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2023.06.08 00:17 Azure_Infinity [Fanfiction] The Haar Chapter 10: Birmingham and Boise
Hanazuki and Miyuki hadn't returned.
That didn't bode well. And although Impero retained her lazy, almost laid-back disposition, one could see the unease crinkling at the corner of her eyes, her brow dipped into a frown as she mulled over what happened – before, after only a brief delay, sent out a team to check up on them.
The main fleet was starting to become a bit stretched, however. Although they were several dozen in number over half of them were spread out in a forward fan shape as they progressed towards their main objective. As such only four could be spared to go hunt for their missing Destroyer duo – a party consisting of four cruisers; two light and two heavy. Enough firepower to handle most of what the island had thrown at them thus far, but not so much that it granted them overconfidence.
Not that she'd ever fall prey to overconfidence, Birmingham thought to herself.
The red-haired cruiser wandered through the forest with fast strides, her jog slowing as she took a moment to assess her surroundings. She was near the junction where Hanazuki and Miyuki had gone – a fact confirmed when she spotted the bushes nearby had been trampled by rudder-ended boots, the tracks still fresh. However there was no signs of a struggle, indicating that if there was anything wrong then it happened deeper into the forest.
Birmingham glanced behind her. Boise followed close behind her, shy and skittish, whilst a step behind was Maya and Ashigara – two Heavy Cruisers from the Sakura Empire. She could appreciate Maya's seriousness about the matter, especially with her skilful swordsmanship, but she was a little more sceptical about Ashigara's. Though a Myouko-class cruiser she seemed rather skittish in this environment; chasing shadows and flinching at every distant shell fired. She wasn't scared per se, but it was clear that the nigh-suicidal onslaught of monsters had rattled her slightly.
As if sharing the same thought Maya looked back at her companion, nudging her. ''Relax. Stay focused.''
Ashigara started a little but hurriedly nodded; drawing in a cleansing breath and managing to regain some of her nerve. Birmingham hummed at that and looked ahead, silently leading her companions further into the woods. It wasn't long until the land descended into a natural basin, and a quick search yielded results, albeit not the ones they were hoping for.
Torn clothes. Broken bits of rigging. Even blood, in some cases. The girls had been attacked here, of that there was no doubt, but the absence of bodies was unnerving.
''Either they managed to escape and went further in, or they were dragged off.'' Maya made her thoughts clear, staring pointedly at Birmingham. They had to go further.
Grimacing Birmingham nodded her assent, continuing to lead her small sortie group ahead. It almost felt weird leading two Heavy Cruisers, given flagship roles usually went to the capital ships, but she wasn't complaining – maybe Impero thought she had better commanding skills. That, or the carrier was just too lazy to do an in-depth assessment of their skills and just gave her the role on a whim. Which, considering they needed to find their missing comrades ASAP, she supposed was somewhat warranted. Find the injured first, bicker about command roles later.
Shaking her head to dispel the thought Birmingham focused on the other end of the basin, reaching it soon enough. Vines, moss and other bits hung from the slanted rock but it felt surprisingly firm, refusing to budge when she tugged and emboldening her to use them as climbing tools – grunting as she hauled herself up bit by bit. The others followed her carefully, making sure not to overload the edge of the basin lest their combined weight cause the dirt and stone to crumble, but in the end they all reached the top of the basin without issue.
''Where to now...?'' Boise spoke up, her face-mask muffling her voice somewhat.
'Where to indeed.' Birmingham frowned, looking about. Unlike before there was no convenient trail of blood, just a vast green in all directions, broken up only by the thick wood of the trees.
Ashigara broke the quiet. ''Do you think they went down to the coast? It's not that far, and if they got on the water they'd be safe from the monsters.''
''Possibly.'' Maya conceded with a frown. ''But if so, then they would've given us a signal of some kind.''
''Maybe they did, but just after we left?'' Ashigara floated the idea.
Birmingham frowned, however; her eyes scanning the grass in the opposite direction of the ocean. Now that she looked closer she could spot finer details she'd initially overlooked; the grass trudged down by monster footprints, partially hidden by the overgrowth. When she did a little loop around their area though she noticed a second trail, one that went towards the ocean.
''Two paths.'' Birmingham voiced her thoughts grimly. ''...this almost smells like a trap.''
''Doubtful.'' Maya weighed in, thumbing the handle of her katana idly. ''These monsters don't seem to have enough intelligence for that. Ambush? Yes. Luring in with footprints? That's too advanced for them.''
Birmingham had to agree with that. Though some of the monsters that had attacked them showed intelligence, it was of the more bestial kind. Encirclement, probing attacks, wave attacks, that sort of thing. Primitive and basic but effective in some sense; if they kept it up for long enough they'd eventually run out of ammo, not that the monsters could know that. Still, something like luring stragglers away from the main fleet felt a bit too above their intelligence level.
''Should we split up then?'' Birmingham murmured. ''The whole reason Impero sent us together was for you to support us...''
''True.'' Maya sighed. ''Still, I'd rather not have to backtrack and look in two places at once, especially when their lives on the line. Every second we spend here is another that could be their last.''
A grimace marred Birmingham's visage and she nodded. ''Fine. You go check the one nearer the coast, we'll go further inland. Ripple fire into the sky if you find them, we'll meet back up here, or fall back into the basin if attacked.''
''Sounds good to me. Good luck.'' Maya turned and fast-walked down the other faint path. ''Ashigara, let's go. You take the lead.''
''R-Right!''
Birmingham watched the Heavy Cruiser go, almost wanting to go back on her word and stick with them – but she quashed such feelings. Time was of the essence here – what did safety matter if they only found Hanazuki and Miyuki's remains? Nodding at that she spared a sharp look at Boise, earning a shaky nod from her peer, before as one they fast-walked towards the deeper parts of the forest.
'Please be safe, you two...'
X-x-X
Boise wasn't sure how long they'd been walking. Five, ten, fifteen minutes?
The forest around them grew slightly thicker but otherwise it remained identical to the section of forest before it. From time to time they'd pass near a river but monsters seemed to lurk near it, either for a drink or drawn in by the sound, she didn't know. Regardless they kept their distance and sneaked around what monsters they could, both to avoid detection and to save ammo.
Just as Boise was beginning to worry that their search was fruitless, though, they discovered something new – a burrow. That in itself wasn't the weirdest thing – the monsters probably had to sleep somewhere – but what was notable was that a Lizardman crawled out of the depression in the ground and skittered off into the forest, no doubt to look for more prey. The pair of them stayed still in a bush, not a breath escaping them until the yellow-scaled Lizardman was long out-of-sight, allowing the pair to breathe freely.
''S-Should we check it out...?'' Boise tentatively asked. The idea of going into a burrow was a highly unsettling one, especially if the monsters came back, but after searching for so long this was the most likely place for Miyuki and Hanazuki to have been taken to.
Birmingham grimaced, then nodded. Quiet as she could she crept out from their hiding spot and crouched low as she crossed the tiny clearing. The burrow was just next to a tree; the thick roots spreading out in all directions and with some foliage hanging over it like camouflage, doing little to hide the depression in the dirt that went down like a slide. It was about as slippery as one too; her footwear struggling to get a firm grip on the dew-covered grass, forcing her to get down on her hands and knees and crawl down.
Darkness quickly engulfed her as she passed under the hanging roots, only the dim gloom of the sky outside to light her way. As her eyes adjusted though she was surprised to see this was not some tiny dirt burrow fit for a single, but an entire, expansive room that networked into others. Shy of about six feet high and probably about eight or nine feet wide in diameter it was unsettlingly spacious, though then again considering the size of the Lizardmen she supposed they'd need a bigger burrow than a traditional lizard.
However she could hear something. A distant noise, faint but repetitive. Breathing? No, it was sharper than that. Wheezing. Wounded? Maybe.
Grimacing Birmingham rose to her feet, waiting for Boise to join her before she began to trek towards the leftmost tunnel. It was painfully narrow, forcing her to de-summon her rigging just to fit through, not that her rigging would do her any good underground. She'd sooner bury herself alive than kill anything outright. The thought sent a chill up her spine but she tried to ignore how defenceless she was right now – she'd been in situations like this. Situations where firepower wasn't enough, so stealth wasn't just an option, but a necessity.
The tunnel grew slightly narrower, eventually tapering off but with dirt piles around the floor, as if it was still being excavated. However Birmingham's main focus was on the suspicious sound, her footsteps slowing and growing quieter as she neared the edge of a doorway; the arch having nothing to hide her as she poked her head around-
-and found Hanazuki and Miyuki.
Naked.
With Lizardmen on top of them.
The sight made her freeze up, shocked silent. For a long moment she just stood there and watched as the two lizards mating-pressed the naked Destroyers into the dirt; harsh smacks of flesh mixed with their animalistic grunts. However while Miyuki was worryingly silent, unconscious, Hanazuki was not – soft, defeated whimpers escaping her every time the Lizardman pressed its cock down into her depths, squelching its fluid out of her but not pushing any of its eggs out.
Birmingham got over her shock quickly though, anger soon to take root. Was it because these monsters all seemed to be male, was that why they'd taken two Ship-Girls and... bred them? To repopulate their numbers? The prospect was worryingly high but Birmingham soon crushed such thoughts; silently walking out into the small, enclosed space, one just big enough for her rigging to manifest.
She wouldn't be able to shoot it, but that didn't mean she was defenceless. Far from it.
Rearing her right hip back she tensed – and then just as the leftmost Lizardman raised its head she swung, smashing the side of her rigging into its head. Its skull dented inwards and the creature fell to one side, thrashing, but she wasn't looking at it anymore; her eyes darting to the right Lizardman. It noticed her and had the benefit of her being a foot or two away, pulling its glistening cock from Miyuki's abused folds as it stood.
Then Birmingham was in front of it, punching it straight in the throat. The humanoid staggered and clasped as its throat, gargling in surprise, but its moment of surprise was enough for her to smash her rigging into it and knock it down. It was dazed but far from dead, forcing her to stomp down on its head – gritting her teeth as she put every ounce of strength into it.
Thud-!
Thud-!
Thud-!
'Die dammit!' She could hear the other Lizardman, injured but alive, rising back to its feet.
