#mythic vistas

[disgruntledexplainer]

Leading the way in terms of awards was the much-anticipated Baldur's Gate, a fantasy role-playing game set in the world of Dungeons and Dragons.

-TLDR News Daily

[schweizercomics]

As of this week, I'm back from the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia, where my family and I went three weeks ago for a harp festival in which my daughter was participating. We spent most of our time in the castle city of Caernarfon, where the festival took place, and stayed across the street from a really big, really lovely old church at the base of Twthill, “Wales’s smallest mountain,” site of a Yorkist victory during the War of the Roses.

One of the days that we were there, I took a bus to nearby Bedgellert, ostensibly named for a noble but unjustly murdered 13th century dog, and set out to reach the top of Dinas Emrys, which lay outside the town and near a defunct Victorian copper mine (which I also crawled around in).

(outside the mines, before I started walking)

I wandered through a lot of countryside, woods, and sheep farms. The standard Welsh joke is "Don't like the weather? Wait five minutes," and that was the case - ten minutes heavy wind and rain, ten minutes sunshine, off and on for about four hours.

In the next pic, you can see the hillock of Dinas Emrys from before it crests upwards...

...and here it is from the top. The tree sits just outside the tower ruins (the pit to its immediate left).

I've never had such a beautiful walk to such a satisfying end. Not only was the peak gorgeous, but it also had the bonus of being a historical/mythical destination right up my alley.

The top of Dinas Emrys is where the oldest English/British histories (the 9th century Historia Brittonum and Geoffrey of Monmouth's famous History of British Kings* place the tower of Vortigern (and subsequently Ambrosius, in many versions the older brother and predecessor of Uther Pendragon), which in the legends had to be rebuilt numerous times because of the red and white Dragons that fought at the pool below it and which were taken by a (then young) Merlin as an omen for Welsh/Briton victory over eastern invaders.

*My pal Benito Cereno is currently translating Geoffrey's book from Latin, with some commentary, on his Patreon, and you can read his translation of the story here.

The sun was finally (consistently) shining by the time I got to the top, so I took off my shoes and socks to dry them, lit my pipe, set up my easel, and did some sketches of both the tower ruins and, once I climbed down to it, the hidden pool below.

I was quite happy with the travel easel I'd built and carried for the last eight or nine miles, until the heavy wind took it off the side of the mountain and broke it. It's fixable, but not without tools that I didn't have in the mountains, so that was that.

I haven't finished most of the Dinas Emrys sketches - like a lot of my travel stuff, I pencil (and sometimes ink), throw a couple of spots of color, and take photos to use as reference, so that I can do more pieces on a limited traveling schedule. But I'm looking forward to finishing the drawings of the pool especially - it felt like I was in a fairy tale down there, and I hope I can convey it (although the leafless, windswept [I think] hawthorn trees, reaching toward the pool like hands, aren't like any trees I've ever tried to draw before this trip, and trying to get them right is part of the reason I ain't yet done).

The trip back down was less idyllic, partially because going down over wet rocks is, while less strenuous than going up, more demanding of care and attention, so I had to watch my feet more than the surroundings, especially having taken a fall up by the ruins. But I'd count the trek as one of the genuine high points of my life. I was elated and in awe for hours at a stretch, and absolutely overcome with the beauty of it. And, while the rain might've been unpleasant and chilly at times, it meant that the sun fought through water and clouds to create the most incredible vistas, and the rain meant that the colors of the mosses and grasses were at their most vivid.

I'll have castle drawings down the line, too, and some others from around the harbor town, and I can't stress how much we enjoyed our time in Wales.

I did take a few days to go up to Leeds, do a signing at Traveling Man, and visit the  Royal Armouries a few times to do drawings. One of the folks who came to the signing, Dr. Tzouriadis, is a currator at the armouries and was kind enough to give me a tour on my last day in Leeds, including getting to see the research library, which I now know to make an appointment for visiting the next time I'm there (I likewise learned about the British Library reading rooms and research collection, and got a card for it for the next time I'm in London).

Dr. Tzouriadis was incredibly generous with his expertise, and I learned or clarified a lot of really neat things that'll influence how I draw swords and armor in the future. And I've had some practice this trip thanks to the incredible collections with which I had a chance to spend some time.

Each day over the month of May, I'll be posting one drawing of a sword (or other edged weapon) from either the Royal Armouries, the Tower armory, or the British Museum. It's jumping the gun a bit, but here's a sneak preview of the first one:

They're toned with a single color (indigo) so that I can collect them into a book in black and white and make both its manufacture and selling cost a bit less than I could were I to do color - it also cuts down on the time spent making them. I'll likely put them up for sale each day as I post them, likely for the same price (50 plus shipping?), as a means by which to recoup some of the (substantial) cost of the trip.

While in Leeds I also got to meet cartoonist James Lawrence, have dinner with cartoonist John Allison, and briefly stop by OK COMICS in the arcade, which was an incredible store with an amazing selection of books.

After Wales we went to London (Penny's first time), and Penny was unfortunately ill for a couple of days, so I spent time at the museum doing sketches, and visiting the library treasures gallery. We saw a couple of musicals that Penny was keen on seeing, went to Charles Dickens's house, visited the Tower, ate some cheap meat pie with jellied eels in Greenwich, toured Westminster and St Pauls (I went to a Eucharist service at the latter, as well as one in Wales in a lovely little church built into the castle wall more than seven hundred years ago), and a handful of other things, including seeing the Tempest at the Globe Theater - my first time seeing a play at the Globe, and my first time seeing the Tempest performed.

