Yama as an Avatar is something I have given sizable consideration to, particularly in how he would function within Digital Devil Saga mechanics, so this is what I have particularly thought:
Notes: Although it’s stereotypical for demons affiliated with death and the underworld being resistant to Death and weak to Expel, Yama’s weakness was meant to resemble the human’s affinities, because of Yama being said to be the first mortal to die. Although characters in human form naturally void Expel skills, they lack the ability to cast magic/spells, wherein Yama would posses that ability.
Notes: These stats were composed under the belief that Luck branches out to Mudo/Hama skills effectiveness (the hit rate and evasion rate). The idea for Yama having a high Luck stat was to reduce the chance of being effected by insta-death skills. It is an attempt to compensate the weakness while simultaneously increasing its own spells hit rate. Then, with combining the hit/evasion of Agility and Luck, Yama is meant to dodge and critical hit often.
BRAND COLOR: Indigo
Notes: the color as a blue-violet/purple was chosen to emanate the ideas of unoxidized blood and livor mortis. Indigo is also happens to be associated with Ajna and the Third Eye, but was not chosen for that purpose. [headcanon comment: if Adil was Yama’s recipient, then the color as a blue would create a (only slightly disjointed) triad between Lupa (dark red, Cerberus) and Roland (yellow, Indra).]
VISUAL DESIGN POSSIBILITIES:
Nothing is meant to be decisive and each are to be thought over individually and not particularly as a singular whole:
Yama would be smaller than most Avatars. [comment: I am unsure if their hights are ever decisively stated anywhere, but at this point in time, I have generalized their hight understanding in being approximately 8′6″ (102in/259cm). I would place Yama around 7ft-7.5ft.]
Yama’s “heels” would be lower to the ground than most other Avatars. This would be an attempt to reduce the false digitigrade/“standing on their toes” appearance.
The Avatar’s weapon would be confound in the forearm and branch/extend outward to create a mace-like shape, therefor a blunt weapon; wherein the bicep would have a form of sliding extension. Only one arm would be capable of doing this operation, but the outward appearance would be symmetrical.
The neck would be designed to resemble/be reminiscent of a noose.
Like how Vayu resembles a propellor and how Ardha resemble the bow of a ship, Yama would resemble an urn. The urn shape may or may not function similar to Meganada and/or Ravana’s outer-shelling where it would be the body’s closed shape.
Notes, Tuner’s Berserk Mode: Considering the limb(s) that typically transform in Berserk Mode is(/are) the arm(s), it is in the likelihood that those would transform, however this is mainly due to a greater number of the Avatars’ weaponry being contained in/as the arm(s). The exception of a different part of the body transforming than the Avatar’s weapon is if it was placed in/on the head as seen with Cielo and Dyaus.
I thought I wasn’t going to briefly bullshit why Roland could bend to a cavalry role, but I guess I lied. I want these thoughts accessable for later:
Coats that have back vents are made to make the garment free flowing, originally invented for the purpose of riding horseback, and apparently the shotgun was also used by cavalrymen for it easy use. Its easy usage probably aided its favorability in tench and irregular warfare, considering they were brought to the trenches because the soldiers simply liked them, though its usage in such war was tactically for its effectiveness in close-quarters and short range shooting. Such combat shotguns have these qualities from their shorter barrels.*
Urban warfare is mainly close-quarter combat. The Lokapala, a band of guerrilla irregulars, fought in urban terrain. Roland having a shotgun was either a well thought out association on the design team’s part, a voluntary tactical choice for character, or both.
*I’m not good enough where I remember or know the exact specifications to what type of shotgun Roland actually possessed. I know nothing about guns, but maybe I’ll try to find out later.
Also: a lesser relevant fact, but fun to note, is: vents (modern ones at least) and shotguns originate from sporting purposes.
This was going to be a comment for some dumb doodles I have been doing, but it turned out really long to the point where I decided it was better to give it its own post. (it’s musings on a Universe Alteration of an albino or albinoid Roland, if reading that kind of thing is your cup of tea. I’m trying to have a little fun with my life).
