebook ads for hacky, derivative self-published romance novels that quite frankly make Fifty Shades look like Gravity's Rainbow. The heroes of these novels are always the same: billions of dollars, bespoke suits, super-alpha personalities, names like Flint Ironstag or Bolt Vanderhuge or whatever. If I were to write such a novel myself, which I may or may not actually do, the heroine would keep rejecting him despite his best efforts until he finally realized that she just plain DIDN'T WANT the super-alpha suit billionaire, and everything he always relied on to attract a woman either meant nothing to her or was actively repellent.
In short, I love the power of no. I crave it. I don't act against my own best interests or those of my family (at least, not after therapy), but I still relish the prospect of having a frivolity made available to me and brushing it aside. If there's a word for that, I'd love to hear it. (It's "egotism," right?)

submitted by JessonBI89 to offmychest [link] [comments]

2022.01.12 21:47 RossRosenberg The New Gaslighting Explanation

IT’S EVERYWHERE

Gaslighting is simply impossible to comprehend, identify, and permanently eradicate without an accurate understanding of what it is and how it evades detection. Because of its complex nature and apparent invisibility, it secretly lurks in the shadows while perpetuating unfathomable harm upon its victims. It is difficult for the victims of it and the many clinicians attempting to help them comprehend, identify, and ultimately resolve.
To overcome what seems like a global gaslighting blight, we must develop, update, redefine, and broaden our understanding of it. To that end, the purpose of this article is to update and expand the definition of gaslighting while introducing relevant concepts, explanations, and illustrations of it. Let’s begin with an updated and broadened definition of gaslighting.

DEFINING GASLIGHTING

Gaslighting is an insidious mind-control method that sociopathic pathological narcissists covertly use to create an iron-clad prison from which their Self-Love Deficient/SLD (codependent) prey cannot escape. Because of many factors, notably “The Human Magnet Syndrome’s” unconscious attraction and relationship patterns, gaslighters and SLDs predictably choose each other for romantic partners.
Gaslighting occurs when the SLD is manipulated into doubting memory, perception, and sanity.
The gaslighting narcissist covertly coerced the victim to believe they have a debilitating problem that either did not previously exist or was only a mild troubling. To “prove” the implanted problem narrative, the gaslighter methodically choreographs the environment, so their victim predictably and repeatedly experiences the staged problem.

GASLIGHTERS

Gaslighters are Pathological Narcissists who fit the diagnostic criteria of either Narcissistic Personality Disorder with Sociopathic Features or Antisocial Personality Disorder. Because of their sociopathy, they are not only conscious of their Personality Disorder, but they also go to great lengths to hide any trace of it.
Such narcissistic gaslighters systematically manipulate an SLD’s environment so they are powerless to fight back and believe they are isolated from anyone who could help them. Such victims become convinced their gaslit impairment makes them inadequate and unlovable outside of their carefully choreographed false but realistic relationship with their captor.
To succeed in their plan to control, dominate, and entrap, gaslighters target vulnerable and predictably weakened individuals who believe their false altruism, affection, and promises of protection. They are most successful when casting themselves as loyal, dutiful, and unconditionally invested in defending and caring for their victims. Then, they implant narratives or revised and distorted versions of reality to weaken their victim, neutralize their defenses, and turn their mind against them.

LIKE PEDOPHILES . . .

Like pedophiles who sexually abuse children, gaslighters have a “nose” for the type of victim who naturally cannot recognize their scheming and highly manipulative ways, as well as those who are defenseless to them. As with a pedophile at a playground, their laser-guided vision identifies and locks onto people who are the most oblivious to their nefarious intentions and most incapable of defending themselves.
They have an uncanny ability to discern whether potential victims are pathologically lonely or encumbered by core, perceived, or even accurate beliefs of powerlessness and weakness. They seize upon anyone in a crowd who appears isolated from others or whose loved ones are uninterested in them and absent despite their protective and loving pronouncements. The “perfect” victim was manipulatively taught that fighting back is futile, as doing so exacerbates their powerlessness and suffering.

SLDS ARE THE PRIME TARGETS

Gaslighters are Pathological Narcissists who meticulously study their victim’s emotional, social and relational deficits to achieve total domination and control. First, by strategically creating the illusion of an intimate and trustworthy relationship, they create a relationship in which SLD prey reveals personal details about their lifelong struggles. Then, with is and other manipulatively obtained information, they begin their meticulous choreography of the victim’s emotional, relational, and personal landscape.
Because of Self-Love Deficit Disorder’s/SLDD’s (codependency’s) interpersonal and mental health-related deficits, SLDs are vulnerable to falling in love with and subsequently believing their gaslighter’s false altruism, affection, and promises of protection. The SLDD addiction and its primary withdrawal symptom of pathological loneliness compel the SLD victim to reflexively and hungrily establish an immediate, intimate relationship with the gaslighting sociopathic narcissist.
At the beginning of this dysfunctionally doomed relationship, the SLD is easily manipulated and encouraged to feel guilty for their mistakes, deficits, and insecurities. Likewise, the SLD victim, who is eager to establish connection and intimacy with their narcissistic lover, is easily manipulated and encouraged to feel guilty about their mistakes, deficits, and insecurities. At this time, the gaslighter carefully begins observing, cataloging, and strategically reminding the SLD of their real, exaggerated, or untrue insecurities and shameful deficits. The gaslighter begins their covert and systematic choreography of the victim’s environment at about this time.

GASLIT SELF-NARRATIVES

Self-Narratives are subjectively understood and communicated “life stories” that portray a person’s assessment of their total self—strengths, limitations, and everything in between. It comprises autobiographical information that is factual and anchored in accurate memories. Self-Narratives are metaphorical mirrors that, in real-time, accurately reflect a person’s self-reality. It is also an ever-evolving “life painting,” which a person looks at when they want to understand or explain where they came from and who they are.
The organic interaction of the person and the people and events in their lives forms this unadulterated “self-story.” The self-Narratives result from competing forces of experience and memory, which are constantly developing. It relays a person’s subjective belief structure, thoughts, perceptions, and feelings. Because it reflects a person’s self-evaluation of worth and significance, it predicts current and future emotional/mental and relational health.
Gaslit Self-Narratives are life stories that a sociopathic Pathological Narcissist covertly manufactured and systematically implanted to their oblivious SLDD victim. The purposely reshaped and distorted self-narrative meticulously challenges, degrades, repackages, and ultimately replaces the SLD victim’s organic and previously unsullied Self-Narrative. Creating the Gaslit Self-Narrative is accomplished by a sustained gaslighting campaign that, by its very nature, introduces and eventually reinforces a person’s beliefs about being fundamentally defective, incompetent, and unlovable.
Because of the gaslighter’s methodically developed and executed plan to reshape their victim’s “self-narrative,” they invisibly coerce the SLD victim to identify with their core shame and consequently believe that they are inherently unlovable. Moreover, they covertly create the SLD’s belief that they are fundamentally broken, unlovable, and a burden to any person for whom they formerly felt a kinship and love. The “gasoline” thrown into the “gaslighting fire” is indoctrinated or gaslit self-narratives, such as the distorted versions of reality that are covertly created and subsequently implanted.
These narratives are cunning and methodically implanted, so the victim doubt, forgets, and casts aside healthier and more self-promoting narrative versions. An over-arching plan of isolation, control, and domination motivates this covert form of mind-control and personal and relational manipulation.
An overarching plan of isolation, control, and domination is the primary motivation for the destructive and manipulative mind control. Love pretending narcissists systematically implant replacement Gaslit Self-Narratives so that the increasingly feeble SLD abandons any vestige of a self-respect, self-care and self-love. Worse, with a firmly implanted Gaslit Self-Narrative, the SLD is rendered powerless and increasingly fearful of any potential escape plan.

WEAKENED AND POWERLESS

The methodical barrage of false narratives about any given problem, their inability to control or stop it, and the impact it has on others purposely manifests as thoughts and feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, and a deepening of the pre-existing core shame. Little do they know that the barrage of inculcated falsities cements their desire to isolate themselves into the safe world inhabited only by them and their captor.
Because of the gaslighter’s meticulously developed and executed plan to reshape their victim’s “self-narrative,” the SLD victim is invisibly coerced to identify with their core shame and consequently believe that they are inherently broken, unlovable, a burden to any person for whom they formerly felt a kinship and love. Over time, the progressively weakened and isolated SLD accepts and subsequently acts out the implanted narratives.
The conquest of their natural psychological defenses eventually validates the implanted beliefs about being irreparably broken, weak, and, therefore, unlovable. Accepting and believing this meticulously revised self-story makes them prone to deep feelings of insecurity, hopelessness, and paranoia. Such a brainwashing-like campaign culminates in a self-reinforced state of despair and resignation.

LIKE STOCKHOLM SYNDROME

Because gaslighting victims are spoon-fed false proof that their former loved ones neither love them nor want to be with them, their fears of abandonment and complete isolation exponentially increase. Eventually, they are entirely convinced that any future attempts to communicate or visit their formerly unconditionally accepting support systems are dangerous. Hence, any plan to escape the gaslighting web becomes manifestly futile, primarily because of the indoctrinated belief that the gaslighter is both their protector and caretaker.
Gaslighters invisibly coerce the SLDs to identify with their core shame and consequently believe that they are inherently broken, unlovable, and a burden to any person for whom they formerly felt a kinship and love. All the while, the gaslighter feeds them false information about their pre-gaslit life for the sole purpose of further alienating or severing the relationships. Believing the unscrupulous gaslighter is the only one that will not abandon them over their ever-increasing list of inadequacies, they draw closer to what they believe is a loyal and protective caretaker.
The gaslighter has thus established themselves as the “only safe, accepting, and unconditionally loving” person in the SLD’s vastly shrinking world. However, any rescue attempt is effectively neutralized by being manipulated to dutifully and loyally protect their captor. Eventually, the SLD victim believes it is their responsibility to protect their captor loyally while believing their false promises of protection.
The embattled and weakened SLD relies on the gaslighter, the fake caretaker, to unconditionally “love” and “care” for them while isolating themselves from anyone who could break this gaslighting “spell” and potentially rescue them. The SLD has now effectively been rendered powerless.

FOUNDATIONAL GASLIGHTING

Foundational Gaslighting is the gaslighting-infused childhood attachment trauma experience that predictably transmigrates into an adult Human Magnet Syndrome compelled relationship with a gaslighting Pathological Narcissist. This “original” gaslighting can be traced back to an SLD’s childhood, to a time when their emotional survival required them to be molded into their narcissistic parent’s “feel-good” or “trophy” object.
By becoming this parent’s crowning achievement, while proudly showing off their “painted on sparkly gold luster,” they found a way to be spared of crushing abuse and neglect. As a result of reflecting on what they want to see while concealing what they will despise, they received conditional attention, praise, and other intangible and tangible rewards.
A dysfunctional and harmful level of “safety” is reached when the trophy child is conned into believing the absolute necessity of maintaining forced and pretend gratitude to a person who has the capacity to harm them. The child who earnestly and effectively complied with this parent’s selfish one-way expectations created a safety net that, in most cases, only protected them.
For the trophy child, falling from grace was always unfathomably frightening. This false but necessary adaptation required the future adult SLD to never openly communicate deeper but secretly held feelings of fear of harm, abandonment, and periodic hatred. As a result, these children witnessed firsthand the punitive harm of intentionally or accidentally activating their parent’s hurricane-like narcissistic rage.
Although less harmed than other family members who were denied the coveted “gift child” status, they still endured terrible “trophy child”—specific psychological harm. Perhaps the most harmful was the nefarious swapping of their authentic values, beliefs, and thoughts—their inner voice—with one that dutifully echoed the narcissistic parent’s gaslit imbued judgments and conclusions.
By creating a “trophy hungry” child, the narcissistic parent could manifest their “Good Parent Fantasy,” which supported their delusion of creating a “perfect” child while playing the pretend role of a deeply loving, devoted, and sacrificing “perfect” parent. Unfortunately, such a fantasy could temporarily relieve them of unconsciously hidden or disassociated core shame while boosting their fragile self-esteem.