I also got to visit a whole store devoted to Tove Jansson's MOOMIN, where I got a mug and a biography of Jansson, and it was next door to the Benjamin Pollock's Paper Theater shop. I went to London disappointed that the Pollock paper theater museum had closed only months before after decades of operation, and didn't know that there was an (unaffiliated since the 80s) shop, so stumbling upon it was a real treat (stumbling is how I like to do cities - I walked crisscrossed the town between the Euston and the river and found some great shops, including a lot of bookstores).

Now that I'm home, I'm very keen to get back to work. I'll be doing Patreon commissions, coloring a book for my friend and frequent collaborator Kyle Starks, and just settling back into being able to work, which I missed an awful lot despite the wonderful trip.

[chelseawolfeonly]

cchelseawwolfe:

My new single “Dusk” is out now, on Loma Vista Recordings. 

I shared the humble but sweet beginnings of this song on Instagram: a guitar demo of Ben playing through a POG2 pedal.. I’d overheard him in the studio and asked him to keep going on the idea so I could record it. The idea got tucked away for quite a while and we eventually formed it into a song.

“Dusk” is my fantasy-core contribution; a mythical song about those who’ve gone through hell and back together, united in the end by love. I wrote some of the lyrics while taking pottery lessons, inspired by the multiple-step firing process along with the collection of handmade ceramic vessels and statuettes that adorned the pottery studio, some of them having been broken over the years but lovingly glued back together. 

The title “Dusk” was originally a temporary name for the demo as that was the hour it was written, but I got attached to the liminal feeling of the name. There’s a finality to dusk,  but it’s also a transitionary, fleeting timespace that gives way to to the dark in the most beautiful way possible, with silvery purples and blues gently coloring the sky before the day is done. 

[romanceyourdemons]

the good, the bad, the weird (2008) is a magnificent study in genre and an unbelievably fun film. this south korean homage to spaghetti westerns does an incredible job of combining and balancing both influences, starring song kang-ho, lee byung-hun, and jung woo-sung in comfortable renditions of their typecasts that harmonize perfectly with the roles of tuco, angel eyes, and blondie respectively in sergio leone’s the good, the bad, and the ugly (1966). the film also draws from leone-esque cinematography for its sweeping vistas and tense showdowns, but it combines this cinematic tradition with the dramatic, hyper-mobile cinematography popular in the early 2000s to draw attention to the heightened and almost mythic level of action that leone preferred to leave more implicit. the most recognizable plot elements are taken from the good, the bad, and the ugly (1966), but the film also draws from the more cosmopolitan and revenge-centered once upon a time in the west (1968) for the character dynamics and final twist, which helps this film rise above being just a remake. and, of course, there is much more to this film than just what it draws from leone. i am particularly fascinated by how the film addresses the “historyless” affect of america key to spaghetti westerns by treating exiles from japanese-occupied korea in newly japanese-occupied manchuria. these characters are people without homes in a sense far deeper than literal; the history and future of nations is irrelevant to them—in one of the early shots the camera blithely slides past a man shouting “independence for korea” being pushed off the train by japanese soldiers—and the only history and future that matters is their own. this shift in context works seamlessly with the genre, and i cannot think of a plot gesture in this film that was not compelling. between enjoyable characters, beautiful cinematography, a driving plot, stunning fight sequences, a brilliant soundtrack, and a highly effective ending, the good, the bad, the weird (2008) is one of my absolute favorites, and i would highly recommend it

[terrence-silver]

Could you please do Terry telling John about Beloved or introducing them to each other?

Thank you 😊

---

John Kreese wasn't exactly always all for the kind of people Terry tended to lead around on his arm; hook, line and sinker. He let that be known at times, in a paternalistic way someone slightly older lets these things be known --- and Terry was rich enough to where someone needed to be sincere with him once in a while --- someone who wasn't a paid suck up --- for his own good.

Wasn't John's manner to pussyfoot around.

Terry knew that and John knew that he knew.

Sure, call him old fashioned, but he believed in something called real, proper, goddamn love; people meet, go steady, like each for all the right reasons and settle down honestly, as they should. An ideal as universal and American as sliced pie and the pickled fence it went hand in hand with. He fought for that dream. Bled for it. Before Vietnam, John could even see himself coming home to such a life if what happened to Betsy didn't happen. She died. That was it. John didn't run from the hard facts and hard knocks of life, instead, he faced them head on like a man should. Much like Terry had to face that pretentious, fortune hunting high-end paid escorts, crooks after his money and influence and perfumed whores of any persuasion no matter how slick about their trade weren't necessarily the right kind to bring home. Fuck, yes. Have fun and enjoy life with, yes. Blow off some steam with and have orgies with on a private island or whatever Terry got up to these days, sure. But not to bring home. Least of all, expect John to take it all seriously. It wasn't the whoring itself as much as it was the lack of honest intentions. Hell, John tended to feel like something of a mother hen sometimes, teaching a grown man who and what to date when Terry was more than capable of taking care of himself and was slick as the slickest among them himself. He worried that the Cobra would encounter a greater predator in the gardens of life than itself and that struck him as ludicrous at this point when Terry was literally gracing the cover of Forbes. He supposed he worried the way an older brother or a father does. The way a Captain does. He supposed he sometimes still tended to see Twig in Terry, flustered about the concept of second base.

He saw Twig, in shimmers, as he spoke, through the occasional sheen in Terry's eyes.

He hasn't seen Twig in Terry's eyes for years.

-"So, how do you know?"- John amused himself, grimly, mustering a sincere half-grin, questioning Terry as they stood on the balcony of his mansion overlooking the vista. He was listening for nearly months about this special someone to the point that he caught that Terry actually wanted to be questioned more on the subject and for John to show an interest and he took as a cue to do so. Deduced that much. The subject of you was like a mouse Terry dropped at his feet, waiting for his praise.

