Haikus Week 6: Schools of Magic

My flesh heals quickly
Can take any form I choose
Shape Shifting has perks

The vessels all burst
Hemorrhages through bodies
Messy Blood Magic

You don't need powers
States of Matter change by will
Phase Magic locks down

Atoms break apart
All existence a weapon
Nuclear Magic Ace

Your thoughts are nothing
Your memories illusion
With Light, I erase

The Undead will rise
Loved Ones and Foes will be used
Necromancy Magic

Moving with the Mind
Reality obeys thought
Telekinetic

Fire Emblem: Conquest

I completed Fire Emblem Birthright and jumped right into Conquest.

And I'll admit, this game is far more enjoyable than the last.  Most of all because of the amount of frustration it causes.  Fire Emblem Birthright felt like Awakening in that it was too easy to power your way through the game and ignore strategy.  Conquest will punish you severely for this mentality.

The enemies are tougher.  Your allies are weaker (and slower) When Fire Emblem has succeeded in forcing me to draw the enemy in one at a time and take more than 40 turns to clear a chapter, it has succeed into giving me what I seek.

On top of this boost to challenge, I like the story of Nohr far more.  They are a much more fleshed out nation while their enemies are the stereotypical good guys.  King Garon is obviously evil, and any advisory named Iago deserves the same amount of trust.  But the siblings in this path are much more interesting characters.

We have cold and distant Xander, overprotective and flirty Camilla, Smug and nasty Leo, and Genki Girl Elise. While their opposing siblings were more similar, these ones are not.  and while it may seem that Leo and Xander are similar based on the words I used to describe them, it is just untrue.

Now to the game play itself, chapters return with unusual objectives like the dreaded "survive chapters" and I have also dealt with vast enemy forces with a small force of allies.  These challenges have felt missing to me since Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn.

And the plot takes on the darker undertones that I expect from this series.  Namely an ancient conspiracy and a King who is doing whatever he can to get the main character killed while they are doing work for them.  And difficult is the name of the game in this series.

I cannot wait to see how this game plays out as well as see how part three: Revelations will bring the whole thing together. 

My Mother's Birthday

Today is my Mom's Birthday.  Even though I am roughly 1200 miles away from you, distance does not stop me from thinking about you ever day.

My mom has always been a hard worker who fights against the odds.  She stands firm in being a teacher while living in a country that has made it its mission to destroy each and every teacher in the land.  She fought hard to keep our family together when it looked like it would splinter asunder.  And she fought hardest of all, when her oldest son's life spiraled into the deepest levels of the abyss.  She did the best she could to pull me out from that dark pit.

And now, as I sit in my apartment in Florida, I want to let my Mother know how much I appreciate what she has done for me.  Compared to most people on the Autism Spectrum, I am very well adjusted.  I am in the unique position to stand up against bullies and nasty people.  A position I am only able to maneuver myself into through much effort by my mother when I was a child.

If I told you that I did not start talking until the age of four, I doubt you would believe me, but I assure you its true.  My mother took me to speech therapy so that I would start talking, and more importantly, slow down when speaking.  So I may talk fast still, but not as severe as before.

Really I could go on explaining all the wonderful things my Mother has contributed to my life.  But lets remember its her birthday today.  And that even on her special day, she is working as a Teacher.  It really is characteristic of who she is as a person.  She puts others before herself always.

"Anyone can be called  a Mother, but it takes a special someone to be called Mommy"

I love you today and always,

Your favorite oldest son.

Fire Emblem Birthright: Cleared

So this post is a little delayed, but that is fair since I delayed in finishing the game.

I completed Fire Emblem Fates Birthright.  I'll avoid spoilers in my review to the best of my ability. And although I knew going into the game that the difficulty was toned down for this path, I was a bit disappointed in just how easy the non bonus chapters were.  Except where I made really foolish mistakes, I completed every single Chapter in one try.

And I accept that.  I knew going in that Birthright is the easiest of the three paths.  In fact the only real challenge was the fact that most of the units received in this route are glass cannons or fragile speedsters.  Those explain the few levels I had to retry.  I got careless and overconfident and will admit, I thought I was playing Awakening again.

Of course, Tharja being a returning character (in a way) almost tricked me into thinking it was Awakening, and sadly, the game was easy enough that I could blindly charge in on many levels and just watch the enemy kill themselves on my units.

The game finally ramps up the difficulty on the last chapter of the game, but by then, my characters were far too strong.  And I felt like I was playing one of the earlier Fire Emblem Games where basically the Royal Units clobber everything with their unique weapons and "I Win" Buttons.

 Which leads to my other problem with Birthright.  The story is too simplistic.  Not what I a was expecting out of a Fire Emblem Game.  Of course the last chapter hints at a lot of the stuff that was not mentioned in Birthright, but still, I will keep my predictions of the true plot to myself and I would have liked to see more of it.  Also the very ending scenes where something drastic happens confirmed my suspicions of what is really happening.  And what I have to look forward to in Revelations.

