First I’m not going to say their real names so in age they will be called 3 6 7
My sisters son 3 told her he had been touched by his father I’m not sure if that’s enough though
the father had went to a special therapy thing (I forgot what it is called) for sexual addiction and I know he was addicted to porn (not sure what kind)
my niece who is 7 who knows what spanking is said he hit the boys (3 6) I think she could tell the difference though that was awhile ago and I don’t remember any bruises or anything.
3 is a very loud kid who likes to hit and spit people maybe it’s because his father’s actions
I also know the father had punched my brother for playing with 7 a little to rough (she was younger at the time) I’m not sure if that’s just a concerned father or someone with something wrong with them (my brother is a minor) so that doesn’t seem to stop him
sadly my sister can’t just keep their kids from away from him and 3 6 might be sleeping at their grandparents house tonight ( who are a little crazy) and that’s where the father is staying.
My sister tried to get child protection services to help but they need more evidence then a child saying that he was touched (also 3 told her this awhile ago)
I really just want to know if there is anything we can do. thank you for reading and I hope you have a good day

Dear Blake, I know what you’re thinking. Don’t do it. I’ve been with you here before, in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet, holding mom’s bottle of Ambian, and shaking, hesitating…just…just waiting to commit. You’re sad. I know it. Downright despaired! Nobody cares about you enough to notice anything’s wrong. They’re too busy with their own lives to give yours any credence. Honestly, they probably wouldn’t notice you were gone until you started to stink up the place. That’s why you’re in the bathroom. They have to go in there. They have to notice it’s locked. Eventually, they’ll get fed up with knocking and just bust it down, and right when they’re ready to deliver the lecture, BAM! There you are. Then they’ll know. No, that’s not it…You’re angry, filled from toes to nose to crown with boiling rage. How dare they treat you the way they do! You aren’t trying to be the center of the world, you don’t even care for attention all that much, but you’d at least like the option. Why don’t they drop in and ask if you want to do something or go somewhere. Sure, you usually say no, but what teenager doesn’t? It would be nice if they at least bothered to try. That’s what they’re supposed to do – try! But, no. The only time they talk to you is when you get a bad grade or they need to “correct” some stupid faux pas you made so they don’t look like complete idiots. No…that doesn’t seem right, either. You don’t know how you’re feeling, do you, Blake? That’s the problem. If you did, you might be able to follow through and take the pills. It’s not weakness, it’s confusion. If you’re going to commit to something so momentous, you may as well know why. I know why, Blake. I know exactly why, and I want to help you. You’re depressed, you just don’t know it, and you wouldn’t want to admit it if you did. That’s okay. Tell me if this sounds familiar: you’re hungry, angry, lonely, tired, and scared, all at the same time. And with it all, you don’t have the energy, much less the desire, to go anywhere, to break out of your bubble and interact in any meaningful way. You don’t feel like you’re worthy of it. How could you be? I’m in your head, Blake. You see your peers living it up and just owning who they are. Look at Brianna. She’s not the valedictorian, but she’s smart enough to be. She just knows there’s no reason. She dances, does community service, has a job, and tons of friends. With a resume like that, and the test scores she humble brags about, what school wouldn’t want her? And now look at you, a sniveling baby, sitting on a toilet, trying not to cry too loud while you shake and hold onto Mommy’s sleeping pills. But all right, it’s okay. Intelligence isn’t everything. You don’t need to be as driven as Brianna. You’d take being Jad. He’s so effortlessly good at the drums, and he’s just so confident in himself. The girls swoon over him, right? It’s a little weird, because, honestly, you don’t think that he’s all that good-looking. At the very least, he can’t be that much more attractive than you, can he? Yet, somehow, he always seems to be flanked by a bunch of thirsty girls while you awkwardly try to talk through messaging apps. They probably laugh at that, the girls. They laugh at your meek attempts to get their attention. You’d feel bad if they talked about you like that, but the sad truth is, not only do they not talk about you, they probably don’t even know who you are. It’s like all the shows and movies about the geeky loner who has greatness thrust upon him and all his fortunes turn around, except you are just utterly unremarkable as you sit on the toilet, trying not to cry too loud while you shake and hold onto Mommy’s sleeping pills. I know how you feel, Blake. I’ve thought these thoughts. I’ve been in the same cloud you have many times. That confusion, that hopelessness is overwhelming. Listen to me: there’s nothing wrong with you. These feelings, they’re not what you should be feeling, not what you deserve to feel, but they are normal, and they will pass. Take a deep breath, count to five, put the lid back on, put the bottle in the cabinet, and get out of that bathroom. I know it’s hard to believe, but high school will end, and with it all the drama and angst that goes with being a teenager. College will come and go even faster, and before long you’ll be out of the competition and into your own. Believe me, I know every adult you’ve ever met has told you the same thing. I know it’s hard for you to think that far ahead. I mean, if you want to get mathematical about it, I’ve lived through five years about seven times and you’ve lived through five years only three times. It’s a weird comparison, but think about what that means. Compared to me and other adults, time has to feel so long for you. Ten minutes for you is like five minutes for me…maybe that’s not true, but I think the spirit of it is close enough. The point is, no matter how bad you feel now, those feelings will go away with time. They’ll come back, but they aren’t the norm, and they aren’t your Fate. Somebody told me something once, I can’t remember who. Maybe I just heard it somewhere. Doesn’t matter. I’d like to share it with you, because I believe it. We are the sum of our choices. This, taking these pills, is a big choice, Blake. It’s more consequential than any other decision you’ve ever made. More importantly, Blake, once you make it, that’s it – you can’t undo it. We may make mistakes, and some of those mistakes will be really, really bad, but until we draw our last breaths, we have the chance to shift the balance of our decisions toward something we can take pride in. We can’t erase the mistakes, but we can do our best to own up to them, to seek redemption, and to help ourselves avoid making them again. Not with this, though. Worse, no matter what other good we’ve done in our lives, regardless of how we’re remembered, there’ll always be that horrible asterisk that outshines everything else. When people think our names, they’ll automatically think of the word – suicide. I won’t patronize and ask you if that’s really what you want, I know it’s not. It has to be said, though. It has to be said, Blake. But I know how this story ends, and I’m proud of you for it. More than that, I’m grateful. Choose differently now, and not only do you remove yourself, but you erase me, this letter, and everything else I love. It’s because of you that I’m here now, Blake. And, without going too deep into it, let me just say that all these things I’ve told you here, you’ll come to appreciate. You’re going to be okay, buddy. You’re going to be okay. It starts with making the right choice now, the healthy choice. Do yourself a favor, Blake. Put the cap back on, put the pills in the cabinet, get out of that bathroom, and go talk to someone. Talk to Mom. Talk to Dad. Talk to Jim. You don’t have to tell them, just talk to them. Remind yourself that there are people who love you. Remind yourself that the mean, evil thoughts in your head are your own insecurities trying to rile you up. Remind yourself that the stupid things people say to you in class or in the hallway are just dumb teenage drama, kids trying to get attention by being as wild, rebellious, and ridiculous as they can be. It’ll pass. You’ll learn to recognize those thoughts for what they are, to use them as motivation to be better. You’ll see those same bullies become kind and compassionate because they have children, and they recognize that there are people out there who act like they acted and they don’t want to see their child be treated the way they treated you. All the while, the people you love will still be there, same as ever, because they need you like you need them. Most importantly, nothing is forever, Blake, the bad or the good. Make the most with what you have. Ride out the bad because you know it will end. Appreciate the good because you never know how long it will last. Most of all, love yourself Blake. Put the cap on, put the pills away, and get out of that bathroom. Don’t lose sight of your hope for the future for traumas in your past. It’s easier said than done, I know, but, trust me, it’s worth the effort. I love you, Blake, and I’m grateful for you and all you do. Take care, buddy. Love, Blake

Dear Blake, I know what you’re thinking. Don’t do it. I’ve been with you here before, in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet, holding mom’s bottle of Ambian, and shaking, hesitating…just…just waiting to commit. You’re sad. I know it. Downright despaired! Nobody cares about you enough to notice anything’s wrong. They’re too busy with their own lives to give yours any credence. Honestly, they probably wouldn’t notice you were gone until you started to stink up the place. That’s why you’re in the bathroom. They have to go in there. They have to notice it’s locked. Eventually, they’ll get fed up with knocking and just bust it down, and right when they’re ready to deliver the lecture, BAM! There you are. Then they’ll know. No, that’s not it…You’re angry, filled from toes to nose to crown with boiling rage. How dare they treat you the way they do! You aren’t trying to be the center of the world, you don’t even care for attention all that much, but you’d at least like the option. Why don’t they drop in and ask if you want to do something or go somewhere. Sure, you usually say no, but what teenager doesn’t? It would be nice if they at least bothered to try. That’s what they’re supposed to do – try! But, no. The only time they talk to you is when you get a bad grade or they need to “correct” some stupid faux pas you made so they don’t look like complete idiots. No…that doesn’t seem right, either. You don’t know how you’re feeling, do you, Blake? That’s the problem. If you did, you might be able to follow through and take the pills. It’s not weakness, it’s confusion. If you’re going to commit to something so momentous, you may as well know why. I know why, Blake. I know exactly why, and I want to help you. You’re depressed, you just don’t know it, and you wouldn’t want to admit it if you did. That’s okay. Tell me if this sounds familiar: you’re hungry, angry, lonely, tired, and scared, all at the same time. And with it all, you don’t have the energy, much less the desire, to go anywhere, to break out of your bubble and interact in any meaningful way. You don’t feel like you’re worthy of it. How could you be? I’m in your head, Blake. You see your peers living it up and just owning who they are. Look at Brianna. She’s not the valedictorian, but she’s smart enough to be. She just knows there’s no reason. She dances, does community service, has a job, and tons of friends. With a resume like that, and the test scores she humble brags about, what school wouldn’t want her? And now look at you, a sniveling baby, sitting on a toilet, trying not to cry too loud while you shake and hold onto Mommy’s sleeping pills. But all right, it’s okay. Intelligence isn’t everything. You don’t need to be as driven as Brianna. You’d take being Jad. He’s so effortlessly good at the drums, and he’s just so confident in himself. The girls swoon over him, right? It’s a little weird, because, honestly, you don’t think that he’s all that good-looking. At the very least, he can’t be that much more attractive than you, can he? Yet, somehow, he always seems to be flanked by a bunch of thirsty girls while you awkwardly try to talk through messaging apps. They probably laugh at that, the girls. They laugh at your meek attempts to get their attention. You’d feel bad if they talked about you like that, but the sad truth is, not only do they not talk about you, they probably don’t even know who you are. It’s like all the shows and movies about the geeky loner who has greatness thrust upon him and all his fortunes turn around, except you are just utterly unremarkable as you sit on the toilet, trying not to cry too loud while you shake and hold onto Mommy’s sleeping pills. I know how you feel, Blake. I’ve thought these thoughts. I’ve been in the same cloud you have many times. That confusion, that hopelessness is overwhelming. Listen to me: there’s nothing wrong with you. These feelings, they’re not what you should be feeling, not what you deserve to feel, but they are normal, and they will pass. Take a deep breath, count to five, put the lid back on, put the bottle in the cabinet, and get out of that bathroom. I know it’s hard to believe, but high school will end, and with it all the drama and angst that goes with being a teenager. College will come and go even faster, and before long you’ll be out of the competition and into your own. Believe me, I know every adult you’ve ever met has told you the same thing. I know it’s hard for you to think that far ahead. I mean, if you want to get mathematical about it, I’ve lived through five years about seven times and you’ve lived through five years only three times. It’s a weird comparison, but think about what that means. Compared to me and other adults, time has to feel so long for you. Ten minutes for you is like five minutes for me…maybe that’s not true, but I think the spirit of it is close enough. The point is, no matter how bad you feel now, those feelings will go away with time. They’ll come back, but they aren’t the norm, and they aren’t your Fate. Somebody told me something once, I can’t remember who. Maybe I just heard it somewhere. Doesn’t matter. I’d like to share it with you, because I believe it. We are the sum of our choices. This, taking these pills, is a big choice, Blake. It’s more consequential than any other decision you’ve ever made. More importantly, Blake, once you make it, that’s it – you can’t undo it. We may make mistakes, and some of those mistakes will be really, really bad, but until we draw our last breaths, we have the chance to shift the balance of our decisions toward something we can take pride in. We can’t erase the mistakes, but we can do our best to own up to them, to seek redemption, and to help ourselves avoid making them again. Not with this, though. Worse, no matter what other good we’ve done in our lives, regardless of how we’re remembered, there’ll always be that horrible asterisk that outshines everything else. When people think our names, they’ll automatically think of the word – suicide. I won’t patronize and ask you if that’s really what you want, I know it’s not. It has to be said, though. It has to be said, Blake. But I know how this story ends, and I’m proud of you for it. More than that, I’m grateful. Choose differently now, and not only do you remove yourself, but you erase me, this letter, and everything else I love. It’s because of you that I’m here now, Blake. And, without going too deep into it, let me just say that all these things I’ve told you here, you’ll come to appreciate. You’re going to be okay, buddy. You’re going to be okay. It starts with making the right choice now, the healthy choice. Do yourself a favor, Blake. Put the cap back on, put the pills in the cabinet, get out of that bathroom, and go talk to someone. Talk to Mom. Talk to Dad. Talk to Jim. You don’t have to tell them, just talk to them. Remind yourself that there are people who love you. Remind yourself that the mean, evil thoughts in your head are your own insecurities trying to rile you up. Remind yourself that the stupid things people say to you in class or in the hallway are just dumb teenage drama, kids trying to get attention by being as wild, rebellious, and ridiculous as they can be. It’ll pass. You’ll learn to recognize those thoughts for what they are, to use them as motivation to be better. You’ll see those same bullies become kind and compassionate because they have children, and they recognize that there are people out there who act like they acted and they don’t want to see their child be treated the way they treated you. All the while, the people you love will still be there, same as ever, because they need you like you need them. Most importantly, nothing is forever, Blake, the bad or the good. Make the most with what you have. Ride out the bad because you know it will end. Appreciate the good because you never know how long it will last. Most of all, love yourself Blake. Put the cap on, put the pills away, and get out of that bathroom. Don’t lose sight of your hope for the future for traumas in your past. It’s easier said than done, I know, but, trust me, it’s worth the effort. I love you, Blake, and I’m grateful for you and all you do. Take care, buddy. Love, Blake

Are you a music enthusiast ready to turn your passion into a reality? Setting up a home recording studio is your gateway to producing high-quality tracks without leaving the comfort of your own space. Whether you're an aspiring artist, producer, or podcaster, this ultimate guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the essential equipment to optimizing your studio's acoustics.
Setting up a home recording studio opens doors to endless creative possibilities. But where do you start? Let's dive into the process of transforming your space into a haven for musical expression.

