#featuring as an artifact in arise...

[orcelito]

Ykno i hadn't rly categorized myself as that much of a Tales fan but here I am with zestiria, xillia, xillia 2, vesperia, berseria, arise, and a bit of the abyss & uhh I wanna say graces. Like OK I've only actually finished zestiria, xillia, and xillia 2. But almost finished vesperia (and put it down...) and almost finished arise (I am GOING to finish it). Never got that into the others.

BUT. it's like. I mean genuinely I love these anime games so much. Xillia 2 remains the only game that's made me cry twice. Zestiria was my first and Mikleo is SO dear to me. Of course Vesperia is sooo good (I will return to it someday...) and now I'm utterly in love with arise.

I think I've played more Tales games than fire emblem games, so lol. I do be a Tales fan huh

[pb-dot]

Film Friday: Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

After my last FF being of a slow burn indie movie of excellent pedigree, I figure it's time to talk about something big and (joyfully) stupid to even things out. I joke, but Dungeons and Dragons have been on my mind these last few days, so why not talk about the movie adaptation. No, not that one, the good one. Trust me, I will get to the Jeremy Irons Chewing The Scenery movie eventually, but today we're talking about Honor Among Thieves.

One of the greatest joy of the current era is that with the mainstream-approximate popularity of Actual Play shows like Critical Role, Dimension 20 and Naddpod, there's a wider understanding of the kind of storytelling that goes on in tabletop roleplaying games. The particular way these stories blend character-focused storytelling with a main plot that usually functions as a lens for said character focus isn't unique to roleplaying necessarily, but it is a central component that this kind of storytelling needs.

As such, Honor isn't a quest for a magical artifact to slay an evil wizard undertaken by brave adventurers, it's more the ongoing catastrophes of a bunch of walking disasters that also happen to feature some looking for magical artifacts and slaying some evil wizards more as a matter of consequence.

To wit, our story follows bard Edgin, Barbarian Holga, Sorcerer Simon (I SEE what you did there), and outcast druid Doric as they attempt to reunite Edgin with his daughter Kira, now the ward of former friend of Edgin, Forge. Complicating matters is that Forge turns out to be a lying, thieving, betraying backstabber who has teamed up with an evil red wizard to rule the town of Neverwinter, and he's not much keen on relinquishing his ward, so it's-a-thieving our adventurers must go.

When I say the storytelling follow the beats of a D&D campaign, that isn't only on the character focus stuff, it's down to the structure of the thing. The band of adventurers plans to preform a heist, but needs a magical artifact to do so, so they enlist a legendary warrior whose hyper-competence and cryptic advice makes him the most obvious GM PC I've ever seen, for the uninitiated is a GM PC is a NPC made to follow the rules of a player character, usually for the GM to get some vicarious playing thrills and/or wrench the plot back on track directly. Together with this hot piece of HP, our heroes fumble some puzzles, circumvent some puzzles and gets into moderate to severe peril, as is tradition.

There's a real sense of fun to the proceedings, and the movie is filled with the kind of gags that might arise from a table full of giddy nerds. Of course the bird-man Jarnathan becomes the most important character in the room for like ten minutes, that's the kind of character players latch on to. Of course, our players have a close call with a pack of Intellect Devourers, who it turns out have no interest in the group. For one nobody plays a class who benefits from high Intelligence, they're also idiots, not that they let that stop them of course.

All of this comes together to create this infectiously enthusiastic film. The action scenes are made somewhat more kinetic than the miniature and/or imagination-based fair it's based on, yes, but there seems to be some attention paid to structuring most of them like D&D fights. The final confrontation with the aforementioned evil wizard in particular has the distinct flow of a climactic campaign-concluding encounter. There's stuff to nitpick, of course, but show me a single D&D group who plays strictly "Rules As Written," and I will tell you that you've shown me some miserable gits that'd be happier playing a video game.

There's obviously a lot of love behind Dungeon and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, from the writing and directing choices above to using practical effects to show off some more fantastical humanoid races that they didn't really need to show off, although I would be derelict in my duties if I didn't remark that while Tieflings can indeed have human skin colors, it is highly unusual for a player to chose to be anything but blue, red or purple. I'm not saying Sophia Lillis should've been in body paint this entire time, but it could easily be justified.

[aboutcustardcreams]

I apologize in advance if there are any mistakes, I've written most of it on the beach earlier today and I might have had the sun in my eyes :P Hope it's enjoyable anyway!

The monster within you

Five

Six

"So, how do we do this, exactly?", you can't hide the fact that you're nervous, it shows in your eyes.

Cordelia is leaning over the kitchen counter, across you, whereas Zelda stands next to her, rather pensive. "We should cast a protective spell, to begin with," the Directrix nods at her words. You can tell she is equally nervous and tense.

"That would definitely help, wouldn't it?"

Cordelia nods at your hopeful tone and reaches out a hand towards yours.

"It surely can't hurt," Zelda continues, sounding mildly ironic. You're well aware a part of her believes you shouldn't be doing this, for the simple fact that the artifact is both cursed and blessed. And it means so much that she is letting you decide freely, despite being completely against it.

Sighing, you turn towards her and call her name in a soft plea. Her clear eyes stare up at you, as she hums back.

"Don't be so scared, it's gonna be alright. We are a great team."

You weren't just saying those things because you wanted to reassure her. You were saying those things because you believed them. A whole family of powerful witches had your back, so what could possibly go wrong?

"Ehm, there's something you should know, Celeste...", it's Ambrose speaking now.

All eyes turn towards him at once.

"What is it?", Zelda questions, with a certain urgency in her tone.

He stalls and rubs his hands together, " So , as I already told you, I read about Lucia's relic before, and everything they have told you about it, is true. Meaning that, you'll see your family, but it could happen anywhere , and in any timeline."

"Timeline?" You frown and he nods.

You're pretty sure Zelda cursed under her breath but it was too subtle to be heard.

"You could be jumping back, forward in time, or staying in the present, the possibilities are quite a few."

Nodding hesitantly, you later add, "it doesn't sound so bad."

Zelda almost chuckles, "Sweetheart, there's nothing worse than time traveling."

You lightly roll your eyes at her dramatics, "But maybe I'll stay in the present, so no damage can be done."

Cordelia sighs tiredly, "Zelda has indeed a point," she remarks, "but so do you," she looks at you, making you smile.

The redhead shallows, feeling her throat suddenly too dry for her liking. She then circles the kitchen's counter so that she now stands by you.

"I want you to listen to me very carefully," she takes your hands in hers, her thumbs immediately skimming over your skin, "you can't, under no circumstance, change a thing about the past. If you do, you will affect our very present irreversibly," her voice falters for how scared it sounds.

You hum and nod, "now you listen to me," mimicking her tone, you lift Zelda's hands to your mouth to place a gentle kiss on her knuckles. The sole gesture arises a blush upon her cheeks, but you don't mention it, preferring to cherish it in silence.

"Why on earth would I ever want to change the past if it led me to you and Delia?", Zelda bows her head slightly, as to hide the small smirk that has just played out on her features, "I'd be an absolute idiot," you finish sarcastically.

Her eyes lock back with yours and then lets out a quiet chuckle, "you can say that again."

You roll your eyes, "I believe I deserve some credit here," you mutter, playfully poking her shoulder.

"We trust you," Cordelia interjects, touching your forearm.

"Oh, really?", you mock teasingly, and both snort.

"Come here, silly," you find yourself smiling from ear to ear when the Supreme pulls you into her protective arms for a hug. You can feel the thumping of her heart against yours, so intense, you try your best to soothe it, by brushing her hair with your fingertips, "we just want to be sure you're really sure about this."

"I am," you mutter. "This isn't a decision I'm making lightly. It's important to me."

Cordelia pulls away just a bit so that she can cup your cheeks, "alright, then. Zelda may not say it out loud but we are on your side and we will always be."

Zelda clicks her tongue, feigning annoyance, "you're both so frustrating."

"Are we?", you quickly turn around to peck her lips.

You whimper when she bites your bottom lip, then mutters, "you have no idea."

"I hate to interrupt this moment, aunties, " Ambrose clears his throat, feeling like he is seeing way too much for his liking.

"I don't know how I feel about being called auntie," you whisper to Cordelia, who simply giggles in return.

Zelda sighs and looks at her nephew, "what now?"

"There's more to say, I'm afraid."

"We are listening", Cordelia says.

"Basically, if something were to happen, we cannot reach you there," he looks directly into your eyes, as he speaks. You clench your jaw, not daring to interrupt him just yet. "We can try to pull you back with a spell, but our success depends on you."

"I wasn't exactly expecting all of you to jump into my reality, if I'm honest," you give a nervous chuckle as you cross your arms over your chest.

Zelda's hand slips protectively around your waist, squeezing more than she would like.

