I Became a Dark Lord to be Less Socially Awkward

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I'm always super awkward in public, so to change that and challenge myself I decided to create a dark lord armor so I could do even more awkward stuff in public.
(00:00) Intro
(01:00) The plan
(01:20) Building time
(16:25) Awkward time
🔔 SOCIAL:
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Video editor: Lasse Westrum - [e-mail]

[@saulitix]

Imagine a dark lord approaching you just to speak in a very nervous voice and immediately leave

[@DJROCKSTAZ]

Wouldn’t that be an adorable twist!

[@Heather_on_Treez]

Ok, ok now I want a movie that a dark lord has a son/daughter but they are terrible at the whole scary thing so they instead become the light lord 🤩

[@DioBrando-qr6ye]

It's basically Professor Chaos

[@nangsanbhalangblah333]

The next anime. Preferably better than that Morbius experiment kagurabachi.

[@urtoryu_dy_althraidn]

The next step is a tsundere Dark Lord.

[@brooksf-l7619]

"I might be wearing armor but it doesn't protect me from emotional damage." - I feel this.

[@dominicelliott880]

Emotional damage!

[@WarriorOO2]

Relatable.

[@Murderbits]

I love how the guard looked the completely opposite direction so that he wouldn't be sucked into laughing.

[@nicedragon815]

*she

[@MusicLoverGurl]

I was honestly watching it and just like "This probably isn't the weirdest thing that guard has seen this week." XDD

[@bobbirdsong6825]

@@nicedragon815 unless you know them i think it's impossible to tell. they looked pretty androgynous.

[@lordender_kitty_official]

she should've hit the griddy at some point when walking by random people.

[@nikladamond937]

The Norwegian royal guard is actually allowed to smile and laugh, even to answer questions from tourists. They're a lot less stern than british ones

[@tranquilclaws8470]

So all dark lords wear armor because they have social anxiety... This is now canon for all dark lords.

[@Fano2311]

Vader wears the mask because he’s an introvert

[@LagMasterSam]

In all seriousness, I think most people who are cool and mysterious IRL just have suppressed social anxiety.

[@echoless3474]

​@@LagMasterSamI can confirm this is true

[@DoomBot217]

id like to join your army!!! dar lords: o..oki if you want

[@Micras08]

@@LagMasterSam That's a nice thought if nothing else, god I hope this is the case :D

[@superplink]

honestly, walking around with a free hugs sign dressed as a dark lord seems somehow less weird to me than doing it dressed normally

[@mariothane8754]

It feels like it’s out of a sense of irony or humor instead of creepiness.

[@jacobfernandez6055]

hugs dark lord. dark lord consumes soul.

[@Josuh]

it's the fact that you ain't directly touching the other person

[@monikaisdonewiththeinterne2039]

Its because villans need hugs too

[@Minotaur-ey2lg]

Hug from a normal person: Hell no. Hugs from a dark lord: Hell yes!

[@tristanlee8495]

Free hugs was such a smart move, it took a lot of the social pressure off you and was really only going to attract the more socially outgoing people which in turn helped you become more comfortable, also the armour looks incredible.

[@nervousbabbs2769]

YUP! I loved the whole theme of the vid she really is all of us on the inside people just need to loosen up and stop being so scared of each other.

[@chrishart8548]

​@nervousbabbs2769 society has made us this way by design. Imagine how much stuff they wouldn't sell if we all believed we were fine as we are,

[@littleblackcar]

It has built-in consent: People only participate if they want to. And that it’s an established gag makes it more approachable.

[@wannabeblackstar204]

Bro is literally analyzing every detail of giving free hugs strategically

[@moji3812]

Yeah

[@Eric-jh5mp]

"I'm the only one who'll remember this." The lady with the dog who got educated by a nervous, mysterious, dark lord will never forget that.

[@renskevanalebeek3917]

The man handing out the paper and asking if you considered subscribing was a real champ. Just bit straight through the armor, he had a job to do and not even the dark lord was going to stop him.

[@diazinth]

and the image of a Dark Lord reading "Klassekampen" (originally a communist newspaper, now largely regarded as just good uality news from what I've heard. The name means: Class Struggle), is art in itself

[@madkir8206]

Just imagine. In a world of magic and adventures, the Dark Lord appears, bringing his army of demons and dark sorcerers. All creatures were afraid, silently hoping that one day a hero would come to this land and fearlessly stand against the Lord. And the day has finally come, when a young man who couldn't stay silent any longer has decided to approach the humanity's greatest enemy. He desperately fought all sorts of minions and Demon Generals and kept getting stronger and stronger as he was slowly coming closer to the Lord's castle. And when the Right hand, the strongest General of all was defeated, he could finally meet the Dark Lord. They were standing in front of each other, silently waiting for the other one to make their move. The man started getting closer, he wasn't just a young and naive boy like years ago, when he had just started his adventure. That is the real hero now, with his beautiful armour, his enchanted sword shining with all the magical energy it contains. Yet, the Dark Lord didn't flinch at all. Their mask kept their emotions hidden, but the straight back and squared shoulders said enough. And as the Hero was in the range of a sword's attack, he stopped. He took something out from his bag and and hand it out in his enemy's direction. Confused, the Lord took it and gazed at it. It was a newspaper. "Would you consider subscribing?" - the man asked, and the Dark Lord with their surprisingly feminine voice answered: "Well, I'll concider it after I read it, I guess..."