Choosing the Right Space

Selecting an ideal room for your studio is crucial. Look for a dedicated area with minimal external noise and sufficient space for your equipment and creativity to thrive. Keep in mind the importance of natural light and ventilation.
Consider the size of the room and the layout of your equipment. You want to ensure that there is enough space for your recording gear, instruments, and any additional furniture or accessories you may need. It's also important to take into account the room's shape and dimensions, as these can affect the acoustics of your recordings.

Essential Recording Equipment

To kick-start your home recording studio, you'll need a few key essentials. Here's a list of must-have equipment to get you started:
EquipmentDescriptionDigital Audio Workstation (DAW)Software for recording, editing, and mixing audioAudio InterfaceConnects your instruments and microphones to your computerMicrophonesCapture vocals, instruments, and various audio sourcesStudio MonitorsHigh-quality speakers for accurate sound reproductionHeadphonesEssential for monitoring and detailed audio analysis

Acoustic Treatment for Optimal Sound

Achieving excellent sound quality requires proper acoustic treatment. Consider the following techniques to optimize your studio's acoustics:

• Bass Traps: Minimize low-frequency resonances and echoes.
• Diffusers: Scatter sound reflections for a balanced audio environment.
• Absorption Panels: Reduce excessive reverberations and echo.
• Reflection Filters: Enhance vocal recordings by minimizing room reflections.

Setting Up Your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

Your digital audio workstation (DAW) is the heart of your home studio. Here are the steps to get you up and running:

1. Choose a DAW: Popular options include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools.
2. Install the Software: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up your chosen DAW.
3. Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the interface, navigation, and basic recording/editing functions.
4. Explore Plugins: Enhance your sound with a variety of plugins, including EQ, compression, and reverb.

Microphone Selection and Techniques

Choosing the right microphone and employing proper techniques are vital for capturing clear and professional-sounding recordings. Consider the following options:

• Condenser Microphones: Ideal for studio vocals and acoustic instruments.
• Dynamic Microphones: Suited for loud sources and live performances.
• Stereo Microphones: Perfect for capturing ambient sounds and spacious recordings.

Experiment with microphone placement and distance to find the sweet spot for each source.

Studio Monitors: Your Ears' Best Friend

Investing in high-quality studio monitors ensures accurate playback and reliable mixing decisions. Consider these factors when selecting your monitors:

• Frequency Response: Choose monitors with a balanced frequency range.
• Nearfield vs. Midfield: Nearfield monitors are suitable for smaller rooms, while midfield monitors excel in larger spaces.
• Placement: Position the monitors at an equal distance from each other and form an equilateral triangle with your listening position.

The Power of MIDI Controllers

MIDI controllers unlock endless possibilities for creative expression and control over your virtual instruments. Here are some popular MIDI devices:

• Keyboard Controllers: Mimic the feel and functionality of traditional pianos.
• Pad Controllers: Ideal for programming drum patterns and triggering samples.
• Control Surfaces: Provide tactile control over your DAW's mixing and editing functions.

Enhancing Your Sounds with Sample Libraries

Sample libraries offer a vast collection of pre-recorded sounds and instruments to elevate your productions. Explore popular options like Native Instruments Kontakt, Spectrasonics Omnisphere, and Spitfire Audio.
These libraries contain a wide range of virtual instruments, including pianos, strings, brass, drums, and synthesizers. They often feature meticulously recorded samples that can be played and manipulated within your DAW. Use these samples to add depth, texture, and realism to your compositions.

Ergonomic Studio Furniture: Comfort and Productivity

Designing an ergonomic workspace is essential for long hours of productive work. Consider the following studio furniture options:

• Studio Desk: Choose a sturdy desk with ample space for your equipment and proper cable management.
• Studio Chair: Opt for a comfortable chair that supports good posture during long recording and mixing sessions.
• Equipment Racks: Keep your gear organized and easily accessible with dedicated equipment racks.

Soundproofing Solutions for a Quieter Space

Minimizing external noise is crucial for achieving professional-quality recordings. Here are some effective soundproofing solutions:

• Sealing Gaps: Use weatherstripping or acoustic sealant to seal gaps around doors and windows.
• Acoustic Curtains: Hang heavy curtains to absorb sound reflections and reduce outside noise.
• Isolation Pads: Place isolation pads under your studio monitors and subwoofer to minimize vibrations.

Mixing Techniques for Pro-Level Audio

Mastering essential mixing techniques will take your productions to the next level. Consider these tips:

• Gain Staging: Maintain proper levels throughout your mix to prevent distortion and clipping.
• EQ and Compression: Shape your sounds with equalization and dynamic processing.
• Panning: Position elements within the stereo field for a balanced and immersive listening experience.
• Reverb and Delay: Create depth and ambiance with carefully applied reverbs and delays.

Mastering Tips: Polish Your Productions

Mastering is the final step in the production process. Use these tips to enhance the overall sound of your tracks:

• Volume Balancing: Ensure consistent volume levels across all tracks.
• Stereo Widening: Enhance the stereo image without compromising mono compatibility.
• Multiband Compression: Tame dynamics and add glue to your mix with multiband compression.
• Limiting: Apply subtle limiting to achieve a competitive loudness without sacrificing dynamics.

Wrapping Up: Your Dream Home Studio Awaits!

Congratulations! Armed with the knowledge from this ultimate guide, you're now well-equipped to set up your own home recording studio. Embrace your creativity, experiment with techniques, and let your passion for music drive you forward. Your dream studio is just a few steps away!
Now, start turning your musical visions into reality with the power of your own home recording studio. Get ready to create, produce, and share your unique sounds with the world.
To read the expanded version of this article, click: The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Your Home Recording Studio at TrackinSolo.com

I love this mod and the vibrant setting that it depicts, but I have a bone to pick with Ravelianism. Every time it spawns, I lose interest in my run, at least if I'm playing in Cannor or Aelantir.
Why? Because it feels jarring and out of place. As a concept—it feels solidly like something that could exist in the setting! However, the implementation falls flat for a number of reasons:
1) Realism:
Ravelianism is a monotheistic religion, and the primary religion it seeks to replace is a polytheistic decentralized religion. As such, it might be tempting to compare it to Christianity or Islam, both of which are religions that spread like wildfire and easily swept paganism aside.
However. Ravelianism doesn't really resemble either of those religions. Firstly: it offers no cult of salvation, which is a major part of what makes things like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism appealing, and allowed them to overtake various indigenous religious practices. There's no hellfire-and-brimstone ultimatum of heaven or hell. No hook to make it appeal to the common folk.
To make matters worse, it's a secretive mystery religion, that keeps it's most important teachings closely guarded within it's hierarchy. It's a religion of academics, scholars, and mystics, truth-seekers in white towers debating high-level metaphysics.
As such, it really resembles Mithraism or Gnosticism more than it does Christianity or Islam. It's a religion for the cities, for the educated, for the literate. A religion that literally spreads via a secret society of Not-Freemasons.
SO. The fact that almost every country in Cannor or Aelantir ends up with dozens of Ravelian societies, and thus a Ravelian majority after the event fires, is nonsensical. It should be restricted to urban, literate areas where it's message could reasonably spread. Ynnic cowboys and Gawedi peasants and Grombari orcs who have barely left behind the warband lifestyle should not convert to Ravelianism.
Not as part of the initial society chapter -> Ravelian church event, anyway. Maybe Ravelian nations can send missionaries to the frontier after they've established control over the more urban nations, but having it just happen overnight is putting the cart before the horse.
Even religions like Christianity, which did offer promises of salvation and which did start as a grassroots movement amongst the common people still took centuries to become the dominant faith of the Roman Empire. Ravelianism just Thanos-snapping through that process is lazy.
2) Gameplay (and a 'vanilla-like' experience)
Anbennar ostensibly avoids non-vanilla-like mechanics as much as possible, and tries to be 'EU4 fantasy edition.' To put it bluntly, having halfof the world convert to a new religion overnight is not vanilla like in the slightest.
Religion is supposed to be something you manage carefully in EU4. Even the reformation has visible centers that you can combat or take advantage of, as you wish, and spreads in a way that's semi-predictable.
Ravelianism just springs up like a weed and usually gobbles up the entirety of Aelantir, because the AI is dumb and doesn't have meta-knowledge, and just puts Ravelian Society chapters literally everywhere.
It feels bad to watch the religious map that's been evolving over centuries get blown into insane black-and-white bordergore. Oftentimes, it manages to even hit countries like the Fey Orcs or Corintar where their religion is the core of their national identity.
3) Thematics
Anbennar is supposed to be, from my understanding, an analysis of what the technological innovations of the Early Modern Era (especially Black Powder) would do to a typical fantasy world. That was the sales pitch that JayBean put into the project when he started, at any rate!
For that project to work, the world has to be, at baseline, a somewhat standard fantasy setting; and standard fantasy settings are religiously diverse and dominated primarily by polytheistic faiths.
Even worlds like ASOIAF, where Monotheism exists, rarely depict polytheism getting completely stamped out in favor of a 'One God, One Faith' religion. Having people worship a wide pantheon of gods is, frankly, one of the core tropes of fantasy as a genre.
As such, it feels reeeeeeally weird that Ravelianism 'wins' 9/10 times in Anbennar. It should be fighting an uphill battle, trying to win the hearts and minds of people who live for centuries and who have seen Corin, Dookanson, the Khet, demons, spirits, (and more) with their own eyes into believing that the world was actually created by an inscrutable talking cube.
Conclusion—What would I change?
I would prevent, or highly restrict, the spawning of Ravelian chapters in Escann and Aelantir. Possibly limit them to spawning only in provinces with the 'urban' terrain in those regions? I think it's fine having it be a little more lax in Western Cannor, though I still think low-dev rural provinces shouldn't get chapters.
I have no issue with it spawning like wildfire in the EOA and in Noruin, given that the former is an highly urbanized intellectual center and the latter is the heart of the study of precursor history, but I don't think that you should be able to get Ravelian chapters in places like Marhold or the Ynn or the middle of the freaking leechdens.
Just my 2c, feel free to disagree, but I think Ravelianism works best as an urban religion favored by the forward-thinking OPMs, free-cities, and duchies of the EOA, rather than being a coat of black paint that gets splattered across Cannor like a Pollock painting.

Please don't come for me, I'm genuinely curious😅
So, I was wondering about dreams and if it's possible that they are like our door to alt universes/realities? I'm not even sure if this is making sense at all, I'm horrible with being able to get my thoughts into words.
So, example, 2014/2015 I had a dream about Gerard Way, and in my dream I asked him about Umbrella Academy, pretty much if it was always going to stay a comic or become a show, and he said that he was thinking he was gonna keep it as it was, but would see what happens in the future. Now, it's a show on Netflix.
Back when I was 18, I had a dream about my husband, I never saw his face, but I knew it was him. Obviously, as time went on I forgot about the dream, until that moment I dreamt about happened.
Last night, I had a dream, and I woke up this morning, it was fuzzy and I don't remember what happened, but I remember the feeling I had from my dream. I'm willing to accept that it might have been influenced by watching spn before I fell asleep to Howl's Moving Castle, but I'm curious... What if it wasn't? What if that universe/reality exists? Is it possible that when we sleep, the veil of the alt universes/realities are lowered? Again, I don't know if this will make sense, but I'm trying to get my thoughts out as best as I can.
It's strange for me about last night's dream, because that same day, or the day before, I was feeling frustrated, and literally said out loud to myself that if there was a day to fall into an alt universes, preferably the Supernatural universe and hang out with Sam and Dean, that would be the day for it. I said it while feeling overwhelmed, and I truly meant it at the time I said it, so is it just the influence of the TV when I fell asleep, or is it possible the universe said "hold my beer"? Am I going nuts? Or is it simply wishful thinking? I'm desperately trying to make sense of all of it, and I feel like maybe I am crazy, because it's so hard for me to understand or explain.
I want to point out that my familiarity with stuff of this nature is literally the extent of the show Supernatural, which means I have no clue about any of this, but I'm curious and would love to learn🥹

