its been 9 years and I'm still obsessed with this line read
something about this made me scramble to make this edit
Not today Justin
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its been 9 years and I'm still obsessed with this line read
something about this made me scramble to make this edit
i started reading this book and kept tilting my head at the comparisons the author was using so i started a running list of them
this author's use of imagery is so questionable
i actually went "what the fuck" and had to stop for like 5 minutes after this one
Older than history itself
What if the oldest vampire was a Neanderthal girl 🤔
what do you fucking mean the president sucked the president's dick
bubba here means bill fucking clinton. BILL CLINTON
#Hillary Clinton is the ultimate sacrifice to the NTR gods
oh my god, I hadn't thought about that. he cucked hillary.
Wâhkôtowin
I saw a cuzzin tag one of my posts with "wâhkôtowin", which is great timing, as that's the first teaching I wanted to share!
My Cree people don't really have a name for our religion.
(Side note, why do some religions get to be religions and ours are just "spirituality" 👀)
But if I were to choose one Cree word that really encompasses my people's culture and spiritual beliefs, it would be wâhkôtowin.
Here's how you say it:
I often see wâhkôtowin translated as "the act of being related" or "interconnection"
But to really understand wâhkôtowin you need to know a little bit about the Cree worldview, which has a LOT in common with many other Indigenous nations.
My people are animists, which means we believe that that spiritual energy exists in everything. We believe that spirit exists not just in humans, but in animals, plants, rocks, water, clouds, wind etc etc etc and that all of these things contain life.
We believe that all life is sacred. A person is no more or less sacred than a rabbit, a rabbit is no more or less sacred than a bit of parsley, which is no more or less sacred than a mountain, a bug, a daisy, a whale, you get what I mean?
Wâhkôtowin acknowledges the connection between each of these beings.
Now, you may wonder: if all life is sacred, how is it okay to kill and eat another life form? Or for my American relatives: how can burger be wâhkôtowin?
(Sorry I had to)
That brings us to another connected teaching. Natural law. And one of the basic laws of nature is that life consumes life.
It is natural for the bison to eat grass. It is natural for me to eat the bison. When I die, it is natural for the worms and bacteria and fungi to eat ME. When the molecules that make up me are broken down into the soil, it is natural for the tree to soak up my nutrients.
Not to be Elton John on main, but basically this is a circle of life kinda deal!
Wâhkôtowin teaches us to acknowledge that circle of life. If I cut down the forest, the bird has no where to build its nest, which means there's no... I dunno bird poop to fertilize the grass for the buffalo, WHATEVER, I'm running out of organisms here
My point is, there is no action that any organism can take that doesn't have an impact on another life. And those impacts build up into a great big interconnected web of WÂHKÔTOWIN!
Make sense?
So how do we apply wâhkôtowin to our modern world?
Let's take the example of my shitty plastic ruler. I bought my shitty plastic ruler at the dollar store. An underpaid teenage cashier rung me up, and it was probably another underpaid teenager that stocked the shelves. My ruler was probably dropped off by a delivery person, driven there by a truck driver, came over the ocean on a big ass boat, was manufactured by a team of (probably also underpaid) skilled laborers in China. That plastic is made out of petroleum, the crude oil formed from the fossilized remains of teensy weensy microorganisms that lived millions of years ago!
How many lives is that? A bajillion? A bajillion different life forms, all with their own individual histories and needs and experiences, all coming together to produce my shitty plastic ruler that I paid a buck fifty for at dollarama.
How can we honour all of those lives in our use of the shitty plastic ruler?
We don't waste! We take care of our belongings so that they last. We don't take more than we need. We treat the underpaid teenage employee with kindness. We advocate for the rights of the laborers, truck drivers, and delivery people. We refuse to support damaging resource extraction practices. We don't buy the newest model of shitty plastic ruler every year as a status symbol.
Wâhkôtowin teaches us to be mindful (and even demuuuuure) of the ways that our actions impact not just the humans near us, but our world as a whole.
So I'm gonna share as many Gaza fundraisers as I can. Because wâhkôtowin.
I'm gonna share my change with the homeless relative downtown. Because wâhkôtowin.
I'm going to learn about the people who are different from me. Because wâhkôtowin.
I'm going to try and reduce how much I consume. Because wâhkôtowin.
And I'm going to do my best to teach all of you how much this land and its history mean to my people, and try to spread my hope that there is a better way for all of us to live, if we remember that we really are all related. Because wâhkôtowin.
THE NATIVE AMERICANS USED EVERY PART OF THE BUFFALO. USE EVERY PART OF THE SHITTY PLASTIC RULER.
