the donk-ologist

left this hell site for greener pastures. find me on twitter and dreamwidth at @shockvalucola https://ko-fi.com/shockvaluecola

[transwriting]

I really hate how “queer” is being used so freely among writers now.

Even non-lgbt people are using it to say shit like “queer characters” and “queer stories” and “queer writers”. If you’re straight and cis don’t fucking use that word. It’s not your word to reclaim.

I’m not fucking “queer”. That word is a slur and not everyone is comfortable with it. Stop using it as an umbrella term. Stop using it to describe every lgbt person. Just because you like to use it for yourself doesn’t mean that everyone else likes it.

I hate the way this word has shoved itself into the writing world. If I see one more post titled something like “new queer books for 2015″ I’m going to jump out a window.

[halfhardtorock]

I literally stopped being comfortable with using the term to describe myself when I went back to college and had to sit in classes with straight students and professors using queer without wincing or pausing, with no discomfort whatsoever. Hearing it coming out of their mouths was painful to me. Who the fuck are they to say that so easily and lightly??

Now I wish it never was reclaimed as a way of describing the community because now anyone can use it.

[discourse-dryad-blog]

That’s pretty much why I hate it now. Before I was ambivalent, but that sealed it.

[vanessa-cyndrial]

queer has been the accepted word in academic discourse since the 90s. there comes a point where the reclaiming process is complete and it’s acceptable for everyone to use. that’s the end goal of reclaiming a word. “queer studies” and “queer lit” and “queer artists” have been acceptable terms in academia since before most of us were alive, and you do not get to erase that and give it back to the people who do use it abusively. “queer is a slur” holds about as much water as “lesbian is a slur.” you can not like it for yourself, but it IS an acceptable term for a large group of people, and dropping the world slur doesn’t make it so the rest of the world has to move instead of you.

[huggableeldritchhoerror]

Thank you so much! I identify as queer and tumblr can be very toxic when it comes to this… After dozens of posts saying that my identity is ‘derogatory’ and offensive, seeing ones like yours always puts a smile on my face ❤️❤️❤️

T h a n k y o u ❤️

[noblecrumpet-dorkvision]

100+ Fey Pranks

One hundred different pranks that Fey creatures can pull on an unsuspecting party.

Wow, loving these.

[bloodyshadow1]

sexism, misogyny, and hypocrisy in the critical role fandom

the problem with sexism in the crtitical role fandom isn’t just overt outright sexist comments going after Marisha and Laura because they’re women (Ashley seems to get a pass because she’s not always there and people idealize her characters as the madonna to Marisha and Laura’s whores), that’s a problem but not the only problem.  The huge issue is that Marisha and Laura are held to a much higher standard than anyone else at the table, and the hypocrisy is blatant.  Whenever Keyleth did anything dumb or even when she did something cool and completely inline with her character Marisha got hate.  When Grog did something stupid becuase that’s Grog, Travis didn’t get hate, they said oh that silly goliath he’s dumb but lovable, even people who don’t like Grog don’ go after Travis.  When Vex stole Gern’s broom there was such a backlash among the ‘fans’ sent to Laura that she still gets nervous about it.  Yet Sam as Nott has stolen from both their guests so far and their only 21 episodes in and attempted to steal from the main party twice, yet it’s just Nott being a quirky goblin and Sam’s playing her brilliantly while Vex is just a greedy bitch and Laura needed to keep herself in check because you don’t steal from the party. It’s that when Vex went shopping and haggled saving the party money, despite it being completely in character she was being a greedy bitch.  While when Grog went shopping and over paid for a potion everyone laughed because Grog is dumb and that was Travis being true to Grog.

It’s that when Percy and Grog came to blows over the skull last campaign at the worst possible time no one gave Talisen or Travis shit, no people loved it and thought it was great storytelling.  When Percy gave Grog and obviously evil sword that wound up biting them in the ass no one called the players out on using it even though the players knew it would bite them in the ass later on because people said that they were being true to their character.  When Fjord got out his falchion and threatened Caleb when Caleb stole something in the middle of a job, when they had to get out of the High Richter’s house literally at the worst possible time even people who disagreed with the timing never got angry at Travis or Liam for stealing the scroll.  And to be honest the Fjord and Caleb conflict was a lot stupider than the Beau Caleb conflict this last episode with both sides having a lot worse of a point.

