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The Wandering God - Chapter 1: Waldo
2024.06.02 17:10 arrow-bane The Wandering God - Chapter 1: Waldo
Waldo could feel the tension in his body. He hated breaches. He used to be a general in the armada. Waldo had not figured out exactly what happened but in a few weeks leadership had changed all across the galaxy. Waldo had sensed something was different and Waldo had changed his identity adding himself to a low level unit while he tried to figure out what had caused the change. However, his contracts slowly disappeared and he was having a hard time cultivating new ones. Waldo had heard the name Bastion a lot in the changeover and Jonah seemed to have fallen off his radar, which Waldo found very distressing. So now he was just a lower level grunt Waldo had to follow orders and keep his identity hidden. That meant he saw lots of action thus why he was on a breaching team. All the prep in the world never made him feel safe on a breach and they had no prep time for this one. Toby slammed the charge on the handle of the Iron door and deftly ran the blasting cord around the frame, in a single smooth motion. Waldo felt Juan tense in front of him as they prepped for entry after the blast. Waldo would be second in on this one having lost the coin toss. Not that he really minded due to the lack of information. Juan would be going right, Waldo had the left, and Brett would be going down the middle. Juan, Waldo, or Brett always led the breaching team; they were their units cowboys. At least, that is what they called themselves. Their lieutenant Frank called them his lovely ladies but everyone was a girl to Frank. Waldo didn’t care about it, Brett would get angry with Frank out of combat, and Juan only ever laughed over it. Waldo was pretty sure Brett was putting up a show as he had caught Brett offering to be a bottom to a guy at a bar three months ago, which had led to him swearing secrecy over it. Waldo found himself smiling as Frank started into it.
“Lovely ladies, Juanita, Betty, and Wilma. Tina is spreading her legs in three.” Frank said loud enough for the breaching team to hear as he raised his hand holding up three fingers starting a countdown to Waldo’s 4th breach of the day. As the door blasted in they moved smoothly forward like a well rehearsed dance. Juan moved through the door into a hallway with Waldo close on his tail. Waldo saw it a second too late as Juan had completely missed the tripwire. Waldo grabbed Juan a hair too slow as Juan’s foot hit the wire tripping whatever the trap was. Waldo felt the magic in the blast before he heard the tremendous roar. Waldo felt himself pushed back by Juan while trying to pull him. Waldo felt certain he had Juan’s pack firmly gripped as he fell back. Suddenly, there was nothing in his hands. The air felt cool and instead of the hot sun beating down he felt a warm glow off to his left.
Waldo rolled to his feet and spun, assessing the room, but everything was wrong. He had lifted his rifle up to sight as he spun but it was missing so instead in the middle of the spin he drew his side arm. However, as he finished his spin his arm fell loosely to his side. Waldo stood in the middle of three empty round tables. In what, he would call the common room of a themed bar or restaurant. He saw humanoid creatures standing near a long wooden bar with 4 patrons seated at it and another dozen or so scattered around the room with more on the two levels above him. Off to the side of a warm glow that Waldo realized there was a fireplace with a fire happily burning in it and there was a stage. Waldo would have loved to hear the music from the group on stage with their odd assortment of instruments but it was at this moment Waldo realized the blast had deafened him. Waldo felt certain no one would attack him, having noticed an odd assortment of humanoids. Waldo saw gnolls, tabaxi, and maybe lizardperson. Waldo holstered his side arm but in looking down he noticed a growing pool of blood at his feet and saw a piece of rebar sticking out of his arm. Waldo saw the enchantments engraved in the rebar and part of him said magic wasn’t real then something else said that humans were the only intelligent race. Waldo pushed those back knowing better. He had seen lots of races and humans were just one of them. Waldo felt more than one voice trying to take control and he pushed back, calming his mind. Waldo attempted to quiet his mind as he was flooded with memories and thoughts he did not recognize as he pushed against them he felt someone or something help him in quieting his mind.
Waldo had not noticed the pain of his injury because of how much adrenaline was pumping through him. Waldo examined the rebar seeing the blood running down his arm. Waldo estimated he had ten minutes before blood loss would start to impact him if it did not clot on its own. Waldo glanced around the room seeing a few gnolls who had noticed him but no one seemed to care and decided he could care for the wound. Waldo grabbed the quick releases on his backpacks shoulder straps letting his bag fall onto a table he positioned behind him. Waldo quickly turned to face the bag and flipped it over so he could easily access it. Waldo grabbed a strap on the pack and deftly released it. Wrapping the loose strap above where the rebar was sticking out of his arm. Waldo smoothly grabbed his folding knife, flicking it open and cutting the sleeve away. Waldo placed the sleeve on the table and checked to see if it was all there or a piece was missing. Waldo grimace realizing a piece of sleeve is probably in his muscle. Waldo flicked the knife closed and placed it next to the sleeve. Waldo pulled out a bottle of water, a small bottle of rubbing alcohol, a healing tonic, and a sealed bandage for once it was clean. Waldo was so focused on what he was doing at the table he had not noticed the small group that had gathered behind him.
“I don’t think he can hear us.” Strisk, a large drake, said, preparing to tap the strange human’s shoulder to get his attention.
“Really, Strisk. You don’t think the guy bleeding on the floor that I shouted at can hear us?” Lydia, the only human in the commons, asked angrily, placing her hands on her hips.
“I think he is going to pull that piece of metal out of his arm.” Kna, the gnollish innkeeper and owner of the establishment, said surprised. Watching Waldo’s back tense as he stretched his arm out to the table. Grabbing the rebar in his other hand.
“Sir! Don’t!” Lydia screamed as Waldo ripped the 4 inch piece of rebar stuck halfway in his arm out.
“Fuck!” Waldo yelled as the piece of metal came free. Waldo looked it over for cloth finding a small piece that he carefully removed from the end of the rebar and placed in the hole of the sleeve and frowning seeing there was still more. Waldo screamed as the onlookers watched him shove his fingers into the hole in skin.
“Strisk, help me stop him.” Lydia said. Grabbing Waldo’s arm. Strisk hesitated. A moment before grabbing Waldo’s other arm.
"Stop! There is more fabric in my arm!” Waldo screamed as the two strangers forced his arms apart. Waldo looked at the sleeve. Unsure if they could even understand him. The strangers released Waldo as he attacked the problem again.
“Aer, go get me water. I will clean this up once he is done” Lydia said, to a gnoll barmaid nearby, deciding to stay next to this stranger.
“I’ll get the mop and some rags to help.” Kna said not wanting to watch anymore and stepping away.
Waldo pulled out a piece of fabric and placed it in the sleeve. Smiling now that he could account for all of the sleeve. Waldo grabbed the water bottle using his teeth to remove the lid and poured it down his arm. Followed by the rubbing alcohol to which he could not help but scream again as it burned.
“That looks bad.” Strisk said, fingering a potion at his hip. Seeing Waldo was prepared to heal the slow way. Strisk was trying to decide whether or not to help the stranger out by giving him the healing potion he carried as a city guard.
Waldo was looking at the hole in his arm knowing it would take time to heal even with the help of the tonic. He estimated it would be a day or two. Waldo looked back at the lizard person standing behind him in armor. Waldo grimaced as he drank the healing tonic. Waldo looked at the only human girl in the commons. Waldo instantly recognized her but could see she did not recognize him. Waldo hated this feeling but took his time looking over her sandy blonde hair and the gentle curves of her face. Waldo let his eyes wander across her chest and down her legs to the floor even though there was not much to see since she wore a high neck dress that was rather plain. Waldo expected she worked here and was not one to take crap from the patrons. However, Waldo knew her face and her shape as just as he remembered her, he did not need her clothes off to tell this. Waldo turned back to the table and opened the bandage and applied it to his arm. “He took his time looking you over.” Strisk said, eying Lydia himself.
“At least, he seems to know not to touch.” Lydia said, without looking at Strisk. She had been rebuffing advances from him and other drakes like him since she took the job. She hated the drakes, which was not unreasonable as they had burned her home to the ground, killed her parents, her betrothed, and enslaved her for five years. Lydia had fled to the nearest city not under drake control once she was freed. Lydia knew that not all drakes are slavers but getting over somethings are easier than others.
“Do you think he can hear us?” Strisk asked, ignoring the jab not wanting to be thrown out by Kna again. Strisk still was fingering the healing potion not having decided on whether or not to offer it. The human seemed to be taking things to remedy his condition. Strisk stood over the two humans by about a foot when he extended to his full height at the moment he was hunched down a bit so he did not tower over them. Strisk thought he looked good this evening having cared for his bronze scales before coming to Kna’s inn. Waldo rolled up the sleeve and piece of rebar and placed it in his pack then pulled out a healing tonic with a dropper on it and a tin a bit larger than his hand slipping the tin into a pocket. Waldo used the dropper to put a few drops of his second healing tonic down each of his ears. Waldo knew it would take a minute for the tonic to kick in and heal enough damage to restore hearing. Waldo returned the spare tonic to the pack and turned around letting his eyes meet Lydia’s. Waldo thought he saw her eyeing him and she had a small smile on her face as their eyes met. Her face made various emotions flare inside him and it had to focus to stay in control feeling a bit like someone else was trying to take control. Waldo felt his hearing return as the sounds of the room washed over him.
“Hello.” Waldo said, smiling at the woman ignoring the large lizardperson or dragonkin. Waldo could not really tell but he knew getting it wrong would probably offend them.
“Hey, I am guardsmen Strisk.” Strisk said. Waldo glanced at the drake and then looked back at the woman. She crossed her arms and her smile turned to a frown. Waldo could not help but think crossing her arms only accentuated a certain feminine feature of her form.
“Any chance I could get your name?” Waldo asked, meeting the woman’s eyes.
“Lydia. Why are you bleeding on our floor and where did you come from?” Lydia asked, feeling her pulse raise with the way he was looking at her. Lydia had not been in the presence of a human male for ten years. Lydia had not been avoiding them there just weren’t many humans in the city she had fled to and she would not risk going back to drake territory as much as part of her wanted certain things, saving up to get off his continent had been her focus. Human also from what she had seen human men did not survive long under the abuse the drakes applied to there slaves in the nearby Xalas empire. “I am Waldo Winter.” Waldo introduced himself looking at Lydia. “As for why I am bleeding, I think it was an explosion of some kind. The shockwave knocked out my hearing. I am from Halcyon. I was in an outlying district at the time of the explosion and the wood in this room tells me I am not there anymore.” Waldo stated calmly.
“So you entered Protham via an unauthorized teleport?” Strisk asked, trying to sound official.
“One I did not initialize or agree to but yes. Are you going to arrest me?” Waldo asked.
“I will have to report it. I will let someone else decide if you should be arrested. Assuming you don’t cause additional trouble.” Strisk said.
“It is an honour to make your acquaintance Strisk. Thank you for not arresting me.” Waldo said, giving Strisk a smile before turning back to Lydia.
“Why were you caught in an explosion?” Strisk asked the strange human, smiling back at him since he was being respectful.
“Well that is a little difficult. I was entering a suspected criminal's residence just before finding myself standing in this lovely room.” Waldo said deciding to omit details since it would be simpler than explaining. “There was an explosion of some kind and then I was here. I have to assume the hunk of metal hit me before I appeared here somehow.”
“Sounds like a teleport spell gone wrong.” Lydia said, allowing herself a moment to look over Waldo since he was not causing trouble. She could see the muscles in his arm and thought she recognized his jawline but knew that could not be the case since she had no idea where Halcyon was.
“I wouldn’t know much about that. I can only hope my brothers are alright. Can one of you tell me where I am?” Waldo asked, masking his face, wondering if he had died. The blast had been strong enough to rupture his ears. Waldo was not sure he could have actually survived, even with Juan in front of him. Waldo expected he had died and this was some sort of reincarnation. Waldo knew he could not return home if the was an arrival on this planet as a child of Halcyon he had heard of this experience but this was his first time. As he thought about this he realized he did not want to go back even if he could. He had been in hiding and now he was probably well outside of the problems he had and doubted anyone hunting him would keep it up after death if he had died. If not then he was incredibly lucky he had landed in a place where he did not die instantly. Looking at Lydia something told him that someone powerful had intervened but Waldo could not imagine who. Jonah had abandoned him and Waldo could not think of another player with enough power to do anything who would also care about him.
“Spriggan Inn, in Protham.” Lydia said, looking carefully at Waldo. Aer walked over carrying a rag and pushing a bucket of steaming water. Kna walked over with a mop and an empty bucket to wring the mop out.
“Oh, thank you.” Waldo said, taking the mop from Kna and starting to clean up.
“Protham is nowhere special, Lydia. We are a weeks travel from Neakar City. Neakar is the district capital here and a port city.” Strisk said, looking at Lydia.
“You don’t have to do that.” Kna said, as Waldo deftly cleaned up the blood on the floor. “Just let him. He is probably in shock.” Strisk said, as they watched Waldo clean the floor easily.
“Just a bit.” Waldo said after a moment, having finished mopping and given the mop back to Kna. Waldo used one of the rages Aer had to clean the table his pack had been on ending by wiping the drying blood from his ears. Waldo looked down and realized he was a mess.
“How far did you travel?” Aer asked, frowning having heard the conversation.
“Far enough, those names mean nothing to me.” Waldo replied.
“So you are gonna need work.” Strisk half asked and half told Waldo.
“Seems like that would be wise.” Waldo said, placing the rag over the edge of the bucket holding the dirty water from Waldo’s cleaning efforts.
“Protham needs good city guards.” Strisk said, smiling. “I can get you an interview tomorrow. I will come by tomorrow morning and get you. If you are interested?”
“I’ll need some training on your laws, but sounds interesting to me.” Waldo said, sticking out his hand to Strisk. Strisk looked at it a moment then realized he was supposed to grab it and did with his clawed hand.
“Thanks, for your help Strisk.” Waldo said, firmly shaking Strisk’s hand.
“Sounds like you want a room for the night. Unless, Strisk is offering to pay. Do you have any money?” Kna asked, frowning at Strisk.
“You can put one night on my tab, Kna.” Strisk said.
“Only if you pay your tab off tonight.” Kna said, feeling a bit bad but knowing Strisk’s tab was getting out of hand.
“Do you accept silver?” Waldo asked, before Strisk could reply to Kna.
“Yes, take a seat and I will get my scales.” Kna said, having heard enough to know she was going to need to calculate an exchange.
“I am glad you happened to have some coin on you.” Strisk said, frowning at Kna’s back.
“Yeah, my dad was big into carrying certain things every day. Good thing, I listened to him cause I bet my country's paper money is worthless here.” Waldo said, pulling the tin out of his pocket and carefully opening to make sure it was the right one then closing it again.
“Well, your bag is probably worth quite a bit. I have never seen anything like it. Fine craftsmanship.” Aer said, examining his pack.
“I would rather not part with it if possible.” Waldo said sitting down at the table his bag had been on since he moved it to the floor beside the table in cleaning the table. Strisk sat down across from him as did Aer with Lydia sitting close and she was still looking at him.
“Lydia, you are being weird.” Aer said, quietly.
“Looks like Lydia wants to bed the man.” Strisk said, frowning at Lydia.
“Watch it, Strisk.” Lydia said to Strisk with an edge in her voice. “Waldo just reminds me of someone.” Lydia followed up with a softer tone.
“Good memories I hope. I think I’d like to get to know you.” Waldo responded, not looking away from Lydia. “You remind me of… Someone.”
“Well, be nice and maybe we can share some memories.” Lydia replied, not breaking his gaze. Waldo felt there were some additional implications in her words.
“Is there a price?” Waldo asked, before he could stop himself. Waldo was not entirely sure where the words had come from in saying them they just burst from his lips like someone else was running the show. The words had sent Lydia’s hand flying. Waldo easily caught it mid air. “I will take that as a no, which is nice. A woman with a price isn’t a woman worth having.” Waldo said, speaking again without being sure where the word came from. Waldo wondered if he was going mad but something told him he was not. Waldo edged closer to Lydia as he thought this and realized he seemed to be of multiple minds in this moment. Words and actions happening that he was not sure were all him. Aer and Strisk were watching in surprise. “Maybe I misinterpreted your words.”
“If you can pay for your room. I am willing to let the words go. Now if you would let me go.” Lydia responded, carefully feeling the strength in his arm and seeing the ease with which he caught her slap. She had used a skill to hit him, one that had landed on Strisks and other guardsmen when they got out of hand. She felt he could be dangerous and even though he had caught the slap and was easily holding her arm in place he was not hurting her. In fact once she relaxed, from making the slap, she realized how relaxed he was in stopping her slap. She saw him considering letting her go. She met his eyes letting her anger show at being held in place. Lydia realized how close he had come moving a little to block her slap and left him close enough she felt his breath on her face. Lydia realized she was breathing on him too and something in his eyes seemed to be enjoying the closeness they were sharing.
“I want a taste.” Waldo said, kissing her before she could react and sliding his hand along her back. Lydia wanted to struggle but part of her had been aching for this for years and she did not put up a fight. After a moment she found she was kissing him back for a moment and just as she was about to pull away. He did first. Waldo had been wanting to kiss her since he had laid eyes on her and at least this time he was sure that was him. “Well, that was… special.” Waldo felt a memory tug at him in the back of his mind. One of a girl that looked just like this woman.
“Maybe, for you.” Lydia said, trying to hide how much she enjoyed it. Waldo released her hand and turned looking for Kna. Waldo watched Kna approach with the scales. Waldo quickly opened the tin, pulling out a bundle of five carefully wrapped gold coins before closing it again and placing the tin back in a pocket.
Waldo unwrapped the coins asking “What exchange rate can you offer on these?” Aer gave a quiet gasp at the sight of them. Waldo feared he had made a mistake. As kna set the scales on the table.
“You have gold?” Strisk asked. Kna seemed unphased as Kna placed the coins on one side of the scale and started to carefully weigh them.
“Just a little. For an emergency.” Waldo responded.
“That should be enough to live here for a month.” Strisk stated, watching Kna carefully.
“You underestimate my rates. This will buy you three weeks.” Kna stated, as the scales balanced.
“What? That is highway robbery!” Strisk said.
“I have to take them to a blacksmith to get them minted in local coinage, they will need to be paid. Or I will have to take them to a money changer, who will also take a cut.” Kna stated.
“What would that include?” Waldo said, realizing his hand had wandered from his leg and found Lydia hand grabbing it tightly. Waldo felt Lydia tense as Waldo grabbed her hand but noticed she did not pull away from the sudden contact.
“A room, hot bath every day, standard laundry service, the common breakfast, and dinner daily with one pint of house ale. You will have to pay for lunch if you come here to eat.” Kna said, listing from memory the services she included in her standard room offering.
“Sounds good to me.” Waldo said smiling and looking out the window confirming it was dark. “I assume we are in the middle of dinner?” Waldo asked, hopefully.
“Yes.” Kna answered.
“May I take dinner in my room? I would like to wash myself before bed. It has been a surprising day.” Waldo asked Kna.
“Yes! I will grab you a plate and show you to your room.” Lydia said, releasing Waldo hand and standing. Waldo let her hand go as she stood. Kna at Lydia with what Waldo expected was motherly concern. As Lydia turned away to get the room key and a plate of food.
“Is there running water in the room?” Waldo asked Kna.
“Yes, but I cannot recommend using it for anything other than bathing.” Kna said.
“It is fine I can purify water. Can I get this filled with water?” Waldo asked, holding out a metal canteen.
“Yes. Aer go fill this and bring it back.” Kna said, handing the canteen to Aer who quickly walked off. “Leave Strisk. I would have a word alone with this man.” Kna growled at Strisk looking angrily. Strisk knew better than to argue with Kna when she gave him this look.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Waldo.” Strisk said standing to his whole sevenish feet of height stretching as he walked away. Waldo only now realized how small he was compared to Strisk.
“Indeed.” Waldo said to Strisk and turned back to Kna.
“I have never seen Lydia take to a man as she has to you. Have you cast a spell on her?” Kna asked Waldo. Waldo burst out laughing, taking a moment to control himself.
“I have no skill in that kind of magic. If you know how to test one for magic I would happily submit. I suspect I know why she has taken to me but there is nothing magical about it.” Waldo said, having gained control of the strange urge to laugh at magic.
“Why?” Kna asked, eyeing him coldly.
“Now why should I answer you?” Waldo asked. “What do you care for, of freed slaves? Or are you not her enslaver?” Kna drew back surprised.
“You said you knew nothing of this place?” Kna replied.
“I have never heard of this city in my life or this land, but I have eyes. Lydia is the only human here beside me. You are a gnoll and Strisk is one of the scaled people’s. I never been around any of them long enough to learn to tell them apart. Lydia clearly has some aversion to Strisk which seems to be unconscious on some level. That suggests it is not that she does not simply dislike him but something more than that. It is obvious to me that she does not belong here and would choose another home, but something prevents that. When I kissed her I ran my hand down her back. I felt the cursed marks of a whip. Is she a free woman or do you own her?” Waldo said, sliding his hand to the knife attached to his lower back.
“My people do not enslave others. She is free. I did not know she hated it here.” Kna said going from angry to crestfallen. “I did not know she had been a drake's slave.”
“You will say nothing of this. If you value your friendship with her. I did not say she hated it here. She works for you, which I expect is because you are not a drake and probably more than that. I get the sense she misses her people. How long has she been here?” Waldo replied, smoothing his voice.
“Several years.” Kna said, drifting in her own thoughts.
“If she hated you she would have left. You must make her feel safe in a dark place so she does not wander from your light.” Waldo said.
“All the more reason to not let her be abused.” Kna said, gauging Waldo.
“You misunderstand something. I will always respect Ma laska.” Waldo said, changing languages without thinking and looking to where Lydia stood talking to Aer as a memory flooded over him for a moment. Waldo felt the other part of him pushing forward for a moment. “Good help you have. Deftly slowing Lydia while we talk.”
“What is ma laska?” Kna asked. Waldo hesitated, surprised by Kna's words, then realized he had called Lydia by accident. Waldo knew what it meant somehow but decided he better not translate it directly.
“A woman’s right.” Waldo said, choosing a lie over the truth. “Or at least that is a close enough translation in this context.”
“So that is another language?” Kna asked.
“Yes, one from my a place long ago.” Waldo answered. “Have we not strayed topics at this point?”
“I think I have made myself clear and you have made yourself clear now.” Kna said, glancing at Aer and making a low growl. “I will let Lydia make herself clear as she chooses. Now that I do not think you will take something Lydia does not freely offer.”
“Have you accepted her as your cub?” Waldo asked, turning to look at Kna.
“I ha... “ Kna stopped herself, looking surprised at Waldo.
“I see it in your eyes, witness it in your fur, and hear it in your voice. She is a daughter in your house. Does she know or do you keep it a secret from all but those who know how to see?” Waldo asked, calmly moving past Kna’s surprise.
“You said.” Kna started to accuse trying to remember his words.
“I have not seen another race in so long. I cannot tell the scaled races apart. However, I ran with a pack for six years. I was a brother to a gnoll, and son to his parents. I sat at their table and went on their hunts. I sang the rights and washed in their bath. I was once an adopted son, which fills me with pride. If you are not a slaver then I would call you friend.” Waldo said quickly as Lydia approached. Just as he finished speaking he gave a quiet howl in the gnoll tongue he had learned many years ago living on the plains of Halcyon long before the war that had landed him here. Aer stopped mid-step and stared at Waldo as the gnolls in the room turned looking at the grimy human who had named himself to the room in gnollish. Kna openly stared surprised Waldo had been named and knew the proper introduction for himself in a public place. Lydia was confused as to her it appeared Waldo was growling threateningly at Kna. Suddenly, the room responded with a quite gnollish welcome that made Lydia jump. Aer gently placed her hand on Lydia’s shoulder.
“They are greeting Waldo in our tongue.” Aer explained to Lydia, seeing she did not know what was happening in the room.
“He speaks gnollish?” Lydia said surprised.
“I guess.” Aer said, pulling her hand back and moving forward again.
“Why did you not say something before?” Kna asked, Waldo as Lydia and Aer walked up. Aer set his canteen on the table.
“It was not the time. All things have a place and now was this things place.” Waldo responded.
“You are a strange human, but I am comforted and feel as if there is nothing to fear.” Kna said to Waldo then turned to Lydia. “Lydia, you may do as you will the rest of the night and I will not interfere.”
“Thank you. May we call this the end of my shift then.” Lydia asked, feeling a little excited. Aer turned moving around the room with the other staff in the inn.
“Away with you before I find a need for your aid in tending to my customers. Who I have ignored, too long.” Kna said quickly moving away to help her staff tend to tables. Waldo picked up his pack and canteen.
“Lead on, Ma laska.” Waldo said, nodding to Lydia.
“Ma laska?” Lydia questioned not saying it quite right.
“Sorry, my lady. Old habits.” Waldo said, lying again feeling unsure as to why he felt like he was fighting to stay in control. Lydia raised an eyebrow questioningly but led on. Waldo followed her up the stairs to the second floor and down a hallway lined with six doors. She stopped in front of the door and placed a brass coin over the lock which clicked and the door swung open. Led him into a good sided room with an all wood floor and completely open. A large bed was on one side of the room, a table with two chairs by the door. Space at the foot of the bed. There was space between the bed and a bathtub with a toilet near the back wall with a screen by the toilet and a sink between the tub and toilet. The room was lit by glowing stones fixed to the walls Waldo saw what appeared to be a control for the glowing stones by the door before the table and chairs. There were towels by the sink. Lydia set the plate on the table and the brass coin next to it. Waldo set his bag at the foot of the bed and started to strip away his body armor until he heard the door shut causing him to turn. Waldo smiled seeing Lyida had not left.
“Would you like help?” Lydia asked, slowly walking to him with a gaze that excited Waldo. The kiss he had stolen had aroused something in Lydia and the urges she had been pushing back had rushed forward.
“I can manage. I am just removing some outer layers. They are deceptively heavy.” Waldo responded.
“Please allow me. I want to.” Lydia said, stepping next to him quickly. Waldo allowed her to help him, carefully guiding her hands to the straps holding the armor in place and allowing their fingers to get tangled. “You seem to be intentionally making this difficult.” Lydia accused, after it took almost a full minute to unhook one strap.
“Does it bother you?” Waldo asked, playfully nudging her and Lydia realized he was enjoying the delay.
“Your food will get cold…” Lydia said, blushing as she started to enjoy the fumbling of their hands and his contact.
“Hot or cold it is still food. However, this moment... is all its own.” Waldo said, dragging out her helping him remove his outer layers, which took another five or more minutes. After which, they sat across from each other as he ate his dinner. Lydia studied him as he ate.
“Have we met before?” Lydia asked, feeling at ease in his presence.
“After a manner…I believe so but not for more than a lifetime.” Waldo responded. “Do you believe in reincarnation?”
“Reincarnation?” Lydia asked not being familiar with the word.
“My people believe when you die a piece of you, what we would call a soul, starts a new life.” Waldo explained.
“I am not much for religion. In my homeland, they said the gods are dead. The Drakes of Xalas seem to think there are gods and people have souls. Most of the gnolls of Grofeas say there are no gods but there is a temple to the gnoll god in Protham and I believe the high priestess is the wife of the city's guard captain.” Lydia replied.
“Xalas? Grofeas?” Waldo asked, suspecting these are countries.
“Neakar, a large city in the Xalas empire. It even has a palace for the emperor. I don’t think it is the capital of the Xalas empire but I might be wrong. The Grofeas plains are ruled by the gnoll tribes. There are not very many cities on the Grofeas plains and Xalas has tentative peace with the plains gnolls that largely control Grofeas. Protham is the first city in the Grofeas plains after leaving the Xalas empire. Mostly, the Drakes have mined the Grofeas plains of all they are interested in so they leave them alone.” Lydia explained.
“What is your home land called?” Waldo asked.
“Northumbria, but last I heard it fell to the drakes in the war. I was captured before the Northumbrian king fell. The Teaniel Empire is the last human hold out against the drakes and if it falls the drakes will effectively rule the continent of Atios. Not that they bother much with the Grofeas plains.” Lydia explained.
“Ah, so you stay because there is no easy human stronghold to flee to?” Waldo questioned.
“I am trying to save up to go to Ibrix but that is a long boat ride off after traveling to the only gnoll port city because I refuse to go back into the Xalas empire. Only problem is Grofeas port city is three hundred leagues to the south east of here. The roads are less than safe and each year there are only about three caravans that make the trek. If I were to cross alone it is unlikely I would make it. The cost of going from here to Ibrix are a little more than a year's wage working here.” Lydia explained sadly.
“How many humans reside in Protham?” Waldo asked.
“Twelve. All women. Eight are too old for the trek and two are too young to go alone.” Lydia said.
“All former slaves of the drakes I assume.” Waldo said.
“What?” Lydia said surprised.
“I worked interrogations. I learned to read what was left unspoken. You have nothing to fear from me. Slavery is the evilest form of commerce.” Waldo said, kneeling by his chair with his back to Lydia and bearing it. Lydia saw thin white scars from wounds that had healed and been reopened only to heal again over and over again. Lydia was speechless. After a moment Waldo covered himself and sat down facing her.
“How did you know?” Lydia questioned. Waldo slid his chair close to her so they were a breath apart. Lydia stared at him waiting for an answer when he kissed her. This time she felt his hand running down her back touching her hidden marks. Waldo pulled back from the kiss after a moment.
“Slavers tend to have the same tricks. They leave the same marks on one's body and some people's souls.” Waldo said quietly as he sat a breaths distance from Lydia’s face. The moment stretched as shared history passed between them and without a word spoken they had shared secrets too dark to udder in the quiet of the room then there was a roar of cheers from the commons breaking the spell that dark secrets of shared history had woven for a moment.
“I hope we can talk more.” Lydia said, after a moment now that the spell was broken. Lydia stood now that her head had cleared. Lydia was not sure what she would do if she stayed and questioned what she wanted.
“Will you stay?” Waldo asked, gently touching Lydia’s hand. Lydia did not pull away. Standing Lydia moved to the door. She intended to open the door and leave but she grabbed the night lock turning the knob. Waldo was not sure what he expected but he would not stop her from leaving. Waldo heard the door lock click into place, Lydia took a few steps toward the bath and moved her hair to one side exposing the ties along her back. Waldo stood and moved to her beginning to untie her dress. Once he was done. Lydia let the dress fall to the floor. Time stretched and shortened all at once and before he knew it exhaustion took them as they lay on the bed together. Lydia snuggled up to him and in a moment her breathing was even and gentle. Waldo knew she had fallen asleep in that moment of respite. Waldo watched her for a moment only to realize how tired he was and started to doze off but just as he heard a voice speak in his mind.
“Class gained Soldier, Level one. Skill gained, find allegiance.”
“Cancel! Reject!” Waldo whispered, angrily not wanting to wake Lydia.
“Class and level canceled.”
Waldo was fully awake now. Realizing he is on a game world, Waldo frowned. He considered this for a moment. Waldo had heard of these but never been on one. Now the injury made more sense. He had died on Halcyon. Waldo wondered if Jonah even cared that he had died. Waldo took a moment to consider the implications of being on a gaming world. There would be no intergalactic armada base here. Waldo knew the gaming worlds had been cut off, largely due to proximity. All the gaming worlds were the opposite side of the galaxy. The armada was still a thousand years of growth away. Waldo now knew with certainty there was no simple way back. As he considered this he realized there might be a way. Waldo thought about it for a few minutes as the idea grew in his mind and realized he truly did not want to go back. “I am a God.” Waldo thought to himself, Waldo felt something rush to the front of his mind, something that believed it or he was a god.
“Class gained God, level one. Skill gained, anoint worshiper. Quest assigned, claim domain.”
Waldo smiled, surprised it was that simple. Waldo considered trying to cancel it but part of him said if he was going to stay here he might as well be a god. Thinking he could do anything as a god. Another part said it was a bad idea and it would not be easy. Waldo wondered why he was feeling so conflicted about everything and why he did not feel like he was in perfect control. Then he wondered if the gods were dead on this world, would he be the only god around, and if so what domain he should claim. Waldo slowly drifted to sleep with these conflicting thoughts.
submitted by arrow-bane to Universe712 [link] [comments]
“Lovely ladies, Juanita, Betty, and Wilma. Tina is spreading her legs in three.” Frank said loud enough for the breaching team to hear as he raised his hand holding up three fingers starting a countdown to Waldo’s 4th breach of the day. As the door blasted in they moved smoothly forward like a well rehearsed dance. Juan moved through the door into a hallway with Waldo close on his tail. Waldo saw it a second too late as Juan had completely missed the tripwire. Waldo grabbed Juan a hair too slow as Juan’s foot hit the wire tripping whatever the trap was. Waldo felt the magic in the blast before he heard the tremendous roar. Waldo felt himself pushed back by Juan while trying to pull him. Waldo felt certain he had Juan’s pack firmly gripped as he fell back. Suddenly, there was nothing in his hands. The air felt cool and instead of the hot sun beating down he felt a warm glow off to his left.
Waldo rolled to his feet and spun, assessing the room, but everything was wrong. He had lifted his rifle up to sight as he spun but it was missing so instead in the middle of the spin he drew his side arm. However, as he finished his spin his arm fell loosely to his side. Waldo stood in the middle of three empty round tables. In what, he would call the common room of a themed bar or restaurant. He saw humanoid creatures standing near a long wooden bar with 4 patrons seated at it and another dozen or so scattered around the room with more on the two levels above him. Off to the side of a warm glow that Waldo realized there was a fireplace with a fire happily burning in it and there was a stage. Waldo would have loved to hear the music from the group on stage with their odd assortment of instruments but it was at this moment Waldo realized the blast had deafened him. Waldo felt certain no one would attack him, having noticed an odd assortment of humanoids. Waldo saw gnolls, tabaxi, and maybe lizardperson. Waldo holstered his side arm but in looking down he noticed a growing pool of blood at his feet and saw a piece of rebar sticking out of his arm. Waldo saw the enchantments engraved in the rebar and part of him said magic wasn’t real then something else said that humans were the only intelligent race. Waldo pushed those back knowing better. He had seen lots of races and humans were just one of them. Waldo felt more than one voice trying to take control and he pushed back, calming his mind. Waldo attempted to quiet his mind as he was flooded with memories and thoughts he did not recognize as he pushed against them he felt someone or something help him in quieting his mind.
Waldo had not noticed the pain of his injury because of how much adrenaline was pumping through him. Waldo examined the rebar seeing the blood running down his arm. Waldo estimated he had ten minutes before blood loss would start to impact him if it did not clot on its own. Waldo glanced around the room seeing a few gnolls who had noticed him but no one seemed to care and decided he could care for the wound. Waldo grabbed the quick releases on his backpacks shoulder straps letting his bag fall onto a table he positioned behind him. Waldo quickly turned to face the bag and flipped it over so he could easily access it. Waldo grabbed a strap on the pack and deftly released it. Wrapping the loose strap above where the rebar was sticking out of his arm. Waldo smoothly grabbed his folding knife, flicking it open and cutting the sleeve away. Waldo placed the sleeve on the table and checked to see if it was all there or a piece was missing. Waldo grimace realizing a piece of sleeve is probably in his muscle. Waldo flicked the knife closed and placed it next to the sleeve. Waldo pulled out a bottle of water, a small bottle of rubbing alcohol, a healing tonic, and a sealed bandage for once it was clean. Waldo was so focused on what he was doing at the table he had not noticed the small group that had gathered behind him.
“I don’t think he can hear us.” Strisk, a large drake, said, preparing to tap the strange human’s shoulder to get his attention.
“Really, Strisk. You don’t think the guy bleeding on the floor that I shouted at can hear us?” Lydia, the only human in the commons, asked angrily, placing her hands on her hips.
“I think he is going to pull that piece of metal out of his arm.” Kna, the gnollish innkeeper and owner of the establishment, said surprised. Watching Waldo’s back tense as he stretched his arm out to the table. Grabbing the rebar in his other hand.
“Sir! Don’t!” Lydia screamed as Waldo ripped the 4 inch piece of rebar stuck halfway in his arm out.
“Fuck!” Waldo yelled as the piece of metal came free. Waldo looked it over for cloth finding a small piece that he carefully removed from the end of the rebar and placed in the hole of the sleeve and frowning seeing there was still more. Waldo screamed as the onlookers watched him shove his fingers into the hole in skin.
“Strisk, help me stop him.” Lydia said. Grabbing Waldo’s arm. Strisk hesitated. A moment before grabbing Waldo’s other arm.
"Stop! There is more fabric in my arm!” Waldo screamed as the two strangers forced his arms apart. Waldo looked at the sleeve. Unsure if they could even understand him. The strangers released Waldo as he attacked the problem again.
“Aer, go get me water. I will clean this up once he is done” Lydia said, to a gnoll barmaid nearby, deciding to stay next to this stranger.
“I’ll get the mop and some rags to help.” Kna said not wanting to watch anymore and stepping away.
Waldo pulled out a piece of fabric and placed it in the sleeve. Smiling now that he could account for all of the sleeve. Waldo grabbed the water bottle using his teeth to remove the lid and poured it down his arm. Followed by the rubbing alcohol to which he could not help but scream again as it burned.
“That looks bad.” Strisk said, fingering a potion at his hip. Seeing Waldo was prepared to heal the slow way. Strisk was trying to decide whether or not to help the stranger out by giving him the healing potion he carried as a city guard.
Waldo was looking at the hole in his arm knowing it would take time to heal even with the help of the tonic. He estimated it would be a day or two. Waldo looked back at the lizard person standing behind him in armor. Waldo grimaced as he drank the healing tonic. Waldo looked at the only human girl in the commons. Waldo instantly recognized her but could see she did not recognize him. Waldo hated this feeling but took his time looking over her sandy blonde hair and the gentle curves of her face. Waldo let his eyes wander across her chest and down her legs to the floor even though there was not much to see since she wore a high neck dress that was rather plain. Waldo expected she worked here and was not one to take crap from the patrons. However, Waldo knew her face and her shape as just as he remembered her, he did not need her clothes off to tell this. Waldo turned back to the table and opened the bandage and applied it to his arm. “He took his time looking you over.” Strisk said, eying Lydia himself.
“At least, he seems to know not to touch.” Lydia said, without looking at Strisk. She had been rebuffing advances from him and other drakes like him since she took the job. She hated the drakes, which was not unreasonable as they had burned her home to the ground, killed her parents, her betrothed, and enslaved her for five years. Lydia had fled to the nearest city not under drake control once she was freed. Lydia knew that not all drakes are slavers but getting over somethings are easier than others.
“Do you think he can hear us?” Strisk asked, ignoring the jab not wanting to be thrown out by Kna again. Strisk still was fingering the healing potion not having decided on whether or not to offer it. The human seemed to be taking things to remedy his condition. Strisk stood over the two humans by about a foot when he extended to his full height at the moment he was hunched down a bit so he did not tower over them. Strisk thought he looked good this evening having cared for his bronze scales before coming to Kna’s inn. Waldo rolled up the sleeve and piece of rebar and placed it in his pack then pulled out a healing tonic with a dropper on it and a tin a bit larger than his hand slipping the tin into a pocket. Waldo used the dropper to put a few drops of his second healing tonic down each of his ears. Waldo knew it would take a minute for the tonic to kick in and heal enough damage to restore hearing. Waldo returned the spare tonic to the pack and turned around letting his eyes meet Lydia’s. Waldo thought he saw her eyeing him and she had a small smile on her face as their eyes met. Her face made various emotions flare inside him and it had to focus to stay in control feeling a bit like someone else was trying to take control. Waldo felt his hearing return as the sounds of the room washed over him.
“Hello.” Waldo said, smiling at the woman ignoring the large lizardperson or dragonkin. Waldo could not really tell but he knew getting it wrong would probably offend them.
“Hey, I am guardsmen Strisk.” Strisk said. Waldo glanced at the drake and then looked back at the woman. She crossed her arms and her smile turned to a frown. Waldo could not help but think crossing her arms only accentuated a certain feminine feature of her form.
“Any chance I could get your name?” Waldo asked, meeting the woman’s eyes.
“Lydia. Why are you bleeding on our floor and where did you come from?” Lydia asked, feeling her pulse raise with the way he was looking at her. Lydia had not been in the presence of a human male for ten years. Lydia had not been avoiding them there just weren’t many humans in the city she had fled to and she would not risk going back to drake territory as much as part of her wanted certain things, saving up to get off his continent had been her focus. Human also from what she had seen human men did not survive long under the abuse the drakes applied to there slaves in the nearby Xalas empire. “I am Waldo Winter.” Waldo introduced himself looking at Lydia. “As for why I am bleeding, I think it was an explosion of some kind. The shockwave knocked out my hearing. I am from Halcyon. I was in an outlying district at the time of the explosion and the wood in this room tells me I am not there anymore.” Waldo stated calmly.
“So you entered Protham via an unauthorized teleport?” Strisk asked, trying to sound official.
“One I did not initialize or agree to but yes. Are you going to arrest me?” Waldo asked.
“I will have to report it. I will let someone else decide if you should be arrested. Assuming you don’t cause additional trouble.” Strisk said.
“It is an honour to make your acquaintance Strisk. Thank you for not arresting me.” Waldo said, giving Strisk a smile before turning back to Lydia.
“Why were you caught in an explosion?” Strisk asked the strange human, smiling back at him since he was being respectful.
“Well that is a little difficult. I was entering a suspected criminal's residence just before finding myself standing in this lovely room.” Waldo said deciding to omit details since it would be simpler than explaining. “There was an explosion of some kind and then I was here. I have to assume the hunk of metal hit me before I appeared here somehow.”
“Sounds like a teleport spell gone wrong.” Lydia said, allowing herself a moment to look over Waldo since he was not causing trouble. She could see the muscles in his arm and thought she recognized his jawline but knew that could not be the case since she had no idea where Halcyon was.
“I wouldn’t know much about that. I can only hope my brothers are alright. Can one of you tell me where I am?” Waldo asked, masking his face, wondering if he had died. The blast had been strong enough to rupture his ears. Waldo was not sure he could have actually survived, even with Juan in front of him. Waldo expected he had died and this was some sort of reincarnation. Waldo knew he could not return home if the was an arrival on this planet as a child of Halcyon he had heard of this experience but this was his first time. As he thought about this he realized he did not want to go back even if he could. He had been in hiding and now he was probably well outside of the problems he had and doubted anyone hunting him would keep it up after death if he had died. If not then he was incredibly lucky he had landed in a place where he did not die instantly. Looking at Lydia something told him that someone powerful had intervened but Waldo could not imagine who. Jonah had abandoned him and Waldo could not think of another player with enough power to do anything who would also care about him.
“Spriggan Inn, in Protham.” Lydia said, looking carefully at Waldo. Aer walked over carrying a rag and pushing a bucket of steaming water. Kna walked over with a mop and an empty bucket to wring the mop out.
“Oh, thank you.” Waldo said, taking the mop from Kna and starting to clean up.
“Protham is nowhere special, Lydia. We are a weeks travel from Neakar City. Neakar is the district capital here and a port city.” Strisk said, looking at Lydia.
“You don’t have to do that.” Kna said, as Waldo deftly cleaned up the blood on the floor. “Just let him. He is probably in shock.” Strisk said, as they watched Waldo clean the floor easily.
“Just a bit.” Waldo said after a moment, having finished mopping and given the mop back to Kna. Waldo used one of the rages Aer had to clean the table his pack had been on ending by wiping the drying blood from his ears. Waldo looked down and realized he was a mess.
“How far did you travel?” Aer asked, frowning having heard the conversation.
“Far enough, those names mean nothing to me.” Waldo replied.
“So you are gonna need work.” Strisk half asked and half told Waldo.
“Seems like that would be wise.” Waldo said, placing the rag over the edge of the bucket holding the dirty water from Waldo’s cleaning efforts.
“Protham needs good city guards.” Strisk said, smiling. “I can get you an interview tomorrow. I will come by tomorrow morning and get you. If you are interested?”
“I’ll need some training on your laws, but sounds interesting to me.” Waldo said, sticking out his hand to Strisk. Strisk looked at it a moment then realized he was supposed to grab it and did with his clawed hand.
“Thanks, for your help Strisk.” Waldo said, firmly shaking Strisk’s hand.
“Sounds like you want a room for the night. Unless, Strisk is offering to pay. Do you have any money?” Kna asked, frowning at Strisk.
“You can put one night on my tab, Kna.” Strisk said.
“Only if you pay your tab off tonight.” Kna said, feeling a bit bad but knowing Strisk’s tab was getting out of hand.
“Do you accept silver?” Waldo asked, before Strisk could reply to Kna.
“Yes, take a seat and I will get my scales.” Kna said, having heard enough to know she was going to need to calculate an exchange.
“I am glad you happened to have some coin on you.” Strisk said, frowning at Kna’s back.
“Yeah, my dad was big into carrying certain things every day. Good thing, I listened to him cause I bet my country's paper money is worthless here.” Waldo said, pulling the tin out of his pocket and carefully opening to make sure it was the right one then closing it again.
“Well, your bag is probably worth quite a bit. I have never seen anything like it. Fine craftsmanship.” Aer said, examining his pack.
“I would rather not part with it if possible.” Waldo said sitting down at the table his bag had been on since he moved it to the floor beside the table in cleaning the table. Strisk sat down across from him as did Aer with Lydia sitting close and she was still looking at him.
“Lydia, you are being weird.” Aer said, quietly.
“Looks like Lydia wants to bed the man.” Strisk said, frowning at Lydia.
“Watch it, Strisk.” Lydia said to Strisk with an edge in her voice. “Waldo just reminds me of someone.” Lydia followed up with a softer tone.
“Good memories I hope. I think I’d like to get to know you.” Waldo responded, not looking away from Lydia. “You remind me of… Someone.”
“Well, be nice and maybe we can share some memories.” Lydia replied, not breaking his gaze. Waldo felt there were some additional implications in her words.
