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Friday Fan-Work: The Primordius

Happy Friday, y’all. It’s ya boy Choujin here.

I’m working on the review for my Thursday Media Review, so it may be late. However, it should be done as soon as possible. For now, I got a treat for you.

Every worldbuilding story has one thing in common: Deities. They can serve as the creators or destroyers of the world. Warcraft has its Titan Pantheon, 40k has the Chaos Gods. For my world (high fantasy, sci-fi and some fan stories), we have the Primal Gods (influenced by the Greek Primal Dieties).

In this short excerpt, The Primordius, Tells a brief reference of each of the current Primal Gods and what they can do. I took more inspiration from Warhammer 40k’s Chaos Gods as they behave more as a reflection of the material world but less on power

and with that, sit back, relax, get something to drink and enjoy The Primordius

The Primordius

Written by TheChoujinVirus

Standing in front of you, an obsidian black book that looks biomechanical in origin and pages that look like they’re etched on solid gold pages. The book has gone through several names: The Lesser Keys, the Grand Grimoire and even the Visnati. However, its true name is called the Primordius, a book that describes the origins of powerful beings that exist outside of reality called the Primal Gods.

What are the Primal Gods?
Before creation, there was only one being: Chaos. In its labored birth, several beings were born. These beings were gifted with a portion of Chaos’s primal aspect (Emotion, natural order, talent) and tasked with maintaining said order. Each have their own name and some worshipped by denizens of the world (and other realities). So far, there are only several named Primal Gods, some that are benevolent and others malevolent. However one should not mistake their altruism as an alliance nor their destructive nature as evil, for the benevolent ones have ulterior motives and the malicious ones may have a purpose for their causes.


Abaddon, The Firstborn
Primal God of Chaos
Harbringer: N/A
The first born out of the world, and the one who rebelled against his siblings, The Primal God of Chaos was the first born and the one viewed as “Chaos personified”. Not a deceiver as his siblings like Surt or Sal’Gatha nor a protector like Hel or Chronos. He is more of an opportunist who watches on the side and joins whoever is stronger or aids in undermining the strongest one. The Primal Gods mostly view Abaddon as an unknown due to his unknown nature but many don’t understand. But some believe that he may be what is left of their lifegiver, Chaos.


Amon, The Bright One
Primal God of Order
Harbringer: Meteyah, Valkyric Dragon of Light
Though a firstborn alongside Abaddon, Amon is born of Order, the opposite of Chaos. Amon too is more or less a rebel like his brother, and shows up too whenever his brother Abaddon arrives. Though some say he only intervenes when all hope fails and when the Primal Gods can’t control the issue. Some view him as a hero who shows up when needed, but not as reliable as the others while others view him as a meddler who interferes with the natural law of Chaos. However, both he and Abaddon serve the purpose of balance: as neither side can truly win nor lose.

Benthic, The Black Ward
Primal God of War and Survival
Harbringer: “The Four Horsemen” (4 harbingers chosen by Benthic to test said world)
Life is brutal and sometimes short, but all life must be tempered to be strong through survival. Benthic represents the world’s need of survival and to fight. He is known to temper those through harsh methods. Wars, pestilence, famines and even mass death. Those who know what he brings mistake it as the End of the World, but to Benthic, it’s a test that all denizens must go through. Should they succeed, Benthic rewards that world the right to survive. However, should he find them wanting, he leaves them to their fate (and in the hands of his brothers and sisters).

Caphocia of the Many Faces
Primal Goddess of Deception and Lies
Harbringer: N/A
Many will try and live thorough any means, even by deception and lies. Caphocia’s nature of deception is everchanging as her face itself. Thriving through lies and deception come as close as Caphocia, who can make any truth-teller question their means as she undermines many. Sometimes she gives lies that are helpful for those to survive, while otherwise she can create false things to deceive others and push favor for her siblings to succeed. One cannot be to sure about Caphocia’s true motives as her own deception can confuse others. Truly showing the chaotic and unpredictability nature of deception.

Chronos, the Archivist
Primal God of Time
Harbringer: Luther of the Bronze
Chronos is an observer to many worlds and tasks himself with monitoring time and space itself. Each reality has a “Prime path”, an event that all worlds are destined to follow. However, some worlds seem to defy this through shattered paths and defied items. Sometimes, to avoid deviancy from his siblings (or at the request of another Primal like Morai). Chronos can also be a bit of a trickster, sometimes having people relive the same day again and again. Other times, he will intervene should that world’s “Prime path” be lead astray.


