My interpretation is that Witches are active and Heirs are passive Magician classes, which involves changing, manipulating, and controlling their aspects.
Likewise, Maids are active and Sylphs passive Healer classes, which involves healing, creating, and (re)generating their aspects.
As far as “giving” goes, that’s something Rogues already do. Thieves technically can give, too, as I see Thieves and Rogues as classes that involve aspect allocation and redistribution, but Thieves are mostly inclined to take, while Rogues are inclined to give or share.
For now, I’ll link some of my related posts:
John the Wizard touches upon the Witch/Heir connection with magic.
Healer Classes: Maids, Sylphs, and Revival describes the Maid/Sylph connection with healing.
Classes Chart is my take on the class meanings, pairings, etc.
Useful Classpect Tools and Resources has links to more information from others (including @dahniwitchoflight).
It’s not much, hopefully it'll provide some insight.
IE: Heirs are diametrically opposed to Thieves: they give their aspect and inspire others to do the same.
John:
All evidence that Breath/Breeze is connected to delivery comes from John, Tavros has flags, but not the mailbox kind.
John uses the Breeze and parcel pyxis to invite giving through breath (note that I’m also assuming that Equius and Mituna had and aspect driven parcel system on their planets).
Upon receiving the ultimate freedom (retcon zaps are said by many to mean breath) and being faced with drowning in oil, John instead zaps the oil away (gives his breath) in order to take on the responsibility of completing his personal quest (in which he also gives the fireflys freedom). It’s noted by Jade that he does this instead of zapping away himself, something which I think is a defining moment for his character.
John fits the messianic archetype, so it would make sense if he would give spirit and freedom in return for responsibility, friendship and warrior spirit (Blood).
Is “giving spirit” something the natural leader does? If so, Roxy and Kanaya talking about John being such a great motivational leader that he makes others better leaders at the same time counts as evidence towards John giving and inviting the giving of Breath.
John takes on warrior spirit when doing the windy thing? This is a bit of a shaky one I admit, but the thing is we often see John sort of “not taking things seriously” and making unnecessary jokes and observations, as if the graveness of his situation hasn’t really set in for him. The only time he comes down off this cloud is when he’s airbending.
When John decides to not go through the gate and is instead pulled back down to earth (in a moment which is cited to show the Breath/Blood dichotomy) thanks to alt Dave’s influence, alt Dave gets wings (as in John gave him freedom/Breath).
Equius:
In this page Calliope mentions that people with opposite classpects can have similar abilities, so Equius might possibly have Thief of Light powers (as in, if this theory is correct Equius should be able to theoretically steal light from everyone by giving them void).
So while Vriska steals the spot-light (ie: relevance, ie: Light) by creating Bec noir, Equius has become part of the most important character in homestuck: Lil'cal, and gives the alpha kids a lack of showdown (bear in mind though that Equius does this to help the humans, whereas Vriska does it to stroke her ego, fitting what we know about passive classes working for the team and active classes working for themselves).
Vriska is also accused of stealing light in the form of agency when she controls trolls, and Equius controls Nepeta’s actions in some respect at the start of Hivebent and also stops her from joining the red team (again because he believes it’s in her best interests). Deceiving his team-mates and becoming the blue team leader counts as giving lies and also another count of stealing relevance.
Equius also gives fakeness in the form of Vriskas arm, Aradia’s body, and Tavros’s legs. Also as Lil'cal he arguably teaches Dirk how to build robots and therefore invites the giving of fakeness?
Equius is probably also the reason the ring of void moved from the human’s alpha session to caliborn’s, ie: he delivered void.
Mituna:
I don’t actually have much to say about Mituna, as we don’t know much about him or his arc. Although…don’t you think it’s funny that the Thief and Heir of both troll sessions had aspect pairs that we pretty much know where opposites?
The Ψiioniic though, fits this theory pretty well. He gives/delivers the ship using his death, and often very gave death to aliens in the form of the Condesce (and invites her to give death).
Medieval connection:
The Heir class represents a medieval aristocrat passively giving away all their inherited fortune. Inheritace itself is them inviting giving.
Jasprosesprite^2 looks like Rose’s dream self because princess.
Jaspers + Eldritch Princess + Rose. Rose is the princess of Derse’s moon. Her dream pajamas are princess clothes.
Do you do sessions analysis? If so, could you tell me how a session with a Page of Hope, Knight of Heart, Rogue of Space and Mage of Time woule go?