GASLIGHTING ECHOS

Inevitably, the wounded trophy child, a future SLD, mistakes the implanted self-hate inner dialogue with their own unforgiving, judging, and constantly shaming self-judgments. Ultimately, these children identify with, surrender to, and blindly accept their implanted “chronically flawed personality” and its inescapable manufactured thoughts and beliefs. These “gaslighting echoes” become the metaphorical straight jacket they may never remove. By repackaging their feelings and expressions of themselves, this safer but entrapped trophy child molds and contorts their developing personality according to the narrative being continually fed to them.
In time, this gaslit child will predictably morph into an SLD adult who is submissive, chronically apologetic, unquestionably open and responsive to perceived criticism, spontaneously accommodating, and unfairly submissive to others. Worse, the implanted gaslit narratives of their childhood will predictably morph into what they believe are their condemning and judgmental thoughts. I refer to such self-defeating and debilitating internal dialogue as the “gaslit voices” in one’s “head.”
In other words, the judgmental and condemning thoughts accompanied by anxiety, fear, and acutely uncomfortable body sensations are not caused by the adult SLD but, instead, are the product of their gaslighting parents. The current gaslighter, another Pathological Narcissist, not only “benefits” from the “foundational gaslighting” but methodically refines and implements it to meet their own needs.
In conclusion, thanks to the recent attention to Pathological Narcissism, Self-Love Deficit Disorder, and the Human Magnet Syndrome’s compelled pairing of the two, the horrific mind-control problem known as gaslighting is being taken out of the “shadows” and exposed to the “light” of understanding. However, we must never forget that this global scourge can only be remedied if we know what it is, who is vulnerable to it, and what it can do to save people who have fallen victim to it.

submitted by RossRosenberg to EndNarcissisticAbuse [link] [comments]

2021.12.26 14:04 Rumbleskim [Digital Piracy] The rise of EMPRESS - How one woman turned the pirate underworld on its head, waged a solo war against the entire game industry (and won), went mad with power, started a messianic cult based on high school-level philosophy, and faked her own arrest to spite her rivals and haters

An Introduction to Piracy

Most of us have torrented something at some point, whether it’s a game, movie, book, song or TV show, but just for those who haven’t, I’ll explain the basics.
When you go to a site like The Pirate Bay or Kick Ass Torrents, and click ‘Download Torrent’, all you’re really getting is a link. Programmes like Bittorrent or Vuze are able to open those links, and will let you download almost any file, legal or not. But you’re not downloading it from a server somewhere, a website, or a single person, you’re downloading it from dozens, sometimes thousands of people at the same time, all around the world. Those are known as ‘seeders’. And while you do that, other people are downloading the file from you. They’re ‘leechers’. The original distributor of the file created that torrent, and submitted it to torrenting websites so that other people could find it, but once they’ve shared the full file once, they can break off their connection to the torrent.
This is known as ‘Peer to Peer’ file sharing, and it’s the primary means of distributing media illegally, because it’s basically impossible to stop. If a website is hosting episodes of Game of Thrones, you can shut the website down. If a person is sending out files, you can sue them. But no company or corporation, however powerful, can stop a torrent (though many have tried).
Sharing a movie or a song is easy – you just distribute the file. It will work no matter who downloads it. But games are different. Since a game is made up of loads of files working in tandem and tangled up in a confusing spider-web of code, the developer is able to ‘booby trap’ the game so that it doesn’t work when it’s copied.
For as long as developers have been doing this, savvy hackers and programmers have been working to undo it. When they do, the developers go back to the drawing board and come up with something smarter.
Cassettes were easily duplicated, so the industry invented consoles with more secure cartridges and built-in ROMs that could detect fakes. Pirates reverse-engineered the consoles to make their own duplicate consoles which could run both legitimate and fake copies. So the industry moved to CDs, because they had more storage space and could be fitted with new security features. Pirates cracked the CDs. Developers started requiring a game key, so pirates created key-generators to fool them. The developers came back with copy-detection software, so the pirates cracked the software. The companies started using DRM that forced players to remain connected and logged into the company’s servers at all times. Pirates cracked that too.
This game of cat-and-mouse has been going on for decades, steadily growing more complex and inscrutable. The stakes are high. By some estimates, piracy costs tens of billions a year. By other estimates, it costs almost nothing. To the game industry, every pirated game is a lost sale.
But who are these pirates, anyway?

The Warez Scene

Pirates tend to work in tightly-knit ‘Warez’ groups, and these groups are bound together in a secretive, world-wide, decentralised network called ‘The Scene’. While the Scene has no leader, it has come to adhere to strict rules and regulations. If a release breaks these rules, other groups will ‘nuke’ it – flagging it as bad content. From the outside, they may seem like the Robin Hoods of the industry, stealing video games from the rich and distributing them to the poor, but don’t let that fool you. Warez groups are motivated by competition, not generosity. They all want to be the best. The first group to release a cracked game wins – any cracks to release after that are considered worthless (and are subsequently nuked). There’s no prize, of course. But in the Scene, prestige is its own reward.
In one of their info files (often the only way a group communicates with pirates), the group SKIDROW said the following:

Keep in mind we do all this, because we can and because we like the thrilling excitement of winning over the other competing groups. We absolutely don't do all these releases, to please the general user that rather want to spend their cash on updating to the latest hardware, and sees the scene releases as a source to play all these games for free. Enjoy playing and remember if you like it, support the developer!

The group MYTH said the same thing:

We do this just for FUN. We are against any profit or commercialisation of piracy. We do not spread any release, others do that. In fact, we BUY all our own games with our own hard earned and worked for efforts. Which is from our own real life non-scene jobs. As we love game originals. Nothing beats a quality original. "If you like this game, BUY it. We did!"

The Scene comprises thousands of active groups, most flickering in and out of existence within the space of a few months. Some came and dominated for a while, but couldn’t adapt to the challenges companies placed before them, and inevitably faded into obscurity. Every era of piracy had its big names. PARADOX, RELOADED, SKIRDOW and RAZOR1911 are all good examples. The competition was fierce, so no single group held on to the spotlight for long.
But everything changed when the industry pulled out its trump card.

Denuvo Anti-Tamper

Denuvo is a piece of anti-tamper software, developed in Austria and first released in September 2014. At first, pirates saw it as yet another obstacle which would be overcome and set aside. But it gradually became clear that Denuvo was going to be more of a challenge.
I’m not remotely intelligent enough to go into exactly what Denuvo does in detail, though these people are. It’s difficult to understand because it was designed to be. But the simple version is that it scrambles the code inside the .exe (the file that boots the game) and decrypts it on the fly, using information from Denuvo’s servers, and from your computer. The first time you run the game, it will tailor itself to the nooks and crannies of hardware, which acts kind of like a fingerprint. This way, it can detect if it’s been copied to a different device, or if the .exe has been tampered with.
It’s hard to overstate how big a difference Denuvo made. At a time when games were being cracked less than a day after hitting shelves, this software could keep them out of pirates’ hands for literally years. Many people on the Scene thought Denuvo was truly impenetrable. That reputation got around, and soon almost every game came with it baked in.
There are claims that Denuvo has all sorts of negative effects on games, from slowing load times to taking a toll on hardware. It’s also possible that due to the way Denuvo works, once the company stops supporting older games, or new hardware becomes too different to old hardware, gamers may be totally unable to play. There’s a lot of debate about whether these effects are real but it's hard to know who to trust, because everyone has a narrative to push. Pirates go to great lengths to discredit Denuvo, and corporations work hard to defend it.

“The Denuvo anti-tamper technology is ultimately to protect the gaming industry and ensure game studios have an ability to continue to invest and build new games,” said a representative in a statement. “On PC, a large proportion of games (especially the AAA games) tend to be protected for a period of time to protect the monetization of the games being launched—say six months or 12 months for example.”

It took three months for the first breakthrough. 3DM, a warez group from China, successfully breached Denuvo on 1st December 2014. Thirty days after it came out, 3DM released Dragon Age Inquisition onto the Scene. But major video games made most of their sales within the first month, so that was still a victory for the developers.
Games came out in drips and drabs for a while. In all of 2015, only six games were cracked. 3DM gradually fell behind their biggest competitor, CPY. When CPY cracked Metal Gear Solid V only nine days after it hit shelves, there were optimistic whispers that perhaps Denuvo could be defeated after all. But that was a folly.
In January 2016, Rise of the Tomb Raider came out, and with it was a new and improved version of Denuvo. Whatever had changed, it was enough to terrify 3DM. Within days of its release, they admitted defeat.

“The last stage is too difficult and Jun nearly gave up, but last Wednesday I encouraged him to continue,” the founder, known by her internet handle “Phoenix”, said.
“I still believe that this game can be compromised. But according to current trends in the development of encryption technology, in two years’ time I’m afraid there will be no free games to play in the world,”

3DM all but disappeared from the Scene after that. CPY was the only group left with any prospects of taking down Denuvo. They toiled quietly in the background for days. The days became weeks. Weeks became months. And the video game piracy community fell into a long, deep hibernation, fuelled only by memes and indie games.
And then one morning, it awoke. Tomb Raider had been cracked. It had taken 193 days, but CPY had done it.

The day CPY gave us Hope again ...

After that, the games began to release more regularly – around a week or two apart. Since CPY was the only group capable of breaking Denuvo, they owned the Scene in a way no other group ever really had. From August 2016 through to May the next year, almost nothing got cracked without their input. It still took at least a month to crack a single game, but the number of days gradually got smaller and smaller. When Resident Evil Biohazard got cracked within five days, the call once again went out that Denuvo had truly been defeated, for sure this time.

And the scene and outsiders of the scene have completely dismantled and destroyed them. Far cry from the fear everyone originally had. Every new protection is scary at first but when it comes down to it...if there are people smart enough to create it...there are people smart enough to reverse engineer it! Cheers to all the groups and individuals who crushed them and will continue to do so as it evolves.

Over time, CPY started collaborating more with other groups, who themselves picked up the tricks for circumventing Denuvo. BALDMAN and STEAMPUNKS began to dominate between June and October 17. Between them, there were pirated games coming out almost every day. CODEX was there too, first working on collabs, and then on their own. From 2018 to 2020, they made up most of the releases, and CPY made up the rest.
And there was also a woman called EMPRESS.

Long Live the Queen

The rise of EMPRESS didn’t come as a shock; it was a gradual takeover. She first appeared under the name C000005, and had a history working with the popular cracker CODEX. Her first Denuvo cracks under the name EMPRESS came in mid-2017 as part of larger collaborations. One of these, ‘Total War Warhammer 2’, involved no less than six scene groups, plus EMPRESS on top.
She worked her way up from three collabs in 2017, to five in 2018, and a few the next year too, and it wasn’t until her solo debut with the cracked version of ‘Planet Zoo’ that she really made waves.
Between October 2020 and July 2021, EMPRESS would reign supreme. Of the fifteen major cracks during that period, she was behind eight.
But it wasn’t just her skill that drew attention. It was the fact that she bucked every trend in the Scene. She wasn’t part of some secretive group, she was one woman out to declare war against an industry worth tens of billions, and she won, with nothing more than her own intelligence. The normal Scene motivations of glory and prestige meant nothing to her (so she claimed), it was all about saving games. She made the cardinal sin of commenting on the CrackWatch subreddit, and did it freely. She posted polls asking what games the community wanted next, called out her competitors, interacted with fans, and shared her (often enigmatic) philosophical views. And unlike the other groups, she accepted donations.
In short, she was everything the Scene hated. But they couldn’t touch her – none of them could. She was one of the only people in the world capable of breaching Denuvo, so no-one could justify any measures against her. And even if the Scene tried to ‘nuke’ her releases, people would download them anyway – such was her fan following.

Groups targeted whichever games they pleased, insulating themselves from outside input, to say nothing of requests. And a lot of the time, they didn’t update their releases to account for bug fixes or software changes, fating their achievements to obsolescence. Empress doesn’t think they loved video games. They loved themselves, and winning. “Everything they did was just a way to ‘prove’ themselves and boost their fake meaningless Egos,’” says Empress.

