Aita for ruining my wife's work

Is there a list of mods that are well balanced for the vanilla game or at the very least with clearly OP marked parts? I was looking to make my playthrough a little bit more interesting with some mods.
I tried PoG and OlSom trailer packs and they were great, well balanced options that are pretty much just variations of what's available.
But then I started looking at trucks and man I do commend fhe modders for the amount of high quality work they did but in practical terms theyre all so unblanced, for example I installed JBE's Loadstar just to have some new visual customization for it and it changed the fuel tank to like 300L and added two gas cans in the cab which was a Really cool Idea, I loved it but 2 gas cans cannot carry like 150L where in the base game the general rule is 20L per can.
Sorry for rambling I guess my post boils down to

1. Is there a list or megathread of well balanced mods?
   
2. Comment mods that you've found that are eell balanced and fit in with the base game or has it's OP engine upgrades marked to notify the player of Imbalance.
   

Happy Trucking y'all

Hey guys, I've been with my boyfriend for a year and half and since the beginning of the year I've been having a hard time having an orgasm and also having a high libido back. This did arrange a little with time (after exams results, etc) but I don't feel like I'm in my normal state? I do anxiety and also relationship-related anxiety (working on it with therapist tho!) and things are better for me but I still can't find myself aroused like I used to be, even when I'm by myself (that is why I'm not sure the issue comes from my relationship). I don't really get it because apart from my anxiety (even tho it takes a great amount of place I guess) I love my boyfriend very much, and I think he's very hot. I am not very confident in my body and have quite the eczema so maybe that would be related?.... I also thought that maybe I'm pressuring myself to have an orgasm since I can't seem to naturally have one, but reflecting on myself doesn't help. If anyone has any advice to find my libido back and feel free again, it would be much appreciated! thanks :)
PS: I know making love isn't only about orgasm but rather to share an intimate moment with your partner!

I have been seeing/(going on dates with) this person for a little while now and we have chemistry and a really good time. On Monday we went on a date and then they stayed at my place (not the first time) and on Tuesday morning they left to get ready for their sibling's graduation. I texted them in the evening to ask them if they have a good time and they ended up saying that they wanted to see me and I agreed so they asked me if they could meet me later and we did meet. They said they were thinking about me all day etc. and stayed at my place for a second consecutive night and left the next morning. I wanted to ask them on a date for Friday or Saturday because we can sleep in and wake up relaxed as we don't work then next day because it is the weekend. Is it too much to ask for a 3rd date/meet up in a week? Will they think it is too much?

Hello, nearly fully diagnosed autistic + possibly have unmedicated ADHD ( plus, suffering from depression )
At school, I've always been the kid that doesn't works at all, only aiming for the minimum to pass the next year. Then, I got into college within a prestigious political sciences school. 5 years later, I've failed two separate years for mostly external reasons, and they've kicked me out some months ago.
Right now, I am doing a journalism internship that I was supposed to do sponsored by my school.
My problem is, I'm genuinely afraid on what to do, where to go, from this ? The job is OK, I'm good at it ( It's mostly being on the computer searching things ) but I hate having to go to the office each days, having to talk to coworkers, saying " Hello ! :) " to each one that I come across in corridors. Having unnecessary conversations, etc, etc.
After a workday, I feel like I'm spending most of the afternoon and night charging up for the next day, and that within weekends I have to choose between going out to do things, see friends, or stay at home to not be burnt-out on Monday.
And it's only been a month. I genuinely can't see how I can do that for the rest of my life.
I'm currently within a turning point in my life, after that internship I'll have to choose between continuing studies or pushing the journalism career and I'm scared. I don't see what jobs could allow me to stay healthy while still having a decent pay. I think that I have a lot of passions, and competences, but the context in which I have to use them depresses me.
What are you all doing as a job ? I'm really curious on how you are coping with all the things that I've mentioned. I'm seeing lots of IT folks but I'm the worst on maths lol. I'm desperate to the point that I'm unironically thinking of just finishing my diagnosis and living on welfare money forever, or try to start a youtube channel on my special interests and get a paid patreon out of it. Thank you all.

I tried the new WhatsApp desktop app but quick replies do not work so reverted back to the older version.
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Does anyone know if quick replies will be supported again?
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Example... "/MyQuickReply"
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As these still work in the Android app but not in the new desktop app.
As for WhatsApp Web I cannot use that for this account as I already have 2 browser open 24/7 for other accounts and I prefer to use the WhatsApp desktop app for the business account.
C'mon WhatsApp, we need this to work.

