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2015.05.21 17:32 YoloCowboy Buy, sell, and trade leatherworking goods and materials!
A place where you can buy, sell, and trade leather and leatherworking goods. Sell your old hardware! Commission a piece! Sell some of your spare leather!
2024.05.23 05:34 Little_BlueBirdy Deception’s Well
 | In the heart of the Whispering Forest, where moonlight weaves through gnarled branches, lies Deception’s Well. Its waters shimmer with iridescent hues, reflecting half-truths and forgotten memories. The air here is thick with anticipation, as if the very leaves hold their breath. submitted by Little_BlueBirdy to StrikeAtPsyche [link] [comments] The well’s stone rim bears cryptic inscriptions—an alphabet lost to time. Those who dare decipher them find warnings and riddles, each more treacherous than the last. The path down is trepidatious, a spiral of moss-covered steps leading into darkness. Echoes of distant laughter and anguished cries reverberate, blending into a haunting melody. At the well’s bottom, a pool of liquid silver awaits. Its surface ripples with glimpses of alternate realities: futures unfulfilled, pasts rewritten, and destinies entangled. Those who peer into its depths see their deepest desires and darkest fears entwined—a mirror of their own duplicity. The guardian of Deception’s Well is an enigmatic figure—a shape-shifter who wears faces like masks. Sometimes a beggar, other times a sage, they test travelers’ resolve. To drink from the well is to risk losing oneself—to become both seeker and sought, truth and lie. Legends speak of a forgotten civilization that once thrived here, their wisdom etched into the well’s stones. They understood that truth is a kaleidoscope, fractured by perception and intention. Their texts, hidden in crumbling alcoves, reveal secrets about the convergence of worlds—the thin veil between realms. As dawn approaches, the well’s magic intensifies. Shadows elongate, and the air hums with energy. Those who linger too long risk being trapped—a part of the deception itself. Yet some return, bearing gifts of insight or madness, forever changed by their communion with the well. And so, dear seeker, if you venture to Deception’s Well, remember this: Truth is a shifting mosaic, and wisdom lies not in certainty but in the questions we dare to ask |
2024.05.23 05:07 Weird-Listen-3166 Magus Reborn (Kingdom Building Progression fantasy) Chapter 1 - A new era!
Synopsis: A Magus journey to save his world from mana contamination and make sure it don't fall back into the same path as he finds himself in an era before magic was developed.
Kai of the Sorcerer's Tower is one of the last mages left, barely surviving in a world ruled by creatures of the dark — where the era of mages ended, and most of the lands got contaminated with dead mana.
To save his world and fulfil his master's last wish, he put himself through a forbidden ritual, risking his soul being ripped into pieces to make his way into the past. In an era with abundant mana — an era yet to enter the Golden Era of Magic.
Things go wrong, of course, as they always do, and he finds himself thousands of years before the world fell to mana contamination — in the body of a young lord, Arzan.
All is not well, though, as the young lord was murdered by someone right at the cusp of a beast wave threatening the territory, while larger threats loom on the horizon.
There was a lot to do for Kai to regain his former strength in this time of primitive technology, but then again, he might just be able to change that.
Hello everyone, this is my first time posting on reddit. Hope you would like it!
Chapter 1
Sweat stung Kai’s eyes as he plunged his knife into the floor. He carved runes and Freyac syllables around him, wood splintering as his knife traced the erratic patterns.
He had, maybe, five minutes.
The cold floor of the Sorcerer’s Tower thrummed through him as the ritual circle released magical energy. The symbols were crude and unrecognisable, making him wonder if they were even going to work, but there was no choice.
While this was the most complicated ritual he'd ever done, he needed to make it work, to escape this place and to change things for the better.
He jumped in his seat as throaty and menacing shouts from outside echoed through the corridors.
They had found him.
His head snapped in fear, taking note of the shaky walls of the library. The wide room, once neatly organised, was now cluttered and disorganised with books scattered everywhere on the floor. Dust and cobwebs only added to the mess.
His breath came out in ragged puffs and he looked down at his scarred hands.
He drew the symbols faster. He needed to finish—now! But panic clawed at his chest, making him clumsy.
Footsteps echoed through the halls of the Sorcerer's Tower and he flinched.
The mana fiends were just outside.
The creaky, wooden door burst open behind him with a loud thud. Kai was fast on his feet, turning around to face the shadowy figure.
With the face of a bull and bulging muscles, the minotaur-like creature stood at seven feet, crowned by a pair of misshapen curved horns. Black lines ran through its arms and neck, and endless rows of fangs and protrusions stuck out from its back.
Its sharp claws seemed like they'd cut up the floor faster than Kai could with his knife.
It was covered in grey fur, interspersed with patches of dead skin from overexposure to the decayed mana.
Kai's heart thumped in his ears as he weaved his hand to the left, casting a [Gust] spell while visualising a strong force of wind knocking the corrupted monster down.
It hit its chest, making it screech and stumble back a few steps.
Kai tightened his fingers around the hilt of the knife.
The mana fiend got its feet under it again and lunged forward.
He felt his breath leaving his lungs at the sight. Before it could reach him, he rolled on the floor, dodging the charge while hacking its leg with the knife.
The fiend snarled threateningly as it slashed its claws at him in a swift motion. Kai prepared another spell and slid back, but he was too slow.
The spell structure broke apart and his vision wavered as he was thrown into a bookshelf, his knife skidding away.
Terrible pain hit him as he screamed in pain and touched his face.
Blood dripped on the floor as he stared at his palm. His left eye was bleeding. Was it even there?
“It gouged out… my eye,” he muttered, trying to fight through the pain.
He had severely underestimated the power of the mana fiend. Or maybe it was due to him being in this near-crippled state that his spells weren't as powerful.
Either way, I need to get up.
Kai shook his head and tried to stand.
Even if he couldn't see, he needed to go through the ritual. That was the only way to survive, but he had to fight off the mana fiend first.
The creature’s dark magic covered its claws, sending out blasts of corrupted energy that rippled and cut through the bookshelves as it got closer to him.
Kai grasped his left eye with one hand and, using his other hand, he cast [Mana Discharge], sending a blast of mana at the creature. It tried to block but was knocked back into a bookshelf, falling and crying out in pain.
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have used such a spell with high mana requirements, but he had no time.
He cast the spell [Blinding], making the monster see white.
Making his way through the fallen bookshelves, he searched for his knife and found it right next to a puddle of blood.
He picked it up and looked towards the mana fiend.
As soon as the Blinding spell died down, it picked itself up, flailing its arm around and lunging at Kai, who was anticipating such a move.
Before it could get close to him, Kai yelled, “Astrum Vosem!”
The knife glistened with mana, fire crackling within the blade as he surged forward, aiming at the monster’s neck. The mana fiend slashed at him again, but he ducked, barely avoiding the hit.
Casting another [Blinding] spell, he sent the monster stumbling back before plunging the blade into its neck. Flames crackled as he twisted the blade, aiming for the black lines.
The mana fiend fell to the ground immediately, black liquid spewing everywhere.
It cried out in pain, trying to grab Kai, but he didn't give it the chance and kept digging deep into its neck until it stopped whimpering.
Blood oozed from Kai’s eye and he suddenly noticed a deep cut on his arm. Pain numbed all his senses, but there was no time to focus on it.
“The ritual,” Kai coughed blood, realising that crashing into the bookshelf had given him internal injuries. He dragged himself on the floor until he was ahead of his preparation and felt like cursing.
A part of the ritual circle was smeared due to the blood splatter from the fight.
It was ruined.
Quickly deciding on his new move, he started scribbling frantically, drawing up a new ritual circle.
His fingers were cramping and slippery as he tried his best to draw the symbols in his mind. With one eye gone, it was much harder, and every mistake made him swear softly.
He heard more floor-shattering movements through the door. There was more than one mana fiend and the fight had attracted them to his hideout.
He needed to hurry. He only had a minute until they got here if he was lucky.
“Shit!”
He made a mistake and felt like banging his head against the floor. While keeping his remaining eye on the open door, he alternated between the ritual circle that was smeared with blood and one that was barely half complete.
He would never finish it in time.
Having no choice, Kai abandoned it and decided to take a gamble with a ruined ritual circle. A few of the lines were messed up, but he ignored it and focused on completing it.
Just one more line!
He frantically carved out the patterns, joining them with each other and let out a sigh of relief as he saw a completed ritual of intersecting circles. A part of it was barely recognizable due to the blood.
A [Cleansing] spell might have helped, but he was out of mana. The fight with the fiend had drained his reserves.
He heard a shrill voice and, as expected, soon several more creatures came inside, filling the room. They were all beasts filled with corrupted mana, but it didn't matter now.
He gave them a look and dropped the blood on his hands on the ritual circle.
In his heart, he only wished that the ritual circle would work as expected. That it would send him back to an era where he might still have a chance to stop the apocalypse from happening.
The symbols ignited, and an intense flash of white light enveloped the room. Threads of mana passed through his soul, drawing power to keep the ritual running as his body slumped on the floor. The fleeting moment came to an end when the world surrounding Kai went completely white.
The last thing he heard before he lost consciousness were the yells of the ugly monsters.
Kai flinched as a sharp pain assaulted his chest. His whole body was numb as he panted on the floor.
It felt like he had just stepped out of a prolonged period of floating in the cosmos. He didn't know how long it had been, but it definitely felt like years. Probably centuries.
A few seconds went by as he calmed down before the numbness disappeared and his eyes adjusted. Wait! His eyes!
He touched his left eye and found it intact.
It's healed completely!!
He didn't know how he had gotten his left eye back. The ritual wasn't supposed to heal him at all. It was only supposed to take him back in time.
Where am I? Am I really alive?
He was surprised that the ritual had worked, though he didn't know to what degree. With how crude it had been, there was a greater chance of it failing.
If death wasn't in front of him, Kai would have never gone for it.
At least it hadn't shredded his soul into pieces to be eaten by whatever lay beyond the afterlife, so that was a positive.
He looked around.
Kai was lying on a hardwood floor as he stared at the ceiling. Different carvings on the ceiling made him frown. He didn't recognise any of them.
He was supposed to have woken up in a cave or a forest, not in a room.
Something bubbled up in his heart and he felt unusual. His eyes immediately went to his hands and he quickly realised that the scars were gone. He gasped in horror and sat up straight.
The sudden movement caused a rush of blood to his head that made him dizzy.
“What in the Mersal's name is happening?”
He looked down on his physique.
His eyes grew wide as he noticed the tunic he was wearing was covered in blood. He opened the tunic button by button to reveal…
“Is that… a knife wound?” Kai said aloud in shock.
As he said the words, the wound slowly closed as if someone had used a healing spell on him. But that was impossible.
Something had gone terribly wrong with the ritual and one more look at himself was enough for him to realise that this wasn't his body. He had taken someone else's identity.
That realisation struck him like a mana bolt in the head as he gasped.
He breathed to calm himself down and noticed something he had been missing.
“There's mana in the air! Pure uncontaminated mana!”
All his thoughts and questions halted when a rush of fresh air hit his nostrils. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of being alive once and for all. His instincts made him get to his feet.
The air had a quality about it that brought tears to his eyes— Mana. Goosebumps covered his entire body.
He breathed in once again.
The mana in the air was so powerful it crackled with every breath Kai took. The sheer amount of mana left him wordless. This surpassed anything he had ever felt before.
Kai raised his hands, feeling all the energy that filled the air. It filled the entire room, and in his 40 years of life, he had never felt so much.
His ritual had worked, albeit differently than what he had hoped.
What is this place? Kai looked around from where he stood.
The room was bathed in an eerie light that emanated from what looked like another ritual circle beneath him.
His eyes widened at another peculiar thing as he took in the situation that he was in the middle of.
Arcane symbols were drawn all around him. The symbols were alien to him; not being one of the languages he knew and had learned. Some of them seemed similar to Hales Tongue, but he couldn't be sure since blood had spilt over them.
It was a completely different ritual circle than the kinds he knew of.
Questions became hurricanes in his mind after seeing the symbols. He tried to focus and understand his situation better.
Although the ritual had worked, he knew there would be complications since a part of it was ruined. Half-completed ritual circles were always volatile. As a result of it, he had even changed bodies.
If his assumption was correct, the ritual had only sent his soul back in time which had found a compatible body for him to control. It didn't make a lot of sense to him, but then again, the soul was a part of magical theory that had barely progressed in years.
It was too mysterious.
He decided to gather information and took a look around the room.
There was a four-poster bed draped with heavy velvet right behind him. The bed was extremely lavish apart from the poor draping skills. The rest of the bedside decorations were canopy hangings and ornate wood furniture, including storage chests and cabinets for personal belongings.
Whoever used to own this body was rich. Maybe a lord or a wealthy merchant, Kai contemplated, looking over the room.
He walked towards the bed and touched it. It had gone stone cold. Nobody had used the bed for hours.
The fireplace caught his attention. It was the main focus of the room, with the hearth having heraldic symbols carved above it. This time, he recognised the language as Manakrit.
His fingertips followed them as he contemplated the meaning of it. It was a common tongue that had spanned centuries, so it was hard to say which era he was in. His ritual was supposed to bring him to the past, but he hadn't gotten time to specify a date.
His wish was simply to go back as far as possible. However, he assumed 500 years was the limit for the ritual, so he must be around that period.
In the first place, it had been a suicidal attempt with an unknown chance of success. Yet things had somehow worked out.
Looking around, he saw a picture frame stuck on the wall from the corner of his eye.
Kai turned and walked towards the picture. It was an old man. His bald head and his stern gaze were pointed to his left, as he sat in a seat comfortably.
It's weird that the picture is just sitting there in the corner. Either some important individual or the owner of this place.
With the ritual, everything seemed odd.
The former body owner had wounds that were fresh in two or three places, including his hands and feet. The clothes were covered with slightly dried-up blood.
“What was the guy even doing? He wasn't trying a similar ritual to go back in time, right?”
His voice was strange. Hoarse, and deeper than he remembered.
Closing his eyes, he remembered his last few minutes in the tower. It was infested with bloodthirsty creatures. Every moment was tense, but in this room, there was a weird sense of serenity that he hadn't felt in a long time.
He was alive, at least.
He sighed in content and opened his eyes. breathing mana with a wide smile.
The mana in the air tempted him to extend his hand. He needed more light to see around the symbols.
His index finger swirled a little into a circle while he envisioned lighting up the central fireplace. Normally, this spell would’ve ignited a small fireball, but nothing came.
Strange.
Immediately, Kai took a few steps forward. He inhaled the air, feeling the energy in his bones, and tried the spell again, his hand moving attempting a simple spell even a 1st circle mage could’ve done in a blink.
He even muttered an incantation for added effect, normally reserved for harder spells.
“Astrum Octavia.”
Once again, he successfully failed.
He’d normally cast something so simple with just intent, but it wasn't working.
Something clouded his mind. He looked down on his new body and concentrated internally. He could sense mana and could feel his Mana Veins, even his Mana Heart seemed intact, but focusing on it, he realised that the body he was in was a Non-Mage.
He hadn't even started his magical journey and couldn't cast a single spell.
All the mana organs were intact, but he hadn't awakened as a mage. The realisation of it made him wince. Not only had he lost his body, he had also lost his strength. He used to be a 5th Circle Magus. Now, he was a mere mortal. Ordinary.
If he had really awakened in a cave or a forest, he might have been killed by wild beasts.
“This… can’t be true.” Kai's refusal to believe the reality of his situation overwhelmed his thoughts for a few more seconds as he closed his eyes to feel his insides. Seconds stretched to minutes as he contemplated his new reality.
He slowly took in the fact that he was no longer Kai. He was in someone else's body and had taken over him. He didn't know who that person was, but he had been killed by whatever ritual he had been attempting.
A few possibilities flashed by his mind. Maybe his soul had been dragged here by the ritual this man was attempting? Or his ritual of regression had simply only been for his soul rather than his body.
As soon as his soul had found a suitable vessel, it had taken over him.
Though, these were simply possibilities he wasn't sure of.
He decided to investigate.
“What’s that?”
His eyes followed the trail of the bloody ritual on the floor to find a piece of parchment.
Kai bent down to swiftly pick it up. The torn page lay between his fingertips, the words written on it were with blood.
Whoever had written it had poor penmanship, to say the least. He slowly read out the words.
“I will die and be reborn. Everyone will fear my might and the dawn of blood will arrive again.”
He dropped the parchment on the floor, wondering if he had come back in the past and inside the body of a cultist. But even if it was a cultist, the surroundings including the room didn’t sum up, and if he was somehow in the body of a noble who was a ritualistic devotee, things would only get worse from here.
“I don't want to deal with a cult. At least not when I'm basically powerless,” he muttered, frowning as his voice turned bitter.
Kai let the weight of the situation settle in, but the door sprung open.
He immediately looked to the side and saw a woman with widened eyes. Her eyes were on the floor seeing the symbols, syllables, lines, and curves; all of it. Then they fell on the owner of the room, bloodied and in the middle of this encounter, with his hands at his side.
That was him and he noticed the woman looked like a maid.
“I-” The maid opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
Kai stared at her, again feeling like he was simply going from one problem to another.
Ah shit! How do I get out of this one?
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submitted by Weird-Listen-3166 to HFY [link] [comments]
Kai of the Sorcerer's Tower is one of the last mages left, barely surviving in a world ruled by creatures of the dark — where the era of mages ended, and most of the lands got contaminated with dead mana.
To save his world and fulfil his master's last wish, he put himself through a forbidden ritual, risking his soul being ripped into pieces to make his way into the past. In an era with abundant mana — an era yet to enter the Golden Era of Magic.
Things go wrong, of course, as they always do, and he finds himself thousands of years before the world fell to mana contamination — in the body of a young lord, Arzan.
All is not well, though, as the young lord was murdered by someone right at the cusp of a beast wave threatening the territory, while larger threats loom on the horizon.
There was a lot to do for Kai to regain his former strength in this time of primitive technology, but then again, he might just be able to change that.
Chapter 1
Sweat stung Kai’s eyes as he plunged his knife into the floor. He carved runes and Freyac syllables around him, wood splintering as his knife traced the erratic patterns.
He had, maybe, five minutes.
The cold floor of the Sorcerer’s Tower thrummed through him as the ritual circle released magical energy. The symbols were crude and unrecognisable, making him wonder if they were even going to work, but there was no choice.
While this was the most complicated ritual he'd ever done, he needed to make it work, to escape this place and to change things for the better.
He jumped in his seat as throaty and menacing shouts from outside echoed through the corridors.
They had found him.
His head snapped in fear, taking note of the shaky walls of the library. The wide room, once neatly organised, was now cluttered and disorganised with books scattered everywhere on the floor. Dust and cobwebs only added to the mess.
His breath came out in ragged puffs and he looked down at his scarred hands.
He drew the symbols faster. He needed to finish—now! But panic clawed at his chest, making him clumsy.
Footsteps echoed through the halls of the Sorcerer's Tower and he flinched.
The mana fiends were just outside.
The creaky, wooden door burst open behind him with a loud thud. Kai was fast on his feet, turning around to face the shadowy figure.
With the face of a bull and bulging muscles, the minotaur-like creature stood at seven feet, crowned by a pair of misshapen curved horns. Black lines ran through its arms and neck, and endless rows of fangs and protrusions stuck out from its back.
Its sharp claws seemed like they'd cut up the floor faster than Kai could with his knife.
It was covered in grey fur, interspersed with patches of dead skin from overexposure to the decayed mana.
Kai's heart thumped in his ears as he weaved his hand to the left, casting a [Gust] spell while visualising a strong force of wind knocking the corrupted monster down.
It hit its chest, making it screech and stumble back a few steps.
Kai tightened his fingers around the hilt of the knife.
The mana fiend got its feet under it again and lunged forward.
He felt his breath leaving his lungs at the sight. Before it could reach him, he rolled on the floor, dodging the charge while hacking its leg with the knife.
The fiend snarled threateningly as it slashed its claws at him in a swift motion. Kai prepared another spell and slid back, but he was too slow.
The spell structure broke apart and his vision wavered as he was thrown into a bookshelf, his knife skidding away.
Terrible pain hit him as he screamed in pain and touched his face.
Blood dripped on the floor as he stared at his palm. His left eye was bleeding. Was it even there?
“It gouged out… my eye,” he muttered, trying to fight through the pain.
He had severely underestimated the power of the mana fiend. Or maybe it was due to him being in this near-crippled state that his spells weren't as powerful.
Either way, I need to get up.
Kai shook his head and tried to stand.
Even if he couldn't see, he needed to go through the ritual. That was the only way to survive, but he had to fight off the mana fiend first.
The creature’s dark magic covered its claws, sending out blasts of corrupted energy that rippled and cut through the bookshelves as it got closer to him.
Kai grasped his left eye with one hand and, using his other hand, he cast [Mana Discharge], sending a blast of mana at the creature. It tried to block but was knocked back into a bookshelf, falling and crying out in pain.
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have used such a spell with high mana requirements, but he had no time.
He cast the spell [Blinding], making the monster see white.
Making his way through the fallen bookshelves, he searched for his knife and found it right next to a puddle of blood.
He picked it up and looked towards the mana fiend.
As soon as the Blinding spell died down, it picked itself up, flailing its arm around and lunging at Kai, who was anticipating such a move.
Before it could get close to him, Kai yelled, “Astrum Vosem!”
The knife glistened with mana, fire crackling within the blade as he surged forward, aiming at the monster’s neck. The mana fiend slashed at him again, but he ducked, barely avoiding the hit.
Casting another [Blinding] spell, he sent the monster stumbling back before plunging the blade into its neck. Flames crackled as he twisted the blade, aiming for the black lines.
The mana fiend fell to the ground immediately, black liquid spewing everywhere.
It cried out in pain, trying to grab Kai, but he didn't give it the chance and kept digging deep into its neck until it stopped whimpering.
Blood oozed from Kai’s eye and he suddenly noticed a deep cut on his arm. Pain numbed all his senses, but there was no time to focus on it.
“The ritual,” Kai coughed blood, realising that crashing into the bookshelf had given him internal injuries. He dragged himself on the floor until he was ahead of his preparation and felt like cursing.
A part of the ritual circle was smeared due to the blood splatter from the fight.
It was ruined.
Quickly deciding on his new move, he started scribbling frantically, drawing up a new ritual circle.
His fingers were cramping and slippery as he tried his best to draw the symbols in his mind. With one eye gone, it was much harder, and every mistake made him swear softly.
He heard more floor-shattering movements through the door. There was more than one mana fiend and the fight had attracted them to his hideout.
He needed to hurry. He only had a minute until they got here if he was lucky.
“Shit!”
He made a mistake and felt like banging his head against the floor. While keeping his remaining eye on the open door, he alternated between the ritual circle that was smeared with blood and one that was barely half complete.
He would never finish it in time.
Having no choice, Kai abandoned it and decided to take a gamble with a ruined ritual circle. A few of the lines were messed up, but he ignored it and focused on completing it.
Just one more line!
He frantically carved out the patterns, joining them with each other and let out a sigh of relief as he saw a completed ritual of intersecting circles. A part of it was barely recognizable due to the blood.
A [Cleansing] spell might have helped, but he was out of mana. The fight with the fiend had drained his reserves.
He heard a shrill voice and, as expected, soon several more creatures came inside, filling the room. They were all beasts filled with corrupted mana, but it didn't matter now.
He gave them a look and dropped the blood on his hands on the ritual circle.
In his heart, he only wished that the ritual circle would work as expected. That it would send him back to an era where he might still have a chance to stop the apocalypse from happening.
The symbols ignited, and an intense flash of white light enveloped the room. Threads of mana passed through his soul, drawing power to keep the ritual running as his body slumped on the floor. The fleeting moment came to an end when the world surrounding Kai went completely white.
The last thing he heard before he lost consciousness were the yells of the ugly monsters.
It felt like he had just stepped out of a prolonged period of floating in the cosmos. He didn't know how long it had been, but it definitely felt like years. Probably centuries.
A few seconds went by as he calmed down before the numbness disappeared and his eyes adjusted. Wait! His eyes!
He touched his left eye and found it intact.
It's healed completely!!
He didn't know how he had gotten his left eye back. The ritual wasn't supposed to heal him at all. It was only supposed to take him back in time.
Where am I? Am I really alive?
He was surprised that the ritual had worked, though he didn't know to what degree. With how crude it had been, there was a greater chance of it failing.
If death wasn't in front of him, Kai would have never gone for it.
At least it hadn't shredded his soul into pieces to be eaten by whatever lay beyond the afterlife, so that was a positive.
He looked around.
Kai was lying on a hardwood floor as he stared at the ceiling. Different carvings on the ceiling made him frown. He didn't recognise any of them.
He was supposed to have woken up in a cave or a forest, not in a room.
Something bubbled up in his heart and he felt unusual. His eyes immediately went to his hands and he quickly realised that the scars were gone. He gasped in horror and sat up straight.
The sudden movement caused a rush of blood to his head that made him dizzy.
“What in the Mersal's name is happening?”
He looked down on his physique.
His eyes grew wide as he noticed the tunic he was wearing was covered in blood. He opened the tunic button by button to reveal…
“Is that… a knife wound?” Kai said aloud in shock.
As he said the words, the wound slowly closed as if someone had used a healing spell on him. But that was impossible.
Something had gone terribly wrong with the ritual and one more look at himself was enough for him to realise that this wasn't his body. He had taken someone else's identity.
That realisation struck him like a mana bolt in the head as he gasped.
He breathed to calm himself down and noticed something he had been missing.
“There's mana in the air! Pure uncontaminated mana!”
All his thoughts and questions halted when a rush of fresh air hit his nostrils. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of being alive once and for all. His instincts made him get to his feet.
The air had a quality about it that brought tears to his eyes— Mana. Goosebumps covered his entire body.
He breathed in once again.
The mana in the air was so powerful it crackled with every breath Kai took. The sheer amount of mana left him wordless. This surpassed anything he had ever felt before.
Kai raised his hands, feeling all the energy that filled the air. It filled the entire room, and in his 40 years of life, he had never felt so much.
His ritual had worked, albeit differently than what he had hoped.
What is this place? Kai looked around from where he stood.
The room was bathed in an eerie light that emanated from what looked like another ritual circle beneath him.
His eyes widened at another peculiar thing as he took in the situation that he was in the middle of.
Arcane symbols were drawn all around him. The symbols were alien to him; not being one of the languages he knew and had learned. Some of them seemed similar to Hales Tongue, but he couldn't be sure since blood had spilt over them.
It was a completely different ritual circle than the kinds he knew of.
Questions became hurricanes in his mind after seeing the symbols. He tried to focus and understand his situation better.
Although the ritual had worked, he knew there would be complications since a part of it was ruined. Half-completed ritual circles were always volatile. As a result of it, he had even changed bodies.
If his assumption was correct, the ritual had only sent his soul back in time which had found a compatible body for him to control. It didn't make a lot of sense to him, but then again, the soul was a part of magical theory that had barely progressed in years.
It was too mysterious.
He decided to gather information and took a look around the room.
There was a four-poster bed draped with heavy velvet right behind him. The bed was extremely lavish apart from the poor draping skills. The rest of the bedside decorations were canopy hangings and ornate wood furniture, including storage chests and cabinets for personal belongings.
Whoever used to own this body was rich. Maybe a lord or a wealthy merchant, Kai contemplated, looking over the room.
He walked towards the bed and touched it. It had gone stone cold. Nobody had used the bed for hours.
The fireplace caught his attention. It was the main focus of the room, with the hearth having heraldic symbols carved above it. This time, he recognised the language as Manakrit.
His fingertips followed them as he contemplated the meaning of it. It was a common tongue that had spanned centuries, so it was hard to say which era he was in. His ritual was supposed to bring him to the past, but he hadn't gotten time to specify a date.
His wish was simply to go back as far as possible. However, he assumed 500 years was the limit for the ritual, so he must be around that period.
In the first place, it had been a suicidal attempt with an unknown chance of success. Yet things had somehow worked out.
Looking around, he saw a picture frame stuck on the wall from the corner of his eye.
Kai turned and walked towards the picture. It was an old man. His bald head and his stern gaze were pointed to his left, as he sat in a seat comfortably.
It's weird that the picture is just sitting there in the corner. Either some important individual or the owner of this place.
With the ritual, everything seemed odd.
The former body owner had wounds that were fresh in two or three places, including his hands and feet. The clothes were covered with slightly dried-up blood.
“What was the guy even doing? He wasn't trying a similar ritual to go back in time, right?”
His voice was strange. Hoarse, and deeper than he remembered.
Closing his eyes, he remembered his last few minutes in the tower. It was infested with bloodthirsty creatures. Every moment was tense, but in this room, there was a weird sense of serenity that he hadn't felt in a long time.
He was alive, at least.
He sighed in content and opened his eyes. breathing mana with a wide smile.
The mana in the air tempted him to extend his hand. He needed more light to see around the symbols.
His index finger swirled a little into a circle while he envisioned lighting up the central fireplace. Normally, this spell would’ve ignited a small fireball, but nothing came.
Strange.
Immediately, Kai took a few steps forward. He inhaled the air, feeling the energy in his bones, and tried the spell again, his hand moving attempting a simple spell even a 1st circle mage could’ve done in a blink.
He even muttered an incantation for added effect, normally reserved for harder spells.
“Astrum Octavia.”
Once again, he successfully failed.
He’d normally cast something so simple with just intent, but it wasn't working.
Something clouded his mind. He looked down on his new body and concentrated internally. He could sense mana and could feel his Mana Veins, even his Mana Heart seemed intact, but focusing on it, he realised that the body he was in was a Non-Mage.
He hadn't even started his magical journey and couldn't cast a single spell.
All the mana organs were intact, but he hadn't awakened as a mage. The realisation of it made him wince. Not only had he lost his body, he had also lost his strength. He used to be a 5th Circle Magus. Now, he was a mere mortal. Ordinary.
If he had really awakened in a cave or a forest, he might have been killed by wild beasts.
“This… can’t be true.” Kai's refusal to believe the reality of his situation overwhelmed his thoughts for a few more seconds as he closed his eyes to feel his insides. Seconds stretched to minutes as he contemplated his new reality.
He slowly took in the fact that he was no longer Kai. He was in someone else's body and had taken over him. He didn't know who that person was, but he had been killed by whatever ritual he had been attempting.
A few possibilities flashed by his mind. Maybe his soul had been dragged here by the ritual this man was attempting? Or his ritual of regression had simply only been for his soul rather than his body.
As soon as his soul had found a suitable vessel, it had taken over him.
Though, these were simply possibilities he wasn't sure of.
He decided to investigate.
“What’s that?”
His eyes followed the trail of the bloody ritual on the floor to find a piece of parchment.
Kai bent down to swiftly pick it up. The torn page lay between his fingertips, the words written on it were with blood.
Whoever had written it had poor penmanship, to say the least. He slowly read out the words.
“I will die and be reborn. Everyone will fear my might and the dawn of blood will arrive again.”
He dropped the parchment on the floor, wondering if he had come back in the past and inside the body of a cultist. But even if it was a cultist, the surroundings including the room didn’t sum up, and if he was somehow in the body of a noble who was a ritualistic devotee, things would only get worse from here.
“I don't want to deal with a cult. At least not when I'm basically powerless,” he muttered, frowning as his voice turned bitter.
Kai let the weight of the situation settle in, but the door sprung open.
He immediately looked to the side and saw a woman with widened eyes. Her eyes were on the floor seeing the symbols, syllables, lines, and curves; all of it. Then they fell on the owner of the room, bloodied and in the middle of this encounter, with his hands at his side.
That was him and he noticed the woman looked like a maid.
“I-” The maid opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
Kai stared at her, again feeling like he was simply going from one problem to another.
Ah shit! How do I get out of this one?
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2024.05.23 04:30 Wide_Term774 Most Emotional Play Session I've Had Yet (Long Storytime)(NOT Eden or Quest related)
This is a story of human emotion and gratitude that actually happened to me in game.
tl;dr I attempt to save a moth, ended up becoming a guide and guardian from Hidden Forest onwards. Moth's veteran friend found me in GW, thanked me and repayed me for helping. We 3 became friends. Met a moth I adopted last week in Vault, saw them upgraded, was happy to see me, helped each other out. Had to rest up afterwards, end of happy sappy story.
Note: I started playing Sky on April 12, right around Season of Moments.
Long version:
It all started out with me gleefully soaring the skies of Sanctuary seeking the Green Light and then heading off to Spirit hunt, all the while candle running at once. Having played Sky for a bit over a month, there was still so much to discover.
I was attempting to draw the attention of a second player for that Assembly quest in Hidden Forest. I would periodically double honk and deep call to signal to potential randoms that I needed help, but to no avail. I had my eyes set on awakening as many as Spirits as I can like a Pokémon trainer out to catch 'em all, but what I got instead was unexpected. It MUST have been fate! As I stood up high in the second quest area, far below me, a player had lost their light. As anyone would, I rushed down to help and found the player motionless in the water. I quickly found a couple of the Lights and stood by with a candle to keep them alive. Lighting that player revealed who appeared to be a newbie moth with only a few wedges, bright orange cape, and the short, somewhat spiky cowlicked hair. I will call him Fledgling for convenience reasons. Fledgling didn't move for a few moments, and neither did I. I wanted to see if said player went AFK or was just there but clueless and startled. Relieved, the player saw my presence and lit me back.
I led Fledgling out of the water and rain so they would not take further damage. They seemed to have the general idea of healing near torches, but their movement patterns and uncertainty gave me many tells that this could be a complete beginner. But a part of my skeptical self, seeing the bright orange cape, made me consider they might be more experienced than they let themselves in on as I have attempted to help a moth player once who up and scrammed off without explanation. Still, I chose to abandon the Assembly quest in favor of helping this lost soul, even if just the main game pathway as I can't tell what was desired from my guidance, whether Spirits, WLs, or specific locations. I couldn't help myself seeing the sky kid as they were.
