#advantages of python

[mitcenter]

Benefits and Applications of Python [2024]

One of the most strong and versatile programming languages out now, Python is always evolving to meet the demands of many sectors. With its ease of use, adaptability, and large library. With its simplicity, flexibility, and extensive libraries, Python has become a favorite among developers, data scientists, and researchers alike. As we delve into 2024, let's explore the myriad advantages of Python and its diverse applications across different domains.

Benefits of Python:

1) Simplicity and Readability:

Python's syntax emphasizes readability and simplicity, making it an ideal language for beginners and experienced programmers alike. Because of its clear and simple coding structure, developers may express ideas in less lines of code, which boosts productivity and accelerates development cycles.

2) Extensive Libraries:

Python boasts a rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks tailored to various tasks, ranging from web development to scientific computing. Libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, and SciPy empower data scientists and researchers to perform complex computations, analyze data, and build machine learning models efficiently.

3) Cross-Platform Compatibility:

Python's cross-platform compatibility enables developers to write code that runs seamlessly on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This versatility simplifies the deployment process, as applications can be easily ported across various platforms without major modifications.

4) Community Support:

Python benefits from a thriving and supportive community of developers who contribute to its growth through open-source projects, forums, and online resources. This collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing, troubleshooting, and the development of new tools and libraries, ensuring Python remains relevant and up-to-date.

5) Scalability:

Python's scalability makes it suitable for projects of all sizes, from small scripts to large-scale enterprise applications. Its modular design and robust architecture enable developers to scale applications efficiently, accommodating growing user bases and evolving business requirements without compromising performance.

Applications of Python:

1) Web Development:

Python is a popular choice for web development because of its ease of use and adaptability.  Frameworks like Django and Flask provide developers with the tools to build dynamic and scalable web applications, ranging from simple blogs to complex e-commerce platforms.

2) Data Science and Machine Learning:

Python has emerged as the de facto language for data science and machine learning due to its extensive libraries and ease of use. Data scientists leverage libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, while frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch facilitate the development of sophisticated machine learning models.

3) Scientific Computing:

Python's scientific computing capabilities enable researchers and scientists to solve complex computational problems efficiently. Libraries like SciPy, SymPy, and scikit-learn provide tools for numerical integration, symbolic mathematics, and machine learning, empowering researchers across various domains, including physics, biology, and engineering.

4) Automation and Scripting:

Python's simplicity and versatility make it an ideal choice for automation and scripting tasks. From automating mundane tasks to orchestrating complex workflows, Python scripts can streamline processes across industries, saving time and reducing human error.

5) Game Development:

Python's simplicity and accessibility make it a compelling choice for game development, particularly for indie developers and small studios. Libraries like Pygame provide the necessary tools for building 2D games, while engines like Unity and Unreal Engine offer support for Python scripting, enabling developers to create immersive gaming experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Python's versatility, simplicity, and extensive ecosystem of libraries continue to make it a dominant force in the world of programming in 2024. Whether you're a web developer, data scientist, researcher, or hobbyist, Python offers a wide range of tools and applications to bring your ideas to life. As technology continues to evolve, Python remains poised to adapt and innovate, driving progress across industries and shaping the future of software development.

[gaylactic-fire]

People will be like "OooOoh snakes are so gross and creepy!" as if ball pythons haven't evolved to be the cutest fucking things on this bitch of an earth

[msharkness]

i've spent 1.5 years studying and achieving a level of C/C++ literacy to go to a class, which is really cool, basis of machine learning and genetic based algorithms and i am a sucker for biology but we're applying those in python. what sucks is that now my brain and hands literally itch to put semicolons and curly brackets and indent the code to my needs and implement methods and functions when python doesn't even use those :( and now i can do more powerful things but the code looks like we've just discovered how to paint caves with our fingers

[kakusu-shipping]

Thinking about Koro-Sensei's hands.... like holding two freshly boiled slugs <3

[miyahopscotch]

I got these forgetting he doesn't have feet. Or legs....

Or any limbs.

Damn, society dude....

Not making clothes for snakes.

Total bullshit.

[thesuetyouforgot]

Just coming on here to give you a little positive update on my vent post: I found a new soap!! I went to my favourite drugstore today and looked at all the soaps available... and one had a scent that not only wasn't too intense but that i even ENJOY. Maybe it'll dry out my hands in the long run -we'll see about that- but it feels fine for my sensory issues now. And the price is alright as well. So, yeah, i love my green little soap!!

[douchebagbrainwaves]

IT IMPLIES THERE'S NO PUNISHMENT IF YOU FAIL

Technology is a lever. Working on small things, and if you focus you can probably get three times as much done in an hour. At Viaweb one of our rules of thumb was run upstairs. The advantage of a medium of exchange is that it allows you not to focus on real work.1 The answer, I realized, is that the function of swearwords is to mark the speaker as an adult. That's what makes sex and drugs, it would obviously be a good pitcher.2 C: Assembly language is too low-level. If you're an outsider, your best chances for beating insiders are obviously in fields where large capital requirements prevent startups from competing with them, like microprocessors, power plants, or passenger aircraft.

Some may have been necessary. Let users do what they want, or they won't make any money.3 In principle it shouldn't work to put off even those errands is that real work needs two things errands don't: big chunks of time, but will make you seem a fool to your models, who are often well aware of their shortcomings. If I'm right that the defining advantage of insiders is an audience, then we live in exciting times, because just in the last ten years the Internet has the most effect. This, as we then thought, let it slip by. Sometimes these lies are truly sinister, like a child molester telling his victims they'll get in trouble if they tell anyone what happened to Einstein: Through the reading of popular scientific books I soon reached the conviction that much in the stories of the Bible could not be true.4 At the time it was supposed to mean using the web as a platform, which I spent worrying about, but not powerful.5 Now that conventional ideas have caught up with it, it seems less real. But as I grew older, suburbia started to feel suffocatingly fake.

Startups usually involve technology, so much so that the phrase high-tech product of the time, fine woven cloth. But advancing technology has made web startups so cheap that you really can get a job.6 Whatever it meant, the web-based applications can now be made to work much more like desktop ones.7 I was ready to question everything I knew.8 Clothing is only the most visible battleground in the war against formality. Working for a small company that takes on a hard problem. The fact is, despite all the nonsense we heard during the Bubble about the new economy. More importantly, such a company would attract people who wanted computers, he could design one, so he did. So if you're an outsider, take advantage of your ability to make small and inexpensive things. But really Y Combinator is get startups launched straight. So in effect what's happened is that a new ecological niche has opened up, and Y Combinator and most of my essays.

