Okay.... this won't be a huge thread I assume but I gotta ask:
What is with the Goddamn Rings of Saturn? GOATED move (and Perry Saturn is a treasure unless he's on Heat) but what in the goddamn hell? It is UNBEATABLE in every mode. It's 2k24's Ray Gun glitch. I had an overall 77 make a 96 tap in SECONDS in universe AI Sim. Its unbeatable online, [Mycareer]*, exhibition, etc.
In serious need of a nerf. I played on it and gave it to one of my female CAS and pushed her to the moon now she looks like 98 Taz.
Has anyone experienced this, or another similarly OP move?
*[edit: typo]

So I was in Goa for a week with my friends and instead of staying in the hotel or resort we decided to rent BnB. In the beginning we were 5 people in 2 bedroom, hall, kitchen and there was a room upstairs inside the apartment. Stairs are from the hall area and it was basically a small space with bed and good view above the hall (it was like a balcony). So in the beginning we didn't notice small things like around midnight halls light starts fluctuating.. one night one friend was not there and other one was in the room downstairs and we 3 girls were upstairs and he felt that someone is wandering outside (we didn't came downstairs and nobody else was in the apartment). He left after two days due to some emergency at work and we three girls left in the apartment. There was something off about the apartment, in the first room, near balcony in the corner, it feels like someone's watching.
So, we went to Dudhsagar fall that day left early morning and came home late. My two friends were picking some essentials and I have to go to pee urgently so I decided to came in the apartment and I was covered in sand so decided to took shower. In the washroom, as soon as I starting taking shower and my face was covered in the soap I felt somebody's there. I was washed my face and opened my eyes, I saw a girl of 15-16 years old, black hair, fair complexion and very eerie smile. She was wearing skirt and white shirt and jewelry. She was looking at me and smiling, I literally screamed but nobody was in the apartment.
Thankfully my friend came back at that very moment and started ringing doorbell, I looked away and she was not here, I grabbed towel and ran outside. I told her everything.. that night we stayed together in another room and left very next day.
P.S. we were in North Goa. If anybody has similar experience.. feel free to share in the comments.

Can anyone explain to me how MP ranks/points work? Because sometimes I race against very highly ranked (not the cars, the players, but sometimes it's both, but in this case I don't mean the car) individuals and I still gain ranks even if I don't make it to the podium. Then I lose a lot of points in the same scenario just different instances. If the vehicles are the same/similar rank I lose horrible pointes if I ever dare to be second or third. Sometimes it's other cars that are B class but lower ranks (not upgraded) and they end up being faster by default even with no upgrades which makes sense they're higher classes but their rank is lower than mine and when they win I get TANKED. It seems like the only time I get up in the leagues is when I win first or some random other times. Which is very frustrating if I get in the podium after a very tough race and I see I lost 20+ ranks.

Heyo 🙋🏼‍♂️ I'm interested in meeting new people, maybe you are too? If so, feel free to write to me and who knows, in the best case a friendship will develop :) What I should also note is that I would prefer it if you were a woman, simply because I get along better with women than with other men 😂
To give you a rough idea of who I am and what I like, I'd better write a bit about myself.
My biggest hobby is definitely gaming, I've been playing games since I was 3-4 years old 🤓 My favourite thing to do is playing single player games on the PS5, especially action RPGs, like all Fromsoftware titles. At the moment I'm also playing a lot of LoL with my best friend. I also have a Switch, just not too many games, mostly Pokemon, but I've spent a lot of hours on it. Oh and I bet nobody can beat me in Mario Kart 🏁
In addition to gaming, I also enjoy watching movies and series. Horror is the only genre I'm not the biggest fan of, although I'm often interested in the story of the movie. I've also watched one or two horror movies with friends, but to be honest, I've often held a pillow in front of my face 😂 Apart from horror, I watch all sorts of things, my favourites in terms of movies are definitely Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, a lot of Disney films, Iron Man and a few more that I can't think of off the top of my head right now haha As far as series go, I watch things like Stranger Things, GoT, Brooklyn 99, Community, Avatar the last Airbender, the Mandalorian, Fallout, Lupin or Vox Machina :)
I've been reading a lot again for half a year and I'm currently working on the last Witcher book, The Lady of the Lake. Other than that, I've read Lord of the Rings and the Metro trilogy. And as soon as I've finished The Witcher, I want to read Dragon Ball again, the last time was a good 16-17 years ago, and then maybe Dune or The Hunger Games 🤔
Apart from that, I study computer science, enjoy being outdoors and doing things with friends. I also love animals, my family has two dogs and three cats and I've been a vegetarian for almost 6 years 😄 I've been learning French via Duolingo every day for about 1 1/2 months, so if you happen to have Duolingo too, let me know and we can add each other 🙌🏼 I also enjoy cooking and my favourite dish is and will probably always be pizza. I've made pizza myself so many times in my life that I can do it in my sleep (but it's not that difficult, I have to be honest, not like sushi, which I've also made 1-2 times 🍱)
If you have similar interests and would like to write a bit, hit me up :D Ideally, you should live somewhere in Europe, because I'm from Germany myself and then it would be more convenient in terms of time. If you've read this far and won’t write me, I'd still like to thank you for your perseverance and wish you a good day or a nice morning/evening :D

this is a continuation from my earlier post .
my objective is to make accessible information in the greater public domain. much of what I am saying is available in public, but obscure or not present in one single place.
Main Idol overview -
the MOOLAVIRAT or DHRUVA beram, the subject of all legends and debates.

• I am biased in my opinion , but it is an idol , the craftsmanship of which is beyond anything I have ever seen. no Louv're museum, greek statues, Rome or even our Own hoyasala sculptures even come close. the details are extremely life-life. this is also why we see rumors like he is soft or sweating etc.

the level of detail is really extraordinary. fingernails, toenails, striations in the skin folds, and attention to detail to every ornament is seen.
all ornaments in front view continue on the back side. full 360 degrees. mostly on the back, are the strings and knots of the ornaments , all integrally in the idol. the hair locks, also have very tiny crevices, looking like real hair, especially in dim lighting.
there is another unique problem that all of this creates - it sounds silly but only people who are worshipping idols in temples would know.
normally, during ritual baths, CUrd ( or yoghurt ) is a key ingredient.
what most people don;t know, is that curd is very very hard to clean up afterwards .
it gets stuck in tiny crevices, and eventually the room starts to smell really bad.
in tirumala, the practice is to NOT use curd, and just stick to milk and various versions of water.
the real reason for that is the exquisite features of the idol. no amount of cleaning is enough to fully bring out all the curd. so a long time back, decisions were taken to stop using it. (again lot of debates on it and lot of controversies jumped out of it)
Curd Iis used now , for all the other smaller idols, where it is easier to clean up later.
Main Idol - dimensions
there are confusing reports about his height ranging from 6 feet to 12 feet. all are false. numbers change based on how he is measured.
he is 8 feet tall, if measured from foot to top of crown. the crown is 20 inches approx. (based on size of the gold crowns made for him..all of them 22 inches to accommodate padding)
the lotus base (Padma -peeta ) is estimated to be 18 inches.
but an idol is always measured with base included. this brings the total to 9 ½ feet , as the pedestal is always counted. but in reality , when we go to the temple today, we are standing standing above the height of his feet, so we would see 8 feet of his majesty .
these are all estimates and could be wrong by a couple of inches.
also, the dimensions of the sanctum sanctorum are 12feet 9 inches x 12 feet 9 inches. square. this is available in public domain. nothin secret about it.
in the Agama, among the GarbhaGrihas, this is the largest sanctioned dimension, only possible for a very tall mula virat.
*(we need to again remember- this extraordinary idol, was exposed to the sun and moon for centuries, surrounded by elephants and lotus ponds and venomous snakes , before a human being even came into the picture. its really hard to imagine him just standing there in the forest with a smile on his face , for a thousand years, before a temple was made out of wood ( yes literally wooden temple - more on that later)
his waist is estimated to be around 24-27 inches (depending upon exactly where you measure it)
his chest is 42 inches ( some serious bodybuilding goals for men - forget the old-NTR like chubby looks)
his arms circumference for the armlets is estimated to be 19 inches.
overall, the appearance of a youthful strong tall man.
now each body part -
feet - the feet are spaced apart at shoulder width. they are extremely well-formed, having even toenails. there are toe-rings on his toes, and then there are 2 varieties of anklets on him. 1 looks more like a feminine Dancer kind of anklet ( I dont know the right word for it) . the second one is more masculine and like a thick strong ring around the ankle.
the lower body cloth (peetambaram or dhoti) outline can be clearly made in the idol, resting near the anklets. its folded into 7 layers as we move upwards to his waist. on the backside, it continues and is neatly tucked into the small of his back. there is one very interesting observation here..... the knot and tucked in-dhoti on the back looks like the hood of a cobra. senior priests say it is symbolic of kundalini.
note: no actual cobra figure appear on the idol. I am only talking about the lower garment folded in such a way. this I have actually seen on other vishnu idols in iconography books on agama. I'll share a pic here of similar feature if I can.
normally, there is no gap in a stone idol , between the feet . rock is there to preserve the stability of the idol. but here there is a hollow, and a garment can be passed under to dress him.
there is also a decorative Vastram draped on this sides, beautifully knotted on both hips. its pleats gently fall down on either side.
as we move up, his two lower limbs are strong and bulky. the calves are particularly bulky, very strong from the backside.
strong massive thighs can be made out from all sides. the kneecaps are very prominently visible.
his posture is almost straight.... with a small tilt to the right side (his right side) . as such the right knee is slightly bent. overall, he stoops very slightly fowards, as if just about to step out of the pedestal. this is hard to observe after all the heavy ornaments and garlands.
I will talk about the more technical description of his posture by using sanskrit AGAMA terminology in future posts. this was intended for people who are not familiar with highly technical jargon.

