#Style Factor Edge Control

[letters-to-lgbt-kids]

My dear lgbt+ kids, 

When it comes to cold weather, the main rule (regardless of gender or presentation) is: when in doubt, choose warmth and safety over style. 

Some basics: 

Layering is your best friend: Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat off your skin. Follow with insulating layers (like fleece or wool), and finish with a weather-resistant outer layer (like a puffer jacket or waterproof coat) to protect against wind, snow or rain.

Keep your sensitive areas warm: Make sure your hands, feet, and head are covered! Gloves, warm socks and a beanie can prevent cold-related discomfort or injuries. 

Waterproof: If you're facing snow or rain, make sure your clothes are waterproof. Wet clothes lose their insulating ability, so staying dry is a big part of staying warm! 

Reflective Gear: If you’re out in the dark or in poor visibility conditions, consider adding reflective elements to your outfit for safety.

People can react differently to temperatures. A temperature that feels super cold to you could feel comfortable to someone else, depending on what you’re used to (and some other factors). As a very basic rule, we can say: Gloves, beanies, and other cold-weather accessories typically become necessary when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C). In more severe cold (below 32°F (0°C)), it’s even more important to wear them to protect yourself from frostbite and maintain body warmth. But it goes even in milder weather: if you feel uncomfortable or if it’s windy or damp, it’s a good idea to add these items for extra comfort.

With all that being said: Clothes are not just for safety and temperature control, they also help you express yourself - and that doesn’t suddenly change in winter. 

Dressing for cold weather doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your personal look. Whether you want to present more feminine, more masculine, or more androgynous, here are some tips to help you layer up and feel like yourself: 

(Note that these are suggestions, not hard rules. Style is highly subjective as everyone has different tastes, preferences, body types, fashion inspirations, budgets, cultural influences etc. I could suggest something here that you’d feel super uncomfortable in - if so, that’s not a sign you’re “doing it wrong”! Cherry-pick what feels right and ignore the rest) 

If You Want to Present More Feminine

Base Layers: If you want to wear skirts or dresses in winter, start with thermal leggings or tights! These can be nicely paired with cozy, long-sleeved tops or lightweight thermal shirts. (But also keep in mind that plenty of women, cis or trans, do not wear dresses all the time! Nothing wrong with choosing jeans!) 

Outer Layers: There are plenty of styles to choose from that have a feminine touch, such as a belted trench coat, a pea coat, or a long wool coat. Shawls are also excellent for adding a touch of style while keeping you warm! 

Footwear: Knee-high or thigh-high boots lined with faux fur or fleece can keep your legs warm and add a polished look to your outfit. Ankle boots with thicker socks are also a good alternative.

Accessories: Scarves, gloves, and beanies can be both practical and stylish. Knit hats or earmuffs can add a soft, cozy vibe to your look.

Style Tip: Go for a mix of fabrics like wool, faux fur, and knitwear to create texture and warmth.

If You Want to Present More Masculine: 

- Base Layers: Start with thermal undershirts or moisture-wicking base layers. Consider long underwear for added insulation beneath your pants.

- Outer Layers: There’s plenty of outerwear to choose from, like a puffer jacket, parka, or wool overcoat! (Faux) Leather or bomber jackets layered over sweaters can also add a masculine edge while keeping you warm.

- Footwear: You might want to opt for sturdy boots, such as work boots, Chelsea boots, or combat boots. Thicker socks can keep your feet warm.

- Accessories: Don’t skip out on scarves, beanies, or gloves for being “too feminine”. They can actually be great for adding a more rugged feel to your outfit! You just gotta find a color and style that fits you well. 

Style Tip: Focus on layering in a way that adds structure. Sweaters, button-ups, and jackets work great together for a sharp, put-together look. Play with dark, neutral tones and thick fabrics like wool or denim for extra warmth and style.

If You Want to Present Androgynous

- Base Layers: Neutral-colored thermal tops or turtlenecks can serve as great foundational pieces. You may want to pair these with straight-leg or loose-fitting pants that allow room for layering underneath.

- Outer Layers: Oversized coats, puffer jackets, or long trench coats can work well for an androgynous look. Try layering with oversized sweaters or fleece pullovers for extra warmth.

- Footwear: You could go for sneakers, lace-up boots, or loafers paired with warm, thick socks. But really, any pair of shoes can work for an unisex outfit. 

- Accessories: Neutral-colored scarves, simple beanies, and fingerless gloves can add to an androgynous look. Minimalist accessories like oversized scarves or gender-neutral caps are both practical and stylish.

Style Tip: Aim for a balanced mix of structured and relaxed pieces. Try loose layers on top with more fitted pants, or vice versa, to create an effortless, warm, and non-gendered appearance.

With all my love, 

Your Tumblr Dad 

[yupuffin]

I think the aspect of the 2.7 story that felt most impactful to me was something that was previously addressed in the Penacony main story, but was reemphasized and expanded upon with Sunday being the narrative focus of this update:

Sunday is scared.

His motivation to protect the people and things important to him -- Robin is an excellent example -- manifests as a desire for control, to eliminate potential dangers. This motivation is based in fear; he's afraid to lose what he has to factors beyond his control, like the bullet that nearly took his sister's life.

And part of the "true paradise" he longs for involves preventing the sense of powerlessness that accompanies that fear. He believes that humanity sleeps because "we are afraid to awaken from our dreams." Indeed, the appeal of the "sweet dream" of Penacony is freedom from the uncontrollable and inevitable tragedies of the waking world.

It's part of what made him such an effective villain in the Penacony arc; even though you may disagree vehemently with his actions, you can understand with and sympathize the rationale behind them. In his mind, absolute control over the Dreamscape -- the elimination of frightening unknowns -- is the most effective way to keep everyone safe and happy. However, this undermines the real freedom and autonomy of the affected populace, many of whom are unaware of the Dreamscape's true nature.

In the 2.7 update, Sunday is "nerfed after turning into a good guy," to use March's words. Previously, he enjoyed immense social status as the head of the Oak Family -- and as the imposing, invulnerable, "final boss"-style antagonist. Now, his role is effectively reversed; he's a fugitive who has to disguise himself to evade the potential consequences of simply being seen.

He's an incredibly vulnerable position.

Not just physically -- as the audience, we also get intimate insights into his feelings and thought processes. Now he recognizes the scope of the harm he was previously willing to cause in the name of absolute control, and shoulders the responsibility of dealing with the repercussions.

His newly evident guilt and shame is emotionally moving on its own...

...and becomes even more poignant when you realize that guilt and shame and vulnerability has been a crucial aspect of his character from the very beginning. After all, so much of his deep-seated fear of the unknown stemmed from him blaming himself -- his lack of control over the situation -- for Robin's unforeseen injury.

I found the scene at the Dream's Edge the most touching in this update. Sunday's conversation with Robin is a bit of a paradox: he is deeply sincere and vulnerable in speaking to his own sister, yet guarded because he must avoid revealing his true identity. And Robin, in turn, directly provides an alternate outlook on Sunday's character, describing him as though to someone who's never met him, as though he isn't there.

And Robin's perspective reaffirms that Sunday's apparent invulnerability was essentially a facade. He may have been the head of the Oak Family, and the imposing final boss, but at the same time, on the inside, he was continually paralyzed by fear.

Sunday has always been vulnerable. He has always been scared.

