fandomhigh | Novice's Guide to Villains & Villainy - Week 2, Friday, Period 3 (Danger Shop)

"Good morning. Your satchels are under your chairs if you haven't found them yet. They are yours to do with as you wish. Try not to lose them. First things first - now that you have your tools, I hope that by the end of the semester you won't need them. Having objects at your disposal is handy, but more often than not, you won't conveniently have what you need within reach. You'll all have to learn how to adapt to your situation, use what have you have around you and rely on your wits and strengths. Your best chance at taking on a villain, in a hypothetical situation of course, is to make the most of yourself. Not everyone can have powers, but we all have the opportunity to learn skills. Learn as much as you can and you'll be well prepared.

But there are three pieces of advice that I hope you'll always heed - invest in a pair of comfortable shoes, always wear clean underwear and keep your eyes open for allies and friends. They appear in the most unlikely of places.

Now I won't be lecturing much in this class. I'd simply be repeating your handbook. It's there for supplementary reading and to have on hand if you want to know anything. I am also available for any questions and any extra help you might want to seek out outside of class. If I'm not available, your TAs Z Delgado and Seely Booth will hopefully be of some help.

Next week we'll start to get our hands dirty in some practical situations. This week we'll keep to the basics. What I want you to discuss today is what makes a villain? How can you distinguish between a regular criminal and a villain? What makes the difference between a villain and a supervillain?. Answer one, or all. Discuss with each other. Argue, if you'd like. No fisticuffs, please. Your handbook has one answer and you can rote learn it, if you'd like, but a big part of dealing with villains involves using your own judgment. Start using it."

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River took a seat next to Kaylee. "It's very... quaint. But useful." She held up the Rubik's cube. "But I'm unsure about this."

"What is it?" Kaylee asked.

"A puzzle of some kind," River said, frowning. She had seen one of these before. "Still, don't see the point."

"Maybe in case we get bored?" Kaylee said, shrugging.

"Could be," River said. "Is Niska a villain or supervillain you think?"

"Not sure," Kaylee said, thinking about that. "Coulda been. He had minions."

River nodded. "That's an argument for. But his minions were stupid. I don't know if that's relevant. What about reavers?"

"Don't think so. They ain't out to rule the 'verse or anythin' like that," Kaylee said.

"We don't know that," River said quietly. "But I agree. They are too... random. Villains need a goal."

"Yeah, their goal is to wander aimlessly or something." Just thinking about them made Kaylee shudder.

"Devouring the universe." River could mention the Alliance, or the government, or at least the people behind the Academy, but she didn't.

"Yeah," Kaylee said quietly.

Novice's Guide to Villains & Villainy - Week 2, Friday, Period 3 (Danger Shop)

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook

Re: Pass notes, check out your kit, read your handbook