I am a student and was gonna opt for weekly classes in Chandigarh but i needed to stay there every Saturday. Now i am trying my best to find a way to stay there for cheap. Transport in the city not an issue as i think local buses will work fine but stay is a bit confusing.
Any help or advice is appreciated

Hey.. Still getting ready for my relo to your spot.. I am working out my budget and wanted some first hand knowledge.. I got the price for internet (going with Google or AT&T), but for electricity and water I want some help. Full facts, it will just be me, but I am a bit of a space hog.. I am planning on renting a house (1200 - 1600 sqf). Most likely a 3 Bed 2 Bath (my kids will visit). What is the projection for Electric and water....
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Thanks for your help

My anxiety attacks started 2013. I tried few meds and lexapro worked! I was able to function on it for 10 years. Few months ago I stopped taking it thinking I’m fine. However anxiety came back and started lexapro again.. (about 4 week ago). But it is not helping anymore… I wake up feeling hopeless, catastrophizing everything. I feel burning sensation all over the body, weak, jello legs. I have lost my job and I can’t see getting one again. My brain doesn’t work anymore. I’m 46 male, divorced for 12 years, have a son who turned 18 this year. He was my companion for last 18 years.. I did everything with him. But now he is always busy with his friends and study. I feel so scared, my mind telling me that my career is over, my job requires thinking and analysis… if my anxiety doesn’t get better, I won’t be able to think! I have no one and things won’t get better and will only get worse. I have some savings to cover for my expenses for 6 months.. I’ll be on the street after that! I tried therapy, CBT, breathing, meditation… nothing works :( .. lately getting suicidal thoughts/visions…. Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did u cope?

I'm looking for a sub that can help me find out how to get started on fitness when parts of my body don't work as they should and I'm extremely unfit.
I think the regular fitness subs can have a "no excuses" tendency that can be harmful to my motivation (not easy to form a habit when it leaves you frustrated,in pain and unable to move the next day)

Hello,
I'm looking for a software if that exists to train for blindtests.
They key feature would be that it plays the music for a moment and then vocalizes title and author, so that I do not need to look at a screen to see it.
Bonus features would be that I could somehow say if I knew them or not (similar to space repetition flashcards), adjust the duration of the music playing, choose if it starts at the beginning or randomly. It would be nice if I could create my own data set but I could live with pre-made playlists of some type if they make sense.
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I'm not sure this exists, because I'm not sure there are enough people as motivated as I am to beat their friends at blind tests but who knows ?
Also I'm a web developer, if you were to implement this, what would be your go-to solution ? I could use Deezer, Spotify, Youtube, but I don't know what their respective APIs look like in order to get metadata about songs for example, controlling how long a song plays before stopping it, etc, if anyone has already worked with those I'd be interested on suggestions for that too.

Hello everyone,
My wife and I will each submit a visa application for job seeking. I was unable to locate any resources, though, that indicated that the amount of money in a blocked account should be individual applicant or that showing a joint bank account with family would be acceptable and reduce the amount.
There is a note of information on the embassy's website, but it doesn't mention whether or not there will be a reduction in the amount required for the family if two people apply for the same type of visa. For example, a family reunion visa requires an additional 400 euros for each family member.
If anyone has faced a situation like this before, I would appreciate their help.
Thank you.

I want tattoos. Like so bad! I had started collecting tattoos in the different countries we visited and I've got my second (and last) pregnant holiday next week and I keep thinking how much I want to get that bloody tattoo. And it's dumb I can get tattoos after my baby is born but its just annoying me that now I have the money and I have the bodily autonomy and I have the ability I can't get the damn tattoo. It's so dumb.
Like I can't go ice skating, can't rent a moped, can't go on the bloody wine tour, or I can and watch my man enjoy the amazing wines and not join in and be the DD for him but it just ughhhh.
Oh and I really really wanted that Stilton and broccoli quiche the other day but had to have a bloody tomato and mushroom one instead! And coffee! Counting my coffees at work and knowing that this cup is my last for the day so it better be good.

So, basically, we started brutally our TOK Exhibition. My school has only a few years of IBDP experience. My TOK teacher has only given general feedback for our first commentary on our object. Then she was sick for weeks and I should submit my final TOK exhibition on the 11th June. She didn’t comment on my work at all and, as a new IB student, I’m stressed out as I have no idea if my exhibition is a good one or not. Yet, what I know is that the best grade for the TOK exhibition at my school was 8/10.