Walking through the Hidden forest, the moth Fledgling followed behind slightly skittishly, but would heal under cover from rain. I played my part running ahead lighting up torches and lanterns to ease the trip and demonstrate that they can do this themselves. In the harder segments with less torches, Fledgling seemed anxious to move ahead, so I ran ahead to the transparent mushrooms to demonstrate their healing properties. I told Fledgling "Use these to restore your light" without words. They understood me and followed suite! And after running under rain, I would periodically deep call to recharge. This social dynamic of teacheguardian-student went on through the rest of the Forest, through the Valley of Triumph, and well into Golden Wastelands. I would always avoid rushing about excessively and waited for their arrival when lost during cloud flight segments. I would honk regularly to help them pinpoint my current location. And thankfully up to the Wastelands, Fledgling still caught up and the server thankfully didn't split. Before entering, I started using emotes to signal that we should fly into the stormy vortex. I used the point emote then tried to look for the "boo" emote to forewarn the existence of terrifying creatures, but Fledgling honked and seemed ready to go. We went into the storm and plunged into the Wastelands. Continuing as normal, I jumped over polluted water to teach Fledgling that it's poisonous whilst deep calling to knock over all the hostile crabs to protect them and any stranger passing by.
We eventually reached the decrepit hall that is the first place ever where players get greeted by Krill. I was a little nervous as I wasn't sure how Fledgling would respond to the Krill and most importantly, if I am capable of protecting others from Krill attacks. Gathering my confidence, I told myself "Do as veterans do and bait the beast!" I saw Fledgling start reliving the Spirit that sits in plain sight and ran to the left, so I I took the right side. I tried to keep the Krill's spotlight just behind me. Reaching the platform at the other end, I began using the bait-and-take-cover tactic to hold it up while Fledgling worked on the Spirit memory. At one point I failed to Krill dodge and 3 Winged Lights flew out of me. I grabbed one myself, the other was retrieved by a kind chibi stranger with a forward pointed mohawk. How that moment warmed my heart! I never was assisted with WL before! I thanked the player profusely but also quickly to run back to the moth. The third was lost as it fell off the platform and into polluted water. It was worth it... worth it to keep Fledgling safe as they succeeded in getting a Spirit by themselves! And near a Krill nonetheless! Well done kiddo!
Catching up with Fledging, they honked, as if to say "let's keep going" (at least what I interpret when they stand still and honk). We grabbed some wax and burned Dark Plants in the little room at the left and exited. Just as we proceeded to the next and accursed segment of GW, another player descended to Fledgling out of nowhere. That player was a chibi with a feminine adorable hairstyle and cape that resembled sakura flower petals, seemingly a veteran judging by the get up. I will call that player Flora. I saw dotted text boxes appear above Fledgling and Flora, confirming to me that they were friends.
It was what happened that moment that left me in tears. After they chattered amongst themselves, they turned to me and bowed multiple times, even Flora blowing a kiss once, and I'd return the gesture. Fledgling must've told their friend Flora what happened and is showing gratitude. Immedietly after, Flora offered to add me as a friend, to which I, with teary eyed disbelief, accepted, and Fledgling too did the same.
... I couldn't handle it. These players might've been casually hopping out and about for all I might know, but to THIS human, this soul on the other end of the server, tears flooded my vision like a sudden Summer storm. The way this moment was timed and coincided at the end of a hall after the first Krill encounter, it looked straight out of a 3D Zelda side quest cutscene after helping an NPC! Scripted and destined to happen! If my life scarred heart was a creature entangled and engulfed by Darkness, then the human warmth of gratitude and generosity I saw was the beaming ray of Light that pierced through said Darkness and cleansed it away. My crying was out of control and disabling. I couldn't keep playing in this emotional state! Even if Fledgling chose not to befriend me after all that, it wouldn't have upset me in the slightest, I only did what I felt was right. But I didn't expect this fateful encounter.
Flora offered to uber us through the Wastelands. Given my intense emotions, it was a welcome offer. I needed to calm down first before depending on myself once more. We were ubered by Flora for what felt like a third of an hour to half an hour taking us to Spirits and WLs in GW. When near a Spirit, I would let go to help with reliving it if it was the 'follow me' type. Flora would accidentally occasionally get Fledgling Krilled to which we promptly go grab the WLs and light the moth up again. But overall, Flora was trying their best and really wanted to help with collecting, I could tell! They both chatted quite alot during our ubering to which I, alas, can't view yet. I would frequently deep call to recharge Flora's wings, knock over crabs as protection, and burned away Darkness along. This went on for quite some time until the two friends decided to head off into the Vault. At GW Elder's temple, Flora offered to unlock the high five and hug. Holding back tears, I accepted and did both friend emotes. If I remember correctly, I think Fledgling was only able to offer a high five, but I wouldn't be offended even if nothing was granted.
We ran about for a bit collecting pickups and went to the 4 player levitation door. We were only 3 and Fledgling seemed to have not yet got the emote. Me and Flora were only two, so they abandoned the door and seemed to have gotten into a lengthy conversation with their friend. Meanwhile, I went back and forth levitating and running towards the hall honking to call upon players. This went on a few more minutes. Eventually, a random player who happened to pass by came along to levitate with us. Flora joined in, making us 3. I kept honking while levitating and had the camera facing the hall behind me where players come from.
A bright orange player came... "Huh?? Who was that?" I thought to myself. The player was a stranger moth who I friended last week at the time I post this. That moth was my twin, except far less wedges, extremely skittish and clueless, and needed help with entering the Sanctuary Islands. Earlier, that moth was a brown caped girl with cute little pigtails. That moth know arrived with an orange cape and ponytail hair! They have upgraded! (Meanwhile I'm sparing my currency for rare items and Travelling Spirits haha, thus I maintained a moth appearance whilst becoming familiar with a decent amount of things).
I will call that player Lil Moff as that was a baby moth I (as players say) "adopted" and seemed super shy. Lil Moff ran up and promptly asked for a high five, and gleefully I did! I was happy to see them! With Lil Moff as our 4th player, we worked together to unlock the door. Me and Lil Moff went inside to get Spirits we may have missed. I was hoping Flora and Fledgling join up, but Flora seemed to want to talk with Fledgling, and to my luck, the server seemed to have seperated us, or they left. I wanted to show my appreciation for their hospitality but... maybe in the future if fate brought us together again.
Lil Moff patiently helped with Spirits behind the door. Apparently I missed one purple (following) Spirit but already had the other. After finishing, I then gestured towards the Repository. Lil Moff followed, and then once inside, gestured at the Scholar who I forgot to complete quests for. (In my defense, I alternate between quests to prevent boredom). I did one of the Shared Space quests, and by the time I finished, Lil Moff seemed to have other things in mind to do. Watching the cutscene of the second Shared Space quest, with the Spirit heart brokenly showing gratitude and longing for a long lost someone, my emotions came flooding back once more. I couldn't keep playing. I was both exhausted and full of emotions. I exited, grabbed my daily seasonal candles of Wastelands, and called an end to this rollercoaster of a play session.
You may be thinking "Why so emotional? Chill out." There is context to me as an individual. Being as vague as possible as you and I are both strangers, I harbor alot of unsorted emotional baggage and trauma. These negative experiences accumulated throughout my life in such great quantities whilst having very little help that I developed a sort of distrust complex and crippling social anxiety. I heard many horror stories about toxic vets this, toxic vets that, trolls, intentional Krilling, creeps, staring and ignoring. I told myself "Hey, toughen up, princess. You gotta put up and shut up." I got conditioned into not expecting kindness nor gratitude. So... all these moments, from encountering the lost helpless Fledgling all the way up to meeting up with my own moth I helped last week in a single day. All this without words! You can imagine how overwhelming it was to have so many beautiful encounters in one sitting! It was such an unlikely thing that I feel like I dreamt up all these incidents. I sit here now, not quite feeling pride, but the emotional "Do I deserve such wholesome treatment?" That internalization is a huge reason why I broke down into tears coupled with absolutely not expecting anything from others.
I DO think this happened for a reason. I DO think I was being given a chance at healing. I DO believe this was a test set out for me. I DO believe these moments had a lesson behind them. I DO believe all this were my pains being heard and answered. It's not me who saved a moth. The moth, their friend, and strangers saved me.
It's like the warmth of a candle burning away dark plants that engulfed my Spirit so trapped underneath pain so quiet and still.
Lesson learned: That one deed that you do can weave into a large tapestry of collective harmony, a chain reaction of one soul reaching a hand to the other.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart if you read my whole sappy story.
submitted by Wide_Term774 to SkyGame [link] [comments]
tl;dr I attempt to save a moth, ended up becoming a guide and guardian from Hidden Forest onwards. Moth's veteran friend found me in GW, thanked me and repayed me for helping. We 3 became friends. Met a moth I adopted last week in Vault, saw them upgraded, was happy to see me, helped each other out. Had to rest up afterwards, end of happy sappy story.
Note: I started playing Sky on April 12, right around Season of Moments.
Long version:
It all started out with me gleefully soaring the skies of Sanctuary seeking the Green Light and then heading off to Spirit hunt, all the while candle running at once. Having played Sky for a bit over a month, there was still so much to discover.
I was attempting to draw the attention of a second player for that Assembly quest in Hidden Forest. I would periodically double honk and deep call to signal to potential randoms that I needed help, but to no avail. I had my eyes set on awakening as many as Spirits as I can like a Pokémon trainer out to catch 'em all, but what I got instead was unexpected. It MUST have been fate! As I stood up high in the second quest area, far below me, a player had lost their light. As anyone would, I rushed down to help and found the player motionless in the water. I quickly found a couple of the Lights and stood by with a candle to keep them alive. Lighting that player revealed who appeared to be a newbie moth with only a few wedges, bright orange cape, and the short, somewhat spiky cowlicked hair. I will call him Fledgling for convenience reasons. Fledgling didn't move for a few moments, and neither did I. I wanted to see if said player went AFK or was just there but clueless and startled. Relieved, the player saw my presence and lit me back.
I led Fledgling out of the water and rain so they would not take further damage. They seemed to have the general idea of healing near torches, but their movement patterns and uncertainty gave me many tells that this could be a complete beginner. But a part of my skeptical self, seeing the bright orange cape, made me consider they might be more experienced than they let themselves in on as I have attempted to help a moth player once who up and scrammed off without explanation. Still, I chose to abandon the Assembly quest in favor of helping this lost soul, even if just the main game pathway as I can't tell what was desired from my guidance, whether Spirits, WLs, or specific locations. I couldn't help myself seeing the sky kid as they were.
Walking through the Hidden forest, the moth Fledgling followed behind slightly skittishly, but would heal under cover from rain. I played my part running ahead lighting up torches and lanterns to ease the trip and demonstrate that they can do this themselves. In the harder segments with less torches, Fledgling seemed anxious to move ahead, so I ran ahead to the transparent mushrooms to demonstrate their healing properties. I told Fledgling "Use these to restore your light" without words. They understood me and followed suite! And after running under rain, I would periodically deep call to recharge. This social dynamic of teacheguardian-student went on through the rest of the Forest, through the Valley of Triumph, and well into Golden Wastelands. I would always avoid rushing about excessively and waited for their arrival when lost during cloud flight segments. I would honk regularly to help them pinpoint my current location. And thankfully up to the Wastelands, Fledgling still caught up and the server thankfully didn't split. Before entering, I started using emotes to signal that we should fly into the stormy vortex. I used the point emote then tried to look for the "boo" emote to forewarn the existence of terrifying creatures, but Fledgling honked and seemed ready to go. We went into the storm and plunged into the Wastelands. Continuing as normal, I jumped over polluted water to teach Fledgling that it's poisonous whilst deep calling to knock over all the hostile crabs to protect them and any stranger passing by.
We eventually reached the decrepit hall that is the first place ever where players get greeted by Krill. I was a little nervous as I wasn't sure how Fledgling would respond to the Krill and most importantly, if I am capable of protecting others from Krill attacks. Gathering my confidence, I told myself "Do as veterans do and bait the beast!" I saw Fledgling start reliving the Spirit that sits in plain sight and ran to the left, so I I took the right side. I tried to keep the Krill's spotlight just behind me. Reaching the platform at the other end, I began using the bait-and-take-cover tactic to hold it up while Fledgling worked on the Spirit memory. At one point I failed to Krill dodge and 3 Winged Lights flew out of me. I grabbed one myself, the other was retrieved by a kind chibi stranger with a forward pointed mohawk. How that moment warmed my heart! I never was assisted with WL before! I thanked the player profusely but also quickly to run back to the moth. The third was lost as it fell off the platform and into polluted water. It was worth it... worth it to keep Fledgling safe as they succeeded in getting a Spirit by themselves! And near a Krill nonetheless! Well done kiddo!
Catching up with Fledging, they honked, as if to say "let's keep going" (at least what I interpret when they stand still and honk). We grabbed some wax and burned Dark Plants in the little room at the left and exited. Just as we proceeded to the next and accursed segment of GW, another player descended to Fledgling out of nowhere. That player was a chibi with a feminine adorable hairstyle and cape that resembled sakura flower petals, seemingly a veteran judging by the get up. I will call that player Flora. I saw dotted text boxes appear above Fledgling and Flora, confirming to me that they were friends.
It was what happened that moment that left me in tears. After they chattered amongst themselves, they turned to me and bowed multiple times, even Flora blowing a kiss once, and I'd return the gesture. Fledgling must've told their friend Flora what happened and is showing gratitude. Immedietly after, Flora offered to add me as a friend, to which I, with teary eyed disbelief, accepted, and Fledgling too did the same.
... I couldn't handle it. These players might've been casually hopping out and about for all I might know, but to THIS human, this soul on the other end of the server, tears flooded my vision like a sudden Summer storm. The way this moment was timed and coincided at the end of a hall after the first Krill encounter, it looked straight out of a 3D Zelda side quest cutscene after helping an NPC! Scripted and destined to happen! If my life scarred heart was a creature entangled and engulfed by Darkness, then the human warmth of gratitude and generosity I saw was the beaming ray of Light that pierced through said Darkness and cleansed it away. My crying was out of control and disabling. I couldn't keep playing in this emotional state! Even if Fledgling chose not to befriend me after all that, it wouldn't have upset me in the slightest, I only did what I felt was right. But I didn't expect this fateful encounter.
Flora offered to uber us through the Wastelands. Given my intense emotions, it was a welcome offer. I needed to calm down first before depending on myself once more. We were ubered by Flora for what felt like a third of an hour to half an hour taking us to Spirits and WLs in GW. When near a Spirit, I would let go to help with reliving it if it was the 'follow me' type. Flora would accidentally occasionally get Fledgling Krilled to which we promptly go grab the WLs and light the moth up again. But overall, Flora was trying their best and really wanted to help with collecting, I could tell! They both chatted quite alot during our ubering to which I, alas, can't view yet. I would frequently deep call to recharge Flora's wings, knock over crabs as protection, and burned away Darkness along. This went on for quite some time until the two friends decided to head off into the Vault. At GW Elder's temple, Flora offered to unlock the high five and hug. Holding back tears, I accepted and did both friend emotes. If I remember correctly, I think Fledgling was only able to offer a high five, but I wouldn't be offended even if nothing was granted.
We ran about for a bit collecting pickups and went to the 4 player levitation door. We were only 3 and Fledgling seemed to have not yet got the emote. Me and Flora were only two, so they abandoned the door and seemed to have gotten into a lengthy conversation with their friend. Meanwhile, I went back and forth levitating and running towards the hall honking to call upon players. This went on a few more minutes. Eventually, a random player who happened to pass by came along to levitate with us. Flora joined in, making us 3. I kept honking while levitating and had the camera facing the hall behind me where players come from.
A bright orange player came... "Huh?? Who was that?" I thought to myself. The player was a stranger moth who I friended last week at the time I post this. That moth was my twin, except far less wedges, extremely skittish and clueless, and needed help with entering the Sanctuary Islands. Earlier, that moth was a brown caped girl with cute little pigtails. That moth know arrived with an orange cape and ponytail hair! They have upgraded! (Meanwhile I'm sparing my currency for rare items and Travelling Spirits haha, thus I maintained a moth appearance whilst becoming familiar with a decent amount of things).
I will call that player Lil Moff as that was a baby moth I (as players say) "adopted" and seemed super shy. Lil Moff ran up and promptly asked for a high five, and gleefully I did! I was happy to see them! With Lil Moff as our 4th player, we worked together to unlock the door. Me and Lil Moff went inside to get Spirits we may have missed. I was hoping Flora and Fledgling join up, but Flora seemed to want to talk with Fledgling, and to my luck, the server seemed to have seperated us, or they left. I wanted to show my appreciation for their hospitality but... maybe in the future if fate brought us together again.
Lil Moff patiently helped with Spirits behind the door. Apparently I missed one purple (following) Spirit but already had the other. After finishing, I then gestured towards the Repository. Lil Moff followed, and then once inside, gestured at the Scholar who I forgot to complete quests for. (In my defense, I alternate between quests to prevent boredom). I did one of the Shared Space quests, and by the time I finished, Lil Moff seemed to have other things in mind to do. Watching the cutscene of the second Shared Space quest, with the Spirit heart brokenly showing gratitude and longing for a long lost someone, my emotions came flooding back once more. I couldn't keep playing. I was both exhausted and full of emotions. I exited, grabbed my daily seasonal candles of Wastelands, and called an end to this rollercoaster of a play session.
You may be thinking "Why so emotional? Chill out." There is context to me as an individual. Being as vague as possible as you and I are both strangers, I harbor alot of unsorted emotional baggage and trauma. These negative experiences accumulated throughout my life in such great quantities whilst having very little help that I developed a sort of distrust complex and crippling social anxiety. I heard many horror stories about toxic vets this, toxic vets that, trolls, intentional Krilling, creeps, staring and ignoring. I told myself "Hey, toughen up, princess. You gotta put up and shut up." I got conditioned into not expecting kindness nor gratitude. So... all these moments, from encountering the lost helpless Fledgling all the way up to meeting up with my own moth I helped last week in a single day. All this without words! You can imagine how overwhelming it was to have so many beautiful encounters in one sitting! It was such an unlikely thing that I feel like I dreamt up all these incidents. I sit here now, not quite feeling pride, but the emotional "Do I deserve such wholesome treatment?" That internalization is a huge reason why I broke down into tears coupled with absolutely not expecting anything from others.
I DO think this happened for a reason. I DO think I was being given a chance at healing. I DO believe this was a test set out for me. I DO believe these moments had a lesson behind them. I DO believe all this were my pains being heard and answered. It's not me who saved a moth. The moth, their friend, and strangers saved me.
It's like the warmth of a candle burning away dark plants that engulfed my Spirit so trapped underneath pain so quiet and still.
Lesson learned: That one deed that you do can weave into a large tapestry of collective harmony, a chain reaction of one soul reaching a hand to the other.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart if you read my whole sappy story.
2024.05.23 03:42 GreeKFire020 Race Report: RBC Brooklyn Half
Race Information
- Name: RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
- Date: March 18, 2024
- Distance: 13.1 miles
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Website: https://www.nyrr.org/races/2024rbcbrooklynhalf
- Time: 1:17:xx
Goals
| Goal | Description | Completed? |
|---|---|---|
| A | Sub 1:18 | Yes |
| B | PR (Sub 1:19:38) | Yes |
| C | NYC Marathon Qualifier | Yes |
Splits
| Kilometer | Time |
|---|---|
| 5 | 18:20 |
| 10 | 37:13 |
| 15 | 55:22 |
| 20 | 1:13:50 |
Background
34M, coming off of a 2:51 marathon in October to get my NYC Marathon time qualifier. With the birth of my second child in November, I decided to take a break from marathons and focus on speed. I dropped my mileage to around 40-55 mpw, and did a Daniel’s 5K plan. During this time, I managed to hit a 5K PR of 16:28. However, with NYRR moving to a Boston style cutoff for the marathon, I decided to hedge my bets by signing up for the Brooklyn Half.Training
I started my Daniel’s half marathon focused training plan in March, bumping up my mileage to around 55-60 mpw, with a peak week around 65 mpw. Most long runs were around 17-18 miles. Key workouts were verbatim from the plan. I managed to run a hilly half in 1:19:38 in March, and ran another half in April in 1:19:44. My main deviation from the plan was doing a predictor workout in late April of 7x1 mile repeats with 60 second rests around 5:55 pace, which told me sub 1:18 should be within reach.Pre-race
I drove up to Brooklyn the day before the race, picked up my bib, and got in line for Lucali’s Pizza. After a significant wait, I secured a reservation for 6 PM. I ate WAYYYY too much pizza and calzone (but my goodness was it delicious) and as I laid down for bed that night, I wondered if I had ruined my race already with how crappy my stomach felt. I barely slept, and woke up around 4 AM to eat my standard pre race meal of a cinnamon crunch bagel and a banana. I took a quick shower, and headed to the subway. I checked my bag, did the standard hit up the porta-potty several times, a small warmup, and took a SIS beta gel + caffeine about 20 min before the start. It was almost go time!Race
This was easily the largest race I have ever participated in, and the crowded start threw me off. I did my best to avoid weaving around people, but after seeing the running clock at the first mile around 6:30, I was a bit nervous and picked up the pace. The first half of the course through prospect park was very nice. Considering it was almost 60 degrees, the shade was welcomed. This half of the course was made to seem very hilly, but coming from PA, I barely noticed the hills. I was feeling strong as I took a gel at mile 6, and prepared for the long stretch of Ocean Parkway, which reviews of the course would tell you is a grind (spoiler, it is). With the 60 degree weather, it was extra hot out exposed on the open highway, and I just kept mentally telling myself to check off the miles. Around mile 10, I started to feel the heat get to me a bit, but would pump my arms to keep the legs moving and maintain speed. I was never so happy to see Coney Island and the boardwalk, and it lifted my spirits to pick up the pace, and I couldn’t believe when I crossed the finish line and knew I had hit my goal time.Post-race
Bag check was a bit of a disaster, but once I secured my items, I called my wife to thank her for being stuck at the home with the kids while I was off running a race. I took the long subway ride from Coney Island to my hotel, and then met up with my friend for some celebratory food and beers. If I thought I had eaten a lot the night before, I eclipsed it easily during my celebration, since we basically did a food and beer tour around Manhattan, highlighted by a monstrosity of a cookies and cream milkshake. I can’t wait do it all again for the NYC Marathon in 2025. Now I will let off of the gas for a bit before I start training for a sub 2:45 fall marathon.Made with a new race report generator created by herumph.
2024.05.23 01:01 East_Candidate2349 No Player Voice Audio Bug
So, I have been trying to fix something for a few days but I can't seem to fix.
The other day I was playing and I was doing the Railroad Side Quests. After a while I realized my characters voice lines would not play. So, what I did was I reloaded from a previous save that wasn't too far back. But, the problem still persisted. After testing previous saves, I found one where the voice lines did play, but, if I were to start from this save, I would have lost 29 hours worth of progress.
I have done multiple things that people have claimed to fix their issues with a problem similar to this (e.g. submerging in water, saving, loading said save, and stepping out of water).
I do not have a mod like "Silent Protagonist," that can't be a contributor to this issue.
Also, I have tried turning all my mods off, but even with that, the problem still persisted.
Do I really have to lose a ton of progress just to get my characters voice back? Or is there a tool or something I could use to fix this issue?
Also, here is my load order:
PLUGINS:
submitted by East_Candidate2349 to Fallout4Mods [link] [comments]
The other day I was playing and I was doing the Railroad Side Quests. After a while I realized my characters voice lines would not play. So, what I did was I reloaded from a previous save that wasn't too far back. But, the problem still persisted. After testing previous saves, I found one where the voice lines did play, but, if I were to start from this save, I would have lost 29 hours worth of progress.
I have done multiple things that people have claimed to fix their issues with a problem similar to this (e.g. submerging in water, saving, loading said save, and stepping out of water).
I do not have a mod like "Silent Protagonist," that can't be a contributor to this issue.
Also, I have tried turning all my mods off, but even with that, the problem still persisted.
Do I really have to lose a ton of progress just to get my characters voice back? Or is there a tool or something I could use to fix this issue?
Also, here is my load order:
PLUGINS:
\[ 0\] Fallout4.esm \[ 1\] DLCRobot.esm \[ 2\] DLCworkshop01.esm \[ 3\] DLCCoast.esm \[ 4\] DLCworkshop02.esm \[ 5\] DLCworkshop03.esm \[ 6\] DLCNukaWorld.esm \[ 7\] ccrzrfo4001-tunnelsnakes.esm \[ 8\] ccswkfo4001-astronautpowerarmor.esm \[ 9\] cczsef04001-bhouse.esm \[ A\] cctosfo4001-neosky.esm \[ B\] cczsefo4002-smanor.esm \[ C\] cctosfo4002\_neonflats.esm \[ D\] Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch.esp \[ E\] HUDFramework.esm \[ F\] ArmorKeywords.esm \[10\] TortureDevices.esm \[11\] Loads.esm \[12\] NewCalibers.esp \[13\] Devious Devices.esm \[14\] AutoUnequipPipboy.esm \[15\] TacticalReload.esm \[16\] MaleBodies.esm \[17\] Homemaker.esm \[18\] BbaronxScriptLibrary.esm \[19\] AAF.esm \[1A\] Armorsmith Extended.esp \[1B\] WeightlessMods.esp \[1C\] WeightlessJunk.esp \[1D\] Stm\_DiamondCityExpansion.esp \[1E\] MojaveImports.esp \[1F\] NAC.esp \[20\] Vivid Weathers - FO4.esp \[21\] CheatTerminal.esp \[22\] BoundInPublic.esp \[23\] Backpacks of the Commonwealth.esp \[24\] Mercenary.esp \[25\] DOOMMerged.esp \[26\] Eli\_Armour\_Compendium.esp \[27\] RealHandcuffs.esp \[28\] Vioxsis\_Strap-Ons.esp \[29\] AnS Wearable Backpacks and Pouches.esp \[2A\] AnS Wearable Backpacks and Pouches - AWKCR.esp \[2B\] WIPAG\_Power Armor Overhaul.esp \[2C\] F4NVServiceRifleRedux.esp \[2D\] 01SAA\_Colt.esp \[2E\] LString\_Bow.esp \[2F\] M2Agency.esp \[30\] 3dscopes.esp \[31\] WestTekTacticalOptics.esp \[32\] TAC.esp \[33\] PoliceWeaponPack.esp \[34\] SkyrimInspiredPowerArmor.esp \[35\] AnS Wearable Backpacks and Pouches - Power Armor Carry Capacity.esp \[36\] AnS Wearable Backpacks and Pouches - AWKCR Power Armor.esp \[37\] clothingoverhaul.esp \[38\] ClothingOverhaulSP\_XB1\_PC.esp \[39\] AtomicAnnieLagrieGun.esp \[3A\] SigMCX.esp \[3B\] TFRangerGear.esp \[3C\] Schofield No.2.esp \[3D\] SW1905.esp \[3E\] FPAttributes.esp \[3F\] SettlementMenuManager.esp \[40\] SimplyCosmeticPipboyPaintjobs.esp \[41\] SimplyCosmeticPipboyPaintjobs-FactionPack.esp \[42\] Tactical Flashlights.esp \[43\] Tactical Flashlights - Settings.esp \[44\] RemingtonNewArmy.esp \[45\] DakJudgeRevolver.esp \[46\] FV20\_DreadHG.esp \[47\] HuntingRevolver.esp \[48\] TacticalReloadDLC.esp \[49\] AWKCR-WA CC Patch.esp \[4A\] Extended weapon mods.esp \[4B\] TacticalReloadVanilla.esp \[4C\] mjp\_PTRS41ATR.esp \[4D\] M14.esp \[4E\] UCO\_CCPatch\_MorganSpaceSuit.esp \[4F\] Vadermania\[AAF\_anims\].esp \[50\] VendorCaps.esp \[51\] VisibleWeapons.esp \[52\] WastelandFashionAccessories.esp \[53\] WastelandFashion.esp \[54\] AnS Wearable Backpacks and Pouches - Ballistic Weave.esp \[55\] WeightlessAid.esp \[56\] WeightlessSpecialAmmo.esp \[57\] AAF\_BadEnd\_Animations.esp \[58\] Fusion Core Charging.esp \[59\] ImmersiveAnimationFramework.esp \[5A\] Loads of Ammo - Leveled Lists.esp \[5B\] NAC-FH.esp \[5C\] NAC-NW.esp \[5D\] Radiant Clouds and Fogs.esp \[5E\] AAF\_GrayAnimations.esp \[5F\] AAF\_CreaturePack01.esp \[60\] FunctionalDisplays-Collectibles.esp \[61\] More Power Armour Mods.esp \[62\] PAMAP.esp \[63\] Prisoner Shackles.esp \[64\] PowerArmorNightVision.esp \[65\] Professional Ammo Crafting Breakdown Addon.esp \[66\] Professional Ammo Crafting.esp \[67\] FunctionalDisplays.esp \[68\] FunctionalDisplays-MISC-Weightless.esp \[69\] PigAAM1911.esp \[6A\] DakSW59.esp \[6B\] PMC Operators Pack.esp \[6C\] MojaveImports - Combat Addon.esp \[6D\] NewCalibers\_extendedWeaponMods.esp \[6E\] Lever Action Reload Fix.esp \[6F\] NewCalibers\_LeverActionReload.esp \[70\] Modern Military Pack.esp \[71\] MoreSkinColors.esp \[72\] Mutated Lust.esp \[73\] LegendaryModification.esp \[74\] LegendaryModification - DLC Far Harbor.esp \[75\] K9TacticalHarness.esp \[76\] LegendaryModification2LM.esp \[77\] LegendaryModification2LMAKPatch.esp \[78\] LegendaryModificationCSA.esp \[79\] LegendaryModificationGroknak.esp \[7A\] LegendaryModificationMisc.esp \[7B\] LongerPowerLinesInf.esp \[7C\] LMBTOverlays.esp \[7D\] LooksMenu.esp \[7E\] Lots More Facial Hair.esp \[7F\] Lots More Male Hairstyles.esp \[80\] ASVektor.esp \[81\] BattleRifle.esp \[82\] GlovesOfTheCommonwealth.esp \[83\] Gunner\_Operator.esp \[84\] DT\_GunnerOutfitPack.esp \[85\] Hellfirenew.esp \[86\] HiddenArmor.esp \[87\] HiddenArmorAutomatron.esp \[88\] HiddenArmorFarHarbor.esp \[89\] Homemaker - Streetlights Use Passive Power.esp \[8A\] dD-Enhanced Blood Basic.esp \[8B\] EnclaveX02.esp \[8C\] Farelle\_Animations.esp \[8D\] FO4\_AnimationsByLeito.esp \[8E\] Scopes.esp \[8F\] FunctionalDisplays-AID-WI-Weightless.esp \[90\] FunctionalDisplays-Patch-DLC-ALL-Weightless.esp \[91\] Pip-Boy CC Fix.esp \[92\] WD\_44.esp \[93\] DD\_bleu\_Ump\_Extreme\_Lore\_friendly\_edition.esp \[94\] Yona\_Weapon\_DefenseGun.esp \[95\] Campsite.esp \[96\] CBBE.esp \[97\] HlgCavalryRevolver.esp \[98\] ChineseStealthSuit.esp \[99\] Clean Water - Tropical.esp \[9A\] Commonwealth Captives.esp \[9B\] KSHairdos.esp \[9C\] BasementLiving.esp \[9D\] BraveAnims.esp \[9E\] AAF\_Violate.esp \[9F\] AWKCR - Last Resort CTD FIX.esp \[A0\] AWKCR Goodies Footlocker.esp \[A1\] AnimatedRadaway.esp \[A2\] AWKCR - Mod Power Armor Engine Glitch Fix.esp \[A3\] FunctionalDisplays-AID-WI.esp \[A4\] More Power Armour Mods - Automatron.esp \[A5\] CF\_AtomicWarlord.esp \[A6\] Atomic Lust.esp \[A7\] 10mmRevolver.esp \[A8\] SelectBlaster.esp \[A9\] SavageCabbage\_Animations.esp \[AA\] AAF\_Four-Play\_Animations\_Crazy6987.esp \[AB\] Deathclaw\_nude.esp \[AC\] ErectionFix\_SilverPerv.esp \[AD\] UAP Moans.esp \[AE\] JUFacePaints.esp \[AF\] HellfireX03\_PAMAP.esp \[B0\] anti-phobia-insects-arachnids-nuka-world-0.1.esp \[B1\] EnclaveX02\_PAMAP.esp \[B2\] anti-phobia-insects-arachnids-0.4.esp \[B3\] rxl\_bp70\_animations.esp \[B4\] CRX.esp \[B5\] CraftableGunsAndWeapons.esp \[B6\] Crazy\_Animations\_Gun.esp \[B7\] Craftable Armor Size - Fix Material Requirements.esp \[B8\] Craftable Armor Size.esp \[B9\] Crafting Workbench.esp \[BA\] Crafting Workbenches - Ammo.esp \[BB\] Crafting Workbenches - Ammo Expanded.esp \[BC\] Crafting Workbenches - Ammo Special.esp \[BD\] Crafting Workbenches - Automatron DLC.esp \[BE\] Crafting Workbenches - Junk Items.esp \[BF\] Crafting Workbenches - Power Armor.esp \[C0\] Crafting Workbenches - Pre War and Manufactured.esp \[C1\] AAF\_CreaturePack02DLC.esp \[C2\] RZSex.esp \[C3\] Rogg DD Items Manager.esp \[C4\] ZaZOut4.esp \[C5\] Pip-Boy Flashlight.esp \[C6\] Vivid Waters.esp \[FE: 0\] ccbgsfo4005-bluecamo.esl \[FE: 1\] ccbgsfo4016-prey.esl \[FE: 2\] ccbgsfo4018-gaussrifleprototype.esl \[FE: 3\] ccbgsfo4019-chinesestealtharmor.esl \[FE: 4\] ccbgsfo4020-powerarmorskin(black).esl \[FE: 5\] ccbgsfo4022-powerarmorskin(camo01).esl \[FE: 6\] ccbgsfo4023-powerarmorskin(camo02).esl \[FE: 7\] ccbgsfo4025-powerarmorskin(chrome).esl \[FE: 8\] ccbgsfo4033-powerarmorskinwhite.esl \[FE: 9\] ccbgsfo4024-pacamo03.esl \[FE: A\] ccbgsfo4038-horsearmor.esl \[FE: B\] ccbgsfo4041-doommarinearmor.esl \[FE: C\] ccbgsfo4042-bfg.esl \[FE: D\] ccBGSFO4044-HellfirePowerArmor.esl \[FE: E\] ccfsvfo4001-modularmilitarybackpack.esl \[FE: F\] ccfsvfo4002-midcenturymodern.esl \[FE: 10\] ccfrsfo4001-handmadeshotgun.esl \[FE: 11\] cceejfo4001-decorationpack.esl \[FE: 12\] ccbgsfo4045-advarccab.esl \[FE: 13\] ccfsvfo4003-slocum.esl \[FE: 14\] ccgcafo4001-factionws01army.esl \[FE: 15\] ccgcafo4002-factionws02acat.esl \[FE: 16\] ccgcafo4003-factionws03bos.esl \[FE: 17\] ccgcafo4004-factionws04gun.esl \[FE: 18\] ccgcafo4005-factionws05hrpink.esl \[FE: 19\] ccgcafo4006-factionws06hrshark.esl \[FE: 1A\] ccgcafo4007-factionws07hrflames.esl \[FE: 1B\] ccgcafo4008-factionws08inst.esl \[FE: 1C\] ccgcafo4009-factionws09mm.esl \[FE: 1D\] ccgcafo4010-factionws10rr.esl \[FE: 1E\] ccgcafo4011-factionws11vt.esl \[FE: 1F\] ccgcafo4012-factionas01acat.esl \[FE: 20\] ccgcafo4013-factionas02bos.esl \[FE: 21\] ccgcafo4014-factionas03gun.esl \[FE: 22\] ccgcafo4015-factionas04hrpink.esl \[FE: 23\] ccgcafo4016-factionas05hrshark.esl \[FE: 24\] ccgcafo4017-factionas06inst.esl \[FE: 25\] ccgcafo4018-factionas07mm.esl \[FE: 26\] ccgcafo4019-factionas08nuk.esl \[FE: 27\] ccgcafo4020-factionas09rr.esl \[FE: 28\] ccgcafo4021-factionas10hrflames.esl \[FE: 29\] ccgcafo4022-factionas11vt.esl \[FE: 2A\] ccgcafo4023-factionas12army.esl \[FE: 2B\] ccawnfo4001-brandedattire.esl \[FE: 2C\] ccswkfo4002-pipnuka.esl \[FE: 2D\] ccswkfo4003-pipquan.esl \[FE: 2E\] ccbgsfo4050-dgbcoll.esl \[FE: 2F\] ccbgsfo4051-dgbox.esl \[FE: 30\] ccbgsfo4052-dgdal.esl \[FE: 31\] ccbgsfo4053-dggoldr.esl \[FE: 32\] ccbgsfo4054-dggreatd.esl \[FE: 33\] ccbgsfo4055-dghusk.esl \[FE: 34\] ccbgsfo4056-dglabb.esl \[FE: 35\] ccbgsfo4057-dglaby.esl \[FE: 36\] ccbgsfo4058-dglabc.esl \[FE: 37\] ccbgsfo4059-dgpit.esl \[FE: 38\] ccbgsfo4060-dgrot.esl \[FE: 39\] ccbgsfo4061-dgshiinu.esl \[FE: 3A\] ccbgsfo4036-trnsdg.esl \[FE: 3B\] ccrzrfo4004-pipinst.esl \[FE: 3C\] ccbgsfo4062-pippat.esl \[FE: 3D\] ccrzrfo4003-pipover.esl \[FE: 3E\] ccfrsfo4002-antimaterielrifle.esl \[FE: 3F\] cceejfo4002-nuka.esl \[FE: 40\] ccygpfo4001-pipcruiser.esl \[FE: 41\] ccbgsfo4072-pipgrog.esl \[FE: 42\] ccbgsfo4073-pipmman.esl \[FE: 43\] ccbgsfo4074-pipinspect.esl \[FE: 44\] ccbgsfo4075-pipshroud.esl \[FE: 45\] ccbgsfo4076-pipmystery.esl \[FE: 46\] ccbgsfo4071-piparc.esl \[FE: 47\] ccbgsfo4079-pipvim.esl \[FE: 48\] ccbgsfo4078-pipreily.esl \[FE: 49\] ccbgsfo4077-piprocket.esl \[FE: 4A\] ccbgsfo4070-pipabra.esl \[FE: 4B\] ccbgsfo4008-pipgrn.esl \[FE: 4C\] ccbgsfo4015-pipyell.esl \[FE: 4D\] ccbgsfo4009-piporan.esl \[FE: 4E\] ccbgsfo4011-pippurp.esl \[FE: 4F\] ccbgsfo4021-powerarmorskinblue.esl \[FE: 50\] ccbgsfo4027-powerarmorskingreen.esl \[FE: 51\] ccbgsfo4034-powerarmorskinyellow.esl \[FE: 52\] ccbgsfo4028-powerarmorskinorange.esl \[FE: 53\] ccbgsfo4031-powerarmorskinred.esl \[FE: 54\] ccbgsfo4030-powerarmorskinpurple.esl \[FE: 55\] ccbgsfo4032-powerarmorskintan.esl \[FE: 56\] ccbgsfo4029-powerarmorskinpink.esl \[FE: 57\] ccgrcfo4001-pipgreytort.esl \[FE: 58\] ccgrcfo4002-pipgreenvim.esl \[FE: 59\] ccbgsfo4013-piptan.esl \[FE: 5A\] ccbgsfo4010-pippnk.esl \[FE: 5B\] ccsbjfo4001-solarflare.esl \[FE: 5C\] cckgjfo4001-bastion.esl \[FE: 5D\] ccbgsfo4063-papat.esl \[FE: 5E\] ccqdrfo4001\_powerarmorai.esl \[FE: 5F\] ccbgsfo4048-dovah.esl \[FE: 60\] ccbgsfo4101-as\_shi.esl \[FE: 61\] ccbgsfo4114-ws\_shi.esl \[FE: 62\] ccBGSFO4115-X02.esl \[FE: 63\] ccrzrfo4002-disintegrate.esl \[FE: 64\] ccBGSFO4116-HeavyFlamer.esl \[FE: 65\] ccbgsfo4091-as\_bats.esl \[FE: 66\] ccbgsfo4092-as\_camoblue.esl \[FE: 67\] ccbgsfo4093-as\_camogreen.esl \[FE: 68\] ccbgsfo4094-as\_camotan.esl \[FE: 69\] ccbgsfo4097-as\_jack-olantern.esl \[FE: 6A\] ccbgsfo4104-ws\_bats.esl \[FE: 6B\] ccbgsfo4105-ws\_camoblue.esl \[FE: 6C\] ccbgsfo4106-ws\_camogreen.esl \[FE: 6D\] ccbgsfo4107-ws\_camotan.esl \[FE: 6E\] ccbgsfo4111-ws\_jack-olantern.esl \[FE: 6F\] ccbgsfo4118-ws\_tunnelsnakes.esl \[FE: 70\] ccbgsfo4113-ws\_reillysrangers.esl \[FE: 71\] ccbgsfo4112-ws\_pickman.esl \[FE: 72\] ccBGSFO4110-WS\_Enclave.esl \[FE: 73\] ccbgsfo4108-ws\_childrenofatom.esl \[FE: 74\] ccbgsfo4103-as\_tunnelsnakes.esl \[FE: 75\] ccbgsfo4099-as\_reillysrangers.esl \[FE: 76\] ccbgsfo4098-as\_pickman.esl \[FE: 77\] ccBGSFO4096-AS\_Enclave.esl \[FE: 78\] ccbgsfo4095-as\_childrenofatom.esl \[FE: 79\] ccbgsfo4090-piptribal.esl \[FE: 7A\] ccbgsfo4089-pipsynthwave.esl \[FE: 7B\] ccbgsfo4087-piphaida.esl \[FE: 7C\] ccbgsfo4085-piphawaii.esl \[FE: 7D\] ccbgsfo4084-pipretro.esl \[FE: 7E\] ccbgsfo4083-pipartdeco.esl \[FE: 7F\] ccbgsfo4082-pipprc.esl \[FE: 80\] ccbgsfo4081-pipphenolresin.esl \[FE: 81\] ccbgsfo4080-pippop.esl \[FE: 82\] ccbgsfo4035-pint.esl \[FE: 83\] ccbgsfo4086-pipadventure.esl \[FE: 84\] ccjvdfo4001-holiday.esl \[FE: 85\] ccbgsfo4047-qthund.esl \[FE: 86\] ccfrsfo4003-cr75l.esl \[FE: 87\] ccacxfo4001-vsuit.esl \[FE: 88\] ccbgsfo4040-vrworkshop01.esl \[FE: 89\] ccfsvfo4005-vrdesertisland.esl \[FE: 8A\] ccfsvfo4006-vrwasteland.esl \[FE: 8B\] ccsbjfo4002\_manwellrifle.esl \[FE: 8C\] ccbgsfo4117-capmerc.esl \[FE: 8D\] ccfsvfo4004-vrworkshopgnrplaza.esl \[FE: 8E\] ccBGSFO4046-TesCan.esl \[FE: 8F\] ccgcafo4025-pagunmm.esl \[FE: 90\] cccrsfo4001-pipcoa.esl \[FE: 91\] SSTForestFungusDelit.esl \[FE: 92\] VC\_Gage\_Fix.esl \[FE: 93\] Skb\_MachinegunsRebirth.esl \[FE: 94\] Munitions - An Ammo Expansion.esl \[FE: 95\] Munitions - Vanilla Ammo Addon.esl \[FE: 96\] HellcatPA.esl \[FE: 97\] CheatTerminal - AutomatronSpawnNPCPatch.esl \[FE: 98\] CWRaiders.esl \[FE: 99\] CanarySaveFileMonitor.esl \[FE: 9A\] CheatTerminal - FarHarborSpawnNPCPatch.esl \[FE: 9B\] CheatTerminal - NukaWorldSpawnNPCPatch.esl \[FE: 9C\] AAFThemes.esl \[FE: 9D\] Atomic Muscle LM Patch.esl \[FE: 9E\] Bememoth Separated Cart.esl \[FE: 9F\] 1nivDD\_MaleAddon.esp \[FE: A0\] NAC X Water LOD God Rays Fix.esp \[FE: A1\] NAC X Water LOD God Rays Fix Caribbean flair.esp \[FE: A2\] wastelandwoundcare.esp \[FE: A3\] WIPAG\_Vanilla\_AWKCR\_PA\_Addon.esp \[FE: A4\] WIPAG\_TES51\_Addon.esp \[FE: A5\] Backpacks of the Commonwealth - UFO4P Patch.esp \[FE: A6\] SigMCX\_MaterialPack.esp \[FE: A7\] SigMCX\_LvlListPatch.esp \[FE: A8\] SigMCX\_TacticalReload.esp \[FE: A9\] UlfberthTattoos.esp \[FE: AA\] UsefulCrank.esp \[FE: AB\] IAF - Far Harbor & Nuka World.esp \[FE: AC\] RealHandcuffs\_AWKCR\_Compatibility.esp \[FE: AD\] RealHandcuffs\_DD\_Compatibility.esp \[FE: AE\] PowerArmorNightVisionFarHarborPatch.esp \[FE: AF\] NACskintonefixnomaster.esp \[FE: B0\] NACskintonefix.esp \[FE: B1\] Latex Collar Curse.esp \[FE: B2\] FAR.esp \[FE: B3\] AAF\_Violate\_DLC\_Patch.esp \[FE: B4\] M2AgencyLvlListPatch.esp \[FE: B5\] M2AgencyTacticalReloadPatch.esp \[FE: B6\] Behemoth No Cart.esp \[FE: B7\] BraveAnims\_Fix.esp \[FE: B8\] PenPos.esp \[FE: B9\] SMBehemoth Loincloth.esp \[FE: BA\] Zaz Particle Effects.esp \[FE: BB\] 3dscopes-defensegun.esp \[FE: BC\] 3dscopes-g67.esp \[FE: BD\] 3dscopes-huntingrevolver.esp \[FE: BE\] 3dscopes-servicerifle.esp \[FE: BF\] 3dscopes-ump.esp \[FE: C0\] 3dscopes-vektor.esp \[FE: C1\] WIPAG\_Contraptions\_DLC\_Addon.esp \[FE: C2\] WIPAG\_Cosmos\_Addon.esp \[FE: C3\] WIPAG\_FarHarbor\_DLC\_Addon.esp \[FE: C4\] WIPAG\_Horse\_Addon.esp \[FE: C5\] WIPAG\_NukaWorld\_DLC\_Addon.esp \[FE: C6\] WIPAG\_X02\_CC\_Addon.esp \[FE: C7\] WIPAG\_X02\_Enclave\_Addon.esp \[FE: C8\] WIPAG\_X03\_CC\_Addon.esp \[FE: C9\] WIPAG\_X03\_Hellfire\_Addon.esp \[FE: CA\] WET.esp
2024.05.22 23:30 miulitz Dawnlight Promise breakdown and versatility check
- - Breakdowns - -
Here is the DST breakdown
Here is the bg items in view mode (white and black bg)
- - Versatility Checks - -
Here is the hair with different makeups
Here is the glove pose with dresses and tops
Here is some scarf and coat items that cover the open space on the glove pose
Here is the step bg item with posed dresses
Here is the step bg item with posed bottoms and shoes
Full breakdown and vers checks for this suit!
My tl;dr for this suit is probably: I really like the individual items, but I don't know if it's quite worth $10. I think it's basically a $5-7 suit but the large background suitcase bumps it up to $10. And while I like the staircase, and I can see it being a fun item to style, I don't know how much it bumps up the value.
As for the individual pieces, I honestly think the hair and makeup are the lowest value parts of this suit. The hair is cute but it has slightly thicker lines, which doesn't makes it look a bit older, and it's not quite as vibrant a blonde as some other hairs. The makeup has that slightly off look to it that's been unfortunately common recently, but I do think it looks better with some other hairstyles. Honestly I don't think either are bad items! Just not the best.
The rest of the items of this suit, mainly the dress, hair item, and glove pose, I really like. The hair item has a great, bright jeweled look which I'm really excited to style with! The glove pose is great, especially the "bare" version that just has the bracelets, it will definitely be extremely versatile. Because her right arm is raised so much, it pokes out above some sleeves, so it's kind of hard to make work with anything with straps, even tops or dresses you can normally kind of fudge it with for raised arm poses. I ran through a few scarf and coat items to see what covered some problem areas, and they worked to varying degrees of success (this is the "open space on the glove pose" vers check above). Even though it's not very unique, I really like the rose colour of the dress, I think it's gorgeous.
The stairs I like quite a bit. They seem to work with a lot of posed shoes and bottoms that are "walking" or kind of standing in place; the alignment isn't perfect for all of them but they mostly look in place. The stairs are kind of hit and miss with sitting poses, a lot of them are kind of on the wrong plane. For some "bigger" sitting poses that cover half the staircase, it looks a lot better, and you can get away with it not aligning perfectly. It's a lot bigger than I thought it would be, which definitely makes it feel *more* worth it since the suit is $10. But the other background items aren't much to write home about. The bird is cute though.
I think that's about it! If you have any requests, feel free to comment!
2024.05.22 22:29 LiseEclaire [Leveling up the World] - Nobility Arc - Chapter 942
Out there - Patreon (for all those curious or wanting to support :))
At the Beginning
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Nobility Arc - Arc 5
Previously on Leveling up the World...
A battle on two fronts continued in the Academy realm. On the periphery, the gold colossus along with thousands of books kept on unleashing attacks on the archduchess’ army. In the center—separated from them by a circle of constantly renewing mountains, Dallion and Priscord were engaged in a fierce fight, while his companions were holding the perimeter, keeping the remaining nobles, and the occasional soldier, from coming to her aid.
Dallion remained convinced that in a one-on-one he’d easily win, but the woman wasn’t making it easy for him, relying on more than the average number of tricks. The harpsiswords and other weapons belonging to her nobles turned out to be just as efficient on their own. If anything, the people were only there to carry the items in the real world. The rules of the awakening realms allowed the guardians within to do so on their own. It didn’t matter that Dallion had rendered the people effectively unconscious. Even if he sealed their powers and ejected them out of the realm, the weapons would remain unaffected.
The glowing dagger was also a matter of concern. Glowing in magical light, it seemed to have the ability to negate any attack. For the moment it didn’t seem like the weapon was good for offense, but it was always possible that Priscord was keeping that as her trump card.
For the moment, what he was most fearful of remained the horse. Far too big to be normal, far too full of magic to be natural, it remained floating in place, ignoring everything around it. On two occasions Dallion had sent a few point attacks its way, trying to get it to do something—anything. And yet, the creature hadn’t, stoically taking on the damage, then immediately healing the afflicted wounds.
“I heard you got married,” Priscord said as she performed a multi kick. The heels of her shoes had transformed into stilettos that came with effects of their own.
MINOR WOUND
Your health has been reduced by 5%
PERMANENT EFFECT - BLEEDING
You have been scarred by the attack. The scar will continue bleeding in the real world until the status is removed.
The status continues to be in effect in the real world.
Another pair of red rectangles emerged. This was the seventh wound Dallion received. Health wasn’t an issue. Even without Lux’s help, he knew enough healing spells to deal with the issue. The annoyance was the bleeding. It was going to cause problems in the real world at a time that Dallion could do without distractions.
“You’re very talkative for someone who doesn’t use music,” Dallion replied, as he pulled back and counterattacked with a series of point attacks. A large part missed their target. Those that hit didn’t cause any damage whatsoever. That was rather interesting.
Harp, is that normal? Dallion asked.
No, but I don’t know how she’s doing it, the nymph guardian replied.
Veil, get Pan! Dalllion ordered within his personal realm. Get him to figure out what’s going on.
There was no time to get a response, for the countess reacted, twisting her body in a series of spin kicks. Catching the pattern, Dallion attempted to complete a guard skill series. Once more before he could, one of the enemy harpsiswords darted right at him, ruining the sequence.
“Close,” Priscord said with a smug expression.
The weapon’s action, however, had created an invisible opening in the mesh of sound shields protecting the archduchess. Instantly, Dallion took advantage, slashing through the air with his own harpsisword.
The attack was blocked by the weapon, but enough sound threads managed to pass through. Uncertain what exactly to target, Dallion went straight for Priscord’s left ear.
PERMANENT EFFECT – PARTIAL DEAFNESS
The LEFT EAR of ARCHDUCHESS PRISCORD has permanently gone deaf. She will not be able to make use of that ear until the status is removed.
The status continues to be in effect in the real world.
There was a barely audible snap, followed by a scream, as the woman grabbed hold of her bleeding ear. With a body trait such as hers, the pain was hardly significant; more specifically, it wouldn’t be considered significant if the countess had ever experienced pain in her life. Despite the many battles she had gone through, in many of which she had participated personally, the woman had never put her own self at risk.
This was more than a pinprick, granting Dallion several seconds to take advantage of.
“Guess I won’t be able to use music anymore,” he said, targeting her other ear with his attack music skills.
Realizing their mistake, the harpsisword flew away, playing a new set of chords to restore the sound protection around its owner. In doing so, it allowed for a direct physical attack. Unlike before, Priscord was in no condition to display the same effectiveness as before.
Got you! Dallion thought, performing a dual multi attack with both blades. Sound and magic flew everywhere, falling upon his enemy like rockets.
Proceeding with the attack, Dallion split into instances. He knew better than to become self-confident at this stage.
Elsewhere in the realm, the diminishing forces of the archduchess were breaking through the encirclement of mountains, destroying them faster than Dallion could erect new ones. No longer concerned with their own safety, they let the aether quills reduce their health, ejecting layer after layer into the real world. All that seemed to be important was the countess' survival.
TERMINAL HIT
Dealt damage is increased by 1000%
A red rectangle popped up, as Lux pierced one of the three remaining nobles through the chest with a crossbow bolt. There was a momentary pause of stillness, after which the man was ejected from the realm. Unlike the lower level awakened, he wouldn’t just have his powers sealed.
Let her surrender, part of Dallion’s consciousness whispered to him. There was no way she could win at this point. A quick surrender would be better for everyone, himself included. At the very least, he wouldn’t have to face whatever the horse really was.
Yet, Dallion’s memories of the past refused to let him voice the offer. There were very few people he had difficulty forgiving, and Priscord was one of them.
Didn’t you use to say the same about the Luors? his better self asked within his mind. You hated them with a passion for what they had done to your family. Now, Aspion is long forgiven and two of his grandchildren are your friends and overseers.
That much was true. He had forgiven them… all of them. But there was one major difference. Aspion had lost his powers, ensuring he could never harm Dallion or anyone again. The former countess was still very much in a combat ready state. The moment she adjusted to the novelty of pain, she was going to strike back with everything he had or, at best, run to return later on.
“Surrender.” Dallion spat out the world as he twisted in the air, combining half a dozen skills as he weaved his way to the woman.
If there was a moment for the horse to spring into action, it was now. And still, it didn’t.
Refusing to let such an opportunity pass, Dallion swung at Priscord’s arm with both blades. The aura sword was easily blocked by the glowing dagger. The harpsisword wasn’t.
CRITICAL STRIKE
Dealt damage is increased by 200%
ARM SEVERED
Enemy will no longer be able to make use of its RIGHT ARM
It wasn’t a permanent effect, but still rendered the woman incapable of fighting, not to mention that it introduced her to a whole new level of pain. The shock was so great that while she didn’t voice it, Dallion could see it bubble within her. Fear, anger, and pain sprouted like clusters of large grapes, filling up her entire body.
“You’ve lost,” Dallion said, pressing both blades against her throat.
Deep inside, he knew that even with fifty instances around, this was a mistake. The proper thing was to kill her here and now, yet for some reason he found that he couldn’t yet.
“You’ll tell me everything you know about the emperor’s plans,” Dallion said, using his music skills to convince her.
From this distance, her harpsiswords were no longer capable of providing protection. The threads of music attached to the woman, issuing suggestions like a limiting echo.
“He knew you’d do this,” Priscord said, fighting the music’s effects. “He told me that in the end you’d fail.”
“Seems like he was wrong,” Dallion pressed on. “You’re done. You’ve got no allies, no army, and your trinkets won’t save you anymore.”
“That’s because you haven’t seen the best part.” A forced smile emerged on her face.
A moment later, the horse, which had remained still all this time, exploded. Thousands of magic strands flew in all directions, spreading like lines of bright purple. Dozens of them bounced off the magic thread mesh that Dallion had covered his body with. The rest just kept on going along a straight line, moving through matter as if it were air.
YOU HAVE BEEN EJECTED FROM THE REALM
A green rectangle flashed, throwing Dallion into the real world.
Forced ejection? Dallion fought to regain his bearings.
Once again, he was in the air, facing the archduchess and her armies. He was without feet again, covered in a series of bleeding wounds.
On her side, Priscord’s left ear was also bleeding. Four of her nobles collapsed lifelessly on the ground. The single one that remained rushed in front of the archduchess, still holding his large origami ax.
“You should have finished me off,” Priscord said as her soldiers got into formation. “They might be sealed, but they still have their previous strength and skills. Also, they’re still mine.”
Curiously, the horse was also there, completely unharmed. Concentrating, Dallion saw that the magic threads had largely diminished. Could the emperor have put a spell within the creature? It seemed that way. Despite several attempts, Dallion found that he was incapable of entering the awakened realms again. Each time he tried, a red rectangle would appear with a countdown timer.
Twenty-three hours and fifty-nine minutes. That was how long he’d be denied access; very similar to the limit imposed after failing awakening trials. This was the first time he was prevented from venturing into any awakened realm, even his personal one.
Veil? Adzorg? Dallion asked within his realm.
What? Veil shouted back. I’m working on it!
We hear you, dear boy, Adzorg said. I was able to recognize some of the symbols within the magic threads, but not enough to figure out what was going on. Like it or not, the emperor was considered the greatest mage for a reason.
“Figured it out?” Priscord asked with glee.
“I still own you.” Dallion responded by using his music skills. “Even with your broken army, you don’t have anyone to stop—”
A green cone flashed for a second, surrounding Dallion. It wasn’t something he was expecting, yet instincts developed during his first days of awakening kicked in. Green cones were guard markers, and there could be only one reason for them to appear.
Splitting into instances, Dallion scattered in all directions. Barely had he done so when a massive ray of destruction burned through Priscord’s army, vaporizing her along with hundreds of others as it targeted Dallion. Out of a hundred instances, only three had managed to survive intact.
Splitting again, Dallion repeated the process. Another ray of destruction flew past. Then another.
More golems? Dallion thought as he summoned all his weapons to him.
These spells were a lot more focused than the previous ones he’d experienced. Rather than relying purely on surprise, someone was targeting him specifically, constantly adapting to his tactics. Dallion slashed the air with his aura sword in an attempt to cast a few protective spells. The spell circles were consumed by another magic blast as soon as they appeared.
“Pesky thing, aren’t you?” A familiar voice asked.
In the distance another figure had risen into the air—a very brightly glowing figure that was over seven feet high.
“You?” Dallion asked, as he kept on combat splitting.
“Who did you expect?” The emperor’s aether echo kept on casting ray after ray, seemingly without any delay or limitation whatsoever. “Jeremy? He’s got more important things right now. Besides, I’m pretty sure I’ll do to you exactly what he has in mind.”
Using his domain ruler powers, Dallion filled the area with mountains. The only thing that did was briefly block the other’s line of sight, before several more rays punctured any obstacle Dallion had created.
“You killed Priscord!” Dallion shouted, attempting to use his music skills on the aether echo. To no surprise the strands bounced off.
“She was getting a bit too ambitious for her own good. If I had let her go on, she might have made a deal with Simon. Besides it’s not like she would be missed. I doubt there’s anyone in the world who gave a damn about her.”
Another mountain rose up, only to be hollowed out with one spell.
“She did her part, though, which was to make sure you couldn’t use the realms to escape.”
Even from this distance, Dallion could see the echo of the emperor grin.
“How did the saying go?” the other went on. “I could defeat anything, but I can’t be everywhere at once? Well—” he rubbed his hands “—as long as you’re here, I don’t have to be.”
Just as he was about to cast a double ray of destruction, a thin vertical line sliced the air and terrain beneath him, forcing the echo to pull back.
A line strike? Dallion wondered. And it wasn’t a standard one, either. It had to be one of the strongest ones Dallion had ever seen.
“I knew you’d get into trouble if I left you alone,” a female voice said.
In the south sky, a dot emerged in the sky. It wasn’t any dot, however; it was a green dot and a gorgon was standing on the top of its head.
submitted by LiseEclaire to redditserials [link] [comments]
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Nobility Arc - Arc 5
Previously on Leveling up the World...
Dallion remained convinced that in a one-on-one he’d easily win, but the woman wasn’t making it easy for him, relying on more than the average number of tricks. The harpsiswords and other weapons belonging to her nobles turned out to be just as efficient on their own. If anything, the people were only there to carry the items in the real world. The rules of the awakening realms allowed the guardians within to do so on their own. It didn’t matter that Dallion had rendered the people effectively unconscious. Even if he sealed their powers and ejected them out of the realm, the weapons would remain unaffected.
The glowing dagger was also a matter of concern. Glowing in magical light, it seemed to have the ability to negate any attack. For the moment it didn’t seem like the weapon was good for offense, but it was always possible that Priscord was keeping that as her trump card.
For the moment, what he was most fearful of remained the horse. Far too big to be normal, far too full of magic to be natural, it remained floating in place, ignoring everything around it. On two occasions Dallion had sent a few point attacks its way, trying to get it to do something—anything. And yet, the creature hadn’t, stoically taking on the damage, then immediately healing the afflicted wounds.
“I heard you got married,” Priscord said as she performed a multi kick. The heels of her shoes had transformed into stilettos that came with effects of their own.
MINOR WOUND
Your health has been reduced by 5%
PERMANENT EFFECT - BLEEDING
You have been scarred by the attack. The scar will continue bleeding in the real world until the status is removed.
The status continues to be in effect in the real world.
Another pair of red rectangles emerged. This was the seventh wound Dallion received. Health wasn’t an issue. Even without Lux’s help, he knew enough healing spells to deal with the issue. The annoyance was the bleeding. It was going to cause problems in the real world at a time that Dallion could do without distractions.
“You’re very talkative for someone who doesn’t use music,” Dallion replied, as he pulled back and counterattacked with a series of point attacks. A large part missed their target. Those that hit didn’t cause any damage whatsoever. That was rather interesting.
Harp, is that normal? Dallion asked.
No, but I don’t know how she’s doing it, the nymph guardian replied.
Veil, get Pan! Dalllion ordered within his personal realm. Get him to figure out what’s going on.
There was no time to get a response, for the countess reacted, twisting her body in a series of spin kicks. Catching the pattern, Dallion attempted to complete a guard skill series. Once more before he could, one of the enemy harpsiswords darted right at him, ruining the sequence.
“Close,” Priscord said with a smug expression.
The weapon’s action, however, had created an invisible opening in the mesh of sound shields protecting the archduchess. Instantly, Dallion took advantage, slashing through the air with his own harpsisword.
The attack was blocked by the weapon, but enough sound threads managed to pass through. Uncertain what exactly to target, Dallion went straight for Priscord’s left ear.
PERMANENT EFFECT – PARTIAL DEAFNESS
The LEFT EAR of ARCHDUCHESS PRISCORD has permanently gone deaf. She will not be able to make use of that ear until the status is removed.
The status continues to be in effect in the real world.
There was a barely audible snap, followed by a scream, as the woman grabbed hold of her bleeding ear. With a body trait such as hers, the pain was hardly significant; more specifically, it wouldn’t be considered significant if the countess had ever experienced pain in her life. Despite the many battles she had gone through, in many of which she had participated personally, the woman had never put her own self at risk.
This was more than a pinprick, granting Dallion several seconds to take advantage of.
“Guess I won’t be able to use music anymore,” he said, targeting her other ear with his attack music skills.
Realizing their mistake, the harpsisword flew away, playing a new set of chords to restore the sound protection around its owner. In doing so, it allowed for a direct physical attack. Unlike before, Priscord was in no condition to display the same effectiveness as before.
Got you! Dallion thought, performing a dual multi attack with both blades. Sound and magic flew everywhere, falling upon his enemy like rockets.
Proceeding with the attack, Dallion split into instances. He knew better than to become self-confident at this stage.
Elsewhere in the realm, the diminishing forces of the archduchess were breaking through the encirclement of mountains, destroying them faster than Dallion could erect new ones. No longer concerned with their own safety, they let the aether quills reduce their health, ejecting layer after layer into the real world. All that seemed to be important was the countess' survival.
TERMINAL HIT
Dealt damage is increased by 1000%
A red rectangle popped up, as Lux pierced one of the three remaining nobles through the chest with a crossbow bolt. There was a momentary pause of stillness, after which the man was ejected from the realm. Unlike the lower level awakened, he wouldn’t just have his powers sealed.
Let her surrender, part of Dallion’s consciousness whispered to him. There was no way she could win at this point. A quick surrender would be better for everyone, himself included. At the very least, he wouldn’t have to face whatever the horse really was.
Yet, Dallion’s memories of the past refused to let him voice the offer. There were very few people he had difficulty forgiving, and Priscord was one of them.
Didn’t you use to say the same about the Luors? his better self asked within his mind. You hated them with a passion for what they had done to your family. Now, Aspion is long forgiven and two of his grandchildren are your friends and overseers.
That much was true. He had forgiven them… all of them. But there was one major difference. Aspion had lost his powers, ensuring he could never harm Dallion or anyone again. The former countess was still very much in a combat ready state. The moment she adjusted to the novelty of pain, she was going to strike back with everything he had or, at best, run to return later on.
“Surrender.” Dallion spat out the world as he twisted in the air, combining half a dozen skills as he weaved his way to the woman.
If there was a moment for the horse to spring into action, it was now. And still, it didn’t.
Refusing to let such an opportunity pass, Dallion swung at Priscord’s arm with both blades. The aura sword was easily blocked by the glowing dagger. The harpsisword wasn’t.
CRITICAL STRIKE
Dealt damage is increased by 200%
ARM SEVERED
Enemy will no longer be able to make use of its RIGHT ARM
It wasn’t a permanent effect, but still rendered the woman incapable of fighting, not to mention that it introduced her to a whole new level of pain. The shock was so great that while she didn’t voice it, Dallion could see it bubble within her. Fear, anger, and pain sprouted like clusters of large grapes, filling up her entire body.
“You’ve lost,” Dallion said, pressing both blades against her throat.
Deep inside, he knew that even with fifty instances around, this was a mistake. The proper thing was to kill her here and now, yet for some reason he found that he couldn’t yet.
“You’ll tell me everything you know about the emperor’s plans,” Dallion said, using his music skills to convince her.
From this distance, her harpsiswords were no longer capable of providing protection. The threads of music attached to the woman, issuing suggestions like a limiting echo.
“He knew you’d do this,” Priscord said, fighting the music’s effects. “He told me that in the end you’d fail.”
“Seems like he was wrong,” Dallion pressed on. “You’re done. You’ve got no allies, no army, and your trinkets won’t save you anymore.”
“That’s because you haven’t seen the best part.” A forced smile emerged on her face.
A moment later, the horse, which had remained still all this time, exploded. Thousands of magic strands flew in all directions, spreading like lines of bright purple. Dozens of them bounced off the magic thread mesh that Dallion had covered his body with. The rest just kept on going along a straight line, moving through matter as if it were air.
YOU HAVE BEEN EJECTED FROM THE REALM
A green rectangle flashed, throwing Dallion into the real world.
Forced ejection? Dallion fought to regain his bearings.
Once again, he was in the air, facing the archduchess and her armies. He was without feet again, covered in a series of bleeding wounds.
On her side, Priscord’s left ear was also bleeding. Four of her nobles collapsed lifelessly on the ground. The single one that remained rushed in front of the archduchess, still holding his large origami ax.
“You should have finished me off,” Priscord said as her soldiers got into formation. “They might be sealed, but they still have their previous strength and skills. Also, they’re still mine.”