-"I know."-

Terry giggled, elongating his 'know' into suggestive lengths as was his habit, cheeks puffed under the weight of his wide, crooked smile, his pores practically lighting up with mirth. His twinkling beam taking up the space of his entire face until his eyes and overall features were barely visible and hooded under his brow. Man was quite literally all smiles. Well now. Usually, Terry would go into salacious details, but now, he appeared more like a flustered boy, talking about a school crush.

-"That good, huh?"-

John has to quip, elbowing Terry into the side. The sex must've been out of this world...with this near-mythical being in question. -"You surprise me, Lieutenant."- He adds, entertained. -"Thought there wasn't anything under the sun that can get you whipped that much."- Usually, Terry's desires were extremely physical and in a sense, he couldn't help but be proud of the man Terry grew up to be since the army. Most eligible playboy in California. Who would've thought? -"Thought you tried it all."- He has to continue, now more serious, feeling Terry might conflate lust with love at times, making little to no differences between the two. Think just because someone can do outstanding endeavors in bed, it must mean that someone is innately special. John wasn't a prude --- far from. He had his share of life. He just hated to see a friend making a goddamn fool out of himself over some tail.

-"You know, we talked after it, man. Really talked."- Terry tries, fiery.

John's interest is renewed. Talked?

-"The way you and I talk."-

Terry explains fondly, vehemently, fingers reaching and pointing towards his own torso and then John's for emphasis, and John's taken back to a time of campfire chats deep into the night during long patrols in the bush. Comforting Terry when he was sick during marches and rambling on for hours to keep him awake and from succumbing to his wounds. Sharing dreams and hopes. Talking to pass time. Alleviate fear. Times of trouble, turns out, serve as the best moments a man can have the talk of his life and somehow, forging a brotherhood baptized in blood and John understands then. -"Never thought I'd be able to do that with anyone ever again."- Terry finishes off, Twig loud and clear on his face. John Kreese figures then, nodding, that you're not someone he'd mind meeting.

[deepdreamnights]

Daemonic Preserves

Keep your demons fresh, the last thing you want is food borne illness, or your demon escaping, but good news, if the brine is salty enough, that's technically a circle.

The images above in this post were made (partially) using an autogenerated prompt and/or have not been modified/iterated extensively. As such, they do not meet the minimum expression threshold, and are in the public domain.

Prompt Under the Fold

Prompt: a demon in a pickle jar, sharp details, WETA digital, magical energy, beautifully lit, product phtoography, professional photography, etsy, 8k :: a cartoon character is sitting on the side of the road, in the style of mythical beasts, light yellow and red, john moonan, surprisingly absurd, mountainous vistas, herb trimpe, bronzepunk

This one's a merge of a hand-crafted (and slightly mispelled) prompt and an auto-generated one.

[dujour13]

Kiss prompt~❤️ a desperate kiss as if they are convinced they’ll slip through each other’s fingers

This is immediately after the bit I posted last week with Galfrey in Iz.

Where was he? For several moments he lay gasping, totally disoriented and in agony.

Then he felt the familiar, comforting pressure of a horn against his shoulder. He started to reach over, but that made the pain from the wound flare up. So instead he just turned his head and whispered, “Woljif?”

The tiefling had fallen asleep slumped forward on a bedside stool, face pressed into the pillow and one arm draped across Siavash as if shielding him from something.

“Woljif.”

“Huh? Chief!”

After many teary kisses, Siavash stroked the nape of his neck and asked, “Did I dream it, or did we kill Deskari?”

“Yep.”

“What happened?”

“Well, Seelah and Regill were both down, but Deskari was bleedin’ bad—or whatever you call that bug juice—especially from that bolt Lann shot him with. And then you just—I don’t know, it was like a pillar of fire made of rainbows or something. Cut right through him. He started screaming somethin’ awful, and then the plaza started crumbling, and you collapsed.” His voice started to break. “We managed to drag everybody to safety but it was a close call, chief.”

He could hardly believe it. Baphomet, Mephistopheles, and now Deskari. “That’s… terrifying.”

“Don’t need to tell me that.” Woljif said in a quiet, strained voice. “You scared us there.”

Siavash gingerly lifted the bandage and peered down at the wound. It had cauterized itself when the bolt of energy blazed through it. The edges were blackened. It was deeper and more painful than ever. He didn’t dare look any closer, afraid he might see his own heart pulsing at the bottom of the crevasse in his chest. Still, sparks of Elysian magic wove through it, trying to mend it—and failing. Even the mythic power Areelu had imbued him with, that could destroy demon lords and revive the living sap of Sarkoris, could not overcome this.

He wanted to tell Woljif it was fine. It wasn’t. “I’m sorry,” he breathed, throat tightening at the look in his eyes.

In fact, Woljif’s wide-eyed look was because he had suddenly realized something, and it was like he’d discovered another side of a coin or stepped through a portal and a whole new vista spread out before him. The effect was a little bit dizzying. He’d always kind of subconsciously suspected it was there, but for some reason he never thought it was permitted for people like him.

He didn’t just want Siavash to live because he wanted him, the way he wanted a palace, that was warm and full of light and laughter and song. He wanted him to live because he wanted him to live. It sounded stupid—like, Ember-level stupid—but there it was. He wanted Siavash to be alive and happy and not to be dead. Gods, it would be so unfair, and he hated how unfair life had been to him, and oh how he hated how unfair it would be for Siavash to have to die. Not because there was anything in it for him, but because—because that’s what his heart wanted, as the chief would put it.

Trouble was, seeing things from this new direction hurt in a whole new way, a pain that felt like it was strangling him, like a crushing claw squeezing his heart into a pulp, and he sat frozen, unable to breathe.