I’m 6’2 and athletic looking for a female friend who shares similar interest as me. I enjoy video games, watching anime, hitting the gym and playing my guitar. I don’t wanna over complicate things with rules and stipulations of the friendship. I can verify and trade pics to get to know one another. I own a switch, PS5 and PC and primarily play shooters and survival games but I’m down to mix it up. Some recent anime I watched and really enjoyed was solo leveling and shangri-la frontier which both got me back into RPG games which has had me on an Elden Ring binge. I’m pretty reasonable and just looking for someone who’s chill too.

In the 19, nearly 20, years I have lived my life, I was raised a Christian by American conservatives in a middle class environment and am fortunate to experience countless memories of joy, laughter, and growth with (mostly) everybody I have met. Each memory with the people in my life holds a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the bond we built.
The thing is that until the end of eighth grade, I had a strange obsession with East Asia. Looking back, it was very embarrassing and I condemn my parents for enabling me to become a weeaboo (by “weeaboo”, I mean “a person who is overly obsessed with East Asian culture, especially Japanese culture, to the point that they fetishize the culture in an unhealthy way”). I was the textbook example of a weeaboo who had a terrible case of “yellow fever” (sexual preference towards East Asians). Loving the image of East Asian culture without having any real idea what it stood for and seeing the East as a utopia, my fetishization of East Asia, especially Japan, was born out of the shame I have with the Western culture I was raised in. I never felt like I could fit in with my Western peers who I often looked down upon and did not want to be associated with. It got to the point that I became unsatisfied with my home town, my physical appearance, and even my closest friends. This combined with the surge in anime, K-pop, and other media on the internet really got me hooked and believing really fetish-y things about the Sinosphere. I hate being reminded of it and have tried to move on.
However, I am thankful for my exposure to Eastern culture, though it was through a very bastardized, Westernized lens. I am grateful for my exposure, even though it started out with something as intellectually undemanding as Vocaloid music (songs sung by a Japanese voice synthesizer). The best part about the exposure was that it helped me leave Christianity and join Buddhism at age 11, which greatly helped with my mental health considering I was experiencing suicidal thoughts since the age of 8. Though I had awful misunderstandings of Buddhism in the beginning and still do not really have a Buddhist teacher, I am glad that I have the resources to connect myself with other Buddhists and take refuge in the Triple Gem.
As I left my gross misconceptions of the Sinosphere behind back when I was 14 while still having a healthy interest in it, my eyes were eventually opened to perils which threaten not only the homelands of Buddhism (East, South, and Southeast Asia), but also the sustainability of modern humans. These two perils are Western culture and capitalist fascism.
The West exoticizes and misrepresents Buddhism and the culture of its home, the East, as a whole. I am ashamed to be born in a culture where this was encouraged, which I am worried could lead me to fetishizing Eastern culture again.
But what I know for sure is that the West’s hyperindividualism is harming people, both those whose lands are invaded and its own people. This combined with the West’s growing rejection of education, including that of the knowledge the West itself has given to the world for humanity’s benefit, makes it clear that it is lacking some of the Sinosphere’s cultural strengths. Everybody should hold collectivism and education to the same degree that the Sinosphere does, otherwise we would be left with an unsustainable society that would destroy itself.
There is nothing wrong with speaking Western languages, eating Western foods, watching (most types of) Western media, wearing Western clothes, and especially nothing wrong with using Western inventions, but we are now seeing that the West’s hyperindividualism and rejection of education is destructive and spreading like a cancer.
It is only Buddhists who make an effort to assimilate to the East (had they not been born into it) who can see the West with its hyperindividualism and uneducatedness, promoted by its creation of its spreading ideologies such as capitalist fascism and social Darwinism, for what it really is: a cancer. I can now see the direction the United States, the most populated and powerful country in the West, is going due to the rise of ultra-capitalism and/or fascism supporters.
Rarely the phrase “Western”, as in “formed by the combined foundations of Greco-Roman civilization and Western Christianity” (Gabbe), raised positive thoughts in my mind since I learned about it shortly after discovering Buddhism. “Western” when used in the context of medicine is an exception to this, but we are now seeing more and more Westerners dishonor the progress their ancestors made towards modern, mainstream, dare I say, Western medicine as they fall for anti-vaccine and anti-mask pseudoscience.
Nowadays, some who use the word in a derogatory context are uneducated reactionaries that bash anything and everything Western, yet hypocritically promote the Western political ideology of fascism. A strength that a majority (though now a decreasing number) of Western countries have is their progressivism, supporting scientific advancements, women’s rights, racial equality, and the LGBT+. However, this is not just becoming less common; being a progressive Westerner is not enough, not enough to end Western imperialism, to save the sacred truths taught to us by the Shakyamuni Buddha, or to empower the working class.
Although I never fully approved of Western culture after my weeaboo phase ended, my early teen self still ended up falling into the anti-social justice warrior side of YouTube that I now recognized hindered my understanding of what actually ruined my country, the United States of America. I still did not feel comfortable calling myself a Westerner but mainly because the West did not widely accept Buddhism and has several times in its history persecuted Buddhists. At the same time, I was deceived by a bastardized form of Buddhism common among Westerners (known as “secular Buddhism”, which picks and chooses aspects of the Buddha’s teachings instead of accepting them as a whole), so I was a bit more of the classic, stereotypical atheist neckbeard who fetishized the East up until 2020. Since then, my views became more progressive similar to those of American liberals and I denounced traditionalist Western beliefs, but like the average American liberal, I did not see Western culture, both traditional and progressive, as the peril I now see it. It was not until around the end of 2023 when I discovered the Western problem.
It was a slow burn that started with my discovery of Buddhists on the internet talking about how the West misrepresented Buddhism to appeal to “self-help” consumerists, Christians, and New Age followers. In the Westerner, I originally saw only a person who followed harmless customs, traditions, and other norms that came from a part of the world where Buddhism was not the dominant religion (if you could even call the non-theistic dharma as taught by the Gautama Buddha a religion). And so, I did not believe that Western civilization needed to fall for the safety of the dharma, let alone for its own people. After all, I thought to myself, the West has contributed so much to science and the modern world as we know it. I still believe to this day that there are no superior cultures and that each one simply has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, some of which are only subjective. However, while looking through Buddhist forums, I was shocked to hear about the West’s pollution of Buddhism and my knowledge on Buddhism skyrocketed as I learned that I fell victim to the Dunning-Kruger effect. I started reading sutras and immersing myself with Buddhism by listening to those who have much more experience than I do. There are hardly any Buddhists in my community and the only Buddhist center within reach is a New Kadampa Tradition meditation center (FYI: the New Kadampa Tradition must be avoided since it has a reputation for financially exploiting members and its monastics have allegations of drug trafficking and sexual abuse), so books and the internet are all I have left.
Practicing Buddhism in the West is nearly impossible without a community, without a Buddhist teacher, without any resources written by Eastern Buddhists. Reddit user u/Tendai-Student, a “lay Tendai Student [sic] with aspirations to become a Priest [sic]” states the following:
It is exceedingly challenging for a Westerner who is interested in Buddhism to find reliable information. Bookstores' Buddhist sections are rife with myths about the religion (we will come to some of these misconceptions below). Buddhism-related disinformation abounds in university classes. Misinformation about Buddhism abounds in publications with a Buddhist theme. Even Buddhism-related english-speaking [sic] Reddit boards are prone to carry false information.
Buddhism is constantly distorted in the same way: to make it more agreeable to Abrahamic faiths(especially Christianity in the west) [sic]. To imply that it is subject to Western standards, Western religion, and Western consumerism and materialism.
…Asian teachers are frequently excluded from English-speaking Buddhist places (meditation centers, university forums, periodicals). Asians make up the majority of Buddhists in the United States, despite the fact that popular images of Buddhism in the West make it appear otherwise. In the minds of Westerners, Buddhism is a religion of white converts. They don't even pay attention to the odd lack of Asians in some Buddhist areas. (u/Tendai-Student)
It is no wonder that I went through a phase when I was a weeaboo with “yellow fever”. The Westerner commodifies and commercializes these Buddhist practices and East Asian customs like they do with several other cultures. Its misuse and stealing of Buddhism is the worst because its teachings are for us to end suffering by ridding ourselves of the three poisons: greed, ignorance, and hatred (which the Westerner promotes).
My realization of this drew me away from the West, similar to when my obsession with the East began. The difference is that my interest in the East now is not because of a fantasy born out of misguidance, especially not a sexual one. I now know that there is more to the East than its pop culture. But I cannot help thinking that none of this would have happened and I would better understand Buddhism had I been born to and raised by Buddhists in East Asia, or even a majority Buddhist country in South or Southeast Asia.
However, the possibility of a cycle starting with a yo-yoing fetishization of the East makes me anxious. When I realized what I was doing at first was fetishization, I did further research and found out that the West is to blame for its portrayal of the East in its media. This in turn makes me denounce the West and brings me back towards my obsession with the Sinosphere, which could lead to more fetishization.
Despite this, I am glad that at the very least, my interest is more than just wanting to live a kawaii lifestyle, hoping to have a “submissive housewife who will look young forever”, or all that neckbeard squick. I do have to say that there is something else that is drawing me towards the Sinosphere, not to mention that it is the region where Buddhism is dominant (the same is true to a lesser extent with the Indosphere). Even though I am not a huge fan of tradition since I am very progressive, when a region’s culture gets something right, they get it right. In addition to Buddhist values, the Sinosphere holds education and collectivism to a high degree. It is no wonder I find their people so much more intelligent and caring than people from my culture.
