vallo

I doubt that I am the first with the ability to see the future to say this, and also doubt that I will be the last, but it is frustrating to have that sort of skillset and to not be able to foresee something like all of this with enough clarity to provide any sort of concrete warning. Likewise, being able to divine a solution would also be helpful, if it actually worked that way -- frustrating, all around.

I wish there was more that I could do to help, is all. And I'm sorry to those of you that are separated from friends and family. That can't be easy, in the least.

But I have noticed how all of this has really swung the gossip focus at school. I don't know all of the details of last week's events, but it is quite something to be in a school that seems to discourage student participation in an unsanctioned fight club, magical or otherwise. In all honesty, I would be shocked if back home doing such wasn't expected curriculum for some focuses. Then again, I'm fully aware that much of what happened at our school couldn't be filed under peak responsibility.

Hey, does anyone play any tabletop RPGs? I'm pretty well-versed in Dungeons and Dragons (Dorkus Pretendo Times as Tommy calls it, thank you Tommy for your genius that is truly a gift to all of us) but I've also played Call of Cthulhu, Warhammer, and Blades in the Dark.

Which, okay, backtrack.

Tabletop role-playing games are essentially a giant story that people tell together. You create a type of character that has a role--the type and the role determine what you might be good at, but there's usually dice rolling as well that determines your success or failure. There's someone (a Game Master, a Dungeon Master, other terms depending on the game) that narrates the story with you and who puts obstacles in the party's way and who has an overarching view of where the story is going, but the fun part is seeing how off the rails plans can go and the creative ways people use the game mechanics.

I've been the DM a bunch and I'd be willing to run a one-shot if people want to try? Or a longer campaign too, if there's interest that's great. It can be overwhelming at first, especially setting up a character and figuring out the points and all, but once you really start playing it gets better and the actual numbers come second-nature. And I'll totally help set up a character too, really, it's all meant to be fun and creative. There are all different types too--fantasy, murder mystery, steampunk, there's even one where you play as bears, because why not. And I know it's like, well there's a pixie who runs a coffee shop and magic everywhere and whatnot, who cares about this, but sometimes? It's fun to be someone else and try something totally different.

Anywho, back to my 10th re-read of Children of Húrin. It's either genius or unreadable, there are only two camps.

A little over two weeks left until I say goodbye to sweet 16. I never actually got around to learning to drive for a variety of reasons. I should probably do that. But on that note, anything else I should do before this iconic age is gone and I enter ABBA territory?

PSYCHIC/SEERS
Hi there. I think I've spoken to at least a few of you at this point. I'm a seer. I take specialized classes at school, but I want to do more to explore these powers. The classes work at a slower pace than I'd like. Does anyone have suggestions for practices for relative beginners?

It feels like cheating, because it was only August back home before I was brought here, but today is my birthday and I guess that means I am technically 17 now. Better that than turning 16 again, I suppose; a lot happened around my last birthday, what with my spring break revolving around our sophomore year project that included adventures on a floating pirate ship island, being kidnapped by my own people, trying alcohol for the first time, and family dramatics, to put it incredibly lightly, so... a do over is welcome. I just wish

And I think my do over requires cake! I wasn't allowed Give me your best bakery recommendations, if you have them. I would make one myself, but I'm not that adventurous.

I wanted to give an overall thank you to everyone who helped me when I arrived here a few days ago. I was able to get much of what I needed, but most importantly I was able to summon Boggy here: ( Frog pic, if you're worried about that! )

Everything is a little bit better with Boggy around, so I'm relieved.

I'm also relieved to be going back to school next week; thank you again, Mr. Widogast, for the aid in arranging a meeting. I don't do well sitting idle for too long, so it will be good to have something of a routine and to have homework again. It had been summer break back home, so it's a bit odd to jump back into school, but you won't necessarily find me complaining.

On the list of things that could have be revealed from my searches, I'm glad not understanding normal teenage things is the only one that came out.

Um This is Hello, my name is Adaine Abernant. I'm newly arrived here and am very grateful for the answers to my likely far too many questions, however there is one thing that I overlooked: could someone tell me where I might be able to purchase a hopefully reasonably priced brass brazier? I arrived with my spellbook, but my focus is apparently still back in Elmville so I will need to rely on components, which I've never had to do before, and while I can easily get the charcoal and incense, the brazier is a bit more complicated and I really am unsure where anything is in this city and the buildings here are so tall, which I suppose I'm not entirely unused to, but they're very different than the suburbs, aren't they? And I'm clearly freaking out, breathe Adaine

Anyway, if anyone could point me in a direction -- that would be most helpful.

tw: discussion of pregnancy in comments

Things I didn't miss:

Nearly burning down the house trying to make a Thanksgiving dinner.

Things I am missing:

Black Friday. I need new boots and do not want to pay full retail thank you very much.

((pls to ignore the tag dump on this))