#Project management software features

[sprocket365]

Picking Project Software: Guide to Must-Have Features

Project tools promise the world - but which features should you care about? Fancy frills lose luster when core tasks fail to connect.

This guide aligns essential features in project management systems to common needs. Learn to focus on must-haves that help you coordinate work rather than clutter the experience.

We’ll uncover the critical components that:

Centralize plans

Organize teams

Track progress

Remember, tools should simplify goals, not complicate them. Use this content as a filter to pinpoint project management software features that clear your path to deliver on time rather than causing detours.

Centralizing Plans and Tasks

At its core, a project tracker captures what must get done, by who, and when. Unless a system nails these basics without complexity, teamwork fractures.

Master Task Management

Projects live or die by task clarity. At a minimum, your software should enable creating and organizing tasks complete with:

Descriptions

Owners

Due dates

Priority levels

Status indicators

Top systems also allow checklists, dependencies, labels and attachments directly connected to each task.

Table view sets the standard but kanban boards shine for visual thinkers. At a glance, see what’s on track versus needs attention from the team.

Structure Multi-level Plans

Tasks comprise projects but how you structure these phases matters greatly. Outline the big picture by anchoring individual to-do’s within summary milestones.

For example, nest tasks under categories like:

Project phases - Planning, Design, Development, Testing

Workstreams - Content, Technology, Promotion

Deliverables - Requirements Doc, Mockups, Prototypes

This hierarchical grouping spotlights progress across broader initiatives while managing finer details.

Centralize Content

Project context lives in many places - emails, chats, docs. But scattered information strains access.

Your management command center should feature:

Document storage/sharing

Context comment streams

Version History

Email integration

Instant messaging

With the full view accessible from your collaborative hub, answers stay close not locked away.

Organizing Teams and Ownership

Beyond task tracking, coordinating people makes or breaks delivery. Smooth hand-offs require role clarity and accountability.

Clarify Team Member Roles

Rather than general users, define core team profiles like:

Project managers - Coordinate plans

Assignment owners - Deliver tasks

Stakeholders - Evaluate outcomes

Custom roles align permissions while keeping members accountable to clear obligations.

Highlight Ownership

Bouncing between generic team inboxes delays responses. Rather, assign each task a single owner responsible for delivery with automated reminders.

No more wondering “Whose job was that?” Surface a point person to streamline follow-ups.

Cascade Updates to Stakeholders

Keep executives, clients, and other teams aware of progress without flooding inboxes.

Automated digests, alerts and reports tailored to viewer interests make communicating effortless.

Tracking and Reporting on Progress

When juggling 20 tasks without context, focus blurs. Consistent tracking and transparent reporting bring clarity.

Centralize Status Updates

Rather than locked in email chains or individual memories, maintain dynamic status logs for each task and milestone directly in your system.

Standard indicators like to-do, in progress, under review, and completed streamlining at-a-glance awareness.

Highlight Priority Work

Call attention to critical path initiatives by labeling urgency levels like:

High - Immediate action needed

Medium - On track

Low - Flexible timing

Managers instantly see what requires proactive management to keep momentum.

Notify on Milestone Progress

Seeing 100 open tasks feels overwhelming while missing how pieces fit the whole picture.

Automatic milestone roll-up reporting illuminates broader progress without noise:

Phase 1 - 27 of 53 tasks completed

Phase 2 - 15 of 38 tasks completed

Celebrate incremental wins toward a collective vision.

Visualize Workloads and Resources

Raw tables leave you manually tallying time estimates versus due dates across assignments.

Dynamic Gantt charts shine by illustrating task timelines across resources. Easily anticipate under or over allocation across teams at a glance. Identify bottlenecks before cascading delays.

Analyze Team Performance

Reporting fuels improvement but generic figures lack context. Instead automatically surface metrics like:

Tasks delivered on time per owner

Average throughput per phase

Quality rating per project manager

Armed with people insights, redirect coaching and adjustments where needed most.

Match Must-Haves to Your Needs

Project management software packs incredible potential but also bloats with nonprofitable frills.

By reflecting on must-haves that directly support your goals and then mapping categories in this guide accordingly, simplify your search for the right solution:

Centralizing plans - Stores information while structuring work at micro and macro levels

Organizing teams - Clarifies roles while tracking ownership and updates

Reporting progress - Keeps focus on priority items and resourcing chokepoints

Now you can cut through the excess noise in project tools. Target platforms that directly empower your priorities rather than overcomplicate execution.

[theemployerdomain]

Driving Project Success: Leveraging Project Management Software Features

A project manager's success depends on effective collaboration, streamlined workflows, and meticulous oversight. As projects become increasingly complex, organizations turn to cutting-edge solutions to ensure efficiency and success. Enter project management software, a robust toolset designed to empower teams and drive projects to fruition. In this blog post, we'll delve into the essential project management software features that can elevate your project management game.

Centralized Collaboration

One of the hallmark features of project management software is its ability to foster centralized collaboration. By providing a centralized platform, teams can break down communication barriers and enhance information sharing. This collaborative hub ensures that all team members, regardless of their geographical location, have access to real-time project updates, fostering transparency and boosting overall productivity.

Task Management Simplified

Project management featuring software and an intuitive task management system, allowing teams to break down complex projects into manageable tasks. Assigning tasks becomes a breeze, and team members can track their progress, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. This feature not only enhances organization but also contributes to efficient time management.

Real-Time Progress Tracking

Keeping a finger on the pulse of your project is crucial for its success. Project management software offers real-time progress tracking, providing project managers with valuable insights into task completion, potential bottlenecks, and overall project health. This feature empowers teams to make informed decisions promptly, ensuring that the project stays on course.

Resource Allocation and Optimization

Effective resource management is pivotal for project success. Project management software facilitates resource allocation by offering tools that help teams balance workloads, assign tasks based on skill sets, and optimize resource utilization. It ensures that your team operates at peak efficiency, maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime.

Robust Reporting and Analytics

To make informed decisions, project managers need access to comprehensive data. Managing projects software features robust reporting and analytics tools that generate insightful reports on project progress, team performance, and potential risks. Armed with this information, project managers can implement strategies to mitigate risks and make data-driven decisions that drive project success.

Integration Capabilities

In the modern workplace, a myriad of tools and applications are utilized to streamline various processes. Project management software stands out by offering seamless integration capabilities, allowing teams to connect their project management system with other essential tools, such as messaging apps, file-sharing platforms, and even employee monitoring software.

Risk Management Features

No project is without its fair share of risks. Project management software comes equipped with robust risk management features that help teams identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks. This proactive approach to risk management ensures that projects stay on track and unforeseen challenges are addressed before they escalate.

Employee Monitoring Software Integration

In the realm of project management, monitoring employee retention strategies is essential for ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within scope. Some project management software includes integration with employee monitoring software, allowing project managers to track work hours, measure productivity, and identify areas for improvement. This integration not only enhances project oversight but also contributes to the overall efficiency of team members.

Employee Monitoring Software Integration: Fostering Accountability and Efficiency

In today's dynamic work environment, monitoring employee performance is paramount for project success. Some project management software goes the extra mile by seamlessly integrating with employee monitoring software. This integration brings an additional layer of accountability and efficiency to the project management process.

By incorporating employee monitoring tools, project managers gain insights into individual work patterns, task completion rates, and overall productivity levels. This data not only facilitates fair performance assessments but also enables targeted interventions when performance falls below expectations.

