Zebra stripe stencils for walls
Stencil Templates
2011.12.10 09:21 Stencil Templates
Stencil Templates is a home and archive for the digital copies of stencils. We seek to produce and catalog all stencil templates in the world in one easily searchable place. We have two rules: follow the tag system and be excellent to each other.
2024.06.01 13:21 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 100.000$+ INVENTORY. BFK Lore, Gloves Amphibious, Skeleton Fade, Bowie Emerald, BFK Auto, Gloves MF, Talon Doppler, Gloves POW, Bayo Tiger, Gut Sapphire, Stiletto MF, M9 Ultra, Ursus Doppler, Flip Doppler, M9 Stained, Nomad CW, Paracord CW, AK-47 X-Ray & A Lot More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
All Buyouts are listed in cash value.
KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Lore (Factory New), B/O: $7194.77
★ Butterfly Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2025.74
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $557.87
★ M9 Bayonet Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $529.41
★ M9 Bayonet Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $465.39
⎯★ Talon Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $1295.27
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth (Minimal Wear), B/O: $746.28
★ Karambit Bright Water (Field-Tested), B/O: $688.15
⎯★ Flip Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $547.93
★ Flip Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $476.69
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $278.18
★ Flip Knife Black Laminate (Well-Worn), B/O: $258.83
★ Flip Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $181.64
⎯★ Stiletto Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $686.04
★ Stiletto Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $665.41
★ Stiletto Knife, B/O: $601.39
★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $418.25
★ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $227.80
★ Stiletto Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.96
★ Stiletto Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $192.79
⎯★ Nomad Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $518.11
★ Nomad Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $169.78
★ Nomad Knife Forest DDPAT (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $166.88
★ StatTrak™ Nomad Knife Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $335.79
⎯★ Skeleton Knife Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $442.05
★ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Minimal Wear), B/O: $426.24
★ Skeleton Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $314.03
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2361.28
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $376.53
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $557.12
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $471.42
★ Ursus Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $212.37
★ Ursus Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $187.66
★ Ursus Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $178.18
★ Ursus Knife Ultraviolet (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $155.13
★ Ursus Knife Boreal Forest (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.26
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Minimal Wear), B/O: $204.83
★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Field-Tested), B/O: $184.50
★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Lore (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $224.11
⎯★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $2142.02
★ Bowie Knife, B/O: $230.44
★ Bowie Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $209.20
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.51
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Falchion Knife Night (Field-Tested), B/O: $132.54
★ Falchion Knife Urban Masked (Well-Worn), B/O: $112.81
★ Falchion Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $108.81
★ Falchion Knife Forest DDPAT (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.82
★ Falchion Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.46
★ StatTrak™ Falchion Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $143.08
⎯★ Paracord Knife Crimson Web (Minimal Wear), B/O: $486.48
★ Paracord Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $163.12
⎯★ Survival Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $138.26
★ Survival Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Gut Knife Sapphire (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1127.79
★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $286.17
★ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $246.55
★ Gut Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $240.77
★ Gut Knife, B/O: $210.49
★ Gut Knife Lore (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.22
★ Gut Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $151.51
★ Gut Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.94
★ Gut Knife Rust Coat (Well-Worn), B/O: $118.99
★ Gut Knife Boreal Forest (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.80
★ StatTrak™ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $237.96
⎯★ Shadow Daggers Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $264.92
★ Shadow Daggers Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $253.03
★ Shadow Daggers Tiger Tooth (Factory New), B/O: $237.22
★ Shadow Daggers Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.40
★ Shadow Daggers Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $144.42
★ Shadow Daggers Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $105.20
★ StatTrak™ Shadow Daggers Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $150.46
⎯★ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $365.99
★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $228.93
★ Navaja Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $227.43
★ Navaja Knife Slaughter (Factory New), B/O: $209.06
★ Navaja Knife, B/O: $203.16
★ Navaja Knife Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $132.57
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $121.69
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.95
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $100.41
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $369.01
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $109.95
GLOVES
★ Sport Gloves Amphibious (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2394.67
★ Sport Gloves Omega (Well-Worn), B/O: $572.33
★ Sport Gloves Bronze Morph (Minimal Wear), B/O: $338.88
★ Sport Gloves Big Game (Field-Tested), B/O: $323.66
⎯★ Specialist Gloves Marble Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1652.07
★ Specialist Gloves Tiger Strike (Field-Tested), B/O: $599.14
★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web (Well-Worn), B/O: $231.57
★ Specialist Gloves Buckshot (Minimal Wear), B/O: $126.21
⎯★ Moto Gloves POW! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $996.99
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Field-Tested), B/O: $383.31
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Well-Worn), B/O: $276.00
★ Moto Gloves Turtle (Field-Tested), B/O: $180.28
⎯★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $502.29
★ Hand Wraps Giraffe (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.73
★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $178.32
⎯★ Driver Gloves Queen Jaguar (Minimal Wear), B/O: $181.01
★ Driver Gloves Rezan the Red (Field-Tested), B/O: $101.66
⎯★ Broken Fang Gloves Jade (Field-Tested), B/O: $127.88
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.55
⎯★ Bloodhound Gloves Guerrilla (Minimal Wear), B/O: $127.94
★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened (Field-Tested), B/O: $102.55
WEAPONS
AK-47 X-Ray (Well-Worn), B/O: $478.95
AUG Hot Rod (Factory New), B/O: $425.83
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Hyper Beast (Factory New), B/O: $413.95
M4A4 Daybreak (Factory New), B/O: $309.51
StatTrak™ AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge (Factory New), B/O: $305.43
AK-47 Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $196.38
StatTrak™ M4A4 Temukau (Minimal Wear), B/O: $174.64
P90 Run and Hide (Field-Tested), B/O: $167.03
AWP Asiimov (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.33
Souvenir SSG 08 Death Strike (Minimal Wear), B/O: $140.00
M4A1-S Printstream (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.70
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Golden Coil (Field-Tested), B/O: $117.48
AWP Asiimov (Well-Worn), B/O: $115.97
StatTrak™ Desert Eagle Printstream (Minimal Wear), B/O: $112.96
StatTrak™ AK-47 Asiimov (Minimal Wear), B/O: $110.85
Souvenir M4A1-S Master Piece (Well-Worn), B/O: $102.42
AK-47 Bloodsport (Minimal Wear), B/O: $100.53
Trade Offer Link - Steam Profile Link - My Inventory
Some items on the list may no longer be available or are still locked, visit My Inventory for more details.
Send a Trade Offer for fastest response. I consider all offers.
Add me for discuss if there is a serious offer that needs to be discussed.
2024.06.01 13:12 Motormommy Has anyone looked at the div class differences on dmaorg site? Reordering the 25 Clancy posts - the last post could be Nico- 024 02MOON 25
 | I noticed something on the dmaorg site- that the posts each have different formatting according to 5 "div class" sections. The formatting really isn't that different in each class and it doesn't seem to be connected to the various file types that are posts. (this was examined using a lot of help from the dmaorg fan wiki which already had the letters typed and I copied and pasted them.) submitted by Motormommy to twentyonepilots [link] [comments] We know it's a cycle, it has happened again and again. What if the moon dates don't order as our actual dates do? There were 5 timeframes for the posts- the ones that were already there when the site was found or shortly after, the ones that were posted just before/during the trench era, the ones that were posted after the files were terminated and the site was restored (during scaled and icy) and the ones that were posted ahead of Clancy. If we reorder the 25 Clancy posts by their div classes (putting class 1 first, then 2, etc.), it puts the yellow stripe picture right before the letter it decodes. We also get the 024 02MOON 25 last. And I just realized that this letter is not signed. What if it's a bishop describing recruiting banditos? What if a bishop is realizing he's not so different from them? That he once believed he was a citizen, an escapee, an exception? Is he following the torches to find the banditos? Spreadsheet I used to organize the posts Clancy Posts when Ordered by _Divclass CLASS 1: 017 07 MOON 16 Cheetah running gif 018 07MOON 08 _note.gif written signed I’ve made it out. I feel weightless. I know that place had always held me down, but for the first time, I can feel the levity that I had hoped for. It’s been three nights now, and my breathing has changed. It’s slower, and more full. It’s like the air out here is worth taking in. I can see it back in the distance, and I’d be lying if I said that it wasn’t constantly on my mind. I wish I could turn that fear off, but maybe the further I go, the less that fear will affect me. I feel betrayed by what I assumed was home - if I ever end up back there, I won’t be able to look at it the same way. They are asleep. They’re so sure that they know the truth, and carry on throughout their day with the same meaningless tasks. They’ve forgotten to look up, and to look outward, to understand that this isn’t about ‘in there.' This is about ‘out here.’ This new world surrounds me. I used to think the walls back home were massive – these green cliffs engulf me, and place me right in the middle – Trench is quite precarious at times, and it’s easy to grow weary. But it’s real, and it’s true, and I’d much rather endure reality than to mindlessly be obedient to a life that someone else created for me. I’ve obsessed about this world for so long, that it feels more like home than anything I’ve experienced. Somehow, in this vast openness, I feel more protected than ever. The landscape feels endless, and I’ve found myself walking for hours without any true evidence of getting further down. But I’ve seen plants and colors out here that I’m not sure I’ve witnessed before. There’s a beauty in the strangest places, and the curiosity of what’s next continues to motivate me. I wonder who else is out here. If what I assumed inside is true, there’s got to be more like me. Sometimes I’ll feel a presence, or think I see something in my periphery, only to look up and see nothing. It’s just another thing that I’m afraid of that also excites me. It all just confirms all of the things that I hoped to be true for all of this time. I am out here and I am very alive. I’m sometimes scared, but always discovering something new, and I will not stop. Cover me!
17-35.4527.jpg typed signed I can’t face this page for long enough to write what I’m truly feeling. I am only wrought with more questions about what I assumed to be true, questions about what my own path is, and the question that has plagued me every night that I lie here, back in city: Did I give up? The force I saw between him and his bishop seemed tense to me, and frightening. But the memory of that exchange has had time to fester and replay in my mind long enough that I’m questioning if I even remembered it correctly. I assumed the bishop was forcefully retrieving his subject, but now I wonder if the bishop was actually trying to save him, and he refused. I stayed out there for five days after I watched it happen. I haven’t seen him since. Maybe he got away, and was still out in Trench with me. Maybe the bishop chased him down, and brought him home. Home? Did I just call this place home? After all of the endless beauty that I saw out there, am I now convincing myself that I’m actually better off within these confines? I admit, it was more difficult than I expected. Nothing could have prepared me for how much the ‘unknown’ can consume me. Vast landscapes and endless possibilities, yet coupled with endless danger. I became anxious. I became tired. I became hungry. Every step I took became harder than the last, jumping from jagged rocky step to step, or pulling myself through thick forest - it all became debilitating, and I was sure that I couldn’t go on. Keons approached as the sun rose one morning. I wasn’t scared. I was relieved. After all that he had taught me, his presence was the most comforting moment that I had in days, and I couldn’t help but be happy to see him. In true Keons fashion, he wrapped his arms around me, then put his hands under my face, looked me in the eyes, and said, “Clancy, child, let’s go home.” I’ve been here for a few weeks now, and while the routines of this world are comforting, and certainly easier than life out there, my mind keeps bouncing between the two places. Which one is home? Are the bishops protecting us, and the torches upon the hilltops dangerous? Or is it the other way around? My dreams pull me from world to world, and I feel lost in between all of it. There is still so much I do not understand.
Larger map of trench including voldsoy 024 02MOON 09 __ev-i-D__ence.jpeg typed and says signed but isn’t I'm not as scared as I used to be. Their mystery begins to fade as a method to defeat them becomes more clear. I no longer feel powerless. I can outsmart them. This new power of psychokinesis worked, and I believe it can work again. I stand here, looking down at the line where the water meets the sand - a starting line. All the while, knowing there is a finish line across the Strait. Their compass lies, but mine remains true. I've left embers of inspiration, I only hope whatever spark was left has grown to a torch, and together we create an inferno [SIGNED] - Clancy CLASS 2: 988 06MOON 18 cla_ncy-98806MOON_18_-1 jpg typed signed CLANCY_S JOURNAL The perplexities of the Dema horizon didn't occur to me until my ninth year. It was then that I began to contemplate the existential, and decide what type of impression I wanted my life to make. Naturally, to fuel my hope, I looked out upon the distance of the land that had cultivated me, only this time with a new awareness of the obstruction that my youthful ignorance had allowed me to overlook. Was it there the whole time? How had I not seen something so obvious? I am reminded of the moment daily, as the idealization directly collides with a unique hope for my own future. As a child, I looked upon Dema with wonder, today, I am wrought with frustration, as I spend each day squinting for a glimpse of the top of the looming wall that has kept us here. It was upon my ninth year that I learned that Dema wasn’t my home. This village, after all of this time, was my trap. Before I became realized, I had deep affection for Dema. There was a wonderful structure to the city that put my cares to rest. Streets and locations were dependable, and the responsibilities of the day seemed to be accomplished with minimal effort. Once a task was taught and understood, we delighted in our ability to complete our obligations timely, and felt secure in knowing tomorrow’s duties would be accomplished with the same efficiency. We all worked to represent our bishop with honor, and knew that each inhabitant of our region had a like-minded dedication to consistency. Keons embodied the spirit of this dedication. Of Dema’s nine bishops, Keons was revered as unwavering and forthright, possessing the ability to achieve focus that was rare for most on our region. We all admired him, and felt honored to be inhabitants his region. While we had heard legend of the ruthlessness of other bishops, Keons possessed a stoic demeanor unlike anyone I had ever met, and we were all proud to serve.
ba_dge jpg FPE citation 017 07MOON 17 Picture - trench - bandits 018 07 MOON 05 This entry is another letter from Clancy. The white squares on the outer edges of the image correspond to the letters "WAKE UP". It is titled _he_a_vy_.jpg typed, inverted, signed They’re asleep. The night took forever to arrive, and now we’re almost ready. We’ve studied the watchers and know that there’s no chance that we can step through unnoticed. So, instead of trying to hide ourselves, we’ll make sure that all of us are noticed. It’s been one year since the last convocation, and tomorrow’s Annual Assemblage of Glorified will be the biggest spectacle this concrete coffin of a city has seen all year. If we time it right, we’ll divert the attention of the watchers and finally take the step though. We’ve had no contact, but we’re hoping the other side will be able to find a way in. We’re not sure of the breach location, but we are willing to risk being smeared in order to find it. We know that we must go lower, and wait for the torches. They’ve never seen anything quite like this, and by morning, everything will be different. I’m terrified and excited, all at the same time. They don’t control us.
1619250308151109140519-Ø-919.jpg made me a weapon written, signed What is this thing? This device? This gift? Some sort of neurological connection or expansion. Psychokinetic weapon? This is absurd. Why was this given to me? Why am I the only one that can weild it? Was this the reason that I survived? My mind is racing as I wait here on the rocks - staring off into the darkness. Waiting for our torches to be mirrored - the signal he told me to wait for. It feels oddly familiar. Not the spikes in my hand, but the power it harnesses, I've felt it before. Is this also the source of those rumors I heard in the dark corners of the city? Legends and stories that I assumed were myth, inspired by children's nightmares - tales of what the bishops would use the bodies for. Those "honorable" citizens who acheived The Glorious Gone - referred to as available vessels. It all begins to make sense. The episodes I would have: the blood red vision, my dreams of flying, the out of body account of the rider in the river, the decaying hosts of the television show, the robed figures that commanded the doomed ship... Had we all been "seized" by the bishops using this same technique? Is this where their power comes from? Are they immortal, or just feeding off the next body, giving their hosts a brief second-life? I am in my original life, why am I available to this control? This whole time I thought I was battling my inner self. Was I actually under assault for something else? someONE else? This small eerie island has made me a weapon. We both believe that we can use it to change the momentum of this war. Now, we must return to the mainland where they should be there to recieve is. We will destroy and rebuild. Though it's been years since he last spoke with them, I hope they have not lost faith in The Torchbearers plan. But how could any of this have been planned?
009 12MOON 29 unnamed-(1).jpg d_e_ath__eat_erz Vultures on wall 011 07MOON 08 se__elf picture of kid 017 07MOON 07 017_07MOON_07 typed signed To refer to Dema as m[y] home has never felt accurate. Dema, t[o] me, has simply been the place that I’ve existed, or, the ‘slot’ they’ve put me in. I’ve heard stories abo[u]t the ide[a] of “home,” and its depiction has always seemed warm f[r]om the storyt[e]llers’s de[s]cription. [T]here was a romant[i]c ownership of the p[l]ace they inhabited that I admired, but cou[l]d never relate to. Thi[s] place, my p[l]ace, however, s[e]ems devoid of the romance and wond[e]r that the old stories tell. But somewhere between the iron order and infallible [p]recis[i]on of Dema, a hum of wo[n]der exists. It’s this quiet wonder that my mind tends to [g]ets lost in. This hope of discovery alone has birthed a new version of myself; A better version, I hope, that will find a way to experience what’s beyond these colossal walls.
I.jpg vulture gif turning head (actual dates?) 018 07MOON 06 _they_ca_ntseeFCE300.gif torch gif 022 03MOON 17 is-ø-lat-ed.jpg written, signed I haven’t had the ability to write for what seems like a lifetime. This deprivation is what weighed on me the most. Not the lack of food, or the change of scenery - they wouldn’t let me write anything down. Well, at least not without them present … I remember that day vividly. First, they let me out. Even though the hallway was still gray and drab, the new experience was a shock to my system - significantly different than usual captivity. I tried to match the rhythm of the nameless guard’s footsteps as we echoed down the long corridor. I followed close behind, as if I had no choice. Cold concrete encapsulated us and seemed to cast a spill of synthetic calmness. Obedience. We arrived at a blue door. It was an odd contrast to this concrete maze. As I went through the doorway, I found myself in another typical gray Dema room. The only difference was who was waiting for me. Four of them. Three of them were unknown to me, but one was clearly Keons. I knew his voice They proposed an idea. A television show - or whatever it was. I had no idea that I was known outside of my cell, but they informed me that I had garnered notoriety for my schemes and outbursts. They wanted to use my face for the benefit of the city. They handed me a pen - a familiar instrument. Yet, they must be present when I use it. They wanted to manage my imagination and vision. Although shackled, at least I could create again. Thus began the sessions. Everyday my cell door would open. I followed the guard down the familiar hall, through the blue door, to sit down at the desk and chair. My designated creative space - perfectly centered under their watchful eye. Sometimes three, sometimes eight - not once were all nine present. He was never there. I would have felt it if he was. At the end of the session, Keons would take my pen, gather my writings, and send me back. This went on for months. What were we creating? I wasn’t sure. A variety show with songs and set pieces? Were the rulers of this stifled city actually attempting entertainment for its people? Everything I created had to be “for the benefit of the citizens of Dema” a phrase I heard often. I didn’t question them - I was happy to be out of my cell - and putting words to paper. On the final day, I wrote the last line, I was asked to name it? The question caught me off guard. This seemed like a decision they would make. Show Day: They dressed me up and asked me to smile a poor attempt at hiding my sleep deprivation. It was all so colorful, as if compensating for the grayness of the city. It was a blur. Before I knew it, it was over, and I was back in my cell. I can only remember fragments - only blurred hallucinations of color and chaos - like a dream. The confusion of it all hangs overhead. What was it all for? … but it wasn’t over I guess it went well enough for them to request more of me. I was useful to Dema, and my creativity was exploited in new forms - They wanted me to be the entertainment at the Annual Assemblage of the Glorified - a performance at sea for the premiere citizens of Dema. I knew those weren’t the real bishops on that ship. I’ll quicken the entry - I need to keep up with the Torchbearer. During the performance, we were attacked by something in the water. I don’t know what possessed the creature to attack, but it was odd, and felt incredibly intentional. Many lost their lives in the attack, and I was thrashed through the bitter cold waves, yet somehow survived. Did this icy cold preserve me? Why was I spared? I am still so cold as I write. This place feels foreign - nothing like Trench. From the frigid sea, the air here is somehow colder than the water that surrounds it. I have a strange feeling that this island will provide answers. I must go.
__cla_im00FFFF letter, typed not signed I found a way in. A way they'll never suspect, and a way they'll never understand. Everything about our cause is so hard for them to understand, but so close to the hearts of the glowing resistance. I can reach them all. I can recruit everyone with eyes that see beyond the horizon. I can teach them. They can learn what I've learned, and fly by all of the constructs Dema has placed in front of them. We will take it back. CLASS 4: 017 02MOON 12 _ .jpg picture of yellow lines to mark “we are banditos” in next letter and numbers that spell trench 018 07MOON 01 e_sr_eve_r.jpg typed/ lines taped together signed A lifeless light surrounds us each night. Never could I imagine that something so luminous could feel so dark. It’s this glow that reminds us of the dreamless existence we’ve been sentenced to. But what I call a sentence, others accept as normalcy. How did they so efficiently eradicate the dreams within us? When the bishops instituted Vialism as mandate, they effectively reversed the hope that many arrived with. Am I the only one who realizes that we’ve been lied to? Am I the only one not afraid of the notion that the nine have hijacked our trust, and extinguished the hope that once motivated our existence? We used to close our eyes and picture a better life, now this city is full of dry eyes caught in a trance of obedience, devoid of any trace of an identity. The only significant light I’ve seen has been in the eyes of those smeared - such a curious sight, to see bright eyes strangled by the darkness of bishop hands. As their penance fades, so dims their memory of something more. My hope of something more is all I have in this rigid tomb, and I will not let it die.
2_1_2.gif inverse jumpsuit pic that matches shape of letter from 018 07moon08 022 03MOON 18 W-eap-@on.jpg image of psychokinesis / seize Keons CLASS 5: 013 01MOON 08 _ti_su_p map of dema compass missing _ti_su_p.png sev_ering__tiez 3 blanks 018 07MOON 05 _o__ut_.gif landscape 018 07MOON 18 Unalone.gif letter written and signed I can’t believe what I just saw. I'm still trying to understand. This whole time I was sure I was all alone - a single soul in this vast unknown world. But a few days into this trek, I looked down to see a figure headed the same way I was. I’ve tucked myself in these caves and crevices, trying my best to keep hidden, but he was out in the open, making his exhausted journey right down the middle of Trench. I was curious enough to follow alongside the path with him. He seemed unaffected by the fear of the unknown - the fear that tends to cripple me. To him, the terrain seemed familiar, as if he had been out here before. While lost in my curiosity, they appeared. I had heard about them back in Dema, but to my knowledge, the stories were merely myth. Ten, twenty, and then what seemed to be a hundred Banditos appeared upon the cliff, all looking down at him. He only stopped for a moment to look back up at them, and then continued on his way. His energy changed, and I wasn’t sure if he was frightened or encouraged by their ominous presence. They warned him of what was about to come. It was a blur. First seeing the figure, then the Banditos, only to now have my eyes opened to the oncoming Bishop upon a white horse drawing closer in the distance. The figure halted, and waited. When the Bishop stopped, I was sure he looked up, directly at me, so I hid deeper back in a cave. The presence of the robed rider seemed to paralyze the man. He stood still as he was approached, powerless as the outstretched hands smeared his neck. I had never seen a Bishop possess power like this. Keons had always seemed gentle and warm - this Bishop, at least out here, seemed like something else. So I ran, and I’ve been running for as long as my legs and lungs can handle. Maybe this note will be my proof that what I witnessed was not a dream. A million questions race through my brain. Am I not the only one traveling through Trench? I’ll travel a little further, and maybe I’ll get a moment of rest tonight. I may have made a mistake, leaving. This spot, between two places, is beginning to feel like an endless and hopeless abyss. At least Dema is a place that I know, and at times like this, I miss a lot about what I know. This will all be much tougher than I imagined. Nothing out here is familiar. I’ve witnessed the presence of others for the first time today, and I feel more alone than ever. Cover me.
_maniac_Clay typed letter, not signed These campfires feel like home, as I stare deeply into them, finding more and more clarity. They tried to tell us we were different. But the flame that burns inside of me is the same fire I've found on the hilltops of Trench. The Banditos have lived their rebellion, and a resistance is growing inside the concrete walls - one powerful enough to burn out all of the stale teachings, and usher in true hope and a path to actual life. We march in the morning. The revolution shall arrive with the sun. |
2024.06.01 13:02 FelicitySmoak_ On This Day In Michael Jackson HIStory - June 1st
 | Disclaimer: Some of these events have unknown June dates. They are identified with a '*' submitted by FelicitySmoak_ to WhereWasMJToday [link] [comments] 1974- The Jacksons play their 6th of seven nights at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nevada 1977\* - The Jackson go back to Sigma Sound Studios in Philidalphia to record their new album, Goin' Places, with Gamble & Huff 1978\* - The Jacksons record the Destiny album in Los Angeles after recording song demos at their Hayvenhurst home studio 1979 - The Jackson perform at Milwaukee County Stadium (closed- 2000) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on their Destiny tour 1979 - (June 1 -3) Michael, Quincy Jones & Bruce Swedien complete the recording & mixing of the Off The Wall album Westlake Studios in Los Angeles. 1979* - The Jacksons start recording the Triumph Album. 1982\* - Michael would come across a studio demo produced by John Barnes and request a meeting. In an interview with The MJCast podcast, John recalled their first meeting: “Michael said I heard you can make your own sounds and play them. How many sounds can you make? And, I responded, ‘How much time do you have?’”The meeting lasted a few hours and was the beginning of a friendship and musical partnership with Barnes being hired as a core member of Michael Jackson’s team. Their partnership would continue until Michael's passing in 2009 1984* - Michael meets with other supporters of Camp Good Times, a non-profit organization founded by parents of children with cancer, in Malibu such as OJ Simpson, Dustin Hoffman, David Soul, Neil Diamond & Richard Chamberlain https://preview.redd.it/4x9kul6utl3d1.jpg?width=604&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=858e0ae773b2b13af0aaa747ba26d437a5b3dd47 The first Camp Goodtimes event would be held in Vashon Island at Camp Sealth in August of 1984. Ninety-three children, cancer patients and siblings attended and twenty-five American Cancer Society volunteers, who staffed the camp along with the summer staff at Camp Sealth https://preview.redd.it/xtzmm1dxtl3d1.jpg?width=492&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e7799537391bec1d6d8fb915a87e8229d11379e0 1985\* - Michael starts rehearsing for an upcoming 3D science fiction musical short film named Captain EO to be shown exclusively at Disneyland and Disney World. Francis Ford Coppola will direct and George Lucas will produce the film https://reddit.com/link/1d5khy4/video/72l7t6xztl3d1/player 1986\*- Michael & Corey Feldman go to Disneyland . Michael is seen for the 1st time wearing a surgical mask in public In Moonwalk, he says he was initially given a mask by a dentist to keep germs out after having his wisdom teeth pulled 1987\* - Michael shoots the “The Way You Make Me Feel” short film at Skid Row, Los Angeles. It was directed by Joe Pytka and choreographed by Vincent Paterson & Michael. It featured Tatiana Thumbtzen & Latoya Jackson 1988\* - Michael Jackson : The Legend Continues is released on home video. 1988 - Michael sets another record as the first artist ever to have three albums with US sales of more than six million copies each as Bad & Off The Wall were both certified 6x platinum by the RIAA 1989\- Michael goes back to Westlake studio with Matt Forger and Bill Bottrell. He meets Brad Buxer who will work with him until 2008. Together they work on new songs for a compilation named *DECADE 1979-1989 Quincy Jones is not part of this project. "Black Or White" and "Heal The World" are among the first songs worked on. 1991 - David Ruffin, a member of The Temptations, dies of a drug overdose https://preview.redd.it/9vssz6p4ul3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=467d78db412c27f2bcccc750fc07a205dca12e8f It was found that Ruffin was peniniless and Jackson contacted Swanson Funeral Home in Detroit to make arrangements to cover a large portion of the June 10th funeral costs. He also sends a heart-shaped arrangement of carnations to the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit with the note, "With Love, from Michael Jackson" https://preview.redd.it/wm7yokl7ul3d1.jpg?width=115&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bf6269399685e90265bcaa7a6c393d77ae7aebc9 Jackson was a big admirer of The Temptations. He would not attend the funeral ceremony to not divert attention from it (it was however reported that he did attend but in disguise) 1991\* - The Sun publishes leaked pictures from a photo session of Michael by Herb Ritts. It had been rumored that multiple photographers were battling in out to shoot Michael's new video & album cover. Steve Meisel, Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts had been in the running to give Michael a new "sexier" look https://preview.redd.it/5jg8a6xaul3d1.jpg?width=325&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5d4484fa0d172b0aae632402f1ab9fd317f2ae5 https://preview.redd.it/ex22ut6dul3d1.jpg?width=250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ecc704465423cd6d78e56ae951c344e0b0d2406 1991* - Michael enlists the help of producers L.A Reid & Babyface for his new album, which deeply upsets Jermaine who is also working with them. Jermaine is quoted in the tabloids as saying: "I could have been Michael. It's all a matter of timing, a matter of luck"1992*- Michael rehearses for his new tour & shoot the video for “Who Is It” 1994\* - This summer Heal The World Foundation, in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District, "I Have A Dream Foundation", "Best Buddies", "Overcoming Obstacles" & "California One To One", provide 2000 children with tickets to see Janet Jackson, the L.A. Laker Jam and The Beach Boys in concert 1995\* - Issue #2 of History Magazine reveals that Travis Thomas, a 5-year old boy who suffers from cystic fibrosis, wished to meet Michael. https://preview.redd.it/11pinibiul3d1.jpg?width=591&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46f58fbcd03b6d9e73354092d1fabb9419de842e “One evening, we were watching TV and Travis hadn’t eaten for a couple of days. He was on TV”, the boy's mother recalls, “and we came across the American Music Awards and Michael Jackson… Travis sat up and wanted to eat… He said, ‘I love Michael Jackson, Mama!”His wish comes true in June through Jackson and the Make A Wish Foundation.Travis and his family, along with 20 other seriously ill children, spent a weekend at Neverland Ranch and were allowed to roam around the compound’s private amusement park. Travis’ mother: “The love this man has on his face when he is with these special children is unbelievable. He is one of the kindest and most gentle men I have ever met"https://preview.redd.it/xr603i8lul3d1.jpg?width=300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef81c6bb963147099671b014e9a41960894641bd 1999 - Michael cancels his participation in the Pavarotti & Friends Charity Concert in Modena, scheduled for tonight. Jonathan Morrish of Sony Music issues a statement informing the media, that Michael will not be performing due to the illness of his son, Prince: "Prince suffered a seizure early Saturday due to a high temperature. This is the third seizure over the last year"He added that the concert meant so much to Michael but, "he is an artist like the others, but also a parent"and that he waited until the last moment to cancel because he was still hopeful about making it. Michael is reportedly constantly at Prince's bedside 2000\* - Concert promoter,Marcel Avram, sues Michael for breach of contract for the Millenium Concerts and asks for $21 million https://preview.redd.it/rz0pl0wnul3d1.jpg?width=400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9975e1d6693daf47bf35f911a1c7341dc00955a4 2001\* - Michael hires Marc Schaffel and they create a new company,Neverland Valley Entertainment, with a common bank account. 2004\* - Randy Jackson fires Bob Jones, vice president of MJJ Productions since 1987, after discovering that he is writing a tell all book on Michael. He also stops paying Marc Schaffel. 2005 - Trial Day 64 Michael goes to court with Katherine, Joe & Randy. Judge Melville gives the Jury the rules of Jury Deliberations https://preview.redd.it/ph42eghrul3d1.jpg?width=460&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98185613a6f1d6e6dc53aacf2f31a539db9108e4 https://preview.redd.it/hqr89ghrul3d1.jpg?width=503&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9d24bb8ca7556d5914d1a5ef5053237430d2c7b 2005\* - Michael allows visits from fans inside his home while awaiting the verdict. They're impressed by his generosity given the circumstances https://preview.redd.it/8pg5cb2uul3d1.jpg?width=612&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=87c700da00a607390f5b598a580c6c350cd2a496 2007 - A glittery jacket once worn onstage by Michael, his MTV Music Award for "We Are The World", as well as gold discs for his album Off the Wall and the Jackson 5 single "I Want You Back", all sell at an auction in the Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas, Nevada. The total raised from the sale of Michael related artifacts at the auction is reported as $1-$2million Michael's bullet proof vest Sculptural prototypes from the movies E.T. & Alien 2007\* - Michael, Grace and the kids leave their Las Vegas house and fly to Middleburg, Virginia. They check into the Goodstone Inn, a 640-acre estate of open pastures, for a summer vacation. They are welcomed by Raymone Bain. 2007\* - Michael “Brother Michael” Amir Williams is hired as Michael’s new assistant. 2008\* - Michael and producer Neff-U start working on songs at 'Thriller Villa', his 2710 Palomino Lane home, in Las Vegas. They work on a new version of “A Place With No Name”. 2008\* - Late in the month, Michael's duet with Akon, "Hold My Hand" is leaked online. Michael is devastated Longtime recording engineer, Michael Prince, who was working with Jackson at the time “Hold My Hand” leaked, recalls: “He was truly upset when the song he did with Akon leaked. He would just get this sad look on his face like, how could this happen? Because 20 years ago this would not have happened. And somehow everybody in the world has a copy of it. And that really upset him because he liked that song a lot.”Akon gave a detailed account of the events surrounding the leak during an appearance on Tavis Smiley’s PBS television show in January 2009: “Me and Mike did this incredible record called Hold My Hand and the record is amazing. Phenomenal. And the concept was that this would be Mike’s first release off of his new album, and then I would stripe it on my album – on my following release. That way we could have the outlets open for everyone to be able to receive the record. You know, Mike came up with this brilliant marketing launch for the record. You know, he’s the best at launching a record.”Akon continues: “He’d have the whole world paying attention in two minutes… And before we could get to that point, the record got leaked over the internet. And we got over 15 million downloads on the song for free. So we couldn’t [release it]. You can’t at that point. Everybody already has the record. But in a way, you gotta look at it like… that’s just a gift to the fans.”2008\* - (Late June) Michael hires Dr Thome Thome as his new manager and president of MJJ Productions. As a result of a financial reorganiation of the Neverland Valley Ranch, all of Michael’s personal belongings have to be removed from the property. Dr Tohme contacts Darren Julien of Julien’s Auction House 2009 - The This Is It team leaves Center Staging for a bigger place : The Forum in Inglewood, California. 2009 - (June 1-11) At Culver Studios in Culver City, Michael shoots “The Dome” Project which consists of seven works:
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2024.06.01 11:56 Sweet-Count2557 Kid Friendly Things To Do In St. Louis Missouri Near Me
 | Kid Friendly Things To Do In St. Louis Missouri Near Me submitted by Sweet-Count2557 to worldkidstravel [link] [comments] When you think of St. Louis Missouri, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city. But did you know that beneath its bustling streets lies a plethora of kid-friendly activities? From the iconic St. Louis Zoo to the exciting Six Flags amusement park, there are plenty of Kid Friendly Things To Do In St. Louis Missouri. The City Museum is a great place for young minds to be challenged and inspired while Grant’s Farm provides a unique opportunity for children to learn about animals up close. The Magic House offers endless hours of fun with interactive science exhibits, while the Missouri Botanical Garden provides an incredible outdoor experience perfect for any age group. With so many family friendly attractions, St. Louis is sure to keep your little ones entertained! St. Louis Zoo The St. Louis Zoo is a wild place full of captivating creatures that'll keep 'em entertained! Whether you're exploring wildlife or observing animal habitats, the zoo offers a wide variety of educational experiences for kids of all ages. From the interactive Children's Zoo to the new Penguin & Puffin Coast exhibit, there is something special around every corner. Take a break from reality and step into the fantasy world of sea dragons at Sea Lion Sound! Here your little ones can marvel at playful otters and graceful sea lions as they explore this underwater habitat. Plus, you'll have an opportunity to learn more about these majestic marine mammals in an educational presentation given by one of the friendly zookeepers. Afterwards, jump over to Big Cat Country – here your family will be able to observe some of nature's most powerful predators up close and personal. You'll find endangered tigers, lions, jaguars and snow leopards all living in their natural habitats – providing a rare glimpse into their lives in the wild. So grab your camera and get ready for some amazing photo ops! City Museum Explore the unique, whimsical world of City Museum and have a blast! Located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, this interactive playground is full of exploring alternatives and creative activities. From the giant fish tank to an old-school school bus suspended from the ceiling, there is something for everyone inside this museum. Kids can explore tunnels, caves, and slides while adults can take part in various art installations. City Museum has plenty of hands-on experiences that make it perfect for kids who love to get their hands dirty. They can create their own artwork in the arts & crafts area or try out some cool science experiments in the lab. There's also a climbing wall with real rocks and an outdoor tree house where they can explore nature at its fullest. At City Museum, you'll be able to find something fun no matter what your age or interests may be – from swinging on trapezes to playing vintage arcade games. With so much variety, it's no wonder that this museum has been delighting kids (and grown-ups too!) for years! Come see why City Museum is one of St. Louis' must-visit attractions today! Grant’s Farm Discover the unique and captivating history of Grant's Farm, an iconic St. Louis landmark that will mesmerize you with its vast array of attractions! Nestled in the heart of St. Louis County, this 281-acre estate is a must-see for visitors looking to learn more about the region’s culture and history. Founded in 1954 by Ulysses S. Grant III, the great grandson of former President Ulysses S. Grant, today it serves as a wildlife refuge and offers visitors multiple animal encounters and educational opportunities. Visitors to Grant's Farm can start their journey with a tram tour around the picturesque property where they can see many exotic animals such as elephants, camels, zebras and over 900 other creatures from around the globe! For those looking for a closer look at some of these amazing animals, there are also several petting areas available throughout the grounds which offer fun hands-on experiences with goats, sheep, ducks and more. Throughout your visit you’ll be able to enjoy live entertainment such as music performances or puppet shows while sipping on local craft beer or wine from one of their many concession stands scattered throughout the park. Plus don't forget to grab some souvenirs while you're here - they have plenty of options from t-shirts to stuffed animals that make perfect reminders of your adventure at Grant's Farm. For families who want even more activities during their trip there are also multiple playgrounds located onsite plus mini golf courses designed specifically for kids aged 5 – 9 years old! Visitors should keep in mind though that most attractions close at 4pm daily so plan accordingly or risk missing out on all that this wonderful attraction has to offer. No matter what kind of experience you're looking for or what age group you belong too - Grant's Farm promises an unforgettable time that everyone will love! Six Flags St. Louis Experience the thrills and excitement of Six Flags St. Louis, an amusement park sure to provide you with a day of unforgettable fun! Exploring rides such as the Ninja, Superman: Tower of Power, or the Boomerang rollercoaster will get your adrenaline pumping! From kiddie rides like Bugs Bunny's Magic Carousel and Batman The Ride Junior for smaller children, there is something at Six Flags St. Louis for everyone in your family. Park amenities include food stands serving burgers and hotdogs, funnel cakes, and other carnival treats. Enjoy live entertainment like stunt shows and concerts from top-tier artists during select weekends throughout the year. For a break from all the excitement, take a leisurely stroll through one of our three themed areas - Mexico City Square, Venice Square or Rue de la Parisienne - each offering plenty of shopping opportunities ranging from souvenirs to apparel. Six Flags St. Louis also offers group packages including special discounts on admission tickets for groups larger than 15 people. So gather up your friends and family and head down to Six Flags St. Louis together for an unforgettable day full of thrilling rides and delicious snacks! Magic House Immerse yourself in the imaginative atmosphere of Magic House, an innovative children's museum that'll keep your little ones entertained for hours! Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the Magic House offers a variety of family-friendly activities to explore and enjoy. Here are just some of the fun activities you can experience: Uncover clues on a secret mission during “Spy Games” Create art with laser technology in the Fab Lab Enjoy live performances on stage such as puppet shows and skits The magic continues outside with a 4-story tree house playground surrounded by lush gardens. There are also plenty of hands-on exhibits like a fire truck to climb aboard or an interactive grocery store with real food items! In addition, there is an exciting outdoor adventure park featuring zip lines, rope ladders, and bridges which makes it perfect for adventurous kids. And don't forget about their special events like story time where toddlers can join their parents for reading adventures! At Magic House, you can have all the fun your family needs without having to leave town! From creative playtime at the treehouse to thrilling rides at the outdoor adventure park, there is something here for everyone. With so much to do and see here every visit will be unique and magical - so come out and make memories that will last a lifetime! Science Center At the Science Center, you can explore scientific wonders and have a blast learning about the world around you! With over 700 interactive exhibits, visiting the Science Center is an excellent way to encourage your family to learn something new while having fun. From exploring the physics of roller coasters to discovering how electricity works, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The St. Louis Science Center offers a wide variety of educational programs designed to help kids get hands-on experience with science topics in a fun and engaging way. The center also hosts various special events like Star Parties, where visitors can view planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies through powerful telescopes. In addition to this, they offer guided tours that delve into some of their most popular exhibits. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something exciting at the St. Louis Science Center! You can even take part in unique learning activities such as building robots or conducting experiments with different materials – there’s no limit on the possibilities here! So come join us for a day filled with exploration and discovery – we guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience! Missouri Botanical Garden Discover the wonders of nature at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where you can explore its lush landscape and marvel at its diverse flora and fauna - an unforgettable experience! The 79-acre botanical garden is a perfect destination for families to explore nature together. From beautiful horticulture displays to interactive programs, there are plenty of ways for everyone to learn about plants in a fun way. Take a stroll through the Japanese Garden or visit one of the outdoor sculptures – the possibilities are endless. The Missouri Botanical Garden also offers educational classes and workshops led by experts on various topics such as gardening, composting, cooking with herbs, beekeeping and more. There's something for every age group here – from children’s story time in their library to special summer activities like yoga in their gardens. You can even rent out space for private events like birthday parties or weddings! Whether you're looking for an educational day out with your family or just want to appreciate Mother Nature's beauty, make sure to add the Missouri Botanical Garden to your St Louis itinerary. With so much to do and see, it'll be an experience you won't soon forget. Frequently Asked Questions Are there any free activities for kids in St. Louis? Are you looking for free activities for kids in St. Louis? You're in luck! There are plenty of fun and educational experiences to be had without breaking the bank. From outdoor parks to children's museums, there are plenty of kid-friendly places to explore and learn. Whether you're looking to soak up some sun at one of the many outdoor parks or gain an appreciation for culture at a museum, St. Louis has something for everyone. So, get out and experience all that the city has to offer with your family! Are there any indoor activities for kids in St. Louis? We're always looking for fun activities to keep the kids entertained, especially when it's too cold or wet to enjoy the outdoors. Luckily, St. Louis has plenty of indoor activities that are perfect for little ones. From visiting interesting museums to exploring nature indoors, there are many kid-friendly activities in this city that will keep them both engaged and entertained all year round. Whether your family enjoys learning about history at the Missouri History Museum or getting up close with animals at the Saint Louis Zoo's living world exhibit, there is something for everyone in St. Louis! Are there any special events for kids in St. Louis? We're always looking for special events for kids in St. Louis! From exploring the many museums around the city to taking part in outdoor recreation, there's something fun for everyone. There are tons of great events in St. Louis that cater to children and families, such as the summer festival at Forest Park or the spring celebration at Tower Grove Park. The Missouri History Museum also offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including special holiday events. No matter what time of year it is, you're sure to find something exciting and kid-friendly happening in St. Louis! Are there any educational activities for kids in St. Louis? We recently took a trip to St. Louis with our kids and were delighted by the amazing educational activities available in the city! From exploring nature at its finest, like visiting Forest Park or Tower Grove Park, to learning about history and culture by visiting museums such as The Missouri History Museum or St. Louis Art Museum, there are endless ways for your kids to explore and discover something new in St. Louis. We especially appreciated that all these activities were kid-friendly and near us; making it easy to plan an exciting day of learning outside the classroom! Are there any activities that are suitable for kids of all ages in St. Louis? Are you looking for activities that are suitable for kids of all ages in St. Louis? Look no further! The city has plenty to offer, from amusement parks to zoos and more. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or some educational entertainment, there’s something for everyone in St. Louis. Check out popular attractions like Six Flags St. Louis, Grant's Farm, and the Saint Louis Zoo to enjoy a wide variety of kid-friendly experiences. With so many options available, you’re sure to find something that appeals to kids of all ages! Conclusion We've had an amazing time exploring all the kid-friendly things to do in St. Louis, Missouri! From the incredible animals at the Zoo, to the fascinating museums and thrilling rides at Six Flags, we were absolutely blown away! We can't believe how much fun we had over just a few days. With so many exciting activities to choose from, there's no way your kids could ever get bored. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out or an adrenaline-filled adventure, St. Louis has it all! Trust us — you won't regret visiting this amazing city with your family! |
2024.06.01 09:30 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 100.000$+ INVENTORY. BFK Lore, Gloves Amphibious, Skeleton Fade, Bowie Emerald, BFK Auto, Gloves MF, Talon Doppler, Gloves POW, Bayo Tiger, Gut Sapphire, Stiletto MF, M9 Ultra, Ursus Doppler, Flip Doppler, M9 Stained, Nomad CW, Paracord CW, AK-47 X-Ray & A Lot More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
All Buyouts are listed in cash value.
KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Lore (Factory New), B/O: $7194.77
★ Butterfly Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2025.74
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $557.87
★ M9 Bayonet Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $529.41
★ M9 Bayonet Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $465.39
⎯★ Talon Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $1295.27
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth (Minimal Wear), B/O: $746.28
★ Karambit Bright Water (Field-Tested), B/O: $688.15
⎯★ Flip Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $547.93
★ Flip Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $476.69
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $278.18
★ Flip Knife Black Laminate (Well-Worn), B/O: $258.83
★ Flip Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $181.64
⎯★ Stiletto Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $686.04
★ Stiletto Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $665.41
★ Stiletto Knife, B/O: $601.39
★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $418.25
★ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $227.80
★ Stiletto Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.96
★ Stiletto Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $192.79
⎯★ Nomad Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $518.11
★ Nomad Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $169.78
★ Nomad Knife Forest DDPAT (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $166.88
★ StatTrak™ Nomad Knife Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $335.79
⎯★ Skeleton Knife Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $442.05
★ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Minimal Wear), B/O: $426.24
★ Skeleton Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $314.03
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2361.28
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $376.53
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $557.12
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $471.42
★ Ursus Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $212.37
★ Ursus Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $187.66
★ Ursus Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $178.18
★ Ursus Knife Ultraviolet (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $155.13
★ Ursus Knife Boreal Forest (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.26
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Minimal Wear), B/O: $204.83
★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Field-Tested), B/O: $184.50
★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Lore (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $224.11
⎯★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $2142.02
★ Bowie Knife, B/O: $230.44
★ Bowie Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $209.20
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.51
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Falchion Knife Night (Field-Tested), B/O: $132.54
★ Falchion Knife Urban Masked (Well-Worn), B/O: $112.81
★ Falchion Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $108.81
★ Falchion Knife Forest DDPAT (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.82
★ Falchion Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.46
★ StatTrak™ Falchion Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $143.08
⎯★ Paracord Knife Crimson Web (Minimal Wear), B/O: $486.48
★ Paracord Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $163.12
⎯★ Survival Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $138.26
★ Survival Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Gut Knife Sapphire (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1127.79
★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $286.17
★ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $246.55
★ Gut Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $240.77
★ Gut Knife, B/O: $210.49
★ Gut Knife Lore (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.22
★ Gut Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $151.51
★ Gut Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.94
★ Gut Knife Rust Coat (Well-Worn), B/O: $118.99
★ Gut Knife Boreal Forest (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.80
★ StatTrak™ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $237.96
⎯★ Shadow Daggers Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $264.92
★ Shadow Daggers Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $253.03
★ Shadow Daggers Tiger Tooth (Factory New), B/O: $237.22
★ Shadow Daggers Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.40
★ Shadow Daggers Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $144.42
★ Shadow Daggers Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $105.20
★ StatTrak™ Shadow Daggers Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $150.46
⎯★ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $365.99
★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $228.93
★ Navaja Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $227.43
★ Navaja Knife Slaughter (Factory New), B/O: $209.06
★ Navaja Knife, B/O: $203.16
★ Navaja Knife Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $132.57
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $121.69
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.95
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $100.41
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $369.01
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $109.95
GLOVES
★ Sport Gloves Amphibious (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2394.67
★ Sport Gloves Omega (Well-Worn), B/O: $572.33
★ Sport Gloves Bronze Morph (Minimal Wear), B/O: $338.88
★ Sport Gloves Big Game (Field-Tested), B/O: $323.66
⎯★ Specialist Gloves Marble Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1652.07
★ Specialist Gloves Tiger Strike (Field-Tested), B/O: $599.14
★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web (Well-Worn), B/O: $231.57
★ Specialist Gloves Buckshot (Minimal Wear), B/O: $126.21
⎯★ Moto Gloves POW! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $996.99
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Field-Tested), B/O: $383.31
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Well-Worn), B/O: $276.00
★ Moto Gloves Turtle (Field-Tested), B/O: $180.28
⎯★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $502.29
★ Hand Wraps Giraffe (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.73
★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $178.32
⎯★ Driver Gloves Queen Jaguar (Minimal Wear), B/O: $181.01
★ Driver Gloves Rezan the Red (Field-Tested), B/O: $101.66
⎯★ Broken Fang Gloves Jade (Field-Tested), B/O: $127.88
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.55
⎯★ Bloodhound Gloves Guerrilla (Minimal Wear), B/O: $127.94
★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened (Field-Tested), B/O: $102.55
WEAPONS
AK-47 X-Ray (Well-Worn), B/O: $478.95
AUG Hot Rod (Factory New), B/O: $425.83
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Hyper Beast (Factory New), B/O: $413.95
M4A4 Daybreak (Factory New), B/O: $309.51
StatTrak™ AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge (Factory New), B/O: $305.43
AK-47 Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $196.38
StatTrak™ M4A4 Temukau (Minimal Wear), B/O: $174.64
P90 Run and Hide (Field-Tested), B/O: $167.03
AWP Asiimov (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.33
Souvenir SSG 08 Death Strike (Minimal Wear), B/O: $140.00
M4A1-S Printstream (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.70
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Golden Coil (Field-Tested), B/O: $117.48
AWP Asiimov (Well-Worn), B/O: $115.97
StatTrak™ Desert Eagle Printstream (Minimal Wear), B/O: $112.96
StatTrak™ AK-47 Asiimov (Minimal Wear), B/O: $110.85
Souvenir M4A1-S Master Piece (Well-Worn), B/O: $102.42
AK-47 Bloodsport (Minimal Wear), B/O: $100.53
Trade Offer Link - Steam Profile Link - My Inventory
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2024.06.01 09:00 Khaijentry12 Rose: Fear Your World - Chapter 1: Rose Among Any Other
Finn Tresscoat, a 20-year-old with short dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a pale complexion, strolled down the sidewalk of his small town. He wore a light brown leather jacket over a black shirt, paired with black jeans and black-and-white sneakers.
As Finn ambled along, he glanced at the many shops lining the main road of the town's bustling center. He wasn't searching for anything in particular; he simply wanted to enjoy the rare day off from his job, one of the most perilous occupations in the United West (U.W.).
"Finn! Oh, Finn!"
Finn turned his head to the right and spotted Ms. Tori Elortor, or simply Ms. Tori as he called her. She was an older lady in her early fifties, though her youthful appearance often surprised the townsfolk. With long white hair cascading down her back, pale skin, and bright hazel eyes, she was a striking figure. Today, she wore a navy blue sundress over a pair of tight blue jeans and brown cowboy boots.
Ms. Tori, the local bakery owner, was considered quite attractive and often caught the eye of the younger men in town. Her curvaceous figure and active lifestyle, including regular yoga sessions in the park, only added to her allure. However, Finn saw her differently. Having known her since childhood and feeling like part of her family, he saw her as a maternal figure rather than anything else. He was also close to her son, Eric, feeling like an older brother to him.
Despite his demanding job, which kept him busy for nearly twenty-four-seven, Finn always tried to visit Ms. Tori and Eric whenever he could. Today was a rare opportunity for him to relax and reconnect.
"Ah, hi Ms. Tori! How are you today?" Finn greeted her with a warm smile.
Ms. Tori returned his smile. "I'm just fine, Finn. The real question is, how are you? I haven't seen you in months!" Her tone shifted to one of concern. "I was worried, and so was Eric. You do have quite a dangerous job for someone so young," she added.
What kind of dangerous job did Finn have, you might ask?
Well, Finn was a "Gaunt Hunter," a member of a specialized group tasked with safeguarding the small towns outside the major cities in the United West from creatures known as Gaunts.
These slim, humanoid creatures had leathery black skin, no eyes or nose, and wide mouths that drooled a strange dark green liquid. They had emerged after the cataclysmic "Decade of Winter."
The Gaunts varied in form and capability. Some were very muscular, while others had bat-like wings, allowing them to fly. They were also cunning, often creating weapons from scavenged materials and hunting in packs.
Disturbingly, these were just the common variants.
There were tales of Gaunts resembling animals and some that could even speak, though Finn himself had never encountered such anomalies.
Despite the ominous title of Gaunt Hunter, Finn's role wasn't as glamorous as one might imagine.
He wasn't a high-tech, gadget-wielding hero. Gaunt Hunters received training similar to regular police officers, focusing on the use of firearms. However, since firearms were not commonly traded or shipped to the smaller towns outside the major cities, Gaunt Hunters were also taught to wield swords, knives, and other melee weapons, as well as trained in close-range combat.
Finn had been trained to fire a pistol but also learned to fight with a machete, which was more practical for their needs than a traditional sword. On duty, he carried a standard-issue Glock-17 and a machete strapped to his side. He also wore the standard protective gear issued to United West Security Forces (UWSF) officers.
Returning to the conversation with Ms. Tori, Finn let out a lighthearted chuckle. "Dangerous for most of the veterans on the job, but I'm young and fit! Practically invincible!" he said with a grin.
Ms. Tori gave Finn an unimpressed look, raising an eyebrow. "Is that right?" she asked. "Then what's this I hear about a Gaunt nearly taking your head off just last week?"
Finn's face flushed with embarrassment as he recalled the incident. A Gaunt had caught him off guard and nearly decapitated him with a makeshift axe. "Okay... yeah, fair enough," he admitted, looking down.
Ms. Tori's expression softened, and she gave him a few light taps on the shoulder. "Oh, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, Finn, I'm just reminding you that your job is dangerous… You need to be careful," she said gently.
Finn looked up at her and nodded. "I know, and thank you for caring," he replied. Inwardly, he thought, 'It's not like anyone else does'
"Of course, I care, Finn," Ms. Tori said firmly. "Do you know how devastated I'd be if you got hurt or, heaven forbid, died? I'd be heartbroken,” she told him. “Eric would be even worse off, after all, who would play with him?"
Finn felt a wave of warmth at her words. Despite not wanting to worry Ms. Tori or Eric, it was comforting to know there were people who cared about him, and who wanted him to stay safe and come back home. "I guess you're right," he said with a soft smile. "I'll try to be more careful out there, I promise,”
Ms. Tori nodded, her smile lingering. "Good,” she said. “Now, how many days do you have off?" she asked.
"Not many," Finn replied with a sigh. "Just today,"
Ms. Tori's eyes widened in shock. "Only today? Why?" She asked.
Finn's expression turned serious. "Many of the other Gaunt Hunters are either dead, retiring, or switching to become cops... There are only ten of us left in the entire town,"
Ms. Tori's eyes widened in horror. Gaunt Hunters were the primary defense against the Gaunts. The law across the U.W. dictated that local law enforcement dealt with human issues, leaving Gaunt-related threats to the Hunters. The thought of their numbers dwindling was terrifying.
Each town was supposed to have a contingent of Gaunt Hunters, given that small towns were the primary targets for Gaunt attacks.
Major cities, in contrast, rarely had to deal with Gaunts.
The dense populations of these urban centers acted as a deterrent, scaring off most Gaunt packs. Even if a small group of Gaunts did manage to attack, the cities were equipped with heavy weaponry and advanced defenses, making Gaunt Hunters unnecessary there.
This starkly contrasted with the dire need for Gaunt Hunters in the smaller, more vulnerable towns.
Ideally, each small town would have around fifty Gaunt Hunters, a number intended to ensure adequate protection against the Gaunt threat. However, the reality was far grimmer. The inherent dangers and heavy responsibilities associated with the job dissuaded many from becoming Gaunt Hunters. The perilous nature of the work, combined with the constant threat of death, resulted in a severe shortage of recruits.
As a result, the numbers in many towns had dwindled alarmingly.
"Only ten?" she repeated her voice barely above a whisper. "That's... alarming… What happens if more Gaunts come?"
"We do our best," Finn said, trying to sound confident. "But it's tough… Every day, we’re stretched thinner,"
Ms. Tori took a deep breath, trying to process the gravity of the situation.
Finn felt a lump in his throat. "I promise, Ms. Tori. I'll do everything I can to stay safe," he said, trying to remind her if his promise mere moments ago.
Ms. Tori wanted to argue with Finn's comment, but deep down, she knew he was somewhat right. The town was struggling—trade had slowed to a trickle, and many residents had moved away. The constant threat of Gaunt attacks made living there increasingly untenable. Even Ms. Tori had considered leaving to ensure Eric’s safety and to give him a chance to grow up in a more stable environment where he could interact with other children and experience the broader world.
However, she couldn’t bring herself to leave.
Her late husband was buried in this town, and even though years had passed since his death, she felt tied to the place where he rested. She had loved this town deeply, and in a way, staying felt like keeping a part of him alive.
Seeing the conflict in her eyes, Finn decided to change the subject. "Hey, why don't I come over for dinner?" he suggested with a soft smile. "I'm sure Eric would be happy to see me after so long,”
Ms. Tori was pulled out of her thoughts by his offer. She smiled, grateful for his willingness to spend his rare day off with them. "That would be lovely, Finn," she said with a quick nod.
They walked together to Ms. Tori's home, a modest three-bedroom house with a large attic. Inside, they found Eric sitting in front of the TV, watching cartoons. Hearing Finn’s voice, Eric turned, his face lighting up with excitement. He jumped out of his seat and ran to give Finn a hug.
Eric was about 11 years old, with brown hair like his deceased father but hazel eyes like his mother. He was wearing a dark black and blue striped shirt, dark gray pants, and black slip-on shoes.
Finn hugged him back, smiling. "I've got some stories to tell over dinner," he said, which made Eric's eyes sparkle with anticipation.
He loved hearing about the world beyond their town, even if it was mostly filled with woods and the ruins of an old world.
Finn then followed Ms. Tori into the kitchen to help prepare dinner. He found what he could and handed the items to her, glad to be of assistance. Ms. Tori thanked him and asked if he could help chop vegetables, which he was more than happy to do.
As they worked side by side, Ms. Tori glanced at Finn, her expression a mix of gratitude and concern. "You know, Finn, this town means a lot to me,” she told him “It’s where I built my life with my husband, and it’s where I want Eric to grow up, despite everything,"
Finn nodded, understanding the deep attachment she had. "I get it, Ms. Tori. This place has a lot of memories, and as long as I'm here, I'll do my best to keep it safe for you and Eric,"
Ms. Tori smiled warmly. "I know you will, Finn... Thank you,”
Dinner was a warm, lively affair. Eric listened intently to Finn’s stories, hanging on every word. The laughter and conversation filled the small home, creating a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of their world. For a brief time, the threats outside seemed distant, and they enjoyed the simple pleasure of being together.
After a few bites, Eric looked at Finn eagerly. "Can you tell me one of your stories, Finn?" he asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.
Finn nodded, swallowing a mouthful of food. "Well, a couple of days ago, I was out with two or three other Hunters, we had just finished fighting off a few Gaunts, once they were dealt with, we decided to explore the area since it was the site of an old abandoned amusement park,” he began. “Some of the rides were still standing, though most were broken and destroyed, it was interesting to see the tech they used to have back then," Finn recounted.
Eric's eyes widened with excitement. "Wow! That's awesome!" he exclaimed.
Finn grinned. "It was pretty cool, but it’s nothing compared to some of the parks I saw in Salton Lake City! Those places are amazing,"
Eric's eyes gleamed at the mention of the nearby city. "Man, I want to go there someday!" he said enthusiastically. "Maybe when I start my training to be a Gaunt Hunter," he added with a big smile.
Finn chuckled. "So, you want to be a Gaunt Hunter, huh?" he asked. "You think you’ve got what it takes?"
Eric nodded vigorously. "Uh-huh! I know I can be a Gaunt Hunter! I bet I can even be better than you!" he declared, pointing at Finn.
Finn raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh really?" he said. "Who's to say I'm not the best of the best, huh?"
Eric gave him a smug smirk. "Because if you were the best Hunter, you'd have already gotten rid of all the Gaunts!" he said confidently.
Finn chuckled. "Well, you got me there," he admitted. "But hey, if you think you can be the best and get rid of all the Gaunts, then I say go for it, dude."
Eric chuckled and resumed eating, his enthusiasm undimmed. Ms. Tori watched the two with a fond smile, marveling at the brotherly bond between them. It warmed her heart to see how close they had become. She knew that Finn cherished this connection just as much as Eric did, especially since Finn had grown up without a family of his own, raised in the local orphanage.
She recalled those early days when a young Finn would walk into the bakery, clutching a few coins. His eyes would light up with wonder at the sight of the treats and goodies lining the shelves. Something about him had touched her heart, and she began offering him free treats for him and the other orphans whenever he visited. Her late husband had also taken a liking to Finn, treating him like the son they never had. When Finn decided to become a Gaunt Hunter, it was her husband who had helped him prepare for the rigorous training, getting him into shape and offering constant encouragement.
After her husband's death, it was Finn who helped her grieve and find the strength to carry on. She had felt terrible about leaning on him during such a hard time, knowing he had his own sadness to deal with, yet he remained steadfast and strong. He had been there for her and for Eric, helping the young boy understand their loss and navigate the difficult times that followed.
She was truly grateful to have Finn in her life.
Suddenly, Finn's phone vibrated insistently in his pocket. He quickly reached for it and saw a text message from work. He opened it, dreading what it might say.
[~Finn, we need you tonight. Jon and Gary quit out of the blue, so we need someone to fill in.~]
Finn sighed, frustration bubbling up inside him. 'Great, now we're down to eight Hunters,' he thought. 'And Jon and Gary were both my age and in better shape than the veterans at the station.'
Ms. Tori noticed the change in his expression and knew immediately what it meant. "Does duty call, Finn?" she asked gently.
Finn nodded, his expression weary. "Yeah, looks like Jon and Gary quit. They need me to cover tonight."
Ms. Tori sighed, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "I'm sorry, Finn. I know how much you were looking forward to some time off."
"It's alright," Finn said, forcing a smile. "I knew it was a long shot anyway. The town needs all the help it can get."
Eric looked up, concern etched on his young face. "Do you have to go, Finn?"
Finn ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "Yeah, buddy. Duty calls. But I'll be back, and we’ll have more stories to share. I promise."
Ms. Tori gave him a supportive nod. "Just promise us you'll stay safe, Finn."
"I will," Finn assured her. He stood up, preparing to leave. "Thanks for dinner, Ms. Tori. It was great, as always."
As he left the warm, comforting atmosphere of Ms. Tori's home and headed out into the cold night, Finn felt a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the exhaustion and the ever-present danger, he knew he had to keep fighting. For the town, for Eric, and for the memory of the man who had helped him become who he was.
Once at the station, Finn entered and immediately spotted Dick Cortez, a veteran Gaunt Hunter who had been safeguarding the town for as long as Finn could remember. Dick, now in his 50s, had graying hair, deep-set wrinkles, and perpetually tired eyes. He was wearing the standard-issue armor that all Gaunt Hunters received, though each Hunter was allowed to customize their armor with different colors and modifications.
Dick's armor consisted of a high-collar black shirt beneath a modified, pure black chest plate that covered his upper abdomen, along with similarly-colored bracers. Both the chest plate and bracers were trimmed with white and featured matching shoulder pads. He also wore gloves with small metal plating on the fingers, dark navy jeans, black and white metal knee pads, and dark brown boots.
Dick noticed Finn and offered a small smile. "Heya, Finn," he greeted.
"Hey yourself, Dick," Finn replied with a nod.
"Sorry about having to bring you in on your day off," Dick said, his tone genuinely apologetic.
Finn walked over to his locker, where his armor and weapons were stored. He glanced at Dick and shrugged, giving a small smile. "It's alright, Dick. I understand why, and I'm not angry—well, not at you, but at those two," Finn said, referring to Jon and Gary.
Dick nodded in understanding. "Trust me, I'm disappointed in them too, but I can see why they left so suddenly," he said.
Finn nodded back, opening his locker to reveal his armor. His armor was similar to Dick's but differed in color and the clothing underneath. Finn wore his usual attire beneath the armor, which consisted of a dark brown chest plate trimmed with black, matching bracers, shoulder pads, knee pads, and gloves.
He took the armor out and quickly dressed, securing the pieces in place. He then grabbed his Glock and its holster, strapping it around his waist, and added his machete in its sheath. Once fully suited up, he turned to Dick with a raised brow. "Which side of town am I patrolling tonight?"
"Outer wall, west side," Dick stated, his voice firm.
Finn nodded, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. The west side of the outer wall was notorious for Gaunt activity, a hotspot for their attacks. It was going to be a long night.
As he headed out, Dick called after him, "Stay sharp out there, Finn. We can't afford to lose any more good Hunters."
Finn turned back and gave a resolute nod. "I will, Dick. See you in the morning."
Once outside the city, Finn couldn't help but take in the grim sight of the outer wall. It was marred with deep scratches and chips from relentless Gaunt attacks, stained with the dark green goo that dripped from their slavering mouths, and speckled with bloodstains that would never fully wash away. The stark contrast between this battered exterior and the inner walls of the town was striking. Inside, the walls were adorned with chalk drawings from children and vibrant murals from the town's artists. These cheerful images served as a reminder of what he was protecting, and why he had chosen to become a Gaunt Hunter in the first place.
Reaching the west side of the wall, Finn began his patrol, moving back and forth to ensure no Gaunts were attempting to scale the barrier. For now, the night was quiet, and he hoped it would remain that way.
As he walked his beat, his thoughts drifted back to dinner with Eric and the boy's enthusiastic declaration about becoming a Gaunt Hunter. While part of him felt honored by Eric's admiration, another part was deeply troubled. The life of a Hunter was dangerous and filled with horrors that no one should have to witness, let alone a young boy like Eric.
Finn's mind flashed back to a particularly gruesome memory from a past patrol. He and another Hunter had been called to assist in repelling a large pack of Gaunts. They had rushed to the scene, only to find their comrades dead, slaughtered in horrific ways. One Hunter's skull had been cracked open, with Gaunts eating from it as if it were a bowl of grapes. Another Hunter, still alive, was being disemboweled and devoured. Finn could never forget the man's agonized expression as he watched his own entrails being torn apart and consumed. The sight had been so revolting that Finn had vomited on the spot, paralyzed by shock until his partner snapped him back to reality.
Then there were the stories he had heard from veterans like Dick. Dick once recounted an incident where a Hunter had been speared to death by multiple Gaunts. They hadn't even eaten him; they had just impaled him repeatedly, leaving his body to rot in the woods for days. Such tales highlighted the Gaunts' malevolence and complete lack of empathy.
Finn shuddered at the memories. He didn't want Eric to face such nightmares. The boy was full of life and potential, and Finn couldn't bear the thought of him enduring the same horrors he had.
Since that harrowing incident and the chilling story Dick had shared, Finn had sworn to himself that he wouldn't meet a similar fate. He vowed to go out fighting, to not end up like those other hunters. He couldn't bear the thought of becoming another victim, especially after what happened to his sister.
The sudden howl nearby jolted Finn out of his grim thoughts. The sound was close—too close. Instantly alert, he scanned his surroundings. Just then, something whizzed past his face, slicing his cheek. He turned to see a makeshift arrow embedded in the wall. Spinning back around, his heart sank as he saw ten Gaunts emerging from the tree line.
"Shit!" Finn cursed, his eyes widening in horror. This was a dire situation. He quickly drew his Glock and aimed at the advancing creatures. Before he could fire, a sharp pain seared through his left side. He glanced down to see a small dagger lodged in his torso.
'What the hell?' Finn thought, bewildered. 'Did one of the Gaunts throw this?'
"Sorry, but it's nothing personal," a strange voice echoed through the darkness.
Finn's gaze snapped forward, and he saw a figure emerging from the shadows. They wore a long black cloak that seemed to envelop them completely, giving the eerie impression that they were gliding across the ground rather than walking.
The figure approached him, their face obscured by the cloak's hood. "My, you are a handsome young man," they purred in a sultry tone. "Such a fucking shame that my babies must eat. We've been on the run, and they haven't had a chance to rest and eat until we saw you." They giggled, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Finn's spine.
Fear gripped Finn, but he managed to look up at the cloaked figure with a raised brow. "W-Who are you?" he stammered, his voice wavering.
The figure tilted their head slightly as if amused by his question. "Who am I?" they echoed. "I am their mother, their caretaker. I ensure they survive, even if it means feeding them humans like you." The figure leaned closer, and Finn could just make out a twisted smile beneath the hood.
Finn's mind raced. He needed to think of a way out, and fast. The Gaunts were closing in, and he was injured and at a severe disadvantage. Summoning his remaining strength, he clutched his Glock tighter and tried to steady his breath. He couldn't let this be the end.
The figure's giggle echoed eerily through the night, sending a shiver down Finn's spine. "Oh! Now I'm regretting stabbing you," they remarked with a twisted amusement. "It's not every day a handsome young man asks me my name, you know? Most prefer a no-name policy." Their tone was cryptic, and Finn couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his gut. "While I would love to give you my name in far better circumstances, I'm afraid I don't have the time," they continued, their words dripping with urgency. "As I said, we're on the run from a rather unpleasant girl."
Finn's confusion only deepened. The figure's response didn't provide any clarity, leaving him even more perplexed. As the figure began to back away, Finn's eyes widened in shock as the Gaunts beside them moved in unison. ‘She can... control them!?’ he realized, disbelief washing over him.
"Go ahead, babies... EAT!" the figure commanded, her voice chillingly calm.
With a sickening lurch in his stomach, Finn watched as the Gaunts surged forward, their hunger palpable in the air. Determination surged within him, driving him to fight against the odds stacked against him. Ignoring the searing pain from his wound, he raised his gun and fired at the approaching Gaunts. Despite his efforts, only one was hit, and even then, it didn't slow down.
Finn gritted his teeth, preparing for the inevitable close-quarter battle with the monsters. "Come on!" he growled defiantly. "I'm right here!"
The Gaunts closed in, their predatory instincts driving them forward. Just as they leaped toward him, ready to strike, something unexpected occurred.
Thorny vines erupted from the ground, snaking around the Gaunts with incredible speed. Finn's eyes widened in astonishment as the vines ensnared the creatures, halting their advance. The vines twisted and contorted, slamming the Gaunts into the ground with brutal force, tearing at their flesh and rendering them helpless.
" Damn! How did that bitch already find us!?" the figure exclaimed, frustration evident in their voice.
Finn's gaze followed the figure's gaze as a new figure emerged from the shadows.
Her appearance was striking, to say the least. With a spiky red Mohawk and piercing red eyes devoid of any white, she exuded an aura of fierce determination. Smudged mascara framed her intense gaze, adding to her wild and untamed appearance. Her lips were painted black, a stark contrast to her fiery red hair and eyes. Clad in a black leather crop top vest that accentuated her slim, athletic frame, she exuded an air of defiance. Arm bands encircled her wrists and biceps, resembling the wraps worn by boxers, hinting at her combat prowess. Around her neck, she wore a large choker, adding to her rebellious demeanor. Her attire was completed by tight leather pants and high-heeled platform boots, giving her an imposing presence.
"Found you, ya freaking cunt!" she spat, her voice laced with venom.
The cloaked figure retreated, increasing the distance between them and the girl. "Ugh, don't you ever give up?" they retorted, their tone tinged with irritation.
The girl leveled a fierce glare at the figure. "After the shit you've done!? I ain't letting you go!" she declared, her voice dripping with disdain.
The figure let out a mocking giggle. "Is that so?" they taunted, gesturing toward Finn who lay wounded on the ground. "Not even to save his life?"
The girl's gaze shifted to Finn, her expression softening momentarily as she registered his injuries. Before she could react, a shrill howl pierced the air, drawing their attention back to the figure.
"What the hell did you do!?" the girl demanded, her voice trembling with rage.
"Oh, just called in a few friends over for dinner," the figure replied casually.
"You bitch!" the girl seethed.
With a swift motion, she thrust her hand forward, summoning a massive vine with thorns protruding from its surface. The vine lunged toward the figure, but they evaded the attack with agile grace, darting away through the forest.
"Have fun~!" they taunted, their laughter echoing through the trees as they disappeared into the darkness.
Driven by determination, the girl pursued the figure, her footsteps echoing through the forest. However, her path was suddenly obstructed as a horde of Gaunts emerged from the shadows, blocking her way with menacing snarls and bared teeth.
"Get out of my way!" the girl cried, her voice ringing with determination.
In an instant, a smaller thorned vine shot out of the ground with startling speed, piercing through the approaching Gaunts like a bullet. Lifted into the air by the force of the vine, the creatures were hurled aside, crashing into trees with bone-crushing force.