Dagoa, the Guardian
Primal Goddess of Nature and Earth
Harbringer: Gaia
Nature has existed for decades and serve as the basis of the natural order. She works closely with her Sister Hexxuba and begrudgingly with her brothers Benthic and Surt. She’s more indifferent to the mechaniations of her siblings and only cares about life in general, from the flora, fauna and the apex species of each world. However, she can become vengeful should the natural order be damaged or perverted (whether by mortal or her own kin).

Hexxuba, the Great Mother
Primal Goddess of Life
Harbringer:N/A
The bringer of Life, the sister of Dagoa and Hel as part of the “Natural Order”, Hexxuba’s job is to ensure all life is born and is guardian of the Wheel of Life (which ensures all life is able to return to the next world in a new body after their body is over.) She even is tasked with ensuring that the Primal Gods themselves cannot die (with the exception of the knowledge Sal’Goroth learned). She butts heads with Hel and despises Surt and Benthic. However, she is caring with Morai and Chronos.

Hel, Queen of the Underworld
Primal Goddess of Death
Harbringer: Warhound
The sister of Dagoa and Hexxuba, and part of the “Natural Order”. Her job is to shepherd the dead toward the land of the dead, the Underworld, where they are judged and moved on to Hexxuba’s department. Though not as cheery as her sisters, she’s not tolerant of those who upset the balance. Not uncommon of her to clash with Surt or Sal’Goroth (especially Sa’Goroth due to her knowledge of necromancy). Hel, however, does feel a bit forgotten by nearly all denizens save for the Midian world.

Morai, Weaver of Eight Arms
Primal Goddess of Fate
Harbringer: Unknown
The weaver of every being’s fate through her loom and the one who decides when said mortal lives or die. She is fascinated by the fates of people and how they function with the choices. She’s able to even see the fates of her siblings and to see whether they win or fail. Sometimes, she’s known to speak in riddles to mortal ears (and to the annoyance of her siblings). However, she has her ulterior motives that some (save for Sal’Goroth’s persistence) don’t know of.

Rahab, the Abyssal One
Primal God of Darkness and Fear
Harbringer: Dagon the Devourer
Longing the eternal bliss of oblivion and Chaos, Rahab is known as the Abyssal One due to his birth from the inky blackness. A master of fear and darkness, he brings an eternal night where sunlight cannot penetrate and fear into even the most lionhearted. Like his brother Abaddon and Atem, he’s more of an opportunist than a mastermind. However, he does have his own reason of why he brings darkness: To show the futility of mortals at the inevitable darkness and to enjoy the return of the eternal nothing.

Sal’Goroth, The Mad Intellect
Primal Goddess of Knowledge
Harbringer: Unknown
The maddened mind of the dark thoughted one, Sal’Goroth, is known for blessing (and cursing) those with intelligence. Though some bring the best intentions, a lot end up down a dark path that opens the doors to the ire (or arrival) of some of the Primal Gods. Though she knows all and predicts all, she’s also the lorekeeper of the Forbidden Knowledge, knowledge that she would never let loose. One of which is the permanent way of defeating (True Death) of a Primal God. She seeks out potential in people (through power or intellect) that in the end, is used by her for her own goals. She ushers “The Great Game”, a mental test to see how the world reacts to new knowledge and whether it will bring a golden age or a destructive end.

Surt, The Destroyer
Primal God of Destruction and Fire
Harbringer: Farina, the Black Knight
Known and feared by even the Primal Gods with the exception of those like Morai or Sal’Goroth, Surt is a being that longs to destroy the worlds themselves. Sometimes he works close to his brother, Rahab and his sister Sal’Goroth. However, he usually will check with Morai to see if his fated victory happens (though Morai has been known to defy the fates of his victory). Surt’s goal of destruction is viewed as wonton, but in short, he views himself as a purifier who flays destruction and death to cleanse the world. For to create a new world, one must flay and destroy the old world.

Tiamat of the Turquoise Scales
Primal Goddess of Water and Defiance
Harbringer: None
Tiamat, unlike her other siblings, is viewed as the youngest of the Primal Gods and represents the flowing nature of water. Fickle and stubborn, the young goddess has been known to agitate some of her siblings into conflicts or to just annoy them. Some speculate if Rahab is the son of Tiamat, but in short, they’re twins. Her nature is reflective like water: Calm and rippling, defiant and crashing or icy and harsh. Tiamat’s behavior has been known to bring the ire to all the Primal Gods.

Xaric, the Coveted One
Primal God of Wealth and Covet
Harbringer: The Ebon Raven
Xaric is the last of the primal gods, the one who covets anything (love, possession, survial,) anything that he can get his claws on. Keeper of forbidden treasures and items, sometimes he’ll be willing to share (if you’re willing to part with something you care that he covets.) Otherwise, he’s not friendly with thieves. He guards the Grand Treasury, his realm known to hold riches, wealth, knowledge. Anything the gods and mortals covet.

the-primordiusDownload

Tuesday Mumbles: George Floyd Protests

Written By TheChoujinVirus

Note: The following is based on my own opinion on the matter, so do not take it too personal for this situation. On my opinion on this, I hope that this ends peacefully for both parties.

