#Combating corruption for sustainable development

[greenthestral]

Achieving Global Peace and Justice: The Crucial Role of Goal 16 and Strong Institutions

In an ever-changing and interconnected world, achieving peace and justice is of paramount importance for the well-being and progress of societies. Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), aptly named "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions," recognizes the significance of establishing robust governance structures, promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, and ensuring access to justice for all. This article delves into the essence of Goal 16 and highlights its vital role in fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions worldwide.

Understanding SDG 16 and Its Significance

SDG 16, part of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, holds significant importance in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges. It acknowledges the inseparable connection between peace, justice, and strong institutions as crucial foundations for sustainable development and the well-being of societies worldwide. By setting this goal, the United Nations aims to provide a comprehensive framework that guides countries in their efforts to create peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.

At its core, SDG 16 recognizes that without peace and stability, sustainable development becomes unattainable. Armed conflicts, political instability, and social unrest not only lead to immense human suffering but also impede progress in various areas such as education, health, and economic growth. By prioritizing peace, the goal acknowledges the urgent need to address the root causes of violence, prevent conflicts, and build societies that can thrive in an atmosphere of tranquility.

In addition to peace, justice is an essential pillar of SDG 16. It emphasizes the importance of establishing fair and effective legal systems that ensure equal access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background. Access to justice is not limited to formal legal processes but extends to broader aspects, such as addressing grievances, resolving disputes, and promoting human rights. By ensuring access to justice, societies can guarantee the protection of fundamental rights, reduce inequalities, and foster social cohesion.

Strong institutions form another critical aspect of SDG 16. These institutions encompass a wide range of entities, including governments, public administrations, judicial systems, and law enforcement agencies. They play a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, promoting good governance, and ensuring accountability at all levels. Strong institutions provide a stable framework that enables countries to effectively respond to the needs of their citizens, protect human rights, combat corruption, and provide essential services. By strengthening institutions, countries can establish an environment conducive to sustainable development and the realization of the other Sustainable Development Goals.

SDG 16 outlines specific targets and indicators to guide countries in their efforts to achieve peace, justice, and strong institutions. These targets include reducing all forms of violence and related death rates, ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children, promoting the rule of law at the national and international levels, and significantly reducing corruption and bribery. Additionally, the goal aims to ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making processes, strengthen the capacity of institutions at all levels, and ensure public access to information and fundamental freedoms.

To achieve these targets, countries need to develop comprehensive strategies, policies, and action plans tailored to their specific contexts. This requires multi-sectoral collaboration involving government entities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and citizens themselves. It is crucial to address the underlying factors that contribute to violence, inequality, and weak institutions, such as poverty, lack of education, discrimination, and social exclusion. By adopting a holistic approach and integrating the principles of SDG 16 into their national agendas, countries can make significant strides towards building peaceful and just societies.

Moreover, achieving SDG 16 requires international cooperation and partnerships. Many of the challenges related to peace, justice, and strong institutions transcend national boundaries, necessitating collective action. Countries can collaborate on sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge and expertise, and providing financial and technical assistance to support capacity building efforts in developing nations. By working together, the international community can promote peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and the strengthening of legal systems globally.

SDG 16 plays a pivotal role in the global pursuit of sustainable development. By recognizing the interconnectedness of peace, justice, and strong institutions, this goal provides a comprehensive framework for countries to eradicate violence, reduce corruption, promote good governance, and ensure equal access to justice. The successful achievement of SDG 16 not only contributes to the well-being of individuals and societies but also creates an environment conducive to the realization of all the other Sustainable Development Goals. Through collective action and commitment, countries can build a world where peace, justice, and strong institutions prevail.

The Link between Peace, Justice, and Sustainable Development

Peace and justice are intricately interconnected with sustainable development. Without peace, societies face constant conflicts, hindered progress, and widespread poverty. Similarly, without justice, marginalized communities struggle to access essential services, experience discrimination, and live in perpetual insecurity. Achieving sustainable development requires addressing the root causes of violence, establishing just systems, and providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Building Strong Institutions for Effective Governance

Strong institutions are the backbone of a functioning society. They uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and ensure accountability. Such institutions foster trust between citizens and governments, creating an environment conducive to economic growth and social stability. Through effective governance structures, governments can address societal grievances, reduce corruption, and promote transparency, ultimately leading to stronger and more inclusive societies.

Advancing Peaceful and Inclusive Societies

Peaceful and inclusive societies are vital for achieving SDG 16. By promoting social cohesion, dialogue, and inclusivity, countries can reduce violence, prevent conflicts, and create a harmonious environment where all individuals can thrive. Investing in education, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering intercultural understanding are key components in building societies that value diversity and promote peaceful coexistence.

Reducing Violence and Crime Rates

SDG 16 emphasizes the need to reduce all forms of violence and crime. Violence, whether it is domestic, interpersonal, or related to armed conflicts, hampers development efforts and negatively impacts individuals, families, and communities. Through the implementation of effective policies, investments in crime prevention, and promoting conflict resolution mechanisms, countries can create safer environments that enable their citizens to lead fulfilling lives.

Tackling Corruption and Promoting Transparency

Corruption undermines trust in institutions, distorts the allocation of resources, and exacerbates inequality. SDG 16 highlights the importance of combating corruption at all levels and promoting transparency in governance. By establishing robust anti-corruption measures, implementing accountable practices, and encouraging citizen participation, countries can foster an environment of integrity, thus bolstering public trust and promoting sustainable development.

Ensuring Access to Justice for All

Equal access to justice is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of SDG 16. Many individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, face barriers when seeking justice, including financial constraints, discrimination, and inadequate legal systems. By strengthening legal institutions, providing legal aid, and promoting fair and efficient judicial processes, countries can ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Promoting International Cooperation and Partnerships

Achieving SDG 16 requires global collaboration and partnerships. Addressing transnational crime, promoting the rule of law, and strengthening institutions at the international level are essential components of Goal 16. By fostering cooperation among countries, sharing best practices, and providing financial and technical assistance to developing nations, the international community can work collectively towards peace, justice, and strong institutions worldwide.

Conclusion

Goal 16, "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions," recognizes the indispensable role of peace, justice, and effective governance in achieving sustainable development. By promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, reducing violence and crime, tackling corruption, ensuring access to justice, and fostering international cooperation, countries can create a world where all individuals can live in dignity, security, and prosperity. To create a better future for all, it is crucial that governments, organizations, and individuals join forces to support and implement the targets of SDG 16, working towards a more peaceful and just world.

[thesilliestrovingalive]

Updated: June 15, 2025

Regular Army and Division 6 Machines

The SV-000 is a gunmetal grey tankette, serving as a prototype version of the SV-001, which briefly saw action during the Arms Deal Barrage. It was the first Slug to be successfully constructed from salvaged Tuatha Dé Danann technology, a design approach that would later become a hallmark of other Slugs, including the Slug Gunner, Drill Slug, and Astro Slug. It also set the precedent for all Slugs that it can perform a highly damaging suicide attack called a Frontal Attack, which involves the driver jumping out of the vehicle, and it subsequently exploding upon impact with the enemy. However, it was quickly discontinued due to a critical design flaw: the hatch became extremely difficult to exit when the unit sustained sufficient damage to trigger self-destruction.

The remaining SV-000 units were either destroyed and repurposed for the development of the SV-001 or had their source code stolen by the Amadeus Syndicate, who stored it in their secure cyberspace vault. Only one SV-000 is confirmed to still exist and remain operational, and it's currently in the possession of Red Eye. Notably, unlike its successor, the SV-000 could rapidly change direction with minimal delay.

The SV-001 Metal Slug is a silver tankette and the first fully functional Super Vehicle developed by the Regular Army, following the discontinuation of the SV-000. They were swiftly mass produced after the sudden Rebel Army attack on President Marx's defence facility, stockpiling the advanced tanks in their caches with hopes to launch a massive assault against the mysterious Rebels once the time came. During the Great Morden War, the Rebel Army launched a massive global assault on the Regular Army. Despite prior warnings from the Intelligence Agency, corrupt higher-ups within the Regular Army's chain of command ignored the alerts, leaving their forces vulnerable to the Rebel Army's superior numbers and advanced technologies.

In response, the Regular Army planned a massive counterattack, deploying advanced tanks codenamed “Metal Slug”. These tanks were originally designed to support regular army soldiers and special forces operatives, particularly in high-intensity combat situations. However, Rebel spies discovered the project, and many SV-001s were captured during a crushing attack. With many government and military powers in disarray, the surviving members of the Regular Army high command and Lieutenant Marco Rossi assembled a team consisting of Tarma Roving, Tequila, Gimlet, Red Eye, and scattered Regular troops they could muster to launch a desperate counterattack. Their mission was to retrieve the stolen Metal Slugs, destroying them if necessary to prevent the Rebel Army from utilising them. Fortunately, enough tanks were recovered for use in the final assault, ultimately leading to the end of the Great Morden War.

The SV-001 continued to serve the Regular Army in various major conflicts, including the White Baby Crisis and the Martian Takeover. While the tank boasts impressive technical details, its design has two significant flaws: its height and top-heavy weight distribution, which can cause it to tip over, especially when firing the 127mm low-pressure rifled main cannon. Additionally, the tank's high radar cross-section makes it vulnerable to high-speed guided missiles. Rumours suggest that some individuals received SV-001s with a faulty hatch mechanism. This defect reportedly made it challenging for operators to exit the vehicle quickly after initiating its suicide attack mode, commonly referred to as a "Frontal Attack". It relies on gas to remain operational and is capable of firing two types of ammunition: high-velocity Armor Piercer (AP) shells that travel in a straight line, and standard Gnome Bullets, which are low-velocity, arcing shells.

The SV-001 Type-R is an upgraded version of the SV-001, boasting faster movement and higher jumping capabilities than its predecessor. It retains the unique capabilities of the SV-000 and draws design inspiration from the elusive SV-002 project, which was scrapped by the Regular Army engineers and higher-ups. The SV-001 Type-R is often mistaken for the SV-002 because it's considered the closest successor to the original SV-001 that the Regular Army is willing to invest time and resources into.

It features a pair of gun pods, replacing the original 12.6mm Vulcans. Each pod is equipped with a high-speed machine gun and a rocket launcher. The machine guns support various ammunition types, including standard rounds, Shotgun shells, and Flame Shot fuel. Additionally, the main cannon has a smaller bore, allowing for extended range and increased accuracy. The shells fired from the SV-001 Type-R's cannon travel farther and with greater precision than the 127mm high-explosive shells used in the original. However, these advanced features come at a higher production cost, making the SV-001 Type-R a rare sight compared to standard tanks.

The SVW-001 Slug Gunner represents the ultimate evolution of the SV-001. Developed by Regular Army engineers, its design was influenced by the Rebel Army's LV Armor blueprints, which were stolen during the White Baby Crisis, as well as firsthand observations of the Ptolemaic Army's Units during the Martian Takeover. It boasts a unique transformative capability, switching between mech and tank forms. Its arsenal includes a massive 180mm cannon, a 60mm 7-barrel minigun, and a jet booster that enables high jumps and double jumps. Additionally, The Slug Gunner features a pile bunker for close-quarters combat, utilising a revolver-like mechanism with six cartridges to amplify its blows.