It is common knowledge that countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, and Singapore have the highest average IQs. To add to this (unbeknownst to many), even less developed countries, e.g. Mongolia, with high Buddhist populations around the same region, have average IQs higher than developing and undeveloped nations outside the region. The most agreed upon reason for this is cultural factors rather than genetic or economic factors. To conclude, Buddhism combined with values in the East Asian cultural sphere creates the best “brains” to represent humanity, thus the West should make way for them, especially considering the East’s superior collectivism.
Of course cultures do not stay the same forever because they change over time. One big thing that is different now in the Sinosphere and Indosphere (the latter I am mentioning because it is where Buddhism came from, though it is not as dominant in the cultural region as it was) is that they are generally much more patriarchal and anti-LGBT+ than they were up until the last several centuries. However, Buddhism treats same-sex relations and being transgender the same as heterosexuality and being cisgender (preferring celibacy among monastics, though depending on the school of Buddhism, those in the monastic order may be treated as their birth gender, even if they are transgender), and in addition, the Buddha taught that women are just as capable of attaining enlightenment as men. Even outside of Buddhism, there are records of same-sex relations as early as the Shang dynasty in China and the temple walls in Khajuraho, India depict homosexual activity. As for feminism, China was matrilineal until the Han dynasty era, when Confucianism and filial piety became mainstream in the area, while India, home to over 100 different ethnic communities, has had a few matriarchal and egalitarian societies pre-European colonization. In the modern era, numerous people in the two cultural spheres are becoming more supportive of gender equality and the LGBT+, which in some cases may be due to Westernization (not that it redeems it) or simply the individuals’ progressive political views not influenced by Western culture.
What has stayed the same for the most part, besides Buddhism, is the Sinosphere’s and Indosphere’s value of collectivism in honor-shame societies and the former cultural sphere’s emphasis on education; this is what Westerners, as well as people all over the world, need for themselves. If the West is going to fall due to hyperconsumerism, late stage capitalism, and uneducated leaders, those living in the West would be better off joining Buddhism and assimilating to the East. Arguably, the best way to do this is to move to a majority Buddhist country, preferably one in the Sinosphere (its core countries being China, Japan, the Koreas, Taiwan, and Vietnam). Leave everybody you know from your home behind, especially non-Buddhists. Just to make things clear, Westerners are not necessarily evil and it is not their fault they were raised in a Western culture, but having these people in your life will hold you back from collectivism, quality education free of anti-intellectual quackery, and above all, understanding the dharma.
After you have left everybody in your life and started anew, you can immerse yourself in the culture. Again, abandoning Western food, media, clothing, and especially inventions and scientific breakthroughs is very unnecessary. Your main focus is reprogramming your mind to think like a person (specifically a Buddhist person) in the Sinosphere/Indosphere, utilizing the high educational standards, putting the collective over the individual, and taking refuge in the Triple Gem. Before moving, though, it is best to make yourself familiar with the customs and learn the language of the place you are moving to. To aid your assimilation, it would not hurt to start dating one of the locals who strongly identifies with the culture, regardless of their race. Someone living there who is not ethnically East, South, or Southeast Asian who is still very involved in the culture would be very helpful to your assimilation as one who is ethnically East, South, or Southeast Asian (I am clarifying this to discourage racial fetishization). This may be difficult as you would have to win over approval from their parents, let alone convince them to see you as another Easterner, but if you manage to do so, that would be fantastic. To make things easier, you could plan to move to a country where people treat women as equals and are relatively accepting of the LGBT+ so you would not have to worry about gender roles or whatever. Think of places in the Sinosphere such as Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, or if you are planning on going to the Indosphere (which is not too big of a step down) since they did give us Buddhism after all, Nepal and Thailand. Your most important goal, however, is to rewire your brain to think in a more Sinic or Indic way and be more in touch with Buddhism.
You can hardly consider yourself a Westerner if you manage to do so, being Western only in your country of origin (and possibly race as well). I am definitely not like those other “people” from the West who strongly cling to Western culture because they just do not understand. Western cultural merit is almost solely from the proxy of our ancestors’ inventions, scientific discoveries, and political revolutions. Considering that the West is being brought towards the wrong direction in the modern era, we should get out of there culturally, if not physically, until it all hits the fan.
If the West continues its defilement of the rest of the world, when it falls, it will bring it all down with it. We must not lose or else everybody loses.
This pressure has a good side; because the bigger the great threat becomes, the more we will push ourselves to assimilate and raise children to fight for us. Considering the infectability of Western anti-intellectualism and “main character syndrome”, how could our Western peers know better? Buddhism is not a proselytizing “religion”, so our best bet is eliminating the promoter of the three poisons, the Westerner (especially the Christian Westerner), from our own lives. How it will run to us as its society collapses under itself and we welcome it to assimilate but say “we told you so”! The older I get, the better I know the Westerner. The better I know the Westerner, the easier it gets to excuse hostility against them, especially from the Sinosphere.
From my perspective, the ones to blame are not the angry, low-middle class white males in the rural United States nor the boba conservative bananas and right-wing coconuts who suck up to the West’s biggest scum, but rather the ones who have brainwashed them to fall for chauvinism, reactionarism, and laissez faire capitalism.
Realizing this, I am now closely investigating the sources of these beliefs which make up the foundation of social Darwinism and, when combined with totalitarian thinking, capitalist fascism. This is after I noticed that these systems are unsustainable and would destroy themselves from the inside out. The slow, painful destruction of communities who fall victim to them are well known to me. If one looks carefully, they can see the consequences that have been unfolding since the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic. You may wonder: were the founders aware of this? My guess would be that they were not but were evil nonetheless because they were too selfish to think about the future, their descendants.
If this is the case, then it is the duty of us, the opponents of these ideologies, to spread the word faster than the ideologies are currently spreading in the West. It is hard for me to believe it is not the case considering that both Western political ideologies are fundamentally reactionary. Besides, I doubt they would want civilization as we know it to collapse.
I have a social Darwinist as a maternal uncle who sometimes meets with my parents, maternal grandfather, and younger brother and with his political conversations, often sourced from flawed studies, Russian news, and 4chan, I can easily study the principles of its theories. Both of my parents are also conservatives who support Trump and other immoral American politicians. Being raised by the two of them, I bet I could disguise myself as a Western right-wing traditionalist, maybe even a social Darwinist, since I know the way they speak, to whom they flock to, and how to make them give one their full attention. It would probably be easy to do this as some right-wing grifters can fool American right-wing audiences into thinking that they share the same beliefs (e.g. Thomas MacDonald).
Their kind are gullible because they do not listen to fact checkers and often do not do research to see if who they are listening to really practices what they preach.
Even though there are Westerners who are not like this, the West cannot coexist with Buddhism, let alone the cultures where it is dominant, as the West ruled by colonizing tirthikas and it will likely always be for as long as it lasts. And just because their culture is not as viable as the one founded on Buddhist, Sinic, or even Indic values does not give them the right to imperialize the rest of the world and bring it down with them. We can welcome the Westerner willing to change its ways, turn it into one of an Easterner, and have its culture go through a quick and painless demise, or the Westerner can continue its power trip, destroy everything it touches along with itself, and society will suffer a slow and painful death. This is what the conclusion that I have come to so far as I examine capitalist fascism and Westerners’ connection to it.
The Western doctrine of capitalist fascism rejects an aspect of maitrī, fulfilling beings’ basic needs, and substitutes it for a privilege towards the bourgeoisie and the exploitation of the workers’ labor (also known as Vergegenständlichung or “objectification”). Thus it denies the worth of the collective, only concerns itself with greedy individuals, and thus is immoral. Unlike what the non-Buddhist capitalist wants people to believe, all beings have an altruistic Buddha nature, but it is corrupted, being difficult to notice as it has only conditions without a beginning (listed in the Avijjā Sutta). Abandoning capitalism, both fascist and non-fascist, gives power to the people as it ensures a more guaranteed right to life instead of having not even one thousand billionaires own more than half of Earth’s population combined, more than each one of those billionaires could ever spend in their lifetimes.
Should the Westerner, especially one who pushes capitalist fascism, strengthen its grip on humanity, it can be said that it would make its own naraka.
And so I stand by my plan and encourage others to do the same because it is in the name of the Unsurpassable Enlightened One. By protecting our kind against the Westerner, we are defending the Triple Gem.
If it is not already clear, the disapproval I feel towards the societal values and prevailing norms of the West has led me to question my place in this environment. I believe that meaningful change can only be fostered if the West is put into its place and the Sino-Buddhist East motivates our minds.
In Vietnam, where the culture is predominantly Sinic with some Indic aspects and little European influence, we can see the promotion of quality education, collectivism, and Buddhism (practiced by a forgivable 15% of the population), very unlike the nearby country of the Philippines. In the Philippines, its citizens cling to the Anglo-Saxon and Hispanic culture brought to the country by American and Spaniard imperialists. The effects of this are very clear in their average IQs (Vietnam: 89.53 vs. Philippines: 81.64) and PISA scores (Vietnam: 1403 vs. Philippines: 1058). They are both developing countries in Southeast Asia that were colonized by the West, but because Vietnam kept its culture more pure and stuck to Buddhism (or at least Sinic philosophies), its people are better educated compared to the nearby Westernized countries in a similar economic situation.
In short, Westernization leads to the following:

