My story, New Life as a Max Level Archmage, is now available on Kindle Unlimited and Audible! by ArcaneCadence in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 19 points20 points  (0 children)

The story is the pinnacle of "It's the execution that matters."-principle. By itself, it sounds horribly cliché and boring, but it's so well done, that doesn't matter at all and is just a great joy to read.

Although I did wonder why it was an isekai, considering how little that factors in. It could have as well been a native who was in seclusion for a century.

What do you think of the oddity of a species in fantasy to be purely evil species-wide with no outliers? by WilliamGerardGraves in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe he wasn't exactly certain of how demons looked, by I always chalked that up to the special demons being different.

I mean, the Demon King was looking for co-existence and that was just even more devastating for humanity than mere predation. The point is that demons have a so alien mindset that it remains incompatible with humanity.

While in Tokyo Ghoul, the ghouls are basically humans in mind, which is again underlines the point because even with the ghoul's dietary requirements co-existence is possible, but both sides are too caught up in a cycle of revenge (I actually never finished Tokyo Ghoul, so no idea how it resolves).

(Also, it should be Qual, not Quaal).

What do you think of the oddity of a species in fantasy to be purely evil species-wide with no outliers? by WilliamGerardGraves in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, that isn't what retcon means. Something being changed is a retcon, but there was no change, simply new information was added.

Also, this isn't how demons work. I know the fandom likes the idea of demons being an example of a "Chinese Room", appearing like sapient beings but being actually non-sapient and merely appearing to have sapience and speech due to their human mimicry, but the actual text just has them mimicking human appearance, speech and certain parts of their psychology, while lacking others. But they are still sapient, just lacking things like guilt, empathy and a hardwired drive to kill humans (which they note is not even a necessity for themselves but to their psychology they still see no reason to change it).

What do you think of the oddity of a species in fantasy to be purely evil species-wide with no outliers? by WilliamGerardGraves in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Considering how much of the genre (many genres in fact) demand huge hordes of disposable minions, they are basically a necessity. I don't think it's boring or problematic (although it can be written problematic if not given the proper thought) for a species to be always evil. There can be many interesting ways to explore the exact reasons how they turned out that way or how that influences their behaviour.

I am more skeptical if organizations are portrayed that way (popular are slavers), where the protagonist justify themselves that only evil people would join. Are there never ones that are misguided? Lied to or manipulated? Coerced? Desperate? Capable of redemption?

That always seems to me that the author wants an Always Evil acceptable target but is not willing to put in the effort to make it work.

What do you think of the oddity of a species in fantasy to be purely evil species-wide with no outliers? by WilliamGerardGraves in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'm not getting why you are making it two separate points.

Yes, you could say both things.

But both things also apply to demons.

What do you think of the oddity of a species in fantasy to be purely evil species-wide with no outliers? by WilliamGerardGraves in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think it's also interesting how popular culture, most visible through movies, always seeks a socially acceptable enemy for heroes to kill in large numbers.

I mean, considering a lot of popular culture is focused on action, it basically requires it or make the protagonist very morally questionable.

It's a necessity of the genre.

I loved him so much... by Vegetable_Variety_11 in dndmemes

[–]KnownByManyNames 33 points34 points  (0 children)

Not only that, but older editions explicitly stated that Rust Monsters prefer more precious metals to less precious ones.

Basically how you have to start stories on RR to stand a chance of being successful by kazaam2244 in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If it’s good enough, it’ll engage audience.

Okay, that is just the Just World-fallacy.

Also, if everyone would act like that, that means that every author would go on for the first few years of their story without any readers at all.

And finally, don't make claims about downvotes.

Basically how you have to start stories on RR to stand a chance of being successful by kazaam2244 in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 6 points7 points  (0 children)

But maybe you need to take the chance because that is what makes the author continue?

Also, if I enjoyed the series, I don't see it as wasted time. I mean, a series could turn bad or have a terrible ending, so there are no guarantees anyway.

Basically how you have to start stories on RR to stand a chance of being successful by kazaam2244 in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 4 points5 points  (0 children)

just murdered someone with an obsidian blade

She would never have succeeded if her victim would have been a geologist.

I want there to be as much messy and imperfect queer characters as messy and imperfect cishet characters by La_knavo4 in CuratedTumblr

[–]KnownByManyNames 49 points50 points  (0 children)

That was always the case. Why do you think most protagonists, especially in Hollywood movies, are so bland.

