long post – Page 14 – Flying through Storytelling

Role of the Visionary – The Seer

Those born
with the Role of the Seer are seekers of knowledge. They have
an innate awareness of their surroundings and a knack for learning, recalling
and analysing their interests, no matter how difficult or dense they may be. As
such, a Seer’s inner world may be as confusing and complicated as their
interests, making it sometimes hard to get to know them properly. On top of
that, they tend to struggle with grey areas, dividing in their mind what’s
right and wrong. This black and white point of view can be biased, muddling in
turn the insight a Seer may be able to offer otherwise. They can become easily
frustrated when presented with choices or situations that don’t fit their
divide of the world, and need to eventually learn not everything in the world
is as clear as it seems to them. When they think something is right, they will
try hard to share it with others, and won’t easily back down on their word. At
their best they are capable, intelligent and always eager to offer advice to
others. At their worst, they can be pedantic and zealous about their opinions
and thoughts.

Seers don’t need to be specially comfortable with their Aspect,
rather, their Aspect determines what kind of insight and information comes more
naturally to them, or what they have an easier time understanding. As such,
intrusive thoughts are their enemy, and paranoia can easily take hold of them
if they’re not careful, making them obsess playing scenarios in their minds
over and over. If something manages to muddle their vision and presents what
they thought to be true as wrong, a Seer’s sense of self can easily be
shattered, doubts about themselves and regrets about the outcomes they should
have been able to predict will plague their mind, and the healing process won’t
be an easy journey. Seers tend to be well meaning, however, and even when
things aren’t going too well for them, they’re open to talk and listen to those
they care about, to offer whatever little bit of help they may be able to.

Being one of the Visionary Classes, Seers are the Passive counterpart to Mages,
and similar to them, their strengths lie in Knowing things.
Understanding, Learning, and Guiding others through their knack for the subject
in general, they can be powerful aids when it comes to planning and strategy.
This doesn’t mean they’re completely meant for utility, however, as with their
insight and awareness, a Seer can use that which they have seen to bend causality
to their whims. Once they know the outcome, they can focus on reaching it or
preventing it. Precision, Subtlety, Cunning, a Seer adept in the arts of combat
may become completely untouchable, and perform feats others would have deemed
completely impossible. For those they care about, they will bend the future if
they need to.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Visionary – The Mage

Those born
with the Role of the Mage are naturally insightful.
Introspection and learning more about themselves is as important to them as
learning the ins and outs of what has become important to them. They have an
idealized view of how the world around them should work, and will strive to
make their Reality pleasant and bearable for themselves, even when it may not
be the best path for others. Mistakes can weigh heavy on a Mage’s shoulders,
but their biggest enemy is the immutability of a world they don’t deem fair and
that has wronged them in the past. Due to this, while eager to share their
knowledge and interests with those they trust, they may become reclusive if
they fall to the clutches of self-deprecation and lack of agency. At their
best, they are deep, optimistic and great teachers to those willing to learn.
At their worst, they can be fatalistic and isolate themselves from their peers.

Mages find their Aspect coming quite naturally to them, they
barely need to try to understand their strengths and weaknesses. As such, they
will use the insight they know is there to lead others and change fate in ways
that suit them. However, this insight isn’t always appreciated, and as such, a
Mage may begin overthinking what should be simple and straightforward, sending
them down a swirling spiral they need to escape as soon as possible. Their
struggle is that of their desires and wants versus the inevitability of reality
around them. Confident and stubborn Mages will push forward with all their
might and not let anything stand in their way of what they want, but if they
become disillusioned with the way things are, they may fall prey of complacency
and acceptance against their better desires. And yet trying to change the
unchangeable may come with a heavy price for them. Striking a balance between
what they can do and what they want to do is vital for them, lest they push
themselves too hard.

Being one of the Visionary Classes, Mages are the Active counterpart to Seers,
and similar to them, their strengths lie in Knowing things.
Their Insight about their Aspect and Themselves is unmatched, and will Teach
and Guide others through that which they find important and relevant to their
interests. Foresight, Planning, Mages will not be taken by surprise easily, and
will fight back with all they have in order to change that which they don’t
agree with. They’re miracle workers that will take hold of their Aspect to both
ensure things go smoothly, and to directly engage those who dare oppose them. A
Mage’s conviction is nothing to shrug at, and if you stand in their path, they
will show you the hard way.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Innovator – The Heir

Those born
with the Role of the Heir are bound to malleability. They
aren’t just open to changing themselves, they are also heavily inclined to
influence change in others. This knack to affect others may not present itself
directly, but something of their own or related to them could hold a similar
effect. Heirs are open, yet care about others and the impact they may have on
them enough to hide facets of themselves, things that could drag their partners
down or make them uncomfortable. Those who dismiss the influence they hold upon
others can, unwittingly or otherwise, become a detriment to the rest. And as
change permeates their lives, these tend to build up and escalate towards a defining
moment or series of defining moments that truly alter them, and that will shape
who they are and how they interact with others. At their best, they are
friendly, understanding and caring of their friends. At their worst, they can
be distant, stuck-up and easily manipulable.

