Welcome to Serial Sunday!

Protected Sovereign States and Territories Bill

PART 1

PROTECTED INDEPENDENCE RECOGNITION

(a) the polity in question has declared that it is an independent sovereign state;
(b) there is a dispute about the ownership of the territory that the polity claims sovereignty over; and
(c) the polity faces an active and serious threat to its existence.

(a) the polity renounces its declaration of independence;
(b) the polity renounces its claim to their territory; or
(c) the polity no longer faces an active and serious threat to its existence.

(a) declares war; or
(b) applies significant economic sanctions;

(a) removing said polity from Schedule 1;
(b) making a determination about which polity has the valid claim to sovereignty over the territory; and
(c) diplomatic actions that can be taken to resolve the situation.

PART 2

PROTECTED SOVEREIGNTY RECOGNITION

(a) the territory in question is recognised as owned by a sovereign state;
(b) there is a dispute about the ownership of the territory; and
(c) the territory—

(i) is under military occupation;
(ii) is facing civil war or unrest; or
(iii) is facing a high risk of military action.

PART 3

UNPROTECTED STATUS RECOGNITION

(a) the polity in question has continued to declare that it is an independent sovereign state;
(b) there remains a dispute about the ownership of the territory that the polity claims sovereignty over;
(c) the polity in question continues to maintain diplomatic consultation with the United Kingdom;
(d) the polity in question makes a formal request to the United Kingdom for continued recognition
(e) the alternative claiming polity to the polity in which is in question for unprotected status recognition is considered a terrorist or extremist state.

(a) the polity renounces its declaration of independence;
(b) the polity renounces its claim to their territory;
(c) the polity itself recognises the alternative polity claiming the formerly disputed land;
(d) the alternative claiming polity establishes formal relations with the United Kingdom, and meets human rights expectations; and
(e) it is considered by the Parliament through affirmative measure to no longer be in the interest of the United Kingdom to be involved in the continued recognition of the polity.

PART 4

FINAL PROVISIONS

’sovereign state’ is to be construed as “an independent political entity comprising a people from a defined territory that has the capacity to enter into relations with other states and requires protection.”
‘protected independence recognition’ is to be construed in accordance with subsection 1(2).
’protected sovereignty recognition’ is to be construed in accordance with subsection 4(2).
’defined territorial boundaries’ is to be construed as the territories outlined for a particular polity within Schedules 1 and 2

SCHEDULE 1

PROTECTED INDEPENDENCE RECOGNITION POLITIES

(a) Akrotiri; and
(b) Dhekelia.

SCHEDULE 2

PROTECTED SOVEREIGNTY RECOGNITION TERRITORIES

SCHEDULE 3

UNPROTECTED STATUS RECOGNITION POLITIES

1. Senator Baldwin of Wisconsin Introducing the End Outsourcing Act - [Link] Although the act leaned more towards Manufacturing Jobs and Federal Spending to US Private Contractors that would turn around and outsource the costs of the service, there hasn't been much progress since 2021/2022
   
2. No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act (2023) - [Link] Which mostly aimed at killing tax incentives for multinationals that shipped overseas. The approach here seems to rollback Trump-era tax breaks for corporations, and increase taxes on foreign profits therefore increasing local profits and disincentivizing outsourcing.
   

1. Define Objectives and Assess Readiness

• Set Clear Objectives: Understand why you're migrating. Common goals include cost reduction, scalability, improved performance, and enhanced disaster recovery.
• Assess Current Environment: Conduct a thorough assessment of your current IT infrastructure, applications, and workloads. Identify dependencies, performance metrics, and potential challenges.

1. Create a Comprehensive Migration Strategy

• Choose the Right Migration Approach: Depending on your needs, you can opt for rehosting (lift and shift), replatforming, repurchasing, refactoring, or a hybrid approach.
• Develop a Detailed Plan: Outline the migration timeline, resources required, budget, and roles and responsibilities. Include a risk management plan to address potential issues.

1. Ensure Security and Compliance

• Security Assessment: Evaluate your security posture and plan for implementing AWS security best practices.
• Compliance Requirements: Identify regulatory requirements and ensure that your migration strategy meets these standards.

1. Set Up the AWS Environment

• Establish a Landing Zone: Create a multi-account AWS environment using AWS Landing Zone or Control Tower to ensure a secure and scalable foundation.
• Network Configuration: Set up Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), subnets, security groups, and VPN connections as needed.

1. Migrate Data and Applications

• Data Migration: Use AWS Data Migration Service (DMS) or other tools to migrate databases with minimal downtime. For large data sets, consider AWS Snowball or Snowmobile.
• Application Migration: Rehost or replatform applications using AWS Application Migration Service or third-party tools. Ensure that all dependencies are migrated and configured correctly.

1. Test and Validate

• Functional Testing: Verify that all applications and services are functioning correctly in the new environment.
• Performance Testing: Ensure that the migrated workloads meet performance requirements. Use AWS CloudWatch and other monitoring tools for continuous performance evaluation.
• Security Testing: Conduct security tests to confirm that your data and applications are secure.

1. Optimize and Fine-Tune

• Cost Optimization: Use AWS Cost Explorer and Trusted Advisor to identify cost-saving opportunities. Implement reserved instances, spot instances, and right-size resources.
• Performance Tuning: Continuously monitor and optimize performance using AWS CloudWatch, AWS X-Ray, and other monitoring tools.