And I think what makes the conclusion to the 2.7 story so satisfying and triumphant is that Sunday begins to properly address his fear, his persistent guilt and shame. He moves beyond simply acknowledging it, and recognizes not just how indulging his fear can bring further harm, but also what good things (that otherwise wouldn't occur) can happen when he overcomes it -- as it were, when he doesn't let his fear control him.

I'm going to be real, I probably had an intelligent-sounding conclusion for this, but... it took me several weeks to write this and I've forgotten any idea i might have had previously, so let's just say he definitely hit me right in the feels. 🤣

[inevitableisopod]

Bigger Angrier Men

So, the landsknecht, and their signature weapons! in this post i'll mainly be focussing on one of these weapons in particular, the doppelhander (or zweihander, or bidenhander, or montante, or spadone, they're all basically the same weapons for all intents and purposes)

(some original examples)

so, features!

firstly, as it pertains to the landsknchect, these swords had very very long grips(over 50cm including the pommel), large often spherical pommels, or perhaps scent stopper style, very wide curving guards, often with side rings to offer additional hand protection

(more examples)

and now the business end! these blades were often well over 120cm long, and had several interesting and unusual features, firstly, a blunt portion at the bottom of the blade that can be grabbed and gripped in numerous ways without paying much attention (you can grip a sharp blade without too much trouble but it's rather difficult to do without cutting yourself in the heat of the moment) this allowed our big murderous bastards to more easily control the tip of their weapons and made them much more suited to close combat against single opponents, the a smidge further up the blade we have the parrying flukes. these we don't know exactly how they would have been useful but there are a few good guesses; it acts as a forward guard when gripping the blade (half swording), it acts as a way to trap blades in binding and winding, or simply aesthetics. most likely a combination of all three and several other factors i've probably forgotten. lastly, the wavy blades; this is another thing where we do not know why. it may be that it offers additional cutting performance, or some other benefit, but it would take considerably longer to manufacture and be much more fragile (remember, real sword blades break. they might chip, have notches cut into them, have chucks crack out of the edge or even just straight up shatter). it might have been a prestige thing, which is absolutely in character for the half crazed dress sense usually exhibited by these people, and also, ive you've ever been lucky enough to see one in the sunlight, the name of the blade style, flamberge (flaming), becomes rather apparent, as the entire blade lights up in shifting patterns that seem to ripple like silver fire.

aigt so anatomy aside, how do you use the bastard? we have several iberian (spanish/portugese) and i believe a german and italian manual on how to use these, and most of the techniques appear to revolve around an individual idea, which is as follows. large continuous motions, usually swapping between the false and true edge. these actions begin and end in positions where it is easy to flow into another movement that doesn't necessarily seem to flow from the previous one, quickly and easily, but the user can also choke up and use the sword more like a short polearm for single combat, or against heavier armour. this leads us to a conclusion, which is that these swords were explicitly designed to even the score against multiple opponents by creating a large zone of area denial where to oppenents cannot go for fear of having their brains beaten out of their ears (if wearing a lighter helmet), or just being bisected. the idea is during these large movements you use the momentum of the sword to turn quickly to face new opponents continuously (spinning, basically) and so is an ideal bodyguards weapon. also, from personal experience, having been part of a reconstructed scenario where 3 people armed with longswords had to fight a montante wielder, it's fucking terrifying, the thing comes around unbelievably quickly and hits like a truck so it's rather hard to parry if your unlucky enough to have to do so. more often that not it just collapsed the structure of the parry and lead to a hit being scored. great fun to use though, very satisfying.

that'll be it today, and i'll continue the next post with the theme of even biggerer angrierer men, or possibly a sword review??????????? it's one ive had a while don't worry im not spending all my money. i'm also going back to my university this Sunday, so posts might be a tad more infrequent and also potentially much drunker, but i might also be open to doing some live streams on youtube or twitch if that's something you lot'd wanna see, it'd probably be me getting steadily drunker and answering questions sooooo just lemme know?

May your edges stay sharp, and your points true!

[quinloki]

Sir Crocodile - Passion/Pleasure

Reader style - Afab she/her Time slot - After hours Client Name - @bronsterbash CW: None - mostly fluff =3

You knew dating Sir Crocodile was going to mean being in second place, effectively. The Club was always going to be the primary concern for him, and it was understandable. He’d help build the place up, and there were a lot of livelihoods and other factors of importance tied into it.

You may not get to see him as much as you’d like, but as long as you were reasonable you were never turned away. Sir Crocodile was an effective communicator, and if you did come around too much he’d let you know. It wasn’t ever cruel or personal, but if he didn’t finish work he couldn’t focus on you as you deserved.

You close the door behind you as you enter his office. You’re careful to do it quietly, so as to not disturb him while he works. He doesn’t say anything as you approach the desk, and a pleased smile crosses your face.

If he were going to be busy for a long while, he’d instruct you to have a seat.

You stand on the opposite side of his desk for a minute, eyes glancing over the paperwork. You’d helped with it before, so most of it made sense to you, even at a glance.

Letting your fingers trail against the wood of the desk you started to slowly step around it. Papers were already being organized and put into order before you even reached the side of his desk. It was almost mesmerizing to watch the tactile glass prosthetic move as smoothly as the real thing.

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think he’d been born with a glass hand.

As you came around to the same side of the desk as him, the papers were set aside and large hands grabbed you. You laugh despite it, delighted as he sets you easily in his lap, glass hand steady against your back and his warm, ring-dappled hand, firm against your thigh.

His lips were against yours even before you’d gotten your delighted laughter under control. The heat from his need rushed through you and practically turned you into putty in his grip. Your hands were cupping his face as soft moans curled around your tongue, only to be devoured as he pulled you into a deeper embrace.

“I could’ve waited,” you murmur, kissing him softly as he breaks the kiss enough to simply look at you.

“I could not.” He answers, kissing your forehead before capturing your lips again. His hands shift, moving you as the fabric of your dress tickles your skin. “I’ve been too busy.”

The words are as close to an apology as you’ve ever known him to get, but the heat flickering at the edges of them is enough for you. You’re grateful you remembered to lock the doors when you came in, as hot breath crashes against your neck, his kisses trailing against sensitive skin and down to your chest.

“I-I’m sure we can get Daz to dr-drive us hoooo-home!” You gasp the words as his fingers flex against the material, iron grasp ready to rend the dress off you.

“Then, my sweet desert flower, you tell me.” He says, leaning you back a little so you can look into his eyes. “If you’re more comfortable crying my name in this office, or in the car?” A delightful pleasure runs through you, sharp amber golden eyes greedily devouring every shivering hitch in your breath. His finger runs down the middle of your chest, nail snagging the fabric lightly.

“Because home, is entirely too far away to be an option right now.”

One Piece Host Club AU drabble event runs through December 2023

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

what's the Eye of Harmony and how did the Master get out of the one in the Doctor's TARDIS?

What's the Eye of Harmony?

The Eye of Harmony is basically a star—a very special one. It was created (or discovered, depending on which story you believe) by the Time Lords, specifically by the legendary figures Rassilon and Omega. They say that Rassilon and Omega manipulated a star while it was collapsing into a black hole, suspending its collapse and freezing it in a state of perpetual decay.

🔌 How Does It Work?

This state of suspended destruction creates an almost limitless source of energy, which the Time Lords harnessed to power all of Gallifrey's technology.

Suspended Star: The Eye is essentially a star in a constant state of near-collapse, teetering on the edge of becoming a black hole but never quite falling into it. This creates massive potential energy that the Time Lords tap into.

Artron Energy: The energy that the Eye produces is known as artron energy, a form of temporal radiation that's required to power TARDISes.