EMPRESS became the closest thing the piracy community had to a celebrity. People loved her.
In a February interview with Wired, EMPRESS said she had been called to the purpose through dreams. A copy of Dark Souls 2 floated before her, wrapped up in chains made of numbers, and as she focused, she began to see what every number meant ‘universally’. Looking deeper still, she entered ‘The Zone’, which allowed her to ‘SEE MORE into everything’, and shatter the chains. When asked about her process, EMPRESS said, “By mixing philosophy with coding. It’s very complicated. I have a ‘Goal’ that no one else has. I have no need for Ego.” This is the kind of larger-than-life persona she adopted.
Of course, there were those who simply couldn’t believe Empress was a woman. She had to be a man – or even a group of men. To this, she said:

”to all the GENDER FREAKS out there who keep claiming out of their own ass that I am a male, I am so sorry to ruin your fantasy dreams of a trans cracker is false and yes I am actually a woman. Next time if you want to speak about your pathetic fetishes, you better look at yourself in the mirror.” She would later say, “i am 23 years old, and i am beautiful AS HELL. but i don't care 1 bit how i ‘look.’ i care of what i ‘Do.’”

The Wired interview is revealing and bizarre in equal measure.

“i think the main problem is that people ‘fail’ to see Video Games as the pinnacle and max potential of ‘art,’” Empress says that as a child she was a “very strange girl who did not like the ‘Real World’ as much as other people seem to.” More than the average gamer, she says, she has always taken games seriously not just as a way to pass the time, but as places to go and be. She loved Tetris on the NES, for when she wanted to “go ‘beyond’ the human limits in terms of ‘Response’ and ‘creativity.’” She loved Megaman 1, “for philosophical reasons that people do not understand.”
“i always keep in the ZONE till i crush their pathetic puzzle prisons,” she says. Cracking DRM has taught her that the only real way to view the games industry right now is through the lens of philosophy. Philosophy helps people discern what is valuable, she says. And to discern what is valuable, you must look for higher truths. The higher truth in gaming, she says, is that “wanting to preserve something you ‘Buy’ should NEVER be a ‘Crime.’”
Recently, she cracked Anno 1800, which layered three types of protection, Denuvo on top. “No one else does this because it requires insane amount of focus, dedication and endless passion. I was able to achieve this only in several months of research. it was HELL to say the least.”

The video game piracy community had long been a separate world to the Scene. Each understood the existence of the other, but didn’t care about their motivations, only their results. Gamers didn’t give a shit about the bizarre Warez industry or its search for clout; as long as cracks came out, that was all that mattered. And vice versa, as far as the Scene was concerned, gamers existed only to reinforce that clout. It was a confused but mutually beneficial relationship.
So when EMPRESS came along, espousing virtuous anti-corporate goals and beating the big publishers at their own game, the piracy community fell in love. In fact, her releases were sometimes even better than the official versions. Her fan-following rapidly grew into an almost cult-like obsession. She was half-jokingly called the messiah of video games. The community became full of her bizarre philosophical exercises, reviews, and even a few diss tracks.

“The reason why Ubisoft, EA and such companies never remove denuvo from their games is only because they LOVE feeling superior and ENJOY seeing you the customer as PIG under their control or worse.”

The corporations tried to use her fame against her. She announced her releases ahead of time with a lot of fanfare, and gave regular updates on her progress. So when news got out that EMPRESS was about to crack Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Ubisoft sabotaged the game so that players couldn’t fight two of the bosses. Then when the crack released, they removed the bug. EMPRESS’s version had to be fixed by other crackers.
But they couldn’t hold her off forever. The revolution had arrived, and it had found its Robbespierre. When the coveted Red Dead Redemption 2 release came out, she was on top of the world.
But we all know what happened to Robbespierre.

Are we Pirates or are we Dancer?

EMPRESS first began to lose followers through her ‘philosophy’. She had come to believe she had a totally unique view on the world that no one could even begin to understand. As far as Empress was concerned, she had the ‘perfect and totally correct’ answer to all philosophical questions. Whether this sense of grandeur had its origin in drugs, or the praise she was getting, or something else, it’s hard to say. In her first major philosophy post, she said, “I have always had lots of universal philosophy knowledge inside my soul and it always opposes the famous philosophers and thinkers' theories, and pretty much "Everyone else" on this planet.”
Aside from balking at the audacity of using a platform for piracy as her own personal blog, the community was quick to knock her down a peg.

So I guess you read them all? The great thinkers? To verify how you are above and beyond their thinking?
Do you understand how utterly arrogant this post makes you? I will tell you why. To put yourself above thinkers like Arthur Schopenhauer, Adam Smith, John Locke, Charles-Louis de Secondat, Immanuel Kant, Thomas Hobbes, Baruch Spinoza, Francisco de Vitoria, Friedrich Nietzsche and so many others. Human beings who have helped shape the foundation of the world we live in today. I am talking about the most basic of basic stuff we now take for granted like property, human rights, democratic governance and rule of law. Without these ideas and those who dedicated their lives to refine them, our world could not be like it is today.

This was a strong argument, but as someone else jokingly pointed out:

bitch shut up, they pirated rdr2

Which, to be fair, Hobbes and Kant never did.
The next philosophy post came with a ‘shitlist’ of all the people who had opposed her.

many people has put their heart and soul in their replies, and some of them were "very close" to the truth , while others tried their best to be DICKHEADS and speak with a brain of a cockroach. i list them below.

This didn’t earn her any friends. There were discussions of banning her completely. In order to find a compromise, EMPRESS went and created her own platform, with blackjack and hookers. It wasn’t too successful, but her most ardent disciples happily made the jump, and most of the piracy community was happy to see the end of her bizarre posts.
But the bliss wouldn’t last. Empress was shortly suspended, her followers scattered. No one seemed to care much about that.

Fuck You, Pay Me

You might remember the part when I said EMPRESS accepted donations. That would become a pretty big part of this. The most important thing to EMPRESS was cracking games, but a girl gotta eat. She had a real job. When fans donated money, she was able to take time away from that job to spend on cracking. “How much time I spend in it depends on the amount of donations I receive.” In other words, fans could pay her to get pirated games faster. Empress knew the value of her work, and expected to be compensated for it.

requiring money to keep working on this cancer is something that is a "must", and its not my choice or anyone else's.
The undeniable truth is-- this life requires this whether we like it or not... because otherwise there is no human capable of just magically producing cracks for the most annoying cancer drm in this world.
the most talented crackers in the SCENE left and worked for DENUVO for this same reason ... and to avoid my fate ending up in any negative way too, i am requesting all of your help to keep struggling and crushing this drm with every new version they make.

In September 2020, she approached the piracy community with a confession. After ending her solo career and joining a more traditional Scene group, she was back. The Scene was dead, she proclaimed, and they wouldn’t be coming to help. In fact, many of the recent Denuvo releases by other groups had been mainly done by EMPRESS. There were even questions of whether the Scene was deliberately delaying crack releases because they were being paid off by the industry. Conspiracies ran wild.

If you had high hopes for the scene to make some miracle comeback, I have bad news for you. Even before the busts, the scene's state was already very rotten and most of the people inside are nothing but leechers of fake fame based on on some old ass "glory". I made the Planet Zoo crack in 1 week, I made crack for Total War Three Kingdoms in 4 days and they were both ready to go in early August. But the lack of even tiny bit action from the people who should have moved things forward, made me completely blocked in what it seem to be infinite stagnation. Because I had to wait them, almost 2 months... I couldn't do any progress on Denuvo AT ALL. And as a result I became very tired. And you wait those people to save you? Especially after the busts, 95% of the scene is in dead silence. My mistake was leaving you and going with them in promises of fake support , so I am sorry for that.

This all lead up to the pitch: there was a new Denuvo variant out there, and if it could be broken, pirates could get their hands on games like Death Stranding and Resident Evil 3. But she would need to dedicate herself wholly to it, and that meant relying fully on donations.
The Scene didn’t take this lying down. In the info files of their own releases, they slated EMPRESS’s greed and unsavoury motivations. In their crack for ‘Iron Harvest’, the group DARKSiDERS had this to say:

As we do this without profit from own pockets, we supply them games, buy em... EMPRESS you are asking money for piracy!!
We think thats more rotten then CODEX themselfs!!
We also have our real-life jobs todo and we would not ever ask money!
SHAME ON YOU! For starters piracys basic princible is...: FREE!"
*ALSO THiNG iS
You are calling scene toxic just cuz were on one
biggest groups. We re really chilled and let ppl
do things on their own pace. Most of sceners are
Ä bit angry at the fact that codex used/uses
MONEY for crackers, scene dont do that usually.

But EMPRESS was always ready with a response.

They must understand I do not care about their shitty competition. We are not talking here about making profit from cracking itself, we are talking about saving the right to preserve your games and own them, because in current days no matter how much money you have, you simply cannot buy true ownership anymore. Instead you have to install 3 launchers and go through several sever authorizations in order to play your games. This missions requires extreme dedication and time put into it. So, yes, naturally requires financing as well, one way or another. Don't you think I don't hate asking for money, but it's how the things are.
They said it themselves, they chill and do nothing, because are lazy old bastards, who only speak but never do anything. Also I know about several german groups making money through giving early pre information to p2p sites, so don't give me that scene morality again.
DARKSiDERS, you are bottom of the scene with SKIDROW and you know exactly what I am talking about.

No one had ever seen anything like it on the Scene before. Empress thought she was better than everyone else, and she kind of was (at least, as far as cracking was concerned). However the piracy community started to sour on her over time, partly because of her requests for money, and partly because of her weirdly preachy and arrogant philosophical ramblings, which people often felt forced to slog through because they sometimes held hints about future cracks. Plus some of these philosophical opinions came across as a little transphobic. She was starting to get a reputation as a bit of a nut job who had let the whole thing go to her head.
This wasn’t helped when when EMPRESS released the crack for ‘Immortals: Fenyx Rising’. Pirates noticed that they had extremely low download speeds, and figured out that she was deliberately throttling her own torrent. Why? Because she didn’t want any other pirates repacking and re-uploading her cracks. To clarify, a repacker takes a torrent, strips away the fluff, compresses it down to a tiny size, and releases it again. Repacks are made for people who struggle downloading large files. EMPRESS wanted a monopoly over the spotlight, and tried to prevent repackers getting hold of the game. This led to new beef with the person re-packing most of her releases, ‘FitGirl’, promising never to work with EMPRESS’s cracks again.
In July, she went as far as to hold cracks hostage. Following one of her regular polls, she said “the highest vote choice will not win if i don't receive 500$ for it. the people who will vote for the highest demanded game need to cooperate and collect 500$ for me to crack the game. this way it doesn't have to just be "1" single indvidual suffering for the entire thing when everyone else gets the game for free later.”
No money, no crack. Those were the terms.
Pirates were stingy at the best of times – that’s why they were pirates. But there were no alternatives. It was EMPRESS or nothing. It was a lot cheaper to throw a dollar or two her way than to buy a game at full price. All that talk of ‘saving video games’ was starting to ring hollow. The push-back against her was enormous.

if id wanted to pay money id just buy the game, this is retarded and you should be ashamed of this. you shouldnt crack games for the money you should do it for the ideology or for the competition. this is a disgrace. shame on you

There was also the problem of preference – people wouldn’t donate towards cracking games they didn’t even like. One fan pointed out: “people might still support you so you don't starve to death but you are probably gonna lose respect if your choice of games don't align with that of most people who follow you.”

“Every fu*cking time these kids vote for a childish anime game instead of an open world game.”

But EMPRESS wouldn’t be cowed by abuse. Far from backing down, she continued calling out to potential contributors and sponsors, and promised that if anyone had a specific game they were desperate to get cracked, a simple payment of $500 dollars would make it happen.
This was open to a lot of manipulation – all a company had to do to protect their newest release was pay EMPRESS to focus on something else instead.

“the entire ‘Scene’ rules that accept ‘no money/donations’ is 1 of the biggest problems which always push the crackers back, instead of forward,” says Empress. “if you’re going to do such INSANE EFFORT, you wouldn't just do it for and from ‘nothing’

EMPRESS would try to let her fans decide how they wanted the process of donating to go, but that quickly devolved into chaos, fuelled by her detractors. But her supporters gave as good as they got, and the resulting firestorm grew steadily more toxic until it overflowed into every piracy-related space. All the while, she continued preaching her philosophy and attacking anyone who opposed it.

i suggest you all go for a self re-check, you people have stinking shallow mind and souls... my philosophy is the "UNIVERSAL" type, and the term "Subjective" means NOTHING in my world. [if you STILL not convinced and disagree of anything i said in this post, i congratulate you because it means you didn't understand a SINGLE WORD from what i said. please enjoy an empty pathetic life].

