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antoniosvivaldi · 1 year ago

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Neural Filters Tutorial for Gifmakers by @antoniosvivaldi

Hi everyone! In light of my blog’s 10th birthday, I’m delighted to reveal my highly anticipated gifmaking tutorial using Neural Filters - a very powerful collection of filters that really broadened my scope in gifmaking over the past 12 months.

Before I get into this tutorial, I want to thank @laurabenanti, @maines , @cobbbvanth, and @cal-kestis for their unconditional support over the course of my journey of investigating the Neural Filters & their valuable inputs on the rendering performance!

In this tutorial, I will outline what the Photoshop Neural Filters do and how I use them in my workflow - multiple examples will be provided for better clarity. Finally, I will talk about some known performance issues with the filters & some feasible workarounds.

Tutorial Structure:

Meet the Neural Filters: What they are and what they do

Why I use Neural Filters? How I use Neural Filters in my giffing workflow

Getting started: The giffing workflow in a nutshell and installing the Neural Filters

Applying Neural Filters onto your gif: Making use of the Neural Filters settings; with multiple examples

Testing your system: recommended if you’re using Neural Filters for the first time

Rendering performance: Common Neural Filters performance issues & workarounds

For quick reference, here are the examples that I will show in this tutorial:

Example 1: Image Enhancement | improving the image quality of gifs prepared from highly compressed video files

Example 2: Facial Enhancement | enhancing an individual's facial features

Example 3: Colour Manipulation | colourising B&W gifs for a colourful gifset

Example 4: Artistic effects | transforming landscapes & adding artistic effects onto your gifs

Example 5: Putting it all together | my usual giffing workflow using Neural Filters

What you need & need to know:

Software: Photoshop 2021 or later (recommended: 2023 or later)*

Hardware: 8GB of RAM; having a supported GPU is highly recommended*

Difficulty: Advanced (requires a lot of patience); knowledge in gifmaking and using video timeline assumed

Key concepts: Smart Layer / Smart Filters

Benchmarking your system: Neural Filters test files**

Supplementary materials: Tutorial Resources / Detailed findings on rendering gifs with Neural Filters + known issues***

*I primarily gif on an M2 Max MacBook Pro that's running Photoshop 2024, but I also have experiences gifmaking on few other Mac models from 2012 ~ 2023.

**Using Neural Filters can be resource intensive, so it’s helpful to run the test files yourself. I’ll outline some known performance issues with Neural Filters and workarounds later in the tutorial.

***This supplementary page contains additional Neural Filters benchmark tests and instructions, as well as more information on the rendering performance (for Apple Silicon-based devices) when subject to heavy Neural Filters gifmaking workflows

Tutorial under the cut. Like / Reblog this post if you find this tutorial helpful. Linking this post as an inspo link will also be greatly appreciated!

1. Meet the Neural Filters!

Neural Filters are powered by Adobe's machine learning engine known as Adobe Sensei. It is a non-destructive method to help streamline workflows that would've been difficult and/or tedious to do manually.

Here are the Neural Filters available in Photoshop 2024:

Skin Smoothing: Removes blemishes on the skin

Smart Portrait: This a cloud-based filter that allows you to change the mood, facial age, hair, etc using the sliders+

Makeup Transfer: Applies the makeup (from a reference image) to the eyes & mouth area of your image

Landscape Mixer: Transforms the landscape of your image (e.g. seasons & time of the day, etc), based on the landscape features of a reference image

Style Transfer: Applies artistic styles e.g. texturings (from a reference image) onto your image

Harmonisation: Applies the colour balance of your image based on the lighting of the background image+

Colour Transfer: Applies the colour scheme (of a reference image) onto your image

Colourise: Adds colours onto a B&W image

Super Zoom: Zoom / crop an image without losing resolution+

Depth Blur: Blurs the background of the image

JPEG Artefacts Removal: Removes artefacts caused by JPEG compression

Photo Restoration: Enhances image quality & facial details

+These three filters aren't used in my giffing workflow. The cloud-based nature of Smart Portrait leads to disjointed looking frames. For Harmonisation, applying this on a gif causes Neural Filter timeout error. Finally, Super Zoom does not currently support output as a Smart Filter

If you're running Photoshop 2021 or earlier version of Photoshop 2022, you will see a smaller selection of Neural Filters:

Things to be aware of:

You can apply up to six Neural Filters at the same time

Filters where you can use your own reference images: Makeup Transfer (portraits only), Landscape Mixer, Style Transfer (not available in Photoshop 2021), and Colour Transfer

Later iterations of Photoshop 2023 & newer: The first three default presets for Landscape Mixer and Colour Transfer are currently broken.

2. Why I use Neural Filters?

Here are my four main Neural Filters use cases in my gifmaking process. In each use case I'll list out the filters that I use:

Enhancing Image Quality:

Common wisdom is to find the highest quality video to gif from for a media release & avoid YouTube whenever possible. However for smaller / niche media (e.g. new & upcoming musical artists), prepping gifs from highly compressed YouTube videos is inevitable.

So how do I get around with this? I have found Neural Filters pretty handy when it comes to both correcting issues from video compression & enhancing details in gifs prepared from these highly compressed video files.

Filters used: JPEG Artefacts Removal / Photo Restoration

Facial Enhancement:

When I prepare gifs from highly compressed videos, something I like to do is to enhance the facial features. This is again useful when I make gifsets from compressed videos & want to fill up my final panel with a close-up shot.

Filters used: Skin Smoothing / Makeup Transfer / Photo Restoration (Facial Enhancement slider)

Colour Manipulation:

Neural Filters is a powerful way to do advanced colour manipulation - whether I want to quickly transform the colour scheme of a gif or transform a B&W clip into something colourful.

Filters used: Colourise / Colour Transfer

Artistic Effects:

This is one of my favourite things to do with Neural Filters! I enjoy using the filters to create artistic effects by feeding textures that I've downloaded as reference images. I also enjoy using these filters to transform the overall the atmosphere of my composite gifs. The gifsets where I've leveraged Neural Filters for artistic effects could be found under this tag on usergif.

Filters used: Landscape Mixer / Style Transfer / Depth Blur

How I use Neural Filters over different stages of my gifmaking workflow:

I want to outline how I use different Neural Filters throughout my gifmaking process. This can be roughly divided into two stages:

Stage I: Enhancement and/or Colourising | Takes place early in my gifmaking process. I process a large amount of component gifs by applying Neural Filters for enhancement purposes and adding some base colourings.++

Stage II: Artistic Effects & more Colour Manipulation | Takes place when I'm assembling my component gifs in the big PSD / PSB composition file that will be my final gif panel.

I will walk through this in more detail later in the tutorial.

++I personally like to keep the size of the component gifs in their original resolution (a mixture of 1080p & 4K), to get best possible results from the Neural Filters and have more flexibility later on in my workflow. I resize & sharpen these gifs after they're placed into my final PSD composition files in Tumblr dimensions.

3. Getting started

The essence is to output Neural Filters as a Smart Filter on the smart object when working with the Video Timeline interface. Your workflow will contain the following steps:

Prepare your gif

In the frame animation interface, set the frame delay to 0.03s and convert your gif to the Video Timeline

In the Video Timeline interface, go to Filter > Neural Filters and output to a Smart Filter

Flatten or render your gif (either approach is fine). To flatten your gif, play the "flatten" action from the gif prep action pack. To render your gif as a .mov file, go to File > Export > Render Video & use the following settings.

Setting up:

o.) To get started, prepare your gifs the usual way - whether you screencap or clip videos. You should see your prepared gif in the frame animation interface as follows:

Note: As mentioned earlier, I keep the gifs in their original resolution right now because working with a larger dimension document allows more flexibility later on in my workflow. I have also found that I get higher quality results working with more pixels. I eventually do my final sharpening & resizing when I fit all of my component gifs to a main PSD composition file (that's of Tumblr dimension).

i.) To use Smart Filters, convert your gif to a Smart Video Layer.

As an aside, I like to work with everything in 0.03s until I finish everything (then correct the frame delay to 0.05s when I upload my panels onto Tumblr).

For convenience, I use my own action pack to first set the frame delay to 0.03s (highlighted in yellow) and then convert to timeline (highlighted in red) to access the Video Timeline interface. To play an action, press the play button highlighted in green.

Once you've converted this gif to a Smart Video Layer, you'll see the Video Timeline interface as follows:

ii.) Select your gif (now as a Smart Layer) and go to Filter > Neural Filters

Installing Neural Filters:

Install the individual Neural Filters that you want to use. If the filter isn't installed, it will show a cloud symbol (highlighted in yellow). If the filter is already installed, it will show a toggle button (highlighted in green)

When you toggle this button, the Neural Filters preview window will look like this (where the toggle button next to the filter that you use turns blue)

4. Using Neural Filters

Once you have installed the Neural Filters that you want to use in your gif, you can toggle on a filter and play around with the sliders until you're satisfied. Here I'll walkthrough multiple concrete examples of how I use Neural Filters in my giffing process.

Example 1: Image enhancement | sample gifset

This is my typical Stage I Neural Filters gifmaking workflow. When giffing older or more niche media releases, my main concern is the video compression that leads to a lot of artefacts in the screencapped / video clipped gifs.

To fix the artefacts from compression, I go to Filter > Neural Filters, and toggle JPEG Artefacts Removal filter. Then I choose the strength of the filter (boxed in green), output this as a Smart Filter (boxed in yellow), and press OK (boxed in red).

Note: The filter has to be fully processed before you could press the OK button!