Artron Energy, biology style: Artron energy is also crucial to Time Lord biology, particularly prominent in their healing. Exposure to the Eye's energies is believed to be one of the factors that gave the Time Lords their regenerative abilities (again, depending on what story you believe).

Temporal Anchor: The Eye also plays a critical role in anchoring the Web of Time. It's not just a power source but a 'hitching post' for the Web, ensuring that time flows consistently and is controlled across the universe. TARDISes can use it as a reliable 'reference' when they transcend time and space.

🏛️ The Eye in a TARDIS

There's also a version of the Eye of Harmony in every TARDIS. This has led to some confusion over the years, with different accounts offering various explanations:

Miniaturised Duplicate: One explanation is that the Eye inside a TARDIS is a miniature, mathematically modelled duplicate of the original Eye on Gallifrey. This version retains all the properties of the original but on a smaller scale, providing the TARDIS with the energy it needs to operate independently.

Fraction of the Eye: Another account suggests that every TARDIS contains a 'fraction' of the Eye of Harmony. This would mean that the Eye in the TARDIS is directly linked to the one on Gallifrey, drawing energy from the original to power the ship.

Merely Named After: Then there's the straightforward explanation—it’s called the Eye of Harmony because it serves a similar function, but it's not actually the Eye from Gallifrey.

How did the Master escape from the Eye of Harmony?

When the Master was sucked into the Eye of Harmony, it was supposed to be a one-way ticket to oblivion. The Eye is designed to break down matter into pure energy, which is meant to be an inescapable fate for anyone. But this is the Master we're talking about, and they're notoriously hard to kill.

🛠️ Manipulating the Energy

As the Eye of Harmony attempted to disassemble the Bruce Master into energy, he managed to synchronise with the raw artron energy that the Eye was pouring out. Instead of being consumed by it, he rode the energy like a wave, pushing his consciousness and what remained of his physical body into a spare room within the Doctor's TARDIS.

The TARDIS immediately ejected that room into the Time Vortex to protect itself and the Doctor. This ejection was supposed to trap the Master in the void, but it also inadvertently saved him from being completely destroyed by the Eye's power.

⏳ Stranded in the Time Vortex

Now stranded in the Time Vortex, the Master was stuck in a floating TARDIS room, cut off from the rest of the ship and from any stable reality. So what's a Master to do? He scavenged through the Doctor’s discarded belongings tin the room, searching for anything to help him.

While he was looking, the energy from the Eye that remained in the room revitalised his decaying body. This bought him time, allowing him to survive longer in the Vortex and continue plotting his escape.

🔧 Building a Makeshift Ship

Over the years—hundreds of them, in fact—the Master scavenged parts from the debris that occasionally drifted through the Vortex. This included bits of time ships, wreckage from other unlucky travellers, and even a tractor beam he managed to find.

During this time, the Master even captured a creature called a Vormatoda. Inspired by a VHS tape in the Doctor's spare room, he disguised and brainwashed the child believing it was his daughter, Alison. The Vormatoda's parent began attacking passing timeships in search of its child, leaving behind more components for the Master to salvage. Piece by piece, he cobbled together a functional vessel.

👩‍🚀 Rescuing River Song

At one point, River Song, mid-transit in the Time Vortex, experienced a malfunction with her vortex manipulator. The Master, ever opportunistic, used his newly acquired tractor beam to rescue her. Posing as a man named Daniel, he convinced River to help him collect more wreckage from the Vortex, which included valuable pieces from a prison ship.

Eventually River Song saw through the Master's disguise and managed to break the Alison's brainwashing. This led to a confrontation where the Vormatoda's parent attacked the Master’s makeshift ship, forcing him to make an escape.

🚀 Final Escape from the Vortex

With the Vormatoda attacking and the ship barely holding together, the Master used a stasis pod from the prison ship to survive the final journey out of the Vortex.

And what does he do as soon as he's out? He meets up with several of his other incarnations, forms a band, gets into a massive brawl with his selves, and the band splits up. True story.

Related:

💬|📱🕸️What does the Web of Time look like?: Overview on the Web of Time and its relevance.

💬|🧬⚡How to track and manage artron levels?: How artron levels can be tracked and managed, plus symptoms of hypo/hyperartronosis and first-line treatment.

💬|🛸🧬Do we have any info on TARDIS biology?: Overview of TARDIS biological aspects.

Hope that helped! 😃

Any orange text is educated guesswork or theoretical. More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →📢Announcements |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |🤓Facts → Features: ⭐Guest Posts | 🍜Chomp Chomp with Myishu →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[sleepingdeath-light]

winter king smut hcs ; 18+

requested by ; 🍾 anon (30/11/23)

fandom(s) ; fionna & cake

fandom masterlist(s) ; here

character(s) ; winter king

outline ; “Winter King nsfw and dating hcs :3c ~ 🍾”

warning(s) ; sexually explicit content, dominant!winter king, bondage in various forms, suspension, lingerie kink, pet name kink, vocal!winter king, edging mentioned

minors and ageless blogs will be blocked

winter king is someone who strives for complete control over his life and relationships, so it only stands to reason that he’d lean towards dominance in the bedroom — swinging between harder and softer styles of dominance with you depending on his mood at the time and whether you were more bratty or well behaved during the day (at least according to the rules the two of you had agreed upon)

he’s a big fan of bondage in all of its forms and knows enough about it in order to experiment with positions, materials, and forms whilst also keeping you completely safe — from standard rope-and-chain bondage to complete or partial suspension to using other bondage aids like stocks, really the only limiting factors are your personal boundaries and his imagination (he’ll find a way to make anything work if it’s something you’re both excited to try)

he definitely enjoys having you dress up for him in one way or another when it comes to sex — bonus points if it’s something pretty, frilly, and blue (e.g. lingerie that matches the general aesthetic of his kingdom) — but he’s also happy to ‘pretty things up’ himself, so to speak, which usually means planning ahead to prepare the room you’re going to be intimate in, or forgoing practical bondage for something more intentional and, well, nicer to look at as he makes a complete mess of you

his pet names for you don’t change when you’re in private, but he definitely appreciates it when you address him in a more formal way when he’s taking care of you (e.g. ‘my king’) — especially if you combine the formal title with tears of desperation and lots of begging for him to do whatever it is you want

he’s very vocal in the bedroom and loves the sound of his own voice — whether that’s him praising you for one reason or another, describing what he’s going to do to you next in explicit detail (which is as close as he gets to dirty talk honestly), checking in to make sure you’re alright, making you beg for something and teasing you for your reactions, or just the sounds he makes when he’s a bit too far gone to talk

(e.g. when his hair has fallen over his forehead and his eyes have slipped closed as a string of grunts and groans and breathy moans spill from his lips — just barely loud enough for you to hear over the slapping of skin against skin, more whisper than real sound as by then he’s too caught up in the moment to do anything but focus on reaching his climax)

when you’re behaving and he’s in a good mood, winter king leans towards a softer style of dominance: touching you like you’re made of glass, lots of slow foreplay focusing on him pleasuring you with his mouth, very mild temperature play (which is unavoidable because of his low body temperature), lots of praise with only some light teasing and comments on how you’re behaving, taking things slow and actually making love to you instead of fucking you

but when you’ve been something of a brat or he’s in a bad mood, it’s almost like a switch has flipped inside of his mind — he’s never outright sadistic or mean but he gets colder and a bit rougher in how he handles you: he gets quieter, foreplay is minimal (just enough to prep you for what’s to come and little more), you’re still mostly clothed by the time you’re dragged to bed or bent over one of his desks, he’s much rougher with you and doesn’t shy away from leaving his mark on your body, he’ll edge you until you’re sobbing and begging for release and even then he’ll continue punishing you if you don’t do it right, and so on — all the while panting and smiling a disingenuous smile above you as he watches you fall apart

(he’ll still take care of you afterwards no matter his mood though, of course — he may not be the most kind person in the world, but you’re still his significant other and he doesn’t want to leave any lasting damage behind when he’s been a bit rougher on you than usual)

[nyxnightshade7656]

Hooked Pt10

I am so sorry, I am a manager at a retail store and things have been insane with how behind we are with stock and several other things. I have not lost interest, I still want to keep working on this, but updates are slower right now. I am so so so so sorry!