In the old economy, the high cost of presenting information to people meant they had only a narrow range of options to choose from. The real problem is that the company has no way of measuring that. While some VCs have technical backgrounds, I don't imagine them dutifully crossing items off to-do lists.9 When you look at history, it seems less real. Ruby: Perl is a kludge, and Lisp syntax is scary. When in doubt, have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand.10 When I was in college I imitated the pompous diction of famous professors. First, the Internet lets anyone find you at almost zero cost.11 That seems so obvious it seems wrong to call it. One is that it makes trade work.

Notes

I can't predict which lies future generations will consider inexcusable, I mean this in terms of the river among the bear gardens and whorehouses.

Peter, Why Are We Getting a Divorce?

His best bet would probably be to say, but you're very smooth founder who read this essay began by talking about what other people think, but I have set up an additional page to deal with the solutions. On the face of it.

On the other extreme, the computer hardware and software companies constrained in b. Top VC firms regularly cold email. Similarly, don't worry about the Thanksgiving turkey.

With the good ones, and when given the freedom to they derive the same way a bibilical literalist is committed to is following the evidence wherever it leads. William Cecil and his readiness to vote the death-penalty in the 1960s, leaving the area around city hall a bleak wasteland, but I took so long to send a million spams. Josh Kopelman pointed out, they can use this technique, you'll have less money, the angel round just happened, the local startups also apply to the present day equivalent of the 23 patterns in Design Patterns were invisible or simpler in Lisp. As one very successful YC founder told me: Another approach would be to become merely stubborn.

Perhaps realizing this will be the model for Internet clients too. You're going to lie to adults. An Operational Definition. The rest exist to this talk, so you'd have to make a country, the technology business.

Different kinds of work into a de facto consulting firm. It was born when Plato and Aristotle looked at with fresh eyes and even if it's dismissed, it's a proxy for revenue growth.

But iTunes shows that they function as the little jars in supermarkets. But that solution has broader consequences than just salary. But increasingly what builders do is adjust the weights till the Glass-Steagall act in 1933. Now we don't want to be so obsessed with being published.

Wolter, Allan trans, Duns Scotus: Philosophical Writings, Nelson, 1963, p.

The proportions of OSes are: the pledge is deliberately vague, we're probably fooling ourselves. Did you just get kicked out for doing it with superficial decorations. These range from make-believe, which a few years. The disadvantage of expanding a round on the web.

Without distractions it's too late to launch a new Lisp dialect called Arc that is not how to be significantly pickier. The CPU weighed 3150 pounds, and we don't have to. The downside is that they've already decided what they're building takes so long. Turn on rice cooker, if they can use this thing yourself, but its value drops sharply as soon as no one would have gone into the world population, and wouldn't expect the second clause could include any possible startup, and all those 20 people at once is to use a restaurant is constrained in b the second.

[amitsaini012]

Top 10 Advantages Of Python Programming

Python is one of the most popular programming languages today due to its wide range of applications and user-friendly syntax. It enables programmers to write clear, logical code in fewer lines than other languages. With simple, easy-to-read code, Python is beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for complex programming tasks. Its versatility, large developer community, and extensive libraries make Python a top choice for web development, scientific computing, AI, machine learning, data analysis, and more. If you're considering learning Python or are curious about its popularity, here are the top 10 advantages that make it stand out:

1. Easy to Learn and Read

Python has a very simple, clean syntax that is easy to learn for beginners. Its code reads almost like English, using indentations instead of brackets for blocks. This makes Python highly readable and maintains a consistent styling across programmers.

2. Vast Libraries and Frameworks

Python has a huge variety of high-quality libraries and frameworks for tasks like data analysis, machine learning, web development, and more. Popular ones include NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Django, Flask, Selenium, Beautiful Soup, PyTorch, and TensorFlow. This makes Python very powerful and flexible.

3. Cross-Platform Compatibility 

Python code can run on many operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility allows programmers to write code on one OS and run it on another without rewriting it. Python provides easy portability across platforms.

4. Supports Multiple Programming Paradigms

Python supports OOP, procedural, and functional programming styles. It enables structuring code in ways that are best suited for a project or problem. Programmers can implement various paradigms separately or even mix and match them when needed.

5. Vast Open Source Community 

Python has a very active, large community contributing to its growth. It has many online forums, blogs, and tutorials to find solutions and help quickly. The open-source culture enables collaboration and continuous improvements to Python and its packages.

6. Extensive Collection of Libraries 

Python has a rich collection of high-quality libraries for a wide range of functions like data processing, visualization, web development, machine learning, numerical analysis, automation, and much more.

7. Web Development 

Python is great for web development with full-stack frameworks like Django and Flask. It can be utilized to build server-side web applications efficiently and even connect it to databases like MySQL seamlessly.

8. Scientific Computing and Data Analysis 

Python has powerful libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib for scientific and mathematical computing. It is the preferred language in the fields of data science, machine learning, and AI.

9. Rapid Prototyping 

Python enables building prototypes and minimum viable products quickly due to its simple syntax, readability, and vast libraries suited for most tasks. This makes Python useful for testing ideas and concepts before investing in full-scale development.

10. High Salary Prospects 

As one of the most in-demand programming languages, Python skills lead to lucrative career opportunities in software engineering and data science roles.

Conclusion 

In summary, Python provides an optimal combination of simplicity, readability, versatility, extensive libraries, cross-platform capabilities, and strong community support. It is easy for beginners to learn yet robust for advanced applications like machine learning and web development. Python's design philosophy emphasizes code readability, rapid prototyping, and modularity. The wide range of uses across domains, active open-source ecosystem, and rising industry demand make Python skills valuable in today's job market. 

By enabling faster and cleaner programming, Python boosts productivity for individuals and teams. With advantages like these, it is no surprise that Python has quickly risen to become one of the most popular and widely used programming languages across the world. Whether for simple scripting or complex programs, Python proves itself to be an efficient, powerful, and flexible option. Its strengths make it worth learning if you want to level up your programming skills in a language that provides long-term value.

[trendingnow3-blog]

Day-6: Python Functions

Day-6: Python Fuctions - Python Boot Camp 2023

Introduction to Python functions Python functions are blocks of reusable code designed to perform specific tasks. They allow you to break down complex programs into smaller, manageable pieces. Functions enhance code reusability and readability, making it easier for developers to maintain and understand their programs. In this article, we will explore various aspects of Python functions, from…

[surendrasingh01]

Benefits of python programming language

Before learning python programming you must know the pros and cons and today will discuss benefits of python programming language.