Siavash saw that all the color had drained from his face and painfully hiked himself upright so that he could reach over and pull him—gently—into his arms. It was not so much trying to comfort him as needing to cling to him for dear life.

It would soon be over. They’d defeated Deskari, and it had nearly killed him. All that remained was the Worldwound itself, and Iomedae had warned him: there was only one way to close it.

And he had promised, all the gods damn everything, and this time he’d made up his mind to keep a promise for once in his life, and he couldn’t do it. He had promised never to hurt Woljif, who had been hurt so much already and who deserved so much better. He felt him trembling violently in his arms and had an inkling what kind of pain he was going through, because he too could now feel nothing else—even the deep, tearing pain of the wound couldn’t touch this.

All they had were a few weeks at best. All that mattered was this moment together, right now. He didn’t trust his voice, so the only way to say it was to reach up and place his hand on Woljif’s face, brushing a tear away with his thumb as he pulled him in and kissed him, and as their lips met there was a moment like Elysium that was so beautiful it was like a shiny little grain of forever, a star in the darkness, no matter what befell them next. It was the only gift he could give him.

[crones-trash]

"The Chosen One" on Netflix

Yesterday afternoon, I thought I'd watch 15 minutes of a new Netflix series to see if it was any good. It only took that long for The Chosen One to hook me into a 6 hour binge that blew my mind.

A summary of the plot is not really as important as the overwhelming artistry of the film. Shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio, every scene, even wide vistas & towering lightning storms feels intimately intense. Fleeting mythic imagery entices the viewer into wondering what-the-heck is happening.

The story starts w/ its focus on a mother (Dianna Agron) & her son Jodie (Bobby Luhnow) fleeing unexplained but ominous danger. They settle in an impoverished village near the coast of Baja, Mexico. Both of their performances are compelling. Jodie, a previously unknown actor, projects a level of gravitas beyond his age. His self-contained persona dominates every scene he's in. Just look at him...

Good grief! If I were a preteen girl, I'd idolize him. His big blue eyes are wide-open in a state of perpetual drug-induced wonder. His mother is drugging him to suppress his powers!

Yep, the series is based on a comic book--American Jesus. Like most graphic fantasy novels, this one goes over-the-top w/ nearly operatic scenarios that tumble like dominoes falling toward a resolution I was half-expecting & fully-hoping wouldn't happen.

I won't spoil a moment of this experience by revealing too much. This is MUST WATCH TV!

[wolveswarriors]

Titan Quest 2

Return to the classic mythology-inspired setting of Titan Quest and go toe-to-toe with legendary monsters as you journey across a fantastical reimagining of ancient Greece.

Follow us here and visit Start a free trial!

Nemesis, Goddess of Retribution, is out of control. She is corrupting the Threads of Fate and condemning all those who oppose her to eternal punishment - including you. Take up your weapon, fight alongside gods, and change fate itself in order to stop Nemesis, free those she’s punished, and weave your own epic tale.

From the creators of SpellForce 3 comes a handcrafted action RPG for a new generation of mythical heroes.

A World of Myth and Monsters

Set out on an adventure worthy of the myth that takes you from picturesque beaches to serene Greek temples, to places where no mortal has ever ventured, including the mysterious realm of the Moirai themselves. Battle classic creatures from Greek myth and the original Titan Quest, including Ichthians, Centaurs, Satyrs, Harpies, Sirens, Gryphons, and many, many more.

Exploration-Focused Campaign

Pay close attention to your surroundings! The world is full of mysteries and secrets to discover. Legendary monsters lurk in hidden groves, and you never know when you will end up face-to-face with a god. Visit memorable towns full of life and intrigue. The conversations you engage in and the items you find along your journey can lead to surprising discoveries, or they might just hold the key to stopping Nemesis. This is your adventure.

A Challenge Fit for a Hero

Heroic deeds require heroic effort. The enemies you face are far from defenseless - dodge and counter their attacks, then overwhelm them with a well-timed flurry of blows. Powerful rituals allow you to freely control the game’s difficulty, while deep character customization systems ensure that there’s always a good reason to replay.

Key Features

Flexible character system: In Titan Quest 2, you are in control of your own fate. Customize your hero, then form your own class by combining two masteries. Build your character around the strengths and weaknesses of both masteries, exploring different combinations of skill modifiers, attributes, and items to create your own hybrid class and find your favorite playstyle. Grow your powers from those of a young mortal to a hero to rival the gods themselves!

Meaningful loot: Every item serves a function, and every character class has many options when it comes to finding the perfect equipment. Even the most common spear can be upgraded via affix crafting, and with the right ingredients, you may even forge it into a unique item spoken of only in legend!

Challenging action RPG combat: Enemies form factions and work together, combining their unique skills and abilities to keep you on your toes. Use the deep character build system and access every skill at your disposal to vanquish them in this unique action RPG experience.

A beautiful, handcrafted world rooted in Greek myth: Encounter stunning vistas and deep caverns, and traverse the world with your divine mount, Areion. Use the powers of the gods to uncover secret locations and explore lovingly designed levels full of verticality.

Online multiplayer: Join up with friends to take on the Goddess of Retribution. Like Jason and the Argonauts, sometimes you need a group of heroes for your journey.

Rich and immersive sound: An atmospheric soundtrack blends traditional Greek music with modern orchestral elements to create epic, memorable themes, drawing you into Titan Quest 2's unique world.