All that being said, any ideas for where to go/what scenes ya'll might wanna see, feel free to let me know in the comments.

She hummed as she glanced at the pattern on her laptop screen. She was, once more, working on a crocheted little stuffed animal. This time, it was a dragon. The little dragon was purple, with bright yellow eyes. It was going to be a gift for Kitty Pryde. Kitty had been going through a rough breakup lately, so she wanted to give the girl something to cuddle. So far, she had the back legs, the front legs, the wings and the head made. Now she was working on the tail and body as one piece. She loved crocheting, it was soothing and helped keep her ADHD and generalized anxiety under control; so, she looked for as many excuses as possible.

Once more, she had been left at the mansion, the X-Men dispatched on some mission or other; she didn’t get many details about what they were doing. Scott, for all that he accepted her into the mansion and lives of the X-Men, he didn’t trust her with mission details. Which, as far as she was concerned, was fair. She was an unknown factor. And Scott was about as OCD as it got, control was his safe space, so she didn’t bother to challenge that. Wolverine, however, had given her far more details than she needed. And she knew that the only reason he did was because Scott was still right there, listening. Her father loved nothing more than to get under Scott’s skin, and he was not above using his own daughter to do so; much to her chagrin.

Once Logan was done with her, and the yelling at Logan started from Scott, Remy had pulled her to the side, a slightly worried look in his red-on-black eyes. Things had been quiet at the mansion, just like it had been before the attack. But this time, her instincts hadn’t been on edge, so she had been fairly relaxed up to that point. But Remy did not seem to share that same sentiment with her. He hadn’t wanted to leave her at the mansion without any of the main offensive team there as a defense. It had taken quite a bit more effort to convince him she would be fine than she had initially thought it would, but eventually, she succeeded, and he reluctantly agreed. She was surprised, however, when; as she was turning to allow him onto the jet, she was whirled around and pulled into a fierce kiss that stole her breath away. Before she could do anything in response, Remy had pulled away, winked at her, and leapt into the jet.

That was three days ago, and she really hoped her dad hadn’t tried to kill Remy the instant he got onto the jet. Now, she was in her room, music blaring, laptop and phone set up; yarn, needles, hooks and scissors all strewn around her desk as she crocheted to her hearts content. She had already made herself a Hello Kitty mermaid, a witch Kuromi, and a Kuromi that looked like it had come out of “Gone with the Wind”. Logan had often called her a ‘Princess Tom-Boy’ because she liked cute, adorable things, but also liked climbing trees and playing in mud. Kitty and Jubilee had both made comments about her preferred style of clothes; comfortable jeans or short shorts, tank tops, leggings, skirts and combat boots or flips flops. She was either punky-goth, or down-home southern punk. Jubilee had even asked her if she owned anything in a color other than purple or black. She had responded, through her phone, with the comment ‘black is such a happy color, Darling.’ And had died a little inside when Jubilee didn’t get the reference. Thankfully, Jean had come to her rescue.

She was just putting the finishing touches on the little dragon when she heard it. There was a commotion outside, from the direction of her window. She tensed, mentally preparing herself for an onslaught of emotions, and made her way to the window. She did not open her blinds, that would reveal that she was there and aware, and that was the last thing she wanted. But she looked through the slats of the blinds as best she could without touching them. In her room, she was better protected from emotional onslaught, her own emotions soaking into her belongings acted like something of a shield for her. As such, she was able to get an accurate idea of what was going on without her Empathy muddling her thoughts.

There were no soldiers this time. No, this time it looked like other mutants. However, she was not aware enough of different mutant factions to know who this particular group might be. She did, however, take note of a man in bright red and purple. He seemed to be the leader, and he was just floating in the air, directing the other hostile mutants. This was bad. She walked over to her closet and grabbed the only potential weapon she had, a walking stick that was about as tall as she was, which wasn’t very; but a five-foot-tall stick was a little more impressive than a five-foot-tall young woman at the very least. She had just wrapped her hand around the walking stick when she heard a voice gasp out, “We’re under attack, girl we have to get you out of here!” There was not a single thought that ran through her head, all she knew was fear and surprise as she swung around, hands on the stick, and aimed right for where she had heard the sound. Instantly she regretted her instinctual reaction, as she was swinging at someone from the mansion, not an enemy.

“Whoa! Good thing it was me! That would have knocked anyone else out! Good swing though, remind me to have you on my team next time we all play baseball.” Kitty gave her a reassuring smile. The stick had, thankfully, phased right through her head instead of impacting her. She lost her footing with the lack of impact, but Kitty steadied her, “Easy. But seriously, we’ve got to get you with the rest of the non-combatants. We’ve got several safe rooms throughout the mansion, but the best one, and the one we have everyone else currently in, is actually the Danger Room. It has its own defenses and everything.” She bit her lip and rubbed her face but nodded. She had a bad feeling about all of this, but there was nothing else that could be done right now.

Kitty led her through the mansion, occasionally using her power to phase them both through walls when there was the risk of being seen, but she could tell it was wearing Kitty down to keep doing it. Kitty had only recently learned how to phase other people with her, after all. She could only imagine how taxing it had to be on the brunette. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much she could do to help Kitty, other than remain as silent as she always was. Things were going well, but once more that just put her teeth on edge. Too much was going smoothly while the mansion was being invaded. And once more, she regretted the thought. Because nearly as soon as she thought it, they were both knocked into the opposite wall by a powerful blast. This time, she was about to tuck and roll, falling just like all her old gymnastics training taught her; to mitigate damage and absorb as much of the impact as she could. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Kitty fly through the wall as if it didn’t exist.

She looked around, trying to see what had caused them to go flying. There was a huge hole in the wall, roughly three times bigger than she was tall. What on Earth could cause a hole that big? Almost as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she regretted it once more. Because there, in the massive hole in the wall, was a man that looked like he had to be six or seven feet tall. He was covered in blond fur, hair? He was fuzzy, but not in the same way that Kurt was. She recognized him, where she hadn’t recognized anyone else when she had glanced out of her window earlier. He was technically her Uncle, since he was the Wolverine’s brother. Victor Creed. The Sabretooth. She felt her breath catch in her chest, her eyes wide. She wasn’t sure how much Sabretooth knew about her, she doubted that Logan went on coffee dates to keep his estranged brother up to date on his life.

