The episode resumed on a shot of Zee and Jo, their skin tones back to normal, running up to a smiling Chris. "Welcome back," he told the camera. "Zee and helper Jo are the first to arrive here, at the world's largest mud puddle!" The camera pulled back, revealing that the trio was standing near the edge of a large lake of burbling mud, a measuring stick rising out of it at the nearest edge.
"It's eight feet deep," Chris explained over a close-up of the measuring stick showing the mud reaching up very nearly to the 8' mark, "and 200 yards across. And," the camera quick-panned to the far right side of the 'puddle', "since it's too thick to swim through," the shot cut back to the couple and Chris, "the only way to the other side is with one of you piggybacking the other."
"Umm...," Zee said hesitantly, sharing a wary look with Jo, "doesn't that mean the person on the bottom..."
"Will drown?" Chris finished. "Yes."
"What?!" Jo said in wide-eyed shock.
"Unless they use this garden hose!" Chris added, a light chime playing as he held up a length of green hose.
Zee let out a breath. "Okay then. Guess I'm on the bottom, then."
Jo's eyes widened a bit in a brief bit of surprise, and she looked at her partner. "I should be objecting to this since I'm supposed to be the helper, but hey. No heavy lifting from me."
"Yeah…" Zee agreed half heartedly.
Confessional: Zee
"I was able to hold Jo onto my back while we were skiing," Zee told the confessional. "I can still do the same while under mud."
Confessional Ends
"I know that I said you were weak in the past," Jo said, "but that was until I saw that you were able to make it this far in the game."
"You thought wrong about me," Zee replied. "I wasn’t active at first in challenges and finding food, but with Julia eliminated, I was able to grow and become a finalist."
Chris suddenly stepped between the two. "How touching. Now start the challenge."
The scene cut to Zee and Jo jumping into the mud, the former disappearing below its depths while the latter, on his shoulders, held up the length of the hose. They started moving forward, and the camera panned back to the left to show Harold, Scarlett, and Chris holding up another length of hose.
"Yeah, I'll be on top," Harold stated.
"Pardon me?" Scarlett countered, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't trust you not to let me drown," Harold told her. "Self-preservation comes first."
Scarlett groaned. "That's fair," she said, taking the hose from Chris, "but if you let me suffocate, I'm dragging you down into the mud with me."
"Crustal," Harold deadpanned, and as Scarlett crouched down, she jumped onto the brainiac's shoulders. Scarlett stood back up and put the end of the hose in her mouth, and she jumped into the mud.
The tense music faded away as the camera moved onto Chris, the host sighing as Chef walked up. "You think the mud was a bad idea?" Chris asked. "It's a little quiet… oh yeah," Chris said as if in sudden realization, "almost forgot about the Peanut Gallery. Bring 'em back in!" he said into a walkie talkie he only then pulled out.
Moments later, the wind kicked up around them, and the camera zoomed out to show the large helicopter flying in with the former contestants still hanging – and screaming as they swayed ominously – below it. "Would you let us down already?!" Leshawna shouted angrily. "It's freezin' up here!"
"Yeah, I want to cheer for Zee!" Julia chimed in.
"If I wasn't tied up right now, I'd have half a mind to pound you!" Duncan shouted at the host.
The camera focused on DJ. "Hey, Chris?" he looked forward and asked loudly. "Just bring us down before anybody else gets miffed at you!"
"No, and I don't care," Chris answered with a calm smile, until Chef whispered to him. A flat note played over a close-up of Chris staring blankly at him. "Huh...good point," he admitted. "Ooh!" he said with a sudden grin. "I just had an idea!"
A flash took the scene to Zee and Jo, the tense challenge music resuming at a low volume and slow pace in the background. They were still slogging through the mud, Zee out of sight but Jo only submerged up to her stomach. She looked back over her shoulder, smiled, then said "Keep going!" into the piece of hose she was holding. "They're way far behind!"
Confessional: Zee
"So as it turns out," Zee said, "being submerged in the mud is kinda like being trapped in the dark. But there aren't any animals below to scare me."
Confessional Ends
The music ramped up as Jo suddenly stopped moving, then seemed to turn around and start moving back towards the start. "Uh, Fruit Loop?" she asked into the hose. "We're going the wrong way!"
The camera cut to Harold, looking somewhat bored as he held the hose atop Scarlett's shoulders, before noticing the other team and frowning. "Why are they coming this way?"
"Ugh! They're too safe to sabotage each other!" came the sudden voice of Chris McLean, the camera cutting to him standing in the show's jeep with Chef at the wheel, speaking into the microphone of the jeep's loudspeaker. "Deploy the 2.0 model!"
The shot cut back to Harold and Jo as they looked around with strange expressions, the sound of something like a rocket taking off coming from somewhere in the distance. They looked up and to the left, and the camera shifted to their viewpoint to show a large object shooting up through the sky overhead...
...then abruptly diving towards them, revealing itself as a red-eyed robotic bear with small jet engines coming out of its back. Harold and Jo screamed as their respective partners continued in their previous directions, getting out of the way as the Bear landed in the mud. It hit with enough force to cause a wave of mud, which shot all the way across the puddle carrying the finalists and their helpers along for the ride. All four immediately began to cough upon landing in a muddy heap.
Confessional: Harold
"At least I have a better shot," Harold said. "We're tied right now, but who knows what other tricks Chris has up his sleeves."
Confessional Ends
A close-up of the nozzle of a fire hose in Chef's hands preceded him blasting the muddy finalists and helpers with water, all four screaming where they'd landed on the shore of the 'puddle'. Moments later, the water was shut off, leaving them drenched but clean.
"We're all tied up," Chris announced with a smile. "Perfect time for a little break. First, let's bring in the Peanut Gallery again." He took out his remote and pointed it at a patch of ground nearby, a hole opening up in it and a rather shoddy-looking set of stadium seats shooting up out of it with the ten former contestants seated – and still tied-up – in it.
"Sha-finally," Lightning said, the shot cutting to him sitting in the top row with B, DJ, Duncan, and Max and Leshawna, Ella, Julia, Sammy, and Amy in the bottom row. "Are we gonna get to watch the rest of the challenge now?"
"Yup!" Chris answered with a happy smile, pressing the button on his remote again so that a large widescreen television emerged from another hole in the ground near him and the finalists.
"Will you untie us too?" Ella chimed in.
Chris huffed. "Whine, whine, whine," he said in annoyance. "Don't I do enough for you kids as it is?"
"No," all fourteen of the season's cast members replied at the same time.
A flat note played over a close-up of the host pursing his lips. "Yeah, I owe Chef twenty bucks about that," Chris said, the camera zooming back out again to show the finalists and helpers. "Everyone, grab a seat," he instructed, and the four reluctantly sat down on the logs lying behind them. "I'm gonna show you some of my favorite clips from the show..." He pointed his remote at the TV, and the shot focused in as it switched on and started to play footage of a confessional...
"Dunderhead was already pretty useless," Jo complained. "But now he's making moves on one of the actually decent players on the team? Not on my watch!"
The camera cut in close to show Jo pausing and looking back. "Something on your mind, Anti-Squeakerbox?" she asked, the camera shifting to show B peering at her and shaking his head.
“It's not what you think it is," Jo told him. "As long as they are on this team, Julia and Zee will not date."
“Not exactly how I wanted the elimination to play, but hey. Julia’s gone and with Zee still in the game, I could manipulate him into doing whatever I say,” Jo grinned.
The footage paused, and Chris leaned out in front of the television with a wide and mischievous grin. "Seems like there isn't a shipper on deck…" he said impishly.
"So you were trying to keep me and Julia apart?" Zee said as the camera moved to him and Jo, his eyes wide with shock. "Does this mean that...,"
"Yup. I convinced Julia to quit," Jo replied. "I didn't expect her to fully go through with it since I was gonna vote you out!"
"I can't believe you'd try and do that!" Zee said with a glare!"
"If I didn't do what I did, then you two likely would've blown challenges for us like the dueling one!" Jo argued back.
The camera focused on Julia in the Peanut Gallery. "I was trying to defend my boyfriend, but sure," she said dryly.
"I'm just worried what Chris is gonna show from Scarlett," Sammy said. "It looks like he wants to mess up the finalists and their helpers..."
"Maybe he won't show anything?" Amy suggested. "I mean, it's not like Scarlett and Harold were that close to begin with."
The shot cut back to a smiling Chris. "Oh, don't worry, I have no intention of leaving those guys out of all this fun," he said happily.
"I don't see how," Scarlett said. "Harold already knows everything about me now. I’m practically an open book."
Chris laughed. "Seems you forgot that the cameras are always on. So here's some more juicy information that everybody gets to hear." The screen on the TV went from static to a scene from the fifth episode.
Scarlett herself grabbed the dueling stick Ella retrieved, fished an electric eel out of the water, and tossed it to Max. "Max!" she cried, and her teammates looked at her in confusion, prompting her to pretend that she had coughed. "Pardon me!"
“The plan was for Max to be the only one not in the trap, so the team would know he built it and vote him off!” Scarlett confessed.
"I overheard Leshawna and Harold's conversation when they were foraging together, and Leshawna being on to me is something that I refuse to let happen," Scarlett claimed. “Zee's really gullible enough to deceive, and I'll try to talk to Ella.”
A deep, dramatic note was struck over a shot of Harold in shock. "So it was you who got Leshawna eliminated!" he scowled in Scarlett's direction.
"I wasn't ready to come out just yet, and between the two of you, you were less likely to warn anyone about me!" Scarlett retorted.
"So all this time, Scarlett was aiming to usurp her master!" Max ranted.
"I don't blame her," Leshawna commented. “As much of a pain as she is, I would've done the same thing and sent your annoying behind home.”
"Okay," Chris said happily as the shot moved onto him, "I'm sensing some major hostility and I'm liking it. I'm out of popcorn, though, so we should probably get back to the challenge."
"Seriously?!" the finalists and helpers alike exclaimed.
"Obviously, the helpers aren't gonna be very helpful anymore," Chris replied. "So, instead of helpers, Jo and Scarlett will now be hinderers." As he spoke, Chef walked back into view with a pair of video game controllers, tossing one each to Scarlett and Jo. "The island is now back online," Chris continued, "and, with these controllers, they will be able to throw up obstacles to throw you down, or, completely crush you."