“Is there a price?” Waldo asked, before he could stop himself. Waldo was not entirely sure where the words had come from in saying them they just burst from his lips like someone else was running the show. The words had sent Lydia’s hand flying. Waldo easily caught it mid air. “I will take that as a no, which is nice. A woman with a price isn’t a woman worth having.” Waldo said, speaking again without being sure where the word came from. Waldo wondered if he was going mad but something told him he was not. Waldo edged closer to Lydia as he thought this and realized he seemed to be of multiple minds in this moment. Words and actions happening that he was not sure were all him. Aer and Strisk were watching in surprise. “Maybe I misinterpreted your words.”
“If you can pay for your room. I am willing to let the words go. Now if you would let me go.” Lydia responded, carefully feeling the strength in his arm and seeing the ease with which he caught her slap. She had used a skill to hit him, one that had landed on Strisks and other guardsmen when they got out of hand. She felt he could be dangerous and even though he had caught the slap and was easily holding her arm in place he was not hurting her. In fact once she relaxed, from making the slap, she realized how relaxed he was in stopping her slap. She saw him considering letting her go. She met his eyes letting her anger show at being held in place. Lydia realized how close he had come moving a little to block her slap and left him close enough she felt his breath on her face. Lydia realized she was breathing on him too and something in his eyes seemed to be enjoying the closeness they were sharing.
“I want a taste.” Waldo said, kissing her before she could react and sliding his hand along her back. Lydia wanted to struggle but part of her had been aching for this for years and she did not put up a fight. After a moment she found she was kissing him back for a moment and just as she was about to pull away. He did first. Waldo had been wanting to kiss her since he had laid eyes on her and at least this time he was sure that was him. “Well, that was… special.” Waldo felt a memory tug at him in the back of his mind. One of a girl that looked just like this woman.
“Maybe, for you.” Lydia said, trying to hide how much she enjoyed it. Waldo released her hand and turned looking for Kna. Waldo watched Kna approach with the scales. Waldo quickly opened the tin, pulling out a bundle of five carefully wrapped gold coins before closing it again and placing the tin back in a pocket.
Waldo unwrapped the coins asking “What exchange rate can you offer on these?” Aer gave a quiet gasp at the sight of them. Waldo feared he had made a mistake. As kna set the scales on the table.
“You have gold?” Strisk asked. Kna seemed unphased as Kna placed the coins on one side of the scale and started to carefully weigh them.
“Just a little. For an emergency.” Waldo responded.
“That should be enough to live here for a month.” Strisk stated, watching Kna carefully.
“You underestimate my rates. This will buy you three weeks.” Kna stated, as the scales balanced.
“What? That is highway robbery!” Strisk said.
“I have to take them to a blacksmith to get them minted in local coinage, they will need to be paid. Or I will have to take them to a money changer, who will also take a cut.” Kna stated.
“What would that include?” Waldo said, realizing his hand had wandered from his leg and found Lydia hand grabbing it tightly. Waldo felt Lydia tense as Waldo grabbed her hand but noticed she did not pull away from the sudden contact.
“A room, hot bath every day, standard laundry service, the common breakfast, and dinner daily with one pint of house ale. You will have to pay for lunch if you come here to eat.” Kna said, listing from memory the services she included in her standard room offering.
“Sounds good to me.” Waldo said smiling and looking out the window confirming it was dark. “I assume we are in the middle of dinner?” Waldo asked, hopefully.
“Yes.” Kna answered.
“May I take dinner in my room? I would like to wash myself before bed. It has been a surprising day.” Waldo asked Kna.
“Yes! I will grab you a plate and show you to your room.” Lydia said, releasing Waldo hand and standing. Waldo let her hand go as she stood. Kna at Lydia with what Waldo expected was motherly concern. As Lydia turned away to get the room key and a plate of food.
“Is there running water in the room?” Waldo asked Kna.
“Yes, but I cannot recommend using it for anything other than bathing.” Kna said.
“It is fine I can purify water. Can I get this filled with water?” Waldo asked, holding out a metal canteen.
“Yes. Aer go fill this and bring it back.” Kna said, handing the canteen to Aer who quickly walked off. “Leave Strisk. I would have a word alone with this man.” Kna growled at Strisk looking angrily. Strisk knew better than to argue with Kna when she gave him this look.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Waldo.” Strisk said standing to his whole sevenish feet of height stretching as he walked away. Waldo only now realized how small he was compared to Strisk.
“Indeed.” Waldo said to Strisk and turned back to Kna.
“I have never seen Lydia take to a man as she has to you. Have you cast a spell on her?” Kna asked Waldo. Waldo burst out laughing, taking a moment to control himself.
“I have no skill in that kind of magic. If you know how to test one for magic I would happily submit. I suspect I know why she has taken to me but there is nothing magical about it.” Waldo said, having gained control of the strange urge to laugh at magic.
“Why?” Kna asked, eyeing him coldly.
“Now why should I answer you?” Waldo asked. “What do you care for, of freed slaves? Or are you not her enslaver?” Kna drew back surprised.
“You said you knew nothing of this place?” Kna replied.
“I have never heard of this city in my life or this land, but I have eyes. Lydia is the only human here beside me. You are a gnoll and Strisk is one of the scaled people’s. I never been around any of them long enough to learn to tell them apart. Lydia clearly has some aversion to Strisk which seems to be unconscious on some level. That suggests it is not that she does not simply dislike him but something more than that. It is obvious to me that she does not belong here and would choose another home, but something prevents that. When I kissed her I ran my hand down her back. I felt the cursed marks of a whip. Is she a free woman or do you own her?” Waldo said, sliding his hand to the knife attached to his lower back.
“My people do not enslave others. She is free. I did not know she hated it here.” Kna said going from angry to crestfallen. “I did not know she had been a drake's slave.”
“You will say nothing of this. If you value your friendship with her. I did not say she hated it here. She works for you, which I expect is because you are not a drake and probably more than that. I get the sense she misses her people. How long has she been here?” Waldo replied, smoothing his voice.
“Several years.” Kna said, drifting in her own thoughts.
“If she hated you she would have left. You must make her feel safe in a dark place so she does not wander from your light.” Waldo said.
“All the more reason to not let her be abused.” Kna said, gauging Waldo.
“You misunderstand something. I will always respect Ma laska.” Waldo said, changing languages without thinking and looking to where Lydia stood talking to Aer as a memory flooded over him for a moment. Waldo felt the other part of him pushing forward for a moment. “Good help you have. Deftly slowing Lydia while we talk.”
“What is ma laska?” Kna asked. Waldo hesitated, surprised by Kna's words, then realized he had called Lydia by accident. Waldo knew what it meant somehow but decided he better not translate it directly.
“A woman’s right.” Waldo said, choosing a lie over the truth. “Or at least that is a close enough translation in this context.”
“So that is another language?” Kna asked.
“Yes, one from my a place long ago.” Waldo answered. “Have we not strayed topics at this point?”
“I think I have made myself clear and you have made yourself clear now.” Kna said, glancing at Aer and making a low growl. “I will let Lydia make herself clear as she chooses. Now that I do not think you will take something Lydia does not freely offer.”
“Have you accepted her as your cub?” Waldo asked, turning to look at Kna.
“I ha... “ Kna stopped herself, looking surprised at Waldo.
“I see it in your eyes, witness it in your fur, and hear it in your voice. She is a daughter in your house. Does she know or do you keep it a secret from all but those who know how to see?” Waldo asked, calmly moving past Kna’s surprise.
“You said.” Kna started to accuse trying to remember his words.
“I have not seen another race in so long. I cannot tell the scaled races apart. However, I ran with a pack for six years. I was a brother to a gnoll, and son to his parents. I sat at their table and went on their hunts. I sang the rights and washed in their bath. I was once an adopted son, which fills me with pride. If you are not a slaver then I would call you friend.” Waldo said quickly as Lydia approached. Just as he finished speaking he gave a quiet howl in the gnoll tongue he had learned many years ago living on the plains of Halcyon long before the war that had landed him here. Aer stopped mid-step and stared at Waldo as the gnolls in the room turned looking at the grimy human who had named himself to the room in gnollish. Kna openly stared surprised Waldo had been named and knew the proper introduction for himself in a public place. Lydia was confused as to her it appeared Waldo was growling threateningly at Kna. Suddenly, the room responded with a quite gnollish welcome that made Lydia jump. Aer gently placed her hand on Lydia’s shoulder.
“They are greeting Waldo in our tongue.” Aer explained to Lydia, seeing she did not know what was happening in the room.
“He speaks gnollish?” Lydia said surprised.
“I guess.” Aer said, pulling her hand back and moving forward again.
“Why did you not say something before?” Kna asked, Waldo as Lydia and Aer walked up. Aer set his canteen on the table.
“It was not the time. All things have a place and now was this things place.” Waldo responded.
“You are a strange human, but I am comforted and feel as if there is nothing to fear.” Kna said to Waldo then turned to Lydia. “Lydia, you may do as you will the rest of the night and I will not interfere.”
“Thank you. May we call this the end of my shift then.” Lydia asked, feeling a little excited. Aer turned moving around the room with the other staff in the inn.
“Away with you before I find a need for your aid in tending to my customers. Who I have ignored, too long.” Kna said quickly moving away to help her staff tend to tables. Waldo picked up his pack and canteen.
“Lead on, Ma laska.” Waldo said, nodding to Lydia.
“Ma laska?” Lydia questioned not saying it quite right.
“Sorry, my lady. Old habits.” Waldo said, lying again feeling unsure as to why he felt like he was fighting to stay in control. Lydia raised an eyebrow questioningly but led on. Waldo followed her up the stairs to the second floor and down a hallway lined with six doors. She stopped in front of the door and placed a brass coin over the lock which clicked and the door swung open. Led him into a good sided room with an all wood floor and completely open. A large bed was on one side of the room, a table with two chairs by the door. Space at the foot of the bed. There was space between the bed and a bathtub with a toilet near the back wall with a screen by the toilet and a sink between the tub and toilet. The room was lit by glowing stones fixed to the walls Waldo saw what appeared to be a control for the glowing stones by the door before the table and chairs. There were towels by the sink. Lydia set the plate on the table and the brass coin next to it. Waldo set his bag at the foot of the bed and started to strip away his body armor until he heard the door shut causing him to turn. Waldo smiled seeing Lyida had not left.
“Would you like help?” Lydia asked, slowly walking to him with a gaze that excited Waldo. The kiss he had stolen had aroused something in Lydia and the urges she had been pushing back had rushed forward.
“I can manage. I am just removing some outer layers. They are deceptively heavy.” Waldo responded.
“Please allow me. I want to.” Lydia said, stepping next to him quickly. Waldo allowed her to help him, carefully guiding her hands to the straps holding the armor in place and allowing their fingers to get tangled. “You seem to be intentionally making this difficult.” Lydia accused, after it took almost a full minute to unhook one strap.
“Does it bother you?” Waldo asked, playfully nudging her and Lydia realized he was enjoying the delay.
“Your food will get cold…” Lydia said, blushing as she started to enjoy the fumbling of their hands and his contact.
“Hot or cold it is still food. However, this moment... is all its own.” Waldo said, dragging out her helping him remove his outer layers, which took another five or more minutes. After which, they sat across from each other as he ate his dinner. Lydia studied him as he ate.
“Have we met before?” Lydia asked, feeling at ease in his presence.
“After a manner…I believe so but not for more than a lifetime.” Waldo responded. “Do you believe in reincarnation?”
“Reincarnation?” Lydia asked not being familiar with the word.
“My people believe when you die a piece of you, what we would call a soul, starts a new life.” Waldo explained.
“I am not much for religion. In my homeland, they said the gods are dead. The Drakes of Xalas seem to think there are gods and people have souls. Most of the gnolls of Grofeas say there are no gods but there is a temple to the gnoll god in Protham and I believe the high priestess is the wife of the city's guard captain.” Lydia replied.
“Xalas? Grofeas?” Waldo asked, suspecting these are countries.
“Neakar, a large city in the Xalas empire. It even has a palace for the emperor. I don’t think it is the capital of the Xalas empire but I might be wrong. The Grofeas plains are ruled by the gnoll tribes. There are not very many cities on the Grofeas plains and Xalas has tentative peace with the plains gnolls that largely control Grofeas. Protham is the first city in the Grofeas plains after leaving the Xalas empire. Mostly, the Drakes have mined the Grofeas plains of all they are interested in so they leave them alone.” Lydia explained.
“What is your home land called?” Waldo asked.
“Northumbria, but last I heard it fell to the drakes in the war. I was captured before the Northumbrian king fell. The Teaniel Empire is the last human hold out against the drakes and if it falls the drakes will effectively rule the continent of Atios. Not that they bother much with the Grofeas plains.” Lydia explained.
“Ah, so you stay because there is no easy human stronghold to flee to?” Waldo questioned.
“I am trying to save up to go to Ibrix but that is a long boat ride off after traveling to the only gnoll port city because I refuse to go back into the Xalas empire. Only problem is Grofeas port city is three hundred leagues to the south east of here. The roads are less than safe and each year there are only about three caravans that make the trek. If I were to cross alone it is unlikely I would make it. The cost of going from here to Ibrix are a little more than a year's wage working here.” Lydia explained sadly.
“How many humans reside in Protham?” Waldo asked.
“Twelve. All women. Eight are too old for the trek and two are too young to go alone.” Lydia said.
“All former slaves of the drakes I assume.” Waldo said.
“What?” Lydia said surprised.
“I worked interrogations. I learned to read what was left unspoken. You have nothing to fear from me. Slavery is the evilest form of commerce.” Waldo said, kneeling by his chair with his back to Lydia and bearing it. Lydia saw thin white scars from wounds that had healed and been reopened only to heal again over and over again. Lydia was speechless. After a moment Waldo covered himself and sat down facing her.
“How did you know?” Lydia questioned. Waldo slid his chair close to her so they were a breath apart. Lydia stared at him waiting for an answer when he kissed her. This time she felt his hand running down her back touching her hidden marks. Waldo pulled back from the kiss after a moment.
“Slavers tend to have the same tricks. They leave the same marks on one's body and some people's souls.” Waldo said quietly as he sat a breaths distance from Lydia’s face. The moment stretched as shared history passed between them and without a word spoken they had shared secrets too dark to udder in the quiet of the room then there was a roar of cheers from the commons breaking the spell that dark secrets of shared history had woven for a moment.
“I hope we can talk more.” Lydia said, after a moment now that the spell was broken. Lydia stood now that her head had cleared. Lydia was not sure what she would do if she stayed and questioned what she wanted.
“Will you stay?” Waldo asked, gently touching Lydia’s hand. Lydia did not pull away. Standing Lydia moved to the door. She intended to open the door and leave but she grabbed the night lock turning the knob. Waldo was not sure what he expected but he would not stop her from leaving. Waldo heard the door lock click into place, Lydia took a few steps toward the bath and moved her hair to one side exposing the ties along her back. Waldo stood and moved to her beginning to untie her dress. Once he was done. Lydia let the dress fall to the floor. Time stretched and shortened all at once and before he knew it exhaustion took them as they lay on the bed together. Lydia snuggled up to him and in a moment her breathing was even and gentle. Waldo knew she had fallen asleep in that moment of respite. Waldo watched her for a moment only to realize how tired he was and started to doze off but just as he heard a voice speak in his mind.
“Class gained Soldier, Level one. Skill gained, find allegiance.”
“Cancel! Reject!” Waldo whispered, angrily not wanting to wake Lydia.
“Class and level canceled.”
Waldo was fully awake now. Realizing he is on a game world, Waldo frowned. He considered this for a moment. Waldo had heard of these but never been on one. Now the injury made more sense. He had died on Halcyon. Waldo wondered if Jonah even cared that he had died. Waldo took a moment to consider the implications of being on a gaming world. There would be no intergalactic armada base here. Waldo knew the gaming worlds had been cut off, largely due to proximity. All the gaming worlds were the opposite side of the galaxy. The armada was still a thousand years of growth away. Waldo now knew with certainty there was no simple way back. As he considered this he realized there might be a way. Waldo thought about it for a few minutes as the idea grew in his mind and realized he truly did not want to go back. “I am a God.” Waldo thought to himself, Waldo felt something rush to the front of his mind, something that believed it or he was a god.
“Class gained God, level one. Skill gained, anoint worshiper. Quest assigned, claim domain.”
Waldo smiled, surprised it was that simple. Waldo considered trying to cancel it but part of him said if he was going to stay here he might as well be a god. Thinking he could do anything as a god. Another part said it was a bad idea and it would not be easy. Waldo wondered why he was feeling so conflicted about everything and why he did not feel like he was in perfect control. Then he wondered if the gods were dead on this world, would he be the only god around, and if so what domain he should claim. Waldo slowly drifted to sleep with these conflicting thoughts.
2024.06.02 16:59 Zestyclose_Finance40 Very Low Jumping Height
I have this weird jump bug that makes me jump an inch off the ground and my arms start moving like im floating that disappears when i start walking, ive tried using "player.setgs fjumpheightmin" and it has not solved my issue.
Mod List:
+Skyrim Paper Map by FreelanceCartography for FWMF (BETA)
+Flat World Map Framework
+Colour Map Markers Multi
+Dragon Carved Armor Set 1.41
+ConsoleUtilSSE NG
+Venerable Nordic Temples - Standard
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Thrust Attacks 1.1b
+Cathedral - Water
+Immersive Death Cycle
+MM REAL ELKS 1K
+Vanargand Animations - One Handed Power Attacks
+Vanargand Animations - One handed Normal Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II Greatsword Sprint Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Power Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Normal Attacks
+Vanargand Animations - Dual Wield Sneak Thrusts
+Vanargand Animations - Dual Wield Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Low Stance
+Vanargand Animations - One handed Mid Stance
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Archery
+Blackened Steel Weapon and Armour
+RUSTIC FURNITURE - SE - 2K
+RUSTIC CLUTTER COLLECTION - Special Edition - 1K
+RUSTIC WINDOWS - Special Edition - 1K
+CleverCharff's High Hrothgar 2K
+RUSTIC ELDERSCROLL - Special Edition - 2K
+RUSTIC RELIEFS
+RUSTIC COOKING - Special Edition - 1K
+RUSTIC DEATH HOUND AND GARGOYLE SSE - 2K
+Wolves of Skyrim
+Depths of Skyrim
+SkyrimSE HD Reworked Horses
+WIC Cloaks SSE 2_4
+Distant Blur
+G.I.R.T.H. - Gildergreen Is Really Thicc HD
+HD Nordic Snow with Parallax
+Cathedral Landscapes - Nordic Snow Patch
+Nordic snow - blended roads fix.7z
+Blended Roads Redone 2K
+Blended Roads
+Simplicity of Snow
+Nordic Snow 3.4.3
+Cathedral Landscapes
+Cave Parallax 2k
+RIS - Real Ice and Snow
+Skyrim 3D Rocks
+Authentic Mountains and Rocks 4K
+Waymark - A Road Signs Mod
+Higher Poly Vanilla Torch Sconce SE
+More Colorful Bug Jars Part Deux
+My Road Signs are Beautiful - English
+Fingerposts Fast Travel
+Lanterns Of Skyrim II
+talkative falmers se-ae
+talkative spriggans (se-ae)
+RedBag's Dragonsreach
+Lux (patch hub)
+Lux - Via
+Lux
+Ignoble Beds
+Skyfall Sleeping Hist Tree Overhaul
+Alduin's Imprefvicticious and Chapper's Demonic Retexture mashup
+Immersive Interactions - Animated Actions
+Cresty's Distant Mists
+Morning Fogs SSE - Thick Fog
+Obsi
+Frankly HD Miraak [SSE]
+Frankly HD Thieves Guild Armors
+Frankly HD Dragonbone and Dragonscale 2k
+Frankly HD Nightingale Armor and Weapons [SSE]
+Frankly HD Dragonbones 4k-2k
+Frankly HD Shrouded Armor
+Masque of Clavicus Vile - 2k
+Paarthurnax Dragon skin Grey
+XPMSSE MCM Menu Image Replacer
+RAW - 2K
+Scoped Bows for AGO
+Animated Carriage Additional Route
+Animated Carriage
+LSCaB 3.6 version
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Idle Walk and Run
+Archery Gameplay Overhaul
+EnhancedSolitude-VanillaTexturesAndTweaks-Patch
+Oblivion Interaction Icons
+Armor Variants Expansion - Patch Collection
+Armor Variants Expansion
+Sovngarde - Mist's Font Replacer Bold
+A Cat's Life
+Immersive Fishing
+Simple Fishing Overhaul
+Animated Ships
+Weathered Dark Elf Furniture Retexture - Brown - 2K
-ELFX Enhancer - Brighter Living Spaces
-ELFX - Exteriors Fixes
-ELFX Fixes
+FleshFX
+TMD The Rift Leaves 2K
+Imperial Armors and Weapons Retexture SE
-Colorful Skyrim Ev0-1
+Cathedral - Rocky Shores
+JS Rumpled Rugs SE
+Detailed Rugs SE
+RUGNAROK - Special Edition - 1K
+Cathedral - 3D Solstheim Grass
+Cathedral - 3D Stone
+CleverCharff's Forgotten Vale 2K
+Cathedral - Plants
+Veydosebrom Regions
+Improved Alternate Conversation Camera AE - Simple
+2k Textures
+JS Shrines of the Divines SE - 2K
+Skeleton.and.Human.Bones.by.Kajuan
+Mammoth.by.Kajuan
+SABRECAT.by.Kajuan
+Troll.by.Kajuan
+Dragon Priest Retexture SE
+Dragon.Priest.by.Kajuan
+Draugr.by.Kajuan
+Giant.by.Kajuan
+Hagraven.by.Kajuan
+ElSopa - Quivers Redone 2k SE
+Steel Set - Half Resolution
+Simple Scabbards Sheaths Straps for Greatswords SE and AE Edition
+Dragonborn - Wheeler Reskin
+Wheeler
+JS Purses and Septims SE
+ETHEREAL CLOUDS SE - 2K
+Apocalypse
+Precision
+RUSTIC SOULGEMS - Special Edition - 2K Unsorted
+Immersive The Elder Scrolls Lore Loading Screen
+Immersive Citizens - AI Overhaul
+Cathedral - 3D Pine Grass
+WiZkiD Carriages
+PELTAPALOOZA Special Edition - FULL
+WiZkiD Lund's Hut
+SD's Horn Candles SE 1k
+Sack - Replacer
+Deadly Spell Impacts
+Daedric Shrines 2 k
+Flora Additions - Boxwood
+SmoothCam - Octavian's Preset 1.1.2
+Book Covers Skyrim SE - Original.7z
+Bandit Lines Expansion
-Immersive Patrols (Main)
+Flora Additions - Mugo Pine
+Trees of Iduna (Just Trees)
+Skyrim Souls RE - Updated (Anniversary Edition)
+Ordinator 9.31.0
+Scoped Bows SE 1.3.1
+Open Animation Replacer
+Third Person First Person Aiming - ESL
+PapyrusUtil AE SE - Scripting Utility Functions
+SKYRIMS DEAD
+Detection Meter
+3rd Person Camera Stagger Remover
+Windhelm Bridge Overhaul v2 - Full
+SmoothCam - Modern Camera Preset
+SmoothCam
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Add-ons
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Regional Locks
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Lock Variations
+Better Third Person Selection (AE - SE)
+aMidianBorn Book of Silence SE
+Glorious Doors of Skyrim (GDOS)
+Achievements Mods Enabler SE-AE
+Diverse Dragons Collection SE
-Optional Lux Resource pack (No ENB light)
+Nature of the Wild Lands 2.0
+High Poly Project
+Skyking Signs
+DootY Version 3.1
+EVG Conditional Idles
+Rally's All The Things
+Footprints 1.6.1
+Ammo Has Description
+Description Framework
+Unmarked Locations Pack - All In One
+Vanilla Table Replacers 2k 1k
+Mead Keg Backpack
+Point The Way
+Enhanced Blood Textures
+Additional Landscape Parallax
+Thu'um - Animated Shouts
+Convenient Horses
+Parrying RPG
+True Directional Movement
+Compass Navigation Overhaul - Nordic UI Skin
+Nordic-ish - A Preset for TrueHUD based on Nordic UI
+NORDIC UI - Miscellaneous Patches
+NORDIC UI - Interface Overhaul
+Skyrim Scenery - Main Menu Replacers (16x9)
+DarkXpBar
+Dear Diary DM (warm) Fixes
+Dragonborn Voice Over
+Compass Navigation Overhaul
+Modern Wait Menu - Dear Diary Dark Mode
+Modern Wait Menu
+Dear Diary Dark Mode (warm text)
+TUDM Reborn BSA-ESP
+Hunters Loot
+Paarthurnax - Quest Expansion
+KittyVFX - Dragon Breath
+Experience
+Missives Notes Retexture
+moreHUD Inventory Edition - AE
+Missives 2.03 SSE
+dMenu
+Infinity UI
+SkyUI_5_2_SE
+Valhalla Combat
+Immersive Laundry 1.0d SSE
+Show Player In Menus
+aMidianBorn Buildings and Landscapes
+Splashes Of Storms
+Ash Pile 2K
+Ryn's Lumber Mills
+JK's Castle Volkihar
+Better Jumping AE
+Animation Motion Revolution
+Payload Interpreter
+NoCamColl_2_SE
+Dynamic Activation Key
+Thuldor's Ivarstead Patch Collection
+SSE Display Tweaks
+1st Person Interact Animation Teleport Bug Fix
+powerofthree's Tweaks
+Paraglider CommonLib-NG version
+Skyrim's Paraglider
+powerofthree's Papyrus Extender
+RaceMenu Anniversary Edition
+Dear Diary Dark modeMode - RaceMenu Patch - DIP
+Spiderweb
+JContainers SE
+Skylarks of Skyrim
+TrueHUD
+All in one Address Library (Anniversary Edition)
+Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine
+Mythical Ages - 1.10
+Praedy's College of Winterhold - SE
+World Eater Beater
+Grass Lighting
+Auto Parallax
+Leviathan Animations II - Male Idle Walk And Run
+Reduce Attack Skating Movement
+Hold to Sprint SSE
+Screen-Space Shadows
+Headhunter - Bounties Redone
+Open Animation Replacer - IED conditions
+Dirt and Blood
+Unique Uniques SE
+Missile's IED Preset
+Soaking Wet for 1.6.629 and newer
+Weapon Styles - DrawSheathe Animations for IED
+Immersive Equipment Displays - Quiver
+Immersive Equipment Displays - Mura Presets
+WeldingMans Enchanting Tables - No ENB Light
+Magic Sneak Attacks
+Pristine Vanilla Movement
+Assorted Animation Fixes
+Lightened Skyrim
+Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch
+Immersive HUD - iHUD
+Useful Elder Scrolls SE
+Animation Queue Fix
+Expressive Facial Animation - Female Edition
+Expressive Facial Animation - Male Edition
+Gesture Animation Remix (OAR) - main archive
+Paired Animation Improvements
+Dragon Sound Overhaul
+pigeons (se-ae) 1.2
+Forgotten Uniques
+Community Shaders
+Cutting Room Floor
+No Compass In Dialogue
+Thuldor's Ivarstead
+Carriage and Ferry Travel Overhaul
+CarriageForGoldenhills
+Simple Wearable Lanterns
+Lore Friendly Ghosts
+Spell Perk Item Distributor
+Sound Record Distributor
+Enhanced Solitude SSE
+Legacy of the Dragonborn Patches (Official)
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Cube Maps Fixed
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Lighting Mod
+Legacy of the Dragonborn SSE - The Curators Companion
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Item Descriptions
+Legacy of the Dragonborn
+JS Dragon Claws - Amethyst Patch
+More Informative Console 1.2
+SkyRem Activations
+Wildcat 7.1.0
+MCM Helper
+Simple Dual Sheath for 1.6.629 and newer
+Skyrim - Undeath SSE 1.7
+SRP Misc 1K
+Hotfix
+SRP Landscapes 1K
+SRP Dungeons 1K
+SRP Architecture 1K
+Show Follower Carry Weight
+Sconces of Solitude - Unique Solitude Braziers
+Water in Wells - mesh-only animated wells
+Grass Collision
+Skyland AIO
+Skyrim Priority SE AE
+Read the Room
-ELFX Shadows
-Enhanced Lights and FX
+The Northerner Diaries - Immersive Edition
+Footsteps Sounds Overhaul
+Static Mesh Improvement Mod
+MergeMapper
+Comprehensive First Person Animation Overhaul - CFPAO
+Give me a steward Patch
+Immersive Equipment Displays for 1.6.629 and newer
+Base Object Swapper
+Keyword Item Distributor
+(Part 1) SSE Engine Fixes for 1.6.1170 and newer
+Light Limit Fix
-Die When Killed
*Creation Club: _ResourcePack
*Creation Club: ccafdsse001-dwesanctuary
*Creation Club: ccasvsse001-almsivi
*Creation Club: ccbgssse001-fish
*Creation Club: ccbgssse005-goldbrand
*Creation Club: ccbgssse011-hrsarmrelvn
*Creation Club: ccbgssse012-hrsarmrstl
*Creation Club: ccbgssse020-graycowl
*Creation Club: ccbgssse025-advdsgs
*Creation Club: ccbgssse031-advcyrus
*Creation Club: ccbgssse038-bowofshadows
*Creation Club: ccbgssse050-ba_daedric
*Creation Club: ccbgssse052-ba_iron
*Creation Club: ccbgssse053-ba_leather
*Creation Club: ccbgssse054-ba_orcish
*Creation Club: ccbgssse055-ba_orcishscaled
*Creation Club: ccbgssse056-ba_silver
*Creation Club: ccbgssse059-ba_dragonplate
*Creation Club: ccbgssse061-ba_dwarven
*Creation Club: ccbgssse066-staves
*Creation Club: ccbgssse067-daedinv
*Creation Club: ccbgssse068-bloodfall
*Creation Club: ccbgssse069-contest
*Creation Club: cccbhsse001-gaunt
*Creation Club: ccedhsse003-redguard
*Creation Club: cceejsse004-hall
*Creation Club: cceejsse005-cave
*Creation Club: cckrtsse001_altar
*Creation Club: ccrmssse001-necrohouse
*Creation Club: ccvsvsse003-necroarts
*Creation Club: ccvsvsse004-beafarmer
*DLC: Dawnguard
*DLC: Dragonborn
submitted by Zestyclose_Finance40 to skyrimmods [link] [comments]
Mod List:
+Skyrim Paper Map by FreelanceCartography for FWMF (BETA)
+Flat World Map Framework
+Colour Map Markers Multi
+Dragon Carved Armor Set 1.41
+ConsoleUtilSSE NG
+Venerable Nordic Temples - Standard
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Thrust Attacks 1.1b
+Cathedral - Water
+Immersive Death Cycle
+MM REAL ELKS 1K
+Vanargand Animations - One Handed Power Attacks
+Vanargand Animations - One handed Normal Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II Greatsword Sprint Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Power Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Normal Attacks
+Vanargand Animations - Dual Wield Sneak Thrusts
+Vanargand Animations - Dual Wield Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Low Stance
+Vanargand Animations - One handed Mid Stance
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Archery
+Blackened Steel Weapon and Armour
+RUSTIC FURNITURE - SE - 2K
+RUSTIC CLUTTER COLLECTION - Special Edition - 1K
+RUSTIC WINDOWS - Special Edition - 1K
+CleverCharff's High Hrothgar 2K
+RUSTIC ELDERSCROLL - Special Edition - 2K
+RUSTIC RELIEFS
+RUSTIC COOKING - Special Edition - 1K
+RUSTIC DEATH HOUND AND GARGOYLE SSE - 2K
+Wolves of Skyrim
+Depths of Skyrim
+SkyrimSE HD Reworked Horses
+WIC Cloaks SSE 2_4
+Distant Blur
+G.I.R.T.H. - Gildergreen Is Really Thicc HD
+HD Nordic Snow with Parallax
+Cathedral Landscapes - Nordic Snow Patch
+Nordic snow - blended roads fix.7z
+Blended Roads Redone 2K
+Blended Roads
+Simplicity of Snow
+Nordic Snow 3.4.3
+Cathedral Landscapes
+Cave Parallax 2k
+RIS - Real Ice and Snow
+Skyrim 3D Rocks
+Authentic Mountains and Rocks 4K
+Waymark - A Road Signs Mod
+Higher Poly Vanilla Torch Sconce SE
+More Colorful Bug Jars Part Deux
+My Road Signs are Beautiful - English
+Fingerposts Fast Travel
+Lanterns Of Skyrim II
+talkative falmers se-ae
+talkative spriggans (se-ae)
+RedBag's Dragonsreach
+Lux (patch hub)
+Lux - Via
+Lux
+Ignoble Beds
+Skyfall Sleeping Hist Tree Overhaul
+Alduin's Imprefvicticious and Chapper's Demonic Retexture mashup
+Immersive Interactions - Animated Actions
+Cresty's Distant Mists
+Morning Fogs SSE - Thick Fog
+Obsi
+Frankly HD Miraak [SSE]
+Frankly HD Thieves Guild Armors
+Frankly HD Dragonbone and Dragonscale 2k
+Frankly HD Nightingale Armor and Weapons [SSE]
+Frankly HD Dragonbones 4k-2k
+Frankly HD Shrouded Armor
+Masque of Clavicus Vile - 2k
+Paarthurnax Dragon skin Grey
+XPMSSE MCM Menu Image Replacer
+RAW - 2K
+Scoped Bows for AGO
+Animated Carriage Additional Route
+Animated Carriage
+LSCaB 3.6 version
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Idle Walk and Run
+Archery Gameplay Overhaul
+EnhancedSolitude-VanillaTexturesAndTweaks-Patch
+Oblivion Interaction Icons
+Armor Variants Expansion - Patch Collection
+Armor Variants Expansion
+Sovngarde - Mist's Font Replacer Bold
+A Cat's Life
+Immersive Fishing
+Simple Fishing Overhaul
+Animated Ships
+Weathered Dark Elf Furniture Retexture - Brown - 2K
-ELFX Enhancer - Brighter Living Spaces
-ELFX - Exteriors Fixes
-ELFX Fixes
+FleshFX
+TMD The Rift Leaves 2K
+Imperial Armors and Weapons Retexture SE
-Colorful Skyrim Ev0-1
+Cathedral - Rocky Shores
+JS Rumpled Rugs SE
+Detailed Rugs SE
+RUGNAROK - Special Edition - 1K
+Cathedral - 3D Solstheim Grass
+Cathedral - 3D Stone
+CleverCharff's Forgotten Vale 2K
+Cathedral - Plants
+Veydosebrom Regions
+Improved Alternate Conversation Camera AE - Simple
+2k Textures
+JS Shrines of the Divines SE - 2K
+Skeleton.and.Human.Bones.by.Kajuan
+Mammoth.by.Kajuan
+SABRECAT.by.Kajuan
+Troll.by.Kajuan
+Dragon Priest Retexture SE
+Dragon.Priest.by.Kajuan
+Draugr.by.Kajuan
+Giant.by.Kajuan
+Hagraven.by.Kajuan
+ElSopa - Quivers Redone 2k SE
+Steel Set - Half Resolution
+Simple Scabbards Sheaths Straps for Greatswords SE and AE Edition
+Dragonborn - Wheeler Reskin
+Wheeler
+JS Purses and Septims SE
+ETHEREAL CLOUDS SE - 2K
+Apocalypse
+Precision
+RUSTIC SOULGEMS - Special Edition - 2K Unsorted
+Immersive The Elder Scrolls Lore Loading Screen
+Immersive Citizens - AI Overhaul
+Cathedral - 3D Pine Grass
+WiZkiD Carriages
+PELTAPALOOZA Special Edition - FULL
+WiZkiD Lund's Hut
+SD's Horn Candles SE 1k
+Sack - Replacer
+Deadly Spell Impacts
+Daedric Shrines 2 k
+Flora Additions - Boxwood
+SmoothCam - Octavian's Preset 1.1.2
+Book Covers Skyrim SE - Original.7z
+Bandit Lines Expansion
-Immersive Patrols (Main)
+Flora Additions - Mugo Pine
+Trees of Iduna (Just Trees)
+Skyrim Souls RE - Updated (Anniversary Edition)
+Ordinator 9.31.0
+Scoped Bows SE 1.3.1
+Open Animation Replacer
+Third Person First Person Aiming - ESL
+PapyrusUtil AE SE - Scripting Utility Functions
+SKYRIMS DEAD
+Detection Meter
+3rd Person Camera Stagger Remover
+Windhelm Bridge Overhaul v2 - Full
+SmoothCam - Modern Camera Preset
+SmoothCam
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Add-ons
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Regional Locks
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Lock Variations
+Better Third Person Selection (AE - SE)
+aMidianBorn Book of Silence SE
+Glorious Doors of Skyrim (GDOS)
+Achievements Mods Enabler SE-AE
+Diverse Dragons Collection SE
-Optional Lux Resource pack (No ENB light)
+Nature of the Wild Lands 2.0
+High Poly Project
+Skyking Signs
+DootY Version 3.1
+EVG Conditional Idles
+Rally's All The Things
+Footprints 1.6.1
+Ammo Has Description
+Description Framework
+Unmarked Locations Pack - All In One
+Vanilla Table Replacers 2k 1k
+Mead Keg Backpack
+Point The Way
+Enhanced Blood Textures
+Additional Landscape Parallax
+Thu'um - Animated Shouts
+Convenient Horses
+Parrying RPG
+True Directional Movement
+Compass Navigation Overhaul - Nordic UI Skin
+Nordic-ish - A Preset for TrueHUD based on Nordic UI
+NORDIC UI - Miscellaneous Patches
+NORDIC UI - Interface Overhaul
+Skyrim Scenery - Main Menu Replacers (16x9)
+DarkXpBar
+Dear Diary DM (warm) Fixes
+Dragonborn Voice Over
+Compass Navigation Overhaul
+Modern Wait Menu - Dear Diary Dark Mode
+Modern Wait Menu
+Dear Diary Dark Mode (warm text)
+TUDM Reborn BSA-ESP
+Hunters Loot
+Paarthurnax - Quest Expansion
+KittyVFX - Dragon Breath
+Experience
+Missives Notes Retexture
+moreHUD Inventory Edition - AE
+Missives 2.03 SSE
+dMenu
+Infinity UI
+SkyUI_5_2_SE
+Valhalla Combat
+Immersive Laundry 1.0d SSE
+Show Player In Menus
+aMidianBorn Buildings and Landscapes
+Splashes Of Storms
+Ash Pile 2K
+Ryn's Lumber Mills
+JK's Castle Volkihar
+Better Jumping AE
+Animation Motion Revolution
+Payload Interpreter
+NoCamColl_2_SE
+Dynamic Activation Key
+Thuldor's Ivarstead Patch Collection
+SSE Display Tweaks
+1st Person Interact Animation Teleport Bug Fix
+powerofthree's Tweaks
+Paraglider CommonLib-NG version
+Skyrim's Paraglider
+powerofthree's Papyrus Extender
+RaceMenu Anniversary Edition
+Dear Diary Dark modeMode - RaceMenu Patch - DIP
+Spiderweb
+JContainers SE
+Skylarks of Skyrim
+TrueHUD
+All in one Address Library (Anniversary Edition)
+Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine
+Mythical Ages - 1.10
+Praedy's College of Winterhold - SE
+World Eater Beater
+Grass Lighting
+Auto Parallax
+Leviathan Animations II - Male Idle Walk And Run
+Reduce Attack Skating Movement
+Hold to Sprint SSE
+Screen-Space Shadows
+Headhunter - Bounties Redone
+Open Animation Replacer - IED conditions
+Dirt and Blood
+Unique Uniques SE
+Missile's IED Preset
+Soaking Wet for 1.6.629 and newer
+Weapon Styles - DrawSheathe Animations for IED
+Immersive Equipment Displays - Quiver
+Immersive Equipment Displays - Mura Presets
+WeldingMans Enchanting Tables - No ENB Light
+Magic Sneak Attacks
+Pristine Vanilla Movement
+Assorted Animation Fixes
+Lightened Skyrim
+Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch
+Immersive HUD - iHUD
+Useful Elder Scrolls SE
+Animation Queue Fix
+Expressive Facial Animation - Female Edition
+Expressive Facial Animation - Male Edition
+Gesture Animation Remix (OAR) - main archive
+Paired Animation Improvements
+Dragon Sound Overhaul
+pigeons (se-ae) 1.2
+Forgotten Uniques
+Community Shaders
+Cutting Room Floor
+No Compass In Dialogue
+Thuldor's Ivarstead
+Carriage and Ferry Travel Overhaul
+CarriageForGoldenhills
+Simple Wearable Lanterns
+Lore Friendly Ghosts
+Spell Perk Item Distributor
+Sound Record Distributor
+Enhanced Solitude SSE
+Legacy of the Dragonborn Patches (Official)
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Cube Maps Fixed
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Lighting Mod
+Legacy of the Dragonborn SSE - The Curators Companion
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Item Descriptions
+Legacy of the Dragonborn
+JS Dragon Claws - Amethyst Patch
+More Informative Console 1.2
+SkyRem Activations
+Wildcat 7.1.0
+MCM Helper
+Simple Dual Sheath for 1.6.629 and newer
+Skyrim - Undeath SSE 1.7
+SRP Misc 1K
+Hotfix
+SRP Landscapes 1K
+SRP Dungeons 1K
+SRP Architecture 1K
+Show Follower Carry Weight
+Sconces of Solitude - Unique Solitude Braziers
+Water in Wells - mesh-only animated wells
+Grass Collision
+Skyland AIO
+Skyrim Priority SE AE
+Read the Room
-ELFX Shadows
-Enhanced Lights and FX
+The Northerner Diaries - Immersive Edition
+Footsteps Sounds Overhaul
+Static Mesh Improvement Mod
+MergeMapper
+Comprehensive First Person Animation Overhaul - CFPAO
+Give me a steward Patch
+Immersive Equipment Displays for 1.6.629 and newer
+Base Object Swapper
+Keyword Item Distributor
+(Part 1) SSE Engine Fixes for 1.6.1170 and newer
+Light Limit Fix
-Die When Killed
*Creation Club: _ResourcePack
*Creation Club: ccafdsse001-dwesanctuary
*Creation Club: ccasvsse001-almsivi
*Creation Club: ccbgssse001-fish
*Creation Club: ccbgssse005-goldbrand
*Creation Club: ccbgssse011-hrsarmrelvn
*Creation Club: ccbgssse012-hrsarmrstl
*Creation Club: ccbgssse020-graycowl
*Creation Club: ccbgssse025-advdsgs
*Creation Club: ccbgssse031-advcyrus
*Creation Club: ccbgssse038-bowofshadows
*Creation Club: ccbgssse050-ba_daedric
*Creation Club: ccbgssse052-ba_iron
*Creation Club: ccbgssse053-ba_leather
*Creation Club: ccbgssse054-ba_orcish
*Creation Club: ccbgssse055-ba_orcishscaled
*Creation Club: ccbgssse056-ba_silver
*Creation Club: ccbgssse059-ba_dragonplate
*Creation Club: ccbgssse061-ba_dwarven
*Creation Club: ccbgssse066-staves
*Creation Club: ccbgssse067-daedinv
*Creation Club: ccbgssse068-bloodfall
*Creation Club: ccbgssse069-contest
*Creation Club: cccbhsse001-gaunt
*Creation Club: ccedhsse003-redguard
*Creation Club: cceejsse004-hall
*Creation Club: cceejsse005-cave
*Creation Club: cckrtsse001_altar
*Creation Club: ccrmssse001-necrohouse
*Creation Club: ccvsvsse003-necroarts
*Creation Club: ccvsvsse004-beafarmer
*DLC: Dawnguard
*DLC: Dragonborn
2024.06.02 16:22 KBragg87 [USA-OH] [H] (switch) Switch Games PS5 Games Accessories SNES Games Xbox Games LRG Games [W] Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, Offers
[H]
My main interest is swapping my 512 gb Steam Deck + extra for an OLED steam deck.
Digital Switch Games
submitted by KBragg87 to gameswap [link] [comments]
My main interest is swapping my 512 gb Steam Deck + extra for an OLED steam deck.
