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Weekly Update 3/31/23

2023.03.31 17:51 CryptographerOk2258 Weekly Update 3/31/23

Pastel Community Update (March 31, 2023)
The next generation NFT focused blockchain. Certifiable authenticity. Permanent storage. Negligible fees. Build, secure, and scale your Web3 ecosystem with Pastel.
The Pastel Team has been extremely busy with a number of major development updates, partnership rollouts, and product releases. Check back here each week for new developments
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Weekly community snapshots shared across our various channels.
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Join us for a Twitter Space with @astardegens on 3/31 at 12:00 PM EST as we dive into the world of #DAOs, #NFTs, and the current market trends!
Key Updates:
🚨Partnership with Astar Network🚨
Pastel Network is excited to announce that it will be working with @AstarNetwork, a layer1 parachain in the Polkadot ecosystem. Astar provides the infrastructure for building dApps with EVM and WASM smart contracts offering developers true interoperability with cross-consensus messaging (XCM) and a cross-virtual machine (XVM). Astar and Pastel will collaborate with the goal of providing Pastel’s Web3 tooling solutions — Sense and Cascade — to its NFT ecosystem. This collaboration signifies the continued successes of both Pastel and Astar, and is a massive step forward for the overall NFT ecosystem. It is a testament to the growing need for NFT reliability, security and verifiability, solved via Pastel’s advanced infrastructure.
Learn more on Medium
In case you missed it, please listen to our twitter space with @ArtZero_io, @agoric, and @Kryha_io teams discussing all things NFT Security & Marketplaces.
🚨Discord Banner Competition🚨
Thank you to all the talented artists that participated in our Discord Banner competition, so many wonderful and unique pieces. You can still view all of them here🎨 Congratulations to our winners: (1)Zaccube, (2)CThumbs, (3)CryptoDNA
🚨Collaborations🚨
Happening Live now or if you missed our Twitter Space with @AstarDegens on 3/31 at noon EST we dive into the world of #DAOs, #NFTs, and the current market trends! Listen to this insightful discussion here
Check out our collaboration with @Agoric, @kryhia_io, and @Sandytoes2211 as SmartMint was used to mint their work.
🚨SmartMint on Twitter 🚨
It is our great pleasure to announce that SmartMint will now have a Twitter presence. The SmartMint twitter account has officially launched.
We are always looking for artists to collaborate with, please inquire on any social media platforms
🚨Addition of Status Page🚨
We're continuously #building to ensure that our users have the most powerful Web3/NFT infrastructure at their disposal
We recently released a Status Page so you can monitor the performance of our infrastructure & services in real time. Check it out here!
🚨Wrapped PSL🚨
Wrapped PSL or wPSL exists to transfer tokens across platforms. We have noticed the buzz about wPSL (wrapped PSL), so we’ve created a video about it! 🔗wPSL holders can store on wallets such as MetaMask 💹You can also trade on Ethereum DEXs
wPSL is available on Uniswap. Watch our video and learn more here
🚨Pastel Testnet Faucet Release🚨
Our Testnet Faucet is now live. The launch of this independent network enables users to obtain LSP (Pastel Testnet Tokens) to experiment with and develop in the Pastel Testnet environment. This gives users the ability to experiment with Pastel features without having to spend valuable PSL on the mainnet.
Learn more about Pastel's Testnet Faucet
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Become a Supernode operator today & gain increased credibility in the validator community & earn exclusive rewards from the foundation, such as PSL or NFT airdrops, in addition to receiving Block & Transactional Rewards.
🚨Cascade Protocol🚨
Cascade has numerous concrete advantages over competing systems such as IPFS & Arweave, particularly when it comes to censorship resistance, data permanence & data accessibility.
Check out our technical paper on Cascade, Pastel's storage layer. Cascade is an extremely powerful & robust storage system for true data permanence that is both completely decentralized & highly scalable. Learn more here
🚨Sense Protocol🚨
Sense is a Near-Duplicate NFT detection protocol powered by the Pastel Network. Assess the relative rareness of a given NFT against near-duplicate metadata on networks like Ethereum, Solana, etc to prevent prevalent scams or theft. Try it yourself here and watch it work here
🚨Monet 1.2 Mainnet Release 🚨
The Pastel team has been working hard on this upgrade that will be live soon. Here are some features that will be included in the upgrade. Learn more about Monet 1.2 Mainnet release. Users will have the opportunity to experiment with Monet before the release using testnet.
-Storage challenges in Cascade guarantee ongoing data permanence & decentralization on the network across active & compliant Supernodes. -Activation of Supernode Health and State Challenges: Similar to Proof of Storage, Health & State Challenges will guarantee the ongoing active and enabled state of each Supernode client on the network. -Stabilization of Sense Protocol: Improvements to Chrome Driver usage, updates to Webtools 1.3, and implementation of additional tickets. -Release of the OpenAPI Gateway: Production-ready Gateway will be deployed via the Mainnet with support for a number of new endpoints, asynchronous execution, Ansible support for independent deployment, and a graphical user interface for interaction.
🚨2023 Roadmap and Review of 2022🚨
Pastel released its 2023 roadmap, including a review of 2022. Pastel Network 2022 in review and roadmap for 2023 shows great progress made in the previous year and much promise for the year ahead.
Upcoming year
Upcoming Mainnet Releases
🚨News and Developments🚨
🥝Check out our latest YouTube video featuring an amazing conversation with NFT artist @wondermundo!
🍧Check out this Twitter Space with the @agoric and @kryha_io teams discussing decentralized systems
📀CoinTelegraph looks into industry leaders’ tips (inlcuding Pastel’s own Anthony Georgiades) for regulators
🌸Check out this Twitter Space with u/gameofskills discussing Web3 gaming and much more
🐱Catcoin discusses the Astar partnerhship
⚓Pastel Networks co-founder, Anthony Georgiades talks about what regulators can do in this Cointelegraph article
💡 Check out this Medium article on how Sense is revolutionizing NFT provenance written by Ima-Abasi Pius Joseph
🌡️ Pastel Networks co-founder, Anthony Georgiades talks about his optimism for the market in this CoinDesk article
👀 CoinDesk features co-founder, Anthony Georgiades, and what Coinbase's transition means for crypto
🌵Bitcoin Insider discusses how Pastel protects and stores artists’ NFTs
💚Check out how Pastel Network protects and stores artist’s NFTs in this Bitcoin Insider article.
-Crypto News
⭐CoinDesk Twitter provides you with daily crypto updates
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🌀ABC calls cryptocurrency a “bystander” in SVB collapse
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🌺CoinTelegraph shares how to bridge the gap to web3
-Pastel Archive
🚧We released a Builder’s Guide for ecosystem partners integrating w/ Pastel. Come build with us here.
🌯wPSL or wrapped is explained in this video and
🚧Pastel is completely open-source. Check out what we are working on here.
💫If you could not attend our Twitter Space with u/wondermundo on 2/17, hear it here
🌀Testnet tutorial video
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📹Check out this youtube demonstration showing what happened when we compared OpenSea’s new duplicate detection system to Sense Sense Comp Analysis
-Pastel news and essays
♠️NFT real estate explained
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submitted by CryptographerOk2258 to PastelNetworkOfficial [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:50 dj-asthma Here's a vent sesh for no reason:

tl;dr:
My 'new grad' job is very underwhelming, shows no signs of changing. I'm doing some reading and making some moves to try and fix my situation, but I also want to complain out loud.
Let's bitch about corporate work being a joke.


So, for quick professional background:
- which is to say that I've been doing quality-based stuff for a while before my current job. I got a bachelor's in electrical engineering and did some software work, aiming to land a decent position in engineering somewhere.

I picked up this job after graduation, titled "software quality engineer" and as it turns out, it's pretty lame. I don't actually work on the software, and I don't actually engineer anything. I just run the apps, push the buttons, and tell the devs if it works or not. I've pointed out that I want to do engineering work at all my manager one-on-one meetings. I've applied to a lot of internal positions or developer jobs. I get the usual ghosting from recruiters and hiring managers, and even people I work directly with don't offer much more than mights and maybes.
A few points from some of those manager meetings:

Those two points got me thinking:
If I have quality history, why am I an entry level tester? If I'm an entry level engineer, why am I not engineering anything? It's beginning to sound to me like I was just snookered into a lower slot because it was my first "big" job out of school and I didn't know how to pull the right details out of the interview. It's doubly frustrating since the market is crap and getting into different work is very difficult right now, more so because for the last two years, I haven't been doing any work that applies to an engineering resume. I'm effectively trapped in this position now.

I want to bring this up at my next meeting, since I'm legit upset about it, but I don't imagine it will do any good. In fact, I suspect it will likely just move me up the list of people to fire sooner rather than later. The pay for the job is fine - in all honesty - and I, of course, need to keep paying my bills, so I can't exactly walk out without another job lined up (see above paragraph). Still, it doesn't keep up with the cost of living for where they require me to commute, and it doesn't seem to offer any actual opportunities to advance or do any real work.
I've been looking for a new job since about six months into this one. Nothing has come up so far, and I'm not sure if I should stick this out until the bridge burns or just walk and take my chances.
submitted by dj-asthma to antiwork [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:49 Gloomy_Ad_5843 Durandal copypasta

Hey guys, did you know that in terms of Valkyrie marriage material Durandal is the best choice, not only is she human which is a mammal, Durandal has measurements of 88,59,89 at a similar age to Kiana, just imagine how she will be when she is the same age as APHO Mei but her hips are larger than her chest size which is a healthy Ratio for child bearing and with her being the strongest Valkyrie and able to break through walls I can be rough with her.
Due to her iconic ability of being outstanding at everything and the writers dropping hints in the Himeko Durandal conversation where Himeko says
Only you can make the punching bag moan like that.
There's no dought in my mind that Durandal would be incredibly good in bed, so good that I can easily have segggggs with her for hours without getting sore.
She also have beautiful elegant Blonde hair and gentle blue eyes, and is very active and disciplined making it really easy to convince my family to allow me to marry her as well as she has a curvy figure thick thighs in the beta we could see her beautiful black lingerie, she is very strict yet gullible making her play both a Dom and a Sub role in bed so it would be extremely easy for her to get me in the mood.
With her being the Captain of the immortal blades she has an unending number of women who looks extremely beautiful are in deep admiration for her so marrying her will make them admire you as someone with incredible value and will not hesitate to do things you ask of them.
Also being warriors those Valkyries have to go through hard times and depressing events so you can offer to be their comfortstation and Durandal being so caring for her soldiers and gullible I am sure she wouldn't mind.
Also fun fact, her curly hair can give me a great hair job. :P
submitted by Gloomy_Ad_5843 to houkai3rd [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:48 dominique_999 Old furnace leaking Carbon Monoxide

Hi not sure if I’m posting in the correct sub but my parents’ house’s furnace in the basement stopped working suddenly. They got it checked out and apparently it was leaking CO?! I noticed that I’d get flu-like symptoms when I’d go to visit, and could never put my finger on why. They’re getting a new furnace installed today, and I’m set to visit next Thursday for a few days to help them with something.
I’m concerned about their health and mine; does carbon monoxide linger in the air after it’s been leaked from a furnace?? Should we get a detector, and if it detects a high amount (not sure how I’d discern that based on numbers), what then?
Thanks in advance
submitted by dominique_999 to HomeImprovement [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:47 dblack246 [Spoilers Published] About that event below Storm's End.

[Spoilers Published] About that event below Storm's End.

"The seeing, the true seeing, that is the heart of it." -Syrio Forel Arya V, AGOT.

If only it were this easy to see through a glamor.
In book one, George is kind enough to give a guide to how to read the story by way of Syrio Forel. Syrio tells us there will be deceptions ahead and we have to see through these deceptions.
"The cat was an ordinary cat, no more. The others expected a fabulous beast, so that is what they saw. How large it was, they said. It was no larger than any other cat, only fat from indolence, for the Sealord fed it from his own table. What curious small ears, they said. Its ears had been chewed away in kitten fights. And it was plainly a tomcat, yet the Sealord said 'her,' and that is what the others saw. Are you hearing?"
Arya thought about it. "You saw what was there."
"Just so." Id.
If you've read some of my musing here and wondered why I think Quentyn wasn't burned by a dragon; Robb didn't name Jon heir, or Mance did not go to Winterfell to save Arya, it is because I am trying to spot whether George has taken an ordinary cat and convinced readers it is a fabulous beast. I think George has invited most readers to conclude they saw a fabulous beast below Storm's End in Davos II. I think instead of witnessing the birth of a shadow baby, we saw a well-executed, carefully crafted and expertly timed glamor. I am going to attempt to lay out why the event below Storm's End was a glamor.
If you haven't already skipped to the comments to tell me this is unhinged tinfoil, thank you for that. It is always nice when people consider the argument before responding. I fully expect some passionate pushback on this one. As we were told in "They Live", people can be somewhat resistant to a new perspective. I do not mind if you disagree. Theories do not improve in echo chambers. I only ask that you consider the offerings and that your disagreement be polite and constructive.
So, a quick recap for those who have not poured over Davos II, ACOK in a while. Following the death of Renly in Catelyn IV, ACOK, (and we will get to that because that is really important) Stannis is camped outside of Storm's End demanding the castle and Edric Storm. Ser Courtnay Penrose refuses.
Ser Cortnay did not seem surprised. "Is it the justice of your cause you doubt, my lord, or the strength of your arm? Are you afraid I'll piss on your burning sword and put it out?"
"Do you take me for an utter fool, ser?" asked Stannis. "I have twenty thousand men. You are besieged by land and sea. Why would I choose single combat when my eventual victory is certain?" The king pointed a finger at him. "I give you fair warning. If you force me to take my castle by storm, you may expect no mercy. I will hang you for traitors, every one of you."
"As the gods will it. Bring on your storm, my lord—and recall, if you do, the name of this castle." Ser Cortnay gave a pull on his reins and rode back toward the gate.
Stannis then speaks with Davos about the matter with Melisandre present. Melisandre sees that Stannis trusts Davos.
Davos had come too far with Stannis to play coy now. "Last year they were Robert's men. A moon ago they were Renly's. This morning they are yours. Whose will they be on the morrow?"
And Stannis laughed. A sudden gust, rough and full of scorn. "I told you, Melisandre," he said to the red woman, "my Onion Knight tells me the truth."
"I see you know him well, Your Grace," the red woman said.
Stannis tells Davos of Melisandre's vision as well as the need to take the Castle.
Davos Seaworth felt the small hairs rising on the back of his neck. "My lord, I do not understand you."
"I do not require your understanding. Only your service. Ser Cortnay will be dead within the day. Melisandre has seen it in the flames of the future. His death and the manner of it. He will not die in knightly combat, needless to say." Stannis held out his cup, and Devan filled it again from the flagon. "Her flames do not lie. She saw Renly's doom as well. On Dragonstone she saw it, and told Selyse. Lord Velaryon and your friend Salladhor Saan would have had me sail against Joffrey, but Melisandre told me that if I went to Storm's End, I would win the best part of my brother's power, and she was right."
Davos offers some protest, but he does not refuse his king.
"I must have the boy, Davos. Must. Melisandre has seen that in the flames as well."
Davos groped for some other answer. "Storm's End holds no knight who can match Ser Guyard or Lord Caron, or any of a hundred others sworn to your service. This single combat . . . could it be that Ser Cortnay seeks for a way to yield with honor? Even if it means his own life?"
A troubled look crossed the king's face like a passing cloud. "More like he plans some treachery. There will be no combat of champions. Ser Cortnay was dead before he ever threw that glove. The flames do not lie, Davos."
Yet they require me to make them true, he thought. It had been a long time since Davos Seaworth felt so sad.
Keep in mind that Davos is required here. Put a pin in that for now we'll get back to that. Shortly thereafter, Davos sails then rows Melisandre beneath the walls of Storm's End. While they row there, they speak of other deaths Davos has connected to Melisandre.
"Yet you mean to kill a man tonight," he said. "As you killed Maester Cressen."
"Your maester poisoned himself. He meant to poison me, but I was protected by a greater power and he was not."
"And Renly Baratheon? Who was it who killed him?"
Her head turned. Beneath the shadow of the cowl, her eyes burned like pale red candle flames. "Not I."
"Liar." Davos was certain now.
Melisandre laughed again. "You are lost in darkness and confusion, Ser Davos."
So Davos has some interesting thoughts here. He thinks Melisandre came here to kill Penrose though she did not say this. He believes she killed Cressen and Renly though she denies it. Davos without any real evidence other than proximity, blames Melisandre for events. This is not an uncommon mistake. Story characters do this all the time and people reading the story do the same. This is human nature.
Mel claims she needs to be inside the walls of Storm's End.
Together they tied off the sail as the boat rocked beneath them. As Davos unshipped the oars and slid them into the choppy black water, he said, "Who rowed you to Renly?"
"There was no need," she said. "He was unprotected. But here . . . this Storm's End is an old place. There are spells woven into the stones. Dark walls that no shadow can pass—ancient, forgotten, yet still in place."
When they arrive beneath Storm's End...
"Have we passed within the walls?"
"Yes. Beneath. But we can go no farther. The portcullis goes all the way to the bottom. And the bars are too closely spaced for even a child to squeeze through."
There was no answer but a soft rustling. And then a light bloomed amidst the darkness.
Davos raised a hand to shield his eyes, and his breath caught in his throat. Melisandre had thrown back her cowl and shrugged out of the smothering robe. Beneath, she was naked, and huge with child. Swollen breasts hung heavy against her chest, and her belly bulged as if near to bursting. "Gods preserve us," he whispered, and heard her answering laugh, deep and throaty. Her eyes were hot coals, and the sweat that dappled her skin seemed to glow with a light of its own. Melisandre shone.
Panting, she squatted and spread her legs. Blood ran down her thighs, black as ink. Her cry might have been agony or ecstasy or both. And Davos saw the crown of the child's head push its way out of her. Two arms wriggled free, grasping, black fingers coiling around Melisandre's straining thighs, pushing, until the whole of the shadow slid out into the world and rose taller than Davos, tall as the tunnel, towering above the boat. He had only an instant to look at it before it was gone, twisting between the bars of the portcullis and racing across the surface of the water, but that instant was long enough.
He knew that shadow. As he knew the man who'd cast it.
And shortly after this event we learn Penrose died.
"Why no, I trust you implicitly." A bitter laugh echoed off the shuttered windows. "I trust you like one of my own blood, in truth. Now tell me how Cortnay Penrose died."
"It is said that he threw himself from a tower."
So there are several possible theories about how Penrose died. The first theory--and by far the most popular-- is that the shadow Davos saw threw Penrose over the walls. And yes, that is a theory because we do not see the shadow do anything and therefore we can't point to text to clearly state this shadow is real. A second theory--one I have not even seen Preston Jacobs offer--is the shadow Davos saw was nothing more than a glamor and Penrose was killed by some other act. I believe the second theory is the more likely of the two to be true. And I will offer why herein.