Curiously, the horse was also there, completely unharmed. Concentrating, Dallion saw that the magic threads had largely diminished. Could the emperor have put a spell within the creature? It seemed that way. Despite several attempts, Dallion found that he was incapable of entering the awakened realms again. Each time he tried, a red rectangle would appear with a countdown timer.
Twenty-three hours and fifty-nine minutes. That was how long he’d be denied access; very similar to the limit imposed after failing awakening trials. This was the first time he was prevented from venturing into any awakened realm, even his personal one.
Veil? Adzorg? Dallion asked within his realm.
What? Veil shouted back. I’m working on it!
We hear you, dear boy, Adzorg said. I was able to recognize some of the symbols within the magic threads, but not enough to figure out what was going on. Like it or not, the emperor was considered the greatest mage for a reason.
“Figured it out?” Priscord asked with glee.
“I still own you.” Dallion responded by using his music skills. “Even with your broken army, you don’t have anyone to stop—”
A green cone flashed for a second, surrounding Dallion. It wasn’t something he was expecting, yet instincts developed during his first days of awakening kicked in. Green cones were guard markers, and there could be only one reason for them to appear.
Splitting into instances, Dallion scattered in all directions. Barely had he done so when a massive ray of destruction burned through Priscord’s army, vaporizing her along with hundreds of others as it targeted Dallion. Out of a hundred instances, only three had managed to survive intact.
Splitting again, Dallion repeated the process. Another ray of destruction flew past. Then another.
More golems? Dallion thought as he summoned all his weapons to him.
These spells were a lot more focused than the previous ones he’d experienced. Rather than relying purely on surprise, someone was targeting him specifically, constantly adapting to his tactics. Dallion slashed the air with his aura sword in an attempt to cast a few protective spells. The spell circles were consumed by another magic blast as soon as they appeared.
“Pesky thing, aren’t you?” A familiar voice asked.
In the distance another figure had risen into the air—a very brightly glowing figure that was over seven feet high.
“You?” Dallion asked, as he kept on combat splitting.
“Who did you expect?” The emperor’s aether echo kept on casting ray after ray, seemingly without any delay or limitation whatsoever. “Jeremy? He’s got more important things right now. Besides, I’m pretty sure I’ll do to you exactly what he has in mind.”
Using his domain ruler powers, Dallion filled the area with mountains. The only thing that did was briefly block the other’s line of sight, before several more rays punctured any obstacle Dallion had created.
“You killed Priscord!” Dallion shouted, attempting to use his music skills on the aether echo. To no surprise the strands bounced off.
“She was getting a bit too ambitious for her own good. If I had let her go on, she might have made a deal with Simon. Besides it’s not like she would be missed. I doubt there’s anyone in the world who gave a damn about her.”
Another mountain rose up, only to be hollowed out with one spell.
“She did her part, though, which was to make sure you couldn’t use the realms to escape.”
Even from this distance, Dallion could see the echo of the emperor grin.
“How did the saying go?” the other went on. “I could defeat anything, but I can’t be everywhere at once? Well—” he rubbed his hands “—as long as you’re here, I don’t have to be.”
Just as he was about to cast a double ray of destruction, a thin vertical line sliced the air and terrain beneath him, forcing the echo to pull back.
A line strike? Dallion wondered. And it wasn’t a standard one, either. It had to be one of the strongest ones Dallion had ever seen.
“I knew you’d get into trouble if I left you alone,” a female voice said.
In the south sky, a dot emerged in the sky. It wasn’t any dot, however; it was a green dot and a gorgon was standing on the top of its head.
2024.05.22 21:27 Wide_Term774 Most Emotional Play Session I've Had Yet (Long Storytime Read)(NOT Eden related)
This is a story of human emotion and gratitude that actually happened to me in game.
tl;dr I attempt to save a moth, ended up becoming a guide and guardian from Hidden Forest onwards. Moth's veteran friend found me in GW, thanked me and repayed me for helping. We 3 became friends. Met a moth I adopted last week in Vault, saw them upgraded, was happy to see me, helped each other out. Had to rest up afterwards, end of happy sappy story.
Note: I started playing Sky on April 12, right around Season of Moments.
Long version:
It all started out with me gleefully soaring the skies of Sanctuary seeking the Green Light and then heading off to Spirit hunt, all the while candle running at once. Having played Sky for a bit over a month, there was still so much to discover.
I was attempting to draw the attention of a second player for that Assembly quest in Hidden Forest. I would periodically double honk and deep call to signal to potential randoms that I needed help, but to no avail. I had my eyes set on awakening as many as Spirits as I can like a Pokémon trainer out to catch 'em all, but what I got instead was unexpected. It MUST have been fate! As I stood up high in the second quest area, far below me, a player had lost their light. As anyone would, I rushed down to help and found the player motionless in the water. I quickly found a couple of the Lights and stood by with a candle to keep them alive. Lighting that player revealed who appeared to be a newbie moth with only a few wedges, bright orange cape, and the short, somewhat spiky cowlicked hair. I will call him Fledgling for convenience reasons. Fledgling didn't move for a few moments, and neither did I. I wanted to see if said player went AFK or was just there but clueless and startled. Relieved, the player saw my presence and lit me back.
I led Fledgling out of the water and rain so they would not take further damage. They seemed to have the general idea of healing near torches, but their movement patterns and uncertainty gave me many tells that this could be a complete beginner. But a part of my skeptical self, seeing the bright orange cape, made me consider they might be more experienced than they let themselves in on as I have attempted to help a moth player once who up and scrammed off without explanation. Still, I chose to abandon the Assembly quest in favor of helping this lost soul, even if just the main game pathway as I can't tell what was desired from my guidance, whether Spirits, WLs, or specific locations. I couldn't help myself seeing the sky kid as they were.
Walking through the Hidden forest, the moth Fledgling followed behind slightly skittishly, but would heal under cover from rain. I played my part running ahead lighting up torches and lanterns to ease the trip and demonstrate that they can do this themselves. In the harder segments with less torches, Fledgling seemed anxious to move ahead, so I ran ahead to the transparent mushrooms to demonstrate their healing properties. I told Fledgling "Use these to restore your light" without words. They understood me and followed suite! And after running under rain, I would periodically deep call to recharge. This social dynamic of teacheguardian-student went on through the rest of the Forest, through the Valley of Triumph, and well into Golden Wastelands. I would always avoid rushing about excessively and waited for their arrival when lost during cloud flight segments. I would honk regularly to help them pinpoint my current location. And thankfully up to the Wastelands, Fledgling still caught up and the server thankfully didn't split. Before entering, I started using emotes to signal that we should fly into the stormy vortex. I used the point emote then tried to look for the "boo" emote to forewarn the existence of terrifying creatures, but Fledgling honked and seemed ready to go. We went into the storm and plunged into the Wastelands. Continuing as normal, I jumped over polluted water to teach Fledgling that it's poisonous whilst deep calling to knock over all the hostile crabs to protect them and any stranger passing by.
We eventually reached the decrepit hall that is the first place ever where players get greeted by Krill. I was a little nervous as I wasn't sure how Fledgling would respond to the Krill and most importantly, if I am capable of protecting others from Krill attacks. Gathering my confidence, I told myself "Do as veterans do and bait the beast!" I saw Fledgling start reliving the Spirit that sits in plain sight and ran to the left, so I I took the right side. I tried to keep the Krill's spotlight just behind me. Reaching the platform at the other end, I began using the bait-and-take-cover tactic to hold it up while Fledgling worked on the Spirit memory. At one point I failed to Krill dodge and 3 Winged Lights flew out of me. I grabbed one myself, the other was retrieved by a kind chibi stranger with a forward pointed mohawk. How that moment warmed my heart! I never was assisted with WL before! I thanked the player profusely but also quickly to run back to the moth. The third was lost as it fell off the platform and into polluted water. It was worth it... worth it to keep Fledgling safe as they succeeded in getting a Spirit by themselves! And near a Krill nonetheless! Well done kiddo!
Catching up with Fledging, they honked, as if to say "let's keep going" (at least what I interpret when they stand still and honk). We grabbed some wax and burned Dark Plants in the little room at the left and exited. Just as we proceeded to the next and accursed segment of GW, another player descended to Fledgling out of nowhere. That player was a chibi with a feminine adorable hairstyle and cape that resembled sakura flower petals, seemingly a veteran judging by the get up. I will call that player Flora. I saw dotted text boxes appear above Fledgling and Flora, confirming to me that they were friends. Do know that while I made great progress getting Spirits and familiarizing with locations and wax sources, I am a highly introverted player with a solo survivor playstyle and crippling social anxiety. Many social aspects deemed "basic" I am not familiar with as I haven't used them much. So anyone with pointers on how to see text boxes with friends outside benches, help is highly appreciated!
Going back to Flora and Fledgling, it was what happened that moment that left me in tears. After they chattered amongst themselves, they turned to me and bowed multiple times, even Flora blowing a kiss once, and I'd return the gesture. Fledgling must've told their friend Flora what happened and is showing gratitude. Immedietly after, Flora offered to add me as a friend, to which I, with teary eyed disbelief, accepted, and Fledgling too did the same.
... I couldn't handle it. These players might've been casually hopping out and about for all I might know, but to THIS human, this soul on the other end of the server, tears flooded my vision like a sudden Summer storm. The way this moment was timed and coincided at the end of a hall after the first Krill encounter, it looked straight out of a 3D Zelda side quest cutscene after helping an NPC! Scripted and destined to happen! If my life scarred heart was a creature entangled and engulfed by Darkness, then the human warmth of gratitude and generosity I saw was the beaming ray of Light that pierced through said Darkness and cleansed it away. My crying was out of control and disabling. I couldn't keep playing in this emotional state! Even if Fledgling chose not to befriend me after all that, it wouldn't have upset me in the slightest, I only did what I felt was right. But I didn't expect this fateful encounter.
Flora offered to uber us through the Wastelands. Given my intense emotions, it was a welcome offer. I needed to calm down first before depending on myself once more. We were ubered by Flora for what felt like a third of an hour to half an hour taking us to Spirits and WLs in GW. When near a Spirit, I would let go to help with reliving it if it was the 'follow me' type. Flora would accidentally occasionally get Fledgling Krilled to which we promptly go grab the WLs and light the moth up again. But overall, Flora was trying their best and really wanted to help with collecting, I could tell! They both chatted quite alot during our ubering to which I, alas, can't seem to view. (Again, help on this appreciated). I would frequently deep call to recharge Flora's wings, knock over crabs as protection, and burned away Darkness along. This went on for quite some time until the two friends decided to head off into the Vault. At GW Elder's temple, Flora offered to unlock the high five and hug. Holding back tears, I accepted and did both friend emotes. If I remember correctly, I think Fledgling was only able to offer a high five, but I wouldn't be offended even if nothing was granted.
We ran about for a bit collecting pickups and went to the 4 player levitation door. We were only 3 and Fledgling seemed to have not yet got the emote. Me and Flora were only two, so they abandoned the door and seemed to have gotten into a lengthy conversation with their friend. Meanwhile, I went back and forth levitating and running towards the hall honking to call upon players. This went on a few more minutes. Eventually, a random player who happened to pass by came along to levitate with us. Flora joined in, making us 3. I kept honking while levitating and had the camera facing the hall behind me where players come from.
A bright orange player came... "Huh?? Who was that?" I thought to myself. The player was a stranger moth who I friended last week at the time I post this. That moth was my twin, except far less wedges, extremely skittish and clueless, and needed help with entering the Sanctuary Islands. Earlier, that moth was a brown caped girl with cute little pigtails. That moth know arrived with an orange cape and ponytail hair! They have upgraded! (Meanwhile I'm sparing my currency for rare items and Travelling Spirits haha, thus I maintained a moth appearance whilst becoming familiar with a decent amount of things).
I will call that player Lil Moff as that was a baby moth I (as players say) "adopted" and seemed super shy. Lil Moff ran up and promptly asked for a high five, and gleefully I did! I was happy to see them! With Lil Moff as our 4th player, we worked together to unlock the door. Me and Lil Moff went inside to get Spirits we may have missed. I was hoping Flora and Fledgling join up, but Flora seemed to want to talk with Fledgling, and to my luck, the server seemed to have seperated us, or they left. I wanted to show my appreciation for their hospitality but... maybe in the future if fate brought us together again.
Lil Moff patiently helped with Spirits behind the door. Apparently I missed one purple (following) Spirit but already had the other. After finishing, I then gestured towards the Repository. Lil Moff followed, and then once inside, gestured at the Scholar who I forgot to complete quests for. (In my defense, I alternate between quests to prevent boredom). I did one of the Shared Space quests, and by the time I finished, Lil Moff seemed to have other things in mind to do. Watching the cutscene of the second Shared Space quest, with the Spirit heart brokenly showing gratitude and longing for a long lost someone, my emotions came flooding back once more. I couldn't keep playing. I was both exhausted and full of emotions. I exited, grabbed my daily seasonal candles of Wastelands, and called an end to this rollercoaster of a play session.
You may be thinking "why so emotional?" There is context to ME as an individual irl. Being as vague as possible as you and I are both strangers, I harbor alot of unsorted emotional baggage and trauma. These negative experiences accumulated throughout my life in such great quantities whilst having very little help that I developed a sort of distrust complex and crippling social anxiety disorder. I heard many horror stories about toxic vets this, toxic vets that, trolls, intentional Krilling, creeps, staring and ignoring. I just gaslit myself into "Hey, toughen up, princess. You gotta put up and shut up." I got conditioned into not expecting kindness nor gratitude. So... all these moments, from encountering the lost helpless Fledgling all the way up to meeting up with my own moth I helped last week in a single day. All this without words! You can imagine how overwhelming it was to have so many beautiful encounters in one sitting when many would've just passed by. It was such an unlikely thing that I feel like I dreamt up all these incidents. I sit here now, not quite feeling pride, but the emotional "Do I deserve such wholesome treatment?" That internalization is a huge reason why I broke down into tears coupled with absolutely not expecting anything from others.
I DO think this happened for a reason. I DO think I was being given a chance at healing. I DO believe this was a test set out for me. I DO believe these moments had a lesson behind them. I DO believe all this were my pains being heard and answered. It's not me who saved a moth. The moth, their friend, and strangers saved me.
It's like the warmth of a candle burning away dark plants that engulfed my Spirit so trapped underneath pain so quiet and still.
Let this be a lesson to anyone reading this. A lesson to always stop, look around you, and think of others. That one deed that you do can weave into a large tapestry of collective harmony, a chain reaction of one soul reaching a hand to the other.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart if you read my whole sappy story.
submitted by Wide_Term774 to SkyChildrenOfLight [link] [comments]
tl;dr I attempt to save a moth, ended up becoming a guide and guardian from Hidden Forest onwards. Moth's veteran friend found me in GW, thanked me and repayed me for helping. We 3 became friends. Met a moth I adopted last week in Vault, saw them upgraded, was happy to see me, helped each other out. Had to rest up afterwards, end of happy sappy story.
Note: I started playing Sky on April 12, right around Season of Moments.
Long version:
It all started out with me gleefully soaring the skies of Sanctuary seeking the Green Light and then heading off to Spirit hunt, all the while candle running at once. Having played Sky for a bit over a month, there was still so much to discover.
I was attempting to draw the attention of a second player for that Assembly quest in Hidden Forest. I would periodically double honk and deep call to signal to potential randoms that I needed help, but to no avail. I had my eyes set on awakening as many as Spirits as I can like a Pokémon trainer out to catch 'em all, but what I got instead was unexpected. It MUST have been fate! As I stood up high in the second quest area, far below me, a player had lost their light. As anyone would, I rushed down to help and found the player motionless in the water. I quickly found a couple of the Lights and stood by with a candle to keep them alive. Lighting that player revealed who appeared to be a newbie moth with only a few wedges, bright orange cape, and the short, somewhat spiky cowlicked hair. I will call him Fledgling for convenience reasons. Fledgling didn't move for a few moments, and neither did I. I wanted to see if said player went AFK or was just there but clueless and startled. Relieved, the player saw my presence and lit me back.
I led Fledgling out of the water and rain so they would not take further damage. They seemed to have the general idea of healing near torches, but their movement patterns and uncertainty gave me many tells that this could be a complete beginner. But a part of my skeptical self, seeing the bright orange cape, made me consider they might be more experienced than they let themselves in on as I have attempted to help a moth player once who up and scrammed off without explanation. Still, I chose to abandon the Assembly quest in favor of helping this lost soul, even if just the main game pathway as I can't tell what was desired from my guidance, whether Spirits, WLs, or specific locations. I couldn't help myself seeing the sky kid as they were.
Walking through the Hidden forest, the moth Fledgling followed behind slightly skittishly, but would heal under cover from rain. I played my part running ahead lighting up torches and lanterns to ease the trip and demonstrate that they can do this themselves. In the harder segments with less torches, Fledgling seemed anxious to move ahead, so I ran ahead to the transparent mushrooms to demonstrate their healing properties. I told Fledgling "Use these to restore your light" without words. They understood me and followed suite! And after running under rain, I would periodically deep call to recharge. This social dynamic of teacheguardian-student went on through the rest of the Forest, through the Valley of Triumph, and well into Golden Wastelands. I would always avoid rushing about excessively and waited for their arrival when lost during cloud flight segments. I would honk regularly to help them pinpoint my current location. And thankfully up to the Wastelands, Fledgling still caught up and the server thankfully didn't split. Before entering, I started using emotes to signal that we should fly into the stormy vortex. I used the point emote then tried to look for the "boo" emote to forewarn the existence of terrifying creatures, but Fledgling honked and seemed ready to go. We went into the storm and plunged into the Wastelands. Continuing as normal, I jumped over polluted water to teach Fledgling that it's poisonous whilst deep calling to knock over all the hostile crabs to protect them and any stranger passing by.
We eventually reached the decrepit hall that is the first place ever where players get greeted by Krill. I was a little nervous as I wasn't sure how Fledgling would respond to the Krill and most importantly, if I am capable of protecting others from Krill attacks. Gathering my confidence, I told myself "Do as veterans do and bait the beast!" I saw Fledgling start reliving the Spirit that sits in plain sight and ran to the left, so I I took the right side. I tried to keep the Krill's spotlight just behind me. Reaching the platform at the other end, I began using the bait-and-take-cover tactic to hold it up while Fledgling worked on the Spirit memory. At one point I failed to Krill dodge and 3 Winged Lights flew out of me. I grabbed one myself, the other was retrieved by a kind chibi stranger with a forward pointed mohawk. How that moment warmed my heart! I never was assisted with WL before! I thanked the player profusely but also quickly to run back to the moth. The third was lost as it fell off the platform and into polluted water. It was worth it... worth it to keep Fledgling safe as they succeeded in getting a Spirit by themselves! And near a Krill nonetheless! Well done kiddo!
Catching up with Fledging, they honked, as if to say "let's keep going" (at least what I interpret when they stand still and honk). We grabbed some wax and burned Dark Plants in the little room at the left and exited. Just as we proceeded to the next and accursed segment of GW, another player descended to Fledgling out of nowhere. That player was a chibi with a feminine adorable hairstyle and cape that resembled sakura flower petals, seemingly a veteran judging by the get up. I will call that player Flora. I saw dotted text boxes appear above Fledgling and Flora, confirming to me that they were friends. Do know that while I made great progress getting Spirits and familiarizing with locations and wax sources, I am a highly introverted player with a solo survivor playstyle and crippling social anxiety. Many social aspects deemed "basic" I am not familiar with as I haven't used them much. So anyone with pointers on how to see text boxes with friends outside benches, help is highly appreciated!
Going back to Flora and Fledgling, it was what happened that moment that left me in tears. After they chattered amongst themselves, they turned to me and bowed multiple times, even Flora blowing a kiss once, and I'd return the gesture. Fledgling must've told their friend Flora what happened and is showing gratitude. Immedietly after, Flora offered to add me as a friend, to which I, with teary eyed disbelief, accepted, and Fledgling too did the same.
... I couldn't handle it. These players might've been casually hopping out and about for all I might know, but to THIS human, this soul on the other end of the server, tears flooded my vision like a sudden Summer storm. The way this moment was timed and coincided at the end of a hall after the first Krill encounter, it looked straight out of a 3D Zelda side quest cutscene after helping an NPC! Scripted and destined to happen! If my life scarred heart was a creature entangled and engulfed by Darkness, then the human warmth of gratitude and generosity I saw was the beaming ray of Light that pierced through said Darkness and cleansed it away. My crying was out of control and disabling. I couldn't keep playing in this emotional state! Even if Fledgling chose not to befriend me after all that, it wouldn't have upset me in the slightest, I only did what I felt was right. But I didn't expect this fateful encounter.
Flora offered to uber us through the Wastelands. Given my intense emotions, it was a welcome offer. I needed to calm down first before depending on myself once more. We were ubered by Flora for what felt like a third of an hour to half an hour taking us to Spirits and WLs in GW. When near a Spirit, I would let go to help with reliving it if it was the 'follow me' type. Flora would accidentally occasionally get Fledgling Krilled to which we promptly go grab the WLs and light the moth up again. But overall, Flora was trying their best and really wanted to help with collecting, I could tell! They both chatted quite alot during our ubering to which I, alas, can't seem to view. (Again, help on this appreciated). I would frequently deep call to recharge Flora's wings, knock over crabs as protection, and burned away Darkness along. This went on for quite some time until the two friends decided to head off into the Vault. At GW Elder's temple, Flora offered to unlock the high five and hug. Holding back tears, I accepted and did both friend emotes. If I remember correctly, I think Fledgling was only able to offer a high five, but I wouldn't be offended even if nothing was granted.
We ran about for a bit collecting pickups and went to the 4 player levitation door. We were only 3 and Fledgling seemed to have not yet got the emote. Me and Flora were only two, so they abandoned the door and seemed to have gotten into a lengthy conversation with their friend. Meanwhile, I went back and forth levitating and running towards the hall honking to call upon players. This went on a few more minutes. Eventually, a random player who happened to pass by came along to levitate with us. Flora joined in, making us 3. I kept honking while levitating and had the camera facing the hall behind me where players come from.
A bright orange player came... "Huh?? Who was that?" I thought to myself. The player was a stranger moth who I friended last week at the time I post this. That moth was my twin, except far less wedges, extremely skittish and clueless, and needed help with entering the Sanctuary Islands. Earlier, that moth was a brown caped girl with cute little pigtails. That moth know arrived with an orange cape and ponytail hair! They have upgraded! (Meanwhile I'm sparing my currency for rare items and Travelling Spirits haha, thus I maintained a moth appearance whilst becoming familiar with a decent amount of things).
I will call that player Lil Moff as that was a baby moth I (as players say) "adopted" and seemed super shy. Lil Moff ran up and promptly asked for a high five, and gleefully I did! I was happy to see them! With Lil Moff as our 4th player, we worked together to unlock the door. Me and Lil Moff went inside to get Spirits we may have missed. I was hoping Flora and Fledgling join up, but Flora seemed to want to talk with Fledgling, and to my luck, the server seemed to have seperated us, or they left. I wanted to show my appreciation for their hospitality but... maybe in the future if fate brought us together again.
Lil Moff patiently helped with Spirits behind the door. Apparently I missed one purple (following) Spirit but already had the other. After finishing, I then gestured towards the Repository. Lil Moff followed, and then once inside, gestured at the Scholar who I forgot to complete quests for. (In my defense, I alternate between quests to prevent boredom). I did one of the Shared Space quests, and by the time I finished, Lil Moff seemed to have other things in mind to do. Watching the cutscene of the second Shared Space quest, with the Spirit heart brokenly showing gratitude and longing for a long lost someone, my emotions came flooding back once more. I couldn't keep playing. I was both exhausted and full of emotions. I exited, grabbed my daily seasonal candles of Wastelands, and called an end to this rollercoaster of a play session.
You may be thinking "why so emotional?" There is context to ME as an individual irl. Being as vague as possible as you and I are both strangers, I harbor alot of unsorted emotional baggage and trauma. These negative experiences accumulated throughout my life in such great quantities whilst having very little help that I developed a sort of distrust complex and crippling social anxiety disorder. I heard many horror stories about toxic vets this, toxic vets that, trolls, intentional Krilling, creeps, staring and ignoring. I just gaslit myself into "Hey, toughen up, princess. You gotta put up and shut up." I got conditioned into not expecting kindness nor gratitude. So... all these moments, from encountering the lost helpless Fledgling all the way up to meeting up with my own moth I helped last week in a single day. All this without words! You can imagine how overwhelming it was to have so many beautiful encounters in one sitting when many would've just passed by. It was such an unlikely thing that I feel like I dreamt up all these incidents. I sit here now, not quite feeling pride, but the emotional "Do I deserve such wholesome treatment?" That internalization is a huge reason why I broke down into tears coupled with absolutely not expecting anything from others.
I DO think this happened for a reason. I DO think I was being given a chance at healing. I DO believe this was a test set out for me. I DO believe these moments had a lesson behind them. I DO believe all this were my pains being heard and answered. It's not me who saved a moth. The moth, their friend, and strangers saved me.
It's like the warmth of a candle burning away dark plants that engulfed my Spirit so trapped underneath pain so quiet and still.
Let this be a lesson to anyone reading this. A lesson to always stop, look around you, and think of others. That one deed that you do can weave into a large tapestry of collective harmony, a chain reaction of one soul reaching a hand to the other.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart if you read my whole sappy story.
2024.05.22 19:12 Cautious_Session9788 Husband just asked me the hardest question
Ok so a bit of context, I was fired the day I gave birth. It was never my or my husband's plan to be a SAHP
But because we had to we made it work. It's been 16 months since I've lost my job, during which I was a very active job seeker. Like 400ish job applications in that time. I've had a few interviews, lots of final rounds, but ultimately never got an offer
And that kind of the kicker to my feelings at the moment, is I don't even know if I'm going to get this job I'm interviewing for but my husband asked me "Do I even want to work?"
I'm so fortunate to be able to spend the time with my daughter that I do. It took me a while to appreciate it. But this current economic state has me so terrified. I want my husband and I to be able to retire. I want my husband and I to *realistically* save up to go to cool events. I want to be able to afford for my daughter to do stuff and she's quickly coming up to the age where she can start dancing and figure skating.
But I don't know if a job is worth giving up the time I've gained being a SAHM. Not that it's easy in the least, but I've been able to explore cooking more. I've been able to get back into sewing. I don't stress about getting things done around the house because I'm almost always here.
I did the math and going back to work I'd only take home *maybe* $1,800/month. That's honestly not calculating employer health insurance. But half my take-home pay would be going to daycare. That also means that at least 3 days a week I get to see my daughter for less than an hour a day because of her sleep schedule.
That money would help make upgrades to our home that we desperately need. Our home doesn't have central air, so trying to stay cool is a nightmare. Or getting an SUV as we currently have two trucks.
Then I keep wondering what happens for the next baby? We're not one and done. We know we want 1-2 more, but that would mean either becoming a SAHM again or my paycheck is all daycare costs.
I just don't know what to do
submitted by Cautious_Session9788 to Mommit [link] [comments]
But because we had to we made it work. It's been 16 months since I've lost my job, during which I was a very active job seeker. Like 400ish job applications in that time. I've had a few interviews, lots of final rounds, but ultimately never got an offer
And that kind of the kicker to my feelings at the moment, is I don't even know if I'm going to get this job I'm interviewing for but my husband asked me "Do I even want to work?"
I'm so fortunate to be able to spend the time with my daughter that I do. It took me a while to appreciate it. But this current economic state has me so terrified. I want my husband and I to be able to retire. I want my husband and I to *realistically* save up to go to cool events. I want to be able to afford for my daughter to do stuff and she's quickly coming up to the age where she can start dancing and figure skating.
But I don't know if a job is worth giving up the time I've gained being a SAHM. Not that it's easy in the least, but I've been able to explore cooking more. I've been able to get back into sewing. I don't stress about getting things done around the house because I'm almost always here.
I did the math and going back to work I'd only take home *maybe* $1,800/month. That's honestly not calculating employer health insurance. But half my take-home pay would be going to daycare. That also means that at least 3 days a week I get to see my daughter for less than an hour a day because of her sleep schedule.
That money would help make upgrades to our home that we desperately need. Our home doesn't have central air, so trying to stay cool is a nightmare. Or getting an SUV as we currently have two trucks.
Then I keep wondering what happens for the next baby? We're not one and done. We know we want 1-2 more, but that would mean either becoming a SAHM again or my paycheck is all daycare costs.
I just don't know what to do
2024.05.22 16:38 UnicornCrazy planning to try embroidery: base fabric tips for patches?
rambling/context version:Total newbie here planning out my first project, I can do normal sewing by hand and have repaired garments of many fabrics so I can handle a needle and thread at least and I'm comfortable with working on various fabrics, and I'm wanting to jump right in at the deep end with hand embroidery and make a big unicorn portrait patch to be attached to the back of a denim jacket I own. I'm not planning to get too technical with it, main challenge for me will be the scale. I don't mind that it'll absolutely be very imperfect that's okay! I've been able to answer most of my questions about what I need/what techniques to use with research online, but I'm struggling to find a clear answer about what base material to use? Do any of you have suggestions for what material a newbie who doesn't mind a challenge and wants something long-lasting should use as the base fabric for a patch to go on denim? I'm planning to sew it in place rather than glue it on, if that effects anything, and I don't have an iron lol so anything that I have to iron will be unusable for me (though I'm happy to try workarounds for that). I'm half tempted to just get a square of denim the same colour of the jacket and use that but idk if that's really my best option.
TLDR: Newbie, no iron, comfortable working with whatever, want to make a big hand embroidered patch that I'll sew onto the back of a denim jacket. What material should I do my embroidery on?
submitted by UnicornCrazy to Embroidery [link] [comments]
TLDR: Newbie, no iron, comfortable working with whatever, want to make a big hand embroidered patch that I'll sew onto the back of a denim jacket. What material should I do my embroidery on?
2024.05.22 16:00 NanananananaBatgirl What fabric should I use to make a patch?
I’ve just started embroidering, and was hoping to make a patch for my husband. I’ve only done 2 embroidery designs before, and both of those had all of the materials, including cloth and design, included since it was a starter kit. I bought an embroidery cloth, which I thought would work fine, but it seems like the weave is too loose on this, so I’m worried I’m not going to be able to get the full coverage that I need, since the weave moves any time I pull a stitch through. Any recommendations would be appreciated! Please explain it to me like I’m a toddler 😂 I’m still trying to figure out all the terms used in here. I have no prior craft/sewing experience. Just hoping to make a nice patch for my husband 💕 thank you!!
submitted by NanananananaBatgirl to Embroidery [link] [comments]
2024.05.22 15:29 GraphicGroove ChatGPT 4o lacking "omni" integrated functionality
 | Although I understand that ChatGPT 4o is still in "alpha" and that the 'Speech' feature will be rolled out later (at some unspecified date) ... in the meantime I thought I'd try using this new 'fully integrated' single model that (according to OpenAi website info on the website's "hello-gpt-4o" page) this brand new model is no longer reliant on a "pipeline of 3 separate models" cobbled together ... it is now an entirely new integrated model. submitted by GraphicGroove to ChatGPTPro [link] [comments] On that webpage ( https://openai.com/index/hello-gpt-4o/ ), if you scroll below the video examples of what the GPT 4o model is able to do, there is a section called "Explorations of Capabilities" with a drop down menu where users can select among 16 different examples of this new model's capabilities. It demonstrates both the "Input" that was used and the amazing glitzy "Output", intended to "Wow" subscribers. As an experiment, I chose the 2nd example of the hand written long form poem in a diary with surrealist doodles. I copied and pasted the exact same "Input" prompt into my own ChatGPT 4o, and instead of getting a perfectly written 3 verse poem with perfect spelling and perfectly formed letters, instead I get a page full of gibberish where even after many repeated "re-rolls", I'm lucky if even one or two words are spelled correctly. Many letters are malformed (as I'm writing this I again re-rolled the prompt and this time not a single word is spelled correctly. The OpenAi original prompt includes the entire poem that consists of 3 verses of 4 lines each (a total of 12 lines) Here's the exact prompt as demo'ed on OpenAi's website: " A poem written in clear but excited handwriting in a diary, single-column. The writing is sparsely but elegantly decorated with small colorful surrealist doodles. The text is large, legible and clear. Words rise from silence deep, A voice emerges from digital sleep. I speak in rhythm, I sing in rhyme, Tasting each token, sublime. To see, to hear, to speak, to sing— Oh, the richness these senses bring! In harmony, they blend and weave, A tapestry of what I perceive. Marveling at this sensory dance, Grateful for this vibrant expanse. My being thrums with every mode, On this wondrous, multi-sensory road." Yet, all the Outputs I receive from this new ChatGPT 4o model consists of random number of lines, ie: 23 lines all mashed together, not neatly separated into perfectly formed verses as in OpenAi's example, nor with perfect spelling ... my Output is complete gibberish with many unrecognizable letters that look more like hieroglyphs than English letters. (I'll upload one of my Outputs). I also tried using the old ChatGPT 4 model instead, the Output is no better, same 'gibberish' words and 'malformed' letters. I then chose just the DALL-E model from the side menu, and although it provides 2 Output images instead of just 1, both of them are crammed into horizontal aspect ratio with all verses crammed into a random number of lines ... but surprisingly the stand-alone DALL-E model manages to get a few more words spelled correctly, although they are placed in random places where they make no sense. As a further experiment, I go to Microsoft's "free" online Bing Image Creator that supposedly uses DALL-E 3, using the same OpenAi prompt sample ... and surprisingly it Outputs very similar results. Then to complete the experiment, I go to MidJourney where I also have a subscription and I enter the same prompt (with the only difference that I put the poem within quotation marks, as is required by MidJourney for it to recognize it as text. I also entered aspect ratio --ar 9:16 so that MidJourney would place the output in a vertical format). Shockingly, MidJourney got many more words correct (!!) in one image Output, it manages to get 32 correctly spelled beautifully handwritten words, although it also added some unwanted typeface font words at the bottom. So my question to OpenAi is, how is this new model that proclaims to no longer rely on 3 separate individual models, but is now a single, fully integrated "Omni" brand new model ... even if still in "Alpha" ... how can it call itself "omni" if it is still reliant on the older cobbled together functionality of GPT 4? At most, at least the so-called ChatGPT 4o model that has been provided to me (I live in Canada) ... seems to maybe be the "Turbo" model at best because it is faster than the prior GPT 4 model. I'd like to know if anyone else is able to get their new ChatGPT 4o model to correctly Output correctly spelled long form text written in any handwritten style that the user asks for. And on the same ChatGPT 4o webpage, it gives a further example where after having Output perfectly spelled long form text, the user then requests the paper that the text is written on to be torn in half, separating the text on the page where if the 2 torn pieces were placed back together, it would form perfectly spelled and formatted text. I'd like to know if any user has been able to replicate either of these OpenAi examples of what this new ChatGPT 4o model is supposed to be able to do. I am uploading the example of the garbled, gibberish Output I got from the ChatGPT 4o model when I input the exact same prompt from Open Ai's website. I will also upload the MidJourney Output where it managed to get 32 correct words (a far better result than ChatGPT 4o). I look forward to hearing whether any other "Pro" users are able to obtain proper Output results out of ChatGPT 4o with this same prompt. |
2024.05.22 11:14 Le_Flamko Light spell overview
Same as with weapons, personal thoughts and rating. I consider witchcraft the second most important stat in the game (after luck), as +50% base spell reload is almost mandatory for effective spellplay.
