#seed ship architecture

[limnrix]

So this was inspired by the Exodan ships in Becky Chambers' Record of a Spaceborn Few and how they're laid out in recursive hexagons. I kind of just did it to see if I could, and started thinking architecturally / city planner style, so things aren't necessarily how they're described in the book, but how I would want a utopian nested hex city. I put in actual doors in the residential areas which was maybe unnecessary. It doesn't include manufacturing really, and I'm not totally sure where education goes, but there's some flexibility for a lot of things under the "retail" category. I preferred to make it all symmetrical rather than making district centers different. There could maybe be a bigger park around the Center, for composting, instead of "administration", which a society with internet may not need actual rooms for. Instead of handwaving that there's a transport level above this, I specifically tried to lay out a way to walk/ride through from any place to another, with some consideration for privacy, although sometimes traffic will go through your yard. Arguably there could be a 7th scale level, but I'm not going to torture InDesign any more.

The smallest unit is the hexagonal room. Homes are 5 rooms (sometimes 1 or 4 depending on throughway placement) and a half bath around a living room, which has a hallway going to the center of each hex. Hexes are made up of 6 homes around a yard and eating area with a kitchen in the middle, with households taking turns making one big 30 person meal a day. There are six hexes in a neighborhood around each park, and each park has a gym, pool, and public bath center servicing about 180 people. Six neighborhoods surround each district with shops, public spaces, services, and a clinic in the center for around 1080 people. The districts surround an administrative center, and death services in the middle. The whole ship houses around 6500 people.

[a-driftamongopenstars]

in our memory; guardian x crow ficlet;

heyyy anyone wants angst? 👉👉 Crow being beside himself about the Guardian learning more about the Taken and some such. well, here is some ✨ also on ao3

The ship is slowly traversing through the debris of the Tangled Shore. Then, slipping through the cosmic gate into the pocket between realities, it finds itself in the gleaming light of the Dreaming City, its architecture dripping with the Taken corruption.

Cherish grips the wheel of the ship, switching it to manual control and slowly passes over the misty plains when Crow’s voice cuts through her comm channel. 

“Dreaming City?” he says, his holographic shape appearing beside her. “Did you plan another hike?”

Cherish switches the controls back to her Ghost and the ship, getting up from her seat.

“Not quite,” she says uneasily. Crow, his glowing image flickering slightly, frowns.

“What is it then?”

“A mission.”

“Care to elaborate for your favourite Hunter Vanguard?”

His lips twitch in a smile, but his eyes are serious. Cherish had to learn to stop withholding, to stop the lie to protect him. But maybe this once it had to happen. She tells herself, he wouldn’t like it. Shouldn’t. It would bring up memories neither wants to return to.

“Sloane wants to teach me. To avenge Eris, to…”

Crow’s jaw sets as he looks at her, his shoulders spread as he sighs.

“You could have told me.”

“I know,” Cherish mutters, feeling as guilt pangs in her chest, tugs at the threads long left alone. “But Sloane wanted to keep it under the radar.”

“I… It’s fine.”

“Crow…”

“No, really. Just, stay safe?” he rubs his nape, his glowing shape pacing back and forth in her cabin, his cape trailing. “Actually, not fine. Did you forget what happened the last time there was corruption caused on purpose in the Dreaming City? When Uldren, I mean, I, fuck-”

Cherish reaches for him, but her fingers slip through the hologram, leaving a cool perception on her skin. 

“It won’t happen again. This is exactly what we are trying to prevent. If I can control it, if I can… be Taken and stay as myself, like Sloane, we can do more.”

Crow looks at her, brushing away the strands of black hair that have fallen over his forehead. His face is tightened with anxiety, his brows furrowed. Cherish understands, she wants to comfort him. And it is not to say that she isn’t scared. There is a seed of fear inside her, ever since she allowed the Darkness into her, letting it fester into Stasis. But she managed it. She can do it again. This is what she has been preparing for all these years.

“Crow.”

Her voice brings him back to her, and they stand in front of each other, Crow just a little taller.

Cherish reaches out, her hand against the holographic curve of his cheek.

“Nothing will happen. I’ll come back. I promise.”

Crow looks at her for a moment, she almost thinks he will walk away and disappear into the nether. 

But his hand lifts and rests against her own cheek, the phantom of a touch, and she leans into it, remembering the true warmth of his palm and the caress of his fingers.

“Alright. I believe you… Just don’t lie to me again.”

Cherish looks at him and nods.

“Even if I eat the last cookie and want to spare your feelings about it?”

Crow bursts into laughter, quiet and soft. The charge in the air dissipates, everything becomes lighter.

“Only if you buy me cookies in return,” he says. There is an undercurrent between their words, an understanding. The foundation of their bond, still growing, still learning, still evolving. Crow leans to kiss her forehead, gentle and illusory, and then disappears, comm channels going silent.

Cherish smiles for a moment, feeling her spirits lifted in the face of the impossible. 

She has to do it.

[eye-of-mordor]

TAROT CARD SERIES 20/21 Judgment

A little known mystery regarding the card of the Tower is that this piece of architecture once stood erect in the midst of an ancient land which was destroyed by a violent flood. Following its demise was the Sun's dawn for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. Survivors of this ancient land embarked onto vessels known either as ships, boats, or arks, to set sail for a new world beyond. In each vessel is a man, woman, and child - symbolic of the archetypal family structure. They are the divine few who have been chosen to ensure the continuation of the human race by repopulating the world after the floodwaters subside, a world that is visible in the background of the card with the snow-capped mountains, a theme found in the Vedic and later Hindu religious texts of the primeval man Manu's survival and how his vessel washed upon Mount Naubandhana, the highest peak of the Himavat mountains, today known as the Himalayas. This is the same story that has recurred itself throughout the whole history of humankind - a very specific man is chosen to continue the human race via the sowing of his seed, and directs its growth from behind the scenes. He has been chosen because he is the most benevolent of them all, and his good moral character is of outstanding service to the human crusade.