After applying the Neural Filters, you'll see "Neural Filters" under the Smart Filters property of the smart layer

Flatten / render your gif

Example 2: Facial enhancement | sample gifset

This is my routine use case during my Stage I Neural Filters gifmaking workflow. For musical artists (e.g. Maisie Peters), YouTube is often the only place where I'm able to find some videos to prepare gifs from. However even the highest resolution video available on YouTube is highly compressed.

Go to Filter > Neural Filters and toggle on Photo Restoration. If Photoshop recognises faces in the image, there will be a "Facial Enhancement" slider under the filter settings.

Play around with the Photo Enhancement & Facial Enhancement sliders. You can also expand the "Adjustment" menu make additional adjustments e.g. remove noises and reducing different types of artefacts.

Once you're happy with the results, press OK and then flatten / render your gif.

Example 3: Colour Manipulation | sample gifset

Want to make a colourful gifset but the source video is in B&W? This is where Colourise from Neural Filters comes in handy! This same colourising approach is also very helpful for colouring poor-lit scenes as detailed in this tutorial.

Here's a B&W gif that we want to colourise:

Highly recommended: add some adjustment layers onto the B&W gif to improve the contrast & depth. This will give you higher quality results when you colourise your gif.

Go to Filter > Neural Filters and toggle on Colourise.

Make sure "Auto colour image" is enabled.

Play around with further adjustments e.g. colour balance, until you're satisfied then press OK.

Important: When you colourise a gif, you need to double check that the resulting skin tone is accurate to real life. I personally go to Google Images and search up photoshoots of the individual / character that I'm giffing for quick reference.

Add additional adjustment layers until you're happy with the colouring of the skin tone.

Once you're happy with the additional adjustments, flatten / render your gif. And voila!

Note: For Colour Manipulation, I use Colourise in my Stage I workflow and Colour Transfer in my Stage II workflow to do other types of colour manipulations (e.g. transforming the colour scheme of the component gifs)

Example 4: Artistic Effects | sample gifset

This is where I use Neural Filters for the bulk of my Stage II workflow: the most enjoyable stage in my editing process!

Normally I would be working with my big composition files with multiple component gifs inside it. To begin the fun, drag a component gif (in PSD file) to the main PSD composition file.

Resize this gif in the composition file until you're happy with the placement

Duplicate this gif. Sharpen the bottom layer (highlighted in yellow), and then select the top layer (highlighted in green) & go to Filter > Neural Filters

I like to use Style Transfer and Landscape Mixer to create artistic effects from Neural Filters. In this particular example, I've chosen Landscape Mixer

Select a preset or feed a custom image to the filter (here I chose a texture that I've on my computer)

Play around with the different sliders e.g. time of the day / seasons

Important: uncheck "Harmonise Subject" & "Preserve Subject" - these two settings are known to cause performance issues when you render a multiframe smart object (e.g. for a gif)

Once you're happy with the artistic effect, press OK

To ensure you preserve the actual subject you want to gif (bc Preserve Subject is unchecked), add a layer mask onto the top layer (with Neural Filters) and mask out the facial region. You might need to play around with the Layer Mask Position keyframes or Rotoscope your subject in the process.

After you're happy with the masking, flatten / render this composition file and voila!

Example 5: Putting it all together | sample gifset

Let's recap on the Neural Filters gifmaking workflow and where Stage I and Stage II fit in my gifmaking process:

i. Preparing & enhancing the component gifs

Prepare all component gifs and convert them to smart layers

Stage I: Add base colourings & apply Photo Restoration / JPEG Artefacts Removal to enhance the gif's image quality

Flatten all of these component gifs and convert them back to Smart Video Layers (this process can take a lot of time)

Some of these enhanced gifs will be Rotoscoped so this is done before adding the gifs to the big PSD composition file

ii. Setting up the big PSD composition file

Make a separate PSD composition file (Ctrl / Cmmd + N) that's of Tumblr dimension (e.g. 540px in width)

Drag all of the component gifs used into this PSD composition file

Enable Video Timeline and trim the work area

In the composition file, resize / move the component gifs until you're happy with the placement & sharpen these gifs if you haven't already done so

Duplicate the layers that you want to use Neural Filters on

iii. Working with Neural Filters in the PSD composition file

Stage II: Neural Filters to create artistic effects / more colour manipulations!

Mask the smart layers with Neural Filters to both preserve the subject and avoid colouring issues from the filters

Flatten / render the PSD composition file: the more component gifs in your composition file, the longer the exporting will take. (I prefer to render the composition file into a .mov clip to prevent overriding a file that I've spent effort putting together.)

Note: In some of my layout gifsets (where I've heavily used Neural Filters in Stage II), the rendering time for the panel took more than 20 minutes. This is one of the rare instances where I was maxing out my computer's memory.

Useful things to take note of:

Important: If you're using Neural Filters for Colour Manipulation or Artistic Effects, you need to take a lot of care ensuring that the skin tone of nonwhite characters / individuals is accurately coloured

Use the Facial Enhancement slider from Photo Restoration in moderation, if you max out the slider value you risk oversharpening your gif later on in your gifmaking workflow

You will get higher quality results from Neural Filters by working with larger image dimensions: This gives Neural Filters more pixels to work with. You also get better quality results by feeding higher resolution reference images to the Neural Filters.

Makeup Transfer is more stable when the person / character has minimal motion in your gif

You might get unexpected results from Landscape Mixer if you feed a reference image that don't feature a distinctive landscape. This is not always a bad thing: for instance, I have used this texture as a reference image for Landscape Mixer, to create the shimmery effects as seen in this gifset

5. Testing your system

If this is the first time you're applying Neural Filters directly onto a gif, it will be helpful to test out your system yourself. This will help:

Gauge the expected rendering time that you'll need to wait for your gif to export, given specific Neural Filters that you've used

Identify potential performance issues when you render the gif: this is important and will determine whether you will need to fully playback your gif before flattening / rendering the file.

Understand how your system's resources are being utilised: Inputs from Windows PC users & Mac users alike are welcome!

About the Neural Filters test files:

Contains six distinct files, each using different Neural Filters

Two sizes of test files: one copy in full HD (1080p) and another copy downsized to 540px

One folder containing the flattened / rendered test files

How to use the Neural Filters test files:

What you need:

Photoshop 2022 or newer (recommended: 2023 or later)

Install the following Neural Filters: Landscape Mixer / Style Transfer / Colour Transfer / Colourise / Photo Restoration / Depth Blur

Recommended for some Apple Silicon-based MacBook Pro models: Enable High Power Mode

How to use the test files:

For optimal performance, close all background apps

Open a test file

Flatten the test file into frames (load this action pack & play the “flatten” action)

Take note of the time it takes until you’re directed to the frame animation interface

Compare the rendered frames to the expected results in this folder: check that all of the frames look the same. If they don't, you will need to fully playback the test file in full before flattening the file.†

Re-run the test file without the Neural Filters and take note of how long it takes before you're directed to the frame animation interface

Recommended: Take note of how your system is utilised during the rendering process (more info here for MacOS users)

†This is a performance issue known as flickering that I will discuss in the next section. If you come across this, you'll have to playback a gif where you've used Neural Filters (on the video timeline) in full, prior to flattening / rendering it.

Factors that could affect the rendering performance / time (more info):

The number of frames, dimension, and colour bit depth of your gif

If you use Neural Filters with facial recognition features, the rendering time will be affected by the number of characters / individuals in your gif

Most resource intensive filters (powered by largest machine learning models): Landscape Mixer / Photo Restoration (with Facial Enhancement) / and JPEG Artefacts Removal

Least resource intensive filters (smallest machine learning models): Colour Transfer / Colourise

The number of Neural Filters that you apply at once / The number of component gifs with Neural Filters in your PSD file

Your system: system memory, the GPU, and the architecture of the system's CPU+++

+++ Rendering a gif with Neural Filters demands a lot of system memory & GPU horsepower. Rendering will be faster & more reliable on newer computers, as these systems have CPU & GPU with more modern instruction sets that are geared towards machine learning-based tasks.

Additionally, the unified memory architecture of Apple Silicon M-series chips are found to be quite efficient at processing Neural Filters.

6. Performance issues & workarounds

Common Performance issues:

I will discuss several common issues related to rendering or exporting a multi-frame smart object (e.g. your composite gif) that uses Neural Filters below. This is commonly caused by insufficient system memory and/or the GPU.

Flickering frames: in the flattened / rendered file, Neural Filters aren't applied to some of the frames+-+

Scrambled frames: the frames in the flattened / rendered file isn't in order

Neural Filters exceeded the timeout limit error: this is normally a software related issue

Long export / rendering time: long rendering time is expected in heavy workflows

Laggy Photoshop / system interface: having to wait quite a long time to preview the next frame on the timeline

Issues with Landscape Mixer: Using the filter gives ill-defined defined results (Common in older systems)--

Workarounds:

Workarounds that could reduce unreliable rendering performance & long rendering time:

Close other apps running in the background

Work with smaller colour bit depth (i.e. 8-bit rather than 16-bit)

Downsize your gif before converting to the video timeline-+-

Try to keep the number of frames as low as possible

Avoid stacking multiple Neural Filters at once. Try applying & rendering the filters that you want one by one

Specific workarounds for specific issues:

How to resolve flickering frames: If you come across flickering, you will need to playback your gif on the video timeline in full to find the frames where the filter isn't applied. You will need to select all of the frames to allow Photoshop to reprocess these, before you render your gif.+-+

What to do if you come across Neural Filters timeout error? This is caused by several incompatible Neural Filters e.g. Harmonisation (both the filter itself and as a setting in Landscape Mixer), Scratch Reduction in Photo Restoration, and trying to stack multiple Neural Filters with facial recognition features.

If the timeout error is caused by stacking multiple filters, a feasible workaround is to apply the Neural Filters that you want to use one by one over multiple rendering sessions, rather all of them in one go.