The shot cut to Scarlett as she looked at her controller and smirked. "Good to know."
"Looking forward to it," Jo said in determination.
Harold and Zee gulped, and Chris laughed. "That was the good part," he said. "Let me tell you the bad part. You have ten minutes to finish this challenge," he told Zee and Harold. "If neither of you do, Scarlett and Jo get to split the money."
"Dude, what?" Zee said in shock.
"You can't do that!" Harold protested.
"I can! I will! I am! GO!" Chris announced, blowing his airhorn right in Chef's face, earning an annoyed sigh from the man. Harold and Zee immediately ran off, but the camera cut to a close-up of a thoughtful Jo.
"Well...I want the money, but I'm not really comfortable with how this is set up," Jo said to herself. "But...I guess it wouldn't be too bad if I just made this a little more challenging for them..."
"Do what you want," Scarlett said, the camera panning over to show her grinning darkly with her controller in hand. "I'm getting my justice."
Confessional: Jo
“And I thought I was an underhanded person,” Jo mentioned to herself. “Velma has less morals than me and Gnome Master.”
Confessional: Scarlett
"I was snubbed in the last episode," Scarlett confessed. "And now that I've been given permission, I can stop the finalists from winning without getting electrocuted!" She pulled out the remote from the seventh episode. "I don't even need this device. I have a controller to do the job for it."
Confessionals End
A few quick drum taps opened up a deep and dangerous challenge theme, the scene returning to Zee and Harold sprinting across the open field only to gape in shock as the pine trees in the background starting launching like rockets.
"What the heck?" Harold said. "Rocket trees?"
One landed right behind them, forcing both finalists to roll forward out of the way. "This island is wild!" Zee cried as the two continued running, more and more trees landing behind them like massive spears.
The two were shown together in a brief close-up, raising their eyebrows in surprise. A quick-pan ahead revealed the landscape changing, trees and rock formations rising up out of the artificial ground to form a large, dense barrier.
Harold jumped ahead of Zee as they climbed over the first big rock formation.
Zee vaulted downward and dashing forward along a lower 'path' among the rocks. Just as he was about to jump down onto grass, however, a boulder shot upward – and he landed on it groin-first. A close-up showed him letting out a high-pitched squeal of pain.
Harold's wince drew the camera's attention back upward to show him leaping from a boulder and grabbing onto the branch of a tree, only for the tree to suddenly shoot back down into the ground – causing him to yell as it dragged him down and slammed him back-first onto a fallen log.
Zee gave him a quick concerned glance as he jumped onto the same log, then upwards onto a rock formation before climbing onward and to the right and out of sight.
The scene cut back to the hinderers, both still working their controllers with Scarlett still looking considerably happier about it. "No need to change what works," Jo said uncertainty.
"What happened to that cutthroat attitude you've been displaying?" Scarlett asked. "Don't throw it away when I can get something out of it. And lower some of those trees. They're giving them too much cover from this storm I'm whipping up."
The camera panned onto the monitor to show Zee and Harold struggling against a powerful wind as they walked through what looked like a dense forest as leaves, dust, branches, and various small woodland animals blew past them.
A focus on the monitor's screen transitioned the scene back to the challenge. "I think...I can see the finish line in the distance," Zee said, pausing for a moment as he struggled against the intense gale.
"They're not making this easy on us," Harold commented.
The pair briefly passed behind a thick and mossy pine tree, the camera zooming in slightly as they reappeared. "Would you?" Zee asked.
"...I guess not," Harold answered after a moment.
The shot cut back to the Peanut Gallery to show them watching with worry and anticipation. "C'mon, Harold," Leshawna spoke. "Just hang in there."
"I know you can win this, Zee," Julia said. "You deserve it after everything."
Then the camera cut back to the hinderers, Chris standing next to their monitor with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face. "Ooh! They're getting close!" he said excitedly, prompting Scarlett to scowl and Jo to frown.
Once more the scene moved back to the finalists, their arms raised to buffer themselves against the winds – snow beginning to fall and lightning beginning to crack in the background - with Harold in the lead. "Two minutes left!" Chris called out over the island's loudspeaker. "Two minutes!"
"I...," Harold said with glee. "I think I can make it!"
"Not if I can help it!" Zee shouted, speeding up as the dense trees around him and Harold began to recede into the ground – and the tense and dangerous challenge music resumed. "If I win, me and Julia can go out and change the world together."
"I have to win this," Harold told him. "I've been undervalued and looked down on by my peers, friends, and even my family. I need to prove my might."
The snowy ground below their feet began to crack. A hollow sound played, then all at once, the ground shot up under them, earning startled yells from both. The shot soon cut to the new peak they were standing on rising up into the sky, then stopping.
"Drats..." Zee muttered, both finalists looking down with wide eyes. his final word echoed as the camera zoomed out, revealing the snowy mountain they were now at the top of.
The Peanut Gallery was shown gasping, as were Jo, though Scarlett was smiling as their misfortune. "Twenty seconds left...!" Chris said as the camera moved on to him looking at his watch.
The shot cut back to Harold. "I guess it's over," he sighed. “Scarlett wins after all.”
Zee noticed a bulge in the snow beside him. The boy shoved his hand into it and pulled out the phone Duncan stole from Chris. "I don't know how this got here, but we have to get down. Start stomping the ground."
Harold nodded and stomped on the ground at his feet, and after a few cracks, Zee hurled the phone down, breaking the device apart. Their eyes widened as the mountain began to crumble under them, and the ground imploded in on itself.
"Six! Five!" Chris began to count off, the music cutting out save for a single plodding note to highlight each number. "Four!" The camera panned onto the television, showing both finalists tumbling through the snow and rock. "Three! Two! One!" The shot cut to the finish banner, then zoomed out to show the avalanche stopping just under it – with neither finalist in sight. "GAME OVER!" he announced, blowing on his airhorn as a subdued but triumphant riff played.
Jo stood up in surprise, and Scarlett started cheering.
"My mission was a success!" Scarlett said in victory. “Now hand over my well-deserved prize!”
"Congratulations Jo and Scarlett," Chris said with his usual smile. "Revenge is sweetest-" he glanced at the monitor- "ohhhhh, what have we here?" he said with a sudden look of shock, the music cutting out as he pointed at the television screen.
A sharp note played as a familiar hand stuck out of the snow lying just past the finish line and waved. Scarlett's jaw dropped in shock, and Jo let out a sigh of relief.
The scene cut to the finish line, the camera pulling back a little ways as Chef walked up with a stretcher, dressed as a female nurse. Leshawna ran onscreen and pushed him out of the way. Chef flew off frame with a shout, and Leshawna grabbed the arm and pulled, freeing a shocked and snowy Harold from the aftermath of the avalanche. "Oh," he groaned, looking around as Leshawna dropped him on the stretcher, "what happened?" he asked as the victorious music began to play again with much more enthusiasm.
"You won, Ginger Baby!" Leshawna answered with a smile, the camera pulling out even more to show Harold looking back at the finish banner.
"I did it!" Harold said excitedly. "Harold Norbert Cheever Doris McGrady V has claimed victory! Boo yah!" he raised his arms and cheered, the shot cutting away to show all of the Peanut Gallery cheering.
“We weren't able to talk to each other as much, and it's clear we like each other as more than just friends, but how about we hang out a little bit back home and see where things go?” Leshawna suggested.
“As long as we don't rush into a committed relationship, I'd like that,” Harold smiled back.
The camera panned to the left to show Julia frantically pulling a dazed and half-conscious Zee from the rest of the avalanche, and picking him up onto her back.
"Julia," Zee said weakly, "I'm sorry that I-"
"Be quiet," Julia said with a weak smile as she carried her boyfriend over to the stretcher and set him down next to Harold. "You need to rest."
"But-" Zee tried to say.
He was cut off by Julia grabbing his head and kissing him full on the lips. "You didn’t win the money, but we can still provide for the world in our own ways, and with the power of love," she said with a smile as she broke the kiss, leaving Zee looking dopey.
The capstone theme began to play as the footage skipped ahead to a shot of the open sky, the double-rotored helicopter soon flying up into view. "That's it for this very, very off season," Chris began, standing in the open doorway with Zee and Julia sitting on the edge letting their legs dangle freely with Julia leaning into Zee; Harold and Scarlett standing on either side of Chris, the latter annoyed and the former grinning while holding the suitcase full of money to his chest; and the rest of the cast, crouching down and peering over in the gaps between and behind the rest, constantly jockeying for position as they tried to get one last shot of themselves on camera.
"This is Chris McLean, saying if you can't stand the pain-" the handsome host continued, the shot cutting in closer- "stay off the Total! Drama! Paaaahkitew Island!"
"RE-VENGE!" Max suddenly yelled from behind Scarlett, shoving her out of the helicopter, and the brainiac screamed as she fell.
The camera lingered on the dumbfounded looks of Chris and the other ex-campers, all of them staring at Max in shock. "This is how a traitor should be rewarded," he said, crossing his arms and closing his eyes defiantly.
The ex-campers and host burst out laughing, and a fun and energetic tune started to play. The camera panned over to the windshield to show Chef laughing along with the rest of the cast from the pilot's seat, and the helicopter flew away.
The music soon faded away, though, and the scene quick-panned down to show a screaming Scarlett landing in the giant mud puddle. She quickly surfaced with a shocked splutter, and pulled herself out onto dry land. "How am I going to get home now because of those imbeciles?!"
A few ominous notes were struck, and a ferocious growl caught Scarlett's attention. She looked up, and the camera zoomed out to show Scuba Bear 2.0 standing over her, eyes red. "Heheh," the brainiac laughed nervously. "You're not going to hurt me are you?"
The scene abruptly cut outward to the full long-distance shot of the island, the ominous music ending as Scarlett's scream and Scuba Bear's snarl echoed across the lake.
(Roll the Credits)
Lightning - 14th
DJ - 13th
Amy - 12th
B - 11th
Julia - 10th
Max - 9th
Leshawna - 8th
MERGE
Jo - 7th
Duncan - 6th
Ella - 5th
Sammy - 4th
Scarlett - 3rd
Zee - 2nd
Harold - 1st