As more Gaunts emerged from the shadows behind her, four shots echoed through the air. Finn's aim was true, striking the advancing Gaunts and causing them to writhe in agony as they fell to the ground. The girl glanced back to see Finn's timely intervention, offering a silent nod of acknowledgment before focusing her attention back on the remaining threats. Summoning more vines, she ensnared the creatures, tearing them apart with ruthless efficiency.
Satisfied that the immediate danger had passed, the girl turned back towards Finn, who was now sitting against the wall, applying pressure to his wound.
Bending down beside him, the girl flashed a smile, revealing sharp triangular teeth reminiscent of a shark. "Nice shooting there, dude. Really saved my ass back there," she remarked.
Finn managed a weak chuckle. "I should be thanking you. If you hadn't shown up, I'd be Gaunt food," he admitted.
"Let's call it even, then, eh?" she suggested. "What's your name?" she inquired.
Finn met her gaze, taking a moment to catch his breath before responding. "Finn, Finn Tresscoat," he introduced himself. Curiosity burning in his eyes, he posed a question in return. "Who are you? No... What are you?" he asked, unable to shake off the mystery surrounding her.
The girl maintained her enigmatic smile, meeting his gaze with her striking red eyes. "The name's Rachel Rose," she revealed. "As for what I am, well... I can answer that once you're all patched up," she added cryptically.
Summoning another vine, Rachel gently lifted Finn to his feet, supporting him as they began to make their way back towards town. With each step, Finn's mind buzzed with questions, the mysteries surrounding Rachel and her abilities swirling in his thoughts. Who was the cloaked figure? How did they control the Gaunts? And most pressing of all, who—or what—was Rachel, and how was she able to command those vines with such ease?
As they walked back toward town, Finn couldn't help but feel the weight of exhaustion settle upon him, both physically and mentally. His thoughts swirled with questions about the events that had just transpired—about Rachel, the cloaked figure, and the unsettling abilities they both possessed. Yet, amidst the chaos of his mind, one pressing question emerged, demanding attention above all else.
'When the hell am I gonna get another day off? Because I can sure as hell use it right now...!' Finn thought to himself, his weariness palpable.
Rachel, walking beside him, seemed to sense his inner turmoil. Casting him a sidelong glance, she offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Finn. You'll have your chance to rest soon," she assured him, her voice carrying a note of empathy.
Finn managed a weary smile in return, grateful for the reassurance. Despite the gravity of their situation, her words offered a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty that loomed over them…
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As Finn ambled along, he glanced at the many shops lining the main road of the town's bustling center. He wasn't searching for anything in particular; he simply wanted to enjoy the rare day off from his job, one of the most perilous occupations in the United West (U.W.).
"Finn! Oh, Finn!"
Finn turned his head to the right and spotted Ms. Tori Elortor, or simply Ms. Tori as he called her. She was an older lady in her early fifties, though her youthful appearance often surprised the townsfolk. With long white hair cascading down her back, pale skin, and bright hazel eyes, she was a striking figure. Today, she wore a navy blue sundress over a pair of tight blue jeans and brown cowboy boots.
Ms. Tori, the local bakery owner, was considered quite attractive and often caught the eye of the younger men in town. Her curvaceous figure and active lifestyle, including regular yoga sessions in the park, only added to her allure. However, Finn saw her differently. Having known her since childhood and feeling like part of her family, he saw her as a maternal figure rather than anything else. He was also close to her son, Eric, feeling like an older brother to him.
Despite his demanding job, which kept him busy for nearly twenty-four-seven, Finn always tried to visit Ms. Tori and Eric whenever he could. Today was a rare opportunity for him to relax and reconnect.
"Ah, hi Ms. Tori! How are you today?" Finn greeted her with a warm smile.
Ms. Tori returned his smile. "I'm just fine, Finn. The real question is, how are you? I haven't seen you in months!" Her tone shifted to one of concern. "I was worried, and so was Eric. You do have quite a dangerous job for someone so young," she added.
What kind of dangerous job did Finn have, you might ask?
Well, Finn was a "Gaunt Hunter," a member of a specialized group tasked with safeguarding the small towns outside the major cities in the United West from creatures known as Gaunts.
These slim, humanoid creatures had leathery black skin, no eyes or nose, and wide mouths that drooled a strange dark green liquid. They had emerged after the cataclysmic "Decade of Winter."
The Gaunts varied in form and capability. Some were very muscular, while others had bat-like wings, allowing them to fly. They were also cunning, often creating weapons from scavenged materials and hunting in packs.
Disturbingly, these were just the common variants.
There were tales of Gaunts resembling animals and some that could even speak, though Finn himself had never encountered such anomalies.
Despite the ominous title of Gaunt Hunter, Finn's role wasn't as glamorous as one might imagine.
He wasn't a high-tech, gadget-wielding hero. Gaunt Hunters received training similar to regular police officers, focusing on the use of firearms. However, since firearms were not commonly traded or shipped to the smaller towns outside the major cities, Gaunt Hunters were also taught to wield swords, knives, and other melee weapons, as well as trained in close-range combat.
Finn had been trained to fire a pistol but also learned to fight with a machete, which was more practical for their needs than a traditional sword. On duty, he carried a standard-issue Glock-17 and a machete strapped to his side. He also wore the standard protective gear issued to United West Security Forces (UWSF) officers.
Returning to the conversation with Ms. Tori, Finn let out a lighthearted chuckle. "Dangerous for most of the veterans on the job, but I'm young and fit! Practically invincible!" he said with a grin.
Ms. Tori gave Finn an unimpressed look, raising an eyebrow. "Is that right?" she asked. "Then what's this I hear about a Gaunt nearly taking your head off just last week?"
Finn's face flushed with embarrassment as he recalled the incident. A Gaunt had caught him off guard and nearly decapitated him with a makeshift axe. "Okay... yeah, fair enough," he admitted, looking down.
Ms. Tori's expression softened, and she gave him a few light taps on the shoulder. "Oh, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, Finn, I'm just reminding you that your job is dangerous… You need to be careful," she said gently.
Finn looked up at her and nodded. "I know, and thank you for caring," he replied. Inwardly, he thought, 'It's not like anyone else does'
"Of course, I care, Finn," Ms. Tori said firmly. "Do you know how devastated I'd be if you got hurt or, heaven forbid, died? I'd be heartbroken,” she told him. “Eric would be even worse off, after all, who would play with him?"
Finn felt a wave of warmth at her words. Despite not wanting to worry Ms. Tori or Eric, it was comforting to know there were people who cared about him, and who wanted him to stay safe and come back home. "I guess you're right," he said with a soft smile. "I'll try to be more careful out there, I promise,”
Ms. Tori nodded, her smile lingering. "Good,” she said. “Now, how many days do you have off?" she asked.
"Not many," Finn replied with a sigh. "Just today,"
Ms. Tori's eyes widened in shock. "Only today? Why?" She asked.
Finn's expression turned serious. "Many of the other Gaunt Hunters are either dead, retiring, or switching to become cops... There are only ten of us left in the entire town,"
Ms. Tori's eyes widened in horror. Gaunt Hunters were the primary defense against the Gaunts. The law across the U.W. dictated that local law enforcement dealt with human issues, leaving Gaunt-related threats to the Hunters. The thought of their numbers dwindling was terrifying.
Each town was supposed to have a contingent of Gaunt Hunters, given that small towns were the primary targets for Gaunt attacks.
Major cities, in contrast, rarely had to deal with Gaunts.
The dense populations of these urban centers acted as a deterrent, scaring off most Gaunt packs. Even if a small group of Gaunts did manage to attack, the cities were equipped with heavy weaponry and advanced defenses, making Gaunt Hunters unnecessary there.
This starkly contrasted with the dire need for Gaunt Hunters in the smaller, more vulnerable towns.
Ideally, each small town would have around fifty Gaunt Hunters, a number intended to ensure adequate protection against the Gaunt threat. However, the reality was far grimmer. The inherent dangers and heavy responsibilities associated with the job dissuaded many from becoming Gaunt Hunters. The perilous nature of the work, combined with the constant threat of death, resulted in a severe shortage of recruits.
As a result, the numbers in many towns had dwindled alarmingly.
"Only ten?" she repeated her voice barely above a whisper. "That's... alarming… What happens if more Gaunts come?"
"We do our best," Finn said, trying to sound confident. "But it's tough… Every day, we’re stretched thinner,"
Ms. Tori took a deep breath, trying to process the gravity of the situation.
Finn felt a lump in his throat. "I promise, Ms. Tori. I'll do everything I can to stay safe," he said, trying to remind her if his promise mere moments ago.
Ms. Tori wanted to argue with Finn's comment, but deep down, she knew he was somewhat right. The town was struggling—trade had slowed to a trickle, and many residents had moved away. The constant threat of Gaunt attacks made living there increasingly untenable. Even Ms. Tori had considered leaving to ensure Eric’s safety and to give him a chance to grow up in a more stable environment where he could interact with other children and experience the broader world.
However, she couldn’t bring herself to leave.
Her late husband was buried in this town, and even though years had passed since his death, she felt tied to the place where he rested. She had loved this town deeply, and in a way, staying felt like keeping a part of him alive.
Seeing the conflict in her eyes, Finn decided to change the subject. "Hey, why don't I come over for dinner?" he suggested with a soft smile. "I'm sure Eric would be happy to see me after so long,”
Ms. Tori was pulled out of her thoughts by his offer. She smiled, grateful for his willingness to spend his rare day off with them. "That would be lovely, Finn," she said with a quick nod.
They walked together to Ms. Tori's home, a modest three-bedroom house with a large attic. Inside, they found Eric sitting in front of the TV, watching cartoons. Hearing Finn’s voice, Eric turned, his face lighting up with excitement. He jumped out of his seat and ran to give Finn a hug.
Eric was about 11 years old, with brown hair like his deceased father but hazel eyes like his mother. He was wearing a dark black and blue striped shirt, dark gray pants, and black slip-on shoes.
Finn hugged him back, smiling. "I've got some stories to tell over dinner," he said, which made Eric's eyes sparkle with anticipation.
He loved hearing about the world beyond their town, even if it was mostly filled with woods and the ruins of an old world.
Finn then followed Ms. Tori into the kitchen to help prepare dinner. He found what he could and handed the items to her, glad to be of assistance. Ms. Tori thanked him and asked if he could help chop vegetables, which he was more than happy to do.
As they worked side by side, Ms. Tori glanced at Finn, her expression a mix of gratitude and concern. "You know, Finn, this town means a lot to me,” she told him “It’s where I built my life with my husband, and it’s where I want Eric to grow up, despite everything,"
Finn nodded, understanding the deep attachment she had. "I get it, Ms. Tori. This place has a lot of memories, and as long as I'm here, I'll do my best to keep it safe for you and Eric,"
Ms. Tori smiled warmly. "I know you will, Finn... Thank you,”
Dinner was a warm, lively affair. Eric listened intently to Finn’s stories, hanging on every word. The laughter and conversation filled the small home, creating a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of their world. For a brief time, the threats outside seemed distant, and they enjoyed the simple pleasure of being together.
After a few bites, Eric looked at Finn eagerly. "Can you tell me one of your stories, Finn?" he asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.
Finn nodded, swallowing a mouthful of food. "Well, a couple of days ago, I was out with two or three other Hunters, we had just finished fighting off a few Gaunts, once they were dealt with, we decided to explore the area since it was the site of an old abandoned amusement park,” he began. “Some of the rides were still standing, though most were broken and destroyed, it was interesting to see the tech they used to have back then," Finn recounted.
Eric's eyes widened with excitement. "Wow! That's awesome!" he exclaimed.
Finn grinned. "It was pretty cool, but it’s nothing compared to some of the parks I saw in Salton Lake City! Those places are amazing,"
Eric's eyes gleamed at the mention of the nearby city. "Man, I want to go there someday!" he said enthusiastically. "Maybe when I start my training to be a Gaunt Hunter," he added with a big smile.
Finn chuckled. "So, you want to be a Gaunt Hunter, huh?" he asked. "You think you’ve got what it takes?"
Eric nodded vigorously. "Uh-huh! I know I can be a Gaunt Hunter! I bet I can even be better than you!" he declared, pointing at Finn.
Finn raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh really?" he said. "Who's to say I'm not the best of the best, huh?"
Eric gave him a smug smirk. "Because if you were the best Hunter, you'd have already gotten rid of all the Gaunts!" he said confidently.
Finn chuckled. "Well, you got me there," he admitted. "But hey, if you think you can be the best and get rid of all the Gaunts, then I say go for it, dude."
Eric chuckled and resumed eating, his enthusiasm undimmed. Ms. Tori watched the two with a fond smile, marveling at the brotherly bond between them. It warmed her heart to see how close they had become. She knew that Finn cherished this connection just as much as Eric did, especially since Finn had grown up without a family of his own, raised in the local orphanage.
She recalled those early days when a young Finn would walk into the bakery, clutching a few coins. His eyes would light up with wonder at the sight of the treats and goodies lining the shelves. Something about him had touched her heart, and she began offering him free treats for him and the other orphans whenever he visited. Her late husband had also taken a liking to Finn, treating him like the son they never had. When Finn decided to become a Gaunt Hunter, it was her husband who had helped him prepare for the rigorous training, getting him into shape and offering constant encouragement.
After her husband's death, it was Finn who helped her grieve and find the strength to carry on. She had felt terrible about leaning on him during such a hard time, knowing he had his own sadness to deal with, yet he remained steadfast and strong. He had been there for her and for Eric, helping the young boy understand their loss and navigate the difficult times that followed.
She was truly grateful to have Finn in her life.
Suddenly, Finn's phone vibrated insistently in his pocket. He quickly reached for it and saw a text message from work. He opened it, dreading what it might say.
[~Finn, we need you tonight. Jon and Gary quit out of the blue, so we need someone to fill in.~]
Finn sighed, frustration bubbling up inside him. 'Great, now we're down to eight Hunters,' he thought. 'And Jon and Gary were both my age and in better shape than the veterans at the station.'
Ms. Tori noticed the change in his expression and knew immediately what it meant. "Does duty call, Finn?" she asked gently.
Finn nodded, his expression weary. "Yeah, looks like Jon and Gary quit. They need me to cover tonight."
Ms. Tori sighed, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "I'm sorry, Finn. I know how much you were looking forward to some time off."
"It's alright," Finn said, forcing a smile. "I knew it was a long shot anyway. The town needs all the help it can get."
Eric looked up, concern etched on his young face. "Do you have to go, Finn?"
Finn ruffled the boy's hair affectionately. "Yeah, buddy. Duty calls. But I'll be back, and we’ll have more stories to share. I promise."
Ms. Tori gave him a supportive nod. "Just promise us you'll stay safe, Finn."
"I will," Finn assured her. He stood up, preparing to leave. "Thanks for dinner, Ms. Tori. It was great, as always."
As he left the warm, comforting atmosphere of Ms. Tori's home and headed out into the cold night, Finn felt a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the exhaustion and the ever-present danger, he knew he had to keep fighting. For the town, for Eric, and for the memory of the man who had helped him become who he was.
Once at the station, Finn entered and immediately spotted Dick Cortez, a veteran Gaunt Hunter who had been safeguarding the town for as long as Finn could remember. Dick, now in his 50s, had graying hair, deep-set wrinkles, and perpetually tired eyes. He was wearing the standard-issue armor that all Gaunt Hunters received, though each Hunter was allowed to customize their armor with different colors and modifications.
Dick's armor consisted of a high-collar black shirt beneath a modified, pure black chest plate that covered his upper abdomen, along with similarly-colored bracers. Both the chest plate and bracers were trimmed with white and featured matching shoulder pads. He also wore gloves with small metal plating on the fingers, dark navy jeans, black and white metal knee pads, and dark brown boots.
Dick noticed Finn and offered a small smile. "Heya, Finn," he greeted.
"Hey yourself, Dick," Finn replied with a nod.
"Sorry about having to bring you in on your day off," Dick said, his tone genuinely apologetic.
Finn walked over to his locker, where his armor and weapons were stored. He glanced at Dick and shrugged, giving a small smile. "It's alright, Dick. I understand why, and I'm not angry—well, not at you, but at those two," Finn said, referring to Jon and Gary.
Dick nodded in understanding. "Trust me, I'm disappointed in them too, but I can see why they left so suddenly," he said.
Finn nodded back, opening his locker to reveal his armor. His armor was similar to Dick's but differed in color and the clothing underneath. Finn wore his usual attire beneath the armor, which consisted of a dark brown chest plate trimmed with black, matching bracers, shoulder pads, knee pads, and gloves.
He took the armor out and quickly dressed, securing the pieces in place. He then grabbed his Glock and its holster, strapping it around his waist, and added his machete in its sheath. Once fully suited up, he turned to Dick with a raised brow. "Which side of town am I patrolling tonight?"
"Outer wall, west side," Dick stated, his voice firm.
Finn nodded, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. The west side of the outer wall was notorious for Gaunt activity, a hotspot for their attacks. It was going to be a long night.
As he headed out, Dick called after him, "Stay sharp out there, Finn. We can't afford to lose any more good Hunters."
Finn turned back and gave a resolute nod. "I will, Dick. See you in the morning."
Once outside the city, Finn couldn't help but take in the grim sight of the outer wall. It was marred with deep scratches and chips from relentless Gaunt attacks, stained with the dark green goo that dripped from their slavering mouths, and speckled with bloodstains that would never fully wash away. The stark contrast between this battered exterior and the inner walls of the town was striking. Inside, the walls were adorned with chalk drawings from children and vibrant murals from the town's artists. These cheerful images served as a reminder of what he was protecting, and why he had chosen to become a Gaunt Hunter in the first place.
Reaching the west side of the wall, Finn began his patrol, moving back and forth to ensure no Gaunts were attempting to scale the barrier. For now, the night was quiet, and he hoped it would remain that way.
As he walked his beat, his thoughts drifted back to dinner with Eric and the boy's enthusiastic declaration about becoming a Gaunt Hunter. While part of him felt honored by Eric's admiration, another part was deeply troubled. The life of a Hunter was dangerous and filled with horrors that no one should have to witness, let alone a young boy like Eric.
Finn's mind flashed back to a particularly gruesome memory from a past patrol. He and another Hunter had been called to assist in repelling a large pack of Gaunts. They had rushed to the scene, only to find their comrades dead, slaughtered in horrific ways. One Hunter's skull had been cracked open, with Gaunts eating from it as if it were a bowl of grapes. Another Hunter, still alive, was being disemboweled and devoured. Finn could never forget the man's agonized expression as he watched his own entrails being torn apart and consumed. The sight had been so revolting that Finn had vomited on the spot, paralyzed by shock until his partner snapped him back to reality.
Then there were the stories he had heard from veterans like Dick. Dick once recounted an incident where a Hunter had been speared to death by multiple Gaunts. They hadn't even eaten him; they had just impaled him repeatedly, leaving his body to rot in the woods for days. Such tales highlighted the Gaunts' malevolence and complete lack of empathy.
Finn shuddered at the memories. He didn't want Eric to face such nightmares. The boy was full of life and potential, and Finn couldn't bear the thought of him enduring the same horrors he had.
Since that harrowing incident and the chilling story Dick had shared, Finn had sworn to himself that he wouldn't meet a similar fate. He vowed to go out fighting, to not end up like those other hunters. He couldn't bear the thought of becoming another victim, especially after what happened to his sister.
The sudden howl nearby jolted Finn out of his grim thoughts. The sound was close—too close. Instantly alert, he scanned his surroundings. Just then, something whizzed past his face, slicing his cheek. He turned to see a makeshift arrow embedded in the wall. Spinning back around, his heart sank as he saw ten Gaunts emerging from the tree line.
"Shit!" Finn cursed, his eyes widening in horror. This was a dire situation. He quickly drew his Glock and aimed at the advancing creatures. Before he could fire, a sharp pain seared through his left side. He glanced down to see a small dagger lodged in his torso.
'What the hell?' Finn thought, bewildered. 'Did one of the Gaunts throw this?'
"Sorry, but it's nothing personal," a strange voice echoed through the darkness.
Finn's gaze snapped forward, and he saw a figure emerging from the shadows. They wore a long black cloak that seemed to envelop them completely, giving the eerie impression that they were gliding across the ground rather than walking.
The figure approached him, their face obscured by the cloak's hood. "My, you are a handsome young man," they purred in a sultry tone. "Such a fucking shame that my babies must eat. We've been on the run, and they haven't had a chance to rest and eat until we saw you." They giggled, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Finn's spine.
Fear gripped Finn, but he managed to look up at the cloaked figure with a raised brow. "W-Who are you?" he stammered, his voice wavering.
The figure tilted their head slightly as if amused by his question. "Who am I?" they echoed. "I am their mother, their caretaker. I ensure they survive, even if it means feeding them humans like you." The figure leaned closer, and Finn could just make out a twisted smile beneath the hood.
Finn's mind raced. He needed to think of a way out, and fast. The Gaunts were closing in, and he was injured and at a severe disadvantage. Summoning his remaining strength, he clutched his Glock tighter and tried to steady his breath. He couldn't let this be the end.
The figure's giggle echoed eerily through the night, sending a shiver down Finn's spine. "Oh! Now I'm regretting stabbing you," they remarked with a twisted amusement. "It's not every day a handsome young man asks me my name, you know? Most prefer a no-name policy." Their tone was cryptic, and Finn couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his gut. "While I would love to give you my name in far better circumstances, I'm afraid I don't have the time," they continued, their words dripping with urgency. "As I said, we're on the run from a rather unpleasant girl."
Finn's confusion only deepened. The figure's response didn't provide any clarity, leaving him even more perplexed. As the figure began to back away, Finn's eyes widened in shock as the Gaunts beside them moved in unison. ‘She can... control them!?’ he realized, disbelief washing over him.
"Go ahead, babies... EAT!" the figure commanded, her voice chillingly calm.
With a sickening lurch in his stomach, Finn watched as the Gaunts surged forward, their hunger palpable in the air. Determination surged within him, driving him to fight against the odds stacked against him. Ignoring the searing pain from his wound, he raised his gun and fired at the approaching Gaunts. Despite his efforts, only one was hit, and even then, it didn't slow down.
Finn gritted his teeth, preparing for the inevitable close-quarter battle with the monsters. "Come on!" he growled defiantly. "I'm right here!"
The Gaunts closed in, their predatory instincts driving them forward. Just as they leaped toward him, ready to strike, something unexpected occurred.
Thorny vines erupted from the ground, snaking around the Gaunts with incredible speed. Finn's eyes widened in astonishment as the vines ensnared the creatures, halting their advance. The vines twisted and contorted, slamming the Gaunts into the ground with brutal force, tearing at their flesh and rendering them helpless.
" Damn! How did that bitch already find us!?" the figure exclaimed, frustration evident in their voice.
Finn's gaze followed the figure's gaze as a new figure emerged from the shadows.
Her appearance was striking, to say the least. With a spiky red Mohawk and piercing red eyes devoid of any white, she exuded an aura of fierce determination. Smudged mascara framed her intense gaze, adding to her wild and untamed appearance. Her lips were painted black, a stark contrast to her fiery red hair and eyes. Clad in a black leather crop top vest that accentuated her slim, athletic frame, she exuded an air of defiance. Arm bands encircled her wrists and biceps, resembling the wraps worn by boxers, hinting at her combat prowess. Around her neck, she wore a large choker, adding to her rebellious demeanor. Her attire was completed by tight leather pants and high-heeled platform boots, giving her an imposing presence.
"Found you, ya freaking cunt!" she spat, her voice laced with venom.
The cloaked figure retreated, increasing the distance between them and the girl. "Ugh, don't you ever give up?" they retorted, their tone tinged with irritation.
The girl leveled a fierce glare at the figure. "After the shit you've done!? I ain't letting you go!" she declared, her voice dripping with disdain.
The figure let out a mocking giggle. "Is that so?" they taunted, gesturing toward Finn who lay wounded on the ground. "Not even to save his life?"
The girl's gaze shifted to Finn, her expression softening momentarily as she registered his injuries. Before she could react, a shrill howl pierced the air, drawing their attention back to the figure.
"What the hell did you do!?" the girl demanded, her voice trembling with rage.
"Oh, just called in a few friends over for dinner," the figure replied casually.
"You bitch!" the girl seethed.
With a swift motion, she thrust her hand forward, summoning a massive vine with thorns protruding from its surface. The vine lunged toward the figure, but they evaded the attack with agile grace, darting away through the forest.
"Have fun~!" they taunted, their laughter echoing through the trees as they disappeared into the darkness.
Driven by determination, the girl pursued the figure, her footsteps echoing through the forest. However, her path was suddenly obstructed as a horde of Gaunts emerged from the shadows, blocking her way with menacing snarls and bared teeth.
"Get out of my way!" the girl cried, her voice ringing with determination.
In an instant, a smaller thorned vine shot out of the ground with startling speed, piercing through the approaching Gaunts like a bullet. Lifted into the air by the force of the vine, the creatures were hurled aside, crashing into trees with bone-crushing force.
As more Gaunts emerged from the shadows behind her, four shots echoed through the air. Finn's aim was true, striking the advancing Gaunts and causing them to writhe in agony as they fell to the ground. The girl glanced back to see Finn's timely intervention, offering a silent nod of acknowledgment before focusing her attention back on the remaining threats. Summoning more vines, she ensnared the creatures, tearing them apart with ruthless efficiency.
Satisfied that the immediate danger had passed, the girl turned back towards Finn, who was now sitting against the wall, applying pressure to his wound.
Bending down beside him, the girl flashed a smile, revealing sharp triangular teeth reminiscent of a shark. "Nice shooting there, dude. Really saved my ass back there," she remarked.
Finn managed a weak chuckle. "I should be thanking you. If you hadn't shown up, I'd be Gaunt food," he admitted.
"Let's call it even, then, eh?" she suggested. "What's your name?" she inquired.
Finn met her gaze, taking a moment to catch his breath before responding. "Finn, Finn Tresscoat," he introduced himself. Curiosity burning in his eyes, he posed a question in return. "Who are you? No... What are you?" he asked, unable to shake off the mystery surrounding her.
The girl maintained her enigmatic smile, meeting his gaze with her striking red eyes. "The name's Rachel Rose," she revealed. "As for what I am, well... I can answer that once you're all patched up," she added cryptically.
Summoning another vine, Rachel gently lifted Finn to his feet, supporting him as they began to make their way back towards town. With each step, Finn's mind buzzed with questions, the mysteries surrounding Rachel and her abilities swirling in his thoughts. Who was the cloaked figure? How did they control the Gaunts? And most pressing of all, who—or what—was Rachel, and how was she able to command those vines with such ease?
As they walked back toward town, Finn couldn't help but feel the weight of exhaustion settle upon him, both physically and mentally. His thoughts swirled with questions about the events that had just transpired—about Rachel, the cloaked figure, and the unsettling abilities they both possessed. Yet, amidst the chaos of his mind, one pressing question emerged, demanding attention above all else.
'When the hell am I gonna get another day off? Because I can sure as hell use it right now...!' Finn thought to himself, his weariness palpable.
Rachel, walking beside him, seemed to sense his inner turmoil. Casting him a sidelong glance, she offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Finn. You'll have your chance to rest soon," she assured him, her voice carrying a note of empathy.
Finn managed a weary smile in return, grateful for the reassurance. Despite the gravity of their situation, her words offered a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty that loomed over them…
2024.06.01 05:17 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 100.000$+ INVENTORY. BFK Lore, Gloves Amphibious, Skeleton Fade, Bowie Emerald, BFK Auto, Gloves MF, Talon Doppler, Gloves POW, Bayo Tiger, Gut Sapphire, Stiletto MF, M9 Ultra, Ursus Doppler, Flip Doppler, M9 Stained, Nomad CW, Paracord CW, AK-47 X-Ray & A Lot More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
All Buyouts are listed in cash value.
KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Lore (Factory New), B/O: $7194.77
★ Butterfly Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2025.74
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $557.87
★ M9 Bayonet Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $529.41
★ M9 Bayonet Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $465.39
⎯★ Talon Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $1295.27
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth (Minimal Wear), B/O: $746.28
★ Karambit Bright Water (Field-Tested), B/O: $688.15
⎯★ Flip Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $547.93
★ Flip Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $476.69
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $278.18
★ Flip Knife Black Laminate (Well-Worn), B/O: $258.83
★ Flip Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $181.64
⎯★ Stiletto Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $686.04
★ Stiletto Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $665.41
★ Stiletto Knife, B/O: $601.39
★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $418.25
★ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $227.80
★ Stiletto Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.96
★ Stiletto Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $192.79
⎯★ Nomad Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $518.11
★ Nomad Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $169.78
★ Nomad Knife Forest DDPAT (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $166.88
★ StatTrak™ Nomad Knife Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $335.79
⎯★ Skeleton Knife Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $442.05
★ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Minimal Wear), B/O: $426.24
★ Skeleton Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $314.03
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2361.28
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $376.53
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $557.12
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $471.42
★ Ursus Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $212.37
★ Ursus Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $187.66
★ Ursus Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $178.18
★ Ursus Knife Ultraviolet (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $155.13
★ Ursus Knife Boreal Forest (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.26
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Minimal Wear), B/O: $204.83
★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Field-Tested), B/O: $184.50
★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Lore (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $224.11
⎯★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $2142.02
★ Bowie Knife, B/O: $230.44
★ Bowie Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $209.20
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.51
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Falchion Knife Night (Field-Tested), B/O: $132.54
★ Falchion Knife Urban Masked (Well-Worn), B/O: $112.81
★ Falchion Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $108.81
★ Falchion Knife Forest DDPAT (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.82
★ Falchion Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.46
★ StatTrak™ Falchion Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $143.08
⎯★ Paracord Knife Crimson Web (Minimal Wear), B/O: $486.48
★ Paracord Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $163.12
⎯★ Survival Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $138.26
★ Survival Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Gut Knife Sapphire (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1127.79
★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $286.17
★ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $246.55
★ Gut Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $240.77
★ Gut Knife, B/O: $210.49
★ Gut Knife Lore (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.22
★ Gut Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $151.51
★ Gut Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.94
★ Gut Knife Rust Coat (Well-Worn), B/O: $118.99
★ Gut Knife Boreal Forest (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.80
★ StatTrak™ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $237.96
⎯★ Shadow Daggers Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $264.92
★ Shadow Daggers Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $253.03
★ Shadow Daggers Tiger Tooth (Factory New), B/O: $237.22
★ Shadow Daggers Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.40
★ Shadow Daggers Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $144.42
★ Shadow Daggers Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $105.20
★ StatTrak™ Shadow Daggers Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $150.46
⎯★ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $365.99
★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $228.93
★ Navaja Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $227.43
★ Navaja Knife Slaughter (Factory New), B/O: $209.06
★ Navaja Knife, B/O: $203.16
★ Navaja Knife Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $132.57
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $121.69
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.95
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $100.41
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $369.01
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $109.95
GLOVES
★ Sport Gloves Amphibious (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2394.67
★ Sport Gloves Omega (Well-Worn), B/O: $572.33
★ Sport Gloves Bronze Morph (Minimal Wear), B/O: $338.88
★ Sport Gloves Big Game (Field-Tested), B/O: $323.66
⎯★ Specialist Gloves Marble Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1652.07
★ Specialist Gloves Tiger Strike (Field-Tested), B/O: $599.14
★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web (Well-Worn), B/O: $231.57
★ Specialist Gloves Buckshot (Minimal Wear), B/O: $126.21
⎯★ Moto Gloves POW! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $996.99
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Field-Tested), B/O: $383.31
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Well-Worn), B/O: $276.00
★ Moto Gloves Turtle (Field-Tested), B/O: $180.28
⎯★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $502.29
★ Hand Wraps Giraffe (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.73
★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $178.32
⎯★ Driver Gloves Queen Jaguar (Minimal Wear), B/O: $181.01
★ Driver Gloves Rezan the Red (Field-Tested), B/O: $101.66
⎯★ Broken Fang Gloves Jade (Field-Tested), B/O: $127.88
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.55
⎯★ Bloodhound Gloves Guerrilla (Minimal Wear), B/O: $127.94
★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened (Field-Tested), B/O: $102.55
WEAPONS
AK-47 X-Ray (Well-Worn), B/O: $478.95
AUG Hot Rod (Factory New), B/O: $425.83
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Hyper Beast (Factory New), B/O: $413.95
M4A4 Daybreak (Factory New), B/O: $309.51
StatTrak™ AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge (Factory New), B/O: $305.43
AK-47 Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $196.38
StatTrak™ M4A4 Temukau (Minimal Wear), B/O: $174.64
P90 Run and Hide (Field-Tested), B/O: $167.03
AWP Asiimov (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.33
Souvenir SSG 08 Death Strike (Minimal Wear), B/O: $140.00
M4A1-S Printstream (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.70
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Golden Coil (Field-Tested), B/O: $117.48
AWP Asiimov (Well-Worn), B/O: $115.97
StatTrak™ Desert Eagle Printstream (Minimal Wear), B/O: $112.96
StatTrak™ AK-47 Asiimov (Minimal Wear), B/O: $110.85
Souvenir M4A1-S Master Piece (Well-Worn), B/O: $102.42
AK-47 Bloodsport (Minimal Wear), B/O: $100.53
Trade Offer Link - Steam Profile Link - My Inventory
Some items on the list may no longer be available or are still locked, visit My Inventory for more details.
Send a Trade Offer for fastest response. I consider all offers.
Add me for discuss if there is a serious offer that needs to be discussed.
2024.06.01 01:06 GoatSnake1999 What defines XCOM to you and why isn't XCOM explored more by game journalist?
I originally wrote this as reply to other topic in this sub, but this became way too long for that.
Game industry became more and more professional businesses, game journalism devolved to something like life style publications. Firaxis brought turn based tactics with strategy element back to mainstream. We are talking about millions of sold units on PC alone, from niche so small that it was considered dead. Should be enough to write article or two, but I seriously doubt if there's that many game journalists that are intellectually able to do that without making it a nostalgia piece or such.
Game journalism would have it's use if it could act as a middleman between consumers and developers / publishers, Knight that break ranks. As much we like XCOM games here, I doubt we could come in consensus about how it's different to other turn based games, except perhaps importance of strategy and tactical layers and synergy between the two.
Between consumers and industry, pointing out things like:
In the Civilization games, 4X I know, but general consumer space doesn't really care what they are, so in Civ series, end game tends to terrible slog. In XCOM pace doesn't change really below legendary. Puzzles may take longer to solve at first, but that's it.
Pointing out that we have multiple ways to solve problems. People use guides and builds, but lots of people find most fun out from figuring these things out using different squad and ability combinations. Legendary may have less freedom, but on lower difficulties we have a lot we can explore.
Pointing out that how Firaxis build the role of the commander. For the most part we are not staff sergeant, requisition officer and a janitor, like in -90's era games. This also sets XCOM apart from lot of other games, like role playing games with tactical combat. We are commander.
Video game journalism exists in weird space where they absolutely has to be aware that video gaming getting bigger is because games has become consumer goods. Yet they somehow refuse to live in consequences of that reality. People repurpose anything that they can to feed their core needs. Game journalism lives in reality, where escapism is the only game in town and just comes in different flavors.
So our supposed Knight doesn't make it's thing and developers are left clueless what makes XCOM formula work, meaning investing to something else, which is not good for consumers. Knight is a Pawn in disguise, dreaming of past culture.
This being Reddit and reality being that not that many of us being that interested in looking other boxes beside our own box, lowered expectations, but it´s pointless to blame zebra for its stripes. So anyone willing to try here we go.
If you could send a message to Firaxis and other game developers about what makes XCOM, well XCOM. What features you would say defines it?
submitted by GoatSnake1999 to Xcom [link] [comments]
Game industry became more and more professional businesses, game journalism devolved to something like life style publications. Firaxis brought turn based tactics with strategy element back to mainstream. We are talking about millions of sold units on PC alone, from niche so small that it was considered dead. Should be enough to write article or two, but I seriously doubt if there's that many game journalists that are intellectually able to do that without making it a nostalgia piece or such.
Game journalism would have it's use if it could act as a middleman between consumers and developers / publishers, Knight that break ranks. As much we like XCOM games here, I doubt we could come in consensus about how it's different to other turn based games, except perhaps importance of strategy and tactical layers and synergy between the two.
Between consumers and industry, pointing out things like:
In the Civilization games, 4X I know, but general consumer space doesn't really care what they are, so in Civ series, end game tends to terrible slog. In XCOM pace doesn't change really below legendary. Puzzles may take longer to solve at first, but that's it.
Pointing out that we have multiple ways to solve problems. People use guides and builds, but lots of people find most fun out from figuring these things out using different squad and ability combinations. Legendary may have less freedom, but on lower difficulties we have a lot we can explore.