[audiofictionuk]

New Fiction Podcasts - 29th July

The Case of the Greater Gatsby New Audio Drama! Set in 1940s Hollywood, this comedic film noir mystery follows hardboiled private eye Ford Phillips and his feisty, fast-talking partner Fig Wineshine as they delve into the seedy underbelly of Tinsel Town while trying to solve the murder of famed novelist-turned-screenwriter F. Scott Fitzgerald. Featuring a coterie of wacky characters - including real actors and public figures from the time - and original musical numbers, The Case of The Greater Gatsby turns historical fiction and genre tropes into a twisty, hilarious romp. https://audioboom.com/channels/5111599-the-case-of-the-greater-gatsby RSS:https://audioboom.com/channels/5111599.rss

Bear Lake New Audio Book! Bear Lake tells the story of a 17-year-old Utah girl in 1989, a young Mormon pioneer woman in 1859 - and the ancient, brooding lake monster who unites them. As each navigates the pitfalls of first love, mortality, and identity, their stories begin to connect in ways both mythic and mundane. How do you deal with tragedy when just getting through a day of high school is a struggle? How do you love fully in a world defined by death? And what do you believe in, when you can’t believe in God? https://www.bearlakepodcast.com RSS:https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1846787.rss

The Patient Files New Audio Drama! The Patient Files is a horror-anthology series. It follows Dr. Charles Talbot as he takes over an out-patient therapy program from an old colleague. Along the way, Dr. Talbot discovers that not all nightmares are the result of mental illness, and he soon finds himself out of his depth. A large part of The Patient Files are “Patient Transcripts” and “Patient Recordings” that detail patient encounters with the supernatural and paranormal. All of this takes place while a mystery unfolds with Dr. Talbot and his personal experiences with the same unknown forces. https://shows.acast.com/the-patient-files RSS:https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/the-patient-files

Skyfire New Audio RPG! "Skyfire" is an epic tale set in a world where the skies hold both danger and untamed power. Led by Captain Serenity, a courageous and determined leader, a crew of sky pirates defies oppressive forces to fight for freedom and challenge the status quo. As they navigate lightning-laden storms, engage in breathtaking aerial battles, and uncover treacherous secrets, their audacious acts of rebellion set in motion a chain of events that will reshape the destiny of the skies forever. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure filled with danger, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of liberation in "Skyfire." https://skyfire.transistor.fm/ RSS:https://feeds.transistor.fm/skyfire

SENSO New Audio Drama! Futuro. Emisfero settentrionale. La perdita dei sensi colpisce indiscriminatamente adulti e anziani, donne e uomini lasciando indenni i bambini. Il contagio avviene nell’arco di pochi mesi. Alcune persone perdono la vista, altri l’udito, l’uso della parola, altri ancora la memoria. Nei boschi di conifere della Val di Sole, i gemelli Bruno e Benji fanno una scoperta sensazionale. Una scoperta che li porterà a confrontarsi con un mondo in conflitto con sé stesso e con gli equilibri naturali. Un eco-thriller in 9 episodi che è una corsa contro il tempo e contro il pensiero ad una sola dimensione, per ritrovare il Senso del vivere all’interno di una comunità. https://www.spreaker.com/show/senso-podcast RSS:https://www.spreaker.com/show/5843687/episodes/feed

Dora Deleite New Audio Book! Ficção erótica para amantes de safadeza e afeto. Novos episódios sempre em noite de lua cheia https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dora-deleite/ RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e20bc59c/podcast/rss

Personas Ungrata New Audio RPG! A biweekly Dungeons Dragons and Comedy Podcast about the power of stories and the importance of finding your place in the world. https://rss.com/podcasts/personasungrata RSS:https://media.rss.com/personasungrata/feed.xml

Black Betty Blog New Audio Book! Science fiction and horror short stories by Elizabeth "Black Betty" de Moya. Read by the author. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-de-moya RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e63955d0/podcast/rss

Lawful Awful New Audio RPG! An RPG playthrough podcast centered on Horror/suspense RPGs, particularly Delta Green https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lawful-awful5 RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e3bb6e4c/podcast/rss

Hollywood Horrors New Audio Book! This audio-drama series is for kids who love frightening tales and hearing about their parents' favorite movies. Each season will feature a new kid, or kids, who find themselves transported into some of the greatest movies ever made by clicking on an ominous app. It's up to them to come out of each film alive. https://share.transistor.fm/s/29fc60c9 RSS:https://feeds.transistor.fm/hollywood-horrors

Forever Twenty New Audio RPG! Forever 20 is an actual-play Dungeons and Dragons podcast. Join our Disaster Master Kammin Easley, and our players Jake Easley, Kyle Hudick, and Coty Dennis as they navigate through their original adventures based on the classic tabletop role playing game. https://shows.acast.com/forever-twenty RSS:https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/forever-twenty

Tales of the Emerald Legacy New Audio Book! As the mainland suffer calamities, samurai must leave their homes behind. Will they build a new civilization on Sanctuary? Or will corruption - mundane and spiritual - lead them to failure? Emerald Legacy is the fan continuation of the “Legend of the Five Rings” Living Card Game. This podcast contains audio versions of the fictions that are published as part of this fan continuation. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tariq-ali906 RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e65c62dc/podcast/rss

Serial Frictions Podcast New Audio Book! The Serial Frictions Podcast is a horror and mystery anthology podcast that delves into both the surreal and the too real. https://serialfrictions.podbean.com RSS:https://feed.podbean.com/serialfrictions/feed.xml

The ESCAPE Pod New Audio Drama! Welcome to "The Escape Pod," a captivating storytelling podcast hosted by Justin, your guide through a realm of intriguing tales. Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds as Justin shares a collection of his own short stories, crafted to captivate and delight. Each episode of "The Escape Pod" promises an immersive storytelling experience, where you'll encounter characters as diverse as the stories they inhabit. From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming tales of love and resilience, every narrative unfolds like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/escapepodcast RSS:https://anchor.fm/s/e6417f44/podcast/rss

Bloom&Blight New Audio RPG! A queer and trans led Girl by Moonlight actual play podcast following the titular magical girl team Bloom. After securing victory against their nemesis at a devastating cost, the strained team finds themselves drawn back together as whispers of evil begin again. https://bloomandblight.captivate.fm RSS:https://feeds.captivate.fm/bloomandblight/

[crimsonwing]

Day 17: With an animal The aviary of the northern sacred fortress is one of the few places where the lgendary Roc and Phoenix can still be seen. Although their mythical powers seem embelished, they're nevertheless a conforting sight.