Fireball.
2/5 (3/5 with good arcanas)
Fire and forget nuke on demand. Throws 3 homing projectiles which damage and apply burn to enemies. Mysteriums add extra charge and ability to focusfire when AdS.
Honestly, it is kinda meh by default. Damage is not that great, it doens't control battlefield, homing is messy and unreliable, burn by itself is weak status effect, and AoE potential gets wasted with auto targeting. What makes it not terrible is fast reload and 2 charges, as it is very spammable and good crowd cleaner against hordes, but there are better ways to deal with those. Focus fire on elites is a bit better, but still underperforming in terms of stun and damage potential.
You can somewhat fix fireball with arcanas, making burning enemies explode, receive extra damage or leave nasty surprises on death, but there are just so many better ways to apply burn in the game, that spending spellslot for it seems almost dumb. Meh.
Lightning bolt
2/5 (3/5 with right arcanas)
Chain lightning, dealing a bit of damage and affecting up to 5 enemies with shock. Mysterium allows it to also stun full health minor enemy struck with initial bolt (that's a lot of prerequisites for minor effect).
This spell is a frustration device, as you will miss a lot. I don't know what exactly did devs mess up with targeting and range, but i swear that sometimes those lightnings straight up weave around foes and strike anything but target. Otherwise it is okayish combo starter, as shock damage gets spread around. Get extra targets arcana, extra bolt damage arcana, shock stun arcana, and lightning bolt becomes pretty good... Or just take Iron Cross and never deal with inconsistent targeting anymore.
Overall it is pretty bad out of the box and doesn't get that much better. It needs either faster reloads, more oomph or better stuns to be good.
Shockwave.
3/5
Jedi force push, stuns all minor enemies and exausts major ones. Very fast reload, which gets even faster with mysterium, as it instantly recharges for 10% per affected foe. Simple, reliable and good.
Almost perfect tool to create breathing space, set up enemies for heavy melee and headshots, straight up battlefield control. Very spammable and can cancel even hardest events if you are fast to deal with disabled enemies. Grab a shotgun and you are set (Psychopomp is amazing with shockwave, as heavy melee deals insane damage to stunned enemies, kills with melee reload shotgun, and kills with shotgun reload melee for endless carnage)
Would be even higher rating, but it lacks damage and ability to consistently deal with elites. And also, next spell exists.
Frost Cone.
4/5 (5/5 with extra charge arcana)
Like Shockwave, but with damage, CC which works on elites, shorter range and longer recharge.
Mysterium allows it to instantly reload your gun if you manage to freeze 3 enemies at once, and for 5 enemies you refresh the spell itself (great on paper, but getting 5 enemies at once is a feat i managed to perform like... Twice?)
Great CC spell, one of the best. Frozen is an extremely strong affliction, which works even on bosses and gives potential for frost+fire explosion. If you manage to roll extra spell charge and infinite freeze for Frost Cone, it will carry you through anything game has to offer.
The only downsides to Frost Cone are range and very long recharge speed, which rivals heavy spells. Take Echo or any weapon with burn, or even Burning Stake heavy spell, and Frost Cone suddenly becomes AoE nuke. And never, ever take arcana, which leaves frozen cloud on enemy death - it will hurt you a lot.
Blight Cyst. 4/5
Closest thing to traditional grenade. You throw cyst, it grows and then explodes for decay damage. If you shoot it - explosion will be immediate and stronger.
Mysteriums make cyst bigger and sometimes let it re-arm itself if attached directly to an enemy. Blight Cyst is a grenade, it plays like a grenade and is pretty effective as fight opener. Throw one to the enemy camp, shoot it and enjoy numbers. Add Iron Cross to the mix and watch whole camp of enemies die to cross contamination. Simple and effective.
Honestly, i would give it 3/5, just because at Gnosis 4 spells without CC lose their charm, but Blight Cyst will carry you so hard through the early game, that it deserves extra point.
Stigmata Diabolica, or whatever that crap is called.
1/5 (Closer to 0/5, actually)
You throw projectile, which attaches to enemy and creates extra critical spot on him for half a minute. Yeah, that is it. Nothing else. As if hitting orange boll, dangling from enemy leg is easier, than simply going for the head.
First mysterium applies decay to the enemy, second increases homing capabilities (they are utter crap without it, as the ball can simply ignore enemy like 30% times and fly off to the moon). Well, this spell is utter crap. It doesn't increase damage on enemies, doesn't stun anyone, cannot fly damn straight and shares long reload time with blight cyst. The only use to it that i found, is throwing it to elite enemy and running away, as decay ticks are slooooowly eating his life for half minute. I regret wasting runs with this spell to upgrade it. It is not even bad, it is ridiculous. Why wasting spell and time to set new critical spot up, when you can, you know, just shoot enemy in the face?
Ice Stiletto
5/5 (6/5 with good arcanas)
Throws damaging and freezing icicle with sniper range and shortest reload time of all spells. 1st mysterium makes freeze last twice as long if you manage to hit critical spot, and second instantly refreshes spell if you miss.
Well, my personal favourite of all light spells. Made Gnosis 4 not only manageble with any gun setup, but actually enjoyable. Longest hard CC, longest distance, shortest reload, respectable damage and built in mistake protection. What else do you need? Stiletto is a bane to any elites, simply turning them off on demand. It recharges so fast, that if you freeze grenadier and kill him, spell will probably refresh already (with +50% reload speed). It works on anyone but axemen and calamity wrights, can keep Galley Slave perma stunned if you freeze him between animations, combos with any source of fire for strong nukes and even can AoE a bit with right arcanas. And don't even mention extra charge arcana...
Hard counter to warpriests, sisters and summer heat. 6 icicles out of 5, easily.
submitted by Le_Flamko to Witchfire [link] [comments]
Fireball.
2/5 (3/5 with good arcanas)
Fire and forget nuke on demand. Throws 3 homing projectiles which damage and apply burn to enemies. Mysteriums add extra charge and ability to focusfire when AdS.
Honestly, it is kinda meh by default. Damage is not that great, it doens't control battlefield, homing is messy and unreliable, burn by itself is weak status effect, and AoE potential gets wasted with auto targeting. What makes it not terrible is fast reload and 2 charges, as it is very spammable and good crowd cleaner against hordes, but there are better ways to deal with those. Focus fire on elites is a bit better, but still underperforming in terms of stun and damage potential.
You can somewhat fix fireball with arcanas, making burning enemies explode, receive extra damage or leave nasty surprises on death, but there are just so many better ways to apply burn in the game, that spending spellslot for it seems almost dumb. Meh.
Lightning bolt
2/5 (3/5 with right arcanas)
Chain lightning, dealing a bit of damage and affecting up to 5 enemies with shock. Mysterium allows it to also stun full health minor enemy struck with initial bolt (that's a lot of prerequisites for minor effect).
This spell is a frustration device, as you will miss a lot. I don't know what exactly did devs mess up with targeting and range, but i swear that sometimes those lightnings straight up weave around foes and strike anything but target. Otherwise it is okayish combo starter, as shock damage gets spread around. Get extra targets arcana, extra bolt damage arcana, shock stun arcana, and lightning bolt becomes pretty good... Or just take Iron Cross and never deal with inconsistent targeting anymore.
Overall it is pretty bad out of the box and doesn't get that much better. It needs either faster reloads, more oomph or better stuns to be good.
Shockwave.
3/5
Jedi force push, stuns all minor enemies and exausts major ones. Very fast reload, which gets even faster with mysterium, as it instantly recharges for 10% per affected foe. Simple, reliable and good.
Almost perfect tool to create breathing space, set up enemies for heavy melee and headshots, straight up battlefield control. Very spammable and can cancel even hardest events if you are fast to deal with disabled enemies. Grab a shotgun and you are set (Psychopomp is amazing with shockwave, as heavy melee deals insane damage to stunned enemies, kills with melee reload shotgun, and kills with shotgun reload melee for endless carnage)
Would be even higher rating, but it lacks damage and ability to consistently deal with elites. And also, next spell exists.
Frost Cone.
4/5 (5/5 with extra charge arcana)
Like Shockwave, but with damage, CC which works on elites, shorter range and longer recharge.
Mysterium allows it to instantly reload your gun if you manage to freeze 3 enemies at once, and for 5 enemies you refresh the spell itself (great on paper, but getting 5 enemies at once is a feat i managed to perform like... Twice?)
Great CC spell, one of the best. Frozen is an extremely strong affliction, which works even on bosses and gives potential for frost+fire explosion. If you manage to roll extra spell charge and infinite freeze for Frost Cone, it will carry you through anything game has to offer.
The only downsides to Frost Cone are range and very long recharge speed, which rivals heavy spells. Take Echo or any weapon with burn, or even Burning Stake heavy spell, and Frost Cone suddenly becomes AoE nuke. And never, ever take arcana, which leaves frozen cloud on enemy death - it will hurt you a lot.
Blight Cyst. 4/5
Closest thing to traditional grenade. You throw cyst, it grows and then explodes for decay damage. If you shoot it - explosion will be immediate and stronger.
Mysteriums make cyst bigger and sometimes let it re-arm itself if attached directly to an enemy. Blight Cyst is a grenade, it plays like a grenade and is pretty effective as fight opener. Throw one to the enemy camp, shoot it and enjoy numbers. Add Iron Cross to the mix and watch whole camp of enemies die to cross contamination. Simple and effective.
Honestly, i would give it 3/5, just because at Gnosis 4 spells without CC lose their charm, but Blight Cyst will carry you so hard through the early game, that it deserves extra point.
Stigmata Diabolica, or whatever that crap is called.
1/5 (Closer to 0/5, actually)
You throw projectile, which attaches to enemy and creates extra critical spot on him for half a minute. Yeah, that is it. Nothing else. As if hitting orange boll, dangling from enemy leg is easier, than simply going for the head.
First mysterium applies decay to the enemy, second increases homing capabilities (they are utter crap without it, as the ball can simply ignore enemy like 30% times and fly off to the moon). Well, this spell is utter crap. It doesn't increase damage on enemies, doesn't stun anyone, cannot fly damn straight and shares long reload time with blight cyst. The only use to it that i found, is throwing it to elite enemy and running away, as decay ticks are slooooowly eating his life for half minute. I regret wasting runs with this spell to upgrade it. It is not even bad, it is ridiculous. Why wasting spell and time to set new critical spot up, when you can, you know, just shoot enemy in the face?
Ice Stiletto
5/5 (6/5 with good arcanas)
Throws damaging and freezing icicle with sniper range and shortest reload time of all spells. 1st mysterium makes freeze last twice as long if you manage to hit critical spot, and second instantly refreshes spell if you miss.
Well, my personal favourite of all light spells. Made Gnosis 4 not only manageble with any gun setup, but actually enjoyable. Longest hard CC, longest distance, shortest reload, respectable damage and built in mistake protection. What else do you need? Stiletto is a bane to any elites, simply turning them off on demand. It recharges so fast, that if you freeze grenadier and kill him, spell will probably refresh already (with +50% reload speed). It works on anyone but axemen and calamity wrights, can keep Galley Slave perma stunned if you freeze him between animations, combos with any source of fire for strong nukes and even can AoE a bit with right arcanas. And don't even mention extra charge arcana...
Hard counter to warpriests, sisters and summer heat. 6 icicles out of 5, easily.
2024.05.22 10:37 sennysoon HBF Half Marathon (Perth, Australia)
A few days late, but here it is.
I'm a male, now 31.5 years old. 166cm (5ft 5 and a half). Hit the gym consistently about 4-5 times a week, little to no cardio. Weight was hovering around 72kg (158lbs), now around 65kg (143lbs) despite eating as much as I can to retain muscle mass. Cadence has shifted from around 165 to 173spm, probably due to more responsive foams.
Starting running consistently again around Feb 2023 where I managed to hit around 5:30/km for a hard 10K. Slowly built up to approximately 70km (45mi) per week by October last year, but didn't have the balls to sign up for any races (parkruns don't count) until this one. Yes, it's been a 15 month training block.
Got a bit of post-tib tendonitis in October which was a bit of a speed bump and didn't really give myself enough time to recover fully until January this year. Spent lots of time doing tib raises and isometrics and I'm back to about 95% confidence.
By the end of 2023 I had logged 1,888km of running, this year I'm at about 1,100km so far.
Two week holiday in Japan with a bit of hiking and one parkrun (PB) in March. 1st week of April this year, I was comfortably back to 80km/week (50mpw).
I'm training through this event as I've got a full mara at the start of July I want to complete comfortably sub 4hr, and a proper mara at mid October where I would like to crack 3hr30mins. This might already sound doable, but the weather is usually 5-10 deg warmer at that time of year.
Was debating between Boston 12s and Carbon X 3s for the race and was going to leave it to the morning of to decide, but forced myself to commit to the Boston 12s because I felt that they supported my legs way better and I wanted to get back into my training cycle ASAP post race. If I had an extra few weeks/month to ramp up, I would have preferred the Carbons as they definitely have a quicker turnover and more comfortable fit for me.
Night before, I cooked spag bol & garlic bread for my couch to 12km crew (whom I am immensely proud of and will bring up whenever I can), one of them brought an apple & almond pie, and sent them home by 9pm.
The race-provided tee is made of recycled polyester, very eco-friendly, very terrible feeling, so I pinned my bib onto one of my usual running tees. Took me two goes because the first time it ended up halfway into my ribcage. Second try was lower, not quite central, but stuck with it anyway.
Bed by 10:30 Slept by 10:40 Woke up like clockwork at midnight, 12:20, 12:40, 01:00am Woke up unplanned at 2:30am, took a hydralyte (salt tablet) Got out of bed at 4:00am. Half an amazing homemade maple oat bar and a Berocca with 400mL water.
Public transport is free for the runners and trains start early for the day. Drove to the station at 5:25am. 5:46am train for a 05:55am arrival. Found my friends at the meeting point and went to join the hordes to offload excess weight. 600mL of water. Lots of mobility movement and a 5min jog with strides, mainly to keep warm. One Gu Roctane (Sublime Lime 6/10) at 06:30am.
Perfect weather conditions overall. 16 celcius / 61 fahrenheit 50% relative humidity 19kph / 12mph winds
The goal was sub 1:45 and if everything went perfectly, crack 1:40.
Race plan: 5:05/km start 4:50/km settle @ 4km 4:40/km @ 10km to finish
Over 5,000 people showed up and completed the half.
Started in the first wave behind the seeded runners. There were only two waves, sub 2hr and 2hr+. There were three pacers for EACH of the 2hrs, 1:50, 1:40 (not sure if there were any more pacers). I was planning to start around the 1:50 pace and move up but I didn't realise that I was at the very back of the 1:50 group and there were three pacers I had to pass in order to reach the 1:40 pacer.
I did not realise how slow and congested the start was and how unaware people are of people trying to pass, simply running into gaps and slowing down. As a result, the first leg was slower than intended, which was probably good, as my heart rate spiked pretty early from all the excitement and weaving in and out of people. There's a large decline in the first km out of the gate and I decided to go wide to not waste any of that free energy having to slow down. I must've passed half a thousand people in that first 5km.
Took my first water just before the first turn. After that, finally caught some runners who were my 4:40 target pace and I was feeling almost too relaxed but I held myself back because I knew there was a bit of elevation coming at 10K. Took the time to take my only mid-run gel (Pure 50g, Kola Nut & Lime, 9/10) at 8K and grabbed a quick sip of water at 9K. The path here was very narrow only enough for two abreast really, and I was anxious about slowing the people behind me down, so some went up my nose. A mistake I would not be making again.
After the 10K marker, there was about 20m of incline up a freeway ramp and I had to drop the guys who couldn't maintain the pace, but I managed to latch onto a girl who was cruising past at 4:30/km. She was strong and managed to stay consistent for a good 5km, even through a warm tunnel a mile long, notorious for energy sapping. A lot of people complained that it was unbearable in there, but we're just coming from a long, hot, humid summer with night temperatures above 30 celcius and 80% humidity, so I thought everyone should have been well-adjusted anyway. Lost GPS signal in the tunnel, so I had to resort to trusting my gut and my inadvertent pacer.
Skipped the water station at 12K just before the tunnel and grabbed another sip at 14K at the tunnel exit.
Got the full brunt of the wind on the tunnel exit so I decided to pay back my pacer by blocking the wind for the next 3km up to the next turn. I was caught a little by surprise by a few hairpin turns that had not been on the race map and I could feel my arches getting a little warm from rubbing which I had not experienced before but I was still feeling pretty chill. The roadside cheerleaders and entertainment were really encouraging and keeping the vibe going (the course isn't really open to the public most of the way) and that really helped me keep chugging along.
I heard an announcer around the corner talking about the 100m sprint section coming up, I wasn't hopeful that I would get a prize, but it was free passing real estate and a chance for me to kick it into a higher gear. Managed a 16.99sec for the 100m sprint (2:50/km) and I felt the lactic acid start to wear at my legs but I caught my breath within a minute and found myself now maintaining a 4:15/km pace, which I thought I only picked up coming down the exit ramp.
Up and over two small consecutive bridges into the CBD that I've done a hundred times in the past year and cruising past plenty of people that were slowing down. Through a faceful of bubbles. Turning into the stadium, I almost leapt up the short, sandy ramp and opened up the taps with a nice strong striding finish. In the final bend I just managed to catch the 1hr40 pacers, which meant that I managed to make up the time between at the start.
The ending mat was a thick netting that covered thick grass, which threw everyone off because they thought it was going to be almost a track-like surface.
Waited for my friends to finish their race and tried to get some videos of them collecting their medals but it was just too busy and hard to spot them. We eventually found each other and took a photo with the event mascot and then said our goodbyes shortly after. I went back to chilling at the medal collection corral waiting for the rest my crew to finish their 12K (they started over an hour after the halfers)
Took another photo with the mascot and this crew, went to pee and it was dark yellow, so I grabbed more water, and then we walked 3km through the city to get dimsum for lunch. One of them was feeling a bit faint, so I offered her a spare Gu that I was carrying. She hadn't had Gu before and really couldn't stomach the flavour (this one was Blueberry Pomegranate 6.5/10, I was used to the worst one, Tutti Frutti 3/10, aka kids toothpaste) so I finished the remaining 90% of it. There was a car that literally smelt like it was burning plastic, which made us all quite nauseous but that passed in a few minutes. Only waited about 15 minutes for a table at about 11:45am, and then went to get bubble tea (boba). It was about 1:30pm by the time we mustered up the willpower to make our way back to the train station, which we managed to time perfectly because trains are only once every half hour on Sundays.
Bought a 5kg bag of ice and choc milk from Spudshed on the way home, which is owned by Tony Galati, a down to earth guy and big promoter of these events and charities, and who actually ran this year. Proceeded to do a half-baked ice plunge in my bathtub for just my legs. This is the first time I've ever done this, and I proceeded to silent scream and swear as it felt like a rabid dog was ripping out a hunk of my ankle. The pain came in waves, almost like clockwork every minute which felt like a bloody hour. The first set was the worst and the next two were okay probably because I had warmed up the now only slightly icy water.
Had a fat nap til 6pm, ate dinner with my family and then went to my gym to foam roll, stretch and use the massage chairs. After I decided that I had enough squirming in the massage chairs, I hobbled to my car, drove home and slept.
The next morning my right glute and left calf & lower back were definitely feeling it, so much so that I'm going to see a sports physio to get my running form properly assessed for imbalances to avoid long term injury. But my tendonitis was completely a non-issue which is amazing. That evening I did a short slow recovery and things were getting back into shape by the end of it. Checked in with my crew and nagged them with my usual reminders and prompts.
I get that I'm not an outstanding runner considering the mileage I've put in, but that's okay.
Made with a new race report generator created by u/herumph.
submitted by sennysoon to running [link] [comments]
Race Information
- Name: HBF Run for a Reason 2024
- Date: Sunday, 19 May 2024
- Distance: 21.1km
- Location: Perth, Australia
- Website: https://www.hbfrun.com.au/
- Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/11443124348
- Time: 1:37.59.95
Goals
| Goal | Description | Completed? |
|---|---|---|
| A | Finish | Yes |
| B | 1:45.00 | Yes |
| C | 1:40.00 | Yes |
| D | Progressive | Yes |
Splits
| Kilometer | Time |
|---|---|
| 5.086 | 5:10 min/km |
| 4.459 | 4:58 min/km |
| 8.151 | 4:37 min/km |
| 0.100 (optional sprint section) | 2:49 min/km (16.99 secs) |
| 3.301 | 4:16 min/km |
Training
Cross-country / middle distance (but never actually any good) runner in high school.I'm a male, now 31.5 years old. 166cm (5ft 5 and a half). Hit the gym consistently about 4-5 times a week, little to no cardio. Weight was hovering around 72kg (158lbs), now around 65kg (143lbs) despite eating as much as I can to retain muscle mass. Cadence has shifted from around 165 to 173spm, probably due to more responsive foams.
Starting running consistently again around Feb 2023 where I managed to hit around 5:30/km for a hard 10K. Slowly built up to approximately 70km (45mi) per week by October last year, but didn't have the balls to sign up for any races (parkruns don't count) until this one. Yes, it's been a 15 month training block.
Got a bit of post-tib tendonitis in October which was a bit of a speed bump and didn't really give myself enough time to recover fully until January this year. Spent lots of time doing tib raises and isometrics and I'm back to about 95% confidence.
By the end of 2023 I had logged 1,888km of running, this year I'm at about 1,100km so far.
Two week holiday in Japan with a bit of hiking and one parkrun (PB) in March. 1st week of April this year, I was comfortably back to 80km/week (50mpw).
I'm training through this event as I've got a full mara at the start of July I want to complete comfortably sub 4hr, and a proper mara at mid October where I would like to crack 3hr30mins. This might already sound doable, but the weather is usually 5-10 deg warmer at that time of year.
Pre-race
Last long run was a 24km tempo about 8 days before the race, bringing that week's total to 82km. The week of, I had two very easy jogs of 4km at 6:30-7:30min/km, two full mobility & stretching sessions and one short interval session at 30sec/km faster than planned race pace before the 30min shakeout 24hrs before at 15sec/km slower than planned race pace. Total 20ish km in the week, not including the race.Was debating between Boston 12s and Carbon X 3s for the race and was going to leave it to the morning of to decide, but forced myself to commit to the Boston 12s because I felt that they supported my legs way better and I wanted to get back into my training cycle ASAP post race. If I had an extra few weeks/month to ramp up, I would have preferred the Carbons as they definitely have a quicker turnover and more comfortable fit for me.
Night before, I cooked spag bol & garlic bread for my couch to 12km crew (whom I am immensely proud of and will bring up whenever I can), one of them brought an apple & almond pie, and sent them home by 9pm.
The race-provided tee is made of recycled polyester, very eco-friendly, very terrible feeling, so I pinned my bib onto one of my usual running tees. Took me two goes because the first time it ended up halfway into my ribcage. Second try was lower, not quite central, but stuck with it anyway.
Bed by 10:30 Slept by 10:40 Woke up like clockwork at midnight, 12:20, 12:40, 01:00am Woke up unplanned at 2:30am, took a hydralyte (salt tablet) Got out of bed at 4:00am. Half an amazing homemade maple oat bar and a Berocca with 400mL water.
Public transport is free for the runners and trains start early for the day. Drove to the station at 5:25am. 5:46am train for a 05:55am arrival. Found my friends at the meeting point and went to join the hordes to offload excess weight. 600mL of water. Lots of mobility movement and a 5min jog with strides, mainly to keep warm. One Gu Roctane (Sublime Lime 6/10) at 06:30am.
Race
Race start was 6:45am.Perfect weather conditions overall. 16 celcius / 61 fahrenheit 50% relative humidity 19kph / 12mph winds
The goal was sub 1:45 and if everything went perfectly, crack 1:40.
Race plan: 5:05/km start 4:50/km settle @ 4km 4:40/km @ 10km to finish
Over 5,000 people showed up and completed the half.
Started in the first wave behind the seeded runners. There were only two waves, sub 2hr and 2hr+. There were three pacers for EACH of the 2hrs, 1:50, 1:40 (not sure if there were any more pacers). I was planning to start around the 1:50 pace and move up but I didn't realise that I was at the very back of the 1:50 group and there were three pacers I had to pass in order to reach the 1:40 pacer.
I did not realise how slow and congested the start was and how unaware people are of people trying to pass, simply running into gaps and slowing down. As a result, the first leg was slower than intended, which was probably good, as my heart rate spiked pretty early from all the excitement and weaving in and out of people. There's a large decline in the first km out of the gate and I decided to go wide to not waste any of that free energy having to slow down. I must've passed half a thousand people in that first 5km.
Took my first water just before the first turn. After that, finally caught some runners who were my 4:40 target pace and I was feeling almost too relaxed but I held myself back because I knew there was a bit of elevation coming at 10K. Took the time to take my only mid-run gel (Pure 50g, Kola Nut & Lime, 9/10) at 8K and grabbed a quick sip of water at 9K. The path here was very narrow only enough for two abreast really, and I was anxious about slowing the people behind me down, so some went up my nose. A mistake I would not be making again.
After the 10K marker, there was about 20m of incline up a freeway ramp and I had to drop the guys who couldn't maintain the pace, but I managed to latch onto a girl who was cruising past at 4:30/km. She was strong and managed to stay consistent for a good 5km, even through a warm tunnel a mile long, notorious for energy sapping. A lot of people complained that it was unbearable in there, but we're just coming from a long, hot, humid summer with night temperatures above 30 celcius and 80% humidity, so I thought everyone should have been well-adjusted anyway. Lost GPS signal in the tunnel, so I had to resort to trusting my gut and my inadvertent pacer.
Skipped the water station at 12K just before the tunnel and grabbed another sip at 14K at the tunnel exit.
Got the full brunt of the wind on the tunnel exit so I decided to pay back my pacer by blocking the wind for the next 3km up to the next turn. I was caught a little by surprise by a few hairpin turns that had not been on the race map and I could feel my arches getting a little warm from rubbing which I had not experienced before but I was still feeling pretty chill. The roadside cheerleaders and entertainment were really encouraging and keeping the vibe going (the course isn't really open to the public most of the way) and that really helped me keep chugging along.
I heard an announcer around the corner talking about the 100m sprint section coming up, I wasn't hopeful that I would get a prize, but it was free passing real estate and a chance for me to kick it into a higher gear. Managed a 16.99sec for the 100m sprint (2:50/km) and I felt the lactic acid start to wear at my legs but I caught my breath within a minute and found myself now maintaining a 4:15/km pace, which I thought I only picked up coming down the exit ramp.
Up and over two small consecutive bridges into the CBD that I've done a hundred times in the past year and cruising past plenty of people that were slowing down. Through a faceful of bubbles. Turning into the stadium, I almost leapt up the short, sandy ramp and opened up the taps with a nice strong striding finish. In the final bend I just managed to catch the 1hr40 pacers, which meant that I managed to make up the time between at the start.
The ending mat was a thick netting that covered thick grass, which threw everyone off because they thought it was going to be almost a track-like surface.
Post-race
There was water and fruit available to runners, I simply did not feel like eating, so I grabbed water and proceeded to collect my completion medal. Really felt pretty good apart from a bit of leg tiredness, in retrospect I should have been more proactive and stretched but it really didn't feel like there was any space to do that. The physio tents were absolutely packed and I just didn't feel like I needed it.Waited for my friends to finish their race and tried to get some videos of them collecting their medals but it was just too busy and hard to spot them. We eventually found each other and took a photo with the event mascot and then said our goodbyes shortly after. I went back to chilling at the medal collection corral waiting for the rest my crew to finish their 12K (they started over an hour after the halfers)
Took another photo with the mascot and this crew, went to pee and it was dark yellow, so I grabbed more water, and then we walked 3km through the city to get dimsum for lunch. One of them was feeling a bit faint, so I offered her a spare Gu that I was carrying. She hadn't had Gu before and really couldn't stomach the flavour (this one was Blueberry Pomegranate 6.5/10, I was used to the worst one, Tutti Frutti 3/10, aka kids toothpaste) so I finished the remaining 90% of it. There was a car that literally smelt like it was burning plastic, which made us all quite nauseous but that passed in a few minutes. Only waited about 15 minutes for a table at about 11:45am, and then went to get bubble tea (boba). It was about 1:30pm by the time we mustered up the willpower to make our way back to the train station, which we managed to time perfectly because trains are only once every half hour on Sundays.
Bought a 5kg bag of ice and choc milk from Spudshed on the way home, which is owned by Tony Galati, a down to earth guy and big promoter of these events and charities, and who actually ran this year. Proceeded to do a half-baked ice plunge in my bathtub for just my legs. This is the first time I've ever done this, and I proceeded to silent scream and swear as it felt like a rabid dog was ripping out a hunk of my ankle. The pain came in waves, almost like clockwork every minute which felt like a bloody hour. The first set was the worst and the next two were okay probably because I had warmed up the now only slightly icy water.
Had a fat nap til 6pm, ate dinner with my family and then went to my gym to foam roll, stretch and use the massage chairs. After I decided that I had enough squirming in the massage chairs, I hobbled to my car, drove home and slept.
The next morning my right glute and left calf & lower back were definitely feeling it, so much so that I'm going to see a sports physio to get my running form properly assessed for imbalances to avoid long term injury. But my tendonitis was completely a non-issue which is amazing. That evening I did a short slow recovery and things were getting back into shape by the end of it. Checked in with my crew and nagged them with my usual reminders and prompts.
I get that I'm not an outstanding runner considering the mileage I've put in, but that's okay.
Made with a new race report generator created by u/herumph.