While it excels in firepower, its mobility is hindered by a cumbersome design. In mech mode, it moves at an extremely slow pace, although crawling slightly improves its speed. The minigun's range of motion is also limited, restricting it to firing in the direction the Slug Gunner is facing or directly above. However, the minigun can spread its shots to partially compensate for its inability to fire diagonally.

The SVX-15D Slugnoid is a bipedal mechanized Super Vehicle designed for combat in challenging terrain, developed by Regular Army engineers. Equipped with rocket boosters, it can jump to exceptional heights. Its primary armament consists of two 12.6mm Vulcans attached to each side, capable of rotating 360° and firing in different directions simultaneously, although mastering this capability requires practice. The secondary weapon is an incendiary shell fired from its frontal 120mm cannon, located in the pelvic area, which excels at decimating enemy troops. However, the Slugnoid is slow, cumbersome, and loses control whenever one of its Vulcan cannons gets hit.

As secondary ammunition, most Slugnoids carry alternate versions of the iron lizard bombs, humorously nicknamed "fat lizards". These devices resemble bipedal, white cartoon bombs with legs and charge towards enemies, occasionally pausing to "catch their breath" before resuming their attack. They may also randomly trip and explode prematurely.

There are several Slugnoid variants: Slugnoid Type-CS, Slugnoid Type-R, and Slugnoid Type-B. The Slugnoid Type-CS is a bronze-painted version with weak armour, used exclusively for Combat School training to teach cadets and recruits how to operate the Slugnoid with minimal damage. The Slugnoid Type-R is a red-painted version with a reverse-functioning Vulcan, equipped only with fat lizard bombs. The Slugnoid Type-B is a blue-painted version with enhanced jumping capabilities compared to the standard model.

The Slug Trolley, also referred to as the Slug Truck, is a specialised vehicle developed by the Regular Army for rail-based operations. Essentially a customised mine cart, it is equipped with a Vulcan gun for defensive purposes. One of its notable features is the ability to attach additional wagons, which are capable of firing cannon rounds that travel in an arc. However, these wagons have weaker armour compared to the main cart, making them more vulnerable to enemy fire. The main cart has an open, windowless compartment that allows the operator to observe their surroundings. Operators must remain vigilant because the open design makes them susceptible to enemy attacks, particularly from snipers.

The Metal Claw, also known as the Metal Crow, is a light tank destroyer vehicle that resembles the T-2B Melty Honey but is painted a deep metallic blue. The pilot controls the vehicle from within but doesn't have the option to be exposed. It's designed to move alongside other tanks and provide supporting fire. It features the same spiked plate for protection and missile launcher as the Melty Honey, along with the Vulcan cannons from the Metal Slug. Additionally, the missile launcher has the capability to fire shotgun shells. It was created by the Amadeus Syndicate shortly after their newly formed alliance with the Regular Army, serving as a gift to symbolise their newfound allegiance. The Rebel Army later used the Metal Claw as design inspiration for the T-2B Melty Honey, enhancing its armour since the original had relatively weak protection.

The SV-Camel is an animal-based vehicle that offers its rider some protection in the form of a fruit-filled basket. It's also the first known vehicle in the “Animal Ride" series of Slugs. Developed by Regular Army engineers following the Great Modern War, its purpose was to reduce dependence on the SV-001. From their perspective, utilising animals provided a stealth advantage on the battlefield. The dromedary camel boasts impressive speed and is equipped with two 14mm Vulcan cannons. The SV-Camel is primarily deployed in desert environments.

The Elephant Slug is an animal-based vehicle and the second known animal used in the “Animal Ride" series of Slugs. Although it's very slow and can only jump to a very short height, it provides its rider with a high profile, offering some protection. It's equipped with a pair of 16mm Vulcans, but its genetic modification for combat enables it to access additional firepower. By consuming chili peppers or a car battery, the African elephant gains the ability to breathe fire or shoot lightning from its proboscis. The Elephant Slug is primarily deployed in cold and tropical environments.

The Ostrich Slug is an animal-based vehicle that lacks visible protection. It's the second known vehicle in the “Animal Ride" series of Slugs, closely tied to the Donkey Slug. It's a genetically modified common ostrich with enhanced speed and jumping capabilities, allowing it to effortlessly clear large chasms. It comes equipped with a pair of 12.6mm Vulcans, which have a limited firing arc of 180°.

The Donkey Slug is an animal-based vehicle with a lack of visible protection. Essentially a miniature donkey with 13mm Vulcan cannons attached to its sides, it's characterised by its slow movement and weak jump. A wooden carriage with a cannon mounted on top can be hitched to the Vulcan cannons. This cannon functions similarly to those on an SV-001. The Donkey Slug is primarily used in underdeveloped countries, particularly those relying on donkeys for transportation and agricultural purposes.

The SVX-22UG Drill Slug is a specialised drilling machine designed for tunnel excavation, developed shortly after the successful deployment of the Slug Digger during the Invader Conquest. For defence, the drill is equipped with 12.6mm Vulcans for long-range engagements. In close combat, an expendable 400mm heavy-duty bore drill on the chassis automatically activates when contacted. Although it's relatively slow and unable to jump, its ability to elevate the cockpit provides a higher profile and helps evade incoming fire from below. However, operators must remain cautious because the Drill Slug remains vulnerable to certain attacks, such as acid and explosives.

The Protogunner is a prototype of the Slug Gunner, developed for testing purposes and briefly deployed during the Invader Conquest before being swiftly discontinued. Regular Army engineers created the Protogunner using the Rebel Army's LV Armor schematics as a starting point for designing a new Super Vehicle. This prototype would eventually evolve into the Slug Gunner before the events of the Ptolemaic Emergence. Initially designated as the SVW-001 Slug Gunner Prototype, its lengthy name led many to adopt the simplified codename "Protogunner" for convenience.

Due to its prototype status, it offers limited protection to its operator, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from above and the sides. Additionally, it lacks a melee attack, relying solely on its ranged weaponry. However, the Protogunner boasts superior speed and maneuverability compared to the finalised Slug Gunner's mech mode. It's equipped with the Slug Gunner's 180mm multiple cannon on its front, supplemented by a pair of 10mm Vulcan cannons on its sides. Although its body has partial invincibility, it remains susceptible to destruction by anti-tank ammunition and explosions. A notable feature of this Super Vehicle is its ability to perform an automatic Vulcan Fix, locking its side-mounted Vulcans in place. This allows the operator to move the Protogunner while continuously firing without adjusting the Vulcans.

The Slug Digger is a versatile, multi-purpose vehicle that serves as both a subterranean digger and a helicopter. Rapidly developed by the Regular Army and Rebel Army, its primary objective was to infiltrate the Invaders' underground hive. The Slug Digger features retractable drills on its left, right, and bottom sides, enabling it to excavate the earth. Additionally, it's equipped with two 16mm Vulcan cannons that can fire bullets capable of tearing through dirt. Notably, its cannon shots deploy mines that remain in place until triggered by enemy contact or subsequent gunfire.

The Walking Machine is a crawling Slug designed for exploration purposes, originally derived from a haunted amusement park animatronic resembling a humanoid, quadruped zombie. It was redesigned to mimic the appearance of the Mutated Soldier, but with distinct features such as a rotating light on top of its head, a muscular build, and an exposed battery on its back. The operator rides astride the Walking Machine, holding onto reins connected to its cheeks. Its lower profile provides some degree of evasion, and it can jump higher than most Slugs.

There are two variants of the Walking Machine: the Special Walking Machine and Walk Machine Type-B. The Special Walking Machine is a sleeker variant with a different head design and horns serving as handles. Notably, its pair of 14mm Vulcans has been replaced by a Gatling gun inside its mouth. The Walk Machine Type-B is an unmanned, red version of the Special Walking Machine, designed for underground exploration. Although heavily armoured, it relies on a Mobile Satellite deployed from a hatch on its back and a flamethrower inside its mouth. Additionally, it boasts an impressive jumping ability, surpassing that of its predecessors.

The RA-TTT (Regular Army Troop Transport Truck), also referred to as the Regular Army Truck, is a transport vehicle utilised by the Regular Army for deploying troops to the battlefield. Initially, the vehicle featured a simple rifle green colour scheme, but it was later updated with a camouflage woodland pattern prior to the events of the Martian Takeover.

The TIAF600 Slug Mobile, also known as the Wagon Slug and Metal Express, is a modified version of the TIAF 660, a popular civilian vehicle renowned for its compact design. During the conflict in Gerhardt City, the Rebel Army utilised numerous TIAF 660s as road barriers due to their widespread availability. The Regular Army soon took notice and salvaged several TIAF 660s shortly after capturing General Morden to revamp the model for their own purposes. Initially, engineers aimed to transform the TIAF 600s into a heavily armoured transport vehicle with advanced weaponry. However, they were instructed to retain the original design and instead equip it with 14mm Vulcans on the sides and an RPG. Due to time constraints, the engineers had to work quickly, and the resulting vehicle was codenamed the "Slug Mobile".

It boasts impressive speed and jumping capabilities, performing well on roads but struggling with off-road handling. Its Vulcan cannons provide effective defence against aircraft, while the guided RPG under the front hood offers some anti-armour defence. However, the hastily implemented upgrades, particularly the Vulcan's ammo and boosting system, have increased the vehicle's risk of catching fire.

The SVF-07V Slug Flyer is a Super Vehicle designed for aerial combat, developed by Regular Army engineers. Its VTOL capabilities provide excellent maneuverability. However, its H-AV-5963 Revision Vulcans have limited range with restricted firing angles. The aircraft is also equipped with short-range air-to-air AIM-9A missiles, which, although powerful, require time to accelerate after deployment. When dismounting from an airborne Slug Flyer, operators can descend via parachute or utilise Regular Army Jetpack Gear.

Initially, prior to and during the Arms Deal Barrage, the aircraft lacked Vulcans, restricting its firepower to horizontal forward shooting. Its secondary weapons were limited to drop bombs and homing missiles. In response to pilot and technician feedback, the Slug Flyer underwent upgrades, incorporating Vulcans and enhanced secondary weaponry.

The SVH-03 Slug Copter, also known as the Slug Chopper, is an attack helicopter Super Vehicle developed by the Regular Army shortly after the Arms Deal Barrage. Key features of the Slug Copter include dual H-AV-5963 Revision Vulcan cannons with 360° rotation capability and high-damage bombs effective against ground targets, but ineffective against aerial targets. Notably, there have been reports of pilots accidentally colliding with the rotor blades when entering or exiting the vehicle, resulting in minor injuries. Fortunately, no fatal incidents have occurred to date.

The Astro Slug is a single-seat spaceship developed jointly by the Rebel Army and Amadeus Syndicate three months after the Invader Conquest. This sudden development was sparked by General Morden's growing paranoia about a potential alien invasion and the need to engage hostile extraterrestrial forces in outer space. The Pipovulaj's swift termination of their alliance with the Rebel Army after winning the war against the Invaders and returning to Mars further fueled this paranoia.