"Oh and one last thing..." Ambrose trails off, as if he has just remembered something very important. "A minute here is like twenty there, or something. Time runs differently for some reason."

Your eyes open wide then, as you just remember what the salesman told you about the relic, "the globetrotter said I shouldn't keep it on for more than one minute. I thought it was silly because, I mean, what can you possibly do in one minute? But now it makes sense."

Zelda pulls her hand back and scoffs indignantly, "and when exactly were you going to tell us such an important thing?"

You gwan at your bottom lip, "I'm sorry!", you didn't mean to keep it a secret, it had simply slipped your mind.

Even Cordelia seems disappointed, but you can't blame her.

"You'd lose your head if it wasn't attached to your neck," she snaps.

You had it coming, so you accept the tease with shoulders down, "a tad exaggerated, but I suppose I deserve it."

"Any important detail we should know before getting started?", Cordelia asks, rather impatiently now. You and Ambrose share a look as to see if he had more in store for you but that seemed to be all. So you shake your head, "I believe we are all sorted out."

"Alright, let's move to the lounge room, then," she continues.

You nod, taking the first steps, with everyone else following behind.

Zelda leans closer to your ear, "If you get killed, I'll resurrect you and kill you myself," her fingers tangle in your hair a bit possessively.

You chuckle and tease back, "I give you my permission."

"But I don't", Cordelia quickly interjects, stepping in between the two of you.

You groan. "Ladies, make up your mind while I go find my parents," with the relic in your hands you sit down on the couch.

Zelda snorts, her attention quickly shifts to the object in your hands and you find yourself looking at her.

"Help me out?", she nods softly and takes it from your hands before sitting down behind you. Cordelia kneels down on your front instead and keeps her hands on your knees, offering you an encouraging smile. Ambrose stands next to the chimney.

"Are you alright?", she whispers.

You nod your head, "I just hope everything goes well with them. "

"It will, babygirl," there's something incredibly reassuring in her warm brown eyes.

"You can't promise me that," you sigh, with a small smile. "But I appreciate your words."

She chews on her lip before adding, "Promise me if something seems off, come back to us. We can figure it out together."

"Pinkie promise," you lift your finger and she chuckles softly as she intertwines it with hers.

"I wouldn't bet on it, Cordelia. Celeste has, after all, the savior syndrome," the redhead replies dryly.

You scoff, "you have no choice but to trust me on this."

She frowns as she leans closer to you, "I do trust you," her lips curve in a coy smirk, "most of the time..."

Your mouth falls partially agape, "excuse me?"

"Girls ," Cordelia interjects with a firm tone, before you and Zelda can start one of your usual bickering. She feigns innocence and you glance at her with narrowed eyes, but decide to drop it.

"Let's get this over with," you announce, nervously rubbing your thighs, "Zelda, go on please."

The redhead hums and wets her lips, repeating to herself like a mantra that's just one minute. Her breathing is so close to your ear it sends goosebumps over your neck as she carefully puts the blindfold over your eyes, making sure it's nicely tied.

"Relax, Zee..." you tell her, feeling her fingers trembling.

"I'm very relaxed, thank you very much."

When she is done with that, she puts her hands down so slowly, as to be prepared to take the relic off any moment from now.

"Now, what?", you ask, a bit impatiently.

"Try closing your eyes, babygirl," Cordelia suggests.

You nod your head and do as she says.

Zelda wants to add something but Cordelia gives her a look, mouthing "not now," at her direction.

She eyes her confusedly, but then understands that you probably need to focus. And as you do, something shifts rather quickly. Your body turns stiff, and when she tentatively calls your name, you don't answer.

"What's happening?", she can't hide the fact that it alarms her.

Cordelia takes a steady breath, "it's like what Ambrose said, she can't hear us. But she is fine."

The boy nods when his auntie looks at him for confirmation.

"But... how can we be sure?", she insists, placing a hand upon your back.

"I'm the Supreme, silly. Trust me," her voice is soft but slightly teasingly.

"Let's get started with the protective spell, then," Cordelia nods at her words, and takes her hand in hers, while still keeping one on your knee, "Ambrose, you count the seconds from now."

He nods, giving her thumbs up, "I'm on it, auntie."

 

It all happens in a blink of an eye, both figuratively and literally. You're not sitting in the lounge of the Spellman's Mortuary anymore, but standing in the most unreal landscape you've ever seen in your life. Neither Zelda nor Cordelia are in sight, exactly how Ambrose had anticipated. You're on your own.

You wonder if you disappeared from their sight too, or if maybe your soul kind of astral projected, while your body was at the house. Sighing, you take hesitant steps towards what appeared to be a cave crossed by a stretch of water, much wider in the distance.

It's desolate, cold, and heavy there. The air is crispy, but also suffocating in a way. You don't know whether to blame the cold or the deafening quietness. Without having real indications as to where to go, you follow the path along the river, keeping your eyes open to spot anything that could serve your purpose.

After a while, your steps come to a halt, your eyes spot something on the other side of the river, like a shadow in the water. As you squint your eyes, you lower yourself on your knees and lean as further as you can, burying your palms in the dirty soil underneath, "Is anybody there?"

You're sure there's something in there, the water seems rippled in that same spot. Your eyes open wide, when you hear a sound very similar to a grunt, "Hello? Can you hear me?" Now you're sure there's somebody there, staying very still in a frozen river.

You reach out a hand towards the water, dip your fingers in and immediately hiss at how cold it feels, " Fuck, someone should really kick on the heat in here," you mutter to yourself. You get up again, desperately thinking of a way to reach the other side of the river, without having to pass through the water. You try to call upon your magic, once, twice, but it doesn't work out. All you can manage to summon is a pathetic sparkle at your fingertips, barely warm enough to dry your skin. "Look, I'm here to help you, alright? Are you stuck?", you can't hide the concern in your tone; if there's a person lingering there, they are probably freezing to death. Moreover, there's a high possibility that whoever that is, is part of your lineage.

"Please , answer me," your voice slips louder than intended and it echoes through the rocky walls of the cave. You're not sure if you had caused it, but the ripple expands, almost to your side of the river. You bend down again, a glint of hope flashes through your eyes, when you spot a bit more clearly that same shadow of before, slowly moving.

It's a man. Maybe...

It breaks your heart when you finally lock eyes with him. It seems like he hasn't slept in days, despite the tiredness glazing his bluish orbs. He's not shivering, which you find impossible considering you are freezing.

"What got you screaming like that?", he whines, "I was finally sleeping," you can't help the crease forming in between your brows.

How can someone fall asleep in a frozen river?

"With all due respect, sir, I don't think you should fall asleep in there," you stutter out, feeling kind of dumb for having to state the obvious.

He chuckles as first response, "This is the Cocytus, dear, my new forever home, so I'll do as I please."

Your eyes snap open as you start to collect the dots. If that's true, it meant that you had ended up in another realm. Hell precisely. "So we are..?"

The man nods, "In Hell, I'm afraid, yes," a cloud of vapor comes out of his mouth, "welcome to the land of the damned!" He echoes almost theatrically.

You grimace in response, feeling suddenly uneasy. Your mind is filled with so many questions, but time is hardly on your side. Ambrose gave you twenty minutes to figure everything out, and it didn't help that you had no idea of how much had passed already. If that man was who you thought he was, it meant he was a bad person considering where he was confined. However, he didn't exactly look like one to you.

"Can you get out of there?", you ask, without really looking at him now. Your eyes roam around your surroundings, to mentally calculate the distance between you and him.

"Out of Hell? I don't think so", he scoffs. You wet your lips then swallow nervously, hating to be thinking what you're thinking. "Besides, I can't feel my limbs anymore, I can barely turn my neck and blink. So no, I can't think of anything that would work."

You nod slowly, arms over your hips as you take slow, steady breaths as far as possible.

"Alright," you announce, then take off your shirt. 

The man squints his eyes in disbelief, "what exactly are you doing?"

If he was shocked by the choice you were making, you were shocked by his indifference to his fate. The fact that he accepted his punishment had been enough to unsettle you and turn your stomach upside down.

"It's okay, don't worry," next thing you do, you take off your shoes, "I can help you," staring at the river you  try figuring out how deep the water is.

The man's frown deepens, "you don’t want to do this."

You ignore him. He is probably standing, not floating, which means the bottom isn't as profound as you had previously thought. You can tiptoe till there, get him out, and gather the answers you're looking for. It sounded so easy in your mind, while in practice it was the stupidest plan ever made up.

"Respectfully, you’re insane," he insists.

You huff and roll your eyes, "Funny. I get that a lot."

"Why would you willingly enter the river?"

You gesture with your hand kind of exasperatedly, " Because I need to pull you out, obviously."

"You really don't," he quips. "I'm cursed here. If they were to find out..."