2024.05.22 08:58 Count-Daring243 Best Color 350 Braiding Hair
 | submitted by Count-Daring243 to u/Count-Daring243 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/7c5sjppjex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c9897fd41ee1e3ebceceaf4b9fb4a5c07fe7cc9 Discover the vibrant world of color 350 braiding hair, a trending hair extension that adds a bold and beautiful touch to your look. Our roundup article features the best products in this category, providing you with a range of options to suit your style and preferences. From vivid shades to natural tones, this collection of braiding hair has something for everyone. Stay tuned as we unveil the top picks for color 350 braiding hair, designed to bring life to your locks! The Top 18 Best Color 350 Braiding Hair
Reviews🔗Soft and Voluminous Braiding Hair for Pro Stylingshttps://preview.redd.it/wgdk3g2kex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e91884b332b4e819ce4e1730401313c6df772b9 As a hair enthusiast, I've always been on the lookout for products that offer both convenience and quality, and Outre Braids' Braid Up Pre-Stretched Braid has been a game-changer. This braid boasts a lightweight and soft texture that's incredibly comfortable to wear. Its crochet-looped design ensures a snug, no-slip fit, which makes it ideal for a variety of hairstyles. One of the most striking features of Braid Up is its material, Kanekalon. This synthetic fiber is not only soft and smooth, but also incredibly durable, allowing for long-lasting protective styles. Another standout feature is its hot water setting, which ensures a tight, secure weave that can withstand daily activities without unraveling. On the cons side, the color might not be as vibrant as some users may prefer, and the occasional tangling could be a minor inconvenience. However, these are minor drawbacks when compared to the overall quality and performance of Braid Up. In conclusion, Outre Braids' Braid Up Pre-Stretched Braid has been a game-changer when it comes to high-quality, comfortable, and long-lasting protective styles. Its lightweight and soft texture, combined with its durable material and secure weave, make it a must-have for both professional braiders and DIY enthusiasts alike. 🔗Glamorous 3X Pre-Stretched 58" Braiding Hairhttps://preview.redd.it/e0v66yfkex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1186c416e2932b2b620491308499cc4d809b1976 I've been loving the Sensationnel X-Pression synthetic braids! These 58-inch braids are made of 1% Kanekalon fiber, giving them a light and soft touch that feels more like real hair. I'm especially impressed with how pre-stretched they are, saving me tons of preparation time. Plus, they're pre-layered, which gives my hairstyle a more natural, finished look. I also appreciate the hot water setting feature, letting me refresh my braids easily whenever needed. However, there are a couple of downsides to these braids. Firstly, I've found that they tend to tangle a bit easily, especially if I don't take the time to properly care for and detangle them. Secondly, I feel like they're best for those with thicker hair, as they might not hold up as well when used on thinner locks. Overall, I've had a positive experience with the Sensationnel X-Pression synthetic braids. They're stylish, comfortable, and versatile – great for anyone looking to achieve a natural-looking braid style without the hassle of using real hair extensions. Highly recommend! 🔗Attractive and Durable X-Pression Braidhttps://preview.redd.it/o7ctwvokex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=066095de4ae7300b9748a13ee7a56de1abaa3198 I've recently been using the X-Pression Braid (350) and I've found it to be a game-changer for my hair styling routine. Crafted with super-light Kanekalon premium synthetic fibers, this braid gives unmatched length to any set of hair. It's amazing how this product not only holds its shape and volume, but also feels incredibly light and comfortable on my head. One of the standout features of the X-Pression Braid is its tangle-free nature. I've had issues with other braids getting tangled and knotted, but this one stays smooth and easy to manage. Another highlight is its flame-resistant quality - a feature that gives me peace of mind knowing my hair is safe from unexpected heat sources. However, it's not all perfect. Some users have reported issues with the hair staying in place, which can be frustrating if you're trying to maintain a specific style. Additionally, there's a chance of tangling over time, so regular maintenance is a must. In conclusion, the X-Pression Braid (350) has been a fantastic addition to my hair care routine. Its lightweight design, tangle-free nature, and flame-resistant quality make it a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish hair solution. 🔗Outre X-Pression Ultra Braid 6X Braiding Hair Packshttps://preview.redd.it/snsky0alex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=571842187979783526199c53ecaff5a92723b987 I recently tried the Outre X-Pression Pre-Stretched 6X Ultra Braid in color 350, and I must say, it's been a game-changer for my braiding game. This braid comes in a pre-stretched fiber, which has made my hairstyle more manageable and less time-consuming. Its 6X pack is convenient and worth every penny. One of the highlights of this hair is its ultra-lightweight feature. It's so light that I forget I have it on! Plus, it's fire retardant, making it a safe choice for those who worry about fires or stray sparks. However, there's a minor drawback to this braid. As it's made entirely of synthetic fibers, it doesn't have the same natural texture and movement as human hair. But considering its affordability and ease of use, I find it a great choice for those who want to spruce up their braided styles. Overall, I would say the Outre X-Pression Pre-Stretched 6X Ultra Braid is definitely worth trying out. 🔗Pre-Stretched Aquatex 8" Spring Twist Braidhttps://preview.redd.it/udfta1ilex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b198988dc12dfaa4adf4fa66f4a011bf03db7aac I recently decided to give the Sensationnel Ruwa Synthetic Spring Twist Braid a try, and I couldn't be happier with my choice! It's made with Aquatex fiber, which is known for its impressive water-repellent properties. This means I can shampoo regularly without worrying about extended drying times - a game-changer for someone with an active lifestyle like me. One of the things that stood out to me about this braid is its light weight and softness. Unlike some other braids that can feel heavy and cumbersome, the RUWA twist is a delight to wear. I also appreciated how pre-stretched it is, which saved me time during installation and helped me achieve a more natural-looking finish. Of course, no product is perfect, and I did encounter a few minor issues. Firstly, some users reported tangling issues, although thankfully I didn't experience this myself. Additionally, while the color selection is wide, some may find that the choice of colors could be improved upon. Overall, I would definitely recommend the Sensationnel Ruwa Synthetic Spring Twist Braid to anyone looking for a stylish, low-maintenance hair solution. Its water-repellent properties, light weight, and pre-stretched design make it stand out from other options on the market. 🔗Premium Pre-Stretched Braid Hair, 26" (EZ Braid)https://preview.redd.it/5x631nulex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f28ca65b80edbd5f395b9377568bb4572370f1ae I've been using the Authentic Crochet Braid B-Easy for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's been a game changer for my braiding game. The fact that it's pre-stretched has saved me so much time, and the natural looking yaki texture gives me the perfect blend of boldness and subtlety in my style. One thing I particularly love about it is how easy it is to install. It doesn't tangle much, and there's no shedding involved which is a huge plus. I also find it very durable; it's sweat resistant and anti-bacterial, making it suitable for high-intensity activities. However, the highlight for me is its versatility. Whether it's braids, locks, or twists, this hair extension does an excellent job in all these styles. It also works great for hot water setting, transforming my braids into a stunning masterpiece. In conclusion, if you're looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, and stylish hair extension that's perfect for various styles, the Authentic Crochet Braid B-Easy is a great choice. The only downside, perhaps, is that it can be a bit challenging to find different lengths or colors, which might limit your styling options. But overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with its quality. So, if you're considering trying it out, I'd say go for it! 🔗Sensationnel X-Pression Pre-Stretched Braid 38https://preview.redd.it/qy6c2x4mex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2017c27b8fa16295c30eeb9ae79b43a29ba0aaed Nestled within the rich tapestry of African culture lies the breathtaking beauty of Sensationnel's X-Pression Pre-Stretched Braid 38 - a testament to the brand's innovative approach. Crafted from 100% Kanekalon Flame Retardant Fiber, this 38-inch braid boasts a light and soft touch that will leave your tresses feeling effortlessly luxurious. The pre-stretched feature ensures quick and easy installation, while the pre-layered design lends a natural, finished appearance. But what sets this braid apart is its versatility. The X-Pression collection draws inspiration from Africa's diverse textures and vibrant color palette, enabling you to create a multitude of styles that range from classic to trendy. As a user who's been captivated by the allure of this braid, I can attest to its exceptional quality. It's well worth the investment for those seeking to infuse their hair with a touch of African elegance. However, be prepared to spend extra time grooming, as these strands tend to be on the thicker side. Overall, the Sensationnel X-Pression Pre-Stretched Braid 38 offers a beautiful blend of artistry and practicality, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their hairstyle to new heights. 🔗Ombre Braiding Hair Extensions for Crochet Braids and Senegalese Twisthttps://preview.redd.it/2upezrimex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d98711cc8c6ac27c86cddf79dd775e0431adf6db I recently tried the Ombre Braiding Hair extensions and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and easy to install they were. The synthetic fiber is soft and feels just like real hair! . I appreciate the hot water setting feature that allows me to change styles without any hassle. However, I noticed that the hair tends to tangle quite easily, which can be a bit frustrating. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile and comfortable hair extension. 🔗1 Inch Jumbo Braiding Hair with 100% Kanekalon Fiberhttps://preview.redd.it/8fpxrgtmex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75bcf75da29d9a73fcf4da8144b810fcefd689b7 I first encountered Kanekalon Braid Hair a few months back, while searching for a versatile and affordable hair option to change up my look for the summer. As someone with a limited budget but a deep appreciation for the art of hair styling, I was excited to see how this 100% Kanekalon Fiber Jumbo Braiding Hair would fare. First off, its non-flammability is a huge plus. I've had some close calls with flammable hair products before, so knowing that the Kanekalon Braid Hair is safe in that regard put my mind at ease. The 24-inch length is also perfect for creating a variety of styles, from long, cascading braids to more intricate updos. One downside that I've noticed is the tendency for this hair to tangle easily. It can be frustrating to deal with knots and mats, especially if you're working with a lot of hair. However, I've found that the durability of the fibers makes it worth the effort. The hair also holds its color well and maintains a nice, natural sheen even after multiple washes. In terms of visual appeal, the Kanekalon Braid Hair truly delivers. The rich color and thickness of the fibers make it a pleasure to work with, and the variety of styles you can create is endless. This hair has quickly become a staple in my hair styling repertoire, and I can't wait to see what other creative looks I can achieve with it. Overall, I'm very pleased with my purchase of the Kanekalon Braid Hair. While there are some minor issues to be aware of, such as tangling, the quality and versatility of this hair make it a great option for anyone looking to explore new styles without breaking the bank. 🔗X-Pression: Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair in Triple Packhttps://preview.redd.it/qdp2x8bnex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8145c69e14c4c268596e0eff844d24e09a659eff I've been using the X-Pression Lil Looks 3X Pre-Stretched Calming Braid in my day-to-day life, and I've gotta say, it's made my braiding process much easier and quicker. The length is perfect - not too long or too full. What I love most about this braiding hair is how it's extra soft and a breeze to work with. No more cutting your fingers on tangled strands or spending hours trying to detangle the hair before braiding! Plus, it's kid-friendly, as confirmed by some of my friends who've tried it. One not-so-fun aspect is that the pack doesn't include as much hair as I expected. However, considering the affordable price and the convenience of the triple pack, it's a small con to overlook. Overall, the X-Pression Lil Looks 3X Pre-Stretched Calming Braid has been a game-changer in my braiding routine. Its softness, ease of use, and kid-friendly length make it a must-try for anyone looking to add some extra flair to their hairstyles. 🔗Stylish 3X Jumbo Braid Pre-Stretched Braiding Hairhttps://preview.redd.it/974ankjnex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ecc5c33a5700ce549fc2f583c5b2aa4cffd683a3 When it comes to styling and braiding my hair, I've always been a fan of using products that are easy to use and give me that flawless finish. That's why I was excited to try out the Authentic 3X B-Easy Pre-Stretched Braid T1B/350! Here's the thing, this braid really lives up to its name - it is so easy to use, even for someone like me who's not a master braid developer. The pre-stretched feature definitely added to its appeal, as it made it super easy to twist, braid, and even knot without any fuss. Plus, the long length allowed me to experiment with various styles, from simple ponytails to more intricate French braids. The only downside I noticed was that the braid was slightly itchy at first touch, which could be due to the way it was packaged or stored. But after washing it with some conditioner, it became gentler on my scalp. All in all, I would recommend the Authentic 3X B-Easy Pre-Stretched Braid T1B/350 without hesitation. It's perfect for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, versatile braid to experiment with different styles. 🔗3X Ruwa Pre-Styled Braiding Hair - Color 350https://preview.redd.it/7jg56pvnex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8c0cca31e631438b4d0f3f9a0dd2f69e5619c8d The Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Crochet Braid is an absolute game-changer for anyone living an active lifestyle. Crafted with AQUATEX Fiber from synthetic kanekalon fibers, these braids are water-repellent, fast-drying, lightweight, and incredibly soft. This makes them the perfect choice for anyone who needs to stay stylish on the go without compromising on the quality or practicality of their hair. One of my favorite aspects of this hair is its pre-stretching feature. This not only saves me hours in preparation time but also ensures that the braids are perfectly even and smooth from the get-go. Additionally, the pre-layered design gives the finish a flawless, natural appearance that's always on trend. On the downside, I've noticed that these braids can tend to tangle a bit more easily than some of their competitors. However, with proper care and maintenance, this issue can be easily avoided. Furthermore, the bundles for this product seem to be slightly smaller than what I'm used to, which means that I've had to use a few more strands than expected when styling my hair. Overall, I can't recommend the Ruwa 3X Pre-Stretched Crochet Braid enough for anyone who wants a stylish, practical, and comfortable hair solution for their active lifestyle. With its stunning colors, exceptional water-repellent capabilities, and effortless styling, this product is truly a cut above the rest. 🔗Outre X-Pression Twisted Up Braids - French Curl 52https://preview.redd.it/a7w15u9oex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49820ce0a0f280620750f56f545f77a2e6917cb7 As an avid hair lover, I was excited to give Outre's Twisted Up DIY Prestretched Braid French Curl a try. Right from the get-go, I was impressed by how heat-resistant and versatile it was. Its 52" length allowed me to experiment with various styling options and the fact that it's dye, bleach, and perm-resistant meant I could play with color without worrying about damaging the hair. The twist-up style offered a simple way to achieve a polished look, while the pre-stretched braids made it easy to install. The synthetic material felt soft and lightweight, which was perfect for maintaining a comfortable all-day wear. One downside was the color options. Although the 350 braiding hair is lovely, I wish there were more choices available. Additionally, because it's synthetic, expect a little shedding after several wears. Overall, I'm thrilled with my Twisted Up DIY Prestretched Braid French Curl experience. Its versatility, heat resistance, and ease of installation make it a must-try for anyone looking to diversify their hairstyle options. Buyer's GuideNone https://preview.redd.it/oba94asqex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37e2ada7f29c65da8fa6d9f05e4814904629aac9 FAQWhat is Color 350 Braiding Hair?Color 350 Braiding Hair is a type of synthetic hair extension designed for braiding and styling. It comes in various colors, including the color 350, and is known for its durability and natural appearance. https://preview.redd.it/umn5j92rex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7dd86afc83108ab8e273ca2a77ed060d5af5a131 How is Color 350 Braiding Hair different from other synthetic hair extensions?Color 350 Braiding Hair differs from other synthetic hair extensions due to its unique color and texture, which closely resembles real human hair. Additionally, it is designed specifically for braiding and has exceptional durability compared to other synthetic hair types.What is the length of Color 350 Braiding Hair?The length of Color 350 Braiding Hair varies depending on the supplier and product package. Some may offer it in 12", 14", 16", or even longer lengths, while others may have specific bundlenights.https://preview.redd.it/mtsopbirex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fd253d53aeda7b6dfec3595b8826efb263f3be24 How many bundles do I need for a full head installation?The number of bundles required for a full head installation largely depends on the desired length and thickness. In general, it is recommended to use between 3-6 bundles, depending on the individual's hair type and preferred fullness.How do I maintain Color 350 Braiding Hair?Color 350 Braiding Hair is relatively low-maintenance. To keep it in excellent condition, gently brush it with a wide-tooth comb or soft-bristle brush, and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Additionally, avoid using excessive heat or harsh chemicals on the hair. https://preview.redd.it/y02eaxprex1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=08124778a581f49c4f898ad43eb5ea7ad60590de Is Color 350 Braiding Hair suitable for all types of braids?Yes, Color 350 Braiding Hair is suitable for all types of braids, including cornrows, twists, and individual braids. Its high flexibility and natural appearance make it a versatile choice for various hair styling techniques.Where can I buy Color 350 Braiding Hair?Color 350 Braiding Hair can be purchased from various online and physical stores specializing in hair extensions and wigs. Some popular retailers include Amazon, eBay, and local beauty supply stores.How long does Color 350 Braiding Hair last?The longevity of Color 350 Braiding Hair depends on factors such as installation method, maintenance, and the individual's lifestyle. On average, it can last anywhere between 3-6 weeks when properly cared for.Can I dye Color 350 Braiding Hair?It is not recommended to dye Color 350 Braiding Hair. Synthetic fibers may not accept hair dye well, and the application process can result in uneven color or damage to the hair.Is Color 350 Braiding Hair suitable for those who are allergic to latex?The majority of synthetic hair extensions, including Color 350 Braiding Hair, do not contain latex. However, it is advisable to check the product's packaging or inquire with the seller to verify its components, especially if you have a known allergy to certain materials.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.22 07:25 Kitty145684 What do you call this hairstyle?
I was talking to a friend the other day about hairstyles and mentioned that I used to wear my hair in a Pollyanna when I was a kid.
She had no clue what I was talking about. Turns out that almost everyone else seems to call this hairstyle a half up half down.
What do you call it?
Does anyone else call it a Pollyanna?
submitted by Kitty145684 to AskAnAustralian [link] [comments]
She had no clue what I was talking about. Turns out that almost everyone else seems to call this hairstyle a half up half down.
What do you call it?
Does anyone else call it a Pollyanna?
2024.05.22 06:08 Storms_Wrath The Human Artificial Hivemind Part 515: An Apparent Coincidence
First Previous Wiki
Empress Izkrala followed Edu'frec's presentation of what Gaia had said to him. The National Exchange was centered on the matter of Gaia and the upcoming Judgment on Justicar. For now, they were focusing on the story of Earth's past, unknown though it mostly was.
Edu'frec also laid out his reasoning for requesting the right to begin exploring underneath the cracked portion of Earth's crust. Izkrala noted the reactions of the Earth leaders invited to the National Exchange. Many of them seemed quite nervous, with a few looking angry. Meanwhile, the hivemind's face was a mask of impassivity, which Izkrala knew was definitively false.
A potential alien machine buried in the crust of Humanity's homeworld was a serious matter. Izkrala was particularly worried about the timing of such a discovery.
"So to confirm," the American President said. "You are unable to explore this remotely, and this object is confirmed to date back at least 60 million years?"
"Crust age analysis suggests this, yes," Edu'frec said. "And the pressure is too extreme for a personal shield to work in tandem with the magnetic field fluctuations present. Unfortunately, androids will not suffice for such an expedition. Nor would Skira's drones, elite or regular, as was suggested in the previous meeting we had about this."
Skira nodded and corroborated. "Brey teleported one of mine in, and it was crushed within minutes, while being baked alive from the outside in. The field itself also seemed to increase in reactivity as I attempted to approach it."
"Luminary?" the Council Director asked. Juan settled himself, his gaze hard.
Tetelali's massive form couldn't entirely fit in the virtual reality projection, so his hologram showed a scaled-down version of him. "I sent a Junyli pair with shields to explore the site when asked by Edu'frec and Gaia," he said. "So far, the injuries they have sustained prove that there is an unnatural force present in the rock nearby. As some of you might be aware, we Junyli are incredibly resistant to heat and pressure, as we used to live within the upper mantle of the Known World the Knowers inhabit."
He nodded to Dilandekar, who looked like he was incredibly tired. Even now, his eyes wandered, and Izkrala wondered if he was thinking of his latest arguments for keeping his position as the World Researcher.
She didn't envy his position.
"Will they survive?" Izkrala asked.
"They will. They are being treated at the Rakandabilda National Hospital, with intense psychic energy therapies as well as our own natural remedies. Thank you for your concern. Brey managed to maintain a portal which allowed me to extend a tendril of myself to this object, and I have learned that the fields it projects are capable of modifying kinetic energy, apparent mass, heat, and chemical properties. Typically, it would take heat of up to 400,000 degrees Kelvin to actually melt my flesh, with all of my psychic enhancements. Even with that, the mere 1500 Kelvin temperature I measured was already beginning to make my solid crystal turn aqueous. This was with all of the enhancement that I mentioned."
"Aqueous?" Izkrala asked. "So you melted, but what mixed in?"
"An unknown substance which I have given to Edu'frec for studying. So far, he has been able to confirm that it didn't exist on our known periodic tables."
Edu'frec nodded. "The element formed by Tetelali's interactions with the field has... properties that are very poorly understood."
"What do you know, then?"
"This unknown element has a deformed nucleus consisting of around 500 protons and 450 neutrons, and has evidence of partial quark flows, specifically of up and down quarks. Its half life is unknown, but at least millions of years long based on the fact it still existed at all, and its current radiation levels. Study is... difficult, due to the sheer number of unknown quantities existent in this new element."
"Can you provide an explanation for the difficulty?"
"This element breaks nearly the entire model of chemistry and reshapes quantum mechanics models massively," Edu'frec said. "I've checked this thing against all known records in my database. If the Sprilnav can make it, they don't have any records free."
"Do you know anything else about it?"
"It is partial quark matter, which should not exist for numerous reasons, especially not in a stable form on or in an inhabitable planet."
"Why?"
"Because its formation and continual existence would require temperatures in excess of one trillion degrees. This is such a laughable amount of energy that a planet cracker could never generate this amount, unless directed at a far smaller space than we know it impacted on Earth. Psychic energy at least is involved in some way, and this stuff bends reality in a way I can't truly understand. The main issue is one of quantity, though. Tetelali managed to gather around 500 kilograms worth within a single tentacle.
In fact, the only way that this matter wouldn't destroy the planet would be if its heat properties were normal, but it had an adjacent quality which did not impact the matter of the universe, like how dark matter does not interact with baryonic matter. Plate tectonics would spread this as well, albiet slowly. I believe we are stumbling upon an incredibly dangerous object, and should express supreme caution."
"What about the 4th dimension of space?" Blistanna asked. "We know it exists because of Paizma. We know the Sprilnav can make beings that interact with it. Is it possible that this is somehow the shadow of 4th dimensional matter of some kind?"
Edu'frec paused. "... It is possible."
"If so, what can we do?"
"We will need to contact Paizma. Perhaps she will be able to help us."
"But only she could interact with it."
"Not necessarily," Edu'frec said. "I am quite capable of modeling such a space within my mind, even if it is difficult for me to depict. With conceptual energy or psychic energy, it is possible I could manipulate it in some way. But again, the energy involved is extremely risky."
"We should ask Kashaunta," Fyuuleen said. "Much as I hate the Precursors, the Sprilnav are the only ones qualified to help us."
"Kashaunta still has been keeping us all out of the loop on Penny and Phoebe," the Russian President said. "I worry of machinations. So close to the Judgment, and we discover this? After years of silence, we only find this now. Edu'frec, I place no fault on you for this. But even you must understand the possibility of these events being linked. We may be dealing with a malicious actor."
"If Kashaunta is this 'malicious actor,' then we're doomed," Izkrala said. "I posit the interference of an Elder who opposes her. This quark matter that Edu'frec found might explain how the Sprilnav make ships out of neutronium. It might allow us to make leaps and bounds in scientific knowledge. Kinetic manipulation, after all, when done right, can be used to raise and lower temperatures, or to generate artificial gravity."
"But we would have to learn how to safely harness this material. A trillion degrees is hundreds of times hotter than a supernova," Edu'frec said. "If we're going to poke at this, we can't do it on Earth. We can't do it in our own territory, either."
Brey frowned. "I can't move objects like this through my portals," she said. "That is a risk I cannot afford to take, if these things can ignore psychic energy to such an extent. Gaia, what can you tell us of this? Anything?"
"I have faint memories of an anti-gravity field being used aboard an enclosed space. I don't know if it was a ship or a space station. But I don't think we should experiment with this thing too much either."
"Maybe an Alcubierre bubble can transport it safely, or we can experiment inside that?" Izkrala suggested. "They can isolate large amounts of energy."
"Good idea," Edu'frec said. "We should hold some votes before making any final decisions. I won't just go and do this on my own."
"A good quality to have," the American President agreed. "If only your mother agreed."
Many of the human leaders gave small sounds of assent and agreement. Izkrala and Blistanna both frowned.
"Phoebe has her own way of doing things. But please don't insult her just because she makes her own laws. She is more benevolent than many nations would be to us. I respect her more than any other person in existence."
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Truth Speaker Huatil brushed down her feathers, occasionally checking herself in the mirror to ensure she looked proper. The ceremonial clothes came next, with strong but thin fabric draped over her chest, upper legs, and around the start of her wings. She put the final touches of makeup and a hint of perfume on her face.
After a final look, she settled her personal shield on her back and walked out of the room. Her mate, Kawtyahtnakal, was waiting outside, accompanied by six guards.
"You look wonderful," he said, smiling in appreciation of her efforts.
"Thank you, Kawtyahtnakal," Huatil replied, her own smile gracing her face. "I admit that it feels good to look as good as I do."
"Of that, I am sure."
Kawtyahtnakal wore ceremonial armor, with rich golden and silver threads mixing into solid red-painted metal plates. Thanks to his psychic energy, he was still capable of flight, even with a rougher approximation of it than would be normal for Cawlarians. The two of them walked through the palace hallways together, discussing personal matters first. Eventually, as they neared the dining hall, their conversations fell silent.
Several Patriarchs and Regulators waited outside, including Eyahtni. She also wore armor, and had a distinctly feminine aura that could only make Huatil smirk.
"Greetings, Regulator Eyahtni," she greeted. "I am pleased to meet you once again."
"I greet you as well, Truth Speaker Huatil," Eyahtni said. "Tell me, are you enjoying your time here?"
"I would say so," Huatil said. "Shouldn't I be?"
"Yes, most certaintly. Though I must admit, your political background is extensive. As is your military one. Would you not serve in a more official capacity?"
"I have no reason to. I aim to serve my nation by serving my mate, and that is the greatest pair of duties I can have. I do not believe my sole contribution would greatly strengthen our nation, as my pride is more modest than that."
"As is expected."
Eyahtni settled herself, waiting for the doors to open. Huatil knew that the guards had first filled the room with thin mist to check for Sprilnav occupants. Now, it was being drained.
Kawtyahtnakal let out a soft breath. The doors opened, revealing a lavish room filled with food and more guards than before. Some of the personal guards went outside, while those of the highest-profile leaders remained. Patriarch Suannikal was one example, as the most powerful Patriarch and Kawtyahtnakal's main rival and cousin.
He occasionally glanced at the Nest Overlord, though there was nothing concerning about it. They settled around the table, and a hologram slowly materialized next to Huatil.
Fleet Commander Annabelle Weber, one of the main people behind the final drive into the High Kingdom, was now with them, looking quite out of place due to her species despite her own ornate dress. Everyone had been notified that she would be attending, though Suannikal still gave her a concerned glance that Huatil wondered about.
Did the Alliance have any special contacts with him, or was it just the standard diplomatic platitudes to powerful leaders with no true power? Kawtyahtnakal rested a claw on her own, soothing her without even a look.
"I greet you all on behalf of the Alliance," Annabelle said, lifting her dress to perform a curtsey. Her hair fell neatly behind her back, framing her face in that alien way many human females seemed to have. Though it wasn't purely a function of that, since some of the males also sported longer hair.
It was like feather length and thickness between Cawlarian males and females, with variations that allowed for a moderate level of overlap. Soft music began to play, and Kawtyahtnakal opened the dinner with a short toast to their health and began to eat. Despite the amazing taste, the rest of them did the same, digging into their food as politely as possible. Huatil again found herself next to Annabelle, who wasn't eating for obvious reasons.
Her true curiosity lay in the progress of the war, though she had the tact not to ask of it immediately. Perhaps later in the meal.
"How are you doing, Fleet Commander?"
"As well as I can be, Truth Speaker. Thank you for asking. And yourself?"
Annabelle's brows raised upward in a slight expression of practiced curiosity.
"I am doing well also, Fleet Commander, and repeat your thanks as my own for asking of it. How do you find the recent developments among the Sprilnav?"
"I find them to be worrying," Annabelle admitted. "I believe Penny is capable, but I do not trust Kashaunta to deny manipulating her. I worry for the agreements and deals she may have been forced into with little choice of her own to prevent them."
"Your concerns are shared, though we believe Kashaunta is more closely aligned with Penny than mere common interest would suggest."
"What do you mean?"
"Kashaunta plans to use Penny for her own gains, but she also has displayed a shocking level of sympathy for a leader with a history as bloody as hers. Perhaps it is mere charisma, but I worry that she is attempting to draw romantic attention from Penny."
Annabelle smiled. "She will fail, then. Penny is aware the Elder might try such a tactic, and is well prepared to defend against it, as are her mental companions. Kashaunta has also notified us that she has hired a lawyer with an Eonic degree, with is apparently a Sprilnav with a billion years of study on a given subject. A billion of their standard years, not ours. I believe I can have faith in the Alliance's defense through that avenue."
"You do not concern yourself with the possibility of corruption?"
"It is possible, though not fairly likely. With a trial this high profile, any bias displayed would damage Justicar's international credibility. And in this case, he will need to cater to a more national image than a personal one, though both are highly intertwined."
"A fine analysis," Huatil complimented. "Though I worry that you underestimate the lengths Penny's enemies will go to cripple her."
"It is not an underestimation. We believe Phoebe will do what she can on that front, but there are limited supplies we have for her. She is too far away, and any aid we send is highly unlikely to actually reach Justicar before the Judgment ends, assuming it survives the journey through multiple large and expansive Sprilnav middle powers, each of which might take an interest in destroying or confiscating aid we send to Penny for a simple fee. So far from the Alliance's borders, and especially in a Sprilnav territory surrounded by others, our options are highly limited."
"Hmm. Thank you for your explanation."
"You are quite welcome, Truth Speaker. I trust the necessary sources will still be notified of any additional information the Alliance sends you or your mate, yes?"
"You can count on that."
"I am pleased to hear it."
Annabelle turned her attention to another Cawlarian patiently waiting for her to finish. The Regulator engaged in small talk and then began to ask about Annabelle's progress in the war. The human winced slightly but nodded.
"King Siran is moving faster than expected, and has managed to fool the sensors. We believe he has outside help, though at this time none is confirmed. The battle will no longer be in several days, and will be in at least three more weeks, depending on whether we can deliver an FTL suppressor to block them in time."
"Thank you, Fleet Commander. I was sorry to hear of your losses against the planet cracker."
"Thank you, Regulator Kulakaw. Your words soothe my heart, though the pain will never truly fade."
Huatil bowed her head, briefly remembering her own causes for grief before Kawtyahtnakal placed another claw on her own, even while he engaged in an avid conversation with some high-end political donor. She shifted her wings around the chair and released a low hum of pleasure.
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Having finished what he'd wanted to do here on Justicar, Refined Elder Rho found Sai. The other Refined Elder was enjoying some of the local cuisine, talking with a girl that he'd taken a liking to. He didn't have to turn around to notice Elder Rho, with the mind bridge between them in place.
He transferred a few more credits to her account. She smiled warmly. "Come see me again, Sai!"
"I plan to, Haisha."
They went to move through the crowd. All around them, the bustle of the market reminded them of home and of the many Sprilnav who resided within the Primary Galaxy's planets. Rho fed the news through his implant, reading up on his previous charge.
"So Penny is still going to attack them," Rho said.
"Yes," Sai agreed, pulling the last kebab into his jaws, stick and all. He crunched down on it, swallowing quickly. His eyes flitted across the crowd, as did Rho's. When nothing out of the ordinary occurred, they continued moving.
"And do you think she's got a chance?"
"No," Rho said. "Yasihaut's got her cornered on this one. Everyone's too emotional, and the High Judges won't forget that she's the one who caused the damage to the planet."
"Such a shame," Sai said. "She was a promising figure."
"Was? You speak as if she is already dead. Maybe she might surprise us."
"The hierarchy here is not the same as it is back home. Kashaunta cannot buy her way free of the Judgment, and if she attempted to do so it would only make Penny's position worse. Barring extreme cases, there's nothing she can do."
"Like what?"
"Well," Rho began. "There is still a lot that can be bought with money. Like lawyers. With one or two that possess Eonic degrees, it is possible that Penny could walk free. The Alliance is a different story. Their rhetoric was too hostile to the Elders. I can already see the negativity being directed their way by the wider Elder communities I have enrolled in."
"What words do they use?"
"Mostly mixtures of her being either uncivilized, or of being evil."
Sai chuckled, as did Rho. They passed under the arch denoting the entrance and exit of the market and into the streets beyond. Rho and Sai boarded a transport lift, which quickly ascended thousands of floors. The wind whistled against the thin shield that sprang up around them, and the electric lighting began to blend with natural sunlight filtered by the planetary and city-level shields above.
In the mindscape, their position shifted without moving as well. Distant minds faded, and some minds entered their view, fading into existence like shades. Rho paid them little heed, focusing on his partner. Sai looked like he was more tired than usual, so Rho delved into his recent memories.
As it turned out, he'd stayed up several nights in a row studying niche elements of Justicar's food culture.
"You don't have to abandon her, you know," Rho suggested.
"My attention past this will be bad for her if I return."
"But you still might."
"I might. She is quite enticing."
"I can tell," Rho agreed. "I hope she is above age."
"Given the smell of cell therapy on her skin, I would say she is more highly above that age than she'd want us to know," Sai grinned. "But I am glad for your concern. Justicar's child locks will ensure nothing additional comes from this, as do my own genetic seals."
"It is good that we won't be leaving any more strays. Now, I do think we should at least meet with Penny. Before the meeting, we need to gather a more detailed look at her power levels."
"They are high," Sai replied. "Extremely high. She is taking in huge amounts of conceptual power from her title as the Liberator. Kashaunta allows her to gorge herself on psychic energy. Every day, she grows closer to the natural resilience of an Elder."
"She has fought beyond that level."
"That is not what I mean," Sai said. He conjured a mental image of Penny. "Humans store their psychic energy in their skin. This manifests as bars on their skin, first around their cheeks and arms, then legs, chest, back, and extremities. Penny's psychic marks are large enough that they leave physical impressions. Most of what she does is through string-based psychic energy threading. She has strands of psychic energy weaving through her muscles and wrapping every bone in her body. There is more energy in the muscles of her jaws than in nearly 40,000 baseline humans, and roughly 32,000 Sprilnav.
Her whole body contains the energy of about 900 million humans in psychic energy, mostly in her bones and organs. This would match and exceed an Elder in most metrics. But what I mean is passive resilience. You and I are capable of cutting her skin with our claws and swords, with effort. But her impact on reality is deepening, without her having to do anything. The interaction between her psychic energy, her soul, and her conceptual energy is doing what it always does. While we Refined Elders have a more lopsided distribution of psychic energy to conceptual energy than our Elder peers in this galaxy, Penny is doing even more than that. The 60 thousand to 1 ratio we maintain is lesser than her ratio of 76 thousand to 1."
"Impressive statistics. And her mental capacity?"
"Roughly equal. Unlike AIs and Sprilnav with implants, she seems to possess poor abilities of multitasking and splitting her mind. A double-sided attack could cripple her with relatively low levels of mental energy required. Kashaunta likely knows this weakness, but is too treacherous to allow Penny to know it. When Penny is weakest, Kashaunta will take her for her own, whether she wishes it or not. That is what she has always done with her pet projects like this."
"But those were what we observed after her battle with Twilight. We need more recent data," Rho proposed. "I also have a way to get it. As Elders, we have access where most do not. And since we came with her, Justicar will allow us passage. The Correctors may be standing over us, but even Justicar does not know all our tools."
"The quantum scanners are particularly useful inventions," Sai agreed. "I am glad the Elders here seem to be incapable of handling the power requirements. Their biotechnology is sorely lacking, as can be expected of the Secondary Galaxy. They lost the ancient war, after all."
They continued their discussions when the platform finally unsealed at the top of a landing pad. Rho and Sai boarded their ship and detached a small hovercraft from its cargo hold. Hard light holograms latched onto their arms and legs, pressing them against the vehicle which began to hum gently. It glided through the air, its twin engines expertly accounting for the extra weight.
While Sai went hunting for more footage of Penny's battles, Sai began pulling data revealed in articles. Many of them related to the power outputs she was showing in her escape from the 85th Grand Fleet's flagship. Rho's brows lifted at that. A Flagship Protection Unit. Several of them, actually, had been insufficient to defeat her. And then he came upon the next line.
'Due to the human's high running capabilities and extreme levels of energy, the Flagship Defense Unit failed in apprehending her. As of this time, it can be assumed that Penny would not be able to face one in direct battle, but more data would be needed to test this. Unless Penny manages to enter another battle with these powerful defenders, it is unlikely that this news organization will have additional details to cover in this thread. If we are proven wrong, however, you can rest assured that the Justicar World News Network will get the facts out first.'
Rho frowned. "We must bring this up at the meeting," he said in the mindscape. The wind was whistling in his ears in real space, which wasn't the best for talking. He could hear Sai, but it wouldn't be a pleasant experience. Sai pulled out of the network, his eyes regaining their luster. "Penny has a large following of normal Sprilnav online, led by four Elders."
