I haven't seen this brought up much, but the late 90s were a boom time for tarot, occultism, and neopaganism. These girls would have been exposed to Llewellyn books, tarot cards, The Birthy Book that every Barnes and Noble carried, the Pyramid Books catalog, and so, so much "Celtic" reconstructionist (it was not in fact reconstructing anything) Wicca and other related practices. The Craft came out in May of 1996. Brian Froud was just coming off having a moment and as kids they would have been exposed to a lot of fantasy in their entertainment. Even if you weren't in to that sort of thing, someone at your high school was. I don't know why we tend to forget this about 90s culture, but it was definitely part of the experience.
It makes perfect sense to me that the aesthetics of this quickly forming cult become what they do. In fact, they're some of the best evidence that the whole thing is made up. The antlers, especially are exactly what these kids at this moment in time would come up with. They're communing with the ancient spirit of the wilderness and it told them to dress up like an illustration from Raymond Buckland's guide to witchcraft (a text that suggested people attempt to forge their own ceremonial daggars with heat from their electric stoves.)

Hi! Anyone have any good devotional book recommendations? I’m looking for something that’s interactive while also helps me understand the Bible a bit more! Bonus would be if they carry it at Barnes and Noble book store :) thank you!

I believe the book was released around 2013/2014, I read it around that time. It was based on either Red Riding Hood or Snow White I think. Romance/adventure. Bought it from Barns and Noble.
The premise has to do with her being adopted by a man and his son, and her trying to escape the woman who had her before? I believe she was evil, and kept trying to attack or get back the MC. And the evil woman lived underground.
The main character had a severe stutter caused from the trauma of her childhood. But it was weird because her adopted brother ended up proposing to her and marrying her?? And she defeated the evil mom. And I remember she had friends that were all supposed to be princess, like one of her friends was basically a version of Cinderella?
Sorry, this is my first Reddit post ever and I know it’s not a lot of info! It’s just been killing me!

As the title suggests, I was wondering if there was any deck that was either drawn in or is inspired by the early 1800s European time period.
I just started working with the Romantic Tarot by Lo Scarabeo and it is inspired by the late 19th century through the turn of the twentieth. It’s great, but it made me wonder if there is a deck that would be illustrated using imagery from earlier in the 19th century. I really like the empire dress style of the age. I’m a big Jane Austen die hard.
I did a quick search already but don’t see anything from the main publishers and was wondering if people who have more exposure from Indie creators might have seen one.
I do know of the Jane Austen Tarot and have frequently seen it at Barnes and Noble, but if I remember correctly it’s not a full 78 card deck.
Thanks in advance if anyone has any suggestions!

I was just at Barnes and Noble and saw a book that looked interesting. The title was “Birth” which unfortunately makes it very difficult to search for without remembering the author’s name (which I don’t). It was in the newly released nonfiction section and it was about the state of reproductive healthcare today. Does anyone know what the author’s name is/have a link?

Hi, I am in midst of crisis on going about 3 months with OCD and I am the lowest point o my life. I can't find joy in anything, life honestly doesn't make sense for me, I am hopeless and completely dysfunctional. I need help, so writing here is a last resort.
Just a bit of context, I am 21M studying in college ( physics ). I've battled with OCD for 3 years, but right now it's the worst i've ever been. I've had Pure O, contamination OCD which ruined my 1st year of college and my grades, which were good in the beginning. I am in my 2nd year now, and again at the start of this year everything was going great, I was getting the grades I was aiming for, I was beginning gainning self-confidence in my academic abilities ( I think I've had pure O thoughts concerning this also) but it all went downhill again, it started with OCD about counting calories and it's now the worst theme I've ever had, Existential/Religious OCD ( although I know when we're stuck in a particular theme it always seem the worst at the moment).
I was already doing therapy before college however it really didn't work as it was a form of CBT but without ERP ( kinda like socratic dialogue in albert ellis style, which worsened my symptoms in some part). During the final 1st year of college I went to my present therapist, we began doing ERP together with ACT, which worked great for me. However, ACT has philosophical basis or similarities with eastern religions, and after I read some spiritual books recommendations that my therapist gave me in order to help me I began researching obsessively about this topic. I'd been exposed to eastern religions before, particulary buddhism. I was meditation a lot, realizing about metaphysical doctrines as sunyata (emptiness), anattã, personal ego, dukkha and samsara, but this time was not moved by curiosity/intereset but by anxiety/worry. I began reading all the main suttas of buddhism as well researching in buddhismstackexchange, every single day for hours, I was even loosing sleep.
I quickly tried to rationalize ways of proving ways of why buddhism couldn't have the ultimate truth because of logical/doctrinal inconsisties: the myth of creation in the aganna sutta, the misogny present in sectarian buddhism, the fact that buddhism as an intentional system of ethics whilst also believing in a kind of deontological moral theory given by karma/rebirth, the fact that rebirth was something born out of the human desire to atribute make sense of life ( missfortune or good fortune are based on past karma etc.), however then a conter thought appeared "what if this is actually true and you're wasting your life studying while you could be preceving absolute truth", or the scholars opinions about texts like the aganna and other suttas being later addictions rather than buddha's own doctrine. I've also read about Refrational frame theory, skinner, the historical development of ACT, academic papers of Steven Hayes, some relating buddhism and ACT. The problem is, while ACT hasn't been explicitly developed based on buddhism ( it was on based on radical behavourism and some work of Aaron T Beck, initially) it is a 3rd wave cognitive behavioural theory movement which began with it's roots in buddhism, namely MBSR and gestalt. Because all of this, added to the fact that I attached myself to buddhism in the past, as belief system ( OCD wasn't getting better with CBT therapy so in order to survive I told myself buddhism has all the answers I need, and meditation really worked for me), I developed severe scrupulosity, fear of going to hell, of not following dharmma etc.
Added to this is the fact that I genuinely think buddhism has a robust philosophy, the 4 nobles truths, dukkha, the unstatisfactorianess of life, the boredom and repetition inherently present in the human condition, and also I myself have found utility in it's framework of understanding and training my mind, I think I've developed strong cognitive bias added to the OCD. It's driving me crazy, to the point I dont know what I actually believe anymore or what is OCD distorted thoughts, it's eating me alive. My biggest fear is "what if buddhism is true", then what I am doing right now is actually useless because it would not lead to nirvana, cessation of becoming, this perpetual cyle of life/death. I can't study because I am constantly having panic attacks about this possibility, I loose sleep and I am completly depressed by this, because whether people admit it or not buddhism core philosophy is really pessimistic, as it basically defends the meaning of life is to cessate further life (nirvana).
I've talked to my therapist about this, but he did not give me any reassurance ( as he should) and quickly dismissed my premisses, however I've just thought " he really doenst understand buddhism as well as I do" so he wouldn't know any better. This question is eating me alive, because I've this thought in the back of my mind " You know buddhism is true and you're just making excuses to not do the hard work, leaving pleasures and being an ascetic". I think OCD is kinda taking advantage of my personality trait of being extremely diligent ( to the point Idc how I feel as well I acomplish a higher goal) to harrass me, but its just a guess.
Please I need help, someone. I don't know how to deal with this, and buddhist scrupulosity is quite rare, as I didn't find any materials. Kind regards everyone.
PS: english is not my main idiom so sorry for any mistakes

Edit: reposted as I made some mistakes in the write up.
Famed explorer Volothamp Geddarm needs you to complete a simple quest. Thus begins a mad romp through the wards of Waterdeep as you uncover a villainous plot involving some of the city’s most influential figures.A grand urban caper awaits you.
Pit your skill and bravado against villains the likes of which you’ve never faced before, and let the dragon hunt begin!
Hi everyone!
i'm looking to get together 4 or 5 players to play through Waterdeep Dragon Heist and when we complete the module to branch out into a full game.
Game overview
Known as the "City of splendours",The city of Waterdeep stands out on the Sword Coast as a example of artistic, economic and scholarly achievement. Governed by a secretive council known asthe masked lords headed up by the current open lord Laeral Silverhand. Home to various guilds and factions, the city is always abuzz with activity from the various trade guilds to the shadowy criminals organisations such as the mysterious Xanathar guild to the various factions of the Zhentarim or the inner Politics of Waterdeeps many noble families.
The module takes players from level 1 to 5 as the party will interact and find themselves embroiled in the actions of various factions as they find themselves chasing after a rumoured treasured housedwithin Waterdeep.Though we will be playing through the Module, i am hoping to make this a longer running campaign for the group to go on other adventures alongside the module and after the end of the module to hopefully develop this into a long running game.
Character creation
For character creation. all official contentfor Dnd 5e. I do also allow some third-party content such as the Taldori Reborn subclasses, gunslinger and blood hunter etc and am open to Homebrew and other third-party content though i would want to look at it first.
Additional content
For the game i would like to try using some additionalrules from third party books to add to the game.The main addition will be the injury systemfrom Grim hollow. it overhauls the lingering injuries system to add the smaller scale injuries such as the chance to break an ankle after going down in combatfor a brief example. The system will be fully explained after the group is together and if it not something the group vibes, they it will not be used.
I also own some books that expand up diseases that players can catch alongside various add-ons such as taverns and tankards which add magical brews which players can buy or craft for fun effectsI also use a revamped wild magic table to make wild magic a bit more interesting by having 100 different effects that can occur.
Session schedule and platform
The game will take place weekly on Wednesday 7pm to 10-11pm BST and will range between 3-4 hours. unfortunately this day cannot change as this is the only free time i have within my weekalongside my work.
The game will be played on Roll 20 for the use of maps and character sheets though extensions such as beyond 20 can be used and voice will be done through discord.
About me
I tend to go by Drake/Owen and am 23 years old and go by he/him pronouns. I have been playing ttrpgs for around 6 years and have played a bunch of different systems such as monster of the week,pathfinder and of course 5e. I have been dming for around 2/3 years and am decently new to dming 5e. as such as i don’t know every rule but i have a good grasp on the game. For my games, i do tend to follow the rules most of the times however by no means do i go for rules as written and i think it can be fun to bend the rules to allow fun and interesting ideas.
i tend to enjoy playing more rp heavy games though with space for combat as i think it adds to the game but are happy to adjust the flow of the game for the players but im completely happy to havejust full rp session. please add magic to the google doc just to show you have read at least this far
Application
If this game sounds like something you would like to take part in feel free to put a application in with the google form. People will not be picked on a first come first serve basis and i will try to get to everyone i can
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKAAzErm3Rkj-sLZh1wT-q3A_Rw8y3msPShrwknumii3XqjQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