Ekosi
♡
Matoran Gacha Simulator
I made a Matoran (from Bionicle) unboxing and building simulator! Check it out and feel free to reblog with the characters you roll! Inspired by @boxturret, @kdnx, and @toaskello
I think that's a type of fish...
Edit: also. Monochrome
Get booped idiots.
Krama, Toa of Twilight
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Eighth lesson: To hone your inner light, you must accept your inner shadow. To control your inner shadow, you must remember your inner light.
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T: What are you looking over there for? V: I'm… reading what you wrote. The beginning of it anyways. T: By all means. I could use an editor I think. V: … T: … V: … Few regrets, hm? T: Few. Not none. V: … How is Krama doing, turaga? T: I… believe he is improving. Slowly. Did you get any results back from the Ghosts on his protodermis sample? V: Nothing that's useful. All they can say is that he has less light left than the others. They haven't figured out how much yet. T: As if we didn't know that already. V: How exactly is he improving? Is his mental state more stable? T: Like I said, slowly. I think the new thoughts he's been dealing with since the procedure frighten him. But it's hard to tell with the way he expresses his emotions being so muted now. V: And his elemental powers? Has he regained some control of them? T: No. V: … T: … V: Is that thing you were telling me about with his mask still happening? T: Yes… It's strange. We focus on practicing his kanohi use most of the time because I think it's grounding for him. To still have at least one toa-like thing he can do. But the things he can do with that mask… V: You've worked with the first Toa Nuva, aren't you accustomed to strong kanohi powers? T: Even Artahka's kanohi Nuva don't match the level of power that that toa seems to be able to draw forth from a simple great mask. V: … Turaga, that kind of power with a Komau- T: I know. Sometimes I fear it will become dangerous enough that he'll turn away from even this in fear of what he might be capable of. V: Maybe we should get him a different mask to use. Something more positive. T: I've tried that. It doesn't even work with a different Komau. It has to be the one he's worn all his life. V: Really? Why? T: … I don't know. I've examined the mask in and out and it's unchanged. It's just a normal kanohi. V: … T: … V: The others worry about him, Turaga. T: I know. V: They try not to show it, but I can tell. They… they were expecting him to lead them. T: He did. He led them in his bravery, in being the first to undergo our… V: Our experiment. T: … V: Turaga, the future students that you're writing this chronicle for… do you plan to have them all drain some of their light? Once we're sure the process is perfected? T: … No, I think not. For certain we've seen that the procedure grants great power… V: … Control over two elements alone is incredible, let alone two of the most powerful… T: Yes, but to change oneself in such a way… I do not intend to push that upon anyone. The students may come and they may learn our ways, just as you learned them from me. There's no need for them to undergo such a drastic change. Unless they… seek to make such a sacrifice of their own volition, and with an understanding of what it means. V: Like these ones did. T: Yes. These students are… a very special team. I am not sure I can ever be grateful enough to their commitment to this project, even knowing what they risked. V: They did gain great power, turaga. T: And a heavy burden of duty. You know that. V: Yes. T: … V: … I should go to bed. Training will be hard tomorrow. T: As always. V: Yes. T: Goodnight, Viama. V: Goodnight, Turaga Tanma.
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Rapaka, Toa of Twilight
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Seventh lesson: Some say that it is right and honorable to take your enemies in a fair fight, face to face. This is untrue. Those who wish to do evil will never fight fair, and when the fate of innocents is on the line you shouldn't either. Seek every advantage you can. If you're smart and lucky, your enemy will never have a chance to strike back.
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T: And Rapaka? V: We don't need to worry about him. He's coming along well. T: I would have thought you'd have similar concerns with him as you do with Takoa. V: … I did at first. But what makes me worried about Takoa is that his preference of tactics seems to be driven by bloodlust. Rapaka is more… practical. He understands that killing is only ever a means to a greater end, and one that should be taken only as a last resort. T: … And striking from afar is simply the most effective way to kill. V: Yes. But the launcher he chose isn't just useful for that. He seems to have chosen it with utility in mind, it can handle all kinds of special purpose ammunition. T: Good, good. That's a relief to hear. V: I don't mean to imply he isn't interested in his own skills though. He does seem to genuinely enjoy shooting. T: We should talk to the Ghosts about upgrading his equipment. And perhaps get him a sanok? V: … I don't think he needs it, turaga. He can hit a shadow leech at 600 bio. He does better with the volitak.