1. The native culture becomes diluted
2. If Western thinking intrudes, mental degeneration takes hold of the native population and its society slowly degrades along with the West itself as it eats itself from the inside out

Those who cause this to happen must be stopped, especially those who endanger Buddhism. We must not wait for the fruition of their karma for their sacrilege of the Tathagata’s teachings because by then it would be too late, and even if it is instant karma, every bodhisattva’s job is to end suffering.
Those who spread the harmful ideologies bring themselves and others away from the Buddha’s word are polluting humanity by having them join their rat race that will only end in their own demise. They are leading to the ruin of many and thus, I do not consider them to be human but instead parasites.
There is a disgraceful Western belief that for a short amount of time was not held by the majority but is now very pervasive in the West and also is the foundation of reactionarism, chauvinism, and capitalism in all cultures. It says: “My individual rights matter the most and freedom means my right to violate the rights of others.”
This Western babble is followed by numerous all around the world and sows disharmony in societies where it becomes the norm. This idea provides basis for several types of Westerners, including but not limited to:

• the “Karen”; a middle-aged, entitled, often white and anti-mask/anti-vaccine female who makes trivial complaints
• the “Chud”; a racist, misogynistic, right-wing male (usually young) who browses 4chan everyday and has a high likelihood of becoming a mass shooter
• the dayangma (Hanzi: 大洋马); a sex-obsessed young adult Western female, majority white but sometimes POC, is conventionally attractive (to Westerners), sleeps around, and in some cases creates spawn that do not know their father(s)
• the angry white male; self-explanatory, right-wing and traditionalist (sometimes a social Darwnist or capitalist fascist), commonly rural, evangelical Christian and have never seen a POC before
• the “Trad Wife”; a prudish, sometimes uneducated, female who lets Western males walk all over it and raises spawn who are likely to become angry whites
• the New Agehippy; generally a teenager or young adult, a well-meaning but poorly educated white liberal or social democrat who misappropriates Buddhism and appeases Muslims
• the AmeriKKKan fathegrandfather; a middle-aged to elderly, chauvinist male with children, sometimes also grandchildren, and is unconcerned about social justice and similarly to the “Karen”, falls for pseudoscientific conspiracy theories
• the neckbearded otaku (Hiragana: おたく); a hairy white male with “yellow fever” and mediocre hygiene, for the most part subreddit/Discord server moderators who stalk and kidnap East Asian ladies (if not teenage girls)