[aisling-saoirse]

Princess Tree - Paulownia tomentosa

Today's Plant Profile is a little different, I wanted to cover an 'invasive' that fascinated me.

Before I begin I wanted to dissect my terminology on invasive, the term is often thrown at plants without considering a racialized and often problematic methodology on how we relate to these species. Invasive species are typically advantageous in the face of disturbance and quick to colonize altered areas, the monumental spread of invasives is a direct result of euro-centric land commodification, international trade and colonization. These species would not be as 'destructive' as they are without dramatic change to wildspaces/once-thoroughly-managed landscapes. You don't have to love these plants but understand that they often occupy spaces we disturbed, and that doesnt mean i want monocultures of introduced species but we should analyze what makes them thrive the way they do. I usually cover natives species to a document a dramatic loss I noticed in my lifetime however every plant has a good story behind.

To start let's identify the Princess Tree! Best known for their showy pink-lavender foxglove like flowers, perfect structural form, and massive leaves. This tree can grow up 90 feet, it's extremely fast growing, full trees can form between bricks (see 2 images below). The massive leaves are heart-shaped cataylpa-like often exceeding a foot in size (I see people use them as umbrellas in a pinch). The bark is pretty light in color, younger bark is speckled then becomes furrowed with age. The flowers are rather large, about the size of my palm (image 2), typically growing in large triangular clusters. In fall and winter, flowers typically form this large rough shell (see branch cuttings below) that splits overtime, more about that later.

The Princess Tree has a very rich folklore and introduced history behind it. According to my Chinese classmates the Princess Tree gets it's name from an old story about a beloved betrothed Princess who was transformed into this tree by a trickster, her husband-to-be was transformed into a Phoenix and it's said that when a ruler as great as she returns the Phoenix will land on its branches. I see (mostly western anecdotes) claim that this tree is planted when girls are born and the wood is used as a dowry, my classmates did not agree with this (take note these are landscape students). The wood is very sought-after in east Asia as it is sturdy and light, occasionally some american cities will sell the wood from invasive groves back to China, how fascinating!

The introduced history comes in two parts. The first the tree was initially sold as an ornamental originating from the Dutch east India company, the tree reached America by the 1830s. Due to the structure of the tree itself up into the mid century, modernist designers LOVED this tree, I've seen so many architectural drawings lovingly depicting it's big leaves. The second interesting facet about this tree's spread is that certain Chinese porcelain companies used to use the seed pods as a form of packing peanuts. Since the porcelain was primarily shipped by train in continent the tree quickly took hold around rail lines, if you look in philadelphia the oldest trees are around the railroads. The tree was able to survive in the desolate railway soils because it (like most invasive species) is able to derive nitrogen directly from the atmosphere into its roots. That's why you see these babies growing directly in a brick wall like below, crazy right?

The Princess Tree's native range is central to Western China, not much is know about it's natural habitat because literal millenia of civilization scale landscape changes. What is known is that the tree was typically found in dry-ravines and open valleys. Due to the movement of interesting botanical species the tree found found itself everywhere, even in Catherine the Great's royal garden and eventually into colonial-core markets. In America its currently invasive from Pennsylvania to Florida but can be found in almost every major city.

As said before it typically only invades disturbed locations, it's a pioneer species therefore it's advantageous in areas of full sun, poor soil, and generally super dry. The tree can honestly grow anywhere but typically only thrives in that disturbance niche, it has trouble invading older growth forests. The tree itself usually doesn't live more than 70ish years and after that a new ecology typically sprouts from the area it formerly inhabited, this tree is very good at building a fertile soil network from its nitrogen rich leaves. It must be said that this tree does rootsprout vigorously, and these sprouts can grow a shocking 15 feet in one growing season!!! Trees derived from seed usually take 3 years to reach that size (see my alleyway below)...for basically any oak it would take like 10 years to maybe reach that.

As for ethnobotanical usage, this is invasive so I'm going to recommend you just use this tree to death honestly. The massive leaves are very rich in nitrogen and make great compost. Leaves also make an umbrella in a pinch. The tree is super vigorous and a rapid grower so you can imagine it makes great coppice (and for my silvoculturists: leaves makes good animal fodder). The flowers have a lovely scent and look like foxglove without the poison (and they last a while). The wood is quite light lovely and workable, it reminds me of a lighter colored black locust. Apparently this tree also utlizes C⁴ photosynthesis which utilizing a different compound of carbon to derive energy, that's kind of interesting. It has a lot of great qualities honestly, as far as invasives go I really like this tree.

If you want to plant this tree...don't <3...there's enough, go to any city to experience it. In Eastern America some good alternatives are northern catalypa or black locust. If any of my Chinese followers know the full Princess story I would love to hear about it! As always happy hunting!

[ashcroft-writes]

Calamity Horizon for the ask game? O.o I'm so curious <3

Oh oh! So, I couldn’t find a second snippet from my fic that didn’t give too much away—but I can answer with a tiny bit of lore/worldbuilding that I’ve been working on! :D

Part of Calamity Horizon involves a plot that takes place in a city founded by Duros settlers at the very edge of Republic Space. It was created as a mining colony centuries past, and powerful economic interests hold the most sway there still. But I hadn’t yet fleshed out my thoughts on colonial Duros culture and how it differs or relates to what I was writing both on Duro itself and its satellite cities. After all, the Duros expanded out from their home sector a great many years ago, and I assumed that disparate colonies probably had their own ways of thought that had risen in the years since.