Wanted Woman

The was a great danger looming over EMPRESS’s rise to stardom. The law. After all, there was a reason why members of the Scene kept a low profile. Companies couldn’t touch the torrents, but with just enough information, they could take down the people making them. Other pirates (such as one named Voksi) had been apprehended before, and sometimes the plea deal even involved working for Denuvo. It could happen again. Fans urged EMPRESS to be careful. They thought she was sticking her neck out far too much.

I hope you get all the support you want but keep safe.

EMPRESS promised she would, but it wasn’t enough. Or so it seemed.
In February 2021, she announced that thanks to her haters and rivals, who had leaked her address to the authorities, she had been well and truly nicked.

some serious people ON REDDIT managed to report me to authority with my real address, i am not quiet sure how it happened, but even with putting my philosophical side aside, i think i pissed off the entire internet just by trying to control "MY" own crack for 24 hour is actually something i am still not able to believe. in less than an hour, i will be dragged out of my home here with my lawyer, but considering i was caught red handed while preparing version 2 fix for my immortals crack, i don't think there will be much of hope against it at all.

Her message to those who had insulted her was totally not at all bitter – she thought they were ‘all beautiful people’ who she definitely didn’t hate, because they had just made a mistake. This was all somewhat rich for a woman who was rapidly developing hints of megalomania and power-madness.
And then she made an Obi-wan-esque speech about ‘remembering me’ and ‘contuing on my path’.
Everyone was quick to point out the flaws here. The police generally don’t bust down your door, catching you ‘red-handed’ cracking Denuvo, then call you to tell you they’re going to arrest you in an hour, so you have time to write out a long and dramatic letter blaming others for your woes.

”I will be there in less than an hour to take you in. please don't delete any incriminating data. thanks."

Other crackers weighed in on the hilarity of the whole thing, especially Fitgirl, whom EMPRESS mentioned by name. Some users went straight to mockery.

This infinity crackhead has really gone of the deep end.

But to much of the community, it was just kind of sad.

EMPRESS, if what you want is just ask us to forget all about the last few days/weeks and move on, just say so. It's fine, we will. You don't need to make up stories.

I think the funniest response to the whole letter is “Ma'am, this is a Wendy's.”

I really admired her... before she went batshit, like, she was the only one cracking denuvo, asking us what we wanted cracked next, for a time, she was the real queen of the pirates...then she went full fascist, started rambling about gender supremacy, seeing enemies everywhere, shit just went down hill, shit

But worry not! Despite being caught in the act of piracy, EMPRESS would proclaim on her website that the investigation had ended and her lawyer had gotten her off the hook. She was back to cracking. It was a long and gruelling prison sentence that went on for over three months, but she had survived.
Jokes. This announcement came two days after the alleged arrest. Apparently the ‘police raid’ was nothing more than a lenient, routine police check.
But nonetheless, the harrowing experience had reformed Empress into a new woman. She apologised to the people she had offended, and promised to start again without hate or conflict.

i am very emotional soul, and i burst with emotions quiet easily. so i want to give an official apology to ALL repackers, and ALL people who ever got offended from me due to that. i messed up before, but i will not mess up again. i put hope in your kindness, and your ability to forgive.

For once, her fans and haters were united. They were all happy to see her back. Whether she had really been arrested, or had simply invented the whole thing as an excuse to reinvent herself, they hoped it would be a positive change.

I am happy with it. Everyone makes mistakes in their lives. I hope you are doing well after this and everything will be back to normal.

[…]

Mistakes happen but it is brave of u that u accepted those mistakes and want to start afresh! You will always have the chance to start afresh and nobody can take that from you! Now prove that you are the best and have a peaceful relationship with everyone!
Thank you for your efforts

Of course, there were those who thought this was yet another stunt. People were starting to question her claims about the Scene being dead. Perhaps, they said, EMPRESS had become a lone wolf because she was kind of antisocial.

if they wanna start fresh why not come clean about the police lie? it was so obvious.

There were pundits asking when the Netflix adaptation would come out, and others congratulating her on the world’s shortest police investigation.

this is like a soup opera i fucking love it

So where are we now? Well the philosophy came back with a vengeance, but it was largely contained to EMPRESS’s own subreddit and her website. Her releases, such as Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, have helped earn back some goodwill.
Speaking for the whole community, one man said:

I just wanna play games man jeez...

”I don’t wanna get black fungus, thank you”

Unfortunately, this redemption arc would not come to pass.
EMPRESS just couldn’t keep from stirring shit. Not long after her dramatic return, she went on an odd rant against Indians, and announced that she was done being Pirate Jesus, she wanted to be Pirate Pinochet now.

the days of “the kind empress” is LONG GONe and FINISHED.
MALES has “proved” they are TRASH. And I only need the “good” ones, those who actually have a brain in their skull.
and to anyone wondering, YES I hate 99% of india’s retards.
I know who here is indian, and I haven’t spoken against them cause of their “country”. but I will NEVER stop expressing how I hate that country as a “Whole”.

When someone asked if she had ever visited India, she confirmed that she had not.
This caused a lot of drama. As it turns out, there are quite a few Indians out there. And since a lot of games don’t sell in India, they make up a LOT of the piracy community. One of my favourite responses (from user Don11390) was this:

Wow. As an Indian guy, I went from "Oh, she's basically a chuuni character that escaped into our world from some shitty manga" to "I really hope she gets hit by a truck" after seeing that screenshot.

Of course, most people already hated her, and the rest weren’t going to change their minds. The only reason she gained any attention was because people wanted games.

Yeah the amount of fuck I give about this is so small that it doesn't even register on a scale. All I care about is free games. I would suck Satan's dick if he was the one cracking denuvo js..

I wish there was some happy ending to this. But there isn't, really. EMPRESS is still doing her thing, and everyone's happy to hand-wave it away as long as she delivers the good shit.
And if that doesn’t just burst with Christmas Spirit, what does?

submitted by Rumbleskim to HobbyDrama [link] [comments]

2021.11.01 18:50 ProlapsePatrick Millon's Subtypes of ASPD and Psychopathy At a Glance - Overview

In order to better understand ASPD/Psychopathy for both NTs, those who suspect they may have one of the following disorders, or those professionally diagnosed, I'd like to introduce you all to the Millon Subtypes, in a condensed and easy to reference overview:
5 Subtypes of ASPD:

Nomadic Antisocial (Including Schizoid and Avoidant Features)
- Official Description: "Drifters; roamers, vagrants; adventurer, itinerant vagabonds, tramps, wanderers; they typically adapt easily in difficult situations, shrewd and impulsive. Mood centers in doom and invincibility."
Malevolent Antisocial (Including Sadistic and Paranoid features)
- Official Description: "Belligerent, mordant, rancorous, vicious, sadistic, malignant, brutal, resentful; anticipates betrayal and punishment; desires revenge; truculent, callous, fearless; guiltless; many dangerous criminals, including serial killers."
Covetous Antisocial (Including Negativistic Features)
- Official Description: "Rapacious, begrudging, discontentedly yearning; hostile and domineering; envious, avaricious; pleasures more in taking than in having."
Risk-Taking Antisocial (Including Histrionic Features)
- Official Description: "Dauntless, venturesome, intrepid, bold, audacious, daring; reckless, foolhardy, heedless; unfazed by hazard; pursues perilous ventures."
Reputation-Defending Antisocial (Including Narcissistic Features)
- Official Description: "Needs to be thought of as infallible, unbreakable, indomitable, formidable, inviolable; intransigent when status is questioned; overreactive to slights."

Source: Wikipedia1, Wayback Machine2
9 Subtypes of Psychopathy

Unprincipled Psychopath (Including Narcissistic Traits)
- Description: "Stays out of legal boundaries, expresses indifference to the well-being of others, doesn't experience remorse when exploiting others for personal gain, exhibits arrogance, has a dishonest social style, concerned about how relationships benefit them rather than the other party."
Underhand/Furtive Psychopath (Including Histrionic Traits)
- Description: "Wears a sociable and pleasant mask to hide impulsive, resentful, aggressive, and unconfident tendencies. Commonly displays bad temper towards people close to them. Attention seeking, sensation seeking, short term enthusiasm, seductive behavior, and maintaining of superficial relationships"
Risk-Taking Psychopath (Including Antisocial and Histrionic Traits)
- Description: "Takes unnecessary risks for stimulation rather than risk/benefit ratio. Reckless, and insensitive to situations that would make others feel in danger."
Greedy Psychopath (Unsure, probably Narcissistic Traits)
- Description: "Feels shorted by life, and feels they haven't been given what they deserve in life, while others have been given too much. Motivated by a desire to make up for what they're been shorted in life. Commits criminal acts to fill an emptiness in their lives"
Weak Psychopath (Including Dependent and Avoidant Traits)
- Description: "Deeply insecure and cowardly, the weak psychopath paradoxically harms others to hide their own feelings of weakness. Constantly bluffing about true level of courage, essentially living a lie. Possibly completely aware of their own weakness."
Explosive Psychopath (Including Anger Issues)
- Description: "Noteworthy for unpredictable outbursts of rage and hostility. Sudden eruptions of anger and emotion stem from feelings of being threatened, and frustration."
Harsh/Rough Psychopath (Confontational, Negativistic)
- Description: "Always willing to fight, vent annoyance, and start confrontations with others. Overreacts to small mishaps, and lives in bitter struggle with others. Lacking in remorse and awareness of the discomfort they cause others. Passive-aggressive, enjoys arguments with others to humiliate the other person."
Malevolent Psychopath (Vindictive)
- Description: "Particularly vindictive and hostile. Impulse driven, expressing said impulses through destructive and rebellious acts against social norms. Distrusting of others, and anticipating of being backstabbed or punished, they've acquired a callous cruelty, strong desire to even the score against real or perceived mistreatment from childhood. Has a propensity for picking on and attacking those they'd like to destroy"
Tyrannical Psychopath (Abusive)
- Description: "Threatening, Cruel, Abusive, Destructive. The cruelest of the 9 types, derives pleasure in conquering those who are weak with power, violence, or any means necessary."

Source: Article1, Article2
(If the hyperlinked sources are broken, please let me know)

submitted by ProlapsePatrick to Psychopathy [link] [comments]

2021.11.01 18:49 ProlapsePatrick Millon's Subtypes of ASPD and Psychopathy: A Brief Overview

Nomadic Antisocial (Including Schizoid and Avoidant Features)
- Official Description: "Drifters; roamers, vagrants; adventurer, itinerant vagabonds, tramps, wanderers; they typically adapt easily in difficult situations, shrewd and impulsive. Mood centers in doom and invincibility."
Malevolent Antisocial (Including Sadistic and Paranoid features)
- Official Description: "Belligerent, mordant, rancorous, vicious, sadistic, malignant, brutal, resentful; anticipates betrayal and punishment; desires revenge; truculent, callous, fearless; guiltless; many dangerous criminals, including serial killers."
Covetous Antisocial (Including Negativistic Features)
- Official Description: "Rapacious, begrudging, discontentedly yearning; hostile and domineering; envious, avaricious; pleasures more in taking than in having."
Risk-Taking Antisocial (Including Histrionic Features)
- Official Description: "Dauntless, venturesome, intrepid, bold, audacious, daring; reckless, foolhardy, heedless; unfazed by hazard; pursues perilous ventures."
Reputation-Defending Antisocial (Including Narcissistic Features)
- Official Description: "Needs to be thought of as infallible, unbreakable, indomitable, formidable, inviolable; intransigent when status is questioned; overreactive to slights."