It’s ya boy, Choujin here! This week’s one hell of doozey. If it’s not Covid-19, it’s now riots between protesters and police.

For those who may not have paid attention to the news, an African-American man named George Floyd was killed when under detainment of the police. Hence why I had to use the “Coconut Chrunch-Os” commercial from the T.V. show Atlanta. Now, ya boy feels like this was a really, REALLY bad handling on our boys in blue. Supposedly this was over a counterfeit 20 dollar bill. Now, when I was a kid, I remembered when law enforcement never did this crud before. Then again, stuff changed during the North Hollywood shootout.

This puts ya boy in a very difficult position in this argument. On one half, I’ve looked up to law enforcement my whole life as people who help uphold the law and protect the innocent, but on the other hand, you have law enforcement that lead to some issues like excessive force or targeting certain ethnicity due to some prejudiced. I agree with the situation that law enforcement need better non-lethal measures that won’t kill people (shoot to maim, not to kill for subjects), but when it comes to “defunding the police” I don’t want them to be defunded and in another North Hollywood. I guess you can say I support both the protesters and the law enforcement.

I’m also aware that law enforcement isn’t free of corruption or problems like unions or infiltration from some groups. Something that I’ve heard brought up several times such as right wing infiltration of law enforcement. it can get someone to question the narrative and deny that the stuff one grew up with would be viewed as crooked as the crooks that they fight.

In short, ya boy’s really conflicted on this. Not conflicted on the idea of a black man killed by white cops, but conflicted on how one can view cops and law enforcement, the same law enforcement I was raised to view as the good guys and protectors. How can one view them as heroes when stories make them villains? How can one look up to them, when you see them using excessive force on minimal issues.

How can one view cops as uncorruptable, when they themselves are not immune to the same corruption crime creates?
But to remind people, I am NOT some anti-cop person who screams “Fuck the police!” or reveres “Cop Killers” as heroes. However, I do feel that how bad apples can create this mess and distrust that leads to cop killers and anti-cop sentimentality. But I need to know that though the cops are the good guys and there to keep the peace on the street, they are not immune to problems.

I’m sure someone would ask me “So what would you do in this situation? What would your answer be?”
My answer? Well that’s a bit of a bugaboo, but if you want my opinion I’d go for holding those accountable?
Who accountable? Well I’d have to say things like this: If excessive force exists? Call them out for it!
Ensure that law enforcement unions don’t cover up shit like what’s going on now or claiming a man who got knocked over by a cop “tripped”.

It’s not simple, but to me, it’ll be a start…

Thursday Media Review: Top 5 things to do in World of Warcraft before Shadowlands goes live

World of Warcraft, the MMORPG that still going over twenty years since its release in 2004. It has it’s good strong moments and survived some cataclysmic issues. During BlizzCon 2019, they announced the latest expansion known as Shadowlands. So far, talks about this expansion has gotten people interested (and has gotten your boy back into WoW thanks to a friend.) So as I’m playing catch-up and getting myself geared, I’ve noticed there’s some content and things one can enjoy when not doing their weekly embassy missions or taking the fight to N’Zoth every week. So, here’s my Top 5 things to do in WoW before Shadowlands goes live.

#5. Try new class/race

World of Warcraft can let you create various races and class combos. From Orc Warriors to Pandaren Monks, you got a choice of what to make. However, some people, like myself, have one race or class preference. With the introduction of Allied races, perhaps its a time to try a new race or class? Sure it’s fun running around as the Orc Warrior or Pandaren Monk, but maybe try something different like perhaps a different race as a monk or just a whole new class? Like a Draenei Mage or even a Gnome Priest. You might find those classes just as enjoyable as the classes you prefer and you might and even sometimes find the new class you’ve rolled to be better than your last one. Heck, I’ve tried a few classes (though haven’t completed some of them yet) but I can attest that Hunter and Monk are pretty fun.

#4. Do older content

now i’m sure you’re puzzled at why I’m suggesting people to go to older content rather than the current content of Battle for Azeroth. Especially when the gear that drops in stuff like Burning Crusade is vastly inferior to the Visions of N’Zoth? What if I told you that some of that old loot can be useful cosmetically? What if I told you that some of the bosses have a chance of dropping a cute pet or better: a rare mount to show off? Best of all, most of the content doesn’t require needing a huge group and some can be done by yourself. So if you’re bored of smashing Queen Ashara in the face with your Epic axe or smashing arena greenhorns. Maybe go back to places like Outlands and grind reputation for that sweet Netherdrake you never got, going back to Icecrown and hope to claim that elusive undead horse, Invincible (or Ashes of Al’ar if you’re really devoted for it). Heck, get your Demon Hunter to Outlands and get those sweet Warglaives of Azzinoth. Go and make your character look badass. There’s plenty of unseen content for one to sate the itch until Shadowlands goes live.

