Chemslayer's recent activity
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Comment on Suggestions for a LAN party in ~games
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Comment on What is your Mandela effect moment? in ~movies
Chemslayer LinkThe popular chicken sandwich fast food Chikfila was always Chikfila, and I still refuse to acknowledge the conspiracy that it's spelled "Chickfila". Minor in any case, but while I do recognize...The popular chicken sandwich fast food Chikfila was always Chikfila, and I still refuse to acknowledge the conspiracy that it's spelled "Chickfila".
Minor in any case, but while I do recognize some others (like the fruit of the loom one), this one I feel like I'm on an island. It was stylized dammit!
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
Chemslayer LinkReading Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi. About a quarter in and enjoying it so far. It hasn't gotten into too much meat yet, but I am enjoying the faux-scientific explanations for Kaiju...Reading Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi. About a quarter in and enjoying it so far. It hasn't gotten into too much meat yet, but I am enjoying the faux-scientific explanations for Kaiju etc shown so far.
This is only my second Scalzi after Starter Villain last year. I don't remember it in starter villain, but at least in this book he is in love with the "witty banter"; it seems like no character can speak more than two lines without another character interrupting with a jokey joke. I do wish it was toned down a bit, both for the flow of dialogue and because it's kind of homogenizing the characters (since they all do it), but we'll see how it shakes out.
I am concerned this may have my same gripe with Starter Villain, in that the book will be too short to explore the interesting facets of the book's conceit (professional supervillainy and Kaijus, respectively). I felt like SV didn't touch on that nearly as much as I hoped, instead getting caught in doing the plot, and I feel like Kaiju is headed in a similar direction. But like I said I'm only a quarter in, so we'll see. I almost wish these books were like serial "episode of the week" type things, Scalzi seems to set up a lot of base to work with but then being just the one sorta short book isn't enough time. Curious to read his Old Mans War series later, wonder if that was a similar situation that he was able to expand.
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Comment on What are your favourite anime and/or manga? in ~anime
Chemslayer Link ParentHa I appreciated the spoiler tagging! (Which I did not open). I do already know from the general hubbub that the ending was controversial, and even know one more out-of-context detail, so I'm not...Ha I appreciated the spoiler tagging! (Which I did not open). I do already know from the general hubbub that the ending was controversial, and even know one more out-of-context detail, so I'm not quite pure. But still looking forward to figuring out myself
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Comment on What are your favourite anime and/or manga? in ~anime
Chemslayer Link ParentI will return in a few months to this! I don't read fan translations, so I still have a vol or 2 until I get to the endI will return in a few months to this! I don't read fan translations, so I still have a vol or 2 until I get to the end
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Comment on What are your favourite anime and/or manga? in ~anime
Chemslayer Link ParentOh dang I forgot about Mob Psycho for my list! The manga was fantastic, and I really appreciated the entire arc beginning to end. Also, people who say ONE's art is bad really don't know what...Oh dang I forgot about Mob Psycho for my list! The manga was fantastic, and I really appreciated the entire arc beginning to end. Also, people who say ONE's art is bad really don't know what they're talking about; he may not be as highly-detailed as some more famous artists, but his ability to show motion, mood, and expressions is great
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Comment on What are your favourite anime and/or manga? in ~anime
Chemslayer LinkOnly manga here, although I do pick which to read based a lot on hearing about the anime lol. Chainsaw Man - Violent and humorous, with high stakes and loveably awful characters. It is a massive...Only manga here, although I do pick which to read based a lot on hearing about the anime lol.
Chainsaw Man - Violent and humorous, with high stakes and loveably awful characters. It is a massive tragedy, basically a story of Denjis life going bad constantly, but the themes of a young guy trying to make his way in the world really resonate. Also, he's got big chainsaws for hands
Kaguya-Sama: Love is War - Romantic comedy that starts as a Death-Note-esque style battle of wits, but quickly abandons that premise to instead be a coming-of-age romance story with many characters, interweaving plotlines, and absurd, almost shit-post style comedy I really enjoyed. I really appreciated the characterizations, the high-school students all feel believable as actual teens, rather than adults in young bodies. Related, I really appreciated how the series handled topics like sex that were both realistic to how teens actually discuss (and sometimes do have) sex, without crossing the line into lewdness or fan-service.
Witch Hat Atelier - Very cute almost Ghibli-style story about a young girl becoming a witch, and her journeys of both self-discovery and the discovery of the world of magic. It's very cute and lighthearted, and optimistic: there are bad things that happen and bad forces trying to make those happen, but the characters find ways to solve their problems, usually by overcoming their own fears or insecurities. There's a good amount of drama and intrigue, and a heavy dose of shades-of-gray thinking about the world and how it's structured. I'm currently almost caught up with the currently available in English volumes.
