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@baguetterat
They have arrived.
I SURVIVED BANNERFALL FINALE BUT IM CRYING RN
i just want to say thank you to Apo, and Owen for making this smp. Genuinely never cried this much over smth like this.I also want to thank Cherri because of the funny moments she had in her stream and just all of the cast <3
i love you bannerfall <3
In honor of the end of Bannerfall later today, I made my own death tier list, and if this jinxes me I will be finding the person that started this trend, and shooting them with nerf guns for the rest of eternity :)
Had a little thought that I wanted some of the Nom viewers opinions on, Banner fall spoilers obviously.
I was thinking about how Nom and Owain are two sides of the same blade, and yet so different. How both of them are knights who live their lives in service of others over themselves, yet they always go about it so differently.
I've been trying to figure out what it is that makes them so different. That makes Nom seem so much more unstable than Owain, which is no small feet, considering this is Owain "I am paying your penance, Nominal," of Walesland we're talking about, and I think I might have something, but I need some second opinions.
Nom never had a chance to be a person. He was only young when he lost his parents, and then was forced into being Katie's primary protector. He became a knight to protect Kaite, and centered his oath around protecting the Blue kingdom. He broke that oath to protect 4c. Everything he's ever done his been about protecting people. It's all he knows. He is a protector, that's just how it has always been.
Owain, however, hasn't always lived his life like this. For the first part of his life, he grew up on the streets. He probably had to learn very quickly to put himself first, to do whatever it takes to survive, especially as such a young child. Then Arthur found him, and suddenly he was a prince. That's probably when he would have learned how to protect others, but even then, he was still a prince. He probably would have prided himself on being a protector, but he wouldn't have had the same experience as Nom did. No one would expect the youngest member of the Round table to take the brunt of the work, so he why would that ever become his entire identity? Then, of course Mordred's scheme would cause him to flee Walesland. That's when Owain would dedicate himself wholly and fully to the service of others. Because that's all he had left.
But even with that, he was an adult when he left, however barely. He still had a life behind him of being a person. A life that Nom never got. That's the difference I think. Owain chose to protect. Nom never had a choice. Kinda like their oaths in the first place. Owain chose his because he wanted to. Nom chose his because he felt like he had to.
Idk though, Nominalgravy fans, tell me what you think.
Alright, so I feel like most of us at this point have heard of the issue regarding gay male ships being more highly valued than lesbian ones, specifically in the MCYT community.(using gay and lesbian instead of yaoi and yuri, because I kinda feel like sticking to those terms is part of the problem) I've been trying to think on what I can say about this that hasn't already been said, and after being encouraged to make this post, I put my thoughts in order a bit, and came up with this.
The glorification of "Toxic Yaoi", and other such unhealthy things.
Now, I don't really now how well I'll be able to talk about this, and as always, this is liable to turn into rambling. I at least wanted to get some talk of this started, because I haven't seen anyone mention this yet, outside of Avid himself. (Avid did a stream while I was asleep and confirmed his pronouns are still he/him - "I have important words to say" on AvidMc on Youtube, under the live tab)
Using Bannerfall as an example, Let's talk about Owain's self harm. In the episode "Nominal tells Owain about his oath" (On OwengeJuiceLive on Youtube) we get the reason for Owain's self harm. He does it to protect his kingdom by taking the burden of their punishment for himself. It is important to note that this is something Owain does for the whole of Blue kingdom, however, their are some people who insist on making it all about Nom. At first, I was going to chalk it up to them being Nom viewers, who hadn't seen the part of Owen's vod where he talked about the extent of the flogging, but the resent discourse has made me doubt that. Not only do some people put a disproportionate amount of focus on Owain paying Nom's penance, but they seem to almost glorify it too. I didn't think I'd ever need to say that self harm isn't romantic, but here we are. I could talk more about this specifically, but I've already had to re-write this twice because I kept getting so angry about this, so we'll just move on to something vaguely related that's been bothering me for months. V!Avid and V!Scott's relationship.