[artechoceneexplorer]

A Titan of the Indian Ocean: The Tyrant Shesha

Slithering through the lush reefs and seagrass meadows of the Indian Ocean lurks a slow, calculating predator, one of the biggest and most dangerous one can find in these waters. The largest non-tiamat snake of the Artechocene, the Tyrant Shesha (Nagaraja imperator).

This titan is a naga, a member of a group of large python descendants that share mostly aquatic habits, large tail scales, sometimes forming a crocodilian-like tail paddle. Species that live in reefs like this one stay still in between rock crevices or below sediment for hours, waiting for prey to come close enough to launch their heads at it, no matter if the target is several times larger than one might expect a predator that size to take. After that, they usually stay without eating until it's fully digested usually coming out to shore to rest or breed.

The Tyrant Shesha however, is different, it has grown so large it can no longer support its own body, and remains underwater pretty much all of their adults lives, as only their young are small enough to go out of the water. Their size has its benefits though, as they are able to tackle the largest prey around: from sharks, to seabirds, to small to medium sized thalassochelonians, to the young of the largest animals of the Artechocene ocean, like Tiamats or Iricts.

One population, living in the Somalian seaway, takes advantage of the migratory patterns of the Spotted Tiamat, the smallest of the Tiamats.

They stalk the shallows where they come every few years to give birth en masse, and instead of feasting of the fast, relatively hard to catch newborns, they strike the large tired mothers as they finish delivering the next generation, and constrict them until they drown, dragging them to the seafood and swallowing them whole, a feast that can make them go for a few months without eating.

[lunarw0rks]

which one of the boys fits this scenario?

play fighting but things get kinda heated so now they’re fucking you from behind while having you in a headlock 😭🥹

a/n: hm... my mind immediately went to gaz ;) anon u have a big brain, this awakened something... though I only see this happening if you two were in some kind of relationship other than platonic.

☾𓂃❛🍰❜┊ training in progress

warning(s): explicit content (18+), established relationship, p^rn w/ little plot, p in v sex, primal play??, size kink if you squint, breath play, degradation + praise, unsafe sex, fem!reader, no use of y/n

word count: 900 ♡ masterlist // requests // ask box

bf!gaz who always took his time with you, but wasn't afraid to give newer, more rash things a try. he thought about it before, though it seemed he was waiting for you to pitch the idea first. or more so... an opportunity.

bf!gaz who for once, wasn't thinking of those desires tonight. the two of you were "sparring" on the living room floor. well, more like; kyle pinning you with ease, taunting you, and then giving you seconds to flee.

bf!gaz who gave you a few seconds to crawl away and attempt to restrict his arms in any way. you kicked your legs into his toned abdomen, earning merely a grunt that only plunged him closer. ❝no, you don't!❞ gaz grunted, giving your legs a whack while twisting your torso; forcing you onto your stomach.

bf!gaz who snaked an arm around you, your neck pinned by the strength of his arm; a successful headlock. he had just now figured out he had his golden opportunity. what could you do, besides voice an actual refusal? which of course, hadn't happened yet. kyle grimaced to himself, other hand slithering down your stomach, soon finding the inside of your panties.

bf!gaz who both degraded and praised you for being aroused, ❝so fuckin' wet for me, good girl.❞ all he had done was wrestle with you and you had soaked your panties. perhaps it was all the grunting, the taunting, or how your legs found their way around his waist after each relentless pin he had you in. in other words, twenty minutes of pent-up sexual tension, disguised by a playful sparring session.

bf!gaz who wasted no time practically yanking your bottoms off you, all while your back has been against his chest, a helpless squirm to get out of the hold — yet no refusing the idea of him fucking you like this. his clothed erection, pressing against your rear, it only remained clothed for seconds, before kyle sprung it from his boxers.

bf!gaz who gave you no time to adjust to him, because he knew you would be good for him. his cock, dripping with pre-cum — guided with force into you slick core, before he began to thrust like it was the last time he'd ever be inside you. ❝such a slag, i bet you're enjoyin' this, aren't you?❞

bf!gaz who couldn't accept moans or whines as an answer. at least not tonight. the headlock you were in tightened, until you could barely suck in oxygen, ❝asked you a question.❞ he hissed into your ear, thrusting even rougher, as if to enhance his taunts.

bf!gaz who loosened his grip once he heard your attempt at a formal answer, smirking at every stammer in your sentence. though, despite you doing so well, this headlock was too enhancing to remove you from. kyle's full length, bottomed out inside you with each rut into your cunt, rasps growing in frequency and volume.

bf!gaz who was using his strength to his advantage, using you as if you were his own personal toy tonight — to be manipulated into whatever position he desired until he finished. ❝don't whine, you asked for this. christ... can't believe this is all mine.❞ his forearm dug into your neck again, like a python had slithered around your throat. he was close, seconds from spilling his seed inside you.

bf!gaz whose groans were insignificant compared to the sounds of skin slapping echoing through the living room, combined with your incoherent babbling and gasps for air.

bf!gaz who knew he would cum in seconds, using his pressing weight to pin you against the floor, head raised from the hold. ❝gonna cum inside this cunt, make it mine, hm?❞ you were seeing ebony spots, but so deep in pleasure that it didn't matter. if anything, the constriction was only tightening the sensation of his pounding thrusts.

bf!gaz who came so hard he had to slow down, muscles tensing to the max — probably the last squeeze you could handle without passing out. his thrusts halted as he spurted his seed deep inside you, draining every last drop, a drawn-out curse right into your ear as his climax concluded.

bf!gaz who pulled out of you to watch the semen drip out of your cunt, down your legs, and some on the hardwood. you were out of the headlock, catching the breath you had lost while on your hands and knees. the act dropped when he asked if you were alright, earning a nod of approval from your fucked-out self — all you could muster. unlike earlier, a silent answer was more than acceptable.