Tyler
Cassie had taken over the discussion from there on, entering the formal interview stage of the chat with Miu'Kin, as was her right as first wife. She was the arbiter in the end, and she had a veto that Miu'Kin needed to clear before she could get the thumbs up or down from Tyler to formally join the marriage. Cassie didn't give the other woman any slack either, she might not be a warrior, but a mother needed her own kind of spine, and even with Nara on hand, Cassie wanted to make sure the children were safe with Miu'Kin as a guardian too.
"What would you do if there was a threat to the children while the rest of us are away Miu'Kin?" Cassie asks, close to the end of her intended questions.
None of them had expected Miu'Kin's eyes to blaze.
"A threat? To the children! What kind? I might not be a battle princess but by the goddess's shell I won't-" Miu'Kin stops, a small jet of flame coming from her nostrils. "Err.. I uhm. I'm sorry. I get... passionate about protecting those who can't protect themselves. My first year working in a daycare, someone who claimed to be an Orega Girl tried to kidnap one of my charges, a sweet little boy... I uh. Killed her with my bare hands. I don't remember it. I saw red, forced her outside, sealed the nursery and triggered an alarm and then proceeded to beat her into a paste. I don't remember any of it, but I uh... apparently finished her off beating her with her own arm after ripping it off. No one's ever threatened the children of that nursery again and I haven't worked there in over a decade."
Matroika leans in. "...I want to call bullshit so badly, but you're such a sweetheart I actually believe you."
"It was in the news a whole bunch. My name was redacted because of the possible organized crime angle, to try to prevent retaliation, but you should be able to search Heart Shell Nursery kidnapping attempt or something similar and it'll pop up."
"I'm on it girls."
Tyler pulls out his communicator and does a little search, and sure enough, exactly as Miu'Kin had described it. He quickly passes his communicator around, letting the girls all look for themselves.
"Well I'll be damned!" Matroika looks up from Tyler's communicator, clearly reassessing the other woman. "For such a demure gal, seems like you can bring that Apuk fire when it counts. She's got my vote girls. Seems like a perfect fit to me!"
Cassie coughs delicately into her hand. "I didn't realize we were at the voting stage yet, but I suppose we can have the discussion now."
Miu'Kin moves to stand. "Would you like me to wait outside the privacy field?"
Cassie shakes her head and motions her to sit down. "No, unless one of the others would like to you, I don't think that's necessary. Nara?"
Nara makes a show of considering things for a few moments. "I say yes to welcoming Miu'Kin as our new sister."
Cassie looks to Elyria. "What about you Elyria?"
"I say yes! Miu'Kin's a sweetheart and she can protect the children with all that Apuk ferocity where it counts? Sounds perfect for us." Elyria beams over at the other woman.
Cassie nods. "Well I see no reason to dissent from my sisters, I say yes. I think Miu'Kin will be a fine addition to our family. Tyler?"
All eyes now focus on Tyler who strokes his chin for a moment before smiling over at the lovely redhead, putting a shiver down her spine.
"I don't see why not. Miu'Kin, would you do me the honor of marrying me?"
To her credit, Miu'Kin, clearly a bit over stimulated, manages to squeak out a "Yes!" before she passes out, thankfully being caught by Matroika before she can hit the table.
"Heh, guess she got a little overexcited, not that I can blame her, getting to marry our hubby should be exciting!"
Caring Conquests apparently had people pass out frequently enough that a nurse was kept on staff, and Miu'Kin's back on her feet before too long, the shy beauty boldly taking Tyler's hand and nearly passing out again as the Sarkins head down to Caring Conquests' legal office and sit through another intense round of paperwork. True to Bey'Tor's word, the second round of Miu'Kin's fees for the matchmaking service are waived, and in what felt like no time at all, the Sarkins, plus one redhead, are standing on the sidewalk in the warm sunshine of a late morning on Serbow.
Tyler stretches before taking Miu'Kin's hand again. He'd decided that since it was theoretically her wedding day, he'd be giving her some special attention above and beyond what he tried to normally give his wives. They'd do a ceremony with the skipper back on the Tear of course, but for now... he gives Miu'Kin's hand a squeeze, savoring the warmth radiating from her as she looks over at him with a shy smile, clearly doing her best to suppress just how giddy she is about the whole thing.
"So Miu'Kin, since you're local to the capital, care to give us the tour?"
"I... I can do that! Yes! I'd love to! Anywhere in particular that any of you would like to go?"
Tyler pulls his communicator out. "Well we have a list we can go through and you can tell us what you-"
"Hey sir!"
Tyler looks up at a distinctly male voice calling out to him and finds a small group of Marines and sailors, many of them with their spouses, disembarking off an airbus. The man who'd called out to him, one of the senior petty officers from the squadron, races up and visibly resists saluting Tyler since they're out of uniform for once.
"What's up Petty Officer Tywin? Seems like quite a crowd."
Petty Officer First Class Scott Tywin nods. "Some of it's intentional, some of it's happenstance... this ad for this matchmaking service got sent out across the comm net an hour ago and a lot of us had been talking about adding Apuk gals to the family... hard to beat Caring Conquest's reputation from checking their reviews, a discount's just icing on the cake. We're also here to support Mark."
Tywin points to a man that Tyler recognizes as Mark "Tiger" Ayako, a Marine NCO and naval aircrewman.
"Oh? What's going on with Staff Sergeant Ayako?"
Tywin grins just as wide as he can. "Mark fell in love with the Apuk at first sight. Hell, at first description. Then he did some research and that was it. So we're something of a bachelor party and escort to make some Apuk girls extremely happy today. Not sure if they can shake out a battle princess from this joint, but I'm sure Mark would make any Apuk gal they match him with feel like a queen regardless."
"Hah." Tyler can't hold the laugh back. "How many girls is he intending to marry?"
"As many matches as come back good really. Plus one or two. There's a couple gals back on the Tear waiting for the Apuk to soften Mark up a bit before making their move themselves. So what brings you out here si- Oh."
Tywin looks twice at Miu'Kin and realizes it's not Nara or one of the other Sarkin girls.
"I take it you're a happy customer sir?"
"Something like that Tywin. This is Miu'Kin, my new wife."
Tywin nods cordially to Miu'Kin. "Pleasure to meet you ma'am, and congratulations to both of you on your wedding."
Miu'Kin bows her head slightly to Tywin, but keeps her peace, trying to hide a sudden bout of shyness beneath demure good manners, something Tyler suspects is part of her normal coping strategies.
Tywin looks over his shoulder at the group heading towards Caring Conquests, there was a small group of women lagging behind who were clearly Tywin’s own wives.
"Alright, gotta get back to the family! Enjoy the rest of your day boss!"
And in a flash the last of the small mob of Marines and sailors are inside as Tyler grins like a maniac.
"Hell just off that crowd I bet I'm going to get a very happy text from Bey'Tor. Seems like you're not the only happy blushing bride in the Capital city today Miu'Kin... and seems like the Tear is going to be getting a strong Apuk expat population."
Cassie chuckles into her wing. "At the rate things are going, Apuk might even equal or out number the Horchka. An interesting development for sure. Now... where should we be off to? Perhaps we could do a little shopping as well, to help Miu'Kin prepare for her move up to the Tear?"
Miu'Kin nods eagerly. "Oh that would be really lovely of you! I would quite enjoy company as I shop... and I must say I've ah. Never been to space before. Never mind made an extended trip to deep space or anything like that. So any of your experience you'd be willing to share with me, I'd greatly appreciate it."
"Of course, that's what family's for!" Cassie answers for the group, flexing her wings a bit and letting herself stretch, unintentionally emphasizing her gravid stomach... which lets loose a growl worthy of a grizzly bear. A blushing Cassie rests a hand on her stomach. "Oh dear. Seems I'm a bit peckish. Please excuse me."
Tyler shakes his head. "We haven't eaten anything but some snacks since this morning and you're eating for three dear, maybe we should all get some lunch. Miu'Kin? Care to recommend a local place?"
"Of course! One of my favorite places is actually nearby!"
Miu'Kin happily trots along, hand in hand with Tyler, and eventually points over at a building in the distance.
"That's the place!"
"Huh!" Tyler peers a bit closer with an axiom boost to his vision. "Well I'll be damned, looks like a tavern straight out of a roleplaying game mixed with a greasy spoon diner from back home. I love the look, the Apuk really nail some aesthetics that really appeal to me. That said... I can't read Cindertongue, Miu'Kin, what's the name of this place?"
"Oh! Sorry! It's 'Flame Charred With Love: Apuk Family Style Dining'!"
That got everyone's attention.
Cassie's wings ruffle just a bit. "Apuk family style cuisine? Ooh! That sounds lovely. As a fellow carnivore I know I enjoy Apuk food."
"Hell I'm down for any kind of home cooking. Nara says she isn't much of a cook but I've devoured every Apuk dish she's made me." Tyler notes, remembering some excellent meals.
"Bit rich for us omnivores sometimes, but I suppose that's what making a salad back in orbit is for." Matroika chuckles.
"Four carnivores in the family does make life hard when you like vegetables as more than a garnish, you're not wrong, darling."
Miu'Kin nods. "Well I'm a pretty good cook! I even know how to cook with vegetables. Just give me your favorite recipes! Between Nara and I we'll keep everyone fed! I think you'll like this place though, it's Apuk home cooking just like Mama..."
Miu'Kin freezes dead in her tracks as she reaches for the door.
"...Oh no."
"What's wrong, honey?"
The term of endearment melts Miu'Kin just a bit as she tries to compose herself.
"I eat here so often that I kinda spaced why I eat here. My uh. My mother owns this place, she's usually on shift. Some of my sisters and other mothers work here too, you could call it a family business. Working at the diner as a waitress was my first job."
Tyler shrugs. "So? This is good, I was hoping to get a chance to meet your mother at least before we left the planet."
"Sure, but I just... it. Okay. If you're sure. It can. Family."
Miu'Kin looks into Tyler's eyes, and finding only reassurance and a smile there, takes a second to steel herself and pushes through the heavy wooden door to the jingle of a bell.
"Come on in folks, we got a table ready just for you!"
An older Apuk woman with silver in her red hair and smile lines carved into her caramel skin calls out from where she's tending a spit in the middle of the mostly open kitchen, a smile on her face big enough that you could probably see it from orbit if she went outside. Then she actually looks to see who had just come through her door.
"Oh! Hey sweetie! Who are your fri-" The woman, Miu'Kin's mother it seemed, eyes actually focus on Tyler properly now, and drop down to where Miu'Kin's still firmly holding Tyler's hand. "-riends?"
Miu'Kin swallows loudly. "Uhm, Mom. This is my new husband, Tyler, and his other wives."
For a second. One brief second. Every noise in the restaurant ceased.
The live fish in the tank, clearly marked as food, stopped moving.
A waitress nearly dropped a plate.
Diners looked up from the booths.
Deeper in the kitchen, a few other older Apuk women, presumably sister wives or sisters of Miu'Kin's mother, all stick their heads out to see what in the shell is happening.
Then all hell breaks loose in the way only a family with up to a hundred odd mothers-in-law can.
First Last

Nothing is intentional, it all dies, and ultimately, nothing will matter.
Here we are, just monkeys clinging to a ball of dirt being hurtled through a universe so vast that we might as well be a grain of dust between beach sand. No purpose, no reason, no long-term expectations... We are not guided to a fate. We are not entitled to anything. No one is keeping score of anything we do.
We. Do. Not. Matter... and within that is true freedom.
Here we are. Flecks of nothing, gazing into all of existence with nothing to do but experience it until oblivion returns us to nothing. What a powerful thing that can be to accept you are part of an eternal nothing that is taking a break to be something.
Fireworks are loud, violent, and short-lived. No one really thinks about them once the smoke has cleared until the next event comes around. Yet, everyone takes notice of them when they are happening. We see the explosion of light, we hear the crackles and whistles as the vibrations boom in our chests. For better or worse, everyone takes notice of Fireworks.
People and Fireworks, man... they don't last long but what a sight to behold. What a boom. What a show.
It's OK to enjoy the show even if it doesn't matter. Hell, it's even easier because you have no part to play but observer. So relax. Enjoy the show because when it's over, you don't get to see another one.
So, what are you going to do? How are you going to live? Are you going to get what you want while you want it, or just get old and die?

Hi I need advice with my reactive dog. We live in appartement building downtown and my dog is reactive to a lot of things. Every time someone walks by our door he growls and barks especially at night unless he’s fully asleep. When I take him down the elevator for a walk I’m terrified of running into another dog (there are a lot) as he goes crazy when we’re near another one. I’ve had him for a year now and he still pulls hard which on top of everything makes it hard for me to give him enough exercise and I feel extremely bad. What should I do? Is he in the wrong environment? I feel like I’m failing him..
Edit:I’m planning on getting him neutered in a month and the vet said it might release some of his sexual tension but I’m not sure it’ll fix everything

I had a hell of a night last night. I live in a a luxury apartment complex and around 8pm I noticed that there was a huge party going on at our shared outdoor pool (we’re talking like 200-ish people, way over the capacity for this pool area) and some reports on local crime twitter pages noted that it was specifically a gang related party since apparently, unbeknown to me until now, several gang members live in my apartment complex.
Anyway, At around 10:30pm there clearly was an argument (learned this later from police) and then a bunch of gunfire broke out. My back patio window door was shot and shattered and the bullet flew threw my kitchen past my head. It was obviously scary as FUCK and extremely jarring and luckily I wasn’t injured at all but just a bit shaken up. Of course I called 911 and the cops came and scoped it out. Obviously, I want to move (should note that hasn’t been the first incident, there have been loud tenants and tons of crimes popping off on the citizen app in recent months) but since I was literally shot at this time, it feels like a a final straw. The police did say some interesting things that I’d be curious to y’all’s thoughts on that I’ll detail below. My main goal is to move out of here ASAP (my lease ends in september), but given recent circumstances, I want to break it early and I want to know if it’s possible. Here’s what I got.

1. This link here shows the broken glass patio door both last night and this morning (and a random shot of the bullet as well if you’re curious lol). After calling 911, I immediately called my complex’s emergency maintenance line to get it fixed since right now it’s a huge hole to outside (no answer from them), I then tried our complex’s security line (no answer) and my building manager (no answer). I then wrote up an email with photos explaining the situation and sent it to everyone I could think of from my apartments team, and, almost 24 hours later, they have simply not responded at all. I went to the front desk to try to talk to someone and no one was there. I also filed a maintenance request through the non-emergency line as a backup which also has had no answer or response as of now. Today I’ve been calling those same numbers again to no avail, and have been completely ignored. So for the past 24 hours I’ve been forced to live with a giant glass hole from the outside in my apartment and the building will not respond to me in anyway. When the cops came last night I asked if they could help me board it up and they said only my apartment manager can do that, and since they wouldn’t respond to any of my calls or emails, I was just shit outta luck, which seems crazy to me. So here I am with a giant hole in my apartment. Because of the holiday weekend, I’m struggling to find someone to fix it personally (even though that normally shouldn’t be my concern, but obviously its dangerous just having this hole here so if I could I’d figure it out and expense the building) Does this clear lack of response from them help my case at all?
2. The police officer claimed that this event would be categorized as a “2nd Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon” since I was technically shot at (though indirectly) by another tenant, and that’s what the police report will say, which he claimed that IS grounds to break a lease and sort of compared to to a domestic abuse-like situation which obviously would be ideal but all my research I’ve done online since seems to point to that maybe not being true? I’m kinda having the sinking feeling he doesn’t know exactly what he’s talking about but y’all might know more.
3. Does the fact that the perpetrators were both tenants and gang members (confirmed to me by the police in both instances) help my case against my apartment since it’s proving a form of negligence on their part that the building isn’t properly vetting their own tenants at all?
4. Does the fact that the apartment security did nothing to stop this massive 200 person party filled with unsavory characters help my case at all?
5. Can my building really directly ignore my requests for this long to such a clear and inhabitable issue and just leave me having to deal with the bullet hole for a full 24 hours now? (and counting, I’m assuming they aren’t responding because of the holiday weekend so I MAYBE can expect a call from them on tuesday at the earliest now? Meaning, by that point, the massive bullet hole will have sat completely exposed to outside for a total of three days)

Any help from here would massively appreciated on where I would stand legally in an instance like this and where my landlord stands legally.

Orion

Class: Archer True Name: Orion Gender: Male Source: Greek mythology Region: Greece Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Height: 230cm Weight: 187kg
 

Parameters	Rank
Strength	A
Endurance	A
Agility	B+
Mana	C
Luck	A
Noble Phantasm	EX

 
Scenario writer: Yuuichiro Higashide Character illustrator: I-IV CV: Canna Nobutoshi
Main appearances: Fate/Grand Order
 

Class Skills

Independent Action: EX Earned for qualifying for Grand Archer.
 
Blessing of the Sea God: B A subspecies skill of Divinity. Enables him to walk on water as well as remain underwater indefinitely. He can also make it rain at will, and Orion used this skill mainly to try to charm the ladies, saying things like, “The rain makes a normally cheery man seem like he's crying.” (This turns out not to have been a particularly effective tactic.)
 
Curse of Scorpio: D One of Orion’s many causes of death. He hates scorpions so much that the constellation Orion retreats whenever Scorpio approaches it in the sky.
 

Personal Skills

Pressure of the Moon Goddess: EX Heavy pressure that Orion receives in the name of affection from his lover(?) Artemis. The tremendous pressure buffs Orion, enhancing his physique. All stats rank up, including magical energy and LUK. His STR is doubled.
 
Stout Arm of Brutality: B+ Orion had powerful arms. So strong were his arms that he is said to have strangled a lion with them. Even demonic beings and Phantasmal Beasts flee in terror of his brute strength. Tearing coins in two is a cakewalk for him, and a blow from him is capable of shattering Cerberus' forehead. His strength is truly peerless.
 