My wife and I had a walk through Ikea the other day and it was only when we got to the end that we realised we hadn't seen the children's bedroom furniture section which was one of the reasons we'd gone in the first place.
Have we missed something or has the section been outright removed / closed off for re-modelling / moved to a different area?!

I've got Zephyr Archers taking down Balors in a single turn and meanwhile my tier 5 Golden Golem does a poultry 20+ damage a hit. I can see they would be great if I can get those golden retaliation strikes working for me but currently they only have a 60% chance to guild something before resistances (so basically they never proc the gilded status on anything) How can I make these towering bad boys viable? What tomes and enchantments work with them if any? I'm currently playing enchantment halflings with a feudal background.

Does anyone else have problems with being hired by middle-men and having to deal with their editors/writers? I know it may sound hypocritical complaining about either side when I work both sides, but it's such a different and difficult experience than dealing with a writer or editor directly. I'm editing one book for a client, but he didn't write the book so I have to send edits to him, get re-writes back, re-do things, and do this over and over without knowing if any of my advice is getting across or even matter. I feel bad for the ghost writer too, because I don't want to undermine their ability to be paid or do their job, but the client's desire for a "perfect story" is supposed to be my focus.
Now I'm interviewing for a ghostwriting gig, and wrote a plot outline to start. I was told: "We give you an idea of the plot and characters. You can use what is given to you or deviate any way you see fit. It's just an idea." But then the client sent the work to an editor, who wrote a completely different outline basically criticizing me for deviating from one or two of the suggestions and giving me a rewrite full of plot holes. I'm also a developmental editor, so the fact that she did a full rewrite is a little confusing and insulting honestly. I would never presume to do that. But she also gave suggestions that don't make sense. Like, she wants me to give information exclusively in dialogue even though the requirement was a first person present tense story, and she criticized me for giving information through the character's narration.
I'm really tempted to say something to the client when I send my re-draft of the editor's re-draft. For one, I think she's working with a bad editor. And beside that, as a writer she's just giving me bad advice. But I'm worried about losing a lucrative ghostwriting contract. I know I probably just need to suck it up and work within the structure I was given, but it's very frustrating. Has anyone struggled with this and do you have any advice or thoughts?
Commiserations also accepted.

Hi
My wife is looking for a job she can do and 8am-3pm looks good. Can she just apply for any Tesco job and in the interview say that she's only available 8am-3pm, or does she need to wait until she see's a job description with those hours?
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thanks