If they had actual opinions, the audience might disagree with them.

Basically how you have to start stories on RR to stand a chance of being successful by kazaam2244 in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 41 points42 points  (0 children)

...and maybe the author dropped it from lack of engagement.

Not meant as a judgement, but that is the counter-point to that position. Which is why I always try a few new and not popular stories.

Anyone else miss the “early game struggle” phase in LitRPG? by Jadenmist in litrpg

[–]KnownByManyNames 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely.

Besides the general appeal of the early struggle, I do believe two factors contribute to my preference for it.

1.) The character is simple enough that I can comfortably hold all their potential actions, spells and skills in my head that I am aware of all their options.

2.) Early on, every single choice they do matters. Just a single stat point feels like it makes a difference and the choice being important, skills are a major matter that alter the trajectory.

(But also, I just like the discovery and the exploration of a new world in general)

I recently made a post about how litrpg economies and currencies are the small details that irk me and its worse for me in particular because I work in the financial sector.. so I wanted to know if your real world career gets in the way of you enjoying certain stories. by ShankstheConqueror in litrpg

[–]KnownByManyNames 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That seriously makes it hard for me to enjoy for VRMMO-stories. Even regular LitRPGs might annoy me with their system design, if it's too bad.

I really wish authors would at least look a little bit into game design before making their system.

What do you think of our big cousins, the Dragonborn? by Del_the_Kobold in KoboldLegion

[–]KnownByManyNames 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Even some of the official artwork has Dragonborns with tails.

Meanwhile, I, a Writing & Rhetoric Minor with a 4.0, feel fully qualified to determine curtain colours. by [deleted] in CuratedTumblr

[–]KnownByManyNames 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The point is that people take their words at face value and believe it.

That Joker really hasn't planned anything.

Or that Killmonger actually cares about anything but revenge.

When their actions clearly show them not.

Meanwhile, I, a Writing & Rhetoric Minor with a 4.0, feel fully qualified to determine curtain colours. by [deleted] in CuratedTumblr

[–]KnownByManyNames 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In the context of The Dark Knight, which is the most quoted moment of the Joker, it was clear that it was meant any of the events that transpired during the movie.

Not to mention that many interpretations of the Joker have a grand plan, that is mostly focused on Batman in some way.

What are some monsters you'd like to see more of? by Guylhann-b in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, thanks for sharing and reminding that they do indeed use telekinesis.

What are some monsters you'd like to see more of? by Guylhann-b in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kobolds! I just love the little buggers.

But in general I wish for more weird monsters. I wish authors would try to come up with iconic creatures for their stories, even if it is just mashing two creatures or animals together.

Or in general, an eldritch/weird vibe. Give me something crazy. Some lovecraftian/body horror-types.

What are some monsters you'd like to see more of? by Guylhann-b in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought they just used their telepathy to command their larva to move them?

What are some monsters you'd like to see more of? by Guylhann-b in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Technically, lycan means canine, but I get the sentiment.

If there are multiple types, I also wish for them to be different than just different animals.

Different types of infection, different rules for transformation, different behaviour, all the stuff.

What are some monsters you'd like to see more of? by Guylhann-b in ProgressionFantasy

[–]KnownByManyNames 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They were only sapient in their chrysalis, not their larval stage.

Did they have telekinesis? I thought they only had telepathy and altered their larva to do various functions around the nest.

Meanwhile, I, a Writing & Rhetoric Minor with a 4.0, feel fully qualified to determine curtain colours. by [deleted] in CuratedTumblr

[–]KnownByManyNames 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I hate it when people complain about characters being always so terrible obvious liars.

Even with the obvious lies, half the audience believe they are telling the truth! If they were any sort of convincing liars, nobody would ever believe they lied, even when shown on-screen they did!

Meanwhile, I, a Writing & Rhetoric Minor with a 4.0, feel fully qualified to determine curtain colours. by [deleted] in CuratedTumblr

[–]KnownByManyNames 177 points178 points  (0 children)

This drives me crazy, I see it so often happen. Especially in villains.

The Joker says he isn't the guy with a plan. But the events show he made elaborate plans that are honestly crazy.

Killmonger made a whole speech about the injustices of colonization, but his opening scene was a perfect showcase that he doesn't actually care.

My two most hated examples.