I know there’s stand alone items and what not but
Other than CP93/92 and the Anniversary flags, what are the other nautical Ralph Lauren lines/themes?

First time in Japan, would greatly appreciate some feedback. Family of 4 with 10, 13 year olds. This was made with a lot of reading here, YouTube, and chatgpt attempts at optimization. The rough breakdown is 3.5 days Tokyo, 3 days Kyoto, 2.5 days Osaka.
We added Disney Sea last, slated for June 11. This sort of threw a wrench into the plans for Tokyo, as we now feel even more rushed. I feel like the kids would appreciate one day at a unique theme park. So instead of leaving for Kyoto early on 12th, we would spend the morning in Tokyo, then leave for Kyoto around 2-3pm, then hitting dinner near Gion.
Hotels and flights are booked, so is TeamLabs. Other contents can be moved around. I know this looks rushed, we will dial it down as needed once we get there. I will probably make a separate "checklist" so we can focus on getting the best stuff done and leave some room to explore.

Tokyo: June 8-12

June 8 (Saturday)

• Evening:
  • Arrive and check into Hotel Mystays Premier Akasaka
  • Dinner near hotel or in Odaiba
  • Explore Odaiba: Rainbow Bridge, TeamLab Borderless, Gundam statue, Aqua City Odaiba

June 9 (Sunday)

• Morning:
  • Visit Harajuku: Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, Takeshita Dori, Harry’s Hedgehog Café, Kawaii Monster Café
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Shibuya: Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Tokyu Hands (optional shopping)
• Evening:
  • Visit Shinjuku: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (observation deck), Piss Alley, Samurai Restaurant (optional), Kabukicho
  • Dinner in Shinjuku

June 10 (Monday)

• Morning:
  • Visit Outer Tsukiji Market
  • Breakfast at Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai Food Street
  • Visit Toyosu Fish Market (if time permits)
  • TeamLab Planets
• Afternoon:
  • Shopping in Ginza
  • East Gardens of Imperial Palace (registration required)
• Evening:
  • Explore Asakusa: Sensoji Temple (illuminated), Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo Skytree
  • Dinner in Asakusa

June 11 (Tuesday)

• All Day:
  • Tokyo DisneySea

June 12 (Wednesday)

• Morning:
  • Visit Akihabara: Electronic shops, game centers, maid and Gundam cafes
• Early Afternoon:
  • Lunch in Akihabara
  • Depart for Kyoto by Shinkansen
• Evening:
  • Arrive in Kyoto and check into hotel
  • Explore Gion District: historic streets, Yasaka Shrine, traditional Kyoto restaurant, geisha or maiko performance

Kyoto: June 12-15

June 13 (Thursday)

• Morning:
  • Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (red torii gates)
• Late Morning:
  • Visit Tofuku-ji Temple (gardens)
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch in Higashiyama
  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (views of Kyoto)
  • Explore Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets (traditional streets with shops and cafes)
• Evening:
  • Dinner in Pontocho Alley (variety of restaurants)
  • Evening stroll along Kamogawa River

June 14 (Friday)

• Morning:
  • Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • Explore Tenryu-ji Temple and gardens
• Late Morning:
  • Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama (if interested)
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch in Arashiyama
  • Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Visit Ryoan-ji Temple (rock garden)
• Evening:
  • Dinner in Kyoto Station area
  • Visit Kyoto Tower (nighttime views)

June 15 (Saturday)

• Morning:
  • Visit Nijo Castle (historical site)
  • Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace (if time permits and with reservation)
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch in Nishiki Market (famous food market)
  • Free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping
• Late Afternoon:
  • Depart for Osaka
• Evening:
  • Arrive in Osaka and check into hotel
  • Dinner in Dotonbori (street food and nightlife)
  • Explore Dotonbori area and see the Glico Man sign

Osaka: June 15-18

June 16 (Sunday)

• Morning:
  • Visit Osaka Castle
• Late Morning:
  • Visit Osaka Museum of History (next to Osaka Castle)
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch in Namba area
  • Visit Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
• Evening:
  • Dinner in Umeda Sky Building area
  • Visit Umeda Sky Building (night views of Osaka)

June 17 (Monday)

• Morning:
  • Day trip to Nara: Visit Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha Hall), Nara Park (deer park)
• Late Morning and Afternoon:
  • Lunch in Nara
  • Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Evening:
  • Return to Osaka
  • Dinner in Namba area

June 18 (Tuesday)

