#Small Business Structure Setup

[rvagau3750]

July 2025 Minimum Wage Increase: What Employers Need to Know

From 1 July 2025, the Fair Work Commission will increase the National Minimum Wage and all Modern Award rates by 3.5%. This aims to address real wage decline caused by inflation and affects many employers across Australia. Businesses must review their payroll systems, employment contracts, and any Enterprise Bargaining Agreements to ensure compliance and avoid underpayment risks. Understanding Modern Award coverage is essential, as many employers are unknowingly bound by it. RV Advisory Group offers expert support to help you navigate these updates with confidence and stay compliant. Source and related content: https://www.rvag.com.au/australia-minimum-wage-update-2025-business-guide/

[beemo-boppin]

School has kept me busy but here's an old clip I've yet to post of Etho being silly goofy with his incredible editing skills

TW: Flashing 0:38-0:42 (0:23-0:19 on computer). Start/end is indicated with captions and a lil ding sound

Alsooo, I rebranded :P My new pfp is my minecraft character! @Beemoboppin is now my personal blog where I will rant about Etho and Ethubs and fawn over my favorite artists

Clipped from Etho Plays Minecraft - Episode 526: Strange Change (12:34-13:33)

Video description / transcription under cut:

3rd person perspective on Etho in his let's play world. A video transition shaped like a star expands from the middle of the screen and reveals Etho standing in the man cave, in front of his lava creeper mural.

Etho: Let's start this off with a star wipe to the man cave. Followed up with a magnificent...

The star wipe transition reveals Etho standing on the bottom floor of the library, a wooden building with an enchanting setup and fountain behind Etho and red carpet below him.

Etho: Star wipe to the library. Ooh. Ooh that was classy, that- that felt good. Now we're gonna follow it up with a tremendous...

The star wipe transition reveals Etho standing in a wheat field with a small windmill in the background.

Etho: Star wipe to the windmill B). Ooh that was a good one. That felt really good. I've been wanting to do that for so long. But wait, you think we're done? We're not done! No, no, no. We still got an incredible...

The star wipe transition reveals Etho standing in the nether hub, a round room with quartz walls, a patterned floor, and a nether brick structure in the middle.

Etho: Star wipe to the nether hub. Andu you know what? One of our longest running projects I think deserves a looong...

The star wipe transition reveals Etho standing in front of the Nexus storage system, a white building with a concaved entrance, blue glass ceiling, and a display of redstone lights, buttons, levers, and chests on the center wall.

Etho: Star wipe to the Nexus. But you know, why do we even need to go anywhere?

Flashing warning

The star wipe transition plays with Etho staying in place, the star now appearing white with a hollow middle as it expands outward. The transition plays each time Etho says "star wipe"

Etho: We can just star wipe, and star wipe, and (quickly) star wipe and star wipe! Oh this is great *chuckles* I think we should- we should finish it off though. I- I could go on for days here. But really, let's- let's end it with one really graceful...

A transition now shaped like a heart expands from the center of the screen to reveal Etho standing in a hallway of "Etho's Lab." The room has white decorated walls, a red ceiling, and purple floor. The walls and ceiling have redstone lamps in them.

Etho: Heart wipe to Etho's Lab here. Oooh snap. Okay, that was good. I think with that, guys, I should be under control for a while.

[vals-sims-world]

Hey guys! Thank you so much for all the love you've given to my Sims versions of Merlin and the knights!

Since there's interest in my Merlin save I will be sharing some stories about what's been happening in that world. However, before I do I feel I need to explain the way I play this save since it's not your standard Sims 3 fashion. I typically play rotationally, spending a week with each family before moving on and using nraas story progression mod to keep everyone from aging while I'm not there. My nraas setup also keeps sims from changing their relationship status or progressing in their careers when I'm not playing them but they can meet new sims, make friends, declare enemies, and start up a bit of a flirtation on their own. I like coming back to a household and seeing what dynamics have formed when I leave them to their own devices, though I get the final say on what romantic interests they end up pursuing.

Now that's just my standard setup for most of my games. For my Merlin save I decided to add some interest by using Merlin characters for my own version of The Medieval Charter Challenge! For those unfamiliar The Medieval Charter Challenge is basically a sims 2 build-a-kingdom challenge where you start with a small settlement and slowly build your world up until you have a medieval city. There are a lot of rules including a tax system and class structures that I'm not going to go over but if you're interested you can check out the original rules here For those of you who are familiar with the challenge just know that I've tweaked some of the rules to fit better with the sims 3 and I don't always follow them strictly. I treat them more like guidelines than actual rules, especially since I'm using pre-established characters, some of which have magic which opens up excuses for all sorts of shenanigans. So if you see me doing something that doesn't follow the rules don't worry about it.

Mainly what you need to know is that I started with an empty world, 3 households who are not part of my rotation but are there to help populate the town (druid camp, knights barracks, and the Ladies' manor), 5 peasant families (du Lac, Smith, Hopper, Emrys, and Ealdor), 2 Yeomen families (Macken and De Grance), and the royal Pendragon family. As my save is currently I have 9 community lots, 3 peasant families (Hopper, Ealdor, Oliver), 1 yeoman family (Emrys), 1 Merchant family (du Lac), 1 Gentry family (Macken), 1 Noble family (De Grance), and the royal Pendragon family that have all dramatically changed as they intermarried, had kids, built up their businesses, and rose in the ranks.

My plan is to make a post on each of these families explaining their story. This will take time though as I plan to give you guys family portraits, before and after tours of their homes, any screenshots I happened to have taken while playing, as well as writing out the twists and turns of their tales. So please bear with me while I sort that out.

In the meantime here's some screenshots of some shippy poses I did with my sims that aren't part of the save

Tagging those who expressed interest in knowing more about my save (let me know if you want me to tag you in future posts about this): @tansyuduri @building-camelot @chairwiththreelegs

[dimorphodon-x]

Updated setup for Oardivia’s colony, now cut up into 5 cities instead of one giant city. This technically isn’t the finished look of the colony but if I add anymore stuff to this model I’m going to die.

Updated lore below 👇

The colony of Oardivia sits on one giant structure with buildings sprouting from it. It is divided into layers depending on depth, with each city even being named after the depth it is located in. There are five total cities, all stacked on top of one another.

The smallest cities of Oardivia are Sky and Epip. Most who live in these first two layers are seals and seabirds, and they are the two cities with the most amount of natural light.

Sky houses primarily flying bird alt modes, such as gulls, pelicans and so on, so many of the buildings there are incredibly tall and there are even structures dedicated for perching up high.

Epip houses most of those with seal and penguin alt modes, though many dolphins also enjoy this city. The buildings in this city tend to be quite large for the small area the city takes up, so there’s a lot of space to just walk around in.

The capital is the city Meso. This is where the Senate and Leader live and where most politics take place. Many mechs who live here are rather rich, and Meso is thought to be the cleanest and richest city. Though many who live outside this city view most of its inhabitants to be nothing more than spoiled brats. They still frequent the city either for work, shopping, and it is also where the academy is.