1. Train and Educate Staff

• Training Programs: Provide training for your IT staff on AWS services and best practices. AWS offers a variety of training resources and certifications.
• Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Maintain detailed documentation of the new environment and share knowledge across the organization.

1. Implement Continuous Improvement

• Regular Audits and Updates: Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and security. Stay updated with new AWS features and services to continuously improve your environment.
• Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop to gather insights from users and continuously improve the system.

1. SHRM BoCK — This is a free PDF that you can download off the SHRM website. I used this resource to guide my overall learning. I dissected the entire document and made flashcards on Quizlet for everything I did not know. In particular, I focused on the “key concepts” for each section and made sure I knew the definition of each term. There is also a glossary of terms and definitions at the end of the document, so I added all those terms into Quizlet as well. The glossary does not have every definition you will need to know, but it’s a good start. For the terms I could not find a definition for, I would either

1. Go through SHRM-BoCK and create flashcards
2. Go through and memorize SHRM Learning System Flashcards (You can find these on Quizlet and search “SHRM Learning System”)
3. Take certexamdb Test Prep Practice Exam, review, and identify weak areas.
4. Go through the Bogardus PHSPHR book and focus on weak areas (fill in flashcards)
5. Memorize the newly created flashcards for weak areas, flag ones that you continually get wrong or confused with.
6. YouTube hazy concepts and terms to gain a richer understanding, use Khan Academy when applicable.
7. Retake certexamdb Practice Exam
8. Go through questions in the book by Kelly and Simon-Walters
9. Identify weak areas, read through explanations, create and memorize flash cards as needed
10. A few days before my exam, focus on my large stack of flashcards, go through other people’s flashcard sets, and go through practice exams on Quizlet.

1. She tortures Joel to death. It would be perfectly understandable if she had simply executed him on the spot, especially given the reveal of her backstory later. However, she undergoes the decision to draw out his pain and kill him in the most brutal and sadistic way possible. After blowing off his leg, she has Mel apply a tourniquet so that she can keep him alive and continue to make him suffer as she beats him to death. She is only stops because her crewmates eventually felt it had gone long enough. The implication is that she would have continued to torture Joel, including in front of Ellie, as long as she wanted. This action can be sympathetic to some, but there is no way it can in any way be viewed as moral or justifiable.
   
2. There is a revelation in the game's dialogue that she had previously tortured Scars to blow off some steam. This clearly demonstrates that her behaviour with Joel was not exceptional. She is somebody who regularly engages in this practice for her own satisfaction.
   
3. She sleeps with the partner of her best friend, who is pregnant. Mel had travelled with her to a remote part of the country while pregnant and risking the life of her child to ensure that she could support Abby. There was also a discussion of potentially starting a fight with Tommy's group prior to killing Joel, indicating that violence and a risk of injury and death were anticipated. Regardless of these sacrifices, Abby still allowed her own interests and desires to outweigh the trust and friendship of Mel. She grieved at the death of Mel and Owen but mostly at their loss. She did not display remorse over the fact that she had hurt Mel when she was alive.
   
4. Abby appears to take pleasure in the idea of slitting a pregnant woman's throat, specifically acknowledging that she is pregnant. This is just outright disturbing. It is almost universally accepted this is taboo, and there are even examples of animals in nature who know that there is something wrong with killing a pregnant creature. While one could definitely envision Abby killing a pregnant woman *in spite* of the fact that she is pregnant, the idea of her taking any pleasure from knowledge of this fact, even if out of spite, is horrendous.
   
5. Abby betrays the WLF, an organisation which she had become a key member and trusted companion of, in order to protect a stranger she had recently met, and decided that she wanted to protect. While it is understandable that she may have had moral hesitations to kill Lev, this may not immediately justify her killing off many of those she once considered friends and companions, and who had provided for her.
   
6. Perhaps most importantly, Abby does not reflect on how her newfound choice to protect Lev have essentially made her into a mirror of Joel. In choosing to become a guardian for Lev, she slaughters many of her own people because she protects the new person she has chosen to care about. Her journey to protect Lev strongly mirrors what Joel had done to protect Ellie from the Fireflies. Yet, in spite of this, Abby does not come to reflect on how her journey should make her more empathetic to the man who had hurt her. The main point of the game is empathy, but Abby's conscience is fully set on the idea that Joel is an unforgiveable, unrepentant murderer who took away somebody close to her, but that her own actions are thoroughly justified and immune to any form of scrutiny. She pays no heed to the fact that her actions may have just made many more traumatised Abbys. Additionally, while it would be surprising and probably unrealistic to see Abby wish she could take killing Joel back, she never once acknowledges how her actions traumatised Ellie the same way Joel had traumatised her. As far as she is concerned, she was always right to kill Joel, and any attempts by Ellie to do what she had done, even if for the same reasons, are wrong.
   

1. Abby may not deliberately and slowly torture Joel to death. It is probably more likely that she will just bash him to death in a fit of rage. Alternatively, if this part of the story is kept it will be mitigated by other changes.
   
2. Any reference to Abby torturing random Scars will most likely be removed. Alternatively, it could be changed to killing Scars to blow off steam.
   