With that out of the way, I am working on Conquest now, and I will have a Blog post very soon to talk about that game.

Until then, I recommend to buy all three games of Fire Emblem Fates and choose Birthright First

Haikus Week 5: 7 Sins of Christianity

Today I will not
Why work when rest is better
I am feeble sloth

I see what you have
I will take it as my own
I Envy you all

I crave food always
My hunger is unending
Now Gluttony Feasts

I want it all Now
Can't have it I'll take it Now
Greed is good all grab

I lash out at you
My sting resounds in the air
I am wrath, justice

My heart beats quickly
Desire overpowering
Lust consumes feelings

I am the greatest
All meaning of earth is me
Pride unlimited

Why Israel's Existence is the Only Hope the Palestinians Have

It is becoming overwhelmingly disturbing, the amounts of propaganda being thrown at the Jewish people, especially the ones who live in Israel as well as the countries supporters.  The media would have you believe that the word Zionist is akin to a Klansman or a Neo Nazi.

And what makes me even more sick.  Sick to the point that I am about to burst with anger as I write this post is that the Palestinians and their supporters are at the forefront of these statements. Organizations like BDS (Boycot Divestment Sanctions) which at their core are hate filled organizations who don't even care about the Palestinians at all.

And why should they?

Their goals are the destruction of the Jewish people.  The Palestinians are just a chess piece in that game. And just like Libertarians in America, they are duped, useful idiots. (And I find it most interesting that most Libertarians are opposed to Israel as well)

So listen to me Palestinians. BDS is not your friend. Jordan and Egypt are not your friends.(Probably) Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the UAE are not your friends (definitely)

All the countries and many organizations around the world see you as useful human shields and foot soldiers as they continue to perpetrate terror and make money off of your misery.  And they make such incredible capitol off you, that they feel the need to flaunt such wealth in your face.  Have you looked at the houses your leaders have as opposed to what you do?

A while back a woman of black heritage came up to me yelling that her struggle was akin to the Palestinian struggle and I responded: "I agree, you are being screwed by your own government, just like them."

And as they are being screwed over by all these powers, what do you think should happen to you if Israel is gone?  Do you think you will actually get your own Country Palestinians?

If you think the answer is yes, you may want to look into why Jordan did not create a country for you when they had the chance.

You have been duped.  You are being used in a game far greater than all of us.  A game for money power and to a lesser degree, religious conquest.  And should you role end in this game.  You will be destroyed, like the pawns that you are.  You will outlived your usefulness.

However, should you defy these people which I know will be difficult which you have been raised and taught to do the very opposite of what I am about to suggest, I will tell you, Israel is your friend.

Israel is opposed to all the people who would see you harmed.  Israel is the one chance you have as Palestinians for a free country where you will not be killed for what you do and do not believe.  In a country where you will not be shot if you are Gay or Romani, Israel is the safest place for you to live.

And best of all, in a free country, if you disagree with what your government is doing, you can speak out.  This very concept is the reason Israel has been turned into your enemy in the media.  You true enemies have become saints because of censorship and lack of freedoms.

See beyond the propaganda.  See a future where you have a chance to exist.  Exist as a Human, instead of as a chess piece.

Haikus Week 4: Psudolegendary Pokemon

Dragonite first one
A Multiscale Outrage
Extremespeed quite strong

Tyranitar rocks
Sandstorm boosted stratagy
Edgequake Crunch Pursuit

Salamence terror
Intimidate and Moxie
Dragon Dance full sweep

Metagross Heavy
Clear Body surprise typing
Earthquake Iron Head

Garchomp game breaker
Sand Veil Rough Skin super hacks
Edgequake Iron Head

Hydreigon Terror
Levitate over danger
Versatility

Goodra cute Dragon
Gooey Sap Sipper Hydrate
Assault Vest No Sell

The Democracy Spring

For many years now, I have watched and waited for a sign.  For some indicator that change was on the horizon.  I know what signs to look for.

First comes the wealth and power being held by a privileged few.

Next comes everyone else suffering to prop up the people described in the first point.

Then comes a few rocks that disturb the waters.  They might be violent, and they certainly will be isolated incidents.  These represent the unease of the common man.  But as isolated incidents, they accomplish very little if anything at all.

We have reached the next stage, and the setting is Washington D.C. The United States Capital.  At this important and vital step, we have (thankfully) a peaceful protest.  You are hearing almost nothing on non internet media, but social media is all abuzz on this topic.  And while I will point out that the establishment is firmly both Democrat and Republican, a quick google search will help one see which side has a bigger problem with this event.

And this stage is vital.  Having isolated civil disobedience is one thing, but when it reaches the point where it can have a national effect, that is when the pendulum of power begins to swing.  And the wealthy elites will take notice.  They have no choice.  The apathy they are currently showing to the protest that is surrounding the Capital Building will not last.  They know history.  Any who have read the books know that only one of two things happens next.