first
Luna VI query: Set the source to the translation logs of Princess Amara Auralyn.
Consider it done!
Luna VI query: Now tell me in detail the events that led to the admission of Princess Amara into the first meeting crew.
***
Princess Amara was facing a cold stone door. Beige in color with a somewhat reflective surface, it was full of intricate engravings that the pattern-matching algorithm couldn’t identify as anything meaningful.
The status of the experimental integration of the nanites to the Irisian physiology was normal, and the total active time was 57.23 seconds.
Amara’s sharp but short claws slid through the surface of the door until they found a sequence of five matching clevises. She twisted a rotating mechanism that triggered the automatic opening of the heavy door.
As any Irisian would instinctively do, Amara’s eyes scanned the room to create a mental image of every single color, pattern, and texture of every single surface.
The inside shared some similarities with the door, but only in its structural aspects. The walls, ceiling, and floor were all made of the same cold stone, giving off the vibe of some older times. While the giant holographic chamber in the middle, with a detailed map of a specific part of the galaxy highlighted, spoke of a more recent era.
Amara noticed that the books, the pieces of art, and the decorations she remembered were all gone and a single unremarkable chair and the old man sitting on it remained.
He was so focused on the map, absorbed into the atmosphere of solitude, that he hadn’t noticed she entering.
“Don’t tell me an Oczoil ate all of your things, Aldrinch?”
A jolt of fear shot through the old man’s body. A young Irisian would have instantly jumped out of the chair while their brain took care of tracking the source of the voice and adjusting the patterns of their body to match the background in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, though, Aldrinch was not young, so, while his instinct to jump out of the chair was still there, his body was unable to perform the action and he fell on his arms and tail with only some of the parts of his skin having adjusted their colors to the background.
Upon realizing what she had done, Amara’s neutral expression gave way to patterns of red and green. Instead of worrying she was letting her true emotions show like she had trained her whole life not to, she rushed to help her old friend.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t think you w-”
“Didn’t think I was this old?” Aldrinchh accepted her help to get back on his feet. “The last two harvests haven’t been kind to me, Princess.”
Almost as if they were noise, Amara ignored his words and inspected his body to ensure that her reckless approach hadn’t caused a serious injury. The skin of his arms and tail were not visibly injured, but she was unable to see more given that even an old man like Aldrinchh had adhered to the latest fashion trend of wearing clothes when not in battle.
“You don’t need to worry about me, according to the way the humans measure time, I’m just a two-year-old.” Aldrinch dismissed her worries by stretching his arms to show there was nothing wrong with him.
His humorous tone made Amara realize her true emotions were showing. And that was not all, the fact that Aldrinch had recovered enough of his composure to put her at ease and hint at the topic she came here to discuss with a single comment spoke volumes about his skills with politics.
Amara closed her eyes and her exterior once again returned to the indigo blue with ephemeral black spots characteristic of her lineage.
“You still haven’t told me what happened to your things, Aldrinchh.” Amara returned the conversation to where she originally intended to start it. “I can’t imagine you parting with your collection of exotic poisons.”
“But that I did, young one.” Aldrinch entertained her curiosity. “Those were all mundane distractions.”
“Why did you keep this old holographic chamber then?” Someone with the position of Imperial Maven would have no trouble getting the latest virtual reality technology from the Core Galaxy Alliance or even the humans.
“This was made with our own technology, probably the last of its kind in working condition, I know it’s selfish keeping it here with me, but it wouldn’t feel right to leave it with anyone else.” A hint of gray appeared around Aldrinch’s dark spots.
“Cheer up!” Amara forced some positivity for the sake of her old friend. “Now that the humans showed up we have a good chance to save Irisa.”
Her positivity only caused the gray in Aldrinch patterns to become even more intense.
“I wish it was that simple, my young friend, but my experience has taught me that it rarely is.”
Amara noticed he had avoided going into detail to spare her from something he knew; she wanted to pursue some answers, but she felt now was not the time to seek this information. It would be a challenging endeavor to win his agreement for the favor she was about to ask him. There was no reason to make things even harder for herself by asking for even more. The earlier fiasco was already bad enough.
“You might be right about that, but convincing the Senate to change its policies is not our only option anymore.” Instead of asking directly, she opted for an indirect approach.
“Oh, I’ve heard some whispers that someone had been asking around to be included in the first meeting crew.”
Amara did not expect to have her intentions seen through and her sugar-coating attempt to be foiled even before she started listing why it was important to have someone like herself in the crew.
“Elysira doesn’t want to be in the crew, I caught her crying¹ yesterday, she is not the right person for the job.” Amara change her strategy on the fly and appealed to an emotional argument.
“I know that having alien technology inside her body and being labeled as an outsider is scary, but no one will treat her differently after she gets the translator. The only thing that will change is that she won’t be eligible for any high-rank position and won’t be privy to important secrets afterward.”
The way that Aldrinch denied her request without saying it clearly was quite annoying, but she was prepared for that.
“That’s not the problem. She knows the kind of expectation my mother has from her, and she hates it.” Amara explained. “When I asked her for an explanation she listed more than ten reasons off the top of her head why the humans look hideous and she said she’d rather die than comply with her orders.”
“Are you implying you are ready to take her place and carry her burden?” Aldrinch looked displeased as a tone of orange materialized around his dark spots.
“Not in a million years!” Amara’s exterior skipped the orange and became red at his insinuation. “I don’t agree with my mother’s subservient behavior and I think desperation turned her rule into a disgrace to all of our people.”
“And I was thinking you were not the same naïve girl who barged into here asking me for borrowing a poison to kill your older brother four harvests ago.”
“Aldrinch, I…” His’s previous statement had caused Amara to purposely show her anger, but it had not affected her inner emotions nearly as much as this one even though nothing was showing externally.
“You need to understand something; our position is terrible.” Aldrinch moved his eyes away from the princess and used his claws to reach for some controls of the holographic chamber. “This is a projection of the human territory, see that, they have full control of four systems, partial control over at least three, and all of them are full or artificial constructions everywhere.”
“I know that Aldrin-”
“No, you don’t.” Aldrinch didn’t let her speak.
The projection started to zoom in to a space in the void between two of those stellar systems and a shocking view was presented to Amara. Like a well-choreographed dance, many different groups of star-ships began to emerge from the depths of space and assemble into two distinct fleets. The projection zoomed in again to focus on one of the great groups. Inside this group, each ship was taking its designated position with precision and grace.
With every frame, a different ship model appeared, some monstrously big, some devilish small, but all of them seemed to have a purpose in being positioned where they were.
The projection zoomed out and again and an overview of the two fleets was seen by Amara. She noticed the reproduction was sped up, but that didn’t diminish her shock in the slightest as she witnessed those two fleets gradually converge.
One single explosion was the spark that ignited a sequence of countless big explosions in the middle of the battlefield, none of them destroying a single ship at first. But gradually the battle was turning into a dance of combat, with ships darting and weaving their last moves.
When the battle reached its climax and Amara wondered with tension who would win, Aldrinch paused the reproduction and zoomed in into a small corner of the battlefield.
In the little corner, there were more explosions than she could count and all of them had been previously labeled.
Kinect. Chemical. Atomic… Antimatter… Unknown.
“So many deaths…” Amara forgot the point Aldrinch was trying to prove by showing all of this.
“We believe most of them if not all were drone ships.” Aldrinch went on. “But that’s not the core issue. Have you wondered how we obtained this footage?”
“Have we been spying on the humans?” Realization struck her hard.
"Not by our own volition, but rather at the behest of Senator Eelzails." Aldrinch told her more than she expected he would. “Didn’t you find it suspicious how many times he’s been requesting our services lately?”
“This is an imminent catastrophe!” Amara instantly considered the possible ramifications of humanity finding out they are being spied on.
"Yet, hidden amidst the dangers, lies an opportunity if we choose our moves wisely." Aldrinch took a seat again contemplating projection.
Amara racked her brain trying to make sense of how spying on the ones whom they hoped to get help from could be an opportunity, but she failed to see how a good thing could come out of that action. “An opportunity you say? To me, it looks like an opportunity to ensure that there’s no planet to be saved anymore.”
“Do you know what was our only bargain chip before the Core Galaxy Alliance had made contact with the humans?”
“Enlighten me.” Amara was having trouble hiding her dissatisfaction so she answered shortly.
“Our unmatched expertise in stealth ship technology was our only asset that was craved by the Senate.” Aldrinch went on. “But the Core Galaxy Alliance gave us another bargaining chip without even realizing it when they ordered us to spy on the humans.”
Amara interest sparked; she noticed Aldrinch was testing her deductive skills by giving her just this much information so she decided to take on his challenge. “You are implying that we could disclose our surveillance to the humans… wait, that would be low, but… playing on both sides is also possible.”
“So you are not the same naïve girl after all.” Aldrinch finally moved his eyes away from the projection. “We’ve been playing on both sides in the previous two harvests. We purposely omitted the size of the human fleets by a factor of ten, we cherry-picked the ships and the explosions we wanted to show Senator Eelzails in our report. Now we can choose which story we want to tell.
One where we’ve been coerced into spying on the new species, but we refused to comply fully as a token of friendship. Or one where we ventured into the depths of human territory to do an exceptional job of gettering information.”
“A dangerous game…” Amara was not surprised her mother or the elders had chosen this course of action, but Aldrinch should have been able to see another path. “One that might not even be worth playing.”
Aldrinch’s exterior showed a hint of purple highlining he didn’t want to hide his confusion.
“Your words elude me, young one. There are only a few concessions we can offer, and if we aspire to secure aid, we must employ every available strategy, which includes making any potential outside helpers feel indebted to us.” Aldrinch looked her in the eye. “And it also justifies the requests your mother has made from Elysira and the others, their personal feelings mean very little when the fate of Irisa is what is at stake.”
Amara clenched her fists inconspicuously at his last statement, but not a single color changed in her exterior.
“How meaningless their feelings are compared to the greater good is not the point.” She noticed her effort to hide her anger was rendered useless by the aggressiveness of her words. “Have you or the elders tried to set aside your maps and schemes for a while to have a casual conversation with the humans from the space station?”
“And how would that help us?” Aldrinch was still confused and there was no sign he had taken any offense at her tone. “The humans in the space station are not the leaders of their species, they are scientists, soldiers, and explorers. Even if some of them know some important information that might be beneficial to us, I don’t see a species that has accomplished so much on their own giving away their secrets in casual conversation.”
“What if what I told you the humans don’t think like us on a fundamental level?” Amara had learned a lot about the difference between the human and Irisian cultures in the many hours she spent exchanging messages with the human crew. “Have you ever wondered why they decided to land on Irisa’s surface even though they didn’t even need to meet us face to face to have us intermediate their talks with the Core Galaxy Alliance?”
“…” Aldrinch pondered out loud in an attempt to infer the humans’ intentions. “By landing here they will put themselves into the spotlight and every species will be talking about them in the upcoming future. This attention could be used to obtain some trading deals for their technology, but they also would have to factor in the negativity of potentially being associated with us. Most races fear us and see this planet as hell, so by being able to survive here they will only prove that their plain appearance and lack of claws are deceiving and they are deserving of being classified as category four deathworlders.
They have much more to lose than to gain by being here, their decision to land must have been taken without much knowledge about the current state of affairs of the senate.”
“They know the implications of landing here, yet they will do it anyway.” Amara countered his reasoning.\
“Oh, are you insinuating that they'll graciously land here solely to lend us a helping hand, with no ulterior motives or desire for some grand reward? How noble and selfless of them!"
“I did not insinuate that!” Aldrinch’s resistance to at least consider the possibility that he was oblivious to some important information on the humans’ motivations was starting to get on Amara’s nerves. “What I’m trying to tell you is that their purpose here has nothing to do with us or even the Core Galaxy Alliance.”
“And the humans just told you that?”
Amara roamed around the circular holographic chamber to break eye contact and rain in her annoyance at his level of scrutiny.
“They did not tell me directly, but I noticed that every human I talked to would mention a lot of their concerns about who among the three representatives would take the first step on our planet. I didn’t understand their fixation on this trivial detail at first. I thought it was some kind of mistranslation, but when they talked about the history of exploration of their own world and their first attempts at reaching space, it all made sense to me.
The humans are not coming here to help us or try to get trading deals with other species, to them this planet is just a hard place to go to. A perfect place where their factions can put their technology to test and compete against themselves.”
“… This is-” Most of Aldrinch’s body was consumed by a vibrant purple which gave away the rare view of this old man failing to keep composure.
“Insulting?” Her eyes were transfixed into Aldrinch’s short hair² which was unable to keep up with his body and had only changed its color very close to the head.
“More than that. It means that humans are not trying to make alliances and their biggest concern as a species is fighting against themselves. If that is the case we should focus our energy on getting help from the Core Galaxy Alliance and forget about them.” Aldrinch’s dark spots slowly reappeared as he spoke.
“Absolutely not!” Amara was incisive. “You said it yourself that we don’t have many bargain chips to negotiate, we can’t afford to waste an opportunity like that!”
“I'm afraid I fail to grasp your meaning, princess.”
“Well, but that’s easy! The humans are looking for a challenge, then let’s give it to them.” Amara allowed her body to be filled with an energetic orange showing the excitement she had in finally saying to core part of her idea. “Instead of showing them the more peaceful corners of our planet, why don’t we take them to places like the Noxious Chasm and the Ebon Range.”
“To embark on such an endeavor would be sheer folly, few of our kin dare to traverse those treacherous lands. Bringing the humans into such perils would invite disaster, ruining the meticulously cultivated perception of our world as anything but a fiery inferno.” Aldrinch didn’t understand how Amara’s idea would help them at all. “To say that this would destroy our chances of being helped by the Core Galaxy Alliance would be an understatement, if we chose that path I can see the more extremist races such as the Asaidians openly advocating to leave us to our demise.”
“But the humans would be put in the same basket, wouldn’t they?” Amara purposely let hints of bright yellow appear around her dark spots to express the mischievous pride she had in her idea.
“…” Aldrinch stood up again and receded to the solitude of his inner world as he contemplated the idea.
Amara noticed the inner conflict in the old man’s thoughts and decided to keep pushing her idea. “Making alliances and getting trading deals may not be their primary goal now, but sooner or later they are going to need that, and when the time comes guess who will be the only ones who won’t be scared of them?”
“Your rezoning is not without merit, but let us not forget your own words of caution about playing a dangerous game. This endeavor carries even greater risks. What if a human representative perishes on those treacherous lands? Or worse, what if they become overwhelmed by fear and withdraw from the mission altogether?”
“I’m not saying there are no risks involved, but you are the one who said we have very little concessions to offer.” After hearing the old man using her own words against her, she ended up doing the same out of spite. “If danger can’t be avoided why not choose the path of greatest reward with the perks of giving a good scare on those deceiving wimps who can’t stop reiterating we haven’t done enough to deserve to be saved?”
Aldrinch didn’t say anything. He approached the holographic chamber and used his claws to interact with the controls to alternate the view to a series of maps and documents. Amara waited apprehensively without uttering a single word as she had a feeling that it wouldn’t be a good time to interrupt the old man.
After exactly one minute and twenty-seven seconds, Aldrinch made eye contact.
“I hope you kept the conversation logs with the humans, we are going to need those if we want to convince your mother and the elders to change their plans.”
“Are you going to support me?” Amara found it hard to contain yellow from showing.
“Just because I cannot die without seeing the chaos in the senate when we send them a detailed report of the humans visiting the Ebon Range.”
Amara almost let her happy mood cloud her mind about the other thing she had to ask, but in no time, she forced her mind to focus on how to broach the topic of joining the first meeting crew.
“I know what you want to ask and the answer is no.” The little pause in the conversation was enough for Aldrinch to anticipate her question. “I know you’ve grown up and are by no means the same naïve girl who is impatient and willing to do something stupid without understanding the consequences, but that doesn’t change the fact that you are too important to take such a dangerous job and put alien technology inside your body.”
To have her intentions read so easily was truly annoying, but that gave Amara the excuse she needed to give up the mind games and speak her mind.
“I’m grateful to you, Aldrinch, I’ve learned a lot from you when you refused to give me the poison and explained to me why getting rid of my brother wouldn’t solve all my problems.” She went on. “But those were not all the lessons that episode taught me.”
“What do you mean, young one?” Aldrinch didn’t try to guess her intentions.
In a sincere display of yellow she concluded. “I also learned that it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”
***
1 – Irisians don’t cry with tears falling down their eyes and sobbing, instead they lose every color of their exterior and end up looking like a cathode ray tube TV showing static.
2 – Irisians don’t have hair but have an elongated extension of their skin at the top of their heads that is thin and disposable. It servers to protect their head against the unforgiving radiation of their planet.
***
This was an account of the events that led to the admission of Princess Amara into the first meeting crew. Here are some questions that might interest you based on your recent queries:
• What kind of danger will there be on the Ebon Range?
• Is humanity aware of the spying?
• Who are the parents of the baby?

