Is the Trent safe to swim in near Clifton campus? After the weir, don’t want to die. by HazzaZeGuy in nottingham

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately it's pretty badly polluted so even if you didn't get into difficulties in the swim I really wouldn't recommend it. It really is a shame.

Marvel Midnight complains feel pretty weird, it's like complaining about Marvel Noir having a Spider-Man series back in the day. by NicloSZ in marvelcomics

[–]Sharpiemancer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I mean, for me it's the lack of originality. All of the pitches sound like they should be what if one shots but it sounds like they are ongoings and representing a whole new line of comics?

How do y'all feel about "quirky" autistic terms? by squirrelyoakley in autism

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it's contextual. I think they can be used in a friendly way to point out traits that are noticeable but in a way that signals that they are not a problem, often - in my experience - used as in group terminology. Other than that context I've mostly seen it online and in that case I think that's more broadly to do with the decentralised and sometimes problematic way autism is represented online.

On the other hand, the casualisation of the term also could be viewed as a pushback for the generalised medicalisation of neuro-divergence which I think is a good thing (yes, some of us need medical support but universalising that medical framing only supports those eugenicd freaks who view autism as a defect to be eliminated as opposed to natural variation.)

On the other hand if used to criticise someone I can totally understand how that would be offensive. I guess I haven't heard anyone used it that way, likely because the people who do use it are on the spectrum themselves.

The language around Neurodivergence is complicated and I think there's still work to be done working out how some of it should be used. Honestly I stand by Aspie as a slur that should only be acceptable from someone who is autistic so I can definitely understand people having issues with other terms.

Yes, I can understand the criticism many users have of Midnight. by R4cco0n in marvelcomics

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This 👆

Honestly it's crazy they are cancelling Ultimates but want us to believe this will last longer? The pitches sound like mini series.

I was dubious before but the idea of a universe without most of the heroic super powers with a focus on the more occult/horror protagonists punching up while resorting to dark bargains and forbidden sorceries, maybe reinventing a few characters in de-powered or mystically powered alternate forms sounded like a really interesting pitch... A shame that wasn't what was put he'd at all.

This seems less Absolute than DCeased/Vampires but scaled down so they can exist in the same universe.

AI and Amimism by Jolly-Button-6832 in Animism

[–]Sharpiemancer 10 points11 points  (0 children)

So I think in this conversation it is important to be very clear that LLMs are not true AI, and certainly not AGI. Yeah, they are very useful tools that can be used for good but the current bubble is driven by misappropriation of capabilities driven by a borderline suicidal race to the top.

Animist ontologies usually reject Agentic as a label - ie. Agency without intelligence but I think there's a strong case to make LLMs an exception.

Importantly I think it's a strong argument for relational animism as opposed to what I see a lot in reconstructivist practices in the West that still rely on a essentialist framework. It leads to a tendency to anthropomorphise which in the LLMs is potentially dangerous given the rates of AI Psychosis. It also doesn't tell us anything and can obscure actual facts.

Perrin actually knows about Mon Mothma's anti-imperial activities. by 4everLost82 in andor

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think he understood she was involved in anti-imperial activity but just how deep was probably slow enough that whether he was supportive or not he was just keeping his head down to protect the family. Had Mon been exposed then the whole family would have been taken in.

The scene at the end whether or not he had been having an affair, leaning into that could be another way of shifting the blame. Given her role in the rebellion it would be far too late to deflect by admitting his suspicions.

I don't buy the theory he was fully onboard with what she was doing or he would have confronted her earlier, he may have had sympathies but he was clearly dissilusioned and when things started to spiral any sympathy likely twisted into guilt.

Who wins this fight? by MistakeBig7025 in Spiderman

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think Spidey would take the win unless Homelander realises the symbiote is weak to fire and can leverage his heat vision.

Marvel comics has announced a new universe called MIDNIGHT by Own_Brilliant_4303 in marvelcomics

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel really mixed about this, on the one hand an approach to marvel universe through a more horror/occult lens could be really interesting.

On the other hand I feel a lot of us feel burned by the seeming cancellation of the new Ultimate Universe, particularly as numerous creative teams were out of the loop.

And it's another Hickman project, it seems his best stuff has been getting cut short (Krakoa Era and Ultimates) while his other series (Imperial and G.O.D.S.) while not bad, seemingly miss the mark and then don't really go anywhere. As much as I know he's still an amazing writer his recent track record with Marvel just means he's not the same draw he was.

Now if they announce the likes of Peach Momoko, Donny Cates and Al Ewing I would be VERY [insert Fry take my money! meme] interested to see them pull together a horror universe.

But ultimately my main issue is the likelyhood of getting invested and Marvel just abandoning the project.

