GGaD » Time's Boardhost Homethread

GalaxianExplosion · November 12, 2023 14:56:44

Of course I'd be up to going on as long as you want to! Though I do hope others will chime in too. I know the way I think about things is still biased.
I do want to read Frieren at some point, so this conversation is just making the series more interesting for me, because I can see some ways that it approaches the idea of memory.

-Galaxian-

Time · November 13, 2023 02:06:58

The reason why I am posting this is because of that exact reason. The fact that people are biased, and might have a different perspective on the subject.

Spoiler's for Frieren's memory for chapter 81

So, I was thinking the addition of this memory may help shine some light on Denken, or show another pathway or reasoning for a similar thought process.

As soon as Denken explains his reason, Frieren remembers a memory. To set the scene of the flashback, Frieren and Himmel are sitting in a field of flowers that Frieren created with magic.

Frieren wonders out loud why he wants to see the spell where she creates the field of flowers. This is likely not the first time she has shown this spell to him imo.

Himmel is surprised as they sit in the field, apparently Frieren is wearing a look on her face that he's never seen before, however, Frieren's face isn't shown in the next panel, as her back is turned. But the next time we see her face, she is wearing her standard face of indifference.
Frieren remarks that the spell was one that her master dearly loved. She tries to use it as little as possible because it reminds her of her.
But Frieren comments on how she feels. She feels extremely calm, which she finds strange.
Himmel admits that while he doesn't know the life the Frieren has lived, he imagines that it's been a difficult and painful journey. One so difficult and painful, that she forgotten to understand a simple thing.
What is this "simple thing"? Himmel believes that Frieren was happy with her master. That's it. She just felt happy. And that's ok.
"It's all right to remember, Frieren" and the memory ends.

What do you think of it? I hope I am giving a good summarization.

GalaxianExplosion · November 13, 2023 20:08:16

I'm not too sure I can say too much that's insightful or whatnot.
When you put forth the question, I was already anticipating that Denken's case is supposed to serve as a bolster for Frieren and Himmel. You know, when the reader considers one case and is supposed to get used to thinking in some sort of way before they consider a similar case? For me, it's a literary move, more so than a character-related thing. So your post got me feeling like I got it right in some way.
The structure of this memory compared to Denken's memory reminds me very much of Violet Evergarden (some major spoilers of that series follow). Most of the episodes are spent with Violet coming across different people and scenarios and learning about emotions through writing letters for them. For instance, in one episode, she helps a father come to terms with the loss of his young daughter by helping him finish his script. The episodes ultimately lead her to becoming more human and developing a greater understanding of the world through her interactions with others, which I think is very similar to what I'm hearing about Frieren, with different emphasis on memories (in Frieren's case) versus the idea of moving on/love (for Violet).
Anyways, I can't say that I can see this case as shining much light on Denken's, mainly because I immediately become cognizant of the differences between him and Frieren. For example, Denken is an old guy, but I assume he still can't really compare to Freiren's years of experience and what she's seen. Additionally, both of them seem to have very different personalities too. That being said, the general message seems to pertain, which maybe speaks of a certain similarity: Sometimes, you don't want to remember even the good, because you want to keep the memory untouched (or some other reason). But it's okay to remember, especially for the sake of yourself. That's my view of what maybe unifies these two different people and their initial unwillingness to revisit these aspects of the past.

Another thing I want to note is that Himmel's evaluation of why Frieren is from his perspective, and from where I am standing, I can't really tell how deep his understanding of her is. My unsubstantiated guess is that his character is the representation of a human trying to sympathize with and understand an immortal (in this case, I'm using "immortal" to summarize Frieren's ability to live so much longer than humans, even though I'm not sure if she's actually immortal), and the story is Frieren's reciprocation of that sentiment. That is, I don't think it'd fit the story for Himmel to have been able to see through her entirely, but I recognize that what he's evaluating is based on the more human nature of emotions that he sees in her. So what I'm wondering is, is the reader intended to agree with Himmel's interpretation on how Frieren feels about her memories with her master? Or is it a viewpoint from one of her close companions to be carefully considered but not immediately accepted?
Maybe the above is really just me overthinking it due to not reading it, but again, I can see him being correct, but wonder how likely it is for him to be that way. Maybe he was her soulmate despite being human. I don't think I'm one to say.