“It all seems like a horrible tragedy, with fate pressing on relentlessly to some destined end. Everything that one does seems, no matter how right it may be, to bring on the very thing which is most to be deplored.”—Bram Stoker, Dracula

Welcome to Barovia

Welcome to Barovia, the setting of Curse of Strahd. There's not much you need to know about Barovia before diving in; in fact, the less you know, the better! Mystery adds to horror, and it's certainly the last place to be written about in the history books. However, what you should know are the themes and tones to expect in such a setting, which are explained below.
So, what is Barovia? What exactly am I in for? Well...
It is a tense exploration of classic gothic horror tropes and monsters, from werewolves to vampires, ghosts, and more. It is a true sandbox, providing players with the freedom to make their own choices and build the kind of adventure they enjoy. It is an unabashedly character-driven campaign, giving your player character an incredible chance to shine and make their mark on the story your group tells.
However, it is also a brutal, stressful, and alienating experience. Your character will be trapped in a bleak, gothic land quite different from the world they know. The adventure contains several encounters and areas that will likely be far beyond your capabilities when you first encounter them. It does not provide routine or readily-available loot or magical items.
For a player who’s not expecting it, Curse of Strahd can suck. Really suck. Let me put it this way: if you want the freedom to engage in combat and exploration without worrying about the potential risks, this is very possibly not the campaign for you. Likewise, if you are potentially triggered by gruesome depictions of horror or psychologically disturbing relationships, or if you prefer a D&D campaign that features only victories or setbacks (rather than the potential for outright defeat), you might want to try a different module.

