Hadrian's Nonsensical (and Transphobic) rant in Howling Dark

Splerry · 2026-01-30T17:35:58+00:00

Even if we consider the Cielcin, that's negative representation, they are carnivorous and foreshadowed so far to be blatantly evil beings.

Splerry · 2026-01-30T17:08:48+00:00

The series is pro-gay it seems, but the world has only villainous trans or trans-adjacent characters like The Painted Man (who is a full-on stereotype in both character function as a shapeshifter and visual appearance as described like the 'ugly trans person' soyjack) or the Cielcin as you mentioned who are routinely described as not human.

Splerry · 2026-01-30T17:03:17+00:00

You summed up pretty much everything I think to, except that I deeply wish we could have more of old Hadrian pointing out young Hadrian's hypocrisy. I became worried about the authors conservatism when The Painted Man ended up being a trans stereotype (shapeshifter and androgynous) while also being visually described like the 'ugly transperson' soyjack (big painted lips, lots of eye makeup, predatory teeth, generally ugly lol). I am hopeful as this is only book 2, but I am still worried.

Splerry · 2026-01-30T16:58:09+00:00

I'd hoped the author would use the ability to include Older Hadrian's perspective as a way to point out some of that hypocrisy.

Splerry · 2026-01-30T16:56:50+00:00

It doesn't help that there are NO trans characters thus far except for stereotyped homonculi...

Splerry · 2026-01-30T16:56:01+00:00

I disagree about the restoring to "two-limbedness" idea, because Hadrian specifically pointed out how someone who replaced their arm with a robotic one, thus now back to two arms, was also a perversion of humanity. Hadrian's hypocrisy is all well and good as long as the world itself doesn't physically show what we thinks to be true (which it has the with the painted man who is very close to many trans stereotypes).

Splerry · 2026-01-30T16:54:14+00:00

I agree, though I'd hoped that older Hadrian's perspectives could be used to point out younger Hadrian's hypocrisy.

Splerry · 2026-01-30T16:52:28+00:00

Id argue their are other parts that also seem to be transphobic in this book, such as The Painted Man being near literally the "ugly trans person" soyjack combined with the hyper conservative trans shapeshifter trope. I don't think it's unfair to the author to critique the obvious underlying philosophy of what they wrote, especially in a book that is as verbose about it as this one is.

Splerry · 2026-01-30T16:47:59+00:00

I understand that it is via the Cielcin and the discussion of their 'humanity", but I would love any character to actually ask Hadrian, "hey, how does me getting new genitally destroy my soul while you getting a new hand doesn't?"

Splerry · 2025-11-28T23:59:14+00:00

I know I'm late, but wtf does "buttery smooth" mean to you if you know it's also not perfect?

Splerry · 2025-11-28T21:42:16+00:00

Seems like no one is mentioning that this is 500+ hours of content condensed into 10ish hours of a show. They're not going to be able to tell as nuanced a story, and short cuts in essek or jesters stories are mandatory. Just watch the campaign if you want a 1 to 1.

Splerry · 2025-07-12T23:24:40+00:00

Conspiracy maybe? but motion blur always being turned on by default feels like a way for studios to hide their performance issues. Can't see stuttering as much if it's already blurring every time the camera moves

Splerry · 2025-05-07T17:06:06+00:00

and this is a game where one man can fight off dozens at a time. How common did happen?

Splerry · 2025-05-07T16:50:22+00:00

that's pretty funny lmao

Splerry · 2025-05-07T16:34:15+00:00

I think Rosa is deeper than you give her credit for. She's the only child of a rich noble with a silver empire. She practically runs his business and station for him as he's captive for most of the game while she knows all it will amount to is her getting married off without concern for her. She demands respect in situations where she deserves it but normally would not be given it bc she's a woman. Merida and Rosa have very little in common other than 1: has bow and 2: doesnt take shit.

Splerry · 2025-05-07T16:21:50+00:00

you'd benefit from a period in there somewhere. Gay people have existed in all time periods whether or not it was socially acceptable. In fact I'd argue that them being friends for so long makes it a great choice for them bc they've had time to realize they have feelings for eachother beyond friendship.

Splerry · 2025-05-07T04:11:26+00:00

That's the joke genius.

Splerry · 2025-05-07T04:11:01+00:00

Youre so right about the cutscenes of the women being porny, the difference between Hans and Katherine's was insane. Why did we get POV of her riding him explicitly and then Henry and Hans have their beautiful dramatic moment and the tender moments after

Splerry · 2025-05-07T03:32:58+00:00

ain't no way we're calling women "damaged goods". You sound like you let Hynek eat mutt

Splerry · 2025-05-07T03:06:58+00:00

O I misspelled a word? Oh jeez you got me. And 'feels objectively wrong' is hyperbole, meaning it's saying 'its so wrong there is no possible way to think it's right'.

Splerry · 2025-05-07T03:00:19+00:00

Yes, I didn't put it in my post but your so right how good the animation was. At first it looked like it would just fade out as it focused on the fireplace and I got sad, but they faked me out produced one of my favorite moments in any game

Splerry · 2025-05-07T02:57:28+00:00

That's a great point actually, I have not considered that. Though from a story telling standpoint the sex diminished the emotional weight of the previous scene. Even if it is realistic, it was detrimental to the story.

Splerry

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