The growth of these groups is evidence of the degradation of Western culture, showing that it must retire as the dominant culture and make way for the much more sustainable East. Once the manuṣya realm on Earth is completely tainted by the West, Buddhas can no longer arise in the world because the dharma would be known by nobody and the Vinaya are forgotten or destroyed.
The future generation will not remember the dharma unless we halt the growth of the parasitic culture that promotes overconsumption, hyperindividualism, and anti-intellectualism.
The Westerner has a remarkable contrast to the Sinic or Indic. The Westerner has a grasp on this world so strong with its weaponry since the 16th century, using force to disrupt the traditional lives of whatever native people it saw, safe for those in a few countries (even though some of those countries are still being Westernized). The Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish built colonies from the Americas to Southeast Asia. The kingdoms were blessed with powerful militaries, strong economies, stable governments, and advanced technology that allowed their cultures to spread. But after half a millennium and looking back, was any of this really earned? And is the Westerner’s conquest over yet?
Since the Great Schism of Christianity, the Westerner trained itself for roughly one thousand years. It trained itself in several aspects, but it forgot an important piece, the dharma. The cunning Westerner, blessed with advancements, used them to tyrannize other peoples on a scale never before seen. This was the beginning of the Latter Day of the Dharma. The dharma is declining because of the savage Westerner. And so, it leeched off of any people it got a hold of, including predominantly Buddhist peoples. Even during the decolonization of the 20th century, fundamentalist Christianity spread and threatened the dharma. To make matters worse, previously Buddhist peoples clung to Christianity as taught by their colonizers; the French in Vietnam and the Spanish and Americans in the Philippines. To this day, the Philippines is a lost cause along with its majority Muslim neighbors in Maritime Southeast Asia. The cunning Westerner turned the Filipino against us and now Buddhists make up only 2% of the Philippines’ population. Now, the Westerner sees Buddhism as nothing more than an aesthetic, a self-help lifestyle, or a decoration that they can commercialize and cherry pick aspects to integrate into their religion or lack thereof.
It is excellent for someone from the West to learn the dharma as this will turn them into a more compassionate and wise person, but they must not enforce the Western gaze onto it and discard parts of the Shakyamuni Buddha’s words they do not like. To be fair, some aspects of Buddhism would be nearly impossible for a Westerner to understand unless they assimilate.
Buddhism is not materialist or blind belief without evidence and it belongs to the East, so stop pretending to be something you are not while pushing stereotypes of Asian Buddhists.
However, even though Buddhism is not materialist or very in line with the Western worldview, it is uniquely human. Walpola Rahula, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and writer explains it this way:
Among the founders of religions the Buddha (if we are permitted to call him the founder of a religion in the popular sense of the term) was the only teacher who did not claim to be other than a human being, pure and simple. Other teachers were either God, or his incarnations in different forms, or inspired by him. The Buddha was not only a human being; he claimed no inspiration from any god or external power either. He attributed all his realization, attainments and achievements to human endeavour and human intelligence. A man and only a man can become Buddha. Every man has within himself the potentiality of becoming a Buddha, if he so wills it and endeavours. We can call the Buddha a man par excellence. He was so perfect in his 'human-ness' that he came to be regarded later in popular religion almost as 'super-human'. Man's position, according to Buddhism, is supreme. Man is his own master, and there is no higher being or power that sits in judgment over his destiny. (Rahula 3)
How could one even consider the Westerners who diluted Buddhism human themselves at this point? If it were not for them, Westerners may have a better understanding of the teachings of the “man par excellence”. We are lucky that the only Westerners who necessarily see us as inferior are white nationalists and fundamentalist Christians, otherwise the Westerner could have committed a genocide that would have left millions of us dead. Westerners are competitive beings, so they rarely act in concord towards each other. It is only when there is something that draws them together or away from a common danger.
If everybody on Earth becomes a Westerner, they would wallow in their shamelessness and would have nobody left to exploit except for each other until they destroy themselves.
Until they are the only ones left, they will vilify and exploit anything non-Western until they only have each other, then leading to a chaotic world of undignified militaries, economic inequality, corrupt governments, and little or no innovations.
Unless the Westerner considers even the slightest of inspiration from the East, it will continue to follow hyperindividualism and have apathy towards its education. That is why the West is falling. Those from the West who are smart enough to realize that the West’s flaws that it spreads are deciding that the West is not worth maintaining and its resignation is overdue. If those from the West abandon it to assimilate to the East, it would make the West’s death quicker but more dignified.
This is more than a fad but rather the realization that Western society would be best being a passing fad itself. The West gave us great inventions, food, clothes, scientific discoveries, etc. and once it is gone, the East can pick up where it left off just fine.
We will never abandon the Triple Gem because we recognize it to be more than a spiritual, exotic aesthetic or trend. To do so would make us just like those others in the West who Asian Buddhists look down upon. When the time is right, each and every one of us will surround ourselves with the people who know the dharma better than anyone you have met in the West and we can finally be at their level. We shall be Western only in our country of origin and/or race, but in every other way, we will be Easterners; Buddhist Easterners who will take back what rightfully belongs to us.
When we (and hopefully Buddhists outside of both the Eastern and the Western world) do this, consumerism will lose some of its biggest prey. Even though it may not seem like it at first considering we are abandoning everyone we have ever known, we are doing our ancestors a favor by joining the culture that strives towards the end of suffering. We will be leaving our cultures’ ways of thinking behind, but doing this will save face for our lineage, especially the Western lineage as we would be preventing the creation of more “Karens”, “Chuds”, dayangmas, “neckbeards”, and other degenerates. We will not be annoying dorky nerds and certainly not “neckbeards” who are overly obsessed with and fetishize the culture but people making an effort to get closer to the dharma and surrender to the East.
Although we are collectivists, we must seek personal liberation first for the good of other beings. Once the West collapses and its former supporters come running to us, we shall welcome them. If some do not recognize this before it is too late, well boo hoo! They will have a better birth with the world we will create. Some of them, especially their unlucky spawn, would probably be better off dead and reborn into a better life, maybe even the Pure Land.
The way it is looking now, the West is falling and becoming the world’s laughingstock, which is a good thing. The quicker it falls, the less painful it will be for the Westerner and everybody else. Western culture will not be missed, but we can keep the best of it and continue the innovations that the creators would wish to see. We will remember the legacy of them and be thankful while never forgiving or forgetting the ones who ruined the West.
Works Cited
“Ignorance Avijjā Sutta (AN 10:61).” Translated by Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu. Dhammatalks. 2017, https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN10_61.html. Accessed 31 May 2024.
Gabbe. “Western Culture.” Wikipedia. 25 May 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_culture#:~:text=The%20core%20of%20Western%20civilization,Roman%20civilization%20and%20Western%20Christianity. Accessed 31 May 2024.
Rahula Thero, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught. Oneworld Publications, 1959. Accessed 31 May 2024.
u/Tendai-Student. “栄真Eishin (u/Tendai-Student).” Reddit, 31 May 2024, https://www.reddit.com/useTendai-Student/. Accessed 31 May 2024.
u/Tendai-Student. “Buddhism is being MISREPRESENTED in the West Marginalisation, cultural appropriation, misconceptions and what you can do.” Reddit, 2023, https://www.reddit.com/WrongBuddhism/comments/14zc6xg/buddhism_is_being_misrepresented_in_the_west/. Accessed 31 May 2024.

Dilating Door Fish:
Profanicthys ocissor
Height: 15 feet (females), 10 feet (males)
Length: 50 feet (females), 20 feet (males)
Classification: Placodermi
Subdivision: Fauna
Predation: Carnivorous
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Cryptozoology:
Placoderms, being among the first jawed fish, helped introduce a new dynasty of vertebrates, bringing with it an everlasting evolutionary chapter. So naturally, among the extant members that populate our modern world, there exists a species that takes this evolutionary feature to a new and ridiculous extreme. Lurking within the Grave Chasm under the shadow of the Ocean Tyrants (Okeanotyrannus thurmondicum), dilating door fish reside in the lower depths, though every few hours rise to the surface in sorties, aiming to catch as many prey as possible before the large predators force them back down. These extant placoderms earn their name thanks to their rather alien jaw structure. Similar to how dilating doors in science fiction movies open like an iris, these fish have taken their ancestral jaws and designed them to open at a rather unnatural degree. Instead of just two jaws, there are instead six jaw-like plates. Since jaws evolved from pharyngeal arches, the fish’s gills (coming from the same place) are supported by a dense ring of bones and cartilage, each facet of the ring having ties to the jaw plates of the fish in a similar manner to how the first fish jaws evolved. In the dilating door fish, the hinges of the skull and the ring are paired with the flexible yet strong muscles being at different angles, allowing for the jaws to not only swivel on a limited axis, but also open up in such an extreme way. Each jaw plate isn’t lined with true teeth, but rather bony protrusions similar to other placoderms like Dunkleosteus. When the jaw plates open up, suction is created, and prey is pulled in, before the jaw plates suddenly release and slice the prey apart. In a rather bizarre addition to this already bizarre arrangement, the jaw plates also function like spoon-like tools, scooping up food with their depressed shapes and shoveling them into the mouth. Outside of using these for consuming food, dilating door fish also use them for displays. Similar to the sarcastic fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi), they use their massive gapes as intimidation displays, thrusting their open mouths against each other in a combative kissing motion until one backs down. Besides their alien jaws, dilating door fish are rather ordinary in appearance, and at first you might not assume much seeing them at a distance. However, with their dark brown-black color, they can remain hidden in the Grave Chasm’s lower depths. Another distinct quirk is the sexual dimorphism in the species. Females are much larger than males, with males reaching under half the female’s length. This size disparity results in a small school of suitors following a female around for days on end. She ignores them until she finally decides to choose a suitor (it is worth noting that the timeframe for this is very random, with some females picking males quickly and others taking their sweet time), doing so in a rather nerve wracking manner for the suitors. She selects which one she wants to mate with, and once she does so, she immediately devours all the others, sparing the chosen one. After the male deposits his spermatophore, he leaves, and the cycle begins anew. An interesting observation was made in terms of the males’ sizes. Male dilating door fish rarely get past twenty feet, and any male that happens to reach this metric is not long for this world, with the large one being killed by smaller ones. The exact reasons for this are still unknown, but it is believed that the smaller the males are, the more potent their spermatophores are, and so larger males possess less potent genes that can threaten the reproduction of the next generation, and this size culling is a built-in measure to prevent such bad genes from spreading. That said, this doesn’t always work, and there have been at least two instances of a larger male successfully mating with a female and staying alive despite attacks from smaller males, so it’s equally possible for the large males to fight back. ---------------------------------------------
Threat Analysis:
The dilating door fish is as threatening as it is bizarre, and as if the presence of the Ocean Tyrants and other large predators wasn’t enough, these fish pose a significant threat in the Grave Chasm’s waters. Though their forays to the surface are infrequent, they should still be avoided, as these fish, despite everything around them, can be bold and confident against any new thing they encounter. Already several automated submersible drones have fallen to them, and given what they do with other fish, we do not want to put a human down there to see if they like the taste of us. Research is ongoing, but as it stands currently, the best solution is to simply stay away from dark waters and depths, as they pose the greatest risk to your life here. Even if the dilating door fish doesn’t get you, other predators are bound to, so stay out of the depths.