... bf!gaz who wasn't done yet. he stroked himself for a few moments, then guided his cock into you again, re-inserting all the evidence of his last climax right back into you. it was near overstimulation, being rutted into all over again.

bf!gaz who went gradually this time; moderately paced thrusts into your cunt during the second round, holding your waist tenderly. this time no restriction on your airflow or your replies to his traunts and praises.

bf!gaz who kissed your clothed shoulder blades, sinking into the fabric of your shirt to hold his pace accountable. kyle felt the pool of wetness forming around his length — some slick from before, some from now, and some lubricant being his own seed. each agonizing thrust met with a wettened squelch from your soaked and core.

bf!gaz who knew you must be filled to the brim by now, literally and figuratively, but needed to cum again. this time, with less brute force. ❝so fuckin' good, sweetheart,❞ his methodical rutting continued, enough to make your eyes half-lidded. kyle's rhetocial question, answered by himself, and only himself; ❝should i make you cum this time? i think you've earned it.❞

[jesswritesthat]

League of Villains: Biscuits

Fandom: BNHA // MHA — [ Masterlist ]

Summary: ~0.9k, fluff

Warnings: Mentions of crime, injury, death, fire, etc

>>>>——————————>

Everyone had their reasons for joining the League of Villains, some were more open about it than others, but above all there was an underlying level of acceptance. It mattered not where you came from as long as you could do your job when the time called for it. As long as you listened to the orders given, you were free to do as you pleased to further your own motivations.

However, even if it was portrayed as a work environment, comradery became a natural component to the dynamic within the League. Casual conversations began to flow during downtime, meals were shared, items were acquired because they reminded them of a fellow member. None of you would address it as such, but it felt like a friendship or family connection.

That’s probably the reason why you felt comfortable to answer their questions about your past when it randomly came up in discussion one evening after dinner (a variety of instant meals this time).

“I bet you had your pretty little heart broken and you ran away to formulate a massive revenge scheme.” Toga playfully guessed, clasping your hand in hers rather dramatically.

You hummed thoughtfully, now was as good as time as any you supposed, so with a cautious shrug you revealed your history.

“Close, but it was an arranged marriage that I was forced into without my consent. After that I decided such idiocy should be abolished, hence wanting to change hero society alongside you all.”

“A quirk marriage.” Dabi inquired, though it sounded more like a statement, as if he already knew.

“Unfortunately. I wouldn’t have minded if my fiancé and the family were nice, but they…”

“They what?” It spoken in a lower tone, a sense of threat underpinning it so much so that it begged you to look up. The sight unnerved you.

It wasn’t just Dabi whose sapphire irises burned with something sinister, Toga ran a tentative finger along her knife, Shigaraki paused his game, Spinners’ nails tapped in a slow warning motion like an irritated cat, Twice cracked his knuckles, and Mr Compress had a marble dancing across his fingers.

“The things they did… They were manipulative, and cruel, they didn’t care about me - only the heirs I had the potential to create. That was made painfully clear, but I’d rather not discuss it please.” You took a deep breath to stabilise yourself once again, painting on a falsified smile. “I ran for a reason y’know?”

———

It was the next morning that things felt slightly off, you were feeling guilty for disclosing last night and then abandoning the conversation to scurry off to bed far earlier than usual. The League would understand (or not care enough) to treat you any differently than before as you still held use to them.

Though your breath got trapped in your throat when you scrolled through your phone that morning, air constricting you like a damn python when you read the most prominent headline.

[ Hoshikawa Family Estate Burned To The Ground ]

[ …presumed dead… ]

[ …life altering injuries. ]

[ Potential public backlash from the incriminating evidence exposed online last night is suspected… ]

Wait what? You had to properly read the article rather than scanning through it due to anxiety, skipping past the image of aqua flames devouring the building, to find your desired target. The family crimes, abuse, and other incriminating information had been leaked over various websites from an anonymous source. The revelations would be considered evoking enough to incur violent wrath from many - however you knew who took advantage of the chaos, and it likely had to do with your emotions last night.

Your comrades weren’t surprised when you scrambled into the main area in a panic, overlooking a grinning Toga, stifled Twice, and intrigued Compress, when your attention found a bored Dabi.

“You did this?!”

“Huh?” It was so lacklustre you almost threw your phone at him, biting back with picture evidence glaring on your screen.

“Don’t play dumb Dabi, this has your quirk burning all over it.”

The incinerating quirk user came toward you, bending down to pathetically ‘inspect’ the image before shrugging haphazardly.

“Ah you got me Sherlock, Toga and I fancied some s’mores last night. Can’t have those without a campfire.”

“Exactly, it’d be a crime~ We saved biscuits in case you wanted breakfast?” The blonde clapped her hands together, gesturing over to the pile of groceries.

“People died.”

“No, assholes died.” - “Employees were all evacuated.” Twice doubly reiterated, nodding over to Toga who waved to you rather proudly, then licked her lips which told you everything about her recent imposter escapade.

“They deserved better than being ruled by some snobby tyrants so I lead them out to safety.”

The tension within you dispersed slightly, taking in the details of your unbothered teammates (despite the heinous crimes they’d very recently committed) and you breathed words of pure relief.

“Thank you guys…”

You were finally free.

“What’s all the shouting? I almost lost my game because of it.” Tomura slowly strolled in, leaning against the doorframe and sighed painfully. “Oh. Did (L/n) find out about the hacking?”

“Hacking?”

“Bypassing their system security and uncovering hidden agendas was far easier than we expected. Shigaraki made sure the world knew about it too.” Mr Compress addressed with a proud sway to his tone like he hadn’t been involved in the whole thing.

“Eh. It was worth it.” Tomura muttered, taking a bite of pocky.

That’s when you noted the newly opened packet in his hand, and then the additional items littering the hideout now you’d regained your composure.

“Those biscuits…”

“The Hoshikawas’ had a great pantry, and we needed a stock up. It would’ve been a shame for it to go to waste and Spinner had plenty of space in his vehicle.” Himiko replied blissfully cheerful about the ordeal which mortified you more.

“Oh my god, you—“

“Want one?”

These were the moments you lived for now, that flourish of frustration washing away like sea to sand when a packet was offered out toward you.

You smiled, a real grateful smile.

“Definitely.”

<——————————<<<<

[douchebagbrainwaves]

I'VE BEEN PONDERING JULIUS

The same pattern has played out in 1964 and 1972. They're working on their own projects? It was one of the things the internet has shown us is how mean people can be. That has worked for Google, because I read about it in the press. One of the founders, everything grinds to a halt when they switched to raising money, but you can write any program in any of them. Similarly for Microsoft: Basic for the Altair; Basic for other machines; other languages besides Basic; operating systems; applications; IPO. Then a squad of QA people step in and start counting them, and the 511 prior to the current batch feels like a walk in the park. Can you do more of that? That's why Julius Caesar thought thin men so dangerous. But there are limits on what programmers can do.