Digital Switch Games
- Celeste
- Final Fantasy X-2 (for use with cartridge only)
- Katana Zero
- Link Ocarina of Time (new)
- Link Majora's Mask (new)
- Link Skyward Sword (new)
- Tears of the Kingdom Link (new)
- Zelda wind waker 2 pack amiibo (new)
- Attack on Titan 2 final battle (sealed)
- Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Metal Case (No Game)
- Bloodstained: Curse Of The Moon 2 LRG (sealed)
- Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 LRG (best buy variant)
- Cadence of Hyrule (sealed)
- Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Editions (sealed)
- Collection of Mana
- Crisis Core Steel book
- Cross Code (sealed)
- Cuphead (sealed)
- Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania Edition
- Doom 64 (sealed)
- Fire Emblem Engage: Divine Edition (sealed)
- For the King (sealed)
- Hollow Knight (sealed)
- Kirby Return to Dreamland Deluxe (sealed)
- Live a Live
- Monster Hunter Stores 2 (sealed)
- NEO: The World Ends With You
- No More Heroes 1 LRG Collectors edition (sealed)
- No More Heroes 2 LRG Collectors edition (sealed)
- No More Heroes 3
- Octopath Traveler 2 Steel book
- River City Girls Zero (sealed)
- River City Saga: Three Kingdoms (sealed)
- Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game (sealed)
- Starlink Battle for Atlas
- STAR WARS Episode I Racer (sealed)
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic VHS EDITION (sealed)
- Streets of Rage 4
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate
- Tales of Symphonia Remastered (sealed)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge CLASSIC EDITION (sealed)
- The Red Lantern (sealed)
- The Witcher 3 (sealed)
- The Wonderful 101 Remastered (In generic GameStop case)
- Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
- Triangle Strategy (sealed)
- Warioware: Get it Together
- YS IX
- Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol LRG (sealed)
- Super Mario Bros 3
- The Legend of Zelda
- Zelda II The Adventure of Link
- Dark Souls Remastered
- Final Fantasy VII Remake
- Last of us 2 Special edition (sealed)
- 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (sealed)
- Persona 5 Royal Steelbook edition (sealed)
- Playstation Console (with cords, controller, memory card. Unable to test)
- Duke Nuke Total Meltdown (CiB)
- Final Fantasy Chronicles (CiB)
- Final Fantasy VIII (CiB)
- Resident Evil Director's Cut (Greatest hits/CiB)
- Resident Evil 2 (CiB)
- Final Fantasy VII - Rebirth Steel book (Best Buy exclusive)
- Final Fantasy VII - Rebirth Steel book (from deluxe edition)
- Ratchet & Clank: Rifts Apart (sealed)
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales Ultimate Edition (no code)
- Madden 97
- Mario Paint (w/ mouse)
- NBA Jam Tournament Edition
- Super Mario Kart (Player's Choice)
- Top Gear
- Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Deluxe (sealed)
- Yakuza Like A Dragon day 1 edition (sealed)
- 8bitdo sn30 pro plus
- PS5 Controller - White (used)
- PS5 Controller - Blue (only opened to charge)
- Skyward Sword Joycons (sealed)
- Steam Controller
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate Pro Controller (with box)
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Pro Controller (with box)
- Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
- Mario Tennis, Golf (switch)
- Mega Man Battle Network Collection
- OLED Steam Deck
- Pikmin 3 Deluxe
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
- The Last of US Part 1
- The Wonderful 101 Remastered (switch case only)
- Unicorn Overlord
- PS5 Offers
- Switch offers
- XBOX ONE (series) offers
2024.06.02 16:09 Espazilious The Crossroads of Destiny - A Ficnapping for JulianSkies
u/SpacePaladin15 is responsible for the creation of the NOP universe. u/JulianSkies is responsible for the creation of a metric fuckton of fics within that universe.
this story is my ficnapping entry for... uhhhh... *checks notes* old scabbard, the allergy, gremlins, game review: escape series, river wolves and meteors. it's probably not strictly necessary to read them to enjoy this ficnap? but you should do it anyway, because they are Very Excellent™.
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Reunion ////// Wednesday, July 9th, 2138 8:16 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Ah, the middle of the week. For most bars, it is a time of quiet, of minimal activity. Some scant few people might show up; either regulars who come every day, or those who seek to unwind with a quick drink or just get out of the house for a bit, but they don't often stay long. They get one or two cups, share the bare minimum of a chat, and then get on their merry way.
...But of course, that's just the way humans do things.
The countless aliens who have taken up residence in Sao Paulo since the fall of the Federation simply don't seem to care for our silly calendar. They come in whenever they please, week or weekend, midday or midnight, rain or shine. Sometimes they want to get blackout drunk, other times they just want a quick taste of home. Or, there's always the frequent visitor who's just here to get their fill of social contact. Those ones are perhaps my favorite. After the horrors of the Federation War, and taking refuge on Skalga, I certainly won't ever tire of seeing aliens and humans—total strangers to one another—start chatting and getting along, coexisting in peace and harmony, without anyone batting an eye.
Today, though... was not the typical rush of aliens and one or two human regulars. When the bell above the door jingled and a figure stepped in from the cool outside air, consider my surprise to see not a small fluffy thing with no clothes, but a tall, lanky human man, with a face I hadn't seen in months.
"Lucas," I jovially said. "Welcome. It's good to see you again."
He smiled bashfully and raised an arm in a silent wave, seeing a dozen heads turn to look at him. One head in particular turned much farther than the rest; a gaunt human woman, accompanied by a relaxed venlil—Bella Rivers and Taya, both of whom are... perhaps my most frequent guests. "Oh damn! And here I was starting to think you died in a car accident, Luc," Bella said, clearly surprised to see another human at this hour, letalone one who'd been absent for so long.
"Haha, no..." Lucas said, making a beeline for the bar. "Just been... er, busy, you know how it is. How've things been here?"
Bella cast a brief glance at me, asking a silent question, to which I gave a simple nod. "It's been great," she answered in my stead. "Every day feels like more people know about this place. I keep telling Keeps to start thinking about remodeling, get some more space in here before it starts turning into a moshpit every weekend."
Lucas let out a chuckle. "I almost can't believe you two come here so often that you can say that."
Taya leaned around Bella just enough to look Lucas in the eye. "Well no duh! Where else are we gonna go? Name one pub in this city besides The Crossroad that's licensed to sell alien food and drink, and always cares about dietary restrictions!"
Bella laughed. "Okay girl, you ain't gotta shill that hard."
"Nuh uh. I'm not drunk enough not to shill," the normally-reserved venlil droned. She most certainly was a little drunk...
"Speaking of," I cut in, turning to Lucas. "The usual?"
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You still remember my drink?"
"Of course."
He looked thoughtful for a moment, before smiling. "Yeah. I'd love that."
I wasted no time in gathering my tools and the requisite bottles and ingredients to put together his complicated order. To say I pride myself on remembering my patrons, their quirks, and their likes and dislikes... would be an understatement. What is a barkeep if not the central pillar of the establishment? It simply wouldn't do for me to be anything less than reliable.
"For real though," Bella said. "It's not just the food that keeps us here. Like yeah, I love being able to trust my food, but there's more to it. Just look around," she waved a hand out at the rest of the room, "Isn't it great, seeing so many different people, from so many different walks of life, all come together in one place? Back during the war, I... we never imagined we'd get to see something like this. And yet here we are, back on Earth, with God knows how many aliens just hangin' around, being chill, doing their things."
"Huh... yeah, I guess I can see it-- ah, thanks Keeps," Lucas said as I passed him his completed drink. "If you forget everything that's happened, it kinda does look like how everyone dreamed things would go before first contact."
Bella smiled wistfully, idly swirling her half-full drink with her straw. "I think it's amazing. All these different cultures and faces mashing together at once, just this giant melting pot of people and worldviews and everything."
"...Yeah. It really is incredible."
Bella's brows furrowed as Lucas wasted no time in taking a large swig of his drink. It seemed as if something was on his mind, and perhaps she could tell. "Hey... where have you been, these past few months?"
"I've... well," he put down his glass, staring at it almost disdainfully. And after I'd made it so perfectly for him, to boot. Rude. "I've actually been trying to uh, cut back on the drinking..."
Bella turned, glancing confusedly at Taya, who flicked her tail in equal uncertainty. "Really? But you've always been such a responsible drinker. I don't think I can even remember a single time you've ever caused trouble, or got sick or anything. Did something happen?"
"No, nothing like that. I just wanted... well, here, look at this," he said and produced his holopad, skillfully swiping to his photo album. In seconds, he pulled up a picture of himself alongside an alien with gray fur... and long, floppy, dog-like ears. A farsul. "This is Talon. He's been staying with me since the xenomed center got going full swing."
Taya recoiled at the sight, ears flattening in apparent anger before Bella turned and shot her a firm glare. The venlil immediately shrunk on herself, looking both apologetic, and yet still agitated.
"I'm doing it for him. He... um, let's just say he gets a little nervous," Lucas mumbled. He swiped to another picture, this time with Talon hanging off his arm like a monkey, tongue lolling out of his wide-open muzzle in obvious glee. "He's such a sweet little guy, like the brother I never had. But it wasn't good for him, to be dealing with me coming home drunk. He needs stability, consistency. I... was making him worry whether I'll be the same every time I walk through the door. So I promised him I'd stop."
Bella put a hand on Lucas' shoulder. "Well that's sweet of you. I can tell you care a lot."
Lucas frowned. "Of course I care. After the shit he got put through in those... fucking goddamn facilities."
A bubble of silence surrounded the trio as his words sunk in. Bella swirled her drink one last time before she took a huge swig. Lucas watched her for a moment before he grabbed his own near-full glass and downed the whole of it in one fell swoop.
"Hhh. So much for that," he grumbled as he glared down at his freshly emptied cup. Then his expression softened slightly, turning closer to remorse. "...Sorry. I didn't mean to fuck up the vibe. I uh, got some other pics of him if--"
"No, Lucas, it's okay," Taya suddenly said. "There's nothing wrong with being honest. Especially not in a place like this," she pointed one eye toward me, "ain't that right, Keeps?"
All I could offer in response was a curt nod.
Bella reached over and laid a hand on his shoulder. "If something's on your mind, then... c'mon, be straight with us."
Lucas sighed. "I wish there were more I could do for him," he bluntly said. "We've tried so many things to help him stay calm. Breathing exercises, fidget toys, music... but it's never enough. He still just can't function in public, or around new people, or... anywhere. Especially if I'm not there. And I don't know what to do anymore. I keep telling him to take as long as he needs, but I..." Lucas slouched over, holding his head in his hands, "I feel like every time takes a little longer."
"Um... Y'know..." Taya spoke up, as her ears twisted nervously. "It... sounds like, maybe, um... he... needs a friend?"
"I am his friend," Lucas deadpanned.
"N-no, I mean... oorgh, how do I say this?"
"I think what she's trying to say is... if you want a little help, Lucas, we'd be happy to be there for you. For him."
Lucas's brows furrowed for a moment before he seemed to grasp what she was saying, and his eyes went wide. "Really? But-" his eyes locked onto Taya, "but you're--"
Taya shook her head. "Don't say it. I... I know. I know what I am," she all but whispered. "But maybe I don't want to be like... this. Maybe I want to be better. After all, if I'd never tried to have an open mind about humans, I never would've met Bella!"
"Well... okay," Lucas said, as a small smile grew on his face. "Here. Lemme get your numbers, and I'll talk to him, and we'll get in touch?"
Bella nodded and presented her pad, as Taya did the same. "Yep! And hey, if he isn't up to meeting in person, maybe you can see if he wants to try just being... like, pen pals or something?"
"Hah. He's not a child, you know. But thanks. I really mean it."
"I know you mean it. We're glad to help."
The three of them tapped pads to exchange contacts, and with that, their fates became intertwined. Whatever may happen to them after today, I cannot know. A humble barkeeper such myself shan't be blessed with the absolutes of the future. Some may try to predict what is to come, but I believe the future is theirs to decide, that they may take whatever happens in their own hands and mold it to their will.
It is all I can hope that Bella and Taya will return and share with me the stories of their antics. Or, as unlikely as it seems, perhaps Lucas could bring Talon here, for them both to participate in this gathering of souls; for them to find joy among friends new and old; for the chance to walk the wondrous crossroads of life and love.
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Scampering Menaces ////// Monday, July 14th, 2138 1:39 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Monday. The day of loathing. Of rest and relaxation coming to an end. Of waking up early, getting ready for work, and repeating yet another week of monotony. Some would question my sanity, to open the bar at all on a Monday, letalone to do so at noon. But those foolish few simply haven't seen how excited aliens can be about something so mundane as lunch.
But alas, the lunch rush never persists forever, and just like always, I eventually found my beloved pub woefully empty. As it would likely stay for the rest of the afternoon, save for the occasional visitor with a more unusual schedule.
...Or, perhaps, should I be so lucky... a much more rare sight; a true oddity, who might seek to come here only during the dead hours.
And wouldn't you know, it was on this day that I was blessed with one such patron. Or... multiple patrons. A human and a trio... no, quartet of dossur. It was very much a challenge for me to keep track of the little sapient rodents as they skittered about, both on and literally around their human, but I was more than certain that there were definitely only four of them.
At first, I thought there were three dossur. But then one of them retreated into their human's apparently rather spacious hoodie, and a very distinctly different dossur came out. She looked... mangy, for lack of a polite term, with numerous patches of discolored and uneven fur, and what appeared to be a few healed scars. It was clear to me that she must have been through something horrible, and yet had been saved by the miracle of modern medicine.
The small group's incursion upon my shop was... relatively peaceful. They certainly had no qualms about using their outdoor voices, speaking loudly and freely about whatever came to mind, from plans for when they got home, to theorycrafting about potential vacations they could take, and even to the status of the Sapient Coalition as a whole. I, of course, had no right to begrudge them for being so noisy—they were the only ones in the bar, after all.
But everything changed when the front door swung open, the gentle dingle of the bell heralding the arrival of yet another rare antisocial patron.
To my surprise, this newcomer was another human. But not just any human, oh no, this was a very particular human. One who I could say might be somewhat of a regular, despite his tendency to avoid the busier hours. It was no trouble for me to recognize him from the slightest glance, as his unforgettable silver hair, and the red highlights within, matched gorgeously with his red scarf.
As he entered, a somewhat shorter than average venlil trailed close behind. He too wore a red scarf, though for a... different reason. A deeply personal reason, that neither he nor his human have ever seemed keen to share. And I, out of respect for them both, shan't pry.
With a brief, wary glance at the table of chaos, the two of them made their way toward the bar. They hardly made it more than a few steps before a painfully loud shriek, followed by three more of the same, damn near shattered every piece of glass in my bar.
"HUMY!!!!!" "OH MY GOD HI!!" "JOHN! LOOK!!" "Don't yell in my ear--" "Wait is it really-- IT IS! GUYS GET OUT HERE--"
And in a staggering instant... where I thought there were only four dossur, I was once again proven thoroughly WRONG. From within John's hoodie came not one, not two, but four more of the little bastards! There were eight of them! They all scampered up their poor handler's arms and stood on his head and shoulders, waving their whole bodies and jumping up and down, and being so very loud.
"HI HUMY!!!!!!!!" "HI!!!" "HIIIIII!!!!!!" "He's so tall..." "Is that VV?? HI VV!!" "WOW I didn't know his hair was really that white!"
Humy, while certainly shocked by the sudden attention, somehow managed to take it in stride. He raised a hand and waved back to the crowd of not-squirrels, the action shutting them up for only a moment before they started squealing even LOUDER in sheer excitement.
"Guys... Y'all oughta quiet down a bit," John said... or so I think. I frankly couldn't hear him over the orchestra of rodent insanity.
One particularly bold dossur—the one with the damaged fur—made her way down from the chaos table and practically sprinted to Humy's legs, before climbing him like a tree. He recoiled in surprise, but she kept going until she was leaning off the top of his head, staring straight into his eyes. The others went silent, waiting with bated breath for whatever might happen next.
...
"Hi."
The poor man, frazzled, startled, accosted-by-an-alien-squirrel, took a long moment before he figured out what to do about this situation. "Um. Hi."
Unfortunately, that was the wrong response.
"HE SAID HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "I WANNA SAY HI TO HUMY!!" "THAT'S NOT FAIR, HOW COME SHE GETS--" "JOHN!!!" "Guys, pl--" "--TO SAY HI TO HIM?!?!!?!" "JOHN BRING US TO HIM OR DIE"
John abruptly slapped the table and stood up, nearly flinging half of his passengers in different directions as they panicked and clung to him for dear life. "I'm so sorry," he quickly said, "They're not usually like this. We'll just be going," he turned to me, making eye contact for an instant, "Cya later, Keeps."
"No, wait!" Humy said, just barely before the swarm could scream their collective dissent. "Please don't. I don't mind, I promise. All I ask is you quieten down a notch, is that okay?"
The dossur looked amongst each other; some of them drooped in shame, while others seemed to simply not grasp the relevance of the request. But in the end, it was John who spoke up first. "He's right, guys. Y'all need to tone it down. No more screaming."
"Okay?" "Sorry..." "Makes sense." "SURE!!--"
John immediately snatched up that particular troublemaker before stuffing him in his hoodie, never to be seen again.
"Ah... anyway..." Humy said, and gestured to the counter, where VV had already taken a seat during the commotion. John took the unspoken invitation, and the middle-aged man reunited with his friend as the dossur wrangler sat on his other side.
The swarm, of course, wasted no time in dismounting John and lining up right in front of poor Humy. Or, well, only two of them lined up. One crawled up onto his sleeve, two onto his shoulders, and the last simply kept climbing around, seemingly not intent on stopping ever. The seventh and eighth remained imprisoned in John's pocket and sprawled out atop Humy's head, respectively.
"Is Humy your real name?" "Why's your hair white?" "Your scarves are so cool!" "What's your favorite fruit?"
Humy burst out in a fit of chuckles, evidently amused by the dossur speaking over each other in their haste to treat him like a talking jungle gym. "Wow. John, right?" he turned to the other human, who gave a curt nod. "How do you live with this?"
"Very patiently," John deadpanned. "No one would ever believe me if I told them these little shits are highly trained Marines."
"Have you ever been on a cruise?" "What's your favorite game?" "If I gave you a strawberry, would you eat it?" "Are you two dating?" "Seriously, why's your hair white!?"
"Okay, okay, c'mon, one at a time! Why don't all of you line up right here in front of me, and I'll go down the line?"
"No." "...Nah." "It's comfy up here." "And it's boring down there!" "And your hair smells good..."
Humy sighed and shook his head, but his smile betrayed his mirth at the situation. "Fine... let's see... you, at the very top. What's your question?"
"Huh? Oh, uhhh-" the mangled one trailed off. She'd been rather quiet the whole time. "Hmm... what's your next video gonna be, and when's it gonna be out?"
"Ooh!" "Yeah!" "Yes yes yes tell us!" "Genius question, Fée!"
Humy, despite the dossurs' excitement, grimaced. "I'm sorry, you guys, but I can't answer that. I just can't leak upcoming content!"
"Auugh!" "Noo c'mon!" "What." "That's not fair!"
"But..." Humy cut them off, looking thoughtful. "Well... maybe I can tell you one thing. I might have something very, very special lined up soon. Do you all remember when I played that thafki game, Survivor? Well I--"
Humy jumped, startled as VV—who'd been totally quiet and unobtrusive the whole time—abruptly grabbed his sleeve and tugged it sharply. A sheepish expression spread across the human's face. "Oops! Can't spoil the surprise. Sorry! How 'bout we hear another question?"
The dossur pouted, looking dejected, disappointed and all-around displeased. But, with that, the seven tiny herbivores quickly moved on, and continued to pester Humy with evermore nonsense. Too much nonsense. Truly, veritably, too much.
It wasn't until hours later, around 4 PM, that both parties finally grew fatigued and split ways. In the wake of their madness, I could feel nothing but gratitude for the fact that, despite their behavior, the rodents hadn't made a mess of anything, nor skipped out on their tab. While they were loud, and excitable, and far too much enjoyed using poor Humy as a playground... they weren't hooligans. They were, in the end, people. Not just noisy squirrels.
With that in mind... perhaps, maybe, just maybe, next time they come in... I wouldn't be unwilling to greet them, to welcome them to this place of character and merriment; to welcome their uniqueness among the myriad faces that make themselves known; to invite them in as members, as friends, as we all tread upon the ever-exciting crossroads of greetings and farewells.
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Mayflies ////// Friday, August 1st, 2138 9:05 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Ah, the weekend. For a bar, it is the busiest time one could imagine. But for a bartender such as myself, it is so much more. The activity, the bustle, the countless different people coming together and simply being themselves. Just by merely being here, serving drinks and dinner to all who would want it, I am blessed with the wondrous opportunity to overhear talk and tales of peoples' lives—their homes, their hopes and dreams, their fears and regrets.
And today, of course, was no exception. Perchance, allow me to skip the lengthy preamble and get to the good stuff.
The moment an elderly, borderline decrepit old man entered the bar, he had my attention. Someone his age, coming somewhere like this, alone? The scenario piqued my curiosity.
He had a tired air to him, something between boredom, the general fatigue that comes with such advanced age and... if my keen eyes didn't deceive me, a touch of discomfort. As if he was out of his element in some way, not quite sure what to do with himself. He kept silent, bothering no one as he approached the counter and scanned one of the many QR codes plastered around the dining room.
His face stayed the same as he reviewed The Crossroads' prodigious menu, as though he was unimpressed with our unrivaled selection. But then, he paused, and something changed in his stance. His eyes flicked up and met mine, his expression suddenly lit ablaze, full of energy that wasn't there before. "Redtato tacos?" he curtly asked, sounding almost bewildered. His gaze dropped back down to the menu, to the other dishes on that same page. "Spice plates... cricket burgers," he looks back up at me, wearing a deranged grin, "even goddamn ichor ice cream? You're insane."
"Insane? Tell me you're new here without telling me," a new voice interjected. One of the other patrons—a thafki, who unlike her kin, had taken to wearing a black hoodie with the emblem of the United Nations—turned to us, appearing amused as she looked between me and the old man. "Wow, you're a perfect match for one another. Didn't think humans could get any older than ol' Barkeep here. What's someone as ancient as you doing here, new guy?"
"Hah. I like you, Blue," the man said as he took a seat beside the nosy and maybe slightly drunk alien.
"My name's not Blue. Call me Ayeli."
He held out a hand toward Ayeli. She glanced at it before shaking it without a second thought. "Ryusei," he said, before eyeing her beverage. "Tell you what, Barkeep, gimme one of whatever that is. And a refill for her, if she'll have it."
"Saltwine," I said, and reached beneath the counter to procure the bottle from which I'd poured Ayeli's first glass. I turned it back and forth in front of him, letting him read the translated label. "Be warned. This is a specialty item. It is not to most peoples' tastes, nor is it cheap."
"Pfft just do it. I've eaten rocks, you old coot."
The sheer brazenness of his words, the unwavering resolve in his eyes, and the utter lack of hesitation in his voice, took me truly off guard for the first time in a long, long while. "I'm not an old coot, you bumbling codger," I grumbled as I took a glass and filled it. Then, putting my professional facade back on just like nothing ever happened, I turned to Ayeli and hovered the bottle over her cup. She gave a thumbs up, and I poured.
Ryusei stared at me with a smug grin. "Pff. Looked in a mirror lately? Time ain't been good to you, friend. Look at all them gray hairs. Yeek."
"I can poison you in seventeen different ways," I deadpanned.
"As if I'd even be able to tell? There's nothing you can do to me that my body hasn't done at least twice already."
"Venlise alcohol. Not diluted."
"Now there'd be a challenge..." he murmured, before his attention drifted to his idle drink. He raised the glass to his lips and took a hearty sip, allowing the fluid—its texture, its flavor—to rest in his mouth before swallowing. "Mmh. Damn."
"You like it?" Ayeli asked.
"Y'know what? Yeah. Shit's weird in all the right ways. Hits your tongue like a pile of salt, but goes down smooth. No aftertaste, no burn, just a quick slap in the face and then it's gone."
Ayeli drummed her fingers on the counter before taking a long swig of her own drink. "Mmmhmm. That's how it is. How it's meant to be. I can't wait 'til someone figures out how to make this stuff for cheap."
"Speaking of. Ey Barkeep, put me down for one of them fucked up tacos. Let's see just how close a buncha earthlings can get to authentic Martian cuisine."
With a nod and several practiced movements, I had his request sent to the kitchen in seconds. I don't believe he saw me even touch the order pad with how fast I was.
"...Martian?" Ayeli asked. "Now hang on. That's... the red planet, no?"
"Mhm," The man let out a grunt of affirmation. "First planet humanity settled besides Earth. It's a dead, empty husk. Nothing but rocks and dust and solar radiation. I was born there."
"Huh. What're you doing here, then? There no bars on Mars?"
"...Classified."
"Oh. Yeah..."
Quiet spread between the two, Ayeli staring blankly into her own reflection within her glass. Ryusei's eyes slowly drifted toward her as his brow furrowed. "You... were a soldier, huh?"
Ayeli jolted, startled by the question. "Wh--? How... I mean, yeah. I guess I was. But how can you tell?"
"Eh. I've been there. Where you are now."
"...What?"
He took another sip. "You know how it is. Everything goes to shit. Then it gets better. Now everyone's pretending life is back to normal, and you have to pretend too. Even if you lost friends. Or family. Or... parts of yourself."
...
Ayeli frowned. "I... yeah. I guess."
"You guess?"
"It's... it's not that I've lost people. Or parts of myself," she said. "It's not even that I have to pretend that everything's back to normal."
Ryusei raised an eyebrow.
"All things considered, I've lost nothing. I joined the UN Marines, killed some lizards, and now I'm here. And I'm fine. Not even 'oh you're lying to yourself, you need a therapist' fine, but just... actually fine."
"Why's that, do you think?"
"I don't know. All my friends are so much worse off than me. They're all... fucked up, from everything. But I'm not. I just don't feel anything."
"I just... shouldn't I feel something?" she continued. "I've killed people. Drowned people. Slit throats. But whenever I think about it, there's just nothing. No guilt, no shame, no... no empathy."
"I understand," Ryusei breathed. Something behind his eyes changed, his tone becoming more... genuine. "You and I are alike, in a way."
"...Really?"
Ryusei swirled his drink before taking a quick sip. "When I was younger, I was part of something bigger than myself. It was dangerous as all hell—sixty percent fatality rate—but I was glad to be doing it. Glad to be playing my part. Happy to risk my life so someone else doesn't have to. But then it was over, and I got back to life like normal. I got my accolades, I took my damn awards, and I went home. And that was that."
"Except it wasn't," he continued. "I went home, and found out my family had ripped themselves apart. Half of em were obviously over the moons with pride, knowing I'd been there in the very front and came home a goddamn hero. But the rest... they had been scared. Terrified they'd never see me again. It was all they wanted for me to just come home and be safe."
"And... that's what got you?" Ayeli asked. Something in her voice was vulnerable, almost afraid. "The fact that you were ready to move on, but no one else was?"
Ryusei nodded. "I felt like a shithead not because I'd almost died a hundred times, but because I'd been the reason my parents got divorced."
Ayeli stared into nothing, dead silent for a long moment before she grabbed her drink and downed the remainder of it in one go. "F-fuck," she rasped. "It was supposed to go back to normal. We were supposed to have our happy ending. So why is everyone still like this? Why can't we just be okay now?"
"Because people need time, kid. You and I are the exceptions. You'll get your happy ending, you just... gotta wait. Gotta be there for them when they need you."
"How?"
"Whatever way you can. My little brother got hit the hardest by our parents' shitshow. He couldn't stand being around either of them. So I would drive him out to the middle of nowhere, and we'd just watch the universe go by. We'd count the stars, talk about how small we are, how it just keeps going, how empty it all is, yet still teeming with mystery. By the end of it, we'd both be feeling better... and then we'd do it again a week later when we felt like shit again. And on and on, for years."
"...We've already seen the stars though. How would that help?"
Ryusei slid his glass over to Ayeli, offering her the last few sips he had. "There are more things of beauty in this world than just the stars. Take it from me, old fart that I am—if you just take the time to look, you can find meaning anywhere. Even things you might take for granted."
Ayeli perked up, as if she'd realized something. "The ocean..."
"Something like that."
"It's... it's simple, it's mundane, it's so normal to us now that we can just go swimming whenever we like. But ten years ago, that would've been different. We... we did it. We changed it. For ourselves. We won."
"You hit the nail on the head, Blue. Tell all that to your pals. Really show them that it's over."
She looked down at the drink she'd been given, and lifted it to her lips to take a small sip. "An ocean of water, an ocean of stars... what difference does it make? Maybe you're right. Maybe we really are alike."
"Both have been around for millenia. And both will be there still, long after we're gone," Ryusei said. He looked down at his hands, an odd half-smile on his face. "Call me a sentimental old coot, but part of me still finds comfort in the stars. An infinite sea of beacons, shining in every direction for eternity. Always there, always waiting, no matter what."
"Mmm... y'know, it's funny. Our ancient ancestors probably each thought the same at one point or another. Wonder if any of 'em ever looked up in just the right place, at the right time... and looked straight at each other, even if they didn't know it."
"Heh. As much as I want to rain on your parade and say that's impossible... well, just look at the two of us, eh? The chance that we both would happen to be here, right now. Maybe it's not. The universe is pretty damn huge, and yet here we are."
Ayeli sat up straight in her seat, a determined look spreading across her face. "Yeah. I... I think I know what to do. How to help everyone else move on. Thanks for the drinks, 'Keep. And the chat, Ryusei."
"Yeah yeah. Go on, get outta here. Get back to your friends."
The thafki nodded and gave us both a smile, and then with one last wave goodbye, she made her way out of the establishment. Ryusei sighed and turned back to the bar, crossing his arms and slouching in that tired, past-our-prime way we both must know so well.
Before long, his plate of redtato tacos were brought out, and without another word, he got to work. He remained silent as he ate, but I could tell by the look on his face that he was satisfied.
"Alright... yeah, yeah you did good..." he said when there was nothing left to eat. "I'll remember this place. Think if I ever end up 'round here again, I might stop by."
"You'll always be welcome... until you call me old again. Then you might find something different in your cup than you ordered."
He laughed, grinning like a madman as he stood from his seat. "Bold of you to threaten me with a good time. Now I'm definitely coming back!"
With that, he paid for his meal and his and Ayeli's drinks, and just as suddenly as it all began, he was gone. The cycle of greetings and goodbyes played its part yet again, bringing us together and pulling us apart as if no time had passed at all.
But where his and Ayeli's presence left my bar, their imprints have not. In my memory, and theirs, lies the everlasting essence of our encounter. The feelings of meeting, of learning, of sharing ourselves—and above all else, the words they spoke. The sentiment has truly been burned into my recollection, never to be forgotten with how it touched my heart, my very soul.
How wondrous it is that two people so similar and yet so different could ever meet. The universe is vast—immeasurably so—and still they both happened to be in the right place at the right time for their lives to become intertwined. Is it coincidence? Is it fate? I can't possibly know. Such things are beyond my station. All I can say for certain is that it will happen again, and again, on an eternal cycle. So long as life itself persists, people will always be bound to find one another.
And that, I believe... is the true beauty of our crossroads of destiny.
//////////////////////////
submitted by Espazilious to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
this story is my ficnapping entry for... uhhhh... *checks notes* old scabbard, the allergy, gremlins, game review: escape series, river wolves and meteors. it's probably not strictly necessary to read them to enjoy this ficnap? but you should do it anyway, because they are Very Excellent™.
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Reunion ////// Wednesday, July 9th, 2138 8:16 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Ah, the middle of the week. For most bars, it is a time of quiet, of minimal activity. Some scant few people might show up; either regulars who come every day, or those who seek to unwind with a quick drink or just get out of the house for a bit, but they don't often stay long. They get one or two cups, share the bare minimum of a chat, and then get on their merry way.
...But of course, that's just the way humans do things.
The countless aliens who have taken up residence in Sao Paulo since the fall of the Federation simply don't seem to care for our silly calendar. They come in whenever they please, week or weekend, midday or midnight, rain or shine. Sometimes they want to get blackout drunk, other times they just want a quick taste of home. Or, there's always the frequent visitor who's just here to get their fill of social contact. Those ones are perhaps my favorite. After the horrors of the Federation War, and taking refuge on Skalga, I certainly won't ever tire of seeing aliens and humans—total strangers to one another—start chatting and getting along, coexisting in peace and harmony, without anyone batting an eye.
Today, though... was not the typical rush of aliens and one or two human regulars. When the bell above the door jingled and a figure stepped in from the cool outside air, consider my surprise to see not a small fluffy thing with no clothes, but a tall, lanky human man, with a face I hadn't seen in months.
"Lucas," I jovially said. "Welcome. It's good to see you again."
He smiled bashfully and raised an arm in a silent wave, seeing a dozen heads turn to look at him. One head in particular turned much farther than the rest; a gaunt human woman, accompanied by a relaxed venlil—Bella Rivers and Taya, both of whom are... perhaps my most frequent guests. "Oh damn! And here I was starting to think you died in a car accident, Luc," Bella said, clearly surprised to see another human at this hour, letalone one who'd been absent for so long.
"Haha, no..." Lucas said, making a beeline for the bar. "Just been... er, busy, you know how it is. How've things been here?"
Bella cast a brief glance at me, asking a silent question, to which I gave a simple nod. "It's been great," she answered in my stead. "Every day feels like more people know about this place. I keep telling Keeps to start thinking about remodeling, get some more space in here before it starts turning into a moshpit every weekend."
Lucas let out a chuckle. "I almost can't believe you two come here so often that you can say that."
Taya leaned around Bella just enough to look Lucas in the eye. "Well no duh! Where else are we gonna go? Name one pub in this city besides The Crossroad that's licensed to sell alien food and drink, and always cares about dietary restrictions!"
Bella laughed. "Okay girl, you ain't gotta shill that hard."
"Nuh uh. I'm not drunk enough not to shill," the normally-reserved venlil droned. She most certainly was a little drunk...
"Speaking of," I cut in, turning to Lucas. "The usual?"
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You still remember my drink?"
"Of course."
He looked thoughtful for a moment, before smiling. "Yeah. I'd love that."
I wasted no time in gathering my tools and the requisite bottles and ingredients to put together his complicated order. To say I pride myself on remembering my patrons, their quirks, and their likes and dislikes... would be an understatement. What is a barkeep if not the central pillar of the establishment? It simply wouldn't do for me to be anything less than reliable.
"For real though," Bella said. "It's not just the food that keeps us here. Like yeah, I love being able to trust my food, but there's more to it. Just look around," she waved a hand out at the rest of the room, "Isn't it great, seeing so many different people, from so many different walks of life, all come together in one place? Back during the war, I... we never imagined we'd get to see something like this. And yet here we are, back on Earth, with God knows how many aliens just hangin' around, being chill, doing their things."
"Huh... yeah, I guess I can see it-- ah, thanks Keeps," Lucas said as I passed him his completed drink. "If you forget everything that's happened, it kinda does look like how everyone dreamed things would go before first contact."
Bella smiled wistfully, idly swirling her half-full drink with her straw. "I think it's amazing. All these different cultures and faces mashing together at once, just this giant melting pot of people and worldviews and everything."
"...Yeah. It really is incredible."
Bella's brows furrowed as Lucas wasted no time in taking a large swig of his drink. It seemed as if something was on his mind, and perhaps she could tell. "Hey... where have you been, these past few months?"
"I've... well," he put down his glass, staring at it almost disdainfully. And after I'd made it so perfectly for him, to boot. Rude. "I've actually been trying to uh, cut back on the drinking..."
Bella turned, glancing confusedly at Taya, who flicked her tail in equal uncertainty. "Really? But you've always been such a responsible drinker. I don't think I can even remember a single time you've ever caused trouble, or got sick or anything. Did something happen?"
"No, nothing like that. I just wanted... well, here, look at this," he said and produced his holopad, skillfully swiping to his photo album. In seconds, he pulled up a picture of himself alongside an alien with gray fur... and long, floppy, dog-like ears. A farsul. "This is Talon. He's been staying with me since the xenomed center got going full swing."
Taya recoiled at the sight, ears flattening in apparent anger before Bella turned and shot her a firm glare. The venlil immediately shrunk on herself, looking both apologetic, and yet still agitated.
"I'm doing it for him. He... um, let's just say he gets a little nervous," Lucas mumbled. He swiped to another picture, this time with Talon hanging off his arm like a monkey, tongue lolling out of his wide-open muzzle in obvious glee. "He's such a sweet little guy, like the brother I never had. But it wasn't good for him, to be dealing with me coming home drunk. He needs stability, consistency. I... was making him worry whether I'll be the same every time I walk through the door. So I promised him I'd stop."
Bella put a hand on Lucas' shoulder. "Well that's sweet of you. I can tell you care a lot."
Lucas frowned. "Of course I care. After the shit he got put through in those... fucking goddamn facilities."
A bubble of silence surrounded the trio as his words sunk in. Bella swirled her drink one last time before she took a huge swig. Lucas watched her for a moment before he grabbed his own near-full glass and downed the whole of it in one fell swoop.
"Hhh. So much for that," he grumbled as he glared down at his freshly emptied cup. Then his expression softened slightly, turning closer to remorse. "...Sorry. I didn't mean to fuck up the vibe. I uh, got some other pics of him if--"
"No, Lucas, it's okay," Taya suddenly said. "There's nothing wrong with being honest. Especially not in a place like this," she pointed one eye toward me, "ain't that right, Keeps?"
All I could offer in response was a curt nod.
Bella reached over and laid a hand on his shoulder. "If something's on your mind, then... c'mon, be straight with us."
Lucas sighed. "I wish there were more I could do for him," he bluntly said. "We've tried so many things to help him stay calm. Breathing exercises, fidget toys, music... but it's never enough. He still just can't function in public, or around new people, or... anywhere. Especially if I'm not there. And I don't know what to do anymore. I keep telling him to take as long as he needs, but I..." Lucas slouched over, holding his head in his hands, "I feel like every time takes a little longer."
"Um... Y'know..." Taya spoke up, as her ears twisted nervously. "It... sounds like, maybe, um... he... needs a friend?"
"I am his friend," Lucas deadpanned.
"N-no, I mean... oorgh, how do I say this?"
"I think what she's trying to say is... if you want a little help, Lucas, we'd be happy to be there for you. For him."
Lucas's brows furrowed for a moment before he seemed to grasp what she was saying, and his eyes went wide. "Really? But-" his eyes locked onto Taya, "but you're--"
Taya shook her head. "Don't say it. I... I know. I know what I am," she all but whispered. "But maybe I don't want to be like... this. Maybe I want to be better. After all, if I'd never tried to have an open mind about humans, I never would've met Bella!"
"Well... okay," Lucas said, as a small smile grew on his face. "Here. Lemme get your numbers, and I'll talk to him, and we'll get in touch?"
Bella nodded and presented her pad, as Taya did the same. "Yep! And hey, if he isn't up to meeting in person, maybe you can see if he wants to try just being... like, pen pals or something?"
"Hah. He's not a child, you know. But thanks. I really mean it."
"I know you mean it. We're glad to help."
The three of them tapped pads to exchange contacts, and with that, their fates became intertwined. Whatever may happen to them after today, I cannot know. A humble barkeeper such myself shan't be blessed with the absolutes of the future. Some may try to predict what is to come, but I believe the future is theirs to decide, that they may take whatever happens in their own hands and mold it to their will.
It is all I can hope that Bella and Taya will return and share with me the stories of their antics. Or, as unlikely as it seems, perhaps Lucas could bring Talon here, for them both to participate in this gathering of souls; for them to find joy among friends new and old; for the chance to walk the wondrous crossroads of life and love.
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Scampering Menaces ////// Monday, July 14th, 2138 1:39 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Monday. The day of loathing. Of rest and relaxation coming to an end. Of waking up early, getting ready for work, and repeating yet another week of monotony. Some would question my sanity, to open the bar at all on a Monday, letalone to do so at noon. But those foolish few simply haven't seen how excited aliens can be about something so mundane as lunch.
But alas, the lunch rush never persists forever, and just like always, I eventually found my beloved pub woefully empty. As it would likely stay for the rest of the afternoon, save for the occasional visitor with a more unusual schedule.
...Or, perhaps, should I be so lucky... a much more rare sight; a true oddity, who might seek to come here only during the dead hours.
And wouldn't you know, it was on this day that I was blessed with one such patron. Or... multiple patrons. A human and a trio... no, quartet of dossur. It was very much a challenge for me to keep track of the little sapient rodents as they skittered about, both on and literally around their human, but I was more than certain that there were definitely only four of them.
At first, I thought there were three dossur. But then one of them retreated into their human's apparently rather spacious hoodie, and a very distinctly different dossur came out. She looked... mangy, for lack of a polite term, with numerous patches of discolored and uneven fur, and what appeared to be a few healed scars. It was clear to me that she must have been through something horrible, and yet had been saved by the miracle of modern medicine.
The small group's incursion upon my shop was... relatively peaceful. They certainly had no qualms about using their outdoor voices, speaking loudly and freely about whatever came to mind, from plans for when they got home, to theorycrafting about potential vacations they could take, and even to the status of the Sapient Coalition as a whole. I, of course, had no right to begrudge them for being so noisy—they were the only ones in the bar, after all.
But everything changed when the front door swung open, the gentle dingle of the bell heralding the arrival of yet another rare antisocial patron.
To my surprise, this newcomer was another human. But not just any human, oh no, this was a very particular human. One who I could say might be somewhat of a regular, despite his tendency to avoid the busier hours. It was no trouble for me to recognize him from the slightest glance, as his unforgettable silver hair, and the red highlights within, matched gorgeously with his red scarf.
As he entered, a somewhat shorter than average venlil trailed close behind. He too wore a red scarf, though for a... different reason. A deeply personal reason, that neither he nor his human have ever seemed keen to share. And I, out of respect for them both, shan't pry.
With a brief, wary glance at the table of chaos, the two of them made their way toward the bar. They hardly made it more than a few steps before a painfully loud shriek, followed by three more of the same, damn near shattered every piece of glass in my bar.
"HUMY!!!!!" "OH MY GOD HI!!" "JOHN! LOOK!!" "Don't yell in my ear--" "Wait is it really-- IT IS! GUYS GET OUT HERE--"
And in a staggering instant... where I thought there were only four dossur, I was once again proven thoroughly WRONG. From within John's hoodie came not one, not two, but four more of the little bastards! There were eight of them! They all scampered up their poor handler's arms and stood on his head and shoulders, waving their whole bodies and jumping up and down, and being so very loud.
"HI HUMY!!!!!!!!" "HI!!!" "HIIIIII!!!!!!" "He's so tall..." "Is that VV?? HI VV!!" "WOW I didn't know his hair was really that white!"
Humy, while certainly shocked by the sudden attention, somehow managed to take it in stride. He raised a hand and waved back to the crowd of not-squirrels, the action shutting them up for only a moment before they started squealing even LOUDER in sheer excitement.
"Guys... Y'all oughta quiet down a bit," John said... or so I think. I frankly couldn't hear him over the orchestra of rodent insanity.
One particularly bold dossur—the one with the damaged fur—made her way down from the chaos table and practically sprinted to Humy's legs, before climbing him like a tree. He recoiled in surprise, but she kept going until she was leaning off the top of his head, staring straight into his eyes. The others went silent, waiting with bated breath for whatever might happen next.
...
"Hi."
The poor man, frazzled, startled, accosted-by-an-alien-squirrel, took a long moment before he figured out what to do about this situation. "Um. Hi."
Unfortunately, that was the wrong response.
"HE SAID HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "I WANNA SAY HI TO HUMY!!" "THAT'S NOT FAIR, HOW COME SHE GETS--" "JOHN!!!" "Guys, pl--" "--TO SAY HI TO HIM?!?!!?!" "JOHN BRING US TO HIM OR DIE"
John abruptly slapped the table and stood up, nearly flinging half of his passengers in different directions as they panicked and clung to him for dear life. "I'm so sorry," he quickly said, "They're not usually like this. We'll just be going," he turned to me, making eye contact for an instant, "Cya later, Keeps."
"No, wait!" Humy said, just barely before the swarm could scream their collective dissent. "Please don't. I don't mind, I promise. All I ask is you quieten down a notch, is that okay?"
The dossur looked amongst each other; some of them drooped in shame, while others seemed to simply not grasp the relevance of the request. But in the end, it was John who spoke up first. "He's right, guys. Y'all need to tone it down. No more screaming."
"Okay?" "Sorry..." "Makes sense." "SURE!!--"
John immediately snatched up that particular troublemaker before stuffing him in his hoodie, never to be seen again.
"Ah... anyway..." Humy said, and gestured to the counter, where VV had already taken a seat during the commotion. John took the unspoken invitation, and the middle-aged man reunited with his friend as the dossur wrangler sat on his other side.
The swarm, of course, wasted no time in dismounting John and lining up right in front of poor Humy. Or, well, only two of them lined up. One crawled up onto his sleeve, two onto his shoulders, and the last simply kept climbing around, seemingly not intent on stopping ever. The seventh and eighth remained imprisoned in John's pocket and sprawled out atop Humy's head, respectively.
"Is Humy your real name?" "Why's your hair white?" "Your scarves are so cool!" "What's your favorite fruit?"
Humy burst out in a fit of chuckles, evidently amused by the dossur speaking over each other in their haste to treat him like a talking jungle gym. "Wow. John, right?" he turned to the other human, who gave a curt nod. "How do you live with this?"
"Very patiently," John deadpanned. "No one would ever believe me if I told them these little shits are highly trained Marines."
"Have you ever been on a cruise?" "What's your favorite game?" "If I gave you a strawberry, would you eat it?" "Are you two dating?" "Seriously, why's your hair white!?"
"Okay, okay, c'mon, one at a time! Why don't all of you line up right here in front of me, and I'll go down the line?"
"No." "...Nah." "It's comfy up here." "And it's boring down there!" "And your hair smells good..."
Humy sighed and shook his head, but his smile betrayed his mirth at the situation. "Fine... let's see... you, at the very top. What's your question?"
"Huh? Oh, uhhh-" the mangled one trailed off. She'd been rather quiet the whole time. "Hmm... what's your next video gonna be, and when's it gonna be out?"
"Ooh!" "Yeah!" "Yes yes yes tell us!" "Genius question, Fée!"
Humy, despite the dossurs' excitement, grimaced. "I'm sorry, you guys, but I can't answer that. I just can't leak upcoming content!"
"Auugh!" "Noo c'mon!" "What." "That's not fair!"
"But..." Humy cut them off, looking thoughtful. "Well... maybe I can tell you one thing. I might have something very, very special lined up soon. Do you all remember when I played that thafki game, Survivor? Well I--"
Humy jumped, startled as VV—who'd been totally quiet and unobtrusive the whole time—abruptly grabbed his sleeve and tugged it sharply. A sheepish expression spread across the human's face. "Oops! Can't spoil the surprise. Sorry! How 'bout we hear another question?"
The dossur pouted, looking dejected, disappointed and all-around displeased. But, with that, the seven tiny herbivores quickly moved on, and continued to pester Humy with evermore nonsense. Too much nonsense. Truly, veritably, too much.
It wasn't until hours later, around 4 PM, that both parties finally grew fatigued and split ways. In the wake of their madness, I could feel nothing but gratitude for the fact that, despite their behavior, the rodents hadn't made a mess of anything, nor skipped out on their tab. While they were loud, and excitable, and far too much enjoyed using poor Humy as a playground... they weren't hooligans. They were, in the end, people. Not just noisy squirrels.