It’s that Molly and Percy had/has the exact same sense of unearned bravado as Beau does yet its seen as charming to most of the fandom while Beau is just a bitch.  It’s that Beau clearly has issues dealing with Caleb too, but whereas Caleb is infantalized and put on a pedestal for the way he acts Beau is seen as a bitch who needs to act normal and keep her mouth shut.  

Look I don’t want the men on the show to get hate, I love all the cast.  But Marisha and Laura are held to a much higher standard than the men at the table and it’s disgusting.  Maybe you dislike their characters, that’s fine, but don’t pretend like a huge part of the fandom doesn’t hold Laura and Marisha’s characters to a much higher standard for playing ‘real’ dnd.  If you believe that you’re either an idiot, a liar, blind and deaf, or a combination fo all of them, because I can easily pull up the reciepts.  I can’t even get to the time stamp comments on the campaign 1 vidoes on youtube without seeing dozens of Marisha/Keyleth hate.  One any Vox Machina video where there’s a comment about someone liking something Keyleth did there isn’t a dozen comments in reply saying that how awful of a character she is even if she just breathed.  

[arkhamarchitecture]

Within the very episode where Nott stole the bowl, Laura commented “Oh no, don’t do that, people don’t like that very much,” because she was trying to spare Sam the nasty comments she received.

Then Sam proceeded to get exactly none of them.

[vanessa-cyndrial]

i always remember the person who told me they disliked keyleth for how useless she was, and proceeded to name as an example her not landing anything in the k’varn fight, when tiberius hid in a fucking wall for that entire battle. 

[bloodyshadow1]

personally I hate the Keyleth hate because they harp on little mistakes that everyone makes and because it’s Keyleth, but I mean what really pisses me off is when people pretend like she didn’t contribute just as much to Vox Machina if not more than any other member.  I mean she held her own in every fight except one or two and everyone’s had times like that.  Not to mention that she’s basically their healer and only dedicated Divine caster since Pike wasn’t there half the time, not to mention a lot of the time having to multi-task dps and tank for the whole campaign while everyone other than Scanlan and Pike can focus on one area.  Not to mention that even if you could lie to yourself and say that Keyleth was terrible in combat, it doesn’t change the fact that the sheer amount of utility that Keyleth brought tot he party with Travel Via Plants, Heroes Feasts, Wind Walks, planes shifts, saved the party so much time, health and frustration, and their lives several times.  The only one who came close to having her utility was Scanlan with his mansion and Pike who also contributed to heroes feasts

[patronustrip]

straight creators when they get asked if their character is gay: Art is meant to be interpreted. If you think she is gay, then she is gay. I’m honoured that this character has meant something to members of the LGBTQ community; it’s very humbling that you see your experiences reflected in her. Thank you.

gay creators when they get asked if their character is gay: ya lmao

[snailtattoo-deactivated20210605]

i just saw someone on tumblr say they were born in 2004 and i choked you’re all babies babies i say it’s impossible anyone born in 2004 is 5 years old at most 

[sarcasm-not-capitalism-deactiva]

I was born in 2004 and I’m 14 lmao

[snailtattoo-deactivated20210605]

that’s impossible 2004 was only 5 years ago you are a mere baby please return to your miniaturized racecar bed

[animatedtext]

I was selling merch at SF pride this weekend and told this guy we only had a tank top in women’s medium left and he said “perfect.”