"Oh? Now that is interesting. What do they do?"
"Much of it seems to be online branding. Shirts, signs, and even scarves. We've got our answer for how the audience of the last Judgment got their memorabilia."
"What's the sell price?" Sai asked.
"One credit for a full set. Even though Justicar did the latest inflation reset, that's still quite an affordable price for even the most modest of households."
"And the shirts themselves?"
"Most of them feature stylized images of Penny in battle, or hyperrealistic images of her breaking open cages. Those ones seem quite popular. The 'Liberator' branch of her merchandise sells quite well. I saw a few people out wearing them in support of her, too. Outside. I believe she's actually building this brand for herself to help her case in the Judgment."
"Or maybe someone is pushing it to gain her more conceptual energy."
A few images flashed between them, showing more designs. An image of Penny carrying a child covered in ash in a twisted landscape of metal and broken concrete. Penny standing before a crowd of Sprilnav, pointing to a sky filled with stars and the ship she housed the slaves in flying above. Penny hovering in the sky, wings made of psychic energy strands flowing away from her back.
Bold font texts in several local languages reading 'Liberator' with a front or side view image of her head. Several showed her looking at Elders Kashaunta or Justicar. One particularly bold item showed Penny and Twilight in battle.
"What if this is all natural? Phoebe is locked out of Justicar's network. The flagship and Kashaunta wouldn't be allowed to make all these images themselves at this rate. And the items are real, as are the posts on social media showing them. Penny's trended in various ways nearly half the days since the last Judgment."
"I don't understand that last point of yours. Explain?"
"Justicar's social media is designed to flit from topic to topic, inundating a prospective user with content to keep them on it. So if Penny's been trending this much, then it suggests genuine popularity. It isn't something that is just turned on and off," Rho responded. He gazed at a shirt showing Penny knocking the jaws off a slaver.
"Can this reach the Elders?" Sai asked.
"It might. If they get it in their heads that Penny is 'cool' then she'll start showing up a lot more. She's already all the news talks about."
"But only the High Judges are on this court, along with Indrafabar and Justicar himself. They might not be affected."
"Penny's battle with Twilight might not have endeared her to them. But the story of Nilnacrawla is incredibly touching to many people. And Penny having an adopted Sprilnav father at all is going to mess up Yasihaut's narrative significantly."
"Especially since she went to such lengths to save him, and did so without killing people in the process. An almost saintly feat."
"Then she might win, after all," Rho said. "Good. I'm rooting for her."
"Enough to get one of those shirts?"
"Maybe. I saw one with the... what do they call them?"
Rho pulled up the image.
"Sunglasses, I think. They wear them on their eyes for the same purpose as a sunshade hat would do for us."
"Yeah. Not exactly liking that color, though," Rho replied. "But... wait. There's a dropdown menu."
"Press the button."
"By the Everlasting," Rho breathed. "They're selling it in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrums too. How much money are they making off this?"
"Penny's going to gain support much faster than we expect. The other Refined Elders will need to know of this."
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Conclave Leader Fyuuleen bowed her head as Fleet Commander Maaruunaa and his subordinates knelt before her. A flash of color across her face told them to rise, and their back spines rattled in the frigid air of Keem.
"I am honored to receive you on behalf of the Dreedeen people and before the Ancestors," Fyuuleen said, turning her head toward the large pyramid behind her, which served as the seat of government. A small crowd had gathered to watch the small ceremony, and a few camera drones floated nearby, lights on their sides indicating their remaining battery power.
"I warmly accept your greetings as a Dreedeen and a Fleet Commander," Maaruunaa said. The equivalent of a smile graced his features, and Fyuuleen spread her arms in welcome as she turned around. Maaruunaa took his place at her side, his guards merging seamlessly with her own. Their personal shields attuned themselves to each other, and soon, they were inside the hallway.
"How goes the politics, Fyuuleen?" Maaruunaa asked.
"Poorly," she replied. "The longer I remain in office, the more difficult it is to rein in the Conclave to do what needs to be done."
"Who leads the opposition?"
"Saalee."
"Ah," he said. "Her. I assume our past relationship is why you seek my advice."
"Do I seek your advice?" Fyuuleen asked playfully. "Perhaps I am here to stroll with a friend, under the common work of our people and those who came before us."
Maaruunaa shrugged. "I would say so, but the Liquid Crown cannot hide all of your movements. I trust your experiments with it have yielded results."
"They have not. It has grown more resistant to methods of modification the more I have attempted it. It only seems capable of protection for me, due to my status as the Vessel. It is unfortunate, but not wholly unexpected."
"Worrying tidings, which only seem to grow."
"We are not so eager to enter the Garden of Rest as you may fear," Fyuuleen said. "There are plans in place."
He drew her aside, their shields tuning to block all exiting sound. He placed his claws on hers and spoke using subvocal vibrations.
"I have found spies in my Defense Fleet," Maaruunaa said. "Five Commanders overall. Two for the Sprilnav, one for the Misan, and two for currently unknown nations, which I have confirmed not to be any of our allies."
"Do you have ideas of what incentives have been given?"
"Promises of protection in the case of the Judgment failing. Promises of evacuation for families and some friends."
"My intelligence division has noted increased communication among my enemies as well," Fyuuleen said. "Not enough of them are linked to our enemies, only the most extreme remnants of Tuuraaz's old rings."
"Do you see evidence of cross-species collaboration?"
"I don't, not in my networks. I have discreetly approached Phoebe about this, as well as several national leaders, and they cannot confirm a pattern either. Phoebe did say it is possible the chatter is a sign of a more distant attack coming. That is another reason I have called you back here, to Keem."
"Who knows of this?" Maaruunaa asked.
"Everyone, though not for this reason."
"Ah, the award ceremony."
"You have defended us quite honorably, and are entirely worthy of the Ancestors' Promise."
"I dislike using such a sacred ceremony in such a way," Maaruunaa grumbled.
"As do I," Fyuuleen agreed. "But these enemies are not so easy to fight. They foment dissent carefully, aiming to paralyze the Alliance before fracturing us. It's happening in every major government in the Alliance. Newer members are more commonly spies, now. That is why so many promotions are stalling across the Alliance, which will slowly feed into accusations of either discrimination or a power grab."
"Neither of which we can survive," Maaruunaa finished.
"You can survive it, though I would lose my place as Leader, and perhaps in the Conclave altogether if the outcry is severe enough. If I were not a war hero, that would already have happened."
"Even now, the shadow of Tuuraaz falls upon us," Maaruunaa growled. "Do you have contingencies in place for the spies you have found?"
"Some. But they are careful. None of the Conclave is corrupted, though some of their advisors and subordinates are. I cannot assign my own agencies to investigate them without probable cause. Instead, I made deals in the aftermath of the attack on the Known World."
"The androids," Maaruunaa realized.
"Yes. Their hearing capabilities are greater than most know. The Sprilnav may have an idea of it, though, which may be responsible for the increasing anti-Phoebe rhetoric, especially among Tuuraaz's old support centers."
"The Inclusivity Conundrum."
"Yes. If I outright ban it, I will only play into their claws."
"Why not have Phoebe take care of it, then?"
"She already has too much sway over us. And I cannot sanction her to flood our networks with propaganda or moderation without a vote from the Conclave."
"Unless we are at war."
"Which we are not, not mentally. And if I declared war on anyone, it would both complicate our relationship with the Alliance and cut me down at the knees before shattering me."
"Our people's history is long," Maaruunaa said. "I suggest asking one of your 'guard androids' about it using a non verbal language. Preferably not one from the war."
"Morse Code would work for that. I learned it on a whim in my younger days."
"It would," Maaruunaa said. "Blush for me."
Fyuuleen caught on quickly, seeing a Conclave member approaching from the back of her head. Maaruunaa tapped her warmly on the snout, and Fyuuleen pretended to turn in an embarrassed fashion to face the man. The shield turned to a normal frequency, allowing sound to pass through.
"Ah, Kuulaanaa," Fyuuleen said. "I apologize for this."
"Don't break any of your spines, okay?"
"Conclave member Kuulaanaa, there is no need for such language in the Hall of the Ancestors," Maaruunaa said. "We were simply discussing a... private matter."
"Oh, I'm sure of that. Perhaps Fyuuleen's requirements for a mating contract?"
"That is wholly inappropriate," Fyuuleen said. "Do you have a reason for meeting us here?"
"I was on my way to greet the Fleet Commander outside the building, though I was late for it. Though it seems he already has been greeted quite generously. I have many words for you, Conclave Leader Fyuuleen, but they are of a certain classification, not for non members to overhear."
Kuulaanaa flicked his head, sending ripples through the hanging fabric of his clothes. "When we, too, join the Ancestors, may our descendants be strong and wise."
He turned to leave. Fyuuleen waited before he was distant before waving at Maaruunaa, having successfully planted another small scandal to distract from the more major changes she'd soon start to make. But there were still more preparations to be made.
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Empress Izkrala followed Edu'frec's presentation of what Gaia had said to him. The National Exchange was centered on the matter of Gaia and the upcoming Judgment on Justicar. For now, they were focusing on the story of Earth's past, unknown though it mostly was.
Edu'frec also laid out his reasoning for requesting the right to begin exploring underneath the cracked portion of Earth's crust. Izkrala noted the reactions of the Earth leaders invited to the National Exchange. Many of them seemed quite nervous, with a few looking angry. Meanwhile, the hivemind's face was a mask of impassivity, which Izkrala knew was definitively false.
A potential alien machine buried in the crust of Humanity's homeworld was a serious matter. Izkrala was particularly worried about the timing of such a discovery.
"So to confirm," the American President said. "You are unable to explore this remotely, and this object is confirmed to date back at least 60 million years?"
"Crust age analysis suggests this, yes," Edu'frec said. "And the pressure is too extreme for a personal shield to work in tandem with the magnetic field fluctuations present. Unfortunately, androids will not suffice for such an expedition. Nor would Skira's drones, elite or regular, as was suggested in the previous meeting we had about this."
Skira nodded and corroborated. "Brey teleported one of mine in, and it was crushed within minutes, while being baked alive from the outside in. The field itself also seemed to increase in reactivity as I attempted to approach it."
"Luminary?" the Council Director asked. Juan settled himself, his gaze hard.
Tetelali's massive form couldn't entirely fit in the virtual reality projection, so his hologram showed a scaled-down version of him. "I sent a Junyli pair with shields to explore the site when asked by Edu'frec and Gaia," he said. "So far, the injuries they have sustained prove that there is an unnatural force present in the rock nearby. As some of you might be aware, we Junyli are incredibly resistant to heat and pressure, as we used to live within the upper mantle of the Known World the Knowers inhabit."
He nodded to Dilandekar, who looked like he was incredibly tired. Even now, his eyes wandered, and Izkrala wondered if he was thinking of his latest arguments for keeping his position as the World Researcher.
She didn't envy his position.
"Will they survive?" Izkrala asked.
"They will. They are being treated at the Rakandabilda National Hospital, with intense psychic energy therapies as well as our own natural remedies. Thank you for your concern. Brey managed to maintain a portal which allowed me to extend a tendril of myself to this object, and I have learned that the fields it projects are capable of modifying kinetic energy, apparent mass, heat, and chemical properties. Typically, it would take heat of up to 400,000 degrees Kelvin to actually melt my flesh, with all of my psychic enhancements. Even with that, the mere 1500 Kelvin temperature I measured was already beginning to make my solid crystal turn aqueous. This was with all of the enhancement that I mentioned."
"Aqueous?" Izkrala asked. "So you melted, but what mixed in?"
"An unknown substance which I have given to Edu'frec for studying. So far, he has been able to confirm that it didn't exist on our known periodic tables."
Edu'frec nodded. "The element formed by Tetelali's interactions with the field has... properties that are very poorly understood."
"What do you know, then?"
"This unknown element has a deformed nucleus consisting of around 500 protons and 450 neutrons, and has evidence of partial quark flows, specifically of up and down quarks. Its half life is unknown, but at least millions of years long based on the fact it still existed at all, and its current radiation levels. Study is... difficult, due to the sheer number of unknown quantities existent in this new element."
"Can you provide an explanation for the difficulty?"
"This element breaks nearly the entire model of chemistry and reshapes quantum mechanics models massively," Edu'frec said. "I've checked this thing against all known records in my database. If the Sprilnav can make it, they don't have any records free."
"Do you know anything else about it?"
"It is partial quark matter, which should not exist for numerous reasons, especially not in a stable form on or in an inhabitable planet."
"Why?"
"Because its formation and continual existence would require temperatures in excess of one trillion degrees. This is such a laughable amount of energy that a planet cracker could never generate this amount, unless directed at a far smaller space than we know it impacted on Earth. Psychic energy at least is involved in some way, and this stuff bends reality in a way I can't truly understand. The main issue is one of quantity, though. Tetelali managed to gather around 500 kilograms worth within a single tentacle.
In fact, the only way that this matter wouldn't destroy the planet would be if its heat properties were normal, but it had an adjacent quality which did not impact the matter of the universe, like how dark matter does not interact with baryonic matter. Plate tectonics would spread this as well, albiet slowly. I believe we are stumbling upon an incredibly dangerous object, and should express supreme caution."
"What about the 4th dimension of space?" Blistanna asked. "We know it exists because of Paizma. We know the Sprilnav can make beings that interact with it. Is it possible that this is somehow the shadow of 4th dimensional matter of some kind?"
Edu'frec paused. "... It is possible."
"If so, what can we do?"
"We will need to contact Paizma. Perhaps she will be able to help us."
"But only she could interact with it."
"Not necessarily," Edu'frec said. "I am quite capable of modeling such a space within my mind, even if it is difficult for me to depict. With conceptual energy or psychic energy, it is possible I could manipulate it in some way. But again, the energy involved is extremely risky."
"We should ask Kashaunta," Fyuuleen said. "Much as I hate the Precursors, the Sprilnav are the only ones qualified to help us."
"Kashaunta still has been keeping us all out of the loop on Penny and Phoebe," the Russian President said. "I worry of machinations. So close to the Judgment, and we discover this? After years of silence, we only find this now. Edu'frec, I place no fault on you for this. But even you must understand the possibility of these events being linked. We may be dealing with a malicious actor."
"If Kashaunta is this 'malicious actor,' then we're doomed," Izkrala said. "I posit the interference of an Elder who opposes her. This quark matter that Edu'frec found might explain how the Sprilnav make ships out of neutronium. It might allow us to make leaps and bounds in scientific knowledge. Kinetic manipulation, after all, when done right, can be used to raise and lower temperatures, or to generate artificial gravity."
"But we would have to learn how to safely harness this material. A trillion degrees is hundreds of times hotter than a supernova," Edu'frec said. "If we're going to poke at this, we can't do it on Earth. We can't do it in our own territory, either."
Brey frowned. "I can't move objects like this through my portals," she said. "That is a risk I cannot afford to take, if these things can ignore psychic energy to such an extent. Gaia, what can you tell us of this? Anything?"
"I have faint memories of an anti-gravity field being used aboard an enclosed space. I don't know if it was a ship or a space station. But I don't think we should experiment with this thing too much either."
"Maybe an Alcubierre bubble can transport it safely, or we can experiment inside that?" Izkrala suggested. "They can isolate large amounts of energy."
"Good idea," Edu'frec said. "We should hold some votes before making any final decisions. I won't just go and do this on my own."
"A good quality to have," the American President agreed. "If only your mother agreed."
Many of the human leaders gave small sounds of assent and agreement. Izkrala and Blistanna both frowned.
"Phoebe has her own way of doing things. But please don't insult her just because she makes her own laws. She is more benevolent than many nations would be to us. I respect her more than any other person in existence."
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Truth Speaker Huatil brushed down her feathers, occasionally checking herself in the mirror to ensure she looked proper. The ceremonial clothes came next, with strong but thin fabric draped over her chest, upper legs, and around the start of her wings. She put the final touches of makeup and a hint of perfume on her face.
After a final look, she settled her personal shield on her back and walked out of the room. Her mate, Kawtyahtnakal, was waiting outside, accompanied by six guards.
"You look wonderful," he said, smiling in appreciation of her efforts.
"Thank you, Kawtyahtnakal," Huatil replied, her own smile gracing her face. "I admit that it feels good to look as good as I do."
"Of that, I am sure."
Kawtyahtnakal wore ceremonial armor, with rich golden and silver threads mixing into solid red-painted metal plates. Thanks to his psychic energy, he was still capable of flight, even with a rougher approximation of it than would be normal for Cawlarians. The two of them walked through the palace hallways together, discussing personal matters first. Eventually, as they neared the dining hall, their conversations fell silent.
Several Patriarchs and Regulators waited outside, including Eyahtni. She also wore armor, and had a distinctly feminine aura that could only make Huatil smirk.
"Greetings, Regulator Eyahtni," she greeted. "I am pleased to meet you once again."
"I greet you as well, Truth Speaker Huatil," Eyahtni said. "Tell me, are you enjoying your time here?"
"I would say so," Huatil said. "Shouldn't I be?"
"Yes, most certaintly. Though I must admit, your political background is extensive. As is your military one. Would you not serve in a more official capacity?"
"I have no reason to. I aim to serve my nation by serving my mate, and that is the greatest pair of duties I can have. I do not believe my sole contribution would greatly strengthen our nation, as my pride is more modest than that."
"As is expected."
Eyahtni settled herself, waiting for the doors to open. Huatil knew that the guards had first filled the room with thin mist to check for Sprilnav occupants. Now, it was being drained.
Kawtyahtnakal let out a soft breath. The doors opened, revealing a lavish room filled with food and more guards than before. Some of the personal guards went outside, while those of the highest-profile leaders remained. Patriarch Suannikal was one example, as the most powerful Patriarch and Kawtyahtnakal's main rival and cousin.
He occasionally glanced at the Nest Overlord, though there was nothing concerning about it. They settled around the table, and a hologram slowly materialized next to Huatil.
Fleet Commander Annabelle Weber, one of the main people behind the final drive into the High Kingdom, was now with them, looking quite out of place due to her species despite her own ornate dress. Everyone had been notified that she would be attending, though Suannikal still gave her a concerned glance that Huatil wondered about.
Did the Alliance have any special contacts with him, or was it just the standard diplomatic platitudes to powerful leaders with no true power? Kawtyahtnakal rested a claw on her own, soothing her without even a look.
"I greet you all on behalf of the Alliance," Annabelle said, lifting her dress to perform a curtsey. Her hair fell neatly behind her back, framing her face in that alien way many human females seemed to have. Though it wasn't purely a function of that, since some of the males also sported longer hair.
It was like feather length and thickness between Cawlarian males and females, with variations that allowed for a moderate level of overlap. Soft music began to play, and Kawtyahtnakal opened the dinner with a short toast to their health and began to eat. Despite the amazing taste, the rest of them did the same, digging into their food as politely as possible. Huatil again found herself next to Annabelle, who wasn't eating for obvious reasons.
Her true curiosity lay in the progress of the war, though she had the tact not to ask of it immediately. Perhaps later in the meal.
"How are you doing, Fleet Commander?"
"As well as I can be, Truth Speaker. Thank you for asking. And yourself?"
Annabelle's brows raised upward in a slight expression of practiced curiosity.
"I am doing well also, Fleet Commander, and repeat your thanks as my own for asking of it. How do you find the recent developments among the Sprilnav?"
"I find them to be worrying," Annabelle admitted. "I believe Penny is capable, but I do not trust Kashaunta to deny manipulating her. I worry for the agreements and deals she may have been forced into with little choice of her own to prevent them."
"Your concerns are shared, though we believe Kashaunta is more closely aligned with Penny than mere common interest would suggest."
"What do you mean?"
"Kashaunta plans to use Penny for her own gains, but she also has displayed a shocking level of sympathy for a leader with a history as bloody as hers. Perhaps it is mere charisma, but I worry that she is attempting to draw romantic attention from Penny."
Annabelle smiled. "She will fail, then. Penny is aware the Elder might try such a tactic, and is well prepared to defend against it, as are her mental companions. Kashaunta has also notified us that she has hired a lawyer with an Eonic degree, with is apparently a Sprilnav with a billion years of study on a given subject. A billion of their standard years, not ours. I believe I can have faith in the Alliance's defense through that avenue."
"You do not concern yourself with the possibility of corruption?"
"It is possible, though not fairly likely. With a trial this high profile, any bias displayed would damage Justicar's international credibility. And in this case, he will need to cater to a more national image than a personal one, though both are highly intertwined."
"A fine analysis," Huatil complimented. "Though I worry that you underestimate the lengths Penny's enemies will go to cripple her."
"It is not an underestimation. We believe Phoebe will do what she can on that front, but there are limited supplies we have for her. She is too far away, and any aid we send is highly unlikely to actually reach Justicar before the Judgment ends, assuming it survives the journey through multiple large and expansive Sprilnav middle powers, each of which might take an interest in destroying or confiscating aid we send to Penny for a simple fee. So far from the Alliance's borders, and especially in a Sprilnav territory surrounded by others, our options are highly limited."
"Hmm. Thank you for your explanation."
"You are quite welcome, Truth Speaker. I trust the necessary sources will still be notified of any additional information the Alliance sends you or your mate, yes?"
"You can count on that."
"I am pleased to hear it."
Annabelle turned her attention to another Cawlarian patiently waiting for her to finish. The Regulator engaged in small talk and then began to ask about Annabelle's progress in the war. The human winced slightly but nodded.
"King Siran is moving faster than expected, and has managed to fool the sensors. We believe he has outside help, though at this time none is confirmed. The battle will no longer be in several days, and will be in at least three more weeks, depending on whether we can deliver an FTL suppressor to block them in time."
"Thank you, Fleet Commander. I was sorry to hear of your losses against the planet cracker."
"Thank you, Regulator Kulakaw. Your words soothe my heart, though the pain will never truly fade."
Huatil bowed her head, briefly remembering her own causes for grief before Kawtyahtnakal placed another claw on her own, even while he engaged in an avid conversation with some high-end political donor. She shifted her wings around the chair and released a low hum of pleasure.
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Having finished what he'd wanted to do here on Justicar, Refined Elder Rho found Sai. The other Refined Elder was enjoying some of the local cuisine, talking with a girl that he'd taken a liking to. He didn't have to turn around to notice Elder Rho, with the mind bridge between them in place.
He transferred a few more credits to her account. She smiled warmly. "Come see me again, Sai!"
"I plan to, Haisha."
They went to move through the crowd. All around them, the bustle of the market reminded them of home and of the many Sprilnav who resided within the Primary Galaxy's planets. Rho fed the news through his implant, reading up on his previous charge.
"So Penny is still going to attack them," Rho said.
"Yes," Sai agreed, pulling the last kebab into his jaws, stick and all. He crunched down on it, swallowing quickly. His eyes flitted across the crowd, as did Rho's. When nothing out of the ordinary occurred, they continued moving.
"And do you think she's got a chance?"
"No," Rho said. "Yasihaut's got her cornered on this one. Everyone's too emotional, and the High Judges won't forget that she's the one who caused the damage to the planet."
"Such a shame," Sai said. "She was a promising figure."
"Was? You speak as if she is already dead. Maybe she might surprise us."
"The hierarchy here is not the same as it is back home. Kashaunta cannot buy her way free of the Judgment, and if she attempted to do so it would only make Penny's position worse. Barring extreme cases, there's nothing she can do."
"Like what?"
"Well," Rho began. "There is still a lot that can be bought with money. Like lawyers. With one or two that possess Eonic degrees, it is possible that Penny could walk free. The Alliance is a different story. Their rhetoric was too hostile to the Elders. I can already see the negativity being directed their way by the wider Elder communities I have enrolled in."
"What words do they use?"
"Mostly mixtures of her being either uncivilized, or of being evil."
Sai chuckled, as did Rho. They passed under the arch denoting the entrance and exit of the market and into the streets beyond. Rho and Sai boarded a transport lift, which quickly ascended thousands of floors. The wind whistled against the thin shield that sprang up around them, and the electric lighting began to blend with natural sunlight filtered by the planetary and city-level shields above.
In the mindscape, their position shifted without moving as well. Distant minds faded, and some minds entered their view, fading into existence like shades. Rho paid them little heed, focusing on his partner. Sai looked like he was more tired than usual, so Rho delved into his recent memories.
As it turned out, he'd stayed up several nights in a row studying niche elements of Justicar's food culture.
"You don't have to abandon her, you know," Rho suggested.
"My attention past this will be bad for her if I return."
"But you still might."
"I might. She is quite enticing."
"I can tell," Rho agreed. "I hope she is above age."
"Given the smell of cell therapy on her skin, I would say she is more highly above that age than she'd want us to know," Sai grinned. "But I am glad for your concern. Justicar's child locks will ensure nothing additional comes from this, as do my own genetic seals."
"It is good that we won't be leaving any more strays. Now, I do think we should at least meet with Penny. Before the meeting, we need to gather a more detailed look at her power levels."
"They are high," Sai replied. "Extremely high. She is taking in huge amounts of conceptual power from her title as the Liberator. Kashaunta allows her to gorge herself on psychic energy. Every day, she grows closer to the natural resilience of an Elder."
"She has fought beyond that level."
"That is not what I mean," Sai said. He conjured a mental image of Penny. "Humans store their psychic energy in their skin. This manifests as bars on their skin, first around their cheeks and arms, then legs, chest, back, and extremities. Penny's psychic marks are large enough that they leave physical impressions. Most of what she does is through string-based psychic energy threading. She has strands of psychic energy weaving through her muscles and wrapping every bone in her body. There is more energy in the muscles of her jaws than in nearly 40,000 baseline humans, and roughly 32,000 Sprilnav.
Her whole body contains the energy of about 900 million humans in psychic energy, mostly in her bones and organs. This would match and exceed an Elder in most metrics. But what I mean is passive resilience. You and I are capable of cutting her skin with our claws and swords, with effort. But her impact on reality is deepening, without her having to do anything. The interaction between her psychic energy, her soul, and her conceptual energy is doing what it always does. While we Refined Elders have a more lopsided distribution of psychic energy to conceptual energy than our Elder peers in this galaxy, Penny is doing even more than that. The 60 thousand to 1 ratio we maintain is lesser than her ratio of 76 thousand to 1."
"Impressive statistics. And her mental capacity?"
"Roughly equal. Unlike AIs and Sprilnav with implants, she seems to possess poor abilities of multitasking and splitting her mind. A double-sided attack could cripple her with relatively low levels of mental energy required. Kashaunta likely knows this weakness, but is too treacherous to allow Penny to know it. When Penny is weakest, Kashaunta will take her for her own, whether she wishes it or not. That is what she has always done with her pet projects like this."
"But those were what we observed after her battle with Twilight. We need more recent data," Rho proposed. "I also have a way to get it. As Elders, we have access where most do not. And since we came with her, Justicar will allow us passage. The Correctors may be standing over us, but even Justicar does not know all our tools."
"The quantum scanners are particularly useful inventions," Sai agreed. "I am glad the Elders here seem to be incapable of handling the power requirements. Their biotechnology is sorely lacking, as can be expected of the Secondary Galaxy. They lost the ancient war, after all."
They continued their discussions when the platform finally unsealed at the top of a landing pad. Rho and Sai boarded their ship and detached a small hovercraft from its cargo hold. Hard light holograms latched onto their arms and legs, pressing them against the vehicle which began to hum gently. It glided through the air, its twin engines expertly accounting for the extra weight.
While Sai went hunting for more footage of Penny's battles, Sai began pulling data revealed in articles. Many of them related to the power outputs she was showing in her escape from the 85th Grand Fleet's flagship. Rho's brows lifted at that. A Flagship Protection Unit. Several of them, actually, had been insufficient to defeat her. And then he came upon the next line.
'Due to the human's high running capabilities and extreme levels of energy, the Flagship Defense Unit failed in apprehending her. As of this time, it can be assumed that Penny would not be able to face one in direct battle, but more data would be needed to test this. Unless Penny manages to enter another battle with these powerful defenders, it is unlikely that this news organization will have additional details to cover in this thread. If we are proven wrong, however, you can rest assured that the Justicar World News Network will get the facts out first.'
Rho frowned. "We must bring this up at the meeting," he said in the mindscape. The wind was whistling in his ears in real space, which wasn't the best for talking. He could hear Sai, but it wouldn't be a pleasant experience. Sai pulled out of the network, his eyes regaining their luster. "Penny has a large following of normal Sprilnav online, led by four Elders."
"Oh? Now that is interesting. What do they do?"
"Much of it seems to be online branding. Shirts, signs, and even scarves. We've got our answer for how the audience of the last Judgment got their memorabilia."
"What's the sell price?" Sai asked.
"One credit for a full set. Even though Justicar did the latest inflation reset, that's still quite an affordable price for even the most modest of households."
"And the shirts themselves?"
"Most of them feature stylized images of Penny in battle, or hyperrealistic images of her breaking open cages. Those ones seem quite popular. The 'Liberator' branch of her merchandise sells quite well. I saw a few people out wearing them in support of her, too. Outside. I believe she's actually building this brand for herself to help her case in the Judgment."
"Or maybe someone is pushing it to gain her more conceptual energy."
A few images flashed between them, showing more designs. An image of Penny carrying a child covered in ash in a twisted landscape of metal and broken concrete. Penny standing before a crowd of Sprilnav, pointing to a sky filled with stars and the ship she housed the slaves in flying above. Penny hovering in the sky, wings made of psychic energy strands flowing away from her back.
Bold font texts in several local languages reading 'Liberator' with a front or side view image of her head. Several showed her looking at Elders Kashaunta or Justicar. One particularly bold item showed Penny and Twilight in battle.
"What if this is all natural? Phoebe is locked out of Justicar's network. The flagship and Kashaunta wouldn't be allowed to make all these images themselves at this rate. And the items are real, as are the posts on social media showing them. Penny's trended in various ways nearly half the days since the last Judgment."
"I don't understand that last point of yours. Explain?"
"Justicar's social media is designed to flit from topic to topic, inundating a prospective user with content to keep them on it. So if Penny's been trending this much, then it suggests genuine popularity. It isn't something that is just turned on and off," Rho responded. He gazed at a shirt showing Penny knocking the jaws off a slaver.
"Can this reach the Elders?" Sai asked.
"It might. If they get it in their heads that Penny is 'cool' then she'll start showing up a lot more. She's already all the news talks about."
"But only the High Judges are on this court, along with Indrafabar and Justicar himself. They might not be affected."
"Penny's battle with Twilight might not have endeared her to them. But the story of Nilnacrawla is incredibly touching to many people. And Penny having an adopted Sprilnav father at all is going to mess up Yasihaut's narrative significantly."
"Especially since she went to such lengths to save him, and did so without killing people in the process. An almost saintly feat."
"Then she might win, after all," Rho said. "Good. I'm rooting for her."
"Enough to get one of those shirts?"
"Maybe. I saw one with the... what do they call them?"
Rho pulled up the image.
"Sunglasses, I think. They wear them on their eyes for the same purpose as a sunshade hat would do for us."
"Yeah. Not exactly liking that color, though," Rho replied. "But... wait. There's a dropdown menu."
"Press the button."
"By the Everlasting," Rho breathed. "They're selling it in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrums too. How much money are they making off this?"
"Penny's going to gain support much faster than we expect. The other Refined Elders will need to know of this."
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Conclave Leader Fyuuleen bowed her head as Fleet Commander Maaruunaa and his subordinates knelt before her. A flash of color across her face told them to rise, and their back spines rattled in the frigid air of Keem.
"I am honored to receive you on behalf of the Dreedeen people and before the Ancestors," Fyuuleen said, turning her head toward the large pyramid behind her, which served as the seat of government. A small crowd had gathered to watch the small ceremony, and a few camera drones floated nearby, lights on their sides indicating their remaining battery power.
"I warmly accept your greetings as a Dreedeen and a Fleet Commander," Maaruunaa said. The equivalent of a smile graced his features, and Fyuuleen spread her arms in welcome as she turned around. Maaruunaa took his place at her side, his guards merging seamlessly with her own. Their personal shields attuned themselves to each other, and soon, they were inside the hallway.
"How goes the politics, Fyuuleen?" Maaruunaa asked.
"Poorly," she replied. "The longer I remain in office, the more difficult it is to rein in the Conclave to do what needs to be done."
"Who leads the opposition?"
"Saalee."
"Ah," he said. "Her. I assume our past relationship is why you seek my advice."
"Do I seek your advice?" Fyuuleen asked playfully. "Perhaps I am here to stroll with a friend, under the common work of our people and those who came before us."
Maaruunaa shrugged. "I would say so, but the Liquid Crown cannot hide all of your movements. I trust your experiments with it have yielded results."
"They have not. It has grown more resistant to methods of modification the more I have attempted it. It only seems capable of protection for me, due to my status as the Vessel. It is unfortunate, but not wholly unexpected."
"Worrying tidings, which only seem to grow."
"We are not so eager to enter the Garden of Rest as you may fear," Fyuuleen said. "There are plans in place."
He drew her aside, their shields tuning to block all exiting sound. He placed his claws on hers and spoke using subvocal vibrations.
"I have found spies in my Defense Fleet," Maaruunaa said. "Five Commanders overall. Two for the Sprilnav, one for the Misan, and two for currently unknown nations, which I have confirmed not to be any of our allies."
"Do you have ideas of what incentives have been given?"
"Promises of protection in the case of the Judgment failing. Promises of evacuation for families and some friends."
"My intelligence division has noted increased communication among my enemies as well," Fyuuleen said. "Not enough of them are linked to our enemies, only the most extreme remnants of Tuuraaz's old rings."
"Do you see evidence of cross-species collaboration?"
"I don't, not in my networks. I have discreetly approached Phoebe about this, as well as several national leaders, and they cannot confirm a pattern either. Phoebe did say it is possible the chatter is a sign of a more distant attack coming. That is another reason I have called you back here, to Keem."
"Who knows of this?" Maaruunaa asked.
"Everyone, though not for this reason."
"Ah, the award ceremony."
"You have defended us quite honorably, and are entirely worthy of the Ancestors' Promise."