[@diazinth]

@@madkir8206 and this is why we "waste" money on the various arts classes: I enjoyed that read

[@DenvaProbablyDraws]

@@madkir8206 That was beautiful lol thanks

[@_sushiisdead]

Who

[@FroggyNight]

I vote we bring this back into fashion. The cloaks, robes, and hoods of fantasy all look so comfortable.

[@EnnoMaffen]

We need brave pioneers that can withstand the social pressure. If you like it, wear it. I love seeing people that wear something interesting :)

[@Pidalin]

And also, it's very practical for rain and mud weather, I want to wear high shoes and leather belt around my cloths, but I can't because they would put me into psychiatric hospital 😀 Women have it easier, they can wear whatever they want and nobody says it's weird. 😀

[@dominique9597]

Mhm, made my own cloak because i wanted one but nowhere to get it, been a fun project with trial and error and experience!

[@Volnas97]

Cloaks are so cool, why did we stop wearing them?

[@FroggyNight]

@@Volnas97 she says in her original video. The industrial Revolution and availability of tailored clothing ended up phasing out the need for multipurpose and loose fit clothing.

[@JohnSmith-ts8gh]

As a Norwegian teenager, Watching you not get harrased by Norwegian teenagers was the biggest surprise for me.

[@SonataHellsica]

you never know what happens off camera, buddy. You and I both know norwegians have quite cruel representatives existing among us

[@meh6513]

Can't be cruel near everyone else it's not really easy to do that...also not many degen teens just go for a walk at a park unless they are assigned something at school or KZbin

[@toonytox6772]

"if everyone's super, no one is"

[@Conartist666]

​@@meh6513the power of grass compells them

[@weinereater-wm6qm]

They were terrified of the Free Hugs Dark Lord themself

[@loridresser9420]

Martina, as a costumer of 45 years, that outfit is exquisite. It looks comfortable, for armor, and presentation is everything. Many hugs.

[@toportime]

That random group of people willing to do the dance with you was awesome.

[@andrewdowns3673]

Dark Lords are all just socially awkward introverts. Edit: Thank y'all for 11K likes and 90 replies!

[@Nameless8_]

And aren't we all here already introverts ?

[@K0CH0s]

Yes we are….Sadly😭

[@jag2583]

Facts, evil n misunderstood & socially awkward

[@Pattmore]

Sooo Voldemort

[@kool4209]

thats how their villain arc begins

[@ProbablyAlmond]

I suddenly really like the idea of a dark lord being really anxious around people and only being confident around the protagonist because of a past so they already have some sort of way they interact

[@TheDrawfeeBraincell]

so basically Dr Doofenshmirtz😂

[@ProbablyAlmond]

@@TheDrawfeeBraincell I mean like whole I’m barely talking to anyone besides to protagonist and when their forced to they stutter pretty much immediately not knowing what to say

[@saketbakshi4235]

this is some tumblr kinda shit

[@user-up7qo9wg5e]

most of dark lords flying on a dragon and kill people just to stay safe.. coz they had bad experience

[@Necoy666]

Overlord is just a nerd who just happens to make the right decision, so its nearly the same.

[@CaptainAdmiralMango]

As a fellow Norwegian, I could barely watch this as I felt the embarrasment as if I was there lmao. You're a brave woman, I couldn't do this even if I got paid xD

[@SmuggyOcelot]

Nobody: The wholesome evil dark lord, who is also socially awkward:

[@OTENEBRIS]

she evolved from socially awkward to awkwardly social

[@computergamescritical6917]

Technically the second thing is just a version of the first thing.

[@lav-kitty]

​@@computergamescritical6917 well not really, socially awkward is awkward in social situations, like socially anxious but awkwardly social is someone who is SO social it turns awkward for everyone else

[@JayofallTrades]

Martina: I am socially awkward Also martina: builds armor that brings attention to herself and is even more socially awkward 😅

[@isodoublet]

"fitting in is the only socially acceptable mode of existence" > Has each half of her hair dyed a different biologically impossible color

[@FalkonNightsdale]

Actually, it works… And it's also not a new idea - it was already well explained in "The Introvert Advantage" (Maarti Olsen Laney)

[@DeltaNovum]

She is genuine modern hero! Not only to herself, but to everyone who is scared to go out and be themselves.

[@Michael_MW]

The things she endures for the viewers.

[@ArchiveRagtagMoe]

​@@Michael_MW Endures? She obviously likes the attention.

[@awkwardsilence4241]

Just stumbled onto this video in my recommended, I think it's so cool that you can make all this stuff from scratch! I started this video thinking that somebody was going to buy some sort of cosplay offline, and then you put hours of effort into making it! The skilled crafting and funny personality kept me hooked the whole video. You more than deserve my subscription.

[@magnusengeseth5060]

A dark lord reading a paper called "The class struggle" is quite the image. A dark lord is still a lord after all. Now I'm imagining Darth Vader chilling in the Death Star break room casually browsing The Daily Worker.