+-+This is a very common issue for Apple Silicon-based Macs. Flickering happens when a gif with Neural Filters is rendered without being previously played back in the timeline.

This issue is likely related to the memory bandwidth & the GPU cores of the chips, because not all Apple Silicon-based Macs exhibit this behaviour (i.e. devices equipped with Max / Ultra M-series chips are mostly unaffected).

-- As mentioned in the supplementary page, Landscape Mixer requires a lot of GPU horsepower to be fully rendered. For older systems (pre-2017 builds), there are no workarounds other than to avoid using this filter.

-+- For smaller dimensions, the size of the machine learning models powering the filters play an outsized role in the rendering time (i.e. marginal reduction in rendering time when downsizing 1080p file to Tumblr dimensions). If you use filters powered by larger models e.g. Landscape Mixer and Photo Restoration, you will need to be very patient when exporting your gif.

7. More useful resources on using Neural Filters

Creating animations with Neural Filters effects | Max Novak

Using Neural Filters to colour correct by @edteachs

I hope this is helpful! If you have any questions or need any help related to the tutorial, feel free to send me an ask 💖

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darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 7 months ago

Text

Home Away From Home 3

Warnings: non/dubcon, jealousy, mentions of loss, and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Loki, Peter Parker (tall!reader)

Summary: You’ve been friends with the Odinsons since childhood. After years of separation, you reunite on Midgard after the destruction of Asgard, but find yourself caught between your old and new lives.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

Peter’s abode is intriguing. You find all Midgardians have such character in their homes. Stark's is elaborate and expensive, as all things he does, and the spider-hero's being is reflected in his simple but overcrowded decor.

He has shelves of books and little figures. You investigate them as he rustles in the kitchen. You laugh at the miniature of Thor, his proportions comical as his head is far too big for his body. It’s even more amusing to think Peter would have it all while knowing the god himself.

“Have you read any comics?” Peter asks.

“Comics?” You put the tiny Thor back. You wish you could show him.

You face Peter as he sets down a large bowl of popped kernels. He stands straight and grins, “graphic novels.” He steps around the coffee table and nears you. He takes a slender book from the shelf and opens it to show you the colourful illustrations within.

“No,” you lean in to admire the pictures. “I did read a book about a strange immortal stalking this poor girl. It was about night time, I think...”

“You read Twilight?” He chuckles.

“That is the one. I didn’t enjoy that,” you say. “It isn’t proper the way the Ed—Edmund? Behaved.”

He laughs again and slides the book away. “I only saw the movies.”

“There are moving pictures?” You tilt your head.

“Uh, yeah, maybe we can look them up after we watch some wrestling.”

“Yes, watch wrestling,” you echo his sentiment with a lilt. “I’m intrigued. Show me.”

You follow him to the couch. You sit and bounce a little on the spring furniture. You press your hand to the cushion and test the structure. It should do. He sits beside you, fidgeting as the hits buttons on the small remote.

Your eyes flick up to the screen as he shuffles through the menu. Stark loaded up a device for you with all sorts of moving pictures. You find the TV too frustrating.

He sets the remote down as the audio blusters and the images begin to move. A deep voice narrates the sights on screen. A man in bright yellow attire postures and poses as he comes down a slanted aisle. You stare inquisitively at the square platform surrounded by ropes.

“That’s Macho Man Randy Savage,” Peter explains.

“Macho Man,” you nod.

“He’s going to fight Hulk Hogan,” Peter says.

“Hulk?” You look at him.

“Not Bruce,” he assures.

“Ah,” you accept and focus on the screen.

There’s music and a crowd cheering, roaring for the two figures as they put on a show just to get into the square pen. You tilt your head as you watch, leaning forward.

“That’s the ring,” Peter says. “That’s where they fight.”

“Hm, interesting.”

A man in stripes comes to hold up a belt with gold on it. It’s not the sort of thing you would wear.

“That’s the championship. The winner gets to keep it.”

“It is not a very nice accessory,” you tut. “In Asgard, we fight for fun or gold. Who would want that?”

“Well... it’s about what it means. The World Championship. So... they’re the best in the world.”

You hum and watch on. The men tangle in each other. You stifle a laugh as they begin. The way they hit each other, the way they seem to dance, and do everything so deliberately is silly.

“It is fake,” you say. “They don’t mean to hurt each other.”

Peter sighs, “didn’t I say so?”

You look at him and grin, “you Midgardians do stay too quiet. You never say what you mean.”

“Oh?” His brows furrow.

“Yes. You play at fighting and you play at your true intent,” you insist. “You bring me here and say let us watch the wrestling show but I know what you want.”

He gulps as his eyes widen, “you do?”

You scoff and reach to ruffle his hair. You stand and unclasp the buckles on your shoulders. Your satin tunic falls forward and unveils your naked chest, the fabric caught up in the belt at your waist. Peter gasps.

“How do you prefer, dor-dígull?” You reach under the satin and unknot your belt.

He stares up at you. “I didn’t--”

“On Asgard, it isn’t a big matter,” you shrug as you free the belt and shimmy out of your top. You step out of it, your chest swinging and drawing his attention. “I have been rather looking forward to it.”

“You mean...”

“Oh,” you stand up, your hands on your leggings, “have I made a mistake?”

He blinks and his cheeks tinge red, “no, I mean, I want to but I didn’t expect...um, well... usually guys make the first move.”

“Hm, then you make your move, dor-dígull,” you swipe down your leggings and untangle your feet from the bottom. “I will take your lead.”

He takes a deep breath and his eyes flit up and down your body. You feel tingly and a bit eager. Is it normal for Midgardian men to be so skittish about it all.

He gets up and strips off his shirt. His chest is thickly muscled, his stomach too. He might be short but he is well-built. He undoes his denim pants and pushes them down, nearly tripping as he fights to get them off.

You look around and eye the space, “on the sofa?” You wonder.

“Ummmm,” he drones as he continues to strip. “I guess...”

“Mm,” you hum and examine the cushions.

“Unless, er, there’s the bed--”

“You Midgardians are too slow,” you grab him and turn him, pushing him down to sit on the couch. He tries to cover his bobbing cock as he falls onto it. You tut and swat his hand away. “Let me show you how to do it right.” You snake your hand down between your legs and feel between your folds, “I’m ready.”

“Uh, okay,” he flattens his hands on the cushions as he gapes up at you. You grasp his shoulders and bring yourself to straddle his lap.

You grip his member and stroke it as you hover just above it. Your press his tip along your wet folds and tease him. Your hold on him is firm. He throbs and groans at your touch.

“Mm,” you pause at his erratic shaking. “This is not the first time?”

“N-no,” he stutters, his cheeks lighting up even more.

You laugh, “then it will be the best.”

You push his tip against you and slowly descend onto it. As you sheath him in your aching warmth, he sighs and pushes his head back. He trembles as you take him to his limit. You take his hands and guide them to your hips and begin to rock.

“This is the better sort of wrestling,” you jape and move his hands up to your chest.

#peter parker #loki #dark peter parker #dark!peter parker #dark loki #dark!loki #loki x reader #peter parker x reader #series #drabble #home away from home #avengers #mcu #marvel #spider-man #thor

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thr0wnawayy · 10 months ago

Text

So I was looking at the 'Get It Done Chargebolt' Fight and realized how bullshit it is.

Your telling me the MLA. A militia ideological group with numerous connections, a major one being Denerat (A Tech Company!) cannot give one of it's higher ranking members anything more than a taser!

(god, this is so forced.)

His quirk (Ampivolt) seems to work by taking electricity from any source and releasing it back out from his body, much stronger than it once was. (No, I did not read the wiki when writing this)

His body acts like a power amplifier, taking the watts absorbed and imparting some of it's own energy into it before sending it back out.

In a fair scenario (not manipulated by Hori and his bullshit), our elektromaniac here should have won out.

So, in a bid to do the MLA one better, I present to you my own contraption:

(Not my best. I made it on my cell while on the move, also yes that's the Denerat logo)

I've effectively strapped a car battery to this guy's back.

It's outer chasis made of a lightweight non conductive mesh, as to not drag him down. The battery stays locked inside, needing to be opened to charge beforehand.

The gloves are attached to gold wires to ensure maximum output and lifespan (as gold doesn't tarnish) and are wrapped in a sturdy carbon mesh. The gloves themselves act as tasers for both long ranged and short ranged attacks, having holes in the front and back to allow for combos and continous fire.

You may point to the Tesla coils that sit on either the sides of the battery's chasis and wonder what their purpose is?

Simple, destruction. They also ensure that the battery doesn't overload.

When the battery has reached it's max capacity, it will send some of that energy to the coils and these in turn transfer it to the single spike located at the end of each coil.

The spike on the end acts as a reverse lightning rod. sending the excess electricity outwards in a devastating attack that destroys anything in it's path.

Both coils are positioned outwards as to not harm the user as well as to ensure the electricity does not arch between the coils.

The battery then uses advanced tech in it's chasis to reabsorb some of the linering electricity floating in the air and recycles it back into the battery.

I don't show it here but the backside (facing the users back) of the chassis is a very plush material, as to not leave the user in discomfort. It is also where the straps are hidden.

--------------------------------------------------

Test Drive (Or Denki's cooked, literally)

Ok we have the equipment, we have the MLA soldier. Now what?.

Well we speculate of course!

We know from OFA and the USJ Nomu that absorption and accumulation quirks usually have some upper limit.

We've also seen Denki fall victim to his own quirk numerous times (and quite severely at that), so it's not much of a stretch to say he could be burned by his own quirk.

Let's say Denki gets hit with Count Shock-ula while he's wearing the battery.

