#and like. knitting is already implemented

[ssspringroll]

oughghh actually would die 4 a custom functional knitting machine object. one day maybe if i ever have some cash ill commission somebody for that lol

[diceramblesaboutocs]

Undirected Connection || Idia x Reader || Chapter 1

Prologue

Author’s note: wow I actually updated. :) Also the mandatory: English isn't my native language so...

Rating: Teen Pairing: Idia/Reader Words: 3 884 Tags: GenderNeutral Reader - Reader is from Ignihyde - Cat and mouse chase dynamic - minimal editing - I just try to write stuff - no beta, we die like men

The Board Game club. A place for introverts alike to find their voice as they played against other students, something that they all had in common so they had something to talk about. Or for people who like to stay one jump ahead of everyone else, like Azul Ashengrotto, the housewarden of Octavinelle. In the whole college, there was no more ruthless businessman. Strategy games? Be ready to be dominated by the cephalo-punk (as Savanaclaw's housewarden called him). Or witness him develop the best technique to throw the dice so he would always land the favorable numbers for his turn in a game of chance. Either way not many people were willing to play against him. Other than Idia, who could give a good fight and occasionally even win. It was a battle of equal wit and smarts. A match to witness.

But this evening, Idia found himself struggling. Not because of the game but because Azul's newest obsession and he needed Idia's help.

“Just name your price and we can negotiate.” Azul's clear and benevolent voice slithered towards Idia, like a seawitch's tentacles wrapping around someone valuable.

“No.” For once Idia didn't stutter. Maybe it was because they were in the middle of a game, one of his favorite games in fact. The Court of Wonders, a board game of horror and mystery, taking place in an old gothic city based on Fleur City. Fully cooperative, roleplaying puzzle game with combat and story campaigns where the player characters could investigate, fight eldritch beings, die or worse, go insane and start sabotaging the fellow players. Idia had been so excited when he got the newest expansion for the game that he brought it to the club without a second thought. He had done the prep work for it ahead of time. He had a mental list of how he would convince Azul to play the game with him.

But he didn't need the list. Azul had accepted the choice of game way too easy. And now he knew why.

Azul let out a hefty sigh, trying to tug on Idia's heartstrings. Who would help the helpless, benevolent housewarden of Octavinelle? “You do understand that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity?”

Idia's brows knitted together in frustration as he gestured towards the game hoping that Azul would give up. “For you, now play your turn.”

“And I’m willing to compensate for your efforts. I’m not just a decent businessman, I'm a benevolent one!” The silver haired businessman smiled with controlled brightness, very sure of himself that he would eventually tear down Idia's defenses.

“Azul, it’s your move. What will your character do? We could really use more clues.”

“Listen, Idia, you aren’t understanding the gravity of the losses I’m having here. Through this Litae, I could be making thousands of thaumarks.”

To use his superior technical skills to locate one sorry student who had piqued Azul's attention? If anything, that sounded low tier D rank quest. Idia had better things to do than that. “I can make you a voice generation software, just play your turn.” He had already done the text-to-speech app for the presentations on the Culture event, doing a voice generation on top of that would be a piece of cake. He could look through the best voice banks and implement those to the learning algorithm. He would actually create something, not spy on someone's online activity.

Azul wagged his finger in front of him in protest. “No, no. That won’t do. I need the real deal.”

Why couldn't Azul just let it be? “I’m not going to use my free time to chase after some weird online voice.” The tips of Idia's hair started to shift their hue to more orange as his frustration started to morph into anger.

The change didn't go unnoticed by Azul. “... Very well, I didn’t want to do this, Idia, but you leave me no choice. Jade.” He looked at the door out of the classroom and Idia instinctively followed with his eyes to see the tall eel man with the most gentlemanly demeanor that hid something deep and dangerous beneath it.

The teal haired henchman gave his most polite smile to Idia, who's hair seemed to turn a bit paler in fear. “Yes, Azul.”

Before Azul could even give his orders to lynch the blue haired mage, tha panic had settled in Idia's mind. “Were you waiting for him to call you in like that?! Like some sort of BBEG?!”

“Jade here has some very interesting information on you, it would be a shame if someone made it public knowledge…” Azul crossed his hands in front of him and leaned in a bit, smiling deviously.

“... Wait wait, why are you taking this so seriously? Chill, dude, don’t you think you are going a little bit overboard with this? Like zero chill.” Idia saw how Azul loved to see him squirm under the pressure. He wasn't eager to let his browser history or his other cringe interested to be public knowledge. He was already half-way in becoming a social pariah, he really didn't need a boost for that.

“I just wanted to make sure that you understand how serious I am about this, Idia.” The merchant of the depths said his name with a singsong tune, happy about his victory in this game. “Shees, I wish I could report you. … Fine.” Idia sighed and slumped in his chair, cursing the cephalo-punk in his mind.

“I’m glad we got into an understanding. Let’s discuss the details of payment.” Azul pulled a very official looking paper out of his bag, tapping it gingerly with an expensive onyx ballpoint pen.

***

It wasn't only the day for the Board Game club to gather, but also for the Film Research Club. All the members were busy with their newest project, a horror short film with stylized visuals and extravagant setting. Using the Night Raven College Campus for the setting was ideal, as the tall castle set the mood to the correct base line. [Y/N] loved the project idea. Even though their little family quirk could be used in many ways in performative art forms such as acting or singing, they loved creating stuff with their hands. It was a creative outlet, where their form or sound of their voice mattered little. Only what they created mattered and they poured their heart and soul into them.

They had just finished creating the base for a miniature hill with a large and bare tree on top and was preparing a glue mixture to cover it with. This served as the adhesive for the dirt, gravel and small pebbles. Vil had been very particular about the color of the ground so [Y/N] had to collect right colored rocks that could be grinded down to smaller size to fit the criteria. It was lot of work, but it was worth it. They would never admit it, but getting praise for a job well done from Schoenheit made them feel very proud of themselves.

While other members were busy with costume designs and hunting down the era specific props, [Y/N] had the workshop class all on their own. The Film Research club had used its funding to get all sorts of tools and smaller scale machines to help with the production, ranging from sewing machines to sawing machines. The big windows of the old classroom made sure the daylight filled the room and gave the best light to compare colors in different environments. Two huge workshop tables occupied the center of the room, the other now filled with all the tools [Y/N] would need for the miniature setting.

“And here is the last stop of the introductions." Vil's clear voice echoed clearly from the hallway as he opened the workshop door completely. Behind him floated a familiar figure to all Ignihyde students, Ortho. Idia's "little brother". A technomantic humanoid, a marvel of scientific potential. He seemed to scan around the workshop quickly, eager to take in everything he saw. Vil on the other hand didn't waste time as he strut with decisive steps to [Y/N]. "This is [Y/N], they are in charge of the special effects, practical and computer graphics. But as you know, the film industry is so saturated with CG that people like to see something real and tangible.”

As Ortho's face recognition verified that indeed, [Y/N] was part of the Film Research club, his eyes smiled. “Ah, [Y/N]! I was told that I wouldn’t be the only student from Ignihyde.”

[Y/N] lowered their headphones and gave a quick wave of hand to Ortho with a small smile. “Oh yeah, I did hear you joined the club.”

“Yes, I hope to understand human emotions better and be better at emoting them to others. I got special permission to enroll as a student here so I hope to be a good underclassman for you.” The young humanoid was eager to explain the situation, embodying the very essence of child-like curiosity.

[Y/N] gave a small laugh. They enrolled in NRC the same year as Idia, so it was weird to think Ortho as an underclassman. “... You have been here as long as I have been so I wouldn’t exactly say that you are an underclassman in that sense. But it is nice to see you excited about this.” Now that they thought about it more, Ortho seemed different compared to their first year. His movements and speech had evolved to be more natural, and one could see him hover alone at times, asking questions. Maybe he was trying to make sense of life even back then. But one had to admit, he seemed even more different now. [Y/N] wondered what had triggered it.

Ortho nodded enthusiastically, his eyes looking past [Y/N] and fixating on the miniature base model. “What are you working on?”

“As our current project is a short horror movie inspired by old school movies, we asked [Y/N] to create sets and effects to work in that context.” Vil was quick to take the center stage again, now looking at the work in progress on the table too.

“Yeah, what Vil said. This here will be a miniature set for an establishing shot for the movie.” Feeling already proud because of Vil's words, [Y/N] gestured towards the project. The little gray pebbles were now neatly placed as naturally as possible on the base, waiting for the glue to cure.

Barely audible sound of scanning took place as Ortho leaned closer to the project on the table. “Ooh, yes, I can see it now. You use hard foam as a base and then add details and such with other materials like polymer clay, artificial miniature grass and foliage to make it look like the actual environment. I’m familiar with it as I used to help my brother work on Pirates of Treasure Planet figures and battle arenas.”

