Win or Die

[ocelotofdoom.livejournal.com]

Name: Shain
How did you find out about the community? If it's through an LJ user, please tell us who it is: I think I found this through the Westeros forum boards, though I could be wrong. I might have just come across it by looking for fandom.
Age: 22
Location: Boston, MA
Occupation:Law student




All About You
1. Describe your ideal house/home. Please go into as much detail as possible, and be sure to include your ideal geographical location in the description!. I'd like to live in a brightly-painted house (preferably with blue, purple and/or green in the mix). It would be either in Northampton, MA (a small town in Western MA) or in Northern California by the ocean. It would be somewhat Victorian style, but be a bit wonky, with those pointy tower-type things sticking out here and there. It would be inhospitable to spiders. It would have comfortable furniture that you could almost sink into and sit in for hours. The bathroom would have a huge, jacuzzi-esque bathtub, with nice lighting so I could read while bathing. There would be an indoor garden-type room for my cats to sun themselves in. It would have at least two floors. I would have a whole room for things I made and the supplies I had to make them, and a personal "library" for all of my books. It would be warm during the winter, but cool during the summer. It would be well-lit. It would be facing a river or the ocean, whichever was closest. It would be the kind of place where people felt welcome and comfortable.

2. Name three things you are afraid of. Explain.
Hospitals - I've had 16 surgeries and numerous medical problems, and believe me, you do NOT get used to being in them.
Spiders - I grew up in black widow country, with those things possibly behind your toilet or having a nest in your back yard. Any spider remotely big enough to be one freaks me out.
Loud noises: I have severe sensory issues that are compounded by post-traumatic stress symptoms brought on by bullying and failed attempts at "exposure" as a kid.

3. Imagine you’re given the classic opportunity: a genie granting you three wishes. What would you wish for? Please be as elaborate as you can. Wishing for more wishes is not permitted!
1) I wish my friends, my pets and I would spend our lives together happily.
2) I wish I could prevent the mistreatment of people with disabilities - specifically, preventing aversive "treatments" in schools and institutions, discrimination and forcing people to be normal.
3) I wish I could become a member of the Supreme Court.

4. In your life so far, what accomplishment are you the most proud of? Why? You can list more than one if you have trouble deciding. ;)
-I have survived numerous medical problems, mental health issues and social problems while still not giving up hope and believing that I can and should make the world a better place.
-I graduated from high school and college with honors, and got nearly a full scholarship ($35,000 a year) to law school.
-I have taught myself many art forms and created my own works in them despite initial motor skill difficulties.

5. Which of the following is most important to you: Love, Money, Knowledge, Family, Friendship, Adventure, or Pleasure? Which is the least important to you? Please explain why for each choice.
Friendship is most important to me. The good people around me who have chosen to care about me give me faith in myself despite all the bad things that other people have done, and make me believe that it's worth it to do my best and keep trying. Money, for its own sake and in isolation from all of these other things, has the least inherent value. I don't have reason to be rich for its own sake, so long as I can take care of myself and help the people I care about.

6. What's one quote (or passage, song lyric, etc.) that effectively describes you and your values? Explain.
"Some set their hearts on a rocking chair / They're better to sleep out the days / But I'm looking for a reason to kick and scream / I don't want to fade away." (Chumbawamba) I am very idealistic and ambitious, and want to change the world even though I know it will be hard. I have a purpose, and even if I'm not quite sure what it is yet, I'm going to fulfill it and make the most out of my life, hopefully to great effect.

7. How do you manage your money? On that note, how important is money/financial security to you? Go into as much detail as you can.
I am not super-detailed and organized - I pay my bills on time and regularly check my bank account to make sure that I have enough money before taking more out, but I usually forget about making lists of expenses and such. I like having money, but only so that I know that I can live comfortably and support my cats. A lot of things are in the realm of "would be nice to have, but aren't necessary" for me, unless I really think I can get away with splurging. I'd like to have money some day, but if it comes at the expense of selling out my values and not accomplishing what I want in life, I don't think boatloads of money would be worth it.