Above is the amount of electricity he normally expells when using his taser. Even now it could probably cause severe nerve damage or even death.

To save on length, we already know this man is a trained soldier, likely has been his whole life.

Given this, his fighting prowess and strategic mind should lend to him getting the upper hand in his fight with Denki, one of 1A's lowest ranking students in both academic and physical.

He hits Denki with a clean shot, maintaining a constant transfer of energy.

Even even as his muscles spasm and clench, Denki thinks he has the upper hand as does Jirou.

But now the battery is there providing a constant supply of electricity and Denki can only keep up so much, as Shock-ula's quirk does it's magic and increases the output.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Exposition Time:

Presuming that Denki's stockpile is located at his center of gravity, we can say that the focal point of the overload will start here.

The inside of human bodies typically sit at an average of 98.0 Fahrenheit or 36.64 Celsius, about the same as a 50w light bulb.

The maximum amount of heat a human can take before they begins to burn is around 140°F (60°C).

The human body temp can flare up to as high as 106°F (41°C) when in extremely stressful situations (though this is more in the regards of certain anxiety disorders)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As Denki's stockpile begins reaching it's limits, he begins to stress slightly. He can begin to feel the effects of his body temperature climbing and his growing panick isn't helping.

Jirou may try and interfere, but is either hit when the tesla coils expell the excess energy being absorbed or she is unable to approach all together as electrical currents surround the two electricity weilders.

Either way this only contributes to Denki's stress. He begins feeling the heat build in his abdomen, just above his bellybutton. Soon his insides feels like the inside of a hotspring.

Any attempts to sweat are foiled by his own electricity's heat evaporating it as soon as it forms on his skin. His body has no real way to cool down.

The MLA member may feel guilt in killing a child, but chooses to look at the bigger picture and what's at stake if he fails. He tries not to dwell too hard.

A long, aching moment passes by.

Denki is actually burning now, his intellect increases with each passing second and with it comes the ability to truly comprehend the situation he is in.

Trapped.

Denki's blood feels like it's boiling as he struggles to shut his eyes, fearing they may melt out of their sockets. His head is pounding and his stomach is rolling with intense nausea, a sign of severe heatstroke.

Yet the heat continues.

Blood vessels burst in his nose, lungs and eyes as the heart goes overtime, the kidneys have long stopped functioning and by this point Denki can't even think coherently.

A few moments later.

His organs and muscle fibers are now becoming covered with burn scars, he can smell himself burning and is finally then that Denki passes out. Perhaps for the last time.

××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××

So, pretty grim huh.

Had MHA been darker (and more thematically consistent) this could have been a possible scenario.

It really makes you wonder what the fuck the heroes were thinking sending teenagers to fight in an active war zone.

Really makes me question the competency of both UA and 1A's respective parents because lord almighty...

Sending them to raid the base of the biggest crime organization in the country is already bad, as mentioned in my Jaku Disaster Post, not knowing what your doing is even worse.

This isn't the first time we've seen this either, remember the Shie Hisakai?

Yeah they pulled that shit too, despite knowing the entire base was a death trap but I'll leave that dissection for later posting.

It's not just Midnight who could have died, we could have been looking at roughly 10-13 members of 1A being dead (Not counting Bakugo) and that's just off the top of my head.

You know if Hori wanted to add shock value, rather than pulling shit out of thin air he could've just tossed some excess weight by utilizing his threats properly.

Really his over reliance on surface level "shock"* value in the later seasons, doesn't exactly put me in high hopes that his horror Manga will do well.

(*Retconning Rei's family, AFO's constant returns, Stars and Stripes, The Mech suit, Vestiges, etc etc)

If Hori wants to write horror, he needs to reapproach how he writes. Simple as that.

===============================

Note: To the person that sent me the AFO ask. My apologies for not answering, I accidentally wiped it by mistake when trying to post, please feel free to resend the question to my inbox and I will glady give you an answer.

That was a wild one, so have a quick-sketch gag based off an MLA AU that's been floating around my notes for your troubles.

#mha critical #bnha critical #hero society critical #anti bakugo katsuki #anti aizawa #anti horikoshi #anti shota aizawa #horikoshi critical #mha ewe #mha rewrite #sort of #ua critical #it's there

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dinosaursonthetwinplanet · 24 days ago

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Modern technology and dinosaur fossils

There isn't any credible scientific evidence that supports the mainstream mineralization theory but on the contrary modern technology proves that it can't happen the way the theory suggests. Modern technology, especially microscopy, has dramatically deepened our understanding of dinosaur fossils, revealing details that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. Here’s a concise overview of what microscopy and related tools have uncovered: 1. Discovery of Soft Tissues Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scientists have found: • Blood vessel-like structures • Red blood cell-shaped objects • Bone cells (osteocytes) with preserved structures These were first reported in a T. rex femur by Dr. Mary Schweitzer in the early 2000s, challenging the idea that soft tissue couldn’t survive millions of years.

2. Protein and Molecular Structures Microscopy, combined with mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry, has revealed: • Preserved collagen fibers, confirming a link between dinosaurs and birds. • Reactions with antibodies that only bind to certain proteins, suggesting that original molecules survived in some fossils.

3. Pigmentation and Feather Color With electron microscopes, researchers have identified melanosomes (pigment-containing structures) in fossilized feathers. These led to: • Reconstructions of actual feather colors in dinosaurs like Anchiornis and Microraptor (e.g., iridescent black, reddish tones).

4. Growth and Disease Evidence Bone cross-sections viewed under light and electron microscopes show: • Growth rings, like tree rings, indicating growth rates. • Signs of bone cancer, arthritis, and injuries helping us understand dinosaur health. 5. Cellular and Nanostructural Detail Advanced imaging reveals: • Nano-scale preservation of original tissue structure. • Differences between fossil material and possible contamination (ruling out modern biofilm or bacteria in some studies). In Summary: Microscopy and modern tech have turned dinosaur bones into biological time capsules, revealing: • Cellular structure • Protein preservation • Pigment patterns • Disease evidence This new level of insight has reshaped our view of dinosaurs not just as skeletons, but as once-living, dynamic creatures with feathers, color, disease, and growth cycles. Here’s a list of modern technologies that have been used to analyze and reveal new facts about dinosaur fossils especially those related to soft tissue, cellular structures, and ancient biology:

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) • Produces high-resolution images of fossil surfaces. • Used to identify blood vessel-like structures, osteocytes, and melanosomes (pigment organelles).

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) • Offers ultra-high magnification to see internal structures of cells and fibers. • Helped confirm collagen fibers and sub-cellular features in fossils.

Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) • Detects and sequences ancient proteins like collagen. • Confirmed molecular similarities between dinosaurs and birds.

Immunohistochemistry • Uses antibodies to test for specific proteins. • Proved some structures in fossils react like real biological tissue, not just mineralized look-alikes.

Synchrotron X-ray Imaging • High-energy, non-destructive imaging of fossil interiors. • Maps the chemical composition of fossils, including traces of blood, soft tissues, or pigments.

Raman Spectroscopy • Identifies molecular bonds and organic compounds. • Confirms presence of preserved proteins and pigments.

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) • Detects organic molecules in fossils. • Supports claims of soft tissue preservation by matching spectral signatures of known proteins.

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy • Produces 3D images of soft tissue structures inside fossils. • Used to observe elasticity and fine internal details of preserved vessels.

9. Micro-CT (Computed Tomography) Scanning • Creates detailed 3D models of fossil interiors. • Reveals hidden bone structures, growth rings, and sometimes trapped soft tissue.

Stable Isotope Analysis • Measures carbon, oxygen, and other isotopes. • Reveals insights about dinosaur diets, environments, and metabolism. These technologies are revolutionizing paleontology by uncovering molecular and cellular data that were never thought possible in such ancient remains. Here’s a summary with examples of specific dinosaur species where modern technology has revealed extraordinary fossil details:

Tyrannosaurus rex • Discovery: Soft tissue structures including blood vessels, osteocytes, and collagen fragments. • Technology used: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), Immunohistochemistry. • Significance: First confirmed protein sequences from a dinosaur; supports a close evolutionary link to birds.

2. Anchiornis huxleyi • Discovery: Microscopic pigment structures called melanosomes in fossilized feathers. • Technology used: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Synchrotron X-ray imaging. • Significance: Revealed feather colors — likely black, gray, and reddish hues — making it one of the first dinosaurs reconstructed with accurate coloration.

Brachylophosaurus canadensis (a hadrosaur) • Discovery: Preserved blood vessels, cells, and possible nuclei in bone tissue. • Technology used: Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), FTIR spectroscopy, SEM. • Significance: Demonstrated that even delicate cellular structures can persist under rare conditions.

Microraptor gui • Discovery: Feather structure and iridescent coloration patterns. • Technology used: Electron Microscopy, Melanosome analysis. • Significance: Showed it had shiny, bird-like plumage linking flight-related traits with non-avian dinosaurs. These breakthroughs have turned dinosaur bones into molecular time capsules, and they continue to reshape how we imagine these ancient creatures.

#dinosaurs #paleontology #dinosaur extinction #science #geology #cosmology #cosmos #mary schweitzer #mary schweizer #space

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serendipitysparks · 3 months ago

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Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): One of the key psychological elements of Boogiepop Phantom involves characters experiencing fragmented identities. This is akin to Dissociative Identity Disorder, where an individual manifests distinct identities or personalities, often as a coping mechanism for severe trauma. The titular Boogiepop figure itself can be seen as an expression of these disassociated identities or repressed memories of trauma, which is common in DID. The shifting perspectives of characters and the ambiguous nature of Boogiepop’s true identity also reflect dissociative states of consciousness.