Now, I want to clarify, I do not have a problem with people shipping this. In fact, I happen to like this ship a lot. I love how it parallels Owen and Leg's relationship, and I love how it changes Scott for the better and Avid for the worse. The problem I have, is the fact that so many people don't seem to acknowledge the fact that it's toxic by design. Avid has many motivations behind his decent into madness, from the demon thing to wanting a home with the coven, but the one that is most often at the center of his mind, is impressing Scott. Impressing him by, planning the murder of all of Oakhurst, and burning Oakhurst down with the residents still inside. I'll pray that I don't need to explain to you why that isn't okay. And on Scott's side, Scott didn't even care about him until the very end. Remember that when Avid died, Scott said he had only just began to care about him. For a large chunk of their time together, Scott was basically using Avid as a compliment machine, and didn't care about him beyond that. Even in the end, part of the tragedy of their relationship is that Scott never got to know if he truly loved Avid or not, but people still love to forget that, because that doesn't fit with the vibe of Yaoi they want. They, apparently, just want to see people be absolutely horrible, and then pretend it's all okay because they love each over so very much, and that fixes everything, completely ignoring every issue that the relationship has.
I'm not saying you can't like these relationships, as I said, I like V!Avid and V!Scott a lot myself, but you can't glorify it. You can like it because it's toxic and messy, and that makes a good story, but don't act like it's something to be strived for! Especially not when the series has perfectly healthy lesbian couples, sat right their, not doing the horrible toxic stuff you're trying so hard to ignore and excuse. Their are people frothing at the mouth over Owain's self harm, but not talking about all of the time and effort Eloise went through to get Bek the netherite horse armor. Only a handful of people mentioning the healing that Apo is trying to go through in order to actually be their for Cherri, instead of being cannon-fodder for her. You don't need to try and justify toxic stuff just so you can have a gay romance, because their is a canon gay romance right their, that isn't toxic as all get out, and yet some people still insist on pretending theirs nothing toxic about their ship. That it's normal.
I don't really have a conclusion to this. But please, if you have any thoughts add them. The bigger this conversation is the better.
"I do not punish myself for my own failures"
Owain is Welsh Jesus confirmed
Y'all, help I can't breath
I wish people knew that when I say "I'm agender" I actually mean I want to possess the same level of creature-hood that vaguely implies masculinity as the Creaking King
Ok, silly little thing that I needed to post about, just watched Owen's newest vod (Owain duels Katie for information) and theirs a moment at around 2:13:36 where, when asked what animal he should like to be turned into, he responds that he "quite likes bears" and I just need everyone to know, that according to some research I was doing a couple of days ago, that King Athur's name meant bear. Do with that what you will.
SPOILERS FOR OWEN'S BANNERFALL STREAM ON MONDAY
I'm just dumping this here, this is the cliff notes version of Owains thoughts on everyone in the Blue kingdom, and on the war in general from Owens stream on Monday 9th (It's on his vods channel "Shandrea has seen Owain's face?.. - Bannerfall SMP")
He would have liked more people in the kingdom
Scott
Will be a fine monarch
Owain would never question a monarchs reign, the spirits chose him for a reason
Owain fears he may be too soft handed
Owain's concerned that Scotts want of peace will go poorly, but trusts Scott's judgement Mae
Right as rain
Steel rod that holds the kingdom up
Only person who might see them through warfare
Kindness in measure Shan
Wonderful first leader
Set them off in the right direction
Owain fears that she is troubled, and her mind often wanders elsewhere
Owain's worried she removed his helmet in the body swap
Owain fears for her mind Eloise
Wonderful, Radiant, the face of the kingdom, everybody loves her
Difficult not to be charmed by her
Owain fears conflicting interest
Owain hopes said conflicting interest will not be a thorn in her side when Red and Blue clash Nom
"I won't leave him last, much like you wouldn't leave the worst piece of food till last"
Owain is deeply troubled by him
Seems to have no loyalty to the kingdom
Owain dislikes his disregard for the monarchs, picking fights with him, and his resource hoarding AND his lying to king Scott
Owain believes that it is not his position to call out Nom's waning allegiances
Owain worries strongly about this in regards to the kingdom
Owain would not see him punished, merely re-focused 4cvit
Owain doesn't know weather or not to reprimand him for being childish, because he doesn't know 4c's age
Owain believes his actions of thievery and troublemaking indicate someone young at heart
Holds a weight on his shoulders that is abnormal for a child, which makes Owain think he should be held responsible like an adult
Owain must ask his age relevant to a Slimes life expectancy
Seems devoted to the kingdom in material
Has helped progress many buildings for more than anyone else
Mae's assistance in his building is encouraging
Owain notes that his dedication to the kingdoms upkeep almost seems against his will somehow
Owain worries he will burn out, in regards to his commitment to the kingdom, Hopes he is wrong Gracie
Concerns Owain the most
She is a fierce warrior, fighter and scout