Sabretooth took a deep breath through his nose, clearly sniffing the air, “I was promised Logan. But you smell like him. Why do you smell like Logan, Brat?” Sabretooth stalked forward, eyes on her like a ravenous animal stalking its prey. She felt cornered, literally and figuratively. She could taste his rage and chaotic violence on the air. Habanero and durian. But worse, the taste of burning hair and flesh filled her senses. The desire to rend and tear, to kill in cold blood. It rolled off of Sabretooth in cold, harsh, waves that had her skin crawling. Her back pressed up against the wall, she had nowhere to go. Kitty was nowhere to be seen, the X-Men weren’t even on the same continent, as far as she was aware. Her fingers tightened around the walking stick she still held. Her entire body was so tense, she didn’t want to die. But what could she do against someone who very clearly killed for fun? Sabretooth raised both hands, which looked more like clawed paws than hands; and she reacted without thought. She swung the walking stick with every once of strength she had.

“Is that it? Really? How fucking pathetic!” The walking stick had impacted, her arms were still shaking with it; and snapped in two against the side of Sabretooth’s head. He hadn’t even flinched. And now she was going to die. The rage was overwhelming, her head was starting to swim, affecting her ability to stand up. If it weren’t for the fact that she was pressed against the wall, she would be swaying with the force of his hatred and rage. His emotions were so overwhelming, she couldn’t even feel her own emotions. Just his spicy rage permeated everything around her, her own mind a haze of red-red-rage. But then another voice joined the fray, distracting both her and Sabretooth.

“Leave the girl, Sabretooth. She is of far more use to us alive.” She wanted to scream, to thrash, to bite and claw. Part of her was aware that those thoughts were caused by Sabretooth’s own emotions suppressing hers, but part of that was the instinctual urge to do exactly what she was told she couldn’t. She glanced out of the corner of her eye towards the new voice. It was the man in purple, she still had absolutely no idea who he was, but clearly he was a man of influence. He held himself with an air of power and control, authority that set her teeth on edge. Because it wasn’t the kind of power or authority that was earned or used for good. No, this man had an air about his that just screamed ‘I’m better than you and I know it.’ Which made her want to rip the high-horse right out from under him. But she wasn’t a fighter. She wasn’t, for all that she had the temper of a redhead, she was not a fighter.

Sabretooth snarled but grabbed her by the arm with a bruising grip, a couple of his claws even split the skin causing her to bleed. He yanked her over to the man in purple, who looked her up and down, “You will lead us through the mansion.” She shook her head, instantly denying his order. Sabretooth shook her; violently enough to make it feel as if her teeth were rattling in her head, “I wasn’t giving you a choice, girl. Now, first, you will lead us to the Danger Room.” She tensed. How did he know about the Danger Room? Did he know about the X-Men? Did he know Xavier? She wished she had paid more attention when Kitty, Rogue and Jubilee tried to tell her more about the X-Men and the people they fought in the past. Maybe she would know who this guy was. Sabretooth seemed to grow tired of her not answering, because he slammed her against the wall, knocking all the air out of her lungs, “Answer! Before I rip your throat out! Then you’ll have a reason to not talk!” Instantly, she had a brief flashback to her childhood, the one Logan had saved her from before adopting her. The emotions she felt back then reared their heads again. Fierce determination, the need to survive, and a vindictive streak a country mile wide. They wanted to be led through the mansion? Fine. She would lead them.

[cursed-40k-thoughts]

Y’all think building a working chainsword in real life is possible

Depends on your definition of 'chainsword', I suppose. Like, you could make a big chainsaw with a sword-style grip, but it would be uncomfortable as hell to hold and impractical to swing owing to needing the attached engine and fuel tank, or motor and batteries. Granted, a chain "sword" built like this would absolutely cut someone's exposed arm off or whatever, but that's just because it's a chainsaw, and chainsaws are good at cutting things. S'what they do. That would be a chainsaw... sword... thing. That is probably the most "reasonable" take on a chainsaw sword.

An actual, slimmed down, chainsword-sized and shaped chainsword with all the stuff in the hilt? Mmmno. There are lots of factors that would make it extremely inefficient, to say the least. You couldn't run it combustion; our engines aren't at that point of size to power sustainability yet, so you'd have to go electric. You could... probably have a battery-powered motor, but a battery that small running a setup that is, I assume, torqued up to cut into things more aggressively, would run out exceptionally quickly. Like quickly.

Then there's the clogging and the filtration. Chainsaws are very good at cutting, but chainsaws are also very easy to clog and stall. Not only would your chainsword not run for very long at all, but it would get gummed up by bits of clothing/people/whatever fairly rapidly. Especially if you have that full-blade hood on it, which I assume you would for 40k authenticity purposes. That hood is incredibly silly. There is a really good series of engineering reasons why chainsaws don't have those. The amount of detritus that would get stuck in it is wild. Also, chainsaws and chain systems run into severe issues when it comes to wet, cloggy, matted things. That is why, when it comes to cutting meat, butchers and the like use electric bone saws. Thinner edge, extremely fast repeating motion, very concise, controlled point of cutting.

Tl;dr, you could make a chainsaw that looks like a sword (it wouldn't be very useful) but an actual chainsword that looks like a chainsword would run for about 5 minutes and probably jam in a fraction of that time.

If you wanted someone's arm taken off easily irl, just get a lathe. You won't even have to do anything. Just turn it on. Someone will inevitably come along and try touching it.

[branwyn-says]

Good Times

(reposted from my non-monetized Substack. feel free to join me over there.)

The biggest difference between how I wrote personal essays and how I write journal entries is that I write essays with answers already in mind.

When I journal, I don't even have a question yet, much less an answer. I have feelings. Emotions that I need to process. I don't tend to process emotions quickly, or at all, unless I write them into hard containers: boxes made of words, walls of sentences.

I am mostly driven to write about my distress. When I'm happy, I have better things to do. A lot of my writing is motivated by sheer self-preservation.

This blog is supposed to be a journal. I am supposed to be letting myself off the hook and not trying to write from certainty here. But every time I open this document of blog entries, I find myself trying to come up with things to say that will be useful to my reader. Essay style. As if I had answers.

Force of habit, I guess.

I happen to believe despair is always a lie. But it's also a physical condition that affects the body. Action can take the edge off. So can the love of others.

Lately, I feel very far away from the love of my people. I remind myself this is only geographically true.

I have been very active, to compensate.

Despair keeps rattling the doors of my thoughts.

On Saturday, I went to the in-person training to qualify for my 2-year CPR certification. I got yet another trauma medicine certificate from a different online training provider. I joined a gym and scheduled a session with a trainer. I scheduled a bataireacht lesson. I'm going to my self defense class tonight. I'm working on my novel. I'm doing my actual job.

The people I care for in a professional capacity watch Fox News all day, every day. The TV stays on by default. I don't think they really pay attention to it. But I can't help seeing and hearing it. It feels like I have to spend ten minutes processing my rage for every 30 seconds of exposure. When I go back to my room, Democratic politicians are pummeling my inbox, unable to communicate about the Omnishambles without soliciting donations, unable to acknowledge or account for their own uselessness.

I am not in distress because of politics or the DNC or Fox News or the Omnishambles. The architecture of my nervous system is such that distress will find me from time to time no matter what happens to be going on in the world. I can't help my reaction to the sights and sounds of the Republican extinction burst, in all its nasty disregard for truth and reality. But my feelings come from me. I have to remind myself of this a lot. My emotional condition is not the inevitable result of factors outside my control. There is nothing wrong with me yet. Dread will not protect me. A little anxiety is good for getting yourself up off the couch to do useful things. Past that point, anxiety ceases to promote survival and should be regarded, as Tolkien said, as a weapon of the enemy.

I am already doing things. I tell my anxiety it needs to chill.