Source: Wikipedia1, Wayback Machine2
9 Subtypes of Psychopathy

Unprincipled Psychopath (Including Narcissistic Traits)
- Description: "Stays out of legal boundaries, expresses indifference to the well-being of others, doesn't experience remorse when exploiting others for personal gain, exhibits arrogance, has a dishonest social style, concerned about how relationships benefit them rather than the other party."
Underhand/Furtive Psychopath (Including Histrionic Traits)
- Description: "Wears a sociable and pleasant mask to hide impulsive, resentful, aggressive, and unconfident tendencies. Commonly displays bad temper towards people close to them. Attention seeking, sensation seeking, short term enthusiasm, seductive behavior, and maintaining of superficial relationships"
Risk-Taking Psychopath (Including Antisocial and Histrionic Traits)
- Description: "Takes unnecessary risks for stimulation rather than risk/benefit ratio. Reckless, and insensitive to situations that would make others feel in danger."
Greedy Psychopath (Unsure, probably Narcissistic Traits)
- Description: "Feels shorted by life, and feels they haven't been given what they deserve in life, while others have been given too much. Motivated by a desire to make up for what they're been shorted in life. Commits criminal acts to fill an emptiness in their lives"
Weak Psychopath (Including Dependent and Avoidant Traits)
- Description: "Deeply insecure and cowardly, the weak psychopath paradoxically harms others to hide their own feelings of weakness. Constantly bluffing about true level of courage, essentially living a lie. Possibly completely aware of their own weakness."
Explosive Psychopath (Including Anger Issues)
- Description: "Noteworthy for unpredictable outbursts of rage and hostility. Sudden eruptions of anger and emotion stem from feelings of being threatened, and frustration."
Harsh/Rough Psychopath (Confontational, Negativistic)
- Description: "Always willing to fight, vent annoyance, and start confrontations with others. Overreacts to small mishaps, and lives in bitter struggle with others. Lacking in remorse and awareness of the discomfort they cause others. Passive-aggressive, enjoys arguments with others to humiliate the other person."
Malevolent Psychopath (Vindictive)
- Description: "Particularly vindictive and hostile. Impulse driven, expressing said impulses through destructive and rebellious acts against social norms. Distrusting of others, and anticipating of being backstabbed or punished, they've acquired a callous cruelty, strong desire to even the score against real or perceived mistreatment from childhood. Has a propensity for picking on and attacking those they'd like to destroy"
Tyrannical Psychopath (Abusive)
- Description: "Threatening, Cruel, Abusive, Destructive. The cruelest of the 9 types, derives pleasure in conquering those who are weak with power, violence, or any means necessary."

Source: Article1, Article2
(I'm copypasting this from sub to sub, so please let me know if the hyperlinked sources are broken, thanks.

submitted by ProlapsePatrick to aspd [link] [comments]

2021.11.01 18:48 ProlapsePatrick Millon's 9 Subtypes of Psychopathy and 5 Subtypes of ASPD - An Overview

5 Subtypes of ASPD:

Nomadic Antisocial (Including Schizoid and Avoidant Features)
- Official Description: "Drifters; roamers, vagrants; adventurer, itinerant vagabonds, tramps, wanderers; they typically adapt easily in difficult situations, shrewd and impulsive. Mood centers in doom and invincibility."
Malevolent Antisocial (Including Sadistic and Paranoid features)
- Official Description: "Belligerent, mordant, rancorous, vicious, sadistic, malignant, brutal, resentful; anticipates betrayal and punishment; desires revenge; truculent, callous, fearless; guiltless; many dangerous criminals, including serial killers."
Covetous Antisocial (Including Negativistic Features)
- Official Description: "Rapacious, begrudging, discontentedly yearning; hostile and domineering; envious, avaricious; pleasures more in taking than in having."
Risk-Taking Antisocial (Including Histrionic Features)
- Official Description: "Dauntless, venturesome, intrepid, bold, audacious, daring; reckless, foolhardy, heedless; unfazed by hazard; pursues perilous ventures."
Reputation-Defending Antisocial (Including Narcissistic Features)
- Official Description: "Needs to be thought of as infallible, unbreakable, indomitable, formidable, inviolable; intransigent when status is questioned; overreactive to slights."

Source: Wikipedia¹, Wayback Machine²

9 Subtypes of Psychopathy

Unprincipled Psychopath (Including Narcissistic Traits)
- Description: "Stays out of legal boundaries, expresses indifference to the well-being of others, doesn't experience remorse when exploiting others for personal gain, exhibits arrogance, has a dishonest social style, concerned about how relationships benefit them rather than the other party."
Underhand/Furtive Psychopath (Including Histrionic Traits)
- Description: "Wears a sociable and pleasant mask to hide impulsive, resentful, aggressive, and unconfident tendencies. Commonly displays bad temper towards people close to them. Attention seeking, sensation seeking, short term enthusiasm, seductive behavior, and maintaining of superficial relationships"
Risk-Taking Psychopath (Including Antisocial and Histrionic Traits)
- Description: "Takes unnecessary risks for stimulation rather than risk/benefit ratio. Reckless, and insensitive to situations that would make others feel in danger."
Greedy Psychopath (Unsure, probably Narcissistic Traits)
- Description: "Feels shorted by life, and feels they haven't been given what they deserve in life, while others have been given too much. Motivated by a desire to make up for what they're been shorted in life. Commits criminal acts to fill an emptiness in their lives"
Weak Psychopath (Including Dependent and Avoidant Traits)
- Description: "Deeply insecure and cowardly, the weak psychopath paradoxically harms others to hide their own feelings of weakness. Constantly bluffing about true level of courage, essentially living a lie. Possibly completely aware of their own weakness."
Explosive Psychopath (Including Anger Issues)
- Description: "Noteworthy for unpredictable outbursts of rage and hostility. Sudden eruptions of anger and emotion stem from feelings of being threatened, and frustration."
Harsh/Rough Psychopath (Confontational, Negativistic)
- Description: "Always willing to fight, vent annoyance, and start confrontations with others. Overreacts to small mishaps, and lives in bitter struggle with others. Lacking in remorse and awareness of the discomfort they cause others. Passive-aggressive, enjoys arguments with others to humiliate the other person."
Malevolent Psychopath (Vindictive)
- Description: "Particularly vindictive and hostile. Impulse driven, expressing said impulses through destructive and rebellious acts against social norms. Distrusting of others, and anticipating of being backstabbed or punished, they've acquired a callous cruelty, strong desire to even the score against real or perceived mistreatment from childhood. Has a propensity for picking on and attacking those they'd like to destroy"
Tyrannical Psychopath (Abusive)
- Description: "Threatening, Cruel, Abusive, Destructive. The cruelest of the 9 types, derives pleasure in conquering those who are weak with power, violence, or any means necessary."

Source: Article¹, Article²

submitted by ProlapsePatrick to sociopath [link] [comments]

2021.07.12 04:43 Ramtide PRELUDE: Howdy Neighbor!

Ramtidings, dear friends. It is I, your dutiful lord and master, the eternal GM. It has been many a moon and mile since last we've convened here together, and I apologize, as always, for my protracted leave of absence. As of this moment, however, I have found myself in a lull between my real world duties, and with this free time on my hand, I have decided to commit once more to the page another TAAAAAALE FROM THE TABLETOP, for your listening pleasure. Boy howdy did I miss you ReddX nerds. This one I lovingly subtitle Kurt McGurk's Butt Gets Hurt

This story takes place in the highlands of north-central New Mexico. After many years on the road, fortune would have it that some friends of mine had a couch whereupon I could rest my weary head. Tired of the road and the backpacker's life, I took them up on the offer, and made my way there by way of the I-40 from flagstaff due heast. I eventually arrived upon their doorstep, and settled in to the domicile I would call my home until further notice.

I was not the only middle-aged man-child in that apartment. My friends were also giant nerds. Their usual game of choice was Magic, and this was all well and good. I'd play cards with them, watch their animes, read their comics, but it was all lackluster to the hobby of hobbies that always lurked as an itch of mine desiring a good scatch: the mighty tabletop. It was only a matter of time before I broke word to my two friends-now-roommates that I wanted to run a game of Fallout. Having been the one to have cultured their prolific Magic addiction several years ago, this suggestion was met with much excitement. My choice in nerdery was par excellence, and they knew I would host a game worthy of legend and memory.

There was a catch, however. Our number was only 3 - myself, the GM, and my two roommates. This is simply not enough. I informed them, then, that if they could recruit a third member to our party, I would begin the game promptly the following Sunday. I gave them a link to the rulebook we would be using, and informed them to roll characters, and that if they had any questions, they should ask me, and I would gladly help them work through whatever problems they were having. And so our initial party was set.

Ramtide - Your dutiful lord and master, the eternal GM, road-pirate extraordinaire, tendie afficionado.

Mt. Fuji - A massive, towering idiot of a man-child who felt it only appropriate to roll a super mutant stand-in of himself, and my best friend in the state of New Mexico

Thomas Jefferson - A charismatic orator and gunslinger, and my other roommate, who admittedly, is an antisocial shutin and thinks firearms should be universally banned.

Our gruesome twosome set to work making their characters, and I pondered just who might turn up as our illustrious third. It wasn't long however, until an opportunity to fill that vacant slot presented itself. Thomas Jefferson would often invite our next door neighbor over to come smoke his weed and play FIFA.He was a lanky skellington of a man, his face riddled with acne scars. The stench of stale cigarettes and onions pervaded his pitiable form. When he wasn't busy playing FIFA or smoking TJ's weed, he would awkwardly follow around TJ's girlfriend and try to make small talk, but was never able to make eye contact. The type of guy to ask you to please respond after an awkward silence. While not as deep into the positive spectrum of nerdity like our merry household, he was certainly on SOME spectrum, and it made me ponder whether or not I ought to invite him to our tabletop. Thomas Jefferson, however, beat me to the punch one morning over a stoned match of FIFA, and our neighbor agreed to come participate. Like the others, I gave him the rulebook and my phone number, and informed him that should need be, he could always ask me to help him fill in his character sheet. He seemed excited, genuinely enthusiastic that we were opening up to him and inviting him to come hang out and play tabletop with us. Maybe I could forge a dungeon delver out of this rough-cut diamond, I mused.

With our game set, the week whittled away as I drafted campaign notes and worked, all eyes set upon that coming Sunday. I heard nothing from my players as the week wore on, and assumed then that they had managed to successfully draft up characters of their own without my assistance.

At long last, Sunday morning rolled around, and I crawled out of my bed and down to the living room, enjoying a fresh cup of morning coffee. Thomas Jefferson was stuck at work that morning, so it was just Mt. Fuji and myself in the house, poking around as we waited for game time. We filled the morning talking a little bit about the campaign we were about to undergo, and I reviewed Fuji's character sheet one last time to make sure it was up to snuff. Everything looked good. Eventually, Thomas Jefferson got home from work, cleaned up, and adjourned down in the living room with his dice and sheet as well, and we waited. It was 5 minutes to game time, and our neighbor had not arrived.

I nudged Thomas Jefferson - after all, our neighbor was predominantly his friend - and asked him if he wanted to go and rouse our third player. Perhaps he had forgotten what time we were supposed to convene, these things happen. Thomas got up from his seat, went next door, and knocked. He didn't return until almost 20 minutes later with our neighbor in tow, admittedly glassy eyed and stumbly. He had been day drinking this morning and passed out. Fairly typical, considering what I had seen of him,

He came in and sat down at the table with us with a "sup, guys", and beamed around at everyone in his mental fog. I asked if he was ready for the game to begin.

Neighbor: Uhm, well, yeah. But, can you help me with my character real quick?

Ramtide: Of course. What have ya got for me?

He just shrugged and looked at me expectantly. He had prepared nothing. He hadn't put one single iota of thought into making one. He hadn't even tried. I don't even think he looked at the rulebook, in retrospect. 20 minutes late to the session, with no character, and not so much as even a concept of what he wanted to play.I glowered a bit as I debated just what to do. Eventually, Mt. Fuji and Thomas Jefferson decided to go watch some anime while I walked our neighbor through the process of character creation.

Let us give this lad the name of his character, as is our standard naming convention...

Kurt McGurk - an obese human in a mobility scooter with a penchant for fixing things up, and our rather strange raging alcoholic of a next door neighbor.

He insisted on this backstory - Kurt had been foraging the ruins of a derelict supermarket, when a shelf full of canned lard fell on top of him, pinning him to the ground where he lay. Unable to move and subsequently trapped, he sustained himself on the cans of lard that had fallen about him. Slowly and steadily, his bulk grew in size, until he had grown so massive that the shelf shifted off from atop him, freeing him from this miserable death trap. However, he had grown so massive from consuming so much lard that his mobility was severely impaired. He crawled about the abandoned supermarket, until he found an old mobility scooter, and by whatever small luck he had, managed to make it function once again. Now, he rode across the wasteland astride his mobility scooter that he dubbed his trusty steed, searching the ruins of various grocery stores to sustain his ever increasing girth.

I was highly amused at the idea of this colorful character. At the same time, however, I knew that this would cause complications in the greater scheme of him playing. There aren't any wheelchair ramps out in the wasteland, you know. OSHA isn't going to write you a citation for making your dungeon of despair inaccessible to the handicapped. Despite my objections, he absolutely insisted, and I eventually caved. I gave his character concept my seal of approval, and started trying to walk him through the rest of character creation. After several lengthy minutes of explaining how to allocate SPECIAL points and calculate stats, however, he looked at me helplessly before he even tried to figure it out, and asked me if I could just do it for him.