Story goes I (25M) had been friends with this girl (22F) for just over 2 years, just around the time we'd met she'd started a relationship and I and her boyfriend became close friends also. We'd all bonded to the point that all 3 of us were hanging out on an almost weekly basis, together and separately.
I liked the girl of course but she was happy with my friend whom I respected deeply and the emotions her and I shared were clearly platonic so my feelings for her stayed that way. One day girl messages me asking to go out to a gig, I think boyfriend was out with Covid or they were taking a break from each other or something, I don't know. We spent the day together just enjoying each other's company, We ended up back at my place for smoking, drinking and music and I wouldn't even touch her at first because I worried what it could do to our relationships. The night is over and I offer her my couch to sleep on, she insists on sleeping in bed with me which I originally didn't perceive as a sexual advance cause my couch isn't very drunk crash-out friendly. We lie in bed and she starts spooning with me for about 30min, both of us actively resisting the increasing sexual tension between us. We both indirectly confirm that we're not having sex and she orders an uber home. Just before she leaves, she thanks me for the night and we end up making out for about a minute, she immediately apologies and we both admit it shouldn't have happened and we pretend like it never did. We keep our mistake a secret and our relationship stays relatively the same.
I obviously have feelings for her at this point, but I keep my emotions at bay because she was in a happy relationship with someone I respect. About 3 months later we all sort of fall out of contact for about 6 months for personal reasons and I find out from the boyfriend that he and girl had broken up while he was overseas on holiday, first thing he says is he misses hanging out with me and her. It broke me finding that out because I was sad that 2 of my closest friends had fallen apart and I had extreme guilt for my indirect contribution. Couple months later he makes the decision to stay overseas forever, he hasn't talked to me or any other local friends since, Girl has confirmed she hasn't told him we kissed.
I still hang out with the girl. Less frequently and with slightly less personal and emotional intimacy than before, she's very flirty and teases me when we hang out but not exclusively to me. She's just very outwardly affectionate, especially when out drinking, and it became more noticeable in my emotional state because she was single, and I could feel the immense sadness and heartbreak she was hiding. I slowly realized I was in love with her and that I really didn't want to be because I knew it was going to hurt us both. I couldn't tell her how I felt because she had basically shut herself off emotionally and spiritually and she was still in love with her ex and extremely sad about it. The only bonding we were doing was drinking and flirting with each other and I couldn't even play into that because it felt very emotionally flat and the last time we followed through I got my emotions reciprocated and rejected simultaneously. On top of all this she'd only just started dating some random guy she worked with as an obvious rebound and he immediately took a disliking to me because his "girlfriend" and I had an obvious emotional bond and because of how physically affectionate she is. She has shown absolutely zero fucks about his issues with me and hasn't let it get the slightest bit between us.
I began feeling hurt because I kept having to internalize my emotions and she kept pulling them back out of me. I thought it was either malicious intent or just blissful ignorance because I thought she at least sort of knew how I felt. I had invited her to an event I'd been hyping up since we'd met. I can't explain why but I had a lot emotionally tied that event and all I wanted to do after that show was tell her how much it meant that she was there and how much I loved her, but I couldn't so I panicked and told her we shouldn't be friends, which I'd thought about doing for months prior. I was expecting and almost hoping she would respond with indifference, anger and/or disgust to justify my actions but she responded with sadness, guilt and remorse, she tells me she cares about me a lot, that I "had a piece of her heart" and that she valued our friendship and me as a person more than I'd realized. All of this cut me up inside because I ended our friendship with the intent of avoiding sharing my true emotions and getting hurt, and instead we both end up telling each other feelings we didn't know about and getting hurt.
She told me that she genuinely cared and didn't want to disrespect my emotions or hurt me unintentionally and agreed we both be more honest about how we feel and make the time for each other to do so. A month later we went to a 2-night camp festival and confronted our feeling again with booze, drugs and partying influencing us. We both did a lot of genuine bonding and talking about our emotions but we also both said a lot that we shouldn't have and hurt each other the way I was trying to avoid by running... but by the morning we'd hugged it out, admitted it wasn't the time nor place and agreed that we should kinda forget about that talk in particular. Haven't seen her in person since, I've casually tried a couple times to set up things outside gig's (painting, movies, music, whatever) Which she has showed genuine interest in but has also been blowing off for the past month. I've been unhealthily obsessed with this relationship and my self hatred has been destroying me. It used to be so easy taking to her and hanging out and now every word and every action is drenched in painful overthought. Really all I want is for her to be happy, So do I break this friendship off like I originally intended and save myself and her from hurting each other any more in the long run? or do I continue dealing with this emotionally overbearing situation at the risk of hurting her and I more? Any tips?
TLDR - Kissed my friends girlfriend (emotionally not sexually) They break up for unrelated reasons and he moves country. She shuts herself off emotionally but is constantly being flirty and teasing. I feel hurt that she's shut herself off from me and feel like she's using me and fucking with my feelings, so I attempt to end our friendship. She unexpectedly responds in sadness and guilt, tells me "I have a piece of her heart" and opens herself up emotionally but continues to flirt and tease. I'm left extremely confused about our relationship and where to take it and am still considering just terminating it for the greater good.

So I'm using Debian Linux on my PC and through a process of elimination I've found that Ledger Live versions 2.52 and up have a problem whereby the Ledger Device doesn't get recognized. Ledger Live just keeps asking to connect and unlock the device. I have gone through all the recommended fixes in LL numerous times, tried numerous USB cables, removed antivirus/firewall, done a full wipe and reinstall of LL as per Ledger Support's instructions, nothing has helped. I have tried 3 Ledger devices, one Nano X and two Nano S's, they're all the same.
A few months ago I opened a ticket with Ledger Support and none of their advice helped. Yesterday I re-opened the ticket because I discovered that I could actually get LL to work by downgrading to 2.51, so I know it's probably not an issue with my PC. Based on past experience I don't expect to hear back from Ledger for at least a week though. One problem with using Version 2.51 is that it's advising me that my firmware is outdated, however it doesn't give me an option for updating it. Not sure why.
I came across a Reddit started 4 months ago where someone was having this exact same problem in Linux, and several other users also chimed in that they were having this problem in Linux as well. I tried posting questions on that Reddit but no one is responding there anymore.
So I decided to start this thread to see if anyone out there is using Linux, and more specifically Debian-based Linux, with an up-to-date Ledger Live that is working OK. If so, I know I can keep persevering to figure out what it is specifically about my PC that isn't allowing LL to work. And of course if anyone has any suggestions as to what else I could try it would be most appreciated. Thanks!