Finally one more brutal stomp crushed the creature's skull in properly. She felt sick as blood and viscera spurted up her shin but anger and fear was a good deterrent; keeping her last meal down as she spun – just in time too, as the other Lizardman staggered over to her, claws out and a snarl on its dented face, bone poking out from between uprooted scales.
Until Boise stepped in, squeaking as she rammed into its side. It hit its head on the dirt wall and fell between Miyuki and Hanazuki, snarling and shifting, but a solid kick to its skull from Birmingham made a disgusting crack sound, and its head went limp, Broken skull, snapped neck, she neither knew nor cared. All that mattered was that it was dead.
Birmingham released a heavy breath. ''Thanks.''
''I-It's fine.'' Boise answered but sounded shaken. Birmingham didn't blame her – whether because of her own actions or the sight of Hanazuki and Miyuki, this was just... just a mess.
She squirmed as she felt blood dribble down into her shoe. 'Don't think about it, get these two out and signal Maya. Move.'
Her own orders helped motivate her and she hurried over to Hanazuki, leaving the unconscious Miyuki to Boise. When she knelt by the pink-haired fox-girl she winced at the array of still-bleeding cuts marring her body, be it on her medium-sized breasts, along her stomach and sides or even on her hips and thighs; the creature's claws clearly having held her many a times. She pointedly ignored looking at the overflowing whiteness leaking out of the Destroyer's pussy too, instead taking her cape off and draping it over Hanazuki.
''We'll get you out.'' Birmingham said shortly as she tied the cape.
Hanazuki tried to say something but was too overcome by emotion – relief, fear, anxiety and shame, all of it twisting into a sobbing mess that tugged on Birmingham's heartstrings.
Alas just as she scooped the fox-girl up she heard it – movement, outside the burrow. The sound made her nearly curse and she hurriedly evaluated her options. Only one way in or out, using her guns would likely bury them alive – and for all Ship-Girls were lauded for their strength they still needed to breathe – whilst the Lizardmen had no such issues; equipped with claws that were well-suited to cramped spaces like these. And with them carrying Hanazuki and Miyuki they wouldn't be able to fight beyond maybe a kick at best, and she hardly doubted that'd be enough to do anything but baffle a Lizardman.
She drew in a breath and hissed through her teeth, pulling Hanazuki close to her chest. If they were going to escape they couldn't find – and couldn't hide either. No, they needed to run. To brute force their way through. No riggings, no weapons. Just sheer momentum to blitz past them.
''Boise.'' Birmingham whispered, watching as the bustier cruiser gently cradled Miyuki. ''When I leave this room we run. Don't stop to fight, don't try and help me if I fall, just charge straight past anything in your way until we get to the surface. We can't fight them down here.''
Boise gave her a worried look and she felt Hanazuki clutch at her, but when the bustier woman hesitantly nodded Birmingham moved – fast-walking into the hallway and darting down the corridor, building speed as she gave up stealth and just charged. The noise attracted attention and she heard skittering-
-and then a Lizardman was there, leaping from its hiding spot with a snarl. It didn't get the chance to grab her before Birmingham ran bodily into it, Hanazuki crying out in fear as she was squished between them – before her momentum knocked the monster onto its back. Birmingham didn't stop to attack it though and kept running, reaching the slope out and running up it-
But she'd forgotten. It was slippery, uneven. Boots wouldn't grip easily, especially going up.
So when her boots slipped out from under her Birmingham couldn't deny the jolt of fear that shot up her spine, losing her grip momentarily until she grabbed at the uneven mass of dirt and grass, nearly dropping Hanazuki had the Destroyer not been holding onto her so tightly. Using her newfound handhold she propelled herself up further, hearing Boise behind her-
''Hwah?!''
When Boise screamed in fear. Birmingham jerked her head to one side, looking back, and very nearly cursed as she saw Boise be dragged back by her shin – the Lizardman she'd left behind already recovered. Instantly her plan was in tatters; if she kept going she was leaving Boise and Miyuki to their fate, and if she stayed she'd likely be blocked off-
Too late; another Lizardman at the top of the slope lunging down at her. Birmingham had no choice but to fall back, throwing Hanazuki to one side and hearing the fox-girl land with a pained yelp, but she ignored that for now – her attention fully on the monster lunging down at her, landing just shy of her thanks to her momentum throwing her back. However by the time she stood it was there, throwing itself at her faster than she could summon her rigging and snatching her wrists, pinning her down.
Panic rose up within her, memories of what happened to Hanazuki and Miyuki mere minutes ago flashing through her mind. With force she kicked her legs out, hitting the monster's stomach but the scales killed most of the force, its hissing snarl sending a chill up her spine – and a pained cry fled her lips when it tightened its hold, threatening to crush her wrists with its strength.
Then it suddenly shifted both her arms up, pinning them together with just one hand – freeing its other and allowing it to rake its claws down her front. Cloth gave way frighteningly easily and soon her dress was in two parts, splitting open down the middle and laying bare her dark blue underwear, the thought heating her cheeks up. However that same embarrassment turned into fear as she saw the Lizardman's cock swell between its leg, long and thick, prompting her to try and kick it in the groin – but the creature had enough sense to block such attacks, ripping her panties off at the same time.
'No...' Birmingham felt dizzy as her nether regions were exposed to the damp, musky air, her struggles becoming even more vicious as the monster leaned over her, the tip of its dick rubbing against her folds.
Rubbing, not penetration. Teasing her. Taunting her.
Birmingham gritted her teeth, her breathing short and fast as the bulbous tip of its shaft rubbed against her pussy lips, went high and rubbed up her groin before coming back down again. Her struggles did little to stop it but it gave her some minor amount of confidence, of control; her legs closing as much as she could with it between them, hips lifting and falling as she kept it away from her private parts as best she-
The tip teased her opening – and Birmingham screamed as it suddenly went in. It felt thicker than she expected, parting her virginal walls and hilting inside her in a single, harsh thrust, knocking the air out of her. The pain came a second later but she barely had a moment to soak it in before the monster yanked its cock halfway out only to slam right back into her deflowered pussy, forcing a shout of pain out of Birmingham.
She struggled once more, kicking and twisting and flailing, but the Lizardman just snarled in her face and kept moving, roughly burying itself into her. It didn't care that her legs flailed on either side of its hips, that her hips lifted and fell unevenly in some attempt to make its dick slip out – it just kept pressing its body down against hers and mated with her, thrusting its thick girth into her and making Birmingham cry out in pain.
''Gh! Mnph-!'' Biting her tongue until it bled Birmingham threw her head from side to side, enduring the stabbing pain in her loins – the deep, repeated impacts to her cervix as the Lizardman had its way with her.
As it defiled her.
She tried to push it out, to ignore it as best she could. Even when the Lizardman hissed and snarled in her ear Birmingham didn't give it the satisfaction of hearing her cry out, her teeth on her tongue as she took the pounding – its meaty cock spearing between her despoiled petals and hilting in her innermost parts, sending jolts right up her stomach and banging her head on the dirt, but she didn't react. She just laid there and took it like the good little broodmare it wanted her to be, waiting for an opening, a chance to knock its lights out and get help.
She felt it throb inside of her quickly, its shaft swelling against her sore insides and its tip kissing her depths, the realisation hitting – and no sooner had it before the Lizardman snarled and impregnated her. A flood of warm fluid poured into her depths, thick and sticky like semen but lacking sperm. In their place though she felt many tiny eggs push up into her womb, nestling against her depths in a torrent, nearly making her sick as she realised she'd been claimed, just like the others.
Even if she escaped this hole, the monster's seed would remain within her, making her its unwilling mother for its brood.
Birmingham was torn from her thoughts though her wrists were released – and no sooner had they been freed did a meaty hand grab her hair, yanking her upright. The cruiser cried out in pain but it gave her some weird clarity, feeling more than seeing space behind her. Her opening. She called upon her rigging and it manifested, finally having the space, her guns trained and ready to fire-
But she never saw the Lizardman behind her. The moment it spotted her rigging it attacked with vigour, seething out a wet breath as it raked its claws through her turrets, instantly incapacitating them. Birmingham flinched and tried to fire but her guns wouldn't operate – and to her despair they were reduced to metal scraps within seconds, literally ripped off of her. The only reason she wasn't pulled back with them was the iron grip on her hair, and the dick she was still impaled upon.
As if to remind her of that the Lizardman holding her sneered in her face, shifting both hands to her hips and holding tight... and Birmingham froze as she felt a second cock poke her ass.
And then she screamed as the other Lizardman eagerly buried its cock in her ass – up until a third, sneering Lizardman came up to her left, shoving its cock in her mouth and pulling her hair, forcing it to pleasure it as its kin began to fucked her other holes, using her not solely for breeding, but also their own animalistic pleasure.
Her fate, forever, sealed.
X-x-X
Boise was just climbing the slope, her pace fast, when she felt the clawed hand curl around her ankle.
Then suddenly she was yanked back down, Miyuki tumbling from her grip as she instinctively reached to grab onto something. Nothing was to be found, however, and soon she found herself thrown to the dirty ground – the Lizardman on top if her. Boise flinched back, crawling back, but the monster just grabbed her left thigh and forcefully lifted it up – its other hand going up her dress and grabbing her crotch.
Before with the harsh tear of cloth it ripped her panties off. Her heart skipped a beat – but unlike Birmingham she didn't have the fight, the fire, to keep moving. She froze up completely, paralysed with realisation and terror as the Lizardman got on top of her, and only when she felt something rub against her vagina did she snap out of it and begin to move-
''Agh!''
Then it was inside of her. Thick and solid it pushed apart her virgin insides, the pain sharp and intense enough to nearly make her black out for a split-second – her mind purged of all thought as the monster cock slammed into her, deflowering her. The shock lasted for just a few seconds though; banished the moment the monster dug its nails into her raised right thigh and began to fuck her properly; short, eager pumps burying it into her pussy.
''A-Ah! N-No, stop- mn!''
Her face mask muted her voice somewhat and gave it an echoing quality, making her pained cries all the more haunting as the monster pistoned itself into her, its flesh smacking against her own repeatedly and harshly. Through the tears in her eyes she spied multiple more Lizardmen returning, either drawn in by the sounds or the attack on their home, and to her despair a terrified Hanazuki was shoved up against the wall, her limbs flailing as he pleaded – before a thick, girthy cock forced itself into her defiled pussy, making her wail as the monster eagerly began to mate with her. Miyuki too wasn't spared, the unconscious girl rolled onto her front before the Lizardman began to mate with her prone-bone; smacking her small rear with every harsh thrust.
