#agile documentation

[jcmarchi]

Stackpack Secures $6.3M to Reinvent Vendor Management in an AI-Driven Business Landscape

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/stackpack-secures-6-3m-to-reinvent-vendor-management-in-an-ai-driven-business-landscape/

Stackpack Secures $6.3M to Reinvent Vendor Management in an AI-Driven Business Landscape

In a world where third-party tools, services, and contractors form the operational backbone of modern companies, Stackpack has raised $6.3 million to bring order to the growing complexity.

Led by Freestyle Capital, the funding round includes support from Elefund, Upside Partnership, Nomad Ventures, Layout Ventures, MSIV Fund, and strategic angels from Intuit, Workday, Affirm, Snapdocs, and xAI.

The funding supports Stackpack’s mission to redefine how businesses manage their expanding vendor networks—an increasingly vital task as organizations now juggle hundreds or even thousands of external partners and platforms.

Turning Chaos into Control

Founded in 2023 by Sara Wyman, formerly of Etsy and Affirm, Stackpack was built to solve a problem she knew too well: modern companies are powered by vendors, yet most still track them with outdated methods—spreadsheets, scattered documents, and guesswork. With SaaS stacks ballooning and AI tools proliferating, unmanaged vendors become silent liabilities.

“Companies call themselves ‘people-first,’ but in reality, they’re becoming ‘vendor-first,’” said Wyman. “There are often 6x more vendors than employees. Yet there’s no system of record to manage that shift—until now.”

Stackpack gives finance and IT teams a unified, AI-powered dashboard that provides real-time visibility into vendor contracts, spend, renewals, and compliance risks. The platform automatically extracts key contract terms like auto-renewal clauses, flags overlapping subscriptions, and even predicts upcoming renewals buried deep in PDFs.

AI That Works Like a Virtual Vendor Manager

Stackpack’s Behavioral AI Engine acts as an intelligent assistant, surfacing hidden cost-saving opportunities, compliance risks, and critical dates. It not only identifies inefficiencies—it takes action, issuing alerts, initiating workflows, and providing recommendations across the vendor lifecycle.

For instance:

Renewal alerts prevent surprise charges.

Spend tracking identifies underused or duplicate tools.

Contract intelligence extracts legal and pricing terms from uploads or integrations with tools like Google Drive.

Approval workflows streamline onboarding and procurement.

This brings the kind of automation once reserved for enterprise procurement platforms like Coupa or SAP to startups and mid-sized businesses—at a fraction of the cost.

A Timely Solution for a Growing Problem

Vendor management has become a boardroom issue. As more companies shift budgets from headcount to outsourced services, compliance and financial oversight have become harder to maintain. Stackpack’s early traction is proof of demand: just months after launch, it’s managing over 10,500 vendors and $510 million in spend across more than 50 customers, including Every Man Jack, Rho, Density, HouseRx, Fexa, and ZeroEyes.

“The CFO is the one left holding the bag when things go wrong,” said Brandon Lee, Accounting Manager at BizzyCar. “Stackpack means we don’t have to cross our fingers every quarter.”

Beyond Visibility: Enabling Smarter Vendor Decisions

Alongside its core platform, Stackpack is launching Requests & Approvals, a lightweight tool to simplify vendor onboarding and purchasing decisions—currently in beta. The feature is already attracting customers looking for faster, more agile alternatives to traditional procurement systems.

With a long-term vision to help companies not only manage but discover and evaluate vendors more strategically, Stackpack is laying the groundwork for a smarter, interconnected vendor ecosystem.

“Every vendor decision carries legal, financial, and security consequences,” said Dave Samuel, General Partner at Freestyle Capital. “Stackpack is building the intelligent infrastructure to manage these relationships proactively.”

The Future of Vendor Operations

As third-party ecosystems grow in size and complexity, Stackpack aims to transform vendor operations from a liability into a competitive advantage. Its AI-powered approach gives companies a modern operating system for vendor management—one that’s scalable, proactive, and deeply integrated into finance and operations.

“This isn’t just about cost control—it’s about running a smarter company,” said Wyman. “Managing your vendors should be as strategic as managing your talent. We’re giving companies the tools to make that possible.”

With fresh funding and a rapidly expanding customer base, Stackpack is poised to become the new standard for how modern businesses manage the partners powering their growth.

[themanagementatheneum]

Blog No. 58 - Agile vs. Waterfall: Choosing the Right Methodology for Your Project

Hey there! If you’re diving into the world of project management, you’ve probably come across two buzzwords: Agile and Waterfall. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which approach is best for your project, but don’t worry! I’m here to break it down for you in a way that makes sense. Let’s Talk Waterfall The Waterfall model is like a well organized plan. Imagine you’re building a…

[perfectdocumentation]

In the world of software development, Agile methodologies have become a go-to framework for teams seeking flexibility, collaboration, and faster delivery. While Agile values working software and customer collaboration over traditional documentation-heavy processes, the need for effective documentation is still crucial to ensure that teams stay aligned and deliver high-quality products. Agile software development documentation is not about overburdening the process with excessive paperwork, but instead ensuring that key information is captured efficiently and can be easily accessed by the team.

[flowrocket2025]

https://flowrocket.com/finance

[pace-ai]

Mastering Software Documentation in 5 Easy Steps

In the fast-paced world of software development, comprehensive documentation serves as the cornerstone of successful projects. Whether building enterprise applications, mobile apps, or cloud services, clear and well-maintained documentation ensures knowledge transfer, reduces onboarding time, and improves overall software quality. This guide presents a systematic approach to creating and maintaining effective software documentation, breaking down the process into five manageable steps. From understanding fundamental concepts to implementing continuous improvement strategies, these steps will transform your documentation from a necessary evil into a valuable asset that drives project success and team efficiency.