Delicious in Dungeon - Fun story about delving into a dungeon, and how to best cook and eat the monsters within. Cool "realistic" cooking angle, with detailed recipes on how to best prepare and enjoy many magical creatures. But besides this plot hook, there's also a good narrative of desire, intrigue, and love. And, something I've come to appreciate: all wrapped up nicely in a completed 12 volumes!
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
Chemslayer Link ParentI've clocked 30 hours of STS2 so far, purely in co-op. I wanted to wait for it to be fully baked in 1.0 before I dove in, but my best friend got it on EA release and I didn't want to miss out....I've clocked 30 hours of STS2 so far, purely in co-op. I wanted to wait for it to be fully baked in 1.0 before I dove in, but my best friend got it on EA release and I didn't want to miss out.
Besides the game itself being a masterwork, the co-op is amazing, the interactions between players feel very thought out, and I appreciate that the co-op only cards both exist and seem slightly overtuned, which makes them more fun to pick and play and thus gives more of that fun working together feeling.
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Comment on How do you live simply/save money? What does your lifestyle look like? in ~talk
Chemslayer LinkI am generally an easy-to-please person, and have other cost-saving measures in my life (e-bike owner here too!), but when thinking on the question I realized one big way I save money is by...I am generally an easy-to-please person, and have other cost-saving measures in my life (e-bike owner here too!), but when thinking on the question I realized one big way I save money is by sticking to the same things for long periods of time.
This is mostly related to consumer goods (like cell phones, cookware, etc), and hobbies. For the goods, I'm someone who will get a thing (a phone for example), and then ride it into the dirt. I have essentially zero desire to upgrade for more power, or features, or etc.
For hobbies, I realized sticking with the same hobby, or small group of hobbies, allows me to invest in them over time, which pays dividends later. For example, I've been playing Magic: the Gathering for over a decade. My favorite deck right now at market price would cost me $1500, and my collection totals probably 5 times that, and that's not to count the fact I way overpaid for most of it via booster pack lottery and such. But that was paid for over years and years, and my collection is such that I could easily play another decade without paying a dime. I'm the same way with video games: I invested in a steam deck 4 years ago which continues to serve me, and I buy and play games usually for 100-200 hours each, which means I'm spending like $20/month max to upkeep this hobby. For board games, brand new my collection is probably $2k, but now I have them, and me and a group of friends could spend years playing if it came to it.
Basically, getting into a new hobby is (usually) hella expensive, but if you can keep the hobby it amortizes out, and becomes much cheaper over time. Of course, if you get a new hobby every month this math doesn't work out, but if you can get a handful to keep you fulfilled and explore depth over breadth you can fill your days with minimal pocketbook damage.
Note that despite what you see above, I am a guy that craves novelty; I'll very rarely re-read a book, or replay a non-roguelike video game. But this method still works for me, since I can enjoy different aspects of my same things over and over again
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Comment on What games have you been playing, and what's your opinion on them? in ~games
Chemslayer (edited )LinkIn tabletop news, I got into One Page Rules miniatures game! Specifically their 40k knockoff Grim Dark Future. They just recently put out starter boxes for the first time, and after being tempted...In tabletop news, I got into One Page Rules miniatures game! Specifically their 40k knockoff Grim Dark Future. They just recently put out starter boxes for the first time, and after being tempted by that and finding a weekly meetup local I decided to get in.
I played a lot of Warhammer 40k from 2017-2019, so that's my main point of reference. OPR so far has been much more humane;
The rules and army books are all free, and have a convenient web app for army building.
The system is miniature agnostic, so you can use whatever looks coolest and/or is most accessible.
The game is, as implied by the length of the rules, much more simplified. This is neutral for me, as I do enjoy complicated chunky rules too, but the simplified game does make the games take 1.5 hours instead of 40k's 3-4, which is a big improvement.
Also contributing, the setup of points totals etc means your average game of OPR will have much fewer models/units versus 40k, which both makes the game quicker but also cheaper, as you need to buy and prepare less plastic. So even if you decide to still use 40k models (as they do look cool), it'll still be cheaper to have a "full" army.