“How blessed are some people, whose lives have no fears, no dreads; to whom sleep is a blessing that comes nightly, and brings nothing but sweet dreams.”—Bram Stoker, Dracula

You should play Curse of Strahd if you:

• love gothic horror tropes, as well as themes of temptation and corruption
• want to engage with a character-driven story that pushes you to develop relationships with multiple NPCs and factions, as well as set your own goals and pursue means of achieving them
• enjoy roleplay, investigation, relationship-building, and deadly combat
• enjoy facing an active, powerful, and personally antagonizing villain

Disclaimer: Curse of Strahd, as-written, is full of disturbing and mature themes, such as child abuse, murder, stalking, gaslighting, racism, references to torture of NPCs, mind control, cannibalism, situations referenced to have occurred between NPCs that parallel sexual assault, child death, references to stillbirth/miscarriage, abuse of those with disabilities or mental illness, animal cruelty, body horror, child abandonment, portrayals of alcoholism and drug abuse, potential references to incest between NPCs, implied necrophilia, and suicide. It is not for the faint of heart, and due to such themes, I ask that only those 18 and older apply.

Time

Sessions usually last 3 hours, though occasionally may be 4 hours. Sessions are every Tuesday from 8pm EST to 11pm EST.
If you're unsure of how to convert this timezone to yours, this is a wonderful tool I use when converting timezones: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com

Character Creation

Warforged, yuan-ti, lineages from VRGR (though these are obtainable as transformations in-game), and races that don't have the Humanoid creature type are not allowed, for reasons pertaining to both setting and balance, as well as the artificer class (setting), and peace domain subclass (balance).
I ask that no player characters start the game with an evil alignment. Note, this doesn't mean your character can't turn evil; the setting, themes of the game, and events that may transpire can certainly make this logical/reasonable if it's the direction you want your character to head in. Evil alignments are allowed and in-theme, however, if that's something you're interested in, it would work better as a shift than a starting point.
In addition, we use a few minor house rules, however, there is one major one specific to Curse of Strahd: Due to the significance of curses to the plot and themes of the campaign, the remove curse spell has been removed entirely. It is not available to be learned nor prepared, nor will spell scrolls of it exist. However, bear in mind the greater restoration spell is still available, including its ability to target/remove "One curse, including the target's attunement to a cursed magic item".
You'll be starting at level 7, and can be either an outsider who ended up in Barovia (and we can discuss how you got there), or a native of Barovia (in which case, there's also many options).

The Party Currently

Currently, the party consists of the following:
Ashanko (He/Him) - Neutral Drow-turned-Dhampir Monk (Way of the Shadow), who has an aura that unnerves the holy.
Celhath (He/Him) - Chaotic Good Shadar-kai Ranger (Fey Wanderer), who has gained a bit of a wine addiction.
Emery (She/Her) - Neutral Good Human Fighter (Eldritch Knight), who has the strongest moral compass of the group.
In addition, the party has adopted a Scottish Terrier named Lancelot, a fawn named Lucky, and have befriended a local noble whose family was overthrown. They've also adopted a bat they're pretty sure is a spy but that the ranger is really attached to, named "Bruce-Frank the Bat".

Platforms Used

We will be using Discord for voice chat (no video) and ambient music, and Roll20 for character sheets, rolling, and maps. I have quite a few sourcebooks on Roll20, so there's a decent-sized compendium available to you for ease. In addition, dynamic lighting will be used.
Seeing as animated maps are utilized throughout the majority of the campaign, and Roll20 lacks native support for such, we all use the free browser extension "VTT Enhancement Suite" (often shortened to "VTTES" in the community). Unfortunately, both the DM and players will need to have the extension enabled for animated maps to show, but it's fairly easy to set up and I don't mind walking anyone through it.

Meet the DM

Hi! I'm Apate (she/her), I'm 20, and I'm from Ohio. I've been DMing D&D 5e for 2-3 years now. I have a papillion, Gracey, and a black cat, KitKat. I'm horribly ADHD, and am a big fan of dark fantasy and gothic horror. I've ran three campaigns before, countless one-shots, and have played in/ran non-D&D systems.
I am no voice actor, so please don't expect any professional-sounding NPC voices. In general, I feel like I still have a lot to learn in regards to DMing, but I put a ton of work into prepping sessions and give it my all.
When I run official/WotC content, I heavily modify it. Though the basic story is still the same, as well as many major plot elements and the theme/tone of the campaign, some content has been altered to hopefully create a more immersive and enjoyable experience. In addition, quite a bit of third-party and homebrew content has been added for the same reason and to further add depth.
It should be important to note, that while Curse of Strahd does deal with many mature, dark themes, real-world discrimination among players (be it racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, etc) is never, under any circumstances, tolerated.

Application

If interested, please fill out this application I will look go through the submissions and pick people by Monday or Tuesday (we wouldn't be having a session this Tuesday either way).
https://forms.gle/fGaJrBYJ13gR16MC6
And please feel free to apply no matter how new or experienced you are to D&D. Hell, if you've played in or ran in the module in the past, feel free to apply as well. Just be honest about it, and as long as you can separate player knowledge from character knowledge, all good; every party's Barovia is different, so I hope to provide an enjoyable experience regardless. :)
If you have questions, ask in the comments and I'll try to answer as soon as possible. Thanks y'all for taking the time to read this post, and have a great day!

I have been working on a plane for MtG, based around a great passion of mine, the bard from Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare.
Thespia, the Realm of Sonnets
Thespia is a plane known for its dramatic landscapes, where lush forests, misty moors, and towering castles blend seamlessly with aethereal energies. The plane is perpetually enveloped in an ethereal twilight, casting a mysterious and romantic aura upon its inhabitants. The plane is dotted with bustling theaters, where performances of plays, tragedies, and comedies are staged with magical realism. Each theater is a realm of its own, transporting audiences to ethereal realms and alternate realities through the combined power of acting and magic. The greatest of which is the Globe stage.
The Great Houses
Thespia is divided into five great houses, each inspired by a Shakespearean play:

1. House Veronai - Inspired by "Romeo and Juliet" and "As You Like It," House Veronai embodies love and passion. The members of this house are known for their fiery hearts and quicksilver tongues. They excel in spells of seduction, disguising illusions, and enchantment.
2. House Maclett - Representing the tragic tales of "Macbeth" and "Hamlet," House Maclett is driven by ambition and power. Its members are schemers and plotters alongside skilled necromancers and sorcerers, specializing in curses, dark magic, and the manipulation of fate.
3. House Prosperus - Drawing inspiration from "The Tempest" and "Henry V," House Prosperus is a house of elemental mastery and enchantment. Its members use their noble authority to command the forces of wind, water, fire, and earth, harnessing their power to shape the world around them.
4. House Ubarrun - Paying homage to "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Ubarrun is formed of mischievous fey and mystical creatures. Members of this house possess the ability to control nature and transfiguring illusionary magic.
5. House Falstan - Inspired by the comedic genius of "Henry IV" and "The Merry Wives of Windsor," the people of Falstan embrace merriment and revelry. Its members are skilled illusionists, tricksters, and performers, known for their unpredictable spells and wit.

These great houses assist in running all of the theatres in Thespia. Aspiring writers work to see their stories performed in their great theatres, possibly even creating a character they consider worthy to be sent onto the Globe on their behalf.
The Rivalries and Alliances
The world of Thespia is not devoid of conflict. The great houses engage in political intrigue, romantic entanglements, and fierce magical battles. Betrayals and alliances shift with the turning of each act, as the members of the houses vie for power, love, and the preservation of their legacies.
The Great Stage of Thespia
At the heart of Thespia lies the Globe, an otherworldly amphitheater where performances and magical duels take place. This enchanted arena is the largest theatre in the multiverse and can morph and transform into any scene necessary. Though to enter it from the wings, is entering an different world altogtether. Should you enter from the wings, you enter through a bright light and find yourself in a random place in the globes world, becoming a part of it's story. It is believed that the world is stuck in an endless twilight due to the neverending play happening on the globe, should it end the night will finally come to a close. Each of the houses has a different idea on how the great story should end. Veronai - They believe the great story should end with a great romance, ending with the union of two lovers. Macleth - Believe that the play should be a tragedy, wanting the play to end with the death of all characters. Prosperus - Believe that the play should end in a great battle, with a true king of all crowned as the finale. Ubarrun - They want the play to end, to bring up the moon and start the course of nature again. The great story is but that, a story. Should the play end, then people will be free to express themselves in the real world than the fictional. They wish for the play to conclude in a great dance. Falstan - The Falstans actually like the world the way it is, with merriment and entertainment. They so do not seek to end the play, instead using their characters to outsmart and guide others to carrying on the great story.
The Quest for the Bardical Codex
Rumors abound in Thespia of a legendary artifact known as the Bardical Codex. There is a tale that this world was written into existence, by a powerful being known only as "The Bard." When this being made, it wrote every detail into a great book. It is said to contain the true essence of the Bard's genius and possesses the power to alter reality. All stories believe that this book is hidden within the world within the Globe. Members of the great houses embark on perilous quests to find this elusive artifact, hoping to harness its power for their own purposes.
Conclusion
Thespia, a world born from the union of Shakespearean literature and the Magic: The Gathering universe, offering a unique blend of poetic language, theatricality, and epic magical battles. Here, planeswalkers and house members are both actors and heroes, playing their parts in the grandest of dramas, all while drawing inspiration from the timeless works of the immortal bard himself.