[@ToaGatanuva]

Mad respect for grannies who takes a look at metalheads/darkly clothed people, gives them a hug, and tells you you look hella nice

[@ServalShots]

pretty awesome moment indeed

[@TheDevilishSmile]

my grandma was a hardcore everquest player (mmorpg game) and some other mmorpgs. And she was really open to a lot of newer things, very openminded and she loved things such as this, I'm sure she would love to see this outfit and many more, I wish she could

[@ServalShots]

Awe. That's nice though to hear she was. That's cool. I bet she really is super cool. @@TheDevilishSmile

[@ralek592]

​@@TheDevilishSmiletrade me 😭😭😭😭😭

[@snarkybug4]

I like to think they get flashbacks to their goth days when they were younger, makes the whole thing more wholesome.

[@Euromans_left_braincell]

We should normalise dressing like this and looking cooler than everyone else

[@korok2619]

you gotta chose, it's normal or it's cooler than everyone else

[@user-qb3gm4pu2m]

@@korok2619 you got all right

[@hazinebibogolu7668]

I just think it would be cool to get a group like this and walk around in a mall or something (everything is easier with friends yk)

[@Euromans_left_braincell]

@@hazinebibogolu7668 ye same. I want to dress like that with some friends and go get snaks or something

[@SoulSlugArts]

​preach

[@paintergirl5035]

Yes! This! This is why I love cosplay. Dressing up as someone or something helps so much with awkwardness. Thank you for another amazing video.

[@kitsuneprincess4637]

Something about the juxtaposition between the immaculately designed outfit and the tiny, pencil drawn "FREE HUGS" sign is just... *chef's kiss*

[@thisorthat7746]

the guy who was all like "ayyyy bring it here man! how you doin my man?!" and excitedly approached for a hug was the most wholesome thing ever i love him so much

[@hannahwillis9838]

Gets slapped on the shoulder like a bro and falls to the ground 😂

[@Burntdekuscrub]

The guy prolly thought she was a dude initially 😭💀

[@SleepyHollowKnight]

That’s the kind of guy I want to marry.

[@Derek_Wyld]

same@@SleepyHollowKnight

[@ananass8030]

For someone who claims to be socially awkward, she has charisma in buckets.

[@twotruckslyrics]

buckets 🪣 ❤

[@ttgb2990]

I can relate. I feel like if I try I could make an interesting conversation, but the second you put a person around me my charisma drops to negative numbers

[@quinngabrielquirubin3430]

actually quite the interesting character dilemma. When the character is born with high charisma stats but finds it draining just interacting with people...man that is good storytelling material honestly

[@Faunadoodlez]

As a homestuck fan I’m scared of buckets

[@CityInTheStars]

The free hugs one was actually adorable. I also have social anxiety and I feel your pain 😅 The costume is amazing

[@loser_geek_weebever2807]

I just discovered this channel and I am absolutely floored. Making an entire incredible outfit by hand just for a video about being more comfortable in public??? and you make everything with such ease, too! I'm astounded, this content is amazing

[@PreposterousJellyfish]

This pure dopamine and serotonin cocktail got me uncontrollably smiling like an idiot, I love it. A dark lord giving free hugs and doing everyday tasks is such an immaculate vibe

[@AllenorLP]

The best part was just the newspaper she read was called what i would translate as "class struggle", fitting into the dark lord mantra

[@johnroberts111]

Agreed

[@vedranb87]

@@AllenorLP Thank you for this extra bit. :D It's hilarious!

[@phoenix72999]

Yes. I feel like my depression would be healed if I could ever wear something like this. I guess I need to go learn stuff or something, lol, wish me luck😂😅

[@DwaineWoolley]

20:03 “how you doing my MAN?”😂

[@darth_dan8886]

Imagine what went through his mind when he heard the voice lmao

[@Pizzagulper]

He might still think that it was a young teen to this day. XD

[@RaethFennec]

Or the lady that avoided her until she heard her voice and suddenly offered a hug.

[@lucbloom]

@@RaethFennec right? “Oh it’s not a sad edgelord, it’s a girl! Those are not scary!”

[@DannyDevitoOffical-TrustMeBro]

Usually one would assume that only dudes would have the lack of self preservation to publicly embarrass themselves in such a way, but Martina here is a pioneer for women everywhere, and we love her for it

[@FernandoCarlomagno]

As a socially awkward person, I feel her pain 😂 great video 10/10, hugs from brazil 😊

[@wilfang]

You are so adorable. I love your idea of trying to get better at socializing in person, which is totally different of what you do in videos. Keep up the wonderful energy you bring and share with us, I LOVE YOU !!!!!! An hey for whoever edits your videos, that bit of the wobbling made my day !

[@_sushiisdead]

adorable? hell nah, shes dark lord, no one comes close to her sheer power n intimidation

[@Upside_down_gorilla]

I respect that she actually did the ones she didn’t want to do instead of just not doing them

[@DimePwnz]

yes, surely those were the only suggestions and she did every single one.

[@judeperks6612]

@@DimePwnz Well of course she can't get to every last one, but you can tell that some of what she did do was way out of her comfort zone which is commendable.

[@canadadry5449]

To be fair, she probably didn't want to do any of them and we wouldn't have a video otherwise, lol.