"Who?" Shrugging you look around you, spotting absolutely nobody else. "Plus, I know the Queen of Hell, I'm sure she will be lenient," you're not one hundred percent sure Lilith will be on your side on this, but she did tell you you could count on her if you ever needed a hand. That alone had to mean something.

"There's a Queen now?", he half yells, "what happened to Lucifer?"

You chuckle amusedly, before answering, "You've really been stuck in here for quite a lot, haven't you? He died, was killed actually," you clarify. "But it's not important, he deserved it."

When you finally dip your feet in the river, you inhale a long shaky breath, "Oh my— Fuck! " You bite your tongue then mutter a quick apology. The water is colder than you had imagined.

He grins, and looks at you like he is enjoying a show, “don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.”

“I don’t need lessons right now,” you exhale deeply then hold your breath in the poorest, useless attempt to unfeel the cold. You trick your mind that it actually works before forcing your body within the river until your feet touch the bottom. In a matter of seconds, you start gritting your teeth, "this is an absolute nightmare.”

"That's why I was pissed when you woke me,” he deadpans. 

"Oh I'm so sorry I'm trying to save your life!"

"I'm already dead, what are you talking about?", he frowns incredulously.

You groan, and lift your hands up, "your s-soul then!", your limbs feel as heavy as boulders already. It's hard to move, to breathe and focus and that man isn't making it easy. 

He clicks his tongue and nods slowly, as he studies you, " Yes , you're completely insane," you're not sure if he is mocking you, scolding you or showing you some sort of apprehension. Whatever that is, you ignore it and focus on your steps towards him. 

"Do I know you, perhaps?", he later adds, noticing you’ve fallen quiet.

You take a moment to think about it. Does he? How funny would that be if you were trying to save a soul that had nothing to do with who you're looking for.

"Well, I don't know... maybe?”, you wiggle your fingers underwater to see if they are still responsive. It’s like when you try texting someone in the middle of winter without wearing gloves, but ten thousand times worse. “My name's Celeste Payton. Do you remember how you died?"

You wait to see if your name elicits some sort of reaction, but he remains unfazed. You’re good at pretending it doesn’t hurt though. 

"I was killed— one would call it an accident, but it really wasn't. Let's just say that the woman I thought I fell in love with wasn't exactly who she said she was."

Could that be your mother?

"S-she killed you?", your voice trembles.

When you're finally standing next to him and you take a moment to better observe his features.

He has blue eyes, deep and full grayish eyebrows, maybe black once, his hair is short, damp and slightly grizzled to the sides. His lips are blue, the shape of his jaw is angular, well defined, the shells of his ears as red as fire, probably in response to cold.

When he nods, your heart drops, "I'm sorry..."

"It's alright. It's not that I didn't try to do the same," he blurts out, with a cheeky grin.

"I'm sorry, do you mean taking your own life?", you ask carefully.

He scoffs, "of course not. I meant killing her."

" Oh , o-okay." You're not sure if he is serious or joking about it, however it creeps you out. "Relationships can be quite... challenging."

That's probably the stupidest comment you could think of. But he laughs, so you don't take it as a total failure.

"We need to get out of here."

You find his hands underwater and squeeze them as much as you can while pulling him towards you, however it's harder than you had anticipated considering he weighs like a lifeless chunk of ice.

"I told you I can't feel my limbs. It's been too long."

You let out an exasperated grunt, not directed to him but to the entire situation. "I know. It's not your fault."

If only your magic had worked, you'd have transmuted him out of the river, but of course, Ambrose had failed to mention that to you.

"Try to lean on me. I'll drag us both out," you have no idea how you were going to do that, but you were willing to try.

"But this is where I need to be. My soul is damned."

You click your tongue, "I'm not exactly sure what you did to end up here, but from what you told me, you didn't kill anyone, have you?"

"No, but I've tried," he admits, and again you spot no shame nor regret. You genuinely don't know how to respond to that until you do, "and failed. That must mean something. You don't deserve to be here."

He laughs lightly at your comment, but there's something dark in the way he sounds. You really hope you're doing the right thing. You can almost hear your girlfriends' disappointed voices telling you how irresponsible, reckless, completely insane your idea is. And maybe it is, but there’s nobody here stopping you, so you decide to take that as a free pass to do your thing. 

You lift both his arms and pull them around your neck, "Time to get out of here."

"Alright..." he doesn't have much willpower to fight your movements, so he just lets it happen. "Are you even dead?", he wonders.

You shake your head no, "if we don't hurry, I will be," when his body finally leans over your back, you feel yourself go down a bit. Water gets up your nose and you cough a little, curse again and readjust yourself as quickly as you can. "Sorry," he chuckles, and this time the sound is genuinely amused.

"No worries,” you grunt ironically. 

"So you decided to ‘save’ my soul, right? But why? I don't know you."

"Let's speak about complicated matters once we are out of this river," you groan when you feel his body slip a little, out of your grasp. You bend your back to allow him to crawl back over you, and damn if it hurts. Normally water should be able to reduce the weight of things, but that rule doesn't seem to apply there. Everything feels heavier. Everything is heavier.

"I know it's hard but, please, hold tight. "

Breathing becomes painful at every passing second, and you wonder if the struggle you're feeling is showing at the Spellmans Mortuary somehow. If yes, you're sure both Zelda and Cordelia are already trying everything in their power to bring you back. But you wouldn't allow it before getting a couple of answers first. With one last great effort, having reached the border of the river, you try to pull yourself up.

The man's hands reach out the soil for the very first time, and suddenly a wave of energy, maybe the adrenaline kickin in, rushes through him and he crawls on top of you, climbing over your back and shoulders and forcing you underwater. 

A sudden piercing headache hits you hard the moment your head goes down. You hear the whispers of so many souls in that exact moment, so loud, your ears feel like bleeding. It takes you longer than you'd hoped to reemerge from the river and when you do, you feel being pulled out. You gasp so loudly, when your back finally touches the ground and your chest rises and falls so quickly, you need to place a hand upon your heart to calm yourself. 

He had saved you. Fair enough considering you saved him first.

"Are you alright, kid?"

"I-I'm no kid. B-but yes, I guess," you stutter, desperately searching for your shirt. Why wasn't he shivering? "J-just.. free— zing."

He chuckles, "you'll get used to it."

"Y-you n-never t-told me your ..name," you later add, blinking repeatedly, as droplets of water freely fall from your hair and lashes.

"You never asked," you roll your eyes at his response. He’s got a sense of humor. "Anyway, it's Peter. Peter Blake."

You nod and sniffle, wiping your face with the back of your hand. The globetrotter had been right after all, Payton wasn't your real last name. Blake was, hopefully.

"Would you like to finally tell me why you saved me?"

When he turns to look at you, you bite your bottom lip nervously. That was the moment of truth. When you’re about to explain yourself, a very familiar voice comes in your head, muffled as if it was from underwater. A pull in your shoulders is what follows, but nobody is touching you. You ignore it.

"I-I have no idea how you'll feel about this, but I'm a w-witch," you trail off. "I'm using a powerful relic to be in two places at the same time, here and on earth. And I..." you pause a second, noticing something darkening Peter’s eyes. "I'm not here to hurt you. I believe you're my father and I'm so sorry you're..." you're speaking so fast right now, feeling on the verge of a sudden panic attack, because the last thing you want is him fearing you. 

"My.. daughter?", he repeats, his face turns even paler.

You nod, giving him a hopeful smile, “Yes. I finally found you.”

Celeste, that's enough! Your time is up!

It's Zelda, you hear her loud and clear this time. But you can't leave now. Not yet.

"So you're hers," his voice is veiled with disgust as he speaks, but you don't understand what he means.

Your heart breaks at the venom of his tone, “what?”

"I thought you were dead!", he looks mad and you don’t know why. 

Slightly shaking your head, you try to reach out for him, to touch his forearm, but he withdraws from you, glaring at you as if you had just grown a second head.

"Don't you dare touch me," he snaps angrily, crawling backwards from you. "You're just like her! A disgusting monster!"

A single tear slides down your cheek, "a-a monster?" I don't understand..."

"Just like your mother. That would explain how you ended up here without being dead."

Now you’re sure it’s your mother to be the witch of the family and your father is indeed a mortal, with a very ill regard about witches. That's what he meant by you being a monster, you suppose. The mere fact of having powers was enough for him? It sounded too much like a dejavu to you. Your adoptive parents turned their back on you for the same exact reason. You couldn't be doing this again. It was too much.

"Please, I'm not a monster. You have to believe me."

You feel your entire body tingling and when you look down at your hands, you notice you're ... fading. No. They are pulling you back.

"I want nothing to do with you!"

You want to pretend his words don’t hurt you, but they do. The woman that killed him is your mother, but why did she do that in the first place? 