• Morning:
  • Depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Hello, I am writing a Pokemon fanfic and I am likely putting way too much behind it, but hey, Gotta love the storytelling hobby.
Pokemon Urban Black is a cyberpunk semi-realism take on Pokemon as a concept overall. The book has mature themes (not NSFW but certainly an older age range) and asks several questions about the nature of a pokemon world.
Anyway, I'm looking for a few voice actors who can help with snippets from the story. There will be no full-fledged chapter reading and even the most prominent roles will have snippets that last less than 1:30, if that.
This is a fun fan project. I am paying but I am not making profits off this. Below I am going to list roles from most to least prominent, along with two lines you can read if you so choose (not required before contact). Please let me know what roles you're considering when you reach out.
The one's that say "Pokemon" in parenthesis are characters from the actual games/manga/anime that you can look up.
Trevor Black
Black male, 23-years-old, smooth urban voice, AAVE swag. Semi-sarcastic. He's a hacker that gets himself caught up in some shady business with criminals, by accident.
"Nah, what do you think, Frenchie?"
"Yeah. You right. But it's not him I care about. The shame is all that money he's leaving on the table. He probably spent his life building that up, and for what?"
Godlove Benjamin
Black male, 49-years-old, deep commanding urban voice. Sometimes Sarcastic, Everything he says puts you on edge. Main Villain of Pokemon Urban Black. Mob boss of a gang called Pressure.
"Yeah, that's it. You came to me all excited and shit cuz you caught that lil Sandshrew"
Teanna Black
Black female, Age 19-45-ish as story progresses. Natural voice, weathered by life but optimistic. Teanna is Trevor's mother but we will be hearing her voice from audio journal recordings that range from when she's 19 on.
"My name is Teanna. Teanna Black. I'm 19 years old about 5'6", brown eyes. Very cute. You know. You know. But \ahem* really. I'm doing this because my mom always told me to and I never did."*
Amber Renee Carter
Black Female, Age 24, confident, sweet, encouraging. Renee is the 8th ranked Pokemon Master in the world and famous for it. She starts dating Trevor near the beginning of the story.
"Okay 'Trev'... how about I take your number, instead?"
Frenchie
Black Female, Age 24, sassy, sarcastic, slight (very slight) southern twang, AAVE Swag. Trevor's best friend. A "keeping it real" type of personality.
"Please Trev, like you give a damn about what happens to some rich CEO"
"Yes! Do you know how powerful a Mudkip can be?! and it's sooo cuuuuute."
James (Pokemon)
White male, 34-years-old, (NOT like show voice), Suave, smooth, velvety voice. Apathatic, confident swag. James is second only two Giovanni in Pokemon training capability. One of the strongest trainers in the story. (Jessie is in the story too, but she is already cast)
"Just... James"
"Ah yes, and the world was reminded of what the word 'Legendary' truly means."
Guzma (Pokemon)
White Male, 42-years-old, Sarcastic, kind of gruff, but playful voice. Laid back, carefree. Guzma is the leader of the "Skull" gang, but... despite being a career criminal he's not exactly a bad guy.
"Kid's too soft. I'm doing his ass a favor."
"Eh, well you know what they say... polished shit is still shit."
Plumeria (Pokemon)
White female, 26-years-old, Quiet, reserved, can be stern, but typically calm. Plumeria is second in command of the "Skull" gang.
"N's a good kid,"
"We'll be violating the family ground laws."
Cyrus (Pokemon)
White male, 56-years-old, Collected, pensive, wise. Leader of the Galactic Game, once a reputable science organization gone bad.
"It was certainly possible. You know it was. The science was sound. Even the magic aspects checked out. You were just afraid,"
Ryme (Pokemon)
Black Female, 74-years-old, Somewhat raspy voice, but commanding, and collected. She's the godmother of the underworld crime families.
"This meeting has been called to clear up these confusions so that we can avoid any unnecessary mistakes in judgment." Her eyes again found Jessie. "You have the table."
Brock (Pokemon)
Black Male, 48-years-old, Street hardened, heavy voice, no-nosense. perpetually angry but always keeping it under wraps. Far different from Brock in the series, he's had serious trauma and he's looking for revenge.
"That Sandshrew... where'd you find it?"
If anyone has any questions feel free to simply reach out to me. There will likely be other required voices but as of now these are all I have. Thank you!

Hey, all! Thanks for taking the time to read what I have to share :)
I’m looking for a long-term, monogamous romantic partner around Northern Florida. All I would want is someone who enjoys laughing through life and has respect/kindness for others!
I value a balance between going on adventures and staying home and vegging, and I think with the right person both can be amazing!!
I really enjoy hearing about others’ interests and what makes them happy or passionate. Though some things that bring me joy are: - Nature walks and birdwatching (I love the birdies and have just started taking some nature photography) - Baking (I try to bake something every weekend to bring into my work) - Sports (I will watch anything and enjoy playing racket sports and running myself) - Theme Parks (Massive fan of Universal and all rollercoasters in general) - Space (I find astronomy and astrophysics really fascinating!!) - Music (I listen to a lot of rock, Broadway and other musicals, and reggae) - And other things too?? Don’t want to give it all away 👀
I can be pretty goofy or nerdy so I’d love for someone to have that same energy! Or not, as long as we enjoy each other’s presence. But I will try to always make you laugh and I will resort to bad puns shameless quick to do so 🤷‍♂️
Other stuff about me: - Not religious - Pro Pro Pro LGBTQ+ issues and Black Lives Matter - Doesn’t smoke anything - 5’7 and Hispanic/White - My favorite color is sky blue
Feel free to message me if you think we’d have a chance at connecting! No worries if not, it’s just your loss. Just kidding, I appreciate the time anyways!

Hello Everyone!
Looking at insights for the sub, engagement is higher and we are getting some great photos of your guitars! Thank you to everyone that stuck it out when the sub was a little shaky, I think we are going to make it through all of this better than ever.
A couple of announcements!
Distinguished Posts

• You may have seen some posts getting the 'Distinguished Axe' flair recently. This is a special flair that currently is given to anyone who posts and gets 200 upvotes within 24 hours. This threshold may or may not change. If you get this flair on your post, you also get the custom user flair to show off for fake internet rep.
• Themed days are coming. We would love your feedback on what you would like to see. Reply to this post with your ideas.
  • This would be like 'Strat-urday` where you post your lovely Stratocasters, or 'Tele-Tuesday', stuff like that.
• The flairs have been working out great for searching for specific brands or body types. Thanks to everyone for following this rule. Again if a brand you have is not listed, please feel free to send a mod mail with what you need. I have been trying to add new flairs as I see them posted, but I miss them I am sure.
  • "But why can't we just edit our flairs!"
    • I come from a software/data engineering role. Since we want to use flair as a reliable search method, opening up custom flairs would just create chaos because inevitabily someone would not use the actual 'Gibson' flair or 'Fender' flair and would end up putting something like 'Gibbons' which would ruin the whole point of flairs.

I think that is it for now. If you have any other ideas please feel free to send a modmail!

• Mods

U/Yass_0w0Had Made a list of possible ways/reason's that Signora would be reseructed.
Some examples Moth/Butterfly themes, affiliated with new life throu transformation/rebirth.
Her having given up her physical form already ...
But me being me I have taken up to my self to dive a bit into his concept's ( I'm not obsessed nor unhingedly interested into genshin/fictional characters I just enjoy to theories and take a look on them , I'm an artist/sketch artist ( or at least that's what I am called by my friends and family) and I wish to one day work on designing games and characters and there Stories as my profession/side husel)
Most credit is to u/Yass_0w0 check him out!!!
Signora/her moth interrupting the reserection of another character; She could interrupt the reserection of the old Pyro Archon, Take over there body/place/title and thereby claim ownership of the gnosis but the new archon won't let that be but till she(Signora) is beaten she will have given the gnosis over to dottore/capitano/Columbian and would be left to die, which makes her join us.
Dottore will reserect her, as part of an experiment or as part of a trap(dottore is unhinged and cares little for life) which wouldn't make it surprising if he reseructed her just so she could be the bait to be killed by the archon/tribes of natlan while he follows his own Agenda taking gnosis and burning irmensul as seen in that one scene and revealed by one of the Devs to happen in the future.
Capitano(if he is the blood stained knight) resurrecting her; His respect for her and his former master ( her lover) would make him feel it kind of as a duty to bring her back or at least try so, but he will fai or not even tryl to bring la signora back, instead he will reseruct Rosalyne the gentle version (with maybe memory holes).
She gave her body up, but was it destroyed? We know that she nearly killed herself while transforming into CWoF for the first time. Her giving up her body does not mean she destroyed it, it could be somewhere in natlan hidden/protected by a temple or in the liquid fire she drank(I remember reading that there was the sea of liquid fire) where she could have dived into and emerged as a bodyless version of her self that uses elemental energy to manifest a physical form. Or since we know that she was an akademiya student she could have preserved her body somewhere by artificial means.
Cracky theory I'm a giant fan of both la signora and Sandrone, seeing as we have gotten a puppet character in an hoyo game already (Herta HSR) I wouldn't be surprised getting one in genshin(yes balladeer is a puppet of raiden but technically missing the puppet aesthetic) and while Herta is pretty basic in her design she was probably used to test the waters on how to give a character such depth in its design as to produce clear and authentic puppet aesthetic(especially with the hints of us getting a 5 star version of Herta later in the game),comming to the theory What if she will be ,,reserected" into one of sandrones puppets maybe even one in image of a younger(former version)of Rosalyn like the one on arlechino story trailer with less detailed/accessories like her crown/eye patch thingy. A factor for making me think that is that sandrone who was supposedly meant to appear in fountain never did so so her having little bit of influence even if not by showing up in natlan at all would be pretty expectable not to mention hoyo wouldn't be stupid enough to neglect the customer's/players wishes especially seeing as Hsr has become the companies mayn trademark and genshin has not been doing so well since Hsr released(yes arlechino banner was very successful but you have to take into account that 3 new characters are appearing in the next patch,all of which are very popular and are expected to do very very well in getting players to pay for gems, battle pass..., as well as it being suspected that 2 other fan favourites will appear the version after that(2.4).
She won't be reseructed at all (in natlan)she is dead and won't make a return untill shneznaya where we will face her casket/coffin in the palace and then the tsaritsa will reseruct her(having the all gnosis) just to pay her back for her devotion and her having been let go/relieved of her duty will make her join us (since all Archons will be playable we will join with the tsaritsa) and so Signora would join us by default.
I was writing this while it's late and I should be asleep so it's Very cracky but alas I'm just a humble Enjoyer of the fictional worlds and there characters who wishes to share laughter, knowledge, Opinions and all of the other shareable things I'm not able to think of. And this helps me get tired for sleep 😴 Thanks For reading have a lovely day/morning/noon/afternoon/night and over all have a peaceful day...
Edit; I have failed to ask I/Yass_0w0 if I could name him and if I could use his ideas, and as a person who once got there art stolen I wish to apologise if it comes over to you as if I've turning his concept's into mine also my friend mentioned I should write here if you(Yass_0w0) read this thank you for your posts and I'm sorry that I didn't ask you before posting if you wish for me to delet the post/remove you're acount name from it please feel free to write it in the comments.