Hi I’m Felix, haven’t posted in a while because life. I need to know someone and care about them before I want to be intimate with them, so friends first. I want to text, and call some nights, go to barns and noble to read in the cafe, walk down town and sit in the parks. We should know and trust each other first.
Then FWB, I live alone so I can host, I also have 2 boxes of toys, restraints and other things depending on what kinks we both share. I post submissive thoughts on this account but I’m a switch, I have a second account for Dom thoughts.
Finally a relationship. This might not happen, maybe we are great as friends and kink partners but not in a relationship. I’ve had that before, but I’ve also had fwb that I caught feelings for and that’s a risk I’m willing to take. I won’t close myself off to new people just because I’ve been hurt in the past.
Non-kink: - I go through phases of Minecraft, used to play old cod games and destiny but now it’s just minecraft and sometimes league with a friend but I’m brand new - Books, love fantasy and sci fi, the scholomance series and the scythe trilogy are both wonderful. And manga!! Love romance manga - Cooking, I like learning new recipes and cooking for others, acts of service is one of the ways I show love and like making tea taking steps and actions, I like the dedication and intentionality of cooking for others
Kinks: - I have a lot, chastity, restraints, rope play, I’m a pretty open person so just ask me
If you’ve read this far please send me a message, let me know a meal you like or a book or ask about a kink. Talk to you soon

I have been to a number of book stores in my area (books a million, barnes and noble, goodwill books, & a local comic shop), but today I went to the used books section in a small used bookstore called "MyFavoriteBooks". I saw the first volume of a manga called Dai Katana, one I have absolutely never ever seen or heard of before. It looks like something I'd be interested in. I was just wondering if this was a popular title I haven't ever heard of or if this is something new?

http://under-these-restless-skies.blogspot.com/2014/02/was-anne-boleyn-victim-of-sexual.html
Karen Lindsey, author of Divorced, Beheaded, Survived: A Feminist Reinterpretation of the Wives of Henry VIII puts forth a very interesting opinion on the way we should view Anne Boleyn's time at court:

I was doing an article for Ms. about sexual harassment on the job and reading about Henry's wives in my free time, but it took a while to put together the fact that Ann Boleyn's position as lady-in-waiting to Henry's wife Catherine of Aragon was her job, and that, far from trying to lure Henry away from Catherine, she had spent over a year tactfully trying to repel his sexual advances.
Today, Henry’s approach to Ann would be instantly identifiable as sexual harassment. Ann however, had no social or legal recourse against a the man who ruled the country. She continued, as so many women before and since have done, to dodge her pursuer’s advances while sparing his feelings. It didn’t work.
[...]
It was a hellish position. Could she really tell the king to his face that she had no interest in him? She could reiterate her desire to keep her chastity and her honor, but clearly he didn’t respect that. She could ignore his letters and stay away from court, but he refused to take the hint. To offer him the outright insult he asked for would be to risk not only her own but her father’s and brother’s careers at court. She undoubtedly kept hoping he would tire of the chase and transfer his attentions to some newer lady-in-waiting.

​

But he didn't and she was trapped; there was no chance of her making a good marriage when every eligible nobleman knew the king wanted her.

Lindsey is correct that Katharine of Aragon's court was Anne's workplace. Service in a noble court was the 16th century's version of the corporate ladder. The world of the nobility was a system of intricate social stratification where everyone sought employment from the rank above. The Babee's Book laid out this chain of service in example:

Even the duke's son preferred page to the prince, the earl's second son attendant upon the duke, the knight's second son the earl's servant, the esquire's son to wear the knight's livery, and the gentleman's son the esquire's serving-man.

Those who were charming, talented, clever, or amusing, could be promoted with additional job duties and income, or move up to the household of a noble higher in rank.
The duty of service to one's betters was bound up in religious faith. The Tudors believed that God had ordained the social order of the world. A person's status was the position to which God had called them, and so service to their superiors was as service to God.
Only those of the highest pedigree and social connections could hope to find a job serving the king or queen. Anne Boleyn was not titled, but she was the granddaughter of a duke. Her father was a very wealthy and well-connected man who had served as the king's ambassador, and Anne's mother had served Elizabeth of York. Securing Anne a job as a lady in waiting to Queen Katharine was a boon for their family.
Anne was employed in a series of royal households from the time she was a very young child, learning the social graces that would entertain those who employed her. She could dance, play instruments, engage in witty conversation, and was well-read enough to debate on intellectual topics. She was the consummate professional in her work, and remained chaste while she waited for her father to arrange a good marriage for her.
At one point, Anne took the bull by the horns and tried to arrange her own marriage with the son of the Earl of Northumberland. The results were disastrous, as far as her career was concerned. Once it was discovered what she was doing, she was banned from seeing the young man again and sent home to Hever in disgrace. She was fired, in other words.
Her family must have been livid. The match her father had been working on - perhaps unbeknownst to Anne - fell apart. Some scholars believe it might have had something to do with Anne's failed betrothal, but no records exist to explain it. The Butler family may not have wanted the union in the first place, which might have been engineered by Cardinal Wolsey to resolve an inheritance dispute. In any case, Anne now had no job, and no prospects for a husband.
Anne returned to court about a year later. We know nothing of the next two years or so, except what fragments can be deduced from the memories of Thomas Wyatt, as related by his grandson.

There was, at this present, presented to the eye of the court the rare and admirable beauty of the fresh and young Lady Anne Boleigna, to be attending upon the queen. In this noble imp, the graces of nature graced by gracious education, seemed even at the first to have promised bliss unto her aftertimes. She was taken at that time to have a beauty not so whitely as clear and fresh above all we may esteem, which appeared much more excellent by her favour passing sweet and cheerful; and these, both also increased by her noble presence of shape and fashion, representing both mildness and majesty more than can be expressed.

She seems to have been very popular at court. Northumberland's son wasn't the only man who was attracted to Anne. Thomas Wyatt fell in love with her, according to his grandson's book, and several of Wyatt's poems seem to refer to Anne and his unrequited passion for her. But Anne was cautious of her reputation, and rejected Wyatt's advances.
King Henry seems to have noticed Anne in late 1525/early 1526. His favor came with a "promotion" offer for her: an appointment to serve his wife, Katharine of Aragon. Anne wrote the king a letter, thanking him for the appointment. But this promotion came with some drawbacks.
As Karen Lindsey notes, Anne was in a very delicate situation with Henry's favor. Having his interest meant her family's advancement, and indeed, her father and brother received a steady series of gifts, grants, properties and titles, including his long-desired title of Earl of Ormond. Anne herself was showered with gowns and jewels, and fawned over by the court, seeking her favor so she might help advance them as well. Rejecting the king outright would have cut off this flow, and perhaps even set the Boleyn family back to being worse off, if the king became angry about it.
In February 1526, Henry made a public declaration of his interest in Anne, hoping the fawning attention of the court would pressure her into giving into his advances. Anne was suddenly thrust into the international spotlight as Henry's love interest, and suddenly had dozens of new "friends" seeking her favor and trying to use her for their own advancement. And, of course, they encouraged her to accede to the king's wishes. But Anne held firm to her principles. She would not sleep with any man outside the bonds of holy matrimony.
Henry now spent more time in his wife’s quarters than he had in years, but it was to visit Anne where she couldn’t escape his attentions.
In May, it got so bad that Anne actually quit her job as a lady in waiting and retreated to Hever, where she refused to answer Henry’s letters and sent back his gifts. Henry’s letters to her at this point are full of pouting complaints that she won’t write back to him. He claims not to understand it.

I cannot sufficiently marvel at, because I am sure that I have since never done any thing to offend you, and it seems a very poor return for the great love which I bear you to keep me at a distance both from the speech and the person of the woman that I esteem most in the world...

Henry still wouldn’t take “no” for an answer and chased after her. He went to stay with a cousin of Anne, Nicholas Carew, whose house was a convenient distance from Hever so he could ride over at his leisure. Anne could not refuse to receive him at the house. She refused wherever she had agency, but in this she did not. No one could refuse the king admittance.
When Anne did return to court, she had to face a great deal of hostility. Those still loyal to Katharine of Aragon despised Anne for "luring" the king away from his wife. Anne had enemies she'd never even met, people who hated her for everything she represented, who twisted her words and spread malicious gossip about her throughout Europe. Courtiers who smiled at her and bowed whispered behind their hands. Families were divided as religious reformers sided with the Boleyn faction, and the conservatives sided with Katharine.
But the greatest problem was that no man would seek Anne's hand in marriage while the king was pursuing her, certainly, and not after he lost interest, either. Few people believed Anne was still a virgin, and her reputation was in tatters around Europe. Around the time the king decided he wanted to marry her, Anne may have realized herself that she would marry the king, or have to remain unwed, a burden on her family.
Thomas Boleyn has been portrayed as grasping and heartless, selling his daughters like a common pimp, but truthfully, he had little say in the matter, either. It wasn't only his fortunes at stake, but the entire future of the Boleyn family. If he'd had a choice, he probably would have wished Anne would give in and become the king's mistress, because Henry tended to find respectable husbands for the women he bedded once he was done. But Anne's religious convictions were too strong for that.
Anne was, indeed, trapped. She could not risk offending her "boss" and losing her job with her entire family's future at stake. Whether she liked it or not, she had to keep the king's favor. It was upward toward the throne or utter ruin. Anne Boleyn never really had a choice.

I’ve bought 10 of the 5-Star albums since the release, and almost all of them had an extra inclusion of some sort. For example 2 had extra photocards (so 4 total instead of the 3), and one of the ones I bought from Barnes and Noble had 2 of the exclusive cards instead of just one. A few of the other albums came with extra stickers or postcards. So, I’m just curious if anyone else has received albums with extra goods?