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…

AFRECON [INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION]

OFFICE FOR INDUSTRIAL POLICY COMMUNICATION: BRIEFING ON THE 2100 INITIATIVE FOR INCOMING SUPREME BARAZA REPRESENTATIVES

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE HISTORY OF THE 2100 INITIATIVE: SENIOR COMMISSIONER PAULO KABAIREHO

^{CLEARED FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION [NO INFORMATION CONTROLS]}
... in brief, the premise of the 2100 Initiative is that the African demographic pyramid is not moving in a favorable direction. By 2100, the Union will be approaching a situation in which the working age population quickly becomes insufficient to support the aging population without major restructuring, due to the rapid population growth of the mid-century trailing off as the UASR becomes a more developed economy. For historical reference, the problem is similar to the well known ‘demographic cliff’ faced by China and the East Asian democracies, before the collapse of the PRC and subsequent developments in the region.
The proposal of the 2100 Initiative is to, over the next 30 years, achieve a 75% post-scarcity economy. In layman’s terms, this means the ability to sustain current levels of economic productivity with 25% of the work force. The economic basis for this project is to combine the Africosmos/Pact space mining initiative with the Union robotics program. Kaabu inherited a large amount of android/drone infrastructure via captured ADIR “gigafactories”, while Union developments after the Great Liberation War included both advanced combat drones and theoretical research into improved actuation technologies.
The availability of space based resources is expected to improve dramatically in the next two to three years. The SOLOMON mining program entered low rate production in early 2072 and will ramp up to full rate delivery by 2076. Two space elevator-class tethers are currently in transit from the Zuhuramji carbon mills over Venus, and will be docked with the orbital and ground installations for the New Mombasa and New Libreville space elevators in 2073 and brought online by 2075, reducing the cost for delivery of material from orbit essentially to zero.
On the automation front, various state-owned and communal groups have iterated on a large number of industrial automatons that have been rolled out in limited numbers. Industrial automatons are most prevalent in Kaabu, which had an enormous need for workers in construction and industry during the reconstruction effort after the Great Liberation War, and to an extent still has not completely recovered. The animal-like designs first introduced by Nakuru Arms during the 2060s rearmament program remain prevalent; the body plans of African wildlife are well suited to African terrain, and drones resembling elephants, rhinos, and buffalo are common in agricultural and construction applications. These drones are typically powered by hydrogen or advanced battery technologies, as the nuclear batteries favored by military variants are considered unsafe for commercial sale.
Socially, the program has proven controversial. Sawahil, Kaabu, and Cuanza have all historically been extraction-based economies, and transitioned to industrial-based economies in the past fifty years. Mass automation of skilled manual labor therefore threatens to eliminate large swathes of the job market. Large-scale retraining, as was policy during the restructuring of the industrial sector in the depths of the resource crisis, can only go so far when the fundamental nature of employment is changing. The problem is not mass poverty, as the Initiative will introduce vast material wealth into the commune system, but managing the societal repercussions of this transition.
Kaabu is of note as both the republic that has advanced furthest along the Initiative, and the republic that has seen the greatest social challenges. Organized Islam was badly discredited by the Arab League’s religiously-motivated mass killings during the Great Liberation War; in only ten years, Kaabu plummeted from an extremely religious republic to one with 48% of citizens self-identifying as atheist, rivaling Sawahil’s 57%. A notable sub-population has proven to be particularly skeptical of replacing human labor with machines- the so-called “empty shells” movement. The empty shell protests have been most directed at the humanoid drones used primarily as industrial labor. The growth of this movement has been the subject of several studies…

APPENDIX 3: THE NEW LIBREVILLE AND NEW MOMBASA SPACE ELEVATOR COMPLEXES

^{CLEARED FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION [NO INFORMATION CONTROLS]}
...construction of the New Libreville and New Mombasa space elevators consists of three primary programs. The elevator tethers were constructed at the Zuhuramji carbon mills, condensed in Venus’ upper atmosphere. One tether remains at Zuharamji, where it is being installed at the colony proper. The other two were shipped to Earth for installation over the UASR and are currently in transit as of 2072, with arrival in early 2073.
The ground facilities consist of two Oshun platforms installed 20 kilometers off the coast of Libreville, Equatorial Guinea and Mombasa, Kenya respectively. Unlike most Oshun platforms, the surface anchor platforms use the Waaq 2 architecture developed by the Navy for durability against accidents and attack, and are anchored to the ocean floor by reinforced nanocomposite steel tethers instead of being free to move under their own power. Both platforms are ringed in major port facilities, and are connected to the mainland by a 20 kilometer rail bridge serving the RPAfricaRail system.
The orbital facilities include a series of large orbital transshipping docks defended by nine Iron Beam 2MW-class lasers, analogous to the defenses at the Daraja Mbinguni L4 station. Construction began in 2068 and the major station components were launched from Daraja Kuwa in 2070, with the orbital sections completed in late 2072. Docking of the tethers is scheduled for early 2073, and construction of the elevator infrastructure is currently projected to be complete by mid 2075...

I am currently dealing with a close family member who is in hospice care in her home. I have been very numb to this experience as this is a very close family member and I’m still trying to accept that this is happening as we are very young and have super young kids. I am someone who is deep in the spiritual side of things (non-religious) but still understands how religions works. I have always had experiences with ghosts, the “top hat man,” and family members who visited me shortly after death. As things have declined with my family as of tonight, I experienced a strong jolt in my body. We are at her home and something seemed to have somewhat tried to knock me over. I was conversing with our family and hoped no one noticed me wigging out when it happened. It was as if something RAN INTO ME! Afterwards, I felt a wave come over me for a few seconds. I was dizzy for a moment and was almost out of it momentarily. I was completely sober so I know I wasn’t out of my mind lol. The wave lasted for a few seconds and a LOUD pop happened in my ears and a ring let out in my right ear for a minute or two. Not sure if this is of significance, but I thought the others around me heard or felt it but they kept on talking and mingling. Just wondering has anyone ever had this or something similar happen to them during a time like this. Hoping anyone has had some type of experience dealing with a dying family member that can relate.

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If you're into reloading your own ammunition and looking for a reliable option to choose from, then look no further than the 458 Socom Reloading Dies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these dies, including their specifications, features, and how to use them. Get ready to take your reloading game to the next level!

The Top 12 Best 458 Socom Reloading Dies

1. Lee Precision 4-Die Carbide Set for .38 Special and .357 Magnum Reloading - Experience efficient and effective reloading with the Lee Precision Deluxe 4 Die Carbide Set - the perfect solution for .38 Special ammunition!
2. Lyman Rifle 3 Die Set: Precision Carbide Expander and Seating Die Set for 5.7 x 28 Reloading - The Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set provides a seamless and durable reloading experience for 6.5 x 55 Swed. Mauser cartridges, offering extended case life and precise bullet seating.
3. Lee Precision 45 ACP Breech Lock 3-Die Set for Reliable Reloading - The Lee Precision Breech Lock 3-Die Set for 45 ACP offers easy die identification, reliable performance, and a complete kit for effortless and precise reloading - the ultimate companion for your reloading needs!
4. High-Quality RCBS 3-Die Set for 5.7 x 28 Reloading - The RCBS Lott 3-Die Set offers a top-quality, 5.7 x 28 reloading system that includes dies for size, expander, and seater, resulting in a professional, crimp-free finish for your ammunition.
5. Precision 7.62 x39 Reloading Dies Set for Exceptional Performance - Lyman Pro Die Pack offers superior precision and durability for reloading 7.62x39 cartridges, backed by stainless steel material, carbonite neck sizing, and enhanced bullet seating technology.
6. Reloading Dies for Small Capacity Rifle Cases - Lee Rifle Charging Die is a versatile and efficient reloading solution for small capacity rifle cases, compatible with Auto Disk Powder Measures and ideal for 22 cal. cartridges and up to .308 Win.
7. Lyman 380 Auto Carbide Pistol Die Set - Precision, versatility, and consistency: the Lyman 380 Auto Carbide 3 Die Set delivers top-quality rounds for bullseye, action, and cowboy shooting enthusiasts.
8. Hornady's Premium 458 Lott Die Set for Precise Bullet Sizing - The Hornady Series II 3-Die Set for 458 Lott delivers dependable reloading performance with all-steel construction, Sure-Loc lock rings, and a smooth elliptical expander, ensuring a consistent and reliable fit in cases.
9. Hornady Expander Die for .458 Lott Straight-Wall Cartridges - Enhance your straight-wall cartridge loading experience with Hornady's reliable and versatile Expander Die for .458 Lott caliber, featuring convenient die locking rings and ensuring perfect bullet seating.
10. High-Quality Hornady Powder Cop Die for 204 Ruger - The Hornady - Series I 2-Die Set in 204 Ruger offers durable all-steel construction, easy disassembly and cleaning, and precise adjustments for superior performance.
11. Hornady Custom-Grade 450 Bushmaster Reloading Kit - Experience top-notch reloading with the custom-grade Hornady Die Set 450 Bushmaster, featuring the innovative Zip Spindle design and guaranteed to last a lifetime, making it an essential addition to any reloader's arsenal.
12. Hornady Series I 2-Die Set for 223 WSSM Bullet Feeder and Seating - Experience unparalleled precision and durability with Hornady's Custom-Grade 2-Die Set 223 WSSM, featuring the innovative Zip Spindle design for effortless adjustments and superior reloading results.