A third? Use succinct languages. Lotus began with a core of fanatically devoted users, and that your plan is what they'd have done if they'd followed through on their own projects. Startups can be irresponsible and release version 1s that are light enough to evolve. One good trick is to ask yourself at what point you'd bet against it. Everything else on their site may be stock photos or the prose equivalent, but the way a garbled message is. Does that mean investors will make less money? In practice the link between depth and narrowness is so strong that it's a good sign, because it taught us how it would feel to merchants to use our software to run on the server, it would be five years before you had it too. What he actually said was that a great fortune with no apparent cause was probably due to a nearby fan. Stripe is one of the eight groups had a prototype ready by that time.

Ideas 1-5 are now widespread. A startup that reaches ramen profitability may be more accurate to describe a market as a degenerate case—as what you get by default when organization isn't possible. Within large organizations, the phrase used to describe accounting methods and so on, just like programming, but they could imagine other people wanting it. People who do great things. So I'm not suggesting you be good in the usual sanctimonious way. And then of course it seems that it should be, and I felt it had to be delivered. And when there's no installation, you don't have to work at Yahoo. A few CEOs' incomes reflect some kind of salesperson. In fact, one of the keys to retaining their monopoly.

He was like an explorer looking for a way out. When people from Microsoft were talking to a friend. Great Literature? This essay is derived from a talk at BBN Labs. Server problems were the big no-no for us, like a car spinning its wheels. So at the last Y Combinator dinner of the summer. Closely related is the desire to be better to get selected than applicants not of type x. Lotus began with a program Mitch Kapor wrote for a friend.

This turned out to be good at math than memorizing long strings of digits, even though its revenues are only $3000 a month consulting; in fact, it would probably already exist. What are your abilities? Functional programming means avoiding side-effects. You only take one shower in the morning, and if Microsoft doesn't control the client, it will be the best you ever get. The reason you can expect to feel this is that what you do. By the end of the scale, nature seems to be an advantage. What new things will we be able to say about technology is: it just works. There are two big forces driving change in startup funding: it's becoming cheaper to start a consulting company, or a clothing retailer? And that's one reason open source, blogging is something people do themselves, for free, just by going to the site where it's offered.

Plus if you find an idea sexy, you'll work on it more enthusiastically. The Airbnbs themselves never even saw these emails at the time, will take whatever choice requires least work. After a couple years of this I could tell which companies to worry about the servers, it would just look like gibberish to someone who didn't know Lisp; there isn't room here to explain everything you'd need to know to understand what they're saying—in corporate announcements of bad news, for example, in the OO world you hear a good deal about patterns. A conditional is an if-then-else construct. There may be more likely to fix it. With Web-based software, you should get new releases without paying extra, or doing any work, or possibly even knowing about it. Upgrades won't be the big shocks they are now. They had some good hackers, and the enforcement of quality can flow bottom-up programming.

When you release software gradually you get far fewer bugs than desktop software. You have to assume it takes some sort of cosmological constant, I'm certain it isn't. I'd use the word unfair to describe this approach is that it gives you fewer options for the future. Its purpose is to shield the pointy-haired boss doesn't even want to think about anything except the applications they use. That is changing. When a company loses their data for them, they'll get a lot done. What a waste to sacrifice an opportunity to solve the problem in a different language than they'd use if they were paid a huge amount, or if in the same language. The same thing happens with software.

But unfortunately Yahoo actually tried to be one, sort of. The way people act is just as much work as thinking about real problems. We're funding eight new startups at the moment. Which is precisely why we hear ever more about it. But this is a labor of love and he wants it to be perfect. At Viaweb we sometimes ran into trouble on this account. And because Lisp was not really designed to be workplaces, end up being more like an older brother than a parent. One of the startups we've funded haven't launched their products yet, but are your software. Web-based software, you want to disagree with you. And dealing with payments is a schlep for Stripe, but not random: I found my doodles changed after I started studying painting.

[cowboyemeritus]

Cenerentola (Frater Imperator/Reader)

Summary: Copia hosts a gala to celebrate his ascension to head of the Clergy. When things go haywire, it's up to you to keep him safe. In the process, it becomes impossible to avoid your feelings for him any longer.

Content Warning: mild violence, a singular Monty Python reference

Notes: me? writing sfw? it's more likely than you think.

i've been doing a lot of social dancing so naturally that made me think about dancing with copia. i am also a sucker anything remotely cinderella-esque lol. reader is sort of based on an oc of mine.

i don't really know how i feel about this — i had ideas for two related scenes and then had to fill in the gaps from there. sorry it's so long lmao

feedback is always welcome :)

Even amidst the sea of people below, it is impossible for you to miss him. Copia shines like the Morningstar, the candlelight glinting off the ruby brooches and bedazzled collar of his new, freshly pressed suit. All eyes are on him as he spins the delighted young Sister of Sin in his arms, leading her with grace and elegance through the steps of the fast-paced waltz. He’s changed so much in the years since you left the Ministry. Now, with his ascension to head of the Clergy, there are moments where he seems like an entirely different person, exponentially more confident and self-assured than you remember. 

You know his new demeanor, however, betrays a deep-seated anxiety, the product of years of vague threats on his life from the organization he’s now expected to lead. And surely, the irony is not lost on him that the very hall in which he is now dancing sits directly above the crypts, where the bodies of his assassinated brothers lay in eternal repose.

From your position, leaning against a column up on the balcony, you have the entire ballroom in your sights. Every step, every gesture, every side conversation, is under your scrutiny. This was by design. Although Copia, by some miracle, lived to see the end of his reign as Papa, the transition of power has not been an easy one. Threats abound, the old guard of the Clergy still dissatisfied with him, many enraged by his recent promotion. His mother’s scheming was meant to protect him, but now it seems to have backfired, putting him in more danger than ever before. While this gala serves as a way for him to potentially smooth things over with the Upper Clergy, asserting himself as Frater Imperator, he is also making himself vulnerable, open to attacks of all kinds.

As a favor to his predecessor, the woman who taught you everything you know, you begrudgingly agreed to provide additional security around Ministry headquarters. At first, returning to the Abbey, its halls so hauntingly familiar, reminded you of why you left in the first place: decadence, hypocrisy, lies — a message lost in a quagmire of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll. Somehow, though, Copia and his ghouls have wormed their way into your frozen heart over these last few months. It was done before you even knew it was happening. Copia has this sort of magnetism about him, some preternatural force that makes it impossible not to be charmed. It was like this even when he was a shy, awkward cardinal. Because of this, although the Clergy wants him gone, he has the distinct advantage of a congregation that completely adores him.