[@Bdiers]

I love that there's always a point in these videos where Martina develops a hunch and starts pacing back and forth while formulating a plan. I call it Goblin Mode

[@lonelyboy9852]

My english teacher very much has a goblin more, shes pretty chill and awesome plus shes a DM so i think that adds to why shes a bit like a goblin sometimes, but she does make sure work gets done lol.

[@cassiesayshi8174]

@@lonelyboy9852what does DM mean?

[@necrago]

@@cassiesayshi8174 Dungeon Master

[@Crowelephant]

😂 Why goblin mode? I feel like I'm missing a lot of information!

[@lonelyboy9852]

@@Crowelephant she's just a bit silly/chill. like you ever just make random sounds when doing a small task like "doo doo doo" or something. it's like that, just silly little things. but during dnd goblin mode is best described as: evil cackling, goofing around more than usual and just vibing in a silly way.

[@MinaWalker]

What I’ve learned from taking my white cane to places (I’m legally blind so I use it when I go to new/unfamiliar places) is that I used to not like people looking at me while I use it, but now, I just let them stare, and I’m more open about my disability in general 😊

[@Zeesiss]

you blind watching a YT vid?

[@MinaWalker]

@@Zeesiss I’m not fully blind, blindness is a spectrum so in my case i can see, but some of my friends with visual impairments can’t

[@quietberserker]

This video was so much more than I thought it would be. I have pretty severe anxiety in some situations and it's so cool to see ERP therapy done like this. I know the anxiety isn't easy to get through. Thank you for this video. It has actually made me a bit emotional in a tearful happy way.

[@eshbena]

Little sewing trick here, always start your costumes with the undergarments and work outward. That way you can fit the leather armor OVER the gambeson rather than discover that the outerwear is strangely small after the layers of undergarment are put on underneath. :) Edit: If you didn't have to use a seam ripper at least once, you aren't sewing. We all do that, even professional costumers with 30 years of experience. >_>

[@CreepyLair]

Makes me feel so much better about my first sewing projects, thanks! :D

[@tresenie]

@@CreepyLair there is also a sort of tread they use for testfits, i forgot what it's called but it's a bit easyer to remove. Even with proper preparation things might not always fit as perfect so it's 100% normal to redo things. My mom is a hobby seemstress and my granddad was a professional for a long time. A seemripper is also usefull if you want to copy something you like.

[@twotruckslyrics]

theres always a “if you didnt do (this) at least once, theres smthin up” haha. imo in art its If you havent had art block in a while good luck 😅

[@CreepyLair]

@@tresenie How kind, thanks for the info

[@RoseMageCB]

The best thing I ever did for social awkwardness was find one person to compliment each time I went out for a month. At first, it's scary, but you soon realize that the response is usually thanks or someone talking about something cool they bought or made. And by limiting it to one person each time you go out, you can relax after you had your interaction for the day. 😅

[@cid_of_krebs]

That's an amazing idea! It's so brave and also so sweet

[@miravlix]

And this is why we can't have nice things. As someone who for 50+ years been told by myself and the world I'm a loser and then finding out I'm just bad at being normal and great at being autistic, this bullshit hurts, because you still think I should just get over it. Your training people in MASKING the symptoms, someone like me can 100% be trained in social interactions, but it does not make my LIFE better, it ruins it, as I can either be socially awkward and do other stuff or I can ONLY be not socially awkward and lose the energy to do other stuff. Your presenting a SOLUTION for YOUR benefit, not the person with social anxiety.

[@Cheskaz]

One year my new year's resolution was to compliment a stranger every week and it made me a nicer person. I started to always be on the lookout for things that I liked about people. Basically got terminator vision but for cute accessories and cool shirts.

[@JayofallTrades]

I got a service/assistance dog for social anxiety and she becomes the topic that people approach me with. It creates a bond between me and my dog but also i find other people who are dog lovers like myself. So its easy to talk to random people about special interests

[@cid_of_krebs]

@@miravlix I'm not autistic (or I don't think I am) so it's probably not comparable... I only have social anxiety but I burn a lot of energy trying to talk or even be around other people. However I think this idea is pretty cool because it gives opportunities to get joy out of these interactions in which I have to spend energy anyway. In the end I'm still tired but sometimes I got the chance to connect with someone even just a little. BUT thank you for reminding that something that works for one person usually don't work for everyone and even though this person had the best intentions I'm fully aware of how harmful a person with the best intentions can be

[@StillOnTrack]

Oh! Also, I've been seeing a quote going around about not dwelling too much on others remembering your awkward moment, because everyone is too busy remembering and judging themselves for thier OWN awkward moments to be judging you for yours. I find that thought comforting.

[@oliviandersz]

18:02 emotional damage being healed

[@Tasselhoff88]

I used to go jogging in my 1300's medieval armour set (I was training for the buhurt world cup), and it was so fun seeing people actively trying not to notice me. I felt actually quite invisible. I wouldn't be caught dead jogging in just normal shorts and T-shirt. I even did some jumping jacks and other exercise with a local running school since they were always at the same park that I liked. They seemed to think it was hilarious, but regular passers by just wouldn't even look at me.