Here are 5 easy steps to master Software Documentation

1. Understanding the Foundations of Software Documentation

Defining Documentation Types

Documentation comes in various forms, each serving a unique purpose in the software development lifecycle. Technical specifications outline system architecture and design decisions. User manuals guide end-users through software functionality. API documentation enables developers to integrate with your system effectively. Installation guides facilitate smooth deployments. Release notes track changes and updates across versions.

Identifying Your Audience

Understanding your audience fundamentally shapes documentation strategy. Developer-focused documentation demands technical depth and code examples. End-user documentation requires clear, jargon-free explanations. System administrator documentation needs comprehensive configuration details. Each audience segment brings distinct technical expertise, expectations, and information needs.

Setting Clear Documentation Goals

Documentation goals should align with organizational objectives while meeting user needs. Establish measurable success metrics: reduced support tickets, increased user adoption, or faster onboarding times. Define scope boundaries to prevent scope creep. Create documentation that serves as a single source of truth for your software system.

Understanding Documentation Lifecycles

Documentation evolves alongside software development. Initial drafts capture core functionality. Beta testing reveals gaps and areas needing clarification. Post-release updates reflect bug fixes and feature additions. Eventually, some documentation becomes obsolete and requires archiving or updating.

2. Planning Your Documentation Strategy

Creating Documentation Templates

Templates ensure consistency across documentation types. Include standard sections: overview, prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting guides, and reference materials. Standardize formatting, heading hierarchies, and naming conventions. Design templates that accommodate various content types while maintaining visual coherence.

Establishing Style Guides

Style guides maintain documentation consistency. Define voice and tone guidelines - typically professional yet approachable. Specify terminology preferences, including approved technical terms and acronyms. Outline formatting standards for code snippets, screenshots, and diagrams. Create clear rules for version numbering and change tracking.

Setting Up Version Control

Version control systems safeguard documentation integrity. Git repositories track changes and maintain version history. Branch strategies separate work-in-progress from published content. Pull request workflows facilitate collaborative editing and review processes. Consider documentation-as-code approaches for technical documentation.

Defining Documentation Workflows

Streamlined workflows accelerate documentation development. Establish clear processes for content creation, review, approval, and publication. Implement automated checks for formatting and broken links. Define roles and responsibilities within the documentation team. Create emergency update procedures for critical fixes.

Choosing Documentation Tools

Select tools that support your documentation strategy. Static site generators like Jekyll or Hugo excel at technical documentation. Wiki platforms facilitate collaborative editing. API documentation tools auto-generate reference materials. Consider integration capabilities with existing development tools and content management systems.

3. Writing Effective Documentation

Structuring Content Hierarchically

Logical content hierarchies enhance navigation and comprehension. Start with high-level concepts before diving into details. Group related topics together. Use consistent heading levels to indicate content relationships. Create clear paths through complex technical concepts.

Implementing Clear Formatting

Strategic formatting improves readability. Utilize white space to prevent information overload. Implement consistent paragraph lengths - typically 3-5 sentences. Use bullet points and numbered lists for sequential instructions. Apply semantic markup for emphasis and code snippets.

Writing Clear and Concise Instructions

Precision matters in technical writing. Begin each instruction with an action verb. Eliminate ambiguous language. Break complex procedures into discrete steps. Anticipate common questions and address them proactively. Maintain active voice for clarity.

Including Relevant Examples

Examples bridge theory and practice. Provide real-world use cases demonstrating concept application. Include both simple and complex examples to serve varying skill levels. Show example outputs or results. Highlight best practices and common pitfalls through practical demonstrations.

Adding Visual Elements

Strategic visuals enhance understanding. Screenshots guide users through interface interactions. Diagrams illustrate system architectures and workflows. Code snippets demonstrate implementation details. Charts and graphs visualize complex data relationships. Ensure all visual elements include descriptive alt text.

4. Reviewing and Testing Documentation

Conducting Peer Reviews

Peer reviews catch errors and improve quality. Establish review checklists covering technical accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Rotate reviewers to maintain fresh perspectives. Document review feedback for future reference. Consider both technical and non-technical reviewers.

Testing Instructions

Validate documentation through practical testing. Follow instructions exactly as written to identify missing steps. Test in clean environments matching user conditions. Verify all code examples execute successfully. Document edge cases and error scenarios.

Gathering User Feedback

User feedback drives improvements. Implement feedback mechanisms: surveys, comments, or issue tracking. Monitor support channels for documentation-related questions. Conduct user testing sessions. Track common points of confusion or frustration.

Making Iterative Improvements

Continuous improvement enhances documentation quality. Address user feedback promptly. Update examples to reflect current best practices. Refine explanations based on common questions. Remove or update obsolete information regularly.

Validating Technical Accuracy

Technical validation ensures documentation reliability. Verify all technical claims and specifications. Test code examples in multiple environments. Review API endpoint descriptions and parameters. Confirm compatibility information and system requirements.

5. Maintaining and Updating Documentation

Establishing Update Schedules

Regular updates maintain documentation relevance. Schedule periodic reviews of all documentation sections. Align updates with software release cycles. Prioritize updates based on user impact and feedback. Plan for both minor corrections and major revisions.

Managing Version History

Version history provides accountability and context. Track significant changes through clear changelog entries. Maintain archived versions of major documentation releases. Document breaking changes prominently. Enable users to access historical documentation when needed.

Archiving Outdated Content

Strategic archiving prevents confusion. Remove or clearly mark deprecated documentation. Maintain archives for historical reference. Redirect old documentation links to current versions. Consider maintaining legacy documentation for users on older software versions.

Monitoring Usage Analytics

Analytics inform documentation strategy. Track page views and time spent on documentation sections. Identify common search terms and navigation patterns. Monitor documentation link clicks and downloads. Use data to guide content priorities and improvements.

Implementing Continuous Improvement

Embrace ongoing enhancement opportunities. Regularly review and update style guides. Refine documentation processes based on team feedback. Explore new documentation tools and technologies. Stay current with industry documentation best practices.