Tri-Star Archer: A+ As he was touted to be the greatest hunter in Greece, combined with Artemis' blessing, his skill is said to be the very best on Earth. By gaining his constellation's legend of the three stars (the Tri-Star), he has gained powerful archery skills that overwhelm even other heroes from different ages.
But...there is one fatal flaw to this skill. It is that those who are beloved of the stars are also beloved of the gods (especially goddesses). Thus, his fate may have already been sealed at that point...point...point... (echoes)
 

Noble Phantasm

Innocent Affections of the Moon Goddess Rank: B Type: Anti-Army (self) Range: 0 Maximum Targets: 1 person
Artemis Agnós. Artemis' love pours down upon Orion, temporarily enhancing him. The incredible intensity of her love is felt both physically and psychologically. It is an anti-army Noble Phantasm because its blessing is sufficient to grant one man the strength of an entire army. The sheer magnitude of its power would cause a normal person to explode, but Orion only suffers muscle aches.
 
There is no Beast My Arrow Cannot Reach Rank: B+ Type: Anti-Army Range: 100 Maximum Targets: ?
Orion Orkos. An attack that nullifies all defensive skills and Noble Phantasms if the target is demon-kin or a Demonic Beast.
If used while summoned as Grand Archer, it has the added effect of causing any beast to fall within his reach. It is also effective against enemies that spawn infinitely, automatically killing them so long as they are in range.
In FGO, this Noble Phantasm was only used in the Main Scenario of the game.
 
The Hunter Who Pierces the Goddess Rank: EX Type: Anti-Divine Range: Infinite (until it reaches Artemis) Maximum Targets: 1 unit
Ortygia Amore Mio. A special Noble Phantasm that should not exist under normal circumstances. It was created explicitly for Artemis in the Fifth Lostbelt, though it meant even discarding the position of Grand Archer. In exchange for his own life, he shot down the mechanical goddess Artemis. An arrow that can only be released once by unifying a bow forged by processing Achilles's armor, Paris turned into an arrow, and a Command Spell (boost) from the Master. In FGO, this Noble Phantasm was only used in the Main Scenario of the game.
 

Character

Pronouns used: First person: Ore (俺) Second person: Omae (おまえ) Third person: He (彼) / She (彼女)
 
○ Personality After remaining in the dark for a while, Orion makes an unannounced entrance. Not much changed from when he was a bear. Actually, it's only his weird form. He is open-minded, accommodating and unconcerned with the small details. He also loves women.
 
○ Dialogue Examples: "Man... This body is a real bother, isn't it? It's actually kinda funny if you take a step back and think about it. I mean, how did it even come to this? I'm a Servant, for crying out loud! Wait... Is it a curse from my name? Is it all because my name stems from 'to urinate'^[1]? Hahaha, I see, hahahaha! What kind of awful origin of a name is that!?" "Master, this may be abrupt but I was caught cheating, so sorry, but I’ll retreat for a bit!" "I won't let anyone fell you but me! No one!! No one but I can draw this bow! No one but I can shoot you down! I am moved by my own will, and it's by my own will that I will strike you down!"
 
○ Historical Image and Character: Orion, whose name means "to urinate," was born to the sea god Poseidon and Euryale (not the goddess Euryale). He always bragged that he could take down any beast, but an incident with some ladies caused him to go blind one day. Relying only on the sound of a hammer, he set out to sea and met the goddess of dawn, Eos. With her help, he was able to recover his sight. It bears mentioning that this was only the beginning of his trouble with goddesses.
The sun god Apollo did not approve of his younger sister Artemis falling in love with Orion, and so he tricked Artemis into shooting Orion, who was out at sea, by challenging her to shoot a man named Candaon. Artemis successfully hit her lover, Orion, and it was said that she hugged his corpse and wept. She considered asking for help from Asclepius, who was able to revive the dead, but he was killed by Zeus's thunderbolt before she could reach him. With no other choice, Artemis sublimated Orion to the stars. During winter, three dazzling stars (the Tri-Star) can be seen. They are known as Orion's Belt.
 
○ In Atlantis: Originally, Superhuman Orion obtained the crown position of Grand Archer, having been summoned by the Counter Force in response to the presence of a Beast. That said, because the summoning occurred just a little too late, the original assault unit had already been dissolved, and so Orion had no other choice than to remain in Atlantis.
However, during that time, Artemis ended up noticing Orion's presence there. In fearing his power—or perhaps due to other feelings towards him—she ended up sending her terminal vessel to his side. Following negotiations with her, Orion reluctantly agreed to enter a non-aggression pact. As long as he did not make a move, Artemis vowed to not lay a hand on him either. During the time that followed, Artemis' terminal seemingly disappeared from Atlantis, only acting as observer.
When the Chaldean party arrived, and Orion finally met with the Master, he first refused to help due to this pact, but sensing that Artemis was ready to make a move he eventually resolved to assist regardless.
And so, on that final island, Orion made use of the bow and arrow granted to him by Hephaistos, and unleashed his Noble Phantasm. Even so, he was unable to reach Artemis. In that bleak moment, Paris offered to make an arrow from himself. Having been given a truly final chance, with everything on the line, Orion relinquished his crown, and created his third Noble Phantasm using the best Saint Graph possible.
But that Noble Phantasm was never one born of hatred; rather one born of a wish to see the woman he loved be granted a peaceful slumber. Thus, the hunter of love shot down the moon.
 
○ Standard Weapons: Bow and arrow. Otherwise, just clubs and stuff to bonk people with.
 
○ Related Characters:
All women, past present and future (with some exceptions): I! Love! Y──
Jason/Achilles: "I don't at all agree with the media's portrayal of us as 'a trio of greek muscleheads'. Well, I guess it's not that off the mark, but..."
Atlantis Argonauts: "Obviously, I don't remember anything from Atlantis, but those guys did some great stuff, and I genuinely admire them. We all get along pretty well, including the aforementioned duo of blockheads. Heey! (A greeting that was popular but a single moment)"
Artemis (Pan-Human History): "Keep your distance, don't get too close..." that's the motto which Orion has lived his days by in Chaldea, but when it came to his attention that they would celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, he just had a face like ( ﾟ Д ﾟ )
Orion (bear form): "Bear...a bear... I'm....a bear... No, wait...it looks a bit like some new trendy character, doesn't it? It's fluffy and squishy, I think it'll be big with the youngsters, don't you think!? It's not? I see..."
Artemis (Lostbelt): Supposing that woman were to ever awaken from her gentle slumber and recognize him once more, he already knows what to tell her: "About that very last bit...can we just forget about it? It's kinda embarrassing."
(All the Atlantean Argonauts always incessantly gave him verbal abuse in the style of "Are you insane!?", "We should just tie this guy up and sacrifice him to Artemis!", "Get your shit together already!", and so on.)
Whatever the case, he just wishes for her to have a long, gentle sleep. Even if, now, not a single trace of that existence remains.
 
 

Comment from Illustrator:

Are those the legs of a water strider? You know, the insect? No no, not at all, it's totally different. It's more like huntsman's greaves but with mountain climbing-style spikes. I heard water striders' legs were totally covered in hair, and they have two claws? And this allows them to float on water?
Orion is someone who Artemis described as having a beautiful face, and being all-around handsome, but there was never a chance of him being the sort of slim, delicate man which is handsome by today's standards. After all, no matter how you view his legends, he was always more of a gorilla than a wise man; a muscle-headed macho-man who would go on to beat up countless people (and even that's an understatement).
There's also the fact that just looking at the constellations, it's...difficult to use them as a design source without first complementing really large parts just using your imagination anyway, to be honest. (As an aside, in the first draft of the floating bear Orion in Artemis' third ascension, all the stars of the constellation were included. When the staff made it into a sprite, the stars on his arm were cut. I still don't know the reason for this.) Ever since Hollow Ataraxia, it's been my personal impression from characters like Hercules, Stheno, and Euryale, that when it came to Ancient Greece, in the world of Fate, the elements that became really popular might have been "big muscly men, and loli women". Not like I know if there's any truth to that. Either way, when I submitted a sketch of this mountain of muscle, it was approved almost without hesitance. The one thing that was altered was the face. Originally, his face was pretty wild. He had scars over both eyes, even. Well, if I'd gone with that legend, the design might have been too graphic. In the end, he was given a cute face, even with his neck being super-thick and like a big lump of muscles. Speaking of, people with this many muscles tend to have a narrow range of motion due to the muscles being in the way. Inevitably, the same must be true for this guy. He can't exactly stand at attention. I think it helps with his cuteness. His hair is pretty stiff and unruly, mostly because Artemis would have copied the makeup of his hair when she created her human body, or something like that. Consequently, it means if he were to grow his hair long, it would look really similar to Artemis'.
The belt is a gift from Artemis, that's why it's a bit more sci-fi. The lights coming out in the second ascension represent the particularly bright stars in the Orion constellation. The light on the right shoulder is red because it represents the red supergiant star Betelgeuse. The club design is made with respect with the most primitive and painful sci-fi club design I personally know of. The second ascension is the baseline for the whole design. I also assume he would just throw the club. I'm honestly not sure where the trend of a costume change in the second ascension came from, but in Orion's case, I drew him with this wild idea as if Artemis' love (also an understatement) was encroaching on him, or maybe as a reminder of sorts for him. (I-IV)
 
 
Translation notes:
[1] The idea is that Ovid posited that "Hyries called him Urion, because of his conception: the first letter has now lost its ancient sound". The greek word in question would actually be "ouron" (urine) which gives the verb "ourein" (to urinate).

Moving from my apartment complex to a duplex this summer because people are smoking in this non smoking building and it's setting off my migraines like crazy (and it just smells bad). Confirmed I wasn't renewing my lease all the way back in January and had close to 2 dozen apartment tours, all with 24 hours or more notice. A bit annoying, but whatever. They never lasted more than 3 minutes since it's not a large space. Tours stopped a few months back, so I figure it's been rented, and I found a new place and signed a lease, good deal, no issues.
For a bit of context too, I am on the top of a 3 story apartment building that has a locked external entrance, you need a key to get in but tenants do leave the doors jammed open all the time.
I come home today from a long, long walk to run some errands and I am hot, sweaty, and exhausted, and I see 2 guys standing outside my door, which has never happened before. My first thought is "oh shit a pipe or something has exploded in my unit and is leaking down to theirs" or something. But they say they're living on the first floor and have already signed the lease for my unit to move in this summer. They might be sick of loud neighbors on the second floor so it makes sense
They ask if they can come in and tour the apartment, which is strange because as I said, all units have the exact same floor plan down to the appliances. They didn't want to bother with the management company because they'd be "too slow to respond" which honestly has not been my experience. I've yet to have an email go a business day to them without being answered.
I tell them I don't mind but I would like at least an email or phone call from someone at the management office to verify their identity, especially with the front door being left open so often. My hands are full of groceries so when I go to unlock it and try to squeeze inside, one of them takes advantage of the fact I've left a gap to pull my bags through to step inside. I pushed the door on him out of reflex and he gets irritated. The two don't yell but say it will only take a minute and they're already here (I guess it's a huge trip from the first to the third floor and it'd be really inconvenient to come back). I raise my voice up hoping they'll get the hint I'm not afraid to cause a scene telling them again to contact the management company and this time saying I want the landlord to be present for any walkthroughs, as is the normal process.
They didn't say or do anything after that but if they're telling the truth the guy who tried to force his way into my apartment is just chilling in the building with me, knows the person who lives here is a 5'0" pushover and could be back at any point. I just hate it, I hate the paranoia of being around people like that and being so much smaller than all of them. I'm going to spend the rest of my lease here checking the blind spot by the stairs behind my unit just in case he's there because I have no idea if they're telling the truth, if they're going to try and come back and if they'd force their way back in again. And what's worse is, I feel recounting this story to most people it's just going to read as "two guys stood outside my apartment, wanted to come in, tried to come in, but didn't, then left" and it's going to seem like I'm overreacting. And who knows, I could be. I probably am, but I can't know that, I can't know people's intentions and don't feel like I can afford to wait and find out what they are.
I don't ask anything of anyone else, I do my best to be a courteous neighbor, all I want is to be left alone. Feels like something like this happens no matter where I live, be it a house in the country or an apartment in a dense city. Just wanted to vent IG

Hello readers and subreddit lurkers. I forgot to do a little note like this on the last chapter, so I am doing one lomger in length this go around.
I am quite interested what you all make of the story. Is it going well thus far or have I done something horrid in writing it? Any and all criticisms and critiques are welcome.
Enjoy.
——————————————————————————
Memory transcription subject: Garm, 'Gojid' Test Subject
Date [Standardized human time]: October 20, 2137
Every waking word in the report burned me, leading down to the fiery conclusion at the end. Details of medicines with names longer than my claws, the 'treatment' they have given me, something called 'Identity Sublimation' and how it has started to fail, and a name. A name that appeared at the top of the log, that burned inside my head, and was followed by something that solidified the theory that I wasn't always a gojid.
"Addendum 3-3-1-5: Attempts to name subject 34 have all failed and he has instead taken up the name 'Garm'. This is obviously a byproduct of the sublimatiom of his original consciousness, some vestige of his old self that we failed to quash. The fact that his chosen name is a play on his old name, Gerald Armstrong, could be no coincidence."
gerald armstrong...
Gerald ARMstrong...
Garm.
Time blurred and reality warped as I sat the looking at the computer screen. I barely survived hearing that Gojid were once savage corpse eaters, and such a revelation that laid before me on the computer shattered my life. That I, plain and simple Garm, was once a vicious, predatorial human. The paws before me, caked in dried blood, now took an even darker appearance like the used weapon of an executioner.
My mental barriers fell and the visions came freely now. The paws I looked at were now the grotesque hybrids. Gojid claws the color of human bone jutted out of the digits on my hand. Just as soon as the mangled limbs appeared before me they were replaced with human hands.
The room around me morphed as well, changing into a familiar scene. It was the hall way I once saw my love Hugh in. Regret at thinking so lowly of humans twanged in my heart when the memory of him came up.
At the end of the hall I saw my sweet drop of nectar from the Protector. His features didn't paint a picture of sadness at the departure of a loved one like before, but of excitement and joy at seeing me. All the sorrow and suffering melted away at such a splendor filled visage. He embraced my form and at last all I felt was peace. No pain, no problems, just the bliss of my predator's cuddle. My eye closed, sheer bliss threatening to overwhelm me with sobs and tears of joy.
My good eye opened and the human hands that once held my Hugh where now gojid claws coated in bodily paints. Shock flooded my mind and the heavenly scene began to bleed back into the dreary tube room.
Hugh, my blessing from the protector...
He began to ephemerate as well.
no.
No.
NO.
DON'T LEAVE ME PLEASE.
NOT NOW, NOT LIKE THIS.
I shouted out loud with all the might my lungs could muster. Despite my demands he still faded away. His ghostly form pulled away and I got one last glimpse at his smilling face before I was alone.
One last glimpse of my love.
One last glimpse of what my life was before this [hell] I was thrusted into.
I...
I have to get up.
I have to get out of here.
I have to find Hugh.
I was on my hindpaws before I knew it, and my one good eye was scanning the room once more. The Tube was omnipresently radiating a glow of dread, but beyond that the room was rather drab. That is what I thought until I saw yet another door adjacent to the one I entered in.
Approaching the door and using the bird's magic key card saw yet another affirmative beep and a humming of the door opening. Another hallway stood before me, yet this one was different. Instead of the somewhat glossy and refined panels that were half put up in the Tube room, it was nothing but raw asteroid rock with sparsely as many support beams as the previous section. More doors lined the hall way as it ran off into the darkness of the asteroid's innards.
It escaped me why I had even opened the door, and why I still wasn't making my getaway from this horrid place. I contemplated what I would even do when or if I could get out of this place, or how I would go about finding Hugh. My mind was so enthralled with that train of thought that I didn't even take note of my body acting on autopilot. Before I realized what I was doing another beep of affirmation sounded and the door opened.
What lay before me threatened to shake me to my core were it not for the mind breaking revelation I just had. I stood, maw agape, staring at the dark humored spectacle infront of me.
In the center of the room, floating in the tube was another gojid.
(First)
(Previous)