Why I think it was a glamor

So after seeing a shadow kill Renly in the Catelyn POV, and seeing Melisandre give birth to a shadow that entered Storm's End, and learning that Penrose was thrown over the walls I am going to argue that what Davos saw was a glamor?
Yes, I am.
Glamors are a major story plot point as are the varying levels of success characters have with spotting glamors. Characters and readers are given several clues on how to spot glamors and I think if we apply those lessons to what we see below Storm's End, we can make a strong argument that this was a glamor.
I am not here to convince you I got this right. The only purpose of this post is to share my thoughts and perhaps get a few of you to consider whether the fantastic beast the author offered you was actually something less spectacular. If after reading and considering, you are convinced the shadow beneath Storm's End was real, that is fine. You might even be right. It is just a theory I have that I offer for your consideration.

Melisandre and glamors

So any argument that the Storm's End event could be a glamor must start with a good understanding of what glamors are, how they operate and their limitations. After trying to define the elements of a glamor as presented to us in the text, I will see if that is consistent with what Davos sees below Storm's End.
As Syrio explained to Arya (and to us readers), a glamor gives the appearance of something present that is not really there. People with sharp eyes can see through glamors. This position is repeated to Arya (and the readers) by the Kindly Man.
"Mummers change their faces with artifice," the kindly man was saying, "and sorcerers use glamors, weaving light and shadow and desire to make illusions that trick the eye. These arts you shall learn, but what we do here goes deeper. Wise men can see through artifice, and glamors dissolve before sharp eyes" The Ugly Little Girl, ADWD.
Melisandre also acknowledges that glamors are a trick of the visual and they are not foolproof.
"The spell is made of shadow and suggestion. Men see what they expect to see. The bones are part of that." Was I wrong to spare this one? "If the glamor fails, they will kill you." Melisandre, ADWD.
Her line about men seeing what they expect to see is important. This does not just apply to story characters. I think it can be applied to readers as well. We will get back to this.
You'll recall before she showed the crowd at Dragonstone a glamored sword, she told them they would see a sword of fire.
Melisandre was robed all in scarlet satin and blood velvet, her eyes as red as the great ruby that glistened at her throat as if it too were afire. "In ancient books of Asshai it is written that there will come a day after a long summer when the stars bleed and the cold breath of darkness falls heavy on the world. In this dread hour a warrior shall draw from the fire a burning sword. And that sword shall be Lightbringer, the Red Sword of Heroes, and he who clasps it shall be Azor Ahai come again, and the darkness shall flee before him." She lifted her voice, so it carried out over the gathered host. "Azor Ahai, beloved of R'hllor! The Warrior of Light, the Son of Fire! Come forth, your sword awaits you! Come forth and take it into your hand!" [...]
"A sword of fire!" shouted Queen Selyse. Ser Axell Florent and the other queen's men took up the cry. "A sword of fire! It burns! It burns! A sword of fire!"
Melisandre lifted her hands above her head. "Behold! A sign was promised, and now a sign is seen! Behold Lightbringer! Azor Ahai has come again! All hail the Warrior of Light! All hail the Son of Fire!" Davos I, ACOK.

So we know when dealing with Melisandre, we should always question whether a glamor is in play because it is one of the tools in her bag and she is very good at using them to get what she wants. With that in mind, let's discuss the limitations of glamors.
We know glamors can dissolve before sharp eyes as Arya who was trained by Syrio to see through glamors demonstrates.
"Let us see." The priest lowered his cowl. Beneath he had no face; only a yellowed skull with a few scraps of skin still clinging to the cheeks, and a white worm wriggling from one empty eye socket. "Kiss me, child," he croaked, in a voice as dry and husky as a death rattle.
Does he think to scare me? Arya kissed him where his nose should be and plucked the grave worm from his eye to eat it, but it melted like a shadow in her hand.
The yellow skull was melting too, and the kindliest old man that she had ever seen was smiling down at her. "No one has ever tried to eat my worm before," he said. "Are you hungry, child?" Arya I, AFFC.
Also important to note is that because glamors only impact the visual sense, when other senses come to bear, you start to question what you see.
Davos knelt, and Stannis drew his longsword. Lightbringer, Melisandre had named it; the red sword of heroes, drawn from the fires where the seven gods were consumed. The room seemed to grow brighter as the blade slid from its scabbard. The steel had a glow to it; now orange, now yellow, now red. The air shimmered around it, and no jewel had ever sparkled so brilliantly. But when Stannis touched it to Davos's shoulder, it felt no different than any other longsword. "Ser Davos of House Seaworth," the king said, "are you my true and honest liege man, now and forever?" Davos IV, ASOS.
Those who do not rely on the visual aren't so easily fooled.
The king frowned. "Everyone else has seen the thing, why not a blind man?" His swordbelt and scabbard hung from a peg near the hearth. He took the belt down and drew the longsword out. Steel scraped against wood and leather, and radiance filled the solar; shimmering, shifting, a dance of gold and orange and red light, all the bright colors of fire.
"Tell me, Samwell." Maester Aemon touched his arm.
"It glows," said Sam, in a hushed voice. "As if it were on fire. There are no flames, but the steel is yellow and red and orange, all flashing and glimmering, like sunshine on water, but prettier. I wish you could see it, Maester." [...]
Maester Aemon was lost in thought as Sam helped him down the narrow turnpike stair. But as they were crossing the yard, he said, "I felt no heat. Did you, Sam?"
"Heat? From the sword?" He thought back. "The air around it was shimmering, the way it does above a hot brazier."
"Yet you felt no heat, did you? And the scabbard that held this sword, it is wood and leather, yes? I heard the sound when His Grace drew out the blade. Was the leather scorched, Sam? Did the wood seem burnt or blackened?"
"No," Sam admitted. "Not that I could see." Samwell V, ASOS.
Maester Aemon is telling us that a glamor can have no impact on the physical. There will be nothing to feel, it will leave no marks on the environment. It is strictly a thing of the visual. Which is why Mel insists Mance wear those bones.
Melisandre felt the warmth in the hollow of her throat as her ruby stirred at the closeness of its slave. "You have put aside your suit of bones," she observed.
"The clacking was like to drive me mad."
"The bones protect you," she reminded him. "The black brothers do not love you. Devan tells me that only yesterday you had words with some of them over supper." Melisandre, ADWD.
And...
Every day I think how easy it would be to pry it out, and every day I don't. Must I wear the bloody bones as well?"
"The spell is made of shadow and suggestion. Men see what they expect to see. The bones are part of that." Was I wrong to spare this one? "If the glamor fails, they will kill you." Id.
The bones are important to the Rattleshirt glamor because everyone expects to hear the clacking of the bone armor. When things are different from what is expected, keen minds notice.
One time Arya woke in the dark, frightened for no reason she could name. Above, the Red Sword shared the sky with half a thousand stars. The night seemed oddly quiet to her, though she could hear Yoren's muttered snores, the crackle of the fire, even the muffled stirrings of the donkeys. Yet somehow it felt as though the world were holding its breath, and the silence made her shiver. She went back to sleep clutching Needle.
Come morning, when Praed did not awaken, Arya realized that it had been his coughing she had missed. Arya II, ACOK.
Mel wants Mance to wear the bones to keep people from looking closer. Jon almost noticed something was off with the fRattleshirt when they fought in the yard. But Jon has not been trained to see through glamors as George has tried to train we readers.
The point of all these citations is to make it clear that you can spot a glamor by looking for evidence beyond the visual. If the only proof a thing is present is that you see a thing, you might want to look closer especially if it involves a known glamor caster. George has consistently showed us via Aemon's questioning of Lightbringer and Arya's grabbing the worm, that physical impact matters. And this is also the approach he took with the Renly event.

The Renly Shadow

In my informal discussions on the subject, the response I get most often to the suggestion that the Storm's End shadow is glamor is "what killed Renly then?" This is an excellent question and one we must look at because I think the details of the Renly event really help us understand why the Storm's End event might just be a light show. Here is the relevant text from the Renly event.
"I beg you in the name of the Mother," Catelyn began when a sudden gust of wind flung open the door of the tent. She thought she glimpsed movement, but when she turned her head, it was only the king's shadow shifting against the silken walls. She heard Renly begin a jest, his shadow moving, lifting its sword, black on green, candles guttering, shivering, something was queer, wrong, and then she saw Renly's sword still in its scabbard, sheathed still, but the shadowsword . . .
"Cold," said Renly in a small puzzled voice, a heartbeat before the steel of his gorget parted like cheesecloth beneath the shadow of a blade that was not there. He had time to make a small thick gasp before the blood came gushing out of his throat. Catelyn IV, ACOK.
This was no glamor. We know this because in addition to Cat and Brienne seeing it, the shadow had a clear impact on the physical world. George writes that the shadow entered the tent with a parting of the tent door, then when it was near Renly he felt cold and finally we saw the shadow rip through a steel gorget and open Renly's throat.
We are also told Stannis has a telepathic link to the shadow that killed Renly.
For a long time the king did not speak. Then, very softly, he said, "I dream of it sometimes. Of Renly's dying. A green tent, candles, a woman screaming. And blood." Stannis looked down at his hands. "I was still abed when he died. Your Devan will tell you. He tried to wake me. Dawn was nigh and my lords were waiting, fretting. I should have been ahorse, armored. I knew Renly would attack at break of day. Devan says I thrashed and cried out, but what does it matter? It was a dream. I was in my tent when Renly died, and when I woke my hands were clean." Davos II, ACOK.
So I will say unequivocally that a real shadow assassin with the face of Stannis killed Renly. I am not arguing against that or denying that. However, this does not mean Melisandre birthed the shadow that killed Renly.
Melisandre kinda tells on herself in the next book.
"No." Perhaps he should have lied, and told her what she wanted to hear, but Davos was too accustomed to speaking truth. "You are the mother of darkness. I saw that under Storm's End, when you gave birth before my eyes."
"Is the brave Ser Onions so frightened of a passing shadow? Take heart, then. Shadows only live when given birth by light, and the king's fires burn so low I dare not draw off any more to make another son. It might well kill him." Melisandre moved closer. "With another man, though . . . a man whose flames still burn hot and high . . . if you truly wish to serve your king's cause, come to my chamber one night. I could give you pleasure such as you have never known, and with your life-fire I could make . . ."
". . . a horror." Davos retreated from her. "I want no part of you, my lady. Or your god. May the Seven protect me."
Melisandre drew of enough light to make at least one son from Stannis likely the one that killed Renly. She claims she can make more with another man, but if that is the case, why aren't there an army of them? There is no lack of men who would want to bed Melisandre either for pleasure or to serve the Red God. Why are there not more shadows? I think it is because she is not the one with the power; it's Stannis ( We will get to that part of the theory in a bit).
I know. You are like "What?! Obviously she did. She is a shadow binder from the West and we see her giving birth. We can put two and two together. We don't need to see it."
I am not suggesting any of you lack the ability to put two and two together. That would be rude and insulting and I am not fond of such discourse. I will however suggest that maybe what you think are two and two aren't two and two because even if the Renly tent shadow is a two, when you do a side-by-side with the Strom's end shadow... well that thing is too different to be a two.
The Renly tent shadow:
  • is of normal size;
  • opens a tent door;
  • brings a feeling of cold;
  • tears open steel;
  • kills on site;
  • looks like Stannis;
  • seems to have a telepathic bond with Stannis; and
  • We have no direct knowledge of where this thing came from.
The Storm's End shadow:
  • Is notably larger;
  • Slithers around gates;
  • Gives Davos no feeling of cold;
  • Isn't observed making any impact on the environment;
  • Does not kill with a stab on site;
  • Is directly summon by a glamor caster with a shock of blinding light after she reached into her robes where she tells us she keep special powders that make things appear greater than they are; and
  • has the face of Stannis.
So yes, two plus two is four. But since that Renly tent shadow is way different from the Storm's End shadow, are we sure they are both twos? If the Storm's end event ain't a two, then our conclusion of four is flawed.
But if you think the shadow below Storm's end was real, just go and apply the basic glamor test that Maester Aemon gives us and find any physical evidence that the Storm's End shadow was there beyond the half blinded visuals of Davos. Why would George when writing the Storm's End event leave out all opportunities to demonstrate a single impact on the physical when he spent text space making that an issue with Lightbringer, Mance and the Renly event? Was it an oversight or a clue?

So what killed Penrose?