Moreover, the integration of employee monitoring software promotes a culture of transparency within the team. Team members are aware that their work is being monitored, fostering a sense of responsibility and dedication to meeting project milestones. It heightened accountability and contributed to a more disciplined and focused work environment.

Conclusion: Maximizing Project Success with Project Managing Software Features

In conclusion, project management software features have evolved into an indispensable tool for organizations seeking to drive project success. By leveraging its features, teams can enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and gain valuable insights into project progress. From centralized collaboration to robust reporting and integration capabilities, project management software empowers teams to navigate the complexities of modern projects with confidence. As you embark on your next project, consider harnessing the power of project management software to propel your team towards unparalleled success.

[us-the-voices-and-more-voices-2]

someone needs to add the ability to add doors to curtain systems in revit I am going insane in the membrane over the brokenness of the curtain system what am I supposed to do?? Just lay down and die??

revit why

whyyyyyyyy

For anyone wondering I just did a door opening and then put a brick wall outside the curtain system so I can add the door and the door opening allows me to have a door that actually leads outside, it doesn’t look bad but why the fuck is it impossible to put doors on curtain systems???

Why should I have to make a whole separate mass or even void mass when we could just allow the fucking doors in curtain systems????

honestly in general the curtain system is just fucked, why is it so broken???

do they not have play testers or something??? I’ve encountered like 50 separate issues and glitches in 2024 and 2025 and you’d think it wouldn’t be so crazy but like every time I livestream it in 2025 it starts flashing and strobing??? Like the fuck how???

I’d complain so so much but the autodesk website is too confusing.

BOOOO

[muncsoftware]

All-in-One Business Management Suite: The Key to Smarter Business Operations

In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies need agile, comprehensive, and efficient tools to manage their operations. A Business Management Suite (BMS) offers an integrated solution that streamlines processes, enhances productivity, and boosts profitability. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, having a centralized platform to handle core business functions is essential.

Mun-C Software offers a cutting-edge Business Management Suite designed to meet the evolving needs of modern organizations. This blog explores the key features, benefits, and why Mun-C Software's BMS is the ideal choice for businesses looking to optimize their operations.

✅ What is a Business Management Suite?

A Business Management Suite is an all-inclusive software solution that combines multiple business applications into a single platform. It integrates essential functions such as:

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Accounting and Finance

Project Management

Human Resources (HR)

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

Data Analytics and Reporting

Rather than using separate, disconnected software tools, a BMS offers a unified ecosystem to handle all business processes efficiently.

🌟 Key Features of Mun-C Software’s Business Management Suite

Mun-C Software offers a powerful and customizable BMS platform with a wide range of features to help businesses operate smoothly and efficiently.

🔹 1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Efficient customer management is vital for business growth. Mun-C’s CRM module offers:

Contact and Lead Management: Store and track customer data, leads, and interactions in one place.

Sales Pipeline Tracking: Manage and visualize sales funnels for better conversion insights.

Automation Tools: Streamline email marketing, follow-ups, and customer communication.

Customer Support: Improve customer service with a built-in ticketing system and support tools.

🔹 2. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Mun-C’s ERP module handles back-office operations efficiently:

Finance and Accounting: Automate invoicing, billing, and financial reporting.

Inventory Management: Track stock levels, manage suppliers, and optimize supply chain operations.

Order Management: Streamline order processing and fulfillment.

🔹 3. Project Management

Effectively manage projects with Mun-C’s project management tools:

Task Management: Assign and monitor tasks with deadlines and progress tracking.

Collaboration Tools: Improve team communication with integrated chat and file-sharing options.

Time Tracking: Monitor time spent on tasks for accurate billing and performance evaluation.

🔹 4. Human Resources Management

Simplify HR operations with Mun-C’s HR module:

Employee Records: Store and manage employee information securely.

Payroll Management: Automate payroll processing with tax calculations.

Attendance and Leave Management: Track employee attendance, leaves, and work hours.

🔹 5. Advanced Analytics and Reporting

Mun-C’s data analytics tools provide valuable insights for better decision-making:

Real-time Reporting: Generate accurate reports on sales, finances, and operations.

Custom Dashboards: Personalize dashboards for key business metrics.

Forecasting: Use predictive analytics to make data-driven decisions.

🚀 Benefits of Using Mun-C Software’s Business Management Suite

Investing in Mun-C Software’s BMS offers numerous advantages, including:

✅ 1. Centralized Operations

Mun-C’s BMS integrates multiple business functions into a single platform, reducing the need for separate tools. This ensures better data consistency, faster processes, and seamless collaboration across departments.

✅ 2. Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency

Automation of repetitive tasks, streamlined workflows, and real-time insights boost productivity. Teams spend less time on manual tasks and more on strategic initiatives.

✅ 3. Cost Savings

By consolidating multiple business applications into one suite, companies reduce the costs associated with managing multiple software subscriptions. Mun-C’s scalable pricing makes it cost-effective for businesses of all sizes.

✅ 4. Improved Customer Satisfaction

With better CRM and support tools, companies can offer personalized and efficient customer service, resulting in improved customer retention and loyalty.

✅ 5. Data-Driven Decisions

Advanced reporting and analytics enable businesses to make informed, data-backed decisions. Real-time insights help in identifying trends and optimizing strategies.

✅ 6. Scalability and Flexibility

Mun-C’s BMS is highly customizable to meet the unique needs of different industries. It scales with your business as it grows, making it a long-term solution.

🔥 Why Choose Mun-C Software’s Business Management Suite?

⭐ 1. Industry-Specific Customization

Mun-C Software tailors its BMS to meet the specific requirements of various industries, including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and more.

⭐ 2. User-Friendly Interface

The intuitive design makes it easy for employees at all levels to adopt and use the platform efficiently, reducing the learning curve.

⭐ 3. Robust Security Measures

Mun-C prioritizes data security with encrypted storage, role-based access controls, and regular security updates to protect sensitive business information.

⭐ 4. Ongoing Support and Updates

Mun-C Software offers 24/7 customer support, regular updates, and continuous improvements to ensure you always have the latest features and technology.

📈 Industries Benefiting from Mun-C Software’s BMS

Businesses across various industries use Mun-C’s BMS to optimize their operations:

Retail: Efficient inventory management and customer relationship handling.

Healthcare: Simplified patient management and billing processes.

Manufacturing: Streamlined supply chain and production management.

Finance: Automated accounting and financial reporting.

💡 Getting Started with Mun-C Software

Choosing the right Business Management Suite is a critical decision for long-term growth. Mun-C Software offers a demo and consultation to help businesses understand how the suite can meet their unique needs.

✅ Contact Mun-C Software today to schedule a demo and discover how their Business Management Suite can help you:

Boost productivity

Reduce operational costs

Improve customer satisfaction

Scale effortlessly

🎯 Conclusion

A Business Management Suite is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses aiming for sustainable growth. Mun-C Software’s all-in-one BMS empowers companies with seamless integration, efficiency, and flexibility. By centralizing operations, automating workflows, and offering real-time insights, it sets the foundation for smarter, data-driven business decisions.

📢 Ready to streamline your operations? Choose Mun-C Software’s Business Management Suite and transform the way you manage your business!