--- Table of Contents ---
--- Part 1/2 ---
When Shon woke again, it was to be told he'd slept, not only the rest of the day and night of the incident, but the entire day after as well. Despite the Cleric assuring Shon that this was normal, he still had Shon eat breakfast in the infirmary while the Squires attended their morning lessons. He'd slept through drills, breakfast, and prayer.
The Cleric kept the curtains drawn over the window, though Shon's head wasn't pounding anymore, and had added a second set of standing curtains around the girl's bed. Shon's eyes flicked in her direction with every alternate bite he managed to force down, but there was no movement beyond the white cloth.
Master Daunas came in shortly before tenth bell and armor practice to inform Shon that he was to take the day off to rest but could rejoin the others in training the following day. He was at least allowed to leave the infirmary, though he waited until he could hear sparring outside before he did. He didn't want to run into any of the Squires.
As he opened the door to leave something flew by the window, catching Shon's attention enough to make him stop and look over. But it was already long gone. Just a bird... Assuming he hadn't imagined it. He shook his head, still aching all over. His mind swam with worries and memories, made worse by the fact that the Cleric was trying to hide shivers now that Shon was fully rested. He'd probably just imagined it...
Back in his room Shon huddled over his journal. He could still smell the smoke in his hair and had decided it would be best to shower soon, but finally alone, his thoughts and memories could no longer be ignored.
So he drew. He tried to start safe. Nangran atop his borrowed horse; Ivelm mostly naked and shaking a club in his doorway; the Archmage's workroom lined in shelves filled with magical components. That one had taken a while. But as he released these images onto the page, others forced themselves forward. Smoke billowing over treetops; a burning tower; charred bodies; and a girl reaching out through the flames. A girl lying asleep in the bed next to his. The stillness of the picture made her look dead.
He dropped his pencil, letting it roll right off the desk. Crossing his arms over the book, he rested his head on his desk. The wood felt warm compared to his skin, comforting. What more could he have done? What could a Paladin have done? Or Master Veon-Zih? Shon saw again the bodies and shivered.
No one could save everyone. To think otherwise was pure arrogance. But knowing the facts and feeling them were two very different things. The tower wasn’t that far from Hamerfoss. Shouldn’t they have known something was going on? Shouldn’t they have been able to do something sooner? Years sooner? Long before the fire killed those people?
A loud tapping startled him awake. When had he fallen asleep? Shon searched his room in confusion, trying to piece together his dream and what had awoken him. He'd been in the Temple chapel, but as he'd walked down the middle aisle, the pews had started to decay, the stone walls crumbling. Small plants, then trees began to sprout from the ground, overgrowing the once-holy place now in ruin. Shon pressed the heels of his hands hard into his eyes, trying to remember what had come next... A man with white hair pulled back in a ponytail had been standing at the head altar... something with leathery wings on his shoulder...
The painful screech of something sharp on glass had Shon jumping up, his chair falling to clatter on the ground behind him. He looked to his window but saw only orange sky beyond. Was the sun already setting? He knelt on the mattress and looked out the window, unsure what he expected to see. He was on the third floor, but that was definitely where the sound had come from, and the window was the only glass in the room.
Nothing but open sky.
He opened the tiny window, the pane swinging up and letting in cold and refreshing air that helped clear his mind. Master Daunas's voice bellowed orders from the courtyard below, and Shon stuck his head out to look down and see his fellows working through their dagger forms. He'd slept through lunch and afternoon lessons. And he still needed a shower.
If he hurried, he would be able to shower before the others finished their lesson. Shon left the window open and even opened his door before he remembered to grab a fresh uniform. Obviously, he still wasn't thinking clearly.
The halls were blissfully empty, and Shon could almost pretend that even if he did pass someone, their breath wouldn't show in the air. It was a short-lived fantasy, however. He managed to make it all the way to the showers, but when he opened the door a voice called, "Squire! Why aren't you... Oh..." Shon performed a sharp about face to stand at attention before the Major General.
"At ease, Squire Shon," Selibra sighed, waving him down, "Did you get enough rest?"
"Yes, Sir," Shon answered but then caught movement out of the corner of his eye, again. He hadn't managed to turn his head far enough to see before the Major General started speaking. Shon snapped his head back to give the officer his undivided attention.
"You did well, Squire. Smith Nangran told us what happened at the tower." Sir Selibra managed a strained smile that faded quickly, "If you want to talk about what you saw there... any one of us will be more than willing to listen. You shouldn't have had to experience death so soon." an image of an arm pulling away from a charred corpse flashed in Shon's vision.
Shon swallowed down the accompanying nausea at the memory and managed a nod, adding a quiet "Thank you, Sir." for good measure.
Feeling the need to scrub even more than before, Shon was grateful when the Major General left, allowing him to enter the still-open room. The shower was only mildly comforting, however. What should have been scalding water felt merely lukewarm now, the mist billowing off his truly icy skin thick enough that he could barely see the spigots. Closing his eyes, he scrubbed and tried to imagine the images flowing off of him with the filth...
Something chirped, and Shon slammed the water off. Just the pipes creaking... How much longer would he have to rest before his mind stopped playing tricks on him? But as he moved for his towel, Shon stopped in shock, his new uniform had been scattered around the benches and floor.
He hadn't heard the door open, but had heard the pipes creaking? But who here would even do something like this? Shon started to search the showers, but as he did, he heard something else—voices in the hall. The Squires were done with their practice. He still didn't want to see them and dressed quickly, rushing from the shower and slamming the door behind him.
Something thumped into the door from the other side. Shon held his breath and turned slowly. It was his imagination. It had to be. He reached for the handle again and, standing behind the swing, opened the shower slowly.
"He's been gone three days... Do you think they sent him away?" Thom's voice sounded from around a corner, and Shon jumped in surprise, pulling the door open fully as if he could hide behind it.
"No way. he's the best Squire we have, so what if he's a Sorcerer." They were talking about him... Shon definitely didn't want to see them yet. He dashed down the opposite way, taking a long way around through the Paladin's barracks and back to his room. Or that's what he'd planned before he remembered the Squires hall would be full of people now taking their break and trying to get into the shower before everyone else. His feet faltered, and he turned away again, to one of the hardly used stairs that would take him down to the rest of the fortress.
Barred from his room, Shon made his way to the place he associated the most with comfort, the chapel. It wasn't empty, three Paladins knelt in prayer near the front, but it didn't matter anymore. He felt a wash of calm as he entered the incense-filled room, the sweet-smelling smoke finally banishing the stench of burning hair from his memory.
Shon took a spot near the back, kneeling to pray as he stared up at the statue of Hengist behind the altar. He was dressed in full plate mail, his arm raised in triumph, holding his mighty sword, Darkspliter.
Shon sighed and felt himself smile for what felt like the first time in a very long time. He could tell Hengist anything and everything, and none of it out loud... But then his smile faded. What would he say...?
I'm sorry. I feel like I've been lying to everyone, to you. I've known there was something different about me, something wrong with me. That's why no one likes to touch me, why everyone pulls away at the feel of my skin, like it's somehow dirty or painful. I should've realized... Should have known...
But I worked so hard... You know that, don't you? And I'm not ready to give up. I'll do whatever it takes, atone anyway I can if you just tell me how. The Major General said something about it being a sign. I want to believe he meant the unlikely convenience of Smith Nangran knowing an Archmage who could make an item so I won't have to get the tattoo. Thank you. I just hope I don't disappoint after getting a second chance...
The bell for dinner sounded. Feeling better, Shon considered going with the Paladins as they left the chapel. Until one of them shivered as they passed. "Winters right around the corner," another muttered.
"We'll need to install the heating orbs soon." the last answered before the door closed... He wasn't hungry anyway.
Please, Hengist. Don't let me hurt anyone else. Kefir was trying to help me, and I answered that kindness with pain. What if the healers hadn't gotten to him in time? Would I have smothered him in ice? Please, I'll give up everything if it means that will never happen again...
But he didn't want to give up anything. He wanted to fight, to reach his highest potential, and lead a life of meaning. He thought of Master Veon-Zih. The Monk had told him that he didn't need to be a Paladin to fight for justice, and he was living proof of that. But...
I don't want to be alone... At first, I thought I just wanted you, a god, as a guiding light in my life. But now I realize that being a Paladin gives me even more than that. It gives me brothers and friends, and I don't want to lose them either. But I especially don't want to hurt them.
Shon clenched his hands tighter, as tight as he could, digging his fingers into the spaces between his knuckles; as if external pain might dull internal strife...
They say I'm scary... And I know they aren't really joking. I can see it in their eyes and hear it in their nervous laughs when they try and make it a joke. But they only mean when they fight me... don't they? And I'll never try to hurt them. It's only sparring... they know that... don't they?
He squeezed his eyes tighter shut,
But what about now? Will they be even more afraid? Even when we aren't sparring? Can I blame them if they are?
He actually found himself waiting for an answer... Of course, none came. He wasn't a Paladin yet, and wouldn't be able to feel the god until he swore his Oath and took a piece of Hengist into himself. For now, Shon took in a deep breath, as deep as he could, then let it out slowly, relaxing his hands and face as he attempted to release his anxieties unto his god.
I won't give up. I'll fight this danger within me as hard as I will fight any threat without. I ask for your help with this. Please don't give up on me yet. I'll prove I'm worthy, I swear.
The bell ending dinner and starting study time sounded. Shon stayed in the chapel until a handful of Squires came in to pray themselves. They hesitated by the door, but Shon didn't look at them. He knew he couldn't hide forever. But he also wasn't sure what he should say to any of them. Or if he should say anything at all. Shon waited until they moved away from the door to finally stand. If he had to face any of them, he wanted it to be the ones he considered friends first.
Shon left the chapel and made his way to the library, fighting the urge to just go back to his room. Heads swiveled in his direction the moment he opened the library door. Shon flinched, sucking in a sharp breath and holding it, pulling his energy in as best he could.
He stepped in, and the Squires exchanged looks, but then the Paladin on library duty coughed, and they quickly went back to reading.
His typical spot was available as usual, so Shon made his way there. The others would want to talk after... and if not, he would just go back to his room. Distracted by his continued worries -and the silent effort to hold his energy in- Shon still heard when something behind him hissed along the stone.
He spun quickly, scanning the floor. This time he definitely wasn't imagining it...
"Squire Shon... Shouldn't you be resting?" He turned back to find the Squires trying to make it seem like they weren't staring at him, while the Paladin who called looked openly concerned.
Shon's cheeks flushed, now feeling cool rather than warm. Another change... He cleared his throat, "No, Sir..." and when the Paladin's worried expression didn't let up, Shon added, "I've been resting all day."
"Three days..." Zihler muttered.
Shon met his eyes and the Squire smiled, but Shon couldn't tell if the expression seemed strained or not. He nodded anyway, taking his seat alone at the table by the window.
Books on their current subject of study were already laid out, and he pulled one forward, opening it without checking the title. As he read, he could hear the others occasionally whisper and even caught snippets of what they were saying,
"I found another one. Do you think this will be enough?" Thom asked.
"We have the rest of the hour; we should find all we can," Rerves answered. It didn't sound like they were studying, but Shon had missed three days of lessons; maybe they were working on an assignment... He went back to his reading. He would get any missed work tomorrow.
When the bell rang that would finally begin their last hour of free time, Shon closed his book. It would be best to just go to bed early; everyone seemed to think he should be resting anyway; they could talk after he got the sealing item... But he hadn't stood yet when his six closest friends jumped up, books in hand, and crowded around him, preventing him from leaving. From running away.
"We're glad you're okay." Rehlien blurted out.
"The Major General told us what happened," Baradin added.
Shon looked from him to Kefir and took in a sharp breath, "I'm..." he started to apologize, but Kefir interrupted with a broad smile,
"I'm fine. I even got a day off for it. I didn't need it though, they healed me up right away."
Rerves placed his book down on Shon's table, "It was just really surprising, you know? But hey! Now we know why you're so cold all the time."
Shon looked down at the massive tome on the table, not wanting to meet their eyes. He didn't know what to make of what they were saying. There was no way it was okay. How could they be alright with a dangerous magic user that could kill them all on accident...
"We found these. We thought they might make you feel a little better," Thom whispered, stacking his book on top of Rerves' and opening it to a page he'd marked with a ripped piece of scrap paper. It wasn't a textbook, it was a record book. Shon furrowed his brows down at the page, reading 'Sir Patrich, served 4876-4929, died 4955. Paladin of Hengist, General. Air Sorcerer...'
Shon looked up to find them all smiling down at him. Zihler set his book down over Thom's, opened to another personal record, "This one was a fire Sorcerer, and they're supposed to be the most destructive."
Rehlien took Baradin and Kefir's books and stacked them with his own beside the open records. He ran his fingers over the slew of bookmarks sticking out of the closed pages, "All Sorcerers and Paladins." Rehlien said.
"Master Daunas said you would be back in a few days, but just in case we wanted to find these for you," Thom explained in a rush, "You know... in case the officers or Mages needed to be convinced..."
Baradin cleared his throat before he spoke, clasping his hands behind his back, "We haven't found any ice Sorcerers yet, but they're also the rarest, so that really shouldn't be surprising."
"Yeah, and there are plenty of fire who are crazy dangerous even when they're trained," Kefir added quickly.
Shon could feel a burning in his eyes and blinked furiously, looking away from his friends. He wouldn't cry.. he wouldn't. "Thank you..." he managed to croak out, finally giving in and rubbing his eyes. None of them commented on his show of emotion, or the frost clouding his window.
Rerves took the seat across from him with a smile, "So, what type of familiar do you think you'll get?"
Shon managed to stop blinking enough to arch an eyebrow. Hadn't Ivelm said something about a familiar too?
"I bet you it'll be something really lame." Zihler laughed, "To balance Shon's badassness."
"Squire!" the Paladin librarian barked, "Pushups! Now!"
Zihler groaned, mumbling as he stepped back to perform the punishment, "How do they always do that?"
"Divine hearing," Rehlien snickered as Zihler started the pushups, "Probably only works for curses, though."
"You can join him," the Paladin called without looking up from his book, and Rehlien groaned, dropping down next to Zihler.
"Seriously though," Rerves said, ignoring the boys huffing and puffing through their punishment, "Familiars are animals, they're supposed to be even closer to their Sorcerer than a Paladin and their mount! Like an extension of yourself. You can see through their eyes and talk to them with your mind. It's awesome!"
Thom actually blushed, confessing, "We read up on it a bit over the last two days..."
They knew more about what he was than he did. Shon actually smiled, starting, "I don't..." but chittering, like a particularly loud squirrel, interrupted him. The Squires all swiveled their heads to look around, Rehlien and Zihler jumping to their feet with the Paladin, who stood so quickly his chair fell over. The chittering turned to chirping, and then to a purr, as Shon finally found what was making the noise.
On top of the bookshelf closest to the door, sat a tiny dragon.
The size of a large barn cat, its scales were mostly brown but had streaks and blotches of red and orange, like the few deciduous trees that still held their leaves in autumn. Its leathery wings were folded against its back and its front claws grasped the edge of the bookshelf. Its long tail, complete with a scorpion-like stinger, flicked back and forth, its sinuous neck held high as it surveyed the library.
Some of the Squires let slip breaths of wonder, and the little dragon seemed to preen at the attention, holding its head a little higher and purring even louder. The Paladin, however, stepped around his desk and commanded, "Stay back, Squires," before he started chanting. The little dragon tilted its head at the Paladin, as curious as the rest of them. A moment later, the knight's spell washed over them to fill the room, sending a shiver down Shon's spine and making more than one of the other Squires shudder.
The little dragon let out another string of chittering and hissed down at the Paladin, whose eyes went wide as he announced in a breath, "It's real."
"How did it get in?" a senior Squire asked. Shon started to stand but then fell back again as images flooded into his mind. He watched a window opening from outside the fortress, and saw himself lean out. Then the image shifted, and he saw himself digging under his bed for a new uniform and towel as the him that was watching slipped out the door. It shifted again, and he saw himself in the shower, mist billowing off his shoulders before he dug through the piles of clothes left on the bench. It shifted again, and he darted into the library and behind the bookshelf, watching as he, Shon, walked in and sat down at the little table.
Shon blinked and shook his head furiously to try and clear it. All the pictures had flooded in so fast that no one even had time to answer the question or pose their own, "I let it in..." Shon whispered, then looked at the Paladin, explaining quickly, "I didn't mean to. I left my window open to air out my room and..."
"It's okay, Squire," the Paladin was actually smiling, and the little dragon whistled, "They're goodly creatures, though elusive. I've never seen a live one." the dragon leaned forward on the bookshelf, crouching down on its front claws and wiggling its hindquarters before it leaped into the air, opening its wings to spread as wide as it was long. It glided a lap around the library then hovered in front of the Paladin, chittering again and flapping hard enough to blow the man's short hair back before flying right towards the group of Squires around Shon.
It brushed Baradin's head with its claws, the boy ducking as it swooped down to land on Shon's table. The dragon looked from the open books to Shon, then, before Shon could pull back, climbed up his arm and to his shoulder, purring hard enough to vibrate Shon too. It weighed considerably less than it looked like it should, though its claws were sharp enough to pierce through his clothes as it climbed. It brought its face right up to Shon's eye, and though he tried to pull away, it followed him with its long neck, rubbing its cheek along his face. The scales were smooth and lacked temperature, like being touched by a gloved hand. It nuzzled his cheek again, then down his neck and into his shirt.
Surprised, Shon tried to throw the dragon off, but it just dug its claws into his sleeves, chittering angrily then clawing its way around to his back before lifting itself up to drape over his head. "What..." Shon started, but the Paladin cut him off with a laugh.
"I think that answers your friends' questions, Squire."
Shon was too confused to even arch an eyebrow at the man, but Rerves apparently understood what he'd meant because he said, "But I thought only animals could be familiars, like cats and crows and stuff..."
The Paladin nodded but then shrugged, "That's usually the case, but sometimes, rarely, there will be a Sorcerer who gets something a bit more special, like a winged serpent, fairy dragon, or in this case," he nodded at Shon, "A pseudodragon."
The pseudodragon purred, vibrating Shon's head. The Squires all gaped slack-jawed in awe at it, and Shon reached up slowly. He wasn't even sure what he was going to do, pet it? Push it off? But before he'd even touched it, it lifted its head, stretching its long neck out and nuzzling into his hand, obviously not caring that his skin was colder now than it had ever been.
"Damn..." Zihler muttered in obvious disappointment, "I was really hoping it would be a toad so I would have something to make fun of..."
The little dragon's answering twitter almost sounded like a laugh.
***
She groaned, rolling over and nuzzling deeper into Her pillow. Except it didn’t smell like Her pillow. Her eyes flew open, and She sat up. Then fell back down. That was stupid. Ran and Brom had probably taken more blood than usual again… except She couldn’t remember them taking Her for samples. Not for weeks and weeks…
“It’s alright, you’re safe here,” the kindly voice of a man spoke from Her right, and She sat up again, more slowly this time. A stranger in white robes with a sword embroidered on the chest reached out to help Her up, but after touching Her back he pulled sharply away.
She was too confused to apologize for burning him. “Where?” She asked, looking around the room. Like the stranger, it was covered in white. White blankets, white rug, and white curtains hanging to either side of an open window. A window that looked out onto a blue sky. She gasped, scrambling from the bed and nearly tripping over Her white gown. Of course it was white. How in all the hells did they keep it all clean?
She shook Her head and rushed for the window. The man behind Her gasped, his chair scraping loudly as he stood to follow. She pressed Her hands on the cold glass, staring up into the sky, “I’m on an upper floor!?” She grinned excitedly over Her shoulder as the stranger stared at Her, mouth hanging open.
Turning back to the window, She used Her arm to wipe the fog from Her heat off the glass, letting Her gaze trail down. She didn’t see the treetops She expected. Not close anyway. Instead, the forest was beyond a wide clear field, which in turn was beyond a tall stone wall with people dressed in silver walking along its top. She stood on Her toes to look down through the window. Between the wall and Her was a courtyard full of more people swinging things that glinted in the sun.
This wasn’t the tower. None of those people wore robes except the nice stranger. She spun to him, “My treasures, where are they? Brom? Ran? Where…” She saw a flash of red, heard a pained bark, and smelled iron. She fell to Her knees, grasping Her chest and breathing hard, remembering bits and pieces. He killed them. He killed all of them. Then what? She couldn’t remember...
“You are in a training facility of the Temple of Hengist, Hamerfoss, in Clearhelm.” a new voice, deeper, less kind though not cruel, spoke from the doorway. Lifting Her head, She saw the new man wearing a crisp, white, uniform, with a sword hanging comfortably from his belt. Hengist… so that explained all the white.
The kind man in robes had rushed to Her but dared not touch Her. Wise. With Her head spinning so fast, there was no way She was controlling Her heat properly. “How long has she been awake?” the new man asked the kind one.
“She just woke up, Major General,”
“He killed them…” She whispered, squeezing Her eyes shut, pushing back the rage and sorrow, trying to fill in Her memory. What happened next?
“It will be alright. You're safe here,” the kind man said again.
She pulled Her own hair, lacing Her fingers into the golden strands and squeezing. What had happened? She had run down the hall, but how had She gotten out of Her room? There were strangers in Her tower. These men? She glared up at the brown-haired man who looked down at Her, his hands behind his back.
“Who are you? What did you do to the Mages?” She could feel the hair rise on the back of Her neck and a familiar tingling where the collar should be.
The Major General remained calm before Her building fury, saying only, “Calm down.” It was a command backed by magic. She felt the power flow over Her and try to settle on Her mind. She could almost sense the peace it promised but shook Her head, clearing it of the spell.
He could've used his magic to hurt Her. Perhaps not with the collar as the Archmages did, but in other ways. And yet, he hadn’t moved from his spot, his hands still behind his back. She looked again at the sword of Hengist at his side. She'd read all about the gods. Hengist was good and noble, all about self-sacrifice and protecting the weak… A fool, the Mages had said. And yet his Temple ruled this province. The Mages of Her tower would never work with the Temple of Hengist. Or any kingdom order…
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She didn’t need his help to calm down, not when She had something to focus on. She shoved Her grief to the back of Her mind. “How did I get here?” another image flashed in Her mind, fire all around, a white path, blue eyes.
The Paladin didn’t answer right away; instead, he motioned for the robed man - a Cleric? - to bring him a chair. She tilted Her head curiously at him, but he only sat down with a weary sigh, then gestured towards the bed, “Please, have a seat.”
She stood, returning to the bed and eyeing the door over his shoulder. He hadn’t locked it. “We saw smoke from the woods and found you in a burning tower.” the blood drained from Her face, “We have recovered several bodies from around the structure, but there were no other survivors.” he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and fixing Her with a piercing stare, “What happened? What was going on in that tower?”
She brought Her feet onto the bed and hugged Her legs tight, “I don’t… I can’t remember…” a fire, the tower burning… But it was made of stone. Her fire couldn’t burn that hot… Could it?
“Sir Selibra,” the kindly Cleric sounded stern, crossing his arms and glaring down at the Paladin, “She has just woken up from what was obviously a terrible ordeal. Show some compassion.”
The Paladin, Selibra, actually looked ashamed, leaning back in his chair and clearing his throat, “I apologize, miss…” he drew out the last word, looking at Her expectantly. She tilted Her head. “What is your name?” he asked more clearly. She tilted Her head the other way. Were they going to play that game here too?
The Cleric hummed then said, “Please forgive him, miss, we are all very troubled by the events and deaths at the tower. The Major General merely got ahead of himself. If you could tell us your name, then we can let you rest and…”
“I don’t have a name.”
The two men blinked dumbly at Her, and She rolled Her eyes, “I knnnooowww,” She let Her legs fall back down, so She was sitting properly again, “But I don’t know it yet. As soon as I do, I'll tell you.” She assured them. The men exchanged looks as She glanced again out the window. Maybe She should've just told them what Brom and Ran called Her… But those weren’t names. They were descriptors. No better than ‘Firewyrm.’
If these Temple men were to be believed, everything was gone. She had no room, no books, no clothes, no treasures, and no name. What did She have? She pulled Her hair over Her shoulder and stared out the window as She stroked it. She had Her hair. They hadn’t cut it in months. She had Her body. She straightened Her posture, holding Her head high. And She had Her power—the fire crackling deep inside Her soul. The Mages had taken the first two. The third had destroyed them.
“You should rest,” Selibra stood, and Her eyes snapped back to him, “You can send for me when you feel ready to talk. Until then, focus on recovering your strength and your memories.”
He made it all the way to the door, even swung it open before She called out, “What are you going to do to me?”
Selibra turned back, his eyebrows raised in surprise. The Cleric placed a hand on Her shoulder, slowly and carefully, gauging how much of Her heat he could handle. She turned to him, and he let Her go. He'd held on longer than expected. “We will keep you safe, child.” the Cleric assured Her.
The Paladin grew stiff for a moment, then brought his right fist up to his chest, “By the sword of Hengist’s honor, we will safeguard your life and freedom,” Freedom? “Whatever injustices you endured there, you will find justice in the laws of Clearhelm.” She didn’t know what to say, and so, after an awkward moment of silence, Selibra turned for the door again and left.
She didn’t lay down. Instead, She walked back to the window. The view seemed to stretch on forever from so high up, higher than She'd ever remembered being before. Even when She used to climb the trees around Her tower.
Selibra hadn’t locked the door, but the Cleric bustled around behind Her, and the wall below Her clanked with armored knights. What was freedom anyway?
--- Table of Contents ---
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Apple	60%4	NA
Amazon.ca	50%	50%
Amazon.co.uk	50%	50%
Amazon.com	70%	55%
Amazon.de	50%	50%
Amazon.es	50%	50%
Amazon.fr	50%	50%
Amazon.it	50%	50%
Amazon.jp	30%	30%
Arrow Films	65%	60%
Barnes & Noble	50%	50%
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Khols	30%	30%
Macys	35%	35%
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McDonald's 4	60%	NA
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¹ When paying via PayPal, I can only send payments via Goods and Services, thus you will be charged a fee. If you'd rather not face this fee there are plenty of alternatives. ² Larger denominated gift cards preferred. ³ PayPal is the only payment option. ⁴ I can't send less than $10 in crypto per Coinbase's rules.