Everyday I rediscover something I gave up for the "sake of Allah". Shit is depressing. But here are a few things ive been able to take back.
I'll start:-
.Music ((big one for me. Gym felt like hell because I constantly used to try my best not to bop to the songs🤣))
.Owning mangas (Dont have to throw out my small HxH collection anymore)
.Romance Movies/Tv shows
.Movies/Tv Shows/Games/Mangas that have gods or any kind of "Shirk". Also any kind og "satanic" themes.
.Movies/Tv Shows/Games/Mangas with magic and witches/wizards
.Halloween ((Fucking loved Halloween. It was depressing giving it up))
.Future occupations (Depressed I wasnt able to venture in any creative venture. I might become a possible video game developer tho)
.My sense of self and own ingrained morality. (Constantly embrassed and feeling like shit that my religion, community and prophet endorses and commited messed up things)
.My sexuality(I may not ever come out. However atleast I know there isnt a God who will try to put me in hell for fucking.
.My fucking sleep lmaoo. (Once I started taking my prayers seriously my sleep went to fucking shite. Does Allah seriously care about our health when he ordered this. Oh wait I forgot he wanted us to pray 50 times a day)
.Free Time (No more dumb duties)
.Free Mind (No more constant OCD for sinning/not praying in mosques, etc)
This is all I can think of right now. All I know is that I have a fuck ton of manga to catch up on lol. Starting with Death Note.

English is not my first language so please ignore any grammatical errors. I am a 20-year-old female and this is my second relationship. In my first relationship, the furthest I went was to hold that guy's hand and We broke up after like about 2 months because he would not put any effort into my interest and didn’t make time for me even though he was the one to propose to me. I did talk to other guys because they showed interest in me but I soon came to realize that they just wanted to show off to their friends that they were in a relationship so, I stopped talking to them.
I was not actively looking for a relationship now. I met my current partner at work. At first, I just had some normal talk with him about friends and what we do in our free time, and surprisingly many of our interests matched. I personally am the kind of person who needs only time every now and often away from human interaction. So, as far as I know, every friend who is in a relationship updates what they are doing to their boyfriends daily and they also call them daily but that thing is I don’t even call my closest friend daily hardly like 2-3 times a week and they know my habit and have gotten used to it. So, because of my this habit I thought that it would be impossible for me to find a guy that understands this. But he was surprisingly ok with this type of behavior. Because I have only one relationship experience I was not picky about the guy I wanted to date for example their age, race, culture, height, or other physics features for example if that have short hair or long hair or even if they were bald, I personally don’t want to have children so I was also ok if they had a child from their previous relationship.
He started to talk to me longer than other colleagues and started to show interest in me because I had no previous experience other than to hold hands so he said that we would take this relationship at my pace. I was ok with this and wanted to experience love so, I said ok. Some days ago he took me to date and brought me flowers and it was my first time recovering flowers except that theme that I graduated so I was moved by this gesture. When that date was happening it started to rain so he suggested if we go to his home and watch some movies and I said ok. In his home, while watching movies we kissed and somehow we started to make out but it was only nothing else after some time I went home.
Only after the next day, I start to feel difficult like I wanted to vomit whenever I that about that make-out session, my chest started to feel heavy like I was making a big mistake by being in this relationship with a guy so big in age. Oh, he also has a child from his previous relationship.
I need advice on what would I do now should I break up with him if YES how do I do it? if NO why should I not break up?
TL DR: Relationship with a guy who is almost 13 years older than me but now I am not sure if i did the right thing or not.

After a break from writing and roleplaying brought on a rather miserable period of writer’s block, I’m searching for a partner to write with in hopes of undoing the unpleasant spell I seem to be stuck in:)
I’m a twenty four year old woman living in EST who has been writing on and off for eleven years give or take. I enjoy reading in my free time as well as gardening and obsessing over my cats.
A multitude of genres interest me from more modern, crime driven plots to high fantasy adventures. But romance is a common theme I enjoy including in all of my stories as I find relationship dynamics to be some of the most interesting things to explore especially when playing out in different worlds. Today I’m looking to write something that shows two people who are from entirely different times, making it appear as if they are from different worlds entirely. The gender of my main character is of no preference to me though I have started working on a male character for this idea. If intrigued by the simple outline, I’d love to share ideas and build a full plot out together that way everyone’s interests can be included! I’m also a firm believer that constructing a plot with someone else is half the fun of a writing together.:)
If interested please be

• 21+
• use decent grammar and have replies that average 400+ words. My replies tend to range from 400-1,000 words so I’d like a partner who writes with a similar style. I also write in third person past tense.
• active in building a story. And active with replies. I tend to get out at least one reply a day though most days I can do two to three.
• use discord. I won’t write anywhere else.
• And lastly I will not write with men. It’s simply a personal preference. Too many weird experiences have happened before.

If this story is one you’d like to help create, message me a bit about you and your interests as far as writing goes and please have a sample ready as well! I have my own that I’ll be happy to send:)
Happy writing

- iOS App for FishBowl game - Uses AI so you can personalize some specific years for movies, shows, etc. and also according to your country. - Keeps scores of each team - Always new words thanks to AI so games feel fresher and as unrepeated words as possible (AI is still improving) - Instructions included for those who haven’t play it - You won’t pay for each theme pack or something like that, like so many other apps, but it does require subscription to cover AI costs 

English is not my first language so please ignore any grammatical errors. I am a 20-year-old female and this is my second relationship. In my first relationship, the furthest I went was to hold that guy's hand and We broke up after like about 2 months because he would not put any effort into my interest and didn’t make time for me even though he was the one to propose to me. I did talk to other guys because they showed interest in me but I soon came to realize that they just wanted to show off to their friends that they were in a relationship so, I stopped talking to them.
I was not actively looking for a relationship now. I met my current partner at work. At first, I just had some normal talk with him about friends and what we do in our free time, and surprisingly many of our interests matched. I personally am the kind of person who needs only time every now and often away from human interaction. So, as far as I know, every friend who is in a relationship updates what they are doing to their boyfriends daily and they also call them daily but that thing is I don’t even call my closest friend daily hardly like 2-3 times a week and they know my habit and have gotten used to it. So, because of my this habit I thought that it would be impossible for me to find a guy that understands this. But he was surprisingly ok with this type of behavior. Because I have only one relationship experience I was not picky about the guy I wanted to date for example their age, race, culture, height, or other physics features for example if that have short hair or long hair or even if they were bald, I personally don’t want to have children so I was also ok if they had a child from their previous relationship.
He started to talk to me longer than other colleagues and started to show interest in me because I had no previous experience other than to hold hands so he said that we would take this relationship at my pace. I was ok with this and wanted to experience love so, I said ok. Some days ago he took me to date and brought me flowers and it was my first time recovering flowers except that theme that I graduated so I was moved by this gesture. When that date was happening it started to rain so he suggested if we go to his home and watch some movies and I said ok. In his home, while watching movies we kissed and somehow we started to make out but it was only nothing else after some time I went home.
Only after the next day, I start to feel difficult like I wanted to vomit whenever I that about that make-out session, my chest started to feel heavy like I was making a big mistake by being in this relationship with a guy so big in age. Oh, he also has a child from his previous relationship.

