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#Japanese swordswomen
hayatheauthor · 6 months
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How to Pick The Perfect Weapon For Your Characters 
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When you’re writing a novel every small element has its own purpose. From the lush setting to the intricate plot, each detail is carefully chosen to convey a message, evoke emotions, and immerse readers in the narrative. One such crucial element is the character's weapon. 
A character’s weapon is their best friend, sometimes even literally in cases like Magnus Chase. This seemingly insignificant tool can be a symbol of their essence, values, and role in the story. This is why it’s so essential to pick the right weapon!
As an author of both thriller and SFF, I decided to create a quick guide to help you learn how to pick the perfect weapon for your characters. 
Swords: The Symbol of Honor and Valor
Swords have long held a special place in the realm of storytelling. They are the embodiment of honor, valor, and the chivalric code. Whether it be thriller, action, or even romance, stories have sported brave princes and knights bearing swords from decades. Characters who wield a sword are perceived as strong, determined people with a willingness to make sacrifices for their cause. 
Some writers often associate swords with the main male protagonist, however, this weapon would be a great fit for any character who is perceived as a force to be reckoned with. The cliche prince on a horse with a shiny sword might paint a clear image, but don’t limit yourself to literary stereotypes.  
Types of Swords
Contrary to popular belief swords come in various shapes and sizes, each with its unique attributes. 
Longswords: These versatile weapons are known for their balance, allowing for precise strikes and powerful swings. Longswords are often associated with knights and heroes. These are the type of swords a typical prince would wield. 
Katanas: Elegant and deadly, katanas are the traditional swords of Japanese samurai. They represent discipline, precision, and the way of the warrior. Katanas are also often used by antagonists. 
Rapiers: Slim and agile, rapiers are the choice of swashbucklers and duelists. They symbolize finesse, quick thinking, and style in combat.
Ideal Characters
If you’re finding it difficult to decide whether or not your character should wield a sword, here are some personality traits and physical qualities to go off of: 
Courage: Swordsmen and swordswomen are brave, unafraid to confront danger directly.
Honor: They uphold a strong sense of morality and adhere to a code of ethics. However, this also applies to antagonistic characters who often fail to see the flaws in their ways. 
Chivalry: Sword-bearing characters display manners, respect, and hold themselves to high regard.
Physical Prowess: Proficiency in swordplay demands agility, strength, and dexterity, this usually comes with a fit if not lean physique. If your character is more of a brute then swords might not be the best pick for them. 
Examples in Literature
Throughout literary history, swords have been embraced by iconic characters. You have chivalrous heroes like the legendary King Arthur wielded the mythical sword Excalibur, a symbol of his destiny and nobility. However, there are also notable villains such as Luke Castellan from Percy Jackson. 
Luke’s character starts off as a minor protagonist who is akin to a mentor figure but he slowly turns into a major antagonist. Many people often associate swords with protagonists, however, they can also be used by powerful antagonists with a strong mindset who are determined to have their way. 
When crafting a character who wields a sword, consider these attributes and the symbolic weight that comes with this choice. Swords are not just weapons; they are embodiments of valor and the unwavering spirit of your characters. 
Daggers: The Stealthy and Cunning Choice
In the world of weaponry, daggers hold a unique allure. These swift blades are the embodiment of stealth, cunning, and the art of silent confrontation. When a character wields a dagger, it signifies their mastery of subtlety, their ability to navigate the shadows, and their readiness to strike with precision when the moment is ripe. 
Unlike swords, daggers have been used more uniquely throughout literature and are wielded by various character types. However, they are often associated with the sarcastic quick-witted characters or quiet calculative ones.
Types of Daggers
Daggers come in various forms, each tailored for a specific purpose:
Stilettos: A stiletto's slim, needle-like design is tailor-made for covert operations. It's the weapon of choice when subtlety and concealment are paramount, often associated with assassins and spies.
Dirks: Dirks are the Swiss Army knives of the dagger world. Their broad blades enable both offense and defense, making them versatile companions for characters who value adaptability.
Throwing Knives: Characters who wield throwing knives are the sharpshooters of the dagger realm. Their skill lies not just in close combat but in launching these deadly projectiles with uncanny accuracy.
Twin Daggers: Twin daggers, a pair of symmetrical blades, represent a double-edged approach to combat. Characters who favor this style emphasize agility, dual-wielding techniques, and the element of surprise.
Ideal Characters for Dagger-Wielding
Characters who favor daggers share a distinct set of traits and characteristics:
Stealth and Evasion: Dagger-wielding characters excel in the art of remaining unseen and slipping through the tightest of spots.
Cunning and Strategy: They rely on their wits, strategy, and clever tactics to outmaneuver opponents who might possess greater physical strength.
Resourcefulness: Daggers are versatile tools that require characters to adapt to their environment. Whether in a dimly lit alley or a sun-drenched courtyard, they use what's at hand to gain an advantage.
Quick Reflexes: In close combat, precision and agility are essential. Dagger-wielders are known for their ability to react swiftly to changing circumstances.
Examples in Literature
In the realm of literature, characters who master the art of daggers often exude enigma and resourcefulness. Unlike sword-wielders who are seen as flashy and bold, those who use daggers are capable of slinking through the shadows and using their weapon to sneakily complete their tasks.  
Arya Stark from George R.R. Martin's "Game of Thrones" series is a great example of this. Arya's journey is intrinsically tied to her slender dagger, Needle. It becomes an extension of herself, embodying her resilience and resourcefulness.
Another example would be the assassins in the "Assassin's Creed" series. These stealthy characters employ an array of daggers for precise and silent takedowns, epitomizing the cunning and agility associated with this weapon.
Crafting a character who wields a dagger opens up possibilities for intrigue, stealth, and the art of subterfuge.
Axes: The Brute Force of the Battlefield
Axes, with their sheer power and imposing presence, are the weapons of characters who favor raw strength and ferocity on the battlefield. These formidable tools are more than mere instruments of destruction; they symbolize the unyielding force that some characters bring to their quests and conflicts.