The Regular Army's acquisition of the Astro Slug remains unclear, but a popular theory suggests that they played a role in its development. This collaboration allegedly involved incorporating Martian and Invader technological debris. Interestingly, General Morden allowed the Regular Army to possess half of the produced Astro Slugs. Although this rumour seems unusual, it's considered plausible, especially given the relatively peaceful relations between the Regular Army, Rebel Army, Ptolemaic Army, and Amadeus Syndicate during that period.

The Astro Slug features a semi-automatic cannon on top, but its true potential lies in its ability to equip various weapons during flight. These weapons include Heavy Machine Guns, Laser Guns, Shotguns, and Rocket Launchers, which are mounted on two weapon pods on each side of the spacecraft. Additionally, it's equipped with limited, powerful, unguided missiles for firepower support. Some variants of the Astro Slug are also equipped with two 16mm Vulcan units that move in reverse of the spaceship's movement.

The Golden Slug, also known as the Golden Slug Phoenix, is a flight-based vehicle and the first known Slug to exist. Believed to be a creation of the Tuatha Dé Danann, it was discovered during a joint investigation by the Regular Army and Amadeus Syndicate at Ultima Thule. A team of soldiers and scientists stumbled upon a surprisingly half-functional phoenix war machine while searching for precious materials to utilise for weapons and machine manufacturing.

The origins of the Golden Slug are shrouded in mystery, but rumours suggest that it may have served as the guardian of Atlantis and Ultima Thule. It’s believed to have powered down and crashed into a crystal-filled, snowy cave after the destruction of Atlantis and the disappearance of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Due to its unpredictable behaviour, it has only been witnessed by a select few. Its last deployment was during the artillery bombardment of the Serapion Fellowship's fortress in Arms Deal Barrage, where it nearly went rogue, threatening to kill both friendly and enemy forces. Fortunately, Hyakutaro Ichimonji swiftly dismantled it, preventing a catastrophic outcome.

It's primarily an unmanned machine controlled by advanced AI, but it can also be operated by a single pilot. Unlike the Slug Flyer and Slug Copter, the Golden Slug mimics the flight pattern of a bird, flapping its wings to maintain flight and emitting loud squawks. It has a barrage of heat-seeking missiles located between its "feathers". Additionally, a laser beam is located inside its mouth, which can be switched between a Gatling gun, flamethrower, and poison gas dispenser during its 5-minute recharge period. Furthermore, it contains the Final Giga Blaster, a special weapon housed in its chest cavity. When activated, a camera shutter-like hatch opens, and a Denturion cannon-shaped launcher emerges, producing a large electrical, fiery nuclear energy sphere that causes a massive explosion upon impact.

The SVX-17M Slug Mariner is a Regular Army Super Vehicle designed as a single-crew minisub. Produced as an upgraded version of the Slug Sub before the events of the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash, it boasts faster movement speed and a sleeker design. Similar to the Slug Flyer and Slug Copter, the Slug Mariner contains specialised gear, Scuba Gear, for operators. This gear is useful if the operator needs to exit the vehicle after it entered suicide attack mode or if the Slug Mariner is destroyed and enters self-destruct mode. The Slug Mariner is equipped with two 10mm Vulcan cannons, which fire incendiary ammunition that sinks after being shot, allowing it to effectively target enemies below. Additionally, it can launch powerful torpedoes that create a large shockwave upon impact, making it extremely useful against larger underwater enemies.

The Slug Sub is a small submarine that lacks a Vulcan, instead relying on torpedoes. When it resurfaces, it can fire homing rockets, which are replaced with depth charges when it submerges. The submarine is equipped with an Emergency Boat, a backup transport featuring a river paddle that's deployed whenever the submarine is destroyed. Due to the rising popularity of the Slug Mariner, the Slug Sub has become less prominent and is often utilised for reconnaissance missions, particularly by the Intelligence Agency.

The Borobune Slug serves as both a freighter and fishing boat for the Regular Army. Initially, it functioned as a construction unit, transporting materials and goods while secretly carrying a single metal container. This container could hold either a ground vehicle or submarine, depending on the mission requirements. The Borobune Slug was exclusively deployed on Pallas Island during the Regular Army's nuclear testing and experimental shipbuilding operations. However, after mutated crustaceans appeared, nuclear testing was halted, and the Regular Army unit fled the island with a single, heavily damaged Borobune Slug, which had barely survived an attack by an Enormous Moray. This surviving unit inspired the Regular Army to produce more Borobune Slugs, which were intentionally designed with a run-down appearance for stealth purposes.

The Middle-Son 1986 is an old U-Boat, originally designed as a submarine, still in use by the Regular Army. Although more advanced variants have been developed, it remains in frequent service despite its outdated design. The submarine has a substantial arsenal, carrying a range of weapons including missiles, torpedoes, and even transporting troops across the ocean. Each vessel is equipped with an anti-aerial machine-gun turret, known as the AA Machine Gun, mounted on its hull. Notably, the Middle-Son 1986 boasts remarkable durability, which surpasses that of the Slug Sub and Slug Mariner. It can withstand damage from repeated bombing runs and continues to operate with minimal damage.

The Middle-Son 1999 is a submarine developed by the Regular Army for reconnaissance and offensive operations in water areas. Originally, only one unit was produced, but it sank after a severe storm in Asian waters damaged the submarine, causing it to crash against a rocky shoreline. Unfortunately, all crew members on board lost their lives. Its wreckage was later discovered in a dried-up riverbed in the Villeneuve Mt. System during the Great Morden War. At that time, the Rebel Army was utilising the wreckage as a makeshift shelter and interceptor. Following the Great Morden War, the Regular Army salvaged the remains of the Middle-Son 1999. This enabled engineers to analyse the materials used in its construction, ultimately leading to the production of additional units. Although there are more Middle-Son 1999 submarines than its predecessor, they have slightly weaker durability and lack an AA Machine Gun.

The PA33-21 Boat is a transport vessel designed to carry Regular Army personnel to privately owned islands and seaside areas. It features strong armour for protection, but has a vulnerability to aircraft-deployed bombs. For defence, it's equipped with three AA Machine Guns, providing powerful force against airborne threats. The boat has a capacity to carry up to 25 passengers, along with additional storage for a handful of weapon crates and barrels of food.

The Augensterm is a Slug designed to operate on both floors and ceilings. Developed by the Regular Army in a secret underground laboratory, this four-legged Slug was created using harvested scraps from destroyed Rebel Army tanks and Regular Army Super Vehicles found on the old battlefield of the P.F. Squad training island. The laboratory itself was repurposed after being abandoned by the Amadeus Syndicate. Rumours suggest that the Augensterm was built shortly after the Invader Conquest, but its deployment has been delayed due to extensive testing phases. However, the reasons behind its lack of deployment remain classified, known only to high-ranking officials and engineers.

The pilot is positioned higher than in other Slugs, making it more challenging for enemies to score a hit. Its dual 12.6mm Vulcans operate similarly to the Slugnoid, firing at either the same target or in opposite directions. Additionally, the Augensterm is equipped with a harpoon capable of piercing enemy vehicles with ease. A special setting allows the harpoon to generate electricity when attacking. Furthermore, the harpoon can be replaced with an extendable drill designed for close-quarters combat rather than burrowing. However, its relatively slow movement makes it vulnerable to bullet and rocket attacks if the operator is not cautious.

The Slug Gigant is a monstrous walker emblazoned with the Regular Army insignia, currently holding the title of the largest Slug. Its design drew heavy inspiration from stolen Rebel Gigant blueprints, acquired by Intelligence Agency agents during the White Baby Crisis. Unlike the Rebel Gigant, which is primarily used for combat, the Slug Gigant serves a dual purpose as both a war machine and a giant snowplow. It is equipped with a 16mm Vulcan at the front, two movable arms, and a plasma beam attack capable of unleashing explosive force.

The Slug Gigant comes in two variants: a single-pilot model and a dual-pilot model. The primary difference between these variants lies in the cockpit design and the distribution of controls. In the single-pilot Slug Gigant, the lone pilot controls all aspects of the machine from a single cockpit. In contrast, the dual-pilot model features two separate cockpits. The pilot in the forward cockpit controls movement, the forward-facing Vulcan, and the claw-blaster cannon, while the pilot in the rear cockpit operates the shoulder-mounted Vulcan cannons.

The Black Hound was initially a part of the Ptolemaic Army's arsenal, but its software and design blueprints were stolen by Intelligence Agency agents and S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S. operatives during a raid on the Osaka compound in the midst of the Ptolemaic Emergence.

Originally, it was an experimental, unmanned war machine developed using stolen data disc information. However, the Regular Army, with the assistance of Trevor Spacey, modified the design to accommodate a single operator, replacing its remote-controlled AI technology. The initial version of the Regular Army's Black Hound lacked a functional laser cannon mounted on a mechanical arm. However, this oversight was eventually addressed by Tarma, who successfully integrated the laser cannon shortly after the revolt against the Regular Army.

The Iron Nokana is a repurposed Rebel Army large, multi-purpose armoured combat vehicle. It has been repainted blue and its size has been reduced by half compared to the original. Notably, the Girida-0 mounted on the back has been replaced with a bronze SV-001. The vehicle has undergone significant upgrades, including the addition of durable armour that provides immunity to electric shocks and freezing due to its resistance to electricity and icy cold temperatures. Many Regular Army personnel jokingly refer to it as the Steel Norcana.

The Type-2 Di-Cokka is a Rebel Army tank repurposed by Trevor, utilising stolen software he obtained during the White Baby Crisis. The tank's exterior has been painted blue with a golden iridescence, and the Regular Army insignia is emblazoned on its left side. It has been upgraded to include two short-barreled 155mm H-Cannons, which fire single shots that cover twice the range of the original. Notably, unlike its Rebel variants, which collapse when damaged, this Di-Cokka is rigged to explode into enemy positions when critically damaged.

The LV Slug Armor, also known as Heavy Armor, is an advanced variant of the Rebel Army's LV Armor. During the White Baby Crisis, the Intelligence Agency stole the data disc containing the LV Armor's design blueprints and computer software. The Intelligence Agency then handed this data over to the Regular Army for repurposing. Trevor was tasked with reworking the original LV Armor software for Regular Army use. He integrated an anti-virus program to prevent hacking and reduce the risk of system malfunction. Regular Army engineers subsequently developed a new version with enhanced armour, capable of withstanding heavier firepower.

The upgraded Slug Armor features a 60mm MTS-S/A chain gun integrated into its arm as well as a 100mm cannon mounted on its back. However, unlike its predecessor, it cannot swap weapons. Additionally, the weight of its new armaments prevents it from double-jumping. It boasts high, resilient armour and is equipped with a Vulcan gun and a rear-mounted cannon. It moves much faster on foot, and while crouching, it can use its hover pack to perform a sliding charge, running over enemies. Originally, it didn't have any insignia emblazoned on it, but when the Rebels stole crucial blueprints from the Regular Army a couple of weeks before the Garbage Heap Escapade, they built a version featuring their logo. This prompted the Regular Army to produce versions displaying their own insignia to avoid public confusion.

It excels in combat against large enemies, thanks to its ability to fire diagonally, similar to the Slug Gunner's minigun and heavy machine gun. This capability significantly enhances its line of fire. In terms of mobility, the Slug Armor moves faster on foot and can use its hover pack to perform a sliding charge while crouching, potentially running over enemies. Although it can move freely and fire its weapons while crouched, it cannot jump or attack upwards until it stands upright again.