Penrose was tossed over the walls of Storm's End. I am not denying that. I also will not argue that he felt despair and decided to kill himself. He seems pretty confident when he meets with Stannis.
"As the gods will it. Bring on your storm, my lord—and recall, if you do, the name of this castle." Ser Cortnay gave a pull on his reins and rode back toward the gate. Davos II, ACOK.
Ser Cortnay does not sound all that worried about the Castle being stormed or a long siege. That castle can't be breached by an army of any size. And if the granaries are full which they should be after such a long and bountiful summer, he could hold up inside for years. So what killed him in one night if not the shadow assassin Davos saw?
My theory is a mutiny by someone already inside. And why a mutiny?
"I give you fair warning. If you force me to take my castle by storm, you may expect no mercy. I will hang you for traitors, every one of you." -The Mannis.
Because it is Stannis outside the gates. And he is the man stubborn enough to sit there a decade if he needed to. And the moment the last starving man gives in, he'd take the castle and hang that last man. Everyone knows this about Stannis. Moreover, with Renly and Robert dead, Storm's End passes to him anyway. Robert gave it to Renly and Renly had no heir. Robert is dead. Stannis is the last living Baratheon so it is his by law. All it would take was one or two men inside the castle who decided they were not about to die for the whims of a castellan who wanted to withhold the castle from the rightful lord. Men generally don't want to die for no good purpose isn't that right Dagon Cod?
He is drunk, Reek realized. The ale is speaking. "Believe what you want. I have brought Lord Ramsay's message. Now I must return to him. We'll sup on wild boar and neeps, washed down with strong red wine. Those who come with me will be welcome at the feast. The rest of you will die within a day. The Lord of the Dreadfort will bring his knights up the causeway, whilst his son leads his own men down on you from the north. No quarter will be granted. The ones that die fighting will be the lucky ones. Those who live will be given to the bog devils."
"Enough," snarled Dagon Codd. "You think you can frighten ironborn with words? Begone. Run back to your master before I open your belly, pull your entrails out, and make you eat them."
He might have said more, but suddenly his eyes gaped wide. A throwing axe sprouted from the center of his forehead with a solid thunk. Codd's sword fell from his fingers. He jerked like a fish on a hook, then crashed face-first onto the table.
It was the one-armed man who'd flung the axe. As he rose to his feet he had another in his hand. "Who else wants to die?" he asked the other drinkers. "Speak up, I'll see you do." Thin red streams were spreading out across the stone from the pool of blood where Dagon Codd's head had come to rest. "Me, I mean to live, and that don't mean staying here to rot." Reek II, ADWD.
All it takes is one man who isn't willing to die and someone else can take charge and open the gates.
"Then hear me. Ser Cortnay's lieutenant is cousin to the Fossoways. Lord Meadows, a green boy of twenty. Should some ill chance strike down Penrose, command of Storm's End would pass to this stripling, and his cousins believe he would accept my terms and yield up the castle." Davos II, ACOK.
Garrison duty is usually left to green boys who lack the experience to go to war or grey beards who are long in service. The green boys do not want to die and the old men have served too long to know anything but obedience. Either could have turned on Penrose. That makes more sense than a shadow that finds Penrose in the huge castle then pushes Penrose over the walls rather than just stabbing him like the Renly shadow did. Why would the shadow throw him off the walls? There is no reason for Penrose to go up there. So the shadow would have to drag him up there. Nobody saw this or heard this? Anyway the point here is, there remains no evidence the shadow at Storm's End did anything.
If Mel can see the future as she claims, she may have seen the mutiny in her fires and simply positioned herself to take credit for something she had nothing to do with.

Why would Mel bother with such a ruse?

Since Melisandre was introduced in ACOK, only two people who Stannis respects and trusts have spoken against her. Cressen and Davos. Cressen is dead which leave Davos as the last person who could speak against her. Mel knows this.
Davos had come too far with Stannis to play coy now. "Last year they were Robert's men. A moon ago they were Renly's. This morning they are yours. Whose will they be on the morrow?"
And Stannis laughed. A sudden gust, rough and full of scorn. "I told you, Melisandre," he said to the red woman, "my Onion Knight tells me the truth."
"I see you know him well, Your Grace," the red woman said. Davos II, ACOK.
I theorize Mel wanted to get Davos alone to try and convince him or her power because if he was on her side, she would have less opposition. This could not be as simple as summoning Davos to her tent to witness the birth. For one, Davos would refuse anyone but Stannis.
The king gave a curt nod. "You will need a small boat. Not Black Betha. No one must know what you do."
Davos wanted to protest. He was a knight now, no longer a smuggler, and he had never been an assassin. Yet when he opened his mouth, the words would not come. This was Stannis, his just lord, to whom he owed all he was. And he had his sons to consider as well. Gods be good, what has she done to him? Id.
Also of note is Stannis saying no one must know. Stannis also tells Davos that Melisandre has already seen Penrose's death. She likely also told him what she needed to ensure this. She requested Davos and to be alone with him. The best way to do this was to get him involved in something only he could do. The Lightbringer show worked on the others, but Davos required something more intimate. So she got him alone and showed him a form he knows well and respects: a woman great with child. Davos has seven sons by his wife. He knows the power of the form of an expecting mother.
"Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less."
Davos believes in the power of seas, ships, sons and Stannis. All four of the pillars of his beliefs are exploited by Melisandre here. Speaking of exploiting the audience.

George set this up brilliantly

I think George enjoys tricking his readers. He often uses very careful and cryptic language when discussing plot elements, which is why I generally steer well clear of SSM. He does the same with his writing though. Here is how the set up for us to reach a bad conclusions works (I theorize).
George first introduces us to the idea of shadows assassins with the event in Renly's tent. We only see the shadow and the impact it has. We don't how it came to be and we are hungry for an answer. A few POV's later we are given an option for the solution. And in our understandable desire to have an answer, we take the first option without questioning it's validity. And in doing so, we do not consider other possibilities. The first offered answer might not be the correct one.

Narrative purpose

One of the things I learned from mu Quentyn discussions is when confronted with a challenge to the accustomed interpretation of the story, readers want to know what the narrative purpose of the challenge is. It is a fine and fair inquiry. I generally don't like to get into it because narrative purpose is a weathervane and each reader provides their own wind. Everyone approaches this story in a unique way and this is a wonderful thing. If we all had the same view, what would be the point of this subreddit and it's 800k members? So, I am not going to get into the subjective nature of what each of thinks is the correct narrative purpose. However, I think there are some objective elements we can discuss.
George put glamors in the story as a purposeful choice. He took the time to tell us about glamors, how to spot them, he has revealed some to us and left some for us to puzzle out on our own. George is writing a narrative full of misdirection and apparent contradictions. I think we should look out for them.
George has made Davos' guilt over his involvement in this an important plot point in the Davos POV.
She laughed. "Is it me you fear? Or what we do?"
"What you do. I'll have no part of it."
"Your hand raised the sail. Your hand holds the tiller." Davos II, ACOK.
And...
Silent, Davos tended to his course. The shore was a snarl of rocks, so he was taking them well out across the bay. He would wait for the tide to turn before coming about. Storm's End dwindled behind them, but the red woman seemed unconcerned. "Are you a good man, Davos Seaworth?" she asked.
Would a good man be doing this? "I am a man," he said. "I am kind to my wife, but I have known other women. I have tried to be a father to my sons, to help make them a place in this world. Aye, I've broken laws, but I never felt evil until tonight. I would say my parts are mixed, m'lady. Good and bad." Id.
And George touches on this guilt again in ASOS.
Perhaps it was only wind blowing against the rock, or the sound of the sea on the shore, but for an instant Davos Seaworth heard her answer. "You called the fire," she whispered, her voice as faint as the sound of waves in a seashell, sad and soft. "You burned us . . . burned us . . . burrrrned usssssss."
"It was her!" Davos cried. "Mother, don't forsake us. It was her who burned you, the red woman, Melisandre, her!" He could see her; the heart-shaped face, the red eyes, the long coppery hair, her red gowns moving like flames as she walked, a swirl of silk and satin. She had come from Asshai in the east, she had come to Dragonstone and won Selsye and her queen's men for her alien god, and then the king, Stannis Baratheon himself. He had gone so far as to put the fiery heart on his banners, the fiery heart of R'hllor, Lord of Light and God of Flame and Shadow. At Melisandre's urging, he had dragged the Seven from their sept at Dragonstone and burned them before the castle gates, and later he had burned the godswood at Storm's End as well, even the heart tree, a huge white weirwood with a solemn face. Davos I, ASOS.
I found Davos I, ASOS one of the most powerful chapters he's written. Does this section of ASOS work unless Davos is struggling with his guilt and feeling complicit in all the death that has taken place? So even if you fine redditor do not see the sense in having Davos row Melisandre under Storm's End, George wanted him there and wanted him feeling guilt and conflict over it. And George used that conflict later.
Another narrative purpose for the Storm's End event being a glamor is that is could serve as a distraction from another plot George is not ready to reveal, such as Stannis having special abilities like we see in the Starks, Targaryens, and other wargs. Mel claims there is power in king's blood. Stannis does have king's blood. And Stannis is a distant relation to the Targaryens who also have special abilities related to there genetics. Some of that ability may be within Stannis and all Melisandre did was help unlock it while he slept.
A person with latent powers they are unable to unlock consciously is something George has written about in his other works. George borrows heavily from his other works elsewhere in ASOIAF. One more thing, George's favorite science fiction film is Forbidden Planet. In this movie, one of the characters is able to summon telekinetic a manifestation of his id while he sleeps to kill his rivals. It may be that George had Stannis do exactly that.
In Conclusion
Even if you conclude the Storm's End event was not a glamor (it is fine if you do. I might be wrong), I think it is wise to at least question the event because if it was a glamor below Storm's end, then this opens a number of new possibilities for the story. I think this story is deserving of applying the lesson at Syrio Forel offered.
"Opening your eyes is all that is needing. The heart lies and the head plays tricks with us, but the eyes see true. Look with your eyes. Hear with your ears. Taste with your mouth. Smell with your nose. Feel with your skin. Then comes the thinking, afterward, and in that way knowing the truth." Arya V, AGOT.
When we apply senses other than the visual to the event below Storm's End and then really think about it from the perspective of touch, sound and smell, are we still sure that our eyes alone told us the truth?
But what say ye fine Redditors? Is the event below Storm's End worthy of closer inspection? Is the choice by George to exclude any physical evidence of the shadow a clue to this being a glamor from a known glamor caster? As always, polite disagreement and constructive feedback are always welcome.
TL;DR: The commonly accepted position on the event below Storm's End in Davos II, ACOK may be incorrect. There are a number of inconsistencies between the shadow that killed Renly and the one that Davos sees below Storm's End. These inconsistencies should not be dismissed. It is highly possible that the event below Storm's End was a glamor cast by a known glamor caster.
submitted by dblack246 to asoiaf [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:44 DonnyLamsonx (Over)Analyzing the Emblem Paralogues: Corrin

Previous Posts:
Lucina <- Recommend reading at least the first bit for the context of this analysis if you haven't already.
Lyn
Ike
Byleth
Sigurd

The Crux of Fate

Potential Available Emblems: Lucina, Lyn, Ike, Byleth, Eirika, Leif, Sigurd
Potential completed paralogues: Lucina, Lyn, Ike, Byleth, Sigurd
Referenced Map: Fates Chapter 6, Revelation version
Recommended Level: Advanced Class Level 7
In an attempt to stay as neutral as possible, like calling back Chapter 11 in 3H, Engage's Fates callback is the pivotal chapter that begins whichever route/game you're deciding to play with the Revelation version giving them the excuse to make all of the Fates Royals into enemies. Thematically speaking, I think this is a good choice. This is the chapter where Corrin makes their biggest choice that will determine their actions for the rest of the story. Imo, it's also Fates' high point from a writing perspective before the story quality generally careens off a cliff.
The original map is relatively straightforward. You are tasked with defeating the Hoshidan and Nohrian commanders within 5 turns. Given the relatively short turn limit and that this is literally the first unique map of the game, there isn't anything too complex. The most notably feature is the Dragon Vein to Corrin's left across the river which will drain the entire central river when activated which is practically required to beat the map in time. I honestly kinda like this since it teaches the player that Corrin (in their base class) can walk across water tiles without strictly telling them that. With a simple enough foundation, there's lots of potential for Engage to expand upon.
As with all of the other Emblem paralogues, Engage's version of the map has a Defeat Boss objective with Corrin standing in the middle of the central bridge to the south. To her left and right are the stand ins for the Nohrian and Hoshidan families, each with a set of gold drops. On a slight tangent, I do like her specific position as a symbol that bridges Hoshido and Nohr together(in Revelation anyway). Because there is no Dragon Vein to dry up the river, you must navigate your non-flier forces across the bridge to the east and circle your way down to fight the Hoshidan Royal family before taking on the Nohrian Royal family and Corrin herself. When you start the map though, Alear will specifically highlight Corrin's ability to change the terrain, hinting at a future gimmick which I'll talk about later. As you progress through the map, reinforcements from both sides will slowly stream in.
I do want to take a moment to talk a bit about the Fates Royals stand ins, because I do like that a bit of thought was put into them. Starting with the Nohrians, the Mage Knight representing Leo is pretty standard, but the Royal Knight representing Elise has upped the ante by including a Silence and Physic staff in addition to her standard healing staff. The Wyvern Knight representing Camilla wields a Hurricane Axe as a small nod to the magical nature of her base Malig Knight class and the Paladin representing Xander has Swordbreaker, likely as a nod to his rivalry with Ryoma. It is a bit odd though that he is given a Blade, a weapon that can't double, in combination with the breaker skill. With the Hoshidans, the Griffon Knight representing Hinoka and Sniper representing Takumi are pretty standard and the High Priest representing Sakura mirrors "Elises" inventory, also having a Silence and Physic staff. The Swordmaster representing Ryoma wields a Levin Sword which is doing it's best Raijinto cosplay which I thought was hilarious. Neither "Sakura" nor "Elise" have weapons to attack with which is appropriate since their unpromoted classes in Fates couldn't attack either. I want to bring attention to the Fates Royals because they have a small "gimmick" compared to the original map. In Revelation, they were pretty much set dressing as they would never actually move unless you entered their attack range which would realistically never happen. However in Engage once you initiate combat with a Royal or Corrin, any Royal that cannot immediately fight your units will begin to make their way towards Corrin to "protect" her. This is important because, in my experience, once they are within her general area they won't move again until Corrin herself starts moving. So when does Corrin start moving? Remember how Alear talks about Corrin's terrain changing abilities when the map starts? Around turn 7 or 8(I don't remember which exactly), Corrin will spawn a huge fireball which will completely dry up the central river, as a fun nod to the Dragon Vein which had the same effect. Once the river is dried up, Corrin will begin approaching your units, dropping puddles along the way to make approaching her more difficult. Corrin isn't too threatening on her own but can absolutely cripple one or a group of your units if you allow her to initiate on them much like she does as an Emblem Ring. You'll also want to keep in mind that as a Dragon herself, she'll have +1 range on Torrential Roar which can catch one of your squishier units out if you aren't careful. Pair Up will also make her immune to Chain Attacks which is somewhat scary, but like Sigurd she's not the strongest enemy phase fighter out there.
While I do think that this paralogue is mechanically and thematically sound for the most part, there is one thing that really bothers me and I don't know if it should. The developers specifically made Alear remark on Corrin's terrain changing abilities as soon as the map begins even stating that "she could change things at any time"(paraphrasing here). From this, I expected terrain modification to play a much bigger part of the map, but it just kinda doesn't. The only really notable terrain change is the fireball that dries up the central river and based on that, it's clear that the terrain changing doesn't necessarily have to play by the rules. The only terrains that show up are puddles and flames(in a roundabout way). I personally think it would've been alot more interesting if they toned down the stats of the generics just a tad and creatively used her terrains to make up the difference. Imagine if she spawned vines under her allies for a turn to prevent them from being broken or made the mages a bit tankier for the turn with stone pillars. Fog could double as a movement constrictor and a way for the generics to approach easier or as a way to encourage the use of terrain ignoring effect of Mystical units. Throwing up an ice wall to disrupt the player's movement seems like an obvious obstacle. I don't think that there's anything super wrong with Corrin's paralogue, it just feels mechanically uninspiring. Corrin is such a unique Emblem and her main gimmick is hardly utilized.
On the more pedantic side of things, the Swordmasters on the left(Nohrian) side should be Heroes. In Fates, Swordmaster was a Hoshido exclusive class while their closest Nohrian equivalent were Heroes. Paladin reinforcements also shouldn't spawn in from the right side as that was a Nohrian exclusive class. Thieves could've made more sense as they're Engage's closest equivalent to Ninjas which was an enemy that you had to face on the original map.
Overall, I think Corrin's paralogue is just fine. It gets the job done well enough, I just think it does so in the most boring way possible. I think her pre and post battle dialogues with Alear are nice though.
Next up: Eirika's Paralogue, The Azure Twin.
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2023.03.31 17:44 BlackHooch Human parasites and creation of antibodies