#3. Sink your teeth into content you haven’t tried

Some people have either stuck to their favorite things. Some are Dungeon runners or raiders while others may be pet battlers or Arena kings. One thing that could be good is trying something that you might not have done. You can try to play some Battlegrounds or Arenas if you want some fun. Perhaps try some chances at pet battling, a Pokemon-like battle system where you use pets to fight (remember those little pets I told you one could get from older raids?) If you’re a pvp fighter, check what dungeon running and raiding can be. There’s untouched content to explore. Oh and if you’re doing PvP, do be careful about getting your teeth kicked in by tougher PvPers (that’ll be another time). But anyway, it’s good to see something new.

#2. Stock Up for Shadowlands

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering “stock up what?”

In World of Warcraft, you got things called professions (these are useful for crafting items like food, potions or engineering trinkets.) You may be busy power leveling items for Shadowlands that you may not have access to any of the better things until you get access to it. However, older things can work. For example, I’m an engineer. What I did before the expansion of Cataclysm was craft myself some Saronite Repair Bots (robots that served as mobile repair merchants) as well as preparing a mobile mailbox and cooked some stat increasing food as I would continue my trip through Cataclysm’s new zones. This can be helpful as you’ll need the probable resources to get through challenges. Oh and don’t just hoard up on just items, do make some gold too. Try and make some money before Shadowlands goes live, after all some items will cost gold and it would be expensive to maintain your equipment and probably training for some professions. Try to set a reasonable goal like 50k to 100k or even more if you want. But do remember to keep some sizable items in your inventory so when you’re questing in the Shadowlands, you won’t need to worry about not being prepared.

1. Try a Roleplaying Server

Playing World of Warcraft is a fun ordeal as you enjoy it, but what if I told you that you could take it to the next level? Enter the Roleplaying servers. What are they? Imagine the same thing as the usual servers in the game, but rather you can create a backstory for your created character. Not only that but you have some roleplaying events that can be fun (World PvP Fights for “territories”. Parties, even other stuff). It can be fun creating some characters (So long as you don’t go overboard with your character). But if you want your boy’s opinion, Roleplay servers can be fun though. However, a bit of some advice, if you are on a server called Moon Guard, stay the hell out of Goldshire..

For God's Sake Do not go to Goldshire!

With that, those are my top 5 things you can do while waiting for Shadowlands to come out. Though these are my ways to bide my time for this suspenseful wait. Otherwise, you’re free to do what you want to do if you play WoW. Oh and if you’re curious, I do hang out on WoW, if you want to know what servers I play on, don’t hesitate to ask.

With that, hope you guys enjoy the rest of your day and stay safe.

References

Tuesday Mumbles: Hot weather

Written by TheChoujinVirus

Note: The following is written in my own opinion. So do not take any offense to my statement or opinions.

Happy Post Memorial day everyone. It’s ya boy Choujin here.


Today is what I declare the first day of Summer? Before you ask, some will be asking “Why are you declaring May 26th Summer? Summer isn’t until June. Well today, our temperature has reached 98f and is creeping supposedly up to 101. So it already feels like summer (and my orchard plants say that too.)

Why does your boy hate the heat? Well I’ve never been a person who enjoys very hot weather. I’m the kind who would either need to be near a body of water with a cold drink or hunkered down next to a fan. If I have to go out, I’d do it while keeping myself cool while keeping myself out of the heat.
Though that sounds nice, we get to one problem I hate about heatwaves….

The first thing that I hate is the power bill. When you need to keep cool, that means the air conditioning needs to be on and if it’s not, you’re going to be feeling hot and miserable in your own house. Now ya boy does something like turning on some fans, which minimizes the need for the A.C. to turn on. Power conservation during these hot days can be a balancing game of do you want to keep cool or save some cash from not having a huge bill. It’s not only just the electric bill, but water as well. If you have a lawn or some fruit trees, you need to ensure your plants are able to survive (Unless you want a dead lawn or trees). So that can be an expense as some plants aren’t really good in the heat (particularly the dry seasons of California, where ya boy lives).

So hot weathers and heatwaves for me, can be a pain in the pocketbook than just the heat itself.