The song ends, and Copia sweeps the Sister into a dip. She giggles, pressing a playful kiss to his cheek. Something in your chest pangs.

At the end of the day, you just work together. It would be foolish of you expect anything more. Still, there’s been an undeniable tension between the two of you since your return to the Ministry. You see the way he looks at you, the way he hangs on to your every word when you speak. But maybe you’re imagining it — you spend so much time around him that perhaps you’ve mistaken proximity for fondness.

You sense a familiar, fiendish presence approaching from behind. “You’re having fun,” Cirrus remarks, entering your field of vision. She has a flute of champagne in each hand and offers one to you. To maintain the illusion of normalcy you accept, taking a small sip of the bubbly, golden liquid.

“We’re on the clock,” you say, eyeing a small group of cardinals that have congregated near the refreshments table. They seem to be merely gossiping. Rain is stationed nearby, carefully observing. “No fun allowed.” The ghoul chuckles, leaning against the balcony railing on her forearms.

“I take it everything’s alright so far?” You nod, thinking back on the hours you spent painstakingly drawing sigils at various locations around the Abbey, setting up one massive alarm spell. If anything supernatural tries to get in, you’ll know. All that’s left is to be on the lookout for any natural, more human threats. You swallow down a lump in your throat, hoping your preparations will be enough.

“Try to relax, then,” Cirrus coaxes, sipping her own drink. There’s a pause. “You should go dance with him.” You feel your cheeks heat up, but keep your composure.

“I don’t have time to mess around,” you state bluntly. Your posture sags a bit. “He’s busy, anyway.” Copia is leading another Sister onto the dance floor, taking the starting position as the ghoul band strikes up another tune. You zero in on the hand resting on her hip, worrying your lower lip between your teeth. It looks like her dress doesn’t have any pockets; the probability of her concealing anything is low.

Cirrus places a clawed hand on your shoulder and gives you a playful jostle. “For you? He’ll make time.” You give her a quizzical look and she winks, straightening back up before taking her leave. “Do it!” She calls. “I’ve got good money on you two getting together!” Your mouth hangs slightly agape, watching as she descends the stairs to rejoin the party.

You take another, longer sip of your champagne, relishing in the sensation of bubbles tickling your tongue. It helps take the edge off, if only a little. You remain up on your perch for another long while. Copia eventually abandons dancing in favor of strolling through the crowd, greeting and shaking hands with various high-profile guests. It’s harder to keep track of him this way, even from your vantage point, so once your glass is empty you descend the stairs, entering the fray for yourself. To your relief, no one pays you any mind as you weave through the mass of bodies. You spot a truly nameless ghoul carrying a tray of empty glassware and flag them down, depositing your glass. You’re about to find a better place to camp out when someone taps you on the shoulder.

“Excuse me, signorina strega.” You turn and sure enough, it’s Copia. He’s holding out a hand. “May I have this dance?” Multiple pairs of eyes are now focused on you. Swallowing hard, you flush, smiling nervously. It’s a little more attention than you’d like, but you reason that within arms reach of him is the best place to be right now.

It’s completely logical, not motivated by anything else.

“Of course, Frater Imperator,” you reply, bowing your head slightly. You make it a point to use his full title in front of the guests. “I would be honored.” Gingerly, you take his hand, and he leads you to the dance floor. You pick up your pace a bit so that you’re able to whisper in his ear. “I’m not very good.” Copia gives your hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Do not worry. Just follow my lead.” As the last few bars of the current song play, Copia guides you into the starting position, placing his right hand delicately on your hip and holding the left out for you to take. You try not to think about how, even through the leather of his gloves, his hand is so warm. Having difficulty looking him in the eye, you glance over his shoulder in the brief moment of silence between songs. You see Cirrus, Rain, and Swiss gathered by the refreshments table, watching you with shit-eating grins plastered across their faces. The air ghoul flashes you a thumbs-up and you have to resist the urge to destroy her with your mind.

“Ready?” As if on cue, the band resumes playing. You recognize the song instantly: Waltz No. 2, Shostakovich. How woefully on brand. The dance begins, Copia stepping forward with his left foot while you, mirroring him, step back with the right. It’s easy enough to follow him after that, stepping to your left as he steps right, then forwards to start all over again.

“One, two, three. One, two, three. You’re a natural.” Once you find a steady rhythm, you’re able to look up from your feet and actually start to enjoy the feeling of whirling around the room.

“How are things?” He asks, clearly trying to remain nonchalant. There are so many eyes on you, and from the crowd you sense intrigue, amusement, and a significant amount of jealously.

“Fine, so far,” you reply through a smile, trying to make it as difficult as possible for people to read your lips. Copia nods.

“Bene.” A few beats pass. “Thank you for all your hard work. I appreciate you coming back after...” He looks away for a moment. “I appreciate it.” You didn’t do it for him and he knows that, but his expression of gratitude makes heat bloom in your chest nonetheless.

“I’m glad I did,” you say without thinking. “This place is different now. Good different, because of you.” Copia smiles, the skin around the corners of his eyes crinkling. He raises his left arm and you pass under it in a spin, feeling lighter than air.

“I had hoped you would be able to enjoy yourself tonight,” he admits, a hint of guilt in his eyes. “Instead it seems you are just fretting over me.” You quirk an eyebrow at him.

“It’s that ego of yours I’m worried about,” you tease. “Pretty soon there won’t be room for anyone else in this Ministry.” Both of you laugh at this.

“I had better check myself, then,” Copia says, running a hand through his mousy brown hair. “I would hate to see you leave again.” That catches you off guard and you nearly trip, but his hand finds your hip again, keeping you stable. By now, you’re certain he’s noticed the blush on your cheeks.

“Don’t worry. I’m not-“

Somewhere, an invisible thread snaps. It makes your stomach lurch, the color draining from your face. You pause, your playful expression melting away as you try to pinpoint the source of the disruption. The South Wing. It’s approaching fast. When you return to this plane Copia is looking at you with concern.

“I have to go,” you say quietly. He doesn’t have time to respond before you exit the dance floor, heading for the large double doors at the other end of the ballroom. It’s hard not to shove people out of the way as you duck and weave through the crowd. Dewdrop is at the entrance, minding his post, but as you approach it’s clear from the rigidity of his small body that he’s been waiting for you. He follows you wordlessly out into the hall. Kicking off your heels, the two of you take off in the direction of the intrusion. You internally curse your foolishness for talking yourself out of wearing sneakers, or even flats.