3. The sex scene will likely be retained (I have zero faith Neil Druckmann will let it be cut), but she will probably show more remorse for it.
   
4. This part will most likely be changed to Abby saying "an eye for an eye" or "so was Mel", as opposed to "good".
   
5. Abby will be highly hesitant at first to kill her own people, but will gradually become numb to it similarly to the game. This is arguably the most forgivable point (audiences miss this sort of thing all the time unless they want to pick on a story) so it probably won't be changed much.
   
6. There's a 50/50 chance this could be changed. In all honesty, given the events of TLOU Pt. II it feels almost as if the setup for some genuine character growth for Abby was made but eventually cut because of "executive decisions". It would definitely tie into the message of empathy that the game is supposed to invoke. However, once again noting Neil Druckmann and his tendency to make bad decisions out of spite, there's always the chance that this again could be missed.
   

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We, the People, Need to Advocate for Our Rights

• Local governments cannot enact or enforce any ordinance that controls the amount of rent charged for residential or commercial properties.
• The law also prevents local governments from requiring private residential or commercial units to be sold or rented at below-market rates as a condition for zoning changes, building permits, or other land use approvals.
• Any voluntary programs designed to increase affordable housing must be incentive-based and cannot involve compulsory measures that affect market pricing.

Facts:

• 30 states have a higher minimum wage than Tennessee's $7.25.
• Tennessee last raised its minimum wage in 2009.
• Since then, inflation has risen by about 36.6%.
• A decent living wage for a single adult in Tennessee is about $13.25 per hour.

Rising Rents in Knoxville

• Rapid Rent Increases: In 2022, rent growth in Knoxville was 9.6%, significantly higher than the national average of 2.3%. This trend has continued, with apartment rents increasing by around 6.06% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
• Forecasted Increases: The trend of rising rents is expected to continue, with forecasts indicating an additional 5% increase over the next year.
• High Occupancy Rates: Despite these rent increases, Knoxville's rental market remains highly competitive with occupancy rates around 96.3%, which is higher than the national average of 94.7%.

Recent Home Price Increases in Knoxville

• Median Home Price: The median home sales price in Knoxville rose to $350,000 in July 2023, representing an increase of around 7.9% compared to the previous year.
• Affordability: As of November 2023, the median home sales price was $346,000, up by about 10.8% from the previous year.
• Income Requirements: The income required to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home has risen dramatically, from around $59,000 at the start of 2022 to over $110,000 by August 2023.
• Housing Inventory: Despite the rising prices, the total number of homes available in Knoxville is still around half of pre-pandemic levels, contributing to the increased competition and higher prices.

Steps to Raise the Minimum Wage

• Form a Nonpartisan Group: Create or join a group focused solely on raising the minimum wage, without political affiliations. Use platforms like Zoom for virtual meetings, schedule regular meetings, and use social media and local forums to recruit members.
• Research Requirements: For statewide initiatives, the number of signatures required is typically a percentage of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Confirm the exact number with the Tennessee Secretary of State's office. For local initiatives in Knoxville, a charter amendment can be proposed if at least one registered voter files the petition with the county election commission for pre-approval (TCA 2-5-151).
  • Tennessee Secretary of State: (615) 741-2819
• Create the Petition: Draft a clear and concise petition for a minimum wage increase. Here is a sample:

• Host Community Events: Organize events like town hall meetings, local fairs, or farmers' markets to gather signatures.
• Utilize Local Networks: Leverage small-town connections where everyone knows each other to spread the word and gather support.
• Set Up Booths: Place booths in high-traffic areas like grocery stores, libraries, and community centers to collect signatures.
• Door-to-Door Campaigning: Go door-to-door in your neighborhood to ask for signatures.

• Social Media Campaign: Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to inform the community and encourage them to sign the petition.
• Local Media: Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels to cover your campaign.
• Flyers and Posters: Distribute flyers and put up posters in local businesses and public spaces.

• Verify Signatures: Ensure all collected signatures meet the requirements.
• Submit to Authorities: Submit the petition to the appropriate state or local authority for validation.

Deadlines and Requirements

• Submission Deadline: Typically, signatures must be submitted several months before the general election to allow time for verification. For 2024, check with the Tennessee Secretary of State for specific deadlines and the number of required signatures.

How Petitions Work

• Single Signature Submission: In some cases, a single well-documented request or petition signed by one person can be submitted to local officials to initiate a discussion. However, this method is less likely to compel action without demonstrating broader community support.
• Gathering Multiple Signatures: To increase the chances of the petition being taken seriously, gathering multiple signatures shows that the issue has significant support within the community. This can influence local officials to take action.
• Specific Requirements: The exact number of signatures required can vary based on local laws and regulations. For example, getting an initiative on the ballot often requires a specific percentage of registered voters' signatures.

• Submitting a Petition to the City Council: One person can submit a petition to the city council to raise an issue. However, gathering more signatures from residents increases the impact.
• Ballot Initiatives: For ballot initiatives, there are usually legal requirements regarding the number of signatures needed. This varies by jurisdiction.