Pointing out that how Firaxis build the role of the commander. For the most part we are not staff sergeant, requisition officer and a janitor, like in -90's era games. This also sets XCOM apart from lot of other games, like role playing games with tactical combat. We are commander.
Video game journalism exists in weird space where they absolutely has to be aware that video gaming getting bigger is because games has become consumer goods. Yet they somehow refuse to live in consequences of that reality. People repurpose anything that they can to feed their core needs. Game journalism lives in reality, where escapism is the only game in town and just comes in different flavors.
So our supposed Knight doesn't make it's thing and developers are left clueless what makes XCOM formula work, meaning investing to something else, which is not good for consumers. Knight is a Pawn in disguise, dreaming of past culture.
This being Reddit and reality being that not that many of us being that interested in looking other boxes beside our own box, lowered expectations, but it´s pointless to blame zebra for its stripes. So anyone willing to try here we go.
If you could send a message to Firaxis and other game developers about what makes XCOM, well XCOM. What features you would say defines it?
2024.05.31 23:45 cheese_straws What colors should I paint the walls and decorative fireplace?
 | I’m getting a wall patched and then getting the walls in my living room, decorative fireplace, and adjacent dinning room painted. submitted by cheese_straws to HomeDecorating [link] [comments] I was thinking a warm white/light neutral tone for the walls but I’m not sure if the fireplace should be a slightly darker neutral? The two windows are east and west facing btw. Contractor will be using Sherwin Williams paints if it matters. Would you also recommend painting the wainscoting the same color as the wall color or keep them white? I have a stencil with deco shells as well, not sure if it would be cool to add that to inside the wainscoting. Any other decorative ideas are appreciated! Btw I did not pick the original gray color…I hate it. It was the color painted when I first moved in but now I have the opportunity to finally change it. |
2024.05.31 21:53 Useful_Edge_113 Clothing/backgrounds/eye strain standards and expectations for interpreters vs deaf professionals
Hi all
Let me quickly preface this by saying that I 100% do not mind having requirements for what interpreters wear. It makes sense to me that we should have some standards around things like dress and backgrounds etc to make it so that the average Deaf consumer is not being forced to put up with looking at an interpreter whose shirt pattern or color makes it hard to see their hands, or whose background is poorly lit or distracting in any way. These are easy ways to improve quality of access.
That said, I was just recently interpreting a job that was 99% voicing, and in that job the Deaf person signed about the importance of students and interpreters wearing a plain colored shirt that contrasts with their skin tone and to make sure that all videos are recorded with a blank wall behind them and good lighting. This was said while they were wearing a striped shirt in one color that did not contrast whatsoever with their skin and then black lines, the kind that could make a person woozy to look at directly for too long.
Then today, I am interpreting on Zoom for a person whose background is inconsistently lit, multiple colors, and has a pattern while their camera was pointed higher up than I would prefer (cutting off around their wrists when signing at a normal height), and wearing a shirt with a busy design.
These are Deaf professionals who are used to working in mixed settings of other hearing professionals and interpreters. So I wonder about it. Do other Deaf people watching on Zoom or sitting in these types of audiences feel strained by the backgrounds/shirts/etc of these Deaf folks, or are they just used to it? I know that I personally do feel the strain, some of these things create additional demands for me, but I suppose it feels like we are just supposed to accept it as part of this profession. Unless it is making it impossible to interpret clearly I wont ask them to change anything.
I don't really have a question here but it's just something on my mind and I'm curious what y'all think. Should Deaf people be held to similar standards regarding minimal visual distractions, should hearing interpreters be given more grace regarding these visual distractions, or is it totally reasonable that interpreters should be held to a much higher standard when providing access than Deaf people when they are being interpreted? I'm not sure how I feel haha!
submitted by Useful_Edge_113 to ASLinterpreters [link] [comments]
Let me quickly preface this by saying that I 100% do not mind having requirements for what interpreters wear. It makes sense to me that we should have some standards around things like dress and backgrounds etc to make it so that the average Deaf consumer is not being forced to put up with looking at an interpreter whose shirt pattern or color makes it hard to see their hands, or whose background is poorly lit or distracting in any way. These are easy ways to improve quality of access.
That said, I was just recently interpreting a job that was 99% voicing, and in that job the Deaf person signed about the importance of students and interpreters wearing a plain colored shirt that contrasts with their skin tone and to make sure that all videos are recorded with a blank wall behind them and good lighting. This was said while they were wearing a striped shirt in one color that did not contrast whatsoever with their skin and then black lines, the kind that could make a person woozy to look at directly for too long.
Then today, I am interpreting on Zoom for a person whose background is inconsistently lit, multiple colors, and has a pattern while their camera was pointed higher up than I would prefer (cutting off around their wrists when signing at a normal height), and wearing a shirt with a busy design.
These are Deaf professionals who are used to working in mixed settings of other hearing professionals and interpreters. So I wonder about it. Do other Deaf people watching on Zoom or sitting in these types of audiences feel strained by the backgrounds/shirts/etc of these Deaf folks, or are they just used to it? I know that I personally do feel the strain, some of these things create additional demands for me, but I suppose it feels like we are just supposed to accept it as part of this profession. Unless it is making it impossible to interpret clearly I wont ask them to change anything.
I don't really have a question here but it's just something on my mind and I'm curious what y'all think. Should Deaf people be held to similar standards regarding minimal visual distractions, should hearing interpreters be given more grace regarding these visual distractions, or is it totally reasonable that interpreters should be held to a much higher standard when providing access than Deaf people when they are being interpreted? I'm not sure how I feel haha!
2024.05.31 21:13 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 100.000$+ INVENTORY. BFK Lore, Gloves Amphibious, Skeleton Fade, Bowie Emerald, BFK Auto, Gloves MF, Talon Doppler, Gloves POW, Bayo Tiger, Gut Sapphire, Stiletto MF, M9 Ultra, Ursus Doppler, Flip Doppler, M9 Stained, Nomad CW, Paracord CW, AK-47 X-Ray & A Lot More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
All Buyouts are listed in cash value.
KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Lore (Factory New), B/O: $7194.77
★ Butterfly Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2025.74
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $557.87
★ M9 Bayonet Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $529.41
★ M9 Bayonet Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $465.39
⎯★ Talon Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $1295.27
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth (Minimal Wear), B/O: $746.28
★ Karambit Bright Water (Field-Tested), B/O: $688.15
⎯★ Flip Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $547.93
★ Flip Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $476.69
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $278.18
★ Flip Knife Black Laminate (Well-Worn), B/O: $258.83
★ Flip Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $181.64
⎯★ Stiletto Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $686.04
★ Stiletto Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $665.41
★ Stiletto Knife, B/O: $601.39
★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $418.25
★ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $227.80
★ Stiletto Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.96
★ Stiletto Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $192.79
⎯★ Nomad Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $518.11
★ Nomad Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $169.78
★ Nomad Knife Forest DDPAT (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $166.88
★ StatTrak™ Nomad Knife Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $335.79
⎯★ Skeleton Knife Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $442.05
★ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Minimal Wear), B/O: $426.24
★ Skeleton Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $314.03
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2361.28
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $376.53
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $557.12
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $471.42
★ Ursus Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $212.37
★ Ursus Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $187.66
★ Ursus Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $178.18
★ Ursus Knife Ultraviolet (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $155.13
★ Ursus Knife Boreal Forest (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.26
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Minimal Wear), B/O: $204.83
★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Field-Tested), B/O: $184.50
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2024.05.31 19:55 JulianSkies Blackriver Cases - Season 10 “Days of Fury” - Episode 3 “Of Fire And Fury”
[ [FIRST] [NEXT>]
“No. Santos, you’re an animal expert and you’ve done more than enough as it is. Vess, one of you needs to be here and between you and Marik I’d rather take him with me, I’m sure you appreciate it. Nila, you have a long career and basically never fielded. That’s enough skeleton crew, the three of you are staying here. That’s final.”
Keya sighs, the closed walls of the van offering little distraction from wayward thoughts. She turns her attention to the rest of her officers in it, trying to distract herself from memories of earlier in the paw “Been a while since I’ve been in an actual transport van” she drops, hoping for a response.
Her officers tiredly turned their attention to her. Marik, Lunek, Aren and Kessa were all here with her in the transport and none looking too joyful at the situation “Somehow our cruiser is more comfortable” Aren chuckles.
“That’s ‘cause it’s a secondhand retrofit bought in an auction” Keya shakes her head before tilting her ears to the front of the van “We got much longer to go?”
“No, ma’am” comes the chirp of a krakotl “In fact just past the corner”
Though it was impossible to see from within the enclosed van, the slow deceleration and eventual full stop made it clear they were, in fact, at their destination. Stepping out of the van the first thing to strike is the noise, a distant cacophony of shouting and howling. The second thing to strike was the colors, usually in such a large congregation of exterminators one would be seeing a light of bright colors, the silver and white of thermal suits, the reds and yellows of their tools, but what was most abundant here were darker colors, mainly black. “Briefing’s over in that tent, you should be the last team for this paw” their driver mentions, having stepped out herself.
Which brings the third thing called to attention- The tents. An entire operational outpost had been set up here, taking over a little park, and by the number of tents present running logistics and command this was far from a small operation. “They’re still bringing in more people?” a voice from behind draws her attention.
Tilting her ear back while they move Keya keeps track of a conversation “Whatever is going on here is big it seems” Aren had begun conversing with someone else that was out of her sight, but they had places to be and she had to keep walking.
“Herd’s just been getting bigger for the last four paws, tension just getting worse. Crap, I’m surprised it didn’t boil over just yet” the bassy voice in what she believed was mazic language added “Well, good luck you all, I’ll have to get back on the line soon”
It did not take much longer before the Blackriver crew arrived at the tent where the briefing was to be held. A scattering of plastic chairs was spread in front of a projector, another two dozen exterminators were already here and seated, the number of venlil among them was also surprisingly low. Or perhaps it was not quite so surprising given why they were here, most surprising was the presence of humans. “Ah, the last group we were expecting” says someone at the front by the projectors. An older venlil whose age-grey had overtaken whatever his natural color was, as well as a human with a long patch of black fur dangling from under his nose were there. “Take a seat”
“Alright, here’s the rundown of the situation” the venlil officer starts. “Four paws ago a protest started in front of the Regional, Ilfran’s Landing is a big city but it became obvious people came from everywhere here. The protesting started getting heated, so the Guild decided to send personnel to prevent it from causing any harm. I’m sure a few months ago we all believed prey wouldn’t get up to these antics, that the human stampede from the memorial service was unique to predators. I’m sure we have been all disabused of this notion by recent news” he sighs “For the last four paws the protest has been building up, they’ve set up food stalls even”
“You know it’s serious when the grills come out” one of the humans pipes up
“Fact they brought some meat is something we’re overlooking right now” the venlil commander adds, causing a few worried signs from everyone present “Planetary HQ decided to get their paws dirty with this protest, however, and sent directives as well as called up reinforcements to deal with this. Officers on site have been rotating in and out to keep a paw-long presence.”
“Here are your priorities: First, the safety of unrelated parties. Second, safety of the protestors. Third, integrity of unrelated material. Last, integrity of the Regional” after a moment to let the information settle he continues “Look… I think it bears saying… None of us is happy with our Regional Firebase. I bet most of you want to be there with the protestors. Speh, I bet the protestors don’t even know how many exterminators are in there with them.”
He starts pacing “We’ve all seen how often promises of funding ended up with badly maintained gear and suspiciously rich chiefs. We’ve all seen how many people complaining about malpractice just happened to be diagnosed with PD. We’ve all seen how reports of extortion seemed to just vanish into thin air. Or how when the omnivores among us learned the truth they kept silent, even when the HQ was giving out statements of succor for their officers.”
“We all joined the force wanting to protect the herd. No, no- Not all of us. Quite a few joined out of lack of choice, but we’ve all bought into the lie we were supposed to be protectors. I think recent history has shown that was never the true intent of the guild.” the venlil commander stops pacing and turns to the assembly “But we’re here to make that lie a reality. We’re here to protect our herd, from ourselves if that has to be it. And HQ agrees. The Regional has fucked up too much.”
“So they’re leaving it out to dry” he adds with a finishing tone “We are only here to make sure those people don’t hurt each other and other innocents around, because they can.” with a paw wave he directs attention to a map being projected, it shows the local streets with a large red mark on multiple of them, as well as blue lines encircling the mark “This is the current protest zone, yes it’s huge. You are not to attempt to contain them too much, for now they have been happy with being herded around somewhat, the only point of real contest is this street” he points to said street “That is to be kept clear for traffic at all times. Solgalick’s Mercy is one of the largest hospitals around here, I’m sure the herd will be understanding of not blocking access to it.”
Then the human commander picks up the briefing “Alright… My turn. You already got the gist of the situation, so I’m adding my experience here. Used to be military police before I volunteered to get here, closest thing we have on earth to the actual job the exterminators do. Been at my fair share riots, both sides. Broke quite a few windows when I was a teenager.”
“Let me tell you one thing, the big bad predator here is scared alright?” he adds with a serious tone, scanning his eyes through everyone “These people are angry, and they’re not aimlessly angry. They know every crime hanging over the Regional, they have lists of the guilty, they have a plan and have goals. And those are the most effective and dangerous kind. They’re not aimless civilians angry at the police because something happened.”
“Or at least their leadership is. I’m sure whatever changes they are pressuring for will go through, with how the headquarters is dealing with things here. Wouldn’t surprise me if they just decided to throw the Regional’s staff to the wolves” a couple of people flinch at the imagery “Don’t pretend that’s not what y’all are right now… No, no you’re worse than that. Let me tell you something-”
“If this shit was going down back on Earth? We could rely on the group being disorganized. When a large group like this happens, they can’t work together very well without training. It takes years to teach a human to work in large groups like this, but I’m seeing a lot of venlil in here, this is your home after all. And you people? You don’t need that training to work in a group, it’s in your nature. And in the worst case scenario, and those people get riled up? We’re not looking at a mob, we’re looking at an army.”
The human’s gaze turns back to the map “But as I’ve said, they’re a people with a plan. The organization of the protest has no plans for things to turn violent, they want pressure and not damage. But that doesn’t mean those aren’t just people here, who have more than enough reasons to be angry. If just one of them decides that the organizer’s plans aren’t enough justice… Well, the herd follows. And I’ve come to realize that’s true regardless of species.”
He turns back to the assembled “My point is be careful, because if the worst comes to pass, well… It’ll be bloody.”
With an affirmative flick of his right ear the venlil commander steps up “I’m sure you’ve all took in the map as is and have found your sectors” he waits for a few seconds, watching as multiple signs from ear flicks to thumbs ups to tail swipes to nods respond “Good, go to the armory tent to get the riot gear and a quick briefing on it and… Good luck”
As the group filters out of the briefing room, Keya steps last behind the rest of her own officers. “Lunek you alright with being in the shield line?”
“Yeah… Don’t worry boss, I can handle it” his voice is shaking a little bit, but he isn’t flinching “I hope nothing bad happens… I understand what those people are thinking.”
“We all do, if it helps… I think they’re doing the right thing as well. It’s this Regional that let Long Cliff happen, who straight up goaded Striped Hill on. Just remember, we’re just here to make sure nobody gets hurt… Too much.”
It wasn’t long until they'd made their way to the armory tent. It was as organized as it could be, a tarp had been set up as a tent off the back of a transport van, inside of it visible are mostly the black padded armor that every other exterminator had been wearing in this place as well as tall translucent shields. The first one to step up was Marik, curiously scanning through the unusual gear.
“I know a gun nut when I see one” says the human that’s manning the station “All less-lethal gear here” she points back with a thumb at the sparsely fitted weapon racks before starting to pull out and give armor sets “Standard issue riot armor, ceramic plating with shatterweave layer. Will take any reasonable hit, fire-resistant, in case any high caliber weapon has found their way here the shatterweave will take one punch no matter how hard” Keya is the first to step over “Fasten over here, and over here. Those are venlil fit”
As the human pulls out two shields Nila and Lunek step up front, both still fastening up their armor “Riot shields, put your hands through this place here and hold on tight. You’re going to have to hold it at a bit of an angle since they’re human-sized. Can take bullets if need be, should stop anything they can throw at you.” Lunek is the first one to strap the shield to his arm, finding that it is as she had said, just a few centimeters too tall and scraping hard at the floor if he tries to move. “I’m sure you’re well acquainted with the sticks, though”
Then, she pulls out a short gun, single-barreled with a strangely wide barrel and a long magazine at the back of it loaded from the top. Marik picks it up, inspecting the empty gun and then the magazine that she puts down “Shotgun with rubber rounds. Low-power, hits like a punch from god, can still break bones and rip an eye off so aim at the limbs. You’re staying right behind the shield line, right?”
“Yeah” Marik adds simply, loading the magazine full of large rounds in it “Keep holstered until command”
Then, the human pulls out two pieces of gear that make the officers look confused. “UX-1s, new thing your people came up with” sitting on the ground was a rather familiar object, a gauntlet-mounted fluid projector with a long tube attached to a back-mounted tank. Unlike the usual flamethrower design, however, it was not just a single tank but two half-sized ones. One of them was a familiar blue but it had yellow stripes while the other one was a bright green.
“Experimental?” Aren is the one to ask “Also I never heard the ‘U’ classification. Are you sure we should be bringing experimental gear to this sort of situation?”
The woman shrugs “Actually better than the stuff we used on Earth, amusingly.” she taps the side of her head “Took a stickyfoam canister to the noggin once, got a cranial fracture out of it. Anyway” she points to the gear as Keya and Aren put them on, its shape feeling familiar to them “Utility-type Mark One fluid projector. Designed first and foremost as a tool. You’re equipped with the riot loadout, shockwater” he taps the blue canister “And stickyfoam.” the green canister.
“There’s a selector here” she flicks the selector unceremoniously in Keya’s palm “Shockwater is water laced with minerals to increase conductivity, when you fire you have more than just high pressure water but also a mild shock, less than a taser but enough to dissuade anyone.” she flicks the selector again “Stickfoam, it remains liquid for a few seconds before hardening and sticking to any surface, solid as stone. Originally used as an anti-tank weapon but we employ it in riot control, be sure to aim for the feet and whoever it is isn’t going to be moving anytime soon” then she pulls out two handheld canisters “Stickyfoam solvent, in case you need it”
Keya pulls up her holopad, looking at the clock. Bit more than a tenth of a claw had passed, very little time, and they were already strapped in gear and ready to go. “Alright” she swallows a deep breath “Meven Street, we’re going to be by the road to the hospital. Everyone be as relaxed as you can-” but her words are interrupted.
Aren had gently swinged his tail to touch her shoulder “Hey, you’re just another officer right now, boss. Don’t worry, we all know our positions” she only answers by flicking an ear forward once, and keeping silent.
The cacophony of noise grew louder and louder as they got closer to their assigned position. There were shouts, not in unison but in a disparate stream of white noise, there was music being played loudly and annoyingly both in real instruments and out of devices. A thousand and one different ways to make oneself heard were being played out within the mass that had overtaken the street.
Even knowing she was just another officer this time, Keya still couldn’t stop herself from watching her officers go their respective ways.
Nila and Lunek quickly ran off to the line of officers standing right beside the crowd, as soon as they approached a gojid and a takkan wearing the same riot gear quickly came back after being relieved, visible bags under their eyes as they sluggishly started heading back towards the temporary base.
Marik quickly found his way beside a group of humans standing just a few meters behind the shield line by a parked cruiser. The group seems to acknowledge him wordlessly at first, but when one of the humans goes to leave he attempts to pat Marik on the head. Predictably, the loudness of the slap is strong enough to even attract attention from some in the protest, who stare inquisitively as the other humans the group laugh at the one leaving.
“Really put us right in the fuel line…” Aren’s voice calls her attention to her side. Tracking where his ears are turned to, she finds the tallest building in the street- Solgalick’s Mercy Hospital. “You think there’ll be a problem?” he asks.
She looks around to where her post is. A small tent had been set up here as well as a large vehicle she hadn’t seen before with a strange turret on top comprised of a long barrel and two round objects by the sides, a couple of people with white bands bearing the green paw symbol of field medics were sitting on plastic chairs “Either there’ll be none or all of them at once” she says. There were two others here, another couple of venlil wearing the same UX-1s as they were and quite clearly the ones they were meant to relive “What’s with that?” she asks, pointing at the vehicle with her tail.
“Humans call it a riot control vehicle” one of them answers “Got a bunch of things in it in case people get rowdy to take them down without harm.” They wave a paw at it “My opinion, though? Looks like one of those arxur transport vehicles. Kinda creepy.”
Aren’s chuckle makes her twist an ear at him “Nah this is definitely not that. Look up human tanks later, then you’re going to see a real vehicle like that”
“Aren, stop making things awkward” she sighs “Everyone’s tense enough as is”
“Nah, it’s alright” the one she’s relieving answers “I’d rather have this stuff on my side anyway” they say before leaving with a wave.
Keya’s role was very obvious. Armed with the heaviest-duty crowd control gear and stationed beside an armored vehicle they were quite clearly the final resort in case something happened, which meant she’d have time to watch. She felt a little bit guilty, it was probably her seniority that got her placement here and knowing some of her officers were right up there in the shield wall while she was here…
But for now, all she could do was observe and… Wait. She watches as the line of officers of many species ahead stand tall as the cacophonous mass of protestors shifts like water past them. The noise is great, but surprisingly not grating, there are a multitude of voices but they seem to be working together in some way. A few more officers come to relieve men at the wall as others leave. Once or twice officers at the wall need to leave and then quickly return. including one of her own.
Lunek needs a bit more endurance training… crosses her mind.
At one point Marik gets inside the cruiser with the human officers and the vehicle speeds away. It doesn’t take long for it to return, they stop the vehicle at the same place it was and step out, nothing seemingly having happened. But the protest is louder at this point.
Nearly an entire claw had passed at this point, with the noise slowly rising higher and higher, when a small commotion happens by the shield wall. For a couple of seconds she puts her entire focus there trying to figure out what is going on, until a krakotl officer waves a beckon with their tail and she and Aren rush towards the position.
When they get there the shield line had let through a human carrying a venlil in her arms “I can walk you know?”
“No you can’t, you’re limping”
“That was my tail, not my leg”
“Fuck you, man, just let me-”
“Excuse-me, what happened?” Keya interrupts the bickering duo
“I don’t know, someone stepped on his tail and he just crumpled, I need to take him to the hospital!”
“Girl, it’s just a tail torsion-” the venlil wiggles in her arms
“That’s not nothing!” Aren howls “Speh, that’s a part of your spine, you shouldn’t be on your feet” he turns around, scanning the direction of the hospital “Do you need help carrying him”
“No, I got it, thanks… Thought you weren’t going to let us pass.”
Keya shrugs her tail “We’re just keeping the way to the hospital clear” she turns her focus to the venlil in the woman’s arms “Stop trying to play tough, just let her take you”
The two of them escort the grumbling pair until they’ve past the area with the vehicle and let them continue on their way to the hospital “Ick, I’m surprised he’s awake. Tail torsions hurt like death” Aren comments
“Don’t I know it, suffered one during stampede response training. Felt like someone was pulling my brain out through my tail” she shudders at the thought “... Why did it happen, though? Takes a lot of effort to cause it”
Aren looks over at the mass of the protest. There were now a lot more signs raised then before, and the noise was louder “Dunno, they look super packed right now” and she sees Aren’s hackles visibly raising “I don’t like this”
Keya turns around, she can hear sounds coming from the large vehicle beside her, like claws on metal. The first thing she notices ahead is the group on the cruiser having opened the vehicle’s doors and standing ready, then she notices that the shield wall had lost some of their lightly casual posture, holding tighter to their shields.
It was just one person.
One agitated venlil having some form of heated argument with a human. The shouting can’t reach her here, she can’t hear the words, but she can see the energetic swings of the arms and the erratic tail.
The venlil turns around suddenly, a bottle of drink in her paw. The human moves quickly, but not quickly enough- He grabs her by the waist, lifting her up on his shoulders and starting to drag her out of there- But the bottle had already been thrown, it sails the piddly distance between them and the shield line.
The glass shatters against a translucent shield, a light crimson fire of high proof alcohol erupts on the impact. And the shouting begins.
In a matter of moments what was disorganized yet harmonic shouting turns to vicious howling and roaring, the crowd on the other side of the shield wall starts moving faster and some voices on a megaphone can be heard. But the cries for organization go unheard as the tension continues to boil- But for a few moments, nothing else happens. There is one officer in the shield wall who is shaking, Lunek’s ears are pinned to their head in fear, but he holds his shield steady- The dying flames still lick at the other side of the transparent barrier, Lunek attempts a gentle motion of reassurance with his tail towards the crowd, nobody around moves and for a fraction of a moment it seems the worst had passed as silence seems to rule.
And then there was gunfire. The supersonic boom of overheated air familiar to magnetically-accelerated weapons, a crimson streak in the sky of a tracer round originated from the Regional.
Sound returns in a terrible roar of a multitude of voices. The officers at the shield wall change their posture and steady their feet just in time as the crowd seems to crash against the shields like a tide and then retreat. For a few moments Keya holds on to her breath, readying for action but… The wall holds, and for now she needs not act.
“Hell, it’s going to shit!” a voice calls out from behind, a human Keya hadn’t noticed here had come running “Everyone, keep this street clear! The riot is breaking out in earnest and we already have a few wounded, they’re coming in from the other side of the street!” It was the same human commander from the briefing. He stops in place for a few seconds, left hand over his ear “Shit… Hell… FUCK! Fine” he runs ahead of her closer to the shield wall “Keep holding, keep the hospital lane clear!”
Keya can just stare as the shouting from the other side of the line grows to a crescendo and… The shield line starts to move. Each and every man in the shield line is holding steady to their shields, their feet planted firmly on the ground… But the herd is moving forward with similar intensity, except with so many more bodies they have begun to physically drag the officers along.
“Attention protesters!” it was a venlil’s voice on the megaphone this time, familiar, of the same man who held the briefing “Please keep this street clear! Keep the route to the hospital open! That is all we ask!” but the cries fall to deaf ears.
“Hell… Shield line, move back! Suppression cannons!” Keya jolts as the armored vehicle beside her whirs to life, she makes space for it as it moves forward and the shield line starts slowly yielding ground. The turret on top of the vehicle turns towards the mass of protesters and- From it erupts a powerful jet of water, not unlike that from a firefighter’s vehicle, but instead of aimed at flames it is aimed at people. The powerful stream of water strikes them, causing many to stumble backwards for a bit-
But the ones behind them prop them back up, and the combined might of the herd beats off the pressurized water. She can’t see it from behind the shield wall, but the simple thought of being pressured front and back by different forces, the water- “Cannons, switch to shockwater!”
It takes only half a second, what was once a combined, mobilized force against the torrent scatters. The combined block loses cohesion, but they do not retreat- For a moment all they do is cease advancing as they huddle like a wall against the amplified assault. But a moment is all they need, no longer pressured the shield wall relaxes for just a moment, and then those at the front of the riot rush. The shields close in again, but not fast enough before a few dozen break through running forward.
Keya readies herself, flicking the selector to shockwater and lowering her stance, Aren does the same at a distance. But they’re not the first ones to move, instead Marik and the officers with him move first, bringing up their shotguns and firing. The blasts are loud- The first few runners just fall over, the impacts swiping their limbs from under them. A couple of humans had clearly been hit and continued to rush despite the crimson soaking their clothes. A venlil had to be hit five times, he stumbled at the first two hits, seemingly shrugging them off unharmed, the two next caused him to flinch and the fifth hitting a glancing strike on his head sending him tumbling down. “STAND DOWN!” the officer who fired the last shot yells, she can see Marik hollering at him but the din of battle had become too powerful.
“Shields, retreat! LRAD, active!” the human commander shouts. The shield line starts to move back, Marik and the rest of the shotgunners walk back as well- Then, a strange piercing noise erupts from the vehicle. She keeps her primary focus on the advancing riot but she can see enough to notice a pair of speakers mounted on the turret, speakers directional not unlike her own ears, and the annoying noise finally processes to her as a mere echo of whatever the real sound would be like. A couple of seconds after that realization she sees the majority of the riot just stop on their tracks, pulling ears closed and clutching their head. If the simple noise bleed beside the vehicle was giving her a mild headache, she couldn’t imagine what being in the direct cone of sound would be doing.
But another sound, much lower, attracts her attention. A sound from behind her that causes her to twist an ear back to catch it. Whistles. The periodic whistles had a very particular cadence, a cadence of whistles that everyone learns the importance of very early in their lives- After all, the sound of an ambulance is familiar to all. She chances a glance behind her to see that there isn’t just one, but multiple. Some arriving, some leaving, they’re going as fast as their engines can, unloading people inside the hospital.
But it is a terrifying bugle that turns her eyes back to the crowd that seemed disabled. The sound cannon had done its job, but there were still some people running. But in that instant something became clear: They weren’t trying to get anywhere, nor were they trying to get away from something no. It was clear where they were heading, she was their target, as was everyone else here clad in black. And there were still dozens driven by raw emotions that had overcome every weapon employed against them.
Aren had taken position beside her, the men that once held the shield line had now become separated from each other, using shield and baton to fend off rioters whose new objective was to bring punishment with their own paws. Keya flicks the selector, she’d already seen those people power through shockwater, and aims her gauntlet low.
Six, there were six rushing towards her and she couldn’t spare mental power to process even their species. She clenches her paw, grasping the trigger and firing a short stream of green fluid, the six raise up their arms expecting something else and leaving their lower limbs unprotected as the sticky substance covers feather, fur, scale and cloth. They have time to take one more step before the mess solidifies, their upper bodies lurching forward while their lower bodies refuse to move, they struggle to move to no avail resorting to their voices as their final weapon.
She spares a glance at Aren who’d been turned on by another half dozen, then focuses forward once again, Marik and his team had already retreated behind her and the shields were starting a slow retreat. Most of them had made it past behind her and Aren, their stickyfoam doing the final job of keeping people contained where the riot vehicle failed, but Lunek and a few others had remained ahead to cover against all manners of thrown objects.
The rage-fuelled burst, however, could only drive the rioters for so long and their will started to falter. The larger groups had begun to disperse, the whistles of the ambulances were starting to sound louder than the shouts, the noise of the LRAD had died out and the pressure gauge was indicating her stickyfoam tank was down to the last third. Keya felt, for a moment, that the crowd’s fury had been spent and she could relax.
And then she saw him. A man with a silver coat of fur, eyes filled with feral rage, body marred by scars new and old, twitching claws and angrily pawing at the ground. When their attentions crossed he ran at her, she aims her gauntlet low at him but he leaps, she tries to track his movement but he was too fast and lands with both hindpaws against her chest- She simply presses the trigger and swings her gauntlet up as the impact brings both of them to the ground.
Falling on her back against the backtank leaves her breathless for a moment. But Keya quickly recovers to stand back up, first assessing that nobody else was running at her- But even before she can do that the horrible gurgling sounds from the ground call her attention. The man had fallen, body partly immobilized with one of his arms stuck to his side, but he desperately claws at his face- Green viscosity covering his snout and leaking also out of his mouth.
“BRAHK!” Keya quickly kneels down beside him “MEDIC!” she shouts, pulling out the canister of solvent from her belt with a shaking paw “Stop- Stop it!” she says, trying to control the man’s frenzied free paw as she sprays the solvent on his face and mouth, before venturing her own paw between his teeth to attempt to pull the softened mass blocking the airway.
“Move, move, move!” a commanding voice comes from beside her, people with the green paw band had arrived “We got a blocked airway here, get the-” they quickly shoo her away and she’s more than happy to let the experts do their job. She stands back up and looks around, the sounds have died off save for the whistles of the ambulances.
There were people scattered on the ground, sitting on the curb, resting against walls, all of them nursing wounds. Glass littered the streets from every storefront and house in sight, no object present in the street was spared the pent up rage, and illuminating everything was the orange glow of flames. Flames, thankfully, contained to just one place.
Even from here she could see it, the front of the Regional had, in a twist of irony, taken ablaze. The flames threatened to spread further into the nearby buildings but as the rage of the riot died down people had arrived to stop it, a group was helping escort the water cannons towards the flames, one of them had already arrived and was dowsing the nearby buildings with water, wounded people refused being taken to the nearby hospital as they set up a bucket brigade to draw more water from nearby buildings to help soak the flames. Echoing in the distance were the sirens of the fire engines coming to the rescue.
Keya just stands there watching the shifting chaos, taking in deep breaths… “Hell…” is all she can say.
[ [FIRST] [NEXT>]
Even the most well organized, well prepared, demonstration can fall part. When so much wrong has been brought, when you finally have the chance to let the world hear you... Sometimes all that is left in you is pure fire and fury.
And in the end it just takes one person, and the herd follows. That is true for any thinking mind.
And always remember: Even the gentlest of blows is still a deadly strike.
submitted by JulianSkies to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
Season 10 “Days of Fury” - Episode 3 “Of Fire And Fury”
“Boss, you-”“No. Santos, you’re an animal expert and you’ve done more than enough as it is. Vess, one of you needs to be here and between you and Marik I’d rather take him with me, I’m sure you appreciate it. Nila, you have a long career and basically never fielded. That’s enough skeleton crew, the three of you are staying here. That’s final.”
Keya sighs, the closed walls of the van offering little distraction from wayward thoughts. She turns her attention to the rest of her officers in it, trying to distract herself from memories of earlier in the paw “Been a while since I’ve been in an actual transport van” she drops, hoping for a response.
Her officers tiredly turned their attention to her. Marik, Lunek, Aren and Kessa were all here with her in the transport and none looking too joyful at the situation “Somehow our cruiser is more comfortable” Aren chuckles.
“That’s ‘cause it’s a secondhand retrofit bought in an auction” Keya shakes her head before tilting her ears to the front of the van “We got much longer to go?”
“No, ma’am” comes the chirp of a krakotl “In fact just past the corner”
Though it was impossible to see from within the enclosed van, the slow deceleration and eventual full stop made it clear they were, in fact, at their destination. Stepping out of the van the first thing to strike is the noise, a distant cacophony of shouting and howling. The second thing to strike was the colors, usually in such a large congregation of exterminators one would be seeing a light of bright colors, the silver and white of thermal suits, the reds and yellows of their tools, but what was most abundant here were darker colors, mainly black. “Briefing’s over in that tent, you should be the last team for this paw” their driver mentions, having stepped out herself.
Which brings the third thing called to attention- The tents. An entire operational outpost had been set up here, taking over a little park, and by the number of tents present running logistics and command this was far from a small operation. “They’re still bringing in more people?” a voice from behind draws her attention.
Tilting her ear back while they move Keya keeps track of a conversation “Whatever is going on here is big it seems” Aren had begun conversing with someone else that was out of her sight, but they had places to be and she had to keep walking.
“Herd’s just been getting bigger for the last four paws, tension just getting worse. Crap, I’m surprised it didn’t boil over just yet” the bassy voice in what she believed was mazic language added “Well, good luck you all, I’ll have to get back on the line soon”
It did not take much longer before the Blackriver crew arrived at the tent where the briefing was to be held. A scattering of plastic chairs was spread in front of a projector, another two dozen exterminators were already here and seated, the number of venlil among them was also surprisingly low. Or perhaps it was not quite so surprising given why they were here, most surprising was the presence of humans. “Ah, the last group we were expecting” says someone at the front by the projectors. An older venlil whose age-grey had overtaken whatever his natural color was, as well as a human with a long patch of black fur dangling from under his nose were there. “Take a seat”
“Alright, here’s the rundown of the situation” the venlil officer starts. “Four paws ago a protest started in front of the Regional, Ilfran’s Landing is a big city but it became obvious people came from everywhere here. The protesting started getting heated, so the Guild decided to send personnel to prevent it from causing any harm. I’m sure a few months ago we all believed prey wouldn’t get up to these antics, that the human stampede from the memorial service was unique to predators. I’m sure we have been all disabused of this notion by recent news” he sighs “For the last four paws the protest has been building up, they’ve set up food stalls even”
“You know it’s serious when the grills come out” one of the humans pipes up
“Fact they brought some meat is something we’re overlooking right now” the venlil commander adds, causing a few worried signs from everyone present “Planetary HQ decided to get their paws dirty with this protest, however, and sent directives as well as called up reinforcements to deal with this. Officers on site have been rotating in and out to keep a paw-long presence.”
“Here are your priorities: First, the safety of unrelated parties. Second, safety of the protestors. Third, integrity of unrelated material. Last, integrity of the Regional” after a moment to let the information settle he continues “Look… I think it bears saying… None of us is happy with our Regional Firebase. I bet most of you want to be there with the protestors. Speh, I bet the protestors don’t even know how many exterminators are in there with them.”
