Philosophies of Mana (Extended Edition), Thursday Per 3

[deathsmajesty]

Well, the nature people would be thrilled with today's location. Stepping into the Danger Shop, they would find themselves standing near a truly mammoth tree, taller and more vast than any mere redwood could ever hope to be. It was a living skyscraper, easily taking up several city blocks' worth of space. Buildings shaped from the living wood nestled in its huge, curving branches, connected by an intricate network of hanging bridges and ladders. Through the giant double doors leading into the trunk, they could spot a cathedral to nature, made of living wood, with large windows to let in the golden light.

"Welcome to Vitu-Ghazi, the City-Tree," Liliana said, sounding distinctly unimpressed. "The Guildhall of the Selesnya Conclave, one of the Ravnican Guilds. Selesnya describes itself as 'selfless, nurturing, spiritual group.' Other people describe it as a 'brainwashing nature cult.' Who's to say who's right?"

Bet you can guess which description your teacher ascribed to.

( Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of community. --Selesnya Conclave )

They do have their differences, however. Green's other ally is red and white's other ally is blue, which makes their conflict one of head versus heart. Green believes that each individual is born into its role in life complete with the attributes it needs to accomplish its task. This means the key to success is to act on one's instincts. White believes that the true purpose of each individual is to contribute to the welfare of the group. To accomplish this, one must override their impulses and instead use their intellect to figure out how best contribute. In white, green sees a color that constricts growth with petty laws; it constrains and limits. In green, white sees a color too wild for its own good, and too reliant on violence to solve its problems. Green/White's biggest internal conflict revolves around enforcing its beliefs. It wants to grow its cause but isn't always willing to take the action necessary to do so. The pairing of green/white is often very, very slow...but when given the time and space it requires, it can easily become an unstoppable juggernaut--which isn't always the best thing for anyone else around.

Norse Mythology, Thursday, Second Period

[ifwebeworthy]

"Most of you," Don began today's class, "have probably heard of Ragnarok, the 'twilight of the gods,' the prophesied end of the world in Norse mythology. Again, this class will deal with the myth, not...what may or may not have happened in any particular real world." He'd been dead then anyway.

Don passed around a handout detailing the story of Ragnarok. "The myth-slash-prophecy is very detailed, even including things like how many steps Thor will take before he falls down and dies--nine, if you're wondering. It is also, in some ways, a self-fulfilling prophecy. Fenris--excuse me, Fenrir--is maybe the best example of this. In response to the prophecy of Ragnarok saying that the wolf Fenrir would swallow the sun and Odin himself, Odin bound Fenrir in enchanted chains. Now, the prophecy says that those chains will snap at Ragnarok, so the wolf always had to be chained, but also, does this treatment contribute to Fenrir being like, 'Fuck it, I'll just eat the sun then'? If Fenrir had not been chained, and thus one of the conditions of the prophecy left unmet, could Ragnarok be avoided? Discuss."

Cinema Studies, Thursday, Period One

[wrongkindofsith]

Well, the classroom might have had a few more blankets than normal, but it wasn't too different in honor of the movie theme this week. Maybe the sleep masks were pushing it, though.

"So, today is a romance movie. Kind of." Jane had some concerns about it.

"One built on lies, deception, and fear of being alone," Cara, you were making it sound much more exciting than it actually was.

"And very ridiculous misunderstandings," Jane added. "But its still a good movie."

Which made for a change in this class.

"In any case, settle in and enjoy."