Strategies to Address Rising Rents

1. Rent Control and Stabilization:
   • Implement policies that limit how much rents can be increased annually.
2. Increased Tenant Protections:
   • Strengthen tenant rights to provide more security and stability, such as "just cause" eviction protections.
3. Affordable Housing Development:
   • Increase the supply of affordable housing through new developments and mixed-income housing projects.
4. Tax Incentives for Landlords:
   • Offer tax breaks or incentives to landlords who keep rents affordable.
5. Community Land Trusts:
   • Establish community land trusts to manage and develop affordable housing.
6. Rent Subsidy Programs:
   • Expand rent subsidy programs to assist low-income tenants.

Petition Example for Rent Control and Tenant Protections

1. Rent Control: Implement rent control measures that limit annual rent increases to no more than a set percentage, tied to inflation.
2. Just Cause Eviction Protections: Establish "just cause" eviction protections to prevent arbitrary evictions and provide stability for tenants.
3. Tax Incentives for Affordable Rent: Offer tax breaks or incentives to landlords who commit to keeping rents affordable.
4. Encourage Long-Term Leases: Promote the use of long-term leases with fixed rent increases to provide stability for both tenants and landlords.

Other Strategies to Help Afford Homes

1. Affordable Housing Programs: Support and expand local programs that provide affordable housing options.
2. Down Payment Assistance: Advocate for city or county programs that help with down payments for first-time homebuyers.
3. Community Land Trusts: Promote local models where the community owns the land and leases it to homeowners, reducing the cost of purchasing a home.
4. Zoning Reforms: Push for zoning changes within Knoxville to allow for more diverse and affordable housing developments.
5. Financial Education: Provide resources locally to help individuals better manage their finances and improve their credit scores.
6. Rent-to-Own Programs: Implement or support local programs where tenants can rent properties with the option to buy after a certain period.
7. Increased Housing Supply: Encourage the construction of more housing units in Knoxville to meet demand.
8. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between the city and private developers to create affordable housing projects.
9. Inclusionary Zoning: Require a portion of new developments in Knoxville to include affordable housing units.
10. Tax Incentives: Offer local tax credits or abatements to developers who build affordable housing or to homeowners for property improvements.
11. Tiny Homes and ADUs: Promote the development of tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Knoxville as affordable housing options.
12. Housing Cooperatives: Support cooperative housing models locally where residents collectively own and manage their housing.
13. Employer-Assisted Housing: Encourage local employers to provide housing assistance or benefits to their employees.
14. Energy Efficiency Programs: Implement local programs to improve the energy efficiency of homes, reducing utility costs and overall housing expenses.
15. Foreclosure Prevention Programs: Provide local assistance and counseling to homeowners at risk of foreclosure to help them retain their homes.
16. Land Banks: Establish land banks at the city level to acquire, manage, and repurpose vacant and foreclosed properties for affordable housing development.

• Petition for Ballot Initiatives: Registered voters can start petitions to get these issues on local ballots. This involves gathering a required number of signatures from the community.
• Engage with Local Officials: Attend city council meetings, contact local representatives, and advocate for these programs and reforms.
• Form or Join Advocacy Groups: Collaborate with local organizations focused on housing and community development to amplify your efforts.
• Raise Public Awareness: Use social media, local news, and community events to inform and mobilize residents around these initiatives.
• Vote: Encourage community members to vote for local leaders and initiatives that support affordable housing and related programs.

Example Petitions:

1. Tax Incentives: Offer local tax credits or abatements to developers who build affordable housing or to homeowners for property improvements. These incentives will encourage the development and maintenance of affordable housing units, ensuring more options are available for low- and moderate-income families.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between the city and private developers to create affordable housing projects. By working together, the public and private sectors can pool resources, expertise, and funding to develop housing that meets the community's needs.
3. Inclusionary Zoning: Require a portion of new developments in Knoxville to include affordable housing units. Inclusionary zoning ensures that affordable housing is integrated into new developments, promoting economic diversity and increasing the availability of affordable homes.
4. Affordable Housing Programs: Support and expand local affordable housing programs to provide quality, affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income residents. Currently, many residents are struggling to find affordable housing, which impacts their quality of life and financial stability. By expanding these programs, we can ensure that more residents have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.
5. Land Banks: Establish land banks at the city level to acquire, manage, and repurpose vacant and foreclosed properties for affordable housing development. Land banks can transform unused or abandoned properties into valuable assets for the community, providing opportunities for affordable housing development and revitalizing neighborhoods.

State or Federal Level:

• Subsidized Housing Vouchers: Increase the availability and funding for housing vouchers that subsidize rent for low-income families.
• Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC): Promote MCC programs that provide tax credits to first-time homebuyers at the state or federal level.

How New Jersey Did It:

• Legislative Action: Passed in 2019, the law set a schedule for gradual increases to reach $15 by 2024.
• Annual Adjustments: Provisions for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Broad Support: Significant political backing from the governor and legislature.
• Sector-Specific Plans: Different timelines and rates for small businesses, seasonal workers, and agricultural employees.
• Economic Advocacy: Studies and advocacy highlighted the benefits, helping to build public and political support.

Tennessee's Business Environment and Minimum Wage:

• Business-Friendly State: It's true Tennessee is known for being business-friendly, which can make raising the minimum wage challenging.
• Jobs Over $12/Hour: While many jobs may pay over $12 an hour, not all workers have access to these opportunities, especially those with limited skills or education.