Bathys contains the Grand Gatherhome, so most religious practices take place in this city. Some days hymns, usually describing how life originates from the deepest and darkest parts of the ocean, can be heard from the Gatherhome or smaller nearby churches. Religion on Oardivia is often casual, mostly just singing old songs from when the colony was new, though it’s more than likely most if not all songs have changed over the many years.

Just as our oceans on earth, the deeper down you travel through the cities, the darker and colder it gets. The lower parts of the colony, namely the city Abbyso, is where many gangs hang out, along with the addicts, criminals, and other struggling members of the colony. Many consider Abbyso and those who live there to be dirty. Surrounding Abbyso are the remains of old broken down buildings and piles of junk, most of which comes from the cities above. Scavengers and careless youngsters will often rummage through and explore the ruins and junk piles in hopes of finding something of value, or simply to quell curiosity.

A majority of buildings of Oardivia are multi-story towers that are connected and reinforced through bridges and strong metal cords. Each building is required to have at least two dry exits, for anyone that wishes to walk to the neighboring buildings rather than swim.

All five cities are busy with life, buildings and bridges are decorated with bright billboards and many large buildings contain multiple stores, theaters, eateries, arcades and so on, effectively making them malls. There are even places dedicated for small bands to perform, and the billboards outside play the performance for outside passersby to watch.

There are of course buildings for housing. No Oardivian will have a single building to themselves, by design, all Oardivians live in apartment complexes.

Oardivians often live in groups between three to five, so a good home must have enough room for up to ten individuals to comfortably move around in. While that is the expectation, it is not guaranteed all complexes will have that amount of space.

[mercureis]

Company Registration India by Mercurius & Associates LLP: Your Trusted Partner for Business Success

Starting a business in India is a promising opportunity, especially with the country’s booming startup ecosystem and supportive government policies. However, navigating the company registration process can be complex and time-consuming without expert help. That’s where Mercurius & Associates LLP steps in — your trusted partner for company registration in India.

Why Choose Mercurius & Associates LLP for Company Registration in India? At Mercurius & Associates LLP, we specialize in making your business journey seamless. With years of experience, our team of professionals ensures a hassle-free and legally compliant company incorporation process in India.

Here’s why businesses trust us:

✅ End-to-end support from documentation to registration

✅ Customized advisory based on your business structure

✅ Transparent pricing and fast processing

✅ PAN India service coverage

✅ Post-incorporation legal compliance guidance

Types of Companies You Can Register in India Depending on your business goals, we help you register the most suitable entity:

Private Limited Company Ideal for startups and small businesses looking to raise funding and gain credibility.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) A hybrid structure offering limited liability and flexibility of a partnership.

One Person Company (OPC) Perfect for solo entrepreneurs who want to enjoy the benefits of a company with limited liability.

Public Limited Company Best suited for larger businesses planning to raise capital from the public.

Section 8 Company (Non-Profit) For charitable or non-profit purposes with tax benefits and exemptions.

Step-by-Step Company Registration Process in India Mercurius & Associates LLP makes the registration process simple and quick:

Initial Consultation – We help you choose the right business structure.

Digital Signature (DSC) & Director Identification Number (DIN) – Essential for company directors.

Company Name Reservation (RUN Application) – Unique name availability check and approval.

Filing Incorporation Forms (SPICe+ Form) – Submit MOA, AOA, and company details.

Certificate of Incorporation – Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Post-Incorporation Compliance – PAN, TAN, GST registration, bank account setup, and more.

Documents Required for Company Registration in India Here’s a basic list of documents needed:

Identity Proof (PAN, Passport, Voter ID)

Address Proof (Utility bills, Aadhar, Bank Statement)

Passport-size photographs

Office address proof (Rent agreement/Ownership deed, NOC from the landlord)

Note: Foreign nationals need notarized and apostilled documents.

Why Registering a Company is Beneficial ✔ Legal recognition and limited liability

✔ Easier access to loans and investments

✔ Brand credibility and trust

✔ Separate legal identity

✔ Perpetual succession

What Sets Mercurius & Associates LLP Apart? 🎯 Experience: Over a decade of experience in business and legal consulting.

🕒 Timely Delivery: Fast-track services with timely updates.

🔍 Accuracy: Thorough documentation and compliance checks.

💬 Client Support: Dedicated experts for personalized attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1. How long does it take to register a company in India? Answer: With Mercurius & Associates LLP, company registration usually takes 7–10 working days, depending on document readiness and MCA processing time.

Q2. What is the cost of company registration in India? Answer: The cost varies based on the type of company, number of directors, and state of registration. Contact us for a transparent and customized quote.

Q3. Can a foreign national register a company in India? Answer: Yes, foreign nationals can register a company in India, subject to FDI guidelines. We provide end-to-end support for foreign promoters.

Q4. Is it mandatory to have a physical office for company registration? Answer: Yes, a registered office address is mandatory. It can be a rented or owned space with valid proof and NOC from the owner.

Q5. What are the post-registration compliances? Answer: After incorporation, businesses must open a bank account, apply for PAN/TAN, file initial returns, appoint an auditor, and comply with statutory requirements like GST, TDS, and annual filings.

Get Started with Mercurius & Associates LLP Today Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business looking to expand in India, Mercurius & Associates LLP is your trusted partner for smooth and compliant company registration in India.

📞 Call us today or 💬 Get a free consultation to kick-start your business journey!

[oliviawebdesigner]

Create a Pro Construction Site with TNC Webflow Website Template

The TNC Handyman Webflow Construction Website Template is a modern, responsive solution tailored for professionals in the construction and handyman industry. Designed for easy customization, this template helps businesses establish a strong digital presence, build trust, and attract more clients with minimal effort.

Who Uses This Template?

Handyman Service Providers Independent handymen and small teams use this template to present their services clearly and professionally, helping them stand out in a competitive local market.

Construction Companies Small to mid-sized construction businesses choose this template to showcase their projects, services, and credentials effectively.

Renovation Experts Those specializing in home and commercial renovations find this template ideal for highlighting their transformations through images and case studies.

Plumbers and Electricians Tradespeople use the template to display service lists, rates, and contact details, making it easier for customers to hire them online.

Property Maintenance Firms Companies offering ongoing property repair and maintenance services benefit from the structured layout and service-specific pages.

General Contractors Contractors use the template to showcase capabilities, completed projects, and client testimonials, enhancing credibility and trust.

Why Use TNC Handyman?

Quick Setup and Customization The template offers pre-built pages and sections, letting you set up a professional website fast without advanced coding knowledge.

Responsive on All Devices It ensures a smooth browsing experience on desktops, tablets, and smartphones, helping you reach clients everywhere.

SEO-Ready Design Built with best SEO practices, the template helps your site rank better on search engines, driving more organic traffic.

Modern, Clean Aesthetic Its minimal yet modern design builds trust and presents your brand as professional and reliable.

Webflow CMS Integrated You can easily update services, projects, and blog posts using the Webflow CMS without touching code.

Optimized for Conversion The template’s call-to-action buttons, contact forms, and clear service sections are designed to generate more leads.