My bataireacht coach told me a story back in December (he gave me permission to share). His ancestors appeared to him in a dream. He asked for advice about the future and the coming troubles, and they told him: "You're going to have a good time." My coach started trying to explain: no, you don't understand, things are getting really bad here. Their response: "No, we understand, and we agree, things are very bad. But you are going to have a good time."

I am going to die. Maybe sooner, maybe later. The timing will probably not be up to me. Preserving my happiness until then doesn't require me to be in denial. I lean on the perspective I gained from surviving homelessness. Happiness isn't things. Security isn't things. The feeling of safety is not the condition of safety. Home is people and relationships. We can wade into the troubled water and let ourselves be changed, instead of drowning.

These feelings take a lot of processing. There isn’t any final resolution, only continuing motion.

[the-fallen-stones]

59

By Harry Baker

59 wakes up on the wrong side of the bed.

Realizes all his hair is on one side of his head.

Takes just under a minute to work out that it’s because of the way that he slept.

He finds some clothes and gets dressed.

He can’t help but look in the mirror and be subtly impressed

How he looks rough around the edges and yet casually messed.

And as he glances out the window,

He sees the sight that he gets blessed with,

Of 60 from across the street.

Now 60 was beautiful,

With perfectly trimmed cuticles, dressed in something suitable,

And never rude or crude at all.

Unimprovable,

Right on time as usual,

More on cue than a snooker ball but liked to play it super cool.

59 wanted to tell her that he knew her favorite flower.

He thought of her every second, every minute, every hour.

But he knew it wouldn’t work, he’d never get the girl.

Because although she lived across the street they came from different worlds.

While 59 admired 60’s perfectly round figure,

60 thought 59 was odd.

You see, one of his favorite films was "101 Dalmatians."

She preferred the sequel.

He romanticized the idea they were star-crossed lovers.

They could overcome the odds and evens because they had each other,

While she maintained the strict views imposed on her by her mother,

That separate could not be equal.

And though at the time he felt stupid and dumb

For trying to love a girl controlled by her stupid mum,

He should have been comforted by the simple sum.

Take 59 away from 60, and you’re left with the one.

Sure enough after two months of moping around,

61 days later, 61 was who he found,

He had lost his keys and his parents were out.

So one day after school he went into a house.

And as he noticed the slightly wonky numbers on the door,

He wondered why he’d never introduced himself before.

As she let him in, his jaw dropped in awe.

61 was like 60, but a little bit more.

See she had prettier eyes, and an approachable smile,

And like him, rough around the edges, casual style,

And like him, everything was in disorganized piles,

And like him, her mum didn’t mind if friends stayed a while.

Because she was like him, and he liked her.

He reckoned she would like him if she knew he was like her,

And it was different this time. I mean, this girl was wicked,

So he plucked up the courage and asked for her digits.

She said, "I'm 61."

He grinned, said, "I'm 59. Today I’ve had a really nice time,

So tomorrow if you wanted you could come over to mine?"

She said, "Sure."

She loved talking to someone just as quirky,

So she agreed to this unofficial first date.

In the end, he was only ready one minute early,

But that didn’t matter because she arrived one minute late.

And from that moment on there was non-stop chatter,

How they loved "X-Factor," how they had two factors,

How that did not matter.

Distinctiveness made them better,

By the end of the night, they knew they were meant together.

And one day she was talking about stuck-up 60,

She noticed that 59 looked a bit shifty.

He blushed and told her of his crush:

“The best thing that never happened because it led to us.”

61 was clever, see, not prone to jealousy,

She looked him in the eyes and told him quite tenderly,

"You’re 59, I’m 61, together we combine to become twice what 60 could ever be."

And at this point 59 had tears in his eyes,

Was so glad to have this one-of-a-kind girl in his life.

He told her the very definition of being prime

Was that with only one and himself could his heart divide,

And she was the one he wanted to give his heart to,

She said she felt the same and now she knew the films were half true,

Because that wasn't real love, that love was just a sample,

When it came to real love, they were a prime example.

[sw4lot]

New Year New Me

I'M SICK AND TIRED OF BEING PATHETIC

I'm honestly sick and tired of self-loathing my own demise, like I plan on being consistent, and then I procrastinate, then I get all sad and disappointed? Like bitch you did that to yourself? Why are you being so pathetic? Why are you letting your past determine your worth, and power? Fear, it's always fear. Fear of the possibility of failing or not making it because of my past experiences and continued indifference of my issues, it's so conflicting because I'm so aware of what I'm doing and I know I'm not suppose to do it but I do it anyway, I have no self control, no self discipline, then I get mad, like ho you know damn well....I understand my adhd is a huge contributing factor, and it makes everything so much harder, especially with procrastination paralysis, but I don't really put in effort, I try, but not hard enough, I could think of ways to avoid My executive dysfunction but no, my pathetic ass just sits there and feel sorry for myself

Honestly I want to change, I really do, but I have to actually keep promises to myself and stay strong, I've been thinking of 2 methods, if I'm tempted to do something I'm not suppose to I'll count to 10, rationalize what I'm doing, and realize what I'm doing doesn't make any since to if I actually want to improve myself. Secondly, harsh motivation, now I'm not trying to repackage self hatred here, but I've been way too soft on myself, I've let myself go way too easily and it's exhausting, I'm going to push myself, and give myself a harsh reminder that being a pathetic piece of trash won't get me anywhere in life

Plans for the rest of the year 2024

I'm going to manifest my desires into reality, I've known about the law for about 3 years now and I haven't manifested anything I wanted, things I didn't want? Yes, because I know the law always works because we consistently decide everything, but now I know what to do, all I have to do is do it.

Things to remind myself:

-I am limitless nothing is impossible

-I am my ideal self

-manifesting isn't logical unless you make it to be (all about assumption)

-Affirm, regardless of 3d, doubts, and preconceived notions

-Robotic affirming always works!

Affirmations:

-I am my ideal self

-my life is perfect

-I have everything I desire

-I am THEE It Girl

-I never fail

-I always Win

Another thing I want to do for the duration of 2024 is do some yoga, unwind, and be at a peaceful state of mind as I reclaim my value of being the author of my own reality

My plans for 2025

Step 1: Workout

I want to consistently maintain and better my body, plus working out always helps with my mood and my dopamine, especially considering that my adhd usually effects my motivation.

What I've noticed is that I've been my best when I'd exercise, I never really knew how well moving my body really helps with my well being, so I'll definitely do it more often next year!

Step 2: Haircare

I usually never style my protective style, and just throw in a bun and waltz to school without doing my edges, and sure it's not a bad thing, I just want to look a little more preppy, and do something other than a basic bun

Same applies with my afro, I want to sculpt my hair in cute little styles and do my edges, I just want to maintain my hair, you know what I mean? Just look forward to school every day just to do my hair! It'll give me motivation.

Step 3: Skincare

I want to start doing my skincare, to clear out my skin, and just a form of self-love. Make myself feel and look pretty, I always just sit my ass all day on my phone, and I'm SICK OF IT. I want to be productive and not feel like shit all the time for not taking care of myself.

I promise, I'll do it, I will change, and I will manifest my desires, and love myself, promise.

xoxo evee♡

[ri-son]

The Ultimate Tips For Improving Cat Litter Box Experiences

A comprehensive guide to understanding and optimizing your cat's bathroom needs

1. The Art of Litter Box Placement

Cats are fascinating creatures who need a delicate balance of privacy and security. Think of their wild ancestors – they needed to stay alert while being vulnerable. Your house cat has the same instincts!