He starts pacing “We’ve all seen how often promises of funding ended up with badly maintained gear and suspiciously rich chiefs. We’ve all seen how many people complaining about malpractice just happened to be diagnosed with PD. We’ve all seen how reports of extortion seemed to just vanish into thin air. Or how when the omnivores among us learned the truth they kept silent, even when the HQ was giving out statements of succor for their officers.”
“We all joined the force wanting to protect the herd. No, no- Not all of us. Quite a few joined out of lack of choice, but we’ve all bought into the lie we were supposed to be protectors. I think recent history has shown that was never the true intent of the guild.” the venlil commander stops pacing and turns to the assembly “But we’re here to make that lie a reality. We’re here to protect our herd, from ourselves if that has to be it. And HQ agrees. The Regional has fucked up too much.”
“So they’re leaving it out to dry” he adds with a finishing tone “We are only here to make sure those people don’t hurt each other and other innocents around, because they can.” with a paw wave he directs attention to a map being projected, it shows the local streets with a large red mark on multiple of them, as well as blue lines encircling the mark “This is the current protest zone, yes it’s huge. You are not to attempt to contain them too much, for now they have been happy with being herded around somewhat, the only point of real contest is this street” he points to said street “That is to be kept clear for traffic at all times. Solgalick’s Mercy is one of the largest hospitals around here, I’m sure the herd will be understanding of not blocking access to it.”
Then the human commander picks up the briefing “Alright… My turn. You already got the gist of the situation, so I’m adding my experience here. Used to be military police before I volunteered to get here, closest thing we have on earth to the actual job the exterminators do. Been at my fair share riots, both sides. Broke quite a few windows when I was a teenager.”
“Let me tell you one thing, the big bad predator here is scared alright?” he adds with a serious tone, scanning his eyes through everyone “These people are angry, and they’re not aimlessly angry. They know every crime hanging over the Regional, they have lists of the guilty, they have a plan and have goals. And those are the most effective and dangerous kind. They’re not aimless civilians angry at the police because something happened.”
“Or at least their leadership is. I’m sure whatever changes they are pressuring for will go through, with how the headquarters is dealing with things here. Wouldn’t surprise me if they just decided to throw the Regional’s staff to the wolves” a couple of people flinch at the imagery “Don’t pretend that’s not what y’all are right now… No, no you’re worse than that. Let me tell you something-”
“If this shit was going down back on Earth? We could rely on the group being disorganized. When a large group like this happens, they can’t work together very well without training. It takes years to teach a human to work in large groups like this, but I’m seeing a lot of venlil in here, this is your home after all. And you people? You don’t need that training to work in a group, it’s in your nature. And in the worst case scenario, and those people get riled up? We’re not looking at a mob, we’re looking at an army.”
The human’s gaze turns back to the map “But as I’ve said, they’re a people with a plan. The organization of the protest has no plans for things to turn violent, they want pressure and not damage. But that doesn’t mean those aren’t just people here, who have more than enough reasons to be angry. If just one of them decides that the organizer’s plans aren’t enough justice… Well, the herd follows. And I’ve come to realize that’s true regardless of species.”
He turns back to the assembled “My point is be careful, because if the worst comes to pass, well… It’ll be bloody.”
With an affirmative flick of his right ear the venlil commander steps up “I’m sure you’ve all took in the map as is and have found your sectors” he waits for a few seconds, watching as multiple signs from ear flicks to thumbs ups to tail swipes to nods respond “Good, go to the armory tent to get the riot gear and a quick briefing on it and… Good luck”
As the group filters out of the briefing room, Keya steps last behind the rest of her own officers. “Lunek you alright with being in the shield line?”
“Yeah… Don’t worry boss, I can handle it” his voice is shaking a little bit, but he isn’t flinching “I hope nothing bad happens… I understand what those people are thinking.”
“We all do, if it helps… I think they’re doing the right thing as well. It’s this Regional that let Long Cliff happen, who straight up goaded Striped Hill on. Just remember, we’re just here to make sure nobody gets hurt… Too much.”
It wasn’t long until they'd made their way to the armory tent. It was as organized as it could be, a tarp had been set up as a tent off the back of a transport van, inside of it visible are mostly the black padded armor that every other exterminator had been wearing in this place as well as tall translucent shields. The first one to step up was Marik, curiously scanning through the unusual gear.
“I know a gun nut when I see one” says the human that’s manning the station “All less-lethal gear here” she points back with a thumb at the sparsely fitted weapon racks before starting to pull out and give armor sets “Standard issue riot armor, ceramic plating with shatterweave layer. Will take any reasonable hit, fire-resistant, in case any high caliber weapon has found their way here the shatterweave will take one punch no matter how hard” Keya is the first to step over “Fasten over here, and over here. Those are venlil fit”
As the human pulls out two shields Nila and Lunek step up front, both still fastening up their armor “Riot shields, put your hands through this place here and hold on tight. You’re going to have to hold it at a bit of an angle since they’re human-sized. Can take bullets if need be, should stop anything they can throw at you.” Lunek is the first one to strap the shield to his arm, finding that it is as she had said, just a few centimeters too tall and scraping hard at the floor if he tries to move. “I’m sure you’re well acquainted with the sticks, though”
Then, she pulls out a short gun, single-barreled with a strangely wide barrel and a long magazine at the back of it loaded from the top. Marik picks it up, inspecting the empty gun and then the magazine that she puts down “Shotgun with rubber rounds. Low-power, hits like a punch from god, can still break bones and rip an eye off so aim at the limbs. You’re staying right behind the shield line, right?”
“Yeah” Marik adds simply, loading the magazine full of large rounds in it “Keep holstered until command”
Then, the human pulls out two pieces of gear that make the officers look confused. “UX-1s, new thing your people came up with” sitting on the ground was a rather familiar object, a gauntlet-mounted fluid projector with a long tube attached to a back-mounted tank. Unlike the usual flamethrower design, however, it was not just a single tank but two half-sized ones. One of them was a familiar blue but it had yellow stripes while the other one was a bright green.
“Experimental?” Aren is the one to ask “Also I never heard the ‘U’ classification. Are you sure we should be bringing experimental gear to this sort of situation?”
The woman shrugs “Actually better than the stuff we used on Earth, amusingly.” she taps the side of her head “Took a stickyfoam canister to the noggin once, got a cranial fracture out of it. Anyway” she points to the gear as Keya and Aren put them on, its shape feeling familiar to them “Utility-type Mark One fluid projector. Designed first and foremost as a tool. You’re equipped with the riot loadout, shockwater” he taps the blue canister “And stickyfoam.” the green canister.
“There’s a selector here” she flicks the selector unceremoniously in Keya’s palm “Shockwater is water laced with minerals to increase conductivity, when you fire you have more than just high pressure water but also a mild shock, less than a taser but enough to dissuade anyone.” she flicks the selector again “Stickfoam, it remains liquid for a few seconds before hardening and sticking to any surface, solid as stone. Originally used as an anti-tank weapon but we employ it in riot control, be sure to aim for the feet and whoever it is isn’t going to be moving anytime soon” then she pulls out two handheld canisters “Stickyfoam solvent, in case you need it”
Keya pulls up her holopad, looking at the clock. Bit more than a tenth of a claw had passed, very little time, and they were already strapped in gear and ready to go. “Alright” she swallows a deep breath “Meven Street, we’re going to be by the road to the hospital. Everyone be as relaxed as you can-” but her words are interrupted.
Aren had gently swinged his tail to touch her shoulder “Hey, you’re just another officer right now, boss. Don’t worry, we all know our positions” she only answers by flicking an ear forward once, and keeping silent.
The cacophony of noise grew louder and louder as they got closer to their assigned position. There were shouts, not in unison but in a disparate stream of white noise, there was music being played loudly and annoyingly both in real instruments and out of devices. A thousand and one different ways to make oneself heard were being played out within the mass that had overtaken the street.
Even knowing she was just another officer this time, Keya still couldn’t stop herself from watching her officers go their respective ways.
Nila and Lunek quickly ran off to the line of officers standing right beside the crowd, as soon as they approached a gojid and a takkan wearing the same riot gear quickly came back after being relieved, visible bags under their eyes as they sluggishly started heading back towards the temporary base.
Marik quickly found his way beside a group of humans standing just a few meters behind the shield line by a parked cruiser. The group seems to acknowledge him wordlessly at first, but when one of the humans goes to leave he attempts to pat Marik on the head. Predictably, the loudness of the slap is strong enough to even attract attention from some in the protest, who stare inquisitively as the other humans the group laugh at the one leaving.
“Really put us right in the fuel line…” Aren’s voice calls her attention to her side. Tracking where his ears are turned to, she finds the tallest building in the street- Solgalick’s Mercy Hospital. “You think there’ll be a problem?” he asks.
She looks around to where her post is. A small tent had been set up here as well as a large vehicle she hadn’t seen before with a strange turret on top comprised of a long barrel and two round objects by the sides, a couple of people with white bands bearing the green paw symbol of field medics were sitting on plastic chairs “Either there’ll be none or all of them at once” she says. There were two others here, another couple of venlil wearing the same UX-1s as they were and quite clearly the ones they were meant to relive “What’s with that?” she asks, pointing at the vehicle with her tail.
“Humans call it a riot control vehicle” one of them answers “Got a bunch of things in it in case people get rowdy to take them down without harm.” They wave a paw at it “My opinion, though? Looks like one of those arxur transport vehicles. Kinda creepy.”
Aren’s chuckle makes her twist an ear at him “Nah this is definitely not that. Look up human tanks later, then you’re going to see a real vehicle like that”
“Aren, stop making things awkward” she sighs “Everyone’s tense enough as is”
“Nah, it’s alright” the one she’s relieving answers “I’d rather have this stuff on my side anyway” they say before leaving with a wave.
Keya’s role was very obvious. Armed with the heaviest-duty crowd control gear and stationed beside an armored vehicle they were quite clearly the final resort in case something happened, which meant she’d have time to watch. She felt a little bit guilty, it was probably her seniority that got her placement here and knowing some of her officers were right up there in the shield wall while she was here…
But for now, all she could do was observe and… Wait. She watches as the line of officers of many species ahead stand tall as the cacophonous mass of protestors shifts like water past them. The noise is great, but surprisingly not grating, there are a multitude of voices but they seem to be working together in some way. A few more officers come to relieve men at the wall as others leave. Once or twice officers at the wall need to leave and then quickly return. including one of her own.
Lunek needs a bit more endurance training… crosses her mind.
At one point Marik gets inside the cruiser with the human officers and the vehicle speeds away. It doesn’t take long for it to return, they stop the vehicle at the same place it was and step out, nothing seemingly having happened. But the protest is louder at this point.
Nearly an entire claw had passed at this point, with the noise slowly rising higher and higher, when a small commotion happens by the shield wall. For a couple of seconds she puts her entire focus there trying to figure out what is going on, until a krakotl officer waves a beckon with their tail and she and Aren rush towards the position.
When they get there the shield line had let through a human carrying a venlil in her arms “I can walk you know?”
“No you can’t, you’re limping”
“That was my tail, not my leg”
“Fuck you, man, just let me-”
“Excuse-me, what happened?” Keya interrupts the bickering duo
“I don’t know, someone stepped on his tail and he just crumpled, I need to take him to the hospital!”
“Girl, it’s just a tail torsion-” the venlil wiggles in her arms
“That’s not nothing!” Aren howls “Speh, that’s a part of your spine, you shouldn’t be on your feet” he turns around, scanning the direction of the hospital “Do you need help carrying him”
“No, I got it, thanks… Thought you weren’t going to let us pass.”
Keya shrugs her tail “We’re just keeping the way to the hospital clear” she turns her focus to the venlil in the woman’s arms “Stop trying to play tough, just let her take you”
The two of them escort the grumbling pair until they’ve past the area with the vehicle and let them continue on their way to the hospital “Ick, I’m surprised he’s awake. Tail torsions hurt like death” Aren comments
“Don’t I know it, suffered one during stampede response training. Felt like someone was pulling my brain out through my tail” she shudders at the thought “... Why did it happen, though? Takes a lot of effort to cause it”
Aren looks over at the mass of the protest. There were now a lot more signs raised then before, and the noise was louder “Dunno, they look super packed right now” and she sees Aren’s hackles visibly raising “I don’t like this”
Keya turns around, she can hear sounds coming from the large vehicle beside her, like claws on metal. The first thing she notices ahead is the group on the cruiser having opened the vehicle’s doors and standing ready, then she notices that the shield wall had lost some of their lightly casual posture, holding tighter to their shields.
It was just one person.
One agitated venlil having some form of heated argument with a human. The shouting can’t reach her here, she can’t hear the words, but she can see the energetic swings of the arms and the erratic tail.
The venlil turns around suddenly, a bottle of drink in her paw. The human moves quickly, but not quickly enough- He grabs her by the waist, lifting her up on his shoulders and starting to drag her out of there- But the bottle had already been thrown, it sails the piddly distance between them and the shield line.
The glass shatters against a translucent shield, a light crimson fire of high proof alcohol erupts on the impact. And the shouting begins.
In a matter of moments what was disorganized yet harmonic shouting turns to vicious howling and roaring, the crowd on the other side of the shield wall starts moving faster and some voices on a megaphone can be heard. But the cries for organization go unheard as the tension continues to boil- But for a few moments, nothing else happens. There is one officer in the shield wall who is shaking, Lunek’s ears are pinned to their head in fear, but he holds his shield steady- The dying flames still lick at the other side of the transparent barrier, Lunek attempts a gentle motion of reassurance with his tail towards the crowd, nobody around moves and for a fraction of a moment it seems the worst had passed as silence seems to rule.
And then there was gunfire. The supersonic boom of overheated air familiar to magnetically-accelerated weapons, a crimson streak in the sky of a tracer round originated from the Regional.
Sound returns in a terrible roar of a multitude of voices. The officers at the shield wall change their posture and steady their feet just in time as the crowd seems to crash against the shields like a tide and then retreat. For a few moments Keya holds on to her breath, readying for action but… The wall holds, and for now she needs not act.
“Hell, it’s going to shit!” a voice calls out from behind, a human Keya hadn’t noticed here had come running “Everyone, keep this street clear! The riot is breaking out in earnest and we already have a few wounded, they’re coming in from the other side of the street!” It was the same human commander from the briefing. He stops in place for a few seconds, left hand over his ear “Shit… Hell… FUCK! Fine” he runs ahead of her closer to the shield wall “Keep holding, keep the hospital lane clear!”
Keya can just stare as the shouting from the other side of the line grows to a crescendo and… The shield line starts to move. Each and every man in the shield line is holding steady to their shields, their feet planted firmly on the ground… But the herd is moving forward with similar intensity, except with so many more bodies they have begun to physically drag the officers along.
“Attention protesters!” it was a venlil’s voice on the megaphone this time, familiar, of the same man who held the briefing “Please keep this street clear! Keep the route to the hospital open! That is all we ask!” but the cries fall to deaf ears.
“Hell… Shield line, move back! Suppression cannons!” Keya jolts as the armored vehicle beside her whirs to life, she makes space for it as it moves forward and the shield line starts slowly yielding ground. The turret on top of the vehicle turns towards the mass of protesters and- From it erupts a powerful jet of water, not unlike that from a firefighter’s vehicle, but instead of aimed at flames it is aimed at people. The powerful stream of water strikes them, causing many to stumble backwards for a bit-
But the ones behind them prop them back up, and the combined might of the herd beats off the pressurized water. She can’t see it from behind the shield wall, but the simple thought of being pressured front and back by different forces, the water- “Cannons, switch to shockwater!”
It takes only half a second, what was once a combined, mobilized force against the torrent scatters. The combined block loses cohesion, but they do not retreat- For a moment all they do is cease advancing as they huddle like a wall against the amplified assault. But a moment is all they need, no longer pressured the shield wall relaxes for just a moment, and then those at the front of the riot rush. The shields close in again, but not fast enough before a few dozen break through running forward.
Keya readies herself, flicking the selector to shockwater and lowering her stance, Aren does the same at a distance. But they’re not the first ones to move, instead Marik and the officers with him move first, bringing up their shotguns and firing. The blasts are loud- The first few runners just fall over, the impacts swiping their limbs from under them. A couple of humans had clearly been hit and continued to rush despite the crimson soaking their clothes. A venlil had to be hit five times, he stumbled at the first two hits, seemingly shrugging them off unharmed, the two next caused him to flinch and the fifth hitting a glancing strike on his head sending him tumbling down. “STAND DOWN!” the officer who fired the last shot yells, she can see Marik hollering at him but the din of battle had become too powerful.
“Shields, retreat! LRAD, active!” the human commander shouts. The shield line starts to move back, Marik and the rest of the shotgunners walk back as well- Then, a strange piercing noise erupts from the vehicle. She keeps her primary focus on the advancing riot but she can see enough to notice a pair of speakers mounted on the turret, speakers directional not unlike her own ears, and the annoying noise finally processes to her as a mere echo of whatever the real sound would be like. A couple of seconds after that realization she sees the majority of the riot just stop on their tracks, pulling ears closed and clutching their head. If the simple noise bleed beside the vehicle was giving her a mild headache, she couldn’t imagine what being in the direct cone of sound would be doing.
But another sound, much lower, attracts her attention. A sound from behind her that causes her to twist an ear back to catch it. Whistles. The periodic whistles had a very particular cadence, a cadence of whistles that everyone learns the importance of very early in their lives- After all, the sound of an ambulance is familiar to all. She chances a glance behind her to see that there isn’t just one, but multiple. Some arriving, some leaving, they’re going as fast as their engines can, unloading people inside the hospital.
But it is a terrifying bugle that turns her eyes back to the crowd that seemed disabled. The sound cannon had done its job, but there were still some people running. But in that instant something became clear: They weren’t trying to get anywhere, nor were they trying to get away from something no. It was clear where they were heading, she was their target, as was everyone else here clad in black. And there were still dozens driven by raw emotions that had overcome every weapon employed against them.
Aren had taken position beside her, the men that once held the shield line had now become separated from each other, using shield and baton to fend off rioters whose new objective was to bring punishment with their own paws. Keya flicks the selector, she’d already seen those people power through shockwater, and aims her gauntlet low.
Six, there were six rushing towards her and she couldn’t spare mental power to process even their species. She clenches her paw, grasping the trigger and firing a short stream of green fluid, the six raise up their arms expecting something else and leaving their lower limbs unprotected as the sticky substance covers feather, fur, scale and cloth. They have time to take one more step before the mess solidifies, their upper bodies lurching forward while their lower bodies refuse to move, they struggle to move to no avail resorting to their voices as their final weapon.
She spares a glance at Aren who’d been turned on by another half dozen, then focuses forward once again, Marik and his team had already retreated behind her and the shields were starting a slow retreat. Most of them had made it past behind her and Aren, their stickyfoam doing the final job of keeping people contained where the riot vehicle failed, but Lunek and a few others had remained ahead to cover against all manners of thrown objects.
The rage-fuelled burst, however, could only drive the rioters for so long and their will started to falter. The larger groups had begun to disperse, the whistles of the ambulances were starting to sound louder than the shouts, the noise of the LRAD had died out and the pressure gauge was indicating her stickyfoam tank was down to the last third. Keya felt, for a moment, that the crowd’s fury had been spent and she could relax.
And then she saw him. A man with a silver coat of fur, eyes filled with feral rage, body marred by scars new and old, twitching claws and angrily pawing at the ground. When their attentions crossed he ran at her, she aims her gauntlet low at him but he leaps, she tries to track his movement but he was too fast and lands with both hindpaws against her chest- She simply presses the trigger and swings her gauntlet up as the impact brings both of them to the ground.
Falling on her back against the backtank leaves her breathless for a moment. But Keya quickly recovers to stand back up, first assessing that nobody else was running at her- But even before she can do that the horrible gurgling sounds from the ground call her attention. The man had fallen, body partly immobilized with one of his arms stuck to his side, but he desperately claws at his face- Green viscosity covering his snout and leaking also out of his mouth.
“BRAHK!” Keya quickly kneels down beside him “MEDIC!” she shouts, pulling out the canister of solvent from her belt with a shaking paw “Stop- Stop it!” she says, trying to control the man’s frenzied free paw as she sprays the solvent on his face and mouth, before venturing her own paw between his teeth to attempt to pull the softened mass blocking the airway.
“Move, move, move!” a commanding voice comes from beside her, people with the green paw band had arrived “We got a blocked airway here, get the-” they quickly shoo her away and she’s more than happy to let the experts do their job. She stands back up and looks around, the sounds have died off save for the whistles of the ambulances.
There were people scattered on the ground, sitting on the curb, resting against walls, all of them nursing wounds. Glass littered the streets from every storefront and house in sight, no object present in the street was spared the pent up rage, and illuminating everything was the orange glow of flames. Flames, thankfully, contained to just one place.
Even from here she could see it, the front of the Regional had, in a twist of irony, taken ablaze. The flames threatened to spread further into the nearby buildings but as the rage of the riot died down people had arrived to stop it, a group was helping escort the water cannons towards the flames, one of them had already arrived and was dowsing the nearby buildings with water, wounded people refused being taken to the nearby hospital as they set up a bucket brigade to draw more water from nearby buildings to help soak the flames. Echoing in the distance were the sirens of the fire engines coming to the rescue.
Keya just stands there watching the shifting chaos, taking in deep breaths… “Hell…” is all she can say.
Even the most well organized, well prepared, demonstration can fall part. When so much wrong has been brought, when you finally have the chance to let the world hear you... Sometimes all that is left in you is pure fire and fury.
And in the end it just takes one person, and the herd follows. That is true for any thinking mind.
And always remember: Even the gentlest of blows is still a deadly strike.
2024.05.31 19:23 Aware_Machine_9838 (Selling) Long list of Movies and TV Shows, including Marvel, Disney, complete Star Wars bundle! Discounts on multiples!
13 Hours VUDU $5 (split) 3 From Hell (Unrated) MA 4K $10 31 VUDU HD $7 42 The Jackie Robinson Story MA $6 47 Ronin VUDU $5, iTunes 4K $6 (MA) (split) A Quiet Place VUDU 4K $9, VUDU HD $6, iTunes 4K $6 (split) A Quiet Place Part 2 VUDU 4K $10 Action Point VUDU $3, iTunes 4K $4 (split) Alfred Hitchcock collection MA 4K $30 (Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds) Alien MA 4K $9 All the Money in the World MA $6.50 Allied VUDU 4K $10, iTunes 4K $7 (split) Almost Famous VUDU 4K $10 American Gangster MA 4K $11 American Hustle MA $5 American Made MA 4K $10 American Psycho VUDU 4K $10 American Reunion MA $5 (split) Amira (drafthouse) $2 Anatomy of a Murder MA 4K $10 Animal House MA 4K $10 Anna MA 4K $10 Annihilation VUDU 4K $8, VUDU HD $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Antebellum VUDU 4K $10 Apocalypse Now VUDU 4K $10 Apollo 13 MA 4K $10 Argo MA $5 Arrival VUDU 4K $8, VUDU HD $4, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Atomic Blonde VUDU 4K $7, VUDU HD $4, iTunes 4K $6 (MA) (split) Back to the Future Trilogy MA 4K $20, MA HD $15 Bad Grandpa VUDU $5 (split) Battleship MA 4K $10 The Beguiled MA $5 (split) Benji (moviespree) $2 Beverly Hills Cop MA 4K $10 The Big Lebowsky VUDU 4K $10 The Birds MA 4K $9 Blade MA 4K $11 Blood Father VUDU $5 Bloodshot MA 4K $10 The Blues Brothers MA 4K $10 Book Club VUDU $4, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Boss Baby MA $5 The Boss (Unrated) iTunes $4 Bourne Identity VUDU 4K $8 (split) Bourne Supremacy VUDU HD $4 (split) Bourne Legacy VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $6 (MA) (split) Jason Bourne VUDU 4K $8 Braveheart VUDU 4K $10 The Breakfast Club MA $6 Bumblebee VUDU 4K $8 (split) The Bye Bye Man iTunes $5 Cabin in the Woods MA 4K $10, VUDU HD/iTunes 4K $6 The Campaign MA $5 Captain Fantastic MA $5 Casino MA 4K $10 Clint Eastwood a Cinematic Legacy MA HD $6 Cloverfield VUDU 4K $10 Clueless VUDU $7 Cold Pursuit VUDU 4K $10 The Commuter VUDU 4K $10 Crawl VUDU $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) The Curse of La Lorona MA $5 Daddy's Home VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Daddy's Home 2 VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Dallas Buyers Club VUDU $6, iTunes $6 (split) Darkest Hour MA 4K $10 Deadpool MA 4K $10 Deepwater Horizon VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $7 (split) Den of Thieves iTunes $5 Despicable Me 2 VUDU $5, iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Despicable Me 3 VUDU 4K $9, VUDU HD $5 (MA) (split) Dirty Grandpa MA 4K $10 Do the Right Thing MA 4K $10 Dom Hemingway MA $5 Dr. Strangelove MA 4K $10 Dredd VUDU 4K $10, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Dunkirk MA HD $6 E.T. iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Elysium VUDU 4K $10 Ender's Game VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Evil Dead 1 4K $8 Evil Dead 2 4K $8 (together $14) Ex Machina VUDU 4K $9, VUDU HD $5 The Expendables 3 (theatrical) VUDU $4, iTunes 4K $5 (split) The Expendables 3 (unrated) VUDU $4, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close MA $5 The Fast and the Furious MA 4K $8 The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift MA 4K $8 Fast Five MA HD $5 The Fate of the Furious MA HD $3 Fences MA $5 Field of Dreams MA 4K $10 Fifty Shades of Grey VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $6 (MA) (split) Fifty Shades Darker iTunes 4K $6 (MA) (split) Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within MA 4K $10 First Man MA 4K $10 Fist Fight MA $5 Focus MA $5 Forrest Gump MA 4K $10 Fury MA $5 Gandhi MA 4K $10 Gangster Squad MA $5 The Gentlemen iTunes 4K $8.50 Gemini Man VUDU 4K $9, iTunes 4K $6 (split) Get Out VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $5 (MA) (split) Ghostbusters: Answer the Call MA 4K $10 Ghost in the Shell (1995 - anime) VUDU 4K $8 Ghost in the Shell (2017 - movie) VUDU 4K $10 GI Joe Retaliation VUDU 4K $10 Girls Trip VUDU $5, iTunes $5 (MA) (split) Gold VUDU $6, iTunes $6 (split) Good Boys MA $7 Gone With the Wind MA $7 The Greatest Show On Earth MA $8 The Greatest Showman MA $6 The Great Wall VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $5 (split) The Green Knight VUDU 4K $10 Green Lantern + Green Lantern: Emerald Knights MA $9 The Grey VUDU $5 (split) Grudge Match MA $5 Hacksaw Ridge VUDU 4K $10 Hail, Caesar! MA $5, iTunes $5 (split) Harold and Maude VUDU $8 Harriet MA $7 The Hateful Eight VUDU/GP $6 The Heat MA $5 Hell Fest (2018) VUDU $5 Hell or High Water VUDU 4K $10 Hidden Figures iTunes 4K (MA) $8 Hitman's Bodyguard VUDU 4K $10 The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey MA $5 Home Alone MA 4K $8 Home Alone 2 MA HD $6 Hop VUDU $6, iTunes $6 (MA) (split) Horrible Bosses MA $5 Hostiles VUDU 4K $10 The House MA $5 How to Train Your Dragon 2 MA $4 Hugo VUDU $5 (split) The Hunger Games VUDU 4K $6, iTunes 4K $3 (split) The Huntsman: Winter’s War MA 4K $10 I Feel Pretty iTunes $5 Ice Age MA $4 Independence Day MA 4K $8 Inglourious Basterds MA 4K $10 Instant Family VUDU $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Interstellar VUDU 4K $11 Invisible Man (2020) MA $6 It's A Wonderful Life VUDU 4K $9, iTunes 4K $6 (split) Jack Reacher Never Go Back VUDU $5 (split) Jack Ryan VUDU $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Jaws MA 4K $10, MA HD $5 Jerry Maguire MA 4K $10 Jigsaw VUDU 4K $10, VUDU HD $7 John Wick VUDU 4K $9, VUDU HD $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) John Wick 2 VUDU HD $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) John Wick 3 VUDU 4K $9, VUDU HD/iTunes 4K $7 Journey 2 SD $2 Juice VUDU 4K $10 Jupiter Ascending MA $5 Jurassic Park VUDU $5 (split) Jurassic Park III VUDU $5 (split) The Karate Kid (1984) MA 4K $10 Kidnap VUDU $5, iTunes $5 (split) King Kong (2005) VUDU 4K $10, VUDU HD $5, iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Kingsman: Golden Circle MA 4K $7 Knights of Sidonia - Love Woven in the Stars (funimation) $8 La La Land VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) iTunes 4K $7 (split) Last Action Hero MA 4K $10 The Last Stand VUDU $5 Lawrence of Arabia MA 4K $10 Leprechaun 1-7 VUDU $15 Live by Night MA $5 Little Monsters $6.50 Logan 4K $8 Logan Lucky VUDU 4K $8 Lone Survivor VUDU 4K $8, iTunes 4K $7 (MA) The Longest Ride 4K $7 The Lorax iTunes $5 (MA) (split) Love & Monsters VUDU 4K $10 The Lucky One MA $5 Lucy MA 4K $10 Mad Max: The Road Warrior MA 4K $10 Mama (2013) iTunes $5 Mamma Mia! MA 4K $10 Man of Steel MA $5 Men in Black III MA $5 Midway MA 4K $10 Mile 22 iTunes 4K $7 Minions VUDU HD $5 Mission Impossible 1-6 VUDU 4K $45 Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation VUDU HD $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Mission Impossible: Fallout VUDU HD $3, iTunes 4K $3 (split) Mood (drafthouse) $2 Monster Hunter MA 4K $10 Mortal Kombat VUDU 4K $12 Mother! VUDU 4K $5, iTunes 4K $4 (split) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington MA 4K $10 The Mummy 1-3 MA 4K $18 (split) The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor iTunes 4K $6 (MA) (split) Murder on the Orient Express MA $6 Nebraska VUDU $5, iTunes $5 (split) Neighbors VUDU $5, iTunes $5 (MA) (split) News of the World MA 4K $10 Noah VUDU $5, iTunes $5 (MA) (split) Oblivion VUDU 4K $10, iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Office Christmas Party VUDU $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Oliver! MA 4K $10 Overlord VUDU 4K $6, VUDU HD $4, iTunes 4K $4 (split) Once Upon a Time in Hollywood MA 4K $10 Operation Finale iTunes 4K $6 Ouija: Origin of Evil iTunes $5 Peppermint iTunes $5 Pet Sematary (1989) VUDU 4K $10, iTunes 4K $7 (split) Pet Sematary (2019) VUDU 4K $8, VUDU HD $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Philadelphia MA 4K $10 Pitch Perfect VUDU $5, iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Pitch Perfect 2 VUDU $5 (split) Planes, Trains & Automobiles VUDU/iTunes $6 The Post MA HD $6 Power Rangers VUDU 4K $9, iTunes 4K $6 (split) Prometheus iTunes 4K (MA) $8 Psycho MA 4K $9 The Punisher VUDU 4K $10 The Purge VUDU $5 (split) The Purge 1-3 VUDU 4K $20, iTunes 4K $18 (MA) (split) Rambo 1-5 VUDU HD $20 Rambo: First Blood VUDU 4K $9 Rambo (2008) VUDU 4K $9 Rampage MA $6 Ran VUDU 4K $10 Rear Window MA 4K $10 Red Heat VUDU 4K $10 Red Sparrow MA $6 Resident Evil MA 4K $10 Resident Evil: Afterlife MA 4K $10 Resident Evi: The Final Chapter MA 4K $10 Requiem for a Dream VUDU 4K $10 The Revenant MA 4K $8 Robin Hood (2018) MA 4K $8 Robocop (2014) VUDU/GP $5 Rocketman VUDU 4K $9, iTunes 4K $6 (split) Roman Holiday VUDU/iTunes $8 Saw VUDU 4K $9 Scarface MA 4K $10 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World MA 4K $10 Scream (1996) VUDU 4K $9 The Secret Life of Pets MA 4K $10, MA HD $5 Sense and Sensibility MA 4K $10 Sherlock Holmes Game of Shadows MA HD $5 Sicario VUDU 4K $9, VUDU HD $5, iTunes 4K $6 (split) She's The Man VUDU/iTunes $6 Shrek MA 4K $10 Shutter Island VUDU 4K $10 Skyscraper MA 4K $10, MA HD $5 Sleepless MA $5 Snatched iTunes 4K (MA) $6 Snow White and the Huntsman iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Snowden iTunes $5 (MA) The Social Network MA 4K $10 Sonic the Hedgehog MA 4K $10 Spartacus MA 4K $10 Speed MA 4K $10 Spider-Man Homecoming MA 4K $10 Star Trek Into Darkness VUDU 4K $10 VUDU HD $5, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Star Trek Beyond VUDU 4K $9, VUDU HD/iTunes 4K $5 (split) Steel Dawn VUDU $5 The Sting MA 4K $10 Straight Outta Compton MA 4K $10 Stripes MA 4K $10 The Suicide Squad MA 4K $10 Super 8 VUDU 4K $10 Tammy MA $5 Taxi Driver MA 4K $10 Ted (unrated) VUDU $5, iTunes $5 (split) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) iTunes 4K $5 (split) The Ten Commandments VUDU 4K $9 Terminator 2 VUDU 4K $10 Terminator Dark Fate VUDU 4K $9, iTunes 4K $5 (split) Terminator Genesis VUDU 4K $9 The Theory of Everything iTunes $5 (MA) (split) Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri MA $7 Top Gun VUDU 4K $10 Total Recall VUDU 4K $10 Transformers 4 Age of Extinction VUDU HD $5 (split) Unforgettable MA $5 Universal Soldier VUDU 4K $10 Upgrade (2018) MA $7.50 The Upside iTunes $5 Underworld MA 4K $10 Underworld: Blood Wars MA 4K $10 Underworld: Evolution MA 4K $10 Universal Classic Monsters MA 4K $30 (Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Wolfman) Vanilla Sky VUDU HD/iTunes 4K $7.50 Valerian VUDU $6 Vertigo MA 4K $10 War for the Planet of the Apes iTunes 4K (MA) $6 Warcraft VUDU 4K $10, iTunes 4K $7 (MA) (split) Warrior VUDU 4K/iTunes 4K $10 What Men Want VUDU $5, iTunes $5 (split) White Boy Rick MA $7 Why Him? iTunes 4K (MA) $6 Widows MA $7 Wolf of Wall Street VUDU 4K $10 Wonder VUDU HD/iTunes 4K $6 Wonder Park VUDU $5, iTunes 4K $6 (split) Wonder Woman 1984 MA 4K $10 Wrath of the Titans MA $5 X-Men: Days of Future Past iTunes 4K (MA) $8, MA HD $5 XxX Return of Xander Cage VUDU $4, iTunes 4K $5 (split) You're Next VUDU $6
submitted by Aware_Machine_9838 to DigitalCodeSELL [link] [comments]
Sony Buff Pass MA $8
Disney/Marvel (all split) Aladdin iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $6 Ant-Man and the Wasp iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K) The Avengers iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $6 The Avengers: Age of Ultron iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $6 Avengers: Endgame MA 4K $8, GP $5 Avengers: Infinity War MA 4K $8, GP $5 Bedknobs And Broomsticks GP $8 The Big Friendly Giant (BFG) GP $7 Big Hero 6 GP $6 Black Widow MA 4K $12, MA HD $8, GP $6 Captain America: The First Avenger iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $7 Captain America: The Winter Soldier iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $7 Captain America: Civil War iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $7 Captain Marvel MA 4K $8, GP $5 Celebrating Mickey MA $8 Christopher Robin MA $7 Cruella MA 4K $12, GP $8 Finding Dory iTunes 4K $8 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $4 The French Dispatch MA $10 Frozen GP $4 The Good Dinosaur GP $4 Hocus Pocus MA 4K $10, GP $7 Jungle Cruise MA $9, GP $7 The Lion King iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $5 The Little Mermaid iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K) Maleficient MA 4K $10, iTunes 4K $9, GP $7 Maleficent: Mistress of Evil MA 4K $10 Million Dollar Arm MA $8, GP $7 Moana iTunes 4K $8 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $4 Mulan (animated) iTunes 4K $8 (ports in 4K to VUDU), GP $6 Mulan II MA $8 Mulan 2020 (live action) GP $5 Nomadland GP $6 Peter Pan Return To Never Land MA $10, GP $9 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales iTunes 4K $10 (ports to VUDU in 4K), GP $6 Pinocchio MA $9, GP $7 Pocahontas GP $8 The Santa Clause GP $7 Shang Chi GP $5 Star Wars 1-9 MA 4K $75, GP $55 Star Wars: The Force Awakens MA 4K $8, GP $4 Star Wars: The Last Jedi MA 4K $8, GP $4 Ralph Breaks the Internet MA 4K $8, GP $5 Robin Hood (animated) GP $8 Rogue One GP $5 Tarzan GP $8 Thor: Ragnarok iTunes 4K $8 (ports in 4K to VUDU), GP $4 Toy Story GP $6 Toy Story 4 MA 4K $10, GP $6Who Framed Roger Rabbit MA 4K $10, GP $6
TV Shows The Blacklist - season 2 VUDU $6 Game of Thrones - season 1 iTunes $5 (split) Game of Thrones - season 2 iTunes $5 (split)Man Men – Final Season Part 2 VUDU $5
I accept PayPal Goods and Services. Prices available when buying 3 or more titles (I will be covering the fees). For less than 3 titles add a 10% PayPal fee to the total. HD quality where not mentioned.2024.05.31 15:31 NoGanache1407 What is the style called for all these flashy new indie startups
 | I've been working on a web app but I know nothing about frontend. I see all these websites on Twitter with the same style UI but I have no idea what it's called. Is it a CSS boilerplate or something? submitted by NoGanache1407 to Frontend [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/30f76wmalr3d1.png?width=3770&format=png&auto=webp&s=249d38bd85febf706c5cbbbcdd8d3740773e3ebe https://preview.redd.it/kxbk2pmalr3d1.png?width=2968&format=png&auto=webp&s=e36e95d80b10da0b16b5e50ef8cbe29b92c8dd35 https://preview.redd.it/xsqssomalr3d1.png?width=3266&format=png&auto=webp&s=7053e10ef13d3abda251c8e16c7d715b97dff516 |
2024.05.31 14:59 adriannelestrange How to Create Irresistible Offer, Value and Headlines for Your Startup!