Conclusion

Mastering software documentation requires strategic planning, clear processes, and continuous attention to quality. By following these five steps - understanding foundations, planning effectively, writing clearly, reviewing thoroughly, and maintaining consistently - teams can create and maintain documentation that truly serves their users' needs. Remember that documentation is a living asset that requires ongoing investment to maintain its value to the organization and its users.

[things-of-fire]

SilkWing metamorphosis takes a huge toll on the body. A dragonet has to grow an entire set of wings in only six days—how do they do it? Unlike caterpillars, SilkWings’ bodies don’t change enough to warrant turning into soup. Instead, the body enters a trance state, slowing down most metabolic processes except those needed to grow a pair of wings. Said wings are delicate, supported mostly by cartilage rather than bone. This makes them extra light and agile. A SilkWing’s cocoon regulates the humidity around them, creating an ideal environment for the growing and healing process. It also protects them from temperature fluctuations, lessening strain on the body.

Growing wings also takes energy. LOTS of energy. Prior to Wasp’s reign, SilkWing diets were well studied and pre-metamorphosis “bulking” was common practice. In the month or two leading up to metamorphosis, a SilkWing’s appetite increases tenfold. Communities would host small feasts and “foraging parties�� for their dragonets to ensure a healthy transition. Candied nuts, grilled grubs, and pollen cakes were especially popular for their nutritional density. Unfortunately, contemporary medicine was dominated by HiveWings for decades, resulting in the erasure of this knowledge. Hungry SilkWing dragonets were brushed off as “needy” and metamorphosis recovery times increased. Without the energy stores, their bodies broke down essential tissues for energy, leaving many dragonets malnourished and sick after metamorphosing.

With the establishment of the LeafSilk kingdom, things have changed for the better. Cricket and Malachite have organized hundreds of dragons to search the wreckage of the Hives for books, documents, anything that tells the true history of Pantala. The elderly Flamesilks, now free, tell Blue stories from before the tree wars and fret over him like a grandchild. He always returns home well-fed. Mandrake pours over old field guides and maps, working with Sundew to restore the food sources Pantala thrived on all those years ago.

And when Dusky’s wingbuds start to grow, the Flamesilks put every dragon to work gathering food for a grand feast, the first of the Leafsilk kingdom.

[ancientgoddessofegypt]

astro thoughts <3 short n sweet: all about the 3rd house

3rd house suns have this formidable presence and unlike any other planet in this house, they have the ability to absorb information and bring attention to that information at any given time. their talents go unnoticed for a short period, usually someone like a teacher, sibling, or colleague usually points out this gift and then they will become more free & open to the public with this talent. they have a niche for attention seeking, i mean this in the nicest way possible. they just have an aura to them that attracts attention from others due to their words, speech, intellect and talents.

3rd house mars have a controlled temper no often then not. They use their agility to build their mental strength in whatever hobbies they like to indulge in.

3rd house mercury has a tendency to have a know it all attitude. They also have a child-like nature to their auras as they are playful beings and can be quite popular in their environment.

3rd house moons are often liked due to their carry nature to be one with their community. Could be interested in volunteering in youth centers, farms or anything that helps benefit the people around them.

3rd house venus have to experience life in their own tune. They have a beautiful story to fulfill and they should document it in whatever way they choose. The memories is what counts, after all.

3rd house pluto can be very different from the other planets in this house. theres a darkness that oozes out of their words and the mystery awaits for those to unlock the codes in the prayers they've given us through their artwork that is their song.

3rd house saturns have a tendency to be the 'older sibling' to people they meet because they have an old soul to their auras. They show up with a naturally authoritive tone and cant help themselves sometimes.

3rd house jupiters HAVE IT ALLLLLL . There very soft spoken and have a niche for communication in multiple outlets. They can use their gifts to sore to new heights with the community and learn how to utilize the community to their advantage. This type of skill is good for entrepreneurs. 3rd house jups have a tendency to know more than what they let on but they won't tell you too much about themselves and what they know so easily.

3rd house uranus individuals have unique taste and love to go out of their way to find new information that is out of the box. There ideas are usually out of this world and they have a different perspective on their environment and the people around them.

3rd house neptunes are very sweet, compassionate individuals who can sense the energy of others very swiftly. They have an urge to travel short distances because they need this time to themselves to grow and formulate an opinion over there own needs & circumstances.

[artsninspo]

006 | Richmond Inc.

「 ✦ full library & archive ✦ 」

「 ✦ aaron pierre & characters library ✦ 」

⇚ 005

♠ summary: Thrust into leadership, Lorence battles pressure, secrecy, and an enigmatic boss—until his unexpected attentiveness causes things to heat up more than expected ☕.

♠ pairing: Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre - Rebel Ridge) X Lorence Cole (Black Fem OC)

♠ word-count: ~2.6K

⌖ - Richmond Inc. HQ

The new demands of my position are both a gift and a curse as I’m required to expand my knowledge base and think as a leader. There’s an element of freedom that I've been robbed of in this new position. There’s no time for fresh ideas and innovation in the same way there's no freedom to make mistakes. There’s no one to ask to review the work I have - I'm the final step in the pecking order before the other’s at my level look and ultimately Richmond’s eyes scan over it. I’d be lying if I said the thought doesn’t unnerve me. Dissatisfaction on his face and the scolding that will undoubtedly follow is a nagging inevitability. I’ve sat through so many briefings that I miss doing the work. This week has been an overwhelming barrage of discourse, planning and preparation. We’ve gone over logistics and transportation which is my specialty. Monaco is a logistical and transportation nightmare but I’ve taken all the necessary notes to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Which includes sending one of my best agents there in person to scope out the scene and get the necessary measurements and blueprints. It’s my first major assignment and with my budget sky’s the limit. Consulting for the organization responsible for the formula one race's security is not something I ever considered in the realm of possibility; so I make the most of it. I add to my list of tasks and lock the documents before going over my new operating budgets. I still have money to spend but until my best guy is back I can’t be sure where the resources will be best allocated. I’m researching local charities in the area when Richmond appears in the doorway. It’s his first time stopping by all week and I can’t say I’ve missed the light eyed giant. 