[serpent2024]

Boost Project Effectiveness with Odoo's Scrum Features With Odoo ERP, Scrum teams can track projects and tasks more effectively, boosting overall productivity. The platform’s visual boards, such as the Kanban view, help teams see which tasks are pending, in progress, or completed. The sprint release and backlog management tools ensure that teams stay on schedule and meet their deadlines. Odoo also offers detailed reporting to monitor progress, track efficiency, and pinpoint any bottlenecks in the project lifecycle.

[filehulk]

ONLYOFFICE

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses and individuals need versatile tools to manage documents, collaborate efficiently, and enhance productivity. ONLYOFFICE is a robust office suite that caters to these needs, offering a blend of document management, collaboration, and integration capabilities. This article dives into what ONLYOFFICE is, its key features, benefits, and use…

[nnctales]

Top 5 Home Design and Construction Software

The home design and construction industry has evolved significantly with the advent of technology, leading to the development of sophisticated software tools that enhance design processes, improve collaboration, and streamline project management. Here, we explore the top five home design and construction software options available today, highlighting their features, benefits, and suitability for…

[learning--tech]

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[gallusrostromegalus]

The Van Has Officially Declared It Spooky Season

---

I've got my parent's van for the week and it seems determined to establish my status as The Local Cryptid by terrorizing an innocent 7-11 clerk.

...I might need to back up a bit.

My mother is an eminently sensible woman who knows herself well, and when The Plauge hit, she knew she'd need some sort of mentally and physically engaging craft project to keep herself from going insane and massacring the local zoning and water management boards (even if they have it coming). So she and Dad acquired a utility van and converted it into a camper van because while they love camping, they're past the age where their joints and immune systems will tolerate sleeping on the cold ground in a nylon tent.

They did a terrific job of it and my mom taught herself woodworking and carpentry and now the van has it's own cabinets, fold-away dining table, and removable queen-sized bed with memory foam mattress. My Dad was already a computer engineer, but he learned the dark magics of automotive software and electronics to install after-market backup cameras, a media player that would take a terabyte hard drive and a solar-powered battery and outlet so they could wake up and just turn on the kettle and griddle for breakfast without having to exit the van into a cold morning on an empty stomach.

Truly, the height of Camping Luxury.

My parents are both in their mid-seventies and my primary life goal is to be at least half as cool and hale as they are when I get old.

Anyway, they take it out at least a dozen times a year and it works fabulously, but, being as I am on good terms with my parents and also finishing the process of moving house, I've been borrowing it to move large and cumbersome objects that will not fit in the back of my equally lovely but minuscule Honda hatchback.

It's a Great Van. Very easy and comfortable to drive. Stunningly good MPG for it's size. The best cruise control I've ever had in a car.

It's just also. Quirky. Mischievous, even.

---

If this van has a fault its that it bears the unfortunate affliction that all lightly used white utility vans have in that the combination of an utter lack of branding features and the large dent/scrape I accidentally put on it while trying to escape a Denny's last Thanksgiving means that this vehicle is one addition of a Badly Spray-Painted "FREE CANDY" on the side away from being the sort of vehicle you see in an edgy horror movie.

It's got the same issue that Doberman Dogs have where they look like the sort of creature that likes to snack on toddler's faces whilst actually having personalities made of marshmallow fluff. This vehicle is unnecessarily menacing and I think nothing short of an airbrushed Epic Van Wizard will correct this. People see this van pull up and lean over and squint suspiciously at me when the driver's side door opens, and then look moderately confused when, instead of Charles Manson, a small, potato-shaped creature with neon purple hair and a statistically unlikely assortment of dogs emerges.

My own two dogs, Herschel the Hanukkah Goblin/Corgi and Charleston Chew The Taco Dumpster Dog, Do Not Like The Van. Even with the bed in it, they have a tendency to slide and roll around in the back, and both WILL chew through dog saftey belts or other attempts to secure them in there.

On the other hand, my house mate's dog, an exceptionally tall standard poodle whom we lovingly call "The Creature", loves the Van because SHE wears her doggy seat-belt with only mild complaining and gets to sit up in the passenger seat like A People.

Also like A People, The Creature likes to stand and walk around on her hind legs. It doesn't hurt her and it's entirely voluntary, but every so often I will feel a hand on my arm and instead of my husband or friend, it's a canine that's taller than I am on her hind legs who wants to stare at my face with soulful, concerned eyes. The Creature's favorite thing is that she is exactly the right height for me to hold her arm in Genteel Fashion and walk around the pet food or hardware store with her like I'm a count escorting a debutante around a royal ball.

---

As it stands, I am set to inherit this vehicle whenever my Honda gives up the ghost, and I fully intend to paint an Epic Van Wizard on it when that time comes.

The other peculiarity of The Van is that while Dad did manage to successfully install all his after-market electronics, not all the electronics get along. Sometimes, they fight for Dominance. The Terabyte Music Player and the Backup Camera have a particularly contentious relationship, and turning on the music has about a 25% chance of turning on the backup camera as well, and turning on the Backup Camera is equally likely to turn on the music.

Firthermore, The Van has a favorite song.

I am not kidding that Dad filled an entire terabyte hard drive with music and the software to sort it via the radio controls, but of all the Early Boomer Dad Rock (Kingston Trio over The Eagles) and Irish Folk and Symphonies and the entire discography of Weird Al Yankovic, The Van's favorite song- The one it picks to play as victory music every time it beats the Backup Camera at their weird electronic game of rock-paper-scissors -is The Liberty Bell March by John Phillip Sousa.

You all know this song already.

...but in case you've forgotten the tune:

Yeah.

The Van's favorite song is the goddamn Monty Python's Flying Circus Theme Music.

It does not play this song at a normal volume.

Every time I turn on the Backup Camera and it manages to turn the music player on as well, The Van insists on absolutely blasting this nonsense on at the maximum volume it's physically capable of producing, which I know is loud enough to be heard from the Denver International Airport's Pickup zone when they Van decided to start playing it from the economy lot about half a mile away.

Perhaps it's The Van's way of honoring the aesthetic sensibilities and sonic enthusiasm of Mr. Sousa.

...I can't help but wonder if the purpose of an Epic Van Wizard is to control this sort of faerie-like malarkey, and channel these chaotic energies into things like Spell of Don't Break Down In Nevada or Enchantment Of Always Have Good Parking.

---

So last Friday the 13th, I get a call from my friend and housemate, at said airport.

It's roughly 11PM at night, and I have already retired for the evening. I am in the exact minimum of clothing required to be a decent housemate and not scandalize the neighbors should I happen to walk by a window. My feet are up. There is a cat in my lap and fictional British people murdering each other in highly inventive fashion on the tv. -But my friend has returned from her friend's wedding,and either American or United Airlines has managed to lose her luggage, including, among other valuable possessions, the keys to her car. ...So she cannot just drive home as originally planned.

There are, as luck would have it, her spare set of keys not eight feet from me.

Being a good and decent person, I agree to bring the spare keys to her so she may get home before daybreak and not spend a semester's worth of tuition on an uber across the greater Denver traffic jam.

Being also that she Loves Activities, and it's her mom we're going to pick up, I elect to take along The Creature.

I am primarily focused on remembering how to get to the airport and not leaving my friend's spare keys on the counter, so I throw on a pair of flip-flops, step outside, remember that it's AUTUMN and my minimal evening attire is not sufficient thermal protection, step back in, grab the first coat in the closet I lay hands on, pull it on, check that I have her keys again and leave.

The trip to the airport is largely unremarkable, save that it becomes necessary for me to put on sunglasses to drive, despite it being nearly the witching hour and almost entirely darker than the inside of a cow.