Steps to Take:

• Educate and Advocate: Inform the community about the benefits of a higher minimum wage for both workers and the economy.
• Highlight Success Stories: Share examples from other states like New Jersey that have successfully raised their minimum wages without harming businesses.
• Promote Nonpartisan Support: Work with groups that focus on worker rights without political affiliations to gather broader support.

1. Windsor Castle

Highlights

• St. George’s Chapel: This gothic masterpiece is the resting place of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and Charles I.
• State Apartments: Adorned with opulent décor and an impressive art collection, these rooms are still used for state occasions.
• Changing the Guard: Witness this iconic ceremony, a quintessentially British tradition.

2. Edinburgh Castle

Highlights

• Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny: These symbols of Scottish monarchy are housed within the castle.
• The Great Hall: Completed in 1511, it showcases medieval weapons and armour.
• The Royal Palace: Birthplace of James VI, who became James I of England.

3. Warwick Castle

Highlights

• The Castle Dungeon: Experience the darker side of history with this interactive attraction.
• The Mound: Climb to the top for stunning views of the castle and the River Avon.
• Medieval Banquets: Enjoy a feast fit for a king in the castle’s grand dining halls.

4. Tower of London

Highlights

• The Crown Jewels: Home to the British Crown Jewels, including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.
• The White Tower: The oldest part of the castle, housing an impressive collection of arms and armour.
• Yeoman Warders: Also known as Beefeaters, these guards offer entertaining and informative tours.

5. Leeds Castle

Highlights

• The Maze: This hedge maze leads to an underground grotto, a fun challenge for visitors.
• Bird of Prey Centre: Offers daily falconry displays.
• The Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens that provide a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.

6. Alnwick Castle

Highlights

• Film and TV Location: Featured in the Harry Potter films as Hogwarts and in the TV series Downton Abbey.
• Alnwick Garden: Includes the Grand Cascade, the Poison Garden, and a massive treehouse.
• Historical Re-enactments: Regular events bring medieval history to life.

7. Caernarfon Castle

Highlights

• Eagle Tower: The castle’s most famous tower, offering panoramic views.
• Royal Investitures: The castle has been the site of investiture ceremonies for the Prince of Wales.
• Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the castle’s history through engaging displays.

8. Bodiam Castle

Highlights

• The Moat: A picturesque and defining feature of the castle.
• The Gatehouse: Provides a formidable entrance and offers great views from the top.
• Interactive Displays: Exhibits that provide insight into medieval life.

9. Dover Castle

Highlights

• The Great Tower: Explore the recreated medieval royal palace.
• Secret Wartime Tunnels: Discover the tunnels used during World War II.
• Medieval Tunnels: Walk through tunnels dating back to the medieval period.

10. Cardiff Castle

Highlights

• The Norman Keep: Climb to the top for views over Cardiff.
• The Castle Apartments: Lavishly decorated rooms reflecting Victorian opulence.
• The Roman Walls: Discover remnants of the original Roman fortifications.

Conclusion

My Own Dark Fantasy Realm

1. AI Difficulty
   • The scavs are their normal, mostly brain dead state that you can see in both modes. No issues there besides the lucky scavs that magically one shot you from afar with buckshot, but that's normal tarkov.
   • PMCs.. These guys teaming up with scav bosses and raiders? Really BSG? PMCs need to at least share the same hostility that player PMCs have to deal with. Not even mentioning their god like aim! MP5/MPX from over 80 meters away to your eyeballs coming up! This is not even a skill issue, they straight up mimicking actual cheaters. They can see you through distant fog on Lighthouse and nail you with their guns when you can even see their outline, or shoot you through the forested areas on many other maps.
     • Possible ways to fix the issue: Give them the same enemy factions as players (AI PMCs hostile to raiders, scavs/scav bosses, other PMCs, etc). Have them roam the map towards high traffic areas based off PVP data. Maybe even have them run normal spawn/extract routes players use.
     • Misc request/feedback: I'd like to see the AI use kits reasonable to their actual level, and I think this would be a nice, immersive feature. Level 1s shouldn't be going around with SR-25s and class 5 armor, but this is a really tiny detail to nitpick.
   • Rogues.. Their reaction times are match that of the PMCs. Oh wait, Rogue AI is given the PMCs, yeah, that will work great BSG, real great. These guys are dangerous, and will click on your head, but you can win fights against them.
2. Questing
   • It's obvious that PVE was a rushed to some degree, with many quest not being altered in a way that makes them actually feasible. Prime examples being..
     • Kill PMCs in office on factory (Good luck with this one, because the PMCs will push you occasionally, but it's BS because your at the mercy of the AI, assuming they don't instantly head eyes you)
     • Scav quest for coop extract? SOL buddy, because those don't even work now, but we display them as an extract anyway just to rub it in
     • New raid timer (25 mins or less) makes questing on the larger maps far more difficult then it needs to be. There is already reduced loot spawns in PVE, so why makes the timer even shorter? Unlucky spawn, there goes 5 mins of running, if not 15 mins of fighting to your object just to have no time to loot.
   • LIGHTHOUSE..
     • Jesus BSG.. the aimbot AI rogues, with friendly scavs next to the raiders? Is this an April fools joke? You can't snipe them because of render distance fog (that the player can do nothing about), and AI that laser you with a DshKM or grenade launcher.. Lets put more then half the quest in that compound.
     • under NORMAL, PVP mode gameplay, this is actually not as difficult as player scavs and other PMCs can do the heavy lifting, leaving a player to sneak in later to get your quest done here..
     • Video guides can make this look easy to get into, but it's because they have to rely on pixel peeking the PMCs/rouges. They literally have to exploit to get into this base, and this shouldn't be the solution the community has to fallback to.
     • Possible fixes: See above (AI).. Tweaking AI accuracy at range would likely suffice..
     • Possible tweak: Further optimizing of the game to reduce the need for artificial fog to hide L/HLOD meshes would be great, or have the weather system actually affect the fog to a more intense degree (Sunny/No clouds=No fog)
3. Flea Market
   • While the changes from Flea being only FIR (Found in Raid) to open has made things interesting. However, given how this is PVE where the player is not fighting others, I really think the players should be able to purchase/sell higher tier ammo, guns, etc. With how much good ammo has been taken away from traders at the upper levels, the only way is to find it in raid.. This simply isn't needed.
   • I do have concerns about cheaters on PVE using the non-FIR flea to just abuse the market. I've seen some crazy high numbers on the flea before the non-FIR change, and it's really suspicious. I think FIR flea is okay, but many restrictions on AP ammos should be lifted for example.
4. Queue times
   • There is an issue with queues sometimes taking upwards of 10-11 mins. I know they are likely overwhelming the servers with EOD players, but I generally can get in a game in less then 5 if I don't insta-queue. Not much can likely be done about this at this time.