[susanpevensle]

today i had a man tell me, in all earnest, that i obviously wasn’t very good at my classical studies degree because zeus only had one son, hercules - his source was the disney movie hercules

[creekfiend]

#it would be easier to list the sons zeus does not have

[prokopetz]

More stock NPCs for your Dungeons & Dragons game:

A hulking paladin voiced in your best Patrick Warburton impression who uses the names of obscure polearms as expletives

A ranger who aspires to be a fashion designer, and hunts rare beasts to obtain their hides and fur for use in dressmaking

What initially appears to be a dwarven runecaster with a badger familiar, but it turns out it’s actually the badger who’s the runecaster, and the dwarf is her personal assistant

A compulsively stealthy rogue who insists that all their thievery is in support of a sick relative; it’s not entirely clear whether there’s one sick relative or many involved, as the details change every time they tell it

A bard outlawed from their home village after making a pun so terrible that it killed the blacksmith

A swashbuckling fighter who enjoys lavish hospitality on account of their fearsome reputation, but is secretly just very skilled at stage combat and can’t actually fight their way out of a wet paper bag

A star pact warlock with maxed out Bluff impersonating a cleric of a benevolent sun god

A mysterious druid dwelling on the outskirts of town who everyone politely pretends not to notice is actually three dire raccoons standing on each other’s shoulders in a feathered robe

[morathor]

One these are glorious.

Two what would be some suitably obscure polearms to use as curses?

[prokopetz]

My suggestions:

“Bardiche!” (contemptuous disbelief)

“Bec de corbin!” (surprise)

“Fauchard!” (dismissal)

“Guisarme-voulge!” (mild indignation)

“Ranseur!” (frustration)

[xanth-the-wizard]

Random Town Encounters (1d100)

The complete list of my Town Encounters #1-5! Vote for the next set of Random Encounters HERE. (Image Credit: x)