The mentioning of the popular miniature strategy game made [Y/N]'s smile wider as the nostalgia flowed into their mind. “That’s pretty much where I picked it myself too. Well I didn’t play the game myself, but my older brother too used to be a huge fan of the game when he was younger.” Their brother let them help with painting the figures and designing the battle arenas that they then took to the local comic book store. The game itself seemed quite deep and complex, [Y/N] was more interested in the creative aspect of the hobby than actually playing the game. “I see.” Ortho smiled.

Vil took a moment to look at the clock on his phone. “That said, have you informed the art club of our order?”

[Y/N] nodded, reaching out for their notes in their bag. As they grabbed the notepad, they could feel as the bag vibrated gently on silent. There was so many notifications coming a long. As soon as the club time was over, they would have their work be cut out for them. But every request would be a step closer to Wonderlink console. “Yes, I delivered the offer and advised them to send portfolios in the club email address. Right now there are couple applications but I haven’t checked them any further. I wait for couple more to arrive.”

“Very well. Forward the best candidates to me as soon as possible.” Vil would quickly take a look at his face through the front camera and then type a message to someone. He really was a busy and wanted person. Always going and reaching for new heights. One could hope to have such passion for everything that they did.

Ortho looked at Vil and then at [Y/N], trying to make sense of the conversation. [Y/N] gave a small shrug, it wasn't really a secret. “Candidates for matte painting for the background of this miniature set.”

“How exciting, you guys hire people from other clubs to work for the projects too?”

“Making films are collaborative efforts, dear Ortho. To get the best film, we need the best talent. Depending on the project, we might need a very wide range of talents to help with it.” Vil gave his signature pose whenever he was offering advice to anyone who just happened to be listening.

Ortho nodded and processed the information for a moment. “Say [Y/N], would it be okay for me to come to such meetings sometimes. I would like to know how these kinds of things really work in real life.”

“I don’t see a harm in that.” The idea didn't seem bad at all. Having someone like Ortho with such appointments would probably be very beneficial. He was an information bank and most likely had cameras installed into him. If some other student started to be too much of an arrogant bitch, they would have evidence. You never knew with students of Night Raven College, the S-rank troublemakers.

“Ah yes, the best way to learn acting and how people talk to each other is in the natural setting. I will allow it.” Vil gave his blessing, which meant that it was more than okay.

“Thank you!” Ortho beamed at Vil and turned back to [Y/N], his eyes fixating on their bag on the table. “Someone is really trying to reach you there. It is barely audible, but my sensors pick up vibration in frequency that would indicate that your phone is getting notifications.”

“Ah, sorry. Yeah, it is probably my friends sharing weird videos on magicam.” [Y/N] said as they pulled their phone out of the bag, the well worn phone charm dangling from it. A graphic presentation of constellations inside a silhouette shaped like a pegasus embellished with silver lines, giving it a look of an enamel pin.

The eyes of the young technomatic humanoid widen in recognition. “Is that the pegasus star system logo from Star Rogue?”

“Oh, yeah, it is.” [Y/N] moved the phone closer to Ortho, showing the small phone charm to him. It was an old charm, but it was beautiful. You rarely saw phone charms anymore, the smart phones rarely had any way to tie one on them. Even now, the old Star Rogue charm was looped around a self-made hole in the phone case.

“Me and Idia used to play that a lot when we were kids. It is one of my all time favorite games ever.”

Of course they would have played it. It was a cult classic. A legend of a game. The story, the graphics and the game mechanics were revolutionary when it was published. “It is a classic! I have played it too many times already, even tho I’m not that good at bullet hell games.” [Y/N] added.

“Maybe someday I can get Idia show you the no-death meteor run!” Ortho seemed more than happy to ask his brother to do that. Though [Y/N] had their doubts, it was already a rare sight to see the housewarden outside his room. Once in a full moon, the older Shroud emerged from his cave of a room and even then he tried not to draw any attention to him. Maybe he really just played all day and night in his room. Well, they could not be too mad about it, Idia still held best marks when it came to tests in school. Expect physical education. He really struggled with that.

“Oh, he has managed that? Serious props to him.” [Y/N] had to admit. It was a pretty amazing feat.

***

The cup noodles became too soggy again. Idia snarled but food was food and he had to eat something. Served him right as he got too immersed in the third volume of Sled Over Heels. It wasn't the newest anime around and the manga was only retelling of the anime, but the original creators were part of the writing process and he saw it 100%. Maybe one day he would learn to put on a timer and not trust his own judgement when 3 minutes had passed.

He sat into his gaming chair, the signed agreement generating damage over time, area of effect debuffing him, reminding him to do his "job". Major L. The agreement and the soggy noodles.

Fortunately, Ortho let himself into his big brother's room, enthusiastic as ever. “Hey Idia! How was the board game club today?”

“Ah, Ortho… It was a drag really… Azul was being crazy obsessed by some mystery entrepreneur and pretty much blackmailed me to help him locate them.” Idia didn't even look at Ortho's entrance, slurping on his meal and glaring at the official paper hoping it would burst into flames just then and there.

The smaller Shroud's eyes filled with worry and he approached Idia. “... You can’t let him do that. I will go to the Octanivelle dorm and have a chat with him.” He would. If no one else was his brother's friend and protector, he would be. It might have been his programming or the fact that his personality was based on Idia's dead younger brother, but he was always worried about him. Idia was quick to bend to his fate, whatever it may be. The depression and the social anxiety had him almost immobilized, and Ortho didn't want anything more than his brother to get better and find happiness and friends.

The offer made Idia's social anxiety raise its ugly head. “No, no no, no really, it is fine. I don’t want him to get super salty at me. It is already awkward to go to the club, I don’t really want the added awkwardness on top of that, plz.”

Ortho sighed. “Very well…” If Idia wished him not to say anything, he would respect his wishes. Even if it pained him. As much as it could pain a technomatic humanoid with artificial intelligence. But he wasn't sure if those were once again programmed emotions or was he truly feeling it. He shook his head. It didn't matter. What mattered was that Idia was feeling comfortable.

The silence that was born out of Ortho's submission to his wishes didn't help Idia's anxiety. “But hey, how was your club? The first day of the film study club.”

“Oh it was great! Vil showed me around and introduced me to everyone there. And guess what, I’m not the only Ignihyde student there.” Ortho didn't want to prolong the heavy atmosphere either and he truly felt excited about his day.

“Mm… I suppose there would be someone who would be interested in films here.” The older Shroud leaned back in his chair, trying to remember if there were any loud movie fans in the dorm. Or atleast any he talked to.

“It is [Y/N], they are from Class D of the third year” Ortho floated next to his charging station, preparing the device for the night.

Idia squinted. “... I have no recollection of them.” One would have to have a booming voice and loud opinions or otherwise eye catching for him to actually remember them. Someone like Malleus Draconia or the Leech Twins. Riddle Rosehearts made himself very unforgettable with his scary presence.

“Well anyway, they seemed super cool, and promised to let me observe as they would negotiate with other clubs for the film!”

“That’s pretty MVP behavior.”

“I know, right!”

Idia was happy to see his brother excited and making friends. At least one of them was and Ortho was always the more extroverted one anyway. It fit his character and Idia was content how the things were. Dealing with other people was tiresome and awkward. And with that thought, dealing with the stupid agreement he was blackmailed to agree to.“... Ortho, I would like to you to help me a bit with Azul’s demand. The entrepreneur in question makes personalized greetings for the clients, with the voices of known big wig celebrities or characters. If you could run your detection algorithm over the greeting I get to see if there is any indications of AI generation, patterns or pitches that could give us a lead for the person in question.”

Ortho tilted his head a bit as he assessed the brief. “Sounds doable. I suggest we choose a famous person who is well documented so we can compare the audio data against them.” “Yeah. Hmm… How about Neige LeBlanche? He is pretty popular and active on Magicam so there would be lots of casual footage and professional quality audio to run the tests through.” Even Idia knew who he was, the rivalry between Vil and Neige was almost a meme on its own.

“That’s a good choice!” Ortho beamed and readied his audio sensors for processing the possible information.

Idia took his phone out and started to type in the contact information and request details for this mysterious Litae. The money would not be a problem, but his mind blanked as soon as he reached the request text box. “... What should I ask them to say…” He looked at Ortho.

“How about a good luck shout or encouragement? Or a good night's wish while playing one of their characters from a beloved film?”