With that in mind... perhaps, maybe, just maybe, next time they come in... I wouldn't be unwilling to greet them, to welcome them to this place of character and merriment; to welcome their uniqueness among the myriad faces that make themselves known; to invite them in as members, as friends, as we all tread upon the ever-exciting crossroads of greetings and farewells.
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Mayflies ////// Friday, August 1st, 2138 9:05 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Ah, the weekend. For a bar, it is the busiest time one could imagine. But for a bartender such as myself, it is so much more. The activity, the bustle, the countless different people coming together and simply being themselves. Just by merely being here, serving drinks and dinner to all who would want it, I am blessed with the wondrous opportunity to overhear talk and tales of peoples' lives—their homes, their hopes and dreams, their fears and regrets.
And today, of course, was no exception. Perchance, allow me to skip the lengthy preamble and get to the good stuff.
The moment an elderly, borderline decrepit old man entered the bar, he had my attention. Someone his age, coming somewhere like this, alone? The scenario piqued my curiosity.
He had a tired air to him, something between boredom, the general fatigue that comes with such advanced age and... if my keen eyes didn't deceive me, a touch of discomfort. As if he was out of his element in some way, not quite sure what to do with himself. He kept silent, bothering no one as he approached the counter and scanned one of the many QR codes plastered around the dining room.
His face stayed the same as he reviewed The Crossroads' prodigious menu, as though he was unimpressed with our unrivaled selection. But then, he paused, and something changed in his stance. His eyes flicked up and met mine, his expression suddenly lit ablaze, full of energy that wasn't there before. "Redtato tacos?" he curtly asked, sounding almost bewildered. His gaze dropped back down to the menu, to the other dishes on that same page. "Spice plates... cricket burgers," he looks back up at me, wearing a deranged grin, "even goddamn ichor ice cream? You're insane."
"Insane? Tell me you're new here without telling me," a new voice interjected. One of the other patrons—a thafki, who unlike her kin, had taken to wearing a black hoodie with the emblem of the United Nations—turned to us, appearing amused as she looked between me and the old man. "Wow, you're a perfect match for one another. Didn't think humans could get any older than ol' Barkeep here. What's someone as ancient as you doing here, new guy?"
"Hah. I like you, Blue," the man said as he took a seat beside the nosy and maybe slightly drunk alien.
"My name's not Blue. Call me Ayeli."
He held out a hand toward Ayeli. She glanced at it before shaking it without a second thought. "Ryusei," he said, before eyeing her beverage. "Tell you what, Barkeep, gimme one of whatever that is. And a refill for her, if she'll have it."
"Saltwine," I said, and reached beneath the counter to procure the bottle from which I'd poured Ayeli's first glass. I turned it back and forth in front of him, letting him read the translated label. "Be warned. This is a specialty item. It is not to most peoples' tastes, nor is it cheap."
"Pfft just do it. I've eaten rocks, you old coot."
The sheer brazenness of his words, the unwavering resolve in his eyes, and the utter lack of hesitation in his voice, took me truly off guard for the first time in a long, long while. "I'm not an old coot, you bumbling codger," I grumbled as I took a glass and filled it. Then, putting my professional facade back on just like nothing ever happened, I turned to Ayeli and hovered the bottle over her cup. She gave a thumbs up, and I poured.
Ryusei stared at me with a smug grin. "Pff. Looked in a mirror lately? Time ain't been good to you, friend. Look at all them gray hairs. Yeek."
"I can poison you in seventeen different ways," I deadpanned.
"As if I'd even be able to tell? There's nothing you can do to me that my body hasn't done at least twice already."
"Venlise alcohol. Not diluted."
"Now there'd be a challenge..." he murmured, before his attention drifted to his idle drink. He raised the glass to his lips and took a hearty sip, allowing the fluid—its texture, its flavor—to rest in his mouth before swallowing. "Mmh. Damn."
"You like it?" Ayeli asked.
"Y'know what? Yeah. Shit's weird in all the right ways. Hits your tongue like a pile of salt, but goes down smooth. No aftertaste, no burn, just a quick slap in the face and then it's gone."
Ayeli drummed her fingers on the counter before taking a long swig of her own drink. "Mmmhmm. That's how it is. How it's meant to be. I can't wait 'til someone figures out how to make this stuff for cheap."
"Speaking of. Ey Barkeep, put me down for one of them fucked up tacos. Let's see just how close a buncha earthlings can get to authentic Martian cuisine."
With a nod and several practiced movements, I had his request sent to the kitchen in seconds. I don't believe he saw me even touch the order pad with how fast I was.
"...Martian?" Ayeli asked. "Now hang on. That's... the red planet, no?"
"Mhm," The man let out a grunt of affirmation. "First planet humanity settled besides Earth. It's a dead, empty husk. Nothing but rocks and dust and solar radiation. I was born there."
"Huh. What're you doing here, then? There no bars on Mars?"
"...Classified."
"Oh. Yeah..."
Quiet spread between the two, Ayeli staring blankly into her own reflection within her glass. Ryusei's eyes slowly drifted toward her as his brow furrowed. "You... were a soldier, huh?"
Ayeli jolted, startled by the question. "Wh--? How... I mean, yeah. I guess I was. But how can you tell?"
"Eh. I've been there. Where you are now."
"...What?"
He took another sip. "You know how it is. Everything goes to shit. Then it gets better. Now everyone's pretending life is back to normal, and you have to pretend too. Even if you lost friends. Or family. Or... parts of yourself."
...
Ayeli frowned. "I... yeah. I guess."
"You guess?"
"It's... it's not that I've lost people. Or parts of myself," she said. "It's not even that I have to pretend that everything's back to normal."
Ryusei raised an eyebrow.
"All things considered, I've lost nothing. I joined the UN Marines, killed some lizards, and now I'm here. And I'm fine. Not even 'oh you're lying to yourself, you need a therapist' fine, but just... actually fine."
"Why's that, do you think?"
"I don't know. All my friends are so much worse off than me. They're all... fucked up, from everything. But I'm not. I just don't feel anything."
"I just... shouldn't I feel something?" she continued. "I've killed people. Drowned people. Slit throats. But whenever I think about it, there's just nothing. No guilt, no shame, no... no empathy."
"I understand," Ryusei breathed. Something behind his eyes changed, his tone becoming more... genuine. "You and I are alike, in a way."
"...Really?"
Ryusei swirled his drink before taking a quick sip. "When I was younger, I was part of something bigger than myself. It was dangerous as all hell—sixty percent fatality rate—but I was glad to be doing it. Glad to be playing my part. Happy to risk my life so someone else doesn't have to. But then it was over, and I got back to life like normal. I got my accolades, I took my damn awards, and I went home. And that was that."
"Except it wasn't," he continued. "I went home, and found out my family had ripped themselves apart. Half of em were obviously over the moons with pride, knowing I'd been there in the very front and came home a goddamn hero. But the rest... they had been scared. Terrified they'd never see me again. It was all they wanted for me to just come home and be safe."
"And... that's what got you?" Ayeli asked. Something in her voice was vulnerable, almost afraid. "The fact that you were ready to move on, but no one else was?"
Ryusei nodded. "I felt like a shithead not because I'd almost died a hundred times, but because I'd been the reason my parents got divorced."
Ayeli stared into nothing, dead silent for a long moment before she grabbed her drink and downed the remainder of it in one go. "F-fuck," she rasped. "It was supposed to go back to normal. We were supposed to have our happy ending. So why is everyone still like this? Why can't we just be okay now?"
"Because people need time, kid. You and I are the exceptions. You'll get your happy ending, you just... gotta wait. Gotta be there for them when they need you."
"How?"
"Whatever way you can. My little brother got hit the hardest by our parents' shitshow. He couldn't stand being around either of them. So I would drive him out to the middle of nowhere, and we'd just watch the universe go by. We'd count the stars, talk about how small we are, how it just keeps going, how empty it all is, yet still teeming with mystery. By the end of it, we'd both be feeling better... and then we'd do it again a week later when we felt like shit again. And on and on, for years."
"...We've already seen the stars though. How would that help?"
Ryusei slid his glass over to Ayeli, offering her the last few sips he had. "There are more things of beauty in this world than just the stars. Take it from me, old fart that I am—if you just take the time to look, you can find meaning anywhere. Even things you might take for granted."
Ayeli perked up, as if she'd realized something. "The ocean..."
"Something like that."
"It's... it's simple, it's mundane, it's so normal to us now that we can just go swimming whenever we like. But ten years ago, that would've been different. We... we did it. We changed it. For ourselves. We won."
"You hit the nail on the head, Blue. Tell all that to your pals. Really show them that it's over."
She looked down at the drink she'd been given, and lifted it to her lips to take a small sip. "An ocean of water, an ocean of stars... what difference does it make? Maybe you're right. Maybe we really are alike."
"Both have been around for millenia. And both will be there still, long after we're gone," Ryusei said. He looked down at his hands, an odd half-smile on his face. "Call me a sentimental old coot, but part of me still finds comfort in the stars. An infinite sea of beacons, shining in every direction for eternity. Always there, always waiting, no matter what."
"Mmm... y'know, it's funny. Our ancient ancestors probably each thought the same at one point or another. Wonder if any of 'em ever looked up in just the right place, at the right time... and looked straight at each other, even if they didn't know it."
"Heh. As much as I want to rain on your parade and say that's impossible... well, just look at the two of us, eh? The chance that we both would happen to be here, right now. Maybe it's not. The universe is pretty damn huge, and yet here we are."
Ayeli sat up straight in her seat, a determined look spreading across her face. "Yeah. I... I think I know what to do. How to help everyone else move on. Thanks for the drinks, 'Keep. And the chat, Ryusei."
"Yeah yeah. Go on, get outta here. Get back to your friends."
The thafki nodded and gave us both a smile, and then with one last wave goodbye, she made her way out of the establishment. Ryusei sighed and turned back to the bar, crossing his arms and slouching in that tired, past-our-prime way we both must know so well.
Before long, his plate of redtato tacos were brought out, and without another word, he got to work. He remained silent as he ate, but I could tell by the look on his face that he was satisfied.
"Alright... yeah, yeah you did good..." he said when there was nothing left to eat. "I'll remember this place. Think if I ever end up 'round here again, I might stop by."
"You'll always be welcome... until you call me old again. Then you might find something different in your cup than you ordered."
He laughed, grinning like a madman as he stood from his seat. "Bold of you to threaten me with a good time. Now I'm definitely coming back!"
With that, he paid for his meal and his and Ayeli's drinks, and just as suddenly as it all began, he was gone. The cycle of greetings and goodbyes played its part yet again, bringing us together and pulling us apart as if no time had passed at all.
But where his and Ayeli's presence left my bar, their imprints have not. In my memory, and theirs, lies the everlasting essence of our encounter. The feelings of meeting, of learning, of sharing ourselves—and above all else, the words they spoke. The sentiment has truly been burned into my recollection, never to be forgotten with how it touched my heart, my very soul.
How wondrous it is that two people so similar and yet so different could ever meet. The universe is vast—immeasurably so—and still they both happened to be in the right place at the right time for their lives to become intertwined. Is it coincidence? Is it fate? I can't possibly know. Such things are beyond my station. All I can say for certain is that it will happen again, and again, on an eternal cycle. So long as life itself persists, people will always be bound to find one another.
And that, I believe... is the true beauty of our crossroads of destiny.
//////////////////////////
2024.06.02 15:32 Important-Bug8093 25% off All Quest Games A-Z
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submitted by Important-Bug8093 to OculusReferralLinks [link] [comments]
- After the Fall -Dive into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by ferocious monsters. Grab your friends and gear up for intense co-op action https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2160364850746031/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
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- Premium Bowling -If you are looking for bowling, then this is the Best Bowling Game. It's like having your own personal bowling alley at home. I enjoy it because it's so easy to meet up with other people so i end up bowling with family more then calling them (mics work in-game) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2773034772778845/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Puzzling Places -Best puzzle game if you like jigsaw puzzles. This will give you unique 3d challenges with amazing results. Beautiful landscapes and intricate designs, it's the perfect way to unwind and challenge your mind. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3931148300302917/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Real VR Fishing -Best Fishing VR Game. Constantly updated. It is great on a rainy day when you want to relax and catch fish all over the world. The devs are constantly adding new places and tournaments https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2582932495064035/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Red Matter 2 -Top Rated. Great game that takes place on Saturn's moon. Stunning visuals and great gameplay, it's a sci-fi experience that will leave you breathless. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3682089508520212/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Resident Evil 4 -Top Rated. No explanation is needed. If you like shooters, zombies, or great story lines this is an amazing game. Also, the graphics are the best I've seen yet even better when played on pcvr (which you receive for free when you own the regular quest game) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2637179839719680/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Robo Recall: Unplugged -Fun arcade type shooter. Jump into the chaos and unleash mayhem as a futuristic robot in this action-packed VR shooter. With fast-paced gameplay and explosive action, it's a wild ride from start to finish.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1906871599408213/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- SUPERHOT VR -Amazing classic Game. Time moves only when you move. Unique art style works well with gameplay https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1921533091289407/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Sairento VR: Untethered -Top Rated. Become a cybernetic ninja and unleash acrobatic mayhem in this adrenaline-fueled VR action game. With dynamic combat and customizable abilities, it's a high-octane thrill ride through a neon-soaked cyberpunk world https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2299215130112875/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Smash Drums - Enjoy rockband-type games, get this! Beat to the rhythm and smash your way through challenging drumming levels in this energetic VR music game. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3630025217090808/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge -Step into the Star Wars universe and embark on thrilling adventures in this immersive VR experience. With iconic characters and epic storylines, it's a must-play for fans of the galaxy far, far away https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3484270071659289/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Survival Nation -You have to fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger and zombies. Amazing multiplayer, Everyone always has a lot of talk that when the zombie apocalypse comes they are prepared well can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? Lets put it to the test https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/6198564290223186/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Swordsman -Great gladiator game. Channel your inner warrior and master the art of swordsmanship in this action-packed VR game. Precise combat mechanics and epic battles https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4478419005520485/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Synth Riders -The best dance game in the meta store that is guaranteed to give you a workout. Groove to the beat and ride the rhythm in this electrifying VR music game. Vibrant visuals and intuitive gameplay, it's a dance party like no other https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2436558143118760/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Tennis Esports -BEST TENNIS GAME. Do you want to play VR Tennis? Look no further https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4872542182873415/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Last Clockwinder -Award Winning. Embark on a magical journey through time in this enchanting VR puzzle adventure. With intricate mechanisms & charming visuals, it's a whimsical experience https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4837365566303714/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners -Top Rated. Survive the zombie apocalypse and make tough choices in this gripping VR survival game. With immersive storytelling and intense combat, it's a harrowing journey through the world of The Walking Dead https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2897337400373711/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners 2 Retribution -Top Rated. Return to the post-apocalyptic world and continue your fight for survival in this thrilling VR sequel. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5190288877703616/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Unplugged Air Guitar -If you like rockband/guitar hero type games then this will take your experience to the next level. Shred like a rockstar in this immersive VR air guitar simulator. With realistic guitar mechanics, hand tracking, and a killer soundtrack, it's a virtual jam session that will leave you feeling like a true rock legend.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4714094898617280/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Ven VR Adventure -Top Rated! Did you like moss? Cross of moss and the first spyro game. Embark on an epic quest through vibrant worlds and challenging obstacles in this exciting VR platformer https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3327317663977182/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Vermillion -VR Painting - Best Painting Game. i don't even paint but this has taught me a lot. also highly useful in mixed reality mode. Unleash your creativity and paint in 3D space with this innovative VR art tool. Endless possibilities and intuitive controls https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4900967296622279/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Virtual Desktop -If you plan on using PCVR then virtual Desktop is a must-have app. Also makes games perform better by optimizing settings with a lot more control in the users hands https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2017050365004772/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Walkabout Mini Golf -A Must-Have Game! Tee off and sink some putts in this charming VR mini-golf game. With creative courses and fun multiplayer modes, it's a hole-in-one for fans of the classic sport.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2462678267173943/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Warplanes: Battles over the Pacific -Take to the skies and engage in thrilling aerial combat in this action-packed VR flight simulator. Realistic planes and intense dogfights. BEST FLIGHT SIM series in meta quest store.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3984056454948095/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Warplanes: WWI Fighters Amazing sequel. 10 out of 10 for both gameshttps://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3922378427824210/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Yupitergrad -Swing, climb, and soar through a space station in this gravity-defying adventure. One of the most creative puzzle games since Portal 2 https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3622969487764448/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Zero Caliber: Reloaded- Intense ZOMBIE MODE, SINGLE PLAYER CAMPAIGN, CO-OP MODE, PvP GAME MODES, SURVIVAL MODE. MOD SUPPORT https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3591949650852844/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Zombieland: Headshot Fever -Top-rated and award-winning game. Never gets old https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2792447070854325/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referralan
2024.06.02 15:29 Important-Bug8093 25% off All meta games A-Z
Need a different game? DM me. Over 200 25% discount codes only 4000 charecters/post. For instant $30 device referral claim@ https://www.meta.com/referrals/link/JJtheoutlaw If you set up an account in last 45 days without claiming the $30 then you need to use phone app. Go to Menu tab, Devices , headset settings, reset the device. Click the referral then start quest. You will now have $30 and can redownload games and resume where you left off
submitted by Important-Bug8093 to MetaQuestAppReferrals [link] [comments]
- After the Fall -Dive into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by ferocious monsters. Grab your friends and gear up for intense co-op action https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2160364850746031/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Angry Birds VR -Great adaptation to the franchise https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2718606324833775/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Arizona Sunshine -Best zombie game Franchise. With realistic weapon mechanics and terrifying undead hordes, every moment is a fight for survival.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2190353671014400/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Arizona Sunshine 2 Must have a shooter. The sequel to the acclaimed VR shooter brings even more thrills and chills https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5245041552210029/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Asguards Wrath 2 - Finally a finished polished game after all the meta updates https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2603836099654226/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Audio Trip -Top-rated Cardio Dance Game. Get ready to groove and move to the beat in this electrifying rhythm game https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2484044451715693/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Bonelab -The player uses physical combat, including firearms, melee weapons, and bare hands, to fight enemies ranging from robots to humans. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4215734068529064/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- BRINK Traveler -Embark on a breathtaking journey through stunning landscapes and exotic locales. The closest thing to teleportation https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3635172946605196/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Barbaria Enter a world of sword and sorcery in this epic fantasy adventure. Battle fierce monsters, uncover ancient mysteries, and become the hero of legend.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5296016923775393/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Beat Saber - Classic must-have rhythm music game. Slice and dice your way through pulsating beats and neon landscapes in this rhythm-based VR sensation https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2448060205267927/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Block Buster - Test your reflexes and puzzle-solving skills in this addictive block-breaking game. With colorful graphics and challenging levels, you'll be hooked for hours on end.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4310142359062337/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Breachers - Top-rated shooter. Step into the shoes of a futuristic soldier and engage in fast-paced combat against hordes of enemies. With adrenaline-pumping action and intense firefights, every battle is a thrill ride.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5740397619319389/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Contractors - Top-rated shooter Immerse yourself in realistic military simulations and tactical warfare. With a wide range of weapons and maps, you'll experience VR's most authentic FPS action.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5740397619319389/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Crazy Kung Fu - Highly recommend. Channel your inner martial artist and unleash your fury in this action-packed kung fu adventure. Master ancient techniques and defeat your opponents with style.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3846153838783795/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Crisis Brigade 2 - Like the classic arcade game but so much better in VR. Realistic gunplay and challenging scenarios, every decision counts in the fight against crime.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5081572398619813/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Dead Hook - Top Rated. Amazing game play. Highly Recommend https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/8896303273744663/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Down the Rabbit Hole - Amazing game loved every second of it, and could not put it down. Journey into the whimsical world of Wonderland in this charming VR puzzle adventure. Solve puzzles, meet quirky characters, and discover the secrets of Wonderland. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2476104599150595/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Eleven Table Tennis -Played them all, this is the best Table Tennis/Ping Pong VR https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1995434190525828/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Espire 1: VR Operative -Elite spy stealth action shooter. With cutting-edge gadgets and intense missions, https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2228678273856228/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Espire 2: Stealth Operatives -The sequel to the acclaimed VR stealth game brings even more espionage thrills and challenges. Sneak, hack, and eliminate your targets in heart-pounding global missions.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3529713943716002/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Eye of the Temple -Embark on an Indiana Jones-style adventure as you explore ancient temples filled with traps and puzzles. With room-scale VR gameplay, every step is a challenge and every discovery is a thrill.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5361030930653377/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- ForeVR Pool - Do you want to play VR pool solo or with friends? This is the best option in the quest store https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4760607174068295/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Golf+ - Best Golf Game / Sim. Realistic physics and challenging courses from all around the world (being constantly updated with new parks). great multiplayer. Also has cool challenges, driving ranges and top golf https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2412327085529357/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Gorn - Enter the arena and engage in brutal gladiatorial combat in this over-the-top VR brawler. With exaggerated physics and comically violent gameplay, it's a wild and chaotic experience from start to finish.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3349689215139117/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Guardians: Frontline - Amazing shooter with intense action and strategic gameplay. Can be very difficult https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5380153758692064/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Gun Club VR - Lock and load in this ultra-realistic VR shooting range simulator. With various firearms and customizable options, it's the ultimate test of marksmanship skills.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2285803881494677/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- In Death: Unchained -In bowels of purgatory and battle demonic creatures in this dark, atmospheric VR roguelike. Procedurally generated levels and challenging enemies, every run is a fresh and intense experience.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2334376869949242/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Into The Radius -Immersive environments and realistic mechanics, it's a haunting and immersive journey into the unknown.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5817243991680545/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Keep Talking & Nobody Explodes -Award winning multiplayer game. Be the life of the party and play with friends even with one headset https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2010043642376517/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Larcenauts -Amazing multiplayer. If you like overwatch you will enjoy, Fast-paced multiplayer battles. Diverse cast of characters and dynamic gameplay. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3126295830741280/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Lucky's Tale -Good game if you like the moss series then this is you will like this. that being said if you haven't played both Moss games you are missing out. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3652037328256745/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Moss -Embark on an epic quest alongside a brave mouse named Quill in this enchanting VR adventure. With stunning visuals and immersive storytelling, it's a tale you won't soon forget.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1654565391314903/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Moss: Book II -The sequel to the acclaimed VR adventure continues Quill's journey in a new and exciting chapter. With more puzzles, challenges, and mysteries to uncover, it's a must-play for fans of the original.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4395292760584049/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Nano -Dive into the microscopic world of nanotechnology in this immersive VR experience. Explore the wonders of the nano realm and discover the incredible potential of this cutting-edge technology. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5566073043488552/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Onward -Engage in intense military simulations and tactical warfare in this realistic VR shooter. With strategic gameplay and teamwork-focused mechanics, it's a must-play for fans of hardcore FPS games.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2677344882310094/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Paradiddle -One of the best and most versatile drum games/sim, works with MIDI and there are many ways to enhance your set (I stomp on an old keyboard for double bass peddles lol) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5719805344724551/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Pistol Whip -Top Rated. Amazing game, i hesitated on buying for a while but was instantly hooked. A game that can be picked up and replayed at any time. Daily and weekly updated challenges. Alot of customization. Varying difficulty can be simple for everyone to challenge even for competitive players https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2104963472963790/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Powerbeats VR -Highly rated fitness game. Get ready to sweat in this high-energy VR fitness game. With dynamic workouts and motivating music, it's the perfect way to stay active and have fun at the same time https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4336749139724039/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Premium Bowling -If you are looking for bowling, then this is the Best Bowling Game. It's like having your own personal bowling alley at home. I enjoy it because it's so easy to meet up with other people so i end up bowling with family more then calling them (mics work in-game) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2773034772778845/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Puzzling Places -Best puzzle game if you like jigsaw puzzles. This will give you unique 3d challenges with amazing results. Beautiful landscapes and intricate designs, it's the perfect way to unwind and challenge your mind. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3931148300302917/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Real VR Fishing -Best Fishing VR Game. Constantly updated. It is great on a rainy day when you want to relax and catch fish all over the world. The devs are constantly adding new places and tournaments https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2582932495064035/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Red Matter 2 -Top Rated. Great game that takes place on Saturn's moon. Stunning visuals and great gameplay, it's a sci-fi experience that will leave you breathless. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3682089508520212/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Resident Evil 4 -Top Rated. No explanation is needed. If you like shooters, zombies, or great story lines this is an amazing game. Also, the graphics are the best I've seen yet even better when played on pcvr (which you receive for free when you own the regular quest game) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2637179839719680/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Robo Recall: Unplugged -Fun arcade type shooter. Jump into the chaos and unleash mayhem as a futuristic robot in this action-packed VR shooter. With fast-paced gameplay and explosive action, it's a wild ride from start to finish.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1906871599408213/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- SUPERHOT VR -Amazing classic Game. Time moves only when you move. Unique art style works well with gameplay https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1921533091289407/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Sairento VR: Untethered -Top Rated. Become a cybernetic ninja and unleash acrobatic mayhem in this adrenaline-fueled VR action game. With dynamic combat and customizable abilities, it's a high-octane thrill ride through a neon-soaked cyberpunk world https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2299215130112875/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Smash Drums - Enjoy rockband-type games, get this! Beat to the rhythm and smash your way through challenging drumming levels in this energetic VR music game. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3630025217090808/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge -Step into the Star Wars universe and embark on thrilling adventures in this immersive VR experience. With iconic characters and epic storylines, it's a must-play for fans of the galaxy far, far away https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3484270071659289/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Survival Nation -You have to fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger and zombies. Amazing multiplayer, Everyone always has a lot of talk that when the zombie apocalypse comes they are prepared well can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? Lets put it to the test https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/6198564290223186/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Swordsman -Great gladiator game. Channel your inner warrior and master the art of swordsmanship in this action-packed VR game. Precise combat mechanics and epic battles https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4478419005520485/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Synth Riders -The best dance game in the meta store that is guaranteed to give you a workout. Groove to the beat and ride the rhythm in this electrifying VR music game. Vibrant visuals and intuitive gameplay, it's a dance party like no other https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2436558143118760/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Tennis Esports -BEST TENNIS GAME. Do you want to play VR Tennis? Look no further https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4872542182873415/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Last Clockwinder -Award Winning. Embark on a magical journey through time in this enchanting VR puzzle adventure. With intricate mechanisms & charming visuals, it's a whimsical experience https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4837365566303714/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners -Top Rated. Survive the zombie apocalypse and make tough choices in this gripping VR survival game. With immersive storytelling and intense combat, it's a harrowing journey through the world of The Walking Dead https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2897337400373711/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners 2 Retribution -Top Rated. Return to the post-apocalyptic world and continue your fight for survival in this thrilling VR sequel. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5190288877703616/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Unplugged Air Guitar -If you like rockband/guitar hero type games then this will take your experience to the next level. Shred like a rockstar in this immersive VR air guitar simulator. With realistic guitar mechanics, hand tracking, and a killer soundtrack, it's a virtual jam session that will leave you feeling like a true rock legend.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4714094898617280/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Ven VR Adventure -Top Rated! Did you like moss? Cross of moss and the first spyro game. Embark on an epic quest through vibrant worlds and challenging obstacles in this exciting VR platformer https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3327317663977182/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Vermillion -VR Painting - Best Painting Game. i don't even paint but this has taught me a lot. also highly useful in mixed reality mode. Unleash your creativity and paint in 3D space with this innovative VR art tool. Endless possibilities and intuitive controls https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4900967296622279/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Virtual Desktop -If you plan on using PCVR then virtual Desktop is a must-have app. Also makes games perform better by optimizing settings with a lot more control in the users hands https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2017050365004772/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Walkabout Mini Golf -A Must-Have Game! Tee off and sink some putts in this charming VR mini-golf game. With creative courses and fun multiplayer modes, it's a hole-in-one for fans of the classic sport.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2462678267173943/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Warplanes: Battles over the Pacific -Take to the skies and engage in thrilling aerial combat in this action-packed VR flight simulator. Realistic planes and intense dogfights. BEST FLIGHT SIM series in meta quest store.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3984056454948095/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Warplanes: WWI Fighters Amazing sequel. 10 out of 10 for both gameshttps://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3922378427824210/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Yupitergrad -Swing, climb, and soar through a space station in this gravity-defying adventure. One of the most creative puzzle games since Portal 2 https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3622969487764448/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Zero Caliber: Reloaded- Intense ZOMBIE MODE, SINGLE PLAYER CAMPAIGN, CO-OP MODE, PvP GAME MODES, SURVIVAL MODE. MOD SUPPORT https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3591949650852844/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Zombieland: Headshot Fever -Top-rated and award-winning game. Never gets old https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2792447070854325/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
2024.06.02 15:28 Important-Bug8093 25% off Full game list A-Z
Need a different game? DM me. Over 200 25% discount codes only 4000 charecters/post. For instant $30 device referral claim@ https://www.meta.com/referrals/link/JJtheoutlaw If you set up an account in last 45 days without claiming the $30 then you need to use phone app. Go to Menu tab, Devices , headset settings, reset the device. Click the referral then start quest. You will now have $30 and can redownload games and resume where you left off
submitted by Important-Bug8093 to MetaQuest_Referrals [link] [comments]
- After the Fall -Dive into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by ferocious monsters. Grab your friends and gear up for intense co-op action https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2160364850746031/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Angry Birds VR -Great adaptation to the franchise https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2718606324833775/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Arizona Sunshine -Best zombie game Franchise. With realistic weapon mechanics and terrifying undead hordes, every moment is a fight for survival.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2190353671014400/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Arizona Sunshine 2 Must have a shooter. The sequel to the acclaimed VR shooter brings even more thrills and chills https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5245041552210029/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Asguards Wrath 2 - Finally a finished polished game after all the meta updates https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2603836099654226/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Audio Trip -Top-rated Cardio Dance Game. Get ready to groove and move to the beat in this electrifying rhythm game https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2484044451715693/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Bonelab -The player uses physical combat, including firearms, melee weapons, and bare hands, to fight enemies ranging from robots to humans. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4215734068529064/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- BRINK Traveler -Embark on a breathtaking journey through stunning landscapes and exotic locales. The closest thing to teleportation https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3635172946605196/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Barbaria Enter a world of sword and sorcery in this epic fantasy adventure. Battle fierce monsters, uncover ancient mysteries, and become the hero of legend.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5296016923775393/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Beat Saber - Classic must-have rhythm music game. Slice and dice your way through pulsating beats and neon landscapes in this rhythm-based VR sensation https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2448060205267927/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Block Buster - Test your reflexes and puzzle-solving skills in this addictive block-breaking game. With colorful graphics and challenging levels, you'll be hooked for hours on end.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4310142359062337/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Breachers - Top-rated shooter. Step into the shoes of a futuristic soldier and engage in fast-paced combat against hordes of enemies. With adrenaline-pumping action and intense firefights, every battle is a thrill ride.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5740397619319389/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Contractors - Top-rated shooter Immerse yourself in realistic military simulations and tactical warfare. With a wide range of weapons and maps, you'll experience VR's most authentic FPS action.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5740397619319389/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Crazy Kung Fu - Highly recommend. Channel your inner martial artist and unleash your fury in this action-packed kung fu adventure. Master ancient techniques and defeat your opponents with style.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3846153838783795/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Crisis Brigade 2 - Like the classic arcade game but so much better in VR. Realistic gunplay and challenging scenarios, every decision counts in the fight against crime.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5081572398619813/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Dead Hook - Top Rated. Amazing game play. Highly Recommend https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/8896303273744663/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Down the Rabbit Hole - Amazing game loved every second of it, and could not put it down. Journey into the whimsical world of Wonderland in this charming VR puzzle adventure. Solve puzzles, meet quirky characters, and discover the secrets of Wonderland. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2476104599150595/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Eleven Table Tennis -Played them all, this is the best Table Tennis/Ping Pong VR https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1995434190525828/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Espire 1: VR Operative -Elite spy stealth action shooter. With cutting-edge gadgets and intense missions, https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2228678273856228/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Espire 2: Stealth Operatives -The sequel to the acclaimed VR stealth game brings even more espionage thrills and challenges. Sneak, hack, and eliminate your targets in heart-pounding global missions.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3529713943716002/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Eye of the Temple -Embark on an Indiana Jones-style adventure as you explore ancient temples filled with traps and puzzles. With room-scale VR gameplay, every step is a challenge and every discovery is a thrill.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5361030930653377/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- ForeVR Pool - Do you want to play VR pool solo or with friends? This is the best option in the quest store https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4760607174068295/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Golf+ - Best Golf Game / Sim. Realistic physics and challenging courses from all around the world (being constantly updated with new parks). great multiplayer. Also has cool challenges, driving ranges and top golf https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2412327085529357/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Gorn - Enter the arena and engage in brutal gladiatorial combat in this over-the-top VR brawler. With exaggerated physics and comically violent gameplay, it's a wild and chaotic experience from start to finish.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3349689215139117/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Guardians: Frontline - Amazing shooter with intense action and strategic gameplay. Can be very difficult https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5380153758692064/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Gun Club VR - Lock and load in this ultra-realistic VR shooting range simulator. With various firearms and customizable options, it's the ultimate test of marksmanship skills.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2285803881494677/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- In Death: Unchained -In bowels of purgatory and battle demonic creatures in this dark, atmospheric VR roguelike. Procedurally generated levels and challenging enemies, every run is a fresh and intense experience.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2334376869949242/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Into The Radius -Immersive environments and realistic mechanics, it's a haunting and immersive journey into the unknown.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5817243991680545/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Keep Talking & Nobody Explodes -Award winning multiplayer game. Be the life of the party and play with friends even with one headset https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2010043642376517/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Larcenauts -Amazing multiplayer. If you like overwatch you will enjoy, Fast-paced multiplayer battles. Diverse cast of characters and dynamic gameplay. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3126295830741280/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Lucky's Tale -Good game if you like the moss series then this is you will like this. that being said if you haven't played both Moss games you are missing out. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3652037328256745/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Moss -Embark on an epic quest alongside a brave mouse named Quill in this enchanting VR adventure. With stunning visuals and immersive storytelling, it's a tale you won't soon forget.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1654565391314903/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Moss: Book II -The sequel to the acclaimed VR adventure continues Quill's journey in a new and exciting chapter. With more puzzles, challenges, and mysteries to uncover, it's a must-play for fans of the original.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4395292760584049/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Nano -Dive into the microscopic world of nanotechnology in this immersive VR experience. Explore the wonders of the nano realm and discover the incredible potential of this cutting-edge technology. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5566073043488552/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Onward -Engage in intense military simulations and tactical warfare in this realistic VR shooter. With strategic gameplay and teamwork-focused mechanics, it's a must-play for fans of hardcore FPS games.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2677344882310094/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Paradiddle -One of the best and most versatile drum games/sim, works with MIDI and there are many ways to enhance your set (I stomp on an old keyboard for double bass peddles lol) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5719805344724551/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Pistol Whip -Top Rated. Amazing game, i hesitated on buying for a while but was instantly hooked. A game that can be picked up and replayed at any time. Daily and weekly updated challenges. Alot of customization. Varying difficulty can be simple for everyone to challenge even for competitive players https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2104963472963790/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Powerbeats VR -Highly rated fitness game. Get ready to sweat in this high-energy VR fitness game. With dynamic workouts and motivating music, it's the perfect way to stay active and have fun at the same time https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4336749139724039/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Premium Bowling -If you are looking for bowling, then this is the Best Bowling Game. It's like having your own personal bowling alley at home. I enjoy it because it's so easy to meet up with other people so i end up bowling with family more then calling them (mics work in-game) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2773034772778845/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Puzzling Places -Best puzzle game if you like jigsaw puzzles. This will give you unique 3d challenges with amazing results. Beautiful landscapes and intricate designs, it's the perfect way to unwind and challenge your mind. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3931148300302917/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Real VR Fishing -Best Fishing VR Game. Constantly updated. It is great on a rainy day when you want to relax and catch fish all over the world. The devs are constantly adding new places and tournaments https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2582932495064035/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Red Matter 2 -Top Rated. Great game that takes place on Saturn's moon. Stunning visuals and great gameplay, it's a sci-fi experience that will leave you breathless. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3682089508520212/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Resident Evil 4 -Top Rated. No explanation is needed. If you like shooters, zombies, or great story lines this is an amazing game. Also, the graphics are the best I've seen yet even better when played on pcvr (which you receive for free when you own the regular quest game) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2637179839719680/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Robo Recall: Unplugged -Fun arcade type shooter. Jump into the chaos and unleash mayhem as a futuristic robot in this action-packed VR shooter. With fast-paced gameplay and explosive action, it's a wild ride from start to finish.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1906871599408213/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- SUPERHOT VR -Amazing classic Game. Time moves only when you move. Unique art style works well with gameplay https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1921533091289407/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Sairento VR: Untethered -Top Rated. Become a cybernetic ninja and unleash acrobatic mayhem in this adrenaline-fueled VR action game. With dynamic combat and customizable abilities, it's a high-octane thrill ride through a neon-soaked cyberpunk world https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2299215130112875/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Smash Drums - Enjoy rockband-type games, get this! Beat to the rhythm and smash your way through challenging drumming levels in this energetic VR music game. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3630025217090808/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge -Step into the Star Wars universe and embark on thrilling adventures in this immersive VR experience. With iconic characters and epic storylines, it's a must-play for fans of the galaxy far, far away https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3484270071659289/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Survival Nation -You have to fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger and zombies. Amazing multiplayer, Everyone always has a lot of talk that when the zombie apocalypse comes they are prepared well can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? Lets put it to the test https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/6198564290223186/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Swordsman -Great gladiator game. Channel your inner warrior and master the art of swordsmanship in this action-packed VR game. Precise combat mechanics and epic battles https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4478419005520485/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Synth Riders -The best dance game in the meta store that is guaranteed to give you a workout. Groove to the beat and ride the rhythm in this electrifying VR music game. Vibrant visuals and intuitive gameplay, it's a dance party like no other https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2436558143118760/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Tennis Esports -BEST TENNIS GAME. Do you want to play VR Tennis? Look no further https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4872542182873415/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Last Clockwinder -Award Winning. Embark on a magical journey through time in this enchanting VR puzzle adventure. With intricate mechanisms & charming visuals, it's a whimsical experience https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4837365566303714/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners -Top Rated. Survive the zombie apocalypse and make tough choices in this gripping VR survival game. With immersive storytelling and intense combat, it's a harrowing journey through the world of The Walking Dead https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2897337400373711/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners 2 Retribution -Top Rated. Return to the post-apocalyptic world and continue your fight for survival in this thrilling VR sequel. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5190288877703616/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Unplugged Air Guitar -If you like rockband/guitar hero type games then this will take your experience to the next level. Shred like a rockstar in this immersive VR air guitar simulator. With realistic guitar mechanics, hand tracking, and a killer soundtrack, it's a virtual jam session that will leave you feeling like a true rock legend.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4714094898617280/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Ven VR Adventure -Top Rated! Did you like moss? Cross of moss and the first spyro game. Embark on an epic quest through vibrant worlds and challenging obstacles in this exciting VR platformer https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3327317663977182/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Vermillion -VR Painting - Best Painting Game. i don't even paint but this has taught me a lot. also highly useful in mixed reality mode. Unleash your creativity and paint in 3D space with this innovative VR art tool. Endless possibilities and intuitive controls https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4900967296622279/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Virtual Desktop -If you plan on using PCVR then virtual Desktop is a must-have app. Also makes games perform better by optimizing settings with a lot more control in the users hands https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2017050365004772/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Walkabout Mini Golf -A Must-Have Game! Tee off and sink some putts in this charming VR mini-golf game. With creative courses and fun multiplayer modes, it's a hole-in-one for fans of the classic sport.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2462678267173943/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Warplanes: Battles over the Pacific -Take to the skies and engage in thrilling aerial combat in this action-packed VR flight simulator. Realistic planes and intense dogfights. BEST FLIGHT SIM series in meta quest store.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3984056454948095/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Warplanes: WWI Fighters Amazing sequel. 10 out of 10 for both gameshttps://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3922378427824210/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Yupitergrad -Swing, climb, and soar through a space station in this gravity-defying adventure. One of the most creative puzzle games since Portal 2 https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3622969487764448/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Zero Caliber: Reloaded- Intense ZOMBIE MODE, SINGLE PLAYER CAMPAIGN, CO-OP MODE, PvP GAME MODES, SURVIVAL MODE. MOD SUPPORT https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3591949650852844/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Zombieland: Headshot Fever -Top-rated and award-winning game. Never gets old https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2792447070854325/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
2024.06.02 13:22 Zestyclose_Finance40 Very Low Jumping (Modded)
I was fighting Alduin using the world eater beater mod when i got knocked over from his shouts, after beating him and saving I realized I cant jump more than an inch off the ground. I've used the "player. setgs fJumpHeightMin 100" command and that has not helped me, was wondering if there is a fix for this?