1. Character and World Building:
   • Describe the protagonist's background, their assigned role, and their initial perception of the oppressive world they inhabit.
   • Develop the hidden underground community, including its purpose, structure, and the means through which it safeguards personal stories.
   • Create a contrast between the protagonist's initial world and the underground community, highlighting the impact of personal narratives on shaping identity and resisting oppression.
2. Plot Analysis:
   • Outline the protagonist's journey of discovery, including their initial skepticism, the influential encounters they have within the underground community, and the personal sacrifices they make to preserve their identity.
   • Explore the challenges and conflicts faced by the protagonist, both externally (e.g., encounters with government authorities) and internally (e.g., the struggle to confront their identity).
3. Deep Introspection:
   • Prompt the protagonist to reflect deeply on the uncomfortable subjects that the government's erasure of personal narratives seeks to suppress. These could include topics such as individuality, memory, trauma, and the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy and resistance.
   • Encourage the protagonist to evolve their thoughts and perceptions throughout the narrative, considering the consequences of silence and the potential for personal growth through self-expression and sharing.
4. Requirements for Responses:
   • Conduct research to explore real-world examples of societies that suppress personal narratives or attempt to erase collective memory.
5. Prompt: In a post-apocalyptic world, a devastating pandemic has wiped out most of humanity. The survivors are forced to live in isolated communities, each with its own set of strict rules and customs. Write a short story or reflective essay exploring the life of a character who questions the existing order and embarks on a journey to unite these fragmented communities. Consider the role of unity, diversity, and collaboration in rebuilding a shattered world.
6. Prompt: Set in a future where advanced AI technology has permeated every aspect of society, write a story or reflective essay following a protagonist who begins to question the boundaries between human and machine. Delve into the ethical implications of human-AI relationships, the erosion of human emotions, and the potential consequences of blurring the line between artificial and genuine experiences.
7. Prompt: Imagine a world where climate change and environmental degradation have irreversibly altered the planet. Write a story or reflective essay from the perspective of a character who is part of a group striving to restore balance and heal the damaged Earth. Explore the connections between personal responsibility, collective action, and the intersections of social and environmental justice.
8. Prompt: Transport yourself to a society where strict social hierarchies are based on a person's genetic makeup. Write a short story or reflective essay following a character who challenges this system and advocates for equality and inclusivity. Examine the role of genetic determinism, discrimination, and the power of individual agency in reshaping social structures.
9. Prompt: Imagine a world where art and creativity are considered illegal, seen as tools of subversion and chaos. Write a story or reflective essay from the perspective of an artist who risks everything to defy this oppressive regime and reclaim the power of artistic expression. Analyze the significance of art as a form of resistance, its ability to inspire change, and its impact on personal and societal transformation.

• Consider the unique customs, rules, and societal structures of each isolated community.
• Explore the protagonist's motivation for questioning the existing order and their vision for uniting the communities.
• Analyze the challenges and conflicts faced in the journey of uniting fragmented communities and the potential benefits and drawbacks of unity.

• Reflect on the protagonist's personal experiences and interactions with AI, including the blurring of boundaries between human and machine.
• Explore the ethical dilemmas and consequences of advancing AI technology.
• Analyze the impact of human emotions, genuine experiences, and the potential loss or transformation of human qualities in a society heavily influenced by AI.

• Consider the protagonist's role in the restoration of the damaged Earth and their motivations for taking action.
• Explore the intersections of social justice and the environment, including the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.
• Analyze the challenges of collective action, personal responsibility, and the potential for transformative change in healing the planet and addressing social inequalities.

• Reflect on the protagonist's experience within the rigid social hierarchy based on genetics.
• Analyze the implications of genetic determinism and discrimination in shaping social structures.
• Explore the role of individual agency, activism, and the potential strategies for challenging and reshaping the genetic-based hierarchy.