[@calvinsFuntimeBounceHouse]

i legit thought you said "butthurt world cup" uhh lol theyre wearing the cup on the wrong side if their anus pains ;)

[@DogFogNog]

I need to invest in some 1300’s armor now lol

[@Tasselhoff88]

@@DogFogNog Totally recommend. It's a nice weight training. If armour jogging becomes a common thing, I call dibs for starting the trend.

[@willie_am]

​@@Tasselhoff88how mich does one normally cost?

[@orbitalkao3984]

Now I need to try that. But where does one acquire that lol

[@KKirmaci]

The old lady just warmed my heart to the core

[@mauvemushuf6314]

It hits different when you understand norwegain, bc her accent made it even better

[@fuzzytale]

That armor is amazing, you're so incredibly talented

[@serenitydavis1828]

Trying to make 1 awkward moment memorable for someone, when possible, helps stay true to oneself & lessens pressure in anxious situations. You're amazing, keep it up.

[@BigR.O.B.]

I literally have this exact fantasy like "I wish I could just wear a cool ass helmet and armor so no one has to look at me in public." If I had sick armor like that I'd never take it off.

[@Da-choppa]

If I had armour like that I’m pretty sure it would meld to my skin before I COULD take it off

[@bennetthobbitt9847]

@@Da-choppa godzilla ARG-ass thing to happen

[@Da-choppa]

@@bennetthobbitt9847 I ain’t the man in the suit, I’m the lil bitch in the armour 😎

[@galacticpotato833]

I would love to havr an armor or this level of cosplay yo use

[@EskChan19]

17:26 "I hate bothering people" - The Dark Lord, 2023

[@ellakathryn2157]

This kinda reminds me of my experience with masks during covid. I was starting high school and had just started treatment for social anxiety that left me not taking to anyone throughout middle school. Being able to cover your face but still interact with people is really therapeutic. You learn to socialize but you still have a nice little layer of safety.

[@Gentleman_Jester]

That was amazing. I could tell how difficult that was for you. But you kept trying. Which shows how brave you really are. Well done. The armour was really cool. I might build some too now. Thanks for posting this video.

[@domramsey]

Just so you know, you're a hero to shy awkward people all over the world!

[@juhajuntunen7866]

Intriverts, unite! (Eh, uhm, welll...)

[@rashedulkabir6227]

But she is not shy or awkward.

[@Werewolf914]

Facts

[@janellepas]

I love everything about this upload including the beautiful ring on your left hand.

[@theplasmawolf]

Martina: I feel awkward filming in public. Modern Norway: Blend in, it's your only option. Martina: Dark Lord with pink and purple hair! I love it!

[@artswithole]

🙎‍♂🙎‍♂🙎‍♀🙍‍♀🙎‍♂🙎‍♂🙍‍♀🙍‍♀🙎‍♀🙎‍♀🙍‍♀🙍‍♂🙍‍♂🙎‍♂🙍‍♀

[@theknottygoblin]

Haha I was thinking this too!😂

[@twiggy2495]

I think i found your channel through youtube shorts after looking up patters and stiches for a project. And i love it! You energy is such a vibe and your art is amazing and breathtaking.

[@pug-n]

this popped into my recommended, and now you have a new subscriber! awesome vid!

[@Wolfentodd]

Seeing someone in medieval attire walking into a modern shop is both amazing and ridiculous at the same time

[@jene6651]

I hope you're really proud of yourself Martina, it's so hard to step outside our comfort zones and be willing to be uncomfortable. You may look like a Dark Lord, but you're a hero.😊

[@soapstone420]

in some cases, like in this case, a dark lord and a hero can be the same person 😁

[@jene6651]

@@soapstone420 😁

[@RosinaEmilyW]

Honestly, walking around in cosplay on occasion (as long as it’s not the sort to attract the wrong sort of attention) is a great way to get over social anxiety. People tend to be a whole lot nicer. One of my friends did that, while decreasing the extent of her cosplay whenever she felt comfortable, eg swapping a helmet for a wig, wearing a less accurate cosplay etc. it really helped her get used to big groups of people after lockdown ended.

[@indianministryofilluminati3531]

She's an inspiration for all introverts

[@jene6651]

@@RosinaEmilyW It must feel really empowering. I’m not brave enough lol

[@DerekTheAntony]

You just got yourself a subscriber lol, thank you for making my morning. Actually, while being very socially outgoing, I have severe social anxiety. This can hold you back from experiencing so much and I get solace knowing that others are struggling. You prevailed! Thank you for being yourself. PS I made a cloak once and a kings robe, neither of which turned out as cool as yours, just know how hard it is to even make something that sucks let alone as awesome as your Dark Lord armor!

[@Absinthe-1]

Major skills, also I love how you are out in the community blessing them with your darkness.(- The anxiety) Keep up the good work ! Much love. DG

[@hypnotherapy69]

As a person who is EXTREMELY introverted, and has agoraphobia I have kind of addopted the "the more I stand out the more reason there is for people to stare at me, but at least I know what they are staring at me for". And for me it has kind of worked, I now have blue hair piercings and tattoos and I also feel more comfotable with my looks.

[@stargirl7646]

As an American living in South Korea I decided the same thing haha. I already get stares for being a foreigner, and being large, might as well dye my hair fun colors and get tattoos!