Día 17: Con un animal El aviario de la fortaleza sagrada norte es uno de los pocos lugares donde todavía se puede ver a las míticas aves de Roc y Fénix. Aunque sus poderes míticos parecen haber sido exagerados, siguen siendo una vista reconfortante.

[juniperiferous]

Jeebus, the dream I just had. 😳 Recording it here for later recall. Listening to other people's dreams can be v. boring, but this is Tumblr and no one cares.

Setting: A very-slightly-futuristic Earth, or possibly an alt-Earth. The biggest differences from normal times is that humans have figured out how to manipulate matter at the atomic level, giving people with the know-how and money the ability to create fantastical inventions. Also, there are whale-like megafauna that fly in the air instead of swimming in the sea...very rare, almost mythical, but occasionally seen.

I'm on a road trip with my husband* to see an old friend of his who lives in Arizona. Friend and his wife invite us to come along with them on a trip to his father's place. He explains the whole family clan is getting together at their father's request to celebrate both his birthday and Christmas. We agree to tag along - spending time with a wealthy family full of big personalities sounds interesting, and also my husband has met the fam before.

Once we arrive, we start off with dinner at a fancy restaurant. I'm introduced to everyone by Friend's Wife, who knows how bonkers this family is and has taken me under her wing for protection. Dinner drama does not disappoint: the Family Diva (2nd oldest daughter) arrives late and has a tantrum; two sisters-in-law let their ongoing feud escalate into open hostility; the black, gay best friend of another sister makes all the aunts and uncles slightly uncomfortable.

When we leave the restaurant I take a moment to geek out at the beautiful scenery just visible through the dusky evening. The restaurant is on a rise over a plain, and I can see the lights from a space-ship plant (??) off on the horizon, twinkling and beautiful.

We all retire to the father's big house, and I get my first chance to speak with him. He's an inventor, a tinkerer, who recently retired from a big aerospace firm (and is played by John Turturro in this dream). He's very friendly, and only the slightest bit creepy about the view from his office, where he can see the local Catholic school - and all its pretty girls in uniform skirts - let out every afternoon. He tells us he's been working on a new technology and will give the family a demonstration that evening.

After a few hours of milling around (trying not to overturn the simmering cauldron of sibling rivalry constantly at risk of flaring up) we all gather in the expansive living room. This room has giant windows and a gorgeous view of the evening vista, as well as the equipment for Father's latest venture. Once everyone is settled in, he switches the machines on, and vague clouds outside coalesce to form floating satellites of some kind. They seem to be related to climate control? Before I can find out, a giant shark-like leviathan comes SCREAMING through the air and smashes itself against the windows of the living room. Apparently it Does Not Like It when people change the vibration of the air it swims in, who'd have guessed?

There's a glitch in my perception, and for one moment the room around me changes - it's the same room, same people, but there's no massive shark trying to bash its way in. Then: glitch ends, and we're back to the chaos.

During my glitch the shark apparently swam off, so everyone is focusing on checking each other for injuries, etc. I've been sitting with some of the women in the family so I go to look for my husband. I ask one of the brothers if he's seen him, and he responds that my husband laid down for a nap earlier. He's happy to help comfort me, he says, and the sleeping pill he gave my husband should wear off shortly. I realize this man I barely know has drugged my husband to get some alone-time with me, and all my alarm bells go off.

Then the family matriarch decides it's time to do Christmas presents, and suddenly I'm in a totally different horror scenario: the one where near-strangers have bought you Christmas presents and you don't have anything to give back to them because You Didn't Know.

And then I woke up. 😳

Notes: I have never been to Arizona. I don't know why the father was John Turturro. I don't have a big family like this. I think the "fancy" restaurant high on a hill was a Chili's.

*Fictional, but similar in some respects to my ex-husband.

[spacetownhigh]

if this were a play, a curtain would be drawn. And the audience would be in darkness. If this were a play, a room would be visible....Into which one would project one’s imagination. If this were a play, a line of dialogue would suddenly emerge from the silence of dimly illuminated space. if this were a play...the room would be crowded with men and women in evening dress. Clear smoke would hover in the air. And a chosen someone would lean forward as if his face were exploding. he wouldn’t speak. because he wouldn’t have to. But...he would speak.  ------------------------- Eddie went to Poetry City. The soft air. gray and granulated, offered itself to his sniff. Somebody must be burning logs, said Eddie. But in fact, he was wrong.  Global forces were at work, but Eddie was localized.  He opened a local window, and before he could open a local window, something came whirling into his mind’s eye like a photograph of the whole plan et from a place far in space. Look, there’s Poetry City under a cloud of fog.  Oh Eddie, from where you sit, it’s so atmospheric to be looking at the sun bursting into the city through clouds of soft fog.  Eddie realized that by midday the air would be clear. and Poetry City would be like any place else. Would it still be Poetry City? Of course, offered Marie. Maps don’t change. maps don’t change. maps don’t change.  Is this the city where looking out the window in late afternoon, a beautiful vista seems dominated by the faint tracer-bullet patterns of many automobiles in motion? evoking, as they cross the visible-from-a-distance multitude of bridges spanning the magic river that gives mythic dimension to this city nestled in it’s curve - automobiles evoking that specific seen-from-far-away energy that paints precise, punctuated, energy strips in the imagination of someone who perhaps relies too much upon that same imagination?  there he goes, encasing himself in a work of art - in a prototype, at least.  So. He made plans. But here’s the important part. He didn’t try to define them.  Plans? It all adds up to the same thing, no?  He made a work of art for himself, into which he might hopefully disappear. Then, seeing corners at the corners, and in response pulling the entire edifice of his sometimes comfortable enough life over his body like a blanket. could he be in fact so blanketed?  Time to escape, the new woman said. But. Escape what. escape to what? The new woman did not say escape to what and we all knew to escape, but we did not know to escape to what. So what made her new, this new woman? She was always new because she was so...ethereal. 