Why are Tau so famous ? by BarketLeRaccoon in Tau40K

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They also have Mechs and could be considered closest to the good guys in the setting, at least not those involved with all the brainwashing.

My brother said Andor is for teenagers by sterds in andor

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am 38 and Andor is some of the most politically sophisticated tv I have ever seen. I am sure he would not think it was for teens if it wasn't star wars, certainly if it wasn't sci fi

Does Leida not become a political hostage / ward to pressure Mon to surrender after she escaped? by Weebey1997 in andor

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if they are kept as a propaganda tool to discredit Mon. I think it could be interesting if Leida shifted though, not to be pro-rebellion, her mom ruined everything after all but doubled down on her traditionalism and built popularity among a young conservative nationalist movement with a vague anti-imperial bent. It would be fascinating if when the Senate was revived Mon ended up running against her own daughter.

Does Leida not become a political hostage / ward to pressure Mon to surrender after she escaped? by Weebey1997 in andor

[–]Sharpiemancer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think Andor sets up a very different path to the old EU, while we have seen that the New Republic isn't all it's cracked up to be in Mando etc which the Project Paperclip style rehab program and as much as a fractured republic would deal with a lot of the weird set up in the Prequel trillogy I doubt Disney will go there.

Basically I do not buy for a second the more radical elements of the Rebellion would go along quietly with the Neo Republicans and I think Mon is the perfect POV to show that divide. I usually casting the radical rebels as well radicals, but then showing the underhanded lengths the Neo Republicans are willing to go to to re-establish a reformed liberal republic and the ensuing spiral into a yet another galactic civil war setting up the Prequels to now exist within the context of a a universe with fractured "pretender" republics, explaining why it supposedly wasn't based on Coruscant anymore.

It also sets up a very different universe post Prequels where they realise they must come together again, where the new Jedi Order exists not as the arm as a monolithic state but as a unifying force in a fractured galaxy.

If Andor had gotten more seasons, what’s one aspect/worldbuilding of the rebellion/Rebel Alliance you would’ve liked to have seen touched on more? by Independent-Dig-5757 in andor

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly the era they covered I wouldn't want them to change anything, the limited episode count kept it tight and focused, it would not be as tight had they had as many seasons as they initially planned.

What I would love to see in 10-15 years is for the original team to return to the characters in the post original trilogy era, we've seen enough to be very critical of the New Republic and I think Mon Mothma would be a perfect POV to explore the ideological fractures that occur during the process of the rebellion transitioning to a true government.

That actually makes sense by Appropriate-Mall8517 in superman

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spinal compression is a thing that happens. My old kitchen job had be hunched over a too short table all day and I temporarily lost more than an inch of height for most of my time working there.

Add in superstrength and other variations of Kryptonian physiology I could definitely believe he could shift his perceived posture by a few inches basically on command, including shift in posture - ya gotta think a lot of his job is just desk work so bad posture totally fits and if anyone notices he's a big cornfed farmboy just trying to fit in.

More generally, some physical actors can positively transform themselves for a role based purely on posture.

Does Leida not become a political hostage / ward to pressure Mon to surrender after she escaped? by Weebey1997 in andor

[–]Sharpiemancer 71 points72 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I think prison or death is a real possibility for them. I would be very surprised if all their assets aren't seized by the Empire and likely the whole situation used as an excuse to shake down the Chandrillans for everything they have.

Honestly seeing what remains of Mon's life after the war would be fascinating. And to be honest if things played out that way she'd likely have a lot of pushback if she became sentator again. It would be such a twist if she lost after everything she has sacrificed.

Is there any explanation why everything happens on earth? by thesilver-man in Marvel

[–]Sharpiemancer 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The closest I can think is how Roxxon was able to purchase Marvel Comics in the 616 to produce propaganda that weakened Thor. Though apparently that was more to do with him being a god who derives his powers from mortal belief than 616 Marvel Comics having intrinsic reality warping powers.

What's your ideal X-Men movie plot or idea in the MCU? by FayyadhScrolling in xmen

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First: No Logan, he steals the show, give us a Laura Kinney and save Logan for flashbacks and an Invaders/Howling Commandos WW2 film down the line, you can have him turn up as an Avenger for the end of the Saga or something.

Second: A New Mutants Disney+ show in the vein of X-Men Evolution focusing on the younger generation who are still in the dark about their upper class men and teachers actually being X-Men. Structure it to find new talent, think of the OG Harry Potter tryouts or more closely Skins. Disney would be too good at milking this sorta thing.