Unlike the other weapons listed in this blog post, axes are possibly the only weapon where I would advise you to go with the stereotypical ‘big, strong person’ image associated with this weapon. This is because axes are impossible to wield on a regular basis by someone who isn’t physically capable of handling their weight. 
Types of Axes
It is common knowledge that axes come in various forms, each designed for specific purposes, but here are the most common types of axes used in literature:
Battle-Axes: These massive, double-bladed weapons are designed for cleaving through armor and enemies alike. They are the embodiment of relentless strength and often used by the antagonist’s henchmen or guards.
Hatchets: Hatchets are compact, one-handed axes known for their versatility and practicality. They are often associated with survivalists and woodsmen.
Tomahawks: Tomahawks are single-handed axes with a historical significance, representing both tools and weapons for Native American characters.
Ideal Characters
As I mentioned above, there are certain traits associated with characters who use axes that you would be better off following. However, that is not to say you have to go along with the stereotype to the T. Think of characters like Hagrid, who fits the physical and mental requirements for an axe-wielder yet is portrayed as a loveable character. 
Some traits you should keep in mind to use as a reference point for axe-wielders are: 
Bravery: Axe-wielding characters are unflinchingly brave, charging headlong into battles without hesitation.
Ferocity: They are known for their unrestrained aggression and determination in combat. However, they can also be quiet and keep to themselves in daily life. 
Physical Might: Proficiency with axes demands exceptional strength and endurance.
Resilience: Axe-bearers can endure heavy blows and keep pressing forward.
Examples in Literature
In literature, characters who wield axes are often forces to be reckoned with. They’re those powerful characters that leave a lasting impact on your readers. Think of characters like Thor, Brienne of Tarth and Gimli. 
While this weapon is generally associated with magical beings like dwarves and giants you could also have fun with it. Maybe a hot-headed female elf prefers using an axe rather than swords and bows like her peers, or a princess could have picked up on how to use a hatchet while watching the guards train. 
Remember, axes represent not only power but also the indomitable will to face adversity head-on.
Bows and Arrows: Precision and Patience
In the realm of weaponry, few choices demand as much finesse and discipline as the bow and arrow. These elegant yet deadly weapons are the preferred tools of characters who value precision, patience, and the ability to engage their enemies from afar. As the arrow leaves the bowstring, it represents not only a physical projectile but also a testament to the archer's skill and the unwavering focus required for this art.
Types of Bows 
Archery encompasses a range of styles, each offering unique advantages and reflecting the character of the archer:
Longbows: Known for their simplicity and sheer power, longbows have been used by legendary archers throughout history. Drawing a longbow requires considerable strength and skill, making it the choice of archers who value raw force and accuracy.
Compound Bows: Modern archers often favor compound bows, which employ a system of pulleys and cables to provide mechanical advantage. This design makes them easier to draw and hold at full draw, ideal for hunters and those who value both accuracy and ease of use.
Recurve Bows: Recognized by their gracefully curved limbs, recurve bows store and release energy efficiently. These bows are versatile, often used in competitive archery where precision and consistency are paramount.
Crossbows: Crossbows are handheld devices that offer unique advantages, particularly in terms of precise aiming and ease of use. Archers who value accuracy and a quick reload often choose these weapons.
The Ideal Archer
Characters who become proficient with bows and arrows exhibit a distinctive set of attributes and skills:
Patience: Archers are masters of patience, waiting for the perfect moment to release their arrow, whether in the heat of battle or during a hunt.
Precision: They possess an uncanny aim, able to consistently strike distant targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Stealth: Archers can engage their enemies from a concealed vantage point, using the environment to their advantage.
Stamina: Drawing a bow requires not only finesse but also physical strength and endurance, especially when handling longbows.
Examples in Literature
In the world of literature, characters who master the art of archery often personify these traits:
Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" series is the perfect example of a typical archer. Katniss's skill with a bow becomes a symbol of her survival and resilience in a dystopian world, her weapon is something she can rely on and trust. It isn’t as flashy or bold as some of the other characters’ weapons, however, her weapon’s, often-overlooked, proficiency helps her overcome her opponents. 
Another good example would be Legolas from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Legolas, an elf archer, is renowned for his exceptional accuracy and agility, traits that make him a formidable member of the Fellowship.
When crafting a character who wields a bow and arrows, delve into their temperament, motivations, and the patience required for their style of combat. Bows and arrows represent not only precision but also the ability to strike with calculated efficiency from a distance.
Magical Weaponary: Enchanted Tools
Magical implements, imbued with mystic energy, are the tools of wizards, witches, and characters who harness the arcane forces of magic. These enchanted objects represent not only power but also the mastery of spells, incantations, and the unseen forces that shape their world.
Types of Magical Weaponary
Magical implements can take various forms, each with its unique properties and associations:
Wands: Wands are slender instruments often associated with precision spellcasting. The type of wood and core material can influence their magical properties.
Staffs: Staffs are longer and more robust than wands, often associated with wizards and sorcerers. They provide greater control over magic and are sometimes used as a support in physical combat.
Orbs: Enchanted orbs or crystals are used for scrying, divination, and channeling magical energy. They are linked to foresight, vision, and mystical insight.
Runestones: Characters who use runestones possess knowledge of ancient symbols and magical scripts. These stones are often used for inscriptions and rituals.
Amulets and Talismans: These enchanted jewelry pieces provide protective or augmentative effects to the wearer. They can be worn as necklaces, rings, or bracelets.
Ideal Characters
Characters who wield magical implements typically possess specific traits and qualities:
Magical Aptitude: Wielders of magical implements have an innate or learned mastery of magic, allowing them to cast spells and manipulate mystical forces.
Intellect: Magic is a craft that requires knowledge and intelligence, and characters with magical implements often excel in both.
Discipline: Effective spellcasting demands discipline and concentration, traits exhibited by wielders of magical tools.
Morality: The ethical choices made by characters with magical implements can impact their magical abilities and alignment.