It's necessary because this blissful darkness of night is violently punctured by a startling number of cars that seem to have installed miniaturized but no less powerful lighthouse bulbs in where their headlights ought to go so the oncoming traffic and sports cars that insist on tailgating me in the slow lane alike illuminate the road and my mirrors with the kind of radiance I'd normally associate with the arrival of a Seraphim.

I arrive at the distant highly discounted airport car lot where my housemate is waiting, deeply apologetic. It's nothing. I say. Once I see that your car starts up, I'm gonna go to that 7-11 across the way that I parked in front of, get a slurpee or something and I'll see you at home.

While she is retrieving her vehicle (an equally eccentric but much more stately Subaru that is old enough to be elected to congress) I rifle through the loose change in the glove box and discover that I have exactly $6.66 in small bills and coins. The Subaru, continuing it's long voyage into vehicular immortality, immediately starts up.

Upon her return, we all remember that my friend had all her camping gear in the backseat of the car and there is no room for The Creature to ride home with her parent, so I again assure her it's nothing, and will just take The Creature into the 7-11 with me. She is trained as a service animal and needs the practice after the plague.

I wave my friend off and turn to enter the 7-11.

I promptly trip over the jutting back bumper of The Van and fall, cartoonishly, face-first onto the sidewalk.

Fortunately, I have a lot of practice falling on my face, and have learned not to throw my hands out but instead cover my face, so my unexpected self-inflicted attempted curb-stomping lightly scrapes my hairline and nothing else -my sunglasses even stay in place- and I get up and resume my quest for a slurpee.

It's well known that the airport is a lawless place, and the 7-11 across from the discounted airport parking at the stroke of midnight is no exception.

I know it's the stroke of Midnight because there's one of those Audubon society bird-call clocks that makes bird noises, and my arrival is heralded by the twittering call of a Summer Tanager. I am almost charmed enough by the unusual choice of chronological device to excuse the exorbitant Airport-adjacent mark-up of Slurpee prices. I stand at the machine for some time, trying to decide on a size for the price and guess what the fuck "Blue Lighting Blast" is supposed to taste like.

The Creature is being Very Polite but is somewhat agitated, I assume because she *just* saw her mother for the first time in three days and then she LEFT with no explanation, so The Creature is on her hind legs, staring woefully into my eyes, asking to be escorted around the 7-11. Even though that's not what she's not supposed to be doing, there's nobody else in here, so I let her hang off my arm and discuss various Slurpee Flavor options with her.

We eventually decide on an experiment in which I try a Small Blue Lightning Blast, and discover it tastes a bit like licking a nintendo cartridge but in a pleasantly satisfying way.

I go up to pay and realize something is amiss.

The Cashier is a young man staring at me with wide eyes, one had over the register and the other wrapped up in his rosary.

I look down at myself.

In my haste to reunite my friend with her spare keys and service animal, I had left the house in the following accoutrements:

Flip Flops. Not matching. It's below freezing outside. That last part is not particularly odd footwear for the weather in for Colorado, but it's an important detail for the rest of the ensemble.

Assorted scrapes, bruises, cuts and welts on my arms and legs that come with doing outdoor work and living in a house with three dogs and a fully-clawed cat that all want to be in my lap all the time. It's cold out, so vasoconstriction has pulled the blood away from my skin, a trait that served my ancestors well during the last Ice Age, but leaves me with pale skin to contrast the various wounds and I look like a corpse that fell out of the back of a pickup truck.

The black Bootyshorts with "CRYPTID" painted in bright red gothic font across my ass, that @theshitpostcalligrapher gave me for my wedding present.

A peculiar but extremely comfortable garment that straddles the line between "Lacy Camisole" and "Industrial-Strength Sports Bra" like the Ever Given straddling the Suez Canal. It is also Bright Red. with black accents.

The Jacket I had grabbed out of the closet, which is in fact, a black Velour Dinner Jacket.

The Tokyo-Ghoul inspired reusable anti-covid mask a friend made me with the set of Coyote Teeth.

My sunglasses, which are shaped like a Halloween Bat. The lenses are the wings and the body is the nose bridge. It is ALSO bright red.

A Very Large and remarkably Humanoid Poodle that I have been audibly affectionately calling "Dear Creature" who is hanging off my arm like she's my Prom Date.

The Very Large and remarkably Humanoid Poodle is ALSO dressed up in a black Dog Sweater that has white bones printed on it to look like its an X-ray jacket showing off her skeleton.

I look like I am taking my Very Fancy Werewolf Girlfriend to a particularly casual Dinner Party for Vampires, but the thing that's really selling it and probably alarming the kid the most is the fun accessory I acquired in the parking lot not five minutes earlier:

The "Small Scrape At my Hairline" is actually a painless but PROFUSELY bleeding head wound that I had somehow entirely failed to notice covering my face, neck, decolletage and magnificent cleavage with blood like a Tarantino Film Extra.

This does explain why The Creature has been delicately trying to use her bodyweight to push me down onto the floor for the last ten minutes. So I don't injure myself while we wait for the paramedics she hoped this kid called to arrive, you see.

The Creature has such a High and Naive Opinion of humanity.

I decide this social situation is already fucked, and the only way out is through, and with haste, before I start dripping on the floor.

"Hi there!" I say cheerfully, to indicate this is a visually alarming but not terribly serious situation. "Just a Small Slurpee!"

The Cashier has entered the relevant code into the register before I finish the sentence. His gaze flicks off me just long enough to look at the total, and he grips his Rosary harder.

$6.66

"Oh cool! I have exact change!" I say, taking the money out of my as-yet-unsanguined pocket without looking and slap it down on the counter. "You have a good night and be safe out there!" I wave, leaving.

I get in The Van, mortified, buckle The Creature up, and as I make to leave, I have to put it in reverse, which automatically turns on the backup Camera.

It also turns on the music player.

I make eye contact with the cashier as the dulcet tones of John Phillip Sousa boom from the van hard enough to make the windshield and the windows of the 7-11 rattle for the nine-and-a-half seconds I have to wait to be able to turn the volume back down. Not knowing what else to to, I give him a thumbs up, and leave.

Anyway, now I know what my Future Van Wizard has got to be dressed like, and what their familiar is.

---

If you enjoyed this story, please consider donating to my Ko-Fi or Pre-ordering my Family Lore Funny Stories book on Patreon

[foolishlovers]

With 2024 coming to an end, I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to my favourite fics I (re)read this year. I have so so much appreciation for all writers creating beautiful works about our beloved angel and demon pair. Reading these sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes sappy, sometimes deliciously filthy stories has been a constant source of joy. I truly can't even begin to describe how thankful I am to be part of such an incredibly creative and loving fandom. So so much gratitude for all the different versions of them, all the genders, all the tropes, all the canon fics, and all the human AUs. There are so many more amazing fics I read this year and there are so many more to explore in 2025, but the following few have made themselves a home in my heart. I promise they're worth a read! 💜 [I do fic recs all year long, check out this tag for more.]

Date by @ddagent (2.5k, T)

Every year, Aziraphale is spoiled on his birthday. This year, he decides to do the same for Crowley. There's only one problem - he's not actually sure when Crowley's birthday is.

Roller Derby Queen by @summerofspock (2.5k, M)

Crowley skates for Hell on Wheels and she's pretty good at it too. She'd be better if she weren't so distracted by the new skater on the opposing team.