Ramtide: Bro. At least try.

Kurt: I don't get it man. Come on, just help me out here.

15 minutes late with no character. Wants to roll up a meme. Won't even try to learn the system. Do I reaally need more red flags to know this isn't going anywhere? Apparently, I do. I rolled up some stats inline with what he envisioned his character to be - a high perception, high intelligence character with low endurance and agility, proficient in repair, pilot, and science. With this final hurdle out of the way, I looked at the clock. We were an hour and a half past the point upon which I had anticipated actually beginning the session, and only just now were we ready to start.

I summoned Mt. Fuji and Thomas Jefferson back to the table. They arrived, took their seats, and I struck up with my best narrative voice, regaling them with our latest tale of intrigue while Kurt sank balls deep into his cellular device.

The year was 2277. The party had been traveling with a merchant caravan bearing east from Las Vegas to the recently taken and fortified Boulder City well within NCR territory. The dam had recently been restored to functionality and had become a trading hub and population center in the greater Mojave wasteland. Unbeknownst to its garrison, however, the drums of war were beating just across the Colorado river.

The party arrived at the outskirts of Boulder, and were given freedom to explore the merchant quarter of the city. While Thomas Jefferson and Mt. Fuji took the hint and went to go and spend their initial nest egg of caps on gear, Kurt, after having his attention jarred loose from his phone, decided to roll around the small hamlet seeking sustenance for his prodigious bulk. I decied then to lure him in with the dilapidated storefront of an old grocery store. Without missing a beat, he rolled up to the door, and after a grueling attempt at passing an Agility check to finangle his mobility scooter through the portal, he wound up inside the ruined shop. The place had long since been picked clean by locals and scavengers, but this did not deter Kurt from picking through the trash. Wanting to make his first roleplaying experience something to remember, I put a shout-out to his backstory. A single can of lard was untouched at the top of a shelf. His eyes lit up, and he immediately, proudly declared that he was going to reach for it from his perch atop his trusty steed. One failed Agility check later, and he lay pinned beneath a fallen shelf and a toppled mobility scooter, the coveted can of lard just beyond his ham-fisted grasp.

I switched over to Mt. Fuji and TJ, who had been left to roleplay to their own devices. At this announcement, Kurt interjected - "but what happened?" and I assured him that he would return to the center of attention quite soon enough. He seemed to glower at this for a bit and returned to his screen. I roleplayed their transactions for a bit, and as soon as they acquired what they deemed a sufficient amount of gear, they prepared to wander off to find their missing compatriot, Kurt. Before they could exit the town square, a barrage of gunfire erupted in the distance, and a scout came running, red faced.

Scout: We're under attack! They came from across the dam, and ----

He was cut short as a bullet shattered his skull, and viscera sprayed across the awestruck duo, Merchants abandoned their stalls, soldiers garrisoned themselves in the adjacent buildings, several legionaries appeared, and combat began. I ran through the player's sequences as the battle unfolded in the square. Thomas Jefferson had taken cover behind an overturned cart and opened fire on one legionary that menaced him thoroughly with a combat knife, while Mt. Fuji ran in to engage, swinging his hammer wildly for a miss. And then, I returned to Kurt, still pinned beneath a supermarket shelf in the grocery store.

Ramtide: The town is under attack. You hear screams and gunfire erupting from the town square, not far from your current position wherein you are pinned beneath a shelf and a toppled scooter.

Kurt looked up from his phone, asking me to repeat myself, and I did, a little more irritated than before.
Kurt: Did I get the can at least?

Ramtide: No. It's just out of your grasp.

Kurt: I'm gonna try and get the can.

Another failed agility check. I asked him if, perhaps, maybe he wanted to try and free himself from beneath the trap wherein he was pinned. He replied, naw, I'm good, and resumed his phone time. It's like pulling teeth.

Combat cycled around again, with Mt. Fuji dispatching one raider, but not before incurring some wounds of his own. TJ put a few holes in the other who was approaching him, but not before taking a fierce blow to his character's HP pool. As combat was about to circle around to Kurt again, I decided to light a fire under his ass to try to get him engaged.

Ramtide: Kurt, as you're pinned under the shelf, you hear the door to the supermarket fling wide open, and a man in what can best be described as red painted sports gear appears in the doorway, holding a pistol in his hand. He sees you pinned beneath the shelf. What do you do?

Kurt: I play dead.

He returned to his phone.

Ramtide: Okay, roll me an Outdoorsman check.

Kurt did not know how to roll dice, it seems, because he asked me to do so for him. I picked up the d100, asked him what his skill value was, and he insisted he couldn't find it as he returned to his phone. I found his pathetically low stat, rolled the dice for him, and observed the result: his roll didn't break his skill threshold. His attempt failed, and I started the legionary's turn. A hail of gunfire pelted down on the pinned fatass. I informed him that he took some damage, and he looked up incredulously.

Kurt: What do you mean? I'm playing dead.

Ramtide: I rolled for you. It wasn't a convincing act. The raider didn't buy it, and he decided to open fire on you.

Kurt: That's bullshit, man. You're just targeting me because I'm new.

I did my best to be diplomatic.

Ramtide: Bro, I rolled the dice for you. You failed to succeed on your skill check. Maybe if you roll the dice yourself next time, you might actually do better. I usually don't roll very high - call it jinxed.

Kurt did not return to his phone again, He seemed to realize that his pork avatar was in mortal danger, and wanting to protect his meme, decided to focus on the session for the first time since we had began. As combat cycled around, it came to Kurt's turn once again, and he declared this time that he was going to try to free himself from beneath the shelf under which he was trapped. I had him roll a Strength check, which, admittedly, I nerfed, because I wanted the guy to succeed, ya know? However, he still managed to fail... so I nerfed it some more and told him that he managed to break free. He spent a few more AP to stagger back onto his mobility scooter, grab a pistol of his own, and return fire, successfully wounding the raider. As the raider advanced into the grocery store, I fudged the rolls just a little bit more to let him catch up. The raider, by GM fiat, admittedly missed.

By round 3, Mt. Fuji and TJ had dispatched the few legionaries in the square, and now had doubled down to find the location of their missing companion, who managed to finally dispatch the last legionary inside the grocery store by way, once more, of a little GM fiat. With the day perceivedly won and the corpses looted, Kurt triumphantly claimed his can of lard and wheeled his bloated carcass out into the sunlit streets to find his companions. As the troops rallied, a squad of NCR troopers were making their way towards the dam to try and retake the landmark, and pressed the party into service. The mission was clear - they were to advance on the damn and secure the electrical generators inside from the advancing enemy force - a sound tactical decision.

The party advanced into a foyer of the damn and dispatched the invaders. The commanding officer briefed the strike team once the room had been cleared, remarking that the generators could be found on a lower sub-level of the superstructure, and needed to be reactivated to restore power to the dam itself, a cargo lift I threw in there specifically for Kurt, and the surrounding areas. The fastest way there, however?

Stairs.

Kurt: Now you're just targeting me, man. This isn't fucking cool.

Ramtide: I told you, right out the gate, that voluntarily handicapping yourself in the apocalypse wasn't a very good idea. I encouraged you to roll anything BUT a morbidly obese lardass on a mobility scooter, but you insisted. Now how are you going to solve this situation?

Kurt thought about this for a minute, and then stood up and ripped his character sheet in half. He flipped me off, left the house, and never returned to a subsequent tabletop session that I ran for my group.

I concluded the session with Mt. Fuji and TJ clearing the damn, and called it there, and once more lamented that we were down to two players. I told them that, as of now and into the foreseeable future, the spot was open, and that maybe they might find another who could take the game semi-seriously.

While this particular encounter with Kurt McGurk is an amusing anecdote of a game gone sour, it is not the be all end of all of my experiences with him, because, let's face it - avoiding your next door neighbor isn't an easy trick. Avoiding a spiteful inebriated wingnut of a neighbor is much more difficult. This is just a prelude, an introduction to this individual, if you will. Rest assured, friends, that it will get much, much worse. Until next time, friends.

Special thanks go out to my lovely patrons for believing in me, supporting the work I do, and who have been an absolute blessing during my travels through this uncertain and peculiar thing we call existence - specifically, Nat 1 Nick, Dayton Does, Fyredraeke, DigiNZ, and Tatoferret. My love and admiration as always to ReddX and the greater ReddX community. I've missed you nerds UwU. It's good to be back in the saddle... for now.

submitted by Ramtide to ReddXReads [link] [comments]

2021.07.07 19:59 Suhkein [Hourou Musuko] Saori Chiba: Wandering the Second Mile

"...and then she strove to be contended with that hardness, and to require nothing. That is the path we all like when we set out on our abandonment of egoism - the path of martyrdom and endurance, where the palm branches grow, rather than the steep highway of tolerance, just allowance, and self-blame, where there are no leafy honours to be gathered and worn." -George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss
I recall the precise moment I fell in love with Hourou Musuko. It was Saori Chiba in the empty church, asking with tender conceitedness for what she believes she wants but by providence has been denied:

“Dear God, please bless that idiot Saisho with some brains, and a pox. And let Nitori be Juliet. And instead of Takatsuki… (Pause) ...let me be Romeo.”

With a few brushstrokes, a couple of lines and the right setting, Saori’s character is laid bare. At first her words would seem to be an indictment, but the gentle notes playing in the background say otherwise: there is pity for this poor sinner who has come to pray unwittingly for more grief. She is so lost she does not even know what to ask for. With this, commentary becomes sympathy, and we are reminded that the point of Hourou Musuko is not just to understand people, but to understand them for the right reasons.
The story that follows is not a heroic journey. It is a mundane one. The beginning is not infamy and the end not apotheosis; it is no Pilgrim’s Progress. Saori Chiba is nothing more and nothing less than an adolescent little girl at a critical time in her life. This, however, is the strength of Hourou Musuko; it is humanizing rather than archetypal, and there is a quiet power in how it appreciates its characters just as they are. I hope to borrow a little of that here.

Cursing Those That Bless You

“It was a lot of fun, at first. The three of us going to school together, taking pictures together, just Nitori and me… and Takatsuki. I was the first to notice that Nitori was meant to dress like a girl. And yet, before I knew it, Takatsuki was the one perpetually at his side. Then I noticed things getting awkward between them… but before I could blink, they’d patched things up. I hate... - Saori Chiba

Saori was the first one to be aware of Nitori’s deepest desires. She was always paying attention to his^[1,pronouns] needs, ready to act on them, support them. She loves him, single-mindedly and without reserve, and it should be obvious to anyone that she has first claim on Nitori’s affection in return… and then he chose Takatsuki. She hates…
Not Nitori. She could never hate Nitori. Her first introduction is unequivocal on this point: ignoring all decorum or subtlety, she will smite those who threaten him. He is a pure, special person and those who would harm such a soul deserve swift judgement at her hands. Knowing that they would not accept his true self only heightens her vigilant anger. Childish, obnoxious, and unkind, she hates them all.
...I won’t do anything weird this time…
There is one among these, though, who kindles a special ire: Takatsuki. Capable and cool, she is admired by everybody. Not only this, but despite all the positive regard she receives Takatsuki is not conceited about any of it. She is simply kind and is willing to put her good nature to work for others^[2] . At least, that’s what everybody sees. Saori, though, knows the truth. Takatsuki is just nice because her circumstances have made it easy; if she wasn’t so blithely easy-going and everybody didn’t treat her well that attitude would vanish. That she leads Nitori on, going on dates and dressing up together, shows how insincere she truly is. She should stop messing around so Nitori can choose somebody else. Having everything but not deserving it, Saori really hates Takatsuki.
...it’s not fair…
Yet for some reason Nitori is still friends with Takatsuki, still has feelings for her even. Well, Saori will show Nitori what it means to love and support properly. When the class vote for the cultural festival comes up, she will have the courage to volunteer in front of everybody a genderbent play. It might not be the story that she wants, but it is surely the one Nitori desires, and since he cannot risk asking for himself she will do it in his stead. Unlike others, she will sacrifice for those she cares about. That’s really what she hates: when people can’t get over themselves.
...you’re a boy...
Now, at last, she has Nitori all to herself as they write the script together. Just like she wanted…and just like what he must have wanted too. How could he not enjoy spending time with her after all she’s done for him? If only their idiot teacher Saisho didn’t ask for more volunteers to join them. How could he be so utterly oblivious to how other people felt? She isn’t sure if he’s even worth hating or just holding in contempt, turning her face away as he speaks so he knows just how poorly she regards his pretense at being helpful.
And all this righteousness makes Saori Chiba the most unhappy character in the cast.
What is Saori’s problem? Takatsuki doesn’t get it. She knows that Saori loves Nitori, and that his choice caused a rift between them, but she had hoped that maybe in time things would cool down. After all, it’s not like she’s dating Nitori; her refusal should have diffused the situation, not inflamed it. Yet for some reason Saori’s anger has not abated. By happenstance finding herself alone with Saori, Takatsuki tries again:

Takatsuki: “I heard the drama club wants Nitori.” Saori: “Yes, I know. They approached me too.” (Flatly) Takatsuki: “What?! Amazing! It makes sense, though. You’re an amazing actress. It’s amazing how talented you both are.”