The Perfect Location Checklist:

Quiet but not isolated

Away from food and water (cats naturally separate their eating and elimination areas)

Clear escape routes (cats don't like feeling trapped)

Safe from sudden noises (washing machines, dishwashers, furnaces)

Good visibility of surroundings

Easy access

Pro Tip: Try the "Three Days Test" - place litter boxes in different locations and observe your cat's preferences over three days. Their behavior will tell you what works best.

2. The Science of Cleanliness

Did you know? A cat's sense of smell is 14 times stronger than humans! This explains why cleanliness is non-negotiable.

Essential Maintenance Schedule:

Scoop twice daily (morning and evening)

Maintain 4 inches of litter depth

Complete box cleaning every 2 weeks

Replace plastic boxes annually (they can retain odors)

Natural Odor Control Solutions:

Baking soda (sprinkle lightly under litter)

Activated charcoal filters

Air purifier nearby (but not too close)

Open windows for ventilation

Avoid These Common Mistakes:

Scented litters

Air fresheners near the box

Harsh cleaning chemicals

3. Respect the Routine

Cats are creatures of habit – their bathroom routine is no exception. Changes in their litter box setup can cause stress and behavioral issues.

Change Management Tips:

When introducing new litter, mix it gradually with the old

Keep the old box location when adding new boxes

If you must move a box, do it inch by inch over several days

4. Smart Space Management

Protecting Your Space:

Use tracking mats (larger than you think you need)

Consider decorative screens for privacy

Install motion-sensor lights for nighttime use

Use furniture strategically to create natural privacy screens

Innovation Spotlight: There are now smart litter boxes that can track your cat's bathroom habits and alert you to potential health issues!

5. Size and Style Considerations

Use a litter box that is the right size for your cat, about 1x the length of your cat, or enough room to turn comfortably around. A box that's too small can result in scattered litter or mishaps.

6. Multi-Cat Harmony

The famous N+1 rule (where N is the number of cats) is just the beginning. Consider these factors:

Territorial dynamics

Age differences

Mobility issues

Social hierarchies

Additional Resources:

Books:

"Think Like a Cat" by Pam Johnson-Bennett

"Cat Sense" by John Bradshaw

Online Tools:

International Cat Care (icatcare.org)

The Indoor Cat Initiative (indoorcat.osu.edu)

Jackson Galaxy's Cat Resource Center

Apps:

Litterbox Tracker Pro

Cat Health Monitor

Expert Corner

Consulting veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sarah Wilson suggests: "Monitor your cat's litter box habits. Changes in bathroom behavior can be early indicators of health issues."

Common Signs of Litter Box Problems:

Excessive digging

Perching on the edge

Multiple attempts to cover waste

Meowing before or after use

Remember: If you notice sudden changes in litter box habits, consult your veterinarian. Sometimes what seems like a behavior problem is actually a health issue.

See our stylish cat litter box and accessories that will keep you and kitty purring.

Did you find this guide helpful? Share your experiences and tips with other cat parents in the comments below!

[wandringaesthetic]

I bought NEO: The World Ends With You directly after it came out [checks] two years ago, played it a couple times between other games since then but somehow had not much drive to progress through it due to.... A variety of reasons. Only some were due the game itself. I feel twewy is probably best enjoyed in small bites rather than big chunks and that doesn't really vibe with my life as it is right now and how I play games usually.

Some context: The World Ends With You is a Nintendo DS game. I played it circa 2008, not long after its release. It is one of the best games I have ever played that I might not ever play again. It's on a system I don't have reason to carry around anymore, it's structured in a way that makes a replay difficult for me personally, and I played it at a time when I was very unhappy. The game's style and music and vibes are so singular that it takes me back to that time, and I personally don't want to go there.

I attempted to play it on the Switch but found the translation of the controls for that system awkward and I struggle to revisit things even under ideal circumstances and even when I would like to.

So I have trouble justifying this, because I struggle so much to revisit it, but I think the original TWEWY might be one of the best video games ever made. Or, at the very least, it is an extremely singular game that Should be replicated but is extraordinarily difficult to. The control scheme is tied to the DS. It's EXTREMELY of it's moment, which is always risky. Fashion is a central mechanic. Characters speak in modern slang, which runs the risk of something that was current at the time of the writing will sound hokey by the time it's actually released. [I'm of two minds about NEO's "DROP THE BEAT!" in its combo bars. It's been a LONG time since the summer of wub. Or.... Did that phrase escape dubstep to be part of the general parlance? I'm in my 30s. Anything bleeding edge should be incomprehensible to me, right?)

I hate hate HATE how this game was talked about by gaming media and YouTubers and so forth. I hate that they rarely talked about the game itself. I hate that this had an influence on how everyone thought about this game. I hate that it had an influence on ME. Nearly everything I heard about NEO from an outside source regarded how poorly it sold. As if that actually said anything about its quality. As if everyone doesn't fucking know that those sales figures rely so heavily on preorders and the hype/advertising machine. I feel like this game was treated like Forspoken--a game that exists as it does due to a confluence of conflicting factors in hardware and development philosophy and corporate politics, an interesting but ultimately not very good game. NEO: twewy is not that. NEO twewy is the long awaited sequel to the best game on the DS. NEO: twewy is the sequel to one of the best action JRPGs of all time with most of its key personnel returning. It's... Good? It is not as good as the original, but it's good.

In part I get it. This game is neither fish nor fowl. It's not a AAA game and it's not an indie. It has an indie-ish vibe but you're not supporting the little guy by buying this. It walks and talks like a handheld game, but it's not. It's a PS4 game near the end of the life cycle of the PS4.

[fandom-trash-xl]

Some wordbuildy ki notes I scribbled down last night

(I basically wrote down some notes to expand the concept of ki into some fancy manipulation varieties.)

Ki can be manifested at will from various extremities, most often the hands and fingers, and can be sent off as a projectile or simply left to float. When no longer attached to the person, it no longer depends on their steady energy reserve to maintain it but, in turn, the amount of energy expended into it- used to adjust factors such as strength and size- can not be increased or reduced.

Ki naturally gives off a certain amount of heat, which can be increased at will. It can be heated to the point of being able to ignite flammable objects such as candles, firewood, or tobacco; those who are particularly "artsy" can shape this hot ki in to a crackling woodless fire.

Ki can be sorted into multiple types:

Combative Ki

The most commonly seen ki type, formed with the intent to cause damage. It's often formed into beam, shot, and ball attacks.

Light Ki

This ki variety is more of a "trick" type with no damaging capabilities and is often taught to small children as a starter lesson in manipulation. It causes no more damage than the hot feeling of touching a lit lightbulb. The amount of energy expended to produce it determines the brightness. Due to its non-combative nature, it is most often used for heat sources.

(For style reference: see Owl House light glyphs)

Blade Ki

This damaging ki is formed with sharp edges with the intent to cut like a razor or knife. It is often manifested around the hand like a glove as a beam sword or into razor discs like the Kienzan.

Fluid Ki

The ki is wobbly and almost liquid-like. While it is often a sign of ki issues or inexperience, one can train to use this type at will and have their ki become malleable. Fluid ki can also be separated into droplets. It's often seen as impractical or showoff-ish, being used mainly as a parlor trick.

Enveloping Ki

This ki form is most often found in auras and is also used for flight and telekinetic abilities, wrapping around the body or target object. It can also be used as a safety cushion to reduce impact damage and can be localized into certain parts. Those not capable of direct telekinesis can manipulate a wrapping-like bubble to direct towards an object to grab. An aura can also be directly heated to self-warm, but the amount of energy expended may cause fatigue and counteract the effort. This type of ki can also be infused in held weapons to power them up.