“... Let’s go with that.” Who was he to shoot down the suggestion? He didn't have any better ideas. Hopefully this would give enough data that he didn't need to do this again. He typed in the request: "Neige LeBlanche. A good night's wish." He stared at the request details in silence only to admit that he didn't know any films starring Neige LeBlanche. So maybe his actor persona would be enough.

He pressed send and in ten minutes an audio file was sent to his spare email. There was no way he would use his primary email to something like this.

With a swift click of a mouse the audio file was downloaded and it played its contents clearly: “You look so sleepy… haha… maybe you should go to sleep. Don’t worry, I will bake you an apple pie tomorrow. Like I promised. Good night, my dream. Sleep well.”

It really sounded like Neige. No immediate detection of audio artefacts from audio generation. The voice was clear and soft.

And this all made shivers of cringe travel across Idia's back.

[milkweedman]

Re: my last post, having just learned how to knit a heel that actually fits me, and having also literally just finished knitting heel 1 a couple days ago (I'm onto the heel band right now and basically have a finished heel + 10 rounds) I'm faced with 3 decisions.

1: keep going as usual with this pair and implement the new ideas next pair. PROS: easier, I already know this way fits Good Enough. Wont lose any progress. CONS: I wanna try it now....

2: rip back and redo just the heel, then knit sock 2 to match. PROS: it would allow me to implement the new technique. It would be some frogging but I wouldn't have to scrap the entire sock. CONS: I don't think it would fit me. The sock pattern I have right now is basically designed to make up for the exact issue I'd be fixing, so I'm pretty sure it would be too big. It's actually already slightly longer than ideal (I like more negative ease in length than I did this time) so I'm hesitant. I'm pretty sure I need to change the entire stitch count.

3. Frog these entirely and restart, with my new information. PROS: socks would potentially fit perfectly. Would give me a chance to either hopefully use my new sock yarn I ordered that's stuck in Stupid Automated Mailbox Contraption Jail or just pick a different yarn. (I don't hate this yarn but it's a lot to look at the object as I knit it bc its so busy.). CONS: all that work for literally nothing--I didn't even figure this out while knitting the sock; I simply listened to and watched an explanation that made complete sense. And I do find that very aggravating.

Anyway I started to crochet a bag about it, which will give me time to waffle and/or wait for yarn jail to be over. And I realized I could make a very good off-the-joystick small project bag by tweaking a bag design I often use.

(The issue btw is the same issue that Roxanne Richardson has--my heel diagonal is 12 inches and i am trying to knit a 7.5 inch sock with a 50% heel. The heel should I think actually be like 70% altho I'm very high and tired so I will need to redo that math in the morning.)

But yeah, no wonder it's always Like That. Literally all the issues she describes and shows are exactly what happens with my socks. They fit but I had given up on the idea of a Perfect Fit after like pair #25 im ngl.

Anyway....the bag is going nice :) idk what it looks like I can't see a thing rn as it is very dark, but the texture is great. I don't think I'm missing too many (if any) stitches but we'll see in the morning.

[ethicaltreatmentofcowplants]

in which i am very grumpy - a Sims 2025 wishlist

Since I can't sleep, here are my “pie in the sky” wishes for the Sims in 2025. Some of these are not realistic at all, but oh well.

A Clothes Making Stuff Pack. I don’t know how they’d implement it without leaning on gameplay functions that other packs have (Nifty Knitting for Plopsy and High School Years) but this could potentially slap. Why not a cute fun retro vibe for build and buy? Actually why not get @surely-sims and @ice-creamforbreakfast to design those items entirely? (I'm only slightly joking - they would kill it.)

There could also be a function to choose swatches and patterns for the clothes your sims create to give it some kind of vanilla cc option - I could see a lot of players going in for that kind of thing.

more of the same below

Game Packs to Return. I know this is very unlikely since these days they'd rather bloat game packs and sell them as expansion packs. But when game packs worked, they really really worked, and they were such a good option. Unless they finally give us fairies though, I just don't see it happening.

(Also Bands should totally be a game pack. I just don't know what they can add to it enough to justify the price that isn't already in Get Famous, but maybe I'll be surprised.)

Babysitting Added As a Skill. I get why it would be iffy to allow teenagers to acquire the parenting skill. So considering that they can already administer all the childcare that adults do, a skill that either starts them off at Level 3-4ish of Parenting once they age up - or gives them a skill gain boost similarly to “creatively/mentally gifted” would be great. And you know what could also work as a stuff pack? Sims 4 Babysitting.

Of course, here's hoping that they wouldn't My First Pet it and give it some items or functions that you need either Parenthood or Growing Together to access…

Early Pack Refreshes. I'm the weirdo who actually really likes Outdoor Retreat. And I think Get To Work does what it says on the tin well enough. But Outdoor Retreat was the first game pack EA ever did and it shows. The swatches are very limited and there's just not a lot of activities to do once you're at Granite Falls. This would have been a great pack to add a picnic blanket function much earlier on. Horseshoe Throwing could be a game you can win even if it doesn't add skill, much like Don't Wake The Llama.

Also the Hermit could eventually mentor Sims in Herbalism once you have a high enough relationship with them, and perhaps this could be the only way to unlock some more advanced brews. And their hidden area could be its own eco system and have year round plants and bugs, similarly to the magic realm.

In terms of Get To Work, as the game has progressed, some of the hairstyles have aged very poorly, and could do with being fine tuned. It’s not even the weird thing that Maxis does with giving an otherwise nice hair a very high forehead (a la Life & Death) - they’re just ugly.

Skill Trees For Aliens and Merfolk. Admittedly I haven’t played with the former but I hear it’s very superficial in comparison to vampires, werewolves and spellcasters. And merfolk give you very few of the fun elements of being an occult, while still being somewhat needy (the ‘Hydration’ bar that you have to manage as if it’s Fury or Thirst). It would be one thing if they were simply boring but a ‘passive’ occult form the way spellcasters are, in that you have to actively use their magic in order for their charge level to be at risk - but no. While they’re fun to design in cas, as they are, merfolk are just boring.

As both aliens and merfolk came with expansion packs though rather than a separate game pack (which is admittedly cash-grabby but did allow those occults to feel much more in depth) I doubt it will happen.

A Swimming Update. While the worlds that came out after Island Living have them, earlier worlds such as Windenburg did not. Those should have been adjusted so that you can swim in any world so long as you have that expansion pack. With the exception of Oasis Springs, which of course is in the desert lol.

Building in Vacation Worlds Without Staying in Them. I don’t think I need to expand on this one.

Boarding Schools. If they’d added this function to HSY similarly to the dorm living in Discover University, I think that would have made the gameplay functions of that expansion feel much less superficial. You could have rivalries between one hall and another, ‘cultural’ differences between boarders and day students, and attempting to throw wild parties before the dean/house parent/whatever your term is catches them.

More Nuanced Aged Groups. I don’t think they’d actually split the existing pre-adult years groups into preschooler, preteen etc as particularly since the average player would probably stick to the ‘normal’ life span, having to go into CAS and throw birthday parties so often could become tiresome very quickly. But it would be nice if there was a more noticeable gap between, say, a 13/14 year old and someone who is about to age up in young adulthood. I think the toddler life stage actually does this decently in that a toddler who’s maxed out all the skills is a lot more independent and has a wider range of interactions available to them than one who’s just had a birthday.

Oh gosh I can still think of so many more things. Nerfing the 'check infant/toddler' function. The ability to have a business you own attached to your house. A joint custody divorce function - which would need to be handled delicately since it's a real issue for many - that allows children to split their time between parents' homes. Allowing children to bathe dogs and take them for walks. Allowing children to have some cute age appropriate neighbourhood business, like a lemonade stand or offering to shovel snow, and to maybe start some savings in a little piggy bank?

[rockingtheorange]

Aneesh on IG live: (part 4, additional facts)

Amy's wife in the movie wasn't casted but she wears a ring, so it actually shows her married status

Matthew is a wonderful director: if he sees you struggling he'd help you asking "how can I help you reaching what you want to reach? Let's figure it out together."