The second and last thing I’m not fond about this is how the heat can be a pain when it comes to cooking. Now, i’m sure someone will ask me, “how the hell does hot weather affect cooking?”
It’s a pretty simple: trying to cook something like meatloaf or something heavy is going to make it miserable. Oh and trying to enjoy a beer in 100 degree weather is literally asking to make yourself miserable. When it gets that hot, I’ll either be microwaving leftovers or something simple.

In short, hot weather can be a pain in the butt and I’d rather stay inside to keep myself cool.

Thursday Media Review: Top 7 Monsters from Media

Written by TheChoujinVirus

Note: this was made to be released on Thursday but due to delays it’s posted today

Happy Thursday, everyone, it’s ya boy, Choujin.
Quarantine’s still happening, but ya boy’s doing well. One thing I’ve been doing is rewatching movies and tv shows, and some things I’ve seen that got me rekindling of remembering monsters from old movies. Also, May was supposed to be the release of Godzilla vs. Kong, but due to the epidemic, we can’t see it until later on. So instead of reviewing media, I’ve decided to top 7 monsters from monsters. Before we go with the rules, we got some rules for this list.1. Any species are allowed, but they can’t be human (so no Jason, Meyers, or Borg. However, if the monster was a transformed human, that’s an exception)
2. No genre is taboo (so anything fantasy or sci-fi can count)
3. Robots can count and applied to the same rules applied too (but, also the robot can’t be piloted)
4. One monster per franchise.
5. To make things fair, No monsters from Godzilla films or Kong films (it would be way too easily)
5. This is my list, so if you feel a monster I put in isn’t on the list, don’t get miffed.
With that, let’s make our little list.

#7: Eborsisk (Willow)

Starting off this list is the monstrous twin-headed monstrosity known as the Eborsisk from 1988’s Willow. A creature transformed from a troll due to Willow’s lack of magical knowledge, this creature was born from its body and thus was something impressive. Done by Tippet’s Go Motion, the creature looked pretty organic for early special effects. Sadly the creature’s short debut in one moment in the movie sadly doesn’t make it memorable. However, it had one of THE most awesome deaths in which one of its head explodes. However, there are more monsters on the list…

#6: William Burkin (Resident Evil 2)

I’m sure a lot of you are wondering why I’m recommending Burkin? Well, it’s due to what happens throughout the game of Resident Evil 2. For those curious, Burkin infected himself with the G-Virus, a bioweapon created for Umbrella, in an attempt to prevent himself from dying. His creation now turning him into an infected monstrosity that slowly loses its humanity. Looking like a hulking monstrosity until eventually, he transforms into something resembling a fanged maw with various teeth and claws. Burkin’s form puts the horror in Resident Evil 2 and makes him a nightmarish creature that I admire the design for.

#5: Ramiel (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Not all monsters are beasts, some monsters can have some abstract bodies. In Neon Genesis Evangelion, we have Ramiel, one of the aforementioned kaiju known as “Angels.” Some angels take on the form of alien monstrosities or humanoids, but Ramiel’s one exception. When we are greeted by this Angel, it’s a literal floating blue diamond. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a giant diamond that shoots lasers. Sure it’s not impressive, but if you count the Rebuild series, Ramiel’s body can change shapes depending on its situation. It also makes the not so living thing actually feel like it’s a living thing regardless.

#4: Rahab (The Ocean Hunters)

Sea Monsters are a thing I like, and Sega’s 1998 arcade rail-shooter The Ocean Hunter is no exception to that. The final boss of the game, Rahab, is the source of all giant sea monsters that plague the world. He starts out as a strange giant frog-like creature called Dagon, then becoming bipedal as he becomes Poseidon. After dealing enough damage, he becomes the daemonic destructive creature Dagon. The design of this ferocious creature’s face gives a monstrous visage resembling a cyclopean skull and a body resembling a weedy sea dragon. His backstory makes him unique as he’s a monster born from the blackness of chaos and wanting vengeance of humans for destroying his home. It goes to show you that some monsters do have a reason to destroy than wanton annihilation. Heck, it can make them pretty human sometimes.

#3: Deathwing (Warcraft)

Now we’re getting to some personal favorites of mine. Out of most of the monsters in Warcraft, none are as impressive as Deathwing. Sure he was a hero unit in Warcraft 2, it was World of Warcraft: Cataclysm that led to him being the main focus. Once a noble Black Dragon named Neltharion the Earth-Warder, he became twisted by ancient eldritch horrors known as the Old Gods and driven mad to where he poses a grand threat to the world as he plans to unleash the Hour of Twilight. He starts out as a giant dragon only being held together with metal plates, and over time, he becomes a twisted pile of molten tentacles and flesh. Just as twisted as his monstrosities. Like Rahab, Deathwing does have a backstory that makes this monster a great villain. However, this is a list, not backstory lore.

