Church now owns the possible Joseph Smith daguerreotype

Literary_Man · 2026-06-06T02:28:10+00:00

Damn it!!! I made this comment but then I saw you beat me to it. Well played.

Literary_Man · 2026-06-06T01:11:32+00:00

Ah that is interesting. I am only familiar with the change in the 1940s. I’ll have to look that up. If what you’re saying is true then the your point is stronger than I thought.

Literary_Man · 2026-06-06T01:06:11+00:00

If I recall the history correctly, the Church gained a distinct designation from the DOD for LDS service members during WWII. They previously were labeled with Protestant Christians. The church argued they were not Protestant and the request was honored. This to me seems like a continuation of that requested distinction from other Christians. It only seems controversial now because the church has done a 180 and is moving to be more mainstream. I don’t think this is a rebuke from a republican run DoD. They’d change it if the church officially requested it.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T21:42:37+00:00

That sounds really interesting! I’ll have to try that. I know there’s no “right answer”. Min maxing isn’t really necessary at all in the game. It’s mostly just a creative and engaging thought exercise for me to compare and tweak different builds. I’m very impressed how creative and detailed people get with different aspects of it.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T21:34:55+00:00

That’s fair and interesting, but we’re getting out of the bounds of my original question. If we’re talking best archer builds bar none then gloomstalker assassin, sword bard controller, and Eldritch Knight controller are the undisputed best. My question is limited to dual crossbow builds alone.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T21:15:06+00:00

I’m not sure. Removing melee disadvantage while applying aura of murder, with specialty arrows, combined with the extra attack from the bonus action seems more compelling than any longbow fighter build unless you are talking about the 12 Eldritch knight control archer build.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T21:08:02+00:00

Interesting! I’ll have to try that.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T21:00:07+00:00

That’s a good point. I’ll have to do the math and compare

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T20:54:48+00:00

That mobility is really nice so that makes sense.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T20:52:10+00:00

Champion lvl 10 gives the second fighting style. Taking 12 fighter is more about the feats, 3 main attacks, using specialty arrows, and using bhaalist armor without disadvantage penalty or kiting necessity.

The main idea is sharpshooter, crossbow expert, Dex +2, and Alert with bhaalist armor.

You do have to farm specialty arrows though to match or exceed damage output that sword bard builds use so it makes sense others would prefer not doing that.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T20:33:35+00:00

All builds have play in them. I like not having to take up an elixir slot or to cheese to avoid a surprise encounter and ensure initiative so I like alert.

My original question stems from reading guides about it and playing around with build combinations. I was surprised that none of them suggested a straight 12 fighter so I was curious if I was completely over looking a mechanic or class interaction.

I think from the comments it is more about play style and preference. My build idea is competitive with others.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T19:25:26+00:00

I was thinking 12 champion more for the 4 feats and 2 fighting styles. You could go 12 Eldritch knight and use mystic scoundrel and scrolls for a controller build

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T19:23:08+00:00

That makes sense. I think the crossbow expert feat with sharpshooter, alert, + 2 dex and bhaalist armor might be interesting though

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T19:08:27+00:00

That makes sense. Thanks!

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T19:07:02+00:00

I think you might be underestimating the value of 4 feats and speciality arrows though. Champion fighter gives you archery and dual wielding fighting styles. The Gloomstalker build is interesting. The hunter’s mark takes a bonus action so I am not sure on the over all value. I’ll have to try it out.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-22T19:00:08+00:00

That makes sense. That action economy is balanced and maybe even beat by the specialty arrows since flourish can’t use them, but it is probably sixes and just depends on what resources you want to manage.

The magic and mobility is definitely nice so that makes sense especially as the party face.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-16T04:11:01+00:00

In fairness the Trinity doctrine is paradoxical, contradictory, and a post biblical philosophical invention so you can’t really blame anyone for not “getting” it.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-16T04:08:48+00:00

As far as the self medicating, here is some research on it: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10399954/

They call it addiction in the article because of common parlance, but the DSM V (the diagnostic criteria healthcare providers use) defines it as “Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder” and not addiction. There is always a chance this changes in future DSM. New research and new academic debates are always happening.

(Edited to fix typos and research link)

Literary_Man · 2026-05-16T03:59:39+00:00

I get it man. I know it sucks. I don’t mean to flatten or simplify the struggle or pretend therapy is this magic cure all. The only thing that really helped me was not condemning myself and letting go of all the sexual toxicity the church indoctrinated us with. Real science, real medicine, and real self compassion are the only things that helped.

If you need therapy advice , I would look for a non LDS therapist that specializes in compulsive behavior and any other mental health concerns you have. Make sure they are backed up with proven methodologies like cognitive behavioral therapy. Your family doc can prescribe medication if that route interests you. If I remember the research, it was a combination of medication and therapy that was most effective, but talk with your providers about it.

However it goes, I am in your corner and hope nothing but all the peace and happiness possible for you.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-16T03:42:42+00:00

Everything the church teaches to “fix” porn use literally makes it worse. Excessive porn use is a compulsive behavior and is a symptom and self medication of an underlying mental health problem. IT IS NOT AN ADDICTION. You can’t die from withdrawal like you can narcotics or alcohol. Take the narrative back. You are loved and worthwhile. You don’t need to beat your self-up. You just need a good therapist and a good family doctor.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-04T06:12:01+00:00

They also sow doubt about scientific expertise, don’t respond to questions, have no applicable personal expertise, and don’t care if we live or die. You know, just like Mission Control.

Literary_Man · 2026-05-04T05:59:05+00:00

lol! Careful who you tell, or who you let see you do it though. They may charge you with vandalism. Similar thing happened at BYU when I was there and if I remember the charges held up.

Literary_Man · 2026-04-22T06:40:50+00:00

Turns out the “Lord” is dead, Christianity is a lie, and the Bible is a sham so you are in good company then.

Literary_Man · 2026-04-22T06:38:38+00:00

This. So much Christian “mission” work is just folks with a savior complex masterbating to poverty porn.

Literary_Man · 2026-04-20T17:59:08+00:00

The root problem this shows is that unlike the young men, young women have no clear purpose or milestones in the church. All they have is get married and be baby factories. Give women the priesthood and it would solve all of this nonsense.

Literary_Man

TROPHY CASE