“Sir” I stand.

“Cole, I’ve received preliminary drafts from all the other teams. Is there something you require assistance with?” He asks, leaning in the doorway. He’s in a white knitted sweater today looking too casual for a man like him. 

“I thought we had another week” I respond, disregarding how his arms fill out the otherwise cuddly, cozy ensemble, transforming it into something different altogether.

“I like to look over things by the project’s midpoint,” he explains, folding his arms.

“Well, I’m new and I didn’t know that” I swallow daring to meet his eyes.

“We can go over what you have for now,” Richmond says entering my office. I straighten, hating his presence and proximity. With Richmond it isn't walking on eggshells, it's like walking on glass barefoot. I stand walking over to the table and pressing the projector button. I unencrypted my files and show him what I’ve been working on. He watches attentively, his eyes scanning through the details projected in front of him.

“They’re color coded by threat level” he says perceptively interpreting the markings I have on the 3D map model of the area the races will take place in. 

“Yeah, it determines what will work in terms of an emergency exits.” I state, explaining my process.

“So you don’t only look at routes?” He asks.

“No, when I develop my plans I consider routes, danger, closures, alternate routes and transportation that is as discreet as possible while being resilient and agile” I explain and he nods zooming in on my tablet.

“You’re looking for places to land helicopters? Possible counter sniper positions.” He says interpreting my work in seconds. Impressive isn’t the word. Nothing is explicitly stated there’s just circles, dots, x’s and stars in a variety of colours.

“Yeah” I nod and he looks from the tablet back to me, with a ghost of a smirk on his lips, only for it to be gone as soon as it appears.

“You’re doing Jameson work for him.” He comments.

“I understand why our teams are separate but I think all aspects should inform each other” I swallow and his expression hardens.

“That’s not your job. It’s to take direction. No one should be fully informed of the other's actions in case of leaks. Your team needs to be agile. Keep your work to yourself” he orders going back to his military facade.

“With all the testing you still don’t trust us?” I ask and he scowls. His jaw sets before clicking as he clenches  it. 

“It’s not about trust. It’s about what a person gives away during torture. How can I protect my team from that? The rules are in place for a reason. Adhere to them” he orders again but his eyes are more sensitive. If I were a psychiatrist I could diagnose his paranoia and mood swings but as a civilian I table my judgement.

���The non patronizing way to say that is;  follow protocol Cole” I quip before he gets carried away and it ends poorly.

“I don’t care if you don’t like my delivery. At least you’ll be alive not to like it” he comments standing. I can't help the sharp look I send his way. If he were anyone else I wouldn’t put up with it. “Good work” he says finally but somehow the praise falls flat.

“Have you lost a lot of people?” I ask and the tension in his shoulders answers the question in an instant. His expression sobers. 

“I’ve seen a lot of death,” he nods. I look him over before nodding. It at least explains his incessant over preparation and commitment to structure, secrecy and preventative measures.

“I’m sorry,” seems the only appropriate response.

“You won’t have to be if you follow protocol. Your safety equipment needs to be fitted before we go wheels up, go see Cassandra. I’m scheduling you for some extra hand to hand” he says adding more to my plate.

“I don’t have time for extra hand to hand, I’m behind” I tell him pointing to the projections.

“No you’re not” he swallows. “You’ll fry your brain if you continue staring at blueprints. Movement will serve you more than sitting at your desk” he says parroting what I’ve heard from Jameson. I wonder if it's advice Jameson has commandeered from the Boss.

“Okay” I concede. RIchmond seems surprised by my concession but he nods, slipping his hands into the pockets of his trousers. Cassandra appears in the doorway and I let out a relieved breath.

“I hope you’re being nice.” she says, looking him over. Richmond doesn’t dignify her with a response. “Are you finished or can I steal Cole - her safety second skins are in” Cassandra says.

“We’re done and I have ten minutes” he says looking at his watch. I go along with them walking to his office suite instead of asking questions. Two suits wait in a box in his conference room. One is my perfect nude shade, it nearly looks like mesh but it's made of something stronger. It’s fully opaque and when I hold it up I frown wondering what in the T’Challa Black Panther, Richmond has paid for me to wear.

I raise a brow. “What’s this for?” 

“Protection, no burns, cuts or bullets can pierce it. A safety precaution” Cassandra responds.

“Try it on,” Richmond says, stepping out of the room.

“Please!” Cassandra scowls at him as she closes the door. I hold it up again and wonder what else money can buy. I head into the ensuite and I undress quickly. I step into the unitard that fits almost like a second skin. I manage the nearly invisible zipper at my side and look in the mirror. I look remarkably naked and tense up when I see shaded contouring that could pass for real hips and ass.

“Need help?” I hear Cassandra ask from outside.

“Uhh?” I respond and she giggles.

“That’s exactly how I felt - can we come in?” she asks.

“I guess” I responded, not quite sure. I remind myself I’m not naked as I leave the bathroom and re-enter the conference room as they come in. Cassandra’s eyes scan me.

“Toes are wonky” she says to Richmond whose eyes are glued to my body. 

“The suit is wonky” he comments with eyes on my breasts. “May I touch you?” he asks without making eye contact.

“Ok” I respond unsure if no is even an option and he stands behind me pulling the material taut until I can feel it on my chest and stomach like a corset. When I look behind he hes standing with a handful of the suit.

“That’s how it should fit” he tells Cassandra, sparing a look her way. The suit feels completely different with this kind of tension. He grapes lower, gathering the same amount of fabric in the small of my back. I feel like a doll in his care as he manhandles the suit. It’s oddly erotic, or maybe it’s been too long since a man has had his hands on me. He goes to do the same around my hips but there’s no stretch left. 