Probably my favorite facets of this worldbuilding have to do with spirituality and how they view history. For the homeworld Duros that yet remained before the attack in Homeworld Elegy, they clung to a lot of old ways most of the outside Duros had long abandoned, such as the tradition of the river rowers and their funeral rites. There was an idea of glory days existing back in the monarchy (long since replaced,) when the homeworld was of great importance to the galaxy, the Duros a guiding light of technology and political power, and even the most washed out contemporary villages often housing great religious centers, political networks, and vast ship yards. One might have still found images of the important monarchs treated with respect around the towns, and many residents clinging to their ancestral land would have claimed a bloodline from the old royal courts (some truly, and some not.)

Indeed, Duro was also one of the last holdouts in my story of a really old form of a once-common star-based Duros faith. There are still cultural and linguistic underpinnings of this sprinkled throughout Gunslinger's Paean—for example, a tradition to say one was born under certain constellations, lending astrological significance to one’s life (for example, when Bane thinks about how the Explorer’s stars were his, or when we see the economic blessings in the signs of The Miner on the governor’s seal.) Or, another example: some Duros utter “by the stars” as a soft expression of disbelief.

For most Duros in general, these things are just part of the common language and culture, and don’t really make them modern-day adherents of such a faith. Bane in particular, I do not write as having much truck with the old religion, whether he was from the homeworld or not. In fact, some satellite-city Duros don't understand the earnest belief in such things, finding a dogged insistence on near-dead modes of thought to be one of the things that makes homeworld Duros a bit difficult.

But, this doesn’t mean those ancient thoughts didn’t give rise to other things elsewhere in the diaspora. In the colonial city I’m writing, one doesn’t find any torches burning for the old monarchs, but one can find a little star temple in the downtown's heart. Homeworld Duros might find its architecture entirely different, its rituals bereft of certain steps, and its believers emphasizing different things in the practice, however. It’s become more of a personal faith, no longer meant to rally the people in a communal push towards greatness, and often isn’t taken literally. Still, it provides guidance and comfort for some, and in the wake of Duro’s downfall, for refugees, it is sanctuary still.

Unfortunately, just like on depleted and polluted Duro, the colonial leaders that grew incredibly wealthy and powerful on the riches of the land never really learned the lesson of moderation in regards to their new home’s resources. Slowly, their mines start to run dry, and they need to turn to… other means to keep their power base stable.

And in such places, there’s always someone willing to pay to get certain unsavory jobs done.

Hence some good plot seeds for both Calamity Horizon were born, AND a little short story in Summer's End about Bane doing a job there in the early stages of his galactic career. It’s actually one of my fave pieces in that collection, and introduces some lore and characters that really drives Calamity Horizon forward later. :D Cured a bit of writer’s block I had during this development something fierce! And there’s other little stories there too that reference some of these ideas.

Aughghgh and this doesn’t even get into the songs, the dances, etc. I’ve got. I’ve got so much. Too much 😂 I hope this tiny peek under the hood is fun though!! I’m tinkering with the stories today as well to keep them moving forward to the finish line. :D

[lusifernocturne]

City of Atolla

The City of Atolla is a city-state located on the Eastern coast of Lothian.

Size: City with around 24,000 within the walls and surrounding farmland. 

Attitude toward Travelers: Fairly welcoming. 

Attitude toward Players: Neutral/a little nerves 

Architectural Style: Tudor 

Visual features and quirks: Lots of sea glass and pretty smooth stones, dirt roads despite being a city, a large cave system, massive coral reef nearby, and the ocean quickly gets super deep. 

Prominent buildings: Council building, meeting house/city hall, 3 guildhalls, 1 large temple to multiple gods, 1 large temple to the god of the sea, a druid's grove in the nearby forest, and a public arena(with a strict no kill policy for fights) 

Majority Race (or melting pot): Melting pot, but has a high concentration of draconic races(kolbolds, half dragons, dragonborns, and even dragons) and outer races(Tieflings, Aasimar, Genasi, ect.). Low number of humans. 

Common language(s): Common, Aquan, and Draconic are most common. Abyssal, Celestial, Infernal, Sylvan, and the other elemental languages are fairly common.

Economy Major trade in the city? Yes. 

Major exports: Elemental Crystal / Ore(water and lightning), fish, sea based gemstones, spices, local flora, and lumber. 

Major imports: Adamantine, Furs, Inks, granite, dyes, incense, exotic meats, and supplies for farming, fishing, and mining. 

Overall wealth: Fairly high

Taxation: Normally fair, but if the city is majorly damaged by a storm it can get kinda high until everything is fixed. 

Leader(s): The Council of Atolla

Police/Guards and Crime: Decent amount of guards and they mainly deal with petty crimes(thieving and vandalism). But there are still murders and such on occasion. The biggest problem is the gnolls that attack the outlying farms. 

Crime rate: Between Medium and Low 

Can they be bribed? No really, it'd be a very hard thing to do. 

How organized are they? How well-trained? How strict are they? Fairly well organized, pretty well trained, and semi strict.

Primary god(s): Mostly worship Abelus Saloninus but also worship The Phoenix Queen, The Raven Queen, Mask, and Pan.

Culture Unique traditions? Pray before ship travel. If a crew is going on a long voyage they hold a gathering at the harbor to set off the crew with food and well wishes. 

Important holidays?

They participate in the Festival of Pan from the 1st- 7th of First Seed. The Day of Tricks on the 31st of Harvestmere. Festival of the Ancestors in Wintermarch form the 20th to th 22nd.

The only fully unique event is The Festival of Atolla during the last week of Highsun(aka the last 9 days, from the 22nd to the 30th) to celebrate their independence from the Cloud Empire.