The Landseek is a Rebel Army transport half-track vehicle repurposed by the Regular Army, who seized scraps and a partially damaged unit during their investigation of remaining Arabian Infantry troops in Riyadh during the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash. The cyan-coloured vehicle is utilised to transport friendly forces over long distances across enemy lines. Compared to the original, the Landseek's most notable upgrade is its significantly strengthened armour, enabling it to withstand anti-tank weaponry. However, its glass and fabric components remain vulnerable to damage.

The M-15A Bradley is a Rebel Army missile tank repurposed by the Regular Army, who dispatched Intelligence Agency agents to steal data on this tank during the Extraterrestrial Alliance Clash. Regular Army personnel commonly refer to it as Brad. The tank has been modified to feature a lighter green color, and several upgrades have been implemented. These upgrades include the addition of a Vulcan cannon mounted on the side and modified missile launchers capable of firing at twice the range of its original counterpart. Furthermore, it has gained the ability to propel itself using rocket boosters.

The Hi-Do is a repurposed Rebel Army tandem rotor helicopter that the Regular Army obtained shortly after the capture of General Morden, acquiring the original aircraft and using it as a basis for their own modified version. Renamed to the Regular Army Helicopter, it's utilised for transporting personnel and Slugs. Similar to the Rebel Army's Hi-Do, it features a homing missile compartment within its nose. However, it lacks the Gatling gun mounted underneath, instead sporting a hatch that opens to deploy a hoist for lifting soldiers. This hatch is also equipped with a powerful magnet capable of carrying large metal crates. Notably, the helicopter has undergone a significant design overhaul, bearing a striking resemblance to the Regular Army Transport Helicopter in Metal Slug 3D.

The Type 95 Ha-Gō is a tankette bearing the Division 6 insignia, frequently utilised by Division 6 special forces operatives and soldiers. Despite being a Type 95 Ha-Gō, its design bears a striking resemblance to the Japonese Tank Soldier in Metal Slug 3. It's capable of firing five cannons simultaneously and launching anti-tank missiles at close range. Initially, only four of these tanks remained before Division 6 joined the Regular Army, after which they were mass-produced specifically for them to use. Many Regular Army and Division 6 personnel commonly refer to it as the Tank Soldier.

The Null Fighter is a single-seat fighter aircraft bearing the Division 6 insignia, featuring a unique design that combines elements of the Mitsubishi A5M carrier-based fighter (cockpit and fuselage) and the Aichi D3A dive bomber (tail). It's equipped with wing-mounted machine guns, capable of unleashing a continuous barrage of bullets. Similar to the Type 95 Ha-Go, there were a handful of Null Fighters available to Division 6, but after their alliance with the Regular Army, mass production began for their use only.

The Crusty Legs is a massive pilot-operated tank developed by the Regular Army and Division 6, designed to pulverize its enemies with its large legs. Only one unit has been produced, and it has been created from the use of Rebel Army tank scraps and salvaged Tuatha Dé Danann technology. When it spots an enemy, it fires two salvos of rolling cannonballs and 7.62mm ammunition rounds. It can power up its special attack, called the Flame Tornado Quadruped, by levitating in mid-air while the base of its feet ignite and generate flames, before charging towards the enemy to burn them. This attack lasts about 10 minutes or stops if the Crusty Legs has taken too much damage.

While the flamethrowers are active, the Crusty Legs replaces its special attack by firing a flaming shot from all three of its cannons. Despite its bulky appearance and slow movement, it’s quite mobile, possessing the ability to evade enemy attacks.

[awesomesnailguy]

Comparison of SM's combat skill and lore

Despite CRK combat being very set-and-forget, "turn on the auto button and go do something else", Shamil's absolute behemoth of a skill description does give some fun insight into his character. I do some game development myself and might slip up & use some technical terms here and there but hopefully it doesn't get too incomprehensible T_T his skill is already incomprehensible enough

majority of post is under the cut :3 (LONG POST WARNING & some BY8 spoilers at the very very end)

300 words... why are you so yap... I'll start from the top and work my way down through the skill, jumping occasionally if there's something of note

Credits to fandom wiki for the quest transcript and skill description stuff! yay

Shadow Milk Cookie channels the energy of his other-realm to begin a grand spectacle of Deceit.

This sentence has nothing to do with his actual combat ability but it sounds cool so im putting it here :)

Inflicts Puppet Show at the enemy with the lowest Max HP

SM will always attack "the enemy with the lowest Max HP" when his skill is activated (unless the enemy has some weird gimmick that lets them dodge his skill, but none that I know of) In combat, this is the enemy that gets surrounded by all the rotating circles and fancy effects and stuff. The "Puppet Show" effect also essentially prevents that one enemy from taking any action, which makes sense if SM is now controlling them as a puppet.

Interesting that he always picks on the "weakest" enemy first, though- he literally attacks the team's biggest weak-point, similar to what he did in BY2 when tormenting WL and PV:

SM genuinely has no chill.. what did WL to do you to deserve that last line T_T

And a fun observation from my personal arena experience: as of when I'm writing this post, most of the meta (= really strong) arena teams use SM and Awakened PV. And APV has a really low max HP stat compared to other meta arena characters, so he always ends up as the "enemy with the lowest Max HP". So in arena, if two of these teams go against each other, it's pretty much guaranteed that the SMs will "go after" the opposing team's PV first :)

APV can revive himself though, so he doesn't mind (hopefully)

Grand Finale deals damage to all enemies, deals damage proportional to Puppet Show's target, and applies Taint on them.

(Side note: Grand Finale is the final hit of SM's skill attack, which is indicated by the big explosion on screen during combat)

And by a dictionary search, taint means:

Also, this is the KR version of his skill desc (not a native speaker myself so I had to use machine translation..)

The finale deals damage to all enemies, and deals damage proportional to the maximum health of the puppet target and corrupts them.

"A trace of a bad quality" "Corruption" might both be in reference to Deceit. SM seems very insistent in his other dialogues that everyone is prone to lying even if they deny it on the surface (His gacha quote: "Seriously, who can say "no" to a pinch of good old Deceit?!")

Now I want to look specifically at this part of his skill:

Grand Finale...deals damage proportional to Puppet Show's target

This is, quite frankly, an incredibly vague description, but Grand Finale basically does extra damage to ALL ENEMIES if the single enemy targeted by SM dies while being attacked by him.

He's a sadist next question

If the target is defeated before the end of Puppet Show's duration, a Soul Phantom will appear in their place. A portion of the damage sustained by the Soul Phantom until the end of Puppet Show will be inflicted as Grand Finale's extra damage.

This is what I mentioned above about SM doing more damage if his targeted enemy dies

Another fun observation from personal gameplay experience: This part of SM's skill is what makes him a pain in the butt to use in world exploration, but feels very in-character.

With world exploration, enemies are generally pretty weak and get defeated very fast. So when SM uses his skill on an enemy, the enemy gets defeated almost immediately (along with every adjacent enemy because the other characters on the team are also doing damage) and he summons the Soul Phantom. All fine and dandy right?

WRONG!!! If you're playing on auto mode, the other characters on the team will consider the Soul Phantom to be another enemy and start attacking it, using all of their skills, unleashing absolute hellfire and wind arrows and raining lightbeams and what-have-you on this poor phantom puppet. And by the time SM's skill ends and your team stops attacking the air, all their skills will be on cooldown and they won't be able to do anything when the next wave of enemies appears.

Well-played, beast of Deceit. Well-played. (I got carried away, prev paragraph might have made no sense lolol) Point is, I feel like SM gaslighting the rest of the team into thinking the Soul Phantom is another enemy is very in-character for him.. even though it does make playing him very inconvenient

If Shadow Milk Cookie is defeated, he will assume his Shadow Form. He will summon his Puppet to fool the enemies and retreat to the other-realm where he will gain Power of Deceit.

This is way too complicated to explain. But uhhh, when SM loses all his HP for the first time in battle, he does some Deceiving and runs away and comes back for round two 👍yay! In combat this is indicated by his HP bar turning blue. He's a playable boss and he just entered his second phase :)

Also the Puppet (which is just his little plushie thing) has a special effect that causes all the enemies to attack it instead of hitting the rest of your team (woah, SM using Deceit for a good cause? interesting)

At the beginning of the battle, Shadow Milk Cookie will summon the Eye of Truth.

SM, why are you summoning an eye of "truth"...? Doesn't that go against your whole pilosophy- nevermind.

When Shadow Milk Cookie gains Power of Deceit [= the buff he gains when he gets defeated], the Eye of Truth will transform into the Eye of Deceit,

Maybe it wasn't even an Eye of Truth to begin with, and only reveals its true colors as an Eye of Deceit when SM gets defeated once and decides to Lock In? Similar to the Spire in BY7 which appears normal at first but turns into a warped version of itself once the protagonists take the bait.

Another fun look into SM's personality: in combat, he records the number of debuffs your team receives, and after the count gets high enough...

the Eye of Truth will remove all debuffs from the team and increase the amount of damage dealt by Shadow Milk Cookie...

He debuffs the enemies a lot (Puppet Show & Taint are both considered debuffs in game) but fights back violently when he gets debuffed himself. What a hypocrite.. Oh wait

Liars hate getting lied to :p

[ououy]

In potential showdown, aid groups demand court find USAID, State officials in contempt

Groups that receive foreign aid are asking a federal judge to find the Trump officials now running the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development in contempt of court for not reopening the flow of money to thousands of programs around the globe, as the judge has ordered.

In a filing Wednesday afternoon, the plaintiffs said that each day the funding is delayed, millions of people across the world who rely on it suffer. It urged the judge to impose penalties until the U.S. government complies.

The plaintiffs were responding to a court filing in which USAID insisted it had the right to cancel most of its foreign aid contracts. In that Tuesday filing, the agency said it was also reviewing contracts and grants one by one for evidence of waste, fraud and to ensure they are aligned with President Trump's goals.

"This Court should not brook such brazen defiance of the express terms of its order," the plaintiffs said Wednesday.

On Thursday, Judge Amir H. Ali of the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia issued another order warning USAID that it must start paying its global partners again.

The judge appeared to be losing patience with the government. He wrote that his order telling USAID to pay the organizations "does not permit Defendants to simply continue their blanket suspension of congressionally appropriated foreign aid pending a review of the agreements for whether they should be continued or terminated."

Judge Ali, however, stopped short of finding the government in contempt.

Last week, Ali ordered USAID to start funding programs again while the case plays out. Ali said the plaintiffs, who receive money from USAID, showed that the loss of funding "threatens the very existence of [their] business."

He had given USAID until Tuesday to respond and explain how it was complying with his order. The case is one of several that have been filed against USAID on behalf of employees and aid recipients.

The sudden halt in funding has reverberated across the globe, forcing the shut down of everything from safe-houses for Cambodian rights defenders to the layoff of journalists investigating corruption in authoritarian states.

But the judge's order appeared to provide USAID some wiggle room. Ali said it would not prohibit the agency from "enforcing the terms of contracts or grants."

In its filing Tuesday, USAID cited that provision to justify its moves. The agency says it reviewed the terms of contracts and found they explicitly or "implicitly" allow USAID to end most of them.