Overall I've had a great time. A personal upside for me too is between the smaller army size, and my own efforts, I'm trying to get less "sucked in" than I did to 40k; my experience with that game never got unhealthy, but it is the kind of hobby that can fill as much void as you have, and I was in a low place personally so it filled a lot. Trying to handle it more intentional, both in my collecting (I'm playing the starter box robots) and in my bugging people to play with me haha
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Comment on The Amazing Digital Circus - Ep 9: Remember in ~tv
Chemslayer Link ParentAs a real-world capital M cis-Man, who nearly always dresses in feminine clothes & hairstyle, I appreciate your thoughtfulness in the distinctions of presentation vs a person's...As a real-world capital M cis-Man, who nearly always dresses in feminine clothes & hairstyle, I appreciate your thoughtfulness in the distinctions of presentation vs a person's inner-identification; many people seeing me and not knowing better may assume I'm some form of non-binary, or a very brick-y trans woman, but I feel I'm still solidly a man just with some alternate clothing choices.That being said, a big difference between me and Jax is I'm a real person, and you can ask me how I feel and what I identify. On the other hand, Jax is a character in some art, so we are forced to draw our own conclusions on anything that isn't explicitly told to us.
Interpretations can vary, and I think it is valid to have an interpretation of "Jax is unsure where he lands on the gender spectrum, and that is what causes him anxiety". In the same way though, "Jax is trans, and his denial of it out of fear of rejection or other trauma is the cause of anxiety" is both a valid interpretation and an experience that many trans people can relate to having experienced themselves in their own journey.
Again, we can't actually ask Jax to clarify any of this. We could ask the creator, but even regardless of what they say interpretations of the art itself are still valid (death of the artist and all that).
It's good to keep your mind open, and not fall into another binary "trans must choose one of the two genders" thinking trap without asking the person in question. But in this case, it's an art, so any interpretation with reasonable backing is valid, and the "Jax is trans" option has both good backing and resonates with a lot of people, so it makes sense that it has risen to the most popular one.
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
Chemslayer LinkReading book 5 of The Wheel of Time, not much specific to be said without spoilers, but continues to be a great serious fantasy read. It will be years before I finish the series, but I'm happy to...Reading book 5 of The Wheel of Time, not much specific to be said without spoilers, but continues to be a great serious fantasy read. It will be years before I finish the series, but I'm happy to take my time; if you like played-straight classic fantasy (prophecies, chosen ones, world-shattering-stakes, minimal comedy or one-liners) would recommend the series up until now at least.
In comic land, recently finished Curse Words by Charles Soule, 25ish issues, it was a fun read. Humorous and has a very "asshole" type of humor but doesn't resort to stereotypes or crass language. Short version is a wizard who was a bad dude comes to our world, and has decided to be a good person instead. There's a lot going on, but it's a lot of learning how to move past your bad-person past. Also, a talking koala is a main character! If you end up enjoying it I'd also recommend Eight Billion Genies by the same writer-artist team.
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Comment on What have you been watching / reading this week? (Anime/Manga) in ~anime
Chemslayer LinkReading Witch Hat Atelier manga and really enjoying it! I really like that it's cute and hopeful, while still having some intrigue and dramatic story beats. Just wrapped up Vol 6, looking forward...Reading Witch Hat Atelier manga and really enjoying it! I really like that it's cute and hopeful, while still having some intrigue and dramatic story beats. Just wrapped up Vol 6, looking forward to catching up to all the available volumes
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Comment on Humble Bundle - John Scalzi collection benefiting World Central Kitchen in ~books
Chemslayer LinkI've only read Starter Villain, but that was a fun and good book, if a quick read. And between the usual humble cut to charity, and all of Scalzi's personal profit going to another charity, seems...I've only read Starter Villain, but that was a fun and good book, if a quick read. And between the usual humble cut to charity, and all of Scalzi's personal profit going to another charity, seems like a pretty sweet gig
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Comment on To my fellow Americans: Happy 4th of July, I hope you end the day with the same number of fingers you started with! in ~talk
Chemslayer LinkI grew up in the country, and moved to the city for college and stayed there my adult life. I much prefer the city for so many reasons... But I do miss lighting my own fireworks ha. The big pretty...I grew up in the country, and moved to the city for college and stayed there my adult life. I much prefer the city for so many reasons... But I do miss lighting my own fireworks ha. The big pretty city shows are cool and all, but can't beat just exploding nonsense on my own driveway. Alas
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Comment on Super Women: Female Protagonists - Fanatical Comics Bundle ($25 top tier) in ~comics
Chemslayer LinkBig bundle of DRM-free comics! I actually already own most of these as Humble had a very similar bundle a while ago, but I wanted to share here for anyone who might be interested. Since I got...- Exemplary
Big bundle of DRM-free comics! I actually already own most of these as Humble had a very similar bundle a while ago, but I wanted to share here for anyone who might be interested.