"Who's she?", you urge, quickly getting on your feet, "my mother, who is she?"

Baby girl, follow my voice, I beg you.

"So don't you know?", his voice is barely above a whisper now.

You shake your head helplessly, "Please—!"

Next thing you hear is a painful stinging in your ears that forces you to cover them and shut your eyes with force. You don't grasp your father's answer; you're not even sure he gave you one at this point. When you open your eyes again, you see black, then white, then crimson red, until you finally put to focus the faces of two very concerned witches. Zelda and Cordelia are hovering over you with eyes glazed with tears. Their hands are all over you and you frown when you spot their fingers covered in blood.

"What?" you gasp, finally opening your eyes wide and quickly sitting up, "what happened to you?"

"To us?", Cordelia shakes her head in disbelief. If it was possible to breathe fire like a dragon, Zelda would be doing that right now. 

"You're bleeding," you point out. "Both of you."

"This isn't our blood, you idiot," Zelda's voice is a mix of worry and slight annoyance.

Your eyes knit in a frown. Her hands run on your cheeks and her thumbs graze over your skin, with a certain urgency and care, working as if they were pushing away some sort of dirt from your face. 

"I don't understand...", you feel a bit lightheaded, but overall you're fine.

"You were out for more than three minutes," she gnaws at her bottom lip while her hand reaches out towards yours.

A wave of guilt rushes over you, "I’m sorry, I- I was busy and–"

“Busy?” a snort comes from behind you. You hadn’t even realized she was there. And you thought she wouldn’t know you invading her kingdom.

“Lilith, I–I can explain,” you stutter as if you were back in the lake. She hums incredulously and clicks her tongue mockingly, "you could start by telling me why you would do something so dumb like voluntarily dive into the Cocytus,” she crosses her arms over her chest and stares deeply into your eyes, while both Zelda and Cordelia’s faces lose color.

[shree3redranger]

Introducing Kai Green as an Omnitrix wielder could add an interesting dynamic to the Ben 10 universe. Here's a concept for how Kai could become an Omnitrix wielder:

Kai Green, initially introduced as a close friend or ally of Ben Tennyson, finds herself in a situation where she must step up to protect her friends and the world. Perhaps she stumbles upon an ancient artifact or encounters a villain who threatens her loved ones, leading her to take on the responsibility of wielding the Omnitrix.

As an Omnitrix wielder, Kai could bring her own unique perspective and skills to the table. Maybe she has a background in martial arts or strategy that complements Ben's brash approach to heroics. Additionally, her character development could explore themes of courage, leadership, and the burden of responsibility that comes with being a hero.

Kai's journey as an Omnitrix wielder could involve learning to master the alien forms within the device, facing off against formidable foes, and grappling with the moral dilemmas that arise from wielding such power. Her presence could also introduce new storylines and dynamics within the Ben 10 universe, offering fresh twists on familiar themes.

Overall, Kai Green becoming an Omnitrix wielder has the potential to breathe new life into the franchise and provide fans with exciting adventures featuring a strong, capable heroine alongside Ben Tennyson.

[thepaperpanda]

𝓓𝓪𝔂 23 - Adventure-seeking Spirits || Sam Drake x fem!reader

Masterlist

Summary: Sam is the oldest of the Drake brothers, and you happen to have a major crush on him. When the opportunity arises, you'll use all of your skills to get to know Samuel better and deeper.

Warnings: smut

Word count: 1200

Author: Bear

A/N: The prompt for today is: Creampie

You dealt with Nathan's older brother, Samuel Drake, many times before. Although he was always kind to you and offered a lot of support if needed, his attitude towards his younger brother's best friend was far from friendly from time to time - it rather looked like he wanted to devour you. Men paid attention to you because you were young with an attractive body, always dressed in fitted clothes that accentuated every single curve of your figure, hugging your ass, thighs, and boobs nicely. You came to Drakes' apartment that day for you had found a clue to another mission: finding a flooded cave where some old artifacts were likely hidden by corsairs centuries ago. Your outfit consisted of a white shirt and plaid short skirt, white sneakers, and thigh-high black socks.

You were welcomed by Sam, who informed you that Nathan was away - younger Drake and Sully were apparently already heading to the cave. With hungry eyes, you surveyed Sam's features as he explained the next steps to you so eagerly. Despite his late 30s, Samuel Drake was tall and handsome, with a well-defined jawline and dark hair that was always messy but brushed back as neatly as possible. Another thing that turned you on to him was his eagerness for adventures. "Sam, may I ask you a question?" You interrupted him, your tone innocent and sweet.

He nodded, "Sure."

Your blunt question prompted you to walk closer to him, "When was the last time you were with a woman?"

He appeared to be blushing, suggesting that it had been a while for him, so you only smirked. "How would you react if I asked you to fuck me right now, right here?"

"Uhm," he started, his tone a little hesitant. Sam reached out to rub his nape, his eyes lowered as he looked at the floor of his little, messy room. "I don't think that's a good idea, Y/N," he said. "We're friends, though."

Your hips swung temptingly, just for him, as you got closer to him. "Don't be shy, Sam, I've seen you eat me with your eyes many times before."

Older Drake blushed harder. "Uhm, Y/N..."

Your eyebrows rose at him. He felt your hand running up his leg until you grasped at his cock through his pants after standing right by his side. You smirked at him, "Well, so we have a problem because I want your cock in me, Drake."

His eyes looked down at you; he could feel his brain handing the wheel over to his dick; he knew it was wrong - and risky - but right and wrong ceased to matter when you both wanted it, and this was what he sensed in you. Primal urges were taking over and convincing him that he had to mate, reproduce, above all else.

Sam breathed heavily, "I don't have any condoms."

Putting both of your hands on his belt, you unbuckled it, pulled it off, held it to the side, and dropped it. You didn't even look at him. "I don't fucking care, Drake."

After hearing his belt hit the ground, Sam acted; he couldn't take it anymore. Sam threw his morals aside and threw his face at yours; he grabbed you by the cheeks and slipped his tongue into your mouth, offering you a deep and passionate kiss.

Immediately, you began unbuttoning his shirt as he pushed your back towards the desk; you tripped over it and sent papers flying everywhere. Sam then grabbed your hips and lifted you up to the desk. After undoing the last button, his shirt parted, but he kept it on, unlike yours which he eagerly lifted over your head, exposing your big, young tits.

After lightly tickling your nipple with his tongue, Sam put your areola in his mouth, trying to engulf as much of it as possible, grunting as he did, sending vibes through your body.

"Yeah, just like that," you moaned. There was no doubt in my mind that you fucking wanted this, Drake."

It caused him to give you the longest, wettest kiss he'd ever experienced.

Your panty-clad cunt ached against the fabric of Sam's pants as you spread your legs and pulled him closer to you, licking his well-defined jawline.

Sam pulled your skirt a little up and yanked your panties down and off one leg so that they clung to your other thigh. He grunted in anticipation at the sight: you were completely shaven with large, puffy lips and a tiny, pink, glistening slit, and your skin around your mound was lighter - clearly highlighted by your tan lines. His zipper was pulled open, and he pulled out his hard, heavy cock; he rubbed it up and down your wet pussy until it was covered in your juices. Sam guided his eager dick with one hand while holding you with the other. As it went in, you both gasped in unison. His pleasure rushed over him as he entered the tightest, littlest, teenage twat that he'd ever experienced; Sam thrust his cock in and held your face with both hands; his head rested against yours as your lust-filled eyes met.

The cunt held Sam firmly, milking him with a vice-like grip while he slid his dick up and down against the bumpy, narrow walls. Each thrust was more blissful than the last, each thrust faster than the one before.

"Yeah, that's it," you moaned, rolling your head back, grasping at your boob with one hand. "Faster! Fuck me like you want to, Drake! Fuck me like I know you want to!"

While your tits bounced up and down, Sam pounded your sweet, little pussy into oblivion, causing you both to grunt and groan with each plunge. He was being pampered in every way: the taste of your sticky saliva on his tongue, the sight of your gorgeous, young body gleaming with sweat, the sound of your cute voice moaning, the intoxicating smell of your sweet musk, and most of all, the sensation of your tiny, young, wet cunt pulling on his throbbing cock. Sam grunted in a husky voice, "I'm gonna cum."

"It would be really hot if you came inside me," you panted, licking your lower lip.

A long, almost whiny groan escaped Sam's lips. "You shouldn't say things like that, doll."

You giggled mischievously, "Why not? You never cum in a girl before?"

That fucking last line sent him over the edge; suddenly he was cumming even faster and harder than he had expected. He held your hips and slowed his fast pounding to rhythmic thrusts that matched the waves of pleasure rolling over him as his cock throbbed and spasmed inside your womb - painting your pink walls white with warm, thick semen of his.