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Want ↓	Cash or a Gift Card ↓	BTC ↓
Apple	60%4	NA
Amazon.ca	50%	50%
Amazon.co.uk	50%	50%
Amazon.com	70%	55%
Amazon.de	50%	50%
Amazon.es	50%	50%
Amazon.fr	50%	50%
Amazon.it	50%	50%
Amazon.jp	30%	30%
Arrow Films	65%	60%
Barnes & Noble	50%	50%
Baskin Robbins	60%	60%
Best Buy	60%	60%
BJ's (not BJ's restaurant)4	60%	NA
Bloomingdales	50%	50%
Burger King4	60%	NA
Clothing Shops (Small Boutique)	contact me	contact me
Dell4	60%	NA
Delta gift cards4	65%	NA
Delta Sky Miles4	PM me	NA
Delta Vouchers4	65%	NA
Dicks Sporting Goods 4	PM me	NA
Disney Plus	PM me	PM me
DoorDash	70%6	NA
Dunkin Donuts4	60%	NA
eBay	70%	70%
Fandango4	10%	NA
Five Guys4	60%	NA
Gamestop	60%	60%
Gas Station Cards4	PM me	NA
Grub Hub	70%6	NA
Gyft	70%	70%
Half Price Books	50%	50%
HBO4	70%	NA
iTunes4	60%	NA
J crew	40%	40%
JCPenney	25%	25%
Jersey Mike Subs4	60%	NA
KFC4	60%	NA
Khols	30%	30%
Macys	35%	35%
Magazines.com	40%	40%
McDonald's 4	60%	NA
Microsoft6	60%	NA
Moe’s Southwestern Grill4	60%	NA
Nintendo Eshop6	70%	NA
Nordstrom	50%	50%
Panera bread4	60%	NA
PSN6	60	NA
PSN Plus 12 month4	NA	NA
Saks Fifth Avenue	50%	50%
Sears	50%	50%
Sephora	50%	50%
Speedway4	80%	NA
Starbucks	55%	55%
Steam6	60%	NA
Subway 4	PM me	NA
Taco Bell	60%	NA
Target	50%	50%
Uber6	70%	NA
Urban Outfitters	50%	50%
Vudu4	50%	NA
Walmart	60%	60%
Wendys4	60%	NA
Xbox (gift cards)6	60%	NA
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (12 month/6 month/3 month/1 month)6	PM me	NA
Other Clothing Stores, Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Restaurant, & Fast Food gift cards	PM me