Yes, Tzp and Nick are good friends (if it was necessary mentioning)

The RWRB cast texts even in private and she said she received texts from Matthew and Nick even the day of the live

Amy wasn't at the polo match (in case we get to see the extended version of it, she won't appear)

The night of the movie release everyone was super happy and waking up to the news of top 1 on Amazon Prime made all of them very proud

Everything was shot in London

The cast bonded a lot and they used to go out dinner (even before start shooting), Aneesh went to theater with Rachel and to a Filipino restaurant with Casey

David was a working dog so he couldn't be casually petted or played with but Aneesh was able to give him a little pet when she was allowed to

One thing she learned from playing Amy: be a badass and don't apologize for it

Aneesh wasn't on set the day of the cake scene but Matthew kept giving updates through texts

Just like movie Nora is a mix of book June and Nora, movie Amy ended up being a mix of book Cash and Amy because of time management (+ she didn't hide June in her pocket, it's just conspiracy 😔💔)

Uma Thurman is very sweet

Her favorite line was "No one in their right mind would ever give you a gun"

She read the book 5 times. 2 before even shooting and 2 in the process (the other one either before auditioning or after shooting was over, not sure). Now her book is full of tags and highlighted in lots of colors

If she could add a characteristic from book Amy, she wanted to have her knitting on the plane but the scene was already very full of elements and even if she discussed it with Matthew, they weren't able to implement it

She trained before starting shooting not knowing what the demands to play Amy were and weapons training was also discussed but eventually cut so she didn't have to go through it

The last day of shooting they had a rap party and Matthew gave a lil speech

She said she was going to post a video about her bangs and she did☺

Here for part 1, part 2, part 3

[cosmicobubisi]

Cosmic's Malleyuu Whump vs Flufftober: Day 23

"I'm doing this for you" / Stormy Night

Yuu was having a wonderful dream about lying in a meadow.

It was warm, the sun beaming down on them pleasantly as they dozed.

The breeze, in contrast, was cool. It danced lightly on the apples of their cheeks.

Yuu tilted their head to the side, rubbing their face in Grim's luxuriously soft fur. He smelled like Yuu's lavender soap, and nuzzled Yuu back sleepily.

Suddenly, the sun behind Yuu's eyelids was gone. Their eyes slid open to see a swarm of dark clouds had suddenly overtaken the sky.

Before they could scrutinize the sudden change in weather, a terrifying bolt of lightning crashed down onto the meadow.

--

Yuu awoke with a start.

They were frozen in place, a light sweat forming on their skin. Their limbs felt numbish, and it took a few moments for them to regain enough feeling to notice Grim was waking up, too.

The disorientation had blurred their vision, and their eyes had a tough time adjusting to the darkness.

The darkness blinked, and Yuu nearly threw up in fear.

It wasn't the suddeness of bring ripped out of their dream. Someone was standing over them, blocking out the moonlight from the windows.

They tried to run through their list of all of the people that could be standing ominously over their bed at what Yuu estimated to be well past midnight, but they knew their was only really one option.

"Malleus?" they croaked out.

"Hello," he replied, sounding far more awake than them.

"Hey," they said, because he didn't respond.

"Ngeh," said Grim, stretching himself awake. "Tsunotaro? What are you doing here?"

"Thank you for asking. I simply wished to speak with you," he replied.

"...huh?" The words didn't quite make sense to Yuu.

"This late?" asked Grim.

"Why, of course," said Malleus. "But not to worry. We can talk somewhere else- you needn't say anything."

Yuu's brow furrowed, but they could faintly make out Malleus reaching down to them, and in an instant, the world changed.

They were holding Grim in the crook of their arm as Malleus held Yuu in his, throw blanket loosely wrapped around their shoulders. They realized they were staring at the layout of Malleus's room.

Yuu blinked harshly. Malleus had the lights on his room.

It was surprisingly messy, given how clinically orderly he usually kept it. Malleus had once explained to Yuu that, though he appreciated that Sebek had arranged it so everything in his room had a place, he honestly preferred it when his items were strewn about without rhyme or reason.

Despite this explanation, though, Yuu couldn't help but be startled at the mess. Who knew such a neat and well-groomed person filled his desk with piles of office tools, textbooks, papers, and what looked like knitting implements?

Malleus placed Yuu on his bed (pushing off a mound of pillows in the process) and climbed in with the pair, despite apparently still being in his school uniform.

"Uhhh..." said Yuu.

"Hey! What are you doin', dragon boy?" exclaimed Grim, standing on Yuu's chest indignantly.

"Nothing," he said, coiling his body around Yuu. "Now, you may rest with the knowledge that you are safe."

A moment went by.

"What is this," said Yuu flatly.

"Why, nothing," replied Malleus lightly. "Go to sleep. I will keep watch."

Yuu glared exhaustively into the darkness. They lifted up their arm and started feeling up Malleus's chest, slapping around in the dark for what they were looking for.

"Hmm?" Malleus made a noise of confusion.

Yuu pulled his chest closer to their ear, and took a listen at his heart.

"Did you have a nightmare?" mumbled Yuu.

"W- I am doing this for you," he insisted. "My intent is pure."

"Mmm-hmm," they groaned. Malleus had already had this dream a few times, where Yuu died or was otherwise gone to him forever.

The disorientation of sleep to wakefulness disoriented Malleus as well, and the fear injected straight into his veins caused him to confuse dream for reality. The only cure was to see Yuu, and know they were alive.

"Get under the covers," grumbled Yuu. "You're cold."

Malleus did as he was told, popping under his comforter and wrapping his arms around Yuu again.

They shivered. His hands were naturally cold, but they pulled him in closer anyway, hoping their own heat trapped under the comforter would warm him up, and also calm him down.

"Thank you," he whispered, and Yuu nodded, though they realized he wouldn't see that.

[the-bear-and-his-sunbird]

Happy Thedas Weekend!

How about Emmrook with

❛ dream of me. only me. ❜

from the Nosferatu quote prompts.

Enjoy!

Hello! Thank you for your prompt for @thedasweekend !

Pairing: Emmrook (I am thinking of my darling Siobhan but you may think of any Rook you'd like.)

Words: 640

Tags/Warnings: Spoilers for Emmrich quest line, dark!Emmrich, obsession, nightmares, watching her sleep, dream altering.

When Emmrich had been mortal, he already had the habit of observing her in her sleep. Shame had flooded him at first, at how his eyes searched for her form curling into itself, then kept on watching. The ragged breath, fleeing from her open mouth, her trashing limbs trying to fight off an invisible force. It was intoxicating to watch. What was he seeing? What was she afraid of?

Did she have the same nightmares as him? Of death, crawling slowly and mercilessly towards him. Not quite there yet, but close enough to feel its chilling dread ghosting over his arms like a lovers breath.

Countless times he told himself it was his wish to protect her, that kept him searching for her nightmares. Countless times he stood in awe at how her fingers curled and mouth twitched, as if wanting to let out a scream so bold her hands needed to hold onto something. Countless times he imagined himself to be the ward against the blackest nights, until-

Until he was. She came to him, quite on her own. Trust building and longing forming like a thickening thread that she pulled him closer with.

She, who he was obsessed with, chose him.

They held each other in the night, fearing and dreaming together. It was the most beautiful of moments, but even those pass eventually.

Her nightmares returned, when he shed his greatest fear forever. Yet, his fingers traced the tracks of her tears all the same. The only difference now was that his hands were not skin and meat anymore, but bone and linen.

There was more to the world than he was ever allowed to see as a mortal. Secrets were slowly unfolding, pulling away layer by layer until new mysteries were peeking behind the cracks of what he thought to be a fundamental truth. Hours and days passed as he learned more and more, fingertips caressing the sizzling, wavering energy that made up the entire universe.

It was the same for her nightmares. There was more to them, than he could have ever anticipated. Cadences of her fears had knit themselves in a net that she was trapping herself in, the darkest of sorrows coming back to haunt her. Magic or memory; what was it that made her unable to walk the Fade in pleasant dreams? Could it possibly be both or none of it?

Pity and empathy and bottomless love flooded him as he watched her weep, unable to wake. Reaching out to wipe away her tears, he gently hushed her. „No, flame of my heart. Weep no longer. Those dreams are not made for you, I will not allow them to harm you any longer.“

With one swipe of his hand, green magic illuminating the space, he rearranged the dreaming cords around her head; unraveling the net, discarding the threads that made her suffer, implementing new ones, carefully picked to sooth and carry her through the night. He wove the net anew, this time with his idea of what her dreams should be.

„Dream of me,“ he almost cooed, the command sounding like a lullaby, as a green shimmer appeared from underneath her eyelids.„Only of me“

A sigh escaped her lips, then a murmur: His name. Emmrich. A strange possessiveness had made itself a home, where his beating heart had been, to be the savior she needed, the only one she craved when the darkness became too much. What was love, if not devotion? And devoted he was to her, for eternity.

Every night he stood by her side, his form now looming over her as the protector he wished to be in his mortal shell. Every night, he commanded her nightmares to be gone. Every night he thought about how eternity might feel, if when he would loose her. No, not when.

If.

[molagboop]

does raven beak knit samus and friends ugly sweaters for christmas?

No, but Kreatz buys him graphic tees whenever he finds one that he thinks is funny.

This one came with a pair of tear-away shorts. He doesn't care for humanoid pants.