In my entire life, never ko pa naranasan na magdecide para sa life ko. Like may gusto kang gawin sa buhay mo pero di mo magawa kasi may mga bagay na dapat unahin. Kaya gusto ko kahit ito man lang magawa ko at magkaroon ng peace of mind. Plano ko sana mag solo travel anywhere in ph since yun lang afford ko for now. Nag search ako sa web kung saan place ang safe and okay din for work travel, one of those is boracay. Napaisip ako kung hindi ba mahal mag stay sa boracay for a month? Plano ko sana is 2weeks lang pero if ever hindi mahal, gusto ko mag stay for a few months. What are your thoughts po? Thanks in advance :)

The morning after our victory, I led a small team of Paladins, Clerics, and Artificers, with Rogues outside of sight alongside us.
Well, it was more accurate to say that we took one of the military vehicles and carefully drove it over to the next city. The Artificers didn't strip entire cars bare on the street, they had to get it into a garage somehow.
This excursion was primarily exploratory, to see what we were dealing with at the end of our effective territory.
The blockade was a nice touch. We slowed to a stop, we got out, and we approached. When they raised their guns, I held my hand up, and we stopped.
"This is a formal request for a ceasefire." I stated, projecting my voice with the amplifier. "We will continue to approach, opening fire will signal to us that you do not value your lives."
We continued approaching, the guns still trained on us.
The person who came out to speak with us was more forced out, he clearly didn't want to be the one to talk to us.
"Am I to assume you speak with authority?" I asked. He looked at the other soldiers, he didn't have a clue. "Then I'll make this concise and brief. You will dismantle this blockade, you will retreat, and you will not prevent us from making contact with the neighboring city. Any attempts to prevent us from passing will result in your immediate capture, any attempts to harm us will result in your immediate death."
The standoff was tense, after a few moments, I began to count down. "Five."
I could see sweat beading down their faces.
"Four."
Eyes wide, terrified.
"Three."
They broke first, backing away, guns still trained on us.
"If your intention is to retreat, such that you can face us with a larger force, allow me to make one thing clear." I blasted their blockade apart, some of them screamed. "Your bullets are useless against us."
They ran, we cleared the blockade away, and we repeated this two more times.
Seeing the city after so long felt... overwhelming. I had completely forgotten how big it was. It was almost enough to not notice the checkpoint, and the fifty of so Humans who stood on the other side, guns pointed at us.
"I will allow one of you to shoot me." I said, walking toward them. "A freebie, use your highest caliber, try and hurt me."
The bullet that struck me ricocheted into a tree, The silence that fell was just as deafening as the report from the gun, they stared at me in utter shock, and then they all ran
Several Human civilians looked at the fleeing soldiers, then looked at us as we stepped out from our territory and into theirs.
"Oh, shit. That video was real." I heard someone say. "Look at that sick fuckin' armor." Another spoke. "Are they going to attack us?"
"Halt." I commanded, my troop stopped, the tension in the air was palpable.
"My name is Ruuk Stingtail." I spoke. "For the time being, I come in peace, and invite anyone who is curious to ask questions.After all, it has been a solid year and a half since we had any contact with anyone other than enemies and ourselves."
There was still tension, of course, but eventually someone did approach, cautiously, of course. "Yo, uh, can I touch you? You know, to make sure you're actually real and not some sort of weird animatronic?"
I reached my hand out and he touched it. "Whoa." He pulled his hand back.
Several Humans had pulled out their phones, they were already recording us. I quickly appraised the people around us, looking for anything we could exploit for our own uses. I noticed someone with their arm in a sling, it wasn't in a cast, but it was wrapped up.
"You there." I said, pointing at him. He pointed at himself. "Yes, come here."
He approached cautiously. "What happened to your arm?" I asked.
"I, uh, I tore a muscle." He said. "Doctor said I can't do much with it until it heals."
"Ruka." I said, looking at the Paladin of Bahamut. He walked closer. "Show us your injury, if you would."He did, there was the ugliest bruise I'd ever seen.
"Do you consent to having your injury healed?" I asked.
"What?" He asked, blinking.
"I'm offering to have your injury healed." I reiterated.
"Yeah, sure?"
Ruka gently laid his hands on the Human's arm. "O, holy Bahamut, heal this grievous wound and grant wholeness and wellness to his man, zyak qe coi."
The Paladin's hands radiated holy light, the bruise rapidly faded, and the Human stared at it, utterly awestruck. "Holy shit." He gasped. "I mean-"
"It is not taken as blasphemy." Ruka stated, holding his hand up.