Key Features

🔨 Fully Responsive Layout 🏗️ Modern & Minimal Design 📝 Webflow CMS Functionality 📸 Project Gallery Showcase 💬 Client Testimonials Section 📞 Built-in Contact Forms

Benefits of TNC Handyman

Stronger Online Presence This template provides all the tools to help your business stand out online, ensuring your services are visible to potential clients.

Time-Saving Solution Pre-designed pages and components allow you to launch quickly, saving hours of design and development time.

Attracts More Clients With clear calls to action and service highlights, the template helps convert visitors into customers.

Showcase Your Work The project gallery lets you present past work, building credibility and helping clients see the quality of your services.

Easy Maintenance Updating your website is simple with Webflow CMS, so you can keep content fresh without technical help.

Boosts Credibility A professionally designed site helps reinforce your brand’s reliability, encouraging visitors to choose your business.

Final Word

The TNC Handyman Webflow Construction Website Template is the ideal choice for tradespeople and contractors looking to grow their business online. With its clean design, powerful features, and ease of use, it provides everything you need to make a lasting impression and generate more leads.

[rvagau3750]

Tax Planning Strategies for Small Business Success in 2025

This blog delves into essential tax planning strategies tailored for small businesses to maximize success in 2025. It emphasizes proactive approaches such as optimizing deductions, leveraging government incentives, managing cash flow effectively, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. The article also highlights the importance of consulting with tax advisors or registered tax agents to develop personalized plans that align with business goals, ensuring financial efficiency and long-term growth. Source and related content: https://www.rvag.com.au/tax-planning-strategies-small-business-success-2025/

[gracielas-photography]

🛠️ Behind the Scenes: How I’m Prepping to Launch My Photography Biz 🎬📸

Starting a creative business isn’t just about having a camera and an Instagram page (although those definitely help). It’s also about building the right structure behind the scenes so everything runs smoothly—especially when you're offering a service like photography that relies on you being the product and the process.

So here’s a little peek into what my business operations plan looks like, and how I plan on getting everything together to officially launch my photography brand for small businesses here in the Niagara Region.

🎯 What I’m Offering (and How to Making it Happen)

At its core, my business is all about creating branded visual content for local entrepreneurs, shops, creators, and hospitality spaces. Think product shoots, branding sessions, lifestyle visuals—stuff that helps people show up online looking like they mean business (because they do).

I��m not selling a physical product, but I am creating deliverables—photos, curated image sets, sometimes even moodboards or creative direction—and those take resources. So while I’m not sourcing inventory, I do need to keep my toolkit solid.

🧰 Tools + Gear I Use

Here’s what I already have in place (or am investing in):

Camera gear – I shoot with a mirrorless DSLR that handles both sharp product shots and moody lifestyle work.

Lighting – Mostly natural light for now, but i plan on getting reflectors and invest in portable softbox for indoor setups.

Laptop & editing software – Lightroom and Photoshop are my go-tos, and I’ve got presets I’ve developed to keep my work consistent.

Props & backgrounds – I’m slowly building a small collection of flatlays, textures, and versatile props that work across brands. I also plan to thrift or DIY a lot of this to stay creative and budget-conscious.

Client booking tools – At the moment i only have an email that is specifically used only for my photography but i also have my Instagram. It's not exactly fancy but it works.

⏳ Can I Get Everything in Time?

Totally. Most of the tools I need, I already have or can get easily. Props and creative resources will grow over time, but the basics are here. I also plan to rent studio space as needed, depending on what the shoot calls for. A lot of clients want their photos done in their space anyway (shops, salons, cafés), so being mobile is a win.

📝 Licenses + Permits?

Because I’m a service-based business working independently, I’ll be operating as a sole proprietor. I’ll register my business name and handle any tax stuff that comes with that.

As for licenses, I don’t need anything major unless I’m renting commercial space regularly or doing shoots that involve permits (like certain public areas or drone photography). But I’ll stay on top of that as things grow.

🚀 What I Need to Launch

My launch won’t be a big grand opening—it’s more of a soft rollout. I just want to get in front of people who need the work and start booking. But to really make it official, here’s what I’m putting in place:

A clean, simple portfolio website or landing page (I’m thinking Squarespace)

A few strong sample projects that show what I can do

Clear pricing/packages that are easy to understand and flexible for different needs

Local networking—connecting with business owners, visiting shops, going to markets, talking to people

Consistent Instagram content to show off behind-the-scenes and finished work

💡 The Big Vision

I want to build something real—not just a gig, not just a side hustle. I want this business to feel like a creative partner to the local brands I want to/ will work with. Like, yeah, I’ll take your product photos, but I also want to help you figure out how to use those photos to actually grow your business.

I want to keep it collaborative, community-focused, and flexible. And I want my clients to feel seen, supported, and proud of how their brand shows up in the world.

So that’s where I’m at. Bit by bit, getting the tools in place, building the vibe, and getting ready to hit “go.”

[stuarttechnologybob]

How do businesses use Microsoft technologies?

Microsoft Technologies Services

In today’s fast-paced and modern digital world, businesses rely on powerful tools and resources to stay productive, secure, and competitive. Microsoft Technologies provides many solutions that help organizations streamline operations, improve communication, and grow efficiently. Companies across all industries, from small startups to large enterprises, use Microsoft tools to power their success.

Enhancing Team Collaboration and Productivity -

One of the most common uses of Microsoft Technologies is to improve how teams work together. Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive make it easy for employees to share files, hold virtual meetings, and manage tasks in real time—no matter where they are.

Cloud Computing with Microsoft Azure -

Businesses use Microsoft Azure to host websites, applications, and databases in the cloud. Azure allows companies to scale their IT resources and tools up or down based on the objective demand, which lower costs and increases flexibility. It also supports data backup, disaster recovery, and AI-driven services.

Managing Customer Relationships -

Microsoft Dynamics 365, resources assists the companies to handle out their sales, customer service, and marketing in one place at a time. With insights powered by data and automation, businesses can build stronger customer relationships and make smarter decisions faster with the assistance of Microsoft Technologies.

Improving Security and Compliance -

With cyber threats on the rise, Microsoft Technologies offers built-in security tools to help protect sensitive data. Features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and compliance tracking help businesses meet industry regulations and secure their systems.

Automating Processes with Power Platform -

Tools like Power Automate and Power Apps allow businesses to create custom apps and automate repetitive tasks without writing complex code. This helps save time and lets employees focus on more important work.

Businesses use Microsoft Technologies to stay efficient, connected, and secure in a digital-first world. Whether through cloud computing, team collaboration tools, or business intelligence platforms, Microsoft remains a trusted partner for organizations looking to grow and succeed. Additionally, Microsoft and its tools support the organization with remote work offerings and hybrid environments setup, and digital transformation with ease. Their solutions helps out the businesses to stay agile and alert, adaptive to change quickly, and remain competitive in the ever-evolving market as leads towards stand out of the domain in the industry.