USAID says it has already terminated nearly 500 contracts, including some because they focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and others because they promoted sustainability and combatted climate change.

USAID officials said other contracts were cancelled because they supported "Regime Change, 'Civic Society' or 'Democracy Promotion.' "

USAID has not killed all foreign aid. It says it has spared more than 20 contracts worth more than $250 million. That is a tiny fraction of the agency's annual spending.

In fiscal year 2023, USAID spent more than $40 billion in about 130 countries. The vast majority of money went to help with governance, health and humanitarian assistance. More than a quarter of the total budget went to sub-Saharan Africa. One of USAID's goals is to promote democracy abroad.

"It's just bizarre," said an executive with an organization which receives USAID funding, pointing out that the agency was eliminating projects it had labeled, perhaps skeptically, as "democracy promotion."

"This is Alice in Wonderland stuff."

The executive asked that he and his organization not be named for fear of retribution.

The Trump administration wants to fold USAID into the State Department. In the past month, State has also terminated more than 700 "foreign assistance-funded grants," according to an affidavit filed by Peter Marocco, USAID's deputy administrator.

[wolfofcelestia]

doing game developing. high key planning on working on a competitor otome game that’s got a better gameplay than LADS and is f2p friendly.

honestly aside from quality and creativity, i do think japanese otome games are a better bang for your buck when it comes to being player centered. they include options to battle with other players and their version of the “shc” includes a rank system that allows players to fight for ranks to get a bunch of resources and limited edition items. plus the stories are free, you just need to play and earn points to unlock the next chapter.

gachas are so exploitative. it makes sense for something like a combat game where you’re pulling legit players you can then use in battle. but this whole business model relies on forcing players to spend money or just… be disappointed. doesn’t seem sustainable long-term.

i love the concept of the game and the characters. and a lot of the features are so… woman-centered. and neurodivergent-centered. it feels good. i feel seen. but sigh, the greed is just disappointing.

I don't necessarily think this is a cultural difference since hoyo (cn company) has made many games that are a lot more... Respectful of its players than lads. Even infinity nikki has treated its players a whole universe better than how lads has treated us, so someone at infold is seriously trying to milk this niche for all it's got before a competitor comes on the market

Lads definitely has my heart, in characters, stories, and everything it stands for

It's just corrupted by greed, and not in the way Sylus would like

Restricting our freedom in order to extort money from those who love him is not something he would approve of. It's the very type of corporate greed he hates

I hope when competitor games start popping up, lads players around the world commit to supporting them. Imagine if boycotts lead to the competitors reaching number one in the app rankings instead of lads 😤

[loxo-m2009]

My first go at a miraculous ladybug power system rewrite.

Hierarchy

There are 3 classifications for the miraculous hierarchy. This hierarchy is present in most if not all miracle boxes, with the highest class being the most protected, the middle being used in danger, and the lower being used more often.

The hierarchy consists of:

Monarchs

The Arch-miracles

The Support-mirales

_________________________________________

Monarchs

The monarchs are traditionally located at the centre of the miracle box, surrounded by the Arch-miracles. This symbolises the way that the arch-miracles serve the royal miracles, acting as their protectors and acting out their will. The monarchs usually have powers that counteract and maintain control over the Arch, and Support miracles. Most boxes have either 1 or 2 royal miracles, their purpose isnt entirely known but they are only used when a dangerous threat is unleashed. These threats can either be miraculous holders or others. The reason they are used sparingly is due to the threat of the wrong people holding their power or the power corrupting them(explained further down).

___________________________________________

Arch-miracles

These miracles are used more often than Monarchs, to retrieve more minor miraculous or to defeat threats. In miracle boxes their are usually 2 subcategories. Defenders or Actors.

Actors usually are used against enemies, they have more physical powers. For example the butterfly miracle which grants people powers to go and do something for them. These can be used to physically harm people. In the mother box the Actor miracles are the Butterfly and Peacock due to their destructive potential.

Defenders are traditionally used to protect the miracle box, or to support other miraculous. The miracle of illusion can trick someone granting other heroes the chance to act. Or shelter which works in defense, creating a barrier to either entrap and enemy or protect yourself.

The Bee miraculous though is a defender, but has been used to attack enemies. Venom can render a villain defenseless which is support and allows others to attack. But it also can be used on its own to immobilise and defeat a villain. A sort of miracle which can worked an Actor 1v1.

___________________________________________

Support mircales

These miracles are stored below the Arch and Monarch miracles. Stored in droors or compartments below their higher level miracles.

For example the mother boxes:

Dragon,snake,mouse,rooster,cow and pig miracles aswell as much more. These usually have powers that aren't that useful in combat. Traditionally they were used to help society develop, and sustain themselves. Such as help during a drought or stop raiders.

These miraculous have limitations and their own sort of unofficial hierarchy. For example the dragon, snake and bunny miraculous are stronger than many others. While the Ox, tiger and horse miraculous are more useful than the Goat, dig, mouse rooster and pig miraculpus.

The reason they are all considered the same classification is the way the Support miraculous work. Their powers are weaker than the Arch and Monarch miracles, not only in use but also in the degree their powers work.

Examples:

The dragon can only use one element per Transformation as a child, and can only use each element once as an adult. They can either transform into the element or have to physically manipulate it.

The bunny miraculous had the power to enter the burrow, a place where all of time is stored. If they affect the timeline then there will be a consequence. For example by going back to affect timetagger there was no affect due to it being a necessary event. In the case of chat blanc by fixing the natural order a new consequence was added. This being the guardian dies and marinette is traumatised. Thsj will lead to it own plot.

The snake miraculous resets time, but this is stored within the burrow and is changeable. Aswell as nobody remembering anything which is a consequence of its own.

The rest will probably be mentioned in a later post.

__________________________________________

Consequences and limits of miraculous

Limits:

No weilder who is immature or not mentally/physically strong enough can use the miracles full power.

Abusing the miracles powers will cause in damage to the miraculous.

There are individual limiters to miraculous.

The miraculous tool given works as a conduit for your power. Children/similar cannot use powers without them.

Consequences:

Using miraculous for extended periods of time can result in side effects, for example lack of creativity or self destructive personality

Using damaged miraculous will slowly kill/drain someone. Leading to illness.

Insanity from wearing/using multiple miraculous at once. Due to side effects and physical strain.

Possible death if using both cat and ladybug miraculous at the same time.

(That's all for now please give ideas below)

[caveiratimida]

Happy 2025 everyone! Today is my birthday and I have had a lovely time with my family. I felt inspired to do a little (big) catch up here. Been pretty quiet as I had a training at work near the end of December and then was family time plus recently I have been battling some potential health issues. Not to mention I am also focused on passing my retry driving test end of January. I imagine everyone feels like me right now where somehow everything and everyone feels like a lot due to how interconnected we are. I for example am sick and tired of hearing about the US given that I am living in Portugal and instead of being able to find information on housing policies and how we are remodeling our national health care I have to hear about Elon Moscas (the portuguese word for fly that sounds like his name - it is a joke that makes me happy) and the rest of them. This got me thinking how too focused I am by influence of the digital things around me due to algorithms and AI. But this isn't something that has begun to annoy me just now.

The past year, I was concentrating on trying to figure out what I would like to try exploring after years of academia. I discovered I wanted to be involved in my community, and I find that often we know more about what is going on abroad or on a wider scale than near us. As a person whose professional dreams are focused on cultural sustainability and community growth, that worried me how little I was present. I began to read the local newspaper since you always get told one way or another about "big" global news by someone or its thrust at your face online. It's fascinating how much you learn about town resilience, especially in my area, and how I now live in a small coastal town.

Obviously we cannot combat progress but like Bad Bunny comments in "Lo Que Pasó en Hawaii", development shouldn't come from the gentrification and loss of accesible living and communal identity. I feel like a lot of people lean right because they sense this "deterioration" of cultural identifying points subconsciously and so start to lash out. Blaming those who have nothing to do with it instead of late stage capitalism, corrupt governing bodies and millionaire interests.

I think I feel ready to try and create some projects that I think would be cool regarding the continued loss of Third Places and connections. Plus I do my volunteering at the Cultural House and now I applied for a great oppurtunity related to cultural management!

But before then I would like to try a type of digital decluttering. Missing the feeling of when the internet used to be stuck to a physical space is something I find myself doing more and more. But this doesn't mean I believe in complete non-technological or digital living, I guess I am lacking the feeling of control or sovereignity? Like I don't and won't just BOOM delete everything (especially because tumblr is my favourite of all) but I do want to analyse my digital footprint.

[digitaldetoxworld]

Poverty Alleviation Of India Pathway To A More Equitable

 Poverty Alleviation Of India  remedy is one of the most urgent challenges faced by way of societies throughout the globe. It refers to the efforts, policies, and strategies designed to lessen or take away poverty, permitting individuals and communities to break unfastened from the cycle of deprivation. Despite worldwide advancements, over seven-hundred million people nonetheless live in excessive poverty, surviving on much less than $1.90 a day according to the World Bank. Alleviating poverty is not just about growing earnings; it involves enhancing access to schooling, healthcare, decent housing, clean water, and primary rights. Addressing poverty comprehensively is vital for fostering social fairness, enhancing health consequences, and promoting sustainable development.

Understanding the Root Causes of Poverty

To effectively deal with poverty, it's miles vital to recognize its root reasons. Poverty is usually a result of numerous interlinked factors, such as:

Lack of Access to Education: 

Education is a powerful device for breaking the poverty cycle. Those without get entry to to nice training frequently battle to secure well-paying jobs, perpetuating generational poverty.

Unemployment and Underemployment:

 Economic instability, activity marketplace fluctuations, and a lack of task opportunities are direct participants to poverty. In many developing nations, even folks that are hired earn low wages which can be insufficient to fulfill primary wishes.

Poor Health and Lack of Healthcare Access: 

Health crises can push people and households deeper into poverty, specially in international locations with out customary healthcare. Chronic illnesses, disabilities, or unaffordable medical costs force families to spend their confined sources, leaving them prone.

Inequality: 

Social, gender, and monetary inequalities make a contribution to uneven get entry to to sources, opportunities, and rights. Marginalized businesses, inclusive of women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, frequently face additional obstacles to escaping poverty.

Environmental Factors: 

Natural failures, weather trade, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect poorer communities, mainly those that depend on agriculture. Droughts, floods, and meals insecurity can ruin livelihoods, forcing human beings into poverty.

Political Instability and Conflict: 

Regions laid low with conflict, political instability, and corruption frequently enjoy excessive poverty rates. The destruction of infrastructure, loss of jobs, and displacement of populations exacerbate poverty in war zones.

Key Strategies for Poverty Alleviation

There are severa techniques and techniques to alleviate poverty, each tailor-made to address the particular causes and demanding situations confronted by impoverished groups. Below are a number of the simplest methods:

 Education and Skills Development

Education is often considered the maximum powerful weapon to combat poverty. Investing in education equips people with the abilities they want to go into the body of workers and improve their earning capacity.

Universal Primary Education: 

Providing free and compulsory primary education is critical in breaking the cycle of poverty. Ensuring that youngsters, especially girls and marginalized groups, have get right of entry to to first-rate schooling empowers them to steady better possibilities in the future.