[lsevents0]

"A Cyprus Affair: Exchanging Vows in the Land of Legends"

Cyprus, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, serves as a captivating backdrop for couples embarking on the journey of marriage. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Cyprus offers a truly enchanting setting for exchanging vows and beginning a new chapter of love.

At the heart of a wedding in Cyprus lies the island's rich tapestry of history and legend. From ancient ruins to medieval castles, Cyprus is dotted with landmarks that tell the story of its storied past. Imagine saying "I do" amidst the crumbling walls of a Byzantine monastery or beneath the arches of a Venetian fortress overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. It's a scene straight out of a fairy tale, where every moment is infused with the timeless allure of romance and adventure.

But it's not just the historic landmarks that make Cyprus the perfect destination for a wedding; it's the island's breathtaking natural beauty that truly sets it apart. From golden beaches and rugged cliffs to lush forests and rolling exquisite wedding vineyards, Cyprus offers a diverse array of landscapes to suit every couple's vision for their dream wedding. Whether you're drawn to the tranquil shores of Paphos or the dramatic vistas of the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus provides the perfect backdrop for a celebration that is as unique as your love story.

Of course, no wedding in Cyprus would be complete without indulging in the island's world-renowned cuisine. From succulent grilled meats and fresh seafood to flavorful mezes and decadent desserts, Cypriot cuisine is a feast for the senses that reflects the island's rich culinary heritage. Couples can work with talented chefs to create a custom menu that showcases the best of Cyprus's gastronomic delights, ensuring a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious.

But perhaps the most magical aspect of getting married in Cyprus is the opportunity to infuse your celebration with the island's rich traditions and customs. Whether it's incorporating symbolic rituals into your ceremony or embracing local customs during your reception, Cyprus offers countless opportunities to add a touch of authenticity and romance to your special day. From tossing rice for good luck to dancing the traditional Cypriot sousta, every moment is an opportunity to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

But perhaps the most enchanting aspect of getting married in Cyprus is the sense of adventure and discovery that comes with it. From exploring hidden coves and secluded beaches to wandering through picturesque villages and ancient ruins, Cyprus offers endless opportunities for romance and exploration. Whether you're sailing along the coast on a traditional wooden boat or stargazing beneath the clear Mediterranean sky, every moment is an opportunity to create lifelong memories with your loved one.

In the end, a wedding in Cyprus is more than just a celebration of love; it's a magical journey into the heart of one of the most enchanting islands in the Mediterranean. Whether you're exchanging vows amidst ancient ruins, on a sandy beach, or in a historic castle, Cyprus offers the perfect backdrop for a wedding that is as unforgettable as it is romantic. So why settle for anything less than an affair to remember in the land of legends and love?

[galaxyworldtravels]

Soar to the Top of the World - Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour

As the tallest peak on Earth, Mount Everest holds an almost mythical fascination for adventure seekers across the globe. While only the most experienced climbers attempt the daring summit, the Everest base camp helicopter tour makes it possible for anyone to come face-to-face with the world’s most iconic mountain. Choose between landing tours to the Everest Base Camp trek or comprehensive sightseeing flights around the Khumbu Valley for breathtaking Himalayan views you’ll never forget.

A Thrilling Ride to Everest Base Camp  

Our most popular 1-day tour begins at dawn, whisking you from Kathmandu on a comfortable helicopter with floor-to-ceiling windows across a landscape growing steadily more dramatic. Glimpse emerald green valleys, raging rivers, quaint Sherpa villages and glacial lakes before the gigantic form of Everest emerges. Listen to your pilot’s commentary on points of interest through headphones while snapping photos eagerly. The helicopter circles over the famous Khumbu icefall, a frozen waterfall spilling off the West Shoulder, before landing gracefully at Base Camp situated at 17,500 ft elevation.

As the rotors slow to a stop, a rush of anticipation fills every passenger. The door swings open to reveal the full glory of Mount Everest, soaring more than 15,000 feet directly overhead. Craggy, snow-covered, and cloaked in banners of mist, Everest looks every inch like the godlike peak revered by locals as “Goddess Mother of the World.” Jaw-dropping views of neighboring peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori soaring around add to the spectacle. Breathe the crisp, thin air and feel like you’re at the top of the planet!

After 20 minutes of awe and countless photos, the return flight stops in Lukla for lunch at a local teahouse. Savor steamed momos dumplings and dal bhat lentil soup while reflecting on your once-in-a-lifetime Everest experience. One more thrilling helicopter ride across the Himalayas returns you to Kathmandu by early afternoon, memories to last a lifetime securely stored on your camera and heart!

Ultimate Everest Helicopter Tour with Luxury Landing

Our premium Everest base camp helicopter tour-1 day Everest heli tour includes Everest Base Camp plus exclusive landing privileges in the Khumbu Valley for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Sherpa culture. After buzzing the Everest Base Camp trek and gaping at the formidable Khumbu Icefall, your helicopter will touch down at Syangboche. 