[@Just1Nora]

I dressed goth as a teen. Can confirm that it really helped my social anxiety because then it was obvious why people were looking at me. Now I'm in my mid 30s and I want more tattoos, but I've reached the age of idgaf how/if people look at me.

[@Laurie_Ramone]

bro this has changed my life (literally read it like five minutes ago)

[@Julaeable]

I do the same thing😂

[@OpheliaTerat]

Having some random person in cool fantasy armor come up to me and give a history fact or seeing them just doing normal stuff like buying groceries would've made my day. Also if I was that king's guard I would've cracked, idk how they're able to keep straight faces. The free hugs part was also really wholesome and cute. Tbh I'd love to see a part 2 of this.

[@PinnacleNL]

I want a free hug from a dark lord! 🥲

[@judedoc1347]

I binged a lot of your videos the past week. You're an incredible artist! The metal sheet wobble was quite funny... music with your materials challenge next?

[@Wraine8430]

I love this. the excitement after doing something outside of your comfort zone and it going well is fantastic..

[@evanfishsticks8010]

This is the first time I've seen this channel but holy shit the amount of stuff this lady can do with masking tape is nuts

[@enbyhyena]

And missing one of her fingers!!

[@nzkaye5084]

The fact you're able to take an idea for a costume and will it into existence is so impressive. Also, the second hand anxiety I felt when you had to tell a stranger a history fact made me pause the video and take a walk..

[@bonovoxel7527]

Dude, I admired her efforts outta comfort zone, but that history fact was so interesting and so short that it made me rotfl like she told a very good pun!

[@thewoodshopteacher7463]

Fun additional fact - when Zanzibar surrendered the captain of the battleship that shot at the presidential palace presented the Zanzibar government with a bill for the ammunition they had used...

[@danpage6907]

Martina: I've been watching your videos randomly for the last couple of years; this has got to be your best video. It's clever, creative, charming, funny, honest, and wholesome. Well done!

[@mobgamer6346]

“How am I supposed to just walk up to someone” That hit extremely close

[@shwazine5358]

I am a highly empathetic person who normally CANNOT watch people embarrassing themselves because I feel embarrassed myself. For some reason, watching you do it is the best thing ever.

[@DogFogNog]

Honestly same bro

[@Devin7Eleven]

In other words, you’re normal. Relating to other people in their situation is an entirely healthy human behavior

[@robo7643]

​@@Devin7Eleventhey didn't say they weren't normal, just what was the norm for them

[@SpiritOfHugs]

Fun fact! Autistic people tend to be considered incapable of empathy by the general public, but we feel second hand embarrassment way more strongly than allistic people, because we actually have an overactive sense of emotional empathy and an underactive sense of cognitive empathy (in general, autistic people are very different from one another)

[@monikaisdonewiththeinterne2039]

@@SpiritOfHugs well autism have multiple ways of affecting someone, some indeed are very empathetic but others could indeed be apathetic as the "general public" thinks, its not really a set rule

[@FadedAura]

Just imagine seeing someone in that cool armor and with the thoughts of their voice sounding intimidating just for them to sound sweet and wholesome lol

[@terimorrell]

Your skills! You make the leather and metal work look so easy! Your armor looks beautiful (feels weird to stay that about armor, but it does). I particularly love the etching and the finish on your helmet

[@SpookDudeGoesWild]

This randomly came up on my feed, and I just have to say, the process was super fun to watch, and the final product is amazing!

[@fairpastelfairy1681]

I actually squealed and could not look at some parts because I am also so so socially awkward and my mirror neurons just evaporated when you had to tell the history facts XD You are so brave! It was beautiful to see the free hug thing and dance, that was so wholesome

[@donsample1002]

Yeah, I mostly just skipped ahead through those parts.

[@fairpastelfairy1681]

@@donsample1002 So relatable. I hid my face in my hands and made strange squeaky noises X,) We got some exposure therapy too!

[@MyBlackSheep]

🫣 same same! 😅😂

[@feduckil9238]

I had to pause the video a few times and was actually sweating just from watching it.

[@samlevi4744]

Not going to lie, doing normal tasks in that costume could make for awesome editorial photography.

[@upperella]

You did so well! On the outfit and even more on the interactions. Also on the video, of course. Very entertaining, as always!

[@ievasarksna9608]

Was randomly reccomended this video and clicked on it thinking it was going to be someone just acting silly in a costume. What I was not expecting was to see someone MAKE A WHOLE DARK LORD OUTFIT FROM SCRATCH using actual craftsmanship and skills that I could only dream of. Honestly, what an amazing job, I'm so impressed!!!

[@melodymethyst1574]

I have watched many of her videos, but I'm impressed by her skills every time 😂

[@minstrelgirl451]

Same!!!!! Honestly it gave me more confidence to make nice costume things in the future. :>

[@madaian369]

The whole outfit was stellar, but somehow I was the most impressed with the ingenious idea of marking the diagonals you needed to sew with masking tape. As a person who struggles with straight lines but would like to sew more, that is such a good tip, especially with the masking tape itself acting as a constant-width spacer between the lines of stitching

[@seregruin]

Wandered, how she removed them after sewing. Do they just come off from below the stitches? Wouldn't this make the sewing very loose?