Factions

Guardians of the Vaults 

A major merchant's guild with plenty of members but few bases/guildhalls. It's main focus is to help new merchants set up and help one another grow through trade and tips. 

Allies: Shiphaulers 

Rivals: None

Shiphaulers 

Otherwise known as the sailor's guild, it is a decent sized group made up of those who spend much time on the seas. 

Allies: Guardians of the Vaults

Rivals:  Hallowed Berserkers

Hallowed Berserkers

 A small mercenary guild with a guildhall outside of the city. They don't often allow new members and are thought to worship Eve but no one is sure. What is known, however, is that they have attacked many ships. 

Allies: None known 

Rivals: Shiphaulers and Memories of the Sea 

Memories of the Sea 

A group that worships Life and Death. They make sure the families of sailors are informed of the lost or disappearances at sea, as well as make sure those loses are honored and if possible makes sure the person is laid to rest. 

Allies: Guardians of the Vaults, The Fallingstar guild, and Guardians of the Vaults(who frequently make donations to make burial possible) 

Rivals: Hallowed Berserkers 

Inns and Taverns

The Lazy Bowl tavern and inn(located in the shopping district on the higher area)

The Grim Kraken(a tavern and inn right by the docks)

The Port's Hole(A tavern, inn, and brothel all in one, located on the far western side of the city)

[caerbannogmochi]

Said the Carp to the Sailors

Excerpt from Volume 5 of F.M-P’s folklore anthologies.

To describe the town of Ryncebud with a handful of words, I would use “strange but warm”. I was fascinated from our arrival by the architecture: there were stone pillars everywhere, pillars holding up arches framing windows so large, they had to make space for another layer of the building to keep them together. Each wall of these buildings was made from anywhere from two to twelve materials, which provided color within color that I saw nowhere else, and the structural play between symmetry and asymmetry allowed for a giddiness of structure that I adored. The weather was quite warm, as if it were the middle of summer, which was a great relief (although I worry how it would feel for them five months later during the actual summertime). They welcomed our unexpected arrival with open arms, giving us somewhere to stay for the low price of making ourselves useful. 

On a foggy evening near the great slabs of carved stone that served as the docks, I was propositioned by an elven fisherman who had bound his long, dark hair up in a bun, missing more than a few fingers from his choice of trade: word had gotten around of my repair skills, and I agreed to re-tie his fishing nets for coin. Dusk was settling as I balanced in a rickety yellow dingy which may have belonged to the man’s parents, making decent (but not great) progress on repairing the net, when the wind began to pick up. I was climbing back out of the water for either the fourth or fifth time when I spotted them: strange vessels with bulbous growths on their sails floating off in the distance, flying no flags I was familiar with. In that moment, I feared I would have to confront my past sooner than expected. 

I debated whether to warn the town or stand as their shield; fortunately, one of the other stowaways spotted them as he was moving to, erm, feed the fish from his stomach. With him sounding the alarm by the shore, I resolved to at least try to finish the fisherman’s task before the great fleet arrived: an easy task, and quite relaxing once I realized the ships were headed out to sea.

Upon my return at dawn to where we’d agreed to meet, my compatriot’s initial concern about having been scammed was quickly overtaken by embarrassed concern at the boot-squelching of my approach. 

“My friend,” he told me once I was safely and comfortably positioned in front of the hearth at the local tavern with some rather delicious black tea, “did it not occur to you that the panic of a drunken man is oft-overlooked? Although we know those ‘ships’ were merely the seed pods of Dock Ness, were it something more serious we would have been caught off guard.” With this, he sighed, tanned skin from sun and from birth wrinkling upon his face. “You’re too trusting in the good will and wit of others. Truth is, not everyone has your best interests at heart, and even if they do, people get complacent. You say you collect stories, right? Listen to this, and take it to heart: it was written as a prophecy by a man known as Dhethall the Dark.”

________________________________________________________

Said the Carp to the Sailors

There will be a group of sailors, trapped at sea as the land grows slick with blood. In an hour among many when their needs are greatest, their cries will be answered: not by gods or heroes as one might expect, but by carp with iridescent scales. They will come up out of the water, speaking and breathing as we might, bearing great parcels wrapped with twine.

”We have gifts for you,” they will declare, “gifts of fine timber and tallow, for we love you so.” Although the sailors will accept these gifts with immense gratitude, the following will be whispered below deck:

”Although the carp are friendly for now, they are not to be trusted, for we cannot know their full intent; although it is easy to follow this flow, we must remember how to swim against it.” With this, all would agree, except perhaps the greatest of fools. Thus, lives spared by the mercy of the carp, those sailors would grow to forget the shore, and their children would take their few dim memories as myths. Indeed, the only things those children will know to be real are the sway of the ship, the family forged by those aboard, and the fact they would never meet anyone else upon the waves. In an hour among many when their loneliness is greatest, their cries will once again be answered; not by luck’s fickle fortune, but by the carp with iridescent scales. They will come up out of the water, speaking and breathing as we might, bearing a host of lovely maidens at their side.

”We have gifts for you,” they will declare, “gifts of kind spouses who can be the companions you crave, for we love you so.” At this, many of the sailors will rejoice, but the wise among them will say:

”Although the carp are friendly for now, they are not to be trusted, for we cannot know their full intent; although it is easy to follow this flow, we must remember how to swim against it.” With this, there will be great arguments, with many choosing to marry the carp’s brides and birthing the fish-children. These fish-children will carry on their parent’s legacy, thriving under the carp’s care and scolding all who try to teach them reason. Eventually, the fish-children will have children of their own, who will be even greater fools than their parents, hunting for anything to keep them entertained. In an hour among many when their boredom is greatest, their cries will once again be answered; not by any form of satisfaction from a job well done, but by the carp with iridescent scales. They will come up out of the water, speaking and breathing as we might, bearing large and ancient tomes.