Heirs are at risk of losing themselves to their Aspect if they
allow it to influence and change them enough. Their Heir’s Aspect factors
heavily in their environment, being a main source of influence in their lives,
and culminating in this defining change they may inherit. As such, they need to
grow and mature, to learn to take hold of their Aspect before they’re
irreparably changed by it, making their will and goals important to hold on to.
A confident, determined Heir is a powerful and versatile force that can
accomplish anything they put their mind into and can shift the tides of battle
in a heartbeat, but they shouldn’t lose sight of what’s important for them,
lest they lose themselves.

Being one of the Innovator Classes, Heirs are the Passive counterpart to
Witches, and similar to them, their strengths lie in Changing things.
Manipulating, Converting and otherwise Controlling their Aspect, they are adept
at shaping their powers and shifting them to suit them in battle. Heirs may allow
their Aspect to flow through them and shape them but they’ll occasionally take
direct control of their powers to attack. They can easily contribute to any
situation, as they are adaptable and good at keeping up with the rest of their
group. Don’t take a Heir lightly, even those who are more carefree may bite
back if pressed too far.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Innovator – The Witch

Those born
with the Role of the Witch are ambitious and practical. They
desire bringing a change they perceive as positive to the world around them,
and may just as well change themselves to suit a more idealised self.
Passionate about that which they love, they can be heavily influenced by their
interests and by their surroundings, and show the same amount of passion about
that which they hate. Witches dislike wasting time, and would rather use their
resources and energy in furthering their goals, which makes them reliable when
it comes to find a practical solution. However, this trait is a double edged
sword, as they may quickly dismiss that which they can’t grasp as easily, or
which requires an inordinate amount of time and effort from them, preferring to
focus on their own interests and making them avoid what isn’t worth their time.
First impressions are important for them, and they can be quite stubborn about
what they do and do not enjoy. At their best, they’re positive, hard working
dreamers. At their worst, they can be neglectful, resentful and closed-minded.

Witches’ lives are permeated by the presence of their Aspect,
partially in their interests and that which they want to bring change to, and
also as an element of their environment bringing change to them, and which they
may overcome. They are not pushovers, but bad influences in their surroundings
can easily wear a Witch out, and eventually, consume their passion and will. As
such, in order to be happy, they must cast away these oppressive forces that
try to impose on themselves, assert their agency and ideals. For, once a Witch casts
aside that which has been holding them back, their sights will quickly set on
their goal, efficiently, and without a rest.

Being one of the Innovator Classes, Witches are the Active counterpart to the
Heirs, and similar to them, their strengths lie in Changing things.
Transforming, Modifying and Manipulating their Aspect, themselves, others, and
their surroundings as they see fit, a Witch’s powers’ versatility knows no
bounds. Much like how they change everything through the use of their Aspect,
even the tides of battle quickly shift under the heel of a Witch. Efficient in
combat as they are with everything else, it’s better to stay out their way,
lest they cast a spell on you.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Taker – The Rogue

Those born
with the Role of the Rogue are naturally rebellious. They
don’t take kindly to the shackles their society puts on them, and would rather
do things their way than be bound to an order they don’t agree with, or simply
not care much about, whether it be through direct action against the system, or
abstracting themselves in their own worlds and interests. As such, Rogues tend
to isolate themselves as a way to deal with stressful situations or distance
themselves from others. This doesn’t mean they are solitary by nature, however,
while selective about those they interact and relate to, they are passionate,
open and friendly with those they love, creating strong romantic and platonic
bonds that are hard to break. Rogues live for the well being of their small
social circle, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty if they manage to aid
them. At their best, they are generous, receptive and hold strong ideals and
convictions. At their worst, they can be impulsive and apathetic.

Rogues may use their Aspect as ways to isolate themselves from
their societies and their circles, which can be toxic to them in excess.
However, casting it away is not the solution, as a more moderate interest and a
good understanding of it can turn into a more healthy relationship with their
Aspect. Where Rogues shine, however, is not in their direct interaction with
their Aspect, but sharing it among their peers. They are team players ready to
help those they care about, but if their close bonds start turning into obsession,
they can end up damaging themselves and those around them. Moderation and
Balance are key for a Rogue, and those who manage to get it right can
strengthen their group and support them through whatever they may have to face.