8. Name (and elaborate on) some of your hobbies. What are your favorite things to do outside of school/the office?
I knit sweaters and other things here and there. I also have designed and created plush dolls of my characters. I participate in fandom, and in online discussions on politics and other issues of interest to me. I play piano, arranging and learning songs from anime and video games. I watch anime and read genre fiction. I volunteer for a cat shelter, fostering cats at my home. I also own my own cat, and lavish attention on her. I write, both fiction and about things I believe in. I hang out with other geeks as I can find them around my area.

9. Name (and elaborate on) your top three BEST and top three WORST qualities (personality-related, not physical). Please answer as fully as you can, as this is an important question.
BEST:
-Analytical ability: I'm very good at remembering and then applying what I know, and this helps me not only in areas I'm good at but even improve in areas that I have a hard time in.
-Determination: When something is important to me, I will go through hell and high water to achieve it. I'm very good at powering through difficult situations once I've made up my mind.
-Compassion: I have a lot of sympathy for the vulnerable and suffering, and see it as a duty to help people in need if one can.
WORST:
-Black-and-white thinking: I am very opinionated, and have trouble seeing the other side in more than an intellectual way because I get very emotionally invested.
-Behavior blindness: I have trouble interpreting people's social signals and intentions, and often offend or shoot myself in the foot because of this.
-Defensiveness: I am very sensitive to what people say and do to me, and take offense easily. I don't tolerate teasing or constructive criticism very well, and have a hard time forgetting an insult.





A Song of Ice and Fire Related

1.Who are your favorite three characters in the series? Why?
-Samwell Tarly - despite being consistently abused and having a low opinion of himself, he is kind, loyal, and actually does try his best even when he's scared.
-Tyrion Lannister - He's smart, hilarious, and actually still a pretty nice guy, despite his circumstances. He isn't afraid to stand up to people much more powerful than him, physically or politically, while still trying to help those less fortunate. He's also really fun to read about.
Brienne of Tarth - She holds to her beliefs and acts on them consistently no matter what. She's very loyal, and compassionate. She doesn't let anyone destroy the beliefs she holds dear, despite her own insecurities.

2.Who are your least favorite three characters in the series? Why?
Randyll Tarly - If being a child abuser to the extreme wasn't enough, he's also extremely misogynistic.
Cersei Lannister - She's shallow, selfish and cruel, not even having empathy for people in positions similar to those she's been in herself.
Joffrey Baratheon - The same reasons as Cersei, but worse. Between his abuse of Sansa, his sense of supposed "justice," and the story about how he killed the pregnant cat just for fun, he's a horrible excuse for a human being.

3.#1 Favorite moment in all of ASOIAF so far? Why?
I almost cheered aloud when Tyrion saved Sansa from the Kingsguard abusing and humiliating her, and was still awesomely witty in doing so. A snarky dwarf bringing justice to abusive jerks who hurt innocent girls makes for automatic awesomeness.

4. In your dream-world, how would you like to see the series end, and why?
The 7 Kingdoms are restored, at least partially, and Tommen and Margaery are still at the head. Bran is Lord of Winterfell. Sansa finds someone actually decent, and has some power of her own right. Arya reunites with Nymeria and Jon, and still gets to do what she wants. Sam becomes Grand Maester, and gets a chance to prove himself to his dad, or at least resolve his issues on that front. Tyrion reunites with Tysha, and gets at least some closure if nothing else. Brienne gets to join the Kingsguard, and she and Jaime start to restore it to its former glory. They become very close companions, but not lovers. Dany helps defeat the Others, but does not wreak havoc on Westeros, but instead tries to reform the things she sees as problematic there. After the Others are defeated, more people realize the importance of the Night's Watch, and it gets more support. Cersei, the Freys, the Boltons and the worst of the Greyjoys get what's coming to them. Asha gets to become the head of the Iron Islands. Efforts begin to make an agreement with the Wildlings as to a new land arrangement, once the Wildlings have helped with the Other problem. More dragons and direwolves are born. There's probably more, but that's what I've got thus far.

Comments

Martell

[angerfish.livejournal.com]

Lots of Lannister here, imo. It's funny that Tyrion's one of your favorites, because literally all of your best and worst traits remind me of him. ;) Also your desire to change the world around you strikes me as very Lannister, because pretty much all of them are involved in the politics of the Seven Kingdoms.