”We have gifts for you,” they will declare, “gifts of mystic secrets and fun folly, because we love you so.” At this, only the ship’s carpenter will even bother with resistance for the sake of tradition, telling his apprentice:

“Although the carp are friendly for now, they are not to be trusted, for we cannot know their full intent; although it is easy to follow this flow, we must remember how to swim against it.” With this, as the carpenter turns to leave, his apprentice will tug on his shirt.

”Then teach me,” asks the apprentice, “for I wish to learn.” The carpenter, shocked his apprentice does not wish to join the other fish-children, will nevertheless sit down smiling. He will tell his apprentice everything he knows of wisdom from his parent’s many ill-fated warnings and his own foolish misfortunes. These lessons will go on for many years, with the apprentice gleaning further fragments of wisdom from whatever he gets involved in.

Eventually, the ship will fall into a great whirlpool of calamity, unavoidable only due to lack of will to do so. Many of the fish-children, knowing only their own folly, will find first the rocks, then from the rocks pain, then from pain the waiting arms of ruin. Yet the carpenter’s apprentice, knowing this flow could be resisted, will swim as fast as his limbs will let him, grasping onto driftwood. He alone will find respite on a sandy beach, thrust into a world as foreign to him as wisdom to a fool.

________________________________________________________

With this, the elven fisher paid me my due (2 pieces of the queen’s gold), and made sure I was well fed and had supplies enough to reach Iffel. As I left, I couldn’t help but hear him mutter to himself:

“Don’t go fishing for fools; they will eat the hook and leave you the worm”. 

One last thing I must mention about my time in Ryncebud: once I reached Iffel and began my hunt for tales there, every single person I encountered had an unfalsifiable face of bewilderment any time I mentioned the town. At one point, when I tried to show someone the path I had taken, all I found was an unnaturally overgrown mass of nettles. Dhethall the Dark, in contrast, was someone I managed to get a few leads on […]

________________________________________________________

Said the Carp to the Sailors © 2025 by CaerbannogMochi is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

If you would like to support me, my Ko-Fi can be found at https://ko-fi.com/caerbannogmochi

[kvibe-test]

Hidden Gem: Filmmaking in Europe’s Enchanting Small Towns

Filmmaking Adventures in Small European Cities

Creating a movie in the quaint towns of Europe can be an exhilarating venture for filmmakers operating on a limited budget. These towns offer unique backdrops, rich histories, and diverse cultures that can add significant depth and authenticity to any film. This guide explores various aspects of shooting in small European towns, providing valuable insights into locations, budget filmmaking, distribution platforms, and film funding.

Filming Locations: Small Cities in Europe

Europe’s small cities are full of charming landscapes, ancient architecture, and rich cultural settings. Here are some standout filming spots:

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic: This medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning architecture, cobblestone paths, and the Vltava River. It's a fantastic setting for historical films.

Dubrovnik, Croatia: Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik offers ancient city walls, coastal vistas, and a well-preserved Old Town — ideal for historical or fantasy movies.

Bruges, Belgium: With its fairy-tale canals and medieval architecture, Bruges is perfect for romantic and historical films.

Reykjavik, Iceland: This city combines modern architecture with natural marvels like geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. It's a versatile location suitable for various film genres.

Budget Filmmaking: Tips and Advice

Shooting a film on a budget demands resourcefulness and meticulous planning. Here are some strategies to make your budget go further:

Step 1: Plan meticulously. Proper planning can save costs and help avoid unexpected expenses. Create a detailed shooting schedule, scout locations in advance, and secure all necessary permits.

Step 2: Hire local crew and talent. This can greatly reduce travel and lodging expenses. Moreover, local talent can provide invaluable insights into regional culture and language.

Step 3: Rent equipment locally. Renting equipment from local suppliers saves on shipping and transportation fees. Long-term rentals may also come with discounts.

Step 4: Utilize natural light. Relying on natural light can cut down on lighting equipment costs and bring an authentic feel to your film.

Distribution Platforms: Film Funding and Opportunities

Securing funding and distribution is essential for your film’s success. Here are several platforms and opportunities that could be beneficial:

European Film Funding: Programs like the European Union’s MEDIA Programme support the development, distribution, and promotion of European films.

Crowdfunding: Utilize platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Seed&Spark to raise funds from a worldwide audience.

Film Festivals: Festivals such as the Berlin International Film Festival, Cannes, and Venice offer chances to showcase your work and network with industry professionals.

Online Distribution Platforms: Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu provide avenues to reach a global audience and monetize your film.

Posing Tips and Composition Advice

Effective posing and composition are crucial in crafting compelling scenes. Here are some practical tips:

Step 1: Use the Rule of Thirds. Divide your frame into thirds, placing subjects along these lines or intersections for visually engaging shots.

Step 2: Vary shot sizes. Mixing close-ups, medium shots, and wide shots can captivate your audience and enhance your storytelling.

Step 3: Use leading lines. Elements like roads or fences can guide the viewer’s eye toward the main subject.

Step 4: Experiment with depth of field. Use shallow depth of field to isolate your subject for an intimate feel, or deep depth of field to incorporate the surroundings and create a sense of scale.

Shooting a movie in Europe's small cities can be an immensely gratifying experience for filmmakers on a budget. With thorough planning, resourceful strategies, and the right distribution platforms, you can create a distinctive and engaging film that showcases the beauty and diversity of these towns.

#Filmmaking #Europe #BudgetFilmmaking #FilmDistribution #FilmFunding

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[xasha777]

In the bustling interstellar port of Neo-Verona, where ships from a thousand worlds docked, there was one traveler who stood out amidst the crowd of intergalactic wanderers. It wasn’t just the ebony fur, the enormous, innocent eyes, or even the red harness that marked it as unique; it was the fact that this traveler was a small, sentient feline named Max.