With one final thrust, Sam buried himself balls-deep inside of you until every last drop of hot, salty cum was out of him. Sam watched as thick, gooey ropes of sperm oozed out of your swollen, reddened cunt as he slowly pulled out. "Oh fuck," he exclaimed breathlessly. "I can't believe we did that."

Your coos were affectionate as you stroked Sam's cheek. "I won't tell anyone that you had me.”

[sillovn]

The World Before #1: The First Age of Gold

Was originally planning to write a long series on how a crisis in Farum Azula was the catalyst for everything that happens afterward. Then, the new Vaati video drops and more or less says ~50% of what I was going to say anyway. So might as well just post it now (not sure how many entries this will take, just assume many parts). all entries -> #worldbefore

1.1 The Greater Will Makes Contact

Deep in the past, a golden star falls and brings with it the Elden Ring. Beasts discover the Elden Ring and become sentient (see. Cinquedea).

Ill make an argument that the mark of the Greater Will *is* sentience, physically manifesting as a 5 fingered hand (note. Ancient Dragons have 5 fingers, Flesh Dragons do not). That said, there are several types of beings with 5 fingers, sentience, and clearly associated with other Outer Gods (see. Rot Kindred, Giants). This is probably not an issue; mortals can serve/abandon Outer Gods as they choose (eg. Frenzy Flame).

Perhaps the history is that Giants etc. once were raised to sentience by The Greater Will and were later abandoned?

1.2 First Golden Capital

At some point in history, Beastmen found the city of Farum Azula. Central to their culture is the worship of great stone dragons. There are reasons to think Farum Azula's society served the Greater Will and thus represent an older form of the Golden Order.

The Elden Ring appears in architectural depiction (see. Maliketh’s room). Gold as material features on Beastman artifacts and the bodies of Ancient Dragons.

Placidusax was Elden Lord - a title tied to being consort to a ring-bearing god (ie. it would not make sense to be Elden Lord without an Elden Ring). Therefore the ‘fled god’ of Placidusax is Marika’s predecessor (note: Enia calls Marika a god), and not an unnamed Outer God.

1.3 Stone-skinned Ancients

So what does the worship of Ancient Dragons have to do with the Greater Will?

The stars are said to carry traces of ancient life, and clearly beings do arise where stars fall (Astels, Fallingstars etc.). Or more specifically, stars seem to breathe life into matter where they land (see. Onyx/Alabaster Lord’s Sword). With the Onyx Lords, the *implication* is that they are created as a result of meteors; and not that meteors carry/are Onyx Lords. Also note their title of "stone-skinned ancients".

With this in mind, did gold-fleshed Ancient Dragons come to life where the Elden Star struck the earth?

Stars potentially hold primeval blueprints for different body plans - life from stars can either be human-like (Onyx Lords) or insect-like (Fallingstars, Astels). One could say - stars carry souls. With this in mind; take note of the Elden Beast's multi-winged, fire breathing form.

1.4 An Immortal Presence

So why worship ancient dragons? I think the reason is quite straightforward - their scales bend time. Placidusax is surrounded by burial niches; the honor to have one's remains preserved eternally.

One could go further and suggest that the city (with ancient dragons entombed in it's foundation and all) prolongs life. For the Beasts, to worship dragons in Farum Azula is to live long in an earthly paradise. In light of this, note how Marika's aim was to remove death and grant the Land's Between unending life.

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

This is all for today

TLDR: Beastmen/Dragons are Greater Will's original followers in this world.

next gonna try explain the concept of Wormfaces and Numen. Also why Marika probably came from Farum Azula.

[satoshi-mochida]

Roguelike action game AVA and the Half-World announced for PC

From Gematsu

French developer Bread Panda has announced AVA and the Half-World, a roguelike action game coming to PC via Steam. A release date was not announced.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

Face a horizon of forgotten myths, sunken relics, and mysterious creatures! Fly, shoot and explore your way up the Sidereal Riptide, a dark expanse of water and the cradle of infinite drifting islands. Born in the heart of the Sidereal Riptide, AVA is destined to vanish with the rest of the world. Face the wind and sail onward, anchor down on any land you find, shoot down the creatures that arise and collect artifacts and knowledge to trace your path up to the end of the world. With each expedition, the path becomes clearer, the Riptide evolves and harbors new uncharted islands. An adventure that blends ultra satisfying 2D shooter, rewarding exploration and the thrill of roguelite endless possibilities.

Key Features

Sail Onward – As the world shatters and drifts, no one knows what lurks in the Riptide. Explore its many ways to find answers and unveil its mysteries further with each attempt. Inspired by roguelites and adventure games, each expedition is unique and comes with its lot of surprising events!

Discover Breathtaking Islands – Blast through stunning environments, each hand-made to be filled with spectacular events, challenging encounters and a dash of randomness. Take in the atmosphere of every island in the Riptide, brought to life with hand-drawn visuals and composed in a unique way to bring depth to every frame.

Take Aim of Your Fate – AVA is a nimble fighter who can fly and handle a multitude of weapons with their own behaviors. Defy gravity through intense encounters, run, fly and take aim to take down waves of enemies.

Face the Odds – Collect artifacts along the way and choose which to keep and which to return to the Riptide. Gather weapons, relics, and catalysts to forge your own fighting style. Measure up against dozens of ruthless bosses, chart your discoveries, and reach the end of the world.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer

[vadzoseo]

Improving Night-Time Visibility in Fleet Management with Low Light USB 2.0 Camera

When it comes to fleet management, having unobstructed visibility at night is essential to maintaining a fleet's overall efficacy, safety, and operational efficiency. Low light levels are a problem for traditional camera systems, which can negatively affect fleet management system performance at night. But there have been notable gains because of developments in camera technology, especially the creation of low light USB 2.0 camera. This article examines the ways in which fleet operators might benefit from improved nighttime visibility through the integration of a low light USB 2.0 camera with fleet management.

The Problem of Low Visibility at Night

Fleet management is a broad term that includes anything from keeping an eye on driver behavior and vehicle performance to making sure rules are followed. Ensuring precise and clear visibility in low-light situations, such as at night or in poorly lit environments, is one of the field's ongoing challenges. In these kinds of situations, standard cameras frequently have trouble capturing clear images, which can result in hazy video, less information, and even certain safety hazards.

The use of cutting-edge camera technologies made especially for low-light conditions will be essential to conquering these obstacles. Low light USB 2.0 cameras are useful in this situation.

A Low Light USB 2.0 Camera: What Is It?

One kind of camera made to function well in low light is the low light USB 2.0 camera. These gadgets, which differ from regular cameras, include sophisticated sensors and imaging technologies that enable them to take detailed, crisp pictures even in low light. In order to provide real-time video feed and enable smooth integration with current fleet management systems, USB 2.0 connectivity guarantees that the camera can readily interact with a variety of systems.

Essential Elements of USB 2.0 Low Light Cameras

Enhanced Sensitivity: Low light USB 2.0 cameras are perfect for usage at night since they have high-sensitivity sensors that can capture more light. This increased sensitivity guarantees that the camera can capture clear and functional footage even in low light conditions.

Noise reduction: To reduce visual artifacts brought on by low light, these cameras frequently have built-in noise reduction functions. As a result, visuals are sharper and more detailed, improving vision when operating at night.

Wide Dynamic Range: Wide dynamic range (WDR) technology is a feature of many low light USB 2.0 cameras that makes it easier to capture detailed photos in situations with both very brilliant and very dark areas. This is especially helpful for fleet management because different lighting conditions can arise there.

Automatic Gain Control (AGC): In order to ensure the best possible image quality under all lighting circumstances, AGC dynamically modifies the camera's sensitivity to light. For operations to continue at night with constant visibility, this capability is essential.

Low Light USB 2.0 Cameras' Advantages for Fleet Management

1. Enhanced Security

Fleet management places a high priority on safety, and visibility is essential to ensuring safe operations. Fleet managers may greatly improve nighttime visibility, lower the chance of accidents, and guarantee that drivers and their cars are visible by incorporating low light USB 2.0 cameras. Because of the increased visibility, people are better able to recognize possible risks and make wise judgments, which enhances overall safety.

2. Improved monitoring and surveillance

When it comes to security, low light USB 2.0 camera are more capable than standard cameras. During the night, fleet managers can keep a closer eye on cargo conditions, driver conduct, and vehicle whereabouts. This improved monitoring capacity contributes to improved fleet management by guaranteeing adherence to safety procedures and operating standards.

3. Precise Recording of Events

Clear and detailed video is crucial for correct documentation and inquiry in the event of an incident or accident. Low light USB 2.0 cameras ensure that fleet operators have trustworthy evidence for incident investigation and resolution by producing high-quality images even in difficult lighting situations.