Mod List:
+Skyrim Paper Map by FreelanceCartography for FWMF (BETA)
+Flat World Map Framework
+Colour Map Markers Multi
+Dragon Carved Armor Set 1.41
+ConsoleUtilSSE NG
+Venerable Nordic Temples - Standard
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Thrust Attacks 1.1b
+Cathedral - Water
+Immersive Death Cycle
+MM REAL ELKS 1K
+Vanargand Animations - One Handed Power Attacks
+Vanargand Animations - One handed Normal Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II Greatsword Sprint Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Power Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Normal Attacks
+Vanargand Animations - Dual Wield Sneak Thrusts
+Vanargand Animations - Dual Wield Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Low Stance
+Vanargand Animations - One handed Mid Stance
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Archery
+Blackened Steel Weapon and Armour
+RUSTIC FURNITURE - SE - 2K
+RUSTIC CLUTTER COLLECTION - Special Edition - 1K
+RUSTIC WINDOWS - Special Edition - 1K
+CleverCharff's High Hrothgar 2K
+RUSTIC ELDERSCROLL - Special Edition - 2K
+RUSTIC RELIEFS
+RUSTIC COOKING - Special Edition - 1K
+RUSTIC DEATH HOUND AND GARGOYLE SSE - 2K
+Wolves of Skyrim
+Depths of Skyrim
+SkyrimSE HD Reworked Horses
+WIC Cloaks SSE 2_4
+Distant Blur
+G.I.R.T.H. - Gildergreen Is Really Thicc HD
+HD Nordic Snow with Parallax
+Cathedral Landscapes - Nordic Snow Patch
+Nordic snow - blended roads fix.7z
+Blended Roads Redone 2K
+Blended Roads
+Simplicity of Snow
+Nordic Snow 3.4.3
+Cathedral Landscapes
+Cave Parallax 2k
+RIS - Real Ice and Snow
+Skyrim 3D Rocks
+Authentic Mountains and Rocks 4K
+Waymark - A Road Signs Mod
+Higher Poly Vanilla Torch Sconce SE
+More Colorful Bug Jars Part Deux
+My Road Signs are Beautiful - English
+Fingerposts Fast Travel
+Lanterns Of Skyrim II
+talkative falmers se-ae
+talkative spriggans (se-ae)
+RedBag's Dragonsreach
+Lux (patch hub)
+Lux - Via
+Lux
+Ignoble Beds
+Skyfall Sleeping Hist Tree Overhaul
+Alduin's Imprefvicticious and Chapper's Demonic Retexture mashup
+Immersive Interactions - Animated Actions
+Cresty's Distant Mists
+Morning Fogs SSE - Thick Fog
+Obsi
+Frankly HD Miraak [SSE]
+Frankly HD Thieves Guild Armors
+Frankly HD Dragonbone and Dragonscale 2k
+Frankly HD Nightingale Armor and Weapons [SSE]
+Frankly HD Dragonbones 4k-2k
+Frankly HD Shrouded Armor
+Masque of Clavicus Vile - 2k
+Paarthurnax Dragon skin Grey
+XPMSSE MCM Menu Image Replacer
+RAW - 2K
+Scoped Bows for AGO
+Animated Carriage Additional Route
+Animated Carriage
+LSCaB 3.6 version
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Idle Walk and Run
+Archery Gameplay Overhaul
+EnhancedSolitude-VanillaTexturesAndTweaks-Patch
+Oblivion Interaction Icons
+Armor Variants Expansion - Patch Collection
+Armor Variants Expansion
+Sovngarde - Mist's Font Replacer Bold
+A Cat's Life
+Immersive Fishing
+Simple Fishing Overhaul
+Animated Ships
+Weathered Dark Elf Furniture Retexture - Brown - 2K
-ELFX Enhancer - Brighter Living Spaces
-ELFX - Exteriors Fixes
-ELFX Fixes
+FleshFX
+TMD The Rift Leaves 2K
+Imperial Armors and Weapons Retexture SE
-Colorful Skyrim Ev0-1
+Cathedral - Rocky Shores
+JS Rumpled Rugs SE
+Detailed Rugs SE
+RUGNAROK - Special Edition - 1K
+Cathedral - 3D Solstheim Grass
+Cathedral - 3D Stone
+CleverCharff's Forgotten Vale 2K
+Cathedral - Plants
+Veydosebrom Regions
+Improved Alternate Conversation Camera AE - Simple
+2k Textures
+JS Shrines of the Divines SE - 2K
+Skeleton.and.Human.Bones.by.Kajuan
+Mammoth.by.Kajuan
+SABRECAT.by.Kajuan
+Troll.by.Kajuan
+Dragon Priest Retexture SE
+Dragon.Priest.by.Kajuan
+Draugr.by.Kajuan
+Giant.by.Kajuan
+Hagraven.by.Kajuan
+ElSopa - Quivers Redone 2k SE
+Steel Set - Half Resolution
+Simple Scabbards Sheaths Straps for Greatswords SE and AE Edition
+Dragonborn - Wheeler Reskin
+Wheeler
+JS Purses and Septims SE
+ETHEREAL CLOUDS SE - 2K
+Apocalypse
+Precision
+RUSTIC SOULGEMS - Special Edition - 2K Unsorted
+Immersive The Elder Scrolls Lore Loading Screen
+Immersive Citizens - AI Overhaul
+Cathedral - 3D Pine Grass
+WiZkiD Carriages
+PELTAPALOOZA Special Edition - FULL
+WiZkiD Lund's Hut
+SD's Horn Candles SE 1k
+Sack - Replacer
+Deadly Spell Impacts
+Daedric Shrines 2 k
+Flora Additions - Boxwood
+SmoothCam - Octavian's Preset 1.1.2
+Book Covers Skyrim SE - Original.7z
+Bandit Lines Expansion
-Immersive Patrols (Main)
+Flora Additions - Mugo Pine
+Trees of Iduna (Just Trees)
+Skyrim Souls RE - Updated (Anniversary Edition)
+Ordinator 9.31.0
+Scoped Bows SE 1.3.1
+Open Animation Replacer
+Third Person First Person Aiming - ESL
+PapyrusUtil AE SE - Scripting Utility Functions
+SKYRIMS DEAD
+Detection Meter
+3rd Person Camera Stagger Remover
+Windhelm Bridge Overhaul v2 - Full
+SmoothCam - Modern Camera Preset
+SmoothCam
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Add-ons
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Regional Locks
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Lock Variations
+Better Third Person Selection (AE - SE)
+aMidianBorn Book of Silence SE
+Glorious Doors of Skyrim (GDOS)
+Achievements Mods Enabler SE-AE
+Diverse Dragons Collection SE
-Optional Lux Resource pack (No ENB light)
+Nature of the Wild Lands 2.0
+High Poly Project
+Skyking Signs
+DootY Version 3.1
+EVG Conditional Idles
+Rally's All The Things
+Footprints 1.6.1
+Ammo Has Description
+Description Framework
+Unmarked Locations Pack - All In One
+Vanilla Table Replacers 2k 1k
+Mead Keg Backpack
+Point The Way
+Enhanced Blood Textures
+Additional Landscape Parallax
+Thu'um - Animated Shouts
+Convenient Horses
+Parrying RPG
+True Directional Movement
+Compass Navigation Overhaul - Nordic UI Skin
+Nordic-ish - A Preset for TrueHUD based on Nordic UI
+NORDIC UI - Miscellaneous Patches
+NORDIC UI - Interface Overhaul
+Skyrim Scenery - Main Menu Replacers (16x9)
+DarkXpBar
+Dear Diary DM (warm) Fixes
+Dragonborn Voice Over
+Compass Navigation Overhaul
+Modern Wait Menu - Dear Diary Dark Mode
+Modern Wait Menu
+Dear Diary Dark Mode (warm text)
+TUDM Reborn BSA-ESP
+Hunters Loot
+Paarthurnax - Quest Expansion
+KittyVFX - Dragon Breath
+Experience
+Missives Notes Retexture
+moreHUD Inventory Edition - AE
+Missives 2.03 SSE
+dMenu
+Infinity UI
+SkyUI_5_2_SE
+Valhalla Combat
+Immersive Laundry 1.0d SSE
+Show Player In Menus
+aMidianBorn Buildings and Landscapes
+Splashes Of Storms
+Ash Pile 2K
+Ryn's Lumber Mills
+JK's Castle Volkihar
+Better Jumping AE
+Animation Motion Revolution
+Payload Interpreter
+NoCamColl_2_SE
+Dynamic Activation Key
+Thuldor's Ivarstead Patch Collection
+SSE Display Tweaks
+1st Person Interact Animation Teleport Bug Fix
+powerofthree's Tweaks
+Paraglider CommonLib-NG version
+Skyrim's Paraglider
+powerofthree's Papyrus Extender
+RaceMenu Anniversary Edition
+Dear Diary Dark modeMode - RaceMenu Patch - DIP
+Spiderweb
+JContainers SE
+Skylarks of Skyrim
+TrueHUD
+All in one Address Library (Anniversary Edition)
+Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine
+Mythical Ages - 1.10
+Praedy's College of Winterhold - SE
+World Eater Beater
+Grass Lighting
+Auto Parallax
+Leviathan Animations II - Male Idle Walk And Run
+Reduce Attack Skating Movement
+Hold to Sprint SSE
+Screen-Space Shadows
+Headhunter - Bounties Redone
+Open Animation Replacer - IED conditions
+Dirt and Blood
+Unique Uniques SE
+Missile's IED Preset
+Soaking Wet for 1.6.629 and newer
+Weapon Styles - DrawSheathe Animations for IED
+Immersive Equipment Displays - Quiver
+Immersive Equipment Displays - Mura Presets
+WeldingMans Enchanting Tables - No ENB Light
+Magic Sneak Attacks
+Pristine Vanilla Movement
+Assorted Animation Fixes
+Lightened Skyrim
+Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch
+Immersive HUD - iHUD
+Useful Elder Scrolls SE
+Animation Queue Fix
+Expressive Facial Animation - Female Edition
+Expressive Facial Animation - Male Edition
+Gesture Animation Remix (OAR) - main archive
+Paired Animation Improvements
+Dragon Sound Overhaul
+pigeons (se-ae) 1.2
+Forgotten Uniques
+Community Shaders
+Cutting Room Floor
+No Compass In Dialogue
+Thuldor's Ivarstead
+Carriage and Ferry Travel Overhaul
+CarriageForGoldenhills
+Simple Wearable Lanterns
+Lore Friendly Ghosts
+Spell Perk Item Distributor
+Sound Record Distributor
+Enhanced Solitude SSE
+Legacy of the Dragonborn Patches (Official)
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Cube Maps Fixed
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Lighting Mod
+Legacy of the Dragonborn SSE - The Curators Companion
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Item Descriptions
+Legacy of the Dragonborn
+JS Dragon Claws - Amethyst Patch
+More Informative Console 1.2
+SkyRem Activations
+Wildcat 7.1.0
+MCM Helper
+Simple Dual Sheath for 1.6.629 and newer
+Skyrim - Undeath SSE 1.7
+SRP Misc 1K
+Hotfix
+SRP Landscapes 1K
+SRP Dungeons 1K
+SRP Architecture 1K
+Show Follower Carry Weight
+Sconces of Solitude - Unique Solitude Braziers
+Water in Wells - mesh-only animated wells
+Grass Collision
+Skyland AIO
+Skyrim Priority SE AE
+Read the Room
-ELFX Shadows
-Enhanced Lights and FX
+The Northerner Diaries - Immersive Edition
+Footsteps Sounds Overhaul
+Static Mesh Improvement Mod
+MergeMapper
+Comprehensive First Person Animation Overhaul - CFPAO
+Give me a steward Patch
+Immersive Equipment Displays for 1.6.629 and newer
+Base Object Swapper
+Keyword Item Distributor
+(Part 1) SSE Engine Fixes for 1.6.1170 and newer
+Light Limit Fix
-Die When Killed
*Creation Club: _ResourcePack
*Creation Club: ccafdsse001-dwesanctuary
*Creation Club: ccasvsse001-almsivi
*Creation Club: ccbgssse001-fish
*Creation Club: ccbgssse005-goldbrand
*Creation Club: ccbgssse011-hrsarmrelvn
*Creation Club: ccbgssse012-hrsarmrstl
*Creation Club: ccbgssse020-graycowl
*Creation Club: ccbgssse025-advdsgs
*Creation Club: ccbgssse031-advcyrus
*Creation Club: ccbgssse038-bowofshadows
*Creation Club: ccbgssse050-ba_daedric
*Creation Club: ccbgssse052-ba_iron
*Creation Club: ccbgssse053-ba_leather
*Creation Club: ccbgssse054-ba_orcish
*Creation Club: ccbgssse055-ba_orcishscaled
*Creation Club: ccbgssse056-ba_silver
*Creation Club: ccbgssse059-ba_dragonplate
*Creation Club: ccbgssse061-ba_dwarven
*Creation Club: ccbgssse066-staves
*Creation Club: ccbgssse067-daedinv
*Creation Club: ccbgssse068-bloodfall
*Creation Club: ccbgssse069-contest
*Creation Club: cccbhsse001-gaunt
*Creation Club: ccedhsse003-redguard
*Creation Club: cceejsse004-hall
*Creation Club: cceejsse005-cave
*Creation Club: cckrtsse001_altar
*Creation Club: ccrmssse001-necrohouse
*Creation Club: ccvsvsse003-necroarts
*Creation Club: ccvsvsse004-beafarmer
*DLC: Dawnguard
*DLC: Dragonborn
submitted by Zestyclose_Finance40 to SkyrimHelp [link] [comments]
Mod List:
+Skyrim Paper Map by FreelanceCartography for FWMF (BETA)
+Flat World Map Framework
+Colour Map Markers Multi
+Dragon Carved Armor Set 1.41
+ConsoleUtilSSE NG
+Venerable Nordic Temples - Standard
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Thrust Attacks 1.1b
+Cathedral - Water
+Immersive Death Cycle
+MM REAL ELKS 1K
+Vanargand Animations - One Handed Power Attacks
+Vanargand Animations - One handed Normal Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II Greatsword Sprint Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Power Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Normal Attacks
+Vanargand Animations - Dual Wield Sneak Thrusts
+Vanargand Animations - Dual Wield Attacks
+Leviathan Animations II - Greatsword Low Stance
+Vanargand Animations - One handed Mid Stance
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Archery
+Blackened Steel Weapon and Armour
+RUSTIC FURNITURE - SE - 2K
+RUSTIC CLUTTER COLLECTION - Special Edition - 1K
+RUSTIC WINDOWS - Special Edition - 1K
+CleverCharff's High Hrothgar 2K
+RUSTIC ELDERSCROLL - Special Edition - 2K
+RUSTIC RELIEFS
+RUSTIC COOKING - Special Edition - 1K
+RUSTIC DEATH HOUND AND GARGOYLE SSE - 2K
+Wolves of Skyrim
+Depths of Skyrim
+SkyrimSE HD Reworked Horses
+WIC Cloaks SSE 2_4
+Distant Blur
+G.I.R.T.H. - Gildergreen Is Really Thicc HD
+HD Nordic Snow with Parallax
+Cathedral Landscapes - Nordic Snow Patch
+Nordic snow - blended roads fix.7z
+Blended Roads Redone 2K
+Blended Roads
+Simplicity of Snow
+Nordic Snow 3.4.3
+Cathedral Landscapes
+Cave Parallax 2k
+RIS - Real Ice and Snow
+Skyrim 3D Rocks
+Authentic Mountains and Rocks 4K
+Waymark - A Road Signs Mod
+Higher Poly Vanilla Torch Sconce SE
+More Colorful Bug Jars Part Deux
+My Road Signs are Beautiful - English
+Fingerposts Fast Travel
+Lanterns Of Skyrim II
+talkative falmers se-ae
+talkative spriggans (se-ae)
+RedBag's Dragonsreach
+Lux (patch hub)
+Lux - Via
+Lux
+Ignoble Beds
+Skyfall Sleeping Hist Tree Overhaul
+Alduin's Imprefvicticious and Chapper's Demonic Retexture mashup
+Immersive Interactions - Animated Actions
+Cresty's Distant Mists
+Morning Fogs SSE - Thick Fog
+Obsi
+Frankly HD Miraak [SSE]
+Frankly HD Thieves Guild Armors
+Frankly HD Dragonbone and Dragonscale 2k
+Frankly HD Nightingale Armor and Weapons [SSE]
+Frankly HD Dragonbones 4k-2k
+Frankly HD Shrouded Armor
+Masque of Clavicus Vile - 2k
+Paarthurnax Dragon skin Grey
+XPMSSE MCM Menu Image Replacer
+RAW - 2K
+Scoped Bows for AGO
+Animated Carriage Additional Route
+Animated Carriage
+LSCaB 3.6 version
+Vanargand Animations - Sneak Idle Walk and Run
+Archery Gameplay Overhaul
+EnhancedSolitude-VanillaTexturesAndTweaks-Patch
+Oblivion Interaction Icons
+Armor Variants Expansion - Patch Collection
+Armor Variants Expansion
+Sovngarde - Mist's Font Replacer Bold
+A Cat's Life
+Immersive Fishing
+Simple Fishing Overhaul
+Animated Ships
+Weathered Dark Elf Furniture Retexture - Brown - 2K
-ELFX Enhancer - Brighter Living Spaces
-ELFX - Exteriors Fixes
-ELFX Fixes
+FleshFX
+TMD The Rift Leaves 2K
+Imperial Armors and Weapons Retexture SE
-Colorful Skyrim Ev0-1
+Cathedral - Rocky Shores
+JS Rumpled Rugs SE
+Detailed Rugs SE
+RUGNAROK - Special Edition - 1K
+Cathedral - 3D Solstheim Grass
+Cathedral - 3D Stone
+CleverCharff's Forgotten Vale 2K
+Cathedral - Plants
+Veydosebrom Regions
+Improved Alternate Conversation Camera AE - Simple
+2k Textures
+JS Shrines of the Divines SE - 2K
+Skeleton.and.Human.Bones.by.Kajuan
+Mammoth.by.Kajuan
+SABRECAT.by.Kajuan
+Troll.by.Kajuan
+Dragon Priest Retexture SE
+Dragon.Priest.by.Kajuan
+Draugr.by.Kajuan
+Giant.by.Kajuan
+Hagraven.by.Kajuan
+ElSopa - Quivers Redone 2k SE
+Steel Set - Half Resolution
+Simple Scabbards Sheaths Straps for Greatswords SE and AE Edition
+Dragonborn - Wheeler Reskin
+Wheeler
+JS Purses and Septims SE
+ETHEREAL CLOUDS SE - 2K
+Apocalypse
+Precision
+RUSTIC SOULGEMS - Special Edition - 2K Unsorted
+Immersive The Elder Scrolls Lore Loading Screen
+Immersive Citizens - AI Overhaul
+Cathedral - 3D Pine Grass
+WiZkiD Carriages
+PELTAPALOOZA Special Edition - FULL
+WiZkiD Lund's Hut
+SD's Horn Candles SE 1k
+Sack - Replacer
+Deadly Spell Impacts
+Daedric Shrines 2 k
+Flora Additions - Boxwood
+SmoothCam - Octavian's Preset 1.1.2
+Book Covers Skyrim SE - Original.7z
+Bandit Lines Expansion
-Immersive Patrols (Main)
+Flora Additions - Mugo Pine
+Trees of Iduna (Just Trees)
+Skyrim Souls RE - Updated (Anniversary Edition)
+Ordinator 9.31.0
+Scoped Bows SE 1.3.1
+Open Animation Replacer
+Third Person First Person Aiming - ESL
+PapyrusUtil AE SE - Scripting Utility Functions
+SKYRIMS DEAD
+Detection Meter
+3rd Person Camera Stagger Remover
+Windhelm Bridge Overhaul v2 - Full
+SmoothCam - Modern Camera Preset
+SmoothCam
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Add-ons
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Regional Locks
+Security Overhaul SKSE - Lock Variations
+Better Third Person Selection (AE - SE)
+aMidianBorn Book of Silence SE
+Glorious Doors of Skyrim (GDOS)
+Achievements Mods Enabler SE-AE
+Diverse Dragons Collection SE
-Optional Lux Resource pack (No ENB light)
+Nature of the Wild Lands 2.0
+High Poly Project
+Skyking Signs
+DootY Version 3.1
+EVG Conditional Idles
+Rally's All The Things
+Footprints 1.6.1
+Ammo Has Description
+Description Framework
+Unmarked Locations Pack - All In One
+Vanilla Table Replacers 2k 1k
+Mead Keg Backpack
+Point The Way
+Enhanced Blood Textures
+Additional Landscape Parallax
+Thu'um - Animated Shouts
+Convenient Horses
+Parrying RPG
+True Directional Movement
+Compass Navigation Overhaul - Nordic UI Skin
+Nordic-ish - A Preset for TrueHUD based on Nordic UI
+NORDIC UI - Miscellaneous Patches
+NORDIC UI - Interface Overhaul
+Skyrim Scenery - Main Menu Replacers (16x9)
+DarkXpBar
+Dear Diary DM (warm) Fixes
+Dragonborn Voice Over
+Compass Navigation Overhaul
+Modern Wait Menu - Dear Diary Dark Mode
+Modern Wait Menu
+Dear Diary Dark Mode (warm text)
+TUDM Reborn BSA-ESP
+Hunters Loot
+Paarthurnax - Quest Expansion
+KittyVFX - Dragon Breath
+Experience
+Missives Notes Retexture
+moreHUD Inventory Edition - AE
+Missives 2.03 SSE
+dMenu
+Infinity UI
+SkyUI_5_2_SE
+Valhalla Combat
+Immersive Laundry 1.0d SSE
+Show Player In Menus
+aMidianBorn Buildings and Landscapes
+Splashes Of Storms
+Ash Pile 2K
+Ryn's Lumber Mills
+JK's Castle Volkihar
+Better Jumping AE
+Animation Motion Revolution
+Payload Interpreter
+NoCamColl_2_SE
+Dynamic Activation Key
+Thuldor's Ivarstead Patch Collection
+SSE Display Tweaks
+1st Person Interact Animation Teleport Bug Fix
+powerofthree's Tweaks
+Paraglider CommonLib-NG version
+Skyrim's Paraglider
+powerofthree's Papyrus Extender
+RaceMenu Anniversary Edition
+Dear Diary Dark modeMode - RaceMenu Patch - DIP
+Spiderweb
+JContainers SE
+Skylarks of Skyrim
+TrueHUD
+All in one Address Library (Anniversary Edition)
+Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine
+Mythical Ages - 1.10
+Praedy's College of Winterhold - SE
+World Eater Beater
+Grass Lighting
+Auto Parallax
+Leviathan Animations II - Male Idle Walk And Run
+Reduce Attack Skating Movement
+Hold to Sprint SSE
+Screen-Space Shadows
+Headhunter - Bounties Redone
+Open Animation Replacer - IED conditions
+Dirt and Blood
+Unique Uniques SE
+Missile's IED Preset
+Soaking Wet for 1.6.629 and newer
+Weapon Styles - DrawSheathe Animations for IED
+Immersive Equipment Displays - Quiver
+Immersive Equipment Displays - Mura Presets
+WeldingMans Enchanting Tables - No ENB Light
+Magic Sneak Attacks
+Pristine Vanilla Movement
+Assorted Animation Fixes
+Lightened Skyrim
+Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch
+Immersive HUD - iHUD
+Useful Elder Scrolls SE
+Animation Queue Fix
+Expressive Facial Animation - Female Edition
+Expressive Facial Animation - Male Edition
+Gesture Animation Remix (OAR) - main archive
+Paired Animation Improvements
+Dragon Sound Overhaul
+pigeons (se-ae) 1.2
+Forgotten Uniques
+Community Shaders
+Cutting Room Floor
+No Compass In Dialogue
+Thuldor's Ivarstead
+Carriage and Ferry Travel Overhaul
+CarriageForGoldenhills
+Simple Wearable Lanterns
+Lore Friendly Ghosts
+Spell Perk Item Distributor
+Sound Record Distributor
+Enhanced Solitude SSE
+Legacy of the Dragonborn Patches (Official)
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Cube Maps Fixed
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Lighting Mod
+Legacy of the Dragonborn SSE - The Curators Companion
+Legacy of The Dragonborn - Item Descriptions
+Legacy of the Dragonborn
+JS Dragon Claws - Amethyst Patch
+More Informative Console 1.2
+SkyRem Activations
+Wildcat 7.1.0
+MCM Helper
+Simple Dual Sheath for 1.6.629 and newer
+Skyrim - Undeath SSE 1.7
+SRP Misc 1K
+Hotfix
+SRP Landscapes 1K
+SRP Dungeons 1K
+SRP Architecture 1K
+Show Follower Carry Weight
+Sconces of Solitude - Unique Solitude Braziers
+Water in Wells - mesh-only animated wells
+Grass Collision
+Skyland AIO
+Skyrim Priority SE AE
+Read the Room
-ELFX Shadows
-Enhanced Lights and FX
+The Northerner Diaries - Immersive Edition
+Footsteps Sounds Overhaul
+Static Mesh Improvement Mod
+MergeMapper
+Comprehensive First Person Animation Overhaul - CFPAO
+Give me a steward Patch
+Immersive Equipment Displays for 1.6.629 and newer
+Base Object Swapper
+Keyword Item Distributor
+(Part 1) SSE Engine Fixes for 1.6.1170 and newer
+Light Limit Fix
-Die When Killed
*Creation Club: _ResourcePack
*Creation Club: ccafdsse001-dwesanctuary
*Creation Club: ccasvsse001-almsivi
*Creation Club: ccbgssse001-fish
*Creation Club: ccbgssse005-goldbrand
*Creation Club: ccbgssse011-hrsarmrelvn
*Creation Club: ccbgssse012-hrsarmrstl
*Creation Club: ccbgssse020-graycowl
*Creation Club: ccbgssse025-advdsgs
*Creation Club: ccbgssse031-advcyrus
*Creation Club: ccbgssse038-bowofshadows
*Creation Club: ccbgssse050-ba_daedric
*Creation Club: ccbgssse052-ba_iron
*Creation Club: ccbgssse053-ba_leather
*Creation Club: ccbgssse054-ba_orcish
*Creation Club: ccbgssse055-ba_orcishscaled
*Creation Club: ccbgssse056-ba_silver
*Creation Club: ccbgssse059-ba_dragonplate
*Creation Club: ccbgssse061-ba_dwarven
*Creation Club: ccbgssse066-staves
*Creation Club: ccbgssse067-daedinv
*Creation Club: ccbgssse068-bloodfall
*Creation Club: ccbgssse069-contest
*Creation Club: cccbhsse001-gaunt
*Creation Club: ccedhsse003-redguard
*Creation Club: cceejsse004-hall
*Creation Club: cceejsse005-cave
*Creation Club: cckrtsse001_altar
*Creation Club: ccrmssse001-necrohouse
*Creation Club: ccvsvsse003-necroarts
*Creation Club: ccvsvsse004-beafarmer
*DLC: Dawnguard
*DLC: Dragonborn
2024.06.02 12:55 ryudragun Got into a fight with a friend who has played on and off about this game... bronze to silver lobby... need some help figuring out where our problems were... PLZ HELP
Players requesting help: RyuDragunTES - damage - silver 2 -hanzo/venture TheN00bie - tank- bronze 2 -Roadhog PC pool. what we'd like reviewed: whatever you see as a a big issue for teamwork with the team, possible CD help, and ideas for positioning?
Replay Code: Q3JE3C
Now: for context
I was the hanzo, i feel like i did all i could, im sure there were some sacrifices i didnt need to make, my friend was getting diffed and didnt want to switch even at the end when the mercy asked him to sway for last push.
Our tank had okay stats for my rank normally, but at the end of the game and i saw the other teams tank stats, i chuckled and said, that really is a HUGE tanke diff.. which i didnt expect to trigger, but now we have been having a fight about it... so i told him id post it here, and hopefully you can all help us gett better.
I have been stuck between silver2 and gold3, and have always been a hanzo 1 trick i have about 1200 hours on hanzo, our hog started playing again maybe 6 months ago, and is normally a dps and sometimes support. but went tank to not wide queue this game.
once again, if you want to hate on the hanzo, that is fine with me...(blizzard already does) please tell me where i sucked, and how i can do better. please give helpful advice to my friend the hog. i dont play tank, and i dont plan on it so i cant help him how i would like to.
submitted by ryudragun to OverwatchUniversity [link] [comments]
Replay Code: Q3JE3C
Now: for context
I was the hanzo, i feel like i did all i could, im sure there were some sacrifices i didnt need to make, my friend was getting diffed and didnt want to switch even at the end when the mercy asked him to sway for last push.
Our tank had okay stats for my rank normally, but at the end of the game and i saw the other teams tank stats, i chuckled and said, that really is a HUGE tanke diff.. which i didnt expect to trigger, but now we have been having a fight about it... so i told him id post it here, and hopefully you can all help us gett better.
I have been stuck between silver2 and gold3, and have always been a hanzo 1 trick i have about 1200 hours on hanzo, our hog started playing again maybe 6 months ago, and is normally a dps and sometimes support. but went tank to not wide queue this game.
once again, if you want to hate on the hanzo, that is fine with me...(blizzard already does) please tell me where i sucked, and how i can do better. please give helpful advice to my friend the hog. i dont play tank, and i dont plan on it so i cant help him how i would like to.
2024.06.02 12:47 Old-Window-5233 I need a fair judge about this situations
2024.06.02 11:36 CorgiFull Cheater in console
REPLAY CODE: 2PWEEF Battletag: Fanservice#11140 (mine) Heros played: Lucio/Moira, Hacker: Cassidy/Hanzo/ashe Rank: Silver2?(still doing placements) map:hollywood Platform: Console I know it sounds insane, but I was lucio/moira against a cassidy in silver elo and there were multiple times in the game where he just locked onto me, I myself am a cassidy main so I have a very good understanding on what is and isnt possible with him. There are multiple instances of him just locking onto people and staring at them through walls, at one point he switches to hanzo and then ashe, I only saw up to the point where he swaps to hanzo, We still won the game and im just curious how this is even possible (ps i know im not the best support, I just started learning how to play it)
submitted by CorgiFull to OverwatchUniversity [link] [comments]
2024.06.02 11:05 xXxsmitten_kittenxXx Good Morning Handsome.
🐨♥️🐻
This post, oh boy...
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, strap in babes, I'm about to tell you from start to finish the effects of my sensitive ears picking up the first crunch of gravel from under those tires in the driveway. Like an over exuberant child I spring to my feet. Every damn time. It's like an absolute frenzy of lightning bugs lifting off the dewey green grasses at dusk. Thousands of them. Millions of glimmers carrying sensations that I hadn't for the life of me expected to ever appear on my skin again, spurring me into action, the tingle of love, the need to be with my soulmate. Those feelings exploding into our night sky with glittering gold sparks of excitement and eagerness; the small girl inside wanting to jump into your arms with every childlike feeling of joy and happiness that she's been denied for decades. The woman in me tries to remained poised and calm and respectfully allowing you to at least get into the doorway, it she also shivers with anticipation.
My brain short circuits the moment I gaze into those dark captivating eyes, my breath hitching and my teeth nipping at my bottom lip in a poor attempt to control my cravings and feelings, all the feels, they stampede down my spine and thunder through my chest, those darn jurassic butterflies in my belly, amplified when you give that smile/smirk that I am totally woo'd by. Not even your touch or kisses yet and I'm already a bundle of nerves and desire for you. It's not just your physical prowess, my love, my partner, my first mate, my valentine. You have the most brilliant soul that I've ever seen, it shines so brightly that I feel I am bathed in pure radiant light and love by simply being in your presence.
It's a blessing that I will hopefully be allowed to cherish, honour, love, care for and respect for the rest of my days if you'll let me? Even though we both have darkness within, the wicked results of our past, it is that shimmer of light and spiritual power that forces the darkness to fade to mear shadows; and as in tune as you are to Gaia, I wish you could see the blinding and dazzling aura of the man you yourself strive to be, through my eyes. Such splendor. It's true that women tend to see potential, but you, my growling bear, welp, potential itself might be worshipping the ground you stand upon. It is so strange to not only feel but truely believe that there is saving grace and silver linings for the fallen, let's face it, my wings are torn at the moment. It won't keep me on my knees and it won't stop me from standing tall, like you. You prove that every day. You, who finds new and glorious ways to let your profound and miraculous light into the world.
I melt at your embrace, your affections and attentions, your scent. Gods, your natural scent (makes my knees shake and my senses swoon)! It's like being called home. It's like being safe and secure. It's like loneliness can no longer exists in those moments. Nothing will stand in our way, love, nothing will dim the melody of the wild drum that hammers in my heart for you. It's like every chip and shred of drama and stress fade away deep within the darkness that is furthermore banished when we are together. It has no power in the presence of your true devine self, and no power when faced with mine. It's in those moments that I feel like I am finally home, with the one who cradles my once broken heart, showing compassion, showing the true meaning of caring.
You give me more than just all the feels, babe, I'll have you know that fact. You saved my life from the darkness that was taking over me, my soul and my spirit, and then you gave meaning and purpose for me to... Hmm... How did you say it that time? "Get my sh*t together." I want to, I have made it my goal, and I repeat, you didn't kick me while I was down by owning your feels, allowing that tinge of anger; I appreciated that you didn't try to hide your passion in that moment. Too many times have I questioned my worth because of people's choice to hold back the storm. Life has always been meant to be felt, and honestly I can't stand wishy-washy, my one and only. Wishy-washy will lead me into indecisiveness. Plus, I'm hard headed, stubborn, a bit of a mule when I dig my heels in... But... I will rise to my highest vibration because I can't NOT meet you on those majestic frequencies that I sense when you smile that sheepish boyhood grin. Gods, ya'kno how much I love that smile? It tickles me in ways that you couldn't begin to imagine.
You deserve someone who is working towards healing and growth, peace and serenity. You deserve the best version I can be, someone who will not only make you proud, but who you are proud to call "yours". I know I am beyond the mortal sin of pride, claiming you as mine is euphoric and the strongest wave of dopamine that the human body could handle. Your gorgeous, inside and out, my incredibly sexy teddy bear, and I hope that I can rise up to be who you need me to be, I want to. I want to exceed expectations and blast through my self imposed limitations. I want to do this with every fiber of my being, and I promise you I WILL absolutely do that. For us. I hope to find my own inner light along the way and be able to shine brightly like the north star, guiding us to where our hearts can rejoice and sing their angelic tune, together in bliss and harmony. There's so much I want to experience with you, so many moments and times to make sweet memories that ensure crowfeet and other happy wrinkles as we age, proof of lives well lived, and thoroughly enriched with laughter and happiness and joy. I am the one honoured by the gods, who blessed me with the most amazing gift, weaving the ribbons of fate and destiny for both of us to meet by pure chance. That gift is and will always be you, Bear. <333
Now let's blow this popsicle stand, (you have this way of heating me up, don't cha know) besides, this is our journey and I want to explore every opportunity with you. I want to experience life with you. I want to hear that hearty wholesome laugh when I crack a pathetic joke; and see those eyes sparkle when you smile. I want you to know that I love you 🧸, you'll just have to put up with me professing my heart to you, and showering you with compliments, you sexy hunk. I love you. I love you. I love you. Your mine, to love, cherish, honour, respect and protect. Understand? Unsent, yet I have faith you'll find this.
submitted by xXxsmitten_kittenxXx to UnsentLettersRaw [link] [comments]
This post, oh boy...
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, strap in babes, I'm about to tell you from start to finish the effects of my sensitive ears picking up the first crunch of gravel from under those tires in the driveway. Like an over exuberant child I spring to my feet. Every damn time. It's like an absolute frenzy of lightning bugs lifting off the dewey green grasses at dusk. Thousands of them. Millions of glimmers carrying sensations that I hadn't for the life of me expected to ever appear on my skin again, spurring me into action, the tingle of love, the need to be with my soulmate. Those feelings exploding into our night sky with glittering gold sparks of excitement and eagerness; the small girl inside wanting to jump into your arms with every childlike feeling of joy and happiness that she's been denied for decades. The woman in me tries to remained poised and calm and respectfully allowing you to at least get into the doorway, it she also shivers with anticipation.
My brain short circuits the moment I gaze into those dark captivating eyes, my breath hitching and my teeth nipping at my bottom lip in a poor attempt to control my cravings and feelings, all the feels, they stampede down my spine and thunder through my chest, those darn jurassic butterflies in my belly, amplified when you give that smile/smirk that I am totally woo'd by. Not even your touch or kisses yet and I'm already a bundle of nerves and desire for you. It's not just your physical prowess, my love, my partner, my first mate, my valentine. You have the most brilliant soul that I've ever seen, it shines so brightly that I feel I am bathed in pure radiant light and love by simply being in your presence.
It's a blessing that I will hopefully be allowed to cherish, honour, love, care for and respect for the rest of my days if you'll let me? Even though we both have darkness within, the wicked results of our past, it is that shimmer of light and spiritual power that forces the darkness to fade to mear shadows; and as in tune as you are to Gaia, I wish you could see the blinding and dazzling aura of the man you yourself strive to be, through my eyes. Such splendor. It's true that women tend to see potential, but you, my growling bear, welp, potential itself might be worshipping the ground you stand upon. It is so strange to not only feel but truely believe that there is saving grace and silver linings for the fallen, let's face it, my wings are torn at the moment. It won't keep me on my knees and it won't stop me from standing tall, like you. You prove that every day. You, who finds new and glorious ways to let your profound and miraculous light into the world.
I melt at your embrace, your affections and attentions, your scent. Gods, your natural scent (makes my knees shake and my senses swoon)! It's like being called home. It's like being safe and secure. It's like loneliness can no longer exists in those moments. Nothing will stand in our way, love, nothing will dim the melody of the wild drum that hammers in my heart for you. It's like every chip and shred of drama and stress fade away deep within the darkness that is furthermore banished when we are together. It has no power in the presence of your true devine self, and no power when faced with mine. It's in those moments that I feel like I am finally home, with the one who cradles my once broken heart, showing compassion, showing the true meaning of caring.
You give me more than just all the feels, babe, I'll have you know that fact. You saved my life from the darkness that was taking over me, my soul and my spirit, and then you gave meaning and purpose for me to... Hmm... How did you say it that time? "Get my sh*t together." I want to, I have made it my goal, and I repeat, you didn't kick me while I was down by owning your feels, allowing that tinge of anger; I appreciated that you didn't try to hide your passion in that moment. Too many times have I questioned my worth because of people's choice to hold back the storm. Life has always been meant to be felt, and honestly I can't stand wishy-washy, my one and only. Wishy-washy will lead me into indecisiveness. Plus, I'm hard headed, stubborn, a bit of a mule when I dig my heels in... But... I will rise to my highest vibration because I can't NOT meet you on those majestic frequencies that I sense when you smile that sheepish boyhood grin. Gods, ya'kno how much I love that smile? It tickles me in ways that you couldn't begin to imagine.
You deserve someone who is working towards healing and growth, peace and serenity. You deserve the best version I can be, someone who will not only make you proud, but who you are proud to call "yours". I know I am beyond the mortal sin of pride, claiming you as mine is euphoric and the strongest wave of dopamine that the human body could handle. Your gorgeous, inside and out, my incredibly sexy teddy bear, and I hope that I can rise up to be who you need me to be, I want to. I want to exceed expectations and blast through my self imposed limitations. I want to do this with every fiber of my being, and I promise you I WILL absolutely do that. For us. I hope to find my own inner light along the way and be able to shine brightly like the north star, guiding us to where our hearts can rejoice and sing their angelic tune, together in bliss and harmony. There's so much I want to experience with you, so many moments and times to make sweet memories that ensure crowfeet and other happy wrinkles as we age, proof of lives well lived, and thoroughly enriched with laughter and happiness and joy. I am the one honoured by the gods, who blessed me with the most amazing gift, weaving the ribbons of fate and destiny for both of us to meet by pure chance. That gift is and will always be you, Bear. <333
Now let's blow this popsicle stand, (you have this way of heating me up, don't cha know) besides, this is our journey and I want to explore every opportunity with you. I want to experience life with you. I want to hear that hearty wholesome laugh when I crack a pathetic joke; and see those eyes sparkle when you smile. I want you to know that I love you 🧸, you'll just have to put up with me professing my heart to you, and showering you with compliments, you sexy hunk. I love you. I love you. I love you. Your mine, to love, cherish, honour, respect and protect. Understand? Unsent, yet I have faith you'll find this.
2024.06.02 06:32 elcahmist42 Need feedback on 7-scenario custom campaign with potential custom Infinity Stone mod
I have several friends who don't own this game, but come over to play casually.
So far, we've just been playing my favorite scenarios from various expansions, but I figured it might be interesting to combine some of my favorites into a custom campaign, & paste on some unifying theme:
If you lose the scenario, the Stone will added to the Infinity Gauntlet mod of the final scenario.
If a hero is defeated, they are considered killed & cannot be used for the rest of the campaign.
OPTION 1: Keep it simple; just play as stated above.
OPTION 2: For the first 6 scenarios, use the appropriate MTS Infinity Stone card & use counters to make it trigger about every (P+3) rounds (P = number of players), except for Power Stone, which is used as is.
OPTION 3: For the first 6 scenarios, use a custom Infinity Stone mod, which, like the MTS Power Stone mod, can pass back & forth between villain & player (this idea came from u/TheStarLordOfThunder). Possibilities:
Soul: possessor & their minions (if villain) or allies (if player) gain toughness
submitted by elcahmist42 to marvelchampionslcg [link] [comments]
So far, we've just been playing my favorite scenarios from various expansions, but I figured it might be interesting to combine some of my favorites into a custom campaign, & paste on some unifying theme:
- Tragedy strikes! After the events of MTS, a group of villains make a concerted assault on Odin's vault & take back the Infinity Gauntlet. However, since these villains do not even trust each other, no one was willing to give all the Stones to one person. So they decided to divide them up, so that each villain could rule in their own area of time &/or space. Fortunately, you can track each Stones' electromagnetic signature, so you know their locations. You just need to wrest them from the villains who have them.
- Soul: Green Goblin* (or Venom Goblin). OPTIONAL: to get the Soul Stone, one of the surviving heroes must be sacrificed, so cannot be used for the rest of the campaign (I love the emotional response this option generates).
- Power: Juggernaut* (or Nebula, Ronan)
- Reality: Zola* (or Red Skull)
- Mind: Mr. Sinister* with Focusing In as the first Main Scheme 2A (or Stryfe, Mysterio)
- Space: Hela* (or Magneto, Collector, Mojo Mania, Dark Beast)
- Time: En Sabah Nur* (or Kang)
If you lose the scenario, the Stone will added to the Infinity Gauntlet mod of the final scenario.
If a hero is defeated, they are considered killed & cannot be used for the rest of the campaign.
- 7th (final) scenario: Apocalypse*, who masterminded the Gauntlet heist, backstabbed all of the villains you didn't defeat & took their Stones. Now they want to eliminate you & take all of the Stones you have. They have the MTS Infinity Gauntlet mod, except that placeholder cards take the place of any Stones the heroes have.
- With the regular IG mod, all 6 Stones take effect over 12 activations. For example (after shuffling): X-2-X-4-X-3-X-6-X-5-X-1 (X = no effect). With this campaign, for example, if you won scenarios 1, 4, & 6, you would shuffle 3 placeholder cards into the Infinity Stone deck instead of the 3 Stones 1, 4, & 6. So after shuffling, you have something like X-2-X-X-X-3-X-X-X-5-X-X (3 Stones take effect over 12 activations).
- If you lose, you have various options: (1) replay with any non-defeated heroes; (2) go back to fight previous scenarios you lost [slight thematic issue: you have to figure how the villain got the Stone back], to reduce the Stones the 7th villain has; (3) if you implemented Option 6 (a card market), win other scenarios to gain Units to get better cards.
OPTION 1: Keep it simple; just play as stated above.
OPTION 2: For the first 6 scenarios, use the appropriate MTS Infinity Stone card & use counters to make it trigger about every (P+3) rounds (P = number of players), except for Power Stone, which is used as is.
OPTION 3: For the first 6 scenarios, use a custom Infinity Stone mod, which, like the MTS Power Stone mod, can pass back & forth between villain & player (this idea came from u/TheStarLordOfThunder). Possibilities:
Soul: possessor & their minions (if villain) or allies (if player) gain toughness
- Switches to player when they defeat a minion they are engaged with.
- Switches to villain when they defeat an ally of the player with the Stone.
- use same requirements as MTS mod
- Switches to player when they discard half of their printed hero hand size (rounded up) from hand.
- Switches to villain when the encounter deck runs out.
- Switches to player when their identity (not allies) thwarts for 4+ from main scheme.
- Switches to villain when they SCH for 4+ against the player with the Stone.
- Switches to player when they spend a physical + mental + energy resource.
- Switches to villain when the encounter deck runs out.
- Switches to player when they perform no actions during the player phase (skips a turn, in other words).
- Switches to villain when the encounter deck runs out.
- Soul: Down to Earth
- Power: Super Strength or Symbiotic Strength
- Reality: Dystopian Nightmare or Legions of Hel
- Mind: Personal Nightmare &/or Whispers of Paranoia (or Enchantress until defeated)
- Space: Add Badoon Headhunter to every future scenario, until they're defeated
- Time: Add Master of Time or Future Past to every future scenario, until they're defeated
- Soul: Fantasy
- Power: Horror
- Reality: Sitcom
- Mind: Crime
- Space: Sci-Fi (or Blue Moon from Dark Beast, or Ship Command from GMW)
- Time: Western (or Savage Land from Dark Beast)
- Soul: must use an identity with Mutant trait, OR have won a scenario that rescues someone (Taskmaster, Morlock Siege, etc.).
- Power: must use an identity with printed HP of 12+ OR a deck with 18+ printed 👊 icons
- Reality: cannot use an identity who has cards with the Superpower trait
- Mind: must use an identity with Psionic, Genius, or Mystic trait; OR a deck with 18+ printed Mental resource icons
- Space: must use an identity with Guardian trait, OR have won a Mojo Mania scenario
- Time: must use a deck with 18+ printed ⚡️ icons
- Certain conditions would give you units:
- +1 to win the scenario
- +1 if there are no minions in play
- +1 if there are no side schemes in play
- +1 if there is no threat on the main scheme
- +1 if there are no acceleration tokens on the main scheme
2024.06.02 06:10 Internal-Lock7494 Any advice on gameplay would be appreciated(Soldier)
Replay Code: 791W94 Battletag: ChaoticGood Hero Played: Soldier 76 Rank: Bronze 1 PC
Been playing this game since it came out, and I've only ever topped out at Silver 1 before falling. I don't really expect to win anymore(not in a defeatist mindset way, I absolutely still enjoy the game just losing just about every game is essentially a part of it for me), but I still like playing comp and trying to improve. Any tips on literally anything would be great.
submitted by Internal-Lock7494 to OverwatchUniversity [link] [comments]
Been playing this game since it came out, and I've only ever topped out at Silver 1 before falling. I don't really expect to win anymore(not in a defeatist mindset way, I absolutely still enjoy the game just losing just about every game is essentially a part of it for me), but I still like playing comp and trying to improve. Any tips on literally anything would be great.
2024.06.02 04:20 fhfhdj Bloodied Blades: Palanu’s Tale Part 3
You’re a damn fool, you know that?”, said Gemeti.
After they arrived at the palace, Lord Gyholt’s servants showed them to their quarters where they would stay with the Fursaglan lord’s own staff. It was a spacious set of rooms, whitewashed walls and a light breeze gliding in from the outside bringing in the awful smell of the city’s smoke. They seemed nice enough though there was no way to communicate anything to them since neither group knew the other’s tongue. Gemeti took a reluctant Ettu away from the main group to chastise her in a corner of the room.
Ettu sighed heavily, “Yes, I know. You’ve done nothing but tell me since I joined Lord Palanu’s service. He can punish me if he wants to. That Marhuk’s smile and laughter would be worth every bit of misery”. She could still picture that beautiful smile he had that made her heart skip a beat.
The other woman put her fists in her hips, “What would your mother say about this?”.
Ettu laughed, “She would hand me a flask of animal fat”.
Gemeti blushed and sucked in her breath in irritation before throwing her head back in a guffaw. That’s when Ettu knew she had her. Her mother always told her to win people over with a smile and a jest and ever since it had worked like a charm and got her out of trouble many times. The other woman stopped suddenly when she realized she was loud enough to draw the gaze of several of the other servants but then giggled more quietly with Ettu.
The giggling was cut short when a Fursaglan servant hurriedly entered the room and closed the door behind him. He leaned against the door as if bracing himself to prevent anyone else from coming in.
One of the other Fursaglan servants walked up to him and asked a question. Before he could answer, a sword ran through his back and out of his stomach and spat blood out. The worried man screamed and coughed blood as the door hinges broke and the door itself crushed him. Through the door, came a man in silver armor, other armed men behind him. The warrior was big and muscular which left Ettu in no doubt that he broke the door down by himself. He hacked down the inquisitive servant, killing him with two blows to the head.
One woman belted out an ear splitting scream, cut short by the murderer’s quick dash towards her, ramming his obsidian sword through her heart. Another woman began running for the window which led the others to do the same. More assailants filtered in, slashing at more men and women and creating a pool of gore and guts.
“Oh fuck!”, said Ettu.
Gemeti took her hand and pulled her away from the bloodshed and into the window. But all the servants rushed through at the same time, leaving none of them free to jump out. Hemmed in to one side of the room, they made it easier for the warriors to cut them down.
Gemeti’s face was struck with horror, “Gods! They killed them. Just slashed them like lumberjacks at a forest”.
The first intruder cleaved her head off with his already gory sword. The warrior had been sawing off another servant’s arm when he saw her with an almost feral expression on his face and jumped at her. Blood flew at Ettu’s face, a gasp all that escaped her. She never had it in her to scream but that didn’t mean she wasn’t scared.
Piss slithered down her legs as she knelt before him, “Please don’t kill me. I don’t want to die”, with hands held up as if she could stop a sword swing.
The warrior smiled at her fear, enjoying every second of it. Through his grin he said with a thick accent, “Die, Aroloth”.
Suddenly, one of her hands turned bright green. A sharp pain surged through her arm and manifested itself in a lance of fire, blasting from her palm and into the murderer’s chest. He fell down, never knowing what killed him.
At the north wing of the palace, Lord Gyholt was gesturing at his Sentinels, barking out orders and cursing at his manservant to put the armor on faster. He had men watch the windows to gauge the enemy numbers and servants cowering at a corner. Meanwhile, Palanu calmly ran an oilcloth along his khopesh and swung it around to test it amidst all the chaos in the room. Two of his guards flanking him.
“Asula! Go with Mazni and his brothers. By Crudas! Where’s Marhuk?”, said Gyholt as he swore by the Fursaglan god of warriors.