Sweet Nectar of the Eldritch Gods by @brenna (3.2k, G)

Azira writes a letter to the purveyor of her favorite honeys and sweetness ensues. No offence, but who says “by the by,” by the way? It’s adorable? By the by, do you like wine? Crowley

Poor Men by @why-not-go-with-style (3.9k, G)

What To Do When Two of Your Professors Are Hopelessly in Love With Each Other: an instruction manual by Adam Young (featuring Pepper Moonchild because someone has to be the voice of reason here).

!False (It's Funny Because It's True) by @mirjam-writes (6.4k, E)

Aziraphale drew a long breath through his nose. Crowley, of course it had to be Crowley. The new guy in the sales department, who would promise potential customers just about anything to close a deal. Arrogant, annoying – and wildly, stupidly attractive. Aziraphale hated him.  Aziraphale is a stellar software architect and a project manager, who is so done with the sales department selling unrealistically scheduled and budgeted projects. And he definitely doesn't have a crush on anyone, thank you very much.

Show me where the Nightingale sings by @sabotage-on-mercury (6.5k, G)

After settling into their new home in the South Downs there are still things to process for Aziraphale and Crowley before they can start a new chapter of their life. But winter is turning into spring. There is magic abroad in the air. And finally, the nightingale is back.

The Art of Human Nature by @ineffable-doll (6.5k, T)

Crowley is a painter who has only ever had an eye for nature. That is, until a client named Aziraphale commissions her for a painting to boost her self-confidence, and Crowley discovers that her client is as beautiful as the Earth itself. Then she goes and catches feelings, because she’s a disaster.

Lit by @fellshish (12k, T)

Crowley takes a university course on literature and surprise! The book they’re discussing is Good Omens. Uh oh.

Paradigm Shift by @hakunahistata (13k, E)

“Apologies, apologies! The time got away from me.” Aziraphale Fell entered the room brightly, a binder in one hand, tea mug in the other. Crowley’s languid sprawl went rigid as the senior accounting analyst who had been the indulgent secret in the back of his mind took the seat opposite him.   Or, Crowley Pines at the Office: An AU.

Feast by @ashfae, mostlyjustgoose (15k, E)

Crowley's spent the whole of lockdown asleep. Aziraphale has spent the whole of lockdown baking, cooking, and becoming increasingly frustrated with his solitude. Which eventually leads him to the perfect way to solve all his problems at once... Or, Aziraphale attempts to seduce Crowley with a truly excellent meal, and Crowley is amenable.

Ever-Fixed by @hkblack (19k, E)

Aziraphale Fell had a plan. Go to school, get his degree, and start his life with his beloved at his side as man and wife. Until one day Crowley disappears. Decades later he meets a man, and finds the love of his life again. Anthony J. Crowley, suave, cool, masculine, in control, unflappable, has spent decades building himself up. He refuses to let his confident facade disappear for Aziraphale, who once almost tumbled down the stairs to certain death because his nose was stuck in a book. It’s just sex, and they’ve been dating for months, this time around. There’s no need to get his knickers in a knot. But the past isn’t easy to let go of, even if you’re both avoiding it. A story about love, intimacy, and finding each other again. (Alternatively: Tender smut, but then I wrote love story flashbacks, and now it's just emotional and there's plot in my pornography)

Fireworks by @optimistic-starlight (19k, E)

He had to get himself under control. Aziraphale needed him. That prick boyfriend of his drained so much of Aziraphale's time and energy, dampened so much of the gentle, beaming happiness that Crowley had always adored about him. He needed Crowley there to support him, to do the things a best friend should be there to do. And, well, if Crowley needed him too, if he had to subsume his own pain to focus on making Aziraphale happy, that was something he could bear quietly. He could do it for his angel. Crowley groaned and dropped his head against the tiled wall of the shower. His angel. He had to stop thinking of him like that.

Maybe Next Christmas by @flamingbentleyy (21k, T)

Airports were tricky business, but waiting in airports was as close to hell as one could possibly get. Nobody knew it better than Aziraphale, whose luck had made him end up in one right on Christmas Eve of all days. Although his airport experience turned a little less hellish and a whole lot more entertaining after he ran into an old college friend in that same airport. And then again. And again…

The Small Ad by @theladydrgn, @sylwritesstuff (32k, E)

WORK WANTED: Partner For Hire. Tall, lanky ginger of arguable gender available to be your significant other to keep pesky relatives, nosy coworkers, or well-meaning friends at bay. Able to be as annoying or as polite as you like. Causing a fight over Christmas dinner with your odd, bigoted uncle/aunt/cousin will require an extra £200 up front. £50 for the first hour, negotiable otherwise. Ciao.   It isn't the sort of advertisement Aziraphale usually paid any attention to, but desperate times do indeed call for desperate measures.

Heavenly Wicked Cafe by @waitingtobebroken (33k, T)

There is a terribly rude barista that makes amazing coffee and a saint of a barista, whose coffee tastes vile. And they are in love.

Petrichor & Parchment by @katnoggin (33k, E)

“Mr. Crowley, I presume?” Aziraphale asked in lieu of an introduction, which was not forthcoming. The guy hadn’t even removed his sunglasses. Oh God, he had a tattoo on his face. Aziraphale wasn’t one to judge, but… what kind of gardener had a snake tattoo on his face? Now also available as a podfic from Literarion  [Huuuge recommendation for the podfic!!]

The Heart of the Forest by Kalimyre (33k, E)

Retired librarian Aziraphale moves into a small, isolated cottage deep in the forest with a strange history. He soon realises he's not alone in the woods; a presence watches him. But as he begins to befriend the stranger that lurks in the trees, Aziraphale comes to understand there's more to him than appearances suggest - and Aziraphale's own destiny may be tied to the mysterious creature with the golden eyes.

in your own time by @ineffabildaddy (33k, E)

Aziraphale and Crowley grew up together as next-door neighbours on Hogback Lane, classmates at the local Catholic school, and inseparable best friends. By the age of eighteen, both were hopelessly in love with the other, despite the knowledge that they were doomed to live apart, as Crowley aimed to pursue university study in London and Aziraphale committed himself to remaining in Tadfield, dedicating his life to the Church. After almost twenty years spent away from his hometown, renowned botanist Crowley decides to come and visit Tadfield again at a moment's notice; the purpose of his visit is to speak at a Careers Day for the school he and Aziraphale, now a beloved priest and a frequent helper at the school, attended. The twenty-four hours that follow will change both of their lives for ever.

Between Comfort And Chaos by anathxmadevice (45k, T)

“And how long have you two been a couple?” “Oh, I—” Aziraphale panics. “Ha, well, that’s a funny… We’re not actually—” “We’re just friends.” Crowley says, their voice clear and calm and lightly amused, either because of or in spite of Aziraphale’s flailing attempts to divert the conversation. “Ah, yes, quite.” Aziraphale says, then takes a sip of his drink just for something to do, instead of focussing on the way Crowley said just friends, and how it causes a painful throb in his chest that he has never fully got used to. His memory can only scrabble at the edge of a time where being just friends with Crowley didn’t feel like a particular form of torture. * Or, Aziraphale has been desperately in love with his best friend and housemate Crowley since they were students, but is too scared to do anything about it.

Loving You Slow by @tawnyontumblr (46k, E)

Crowley just wants to dance, but he's not prepared to sell his soul (and other things) at Mayfair's Hellfire Club to do it. Tending bar at The Bookshop in Soho is just the escape he needs, providing Crowley can convince the club’s owner he really belongs on the stage. Unfortunately Aziraphale Eastgate is not quite the generous guardian angel Crowley has been led to believe. Welcome to The Bookshop, where it always pays to look under the covers.