4. Economical Resolution

Compared to replacing entire camera systems or adding more lighting, integrating low light USB 2.0 cameras into fleet management systems is a more affordable option. Easy integration with current systems is made possible via the USB 2.0 interface, which lowers installation costs and streamlines maintenance.

Using USB 2.0 Low Light Cameras in Fleet Management

1. Choosing the Appropriate Camera

Think about things like resolution, WDR, AGC, and sensor quality when selecting a low light USB 2.0 camera for fleet management. Make sure the camera satisfies your fleet's unique requirements and performs at the necessary level in poor light.

2. System Integration with Current Systems

Low light USB 2.0 camera integration with your current fleet management system necessitates correct setup and compatibility testing. In order to guarantee smooth integration and top performance, collaborate with your system supplier.

3. Continual Upkeep

Regular maintenance is necessary to guarantee that the low light USB 2.0 cameras continue to function as intended. Lens cleaning, connection inspection, and firmware updates as required are all included in this.

In summary

An important development in increasing nighttime visibility is the incorporation of low light USB 2.0 cameras into fleet management systems. Thanks to their increased sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and noise reduction capabilities, these cameras give fleet managers crisp, comprehensive footage that improves safety, monitoring, and incident reporting. Fleet managers can improve their operations and uphold high performance standards even under difficult lighting circumstances by selecting the appropriate camera and putting it into practice successfully.

https://www.vadzoimaging.com/product/imx291-low-light-1080p-usb-camera

[workflowappsapi]

The Role of Repository Management in Continuous Integration and Delivery

In the fast-paced world of software development, Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) have become essential practices. These methodologies streamline the development process, ensuring that code changes are automatically tested, integrated, and deployed. A crucial element that often underpins the success of CI/CD is effective repository management. This blog explores the role of repository management in CI/CD and how it contributes to a smoother, more efficient development process.

What is Repository Management?

Repository management involves overseeing and maintaining a central location where all code, binaries, and other artifacts related to software development are stored. This repository serves as the single source of truth for developers, ensuring that everyone works with the same set of files. In the context of CI/CD, repository management becomes even more critical as it facilitates the automation of code integration and deployment processes.

The Importance of Repository Management in CI/CD

Centralized Storage and Access ControlOne of the primary roles of repository management in CI/CD is providing a centralized storage location for all code and artifacts. This centralization ensures that all team members can access the latest code versions, reducing the risk of inconsistencies. Access control mechanisms within the repository also help manage who can view or modify certain parts of the codebase, thereby maintaining security and integrity.

Version Control and TraceabilityRepository management tools, such as Git, are essential for version control. They allow developers to track changes to the codebase over time, making it easier to identify who made specific changes and why. This traceability is crucial in a CI/CD pipeline where frequent code integrations and deployments occur. If an issue arises, developers can quickly revert to a previous version, minimizing downtime and disruption.

Automated Build and Deployment ProcessesIn a CI/CD environment, repository management systems often integrate with automated build and deployment tools. Once code is committed to the repository, these tools can automatically trigger build processes, run tests, and deploy the software to production environments. By managing the repository effectively, organizations can ensure that these processes run smoothly, reducing the risk of errors during integration and deployment.

Dependency ManagementModern software development often involves multiple dependencies, such as libraries and frameworks. Repository management tools can help manage these dependencies by storing them alongside the code. This ensures that the correct versions of dependencies are used during the build process, preventing compatibility issues and streamlining the integration process.

Collaboration and Code ReviewsRepository management facilitates collaboration among development teams. With features like branching and pull requests, developers can work on different parts of the codebase simultaneously without affecting the main codebase. Code reviews become more efficient as team members can review changes directly within the repository, providing feedback and ensuring code quality before integration.

Continuous Monitoring and FeedbackContinuous Integration and Delivery rely heavily on continuous monitoring and feedback loops. Repository management tools often integrate with CI/CD pipelines to provide real-time feedback on code quality, test results, and deployment status. This feedback is crucial for identifying and addressing issues early in the development process, leading to more reliable and stable software releases.

Best Practices for Effective Repository Management in CI/CD

To maximize the benefits of repository management in CI/CD, consider the following best practices:

Use Branching Strategies: Implement effective branching strategies, such as Git Flow, to manage code changes and releases systematically.

Automate Everything: Automate as many processes as possible, from testing to deployment, to reduce manual errors and speed up the development cycle.

Enforce Access Control: Set up robust access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can modify critical parts of the codebase.

Regularly Review and Clean Up Repositories: Periodically review and clean up repositories to remove obsolete code, dependencies, and artifacts.

Conclusion

Effective repository management is the backbone of successful Continuous Integration and Delivery. By centralizing storage, ensuring version control, automating processes, and facilitating collaboration, repository management tools enable organizations to deliver high-quality software faster and more reliably. As CI/CD practices continue to evolve, the role of repository management will only become more critical in maintaining the efficiency and integrity of the software development lifecycle.

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[allthingsdarkanddirty]

Can she accomplish the impossible to save the ones she loves?No Rest for the Witchy by Brenda Trim and Tia Didmon is coming soon to a Kindle near you! Universal: https://geni.us/NRFTW

An innocent mistake. A lost connection. A magical death. After losing access to the Well of Souls and no foreseeable way to help Spencer, a new crisis arises when Faith and Nishi begin to display magical abilities. I turn to my husband for help, but he is pulling farther away from me as the lure of immortality takes its toll on our relationship. In the midst of my emotional turmoil, my powers begin to wane and I am not the only one affected. As mine and Eve’s magic continues to destabilize, certain members of the council are out for blood and an ally gives us information on an unusual artifact that may help us. But it hasn’t been seen in centuries and may be located in a lost tomb. Can I turn from a relic hunter to a tomb raider to save myself and my friends, or am I one misstep away from elevating my daughter to the next vault keeper? Find out what lurks in the shadows of Ravenholde by reading No Rest for the Witchy the new Paranormal Women's Fiction series readers are comparing to Shannon Mayer, K.F. Breene, and Victoria Dannan. One click to continue this Magical Midlife adventure now!

About The Authors

A USA Today bestselling author, Brenda loves everything paranormal. She has co-authored over twenty-five books in the best-selling Dark Warrior Alliance series, as well as the Hollow Rock Shifters series. She also has best-selling solo titles readers are raving about. Brenda created worlds that feature dangerously handsome heroes and feisty heroines. With the help of popcorn and candy, she takes dragons, fairies, witches, vampires, and so much more and brings them to life. She lives in Texas with her husband and three kids who fuel not only her heart but her life. If she's not writing, she's reading, traveling, or knee-deep in projects with her husband and five sisters. She encourages readers to Dream Big. If your dreams don't terrify and electrify you then they aren't big enough!  

Tia Didmon is a USA Today bestselling author of provocative paranormal romance. When Tia isn't busy writing about sexy shifters and dreamy demons, she spends her time binge watching The Order and reruns of The Vampire Diaries, cooking with her daughter, and serving her cat. Her love of writing stems from a self-diagnosed book addiction.  Subscribe to Tia's newsletter at tiadidmon.com for a free book and start your journey through Tia's supernatural world today!  Find Them Both Online! https://www.brendatrim.com https://tiadidmon.com

[herbert-gibson]

Top up Your Genshin Impact Experience: An Ultimate Guide to Buying Genesis Crystals

As one of the most popular RPG games globally, Genshin Impact offers players an immersive open world to explore and characters to collect. To fully enjoy the Genshin Impact gaming experience, most players find it necessary to spend real money acquiring the in-game currency Genesis Crystals.

Genesis Crystals allow you to purchase Battle Passes, Blessing of the Welkin Moon, and convert to the more common currency Primogems. With Primogems, you can acquire Intertwined Fates and Acquaint Fates to unlock new characters, weapons, resources, and more through the in-game Wish system.

Why Buy Genesis Crystals?

Here are some of the key reasons to purchase Genesis Crystals in Genshin Impact:

Obtain premium characters and weapons from limited-time event wishes

Refreshes Resin to grind domains and ley lines faster

Unlocks Battle Pass rewards like weapons, talent books, mora, and other rare materials

Receive daily Primogems from Welkin Moon to accumulate Intertwined Fates faster

How Much Do Genesis Crystals Cost?

The pricing for Genesis Crystals packs in Genshin Impact is:

$0.99 for 60 Genesis Crystals

$1.99 for 300 Genesis Crystals

$4.99 for 680 Genesis Crystals

$9.99 for 1280 Genesis Crystals

$19.99 for 2600 Genesis Crystals

$49.99 for 6480 Genesis Crystals

$99.99 for 12960 Genesis Crystals

As you can see, the larger Genesis Crystal packs provide better value. However, for light spenders, the smaller packs may be more affordable.

How to Buy Genesis Crystals

If you've decided to buy Genesis Crystals in Genshin Impact, follow these steps:

Launch Genshin Impact and visit the in-game Shop

Select the Genesis Crystal pack you want to purchase

Choose your payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, etc.)