Raven Beak is less likely to present handmade fiber arts as gifts than he is to smith a blade. Textiles and the fiber arts are highly respected by his people, but he descends from a decorated warrior and is already in the habit of gifting people sharp implements.

Bladed weapons are a common first gift for young warriors in Mawkin culture. His first weapon was a family heirloom. Arms are a common gift for grown warriors, too. He knows Mauk, Kreatz, and Anthony have combat experience: he would give them a weapon at their birthday party in the Cheesecake Factory, and he wouldn't understand why the passing waitress had a negative reaction at the sight of it.

He would get kicked out of the Cheesecake Factory and immediately quizz them on their familiarity with the use of the weapon subtype they just received. He is fishing for an excuse to face them in a nonlethal duel so he can teach them how to use it better.

He would also gift weapons to the members of the friend group that lack military experience. Weapons are heirlooms: they're normal where he comes from. Even if they're never used, they're highly prized. Unless he knows that the recipient wants something specific by the time major Federation gift-giving holidays roll around, he's going to default to a weapon. He would be more creative if he were living among more Chozo, but he's not, so he defaults to old reliable.

There's no christmas, but there is the now-commercialized Federation holiday of Midnight Solstice, a holiday that occurs smack-dab in the middle of the last month of the year. Daiban's capital experiences pitch-black, lifeless conditions that month, and the gift giving is supposed to be a picker upper that symbolizes the ability to persist and find joy during a time when people in the old days on this planet would essentially be holed up in the dark. Rest assured, Raven Beak is bringing weapons to the Solstice party.

[berrysims-lp]

A full guide to Cassiel Reardon for @changingplumbob's challenge.

Cassiel, or Cass for short, is a Socially Awkward, Foodie, Ambitious woman who aspires to have her very own five-star restaurant and become a Master Chef.

She loves the colours Black, Green, Purple, and Yellow the most and hopes to make these her future restaurant's official palette. For the decor, she's hoping to go with a mix between Boho, Farmhouse, or even Garden style. Although they will still need to look like employees, she's hoping to implement a more Boho, Hipster, or Outdoorsy fashion style for the uniforms.

Cass enjoys many things, among them are Baking, Cooking, Gardening, Wellness, Knitting, and surprisingly, so is DJ Mixing. You will just never catch her doing anything related to Fishing, Gemology, or Video Gaming. I mean, who spends hours on something so non-productive? Not Cassie. No, Cassie likes Cerebral and Hard-Working Sims with High Energy to make all their dreams come true. She may sound all practical, but she does love the odd Emotional Decision-Makers, Optimistic, Romance Enthusiasts, and Family-Motivated Sims. Basically, as long as they are not Ambitionless, Homebody Rascals, she will be decently okay.

This wannabe chef loves getting to know people through Deep Thoughts, Discussing Hobbies and just loves Compliments - especially on her food. She will never deny some Flirtation or Physical Intimacy with people she likes, and much less will she refuse good Gossip, classic Pranks, or timeless Stories. She will probably hit you with a pan if you try to make Small Talk or worse... try any kind of Potty Humour.

And as we all know, music is what brings us together, and Cassiel is no different. After all, she loves creating some beats herself. She's not very picky and her taste ranges from Classical, Focus, Jazz, and Cottagecore Music all the way to Latin Pop, Retro, Carnival, and, of course, Electronica Music. Just please, whatever you do, do not play Soul or Singer-Songwriter Music. Cass believes there are too many of those around.

I have talked to Cass and she says she'd love me to be All-In in this challenge as she believes I know her the best. Since I'm her Watcher or something like that. She just wants to remind everyone her Watcher is in a -1 Timezone and therefore, is sometimes sleeping when everyone else is awake.

This dark green-eyed girl is a cis female, lesbian who uses She/Her pronouns. She is 100% disgusted by men (and girl, aren't we all) and is lucky enough to only be attracted to women because if sexuality was a choice, there would probably be no straight female out there.

Her parents, though, don't agree. They believe she is going through a 15-year-long rebellious phase only to spite them and that one day she will find a good man, settle down, and become the best stay-at-home mum. So she did what any badass woman would have done, she packed her bags and left their San Sequoia house to move to Newcrest, where she hopes to own a restaurant and start the biggest chain there is! Cassie is already committed to her dream, so when it comes to love, she tends to hyper-focus on one person at a time, but she is open to challenging herself with different boundaries and widening her horizon if her heart tells her to. As long as it's a woman who shares some of her beliefs, Cassiel is acceptive of advances.

And that, my friends, was Cassiel Reardon's introduction. I hope you all like her as much as I do (and it's not because I'm her Watcher, ok?). And with luck, she will find true love(s) in this little adventure of hers. 🦋

[ecargmura]

Wonderful Precure Episode 19 Review - Cure Lillian Weaves Her Way In

Cure Lillian is here! Her transformation is really good! It’s not as fluid as Nyammy’s, but still great! If Nyammy’s transformation is an SSS tier, then I’d give Lillian’s an S tier. My only issue with her transformation is that she doesn’t move as much as Nyammy does. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, it’s just a nitpick. I do love how her transformation has a curtain and it drops as she flies around. I do like that Lillian with her hair down is shown before it gets tied up. Overall, this was a really good transformation with minor issues.

Lillian comes from a knitting terminology, apparently. It does fit into Mayu’s whole textile theme as she loves making stuff and making people happy with it. Heck, her outfit is also has some textile theme in it as her dress is accompanied by a long ribbon. She’s made many people happy with her creations. Even in her debut transformation episode, her wanting to make others happy is even implemented when she’s purifying the GaruGaru. I’m surprised that the Hamster was purified by Lillian’s powers and not with the Friend Librale like how it usually was.

Glimpses of Mayu’s past are shown as she’s always been extremely scared and timid since she was small. She hated that side of herself, but Yuki always had her back. That’s why the argument hurt her more than she realized. Yuki trying to isolate her was already a bad thing, but what made Mayu hurt more than her lashing out at her cat was the fact that she feels as if Yuki hated her now. I feel like what made Mayu more upset was the fact that she didn’t want to be the one being protected; she wanted to protect Yuki as well. That was her resolve: to protect something even in her cowardly state. That was why she came to look for Yuki, even though it was dangerous. I think that Mayu showing up and becoming a Precure showed Yuki that she was wrong about Mayu and that’s how they make up. I do like that her resolving her fight with Yuki wasn’t expressed with just a mere “I’m sorry”. I do like how there’s more nuance to it than mere words.

The GaruGaru Hamster actually shows off that it has the power to shrink its opponents, making Wonderful, Friendy and Nyammy at a huge disadvantage. I like that it has this power and made me wish other Kirarin Animals showed off their abilities before being purified. The angry wolf guy showed up again, and it’s clear that he’s controlling the GaruGaru powers as it’s a power controlled by uncontrollable rage. It makes me wonder why he’s so angry.

Now that the main four Precures are now here, it makes me wonder what will happen now. All four have appeared, so will the story continue with them chasing after GaruGaru or will there finally be story progression? Will Daifuku and Satoru become Precures or will they stay as support? I don’t mind either way. It seems that in the preview for the next episode, Yuki is still unwilling to cooperate with the Precures because all she cares about is protecting Mayu. I just hope there’s no rinse and repeat of this episode when it comes to Yuki’s character. What are your thoughts on this episode?

[polyhexian]

Cait and Tell in the Runaway AU - Wait, y'know what, we can do better on the 3-Grimwalker Pile-Up, this can get so much more ridiculous.

Admittedly this only works if both Jasper and Will's staffs are out of commission for the moment. *handwave*

Jasper launches himself at Tell and thus begins their fistfight. Panicking and determined on Jasper's part, panicking and confused on Tell's. Hunter, Caitlyn, and Enoch are all like "what. what?"

But then all of Caitlyn's neighbors start crowding around hollering and shouting encouragement like "GIVE IT TO 'EM, TELL!" This is a small, tight-knit community that firmly believes in supporting their own, and also this is the most interesting thing that's happened since Old Man Jebthro caused a ratworm stampede last year. People are yelling out tips, or at least fight moves they want to see. Some folks have the gall to criticize Jasper and Tell's brawling skills. Bets are being placed. Caitlyn is peeved to hear one of her neighbors betting against Tell, but of course she would, this is the same woman who always turns her nose up at Caitlyn's pies. Hunter has started pick-pocketing the crowd; he's sure his dad has this well in hand, and at this rate they obviously aren't gonna get a job here, so he might as well get SOME value out of the place. The only person who notices is Enoch, when he attempts to pick her pocket. Assuming they are somehow both children in this timeline, they start slapfighting and yelling at each other.