I don’t really do that; sorry. There are way too many variables and not enough information for me to be able to analyze sessions, especially if I’m going by player titles alone.
All I can really tell is that this session is theoretically viable, since it has a Space and Time player.
Here's a chart of all the classes, both Standard and Master.
My goal was to define, describe, and categorize them as efficiently and accurately as possible, based on my understanding of the classes. I based as much as I could on canon information, while inferring the rest.
(For clarity, "–" denotes Active, and "+" denotes Passive.)
(Note: If chart looks distorted/shrunken, right-click and View Image.)
Special thanks to bladekindeyewear, dahniwitchoflight, infinitywhale and probably others for their insight and information, helping me understand the classes and aspects. I couldn't have made this chart without them.
Some clarification: I am aware Hussie essentially said any gender can have any class (i.e. female Princes). I don’t like the idea of gendered classes, anyway, and I think it’s needlessly restrictive, not to mention sexist and stereotyping.
However, my chart reflects what’s been depicted in comic, based on what Calliope states, looking at the characters’ classes and gender distribution, and then making some inferences based on Hussie’s penchant for balance and based on class names and god tier outfit designs.
!!!!!
I haven’t had the chance to read any of this yet, and I’m unsure when I will, but... The long-awaited Epilogue is finally here! And ~8000 pages? That’s almost as long as Homestuck itself! (Possibly a longer read, depending on format.)
This is an awesome and fitting 10th Anniversary gift! I bet Hussie’s been purposely waiting to release it on this particular anniversary.
Happy 4/13! Here’s to 10 years of Homestuck, and happy 23rd birthday to John and Jane!
Edit: Never mind; the 8000 pages was referring to Homestuck itself, not the epilogue.
We already know Lord English is a fusion of the souls of Caliborn, Arquiusprite, and ½ Gamzee.
But what if there’s a Calliope counterpart? A fusion consisting of Alt!Calliope, Davepetasprite^2, and ½ Gamzee.
Gamzee states that he finally understood his Mirthful Messiahs were always both him, :o) and Do:, who seem to represent both Caliborn and Calliope. Later we learn that Gamzee is literally a component of Lord English, (likely) one of his Mirthful Messiahs. Wouldn’t it make sense for his other half to be a part of his other Mirthful Messiah? And wouldn’t that messiah also represent Calliope?
For now, let’s call this fusion Calmasis. Perhaps the Mirthful Messiahs are Lord English and Calmasis, and both are central to the end of Paradox Space.
Recall Sollux and Terezi’s exchange:
GC: WH4TS 4N 4NG3L TA: 2ome terriible mythiical demon. TA: wiith the2e awful feathery wiing2. GC: Y1K3S TA: paradox 2pace u2e2 them two u2her iin the end. GC: HOW DO3S 1T KNOW WH4T 4NG3L TO US3... ........
Caliborn and Calliope are both Cherubs—or angels—and Lord English is obviously a “terrible mythical demon” who “ushers in the end.” However, notice Sollux says “them,” and Terezi essentially asks “which angel?”—implying more than one. While Alt!Calliope alone could represent another angel (as could Bec Noir and PM), it makes more sense for Gamzee also to be included in a Calliope counterpart to LE.
So if Caliborn + ½ Gamzee + Arquiusprite = Lord English, it seems reasonable for there to be a Calliope counterpart with parallel components: Alt!Calliope + ½ Gamzee + X = Calmasis.
Davepeta seems the most likely candidate for X.
For one, Arquius is a sprite consisting of Equius and a version of Dirk. Davepeta is also a sprite (squared), consisting of Nepeta (Equius’ moirail) and Dave (the other Strider). Sprite + Troll + Human (well, and also Crow + Sprite). None of the other sprites contain representations of both a troll and a human.
Davepeta also has this inexplicable desire to fight Lord English.
DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < i have this weird urge...... DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < to go fight lord english […] DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < im just strangely drawn to the idea DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < i wasnt at all before as a really depressed bird version of dave DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < and nepeta didnt even know who he WAS until recently DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < but now it sounds cool suddenly DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < i f33l like... DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < the exact blend of people i am DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < is a being that he should in some way be vulnerable to DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < i cant even explain why i f33l that way
This makes absolute sense if Davepeta is destined to become a part of Calmasis.