Enter your payment details and complete the transaction

The Genesis Crystals will be automatically credited to your account

“I purchased the $100 Genesis Crystal pack from LootBar. With the discount, I saved over $20 compared to buying directly from the game!” - U1070835721

Buying from Top-Up Services

While the above method works, you can often save money by purchasing Genesis Crystals from a trusted third-party top-up service like LootBar. Such services acquire Genesis Crystals in bulk directly from miHoYo and sell them at discounted rates.

By using LootBar to top up your Genshin Impact account, you can grab Genesis Crystal packs at lower prices with reliable delivery. Their platform ensures secure transactions, 24/7 customer support, and full refunds if any issues arise.

Making the Most of Genesis Crystals

To optimize your Genesis Crystal expenditure in Genshin Impact, keep these tips in mind:

Prioritize time-limited characters and weapons over standard ones

Calculate your Primogems needed to hit pity before topping up more crystals

Be patient and save for the banners featuring items you really want

Take advantage of first-time buyer bonuses and limited-time discounts

Set a monthly budget for spending to avoid overspending

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying Genesis Crystals worth it?

For fans who play Genshin Impact regularly and want to unlock content faster, buying Genesis Crystals can certainly be worth it. The key is spending wisely only on the characters and weapons you really want.

Is buying Genesis Crystals from third-parties safe?

When using reputable sellers like LootBar that source crystals directly from miHoYo, buying from third-parties is completely safe. Ensure the site has positive reviews and buyer protection in case of issues.

What can Genesis Crystals not buy?

Genesis Crystals cannot purchase certain rare upgrade materials, artifacts, teapot furnishings, name cards, and achievements. Most other in-game items and all characters/weapons can be obtained using converted Primogems.

Do Genesis Crystals carry-over between banners?

Yes, any unused Genesis Crystals will persist in your account indefinitely. You can save them for future banners containing the characters and weapons you desire.

Enhance Your Adventure

With the help of Genesis Crystals from secure third-party sellers like LootBar, you can unlock new characters, weapons, and upgrades faster. Enjoy an elevated Genshin Impact experience through careful crystal spending based on our guidance.

For more gaming deals and top-up services covering your favorite titles, explore LootBar today!

[chrinopiqua]

The Lair Beneath: A Peek into the Underworld's Most Lavish Hideaway!

In an unprecedented exclusive, we've unearthed details about the most jaw-dropping underground facility ever conceived, rumored to be the brainchild of none other than the enigmatic mastermind known as "The Architect." This isn't just any bunker; it's a veritable fortress of solitude that makes Buckingham Palace look like a holiday cottage!

Page 1: Inside the Belly of the Beast

Step into this subterranean marvel, and you're not just going underground; you're entering a world where the laws of physics are mere suggestions. The labyrinthine network of tunnels would have Daedalus himself throwing up his hands in defeat, leading to chambers that defy logic and rooms where gravity is a choice, not a requirement.

At the heart of this wonderland lies the throne room, a spectacle of opulence where The Architect holds court. Surrounded by holographic displays and bathed in the glow of energy harvested from cosmic rays, this is where world domination plans are hatched over breakfast. And for the weary villain, a personal museum of intergalactic artifacts offers a quiet place to ponder the mysteries of the universe or simply gloat over the latest spoils of conquest.

But what's a lair without a bit of home comfort? Automated defense drones patrol the corridors, ready to dispatch unwanted guests with a politeness that would make even the Queen's Guard seem brash. The walls, impervious to any known weapon, are coated in a material that sparkles with the stolen dreams of vanquished foes.

Page 2: The Life Aquatic - Underground Edition

Beneath the steel and sparkle, The Architect's bunker boasts an eco-system so advanced, it would make David Attenborough weep. Air filtration systems neutralize mythical toxins (dragon breath, anyone?), ensuring the air is fresher than a sea breeze on Brighton Pier. And let's not forget the pièce de résistance: a self-sustaining power system that captures energy from a miniature black hole. It's green energy with a twist - powered by the very fabric of the universe!

For those moments of leisure, the facility features an Olympic-sized swimming pool that doubles as an escape route, should the need arise. Imagine doing laps as you plot the downfall of your nemesis, only to disappear into the ocean via a secret tunnel. It's the stuff of comic books, brought to life in a manner so extravagant, it blurs the lines between fiction and reality.

Epilogue: The Villain's Retreat

As our tour concludes, it's clear that The Architect's lair is more than just a hideout; it's a statement. A testament to what one can achieve with unlimited resources, a boundless imagination, and a complete disregard for the rules. It stands as a beacon for aspiring villains everywhere, a reminder that in the quest for world domination, style is just as important as substance.

So, as you tuck into your tea and biscuits, spare a thought for the goings-on beneath your feet. For in the world of The Architect, every day is an adventure, every room a story, and every gadget a marvel of villainous engineering. It's a British tabloid's dream come true - a story so rich, so fantastical, it could only exist in the pages of... well, a British tabloid.

[jcmarchi]

A massive cluster is born - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/a-massive-cluster-is-born-technology-org/

A massive cluster is born - Technology Org

This image from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope features an H II region in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way. This nebula, known as N79, is a region of interstellar ionised atomic hydrogen captured here by Webb’s Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI).

A bright young star within a colourful nebula. The star is identifiable as the brightest spot in the image, surrounded by six large spokes of light that cross the image. A number of other bright spots can also be seen in the clouds, which are shown in great detail as layers of colourful wisps.

N79 is a massive star-forming complex spanning roughly 1630 light-years in the generally unexplored southwest region of the LMC. N79 is typically regarded as a younger version of 30 Doradus (also known as the Tarantula Nebula), another of Webb’s recent targets. Research suggests that N79 has a star formation efficiency exceeding that of 30 Doradus by a factor of two over the past 500 000 years. 

This particular image centres on one of the three giant molecular cloud complexes, dubbed N79 South (S1 for short). The distinct ‘starburst’ pattern surrounding this bright object is a series of diffraction spikes. All telescopes which use a mirror to collect light, as Webb does, have this form of artifact which arises from the design of the telescope. In Webb’s case, the six largest starburst spikes appear because of the hexagonal symmetry of Webb’s 18 primary mirror segments. Patterns like these are only noticeable around very bright, compact objects, where all the light comes from the same place. Most galaxies, even though they appear very small to our eyes, are darker and more spread out than a single star, and therefore do not show this pattern.

At the longer wavelengths of light captured by MIRI, Webb’s view of N79 showcases the region’s glowing gas and dust. Mid-infrared light can reveal what is happening deeper inside the clouds (while shorter wavelengths of light would be absorbed or scattered by dust grains in the nebula). Some still-embedded protostars also appear in this field.

Star-forming regions such as this interest astronomers, because their chemical composition is similar to that of the gigantic star-forming regions, observed when the Universe was only a few billion years old, and star formation was at its peak. Star-forming regions in our Milky Way galaxy are not producing stars at the same furious rate as N79, and have a different chemical composition. Webb is now allowing astronomers to compare and contrast observations of star formation in N79 with the telescope’s deep observations of distant galaxies in the early Universe.

These observations of N79 are part of a Webb programme that is studying the evolution of the circumstellar discs and envelopes of forming stars over a wide range in mass and at different evolutionary stages. Webb’s sensitivity will enable scientists to detect for the first time the planet-forming dust discs around stars of similar mass to that of our Sun at the distance of the LMC.

This image includes 7.7-micron light shown in blue, 10 microns in cyan, 15 microns in yellow, and 21 microns in red (770W, 1000W, 1500W, and 2100W filters, respectively).