"We are here-" I spoke, looking at everyone, "-to prove our existence beyond a single video. Circumstances demand that what we do isn't simply charity, but the means by which we can survive. For this, I am sorry, I recognize that in this way, I am using you." I paused, dredging up and wiping away tears. "Our people depend on this."
If we were to have any form of peace, any form of justification for war, we needed to be sympathetic. By taking prisoners, we made ourselves targets to any would-be vigilantes looking to serve their country.
By being up front about our intentions, we showed a quiet desperation, efforts made to foster peace, even though I had bared the fangs of war.
More Humans gathered, those who were sick or in pain, we provided healing. I told our story, of how we one day woke up like this, the struggles of finding ourselves in a situation where nothing was made for us, how when we were quarantined, we were forced to fend for ourselves. How when the mine collapsed, we worked together to save the trapped miners. How when we were blockaded so they could force us to die en masse, how we were blessed with miracles.
How, when we fully understood what our intended fate was, the people heard the wisdom of my Emperor and elevated me to the position of Imperator, and how I used my authority to direct our people to our first victory.
"I shall admit, taking those soldiers' lives brought us satisfaction." I said. "They had oppressed us, tried to eradicate us, we gave them every opportunity to choose peace, to choose life. I just can't understand how they couldn't see us as people who desperately wished for love and compassion."
I laid it on thick, and the Humans ate it up.
Before long, we had expended our spells, and I said, "We will try to return, presuming the military doesn't try to carpet bomb us into oblivion, our prisoners of war be damned. I pray your leaders see reason."
We returned to our commandeered vehicle, closing the checkpoint so nobody could get in, and we returned to the city.
We did this each day we could, speaking words of hope for peace, determination to protect ourselves as needed. As always, we provided healing to those who needed it, some people even came, desperate for relief from something incurable, to which we did the best we could. Throughout this, I spoke of things to come, a thriving city, as much a part of the world as anywhere else, a place where we could share the wonders of magic.
I was asked, "Why do you close the gate when you leave?"
I simply answered, "If you entered, they would force you to remain, even though we know anyone who remains Human under the Divine Gate remains Human." It was an embellishment, but it was more poetic and exotic.
Throughout all of this, the military watched us like a hawk, waiting for us to slip up and cause some damage.
Days turned to weeks turned into a month, and we had solidified our existence to the world. We turned the checkpoint into our border, our Rangers found that we were completely sealed in on all sides by fencing.
I declared it the territory of the Empire.
"All of the land that the U.S. government sealed off belongs to the Empire." I spoke. "By locking it behind fence and gate, they have declared it our border, and we shall agree to that sentiment."
It was such a tiny parcel of land, compared to the rest of the continent, but it could comfortably fit ten offshoot villages, each which could connect us to other cities.
Construction of the new border wall began shortly after, the fencing uprooted piece by piece, replaced by solid stone proudly displaying the anachronism our lives had become, and even though there had been no agreement to peace, the U.S. government was powerless to stop us.
The moment I had claimed the land, the moment it was known to be claimed, my Emperor had claimed it in turn. By the end of the week, we had a new border wall built, one that was staffed with Rangers, Druids, Fighters, and Artificers. One that was connected by tramways, simplifying travel.
And throughout this all, Darastrixthurhi was transformed from a lifeless rock, to a city teeming with plantlife.
My Emperor held me in his arms as we laid on our bed. Sharing a bed together had always been a highlight of his being with me, his willingness to hold me, to touch me, made it all better, made it all right.
"Our enemy stalls for time, while we win the hearts of their people." He mused. "I can hear them praying to me, wishing for strength, for power, and I pull on them, make their hearts yearn. Tomorrow, invite them to visit, to witness the splendors of our nation, to feast with us in the name of peace."
"As you wish, my Emperor." I spoke.
"Ruuk, I permit you to call me your love."
"As you wish, slaitov." I replied. "Shall there be a day when we show our subjects?"
"I shall announce it during our feast." He replied.
My heart thundered, it was so sudden, yet... "Thank you, slaitov."
"Soon to be husband, Imperator mine." He replied.
When I announced the feast, the Humans who wished to join us were ecstatic. I even extended the invitation to the military personnel. "Come as civilians, if you would." I said.