If you’re going to get Saori’s attention, start with Nitori. She won’t ignore you then. However, Saori won’t give her rival the the pleasure of being the bearer of good news, and replies with a dismissive casualness that robs any joy from the messenger… only to add just as lifelessly that she was considered too.
This is the chance Takatsuki has needed. An offhanded comment like that about one’s own ability is obviously begging to be generously contradicted. Everybody likes positive regard, and by directing attention away from herself and lavishing it on Saori it’s the perfect way to show she doesn’t hold a grudge. The praise isn’t empty either; Saori really is talented, and while Takatsuki may have played it up a little much, not being much of an actress herself, she honestly does believe what she says. Naturally Saori will see this.

Saori: “How can you throw around the word ‘amazing’ like that?” Takatsuki: “Huh?”

Throughout the praise Saori had merely watched Takatsuki speak, remaining facing toward the mirror with only a spare glance for the other person. Now in rebuttal she turns a quarter turn with her head only, enough to let Takatsuki know she is being spoken to but without giving her the dignity of being fully acknowledged. Takatsuki, this whole while facing Saori properly, just as is her character, is left disoriented as she can feel the hostility mounting again. What did she do wrong?
Saori pauses again to carefully scrutinize Takatsuki’s reaction to what she has just said. Despite her pretense, the mirror reveals that a slight blush has appeared on her cheeks. Then she then averts her gaze… unhappily. Takatsuki draws the natural conclusion: maybe Saori just doesn’t believe her. Insincere words would be cruel after all, and Takatsuki can understand getting angry over that:

Takatsuki: “Because I really do think it’s amazing!” (With renewed enthusiasm) Saori: “Let’s say you wanted to join the drama club, but Nitori and I were the only ones invited. Would you feel the same?” (Averting her eyes toward the mirror) Takatsuki: “H-Huh?” (Saori gives Takatsuki another inscrutable look then returns her eyes forward) Saori: “In other words. If you’re actually able to admire someone who can easily do the things you wish you could, that’s truly amazing. (pause) I can’t do it.” (Saori’s face creases into frustration near tears) Saori: “Though I hate to admit it.” (Seeing only her reflection in the mirror, Saori concludes) Saori: “That’s why I hate you. Sorry.”

And with this she walks off stage.
The book that Saori struck the jeering boy with was Anne of Green Gables, a story about an orphan girl who is sent to a farm on accident in place of a boy. Anne is an unconventional child, and though intelligent and sensitive is nonetheless proud and quick-tempered: when Gilbert Blythe touches a nerve she retaliates by bringing her school writing slate down on his head. Despite these trials, though, she is eventually able to win over the hearts of everybody by her own spirited disposition and innate goodness.
Saori Chiba is living out such a story in her own head, her own personal drama of which she is author and star actress. Its heroine’s principle virtue? Selflessness in the service of love. Anne merely struck Blythe for herself, but Saori did so to protect Nitori. She really does love him as dearly as a twelve year old girl can, and it is this trait that Saori is counting on to redeem her heroine and bring the narrative to a happy conclusion. Otherwise, there is a problem with her script: the main character is jealous, judgemental, unforgiving, and projects all her worst traits onto those around her.

Saori: “As usual, [Saisho] doesn’t have a clue.” Nitori: “You’re being kind of harsh.” Saori: “No, I’m not angry with him anymore. He decided this was the best course of action after some serious deliberation. I understand why he did it. ...I’m just having trouble controlling my emotions.” Mako: “Wouldn’t that mean you’re still mad?”

And the main character knows it. Saori is not Momoko, witless enough to hate whom she will without reflection. Gifted, or cursed, with an articulate and self-aware nature, Saori is left to think on all that she does. She knows her feelings toward Saisho are unjust; he’s inept, perhaps, but there can be no questioning his good intent. Yet… she can’t stem the resentment. It fills her with shame that she has so little control over her worst impulses. Mako doesn’t quite understand; it is anger... but with an asterisk, footnoted always with embarrassment and regret.
In turn, these implacable feelings have been the cause of all her problems. Saisho invited others to join in the script writing only because of her uncommunicative condescension, mistaking it for a lack of progress; it was she who ultimately robbed herself of her time alone with Nitori. Similarly, she was in the wrong with the upperclassmen. Having erected a barrier of pride to hide her shame, she was too busy defending it to give them a simple courtesy. Confronted, she doubles down, lying about it because her act of aloofness is too important to surrender. This causes her to become even more mortified by her weakness, which necessitates yet more compensatory pride, feeding on itself until she has trapped herself, all so that none may notice her appalling vulnerability.

Sasa: “Aren’t you going to eat your [ice cream]?” Saori: “I don’t have the right to be here.” (Dispirited) Sasa: “There you go again…” Saori: “It’s true.” (Pause) Saori: “I never said hello. I was the one who ignored [the upperclassmen].”

What does yield her confession, though, is the guilt of being believed by those close to her. Saori is a sincere soul, her lies being those of shame rather than malice. She wants to feel accepted but cannot as long as she believes she her friends are treating her kindly under false pretenses; she’s confident that if they just knew what a mean-spirited little shrew she is they’d reject her as she rejects herself. The fact that they do not has done nothing to dispel this conviction, and even gives her further ammunition to maintain that nobody really understands the depths of her failings. With such a precarious position, even the hint of rejection is enough to send her fleeing:

Mako: “That’d be depressing.” (Saori walks past Mako and begins to trot down the stairs) Saori: “Well, I’m a depressing person! That’s why I have no friends!” Mako: “Are you saying Sasa isn’t your friend? She’d be really sad to hear that.” (Saori’s face only hardens and she accelerates) Mako: “I consider myself your friend too!” (Saori is at a full run when Sasa appears at the bottom of the stairs) Sasa: “Why are you shouting?” (Unaware) (Saori stops abruptly, staring in surprise)

Saori is caught up in the theatrics of her own self-loathing, spouting the most absurd falsehoods to reaffirm her misery. Yet even as she punishes herself for her failings, heaping self-recrimination on everything she does, she nonetheless tries to believe that her unhappiness is in no way her fault. If she has played some part, and she isn’t a sad orphan girl facing great and unfair challenges, then that would force her to face up to the source of her behavior. That, quite simply, is too intolerable, and self-pity, the other side of pride without self-esteem, is there to comfort her. But she is not entirely egotistical, and when confronted with the reality of Sasa as another person, she feels truly miserable knowing that her words have maligned not just herself but her sweet friend too.
As for the one who has tried hardest to be a true friend to her, she can tolerate her least of all. Takatsuki not only has everything Saori wants - a kind spirit, positive regard, and Nitori’s affection - her existence undermines the narrative that Saori is a victim and everybody else is just lucky. She wants to believe that if their places were reversed Takatsuki would be just as spiteful, and she will cite as proof the one time she pushed Takatsuki too far. If the object of her envy-unto-hate hates her back, she need not feel guilty about her unwillingness to make up. Clearly the feeling’s mutual. But she knows that’s not true either, and she can only watch with hidden yearning as Takatsuki responds to her animosity with incomprehension.^[3] . Not only does this person have generosity to spare, she doesn’t even recognize it as special. How can Saori ever match that in Nitori’s eyes?
Nitori. The golden idol of her world, she lays sacrifices at his feet in hopes of a blessing. She may find her own character revolting but at least she can count on this one shaft of light to illuminate her, and if only she can devote herself enough to her pure love she can use it to leave behind the rest of her worthless nature. Renunciation will be her salvation. But - and this is a truth that even Saori has not perceived in herself - she is merely exalting what comes easy: being forceful in the service of her narrow passions.

Saori: (Looking through her dresses) “How’s this? Oh, and this? I think it would look better on you. Wanna try it on?” (Hasty) Nitori: “Uh… Y-you promised…” Saori: “Huh?” Nitori: “...not to do anything weird.” (Timidly) Saori: “Right. I lost control. Sorry.” (Embarrassed) Nitori: “Oh, no. I appreciate the thought. But… it would feel weird to dress up as a girl for this meeting.”

Saori is a girl and she loves Nitori the boy; to her it is that simple. Yet Nitori wishes to be a girl and try as she might she cannot find it in herself to love that. The corollary to this is a fear, buried deep, that wishing to be a girl Nitori can never love her back as a girl either. If only she were like Takatsuki. Not perceiving the struggle, all she can do is covet that Takatsuki is capable of being that which will satisfy Nitori; like some sort of transgender superpower to rank alongside her kindness, it’s just yet another thing Takatsuki-the-girl can do that Saori-the-girl cannot. Fate itself seems to have decided against her in favor of Takatsuki.
In compensation, Saori has tried to ignore all her muddy feelings about the matter. She doesn’t want a genderbent play, she doesn’t want Nitori to dress up in girls’ clothes, she doesn’t want him to be… her, really. But she’ll prove she at least has the redeeming quality that she can repress her selfish desires for love… and then she loses control. Again. Her offering of clothes is not for him, it is for her; she wears a false smile as she does so, desperate to make him happy so that she can convince herself she is doing good and be happy too. Also… perhaps… just maybe… get him to lose interest in Takatsuki… and so not want to be a girl either… And when these attempts to give of herself do not yield the results she desires it calls forth her ugliest demons:

Nitori: “It’s not because of Takatsuki. I want to do it for me. I want to be a girl.” Saori: “Really… (cold to the point of formal) So, what do you plan to do? You won’t become a girl by waiting around. Will you have an operation, once you grow up? Otherwise, becoming a girl’s impossible. You can swap names with Takatsuki, but you won’t truly be trading places. It’s all just an act.”

Saori would know all about acts, about trying desperately to pretend to be what one is not. About wishing for the impossible every day and having nothing come of it. Her bitterness rebounds on Nitori, trying to project her plight on him, belittling his unwanted dream, and disdainful that unlike her he has done so little in pursuing it. Her passion gives her certainty about what she wants, so why can’t Nitori and Takatsuki, who are so clueless they can’t even answer her questions, just let her have it? Why must everybody be in her way? Nitori, confused and hurt by this assault, can only stammer:

Nitori: “I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.” Saori: “Don’t.” (Commanding) Nitori: “Why?” (Saori’s eyebrows twitch reflexively in anger that Nitori still doesn’t see the rightness of her demands) Saori: “Do you have to ask? You’re a boy.” Nitori: “But why are you saying this to me? I’m not doing it for Takatsuki, or for you. I--” Saori: “Because I’m in love with you!” (Awkward silence as Nitori’s mouth drops open; this is how love makes her act?) Nitori: “Sorry…” (Saori deflates, becoming apologetic) Saori: “It’s okay. But I can’t bring myself to like Takatsuki, so don’t talk about her around me.” (Unable to meet his gaze)

So just as how Saori struck one boy for mocking Nitori, in the end she is able to strike at him as well when he threatens her hopes. She can’t blame him long for anything otherwise her lifeline is gone, which leaves only herself to flagellate. So she retreats into herself after her outburst, unable to face properly what she has just done, yet feeling keenly the gap between the selfishness of her heart and the selflessness she idealizes but which remains beyond her grasp.

“My! I haven’t seen you in a while, Saori.”

