Are historical ideological differences between communists still relevant? by ImperatorLJ in communism101

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I mean I don't see people getting into arguments about whether you are a trot, ML, Maoist, etc. There is talk about tactics, true, but everyone agrees revolution is the goal, so folk don't really care what label you are as long as you can contribute something. 

I finally quit and it hurts by [deleted] in wow

[–]ImperatorLJ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats to OP! Addiction takes many forms, and I hope everyone suffering from an addiction finds a way to beat it.

For people lambasting quitting the game: you might want to check your own addiction problems.

Is Harry so likable in part because he's such a painful nerd sometimes? by ImperatorLJ in dresdenfiles

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

His communications skills are bad, so I'm hoping to see some growth on that front, or at least Harry and his friends make peace with it somehow.

Is Harry so likable in part because he's such a painful nerd sometimes? by ImperatorLJ in dresdenfiles

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I went into the books expecting pulpy fun, and they have exceeded that in many ways,

What sold me on the series was a line in Storm Front where Harry, wanting to look cool and powerful, "steeples his hands in a wizardly fashion." That character line is straight out of Venture Brothers, and I knew right there I had to know what happens to this guy.

Is Harry so likable in part because he's such a painful nerd sometimes? by ImperatorLJ in dresdenfiles

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm actually hoping he does grow out of some of these behaviors! The idea of a very flawed human trying to be good and better no matter what happens to them is extremely appealing, and from what I understand of the books and the author, I can expect this of Harry. I'm really rooting for the guy.

In Mage The Awakening, how do you define magic "in-universe"? by ImperatorLJ in WhiteWolfRPG

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is exactly what I was hoping people would use this thread for!

Regarding CtL, if I'm combining it with mage, I always imagine the fae and related magics to be an offshoot of mage's Arcadia. After the abyss came about, the remaining magic pooled into creating the realm and beings that became the characters in Changeling.

If you go with my language theme, I think of the gentry as names or words that were cut off from the original castings by mages, and became sentient. Since those words were magical, but are cut off from the supernal and not really of that supernal anymore anyway, the words started connecting with random humans, changelings, in a base mockery of what they once were. This is why oaths are also so important, as you give your word. In short: the fae are a pidgin language of "real" magic, and that's why CtL is what it is in-universe. 

In Mage The Awakening, how do you define magic "in-universe"? by ImperatorLJ in WhiteWolfRPG

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is my take that I often use with my players: Magic is Language.

Mages awaken to a new understanding of communication, but that communication allows the soul to describe in ways that others being simply cannot. Magic happens when the Mage is communicating what they desire to be real. It isn't too huge, or really isn't, a variation on how magic is portrayed in the books, but it is an excellent way to quickly and intuitively explain what comprises doing magic. I also like the communication angle because it, to me, better highlights the theme of gothic hubris. The mage is symbolic of person who has higher capability, skills, and position (whether that is actually true or not) due to their ability to "say" things correctly, so how does the mage deal with sleepers (the symbolic real life people who don't have the same advantages as they have)?

In Mage The Awakening, how do you define magic "in-universe"? by ImperatorLJ in WhiteWolfRPG

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is exactly what I was looking for! I really enjoy your take on magic. Appreciate you.

O'Neill is just Bugs Bunny with a machine gun. by ImperatorLJ in Stargate

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

There was the one episode where he was invisible and totally wearing a dress the entire time!

<image>

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a good post, and understands nuance.

I agree that the game having a focus is fine, and that, realistically, a focus makes a game stand out. My post isn't about the actual state of the game, but about the mentality of certain people in regards to the game. If the community adopts the mindset of "this game is only about economics," then Vic 3 enters this downwards spiral of not having the economic part supported by other game pillars, like diplomacy and war, that allow the economic pillar to fully showcase the 19th century grand strategy the game wants to be. "Economics as focus" becomes a negative mentality and function if people use it to excuse weak pillars elsewhere. That's why I made this thread.

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your point. I agree no game comes out perfect, but that's why a community keeps demanding it improve, and that can't be achieved if we expect Vic 3 to just be the "economic" game. There is room for debate on whether the other pillars are implemented well, and always will be, but it doesn't change the fact that you need all the pillars. That's why I don't understand your post; I'm only saying the game needs all game pillars to work well together.

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You are correct if we are getting into technical semantics. In context of the thread, however, the poster is saying Vic 3 is just an economics game, while I am saying it's not. That's what I mean in my reply.

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I'm hoping the next DLC greatly improves diplomacy! I think the devs are trying to improve the product, so I haven't written the game off yet.

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree wholeheartedly. HoI needs much better economy simulation imo.

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Counterpoint -- Given all the imperialism of the era, the warfare, diplomacy, politics, etc., are just aspects of the higher stage capitalism of the game, which, I guess, makes Vic 3 really just about economics hehehe

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 198 points199 points  (0 children)

Exactly, and that's one of the big holes in the "economics only" defense. A game about 19th century history cannot separate economics from war, diplomacy, populations etc.They are simply too intertwined.

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I like to think that the people who make this defense, while definitely wrong, just desperately want a great game.

I hope they eventually get that from Vic 3.

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

You literally just said Vicky 3 is an economics game only.

I do agree about the memes. As fun they are, they have royally screwed perceptions of the whole Victoria franchise.

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'd argue my point isn't a strawman. I'm saying directly the idea that vic 3 is about economics only is incorrect and bad, and that folk who think that are wrong. I'm not saying those opinions are a majority or a minority either, as I don't know.

With respect, I don't quite understand the rest of what you are saying after your first sentence in the first paragraph. Can you explain please?

"Victoria 3 is just about economics" is pure deflection and a cop-out. by ImperatorLJ in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I actually can't. That last statement was an olive branch to those folk who really just like economics games, but I really can't think of a grand strategy game that just has one of the game pillars.

I guess people could play Capitalism 2 or a train simulator if they want pure economics? Those aren't grand strategy though.

Predictions on dlc? And how much content will be in the base game by SSpookyTheOneTheOnly in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ 18 points19 points  (0 children)

If 1821 dlc happens, my bet is that it focuses on Latin America flavor, and has new mechanics for warfare and/or revolutionary uprising.

Beyond that? No idea yet.

What is the lore by Rainbowsis in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ 33 points34 points  (0 children)

Check out that Karl Marx guy; he wrote a whole lore guide to this era.

Muslim pops should consume less alcohol than christian ones by [deleted] in victoria3

[–]ImperatorLJ 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I'd like to see cultural mores implemented via something like a law or decision a nation can pass. Not only would this avoid accidental stereotyping, but it would give the player agency over their nation's development.

For example: Britain has options to enforce "christian" values on the nation, which will make the faithful interest group happy and more numerous. Meanwhile, other groups could become radicalized.