Examples in Literature
Picking the right magical instrument for your character can either be very easy or difficult depending on the extent of magic bearers in your book. If your book is akin to Harry Potter you can simply pick one magical weaponry and assign it to a group of characters. Maybe your wizards and witches use wands while your warlocks use staffs. 
However, in a book like J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" series, where you have one specific magic bearer like Gandalf, you would have to pay more attention to the type of weapon you assign to your character. Gandalf's staff is not only a tool for his magical abilities but also a symbol of his wisdom and power. If you were to assign a wand to a character like Gandalf it wouldn’t have the same air of sagacity as a staff. 
Modern Firearms: Technology and Precision
Modern firearms represent a significant departure from traditional weapons, harnessing technology and precision to deliver deadly force with incredible efficiency. These weapons are the choice of characters in contemporary settings, from gritty crime dramas to action-packed thrillers.
Firearm Types
Modern firearms encompass a range of types, each tailored to specific purposes. I’m sure you can find a more detailed list anywhere online but here’s a quick list of the basic types. 
Handguns: Pistols and revolvers are compact, concealable, and ideal for close-quarters combat or self-defense. They require steady aim and quick reflexes.
Rifles: Rifles are versatile long-range weapons known for their accuracy and power. They are favored by marksmen, snipers, and characters who need to engage distant targets.
Shotguns: Shotguns deliver a spread of pellets, making them devastating at close range. They are often used in home defense scenarios and for hunting.
Automatic and Semi-Automatic Firearms: These firearms offer rapid-fire capabilities, making them suitable for characters facing multiple adversaries or engaging in intense gunfights.
Ideal Characters
Characters who wield modern firearms possess specific attributes and training:
Firearm Proficiency: Proficient characters are well-trained in firearm use, understanding safety, reloading, and maintenance.
Mental Toughness: They must maintain composure under pressure, as firearms can be unforgiving in high-stress situations.
Training and Experience: Characters may have military or law enforcement backgrounds or undergo specialized firearm training.
Mindset: The choice to use firearms can reflect a character's willingness to employ lethal force when necessary.
Examples in Literature
In literature, characters who wield modern firearms are often found in genres like crime fiction, espionage thrillers, and action-adventure novels:
Jesper Fahey from Leigh Bardugo's "Six of Crows" is a sharpshooter with a passion for firearms. He brings a unique blend of humor, charm, and unerring accuracy to the crew of skilled criminals known as the Dregs. Armed with his trusty revolvers, Jesper showcases not only his prowess with firearms but also his quick thinking in high-stakes situations.
Jesper's character reflects the complexities of using firearms in a gritty, high-risk world. His marksmanship skills not only contribute to the crew's endeavors but also serve as a storytelling element, illustrating the fine line between life and death in their dangerous heists.
I think he’s a great example of the type of character readers would typically associate with loud flashy firearms. 
Unconventional Weapons: Creativity and Surprise
unconventional weapons are like hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed. They offer writers a canvas upon which to paint unique and memorable characters. These characters don't just march to the beat of their own drum; they make their own drumsticks, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Whips, Chains, and Musical Instruments
When you think of weapons, whips and chains might not be the first things that come to mind. Yet, in the hands of a skilled writer, they become symbols of precision, control, and the unexpected. A whip's crack can be as powerful as any gunshot, and the rattle of chains can send shivers down spines. And what about musical instruments? 
The sweet melody of a flute can lull enemies into a false sense of security before revealing its true potential as a weapon. Writers have the freedom to explore these unconventional choices, creating characters who surprise, enthrall, and captivate readers.
Creativity Knows No Bounds
Unconventional weapons are a playground for creativity. Writers can let their imaginations soar, crafting characters who wield items that defy convention. Whether it's a character fashioning a weapon from the environment or turning a seemingly mundane object into a deadly tool, the possibilities are endless. 
Want your hero to use a bouquet of roses as a weapon? Go for it. How about a character who wields a garden gnome like a hammer? Let your creativity run wild. Rachel Elizabeth Dare threw a hairbrush at a titan, Alice uses a flamingo as a croquet mallet. When it comes to unconventional weapons, you really don’t have any limits. 
I hope this blog on How to Pick The Perfect Weapon For Your Characters will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.  
Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 
Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and publishing tips for authors every Monday and Thursday! And don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 
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chernobog13 · 4 years
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1969 was an interesting year in Japanese cinema, as the public was presented with distaff versions of two extremely popular characters: Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman, and Tange Sazen.
The first was The Crimson Bat series from Shochiku Studios.  The series stars Yoko Matsuyama as Oichi (referered to several times in the series, even by herself, as “blind Oichi” or “Oichi the blind”).  Strangely enough, she is never called Crimson Bat in any of the films, and that name only appears on the international versions of the films.  There is much speculation as to where the name came from, although Oichi does carry a red sword cane, and her costume through most of the second of the second film is a red kimono.
While based on a manga series, the films are clearly a response to the popularity the Shinato Katsu Zatoichi film series, produced by Daiei and still running strong at the time.  
Other than the obvious difference between the characters in that Oichi is female, she is also given the rather sexist weakness for always pining for love, and usually falling for one of her male adversaries.  While that might make sense in the first film before she becomes an expert swordswoman and learned to be self-reliant, it makes absolutely no sense in the later films when she’s become a bounty hunter.
Another big difference between the two: Zatoichi is always portrayed as scruffy and looks like he’s spent most of his life living on the road.  Shintaro Katsu was also kind of pudgy, and certainly - at this point in his career - could not be accused of having matinee idol looks.  Oichi, on the other hand, is just flat out gorgeous.  Her make-up and, clothing and hair always look like she’s ready for a modeling gig.  And she has the super-power of always keeping her hair perfectly coiffed, either while battling dozens of opponents or falling off cliffs (which she does a couple of times),
There were only 4 films in the series, the first 3 released in 1969 and the last in 1970.  The following year Yoko Matsuyama returned to the role in a TV series that ran for 25 episodes.  Ms. Matsuyama also went on to marry Teruo Tanashita, the artist who created the original manga introducing Oichi, the lucky guy.  In America I guess the equivalent would be William Moulton Marston or Harry G. Peter (the creators of Wonder Woman) marrying Linda Carter.