22M
I am not familiar with how the creation of antibodies works exactly but is it true that we create antibodies when we get infected with parasites? If so then do we constantly create those antibodies even if we have been infected for 1-3 or more years? Or are they created only shortly after the initial infection?
How accurate and effective are blood tests for Giardia Lamblia? Would it be detected in my blood even if I was infected long time ago?
submitted by BlackHooch to AskDocs [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:39 Frame_Late Interloper V

The greatest tragedy of war is that for some people the war never ends.
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Prev/First
Silijima hopped into the truck, next to Sargen. The massive Gojid's head nearly reached the roof of the vehicle forcing him to crouch ever so slightly. He was an even more imposing figure up close, his muscles bulging and his scars held taut against his skin. He seemed preoccupied, as if her presence made him uncomfortable when they were close. His claws gripped the steering wheel, lightly scraping the carbon material. He seemed to be in his late thirties to early forties, and a distinguished Gojid at that save for the eye and the prosthetic arm. Most would consider him quite handsome if it wasn't for the damage he had received, and even then she was sure some women would find a prosthetic like that doubly enticing.
Senek sat in the back, leaning his head back and yawning. He seemed exhausted, most likely from being on duty for the last good knows how many weeks. He kept an eye on Sargen, but it wasn't a distrustful one, more like he was concerned for Sargen's wellbeing. It was hilarious to Silijima, to think that Sargen warranted concern, but she didn't know him or his past so she wouldn't judge; sometimes the strongest people held the greatest burdens.
"So, where to next? Do we have any other stops to make?" Silijima asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"No, not unless you want to stop," replied Sargen.
Behind them, Senek grumbled. "We need to head back to the Collective and finish for the day; I'm fucking exhausted."
Sargen started the truck and turned around. "Then go home, Senek; you've done your work for the day. I'll show Silijima a bit of the station before I deliver the goods and introduce Silijima to the captains."
Senek didn't seem convinced. "They won't be happy that Sujek and I bailed halfway through the delivery."
Sargen snorted. "Ayaz and Igor won't give a damn as long as the delivery gets delivered. Take a tram and go home and see your mate and kids; you looked harrowed."
Silijima was inclined to agree. Before today, she didn't know if it was possible for a reptile to have bags under its eyes, but Senek surely did. He looked like shit, although Silijima would never voice that out loud.
Senek hissed but didn't argue, opening the door and leaving the back of the truck with a grunt. Silijima saw him walk down the street towards a tram stop in the distance, where one was unloading all sorts of people heading to shop at Zapadnyy tsentral'nyy rynok, as well as those ready finished with their shopping trips. Eventually, Senek disappeared into the crowd of humans, arxur, and the occasional venlil, harchin and gojid.
"So," Sargen started with an apprehensive sigh, "My name's Sargen, as you've probably been told. I'm sure Senek and Sujek have already told you all about me."
Silijima chuckled nervously. "Not much, actually. I've been wondering where you got that arm from; it seems very high tech. I've only seen prosthetics like that on high ranking military personnel in the federation."
The question only seemed to make Sargen even more tense. "I lost my real arm in battle. They replaced it with this." He flexed the arm, the prosthetic was agile and precise in its movements. "It's near identical to the real thing utility-wise, although the look of it took some time to get used to."
Silijima nodded absentmindedly, admiring both the arm and his physical build. Sargen must've been through hell and back to be so torn up.
"Are you ex-military? You have the hardware to be."
Sargen frowned lightly. "You could say that. But that's enough about me." Then Sargen put a soft smile on his face, a fake one, as if he was trying to hide his true feelings. "I was told you served in the navy; what was that like?"
Silijima didn't push for more information. "I was a Master Technical Coordinator for the Unwavering Credence. I kept the Guns and the hull functioning along with crews of grunt welders, and I pieced the ship back together after battles.
Sargen whistled, impressed by her rank. "You were pretty high up on the totem pole on that ship. Why'd you leave?"
Silijima scoffed. "The lies, the brutality, and the stress. I came to Skhamar looking for answers after losing faith in the state I defended for over a decade. Now that I know the truth, I realize that I hated every second of it, although I do miss it in a way. Once you get out, well, nothing seems right. For the first few months, I couldn't stand being off duty. I still miss that safety of knowing I was on a military vessel; at least we could defend ourselves. Back on Nishtal, I felt so… exposed, since I wasn't allowed to carry a firearm on my person anymore."
Sargen chuckled. "I know how you feel. I couldn't sleep right after I… left: I kept expecting an attack at all hours. Sometimes I'd wake up in a panic, clutching my ion pistol and ready to kill, only to realize it was just the sound of some puny asteroid bouncing off the outer shell of the station or a ship taking off."
Silijima snorted. "I remember nearly having a heart attack from the fireworks they set off for unification day. My parents didn't understand, or maybe they couldn't, but I don't celebrate that day anymore. It sounds too similar to Arxur hybrid charges slamming against the hull of a ship."
Silijima chuckled at first, but the laughter quickly died as reality set in. Her service in the navy had messed her up in more ways than one, but she couldn't imagine not living that life; she wouldn't know what to do with herself otherwise. She hated it, but she was better for it.
"So… What is there to do on this station? I'm pretty new to all of this freedom. What is there to do?"
"That's the good thing about this job; you get a good week or so in between missions to relax," Sargen smiled bitterly, but it was still a happy smile, "Me and the rest of the crew have so much to show you."
Silijima's heart skipped a beat at his statement. "Senek didn't seem too excited to show me anything."
"Senek's just tired; in fact he's always tired. He worked two missions in a row, same as Sujek, and they're probably going to push for another one," Sargen stated, "although I bet both Ayaz and Igor will send them both home and tell them to spend some time just relaxing for once since those two practically kill themselves working." He chuckled before continuing, "But as for things to do, well, there's a lot: Theaters, Restaurants, Museums, a full-sized futbol stadium, and even a few more exotic things the humans brought over. Humans are kind of the cultural heart of the entire Commonwealth; The big Arxur houses might be the dominant economic forces besides the coalitions, but the Humans really brought a heart and soul to what would otherwise be a pretty dull and barren place."
Silijima thought about that for a moment. She had seen sporting events before; Nishtal had plenty of ballastier stadiums to choose from, where Krakotl would work as a flock to move a floating ball from one end to the other. There were also games of airborne agility and such, so she wasn't too interested in sports.
But the idea of a theater intrigued her. Nishtal didn't have many theaters: the Krakotl didn't like being cooped up in a dark place for too long, since their instincts were to nest under the open sky instead of burrow underground. Mix that with a lack of any big theater culture and you git a species that vastly preferred doing over watching. Sports and music were far more popular with the Krakotl, their ability to fly and vast vocal ranges helping them flourish in alternative mediums of entertainment.
"How are the theaters here? I've never really gone to one before."
Sargen eyed her with disbelief. "Neither did I before I came here. They're pretty great, with lots of cheap snacks and reclining seats. There aren't any 'new' movies yet since there's no real movie industry here on Skhamar yet, but they play a lot of older human movies. A few months ago I went with Timothy, Sarah, and their daughter Maggie to go see The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. The art style was pretty mind-blowing, to say the least."
"The art style?"
"Animation. It's considered a proper medium of theater in human culture. There are a plethora of what humans call 'the animated classics': movies that have achieved universal human acclaim due to their outstanding quality. If I'm not mistaken, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is one of them."
Human art seemed so fascinating to her; the Federation was so cut and dry with what they considered art that anything that pushed the envelope was ridiculed and even reviled, often only gaining traction in underground groups that appreciated the bizarre and the condemned. To hear of artistic styles having entire mediums dedicated to them was astounding to her.
"That sounds incredible! What other movies have you seen?"
"Well, I've been itching to see Star Wars, but it's a long trilogy that's best watched at home. There's also a relatively new western by comparison called The Cursed that's being shown this week, so we can go see that. I've heard nothing but good things about it."
Silijima didn't know what a 'western' was, but if it was anything like how Sargen describes their animated movies, she was sure a human western couldn't be bad.
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Silijima casually read the synopsis for the movie they would be watching on her holophone.
The year is 1886: Aging civil war veteran turned outlaw Thomas 'Death-Singer' Lawrence ekes out a humble living amongst the Ojibwa Indians of what is now modern-day Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, hoping to live out his final years of his life with his beloved wife, son and adopted tribe in peace. But when a bitter ex-Confederate, Klan member, and son of a wealthy plantation owner Shaw Cunningham and his gang of killers massacre the tribe for supporting the Union during the war, his entire world is torn from him. Now, all that's left after the carnage is himself and a teenager named Nanabush, the fatherless black sheep of the tribe.
Now, with nothing but vengeance burning in his heart, Thomas once again takes up the mantle of 'Death-Singer', and along with his newly adopted ward Nanabush, he travels south to reform his old gang of thieves and outlaws, 'The Cursed', in a last-ditch effort to gain the ultimate revenge and both kill Shaw Cunningham and ruin his family fortune. The curse must be passed on, and there couldn't be a more worthy recipient…
Now that sounded interesting. Silijima didn't understand much of the context, but a revenge plot wasn't a common theme in Federation media, or federation art at all for that matter, so it seemed like a great place to start. Besides, it wasn't like it was real, so if it was overly violent then she could just finish the movie and never watch it again.
But first, there were snacks to buy. Silijima didn't know why Sargen insisted on buying snacks, but he stated that they 'improved the movie experience', or whatever that meant. Either way, he practically dragged Silijima up to a counter operated by a bored human, preparing to order a whole slew of snacks for the both of them.
"I'll get two medium boxes of Çäkçäk style popcorn, a large bag of Korivka, and two large bottles of… Give me a moment." Sargen turned to her. "What do you want to drink?"
Silinima browsed the menu nervously, not knowing what to choose. "Uhhh, I guess I'll try some Baikal? Is it good?"
Sargen shrugged. "It's pretty good, a bit different than most colas." Then he turned back to the snack vendor. "And two large bottles of Baikal."
The bored human sighed, obviously just ready for his shift to end, and prepared the food for the two of them. Sargen prepared his credit chip and handed it to the worker when he returned, paying for everything.
"You don't have to, Sargen, I can pay for myself."
Sargen chuckled. "Maybe, but I'm the one who's taking you out. Just let me take care of it."
The human returned with the popcorn, which was two buckets of strange yellow… things that had a slight glowing orange sheen, along with a large bag of candies and two massive bottles of soda, which were also huge. Sargen somehow deftly balanced all the snacks in their arms as they made their way to the movie room they were assigned to without even a grunt and gave her a soft grin. Despite his obvious optimism, he seemed tense, as if she reminded him of something.
Sargen hurried down the hall, his large stride making it difficult for Silijima to keep up with him, but she managed. He avoided her gaze, his eyes focusing on absolutely anything else. There it was again, the strange behavior. It was as if she was some kind of phantom to him, but he couldn't point out her existence without seeming crazy.
They made their way into a door on the side that led down a dark hall with dim lights lining the floor. It opened up to a massive screen showing adverts for products before the movie began.
"Where would you like to sit? I'm partial to the back; you get better seats and a better view."
Silijima shrugged her feathered shoulders. "Wherever you think is best; I have no clue."
Sargen chuckled, but led her up toe stairs to the upper row of seats. They made it there, sitting down near the center, and Sargen handed Silijima her popcorn and baikal. Silijime pecked at the popcorn hesitantly, but found that she loved it! The sweet, nutty and floral flavors of the coating reminded her of the Vagra nectar from Nishtal when peddlers would sell organic jars of it during the summer months, and it paired wonderfully with the salty-sweet crunch of the 'corn' itself. The baikal was another thing entirely; the sweet-spicy and pine flavors of the cola tasted like nothing she had ever experienced like fruit and spices boiled in bitter tree sap and carbonated, but palatable. By the time the movie had started, a third of her popcorn was gone, causing Sargen to chuckle.
The lights dimmed, causing Silijima to panic for a bit, but Sargen's hand reached out and grabbed her shoulder, calming her. He was there, and he was big; nothing could hurt such a giant, right?
Then, the movie began to play. The sound of some kind of delicate stringed instrument being strummed softly alongside the croaking and chirping of amphibians and insects on a warm summer night. The sounds of the wildlife stopped suddenly for a moment, as did the instrument when a small gang of about a dozen humans riding strange, four-legged creatures reminiscent of suleans without horns advanced towards a gathering of flickering lights in the distance; probably a village. Their gallops were thunderous and destructive, nothing like the sound of a stampede. It was the sound of unwavering strength.
The men wore sackcloth hoods with holes cut out for their eyes and ropes around their necks. In their hands were primitive revolving handguns. They wore a myriad of different clothes; some wore gray army uniforms, while others wore khakis, union shirts and suspenders. They laughed and bickered as they spurred their steeds onward, obviously ready to commit some unspeakable atrocity…
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Silijima has two panic attacks during the movie. Sargen was there, able to quell them by offering his support. He seemed to know what it was like to have one because he reached out and held her when she began to hyperventilate and raise her hackles. He didn't speak, but he made himself known. He was there, and that was enough.
At least the movie ended with a triumph: Thomas Lawrence got his revenge, even if he died in the end. His adopted ward, Nanabush, took up the mantle of Death-Singer, using it to defend the weak. It was a tightly wrapped story that should've been happy, but the memories of war still scarred Silijima; the sounds of the gunshots reminded her of the blasts of flechette cannons, and the blood on Lawrence's knife…
She still felt the phantom pain in her wing and body from being run through by an Arxur skimming blade. She had survived, of course, but the near-death experience had permanently changed her. She couldn't stand being around knives too long unless she was actually on the battlefield, and even then it caused her distress. Luckily, she never needed to be around too many sharp objects, being an engineer, but she had her… moments. She was able to quell her attacks, her panic and anxiety being quelled by the far more substantial fear of what she would be subjected to if her true state of mind were to be found out.
If the Federation found out you acted out of the norm, they'd spend weeks forcing you through the most agonizing 'therapies' before stuffing you full of pills and sending you home, never to be the same person again. She had seen the effects of these treatments; her former colleagues practically turned into zombies, their brains melted from the drugs. They lived off of government stipends, unable to truly contribute to the workforce, but the Federation seemed to consider this an acceptable tradeoff, the politicians being praised for lowering the rate of self-termination by any means necessary. In reality, it just created a state-funded drug epidemic.
Part of Silijima did want answers, but she realized her true motive for coming to Skhamar was to escape; she was so scared of staying home on Nishtal because every little thing could set her off. And if she were to have a serious enough outburst…
No, she wouldn't become what many of her former prey-in-arms had; a babbling mess of drugs and trauma. She was strong; she could do this. She wouldn't let her trauma overcome her.
"Are you okay, Silijima?" Sargent asked her, shaking her shoulder lightly. They were in the truck, riding to the Corsair collective where Ayaz and Igor had docked their cruiser. He seemed far more tired than before like she was exhausting to be around. She didn't doubt it; having predator disease was already exhausting enough for Silijima alone.
"I shouldn't have recommended that movie, it was too violent. Maybe something animated would've been better," said Sargent. "I was hoping that your experiences as a navy engineer would've been less traumatic than the average foot soldier, and I was wrong."
Silijima turned to him, emboldened. "It wasn't your fault, Sagren; I agreed to watch it. Besides, it might've opened up a few wounds, but it was still an excellent movie. And the popcorn and baikal were wonderful as well. And besides, it was a good movie, triggers notwithstanding."
Sargen smiled a little, although he was still feeling guilty. "I'm glad you liked it. But we should get to the collective; Ayaz and Igor will be happy to become acquainted with you."
Silijima nodded before turning back to the window, watching as the city raced by. The spires of the station-city rose hundreds of stories into the air, hover-tram systems connecting entire levels of platforms that connected to the taller towers. It made sense that the station would focus on the height of buildings; the width was a rare commodity on space stations due to the cost of adding extra floor-level infrastructure, so extremely tall spires interconnected by platforms and hover-tram systems that stretched for kilometers made sense. Everything was brightly lit: massive glowing LED signs depicting everything from clinics and dispensaries to shops and eateries were plastered across the buildings, along with almost lifelike and three-dimensional digital billboards depicting a wide array of advertisements and entertainment. It was the very definition of an urban jungle, sprawl and all, with tens of millions of individuals living their daily lives unimpeded.
"The station's pretty cool, huh? It's technically one of the larger cities in the galaxy, with a population of around twenty-five million inhabitants of all races."
That number was impressive for a city, but not for a nation. "But how many planets does Skhamar control? Fifty-five million is nothing compared to the five hundred billion sentients in the Federation alone."
Sargen nodded. "Yeah, that's true. Antheia and Calaïs are pretty sparsely populated at the moment, maybe a few million each, and the planet of Skhamar itself has about ten million. That means this place doesn't really have the manpower to keep up with the Federation or the Dominion in terms of fleet size. We still beat them in engagements though."
Silijima didn't believe that. "But how? The Federation outnumbers you guys a hundred to one!"
Sargen snorted, eyes focused on the road as he pulled into the parking lot of a ginormous building. "If there's one thing that I learned after only two years of living on Skhamar is that the Federation's school of naval doctrine is laughably bad. They solely rely on the force of numbers and firepower to overwhelm their enemies before they can strike back. This would normally work on smaller fleet engagements against lesser foes, but the humans don't play fair. They hide in gas clouds, and in asteroid fields. They launch silent torpedoes, drone strikes, and shells filled with toxic gas before initiating boarding actions to cause widespread panic in enemy fleets. Skhamar's newly minted traditions of piracy have led to a whole new level of Naval military thinking, one where the entire sector is an ever-changing battlefield and anything's fair game."
"But wouldn't they get discovered? How hasn't the Federation just listed down Skhamar's tactics for admirals to memorize and quantify in fleet engagements?"
"You're demanding too much from a Federation full of scared herbivores, and you're forgetting who runs that Federation. The Kolshians and the Farsul vehemently believe that thinking like a predator makes you a predator and that anything that resembles predatory behavior should be scrubbed away. To them, the 'herd' is the entire reason for their existence, and to stray from that is to become food." Sargen shook his head, obviously bemused by their rigid mindset. "In reality, predators have been chipping away at herds for thousands of years. To think that any herd is impervious is just stupid."
Silijima knew the former, and she had suspected the latter for a long time. "But herds need to adapt to survive, right? I bet you that was the reasoning behind the gene-modding and culture erasure at the hands of the Kolshians and the Farsul."
Sargen rolled his eyes like he had heard it all before. "It shocks me that you weren't thrown into an institution, with how perceptive you are. I'm telling you, the Kolshians and the Farsul couldn't care less about the other species in the Federation. All they care about is controlling and leading that herd they've stitched together with lies. To them, adaptability is only good when it benefits their narratives and power structures."
It made a sickening sort of sense, and it was completely believable now that the treachery of the Kolshians and the Farsul had come to light. The Kolshians and the Farsul being afraid of any change that challenged their ideals was a cancer on the Federation, and one that Silijima was sure would eat away at it until it was nothing more than a corpse. "I'm glad I left, you know, not being afraid of being locked up for having predator disease. I just hope that isn't a thing here."
"It isn't, believe me, or I would've been incarcerated a long time ago." Sargen replied, "Now let's go; I think we've wasted enough of Ayaz and Igor's time."
With that, Sargen stepped out of the truck, slamming the door and taking a deep breath of the blatantly recycled air. Silijima followed, leaving the truck and stepping out into a small, empty parking lot, which seemed strange for such a large and important building. The building itself was less of a spire and more short and squat but also very wide, with glass walls similar to those of the urban business centers on Nishtal. There was an entrance of glass doors in the front of the building, along with a massive sigil above them made out of what seemed to be platinum. There was a sword with wings skillfully engraved on it, along with the words Qui militat præter me, frater meus erit surrounding the edges. Her translator struggled to translate it due to the age of the language and her translator's lack of exposure to the esoteric language, but it came out as something similar to He who fights beside me shall be my brother. An interesting term, but certainly more unique than the Federation Navy's slogan, Defend the Herd.
Sargen grabbed her feathered shoulder and steered her away from the truck just as something hovered down and clamped its magnetic claws onto it. A massive, black-colored hover-drone the size of an eighteen-wheeler buzzed as it deftly floated around the two of them, one giant crimson eye with an LED dot acting as an almost animated pupil darting between the two of them. Then it lifted away, making beeping noises as it carried the truck in tow towards a large tower several hundred stories tall in the distance made from a monotonous gray material. "What in sweet Ina's name?" Silijima said under her breath, causing Sargen to chuckle.
"Moth Drones; they’re very useful things. There's not enough space on the station to have traditional parking lots, so Sarn Robotics found a pretty neat solution: massive drones come and pick up vehicles and transport them to large parking towers like the one it's flying to right now. Then, when we come back, I can just call back for my car, maybe wait a minute or so, and have my car returned to me. It's pretty awesome, and something you wouldn't find in a million years in the Federation."
That was true; the citizens would be spooked by so many flying objects. She could just imagine the number of stampedes such a creation would cause.
"Wait, what about the food and ammo?" She asked, curious as to why he'd leave it there."
"Oh, don't worry about that: that tower specifically has an automated storage system. All of our goods will be sent to our ship in the next few hours sorted, packed up, and sealed up in space-grade storage containers"
"Huh, that's pretty incredible," she replied.
"Yeah, it is. Like them or not, these predators seem to think of everything. I guess their minds just work differently; nothing wrong with that."
They walked through the doors as they conversed, and a massive lobby greeted them. Over two dozen secretaries of multiple races greeted countless individuals, many of them armed. Most of them were humans and Arxur, although she spotted a few Harchens and Gojids in the mix. The sound of phones ringing and computer keyboards being typed on resonated through the building with an echo. The entire lobby was beautifully decorated, with corners filled with fine gold-trimmed mahogany furniture and intricately woven carpets covering the marble floor. Sargen guided her up to the lobby and towards a young human wan with blonde hair. He greeted her with a smile, causing her to smile back. The snarl made Silijima's blood rush, but it was far less noticeable now, more like the feeling of adrenaline than pure fear.
"Hey, Csilla, how are you?"
The woman, apparently named Csilla, seemed to brighten up in Sargen's presence. "Oh, you know, just swamped as usual. Igor is waiting for you at dock thirteen, just take the tram down." Then her eyes swiveled in there sockets towards Silijima, causing her to flinch slightly. "And who is this? I didn't know a Krakotl was joining your crew."
"I'm Silijima," Silijima croaked, "I'm the new Engineer."
"Aww, isn't she just precious? It's been a pleasure to see you both, but I have to get back to work; we've got too many customers even with two dozen secretaries."
And with that, they were off. Sargen led her up multiple flights of stairs, passing different office levels before reaching floor seven, which was the connection to the Dok-stantsiya Vest-Enda. There were at least two dozen fully sized trans on multiple levels, with signs detailing over a hundred docks available to travel to. It was truly ginormous, more insane than any public transit system she had seen all packed into one place, but also a testament to the engineering of the station.
They boarded a packed train filled mainly with humans, although there were Arxur, Gojids and Harchen there sprinkled throughout. They rode for a few minutes, before reaching an open-space area sealed with active magnetic field shielding, keeping gravity and a working atmosphere within its borders while simultaneously allowing ships to pass through. There were hundreds of ships, both big and small, docked within the Corsair Coalition's docks, and some of them were exceptionally huge. They ranged from gigantic, rust-red lengths of bulbous metal covered in cannons to sleek, flat warships packed with rocket pods and covered with graffiti of snarling, gaping maws and bloodied talons. Eventually, they reached a point where their tram stopped, and they descended. Just a few dozen meters away was a younger human, maybe in his late twenties or early thirties, an old human woman who couldn't have been younger than seventy, and an Arxur practically made out of cybernetics, his body glowing with energy. The latter seemed to be organizing and directing a small number of droids, which were loading sealed containers into the fuselage of the large, rust-red battle cruiser with the word Iconoclast printed in bold letters on the side. The man saw us and approached, a wide smile on his face.
He was huge for a human, about six and a half feet, and had a long, bushy beard with a handlebar mustache, a short military buzz cut with a bit of hair left a little taller near the middle like a short mohawk, and a pair of black camo pants and a white t-shirt that showed the outline of his muscles underneath. He was practically a bear of a human, with arms the size of bridge cables and a neck thicker than your average gas pipe.
Despite all of that, he was obviously friendly, a wide snarl on his face. "Sargen! Dobriy den, how are you?" Even through the translator, his accent was thick and exotic.
Sargen scratched his head with his claws, obviously a little nervous. "I'm doing great, Igor, listen, this is-"
"Ah, yes, Silijima! Senek called me on his way home to explain their situation. It is a pleasure to meet you, my dear!"
Igor took her wing and shook it vigorously, having to bend down to do so. Having and snarling predator lean down on her in such a way, regardless of their intentions, sent shivers down her spine, but she kept it together. She would not break down in front of her new boss.
"T-the pleasure is all mine, Sir."
Igor didn't seem to notice how intimidating he was, but luckily a distraction appeared. Tarlim arrived just in time, carrying several crates of birch water and plums on his shoulders like they were nothing. The old woman seemed to spot him, because she hobbled over to help, only for Tarlim to prevent her from doing so. "No, Babushka, I can handle it."
"Nonsense," she said sternly, her accent even thicker than Igor's, "I can carry some, boy; your Babushka is not helpless."
Tarlim simply ignored her, carrying the crates over to the droids, with both Tarlim and the Arxur snickering at Babushka's pestering.
"Tarlim, what do you bring? Did I order something and forget again?"
Tarlim chuckled merely at that. "No, Babushka, Sujek ordered some Birch Water and Plums for you."
Babushka softened up at that, placing a hand over her heart like the delivery of birch water was an emotional matter. "Oh Tarlim, I thank you." She hobbled over and practically buried herself in his fur, hugging him as hard as an old woman could.
"Thank Sujek, I'm just the delivery boy."
Babushka snorted. "Hah, I know better. You probably dared him to do something for it."
Tarlim blushed at that. "Well maybe, but he demanded the plums as extra, so make sure you give him a big hug and plenty of food as well."
Babushka seemed to brighten up at that. "Come in, Tarlim; we are having a feast, to celebrate a great victory! No meat in the borscht, just for you!"
"Tarlim seemed very apprehensive towards the idea of eating anything that was even near the meat, but apparently he couldn't resist the old woman. "For you, Babushka, anything for you."
Igor snickered. "They are like a circus, no? Come, we are having a feast, and you shall partake."
Silijima wanted to leave, as the whole situation had escalated very quickly, but Sargen placed a hand on her shoulder. "There is no denying an invitation to a feast; it is a grave insult to do so."
Silijima just sighed and prepared herself for the horrors that awaited her.
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It's finally here; THE NEXT CHAPTER OF INTERLOPER! Somebody pop open a bottle of champaign.
I want to thank u/Acceptable_Egg5560 for the support and u/Bushbacon69 for the wonderful fanart.
If you want an AI generated picture, just let me know. That's become my new method of conveying what I'm creating to the world since I can't draw for shit.
The Next chapters for Chains made from Hope and The Apostate should be out this week, along with a new short called The Life Shaper.
submitted by Frame_Late to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:37 Undead_Legion Triggerbots might be way more insane than it seems