“Can you see if there’s any give?” he asks as if he hasn't already probably made at least five HR violations. I oblige finding some give.

“Hold it like that” Richmond demands and I wonder if he’s this bossy in bed. Girl, get your head out of the gutter!

“Cassandra test its resistance” he says and Cassandra comes over with some sort of scanner gun reading all over my body noting weak points with a red marker as well as what needs to be removed. 

“The suit has to fit like a glove, it’s most effective when the fibres are extended to their limit they interlock creating … well armour.” she explains.

“What if I have to pee?” I ask being practical.

“You’ll get a zipper once everything else fits seamlessly” Cassandra explains. It’s another level of overkill.

“Does everyone wear these?” I ask.

“They aren't required for smaller scale events, I always wear mine for the big ones” she explains. Richmond is still staring at me and it makes me feel naked, the proximity, the physical toughness, the attention. My body hums like a starving stomach craving sustenance. I’m gonna need to see a therapist for sure, I think looking away from him and back to Cassandra who clears her throat.

“Mr. Richmond, you have a call in two” she says to him and he nods, peeling his eyes from my ass. 

“Ensure it fits perfectly...Please” He says, taking one last look at me. He looks at Cassandra who nods with a smirk on her lips before leaving.

“I’m gonna go change” I announce heading into the restroom. When I get out I hand her the suit.

“Is he always so hands on?” I ask, a little unnerved.

“Hands on… he was with me but he was a lot less attentive and there was a lot more back and forth bickering until he pulled it so tight I couldn't breathe comfortably.” she discloses amused.

“I’m pretty sure that’s wrong of him” I remark.

“Terry’s like family - he’d never actually hurt me and lord knows he could” she huffs sitting on the conference table. Her disposition makes me think of them like siblings opposed to coworkers. The most toxic workplaces have the ‘family titles’ it's definitely a red flag.

“So how was your first week?’ she beams crossing her legs but my mind is on how it felt to be constricted in his hold and hugged by the suit.

“I’ve only considered quitting right now” I smile and she laughs.

“I came to your office because I was sure there was going to be fireworks. Terry was too but with how at ease he was I'd say you’re doing amazing on your first assignment. What was his feedback? I can help you decode its meaning to stay on his good side.” she smiles and I’m excited until I realize there was none.

“He just told me to stick to the protocol and that I did a good job. Oh and he prescribed extra hand to hand” I explain and her eyes light. Her smile widens like a Cheshire cat and she shakes her head.

“He’s setting me up to fail isn't he?” I ask, afraid of some humiliation ritual test.

Cassandra shakes her head. “No Lorence, it means you're keeping him up at night. He must think you're one of the best”

“I don’t copy.” I confess.

“The best agents are all the same Lorence and they never leave their people behind when shit hits the fan. He doesn't think you’ll be tripped up by the plans so he’s preparing you for the people.” she explains.

“Do I have anyone but him to fear?” I ask.

“No, that’s how I know you’re keeping him up. The guys that we’d need to fear see us as menu options - they don't know we’re trained to kick their ass and so they never have security with them. They’re easy to outsmart before things get ‘hand to hand’” Cassandra explains and it’s consistent with training. I get a reverie of the intensity in Richmonds eyes as he held the extra fabric of my suit taut, again. I never put much stock in her words before.

“I think you're wrong. Richmond doesnt look like he needs help attracting women. I’m sure you’ve had to shoo away your fare share.” I respond.

“Are you kidding?! He’s a work-a-holic. I've only seen him flirt for better access. His indiscretions are kept from me if they exist” she comments. “Come on, let's go shopping for after hours  in Monaco - I have a few party invites with an open plus one slot.” she winks and it sounds like a good way to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Retail therapy is still therapy after all.

Cassandra and I end up in the heart of the city in stores with names that English speakers need tutorials to pronounce. Cassandra can sell salt to a snail because she convinces me to indulge in whims that are unfamiliar and then she swipes the company card stating outfits while on vacation are somehow a business expense. Paranoia makes me set aside the amounts in case it’s some test or something the Boss intends to scream at me for later. But for the rest of the night from shopping all the way to my night routine I’m a little uneasy. Terry Richmond’s ability to rattle me is unmatched. Whether in anger or cloaked kindness. The intensity of his expression is imprinted in my mind. 

I lay awake in bed slightly amused by the irony of Cassandra’s words. At least if they’re true I’m keeping him from sleeping too. It feels like some consolation for all he’s put me through. Maybe my haywire feelings are the result of something akin to Stockholm syndrome. The result of that stupid test. His gaze comes back to me again and the attention held within them. My body heats as recognition clicks into place, its reaction starts to make sense. After years of feeling unnerved and unsure I’ve read the first real emotions from him. There was real sincerity in his eyes. No resentment or animosity. Maybe hints of more complicated emotions but at its core it seemed to be pure preoccupation with my safety.

My body seems to settle at my brain's recognition of the day's events. The anxious energy leaves my body and I settle when it becomes clear to me that before all else my boss wants me to be okay. Before I take my last conscious thought, I promise to move forward with Richmond with that at the forefront of my brain.

authors note: what are you doing if you're Lorence and the boss gets all close and touchy feely? Fight, freeze, call HR - I have to know! Let me know what you think in a comment or reblog 🖤 if you enjoyed things heating up dont forget to comment, reblog and like!

007 ⇛

click here to ✮ join taglist ✮ and be notified when new updates drop.

[zooliminology]

Whenever I see pictures of the various Far Plane zones, they seem very... still. Pristine.

My question: have any entities or samples of locations been subject to entropy of any kind? Any sign of age, wear, or decay?

Im fascinated as to how that could possibly be.

An excellent question.

With every photo and other documentation I have seen of the Far Plane, there has been absolutely no sign of decay or weathering, mechanical or chemical. Carbon dating is currently not feasible and so the "true" age of any "organic" material cannot currently be determined.