It is not that implausible for Roland to adjust to this role, because many of his design aspects cater to an albino, like:
• His glasses: because albinos lack pigment within their eyes they have vision hindrances. Glasses are a common aid to help adjust the problem.
• His attire: Roland has very little skin showing. There are other reasons for this choice (like to connect with Serph and the generic Junkyard uniform), however this covering of his body could be a precautionary habit that he could have formed prior to moving underground to reduce getting sunburn and ailments of that ilk. Note that roland also wears dark colors (a brown top layer and a black under layer). Dark colors absorb light in turn protecting his skin from it.
• His face: people can naturally have white hair, mostly within the older male type, and his eye color is a metallic platinum(/grey—which is more in tone with Indra/a storm color palette) which can also naturally occur. Yet, albinism can be noted for this light eye color of blue/grey, and in some cases of ocular albinism red show through.
Granted, all these aspects on their own do not necessarily link to albinism, but bringing multiple points together into one instance makes an impression. So it’s fanciful to consider:
• A Roland that adjusted well to living underground because he could have already generally stayed indoors, and the dimmer lights were easier on his eyes. From that he preferred life underground, because he could walk around the city more comfortably.
However photosensitivity is at differences with the Asura Project cut-scene, considering the projector lights/screen seem rather bright.)
• A Roland that had always loathed(/feared) the sun—whether it was because of one bad experience or because it was a constant, small hindrance in his life.
• A Roland that felt anxiety of resurfacing after the tunnels because he didn’t know whether the demon virus would apply to his photosensitivity and skin protection, and him forcing himself to look calm in the initial resurfacing.
• A Roland that inherently felt a deep, strong connection with Indra because he preferred grey weather, because he would not have to worry about the sun when there was rainclouds/ it was stormy.
Additionally: Roland preferring winter because of the grey, but disliking the snow because its glare would irritate him.
• A post-Atma Roland having mixed feelings about the black sun, because he has the means to appreciate it and not worry about its effects, but for all the wrong reasons, because it’s still a threat. Instead the roles are reversed. He doesn’t have to worry about the sun, but everyone else does.
A Greg and/or Adil learning to understand what it was like for Roland having to have taken precaution from the sun for his entire life and not just since Cuvier Syndrome. Granted, severe sunburn versus death via turning to stone isn’t exactly on the same level.
• A pre year 2020 Roland getting gifted hats/visors/sunglasses/parasols from Greg (and/or Adil, if he had know him that long ago, but I personally do not think so), so he could go outside more comfortably.
Alternatively: Roland having been gifted his coat from Greg because he knew it would protect him better from sunlight.
When I read: “with bonus points for being symbolic or similar to aspects of themselves” I mentally let out a long, hearty laugh. I have taken way too many Art History classes for my own good (minoring in it), and I’m being schooled in design. Analysis is what I do for work and play.
It is probably more than you bargained for, but… my hand slipped… quite a bit.
Pokémon Team DDSAT AU: Roland
The list is driven off motif; that being said the list only fulfills motif. People are hard things to truly comprehend in omniscient depth, so I could never claim for certain that these are pokémon he would be attracted to raise and train.
I posted the entire list because I only noted five pokémon as “priority,” and as tradition goes a standard full party is six. Perhaps you can decide the remaining Pokémon or if your heart is really set of Furret, then keep Furret. That and priority is a suggestion; it is your AU therefor I think you should ultimately decide.
Please excuse any possible rough transitions, basic knowledge, repetitions, and unclear ideas. It helps me cycle through thinking, and I did not revise the writing. If you have questions for further insight I will gladly answer.
Format:
Pokemon;; Attribute — Rational
Priority noted by *
* Aegislash;; characteristic, symbolic — “Apparently, it can detect the innate qualities of leadership. According to legend, whoever it recognizes is destined to become king.” (Y ‘dex) As attribute to Roland the key in this passage is “innate” and its relation to Atma. “[T]he Atma never changes! […] This ultrahigh level of duty carries within it the requirement that one never does anything that is contrary to this True Self Within.” (The Bhagavad Gita) In a canon where this is a very present concept it is important to see as character, as atma avatar, and as both simultaneously and forever interacting. Roland as an alcoholic, as depressed, is a jarring and impediment consciously made by design to create a falsehood in perception, human fault—the unreliable character—and, at more face value, a call back to Indra’s indulgence is soma, but that’s secondary information. The point I was trying to get to was: Indra as role as king/lord/ruler, as Atma, something that cannot be distorted despite human efforts/faults. If a Pokémon has the ability to sense this, it would make sense that it would seek out Roland as a trainer.