So the first thing that most people including myself thought when we saw triggerbots is its potential with CoC, Cwdt, etc. While it is undoubtedly going to be very strong on those triggers, there is far more to this than what meets the eye.
There are quite a few spells, typically unique ones granted from certain uniques, that reads "This Spell is Triggered when Gained". There are a few other special conditional triggers on other uniques as well. Lets look at a few such spells and how they might interact with triggerbots:

Manifest Dancing Dervishes

"100% chance to Trigger this Spell when you Rampage" means that each triggerbot would spawn two Dervishes each, for a total of 4. Unless there is an unspecified limit of 2 Dervishes per player (unlike say, Reflection from The Savior which explicitly specifies a max of 2), I assume this would work. Could open the door for some Intuitive Link shenanigans.

Abberath's Fury

"This Spell is Triggered when Gained" means that it is triggered at the triggerbots, but in practice it could work in one of two ways. One, the fire bursts will trigger at the triggerbots based on their walking speed. Or two, it is still based on our walk speed but the bursts still trigger at the triggerbots.

Death's Oath

Also a spell that is triggered when gained, which makes our triggerbots into walking Death Auras. This might not be as crazy as it seems since if it is like Infernal Legion or Righteous Fire, only one of the auras from the two triggerbots will count.
Slight tangent, but I wonder how a Cwdt RF setup would work. We only need to hit ourselves strong enough once to trigger it. Will RF still scale off our life/ES, or the triggerbots? Do they even have life (and do they count as minions)?

Corpse Walk

Like Abberath's Hooves, I'm not sure if it will trigger based on our movement or the triggerbots movement. Either way, this should simply double our corpse generation. Death Walk from Bubonic Trail is a similar case.

Fire Burst

Not technically from a unique but you can craft it onto weapons with Essences of Hysteria. The bursts will be from the triggerbots. The CDR nodes will also greatly help it.

Glimpse of Eternity

Glimpse of Eternity from Eternity Shroud is going to make your triggerbots into walking temporal bubbles, which could be a solid defensive layer.

Spirit Burst

Spirit Burst from the newly buffed Lightpoacher will also trigger from the triggerbots. Might potentially be a viable primary skill.

Twister

Twister from Saqawal's Flock seems super interesting to me. We'll basically double our tornados which makes me think poison could be a good option. I think we can make a very powerful Saqawal Twister autobomber, regular Twister is already a niche but playable build.

Storm Cascade

Storm Cascade from Surging Thoughts (basically lightning Glacial Cascade) would also trigger at your triggerbots when you attack. Pair it with a fast moving skill like Whirling Blades it could be solid.

All Glove Enchants (Commandment/Edict/etc.)

They will also spawn at the triggerbots.
Of note, I wanted to point out an interesting interaction with Mjolner and Commandment of Ire. Ire creates a spinning copy of your weapon when hit. Hits with this spinning weapon triggers spells in Mjolner. With the triggerbots, we'll end up having two spinning copies of your weapons both of which can trigger your Mjolner spells, also from the triggerbots.
Commandment of Inferno from Unyielding Flame might also be cool.

Feast of Flesh

Feast of Flesh from Devouring Diadem might actually be an anti-synergy with triggerbots based on how it ends up working. I'm not sure that the recovered life/ES will come back to you or go to the triggerbots.