Caliborn even distastes Davepeta’s colors. Perhaps that means something, as well.
uu: ORANGE AND EMERALD. uNPLEASANT TOGETHER. uu: I HAVE NO TASTE FOR PuMPKINS. OR ANY HORRID VEGETABLE MATTER.
Alt!Calliope is already established as a key to defeating Lord English. Dave is also crucial for defeating LE.
As for Nepeta… During Murderstuck, the only trolls Gamzee kills are Equius and Nepeta. (The other trolls are all killed by others.) We already know how Equius’ death is essential for the eventual creation of Lord English, one of Gamzee’s Mirthful Messiahs. Perhaps Nepeta’s death is intentional and crucial for the same reason—for the eventual creation of Gamzee’s other messiah. (On another note, Roxy even makes a comment about Fefeta being a secret weapon, which, while sounding absurd, is also intriguing, considering Fefeta is a sprite consisting of Nepeta, just like Davepeta.)
In a previous post, I discussed an alternate interpretation of a passage from [S] Seer: Descend.
If Paradox Spaces uses both Lord English and Calmasis to “usher in the end”… And if Calmasis contains the souls of Gamzee and Davepeta along with Alt!Calliope…
A maimed clown (Gamzee), an undead cat (Nepetasprite), and an impaled crow (Davesprite) would make three of the four “held in reverence for the eternity they serve to cut short.”
A fusion of Alt!Calliope, Gamzee, and Davepeta in the form of Calmasis is the perfect parallel counterpart to Lord English—both of the Mirthful Messiahs and mythical demons ushering the destruction of Paradox Space.
Someone just pointed me to your "Vriska’s Return and the Alpha Timeline’s Fate" theory. I have to say it's very interesting, very well researched, and many of its points and premises -- like how Vriska fixing everything is VERY OMINOUS -- all seem like real, valid story factors we should be drawing conclusions from. However, reading the post, there was one glaring omission, one that explains why Vriska's return and "getting the star" is so ominous: What about the Green Sun's destruction???
Wow, thank you! I am incredibly flattered, as I really admire you as a Homestuck theorist! ^_^ (A lot of my own theories are based on yours.)
Anyway, regarding the Green Sun, I wasn’t sure about how to go about handling that. I do think its destruction will happen; your theory makes a lot of sense, and, essentially, I agree with it. Problem is, I couldn’t figure out how to incorporate it into my own theory. So I didn’t include it. It’s definitely something I’d be interested in exploring, though.
Today marks the 2nd anniversary of this blog!
Stats and highlights:
Posts: 105
Followers: 417
Total notes: 15712
Notes in past year: 10912
Notes in past 6 months: 1799
Top 10 popular posts in past 6 months:
Karkat x Clover
Classes Chart
Emerald Eye of the Storm
Dave the Archaeologist
Jack loses arm parallels
The Mirthful Messiahs: Lord English and Calmasis?
Classpect Profile Guide
“Maimed Clown. Undead Cat. Impaled Crow. Omnipotent Dog.”
413 Followers
2X3Prong Day
Most popular posts of all time (not including above, which are in bold):
Dave x Karkat Quadrants
John <3< Terezi?
Skaia’s clouds and Alt!Calliope
Vriska’s Return and the Alpha Timeline’s Fate
Vriskagram horse omen
Eight-ball dream bubble
The First Guardian of Beforus
Something I find interesting is how so many of my most popular posts involve “shipping” observation/speculation of some sort. I’m not sure if that’s a testament to the fandom (most likely) or to me being a Blood player (possibly) or both, but it amuses me.
In the past year, Homestuck has ended and the credits have rolled. Now we have Hiveswap coming soon and a possible epilogue to look forward to. Hopefully both will provide answers to many important questions that still remain.
As always, thanks for your support (and patience), everyone! Here’s to another year!
Remember after the Trickster arc (A6A5A2), how the story returns to A6A5A1? Caliborn yells at Hussie for going "BACKWARDS BY AN 'ACT'." He thinks the Trickster shenanigans were "erased," to which Hussie responds:
What are you talking about? I didn't erase it. It was still a thing that happened. Do you really think I have the power to make something unhappen?? I would have to be a wizard to do that.
Well, it turns out someone does have that power:
Which means John Egbert is a wizard.
John already has plenty of wizard allusions:
DISREGARD THE UNIMPORTANT MALE GHOST BEHIND THE CURTAIN.