I enjoyed the movies despite the annoying flaw with Oichi’s character, but I guess the filmmakers thought it was necessary A: because she was a woman (that’s just my assumption; I don’t agree with that as a valid reason); or B) to differentiate her more from Zatoichi.
I haven’t been able to locate the TV series yet, but would love to check it out if I do.
The second distaff character making the scene in 1969 was Lady Sazen, the female version of Tange Sazen.
Tange Sazen  is a one-armed, one-eyed ronin who was introduced in 1927 as a minor character in a serial story about Ooka Tadasuke, an actual historical person who was a magistrate in Eo (Tokyo) during the Shogunate.  Tange Sazen was so popular with the readers, however, that three films were produced by three different studios featuring Sazen as the hero.  These were so successful that a new story, with Sazen as the hero, was serialized in the newspapers.
Tange Sazen went on to have a long career in both print, film, and eventually TV.  There were several film series, sometimes from competing studios released in the same years, released in Japan,  The character has been portrayed by several notable Japanese actors.  The ones most familiar to most Western fans who be Ryutaro Otomo (Orochimaru from The Magic Serpent), Kiinosuke Nakamura (Itoo Ogami in the Lone Wolf and Cub TV series), and Tetsuro Tanba (Tiger Tanaka in You Only Live Twice, and one of Japan’s most prolific actors - the man never turned down a role!).
The character is so popular because, like Zatoichi, he is considered an outsider from society due to his handicap, but is nonetheless a tireless champion of justice and the downtrodden.
Lady Sazen and the Drenched Swallow Sword from Daiei Film stars Michiyo Okusu (billed as Michiyo Yasuda), who - despite the fake scar over her right eye - is almost too pretty to be taken seriously in the role.  Her character’s real name is O-kin, but people call her “Lady Sazen” because of her similarity with Tange Sazen (which, to digress, is kind of meta: in the world of this film does Tange Sazen actually exist, or is he a fictional character that O-Kin resembles?).
Like her male counterpart, O-Kin loses her arm and eye due to treachery.  She trains herself to become a master swordswoman, and is quick to butt in when she finds injustice.  The main plot of the film involves a daimyo (feudal lord) who is a rabid sword collector trying to get O-Kin’s fabled Drenched Swallow sword for himself.  It turns out the lord is also the one responsible for O-Kin’s disfigurement and the death of her family when she was younger.
Ms. Okusu/Yasuda does a wonderful job with what is traditionally a male role.  Despite her beauty, she does her best to scowl menacingly, talk gruffly, and be prickly in the best Tange Sazen fashion.  She did a great job at Sazen’s signature move, which is drawing her sword while holding the scabbard in her teeth.  She does well in the sword fighting scenes, especially with the difficulty of having to do so with her right arm tucked behind her back.
This was not the first time a female version of the character had appeared on the silver screen.  Thirty years earlier Komoka Hara gave audiences a Lady Sazen in at least one, some sources say maybe two film.  The main difference there, at least as far as I can ascertain, is Ms. Hara played Tange Sazen as a female character, instead of Ms. Okusu/Yasuda’s playing a woman who is similar to Sazen, but isn’t actually Tange Sazen.
The film’s co-star is Kojiro Hongo, who was one of Daiei’s matinee idols, and many fans may recognize him from a few of the Showa-era Gamera films.  There’s also the usual stable of supporting actors you’ll find in every Daiei film from that period, many who had appeared in all the Zatoichi films.  
Sadly, there was no follow-up to this film.  I don’t know whether it was because the film did poorly at the box office, or because the audience did not accept a female Sazen.  
Or maybe it fell victim to Daei’s impending collapse.  The advent and popularity of television was killing off the film industry in Japan at that time.  By the early 1970s the studio system as it was known in Japan had disappeared, studio and film budgets were drastically slashed, and Daiei was bankrupt and out of business.
Nevertheless, this was another film I enjoyed.  It actually shares a spot on my DVD shelves with my other Tange Sazen films, whereas all others I meticulously store in alphabetical order.
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sunnylaurels · 3 years
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The Silent Swordswomen
The Silent Swordsmen - 口を閉ざした剣士
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It seems there’s a legend about the swordswomen statues in the Gerudo Desert. They say the statues point to treasure.
Looks like I’ll have to get through the sandstorm...
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Thanks to the swordswomen’s guidance in the sandstorm, I was able to find the treasure!
The treasure was an ancient shrine!
@squid-ink-personal @tortilla-of-courage @musashi @technicallya1manband 
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ゲルド砂漠には 剣士の像が導く先に 宝物があるという言い伝えがあるらしい
砂嵐の中を進む必要がありそうだが…
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砂嵐の中 剣士の導きにより 宝物を見つけることが出来た!
宝物は 古代の祠だった!
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rythyme · 2 years
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do u have a wlw drama rec list? love ❣️❣️❣️
ooh yes! i do!! here are my top 5:
Out of Breath (Korea, 2019): a short 3-episode mini series about two wlw finding connection. very sweet!
Pearl Next Door (Philippines, 2020): a heartfelt, funny, authentic series about a bi video blogger and the two women she starts developing feelings for. technically a spin-off of gameboys but you don't have to watch gameboys to see this show
Legend of Yunquian (China, 2020): a short-and-sweet low-budget drama about time-traveling lesbian swordswomen. yes. you read that right. it's silly and cute and pretty explicitly queer despite being made in China
Couple of Mirrors (China, 2021): a censored GL series about an assassin and a wealthy novelist/socialite falling in love in 1920s Shanghai. the set design and costumes are SO fun and the main two women have great chemistry!! it might be getting a season 2 as well
Yes or No (Thailand, 2010): a classic for asian lgbt wlw stuff! technically it's a movie but it's still going on this list. enemies to lovers with a side of "and they were roommates!"