Stark

[esc-key.livejournal.com]

See I was thinking Tyrell. I think it was the description of your house that first put me in that mindframe. And inhospitable to spiders! Hee. That made me think of what Olenna told Sansa about what they do to spiders in Highgarden. I could also see a little bit of Stark in your sensitivity and black and white thinking. But I guess I'll stick with Tyrell and see what happens.

Stark

[minviendha.livejournal.com]

...wow, I was thinking Targaryen. Black and white thinking, the desire to change the world...really I don't have more than that. But yeah, I'm feeling Targaryen. Maybe I've just got dragons on the brain. .__.

Stark

[pyoska.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking Targ for you, as well. Just something about the bright house colors....

Tyrell

[greyfable.livejournal.com]

I'm also seeing Targaryen. I get a great sense of passion and idealism from you that I associate witht he Targs.

Tyrell

[hamsterwoman]

Your ideal house sounds very Tyrell to me -- quirky and cozy and the indoor garden. Also, I don't know about MA, but Northern California is the Reach -- it is known. :)

As for the rest, I see both Stark and Targaryen -- your ambition and defensiveness and your quote support Targ better, all of your favorites being underdogs makes me think Stark, but I'll go with Targaryen ultimately, because that seems to have more to support it than Stark and Tyrell.

Targaryen

[fairly-contrary.livejournal.com]

I was tempted to put you in my own House, but your emphasis on justice and love of the underdog tipped the scale over into Stark. I think you'd fit in with both the wolves and the dragons, however.

[skyclearblue.livejournal.com]

Hmm, you're a tricky one! You're too sensitive (and I intend that as a compliment, being sensitive myself) for a Stark, despite being analytical; too altruistic for a Lannister, despite being opinionated and defensive; too emotional for a Tyrell, despite your tastes in a dwelling.... Looks to me like Targaryen would be your best fit.

[rohajavongareth.livejournal.com]

I get a really strong Targaryen vibe from this.

Let me see: The house being somewhat "crazy" (in an awesome way), the sense of justice, the compassion, the desire to do good to those who suffer, the ambition, the creativity, the desire to change the world, the idealism, the determination and strength of will, but also the black-and-white thinking and being very passionate about your opinions.

Yes, you sound very Targaryen to me. :-) Apart from that I really enjoyed reading your application, you sound like a really awesome person. :-)

And the ending you described for the books would be wonderful. Although I'd still prefer Dany to be queen in the end... *g*

Martell

[lunylucy.livejournal.com]

I may be wrong but you actually remind me of Doran a bit.. So, Martell. (also congrats on the scholarship, that's rather awesome!)

Greyjoy

[odeocowboys.livejournal.com]

I think you're Targaryen, but definitely of the Dany or Aemon variety.

Targaryen

[roguebelle.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking Stark, particularly with that fierce attachment to justice. I don't see the sensitivity as a detraction from that House -- we know several of its members to be deeply moved by sentiment. But mostly it's your desire to see right done with total equity that makes me think Stark.

Stark

[amaelgreenleaf.livejournal.com]

I think you're a Targaryen because you want to make your mark in the world. You don't want to stand by and watch the world go by. Despite all the things that have happened to you, you stay standing no matter what. Definitely reminds me of Dany. Especially how you mentioned in #5 of the people who took care of you? Just like how the Dothraki took care of her. :)

Stark

[horitsu-kami.livejournal.com]

Wow. Here there be dragons! Ambition, creativity, justice... I can see the few Stark votes you've gotten, but overall I have to go with Targaryen.

Lannister

[thessalian.livejournal.com]

Justice and love of the underdog could be Stark, but to me it screams Daenerys, and the rest of the app says to me Targaryen.

[gruselig.livejournal.com]

Saw a bit of Stark in you, but I think you're a bit too ambitious for the North. Targaryen

Tully

[ender839.livejournal.com]

And here, with the hugely minority vote, I see you as a [judgmental-type] Tully. B&W thinking, driven to pursue goals almost single-mindedly... it works quite well, really. :)

Martell- Bringing Sexy Back

[jesatria.livejournal.com]

I see a lot of Stark. Your best & worst traits, especially compassion & determination, scream Stark to me. Justice is very important to you which while I can understand why others are associating this with Dany, it's a trait I associate with the Starks far more than the Targs.