[@pinkSPARKL]

@@seregruin from how it looked, she sewed between the strips of tape, so it wasn't caught under the stitches and could be removed easily

[@WhimsyCottage]

THIS! i have been trying to sew recently and didn't want to use markers on white fabric

[@annwahlstrom149]

You can use a ruler and chalk especially made for sewing and fabrics. It's just very easy to dust off after sewing. Can be in different colours. I had a white for dark fabric and a pale blue for white fabric. I think "taylors chalk" may be the correct name for it.

[@WhimsyCottage]

@@annwahlstrom149 i used to have some of those but i haven't been able to find them in any store in my country. I have used normal white chalk on darker fabrics but i'm a bit scared to put colored chalk on white fabric

[@fleurdeb7803]

This was utterly fantastic, Martina! I can't pick a fave from the interactions, they were all hilarious and spot on. It's kinda like the stupid stunts college groups make people do for initiation, but WAYYY better! You already knew you were loved and accepted by your Discord group. And you had Hansi. At 22:45 I had deja vu. I swear I've had a vision of that exact visual at that moment many, many years ago & still remember it. Who knows, maybe we have a collab in the future or you inspire me to do something. I love your spunkiness, creativity and personal style. Bright blessings. 💖

[@jackielinde7568]

You need to contact Jill Bearup. Why? 1. She can teach you stage combat. 2. She has contacts who can set up a filming session. 3. She rates armor. Pretty sure this is at least an "I'd wear that."

[@alittleofsomething]

I was once anxious about being socially awkward... But then I realized it's all in my head, so now I'm awkward with enthusiasm. Ambiverts unite!

[@katsuki420]

☹️☹️☹️I can't seem to control it even if I know it's in my head

[@alittleofsomething]

@@katsuki420 tbh the way I changed was me comparing myself to the past me. As a kid I wasn't socially anxious. What changed was my perception. And the fact that I started hating myself for the things my mom would say.

[@littlefox_100]

Yes!

[@pladselsker8340]

I find it easy to be awckward when the situation doesn't require me to perform. It's about accepting that you're weird. It's hard for me when I begin to set expectations on my social skills, which happens during interviews, or just talking with someone who has expectations for me (colleagues, parents, etc.)

[@ArchiveRagtagMoe]

No such thing as an ambivert. It's a term coined by extroverts that thought being introverts at times is cool. 😅

[@shadowbandit20]

Wow that armor is absolutely dope. Also I don’t understand how you didn’t feel the compulsion to brag to all those strangers “thanks, I made it myself.”

[@Crazael]

Yeah, I would have told absolutely everyone who said anything even mildly positive about it.

[@pemanilnoob587]

I guess she’s not the braggy type I’d brag for hours straight tho

[@VegetaLF7]

Having worn similar gear with my homebrew Sith armor out in public before, it is both intimidating and liberating to look that silly while doing the most mundane things. One of my most memorable ones was returning home after a day at a convention, the group I was with decided we should stop off at a Chipotle for dinner. I'm still wearing my costume, so I stroll in with full black robes and armor, hooded mask and everything. We were on the other side of town from the convention center, so it's not like they were used to seeing people in costume the way the places around the center were. Cashier asked if I could take a picture with her, so that was pretty sweet.

[@blerst7066]

KZbin recommended this to me after watching a video on High Guardian Spice. I don't understand why this was recommended, but it's lovely to watch another socially awkward person dress up as a dark lord, expecting people to treat her like a psycho, but they're actually surprisingly friendly. Also, that armor looks sick.

[@Just_A_Dude-203]

I walked in a Outlaw costume for a wrong red ribbon day, and every one had their eyes on me. But what you did, makes what I did look like a piece of cake.

[@hackman669]

The force has strong influence the the weak minded.

[@Altarior]

18:12 Love seeing a dark lord sheepishly walking around with her hands folded like a nun

[@DenvaProbablyDraws]

The free hugs were so wholesome, people are obviously the sweetest when they've had a hug. Also that armor is SO COOL! I can't believe it's actually metal and leather too, it's actually functional! If I had to choose any armor to enter battle with, I'd choose this armor. Idk exactly how loud it is, but it feels like good stealth armor.

[@francesauvage2509]

This is the 1st time I've written to you, but I want to tell you that it's for me after all the years I've been following you, I'm still impressed by your ideas and your work which is always full of humor. Thank you for existing. ❤😂

[@ToonGal12]

You should do this again sometime, but bring your dog along with you, with your dog wearing the armor you made for him! You guys would be a matching pair, and having a dog with you always helps with socializing. :)

[@BluishGnome]

The social anxiety is hilariously adorable. The costume is insanely impressive. The interaction and mundane activities were so entertaining! Thank you for sacrificing your mental health for us internet strangers! 😂

[@Xylaax]

might be entertaining on camera, but social anxiety is not really all that funny, i've had extreme social anxiety my whole life and I can't even bring myself to answer the door if somebody knocks, I always wait for the mailman to leave after they drop the mail off, etc

[@BluishGnome]

@@Xylaax Yea, I didn't mean it in a mocking way or to make light of a potentially serious social impediment. From what I understand, Nordic countries are different socially than other "Western" cultures and not bothering others seems to be a big part of it. Anyway, this video was made for entertainment purposes, so I enjoyed it as intended.