Last but not least (this post is me asking a lot of questions because I don't know crap): Isn't the flower field an extremely significant setting when it comes to the relationship between Himmel and Frieren? (Spoilers idk?) I recall reading that their first meeting involved one, and I see it being a recurring motif in the OP's official music video as well. This makes me wonder if maybe this moment is not just another one of those instances where she remembers Himmel, unless most of her flashbacks with him are situated there? In turn, assuming this scene is significant, is there something new that Frieren has garnered from encountering Denken and his story? Because from where I'm standing, the fact that she can remember the entire flashback is already proof that she's grown.

-Galaxian-

Edit: Revisiting this post just to say that I feel like I sound a lot like you in some parts of it. Lmiao

Time · November 14, 2023 01:46:59

First some other stories I need to post about before I continue talking about Frieren, since I haven't been updating on what I've been consuming story wise.

1. Today I watched "Portrait of a Lady of Fire". Very good. So good I won't spoil it. Though it is a bit... explicit, and rated R. It's a French film. Certainly a film I wouldn't watch normally. I didn't even know about it until I saw it was next up on the list on what the class was watching.
2. Last week I watched "The Mermaid". A 2016 film. It was a very funny comedy. Though the ending was kinda mushy as I don't feel the tones aligned and they had to get serious for the plot to finish up. Also rated R. Also not a movie I would normally watch (it's a comedy)
3. Limbus Company, Canto V comes out on Thursday. I'm looking forward to some as they would say... PEAK fiction. Plus, my favorite Limbus character will be taking the spotlight for this one, so I'm doubly looking forwards to it.
- I was thinking of finishing up all my analysis on Ishmael before the chapter came out, but I thought if I did, I would just be overanalyzing only a small part of her character compared to overanalyzing a larger part of her story/character we'll be getting with the new release if I just wait a bit.

anyways, now continuing on with Frieren... getting into little character info here and there but there should be no explicit details. Tell me to tone down spoilers of any type when needed

You are correct in that regard. I feel that nearly every character is supporting Frieren in some way. But yeah, I was thinking the same thing as you when they put Denken and Frieren's memories in the same chapter.

Man what da hell I was planning on reading dat 😭😭😭. Or at least I was likely to down the road. In reality tho no worries that spoiler wasn't too bad. It's a nice connection you make though. I feel this sort of story can be told lots of different ways. Which is very nice for me.

As to Himmel's evaluation, my readings say that he knew her very well. They traveled together for 10 years after all! Naturally all his viewpoints and what he says will come from the perspective of a person who has a human lifespan, but oftentimes he has been right on the mark for understanding Frieren. He knew her for 10 years! That's a long time!

As to answer your question, you put a good point. It's a mostly interpretive thing, but Frieren and her master had a good relationship before parting ways. So I say, yes. Himmel is likely correct in saying that Frieren was happy. As to soulmate? Well, I personally feel like Himmel was generally like this to everyone, as he was someone who deeply cares about his companions and understands them very well. Though, I think he understood that Frieren needed some time (lots and lots of time) to realize a lot of things, so he worked with what he could during his "short" time frame to prepare her for that. He also could have had a crush on her. That too. If that's the other part of soulmate you are referring to. Actually nah no shot he HAD to there is empirical evidence I won't get into.

Yeah. Or more so the flower spell, since the setting of where the flowers grow is are in the same place. I think flowers in general are an extremely important motif in the story overall. I never thought of it, but it could very well mean flowers = THIS MEMORY IS IMPORTANT. It does certainty feel like it at times. As to something new the Frieren has gained, I feel like nearly every memory of Himmel results in Frieren growing subtly, or at least it shows how she's changed from the past. Denken's story made Frieren change her mind on something big, so that's one thing.

Shoot it's getting long again I tried to cut down on some unneeded details.