This is SO funny, I am reposting it and will repost it every once in a while.
From:
https://www.reddit.com/tifu/comments/2vdwtw/tifu_by_drinking_an_entire_bottle_of_louisiana/

I have had a number of job interviews recently that went poorly and did not result in securing employment.
I started to think I needed to do something during an interview to really stand out, be impressive, unique, and highly memorable. I thought it could be risky, but might work out.
I came up with the following idea: After concluding the interview, after the hand shakes, etc, when leaving the room stop, turn around, and say "There's one more thing you need to know about me."
Then pull out a bottle of hot sauce, down the entire bottle, slam it onto the ground and say "I can handle the heat." Nod confidently, leave the room.
Boom.
I imagined that they would be really impressed and wowed by such a performance.
Well it didn't pan out like I thought it would. It was only a small bottle of hot sauce, I figured it would be no big deal to actually do. I should have tested at home first, but I didn't.
I was nervous as a bitch-ass during the interview, but I was determined to follow through with the plan.
So I started exactly as described above. I was leaving, I turned around, maybe not with as much swagger as I'd imagined in my head, and I declared "There's one more thing you need to know about me."
I pulled out the hot sauce bottle, almost dropped it, and started to open the bottle. In my head it was all one quick confident motion, like an electric Indiana Jones, but instead I fumbled around and had a tough time getting it open. It felt like a nightmarish eternity but was probably only about 20 seconds. Enough time for one of the interviewers to ask me what I was doing.
I didn't answer directly. Instead, after I got the bottle open, I repeated "There's one more thing you need to know about me." (But stuttering.)
Then I guzzled down the entire bottle of hot sauce. I instantly regretted it. My mouth and throat felt like lava was swirling around inside me. I immediately started to gag and loudly cough, I was crying involuntarily. Tears hardcore streaming down my face. I was sweating like a terrible fool.
I desperately tried to scream "I can handle the heat" but just kept coughing before I could get anything out.
The interviewers were all standing up looking at me in horror and confusion.
A few seconds before I threw up all over the floor I knew it would happen, but I tried to hold it back. I couldn't.
I threw up all over the floor. It hurt as much on the way out as it did on the way in, if not more so. The vomit felt like flaming barbed wire shredding its way through my neck.
I should mention a disturbing amount of fiery mucus was also leaking out of my nose uncontrollably.
After I finished throwing up I could not bear to look at the interviewers. I hoarsely mumbled an apology and started to stumble as quickly as possible out the door.
I have never been more shamed in my life.
I didn't get the job.

[Note: This was spoiler tagged automatically, but there aren't really any spoilers in here beyond extremely surface level stuff. I've tagged anything actually spoilery, and even then, it's a stretch.]
Some negatives still apply, and I really hope they fix it next time around. TotK is better, but it's still not great, and 99% of the time, it still doesn't feel like a Zelda game.

1. The dungeons still aren't real dungeons. They all follow the exact same, word-for-word format. The enemies are all identical. Sure, they are thematically distinct, but only really in visual elements and bosses - they don't bring much actual difference, and the literal exact same wording/pacing across each dungeon is far too repetitive, with the one exception being the Spirit Temple because it shatters that convention by you not even knowing you're in a dungeon until the boss battle, but in any other Zelda game, that would be a mini dungeon at most. Even if they were just substantially longer, it'd be great, but they're some of the shortest dungeons in the entire franchise. And there are so few of them, too.
   
2. Items. Yeah, we get four abilities, but I want items back. It's extremely possible to have a total freedom open world co-exist with items, and frankly, more restrictive movement abilities through a larger selection of more narrow-focus items would force you to get a lot more creative with your movement. It would open up older areas for re-exploration once you got future items, instead of offering absolutely no replayability because you have access to everything from the get-go. You know, like Zelda games have always been, right from the beginning. Having a big world isn't enough if it's empty, hence why small maps are generally far better, because there's just a ton of stuff condensed into smaller areas, and a lot more secrets to discover. Here, any chest you find is either going to be a cosmetic armour piece, or a temporary weapon or item.
   
3. The vast majority of this game is designed using the same theory as MMOs, mobile games, and other microtransaction games. It's a time waster. It's literally designed to throw a lot of similar, shallow content at you to keep you in the game longer. TotK does it far better than microtransaction games, but they've designed the entire game concept around BotW and Totk's mechanics. That's not inherently a bad thing - building is fun, contraptions are fun, but they're not why I play Zelda, and the focus on them has clearly taken away from things like story, situational puzzles (basically everything can be solved with rewind and ascend, seriously), and soul. It's good to have these elements, but these are sandbox elements, and you need something deeper too. What's more, the game promotes the concept of grinding, which is a major time waster - whether you're farming zonaite or hunting down weapons to dig through a particularly deep cave, you're spending that time doing a menial, time-consuming task intended to keep you playing the game at any cost, rather than giving you more meaningful experiences... and rather than doing both, TotK abandoned the meaningful and unique experiences.
   
4. Enemy variety is MUCH better this time around, but even though the enemy variety has practically doubled, and even introduced one or two region-specific enemies, it's still an embarrassing joke compared to classical Zelda games. It doesn't really matter if you're fighting a moblin, a bokoblin, or a lizalfos, they're all pretty much identical with slightly varying attack patterns, and those three, along with constructs (which aren't really that different either, and certainly aren't different from each other), form the vast majority of all enemies you'll encounter, no matter where you are, making fighting an enemy on a mountain identical to fighting an enemy on a beach.
   
5. There's no Vai armour.
   
6. The story was either written by AI, someone who knows absolutely nothing about writing and just wanted to throw out literally anything that could justify the existence of a game, or someone who did know how to write, but didn't care, didn't have time, and wrote one thing and copy/pasted it four times over with minor changes.
   
7. No heart pieces. Some of the most engaging puzzles in the Zelda franchise have been hunts for heart pieces (or other obscure items). Shrines are boring - we're given a basic puzzle that could be solved by a squirrel, a slightly less basic puzzle that may even require three academically gifted squirrels, and then one actual puzzle. This pattern is common in gaming, and has formed the backbone of almost every game ever made. You start off small, introducing concepts to players, then let them test those same mechanics in new ways, slowly building up to more complex designs. A great example of this is bombable walls in Minish Cap, where the first time you see a bombable wall with no cracked boulder, it's between two fences with a sign saying "beware of crumbling walls, blasting strictly prohibited." From that point on, the cues become less pronounced, like a space between two trees. But now, you know what to look for. This is why linear game design, at least to some degree, is very important, and why almost every game has some degree of linearity. This is also where TotK suffers, because there's a concept of a complete open world. They don't build on previous lessons because there are no previous lessons to build on, because they have to assume every puzzle will be your first one ever. There are some slight exceptions to this, but the vast majority of the game is conducted without this fundamental element of game design. Shrines are standalone, and the concepts introduced in one shrine never evolve outside of that shrine. Actual dungeons with unique puzzles, and items you can only get from dungeons, which unlock new areas through the items' mobility, are a great solution to this, but those items would require either more complex world design, which TotK and BotW have largely abandoned in favour of freedom, or they would require staggering out the abilities (instead of getting four right away, you'd get seven throughout the game, with the extra three bringing similar levels of freedom, like the BotW abilities, or something similar to the Dominion Rod or Gust Jar, giving you new ways to interact with objects). Personally, I would much rather return to more restrictive abilities, because they offer you far more creativity and possibility in world design and gameplay.
   
8. The Imprisoning War is already a thing, and it's a different event from what's described here. So much of TotK's lore doesn't make any sense at all unless it fits into an entirely separate timeline. Secret stone? Really? Seriously? That's the best they could come up with? Not much of a secret when people can recognise them on sight, having never seen one before, now are they? Also, how in the stars did Zelda hear the name Ganondorf and only have a subconscious uncomfy feeling about him, and not make the immediate connection to Calamity GANON????
   
9. Please let me turn off voices. Look, I speak French fluently, I can understand some Japanese, I know there are better voice actors, but I grew up with Zelda being English. I also grew up without any voice actors. Not only do they just not fit with the game, they're just awful to listen to. I don't care if you want them - you're weird for it, but by all means, keep them (with maybe better VAs), but PLEASE let me turn them off without muting the game entirely. Give me an option for silence.
   
10. I miss companions. I really miss companions. They brought personality and a LOT of story to past Zelda games. I also miss a Link with some actual personality, and a deadpan small gasp or deadpan silence to literally every single situation imaginable is pretty horrible.
    
11. I don't mind the concept of breakable weapons, but some weapons should be unbreakable. I don't think the Master Sword should ever run out of energy, especially after having its batteries charged for a continuous eon, but even if we keep that element of it, just extend that function to other unique weapons! And if the energy depletion is removed, give more functionality and unique usage to other items to compensate, like fire rods and anything that can break a boulder. Not puzzle solving items, but weapons that feel different and have different applications. Spears stab, but they don't really feel much like spears, they don't feel like they offer much extra range or function. Give them that, and you can have unbreakable regular and unique weapons that do different things. Instead of prioritising breakable weapons for survival (just grab a weapon), prioritise breakable weapons that have specific functions. I especially don't want my unique weapons that I need to spend 150 poe to rebuy, to shatter. Because you know what I do instead? I never end up using them. I collect the unique ones. And worse, there's absolutely no storage that I have yet to find, for any weapons. So your inventory will fill up with the ones you don't want to break.
    
12. Beach, mountain, island, desert, who cares? It all feels the same. The music's the same, the enemies are the same, you don't need any unique abilities or items (except regional survival armours) or even different ways of thinking. There's no environmental hazards that you can't just solve by putting on a different armour, like the rocks falling from Death Mountain in Ocarina of Time, or gusts of wind that force you to use the Iron Boots in Wind Waker, or areas that require different perspectives to access every area by form shifting like Twilight Princess, Minish Cap, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, and A Link Between Worlds. Or time/season shifting, like... too many Zelda games to name. The only exceptions to this are the Gerudo Desert during the sandstorm, which is actually one of the few areas that makes this feel like a Zelda game, and the Depths before you discover the area's lightroot (but only when you first dive in, because after that it really just gets tedious). There's no actual difference between these places in how you play the game, nor in the soul of the locations, and when you add a lack of meaningful discoveries in there, there's absolutely no reason to explore, which is the entire point of the game.
    
13. There's no Zelda music. There might be the occasional note, but no classical Zelda music at all. No Hyrule theme. Nothing recognisable from any previous game (barring Botw). A good soundtrack is really important for a game, and prior to BotW, Zelda has always had incredible soundtracks that have elevated the game so, so much.
    
14. I'm taking the lack of a Vai armour as a personal insult.
    

There's a lot I really don't like, far too much to go through here, and I'm just crossing my fingers for an actual Zelda game at some point in the future. A real, proper Zelda game. And it breaks my heart that the series I loved is most likely dead for good. And with how long BotW took to come out, and how long TotK took to release after that, I have a feeling we won't be seeing another new Zelda game for a decade yet. Yes, they did a wonderful job with the physics, but that's not why I play Zelda. If I cared about vehicles, I'd go play an actual survival game. It may be mechanically impressive, but it offers absolutely no Zelda experience, nor any challenging gameplay. And they could have had both, they could have had a well-written, engaging story, they could have had more enemies, they could have had proper music, and they could have given us the Vai armour, whose assets exist already ready to go, and they actively chose not to. Even if you want to argue that it was somehow outside of their abilities or budget to create more enemy variety and better music (which is ridiculous), they made a conscious, purposeful decision to create a shoddy story that a raccoon could have outperformed. They could have done everything they wanted and still given us a proper Zelda game, and they chose to deny us that.
After BotW's DLC, and how similar TotK is, I have absolutely no confidence whatsoever that TotK's DLC will be at all a meaningful experience, not when TotK itself hasn't been. Maybe we'll get a new top-down view game, which would basically force them to return to a classical Zelda philosophy of game design, or a remake or remaster of a previous game, like the Oracle games, or a re-release of Twilight Princess or Wind Waker on the Switch or whatever the next console turns out to be. And yeah, rereleases would be great, because it's been so long since I've played them. Provided they don't remove good elements of the game or dumb-down engaging features like the OoT and MM remasters did, I'd be very happy with that. But I want new Zelda games. New experiences. New stories and new versions of Link, and I want them from a 3D perspective as well.
And it makes me sad that I'll probably never have that again.