Partnering with Experts for Microsoft Technology -

Businesses can rely on shifting their existing system and operating structure to new mediums as if for Microsoft tools with companies and experts like Suma Soft, IBM, and Cyntexa for a hassle-free Microsoft rollout journey.

As these set of industry leaders and experts assure a smooth transition with custom solutions offerings with its adaptation into the system with advanced security measures, and ongoing support, allowing the companies to maximize the benefits of their modern digital infrastructure.

[taxveda]

Difference Between GST and Company Registration– Do You Need Both?

When starting a new business, entrepreneurs often get confused between GST and Company Registration. While both registration are essential for business compliance, but they serve different purposes. If you are planning to start a business in Jaipur, understanding the differences can help you avoid legal hassles and ensure smooth operations.

What is Company Registration?

Company Registration is the process of legally incorporating your business entity under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This provides your business with a distinct legal identity, allowing it to enter contracts, own assets, and be legally recognized as a separate entity from its owners.

Why is Company Registration Important?

Gives your business a separate legal identity.

Protects personal assets from business liabilities.

Enhances credibility with clients, investors, and banks.

Allows for easier fundraising and business expansion.

Ensures compliance with corporate laws and regulations.

Types of Business Entities You Can Register:

Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) – Most preferred for startups and medium-sized businesses.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – Suitable for professional firms and small businesses.

One Person Company (OPC) – It is ideal for solo person entrepreneurs.

Partnership Firm – Traditional business structure for multiple owners.

Sole Proprietorship – Simplest business form, no separate legal identity.

What is GST Registration?

It is mandatory for businesses that exceed the turnover threshold prescribed by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act. It allows businesses to collect GST from customers and claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on purchases, ensuring compliance with India's indirect tax system.

When is GST Registration Required?

If your business turnover is more than ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh for service providers).

If you engage in interstate trade or e-commerce.

If you are a supplier of goods/services to other GST-registered businesses.

If you provide services online (freelancing, digital marketing, SaaS, etc.).

If you run an ecommerce business (Amazon, Flipkart, Shopify, etc.).

Benefits of GST Registration

Legal recognition as a supplier of goods/services.

Ability to collect GST from customers and claim ITC on purchases.

Helps in business expansion, as many B2B clients prefer GST-registered vendors.

Required for government tenders and contracts.

Reduces cascading tax effects by allowing seamless input tax credit.

Key Differences Between GST and Company Registration

Do You Need Both GST and Company Registration in Jaipur?

If you are starting a new business in Jaipur, you may need both registrations depending on your business structure and operations:

If you plan to incorporate a Pvt Ltd or LLP, Company Registration is mandatory.

If your business crosses the GST turnover threshold, GST Registration is compulsory.

If you operate as a sole proprietor or freelancer, you may not need Company Registration, but GST Registration is necessary if you provide taxable services.

If you plan to sell goods/services online via Amazon, Flipkart, or your own website, GST Registration is mandatory regardless of turnover.

How Tax Veda Consulting Can Help in Jaipur

Navigating the GST and Company registration process can be complex. At Tax Veda Consulting, we specialize in helping startups and businesses in Jaipur with hassle-free registration services. Our experts ensure compliance with MCA and GST regulations, so you can focus on growing your business.

Our Services Include:

Company Registration (Pvt Ltd, LLP, OPC, etc.)

GST Registration & Compliance

Annual Return Filing & Compliance Management

Tax Planning & Advisory

Business Setup Consultants in Jaipur

Conclusion

Both Company and GST Registration are crucial but serve different purposes. While Company Registration gives your business a legal identity, GST Registration ensures tax compliance. If you need professional assistance, reach out to Tax Veda Consulting in Jaipur for a smooth registration process.For expert guidance on Company and GST registration, contact us today and get your business legally compliant!

[cooganbegs-blog]

Oh gawd, it’s all unravelling!! I’ve resorted to asking my ChatGPT for advice on how to handle this!! This is the context I put it:

work in a small startup with 7 other people

I have been brought on for a three month contract to assess the current product and make recommendations for product strategy, product roadmap, improved engineering and product processes with a view to rebuilding the platform with a new product and migrating existing vendors and borrowers across

There is one engineer and no-one else in the company has any product or technical experience

The engineer has worked on his own for 6 years on the product with no other engineering or product person

He does all coding, testing, development, devops tasks

He also helps with customer support enquires

He was not involved in the process of bringing me onboard and felt blindsided by my arrival

I have requested access to Github, and his response was:

As you can imagine access to the source code is pretty sensitive. Are you looking for something specifically? And do you plan on downloading the source code or sharing with anyone else?

He then advised they only pay for a single seat

I have spoken with the Chief Operations Officer who I report to in the contract and advised my business risk concerns around single point of failure

I have still not been granted access to Github so brought it up again today with the COO, who said he had requested 2 weeks ago

The COO then requested on Asana that the engineer add myself and himself as Github users

I received the following from the engineer:

Hey can you please send me your use cases for your access to GitHub? How exactly are you going to use your access to the source code?

My response:

Hey! My request isn’t about making changes to the codebase myself but ensuring that Steward isn’t reliant on a single person for access.

Here are the key reasons I need GitHub access:

1 Business Continuity & Risk Management – If anything happens to you (whether you’re on holiday, sick, or god forbid, get hit by a bus!!), we need someone else with access to ensure the platform remains operational. Right now, Steward has a single point of failure, which is a pretty big risk.

2 Product Oversight & Documentation – As Head of Product, I need visibility into the codebase to understand technical limitations, dependencies, and opportunities at a broad level. This DOESN'T mean I’ll be writing code, but I need to see how things are structured to better inform product decisions and prioritization.

3 Facilitating Future Hiring – If we bring in additional engineers or external contractors, we need a structured process for managing access. It shouldn't be on just one person to approve or manage this.

Super happy to discuss any concerns you have, but this is ultimately a business-level decision to ensure Steward isn’t putting itself at risk.

His response was:

1&3 Bridget has user management access for those reasons

2. no one told me you were Head of Product already, which isn’t surprising. But congrats! So will you be sharing the source code with other engineers for benchmarking?

The software engineer is an introvert and while not rude is helpful without volunteering inflation

He is also the single access for AWS, Sentry, Persona (which does our KYC checks).

I already had a conversation with him as I felt something was amiss in the first week. This was when he identified that he had been "blindsided" by my arrival, felt his code and work was being audited. I explained that it had been a really long process to get the contract (18 months), also that I have a rare mix of skills (agtech, fintech, product) that is unusually suited to Steward. I was not here to tell him what to do but to work with him, my role to setup the strategy and where we need to go with the product and why, and then work with him to come up with the best solution and he will build it. I stressed I am not an engineer and do not code.

I have raised some concerns with the COO and he seems to share some of the misgivings, I sense some personality differences, there seems like there are some undercurrents that were there before I started.

I have since messaged him with a gentler more collaborative approach:

Hey, I’ve been thinking about GitHub access and wanted to float an idea, would it make sense for us to do a working session where you just walk me through the repo first? That way, I can get a sense of the structure without us having to rush any access changes or security decisions right away. Then, we can figure out what makes sense together. What do you think?