Last edited by Time (November 14, 2023 13:24:56)

Time · November 14, 2023 01:47:19

Oh wait it's not as long as I though nvm but still

GalaxianExplosion · November 14, 2023 14:14:39

I realized you might actually be interested in Violet Evergarden and toned down the spoilers a bit. Hopefully it actually worked. If nothing else, the art direction is gorgeous.
Thanks for answering with what you've garnered from the story. :D I don't think I can comment more though. I don't suppose there's something specific you'd like me to try to think/talk about?

Looking forward to the LC commentary as usual btw :]

-Galaxian-

Last edited by GalaxianExplosion (November 14, 2023 14:15:07)

GalaxianExplosion · November 15, 2023 21:49:16

Sorry, I just wanted to add a quote here from a book I'm reading, called Borrowed Time by Paul Monette. He was a gay man whose partner died from AIDs, (this isn't a spoiler, by the way), and he himself is writing the book knowing that he has AIDs and could pass away any moment as well.
The quote is from a letter from a friend who passed away from the disease earlier, and it reads:
"If later on, as we read this, we might think, 'How happy we were then!' at least we'll have that. That we lived then, those moments, we knew they were important, and that's all there is."
It really struck me that I was reading the book that's all about finding the tranquility and joy in fleeting moments, written by a man who was himself on a ticking clock, but the message coincided with a tale about an immortal with seemingly unlimited years before her.

-Galaxian-

Time · November 16, 2023 00:01:04

yeah it toned it down a lot so that's nice. As to looking into a specific topic, I think we're good for now tbh. I just would have to think about it more. Thanks!

Yeah. I'm looking forwards to LCB commentary as well if I ever get to writing it (apparently it's LCB and not LC bc that's another game)

Ok, yeah, this can be kinda helpful actually and it's a nice line. It's something that aligns with the thoughts that I was wondering with chapter 81 for sure.

Time · November 16, 2023 00:20:43

Oh wait scratch that the peak has arrived.

Should I play it right now...? Or should I draw up character concepts people actually need 🤔🤔🤔

Time · November 16, 2023 04:33:24

You know these blues kinda lowkey remind me of someone...

Time · November 16, 2023 23:24:35

I swear dude like 80% of artist and writers I meet are all apart of like a hivemind of having an extreme amount of energy, unnecessary screaming, and vibes and humor that I cannot handle for suspended periods of time.

Not personal btw for those that are apart of that hivemind (I hope you get well soon).

But anyways I feel like I'm always out of place in those sort of gatherings because I'm just some relatively normal looking dude that looks overly serious compared to everyone else.

Last edited by Time (November 16, 2023 23:29:36)

Time · November 17, 2023 00:27:19

Hold up did I just say "unnecessary laughter"???

Goes to show how much of a cheerful person I am irl

Time · November 17, 2023 04:56:38

Anyways up at 2 in the morning playing peak story

Time · November 17, 2023 17:17:43

Ok, jjk be killing it with that animation. S2 E17 went CRAZY. To me, the highlight was the OST for sure.

HOWEVER from my perspective, just imagine if this fight actually had emotional impact. Because frankly this fight was like, 90% attraction and 10% story.

Plus! It was created in nasty conditions.

Time · November 18, 2023 05:48:10

remember when I actually had a good sleep schedule

Time · November 18, 2023 18:20:48

I think names for characters are very important to me. I think possibly too important.

I'm trying to find names that sound like they'd fit in our world, but not to the point they they would be considered normal names. Names that sound somewhat fictional, but they're not full blown fantasy.

Idk about you, but there have been character names where I just see it, then I look at the character, and then I think "That's a weird name". There's just a sweet spot for some names that I am just trying to find so I can use them for my characters.

Maybe the sweet spot are just lesser used names in this world? Or maybe words that come from this world, but aren't necessarily considered names?

Time · November 20, 2023 13:11:08

So I was thinking about some LCB stuff with Canto V to help practice my analysis on characters, but...

The viewpoints and interpretations, there are just too many for me! How do I write something coherent when I learn something new every single time I revisit the topic? It makes me want to shift my stance, or add something new to the argument that just makes it longer and longer and longer...

Even when taking the main topic (i.e. Ishmael's personality) and then dividing it into subcategories (Ishmael’s current mental state), the subcategories are still so broad to me! And to provide a proper explanation, I'd have to refrence things that may have not been explained, or go outside the topic at hand.