Existential Psychology: The series grapples with the concept of existential dread, a key feature of existential psychology. Characters confront the meaninglessness of life and the inevitability of death, themes central to figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Viktor Frankl. The notion of a ‘phantom’ wandering through a world of uncertainties mirrors the human condition's fear of insignificance and the search for meaning.

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress: The characters, especially the survivors of the mysterious and violent events, exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These individuals experience heightened anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks, which are often interwoven with distorted perceptions of reality, illustrating how trauma can disrupt an individual's sense of self and their understanding of the world.

The Unconscious and Archetypes: Drawing on Carl Jung's concept of the unconscious mind, Boogiepop Phantom illustrates how unresolved psychological conflicts manifest as archetypes. Boogiepop, as a figure, could be interpreted as a Jungian shadow, representing the darker, repressed parts of the psyche. These archetypes come into conflict within the characters, pushing them toward self-discovery or destruction.

Psychosis and Perception of Reality: Many characters experience psychotic episodes, where their perception of reality becomes distorted. This mirrors psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, where a breakdown in reality testing leads to hallucinations and delusions. The fragmented storytelling and unreliable narration further emphasize the chaotic mental states of the characters.

Self-Objectification and the Loss of Agency: The philosophical underpinnings of Boogiepop Phantom suggest an underlying critique of society's treatment of individuals, especially youth, as objects. This aligns with theories from psychologists like Erich Fromm, who posited that alienation from one's own self leads to a sense of powerlessness and a loss of agency.

Advanced Psychological Terminology and Analysis:

Ontological Anxieties: The characters are not only struggling with personal or interpersonal dilemmas, but also engage with profound ontological anxieties. These are concerns about their very existence, the nature of their being, and their role in a seemingly indifferent or even hostile universe. These anxieties can result in alienation, which is central to existential psychology.

Cognitive Dissonance: The disjointed narrative structure, with different perspectives and unreliable accounts of events, mirrors the psychological concept of cognitive dissonance. Characters experience internal conflicts between their perceptions of reality and the actions they take, creating a psychological tension that can lead to self-destructive behavior or dissociation.

Unreliable Narratives as a Mechanism of Defense: The use of fragmented and non-linear storytelling reflects the unconscious defense mechanisms at play. Characters' minds may employ repression, denial, and projection to make sense of traumatic events or experiences that cannot be fully integrated into their understanding of the world. This creates a narrative that is as much about the psyche's defense mechanisms as it is about the plot itself.

#boogiepop phantom #anime #based #psychology

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mysticstarlightduck · 11 months ago

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Villain Crimes Tag!

I had this idea for a tag game a while ago and I think its time I finally put it to practice!!! Plus I think its really cool and you guys will probably enjoy it!

Rules: What crimes would your villains be convicted of if they faced trial in the real world? In short, list what crimes your villains have commited, in modern terms.

TW. Mention of some pretty gnarly crimes - but NOT in detail - because these are Villains after all.

Supernova Initiative

The Director/Dr. Darius Merrik

Multiple counts of First & Second Degree Murder + Manslaughter (The Director, behind the scenes, is a very brutal and vicious man - the antithesis of whom he pretends to be to the population. Darius has ordered the execution of/personally killed multiple people who were accused of stirring up "illegal insurrection and rebel efforts" against the Junction, as well as has killed any and all who discover his secret experiments without his explicit permission. His methods of experimentation are also so brutal and extreme that his subjects/victims often, really often, die as a result of it, whether that was the intent or not. Darius doesn't care at all, being at most disappointed at needing to find another test subject and starting from scratch.)

Human Experimentation/Torture/Illegal Laboratories (As mentioned before; Darius is a mad scientist who conducts highly illegal experiments on people, especially those who stand against him. He believes what he is doing will supposedly "bring even more progress" too the galaxies and change the tides of the civil war, and doesn't care how many innocent people he brutalizes in the process. Countless people have already gone through his secret labs - without the population of the Junction even knowing there was a secret lab - and most of his test subjects have died as a result of the experiments, and those who did not were changed in horrifying ways)

Blackmail/Extortion (Darius often counts in severe forms of blackmail and extortion to keep his rivals in line and to make people obey him. Part of how he became so powerful and influential in the Junction was by blackmailing and extorting powerful people and eliminating any possible chance of people looking into his schemes. Another example of this is that the Director only manages to get Jack Tithus to comply to becoming his test subject by threatening to hurt the young man's sister. To protect her, Jack accepted to be experimented on.)

Funding terrorist groups & War Factions/Accesory to Colonization (The Director holds a strong position of power in the Junction, often tampering directly with the civil war by funding extremist organizations and raiding war factions in order to "facilitate" the Junction's advance into enemy territory. Because of him, factions like the Skull-Reapers - space pirates/raiders - were able to raze whole planets - like Acaeth - and allow the installment of Junction settlements there. He also vehemently supports the Junction's official military advances onto other independent planets, and often provides the government's Sentries with new weaponry and armor.)

Ecological Destruction (The Director also funds many mining and deforestation efforts in non-Junction planets, often to get the raw materials he needs for his inventions and experiments, but also to profit from the trade of those spoils. The sheer rate of these "efforts" have already caused considerable devastation and damage to those planets' ecosystems.)

Embezzlement/Money Laundering (Darius is one of the richest men in the Junction, being also one of the most influential. But where does he get that money? From his experiments, inventions and trades? Yes, but that is only a small fraction of it. Most of his vast fortune comes from money laundering and corruption schemes, especially targeting politicians who somehow pose a threat to his plans, a self-fueling cycle that maintains his sheer fortune no matter how much money he spends)

Eldora Thalax

Multiple counts of First Degree Murder, Multiple War Crimes & Genocide (she literally is a warlord hellbent on conquering as much territory as she can both in her planet and others. Eldora is a skilled warrior and assassin, and has killed people before - many of them innocent citizens of places that refused to bow to her tyranny. She also sent hitmen after her husband when he and their son ran away from her, leading to his assassination)

High Treason (Eldora has essentially betrayed her people's high council, known as the Hearth, after her mother and the actually honorable Matriachs denounced her disgustingly ways and exiled her. She also betayed many political deals to have more advantage. Eldora wrongly believes that if she gets as many conquests as she can, that the Matriarchs will forgive her and accept her back, giving her a seat at the Hearth, when she's actually proving them right about her - kinda like Lord Shen did in Kung Fu Panda 2)

Sexual Coercion (her relationship/marriage to Damen was arranged and thus she specifically didn't... really care about his consent or not. Full 'Game of Thrones' arranged marriage to make heirs kind of situation but make it futuristic - he technically said 'yes' to the marriage but did he have a choice? No.)

Kidnapping, Torture & Human Experimentation (She is known to torture prisoners of war, especially those who once held positions of power - at times just for fun, at other times for information, for compliance or to extract information. When Deimos Soll discovered how corrupt she is and tried to desert her ranks, she captured him and had him tortured AND experimented on in an attempt to brainwash him into some kind of supersoldier)

Domestic Abuse/Psychological Torment (Eldora was very abusive to both her husband, Damen, and their son, Kye. Though most - but not all - of her outbursts of physical abuse were directed at her husband, the former prince of the region she'd conquered, Eldora was extremely emotionally abusive to Kye as well, especially because she had a tendency to threaten to hurt his father further to get their boy to obey her)

Dictatorship (Eldora has conquered multiple regions of her home planet and has long since started "brainching out" her influence to other nearby planets, almost conquering an entire solar system. She is known for being a cruel, corrupt, violent and often ruthless ruler who controls the places she conquers with an iron fist.)

Illegal Arms Trade + Slave Trade (Eldora prides herself in having the most top-of-the-line weaponry in the galaxies, being an ardent client of many infamous arms dealers and intercepts some of those goods to sell to her allies. She also is known for proffiting from enslaving portions of the civilizations she conquers, especially if they try to rebel or are accused of trying to betray her, or simoly are her prisoners of war, and selling them as slaves in the underworld market to the highest bidder, though she keeps many to strenghten her armies.)

Arachnys & Red Adder

Racketeering/Fraud/Loan Sharking (They are mobsters. The most dangerous mobsters in the galaxies. The Crime King and Queen. Protection schemes, false business/racketeering, major fraud are just another tuesday to them, and a huge part of what they do on a daily basis.)

Illegal Drug Trade (Any and all addictive substances in EITHER GALAXIES is sold and manufactured by people working under the behest of Arachnys and Red Adder, especially some high-ranking crime families. They're known for making some of the most dangerous and addictive/destructive drugs in any planetary system, and keep their control over their planets underworlds by using those chemicals to keep the population obedient/dependent on their supply)

Being Leaders of a Criminal Organization/Mob (Self-explanatory. Arcahnys and Red Adder are the heads of the most dangerous and powerful crime family/mob in the Khosmonian galaxies, and now in the Junction as well.)

Illegal Casinos/Houses of Gambling (And man do they profit off of it, because those places are popular in both galaxies!)

Human Trafficking, Slave Trade, Organ Trade (They are known for being involved in the most nefarious side of the interplanetary black market, and that includes, unfortunately, the trade of people - be it in full, by selling/buying slaves to/from warlords like Eldora Thalax, with whom they have a longstanding business relationship with, or in... parts, because they also sell organs and cybernectic parts, which they harvest from humanoids and cyborgs that fall into their hands.)

Illegal Prostitution Schemes/Forced Prostitution/Dehumanization (The MAIN "business" of the Saphir crime family is the "pleasure business". They pride themselves on having the finest brothels and strip-clubs in their planets, with most of the entertainers being either slaves they've captured/bought OR... sentient robots. Not cyborgs, but actual, sentient robots, their newest and most popular invention - sentient robots, unlike cyborgs, are fully artificial despite looking like regular humanoids, and their adaptable appearance makes them very popular in the Saphir's business. Meridian Shardd, the story's most innocent character, was one of those sentient robots - having gained conscience/broken free of their programming shortly after being manufactured, Meridian ran away from the factory thankfully before being put to work by the mob, and is terrified of being found.)