But, the validation of this is rather greyed naturally by the concept of Atma itself. In our reality’s understanding it’s something ungraspable in understanding, but in DDSAT canon it puts forth a best effort by being something of neutral concept, characteristic, and symbology. But even this information is through human consciousness (via Jenna Angel/Karma Society) therefor susceptible to err inherently.
Insignificant side notes: Aegislash’s dex color is brown. Though usually seen in golden display, Indra has a secondary visual of being clothed in brown (most likely the inspiration/rational for Roland&Indra’s color palette). I also like to think of this as an allusion to Adil (as “justice”) as well. Lady Justice’s sword (punishment) usually faces downward. It’s stretching, but its a little thing I noticed.
Also: The shiny form is black, gold, and deep red-ish hue. I could go into a very lengthy analysis of color symbology, but the thing that always sticks out in this context is saffron/red/maroon usage in vajrayana sect of Buddhism. So the constant of gold/red color palette is constant in aesthetic.
INFO NOTE: vajra is both the “thunderbolt” and the “diamond.” It is both meditative object and weapon. The thunderbolt is “irresistible force” while the diamond is an indestructible object (so it’s similar to the question: “What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?”). The vajra is Indra’s primary weapon and iconography.
* Aggron;; characteristic, aesthetic — “Aggron is surprisingly protective of its environment.” (Sapphire ‘dex) For (Roland’s) role of sustainer and defender. The Underground’ City’s “nest” was heavily fortified; Lokapalan strategies displayed to be defensive (either through diversion or direct blockade) where the small, elite group (Embryon) is send to accomplish a mission (the later much like Embryon tactics. Probably due to the fact of utilizing small man count effectively) “The more wounds it has, the more it has battled, so don't take it lightly.” (BW2 ‘dex) For (Indra’s) role as warrior & god of war. Indra is traditionally displayed as being a highly formidable opponent on the battlefield, notably in terms of physical powers, making his intimidatingly victorious. Such was why it was a tall statement that Megenada was able to concur Indra in battle, but that’s irrelevant to this topic.
Aesthetically these roles are displaced through Aggrons typing and stats, much like Indra’s DDS2 design. Aggron’s plating, notably on the head, mirrors Indra’s own helmet-like protection. Aggron’s plating also is overlapping in layers like Indra’s hip and thigh guards. The knee is also is also emphasized with protection in both designs. To circle back to “defense” as aspect: Aggron’s defense stat is rather high (at 180), much like the effects of the combination of Indra’s strength and vitality stats, however and Aggron’s special defense and attack is low (60), mirroring Indra’s poor magic stat. Typing of Steel/Rock gives it a double weakness to Ground-type attacks, an allusion—in this case—to the tera skill weakness.
Ampharos;; complementary — “The tail's tip shines brightly and can be seen from far away. It acts like a beacon for lost people.” Returning back to Roland as alcoholic/depressed: unfortunately I do not have the copy of the text to pull a direct quote, but H is for Hawk (…or maybe it was Sander’s Under the Influence…) described the alcoholic’s need in an understandable way where they create a cycling of making and breaking promises in an attempt for absolution that always ends in disappointment. It’s a coping method to form a sense of direction; essentially, it is the losing oneself under veils, shadows, thoughts, and hollow claims. Having an Ampharos is the essence of hope and a guide. On the Sun some of his dialogue is along the lines of, “I normally don’t step in for people, but just this once.” It’s a display of self-doubt and a need for reassurance which having as symbolically the Ampharos would ease that sentiment.