¹ When paying via PayPal, I can only send payments via Goods and Services, thus you will be charged a fee. If you'd rather not face this fee there are plenty of alternatives. ² Larger denominated gift cards preferred. ³ PayPal is the only payment option. ⁴ I can't send less than $10 in crypto per Coinbase's rules.

What I don’t buy:

• Amazon.au
• Bass Pro Shop
• buffalo wild wing
• Canadian tire
• Cold Stone
• Dairy Queen
• Fanatics
• Google Play
• Hilton Honors
• Hot Topic
• iTunes from anywhere but the US
• Krispy Kreme
• old navy/gap/banana republic
• Patxi's pizza
• PSN Canada or UK
• publix
• Raceway
• Scheels
• Shell Gas Stations
• Spotify
• Tractor supply
• Xbox Canada or UK
• Xbox live gold

Any fees are built into the price.
Important: before you send your codes please make sure your account is secure (if your password is twelve characters or less it's best to assume your account has already been compromised; your password should be eight randomly selected words, see 1 and 2). Scams where compromised accounts are used to leverage reputation to scam an unsuspecting user, used to steal codes during the middle of the trade, and steal unused gift cards the victim was saving for later are increasingly commonplace. If you have any concerns as to your account's security, please reset your password now and force logout of all sessions. Thanks