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Bramuni, Toa of Twilight
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Sixth lesson: Hone your body. Do not rely on the natural strength of a toa's form alone. Even your weaknesses can become advantages if you learn how to use them.
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T: Do you want me to talk to Bramuni as well about his lack of a weapon? V: … That's another situation entirely. I'm fairly certain a toa tool would just slow him down. T: I thought so myself, watching how he navigated your little obstacle course during training the other day. V: He's a terrifyingly effective martial artist. I don't envy the others when they spar him. T: We need to get him some better opponents so as not to slow his advancement. V: … T: I know that look. What's on your mind? V: I'm just surprised a toa of light of all things can operate so well with his condition. T: You know as well as I do that he wouldn't appreciate your pity. V: I know, but don't you ever think about it either? That he's never experienced his own element? T: Our element is far deeper than color and shape, Viama. You know that. Bramuni learned that far earlier than most, and that deeper understanding gives him strength. V: That's true. T: Besides, I get the feeling that being blind from creation has helped him feel more at home with the new powers we've given him as well.
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(Custom foot parts modeled by @tropinui)
Geivola, Toa of Twilight
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Fifth lesson: Every person wears many masks, whether they know it or not. Choose masks that are useful to you and learn how to use them. Remember that your intangible, personal masks are every bit as powerful as the ones forged from kanoka, and they can't be taken away from you.
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T: Speaking of overenthusiasm… How is Geivola getting on? I was a bit surprised at how gregarious she was compared to the others when she first came to us. V: It actually serves her very well considering how she wants to specialize. T: Do tell. V: She's shown by far the most interest in the manipulation and deception aspects of her training. She wants to be a spy. The social infiltrator type. T: Ah. How is she at it? V: Honestly? Incredible. T: Good. You know, I always thought that was the poorest developed aspect of my techniques. Never was much of a social butterfly myself. I'll be glad to see how she can improve on it. V: … I'm worried about her, turaga. T: Why? V: Ever since the procedure she's been almost too eager at the idea of infiltrating groups full of dangerous people with nothing but her kanohi and her acting skills. Which is all well and good, she's an excellent mask user, but she hasn't chosen any with combat-viable powers. She's a decent elementalist, not fantastic. Without a toa tool of any kind… T: You're worried she'll have no way to protect herself in the event that she's found out. V: … You're the one who told me that martyrdom is almost always foolish and ineffective. T: There's a difference between martyrdom and reckless bravery, Viama. V: Could you please just talk to her? Convince her to at least carry a dagger? T: I'll have a chat with her.
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Maizun, Toa of Twilight
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Fourth lesson: Our element's greatest strength is the ability to make ourselves unseen, whether by changing our colors to blend in or simply bending light around ourselves to turn invisible altogether. This is the foundation of what I have to teach, but you must push this principle beyond your elemental powers. Learn how to be quiet and how to move from place to place without detection. Remain hidden from your enemy as much as possible. To achieve this, you must be fast and flexible. Be ready to react with fluidity to whatever situation you find yourself in, and the enemy will never know your next move.
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T: How about Maizun? She seems enthusiastic in a better way. V: Oh yes, extremely. T: What is that supposed to mean. V: She's just a tiring student sometimes. Funny thing, she almost never shuts up about your old teacher. She has a great admiration of the stories and legends about him. T: Oh? V: A great, great admiration. T: … Ah. V: Yes. T: No wonder she looks like that. V: She's constantly pushing her acrobatic skills to emulate him. T: Well, that's not a bad thing. Truth be told, Lewa could have truly excelled at our arts… if only he learned to be a bit quieter and more focused. V: That shouldn't be a problem with Maizun. She's serious when it counts.
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Takoa, Toa of Twilight
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Third lesson: Do not treat death lightly. Do not martyr yourself needlessly, and do not kill thoughtlessly. You must take a life only when it is absolutely necessary. But when it is absolutely necessary, do not hesitate or falter.
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T: And what of Takoa? He is also skilled with his weapons, is he not? V: He's nearly Tolme's opposite. T: … You sound concerned. I thought he was progressing well. V: Oh, he's taken to his elemental powers excellently. And he knows how to use the blades. I'm just… unsure of his motivations, given where his keenest interest seems to lie. T: I see. V: I was concerned at the very beginning when he chose his new toa tools. There's not many ways you can use those things nonlethally. T: Have you confronted him about these concerns? In private? V: Not yet, turaga. T: Make sure he understands the seriousness of these things. Tell him that by focusing on these parts of your teachings so acutely, he either drastically limits his usefulness or risks falling into shadow. V: And if he still doesn't branch out? T: It will be a shame he's holding himself back, but if he insists on specializing the day may indeed come when we need an assassin on call.