Smaller, obvious things such as pokemon typing of Electric and its coloring & dex color being yellow returns back to the thunderbolt and the visualization of yellow and gold usually on Indra. It’s mega evolution also has growth that are cloud-like (clouds being a thing of sky/heaven and Airavata, his mount), and Roland has white hair too so it’s a party.
Bronzong;; symbolic — This Pokémon seems a tad skewed and farfetched, but I was most intrigued by: “It can summon rain clouds.” (Pearl dex) and it’s bell shape. The summoning of rainclouds in this context is for Indra as god of storm and rainwater. Water had many mythic qualities to it (usually associated with life), but rainwater specifically is a connection of earth and heaven (Indra’s battle against Vritra).
Secondly the bell shape; though it’s distinctly doutaku in origin, bells are meditative objects. In Hinduism and Buddhism they are a dialogue between practitioner and deity, focuses the “wandering mind,” and the bell’s hollowness a parallel in symbology with Indra’s net: the emptiness of all things. Though Roland takes the “emptiness” in a negative, destructive manner, instead of a positive, enlightening way, with his apathy towards life, not really caring if he lives or dies. He says: “They’ll get through eventually” when waiting for afermation to open the barricade for Fred and Co. thinking that if it was the Society, out to capture and kill, it wouldn’t matter—its shrugged off like no big deal. He makes a tall acquisition when stating to Serph “[…] you can kill me” after emerging from the Tunnels, and he admits to wasting his life in the Power Plant (affects of depression).
Castform;; symbolic — It is the Weather Pokémon. As discussed above, Indra is god over thunderstorms, making its rainy form follow motif. Even the snowy form with it’s cloud-like bottom puts forth an effort. Interestingly, Castform has equal stat distribution kind of similar to how Indra starts out (until he levels and the strength stat takes over).
* Electrivire;; characteristic —One: it is the Thunderbolt Pokémon. Two: coloring association that has been stated in Ampharos’s entry. Three: Its Attack Stat is its highest stat (123); refer back to Aggron entry on Attack Stat.
Then there is the association with the power plants, which is more of a plot point reason, but valid. The only way to obtain an Electrivire is to evolve an Electabuzz (or trade). “[Electabuzz are] Normally found near power plants” (Red dex), “Appear in power plants in search of electricity.” (Stadium dex) and “It appears near power generators.” (Diamond Pearl, episode 52) And then there is the method of evolution: It needs to be traded. Usually that means a friendship with another person has to be formed, in this context it would be the Embryon as a whole. If the Power Plant said anything Argilla was the one to go to his aid, and she was the most weary and difficult to win over.
Empoleon;; characteristic, symbolic — “It avoids unnecessary disputes, but it will decimate anything that threatens its pride.” (HGSS dex) Roland displays vanity through pride by letting a child and artificial intelligence persuade him into injecting himself with a demon virus, something life altering, because their rational attacked him. As stated before, he is a man of self-doubt, therefore reassurance of right action and ease of mind was broken. To try and mend it, he restarted the alcoholic’s cycle of making promises.
An Empoleon’s horns are symbols of strength/power and leadership—“The three horns that extend from its beak attest to its power. The leader has the biggest horns.” (Pearl Dex) The trident-horns alongside its brow patterning create a parallel crown appearance; crowns a symbol of kingship (Indra as king/lord/ruler). Strength and power circles back to Indra as warrior. Additionally, it’s hidden ability is Defiance— “open resistance; bold disobedience.” Roland stands as the current head of a resistance/rebel group. He could have lived within the Karma Society (like that one couple, where one of them was in the garden dome and felt miserable for being there.), but he is not seen residing there. Fred states in outer-world dialogue that “the Lokapala are planning an attack, but they’re all talk.” Roland commands with intent (thought it does not necessarily mean act) to confront the Society and what it stands for as means to defy and resist. He also serves as Neutral—“I like to walk the middle ground”—wherein his counterparts, “Law” and “Chaos,” are both members of the Society, Cuvier and Angel respectively.