A Billion Points of Light by akitsuko (50k, E)

The firefighter lifts the visor on their helmet, and Crowley may not be able to see very well, but those are the most beautiful eyes he’s ever seen in his life. Crowley has never been one for the whole 'love at first sight' business, but he may need to reassess after Aziraphale - a gorgeous firefighter - saves his life.

More Than by @naromoreau (55k, E)

Crowley would like to spend another year without marrying, especially when thrust-forced to pick a husband. She refuses to cave in on a matter of principles. She refuses to cave in specifically on a matter of not wanting to be married to Lucien Morningstar. But she might need a hand to break free from such a burden. And who knows? She might even find something else along the way.

Lavender Apiary Of Your Honey Eyes by @snek-of-eden (66k, E)

The first thing Aziraphale registered was fiery red hair matted with sweat. The second thing was the man’s face, sharp and intelligent and a little guarded, sunlight dappling a spray of freckles. Upon seeing this, two contradictory thoughts crossed his mind: ‘Gosh, he’s pretty’, and ‘I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a man use that many expletives in the space of a minute’. “Oh,” he said, swallowing hard. “Hello, then.” __________ When Aziraphale inherits a small, cosy cottage in the countryside, he finds unexpected company in a gardener he didn't even know he had. Crowley is sweet, and strange, and about as foul-mouthed as you can get. Before he knows it, he's falling pretty goddamn hard for a man whose friendship he's terrified of risking. Ah, the foils of love.

Old Vines by @sevdrag (189k, E)

A.Z. Fell, one of the most respected names in wine and food blogging, has been sent on assignment with his assistant Warlock Dowling to spend six months in California Wine Country. Under direction (by his boss, Gabriel) to use this experience to double his blog followers and write a novel, Aziraphale is both excited and anxious about the opportunity. Anthony J. Crowley is the owner and viticulturalist of Ecdyses, a winery that unexpectedly fell into his lap eleven years ago when he hit rock bottom. He may be in debt, yeah, but he’s paying off his loans — and despite pressure from his lenders and their team of inspectors, Crowley has found a kind of contentment tending his little corner of terroir and producing extraordinary wine. Crowley’s old vines are the heart of his vineyard, and he’s never let anyone in. Crowley finds Aziraphale intriguing; Aziraphale finds Crowley enthralling. Turns out a famous wine expert and an experienced viticulturalist can still learn things from each other. The summer of 2019 unfolds. [Big recommendation for the podfic here too!!]

[mudwerks]

(via Tumblr will move all of its blogs to WordPress — and you won’t even notice a difference - The Verge)

Soon, all of the blogs on Tumblr will be hosted on WordPress. Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com and Tumblr, announced on Wednesday that it will start to move the site’s half a billion blogs to the new WordPress-based backend.

This update shouldn’t affect the way Tumblr works for users, whom Automattic promises won’t notice any difference after the migration. Automattic says the change will make it easier to ship new features across both platforms and let Tumblr run on the stable infrastructure of WordPress.com. (WordPress.com is a private hosting service built on the open-source WordPress content management software.)

“We can build something once and bring it to both WordPress and Tumblr,” the post reads. “Tumblr will benefit from the collective effort that goes into the open source WordPress project.” However, Automattic acknowledges that the move “won’t be easy.” It also doesn’t say when the migration will be complete.

[nanowrimo]

4 Ways To Cure Writer’s Block

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. NovelPad, a 2023 NaNoWriMo sponsor, is a novel drafting software designed to make it easy for writers to write. Today, they're sharing a few tips to help you beat writer's block:

NovelPad loves NaNoWriMo because we have the same goal: Helping authors get the thing done!

Starting a book is usually fun and easy—your fingers dance across the keyboard as you explore an exciting world, meet your characters, and stir up intrigue for the coming plot. But once you get into the weeds of how that all works, and how you and your characters get from Point A to Point B, you might find yourself losing momentum. You might find yourself so encumbered with obstacles that you might get a case of the dreaded writer’s block.

The very good news is that writer’s block isn’t terminal, and I certainly don’t think writer’s block is as enigmatic as some people seem to think. I believe it’s actually quite a simple problem, and usually due to one of a few common factors. Let’s look at four ways you can push yourself through your case of ye olde block.

1. Check in with yourself.

Step one is always to check in with yourself. 

Start by reviewing your basic self-care needs:

Are you staying hydrated?

Do you feel hungry?

Would a shower or a nap be beneficial?

Is it time for a walk or some stretching exercises?

Consider your environment as well. Maybe you need:

Noise-canceling headphones

A change of scenery

A babysitter or someone to help around the house

To open or close some windows

Next, evaluate your level of focus. Is your mind wandering elsewhere? It can be useful to create a "dump list" to jot down anything that's causing you stress, such as work-related issues, pending tasks, or upcoming events. Setting that list aside can give you the tangible feeling of pushing those things off your desk to worry about later.

Once your body, mind, and environment are sorted out, you'll likely discover that writing becomes a bit easier!

2. Look back at where you’ve been.

Even if the first tip did or did not do the trick, let’s take a look at the project itself.

Sometimes writer’s block is a blessing in disguise! Your creative gut might be telling you that something went awry. Try reading your project back and pinpointing where it became difficult to keep going. Consider alternate plots or paths to get your writing flowing again.

If you're managing multiple plots and subplots, identifying the moment you deviated from the main path can be quite challenging. To pinpoint which plot line is causing issues, you can take advantage of NovelPad's handy feature: Plot tracking.

On the Plot Board, you can review every scene of a particular plot in order, making spotting those errors in your plotlines much easier.

3. Rewrite a problem scene.

Once you've identified the scene causing issues, it's time to make improvements! This can be challenging because there are countless ways to approach a scene.

However, don't hesitate to embrace revisions. Often, a scene benefits from a thorough rewrite. With NovelPad Revisions, you can save limitless scene revisions, compare them side by side, and effortlessly switch to the one they want in the live manuscript. This keeps your different versions safe, well-organized, and readily accessible.

4. Freewrite to free yourself.

Freewriting is a great way to get your creativity flowing again. Write some poetry, compose a letter to a friend, or simply let your thoughts flow without judgment. Freewriting without judgment can help turn on your writer mode and even help you solve some problems! It's especially beneficial when you're stuck on something specific, because we often find brilliant solutions when we stop being so critical of our ideas.

Kick writer’s block off your desk with NovelPad! It's free to use throughout NaNoWriMo, and we offer discounts to participants and winners afterward. If you find that NovelPad isn't your cup of tea by the end of November, don't worry—you can still access and download your project at any time. Just write!

Our team at NovelPad believes in making it easy for writers to complete their books. That’s why we built an uncomplicated, intuitive system that stays out of the way until you need it! We want writers like you to #JustWrite without burdening you with excessive features. Speaking of features, software updates at NovelPad are based entirely on user feedback from authors to keep our features sharp, relevant, and minimalist.

All NaNoWriMo participants have access to a 15% discount on NovelPad with code WRIMO2023 — use the code during checkout to redeem your discount. Offer expires April 1, 2024.

Top photo by Richard Dykes on Unsplash.