Max belonged to a rare breed of cosmic cats, engineered during the resurgence of the Ostrogothic Kingdom—a civilization that once craved the glories of Earth’s ancient past, but now thrived in a far corner of the Milky Way. These cats were not mere pets but scholars, diplomats, and explorers, carrying the legacy of a fallen Earth and a risen Ostrogothic Kingdom.

The little cat, with a mini briefcase clasped in one paw, stood on its hind legs atop a sleek, obsidian suitcase. The suitcase, larger than Max, was more than just storage; it was a mobile unit equipped with an AI that held the knowledge of the ages, a living library of the once-great Ostrogothic Kingdom.

Max’s mission was one of peace and reconnection. In the wake of the Cataclysm that shattered star systems, Max was sent as an envoy to mend ties and share the cultural wealth of the Ostrogothic heritage. His large eyes, seemingly filled with the wisdom of the cosmos, scanned the departure boards for his next connection—flight 42X to the Andromeda Conflux.

As he waited, his AI case interfaced with the port’s mainframe, exchanging data. Tales of heroism, gothic architecture plans, and epic poems flowed from the unit, leaving digital echoes of a culture that had survived against all odds.

Unknown to Max, agents of the shadowy entity known only as the Void Collective had their gaze fixed upon him. They coveted the knowledge he bore, hoping to use it to navigate through the Web of Tears—a region in space where reality was thin, and one could traverse galaxies in mere moments.

But Max was not defenseless. His ancestors had navigated the corridors of power in the Ostrogothic courts, and he was as cunning as he was adorable. His AI suitcase was also a guardian, capable of erecting shields and bending light to render them invisible.

As Max boarded his craft, the agents closed in. But with a purr that resonated in frequencies beyond human hearing, the suitcase hummed to life, and in a flash of distorted light, Max and his AI guardian vanished from sight, reappearing safely aboard the starship as it prepared to jump to hyperspeed.

The journey was long, but Max spent it in the company of the ship's library, his AI unit interfacing seamlessly with the starship's archives, learning and sharing in equal measure. By the time the ship docked at the Andromeda Conflux, Max had ensured that the knowledge of the Ostrogothic Kingdom would spread across the stars, seeding new growth in the aftermath of cosmic strife.

And so, the legend of the cosmic cat envoy would grow, a small but proud figure against the backdrop of a vast universe, carrying a message of peace and the rich tapestry of a civilization reborn. Max of the Ostrogothic Kingdom became not just a scholar, but a beacon of hope, proving that even the smallest of creatures could change the galaxy.

[foamcut]

What are some common products that can be made from recycled EPS foam?

Recycled EPS foam, also known as recycled expanded polystyrene foam or rEPS, can be transformed into various new products. Here are some common examples:

Insulation Materials: rEPS foam can be used as insulation material in construction applications. It is commonly used to manufacture insulation boards, panels, and blocks that provide thermal and sound insulation for buildings. These rEPS insulation products help improve energy efficiency and reduce heat transfer.

Packaging Materials: rEPS foam by EPS shredder can be converted into new packaging materials. It can be molded or shaped to create protective packaging solutions for various industries, including electronics, appliances, fragile items, and more. Recycled EPS foam packaging provides cushioning and protection during shipping and storage.

Picture Frames and Decorative Molding: rEPS foam can be molded into intricate shapes and designs to create picture frames, decorative moldings, and architectural elements. The lightweight nature of rEPS foam makes it suitable for such applications, offering versatility, cost-effectiveness, and easy installation.

Stationery Products: Recycled EPS foam can be processed into stationery items such as rulers, pen holders, desk organizers, and other office supplies. These products benefit from the lightweight and insulating properties of rEPS foam.

Seed Trays and Nursery Containers: rEPS foam can be molded into seed trays, nursery containers, and plant pots for horticulture and gardening purposes. These products provide lightweight and durable alternatives to traditional materials, helping with seed germination and plant growth.

Building Materials: Recycled EPS foam can be used as an additive in the production of concrete and lightweight aggregate materials. rEPS foam particles or aggregates can be mixed with cement or other binders to create lightweight concrete blocks, precast panels, and other construction materials with improved insulation properties.

Cushioning and Filling Material: rEPS foam can be processed into loose fill or cushioning materials used for packaging fragile items. It can also be used as a filler material for bean bags, stuffed toys, and other soft goods.

These are just a few examples of the many products that can be made from recycled EPS foam shredder. The versatility of rEPS foam allows it to be utilized in a wide range of industries, providing sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. Recycling EPS foam helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote a circular economy.

[epilvgue]

Forget Me Not: Drabble

「𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔤 𝔟𝔞𝔫𝔤!」 - There was a mailbox and then something within. He was certain that the mailbox hadn't been there before, but he reached in anyways and pulled out a small stone. There was letter with it. A Forget-Me-Not Room Charm for "being festive". Just for participation in the festival activities he had received an item like this? Blue eyes stared down at the pendant. He glanced over the small note again. A charm that was said to be able to transform ones room into something familiar.

Standing in the doorway, Vash looked around his bedroom. It was small, quaint even. It already had the vague semblance of an inn room from No Man's Land, but...

He couldn't help how his mind flickered to something else entirely. He walked to the bedside table and set the charm down, not quite sure how to activate it. Words? Was a thought all it needed? His grip on the pendant tightened as the thought about it. He lowered his head slightly, closing his eyes as he thought harder. Before the crash - what had it looked like again?

After a long moment he peered out. Cautious, doubtful.

His breath hitched.

The metal panels of that mother SEED's ship surrounded him. Inviting. Nostalgic. Painful.