Boise was brought back to her own predicament though as another Lizardman knelt by her face. Its large clawed hand grabbed her mask without warning and pulled hard, lifting her head with it, prompting her to reflexively pull back... until with a harsh snap her mask's straps broke, causing it to fly off and to the side. Boise opened her mouth to cry out but before she could do that something touched her lips – and then something thick shoved itself into her mouth. Boise's eyes bulged and she cried out in alarm, the noise muted as the two Lizardmen eagerly began to spitroasted her on her side, their scales smacking against her flesh and filling the quaint burrow. Her thigh began to bleed from how harshly the monster gripped it but the pain was nothing compared to the ache in her loins, its dick slamming up against her cervix relentlessly.
''Mmph~! Mrph!'' Boise frantically flailed her hands about, trying to grab and push, desperation hastening her motions but hampering her aim.
Until eventually the Lizardman defiling her mouth just grabbed her wrists and held them down, snarling as it slammed between her lips, hurting her teeth and thrusting down her gullet, choking her. Her raspy, spluttering breaths did little to deter the overgrown lizard from face-fucking her though, bruising her nose with every harsh impact and sending stars flashing behind her eyes; not helped by the thick shaft plunging up into her womanhood.
Suddenly her left wrist was freed – the reason becoming evident as the newfound claw raked at her chest, ripping the cloth apart and revealing her large, squishy tits to the monsters. Boise barely had the time to feel self-conscious before her right tit was grabbed and squeezed harshly, forcing a muffled cry out of the cruiser as her tit was manhandled, her head shaking as best she could with a dick going down her throat.
Then suddenly she was forced onto her back completely, the Lizardman coming with her as it straddled her collarbone and grabbed her head with both hands, hissing in delight as it forced its meaty cock down her throat. Boise's eyes watered but she could do nothing but take it, her eyes soon screwing shut just so she didn't have to look at the monster's groin – acutely feeling its balls hitting her chin over and over again. The other Lizardman between her legs didn't relent either, its girth parting her abused folds and raking her tender insides with every pounding thrust, its cock smooth but uncomfortably girthy, stretching her virginal sex out with every thrust.
''Mn! Mmph! H-Hn-!''
Then suddenly the one between her legs hissed; and then came. Boise spasmed as she felt jets of warmth pour up into her womb, the foreign sensation terrifying – made all the more so as she felt numerous eggs pour into her baby chamber. The one mounted on her face though kept going, snarling and hissing as it face-fucked her, seeming to slow down even just to endure it.
The reason why though became evident as the Lizardman between her legs pulled out – and the one on top of her pulled its dick out of her mouth, got between her legs, and then plunged inside. Its clawed hands grabbed her hips and it savagely pounded her, fucking cries of pain out of Boise but no resistance beyond that – lacking the strength to. The will to.
And so when the Lizardman soon emptied its balls inside of her, hissing with primal satisfaction as it laid its eggs inside of her defenceless womb, Boise could only lay there, defeated and exhausted by the ordeal, her pussy sore and overflowing with white fluid.
The breeding process, continuing on.
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2023.06.08 00:12 browncatmaster I JUST FINISHED THIS ANIME AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY ANYMORE [possible spoilers but hey, if you're gonna read this and you haven't seen this anime, this is a very questionable decision and I recommend against it, but you're here reading this like a fucking idiot and not finishing the anime]
I'M SORRY, I'M DRUNK. To be fair, I'm still sober enough to know that I am definitely writing this and that my brain is still functional enough. But oh my god, guys, I'm sorry, I'm not kidding when I say I DESPERATELY NEEDED SOMEONE TO UNDERSTAND MY EMOTIONS, I DON'T WANT TO BE ALONE FOR THIS AND NO ONE ELSE IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW HAS FINISHED IT TO MY KNOWLEDGE.
BUT MY GOD. I don't. What. Oh my god. Did anyone bawl and literally sob-cry at the second last episode? I don't know what to say, yet I have to let out some of my emotions or I'm gonna collapse like a supernova on the verge of becoming a blackhole I swear to God.
I started watching this randomly nearly 6-7 years ago. Things were so different back then. I ran out of steam and just never ended up finishing it when the last season came out. Yeah, it was a unique anime (imo, anyway, the premise itself is so fascinating, especially what the story grew into), but hey, there are a lot of unique shows I guess. But in general, as it tends to happen, life gets in the way and we all got shit to do.
Recently I thought, shit, why the fuck not finish this shit. I was supposed to watch it with a buddy, we finished the first season (again), but she got busy, I got busy, life happens.
Even more recently I thought, shit, fuck it, I'm gonna finish this goddamn thing. My friend was okay with it, we live drastically different lives and it's hard to get things in order for both of us to watch simultaneously, but she wouldn't mind and I'm fairly certain I did ask her if she's chill with me finishing it.
So again, I decided to finish it. I don't even know what to say. I don't binge, or at least I try not to binge as a result of preserving the emotions you may want to feel when going through any series. I had a relatively bad night last night, I had about 6 episodes left and half a bottle of whiskey (which is not empty because I'm not insane) and I decided to just finish it.
MY GOD. THE LAST BATTLE?!?!?!?! KAYANO'S POSSIBLE DEATH [hey hey, calm down put ur panties back on, I know there's the whole miracle of bringing her back, but I didn't know it would happen, and why the hell ruin the experience by being a smartass and going "oh hurr durr they're gonna bring her back" I decided I genuinely didn't know] THEM HOLDING KORO-SENSEI DOWN, HIM STILL EDUCATING AND THE FINAL ROLE CALL. Oh my god. I cried the whole fucking time, I'm not ashamed to admit it. THE WHOLE TIME, GUYS, I CRIED THE WHOLE TIME, I DON'T CARE. I cried. My god, that hurt. I don't. Fuck man, especially after the reveal of his backstory? and Kayano's backstory? and how far everyone got? The whole concept of E class being the underdog? The backstory of Principal Asano? The change in the entire school's behaviour with respect to E class? Everyone's hopes and dreams? I'm sorry, but Episode 24 almost destroyed me. Oh my god, Nagisa's ugly crying once the blow was dealt? The entire class, EVEN KARMA AND ITONA CRYING?!?!?!? I'm sorry I know this is probably a little extra, but I swear I'm aware of all these emotions and I'm feeling them all. It's so beautiful. This anime is so fucking beautiful. All the lessons. All the funny moments. All the solemn moments. All the moments of bonding. Those plot twists. The unique set up. The growth EVERYONE went through. No, I have 0 shame in admitting that a 25 year old man was just sitting here, drunk, crying and crying and crying. If I didn't have roommates, I would have cried just as hard as the entire E class. I would have shamelessly bawled like a fucking baby. No, I have 0 shame in admitting that.
I am a firm believer in learning of emotional intelligence through stories. I spent 20 years not being able to learn this from my family (a result of abuse and neglect, kudos to being a south asian I suppose), so the way I learned all this were through stories.
This takes the fucking cake. As soon as ep 24 was over, I immediately told my younger brother to watch it. I can't explain how much this anime means to me right now. My god. It's fucking beautiful. It's so fucking beautiful. It's almost perfect. I'm sorry, I dont. Fcuk. Holy shit.
IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THIS GODDAMN THING, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WAITING FOR YOU STUPID FUCK?????? GO WATCH IT, YOU GONNA WATCH DUMBASS SHIT ANYWAY, WATCH SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM. AND DON'T BE A FUCKING DOLT AND BINGE IT LIKE SOME NORMIE ASSHOLE I'm sorry please don't take any offense my drunken self may be dealing out to you. For real. This anime is amazing. It's not perfect, obviously, but it doesn't matter. It's so good. It will teach you so many things.
Rest in Power, Koro-sensei. You don't even really exist, but thank you sir, for everything, for all your wisdom, for all your sorrows, for all your pain, for all your mistakes, for all the things you wish you had done differently. When I watch your story again, and I know I will, I will try to remember every single goddamn lesson you taught us. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much.
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2023.06.08 00:04 InsomniacFeverDreams [WTS] Mcnees, Spyderco, Heretic. 5 Knives!
Hello Swappers. I have 5 knives up for sale today that don't get much pocket time these days.
PM Mac 2 3.5in Magnacut- 2nd owner, very small scratches on blade, some snails, was a light user and by no means abused. Sharpened by previous owner (apex isn't the best, isn't the worst) and stropped by myself with Gunny Juice to a mirror polish. Asking
$515 shipped firm. Edit: This has been cleaned. Can provide new pictures upon request. My bad guys :/
Way Of Knife Spydie Chef LC200N- I acquired this one on swap. 2nd owner that I know of. WAY OF KNIFE modified this beauty. They chopped the blade for a reverse tanto, added texturing to the scales, and I believe did a stonewash on the blade. Asking
$195 shipped OBRO. EDIT: This has been cleaned. Can provide new pictures upon request. My bad guys :/ (part 2, I suck)
Spyderco Manix 2 S110V- Carried and sharpened 1st owner- with titanium scales, anodized Lynch Clip, Copper cage, and sharpening choil mod. Stropped to a mirror polish. Asking
$220 shipped OBRO (final price reduction).
Spyderco Para 3 S45vn- 1st owner, carried a handful of times, sharpened myself due to Hellen Keller running the spyderco grinder (it's scary sharp right now, please be extra careful if you pick this one up). Titanium Scales anodized bronze, lynch clip installed, and stropped to a mirror polish using Gunny Juice. Asking
$200 shipped.
Heretic Manticore 'E' Elmax- 1st owner, have carried this guy quite a bit. Definitely not abused either. Fires out strong. Stropped and some wear on blade finish and clip finish. Asking
$200 Shipped OBRO. Will ship USPS Priority tomorrow morning if purchased tonight. Can also provide tracking upon purchase because I use Pirate Ship. Zelle and Venmo are my preferred payment methods. If those don't work for you I'm sure we can work something out. Chat me with any questions at all!