The only evidence of decay in the Far Plane is incredibly debatable at best, and that is through Portals. The world when seen through them appears dilapidated, but it is highly arguable whether this is a mirage or a "parallel dimension." Portals are too agile to even be touched and so there is no way to tell yet.

[technofeudalism]

famously only young men ages 18 to 29 care about job security, home ownership, wage growth and affordable education. that's why the Democratic party is starting an Agile Sprint to address this problem by hyper-focusing on this historically ""underprivileged"" group, headed up by the guy who lost to Ted Cruz in tandem with two 40+ year old white empty suit think tank consultants.

we're going to Kanban Board our way out of fascism by doing A/B testing and hosting reddit AMAs with the only demographic in this country that cares about not being homeless and broke - young white men on the internet.

[imsobadatnicknames2]

Been working on this for a bit: Ensam Själ. It's a set of tools and procedures for Mörk Själ, my soulslike hack of Mörk Borg.

In it you will find a 2d10-based Yes/No oracle with a chance for random events, a variety of dark fantasy-themed spark tables, and a set of specific procedures for exploration using these tools.

It takes inspiration from a lot of different solo and GM-less rules, such as Mythic GM Emulator, Conjectural Roleplaying GM Emulator, Game Master’s Apprentice, Solitary Defilement, FORGE, and my very own Pocket Delver (If you've played Pocket Delver, the last set of random tables should look pretty familiar)

As always, licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0, so feel free to poach and steal any bits and pieces you like from it.

It costs $5 USD, but there are 10 community copies available, and I will be adding a new community copy for each sale made. Also, for the next two months it will be available at a discounted price for everyone who already owns the full version of Mörk Själ.

Plus. If community copies run out and you still want a free copy because you can't or just don't feel like paying for it... you can just message me about it, and I'll be more than happy to give you a download code.

Anyway hope y'all enjoy it :)

As a little demonstration of how it works, I will copy the full example of play I included at the end of the document under the cut.

Example of Play

Here is a demonstration of solo play applying the procedures contained in this document.

After randomizing character creation, our chosen undead is Abigeal of Kingfisher Thicket, a Battlemage with a missing foot and vague memories of being betrayed by an old ally.

Abilities: Strength +2, Agility 0, Toughness -1, Presence +2

HP: 5

Inventory: Shortsword, Fur Armor, Lantern, 3 Flasks of oil.

Inventory slots: 4/13

Stamina: 9

Spells: The Fortress, Merciful Sunlight

Her main goal is to track down and punish the old ally who betrayed her, who is...

Roll on NPC spark table: 64 – Arrogant, 16 – Thief

... an arrogant thief by the name of Ciannán the Grinning.

Rolling on the Area spark table (22, 26) we find out that she begins her quest in a flooded prison. I’ve decided that the enemies for this area are: Nuisance: Sewer Rat – Normal: Ghost – Tough: Wraith – Miniboss: Amphibian Shaman – Boss: Giant Sewer Rat.

Let’s generate a room:

Roll for number of exits: 6 - three exits. Roll for cardinal directions: 2 – NE, 4 – SE, 8 – NW. I chose not to roll for exit type for the time being and assume the three of them are horizontal

Roll on room content tables: Encounter: 11 – Nothing. Loot: 8 – Weapon (Roll on weapons table to determine weapon: Femur) . Room feature: 9 – Nothing.

Standing on top of a small ledge, Abigeal looks upon the rest of the flooded room, an abandoned guard post in an ancient, now flooded prison.

Is there a light source in the room? (2d6 on Soul Oracle: 6 – Yes) Luckily, the light that filters from the cracks on the ceiling above is enough to see clearly.

Is the water shallow enough to walk across it? (2d10 on Soul Oracle: 4 – “Yes, and...”) The water is shallow enough to reach all of the doors walking, and barely deep enough to get your feet wet. Due to the Yes, and Response, Doom is increased by 1.

Abigeal ignores the femur floating in the water, instead going to check the coffer beside the old guard table.

Is there anything of value in the coffer? (2d10+1 on Soul Oracle: 12 – No, but...)

There is nothing in the coffer, but when she crouched down to check it she managed to spot something in the water under the table.

Is it a key? (2d10+1 on Soul Oracle: 8 - Yes)

Abigeal grabs the key she spotted under the table, and then finally decides to check the door to the Northeast.

Room generation:

Roll for number of exits: 2 – None, the room has no doors other than the one she came in through.

Roll on room content tables:

Encounter: 16 – 1d3 tough enemies. Loot: 11 – Nothing. Room feature: 12 – Nothing.

Upon entering the flooded guard barracks, Abigeal suddenly finds herself facing a Wraith. As she wasn’t making any particular effort to conceal herself, she’s spotted almost immediately.

Roll for Wraith HP (4d8): 21

Initiative: Test Agility DR12. 19 - Success, Abigeal acts first.

Knowing she can’t defeat the Wraith head-on, Abigeal tries to use her Merciful Sunlight spell to blind it.

Spellcasting: Test Presence DR12. 18 – Success.

Casting Merciful Sunlight and aiming the bright light directly at the wraith’s eyes, Abigeal manages to blind it for 8 combat rounds (There is no set effect for blinding, but I’ve decided the DR to avoid the wraith’s attacks has been reduced to 6)

The wraith tries to hit Abigeal, but she easily avoids its touch and counterattacks with her shortsword, just barely managing to hit its almost incorporeal form. She decides to spend one Stamina to add one damage die to her attack, hitting with 2d4 for 7 damage.

I will omit the full play-by-play narration of the encounter, but Abigeal manages to defeat the wraith after seven rounds of combat, with her HP reduced to 4 and her Stamina Reduced to 3, and earns 250 souls. She rolls her weapon’s Usage Die, but luckily it comes up 3, so her weapon isn’t damaged. However, when rolling her armor’s UD it comes up 1, so her armor receives one level of wear and its UD is reduced from d8 to d6.