This is the scene that Will suddenly stumbles into. Jasper and Tell were already freaked out enough by each other, but now faced with a third Grimwalker in full Golden Guard regalia, they freak out so much worse. Will wades into the fight with the intention of breaking it up and arresting Jasper in the process, but instead the other two just launch themselves at him. They're still fighting each other, though, and it devolves into a three-way fistfight.

The crowd goes WILD. They've had not one, but TWO outsiders show up today and immediately give them entertainment! And look at our Tell, holding his own! You show 'em, Tell! They're gonna be telling this story in the local tavern for YEARS.

Will might've assumed that his very presence was going to do his job for him, the Golden Guard tends to have that effect when he walks onto the scene, but unfortunately for him, Cait and Tell chose the most out-of-the-way location possible to hide. This is the farthest part of the toenail on the Titan's pinky toe, it's barely changed since the Savage Ages. It was never seen as profitable enough for anyone on the torso to bother with it; the whole region doesn't even have wifi. (Belos IS planning an Extremeties Outreach Program that'll start implementing the infrastructure needed to bring even these remote settlements under the coven system's thumb, but he hasn't gotten around to it yet.) The people know that the empire exists in theory and that the Golden Guard is a thing, but heck if they know what the guy looks like. Mostly they're wondering who this idiot dressed all in white is. Tell in his everyday wear and Jasper in his travel gear are looking pretty dirty too, but Will looks the worst out of the three of them.

Caitlyn, unlike her neighbors, is WELL AWARE of what the Golden Guard looks like, so she is starting to understand why her partner is panicking.

Hunter and Enoch, however, being sensible children, have, upon watching their fathers tackle the Golden Guard, looked at each other. Obviously both of them know who the Golden Guard is, Hunter from traumatic experiences and Enoch from cautionary bedtime stories. So they have a brief conference. If YOUR dad is fighting the Golden Guard, and MY dad is fighting the Golden Guard, then WE'RE DRIVING THE PLANE!

And that's how Will's shins suddenly come under attack from two small children.

Mrs. Pie Critic makes a remark about how she always KNEW there was something wrong with Tell's girl, and Caitlyn very gallantly does NOT tackle the woman into the dirt because SOMEONE in this family needs to stay calm. The rest of her neighbors are shouting encouragement at Enoch anyway.

The whole mess eventually ends with a little village elder or mayor tottering in like "what's all this?" and that's how three grown men get chastised right there in the town square. It's all "you can't just come into our home and start trouble!" and "we can't just start fistfighting outsiders, we get little enough trade as it is!" and "Tell I know you, why on EARTH did you think this was necessary?" Tell is very sheepish like yes, yes, sorry about that, terrible mistake on my part. Jasper is just vibrating while he tries to decide if it'll cause more problems to stand here and get scolded while the Golden Guard is RIGHT THERE or to just grab Hunter and run.

Will is lying on his back in the dust staring up at the sky, wondering at his life choices and making weak gestures of acknowledgement to their lecturer. He can appreciate a person who has this much control and commands this much respect in their community; even the crowd of onlookers are shuffling their feet sheepishly. This is probably when he manages to convey "look I'm just trying to ask those two some questions" at which point it's like, oh my titan you three were brawling like drunks over some QUESTIONS? For shame! Let the man ask you some questions, goodness!

That's when Caitlyn comes over like "ahaha well said, come on I'll go put a kettle on and we'll hear out these questions!" and drags the three of them back to her and Tell's house where they proceed to awkwardly sit around the coffee table. Jasper and Will aren't convinced that their tea isn't poisoned. Caitlyn has to set up a million privacy spells because, now deprived of the entertaining fistfight, the neighbors have all spontaneously decided to do some garden work or sweep the street outside the house.

"shins" hunter is the distraction so that Enoch can kick him in the nuts

[alltimefail-sims]

A story in two parts... 🙃

The Apple Nectar actually ended up being okay quality though! Not too shabby for Lea's first attempt.

As promised, my thoughts on nectar making are below the cut ↓

The nectar making skill is built slowly and gained at a much slower rate than horseback riding, for instance. I'm assuming that's because it's a 5-tier skill instead of 10-tier skill, but Lea didn't level up to level 2 until 4 or 5 bottles later. 🥴

That being said: even a poor, unaged bottle of nectar goes for 55 simoleons. That's a good profit, especially if you're growing your own produce, so it's a lucrative skill right off the bat. Considering that Lea can't get a job because a horse and a ranch are basically a full-time job, it's nice to have a skill that can help pay the bills. I also love the "aging" rack because, surprisingly, it's functional! Hallelujah! I'm so tired of getting a plethora of cute, decorative objects that serve no function or even go as far to allude to an actual skill without providing it (I'm looking at you, woven basket decor items - but more on that later). However, I had no idea how long it took to age a bottle of nectar. I'm guessing it is worth the wait and will increase the price, quality, and potency when consumed...but I'd had a bottle of apple nectar put away for a few days and it still hadn't aged. (I just looked it up and Google says 1 week, which feels reasonable in "sim time." I was worried it would be longer.)

I do wish there were a few more animations while making nectar just so it could be more interesting to watch, but honestly I don't think it takes that long to produce a bottle in comparison to other skills in the game (like gardening... GOD growing and tending crops in TS4 is excruciatingly tedious). Plus, if you have the "rancher" skill, you can sometimes get additional bottles out of one nectar-making session, so that's really nice. Visually, I'd compare this skill to knitting and cross-stitching due to its repetition, and if you're wondering what it looks like... well, the trailer shows it all lol. I don't think there's much to it: they stomp a little, fall, get up, repeat until the nectar is complete. Then they step out, seal the bottle, and the bottle goes into their inventory. There are some pretty funny expressions you can get though (outtake below).

Because this skill's animation is pretty repetitive and simple, I think they should have thrown one or even two more skills in there. After all, this pack is $40. Basket weaving, as I mentioned above, would even used a similar animation to an already existing in-game skill (cross stitching) so I think this would have been fairly easy to implement. In fact, I'm still shocked it isn't a part of this pack. There are some good decorative objects and CAS items that allude to Native culture, but by and large the pack lacks actual substance to represent actively living in these cultures - I think skills like basket weaving or pottery would have been a great way to add substance to the pack AND create an opportunity to talk more about Native American cultures and pay proper homage to their traditions and skillsets. I would have loved seeing elder native sims mentoring young sims in basket weaving like they can do with knitting, for instance... that would have been so adorable. 🥺❤️ It just feels like a real missed opportunity on their part. One recipe (smh) and a couple decorative objects/cas items are a good start, but more could have definitely been done. If modders can implement these things for free, game devs should have no problem implementing these features. ESPECIALLY when you consider the pack's asking price... and I stand by that!

All that being said, I am pleased with this skill and find the animations cute, but it's certainly not intensive enough that they can justify it being the only skill in the pack separate from horse-related skills. (Which, for the record, I don't really count because that's the whole selling point of the pack. Anything horse related should be a given).

I'm not trying to diminish the amount of work it took to animate and implement horses - I haven't experienced many bugs personally, and I know adding an entirely new living creature with customization and personalization is tedious. Even so, I still don't think the full price is justified. Comparing it to Cats and Dogs, I think this EP missed a lot of good opportunities to implement a new career, skills, and gameplay. I even feel like we could have gotten some new dialogue interactions, or even a spiritual/cultural trait related to Native American ideologies or customs (kind of like the child of the island/child of the ocean traits we got with Island Living) but I've yet to see many notable additions in that regard. If this pack was a $20 game pack I think I would feel totally different. I'm having fun, but I would never be able to justify spending $40.

SO... would I recommend it? Honestly... so far, yeah. I would just snag it when it goes on sale for $20 (or through other means. You do you). $20 is the price it should have been in the first place. But I am shocked at how much fun I've been having. The CAS and Build/Buy is really good, maybe my favorite in a while (but I'm into the rugged, dirty, western style quite a bit... if that's not your thing, this pack won't do anything for you). The horses are cool and in my experience after playing it for a few days, they're animated really well (surprisingly... I thought this pack would be 'My Wedding Stories' all over again). I also love this world. It's right up there with San Myshuno, Brindleton Bay, and Windenburg for me.

Coming up: I'll be taking Lea into town- she's a loner, but it's time to force her out of her comfort zone so she can make some friends. (Plus, I really want to see the new dance floor animation haha.)

Like always, if you read all that, I have big big love for you. I leave you with a little kith upon your head (or a respective big thumbs up if physical affection is not your jam).