Timestamp, Pics, Vid - Sorry that these are a little out of order
YOLO TRUMPS ALL COMMENTS AND INQUIRES INCLUDING "IN" submitted by
InsomniacFeverDreams to
Knife_Swap [link] [comments]
2023.06.08 00:03 0bzCalc Differences Between NT and Regular Ultrasounds
I'm 11 weeks with a seemingly healthy singleton pregnancy via IVF and I have received normal NIPT results (negative for Trisomy 21, 18, and 13). I have weekly regular (vaginal) ultrasounds as part of standard follow up care to IVF, which have all been perfect up until this point and will continue through at least week 12.
I have an optional NT scan scheduled for about a week from now, my doctors seem pretty lukewarm on them. My concern is that NT scans have a "false positive" (yes, I know, it's a screening tool not a diagnostic) of 5%, which is pretty whopping, especially when you consider the weeks of stress and risks of an amniocentesis that this would cause me. Even though my NIPT is all healthy and NIPT is by far more accurate, I've been through a lot with this pregnancy and my mind would not be able to let a 5th percentile, or even a 10th percentile, measurement go.
Given all that, the only reason I am considering the NT ultrasound is that it can diagnose other physical issues, e.g., hygromas, severe neural tube defects, missing organs. But then again, most expecting parents do not get nearly as many ultrasounds as we do, and the NT could be the only one they get between 8 and 20 weeks. So, I'm not sure if the NT is better at detecting these issues than a regular ultrasound (in which case I'd like to take it) or if it is just the only ultrasound that most people get to take at that time (in which case I'd like to skip it). I'll also ask my doctor but, but in medicine opinions vary so widely that I'm also curious about you folks' experience and research on the subject.
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2023.06.07 23:58 Gel_007 The Founding Chapter 6
June 10th, 327
It’s been a bit since I’ve written here. I decided to give Augustine a looser leash and I allowed him to explore the outside world as long as he knew what he was doing.
June 11th, 327
Augustine said he had something to tell me later tonight, he’d been exploring almost every day now, the active sense of adventure that boy has honestly impresses me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A: Hey Zach
Z: Hey what’s up?
A: I wanna tell you about something I found while I was exploring the other day.
Z: Spill then.
A: Alright, so as I was playing around with my long distance teleportation spell and I ended up on the base of a large mountain range. It was strange as I couldn’t teleport all the way to the top, it was like something within the very mountain’s mineral makeup was negating my attempts to teleport up to its peak. So I decided to scale the mountain the old fashion way: climbing it. Thanks to the enhancements given to me by that project I scaled the mountain in no time, and the other side? It was like nothing the world has ever seen, the mountain range was hiding a large gulf of water, a large island placed just within the gulf, lush forest and 2 large mountains towards the center, a place that seemed untouched by time itself. It could be the perfect place to permanently hide from the Templar, after all we can only hide in this cabin for so long before they eventually find us.
I was certainly surprised at the fact that he was able to scale an entire mountain with seemingly very little effort, but what interested me more was the island he discovered. He claimed it looked “untouched” but the higher ups at the Templar claimed they have colonized nearly all the available land in this world so to have an entire island be left untouched is almost like foreign concept, something of legend.
Z: An untouched island? Not only untouched but also unheard of. The Templar said they’ve colonized all known land in this world.
A: I know! But I couldn’t see any mana towers among the trees or any humans from the peak of the mountains.
Z: Well if still untouched after all this time, chances are that they won’t find it anytime soon.
A: exactly! A place where the Templar will never reach…
solemn look Z: What's wrong Augustine? The memories and thoughts haunting you again?
A: yea, I’m sorry to constantly bother you with them but I’ve kept them contained for too long
Z: Hey, hey it’s alright. You’ve never been a bother at all, helping you deal with your issues is what friends are for.
A: I appreciate it Zach, for the longest time Elock was really the only friend I’ve ever had so it’s enlightening hearing someone else say that, to this day I still wonder where she is today and if she’s even alive! I used to have nightmares where I would meet her again just to discover that she’s-
Z: it’s alright, I’m sure she thinks about you every day too and most likely wonders the same every night.
A: Yeah I know, but it’s hard remaining optimistic in this world with the whole war between humans and keidran going on.
Z: Well to me that island sounds like a great place to start.
A: agreed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Augustine and I agreed to visit the island he found beyond the mountains tomorrow, he thinks it’ll be the perfect place to hide from the Templar.
June 12th, 327
Augustine said that the mountain range was incredibly far, about days worth of running in Augustine’s estimation, so teleporting there is just another thing to add to the list of things he impresses me with. While the material the mountain range is composed of prevents any magic from directly interacting with them, they don’t extend beyond that, so Augustine offered to fly us up there using a telekinetic spell.
Turns out Augustine is only used to telekinetically lifting one item, how do I know? Because he accidentally dropped me. Luckily I landed in a tree. After traversing both sides of the mountain and making it across the water, we arrived on the island at last and man Augustine wasn’t lying. It truly was beautiful, lush fruit bearing trees, 2 large mountains and not even the smallest hint of Templar interference!
We headed further inland and decided to stay at the valley between the 2 mountains with Augustine immediately getting to work and hacking away at the tree with the guard’s sword. After a few hours of work, Augustine already had a large pile of planks with me barely keeping up and Augustine teasing me about it, oh I’m sorry not everyone is a magically enhanced super soldier.
It was beginning to grow dark and we made the decision to head back to the cabin for today and continue the build some later time. Augustine made a waypoint in the cabin so getting back was easy though it had some issues as it took a while to activate. I took a rock sample from the mountains to analyze back at the cabin.
June 13th, 327
This was fascinating! The rock sample I took had incredibly unique properties never before seen! Its primary ability was “absorbing” sources of mana. I had stabbed one of our mana crystals into the rock and I observed as it broke down the crystal over the course of an hour! This explains why Augustine couldn’t teleport up the mountain. So even if the Templar did find the mountain they would never get over it, even with the most powerful mages magic.
Augustine had gone out to town again, he said it was to pick up building tools to help shore up the house we were building. He claimed he could handle it on his own and despite me wanting to protest, I let him go through with it. Unfortunately the town we went to around a week ago didn’t have a hardware store as any construction must run through Lulio first, so Augustine had to head to the neighboring town to see if he could find anything there.
~~~~~~~~~~
(Cut to Augustine’s pov)
Thoughts: “ugh cmon how hard could a hardware store be to find, it feels like I’ve been searching for hours already!”
sees sign with a hammer on it “Gah! Finally!”
heads inside Shopkeeper: Greetings sir! How may I assist you today?
“Uhh it’s alright I can handle it on my own, thanks for the offer though!”
Thoughts: this time the illusion should last longer as these mana crystals are fresh rather than being recharged.
grabs a large amount of nails, 2 hammers, some axes to preserve his sword, saws, sand paper, and stone blocks Shopkeeper: Oh my sir, this is an awful load that you’ll have to carry on your own, are you sure you can handle it?
“Yes I’m sure…”
Shopkeeper: Are you sure? We have a policy that allows you to rent slaves to help you with whatever you’re working on.
“No, n-“
(Shopkeep rings a bell to send a slave to the front before Augustine could interject)
Thoughts: are you kidding me? Gahhh cmon Zack is waiting for me and I don’t wanna keep him on the line!
Female voice: coming!
Augustine:
frustrated and staring at the floor Shopkeeper: How about this one? Hard worker she is, very cooperative, very friendly.
Augustine:
looks up Elock: hello sir! How may I assist you today?
shivering Thoughts: E- Elock?! When?! How?! I thought you worked for a farmer?! I can’t say anything, it'll reveal my identity to the worker! Okay, okay, okay just keep it calm!
“I- uh
stuttering I changed my mind! She can help me, I’ll take her!”
Shopkeeper: I’m not surprised, she’s gone from owner to owner as she’s quite a hard worker, she’s worth a lot of money after being traded so many times before ending up at my place. 1000G for 7 days.
“I- yes I’ll take her”
Shopkeeper: perfect!
exits with supplies and Elock ~~~~~~~~~~
Elock looking at Augustine’s wanted poster:
solemn “Something wrong?”
Elock: oh! N-nothing! It’s just these ropes binding my hands are just a bit tight! And W-where are we heading sir? We’re outside of town at this point and I- uh-
A:
chuckles a bit you’re still just as bad as ever at hiding your nervousness
Elock Elock: Ah- I- how do you know my name?!
A:
unties the rope and disables illusion It’s been a while, wouldn’t you agree?
Elock in shock and on the verge of tears: I…A…
trembling, mouth slightly ajar in shock A: what? Cat got your tongue? Well I guess that’s true consid-
Elock:
pounces on him AUGUSTINE! I’ve missed you so much!How have you been?!Where did you-
starts talking so fast that even Augustine couldn’t keep up with what she was saying and weeping happy tears profusely on his shirt A:
slightly choking from how tight she’s hugging him it’s okay, it’s okay! I’ve missed you too. I almost thought you were gonna be de- ow ow! Stop it I was kidding!
Elock:
blep I know. Not a single day went by where I didn’t think about you! And say weren't your eyes brown before?
A: I’m flattered that you still remember and well…it’s kind of a long story…but first let’s retreat to safety.
teleports with Elock ~~~~~~~~~~
A: …and then I ended up here
Elock: That’s incredible! You sure had been on a wild cart ride while I was gone! I wish I could have been there.
A: It's not as glamorous as it sounds, that experiment was agony incarnate, it’s a wonder I survived! In fact I was the only one who came out alive, though the powers I got bestowed with are certainly nothing to complain about but still the effects after we’re brutal.
Elock: glad you did, the way you and Zach escaped the facility was incredible.
A: well he can tell you all about it
points to cabin we’ve arrived
Zach opens door A: Hey Zach, I’m back from my shopping spree.
Z: Augustine what took you so long? The plan was to just get the supplies and get out.
A: I know! But I got a bit off track. I found someone very special.
Elock:
pokes head through the door Mrow?
A: meet Elock, remem-
Z: her! The keidran you met when you were 10?
A: yup
to Elock it’s alright Elock it’s fine he won’t bite.
Elock: H- hello sir.
Z: please call me Zach. It’s a pleasure.
shakes hand Elock: it’s a nice place you 2 have here.
A: It was by sheer luck that we found this place actually.