It's... somewhat vexing to say the least. I really think I nees a different approach to organizing my ideas.

Basket Cat · November 20, 2023 17:13:17

Time wrote:
I think names for characters are very important to me. I think possibly too important.

I'm trying to find names that sound like they'd fit in our world, but not to the point they they would be considered normal names. Names that sound somewhat fictional, but they're not full blown fantasy.

Idk about you, but there have been character names where I just see it, then I look at the character, and then I think "That's a weird name". There's just a sweet spot for some names that I am just trying to find so I can use them for my characters.

Maybe the sweet spot are just lesser used names in this world? Or maybe words that come from this world, but aren't necessarily considered names?

despite having the weirdest naming strategy/pattern ever (giving characters truly random names) i feel this so hard

Time · November 21, 2023 16:30:21

I've been looking to classical literature, mythology, and history for names as of recently

Time · November 22, 2023 14:29:05

Ok I've decided to move my nanowrimo project to next month, as in I'll do that writing grind in December.

I was thinking now that I have more time to develop and plan... what if... I did something similar to a forumfic? Ah ha ha just joking.

...Unless?

It wouldn't be exactly like a forumfic. I wouldn't be requesting 100% self inserts, but still something akin. Also, I'd probably request a little bit more freedom in subjects (ex, having people ok with understanding that some people gotta die)

Last edited by Time (November 22, 2023 14:30:49)

SpecterTheGreat · November 22, 2023 16:06:07

Popping in to say I would be interested in the idea, but in the end do whatever you want to do! I would read pretty much anything you post anyways :D

Time · November 22, 2023 20:54:06

Ngl it'll probably do it if others are down to write up a character or something because I found a way to connect it into the main world I've been working on

Time · November 23, 2023 20:47:54

nah stuff be slow and whathaveyou bruh

Time · November 23, 2023 20:49:18

But yeah I'm totally going to do that "forumfic". The idea created in my mind sound much more interesting that what I was first going to create.

Time · November 24, 2023 01:03:00

Just finished playing Signalis. Got the "Promise" ending.

Seeing if I'll write enough to constitute a post on my writing thread. If not it's just going to go on a post after this one

Last edited by Time (November 24, 2023 01:04:51)

Time · November 24, 2023 02:27:27

Look at this goober dude

look at this goober

can't just write a concise form of his thoughts. Just gotta keep blabbering on. Yapping, even.

*posts on writing thread*

Last edited by Time (November 24, 2023 02:27:57)

Time · November 24, 2023 20:06:51

slow times slow times

Time · November 24, 2023 23:58:29

Read up on Signalis lore. Have a better idea of things now.

I would write up another writing thread post for this, but I feel like it's too short.

Knowing more on lore and (interpreted) story and things like that, I think normally this story would exactly be right up my alley. A sci fi horror game containing time loops, altered reality, and manifestations of the mind; with the core of the story being a grim promise made between two lovers.

You can't tell me that GOES HARD. You just can't.

I saw once an xyz axis to describe games
x: Liking it or not liking it (personal enjoyment)
y: It was good or it was bad (Quality of the game)
z: Unaffected or it has changed me* (Effect on outlook on life)

So for me, Signalis was:

I liked it (I thoroughly enjoyed it)
I think it was good (it was very well made)
I think it did a noticeable change on my outlook (Most games I play do that anyways)

*Note that it is organically "unaffected to irreparable damage to my psyche" but I wanted to stay in a more serious tone for that part.

It genuinely is the most depressing game that I've played though. There's do doubt about it.

Last edited by Time (November 25, 2023 03:21:01)

Time · November 25, 2023 00:07:30

SpecterTheGreat wrote:
Popping in to say I would be interested in the idea, but in the end do whatever you want to do! I would read pretty much anything you post anyways :D

Just saying that I didn't brush this off, I took this to heart and it made me happy to hear this.

Time · November 26, 2023 04:30:54

OMG!

Ishmael is not just a mentally unstable person! She's also a sociopath! Real! She's really out here not caring about anything other than killing!

I agree on the notion that she needs a hug. It's not going fix her in any way, but she needs it.

Oh this is LCB ishmael I am talking about I'm not talking about the one we have here lol