Able to work her way into hearts that even the most skilled diplomats would have trouble bearing open
Owain fears she thinks the war can be won with words, and that she truly believes their can be peace between Red and Blue
Owain fears when war inevitably breaks out she will be broken for it The war
Believes that if the war could have been ended, it would have been ended years and years ago
Their are no records on when the war began, but the general consensus is that is has been going on longer than necessary
Believes that if their were words that could end this war, that they would have been said by now, and that it is big headed to assume that they shall be the ones to find the magic words to end the war
Recognizes that from an outside perspective he looks like a blood-thirsty animal, which is why he abstains from leadership
Believes that you should not blame a sword for cutting, and that he is to be wielded, pointed in a direction
Will not order attacks on Red, because he feels that his need for justice will blind him to what is correct
He submits to rulership in the hopes that their clear mind will point the kingdom in the right direction
Believes that their should be a meeting to end the war diplomatically, or a battle, not the cold war that is currently going on
Dislikes the comradery between Red and Blue, when it will only end with the bonds being broken by bloodshed, leaving them broken
He trains Kitty to lessen the amount of death that happens in the final fight, if Kitty leaves, it's one less person to kill, and one less person who might be killed by her
Feels that training a Red member without the promise of them leaving will only end poorly
Does not wish for a fight, he just wishes for the war to be over
Wants peace NOW, and not in ten years when everyone's coupled together, and then have to cut each over down anyway cause they're still at war, only causing them to break
Will not lay down his sword, because if he does, then Red will take that opportunity to get at Blue's land and claim it as their own, as has happened many times before
Will not risk the lives of everyone in the kingdom for hope of peace, when bloodshed is the far more likely outcome
The Lion concerns himself with everything, and if you've heard any different it was a lie
If I had a nickel for every time Shandrea did something that made me think of a grunkle stan thing in the past 2 days, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.
Anyway, Shan's subathon is going great, do recommend
Another Owain analysis lets goooooooo!!
Okay, so today I got very bored, and decided to watch a sell sword arts video on the great sword, as one does, and it has given me many thoughts about our favorite lion man.
Firstly, great swords are a surprisingly versatile weapon, which makes sense for someone as practical Owain. They're good for crowd control, guarding, and getting in under someone else's guard. When used one on one, it can be wielded like a pole arm, and when needed, it can be used in wide, arching swings, in order to keep people out.
I did however, have a thought about one of the main historical uses for the great sword though. Even though, as I have mentioned, it is more then possible to have a one on one fight with a great sword, typically great swords were used so that somebody else could get the kill. A great swords job was to disable someone's guard so that an ally can finish the person off. One of the primary historical focuses of Owain's weapon, literally hinges on other people, which I think is very interesting about him from a character stand point, weather or not it was intentional. Obviously, when he was part of the round table, he always had the allies needed to make that style of fighting work, but in the Blue kingdom, he is often by himself, making this style of fighting alot more dangoures. Their is alot of speculation to be had in that reguard. does he forsake his own fighting style in the name of self preservation? does he forget he no longer has his brothers at his back, and get into a dangerous situation? or does he use it knowing he's going to get hurt, so he can pay his tithes of blood?
Additionally to this historical point, Owain chose a weapon that is meant to do the grunt work, whilst someone else finishes the job and gets the glory, which is literally how he behaves in the Blue kingdom. Owain doesn't want to do big flashy things, or the finishing details that tie the kingdom, he wants to do the grunt work. He gathers rescores, he hollows out sections of mountains, he moves all the chests to the storage rooms. All work that is highly important, but seldom held in memory when compared to the grand structures Mae and 4c build, or the decorations Scott provides. It should be noted, however, that soldiers in this position, often got payed double, due to the importance, and risk of the job, kinda like how Owain, against his own wishes or even full knowledge, is a truly massive pillar in the Blue kingdom, that many blue kingdom members look up to, admire, (or not, in Nom's case) . All this is very interesting, when considering he would have picked this weapon up back when he was still a prince. Owain has probably always put others before himself if his choice of weapon is any indication.
The great sword is also, as I mentioned used to keep people out, using wide arching swings to stop people from coming closer, completely blocking access to whatever they happen to be guarding, be it a person, or a kingdom gate. This one I feel is self explanatory. Owains purpose is to defend the Blue kingdom. It only makes sense that his weapon would be one well suited to guarding off an area. Again, relating back to his time as a prince, he probably wanted to protect the place that saved him from the streets, only making it's fall all the more devastating.