Hey, Hi. I'm back again! Let's start.
The best businesses fail because they can’t get their value across.
Imagine reading “Transforming your content game to supercharge your growth”
You’ll scroll right over it.
Now instead of that, let’s say
“Create viral content from our library, 10 times faster”
That’s interesting, isn’t it?
Most startup founders think that if their idea is good enough, they’ll come. But they never do.
A great product doesn’t matter if…
So, in the next 10 minutes, you will learn…
There’s a product advertised with the following titles.
“How to lose weight”
You understand that this product tells you how to lose weight.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want”
Okay, it seems more realistic because now you’re imagining yourself in great bikini.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over”
Okay, now this lets go of the objection that you’re too heavy to try it”
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over in next 2 months”
This got way better. This is becoming increasingly possible and making you imagine your dream in next 2 months.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over in next 2 months without sacrificing pizza”
Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’d def click this. I don’t even want a bikini body but this sentence just screams value. It makes me feel like it has some secret value, something I don’t know, and I wanna grab it.
Now what happened with each sentence that I wrote?
So the equation of value would be -
Value = (Dream Outcome x Perceived Likelihood of Achievement) / (Time delay x Effort and Sacrifice)
To see it more clearly, check this image!
Technically, if you decrease time and effort to 0 you can infinite the value.
That means, if they can use your product and get healthy instantly, that’s AMAZING, right? But that’s not possible.
However we can try to minimize it when we are building our service/product!
So now,
Before you start selling create what you offer in this way. Infact, before you start building your startup, or adding more features think about what part of this equation it changes.
Not changes any? Huh? Will your users care?
Infact, it gives a direction as well when you now wanna add more features.
Now let’s create formulas for great headlines!
I’ll end it with an example for a super techy startup.
My only ask?
Throw the marketing jargon like “SUPERCHARGE” “TRASNFORM” in dustbin. Use words your users know.
Like if it’s a dating app, use the words “red flags” since that’s the lingo everyone uses!
Now let’s build formula…
What? The only How? that Who? for Why? Who want When? in an era
Dream outcome
Now let’s try to apply this on a random startup I found.
Let’s say I have Next.Js Boilerplate for creators who aren’t coders, launch their priced courses on their separate website instead of using shopify, etsy, gumroad.
Whew, I chose a tough one. It’s very technical and so, it makes an interesting example.
So, let’s do it.
Part 1
What? The only Bolierplate Course
How? That can launch courses on a 100% owned website without learning how to code
Who? For creators
Why? Who want to sell courses, own 100% of what they make, and customize everything as per themselves
When? In an era where everyone uses same stores, gives away 22% of hard earned money, and have to use 10+ SaaS for waitlist, upsell, testimonials
Part 2
Dream Outcome
Just use them throughout your landing page or website.
Best part? You don’t have to be a copywriter to write these. Just put words in the formula and you’re good to go.
Now let’s come to the BONUS section!
“With our artisanal sourdough crust, hand-stretched and wood-fired to perfect leopard char, our Margherita pizza delivers an authentic Neapolitan flavor experience like no other.”
As someone who just wanted a damned pizza, you would think — “Huh? I just want some good pizza, not sure what leopard char is.”
Now how this would be?
“Craving an authentic, mouth-watering pizza? Our oven-fresh pies use quality ingredients for a delicious taste.”
Better, right?
That’s the difference.
The difference is in awareness levels. How aware are you of your problem and solution?
Most people suck at selling because they do the pizza thing. Not using the correct words for the correct audience.
Now before we go beyond, I’ll explain the awareness levels in the simplest language
So, if you are running ads on facebook, where no one knows you..you are with an unaware and problem-aware audience.
While if you are running ads on a particular Facebook or Reddit group of people dealing with these problems, you are in solution solution-aware audience.
Finally, the goal of your marketing funnel is to take your audience from unaware/problem aware to most aware so they buyyyy from you!
Some simple formulas for each audience
Lemme wrap this up real quick!
If you liked this, I’d appreciate a like so it reaches more founders.
I’m also doing SaaS marketing deep dives over 30 pieces of content, so follow along if you loved it :)
You can find older posts on my profile
Cheers!
submitted by adriannelestrange to startups [link] [comments]
The best businesses fail because they can’t get their value across.
Imagine reading “Transforming your content game to supercharge your growth”
You’ll scroll right over it.
Now instead of that, let’s say
“Create viral content from our library, 10 times faster”
That’s interesting, isn’t it?
Most startup founders think that if their idea is good enough, they’ll come. But they never do.
A great product doesn’t matter if…
- You’re not able to convince the audience it is great
- You’re not able to show the value you bring
- You’re not able to get them to take action
A single block of text has the power to stop your phone ringing with stripe notifications.The block of text where you couldn’t convince them that your product was worth their money and time.
So, in the next 10 minutes, you will learn…
- How to create an offer so good that they can’t say no (No.. you don’t have to add more features)
- How to write a great headline from your offer creation
- Bonus — Awareness level
How to create an offer so good they can’t say no!
Alex Hormozi in his book $100M offers shares a value equation. Before we can come to that, let’s understand what “value” is.There’s a product advertised with the following titles.
“How to lose weight”
You understand that this product tells you how to lose weight.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want”
Okay, it seems more realistic because now you’re imagining yourself in great bikini.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over”
Okay, now this lets go of the objection that you’re too heavy to try it”
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over in next 2 months”
This got way better. This is becoming increasingly possible and making you imagine your dream in next 2 months.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over in next 2 months without sacrificing pizza”
Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’d def click this. I don’t even want a bikini body but this sentence just screams value. It makes me feel like it has some secret value, something I don’t know, and I wanna grab it.
Now what happened with each sentence that I wrote?
- First I added the simple How to
- Then I added the DREAM outcome
- Then I added the objection. Or anything that makes you feel an increased likelihood of achievement
- Then I decreased the time delay.
- And finally, I decreased the “efforts and sacrifice” I am asking from you. You don’t have to sacrifice pizza, how cool is that?
So the equation of value would be -
Value = (Dream Outcome x Perceived Likelihood of Achievement) / (Time delay x Effort and Sacrifice)
To see it more clearly, check this image!
Technically, if you decrease time and effort to 0 you can infinite the value.
That means, if they can use your product and get healthy instantly, that’s AMAZING, right? But that’s not possible.
However we can try to minimize it when we are building our service/product!
So now,
Before you start selling create what you offer in this way. Infact, before you start building your startup, or adding more features think about what part of this equation it changes.
Not changes any? Huh? Will your users care?
Infact, it gives a direction as well when you now wanna add more features.
Now let’s create formulas for great headlines!
How to write seductive headlines
Let’s figure out how to write a great headline from the offer- this headline can be used on your landing page, in your copy, in ads, and anywhere where you wanna talk to the user.I’ll end it with an example for a super techy startup.
My only ask?
Throw the marketing jargon like “SUPERCHARGE” “TRASNFORM” in dustbin. Use words your users know.
Like if it’s a dating app, use the words “red flags” since that’s the lingo everyone uses!
Now let’s build formula…
Part 1- Basic Offer — I’m the ONE
This part is more for helping you niche down and be specific in your offerWhat? The only How? that Who? for Why? Who want When? in an era
Part 2 — Components of Value Equation
Let’s convert the value equation into words.Dream outcome
- Get [Dream outcome in simple words your audience uses everyday
- Increase [Positive Metric] by [Number or percentage)
- Decrease [Negative Metric] by [Number or percentage)
- [Benefit] Guaranteed or your money back
- Join [Number] people who have successfully [Achieved]
- Even if you [Common objection]
- In Just [Time Delay]
- Immediate Access to [Benefit]
- Start seeing results in [Time Delay]
- Without [Common effort/sacrifice]
- No More [Pain point]
- Reduce [Common Objection] by [Percentage/amount]
- [Get Dream Outcome In Simple Words] For [Who] Without [Common Effort/Sacrifice] — [Increasing Positive Metric] In Just [Time Delay]
- [Who], No More [Pain Point]. Helping [What], [How]. [Dream Result] In Just [Time Delay]
- [Number] [Who] Are [Achieving Dream Outcome] With [What]. Your Turn: [Benefit] Without [Common Effort/Sacrifice]. Start [Time Delay]
- [Who] Wanting [Dream Outcome]? We’ve Helped [Number] [Achieve Dream Outcome] By [How]. Your [Benefit] In [Time Delay], No [Common Effort/Sacrifice].
- The only [What] that [How] for [Who] who want [Dream Outcome] — [Decreasing Negative Metric] by [NumbePercentage] without [Common Effort/Sacrifice]
Now let’s try to apply this on a random startup I found.
Let’s say I have Next.Js Boilerplate for creators who aren’t coders, launch their priced courses on their separate website instead of using shopify, etsy, gumroad.
Whew, I chose a tough one. It’s very technical and so, it makes an interesting example.
So, let’s do it.
Part 1
What? The only Bolierplate Course
How? That can launch courses on a 100% owned website without learning how to code
Who? For creators
Why? Who want to sell courses, own 100% of what they make, and customize everything as per themselves
When? In an era where everyone uses same stores, gives away 22% of hard earned money, and have to use 10+ SaaS for waitlist, upsell, testimonials
Part 2
Dream Outcome
- Launch your course on your own platform and own 100% of it
- Increase profits by 20%
- Decrease the SaaS subscriptions you take to manage your funnel
- Increase in Profits guaranteed or your money back
- 20 Creators have Tried this, and saw an increase in sales by 10x
- Even if you don’t know how to code
- In just one hour
- Immediate Access to our boilerplate and a valet to onboard you
- Start seeing results in 2 days
- Without spending thousands on domain names, testimonial services, and gumroad
- Without learning how to code
- No more splitting your profits
- Reduce the time you spend to intergate your funnel
- Launch Your Course and Own 100% of It. For Creators. Without Spending Thousands on 5 Different Apps— Increase Profits by 20% In Just One Hour
- Creators, No More Splitting Your Profits. Helping Launch Courses On 100% Owned Websites Without Learning To Code. 10X Increased Sales In Just 2 Days!
- 20 Creators Are Launching Their Courses On Their Own Platforms With Next.js Boilerplate. Your Turn: Profits Increase Guaranteed Without Learning To Code. Start In 1 Hour, and have a Valet Onboard you!
- Creators! Wanting To Own 100% Of Your Course Revenue? We’ve Helped 20 Creators 10X Their Sales By Launching On Custom Websites. Your Profit Increase In 2 Days, No Coding Required.
- The Only Boilerplate That Can Launch Courses On 100% Owned Websites Without Learning To Code. For Creators, Who Want To Maximize Revenue — Decrease SaaS Subscriptions by 80% Without Giving Away 22% of Profits
Just use them throughout your landing page or website.
Best part? You don’t have to be a copywriter to write these. Just put words in the formula and you’re good to go.
Now let’s come to the BONUS section!
BONUS — Awareness Levels
Let’s say you are hungry and you want pizza. And then you see the ad that says…“With our artisanal sourdough crust, hand-stretched and wood-fired to perfect leopard char, our Margherita pizza delivers an authentic Neapolitan flavor experience like no other.”
As someone who just wanted a damned pizza, you would think — “Huh? I just want some good pizza, not sure what leopard char is.”
Now how this would be?
“Craving an authentic, mouth-watering pizza? Our oven-fresh pies use quality ingredients for a delicious taste.”
Better, right?
That’s the difference.
The difference is in awareness levels. How aware are you of your problem and solution?
Most people suck at selling because they do the pizza thing. Not using the correct words for the correct audience.
Now before we go beyond, I’ll explain the awareness levels in the simplest language
- Unaware: People don’t know they have a problem or need.
- Problem Aware: People know they have a problem but don’t know there are solutions. That they even exist!
- Solution Aware: People know there are solutions, but not your solution.
- Product Aware: People know about your product, but they aren’t sure if it’s right for them.
- Most Aware: People know your product well and are ready to buy.
So, if you are running ads on facebook, where no one knows you..you are with an unaware and problem-aware audience.
While if you are running ads on a particular Facebook or Reddit group of people dealing with these problems, you are in solution solution-aware audience.
Finally, the goal of your marketing funnel is to take your audience from unaware/problem aware to most aware so they buyyyy from you!
Some simple formulas for each audience
- Unaware: [Highlight the unknown problem/need] and you’ll miss out on [major benefit]
- Problem Aware: Finally, a solution for [their problem] — without [major pain point]
- Solution Aware: The [differentiated benefit] [product name] that [solves their problem]
- Product Aware: See why [number] [target customers] chose [product name] to [obtain desired outcome]
- Most Aware: Don’t miss this [limited window]: Get [product name] today for [major perceived value]
Lemme wrap this up real quick!
- Think about the value you are providing when you start building your business
- Don’t think about it in terms of features or even simple benefits but Dream outcome, perceived likelihood, time spent, sacrifice needed
- Use the formulas across your website to get your value across. That simple wall of text will convert to stripe notifications!
- There are 5 awareness levels, and based on that level — you need to pitch or advertise your business — Most makers don’t know this
- Be empathetic. Think why should they care about your business and how you can help them?
If you liked this, I’d appreciate a like so it reaches more founders.
I’m also doing SaaS marketing deep dives over 30 pieces of content, so follow along if you loved it :)
You can find older posts on my profile
Cheers!
2024.05.31 14:59 adriannelestrange How to Create Irresistible Offer, Value and Headlines for Your SaaS - So Customer FINALLY gets what you're value you are providing!
Hey, Hi. I'm back again! Let's start.
The best businesses fail because they can’t get their value across.
Imagine reading “Transforming your content game to supercharge your growth”
You’ll scroll right over it.
Now instead of that, let’s say
“Create viral content from our library, 10 times faster”
That’s interesting, isn’t it?
Most startup founders think that if their idea is good enough, they’ll come. But they never do.
A great product doesn’t matter if…
So, in the next 10 minutes, you will learn…
There’s a product advertised with the following titles.
“How to lose weight”
You understand that this product tells you how to lose weight.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want”
Okay, it seems more realistic because now you’re imagining yourself in great bikini.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over”
Okay, now this lets go of the objection that you’re too heavy to try it”
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over in next 2 months”
This got way better. This is becoming increasingly possible and making you imagine your dream in next 2 months.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over in next 2 months without sacrificing pizza”
Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’d def click this. I don’t even want a bikini body but this sentence just screams value. It makes me feel like it has some secret value, something I don’t know, and I wanna grab it.
Now what happened with each sentence that I wrote?
So the equation of value would be -
Value = (Dream Outcome x Perceived Likelihood of Achievement) / (Time delay x Effort and Sacrifice)
To see it more clearly, check this image!
Technically, if you decrease time and effort to 0 you can infinite the value.
That means, if they can use your product and get healthy instantly, that’s AMAZING, right? But that’s not possible.
However we can try to minimize it when we are building our service/product!
So now,
Before you start selling create what you offer in this way. Infact, before you start building your startup, or adding more features think about what part of this equation it changes.
Not changes any? Huh? Will your users care?
Infact, it gives a direction as well when you now wanna add more features.
Now let’s create formulas for great headlines!
I’ll end it with an example for a super techy startup.
My only ask?
Throw the marketing jargon like “SUPERCHARGE” “TRASNFORM” in dustbin. Use words your users know.
Like if it’s a dating app, use the words “red flags” since that’s the lingo everyone uses!
Now let’s build formula…
What? The only How? that Who? for Why? Who want When? in an era
Dream outcome
Now let’s try to apply this on a random startup I found.
Let’s say I have Next.Js Boilerplate for creators who aren’t coders, launch their priced courses on their separate website instead of using shopify, etsy, gumroad.
Whew, I chose a tough one. It’s very technical and so, it makes an interesting example.
So, let’s do it.
Part 1
What? The only Bolierplate Course
How? That can launch courses on a 100% owned website without learning how to code
Who? For creators
Why? Who want to sell courses, own 100% of what they make, and customize everything as per themselves
When? In an era where everyone uses same stores, gives away 22% of hard earned money, and have to use 10+ SaaS for waitlist, upsell, testimonials
Part 2
Dream Outcome
Just use them throughout your landing page or website.
Best part? You don’t have to be a copywriter to write these. Just put words in the formula and you’re good to go.
Now let’s come to the BONUS section!
“With our artisanal sourdough crust, hand-stretched and wood-fired to perfect leopard char, our Margherita pizza delivers an authentic Neapolitan flavor experience like no other.”
As someone who just wanted a damned pizza, you would think — “Huh? I just want some good pizza, not sure what leopard char is.”
Now how this would be?
“Craving an authentic, mouth-watering pizza? Our oven-fresh pies use quality ingredients for a delicious taste.”
Better, right?
That’s the difference.
The difference is in awareness levels. How aware are you of your problem and solution?
Most people suck at selling because they do the pizza thing. Not using the correct words for the correct audience.
Now before we go beyond, I’ll explain the awareness levels in the simplest language
So, if you are running ads on facebook, where no one knows you..you are with an unaware and problem-aware audience.
While if you are running ads on a particular Facebook or Reddit group of people dealing with these problems, you are in solution solution-aware audience.
Finally, the goal of your marketing funnel is to take your audience from unaware/problem aware to most aware so they buyyyy from you!
Some simple formulas for each audience
Lemme wrap this up real quick!
If you liked this, I’d appreciate a like so it reaches more founders.
I’m also doing SaaS marketing deep dives over 30 pieces of content, so follow along if you loved it :)
You can find older posts on my profile
Cheers!
submitted by adriannelestrange to SaaS [link] [comments]
The best businesses fail because they can’t get their value across.
Imagine reading “Transforming your content game to supercharge your growth”
You’ll scroll right over it.
Now instead of that, let’s say
“Create viral content from our library, 10 times faster”
That’s interesting, isn’t it?
Most startup founders think that if their idea is good enough, they’ll come. But they never do.
A great product doesn’t matter if…
- You’re not able to convince the audience it is great
- You’re not able to show the value you bring
- You’re not able to get them to take action
A single block of text has the power to stop your phone ringing with stripe notifications.The block of text where you couldn’t convince them that your product was worth their money and time.
So, in the next 10 minutes, you will learn…
- How to create an offer so good that they can’t say no (No.. you don’t have to add more features)
- How to write a great headline from your offer creation
- Bonus — Awareness level
How to create an offer so good they can’t say no!
Alex Hormozi in his book $100M offers shares a value equation. Before we can come to that, let’s understand what “value” is.There’s a product advertised with the following titles.
“How to lose weight”
You understand that this product tells you how to lose weight.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want”
Okay, it seems more realistic because now you’re imagining yourself in great bikini.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over”
Okay, now this lets go of the objection that you’re too heavy to try it”
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over in next 2 months”
This got way better. This is becoming increasingly possible and making you imagine your dream in next 2 months.
“How to lose weight to get the bikini body you want even if you are 100lbs over in next 2 months without sacrificing pizza”
Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’d def click this. I don’t even want a bikini body but this sentence just screams value. It makes me feel like it has some secret value, something I don’t know, and I wanna grab it.
Now what happened with each sentence that I wrote?
- First I added the simple How to
- Then I added the DREAM outcome
- Then I added the objection. Or anything that makes you feel an increased likelihood of achievement
- Then I decreased the time delay.
- And finally, I decreased the “efforts and sacrifice” I am asking from you. You don’t have to sacrifice pizza, how cool is that?
So the equation of value would be -
Value = (Dream Outcome x Perceived Likelihood of Achievement) / (Time delay x Effort and Sacrifice)
To see it more clearly, check this image!
Technically, if you decrease time and effort to 0 you can infinite the value.
That means, if they can use your product and get healthy instantly, that’s AMAZING, right? But that’s not possible.
However we can try to minimize it when we are building our service/product!
So now,
Before you start selling create what you offer in this way. Infact, before you start building your startup, or adding more features think about what part of this equation it changes.
Not changes any? Huh? Will your users care?
Infact, it gives a direction as well when you now wanna add more features.
Now let’s create formulas for great headlines!
How to write seductive headlines
Let’s figure out how to write a great headline from the offer- this headline can be used on your landing page, in your copy, in ads, and anywhere where you wanna talk to the user.I’ll end it with an example for a super techy startup.
My only ask?
Throw the marketing jargon like “SUPERCHARGE” “TRASNFORM” in dustbin. Use words your users know.
Like if it’s a dating app, use the words “red flags” since that’s the lingo everyone uses!
Now let’s build formula…
Part 1- Basic Offer — I’m the ONE
This part is more for helping you niche down and be specific in your offerWhat? The only How? that Who? for Why? Who want When? in an era
Part 2 — Components of Value Equation
Let’s convert the value equation into words.Dream outcome
- Get [Dream outcome in simple words your audience uses everyday
- Increase [Positive Metric] by [Number or percentage)
- Decrease [Negative Metric] by [Number or percentage)
- [Benefit] Guaranteed or your money back
- Join [Number] people who have successfully [Achieved]
- Even if you [Common objection]
- In Just [Time Delay]
- Immediate Access to [Benefit]
- Start seeing results in [Time Delay]
- Without [Common effort/sacrifice]
- No More [Pain point]
- Reduce [Common Objection] by [Percentage/amount]
- [Get Dream Outcome In Simple Words] For [Who] Without [Common Effort/Sacrifice] — [Increasing Positive Metric] In Just [Time Delay]
- [Who], No More [Pain Point]. Helping [What], [How]. [Dream Result] In Just [Time Delay]
- [Number] [Who] Are [Achieving Dream Outcome] With [What]. Your Turn: [Benefit] Without [Common Effort/Sacrifice]. Start [Time Delay]
- [Who] Wanting [Dream Outcome]? We’ve Helped [Number] [Achieve Dream Outcome] By [How]. Your [Benefit] In [Time Delay], No [Common Effort/Sacrifice].
- The only [What] that [How] for [Who] who want [Dream Outcome] — [Decreasing Negative Metric] by [NumbePercentage] without [Common Effort/Sacrifice]
Now let’s try to apply this on a random startup I found.
Let’s say I have Next.Js Boilerplate for creators who aren’t coders, launch their priced courses on their separate website instead of using shopify, etsy, gumroad.
Whew, I chose a tough one. It’s very technical and so, it makes an interesting example.
So, let’s do it.
Part 1
What? The only Bolierplate Course
How? That can launch courses on a 100% owned website without learning how to code
Who? For creators
Why? Who want to sell courses, own 100% of what they make, and customize everything as per themselves
When? In an era where everyone uses same stores, gives away 22% of hard earned money, and have to use 10+ SaaS for waitlist, upsell, testimonials
Part 2
Dream Outcome
- Launch your course on your own platform and own 100% of it
- Increase profits by 20%
- Decrease the SaaS subscriptions you take to manage your funnel
- Increase in Profits guaranteed or your money back
- 20 Creators have Tried this, and saw an increase in sales by 10x
- Even if you don’t know how to code
- In just one hour
- Immediate Access to our boilerplate and a valet to onboard you
- Start seeing results in 2 days
- Without spending thousands on domain names, testimonial services, and gumroad
- Without learning how to code
- No more splitting your profits
- Reduce the time you spend to intergate your funnel
- Launch Your Course and Own 100% of It. For Creators. Without Spending Thousands on 5 Different Apps— Increase Profits by 20% In Just One Hour
- Creators, No More Splitting Your Profits. Helping Launch Courses On 100% Owned Websites Without Learning To Code. 10X Increased Sales In Just 2 Days!
- 20 Creators Are Launching Their Courses On Their Own Platforms With Next.js Boilerplate. Your Turn: Profits Increase Guaranteed Without Learning To Code. Start In 1 Hour, and have a Valet Onboard you!
- Creators! Wanting To Own 100% Of Your Course Revenue? We’ve Helped 20 Creators 10X Their Sales By Launching On Custom Websites. Your Profit Increase In 2 Days, No Coding Required.
- The Only Boilerplate That Can Launch Courses On 100% Owned Websites Without Learning To Code. For Creators, Who Want To Maximize Revenue — Decrease SaaS Subscriptions by 80% Without Giving Away 22% of Profits
Just use them throughout your landing page or website.
Best part? You don’t have to be a copywriter to write these. Just put words in the formula and you’re good to go.
Now let’s come to the BONUS section!
BONUS — Awareness Levels
Let’s say you are hungry and you want pizza. And then you see the ad that says…“With our artisanal sourdough crust, hand-stretched and wood-fired to perfect leopard char, our Margherita pizza delivers an authentic Neapolitan flavor experience like no other.”
As someone who just wanted a damned pizza, you would think — “Huh? I just want some good pizza, not sure what leopard char is.”
Now how this would be?
“Craving an authentic, mouth-watering pizza? Our oven-fresh pies use quality ingredients for a delicious taste.”
Better, right?
That’s the difference.
The difference is in awareness levels. How aware are you of your problem and solution?
Most people suck at selling because they do the pizza thing. Not using the correct words for the correct audience.
Now before we go beyond, I’ll explain the awareness levels in the simplest language
- Unaware: People don’t know they have a problem or need.
- Problem Aware: People know they have a problem but don’t know there are solutions. That they even exist!
- Solution Aware: People know there are solutions, but not your solution.
- Product Aware: People know about your product, but they aren’t sure if it’s right for them.
- Most Aware: People know your product well and are ready to buy.
So, if you are running ads on facebook, where no one knows you..you are with an unaware and problem-aware audience.
While if you are running ads on a particular Facebook or Reddit group of people dealing with these problems, you are in solution solution-aware audience.
Finally, the goal of your marketing funnel is to take your audience from unaware/problem aware to most aware so they buyyyy from you!
Some simple formulas for each audience
- Unaware: [Highlight the unknown problem/need] and you’ll miss out on [major benefit]
- Problem Aware: Finally, a solution for [their problem] — without [major pain point]
- Solution Aware: The [differentiated benefit] [product name] that [solves their problem]
- Product Aware: See why [number] [target customers] chose [product name] to [obtain desired outcome]
- Most Aware: Don’t miss this [limited window]: Get [product name] today for [major perceived value]
Lemme wrap this up real quick!
- Think about the value you are providing when you start building your business
- Don’t think about it in terms of features or even simple benefits but Dream outcome, perceived likelihood, time spent, sacrifice needed
- Use the formulas across your website to get your value across. That simple wall of text will convert to stripe notifications!
- There are 5 awareness levels, and based on that level — you need to pitch or advertise your business — Most makers don’t know this
- Be empathetic. Think why should they care about your business and how you can help them?
If you liked this, I’d appreciate a like so it reaches more founders.
I’m also doing SaaS marketing deep dives over 30 pieces of content, so follow along if you loved it :)
You can find older posts on my profile
Cheers!
2024.05.31 13:08 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 100.000$+ INVENTORY. BFK Lore, Gloves Amphibious, Skeleton Fade, Bowie Emerald, BFK Auto, Gloves MF, Talon Doppler, Gloves POW, Bayo Tiger, Gut Sapphire, Stiletto MF, M9 Ultra, Ursus Doppler, Flip Doppler, M9 Stained, Nomad CW, Paracord CW, AK-47 X-Ray & A Lot More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
All Buyouts are listed in cash value.
KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Lore (Factory New), B/O: $7194.77
★ Butterfly Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2025.74
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $557.87
★ M9 Bayonet Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $529.41
★ M9 Bayonet Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $465.39
⎯★ Talon Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $1295.27
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth (Minimal Wear), B/O: $746.28
★ Karambit Bright Water (Field-Tested), B/O: $688.15
⎯★ Flip Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $547.93
★ Flip Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $476.69
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $278.18
★ Flip Knife Black Laminate (Well-Worn), B/O: $258.83
★ Flip Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $181.64
⎯★ Stiletto Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $686.04
★ Stiletto Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $665.41
★ Stiletto Knife, B/O: $601.39
★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $418.25
★ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $227.80
★ Stiletto Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.96
★ Stiletto Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $192.79
⎯★ Nomad Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $518.11
★ Nomad Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $169.78
★ Nomad Knife Forest DDPAT (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $166.88
★ StatTrak™ Nomad Knife Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $335.79
⎯★ Skeleton Knife Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $442.05
★ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Minimal Wear), B/O: $426.24
★ Skeleton Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $314.03
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2361.28
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $376.53
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $557.12
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $471.42
★ Ursus Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $212.37
★ Ursus Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $187.66
★ Ursus Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $178.18
★ Ursus Knife Ultraviolet (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $155.13
★ Ursus Knife Boreal Forest (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.26
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Minimal Wear), B/O: $204.83
★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Field-Tested), B/O: $184.50
★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Lore (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $224.11
⎯★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $2142.02
★ Bowie Knife, B/O: $230.44
★ Bowie Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $209.20
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.51
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Falchion Knife Night (Field-Tested), B/O: $132.54
★ Falchion Knife Urban Masked (Well-Worn), B/O: $112.81
★ Falchion Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $108.81
★ Falchion Knife Forest DDPAT (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.82
★ Falchion Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.46
★ StatTrak™ Falchion Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $143.08
⎯★ Paracord Knife Crimson Web (Minimal Wear), B/O: $486.48
★ Paracord Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $163.12
⎯★ Survival Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $138.26
★ Survival Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Gut Knife Sapphire (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1127.79
★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $286.17
★ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $246.55
★ Gut Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $240.77
★ Gut Knife, B/O: $210.49
★ Gut Knife Lore (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.22
★ Gut Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $151.51
★ Gut Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.94
★ Gut Knife Rust Coat (Well-Worn), B/O: $118.99
★ Gut Knife Boreal Forest (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.80
★ StatTrak™ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $237.96
⎯★ Shadow Daggers Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $264.92
★ Shadow Daggers Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $253.03
★ Shadow Daggers Tiger Tooth (Factory New), B/O: $237.22
★ Shadow Daggers Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.40
★ Shadow Daggers Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $144.42
★ Shadow Daggers Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $105.20
★ StatTrak™ Shadow Daggers Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $150.46
⎯★ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $365.99
★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $228.93
★ Navaja Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $227.43
★ Navaja Knife Slaughter (Factory New), B/O: $209.06
★ Navaja Knife, B/O: $203.16
★ Navaja Knife Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $132.57
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $121.69
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.95
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $100.41
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $369.01
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $109.95
GLOVES
★ Sport Gloves Amphibious (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2394.67
★ Sport Gloves Omega (Well-Worn), B/O: $572.33
★ Sport Gloves Bronze Morph (Minimal Wear), B/O: $338.88
★ Sport Gloves Big Game (Field-Tested), B/O: $323.66
⎯★ Specialist Gloves Marble Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1652.07
★ Specialist Gloves Tiger Strike (Field-Tested), B/O: $599.14
★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web (Well-Worn), B/O: $231.57
★ Specialist Gloves Buckshot (Minimal Wear), B/O: $126.21
⎯★ Moto Gloves POW! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $996.99
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Field-Tested), B/O: $383.31
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Well-Worn), B/O: $276.00
★ Moto Gloves Turtle (Field-Tested), B/O: $180.28
⎯★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $502.29
★ Hand Wraps Giraffe (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.73
★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $178.32
⎯★ Driver Gloves Queen Jaguar (Minimal Wear), B/O: $181.01
★ Driver Gloves Rezan the Red (Field-Tested), B/O: $101.66
⎯★ Broken Fang Gloves Jade (Field-Tested), B/O: $127.88
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.55
⎯★ Bloodhound Gloves Guerrilla (Minimal Wear), B/O: $127.94
★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened (Field-Tested), B/O: $102.55
WEAPONS
AK-47 X-Ray (Well-Worn), B/O: $478.95
AUG Hot Rod (Factory New), B/O: $425.83
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Hyper Beast (Factory New), B/O: $413.95
M4A4 Daybreak (Factory New), B/O: $309.51
StatTrak™ AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge (Factory New), B/O: $305.43
AK-47 Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $196.38
StatTrak™ M4A4 Temukau (Minimal Wear), B/O: $174.64
P90 Run and Hide (Field-Tested), B/O: $167.03
AWP Asiimov (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.33
Souvenir SSG 08 Death Strike (Minimal Wear), B/O: $140.00
M4A1-S Printstream (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.70
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Golden Coil (Field-Tested), B/O: $117.48
AWP Asiimov (Well-Worn), B/O: $115.97
StatTrak™ Desert Eagle Printstream (Minimal Wear), B/O: $112.96
StatTrak™ AK-47 Asiimov (Minimal Wear), B/O: $110.85
Souvenir M4A1-S Master Piece (Well-Worn), B/O: $102.42
AK-47 Bloodsport (Minimal Wear), B/O: $100.53
Trade Offer Link - Steam Profile Link - My Inventory
Some items on the list may no longer be available or are still locked, visit My Inventory for more details.
Send a Trade Offer for fastest response. I consider all offers.
Add me for discuss if there is a serious offer that needs to be discussed.
2024.05.31 12:56 ayla_084 American Bars In London
Are there any reasonably authentic American style bars in London? I don't mean cocktail lounges or (at the other end of the scale) regular pubs that have a stars and stripes flag nailed to the wall. I'm looking for a place where I can sit on a stool at the end of the bar, chat to the staff and other customers and just chill out. I want to relive some of the better experiences of my life.
Grateful for any suggestions.
EDIT: Thanks for the constructive suggestions, I've now got a few ideas to keep me busy.
submitted by ayla_084 to london [link] [comments]
Grateful for any suggestions.
EDIT: Thanks for the constructive suggestions, I've now got a few ideas to keep me busy.
2024.05.31 11:44 Sparky_McDibben Puma Squad Strikes Back
Hey chooms,
So we left off with Puma Squad plotting revenge for getting punched in the face (as detailed here). Last night we picked up there, and when my player decided to take the metro to her next job, Puma Squad swung into action.
When my player got back, I described her door as slightly ajar. She (naturally) assumed the worst and drew iron before storming in. I described her living room as what would happen "if you drowned Barbie in Tinkerbell's pixie dust, then dropped the corpse in a meat grinder, and spray-painted the resulting puree all over the walls."
In short, girly as fuck. We're talking pink wallpaper, a pink couch (with glitter stripes!), a collection of wall art from the Lisa Frank Trapper-Keeper Ensemble. They gave her a sound system with cat ears bolted onto it in such a way that they could not be removed without damaging the antenna. I spuriously added in an animatronic flamingo in the corner that kept saying, "Hi! Hello! How are you?!" (thanks to u/TobiasWidower for this suggestion!)
When she noticed her AC was off, she checked the vents and discovered multiple glitter bombs networked to the air conditioning panel. (thanks to u/Questenburg for this idea!) Tossing the glitter bombs (along with the flamingo), she headed upstairs, where a lovely surprise was waiting: her entire bedroom had been redone in bright Goddamn pink and sparkles. On her bed sat a pretty pink thong bikini, 9" stiletto heels, and a pair of bright pink cat ears. On top of those was a doctor's scrip: "Diagnosis: Cranky Broad Syndrome. Prescription: looking fabulous."