The throne room was a cream-colored, marble representation of Fursagla’s history with intricately etched bass reliefs of the Eagle Kings and their households. The images were everywhere, in each floor tile, round pillar, step in the dais, and the very throne itself. The whole place seemed to burst with reminders of Fursagla’s martial glory as if a man might quickly forget it.
“What’s the best route to the barracks?”, asked the Aroloth lord.
Gyholt shooed his manservant away once he was done, “What? You mean to go out there? Wait for me and my Sentinels. We can go out together to rescue your men”.
A man’s howl of pain took both lords’ attention. One of the watchers was pierced with an arrow in the clavicle. A warrior climbed in through the window as the watcher sobbed at his pain, the sobbing man grew quiet as a sword thrust to the temple ended him. More assailants entered, killing another watcher with a spear through the skull.
Immediately the Sentinels ran to their lord in a wall of bronze and hides and slammed their shields into the ground with an intimidating, “Huh!”. The enemies quickly swarmed the room, tearing arms and slashing necks all the while of any man not behind the Sentinels or Palanu and his guards. One assailant in particular wore Dendra armor and a plumed helmet with cheek pieces and a grim smile plastered on his face.
“Gojan”, said Lord Gyholt.
“Gyholt”, said Gojan son of Asgena.
“Where’s your father? If we could get to him then we can end all this senseless violence and make amends”, said the Fursaglan lord.
The nobleman sneered, “What makes you think we’re stupid enough to believe that?”.
“You were stupid enough to attack my palace”, retorted the former rebel.
The younger man snarled and shouted an order to attack. His men charged, bringing to bear wrathful blows and glory-hounding sprints. Palanu and his two guards (Sylon and Naru-zim) braced for impact, holding khopeshs and tower-like shields except for the Aroloth lord.
Even with the lack of shield, Palanu held his khopesh before him, giving vicious strokes with its hungry edge to the first man that faced him. The warrior had barely grown his chin hairs when he threw himself at the noble with wide eyes and panicky spear thrusts. The khopesh darted out and banged against his copper helmet. While his opponent was dazed, Palanu quickly reversed his grip and hooked the young man’s shield, pulling him away from his companions as if a babe from a nest of vipers. Only the babe landed in a nest of cobras. Once he stole away the shield, the Aroloth pushed the tip of his sword through his gullet and tore it out with a strip of flesh dangling in the hilt. The fight lasted less than two seconds.
The room became a cauldron of action as men on both sides jabbed and pushed each other, a red flood spilling into the floor. In the midst of this battle, Gojan saw Palanu’s prowess with his khopesh. After killing his first opponent, the lord let the next man come only to hack him down with equal vigor. His beautiful, sky blue sleeves became drenched in crimson blood, spit adorned his forehead, fire burned behind his eyes.
The magma in his veins coursed through his body, his whole world narrowed down to his blade and his next victim. He killed them all, the ugly, the beautiful, the sad, and the happy. Gojan watched it all traverse before him. With greedy determination, he pushed past his men to get to the Aroloth lord.
“AROLOTH!”, he bawled.
Sylon saw him first whilst his lord slew yet another traitor and bellowed out a war cry to call him out. The Fursaglan noble fixed his eyes on the bronze-armored guard and stomped towards him, bashing the heads of the remnants of the fighting men still not in formation, chunks of brain-matter and skull-bone flew up and rained down, adding to the collage of death unleashed by Asgena.
Sylon’s khopesh wove a tapestry of slaughter as he ended the lives of men who stood between him and Gojan. There was no speech by either man like in the songs, no ceremonies like in Strohinite duels or war dances like in the Demon Isles, just the fight. Mace met khopesh, stone against bronze. The bronze-armored man expected to get a few chips off his opponent’s weapon but had realized it was spell-bound. Gojan grinned nastily as he belted out an animal growl that caused it to glow a deep purple and they clashed again.
The blade juddered and nearly leapt from Sylon’s grasp this time, but he bit his tongue in determination and his knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip. The mace spat lightning and hissed with every touch. Another series of clashes pelted Sylon’s khopesh with many notches. Battle-madness held him, veins popped out along his hands and forehead. The Fursaglan noble lost his grin and sweat beaded his brow as he only barely swept aside yet another lunge from the guard.
Though he was an expert warrior trained from birth, Gojan only ever fought against peasants in the battlefield. Unbeknownst to him, Sylon was as blueblooded as he was and was considered gifted for his young age. When the son of Asgena realized the man wasn’t going down, he grew desperate, driving harder swings into his opponent and expending more of his strength.
Sylon realized this and simply let his shield take the beating. The cured hides blackened and light wisps of smoke rose from the places the Fursaglan bashed with his mace. The Aroloth man’s muscles jolted, the slight twinge of fear that belied his defence fueling his every move and stratagem. With a twist of wrist, the mace slid by and took the Fursaglan’s momentum with it. Out balanced and out maneuvered, Gojan was at the mercy of Sylon’s blade. The tortured khopesh sank deep with a vengeance between shoulder and neck.
Nerveless fingers dropped the mace, the deep purple glow dissolving into thin air. The noble warrior himself staring at the ground with glazed eyes and dripping blood. Sylon slid the khopesh out and much of his neck with it. Before the body dropped on the floor, the guardsman yelled out, “For the Emperor!”, as he awaited the next foe.
Naru-zim fought methodically, cold calculation and ruthless determination guiding his strikes and parries. Both khopesh and shield were trained for offense and defense and narrow was the window which a man could strike true against a foe like him. Nary a flinch shook him from his deep concentration from the killing, slicing flesh with a butcher’s precision and sending souls to the River Vim which was his people’s concept of the afterlife. He made no war cry, he let his blade do the talking. And it sang a bloody chorus as men fell like trees in a logging camp. After his last swing felled another man, he noticed the rest of the traitors were retreating with tails between their legs. Cowards, he thought. A man should stand and fight until his lifeblood oozed from him.
Palanu wiped his khopesh in the cleaner parts of his clothing, “Peace be with you”, he said to the dead men who were his victims.
“They were traitors to our God, Lord Palanu. No men are less deserving of mercy as these”, said Naru-zim as he stabbed a groaning traitor and left him in a pool of his own blood.
“Mercy is a gift of the righteous, my friend. A man is not judged more than when he has the upper hand”.
Naru-zim bowed at his lord politely before he turned a corpse over and pushed his khopesh into its neck. When Sylon strayed from them to kill more of the wounded, he barked out, “Sylon! What are you doing?”.
The other guard turned to him, “What do you think? Killing the enemy”.
Naru-zim screwed up his face in anger, “Our job’s to protect Lord Palanu not running off after the enemy”.
“How else do you protect him if not by killing the enemy?”, said Sylon, flabbergasted.
“Enough, both of you”, growled Palanu, “Like a pair of old wives, you are. We are still in the presence of Lord Gyholt and his Sentinels. Don’t shame the Emperor’s name”.
The two guards muttered their apologies and Sylon jogged back to Palanu’s side.
Lord Palanu approached Lord Gyholt and gave him an apologetic smile, “Please forgive the disgrace you witnessed, my lord. My men are… young and untested in the realm of manners and discipline”.
The Fursaglan lord nodded in understanding, “They are like brothers. I’m certain it is merely their eagerness to serve”.
Palanu nodded thankfully yet in the back of his head he was disappointed. ‘All my life I’ve heard of the many glorious deeds of the guardians of the God. I never pictured them bickering amongst themselves’.
submitted by fhfhdj to Worldbox [link] [comments]
After they arrived at the palace, Lord Gyholt’s servants showed them to their quarters where they would stay with the Fursaglan lord’s own staff. It was a spacious set of rooms, whitewashed walls and a light breeze gliding in from the outside bringing in the awful smell of the city’s smoke. They seemed nice enough though there was no way to communicate anything to them since neither group knew the other’s tongue. Gemeti took a reluctant Ettu away from the main group to chastise her in a corner of the room.
Ettu sighed heavily, “Yes, I know. You’ve done nothing but tell me since I joined Lord Palanu’s service. He can punish me if he wants to. That Marhuk’s smile and laughter would be worth every bit of misery”. She could still picture that beautiful smile he had that made her heart skip a beat.
The other woman put her fists in her hips, “What would your mother say about this?”.
Ettu laughed, “She would hand me a flask of animal fat”.
Gemeti blushed and sucked in her breath in irritation before throwing her head back in a guffaw. That’s when Ettu knew she had her. Her mother always told her to win people over with a smile and a jest and ever since it had worked like a charm and got her out of trouble many times. The other woman stopped suddenly when she realized she was loud enough to draw the gaze of several of the other servants but then giggled more quietly with Ettu.
The giggling was cut short when a Fursaglan servant hurriedly entered the room and closed the door behind him. He leaned against the door as if bracing himself to prevent anyone else from coming in.
One of the other Fursaglan servants walked up to him and asked a question. Before he could answer, a sword ran through his back and out of his stomach and spat blood out. The worried man screamed and coughed blood as the door hinges broke and the door itself crushed him. Through the door, came a man in silver armor, other armed men behind him. The warrior was big and muscular which left Ettu in no doubt that he broke the door down by himself. He hacked down the inquisitive servant, killing him with two blows to the head.
One woman belted out an ear splitting scream, cut short by the murderer’s quick dash towards her, ramming his obsidian sword through her heart. Another woman began running for the window which led the others to do the same. More assailants filtered in, slashing at more men and women and creating a pool of gore and guts.
“Oh fuck!”, said Ettu.
Gemeti took her hand and pulled her away from the bloodshed and into the window. But all the servants rushed through at the same time, leaving none of them free to jump out. Hemmed in to one side of the room, they made it easier for the warriors to cut them down.
Gemeti’s face was struck with horror, “Gods! They killed them. Just slashed them like lumberjacks at a forest”.
The first intruder cleaved her head off with his already gory sword. The warrior had been sawing off another servant’s arm when he saw her with an almost feral expression on his face and jumped at her. Blood flew at Ettu’s face, a gasp all that escaped her. She never had it in her to scream but that didn’t mean she wasn’t scared.
Piss slithered down her legs as she knelt before him, “Please don’t kill me. I don’t want to die”, with hands held up as if she could stop a sword swing.
The warrior smiled at her fear, enjoying every second of it. Through his grin he said with a thick accent, “Die, Aroloth”.
Suddenly, one of her hands turned bright green. A sharp pain surged through her arm and manifested itself in a lance of fire, blasting from her palm and into the murderer’s chest. He fell down, never knowing what killed him.
At the north wing of the palace, Lord Gyholt was gesturing at his Sentinels, barking out orders and cursing at his manservant to put the armor on faster. He had men watch the windows to gauge the enemy numbers and servants cowering at a corner. Meanwhile, Palanu calmly ran an oilcloth along his khopesh and swung it around to test it amidst all the chaos in the room. Two of his guards flanking him.
“Asula! Go with Mazni and his brothers. By Crudas! Where’s Marhuk?”, said Gyholt as he swore by the Fursaglan god of warriors.
The throne room was a cream-colored, marble representation of Fursagla’s history with intricately etched bass reliefs of the Eagle Kings and their households. The images were everywhere, in each floor tile, round pillar, step in the dais, and the very throne itself. The whole place seemed to burst with reminders of Fursagla’s martial glory as if a man might quickly forget it.
“What’s the best route to the barracks?”, asked the Aroloth lord.
Gyholt shooed his manservant away once he was done, “What? You mean to go out there? Wait for me and my Sentinels. We can go out together to rescue your men”.
A man’s howl of pain took both lords’ attention. One of the watchers was pierced with an arrow in the clavicle. A warrior climbed in through the window as the watcher sobbed at his pain, the sobbing man grew quiet as a sword thrust to the temple ended him. More assailants entered, killing another watcher with a spear through the skull.
Immediately the Sentinels ran to their lord in a wall of bronze and hides and slammed their shields into the ground with an intimidating, “Huh!”. The enemies quickly swarmed the room, tearing arms and slashing necks all the while of any man not behind the Sentinels or Palanu and his guards. One assailant in particular wore Dendra armor and a plumed helmet with cheek pieces and a grim smile plastered on his face.
“Gojan”, said Lord Gyholt.
“Gyholt”, said Gojan son of Asgena.
“Where’s your father? If we could get to him then we can end all this senseless violence and make amends”, said the Fursaglan lord.
The nobleman sneered, “What makes you think we’re stupid enough to believe that?”.
“You were stupid enough to attack my palace”, retorted the former rebel.
The younger man snarled and shouted an order to attack. His men charged, bringing to bear wrathful blows and glory-hounding sprints. Palanu and his two guards (Sylon and Naru-zim) braced for impact, holding khopeshs and tower-like shields except for the Aroloth lord.
Even with the lack of shield, Palanu held his khopesh before him, giving vicious strokes with its hungry edge to the first man that faced him. The warrior had barely grown his chin hairs when he threw himself at the noble with wide eyes and panicky spear thrusts. The khopesh darted out and banged against his copper helmet. While his opponent was dazed, Palanu quickly reversed his grip and hooked the young man’s shield, pulling him away from his companions as if a babe from a nest of vipers. Only the babe landed in a nest of cobras. Once he stole away the shield, the Aroloth pushed the tip of his sword through his gullet and tore it out with a strip of flesh dangling in the hilt. The fight lasted less than two seconds.
The room became a cauldron of action as men on both sides jabbed and pushed each other, a red flood spilling into the floor. In the midst of this battle, Gojan saw Palanu’s prowess with his khopesh. After killing his first opponent, the lord let the next man come only to hack him down with equal vigor. His beautiful, sky blue sleeves became drenched in crimson blood, spit adorned his forehead, fire burned behind his eyes.
The magma in his veins coursed through his body, his whole world narrowed down to his blade and his next victim. He killed them all, the ugly, the beautiful, the sad, and the happy. Gojan watched it all traverse before him. With greedy determination, he pushed past his men to get to the Aroloth lord.
“AROLOTH!”, he bawled.
Sylon saw him first whilst his lord slew yet another traitor and bellowed out a war cry to call him out. The Fursaglan noble fixed his eyes on the bronze-armored guard and stomped towards him, bashing the heads of the remnants of the fighting men still not in formation, chunks of brain-matter and skull-bone flew up and rained down, adding to the collage of death unleashed by Asgena.
Sylon’s khopesh wove a tapestry of slaughter as he ended the lives of men who stood between him and Gojan. There was no speech by either man like in the songs, no ceremonies like in Strohinite duels or war dances like in the Demon Isles, just the fight. Mace met khopesh, stone against bronze. The bronze-armored man expected to get a few chips off his opponent’s weapon but had realized it was spell-bound. Gojan grinned nastily as he belted out an animal growl that caused it to glow a deep purple and they clashed again.
The blade juddered and nearly leapt from Sylon’s grasp this time, but he bit his tongue in determination and his knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip. The mace spat lightning and hissed with every touch. Another series of clashes pelted Sylon’s khopesh with many notches. Battle-madness held him, veins popped out along his hands and forehead. The Fursaglan noble lost his grin and sweat beaded his brow as he only barely swept aside yet another lunge from the guard.
Though he was an expert warrior trained from birth, Gojan only ever fought against peasants in the battlefield. Unbeknownst to him, Sylon was as blueblooded as he was and was considered gifted for his young age. When the son of Asgena realized the man wasn’t going down, he grew desperate, driving harder swings into his opponent and expending more of his strength.
Sylon realized this and simply let his shield take the beating. The cured hides blackened and light wisps of smoke rose from the places the Fursaglan bashed with his mace. The Aroloth man’s muscles jolted, the slight twinge of fear that belied his defence fueling his every move and stratagem. With a twist of wrist, the mace slid by and took the Fursaglan’s momentum with it. Out balanced and out maneuvered, Gojan was at the mercy of Sylon’s blade. The tortured khopesh sank deep with a vengeance between shoulder and neck.
Nerveless fingers dropped the mace, the deep purple glow dissolving into thin air. The noble warrior himself staring at the ground with glazed eyes and dripping blood. Sylon slid the khopesh out and much of his neck with it. Before the body dropped on the floor, the guardsman yelled out, “For the Emperor!”, as he awaited the next foe.
Naru-zim fought methodically, cold calculation and ruthless determination guiding his strikes and parries. Both khopesh and shield were trained for offense and defense and narrow was the window which a man could strike true against a foe like him. Nary a flinch shook him from his deep concentration from the killing, slicing flesh with a butcher’s precision and sending souls to the River Vim which was his people’s concept of the afterlife. He made no war cry, he let his blade do the talking. And it sang a bloody chorus as men fell like trees in a logging camp. After his last swing felled another man, he noticed the rest of the traitors were retreating with tails between their legs. Cowards, he thought. A man should stand and fight until his lifeblood oozed from him.
Palanu wiped his khopesh in the cleaner parts of his clothing, “Peace be with you”, he said to the dead men who were his victims.
“They were traitors to our God, Lord Palanu. No men are less deserving of mercy as these”, said Naru-zim as he stabbed a groaning traitor and left him in a pool of his own blood.
“Mercy is a gift of the righteous, my friend. A man is not judged more than when he has the upper hand”.
Naru-zim bowed at his lord politely before he turned a corpse over and pushed his khopesh into its neck. When Sylon strayed from them to kill more of the wounded, he barked out, “Sylon! What are you doing?”.
The other guard turned to him, “What do you think? Killing the enemy”.
Naru-zim screwed up his face in anger, “Our job’s to protect Lord Palanu not running off after the enemy”.
“How else do you protect him if not by killing the enemy?”, said Sylon, flabbergasted.
“Enough, both of you”, growled Palanu, “Like a pair of old wives, you are. We are still in the presence of Lord Gyholt and his Sentinels. Don’t shame the Emperor’s name”.
The two guards muttered their apologies and Sylon jogged back to Palanu’s side.
Lord Palanu approached Lord Gyholt and gave him an apologetic smile, “Please forgive the disgrace you witnessed, my lord. My men are… young and untested in the realm of manners and discipline”.
The Fursaglan lord nodded in understanding, “They are like brothers. I’m certain it is merely their eagerness to serve”.
Palanu nodded thankfully yet in the back of his head he was disappointed. ‘All my life I’ve heard of the many glorious deeds of the guardians of the God. I never pictured them bickering amongst themselves’.
2024.06.02 02:30 TheHamSlapper [USA-CA] [H] PS4/Switch/Dreamcast (inc. Limited Run, NISA Special Editions, Yakuza series, BRAND NEW Sega games, etc.) [W] PayPal F&F, CashApp, Zelle
Many more games have been added!
I'll be moving soon, so I gotta do some downsizing and get some extra cash. Will need your zip code to calculate shipping, but if you spend over $50 I'll waive it. While prices are based on Price Charting, haggling is encouraged; the bigger the bundle, the better the discount. Will throw in some small free stuff in bigger orders as a token of appreciation while supplies last - might be stickers, small toys, maybe a small plush. Everything is in good condition or better, but if you need pics feel free to ask. Thanks for looking!
SEGA DREAMCAST
PLAYSTATION 4
NINTENDO SWITCH
submitted by TheHamSlapper to GameSale [link] [comments]
I'll be moving soon, so I gotta do some downsizing and get some extra cash. Will need your zip code to calculate shipping, but if you spend over $50 I'll waive it. While prices are based on Price Charting, haggling is encouraged; the bigger the bundle, the better the discount. Will throw in some small free stuff in bigger orders as a token of appreciation while supplies last - might be stickers, small toys, maybe a small plush. Everything is in good condition or better, but if you need pics feel free to ask. Thanks for looking!
SEGA DREAMCAST
| GAME | CONDITION | PRICE | NOTES/PICS |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChuChu Rocket | NEW | $40 | |
| Maken X | NEW | $70 | |
| Phantasy Star Online Version 2 | NEW | $75 | |
| Quake III Arena | NEW | $45 | |
| Shenmue | CIB | $40 | |
| South Park: Chef’s Luv Shack | NEW | $25 | |
| Space Channel 5 | CIB | $29 | |
| The Typing of the Dead | NEW | $130 |
| GAME | CONDITION | PRICE | NOTES/PICS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bastion | NEW | $55 | |
| Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle [Launch Edition] | CIB | $20 | |
| Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night [w/Kickstarter Sleeve] | CIB | $40 | |
| Cris Tales | CIB | $8 | |
| Dark Souls Remastered | CIB | $18 | |
| Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | CIB | $18 | |
| Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition | CIB | $15 | |
| Death Stranding | CIB | $8 | |
| Deception IV: The Nightmare Princess | NEW | $54 | |
| Demon Gaze Extra [Day One Edition] | NEW | $50 | |
| Demon Gaze II | NEW | $57 | |
| Destiny | CIB | $4 | |
| Disgaea 1 Complete [Rosen Queen's Finest Edition] | CIB | $95 | LINK |
| DmC: Devil May Cry [Definitive Edition] | NEW | $20 | |
| Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age | CIB | $13 | |
| Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen | CIB | $22 | |
| Dusk Diver | NEW | $25 | |
| Dusk Diver 2 [Launch Edition] | NEW | $38 | |
| Everybody's Golf | CIB | $12 | LINK |
| Final Fantasy XV [Royal Edition] | CIB | $15 | |
| Gal*Gunvolt Burst [Collector's Edition] | CIB | $65 | |
| Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 | CIB | $20 | |
| Indivisible [Collector's Edition | CIB | $30 | |
| Kandagawa Jet Girls [Racing Hearts Edition] | CIB | $65 | |
| Katamari Damacy Reroll | CIB | $12 | |
| (JP) The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match [Final Edition] | NEW | $44 | LINK |
| The King of Fighters 2000 [Collector's Edition] w/ Soundtrack | Game CIB/Soundtrack NEW | $58 | LINK |
| (JP) The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match | CIB | $30 | LINK |
| (JP) The King of Fighters XIV [Ultimate Edition] | CIB | $20 | LINK |
| Kingdom Hearts: All-In-One Package | CIB | $35 | |
| Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory | CIB | $13 | |
| Kotodama: The 7 Mysteries of Fujisawa | NEW | $14 | |
| Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 | CIB | $17 | |
| Monster Hunter World | CIB | $5 | |
| Natural Doctrine | NEW | $20 | |
| Nights of Azure | CIB | $45 | |
| Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon [Limited Edition] | CIB | $187 | |
| The Nonary Games | No Manual | $20 | |
| Onechanbara ZII Chaos | NEW | $48 | |
| The Outer Worlds | CIB | $10 | |
| Persona 5 [Take Your Heart Premium Edition] | No Game, No Steelbook | $65 | |
| Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid [Collector's Edition] | CIB | $12 | |
| Psikyo Shooting Library Vol. 1 | NEW | $35 | |
| Psikyo Shooting Library Vol. 2 | NEW | $30 | |
| Sakura Wars | CIB | $18 | |
| Scarlet Nexus | NEW | $10 | |
| Semispheres [Blue Limited Edition] | CIB | $17 | |
| Senran Kagura: Burst Re:Newal [At the Seams Edition] | CIB | $50 | |
| Senran Kagura: Estival Versus [Endless Summer Edition] | CIB | $60 | |
| Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash [No Shirt, No Shoes All Service Edition] | CIB | $50 | Indent on side of outer box |
| Shantae: Half-Genie Hero [Risky Beats Edition] | CIB | $25 | |
| Steamworld Dig 2 | CIB | $18 | |
| The Silver Case | CIB | $17 | |
| Super Bullet Break [Day One Edition] | CIB | $20 | |
| Tales of Arise | CIB | $10 | |
| Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth [Launch Edition] | NEW | $25 | |
| Valkyrie Elysium | NEW | $27 | |
| Yakuza 0 [PlayStation Hits] | CIB | $15 | |
| Yakuza Kiwami [Steelbook Edition] | CIB | $35 | |
| Yakuza Kiwami 2 | CIB | $30 | |
| The Yakuza Remastered Collection | CIB | $25 | LINK |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | CIB | $12 | |
| Zanki Zero | NEW | $22 | |
| Zero Time Dilemna | NEW | $25 |
| GAME | CONDITION | PRICE | NOTES/PICS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brave Dungeon + Dark Witch Combat Chronicle Pack [B-Side Games Variant] | CIB | $65 | |
| Double Dragon Neon | CIB | $45 | |
| Gal*Gun Returns | NEW | $27 | |
| Gal*Gun: Double Peace | NEW | $27 | |
| Gal*Gun 2 | NEW | $25 | |
| God Wars: The Complete Legend | NEW | $43 | |
| Grandia HD Collection | CIB | $95 | |
| Harvestella | NEW | $30 | |
| The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III [Extracurricular Edition] | CIB | $31 | |
| The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV [Frontlines Edition] | CIB | $56 | |
| The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero [Deluxe Edition] | NEW | $80 | |
| The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie [Deluxe Edition] | NEW | $50 | |
| The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure [Deluxe Edition] | NEW | $70 | |
| The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails [Deluxe Edition] | NEW | $50 | |
| Liva a Live | CIB | $25 | |
| Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle | CIB | $10 | |
| NEO: The World Ends With You | CIB | $19 | |
| Seven Pirates H [Limited Edition] | CIB | $140 | |
| Shin Megami Tensei V [Steelbook Edition] | CIB | $24 | |
| Super Neptunia RPG | NEW | $33 |
2024.06.02 01:56 XeroMas34 Oh, sweet merciful of crap!
Battle Replay Code:
R63L- JSLK-TDJK-PL9P
Because of the player's actions, "Joymarie" was a disaster to play with and performed one of the most brain dead moves in the match! That player needs their OS reformatted on their smartphone, PC or Mac, and their Switch to only play Pong in perpetuity!
I am so pissed!
submitted by XeroMas34 to Saltoon [link] [comments]
R63L- JSLK-TDJK-PL9P
Because of the player's actions, "Joymarie" was a disaster to play with and performed one of the most brain dead moves in the match! That player needs their OS reformatted on their smartphone, PC or Mac, and their Switch to only play Pong in perpetuity!
I am so pissed!
2024.06.02 00:16 TedDoesPokemon [LF] Current event Talonflames (F1ARR0W23MASTER) [FT] Shiny Legends, Events
Hi! I'm looking for some Talonflames from the current event (code: F1ARR0W23MASTER ).
I require proof of you redeeming the pokemon with at least your name visible, preferably mine as well. I prefer video proof starting at the code being visible and ending on the last page of the pokemon's summary.
For trade today:
Disclaimer: All of the Pokemon GO Pokemon were caught by me unless specified otherwise. They are all spoofed unless specified otherwise. All are still in Pokemon GO and custom OT is available. If you don't care for custom OT it will be OT: Ted ID: 041645/300595 (depending on the account I use to transfer them - which will be disclosed at the time of trading.)
Thank you for your time and consideration - happy trading!
submitted by TedDoesPokemon to pokemontrades [link] [comments]
I require proof of you redeeming the pokemon with at least your name visible, preferably mine as well. I prefer video proof starting at the code being visible and ending on the last page of the pokemon's summary.
For trade today:
- On hand Shiny legendary pokemon with (3+) IV spreads from my Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon games (OT Yellow ID 655069 OT Elio ID 368152 - respectively), RNG'd by me using a CFW 3DS with Pcalc.
- Tons of shinies caught/to be caught from my cute charm method retail SoulSilver cart on retail Nintendo DS, OT Cyrus ID 48625 - I can trade 2 shinies I have on hand for each Talonflame.
- Quite a few events on hand so please feel free to peruse my sheet. CLICK HERE FOR SHEET - these will need more than one Talonflame usually.
- Shiny/Non-Shiny WISHMKR 20043 Jirachi - Obtained by me with Ruby Emulator and Colosseum Bonus Disk emulator. Searched for shiny frame using lua scripts, then obtained at precise moment. Moved up to gen 5 using PKHex, then transferred through bank and HOME.
- Shiny Raid Legends
| Pokemon | Ball | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Heatran☆ | Premierball | 3 |
| Tapu-Koko☆ | Premierball | 10 |
| Tapu-Lele☆ | Premierball | 5 |
| Tapu-Bulu☆ | Premierball | 5 |
| Tapu-Fini☆ | Premierball | 4 |
| Groudon☆ | Premierball | 4 |
| Kyogre☆ | Premierball | 5 |
| Mewtwo (purified)☆ | Premierball | 5 |
| Entei (purified)☆ | Premierball | 1 |
| Raikou (purified)☆ | Premierball | 4 |
- Shiny Lake Spirit trio - I've got a bunch of these in various levels, including very low ones.
| Pokemon | Ball | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Uxie☆ | PB, GB, UB | 1-3 |
| Uxie☆ | PB, GB, UB | 4-35 |
| Mesprit☆ | PB, GB, UB | 1-3 |
| Mesprit☆ | PB, GB, UB | 4-35 |
| Azelf☆ | PB, GB, UB | 1-3 |
| Azelf☆ | PB, GB, UB | 4-35 |
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2024.06.01 23:23 Demon_Deity Marred Migration - Chapter 27
Memory Transcription Subject: Talyn, Extermination Guild Paramedic, Sivkit Grand Herd.
First/Previous/Next
I… I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out why a demon would go behind her superiors for some prey.
Variah hasn’t stopped visiting this cage… t-though, I try to limit exchanging words with the beast as her proximity gnaws at my nerves to no end. Her moving maw leaves an unobstructed view at a row of endless pointed teeth that could easily crush through Sivkit bones, if at any moment she deemed that her desire. However, after all this time… she hadn't mauled me yet.
Nor did any of the other, more openly wicked beasts let their instincts get the better of them either, so I suspect that these demons can reign in their bloodlust better than the Arxur can, a-at least for practical reasons, but I don't exactly want to put that to a test. D-Damnit, why is she doing this? It’s difficult to keep my mind off it when everything else was a failure.
I… I’ve been trying to find a way to break free ever since the predator keeping me company gave her warning about the rest of her kind. N-not that I needed any monster to clue me in on their malicious intent or more prompting to look for a way out of here, but so far, any avenue to escape seems completely futile, at least… f-for now. Can’t give up.
J-Just remember your training… t-though it’s not exactly useful here.
Most of my guild practice had me safely locked within a medical wagon, waiting around on standby in case a front line exterminator suffered a mauling. I- I don’t have enough personal experience with this sort of thing to keep myself level headed, t-to know what to do, b-but… but I’ve heard stories from my… f-from my now ex-colleagues, about retrieving escaped convicts back for treatment.
I- I could take a few pages out of their play book, copy how they got out of their facilities and avoid falling for the same pitfalls that got them found. E-Even if doing so would be more than unorthodox, but… I c-can’t just sit around forever.
Even if for now all I can do is watch out for opportunities, think and plan.
Occasionally, the scientists lead me out of this box to conduct new experiments. I was hoping to find something useful when taken from these confines but I'm always trailed by those towering guards who never take their vicious eyes off me, or let me step out of line… or even let the scientists come too close when not instructed to. The director's men, as I've heard the so-called doctors call them while whispering amongst themselves; e-evidently also afraid of the beastly soldiers.
T-There are cameras everywhere, in every hallway and almost in every room. The few that don’t have them always have a beast there present with me, rarely taking an eye off me, so I can’t bet on finding a blindspot outside this room.
Main doors are locked with codes and keycards, but that doesn't matter much because if I managed to get my paws on a set I'd need to carry around a damned stool to reach a security pad while standing on my hind toes because of these giant freaks. Not even knowing where any door leads since I can't read their scratchy script.
Worse yet, from what I could tell while eavesdropping…
This facility is built at least several levels underground, and it’s located near the outskirts of a m-major predator population center. Meaning that any exits going “topside” had to be intentionally dug out by design, and almost definitely surveyed by guards and cameras.
Only to be surrounded by a countless horde of sapient predators once I got out, a-and… given that I’m at the edge of a monster city and how untamed my crash area appeared, the zone marked for emergency landing for all falling vessels, I… I must have been taken far from any other Sivkit survivors on this planet.
C-Constantly watched, locked and isolated. E-Everything, everything is stacked up against me… D-Damnit, j-just, just move forward, k-keep thinking… I-Ironically, my best bet for escape might be in this very room.
A ventilation duct right behind the bed, t-the only one I could reach with pipes that look wide enough to squeeze into if I managed to get the grate off, c-climb up, if that’s p-possible, u- until I feel fresh air.
The glass screen is positioned on the other side of the bed, with the grate being obscured further by the counter at the bedside and I’ve noticed that the cameras start moving back and forth at night, or at least, when the lights shut off, possibly going into an automated mode when the beasts stop watching the cell… t- the demons have to sleep too at some point I suppose, n-no better time to try.
Every couple of minutes as the cameras move, the lenses line up away from the bed for a few seconds at a time, granting me one consistent blindspot where I could fiddle with the screws if I kept my paw hanging off the bed when pretending to sleep.
But the damned grate is bolted in too tight.
I tried using my claws as an improvised screwdriver, wedging them into the divots and twisting… but those attempts only cost me a few nails with nothing to show for it. So if I had kept it up eventually the predators could notice that all my claws were suddenly wearing away. The demons would scour every surface for the cause, not something I can risk if I want to hold onto the only possible escape route I could find.
I just need something metal… something that wasn’t initially in shortage before I figured out the truth and tried to defend myself, i-if only I managed to maintain a cooler head back than… D-damnit, still at square zero, f-for now, I- I just need to bide my time… h-however long I might have.
T-The predator scientists seem to be conducting more and more redundant tests now, w-with some beginning to whisper about getting started on more t-thorough research, especially when they think I’m out of ear shot. I… I might not have long left before they just decide to dissect me.
“You hanging in there, Talyn?” A long dull claw poked my cheek, sending sharp shivers through my core.
It jolted me back to reality and forced me to regain awareness of the silver predator looming by the bedside, w-whose presence slipped my mind after a-somehow allowing my guard down around her.
“Heh, doesn’t really look like you’ve taken a liking to the book… you’ve been staring at the wall for a while now.” Variah’s voice almost sounded dejected, her head pointed down at the bizarre novel while flipping through its yellowed pages in an apathetic manner.
All I could do was lay behind the covers, grasping onto them as if they could shield me if the demon had a shift in whims, poking my head out while unable to look away as fur all along my back raised with pins and needles shooting through my skin.
An uncomfortable silence swept the room when Variah's horrid eyes began staring down at me, t-though… t-they almost looked tired and unmotivated, like they were begging for something?
“Ah-I… I spaced out for a minute, ah- I’m s-sorry.” The predator raised a single ear at me, s-surprised that I actually answered her this time, and I… I'm not s-sure why I did it either.
Her ears perked up a little, while I briefly flinched away as she opened up her maw, but quickly found that she only did so to speak again. “You don’t have to apologize, I… I can stop reading if you don’t want to hear it?”
The question actually paused me for a minute, a part of me couldn’t stand having to bare a predator’s presence constantly while hearing her voice narrating some damned book that doesn’t make the slightest bit of sense, but I… partly hating myself for it, but I p-prefer hearing Variah’s voice over the quiet, e-even if it's wrong to be listening to a predator. “Y-you… you can c-contiunue… p-please.”
Variah huffed to herself, keeping her ears pinned back in an awkward manner while lingering a strange, unnerving gaze on me for an uncomfortable minute, before turning back to the book and raising her ears up a little. “Alright, alright… I’ll just start over with the chapter.”
“O-Okay…” I muttered, but it made no difference either way. It’s not like I was even able to listen fully while all those things are constantly prowling around me, my instincts getting the better of me… or, with every clashing thought swirling around my mind. About what happened, about what they are?
B-But I got bits and pieces here and there, just enough to roughly know what’s going on. It detracts from everything dire, but I… I can allow myself this one distraction from this place. Even if willingly indulging in some predator’s work just makes my core feel vile. Though, from what I’ve followed, it… it feels like listening to a lie, n-not like the type of fantasy a predator should either read or write about, but that thing looks far too old to be a forgery for my sake.
“For two years their engines roared, two years of steady descent as long white trails of plasma were cast forth into the inky void, decelerating the wanderer on their journey before the antimatter drives were cut and the great vessel came to a halt on its final destination, after centuries, settling into orbit around Aldiel star.
Awe and wonder resonated from the crew, the voyage was long, with countless wonders and detours on their journey through the Galaxy, but it has been twelve-hundred years since the 1st generation set them on this path, twelve-hundred years so that the 48th could bask in the light of the star that guided their ancestors since the days of wind and sails.
And, since it’s mysterious call beckoned them into the stars…”
Variah’s voice filled the room with considerable mirth in her tone despite her prior hints at treachery… doing a far too convincing job at masking that her prior warning ever happened. Though I- I might be going crazy… but there’s almost an air of stress o-or sadness behind her horrid eyes.
S-Somehow, I… I’m not sure what to think about that predator.
She doesn't fit in with the rest of the beasts roaming around this facility, and for a second… You could almost forget that she's a natural hunter, that the being sitting by my side didn’t evolve to kill and gorge on flesh like the rest of them because those facts clash against the image painted right before my eyes.
The same frightening figure doing something as innocuous as reading through a novel by my bedside, as- as if I was some lost child cooped up in a Zurulian nursery.
However, the beast herself went through apparent lengths to reaffirm my sense of danger here while displaying a clear aptitude towards deception, lying even to her own kind… i-it seems foolish to doubt their nature now.
Y-Yet… seeing her yapping about some fiction novel with such glee, I… I can’t exactly see a monster cut from the same cloth as the Arxur. No Grey in existence would ever try to help prey, nor would they ever produce a novel, much less the contents in this one.
P-Predator explorers traveling across the stars in so-called generation ships, i-it’s… r-rather dumb, honestly. The idea of anyone being crazy enough to cross the void without FTL is ridiculous, though, p-predators fantasizing about it is certainly terrifying. I-imagining what lengths they could go to breach their system… I should be happy that the primitive hunters apparently deluded themselves into believing that super luminal speeds are impossible… at least, until we came along, a-and broke that notion for them.
W-when Variah said the book was a story about their vision for space travel I thought I’d be faced with an early glimpse into the nightmarish future we just created. A ravenous horde of canide demons unleashed to murder their way across the stars, if they got their claws on our FTL tech. Bombing worlds, enslaving cultures and spilling blood before tearing into sapient flesh. Y-Yet, that wasn’t in the pages… t-the opposite was.
Wanderers going from system to system, discovering new life, new wonders, new people… and embracing them with open arms instead of clenching teeth, even if by their own perception that life seemed incomprehensible or monstrous… i- initially, at least.
I… I don’t know.
The predators must have been under the delusion that most sapient life would be just as flesh craving as they are before I spilled the truth, with only a few chapters depicting contact with herbivore species, this being portrayed as some unique encounters, a-and… p-peaceful, n-no hunting, no war. W-Why?
Comparably, there were just as little chapters depicting conflict altogether, n-nothing that would delve into their true nature, a-at least… n-not what their nature s-should be.
It's d-difficult to reconcile everything I’ve heard with what we know about predatory minds, with the confessed threat lurking within this facility, though I can’t exactly ignore it either… I-It doesn’t seem like hunger alone drives these monsters, not like the Greys… t-then what does?
T-There… There was a moment where I almost wanted to just ask, t-though I stopped myself before I could do something that stupid. D-Damnit… What am I even doing listening to that damned thing?
Those weren’t the only things that stuck out while listening, more peculiar passages here and there… from what I can tell these beasts hold a strong aversion towards foreign diseases.
With characters being weary of exposing themselves to alien atmospheres before developing cures and vaccines, or trying to prevent their own predator sicknesses from spreading onto other worlds. It explains the suits from earlier, and why some of the predators wear them even now, but not so much the reason for the alarm in the first place… I would have thought that carnivores should be accustomed to carrying pathogens?
Stranger is that they seem to expect to find life in almost every system, even among inhospitable worlds with characters being surprised to find a barren system, or that “there is only one habitable world around the star.”
Or when finding extinct civilizations… a- and mourning their loss.
I-It’s… it’s not like life is rare in the galaxy, but Grand Herd scouts would weep in joy if someone ever found a corner of space as fertile as envisioned. It's… odd, usually its the opposite for species that developed electricity on their own and found the universe quiet, e-except th-the Verin and Onkari… a pair species.
E-Earlier, it sounded like Variah mentioned some others, w-with some notable differences from her. C-Could there… Considering their views about herbivores, t-than it would be a… n-no, I- I don’t know. W-What are the c-chances, and p-predators would conquer any neighbors… r-right?
D-Damnit, I-I’m just going insane in this… this glorified cattle pen, t-trapped for who knows how long? J-Just questioning myself, w-with no one but horrid predators.
Argh! This book! It… i-it really isn’t something a predator should indulge in. Yet some sapient beast wrote it, w-while Variah seems enamored with that thing, the covers seemingly worn from use. What could a hunter like her see in a story almost void of violence?
Reading through the pages with perked up ears, while casting the occasional glance at me to make sure I’m not totally ignoring her, a w-weary look painted on her ugly face.
Sh- e-earlier she mentioned that… t-that she reads that thing during dark times, i-is… is now… No, w-why are you thinking about that now? How can I trust a single word coming out of that maw? I-It could all just be manipulation a-and you’d be falling right into it like s-some dumb, p-predator-brained Venlil?!
T-Though if… if she isn’t as… D-Damnit, my time might be running out, a-and I’m short of options. If there’s even a slim chance that she’s not lying, I… d-despite what she is, despite better judgment, I… I wish I could count her as an ally in this horrid place, w-without fearing any ulterior motives she could have for trying to help me earlier.
If they were the Greys, I could chuck it up to hunger for alien flesh, s-some ploy to get everything for herself… but that doesn’t seem so clear anymore, when their… agitation doesn’t seem focused on their cravings, and when Variah stands out further from the other demons… She must have had a reason.
This… t-this is incredibly foolish, b-but I clenched my shivering paws and cautiously turned my head towards the demon, taking a shaken breath and opening my mouth to speak. “V-variah…?”
The huntress paused some senseless tangent about dyson swarms and ring worlds, whatever that even was… before turning her horrid eyes on me in a quizzical manner and forcing me to gulp after managing to grab her full attention.
“W-Why… w-why are you not like t-the others?”
The silver demon stared at me for a moment with confusion, before taking a claw underneath her chin and scratching while glancing to the side as if looking for an answer. “Oh- erm… My mother hailed from a nation in the far, far south, the native people have similar coats on that continent. Why?”
Coat? “Wha- n-no, I-I mean, why a-are you here, w-why are you s-so interested in aliens? T-The others, t-they are… t-they are more h-hostile, c-cold, y-you aren’t?”
“Ohh, I see… There might be many reasons, Talyn, but I think most are just scared.” Variah looked away from me and pointed her eyes towards the ceiling before continuing on.
“Everything on Valh was turned on its head when you crashed, and no one knows what's going to happen, or what your people even want… but so far their actions haven’t made you seem very approachable, and your reaction to us hasn’t exactly reassured anyone here either.”
“S-Scared… O-Of us? Y-you can't be s-serious, p-predators c-can’t feel true f-fear, n-not because of p-prey, you- you c-cause fear…” She paused and stared at me for a few uncomfortable seconds, her ears pinned tight to her skull while ducking her head a little more at my comment.
“You have some… interesting views Talyn, I have to say. The things you say… they can be quite silly sometimes. Of Course we have fear, I… erm, people thought the world was ending because of the flashes, because of your ships meteoring through the damn sky… Do you really think no one was scared?”
T-There was a pleading glint within her exasperated eyes, paired with ears that stayed pinned to the back of her skull as a paw rose up to hide her face. This… t-this doesn't feel like a fake reaction.
I… d-don't know, m-maybe if… If they did misidentify our burning ships as hurling meteors then it would make sense even for predators to experience the same amount of dread as herbivores do, though I can’t see those instincts sticking once we hit the ground, f- fear of the unknown then? W-What c-could predators fear in the unknown, b-bigger predators?
“I-If they are acting out of f-fear… T-Then why are you so different? A-Are you not s-scared… i-is that w-why you are fascinated by aliens, m-more willing to be approached?”
“Gods, of course I'm scared, I just… have hope that things won't turn out for the worst… and no, it’s nothing to do with fear. I've been interested in this sort of thing since I was a teen, in large part due to this very book… I must have read it cover to cover just about a hundred times.”
“B-But why? W-why would a- a being like you care for something like that?”
“I… I'm not sure, it's nice to read something optimistic, no? I got it from my parents when the world didn't seem so hopeful, I’d read it all the time whenever they went away… I guess it was a nice distraction during the war… now it’s something I can remember them by.”
The predator's long ears slumped low as she closed the novel, slowly tracing clawed digits across its sealed pages while staring at the worn out cover, eventually putting it back into the bag. Are… are her progenitors dead? Y-You could imagine a predator cub feeling despair when losing a vital guardian that was keeping them alive, n-not a fully mature one.
“Y-You have families?”
“Heh, of course we do, big ones usually, is that not common?”
“I-It… it is.” My body shuddered knowing that these terrifying beings come in large groups, something that goes counter to the anti-social nature of the Arxur, however my reaction caused the silver predator to grow even more despondent.
“Ahh… monsters aren't meant to have families, no?” Her long snout pointed down at the floor while crossing her paws together. I-It was such a strange feeling seeing her like this, i-in such a passive state next to prey… o-only drawing her image further than the beasts we know.
“M-Monsters d-don’t… b-but you do… I- I don't r-really understand w-what you are.”
Variah raised one ear at me, slowly pointing her head half way in my direction before lingering a stare from a single eye. “You… can always ask, you know. I’ll answer anything you want to know, just like before. What do you want to hear?”
J-Just ask? H-Heh… i-it can’t exactly be the same once you know you’re talking to a flesh eater, though, I… I think these beasts have to be a tamer breed of monsters than the Arxur, c-closer to true sapience, a-at least compared to those cursed reptiles. D-Damn, what harm could finding out more about their nature really do?
“A-Alright… I- I don’t know, l-let me think…” My thoughts traced over our conversation, until they landed upon something that stood out, o-one of many things not fitting of a predator. “E-Earlier you mentioned gods, d-do you have a religion?”