--- W I N N I N G S O N G ---
CorkyRoboto - Signals
Great job, CorkyRoboto! Your song will be featured on the sidebar until the next contest conclusion. If you have anything else you'd like to share, your music page, anything, we'll feature it as well! Just PM it to a mod and we'll include it in the sidebar. Make sure you submit your sample pack to u/DoNotSexToThis by the last day of the month so we can upload it for the next contest.
For everyone else, we look forward to featuring your winning entries in the contests to come!
--- C O N T E S T S C O R E S ---

• CorkyRoboto Signals Production score: 24 Mix score: 23 Total score: 47
• Mu99az Interruption Production score: 20 Mix score: 19 Total score: 39
• Fauxnite metro.techno Production score: 16 Mix score: 18 Total score: 34

--- C O N T E S T F E E D B A C K ---
Feedback for CorkyRoboto: * Corky: "This is one of those tracks that happened super fast. I had a ton of fun making it. It really took me back to the edmproduction contest days. Would anyone like a breakdown video of how I made it? " * DoNotSexToThis: "Your ability to create exciting, stimulating music out of such limitations is an inspiration." * Fauxnite: "In with a D&B vibe, the provided samples do ring a bell of familiarity - but, a flip follows and it's not drum & bass which greets our ears - it's something other, something that draws inspiration from the world of drum and bass, yet forges it's own path; something epic, but familiar, yet unique --- ace of an entry by Corky (unsurprisingly!) ^-" * Mu99az: "Thought yours was great. Breakbeats and build ups are spot on with some nice variations in them. A lot happening and it all fits really well together. You’ve crammed a lot into 3 mins. "
Feedback for Mu99az: * Corky: "I really love how you slowly add new elements through out to keep it fresh. I could get down to this on a dance floor. Admittedly the genre isn't really my cup of tea, overall mix sounds great though. Would have liked to hear some more fills to break up the main elements. Kick might be a little loud and boomy in comparison to the other elements, but the deed is already done. Solid work " * DoNotSexToThis: "Very wise progression with the layering and bringing elements in and out. Absolutely textbook and proper flow." * Fauxnite: "Hehe, nice usage of the same sample as Corky - but, rather than following a break-beat sort of drum pattern, we are invited in a world based on 4 on the floor sort of a rhythm -- me gusta! It gives me a vibe of the 90s, but more modern, more polished, but based on a by-gone era - I appreciated this techno-sort of entry quite a bit, thanks Mu99az!"
Feedback for Fauxnite: * Corky: "This is so hypnotizing and dark! I spaced out for a solid minute listening to this haha I think this is a great foundation for a full on track. You could definitely add to this without the confines of the sample pack. " * DoNotSexToThis: "Neat vibe here, languidly urgent but blissful. Reminds me a little of Gus Gus - Purple (Sasha v. The Light) which is one of my favorite electronic songs." * Fauxnite: "This wasn't a wholly serious entry, I just didn't want us ti be left entry-less yet again --- so, this one is hardly worthy of a submission, but, it's definitely better than no submission.... onwards, onto better tracks! " * Mu99az: "Wasn’t expecting much given your comments in the other post, but I really enjoyed your entry. The gated vocal pad is really sweet and goes nicely with the bass. Definitely worth putting some more time into if you feel like you’ve still got ideas on how to polish it up. "

This might be long. 39f this all started a few weeks before my 37th birthday. So one day I randomly got dizzy after a day out. So I laid down felt better after 30 min sat up and then stood up. Got a quick intense wave like feeling in my head, tingling in feet up my hold body, super hot, heart racing and pounding, legs shaking. Feeling faint but never do(i have fainted years ago 4 timesso i know the feeling) Called 911 ambo took a while to get there but when they did I was so scared, and my bp was high, hr was 177. They took me to the hospital hr was 130s and the hospital said SVT. Well saw cardiologist they went along with it. Was on meds that made me super sick came off had an ep study no svt found. But this has happened a few times feb-april of 2021 they didnt last long 30 seconds- 1 min. 1 time at the ER it happened and they didnt catch SVT on the monitor either. I was also diagnosed with PPPD and anxiety a few months later as I was constantly feeling like I was rocking on a boat/swaying. Those episodes stopped for the longest time. Fwd to this year. And BAM randomly and out of no where. Wave feeling, tingling in the mouth and a weird taste, heart racing, legs shaky(wobble). Now today I had out of no where just chillen in the car felt funny for a second, then bam weird taste and mouth tingling, heart racing.
Ive had a clear MRI and Ct scan 2 echos, stress test and a loop recorder, loop recorder shows my heart rate going up but no arythmia. Docs from 2021 say, Anxiety, SVT(even though nothing was ever caught), Maybe vasovagal. VITAMINS and thyroids are all good.
Moved to new state, saw cardiologist, really isn't finding anything except like tachycardia when this happens sending me for TTT but that isn't until oct. . New Neurologist gave me an EEG, bc pcp thought focal Siezures that came out normal, autoimmune blood work normal, waiting on lymes results although i dont remember getting bit by tick. He also talked about dysautonomia but that doctor takes 6-8m to get into. Pcp and Therapist says not anxiety related and I actually have anxiety due to not knowing what in the world is going on.
Also randomly and usually at the docs my bp will spike, heart rate jumps and I start sweating so much until I leave. Thats where I think the anxiety plays in. But it happens certain times I go and certain docs its so weird. Oh and hair loss as well, non scarring alopecia if that has anything to do with other symptoms. Also whats baffling to them and me is how random these epsiodes or flare ups as ive heard them being called has been happening. I can be completely fine and then BAM.
And I noticed with a couple of the recent ones the PPPD acts up days or even weeks before it hits.
I have been told before im just a mystery which im like lucky me 🙄 Im scared and frustrated not at rhe docs but at my body and bc they cant figure it out depsite trying.
Meds Buspirone started sept 2021 Valium if needed Tried propranolol but isnt working Womans 1 a day vitamin Baby asprin which i might be coming off soon(Lupus anticoagulant which can come and go, weakly positive) Folic acid(Homocysteine elevated 12.2)
I also still get the PPPD feeling but starting to really wonder 🤔 And Idk if it has any correlation either but I do have periodontal disease in my gums which has been under control for sometime now. Never had covid that I know of, nox vaxxed, and no infections before this started.

I'm something of an agnostic and I don't really believe in any of the descriptions/interpretations of the god worshiped by monotheistic abrahamic religions, but sometimes I think some phenomena and properties of matter and energy, the disposition of our universe, radio waves, friggin quantum levitation etc. make too much sense and/or are way too convenient to have been created out of randomness and coincidence.
Maybe I'm gonna get backlash for any of the things I've written or the things I'm about to write because I'm not much of a scientific scholar or some people might think I'm a blasphemer, and I'm digressing a bit, but my point is:
If something or someone (or maybe a group of someones) created the universe, or just our world or simply helped us exist, evolve and develop all the way until this very moment, and for any reason wants us to be happy but also behave and not make others miserable, what if our understanding of said entity/entities is something similar to our (as in, mankind's) understanding of the atom?
What if the current religions' interpretation of a single god is like Thomson's atomic model? Like, it might get many things right, but we still have got a lot to learn and understand about it, but since that's good enough for now (for theologists and religious authorities, at least, not for me if you ask) we're not going to have a better comprehension of it for a while, but I want to believe we, humanity, will do some day.
TL;DR: Sometimes I think there might exist a god/creator, but it's not exactly like the religions of today describe him (hethey/it?), and such descriptions and understanding come from a very limited comprehension of said being.

It's a TP Link Wifi 6, 3 band router AX 5400 ( Archer AX75) and it should be kicking ass. I set it up in my room of a large rooming house with 11 other people. I disconnected the ISP's router which was giving us 940mbps on average on ethernet and 500-600mbps on wireless.
I hooked up the router in the same exact way as the ISP one, out of their ONT to the WAN of my router, one LAN out to a switch with all the ethernet hard lines. It all works but when did the speedtests, I'm only getting around 90mbps on wired and wireless which is strange in enough of itself. I've tried all other configurations with it including completely resetting it from scratch and redoing the SSIDs, passwords etc. Same result.
I chatted online and through emails with the TP Link techs and even to an elevated senior engineer. They suggested most of the stuff I already did and were stumped. They wanted to do a Teamviewer session to get into the router but I found that a bit much, privacy wise and said no. If it wasn't some other setting in the router, I suspect it's defective.
I have another $80 Chinese made router which is also wifi6, tri band which I was using at my previous rental 8 blocks away with Sonic and it worked perfectly with Sonic and zero issues.
My question is, besides going back to the Chinese router, is there there anyone here who may have some ideas as to what might be wrong with the newer and much more expensive TP Link one oris it simply defective?

Hi all! This one might be kind of odd for you, but im hoping you could help me out.
I have a service dog. I have a few physical illnesses that also cause me to sometimes need a wheelchair or walker. There has been a severe uptick in pets in places they dont belong, and some of them are really bad. Ive seen a few pets in my grocery store that are just straight up wandering, meaning their owner is not holding their leash and does not have control of them. I have seen dogs wander 10ft away from their owners before. This makes me worry that my service dog will get attacked. I dont think ill be able to physically handle a dog attack on a day where i need to use a wheelchair.
So, aside from avoiding these dogs at all costs, whats worked best/ what do you suggest for deterring, fighting off, and unlatching dogs?
For deterring a possibly friendly dog, i thought about using the sound from a tazer. Its loud but not air horn loud. But i worry about damaging the product..is there something better i can use?
For protecting us from a possible dog attack, i have pepper gel.
And for worst case scenario, say a dog has ahold of her, i was wondering if rubbing alcohol squirted in the mouth might get them to unlatch. Its whats recommended for reptiles..anyone have any suggestions for things i can use? I just feel like carrying 3 items is alot. Thank you.