I’m keen to understand your perspective a bit more, can we chat about it tomorrow when you're back online? Is 4pm your time still good? I know you’ve got a lot on, so happy to be flexible.

I think I’ve fucked it up, I’m paranoid the COO is going to think I’m stirring up trouble and I’m going to miss out on this job. How to be firm yet engage with someone that potentially I’ll have to work closely with(he’s a prickly, hard to engage Frenchie, who’s lived in Aus and the US for years).

[masllp]

Business Registration in India Made Easy with Mercurius & Associates LLP

India has rapidly emerged as a global business hub, attracting entrepreneurs, startups, and international corporations. With a booming economy, a vast consumer base, and pro-business reforms, registering a business in India is a smart move for anyone looking to establish or expand operations in the country. However, the legal and regulatory framework can be complex for new entrants. That’s where Mercurius & Associates LLP comes in — offering expert guidance and end-to-end support for seamless business registration in India.

Why Business Registration in India Matters

Registering a business in India is the first legal step to making your venture official. It offers several advantages:

Legal recognition under Indian law

Access to banking, credit, and investment opportunities

Eligibility to apply for government tenders and subsidies

Protection of the company name and brand

Enhanced credibility with customers and investors

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a multinational company, formal business registration builds trust and opens doors to growth.

Types of Business Entities You Can Register in India

Mercurius & Associates LLP helps you choose the right legal structure based on your goals, ownership, and tax preferences. Common types include:

✅ Private Limited Company

Ideal for startups and growing businesses. Offers limited liability and attracts investors easily.

✅ Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

A hybrid structure combining flexibility and limited liability. Preferred for professional services and partnerships.

✅ One Person Company (OPC)

Perfect for solo entrepreneurs who want the benefits of a private company without needing partners.

✅ Sole Proprietorship

Simplest form of business; suited for small and unregistered businesses.

✅ Partnership Firm

Great for two or more individuals operating a business with shared responsibilities and profits.

✅ Branch Office/Wholly Owned Subsidiary (for foreign companies)

Allows international companies to establish a presence in India.

Why Choose Mercurius & Associates LLP?

When it comes to business registration in India, Mercurius & Associates LLP stands out for its personalized, professional, and legally compliant approach. Here’s why thousands of clients trust them:

✅ End-to-End Assistance

From choosing the right business structure to filing all necessary documentation and approvals, Mercurius & Associates LLP handles everything.

✅ Expert Legal & Tax Advisors

With a team of seasoned chartered accountants, company secretaries, and legal professionals, you get expert advice every step of the way.

✅ Quick & Hassle-Free Process

Time is money. Mercurius ensures a fast, smooth, and transparent registration process, minimizing delays and errors.

✅ PAN India Services

No matter where you are located, Mercurius offers business registration support across all major Indian cities.

✅ Post-Incorporation Support

Need help with GST registration, bank account setup, or accounting services? They’ve got you covered beyond registration.

Business Registration Process in India with Mercurius & Associates LLP

Consultation & Entity Selection Understand your needs and choose the best business structure.

Name Reservation & DSC Application Apply for the company name (via RUN or SPICe+) and Digital Signature Certificates (DSC).

Document Preparation & Filing Draft Memorandum and Articles of Association and file with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Company Incorporation Certificate Get your Certificate of Incorporation (COI) and Company Identification Number (CIN).

Post-Registration Services Assistance with PAN, TAN, GST, and business bank account opening.

Documents Required for Business Registration in India

PAN Card and ID proof of directors/partners

Address proof of business premises

Passport-size photographs

Utility bills (for address verification)

MOA & AOA (for companies)

DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

Ready to Register Your Business in India?

Don’t let the paperwork and legalities slow you down. Partner with Mercurius & Associates LLP for reliable, professional, and efficient business registration in India. With years of experience and a client-first approach, Mercurius ensures that your business journey begins on the right foot — legally sound and future-ready.

📞 Contact Mercurius & Associates LLP today and get your business registered without stress!

[behindthewox]

Site blogs - five things to try

There is a lot of work that needs to be done in order to make the site blog feature worth the time and effort it takes to regularly create content for them, and most of that work is work that we as a community cannot do. I could go into details but the people who can make the difference already know what needs to be done, or at least I would assume they do. And there are many people within WoX that are far better qualified than me to explain why the current setup doesn't work.

So I'm gonna focus on the things that we as a community CAN do to optimise the site blogs. It's not gonna solve all the problems and magically improve SEO and site visitors overnight but it's small steps in the right direction and it could pay off in the long run. Worth a try, right?

_ _ _

ONE: every blog needs a purpose The overall purpose of the site blog feature (at least in my understanding, but I could be wrong) is to showcase the site to "outsiders" who don't have accounts and can't access all the actual site content, motivating them to create an account to discover more. It's a part of the site that we can link to from our social medias to show what we do and have to offer, and hopefully make non-users join as new users.

Example: make blog posts about site activities, show the world what your site has to offer. Combine with testimonies and examples from users, such as "I love reading homework from this one person who always makes their character make terrible dad jokes at the end of their RP!" to entice new users to join and experience it for themselves.

Wanna read the other four points? Click "keep reading" below!

TWO: longterm planning and strategy A blog without content isn't worth much, and producing that content takes time. But content without a strategy or plan isn't going to get you very far. I've already suggested blog posts about site activities and inspiring newcomers to become users, so consider that the first part of your plan. The second part of your plan should be SEO, search engine optimisation. Basically, pick keywords that people are likely to search for in relation to your fandom. The more keywords and key phrases your site contains in total, the more likely it is to be in the top search results. PS! This isn't just a SoMe and blog thing, SEO is something teachers and journalists need to work on too!

Example: "Who is [greek god]?" with a presentation of the character. Squeeze in your keywords as much as possible without making it feel fake and cringe. If it feels like an A.I.-generated SEO slop, that is what your readers will think your site is.

THREE: social media All site users will get a notification about new blog posts, but if you recall the first point you'll know that it's not the existing site users that you're aiming for. They already have accounts; it's the potential new users you're really after. But no account means no notification about new blog posts. Unless you make one, that is, on your social media profiles. Let your blog content and social media content work together, directing people from one to the other. Use CTAs (call to action), links and "clickbait" for optimal effect.

Example: on social media, make a post about an interesting shop item. Use the item picture, write a brief caption like "you're handed one of these but you have no idea what to do with it. help! don't worry, today we're sharing the instruction manual on our blog: worldofsomething.com/blog". On the blog, remember to link to your social medias (and your site!) at the end of every blog post. SEO isn't just about keywords, it's also about links.

FOUR: graphic profile Freestyling is fun, but sometimes you need to limit yourself to what works best. It's a good idea to set up a few basic templates with simple designs that match the rest of the site and gives a professional but casual vibe. First impressions matter, after all. Avoid "busy" patterns and bright colours, use fonts that are easy to read, and structure your text with paragraphs and headers. Keep in mind that some users might be visibly impaired or dyslexic and might struggle with decorative fonts and certain color combinations. "Boring but accessible" should always win against "decorative but potentially difficult to read and decipher".