Being one of the Taker Classes, Rogues are the Passive counterpart to the
Thieves, and similar to them, their strengths lie in Stealing.
Robbing their Aspect from a source or Taking it away entirely, and Distributing
their spoils somewhere else, Rogues are adept at taking from their target, only
to spread it among their companions. And while they generally allow their loot
to be shared among those who need it, it doesn’t mean they can’t use the Aspect
they took as a tool to fend off their foes if pressed. Never lower your guard when
facing a Rogue, or they may just steal victory from right under your nose, when
you least expect it.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Taker – The Thief

Those born
with the Role of the Thief are lone wolves. With a strong set
of ideals, they cannot be easily dissuaded once they have made their mind about
something, and aren’t afraid to break rules or cheat the system if they need
to. All is fair in order to achieve their goal. They are straightforward,
blunt, to the point, with no time to waste, and always have their hands full
with something. While they can form part of a group and form bonds with others,
their values and nature may conflict with them, and they run the risk of
manipulating and using others if they don’t trust and respect them as equals.
The bonds a Thief does make, however, are intense due to their extreme
selectiveness, and losing one of these bonds can be stressful and devastating
for them. At their best, they’re energetic, fearless and ready to take action at
a moment’s notice. At their worst, they can be egotistical and cocky.

Thieves may have a perceived lack of their Aspect to begin
with, which will often challenge them. Something they’re missing and they
struggle with, something they must learn to take from the environment, from
others. This doesn’t, however, mean that they need to stay with others to
mature, as their need to take their Aspect plays into their lone wolf nature,
bettering themselves, building themselves up, and becoming a powerhouse on their
own. They’re as powerful going solo as they are in a team, however their
companions should be wary of being left behind, and used as stepping stones to
further their goals. Trust and respect are crucial for a Thief to be reliable,
but with a strong enough bond, they can become one of the most powerful
teammates you could hope for.

Being one of the Taker Classes, Thieves are the Active counterpart to the
Rogues, and similar to them, their strengths lie in Stealing.
Taking or Receiving their Aspects from others and from any fitting source to
benefit themselves, they are all about strengthening themselves and amassing
more and more. This works doubly in their favor, improving their lack of their
Aspect while reducing its amount on their foes, they can fend themselves
against the strongest of enemies. A Thief should be aware and careful of not
going overboard, however, as where they Steal from, they may leave only Lack.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Destroyer – The Bard

Those born
with the Role of the Bard faithfully follow their cause. They
have something they think is righteous and good, and are devoted to it and
those important enough to them. Bards don’t take kindly to mockery or
skepticism towards their cause, however, as they see the good and positive in
it, so those opposed to it can only be considered as villains. If their faith
is broken, they will become disillusioned with that which they so intensely
identified with, and may need long periods of time and introspection to find
themselves again, to find a new goal. This strong attachment may also apply to
friends and people they look up to, but this strong aversion to judgement and
change in their point of view can make them rather volatile. At their best,
they are willing, helpful and friendly. At their worst, they can be inflexible
and antagonistic.

Bards will often find their Aspect in the cause they follow,
and identify strongly with what it conveys, which only makes it harder for them
to see beyond and consider other options. They will share their point of view
with others in an attempt to make them see the same way they do. Because of
this, the effectiveness of a Bard in a group is wholly determined by who their
companions are, and the cause they are fighting for. They may as easily lay
back and let others take care of things while they focus on what they deem
truly important, as they may take direct action to defend their point of view
and crush their foes. They are whimsical and hard to predict in combat, but
sometimes the difference between victory and defeat may just be the group’s
Bard deciding to take action.

Being one of the Destroyer Classes, Bards are the Passive counterpart to the
Princes, and similar to them, their strengths lie in Destroying
things. Reducing, Erasing, Eliminating, if it needs to be toned down or
removed, a Bard is the appropriate choice to do so. They’re proficient at
hampering the ability of their foes to properly fight back, and supporting
those they are fighting alongside with against anything, but a Bard may also
channel their Aspect for destructive purposes, or directly destroy it. Volatile
as they are, sometimes all a team needs to do to win, is a little bit of trust
placed on the Wildcard.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Master – The Muse

Those born
with the Role of the Muse are marked by martyrdom. They may
feel at times that the world is out for them, even if they have done nothing
wrong, they blame themselves for others’ actions and for their own inaction.
But while they may dwell in self-deprecation and acceptance of the cruel world,
a Muse’s life needn’t be surrounded by misery. Their biggest strength are
their friends, their love, the ties they form with them and how they express
themselves. They are talented and amicable, understanding of others, and if
allowed to blossom, their love for others and their interests knows no bounds.
And just as their friends are inspired by them and seek to remain together, a
Muse may need to trust their friends and accept their help to fully mature and
escape a less than desirable situation. At their best, they are creative,
encouraging and easy to get along with. At their worst, they can be solitary,
pessimistic, and actively suppress their own emotions.