All Aegis skills

Anti-synergistic. Your triggerbots will take them, so you can't benefit from them. Technically you could get around this by first equipping the shield that gives you the aegis before you take the triggerbots node, but not worth it imo.

Other potentially interesting skills/uniques

There are still more skills that interact with triggerbots that I haven't mentioned here, not even going into the more established CoC/Cwdt/Spellslingeetc. This opens up a whole new avenue for delivering skills and potentially automating certain interactions.
I genuinely think that the triggerbots are perhaps the most build defining node that has ever been added to the skill tree.
submitted by Undead_Legion to pathofexile [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:36 Undead_Legion Triggerbots might be way more insane than it seems

So the first thing that most people including myself thought when we saw triggerbots is its potential with CoC, Cwdt, etc. While it is undoubtedly going to be very strong on those triggers, there is far more to this than what meets the eye.
There are quite a few spells, typically unique ones granted from certain uniques, that reads "This Spell is Triggered when Gained". There are a few other special conditional triggers on other uniques as well. Lets look at a few such spells and how they might interact with triggerbots:

Manifest Dancing Dervishes

"100% chance to Trigger this Spell when you Rampage" means that each triggerbot would spawn two Dervishes each, for a total of 4. Unless there is an unspecified limit of 2 Dervishes per player (unlike say, Reflection from The Savior which explicitly specifies a max of 2), I assume this would work. Could open the door for some Intuitive Link shenanigans.

Abberath's Fury

"This Spell is Triggered when Gained" means that it is triggered at the triggerbots, but in practice it could work in one of two ways. One, the fire bursts will trigger at the triggerbots based on their walking speed. Or two, it is still based on our walk speed but the bursts still trigger at the triggerbots.

Death's Oath

Also a spell that is triggered when gained, which makes our triggerbots into walking Death Auras. This might not be as crazy as it seems since if it is like Infernal Legion or Righteous Fire, only one of the auras from the two triggerbots will count.
Slight tangent, but I wonder how a Cwdt RF setup would work. We only need to hit ourselves strong enough once to trigger it. Will RF still scale off our life/ES, or the triggerbots? Do they even have life (and do they count as minions)?

Corpse Walk

Like Abberath's Hooves, I'm not sure if it will trigger based on our movement or the triggerbots movement. Either way, this should simply double our corpse generation. Death Walk from Bubonic Trail is a similar case.

Fire Burst

Not technically from a unique but you can craft it onto weapons with Essences of Hysteria. The bursts will be from the triggerbots. The CDR nodes will also greatly help it.

Glimpse of Eternity

Glimpse of Eternity from Eternity Shroud is going to make your triggerbots into walking temporal bubbles, which could be a solid defensive layer.

Spirit Burst

Spirit Burst from the newly buffed Lightpoacher will also trigger from the triggerbots. Might potentially be a viable primary skill.

Twister

Twister from Saqawal's Flock seems super interesting to me. We'll basically double our tornados which makes me think poison could be a good option. I think we can make a very powerful Saqawal Twister autobomber, regular Twister is already a niche but playable build.

Storm Cascade

Storm Cascade from Surging Thoughts (basically lightning Glacial Cascade) would also trigger at your triggerbots when you attack. Pair it with a fast moving skill like Whirling Blades it could be solid.

All Glove Enchants (Commandment/Edict/etc.)

They will also spawn at the triggerbots.
Of note, I wanted to point out an interesting interaction with Mjolner and Commandment of Ire. Ire creates a spinning copy of your weapon when hit. Hits with this spinning weapon triggers spells in Mjolner. With the triggerbots, we'll end up having two spinning copies of your weapons both of which can trigger your Mjolner spells, also from the triggerbots.
Commandment of Inferno from Unyielding Flame might also be cool.

Feast of Flesh

Feast of Flesh from Devouring Diadem might actually be an anti-synergy with triggerbots based on how it ends up working. I'm not sure that the recovered life/ES will come back to you or go to the triggerbots.

All Aegis skills

Anti-synergistic. Your triggerbots will take them, so you can't benefit from them. Technically you could get around this by first equipping the shield that gives you the aegis before you take the triggerbots node, but not worth it imo.

Other potentially interesting skills/uniques

There are still more skills that interact with triggerbots that I haven't mentioned here, not even going into the more established CoC/Cwdt/Spellslingeetc. This opens up a whole new avenue for delivering skills and potentially automating certain interactions.
I genuinely think that the triggerbots are perhaps the most build defining node that has ever been added to the skill tree.
submitted by Undead_Legion to PathOfExileBuilds [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:35 EntropyOrder1 [WTS] Brian Brown Raptor

Up for grabs today is a catch and release from one of my favorite makers! PayPal FF, CONUS ship only, and no trades at this time…
Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/LXWnBUH
Brian Brown took the knife world by storm with the production version of his now infamous custom Yeager. When he dropped the Raptor, I knew I had to try it, and finally found the build I liked most (this Urban EDC Supply exclusive distressed blue ano) here on the Swap last week. I was immediately blown away by how smooth this is! I carefully took it apart for a good cleaning, then re-lubed and reassembled. Now, it’s absolute butter! Unfortunately for me, the handle is just too narrow for my preferences. It doesn’t seem to stop the huge love that this knife gets from most though! It’s just not for me. Please be aware this one has been used a bit and shows a little ano wear. It also seems a bit roughed up near the top of the show side scale. The blade has been sharpened to a mirror edge by a previous owner. As best I can tell, the blade itself shows no scratches. Comes with everything you see in the pic. Asking what I paid + priority shipping: $285 PayPal FF to your door!
Pics/Vid: https://imgur.com/a/85yrK1F
Thanks for taking the time to look! Again, PayPal FF, CONUS shipping, and no trades. Have a great Friday and weekend!
submitted by EntropyOrder1 to Knife_Swap [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:34 resurrective Chapter 22 – Come to me, Georgius

So much for a heartwarming reunion, so much for peace. When Keyaruga finally thought about having a moment of rest, Panakea showed up. When he thought nothing would happen for at least a day, he met with his love. And now, it was a red sunset that casted its crimson shadow over Buranikka. On omen of evil, an omen of change.
“Despite everything, she still… remembers me. Remembers us. Norn never forgets, no matter what. The only problem, though, is that she won’t accept me now. She may look like a cute little girl, but she’s also a fully competent warlord, with which we’re on different sides.” The man spoke, standing at the door to the corridor. He carried the white sphere, the one and only thing that could make a breakthrough from the current state. “Only a battle will judge us.” The healer admitted, glancing at the bed. Freia sat there, combing Eve’s hair. Setsuna, in turn, listened while in a handstand.
“Uh-hu-u-uh!” The she-wolf muttered, doing a cartwheel to stand upright. “We will win.” She assured him, sitting on the edge of the bed. Honestly, her smile and words were everything Keyaruga needed not to give in to his angst. The gray-haired girl accepted his pain, and now crawled to Freia to heal the magician with her touch. At least a little bit.
“Certainly.” Keyaruga responded optimistically. He had to. Otherwise, his whole redo would be for nothing. And if having the best strategist in Jioral on Margurth’s side still wasn’t bad enough, he’d end up shackled in Norn’s residence for sure.
No doubt, she’s already prepared a chastity cage for me. Brrr, no way I’m signing up for that.
“Freia, are you alright?” The hero asked, approaching the sorceress. He couldn’t leave yet, even though Tidir had already provided Keyaruga with an isolated room in the attic.
“You shouldn’t worry about me.” The pink-haired girl spoke phlegmatically. She allowed Setsuna to massage her back and shoulders, but inside her soul there was still a skirmish ongoing. She thought of each self-accusation, countered it with numerous excuses, just to realize there was no coming back and fixing what was already done. “Move forward, Keyaru. This thing must become your new weapon. Take it, claim it, and… save my sister. She must’ve been counting on you.” The princess stated, still focused on the black-winged maiden before her. So much evil was caused by her, so many torments had Keyaru suffered. And yet, he forgave her, loud and clear. Now only one thing stood between the girl and her inner peace. Something, only she could attain throughout the long self-reflection. “This orb should’ve been yours from the very beginning.”
“I see. Eve, do you have something to say?” The man deliberately wondered, looking at the queen-to-be, who retained her silence up to that point.
“Hmm… No. Dealing with princesses is your thing. Sorry, I can’t help you with that.” The kokuyoku scion responded, giving the lad a brief look. She thought he was just a calculating cutthroat, someone who’s whole interest resided in violence and sex. Now, that she saw his worries, his inner side, she couldn’t help but find him slightly attractive. Especially after how he stood against Hawkeye. Only… “So… Are you really immortal?”
“I am, birdie. I am.” The Hero of Healing grinned a little. He formed an endearing smile, warm and bright. Alas, underneath it there was only cold. After all, Blade almost killed him, and she was way beneath Organ Trist’s mastery. “Take care, girls. I’ll be back soon.”
“Uh-huh. Setsuna’s waiting.”
Thanks. That’s all I need to hear.

“Go in, nura (brother).” The blue-feathered deity uttered, closing the door behind the red-haired man. And so, the man found himself in a dark cramped room, filled with nothing but ages-old dust and stains. He sat behind a small table, looking at the perfectly round object of divine origins. No one could enter without the host’s permission, so Keyaruga was safe from outer distractions.
Brother, huh? You don’t sound too happy saying that, Tidir.
“Ha-a-a…” The man exhaled, rubbed his forehead, and then touched the orb with his right hand. The brand had resonated, bizarre white light erupted from it. Up until now, that was a hard object of unknown properties. Now, the healer knew – the white sphere was actually a solidified chunk of godly energy. After a new hero poured his ambitions into the raw armament’s form, it was ready to morph into whatever its new owner deems fit.
But what would it be? Josephine, for example, wished for a shining gilded sword that would allow her to murder her jailers right after she got it from Flare’s hands. It was bright and decorated, it embodied every wish and aspiration the broken girl kept inside her tormented soul. But despite Ragnarok’s golden, inlayed look, it was crude and unbalanced. But even worse, it was ultimately a crutch for a powerless girl. A lesson – do not wish for something you can get taken away from you.
In Bullet’s case, it was Taslam, the massive magic-spitting cannon. Although not without decorative incrustations of its own, the silver armament was not the primary weapon for the veteran of reconnaissance. After all, the massive black man was not ‘born’ a hero. This was the title he got through research, a few shady deals and the assassination of the previous Hero of Cannon. One could think a weapon of such scale wouldn’t be a spy’s choice. They would be wrong, especially when Bullet draws Taslam’s true form – a small pistol he could hide in his sleeve. A second lesson – do not wish for something to brag with, practicality is always preferable to showing off.
And finally, there was Flare. Her armament was represented by Vanargand, an unbreakable staff, allegedly made from the mythical world tree itself. Its twisted, chaotic, branches around a cold blue orb represented the princess’ dominative nature, but in terms of functionality, it was tuned to amplify all possible elements of her bottomless magic pool, whereas a regular magic staff only worked with one, like her current mystical tool boosted nothing but fire. The last lesson was to have something that amplifies your own innate strength, but is not limited by its primary function.
Keyaruga would only get one chance in his entire life. That’s why he carried the orb with his right hand covered with a green glove. No need to hide the mark from Blade, but still, better safe than sorry.
“I wish I could’ve given it more thought.” The lad lamented, pondering on his promise to Norn. And Hawkeye. The last Champion of Jioral stood between him and the princess. An all-seeing demigod needed to go away. “What I wish… is a tool of vengeance. A means of strength. Something that’d amplify my healing powers. And… a guarantee of true immortality. If I die, my girls would be sad. If I die, what was the point of the redo? If I die… how can I complete my vengeance?”
He lied to Eve. Keyaruga was far from true immortality, and they both knew it. Even after all the body modifications, he still remained a human. Someone, who can get knocked out and murdered with ease, but what’s even more critical, his pain threshold was high, but not limitless. One couldn’t forget about Bloodbringer and her sinister living weapon, after all.
I can kill people with one touch. But can I do it through a full plate armor? Can I heal myself while unconscious? Can I exceed the range of an extended arm? No. No! I have to overcome this! Weapons are tools of murder, and I already have plenty. Think, pray, desire your perfect form. Something for a Hero of Healing.
And so, a clear form started to form inside of Keyaruga’s mind. His passion resonated with the wild streams of primordial hue, the energy took form, and finally, the orb began to form a will of its own.
THOUGH HATH DESIRETH ME, HERO?” A mighty voice resonated throughout the premise. It belonged to a mighty aged man, although much too distorted to confuse it with a real person.
“Yes, I do! Give me your everything!” The lad exclaimed, feeling winds of magic carve inside his very soul. A thrilling power was only rivaled by the man’s force of will.
DOTH THOUGH DESIRETH TO SAVE THE WORLD?” The spirit inquired. A question was ritualistically asked to each and every hero. Problem is, all of them had pretty different ideas about how, why, and to what extent the world must be preserved. But to be sure…
“Of course I do! I love this world! I made it! I want to live in it, to have all the fun and happiness! I want to preserve those I love and crush those I hate completely! I want to claim my prize! So… how can I not wish to save this wretched world?”
ALLOWETH ME TO LEND THY MY STRENGTH.” With that said, the wraith began merging itself to the man. Raw energy began mixing with the healer’s own mana, the hero’s mark resonating with the artifact during the process.
“Good! Now listen to my wish! I want to pierce my foes at range, to be immortal! And I want to be safe! Now take my desired form!”
And so, the chaotic winds began taking form. A Vortex of magical might began swirling around the man’s left arm, as he raised the cracked sphere to the ceiling. What lacked substance began taking mass; what lacked direction, was given focus; what had no form, took the shape of a gruesome gauntlet of pink and blue. It was alive, it had an eye, and it was more, much more than just a piece of armor.
MY NAME THOU NEVER SHOULD FORGET, GEORGIUS – THOU CALL ME THAT!
“Forget? How can I? Georgius, my holy armor, my property!” The lad spoke, staring at his gauntlet with clenched teeth, while the divine armament bound itself to the man’s muscles, nerves, and veins. Georgius was much more than just an indestructible chunk of metal, although even that offered much in terms of practicality. No, it was a net, a living spell that now dwelled inside the man’s body and soul.
Keyaruga understood Georgius, and vice-versa. They were both now inseparable entities, one complementing the other. First things first…
“Let’s check its primary feature.” The lad muttered, grabbing a poisoned knife from his right gauntlet. A swing, a stab, and the blade pierced his left biceps. Naturally, right? But the sheet of poisoned metal was pushed out by the extracorporeal power, and no trace of the wound remained. Georgius even mended the fabric of Keyaruga’s shirt.
“Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-a! With that, I’m not gonna die!” The healer scoffed, rolling his armored fingers. The gauntlet didn’t confine his movements; it didn’t even make his hand sweat. The armament wouldn’t even require any attention paid to it, as Georgius safely absorbed the ambient mana and filtered it for its master’s safe usage. It would keep the man alive no matter what.
One would think that it was enough for just some testing of the artifact’s ability to enhance healing and defense, that its offensive capabilities were impossible to probe in an attic, where even a mouse wouldn’t dare to show up. Well, that would be wrong, as the red-eyed lad had already unsheathed his alloyed saber and rested his elbow on the table.
Ha-ha-a!” Then, he started cutting. Slamming the light curved sword against the powerful limb was a wasted effort, much more so with the gruesome eye keeping track for each and every wound, but Keyaruga proceeded. “MORE-E-E-E!!! DE-E-E-EPER!!! PHA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!” The gargling laugh mixed with slicing and squashing of meat and cleaving of bones above his own elbow resonated with the utmost excitement in the hero’s brain. Strike after strike, he deliberately mutilated his own body just to see what would happen if one manages to cut off his left arm, to lacerate his veins and tendrils. Blood ruptured just to stop in a moment. Wounds reopened right after fading in green mist. And finally, after a whole minute of zealous self-torture, Keyaruga cast away his saber, grabbed his left hand, and ripped it off altogether. All while guffawing murderously. “HA-HA-HA-HA! WHAT WILL YOU DO NOW, GEORGIUS?!!!
The answer didn’t take long, as right in front of the healer’s eyes, the gauntlet on the severed hand turned into purple dust, along with leather bracers, dangling bloodied cloth and a few throwing needles. All of it returned to where it was supposed to be – on a fresh new left arm. It even was so kind as to erase the crimson stains from all over the man’s body. This kindness didn’t extend to what dripped on his boots from the dismembered arm, though.
“I’m starting to fall in love with you, Georgius!” Keyaruga sneered, unhinged by his own ambiguous commentary. He remained with an extra limb. Of course he used it for more experimentation.
Let’s leave it here, two steps away, and…
The man extended his left arm, focused his will, and called upon his magic. A second and the flesh of the severed arm wriggled in convulsions. Another and it returned to normal… Well, with every bone and tendril mercilessly ruined. Georgius gave the lad so much needed distance, even if it was limited by a bare meter, but no control whatsoever. He would never heal someone with that in his right mind. Holding the arm directly, though, was a completely different story. The touch gave the lad the utmost will over his patients, or victims. But more than anything, all the pain and fear were barred from his psyche. Alas, that wouldn’t allow for copying skills, but nobody forbade the lad from using his right arm. And even if he wanted to use the left one, just a single thought made Georgius completely and utterly disappear. It was still there; ready to come back in an instant.
Fuck, it’s so awesome; I’m getting so hard right now!