Example: light background, dark color text (or vice versa, it's the contrast that matters), sans serif font for paragraphs and a decorative but easy to read font for headers. The letters should be separate from each other (not "holding hands" like in cursive writing) and sometimes it's helpful to increase the spacing. Tip! Sit back and try to read your formatted text from a further distance than usual. If you feel like it's a strain on your eyes or struggle to make out the words, you might wanna adjust your formatting to make it easier to read. If the font and color is good, try changing the sizing and spacing.

FIVE: quality control Impressions matter, remember? That goes for writing as well. Bad writing can make for a bad impression, especially if the reader is used to higher standards. Many of the potential users you're trying to lure in will be avid readers, meaning that they will be used to the standards of publishing and anything less is... well, less. So it's pretty important that you're on the top of your writing game and maybe even get your blogs looked over by a grammar police before posting...

For SoMe team leaders: take the time to put together some good online resources to use for grammar rules, writing tips, spellchecks and anything else your team might find useful. Be gentle with your corrections, focus on the biggest ones and don't adress it as a "fail" but rather a "try this instead". If you can explain why it's wrong and how to do it right, take the time to explain it (easier said than done, I know, you might need to read up on grammar yourself first). And while quality is important, it's more important to have a good relationship with your team so don't hesitate to let the smaller mistakes slide in favour of keeping the writer encouraged and motivated.

_ _ _

This is the best advice I have to give, based on my experience and my amateur studies on social media. If you have the resources to give it a try, feel free to give it a try! And if you have more (or maybe better) suggestions, please share! But if your site doesn't have the resources to make it work right now, I'd argue you're better off focusing on social media platforms and actual site content: the site blogs should be in the lowest tier of priority because they are not worth the effort unless changes are made and you actually have effort to spare.

[chiangmailawyer]

Business Partnerships in Thailand

Business partnerships in Thailand are governed by the Civil and Commercial Code (CCC) and provide flexibility for local and foreign entrepreneurs. Partnerships are an attractive structure for small to medium enterprises (SMEs), offering ease of establishment and scalability. However, legal and operational nuances make understanding partnership types and regulations essential.

1. Types of Business Partnerships

1.1 Ordinary Partnerships

Definition:

An unregistered arrangement where partners share unlimited liability for debts.

Key Features:

No separate legal entity.

Informal and easy to establish.

Usage:

Ideal for short-term or informal business ventures.

1.2 Registered Ordinary Partnerships

Definition:

A formally registered partnership recognized as a separate legal entity.

Key Features:

Enhanced credibility for engaging with financial institutions and government entities.

Partners retain unlimited liability.

Usage:

Suitable for partnerships needing formal recognition while maintaining simplicity.

1.3 Limited Partnerships

Definition:

A hybrid structure where at least one partner has unlimited liability (general partner) and others have liability limited to their investment (limited partners).

Key Features:

Legal personality upon registration.

Limited partners cannot manage daily operations.

Usage:

Common for partnerships seeking external investors or managing risk.

2. Formation and Legal Requirements

Partnership Agreement:

While not mandatory for ordinary partnerships, a written agreement is recommended to outline roles, profit sharing, and dispute resolution.

Registration:

Required for registered partnerships and limited partnerships at the Department of Business Development (DBD).

Documents include identification of partners, capital structure, and business objectives.

Capital Contribution:

Partners may contribute cash, property, or services, and their obligations should be detailed in the agreement.

3. Taxation and Regulatory Compliance

Ordinary Partnerships:

Taxed at the partner level unless registered.

Registered Partnerships:

Subject to corporate income tax and required to file financial statements annually.

Employee Regulations:

Partnerships hiring employees must comply with Thai labor laws, including minimum wage and social security contributions.

4. Foreign Participation in Partnerships

Restrictions:

The Foreign Business Act (FBA) limits foreign participation in certain sectors unless approved.

BOI Promotion:

Partnerships may apply for incentives from the Board of Investment (BOI) to bypass some restrictions.

Nominee Structures:

Using Thai nominees for ownership is illegal; foreign partners must ensure compliance with regulations.

5. Advantages of Partnerships

Ease of Formation:

Simpler and faster setup compared to corporations.

Flexibility in Management:

Allows partners to define roles and responsibilities based on skills and contributions.

Lower Operational Costs:

Partnerships typically incur fewer regulatory costs than larger corporate structures.

6. Risks and Challenges

Unlimited Liability:

General partners in ordinary and limited partnerships are personally liable for debts.

Potential Disputes:

Disagreements over profit distribution or decision-making can arise without a clear agreement.

Foreign Ownership Restrictions:

Non-Thai partners face legal and operational challenges in restricted sectors.

Conclusion

Thai business partnerships offer a practical and flexible framework for entrepreneurs. By understanding the legal distinctions, tax implications, and foreign ownership regulations, businesses can leverage partnerships for growth and collaboration. Legal and financial advice is essential to ensure compliance and secure mutually beneficial agreements.

[absolutebl]

Heyy it's me again lol .

So in the post about your Gmmtv predictions of 2024 you talked about Gmmtv making gay versions of Kdramas , right? I have been thinking about this for a long time too and I have a question for you somewhat related to that. What are some tropes/dynamics/setups you'd like to see more in BLs which are less used or has not been used at all in BL as of yet ? You said you are busy in the last ask so take your time :)

Also thanks for answering your asks in details . Your answers are extremely interesting everytime.

Hi hi!

Kdrama Tropes/Archetypes/Dynamics I'd like to see in BL?

AKA what if Korea just actually made Kdrama's gay

Hum, most Kdrama's (I watch) are pretty much love stories and romances just like BL. It's just that they get longer treatments and better scripts. KBL in its current form, isn't long enough to encompass the true value of its own het genre. Thai BL, which is long enough, rarely has the story structure or production values or aesthetic.

So, it's more that I want the BL romances to be given Kdrama respect in terms of narrative and packaging and length or treatment (money money money). And style. I do love Korea's very fashionable, mannerly, repressed way of pimping romance.

So I lot of my choices have more to do with that, I suppose?

Here's some I'll just throw out:

Historical (serious political or romcom)

Martial Arts / Sports / Teams (olympic hopefuls?)

Fantasy (cultivation/progression)

Suspense (like proper murder investigation)

Super Hero (esk) - special powers

Fictional alt-world (like isikai)

Medical drama (not just setting)

Military

Political thriller (corruption)

Supernatural creatures (like Kumiho)

Soldier/healer

Capers (think Leverage or something like Taxi Driver)

Small town up in EVERYONE's business

Idol boy band romance (of course)

A lot of these are too expensive for BL (either because Thailand who would do it, can't afford it, or Korea doesn't find gay bankable enough) in costumes, setting, cast size, and so forth. A couple are out because of content (neither country would ever do military BL, and Thailand can't do political stuff).