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Reviews

🔗Lee Precision 4-Die Carbide Set for .38 Special and .357 Magnum Reloading

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When I decided to take up reloading my own ammunition, I knew I needed a reliable and efficient set of dies. That's when I stumbled upon the Lee Precision Carbide 4 Die Set. I was immediately attracted to its four-die set, which included a carbide sizing die, a bullet seating die, a powder thru expanding die, and a carbide factory crimp die. The set is perfect for effectively and efficiently reusing my ammunition.
One of the things that stood out to me was the air-tight, low profile box that the dies come in. It keeps the dies organized and preserved, so they're always ready to use. The dies themselves are high quality and easy to set up, ensuring a smooth and efficient reloading process.
However, there were a few drawbacks. The instructions could be clearer at times, and I found that I needed to thoroughly clean the dies with lacquer thinner to ensure accurate adjustments and prevent any issues with powder flow. The locking rings also took some getting used to, but after a little practice, I was able to easily switch between calibers on my Lee turret press.
Overall, the Lee Precision Carbide 4 Die Set has been a reliable and efficient addition to my reloading setup. It's a great value for the price and has lived up to my expectations. I would definitely recommend it to fellow reloaders looking for a high-quality and cost-effective set of dies.

🔗Lyman Rifle 3 Die Set: Precision Carbide Expander and Seating Die Set for 5.7 x 28 Reloading

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I recently had the opportunity to try out the Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set, and let me tell you, it has been quite the adventure. On one hand, it has some really impressive features - like the super hard and slick carbide expander that makes resizing a breeze. Plus, the carbide button that can be adjusted for height, really comes in handy.
However, along with these pros, there are a couple of cons that I've come across. Firstly, I noticed that the carbide free floats on the rod for self-centering in case necks, which is great in theory, but in practice, it seemed to be a bit too sensitive, leading to some issues with neck alignment.
Another thing is that when I was using the set, I unfortunately came across a seating die that was not as good as I had hoped. It caused me some trouble, and I ended up ruining several cases before I figured out what was going wrong.
Overall, the Lyman Carbide Deluxe Rifle 3 Die Set has its strengths and weaknesses. It's loaded with features that make it a great choice for reloaders, but it's also important to be aware of its limitations. If you're looking for a comprehensive set to help you get the most out of your rifle cases, this might be a good option for you.
But if you're after a more robust set that can handle a bit of rough handling, you might want to look elsewhere. That's just my experience though. Your mileage may vary.

🔗Lee Precision 45 ACP Breech Lock 3-Die Set for Reliable Reloading

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The Lee Precision Breech Lock 3-Die Set for 45 ACP is the ultimate companion for all your reloading needs. Featuring colored smart lock bushings that make identifying the right die a breeze, this set is designed to make your reloading process smooth and hassle-free.
Crafted with carbide for reliability, the set includes a carbide full-length sizing die, bullet seating die, and powder thru expanding die. This guarantees consistent and precise reloading results every time. You'll also find a universal shell holder, powder dipper, and comprehensive instructions/load data. With this complete kit, reloading enthusiasts, both beginners and experienced, will love the convenience and user-friendliness.
Effortlessly switch between dies with the colored smart lock bushings, ensuring no more wasted time searching for the right one. The carbide dies are built to last, offering flawless, seamless performance for your reloading tasks.
Experience the ease, precision, and reliability that Lee Precision is known for with the Lee Precision Breech Lock 3-Die Set for 45 ACP. It's time to take your reloading arsenal to the next level - get yours today!

🔗High-Quality RCBS 3-Die Set for 5.7 x 28 Reloading

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I recently had the chance to try out the RCBS Lott 3-Die Set, and let me tell you, it was quite an experience. This set includes a Group C die, a Sizer die, an Expander die, and a Seater die, all of which are essential for any gunsmithing workshop.
One of the standout features of this set is the 3-Die roll crimp, which adds a professional touch to your reloading dies. The quality of the dies is top-notch, and the fact that they are made in the United States only adds to their appeal.
While the RCBS Lott 3-Die Set is a great addition to any gun enthusiast's arsenal, there are a few drawbacks to note. For instance, the dies may require some adjustment to get the perfect fit, which can be a bit frustrating. Additionally, the price point may be a bit steep for some users, particularly those just starting out in the reloading world.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality set of dies to take your reloading game to the next level, the RCBS Lott 3-Die Set is definitely worth considering. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons in this case.

🔗Precision 7.62 x39 Reloading Dies Set for Exceptional Performance

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Introducing the Lyman Pro Die Pack, a versatile and powerful addition to your press reloading toolkit. Crafted with your Mark 7 press in mind, every aspect of these dies was meticulously engineered to deliver top-notch performance. While they're perfectly suited for Mark 7 presses, they also work seamlessly with regular progressive presses, turret presses, and even single station presses.
The Lyman Pro Die Pack boasts dies made of stainless steel for its resilience and rust resistance. It's great to see durable and anti-corrosion materials in action. The Lyman Pro even goes the extra mile with highly polished carbide rings on the sizing dies, offering unparalleled wear resistance and reduced sizing force. The spring-loaded decapping rod system ensures the primer is ejected from the primer pocket with force, eliminating any potential misfire.
In the Lyman Pro Die Pack, the M die neck expander stands out. It has a specially designed two-step expander plug, ensuring just the right amount of neck tension and flair for your case mouths. The pistol sets include flare dies, designed to let bullets sit securely on the case mouth before being seated.
The Micrometer Seating die, a standout feature, impresses with a micrometer adjustable seating head. It guarantees precision bullet seating length and a floating bullet seating punch that centers your bullet with pinpoint accuracy. Lastly, each set comes with a taper crimp die, micrometer adjustable, which fully removes any case mouth flare and provides improved bullet retention.
However, like any review, there are pros and cons to consider. While the Lyman Pro Die Pack delivers exceptional performance with its array of features, it may lack compatibility with certain cartridge types. Always ensure it matches your intended use. Overall, the Lyman Pro Die Pack is a reliable and robust choice for reloaders looking for top-tier performance.

🔗Reloading Dies for Small Capacity Rifle Cases

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I recently tried out the Lee Rifle Charging Die and was impressed with its functionality. It allowed me to charge small capacity rifle cases with ease, using the Auto Disk Powder Measure or Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure. The die works similarly to pistol powder expansion, but without expanding the case mouth. Instead, rifle case expansion is done in the sizing die, making it an efficient and accurate process.
One aspect I loved about this product is that it could be used on a wide range of cartridges, from. 22 cal to. 308 Win. I appreciated the versatility it offered, as a seasoned shooter looking for an effective reloading solution. The Lee Precision Reloading Rifle Charging Die made the process of reloading smoother and more efficient.
However, there were a couple of minor drawbacks I encountered during my experience. Firstly, the die did not include a shell holder, which might be a downside for those looking for a more complete kit. Secondly, it only sized cases up to a length of 1.76 inches, which might be limiting for some long-range shooters.
Overall, the Lee Rifle Charging Die is a reliable and efficient tool for reloading rifle cartridges, especially when paired with the Auto Disk Powder Measure. Its ease of use, versatility, and quality construction make it a worthwhile addition to any reloading setup.

🔗Lyman 380 Auto Carbide Pistol Die Set

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My experience with the Lyman 380 Auto Carbide 3 Die Set has been quite positive. In my daily life, I found these dies to be versatile and efficient in creating high-quality ammo for various shooting activities. As a pistol reloader, I appreciated the inclusion of a Tungsten Carbide sizing die and a two-step neck expanding m die for proper bullet alignment.
The bullet seating die roll crimp bullets securely and the provided bullet seating screws offered an added bonus, accommodating both round nose and truncated cone bullets. However, I did notice that the bullet seating die had a slightly rougher finish compared to other Lyman products.
Overall, these dies have significantly improved my reloading process, delivering consistent quality ammo. They fit seamlessly with my reloading press and the included tools made the process even smoother. Though the finish of some components could be improved, the Lyman 380 Auto Carbide 3 Die Set has proven to be a reliable and efficient choice for serious shooters seeking high-performance ammo.