“…and then I had him poisoned, thrown into the dungeon. I beat him, had him raped, drugged, tortured…
And while Keyaruga enjoyed his new toy, Setsuna was far, far away from having any sort of fun. She listened to Freia, heeded her every word, every description, and every little notion. The two of them sat on the bed, and the she-wolf was furious. It was a rare occasion to see her frown, let alone openly grinding her teeth. Eve had retreated to her room just in time to spare herself from hearing and seeing the worst.
“…after all of that, I really did deserve the fire rod between my legs,” the princess admonished, unable to raise her head. Freia was desperate, but she couldn’t hide the truth any longer. Not after Hawkeye crushed her spirit just by referencing her sins. “What I didn’t deserve, though, is his lov-!”
That was it, Setsuna’s patience had run out, and she grabbed the sorceress by the throat. With the power of both hands, the huntress easily overpowered the magician, she could end her simply by squeezing a little harder, or scratching her carotid artery a little too deep.
GHHHH!!!” The she-wolf growled, consumed by rage. All those nightmares, all those traumas – it was her fault, she did it to him, she…
She didn’t even struggle.
“…you… YOU!!!” The huntress’ grip had weakened, she couldn’t go on like that, her hands slipped, but the fury didn’t go anywhere.
“Kha-kha-kha-a… A-a-a… Haa… Kha…” Freia’s face was morbidly red, her breath was rugged, and even her eyes looked like they would pop out of their sockets every second now. “Kha-a… Se… tty…” But even in that sorry state, the girl never raised a hand against her friend. One swing, and the huntress would be burned by flames, scourged by a lightning, her brain would pop out on the edge of a sharp flying icicle… And yet, despite all of those possibilities, the heroine insisted on calling her possible murderer… by a friendly pet name.
GRRR! What?!” She roared, still unsure what to do with the pink-haired girl. She was a part of their family, their pack… And someone they would be better off without. Right? Alas, whether that was true or not, Freia herself shared that ridiculous thought.
“Before you kill me… Promise me one thing.” The princess all but demanded. Her voice was faint, but there was power, a true regal authority in it. “Promise, you’d never leave him! Keyaruga… I don’t think he believes anyone can love him! Promise me you’ll take care of Evy and Norn! They have nothing to do with it! Promise…”
“No.” But Setsuna refused.
“B-but why?”
“Because Setsuna…”

Keyaruga returned. He pushed the door open and entered the room. His fervor wasn’t that high ever since the lad successfully broken the chain Flare put him on, ever since he burned the vile arrogant witch from the inside.
“Freia! Setsuna! Let’s fuck!” The hero yelled, as his eyes rolled all over the place. There was passion, there was zeal, and, most importantly…
Haa… Set… ty!..” …his feelings were shared here, two naked girls, with one clearly dominating the other. The huntress held the sorceress from the back, Setsuna played with Freia’s nipple, she twitched her puffy vulva, teased her erect clitoris. All the while the huntress kept gently and caringly biting the princess’ ear. “Keya… ruga…” The caster helplessly pleaded, reaching for the towering man, but the she-wolf’s grip was just too strong.
“You start with Freia.” Setsuna proclaimed, patting her prey’s puffy lips.
“That’s a bold thing to hear from you.” Keyaruga sneered, all while getting rid of his equipment. What was just a normal arousal grew into a burning passion, as his raging erection urged him to drop the trousers as fast as possible. “Still, who am I to refuse a lady?”
And so, the lad jumped into the bed in all of his naked glory. His rod was on fire, his heart’s pounding resonated all the way to his temples, and his sex drive became unstoppable at that point.
“You’re gorgeous, Freia.” Keyaruga said, caressing the girl’s sweaty cheek. While he was gone, Setsuna made sure Freia was hot and wet; this was her tribute to the leader of their small pack. “I wanna fuck you silly.” The lad whispered heatedly, claiming his shivering bounty. She was moist, she was panting, and most importantly – the sorceress was in mad love.
A-A-A-H!” Barely did the huntress let go of her, before the girl got on top of her man. She leant on his chest and lowered her hips, letting the hard penis pierce her dripping vagina. “You’re… mine now.” The princess declared, accepting the lad’s meaty stick all the way to the twitching balls.
“Well-well, care to explain what’s happened? Anybody?” The healer wondered with a mischievous grin on his face. He never missed a chance to get a firm grip on Freia’s bouncing ass; and neither did he deny himself from leaving a bunch of hickeys on her neck.
Nobody cared for conversation anymore. One was too busy moaning, while bouncing on the man’s rod, another was muffledly panting, all while pleasing herself. Setsuna dared not intervene, but neither would she miss a chance to follow Eve’s example.
Freia embraced Keyaruga, rubbing her sweaty body against his torso. Strangely enough, the girl deliberately avoided looking him in the eyes. She even turned her back to the man. And while her trained spine and round buttcheeks did look enticing, just having a beauty riding his dick wasn’t really enough to the hero.
“Hey, Freia…” Keyaruga spoke, lifting himself in a sitting position. That way, he could once again embrace his lovely princess. “You don’t have to fuck me out of guilt, you know.” The healer admonished, bending the girl in to take her doggy-style.
I don- AHH!!!” There was no place for excuses. No moment of reflection, nothing but a primal lust and desire. Freia was his trophy, while he and Norn had a long story behind them? As if it mattered at all right now. “A-A-H!!! KEYARUGA!!!” She yelled, as the lad ravaged her. Gripping onto the bedsheets, the sorceress could do nothing but drown in pleasure. “A-A-A-A-A-A-A-H!!!” She was on the verge, orgasm after orgasm; she was led, or rather dragged, to the highest peak of ecstasy.
A wave of pure joy had covered Freia from her head down to her toes, she trembled, drooled, she even got a small puddle underneath her butt. These five minutes were so intense, she couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe properly. And yet…
“Get up. Master’s not finished.” Setsuna demanded, crawling near the girl. And indeed, Keyaruga’s penis was still far from ejaculating.
“She’s right. You and I have a lo-o-o-ot to do!” The hero uttered, grabbing Freia’s butt.

It’s been… how much time? Twenty? Thirty minutes? An hour? Even more? It was hard to tell after countless orgasms the two enjoyed together. Freia looked more like a dirty rag, than anything else. Her pink hair was all messy; she was sticky with sweat and reeked of semen, leaking right from her loose vagina. But even so, she clung to the Hero of Healing, who didn’t really seem any better, napping with a string of saliva drooling from his mouth.
Only Setsuna remained awake. She didn’t take any part in their love, other than masturbating right beside them. There was an undisputed reason for such a behavior. Specifically, Freia had told her everything; down to the most gruesome detail of how she abused the drug-addicted boy she now called master. The sorceress had expected retribution, a swift and brutal death by the ice claws, knowing she could leave her beloved man for Norn.
But, well, what kind of keeper would Setsuna be if she didn’t direct that lunacy into a fine night for two broken souls? The huntress would get her turn her turn the next day. Now, though, she covered Keyaruga and Freia with a blanket and lied beside him.
Silently, the she-wolf took the lad’s hand and pressed it against her breast. After all, it was kindness and warmth that kept his nightmares at bay.
submitted by resurrective to RedoOfHealer [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:34 Username8512478654 iOS PWA Web Push Notification Behaviours

So Apple have finally brought in support for Push and Notifications APIs to Homescreen PWAs on iOS/iPadOS which is great news. We’re told existing implementations for Desktop / Android should just work too which is even better.
Now that 16.4 is live I’m encountering some unexpected behaviours. Wondering if these are known issues and if there any known work arounds at present
  1. After the 3rd push without a notification triggered a device’s push subscription is terminated. On other platforms/browsers we’re able to do focus detection on receiving a push so that if the PWA is open and in focus then we can opt to not trigger the notification and handle the push in app.
    I get the logic for saving on data usage and battery drain on silent notifications when the PWA is closed but this seems excessive if you’ve got the PWA open and in focus already.
  2. After installing a PWA to the homescreen and opting to receive notifications it seems that whilst the device can receive notifications, clicking on one doesn’t reliably trigger the "notificationclicked" event. So the notification is removed from the screen but the all important URL or data payload isn't processed.
This behaviour does seem to be fairly inconsistent but I’ve been able to replicate it on a 3rd party's online PWA demo (this is a pretty barebones implementation): https://simple-push-demo.vercel.app Closing the PWA completely and re-opening the app using a notification seems to resolve this for later ones.
  1. Notifications don't appear to have the option to trigger alert sounds or haptics either currently.
I'm sure my PWA's current implementation is far from perfect but being able to replicate these issues elsewhere in other PWAs seems to suggest that there could be some quirks to Apple's implementation.
Anyone else out there running into any of the above or other issues with these so far?
submitted by Username8512478654 to PWA [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:33 James_Without_James Fabric server wont start.

I think it may be an issue with fabric but im not sure. When I try to start my server (I'm hosting it with PebbleHost) it says starting but it stops before the server fully launches. This is what it says in the console:
31.03 14:25:01 [PebbleHost] Received start command
31.03 14:25:01 [PebbleHost] Starting server!
31.03 14:25:02 [Server] Startup5ae614f219643954ed78dcb3b7e5c0218fc16af6947650bc55e1cffe123f3787
31.03 14:25:05 [PebbleHost Loader] -----------------------------------
31.03 14:25:05 [PebbleHost Loader] PebbleHost Server Loader Starting...
31.03 14:25:05 [PebbleHost Loader] The following settings have been detected: RAM: -Xmx2048M, JAR: fabric-server-launch.jar, SERVERID: 468044, SIZE: 1
31.03 14:25:05 [PebbleHost Loader] Testing server configuration...
31.03 14:25:05 [PebbleHost Loader] Server loader version: v3.0.5 (using configuration version v1.3.8)
31.03 14:25:05 [PebbleHost Loader] Jar passed checksum check
31.03 14:25:05 [PebbleHost Loader] Server passed file check
31.03 14:25:05 [PebbleHost Loader] Configuring your servers settings...
31.03 14:25:06 [PebbleHost Loader] Server passed all checks, Booting...
31.03 14:25:06 [PebbleHost Loader] -----------------------------------
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [ERROR] [FabricLoade]: Uncaught exception in thread "main"
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] java.lang.RuntimeException: An exception occurred when launching the server!
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.server.FabricServerLauncher.main(FabricServerLauncher.java:71)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] Caused by: java.lang.RuntimeException: Error invoking MC server bundler: java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: net/minecraft/bundleMain has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 61.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 52.0
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.game.minecraft.BundlerProcessor.process(BundlerProcessor.java:102)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.game.minecraft.MinecraftGameProvider.locateGame(MinecraftGameProvider.java:190)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.Knot.createGameProvider(Knot.java:177)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.Knot.init(Knot.java:130)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.Knot.launch(Knot.java:68)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.knot.KnotServer.main(KnotServer.java:23)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.launch.server.FabricServerLauncher.main(FabricServerLauncher.java:69)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] Caused by: java.lang.UnsupportedClassVersionError: net/minecraft/bundleMain has been compiled by a more recent version of the Java Runtime (class file version 61.0), this version of the Java Runtime only recognizes class file versions up to 52.0
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at java.lang.ClassLoader.defineClass1(Native Method)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at java.lang.ClassLoader.defineClass(ClassLoader.java:756)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at java.lang.ClassLoader.defineClass(ClassLoader.java:635)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.game.minecraft.BundlerProcessor$1.loadClass(BundlerProcessor.java:65)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at java.lang.ClassLoader.loadClass(ClassLoader.java:351)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at java.lang.Class.forName0(Native Method)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at java.lang.Class.forName(Class.java:348)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] at net.fabricmc.loader.impl.game.minecraft.BundlerProcessor.process(BundlerProcessor.java:85)
31.03 14:25:06 [Server] [INFO] ... 6 more
31.03 14:25:06 [PebbleHost Loader] Server Stopped
31.03 14:25:06 [PebbleHost Loader] PebbleHost Server Loader Stopping...
31.03 14:25:06 [PebbleHost Loader] Server loader version: v3.0.5 (using configuration version v1.3.8)
31.03 14:25:06 [PebbleHost Loader] PebbleHost Server Loader Stopped.
31.03 14:25:07 [PebbleHost] Server shut down (running)
31.03 14:25:07 [PebbleHost] Server stopped
can anyone help?
submitted by James_Without_James to MinecraftServer [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:29 Paradox68 Realized today how repressed I really am

I hope this doesn’t turn into some long rant, but I just want to give some context first. Growing up, my dad was not an ideal father or role model. We were raised in a bad Christian household (that is, we went to church when we were young, but stopped going because none of the kids respected our Dad enough to listen to the gospel he seemed to care so much about [ironically]).
He would often quote the Bible and I even remember some years where he would brag that he read the whole book one time. For him it seemed like it validated that he was a “good Christian” even though he would regularly beat his wife (our mom), would come home angry every single day and start screaming about something being dirty, or a chore not being done. Yes we were lazy kids, and although there was no lack of discipline, we were not responsible kids, so the house was always a mess and there always seemed to be something old or new for him to scream about.
He would make us help him on side jobs and stuff to help pay the bills so even from a young age of 12, I was learning to put up drywall, or tiling a bathroom, or installing counter tops and such. Even when we would help him, he would still scream at us, usually over little things or simple mistakes you would almost expect a child to make. And god forbid if you ask him what a Deepwell Socket is, or which blade is for Metal on the Rotozip. You’re just supposed to know everything he knows, obviously. So what if you’re a child and he’s been doing this for 30 years? Nothing was ever good enough.
Honestly I would closer acquaint him to a term I heard recently which is “DisneyLand Dad”. Although he was physically there our whole childhood, he was not a father figure. He had his good days just like anyone else, but as I grow older I still only remember the horrible things he did. He’s a racist, myopic, self-centered, aggressive genius of a moron. I say genius because he clearly had so much potential that he squandered in his life utterly and completely. It’s really kind of sad because I know now that’s why he was such a bitter, unhappy man. He chose to take his feelings out on the easiest targets, his six children.
The truly tragic part is that no amount of talking to him or trying to bargain will help. He is completely myopic, meaning he is incapable of seeing things through a perspective other than his own. This led to a lot of problems in the household because as a narcissist he would never think he did any wrong. Even if you ask him today, “Why did you choke Mom on Mother’s day when I was 10?” He’d probably try to make an excuse that includes blaming my mom, or worse, he would say he was a different person then which completely dismisses the question.
Things are better now that all of the kids are adults and we have our own lives to focus on, but he ruined all of our childhoods, leaving us each with our own unique emotional scarring. My oldest brother has deep rooted trust issues, another brother has severe anger issues, my sister also deals with anger and has trouble seeing other people’s perspectives, my other sister deals with anger issues and body images issues because of all the insults my dad would hurl at her, and my youngest brother just has really deep insecurities and anxiety about just about everything.
I realized today what my damage is. I lost 10 years of my life. I am emotionally and developmentally stunted to the point that I fell behind everyone else in my age group. Only now am I starting to see the value and fun in every day, ordinary things. It’s going to sound stupid but while I was walking to work today, I imagined myself just dancing on the middle of the sidewalk as I was listening to a great song, and it just struck me. I don’t dance. I never dance. I never have wanted to dance. I worry so much about looking stupid that I don’t even try. When I was 17 and everyone was going to parties and drinking and dancing and having fun, I was working. When people try to talk to me, I never think that anything I have to offer is important enough. So I stay quiet. I know that not everything can be blamed on my Dad, and that I have a lot of personal growth I need to do now, but this really just hit me like a brick today and I’m trying so hard not to cry in the office
submitted by Paradox68 to offmychest [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:29 bmemike If I could make one salvage change...