Tagging (gently): @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin,

@oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab, @winterandwords, @eccaiia,

@the-letterbox-archives, @illarian-rambling @agirlandherquill, @anoelleart,

@ray-writes-n-shit @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @topazadine

@forthesanityofstorytellers, @finickyfelix

@cauliflowermaterial @thepeculiarbird,

@clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, and OPEN TAG

Taglist for Supernova Initiative below the cut! 🌠

Supernova Initiative Taglist (-/+): @ray-writes-n-shit, @sarandipitywrites, @smol-feralgremlin, @kaylinalexanderbooks,

@diabolical-blue @oh-no-another-idea

@cakeinthevoid, @clairelsonao3,

@thepeculiarbird

@the-golden-comet, @urnumber1star, @ominous-feychild, @anyablackwood, @amaiguri,

@lyutenw @finickyfelix

@elshells, @thecomfywriter

#villain crimes list tag #villain crimes tag #villain ocs #tw violence #tw abuse #tw prostitution #writers #writers on tumblr #writerblr #my characters #character writing #my wips #writeblr #writing #my writing #wip supernova initiative

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dailyanarchistposts · 6 months ago

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Survival is not enough

So what should be our practical response to corporate plans to impose ever more destructive forms of ‘civilization’ and ‘progress’ upon us?

Firstly we need to start drawing some lines in the sand, laying boundaries to scientific ‘advances’ that capitalism and the state will not be allowed to cross. It is vital that we extend direct action across the full range of innovation and product development. GM test sites need to be trashed again and again and as effectively as possible to cause maximum disruption and financial loss. To the extent that it is possible a campaign of ‘economic sabotage’ should be carried out against all companies involved in developing, producing, transporting, advertising or marketing GM products. Shareholder meetings/AGMs need to be disrupted, offices need to be occupied and many other inventive and effective tactics need to be developed. Obviously the vast majority of people do not feel able to get involved with illegal direct action but the determined minority who are prepared for this level of activity is already organised into groups and networks and there are plenty of contact points for new people to get involved so there is no need to say much here about that side of things.

Secondly, we need to increase the social and economic costs of capitalist development. For all the obvious limitations of consumer boycotts it goes without saying that not buying products capitalism wants us to buy is the easiest way to oppose their imposition. For instance, consumer resistance to GM food is proving to be a significant hindrance to the plans of Big Food. There is no doubt that by this point they would like to have seen the supermarket shelves piled high with GM products selling like hot cakes, to have had no labelling system at all in Europe as in the US. In fact the supermarkets over here have had to agree to label more rigorously than the legal requirement and have largely backed-off from putting it in their own label products. So simply not buying the stuff and encouraging others not to buy it is very worthwhile.

Thirdly, we need to lessen our dependence on the global industrial system. This is something that can start with the simplest, most easy, non-confrontational steps that anyone can take today and yet end as a significant part of the revolution we need to make to overthrow capitalism and build a sustainable, joyful future for our species on this planet.

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standwinspections · 11 months ago

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Ensuring Weld Quality: Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Methods

In the world of welding, ensuring the quality and integrity of welds is crucial. One of the most effective ways to inspect welds is through ultrasonic testing, which uses high-frequency sound waves to detect imperfections. This blog explores advanced ultrasonic testing methods for welding inspection, highlighting their benefits and applications in the UK.

Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Ultrasonic testing for welding involves high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws in welds. This non-destructive testing (NDT) method effectively identifies internal and surface defects without damaging the material.

Why Ultrasonic Testing for Welding?

Accuracy: Provides precise detection of internal flaws.

Non-Destructive: Does not damage the material being inspected.

Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of materials and thicknesses.

Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Techniques

Advanced ultrasonic testing techniques have revolutionised the NDT industry, providing unprecedented levels of accuracy and efficiency. Below are some of the most advanced testing techniques used in the industry:

1. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

PAUT is an advanced technique that uses different ultrasonic elements and electronic time delays to create a sweeping beam. This method provides a detailed image of the weld, allowing for precise identification of defects.

Benefits:

High-resolution and detailed images

Faster inspection times

Improved defect characterisation

2. Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD)

TOFD is another complex ultrasonic testing method that uses the time taken by sound waves to travel and diffract around defects to detect and size flaws accurately.

Benefits:

High accuracy in defect sizing

Effective for detecting both surface and subsurface defects

Reduced operator dependency

3. Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT)

AUT involves automated systems that perform ultrasonic inspections. This method enhances the consistency and repeatability of inspections, making it ideal for large-scale projects.

Benefits:

Consistent and repeatable results

Increased inspection speed

Reduced human error

Applications of Ultrasonic Testing in the UK

Ultrasonic testing is widely used in the UK across different industries to provide safety and integrity to critical infrastructure. Here are some key applications of ultrasonic testing in the UK.

1. Oil and Gas Industry

In the UK, the oil and gas industry rely heavily on ultrasonic testing for welding to ensure the integrity of pipelines and other critical infrastructure. PAUT and TOFD are commonly used to inspect welds in pipelines, ensuring they are free from defects that could lead to failures.

2. Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry requires the highest levels of safety and reliability. Ultrasonic testing methods are used extensively to inspect welds in aircraft components, ensuring they meet strict safety standards.

3. Construction and Infrastructure

Ultrasonic testing plays a crucial role in the construction industry, particularly for inspecting welds in bridges, buildings, and other structures.

Advantages of Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Methods

Check out the advantages of advanced ultrasonic testing methods over traditional approaches.

1. Enhanced Accuracy

Advanced ultrasonic testing methods provide higher accuracy in detecting and sizing defects than traditional methods.

2. Increased Efficiency

Automated and advanced techniques like PAUT and AUT significantly reduce inspection times while maintaining high levels of accuracy.

3. Comprehensive Reporting

These methods offer detailed and comprehensive reporting, providing clear images and data that can be used for further analysis and decision-making.

Conclusion

Adopting advanced ultrasonic testing for welding is essential for industries aiming to maintain high quality and safety standards.

Investing in these advanced techniques enhances inspection reliability and ensures compliance with stringent safety regulations. By leveraging the benefits of advanced ultrasonic testing, industries can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and overall project success.

#ultrasonic testing #welding

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ite-noida3 · 11 months ago

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Top Advanced Non Destructive Testing Service in India

What is Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)?

Advanced Non-Destructive Testing refers to a range of techniques used to evaluate the properties of materials, components, and structures without causing any harm. The primary goal of NDT is to detect and evaluate defects, flaws, or irregularities that could compromise safety and performance. Unlike traditional methods that might require the destruction of the test sample, NDT allows for ongoing monitoring and inspection without affecting the item being tested.

Why Choose Advanced NDT Services?

While conventional NDT methods are valuable, advanced techniques offer enhanced capabilities, greater accuracy, and broader applications. At ITE, we specialize in advanced NDT services that leverage the latest technology to provide comprehensive and reliable inspections. Here’s why our advanced NDT services stand out:

1. Enhanced Accuracy

Advanced NDT methods utilize sophisticated equipment and algorithms to detect even the most subtle defects. Our state-of-the-art tools ensure precise measurements and detailed insights, minimizing the risk of missed anomalies.

2. Greater Sensitivity

Our advanced techniques are designed to identify smaller and more complex defects that traditional methods might overlook. This sensitivity is crucial for industries where safety and reliability are non-negotiable.

3. Real-Time Results

Many of our advanced NDT services provide real-time data, allowing for immediate analysis and decision-making. This capability is particularly valuable in critical situations where time is of the essence.

4. Broader Applications

From aerospace and automotive to construction and energy, our advanced NDT services are applicable across a wide range of industries. We tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of each sector, ensuring relevant and actionable results.

Our Advanced NDT Services

At ITE, we offer a comprehensive suite of advanced NDT services, each designed to address different inspection needs:

1. Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Ultrasonic Testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws in materials. Our advanced UT systems provide precise measurements and can detect various types of defects, including cracks, voids, and weld quality issues.

2. Radiographic Testing (RT)

Radiographic Testing involves the use of X-rays or gamma rays to inspect the internal structure of materials. Our advanced RT services offer high-resolution imaging, allowing for the detection of intricate defects within thick materials.

3. Eddy Current Testing (ECT)

Eddy Current Testing is a technique that uses electromagnetic induction to detect surface and near-surface defects. Our advanced ECT systems provide rapid and accurate results, making them ideal for inspecting conductive materials.

4. Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)

Magnetic Particle Testing involves the application of magnetic fields and iron particles to detect surface and near-surface discontinuities. Our advanced MPT methods enhance sensitivity and reliability, ensuring thorough inspections.

5. Acoustic Emission Testing (AET)

Acoustic Emission Testing monitors the release of energy from materials under stress. This method is highly effective for assessing the condition of structures under load and identifying potential failure points.

Why ITE?

Choosing ITE means partnering with a team of experts dedicated to delivering exceptional NDT services. Here’s why we are the preferred choice:

Expertise: Our team comprises highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in advanced NDT methods.

Technology: We invest in the latest technology to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

Tailored Solutions: We understand that each industry and project has unique requirements. Our services are customized to meet your specific needs.

Commitment to Safety: We prioritize safety and quality in every inspection, ensuring that our findings contribute to the overall reliability and safety of your operations.

Conclusion

In the world of industrial inspection and maintenance, advanced Non-Destructive Testing is a game-changer, offering unparalleled accuracy and reliability. At ITE, we are committed to providing top-notch advanced NDT services across India, helping industries maintain the highest standards of safety and performance. Whether you’re in aerospace, automotive, construction, or any other sector, our advanced NDT solutions are designed to meet your unique needs and exceed your expectations.