[1] An enormous bear stumbles around town wearing human clothing. They’re attempting to order drinks at the local tavern, but so far they haven’t had much luck [2] You arrive early morning into a quiet little village. Unfortunately nobody is around to greet you because they have all been turned into candy [3] A festival is taking place in the center of town. They seem to be celebrating a historical figure that looks oddly similar to someone in the party [4] Dashing through the streets, a bandit has stolen a powerful magic artifact. Anyone they pass by are turned to stone. A hefty reward will be given to anyone who can catch them [5] Hm? In your back pocket there’s a piece of paper with directions to somewhere in town. If asked about the location, nobody seems to know where it is [6] While walking through the streets a child runs into the party at full speed, falling to the ground. They apologize profusely as they begin to collect their dropped goods. This includes a baby dragon [7] Rumor: The guards in this town are not human, they never sleep. Most people speculate they are from another realm [8] Enticing smells fill the air, there seems to be a cooking competition in town. And it looks like it’s not too late to sign up. Anybody know how to make a killer quiche? [9] Rumor: Beneath the city lies an ancient tunnel leading to a thief’s lost treasure. But everyone is too afraid to look for themselves. When prompted on what is down there, people dance around the question [10] Sentient vegetables rebel against the local chef. At first glance it seems to be a harmless prank, but anyone bit by the veggies begin morphing into vicious vegetables themselves [11] Magic is outlawed in this district of town. Anyone who casts any spell begins to glow [12] Little ducklings follow behind the party, quacking merrily. They are perfectly harmless but without their mother. Did somebody order 8 new beautiful children? [13] Ghosts have driven out the living from the town leaving behind a literal Ghost Town. The Ghosts are actually quite friendly, too friendly [14] Rumor: Grandma Crabapple, a sweet old lady who lives alone in her cottage up on the hill is actually a Doppelganger. Looks like we’re going to have to eat her famous cherry pie and get to the bottom of this mystery [15] The local tavern has been recently reconstructed, a group of rowdy adventurers burned it down a few months back. The locals don’t take kindly to any adventurers now [16] Every year in spring a nearby lake floods, threatening the village’s safety. But every year the cobblestone wall surrounding them keeps them safe. But this year, something goes horribly wrong. And it’s probably one of your player’s fault [17] Rumor: The local school is teaching children to summon demons and worship the devil [18] Rotten tomatoes fly as an Orc Bard attempts to perform in the streets for gold [19] A potion brewer has set up shop in town, they have an extra special brew that grants anyone who drinks it invisibility. But the effect happens randomly and without warning [20] Perched upon a crumbling building, a gargantuan bird watches the town silently. The villagers claim that wishing upon one of the bird’s feathers can grant a wish. Unfortunately the bird doesn’t shed very often and doesn’t like to be bothered [21] Rumor: The alcohol in the bar is watered down with a substitute that creates intense cravings for more alcohol [22] Transcending space and time, you cat appears. They are to scale with your figurines and demand your attention [23] Goblins have invaded! Oh, looks like they’re just selling baked goods at reasonable prices. You win this time Goblins… [24] The water wells have frozen over unexpectedly. A sentient ice elemental is passing through [25] You have entered into a town created with sand and dirt, there is a lone tower in the center. A wizard has created their own town by controlling local ants. The wizard smells really bad [26] A real life celebrity has a look-alike in your campaign, and they are the bartender at a small tavern with dreams of being famous [27] A Magic Shop is selling the most illegitimate looking magic items you’ve ever seen. But for some reason people are flooding to their stand and buying all of their merch. Do they not realize? [28] Rumor: In this small farming town, the Scarecrows are said to awaken at night looking to exchange bodies with anyone who loses to them at their game. The game is hopscotch [29] You’ve been handed a flyer for a local religious group. It seems they worship an Insect god. Surely they are up to no good! Oooh, look! They have a buffet! [30] A horse cart race is under way, are you in? [31] Out of the sewers, four turtles emerge. They have varying magical mutations. One can turn invisible, another has super speed, the remaining turtle’s powers are unknown. They are causing quite a ruckus in town [32] Rumor: Eerie whistling is heard by the graveyard every night. The townspeople believe it is a restless spirit [33]  Tap dancing frogs, followed by synchronized flying ravens appear. A local swamp witch is accomplishing her dream. She expects applause and tips, or else [34] A group of local teens are attempting to fundraise a dangerous project. They promise that it will revolutionize the world [35] Rumor: The leader of this town is actually a dozen frogs in a trenchcoat [36] You are given a free lotion sample at a stand. The lotion has strange side effects including but not limited to, sprouting wings [37] A villager appears to the party, they are an obvious caricature of your favorite video game character [38] Servants of a local noble rebel. They are protesting outside the castle [39] There is a college within the town that holds forgotten history. It’s a favorite among the world’s most powerful magicians. Surely you’ll meet someone interesting inside? [40] Many clues lead you to believe that there are witches hiding in the city. The truth is, the entire town is a coven, everyone is a witch. Can you trust this coven? [41] There is a flea-market in town with hundreds of vendors selling everything from valuable artisan goods to worthless junk. If you’re lucky you may find a neglected magic item for sale [42] A thieves guild takeover is currently underway and somehow you’ve managed to get involved [43] An earthquake ravages the city, within the rubble ancient prophetic texts are discovered [44] Rumor: Beneath the meat shop there is an illegal underground fighting ring. What will you do? Stop it from getting out of hand, make some bets, or sign up as a fighter yourself? [45] Riots in the streets spark as an unjust ruler is appointed into a position of great power [46] Taco Bell is real and Baja Blast is now canon [47] Rumor: An unknown infant Monster is roaming the streets. It is incredibly dangerous and there is a bounty for its capture. People believe it is a Basilisk [48] Twin scientists advertise around town for their Monster business. They buy and sell monster parts and some interesting Monster related goods [49] The town drunk happens to know a lot of interesting/important information but nobody seems to be listening [50] The world’s first train operates within this bustling city. While visiting a catastrophic event occurs involving a busted engine [51] Rumor: Pranksters have animated the children’s toys and stuffed animals at the local General Store causing some traumatic memories for the local kids. People believe the culprits are the