Looking at the familiar walls that surrounded him, he wondered, slightly, if this was a bad idea. Was he digging too deep for something familiar? For something homey? Why did his mind jump to this? Why not the room he'd had back at the Colony? - Not that either of them made too much difference. The architecture of the ships was the same, it would bring back memories regardless.

Slowly, he set the pendant on his bedside table. And then he collapsed onto the familiar bed.

[gerdusbronnart]

Port Louis: A Journey Through Mauritius' Architectural Tapestry

My journey from La Croisette mall to Port Louis to go to the central parcel post office is a journey through the history of Mauritius. Here are some interesting facts about the places I visited:    • La Croisette mall is the largest shopping and entertainment destination in Mauritius, with over 110 retail and food outlets. It opened in 2012 and is designed to offer a unique indoor/outdoor shopping experience. It is located on Chemin Vingt Pieds, which means “Twenty Feet Road” in French, and is named after the width of the road that was built by the British in the 19th century12    • Port Louis is the capital and the oldest city of Mauritius. It was founded by the French governor Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais in 1735 as a port and administrative centre. The port was named in honour of King Louis XV of France and was an important stopover for French ships sailing between Asia and Europe. Port Louis has many historical and cultural attractions, such as the Aapravasi Ghat, where the first indentured labourers arrived from India in 1834, the Caudan Waterfront, a lively commercial and entertainment area, and the Citadel, a fort built by the British in 1835 to defend the city

I took a walk through the history of Port Louis, the capital and oldest city of Mauritius. The fruit and vegetable market, also known as the bazaar, is one of the most vibrant and colourful places in the city. It has been operating since 1839, when it was built by the British colonial government on the site of a former basin for boats12 The market is divided into different sections, where you can find a variety of local and exotic fruits and vegetables, such as mangoes, pineapples, lychees, bananas, coconuts, avocados, tomatoes, eggplants, and more. You can also buy spices, herbs, nuts, and other products that are essential for the Mauritian cuisine. The market is a great place to experience the diversity and richness of the Mauritian culture, as you can see people of different ethnicities, religions, and languages interacting and trading with each other. I also drank a glass of alouda, which is a traditional beverage originating from Mauritius. It is typically prepared with a combination of basil seeds, agar jelly, milk, and vanilla. The ingredients are combined, then served over ice. The drink can usually be found at numerous street markets, even though it is also produced industrially and can be bought in many stores. Alouda is a refreshing and delicious drink that has amazing laxative properties and helps facilitate digestion after consuming spicy food. The most preferred flavour of locals is vanilla, but you can also find other flavours such as almond, rose, coffee, or chocolate. I then took a quick peek at the meat and fish market, but it was not my scene and I left quickly. The meat and fish market is where you can find fresh and quality products such as chicken, beef, lamb, pork, fish, seafood, and more. The market is also where you can witness the skills and techniques of the butchers and fishmongers, who cut, clean, and prepare the meat and fish for their customers. The market is not for the faint-hearted, as you can see blood, guts, and bones everywhere. The market also has a strong smell that can be unpleasant for some people.

I’m glad I got my parcel. The windmill museum at Caudan is a historical landmark in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. It was built by the French in 1763 as a flour mill. Its primary function was to supply flour to the dockers at the harbor. That was the reign of Mahé de Labourdonnais. Since 1999, the windmill has been a museum and can be visited1 The tugboats you saw are small but powerful boats that help larger vessels maneuver in the harbor. They can push or pull ships that are too big or too heavy to move by themselves. They can also assist in emergencies, such as rescuing a coastguard boat that got stuck in the caudan harbor. Tugboats are essential for the maritime industry and the safety of the port2 I bought a sandwich at Subway, which is a popular fast-food chain that specializes in submarine sandwiches. You can choose from a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces to customize your sandwich. Learn more: I then walked back to the bus stop, but en route I bought a sandwich at Subway. Subway is an American fast-food chain that specializes in submarine sandwiches, salads, and wraps. It was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck. Subway is one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, with over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries. Subway offers a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces that you can customize according to your preferences. Subway is known for its slogan “Eat Fresh”, which emphasizes the freshness and quality of its ingredients. I then took the air-conditioned bus back to La Croisette

[stargazer1682]

Stargate and the Gate Addresses

The original models of the gates, which were of the same or similar model or complexity as the ones the Seed ships built/deposited in SGU, had limited range and were programmed using the constellation based coordinate system. This was easy enough to implement when the gate network was first starting out and encompassed only a handful of planets in proximity to each other to dial. The Alterans were smart enough even then to probably be able to memorize (or perhaps calculate) all of the addresses going to each planet from any other planet in all their various combinations. But then the network began to expand across the Milky Way. This required a more complex dialing system for dialing a gate; they needed something more consistent so as not to have to memorize or track potentially millions or billions of permutations of addresses.

So the old gates in the Milky Way were all replaced with new gate, the ones still in use in SG-1. These gates could communicate with any gate in the entire galaxy. They also all had their own static address that was the same no matter what other planet you dialed from. But the Alterans maintained the old symbols, since that was the homeworld for the Alterans and central hub for the gate network. No sense reinventing the gate, as it were - which may have actually been the origin of that idiom; and as it got passed down and without the old context, it became "wheel" instead of "gate". It's also not uncommon for technological artifacts get passed on as systems update, even as the basis for them has become obsolete. Just look at the Save icon. Some of the old program may have survived too and the new architecture built on top of it; which is also not uncommon, but may be so embedded with other systems that just leaving them is easier than taking it out. So the Point of Origin as the last chevron to encode remained part of the address system, save for longer distance connections. The correlative updates, which once updated the addresses in the old stargate network when a gate's spatial coordinates changed to much may no longer have been needed, at least for that purpose; but taking it out would be too much of a hassle.