Haxorus;; characteristic, aesthetic — “They are kind but can be relentless when defending territory.” (Black dex). Durring the beginning of DDS2, Roland treads cautiously with the Embryon because he is assessing a possible threat, and within his own gown ground, the heart of the Underground City. His knowledge and understanding of Tuners are what the Society provides—relentless, destructive, and inhumane creatures. He also knows their design purpose as weapons/war tactics, therefor his cautious through blunt unfriendliness during the explanation of the situation to the Embryon. The kindness later resurfaces the more mutual trust is created between both parties.
Haxorus’ base attack stat is high (147) with low special attack and defense (refer back to Indra’s high strength and low magic stat).
Aesthetically, Haxorus, like Aggron, display a plating/layered armoring aesthetic Indra’s design also possesses. Haxorus has an exposed chest; Indra also displaying a mainly exposed torso. Armoring lines the sides of both Haxorus and Indra’s thigh area leaving both inner thighs exposed. The beak formation resembles similarities to Indra’s mouth flaps while in a closed position—mainly the trianglular shaping downward. Axes on the side of Haxorus’ jaws creates an imaginary egg shape enclosing the head; Indra display and total enclosure encompassing the (top) of the head, though it is more “halo” or “arch” (reference of rainbow) than “egg.”
* Manectric;; symbolic — “Manectric discharges strong electricity from its mane. […] This Pokémon creates thunderclouds above its head.” (Sapphire dex) Refers to Indra as god of thunderstorms.
* Noctowl;; complement, characteristic, aesthetic — “Its eyes are specially adapted.” (Gold dex). I do not have anything intelligent to say about this besides that: for a character that has glasses, I feel like this would be convenient. To add a little bit of personal antidote in: I usually do not wear my glasses because my eyesight isn’t that bad, but I still can’t read things and vague blobs appear in the distance. So, whenever I’m out with or interacting with people I always apologize for my awkwardness of indecisiveness/evaluations of situation, because it’s mostly because I can’t see. And I only have one pair of glasses, and I loose them frequently, so if I need to do something important like drive, I’m screwed. Therefor a Noctowl being a temporary seeing-eye Pokémon would be pretty rad.
“When it needs to think, it rotates its head 180 degrees to sharpen its intellectual power.” (Silver dex) Roland is both described as being “the clever one” and possibly has a thinking-look habit. His expression becomes flat in a distant focus (but not vacant); lips usually connected. It’s a rather pensive appearance. He also glances away sometimes (note cut-scenes in Underground City and outside the EGG Facility). The argument is that it’s his standard resting face, and maybe it is. Or maybe it’s a depression carryover trait. Maybe I am overstepping. But all I know I can only put forth my view.
Aesthetic ties include the Noctowls brown and tan plumage and the triangle patterning on its chest. Kaneko’s designs are typically angular and geometric. A more specific example being the AI uniform and Roland share a common trait of having triangular yokes on their jackets—fashion of the post-apocalyptic near-future. A triangle is also a diamond cut in half (Indra’s skin patterning).
Smeargle;; characteristic — Smeargle is a painter; Roland is a writer. Roland as author implies numerous things that cannot be confirmed directly, because canon does not give any details on this fact. Unless you read the character profile in the instruction booklet you’d really never know. The most we get in plot is the vague nod in the dialogue, “An artist can feel love for her masterpiece sometimes--.” And yet, that statement is said from some sort of understand, either through his study (“classically trained”) or through his own writing process. Art itself is a concept. Painting or writing is merely a medium that art takes form, such why it’s an grey area to define art, but if I was to give my best guess from my studies and experience it’s an essence and manifestation of emotion, real or fake. Artist create a connection to a deeper part of being human through stimuli, creating a reaction from an audience, and it’s something universally understood. Whether and artist paints, draws, dances, writes, makes music, whatever each form can be understood through another.
Steelix;; symbolic — “It has been compressed underground, making its body harder than diamonds.” (Pokémon episode 224) This excerpt stands as the story of Roland’s transformation. Humanity is literally forced to reside underground; “compression” could be restated as “stress” mirroring the mental stress he undergoes, however, like the Steelix, the struggling aided in the awaken and craft of his inner character, his atma, and his atma avatar (Indra’s signature being the vajra, in this case as diamond). Steelix’s mega evolution has a better visual element of the diamond-ing in the spikes.