For more information on how ITE can enhance your inspection processes with advanced NDT services, contact us today. Let us help you unlock the power of precision and ensure the integrity of your materials and structures.

For more details, please visit :-

Website :- https://www.itenoida.com/

Contact No. :- +91–9891174696, +91–9810059715

Email :- [email protected], [email protected]

#Advanced Non Destructive Testing Service #ITE Noida #ITE

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rvsqualitycertificationspvtltd · 11 months ago

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The Power of Precision: Exploring the Benefits of PAUT in NDT

In the realm of industrial inspections, the demand for accuracy and efficiency has never been higher. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) stands out as a revolutionary method that fulfills these requirements, offering unparalleled precision and speed. As an integral part of Non Destructive Testing, PAUT is widely used across various industries to ensure the integrity and reliability of critical components. Here, we delve into the intricacies of PAUT and its benefits.

PAUT is an advanced method of ultrasonic testing that uses multiple elements and electronic time delays to create beams of sound waves. These beams can be steered, focused, and scanned, providing detailed images of internal structures. Unlike conventional ultrasonic testing, which uses a single transducer to send and receive sound waves, PAUT employs an array of transducers. This allows for simultaneous collection of data from multiple angles, resulting in more comprehensive and accurate inspections.

As part of a broader suite of Non Destructive Testing Services, PAUT plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of industrial components. Nondestructive testing (NDT) from RVS QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS PVT LTD encompasses various techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage. PAUT's advanced capabilities enhance the overall effectiveness of NDT services, providing detailed and reliable data that support maintenance and quality assurance programs.

Applications Across Industries

The versatility of PAUT makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and power generation industries for inspecting critical components such as welds, turbine blades, and composite materials. PAUT's ability to detect minute defects and irregularities ensures that even the smallest flaws are identified before they become critical issues. This level of precision is essential for maintaining safety and performance standards in high-stakes environments.

Efficiency and Accuracy Combined

One of the standout features of PAUT is its efficiency. The ability to steer and focus sound waves electronically means that inspections can be performed more quickly compared to traditional methods. This not only reduces downtime but also increases the number of inspections that can be completed within a given timeframe. Additionally, the detailed images produced by PAUT provide a clearer understanding of the inspected material's condition, allowing for more accurate assessments and decision-making.

Enhanced Tube Inspections

A specific area where PAUT excels is in Tube Inspection Services. Tubes, often found in heat exchangers and boilers, are prone to various types of degradation such as corrosion and cracking. PAUT's ability to inspect from multiple angles simultaneously makes it particularly effective for tube inspections. It can detect flaws that may be missed by conventional methods, ensuring that tubes are thoroughly evaluated for any signs of wear or damage. This comprehensive approach helps prevent failures and extends the lifespan of critical equipment.

Advancing with Technology

The continuous evolution of technology has significantly impacted PAUT. Advances in digital signal processing and software have improved the resolution and clarity of the images produced. Portable PAUT equipment from RVS QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS PVT LTD has made it possible to conduct inspections in challenging environments, further expanding its applicability. These technological advancements ensure that PAUT remains at the forefront of nondestructive testing techniques, providing industries with cutting-edge solutions for maintaining safety and quality.

In conclusion, PAUT is a powerful tool that combines precision and efficiency to deliver superior inspection results. Its ability to provide detailed images from multiple angles makes it invaluable for identifying defects and ensuring the integrity of critical components. As a key component of Non Destructive Testing, PAUT supports industries in maintaining high standards of safety and performance. Whether it's for welds, turbine blades, or Tube Inspection Service, PAUT continues to set the standard for advanced nondestructive testing methodologies.

#Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing #Non Destructive Testing Services #Tube Inspection Services

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ircengg · 5 months ago

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Inspection of Boiler Bank Tubes | Internal Rotary Inspection System (IRIS)

Are you unable to carry out the Inspection of Boiler Bank tubes?

Are you regularly carrying out Capital Investment by purchasing tubes rather than finding only the defective Bank Tubes?

Here is the solution for inspection of Boiler Bank Tubes –

In case of Boiler Bank Tubes, only the Front Column of Tubes are available for Inspection for Thickness Testing externally there is no other way to check the rest of the Tubes. Thus, we have only 5 % of the Tubes available while we miss out on an inspection of the rest of the 95% of the tubes.

RFET was done previously to ascertain the condition of the rest of the 95% of the tubes but due to the limitation of the technique it is also not a right testing method. Then we tried IRIS on these tubes and got amazing results.

HOW IT WORKS –

Because IRIS is an ultrasonic technique, it requires a couplant. In this case, water. Tubes under test must therefore first be flooded to use this technique. IRIS relies on a transducer to generate an ultrasonic pulse parallel to the axis of the tube under test. It also relies on a rotating mirror that directs the ultrasonic wave into the tube wall.

The mirror is driven by a small turbine powered by the pressure of water pumped into the tube. Part of the ultrasonic wave is reflected by the inner diameter (ID) wall, while the rest is reflected by the outer diameter (OD) wall of the tube. Because the ultrasonic velocity of the tube’s material is known, it is possible to assess the thickness of the wall by calculating the difference in times of flight between the two diameters. As the probe is pulled, the spinning motion of the mirror results in a helical scan path.

A critical aspect of IRIS is ensuring that the mirror is at the centre of the tube. An off-centre ultrasonic pulse yields a distorted scan image because of the different ID and OD wall sound paths. That’s why our IRIS kits are equipped with centring devices helping operators keep the system centred.

About IRC Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

IRC is one of the fastest growing Testing and Inspection company in India. We at IRC provide Liquid Penetrant Testing, Non-Destructive Testing, Destructive Testing, Advanced NDT, Third Party Inspection, Condenser Testing, Electrical Testing, Residual Life Assessment of Power Plant, O&M Services, Fitness For Service, Civil Testing and Training services.

Our website - https://ircengg.com/

#IRC Engg #Boiler Bank Tubes #inspection of Boiler Bank Tubes

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dzthenerd490 · 6 months ago

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File: Harmony and Horror - Magical Sofia

SCP#: ALV

Code Name: Presenting, The New Magical Sofia!

Object Class: Keter

Special Containment Procedures: A single SCP-ALV instance is kept at Site-AA within the anomalous technology storage area. It is sealed within a magnetically sealed coffin that can only be unlocked with a specialized key. The Foundation security unit holding the key is to never be on the same floor as SCP-ALV until testing has been requested. In the event of a Containment breach the security unit is to either evacuate outside of Site-AA or head to the nearest insite safety bunker depending on the scenario. Any testing with SCP-ALV is to be approved by at least three Level 3 Foundation staff or higher.

SCP-ALV instances found in the wild are to be exterminated by Mobile Task Force Dionysus-3 “The Party Package”. A techno exorcist must always be present to ensure the SCP-ALV instance cannot repair or repower itself after neutralization. MTF Command are to utilize satellites to detect when an SCP-ALV has been activated. Unfortunately, this is the only way to hunt SCP-ALV instances as the Foundation has had embarrassing failed raids of family houses that had regular non-anomalous Magical Sofia toys.

Description: SCP-ALV is an anomalous variant of the Magical Sofia doll, one of the latest toys created by Group of Interest: Harmony Toys. It should be noted that the Magical Sofia doll is a more modern and advanced iteration of Sofia the Singing Marionette toy created in 1985. Though it's probably not correct to call it a variant as the chances of a Magical Sophia doll being an SCP-ALV instance is 75%. Regardless, an SCP-ALV instance is fully sentient and incredibly hostile as well as sadistic towards children. Each SCP-ALV utilizes their functions to torment and kill children, then when they are done, they wander the streets to be found by other children, starting the cycle all over again.

Like the regular toy, SCP-ALV has state of the air listening devices, tracking cameras, robotic limbs with flexible joints, motion detection, and audio projection. SCP-ALV instances utilize these tools to mock and hunt their prey in their own house, as well as to gain sympathy from children to lure into traps. What makes SCP-ALV anomalous is that it is not possessed by the souls of Martin Greywinder’s victims. Instead, SCP-ALV is an anomalous device in that it traps the souls of those it kills to take back to Harmony toys for experimentation. There is no known paratech or thaumaturgic sigils within SCP-ALV that should allow this so how this is possible is unknown. It should be noted it is for this reason that a techno exorcist is to always be present so that any and all souls will be released upon destruction.

SCP-ALV was discovered in 1993 when Group of Interest: M&A Harmony Toy's rebranded to just Harmony Toys under its now sole owner Arthur Greywhinder, originally thought to be dead, turned out to be alive albeit badly disfigured. Due to his popularity and “miraculous recovery” the Harmony Toy’s brand was saved, and its stocks soared as well as sales as soon as toy production started up again. SCP-ALV was one of their first products though scrutiny quickly befell the company due to children disappearing. The company only survived in the public eye to this day due to winning every lawsuit overwhelmingly.

There is no evidence to confirm this, but it is believed that Arthur Greywinder is actually Person of Interest: Martin Greywinder, wearing his dead brother’s skin. It is known that Martin Greywinder made a deal with Entity of Interest: Satan and used the power from said deal to make his toys so lifelike at the cost of his family’s souls. Though he was presumed dead during the 1985 tragedy as his remains were found the same day and house several of his anomalous toys were found.