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Tolme, Toa of Twilight
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Second lesson: those who walk in the light are your allies. Do not disrespect them or dismiss them. Help them whenever you can. But do not reveal to them all that you are.
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V: Well, to start with, I can tell you we don't have much to worry about with Tolme. T: She's the model apprentice, then? V: Easily. T: I was concerned when she came to us that her experience with a more conventional fighting style would make it difficult for her to adjust to the curriculum. V: It doesn't. She's been quick to learn our techniques. T: And I've noticed she still keeps up practice with her glaive in her own time? V: Yes. And her understanding of her light powers is quite strong for a toa her age. T: And the other side? V: … She's learning. Slower than some of the others. She's… hesitant to push herself in that direction for fear of harming the others. T: Mm… She has a collaborative mindset, then. V: Very. T: Good. I think she would do well as a mole in the stronghold, once she's fully trained. We will always need a channel to coordinate our efforts with what the council is up to. V: My thoughts as well. She'll barely need to try to pose as a conventional toa.
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Viama Nuva, Toa of Light
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First lesson: act only after careful thought, comport yourself with honor, and always remember the true purpose of your task. If you have access to this volume, I trust you have already committed to joining our coalition, and are already here beginning your training. Which hopefully means you have already met Grandmaster Viama. Rest assured you are in good hands. Viama was once my apprentice, but she has long since become a full-fledged toa, and she has centuries of experience to impart to you. I know of no other being with more self control and discipline, or a greater sense of that which is right, that which is wrong, and that which is necessary. There is no person that I trust more with the leadership of this school.
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V: Oh, please. T: What? V: You flatter me far too much in that passage, turaga. T: Nonsense. You of all people should know that I never say a word I do not mean. V: You should tell them it's only because I had a good teacher. T: Enough of this. I'm done writing for the day. Now sit. Tell me how it's been working with the students.
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ARTAHKA OS BOOT SEQUENCE… PASSWORD ACCEPTED. PORTABLE MULTILOCK DATA CORE 5inf8943i5 ACCESS GRANTED. LOADING log_231.de log_231.de //: BEGIN PLAYBACK
V: Turaga? T: Come in. Has training for the day finished? V: Yes. T: Just a moment, Let me finish writing this bit.
log_231.de //: PLAYBACK PAUSED LOADING teachings_draft_1.crn
As I look back upon my long life, I know that not all would agree with my path. Least of all some of those whom I have held dearest to my own heartlight. But I will not apologize, and although I cannot say I have no regrets, I will say I have few. This is not a memoir. But I thought it fitting to record a brief explanation of my mind's landscape as I sit to write these words. Forgive me if they are clumsy. I am no chronicler. But this must be done. I have always done what must be done. Only what must be done. From my days as a matoran, this was the case. And travelling into my life as a toa. Times were peacable then, and I had good teachers and good friends. But I realized that some of the things I taught myself to do, the ways I taught myself to fight, the details I taught myself to notice, they would not have taught me. They thought them odd. Out of place, I suppose, with what a toa is supposed to be. I imagine, if you are reading this, that you are too young to remember the days in which the Order of Mata Nui betrayed us. I hope for your sake that you do not remember. Though few trusted the order much or thought of them very warmly, their foolishness was still a crushing blow in the hearts and minds of many. Of course, they only thought they were doing what was right. Though they knew it not, they were simply an order without purpose after the fall of the great titan. They refused to change. To adjust their understanding of what must be done. My heartlight holds no warmth for the Order. And yet in their absence I felt a hole. A missing piece. For on one matter they were correct: there will always be that which must be done. The strictures of the toa code cannot be relied upon to solve every problem. And there will always be a need for those with the resolve to walk a path on the edge of shadow. It was with this in mind that I knew I must train even harder and be ready. And it is with this in mind that I have begun what I expect to be my life's work as a turaga. If you are truly ready to walk this path with me, then in this volume I hope you will find guidance that is helpful to you. The great beings must have had a sense of humor when they designed us, for it is our element that is better suited than any other to the techniques of subterfuge, deception, and manipulation. This is not an easy life. By learning what I have to teach, you are taking on the responsibility to sully yourself with shadow when doing so is necessary to defend those who walk in the light. You must be committed. You must remember the three virtues and hold them close in a way that few others will agree with. I trust you understand these things, but do not read further until you are ready. When you do, though, welcome to the Order of Twilight. Turaga Tanma