Z: Yeah, the blast was much larger than we’d anticipated and even if my house remained intact, they’d still come searching for me.
Elock: Well lucky you found this place when you did.
A: Are you hungry Elock? We have some steak leftovers.
Elock: oh, I am actually, thank you!
Z: say Elock…
Elock: yes?
Z: Would you mind telling us your journey? I’d love to learn.
A: Zach!
Z: Right, sorry.
Elock: No, no Augustine, it’s alright. I don’t mind in the slightest.
Life in the rainforest regions was paradise, plenty of food, clean sources of water, plenty of building materials, and a beautiful sight to wake up to everyday. My parents worked directly under the matriarch, Lektra(keidran for bolt/thunder) so me being born was almost as exciting as the coronation of the matriarch herself. Unfortunately that swiftly came to a close when Lulio decided to use our home as farmland and despite protests from Lektra, Lulio still went through with the plan. In a flash everything was pretty much destroyed. Our warriors tried to fight back but were eliminated instantly, I was about 3 when this happened and the memory still burns strong to this day.
Augustine:
muttering under his breath psychotic bastard…
Elock: I know how you feel, Augustine, trust me I do.
A: I know, I’m sorry
Elock:
holds his hand It's alright.
After the destruction of my people and my home, I was sent into the town and stayed in a keidran only home until my 4th birthday. Instead of pleasant accommodations like human orphan homes, all we got was a pillow and some sheets to make ourselves comfortable with, most of us slept on the hardwood floor and it was unbearable. Lulio passed a law where keidran as young as 4 would be eligible for work. After my 4th birthday I was almost immediately whisked off to work on a farm, while the job was tough, they at least gave me my own room and bed, one of their guests even took a small liking to me but tragically he died of a lung infection.
Z: I lament your journey and loss Elock, I can’t imagine how tough this was to bear all at once.
Elock: please it’s okay, you don’t have to apologize for anything. None of this is any of your wrongdoing.
Z: You said your people were killed but what about your parents? Did they survive too?
Elock: Oh right! My parents were spared as they opted to surrender peacefully and they were sold to different owners. I used to occasionally see them from time to time but after I moved I had to say a tearful goodbye to both them and Augustine.
playfully pinches his cheek Z: You’re strong for getting through that, not many could take that much.
Elock: I appreciate that.
Z: Do you have any idea where your parents are right now?
Elock: I think they’re still in the same tow- Augustine? Are you okay?
A:
on the other hand gripping the table so hard that it was gonna break, eyes with a look of both confusion and rage Elock: Augustine?
A: I- I saw them…
Elock: What do you mean?
A: They were there…in the same room.
Elock: Are you talking about the operation?
A: Y- yes…I saw them, both of them. They were in the operation too, part of the 10 keidrans selected to be in the experiment. I briefly saw them looking at me, they were scared but I couldn’t do a damn thing to help them and now they're dead!
slowly growing hysterical Elock: Augustine!
A:
snaps out of his hysterics Elock: it’s not your fault! Neither of you have to feel guilty!
A: I know, but I just wish I could have done something to help them, but I was just a powerless child.
Z: Augustine. We all wish we could have done something to stop Lulio’s plan, we all feel the same way just please don’t put all the blame on yourself.
A: I know, I'm sorry…
Elock: it’s alright…we’re all here to support you, you got hit the hardest out of all so you should be the one to be the one who receives sympathy.
A: …thanks guys, It feels like it’s been so long since I’ve heard something so comforting.
Elock: don’t worry, we’ll never leave and when we do, we’ll leave together.
A: …oh! Elock, I hate to do this but would you mind helping us with something? We found a place that could be our key to salvation.
Elock: Of course! I don’t mind in the slightest.
A:
teleports all 3 of them via waypoint ~~~~~~~~~~
Elock:
in awe of the island I…this is incredible! It reminds me so much of my home! And you were right! There’s no hint of Templar activity at all!
A: We were just as shocked as you are right now when we first found it. I mean like Zach said, the Templar claimed that they have settled on all available land in this world.
Elock: Well then, let’s make good use of this place, so let’s get to work!
A: I couldn't have said it better myself.
hours later, the trio had finished building a moderate sized wooden house A: woo! Not bad for a day's work, am I right?
Elock: Mrrrr…man that was a nice workout!
Z: Tell me about it!
A: So Elock, should we tell Zach?
Elock: I think so!
Z: Tell me…what?
A: Well…on the way here, Elock and I started thinking and we were thinking of a way we could free other slaves from their captors.
Z:
sigh… well at this point, I know better than to criticize your plan before even hearing it so go ahead, spill it on me.
A:
Operation: torchwick —————
- Elock would be our messenger, using her spare time to get any other slaves on board with the plan, amassing as many as possible.
- On the large hill next to the town, we plant a large amount of gray mana crystals. Where downhill wind will carry the effect down into the town
(Gray mana crystals were created for a special purpose, making large smokescreens on the battlefield)
- I would then use a spell that emits a light that can’t be perceived by humans but can be seen by keidrans and basitins alike, Which would act as the signal to go for it.
- The group would then head towards the light where we would then break for the mountains as fast as possible.
(Unfortunately the waypoint spell barely lasts for even a few days, and teleporting a large group of people via waypoint could be tough even for me)
I would then use as much of my power as possible to telekinetic lift as many refugees as possibl-
Z: Yeah…considering that you almost dropped me off the side of the mountain, I think even you would have trouble lifting a bunch of slaves.
A: hey!
Elock: Mreeheehee!
A: anyways! After we figure out a way to get everyone up there, we’ll be untouchable!
Z: huh…well from one chaotic strategist to another, it’s worth a shot.
A: Perfect! See Elock?
Elock: mew?
A: I kept the promise I made, all those years ago! when we meet again, it’ll be your freedom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To be continued
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also for anyone who wants to know a bit more about Elock:
Name: Elock of the rainforest leopards
Species: rainforest leopard
Languages: human, keidran
Physical characteristics: yellow fur, black nose marking, black rosettes running down back and onto tail, unusually big and poofy tail, butter yellow hair with black streaks, faint outline of heart pattern on her behind
Height: 5’4”
Age: 9 years(was 4 when she met Augustine)
Eye color: emerald green
Mental characteristics:
-Quick learner
-Eager to help
-Bad at hiding panic
-Imaginative
-Heart of gold
-Shy but slowly growing out of it
-Optimistic
Likes: adventure, rain, storytelling, being adored, helping, hugs(especially from Augustine), pouncing on people she cares about.
Dislikes: slavery, Templar(although not as intensely as most others)
Unlike most, Elock had the ability to both read and write prior to slavery, being taught by both her parents and Lektra herself. Spending most of her time reading and drawing using whatever material she could find.
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2023.06.07 23:42 gsuberland Played a bunch of Astro Colony for the first time yesterday!
I bought this game yesterday after seeing Let's Game It Out playing around with it. I'm a big fan of factory games (I've got 1500 hours in Factorio and another 150 hours in Dyson Sphere Program) so when I saw that Astro Colony was kinda like "Satisfactory meets Raft meets Space Engineers", I was super excited. Bought it yesterday, played for far too long, next thing I knew it was 6am.
First up: this game looks great and runs smooth like butter. I cranked everything to ultra at 4K with a 2080Ti, it ran perfectly without a hitch. I'm on a workstation optimised for threaded workloads (2x 28c/56t CPUs @ 2.2GHz base) so my CPU is usually a bottleneck for games due to them typically wanting high single-core clocks, but you've either nailed support for lower clocks on single threaded loads or you're making very good use of thread pools for parallelism. Excellent work either way.
I'm also really glad to see a "mods" button in the menu already. Great move. A healthy modding community is what keeps factory games like this alive and interesting for years to come - I reckon there's more content in Factorio's overhaul mods (248k, Pyanodons, Krastorio, Space Exploration, etc.) alone than I think I could complete in a lifetime.
I think you also nailed the balance between exploration and factory building. The exploration just sorta happens naturally as you float through space or look for new resources, and doesn't take focus away from building stuff and progressing with technology. The abundance and distance of materials is also nicely balanced; this is something I personally didn't enjoy as much in Satisfactory and I think you did a better job of it.
Based on what I played, here's some feedback on stuff that I think could be improved, in no particular order:
The manual asteroid catchers are my least favourite part of the gameplay loop. They aren't fun enough to justify the amount of time you have to spend using them. I'd like to see them redesigned a bit to offer a wider panning range; perhaps even full 360° rotation. Restricting the catching direction doesn't seem to add anything to the challenge or balance and is mostly just an annoyance until you get automatic catchers up and running. I also think they could use a bit of balancing. I found that feeding input materials to just a couple of machines in the early game already needed enough catchers to occupy the majority of my time. One idea to alleviate the amount of babysitting might be to have the manual catchers be more efficient at getting materials out of the asteroids, so that they output a bit more stuff and don't need you to run back to them quite as frequently. You could still leave the automated catchers at the same output level so that it doesn't mess with mid-game balance, and explain the efficiency boost of the manual ones with some in-game flavour text like "non-automated asteroid catchers offer an improved yield due to manual identification of the highest mineral concentration veins in each captured asteroid". If you add a feature to put astronauts in the manual catchers in future, we could still get a bonus to yield, in exchange for having to feed the astronaut.
I found that using the Alt key to go vertically down was a little cramped. It's ok in a game like DSP where you're not heavily reliant on it for placement, but in a full 3D world it's somewhat awkward. Might be worth playing around with it to see if there's a better scheme. I wanted to bind scroll up/down to vertical movement, but it looks like this gets interpreted as the button being "pressed" for a single frame every time the scroll wheel changes value, so you don't actually move anywhere. Would be cool to have this option.
My reading of the controls is that Ctrl-RClick and Del are both supposed to delete stuff, but every time I tried Del it said that the object was locked. Deleting stuff with either input also doesn't seem to work in blueprints; it always says object locked. I'm not sure what a locked object is in this context. If I made a mistake in a blueprint I just ended up deleting it and starting over. Maybe I missed something? I also couldn't seem to rename blueprints - focusing the textbox was finnicky, and my typing kept being interpreted as control inputs.
The multi-select stuff could do with a tutorial early on in the game. The selection shader could also do with being turned down a notch so that it's more of a glow or outline instead of turning the object into an indistinct white blob.