[@Xylaax]

@@BluishGnome yea I figured you didn't mean it in that way, it is quite entertaining on camera though I agree, but I also understand it all too well, I myself can try and put on an act for others but its physically and mentally draining

[@lettersANnumbersonly]

Watching the suit come together was fascinating. I've always wondered how cosplayers could put together those insane costumes... Watching you put this one together answered so many questions I had. Thanks. You handled the whole socialization thing very well I thought. I mean I would be dying, but you walked it off like a mere flesh wound.

[@ParkityParkPark]

the only thing that could have made that better is a voice modifier. Imagine being that guard and someone in dark terrifying armor comes up, fortnite dances next to you, then a voice from the abyss sheepishly says "I'm sorry" and scuttles off

[@PokeLSouma]

As a cosplayer who sews the arms on inside out EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I felt so seen by this video so thank you lmao

[@seregruin]

I guess the trick would be not to turn around the chestpiece. Just turn everything inside out once you're done :)

[@jean-christophebriolin8989]

Hey, I just discovered you completely randomly through another video that had NOTHING, absolutely nothing even remotely close to do with your content, but yet, I’m here now. And I enjoyed every single minute of the video. The energy radiating from you is insane. Like, it’s extremely positive, goofy, awkward but most importantly: So natural. To me, you seem to be truly yourself in this video and it makes watching it SO much more enjoyable. Thank you for these 23 minutes of pure joy and entertainment, I’m gonna watch some football now. Hava a great day or night or whatever and thank you for making me smile :)

[@KjoshWaddellBananasAreGood]

I also just saw this video randomly in my feed. This is amazing content

[@DenvaProbablyDraws]

I completely agree. It's like she doesn't try to put on a show but ends up making an incredibly enjoyable performance despite that. Really makes me relate to her and I love how calm it makes me feel.

[@brophwyd]

I think the outfit looks so awesome, both with and without the helmet. Though without definitely looks like "fantasy quest giver for a morally questionable faction" vibes.

[@melaniemint8075]

I loved the final task so much! Haha! Great video!

[@panstasieq9726]

it's really sad to see people WANT to talk with you but they just pretend like nothing is unusual and continue to avoid awkwardness i think that was meant to be other way around

[@archangel2008]

As a dane it's so fun to just hear you speak Norwegian haha! Makes me feel like maybe I could do some of the awesome stuff you're doing too. It's always easy to blame it on crazy Americans but when it's a Scandinavian it's a bit more difficult to stay in your bubble of normality haha

[@livedandletdie]

I mean, there's 5 Million Danes, 10 Million Swedes and 4 Million Norwegians... Now let's deduct all the foreigners with their social cultural behaviors... at 20% That leaves us with 15.2 Million Socially Awkward losers. And as such... I think we should all just join together to bully to conquer the world again, all we need is 15 Million suits of armor, and we could technically start by taking out Europe, it wouldn't be too hard... We can start in the south of Sweden, and dig a massive tunnel, beneath the Baltic Sea, over to Europe, and create a series of interconnected tunnels, crisscrossing throughout Europe, and then we just need that Swedish invention known as Dynamite, to take away all of the support at once, leveling the entirety of Europe in one fell swoop, this also prevents the Germans from starting yet another War... and it also prevents them from trying to turn the world into Germany again by economical means... cough cough EU cough cough... We don't have to worry about Finland, or Russia in this case, they're also socially awkward.

[@AnthonyM-wg3fg]

As an American, I loved this comment. Made me laugh.

[@djeeno]

seconded by a swede. I mean, when the social distancing "six feet apart" rule was lifted about my reaction was to go back to my ordinary ten feet 😉

[@sherlockwho5714]

Hahaha don't worry Dane I will be arriving with all the akward American nerdiness this fall for a very limited time however

[@alex0589]

and when Norwegians hear Danish, they recoil in disgust

[@gabrielcontreras6558]

19:09 *[Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena; que tu cuerpo es pa' darle alegría y cosa buena. Dale a tu cuerpo alegría, Macarena: ¡EHHHH, Macarena! ¡AAY!]*

[@greencigarettegangster]

As a swede , im CRAZY impressed since i know just how strict our countries are when it comes to norms! I respect you for that❤❤

[@HadarCo]

It's really weird to me how Martina is so socially awkward (me too don't worry) but at the same time seems like a super fun person to be friends with! I'd be happy to for sure 😁 Oh and Dark Lord is obviously EPIC like every project, love all the fine details and the full set of techniques and skills you had to pull for this projects 🤩

[@sebastianjost]

it feels like at least 25% of all my friends are like that.

[@rangopistacho6928]

i like the idea of some dark evil person on their break days being so socially awkward and out of their depth because their entire life has been dedicated to being a powerful darklord that they forgot to learn social skills

[@denverrandy7143]

One of the best "Nerd Forges" in awhile.👍Imformative and hilarious as the usual.Thank you so much.

[@jedijeremy]

That was amazing, and the best thing I've seen on the internet today! Such incredible work!

[@wandaXmaximoff]

As a fellow socially awkward person, this video really helped me understand my dark lord obsession. Seriously though, the amour looks amazing. I’m always blown away by your talent.