store owners themselves. But how true is this claim? [52] Rumor: The abandoned castle on the hill is full of tremendous treasure and wealth. But so far nobody has discovered where it is hidden [53] Local crime lord strolls around town with their new love interest. Everyone is afraid of this criminal but do nothing to stop them from taking advantage of their town [54] An industrialized revolution is happening! Lots of unique goods and services are all over the city. But this massive urban development comes with a steep cost. Nature spirits are planning an attack on the city for invading their homeland [55] You are in a town blessed by nature. Colorful fauna is everywhere and on every building. It is a beautiful culmination of nature and society. They also grow rare and exotic crops [56] Yup. It finally happened. The most chaotic member of the party has a bounty. Good luck [57] This town is inhabited entirely by avian beings. They are friendly, but most places are inaccessible if you can’t fly [58] A local Barber is willing to give your party’s pet a cool new haircut. What’s that? They have no hair you say? No problem! Stylish wigs are also an option [59] “Welcome! Tonight is the big game! The Bardic and Wizarding colleges are going to face off! Be sure to buy your tickets now!” [60] Zelda-esque mini games are all over the place! Smash pots, hit some targets, win some rupees! [61] A town of sentient horses. An equestrian experience nobody will forget [62] Stone guardians have become animated and are rampaging through the town. First we must stop the guardians. Second we have to figure out who did this [63] Rumor: Buildings are falling apart as bricks and stones are disappearing randomly. Some believe the bricks are alive. It’s the curse of the Were-Bricks! [64] A special promotion for a local tavern is given to anyone who can catch and dispose of the rats from their basement. Problem is, these rats aren’t just simple street rats [65] Did somebody say, Shopping montage? A trendy fashion store has opened up, it’s the perfect to accessorize! Maybe some new outfits for the next campaign arc? [66] Just put your players in the town of Whiterun from Skyrim. Perfect [67] And while I’m talking Skyrim, instead of stealing Whiterun. Instead you should just quote the Skyrim NPC’s constantly. “Let me guess… someone stole your sweetroll.” [68] Rumor: A mad scientist has created life, but the being has escaped and stalks the dark alleyways [69] A bird delivers an important letter to a member of the party… That or it’s a 25% off coupon for a local Costume store [70] The circus is in town! But something’s not quite right. The attendants of the shows can never recall what happens during the performances but are always dying to go back [71] A knock off group of Fantasy Avengers appear and take credit for the party’s heroic deeds. They do this multiple times throughout the campaign. I’d suggest settling this debacle once and for all in battle! [72] “Welcome! Have you checked out our main attraction? It’s our pride and joy! People come from all over the world to catch a glimpse of this spectacle!” Examples: House made entirely out of food. A skyscraper that can reach space. A wishing well that supposedly grants one word wishes. A captivating glowing orb of pure hatred and hellfire [73] Rumor: During a full moon a store opens up for business selling strange artifacts. Rumors also suggest the owner of this business is the Devil himself [74] Giant Snail races are being hosted tonight, care to make a wager? [75] Rumor: The local fortune teller has been warning the village of some ominous futures. Surely this is just a ploy to snag some extra profit? [76] A carnival you say? Introduce a bunch of sleazy carnies to con your party into massive debt. A debt so large that it can only be repaid with even sleazier side quests [77] A FUN carnival you say? Let your players participate in some fun games to show off their strengths and clever skills (AKA cheating) [78] Local orphans take a liking to your party, they are very sweet [79] Roll initiative! A mugger has attacked- Oh! False alarm. It’s only a knife salesman [80] A bored god appears within the city demanding the town’s finest ales and to battle an honorable adversary [81] The local Odditorium* is an enticing tourist trap that is offering a questionable new promotion (Think, The Mystery Shack from Gravity Falls or Ripley’s Believe It or Not!) [82] The most unlikely individual offers the party an assassin job. Unfortunately, this job is wacky and requires dressing up like members of a circus [83] A blessing! Local flower shop gifts a player a lucky daffodil. Good fortune and prosperity is in their future [84] A curse! One of your players has been struck with a curse of familiarity. In every town you enter someone will swear they look just like someone else and mistake them for said person [85] Rumor: There’s a rumor going around about your party. A bad one. Nobody trusts you [86] It is migrating season for Unicorns and this town is in the middle of their migration path. Despite their beauty, these Unicorns are dangerous and untrusting [87] The entire town is riddled with traps and wires, be careful where you step [88] As your party travels through the town, one member of the party seems to be teleported to another realm. In reality they haven’t moved at all. Stranger things have happened I’m sure. It’s probably nothing (It’s definitely something) [89] Rumor: A man known as the Master of Riddles lives in town. He will reward anyone for solving his riddles. But the rewards are unlike anything anyone’s ever seen [90] Taxidermied animals rampage through the streets, a Necromancer is to blame [91] Your reoccurring “Big Bad Villain” just happens to be in town. They don’t immediately recognize the party and seem to be doing some pretty domestic stuff. Is this their hometown or is this just a pit stop in their travels? [92] This river settlement is quite large. They have just begun developing this area, most buildings are still being constructed. The tavern, inn and a few shops are open. Trouble looms in the distance as a large beast’s home is directly below [93] Local pants thieves begin messing with the party and it is hilarious [94] Rumor: Inside the oldest building in town there is an ancient door that is said to lead to the heavens. Nobody has ever been able to open the door, not even with magic. The key’s location is an unsolved mystery. Some say the key is buried somewhere nearby [95] Rumor: Local inventor claims to have created a machine that can fly and is willing to pay anyone to give it a test run [96] Dozens of missing person and lost item posters are all around the town (For an extra twist, one of the missing people is someone in the party) [97] In the center of town lies a guild of mice adventurers. They protect this town and make sure all outsiders are trustworthy [98] Take all the snacks and drinks you and your players brought to today’s session and create a boss fight out of it! It emerges from the earth with little to no warning [99] A group of teens run around the city role playing their favorite book characters. Unfortunately these characters are swashbuckling looters. Time to put these kids in time out [100] A traveling merchant sells odd wooden closets, drawers, and chests. When opened, these objects lead to portals between dimensions. Suddenly, one of the closets tip over and the doors swing open