Source: European Space Agency

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[spacenutspod]

Image: This image from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope features an H II region in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way. This nebula, known as N79, is a region of interstellar atomic hydrogen that is ionised, captured here by Webb’s Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI).N79 is a massive star-forming complex spanning roughly 1630 light-years in the generally unexplored southwest region of the LMC. N79 is typically regarded as a younger version of 30 Doradus (also known as the Tarantula Nebula), another of Webb’s recent targets. Research suggests that N79 has a star formation efficiency exceeding that of 30 Doradus by a factor of two over the past 500 000 years. This particular image centres on one of the three giant molecular cloud complexes, dubbed N79 South (S1 for short). The distinct ‘starburst’ pattern surrounding this bright object is a series of diffraction spikes. All telescopes which use a mirror to collect light, as Webb does, have this form of artifact which arises from the design of the telescope. In Webb's case, the six largest starburst spikes appear because of the hexagonal symmetry of Webb's 18 primary mirror segments. Patterns like these are only noticeable around very bright, compact objects, where all the light comes from the same place. Most galaxies, even though they appear very small to our eyes, are darker and more spread out than a single star, and therefore do not show this pattern.At the longer wavelengths of light captured by MIRI, Webb’s view of N79 showcases the region’s glowing gas and dust. This is because mid-infrared light is able to reveal what is happening deeper inside the clouds (while shorter wavelengths of light would be absorbed or scattered by dust grains in the nebula). Some still-embedded protostars also appear in this field.Star-forming regions such as this are of interest to astronomers because their chemical composition is similar to that of the gigantic star-forming regions observed when the Universe was only a few billion years old and star formation was at its peak. Star-forming regions in our Milky Way galaxy are not producing stars at the same furious rate as N79, and have a different chemical composition. Webb is now providing astronomers the opportunity to compare and contrast observations of star formation in N79 with the telescope’s deep observations of distant galaxies in the early Universe.These observations of N79 are part of a Webb programme that is studying the evolution of the circumstellar discs and envelopes of forming stars over a wide range in mass and at different evolutionary stages. Webb’s sensitivity will enable scientists to detect for the first time the planet-forming dust discs around stars of similar mass to that of our Sun at the distance of the LMC.This image includes 7.7-micron light shown in blue, 10 microns in cyan, 15 microns in yellow, and 21 microns in red (770W, 1000W, 1500W, and 2100W filters, respectively).[Image description: A bright young star within a colourful nebula. The star is identifiable as the brightest spot in the image, surrounded by six large spokes of light that cross the image. A number of other bright spots can also be seen in the clouds, which are shown in great detail as layers of colourful wisps.]Release on esawebb.org

[smallnetbusiness]

Split Face Diving Accident

Through this heart-pounding exercise, divers may discover the fascinating world that lies under the surface. Nonetheless, split face diving has its share of dangers and difficulties, just like any other adventure activity. We will explore the fascinating but dangerous world of split-face diving accidents in this piece, illuminating the many threats that may be present under the surface. Let's first explore the thrilling sport of split-face diving and its possible dangers before delving into its possible accidents. Split face diving, often referred to as free diving, is a kind of underwater diving in which breathing equipment, such as scuba gear, is not used; instead, breath-holding is used. By using just their breathing ability, divers may explore the ocean's depths in a way that is intimately familiar to them. Split Face Diving Accident: Why so popular? Free diving, or split face diving, provides a unique and personal connection to the underwater environment. Split face diving is an activity in which participants just use their lung capacity on each descent, as opposed to standard scuba diving, which uses breathing gear. With only a mask, snorkel, and fins, you may explore the depths and feel liberated as you become one with the water. The Challenge of Breath-Holding The difficulty of holding one's breath while exploring the underwater world is at the core of split-face diving. The limits of endurance, both mental and physical, are pushed by this activity. To reach amazing depths and engage with marine life in its native environment, divers must become proficient in the art of breath control. Split Face Diving's Beauty Uncovering a Secret Universe The chance to discover the undersea environment in its most unadulterated state is one of the key attractions of split-face diving. Divers get a feeling of freedom that scuba diving often does not, as they may see the colorful marine life, complex coral formations, and enigmatic shipwrecks. Bright Underwater Life The undersea environment is a dynamic, varied ecology that is brimming with life. Divers who split face have the opportunity to get up close and personal with vibrant fish, gorgeous sea turtles, and fascinating marine life. The marine life you come across is breathtaking, whether you're venturing into the calm depths of the open ocean or a crowded coral reef. Adorable Coral Structures Split face diving offers an unparalleled level of intimacy while exploring complex coral structures, which is one of its distinctive features. Often called the rainforests of the sea, coral reefs are breathtaking to see. Divers can explore a strange and captivating terrain made up of diverse forms and sizes. Unsolved Shipwrecks Split-face divers often search for shipwrecks that have historical narratives in addition to the natural marvels. Divers may explore and discover the mysteries buried under the seas thanks to these submerged artifacts from the past that provide a window into other times. We will continue to explore the charm and beauty of split-face diving in the next portions of this post, along with discussing some possible concerns and precautions that all divers should take. Both Mental and Physical Difficulty There's also the amazing mental and physical challenge of split-face diving. Breath control and a deep awareness of one's body are necessary. Diving is a sport that lets participants test their physical and mental boundaries. The Dangers of Diving with Split Face Split face diving has an unmistakable charm, but it's important to be mindful of the risks and mishaps that might arise from this high-risk activity. Shallow Water Emergence Shallow water blackout is one of split-face diving's worst concerns. This happens when a diver becomes unconscious from oxygen deprivation. It may occur abruptly and without notice, endangering divers greatly. Yet additional risk that divers might experience is barotrauma. It deals with pressure-related ailments that might happen when a diver lowers or ascends too rapidly, such as lung or ear barotrauma. Encounters with Marine Life Split-face divers may come into touch with potentially harmful animals like sharks or jellyfish, despite the fascinating marine life. These interactions are uncommon, but they may be dangerous. Safety Procedures It's essential to abide by the following safety precautions to guarantee a secure split-face diving experience: Adequate Instruction Divers should get extensive instruction in risk management, safety protocols, and free diving methods. Accident risk is greatly decreased by proper training. Dive with a friend, please. Having a companion may save your life in an emergency. They can help and encourage divers who run across problems. Observe the Dive Times Averting shallow water blackouts is something that divers should constantly monitor. It is essential for safety that each dive have a fixed time restriction. Conclusion Split-face diving is an intriguing and demanding sport that provides a unique window into the underwater environment. It is not risk-free, however. It's crucial to be aware of the risks and take the appropriate precautions if you want to enjoy this trip safely. Check out our blog for more articles. FAQs Is split-face diving appropriate for novices? The greatest candidates for split-face diving are those who have dived before. Beginners should get the appropriate instruction before taking on this difficult task. Is split face diving restricted by age? While age requirements for split face diving might vary according to the training organization, in general, participants must be at least 18 years old. What gear is required for diving with split faces? Split-face diving needs less gear than scuba diving; just a mask, snorkel, and fins. The emphasis is on diving technique and breath-holding.  How deep can divers with cleft faces go? Split-face divers with experience may go as far as 100 feet or more, but it's important to keep in mind that there are hazards associated with deeper dives. Read the full article

[raviscrumknowledge]

Scrum Framework – Artifacts that Matter

What are artifacts? Well if we roughly translate the Latin roots of the word, it translates to “Work of Art”. Artifacts can be understood as something that we create. It could be something like a tool that can be used to solve a problem. In the context of Scrum, we work with three fundamental artifacts necessary to deliver a Scrum project effectively.

Prioritized Product Backlog

The Product Owner develops a Prioritized Product Backlog which contains a prioritized list of business and project requirements written in the form of Epic(s), which are high level User Stories. The Prioritized Product Backlog is based on three primary factors: value, risk or uncertainty, and dependencies. It also encompasses all Approved Changes that can be appropriately prioritized in the Prioritized Product Backlog.

Value—It is the Product Owner’s responsibility to ensure delivery of those products that provide the highest level of business value first. Even an extremely valuable product may not be part of the first release if there are other products of even higher value that are sufficient for a first release.

Risk and Uncertainty—The more uncertainty that exists, the riskier the project is. Therefore, it is important that riskier products in the Prioritized Product Backlog are given higher priority. Products carrying a higher level of risk will also require risk mitigation actions. When these risk mitigation actions are prioritized against the backlog, the result is a Risk Adjusted Product Backlog.

Dependencies—It is usually not possible to create a Prioritized Product Backlog in which there are no dependencies between User Stories. Functional requirements often depend on other functional and even non-functional requirements. These dependencies can impact how the User Stories in the Prioritized Product Backlog are prioritized.

Estimates—High level estimates for Epic(s) are also available in the Prioritized Product Backlog.

Sprint Backlog

The list of the tasks to be executed by the Scrum Team in the upcoming Sprint is called the Sprint Backlog. It is common practice that the Sprint Backlog is represented on a Scrumboard or task board, which provides a constantly visible depiction of the status of the User Stories in the backlog. Also included in the Sprint Backlog are any risks associated with the various tasks. Any mitigating activities to address the identified risks would also be included as tasks in the Sprint Backlog.

Once the Sprint Backlog is finalized and committed to by the Scrum Team, new User Stories should not be added; however, tasks that might have been missed or overlooked from the committed User Stories may need to be added. If new requirements arise during a Sprint, they will be added to the overall Prioritized Product Backlog and included in a future Sprint.

The Sprint Deliverables and Definition of Done

Done Criteria are a set of rules that are applicable to all User Stories. A clear definition of Done is critical because it removes ambiguity from requirements and helps the team adhere to mandatory quality norms.

At the end of each Sprint, a product increment or deliverable is completed. The deliverable should possess all features and functionality defined in the User Stories included in the Sprint and should have been tested successfully.

For more articles, please visit: www.scrumstudy.com/freeresources/free-blogs-and-articles