Vocational Training and Skills Development: 

In addition to formal education, vocational education programs can assist individuals expand marketable talents in fields inclusive of agriculture, technology, and change. Skills development permits people to get right of entry to higher-paying jobs and begin small businesses.

 Employment Opportunities and Economic Growth

Creating employment opportunities is vital to poverty comfort. Governments and international businesses must paintings collectively to foster economic boom, spend money on industries that may create jobs, and sell entrepreneurship.

Microfinance and Small Business Support: 

Microfinance programs offer small loans to people in poverty to help them begin or make bigger small groups. These tasks are specifically beneficial for girls and rural populations, who regularly lack access to traditional banking services.

Job Creation Programs: 

Governments can put in force public works packages to offer short-term employment, especially in areas with excessive unemployment costs. These programs can also contribute to building infrastructure, including roads, colleges, and healthcare facilities, benefiting entire communities.

 Healthcare Access and Social Protection

Access to lower priced healthcare is essential for maintaining individuals and households out of poverty. Health crises are a extensive cause of impoverishment, mainly in countries with out comprehensive healthcare structures.

Universal Healthcare: 

Providing loose or lower priced healthcare to all citizens reduces the financial burden of scientific expenses, enabling households to allocate their resources towards other requirements like training and meals.

Social Protection Programs: 

Social protection measures, which includes unemployment benefits, meals help, and pensions, assist cushion the impact of poverty on prone populations. These applications provide a protection net for individuals in the course of instances of financial complication or health crises.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Agriculture remains the primary supply of earnings for lots humans residing in poverty, mainly in developing countries. Improving agricultural productivity and rural infrastructure can drastically enhance the livelihoods of rural populations.

Sustainable Farming Practices: 

Training farmers in sustainable agriculture strategies, along with crop rotation and water conservation, can assist growth meals production and reduce the environmental effect of farming. Sustainable practices make certain lengthy-time period meals security and profits stability.

Access to Markets: 

Providing smallholder farmers with get admission to to markets, generation, and economic services allows them to promote their produce at honest fees, enhancing their earnings and standard of living.

 Empowering Marginalized Groups

Marginalized businesses, along with girls, indigenous peoples, and people residing with disabilities, are often disproportionately suffering from poverty. To correctly combat poverty, techniques ought to cope with the precise challenges confronted via these populations.

Gender Equality

Empowering ladies thru training, employment opportunities, and get entry to to healthcare extensively reduces poverty. Women who're economically empowered make investments extra of their households and groups, breaking the cycle of poverty.

Inclusive Policies:

 Governments ought to implement inclusive policies that shield the rights and get admission to to services for marginalized companies. This consists of making sure that those groups have a voice in policy-making and improvement initiatives.

 Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience

Environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation are interconnected. Climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately affect impoverished communities, in particular the ones reliant on agriculture or herbal resources for their livelihoods.

Investing in Green Technologies: 

Developing inexperienced technology and renewable electricity assets can create jobs at the same time as lowering environmental harm. These industries additionally provide sustainable, lengthy-term answers to electricity access in impoverished regions.

Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: 

Governments can put money into infrastructure that is designed to withstand herbal failures, lowering the vulnerability of groups to weather-related shocks.

Global Efforts Toward Poverty Alleviation

Poverty comfort is not only a local or national problem; it calls for international cooperation and collaboration. Numerous international businesses, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Bank, and non-governmental agencies (NGOs), are operating together to address poverty on a worldwide scale.

 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In 2015, the UN mounted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a hard and fast of 17 international goals aimed at addressing a huge range of social, financial, and environmental problems through 2030. The first of these desires is to "End poverty in all its paperwork everywhere." Achieving this purpose involves reducing the range of people living in excessive poverty, imparting get right of entry to to critical offerings, and selling sustainable monetary growth.

International Aid and Development Assistance

Foreign useful resource and improvement assistance from wealthier countries play a important position in poverty alleviation. These price range are frequently directed toward building infrastructure, enhancing healthcare structures, and supporting training projects in developing international locations.

NGO and Grassroots Initiatives

Causes OF Poverty Alleviations  and grassroots businesses are essential actors inside the combat against poverty. These agencies paintings immediately with groups to offer instant comfort, inclusive of food, safe haven, and healthcare, at the same time as additionally implementing lengthy-time period development projects aimed toward improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth.

[elsa16744]

What is the Importance of ESG Reporting in Business? 

Corporate sustainability investors, consultants, and strategists imagine a future where every business has efficient policies governing eco-friendly production methods. Likewise, embracing diversity and financial reporting transparency helps combat legal risks from unethical practices like discrimination and corruption. This post will discuss the importance of ESG reporting in business. 

What is ESG Reporting? 

ESG, or environmental, social, and governance, is an investment strategy using business performance analysis to monitor how a company consumes natural resources, handles employee relations, and practices accounting transparency. So, an ESG consulting services firm will deliver the required data through an appropriate reporting mechanism. 

Using these compliance metrics, investors can quantify the brand’s positive or negative influence on society and nature. Moreover, an ESG report systematically categorizes sustainability metrics into three sections or pillars. 

The environmental pillar summarizes how an organization integrates green technology and reduces plastic usage. Besides, it investigates metrics like the deforestation risks associated with an industry. 

Diversity and multicultural tolerance are at the core of the social considerations in ESG reporting. Additionally, preventing workplace hazards and empowering marginalized groups through affirmative action policies are crucial. 

Governance in sustainable development benchmarks rewards companies employing advanced financial and digital security measures with higher ratings. It assesses how a brand prioritizes ethics, privacy rights, and investor relations. 

What is the Importance of ESG Reporting in Business? 

1| ESG Helps Mitigate Supply Chain Risks 

A lack of standardization and governance exposes your supply chains to legal, financial, and environmental threats, but ESG service providers can assist you in overcoming those challenges. The governance aspects in sustainability compliance audits inspect which suppliers engage in socio-economically harmful practices. 

Using the data-led recommendations in the reports, organizations can determine whether to train suppliers or search for other resource providers. Therefore, managers can increase the company’s resilience to supply chain risks. For example, suppliers must avoid child labor, pollution, and corruption. Otherwise, your enterprise’s reputation will decline once investors and analysts investigate you. 

ESG reporting enables corporations to find suppliers who know the importance of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs). Since most suppliers will change their operations to respond to industry dynamics, reliably examining their ESG scores after suitable intervals is essential. 

2| Consumer and Investors Relations Improve 

Individuals want to purchase eco-friendly products, while impact investors want to support sustainable companies. Therefore, corporate strategists must explore roadmaps for aligning a company’s business model with modern stakeholder expectations. 

Developing ESG-powered business intelligence to estimate the shifts in consumer preferences benefits corporations in planning a new product launch. Similarly, using applicable and valid sustainability metrics for marketing materials goes a long way toward increasing brand awareness and trustworthiness. 

Besides, several governments direct companies to embrace standardized financial self-disclosures. Since ESG reporting integrates globally respected sustainability accounting guidelines, developing the disclosure documentation for investor communications becomes more manageable. 

3| Operational Efficiency Increases 

Toxic workplaces and preferential treatment will accelerate the talent drain at a company. So, social inclusivity and employee health insights empower managers to keep the workers energetic, creative, and productive. 

Furthermore, green technology integrations contribute to energy usage reduction. And the governance components prevent accounting inconsistencies. These advantages of ESG reporting ultimately enhance an organization’s quarterly progress. 

All the financial improvements also help brands transfer the benefits to their stakeholders. Consider the case of refurbished electronic devices. Consumers can get reasonably functional equipment at a lower price while the e-waste generation rate decreases. 

Conclusion 

Regulatory bodies and fund managers recognize the rising importance of ESG reporting in business, administration, and the global economy. Simultaneously, research and development (R&D) into renewable energy resources has attracted investors in several markets. 

Consumers have also voiced their concerns whenever a brand fails to embrace SDGs’ sustainable, inclusive, and transparent vision. 

Therefore, leveraging statistical and computer-aided benchmarks at an extensive scale has become mainstream across business development strategies. As its significance grows with each passing day, leaders must find experienced domain specialists to implement an ESG-first approach throughout their operations.

[gwtoomanyalts]

So, I wanted to spend some time and get some of Morgga's backstory down in words. So I did the thing:

From a young age, Morgga displayed an insatiable curiosity and a remarkable aptitude for understanding the natural world. She was taller than most asura, and felt insecure about her height, which often set her apart physically and socially from her peers. Despite these insecurities, her interests flourished, diverging from the conventional paths of golemancy and alchemy, and instead focusing on the intricate relationships between the flora and fauna within Tyria's diverse ecosystems. Her family initially viewed these interests as less than practical, yet Morgga’s dedication and intellectual capacity became evident early on. By adolescence, she had published several papers on the unique properties of Tyria’s plant life, establishing a reputation within the academic community. Her exceptional research earned her a place in the College of Synergetics, where she could explore the symbiotic relationships in nature. Her work proposed that understanding and harnessing nature's power was as essential as technological advancement.

While in college, Morgga worked part-time as a sous chef at a local pizzeria to support her studies. This experience fostered a love for making pizzas, providing a creative outlet and a comforting routine amidst her academic commitments. Her passion for botany was evident in her culinary creations, as she particularly enjoyed crafting vegetarian pizzas, highlighting her appreciation for plant-based ingredients.

Her thesis on bioluminescent flora and their potential applications in sustainable lighting systems received significant acclaim, leading to her appointment as one of the youngest professors in Rata Sum's history. Morgga’s lectures on botany became popular, drawing students eager to learn about the complexities of the natural world. Despite her academic achievements, Morgga felt a need to apply her knowledge beyond the confines of Rata Sum. The environmental destruction caused by the Elder Dragons and the resulting widespread habitat loss motivated her to contribute to the restoration of Tyria's ecosystems.

Morgga sought to integrate her understanding of nature with practical skills, leading her to train first as a guardian, then as a willbender. This rigorous training enhanced her agility, precision, and inner strength, enabling her to channel her energy into effective movements. Her choice to use dual plant-based pistols, grown specifically to fire botanical concoctions, reflected her innovative approach, combining botanical solutions and natural extracts to support her offensive presence. 

As a willbender, Morgga combined her botanical expertise with combat skills, assisting in the healing of the corrupted lands across Tyria. Her travels and collaborations with various races and factions, particularly the Sylvari, deepened her understanding of the interconnectedness of life forms. Working along with the Priory, she also documented rare plant species and developed strategies to combat the dragon-related corruption.

During her explorations, Morgga encountered the remnants of the Toxic Alliance, a collaboration between the Krait and the Nightmare Court aimed at exploiting poisonous plant life. Unlike many who focused on the malevolent aspects of the research, Morgga was intrigued by the underlying botanical advancements. She studied their methods to enhance plant properties, seeking ways to detoxify and repurpose these findings for beneficial uses. However this line of research was met with mixed reactions. Some colleagues expressed concern, while others saw potential for significant advancements in medicine and agriculture. Morgga's work led to the development of antidotes for various poisons and resilient crops capable of thriving in harsh conditions.