It would be either in Northampton, MA

Northampton is awesome! I approve of your choice of location.

[aikodestiny.livejournal.com]

I did see a bit of Targ, but my first impression was Tyrell (maybe because you said Victorian house), but in the end I'm going with Stark especially because of your best and worst qualities.

Lannister

[tantdetentation.livejournal.com]

A politico? Gosh. I'm really torn between Targaryen and Lannister again (Lannister in large part because of your weaknesses--"always paying debts"--really touchy about insults, and of course there's the whole Rains of Castamere thing). Targaryen because of the idealistic vibe, Lannister because of the rationality and systematic thought. I guess I'll go with Targaryen. They're also pretty touchy folks.

You seem really interesting. :)

Lannister

[coaldustcanary.livejournal.com]

For the same reasons as tantdetentation, I see Targ and Lannister, but I err on the side of my own house.

Tyrell

[spamdilemma.livejournal.com]

I think you share quite a few qualities with Tyrion, but I hesitate to put you in Lannister... your ambition and idealism feels more Targaryen. Your value of justice and helping those in need also seems along the lines of Dany's journey.

Stark

[ohcarousel.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm, Targaryen

Tully

[loveweasleys04.livejournal.com]

It's definitely between Stark and Targaryen for me. I think Targaryen fits overall better with your want to change the world and ambition to do so. :)

I also have designed and created plush dolls of my characters.
You should make some ASoIaF characters! It would be a cool submission to valyrian_forged

Tully

[golden-d.livejournal.com]

I see Targaryen all the way.

greyjoy

[haryan.livejournal.com]

i can see where the Targaryen votes are coming from but in the end Stark is what i see more here

Stark

[dramaturgy.livejournal.com]

I see the Targaryen in you. *wiggly fingers* ... Yeah that's what I got. >_>

Stark

[ice-elf.livejournal.com]

I see some Stark but far more Targaryen

Stark

[claireobscure.livejournal.com]

I definitely see the Targaryen here too!

Stark

[staticlights.livejournal.com]

I love your description of your ideal house-it sounds exactly like one of my friends houses (though in Wellesley) and klasdjf am I jealous of her.
You're an interesting blend of Stark and Targaryen, but as others have said, your ambition and ideal house are much more Targ-ish.

Martell

[ebonhost.livejournal.com]

I don't really see the Targaryen at all. I think you're more of a Lannister.

Tyrell

[cloud-wolf.livejournal.com]

I really think you'd go well with the Starks. The way you care about justice and the way you're determined to do well. And maybe also because of how you want to stand up for other disabled people.

Lannister

[ladynyks.livejournal.com]

Targaryen.

Stark

[misstopia.livejournal.com]

Targaryen I believe.

Targaryen

[guad.livejournal.com]

Targaryen. In matter of giving friendship importance, Aegon "Egg" comes to mind :)

Martell

[smlp.livejournal.com]

Your need for justice and love for animals say Stark

Stark

[chacusha]

I think you sound like Dany, so Targaryen. :)

SORTED: TARGARYEN

[deeplyunhip.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! After receiving one vote for Martell, one vote for Tully, one vote for Tyrell, four votes for Lannister, and six votes for Stark, you have officially been sorted into House Targaryen with twenty-seven votes!

(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v708/fierytempest2/westeros/sorting_banners/?action=view&current=house_martell.png)

You may join thetargaryens. If you'd like to display your house banner anywhere, please be sure to upload to your own server first.


Please don't forget to join the following subcommunities:
greathouses, the general discussion community for all members of Westeros Sorting
jesteros, the community to fill all of your humor(& insanity) -related needs
valyrian_forged, the graphics/art/fic/general creative place for members of Westeros Sorting
thetourneys, where you will be able to compete against members of other great houses in various contests and games
westerostamping, where you will be able to be stamped as an ASOIAF character or two and participate in monthly themes


We are pleased to have you here and we look forward to your participation!