and then here are a few more i liked but wouldn't put on my top 5 rec list:
Dear Uranus (Taiwan, 2021): cute 3-episode mini series about a wlw love triangle in a school setting
Lily Fever (Korea, 2015): a very funny but weird webseries about two women who meet under awkward circumstances. it ends on a weird cliffhanger tho, probably bc they ran out of money
I Put the Bi in Bitter (USA, 2018-2019): a web series about a bi high school student and her various slice-of-life shenanigans. the first season isn't... great... but i actually really liked the 2nd and 3rd.
and finally, there's a japanese movie called Until Rainbow Dawn about two deaf lesbians created by a deaf cast and crew and i haven't watched it yet but i've heard nothing but good things, so i think it's probably worth checking out as well!
i'd also love to hear any other recs ppl have. please feel free to reply with your own recommendations ❤
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wakaoujisenhime · 4 years
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Hello! I really fall in love with your blog! Thank you very much for those Vorpal Swords headcanons! Can I ask headcanons about being Rakuzan manager? For example, how she cares about boys and they care about her; how Rakuzan protects her; How she supports them at games. And Akashi likes her. Good luck to your blog!
A/N: Hello there! I’m glad to know that you’re enjoying these, so I hope that this one will be to your liking as well! Also to those who don’t know what a ‘bokken’ is: it’s basically a wooden sword, Japanese swordswomen and men use for training! 
Tags: Akashi x reader ✅  Rakuzan x reader ✅  SFW ✅  fluff ✅  friendship ✅  
image/art source: Zerochan (art by Tousaku) [I sadly couldn't find the corresponding post where they uploaded it, since that artist seems to be inactive atm, but if you happen to stumble upon it, please make sure to tell me!]
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so first of all how did you even become Rakuzan’s manager?
well you were actually taking care of the team BEFORE Akashi joined the club
back then you guys were a wholesome team, but the moment the redhead was pronounced captain it all went downhill...
your former teammates began dropping out with the same complaints
“He’s too strict”, “I can’t train like this anymore”, “When he’s on the court, basketball loses its fun factor!”
even if you hated to admit it...they were right
Akashi was a REALLY strict leader who always wanted his team members to give it their all
100%? Not enough, make it a 110 and then you might be chosen as a substitute
during the first half of the school year, you put up with everything he threw at you, whether it were insults or commands
at one point you weren’t even the manager anymore but became his loyal puppy that did everything he instructed you to do
the things he requested weren’t even worthy to your title...unless you like standing in front of the gym door, acting like a bodyguard at the disco
and of course, even you had your limits
after Akashi had once again decided to give you an unreasonable task, you finally snapped
“I’ve had enough! Just who do you think you are, ordering me around as if I was your subordinate!”
“Listen. You either fix that emperor like attitude of yours, or you end up losing one of Japan’s strongest team...including me.”
in your state of anger, you had shoved the clipboard you were using against his chest and had stormed off the gym
a whole week had passed and you didn’t visit the club even once, that’s how pissed off you were
one day just when you thought about filling up a club withdrawal paper, there was a letter in your locker
...
Dear (Y/N)...I know that the way I’ve been acting up until now has upset you, but the reasoning behind my behavior is a simple one. All I desire is to see whom of these ‘star players’ everybody (including you) praises, can actually live up to their title. Sadly, I’ve come to the conclusion that none of them were able to, so I’ve decided to build up a new team in which you as well are going to be needed. I sincerely hope that you are willing to help the new Rakuzan basketball club reach even greater heights than ever before. Yours faithfully, Akashi Seijuro
P.S: We need you manager.
...
the first half of the letter had made your blood boil, but the further you read the more your curiosity got peaked
but you didn’t want to give in that easily, so you decided to visit the club one day to see what Akashi’s idea of an absolute basketball team looked like
...
...
“So (Y/N)..what do you think?“, Akashi asked after practice had ended
you had just looked at him with one of your ‘are you kidding me?’ faces and shook your head
these boys...
a) looked like full-fledged men to you
b) could easily snap you in half if they wanted to (especially Nebuya)
and finally
c) were probably all legendary NBA players in their past life
all in all they were amazing
watching them play gave you the impression of an actual and professional basketball game...that’s just how good they were
.
..
...
two months passed and you had taken the role of the manager once again
you hated to admit it, but Akashi was once again right..this team was absolutely amazing and worthy of any title you could think of
luckily these boys turned out to be more wholesome than you had ever anticipated
knowing that all of them had their struggles and own problems to deal with, despite their flawless appearance made you realize that that they were indeed your typical high school boys and not some basketball machines
sadly they couldn’t - or better said - weren’t allowed to show any weakness during training...these were Akashi’s orders
much to your surprise, they had accepted it with much less resistance than the members before them, but you were a little anxious that they might end up quitting the team so you took it upon yourself to prevent that scenario from arriving  
from that day forward you began spending more and more time with all the members (except Akashi) …
.
Reo:
as the vice-captain he was to ensure that everybody followed the training regimen they were given by the redhead (in case of his absence)
sadly due to his laid-back nature and feminine speech, almost no one took him seriously
that’s where you come in…
“Come on now guys! Listen to Reo or I’ll get the bokken! And if that doesn’t get you guys moving then I’m sure a short phone call with Akashi certainly will...”
the second line always worked and even managed to make Reo giggle
after that, he’d always thank you several times and while the others ran laps/were stretching the two of you would always talk about that day’s schedule
by the end of practice, Reo and you would actually go out and do some shopping while talking about different topics
and thanks to his talented eye for the beautiful, your wardrobe was full with clothes that complimented your figure just perfectly, which only boosted your ego      
a certain topic you guys started talking about only recently was romance
at first you were extremely careful to not touch upon any touchy subject since there were a lot of rumors amongst your classmates, concerning Reo’s sexual orientation
but the more you got to know him, the easier it was for you to talk to him and in no time the two of you had become best friends
whenever someone either came up to you or him and wanted to just mess around, the two of you got each other’s backs at all time and would either intervene directly or call for backup (mainly Nebuya)
thanks to Reo’s ‘big sister’ personality you luckily never felt alone or at a loss, since you knew that he’d always be there for you and help you out
Kotarou:
this boy seriously makes you run for your money
he’d always arrive almost half an hour earlier than the others just cause he wants to mess around with you (he’d for example take your clipboard and make you literally chase him for it)
at first it upset you quite a bit, but as time passed you eventually got used to it and evolved your strategy
you chase him?