This is unfortunately the worst-case scenario as if Martin Greywinder really died and came back to life that means he is a Hell-on-Earth Demon. For those that don’t know Hell-on-Earth Demon were once humans who made deals with the devil and either accidently or purposely became corrupted as a result. Entity of Interest: Satan often allows them to go back to earth in exchange for becoming a demon that will forever consume souls for both themselves and him. These types of demons are the most independent and least loyal but ironically are the best source of income of souls for Satan. They are also extremely powerful and can possess anomalous abilities on par with Reality Benders. In other words, they defy even the laws of the anomalous world, which could explain how SCP-ALV instances can steal souls without having the needed Para technology or thaumaturgy of any kind.

If Arthur Greywinder really is the Hell-on-Earth Demon Martin Greywinder he must be located and destroyed as soon as possible. There is also the theory that Author Greywinder just went insane and is now creating sadistic robots that torture children like his brother, but nothing is confirmed.

SCP: Horror Movie Files Hub

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stalkedbytrains · 9 months ago

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Untouched Horizons Timeline 3/-

Growth Period

-1555

Last surviving member of the second generation dies

None left living have direct memories of wide spread technology or anything from the homeworld really

-1554

First new house is made, splitting the largest house into two smaller

The new house and qiin are put last in the circle for administrative duties

-1551

Several houses split and we are now at 25 houses

The small forests are at prime harvesting stages now, so wood is going to slowly become more common, paper replacing pressed reed paper

-1524

Centennial!

-1511

The last big house is forcibly split under almost unanimous rule, the house has gotten too big and refused to split

Now at 43 houses

The last house refuses to acknowledge the new house and extremely stupid about the whole thing

The new qiin and the old qiin do not like each other at all, several petitions were made and all of them revoked by citing ridiculous inter-House rules

-1510

The zones have been recontextualized and restructured

The seasons have also been extended to make up for the increase in houses

-1449

House splits result in an odd number of Houses (62 -1 for administration) so one of the newer houses volunteer for scouting and contact duty

Birth of the house of the Untouched Horizons

-1448

Horizons officially granted its commission by unanimous vote and also granted a city charter (which is unprecedented)

Also comes with lots of rules about dealing with first contact as written in the words of old and by the council

Zlilt Thrork is built

-1440

Wild fire breaks out in the SW side of the island

Little loss of life but huge destruction of plant life

Great house determined to not be negligent but are at fault

Arguments over what to do with the land erupt but the house successfully argues that it is their land they should be able to do with it as they see fit

-1389

Untouched Horizons officially introduces deer to the island, with approval of everyone involved and after extensive testing in very controlled habitats

Brought to be pack animals and the long process of domestication has begun (easily 1,000 years before they are fully domesticated and evolve/bred to serve their functions more perfectly)

-1388

Things have been growing steadily

Constant supply of paper thanks to forests and mills

Glass is primary trade good

Advanced house splits: 84 houses over 82 zones with 51 mi2 per zone

Each season is now roughly 6 years long

The council is growing more and more useless as the great houses have more and more power that they wield between themselves side stepping the council

The sense of community hasn’t broken apart yet because of the ingrained sense of peoplehood between clans and such but loyalty to house is starting to supersede that

The stratification of the work is starting to get worse as more and more the shrar are the only ones doing the manual labor of trending to the plants

The deer domestication is going well but some have escaped but it’s a problem since they have no natural predators

Horizon is talking about bringing in dogs

-1349

Deer are officially being used as pack animals but they haven’t been fully domesticated yet but their usefulness has overridden any objections

Antlers have given rise to bone tools

Metalworking is hard to do as there isn’t a great source of metal

-1346

Dogs keep deer under more control than before

Domestication progressing pretty well overall

Deer as pack animals allow for more remote zones to be made more viable and less terrible therefore the fight to remain on “good” land is lessened for now

All zones are currently non permanent sites but great houses start to specialize for better or worse

-1334

University formed in capital for great house qiins

Lesser university formed for jdargandins

(none of the shrar)

#untouched horizons #untouched horizons timeline

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illegiblewords · 2 years ago

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I might futz around more, but I decided to do a character thought experiment.

Basically--if I was going to make characters with specific purposes in-mind (ex. pairings, plots) what do I think would be a fun or interesting option?

Details under the cut.

Order is literally just to try and make things look nice lol, but starting from top left:

Human lore bard, sage background. Paired with Karlach. I wanted to go in a lighter/golden direction visually to contrast with Karlach's red and blacks, and I figured it'd be fun to have a character who is RIDICULOUSLY intellectual with no street smarts at all finding balance against Karlach. I also didn't want to go the wizard route because differentiating from Gale seems important. Character is used to hearing and telling stories about huge events and maybe romanticizes a bit, but has more limited life experience. Meanwhile Karlach has been through way too much bullshit and just wants to appreciate small and ordinary things.

Githyanki monk, soldier background. Paired with Laez'el. Basically a githyanki who comes from similar life experiences but found the approach to training psychologically destructive even as it honed the body. Frames it more as a matter of efficiency than moral discontent--at least initially. Wound up enlisting as a monk instead as an opportunity to test whether he could become useful there. As a pair I figure there could be something interesting in having Laez'el with someone who shares common experiences and culture, but challenges her sometimes from within. She talks at times like she is the voice of the githyanki as long as she's among non-githyanki, but changes dramatically when other githyanki disagree with her. So think exploring that could be neat.

Asmodeus tiefling fiend-pact warlock, charlatan background. Paired with Wyll. Was trying to think about what would be the most dramatic and interesting sort of pair I can imagine in terms of dynamic for Wyll given he is a heroic-to-the-core kind of guy. Realized for me the answer was 1) a troll 2) someone who mirrors him as a fiend-pact warlock specifically, but revels in it. I figure a tiefling who embraced every terrible thing she was accused of, embraced her fiendish heritage, and has become a trickster who advances by fooling others could offer an angle to bring a bit of balance to both characters. She's kind of an asshole and can be selfish, but it's more a response to being told constantly she is those things and nothing she does to the contrary will change that. So she tries to at least enjoy it in the meantime. Wyll, meanwhile, is prone to focusing on the big picture to the exclusion of individual and personal, tends to be very into the classic hero figure. Having him adopt the devil visage while being with a tiefling who already has prominent hellish features she plays into seems like it would also be visually and thematically really interesting to me. Wyll being all 'I have spikes where there should not be spikes' while talking to someone with a tail just hits different.

Mephistopheles tiefling great old one-pact warlock, urchin background. Paired with Gale. This is my main for Baldur's Gate 3 and I've talked about her before somewhat. I find the idea of a tiefling who is uncomfortable with her fiendish heritage but has no problem pacting with an elder evil interesting haha. There's still menace and iffy morality but the flavor is very different. For this girl I specifically am running with a Hadar pact. Tentacles, the ocean, space, and stars all over the place. When most tieflings and fiends are strongly associated with fire, I wanted that to take a back seat to cold water here. For foiling with Gale it seemed fun to have a different type of magic user who isn't academic in the way that wizards are, contrasting not only the relationship with Mystra but how their magic operates respectively. Emphasis on mental vs emphasis on physical. I've also woven in questions surrounding 'if you love them let them go' versus 'did you honestly think losing you wouldn't hurt' where this character has a history of fumbling that.

Mephistopheles tiefling draconic bloodline sorcerer (white dragon), dark urge background. I figured it would be fun to take the white dragonborn angle dark urge gets and weave that into a tiefling for a divine/infernal vibe. I figure the Bhaal angle helps make sense of the blood combinations a bit. In transparency the story for this one is rougher compared to other concepts here, but I was kind of shocked and excited by how the design turned out. I think besides having room to play into a 'classic dark urge' vibe (if that makes sense) this is an example where I'd probably put extra emphasis on the question of identity and how much of the dark urge is simply who he is versus something inflicted. Might pair with Gale just because I'm a simple creature and I like Gale/would be interested in seeing how dynamic goes with dark urge firsthand.

Half-drow cleric of Ilmater, dark urge background. Paired with Astarion. Besides the wild irony of a child of Bhaal being a cleric of Ilmater specifically (which--points to how against-his-will the dark urge would have to be), I'm aware of Asterion's unanswered prayers while in captivity to Cazador. I think there are layers that could make the setup complicated and interesting on both individual and relationship dynamic levels. Half-drow because drow face a lot of assumptions about their alignment while half-elf gives some added uncertainty of place.

Half-elf Selunite cleric, noble background. Paired with Shadowheart. On the surface exactly as snooty and insufferable as she feared. Guy grew up heavily embedded in the divination and dreams aspect of his goddess, but this wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Bad omens and opportunists combined for a very cynical person. This guy was bitter, spiteful, and corrupt for a while before pissing Selune off enough that she confronted him with the consequences of his actions and the reality that things could be better if he bothered to put effort in. Notably does not carry connotations of purity in the way Selune often does, but instead offers a blood moon or lunar eclipse to guide those who are lost. Figure the fun and irony available in messing with Shadowheart alone is worth it here though lol.

Wood-elf rogue thief, criminal background. Paired with Halsin. Wanted to take a fellow wood elf but for drama and headaches she really isn't in-touch with nature at all haha. The city is her environment and she's well-adapted to its workings. I think it could be fun to have her offer positive perspective on how cities operate to contrast with Halsin's bond to nature, and to let the two of them balance each other out. Also just imagine Halsin with a fast-talking bad bitch.

Human necromancer wizard, sage background. Paired with the Emperor. Morally iffy, probably an aspiring lich on the down low, likely has major control issues in the sense of 1) not wanting to be controlled by anyone or anything else and 2) embraces control over the living and dead alike as a means of ensuring that. Probably co-exists with ascended Astarion and might do an evil run without being the dark urge. Mainly would prefer not to become an illithid because of possible loss of identity, soul destruction, and the requirement of eating brains.

#baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate iii #tav #bg3 tav #dark urge #bg3 #bgiii

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