In hindsight, I should have listened to the kill-bill alarm bells in my head when eight-year-old Cassie announced she and her cabin mates were going to skip out on camp activities and play Operation instead.
Though it’s not like I didn’t have things on my mind. Seven counsellors had gone missing—along with our head counsellor who was supposed to be taking care of us.
It started out fairly normal. I mean, one or two counselors wasn’t bad, right?
Lily and Joey had been drowning in sexual tension for a while, so nobody was surprised when they sneaked into the woods for what I could only guess was the most uncomfortable sex ever. But then they didn’t come back.
Teddy and Yuri went to look for them, and then they too also disappeared. It was almost like a wild animal was lying in wait for another unsuspecting teenager to cross its path.
With six of us left, I was definitely freaking out.
I wasn’t expecting summer camp to be like this. I did consider working in my local Sephora, but mom had a preference—and whether I was eighteen years old or not, she was getting her way. So, it was goodbye civilization, and hello Canadian wilderness.
There were fifteen kids queued up in front of me for lunch, and I was having a hard time keeping that optimistic Camp Redwood smile.
I couldn’t help constantly counting how many hours it had been since the latest disappearance, Connor.
He was supposed to be helping with getting the emergency generator going, after the electricity sizzled out.
The boy was gone an hour later. This was happening fast. Whatever was going on with the counsellors was burning through all of us. Would it happen to me?
I had seen so many TV shows and movies set in a summer camp where every camper and counsellor was doomed to die in the grossest way possible. Was that going to happen to us?
I tightened my grip around the stupid ladle I had found myself stirring, a giant pot of chocolate syrup. Watching watery chocolate drip from the edge, I felt nauseous. Of all the summer camp’s mom had to send me to, it had to be the one with vanishing counsellors and zero adult authority. Which meant we were the authority. Twelve teenagers who came to relax and babysit a bunch of little kids before college.
We had to put on brave faces and pretend everything was absolutely fine—and we weren’t all terrified out of our fucking minds.
At the corner of my eye, I glimpsed Harry offering piggybacks to a bunch of little kids, with one of the littles, Eleanor, wrapping her arms around his neck and squealing.
From the look on the boy’s face, he wanted to stop. It was hard to keep a façade when reality was becoming harder and harder to bear. Abandoning his hat completely, Harry was dripping with sweat, trying to twist his lips into the Camp Redwood grin. But looking closer, as he galloped across the cabin with Eleanor holding on for dear life, the guy was ready to collapse. I didn’t blame him.
Entertaining the kids was supposed to be Teddy’s assignment—and he was who knows where. I had taken over lunch duties for Lily, who had joined the long list of the missing.
Harry was supposed to be joining the search party for the missing councellors, but had ended up becoming the little’s personal punching bag.
When I first met him, Harry Carlisle had been the kid who sat on the side-lines and offered sarcastic remarks and crude jokes. Now, he had been reduced to a playground ride the kids pretended didn’t have an off switch.
He had enjoyed maybe the first two rides to raise morale, but now I could see the strain in his eyes. “Ow!” Harry winced when the little girl’s fingers prodded at his eyes. “Hey! Eleanor, not my eyes!” He was dangerously close to toppling over, though managed to catch his footing, ordering all of them off of his back. “Horse Rides are over!” He cupped his mouth, shouting across the cabin when a group of kids surrounded him with equally terrifying faces. Harry backed away and threw his hands up. “Come on, guys, my back isn’t built for all of you!”
“Horsey!” The kids shouted back in a cacophony of giggles.
It was 10 against one.
Against two, if I got involved. Which wasn’t going to happen. There was no way I was putting effort into play-fighting a bunch of eight-year-olds. Harry shot me a hopeful look, though I pretended not to see, busying myself with slightly burned nuggets.
Running his fingers through thick strands of sandy colored hair, Harry pulled a face when a little girl, Phoebe, was brave enough to step forward.
“No.” Harry shook his head, squeezing the front of his counsellor shirt practically glued to him. The temperature still hadn’t let up, and it was heading towards 8PM. Night-time, I thought dizzily. It was almost bedtime, and still no adults. “I refuse to surrender,” He told her. “Phoebe, I am not joking around when I’m saying my back is hurting. We’ve been playing horsey’s for two hours.”
“So?”
“So!” Harry couldn’t yell or hiss, or swear at them. That was a big no-no with kids.
However, I could see he was coming close to breaking that rule. “Because I’m tired,” he said through a Camp Redwood grin, which was quickly twitching into a grimace.
I think all of us had given up with the fake enthusiasm when our colleagues started to vanish. Now, we were just shells of our former happy selves. “And… uh… did you know that if you ride a horsey at this time, the ghosts will come and get you?”
When a boy opened his mouth, his eyes widening with fright, Harry realized his mistake.
“I mean the nice ghosts! Yeah! The uh, the nice ghosts who haunt..I mean play in these woods? It’s a well-known Camp Redwood legend that ghosts don’t like horse rides. In fact,” his lips curved into a devilish smile now he had several faces staring at him. The kids dropped onto the ground to listen, their hands clasped in their laps. This was the quietest they had been all day. I could understand though. Harry had taken the reins around the campfire telling ghost stories for three nights in a row, and the guy was a damn good storyteller.
With every eye on him, Harry lowered his voice into a whisper. “Do you guys want to know what they do?”
The kids nodded with wide eyes.
“They sneak into unsuspecting cabin’s…”
“Harry.”
Rowan’s voice came from outside in a warning. The window was open, and the guy was standing watch to see if any counsellors came back. Since the only adult had disappeared, he had been appointed leader—and the guy was taking himself a little too seriously.
His warning was valid though. Sometimes Harry’s ghost stories were a little too scary for little kids, who’s Imaginations tended to run wild—especially at night. Olive, my cabin-mate, had to give up her bed for a little girl who was convinced Harry’s depiction of Slenderman, “The tree boy” was going to sneak into her bed and turn her into an apple seed.
“Did I say sneak into cabin’s? I meant dance around the woods…” Harry corrected himself. “And they look for their next unsuspecting victim…”
“Harry!”
“Friend.” Harry swallowed his words when a little boy’s eyes went wide. “I mean they are looking for a friend! So, the point of my story is…”
“Horsey rides get us new friends?” Phoebe wasn’t buying it. I could tell from the slight arch of her brow and her widening smile.
The girl shook dark curls out of her face, smirking. I think it was her pleading eyes which won him over. Because, with a sigh which definitely wasn’t joking around, the guy dropped onto his knees and practically spat at her to climb on his back—and she did, plonking one sparkling shoe on top of the boy’s spine with enough force to send him onto his stomach. I might have been imagining it, but since when were these littles so outlandishly spiteful?
The little girl was grinning. Not because she could ride her “horsey” but because Harry looked like he was going to either wring her neck, or wring his own. Mom had a “talk” before I started here, and she made sure to tell me that if adult authority is nowhere to be seen, little kids will start to act out.
I could definitely call it acting out, but I had spent all day with her several days earlier playing with dolls and having a teddy bear picnic when she admitted she didn’t want to swim in the lake with the other kids. Phoebe had been shy and only spoke to me through her teddy bear, so what had changed?
Could the lack of adults really be scaring the kids that much?
“Miss Josie?”
I wasn’t paying attention, half noticing some kids had just helped themselves, piling chicken nuggets and cookies on plastic plates and hurrying to their seats like I couldn’t see them.
Blinking away brain fog, I found myself face to face with Eli, who was probably my favorite camper.
You’re not supposed to have personal preferences when working with little kids, because your opinions could upset them.
However, it was incredibly hard not to like Eli.
Hiding behind a mop of brown curls, the boy was one of the more vocal kids in the group. Eli said he wanted to be an inventor when he was older, and he wanted to make robots. The kid had asked me if I wanted to see his robot collection, but I was too busy with setting up camp activities. Standing in front of me and clutching his tray, the boy was frowning.
“Josie, I just saw some kids steal chicken nuggets.”
I shrugged, shovelling a large portion on his tray. “Well, you can have some extra too.”
Eli’s smile wasn’t as big as usual. “Where’s Teddy?”
I pretended to be oblivious, hastily adding more nuggets to his tray as if I could keep his mouth shut with extra food. “He’ll be back soon! Teddy is just playing in the woods.”
“No, he’s not.”
At first, I thought I’d heard the boy wrong. The kid wasn’t looking at me, counting his nuggets as usual with the prongs of his plastic fork.
I leaned forward with my best smile. “I’m sorry, what was that, Eli?”
The kid lifted his head with a wide grin. “Can I borrow a knife, Josie?”
“Why do you need a knife?”
Leaning forward, the boy shrugged. “There’s a squirrel caught in a trap,” he said. “I want to put it out of its misery, Miss Josie. It’s in a lot of pain.”
That was… dark.
“Well, I can’t give you a knife…” I trailed off, my gaze finding Harry and the growing line of kids awaiting a horse-ride. “But! How about you go and ask Harry for a piggy-back ride?” I pointed to myself with a forced grin. “I’ll save the squirrel!” And when the boy’s eyes filled with tears and he shook his head, I reached out, grasped his hand, and squeezed it as tight as I could. “Eli, we don’t need to do that, okay? I’m sure the squirrel can be saved and I’ll make sure to take it to the vet, okay?”
“But what if it doesn’t need saving?”
I squeezed tighter. “I’ll save it, Eli. I promise.”
Eli didn’t look convinced, but he nodded with a grumble. “Okay.” He said, before twisting around and joining the other kids torturing Harry. Immediately, I left my station—whether Rowan liked it or not—and headed outside to look for this supposedly dying squirrel. That was something we didn’t need. The sky was darkening when I made it into the woods, cotton candy clouds blurring through the thick canopy of trees. Eli said it was near the sign pointing towards the lake. Though I couldn’t see anything. Odd. That thought retracted in my head, however, when I stepped forward, and a squelching sound cut through the silence of my own heavy breaths mixing with insect chitters and nightlife buzzing above me and beneath me. The wet sounding squelch twisted my gut, and when I stared down at the ground, I didn't know what I was expecting.
A squashed squirrel, perhaps? In Eli’s words, the poor thing had been on the edge of death. Though, when I was thinking about it, there were no animal traps around camp. That was basic health and safety. So, what the fuck was I looking at? The bottom of my shoe was caked in dried blood, but it was the thing which was stamped into the dirt which sent my heart into my throat. It looked like an eye.
But looking closer as I lowered myself to the ground, I glimpsed something metallic, something glistening around the pupil. I picked up a stick and prodded it, though the thing didn’t move. It was definitely an eye—the eye of some kind of animal, judging from the pigmentation and the color of the iris.
But it was the metallic pieces around the eye which was throwing me off. Part of a trap, maybe? It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that a poor critter had been ripped apart, and a wild bear had dropped its dinner near the camp—and the metal encasing its eye was most likely pieces of trap.
Peering closer, though, I glimpsed silver slithers in what appeared to be the destroyed nerve caked to my shoe. After scraping most of it off, I caught glistening pieces of blood stained metal catching the late-setting sun. This time, I pinched a piece between my forefinger and thumb. It didn’t look like a bear-trap. The metal itself wasn’t serrated or old. In fact, it was new.
Which begged the question: What was this thing?
Whatever it was, it had started converting what looked like a critter’s eye, before stopping. Was it a virus? When that thought slammed into me, I fell back with a hiss, swiping my hands on my shirt.
“What are you doing?”
I almost jumped out of my skin, diving to my feet.
Carmel was standing behind me, grasping what looked like her sixth or seventh coffee. The girl had been running to and from the coffee machine all day, and I had been silently counting how much caffeine she was consuming. Carmel had been a well put together and fairly popular girl when camp started. She immediately had everyone following her beck and call, all of the boy’s (and girl’s) following her around.
Carmel wasn't straight. She made that clear on the bus to camp, announcing she wasn’t interested in guy’s, and that she had a girlfriend back home. Still though, the guy’s still followed her because... well, she was pretty.
Carmel was my bunk-mate and had woken me up on three separate occasions at 6am to go through the exact same hair and makeup routine. Now though, there was no sign of makeup or even that she had brushed her hair.
Instead of its usual tidy blonde ponytail, Carmel’s curls were tied into raggedy pigtails with ribbons I was sure she had stolen from a camper’s doll. I think what was keeping her going was coffee.
Carmel regarded me with too-wide eyes and a Camp Redwood smile we all knew was fake. She was grasping onto her coffee cup for dear life. “Josie!” she jumped when I jumped, which almost made me laugh. “Rowan’s having an emergency meeting in his cabin,” she said.
“So, whatever you’re doing can wait.”
Her gaze flicked to the ground. “What… are you doing?”
For a brief moment, I considered telling Carmel I may have found what looked like a virus which turned flesh and blood to metal—before I remembered her reaction when a spider had crept into our cabin.
Whatever this thing was, keeping it a secret for now was probably what was best. Making sure I was standing on the thing, I shrugged. “I was looking for the others.”
Carmel cocked her head, before resting her coffee on the ground. “In the dirt?”
“Footprints, Carmel.”
The girl looked confused before shaking her head. “Okay, whatever. Tell the others I’ll be there in a sec, I just need to make sure the kids are okay. We’re putting a movie on for them in the lunch hall, so that will hopefully distract them for maybe two hours.”
I nodded. “Did anyone find a phone?”
“Not with signal.”
“Carmel.” I had to fight back the urge to yell at her to keep her voice down. Kids were curious, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we had some littles peeking into our conversation. “You’re okay.” I said softly.
“I mean, we’re not okay, because yes, things are very.. screwed up right now, but we need to be… optimistic.” I exhaled out a breath, searching for eyes in the dark. I tried to smile, tried to keep up that Camp Redwood façade we were all held hostage by until the last day of camp (According to rule 5 in the Camp Redwood counsellor handbook, all counsellors must retain a smile and a positive attitude. If any counselor is caught making a frowny face, or spreading what we call “unhappiness” we will be forced to send the counselor home).
At this point, I didn’t give a fuck—but part of me didn’t want to scare the little kids.
“No, Josie.” The girl grasped hold of my shoulders with a grin rivalling the joker. “I am so sick of being told to keep smiling, because what is that doing? Three of my cabin-mates are missing! I’m the one left, and Rowan and co expect me to keep up this act? We are fucked!"
She cupped her mouth. “F. U. C. K. E. D. We have zero adults, an unexplainable loss of power every few hours which makes no sense in the middle of nowhere—I mean what the fuck is out there which is sucking that much power, huh? There is no explanation! There should be an explanation. I should be able to think, “oh, yeah! That’s why! But no. Things are happening, and I don’t know why they’re happening. Rowan is trying to force us to act like things are okay —but in reality? He is shitting himself, Josie! We are ALL shitting ourselves!”
I took a step back, keeping hold of her hand. Carmel was trembling, her hands clammy and slimy entangled in mine. “He's just trying to keep the kids from freaking out."
She groaned, tears glistening in her eyes. “Okay, yeah! I’m blaming them because they keep acting like everything is okay—”
“Everything IS okay.” I turned to her with what I hoped was a reassuring smile—knowing damn well about the thing I’d found in the dirt. If that thing could spread, it would have a field day in an enclosed space like a summer camp.
I noticed my own hands which had been touching the thing making contact with Carmel, and dropped my hands, inwardly squirming.
If that thing was a virus, I was already fucked.
Maybe Carmel too.
If it was fast acting, it could explain the counsellor disappearances. I was already putting together a plan in my head as we headed back to the main cabin. We had to put together a search party. Some of us would stay with the kids, while a small group would venture into the woods to try and look for traces of the missing. If I was right, we would find a horror scene in the woods, and yes, that would be the time to panic.
If I was wrong, however, there was still hope.
“Are we going to be okay?”
Carmel’s voice sliced into my thoughts, and I took a moment to drink in the camp around us.
Usually, when the sky was turning twilight, it would be bustling with campers and counselors toasting marshmallows on the fire and gathering around to fall asleep to Harry’s ghost stories. Carmel would be knelt with a bunch of kids, watching a YouTube video they had all insisted on her watching, while Rowan would be hiding behind his book with his knees to his chest, his gaze glued to every page he flicked through, ignoring everyone.
Teddy, making funny faces for kids who were scared, and Connor, handing out plates of burgers and hot dogs. I remembered feeling safe and at home, cosy around the flickering orange of the fire as chatter turned to laughter and white-noise in my head. After the kids went back to their cabins, the group of us would resume positions around the fire, but this time it was more… intimate. With Allison in her cabin, we kind of ignored her rules all together.
Making out happened, because of course it did. Beers stolen from Allison’s mini fridge and raging hormones, as well as late-night skinny dipping in the lake did that. Couples went off into the woods, and we all felt completely comfortable and at home with each other.
Looking around at that moment, I felt sick to my stomach. That feeling was gone.
The feeling of family and familiarity and friendship. What I was looking at now was that same log we had all sat on, now turned on its side—hot dog buns and candy wrappers littering the ground. It was a ghost camp.
I could still see Connor’s jacket slung on the ground, and Lili’s bright pink ray bans sitting on a beer can. Because there were no adults to yell at us to clean up after ourselves. I was frowning at the skeleton of the fire when Carmel nudged me. “Hey.” Her voice was shaking slightly. “Josie? You didn’t answer my question.” Carmel wanted me to be the voice of reason, and I wasn’t that. I was just as scared as her.
There was only so much I could sugar-coat, and I gave up doing that after the third counsellor disappeared. All I could offer her was forced optimism.
“Yes.” I said. “Just keep the kids busy, alright?”
“Right.”
When I was twisting around and power-walking to Rowan’s cabin, I shouted over my shoulder, “Give them some of those animal crackers!”
“What animal crackers?”
I turned to elaborate, but Carmel was gone.
When I finally got to Rowan’s cabin, I was sweating through my shirt, and had an idea of what I was going to tell the others. It was… a thing. Which could be considered a disease or a virus—so it was vital that we split into two groups; half of us would search for the others, while the others would look for anything to get in contact with the outside world. An emergency landline, laptop, or cell phone.
I did have one problem, which was lack of evidence. All which was left from the thing I’d found was stuck to my foot. The rest of it was buried in the dirt. It was too dark to search for it, and we would be wasting time doing so.
All of that was in my mind and tangled on my tongue, one single string of incomprehensible gibberish I wasn’t even sure was English, when I stepped into Rowan’s cabin, where four sets of eyes met mine. Olive, cross legged on the floor with her arms folded, Harry, pacing up and down with a brand new bruise blooming under his eye, courtesy of Eleanor almost poking his eyes out—and Rowan himself sitting on top bunk, his legs swinging off of the side.
The guy wasn’t built to be our leader, originally being the laziest of our group, opting for sitting in a tree with a book, rather than helping set up camp activities. Yet he had become our default guy in charge because he so happened to be wearing the head counsellor hat when Allison disappeared. Admittedly, it suited him, the bright red of the cap contrasted his dark curls under a late setting sun through the back window, setting strands of straying hair on fire.
The hat was a little too big for his head, though, slipping over his eyes.
Rowan looked like a divorced father of two, dark circles bruising his eyes, and a very “dad-like” scowl curling on his lips.
With a clipboard pressed to his chest, and a pen he was chewing on, the boy resembled a grown man who had just caught his daughter coming in after curfew. “Josie.” Spitting the pen’s lid out of his mouth, he scribbled something down. I had no doubt he was tracking my attendance for these stupid crisis meetings. His eyes were wild, scanning me for answers. “Where the fuck is Carmel?”
I shut the door behind me, leaning against it with my arms folded. “So, we can swear now?”
“Yes.” Rowan rolled his eyes. “There are no kids here, so go crazy,” he pointed at me with the pen. “Carmel. Where is she?”
“Keeping the kids busy,” Callan’s muffled voice came from the bottom bunk. I could barely see the guy lying on his stomach, his face stuffed into a pillow. “It was my idea to play Shrek for them, but the little shits said they haven’t seen it,” the boy lifted his head, his lips carved into a scowl. “I’m sorry, am I tripping? Everyone’s seen Shrek! Do these kids expect the Minecraft movie?”
“They don’t like that, either,” Harry stopped pacing the cabin. “Eleanor looked at me like I was crazy when I asked if she liked it."
“Fortnite, too.” Olive said, a cushion pressed to her chest. “I suggested playing it a few days ago, and like, zero kids knew what it was.”
“Six counsellors are missing,” Rowan raised his voice over the other’s chatter. “And you’re questioning what games they like?” His eyes found mine once more. “So, Carmel is with the kids? You’re absolutely sure of it?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I mean, I just saw her five minutes ago.”
“Great.” Rowan said, sarcastically. “I’m sure she won’t go missing under mysterious circumstances.”
“Stop.” Olive shot him a glare, throwing a cushion in his face. “I told you. They’re probably lost—- or maybe they went to get help?”
“We’ve all been trained to know every inch of these woods,” Rowan catapulted the cushion right back at her. “They’re not lost.”
“Well, where are they?!” Callan sat up, bringing his knees to his chest. I had never seen the guy looked this vulnerable. “Allison made sense. She probably had other duties, and left us to look after the kids. But six counselors? All of them disappearing—- our phone signal completely cutting out, electricity cutting off, not once, but twice? What is even sucking all of our power?”
“I got the emergency generator working,” Olive raised her arm. “Connor and I managed it before…” she trailed off.
“Before Connor disappeared.” Callan finished for her. “And before him, it was Joey, Lily, Mira, Yuri, Noah, and Teddy. Which isn’t a fucking coincidence,” he shot Rowan a look, who glared down at his lap. I could tell the boy didn’t want to lead all of us, come up with plans and answer questions we desperately needed answering. His job was to look after us, as well as the littles, and so far, he was doing a pretty good job. I could tell by his expression that he thought the opposite, but he had managed to keep the kids from finding out about something as sinister as someone actively kidnapping counsellors.
He made sure they were fed, entertained, and safe watching a movie—while we were scared for our lives. Rowan was keeping up the façade no matter how scared he was. The boy dropped his head into his lap with a sigh. It looked like he might fall asleep before he slammed the clipboard into his face to wake himself up.
Nobody wanted to admit what Callan was saying, but we were all definitely thinking it. “This was planned.” Callan continued.
“Someone out here is fucking with us, very clearly trying to freak us out. Now they've got six of us. ” He spread out his arms. “How long until one of the littles gets taken, huh? A bunch of 18 year olds aren’t going to satisfy them, so what about when they start taking campers? We are in the middle of fuckin’ nowhere with a serial kidnapper on the loose, and did we really just leave fifteen kids in the care of a girl who thought Australia was in England?”
“In Carmel’s defence, she was black-out drunk when she said that,” Olive murmured.
“Voice down!” Rowan hissed. “Do you want to scare them?!” His gaze flicked to me. “Did you do a headcount during dinner?”
I nodded. “Fifteen kids all accounted for. Ten are in the lunch hall, and five girls are in Cassie’s cabin playing Operation.”
“All day?” Olive spoke up. “Weren’t they playing that this morning? I tried to get into their cabin to give them breakfast, but they just shooed me away and locked the door.”
“Fuck.” Rowan ran his fingers down his face. “Alright, I’ll go and see what’s going on with them. Knowing Cassie and her friends, they’re probably zonked out on stolen candy. When all of the kids are accounted for in the lunch cabin, we gather outside.”
I swallowed, speaking up. “I actually wanted to talk to you guys about something.”
Rowan lifted his head, jutting the edge of the clipboard into his chin. “Go on…”
“I found something?” I pulled a face. “I mean, think I’ve found something?”
I wasn't sure how to explain to a dwindling group of exhausted teenagers that there may be something even more terrifying than potential kidnappers out there. Four blank faces started back at me, and Rowan leaned forward with a frown. “Like, in general? Josie, we don’t have time to go foraging.”
“You could call it a lead,” I said. “But I need your eyes to find it.”
“Uh-huh. But what is it?”
Thinking back to what exactly I had seen, I had no idea how to describe it. “It’s better if I just… showed you.”
Rowan looked sceptical, but nodded. “Alright. Josie comes with me. We’ll check out Allison’s cabin again to look for an emergency line, and you can show me whatever this ‘thing’ is you’ve found. Then we’ll escort Cassie and the other girl’s to the lunch cabin. Every camper needs an escort from now on. The rest of you? Act normal. If the kids see you freaking out, they will also freak out—and we need to keep up morale.” The boy pointed to Olive. “Olive, you sit in with the kids and look after them. Callan, check out the emergency generator. Harry, the kids see you as a playground ride, so use that to your advantage. Offer them horse rides if they’re scared. And with the ghost stories, it’s making it worse. Give them piggybacks.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “Do I have a choice?”
“No.”
Rowan cleared his throat. “We all keep up appearances. If the others turn up, after getting high or… I don’t know, having an orgy in the woods—- I will fucking kill them.” The way he smiled through his teeth, jumping off the bunk, his toes primed like a wild animal, I knew he wasn’t joking. If this was a well-constructed prank the other counselors were playing, I had no doubt Rowan would rip them apart for leaving him as a reluctant leader. To my surprise, the others wandered off with their tasks.
I watched Rowan lift up his pillow and pull out a pack of animal crackers, ripping open the bag and pouring the contents into his mouth. He caught my eye, crunching through mini animal crackers. “I didn’t have lunch,” he said through a mouthful.
I couldn’t help feeling a sense of relief as we headed across camp, Rowan in front of me, while I lagged behind.
“So, what’s the plan?” I caught up to him, almost tripping over a log.
The guy didn’t turn around. “I am completely winging it,” he said through a choked laugh. “I have no idea what I’m doing, and if I’m honest? I just want to go home, dude. I haven’t looked after this many kids in my life, and if I have to smile one more time as a little brat, I am going to fucking lose my mind.” He heaved out a breath. “I am making this up as I go along.”
I laughed that time. “That’s… comforting.”
“Yeah?” He turned to shoot me a grin. “Well, rest assured I am just about as scared—if not more scared than you,” as we stopped in front of Cassie’s cabin, his gaze found mine. “Is it me…” he said softly, “Or does the lunch cabin seem quiet.”
He was right. The windows were dark when they should have been illuminated by the TV screen. Instead of answering, I stepped in front of him, grasping hold of the cabin door. “Cassie?” I knocked three times. “Girl’s, are you okay in there? It’s Josie and Rowan.” I tried the door, and it slid open. Shooting a look at the boy behind me, I turned back to the door. “We’re coming in, okay?”
“Wait!”
Cassie squeaked from inside. “But he’s not finished!”
Ignoring the coil of dread unravelling in my gut, I forced the door open and stepped into unusually milky white light which flooded the cabin. The first thing I saw was eight-year-old Cassie, sitting cross legged with her back to me. She was sitting in a circle with the other girls, no doubt playing their game.
When I stepped closer, however, I noticed something pooling across the wooden floor. It must have been juice or water that they had spilled. I took another step, but this time, clammy fingers wrapped around my wrist and yanked me back. Rowan didn't speak, but his eyes were elsewhere. Initially, they had been drinking in the cabin before they found oblivion entirely. I heard his breath start to accelerate, his grip tightening on my wrist.
I had half a mind to pull away, before I saw the body shaped carcass the girls were sitting around. In the dim light of the cabin, it used to be a person. Teddy. I could still see parts of an identity, freckled cheeks and eyes which were still open, still staring at the sky.
But that was where the similarities to the missing counsellor ended. The thing which used to be Teddy was more of a shell, a scooped out thing resembling a human body. What sent me stumbling backwards, my mouth open in a silent scream, was the almost surgical efficiency of each organ's removal, like it really was a game of operation. His heart, lungs, and intestines were in one pile-- while his brain was cupped between little Cassie's bloody hands— and when my gaze found the little girl, Nina, hiding behind dark curly hair, I was seeing what looked like a toy robot’s head in her hands. In my head, I was thinking about the eye with the metallic pieces glittering around its pupil, and something turned in my gut.
Did I find a human eye?
I was staring at the crevice inside the boy's skull, and the boxes of surgical equipment piled on the girl's bunks, when Rowan finally pulled me back, and I was stumbling straight onto my ass. "We need to go." Rowan spoke through a croak. Cassie’s words rattled in my head. Teddy, I thought.
Teddy wasn’t finished.
"Josie. Get up. Now!" My head was spinning, and I was sure I'd thrown up. I didn’t even realize we had managed to stumble from the girl’s cabin before cool air grazed my face, tickling my cheeks. Something wet and warm, and lumpy was spattering the front of my shirt.
Before I could coerce words, the boy was pulling me to my feet, and I was seeing stars in my eyes, blinking brightly. When the two of us started forwards in a run, Rowan stopped abruptly. I followed his gaze to find several kids surrounding his cabin, where Harry, Olive and Callan were. Maybe I was hallucinating, but Eleanor and Phoebe, both of whom wielding weapons where I had no idea where they had gotten them—looked… taller? Rowan didn’t waste time, dragging me back. “Allison’s cabin.” He spoke in cry which became a sob, pulling me across camp, stumbling over rocky ground.
“We need a phone. Fuck, we need a phone. We need a phone.” Rowan was struggling to stand, occasionally bending over and choking up dust.
“They were playing Operation."
Literal operation.
“But they’re just kids!” I choked out.
Little kids, who had surgically removed every organ inside Teddy’s body.
Little kids, who were hunting the other counsellors down, and would surely be coming for us.
Allison’s cabin was thankfully further into the woods. When we were safe inside and Rowan was locking the door, I dry heaved several times, unable to get the sight of glistening gore splattering the cabin floor from my mind. “Josie.” Rowan was already tearing apart the cabin. “Work with me here, okay? We don’t… we don’t have fucking time to freak out, or to barf—we need to help. Now.” Rowan was almost in tears, and when he hit the ground on his knees, I took over. I searched Allison’s desk first. Nothing of importance, just documents and invoices. Digging through her draw, there was still nothing. We were running out of time.
Abandoning the desk, I went through her suitcase and bags. When I was crawling under her bed to try and find a weapon, Rowan hissed out. “Wait.” When I turned to him, he was still kneeling, but his foot was clamping down on a loose plank. The guy didn’t hesitate, pulling at the loose plank, which, to my confusion, revealed what looked to me like a trap door.
Rowan turned to me. “You’re kidding.”
I could only stare at the trap door revealing stone steps. He peered down, his voice echoing. “Allison has a fucking secret bunker?”
His lips curved into a surprisingly childish grin which took me off guard. “Oh, wow, that’s so cooooool!”
Lifting my head at the sound of loud squealing, I glimpsed a group of littles led by Eleanor stalking towards us. Eleanor had a hostage. Harry. And with the way she was sticking the blade of a scary looking knife to his throat, I figured she meant business.
Their height difference was almost comical. The eighteen year old guy had to hunch over so the little girl could successfully keep him prisoner. Behind them in the trees, I could see something illuminating the dark, an electric blue light bathing their faces.
So, that was there the power was going.
But what the fuck were these eight-year-old’s doing?
“Josie!” Rowan hissed from down below. He had already climbed down.
I joined him, struggling down the stone steps, before replacing the loose plank. If these kids were as smart as I thought, it wouldn’t take them long to realize the loose plank—also a trap door. Allison’s bunker was more of a control room. There were multiple screens lit up, a chair in front of a working MacBook. The phone-line was cut. But that didn’t make sense.
The kids were unaware of the bunker, so who cut the phone lines? Rowan was on the laptop, struggling to get through the password protection, so I turned my attention to piles of cardboard boxes.
When I opened them, I found myself staring at animal crackers.
There were hundreds of them, packed on top of each other. Looking further, digging through the boxes, I found a piece of old crumpled paper which looked ancient.
REGARDING PROJECT SPEARHEAD SUBJECTS:
PLEASE DO NOT INGEST UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. IF MULTIPLE SUBJECTS INGEST, PLEASE USE SELF DESTRUCT.
ONLY USE IN CASES SUCH AS IMMINENT DESTRUCTION TO THE PLANET/THREAT OF NUCLEAR WAR.
(PLEASE CONTACT FAMILIES IN ADVANCE. MAKE SURE TO INGEST WITH WATER TO AVOID NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS SUCH AS PSYCHOSIS, EXTREME VIOLENCE. PLEASE APPROACH SUBJECTS WITH CAUTION.
Something ice cold slithered down my spine.
Abandoning the boxes, I searched through a cabinet filled with files which were crumbling apart from age. I picked one at random and flicked through it.
Eleanor Summer’s.
Sex: Female.
DOB: 08/05/1977.
Initially, I thought I was reading the dates wrong. But then, with my heart in my throat, I was grasping for other files.
Eli Evermore.
Sex: Male.
'DOB: 08/03/1979.
“Rowan.” I managed to get out through a breath.
“Mm?”
“They’re not children.”
The boy rubbed his eyes, frowning. His eyes were half lidded, almost confused. “Huh?”
“Eleanor.” I whispered. “Is forty five years old.”
He nodded slowly, turning back to the laptop. “How do you spell… documents? I’m looking for digital versions but I can’t find any.”
“You don’t know how to spell documents?”
“It’s been a hard day.” The boy whined, tipping his head back and blowing a raspberry.
Whatever I was going to say was choked in the back of my throat, when a loud bang sounded from above, the sounds of childish giggling coming through the floorboards. But the laughter didn’t sound like little kids. No, it sounded like teenager’s who were acting like little kids. I stared at the boxes of animal crackers, and then at the file confirming Eleanor’s real age.
My own words shuddered through me, and I remembered finding Teddy’s dismembered carcass in Cassie’s cabin. When I had caught her gaze, the little girl didn’t look scared, and somehow, her fingers wrapped around the scalpel looked just right.
Like the little bitch knew exactly what she was doing.
“Helloooo?” Harry’s voice was a hysterical giggle. “Olly, Olly, Oxen freeee!”
“Are you in heeeeeeere?” Carmel joined in. I could hear their footsteps above, dancing across the room.
Clamping my hand over my mouth, I dragged my knees to my chest and prayed they weren’t smart enough to figure out we were right underneath them.
Knowing the truth about them, though? I wasn’t counting on it.
….
That was an hour ago.
We’re still stuck down here, and I can get a connection here—thank god. For some reason, Alison has blocked all social media. We need help. We’re at Camp Redwood, and these kids ARE NOT KIDS.
Whatever Project Spearhead is was designed to keep them here.
The phone-line is cut so we can’t get help from whoever was helping Allison. I am counting on you guys.
Get us out of here!