[zarglepoetry]

[audrey-scorne-deactivated202106]

oh so i’m a “gatekeeper” just because i own this gate and won’t open it unless you bribe me or solve my riddles three?

[kaypier-deactivated20200518]

More often than not I’ll crack into a sprawling fantasy series and, while I appreciate the luscious descriptions of furniture, landscapes, and clothing, all I’m focused on is that I don’t actually know how this world works. I only know what it looks like.  

Including some functionality to your universe can add to immersion and give your reader a strong foundation on which to build their mental model of your universe. 

You certainly don’t need to use all of these questions! In fact, I recommend against that, as all of these certainly won’t make it into your final draft. I personally find that starting my worldbuilding off with 5 to 10 functional questions helps pave the way for glittery and elaborate aesthetic development later on.

How is the healthcare funded in your world?

How does healthcare functionally differ between the wealthy and the poor? (i.e. can only the wealthy go to hospitals? do poor families often have to rely on back-alley procedures?)

Where are health centers (i.e. hospitals, small clinics, etc.) organized in your cities?

Does it differ in smaller towns?

How does this affect people’s ability to get healthcare?

Is healthcare magical, and if it is, how does that affect the healthcare system? 

If healing is instantaneous, how does that affect people’s views on injury, illness, and chronic ailments?

If you have both magical and physical healthcare, which one is deemed superior and how does that affect society? 

What illnesses are common in your world? 

How does this affect daily life? 

What do the people in your world think illnesses are? 

Is it a miasma theory? 

Humor theory? 

Demons? 

Do they know about biological viruses and bacteria? 

How does this affect healthcare?

How do people get water? 

Is the water sanitary and if not, how do they sanitize it?

How does agriculture work? 

Is it large corporations or individual farms?

What sort of agricultural technology exists in your world and how does it affect food production?

Are farmers wealthy or poor?

What sort of natural resources does your world/country(ies) have and how are they obtained?

How does this affect the average wealth of the country?

How does this wealth affect the culture? 

What livestock or beasts of burden are most valued? Least valued? Why?

What is considered a luxury good vs. a regular good?

What forms of transportation does your world have?

What classes use what forms of transportation?

How far has the average citizen traveled, given your transportation limitations?

Which cities are the most accessible and which are the least? Why?

How do popular transportation methods change how cities/towns are laid out?

Does your world have public transportation? What is it?

Is there a coming-of-age aspect to travel?

Describe your world’s postal system or whatever equivalent there is. 

Who pays for it? 

How reliable is it? 

Are there emergency methods for transporting information?

How does your world keep time (i.e. watches, sundials, water clock, etc.)?

Does your world have a currency system, barter system, or something else? 