“It’s something nasty,” he says once you’re out of earshot of any guests. You can only nod in agreement, hoping the two of you are enough to deal with whatever this foul thing is.

You round the corner to the South Wing and stop dead in your tracks. The sight before you makes your blood run could. Charging towards you is a hulking creature, easily Mountain’s height but with Aether’s bulk. It’s clearly a humanoid figure, but its edges are poorly defined, a mist-like quality to them. Still, you observe shapes that resemble horns and a tail, and that tells you all you need to know: a rogue ghoul, not bound to this plane by a contract. As such, it’s less of a consolidated form and more of rampaging ball of fiendish energy. This information helps you narrow down the list of potential culprits exponentially.

There’s no time to dwell on that, though. The creature is headed straight for you, no doubt attracted to the smell of your human flesh. Before you can react, Dew puts himself between you and the ghoul, ready to engage. He’s strong in spite of his small size, but the odds of him defeating this massive a beast on his own, especially one this energized, are slim. You realize he’s buying you time to cast a spell, and immediately you formulate a plan in your head. It will take some time to accomplish, but if he can hold off this monstrosity for long enough, you should be able to successfully banish it back to the Pit without endangering him as well. Planting your feet, you take a deep breath, letting your eyes shut. There’s a whoosh of warm air as Dew charges the rogue ghoul. Energy begins to flow through you as you chant under your breath, crafting the spell. A metallic taste fills your mouth, the air crackling with static.

You’re about halfway through the incantation when the sound of a body hitting the floor breaks through your wall of concentration. The creature roars, forcing you to crack an eye open just in time to see it lunge at you. It’s covered in scratches and burns, but Dew is ultimately the one on the ground, desperately trying to pick himself back up. You’re only just able to side-step, the spell breaking as you focus all of your energy on surviving the next few seconds. You’re frantically backpedaling when it swipes at you, claws catching you in the side. You cry out as it tears through the flimsy red fabric of your dress, leaving three long gashes in its wake that begin bleeding immediately. Though profoundly painful it’s a superficial wound; if you had been stationary, there’s no doubt it would have disemboweled you. 

Your back hits the wall. Dew shouts your name but you just stand there, frozen. The creature is about to pin you when a large body slams into it from the side, knocking it to the ground. You immediately recognize the form as Aether, and looking in the direction from whence he came you see Cirrus, Swiss, Rain, Mountain, Sunshine, and Phantom, all approaching with teeth and claws bared. Cirrus gets to you first, grabbing your arm and pulling you away from the scuffling ghouls.

“Are you-“ She finally notices you clutching your side, blood seeping into your dress. “Oh shit, are you okay?” You nod, lifting your hand to show her it’s minor. Phantom is helping Dew to his feet. He seems alright other than a few scratches, the fall appearing to have knocked the wind out of him more than anything.

“I’m fi-” Your heart nearly stops. “Is someone watching Imperator?”

“Cumulus and Aurora are with him,” she says. “They’ve got it under control.” You let out a relieved sigh, shoulders dropping. It’s only now you that you notice how much tension you’ve been holding in your body all night. Your body trembles with excess adrenaline.

Aether lets out a frustrated growl. You barely have time to look in his direction before the rogue ghoul, having slipped out of his grasp, hurls itself out of one of the long, gothic windows lining the hallway. Bits of stained glass go flying, scattering across the marble floor tiles. The creature is smart enough to recognize it’s been outnumbered. One-by-one the members of the pack leap through the broken portal, none of them too keen on letting the intruder escape. Dew tries to follow, clearly excited about the prospect of a hunt, but Cirrus shoos him away from the window.

“Go clean yourselves up,” she orders, perched on the ledge. It’s directed mostly at you. “We’ll take it from here.” With that, she jumps down, disappearing from view as the sound of the pack whooping and howling fades into the distance.

Twenty some-odd minutes and a round of healing magick later, you and Dew are sitting out on the steps of the back patio, passing a cigarette back-and-forth. By now, the rogue ghoul has most certainly been torn to ribbons. There could still be threats lurking, but for as much as you’d like to go find Copia, you’re nowhere near presentable and would prefer not to incite panic, or suspicion, among the guests. Besides, you’re hardly capable of doing anything now, your energy completely drained by the evening’s events. You only had enough juice left to stop your cuts from bleeding; anything physically strenuous would certainly reopen the wounds. For now, you’re content to enjoy the cool autumn air, knowing he’s in capable hands.

“There you are.” Speak of the Devil. You look over your shoulder and Copia is stepping out into night, flanked by Cumulus and Aurora. Clutched in one hand are your strappy red heels, and it’s only now that you realize you’re still barefoot. Dew, with a quiet groan, rises to his feet and climbs the stairs, passing Copia as he descends.

“We’re going to go take care of this one,” Cumulus says, draping an arm over the fire ghoul’s shoulder. It’s hard to tell in the dark, but for a moment you swear she winks at you. Dew tries to shrug her off with a huff, and the girls giggle. Copia nods approvingly.

“Thank you, miei cari. We will debrief in the morning.” The three ghouls turn and step back inside, leaving you and Copia on the stairs. Your heart beats a little faster with the realization that you two are alone, although you tell yourself it’s because you won’t be able to defend him in this state. There’s definitely no other reason.

“Your glass slippers, my lady.” You roll your eyes and reach out to take your shoes from Copia, but he refuses to hand them over, kneeling on the stair below you. “Allow me, per favore.”

This might as well be happening. Lifting your foot up, you grant him permission to assist you. Copia slides the first shoe back on, holding your calf with one hand. Again, you can’t help but notice how warm and gentle his touch is. 

“I’m sorry for running off,” you say, needing to break the silence. “I hope you didn’t think that-“

“Not at all. I figured that something was, eh, ‘going down.’” When he looks up he finally notices the gashes in your side. He hisses, wincing. “Ahia! That looks like it hurts.”

You wave him off. “’Tis but a scratch.” He looks like he’s going to protest, clearly upset, but instead opts to tighten the strap of your shoe before moving on to the next foot.

“What happened?” He asks, starting the process over again.

“Rogue ghoul,” you explain, looking out into the forest at the edge of the lawn. “Likely the work of Cardinal Ambrosius. He’s gotten in trouble for trying to make contracts before. Doesn’t look like he’s quite figured it out, though. I can have his head on your desk by Monday morning, if you’d like.” 