The preparations that went into the feast went underway, we had a good hunt and our efforts to preserve our food was going excellently. When the Humans arrived, they marveled at the tramways, the architecture of our housing, our magical wonders. Some even saluted me, though they said they simply wanted to give me the respect I deserved.
I ensured they had the grand tour of the town, but when we neared the wall into the Fortress City, I spoke solemnly, "Any further, and you risk your Humanity." I looked at them all. "I would interpret any such entry as a desire to join our Empire, and will expect a pledge of loyalty."
The look of longing in their eyes showed me that my warning was largely going to be ignored. Hell, a handful of Humans walked right in, transforming almost immediately.
"It reacts to a want to become a Kobold." I said. "Anyone who doesn't want to might have a better time of it."
While our new citizens were given some proper clothing, I led the rest of the Humans around.
"Why didn't you stop them?" One of the Humans, a female soldier, spoke.
"Why should I?" I asked. "I very clearly stated what would happen, they made the choice."
I showed them around the Artificery, magic items and what technology we were able to make was proudly on display. I noticed one of them palm a device and walked over to them, holding my hand out. "Do not think we are not paying attention." I said. There was a tense moment before she put it in my hand. "Besides, this is just a little hand fan." I flicked a switch, two paper and wood blades extended and began to spin. "You taking this would have left one of our prisoners without any form of air conditioning."
I put it back, they tried to hide the anger at my casual mention of prisoners.
"Are they being treated well?" The soldier asked.
"Yes." I said. "Due to the lack of wireless signal, we allow them their phones so they have something to occupy their time when we're not putting them out in the yard for exercise or giving them their ration."
"You're forcing them to eat rations?" She asked.
"We all eat rations." I replied. "Feasts like this are for when we have a surplus that we can't guarantee to keep." I smirked. "That being said, as we are smaller, we need less to eat than the average Human."
I didn't pretend any of that was meant to be reassuring. "The prisoners will be joining us for the feast." I said. The incredulous looks I got elicited a chuckle from me. "If you think I'm being bold or flippant, we have them fitted with enchanted collars that will choke them if they attempt to flee. They are cursed, you see, and can only be removed with magic."
"That's fucked up." Another soldier stated.
"Inhumane, actually." I corrected. "But it's the only thing we have available that won't accidentally kill them. The worst that will happen is they'll pass out, a passive regeneration effect will keep them alive."
"Have you... tested these collars?" A third soldier asked.
"We have a small group of Sorcerers in the Warren who tried to summon a Demon for power." I said. "They have tested the collars every now and again, usually by fucking around and finding out." We approached the area where the feast was being held, food was already being set up, the prisoners were already seated, their eyes widened when they saw their fellow soldiers.
"You won't get away with this." The female soldier growled.
"Funny, that's what we said when we were locked in here." I replied. "They are fed, given water, are clothed, and are provided shelter. That's far more than we were ever given."
I directed them to their table, and soon, everyone was sat, except for my Council, and my Emperor. They arrived shortly after every one was seated, each took their seats. I sat beside my Emperor's seat.
I noted that same female soldier was attempting to film us surreptitiously.
"Today, we are gathered to welcome our Human guests, those who have seen us as people, rather than monsters." My Emperor spoke. "The establishment of my Empire was always a dream, to bring back a glory lost to time, to honor the thousands who died during the first Dragon Rage, to honor those who were murdered by my long-standing enemy." He looked around. "It had always been me desire to hunt down every last one of his children, to eradicate them, it was my Imperator who entreated me to choose compromise."
He paused, taking up a cup. "These Humans are here because my Imperator has likewise chosen compromise, to cast aside the hatred that has grown in his heart, for the sake of our peace and prosperity. Enough lives have been lost, let the first year of our Empire not be drenched in blood, that in peace and prosperity, our greatness is acknowledged, whether grudgingly, or emphatically. To my Imperator, without whom this victory would have never been manifest."
Every Kobold raised their cups, including our new citizens.
"And to our guests, who have agreed to come here in peace. May their wisdom be echoed by their leaders."
The cups were raised again.
"Now enough talk, let us feast!"