An obvious reference to the Wizard of Oz saying, "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain."
JOHN: let's all go see a big pompous wizard to solve all of our problems.
JOHN: we didn't realize it at the time, but there were still a bunch of problems waiting to happen. [...] JOHN: but don't worry, i'm working to overcome all those problems right now. JOHN: that's why i'm here!
Frigglish bothered his beard, as if unkinking a hitch in a long silk windsock. [...] As a matter of fact, his cadre of fellow wizards were all putting similar moves on their beards as well.
Thanks to John's god tier hood (wind powers help, too), others (mostly Roxy) continually mention windsocks with reference to John.
ROXY: im all ears johnny windsock
Even the Magician's Hat John wears as part of his "Clever Disguise" and the Bunny Sassacre Fedora---one of the first items he alchemizes---are wizardly.
One of the very first snippets of information we learn about John is that he's "an aspiring AMATEUR MAGICIAN." While it appears to mean a magician in the sense of an "entertainer who is skilled in producing illusion by sleight of hand, deceptive devices, etc.," a magician is also a "person who is skilled in magic" or a "sorcerer"---in other words, a wizard. Couldn't it mean both?
If Heir is indeed the passive counterpart to Witch, both classes who "change, manipulate, and control (with/through) their aspect"---which I like to call the Magician Classes---wouldn't that make the Heir of Breath a magician or wizard, anyway?
John and others continually refer to John and his abilities as "magic":
EB: everyone i know is turning magic, it's ridiculous. EB: including me! i'm magic now.
("Everyone" specifically alluding to Jade and Rose, an actual Witch and a Seer with the inclination toward Witch inversion.)
John calls his retcon abilities "weird retcon magic," and describes it as "some kind of surreal, history altering... reality hopping... magic power.” Roxy calls it “magic ‘fix literally everything' powers.”
Although John aspires to become a SKILLED MAGICIAN and a CUNNING PRANKSTER, he is “neither of these things” for most of the story.
At first, John has no control over his magic powers (first wind, then space-time jumping retcon abilities). However, eventually he learns and masters his powers, becoming a SKILLED MAGICIAN.
JOHN: i've noticed whenever i learn to do new things with my powers, it's usually in response to something. like something important that has to be done.
JOHN: i learned how to turn into wind and swoosh around about a year ago. [...] JOHN: i thought for sure i was a goner, when suddenly i poofed away from his tentacly grasp like houdini's slippery ghost. later i rematerialized to seize the tactical advantage!
JADE: he dispersed every drop throughout existence
JADE: leaving a little mark for anyone who might notice, signifying his final mastery over his confining reality
Thanks to his powers and Terezi's scarf instructions, John becomes a CUNNING PRANKSTER, as well.
JOHN: i am like the ultimate prankster now... nanna would be so proud!
Previously, John was neither a skilled magician nor a cunning prankster. Now he is both.
John, a magician, the wizard with the “power to make something unhappen."
Bonus points for shipping fodder: Roxy LOVES wizards.
John = Wizard. CONFIRMED.
I’ve been mulling over the Prospit/Derse dreamer distinction and I think it primarily boils down to this:
Prospit dreamers instinctively embrace their calling and their role.
Derse dreamers instinctively resist their calling and role.
What exactly that means and how it manifests itself varies from person to person. (And Space and Time players might be an exception, possibly defaulting to Prospit and Derse, respectively.)
But the distinction makes sense thematically, considering how Prospit and Derse seem to operate.
I've been reflecting upon my Classpect Profile theory, and I've realized... There's no reason all 12 classes have to be used. All aspects, yes, since that's the whole point of the profile. And each aspect pair still must come in paired inverse classes. But having to use every single class? It just ends up shoehorning classes that may not actually fit a person's interaction with an aspect.
As an example, here's my own recently realized profile:
Sylph of Blood - Prince of Breath
Seer of Life - Witch of Doom
Rogue of Light - Knight of Void
Seer of Heart - Witch of Mind
Sylph of Hope - Prince of Rage
Knight of Space - Rogue of Time
Double Sylph/Prince, Seer/Witch, and Rogue/Knight. Notice how Maid/Bard, Page/Thief, and Mage/Heir classes are not used.
While this revised theory removes the process-of-elimination method (Step 8 of the guide), I think it ends up working a lot better. And if anything, many repeat classes may give a clue of a person's primary class.