#2: Cloverfield (Cloverfield)

When it comes to American Kaijus, besides King Kong, you have J.J. Abram’s Cloverfield monster. When the movie was in trailers, people never got a chance to see what this beast could be. Suddenly, when 2008 rolled out, we then got our view of the monster, and I gotta say, it’s an interesting beast. One, the creature’s sheer size makes it capable of knocking off the Statue of Liberty’s head. And if you think you can hide from the creature, this things got dog-sized mites that fall off the monster and can attack you. Oh, and did I mention that this beast is a baby monster? That’s right, this thing’s only a baby. Who knows how big this thing’s mom would be. Clover’s got potential for being a great American Kaiju.

#1:The Thing (The Thing)

All the monster listed had something unique that I liked, and some of them either had cunning, monstrosities, or just great designs or concepts. Now, what makes The Thing from the John Carpenter (and prequel) movie the top on the list is its nature: It’s basically a biological mimic. When the movie starts, it mimics a dog the group rescues from two Swedish researchers and reveals its monstrous form. Throughout the movie, the creature slowly picks off each person and later replaces them. Revealing itself when exposed and becoming twisted parts. What a terrifying monster: it can be anyone or anything, then ambush you. It’s an impressive feat that makes this creature my favorite monster of all time.

Thanks for reading my list and comment on what your favorite monsters from media are if you want.

References

Tuesday Mumbles: Stupidity

Written by TheChoujinVirus

Note: The following is based on my opinion. Don’t take it too personal if it rubs you the wrong way.

Happy Tuesday, it’s ya boy, Choujin here!


Still alive and still doing well during the Covid-19 stuff going on. However, I’ve noticed that people are starting to get a bit impulsive and agitated over the whole situation. In fact, some are outright protesting this and wanting to reopen while we’re still having issues. Some have gone as far as to inject themselves with aquarium cleaner to purge the virus and killing themselves. To me, I want to quote Agent K from Men In Black. It’s bad enough to hurt ya boy’s brain, and if I wanted to have my brain hurt I’d be reading an Astrophysics book in German.

First off, we got ourselves the protests against the shelter-in-place order, something that some people are angry. Not ragging on every one of them, as some have grievances such as wanting to get back to work or opening up their businesses that were deemed non-essential during this whole thing. Those guys I empathize on their anger. However, you have some people who protest over this due to certain anger and issues due things like haircuts, teeth cleaning and just wanting to go to a bar. Now, why in the ever-living hell would people risk their lives just to get a beer or a haircut? Some are stupid enough to let themselves be swayed by some groups out there that can somehow sway them (as some organizations have somehow convinced people to protest this.)
Some may feel that it’s almost that some people goading this are more about money than others, if not..the Mayor of Las Vegas kinda gives that vibe that money talks than people’s well being. I mean, seriously…I may not be a businessman, but I know that you can’t get money from the dead…

And don’t think this goes back up to just the regular folk, some folks in our government have thought of some crazy ideas. Not too long ago, they suggested injecting cleaning solution and UV lights (then later invoked the “It’s just a prank, brah!” card.) What kind of president would suggest this kind of issue and eventually leading to some issues where people have poisoned themselves listening to this crap. Again, doctors and medical advisors are telling people about the risks of the virus and yet people will turn to those who have no medical knowledge for something about a virus.

I mean, this tier level of stupidity can hurt one’s brain and question how we as a race survived up to this and whether we can survive. Anyway, in short, this just frustrates me that people would go at this tier level of stupidity. Which in the end, to those protesting and risking their lives (as noble as their intentions are) during a pandemic, all ya boy has to say is this…

Friday(Thursday)Media Review: Animal Crossing New Horizon

Written by TheChoujinVirus

Note: This review may contain spoilers to the game. If you do not want to be spoiled and want to be surprised, don’t read.

Heya, it’s ya boy, Choujin here.

I recalled my last media review, we talked about the Animal Crossing movie that I wanted to do a review of the newest animal Crossing game. For those who might not have been paying attention, the Nintendo Switch had one game released on March 20th. It’s a hugely anticipated game that people were waiting for a very long time. So enough with the banter and long-winded chat, and let’s get started with the review of Animal Crossing New Horizon.

Summary of the Series and Gameplay

Animal Crossing, in general, is basically a soft life simulator game where you move into a village of animals where you explore, collect furniture, do jobs, catching bugs and fish, digging up treasure, make friends with your virtual animal neighbors (or with other players or friends) as well as participate in holiday events. Though animal crossing is known for not its story, things changed in New Leaf, where you become the mayor of your town and can build items called Public Works Projects.