...it would be with how ejecting boxes works.
Given:
My proposal/request would be that when you have auto-eject on, as soon as the space in front of the compactor is clear that it immediately starts to eject without having to hit the button again.
In addition to it simply being annoying to have to hit the button and a small time waster, we know that the tech already exists to detect obstruction and auto-eject without intervention.
Since I'm explicitly telling the system to auto-eject, I want it to auto-eject when it's safe. I don't want to have to tell it to auto-eject over and over and over again. If I ever want that to change, I'll disable the auto ejection.
Thank you for coming to my Pico talk.
submitted by bmemike to starcitizen [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:29 leveragedflyout Puzzle: Automation when away, but pets home

I’ve got a set of automations that work well when I’m home or not home, but spinning my wheels on figuring out how to trigger an automation when I’m not home, but my dog is.
Example use case: - When not home, bring blinds up in dog’s room, play forest sounds
I have HKSV cameras, HomeKit-compatible blinds, and HomeKit-compatible speakers.
Things I’ve tried: - Home app allows shortcuts to trigger on motion, but doesn’t seem to allow to specify which motion performs the trigger. It allows motion-specific recording triggers, but not motion-specific shortcut triggers. If it did, then I could easily program an automation that goes “when not home, and detect pet, then perform X”.
submitted by leveragedflyout to HomeKit [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:19 Golden_Edge Confused

I was going to create a post title "Is skin prep overrated?" but I thought I would merge that confusion with another since it's related (R41 paired with Voskhod).
Confusion #1: Past couple weeks, my shaves have sucked, big time. Irritation, burning sensation, razor bumps and bleeding - all neck area. I would always shave after a hot shower, always making sure I exfoliate especially the neck area (must admit, a bit too much). I thought the cleaner the better. Apparently wrong. I would use the R41 with Nacet (I have also tried other blades part of a trade to experiment).
Confusion #2: Four days ago, I woke up and said F it (if it's gonna suck, it's gonna suck, suck it up), not shaving after shower. Just washed my face with a (mild) daily foaming cleaner (just circular motions, no pressure), hot towel on the face for couple minutes, loaded a Voskhod (first time using it) in the R41. It was the absolute smoothest (BBS) shave I had so far. It made the R41 feel mild. I kid you not. No irritation, no burn, no razor bump, nothing. I said, okay, it's one of those (lucky) days. I did the same exact thing this morning (foaming cleanser, hot towel, the same blade (not a fresh one) in the R41). Once again, exact same results.
All of which leaves me scratching my head. Is skin prep overrated or is the R41 paired with Voskhod my personal Holy Grail (just when I was about to order a 100-pack of Nacets)? I remember reading a comment from someone here in the sub (forgot who, sorry) that the skin should not be exfoliated prior to shaving. Was it the reason? I don't know but I am finding out, at least in my case, that the simpler and more straight forward the better.
Curious to know what your experience is/has been - with skin prep mostly.
submitted by Golden_Edge to wicked_edge [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:16 StepwiseUndrape574 A few questions before buying a mod menu

Hi, i've been thinking about getting a menu and I found Stand Regular. It's at the top of what I'm willing to pay but seems worth the money.
But I wanted to ask a few things from people who have some experience modding:
1.Is that a good choice? I don't need some options, mostly just making money(from missions, not by adding artificially) crash protections, teleport and other quality of life changes, i wouldn't be needing any griefing tools or anything that interferes with other players.
2.I understand it's an internal menu, running as part of the game. How can it avoid detection by Rockstar Launcher checking the game files? Won't it get me banned for just being there?
3.Is the site I'm looking at, stand.gg, legit?
4.Is there a way to see when a Rockstar employee is spectating me? As far as I know you can get banned by auto detection of cheated money/cars, by getting reported for cheating in a public session, or by an admin who decides to take a look at what you're doing and witnesses you cheating. Can the menu prevent or warn me about the last one?
5.Are menus like Stand fun to use for someone not amused by griefing and aimbotting? As in, are there some fun things to do not designed to ruin the fun of others?
Sorry if the questions are dumb, but I've only ever used Menyoo for singleplayer and Modest Menu before for a while so I don't know much about mods, and I don't want to waste money by rushing it. Any answers and opinions are appreciated, thanks!
submitted by StepwiseUndrape574 to gta5_moddedaccounts_ [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:11 eqoval Windows Defender Showing Blank + Files Deleting For No Reason.

I'm Using Windows 10 Home 22H2 19045.2728.
So basically this issue has been with my for a while where Windows Defender shows nothing and is just completely blank. Not only this but I've started to recently make my own programs in VS 2019 and when I finally launch that sucker after working on it for DAYS windows detects it as a virus and permanently delete it. Therefore making me COMPLETELY having to rebuild it. I would add it to the exclusions list but I can't because Defender is blank.
Before you ask I've tried reinstalling Windows, DISM, SFC Scans, Download packages and even Change policy settings, but nothing I do works. Please help me, it's annoying
submitted by eqoval to WindowsHelp [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:06 Adnyandy WTS 08/2011 Camo Microtech Ultratech T/e Full Serration

TS/PICS
I have a used, older model here up for grabs today. My Father no longer carries it due to his arthritis, the infidel is easier to fire for him. It was very difficult for me to find comps online to price this guy. The best match I could find was a tan camo with tan hardware that was previously owned and sold on Arizona Custom Knives website in 2014. I think that 200$ shipped with PPFF is reasonable based on wear and age. This thing is solid and still fires with authority! I have a newer model to compare it to, and this is a beefier version with a switch button that is not so rough on the thumbs thanks to smoothing from use. Blade play is standard with the model in my experience. Switch rattles a bit when not engaged i imagine some oil/grease could help fix this. If you have any questions about it or want more pics let me know. I also called Microtech to see if we could identify the steel used but they said there was no way to do so from that far back. We did decide it was most likely to be s35vn or Elmax from date of manufacture and model. If anyone has more information on the knife that would lead to a more accurate price, let me know. Otherwise SV is 200$ PPFF no trades atm, OBRO.
Please check your state laws on automatic OTFs, you are responsible to know what’s legally allowed. Thank you!
submitted by Adnyandy to Knife_Swap [link] [comments]


2023.03.31 17:02 ARES_The_Sentry [[SPECIAL VISITOR CASE: ADMIN CONFIRMATION REQUIRED]]

[[SPECIAL VISITOR CASE: ADMIN CONFIRMATION REQUIRED]]
[[LOADING APPEARANCE FILE: AK817HH192JKEN.EPNG]]
<<<————————————————>>>
[[LOADING FILE: /-DISTRICT/-VISITO-PERMIT/-LOG097T62G.EPDF]] [[OPENING FILE]] [[OPENING…]] [[OPENING…]] [[OPENING…]]
[[FILE OPENED]]
[[CONTENTS:]]
[[GENERAL INFORMATION:]]
[[NAME:]] Ares - 9 - 35
[[AGE:]] 25
[NOTES] - When asked about age, the subject inquired if the interviewer was referring to the body or the mind. The interviewer asked about the age of the body, to which the subject replied with the noted answer. Possible body snatcher? Remember to pass it to administration.
[[RACE:]] Simulacra (Possible body-snatcher, refer to above notes)
[[Gender:]] Male (Uses male pronouns, refers to themselves as male)
[[RELATIONS/CONNECTIONS:]] None
[[LEVEL:]] 1, 0/4 quests done
[[STATS:]]
[[STR:]] 3 + 1
[[DEX:]] 3
[[CON:]] 3 + 1
[[WIS]]: 0 + 2
[[INT:]]: 1
[[SPR:]] 0
[[CHR:]] 1
[[ROLE:]] Commando/Commander
[[CHARACTER:]]
[[APPEARANCE:]]
[[NOTES:]] - The subject features an active anti-imaging system, rendering them almost impossible to record via technological or thaumaturgical means. This was discovered after the visitation permit interview due to previously encountered system errors (possible intentional interference?). The following image is a full-body composite made in cooperation with a witness who recalls seeing the subject during a reported murder.
[[PERSONALITY:]] The subject conversed with the interviewer in a very cold and calculating tone. Questionnaire testing revealed a set of morals and ethics, but they were put into backseat focus, as the subject answered in favor of achieving goals and needs no matter their moral ambiguity or outright evilness. What was interesting was not the subject’s almost complete lack of thought for others, but instead the fact that there was still a sliver of compassion or empathy. Perhaps the subject is not as inhumane as perceived? Must look into the subject further.
[[NOTES:]] The subject has a deep rooted dislike for anthropomorphic animals, and the french. When conversing with a [REDACTED], who is a french-born and accented, wolf-human hybrid, the subject was visibly uncomfortable and was hostile in conversation. They were also noticed twitching in their seat, violently clamping the sides of the chair with their hands, leaving the wood splintered, and most surprisingly, steaming from the joints. Interviewer was removed from the location when the subject was noticed slowly reaching for their gun.
[[PROFICIENCIES:]]
[[NOTES:]] The subject has shown surprising proficiency in a large number of areas and subjects, with them showing the most proficiency in combat and battle-oriented areas.
Technological Interfacing Hand-to-hand combat Psychological manipulation Emotional manipulation Melee combat Armed combat Weaponsmithing Engineering
[[INVENTORY:]]
[[GEAR:]]
[[WEAPONS:]]
Revolver - An interestingly large revolver. Detailed inspection revealed an under-barrel cylinder with a feeding system that extracts a cartridge from the cylinder, then “flips” over to feed into the barrel, while the previously spent casing is ejected during the “flipping” motion. Stored in a cross-draw holster under the subject’s ribs, hidden under the half-cloak. (Deals 2d5 physical damage) (5 bullets, requires an action to reload) Blade - An elongated multi-tool/machete-style blade. Its edge features a heatable filament that allows it to cut through a variety of materials, but its multi-tool styled form allows it to be used for various uses, such as climbing, or breaking open a door. Stored in a back-waist easy-access scabbard, with a majority of it hidden under the half-cloak (Deals 2d5 physical damage + 2 thermal damage) (Reach 1.5 meters)
[[ARMOR:]]
Half-Cloak - A half-cloak that covers the majority of the subject’s back, their chest, and most of their left front, including their left arm, and a majority of their waist and left leg. It has the unique property of being able to be retracted back into the subject’s body when it is deemed a hindrance to their movement or abilities, and it is composed of extremely durable and cut-resistant material, along with having multiple reinforced areas that are able to withstand several bullet impacts (9mm). (If blocking, adds a -2 to damage taken when not retracted) (Retracting/Releasing requires no action) (Cannot retract/release during an action)
[[UTILITY:]]
None
[[CONSUMABLES:]]
None
[[HSD ITEMS:]]
[[WEAPONS:]]
Rifle - A particularly heavy and powerful rifle. M-34 is stamped onto its left side, along with a shattered gear logo. Notable features include a diagonal magazine attached from the left side, an integrated carry handle, a set of heavy-duty sockets, and a long and thin canister, attached to the barrel, covered by the barrel shroud, presumably a cooling system. (Deals 3d6 physical damage + 2 thermal damage) (Requires 1 action to steady rifle) (Holds 20 anti-material rounds) (Requires 1 action to reload)
Shotgun - A large, but slim shotgun. Features a left-side magazine, a skeleton stock, with two additional magazines stored, and an automatic trigger, along with a canted grip. (Fires 15 pellets, each pellet does 1 damage. Roll a d15 for pellets hit) (Requires 1 action to reload)
[[ARMOR:]]
Ballistic Armor - A very large suit of armor that is obviously intended to attach to the subject’s limbs. It features additional protection on most of the limbs, and increased head and neck armor, along with extra sensors and cameras. (+3 to CON) (-2 to DEX) (-.5 m/s walking speed)
[[UTILITY:]]
Seeker drones: A bandolier of grenade-sized drones. These expand once thrown to allow for the micro-thrust engine to function. They will then patrol an area, or if ordered, actively seek out enemies to mark for Ares to see. Alternatively, they can be used as cameras. They carry a minor explosive payload, capable of causing moderate damage once it is ejected. (Deals 3d5 explosive damage) (Marks detected enemies for Ares to see through walls) (Capable of flight) (Max range is 50 meters of continuous flight) [[CONSUMABLES:]]
Welding pack - A large armored box with a gear and wrench logo stamped onto it. Inside is an arc-torch, wiring, plating, circuit-boards, along with packages of solder, extra fuel canisters for the torch, along with ballistic plates.
[[ABILITIES:]]
[[PASSIVES:]]
[[RACIAL:]]
Steelborn - (5) - The subject’s inhuman body shows increased strength and resilience against most damage types, along with the sensor suite located on the head provides increased optics and information. (+1 to STR) (+1 to CON) (+2 to WIS) (Immune to magic/poisons that affect only biological items, i.e. cannot be poisoned or harmed by bloodbending) (Ares is able to survive without limbs or his head, with major debuffs, of course.) (Dies only once the chest is destroyed.)
[[CORE:]]
HPF Generator - (3) - The subject is able to release a powerful wave of energy capable of causing a mild interference effect in nearby electronics, while also capable of scanning for items/people/locations of interest and highlighting them for the subject to see through walls and objects. Onboard AI then takes over to accurately predict the imminent future movements and locations of said objects. (Provides X-ray vision for 3 turns) (Range 10 meters) (Cooldown 6 turns)
[[LEARNT:]]
None
[[ACTIVE:]]
[[CORE:]]
Gunship - (6) - The subject is able to requisition an autonomous gunship for various uses, such as transport, fire-support, and scouting. It features 4 VTOL engines, a quadruple FRIES system, and an extended sensor suite, capable of highlighting enemies through walls for the subject to see. (Summons an aerial companion until destruction) (Cannons fire in 6 round bursts, each bullet deals 3 physical damage, roll d6 for bullet hits) (Carrying capacity of 5 people) (Has 250% hp) (Allows Ares to see what the gunship sees) (Cooldown 20 turns)
[[LEARNT:]]
None
[[WEAKNESSES:]]
Cannot use digestible potions Cannot sense magic Cannot activate magic that requires a soul/spirit
[[BACKSTORY:]]
Not available
[[NOTES:]] The subject refuses to divulge any information about his backstory/motivations. They have only said that they are looking for a mage that can open a cross-dimensional portal.
submitted by ARES_The_Sentry to TheOakShack [link] [comments]