hell NO
you’d instead sit down on one of the benches and wait for him to bring it back to you
your strategy for that was to remain silent and show no reaction whatsoever whenever he asked if you weren’t going to chase him like the ‘good old times’
he’d then get so worried that he’s upset you that he gives up, brings you your clipboard and starts either poking your cheeks, playing with your hair or straight out embrace you
the latter always broke your façade
his warm hugs accompanied by the glistening puppy eyes and his snaggletooth always made you pity him and wonder if you’ve perhaps gone too far
the moment you’d give in, his cheerful attitude was back in an instant
and that routine became pretty much a daily ritual between the two of you
what perhaps surprised you the most was when you actually witnessed Kotarou’s other side of his bubbly personality
he was surprisingly the ‘holding a grudge’ type (especially on the court)
Rakuzan had a practice match once and when a player of the opposing team made it past the blond boy seconds later he was fuming, glaring at everyone who even looked his way and screamed more as well as louder than usual
the others around you weren’t even faced by his sudden tantrum so it was up to you to calm him down before the referee gave him a yellow card
since then his mood-swings became your responsibility
outside of the gym, you guys spent a good amount of time together
you mostly helped him out with his homework since he really wasn’t the brightest out of the bunch (and as some of you might know in Japan your grades play a major role when you’re a part of a club. Depending on your test results you might get excluded from some of the activities as far as I know) and you weren’t going to leave on any activity without this ball of sunshine
to pay you back for your help he’d go skateboarding with you on the weekend
in case you forgot or couldn’t skate he’d help you remember or teach it to you
much to your surprise, he was quite a good teacher, so it was easy for you to understand the basics and even learn some of the simplest tricks on the way
but in case you were some kind of a pro (or simply good) at it, he’d challenge you to a small contest and by the end of it the two of you would actually come up with a small choreography
Nebuya:
to be frank, he intimidated the heck out of you (at first) and he was actually the most difficult for you to approach
the main reason for your reluctance was mainly because of his appearance, but just a day after you were first introduced to him made you change your mind
on your way to school you took the train and as commonly known the trains in Japan were the majority of the time extremely filled with people and some of them just couldn’t keep their hands by themselves and just had to go ahead and start feeling people up
in that case, the victim was unfortunately you  
the typical reaction of your other female classmates would’ve been to stand there and do nothing about it, but you were different
“Excuse me, but could you stop touching me?“, you asked in a loud voice making sure that at least some people witnessed what was happening
you couldn’t care less if you guys became the center of attention, all you wanted was to get this creep’s hands away from your body...and you did
what you didn’t know/notice was that Nebuya had actually seen all of it and wanted to come and help, but you were quicker
when you got out of the train he caught up to you and directly asked if you were ok
he even went ahead and bowed his head to you apologizing multiple times for not reacting quick enough
it surprised and scared you at the same time, but this was kind of a chance to finally talk to him, so you made sure to not let that opportunity slip away
and trust me when I say this, but this man turned out to be a bigger softie than you anticipated
since that day he became the person you’d call upon first in case of trouble you couldn’t solve on your own
Nebuya even volunteered to be your bodyguard, but you weren’t really a damsel in distress so you refused at first
and after many arguments, pouts and pleas you finally gave in and agreed to go to school together every day
additionally during training he’d make sure to be the first one to save you from any flying ball
much to his dismay, you managed to dodge or even to catch the majority of them which made his attempts completely futile
so in order for him to stop sulking about how he had ‘failed to show you his muscles in action’, you’d go out and help him with his workout
sometimes you’d even be his motivational right hand during his own eating contests
and when he decided to show his ‘manly’ side and either burps or lets out gas, your bokken was on him just some seconds later
Mayuzumi:
this boy seriously hated you in the beginning
in his eyes you were nothing but a loud girl who wanted some attention and tried to gain it by acting as the manager
much to his surprise you figured him out pretty quickly
you somehow knew when he became irritated on the court and immediately took action to prevent any outbursts from him or someone else
furthermore, you supported his hobby without asking questions and when he expressed the wish to go to the rooftop and read a chapter or maybe even two from his light novel, you’d just let him go
one afternoon he came to the gym to excuse himself from training and found only you and how you had fallen asleep on the referee table
his first thought was to leave before you even noticed that he’d been there, but then he saw a small notebook with the title ‘RAKUZAN BB CLUB’ so he got curious and started reading your handwritten entries about all of the members
each member had a few pages worth of information you had either gathered yourself or looked up
he found it a tad adorable that you reserved the last page for a personal comment on a player since it reminded him of how some of his authors wrote an afterword at the end of their story
as soon as he read his name though he suddenly became really reluctant to proceed
for some reason, he was afraid of what you might have written/researched about him
he started to read it anyways
“...”
“Has a low presence...well yeah I guess”
“...”
“Seems to be prouder than he lets on? W-Wha? That’s not even...true”  
“...”
“Probably swears at his teammates internally...how did she know?!”
“...”