[leon-swedfinqs]

Harvest Omens -- AKA Mari is going insane

I should be doing my school work right now (disregarding the fact that it is almost 2 in the morning as I start writing this), however I have a lot of thoughts in regards to my partner and I's Good Omens Stardew Valley AU -- while I still love and regard my d&d au with my whole entire soul, this is currently our hyperfixation/idea fixation so a lot of the stuff we are doing/thinking about is in regards to this idea in particular and i am vibrating with so many thoughts and ideas that i cannot necessarily easily translate to the page or to a drawing and its driving me NUTS -- If you want to listen to the mad ramblings of frankly an insane individual /j in regards to their stardew valley x good omens crossover au of madness youre welcome to keep reading

To start, here are some portraits of the two main idiots I made using this portrait maker. It was a ton of fun to translate them into something more tangible to look at -- they do not exactly look like this, however, but this is the closest I could get with the maker so that is what I am working with. The main crux of why this idea came in the first place is because I started playing the stardew valley 1.6 update (which i cant do much of anymore THANKS UNIVERSITY :D) and subsequently playing this new update with the existing Stardew Omens mod, or well, the updated one by @counterklock (hi if you see this sorry for tagging just wanted to credit) which can be found HERE

So what exactly is the deal with these two? What is their place in the overall story???? I will say that there may be some similarities with the existing popular crossover fic "Untitled Stardew Omens Fic", however we generally have been trying to keep things purely original in this instance in order to keep these ideas purely separate. Don't want to step on any toes!!! (both the mod and the other au fic)

Start off with (at least in our writing so far) who I suppose is the main protagonist and who's perspective we get the most of -- Crowley.

Crowley in this story does work for the Joja Corporation, or as it can be interpreted, Hell (not that working for a capitalist organization wasn't already hell to begin with). The corporation wants to expand their business into new untapped markets, one of the most glaring ones being tight-knit rural communities much like Pelican Town. While there is a Joja Mart there, it doesn't earn enough of a profit as they would like. The biggest hurdle in this instance is the loyalty the members of the community have to each other and to their local businesses. This is where Crowley comes in, as he is the key player in their ultimate plan: the Rural Reliance and Trust-Establishment Initiative. What's the main goal? To infiltrate these communities, carefully gain their trust, and slowly dismantle their reliance on more local businesses and encourage them to utilize Joja products instead. In order to fully implement this initiative, they had to do a test run, with Crowley as their guinea pig.

Under the falsely made person as "the grandson of a well-loved community member who has since long past", Crowley is sent to live on a piece of property Joja secretly bought for this project and implement himself as a member of the local community. By acting as a community member and local farmer, he slowly shifts the townsfolks' reliance to be towards Joja products. Crowley, being a city person for practically his entire life, has a lot of reservations about "going up there and making some trouble" in the small rural community -- however, it does not seem that he has much of a choice in the matter.

It's safe to say that Crowley...fumbles his way through this assignment. And as a cherry on top, the assignment so far has been doing the complete opposite of what it was supposed to do. Instead of shifting the townsfolk to start using Joja more often, slowly yet surely this project has been drawing their employee (Crowley) away from them, their products, and their practices, as he gets a taste of life outside of that, and truly sees the extent of their malicious practices outside of a city setting. He struggles to farm at first, making a mess out of his first set of crops and desperately trying to grow at least one batch of flowers (because that is what he really wanted to grow in the first place), and often fails at being a consistent social presence within the community. Overtime, he starts to grow into a farmer that rants and vents to his crops, he develops a mysterious aura as he "becomes linked with the forest" and starts to befriend the local witch, and he finds himself falling head first into a crush on the self-imposed isolated, old-fashioned, overly kind librarian. He's a city kid that finally allows himself to relax, and through this allows himself time for self-reflection and personal growth (you can pry genderfluid!crowley from my cold dead fingers -- you thought this au crowley was cis/ Sike!!! he doesn't know that he is until later so its a surprise for him too)

Meanwhile, Aziraphale has been a member of Pelican Town for as long as anyone could remember. He grew up in this community, this place is truly his home. As a baby/young child, Aziraphale did live with his "mother" (a placement for god essentially), but one day she just...disappeared, and he was considered abandoned/orphaned. The saying "it takes a village" does truly apply to Azi in this case -- he grew up with the members of the community, being parents by nearly all of the adults, and experiencing his childhood with all of the local kids as his family. The community center, library, and local farm were his sanctuary, his true home. As members of the community he grew up in moved away and/or died over time, and the community facilities (such as the CC) slowly became decrepit and broken, Aziraphale started to lose those stable parts of his life. As he lost more and more of his support network, Azi became more isolated, a self-imposed social recluse. He made a home within the library, and isn't seen outside of it for long periods of time since.

He can be found outside every now and then, of course. Twice every season (except for Winter), Azi would go to the bus stop and have a quiet picnic with himself. Grandpa (or "crowley's gramps") was like a father/grandfather-figure to Azi -- he was the one who raised him the most, who taught him and actively took care of him. His death impacted Azi the hardest, as it was his last close personal connection that was finally lost. Having that picnic lets him feel close to the one who truly considered him family. Along with that, once a week in the late evenings (right before the store is to close), Azi can be found in Pierre's buying groceries. More often than not, this trip is on a sunday to allow him to pray to Yoba in the personal chapel. He could also be found, roughly once a month, in Gus's saloon purely because of the fact that the menu has "maki rolls" on the list.

Whether it was truly because he couldn't see that it was half buried in the dark, or the fates decided that these two should properly meet, regardless Crowley ultimately found Aziraphale through a lost book. "Anyone could've returned this book, surely?", "why didn't he even bother to go check to find the book?" -- is what many may be asking. For that, I present the following response: "They're gay and they can do whatever they want"

They're both complete idiots, but they're my idiots. I have thoughts about many of the other characters too and how they fit in this world (anathema -- witch, new -- previous walmart id, works with adventurers guild right now. adam and the Them just casually living in the valley), etc.etc. for other charcters, but I will not get into them now due to time and my own mental sanity. I want to make sure everything fits within the current lore as much as possible, while also not leaving specific people out and making them upset.

I have so much more I could say about this au, but alas I am tired LOL you may either ask or ill expand upon this post later teehee

[saifuv]

What Are the Benefits of Learning SAP PP After SAP MM?

In the world of SAP, knowledge is power but the right knowledge at the right time can be a game-changer for your career. If you've already completed an SAP MM (Materials Management) course, you might be wondering what’s next. Should you stop there? Or is it worth expanding into other modules?

If you’re looking to enhance your SAP skills and stay competitive in the job market, learning SAP PP (Production Planning) after SAP MM can be a smart move. These two modules are closely connected, and mastering both can give you an edge whether you're aiming to become a functional consultant, work in manufacturing, or support supply chain operations.

Let’s break down the key benefits of learning SAP PP after SAP MM.

1. Deep Understanding of End-to-End Supply Chain Processes

SAP MM focuses on the procurement and inventory side of the supply chain—managing materials, vendors, and purchase orders. SAP PP, on the other hand, deals with the planning and execution of production.

By learning both, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how raw materials flow from procurement (MM) into production (PP) and eventually become finished products. This end-to-end view is crucial in industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and FMCG, where supply chain efficiency is everything.

2. Stronger Job Prospects and Higher Pay

Professionals with knowledge of both SAP MM and PP are more versatile—and in higher demand. Many companies, especially manufacturers, prefer hiring consultants or analysts who can manage multiple parts of their SAP landscape.

Being able to handle both MM and PP tasks means you can work across different departments, contribute to more projects, and solve problems more effectively. This often leads to higher salaries, faster promotions, and better career growth.

3. Seamless Integration Skills

One of the major strengths of SAP is how its modules work together. In real-world scenarios, SAP PP doesn’t function in a vacuum. It depends on master data, BOMs (Bill of Materials), and material availability—all of which come from SAP MM.

If you already know MM, learning PP becomes easier because you understand how materials are managed, stocked, and moved. You’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot issues during MRP (Material Requirements Planning), production orders, or capacity planning.

4. Enhanced Project Opportunities

In SAP implementation or support projects, having dual-module expertise is a big plus. You can contribute more effectively during blueprinting, testing, integration, and training.

Consultants with both MM and PP knowledge are often assigned cross-functional responsibilities and can even act as liaisons between departments. You may find yourself leading workshops, assisting with data migration, or optimizing processes across the supply chain.

Real-world impact: Many SAP rollout or S/4HANA migration projects are looking for hybrid consultants who can handle MM, PP, and even aspects of SD or WM. The more you know, the more doors open.

5. Future-Proofing Your SAP Career

SAP is evolving, and so are the roles within it. With the rise of SAP S/4HANA, integrated business processes are more tightly knit than ever. Modules like MM and PP are no longer seen in isolation—they’re part of larger end-to-end workflows.