I'd like to see radial menus for interacting with stuff instead of E or F keys having specific meanings for each thing. I'm also not a fan of E to get in, Q to get out, especially since Q is also bound to select/none. Just E for enteexit would be easier.
The tutorial bot works pretty well, but it does tend to stand a bit close sometimes. I also noticed that if you unlock a bunch of technologies at once, the tutorial bot picks one of the technologies to teach you about (the latest one? I don't remember) which might not be the one you're trying to work on at that point in time. It'd be helpful to have two new interaction options on the tutorial bot: one to tell it to stay put, so it rotates to face you but doesn't move, and another to show a selection box for switching the "active" tutorial to track objectives for.
On that note, the guidebook is a bit thin in terms of what it covers. I'm guessing you prioritised working on the tutorial bot to help get people into the game, which makes sense, but often I'll want to refresh my memory on something or read about things in a more high-level way than the tutorial bot offers, which is where the guidebook is super useful.
Pickaxe animations could do with a short delay after the type of object being targeted changes. Right now if you're digging out some quartz or other minerals on a planetoid, you only get a fraction of a second after it's mined out to release the button before you accidentally pickaxe the dirt and make a hole. Adding an additional 200ms delay if the target object type changes to dirt would solve this. Not a major issue but it'd be a nice QoL improvement for when you're clearing a space to plant a miner at a mineral patch.
Mineral patch generation on planetoids seems to be based on following the terrain surface. On planetoids with large terrain height gradients, this often leads to mineral patches with a large height variation, making it near impossible to place a large miner over them, and really inefficient to place smaller miners next to them. I worked around this sometimes by placing a large floor gantry above the highest point of the mineral patch, then sticking a large miner on top, but it looks kinda silly. I also ran into a couple of mineral patches where the minerals themselves (or dirt underneath) didn't seem to be registered as ground, causing certain squares to be marked as red and preventing miner placement without obvious cause. It might be worth reworking the mineral patch generator to limit the maximum Z-height delta within a patch, preferring to bury part of the patch underground rather than have it creep up a cliff.
Background music track transitions are a bit of an abrupt hard cut sometimes. Could benefit from some crossfade markers and level matching.
Thruster controls are kinda janky and I got thrown off the ship a few times. Defaulting to having the thrusters switched on when you place a control panel was, uh, a bit of a surprise! The control directions are also weird (which way is west? I'm in space!) and it'd be better if they were aligned with the direction of the control panel. I'm guessing the thrusters are a new feature that hasn't been fleshed out fully yet and will be improved in future.
All in all, I'd definitely say this was an above-average experience for an early access game, especially considering the small dev team. I'm really looking forward to the future of Astro Colony and I could definitely see it scratching the "what if Factorio was fully 3D" itch that Satisfactory never quite solved for me.
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2023.06.07 23:29 97cweb Moon's Third Eye - Of Fears and Food
Inspiration finally came back. Starting to get to the main story soon. Please leave feedback. I write more as a play outline, but I am hoping to be able to write normally
"Well, that went about as well as I could hope," Thomas mutters to himself as he crosses the marsh back to his broken building. Storming up the stairs, he does not bother taking off his muddy shoes. Seeing the pile of leaves and discarded skins he uses as a makeshift bed, he flops down face first.
"If I did the right thing, why do I feel like I am about to break down and throw up?!"
Mind racing, he plays back over what he said and did.
"Now that I am here, I have some saved dried food, I can gather water at the stream that feeds the marsh, I have many containers to carry water with so I won't have to go everyday. I should be able to hide here for a few days."
"What to do after that? I have burned the last bridge that I had, I am not important enough to hunt so I have that going for me, but now what?"
Looking up to the sky, he sees the stars, and with tears streaming down his face, begs the stars, "Why? ...Why?"
-----
"I never thought the runt had it in him to run away," the chief bellows.
"Don't talk about him like that!"
"Why son, it's true. Today was a day to celebrate you and the work you put into making that thing work. Sure it took a few weeks to build, but you managed to organize everyone to work on it. Calling out any specific person would make it seem like you are favouring them over any other."
"But without him, th-"
"No buts! You also managed to have him flee, and with the duel he lost, he can never return. In one day, you managed to do something I have been trying to do for years. That is worth celebrating!"
Ned stands up and storms out of the dome, rustling the plastic liner within the door on the way. He immediately runs into Katrina who is standing out there, seemingly waiting for him, and possibly eavesdropping.
"So am I to go after him and return with his ears? Or tongue?"
"Katrina! What are you saying?! Yes, he is as good as dead, but we don't need to kill him."
"This is why you will make a poor chief. No guts to follow through on promises"
"There was no promise. I did not even get to choose the combat!"
"Good thing, you probably would have allowed himself to defend what he said. Claiming all your work in setting up the pump and organizing the village"
"You really think I had the idea? I can barely sort people's problems and what the craftsworkers do might as well be magic! I know that I shouldn't touch the sharp bit or the hot thing, but that's it!"
"You don't have to know those things, you know how to delegate. So what if it was not your idea. It was still you who did the work to actually get it to happen"
Suddenly, one of the villagers runs in. "Master Ned, the pump's broke"
"What do you mean, 'the pump's broke'? It has only been a few hours since we started it, and it was tested for days before!"
"The handle turns, but no water comes up"
Ned storms off to the pump, followed by the villager and Katrina. He arrives at the pump, slips through the gathering crowd, and tries the handle. It is very loose, but the screw seems to spin.
"That does not make sense, it's loose, but I was here before the festival and it worked perfectly. I would even say it was stiff"
Katrina stands, and in a huff, exclaims "It must have been Thomas! I should have ended him when I had the chance!"
"No! Katrina! Come back here right now!"
"You're not the boss, and you're not my dad!!" Katrina shouts as she runs off into the forest, bow in hand and spear on back.
"Should we fix it?" "Can we fix it?" "I don't know", the crowd mumbles
Ned, thinking about what Katrina said before arriving at the pump, stands straight and shouts:
"All of you! We are going to fix this pump, not because it is easy, but because it is unknown. One of you snuck the plans to me, so one of you knows how it works. I want this info to be spread across all craftspeople and this pump deconstructed and repaired. Do I make myself clear?!"
"Yes!" Most of the crowd exclaims. Many of the younger craftsmen immediately start yanking the pump out of the creek bank to bring it back into the shop.
Ned, ready to head back, feels a hand on his shoulder, and sees that it is Nathaniel. The tall and lanky many with a wild eye stares at him. The rest of the crowd has eagerly wandered away. Nathaniel speaks, "Good for you to start looking to the past and future. I feel that my time is near, but may the sky guide you through the challenges ahead with the winds of change"
Ned, carefully brushing off the old man's hand, replies "...ok, sure... You've got a few more years left though."
-----
Early the next morning, Thomas awakes, confused and hungry. He quickly remembers what occured the day before. He quickly eats some of his stored pemmican and water he gathered. Now finding himself with a lot of spare time, and still needing to be incognito, he stays in the building and explores a few more of the rooms. Coming into one of the smaller rooms, he comes across another long rotted out pile of springs arranged in a rectangle, and another bookshelf. Seeing these books, his eyes light up and he quickly walks over to them, testing the floor on the way. Gently lifting one our of the case, he sees that they are damp, but in pretty good shape for being in an enclosed room with a rotted metal thing.
Leafing through, he sees that it is without pictures. Placing it gently on the floor, he opens another one, and in it,sees strange yet familar shapes of a spoon, archer and W. Studying them, he realizes this is a book of star pictures, 'constellations' as the book calls them. And is surprised to find that these stars are actually each a far away sun.
Hours pass, engrossed in the knowledge of space and distances of billions, he dozes off, surrounded by books, and sleeps calmly for the first time in years.
Several days later, he forces himself to eat some pemmican and now sick of it, decides to venture out into the marsh. Sneaking through the bushes on its edge to ensure no one sees him or hears him, he spies a small pile of food, and recognizes it as a standard lunch for the kids collecting nails. He checks his surroundings, and takes the bun, and some of the dried strawberries and hightails it back to the building.
Sitting down to enjoy his meal, he realizes that he stole from one of the kids he probably helped pull nails from the ground. Taking some of his pemmican, he brings it back to where the lunch is, and places it where he found the bun.
Seeing the amount of disturbed ground around the small pile of food, he quickly snaps a pine bough off and brushes over the footprints to hide his presence.
He returns to his house, nay his home, and reads, happy if a little guilty at the food gained, and more importantly, the knowledge of the stars that this book provides.
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2023.06.07 23:29 SkittishReflections I was Trapped in a Nightmare I'm Certain isn't Mine
When you're rich enough, you get perks you can only dream of. Literally. But somehow, my paradise turned into hell.
And now I'm paranoid.
Have you ever had a dream so amazing, you wished you could relive it? Explore it? Relish it? Well, when you're rich enough, you don't have to wish. It's a reality thanks to dream banks. You may have heard of them and their pricy services, which include recording, saving, and projecting dreams.
For example, if you'd like a dream recorded, you can book one of their luxurious suites for the night, where the dream techs will fit you with a special helmet, offer you a sleep-friendly snack, and leave you to rest. The next morning, they'll replay the recorded dream for you via the helmet and ask if you want to shell out the extra bucks to save it. If you don't, they'll delete it and you can pay to book for another time to try again.
If you do decide to save it, you must select an item within the dream that will act as the exit key. (This will come in handy during projections.) While still wearing the helmet, you must touch the item, and the dream techs will label those electric signals as the key.
Afterwards, everything is saved under your name, and you can now relive your dream at any time by booking a suite for three, five, or eight hours. Unlike recordings, during projections, you don't have to wait for sleep to come. After you enjoy a snack of your choice, the helmet is fitted and you're immediately transported to your dream, where you have free will and can enjoy it at your leisure. And if you ever need to leave early, this is when you touch the key, which will shut down the helmet right away.
In my case, the key is the stegosaurus leather rug I have hanging on the wall of my throne room. I never have a reason to touch it otherwise, making it a perfect key. I've also never had to touch it. Experiencing life as an all-powerful, worshipped being who lives on my own planet and hunts dinosaurs in my spare time, I relished my dream to the last second.