The Human frowned, putting their phone away. It was clear she didn't get what she wanted from that. After everyone polished off their plates, the people began dancing as our musicians displayed their newly awakened Bard Class- it seemed not simply playing or doing well at the arts was enough, one needed confidence and a desire to entertain.
Our guests were allowed to mingle and enjoy themselves, though the prisoners were kept under guard, any Soldiers who wished to speak to them would have to live with the fact that they would be listened in on, and considering the guards could use the spell Comprehend Languages, well, they wouldn't be able to hide beneath a foreign language.
"So, you're the leader of this little group." I regarded the Human who approached me, that same soldier who seemed bound and determined to catch us with our pants down.
"Yes." I said. "Your attempt at catching us with your recording won't work, you know." She betrayed surprise. "One, any idiot would know not to say anything incriminating at a party their enemies are invited to. Two, anyone stupid enough to do so wouldn't even make it as far as we did."
"Indeed." She said. "What was this about compromise?"
"Exactly as it sounds." I replied. "My God, Kurtulmak, has nurtured a well-earned hatred of Gnomes, considering their God committed near genocide against us. Imprisoned against his will, for the crime of wanting justice... When the victors write the history books, they will do everything in their power to make those who are suffering injustice out to be the bad guys."
"And what will your history books say?" She asked.
"That depends on your leaders' answer, Miss..?"
"Martel." She said. "Corporal Martel."
I had completely put it out of my mind, after all, we got our vengeance on the soldiers who tried to have us massacred by a God.
"So." I said. "The one who set Garl Glittergold against us shows her face." I remarked. Her eyes widened. "Why were you, of all people, not present that day, when we marched on your encampment?"
"I was called away on duty-" She started.
"Bullshit." I said. "You fled, didn't you? You ran from your fellow soldiers like the coward you are, you left them to die."
Arcane energy crackled across my body, and I had to hold back from blasting her apart. "Leave." I hissed. "This day of peace is not for cowards and traitors."
She backed away, clearly terrified. I couldn't hold back the anger any more, but I wasn't going to let her be a casualty yet. I aimed my spell at the metal pole, the Witch Bolt striking it. "I said LEAVE!" I roared. "IF YOU EVER DARE TO RETURN HERE, I WILL END YOUR MISERABLE, PATHETIC, COWARDLY LIFE!"
She fled, I did not care that several eyes were on me, if there was one thing I hated more than Humans, it was self-serving cowards like her.
I felt my God's touch on my shoulder, his presence soothed the rage, granted me the clarity of mind I needed to function. I cast my gaze toward the rest of the soldiers, who looked like they were mice caught in a trap. I approached them.
"You may leave, if you wish." I stated. "My anger at her is not anger at you."
"What the fuck did Tiana do, that pissed you off so much?" One of the soldiers asked.
"That woman was the one who called down a God to kill us." I stated. "The fact that she is present at all means she abandoned her post and left her fellow soldiers to die." My lip curled into a snarl. "The only thing I hate worse than anything, is a coward and a traitor, and that woman, Tiana Martel, is both."
I sensed a jolt of shock from my Emperor, I looked at him.
"Ruuk." He said. "Say that name again."
"Tiana Martel." I replied.
My Emperor about faced and roared, "Paladins of Bahamut, after that woman! Move!"
The Paladins gave chase, our Emperor did not order them around, out of respect for his pact with Bahamut.
"My Emperor, do you really want to risk any peace we could gain, chasing after one woman?" I asked.
"Ruuk." He said. "What are the chances that a single woman who can call down a God, who has knowledge of us that can be exploited, is suddenly not present when we finally make a counter attack? By our pact, your eyes are my eyes, and she has tried to cause problems the entire time she has been here."
He paused. "Tiana Mahtel, that's how she pronounced it, yes?"
I blinked.
"Wait, that woman is Tiamat?" I asked.
As if in answer, there was a roar, and in the distance, a dragon reared up, one bearing five heads of different colors.
​
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I've worked myself to the bone long hours in a high stress environment for years to save. Now I have my house, I've had my wedding and I have a decent car, I've been very fortunate and I think it's time for a reset with most of my biggest life expenses out of the way.
Was diagnosed with an illness at the start of the year aswell so I'm just tired now, I want to prioritize my loved ones and my health.
I'd honestly do anything at this point. A nice, relaxed job where I can tip away at my work unbothered with colleagues who are working to live and not living to work sounds amazing to me right now.