“It would make me happy if we talked more to each other, but he probably hates me... ”  
Mayuzumi would’ve never told you, but that last line hurt him quite a bit
.
that day he decided to join practice and when you called for a timeout you’d always leave his towel and water bottle on the bench next to you and he’d normally just take it, but this time he murmured a barely audible ‘thank you’
you almost fainted then and there, but somehow managed to keep up your serious facial expression (which he very much appreciated)
the two of you would almost never go out/spend time together, but instead, you began exchanging small gestures like you buying him a new volume of his favorite author or him hiding a small ‘thank you’ note in your notebook
Akashi (finally):
since you and he know each other from way back, you didn’t have that much contact in the beginning since you wanted to take your time to get to know the new members, but Akashi’s eyes were always on you
if someone out of the other members even dared to ask him if he harbored feelings for you...then let us just pray that he doesn’t have Midorima’s scissors with him
but if one of his main players (most likely Kotarou) asked him about it, he’d just cut him off quickly and shut the conversation down
Rakuzan’s captain cares for you in his own kind of way
he’d support you from afar and make sure that no one who he doesn’t deem as worthy comes even remotely close to you
you weren’t aware, but since you had once again become the manager of the reformed Rakuzan you became quite popular
a lot of people admired you, some were even impressed or jealous and some even began having feelings for you
“I’m thinking about asking (Y/N) out...what do you think?”
as soon as Akashi heard your name in such a conversation he instantly made his move
don’t ask how he did it, but within a week you had gained the reputation of being ‘out of limits’ for everyone except for the club and your friends and just in case someone felt the need to be adventurous, there was no way they’d be let into the gym (thanks to Akashi’s orders and Nebuya’s muscular body)
.
the redhead had first noticed his feelings for you when you snapped at him back then
for him it was the first time someone even dared to speak up against him and even insult him
he was surprised and very annoyed at first, but as the days passed by him and his incomplete team he figured that it would be the best to start anew
so he scouted three of the uncrowned kings and a 3rd-year student who basically was a future version of Kuroko
when the stage was set all he needed was for the main star to appear, so he sent you that letter where he invited you to watch the new team
.
as far as the confession goes...
Akashi is a very strategic person, so he’d most likely wait for his promise to come true (the promise of Rakuzan reaching greater heights) and then confess saying something like:
“See? I’ve kept my promise...now it’s your turn.”      
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marichatlenoir · 4 years
Text
La Coccinelle ~ The Paintings
One of the ancient holders of the Ladybug Miraculous was the French musketeer known as La Coccinelle. Her painting is shown behind Tikki when the kwami of Creation gives Marinette the precious kwagatama as a gift for her birthday.
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The ancient Ladybug Miraculous holders.
As in the case of the Black Knight, also the painting of La Coccinelle is the result of an artistic reconstruction, therefore it is not possible to identify a really existed historical figure who inspired the musketeer holder of the Ladybug Miraculous.
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La Coccinelle.
The inspiration for the musketeer can be traced to the novels of the saga The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, among Adrien's favourite readings, and to the splendid French swordswomen celebrated by Japanese animation: Oscar François de Jarjayes, Simone Lorène and Aramis.
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Adrien is reading The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas.
The figure of La Coccinelle is the result of the fusion of two paintings that portray characters belonging to very distant historical periods: a captain from the time of Louis XIII and a famous painter active at the court of Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette.
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La Coccinelle.
The body of the musketeer is a reinterpretation of the painting A Cavalier: Time of Louis XIII by the French painter Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, famous for the pictorial meticulousness and historical accuracy with which he painted Napoleon's armies and military campaigns.
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On the left: La Coccinelle. On the right: Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, A Cavalier: Time of Louis XIII.
Painted in 1861 on oak panel, A Cavalier: Time of Louis XIII is kept in The Wallace Collection in London. Meissonier portrays a captain wearing clothes from the time of Louis XIII, the sovereign who in 1622 created the Musketeers of the Guard.
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Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier, A Cavalier: Time of Louis XIII, oil on oak panel, 1861, The Wallace Collection, London.
La Coccinelle wears a long-sleeved white shirt with a wide falling lace collar. The long, sleeveless leather jerkin, originally ocher, turns red with black polka dots to recall the ladybug motif, while the green sash around the waist turns black.
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Comparison of shirt collar, jerkin and sash.
The right hand is hidden behind the jerkin and it is not noticed the absence of the glove, which the captain of the original painting holds in the other hand. La Coccinelle has only one glove and instead of the right glove she holds the string of the yo-yo, which has six black polka dots in place of five.
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Comparison of hands and gloves.
The sword of the musketeer, placed in the black scabbard, is a rapier with a finely chiseled and very elaborate hilt to protect the hand on the grip; the long and thin blade is very light and easy to handle to enhance agility in the duel.
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Comparison of the sword and detail of the hilt of a rapier.
The lower part of the painting has remained unaltered. La Coccinelle wears pants and leather boots high above the knee, with white cuffs. The shot on the feet is blurred, but the spur above the heel of the boot to direct the horse is still visible.
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Comparison of boots and spur.
La Coccinelle's face belongs to the self-portrait of Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun, an extraordinary French painter who made numerous portraits of Queen Marie Antoinette and her children; during the years of the Revolution the artist frequented the courts of all Europe.
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Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Self-portrait, oil on canvas, 1781, Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas, United States.
Painted in 1781, when Vigée Le Brun was twenty-six, the self-portrait is kept in the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, United States. By mirroring the painting and isolating the detail of the face, it is possible to recognize the source of inspiration for La Coccinelle.
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On the left: La Coccinelle. On the right: Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Self-portrait.
The musketeer's face is perfectly identical to the painter's one, even in the shading, despite being covered by the mask. The delicate complexion, graceful nose and parted lips are of rare beauty, enhanced by the sparkling light of her eyes.
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Comparison of the faces of La Coccinelle and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.
The secret identity of the mysterious heroine is concealed by a red mask, which however does not have the typical black polka dots of the ladybug. The gorgeous crystal earrings are hidden under her hair to protect the Ladybug Miraculous from prying eyes.
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Comparison of faces and detail of the mask.
The face is framed by long black hair, with the forelock partially covering the right eye to remark the resemblance to Ladybug. The loose curls falling on her shoulders are the only detail of the hairstyle that has remained unchanged as compared to the original painting.
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Comparison of hairstyle and earring.
The wide-brimmed hat is the same one worn by the captain, but the position of the ornamental feather is one of the details that have been modified to harmonize them to the figure of the musketeer who radiates elegance and refinement, typical of Vigée Le Brun's pictorial style.
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Comparison of faces.
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zotash · 5 years
Text
Okay, let’s talk about Wano. I'll try to organize the many thoughts I have in this post.