• Consider the protagonist's personal experiences as an artist within an oppressive regime.
• Reflect on the significance of artistic expression as a form of resistance and its power to inspire change and challenge societal norms.
• Analyze the risks, sacrifices, and potential outcomes associated with defying an oppressive regime through art.

1. Chick Lit: Write a chick lit novel or short story following a relatable protagonist navigating the challenges of love, career, and self-discovery. Explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and finding balance in a fast-paced, modern world.
2. Young Readers' Adventure: Imagine a group of young friends who stumble upon a hidden portal to another realm. Write an adventure novel or short story as they embark on a quest to save a magical world from darkness. Delve into themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination.
3. Historical Fiction: Set in a time of significant historical events, write a novel or short story highlighting a lesser-known figure or group of people. Research the historical context meticulously and emphasize the character's resilience, struggles, and contributions during that tumultuous period.
4. Fantasy: Create a fantastical world filled with mythical creatures, magic, and ancient prophecies. Write a novel or short story following a young protagonist who discovers their extraordinary abilities and must navigate a treacherous journey to fulfill their destiny. Explore themes of self-discovery, heroism, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
5. Mystery/Thriller: Write a gripping mystery or thriller novel following a seasoned detective or amateur sleuth investigating a perplexing crime. Develop complex characters, suspenseful plot twists, and an intricate web of clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end.
6. Science Fiction: Set in a future where technological advancements have transformed society, write a novel or short story exploring the ethical and societal implications of groundbreaking inventions. Examine themes such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, or virtual reality and their impact on humanity's future.
7. Romance: Craft a heartwarming romance novel or short story centered around two individuals from different backgrounds or opposing sides. Explore themes of love, forgiveness, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
8. Coming-of-Age: Write a coming-of-age novel or short story following a young protagonist's journey of self-discovery, identity formation, and navigating the complexities of adolescence. Explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.
9. Psychological Thriller: Create a psychological thriller novel or short story that delves into the intricacies of the human mind. Focus on a protagonist who becomes entangled in a web of deception, manipulation, and paranoia. Explore themes of trust, perception, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
10. Family Drama: Write a novel or short story exploring the dynamics and complexities within a multi-generational family. Include themes of love, secrets, and conflicts that arise as family members navigate their relationships, face past traumas, and strive for reconciliation.

• Genre-specific elements: Ensure your story incorporates the defining characteristics and tropes of the chosen genre, such as the tone, pacing, and narrative conventions.
• Character development: Develop dynamic and relatable characters who undergo significant growth or transformation throughout the story.
• Plot structure: Create a compelling plot that introduces conflict, builds tension, and resolves in a satisfying manner, adhering to the common structure of the chosen genre.
• Themes and messages: Select themes that resonate with the genre and explore them through the characters' experiences and narrative development.
• Reader engagement: Craft a story that captivates the intended audience, keeping them invested in the characters and eager to uncover what happens next.

1. Historical Romance: Write a one-page historical romance set in a lavish ballroom during the Victorian era. Focus on the forbidden love between a spirited debutante and a mysterious gentleman from a different social class.
2. Science Fiction Comedy: Craft a one-page comedic story set in a futuristic space station. Follow the misadventures of a clumsy maintenance technician who unwittingly saves the day against all odds.
3. Paranormal Mystery: Pen a one-page mystery story set in a haunted mansion. Introduce a skeptical paranormal investigator who must solve the mystery of a ghostly apparition that has been terrorizing the inhabitants.
4. Literary Fiction: Write a one-page literary fiction piece centered around a character's contemplation of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
5. Action Adventure: Craft a one-page action-packed adventure story set in the jungles of an unexplored island. Follow a daring archaeologist's quest for a hidden treasure while battling against treacherous obstacles and rival adventurers.
6. Psychological Drama: Create a one-page psychological drama following the internal struggles of a troubled artist as they grapple with their inner demons and seek redemption.
7. Magical Realism: Write a one-page magical realism story set in a sleepy coastal town. Explore the extraordinary occurrences that happen when an enigmatic mermaid washes ashore and disrupts the mundane lives of the townsfolk.
8. Thriller: Craft a one-page thriller story involving a race against time. Follow a determined protagonist as they try to decipher cryptic clues and prevent a citywide disaster.
9. Fantasy Adventure: Pen a one-page fantasy adventure story set in a whimsical realm. Follow a young hero's quest to retrieve a stolen artifact and restore balance to the land, encountering fantastical creatures and overcoming obstacles along the way.
10. Historical Fiction Mystery: Write a one-page historical fiction mystery set during the Roaring Twenties. Follow a quick-witted detective as they unravel a web of deceit and intrigue surrounding a glamorous underground speakeasy in the heart of the city.

• Engaging Beginning: Choose a compelling starting point that grabs the reader's attention and hooks them into the story from the very first sentence.
• Concise Plot: Craft a tightly woven plot that can be fully developed within one page, with an introduction, rising action, climax, and resolution.
• Strong Characterization: Develop distinct and memorable characters, even within the limited space, by providing key details that bring them to life and make them relatable to the reader.
• Descriptive Language: Use vivid and sensory language to paint a clear picture of the setting, engage the reader's imagination, and create an immersive reading experience.
• Resolution or Twist: Provide a satisfying resolution to the story or introduce an unexpected twist that leaves the reader intrigued and wanting more.