🔗Hornady's Premium 458 Lott Die Set for Precise Bullet Sizing

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The Hornady 458 Lott Series II 3-Die Set has been my trusted friend in reloading ammunition for quite some time now. This set of dies includes a sizer, expander, and seater, all made of high-quality American steel. The precision and craftsmanship that went into making these dies are evident as they deliver reliable and accurate results each time. The all-steel components make them sturdy and ready for any amount of use, while the smooth polished elliptical expander ensures a seamless release from the case neck without causing any neck stretch.
One feature I appreciate the most is the Sure-loc lock rings. They lock the dies into position and provide precise adjustment, making fine tuning a breeze. This set also comes with a storage box, which is a great addition to keep everything organized and safe. Although I have had a positive experience with this product, it's worth mentioning that some users have encountered difficulties with the case seating and size. However, the pros far outweigh the cons, making the Hornady 458 Lott Series II 3-Die Set a go-to option for many reloaders.

🔗Hornady Expander Die for .458 Lott Straight-Wall Cartridges

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I've been reloading my own ammunition for years, and I was excited to give the Hornady Expander Die a try for my. 458 Lott cartridges. The American-made product seemed promising, and it was compact enough to fit in my reloading setup.
The die was easy to set up, thanks to the smooth threading system, but it took some adjustments to ensure the case mouths were expanding properly. Once I got the hang of it, the die worked like a charm, and my bullets seated with ease.
The die locking rings provided extra security during the reloading process. The only drawback I found was that the die wasn't included with a shell holder, which meant I had to purchase one separately. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and will be continuing to use the Hornady Expander Die for my reloading needs.

🔗High-Quality Hornady Powder Cop Die for 204 Ruger

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I was intrigued to try the Hornady - Series I 2-Die Set for 204 Ruger. The all-steel construction and smooth polished elliptical expander caught my attention, and it seemed like a promising addition to my reloading toolkit.
One of the highlights of using this set was the precision and ease of adjustment. The sliding alignment sleeve and spindle lock design made it simple to fine-tune my bullet seating, while the hardened steel decap pin held up well without bending or breaking. Additionally, the comprehensive set came with a built-in crimper, retainer ring, and a storage box for convenient storage.
However, I did notice a few drawbacks. Firstly, the bullet seater guide left a noticeable indent around the bullets, which could potentially impact their ballistic performance. Secondly, the de-primer design wasn't the most user-friendly, requiring an extra de-primer to be included with the set.
Overall, the Hornady - Series I 2-Die Set for 204 Ruger proved to be a reliable and accurate option for my reloading needs. Despite the minor flaws, I found the set to be well-crafted and a great addition to my toolkit for achieving consistent bullet seating and bullet crimping.

🔗Hornady Custom-Grade 450 Bushmaster Reloading Kit

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I've used the Hornady Custom-Grade Dies 450 Bushmaster for a while now, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. The Zip Spindle design is a real lifesaver - it eliminates spindle slippage and makes adjustments a breeze. You know when you're struggling with a stubborn spindle, but not with these beauties!
The Sure-Loc rings are top-notch quality and contribute to a satisfying and comfortable reloading experience. However, I did encounter a slight issue with the resizing die in my set. Not a huge deal, but worth mentioning.
Another downside is that the included shell holder #44 isn't included. I was initially perplexed but glad I had a trusty cut-off wheel nearby. No biggie, though.
Overall, this product has made my reloading journey more efficient and enjoyable. Give it a try, and I'm sure you'll feel the same!

🔗Hornady Series I 2-Die Set for 223 WSSM Bullet Feeder and Seating

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Using the Hornady Series I 2-Die Set 223 WSSM has made my life easier for reloading ammunition. The new Zip Spindle design is a true game-changer, eliminating spindle slippage and making adjustments smooth and simple. The 7/8-14 threads are sturdy enough to keep the spindle locked in place, but also flexible enough for easy adjustments. The included storage box is also a convenient feature for keeping everything organized.
However, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of a shell holder. And while the die locking rings do their job, I found myself yearning for easier assembly. But overall, this product has definitely made reloading a breeze.

Buyer's Guide

Welcome to the buyer's guide for 458 SOCOM reloading dies! This guide will provide you with important information and considerations to make when purchasing reloading dies for this specific cartridge. Whether you're a novice reloader or a seasoned veteran, this guide has something for everyone.
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Types of 458 SOCOM Reloading Dies

There are two main types of reloading dies available for the 458 SOCOM cartridge: single-stage dies and progressive dies. Single-stage dies are ideal for beginners and those who prioritize accuracy and control over speed. In contrast, progressive dies allow for faster reloading and reduced manual labor but may sacrifice accuracy in some instances.

Important Features to Consider

• Brand reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a track record of quality and customer satisfaction. This ensures that you're investing in a die that will perform well and last for a long time.
• Material: Die materials can vary, with some common options being steel, aluminum, and brass. Steel dies are generally more durable and resistant to wear but can be heavier. Aluminum and brass die bodies are lighter, making them more comfortable to use but potentially less durable.
• Sizing die compatibility: Ensure that the sizing die you purchase is compatible with the 458 SOCOM cartridge, as well as the type of ammo you plan to feed the firearm.
• Shell holder compatibility: If you plan to use separate shell holders, confirm their compatibility with your chosen die.
• Adjustability: Determine whether the die features adjustable components for precise calibration. This can be crucial for achieving consistent and accurate results.

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General Advice and Tips

1. Start with a good-quality reloading manual or online resource to familiarize yourself with the correct procedures and specifications for the 458 SOCOM cartridge.
2. Take your time when handling die components, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.
3. Invest in high-quality tools and accessories, as they will inevitably pay off in the long run with better accuracy and consistency.
4. Consider joining a local reloading club or online forum to connect with fellow reloaders and learn more about the 458 SOCOM and reloading techniques.

A good set of 458 SOCOM reloading dies can be a valuable investment for any shooter looking to save money on ammo while gaining greater control over the performance of their firearms. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision on the best reloading dies for your needs.

FAQ

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What are 458 Socom Reloading Dies?

458 Socom Reloading Dies are tools used to resize, reshape, and reform spent cartridges for reuse with new gunpowder and primers. They are essential for anyone interested in reloading their own ammunition, and they are compatible with the 458 SOCOM cartridge.

Why use 458 Socom Reloading Dies?

Using 458 Socom Reloading Dies offers several benefits. Firstly, it can save you money in the long run, as reloading your own ammunition can be more cost-effective than purchasing factory-made ammunition. Secondly, you have more control over the ammunition you're producing, which can be particularly useful for customizing your rounds to your specific needs.
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What are the different types of 458 Socom Reloading Dies available?

There are several types of 458 Socom Reloading Dies available, and the most common ones include:

• Full-length resizing dies
• Short resizing dies
• Sizing collars
• Decapping dies
• Powder measuring devices

What are the differences between full-length resizing dies and short resizing dies?

Full-length resizing dies include the neck sizing tool, and are designed to resize both the case and the neck of the spent cartridges. On the other hand, short resizing dies are designed only for resizing the case and do not include the neck sizing tool. If you are looking for maximum control and precision, full-length resizing dies are recommended. However, if you want a more affordable option, short resizing dies are a suitable choice.

What should I look for when purchasing 458 Socom Reloading Dies?

When purchasing 458 Socom Reloading Dies, look for dies made from high-quality materials, such as steel or nickel alloys. Additionally, ensure that the dies are compatible with your specific reloading press and are designed for your specific ammunition. Finally, consider factors such as ease of use, precision, and durability when making your purchase.

How do I maintain my 458 Socom Reloading Dies?

To maintain your 458 Socom Reloading Dies, ensure they are clean and free from any foreign debris after each use. Additionally, lubricate the dies and your press regularly to ensure smooth operation and prevent damage.

Can I use other types of dies with my 458 Socom Reloading Dies?

No, it is not recommended to use other types of dies with your 458 Socom Reloading Dies. Doing so can cause damage to the dies and may result in incorrect sizing or reshaping of the cartridges. Always ensure that you use the appropriate dies for your specific ammunition and reloading press.
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