I did do a pull on Kdrama's I really want remade, and many of these contain the things I named above:

Some of my favorite Kdramas (so you know my taste/perspective):

And here's:

10 Famous Kdrama Actors Who’d Never do BL but I Want ‘em To

[mx-lamour]

"CoS is actually a Western."

Hang on. I have something for this. (I was going to reblog this, but things got out of hand fast, so here's an entirely separate post instead. Be warned... it's long.)

I usually like to share just some of the most dramatic/cinematic moments from our game, and Ezra's perspective in particular, but hoo boy. Hopefully this will give you some insight into the utter weirdness that also went on through most of our campaign.

The party was traveling south, toward the ruin of Berez.

We notice a bizarre row of thin wooden walls on either side of the road ahead, propped up from the behind by long angled beams. Only a couple of small one-room structures jut out from the back of them.

The wheels of Ezmerelda's wagon creak lightly, crunching along the dirt road as we approach the anomaly. We can see that the front of the walls are painted to look like buildings. Amongst them are a few figures. A man wipes his brow with a handkerchief. Jaunty piano music wafts through the scene.

In a sudden shattering of glass, something crashes through the window of a building labeled "saloon". Ezra approaches the object now lying in the road. It's a thin wooden cutout, painted on one side to look like a man.

We look around. All the figures in this theatrical setpiece are painted cutouts, animated by a series of ropes and pullies. Dulan spies a zombie or two through the gaps between facades, operating the mechanisms.

This is undoubtedly one of Strahd's works.

For context, we were aware of two separate personifications of Strahd von Zarovich, but were still not entirely sure why the duality existed or what to do about it.

Our first was one we dubbed "Strahd von Strahd", an unhinged caricature with a deep and thoroughly exaggerated Dracula voice, who had encouraged us on other occasions to participate in small theatrical scenes (this wild west town was an escalation of a sort we had not yet encountered).

The other, we labeled "Business Strahd", who we had begun to speculate the existence of only after meeting Ezmerelda, and had only recently confirmed/witnessed at Yesterhill.

Ezra lights one of his shoddy cigarettes.

We peer through the busted saloon window. It's set up with a few tables and chairs, some of which are occupied by more ambient cutout figures. Off to one side, a zombie sits at a harpsichord. There's a man behind the bar, wiping the inside of a glass with a rag.

"Do we want to start placing bets that's Strahd in disguise?" Ezra mutters warily.

After some hesitation, we steel ourselves—Ezra casting a protection on himself—and bust dramatically through the swinging doors.

As we enter, we're startled by a tray lowering jerkily down to us on ropes from the ceiling above. Presented on it are a stack of black cowboy hats, and a pile of metal brooches shaped like stars, the word 'deputy' etched on each of them. A sign suspended between the ropes of the apparatus reads: Choose your role.

Kreig scoops up one of the shiny metal stars. Dulan, who acts like an elder brother around Kreig, joins him, and pins a star to his vest. There's a silly moment where Krieg sees this and goes to mimick Dulan, but then we remember the barbarian isn't wearing a shirt, so he kind of just stabs it into his pec instead.

Ezra dons a black hat. The tray raises back up into the makeshift rafters.

"What can I get you?" The line is flat and stilted. The human bartender is sporting a thousand-yard stare.

Kreig asks for water, since we've been traveling a while.

"Good choice. Three sasparillas."

Ezra sniffs at the substance this the poor man hands us, which was described as essentially a brownish watered-down apple vinegar. Kreig tries to drink some of it and resists the urge to make a sour face, in an effort to be polite.

While Dulan tries to chat with the barkeep, Ezra wanders away with his cup of swill to survey the rest of the setup. There are more zombies, dressed in western outfits, suspended from the ceiling. For now, the corpses hang inert.

The saloon doors swing open again, and Rahadin stands in the doorway. He's decked out in classy outlaw attire: black leather jacket, black boots adorned with shiny silver spurs, and atop his head is a black cowboy hat. But he still wears a sword on his hip.

He catches Ezra's eye and nods to him. "I don't know how you can stand to drink in here, ol' Dynamite McCoy." The background music and other ambient sounds abruptly cease.

Ezra lifts his glass slightly. "Ale's ale," he says blandly.

"I know what you mean, but I wish they would serve a better class of folk in this establishment."

"What do you mean?" Dulan chimes in.

"I mean that you two," says outlaw Rahadin, addressing deputies Dulan and Kreig, "are scum of the earth."

Dulan plays into it, puffing up his stocky dwarven chest. "I'm the long arm of the law in this town!"

"You won't talk so high and mighty when Gravedigger Jim comes into town." We naturally assume that this is in reference to Strahd.

"Them's fightin' words," Dulan declares, trying to figure out what the end goal of this playacting is supposed to be.

"Gravedigger Jim sent me to tell you, you've got one last chance to leave this town. If you want to see another sunrise, you'd best be gone by high noon."

"The junior deputy and I ain't goin' nowhere," Dulan retorts. "Go find yourself a new town to harrass."

The human bartender interjects lamely, "Now now. I don't want any trouble in here. Take it outside or be done with it."

Rahadin fixes the deputies with a look. "You've been warned."

He's about to leave. But Kreig pipes up. "Well, wait. Why don't we put aside our quarrels and you have a drink with us?" He plops a coin down on the bar. "A round for this... gentleman."

The barkeep pours another drink. Rahadin strides up to the bar and levels Kreig with a look. "You're not going to win me over with a drink, so what's your game, junior deputy?"

"No game, just trying to enjoy my day. It's mighty hot out there, so I figured you could use something to quench your thirst," Kreig says. Rahadin reaches for the glass, but then Kreig adds, "Unless you ain't up for it," in some unfathomable challenge.

At that, Rahadin takes the drink, throws its contents on Kreig, and sets the glass back down on the bar with a decisive thunk.

"Thank you," Kreig says. "I needed that." And pours his own drink over Rahadin's head.

Rahadin steps back, pausing to let the liquid drip off of him. "Thanks," he says dryly, and picks up a chair from a nearby table.

Dulan raises a hand. "Now, the barkeep asked us to take it outside," he says loudly. "This is a civilized place."

With incredible mid-swing restraint, Rahadin merely lays the chair down on its back atop the bar. He tells Dulan, "Your junior deputy would have preferred the chair," and walks out.

"As far as I can tell, you've just invited yourself to a duel," Ezra observes from his place far on the sideline.

"Get your kind out of my town!" Dulan grumbles emphatically, gesturing at Ezra's black hat.

With a pointed look, Ezra sets his own glass down on a table, turns, and walks out after Rahadin.

Outside, wagons have been moved into the road at either end of the set. A couple new cutouts, depicting gangs of tough-looking outlaws, have come into play. And Strahd is there, standing in the middle of it all, dressed in his usual Count attire, but with the addition of a black cowboy hat.

Rahadin reaches into a barrel on the side of the road and starts pulling out hand crossbows. He offers one to Ezra.

Strahd also acknowledges him pleasantly. In his most outlandish Dracula voice, he says, "Good evening, Ezra. You have chosen an interesting part to play today. Welcome to the other side."