Yes, the fees are exorbitant, but at the time, I felt it was worth it. The techs were skilled, the system was sleek, and the dreams were private. Each could only be unlocked by the unique brainwaves of the dreamer.
Or so I thought.
My literal nightmare began when I booked a five-hour projection on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. After taking a sip of champagne to wash down the cranberry brie bites, I settled into the cool silk sheets with a smile. My usual dream tech smiled back as she fastened my helmet, and the last thing I heard was her wishing me pleasant dreams before I was plunged into darkness.
I waited for the split-second adjustment from reality to the dream world, and my confusion grew when I didn't find myself on my throne surrounded by fawning gods and goddesses.
Instead, I found myself in the middle of an endless street. Alone. There were no cars, no life, not even wind. Towering street lamps lined the sidewalk as far as I could see, arcing over the road and tinting everything an eerie red. Behind them, identical buildings stood side by side, silent, their dark, narrow windows hollow.
My pulse spiking, I whipped around. The other direction was just as endless. Uneasy confusion prickled beneath my skin. This had to be someone else's dream. The techs must have made a mistake. I didn't know how it was possible, but there was no other explanation.
My unease piqued as my situation sank in. I was in a stranger's dream and I didn't know the key. I was stuck here until my five hours ran out. Or until the techs realized their mistake. I was ready to rip them a new one once I was out, but until then, I had no choice but to wait.
I studied my surroundings with a frown before I walked over to the curb and sat down, and that was when I noticed I couldn't feel anything. I also noticed I was naked. It didn't matter. There was no one here, and none of this was real anyway.
Time passed, and I tried to distract myself from my nettled offense by humming, but no sound came out. Sitting up, I took a deep breath and screamed. Not even a squeak was heard. I slapped my hand against the ground. Nothing. This place was like a black hole of the senses.
Sighing, I lay down on my back and stared at the red light above me, wondering if I could fall asleep in a dream. I tried, but the more I wished to escape this silent, crimson prison, the more it seemed to come into focus. Soon, the utter lack of noise and movement grew from slightly unnerving to completely intolerable.
There was no way I could wait. I'd go insane. I had to get out of here. I had to find the key.
Jumping up, I ran to the nearest building and wrenched open the door, and a pitch black void greeted me. I gasped, and gasped again as it felt like my very breath was being suctioned out of my lungs. Panicking, silent wheezes rattled in my chest as I struggled to yank myself out of the vacuum, jerking my limbs and bucking my body until I toppled over backwards on the sidewalk.
Gulping in fitful breaths, I scrambled to my feet and ran down the road without looking back, my wide eyes scanning the horizon for salvation. I just wanted out of here, but the hellish path stretched on forever, making me feel like I was running in place as every identical building and street lamp mocked me. Even my silent stomping and mute panting served to draw insanity closer.
And then, a person showed up.
There, in the distance.
With my hope spurred, I raced towards them, desperate. I didn't care who they were. I needed to break this monotony.
As I got closer, hope morphed to confusion, and then to despair. The person was me. It was a mirror, propped up across the entire street.
Sweat-soaked, I slowed down to a jog before I stopped right in front of my reflection. It was me alright, naked, exhausted, and frustrated. But the eyes, something was off about the eyes. With an anxious frown, I stepped closer, staring into them, and they stared back …
… until they glanced behind me.
I gasped and jumped away, and so did my reflection … before it glanced over my shoulder again.
A chill trickled down my spine. My reflection had nothing behind it but the empty street, so I gulped and turned around, and my mouth fell open in a silent scream as a lovecraftian behemoth barrelled its way towards me. With its slick shell gleaming red beneath the lights, it slammed down one spiny tentacle after the other as its five mouths bared their dripping, concentric fangs.
Drenched in undiluted horror, tremors gripped my body as I stumbled away until my back was against the mirror. I knew death was a foolproof key in a dream, but I didn't know if this creature would kill me right away or leave me to suffer in agony until my five hours were up.
With it only inches away, I squeezed my eyes shut and pressed myself into the mirror, and my stomach flipped as I fell backwards. I opened my mouth to gasp, but there was nothing for me to draw in. Floating in an airless void, I flailed and thrashed, my wild eyes scanning the darkness for answers as I began to spin around.
Although death would free me, one of my greatest fears was suffocating. On one of my weightless rotations, a red, glass cube passed me by, and I grabbed it, hoping it was a breathing device. I brought it close to my face, and I gawked at what it held within.
Me.
Surrounded by identical buildings and red street lamps while a lovecraftian behemoth tore me apart.
Horrified, I threw the cube as far as I could and increased my efforts to escape this void. Yet all the flailing and thrashing was for naught as the darkness revealed no end. My eyesight began to go red as my lungs spasmed, and I clawed at my throat as my pulse stuttered in my chest.
The red kept growing and growing until it engulfed my entire vision, and I gave up. There was nothing to do but face my fears and die. With my straining heart lumbering, I let myself go limp as I stared at the red and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
I wasn't dying.
In fact, I could breathe just fine.
Frowning, I opened my eyes, and intense unease spread through my core. Above me, a red moon had taken up the entire sky, each one of its craters crystal clear, like eyes watching me. I turned my head away, and I realized I was in a park, laying down on the grass. Sitting up, I blinked in surprise at the pond right beside me, its opaque water reflecting the moon's red light. Ducks were swimming in a circle across its surface, their movements smooth with nary a splash.
Trees surrounded us, so dense I couldn't tell when one began and the other ended. It was mind-numbingly quiet here as well, and I still couldn't feel anything or make any noise, but at least the ducks were moving. This place seemed more tolerable than the last, and I was willing to wait out my five hours here. I hoped at least an hour had passed already, but with dreams, one never knew. All I knew was that I was too exhausted to search for the key. And too scared. I didn't know whose dream this was, but they had to be masochistic if they saved this nightmare.
Curling up beside the pond, I worked on calming myself down as I watched the ducks swim in their systematic circle over and over and over. I tried counting the rotations the way one would count sheep, but that still didn't lull me to sleep. I wished I'd chosen the three-hour projection, but at least I hadn't chosen the eight-hour one.
Distorted circus music crackled around me and I jolted up, my heart ricocheting in my chest. There was finally sound, but the last thing I wanted to hear was a cliche horror movie soundtrack. Gulping, I looked around. The music was coming from the trees, and my stomach dropped when I spied a shadow behind one of them. Then another. And another. They emerged into the crimson moonlight, and my blood turned to ice.
Clowns.
I whipped around, trembling to the rhythm of my frantic pulse. They were surrounding me. Dozens of them. As classic as any clown could be. Colorful clothes, big shoes, silly hair, exaggerated makeup. I wasn't scared of clowns, as long as they were where they belonged. And they didn't belong here, staring at me with empty eyes and toothy grins.
I tried to convince myself that they weren't dangerous since they didn't have weapons and didn't seem monstrous, but when they took a step closer in unison, I jumped back, nearly falling into the pond. The ducks remained oblivious, still swimming in their circle. The distorted circus music got louder, and my hair stood on end when I saw the grass ripple in front of each clown. They were sending something my way through the ground.
Panicking, I jumped into the pond, and I screamed as I sank right in. There was no bottom. There was no water either. The pond was filled with red, translucent spheres, each the size of a tennis ball. Still able to breathe, I began swimming through the spheres with clumsy breast strokes, just hoping I could end up as far away from the clowns as possible.
After swimming for what felt like enough time, I tried to swim up, until I realized I had no idea which direction I was facing. Remember a trick for those stuck in avalanches, I spat, but my glob of saliva just hovered in front of me. Before panic could set in, I noticed what looked like an office desk floating amidst the spheres in the distance. After blinking a few times to make sure it was really there, I swam towards it, desperate for any change in my situation.
It
was an office desk, a wooden one with carved borders and locked drawers. Tucked beneath it was a stool, and the moment I pulled it out and set it under my ass, an office replaced the red spheres.
I grunted as gravity returned, and I looked around in bewilderment at the cluttered bookshelves and grimy floors. Dust was floating everywhere, highlighted by the red light filtering in through the blinds behind me. I jumped as a clock hanging on the wall chimed. Its glass was too dirty for me to tell the time, but I was glad I could hear. I coughed at the dust. And I could make noise. I dusted my hands. And I could feel. I could even smell, which I now wished I couldn't as I wrinkled my nose at the faint stench of rot.
After failing to read the spines of some of the books on the shelves, I studied the shadowy corners of the room. A slack-jawed skeleton hung in the far end, and a faded poster with anatomical diagrams curled off a cupboard. This had to be a doctor's office. Was the creator of this dream a doctor?
A silhouette slid in front of the frosted glass door, and I gulped as the knob began to turn. A hand reached in, gripping the edge one finger at a time, and my heart dropped as I knew this horror cliche was only going to be followed by another. Having no time to think, I slid off the stool and crouched beneath the desk, my hand over my mouth as cobwebs clung to me.
Praying spiders wouldn't swarm me, I peeked through a small slit in the wood, and I froze when an emaciated nurse walked in the room. Layers upon layers of blood coated her scrubs, so much so that I couldn't even tell what color they originally were. She had no shoes. No feet either. Just ankle stubs, and my stomach turned as I heard bone clunk against the tiles.
A surgical mask covered her face, as bloodstained as her scrubs, and grimy lab goggles obscured her eyes. I was grateful, because judging by the pus leaking out of her scabbed, balding scalp, I didn't want to know what her face looked like. The closer she got, the stronger the stench of rot became, and I struggled to keep myself from retching.
She stopped halfway into the room, and I gawked at her hands. They were transforming. Her fingers elongating into razor-edged blades. She then began to hunch over, and I cringed as her spine cracked and popped until she was as bent as a candy cane, her face staring at her pelvis.
As if that wasn't unsettling enough, her head creaked as it spun around 180 degrees, now facing the front, upside down. Right after, her arms shot to the ground, and I watched with increasing dread as she bent them at the elbows and wrists so they flanked her head like distorted T-Rex arms.
She spread her fingers out and took a few more steps towards me, and I held my breath, hoping she couldn't hear my rabid heart or smell my fear. Her ankle bones clicked and clacked against the tiles as she made her way around the desk, and I cowered as my frantic eyes searched for a weapon. I found none, but I did spy a brass button beside my head.