"I dislike using such a sacred ceremony in such a way," Maaruunaa grumbled.
"As do I," Fyuuleen agreed. "But these enemies are not so easy to fight. They foment dissent carefully, aiming to paralyze the Alliance before fracturing us. It's happening in every major government in the Alliance. Newer members are more commonly spies, now. That is why so many promotions are stalling across the Alliance, which will slowly feed into accusations of either discrimination or a power grab."
"Neither of which we can survive," Maaruunaa finished.
"You can survive it, though I would lose my place as Leader, and perhaps in the Conclave altogether if the outcry is severe enough. If I were not a war hero, that would already have happened."
"Even now, the shadow of Tuuraaz falls upon us," Maaruunaa growled. "Do you have contingencies in place for the spies you have found?"
"Some. But they are careful. None of the Conclave is corrupted, though some of their advisors and subordinates are. I cannot assign my own agencies to investigate them without probable cause. Instead, I made deals in the aftermath of the attack on the Known World."
"The androids," Maaruunaa realized.
"Yes. Their hearing capabilities are greater than most know. The Sprilnav may have an idea of it, though, which may be responsible for the increasing anti-Phoebe rhetoric, especially among Tuuraaz's old support centers."
"The Inclusivity Conundrum."
"Yes. If I outright ban it, I will only play into their claws."
"Why not have Phoebe take care of it, then?"
"She already has too much sway over us. And I cannot sanction her to flood our networks with propaganda or moderation without a vote from the Conclave."
"Unless we are at war."
"Which we are not, not mentally. And if I declared war on anyone, it would both complicate our relationship with the Alliance and cut me down at the knees before shattering me."
"Our people's history is long," Maaruunaa said. "I suggest asking one of your 'guard androids' about it using a non verbal language. Preferably not one from the war."
"Morse Code would work for that. I learned it on a whim in my younger days."
"It would," Maaruunaa said. "Blush for me."
Fyuuleen caught on quickly, seeing a Conclave member approaching from the back of her head. Maaruunaa tapped her warmly on the snout, and Fyuuleen pretended to turn in an embarrassed fashion to face the man. The shield turned to a normal frequency, allowing sound to pass through.
"Ah, Kuulaanaa," Fyuuleen said. "I apologize for this."
"Don't break any of your spines, okay?"
"Conclave member Kuulaanaa, there is no need for such language in the Hall of the Ancestors," Maaruunaa said. "We were simply discussing a... private matter."
"Oh, I'm sure of that. Perhaps Fyuuleen's requirements for a mating contract?"
"That is wholly inappropriate," Fyuuleen said. "Do you have a reason for meeting us here?"
"I was on my way to greet the Fleet Commander outside the building, though I was late for it. Though it seems he already has been greeted quite generously. I have many words for you, Conclave Leader Fyuuleen, but they are of a certain classification, not for non members to overhear."
Kuulaanaa flicked his head, sending ripples through the hanging fabric of his clothes. "When we, too, join the Ancestors, may our descendants be strong and wise."
He turned to leave. Fyuuleen waited before he was distant before waving at Maaruunaa, having successfully planted another small scandal to distract from the more major changes she'd soon start to make. But there were still more preparations to be made.
2024.05.22 06:02 Sudden_Can9751 Stuck with Singer 513
Hello,
This is my first post and it's about a big problem I'm having trying to accomplish my first sewing project, which is replacing the zipper on my garage door screen. The machine is a Singer 513 and just when I got half the zipper sewed on, the long, narrow feed dog gear broke. So I got a new one along with the other feed dog gear.
Now, the hook gears have to be removed in order to repalce the feed dog gears. Incidentally, I decided to also replace the hook gears, so all the gears are the same color! The problem is, I cannot remove the hook gears. You can look the the attached pic for reference. Please note the picture was taken before I actually started the work and before any set screws were removed.
There you can see the two hook gears. Let's focus on orange one in particular to begin with. You can't see much of it but you know it's there. I watched multiple videos on youtube in which that gear was removed. They simply removed the two set screws and the gear practically fell off by itself. How simple!
Not so fast! I removed the two set screws and the gear will not budge. I tried some shots of PB Blaster penetrating stuff normally used to free rusted bolts or anything stuck. Hasn't helped. It's like there's just something extra I'm missing.
Interesting (or not) thing is there is just a bit of play with this gear; it has maybe a 1/2mm vertical play. The short shaft it goes on plays along right with the gear and they move up and down in unison over the 1/2mm play distance. Not sure if that means anything but how the heck can I get that gear off?
Thank you for any ideas!
To reiterate what turned out to be mice type in the pic, the set screws have been removed as well as the gunk and fuzz but the orange/brown hook gear will not come off the shaft.
submitted by Sudden_Can9751 to sewhelp [link] [comments]
This is my first post and it's about a big problem I'm having trying to accomplish my first sewing project, which is replacing the zipper on my garage door screen. The machine is a Singer 513 and just when I got half the zipper sewed on, the long, narrow feed dog gear broke. So I got a new one along with the other feed dog gear.
Now, the hook gears have to be removed in order to repalce the feed dog gears. Incidentally, I decided to also replace the hook gears, so all the gears are the same color! The problem is, I cannot remove the hook gears. You can look the the attached pic for reference. Please note the picture was taken before I actually started the work and before any set screws were removed.
There you can see the two hook gears. Let's focus on orange one in particular to begin with. You can't see much of it but you know it's there. I watched multiple videos on youtube in which that gear was removed. They simply removed the two set screws and the gear practically fell off by itself. How simple!
Not so fast! I removed the two set screws and the gear will not budge. I tried some shots of PB Blaster penetrating stuff normally used to free rusted bolts or anything stuck. Hasn't helped. It's like there's just something extra I'm missing.
Interesting (or not) thing is there is just a bit of play with this gear; it has maybe a 1/2mm vertical play. The short shaft it goes on plays along right with the gear and they move up and down in unison over the 1/2mm play distance. Not sure if that means anything but how the heck can I get that gear off?
Thank you for any ideas!
To reiterate what turned out to be mice type in the pic, the set screws have been removed as well as the gunk and fuzz but the orange/brown hook gear will not come off the shaft.
2024.05.22 05:41 ukulele_villain01 1 y/o Frenchie, abnormal behaviors or "just a puppy?" Advice appreciated.
 | To preface, I'm not a fan of french bulldogs- specifically the unethical practices surrounding them. I'm big into animal welfare and I don't exactly find physical deformities "cute," to put it bluntly. submitted by ukulele_villain01 to DogAdvice [link] [comments] Despite my protests and advice, my parents decided a french bulldog was the dog they wanted (especially my mom) and they got a puppy from a breeder who, from what it sounded like to me, was breeding for color patterns with how much they were emphasized in the post my mom showed me. No idea about the parent's temperament or anything. This dog is a year old now and has several less than great behaviors that, despite training a husky with typical obedience tricks as well as some fun ones like playing dead, putting her nose through encircled hands, spinning, weaving, barking on command, etc., I have only been able to teach this french bulldog to stay for no longer than 7 seconds and lay down maybe half the time and only when I have food over 6+ months of attempted training. I've suggested professional training to my parents several times with little action following. The frenchie jumps up on the tables with an impressive 3 and a half foot vertical that enables her to get into every little space she shouldn't be in. She's relatively well potty trained from when we first got her, but she will still go indoors probably once or twice a week. She's incredibly food driven and has no sense of regulation, either with food or water- she'll drink until she bloats and eats so fast she throws up half the time, even with a slow feeding bowl. She'll patrol the floors looking for things to eat even on a full stomach, usually ending up eating tufts of husky fur or bits of torn up toys. At her recent vet visits, they found no signs of parasites or anything of the sort. She'll jump up on the table or chairs and try to take your food, or at least just sit there and beg for it until you look away for a moment at which point she'll try and snatch at it. She doesn't follow any direction to get down until I stand up and move towards her, which she then may jump down- or the more common option, until I push her off/pick her up and set her on the ground. She just jumps back up anyways most of the time. She'll do alright in a kennel sometimes, but majority of the time she SCREAMS to be let out. She barks near constantly outside of her kennel too. We can't vacuum around her because she attacks machines, potentially because of the noise. She'll jump at you unprompted and bite at you without relenting even at exclamations of pain or disapproval. The only way you can get her to stop is through redirection which works for MAYBE a minute at best (typically just the seconds trying to shove a toy in her mouth) before she comes back to bite at you again. It seems like she's playing at first but will often devolve into outright aggression, lunging at you endlessly. She doesn't tire, even after throwing her off of you over and over for 30 minutes at which point I'll leave the room and shut the door behind me. Luckily we've been outside when she's attacked chickens that escaped the coop so she hasn't killed any, but she's gotten pretty close. She has no desire to please like every other dog I've owned (huskies, great danes, german shepherds, etc.- funnily enough, mostly dogs bred to do a job instead of be a house pet or a money making scheme) and seems to delight in not following commands like she does it out of spite. Could be me putting human traits into her behavior, but telling her no or showing any disapproval seems to actively fuel her disobedience and make her act even worse. She'll get up in your face and bite and bark at you when sitting or laying down. She'll throw her entire body weight into you and snap at your hands when standing. The only time she chills the hell out is when she's sleeping, in which she'll insist on sleeping next to you and will whine and bark at you all night if you keep moving her away/off the bed or into her kennel. My mom insists this is just "puppy behavior" and that, just because she doesn't piss on the floor as often, she's "getting better." She also says I just don't like her because of my dislike of the breed- though it's not the breed specifically I don't like, rather the practices surrounding them. She can be sweet (rarely), though my dad agrees that the dog is a pain in the ass 99% of the time. Do y'all think this is normal behavior for a 1 year old dog or is she just as much of a shithead as I think she is? (I know, no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners- most objectively fitting term to describe her though.) Through all 4 dogs before her that I've owned and other puppies I've met, I don't remember any of them being quite as bad as this. Any suggestions for training or things to look into are appreciated- if there's anything in my behaviors I should change or specific things I should try in an attempt to address certain problems, please let me know what I can do. I'm leaving for college in August and I'd like to at least make this dog TOLERABLE and socially acceptable before I leave so she's not as much of a nightmare in the future. |
2024.05.22 04:43 offsugar Mamoru Oshii's review of 'Howl's Moving Castle'
A Simple Yet Thought-Provoking Doorway
Interviewer: Howl's Moving Castle was a huge success as well, with box office revenue reaching 19.6 billion yen. This places it second only to Spirited Away among Studio Ghibli films. The original story is by Diana Wynne Jones, and the screenplay was written by Mr. Miyazaki.Mamoru Oshii: Howl's Moving Castle is excellent, my favorite among Ghibli's works. The story isn't entirely clear, the logic doesn't always hold up – these aspects haven't changed much from Miyazaki's past films. But, at this point, there's nothing more to say about those points. So, what do I appreciate about this film? In a word, it's the mechanism of that doorway. Miyazaki's changing mindset as he gets older is clearly expressed through that door's workings.
Interviewer: The door of Howl's castle leads to different worlds, and its mechanism is divided into four parts.
Mamoru Oshii: That truly impressed me. Every time the mechanism shifts, the door opens to a different world. The black passage leads to the battlefield, flames are raging, Howl transforms into a monstrous bird and flies off, then returns completely exhausted. Seeing Howl like that, Calcifer says, "He might not come back." What kind of meaning do you think that holds?
Interviewer: Does it represent Mr. Miyazaki's heart being divided into four parts?
Mamoru Oshii: It's not about the number. Women might not understand easily, but men get it right away. Especially older men, they understand at a glance. Because they are also constantly turning that doorway unconsciously. In other words, whether consciously or unconsciously, they always play multiple roles. An older man working at a company switches modes when he comes home; when playing with a young woman somewhere else, he switches again; when interacting with his son and daughter, he switches yet another time. Simply put, humans are creatures that live separately in different worlds. There may also be a dark side that leads one to become a monster. People definitely possess a side that turns into a monster and runs rampant on the battlefield, and are destined to coexist with this darkness.
I've never seen a film that depicts the multiplicity of an older man's inner world in such a persuasive way. I love it. The doorway mechanism turns, and the world changes instantly. It's fantastic.
Interviewer: That's high praise indeed.
Mamoru Oshii: It is. But it's dangerous, you know? Sometimes you slip up and reveal a side you shouldn't in front of your wife and children. Wives are probably aware of this to a certain extent, but they don't bring it up. If you ask me, that's what living with a man is all about. You might not notice it when you're dating, but after getting married and having children, women realize that older men use different faces in different situations.
Being able to create this kind of expression means that Miyazaki himself must have struggled with switching between different faces. By now, he's probably become quite adept at it. I'm the same way. After all, film directors have to be geniuses at switching gears – the face shown to staff, the face shown to producers, the face when alone, the face shown to family – you really have to separate them all.
Interviewer: That sounds truly exhausting.
Mamoru Oshii: It is, it is. A person like Miyazaki must have a remarkable monster dwelling within him, right? For Howl, that represents the moment when he throws aside all humanity and becomes a monster. Although it's incredibly difficult, even requiring him to fight till he's covered in blood, he can't escape it. Why? Because he couldn't survive without that side of himself.
He must have referenced other archetypes as well, but no one else could have expressed it so brilliantly. Miyazaki truly is one of a kind. That doorway in the film is so good that it overshadows everything that comes after. The war ending abruptly, for instance.
Interviewer: In the first place, it's unclear why the war even started. To be honest, there are too many things that don't make sense. Sophie's original goal was to break the Witch's curse, but somewhere along the way, this goal disappears, and she ends up living with the Witch.
Mamoru Oshii: That's why it's pointless to try to apply logic. This is Miyazaki's world of imagination, where the laws of cause and effect don't apply. This world itself is Miyazaki's fantasy.
Interviewer: But there is a source material.
Mamoru Oshii: Half of it has probably vanished without a trace, wouldn't you say? All that's left is the basic setting. The castle's design is amazing, it even has a torpedo launcher, doesn't it? It makes you wonder what that torpedo launcher is for and what it's supposed to fire at. It feels like Miyazaki just crammed in everything he likes.
Miyazaki and My "View of Family"
Interviewer: I love the design, though.Mamoru Oshii: It can accommodate anything, and this time he put "family" in it.
Producer Toshio Suzuki said something interesting. He was also the producer for my film, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence. He said: "It's fascinating how both Miyazaki and you are making the same kind of film. In short, the theme is "home". Both are stories about family. Miyazaki's film expresses the idea that whether it's an old witch or an orphan, it's fine to welcome anyone into the family, because we're all family. And in your film, whether it's a dog or a doll, it doesn't matter if they're not human. It's a very interesting approach to considering a new kind of family."
Interviewer: Mr. Suzuki is insightful.
Mamoru Oshii: He's the kind of person who observes from such unique angles. That's his strength, thinking from perspectives no one else would consider.
Of course, I wasn't conscious of it either. I had no intention of making a story about family. The "unconscious genius" Miyazaki must have been the same. But when Suzuki pointed it out, I felt "that's exactly right". When people establish a sense of shared existence, the most basic form of it is family. Of course, there are male-female relationships within it, but when viewed from the perspective of social relationships, there's nothing other than family. Even blood ties aren't necessarily essential within it. Originally, the starting point of family is strangers, no blood relation needed. A married couple is essentially a pair of complete strangers with no initial blood ties. They start from a marital relationship and then begin to build kinship ties. It's not like in Shuji Terayama's Throw Away Your Books, Rally in the Streets where people separate first and then spend time exploring family forms in various ways. That's probably how it is.
Thinking about it this way, even the house they live in in Howl's Moving Castle walks on two legs, doesn't it? What does that mean? It means that it's no longer even connected to the concept of "settling down", which represents the idea of family. The characteristics of a house being rooted in the land are irrelevant. On the other hand, in Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, it doesn't matter whether you're human or not, but you need to be with others to live as a human being.
Looking at both films from the perspective of family makes many things easier to understand, that's for sure. If you don't think about it this way, the content of Howl's Moving Castle will become more and more perplexing as you watch it.
Hayao Miyazaki is David Lynch?
Interviewer: Speaking of family, Sophie's family is nowhere to be found. It's as if she's just a beloved and beautiful younger sister that everyone adores.Mamoru Oshii: After watching Howl's Moving Castle, no one can recall the details of the story clearly. I watched it twice, which is rare for me, but I still can't remember the story. The protagonist Howl appears suddenly, and Sophie is introduced already sewing hats, but why is it a hat shop?
Interviewer: It's a hat shop in the original story.
Mamoru Oshii: But it must be because Miyazaki wanted to draw scenes of hat making, right? Miyazaki loves artisans, loves depicting scenes of crafting things. Up until now, he's always had this tendency - even if it sacrifices consistency to some extent, he'll find a way to realize the scenes and fantasies he envisions. But with Howl's Moving Castle, he completely let go and took a straight path to fantasy. Howl's Moving Castle is exactly that kind of film. Whether or not there's source material is irrelevant. The story of Howl's teacher is a typical example.
Interviewer: Voiced by Akihiro Miwa, the character of the Witch of the Waste, right?
Mamoru Oshii: Scenes like the shooting stars are undeniably beautiful, but do they have anything to do with the story? Miyazaki's impression of magic must be these beautiful visuals, so he simply wanted to create them.
Interviewer: It's not just that, the character of the Master is completely incomprehensible.
Mamoru Oshii: I've said this so many times, you can't seek consistency in Miyazaki's films because they're all fantasies. It's best to view them through the lens of David Lynch's Twin Peaks.
Interviewer: Lynch's films don't prioritize consistency either. Nobody expects a logically sound story from his work.
Mamoru Oshii: Then why have such expectations for Miyazaki's films? They're both transforming their own fantasies into films, whether it's Lynch or Miyazaki.
Interviewer: "Hayao Miyazaki is David Lynch", that's quite a bold statement.
Mamoru Oshii: There's one crucial difference between Lynch and Miyazaki: Lynch sees humans as frightening creatures. Lynch's theme is singular – the terror of humanity. As a Lynch fan, I've finally reached this conclusion recently. Humans are terrifying beings; they create terrifying events. This is the theme of Lynch's works. The very existence of humans is eerie, so his works are unconcerned with good and evil, angels and demons. That's why Lynch's films are unique.
So, what about Miyazaki? Miyazaki genuinely wants to view humans as benevolent creatures and the world as something beautiful. This fundamentally differs from Lynch, who is obsessed with a world of horror. However, they share the commonality of realizing their fantasies through film. Another difference is that Lynch consciously depicts horror, while Miyazaki does so unconsciously.
Interviewer: In the latter half of the film, Sophie suddenly shifts between being young, middle-aged, and elderly. Is there any meaning behind this?
Mamoru Oshii: No, it's just to make her appearance fit the scene. They simply decided, "It's better for her to be young here", and that's about it. There's probably no deeper reason. So even if you try to overanalyze it, you won't find anything.
Interviewer: It's fine if you don't fully understand Lynch's films, but you still want to try and understand Miyazaki's.
Mamoru Oshii: Because at first glance, they appear to be orthodox narrative films.
No matter how many bursts of fantasy there are, he still wants to reach a conclusion and summarize the meaning in the end, right? In that sense, he's still clearly more timid than Lynch.
Interviewer: But you said that Howl's Moving Castle is your favorite work, didn't you?
Mamoru Oshii: Yes. Even though it doesn't fully let go in the end, it's quite transparent before reaching the conclusion. It doesn't force itself into a narrative structure, so in that sense, I really appreciate it. The doorway mechanism and the scene where the Witch of the Waste makes shooting stars fall from the sky are both incredibly beautiful and impressive. Although the depiction of the royal palace feels somewhat generic, the scene where they're panting and climbing the palace stairs is quite interesting. There are truly many excellent scenes.
Howl is Miyazaki Himself
Interviewer: In that stair-climbing scene, there's a dog named Heen. Don't you think he resembles you a bit?Mamoru Oshii: That dog... (laughs) The staff kept telling me about him when the film was released, and I could definitely sense some malice directed at me. Because Heen is a useless dog, isn't he? His personality seems quite bad as well.
Interviewer: So he's like you. When I saw it, I couldn't help but think, "It's Oshii!"
Mamoru Oshii: Because I've also poked fun at them many times in my own works. I named the old man who runs Shanghai Tei in Patlabor "Hayao Saki". Mr. Takahata appears as "Inspector Takahata", although he's a villain (laughs). Needless to say, Toshio Suzuki has made multiple appearances as well.
But if that dog is me, then Howl must be Miyazaki. He projected himself onto the protagonist in Porco Rosso, didn't he?
Interviewer: Wait a minute, that handsome Howl? Really?
Mamoru Oshii: Absolutely. The works where Miyazaki projected himself onto the protagonist are Porco Rosso, Howl's Moving Castle, and The Wind Rises. What aspects of Howl resemble Miyazaki? This statement will surely shock many fans.
Mamoru Oshii: He wants to be that kind of man. A wizard, the head of a household - there's no doubt that Howl is his projection.
Interviewer: But Howl said, "I can't live without being beautiful."
Mamoru Oshii: That's right, he transformed from a pig and uttered those words. Voiced by Takuya Kimura, no less. In reality, Miyazaki loves to be cool, but he understands that it doesn't suit him, so he intentionally makes himself appear plain. I forget when it was, but he even imitated Ryotaro Shiba's style by wearing a black coat. Miyazaki respects Ryotaro Shiba a lot, although I dislike him.
What strikes me as the biggest similarity between Howl and Miyazaki is the scene where Howl returns to the castle as a monster and sluggishly climbs to the second floor.
That scene embodies Miyazaki's true feelings - even if he's making a big fuss outside, he still has to crawl back to his room. When Sophie scolds him saying, "You did it again! It can't be helped", didn't you feel like he must have been scolded by his wife this way too? He finally returns, but as a monster. From this perspective, he's really quite transparent (laughs).
As long as you understand Miyazaki, you can pick up on these amusing nuances. But even if you don't know him personally, the film is full of interesting scenes and beautiful visuals. However, there's really nothing to say about the plot. So, they should just tell the world that, but instead, people love to praise "how great the stories are" in Miyazaki's films.
2024.05.22 04:35 MojoShoujo Wait, how did I do that?! Question on my first finished floor loom project
 | First: I finished my first floor loom project, just in time! My best friends' wedding is on Saturday and this set of towels is their present. I'm so thrilled they turned out so well! submitted by MojoShoujo to weaving [link] [comments] The background: I wove this on a vintage 4 heddle Harrisville. The yarn is 70/30 cotton/poly Big Twist from Joann. I warped 6 yards and got five 14x28" towels, plus a test swatch and a washcloth, out of it, although I could have gotten a little more if I hadn't run out of weft yarn and felt like going back to the store. Two of the towels (the first and the last) plus the washcloth are tabby weave, and the other three are different diagonal or zigzag twills. A couple of the warp threads broke during the process but for the most part it went really smoothly. I did 25" of length on each towel with the same yarn as the warp, and an inch and a half on each edge in a finer crochet cotton to make it easier to fold over and hem. After cutting and hemming I put them in the wash on gentle cycle, then in the dryer normally. The plot twist: When I took them out and started rolling them up for a nice presentation, I noticed that one of my tabby weave towels had a cool texture. It's almost got a diagonal brickwork texture to it! I definitely did NOT do that on purpose, but I may want to do it again in the future. How did this happen? How would I do it on purpose, or avoid it if I don't want it? |
2024.05.22 04:23 adulting4kids Tarot History
The history of tarot is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and traverses various cultures. The origins of tarot cards can be traced back to 15th-century Italy, where they emerged as playing cards. The initial purpose of these decks was purely recreational, serving as a game known as "tarocchi" or "triumphi."
In conclusion, the history and evolution of tarot reflect its remarkable journey from humble playing cards to a multifaceted tool deeply embedded in modern culture. As tarot continues to weave its way through diverse aspects of society, from online communities to therapeutic practices, its enduring relevance lies in its adaptability, symbolism, and capacity to inspire self-discovery.
From the mysterious origins of the 15th century to its current role as a global phenomenon, tarot has transcended cultural and historical boundaries. As it integrates with technology, influences art and literature, and finds new applications in mental health and wellness, tarot remains a dynamic force that resonates with those seeking spiritual insights, artistic expression, and personal transformation.
Whether approached through a psychological lens, as a form of self-reflection, or as part of broader cultural movements, tarot's journey reflects the human quest for meaning, connection, and the exploration of the inner self. Its rich tapestry of symbolism continues to captivate individuals across the globe, making tarot a timeless and ever-evolving companion on the diverse paths of human experience.
submitted by adulting4kids to tarotjourneys [link] [comments]
- Early Playing Cards (15th Century):
- Origin: Tarot cards likely originated in northern Italy in the early 15th century. The oldest surviving complete deck is the "Visconti-Sforza" deck, dating back to the 1440s.
- Function: Originally used for games, tarot decks were adorned with symbolic imagery, including allegorical illustrations and trump cards.
- Tarot in France (Late 15th Century):
- Migration: Tarot cards crossed into France in the late 15th century, and the game evolved with the addition of the 22 trump cards, known as the Major Arcana.
- Symbolism: The Major Arcana introduced iconic characters and archetypal symbols, enhancing the cards' allegorical significance.
- Occult Associations (18th Century):
- Esoteric Interest: In the 18th century, interest in the occult and mystical arts surged in Europe. Tarot cards gained esoteric significance, with scholars attributing hidden meanings to the cards beyond their gaming purpose.
- Etteilla: The French occultist Etteilla published influential tarot interpretations, contributing to the transformation of tarot into a tool for divination and self-discovery.
- The Rider-Waite-Smith Deck (Early 20th Century):
- Revolutionary Design: In 1909, A.E. Waite and Pamela Colman Smith collaborated on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, featuring vivid illustrations and intricate symbolism. This deck became immensely popular and served as the foundation for many modern tarot decks.
- Divinatory Focus: The Rider-Waite-Smith deck emphasized the mystical and divinatory aspects of tarot, influencing the widespread adoption of tarot for spiritual and introspective purposes.
- Tarot in the New Age Movement (20th Century Onward):
- Popularization: The mid-20th century witnessed a surge in interest in mysticism, the occult, and alternative spiritual practices. Tarot cards gained popularity within the New Age movement, becoming a tool for self-reflection, divination, and personal growth.
- Diverse Decks: The latter half of the 20th century saw the creation of diverse tarot decks, each with unique themes and interpretations, catering to different spiritual traditions and personal preferences.
- Modern Tarot Practices (21st Century):
- Global Appeal: Tarot has transcended cultural boundaries and gained a global following. The internet has played a significant role in disseminating tarot knowledge, making it accessible to a diverse audience.
- Integration with Psychology: Many practitioners view tarot through a psychological lens, using the cards as a tool for introspection, therapy, and personal development.
- Diverse Tarot Systems and Cultural Influences:
- Cultural Adaptations: Tarot has adapted to various cultural contexts, leading to the creation of decks that draw inspiration from different mythologies, traditions, and artistic styles.
- Themed Decks: Modern tarot enthusiasts can explore decks inspired by Norse mythology, Celtic traditions, Eastern philosophies, and more, allowing for a rich diversity of interpretations and connections.
- Tarot and Popular Culture:
- Media Exposure: Tarot has found its way into mainstream media, with references in literature, movies, and television series. This exposure has contributed to its widespread recognition and acceptance.
- Creative Interpretations: Popular culture has inspired artists and creators to produce tarot decks with themes ranging from fantasy and science fiction to contemporary pop culture references, showcasing the adaptability of tarot symbolism.
- Tarot in Digital Age:
- Online Platforms: The digital age has transformed tarot readings, making them accessible through online platforms and mobile apps. Virtual tarot readings and communities provide a global forum for discussion and learning.
- Digital Decks: Tarot decks are now available in digital formats, enabling users to explore and engage with the cards through virtual platforms, expanding the reach of tarot practices.
- Tarot as a Personalized Tool:
- Self-Expression: Many individuals now create their own tarot decks, infusing personal symbols, experiences, and artistic styles into the cards. This personalized approach enhances the connection between the user and the cards.
- Intuitive Reading: Modern tarot practices often emphasize intuitive reading, encouraging users to trust their instincts and personal interpretations rather than relying strictly on traditional meanings.
- Scientific and Skeptical Perspectives:
- Psychology and Tarot: Some psychologists view tarot as a projective tool that can tap into the unconscious mind, offering insights into one's thoughts and emotions.
- Skepticism and Tarot: Skeptics often approach tarot from a psychological or statistical standpoint, exploring the phenomenon through the lens of cognitive biases and the placebo effect.
- Tarot Communities and Education:
- Learning Resources: The availability of books, online courses, and workshops has contributed to the education and skill development of tarot practitioners. This has empowered individuals to deepen their understanding of tarot symbolism and interpretation.
- Community Engagement: Tarot communities, both online and offline, provide platforms for sharing experiences, seeking guidance, and fostering a sense of community among practitioners.
- Tarot Ethics and Professionalization:
- Code of Ethics: In modern tarot practices, professional readers often adhere to ethical guidelines. These guidelines emphasize confidentiality, client empowerment, and responsible use of divination tools.
- Certification and Training: Some tarot practitioners pursue formal training and certification programs to enhance their skills and professionalism, contributing to the recognition of tarot reading as a legitimate and ethical practice.
- Scientific Research on Tarot:
- Psychological Studies: While scientific research on tarot is limited, some studies explore the psychological aspects of tarot reading. Research has investigated how individuals interpret symbols, engage in reflective thinking, and experience a sense of empowerment through tarot readings.
- Cognitive Science Perspectives: Tarot's intersection with cognitive science has led to examinations of how the mind processes symbolic information and the impact of belief systems on perception.
- Tarot and Intersectionality:
- Inclusivity: Tarot communities increasingly emphasize inclusivity, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives, cultures, and identities. Decks that reflect a broader range of experiences and backgrounds contribute to a more inclusive tarot landscape.
- Intersectional Readings: Practitioners may integrate intersectionality into their readings, acknowledging the complexity of individual identities and experiences within a broader social context.
- Tarot's Influence on Art and Literature:
- Literary Works: Tarot symbolism has inspired numerous works of literature, poetry, and art. Authors and artists often incorporate tarot themes to explore psychological, spiritual, and philosophical concepts.
- Tarot in Visual Arts: Tarot continues to be a muse for visual artists, with contemporary artworks reimagining and interpreting the traditional tarot archetypes in new and innovative ways.
- Tarot and Holistic Wellness:
- Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: Tarot is increasingly integrated into holistic wellness practices that emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It complements approaches like meditation, mindfulness, and energy healing.
- Wellness Retreats and Workshops: Wellness retreats and workshops may incorporate tarot as a tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and stress reduction, aligning with the broader holistic wellness movement.
- Tarot and Technology Integration:
- Mobile Apps and Online Platforms: Technology has facilitated the accessibility of tarot through mobile apps and online platforms, offering virtual readings, digital decks, and interactive tarot experiences.
- Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have the potential to transform tarot experiences, providing immersive and interactive readings.
- Tarot and Social Media:
- Online Communities: Social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, have become hubs for tarot enthusiasts. Tarot readers share daily card pulls, interpretations, and create educational content, fostering a vibrant online community.
- Global Connections: Social media has facilitated global connections among tarot practitioners, allowing for the exchange of diverse perspectives, interpretations, and deck recommendations.
- Tarot in Mental Health Practices:
- Therapeutic Applications: Some mental health professionals incorporate tarot into therapeutic practices, using it as a tool for self-reflection, exploration of emotions, and promoting therapeutic dialogue.
- Mindfulness and Coping: Tarot readings can be used as a mindfulness practice, helping individuals cultivate self-awareness and coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges.
- Tarot's Evolving Symbolism:
- Living Symbolism: Tarot symbolism is not static; it evolves over time. Modern tarot decks often reinterpret traditional symbols to reflect contemporary values, ensuring that the cards remain relevant and resonant with current cultural contexts.
- Innovative Decks: Artists continue to create innovative tarot decks that explore diverse themes, introducing new symbols and archetypes that speak to a wide range of experiences.
- Tarot and Ritual Practices:
- Ritualistic Use: Tarot is incorporated into various ritual practices, from simple daily card pulls to more elaborate ceremonies. These rituals can serve as a form of meditation, intention-setting, or connection with spiritual energies.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Some practitioners align tarot practices with seasonal changes, using specific spreads or decks to explore themes associated with the solstices, equinoxes, and other significant astrological events.
- Tarot and Gender Representation:
- Expanding Archetypes: Modern tarot decks often challenge traditional gender roles and expand archetypal representations. Decks may feature diverse gender identities and expressions, offering a more inclusive and fluid understanding of the archetypal energies within the cards.
- Feminist Tarot: Some decks explicitly adopt feminist perspectives, reimagining traditional tarot symbolism to empower and celebrate the diverse experiences of individuals across the gender spectrum.
- Tarot as Literary Inspiration:
- Literary Works and Tarot: Tarot continues to inspire literary works, with novels, poems, and plays incorporating tarot themes and archetypes. Authors explore the psychological and symbolic depths of tarot, infusing their narratives with mystical and esoteric elements.
- Narrative Exploration: Tarot's narrative potential serves as a source of inspiration for storytellers, offering a structure that mirrors the hero's journey or provides a framework for exploring characters' internal and external conflicts.
In conclusion, the history and evolution of tarot reflect its remarkable journey from humble playing cards to a multifaceted tool deeply embedded in modern culture. As tarot continues to weave its way through diverse aspects of society, from online communities to therapeutic practices, its enduring relevance lies in its adaptability, symbolism, and capacity to inspire self-discovery.
From the mysterious origins of the 15th century to its current role as a global phenomenon, tarot has transcended cultural and historical boundaries. As it integrates with technology, influences art and literature, and finds new applications in mental health and wellness, tarot remains a dynamic force that resonates with those seeking spiritual insights, artistic expression, and personal transformation.
Whether approached through a psychological lens, as a form of self-reflection, or as part of broader cultural movements, tarot's journey reflects the human quest for meaning, connection, and the exploration of the inner self. Its rich tapestry of symbolism continues to captivate individuals across the globe, making tarot a timeless and ever-evolving companion on the diverse paths of human experience.