“Many. I don’t believe in anything of the sort myself, not really anyway… but most of my family prays to the old gods. People all around Valh most commonly follow the new pantheon and the nomad faiths it originated from.”
“M-Many? Okay then… w-what do you p-predators believe in then?”
“It depends, I guess… Most gods are meant to embody a part of nature in some way, the popular ones usually correspond to some star or celestial object in the sky… like I said I don't really put much stock into the supernatural so I don’t know much, though it… can be uncanny how many things are close to being correct in the nomad myths.”
Nature? Not something I expected, but I suppose predators worshiping aspects of nature isn't inconceivable when it's their hunting grounds. Though, it was worrying to hear a predator getting nervous about their own belief systems. “T-The nomads? You… you mentioned them before, Teh… Tesh, yes? W-What’s so b-bizarre about their beliefs?”
“Oh… yes! You actually rem-” The predator's volume spiked along with terror within my chest, but she stopped herself the moment I flinched away.
“O-Oh, I… I didn't mean to shout, s-sorry. They just can be… curious. Really secretive and stubborn about sharing their lores with us but we had some of their legends written down from centuries back and they always just… seem to know things, or at least, are close to vaguely knowing things they really shouldn't until modern times.”
Not that I have much faith in anything she says to me, but my skepticism was certainly beginning to grow. “W-What do you mean, like what?”
“Where can I even start? From what we can tell they always had an obsession with the night sky, but what’s kinda scary is that they have star charts showing surprisingly correct models of our system, with planets that are invisible to the naked eye… a-and later proven real with the invention of telescopes. M-Most were anyway, except for the supposed distant ones.
They knew of new continents and their rough shapes before they were even discovered, they had vague beliefs about the world and basic biology that weren’t too far off from reality if you exclude all the mysticism. They say that their gods granted them knowledge, I… sometimes find it difficult to explain it any other way.”
I've heard of faiths from half the Galaxy, but never had anyone tell me about getting preordained knowledge about science before. “Centuries you say, erm… I-if I were to b-believe you… are you sure t-these nomads haven’t been contacted by other aliens before o-or something?”
“Hah, if you dig around the internet for long enough I’m sure you’d stumbled upon some conspiracy about the Tesh somehow coming from Tielen or something crazier, but I really doubt that.” She chuckled to herself, before abruptly stopping and looking at me with crooked ears. “W-Wait, you… y-you don't know tha- I… I'll tell you later.”
Something about that answer felt off, b-but I couldn’t pinpoint what. “T-These nomads… a- are they just as frightening as y-you…?”
“I'm not frightening, Talyn… but, I suppose if you need a comparison, erm… I guess you might be a tiny bit taller than your average Tesh if you stood on your back legs, take that however you like.”
That much of a difference, i-is she serious?! T-there really might be another species here… t-two predators species o-on the same world?! That… that just can’t be right, p-predators would see another race as competition, a-and she doesn't speak of them as an enemy… m-maybe it's some weaker subspecies that's tolerated enough to not be driven to extinction?
“A-Alright… e-enough about that, p-please.” Whatever the truth is, the last thing I want to hear about is how diverse in form the monsters I’m surrounded by are, n-not when the whole point of us leaving federation space was to evade a pair of hunters… j-just like herself.
It felt… wrong, just considering this question that came to my mind, but having contact with a speaking monster, willing to answer any question… it sowed a certain level of morbid curiosity that couldn’t be ignored. “W- w-what do you feel when you go on a hunt, when you c-catch prey? D-Do you… do you do it often?”
I took a gulp when those words left my lips, but Variah just tilted her head at me as if my query made less sense than warp drive engineering. “When I hunt? Talyn I… I don’t hunt, not anymore anyway. My uncle took me a few times when I was younger, but it’s not something that I, or most people, do on a regular basis… it's not really my thing either.”
“Yo- you don't go hunting?! Y-You’re a carnivore, h-how… how d-do you g-get flesh?!”
“At the market…” Her voice sounded exasperated, like the apparently non-hunting predator couldn’t believe I had to ask.
Having to Imagine these demons selling bodies at a store like they’re some commodities is nothing short of horror, likely coming from cattle farms if most of them really don’t hunt, b-but… it’s inconceivable that a predator would forgo their own personal blood drive and delegate hunting to someone else… n-not her thing?
“Y-You still hunted prey b-before, w-what did you feel when… w-when you k-killed them?”
The predator looked unsure what to say, looking to the side and rubbing her ear. “I… I only managed to shoot something once, I… I guess I felt a rush at the time, pride… along with some pity for the thing. Again, it’s not something I liked, but I don’t feel bad about it, Talyn… I’m sorry if that’s not something you want to hear from me.”
Despondence grew within my heart as she confessed to having no remorse for the life taken, y-yet, she understands enough compassion to attempt alleviating my feelings about it? With a meek voice I tried to speak up again. “B-But… c-couldn’t you just s-stop eating f-flesh? Y-You can eat r-roots and f-fruit, e-even if i-it needs to be b-burnt… t-there is no need for m-murder.”
“Murder?” Variah looked at me in confusion, lingering a concentrated gaze on me for some time. “Talyn… why do you think carnivores eat meat?”
“T-To sate your b-bloodlust… t-they say you c-can’t help yourself, i-it's in your instincts to k-kill.” Variah furrowed her eyes at me and pinned back her ears, though this time it didn’t come off as stress, rather… bewilderment?
“Listen, we eat meat because it’s a physical nutritional need. We can’t eat plant matter like you do because we lack the right enzymes to digest it properly, and regardless of that, meat has proteins my body can’t synthesize on its own so I would eventually starve to death if I ate nothing but plants, cooked or not.”
She grabbed both ears and started rubbing them in an anxious manner. “Sure, instincts do play a role in how predators behave… any creature with specific biological needs had to evolve a drive to fulfill those needs, but it’s about survival, not some… some constant mind consuming lust for carnage?”
“Y-You really expect me to b-believe that you won’t start drooling t-the moment you feel hungry?!”
Variah’s paws moved from her ears and down on her forehead, staring straight at the floor for a few seconds with a fatigued posture before sliding her paws down again to hide her snout as she started to… c-chuckling? “By the gods. I hope you won’t… but if you’re still worried that much my belly’s all full right now, so you have nothing to be concerned about.”
Is she… is she finding this funny!? The thought of her being fully sated with corpses just sent a shiver down my spine, I don’t even think she realizes how morbid the comment was but I could only feel bitter in the moment. “H- how l-lovely for y-you… t-that just makes me feel s-so much b-better.”
Variah narrowed her eyes and slowly looked in my direction, causing mine to widen in response. The silver predator raised a paw and extended it towards my face.
Dread shot through my heart, forcing me to flinch away and shut my eyes before the horrid demon made contact and I squealed in terror, b-but… instead of her claws flaying me alive, I only felt a harsh flick across my ear. “You must be feeling all great now after all if you’re willing to speak with so much spite.”
Cautiously, my eyes opened to see Variah leaning close, her increased proximity immediately sending off alarm bells in my head. However, the overgrown demon just sat there still with closed eyes and perked up ears, holding out a clenched paw in front of me, with only the pinky extended forward.
I just stared at her for a moment, unsure what she wanted me to do before finally recoiling my arm back with a mix of scorn and trepidation when I figured out her attempted gesture. Contemplating my actions here, then contemplating her’s…
B-before averting my gaze from the demon and lowering my arm, and… a-and deciding to cautiously raise my arm, hovering a shaking paw right before the demon’s digit a-and managing to grab on, n-not fully sure of every reason why I did it?
It felt… wrong, loathsome, holding onto a predator, b-but some part of me liked feeling her warmth. She didn’t react at first, but after a few seconds Variah’s digit curled in on itself and pressed my paw against her other knuckles… It surprised me, b-but, it didn’t feel like a grip I couldn’t get away from if I let go now, s-so I just sat there for a moment, taking in how surreal the situation had become.
“See…” Variah finally decided to speak up as I raised my gaze to meet the strange predator once again. “I’m not as terrifying as you think.”
An odd mix of emotions went through my head, b-before I finally let go of her. “Y-you are… y-you just… c-could be w-worse.”
The silver beast seemed disappointed for a moment, but her overall demeanor seemed more positive than before. “Heh, I guess that’s an improvement so I’ll take it, for now.”
For once, I’ve seen Variah’s ears pointed to full height, and she… she really didn’t seem as frightening, m-making my ear rise a little higher too, awkwardly sitting in a crooked manner. “H-heh… y-you… you are a s-strange being, Variah… n-not how I could have e-ever imagined. You… d-do you really not like hunting?”
“Not really, no, if you're willing to believe it… though I won’t lie, I do enjoy the outdoors aspects of it. The hiking, the camping… get to do it a ton for my main line of work.”
The most arduous parts of working in the wild? Why would a scientist have to work in the wilds anyway? “W-What do you actually d-do? A-and, w-why are you here now?”
“Many things, but primarily astronomy and anthropology work. We survey the night sky deep in nomad territory because their communities produce far less light pollution, so I tend to have a ton of contact with the tribals. These are usually joint ventures with archaeology and zoology teams, so we regularly assist with each other's work too.”
“As for why I’m here, the military swooped me up once the dust settled long enough to know that it wasn’t space debris that landed on our world. I… I wrote a paper about a hypothetical first contact with extraterrestrials, and how it could play out based on cultural interactions throughout history… turns out that was enough for the government when they were scrambling to find scientific personnel capable of contributing with an alien encounter.”
It was bizarre hearing that hunters would care about so many fields of study. At best I thought they would focus on utilitarian pursuits, not something as frivolous as archeology. Much less would I have expected that predators would be speculating about aliens. “H-Have you imagined f-first contact going like this?”
“I- I didn't even think we would ever have an actual first contact, n-not in my lifetime… with the distances involved the chances of an encounter were literally astronomical, at least, until we learnt about your physics-breaking technology. Realistically, the best I ever hoped for was living long enough to watch someone land on Tsn, or hell, even our other moon… When they told me what I was meant to do here and got rushed into this room with you, I… I thought I would faint.”
The last bit left a tinge of guilt within my heart, even though it’s for a beast that technically shouldn’t deserve it. My glare just lingered on Variah while listening to the giant predator spill her woes and dreams like any actual sapient being in the Galaxy. It feels… d-dreadful, l-like there was actually someone I could have liked had they not been trapped within that body.
S-Still… I found myself with a need to answer back, turning away from her direct sight. “I- I’m sorry about that, I guess.” I really am going crazy here, aren’t I?
My eyes found themselves staring off at the ceiling while the silver predator just tilted her creepy head at me in a puzzled manner, lingering her unnerving eyes before finally answering back. “You don't have to worry about it… but thanks.”
Nothing more was spoken between us for several seconds, the extended silence drawing more attention to the strangeness of the situation I found myself in, until the moment was cut short and without warning a buzzer sounded over the door.
An ominous voice came online from the speakers, announcing that guards were about to escort me for another set of experiments. Something that left off, and must have also taken Variah off guard judging by her shift in demeanor. “More tests? Strange… nothing else was scheduled for today.”
The door began to cycle through its opening sequence and my anxiety flaring back up to how it was before, shivering, as the sudden break in routine caused an impending sense of doom once I realized that something even more nefarious could be afoot.
It could be futile, but my eyes snapped around the room looking for something, anything that could keep me safe if the worst came to pass, until they landed upon Variah… and the silver predator glanced back at me. Scanning over my current state with concern in her eyes, y- yet again contradicting what her nature should be truly.
A- a desperate thought crossed my mind, s-something… completely unthinkable, but no alternative seems at all feasible, a-and my time is drawing short. I- I cannot do this alone…
“Va- V-variah…” I hissed, my voice so weak that it's a shock that the beast managed to hear it even with those long ears. “P-please… You- you godda k-keep me s-safe.”
Her creepy eyes widened with shock, almosting freezing on the spot, but the predator recovered quickly, likely trying to look inconspicuous before glancing side to side and turning her head back to me with perked up ears.
“I- I promise I’ll do what I can…” She spoke in a low tone while reaching a giant paw towards my head. The sight of claws nearing my face compounding instinctive dread, but despite flinching once her palm made contact with my head, I- I didn’t shy away as much as before.
“On my honour. I just… need to figure out what’s going on first.” Variah took her paw away as the door hissed open, a-and for a moment m-my… my muscles twitched to pull her back before I stopped myself, u-unsure what compelled that impulse.
Two large guards stepped in, sporting fur dark as pitch and looking far more imposing than Variah ever could. “Doctor…” The demon spoke with a low tone that made my claws vibrate while slightly bowing his head in some form of greeting.
“I-is something wrong, sir? I wasn’t aware of any changes in the roster?” The silver predator appeared far meeker than the two beasts in front of her, though her demeanor didn’t suggest an expectation of being harmed by the two, despite her earlier treachery or our interactions from today.
“Nothing’s wrong Doctor, the administrator got a green light for a new line of research, so we’ve been ordered to escort the subject to the lower levels, please step out of the room.”
For a moment, something the demon said shook the silver predator, causing her head to snap in my direction with concern as I shuddered from the sight. “T-the lower levels? I thought those were shu-” She paused once looking back at the giant guard who seemed to be running out of patience. “R-right, apologies, I’m on my way.”
The silver predator moved sheepishly towards the door, lingering at the threshold to look my way one final time, clear concern painted on her face, at least before perking up her ears in what looked like a vain attempt at reassuring me and ducking out of the room soon after.
I- I guess it was just a deranged fantasy ever considering that begging some carnivore for help would materialize into anything. Now I was left alone with two demonic shadows ordering me out of the bed. My muscles weakened when their voices called, with nauseating sickness almost making me vomit from overwhelming dread.
However, following their commands was preferable to these monsters dragging me off by force so I just climbed down the frame, disheartened, and almost collapsed on the floor before letting the demons lead me into deeper depths.
First/Previous/Next
Special thanks to u/TheWalrusResplendent and u/Killsode-slugcat for proof reading this chapter. The help is always greatly appreciated.
Hope you all enjoyed the chapter, been a while since we saw what Talyn. We'll be back with Kafny next chapter to see how she'll adapt to her new situation.
submitted by Demon_Deity to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
First/Previous/Next
Variah hasn’t stopped visiting this cage… t-though, I try to limit exchanging words with the beast as her proximity gnaws at my nerves to no end. Her moving maw leaves an unobstructed view at a row of endless pointed teeth that could easily crush through Sivkit bones, if at any moment she deemed that her desire. However, after all this time… she hadn't mauled me yet.
Nor did any of the other, more openly wicked beasts let their instincts get the better of them either, so I suspect that these demons can reign in their bloodlust better than the Arxur can, a-at least for practical reasons, but I don't exactly want to put that to a test. D-Damnit, why is she doing this? It’s difficult to keep my mind off it when everything else was a failure.
I… I’ve been trying to find a way to break free ever since the predator keeping me company gave her warning about the rest of her kind. N-not that I needed any monster to clue me in on their malicious intent or more prompting to look for a way out of here, but so far, any avenue to escape seems completely futile, at least… f-for now. Can’t give up.
J-Just remember your training… t-though it’s not exactly useful here.
Most of my guild practice had me safely locked within a medical wagon, waiting around on standby in case a front line exterminator suffered a mauling. I- I don’t have enough personal experience with this sort of thing to keep myself level headed, t-to know what to do, b-but… but I’ve heard stories from my… f-from my now ex-colleagues, about retrieving escaped convicts back for treatment.
I- I could take a few pages out of their play book, copy how they got out of their facilities and avoid falling for the same pitfalls that got them found. E-Even if doing so would be more than unorthodox, but… I c-can’t just sit around forever.
Even if for now all I can do is watch out for opportunities, think and plan.
Occasionally, the scientists lead me out of this box to conduct new experiments. I was hoping to find something useful when taken from these confines but I'm always trailed by those towering guards who never take their vicious eyes off me, or let me step out of line… or even let the scientists come too close when not instructed to. The director's men, as I've heard the so-called doctors call them while whispering amongst themselves; e-evidently also afraid of the beastly soldiers.
T-There are cameras everywhere, in every hallway and almost in every room. The few that don’t have them always have a beast there present with me, rarely taking an eye off me, so I can’t bet on finding a blindspot outside this room.
Main doors are locked with codes and keycards, but that doesn't matter much because if I managed to get my paws on a set I'd need to carry around a damned stool to reach a security pad while standing on my hind toes because of these giant freaks. Not even knowing where any door leads since I can't read their scratchy script.
Worse yet, from what I could tell while eavesdropping…
This facility is built at least several levels underground, and it’s located near the outskirts of a m-major predator population center. Meaning that any exits going “topside” had to be intentionally dug out by design, and almost definitely surveyed by guards and cameras.
Only to be surrounded by a countless horde of sapient predators once I got out, a-and… given that I’m at the edge of a monster city and how untamed my crash area appeared, the zone marked for emergency landing for all falling vessels, I… I must have been taken far from any other Sivkit survivors on this planet.
C-Constantly watched, locked and isolated. E-Everything, everything is stacked up against me… D-Damnit, j-just, just move forward, k-keep thinking… I-Ironically, my best bet for escape might be in this very room.
A ventilation duct right behind the bed, t-the only one I could reach with pipes that look wide enough to squeeze into if I managed to get the grate off, c-climb up, if that’s p-possible, u- until I feel fresh air.
The glass screen is positioned on the other side of the bed, with the grate being obscured further by the counter at the bedside and I’ve noticed that the cameras start moving back and forth at night, or at least, when the lights shut off, possibly going into an automated mode when the beasts stop watching the cell… t- the demons have to sleep too at some point I suppose, n-no better time to try.
Every couple of minutes as the cameras move, the lenses line up away from the bed for a few seconds at a time, granting me one consistent blindspot where I could fiddle with the screws if I kept my paw hanging off the bed when pretending to sleep.
But the damned grate is bolted in too tight.
I tried using my claws as an improvised screwdriver, wedging them into the divots and twisting… but those attempts only cost me a few nails with nothing to show for it. So if I had kept it up eventually the predators could notice that all my claws were suddenly wearing away. The demons would scour every surface for the cause, not something I can risk if I want to hold onto the only possible escape route I could find.
I just need something metal… something that wasn’t initially in shortage before I figured out the truth and tried to defend myself, i-if only I managed to maintain a cooler head back than… D-damnit, still at square zero, f-for now, I- I just need to bide my time… h-however long I might have.
T-The predator scientists seem to be conducting more and more redundant tests now, w-with some beginning to whisper about getting started on more t-thorough research, especially when they think I’m out of ear shot. I… I might not have long left before they just decide to dissect me.
“You hanging in there, Talyn?” A long dull claw poked my cheek, sending sharp shivers through my core.
It jolted me back to reality and forced me to regain awareness of the silver predator looming by the bedside, w-whose presence slipped my mind after a-somehow allowing my guard down around her.
“Heh, doesn’t really look like you’ve taken a liking to the book… you’ve been staring at the wall for a while now.” Variah’s voice almost sounded dejected, her head pointed down at the bizarre novel while flipping through its yellowed pages in an apathetic manner.
All I could do was lay behind the covers, grasping onto them as if they could shield me if the demon had a shift in whims, poking my head out while unable to look away as fur all along my back raised with pins and needles shooting through my skin.
An uncomfortable silence swept the room when Variah's horrid eyes began staring down at me, t-though… t-they almost looked tired and unmotivated, like they were begging for something?
“Ah-I… I spaced out for a minute, ah- I’m s-sorry.” The predator raised a single ear at me, s-surprised that I actually answered her this time, and I… I'm not s-sure why I did it either.
Her ears perked up a little, while I briefly flinched away as she opened up her maw, but quickly found that she only did so to speak again. “You don’t have to apologize, I… I can stop reading if you don’t want to hear it?”
The question actually paused me for a minute, a part of me couldn’t stand having to bare a predator’s presence constantly while hearing her voice narrating some damned book that doesn’t make the slightest bit of sense, but I… partly hating myself for it, but I p-prefer hearing Variah’s voice over the quiet, e-even if it's wrong to be listening to a predator. “Y-you… you can c-contiunue… p-please.”
Variah huffed to herself, keeping her ears pinned back in an awkward manner while lingering a strange, unnerving gaze on me for an uncomfortable minute, before turning back to the book and raising her ears up a little. “Alright, alright… I’ll just start over with the chapter.”
“O-Okay…” I muttered, but it made no difference either way. It’s not like I was even able to listen fully while all those things are constantly prowling around me, my instincts getting the better of me… or, with every clashing thought swirling around my mind. About what happened, about what they are?
B-But I got bits and pieces here and there, just enough to roughly know what’s going on. It detracts from everything dire, but I… I can allow myself this one distraction from this place. Even if willingly indulging in some predator’s work just makes my core feel vile. Though, from what I’ve followed, it… it feels like listening to a lie, n-not like the type of fantasy a predator should either read or write about, but that thing looks far too old to be a forgery for my sake.
“For two years their engines roared, two years of steady descent as long white trails of plasma were cast forth into the inky void, decelerating the wanderer on their journey before the antimatter drives were cut and the great vessel came to a halt on its final destination, after centuries, settling into orbit around Aldiel star.
Awe and wonder resonated from the crew, the voyage was long, with countless wonders and detours on their journey through the Galaxy, but it has been twelve-hundred years since the 1st generation set them on this path, twelve-hundred years so that the 48th could bask in the light of the star that guided their ancestors since the days of wind and sails.
And, since it’s mysterious call beckoned them into the stars…”
Variah’s voice filled the room with considerable mirth in her tone despite her prior hints at treachery… doing a far too convincing job at masking that her prior warning ever happened. Though I- I might be going crazy… but there’s almost an air of stress o-or sadness behind her horrid eyes.
S-Somehow, I… I’m not sure what to think about that predator.
She doesn't fit in with the rest of the beasts roaming around this facility, and for a second… You could almost forget that she's a natural hunter, that the being sitting by my side didn’t evolve to kill and gorge on flesh like the rest of them because those facts clash against the image painted right before my eyes.
The same frightening figure doing something as innocuous as reading through a novel by my bedside, as- as if I was some lost child cooped up in a Zurulian nursery.
However, the beast herself went through apparent lengths to reaffirm my sense of danger here while displaying a clear aptitude towards deception, lying even to her own kind… i-it seems foolish to doubt their nature now.
Y-Yet… seeing her yapping about some fiction novel with such glee, I… I can’t exactly see a monster cut from the same cloth as the Arxur. No Grey in existence would ever try to help prey, nor would they ever produce a novel, much less the contents in this one.
P-Predator explorers traveling across the stars in so-called generation ships, i-it’s… r-rather dumb, honestly. The idea of anyone being crazy enough to cross the void without FTL is ridiculous, though, p-predators fantasizing about it is certainly terrifying. I-imagining what lengths they could go to breach their system… I should be happy that the primitive hunters apparently deluded themselves into believing that super luminal speeds are impossible… at least, until we came along, a-and broke that notion for them.
W-when Variah said the book was a story about their vision for space travel I thought I’d be faced with an early glimpse into the nightmarish future we just created. A ravenous horde of canide demons unleashed to murder their way across the stars, if they got their claws on our FTL tech. Bombing worlds, enslaving cultures and spilling blood before tearing into sapient flesh. Y-Yet, that wasn’t in the pages… t-the opposite was.
Wanderers going from system to system, discovering new life, new wonders, new people… and embracing them with open arms instead of clenching teeth, even if by their own perception that life seemed incomprehensible or monstrous… i- initially, at least.
I… I don’t know.
The predators must have been under the delusion that most sapient life would be just as flesh craving as they are before I spilled the truth, with only a few chapters depicting contact with herbivore species, this being portrayed as some unique encounters, a-and… p-peaceful, n-no hunting, no war. W-Why?
Comparably, there were just as little chapters depicting conflict altogether, n-nothing that would delve into their true nature, a-at least… n-not what their nature s-should be.
It's d-difficult to reconcile everything I’ve heard with what we know about predatory minds, with the confessed threat lurking within this facility, though I can’t exactly ignore it either… I-It doesn’t seem like hunger alone drives these monsters, not like the Greys… t-then what does?
T-There… There was a moment where I almost wanted to just ask, t-though I stopped myself before I could do something that stupid. D-Damnit… What am I even doing listening to that damned thing?
Those weren’t the only things that stuck out while listening, more peculiar passages here and there… from what I can tell these beasts hold a strong aversion towards foreign diseases.
With characters being weary of exposing themselves to alien atmospheres before developing cures and vaccines, or trying to prevent their own predator sicknesses from spreading onto other worlds. It explains the suits from earlier, and why some of the predators wear them even now, but not so much the reason for the alarm in the first place… I would have thought that carnivores should be accustomed to carrying pathogens?
Stranger is that they seem to expect to find life in almost every system, even among inhospitable worlds with characters being surprised to find a barren system, or that “there is only one habitable world around the star.”
Or when finding extinct civilizations… a- and mourning their loss.
I-It’s… it’s not like life is rare in the galaxy, but Grand Herd scouts would weep in joy if someone ever found a corner of space as fertile as envisioned. It's… odd, usually its the opposite for species that developed electricity on their own and found the universe quiet, e-except th-the Verin and Onkari… a pair species.
E-Earlier, it sounded like Variah mentioned some others, w-with some notable differences from her. C-Could there… Considering their views about herbivores, t-than it would be a… n-no, I- I don’t know. W-What are the c-chances, and p-predators would conquer any neighbors… r-right?
D-Damnit, I-I’m just going insane in this… this glorified cattle pen, t-trapped for who knows how long? J-Just questioning myself, w-with no one but horrid predators.
Argh! This book! It… i-it really isn’t something a predator should indulge in. Yet some sapient beast wrote it, w-while Variah seems enamored with that thing, the covers seemingly worn from use. What could a hunter like her see in a story almost void of violence?
Reading through the pages with perked up ears, while casting the occasional glance at me to make sure I’m not totally ignoring her, a w-weary look painted on her ugly face.
Sh- e-earlier she mentioned that… t-that she reads that thing during dark times, i-is… is now… No, w-why are you thinking about that now? How can I trust a single word coming out of that maw? I-It could all just be manipulation a-and you’d be falling right into it like s-some dumb, p-predator-brained Venlil?!
T-Though if… if she isn’t as… D-Damnit, my time might be running out, a-and I’m short of options. If there’s even a slim chance that she’s not lying, I… d-despite what she is, despite better judgment, I… I wish I could count her as an ally in this horrid place, w-without fearing any ulterior motives she could have for trying to help me earlier.
If they were the Greys, I could chuck it up to hunger for alien flesh, s-some ploy to get everything for herself… but that doesn’t seem so clear anymore, when their… agitation doesn’t seem focused on their cravings, and when Variah stands out further from the other demons… She must have had a reason.
This… t-this is incredibly foolish, b-but I clenched my shivering paws and cautiously turned my head towards the demon, taking a shaken breath and opening my mouth to speak. “V-variah…?”
The huntress paused some senseless tangent about dyson swarms and ring worlds, whatever that even was… before turning her horrid eyes on me in a quizzical manner and forcing me to gulp after managing to grab her full attention.
“W-Why… w-why are you not like t-the others?”
The silver demon stared at me for a moment with confusion, before taking a claw underneath her chin and scratching while glancing to the side as if looking for an answer. “Oh- erm… My mother hailed from a nation in the far, far south, the native people have similar coats on that continent. Why?”
Coat? “Wha- n-no, I-I mean, why a-are you here, w-why are you s-so interested in aliens? T-The others, t-they are… t-they are more h-hostile, c-cold, y-you aren’t?”
“Ohh, I see… There might be many reasons, Talyn, but I think most are just scared.” Variah looked away from me and pointed her eyes towards the ceiling before continuing on.
“Everything on Valh was turned on its head when you crashed, and no one knows what's going to happen, or what your people even want… but so far their actions haven’t made you seem very approachable, and your reaction to us hasn’t exactly reassured anyone here either.”
“S-Scared… O-Of us? Y-you can't be s-serious, p-predators c-can’t feel true f-fear, n-not because of p-prey, you- you c-cause fear…” She paused and stared at me for a few uncomfortable seconds, her ears pinned tight to her skull while ducking her head a little more at my comment.
“You have some… interesting views Talyn, I have to say. The things you say… they can be quite silly sometimes. Of Course we have fear, I… erm, people thought the world was ending because of the flashes, because of your ships meteoring through the damn sky… Do you really think no one was scared?”
T-There was a pleading glint within her exasperated eyes, paired with ears that stayed pinned to the back of her skull as a paw rose up to hide her face. This… t-this doesn't feel like a fake reaction.
I… d-don't know, m-maybe if… If they did misidentify our burning ships as hurling meteors then it would make sense even for predators to experience the same amount of dread as herbivores do, though I can’t see those instincts sticking once we hit the ground, f- fear of the unknown then? W-What c-could predators fear in the unknown, b-bigger predators?
“I-If they are acting out of f-fear… T-Then why are you so different? A-Are you not s-scared… i-is that w-why you are fascinated by aliens, m-more willing to be approached?”
“Gods, of course I'm scared, I just… have hope that things won't turn out for the worst… and no, it’s nothing to do with fear. I've been interested in this sort of thing since I was a teen, in large part due to this very book… I must have read it cover to cover just about a hundred times.”
“B-But why? W-why would a- a being like you care for something like that?”
“I… I'm not sure, it's nice to read something optimistic, no? I got it from my parents when the world didn't seem so hopeful, I’d read it all the time whenever they went away… I guess it was a nice distraction during the war… now it’s something I can remember them by.”
The predator's long ears slumped low as she closed the novel, slowly tracing clawed digits across its sealed pages while staring at the worn out cover, eventually putting it back into the bag. Are… are her progenitors dead? Y-You could imagine a predator cub feeling despair when losing a vital guardian that was keeping them alive, n-not a fully mature one.
“Y-You have families?”
“Heh, of course we do, big ones usually, is that not common?”
“I-It… it is.” My body shuddered knowing that these terrifying beings come in large groups, something that goes counter to the anti-social nature of the Arxur, however my reaction caused the silver predator to grow even more despondent.
“Ahh… monsters aren't meant to have families, no?” Her long snout pointed down at the floor while crossing her paws together. I-It was such a strange feeling seeing her like this, i-in such a passive state next to prey… o-only drawing her image further than the beasts we know.
“M-Monsters d-don’t… b-but you do… I- I don't r-really understand w-what you are.”
Variah raised one ear at me, slowly pointing her head half way in my direction before lingering a stare from a single eye. “You… can always ask, you know. I’ll answer anything you want to know, just like before. What do you want to hear?”
J-Just ask? H-Heh… i-it can’t exactly be the same once you know you’re talking to a flesh eater, though, I… I think these beasts have to be a tamer breed of monsters than the Arxur, c-closer to true sapience, a-at least compared to those cursed reptiles. D-Damn, what harm could finding out more about their nature really do?
“A-Alright… I- I don’t know, l-let me think…” My thoughts traced over our conversation, until they landed upon something that stood out, o-one of many things not fitting of a predator. “E-Earlier you mentioned gods, d-do you have a religion?”
“Many. I don’t believe in anything of the sort myself, not really anyway… but most of my family prays to the old gods. People all around Valh most commonly follow the new pantheon and the nomad faiths it originated from.”
“M-Many? Okay then… w-what do you p-predators believe in then?”
“It depends, I guess… Most gods are meant to embody a part of nature in some way, the popular ones usually correspond to some star or celestial object in the sky… like I said I don't really put much stock into the supernatural so I don’t know much, though it… can be uncanny how many things are close to being correct in the nomad myths.”
Nature? Not something I expected, but I suppose predators worshiping aspects of nature isn't inconceivable when it's their hunting grounds. Though, it was worrying to hear a predator getting nervous about their own belief systems. “T-The nomads? You… you mentioned them before, Teh… Tesh, yes? W-What’s so b-bizarre about their beliefs?”
“Oh… yes! You actually rem-” The predator's volume spiked along with terror within my chest, but she stopped herself the moment I flinched away.
“O-Oh, I… I didn't mean to shout, s-sorry. They just can be… curious. Really secretive and stubborn about sharing their lores with us but we had some of their legends written down from centuries back and they always just… seem to know things, or at least, are close to vaguely knowing things they really shouldn't until modern times.”
Not that I have much faith in anything she says to me, but my skepticism was certainly beginning to grow. “W-What do you mean, like what?”
“Where can I even start? From what we can tell they always had an obsession with the night sky, but what’s kinda scary is that they have star charts showing surprisingly correct models of our system, with planets that are invisible to the naked eye… a-and later proven real with the invention of telescopes. M-Most were anyway, except for the supposed distant ones.
They knew of new continents and their rough shapes before they were even discovered, they had vague beliefs about the world and basic biology that weren’t too far off from reality if you exclude all the mysticism. They say that their gods granted them knowledge, I… sometimes find it difficult to explain it any other way.”
I've heard of faiths from half the Galaxy, but never had anyone tell me about getting preordained knowledge about science before. “Centuries you say, erm… I-if I were to b-believe you… are you sure t-these nomads haven’t been contacted by other aliens before o-or something?”
“Hah, if you dig around the internet for long enough I’m sure you’d stumbled upon some conspiracy about the Tesh somehow coming from Tielen or something crazier, but I really doubt that.” She chuckled to herself, before abruptly stopping and looking at me with crooked ears. “W-Wait, you… y-you don't know tha- I… I'll tell you later.”
Something about that answer felt off, b-but I couldn’t pinpoint what. “T-These nomads… a- are they just as frightening as y-you…?”
“I'm not frightening, Talyn… but, I suppose if you need a comparison, erm… I guess you might be a tiny bit taller than your average Tesh if you stood on your back legs, take that however you like.”
That much of a difference, i-is she serious?! T-there really might be another species here… t-two predators species o-on the same world?! That… that just can’t be right, p-predators would see another race as competition, a-and she doesn't speak of them as an enemy… m-maybe it's some weaker subspecies that's tolerated enough to not be driven to extinction?
“A-Alright… e-enough about that, p-please.” Whatever the truth is, the last thing I want to hear about is how diverse in form the monsters I’m surrounded by are, n-not when the whole point of us leaving federation space was to evade a pair of hunters… j-just like herself.
It felt… wrong, just considering this question that came to my mind, but having contact with a speaking monster, willing to answer any question… it sowed a certain level of morbid curiosity that couldn’t be ignored. “W- w-what do you feel when you go on a hunt, when you c-catch prey? D-Do you… do you do it often?”
I took a gulp when those words left my lips, but Variah just tilted her head at me as if my query made less sense than warp drive engineering. “When I hunt? Talyn I… I don’t hunt, not anymore anyway. My uncle took me a few times when I was younger, but it’s not something that I, or most people, do on a regular basis… it's not really my thing either.”
“Yo- you don't go hunting?! Y-You’re a carnivore, h-how… how d-do you g-get flesh?!”
“At the market…” Her voice sounded exasperated, like the apparently non-hunting predator couldn’t believe I had to ask.
Having to Imagine these demons selling bodies at a store like they’re some commodities is nothing short of horror, likely coming from cattle farms if most of them really don’t hunt, b-but… it’s inconceivable that a predator would forgo their own personal blood drive and delegate hunting to someone else… n-not her thing?
“Y-You still hunted prey b-before, w-what did you feel when… w-when you k-killed them?”
The predator looked unsure what to say, looking to the side and rubbing her ear. “I… I only managed to shoot something once, I… I guess I felt a rush at the time, pride… along with some pity for the thing. Again, it’s not something I liked, but I don’t feel bad about it, Talyn… I’m sorry if that’s not something you want to hear from me.”
Despondence grew within my heart as she confessed to having no remorse for the life taken, y-yet, she understands enough compassion to attempt alleviating my feelings about it? With a meek voice I tried to speak up again. “B-But… c-couldn’t you just s-stop eating f-flesh? Y-You can eat r-roots and f-fruit, e-even if i-it needs to be b-burnt… t-there is no need for m-murder.”
“Murder?” Variah looked at me in confusion, lingering a concentrated gaze on me for some time. “Talyn… why do you think carnivores eat meat?”
“T-To sate your b-bloodlust… t-they say you c-can’t help yourself, i-it's in your instincts to k-kill.” Variah furrowed her eyes at me and pinned back her ears, though this time it didn’t come off as stress, rather… bewilderment?
“Listen, we eat meat because it’s a physical nutritional need. We can’t eat plant matter like you do because we lack the right enzymes to digest it properly, and regardless of that, meat has proteins my body can’t synthesize on its own so I would eventually starve to death if I ate nothing but plants, cooked or not.”
She grabbed both ears and started rubbing them in an anxious manner. “Sure, instincts do play a role in how predators behave… any creature with specific biological needs had to evolve a drive to fulfill those needs, but it’s about survival, not some… some constant mind consuming lust for carnage?”
“Y-You really expect me to b-believe that you won’t start drooling t-the moment you feel hungry?!”
Variah’s paws moved from her ears and down on her forehead, staring straight at the floor for a few seconds with a fatigued posture before sliding her paws down again to hide her snout as she started to… c-chuckling? “By the gods. I hope you won’t… but if you’re still worried that much my belly’s all full right now, so you have nothing to be concerned about.”
Is she… is she finding this funny!? The thought of her being fully sated with corpses just sent a shiver down my spine, I don’t even think she realizes how morbid the comment was but I could only feel bitter in the moment. “H- how l-lovely for y-you… t-that just makes me feel s-so much b-better.”
Variah narrowed her eyes and slowly looked in my direction, causing mine to widen in response. The silver predator raised a paw and extended it towards my face.
Dread shot through my heart, forcing me to flinch away and shut my eyes before the horrid demon made contact and I squealed in terror, b-but… instead of her claws flaying me alive, I only felt a harsh flick across my ear. “You must be feeling all great now after all if you’re willing to speak with so much spite.”
Cautiously, my eyes opened to see Variah leaning close, her increased proximity immediately sending off alarm bells in my head. However, the overgrown demon just sat there still with closed eyes and perked up ears, holding out a clenched paw in front of me, with only the pinky extended forward.
I just stared at her for a moment, unsure what she wanted me to do before finally recoiling my arm back with a mix of scorn and trepidation when I figured out her attempted gesture. Contemplating my actions here, then contemplating her’s…
B-before averting my gaze from the demon and lowering my arm, and… a-and deciding to cautiously raise my arm, hovering a shaking paw right before the demon’s digit a-and managing to grab on, n-not fully sure of every reason why I did it?
It felt… wrong, loathsome, holding onto a predator, b-but some part of me liked feeling her warmth. She didn’t react at first, but after a few seconds Variah’s digit curled in on itself and pressed my paw against her other knuckles… It surprised me, b-but, it didn’t feel like a grip I couldn’t get away from if I let go now, s-so I just sat there for a moment, taking in how surreal the situation had become.
“See…” Variah finally decided to speak up as I raised my gaze to meet the strange predator once again. “I’m not as terrifying as you think.”
An odd mix of emotions went through my head, b-before I finally let go of her. “Y-you are… y-you just… c-could be w-worse.”
The silver beast seemed disappointed for a moment, but her overall demeanor seemed more positive than before. “Heh, I guess that’s an improvement so I’ll take it, for now.”
For once, I’ve seen Variah’s ears pointed to full height, and she… she really didn’t seem as frightening, m-making my ear rise a little higher too, awkwardly sitting in a crooked manner. “H-heh… y-you… you are a s-strange being, Variah… n-not how I could have e-ever imagined. You… d-do you really not like hunting?”
“Not really, no, if you're willing to believe it… though I won’t lie, I do enjoy the outdoors aspects of it. The hiking, the camping… get to do it a ton for my main line of work.”
The most arduous parts of working in the wild? Why would a scientist have to work in the wilds anyway? “W-What do you actually d-do? A-and, w-why are you here now?”
“Many things, but primarily astronomy and anthropology work. We survey the night sky deep in nomad territory because their communities produce far less light pollution, so I tend to have a ton of contact with the tribals. These are usually joint ventures with archaeology and zoology teams, so we regularly assist with each other's work too.”
“As for why I’m here, the military swooped me up once the dust settled long enough to know that it wasn’t space debris that landed on our world. I… I wrote a paper about a hypothetical first contact with extraterrestrials, and how it could play out based on cultural interactions throughout history… turns out that was enough for the government when they were scrambling to find scientific personnel capable of contributing with an alien encounter.”
It was bizarre hearing that hunters would care about so many fields of study. At best I thought they would focus on utilitarian pursuits, not something as frivolous as archeology. Much less would I have expected that predators would be speculating about aliens. “H-Have you imagined f-first contact going like this?”
“I- I didn't even think we would ever have an actual first contact, n-not in my lifetime… with the distances involved the chances of an encounter were literally astronomical, at least, until we learnt about your physics-breaking technology. Realistically, the best I ever hoped for was living long enough to watch someone land on Tsn, or hell, even our other moon… When they told me what I was meant to do here and got rushed into this room with you, I… I thought I would faint.”
The last bit left a tinge of guilt within my heart, even though it’s for a beast that technically shouldn’t deserve it. My glare just lingered on Variah while listening to the giant predator spill her woes and dreams like any actual sapient being in the Galaxy. It feels… d-dreadful, l-like there was actually someone I could have liked had they not been trapped within that body.
S-Still… I found myself with a need to answer back, turning away from her direct sight. “I- I’m sorry about that, I guess.” I really am going crazy here, aren’t I?
My eyes found themselves staring off at the ceiling while the silver predator just tilted her creepy head at me in a puzzled manner, lingering her unnerving eyes before finally answering back. “You don't have to worry about it… but thanks.”
Nothing more was spoken between us for several seconds, the extended silence drawing more attention to the strangeness of the situation I found myself in, until the moment was cut short and without warning a buzzer sounded over the door.
An ominous voice came online from the speakers, announcing that guards were about to escort me for another set of experiments. Something that left off, and must have also taken Variah off guard judging by her shift in demeanor. “More tests? Strange… nothing else was scheduled for today.”
The door began to cycle through its opening sequence and my anxiety flaring back up to how it was before, shivering, as the sudden break in routine caused an impending sense of doom once I realized that something even more nefarious could be afoot.
It could be futile, but my eyes snapped around the room looking for something, anything that could keep me safe if the worst came to pass, until they landed upon Variah… and the silver predator glanced back at me. Scanning over my current state with concern in her eyes, y- yet again contradicting what her nature should be truly.
A- a desperate thought crossed my mind, s-something… completely unthinkable, but no alternative seems at all feasible, a-and my time is drawing short. I- I cannot do this alone…
“Va- V-variah…” I hissed, my voice so weak that it's a shock that the beast managed to hear it even with those long ears. “P-please… You- you godda k-keep me s-safe.”
Her creepy eyes widened with shock, almosting freezing on the spot, but the predator recovered quickly, likely trying to look inconspicuous before glancing side to side and turning her head back to me with perked up ears.
“I- I promise I’ll do what I can…” She spoke in a low tone while reaching a giant paw towards my head. The sight of claws nearing my face compounding instinctive dread, but despite flinching once her palm made contact with my head, I- I didn’t shy away as much as before.
“On my honour. I just… need to figure out what’s going on first.” Variah took her paw away as the door hissed open, a-and for a moment m-my… my muscles twitched to pull her back before I stopped myself, u-unsure what compelled that impulse.
Two large guards stepped in, sporting fur dark as pitch and looking far more imposing than Variah ever could. “Doctor…” The demon spoke with a low tone that made my claws vibrate while slightly bowing his head in some form of greeting.
“I-is something wrong, sir? I wasn’t aware of any changes in the roster?” The silver predator appeared far meeker than the two beasts in front of her, though her demeanor didn’t suggest an expectation of being harmed by the two, despite her earlier treachery or our interactions from today.
“Nothing’s wrong Doctor, the administrator got a green light for a new line of research, so we’ve been ordered to escort the subject to the lower levels, please step out of the room.”
For a moment, something the demon said shook the silver predator, causing her head to snap in my direction with concern as I shuddered from the sight. “T-the lower levels? I thought those were shu-” She paused once looking back at the giant guard who seemed to be running out of patience. “R-right, apologies, I’m on my way.”
The silver predator moved sheepishly towards the door, lingering at the threshold to look my way one final time, clear concern painted on her face, at least before perking up her ears in what looked like a vain attempt at reassuring me and ducking out of the room soon after.
I- I guess it was just a deranged fantasy ever considering that begging some carnivore for help would materialize into anything. Now I was left alone with two demonic shadows ordering me out of the bed. My muscles weakened when their voices called, with nauseating sickness almost making me vomit from overwhelming dread.
However, following their commands was preferable to these monsters dragging me off by force so I just climbed down the frame, disheartened, and almost collapsed on the floor before letting the demons lead me into deeper depths.
Special thanks to u/TheWalrusResplendent and u/Killsode-slugcat for proof reading this chapter. The help is always greatly appreciated.
2024.06.01 21:31 Billy_NoMate List of every time more than 4 words fit a category
To clear up a common misconception that this is something that only happens extremely rarely, here's a list of every time more than 4 words have fit one of the categories and what number puzzle it occurred in. The first 4 words are the answers and every word after that in parenthesis are words that fit that category but were part of another group. Also, category names might not be exactly the same as the ones used.
Edit because some of the comments think I'm actually angry about Connections doing this: Some people think that I compiled this list because I'm anti-overlap when it's actually the opposite case. I actually like the overlap since I think it makes for a more interesting puzzle. I feel like every so often there's an angry comment about more than 4 words fitting a category and acting like this has never happened before so partially out of pettiness and a love of useless stats I decided to make this list to serve as proof that this has been a deliberate part of Connections since the start.
submitted by Billy_NoMate to NYTConnections [link] [comments]
Edit because some of the comments think I'm actually angry about Connections doing this: Some people think that I compiled this list because I'm anti-overlap when it's actually the opposite case. I actually like the overlap since I think it makes for a more interesting puzzle. I feel like every so often there's an angry comment about more than 4 words fitting a category and acting like this has never happened before so partially out of pettiness and a love of useless stats I decided to make this list to serve as proof that this has been a deliberate part of Connections since the start.