I need advice on what would I do now should I break up with him if YES how do I do it? if NO why should I not break up?

TL DR: Relationship with a guy who is almost 13 years older than me but now I am not sure if i did the right thing or not.

Introduction
My name is Ash and I'm a twenty-seven year old midwesterner with over ten years of writing experience and countless half-baked ideas. I average between 200-2,000 words depending on the nature and pacing of the story and I'd definitely categorize myself as the sort of person who will make playlists, Pinterest boards and dedicated discord channels for miscellaneous information if the pairing holds a special place in my heart.
I have no preference for the gender I play as I predominantly play male characters but am happy to play a female or an array of side characters for the story and will possibly double if the plot is inspiring. I am mainly looking for MxF pairings but can be flexible.
I'm most comfortable collaborating with people who are at least twenty-five or older.
My primary method of communication is Discord but I wouldn't mind communicating via Reddit DMs.
Genres & Plots
My favorite genres are modern fantasy, supernatural, sci-fi, romance, post-apocalyptic and gothic/horror. I rarely, if ever, do fandoms with the exception of The Boys/Gen V, World of Darkness or The Witcher. For The Boys, I'd prefer playing as or writing against Homelander, Butcher, or an OC. For the Witcher, I'd prefer to use OC's. Below are a few plot ideas for the aforementioned fandoms:
✨ The Compound Escapees: Both experimented on as children, your characters escape a hidden Vought compound, their memories fragmented and powers unstable. They must navigate the harsh realities of the outside world, unraveling their pasts and finding a way to control their abilities before Vought hunts them down.
✨ Dog's Dinner: A 'retired' Supe, blacklisted for refusing to follow Vought's orders, joins forces with Butcher (and The Boys) to expose a Supe breeding program creating monstrous hybrids.
✨ The Witcher and the Warden: A Witcher accepts a contract that points them in the direction of a grove. Upon entering, he finds that reality has warped and in order survive, he forms an unlikely alliance with an elf who is also trapped within. Together, they unravel the ancient secrets of the grove, facing vengeful spirits, monstrous guardians, and a sinister plot by a rogue mage to exploit the forest's magic for personal gain.
✨ Revelations in Neon: Under the glittering façade of Las Vegas, two Kindred forge an unlikely alliance. As they delve deeper into the city's dark underbelly, they uncover a conspiracy at the heart of the neon and sin, forcing them to choose between personal passions and the fate of generations to come.
Below, I've included a few original plot points that are completely malleable. Feel free to build upon them or present your own.
✨ The Depart of Paranormal Affairs: In a bustling city where the supernatural run rampant, two individuals join forces as investigators specializing in supernatural cases. Together, they delve into the hidden world of mystical creatures, uncovering dark secrets, solving paranormal mysteries, and navigating the complexities of their own personal lives which become entwined with the fantastical.
✨ Ashen: After a cataclysmic event mutates the remaining population into grotesque creatures, two unlikely allies form a tenuous alliance to navigate the hostile post-apocalyptic world. As they confront prejudice and distrust from both humans and mutants, they seek to understand the cause of the mutation and uncover a dark secret that could change the course of their fractured world.
✨ Shadows over the Prairie: In the Wild West, a pair of bounty hunters finds themselves pursuing a notorious gang of outlaws rumored to possess supernatural abilities. As they chase the ghostly criminals through desolate canyons and cursed lands, they must grapple with their own beliefs about the paranormal. Drawn together by a series of eerie occurrences, they form an unlikely partnership to solve paranormal mysteries, navigate dangerous encounters, and possibly uncover a greater conspiracy that ties their abilities to the fate of the frontier.
✨ The Tourney: In a medieval kingdom, a grand tourney is announced, promising not only glory but also a mysterious and powerful artifact to the champion. Knights from distant lands arrive, each with their own secrets and ambitions. As the tourney unfolds, strange events occur. A knight is found mysteriously injured, another disappears, and rumors of sabotage and dark magic spread. Amidst the jousts and swordfights, a hidden conspiracy begins to unravel, involving a secret society seeking the artifact for nefarious purposes. Two individuals must join forces to uncover the truth.
✨ The Arena: On a distant planet, an intergalactic gladiator arena broadcasts battles across the cosmos. Combatants, both willing and enslaved, fight using advanced tech and weapons. A new recruit, falsely imprisoned, seeks to win not only the championship but also a chance at freedom. Along the way, alliances form, betrayals sting, and epic battles ensue.
✨ The Vow: A king’s guardsman is tasked with escorting the princess who is secretly a powerful mage, though this fact is unknown to the guardsman. The king has decreed that she must be taken to a distant, sacred temple to fulfill an ancient prophecy, which is believed to be the key to saving the kingdom from a looming, mysterious threat.
✨ The Unseen: A disgraced monster hunter stumbles upon a hidden guild peddling forbidden arcane knowledge. His estranged mentor resurfaces, claiming the guild's experiments are unleashing unseen horrors upon the city. With the help of a mysterious character, the monster hunter must infiltrate the guild's opulent masquerade, exposing their secrets before exposing the city to the creatures they conjure.
✨ The Arcanum Academy: Accepted into a prestigious mage academy, two apprentices must navigate the complexities of magical studies, face rival students, and uncover the dark secrets buried within the academy's walls. As they learn to control their magic, they shape their destinies and unravel a grand conspiracy threatening the realm.
*Below is a passion project I've been working on for a while. It isn't necessarily a plot but a western/horror themed setting where magic and monsters are common. If it sparks an interest, please let me know!
✨ Red Vale ✨
Nestled at the foot of the imposing Bloodstone Mountains, Red Vale once thrived as a bustling mining town during the gold rush era. With its picturesque wooden facades, the town boasts a prominent clock tower overlooking a sprawling central square, saloons with swing doors that creak in the wind, and a network of old mining tunnels woven beneath its surface.
For years, the residents of Red Vale mined a unique, deep-red ore called "crimsonite" that was believed to have properties unlike any other mineral. It was said to gleam brighter under the moon and was much sought after for crafting jewelry, enhancing magic, being a power source and spellcraft material, fetching high prices in distant markets.
However, in recent times, the once-prosperous Red Vale has gained notoriety for other reasons. As the crimsonite veins ran deeper and rarer, miners began reporting strange occurrences within the tunnels: ghostly apparitions of old miners, eerie whispers echoing from the depths, and shadows that seemed to move of their own accord. Some miners never returned from their shifts, with search parties finding only abandoned tools and lanterns.
Above ground, things started to take a turn for the eerie as well. Local legends spoke of the "Blood Moon Rituals" — on certain nights, when the moon turns a deep shade of red, supernatural events peak. The town's water source sometimes runs blood-red, livestock behave erratically, and dark shadows seem to roam every corner.
As more and more unexplained phenomena plague Red Vale, the town has seen a new influx of visitors — not miners, but ghost hunters, paranormal researchers, and thrill-seekers. The locals, a hardy and resilient bunch, have mixed feelings. Some believe the town is cursed due to the over-mining of crimsonite, while others surmise that the spirits of the mountain are reclaiming what is rightfully theirs.
Whether it's the allure of the supernatural or the remnants of its rich history, Red Vale remains a town shrouded in mystery, where the veil between the living and the dead seems ever so thin.

I use PowerPoint on mobile and there's only certain slide themes I can select.
Can someone please send me a PowerPoint with diagrams in circle, dashboard and tabulated data🥺
I can't do anything because I don't own PowerPoint on my pc

I use PowerPoint on mobile and there's only certain slide themes I can select.
Can someone please send me a PowerPoint with diagrams in circle, dashboard and tabulated data🥺

Taylor owner here (214CE) for about a dozen years and was thinking about getting a new acoustic after finally finishing out my studio last year with the other instruments I play.
I saw Taylor has a 50th Anniversary Builder's Edition lineup and it looks fantastic. I played on an 814 at a Guitar Center today and enjoyed it. Considering the 314 model as it's more in my price range.
Anyone here have one? What are your thoughts on the lineup?

Would you have a concluding word to such world's setting?

Absolutely! Here are a few closing word options for your high-tech, low-life world, depending on the tone you want to achieve:
Hopeful:

In the flickering neon glow of the lower districts, a spark of rebellion ignites. Despite the hardships, the human spirit endures, seeking connection, hope, and a chance to build a better future.

Bittersweet:

The high towers of the elite cast long shadows over the bustling streets below. In this world of stark contrasts, the lines between survival and prosperity blur. But even in the darkest corners, love, ingenuity, and a flicker of defiance persist.

Grim:

The gears of progress grind on, leaving a trail of waste and despair. In this high-tech dystopia, the gap between the haves and have-nots grows ever wider. Will the lower districts rise up, or will they be forever locked in the underbelly of a world they can only glimpse from below?