In Rata Sum, Morgga is recognized not only as a professor but also as an exemplar of the potential to bridge intellectual inquiry with real-world applications. Her research on the botanical achievements of the Toxic Alliance illustrates her belief that even the darkest knowledge can be redirected towards constructive ends. Finally, in her leisure time, Morgga still enjoys making pizzas, especially her vegetarian specials, a simple pleasure that connects her to her roots and sustains her enduring passion for discovery.

[pilot-posting]

Mech lore questions

(sorry if these aren't really the ones you're looking for)

-who is fighting who here? What sides in what war?

-why do mechs work like that specifically

-this will probably be answered in a mech combat sequence but what armaments do they use? How do they fight?

Good questions! Let's break some stuff down.

Who are "We?"

Emerson is a pilot for the Galligos Armaments and Superstructures Corporation, she's been working for them for 7 years since she was recruited fresh out of high school. There's a lot to unpack there, but know she only joined the pilot corp when she was 22.

Galligos is a megacorporation based on Earth and it's nearest extra-solar colony of Pochimen, a colony project pushed by the south-asian expansion bloc in 2083 (a national adjournment of Korea, China, Indochina as a whole, the Philippines, and Singapore.) This bloc still exists today but it's been mostly supplanted by megacorporations in it's power structure and administrative capacity. Galligos Armaments and Superstructures, or GAS/GASC, rose to power in 2090 when the Neuf-Décennie agreement was made by a highly corrupt and lobbied UN, giving extensive power to corporate bodies, including land rights, and claims at national identity. The UN traded the world for its survival, and the technical survival of it's partner nations.

In short? Massively fucked up cyberpunk setting. The current date is 2140 or thereabout. Emerson only joined because they had good benefits, and she lives in a highly propagandized world.

Who's Galligos fighting?

Galligos is fighting a collection of separatist dissenter colonies in the outer reaches of human space. Due to having access to entire planets worth of resources, they've managed to produce their own mech variants to fight against Galligos, but they lack population, so most of their combat is done through automated combatants. Every loss of a separatist pilot is a huge setback to the frontier states, so they tend to be incredibly well trained "ace in the hole" type mechanized infantry, whereas Galligos has opted for a more expendable take on mecha. Galligos technically owns only 2 planets, Earth, which is valuable for it's technical economic value, and Pochimen, which is valuable for it's resource rich mines. What Galligos lacks in the expandable resources of the dissenter states, it makes up for in the expendability of it's highly developed and quickly reproducing populace. Mecha from the Galligos company have a tendency to be shorter, have lower caliber weaponry, and individual pilots are comparatively poorly trained, but they do have the benefit of working in Squads of 4.

What's up with the Class-X?

The Class-X is a proprietary mechanized infantry system which cooperates with the human body to create immense levels of synapse melding and interconnectivity, and also to produce energy. Why does this work? Horny sci-fi magic.

The Mech harnesses the vitamins, and amino acids in your discharge to produce energy through selective ionization, which takes those vitamins, basically macro extends their biological bondage, and produces immense amounts of energy, capable of sustaining a mech suit for a significant period of time.

This process also causes something called Synchrosis, which you'll notice isn't actually a real world. Synchrosis is a mental... condition[?] which causes the mech pilot to link minds with their vessel on a deeper level than regular halo interaction. Obviously however, Synchrosis is highly addictive and degradant to the pilots mental health.

Class is different than brand and type of Mech, a Class-I for instance is a gunnery mech, which carries a macro-scale chain gun firing 30lb rounds and standing at around 90 stories tall (The Burj Khalifa is 160 stories.) as well as an assortment of missile pods, tertiary explosives devices, and the ability to wield high powered blunt-force weapons.

Class-X mechs are the only type of mech which use "stimulated synchrocity", as it's poorly understood in the human psychological side, and also it produces mech pilots who exhibit symptoms of extreme blood-lust when not locked behind automated functions and protocols.

How BIG we talkin'?

The Falcon Class transport ship is around 20 stories tall, it can carry most basic function mechs in groups of 5 to any given location, and it could probably carry a Class-I (if it was broken into it's key components and stored as efficiently as possible.)

The average Class-X mech is around 3 stories tall, it's miniscule compared to most mechs, but because of it's powering system it can be extremely efficient in power usage. it carries nimbler weapons like shoulder mounted rocket batteries, a rocket pistol, or plasma rifles, all enough to eviscerate infantry soldiers on sight, but hardly leave a dent in mainline battle mechs. Emersons Haratora-Zed is a maintenance mech, meaning it has a nimble frame, a lot of external storage capabilities like physical hooks, thrusters mounted on the thighs used primarily for getting extra power when carrying heavier combat mechs away from battle for effectively robot on robot surgery. Most of the Haratora-Zeds functions are automated.

Random Questions

Why did the Class-I pilot try to communicate verbally with Emerson?

All pilots are equipped with automatic halo port interfacing, if your conversational AI detects incoming messages even from non-mechanized entities, it'll patch them through to you. She didn't respond because she was blitzed on narcotics mixed with synapse accelerants to get her back to Synchrosis. Remember, she's a maniac.

Why did Emerson respond when poked?

Same as before, there's a warning system for when non-mechanized but halo-equipped individuals are nearby, and, their touch on the mechs body is translated through the mech in the form of pressure actuators which interact with the pilots body glove. She reacted because, again, blitzed.

[chengemao]

Academic Blog 12

The Outlast Series: A Benchmark in Experiential Realism and Horror Game Design

The Outlast series stands as a milestone in horror game design, masterfully blending experiential realism, player vulnerability, and transmedia storytelling. Developed by Red Barrels, the series disrupts conventional power fantasies by foregrounding helplessness and psychological tension. This academic reflection explores how Outlast constructs its terrifying atmosphere through deliberate design strategies that engage players on both emotional and cognitive levels.

Gameplay Mechanics: Agency through Vulnerability

At the heart of Outlast’s design is the radical decision to remove combat from the player’s toolkit. Armed only with a handheld camcorder equipped with night vision, players must rely on stealth, observation, and evasion to survive. This design fosters what Habel and Kooyman (2013) call "agency mechanics"—a form of gameplay where player control emerges not from domination, but from decision-making within strict limitations. The absence of weapons amplifies the sense of vulnerability, transforming each encounter into a test of psychological endurance rather than reflexive aggression. The result is a tense, immersive experience that emphasizes fear as a sustained emotional state rather than a momentary jump scare.

Experiential Realism: Emotional Immersion through Environmental Design

Outlast achieves experiential realism by meticulously constructing environments that evoke dread through sensory immersion. The dilapidated corridors of Mount Massive Asylum and the cult-ridden village of Outlast 2 are crafted with a level of environmental detail that grounds the horror in a disturbing plausibility. Kirkland (2005) highlights the importance of atmosphere in horror games, noting how it bridges narrative and emotional affect. The series excels in this interplay: the narrow field of vision offered by the camcorder's night-vision filter induces claustrophobia and forces players to dwell in the unknown. Darkness becomes both a mechanic and a metaphor, intensifying the sense of isolation and fear.

Transmedia Storytelling: Fragmented Narratives and Player Engagement

Beyond moment-to-moment gameplay, Outlast employs transmedia storytelling techniques that deepen narrative complexity. Documents, voice recordings, environmental cues, and the camera interface itself act as fragments of a larger puzzle. This encourages active player engagement as they piece together the backstory—much like the layered narrative design discussed by Fousek Krobová, Janik, and Švelch (2022) in their study of horror titles like The Medium. In Outlast, the story is not told to the player, but uncovered by them. This fragmented delivery not only reinforces the game's atmosphere of confusion and paranoia but also mirrors the protagonists' descent into psychological instability.

Societal Themes: Horror Rooted in Real-World Anxieties

The Outlast series draws its horror from plausible, real-world anxieties—ranging from unethical medical experimentation to religious fanaticism and institutional corruption. This grounding in cultural and societal fears aligns with Fousek Krobová et al.'s (2022) notion of “summoning ghosts of cultural spaces,” where horror games reflect and distort familiar contexts to evoke unease. The series’ depictions of systemic violence and moral extremity not only enhance the horror but provoke ethical reflection. Players are compelled to confront the terrifying implications of unchecked authority and ideological dogma, elevating the narrative from visceral shock to meaningful commentary.

Conclusion: Horror as Artistic and Psychological Engagement

The Outlast series demonstrates the evolving potential of horror games as complex, emotionally resonant media. Through the synergy of limited agency, immersive environmental design, and fragmented transmedia narratives, the series constructs an experience that is not only frightening but intellectually and artistically compelling. For concept artists and narrative designers, Outlast offers a paradigm for how visual storytelling can intersect with game mechanics to produce lasting emotional impact. My own background in animation and concept art informs a deep appreciation for this integration. Drawing from such design practices, I aim to contribute to the creation of game worlds that are not only visually rich, but narratively and thematically profound.

References

Fousek Krobová, T., Janik, J. and Švelch, J. (2022) ‘Summoning Ghosts of Post-Soviet Spaces: A Comparative Study of the Horror Games Someday You’ll Return and The Medium’, Studies in Eastern European Cinema, 14(1), pp. 39–52. doi: 10.1080/2040350X.2022.2071520.

Habel, C. and Kooyman, B. (2013) ‘Agency mechanics: gameplay design in survival horror video games’, Digital Creativity, 25(1), pp. 1–14. doi: 10.1080/14626268.2013.776971.

Kirkland, E. (2005) ‘Restless dreams in Silent Hill: approaches to video game analysis’, Journal of Media Practice, 6(3), pp. 167–178. doi: 10.1386/jmpr.6.3.167/1.

Intellect Discover (2012) Media, Visual Culture and Representation, Vol. 5, No. 1. Intellect.

Debategraph (n.d.) ‘Outlast and the Theory of Extreme Helplessness’. Available at: https://debategraph.org/Details.aspx?nid=3934 [Accessed 4 February, 2025].

Eurogamer (2013) ‘Outlast Review’. Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20130908102709/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-05-outlast-review [Accessed 4 February, 2025].