In Animal Crossing New Horizon (like all animal crossing games), you play as a villager. However, in this game, you are part of Nook Inc’s Deserted Island Package. You and two other villagers (in my playthrough I started out with Reneigh the horse and Poncho the Bear) are greeted by Tom Nook. You are then given the first task in setting up your tent (and helping out your first two people with their shelter) as then you’re tasked with gathering items and food to celebrate your first day on the island. You get to name your island at this moment, too (for me, I called my island Astera), and you’re on your way of island life.

Though throughout your game, as the first player (known as the Island Representative by Tom Nook), you are tasked to improve the island. Such tasks include having stores opened (both The Nooklings and Abel Sisters), getting the Museum, encouraging villagers to move into your town and planting plots for their houses, and finally building up your town’s rating in order to attract K.K. Slider to your town for a performance.

Though throughout your everyday life, the game encourages you with a cool feature called DIY (Do It Yourself), which at the beginning of the game lets you build furniture and, in some parts of the story, things like your first bridge and plots for new neighbors. Of course, it’s also used to craft yourself tools like shovels, bug nets, fishing rods, and slingshots. Best of all, the DIY system requires you to gather resources. Some resources are made from stuff like twigs, rocks, iron ore, wood, and even odd things like Easter eggs and peach petals.

Oh, and if you need more resources, your town’s airport, known as Dodo Airlines, will take you to other islands to gather resources. All it costs you is Nook Miles, a currency you get through doing daily activities like catching fish or talking to neighbors. Sometimes, you may get random events besides holidays. Some days you may get visited by C.J. the Beaver or Flick the Chameleon (both buy fish and bugs at higher prices as well as hosting tournaments), Saharah the camel who sells wallpaper and carpets for your house, and others like Kicks the Skunk or Label who sell you rare clothing.
Animal Crossing doesn’t have any limitations save for what your mind can do and how far you can do with your island.

Island Paradise: What makes New Horizons great to me?

New Horizon brings several different things to the table than previous expansions. One such unique feature is the whole early part of the game. While the first Animal Crossing games had you move into a village and New Leaf lets you become the mayor of your town. New Horizon has a plot where you have Tom Nook setting up a deserted island into a thriving Island town or city. The satisfaction of watching your town start from just tents to houses and seeing it develop gives you a sense of pride.

Another thing I like is the DIY system. The ability to craft your own furniture does shopping for furniture a bit easier. Why waste money when you can make your own bed? Acquiring the recipes are also pretty fun too, as you can find them from your neighbors, the Nookling store, bottles that wash up, and even from balloons. Each is pretty unique and cute to boot. This makes decorating your house pretty fun.

Finally, what makes the game good is from what is described as they incorporated the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. This means that summer happens during Christmas if you register your island as being Southern Hemisphere. Something that I never thought would be implemented in Animal Crossing. One factor is that they also incorporate the Welcome Amiibo feature from New Leaf. Later in the game, once you have built the campsite, you can recruit villagers through the use of old AC Amiibo cards. This can make getting favorite villagers much, much easier. Though as the game has some feats I like, there are some parts I felt are lacking.

Island Issues: what the game needs improvement.

One glaring issue I find annoying is tool durability. As I mentioned before, the DIY system lets you build tools, and sadly the tools break over time. Flimsy items break the quickest while the iron (and unfortunately gold) break the slowest. This can become a pain in the butt if you’re trying to use them and suddenly having them shatter after a few uses. You either have to make multiple items in case one break (which means that it takes up space). Another issue I felt was the story takes a pretty slow pace. As much as I know, Animal Crossing is more of a journey than a destination, it can become a bit of a slog when the game takes its fat time. I felt annoyed when Blathers arrived, and I had to wait the next day just to get the Museum, and one factor was when I had 3 neighbors move in, I had to wait 3 full days just for all three of them to move in (they moved in one at a time) so it felt inconvenienced for my goal to play the waiting game.

Especially when you learn that it takes one month (without changing your switch’s internal clock) for the Nookling shop to open. One issue I may have is the neighbors. Sure, they greatly improved on the neighbors’ design and have them do some interesting things like having them sing and having sheep villagers finally wear shirts instead of scarves, but the problem is their personalities. Though each character is an individual, they still have the same default personality categories (e.g., snooty, grumpy, lazy, etc.), which means that some villagers (example Ketchup and Flora) will share the same mannerisms and words despite being different. It can be frustrating to notice that, and it doesn’t help that some of the Amiibo Villagers aren’t in the game (these were exclusive villagers that came from non-AC amiibos such as Epona from Zelda amiibos and Felyne from the Monster Hunter Stories Amiibos.) It feels a bit annoying I can’t have those characters as I had good memories of them from New Leaf.