Since I got these a while back, I've read several and can give these reviews:
Saga is the standout here, and this bundle contains all 12 currently-available volumes. Sci-fantasy series about the horrors of war, being a refugee, and loving and making family regardless. There is a lot of violence, and don't get attached to any character no matter how safe you think you are (with the possible exception of the main, only because her narrating as if in the future implies she survives lol). Already critically acclaimed, and at a normal price of $12 a volume getting all 12 for $25 is insane even if you don't touch anything else in the bundle.
Papergirls by the same author is also great, and a nice completed 6 volumes. Time-travel shenanigans, and trying to do the right thing. Due to an error on the original humble bundle I accidentally read these out of order, which really amplified the time-travel-fuckery aspect, let me know if you want my machete order lmao.
Hinges didn't really stick with me, it went for a minimalist aesthetic wrt words and art, but I found it made it hard to tell what was going on, especially in action scenes. Short though, and cool ideas and character designs.
Inkblot is a fun goofy romp about a black cat that is magic, and impossible to catch. I enjoyed the two volumes, although it sadly seems like it was intended to have more but will never get them, alas.
Street Angel was fun! Hobo girl kid who does the right thing and saves people but is also very concerned with getting meals and shelter. Tone is goofy, id compare it to Scott Pilgrim in that it has over-the-top martial skills and situations while still retaining a "realistic" setting (eg a lot of the moves she pulls are not really possible, but don't stretch as far as super powers).
A Thing Called Truth can't keep getting away with this! Cute lesbian romance with some angst, but this inclusion (and my og bundle) is only the first half of the story, and the second half is only available in a big book that contains both halves. So, that's annoying, but I guess you can consider this your demo, and can go get the whole thing elsewhere if you want to finish.
Its Lonely at the Center of the Earth is an artsy pseudo-diary of the artists experience and struggle with depression, suicide, careers, and more. It was very good and touching, but warning it is esoteric. Pretty raw too, so if you find something along these lines triggering tread with caution.
Bolero is another artsy comic, about changing your life for a new one, with some cosmic rules and weirdness. I enjoyed it, just expect to either have a hard time tracking exactly what's going on, or do my method and accept the ambiguity as part of the story. Good and fun and a little touching.
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Super Women: Female Protagonists - Fanatical Comics Bundle ($25 top tier)
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
Chemslayer Link ParentEnjoy Dark Tower! I just finished the 6th book recently, still one to go so can't say if he sticks the landing yet but so far it's been great. Re: tying to his other books, it does in ways that I...Enjoy Dark Tower! I just finished the 6th book recently, still one to go so can't say if he sticks the landing yet but so far it's been great. Re: tying to his other books, it does in ways that I won't mention for spoilers, but it's so far been a more "you'll have some cool noticing of the references" if you read the book, rather than needing to have read them. (Of two I've noticed at least, I've read one and not the other, but the one I haven't I didn't feel like I missed anything crucial).
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Comment on List of films adapted into novels in ~books
Chemslayer LinkSounds like a good place to mention B^F: The novelisation of the novelisation of Back to the Future, by Ryan North (most famously Dinosaur Comics and also some Marvel stuff). It's a page-by-page...Sounds like a good place to mention B^F: The novelisation of the novelisation of Back to the Future, by Ryan North (most famously Dinosaur Comics and also some Marvel stuff). It's a page-by-page live review of the Back to the Future novelization from the 80s, and it's a wild ride. I haven't read the actual novelization, but B^F is amazing and has lots of North's trademark wit.
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Comment on Final Fantasy Resonance | Trailer in ~games
Chemslayer Link ParentIdk, I was playing games in the 00's and it was mostly CD keys that weren't even unique or install-limited. And also, a big reason why DRM is so much lesser and/or friendlier nowadays is...Idk, I was playing games in the 00's and it was mostly CD keys that weren't even unique or install-limited. And also, a big reason why DRM is so much lesser and/or friendlier nowadays is specifically because people made a big stink about it! It's fair to make your own decisions on what you will/won't accept, especially for a hobby like gaming, but putting down people who are vocal about wanting better doesn't help anyone but those in charge
This was me and my friends go-to in college (in early 2010s, so it was already dated by then). Playing a pirated version with the expansion mods (whose developers got picked up to make the official remasters), 6-8 player FFA on giant maps. Did our one friend who was actually good at RTS's always win? Yeah. Did I consistently make 200 mamalukes and just annoy everyone? Also yes. Fantastic time, and the games are short enough you can jam several