So greets the woman at the gate to the church, humbly sweeping the grounds. It is a kindly comment that lets the hearer know that she is missed and that her absence is lamented, not censured. Saori, however, is deaf to this; with only a curt “domo” in return she rushes past, intent on her purpose, passing up yet another opportunity at human comfort, fleeing from herself and the scene just witnessed.
Saori doesn’t attend her church, a fact remarked on more than once. It is a symptom of a larger issue: Saori is isolating herself out of egotism. She knows what she needs and she doesn’t need any of them; her own efforts will be enough. When she does eventually achieve her goal it will prove that she was right all along, the full measure of her quality being revealed in how she overcame her flaws and found her happy future.
Yet this very choice is what is blocking her path. She imagines her efforts will produce humility and sacrifice, but the self-hatred and self-abandonment she is utilizing are only a facsimile of virtue, indulged in because they are easy and, in a paradoxical way, make her feel better by proving she has lofty aspirations. That they have done nothing to improve her situation has her attempting to dignify them as though she were the victim of a grand romantic tragedy, her very own Romeo and Juliet. A perfect love will be thwarted by the world and the protagonist will reject it back in contempt and retribution: she will play the pariah, insist on reminding others of her misery, and wish for everybody to meet an unhappy fate, all in the service of her righteous outrage.
…but she is not that far gone. She still stared with longing at others and their fireworks, just a child after all who desperately wants to feel loved but cannot because of her own folly.
So let Saisho be improved so that she may benefit, but blight him to satisfy her spite. Let Nitori be happy because she loves him, and let it be remembered that she was willing to petition for this despite how she feels. And please take from Takatsuki…
Saori pauses in her prayer, looking downwardly inward, knowing what she asks comes at the expense of another but wanting it too much to be able to overcome herself. The screen goes black; this is too intimate, far far too intimate, to show. With eyes closed the lines are spoken not by the lips but in that inner cavity where we find ourselves resting when there are no distractions, she asks of higher powers what she otherwise believes is impossible and doubts she even deserves:
Please, let her story be happy.

Prodigal Daughter

If we are lucky, there comes a time in our lives when all our rationalizations collapse inward under their own weight and we’re faced with just ourselves. Merely being able to admit in moments of honesty that we are confused or in the wrong is not enough; such can be steps, but sometimes a shock, and being forced to acknowledge the necessity of help, is required.
For Saori, her love and her self-denigration had worked together to promote a blinding justification for her behavior. But behind this front a problem had been gathering strength. In her story of self-sacrifice she had always counted on one thing: that if she could only achieve for Nitori his happiness she would find her own as well. That would be her way out of her dilemma, to keep giving herself up until the conflict between her desires and his disappeared. That’s how the plot will work out if she’s good enough to warrant it. And yet…

“I’m not happy with the script the way it is.”

…and yet she finds that his happiness is not hers. The class play, to all intents and purposes, was a success. It gave Nitori an outlet to truly express what he wanted and he appreciated the time spent with classmates and friends in bringing it together. It of course did not solve all of his dilemmas, it would be ridiculous to expect a single play to change everybody’s feelings, but it did help. It even gave Saori the center-stage recognition that she secretly craved; she got to be Romeo and demonstrated such caliber that nobody could doubt she was a cut above the rest of the cast.
But it didn’t make her Nitori’s beloved. When given a chance to express himself he said exactly what she didn’t want to hear. In working together and deepening his bonds with others it made him ever more distant from herself. And though she has everybody’s applause it isn’t enough to fill the hole at the center of her being. All of her hopes still remain pinned on his coming around to her dream eventually, that he will give up being a girl for her sake like she has intimated she would do anything for him. Maybe it didn’t happen this act, but the next one perhaps. Next time she will prove worthy his affection, as worthy as any boy, as worthy as Takats...

Takatsuki: “I found out that Nitori… is in love with Anna. And he’s going out with her.” (Saori stares in pained bewilderment) Saori: “Suehiro… Anna?”

But… Nitori wants to be a girl… a girl who likes guys… it was Takatsuki’s fault for being everything Saori couldn’t… Saori was a tragic heroine for wanting the impossible… she was a virtuous heroine for devoting herself to him anyway… when Nitori realized this he would cherish her back… her sacrifice would get her what she wanted… it would make her happy...
…or maybe, it isn’t that Nitori doesn’t love girls, but just that he doesn’t love her, and that nothing she can do will change that.

Ms. Chiba: “Are you serious about wanting to quit school?” Saori: “Have I ever joked about anything?” Ms Chiba: “Well, no… But what will you do?” Saori: “Something. I could be someone’s mistress.” Ms. Chiba: “You shouldn’t joke about that.” (Gentle reproof) Saori: “I never joke.”

Saori knows nobody will ever love her. She never jokes, is never funny^[4] , is never nice. Always too serious about everything she tries to do. And now she sees that it was pointless. She might as well just throw herself away, make herself somebody’s mistress; that way at least there’s no pretension that the relationship will be anything other than her serving another without affection. That’s something any female with a working body is at least good for. Look, she even knows how to languorously pose to try and entice a lover; she’s had plenty of practice at it, after all.
What a little actress.
Saori may never joke, but she says (and does) plenty which is absurd enough to be comedic. And as always, she knows it. With the last line she averts her eyes from everything but her pillow, staring inward at how dramatic she is being. This may seem to be owning up to her faults at last but that is only a mirage. It’s what the self-pity is there for, to save her from that. If she can just swaddle herself in petulant surety that she is not who she wishes and cannot have what she desires, then she can give free reign to her unhappiness. Make herself the victim of circumstance again and let other people try to cheer her up so she can refuse. Though one reflection slips through:

Ms. Chiba: “Are you being bullied?” Saori: “No, I’m the bully.”

Stripped of their justification, Saori’s motivations may be known by their fruits. She has been cornering Nitori, making him feel uncomfortable, demanding of him answers he cannot possibly have to satisfy her own want of comprehension. She has even tried to get him to give up what he wants most. And that’s the person she likes. Nobody is going to miss her.

Doorbell rings and Saori blinks and looks up with surprise; her mother answers it, and returns saying it was Takatsuki dropping off homework for her

But that’s not the truth either. She is not a bully who inflicts herself on others for pleasure or domination; not much of a heroine, perhaps, but not a villain either. And this thankless little sign of regard arrests her for a moment, open-mouthed, before she doubles down again to avoid admitting it.

Ms Chiba: “Oh, you’re awake. Would you like some scones?”

Saori stares confused at Takatsuki sitting with her mother. Caught unawares in the broad daylight she doesn’t have time to put on a face, revealing a fuzz-headed little girl who is quite easily touched. Despite her attempts to hide, Takatsuki has come back again and again, and now cornered by propriety (or possibly just her mother), she has to admit Takatsuki into her room. Takatsuki takes her place on the opposite wall, enough to give Saori space but still facing her head on:

Takatsuki: “I-I was hoping we could make up.” Saori: “Why? Don’t you hate me? Why bother changing anything?” (Looking away)

First defense thrown up; Saori’s rationalizations won’t go down without a fight. She’s unlovable, she knows that. She managed to make even Takatsuki angry to tears with her unkindness. Any reasonable person should demand that she apologize first... and she knows that won’t happen. So really it’s impossible to drag her out of this hole; she’s tried, others have tried, and they’ve all failed. She should just be left there, alone like she deserves.

Takatsuki: “If Nitori isn’t in love with me, there’s no reason for us to fight.” Saori: “Are you stupid? So because Nitori doesn’t like you anymore, that means we should be friends? I’m not that shameless.” (Looking indignantly at Takatsuki) Takatsuki: “I don’t see the problem.” (Confused)

No, Takatsuki doesn’t see the problem and can’t. That’s always been problem: she’s too good-natured to comprehend the source of Saori’s anger and shame; in answering this way all she does is remind Saori of her own shortcomings and make her need for defenses stronger. But Saori still has her pride, such as it is; she at least wants it to be clear that this isn’t jealousy over a love interest. She isn’t that petty. It was just the most painful insult, and though it is gone it doesn’t change the fact that Takatsuki has a large-heartedness Saori can only envy. Which reminds her again:

Saori: “Why do you insist on being friends with me? I’ve always been pretty antisocial. I’m fine with the way things are.” (Looking increasingly pathetic with each statement)

Takatsuki doesn’t know how to respond to this. She hadn’t ever thought about why she ought to keep reaching out to Saori; it just seemed like the right thing to do. Hearing the rest of the sad assessment, her face falls as she finds herself uncertain on what to say. Saori pauses in her rumination in case Takatsuki tries to comfort her, tell her she’s not that bad or try to chase after her after she’s said she wants to be left alone. Her self-pity is ready for those answers; if Takatsuki falls for that trap there’s no arguing with Saori. She will fight to the last if people try to make her feel better intentionally. However, receiving no such gratification, Saori provokes her further:

Saori: “You just don’t want Sasa to be sad.” Takatsuki: “This has nothing to do with her. I decided to come here on my own.” (Swiftly)

This, though, is an obvious falsehood and Takatsuki knows how to meet those. She may not quite comprehend what Saori’s problem is, but that won’t stop her from instinctively challenging a bad lie when she hears one. Saori averts her eyes. Obviously Takatsuki still doesn’t get it, doesn’t get her, and her lips begin to form yet another defense… then she pauses, her mouth resting open in the now-familiar tell that she is moved. Takatsuki is here for her and no one else; the very earnestness that she has found so galling is also a guarantee of truth. There is somebody who sincerely believes that enduring Saori’s unpleasantness is worth it. Something about her might be worth caring for.

Saori: “Your tea.” (Quietly) Takatsuki: “Huh?” Saori: “You should drink it. Before it gets cold.” (Blushing and looking away)

It is the first time Saori has expressed any concern for the other person in the room. It’s small, it’s embarrassed, but it’s genuine. The world doesn’t revolve around Saori Chiba and her little drama. Takatsuki doesn’t quite get what she’s done right to finally receive this peace offering, but she does understand what it means. She picks up the saucer and sips in acceptance, happy to have her friend back.

Praying in Secret

After this scene Saori Chiba does not become a saint. She still has trouble being sociable^[5] , still struggles with her feelings, still is Saori Chiba. But, that’s not such a bad thing either. As she remarks herself when accused of being blunt, that, yes, she is blunt, but less so than she once was^[6] . That’s just how she is: not as an excuse, but as an acknowledgement that to go straight after what she wants and express clearly what she thinks is both the value and the fault of her passionate character. The easy path was to dream of being somebody else, the hard one to work on being a better version of who she is.
Despite its billing, I am reluctant to characterize Hourou Musuko as an LGBT show; that indicates it is applicable to only a subset of humanity. This sells it short. Gender issues are its central vehicle, but compassion for all is where it is trying to take us. And compassion begins with self-compassion, for as Saori learned, abuse of the self inevitably turns to the abuse of others, and a souring of relationships in expectation of reward. I have great hope for people like her, though - their struggles often grant them a self-knowledge that is denied those who have not wrestled with their angel, and hers has not inconsiderable strength. As was remarked about another rather quarrelsome anime heroine, “That young lady will definitely grow up to be a beauty.” I think that will be the case here too.
In her last scene alone with Nitori we are able to glimpse where she is going. They are in her room again, and as before she offers her dresses to wear. However, the urgency is gone; she no longer desperately needs to please him to satisfy herself. And as she walks over to pick up the hair extension, that piece which more clearly than any signifies helping him transition away from her imagined future, she pauses. A look of sadness steals over her face as what she is doing sinks in, threatening a return of all the anger at the unfairness. Why is it her dream and not his that must be sacrificed? Then she closes her eyes in proper orison before standing, smiling for Nitori’s sake as she turns to face him again. It isn’t the prayed-for prize she has won; the tears are barely restrained as she feels what she wanted so dearly slipping away. But it is something more valuable, and for the first time, as she lays her head on his, she is free to love him without reserve, and though no chorus of angels will sing her praises, there can be no doubt who was singing “For You” all along:

I wanna cry for you Cry the tears of blessing for making up with you. I wanna smile for you Not for myself. I wanna find the song which tells of our love story. “Everything is for you.” I go around saying that again Though that’s nothing but wishful thinking. I know that best of all I’m just choosing the easy way out. In truth, I’m doing everything for myself. I think I just got carried away by the atmosphere of this city. I wanna cry for you When I smile with you I’m sure I’ll feel better too. I wanna dream for you I won’t forget our story, even after I wake up from this dream Because the story still echoes in my ears.

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