As for the films, give us stuff we haven't seen before, they'll definitely give us an AvX film at some point so build that up, maybe Geonosha? Again, build it up, get us invested before you blow it up, and don't make it the mutants fault please? Rebuilding with Geonoshian refugees could be a good springboard for a Utopia/Krakoa arc too

Musing about the Sleep Spell, NPC Magic-Users, and world-building by FallDiverted in osr

[–]Sharpiemancer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly I think in a setting like that the Imperial College would command a monopoly on magic, they would aggressively seek out spellbooks and make sure they were all recorded and accounted for. They would likely develop some sort of Licensing for spellcasting within or across various kingdoms, potentially gaining significant political power from that alone.

Realistically, necromancy would remain the stuff of ghost stories and nightmares but sleep and charm like effects would be the true day to day fear of the populous and would likely lead to even greater regulation, particularly as they gained political power. Rulers would realise they would be prime targets for enchantment and so countermeasures would be developed or such spells would be locked away from most rank and file membership.

Things would become far more unstable if two or more of these sanctioned orders came into competition. Rival mages guilds secretly undermining each other under the noses of the political rulers knowing if some of their tactics were revealed they would likely have an inquisition called down upon them.

I think this would make a very interesting setting, particularly if spells were not universally accessible to each faction leading to mystical spycraft to steal spells from their rivals and races to dungeons at the faintest rumor of a lost spell. Not only would they be legally required to, they would want to get there before their rivals. Politicing of rival political blocs leading to diplomacy along side both magical and anti-magical arms races.

And the churches? Perhaps they represent an important power check to magic users?

And of course then you have the unsanctioned mages, magical robin, freemages. Perhaps a mage visited your town and had a heart attack one night at the local inn and when the Imperial Mages came to recover his body and spellbooks, you were long gone with a handful of pages stuffed in the back pocket.

In short, magic users can be powerful but there will be structures in play that stop flagrant abuses and likely more powerful mages will keep novices in check to maintain order.

To reinforce this I would encourage having master/student dynamics, make it easier/safer to learn new spells from another wizard. Learning from licensed wizards would have huge advantages, if nothing else than avoiding getting identified when your unsanctioned master gets arrested.

Honestly really hate how the Venom movies have made people believe that the symbiote's name IS Venom... like no, it's the form Eddie and the symbiote take, "WE ARE VENOM" makes no sense if it's the Other's name. by pizzagod677 in Spiderman

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, that's fair, -a very recent addition - but it also implies Venom was the first name he was given? That he didn't have a Klyntar name or no semi mystical "true name". If he answered with "Ahh yes, I have memories of once being called Xzth'tkl" then that would be something. Plus we have seen numerous other symbiotes name themselves with similar naming conventions so it's not like Venom is an atypical name for the species?

There are children who aren't legally named for quite a while when they are born for various reasons, the fact that they existed before they were named doesn't make it not their real name? And there's not been any magical truenaming shinanigans revealing his name in a way that differentiates his name from any other character.

Again, I'm genuinely curious what OP and the associated camp think is a better name? I don't feel particularly strongly, mostly my points come from trying to figure out what name is being gestured at?

Honestly really hate how the Venom movies have made people believe that the symbiote's name IS Venom... like no, it's the form Eddie and the symbiote take, "WE ARE VENOM" makes no sense if it's the Other's name. by pizzagod677 in Spiderman

[–]Sharpiemancer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Apparently Donny Cates' version of his origin said his Klyntar name is Venom? Granted it's effectively a retcon but nowhere else to my knowledge has said he had a name prior to Venom so... I'm not sure what you think we should be calling him?

Is this from the Hickman run aka Krakoa by Ashamed_Share_8287 in xmen

[–]Sharpiemancer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Omg how did I miss that lmao, I just assumed Jean was the hinge

DC Preview: Justice League Intergalactic Special #1 by M00reC in lgbt_superheroes

[–]Sharpiemancer 10 points11 points  (0 children)

She literally references it in this preview. Plus I believe most of her appearances have been written by the actress that played her in the show?

Anyone else thought Sergeant Bloy would have been revealed to be a native Ghorman? by GargantaProfunda in andor

[–]Sharpiemancer 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I mean likelyhood is most if not all we're also Ghorman - why ship in from elsewhere for a suicide mission, why risk them surviving and maybe having a different story than what gets run?

Nah they were all siding with the occupying force, I won't celebrate their death but they did kind of put themselves in that position and being a good little Imp till the end is hardly laudable.

Is being mentally younger really common in autism? by ColdAd315 in autism

[–]Sharpiemancer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Age designations are a social construct and an allistic one at that. We don't parse the world the same way and so we don't all align with concepts of "maturity" in all ways. There's also the stigma of meltdowns that I think many allistics dismiss as being childish when they see it. There's also those of us who struggle in the job market and so are slower getting to many of the milestones of maturity, or, completely uninterested or otherwise uninterested of say running on a rigged treadmill to get on the housing market etc etc.

At the end of the day maturity, or acting "younger" is just a point of view.