String/Cord Ki

Access to this ki form is usually discovered by accident and is rare to possess overall. It often springs forward similarly to Spider-Man web fluid or spray cheese. It's often considered a shortcoming or flaw due to its difficulty to master and use practically. With control, a user may be able to touch the produced string directly without pain in order to more easily bend it to their needs.

[starwalker03]

Interested in the idea of Slade teaching Dick or someone how to use and fight with a healing factor. Not in the edgy ‘let me show you how much you can survive’ way but in terms of combat strategy and pragmatism. They probably have to dodge and block with different priorities. Slade’s larger organs can take a lot of damage but he doesn’t seem able to grow anything back. Not losing a limb is a bigger priority then getting stabbed in a major organ. Dick would need to learn how long injuries take to heal and how to set his own bones so they don’t heal wrong mid combat. There’s strategy in learning how much damage you can reasonably take and decide what injuries are worth what. in planning how when stall to heal and when to fight throw the pain and risk worse injuries. Slade has definitely put thought into it. I also think if WMLP Dick lost his healing factor it would messed up his fighting style.

Oh for sure! Having a healing factor completely changes the priorities when fighting.

Dick goes from Bruce to Slade, which is already a huge shift but it's visible in all the small parts too. especially in something like this. Bruce is a tank of a man, but he's teaching Dick how to fight from a young age and utilising his strengths as a gymnast and acrobat. That means teaching him not only how to dodge but how to focus on using the strength of an opponent against them. Because he's also teaching him how to conserve his strength! They go for long patrols and are often put in situations where they will be forced to function at their peak for hours as they deal with goons before they get to the bigger fight. And then on top of that, they need to be able to shape up and keep stride with their team mates. It's a lot of strategy, a lot of thinking, and for it to be effective it needs to become instinctual.

That's probably one of the first things Slade needs to train out of him. There's no point dancing around an enemy to conserve strength and stamina, because Dick has plenty of it, all he's doing is dragging things out and allowing the enemy a chance to find a way to escape. He needs to teach Dick to be able to simply take a punch square in the face without faltering in his step. Moreover, Dick would have learnt to conserve his energy and avoid injuring himself by never putting his full weight into a hit, especially because he can't kill anyone. That's another thing he has to learn, his knuckles won't really bruise and his legs won't snap if he roundhouses a particularly brutish enemy.

But it's a double edged sword, because you're right. they can't really hope to grow a limb back. They might be able to heal from it if it is stitched back on and everything, but if they lose their limb in battle, as far as they know it's gone for good. And setting bones mid-fight! jesus that's a mental image.

I'm imagining Slade picking some big two-handed sword, a claymore or executioners blade or something, with real heft and a sharp edge, and telling Dick to defeat him without risking amputation, but also without relying entirely on dodging. Dick having to crush the urge to dance around and flip and duck as he looks for a weakness and instead force himself too close for the sword's range and fight Slade for control of it.

Slade purposely breaking his leg and then throwing himself at him with a punch, forcing Dick to find a way to reset the wound mid-fight without opening himself up for an attack.

mmmmmmm...

Dick finally seeing Bruce in battle. Bruce trying to simply get him to stop, stand down, let him talk. Knowing he has a healing factor and deciding it is worth the pain to resort to simply shattering Dick's knee and breaking his femur.

Dick screaming, Bruce feeling the need to throw up as Dick is forced on hands and knees from the pain. But he doesn't lie down, doesn't stop when Bruce tells him to, that they can talk about this. No. He clenches his teeth with something near a growl, grip on his sword still string through it all, and forces himself to his feet. Eyeing Bruce, who is wavering and concerned but not taking a step forward. sheathing the sword, holding eye contact as he resets the bone with a sickening crunch, storming forward again with murder in his eyes.

delicious.

[thehues-home]

Custom Blackout Curtains: Tailoring Light Control to Your Home’s Unique Needs

Custom blackout curtains offer a tailored solution for homeowners looking to achieve precise light control and enhance their living spaces. Unlike standard options, custom curtains provide a perfect fit and can be designed to meet specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance and style. This article explores the benefits of custom blackout curtains and provides guidance on how to tailor them to your home’s unique needs.

Why Choose Custom Blackout Curtains?

Custom blackout curtains offer several advantages over off-the-shelf options:

Perfect Fit: One of the primary benefits of custom blackout curtains is their precise fit. Custom curtains are designed to match your window dimensions exactly, eliminating gaps where light can seep through. This ensures that you achieve maximum light-blocking performance and a seamless look.

Personalized Design: Custom curtains allow you to choose from a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns to match your home’s décor. This flexibility ensures that your curtains not only provide effective light control but also enhance the overall aesthetic of your room.

Enhanced Functionality: Custom blackout curtains can be designed with additional features to meet your specific needs. Options such as thermal linings for energy efficiency, noise-reducing layers, or motorized systems for convenience can be incorporated to enhance the functionality of your curtains.

Designing Custom Blackout Curtains for Different Rooms

Different rooms in your home may have varying requirements for light control and aesthetics. Here’s how to tailor custom blackout curtains for specific areas:

Bedrooms: In bedrooms, complete darkness is often desired for better sleep. Custom blackout curtains can be designed to cover the entire window area and extend beyond the edges to prevent light leakage. Opt for heavy fabrics and dark colors to ensure maximum light blocking.

Home Theaters: For home theaters, achieving a pitch-black environment is crucial for an immersive viewing experience. Custom curtains can be made from thick, dense materials that block out all external light and reduce glare on the screen. Consider adding a noise-reducing layer for enhanced audio quality.

Living Rooms: In living rooms, custom blackout curtains can provide light control while also complementing your décor. Choose fabrics and colors that coordinate with your existing furnishings while ensuring that the curtains offer adequate light-blocking capabilities. Lightweight options with a stylish design can maintain a bright and inviting atmosphere.

Selecting the Right Fabrics and Features

When designing custom blackout curtains, consider the following factors to ensure they meet your needs:

Fabric Choices: Opt for fabrics that offer effective light blocking while aligning with your design preferences. Heavyweight materials such as velvet or triple-weave polyester are excellent for maximum light control. For a more decorative touch, consider fabrics with added texture or patterns.

Additional Features: Custom curtains can include various features to enhance their functionality. Thermal linings can improve energy efficiency by insulating your windows, while noise-reducing layers can create a quieter environment. Motorized systems offer convenience for easy operation, especially for large or hard-to-reach windows.

Measuring and Installing Custom Blackout Curtains

To achieve the best results with custom blackout curtains, accurate measuring and proper installation are essential:

Measuring: Measure your windows carefully to ensure that the curtains are designed to fit perfectly. Include measurements for the width, height, and any additional space needed to cover gaps around the edges. For floor-to-ceiling curtains, measure from the top of the window frame to the floor.

Installation: Install the curtain hardware securely to support the weight of the custom curtains. Ensure that the curtain rod or track extends beyond the window frame to allow the curtains to hang freely and effectively block light. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation to achieve the desired results.

Conclusion

Custom blackout curtains offer a tailored solution for achieving precise light control and enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of your home. By selecting the right fabrics, features, and design elements, you can create a customized solution that meets your specific needs and preferences. Investing in custom blackout curtains ensures that you enjoy maximum light-blocking performance while complementing your home’s décor and enhancing your living environment.