Learning PP after MM means you’ll stay relevant in the SAP ecosystem as roles become more integrated. You’ll also be better prepared for advanced topics like SAP IBP (Integrated Business Planning) or SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management).

6. Better Communication With Business Teams

Many SAP professionals struggle not because of technical gaps, but because they can't bridge the gap between IT and business. By understanding both procurement and production, you'll be able to speak the language of both the supply chain and manufacturing departments.

You’ll understand what a planner needs, what the production line is waiting for, and why certain delays occur. That makes you a better communicator, consultant, and problem-solver.

7. More Confidence in Customization and Reporting

SAP isn't just about running transactions—it’s also about configuring the system to meet business needs. Once you know both MM and PP, you’ll be more confident in customizing the system, running integrated reports, and even working with ABAP developers on enhancements.

You’ll be able to suggest improvements, design better workflows, and automate tasks—making your work not only more efficient, but also more valuable.

Conclusion

If you’ve already mastered SAP MM, learning SAP PP is a natural and strategic next step. It builds on your existing knowledge, deepens your understanding of the supply chain, and opens up new career opportunities.

In a competitive job market, versatility is everything. By combining SAP MM and PP, you're not just adding another module to your resume you’re becoming a true supply chain expert with a holistic view of operations.

[iqcityuwsbkolkata]

Why Business Graduates Are in High Demand: Key Skills for Success

Because of the ever-growing and changing world economy, the need for business graduates has been on the rise in the modern society. Employers of all sectors are keen to hire excellent candidates who have the knowledge of business as well as strategic skills related to leadership and management. This increasing demand has seen many students enroll in business courses especially the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). This trend needs to be given due consideration while you are in the process of looking for a BBA college in Kolkata. Now let us take a look at the causes of this rising trend of business graduate demand and how BBA College in Kolkata is preparing for it.

1. The Globalization of Businesses

The meaning and implications of globalization is a reality of a more knit and competitive world. The global operation is something businesses are now to engage in as they move out of their domestic markets. To manage this change the world needs professionals with background in international business, intercultural communication, and global marketing. Such complexities are easily managed by business graduates since they are already equipped with skills on how to handle organizations that are eyeing for the international markets.

How BBA Programs Address This:

At present curriculum, BBA colleges in Kolkata have incorporated concepts of International business and Global marketing along with classes conducting regarding cross-cultural teams so that students can handle the challenges which have come up in the globalized economy.

2. Technological Advancements

Technology advancement has enjoyed a tremendous impact on the business world in so many aspects. Be it digital marketing, e-commerce, big data, or AI, there is a requirement of talented graduates who can implement these technologies for business growth. This way, technological advancements are integrated to develop solutions within the functions of these industries, and BBA graduates are trained to appreciate the effects of these technologies on business.

How BBA Programs Address This:

Almost all the colleges for BBA in Kolkata provides specialization in business analytics, digital marketing for students, and information technology management to enable the graduates to be conversant with new technologies in the job market.

3. Entrepreneurial Mindset

With the continued development of the spirit of entrepreneurship, an increasing number of young people become interested in self-employment. A program for BBA includes a flow of an entrepreneurial spirit where students are taught how to think, plan, analyze, and manage the risks of a business venture. This is why many of today’s business graduates are going into their own start-ups or are joining progressive organizations as leaders.

How BBA Programs Address This:

Today, the best BBA colleges in Kolkata equip their students with entrepreneurship education, startup training as well as incubation facilities to support their growth of entrepreneurial skills.

4. Versatile Skill Set

A BBA degree provides students with a versatile skill set that can be applied across various industries. Whether it’s marketing, finance, human resources, or operations, BBA graduates possess a strong foundation in core business functions. This versatility makes them attractive to employers in sectors like retail, banking, manufacturing, and healthcare.

How BBA Programs Address This:

The curriculum at top colleges for BBA in Kolkata is designed to cover a wide range of business disciplines, offering students a comprehensive understanding of business operations. This broad-based approach allows graduates to explore diverse career paths.

5. Leadership and Management Training

Businesses today seek leaders who can effectively manage teams, make strategic decisions, and steer organizations toward success. Business graduates, especially those with a BBA degree, are trained in leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic management, preparing them for managerial roles early in their careers.

How BBA Programs Address This:

BBA colleges in Kolkata focus on developing leadership qualities in students through case studies, leadership workshops, and real-world projects, helping them build the confidence to take on leadership roles in their professional lives.

6. The Growing Importance of Soft Skills

Along with technical knowledge, employers increasingly value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Business graduates, through their education and training, develop these essential soft skills, making them well-rounded professionals who can effectively collaborate in a dynamic business environment.

How BBA Programs Address This:

Leading colleges for BBA in Kolkata incorporate communication and leadership training into their programs, helping students hone their interpersonal skills, which are critical for success in the business world.

Conclusion:

Preparing for a Bright FutureThe demand for business graduates continues to rise as companies seek professionals who can adapt to the changing business landscape, drive innovation, and lead teams effectively. For students aspiring to make a mark in the world of business, enrolling in one of the top BBA colleges in Kolkata offers the perfect launchpad for a successful career. If you’re considering a business degree, now is the time to explore your options and choose a college that not only provides a solid academic foundation but also focuses on practical, real-world experiences. At IQ City United World School of Business (IQ City UWSB), our BBA program is designed to meet the growing demands of the business world, offering a blend of academic rigor, practical learning, and industry exposure to prepare you for a successful future. With the right education, guidance, and opportunities, a business degree can open doors to a world of possibilities. So, take the first step toward your dream career by choosing the right BBA college in Kolkata today!

  This Blog Originally Posted Here:  Why is there an Increase in the Demand for Business Graduates?

[boisemarketingmasters]

Why Digital Marketing is Essential for Businesses in Boise

In today's fast-paced digital world, having a robust online presence is no longer optional—it's a necessity. For businesses in Boise, digital marketing is the key to reaching new customers, enhancing brand visibility, Boise digital marketing and staying competitive in a crowded marketplace. Here’s why digital marketing is crucial for your Boise-based business and how partnering with experts like Boise Marketing Masters can help you achieve your goals.

1. Enhanced Local Visibility

Boise is a thriving city with a growing economy. To tap into the local market effectively, businesses need to be easily discoverable online. Digital marketing strategies, such as local SEO, ensure that your business appears in local search results when potential customers are looking for products or services you offer. This increased visibility can drive more foot traffic to your physical location and boost online inquiries.

2. Targeted Advertising

One of the significant advantages of digital marketing is the ability to target specific demographics. Platforms like Google Ads and social media channels allow you to create highly targeted campaigns that reach your ideal customers. Whether you’re aiming to attract Boise’s tech-savvy millennials or established professionals, digital marketing provides the tools to reach them effectively.

3. Cost-Effective Marketing Solutions

Compared to traditional marketing methods, digital marketing offers a more cost-effective way to promote your business. With options like pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, ensuring that your marketing budget is spent efficiently. Additionally, strategies like email marketing and content marketing offer high returns on investment by nurturing leads and converting them into loyal customers.

4. Measurable Results

Digital marketing provides detailed analytics that help you measure the success of your campaigns. Tools like Google Analytics and social media insights offer valuable data on how your audience interacts with your content, allowing you to make data-driven decisions. This transparency helps you understand what works and what doesn’t, so you can continuously optimize your strategies for better results.

5. Building Customer Relationships

Social media platforms and email marketing enable businesses to build and maintain relationships with their customers. Engaging content, personalized emails, and timely responses to customer queries can foster loyalty and encourage repeat business. In Boise’s close-knit community, building strong relationships can set your business apart from the competition.

6. Staying Ahead of the Competition

Many businesses in Boise are already leveraging digital marketing to their advantage. To stay competitive, it’s essential to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Working with a professional digital marketing agency like Boise Marketing Masters ensures that your business stays ahead of the curve, utilizing cutting-edge strategies to attract and retain customers.

Why Choose Boise Marketing Masters?

Boise Marketing Masters specializes in helping businesses in Boise achieve their digital marketing goals. With a team of experienced professionals, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including SEO, PPC, social media management, content marketing, and more. Their tailored approach ensures that each strategy aligns with your business objectives and delivers measurable results.

By partnering with Boise Marketing Masters, you can focus on running your business while they handle your digital marketing needs. Their expertise and local knowledge make them the perfect partner for businesses looking to thrive in Boise’s dynamic market.

Conclusion

Digital marketing is an indispensable tool for businesses in Boise aiming to enhance their online presence, attract more customers, and achieve sustainable growth. By implementing effective digital marketing strategies and partnering with experts like Boise Marketing Masters, your business can reap the benefits of increased visibility, Boise digital marketing targeted advertising, and measurable results. Embrace digital marketing today and watch your Boise business flourish.