Ezra plays it cool. He tips his hat in reply.

Back inside the saloon, the piano music resumes. The zombies in the rafters are lowered down and become vaguely animate. They seem to follow Dulan and Kreig, but do not attack. So Dulan continues to play the game. "You were born in this town," he says, rallying the mock townsfolk. "We will defend this town. No low-down cattle rustlers are going to take it from us!" The zombies grumble and groan in raucous agreement. There are ambient cartoon sounds of bullets loading into chambers, and cylinders spinning, despite a distinct lack of weaponry. A table is flipped on its side and hefted up by zombie arms. Dulan, Kreig, and the unlikely crew huddle behind it like a massive shield.

A hawk cries in the distance.

"Come on out of there, you yellow-bellied cowards!" Strahd calls richly from outside the saloon. "Face Gravedigger Jim!"

Dulan, privately reeling at the absurdity of all this, somehow plays that classic Western sound [wa wa waaa... wheeooo-oo...] to inspire Kreig, who rages as they stomp through the doorway with a gaggle of zombies and a table in front of them.

"Howdy pilgr—Oh no, they're rushing it!" Strahd yells. "Next cue! Next cue!"

Strahd throws his cape aside, and draws out not a crossbow, but an actual, literal hand gun. Something none of our characters have ever seen before. He aims, and just obliterates the head of one of Dulan and Kreig's loaner zombies. The other zombies keep moving, treading over the now mostly-headless corpse.

Kreig advances toward Rahadin, slapping the crossbow from his hand with the flat of his blade. "We can still settle this calmly," he says.

"You should have let me keep the crossbow," Radahin replies coolly. He draws his sword. "And, by the way... this is calm." The man makes three melee attacks.

"Gravedigger Jim!" Dulan improvises, "Unlike your name, you'll be hangin' from that tree, like your father before you!"

As an aside to Rahadin, Strahd comments, "He's totally off-script, but I love the energy."

Ezra takes another puff of his dwindling cigarette, playing the cool observer, letting the bosses handle it. He keeps his eyes trained on the barrel of Strahd's gun.

"You keep my papa out of this," Strahd banters, leveling it at Dulan.

Ezra's eyes flash when he sees the spark. The revolver backfires in a gout of flame that billows back at Strahd's face, igniting his clothing.

Strahd blinks. "Son of a bitch," he remarks. "Rahadin, you warned me, but I really wanted to give it a try."

Kreig attacks Rahadin, who vanishes in a puff of smoke. A molotov cocktail hurtles at Kreig from above, smashing to the ground by his feet. Kreig dives out of the way, glancing up at the trajectory to see Rahadin standing on a makeshift balcony.

Dulan pulls a rope from his pack and ties a lasso. He makes himself invisible.

"Why don't you let me give it a whirl," Ezra offers, extending his hand to Strahd and nodding toward the gun. "Those things can be a bit finicky."

In a miracle of dice rolls, Strahd practically shrugs as he relinquishes the revolver. The fire consuming his sleeve licks Ezra's hand in the exchange. Ezra doesn't flinch. With a breath like blowing out a candle, he extinguishes the flames.

Relieved of the gun, Strahd draws his sword instead. He and Rahadin converge against Kreig, Rahadin flinging a terrifyingly dark rusty dagger at the barbarian from aloft. Together, they take him down. Rahadin remarks, "I told you he would have preferred the chair."

Dulan catches Strahd with the lasso. He pulls on the rope, calling the remaining zombies to help him. "Pull!" he yells.

Strahd topples over. He rolls on the ground a bit, palms up in mock despair. "No! You have captured me! How can this be? I, the great Gravedigger Jim, will go out the same way as my pappy."

"This is why one shouldn't get tangled up in the wrong side of the law," Dulan declares.

Ezra makes his way over to Kreig. Goes to remove the nasty-looking dagger from him, but it falls apart in his hands, disintigrating into nothingness and leaving behind an infectious-looking oozing black wound in Kreig's hide. Ezra carefully burns it away, sparing him his descent into death.

Dulan and Ezra spare a glance at each other, trying to figure out where to go from here.

Rahadin watches the conclusion of the little episode with his elbows propped on the balcony railing, chin resting on a closed fist.

"Oh no, you won," Ezra says lamely.

Dulan leans down to Strahd, still wriggling on the ground. "You have to hang me," Strahd insists.

With aid of the zombies, Dulan sets out to hoist the rope up somewhere nearby. He avoids moving the lasso from Strahd's arms, so Strahd does it for him, positioning it around his own neck like he's adjusting a bowtie.

And then he hangs. He makes a dramatic show of gurgling and going limp.

"And, cut!" he announces, slashing easily through the rope and dropping gracefully back to the ground. "Good work everybody. You really studied the material this time. A marked improvement on your last show. Great work. Get some water, stay hydrated, and... we will move onto the next scene." And with that, he simply walks away.

Strahd makes his exit between two of the building facades. Rahadin turns, too, leaving through a doorway behind him on the balcony. The zombies de-animate and crumple to the ground.

Ezra hurries after Strahd, still intent on gleaning some additional insight. Throughout this encounter, the man has been wholly committed to his act, completely devoid of caution or care, never once breaking character. There's been no trace whatsoever of the Strahd von Zarovich from his own journal, nor their encounter at Yesterhill, nor even Vasili von Holtz. He would truly have to be the most talented actor in the world, or this is a completely different entity. So, who is he really? And why is he wearing Strahd's face?

Strahd is standing with Rahadin by his black carriage, giving him notes. "I think we need to do better next time. They seemed to be a tad confused. Maybe a bit more stagecraft. But they seem to be taking hold, starting to dig into their parts. Fantastic." Rahadin opens the carriage door for him and Strahd steps inside.

Ezra approaches them as Rahadin climbs up to the coachman's place. "Good evening, Ezra," Strahd greets him again. "You made an interesting choice today. I think perhaps you need more practice, but I like this new direction you are taking your character."

Ezra takes off his black hat and sets it on the carriage seat next to Strahd. He touches Strahd's arm. "I said I was here to help," Ezra reminds him, and surreptitiously casts Remove Curse, just to see what it will do.

It does nothing. He can't feel any difference, can see no change in Strahd at all.

Strahd pats Ezra's glowing hand amiably. "Oh, but you seem so hot and clammy. Perhaps you should see a doctor." He settles into the carriage, then, closing the door.

Before they depart, Rahadin leans toward Ezra, regarding him over his shoulder. "There are always more black hats available, should you decide it suits you, Ezra." He flicks the reins, and they're off. The ominous black carriage rolls north, back up the road.

In the background, Dulan had the spirit of the wizard Emari [it's a magic item situation] trail after Ezra. When Ezra returns, Dulan regails the group with the information Emari gleaned from the interaction [Dulan is the only one who can see/hear the wizard's spirit].

When Ezra was speaking with Strahd, Emari said, Strahd's mind was a minefield of incessant cacouphanous screams and wails. And Rahadin's thoughts were shielded completely from detection.

A direct reversal of a previous encounter we'd had with both of them.