On top of that, a signed, framed picture of Puma Squad was left on her nightstand. Unfortunately, she failed the Trading check to realize how valuable that was and chucked it out the window.
One other relevant factor: she had purchased this home outright as a result of a reward from MiliTech for finding someweapons of mass destruction cyberarms. But, I stipulated that she still needed to pay about $2k a month for upkeep and furnishings. So I presented this as a choice: you can keep all the pink shit and not owe upkeep this month, or you can junk it all and still owe upkeep.
She put back on her own blankets, but kept everything else.
This worked amazingly well. The character was so pissed that she took a bus to the Forlorn Hope and got absolutely hammered, then had a song / dance competition with Tanzia from Reaping The Reaper.
At the end of the session, she turned on the radio, and I described a commercial about how there's a new character this season of the Puma Squad anime: Grumpy Broad, who tends to punch people in the face. This was a suspiciously similar character to my player's, and she immediately went to contact an IP lawyer (who basically told her he would totally represent her, but she would probably lose and he would be happy to take her money). (thanks to u/Zaemie_Paints_Minis for this suggestion!)
I rolled for it, and there's already so much hype that Grumpy Broad is quickly becoming a fan favorite. So I can't wait to see how that turns out.
Anyway, that's roughly the end of this arc (they mostly decided it was tit-for-tat and let it go), but when I need to run The Incident, this is definitely coming back up.
submitted by Sparky_McDibben to cyberpunkred [link] [comments]
So we left off with Puma Squad plotting revenge for getting punched in the face (as detailed here). Last night we picked up there, and when my player decided to take the metro to her next job, Puma Squad swung into action.
When my player got back, I described her door as slightly ajar. She (naturally) assumed the worst and drew iron before storming in. I described her living room as what would happen "if you drowned Barbie in Tinkerbell's pixie dust, then dropped the corpse in a meat grinder, and spray-painted the resulting puree all over the walls."
In short, girly as fuck. We're talking pink wallpaper, a pink couch (with glitter stripes!), a collection of wall art from the Lisa Frank Trapper-Keeper Ensemble. They gave her a sound system with cat ears bolted onto it in such a way that they could not be removed without damaging the antenna. I spuriously added in an animatronic flamingo in the corner that kept saying, "Hi! Hello! How are you?!" (thanks to u/TobiasWidower for this suggestion!)
When she noticed her AC was off, she checked the vents and discovered multiple glitter bombs networked to the air conditioning panel. (thanks to u/Questenburg for this idea!) Tossing the glitter bombs (along with the flamingo), she headed upstairs, where a lovely surprise was waiting: her entire bedroom had been redone in bright Goddamn pink and sparkles. On her bed sat a pretty pink thong bikini, 9" stiletto heels, and a pair of bright pink cat ears. On top of those was a doctor's scrip: "Diagnosis: Cranky Broad Syndrome. Prescription: looking fabulous."
On top of that, a signed, framed picture of Puma Squad was left on her nightstand. Unfortunately, she failed the Trading check to realize how valuable that was and chucked it out the window.
One other relevant factor: she had purchased this home outright as a result of a reward from MiliTech for finding some
She put back on her own blankets, but kept everything else.
This worked amazingly well. The character was so pissed that she took a bus to the Forlorn Hope and got absolutely hammered, then had a song / dance competition with Tanzia from Reaping The Reaper.
At the end of the session, she turned on the radio, and I described a commercial about how there's a new character this season of the Puma Squad anime: Grumpy Broad, who tends to punch people in the face. This was a suspiciously similar character to my player's, and she immediately went to contact an IP lawyer (who basically told her he would totally represent her, but she would probably lose and he would be happy to take her money). (thanks to u/Zaemie_Paints_Minis for this suggestion!)
I rolled for it, and there's already so much hype that Grumpy Broad is quickly becoming a fan favorite. So I can't wait to see how that turns out.
Anyway, that's roughly the end of this arc (they mostly decided it was tit-for-tat and let it go), but when I need to run The Incident, this is definitely coming back up.
2024.05.31 10:33 DevarDavis22 Blaze 3: Demonic Arc 3: Soul Snatchers⁵
Blaze 3: Demonic Arc 3: Soul Snatchers⁵
Last time the Soul Snatchers forged a war on mankind. Meiji was telling a story about Bosu and the Soul Snatchers. More years later. He met more Soul Snatchers. He thought if he could get them to side with him, things would be looking good. He was no longer weaker but stronger than Kissiske and could feel it. He never fought Kissiske again but had a face to face with him and his Dark Phantoms against the Soul Snatchers. Kissiske wanted to make a truce and become one but Bosu turned it down. His reason was that he thought Kissiske was playing him and was going to screw him in the end. So it never happened. Bosu knew about the Kyklos Guards but never saw them in person. He thought his group would mop the foor with the Kyklos Guards. Would be a dominant team. Because there was enough Soul Snatchers, there will be more souls. Bosu wanted to test them. He had all of them battle each other and Shi was the strongest. Suiko had great potential to. He whipped the Soul Snatchers into shape. He started to see them flourish. He saw Kissiske failed and didn't want the same fate. He basically picked up where Kissiske left and failed at. He wanted to go to the Surface World and take over unlike Kissiske. Story over. This time he's more powerful.
Meiji" You see when he keeps eating, he starts going crazy. He's even gotten bigger. It'll be harder for us to communicate with him. Every soul he's eaten, is able to come out of his stomach. Anybody killed, can't come back. I'm sorry." Draum" Thank you for that information." While their backs are turned, Shi kills Meiji. Draum" Why did you do that for? You heartless bastard! He was your comrade for god sakes." Shi" He's no comrade of mine. Giving away our info to the enemy. Even though at this point it's useless. I'll fight you then. How about it?" A Spirit Cannon was launched. Shi" Okay! Who did it? Come on out(he looks around)." MaXx " Hey! Yeah you. Over here asshole? You're going to be fighting me. You think I'm afraid?" Shi" Bring it on!" MaXx uses his Dark Seal Form. Full form. Dark Aiga. He has become stronger than or equal to Shi. How will everybody prevail against the Soul Snatchers? 6 strong Soul Snatchers left. MaXx's Dark Seal Form wears off and he is right back where he started. On the losing end again. Note. Demons have different color blood. Soul Snatchers are green.
Suddenly a glow occurs in the air. A large portal is seen. The spirit beings are here at last. God Spyro" Sorry we're late. There was this miscalculation. But we're here now." King Spiro" Better late than never." Now the battlefield has a greater challenge. God Spyro has a Spirit Guardian uniform on. He has only six people in his team. He is the head of the Spirit Guardians or the general. His team is called the Alpha Team. The higher ups. They are used for special cases. Uniform jackets are white with black outline. T-shirts are black and pants are blue. All teams have the same color pants. Shoes are the team's color and has a black stripe. Except for God Spyro's team. Shoes are white with a black stripe. The women have a different design for the side of the jacket. Earlier in Blaze 1, I said that Spyro wore a red uniform but it is false. Red outline. Outline matches the t-shirt color. Team: King Spiro(Lieutenant General), Akahiro Daichi(Major General/ male), Tadashi Kimura (Brigadier General/ male), Queen Kaori Yoshida Atahata(kah-or- e)(Colonel) and Yukio Nakamura(Majomale/short). Only one female. Spiro and Maniya are there as well. Yukio is up and going to fight Jenmei. Yukio" This is going to be my pleasure. I'm going to enjoy this." Jenmei" You seem overconfident" Yukio" Oh there's a reason why." Yukio has blonde hair. Eyepatch on left eye. Has a beard connecting with his sideboards.
Yukio uses simple attacks. Hand to hand combat. Jenmei is dominating the battle. Jenmei" You must not be one of the strong ones?" Yukio" Hey don't talk about my skills like that. Besides I was joking." He uses a two handed Spirit Cannon. Green color. She moves but the Soul Snatchers in the background get taken out. Great damage. He summons Hinge #98: Prometheus. A large blade. Jenmei" A little man with a big blade. Be careful with it" Yokio uses a blade combo. Jenmei uses her blade to even the odds. Yukio begins to hear a vibration sound. Yukio" It is getting distracted. Whatever that noise is." He gets cut. Jenmei" Try to pay attention. Will ya." She laughs which is rare for her. A different sound is heard. Yukio" There's something fishy about these sounds I keep hearing. They must be her specialty. Even so, how do I stop it? There has to be a way." While talking, she attacks. Jenmei" What's the matter? Am I giving you some trouble?" Yukio" My vision is getting blurry. I won't see her attacks. If I eliminate my vision and hearing, I might have a chance against her. I'll try." He covers his ears. He can actually see her which is strange. He is able to attack.
Jenmei" How could you figure it out? He beat my Illlusion Sound Bite. Time to regroup." She uses an Illusion Mind Bite, Mind Controller and other mind abilities. She used the illusions on Eyashi and Phil. Yukio ends up getting free from the mind games. She sees Yukio off guard and tries to take advantage. Yukio puts his blade in ground. Jenmei makes it closer but gets caught in Prometheus' finisher. Great Firewall Barrier. Wherever he puts it, a wall of fire will burn anything in its path. She is dead. 5 strong Soul Snatchers left. Yukio" Serves her right. This is what happens when you mess with a Spirit Guardian." A flashback shows her life. Spyro and Maniya are fighting regular Soul Snatchers. Spyro isn't paying attention. Spyro's 1st Lt, Kitoro Kuujo appears and strikes. He is black with black dresds and has a low voice. Spyro" Thanks!" Kitoro" Just doing my job." Next fight. Kaori is next. She is taking on Daigo. He isn't that smart and sounds like he's stupid. A little on the chunky side. However, he's pretty strong in physical attributes. Daigo" Look at the nice lady. What's your name?" Kaori" I'm Kaori. The Queen of the Spirit World." Daigo" It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Daigo."
Eventually, Kaori upsets him and he showed a tremendous strength boost. His voice even changed to a more serious tone. Kaori begins to see what's going on. He returns to his regular self. Acting like he didn't know what he did. Kaori" It seems he has a problem maintaining himself. He can't focus." Daigo smashes the ground repeatedly. The ground shakes and tears. Kaori said something that upsetted him. Daigo" You're being mean again." He chunks a piece of the ground at her and at full force. Great speed went behind it and connected. Daigo" I'm sorry! I didn't mean to." When he gets mad, he gets stronger. Kaori uses Special Queen Cannon(Spirit Cannon/sounds like Special Beam Cannon). Has a different look and is purple. It starts off as a combo. It puts a hole inside Daigo. Daigo" You put a hole in me. Now you're going to pay!!!" He screams to the top of his lungs in anger. He transforms into a more larger and deadlier form. He has a different power this time. Explosion power. He stumps the ground and multiple of explosions go off.
Kaori summons Hinge #53: Medusa. She tries cutting him but won't. She says positive things and it actually works. She catches him and uses, Now Gaze. Medusa's finisher. He turns into stone and she breaks him. Daigo is dead. A flashback of his life is shown. 4 strong Soul Snatchers left. Kaori's has one braid in the back. Next fight. Tadashi is up and is taking on Masako. He is big and strong. Has brown hair. The tallest Spirit Guardian as of now. Has a dark brown beard. He's getting an upper hand on Masako early on. He hits her so hard, she becomes gooey. Tadashi" This is going to be difficult. I can't even do any damage to her. What can I do?" Masako" Just as I thought. He'll never get out of this one. Watch him struggle." Tadashi uses his Spirit Cannon but it only made her in more pieces. Red color and is wavy/medium in size. He summons Hinge #63: Perseus. A large blade. Tadashi" Time to get serious now!" Masako" As if it matters. You spirit beings taking out our people. I won't be next." Ending. Masako sticks to his back. Tadashi uses an ability that freezes his body along with hers. He releases the technique.
She tries her power but isn't working. Masako" What is this!?" He uses his finisher. Aegis shield of Perseus. During Greek weapon finishers, the symbol of person will appear. His blade glows and becomes Aegis. He begins to charge and spears her. Masako is dead. Flashback shows her life. The Spirit Guardians aren't waiting to fight. They are fighting at the same time. 3 strong Soul Snatchers left. Next fight. Akahiro is up and is taking on Jimmu. He is big and strong. Has a light blue hair color. Mustache. Dragon marking on left side of his face. Akahiro" I want you to know this. You could either surrender or continue. The choice is yours." Jimmu" Now why would I surrender? I hadn't gotten the chance to test myself." Akahiro" I just happened to be the strongest spirit being in the Spirit World without including Lord Spyro and King Spiro. And my rank is Major General. And again there are only 2 people who outrank me. Those two are the lord and the Spirit World(he pointed at them). All of this means you have no chance at winning." Jimmu" Wow. That was a mouthful. I'm glad you got it out." Akahiro summons his bow and uses it. He has a great accuracy. He doesn't miss target spots.
He hasn't missed a single hit. He's on defense. Akahiro" I feel sorry for you. I don't miss." Jimmu uses Killer Instant . Used hand signs. Allows Akahiro to not use any previous moves. Doesn't know about it yet. He can't shoot arrows anymore. He uses a small sized Spirit Cannon. When hit, it gets bigger. It wears off and Akahiro continues to use arrows. He summons Hinge #67: Kratos. A Mornimg Star Weapon. A club type weapon with spikes on the ball part. He twirls it around and shows off his strength. Jimmu" Hey you're pretty good with that." Akahiro" I'll show you more." Jimmu uses his second ability. Krazy Feet. Grants the person speed on their feet. Feet has spirit energy. It wears off and Akahiro uses his finisher. Strength and Power: Mighty Smash. He hits the ground so hard, it breaks. Jimmu's body splits and shatters because of the impact. The ground is no more. Akahiro" Woops. Think I overdid it a little. Well, shouldn't have fought me. Warned him." Jimmu is dead and a flashback shows his life. 2 strong Soul Snatchers left.
Sid does something cool with his blade. He gets on it and rides it like a surfboard. He shoots flames out of the blade. Trying to keep his balance. Surfing Blade. Next fight. King Spiro is up and is battling Suiko. He has a mustache and beard combo. King Spiro has his blade ready. Suiko" I know about that blade of yours. With static and paralyzing power." King Spiro" Well then. I'll just have to avoid using it then." King Spiro does a 2 handed blast Spirit Cannon. Suiko uses her power and stops it. Freeze(pause) Ray. Her fingers shoot out a beam. Whatever it hits will become still. You'll be able to Command that person like a controller. She pauses King Spiro then rewinds him. He manages to break free somehow. She uses her final Technique. Hypnosis. King Spiro gets caught in it. Suiko" Now you're finished! I've finally got you." King Spiro transforms into his Veronimusha Form. Body has static around it. Hair is frizzy and sticking up. He doesn't pick up his blade. His speed has increased. He appears behind her at lightning speed and touches her gently. She is paralyzed then gets shocked and Suiko is dead. Static is much stronger. Flashback shows her life. There is only one left. Shi is still fighting the others. The Soul Snatchers are officially dead. The Spirit Guardians are waiting.
God Spyro challenges Shi. Has long beard. Shi" It's about time. Some real competition. Those other guys bored me." God Spyro" You better not disappoint me. I expect good from you. You're the last one." Shi" Of course. I am the strongest." Rundown: God Spyro uses an extra large Spirit Cannon with one hand. He summons Hinge #2: Zeus' Wrath. His summoning has lightnig effect. Lightning style blade. Shi uses his blade. Uses lightning style(with or without the blade). He reaches into beard and grabs Hinge #1: Shinoji. He cuts into the air(on ground) where Shi is standing. The Soul Snatchers get cut in half and not Shi. This is a lesson. Shinoji's special is it can cut through the thickest and strongest items/objects. Is made of about 3 swords in one and is very heavy. uses his Tiger God Fist. Shi uses Eye Of The Storm. Allows his eyes to know his opponents move. Has a time limit. Last ability is 100 Styles. Will be able to copy and use styles. Can use the style when they want to. He uses God Spyro's Tiger God Fist and much more. Bosu appears in the area. Bosu" I'm getting hungry. You know what to do." Shi" Yes sir." He eats the souls.
Bosu" I won't be needing your help. You're dismissed." His tube stabs him then eats his soul. Everyone does not know what is going on. 20 tubes appear and sucked out everybody's life. The Soul Snatchers are even gone. Sid, Phil and Fasha's too. That's right. When the main character's soul is taken, that's how you know it's getting serious. I went there. Bosu magically disappeared. The Spirit Guardians were holding back. The fights were getting shorter and shorter. It is too late to have the fights in details.There are only four survivors. God Spyro, King Spiro, Eyashi and Zushi. Spyro didn't survive. God Spyro" It seems we're the last beings here. We have to put an end to this little war." King Spiro" It's up to us to find the boss and take him out." Zushi" Yes. Understood." Eyashi" Be on our way." They split up in two's. Eyashi and Zushi spot Bosu first. He walks around wondrously. He looks confused. Eyashi" Remember what that Soul Snatcher said about the souls. Zushi" Yeah but how are we going to pull that off? He's huge." Zushi tries to sneak hin but he catches her. He stumps the ground and it caves in. He sees Eyashi and Zushi. Bosu" Still alive?"
Eyashi" Hey Zushi. Do you hear that? I can hear Phil and the others." Zushi" Yeah I can hear them." Bosu bends over and screams in pain while holding his stomach. Zushi's" He can't hold the souls anymore. He's just like a large soul. When souls keep eating and getting bigger, they usually explode. He's much bigger. Eyashi" Look he's starting!" Bosu charges his body but Zushi prevents him from continuing. Bosu" You look tasty!" He swallows Zushi whole. Eyashi" Zushi!" Eyashi charges at at his fastest speed. He delivers a punch so hard; he spits out Zushi and he catches her. Eyashi" It's time." Zushi" Whenever you're ready. Eyashi you're on the wrong side." Eyashi" Oh yeah. It's been a minute. Double." Zushi" Raika." Both say" Buster!" They are forming the Dual Raika or Double Raika Buster while running. It connects and all of the souls come rushing out. Life is back in the world. Eyashi and Zushi sees Bosu. On the ground. Bosu" Thank you for freeing me from this cycle. Good luck with your journey."
He dies. Eyashi and Zushi weren't expecting this from Bosu. God Spyro and King Spiro thank them . A Spirit Guardian appears named Quainga Stogona. Brown hair and goatee. He uses a device that fixes damages. He uses it on the other places as well. Earth is truly in peace now. Some demons have two color eyes. Kissiske's eyes were red(left) and orange(right). While on earth, demons have pink colored skin when they're in disguise. Eyashi has closed two back to back Arcs but this time with Zushi. The word close means when the main villain is defeated. When the main villain is defeated, there will be extra things to do despite being finished. It let's me help other characters out. The masters were the main characters of the last arc. I was being fair with my characters and gave Eyashi a lot of screen time. He was even the main character of the Arc. Eyashi isn't the only person who is going to close an Arc. This is why I like Blaze 3. When my characters are fighting, they have a variety of moves to use rather than the same technique. Also the fights have a pattern where they start off without weapon then it'll be introduced but not all of the time.
The Soul Snatcher's names came from Japanese emperors and emperoress except for Shi and Bosu. The Spirit World's name come from a game called Tak and the Power of Juju. I was trying to find an S word like in Soul Society. Tried making Blaze too much like Bleach but the name Spirit World was a cool name. Morph comes from the game Ape Escape 3. You catch monkeys with a net and they have other gadgets to. They had transformations called Morph. The Shinoji was used by 3 previous gods. Character rant. There were way too many characters at one time. Team Earth had too many members. I didn't know how to utilize so many characters. I should've started them off with their original 5(including Corroshi) members then have them get more along the way. I should have did the original story where Geo was supposed to be trapped then found. Geo was going to ask them to find the others. I didn't give the characters enough scenes or dialogs. What would this character say to that character? During the meetings, I didn't know who would talk. Those were the issues. Black Widow appeared late and had minimum appearances. I had big plans for Black Widow but I don't know what happened.
Other things: Fasha challenges Eyashi to a game of Mahjong. He accepts and the streak is on the line. It is a close game but Fasha has won and the streak is over. Fasha has gained a little streak of her own. Next. Sid will challenge Phil and Fasha. They want to see who's master is Superior. Phil is the victor. Team Blaze works on their charging attacks. Spid's lightning is getting stronger and he is getting better with his Reaper Sajettus. He creates a brand new move. Spit Lightning Attack. Works with fire(combined together). Team Blaze works on color elements. Fasha learns Ice Morph. She has a form now. At school. Korr is sitting next to Cumi and finds her attractive and talks to her. They're set to go out. A demon begins to stalk her. She gets this vision of the demon and knows where it is. Korr appears and saves Cumi just in time. He's finishes the demon. He explains his powers. The next night Cumi is able to see souls and it freaks her out. She goes to see Korr and he comforts her. Cumi has psychic power. I finally found somebody for Cumi. Black Widow gets a new leader. The 501st leaader. Odd number. They must be careful. Mayuni is doing much better. The others are as well. It is a female leader.
Haden masters purple lightning. A mysterious being is spawn from dark smoke. Has a black samurai armor. Geo sees it taking out people and tries to stop it but is no match. Domay has finally mastered red wind. Team Earth gets into a dispute. Geo and Eyon begin to butt head. The others are having a trouble cooperating. Corroshi steps in and wants them to practice with Team Blaze because of their leadership. Eventually they get better. Team Earth enters the Lightning Blaze Tournament and win. 2012 winners. Trios tournament. CJ is at a flower shop. A demon appears and backs her to the corner. It is going to kill her. She flinches and says leave me alone. Flowers comes from her hands. She uses it and the demon flees. Now she has power just like the others. The demon returns but Team Blaze kills it. She explains her power. Now she can really train with the others and she does. CJ tells her family. New Team Blaze member. This was a good and fun Arc. Hopefully the next Arc will be better. Blaze 3: Arc 3: Soul Snatchers over.
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Last time the Soul Snatchers forged a war on mankind. Meiji was telling a story about Bosu and the Soul Snatchers. More years later. He met more Soul Snatchers. He thought if he could get them to side with him, things would be looking good. He was no longer weaker but stronger than Kissiske and could feel it. He never fought Kissiske again but had a face to face with him and his Dark Phantoms against the Soul Snatchers. Kissiske wanted to make a truce and become one but Bosu turned it down. His reason was that he thought Kissiske was playing him and was going to screw him in the end. So it never happened. Bosu knew about the Kyklos Guards but never saw them in person. He thought his group would mop the foor with the Kyklos Guards. Would be a dominant team. Because there was enough Soul Snatchers, there will be more souls. Bosu wanted to test them. He had all of them battle each other and Shi was the strongest. Suiko had great potential to. He whipped the Soul Snatchers into shape. He started to see them flourish. He saw Kissiske failed and didn't want the same fate. He basically picked up where Kissiske left and failed at. He wanted to go to the Surface World and take over unlike Kissiske. Story over. This time he's more powerful.
Meiji" You see when he keeps eating, he starts going crazy. He's even gotten bigger. It'll be harder for us to communicate with him. Every soul he's eaten, is able to come out of his stomach. Anybody killed, can't come back. I'm sorry." Draum" Thank you for that information." While their backs are turned, Shi kills Meiji. Draum" Why did you do that for? You heartless bastard! He was your comrade for god sakes." Shi" He's no comrade of mine. Giving away our info to the enemy. Even though at this point it's useless. I'll fight you then. How about it?" A Spirit Cannon was launched. Shi" Okay! Who did it? Come on out(he looks around)." MaXx " Hey! Yeah you. Over here asshole? You're going to be fighting me. You think I'm afraid?" Shi" Bring it on!" MaXx uses his Dark Seal Form. Full form. Dark Aiga. He has become stronger than or equal to Shi. How will everybody prevail against the Soul Snatchers? 6 strong Soul Snatchers left. MaXx's Dark Seal Form wears off and he is right back where he started. On the losing end again. Note. Demons have different color blood. Soul Snatchers are green.
Suddenly a glow occurs in the air. A large portal is seen. The spirit beings are here at last. God Spyro" Sorry we're late. There was this miscalculation. But we're here now." King Spiro" Better late than never." Now the battlefield has a greater challenge. God Spyro has a Spirit Guardian uniform on. He has only six people in his team. He is the head of the Spirit Guardians or the general. His team is called the Alpha Team. The higher ups. They are used for special cases. Uniform jackets are white with black outline. T-shirts are black and pants are blue. All teams have the same color pants. Shoes are the team's color and has a black stripe. Except for God Spyro's team. Shoes are white with a black stripe. The women have a different design for the side of the jacket. Earlier in Blaze 1, I said that Spyro wore a red uniform but it is false. Red outline. Outline matches the t-shirt color. Team: King Spiro(Lieutenant General), Akahiro Daichi(Major General/ male), Tadashi Kimura (Brigadier General/ male), Queen Kaori Yoshida Atahata(kah-or- e)(Colonel) and Yukio Nakamura(Majomale/short). Only one female. Spiro and Maniya are there as well. Yukio is up and going to fight Jenmei. Yukio" This is going to be my pleasure. I'm going to enjoy this." Jenmei" You seem overconfident" Yukio" Oh there's a reason why." Yukio has blonde hair. Eyepatch on left eye. Has a beard connecting with his sideboards.
Yukio uses simple attacks. Hand to hand combat. Jenmei is dominating the battle. Jenmei" You must not be one of the strong ones?" Yukio" Hey don't talk about my skills like that. Besides I was joking." He uses a two handed Spirit Cannon. Green color. She moves but the Soul Snatchers in the background get taken out. Great damage. He summons Hinge #98: Prometheus. A large blade. Jenmei" A little man with a big blade. Be careful with it" Yokio uses a blade combo. Jenmei uses her blade to even the odds. Yukio begins to hear a vibration sound. Yukio" It is getting distracted. Whatever that noise is." He gets cut. Jenmei" Try to pay attention. Will ya." She laughs which is rare for her. A different sound is heard. Yukio" There's something fishy about these sounds I keep hearing. They must be her specialty. Even so, how do I stop it? There has to be a way." While talking, she attacks. Jenmei" What's the matter? Am I giving you some trouble?" Yukio" My vision is getting blurry. I won't see her attacks. If I eliminate my vision and hearing, I might have a chance against her. I'll try." He covers his ears. He can actually see her which is strange. He is able to attack.
Jenmei" How could you figure it out? He beat my Illlusion Sound Bite. Time to regroup." She uses an Illusion Mind Bite, Mind Controller and other mind abilities. She used the illusions on Eyashi and Phil. Yukio ends up getting free from the mind games. She sees Yukio off guard and tries to take advantage. Yukio puts his blade in ground. Jenmei makes it closer but gets caught in Prometheus' finisher. Great Firewall Barrier. Wherever he puts it, a wall of fire will burn anything in its path. She is dead. 5 strong Soul Snatchers left. Yukio" Serves her right. This is what happens when you mess with a Spirit Guardian." A flashback shows her life. Spyro and Maniya are fighting regular Soul Snatchers. Spyro isn't paying attention. Spyro's 1st Lt, Kitoro Kuujo appears and strikes. He is black with black dresds and has a low voice. Spyro" Thanks!" Kitoro" Just doing my job." Next fight. Kaori is next. She is taking on Daigo. He isn't that smart and sounds like he's stupid. A little on the chunky side. However, he's pretty strong in physical attributes. Daigo" Look at the nice lady. What's your name?" Kaori" I'm Kaori. The Queen of the Spirit World." Daigo" It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Daigo."
Eventually, Kaori upsets him and he showed a tremendous strength boost. His voice even changed to a more serious tone. Kaori begins to see what's going on. He returns to his regular self. Acting like he didn't know what he did. Kaori" It seems he has a problem maintaining himself. He can't focus." Daigo smashes the ground repeatedly. The ground shakes and tears. Kaori said something that upsetted him. Daigo" You're being mean again." He chunks a piece of the ground at her and at full force. Great speed went behind it and connected. Daigo" I'm sorry! I didn't mean to." When he gets mad, he gets stronger. Kaori uses Special Queen Cannon(Spirit Cannon/sounds like Special Beam Cannon). Has a different look and is purple. It starts off as a combo. It puts a hole inside Daigo. Daigo" You put a hole in me. Now you're going to pay!!!" He screams to the top of his lungs in anger. He transforms into a more larger and deadlier form. He has a different power this time. Explosion power. He stumps the ground and multiple of explosions go off.
Kaori summons Hinge #53: Medusa. She tries cutting him but won't. She says positive things and it actually works. She catches him and uses, Now Gaze. Medusa's finisher. He turns into stone and she breaks him. Daigo is dead. A flashback of his life is shown. 4 strong Soul Snatchers left. Kaori's has one braid in the back. Next fight. Tadashi is up and is taking on Masako. He is big and strong. Has brown hair. The tallest Spirit Guardian as of now. Has a dark brown beard. He's getting an upper hand on Masako early on. He hits her so hard, she becomes gooey. Tadashi" This is going to be difficult. I can't even do any damage to her. What can I do?" Masako" Just as I thought. He'll never get out of this one. Watch him struggle." Tadashi uses his Spirit Cannon but it only made her in more pieces. Red color and is wavy/medium in size. He summons Hinge #63: Perseus. A large blade. Tadashi" Time to get serious now!" Masako" As if it matters. You spirit beings taking out our people. I won't be next." Ending. Masako sticks to his back. Tadashi uses an ability that freezes his body along with hers. He releases the technique.
She tries her power but isn't working. Masako" What is this!?" He uses his finisher. Aegis shield of Perseus. During Greek weapon finishers, the symbol of person will appear. His blade glows and becomes Aegis. He begins to charge and spears her. Masako is dead. Flashback shows her life. The Spirit Guardians aren't waiting to fight. They are fighting at the same time. 3 strong Soul Snatchers left. Next fight. Akahiro is up and is taking on Jimmu. He is big and strong. Has a light blue hair color. Mustache. Dragon marking on left side of his face. Akahiro" I want you to know this. You could either surrender or continue. The choice is yours." Jimmu" Now why would I surrender? I hadn't gotten the chance to test myself." Akahiro" I just happened to be the strongest spirit being in the Spirit World without including Lord Spyro and King Spiro. And my rank is Major General. And again there are only 2 people who outrank me. Those two are the lord and the Spirit World(he pointed at them). All of this means you have no chance at winning." Jimmu" Wow. That was a mouthful. I'm glad you got it out." Akahiro summons his bow and uses it. He has a great accuracy. He doesn't miss target spots.
He hasn't missed a single hit. He's on defense. Akahiro" I feel sorry for you. I don't miss." Jimmu uses Killer Instant . Used hand signs. Allows Akahiro to not use any previous moves. Doesn't know about it yet. He can't shoot arrows anymore. He uses a small sized Spirit Cannon. When hit, it gets bigger. It wears off and Akahiro continues to use arrows. He summons Hinge #67: Kratos. A Mornimg Star Weapon. A club type weapon with spikes on the ball part. He twirls it around and shows off his strength. Jimmu" Hey you're pretty good with that." Akahiro" I'll show you more." Jimmu uses his second ability. Krazy Feet. Grants the person speed on their feet. Feet has spirit energy. It wears off and Akahiro uses his finisher. Strength and Power: Mighty Smash. He hits the ground so hard, it breaks. Jimmu's body splits and shatters because of the impact. The ground is no more. Akahiro" Woops. Think I overdid it a little. Well, shouldn't have fought me. Warned him." Jimmu is dead and a flashback shows his life. 2 strong Soul Snatchers left.
Sid does something cool with his blade. He gets on it and rides it like a surfboard. He shoots flames out of the blade. Trying to keep his balance. Surfing Blade. Next fight. King Spiro is up and is battling Suiko. He has a mustache and beard combo. King Spiro has his blade ready. Suiko" I know about that blade of yours. With static and paralyzing power." King Spiro" Well then. I'll just have to avoid using it then." King Spiro does a 2 handed blast Spirit Cannon. Suiko uses her power and stops it. Freeze(pause) Ray. Her fingers shoot out a beam. Whatever it hits will become still. You'll be able to Command that person like a controller. She pauses King Spiro then rewinds him. He manages to break free somehow. She uses her final Technique. Hypnosis. King Spiro gets caught in it. Suiko" Now you're finished! I've finally got you." King Spiro transforms into his Veronimusha Form. Body has static around it. Hair is frizzy and sticking up. He doesn't pick up his blade. His speed has increased. He appears behind her at lightning speed and touches her gently. She is paralyzed then gets shocked and Suiko is dead. Static is much stronger. Flashback shows her life. There is only one left. Shi is still fighting the others. The Soul Snatchers are officially dead. The Spirit Guardians are waiting.
God Spyro challenges Shi. Has long beard. Shi" It's about time. Some real competition. Those other guys bored me." God Spyro" You better not disappoint me. I expect good from you. You're the last one." Shi" Of course. I am the strongest." Rundown: God Spyro uses an extra large Spirit Cannon with one hand. He summons Hinge #2: Zeus' Wrath. His summoning has lightnig effect. Lightning style blade. Shi uses his blade. Uses lightning style(with or without the blade). He reaches into beard and grabs Hinge #1: Shinoji. He cuts into the air(on ground) where Shi is standing. The Soul Snatchers get cut in half and not Shi. This is a lesson. Shinoji's special is it can cut through the thickest and strongest items/objects. Is made of about 3 swords in one and is very heavy. uses his Tiger God Fist. Shi uses Eye Of The Storm. Allows his eyes to know his opponents move. Has a time limit. Last ability is 100 Styles. Will be able to copy and use styles. Can use the style when they want to. He uses God Spyro's Tiger God Fist and much more. Bosu appears in the area. Bosu" I'm getting hungry. You know what to do." Shi" Yes sir." He eats the souls.
Bosu" I won't be needing your help. You're dismissed." His tube stabs him then eats his soul. Everyone does not know what is going on. 20 tubes appear and sucked out everybody's life. The Soul Snatchers are even gone. Sid, Phil and Fasha's too. That's right. When the main character's soul is taken, that's how you know it's getting serious. I went there. Bosu magically disappeared. The Spirit Guardians were holding back. The fights were getting shorter and shorter. It is too late to have the fights in details.There are only four survivors. God Spyro, King Spiro, Eyashi and Zushi. Spyro didn't survive. God Spyro" It seems we're the last beings here. We have to put an end to this little war." King Spiro" It's up to us to find the boss and take him out." Zushi" Yes. Understood." Eyashi" Be on our way." They split up in two's. Eyashi and Zushi spot Bosu first. He walks around wondrously. He looks confused. Eyashi" Remember what that Soul Snatcher said about the souls. Zushi" Yeah but how are we going to pull that off? He's huge." Zushi tries to sneak hin but he catches her. He stumps the ground and it caves in. He sees Eyashi and Zushi. Bosu" Still alive?"
Eyashi" Hey Zushi. Do you hear that? I can hear Phil and the others." Zushi" Yeah I can hear them." Bosu bends over and screams in pain while holding his stomach. Zushi's" He can't hold the souls anymore. He's just like a large soul. When souls keep eating and getting bigger, they usually explode. He's much bigger. Eyashi" Look he's starting!" Bosu charges his body but Zushi prevents him from continuing. Bosu" You look tasty!" He swallows Zushi whole. Eyashi" Zushi!" Eyashi charges at at his fastest speed. He delivers a punch so hard; he spits out Zushi and he catches her. Eyashi" It's time." Zushi" Whenever you're ready. Eyashi you're on the wrong side." Eyashi" Oh yeah. It's been a minute. Double." Zushi" Raika." Both say" Buster!" They are forming the Dual Raika or Double Raika Buster while running. It connects and all of the souls come rushing out. Life is back in the world. Eyashi and Zushi sees Bosu. On the ground. Bosu" Thank you for freeing me from this cycle. Good luck with your journey."
He dies. Eyashi and Zushi weren't expecting this from Bosu. God Spyro and King Spiro thank them . A Spirit Guardian appears named Quainga Stogona. Brown hair and goatee. He uses a device that fixes damages. He uses it on the other places as well. Earth is truly in peace now. Some demons have two color eyes. Kissiske's eyes were red(left) and orange(right). While on earth, demons have pink colored skin when they're in disguise. Eyashi has closed two back to back Arcs but this time with Zushi. The word close means when the main villain is defeated. When the main villain is defeated, there will be extra things to do despite being finished. It let's me help other characters out. The masters were the main characters of the last arc. I was being fair with my characters and gave Eyashi a lot of screen time. He was even the main character of the Arc. Eyashi isn't the only person who is going to close an Arc. This is why I like Blaze 3. When my characters are fighting, they have a variety of moves to use rather than the same technique. Also the fights have a pattern where they start off without weapon then it'll be introduced but not all of the time.