Open-Ended:

Beneath the neon sky, stories unfold. Tales of hardship and hope, of rebellion and resilience. The future of this high-tech world hangs in the balance, waiting to be written by the choices of those who inhabit it.

Choose the closing word that best captures the essence of your story or setting. Remember, the world you've created is rich with possibilities, and the ending doesn't have to be definitive. It can leave your readers pondering the fate of its characters and the future of this complex and ever-evolving society.

If you should pick an item or an object that would clearly and cleverly symbolized such world, what would that be?

Here are two options for an item that symbolically represents the high-tech, low-life world:

1. The Glimmering Shard:

• Description: Imagine a small, jagged shard of metal or glass. One side is smooth and polished, reflecting the wealth and technology of the upper city. The other side is rough and chipped, etched with the grime and harsh realities of the lower districts.
• Symbolism: This shard represents the stark contrast between the upper and lower classes. The smooth side reflects the shiny veneer of technology and luxury enjoyed by the wealthy. The rough side reflects the brokenness and struggle of those living on the fringes.
• Additional Details: This shard could be a salvaged piece of technology, a remnant of a shattered building, or even a shard of a mirrored window that once divided the social classes.

1. The Glitching Holographic Ring:

• Description: Imagine a holographic ring that projects a constantly shifting image. On one hand, it might display a luxurious symbol of wealth and status. But as it flickers, the image might glitch and distort, revealing a hidden message or a glimpse of the harsh realities beneath the surface.
• Symbolism: This ring symbolizes the unreliability and instability of the world. The glitching hologram represents the way technology promises a utopian future but constantly fails to deliver. It also reflects the hidden messages of dissent and rebellion that exist beneath the surface of a seemingly controlled society.
• Additional Details: This ring could be a common fashion statement or a black-market tool used to spread forbidden information. The glitching image could be a coded message, a symbol of rebellion, or a reminder of the past that the upper class tries to suppress.

Both of these items are small, versatile, and can be interpreted in multiple ways, making them powerful symbols of the high-tech, low-life world. The choice ultimately depends on the specific tone and message you want to convey in your story.

Try something bit more distinct and specific.

How about the "Hacked Heart"?
Here's the breakdown:

• Description: A small, ornately decorated locket or pendant. Upon opening, it reveals not a picture, but a series of flickering LEDs embedded within a clear casing.
• Functionality: This locket is a bio-hacked implant worn externally. It interfaces with the wearer's nervous system, displaying a visual representation of their emotional state through the shifting colors and patterns of the LEDs.
• Symbolism: The Hacked Heart represents the constant clash between technology and humanity in this world. The ornate decoration speaks to a desire for beauty and connection, while the exposed circuitry highlights the invasive nature of technology and the commodification of even emotions.
• Distinction: This item is specific to this world because it combines high-tech bio-hacking with a sentimental object like a locket. It's a reminder that while technology can be used to manipulate and control, people still yearn for genuine emotional connection.
• Additional Details:
  • The Hacked Heart could be a status symbol among the wealthy, a way to display their emotional control or volatility.
  • In the lower districts, it might be a black-market modification, a way to express emotions freely or even manipulate others.
  • The LEDs could display a limited range of emotions, a commentary on how this world suppresses or simplifies human experience.

This Hacked Heart offers a unique and distinct symbol of the high-tech, low-life world. It captures the struggle for authenticity, the desire for connection, and the pervasive influence of technology in every aspect of life.

How about straight up hacksawed hearth?

The "hacksawed hearth" is a very evocative image, but on its own, it might be a little too literal. Here are a few ways we can build on this concept to create a more symbolic and distinct object for your high-tech, low-life world:

1. The Hacksawed Hearth Relic:

• Description: This is a piece of a broken fireplace grate, crudely hacksawed from a larger structure. It could be made of cast iron, bearing the ornate detailing of a once grand fireplace from the upper city.
• Symbolism: The hacksawed hearth represents the loss of a sense of community and warmth. It's a reminder of a bygone era where people gathered around fireplaces for warmth, comfort, and storytelling. In the high-tech world, these connections are fragmented, replaced by cold technology.
• Use: The relic could be a prized possession, passed down through generations in the lower districts. It might be used as a makeshift heating element, a symbol of resilience, or even a weapon in desperate situations.
• Additional Details: Engravings or markings on the relic could hint at the origin of the fireplace, perhaps a symbol of rebellion or a reminder of a specific historical event.

1. The Hacksawed Hearth Stove:

• Description: This is a makeshift stove cobbled together from scrap metal and scavenged parts. The centerpiece is a prominent, jagged piece of metal, clearly cut with a hacksaw, forming the base or firebox.
• Symbolism: The hacksawed hearth stove represents resourcefulness and defiance. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the lower classes, who repurpose the remnants of the upper world to survive and build a sense of home.
• Use: This stove provides heat and a place to cook for those in the lower districts. The exposed hacksaw mark could serve as a constant reminder of the struggle and the societal divide.
• Additional Details: The stove might be decorated with scavenged trinkets or symbols of rebellion, reflecting the personality of its creator.

1. The Hacksawed Hearth Hologram:

• Description: This is a portable holographic projector that displays a flickering image of a crackling fireplace. The image might be distorted or glitching, hinting at the artificiality of the technology.
• Symbolism: The hacksawed hearth hologram represents a yearning for a lost sense of comfort and togetherness. It's a reminder of something they can't fully possess, a ghost of a simpler life.
• Use: The hologram could be used for warmth (a psychological comfort), storytelling (creating a sense of community), or even bartering (a valuable commodity in the lower districts).
• Additional Details: The projector might be a salvaged piece of high-tech, repurposed by the lower classes. The flickering image could project not just fire, but also forgotten stories or historical events.

These are just a few ideas to build upon the "hacksawed hearth" concept. Each option creates a distinct symbol for your world, capturing the struggle, resourcefulness, and yearning for connection within a high-tech, low-life society.

Apologies, i meant hacksawed heart.

Ah, a "hacksawed heart" takes the concept a whole new level! Here are some potential interpretations for this unique symbol in your high-tech, low-life world:

1. The Literal Hacksawed Heart:

• Description: This is a gruesome yet intriguing object. Imagine a metallic heart-shaped locket, but instead of opening smoothly, it has a jagged, clearly "hacksawed" opening revealing a beating, pulsating red light within.
• Symbolism: It bluntly represents the harsh realities of this world. The exposed, almost violated heart symbolizes emotional vulnerability in a society that prioritizes survival and control.
• Use: This could be a black-market modification used by criminals to suppress or amplify emotions depending on their needs. It could also be a symbol of rebellion, worn by those who refuse to have their emotions controlled by technology.
• Additional Details: The exposed heart could change color or intensity depending on the wearer's emotional state. It could also be a painful reminder of past trauma or a forced emotional manipulation.

1. The Hacksawed Heart Pendant (Metaphorical):

• Description: This is a more subtle pendant, crafted from metal and shaped like a stylized heart. However, the heart shape is not solid, but rather consists of a series of interlocking gears or circuits.
• Symbolism: It represents the struggle between technology and human emotions. The gears represent the cold logic of technology, while the overall heart shape represents the desire for connection and love.
• Use: This could be a widely worn piece of jewelry, a reminder of the delicate balance between technology and humanity.
• Additional Details: The gears could turn or click subtly, representing the constant hum of technology in the background. The design could be simple yet elegant, appealing to people from all social classes.

1. The Hacksawed Heart Hologram:

• Description: This is a holographic projection of a broken heart, pulsating with a faint light. The cracks and breaks seem to have been repaired crudely, with rough stitches or patches.
• Symbolism: It represents the brokenness and resilience of the people in this world. The repaired heart shows their ability to mend emotional wounds and keep fighting despite hardships.
• Use: This could be a symbol used by resistance groups, a reminder that even though their hearts are broken by the system, they refuse to give up hope.
• Additional Details: The hologram could flicker and distort, highlighting the instability of the world and the struggle for emotional stability. It could also project messages of hope or defiance.

These are just a few interpretations of the "hacksawed heart" symbol. Each one offers a unique perspective on the world, highlighting different aspects of the struggle between technology and humanity, vulnerability and resilience, and the fight for emotional connection in a harsh environment.

And how about hacksawed earth?