We could have the wealthy try to hold on to all their power and laugh at the demands of everyone else.  And history tells us time and time again how foolish a mistake this is.  The only outcome of such a response is escalating conflict that erupts into violence.  Think French Revolution.  The wealthy and powerful keep everything for a little while, but then they lose everything, their lives included.

The second option is that the powerful give in to the demands of the people.  They will lose much of their power over the world, but they will retain some of what they own.  Also and more importantly, this option does not result in bloodshed.

I have doubts that option two will occur quickly if at all.  If business investment is an indicator, these individuals only know how to think a few months in advance.  And as many companies are responding to things such as wage increases with mass layoffs, perhaps they need to get whats coming to them.

Life is not fair, for rich or poor people.  And since the poor vastly outnumber the rich, its best that the wealthy do what they can to prevent a new French Revolution from happening.

Washington DC's Democracy Spring Protest is a major step forward for this to be resolved peacefully, but history has taught that too many times, that only bloodshed seems to resolve problems.  And they are only resolved for a short time, before the issues begin anew.

Wheel of Time Haikus: Week 3

Rand Al Thor Dragon
Saidin is tainted oh yes
Channel anyway

Mat Cauthon
Gambler Rogue Womanizer
General of Light

Perrin Aybara
The Wolf Brother Goldeneyes
Master of the Dream

Lanfear of the night
Psycho ex girlfriend new life
woman in white

Semirhage in black
Mistress of pain and torture
The greatest healer

Betrayer of Hope
Ishamael the Nae'blis
Will the Cycle End?

Demandred no grin
Shadow Commander
National Hero
Almost

What it Means to be a Slytherin

Frequently I am asked by friends and other peers which House from Harry Potter I belong to.  When I replay Slytherin without a pause to ponder the question, it tends to unnerve people. And why would it not?  Voldemort, and almost every villain in the Harry Potter Universe belongs to that house.

Some people may wonder if my choice in house has to do with my fascination with villain characters. And while I certainly do tend to like the antagonists in a majority of stories over the heroes that oppose them, there is another reason in this case.

Lets describe the 4 houses in Harry Potter.  I can do it in one word for each.

Gryffindor which is the house of protagonist Harry Potter and most of his friends can be described by the word Courage.

Hufflepuff which is the house of fan favorite Luna Lovegood as well as Cedric Diggory can be described by the word Loyalty

Ravenclaw which is the house of many of the bookworm characters not named Hermione Granger in the series can be described by the word Intellect,

Slytherin which is the house of almost all the villains in the series including Voldemort, Bellatrix, and the Malfoys and their little group can be described by the word Cunning.

Now lets look at the words and how they do (and don't) apply to me. I'll start with Hufflepuff which is the house I am the least like.  Loyalty is very important to me.  But I have been back-stabbed frequently by people in my life so I don't have much faith in the people around me and hold little faith in loyalty.  Also Hufflepuff is the house that believes that everyone is the same.  An idea I am incredibly opposed to.

Now lets look at Gryffindor.  While I do exhibit many of the traits of this house, namely courage and leadership, I believe in reason before honor.  This concept is in direct opposition to the ideas of this house.  I believe that charging blindly to protect my friends is foolish and tends to get everyone killed.  Instead it is better to examine the situation and find a way to protect your friends without giving up any pieces that are needed on the chessboard of life.

Now lets look at Ravenclaw.  This house I am very closely aligned with, and if not for Slytherin, I would in all likelihood find this house as my home.  Ravenclaw teaches that knowledge is power.  And I one hundred percent agree with the statement.  Ravenclaws pursue ideas and concepts and bring in many of the brightest minds.  Many of my friends find themselves as Ravenclaws, and in my mind, Slytherins and Ravenclaws think almost the same.  The only reason I do not choose this house is due to me believing in street smart being more important than book smart.

Finally, lets look at Slytherin.  I am firmly of this house.  Knowledge is power, but you must stay alive for it to matter.  I don't let myself be tricked the way a Gryffindor does.  I do not want to be just a number as Hufflepuffs would have me be.  And while I have the utmost respect for Ravenclaws, I believe that for me to function best, I cannot stay in a classroom all day. I believe in pragmatism.  I would rather use a mind control spell over a destructive fireball.  One is more powerful and far more subtle than the other.  I might be called a dirty coward by some (especially a Gryffindor) but I feel the need to repeat that to be "honorable", you have to stay alive.

"I would rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not" Spoken by Kurt Cobain, this sums up in my mind what it means to be a Slytherin.  I may be a snake and a manipulator, but I find it easier to deal with people when they understand that I am my own number one.  Anything I do to help anyone, ultimately benefits me in some way.

It may sound like I am selfish, and I probably am.  However, I feel that this deep understanding of myself is part of this power of knowledge. And cynicism, darkness, and cunning are what makes me who I am.  I wouldn't give it up for anything.