1. Lack of a formidable antagonist: Perhaps the most significant shortcoming of this arc is the lack of a single, centralised antagonist who actually poses a threat.

• All the fake Mara ever does is make random appearances, devour injured Innate experts, and make inexplicable disappearances while spouting edgy lines. He spends more time running away than actually putting up a fight. This portrays him as a wannabe edgelord and a coward rather than a proper villain in his own right.
• We know nothing about him except that he is a sock puppet for Ji Jinye, used to bait the Eternal Heavens. In other words, he has no value to make the reader emotionally invested in him.
• His strength level is inconsistent. One moment he gets his ass pounded by an Innate Realm - 3rd Layer expert; the next moment, he casually tanks a series of lethal blows from an Innate Realm - 5th Layer expert.

• Yi Daochi - The best in-story example of a formidable and entertaining antagonist. He stole the show in the 9 sects arc.
• Xi Sanmei - Rather tough and vicious.
• Xu Min - Scheming, actually logical and observant.
• Qiu Sheng - Interesting fighting style and he was quite the threat.
• Ashby - Not exactly intimidating, but he was cruel, had an interesting backstory, and put up quite the fight.

1. Bland fights: I was looking forward to the Flower Anniversary Tournament, but it turned out to be a disappointment. Here are my reasons:

• For a prestigious event of the Main World, the tournament is just an entertainment show with fancy effects to improve the Dongdu government's public image, rather than being an actual contest of strength among the young generation.
• Xie Yan and Ji Yuntao's "fight" against the elders felt like a WWE match scripted to entertain the public. And it was Ji Yuntao who did most of the fighting while Xie Yan was merely spamming primordial spirit detonations. It didn't feel like their reputation skyrocketed, and certainly not in the right direction.
• All the fights in the Tang Empire arc consist of using fancy gimmicks to show off, slap the opponent in the face, then run away. There are no trials of strength or actual life-or-death battles.

• The 5 peaks sword conference in the world of Qun Xiong, where Xie Yan casually swings the FoFS to demolish the five peaks and kill Long Xiaotian. The part where he finishes off Hua Nongyue and her boyfriends with a finger snap is one of the most satisfying minor world climaxes.
• The Global Fighting Summit of the Ba Quan world is a more appropriate example where there were 8 interesting matches showcasing various martial arts; one minor boss fight; and one hell of a boss fight with a post-climax twist.

1. Poorly executed disguises: This is a recurring issue with many arcs:

• It is annoying to watch the protagonist taking foolish risks while relying on his limited set of disguise skills. He always runs the risk of getting his cover blown and implicating the Mo Qing Sect in the process. There was no need for Xie Yan to pretend to be the envoy during the Tang empire arc when he could have harvested thousands of origin points from a minor world at relatively low risk. The cooldown ended months ago. He could have also found a way to deal with the fake Mara's blood river skill.
• In the Xin Mo Sect arc, Xu Min and Yuan Sheng immediately noticed that "Ge Huaiyu" was an imposter. The "Xilan Wei" disguise was a monumental blunder because Xie Yan was dangerously complacent and did not do his homework. Everyone immediately noticed that "Xilan Wei" was an imposter. The envoys' disguise was also busted when Bian Shifei (one of my least favourite characters) found out that all the envoys were one person. Xie Yan certainly needs to improve his disguise skills and stop underestimating the Main World.
• Xie Yan constantly underestimates the Dongdu government. The Dongdu government may be inept, but it is certainly not weak.

• Ge Huaiyu, who could create reliable masks using the Mantra Of Disguise and replicate the appearance of different martial arts using the Mantra Of Formlessness.
• Zhou Yanping/Ji Jinye, who is proficient in different martial arts, analyses the situation thoroughly, and uses decoys and skilled subordinates to handle delicate missions. Judging by the fake Mara's skills, Ji Jinye does have the ability to imitate martial arts.

1. I think the author should establish Main World system missions, similar to the missions in Physical Descent mode. This would clearly outline the objectives of each arc, instead of letting them develop in haphazard directions. The current arc is a mess of tangled sub plots. Introducing main world system missions would make it easier to chart the progress of each arc. Providing a large number of origin points as incentives would also be an excellent addition because it would be more convenient for Xie Yan to efficiently earn more origin points in the main world. He wouldn't have to rely on gimmicks to earn small amounts of origin points in the Main World.
2. Xie Yan should follow Ji Jinye's example and actually analyse the situation and people he is dealing with, instead of recklessly provoking them. He should improve his disguise skills, either by finding skills similar to what Ge Huaiyu had, or learning a sophisticated decoy skill similar to the 4 Confucian masks that Ji Jinye has. Remotely controlling a decoy while sitting in your lair is safer and more efficient when exploring unfamiliar and dangerous territories. There wouldn't be any immediate danger in case the cover is blown and one can respond properly.
3. Better pacing: Tao Du arc lasted for only 13 chapters, yet it is relevant to the overall story. In contrast, the Xilan arc lasted for 55 chapters and the Tang Empire arc is around 80+ chapters, but the plot is mostly stagnant and most chapters are filler. Proper pacing and exposition can enhance the quality of the narrative.