At 12,000 ft, Syangboche’s tiny airport is the world’s highest! Spend an hour exploring this scenic village, visiting its ancient monastery, mingling with yak herders in traditional dress and buying locally made handicrafts. The rare chance to experience authentic Sherpa culture up close is a highlight for many. On clear days, the helicopter tour flies on to Kalapatthar at 18,000 ft - the ultimate Everest viewpoint!

Khumbu Valley Helicopter Sightseeing   

For those preferring a sightseeing focus, our Khumbu Valley helicopter tour provides spellbinding Himalayan vistas without actually landing near Everest. Beginning in Kathmandu, your 90-minute flight path takes in highlights like Gosaikunda Lake, the turquoise Imja Tsho, quaint Namche Bazaar, and the glacier-filled Gokyo Valley. Stand in awe before the full glory of Everest, Lhotse and adjoining peaks as your pilot circles the mountain giants. With a maximum of 6 passengers, the large cabin and panoramic windows guarantee perfect views from every seat. The tour includes hotel transfers, lunch at Lukla and all entrance fees along with an experienced guide. For breathtaking aerial sightseeing, this Everest helicopter tour is hard to beat!

Is an Everest Helicopter Tour Right for Me?

Thanks to experienced Sherpa pilots, our Everest helicopter tours have an outstanding safety record, including backup plans for any rare event like unforeseen weather. Acclimatization to altitude is not required and flights operate year-round, though April-May and October-November have maximum visibility. While not cheap due to logistical challenges, costs compare well to actually trekking to Everest Base Camp which takes two weeks! For adventure travelers short on time, the bucket list dream of seeing Mount Everest becomes a reality in just one awe-inspiring day.

Physical fitness beyond basic mobility is not mandatory as walking at altitudes is minimal. However, those with heart or breathing issues should check with a doctor first. Dress in layers for comfort, and bring any preferred snacks and motion sickness tablets if prone to nausea. Note that facilities at Everest stops are very basic.  Embark on the aerial adventure of a lifetime seeing Everest with your own eyes. Whether a once in a lifetime splurge or the trip of your dreams, our epic Mount Everest helicopter tours guarantee memories to cherish forever. Contact us today to begin planning your journey to the top of the world!

[jakesealblackhangar]

Jake Seal Black Hangar Explains The Role of CGI in Shaping Cinematic Worlds

In cinematic innovation, Jake Seal Black Hangar Studios has emerged as a pioneer, consistently pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. One of its recent creations, an upcoming blockbuster, has been generating buzz not only for its star-studded cast and gripping storyline but also for its groundbreaking use of CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery). In this blog, we delve into the pivotal role CGI plays in shaping the cinematic worlds crafted by Jake Seal Black Hangar Studios.

The Evolution of CGI in Film

Over the years, CGI has evolved from a niche technology to an indispensable tool in the filmmaker's arsenal. Initially used sparingly, CGI gained prominence with technological advancements, allowing filmmakers to create visually stunning and realistic worlds that were once thought impossible. Jake Seal Black Hangar, known for its commitment to cutting-edge technology, has harnessed the full potential of CGI to elevate the visual experience for audiences.

Seamless Integration with Practical Effects

One of the hallmarks of Jake Seal Black Hangar Studios' approach is the seamless integration of CGI with practical effects. While CGI has the power to create fantastical landscapes and creatures, the marriage of digital and practical effects ensures a tangible and authentic feel to the cinematic worlds. This synergy is evident in the upcoming film, where CGI breathes life into mythical creatures and otherworldly landscapes while practical effects ground the narrative in a tangible reality.

Crafting Unforgettable Characters

In the heart of any cinematic masterpiece lies its characters. CGI has played a transformative role in bringing characters to life in ways unimaginable before. Jake Seal Black Hangar Studios' latest venture leverages CGI to create characters that defy the limits of the physical realm. From intricate facial expressions to fluid movements, CGI empowers filmmakers to craft characters that resonate with the audience on a deeper emotional level.

Pushing the Boundaries of Visual Spectacle

Visual spectacle has become synonymous with the cinematic experience, and Jake Seal Black Hangar Studios understands this implicitly. Through the proficient use of CGI, the film in question promises to transport audiences to realms beyond imagination. The expansive landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and awe-inspiring sequences all come to life with the help of CGI, delivering a visual feast that transcends conventional filmmaking.

Enhancing Storytelling Possibilities

Beyond the dazzle of visual effects, CGI serves as a potent tool for expanding the possibilities of storytelling. Jake Seal Black Hangar Studios' film utilizes CGI not merely for aesthetic appeal but as a narrative device that propels the plot forward. The seamless integration of CGI elements adds layers to the storytelling, allowing for intricate world-building and immersive narrative arcs that captivate audiences from start to finish.

The Collaborative Effort of Visionaries

The success of CGI in shaping cinematic worlds lies not only in technological advancements but in the collaborative effort of visionaries within the industry. Jake Seal Black Hangar Studios, known for fostering a creative environment, brings together directors, writers, and CGI artists to collectively weave a tapestry of visual brilliance. The harmonious collaboration between creative minds and technological expertise is evident in every frame of the upcoming film.

Conclusion

As Jake Seal Black Hangar Studios prepares to unveil its latest cinematic masterpiece, the role of CGI in shaping the visual narrative cannot be overstated. The seamless integration of CGI with practical effects, the crafting of unforgettable characters, and the expansion of storytelling possibilities all contribute to a film that promises to redefine the boundaries of cinematic excellence. In the ever-evolving filmmaking landscape, Jake Seal Black Hangar's commitment to pushing the envelope ensures that audiences are in for a cinematic experience like never before.