The latest chapter made one thing 100% certain: Zoro’s backstory is finally happening. And that’s a HUGE thing. We’re getting a backstory for arguably the second most important character in the series, whose entire backstory has only been consisting of 7 manga pages and very little information since 1997.
However, it doesn’t look like the backstory will be about Zoro specifically, as in about his birth or his biological family like with Sanji in WCI, but it seems it will revolve around Koushirou and Shimotsuki village.
And that’s good news for Tashigi. Because you just can’t think of Shimotsuki and Kuina without thinking of her. Tashigi is like a link to Zoro’s past that has been following him throughout the series. We haven’t seen Zoro directly remembering Koushirou since Alabasta, Kuina since chapter 5, but Tashigi has always been there, like a walking reminder of Kuina to Zoro into the New World.
(Of course Tashigi is so much more than a Kuina lookalike, to us and to Zoro alike, but I’m focusing on that single aspect right now because it’s what I think could tie into the Shimotsuki storyline.)
Let’s recap the elements of the Tashigi-Kuina connection:
Striking physical resemblance
Same birthplace (East Blue) [recently revealed by the Vivre Cards]
Same blood type (S) [same as above]
Both are swordswomen
Same ideas on being a swordswoman in a man’s world
Both are named after flightless aquatic birds
Both have names written in hiragana (names in OP are usually in katakana)
The “Japanese” theme of Shimotsuki and Tashigi’s hobbies/aesthetic
I really find it hard to believe all this is just a coincidence, despite what Oda said (while laughing suspiciously) in an interview 10 years ago. I think there’s a fair chance that as we find out more about Shimotsuki and its connection to Wano, we’ll find out more about Tashigi too, because she might be related to that story.
It’s totally Oda’s style to give backstories to secondary characters, both through SBS and by casually dropping hints in the manga (remember X-Drake’s past revealed through Law’s flashback?), yet we know absolutely nothing about Tashigi’s past, even though we’ve known her since chapter 96. Tashigi was notably absent from the Marine color spread made for Film Z. It could have been because she’s too young to have a “younger version”, but that spread has the younger versions of many Marines from different times, like it has Tsuru drawn the same age as Hina. Why is a younger Tashigi, maybe drawn at the age when she was a recruit, not there? Her past is a total mystery.
There’s also the fact that Tashigi is already tied to the Wano arc through Vegapunk: she’s currently with the only person who might be able to cure the people of Ebisu of the side effects of Caesar’s experiments and to fix Momonosuke’s faulty powers. Vegapunk is also the object of Orochi’s request to CP0. There’s also the matter of the giant kids that hasn’t been resolved yet. I think it’s a given that we’ll at least see her before this arc is over.
And then there’s Zoro. This is his arc. Are we really going to have an arc focused on Zoro coming to terms with revelations about his past without Tashigi? Without the person who not only might be related to the Shimotsuki stuff (see above), but is also the only one capable of letting Zoro’s most vulnerable self, the Kuina-related part of him, come out? Because of her interactions with Zoro, Tashigi is now more involved in Kuina’s story than any other character besides Koushirou, and she deserves to learn about it.
This is just wild speculation on my part, but I have the feeling the circumstances around Kuina’s death will be expanded, with “she fell down the stairs” becoming something more sinister that will serve as a trigger for Zoro’s development in this arc.
Anyway, If Oda is ever going to let Z&T’s relationship progress, with Tashigi explicitly recognizing Zoro as a good person worthy of his swords, and with Zoro telling her the full story about why he couldn’t cut her down, Wano is the right place for that. Because it’s where Zoro will face his past, and Tashigi has been connected to that past from day one. It’s a chance for them to develop both as individual characters and as a relationship.
I'm not worrying too much that Tashigi hasn’t shown up yet, because despite being almost 40 chapters in, Oda is surely taking his time with this arc and a lot of the confirmed major players in Wano haven’t appeared either (Kawamatsu, Nekomamushi, Denjiro, Killer, Apoo...). And it makes more sense that Vegapunk, and consequently Tashigi, will appear only now that the SMILE problem is coming to light. So yeah, even at this stage I'm still hopeful for Tashigi to have a relevant role in this arc, and I think the recent developments support my hopes.
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rinboz · 7 years
Note
I have a theory regarding weapon wielding blonde lesbians: In the western world blond women are the sign for beauty and femininity. In the middle ages weapons were the sign of masculinity and strength. And lesbians have the tomboyish stereotype attached to them. Therefore the stereotypical lesbian is a strong, masculine, but beautiful woman. Hence the blond gay swordswomen.
It's a good theory but I don't think it can explain the whole situation since it's limited to western culture.I can't name it but I remember seeing some female warriors with blonde/white hair in Japanese media. Perhaps it's something about ethereal beauty/exotic. Perhaps you're right abd it's some kind of cultural exchange.I grew up in asian country and what pops up in my head whenever I heard female warrior is a viking with blonde/red hair.
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rwby-fan-theories · 7 years
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taiyang is the biological father to sun wukong and jaune arc
taiyang either slept with a married woman and sired jaune in a affair or taiyang slept with a  woman and the woman gave  jaune to another family. which jaune found out about in either circumstances
first is the similarities in appearance  between jaune taiyang, and sun
both jaune nad taiyang have had a red headed lover who died while in a mission/fight ( summer and pyrrha respectively)
Many say Yang, Tai, and Sun share a lot of characteristics 
and sun and taiyang both have had a black haired runaway from them who had at a time connection to a bad group ( raven = bandits , blake = white fang heck raven could be described as a foil http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Foil
To Blake (on top of the fact that raven is also a foil to taiyang and yang herself). Both are mysterious, dark-haired swordswomen with a Japanese theme (Samurai for Raven, Ninja for Blake) with criminal backgrounds (the White Fang/Raven's bandit clan) who cut ties with their team and abandoned their blonde, bruiser partner in a time of great need (Raven to Tai when Yang was born, Blake to Yang after she lost her arm). But whereas Blake has cut all ties with the White Fang, Raven not only returned to her clan, she's now leading it, essentially being what Blake likely would have become if she remained with the White Fang.
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