First of all: I’m so sorry I didn’t respond to any notes yet!! I didn’t know this existed!! I’m going to spend the rest of the evening answering to you all.
Second: THANK YOU A LOT. What a great surprise to receive this many letter...it made me smile a lot.
Also, if you want to get in touch with me please keep in mind that “I know how to receive” missages in Facebook, Instagram and e-mail (obviously, thanks to my intelligence) but I don’t control much Tumblr and Twitter yet... Actually I’m thinking of deleting my twitter account because I barely ever use it and I never check what’s on the board (or however you call the principal page).
So thanks again for your words and I promise I’ll get more used to Tumblr!!
While looking through Ajin to reassess the artwork, panels, and dialogue for inspiration for some art for Ajin Week, I noticed a small detail come out and slap me in the face. In virtually all of the times Sato and Tanaka are placed/seen simultaneously Tanaka is positioned to the left orientation and Sato is positioned on the right. Naturally this peaked my curiosity knowing that the left and right have an opposite-twin association symbolically. What I found was nothing less of something I could resist essaying out, because either Sakurai did some serious research or this was the best instance of serendipity I have ever seen.
By no means is this scholarly research. I used unreliable sources and I don’t really care, so please read for enjoyment. Also, I’m only reading the NA localized version of the manga, therefor I’ve only read up to chapter 24.
Though I had stated before that Sato should associate with the “right” and Tanaka should therefor be “left,” their roles and characterizations can be more accurately analyzed if taken from the characters’ perspectives. This point-of-view swap would therefore make Sato the “left” affiliate and Tanaka the “right” affiliate. The switch is mostly due to the obvious connotation of the “right hand man”—the second in charge—which is Tanaka’s role to Sato. Tanaka literally is seen on the side of Sato’s physical right hand.
It is also common knowledge that the left has a lesser association than the right (the right being the better side/half), and there’s a reason for this affiliation, coming from numerous traditions. The hand-and-left-and-right motif is continued with carries further signification with the Left-Hand Path and the Right-Hand Path in occult esotericism.
The Left “often reject societal convention and the status quo” [1] and “adher[e] to forms of personal anarchism.” [2] Both of those properties can be displayed through Sato’s goal of ajin liberation and dominance (along with human annihilation). The means by which these goals are being achieved is also through violent and radical actions.
The aggressiveness of his tactical movements reflects the same properties of the type of magic the Left-Hand Path associates with. Black magic deals with powers of evil and selfishness. Sato’s pride leads him into the decadence of selfishness and egocentricity. These qualities are displayed in his sentiments of being a superior race (being and ajin) and acting upon a god-sent leader-like role and mindset (calling forth other ajin from out from hiding).
Black magic also deals more with the conjuring and interactions with spiritual/supernatural entities, such as demons and ghosts. This closeness in association with nether-beings draws a parallel in Ajin by Sato having mastery over controlling his IBM as opposed to the less skilled Tanaka.
If Black magic is seen as spiritual power, then White magic is earthly power. White magic, the side of the Right-Hand Path, is pagan-natured, good, and selfless. Such is paralleled in the partnership because Tanaka acts as Sato’s foil. Tanaka is less of a zealot and more down-to-earth. In addition, Tanaka’s character still exhibits capability of “human emotions” (care, regret, sadness) versus “ajin emotions” (lack of connection and empathy), and because he still holds on to a part of him that is still “human” therefor caring for the general good of humanity. This characteristic is displayed in chapter 19 when he advises the teenager girls to not go towards where the police are because he knows they (innocent bystanders, not planned to be harmed) will be harmed. Also, at the end of chapter 19, after the plane crashes, Tanaka expresses a face of shock and horror—fully realizing the totality of Sato’s destruction.
Because White magic is associated with nature and the earth, it is dominantly a system of worship, commonly of a god or goddess—such as a “Mother Earth” deity. Though Tanaka has not displayed by the manga’s script to be a religious person, he does show some sort of devotion or worship towards Sato as repayment to his savior.