The "hacksawed earth" is a powerful and evocative image for your high-tech, low-life world. Here are a few interpretations that capture different aspects of this society:

1. The Broken Globe:

• Description: Imagine a metallic globe, the size of a person's head. One side is smooth and polished, depicting a pristine Earth with lush continents and oceans. The other side is brutally "hacksawed" open, revealing a desolate wasteland beneath.
• Symbolism: This broken globe represents the stark contrast between the idealized world presented by technology and the harsh realities of the lower districts. The smooth side shows the world as it could be, while the hacksawed side shows the damage caused by progress and a focus on the elite.
• Use: This could be a symbol used by rebels or environmentalists, a reminder of the true cost of unchecked technological advancement. It could also be a prized artifact kept by scavengers, a testament to a lost world.
• Additional Details: The hacksawed side could reveal specific details like polluted oceans, ravaged landscapes, or scars representing ecological disasters.

1. The Cracked Terrain Model:

• Description: Imagine a detailed, three-dimensional model of the city and surrounding area. The model is crafted from metal and shows buildings, streets, and even the natural landscape. However, the model is cracked and broken in several places, revealing a dark, hollow space beneath.
• Symbolism: This cracked model represents the instability and fragility of the world. The surface world may appear organized, but it's built on a shaky foundation. The hollow space could represent the neglected lower districts or the potential for social upheaval.
• Use: This could be used by city planners to highlight potential areas of weakness or by rebels to show the vulnerability of the upper city. It could also be a symbol of the constant struggle between order and chaos.
• Additional Details: The cracks could be filled with glowing red lights, symbolizing the simmering anger and frustration of the lower classes.

1. The Fractured Hologram:

• Description: Imagine a holographic projection of the Earth that constantly fractures and reforms. It shows a beautiful planet struggling to maintain its integrity, with cracks appearing and disappearing over continents and oceans.
• Symbolism: This fractured hologram represents the constant environmental degradation and the fragility of the planet itself. It's a reminder that the consequences of unchecked technology and environmental damage will affect everyone, not just the lower districts.
• Use: This could be a warning displayed in public spaces, a constant reminder of the need for sustainability. It could also be used by rebels to spread awareness of the environmental cost of their society.
• Additional Details: The fractured Earth could pulse with a red glow, symbolizing the danger of inaction. The projection could also display messages or statistics about environmental threats.

These interpretations of the "hacksawed earth" symbol each offer a compelling way to visualize the societal and environmental consequences of the high-tech, low-life world. They highlight the impact on the environment, the fragility of the system, and the call for change.

What would be the very best thing in such world?

The "best thing" in a high-tech, low-life world depends on perspective and what holds the most value for different people. Here are a few contenders:
For the Struggling Masses:

• True Connection: In a world rife with social isolation and control, genuine connection with others – love, friendship, community – could be the most valuable thing. Sharing stories, offering support, and building a sense of belonging in the face of hardship could be a beacon of hope.
• Freedom from Oppression: The ability to escape the harsh realities of the lower districts, whether through rebellion, ingenuity, or a lucky break, could be considered the ultimate prize. Freedom could mean access to clean water, medical care, or a life free from fear and exploitation.
• Knowledge and Power: Unrestricted access to knowledge, either through scavenged books, hacked data, or forbidden information, could be a powerful tool for change. This knowledge could empower individuals to understand their world, resist control, or even find a path to a better future.

For the Elite:

• Absolute Security: In a world filled with danger and uncertainty, complete security could be a luxury only the wealthy could afford. It could involve advanced security systems, fortified enclaves, or even enhanced bodies that ensure their safety from threats in the lower districts.
• Unlimited Luxury: Unfettered access to the latest technology, exotic pleasures, and the ability to indulge in every whim could be the ultimate goal for some. However, such a luxurious life might feel hollow in a world so divided.
• Power and Control: Maintaining absolute control over society and ensuring their dominance could be the ultimate prize for some in the elite. This control could involve advanced technology, manipulation of information, or even a form of social engineering that keeps the lower districts docile.

A Different Perspective:

• A Spark of Change: Perhaps the most valuable thing wouldn't be a physical object or individual benefit, but the hope for a better future. It could be a growing sense of defiance, a technological breakthrough that could benefit everyone, or a leader who inspires change. Even in a harsh world, the potential for a brighter future could be the most valuable thing of all.

Ultimately, the best thing in this world depends on your story and the characters' values. What are they fighting for? What would make their lives better? By exploring these questions, you can create a compelling world where the "best thing" is a powerful motivator for your characters and a reflection of the themes you want to explore.

What would be the best possible symbol for high-tech-based dominance?

Here are a few options for a symbol of high-tech dominance in your world, each capturing a different aspect of technological control:

1. The Augmented Eye:

• Description: Imagine a stylized eye, perhaps metallic or with glowing circuitry. This symbol could be worn as a piece of jewelry, incorporated into clothing, or even projected as a hologram.
• Symbolism: The Augmented Eye represents the constant surveillance and monitoring of the population by the elite. It signifies the loss of privacy and the ability of the ruling class to see and control everything.
• Additional Details: The eye could have multiple pupils or flicker with different colors, representing the vast amount of data being collected and analyzed. It could also be embedded with a tiny camera, blurring the line between symbol and surveillance tool.

1. The Neural Network Spire:

• Description: A towering structure, resembling a branching network of wires or organic neural pathways, reaching towards the sky. This spire could be located in the heart of the elite district, a visible symbol of their technological prowess.
• Symbolism: The Neural Network Spire represents the vast computational power and interconnectedness of the elite's technology. It suggests their ability to access information, control communication, and manipulate minds.
• Additional Details: The spire could emit a faint hum or glow, hinting at the constant processing power it represents. Its intricate design could be both awe-inspiring and intimidating, reflecting the duality of technology.

1. The Glimmering Hand (Data Hand):

• Description: A stylized metallic hand, outstretched with its fingers spread wide. Each fingertip could have a different symbol or icon, representing different forms of data (statistics, surveillance footage, code).
• Symbolism: The Glimmering Hand represents the elite's ability to manipulate and control data. It signifies their power to shape information, influence perception, and control resources through technology.
• Additional Details: The hand could be made of a smooth, reflective metal, symbolizing the cold logic of data analysis. It could also emit faint streams of data or project holographic information, further emphasizing its control over information flow.

These symbols all offer a distinct way to represent the dominance of high-tech in your world. Consider the specific aspects of technology you want to highlight and the message you want to convey. These options provide a starting point to create a powerful symbol that embodies the oppressive yet awe-inspiring nature of technology in a high-tech, low-life society.

What would be the best set of symbols for resistance movements within such high-tech low-life settings?

In a high-tech, low-life world, symbols for a resistance movement need to be subtle, easily hidden, and adaptable to a world saturated with technology. Here are a few options that capture the spirit of rebellion in this unique setting:

1. The Flickering Flame:

• Description: A simple flickering flame, either a physical lighter or a stylized image. This could be a tattoo, a graffiti tag, or a hidden symbol incorporated into clothing or tools.
• Symbolism: The flickering flame represents hope and defiance against the cold, sterile control of the high-tech world. It symbolizes a yearning for a simpler life and the potential for change.
• Additional Details: The flame could be accompanied by a simple inscription or code that only members of the resistance understand. It could also be a specific color, like blue or orange, that signifies defiance.

1. The Glitching Gear:

• Description: A stylized gear symbol, but with a section that appears to glitch or malfunction. This could be displayed on a data pad, worn as a pendant, or even etched onto tools or scavenged materials.
• Symbolism: The glitching gear represents the disruption of the established order. It signifies the resistance's ability to exploit the flaws in the high-tech system and their fight for a more organic, less controlled society.
• Additional Details: The glitching portion of the gear could flicker or change colors, representing the unpredictable nature of the resistance and their ability to adapt to new situations.

1. The Broken Wing:

• Description: An image of a bird's wing, either broken or only partially formed. This could be a symbol of freedom yearning to be achieved, or the struggle of the resistance against the oppressive technological cage that confines them.
• Symbolism: The broken wing represents the desire for liberation and the belief that the people can rise above the control of the elite. It signifies the hope for a better future where freedom and autonomy are attainable.
• Additional Details: The broken wing could be depicted with feathers falling away, symbolizing the sacrifices made by the resistance. It could also be paired with an image of a rising sun, symbolizing a new dawn for society.

1. The Hacked Flower:

• Description: A simple flower image, but with its petals made of circuit boards or technological components. This symbol represents the fusion of nature and technology, hinting at the resistance's fight for a more balanced future.
• Symbolism: The hacked flower represents the reclamation of beauty and nature in a world dominated by technology. It signifies the hope for a future where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
• Additional Details: The flower could be a specific species native to the area before the rise of high-tech dominance. It could also be a symbol of a specific leader or movement within the resistance.

These symbols are just a starting point – get creative and consider the specific values and goals of your resistance movement. Remember, the best symbols are those that resonate with the characters and the audience, conveying the essence of rebellion in a way that is both meaningful and visually striking.