If you have multiple countries, do different currencies have different values across said countries?

How does this affect travel?

Do you have banks in your world and if so, how are they run?

Who owns the banks? Government? Wealthy? How does this affect the economy and/or class system?

How does credit operate in your universe?

Does your world operate more on big corporations or small business? Something in between?

How are workers/labourers treated in your world? 

Are there workers unions and if so, what are common views on unions? 

Describe your tax system. If you don’t have a tax system, explain why and how your world is affected by that. 

Can certain social classes not own property, certain livestock, certain businesses, etc.? Why?

How are business records kept? Are business records kept?

If your world has technology, does your world prioritize developing entertainment tech, communications tech, transportation tech or something else entirely?

What does this say about your world?

How does this affect your economy?

To the closest approximation, what type of government does your world have? 

How are rulers/presidents/nobles put in place? 

How much power does an individual ruler have? 

Is there a veto process? 

If you have multiple countries, do they have different types of rulers?

Describe any large-scale alliances (i.e. countries, factions, etc.) that are present in your world. 

How did they come about and how are they maintained? 

Are they strained or peaceful? 

How does it affect the greater politics of your world?

Describe how wars are fought both internationally and nationally. 

Do methods of war differ between countries/races? 

What about philosophies about war?

If there is a military, what is its hierarchy structure?

How does the military recruit?

Is the military looked upon favourably in your society?

What weapons are used by each country/type of people during warfare, and how does that affect war strategies?

Describe the sentencing system of your world. 

Is your accused innocent until proven guilty, or guilty until proven innocent?

How are lawbreakers punished? 

If you have prisons, describe how they are organized and run, and who owns them. 

Does differing ownership change how the prisons operate?

What are the major ways in which laws between countries vary? 

Do laws between cities vary? If so, how and why?

How does citizenship work in your world? What rights and privileges do citizens have that others do not? 

Can certain classes or races not become citizens?

Are there certain taboo subjects or opinions that artist/authors/musicians are not allowed to depict (i.e. portraying the official religion in a negative light, explicit sexual material, etc.)? What does this say about your society?

How do people get around these censorship laws?

What is the official hierarchy of duty in your world? (i.e. is family the most important, or patriotism? What about clan?)

How many languages are there in your world, and how many languages share a common origin? 

How many people are multilingual? 

Which language is the most common?

How is multilingualism viewed?

How are different languages viewed? (i.e. is one language ugly/barbaric while another is romantic and sensual?)

Feel free to add your own questions in reblogs or in comments!

[emmrichvolkaryn]

D&D Update:

My mother literally stabbed our table to make her Intimidation check against the Arl.

[emmrichvolkaryn]

Update 2 because everyone keeps asking:

Yes, she got advantage instantly.

Yes, she passed with a total of 22 against the Arl’s natural 1.

[catboybruno-moved-deactivated20]

i’ve been on this site for 7 years i know damn well it’s not gonna get deleted. i’m not even a little nervous. not even god could kill this site

[mokujo]

[catboywhisperer]

how dare you compare tumblr to the titanic, this boat is made from 3 nails and pure hubris

[prokopetz]

Honestly, the whole Tumblr flagging debacle reminds me of nothing so much as the official White Wolf forums back in the 1990s, whose automatic profanity filters were so overzealous that they ended up censoring terminology from some of their own games.

(For the uninitiated, the starkest example was probably the filter that automatically converted “ass” to “butt”, including when the string A-S-S appeared as part of another word. The trouble is that White Wolf’s most popular game, Vampire: The Masquerade, included in its lore a prominent vampire clan called the Assamites, who stock-in-trade was assassination. Under the forum’s profanity filter, players were reduced to referring to them as the Buttamites, and their missions as – you guessed it – buttbuttinations.)

[zoi-no-miko]

BUTTBUTTINATIONS.

[robotsandfrippary]

My husband always talks about a forum where they were trying to talk about Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and the forum’s profanity filter decided the proper author was actually “Phillip K. KEEP IT CLEAN” 

[little-wolf-white-peacock]

Omg this makes me feel so old

[glumshoe]

I like haunted houses in theory BUT I have no idea how to react when the actors speak to you. They ask me a question and I just… answer it…

The scariest part of a haunted house is the unscripted social interaction.