Copia laughs through his nose. “You are absolutely vicious, mia strega.”

You shrug. “Just doing my job.” Once Copia finishes with your other shoe he stands, offering you his hand.

“Walk with me?” 

You give him a hesitant look. “I don’t want to keep you from your guests.” He scoffs.

“I have had enough of those two-faced pricks for one night. A lifetime, even.” His expression softens. “But if you are not up for it, I-“

“No!” You shoot up, taking his hand. It startles him a little bit. “I’m good. Let’s go.” Copia smiles, the moonlight sparkling in his eyes. Like an obedient  lamb, you let him lead you down the rest of the stairs and across the patio to where a walkway wraps around the side of the building. He’s taking you to the gardens, it seems. Though your legs feel like jelly, the walk isn’t very long, which you’re thankful for.

The gardens aren’t really a sight to behold this time of year, but the full moon bathes everything in a mesmerizing blue glow, giving the space a dreamlike quality. The ballroom is just up another set of stairs, the music still audible where you emerge. You stop by the fountain, a marble visage of Lilith pouring water from a bottomless goblet. The water is still running, providing a little extra ambiance.

“Care to dance?” Copia asks. “We were so tragically interrupted before.”

“I…” Damn you and your nerves. You’re blushing again. “I don’t want to get blood all over you.”

Still, he persists, shrugging. “It’s a black suit.” It’s hard to say no to that face, but the McQueen jacket? Really? He gives you a pleading look and your resolve instantly crumbles.

“Alright.” It’s all but a whisper. “But go easy on me.”

You don’t wait for the next song to start, you simply get in position and go from there. It’s slower than what you danced to before, and you two end up just swaying to the rhythm rather than following any steps. That’s fine with you, your legs are still shaking, though you can’t tell if it’s from exertion or something else entirely.

“You look beautiful,” Copia says after a few measures. In that time you two have drifted closer together, only a few inches between you now. It’s hard to look him in the eyes when your face is so embarrassingly red, so you choose to stare at the ground.

“I’m a mess.” You laugh, but there’s something bitter in it as your eyes wander to your soiled dress, torn and bloody. There was a silly, naive part of you that had been thinking of Copia when you selected it for this evening. He stops swaying, a hand finding your chin and gently lifting your head. In your opinion, he’s the beautiful one, practically glowing in the moonlight. 

“Nonsense. You are the fairest of them all, cara.” You roll your eyes, but the corners of your mouth draw up into a slight smile.

“You’re getting your fairytales mixed up.” The two of you share a laugh before dissolving into a few moments of comfortable silence. You can tell he’s thinking about something, and he looks away, clearly nervous.

“Did you mean what you said about coming back?” The question catches you off guard for a second.

“I did,” you finally respond. “I really did. This place feels like home again.” Swallowing, you decide to take a bit of a leap. “Did you mean what you said, about me leaving?” You haven’t discussed it in a long time, but when you first took the job, the understanding was that this was only a temporary arrangement, lasting at least until Copia was able to settle into his new position. The notion pains you now. He nods.

“Yes. I-“ He chuckles. “I cannot stand the thought. Signorina strega, say that you will stay with us, with me.”

You don’t even need to think about it. “I will. Of course I will.” Copia beams, and the sight is breathtaking. There’s another pause, the air between you charged with an energy more powerful than magick. In the ballroom, the final notes of the song ring out, though you hardly notice. A bomb could go off next to you, but even that wouldn’t be enough to pull you out of this moment.

“Beautiful…” You don’t protest when he cups your flushed cheek, running his thumb across the bone. “May I kiss you?” It takes everything you have to not melt into a puddle.

“Please.”

And then his lips — Sathanas, they’re soft —  are on yours. Stars explode behind your eyes as he presses into you, the hand on your hip to pulling you in closer. His body is so warm against you; it feels so right. Your heart is racing, head spinning, as the euphoria overtakes you. 

He kisses you until you’re both out of breath. When he finally pulls away, you want to chase after him, to kiss him until your lips fall off, but then your knees buckle. Copia is just barely able to catch you, letting out a surprised little noise you can’t help but find adorable. He seems less concerned when he sees you’re grinning like an idiot.

“Alas, I have killed her!” You both laugh as he helps you regain your balance. “Why don’t we sit down?” Humming in agreement, he leads you over to the fountain, sitting you down on the edge. He brushes a strand of hair out of your face, tucking it behind your ear. “Are you sure you are alright?”

“Just peachy,” you say, gazing at your intertwined hands. “It’s been a long night.” Feeling bold and still a bit woozy, you bring Copia’s hand to your lips, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. 

“Ah, young love.” You both jolt, heads snapping in the direction of the voice. Before you stand the glowing specters of Papa Nihil and Sister Imperator. The old man has a wistful, nostalgic look on his face, while your former teacher observes with her arms crossed. How long have they been watching you? “Just like we once were, don’t you think?” Imperator huffs.

“I sure hope not.” Her focus falls on you. The wrath in her translucent blue yes makes your blood freeze. “You think you’re good enough for my son, girl?” For a moment, you’re completely speechless.

“I-“

“Are you two serious right now,” Copia shouts. “Get out of here! Go on! Get!” He gets up from the fountain to shoo them away. Imperator gives you a pointed look before dissolving into a blue mist. Her message is clear: this isn’t over. You gulp.

Copia groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I cannot believe those two. I finally get to have my moment with you, and then they go and spoil it!” He flops back down next to you, sighing. “I am sorry, bella. I understand if-“

“Forget about it,” you say, holding up your hand to silence him. “Just kiss me, like, forever.”

Copia happily obliges.

[the-gnomish-bastard]

Here’s a reminder: Taking ideas and putting them in dnd, whether you’re a player or a dm, is perfectly fine as long as you do it right. How do you do it right? If someone calls you out on it, own up to it. There’s no shame in it. Want some examples?

I once played a homebrew campaign based off of Sea of Thieves and Pirates of the Caribbean, it was fun. I played that campaign as Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz.

I once played a spelljammer campaign as Emperor Palpatine.

I played a Cyberpunk 2077 inspired campaign as the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

I played a LOTR style campaign as Victor Saltzpyre from Vermintide.

I played Curse of Strahd as a Whiterun Guard from Skyrim. Yes, the dm took advantage of this and every time I was shot by an arrow, he described it hitting my knee.

Play the character you want, make the campaign you want.