Some of the gates that were in the original network kept the old addresses used when dialing from Earth. Again, because the gate builders came from Earth and that was their point of reference and the common addresses used or known at the time. This is why the SGC could dial Abydos and correlate its address based on the constellation; because being one of the closest gates to Earth, the original coordinate that had been based on the constellations in the old gate network and rolled over to the new hadn't change enough to be unrecognizable. When the SGC took into account stellar drift, they could figure out the coordinate addresses that originated with the old gate network and had been rolled over to the new; even though the "coordinates" were no longer valid.

[whatdoesthathavetodowiththis]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Van Eli Pink Button Embellished Low Heeled Slide Sandals Sz 10.

[starlight-incarnate]

The First Elves as Aesthetics:

Finwë  —  grey skies, pine trees, stag's antlers, gritted teeth, piles of firewood, howling winds, lace table cloths, black ponds slick with ice, cautious, likes to plan, whispered confessions onto the autumn wind, the sharpness and cutting edge of a cold breeze, the glint of a metal blade, the bright teal of a midday ocean and the blackness of wild volcanic beaches, strong and independent, black hair, often staring into space, autumn mornings, braiding hair, love ballads, smiling fondly, lying by a small creek, falling in love when you shouldn't, starlit nights, regret, bittersweet kisses, being left wanting more.

Míriel  —  memories of past lovers, withering flowers, polished gravestones, being young and naive, gathering flowers and seeds, uncut gemstones, the gleam of a single tear falling, the silver reflection of the moon mirrored on the surface of a pond, an absence of sound, morning mist, hazy eyes, uncertain smiles, subtle exchanged glances, rich tapestries, tears streaming down their face, shattered promises, a not-quite persistent yearning, shaky breaths, moonlit rows, nimble hands, dancing to music playing softly in the distance, trusting the secrets of the night, waking up anew with determination.

Indis  —  warm tea, comfortable silence, soft eyes, messy hair, golden clouds, the sound of rain, a heart traced onto fogged up windows, yellow clothes on the days where the sun seems to have left forever, waking up to tear-stained sheets and feeling a little bit lighter, hopscotch in puddles, love at first sight, soft forehead kisses, secretly insecure, easily mistaken for the bad guy, wants the best for others, lost in thought, star gazing, always wearing some sort of shimmery nail polish, flowing dresses, wavy hair, the peace maker, the one to be called when something very specific is needed, butterflies, sparkling eyes, second chances.

Ingwë  —  bare feet on warm summer dirt, flower crowns slipping off heads after being flung back with laughter, mugs of too-sweet tea, sweet kisses, heart-wrenching poetry, pressed flowers, long hugs, warm and hazy afternoons, singing old songs, sunflowers, laughing till your chest hurts, bathing in sunlight, has the brightest smile ever seen, dried paint on their clothes, headbands and scrunches, fresh pancakes in the morning, stubborn but quick to learn, wanting to be on time and always a few minutes late, an artist's way of thinking, a journey of discovering one's passion.

Ilwen  —  the feeling of walking barefoot, inhaling the salty smell of the sea, forgetting about everything else but the fact that you are alive in that exact moment in the universe, grapes and oranges, the refreshing feeling of laying on the cold sand, complex architecture, busy markets filled with noises, the light swaying of a ship, sun-kissed skin, the smell of freshly baked bread at sunrise, drinking coffee under the warm morning sun, linen sheets, home-made jam, caring touches and warm smiles, looking for a shape in every cloud going by, simply enjoying the scenery, watches butterflies, drowsy days. 

Ingwion  —  dark brown eyes, apple cider, thunder, creaking doors, owning up to rare losses, not accepting the path already created, confidently moving, staying in the deep end of a pool, reserved laughter, reckless, somehow manages to stumble into opportunities whenever they need them, quite the expert at falling out of love, will not worry unnecessarily, not taking the word of strangers seriously, seems warm but surprisingly coldblooded, deadpan jokes, sees everything but speaks rarely, dark under-eyes, loves stormy nights, punches and bruised knuckles, surprises and laughter, long empty hallways, tight hugs.

Thingol  —  regal, attempting to remain calm while in pain, silver moonlight, a thin pane of glass between you and society, luminescence, corrupted kings, forced smiles, too much ambition, protective of their family, falling through the sky, sharp collar bones, lip biting, purposeful words spoken with a sharp tongue, black coffee, dangerously flashing eyes, dripping false smiles, talking to people they have never met before aggressively, not held back by wanting to be in control, hoping for your demise, viciously smiling at others innocence, craving to turn the knife in the wound, perfectionism.

Olwë  —  begging to fly, pebbles thrown into the sea, rain falling against your face, not knowing if you are alive or dead, fingers tracing the petals of a wilting flower, rejoicing in storms, losing reality, staring at the horizon, deep conversations, knowing looks, rather standing shoulder to shoulder with one of their own than with an outsider, living a solitary life, sleeping on the ground, carving their name into rocks, crashed and wrecked boats, smoke signals, a fear of confrontation, bruised knuckles, patiently waiting for their enemies unhappy ending, pretty smile concealing a savage nature, bad manners sometimes.

Elmo  —  faded sunsets, running wild in the mountains and plains, kissing their lover in uninterrupted nature, dim lights, diving deep into the ocean, heartbeat pounding against your chest, flowers blooming slowly, feeling like you were made for another world, flowers growing in your heart, the accidental brush of fingers with your lover, nervously running one hand through your hair, red cheeks, tenderness, falling in love with someone you don't even know yet, pink clouds, nervous fiddling, notebook pages full of rambling, moonlight, rainy days, dreamy eyes, healing people you love, curiosity, old folklore.