Lastly, though, the game’s big feat is the multiplayer, as you can have up to eight players. The problem is that whenever someone arrives or leaves, everything is paused, and you have to go through a bit of a cutscene. Not a problem if you got one or two people visiting, but when you got more..it can be SOOOO annoying when hosting things as simple as Turnip trading or just get-togethers. I’m sure you’re going to ask me, “But Choujin, what about the One Island per switch thing.” I didn’t put that on the list as I don’t need another island, and one island is enough for me to enjoy. However, I do feel for those who share the same game and the same house with family but are fearful of being locked out.

Should you go across the New Horizon?

In short, the game is a pretty fun game to play and something you can pick up for a few hours a day to check up on your villagers and build your island to the ground up with only your imagination. Would I suggest New Horizon for anyone? If you’re an Animal Crossing fan, yes! If this is your first foray into the Animal Crossing franchise, I’d go for it too and start off. It’s a perfect game for anybody who is following shelter in place orders and beyond that. What makes it also enjoyable is that there’s going to be future DLC and events that’ll make the game last longer for those who bought it on release day.

References

Good News and Bad

heya, got some good news and bad.
Bad news is that my Media Review will be late and that I don’t have any new fanwork at the moment as Chapter 5 isn’t ready yet.

The good news is that though my review will be late, I’m gunning for my review to be done by Friday, so stay tuned.

Tuesday Mumbles: Pest Control

Written by TheChoujinVirus

Note: the following is based on my opinions on this matter. So don’t take it personal if you feel offended by this.

Good Tuesday everyone, It’s ya boy Choujin here.

With Covid-19 still goin’ on and having an interesting Easter sunday with my grams, I’ve found something that annoys the hell out of me that i’ve noticed while cleaning: the ever annoying issue of pests in the house and how despite you deal with them they won’t go away. I mean, it’s annoying as heck when I have to deal with those guys. Especially when they they’re the kind to freak the hell out of you.


One such thing that i’ve been dealing with in my garage were those nasty las cucarachas Americana (American Cockroaches) and how those little bastards will scurry away quickly and raid stuff like my dog’s food or under his bed. It annoys me like hell to see that shit. So to combat this, I’ve got myself some Motel de las cucarachas (Roach Motels) and bam! Ya boy nailed those suckers…or so I thought. Eventually I found more of those suckers were checking in those traps, but weren’t checking out. To me that’s good! that means the little suckers were being nailed, but for some reason there’s more or scarce. Though it’s good that it works, I may have to check for stuff like boxes and such as they act like sanctuary and food for those suckers! It’s annoying and disgusting to see them scurry and hide, and they’re the large american ones so the adults can fly (and ya boy is a man until they start flying). Though I’ve had to deal with more inconvenience and dangerous critters than just cockroaches.

Today, ya boy noticed wasps were building nests under his roof outside. Now, these little bastards are ones I avoid. Then again, repetitive stinging by them teach you a lesson that makes you go “no! no! Bee bring pain!” Lucky for me, a little thing called Raid can nail those wasp nests effectively, it’s usually trying to find them which is tricky as sometimes they may build nests in areas that are small enough and only able to spot them the second they start to get numerous. Meaning one female wasp can stealthily build a nest until she has enough daughters to make the nest bigger. This is what your boy finds annoying as new nests can pop up (and can be worse if there’s more than one queen that makes nest and you got double the trouble). I mean, sheesh, why don’t those little bastards get the point when their cousins die to a can of raid that maybe this house isn’t a viable option? It’s not like having to deal with some more clever buggers out there.

The last one I’m talking about happen to be mice, little furry bastards that can be a pain in the butt. Luckily I never got them in my house, but I’ve seen them in my grandmother’s backyard due to one of our neighbors having chickens (aka rodent magnets). Luckily, none got into her house and most were just dead bodies (killed by poison or neighborhood cats) but I’m the one having to pick up their dead bodies so they don’t rot. What makes them annoying is these things are crafty and speedy, meaning they’re not as dumb as bugs and learn. Not only that, but they breed and even the babies will grow fast enough and start scurrying about. It’s annoying as there’s not many pretty ways to getting rid of them especially with poison as they’ll slowly die…

Pest control isn’t easy and isn’t a sit and you’re done kind of thing. It’s more like a constant battle as you need to keep an eye that they don’t return back to cause more damage. Not only that, but you don’t want roaches or mice in your house as they become hard to eliminate. I feel more like my house is Helm’s Deep and the pests are the Orcs invading my place. Again, luckily none of that crap happens and i’m doing simple things to keep the critters out like keeping your place clean, not leaving food outside to attract said critters and preemptively eliminating nests. Just because i’m in quarantine, doesn’t mean those little bastards will take over.

This ya boy Choujin saying to have a good Tuesday and do be safe out there