I (14M) have had a crush on a girl named Emma (14F) for well over a year at this point. Around October 2021, the beginning of 7th grade, we received assigned seats in math class. The desks were in sets of threes, and I got seated with Emma and her friend Isabella. Right from the get-go, Emma was beautiful. On top of that, she was extremely smart and kind (not to toot my own horn, but I'd say I'm similar). I barely said anything other than small and incoherent things and partnership work assigned by the teacher. A month later, the seats change again. I haven't talked to her since. Until earlier this May. This year, she is in both my science and math classes. After building up courage and trying to find the perfect opportunity for a bit, I finally found one. After she walked out of 4th period math class without her friends (she typically walks with them), I found my chance. The dialogue went pretty much like this.
Me: "Hey Emma."
Emma: "Oh, hi."
Me: "I know this is kind of random, but I wanted to tell you that I kind of like you."
Emma: (didn't hear me because I was quiet) "What?"
Me: *repeats* "I know this is kind of random, but I wanted to tell you that I kind of like you."
Me, again: "I don't want this to really be awkward or anything."
Emma: "Okay, thanks."
That was it.
Now don't get me wrong. This must have been extremely out of place, as a guy she barely ever spoke to confessed to her. I honestly might have answered with that if I was in her shoes as well. That was on Monday the 8th of May, 2023.
Fast forward to Friday the 12th, and I still haven't gotten an answer. At around 6:30 PM, dinner time, I added her friend Addie (14F) on the Snapchat Quick Add. I then asked for Emma's snap, which Addie gave. I then messaged Emma the following:
"Hey, I just wanted to know what you think about what I said on Monday"
"If you don't like me it's fine"
Fast forward to Monday the 22nd, still on delivered. All her friends were loudly talking about her birthday in class, so I messaged:
"Happy birthday btw"
It is now Sunday the 28th of May, 2023. I still have it left on delivered. I'm hopeful she hasn't just decided to completely ignore my friend request and messages altogether and instead she is just not very active on Snapchat.
My question is, what do I do? Do I ask for closure? Do I wait it out past graduation? Do I ask her friend to tell her? I'm honestly not sure. Graduation is in a few weeks, and if I let the opportunity fade, I might never have a chance again. Please help me out. Thanks for reading.