[glumshoe]

Scary nurse in a creepy voice: “Do you have an appointment to see the doctor?”

Me: “Uh. Do you accept walk-ins?”

[glumshoe]

Scary farmer: “I like to kill people!”

My friend, brightly: “I like to die!”

[puerto-nic0]

Zombie : “AARRRGH”

Me : “Do you get dental insurance?”

Zombie : “TEETH!!”

[schmergo]

This happened to me.

Scary prison dude: HELLO

Me: Nice to meet you!

Him: (pause) No it’s noooooot

[batsalmighty]

My worst horror house experience was when I couldn’t find the (rather obvious) exit and the guy chasing me with a chainsaw stopped, sighed and pointed me to the exit, saying “please scream as loud as you can when you run out there” and just left. I disappointed the horror house chainsaw dude and I will never get over that

[tired-wolfe]

Guy: They are all my friends.. (motioning to hanging corpses; then grabs a noose) Will you be my friend?  Me: Sure totally, you made me a friendship necklace? Oh my god your so sweet?  Guy: … Yes.. Please, let me.. I cant I cant just go (laughing).  – Got to walk a second time through–  Same guy: My friends -wailing-  Me: I came back I just really wanted to be friends so bad Guy: (laughing more) Please, Im not allowed to laugh. 

[hoardofhyperfixations]

I went to a Haunted House and literally befriended every actor there.

Specifically, I remember;

There were zombies walking around in the waiting room. I said “Hi!” and he gave me a high five. Every time he passed from then on, I got a high five.

Near the end, there were these twin little girls. “Come play with us.” They said. “Okay!” I said. “Forever.” They said. “Oh, sorry, can’t do that. I’m busy.”

I could hear them giggling.

[imanicepersoniswear]

Guy playing Freddie Kruger: Remember, you are all my children!

Me: thanks dad

A small chorus of teenagers: thanks dad

[heartbeatemoji]

any white at a protest who tries to go against police and deliberately provoke a response from them is not to be trusted and does not have the safety of black and brown people in mind.

[telegantmess]

there is a good chance that they are police too. if anyone, especially a white dude, ever randomly gets your attention and conspiratorially tries to convince you to jump a police officer, then dude is a cop. They have been using this technique and script for at least 30 years.

[glumshoe]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_provocateur

[yancakes]

Check their fucking shoes. They’re always too afraid that their little toesies will be hurt so they’ll usually still be rocking the exact same boots as the guys on the other side. This was what gave the cops away when they provoked riots in Toronto a while back.

[levourdalak]

@talesofalamia, remember when I pointed out the shoes of the two well-dressed informants near us?

[wetwareproblem]

Similar note: IME, unmarked cruisers have five distinguishing traits: 1. They’re one of the department-issue models. 2. They’re always white, black, or dark blue. 3. They always look like they just rolled out of a car wash. 4. Usually rocking restricted plates. 5. Most reliable if present but hardest to spot: Their mirrors are bulkier, to fit the light rigs in.

[revscarecrow]

In Austin the under cover officer that tried to convince me to set a cop car on fire had a convincing fake beard.

Be careful out there and read up on common tactics used against protestors before going.

[neckspike-deactivated20240222]

You can usually see the stealth lights if you look into the grill.

Besides the old obvious as fuck Crown Victoria, be suspicious of 2013+ Ford Taurus and Explorer, 2006+ Dodge Charger and Dakota, 06-13 Chevy Impala, 11+ Chevy Caprice and both the Tahoe and Suburban.

Look for oversize mirrors, plugs on the roof and/or A pillar, lights inside the grill, extraneous lights inside the headlight assembly, lights tucked up behind the rear view mirror, steel wheels with or without wheel covers, and plugs or short antennas on the trunk lid.

[jenniferrpovey]

Reblogging this for two reasons: 1. So people who have reason to be afraid of the police (which is pretty much anyone with significant melanin) see it. 2. Uh, good writer reference for describing undercover cop cars…