[3ofpents]

Fresno Nightcrawler Houndstooth // Fabric Design for @shapeshiftersvt and The Cryptid Collection

Remember way back a few weeks ago when I posted the Squonk poster and I said that once I'd designed the fabric to go along with it I'd start posting the fabric designs here? Well guess what! It's time!

For those who don't remember or who didn't know, I am the co-owner, site manager, and graphic designer for @shapeshiftersvt. 2024 marks our 10th anniversary and we wanted to do something big and special and new to mark the occasion and my partner, co-owner, head tailor, fashion designer, and founder, Eli, pitched a fashion line themed around cryptids. We call it The Cryptid Collection and it features six of our and the internet's favorite cryptids: The Fresno Nightcrawler, Mothman, the Jackalope, the Jersey Devil, Champ, and the Squonk.

My parts of the collection were designing the posters, and creating fabric designs for our very own, truly Shapeshifters designed chest binders and sports bras. But since we utilized Spoonflower to have those fabrics printed, they're also available through the Spoonflower marketplace for anyone to buy for their own sewing projects.

And now that all of the fabric designs are done and uploaded and proofed and listed, I, as promised, am posting them here to talk a bit more in-depth about them, the thoughts and inspirations behind them, and the design process.

Starting with the Fresno Nightcrawler.

Part of the reason I'm starting with the Fresno Nightcrawler is because this was the very first design that I finished. When we were planning out the fabrics, it was the most solid design concept I had that wasn't just adapting the poster design to fabric (mostly because ... I hadn't done the poster yet). It was the first one I really came up with, the one I was most excited about, and the one that pretty much stayed the same from concept to execution.

I love houndstooth. Which is weird to say when I don't think I've ever owned a single garment or accessory in with a houndstooth pattern? But I do, I love it. I love the teeny tiny classic version of the pattern; I love a blown-up graphic version of the pattern; I love plays and variations on it. So when I was trying to brainstorm what kind of fabric pattern I could make inspired by a creature with such a simple shape whose only colors were white and black, the idea came pretty quickly: A houndstooth. Or a Nightcrawlertooth, if you will. It was a trick, though, and a real learning experience, especially with this being my first design.

Getting a pattern to repeat smoothly is a skill unto itself. Basically you have what's called a tile, and the tile contains the part of the pattern that you want to repeat. Then, when your pattern is created, the original tile just gets essentially copy-pasted over and over so 1) you don't have to draw the whole yard of fabric, and 2)all of the repeated parts of the design are identical. But by doing it this way, you have seams you need to take into consideration. If you think of putting the pattern together, it's sort of like making a basic quilt: You start with one square (or rectangle), then attach four more squares to each side, and then just keep doing that. Each one of those seams (top, bottom, left, right) is a place where the pattern might not match up, which means when it's applied to a yard of fabric, it's not going to look like a smooth, seamless pattern.

Of course there's ways to avoid this altogether. If you're doing a simple stripe, using the line tool in your drawing software will keep your stripe a consistent thickness, and holding SHIFT while you draw it will keep the line straight. Or, even easier, you can create a pattern where the part that repeats doesn't straddle a seam; like a polkadot pattern, where the dot(s) can be centered on the tile and seams only cut through a solid background.

The trouble with a houndstooth, though, is that not only does the tile need to repeat, it's made up of repeating figures that interlock. I can't just center the white Nightcrawler on the tile and call it a day, because then the black Nightcrawler straddles the seam. On top of that, they needed to be shaped in such a way that the negative space between the white Nightcrawlers left a shape that was also recognizable as a Nightcrawler and similar enough to the white one that the pattern is mostly seamless.

I fully admit that I was not able to do this on my own. Enter: Eli. Eli is, among other things, a math nerd who enjoys an excuse to break out the graph paper. They found a tutorial online and got to graphing and shaping and, in just a couple of hours, had gotten the shapes down. I took that tile, illustrated it, cleaned up the seams (shoutout to Eli for also finding an easier way to do this than just manually copy-pasting), and voila! A Fresno Nightcrawler houndstooth.

Now, you might look at that image up there and say, "Well that's all well and good, Pents, but they're kind of blobby and the lines are wobbly and it's all a little uneven." To which I say ... yeah, that's true. It's also kind of intentional. Like, I'm not gonna sit here and claim I got the basic pattern done and wasn't exhausted. But also I could've left it and come back to it the next day to clean up the lines and shapes a bit more, make everything really smooth and even. But, like. Look at this guy.

He's just a weird kinda blobby little dude. So I left the pattern kinda weird and blobby.

Even if I'd cleaned it, it's such a blobby little shape that's so at odds with the classic houndstooth that's all straight lines and sharp angles. So I made a deliberate choice to not polish it up. To kind of lean into the kodama vibes:

I am really so so proud of and pleased with this design. It came out almost exactly how I pictured it; it was really the most true design collaboration between Eli and I; and I'm just so pleased, after a lifetime of being a houndstooth lover, to now also have designed a houndstooth.

If you'd like a custom-sized, handmade, made-to-order binder or sports bra in this houndstooth like the one in the photos, you can find those listings (as well as the poster listing) here, on the Shapeshifters website. There are three pattern size options, the classic teeny tiny version; a somewhat bigger medium size; and a super graphic large size. Our binders are the most comfortable and effective on the market thanks to our finely graded internal sizing system. Because we're a small operation that makes every garment to order, both our binders and sports bras are highly customizable, and can be made to ALL measurements with flat pricing across sizes.

If you'd like to purchase the fabric yourself for your own sewing projects, you can order it through our Spoonflower shop, where we have it listed in the same three pattern sizes.

[satoshi-mochida]

Nippon Ichi Software announces five new projects for PS5, PS4, and Switch - Curse, Gobble, Kyouran, Renzu, and Shinigami Hime - Gematsu

Nippon Ichi Software has announced five new projects, due out for PlayStation and Switch platforms in 2025 and 2026 in Japan. The dungeon RPG Curse, side-scrolling action game Gobble, and horror adventure game Renzu are all due out in 2025, while the action RPG Kyouran and action adventure game Shinigami Hime are due out in 2026.

Get the details below.

■ Project Name: Curse

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch

Release Date: 2025

Genre: RPG

Curse is a dark dungeon RPG centered around the concept of curses. The player takes on the role of an adventurer tasked with saving a town plagued by a curse, while exploring dungeons filled with hidden treasures. However, within the dungeons, curses can suddenly befall the player due to enemy attacks, treasure chest traps, or certain locations. Curses are not just a disadvantage—if brought back to town and purified, they can be used to strengthen the player. Players will need to decide how long they can endure the curse as they press forward. The gameplay system follows the traditional command battle RPG format, with turn-based battles that split the party into a vanguard and rearguard. The player’s party will consist of a variety of classes, with the following five revealed so far: Fighter, Barbarian, Archer, Paladin, and Sorcerer. Additional classes are expected to be revealed in the future.

■ Project Name: Gobble

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Switch

Release Date: 2025

Genre: Side-Scrolling Action

Gobble is a side-scrolling action game that originated from Nippon Ichi Software’s annual internal competition, the “Nippon Ichi Project Festival.” The game was conceived by an employee in their second year at Nippon Ichi Software, who is now serving as the project’s development manager. Past contests have resulted in the creation of titles like htoL#NiQ: The Firefly Diary, Yomawari: Night Alone, and The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince. The game is set in a world that should have found peace after the defeat of the Demon King. The protagonist, a young boy, encounters a talking “sickle” during a sudden monster attack. The brash sickle and the boy, who is searching for his missing family, form a duo, and a quirky, dark adventure begins. The key mechanic in the game is “predation.” By consuming defeated enemies, the sickle can steal their abilities. The game stands out with its distinctive use of American comic-style events and cartoon-like animations. Players should also pay attention to the visuals featured throughout the game, during moments like attacking or defeating enemies, or when events occur.