#4 Cleaning Verbs
Possible answers: DUST, MOP, SWEEP, VACUUM, (IRON)
#5 Condiments
Possible answers: KETCHUP, MAYO, RELISH, TARTAR, (MUSTARD)
#5 Clue Characters
Possible answers: GREEN, MUSTARD, PLUM, SCARLET, (PEACOCK)
#6 Shades of Blue
Possible answers: BABY, MIDNIGHT, POWDER, ROYAL, (SEA)
#6 Rappers
Possible answers: COMMON, FUTURE, ICE CUBE, Q-TIP, (CHANCE)
#9 Shirts
Possible answers: CAMI, HALTER, TANK, TEE, (POLO)
#9 Vegetables
Possible answers: BEET, CARROT, CORN, ONION, (SQUASH)
#9 Insects
Possible answers: ANT, BEETLE, MANTIS, TERMITE, (CRICKET)
#10 Countries
Possible answers: CHAD, GEORGIA, JORDAN, TOGO, (TURKEY)
#10 Birds
Possible answers: CRANE, JAY, TURKEY, SWALLOW, (KIWI)
#11 Spices
Possible answers: CARDAMOM, CLOVE, CORIANDER, CUMIN, (GINGER)
#11 Terms of Endearment
Possible answers: BOO, HONEY, SUGAR, SWEETIE, (BABY)
#12 Animal Group Names
Possible answers: FLOCK, PACK, POD, SCHOOL, (PRIDE)
#12 Deadly Sins
Possible answers: ENVY, GREED, LUST, PRIDE, (SLOTH)
#13 Airlines
Possible answers: FRONTIER, SPIRIT, UNITED, VIRGIN, (DELTA)
#13 Greek Letters
Possible answers: BETA, CHI, DELTA, IOTA, (NU)
#13 Silent G's
Possible answers: GNAT, GNAW, GNOCCHI, GNOME, (GNU)
#14 Famous Brothers
Possible answers: JONAS, MARX, WARNER, WRIGHT, (MARIO)
#14 Honda Vehicles
Possible answers: ACCORD, CIVIC, PASSPORT, PILOT, (CANOPY)
#15 Colors
Possible answers: BROWN, PINK, TURQUOISE, VIOLET, (SILVER)
#15 Fishing Equipment
Possible answers: LURE, REEL, ROD, TACKLE, (HOOK)
#16 Nuts
Possible answers: ALMOND, CASHEW, PECAN, WALNUT (PEANUT)
#17 Neck Accessories
Possible answers: ASCOT, BOLO, TIE, SCARF, (BOW)
#19 Disagreement
Possible answers: QUARREL, ROW, SPAT, TIFF, QUARREL, (BEEF)
#20 Grains
Possible answers: BARLEY, OAT, RYE, SPELT, (RICE)
#20 Royal Titles
Possible answers: BARON, EARL, KING, PRINCE, (DUKE)
#23 60's Band Member
Possible answers: BEACH BOY, BEATLE, BYRD, MONKEE, (ROLLING STONE)
#23 Dance Fads
Possible answers: DOUGIE, MACARENA, MASHED POTATO, TWIST, (VOGUE)
#25 Desserts
Possible answers: CHEESECAKE, FLAN, MOUSSE, TIRAMISU, (FUDGE)
#25 Animals with Tusks
Possible answers: ELEPHANT, HIPPO, NARWHAL, WARTHOG, (WALRUS)
#26 Countries (Holland is technically a region but it's often used as an informal name for the Netherlands)
Possible answers: DENMARK, GREECE, POLAND, PORTUGAL, (HOLLAND)
#26 Spelled with Roman Numerals
Possible answers: DILL, LIVID, MILD, MIX, (MIMIC)
#27 Body Parts
Possible answers: HEART, LIVER, LUNG, KIDNEY, (SPINE)
#28 File Extensions
Possible answers: GIF, PDF, TIFF, ZIP, (DOC)
#28 Fruits
Possible answers: BANANA, COCONUT, MANGO, PINEAPPLE, (KIWI)
#30 Joints
Possible answers: HIP, KNEE, SHOULDER, WRIST, (ELBOW)
#33 Boats
Possible answers: FERRY, JUNK, TUG, YACHT, (SUB)
#33 Cuts of Beef
Possible answers: FLANK, LOIN, ROUND, SHANK, (CHUCK)
#34 Smell
Possible answers: AROMA, BOUQUET, FRAGRANCE, SCENT, (FUNK)
#34 Music Genres
Possible answers: BLUES, COUNTRY, FUNK, SOUL, (ROCK)
#35 Metals
Possible answers: IRON, LEAD, TIN, ZINC, (NICKEL)
#36 Animals
Possible answers: KANGAROO, KOALA, WALLABY, WOMBAT, (MOLE RAT)
#38 Trees
Possible answers: ASH, CEDAR, MAPLE, PINE, (ELM)
#38 Land Formation
Possible answers: HILL, MOUNTAIN, PLATEAU, VALLEY, (PLAIN)
#38 Bagel Flavors
Possible answers: EVERYTHING, ONION, PLAIN, POPPY, (SESAME)
#41 Islands
Possible answers: CUBA, JAPAN, MALTA, PALAU, (FIJI), (JAVA)
#42 Punctuation Marks
Possible answers: COLON, COMMA, HYPHEN, PERIOD, (DASH)
#43 Birds
Possible answers: BOOBY, GULL, PELICAN, PUFFIN, (CANARY)
#45 Modes of Transportation
Possible answers: BOAT, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, (SUBWAY)
#46 Cities
Possible answers: CHICAGO, MUNICH, PHILADELPHIA, RIO, (MANHATTAN)
#46 Fashion Magazines
Possible answers: ALLURE, ELLE, GLAMOUR, W, (COSMOPOLITAN)
#46 Storms
Possible answers: BLIZZARD, CYCLONE, SQUALL, TORNADO, (HURRICANE)
#48 Apparitions
Possible answers: GHOST, PHANTOM, SPECTER, SPIRIT, (GENIE)
#49 Relatives
Possible answers: AUNT, COUSIN, MOTHER, NEPHEW, (GRANDFATHER)
#49 Offbeat
Possible answers: DAFFY, KOOKY, QUIRKY, WACKY, (CUCKOO)
#49 Fictional Ducks
Possible answers: DAISY, DEWEY, DONALD, SCROOGE, (DAFFY)
#50 Imperial Measurements
Possible answers: FOOT, INCH, MILE, YARD, (QUART)
#52 Rodents
Possible answers: GERBIL, HAMSTER, RAT, VOLE, (MOUSE)
#52 Musical Instruments
Possible answers: HARP, HORN, ORGAN, TRIANGLE, (KEYBOARD)
#52 Complain
Possible answers: CARP, GRIPE, GROUSE, MOAN, (HARP)
#53 Animal Group Names
Possible answers: COLONY, HERD, PRIDE, SWARM, (FAMILY)
#53 AP Classes
Possible answers: BIO, CHEM, GOV, STATS, (LIT)
#54 Places for Worship
Possible answers: ALTAR, RELIQUARY, SHRINE, TEMPLE, (ABBEY)
#54 Presidents
Possible answers: CALVIN, CHESTER, GROVER, HARRY, (GARFIELD)
#56 Dances
Possible answers: HUSTLE, SALSA, SWING, TANGO, (TAP)
#57 Patterns
Possible answers: HOUNDSTOOTH, PAISLEY, PLAID, STRIPES, (DOT)
#58 Arachnids
Possible answers: MITE, SCORPION, SPIDER, TICK, (BLACK WIDOW)
#58 Fish
Possible answers: CHAR, EEL, PERCH, SHARK, (CATFISH)
#58 Superheroes
Possible answers: BLACK WIDOW, BLADE, FLASH, STORM, (TICK)
#59 Quantity
Possible answers: FEW, HANDFUL, SEVERAL, SOME, (PAIR)
#59 Celestial Objects
Possible answers: ASTEROID, COMET, MOON, PLANET, (SUN)
#60 Sports Venues
Possible answers: COURT, DIAMOND, FIELD, RINK, (RING)
#60 Jewelry
Possible answers: ANKLET, BANGLE, BROOCH, PENDANT, (RING), (CHARM)
#62 State Abbreviations
Possible answers: CO, MA, ME, PA, (LA)
#62 Period Table Symbols
Possible answers: FE, HE, NA, NI, (CO), (PA), (LA), (TI)
#63 Slang for Zero
Possible answers: JACK, NADA, NOTHING, SQUAT, (ZIP)
#63 Exercises
Possible answers: CURL, LUNGE, PLANK, PRESS, (SQUAT), (CRUNCH)
#63 Captains
Possible answers: CRUNCH, KANGAROO, OBVIOUS, PLANET, (JACK)
#64 Dog Names
Possible answers: FIDO, LUCKY, ROVER, SPOT, (REX)
#64 Perceive
Possible answers: CATCH, NOTICE, OBSERVE, SEE, (SPOT)
#64 Fishing Terms
Possible answers: BAIT, CHUM, FLY, SINKER, (CATCH)
#65 Energy
Possible answers: JUICE, SPIRIT, STEAM, VIGOR, (GAS), (FIRE)
#66 Time Periods
Possible answers: CENTURY, DECADE, MILLENNIUM, YEAR, (MONTH)
#66 Breakfast Foods
Possible answers: CEREAL, OMELET, PANCAKE, WAFFLE, (BACON), (EGG)
#67 Desserts
Possible answers: CAKE, COBBLER, PIE, TART, (FUDGE)
#67 Occupations
Possible answers: FISHER, MASON, MILLER, SMITH, (DOCTOR)
#68 Extremely
Possible answers: AWFUL, QUITE, SUPER, VERY, (REAL)
#68 Currencies
Possible answers: RAND, REAL, STERLING, WON, (POUND)
#68 _____Cake
Possible answers: CARROT, COFFEE, POUND, SPONGE, (CUP)
#69 Shoes
Possible answers: CLOG, PUMP, SLIDE, WEDGE, (MARY JANE)
#69 Slang for Marijuana
Possible answers: GRASS, HERB, MARY JANE, WEED, (BUD), (POT)
#70 Camping Supplies
Possible answers: COOLER, LANTERN, SLEEPING BAG, TENT, (CAMPER)
#70 Insult
Possible answers: BARB, DIG, DISS, JAB, (SLIGHT)
#71 States
Possible answers: ARIZONA, COLORADO, NEVADA, UTAH, (KANSAS), (MONTANA)
#72 Santa's Reindeer
Possible answers: COMET, CUPID, DASHER, VIXEN, (DANCER)
#72 Seen on Valentine's Day
Possible answers: CARD, HEART, CHOCOLATE, ROSE, (CUPID)
#73 Facial Hair
Possible answers: BEARD, GOATEE, MUSTACHE, STUBBLE, (HANDLEBAR)
#73 Pursue
Possible answers: DOG, FOLLOW, TAIL, TRACK, (SHADOW)
#74 Failures
Possible answers: BUSTS, FLOPS, MISSES, TURKEYS, (DUDS)
#75 Social Gathering
Possible answers: BASH, BLOWOUT, PARTY, SHINDIG, (MIXER)
#75 Found in a Kitchen
Possible answers: COUNTER, MIXER, RANGE, SINK, (ISLAND)
#79 Depart Quickly
Possible answers: BOOK, BOUNCE, RUN, SPLIT, (JET)
#79 Shades of Black
Possible answers: EBONY, JET, ONYX, RAVEN, (BLACK)
#80 Influence
Possible answers: CLOUT, PULL, WEIGHT, SWAY, (IMPACT)
#81 Appetizer Unit
Possible answers: FRY, NACHO, POPPER, WING, (CHIP), (CRACKER)
#81 Response to a Correct Answer
Possible answers: BINGO, CORRECT, RIGHT, YES, (DING)
#82 Drink Vessels
Possible answers: GOBLET, SNIFTER, TUMBLER, STEIN, (FLUTE)
#82 Woodwinds
Possible answers: CLARINET, FLUTE, OBOE, SAXOPHONE, (BASSOON)
#82 American Poets
Possible answers: BISHOP, FROST, OLDS, POUND, (STEIN)
#83 Unclothed
Possible answers: BARE, NAKED, NUDE, UNCLAD, (BUFF)
#83 Football Actions
Possible answers: FUMBLE, PUNT, SACK, SNAP, (TURNOVER)
#83 Finger Actions
Possible answers: BUFF, CLIP, FILE, POLISH, (SNAP)
#84 Female Animals
Possible answers: COW, DOE, HEN, MARE, (EWE)
#84 Pronouns
Possible answers: I, IT, THEY, WE, (YOU)
#84 Roman Numerals
Possible answers: D, L, M, V, (I)
#86 Information Displays
Possible answers: CHART, DIAGRAM, GRAPH, MAP, (PIE)
#86 Additional Benefit
Possible answers: BONUS, EXTRA, ICING, PERK, (GRAVY)
#86 Creatures in Folklore
Possible answers: GNOME, GOBLIN, OGRE, TROLL, (DRAGON)
#89 Alcohol
Possible answers: CIDER, PORT, SAKE, STOUT, (SPIRIT), (SCOTCH)
#89 Pixar Movies
Possible answers: BRAVE, CARS, COCO, UP, (SOUL)
#90 Baseball Calls
Possible answers: BALL, OUT, SAFE, STRIKE, (WALK)
#90 Fish
Possible answers: CARP, CATFISH, FLOUNDER, SMELT, (SALMON)
#91 Jungle Animals
Possible answers: ANACONDA, CAPYBARA, JAGUAR, TOUCAN, (LION)
#91 Lowest Point
Possible answers: BASE, BOTTOM, FOOT, FOUNDATION, (LEGS)
#92 Halloween Decorations
Possible answers: BAT, COBWEB, PUMPKIN, TOMBSTONE, (BONES)
#93 Animal Sounds
Possible answers: BUZZ, CLUCK, MEOW, OINK, (BARK)
#93 Inside Info
Possible answers: DIRT, DISH, SCOOP, SKINNY, (TEA)
#95 Songs that are Names
Possible answers: ALEJANDRO, LOLA, MICHELLE, STAN, (IRIS)
#96 Animals
Possible answers: BUFFALO, COW, GOAT, SHEEP, (HORSE)
#96 Gymnastics Apparatus
Possible answers: FLOOR, HORSE, RINGS, VAULT, (BEAM)
#97 Fairy Tale Figures
Possible answers: GIANT, PRINCESS, WITCH, WOLF, (QUEEN)
#97 "Peanuts" Characters
Possible answers: CHARLIE, PEPPERMINT PATTY, PIGPEN, WOODSTOCK, (LUCY)
#98 Fruits
Possible answers: APRICOT, FIG, GRAPE, LIME, (BERRY)
#98 Luxurious
Possible answers: DELUXE, GRAND, LAVISH, OPULENT, (SWANK)
#99 Intelligent
Possible answers: BRIGHT, CLEVER, QUICK, SHARP, (SMART)
#100 Web Browser-Related
Possible answers: BOOKMARK, HISTORY, TAB, WINDOW, (LINK), (POCKET)
#100 Dirty_____
Possible answers: DOZEN, JOKE, LAUNDRY, MARTINI, (WINDOW)
#101 Bowling Terms
Possible answers: ALLEY, BALL, LANE, PIN, (SPARE)
#101 Common Merch Items
Possible answers: MUG, PEN, TEE, TOTE, (PIN)
#102 Vehicles
Possible answers: BUS, CAR, MOTORCYCLE, TRUCK, (SCOOTER)
#102 Muppets
Possible answers: ANIMAL, BEAKER, GONZO, SCOOTER, (CHEF), (PIGGY)
#103 Soda Fountain Orders (Concrete can mean a type of milkshake or frozen custard)
Possible answers: FLOAT, MALT, SHAKE, SUNDAE, (CONCRETE), (SPLIT)
#104 Robust
Possible answers: FIT, HEALTHY, SOUND, STRONG, (WELL)
#104 Water Sources
Possible answers: FOUNTAIN, SPRING, TAP, WELL, (SINK)
#105 Kitchen Utensils
Possible answers: GRATER, LADLE, PEELER, WHISK, (CLEAVER)
#106 Wedding Items
Possible answers: BOUQUET, RING, TRAIN, VEIL, (CAKE)
#106 Encase
Possible answers: CAKE, COAT, COVER, CRUST, (VEIL)
#107 Snakes
Possible answers: BOA, MAMBA, PYTHON, VIPER, (GARTER)
#108 Produced by Trees
Possible answers: ACORN, CONE, POLLEN, SAP, (GUM), (NEEDLE)
#108 Candy
Possible answers: CHOCOLATE, GUM, LICORICE, LOLLIPOP, (SUCKER)
#108 Target of a Scheme
Possible answers: CHUMP, FOOL, MARK, SUCKER, (SAP)
#109 Rap Subgenres
Possible answers: BOUNCE, CRUNK, DRILL, GRIME, (TRAP)
#110 Golf Clubs
Possible answers: IRON, PUTTER, WEDGE, WOOD, (CLUB)
#112 Coffee Counter Items
Possible answers: CUP, LID, STIRRER, STRAW, (STICK)
#114 Talk
Possible answers: BLATHER, CHAT, GAB, JABBER, (YAK)
#115 Christmas-Related
Possible answers: MISTLETOE, REINDEER, SNOWMAN, STOCKING, (PRESENT), (CANDY CANE)
#116 MLB Teams
Possible answers: ANGEL, CUB, MET, RED, (NAT)
#119 Celebratory Occasion
Possible answers: ANNIVERSARY, BIRTHDAY, SHOWER, WEDDING, (RECEPTION), (SERVICE)
#120 Crops
Possible answers: CORN, CUCUMBER, PEPPER, TOMATO, (MELON)
#121 Bible Books
Possible answers: ACTS, JOB, KINGS, MARK, (GENESIS)
#121 NHL Teams
Possible answers: FLAMES, KRAKEN, STARS, WILD, (KINGS), (RANGER)
#123 Conceal
Possible answers: BLOCK, COVER, HIDE, MASK, (SHIELD)
#124 "L" Cities
Possible answers: LAGOS, LIMERICK, LINCOLN, LUXOR, (LIMA)
#124 Poetry Terms
Possible answers: LINE, METER, RHYME, VERSE, (LIMERICK)
#125 Butt
Possible answers: BOTTOM, BUNS, SEAT, TAIL, (BOOTY)
#126 Tools
Possible answers: HAMMER, FILE, LEVEL, SAW, (WRENCH)
#126 Keyboard Shortcuts
Possible answers: COPY, FIND, PRINT, SAVE, (FILE)
#127 Days of the Week
Possible answers: FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, THURSDAY, (WEDNESDAY), (TUESDAY)
#127 Go Bad
Possible answers: ROT, SOUR, SPOIL, TURN, (FESTER)
#129 Bit of Air
Possible answers: BREEZE, DRAFT, GUST, PUFF, (PANT)
#130 Falsify
Possible answers: FABRICATE, FAKE, FIX, FORGE, (FUDGE)
#130 TV Shows
Possible answers: FARGO, FIREFLY, FLEABAG, FLIPPER, (FRIENDS)
#131 Animal Homes
Possible answers: DEN, LAIR, HIVE, NEST, (WEB), (WARREN)
#131 Equitable
Possible answers: EQUAL, EVEN, FAIR, JUST, (GOOD)
#132 Tableware
Possible answers: BOWL, DISH, PLATE, SAUCER, (CROCK), (CUP)
#133 British Food
Possible answers: MASH, ROAST, SCONE, TRIFLE, (BANGER)
#133 Predicament
Possible answers: BIND, PICKLE, SCRAPE, SPOT, (JAM)
#134 Impel
Possible answers: DRIVE, INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, SPUR, (SPARK)
#135 Compound Words
Possible answers: BACKPACK, BIGWIG, DOWNTOWN, RAGTAG, (TEXTBOOK)
#136 Grammar Tenses
Possible answers: FUTURE, PAST, PERFECT, PRESENT, (SIMPLE)
#136 The 12 Days of Christmas
Possible answers: DRUMMER, LADY, RING, SWAN, (LORD)
#137 Excellent
Possible answers: ACES, KEEN, NEATO, NIFTY, (SWELL)
#137 Bubbles
Possible answers: FOAM, FROTH, HEAD, LATHER, (BUBBLE)
#138 Metals
Possible answers: COPPER, GOLD, NICKEL, SILVER, (BRASS), (MERCURY)
#139 Aesthetics
Possible answers: DRESS, LOOK, MANNER, STYLE, (TASTE)
#140 Mishmash
Possible answers: HASH, JUMBLE, MEDLEY, STEW, (LITTER)
#143 Filler Words
Possible answers: ERM, UH, UM, WELL, (LIKE), (ER)
#146 Clue Weapons
Possible answers: CANDLESTICK, KNIFE, ROPE, WRENCH, (PIPE)
#147 Unchanging
Possible answers: EVEN, LEVEL, STABLE, STEADY, (UNIFORM)
#147 Long, Sharp Objects
Possible answers: LANCE, PIN, SKEWER, SPIT, (PITCHFORK)
#148 Musical Format
Possible answers: LP, PLATTER, VINYL, WAX, (CD)
#148 Cube-Shaped
Possible answers: BOUILLON, DIE, ICE, SUGAR, (STOCK)
#150 Equivocate
Possible answers: HEDGE, SEE-SAW, WAVER, YO-YO, (FLIP-FLOP), (WAFFLE)
#151 Podcasts
Possible answers: RADIOLAB, SERIAL, UP FIRST, WTF, (FRESH AIR), (REPLY ALL)
#152 Intelligent
Possible answers: BRIGHT, QUICK, SHARP, SMART, (SAGE)
#152 Medieval Weapons
Possible answers: CLUB, MACE, SPEAR, SWORD, (AXE)
#153 Filmmaking Equipment
Possible answers: BOOM, DOLLY, LENS, TRIPOD, (GRIP)
#154 Sports Professionals
Possible answers: COACH, GM, PLAYER, SCOUT, (SUB)
#154 Car Companies
Possible answers: BMW, HONDA, JAGUAR, SUBARU, (FORD), (GM)
#156 Vocal Fanfare
Possible answers: BEHOLD, PRESTO, TADA, VOILA, (SURPRISE)
#157 Magazines
Possible answers: O, OK, US, W, (EW), (SI)
#157 Yes
Possible answers: HAI, JA, SI, DA, (OK), (OUI)
#158 Animals
Possible answers: BUFFALO, DEER, FISH, MOOSE, (BULL), (STEER), (SEAL)
#160 Quick Observation
Possible answers: GANDER, GLANCE, GLIMPSE, LOOK, (PEEK)
#160 Parts of a Mountain
Possible answers: CLIFF, CRAG, LEDGE, RIDGE, (BLUFF), (PEAK)
#161 _____Day
Possible answers: EARTH, GROUNDHOG, LABOR, MAY, (BIRTH)
#162 Primates
Possible answers: BABOON, BONOBO, GIBBON, GORILLA, (APE)
#162 Fashionable
Possible answers: CHIC, HIP, HOT, IN, (VOGUE)
#164 Area Between Mountains
Possible answers: CANYON, GULCH, PASS, RAVINE, (GORGE)
#165 Food
Possible answers: PASTY, PIE, TART, TURNOVER, (PARFAIT), (RAGOUT), (CURRY)
#165 Countries
Possible answers: JAPAN, POLAND, TUNISIA, TURKEY, (JORDAN)
#166 Reality Shows
Possible answers: ALONE, CATFISH, CHOPPED, SURVIVOR, (BACHELOR)
#168 Municipalities
Possible answers: CITY, TOWN, COUNTY, VILLAGE, (CAPITAL)
#171 Parts of the Foot
Possible answers: ARCH, BALL, SOLE, TOE, (HEEL)
#171 Dog Commands
Possible answers: COME, DOWN, SIT, STAY, (HEEL)
#173 Ways to Remove Hair
Possible answers: SHAVE, THREAD, TWEEZE, WAX, (CUT)
#174 Hold Back
Possible answers: CAP, CHECK, CURB, LIMIT, (HAMPER)
#175 Excite, with "Up"
Possible answers: AMP, FIRE, HYPE, PUMP, (GAS)
#177 TV Shows
Possible answers: CHEERS, EUPHORIA, FELICITY, GLEE, (FRASIER)
#178 Found on Sheet Music
Possible answers: CLEF, NOTE, REST, STAFF, (SCALES)
#178 Zodiac Symbols
Possible answers: BULL, CRAB, SCALES, TWINS, (VIRGIN)
#180 Absolute
Possible answers: PURE, SHEER, TOTAL, UTTER, (STARK)
#180 Express
Possible answers: AIR, SPEAK, STATE, VOICE, (UTTER)
#181 Cooking Oils
Possible answers: CORN, OLIVE, PALM, PEANUT, (RICE)
#183 Luxurious Fabrics
Possible answers: CHIFFON, SILK, SATIN, VELVET, (LACE)
#185 -ough
Possible answers: BOUGH, COUGH, DOUGH, TOUGH, (ROUGH), (ENOUGH)
#189 Used to Build a Snowman
Possible answers: CARROT, COAL, SNOW, STICKS, (STONES)
#190 NYC Avenues
Possible answers: BROADWAY, FIFTH, MADISON, PARK, (SECOND), (FIRST), (ELEVENTH)
#191 Accessories
Possible answers: BELT, BRACELET, TIE, WATCH, (CHARM)
#199 Name Prefixes
Possible answers: GEN, MS, PROF, REV, (DR)
#200 Parts of a Car
Possible answers: BUMPER, HOOD, TIRE, TRUNK, (DASH)
#201 Single Letter Homophones
Possible answers: BEE, EX, GEE, JAY, (TEE)
#203 New Years-Related
Possible answers: BALL, COUNTDOWN, FIREWORKS, KISS, (PARTY), (RESOLUTION), (CHAMPAGNE)
#207 Gift-Giving Accessories
Possible answers: BOW, BOX, CARD, WRAPPING, (MESSAGE)
#210 Kinds of Exams
Possible answers: BAR, FINAL, ORAL, PHYSICAL, (EYE)
#211 Long, Skinny Objects
Possible answers: POLE, ROD, STAFF, STICK, (CLUB)
#212 Cooking Elements
Possible answers: ACID, FAT, HEAT, SALT, (PEPPER), (SMOKE)
#213 Seen at a Casino
Possible answers: CARDS, CHIPS, DICE, SLOTS, (POKER)
#213 Ways to Prepare Cheese
Possible answers: CRUMBLE, MELT, SHRED, SLICE, (GRATE)
#217 Thieve
Possible answers: PINCH, ROB, STEAL, SWIPE, (JACK)
#218 Medicine Formats
Possible answers: CAPSULE, CREAM, SYRUP, TABLET, (POD)
#221 Colors
Possible answers: BLUE, GREEN, WHITE, YELLOW, (SCARLET)
#222 Minced Oaths
Possible answers: CURSES, DARN, RATS, SHOOT, (FUDGE), (NUTS)
#224 Contains Wax
Possible answers: CANDLE, CRAYON, HONEYCOMB, SEAL, (EAR)
#229 Baseball-Related
Possible answers: BALL, BASE, BAT, GLOVE, (STRIKE)
#233 Mario Power-ups
Possible answers: FEATHER, STAR, MUSHROOM, FLOWER, (HAMMER)
#234 _____Pit
Possible answers: BARBECUE, ORCHESTRA, SNAKE, TAR, (FIRE)
#235 Make Shorter
Possible answers: CLIP, CUT, PARE, TRIM, (PRUNE)
#235 Muscular
Possible answers: BUILT, JACKED, RIPPED, SWOLE, (TRIM), (BUFF)
#237 Farm Fixtures
Possible answers: COOP, PEN, STABLE, STY, (RANGE)
#238 Unexciting
Possible answers: BORING, DULL, MUNDANE, VANILLA, (ROUTINE), (DRY)
#239 Ecclesiastical Titles
Possible answers: BISHOP, CARDINAL, PASTOR, PRIOR, (BROTHER), (LORD)
#251 Media Attention
Possible answers: COVERAGE, EXPOSURE, PRESS, PUBLICITY, (MEDIA)
#254 Little Bit of Liquid
Possible answers: BEAD, GLOB, DROP, TEAR, (DRIP)
#257 Shades of Green
Possible answers: OLIVE, FOREST, LIME, MINT, (CACTUS)
#260 Ilk
Possible answers: KIND, SORT, TYPE, VARIETY, (MANNER)
#263 Propel into the Air
Possible answers: HOP, JUMP, LEAP, SPRING, (VAULT)
#266 Large Amount
Possible answers: MASS, SEA, SLEW, TON, (WAVE)
#266 Fall under Pressure
Possible answers: BUCKLE, CAVE, COLLAPSE, GIVE, (FLOP)
#268 Pop Stars
Possible answers: GRANDE, MARS, STYLES, SWIFT, (LEGEND)
#269 Found at an Airport
Possible answers: HANGAR, RUNWAY, TARMAC, TERMINAL, (WINDSOCK)
#269 Ends in an Article of Clothing (A Mac is a raincoat)
Possible answers: FOXGLOVE, GUMSHOE, TURNCOAT, WINDSOCK, (TARMAC), (LAWSUIT)
#271 Food Preservation Techniques
Possible answers: CAN, CURE, DRY, FREEZE, (SPICE)
#272 Space_____
Possible answers: BAR, CADET, HEATER, STATION, (BLANKET)
#273 Keyboard Keys
Possible answers: COMMAND, CONTROL, OPTION, SHIFT, (SPACE)
#283 Seen at a Sports Stadium
Possible answers: ASTROTURF, JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, SKYBOX, (KISSCAM), (JOURNEYMAN)
#284 Animals
Possible answers: COW, DOE, HEN, EWE, (YAK)
#284 Palindromes
Possible answers: BIB, EYE, GAG, POP, (EWE)
#285 Olympic Sports
Possible answers: BREAKING, HOCKEY, TRAMPOLINE, SKELETON, (CRICKET), (SQUASH), (VOLLEYBALL)
#289 Plant Growths
Possible answers: BLOOM, BUD, SHOOT, SPROUT, (CORONA)
#290 Quarrel
Possible answers: FIGHT, ROW, SCRAP, TIFF, (WAR)
#290 Games of Chance (Poker is technically a game of skill but it's still highly associated with chance)
Possible answers: BINGO, LOTTERY, ROULETTE, WAR, (POKER)
#291 Whale Species
Possible answers: BLUE, FIN, GRAY, RIGHT, (PILOT)
#293 Food Preservation Techniques
Possible answers: CANS, CURES, SALTS, SMOKES, (JAMS), (PICKLES)
#296 Thrust
Possible answers: JAB, POKE, PROD, STICK, (ELBOW)
#301 _____Horse
Possible answers: CHARLEY, CRAZY, DARK, GIFT, (PRIZE)
#302 Brief Moment
Possible answers: FLASH, HEARTBEAT, JIFF, WINK, (ZIP)
#302 Dispute
Possible answers: CLASH, TANGLE, SCRAP, TIFF, (SPAT)
#303 Hair Care Items
Possible answers: BRUSH, COMB, DRYER, IRON, (OIL)
#307 Seen at the Circus
Possible answers: CLOWN, RING, TENT, TRAPEZE, (LION)
#310 Parts of a Theatre
Possible answers: BALCONY, BOX, ORCHESTRA, STAGE, (FLOOR), (FLAT)
#312 Golden_____
Possible answers: FLEECE, GIRLS, PARACHUTE, RULE, (MEAN)
#315 Starting with the Same Sound
Possible answers: CYMBAL, SCIMITAR, SIMMER, SYMPHONY, (SYMBOL)
#318 Mexican Food-Related
Possible answers: CILANTRO, LIME, ONION, SALSA, (PICO), (WRAP), (MOLE)
#328 _____Sale
Possible answers: BAKE, CLEARANCE, GARAGE, SAMPLE, (YARD)
#329 Enjoy
Possible answers: FANCY, LOVE, RELISH, SAVOR, (LIKE)
#330 Quantity
Possible answers: FEW, MANY, SEVERAL, SOME, (COUPLE), (HANDFUL)
#333 Restrict
Possible answers: CHECK, CONTAIN, CURB, LIMIT, (CAP)
#334 Things that Spin
Possible answers: CAROUSEL, GLOBE, RECORD, TOP, (MERCURY)
#336 Cuts of Meat
Possible answers: CHUCK, FLANK, LOIN, ROUND, (RIB)
#339 Forthright
Possible answers: DIRECT, FRANK, OPEN, STRAIGHT, (PLAIN)
#342 Games
Possible answers: CATEGORIES, CHARADES, FISHBOWL, WEREWOLF, (MOUSETRAP)
#345 Billiards-Related
Possible answers: BALL, CHALK, CUE, RACK, (POCKET)
#348 Things You can Crack
Possible answers: EGG, KNUCKLES, SMILE, WINDOW, (CORN)
#351 _____Iron
Possible answers: PUMP, STEAM, TIRE, WAFFLE, (FLAT)
#355 Things People Shake
Possible answers: HANDS, MARACA, POLAROID, SNOWGLOBE, (BODY)
2024.06.01 21:16 bandzicoot Is this bootleg SS Art
 | Got this copy of soul silver from GameStop today. Sadly the game was a bootleg, the thing that threw me off is that the artwork seems genuine. I compared it to the current copy I have which I've always believed to be legitimate (I know the cart is authentic) but now I'm second guessing myself because this art looks super legit. I tried picturing it, it does have the foil effect that is supposed to be on the legitimate artwork. submitted by bandzicoot to gameverifying [link] [comments] |
2024.06.01 20:22 Important-Bug8093 25% off any game A to Z (200+ discounts) & $30 meta credit if you have bought the quest in last 45 days
Need a different game? DM me. Over 200 25% discount codes just ask the game. Just got a quest or getting one soon use device referral for $30USD https://www.meta.com/referrals/link/JJtheoutlaw If you set up an account in last 45 days without claiming the original $30 then go into phone app go to devices then reset the device. Click the referral then play Quest. Game data as well as games are saved on cloud automatically & are backed up
submitted by Important-Bug8093 to MetaQuest_Referrals [link] [comments]
- After the Fall -Dive into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by ferocious monsters. Grab your friends and gear up for intense co-op action https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2160364850746031/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Angry Birds VR -Great adaptation to the franchise https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2718606324833775/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Arizona Sunshine -Best zombie game Franchise. With realistic weapon mechanics and terrifying undead hordes, every moment is a fight for survival.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2190353671014400/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Arizona Sunshine 2 Must have a shooter. The sequel to the acclaimed VR shooter brings even more thrills and chills https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5245041552210029/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Asguards Wrath 2 - Finally a finished polished game after all the meta updates https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2603836099654226/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Audio Trip -Top-rated Cardio Dance Game. Get ready to groove and move to the beat in this electrifying rhythm game https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2484044451715693/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Bonelab -The player uses physical combat, including firearms, melee weapons, and bare hands, to fight enemies ranging from robots to humans. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4215734068529064/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- BRINK Traveler -Embark on a breathtaking journey through stunning landscapes and exotic locales. The closest thing to teleportation https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3635172946605196/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Barbaria Enter a world of sword and sorcery in this epic fantasy adventure. Battle fierce monsters, uncover ancient mysteries, and become the hero of legend.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5296016923775393/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Beat Saber - Classic must-have rhythm music game. Slice and dice your way through pulsating beats and neon landscapes in this rhythm-based VR sensation https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2448060205267927/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Block Buster - Test your reflexes and puzzle-solving skills in this addictive block-breaking game. With colorful graphics and challenging levels, you'll be hooked for hours on end.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4310142359062337/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Breachers - Top-rated shooter. Step into the shoes of a futuristic soldier and engage in fast-paced combat against hordes of enemies. With adrenaline-pumping action and intense firefights, every battle is a thrill ride.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5740397619319389/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Contractors - Top-rated shooter Immerse yourself in realistic military simulations and tactical warfare. With a wide range of weapons and maps, you'll experience VR's most authentic FPS action.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5740397619319389/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Crazy Kung Fu - Highly recommend. Channel your inner martial artist and unleash your fury in this action-packed kung fu adventure. Master ancient techniques and defeat your opponents with style.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3846153838783795/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Crisis Brigade 2 - Like the classic arcade game but so much better in VR. Realistic gunplay and challenging scenarios, every decision counts in the fight against crime.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5081572398619813/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Dead Hook - Top Rated. Amazing game play. Highly Recommend https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/8896303273744663/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Down the Rabbit Hole - Amazing game loved every second of it, and could not put it down. Journey into the whimsical world of Wonderland in this charming VR puzzle adventure. Solve puzzles, meet quirky characters, and discover the secrets of Wonderland. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2476104599150595/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Eleven Table Tennis -Played them all, this is the best Table Tennis/Ping Pong VR https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1995434190525828/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Espire 1: VR Operative -Elite spy stealth action shooter. With cutting-edge gadgets and intense missions, https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2228678273856228/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Espire 2: Stealth Operatives -The sequel to the acclaimed VR stealth game brings even more espionage thrills and challenges. Sneak, hack, and eliminate your targets in heart-pounding global missions.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3529713943716002/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Eye of the Temple -Embark on an Indiana Jones-style adventure as you explore ancient temples filled with traps and puzzles. With room-scale VR gameplay, every step is a challenge and every discovery is a thrill.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5361030930653377/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- ForeVR Pool - Do you want to play VR pool solo or with friends? This is the best option in the quest store https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4760607174068295/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Golf+ - Best Golf Game / Sim. Realistic physics and challenging courses from all around the world (being constantly updated with new parks). great multiplayer. Also has cool challenges, driving ranges and top golf https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2412327085529357/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Gorn - Enter the arena and engage in brutal gladiatorial combat in this over-the-top VR brawler. With exaggerated physics and comically violent gameplay, it's a wild and chaotic experience from start to finish.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3349689215139117/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Guardians: Frontline - Amazing shooter with intense action and strategic gameplay. Can be very difficult https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5380153758692064/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Gun Club VR - Lock and load in this ultra-realistic VR shooting range simulator. With various firearms and customizable options, it's the ultimate test of marksmanship skills.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2285803881494677/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- In Death: Unchained -In bowels of purgatory and battle demonic creatures in this dark, atmospheric VR roguelike. Procedurally generated levels and challenging enemies, every run is a fresh and intense experience.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2334376869949242/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Into The Radius -Immersive environments and realistic mechanics, it's a haunting and immersive journey into the unknown.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5817243991680545/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Keep Talking & Nobody Explodes -Award winning multiplayer game. Be the life of the party and play with friends even with one headset https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2010043642376517/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Larcenauts -Amazing multiplayer. If you like overwatch you will enjoy, Fast-paced multiplayer battles. Diverse cast of characters and dynamic gameplay. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3126295830741280/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Lucky's Tale -Good game if you like the moss series then this is you will like this. that being said if you haven't played both Moss games you are missing out. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3652037328256745/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Moss -Embark on an epic quest alongside a brave mouse named Quill in this enchanting VR adventure. With stunning visuals and immersive storytelling, it's a tale you won't soon forget.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1654565391314903/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Moss: Book II -The sequel to the acclaimed VR adventure continues Quill's journey in a new and exciting chapter. With more puzzles, challenges, and mysteries to uncover, it's a must-play for fans of the original.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4395292760584049/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Nano -Dive into the microscopic world of nanotechnology in this immersive VR experience. Explore the wonders of the nano realm and discover the incredible potential of this cutting-edge technology. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5566073043488552/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Onward -Engage in intense military simulations and tactical warfare in this realistic VR shooter. With strategic gameplay and teamwork-focused mechanics, it's a must-play for fans of hardcore FPS games.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2677344882310094/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Paradiddle -One of the best and most versatile drum games/sim, works with MIDI and there are many ways to enhance your set (I stomp on an old keyboard for double bass peddles lol) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5719805344724551/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Pistol Whip -Top Rated. Amazing game, i hesitated on buying for a while but was instantly hooked. A game that can be picked up and replayed at any time. Daily and weekly updated challenges. Alot of customization. Varying difficulty can be simple for everyone to challenge even for competitive players https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2104963472963790/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Powerbeats VR -Highly rated fitness game. Get ready to sweat in this high-energy VR fitness game. With dynamic workouts and motivating music, it's the perfect way to stay active and have fun at the same time https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4336749139724039/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Premium Bowling -If you are looking for bowling, then this is the Best Bowling Game. It's like having your own personal bowling alley at home. I enjoy it because it's so easy to meet up with other people so i end up bowling with family more then calling them (mics work in-game) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2773034772778845/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Puzzling Places -Best puzzle game if you like jigsaw puzzles. This will give you unique 3d challenges with amazing results. Beautiful landscapes and intricate designs, it's the perfect way to unwind and challenge your mind. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3931148300302917/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Real VR Fishing -Best Fishing VR Game. Constantly updated. It is great on a rainy day when you want to relax and catch fish all over the world. The devs are constantly adding new places and tournaments https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2582932495064035/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Red Matter 2 -Top Rated. Great game that takes place on Saturn's moon. Stunning visuals and great gameplay, it's a sci-fi experience that will leave you breathless. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3682089508520212/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Resident Evil 4 -Top Rated. No explanation is needed. If you like shooters, zombies, or great story lines this is an amazing game. Also, the graphics are the best I've seen yet even better when played on pcvr (which you receive for free when you own the regular quest game) https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2637179839719680/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Robo Recall: Unplugged -Fun arcade type shooter. Jump into the chaos and unleash mayhem as a futuristic robot in this action-packed VR shooter. With fast-paced gameplay and explosive action, it's a wild ride from start to finish.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1906871599408213/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- SUPERHOT VR -Amazing classic Game. Time moves only when you move. Unique art style works well with gameplay https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/1921533091289407/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Sairento VR: Untethered -Top Rated. Become a cybernetic ninja and unleash acrobatic mayhem in this adrenaline-fueled VR action game. With dynamic combat and customizable abilities, it's a high-octane thrill ride through a neon-soaked cyberpunk world https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2299215130112875/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Smash Drums - Enjoy rockband-type games, get this! Beat to the rhythm and smash your way through challenging drumming levels in this energetic VR music game. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3630025217090808/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge -Step into the Star Wars universe and embark on thrilling adventures in this immersive VR experience. With iconic characters and epic storylines, it's a must-play for fans of the galaxy far, far away https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3484270071659289/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Survival Nation -You have to fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger and zombies. Amazing multiplayer, Everyone always has a lot of talk that when the zombie apocalypse comes they are prepared well can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? Lets put it to the test https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/6198564290223186/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Swordsman -Great gladiator game. Channel your inner warrior and master the art of swordsmanship in this action-packed VR game. Precise combat mechanics and epic battles https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4478419005520485/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Synth Riders -The best dance game in the meta store that is guaranteed to give you a workout. Groove to the beat and ride the rhythm in this electrifying VR music game. Vibrant visuals and intuitive gameplay, it's a dance party like no other https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2436558143118760/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Tennis Esports -BEST TENNIS GAME. Do you want to play VR Tennis? Look no further https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4872542182873415/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Last Clockwinder -Award Winning. Embark on a magical journey through time in this enchanting VR puzzle adventure. With intricate mechanisms & charming visuals, it's a whimsical experience https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4837365566303714/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners -Top Rated. Survive the zombie apocalypse and make tough choices in this gripping VR survival game. With immersive storytelling and intense combat, it's a harrowing journey through the world of The Walking Dead https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2897337400373711/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners 2 Retribution -Top Rated. Return to the post-apocalyptic world and continue your fight for survival in this thrilling VR sequel. https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/5190288877703616/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Unplugged Air Guitar -If you like rockband/guitar hero type games then this will take your experience to the next level. Shred like a rockstar in this immersive VR air guitar simulator. With realistic guitar mechanics, hand tracking, and a killer soundtrack, it's a virtual jam session that will leave you feeling like a true rock legend.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4714094898617280/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Ven VR Adventure -Top Rated! Did you like moss? Cross of moss and the first spyro game. Embark on an epic quest through vibrant worlds and challenging obstacles in this exciting VR platformer https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3327317663977182/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Vermillion -VR Painting - Best Painting Game. i don't even paint but this has taught me a lot. also highly useful in mixed reality mode. Unleash your creativity and paint in 3D space with this innovative VR art tool. Endless possibilities and intuitive controls https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/4900967296622279/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Virtual Desktop -If you plan on using PCVR then virtual Desktop is a must-have app. Also makes games perform better by optimizing settings with a lot more control in the users hands https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2017050365004772/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Walkabout Mini Golf -A Must-Have Game! Tee off and sink some putts in this charming VR mini-golf game. With creative courses and fun multiplayer modes, it's a hole-in-one for fans of the classic sport.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2462678267173943/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Warplanes: Battles over the Pacific -Take to the skies and engage in thrilling aerial combat in this action-packed VR flight simulator. Realistic planes and intense dogfights. BEST FLIGHT SIM series in meta quest store.https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3984056454948095/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Warplanes: WWI Fighters Amazing sequel. 10 out of 10 for both gameshttps://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3922378427824210/?utm\_source=oculus&utm\_location=2&utm\_parent=frl&utm\_medium=app\_referral
- Yupitergrad -Swing, climb, and soar through a space station in this gravity-defying adventure. One of the most creative puzzle games since Portal 2 https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3622969487764448/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Zero Caliber: Reloaded- Intense ZOMBIE MODE, SINGLE PLAYER CAMPAIGN, CO-OP MODE, PvP GAME MODES, SURVIVAL MODE. MOD SUPPORT https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/3591949650852844/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral
- Zombieland: Headshot Fever -Top-rated and award-winning game. Never gets old https://www.oculus.com/appreferrals/JJtheoutlaw/2792447070854325/?utm_source=oculus&utm_location=2&utm_parent=frl&utm_medium=app_referral