After stopping to catch her breath, she recovers 2 Stamina, and decides to examine the room.

Is there any container for guards’ belongings still intact?

(2d10+1 on Soul Oracle: 3 – Yes, And...)

There is not only one, but several barrels and coffers containing the former guards’ belongings. Among them, she finds 2 bombs, a net, 20 ft of rope, and a spear. Due to the Yes, and Response, Doom is increased by 1.

Abigeal takes the spear and the two bombs and adds them to her inventory.

She then heads back to the guard post, now taking the door to the southeast.

Roll for number of exits: 3 – One exit. Roll for cardinal directions: 3 – East. Roll for exit type: 3 – Horizontal.

Roll on room content tables:

Encounter: 11 – Nothing. Loot: 16 – Random scroll. Room feature: 14 – Major obstacle.

Rolling on a spark table to determine what the obstacle is, I decided to roll Verb + Subject

31 – Increase. 16 - Adversity

Towards the center of this room, the water level is much higher respective to the floor, making it impossible to traverse to the other side walking.

Is the scroll on the side of the room Abigeal can reach on foot? (2d10+2 on Soul Oracle: 11 – Random Event)

A random event occurs. Before determining what it is, I resolve the yes/no question by looking at the result of the higher of the two dice. As it’s an even number (8), the answer is yes, the scroll is floating on the side of the room Abigeal can reach on foot.

Roll for event type: 12 – Reveal

Something is revealed to not be what it initially seemed. I decided to roll Adjective + Subject and...

21 – Ancient. 12 – Ally.

Rather serendipitous.

I decided to interpret this as... she suddenly remembers this was an important place for her and Ciannán, back in the old times before the undead curse.

Is this where he betrayed her? (2d10+2 on Soul Oracle: 21 – No, and...)

This doesn’t seem to be the case, quite the opposite, in fact. Due to the No, and Response, Doom is reduced by 1.

Is this where they met? (2d10+1 on Soul Oracle: 10 – Yes, but...)

She recognizes this as the place they met, but she can barely remember anything from that encounter other than the place itself.

I’m going to stop playing here for the time being, closing this example of play on what I think is the most interesting note so far.

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Reptilia - Podicipediformes

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Our next order of birds are the Podicipediformes, commonly known as “grebes”. They are composed of one family, Podicipedidae, and 6 living genera containing 22 species.

Grebes are aquatic birds, though they do not have webbed feet, instead having lobes that come out the side of each toe. They cannot fly well, and they prefer to escape predators by diving under the water and swiftly swimming away. Their feet are set far back on their bodies, making them well suited for paddling and diving, but not for walking on land. Most species can not walk on land and spend their entire lives in the water. Grebes can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and usually reside in freshwater habitats during the warmer months, some migrating to marine habitats along the coast in the Winter. Those that can fly only do so at night to avoid being detected by predators. Most grebes eat aquatic invertebrates such as crayfish, while some larger grebes have long, spear-like bills adapted for catching and feeding on fish and amphibians.

Grebes are perhaps most famous for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve the pair performing synchronized duets and dances on the water’s surface. Some species do a "penguin dance" where the male and female stand upright, breast posturing out while they run along the water's surface, in a display of athleticism and agility (see gif below the read more). Some species perform a "weed dance" in which both partners hold pieces of aquatic vegetation in their bills. There is also the "weed rush" in which partners swim towards each other, necks stretched out with plants in their bill, and just before colliding position themselves upright and then swim in parallel. If the female decides the male has danced well, they will mate on floating vegetation. Females lay two to seven eggs on a floating nest, either at the water’s edge or anchored to reeds some distance from shore. If the parents have to leave the nest for a time, they will cover the eggs in weeds to hide them. Incubation can last nearly a month. Once the whole nest has hatched, the chicks climb on one of their parent's backs, as they do not quickly take to the water as well as waterfowl. Both parents take care of rearing their young. One parent usually dives for food while the other carries the young on the surface. After four weeks the chicks begin learning to swim, but will still return to their parents’ backs for safety.

Grebes belong to the clade Mirandornithes, which they share with flamingos. Basal members of Mirandornithes, such as Juncitarsus, existed in the Eocene before the two orders diverged, but it is not known when the split occurred as transitional grebe fossils are rare. True grebes do not appear in the fossil record until the Late Oligocene or Early Miocene, around 23–25 million years ago.

Propaganda under the cut:

Some grebes eat their own feathers to aid in digestion, as the soft feathers will protect their digestive system from sharp fish bones and invertebrate exoskeletons, and also act as a filtering “plug” to hold bones in place until digestion. They will even feed feathers to their young.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) (image 4) feathers were formerly used as decorations on hats and earmuffs, and they were hunted in the Eastern United States in the 19th century.

Ecologist Anne LaBastille documented the decline of the Atitlán Grebe (Podilymbus gigas) over a period of 25 years. The Atitlán Grebe was a large, flightless grebe that looked like a giant Pied-billed Grebe. The decline of the Atitlán Grebe began in 1958 after Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) were introduced into Lake Atitlán for fishermen to catch. These invasive species reduced the crabs and fish which the grebes depended on for food and killed grebe chicks. The population of the Atitlán Grebe declined from 200 individuals in 1960 to 80 in 1965. Anne LaBastille made efforts to establish a refuge in 1966, where the species was able to rebound. Unfortunately, after the 1976 Guatemala earthquake, the refuge’s lake bed fractured and began to drain. By 1983 only 32 individuals were left, many of which were hybrids with the Pied-billed Grebe. The last two birds were seen in 1989, and it was declared extinct by 1990. The same fate happened to the Colombian Grebe (Podiceps andinus) in 1977, and the Alaotra Grebe (Tachybaptus rufolavatus) of Madagascar in 2010, also due to the introduction of invasive fish and loss of habitat. Lake-dwelling grebes are especially vulnerable to extinction as they usually only live in one or a few lakes, and are not quickly able to disperse elsewhere.

The Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) is the smallest species of grebe, ranging from 21–27 cm (8.3–10.6 in) long and weighing 112–180 g (4.0–6.3 oz). They have a breeding call which has been compared to the sound of a horse whinnying.

Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) have a “ticking” alarm call that is only used to signal to their chicks that danger is near. If on their parents’ backs, the chicks will hide their heads and go silent. If the chicks are old enough to be in the water, they may dive and swim away to hide.

The Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) (image 1) has 4 pair-bonding ceremonies: the discovery ceremony, the weed ceremony, the head-shaking ceremony, and the triumph ceremony. The discovery ceremony begins with advertising displays, which include an upright posture, erect "horns" and sounding their advertising call. Then, they will both engage in bouts of penguin dance and preening. The discovery ceremony is to ensure correct species identification, sex, and compatibility. The weed ceremony follows the completion of a successful discovery ceremony. The male and female will dive, retrieve weeds, and rise in synchronisation. The pair will come breast-to-breast with their weeds then turn side by side to continue swimming. The weed rush can continue multiple times until both individuals are satisfied. Finally, the head-shaking ceremony and triumph ceremony are performed for primarily established pairs.

The critically endangered Hooded Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi) is most threatened by the American Mink (Neogale vison), which was introduced to Argentina after the minks escaped or were released from fur farms. Between 2010 and 2011, when the minks were first introduced, they killed more than half the adults in a breeding colony of two dozen nests. Between 2012 and 2013, just one mink killed 15 adults and 7 juveniles at El Cervecero and 10 adults and 5 chicks at the C199 colony in La Siberia plateau. They are also threatened by the overgrazing of domestic sheep (which leads to erosion), territorial Flying Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres patachonicus), and predation by Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus).

Around 30% of grebe species are threatened, as they are shy birds particularly sensitive to human disturbance. Boats, even just the waves from them, may destroy floating grebe nests or scare the parents enough to cause them to abandon the nest. They are vulnerable to habitat loss, entanglement in fishing nets, and the introduction of invasive species such as predatory fish.

[carionto]

Humans are Loud

Most cultural exchange is done formally through official channels.

No matter how advanced a civilization you are, when meeting a whole new species, they are fundamentally alien to you in ways that need to be handled carefully and introduced to gradually, or you risk creating a bad first impression, or worse - incite conflict over something that is trivial to one side, but a grave taboo to the other.

However, once you have done preliminary work and both sides have emissaries and ambassadors stationed with each other, it becomes easier and more appropriate to learn about one another through unofficial means. Without curation.

And the most effective method, though legally dubious, is to disguise yourself as one of them and go to some places of public gathering.

Kol Rathar, from the bipedal Jorval race, wanted to experience what a day in the life of a regular Human was. So they picked a random population center on the Earth, engaged their personal disguise kit, tucked in some documents that explain who they are and the legality of their actions should they be discovered, and landed in the city of Neljaes-Helsinki.

It's the dead of winter, a bone chilling -1 degrees Celsius, Kol Rathar immediately turns up their life support to max and heads for the nearest public space. They enter what's called a "bar", take a seat, and order a beer. So as to not arouse suspicion, they "drink" the poison like a Human would, but there is a filter between the mouth on the hardlight holographic disguise and Kol Rathar's that detoxifies the alcohol and turns it into potable water. It still reeks and is hard to swallow, but it won't kill them.

They engage in general banter with some other patrons - Humans tend to dislike quiet in public spaces and often find it odd or unnerving. Universal topics like the weather, traffic, Mondays (most civilizations have an equivalent), and how everything is more expensive again (also a common occurrence across the Galaxy).

Then one of the patrons shouts to "Turn it up!" and the bartender raises the volume of the broadcast receiver to where Kol Rathar almost jumped from the shock, but thankfully the noise suppression kicked in just in time. it displayed a competitive engagement between two teams of Humans in heavily padded suits and helmets, wielding curved sticks and trying to push a small black object into the opposing net.

It did not take long for an act of violence to happen. One participant slammed their gloved fists into another, they retaliated, then a third assaulted the first, another three came out of nowhere and in seconds it was an incoherent pile of bodies slamming into each other, helmets flying off, the safety barriers were constantly vibrating, and it took a whole minute before the referees could dismantle the armageddon.

Kol Rathar thought this was the end of the game, something had gone horribly wrong, but before they could think further, they noticed everyone else in the bar was acting normal, most were looking at the altercation, but their behavior seemed... normal. Like this act of violence was common, expected even. Kol Rathar decided to maintain their cover and continue observing. They still couldn't believe that the competition was resuming after that.

Several minutes passed without another incident, the players of this "hockey" game were all very agile and adept at manipulating the small puck with their hockey sticks. WHILE SKATING ON ICE WITH THIN PIECES OF METAL ON THEIR FEET!

Kol Rathar had not even registered that fact earlier due to the "excitement" and was now awed by the sheer level of mastery and multitasking these players displayed.

Then one team finally scored a goal and Kol Rathar lost consciousness.

When they came to, they were in a hospital bed of the local Coalition embassy building being treated for shock and residual toxin exposure. The dense Human atmosphere saturated with bar patron activities will eventually overwhelm most low to medium threshold filtration systems that disguise kits come standard with.

The medic explained that there are very valid reasons for the strict requirements of Aliens visiting Human environments, and it's not a result of bureaucratic meddling over millennia as is with some other Coalition members. Nobody wants to read five hundred pages of anything, they get that, but Kol Rathar was lucky the Humans at the bar had mostly only recently arrived for the game and were not as intoxicated as they became after they were taken by the ER.

Kol Rathar's experience has been added to the guide for visiting Humans, which has recently been renamed to:

"Don't, but if you have to READ EVERYTHING HERE. There's an embedded audio book too. We know it's thirty hours long, but you will DIE if you don't listen to us!"