■ Project Name: Kyouran

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Switch

Release Date: 2026

Genre: Action RPG

Kyouran is an action RPG developed by the main staff behind the Disgaea series. One of its distinctive traits is the deep character development and side activities that you would not typically expect from an action RPG, including Disgaea-style features like level caps of 9999 and dealing over 100 million damage.

The game’s key staff includes:

Development Manager: Shunsuke Minowa (Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless, Bar Stella Abyss)

Character Designer: Takehito Harada (Disgaea series, Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk)

Composer: Tenpei Sato (Disgaea series, Phantom Brave, Rhapsody series)

The game is set in a vast world where various monsters vie for dominance. The mercenary protagonist uses their weapons and special skills of choice to clear out monsters, before taking on a giant boss at the end of each stage. Outside of character development, the game has various other elements reminiscent of the Disgaea series, such as the ability to befriend monsters and fight alongside them in battle, and using monsters as weapons.

■ Project Name: Renzu

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch

Release Date: Summer 2025

Genre: Horror Adventure

Renzu is a horror adventure game that portrays “curses as pure fear.” The protagonist is a reporter for an occult magazine who collects and writes about terrifying urban legends and rumors. One day, after hearing a rumor about a death curse, the protagonist heads to a haunted location, where they encounter a terrifying phenomenon and become cursed. As the countdown to death begins, the player must search for clues to solve the curse’s mystery. The curse grows stronger as the investigation progresses. Will the player be able to escape the looming death curse that gets closer with every passing moment? By gathering information about the curse from readers and heading to haunted sites, the player will take spirit photographs, which will reveal what happened at these locations in the past, and gradually unveil the mystery of the curse.

■ Project Name: Shinigami Hime

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Switch

Release Date: 2026

Genre: Action Adventure

The third installment in the series following The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince and The Cruel King and the Great Hero, themed around a picture book-like world that even adults can enjoy. The game’s key staff includes: Character Design: Sayaka Oda (The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince, The Cruel King and the Great Hero)Planning and Scenario: Kento Jobana (Bar Stella Abyss, Process of Elimination)Like the previous two games, the main characters are a monster and a human. The game features Sayaka Oda’s signature hand-drawn graphics and portrays a darker, more unusual world compared to previous titles. It focuses on young girls suffering from trauma, whose altered picture book worlds are housed within a strange library. To return from picture book worlds to the human world, the player must collect “memory fragments” scattered throughout the picture book. This is done by using the powers of a goat monster, which can eat and destroy the picture book world, and a girl who can alter the paper-made backgrounds within the book’s world.

Watch the full archive of the Nippon Ichi Software UNTITLED// event below.

Nippon Ichi Software UNTITLED//

[kyokosasagawa]

I started writing "4 srs" this month and I like how free and accessible writing is, so I'm recommending free software I've experimented with that might help people who want to get into the hobby!

“Specifically Created for Writing Stories”

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Manuskript – Story organizer / word processor. Has an outliner and index card function, along with distraction free mode. Lets you switch between different templates such as a non-fiction mode or a short story.

Bibisco – Novel writing software that includes writing goals, world-building, distraction free mode, and a timeline.

“I Just Want to Write”

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LibreOffice – Microsoft 365 alternative, but free! LibreOffice Writer is what I wrote this tumblr post in before I posted it. Also if you copy & paste the text into the Rich Text Editor on AO3, it seems that it actually converts it properly. Nice! No need for scripts.

Note-Taking

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Zim Wiki - note taking application that is very, very lightweight (1.1mb). It functions with a tree structure, so I’d personally recommend it for world-building and character bios. There are built-in plugins that also turn it into a good software for task management (it even has a article on how to use it for GTD) and journalling. See also: CherryTree (2mb), which is a more outdated-looking app, but functions similarly.

Obsidian MD – The Big Boy. markdown note editor that has been adopted by personal knowledge management fans---if it doesn’t do something you want it to do, just look in the community plugins to see if someone has already done it. Some unique non-word processing related usages I’ve found is the ability to create a table of contents dashboard, a image gallery for images, embedding youtube videos and timestamping notes, so forth.

Logseq – A bullet point based markdown note editor that also has PDF annotations, Zotero integration, flashcard creation, and whiteboards. Best used for outlining projects due to the bullet point structure.

Joplin – A modern app comparable to Zim Wiki, it’s basically just a note-taking software that uses folders and tags to sort easier. Looks prettier than Zim Wiki and Cherry Tree

Notion – An online-only website that allows usage of different database types. Free for personal use. Note: I dislike the AI updates that have been making the app lag more. I prefer the others on this list.

Mind Maps

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Freeplane – So much goddamn features, including a ton of add-ons. Looks somewhat ugly, but it works for anyone willing to spend a while learning how to use it.

Mermaid – Text-based diagram creator. Can be used in apps like Joplin, Notion, and Obsidian.

Obsidian’s Canvas – A core plugin for Obsidian, it deserves its own mention in that it allows you to create embedded notes of the mindmap nodes. Thus, if you want to create a 20-page long note and have it minimized to the size of a penny on the mindmap, you could.

Other Things That Might Be Of Interest

Syncthing - A free software that allows you to sync between two or more computers. Have a desktop but also laze around on a laptop in bed, coming up with ideas?? This is your buddy if you don't want to use a online software.

[sonic-femininomenon-zine]

Super excited for this zine! Just wondering, what would be the expectations of a potential moderator?

Thanks for asking!! Not sure whether you mean expectations in terms of responsibilities or in terms of the application, so I'll answer both ways.

All mods will be involved in the zine's creation as a whole, discussing themes, contributor applications, pitches, etc. There will be several different mod roles for this project, each with their own additional responsibilities:

Formatting mod: Will be responsible for managing the different sections and assembling the zine. Should have access to and proficiency in a software suitable for assembly.

Graphics mod: Will be responsible for creating templates and graphic elements for advertising, branding, and organization. This will include announcements, countdowns, mod & contributor features, and more. May be responsible for drawing characters as part of promotions, but this responsibility will be shared with other moderators and contributors depending on workload and others' interest.

Communications mod: Will be responsible for managing social media and email, including responding to questions, making promotional posts, and sending contributor emails.

Art mod: Will be responsible for managing the artist contributors, including overseeing check-ins, ensuring art is in line with the zine's theme, and providing feedback when needed.

Writing mod: Will be responsible for managing the writing contributors, including overseeing check-ins, ensuring writing is in line with the zine's theme, and providing feedback when needed.

General mods: Will be responsible for answering questions, keeping track of contributors, and enforcing server and zine rules.

Note that all mods will be able to contribute their own work to the zine as well! Being a mod doesn't exclude you from being a contributor; just be aware of the workload you take on and what you'll be able to manage.

As for applications, each role will require different types and levels previous experience according to the role's responsibility. Previous experience modding zines is ideal, but not required. (I myself am brand new to this; I've participated in zines, but not as a mod!) We'd also like to have mods across a variety of time zones, especially for general mods.

Hope this answered your question! Let me know if anything needs clarifying or elaboration.