Muses are shaped by their Aspect as much as their Aspect is
shaped by them. Their environment and others hold an intense force over them,
which may at times seem oppressive, yet at the same time, this can be a source
of inspiration and strength for them. If backed up by their friends, or with
enough conviction, a Muse can exert as much force back into their environment
as it does on them. Their ideals, their thoughts, their actions, resonate with
everyone they know, as if a tug-of-war between the forces of the world trying
to shape them, against their own power to make things as they want to. Even if
a Muse feels useless and like they aren’t contributing to anything in their team,
they needn’t worry, as their mere presence evokes a powerful drive upon
everyone they know.

Being one of the Master Classes, Muses are the most Passive Class on the
spectrum, as opposed to the Lord. And much like them, a Muse’s strengths lie
in Commanding. Their Aspect exerts a powerful force over them that
shapes the Muse’s world, so much so they may come to Embody the very forces of
their Aspect. Inspiring those around them through the forces of their Aspect
and their interactions with it and with them, their very presence exerts power,
and everything they do is influenced in just the same way. A Muse should be
careful not to embrace martyrdom, however, it’s in their nature to be
self-sacrificial to aid those around them, and while this may be a way, their
presence is always appreciated, if not outright needed in their group. Never
wrong a Muse, for even at their worst, they are never truly alone.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Master – The Lord

Those born
with the Role of the Lord are marked by power. They are a
powerful and influential force on their environments and everyone they know.
Whether by birthright or through hard work, Lords have earned, or will
eventually earn a position of dominion over that which they desire. They are
privileged, and for this, their biggest enemy is their own hubris. They may
think everything is always meant to go their way, and take reckless risks or
become conceited, yet the world always pushes back against someone who abuses
their influence blatantly. With great power comes great responsibility, and
this too is true of Lords, no matter how in control they think they are. At
their best, they are persistent leaders with the power to lead themselves and
others towards greatness, with the power to shape their future as they want. At
their worst, they can be oppressive, egomaniacal abusers of their power.

Lords hold an intense power over their Aspect, to the point they
may in some cases shape it to an extent. They may consider themselves to be in
a permanent position of leadership, but they should be careful about their
actions. A Lord’s situation may pit those around them against their cause, if
they exert their power too forcefully as to overwhelm and impose themselves,
even those they may consider their friends could turn their backs. They can be
a group’s greatest asset, and yet with such power, they can easily become
tyrannical with both the Aspect they have influence on, and the people they
exert their power on.

Being one of the Master Classes, Lords are the most Active Class on the
spectrum, as opposed to the Muse. And much like them, a Lord’s strengths lie
in Commanding. They Rule, they Command over their Aspect with
enough force to bend its will to suit them. They will always be favored by the
very forces of nature they are in control of, and while this doesn’t mean they
are untouchable or indestructible, it gives them an immense advantage. Their
control of their Aspect is unparalleled, to the point their very rule may shape
the reality surrounding them. Be careful if you’re opposed to a Lord, for their
reign is absolute.

homestuckexamination:

Role of the Destroyer – The Prince

Those born
with the Role of the Prince are trapped in an internal
struggle. They consider themselves capable, intelligent, reliable, and they
likely are. However, their strong personalities and sets of values tend to make
them impose themselves upon others. As figures or authority, or merely taking
charge of the situation, a Prince’s biggest flaw is their ego. Thinking they
can do it better or that they know better can be quite harmful and detrimental
to their relationships with others, and with themselves. From holding
themselves to too high standards, to pushing others too hard thinking they’re
merely helping them out, Princes must find the internal balance between being
egotism and self-deprecation, but if they manage to strike the right spot, they
can become just as capable as they let on, while showing care, appreciation and
devotion like no other. At their best, they’re diligent, skilled and hard to
break. At their worst, they can be toxic, rude and arrogant.

Princes may find a relation between their struggle with their ego and
their Aspect, making it yet another facet they need to come to
terms with. Restricting themselves too much, and they will become stressed,
unhappy, and destroy themselves. Too permissive and lenient with their more
toxic behaviors, and they will become domineering, overwhelming, and destroy
those they care about. For better or worse, Princes are a powerful destructive
force, and must be careful how they handle themselves. Once everything clicks
into place and they find their balance, however, they can become an unstoppable
force to fight for their cause, an overwhelming power directed only towards
that which they do intend to harm.

Being one of the Destroyer Classes, Princes are the Active counterpart to the
Bards, and similar to them, their strengths lie in Destroying things. Reducing, Deleting, Erasing their Aspect or
through the use of their Aspect, they tend to be powerful combatants capable of
dealing devastating blows upon their enemies. They find it most comfortable and
easy to exploit their Aspect in order to destroy the obstacles right in front
of them, blunt, able to have an immense direct impact in a strife. Beware of
getting on the wrong side of a Prince, for few obstacles remain untouched in
their path.