[123-er--ed]

Germany backs Ukraine’s long-range strikes on Russia | BBC News To enable Ukraine to militarily defeat China, North Korea, and Russia, and reclaim its territory with a 100-year vision, it must implement a comprehensive strategy combining military modernization, international alliances, economic development, and advanced diplomacy. Below is a detailed, all-encompassing plan built on the best ideas to achieve this ambitious goal. Military Modernization and Innovative Strategies Ukraine faces opponents with powerful armies, so it must bolster its military capabilities with a focus on technology and asymmetric tactics. Advanced Technology: Invest in combat drones, anti-missile systems, and cyber-warfare. For example, using artificial intelligence in defense can neutralize Russian or North Korean missile attacks.Asymmetric Warfare: Adopt guerrilla tactics—swift strikes and sabotage in occupied territories—to wear down Russia without large-scale direct confrontations.Cyber-attacks: Develop a robust program to disrupt enemy communications, logistics, and financial systems. This is key in modern warfare and can weaken them without major battles.International Alliances and Global Support Ukraine cannot face these powers alone, so alliances will be crucial. NATO Integration: Deepen ties with NATO to secure military technology, training, and logistical support, including joint exercises and access to advanced intelligence.Asia-Pacific Collaboration: Forge partnerships with Japan, South Korea, and Australia—countries that also view China and North Korea as threats. These agreements could include technology exchange and mutual defense.Western Funding: Secure financing from the European Union and the United States to modernize the army and rebuild the country after conflicts.Economic Development for Self-Sufficiency A strong economy underpins a sustained military and territorial effort over the long term. Mass Reconstruction: Launch a “Marshall Plan”-style program to rebuild key infrastructure—energy and transport—damaged by the war with Russia.Renewable Energy: Reduce dependence on Russian resources (like gas) and lead in clean energy, enhancing sustainability over the next century.Technological Innovation: Invest in R&D in artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity to remain globally competitive.Strategic Diplomacy Diplomacy will be essential for reclaiming territory and isolating enemies. Sanctions on Russia: Work with the international community to maintain and tighten economic sanctions, weakening Russia’s long-term military capacity.Peace Negotiations: Engage in talks from a position of strength, demanding the return of occupied regions such as Crimea and Donbas, with security guarantees.Divide the BRICS: Build economic ties with countries like India and Brazil to diminish China’s and Russia’s influence within that bloc.100-Year Planning: Sustainability and Adaptability To ensure success over a century, Ukraine must look to the future. Education and Training: Establish STEM programs and advanced military training to prepare future generations.Environmental Sustainability: Integrate ecological practices into military and economic strategies—e.g., clean energy use—to avoid long-term damage.Political Stability: Strengthen democracy, fight corruption, and maintain a stable government to ensure policy continuity.Final Summary Ukraine can defeat China, North Korea, and Russia, and reclaim its territory over the next 100 years by adopting a multidimensional strategy: modernizing its military with technology and asymmetric tactics; forging alliances with the West and Asia-Pacific; developing a self-sufficient economy; using diplomacy to isolate its adversaries; and planning long-term through education, sustainability, and stability. This approach will require resources and global support but offers the best path to a lasting victory and a secure future.

[naleabhi]

Štancer as | Most Influential Leaders Guiding Corporate Evolution, 2024

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, leadership that combines vision, integrity, and adaptability is paramount. Dejan Štancer exemplifies these qualities, earning recognition as one of the “10 Most Influential Leaders Guiding Corporate Evolution, 2024” by The Silicon Leaders. His multifaceted roles and unwavering commitment to ethical practices position him as a transformative figure in corporate leadership.

Dejan Štancer: A Multifaceted Leader

lobal Chamber of Business Leaders (GCBL)

As President of GCBL, Štancer spearheads initiatives that connect top companies and entrepreneurs worldwide, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Under his leadership, GCBL has become a robust network focused on creating added value through strategic connections.

Global Ambassador of ABWCI

Štancer extends his influence as the Global Ambassador of the Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI), advocating for meaningful change on an international scale. His role underscores a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment in the business community.

Registered Lobbyist at European Institutions

Demonstrating a steadfast dedication to ethical business practices, Štancer serves as a Registered Lobbyist at European institutions. His adherence to the Law of Integrity and the Prevention of Corruption in RS reflects his commitment to upholding integrity and combating corruption within the industry.

Leadership Philosophy and Impact

Strategic Vision and Growth

Štancer’s leadership is characterized by a strategic vision that emphasizes continuous growth and the nurturing of talent. He focuses on setting strategic direction, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring overall success within the organizations he leads.

Emphasis on Integrity and Transparency

Transparency, integrity, empathy, and collaboration are cornerstones of Štancer’s leadership approach. He believes in empowering team members and fostering open communication, creating a culture that inspires others to reach their full potential.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Balancing multiple leadership roles requires effective time management and a commitment to personal development. Štancer invests in his own growth through continuing education, mentoring, and self-care, ensuring he remains adaptable and forward-thinking in a dynamic business environment.

Global Networking and Collaboration

Networking and collaboration are essential elements of Štancer’s leadership strategy. At GCBL, he prioritizes networking through active participation in industry events, professional associations, and community initiatives. By fostering authentic connections and sharing ideas, Štancer drives innovation and progress within the global business community.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Štancer’s goals revolve around driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful change worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of strengthening cooperation and trust amidst challenging times, highlighting the necessity for collaboration for a brighter future.

Conclusion

Dejan Štancer’s multifaceted leadership roles and unwavering commitment to ethical practices have solidified his position as a transformative figure in corporate leadership. His recognition by The Silicon Leaders as one of the “10 Most Influential Leaders Guiding Corporate Evolution, 2024” underscores his significant impact on the global business landscape.

[spookystrawberrykingdom]

Corporate Corruption: The Silent Force Undermining Progress

In today’s global economy, businesses are often celebrated for innovation, rapid growth, and market dominance. But beneath the surface of impressive earnings reports and sleek branding, a darker truth often lingers corporate corruption. It’s a widespread issue that quietly damages societies, undermines public trust, and erodes the very foundations of ethical business.

While not always visible, the effects of corporate corruption are felt everywhere from inflated product prices and lost jobs to environmental disasters and political instability. And as businesses grow more powerful, the urgency to address this problem grows stronger.

What Is Corporate Corruption?

Corporate corruption refers to dishonest or illegal practices carried out by companies or individuals within a corporation for personal or organizational gain. This includes bribery, embezzlement, tax evasion, insider trading, fraudulent accounting, and unethical labor practices.

Unlike small-scale fraud, corporate corruption often involves high-level executives, complex networks, and regulatory loopholes. The consequences may not be immediate, but they are far-reaching impacting employees, consumers, governments, and entire economies.

Real-World Examples and Impact

When we think of corporate scandals, names like Enron, Volkswagen, and Wells Fargo come to mind. These companies made headlines for massive fraud, emissions cheating, and fake account scandals. In each case, the damage wasn’t just financial it was human. Employees lost their livelihoods, customers lost trust, and shareholders lost billions.

In developing nations, corporate corruption can be even more devastating. Multinational corporations may exploit weak regulations to avoid taxes, pollute environments, or underpay workers. This creates a vicious cycle where profits are prioritized over people, often with little accountability.

And in the digital era, corruption has found new tools hidden algorithms, data misuse, and covert lobbying efforts. Transparency is harder to achieve when unethical decisions are buried in lines of code or encrypted transactions.

The Cultural Cost of Corruption

Beyond the financial and legal damage, corporate corruption takes a toll on public morale. It sends a dangerous message: that those with money and influence can break rules without consequence. This breeds cynicism and distrust not only in corporations but in the institutions meant to regulate them.

In a world where corporate influence touches nearly every aspect of our lives, we can’t afford to ignore the moral implications. Consumers, employees, and even shareholders are increasingly demanding that companies operate with integrity.

That’s why it’s important to highlight and support creative platforms that promote ethical values and challenge the status quo. One such example is Hero Luigi, a unique storytelling initiative that, while not directly political, reflects a growing desire for content that encourages imagination, empathy, and integrity.

Projects like Hero Luigi remind us that businesses and creators have the power to influence culture for the better. They show that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of ethics and that values like honesty and courage still matter in today’s world.

Combating Corporate Corruption: What Can Be Done?

Addressing corporate corruption is a complex challenge, but not an impossible one. Here are a few essential steps toward meaningful change:

Strengthen Transparency and Accountability: Companies should be required to disclose their financial practices, political donations, and sustainability metrics. Public accountability leads to better behavior.

Enforce Stronger Regulations: Governments must close loopholes, impose harsher penalties, and ensure independent regulatory bodies can act without interference.

Protect Whistleblowers: Employees who expose corruption risk their careers and sometimes their safety. Legal protections and support systems are crucial.

Educate and Empower Consumers: The more informed we are, the more power we hold. Ethical consumerism can pressure corporations to prioritize values over shortcuts.

Promote Ethical Leadership: CEOs and executives set the tone. Companies should hire and promote leaders who value integrity as much as profits.

Final Thoughts

Corporate corruption is a silent but powerful force. It doesn’t always make headlines, but its consequences ripple through economies, governments, and communities. We must hold corporations to a higher standard not just for legal compliance, but for ethical responsibility.

[signalfog]

Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning

Recent purges within China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA), targeting high-ranking officers and defense ministers, reveal systemic challenges in Xi Jinping’s military modernization efforts and their implications for Taiwan. Below is an analysis of key developments and their potential impacts:

Key Findings from the Purges

Unprecedented Scale of Dismissals:

At least 78 senior PLA officers (two-star rank or higher) have been purged since Xi assumed power, including eight members of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and three consecutive defense ministers (Li Shangfu, Wei Fenghe, and potentially Dong Jun).

Recent removals include General He Weidong (CMC Vice Chairman) and Admiral Miao Hua (CMC Political Work Director), both closely tied to Xi’s inner circle.

Root Causes:

Corruption: Investigations focus on graft in procurement and defense industries, with the PLA Rocket Force and Equipment Development Department heavily implicated.

Political Loyalty: Xi prioritizes ideological purity, targeting officers perceived as disloyal or ineffective in advancing his vision of a "world-class military" by 2049.

Immediate Consequences:

Morale and Cohesion: Rapid turnover has bred internal mistrust, with mid-ranking officers reportedly hesitant to make decisions amid fears of scrutiny.

Operational Credibility: The purges risk undermining the PLA’s readiness, particularly in advanced domains like missile and nuclear capabilities.

Impact on Taiwan Absorption Efforts

Short-Term Caution:

Xi’s distrust in the PLA’s reliability may temper immediate aggression toward Taiwan. Analysts note that Xi is unlikely to greenlight high-risk operations (e.g., a Taiwan invasion) if he doubts the military’s competence.

Recent PLA exercises near Taiwan (e.g., April 2025’s "Strait Thunder-2025A") aimed to project strength but were smaller in scale, suggesting a focus on optics over escalation.

Long-Term Restructuring:

The purges align with Xi’s goal of creating a politically loyal, corruption-free military capable of "full-spectrum warfare." By removing perceived weak links, Xi seeks to ensure the PLA can execute complex operations, including a potential Taiwan contingency.

Modernization efforts, such as expanding naval and cyber capabilities, continue unabated, indicating that the purges are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the PLA’s combat readiness.

Strategic Paradox:

While the purges may delay large-scale conflict in the next two years, they also signal Xi’s determination to eliminate obstacles to his ambitions. A restructured PLA could emerge more centralized and ideologically aligned, potentially increasing the long-term threat to Taiwan.

Conclusion

Xi’s purges reflect a high-stakes gamble: destabilizing the PLA in the short term to secure long-term control. Over the next two years, this internal turmoil will likely constrain China’s ability to execute a rapid military takeover of Taiwan, as Xi prioritizes consolidation over adventurism. However, the PLA’s continued modernization and Xi’s unwavering focus on ideological conformity suggest that Taiwan will face sustained pressure, both militarily and politically. The window for a decisive move on Taiwan may narrow post-2027, once Xi’s military restructuring matures.

Significant Risks:

Miscalculations due to PLA internal dysfunction.

Increased gray-zone coercion (e.g., blockades, cyberattacks) as a substitute for direct conflict.

A potential "rally-around-the-flag" purge aftermath, where a streamlined PLA becomes more dangerous.

In summary, while the purges buy Taiwan temporary respite, they ultimately serve Xi’s vision of a PLA capable of fulfilling his revisionist ambitions.