One of the big points the video goes into, is just how good a great sword is when out numbered. Because it's so good at keeping people out, even when severely out numbered, the great sword wont let them get any hits in. Other than Owain being used to being on his own, and fending for himself against many foes, I wonder if this was how he was able to escape when he was accused of Athur's murder. By using his great sword.
Interestingly enough, they found when two great swords are too close to each over will only hinder each over, causing reduced effectiveness in battle. Theirs only room for one great sword in a battle field(yes I know a battle field is a bit bigger of a scale, there would probably be room, but work with me here), and that means it's burden of protection (or duty, as Owain would probably say) is one he must carry alone.
I think that's all, but if you want to watch the video yourself, for analysis or just because swords are cool, I'll link it here
Shan todays stream
I understand some creators don't see their characters as representations of themselves, but to accuse those who do of thinking about others hatefully because they prefer their characters (personifications of THEMSELVES) to feel like them is disgusting. if someone has boundaries that state they want to be represented accurately in a character they seem themself in, they sure as hell should be respected (at least in content they will personally see). luanne said themself they cannot control what an audience makes, but making representations of her character that are purposefully against her boundaries and flaunting the dni tag she was forced to make to "rebel" against her preferences is the actions of someone who lacks empathy. prior to this "situation" there was no fanart or content containing anything she has now expressed boundaries about, and now that they have put into words what they prefer for their art, hate has fueled people to make it. that is horrifying to me and I hope luanne is able to come back to tumblr publicly eventually because among the hateful things I've seen, I've also seen some beautiful things made from her characters. hashtag free luanne
Behold: Owai-on King
Something about Owain trying to force the spot-light onto Bek when they where making their plans to get rid of the Don is really funny to me, it's like he suddenly realized he had put himself into a leadership role, and then tried to get out of it as quickly as possible
Bill Ci the pumpkin guy
When it comes to asexual allyship a lot of people wanna have their cake and eat it too (pun unintended). People like a lil 'aces are valid' moment but don't actually unpack compulsory sexuality. People see sexless queer representation and always clock puritanism before they ever clock asexuality. No one's actually reading the ace theory and texts coming out. Everyone keeps doing surprised Pikachu faces whenever a conservative or TERF says they're against asexuality despite the fact ace activists have been saying since day conservatives are not anti sex but anti sexual autonomy. 'Aces are queer' until we actually are. Even ace support posts keep ending with some expectation or condition that asexuality is #valid as long as asexuals still perform a small quota of sex/sexual activity. I'm so over 'Aces still have sex!' 'Aces are hot' Aces are sexy' 'Aces aren't virgin vanilla prude sexless puritans!' disguised as support.
Like no. Sorry. Until you accept that some asexual people's no is permanent, that some asexual's singleness is permanent, that some asexual's childless-ness is permanent, that some asexuals are the 'no' in little to no sexual attraction and i'd say most importantly, that queer sexlessness isn't a biological, social or moral failing, I don't believe you'll ever genuinely support asexuality. (In reverse, I also feel similar about aromanticism and romance).
Like a lot of u haven't gone beyond 'the a isn't for ally' and it shows. I don't want people to support asexuals just because we're soooo hot or because we write the best smut apparently or because we could have hypothetical sex or because we could do hypothetical kink or because our minds are soooo dirty actually or because we'd do romance reallllyyyy well or because we can still have kids or because asexuals hand out water bottles at the orgy or some shit. I want people to support asexuality because no sexuality is deviant and it's basic human decency.
Thissss. I'm so tired of "aces can only be accepted into queer spaces if they contribute something or prove themselves as worthy". Like.... huh?
Mayybeee... some ace people don't have sex? Or aren't comfortable with NSFW topics? Or are on the repulsed end of the spectrum? Or don't like romance in the slightest? It's so exhausting to hear phrases like "ace people can still have sex", "aro people can still date", "not all ace people are prudes or celibate" etc. etc. as if those things are meant to be looked down on and seen as inferior. It's giving a lot of that irritating misogynistic trope in movies where the only female character has to be some world class scientist, the most skilled superspy, an A list actor, a top model, her charisma on level 100 just so she could be accepted into a group of mediocre loser men.
Catering to allo people is poison for the community. ALL aces are valid, not just the ones who conform to what allo people view as "ideal" or "acceptable"