The Soul Snatcher's names came from Japanese emperors and emperoress except for Shi and Bosu. The Spirit World's name come from a game called Tak and the Power of Juju. I was trying to find an S word like in Soul Society. Tried making Blaze too much like Bleach but the name Spirit World was a cool name. Morph comes from the game Ape Escape 3. You catch monkeys with a net and they have other gadgets to. They had transformations called Morph. The Shinoji was used by 3 previous gods. Character rant. There were way too many characters at one time. Team Earth had too many members. I didn't know how to utilize so many characters. I should've started them off with their original 5(including Corroshi) members then have them get more along the way. I should have did the original story where Geo was supposed to be trapped then found. Geo was going to ask them to find the others. I didn't give the characters enough scenes or dialogs. What would this character say to that character? During the meetings, I didn't know who would talk. Those were the issues. Black Widow appeared late and had minimum appearances. I had big plans for Black Widow but I don't know what happened.
Other things: Fasha challenges Eyashi to a game of Mahjong. He accepts and the streak is on the line. It is a close game but Fasha has won and the streak is over. Fasha has gained a little streak of her own. Next. Sid will challenge Phil and Fasha. They want to see who's master is Superior. Phil is the victor. Team Blaze works on their charging attacks. Spid's lightning is getting stronger and he is getting better with his Reaper Sajettus. He creates a brand new move. Spit Lightning Attack. Works with fire(combined together). Team Blaze works on color elements. Fasha learns Ice Morph. She has a form now. At school. Korr is sitting next to Cumi and finds her attractive and talks to her. They're set to go out. A demon begins to stalk her. She gets this vision of the demon and knows where it is. Korr appears and saves Cumi just in time. He's finishes the demon. He explains his powers. The next night Cumi is able to see souls and it freaks her out. She goes to see Korr and he comforts her. Cumi has psychic power. I finally found somebody for Cumi. Black Widow gets a new leader. The 501st leaader. Odd number. They must be careful. Mayuni is doing much better. The others are as well. It is a female leader.
Haden masters purple lightning. A mysterious being is spawn from dark smoke. Has a black samurai armor. Geo sees it taking out people and tries to stop it but is no match. Domay has finally mastered red wind. Team Earth gets into a dispute. Geo and Eyon begin to butt head. The others are having a trouble cooperating. Corroshi steps in and wants them to practice with Team Blaze because of their leadership. Eventually they get better. Team Earth enters the Lightning Blaze Tournament and win. 2012 winners. Trios tournament. CJ is at a flower shop. A demon appears and backs her to the corner. It is going to kill her. She flinches and says leave me alone. Flowers comes from her hands. She uses it and the demon flees. Now she has power just like the others. The demon returns but Team Blaze kills it. She explains her power. Now she can really train with the others and she does. CJ tells her family. New Team Blaze member. This was a good and fun Arc. Hopefully the next Arc will be better. Blaze 3: Arc 3: Soul Snatchers over.
2024.05.31 09:17 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 100.000$+ INVENTORY. BFK Lore, Gloves Amphibious, Skeleton Fade, Bowie Emerald, BFK Auto, Gloves MF, Talon Doppler, Gloves POW, Bayo Tiger, Gut Sapphire, Stiletto MF, M9 Ultra, Ursus Doppler, Flip Doppler, M9 Stained, Nomad CW, Paracord CW, AK-47 X-Ray & A Lot More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
All Buyouts are listed in cash value.
KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Lore (Factory New), B/O: $7194.77
★ Butterfly Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2025.74
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $557.87
★ M9 Bayonet Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $529.41
★ M9 Bayonet Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $465.39
⎯★ Talon Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $1295.27
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth (Minimal Wear), B/O: $746.28
★ Karambit Bright Water (Field-Tested), B/O: $688.15
⎯★ Flip Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $547.93
★ Flip Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $476.69
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $278.18
★ Flip Knife Black Laminate (Well-Worn), B/O: $258.83
★ Flip Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $181.64
⎯★ Stiletto Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $686.04
★ Stiletto Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $665.41
★ Stiletto Knife, B/O: $601.39
★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $418.25
★ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $227.80
★ Stiletto Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.96
★ Stiletto Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $192.79
⎯★ Nomad Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $518.11
★ Nomad Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $169.78
★ Nomad Knife Forest DDPAT (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $166.88
★ StatTrak™ Nomad Knife Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $335.79
⎯★ Skeleton Knife Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $442.05
★ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Minimal Wear), B/O: $426.24
★ Skeleton Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $314.03
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2361.28
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $376.53
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $557.12
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $471.42
★ Ursus Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $212.37
★ Ursus Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $187.66
★ Ursus Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $178.18
★ Ursus Knife Ultraviolet (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $155.13
★ Ursus Knife Boreal Forest (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.26
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Minimal Wear), B/O: $204.83
★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Field-Tested), B/O: $184.50
★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Lore (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $224.11
⎯★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $2142.02
★ Bowie Knife, B/O: $230.44
★ Bowie Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $209.20
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.51
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Falchion Knife Night (Field-Tested), B/O: $132.54
★ Falchion Knife Urban Masked (Well-Worn), B/O: $112.81
★ Falchion Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $108.81
★ Falchion Knife Forest DDPAT (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.82
★ Falchion Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.46
★ StatTrak™ Falchion Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $143.08
⎯★ Paracord Knife Crimson Web (Minimal Wear), B/O: $486.48
★ Paracord Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $163.12
⎯★ Survival Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $138.26
★ Survival Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Gut Knife Sapphire (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1127.79
★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $286.17
★ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $246.55
★ Gut Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $240.77
★ Gut Knife, B/O: $210.49
★ Gut Knife Lore (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.22
★ Gut Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $151.51
★ Gut Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.94
★ Gut Knife Rust Coat (Well-Worn), B/O: $118.99
★ Gut Knife Boreal Forest (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.80
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2024.05.31 06:22 xXOutlierXx [F4A] Life Bites [College Setting] [Human Listener] [Supernatural] [Classroom] [Lecture]
Hello all. The youtube channel, Kiyoko&Kanade are currently hosting a 3 part ASMR competition, with one of the divisions being for script writers (deadline June 21 [see their youtube channel community tab for more details]).
Because of this, I plan to write a lot more. And as a consequence of that, I plan to share my script entries here, because why not? I hope you enjoy it!
Side note - this script is okay for monetization.
Synopsis It's your first day at a magical university, and before you can get started attending classes and making friends, you have to take a special course in "Vampire History and Ethics." That's right, your a "vampire," the only human one in your class-- but what that word (vampire) means, and what you actually are, are two entirely different things. That is why this class exists, it's meant to teach you the truth about vampires, and make you aware of all the resources the university has prepared for you.
[Sound of general chatter]
[Sound of heeled footsteps as chatter continues]
Instructor: (Clap of hands) Attention, please. May I have your attention?
[General chatter quiets down] [Brief Pause]
Professor E: Excellent. It would seem that I am rather fortunate this year, to receive a group of well mannered students such as yourselves. I half expected you to try talking over me just now. Shame on me for my school-fostered pessimism (said cheerfully). Now then, onto introductions... My name, is Elaina Andrei Cojocaru, and as you may have guessed, I have the unique privelage of being your "Vampiric History and Protozeal Ethics" Professor, this year. It is a pleasure to meet you all.
[Applause]
Professor E: Oh goodness, all of you really are well mannered. Please stop, I know I gave a little half bow just now, but that's no cause for such a warm reception. Oh, curse my formalities, and these cherry cheeks.
[Soft laughter.]
Professor E: (Clearing her throat) Right then, as I've said, I'll be one of your primary Professors for the entirety of this year. And I'll be checking in with you all, regularly, for any additional years you choose to spend at Amortis University. Now, can anyone tell me why that is...?
[Brief pause]
Professor E: Yes; you there, in the back!
[Brief pause]
Professor E: (Sighing) No, young man, it is not because you're all "freaks." And for the record, please know that I am no different from any of you. Why, I still remember the days I spent, sitting where you are now; listening to my own Vampire instructor as he gave this exact same orientation. But I'll save that story for another time. So please, anyone? Can anyone tell me why you're all here?
[Brief pause]
Professor E: That's right, miss. The reason why you're all here, is because you have all been afflicted with the genetic disease most know today as "Vampirism." And as such, you all require additonal tutelage before you're allowed to go out and socialize with your fellow classmates.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Yes, dear, that is why none of you were permitted to attend the official orientation in the Campus Square. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry you were denied that. I know how frustrating it can be, to be told that you're no different from anyone else, only to be treated like a leper at every opportunity. That used to drive me up the wall. But-- that's why I studied to become a teacher, and why I volunteered to teach this class, it's because I wanted to be there for those who would experience the same things that I did. I wanted to be there for them, in the ways I wished someone was there for me. And speaking of...
[A few heeled footsteps sound] [Sound of a drawer being pulled out] [Sound of jingling keys]
Professor E: I knew that none of us would be attending the formal get together in the Campus Square. So I took the liberty of... procuring one of the Headmaster's vehicles, along with one of the company credit cards.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Why did I do that? Well, so we could throw our own party, of course! There's a demi-human diner only a few blocks away, and the sweets they serve are out of this world! It's normally quiet later in the evening, especially on weekdays, so nothing is stopping us from showing up in full force; and downing enough deserts to put us all in a sugary coma!
[Hoots and hollers]
Proffessor E: Shush, evryone! Shush! Please keep it down. You're going to get us caught-- and me fired! (Said with glee)
[Quiet giggling]
Professor E: Alrighty then, since it seems like we're all in agreement for later tonight, and since the spirits of those in the room have been largely lifted, I think it's about time we delve into our first lesson. Lights, please!
[Light switch being flipped] [Heeled footsteps] [Projector being turned on and running]
Professor E: (Clearing throat) To begin our lesson, I would like to take a closer look at the official name of this class. And that is...?
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Correct, Mr. Brutus; "Vampiric History and Protozeal Ethics." Now, what do you all think these words mean...? Anyone...? Besides Mr. Brutus.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: That's right, Miss Nadia, this class is meant to teach you the history of Vampires; and how we, their offpsring, are to conduct ourselves in a civilized society. So to start our trek into the past, why don't we begin with the world's very first recorded "Vampire." Lord Dracula himself!
[Clicker clicking] [Concerned whispers]
Professor E: Oh my, all of you seem so utterly bewildered. What ever is the matter? (Said sarcastically)
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: That's right, Mr. Ryuji, the picture on the screen isn't that of a distinguished, elderly man, but that of a petite young woman; whose beauty I would liken to a porcelan doll's. What of it? (Sarcastic and sassy)
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: (Chuckling) As fate would have it, Mr. Ryuji, this is Count Dracula; or rather, Countess. Allow me to introduce you all to our true progenitor. The singular human being from which all Vampire kind is derived... Lady Valentina Matei Parvu... the first being in recorded history to have ever suffered from "The Curse of Parvu," a.k.a. "The Vampar Curse," a.k.a. "Vampirism."
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: I see that we're all more than a little smitten with our Lady. Does anyone have anything they'd like to say?
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Other than the fact that our Countess was very pretty, Miss Selica (small giggle)
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Ah, That is a very good question, Mr. Tempus! How did the world confuse the image of this dainty little thing, with that of the imposing, amorous, and chiseled figure that is Count Dracula-- an image which the world of fiction deeply reveres? Well... the answer to that, lies with the failings of recorded history. As stories are chronicled and passed down, first hand accounts often yield to modern superstitions and hearsay, and this in turn-- makes recountings of historic events about as credible as modern tabloids. Very few ancient historians are actually worth their renown, and even then, these same historians largely concerned themselves with events that happened locally; meaning the stories of the rest of the world quietly passed them by, more often than not. Luckily for us, Lady Parvu was a countess of a noble house, so her story and her struggles managed to find their way to us; by way of her family albums and her own personal diary.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: As far as her family albums are concerned... here we can see Lady Valentina Parvu being held by her mother, Lady Ileana Parvu, after just being born in a mountainside manor, on the eve of May 26, 1897. Lord Caius Parvu, Valentina's father-- whom we can see on the right, was the head of the Parvu clan; making Valentina, his first and only child, his sole successor.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: The Parvu's were an ancient magus family, and as one of the biggest magical clans known to history, Lady Valentina should have inherited a life of wealth, decadence, and leisure.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: Sadly, as we can see in this slide here, Lady Valentina was born with a sickly and frail body, leaving her bedridden most of the time; and hobbling around on a cane every other waking moment. Lady Ileana and Lord Caius chocked all of this up to general misfortune at first. They just saw it as "one of those things" that was outside of their control, and that Valentina would just have to learn to live with. However, all of this changed when Valentina turned 18. And her condition took an unexpected turn for the worse.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: The man in the cloak that we see standing over Valentina here, is the Arch Mage: Augustus Von Draconis; he was a sage with wisdom beyond his many years, and he was a personal friend of Lord Caius. So when Valentina collapsed from a fever during her birthday dinner, Augustus was summoned to help her. After launching a series of investigative spells, Augustus learned what we all recognize today as common knowledge; that those who suffer from "Vampirism" have bodies that are incapable of properly harnessing mana. And this in turn, can lead to a myriad of chronic physical ailments, as mana is integral to proper bodily function.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: In Valentina's case, "Vampirism" left her with an incredibly frail body, a ghostly pale complection, and horrendus eyesight. Fun fact-- Most of the tropes we have today regarding "Vampire weaknesses," are actually derived from misconceptions stemming from Lady Valentina's behavior. For example: Most people think that Vampires will die if exposed to sunlight, and thus, they have to avoid it. But as I've just said, "Vampirism" gave Valentina a ghostly pale complection-- along with terrible vision, meaning prolonged exposure to the sun would make her eyes hurt; and her skin, burn.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Hm? Oh, yes; that is why all of us are either wearing glasses, or very unique contacts. The bodily ailments that come with "Vamprisim" are usually passed down from parent to child; so chances are... if Lady Valentina had it, so will all of us. And as an added note, after reading Lady Valentina's diary in depth, I discovered that she had a very fierce loathing for her appearance; a kind of pre-historic body dysmorphia, if you will. She disliked her looks so much, she actively removed all mirrors from her room. So... if you ever wondered where the concept "Vampires don't show up in mirrors" came from... or if you ever wondered why you find it hard to appreciate your own reflection-- well, Lady Valentina is probably responsible for that, too. But we should finish going through all of Valentina's family albums before we get to her diary.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: Getting back to Valentina's birthday disaster, Augustus tried all types of healing magic and anti-curse magic to help Valentina, as he believed an outside source was impairing her ability to absorb magic. He only realized that her affliction was genetic, and not heretic, after giving her an elixir that was meant to replenish one's mana. Funnily enough, Lady Valentina nearly ripped Augusts' arm off, in an attempt to snatch the bottle out of his hand, after taking a mere sip of its contents. Her sudden burst of strength, and ravenous consumption of the magical brew, prompted more and more elixir to be brought in for her. And after the span of an hour, Lady Valentina had consumed more than a gallons worth of potion, before finally passing out due to exhaustion.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: This might have caused some of us to panic; but Augustus, ever the sage and alchemist, was able to think through the chaos, enough to see that Valentina was finally breathing normally and that her fever had broken. The picture we see here is Augustus comforting Valentina's startled parents, as several maids settle Valentina back into bed.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: Armed with this new knowledge of Valentina's condition, Augustus worked with her, day and night, in order to help her manage her symptoms-- while he secretly looked for a cure. Unfortunately, none of the magic in the world, nor a philosopher's stone, could reverse what fate had done to Valentina. But even so, Valentina did not lose heart, and neither did her parents. And as we see here, not only were Valentina's parents ready to do anything and everything to help her, they were even the very first people that Valentina fed on. Which is why we see Valentina noming on her father's arm in this picture, and her mother's neck in this picture. Now, for those of you wondering why Valentina would even resort to feeding...
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: As we can see in this diagram here, a Mana Elixir actually contains little to no mana in and of itself. It's primary purpose is to help the consumer's body absorb external mana, with the little mana it does contain only serving as a means to "kickstart" that process. In contrast, when a Vampire feeds off of another living being, the fluid that enters into their mouths is 100% pure liquid mana, or Aetheron, for those Alchemy Majors amongst us. This is why Valentina consumed large volumes of the Mana Elixir on her 18th birthday, and it's why Vampires feed off of other beings to this day. It is simply more efficient. And speaking of feeding, I think it's time we get on to the Protozeal Ethics portion of our discussion today.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: Society has many different opinions regarding the act of Feeding, but thankfully for us, the information contained on these slides is irrefutable fact. So if you didn't already know... Vampires don't actually drink blood, as we so often see in books or television. What actually happens is an extremely complicated, bio-magical transmutation process, that Alchemists the world over are still trying to replicate. But to put it as simply as I can, the abnormally elongated canines of a Vampire, or their quote/unqote "fangs," if your a normie-- act as polaric constructs that draw mana to them. When a "Vampire" bites down on a person, their fangs draw magic particles out of their prey's body, and then force those particles to condensate inside the Vampires mouth; creating a liquid the Vampire can then drink. And because all liquids containing mana have a propensity to turn red; it is easy to see how, from a distance, people may be lead to believe that "Vampires" consume blood. Which is a totally disgusting notion, by the way.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: In feeding off of living beings, Vampires are given a kind of repreive from their bodily ailments. I'm sure all of you have experienced this yourselves, at one time or another, so I won't go into too much detail; but for the sake of the curriculum, allow me to just say that feeding makes a Vampire stronger, faster, more resilient, and just healthier overall. Though we still suffer from things like poor eyesight and/or easily damaged skin, no matter how much we feed. Remeber, "Vampirism" is a chronic, genetic condition; not an illness that can be cured.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: And speaking of "Incurables" (sigh) I now have the distinct displeasure of telling you all how others might pervert the feeding process.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: As most of you can imagine, it would be incredibly problematic if a Vampire's prey ran away from them before a feeding, or if they fought back as a Vampire was consuming their mana... And as if in response to this dilemma, the bodies of Vampires naturally adapted themselves, in order to provide a solution... Put succintly, a Vampire's bite is known to generate intense waves of Euphoria, and other such emotions, in the person being bitten. Leaving little motivation for anyone to resist having their mana taken.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: On the surface, this seems like a good thing. The Vampire gets to feed, and provide essential nutrients to their ailing body; while their prey gets to feel good whilst donating some of their excess mana. Everyone wins. Or at least, that's what you would expect... (Deep sigh)... But unfortunately, there are many individuals out there who would take advantage of the effects of a Vampire bite. Using it to block out the pain of their lives, or introduce a new kind of stimulus to it. This is part of the reason why Vampires aren't allowed to attend the formal Freshman Orientation. It isn't only because we all need to learn when and where to feed, but rather, it's because we need to learn that others may entice us to feed of off them, in accordance with their own selfish desires... Please, don't let anyone make a tool out of you. Especially those who claim to be your friends. I know it might be hard to hear that, and even harder to follow through on, so please know that my door is always open; If you ever need to talk. The scheduled office hours on my door be damned. If you need me, I'll be there. I Promise.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: (Sigh of relief) And, that should about do it for our first lecture. Thank you all so much for your patience and attention. I'd like to open the floor now for any questions that you may have.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Yes; you, near the window.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Ah, an astute question. For those of you who didn't hear, Miss Seren asked why demi-humans of all kinds can end up as Vampires. If you take a look around the room yourselves, you can see that we actually have demis of all kinds in attendance here today. Mr Brutus is a Minotaur. Miss Nadia is a Scylla. Mr. Ryuji is a Dragonborn, Mr. Tempus is a Shifter. Miss Selica is a Harpy. And Miss Seren herself is a Gorgon. We all come from different magical lineages, and this in turn, might cause an uninformed person to think that Vampirism is transferrable. But as we have already discussed, Vampirism stems from genetics, so any species that has a history of reproducing with humans, has a chance of siring Vampire children. Hmm... now that I've mentioned humans, I have to ask, do we... have any in this class? Cause I don't think I we do.
[Chairs shuffling]
Professor E: Oh, I see a hand! There you are, you sneaky little thing, hiding behind Mr. Brutus like that. No, no-- don't be shy. I know that, as an Arachnid, my form may be a bit imposing; but I promise, the yellow stripes on my body are meant to scare away predators, not you-- precious. In fact, since you're the only human here, why don't you come up to the front and introduce yourself?
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Oh, there's no need to be nervous. I'll have everyone introduce themselves at some point today, but since you're a human, and can weave through the various desks with ease, I think it makes sense to have you come to the front to make your introduction. That way, everyone can see you clearly, without having to try and peer behind Mr. Brutus.
[soft chuckling]
Professor E: You don't think you're that insteresting? Nonsense! As the only human vampire here, you must have a strong connection to Lady Valentina's bloodline. Why, I would wager that you have direct ties to one or more of the ancient magus families, making you arcanic nobility.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: You're not sure? Well, how about this; you come up to the front and introduce yourself, and I promise to figure out the rest. Deal?
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Yes, sweet thing; this is me volen-telling you to get up here, in the nicest way I know how (cheerful giggle).
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: That's the spirit! Let's get a big round of applause for our brave new freshman!
[Round of applause]
Professor E: (Whispering in Listener's ear) Sorry not sorry for the round of applause. When I saw how red you were getting up, I couldn't help myself, I had to tease you; even if only a little. Forgive me later... (Audibly, for the class) Now then, sweetpea, why don't you tell us what your name is, and what noble house of mages you belong to?
[END]
submitted by xXOutlierXx to ASMRScriptHaven [link] [comments]
Because of this, I plan to write a lot more. And as a consequence of that, I plan to share my script entries here, because why not? I hope you enjoy it!
Side note - this script is okay for monetization.
Synopsis It's your first day at a magical university, and before you can get started attending classes and making friends, you have to take a special course in "Vampire History and Ethics." That's right, your a "vampire," the only human one in your class-- but what that word (vampire) means, and what you actually are, are two entirely different things. That is why this class exists, it's meant to teach you the truth about vampires, and make you aware of all the resources the university has prepared for you.
[Sound of general chatter]
[Sound of heeled footsteps as chatter continues]
Instructor: (Clap of hands) Attention, please. May I have your attention?
[General chatter quiets down] [Brief Pause]
Professor E: Excellent. It would seem that I am rather fortunate this year, to receive a group of well mannered students such as yourselves. I half expected you to try talking over me just now. Shame on me for my school-fostered pessimism (said cheerfully). Now then, onto introductions... My name, is Elaina Andrei Cojocaru, and as you may have guessed, I have the unique privelage of being your "Vampiric History and Protozeal Ethics" Professor, this year. It is a pleasure to meet you all.
[Applause]
Professor E: Oh goodness, all of you really are well mannered. Please stop, I know I gave a little half bow just now, but that's no cause for such a warm reception. Oh, curse my formalities, and these cherry cheeks.
[Soft laughter.]
Professor E: (Clearing her throat) Right then, as I've said, I'll be one of your primary Professors for the entirety of this year. And I'll be checking in with you all, regularly, for any additional years you choose to spend at Amortis University. Now, can anyone tell me why that is...?
[Brief pause]
Professor E: Yes; you there, in the back!
[Brief pause]
Professor E: (Sighing) No, young man, it is not because you're all "freaks." And for the record, please know that I am no different from any of you. Why, I still remember the days I spent, sitting where you are now; listening to my own Vampire instructor as he gave this exact same orientation. But I'll save that story for another time. So please, anyone? Can anyone tell me why you're all here?
[Brief pause]
Professor E: That's right, miss. The reason why you're all here, is because you have all been afflicted with the genetic disease most know today as "Vampirism." And as such, you all require additonal tutelage before you're allowed to go out and socialize with your fellow classmates.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Yes, dear, that is why none of you were permitted to attend the official orientation in the Campus Square. And for what it's worth, I'm sorry you were denied that. I know how frustrating it can be, to be told that you're no different from anyone else, only to be treated like a leper at every opportunity. That used to drive me up the wall. But-- that's why I studied to become a teacher, and why I volunteered to teach this class, it's because I wanted to be there for those who would experience the same things that I did. I wanted to be there for them, in the ways I wished someone was there for me. And speaking of...
[A few heeled footsteps sound] [Sound of a drawer being pulled out] [Sound of jingling keys]
Professor E: I knew that none of us would be attending the formal get together in the Campus Square. So I took the liberty of... procuring one of the Headmaster's vehicles, along with one of the company credit cards.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Why did I do that? Well, so we could throw our own party, of course! There's a demi-human diner only a few blocks away, and the sweets they serve are out of this world! It's normally quiet later in the evening, especially on weekdays, so nothing is stopping us from showing up in full force; and downing enough deserts to put us all in a sugary coma!
[Hoots and hollers]
Proffessor E: Shush, evryone! Shush! Please keep it down. You're going to get us caught-- and me fired! (Said with glee)
[Quiet giggling]
Professor E: Alrighty then, since it seems like we're all in agreement for later tonight, and since the spirits of those in the room have been largely lifted, I think it's about time we delve into our first lesson. Lights, please!
[Light switch being flipped] [Heeled footsteps] [Projector being turned on and running]
Professor E: (Clearing throat) To begin our lesson, I would like to take a closer look at the official name of this class. And that is...?
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Correct, Mr. Brutus; "Vampiric History and Protozeal Ethics." Now, what do you all think these words mean...? Anyone...? Besides Mr. Brutus.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: That's right, Miss Nadia, this class is meant to teach you the history of Vampires; and how we, their offpsring, are to conduct ourselves in a civilized society. So to start our trek into the past, why don't we begin with the world's very first recorded "Vampire." Lord Dracula himself!
[Clicker clicking] [Concerned whispers]
Professor E: Oh my, all of you seem so utterly bewildered. What ever is the matter? (Said sarcastically)
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: That's right, Mr. Ryuji, the picture on the screen isn't that of a distinguished, elderly man, but that of a petite young woman; whose beauty I would liken to a porcelan doll's. What of it? (Sarcastic and sassy)
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: (Chuckling) As fate would have it, Mr. Ryuji, this is Count Dracula; or rather, Countess. Allow me to introduce you all to our true progenitor. The singular human being from which all Vampire kind is derived... Lady Valentina Matei Parvu... the first being in recorded history to have ever suffered from "The Curse of Parvu," a.k.a. "The Vampar Curse," a.k.a. "Vampirism."
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: I see that we're all more than a little smitten with our Lady. Does anyone have anything they'd like to say?
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Other than the fact that our Countess was very pretty, Miss Selica (small giggle)
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Ah, That is a very good question, Mr. Tempus! How did the world confuse the image of this dainty little thing, with that of the imposing, amorous, and chiseled figure that is Count Dracula-- an image which the world of fiction deeply reveres? Well... the answer to that, lies with the failings of recorded history. As stories are chronicled and passed down, first hand accounts often yield to modern superstitions and hearsay, and this in turn-- makes recountings of historic events about as credible as modern tabloids. Very few ancient historians are actually worth their renown, and even then, these same historians largely concerned themselves with events that happened locally; meaning the stories of the rest of the world quietly passed them by, more often than not. Luckily for us, Lady Parvu was a countess of a noble house, so her story and her struggles managed to find their way to us; by way of her family albums and her own personal diary.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: As far as her family albums are concerned... here we can see Lady Valentina Parvu being held by her mother, Lady Ileana Parvu, after just being born in a mountainside manor, on the eve of May 26, 1897. Lord Caius Parvu, Valentina's father-- whom we can see on the right, was the head of the Parvu clan; making Valentina, his first and only child, his sole successor.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: The Parvu's were an ancient magus family, and as one of the biggest magical clans known to history, Lady Valentina should have inherited a life of wealth, decadence, and leisure.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: Sadly, as we can see in this slide here, Lady Valentina was born with a sickly and frail body, leaving her bedridden most of the time; and hobbling around on a cane every other waking moment. Lady Ileana and Lord Caius chocked all of this up to general misfortune at first. They just saw it as "one of those things" that was outside of their control, and that Valentina would just have to learn to live with. However, all of this changed when Valentina turned 18. And her condition took an unexpected turn for the worse.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: The man in the cloak that we see standing over Valentina here, is the Arch Mage: Augustus Von Draconis; he was a sage with wisdom beyond his many years, and he was a personal friend of Lord Caius. So when Valentina collapsed from a fever during her birthday dinner, Augustus was summoned to help her. After launching a series of investigative spells, Augustus learned what we all recognize today as common knowledge; that those who suffer from "Vampirism" have bodies that are incapable of properly harnessing mana. And this in turn, can lead to a myriad of chronic physical ailments, as mana is integral to proper bodily function.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: In Valentina's case, "Vampirism" left her with an incredibly frail body, a ghostly pale complection, and horrendus eyesight. Fun fact-- Most of the tropes we have today regarding "Vampire weaknesses," are actually derived from misconceptions stemming from Lady Valentina's behavior. For example: Most people think that Vampires will die if exposed to sunlight, and thus, they have to avoid it. But as I've just said, "Vampirism" gave Valentina a ghostly pale complection-- along with terrible vision, meaning prolonged exposure to the sun would make her eyes hurt; and her skin, burn.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Hm? Oh, yes; that is why all of us are either wearing glasses, or very unique contacts. The bodily ailments that come with "Vamprisim" are usually passed down from parent to child; so chances are... if Lady Valentina had it, so will all of us. And as an added note, after reading Lady Valentina's diary in depth, I discovered that she had a very fierce loathing for her appearance; a kind of pre-historic body dysmorphia, if you will. She disliked her looks so much, she actively removed all mirrors from her room. So... if you ever wondered where the concept "Vampires don't show up in mirrors" came from... or if you ever wondered why you find it hard to appreciate your own reflection-- well, Lady Valentina is probably responsible for that, too. But we should finish going through all of Valentina's family albums before we get to her diary.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: Getting back to Valentina's birthday disaster, Augustus tried all types of healing magic and anti-curse magic to help Valentina, as he believed an outside source was impairing her ability to absorb magic. He only realized that her affliction was genetic, and not heretic, after giving her an elixir that was meant to replenish one's mana. Funnily enough, Lady Valentina nearly ripped Augusts' arm off, in an attempt to snatch the bottle out of his hand, after taking a mere sip of its contents. Her sudden burst of strength, and ravenous consumption of the magical brew, prompted more and more elixir to be brought in for her. And after the span of an hour, Lady Valentina had consumed more than a gallons worth of potion, before finally passing out due to exhaustion.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: This might have caused some of us to panic; but Augustus, ever the sage and alchemist, was able to think through the chaos, enough to see that Valentina was finally breathing normally and that her fever had broken. The picture we see here is Augustus comforting Valentina's startled parents, as several maids settle Valentina back into bed.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: Armed with this new knowledge of Valentina's condition, Augustus worked with her, day and night, in order to help her manage her symptoms-- while he secretly looked for a cure. Unfortunately, none of the magic in the world, nor a philosopher's stone, could reverse what fate had done to Valentina. But even so, Valentina did not lose heart, and neither did her parents. And as we see here, not only were Valentina's parents ready to do anything and everything to help her, they were even the very first people that Valentina fed on. Which is why we see Valentina noming on her father's arm in this picture, and her mother's neck in this picture. Now, for those of you wondering why Valentina would even resort to feeding...
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: As we can see in this diagram here, a Mana Elixir actually contains little to no mana in and of itself. It's primary purpose is to help the consumer's body absorb external mana, with the little mana it does contain only serving as a means to "kickstart" that process. In contrast, when a Vampire feeds off of another living being, the fluid that enters into their mouths is 100% pure liquid mana, or Aetheron, for those Alchemy Majors amongst us. This is why Valentina consumed large volumes of the Mana Elixir on her 18th birthday, and it's why Vampires feed off of other beings to this day. It is simply more efficient. And speaking of feeding, I think it's time we get on to the Protozeal Ethics portion of our discussion today.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: Society has many different opinions regarding the act of Feeding, but thankfully for us, the information contained on these slides is irrefutable fact. So if you didn't already know... Vampires don't actually drink blood, as we so often see in books or television. What actually happens is an extremely complicated, bio-magical transmutation process, that Alchemists the world over are still trying to replicate. But to put it as simply as I can, the abnormally elongated canines of a Vampire, or their quote/unqote "fangs," if your a normie-- act as polaric constructs that draw mana to them. When a "Vampire" bites down on a person, their fangs draw magic particles out of their prey's body, and then force those particles to condensate inside the Vampires mouth; creating a liquid the Vampire can then drink. And because all liquids containing mana have a propensity to turn red; it is easy to see how, from a distance, people may be lead to believe that "Vampires" consume blood. Which is a totally disgusting notion, by the way.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: In feeding off of living beings, Vampires are given a kind of repreive from their bodily ailments. I'm sure all of you have experienced this yourselves, at one time or another, so I won't go into too much detail; but for the sake of the curriculum, allow me to just say that feeding makes a Vampire stronger, faster, more resilient, and just healthier overall. Though we still suffer from things like poor eyesight and/or easily damaged skin, no matter how much we feed. Remeber, "Vampirism" is a chronic, genetic condition; not an illness that can be cured.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: And speaking of "Incurables" (sigh) I now have the distinct displeasure of telling you all how others might pervert the feeding process.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: As most of you can imagine, it would be incredibly problematic if a Vampire's prey ran away from them before a feeding, or if they fought back as a Vampire was consuming their mana... And as if in response to this dilemma, the bodies of Vampires naturally adapted themselves, in order to provide a solution... Put succintly, a Vampire's bite is known to generate intense waves of Euphoria, and other such emotions, in the person being bitten. Leaving little motivation for anyone to resist having their mana taken.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: On the surface, this seems like a good thing. The Vampire gets to feed, and provide essential nutrients to their ailing body; while their prey gets to feel good whilst donating some of their excess mana. Everyone wins. Or at least, that's what you would expect... (Deep sigh)... But unfortunately, there are many individuals out there who would take advantage of the effects of a Vampire bite. Using it to block out the pain of their lives, or introduce a new kind of stimulus to it. This is part of the reason why Vampires aren't allowed to attend the formal Freshman Orientation. It isn't only because we all need to learn when and where to feed, but rather, it's because we need to learn that others may entice us to feed of off them, in accordance with their own selfish desires... Please, don't let anyone make a tool out of you. Especially those who claim to be your friends. I know it might be hard to hear that, and even harder to follow through on, so please know that my door is always open; If you ever need to talk. The scheduled office hours on my door be damned. If you need me, I'll be there. I Promise.
[Sound of a clicker clicking] [Sound of the projector moving to the next slide]
Professor E: (Sigh of relief) And, that should about do it for our first lecture. Thank you all so much for your patience and attention. I'd like to open the floor now for any questions that you may have.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Yes; you, near the window.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Ah, an astute question. For those of you who didn't hear, Miss Seren asked why demi-humans of all kinds can end up as Vampires. If you take a look around the room yourselves, you can see that we actually have demis of all kinds in attendance here today. Mr Brutus is a Minotaur. Miss Nadia is a Scylla. Mr. Ryuji is a Dragonborn, Mr. Tempus is a Shifter. Miss Selica is a Harpy. And Miss Seren herself is a Gorgon. We all come from different magical lineages, and this in turn, might cause an uninformed person to think that Vampirism is transferrable. But as we have already discussed, Vampirism stems from genetics, so any species that has a history of reproducing with humans, has a chance of siring Vampire children. Hmm... now that I've mentioned humans, I have to ask, do we... have any in this class? Cause I don't think I we do.
[Chairs shuffling]
Professor E: Oh, I see a hand! There you are, you sneaky little thing, hiding behind Mr. Brutus like that. No, no-- don't be shy. I know that, as an Arachnid, my form may be a bit imposing; but I promise, the yellow stripes on my body are meant to scare away predators, not you-- precious. In fact, since you're the only human here, why don't you come up to the front and introduce yourself?
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Oh, there's no need to be nervous. I'll have everyone introduce themselves at some point today, but since you're a human, and can weave through the various desks with ease, I think it makes sense to have you come to the front to make your introduction. That way, everyone can see you clearly, without having to try and peer behind Mr. Brutus.
[soft chuckling]
Professor E: You don't think you're that insteresting? Nonsense! As the only human vampire here, you must have a strong connection to Lady Valentina's bloodline. Why, I would wager that you have direct ties to one or more of the ancient magus families, making you arcanic nobility.
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: You're not sure? Well, how about this; you come up to the front and introduce yourself, and I promise to figure out the rest. Deal?
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: Yes, sweet thing; this is me volen-telling you to get up here, in the nicest way I know how (cheerful giggle).
[Brief Pause]
Professor E: That's the spirit! Let's get a big round of applause for our brave new freshman!
[Round of applause]
Professor E: (Whispering in Listener's ear) Sorry not sorry for the round of applause. When I saw how red you were getting up, I couldn't help myself, I had to tease you; even if only a little. Forgive me later... (Audibly, for the class) Now then, sweetpea, why don't you tell us what your name is, and what noble house of mages you belong to?
[END]