With her legs now an arms distance away, I had nothing to lose as I jammed my thumb into the button. The back of the desk flung open, and I scrambled to my feet and dashed out from my hiding place, screaming in response to the nurse screeching behind me. Bursting through the door, I held up my fists and began punching like a maniac in fearful anticipation of a horde of nurses swarming me.
Except I was no longer in a hospital. I was in an outdoor parking lot. Alone. And judging by the roiling red clouds, a storm was brewing. After a second to collect my bearings, I dove into the closest car, thankful it was unlocked. The moment I slammed the door shut, lightning blinded me as thunder cracked and the downpour began. Sighing in relief, I tried to shake away my adrenaline, but the bloodshot eyes in my rearview mirror reignited my panic.
Before I could react, a belt snapped over my neck, pinning my head back against the headrest. With a frightened wheeze, I clawed at the leather, and I flinched as hot, heavy breath wafted across my ear. Gagging at the putrid smell, I reached over, desperate to scratch my strangler's face or poke their eyes out.
I felt their hair and tried to pull it, but my fingers refused to hold on. I tried again and again, but the strands just kept slipping out of my weak grip. Shifting focus, I tried to claw at their eyes, but it felt as though I was moving through molasses as my hand slid down their face. Even when I felt a wet, bulbous eye, I didn't have enough strength to do anything.
My frustration clashed with my terror and I tried to punch them, but my arm swung back in slow motion and merely prodded a stubbly cheek. Tears welled in my eyes as I writhed and gasped, my strangler's laugh adding insult to injury. Despite knowing death will set me free, fear and self-preservation rummaged through my mind, searching for a solution. And they found one.
Hoping I had enough grip and energy, I reached down and found the reclining lever. Wrapping my fingers around it tight, I jerked it up and heaved my body back, and I gulped in a deep breath as I fell backwards, the belt now slack. Not at all prepared to face my attacker, I slipped out from beneath the belt, flung open the door, and zoomed out into the storm.
Sheets of rain obscured my vision, but not enough for me to see that the keys were left inside a red convertible. After making sure no one was hiding in the back, I jumped in, started the engine, and took off, the wheels squealing through the puddles. A sole street curled down a hill, and I took it, adrenaline pumping in waves through my quivering body.
This rush was a confusing mixture of exhilaration and apprehension. I wanted out, but I wasn't giving up. I made it this far, and I was going to survive every cliche this masochist dreamed up. Spiders? Snakes? Zombies? Bring it on. And afterwards, I was going to detail every single trial and tribulation I went through as I sued the dream bank for all the trauma they caused me.
Up ahead, the road curved, and I gasped as it ended in a cliff. I slammed the breaks, but they didn't do anything. Breaking out in a cold sweat, I slammed them again and again as I yanked the hand break as far as it would go. The car refused to slow down, and I cursed myself for not anticipating this cliche. In a move of desperation, I swerved, but it wasn't enough as the car careened over the edge and took me with it.
My heart hung in my throat as I hung on to the steering wheel, my knuckles white, my screams frozen in my lungs, the raindrops like needles. An endless body of water spread below me, and I knew sharks were my next challenge. I screwed my eyes shut as I awaited the inevitable plunge …
… and I gasped as a gentle hand woke me up.
I sat up, my pyjamas plastered to my damp skin, the silk sheets soaked. The tech gave me a sympathetic smile and asked me if I wanted to review the dream or if I wanted to delete it right away, since she could sense it was a nightmare.
I stared at her in furious disbelief as I yelled and cursed, accusing them of misconduct, and she gave me a confused frown. She said I had booked a recording session, not a projection one. After I called her a liar, management got involved, and they showed me my file with proof that I'd booked and paid for a recording session.
I told them they must have mistakenly charged me for a recording session, but I was one hundred percent sure I went through a projection session. I asked for five hours on a Tuesday afternoon. Not eight hours on a Tuesday evening. I had champagne and cranberry brie bites, not chamomile and honey-glazed almonds.
Their concern increased as they told me I was wrong. They said it was Wednesday, I'd slept the entire night, and they had my recorded dream to prove it. I demanded to skim through it, and they obliged. There it was, every scene of that nightmare. But it wasn't mine. It couldn't be. Could it? I hated scary movies. I also rarely had nightmares unless it involved me going broke. Why would I dream of an amalgamation of every horror cliche?
For a second, I was afraid I was still in the dream. This nightmarish scenario would fit right in with the others, taking it to Inception levels. But everything seemed real. I could hear, feel, and speak. No one was growing tentacles or blades. Nothing smelled pungent. Nothing glowed red.
I groaned and buried my face in my hands, confused and uncomfortable. I didn't know what the truth was anymore. One tech reminded me it was impossible for dreams to be projected to anyone but their creator. Another tech gently touched my shoulder and suggested I see a doctor if I continued to get spells of confusion like this. Not knowing how to reply, I paid them to save the nightmare before I got dressed and left.
Back home, I talked to family and friends, nothing seemed suspicious. Nothing seemed ready to kill me. I'm typing here on Reddit, and I'm sure I'll get replies. I'm out of the dream. I'm certain of it. But that leaves two other options.
Either I really did book a recording session and had my own nightmare, in which case I should take the tech's advice and see a doctor because my memory doesn't add up …
… or something sinister is going on at the dream banks, and they're using their clients as guinea pigs. Perhaps they're planning on branching out and creating a mental house of horrors where clients can get a near-realistic experience without fear of death. But why wouldn't they ask for volunteers instead of traumatizing loyal customers?
So I have to ask, have any of you experienced something similar? I know the odds of finding another multimillionaire who frequents dream banks is slim on Reddit, but even one other account can help my case.
SR
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2023.06.07 23:25 67Matthew Pump won't build pressure
I recently moved and I am maintaining an in-ground pool for the first time, I have some relatively light experience with above-ground pools though. everything seemed to run well, except when I would try to run a vacuum to clean, the pump would cavitate/not build any pressure.
My skimmer has 2 holes at the bottom and I had just randomly put the vacuum hose into one of them which I now know is not the right thing to do. I went ahead and bought the proper skim vac part to utilize the basket and avoid sucking debris into the system. After priming the vacuum hose and connecting with the pump while running, the same thing happened but now the pump won't build any pressure anymore. In my system, the drain and skimmer are always shared, and I can't switch between them (I had also cleaned the skimmer and pump baskets, near the pump impeller and the drain from any debris with a brush), which leads me to believe that a clogged suction line may not be the issue but maybe the pump can't build a vacuum. I went ahead and shut the system down and listened for any leaks, the little glass bottle on my sand filter was leaking, I fixed it and now it's no longer leaking but the issue remains the same. it'll build up roughly 5psi but will vary (normal operating pressure was 15psi).
fyi currently the plumbing on my system is chaotic, theres a non-functional salt system attached as well as some electrode thing (not sure what its purpose is) a chlorinator, and a heater. I'm afraid there might be a larger issue here since everything seems to have been poorly maintained, any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
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67Matthew to
pools [link] [comments]
2023.06.07 23:23 No_Boat5206 Mental health tips. An account of my way out of depression with the hope it might help someone.
Dear fellow INFPs,
I'm addressing this to people who feel like they're stuck mentally. Let me start off by saying eveyone has their own issues, some just bigger than other. Some have more unfortunate situations, others have not-so-bad situations but they experience them negatively, and then there's people who see the beauty of life. Whether you started out with getting help or not, I hope this piece gives you insight in what to do, but especially.. in what order. Looking on the internet there are 1001 ways of therapy, all kinds of guru's who tell you this is THE way! The ONLY way! I mean sure, much of it comes down to the same thing over and over again, but I'm convinced that some things are better before other. Take this account from someone who has been through it, who has tried 101 things, picked the useful ones, who got stuck multiple times, but ultimately can tell you my best experiences. But who am I, except for just another random dude on the intenet?
Where to even start. I've been thinking of writing this piece for a long time but always found reasons to postpone. Ironically. I've been insecure, depressed and suffering from general anxiety disorder for most my life, at least until some time ago. After I tasted the first moments of happiness I made it my mission to keep moving forward, every day possibly better than yesterday. Nine years, a lot of therapy and many hours of psychology self-study later, I want to share with you what I've learned in a condenced form. I'll start off with a little background information. Then I'll follow up with a listed summary followed by why I think doing it in that order is important. Lastly, I'll list a bunch of my sources that helped tremendously. I don't want to make this a feel-sorry story about me so I'll keep it short just for context. If you believe me for my word you can skip one paragraph.
I come from a family with an ISTJ dad and ISFJ mom, both horribly emotionally immature, unavailable, unpredictable and very suspicious of other people. They love me and my brother but were the worst in showing it. My dad hardly talked and stopped playing with us after a motor cycle accident. My mom was burned out most of the time and ready to explode. Now, what kind of things would that teach your kids? They had their own terrible experiences and upbringing, into which I won't go. Not to mention I was born 10 weeks early, lay alone in a machine much time with cordasol basically already coursing through my veins. All in all, me (the quiet good boy) and my brother (the ADHD ESTJ rebel) had completely different lives. He went all out in the rebel behaviour with his gang, vandalism and drugs, whereas I found out about Maplestory and built up an alternate life there, eventually also with drugs. (Real) friends, what are those? Getting beat up twice as freshman, who cares. The Fight/Flight/Freeze response was strong and consistent already at 15 y/o. I didn't know it at the time but the result was a near-permanent pressure on the Solar Plexus, always being tired and having burst of sweat when I came in social situations. The sweat didn't particulatly make it better. You want to try that new thing? Ah better not, you hurt yourself once as a kid so now everything is too dangerous.
The result is what you may expect. A very quiet, badly nail biting, skitterish mommy-child ' adult' who bursts into tears on random moments when alone, never knowing exactly what causes the pain. My first steps in self improvement happened by accident when I went off for further education in the capital. One roommate of mine studied psychology and he introduced me to a mindfulness training.
This is where it starts.
But now? What good is my story without a testimony? Now I'm finally starting a career, regardless of some obstacles. I don't nail bite anymore and handle stress way more easily. I was the star waiter of our restaurant and I'm having my first stand up comedy gig next week as well as acting school. Right now I work as the "very likeable" office manager at a sustainability company. Not everything is perfect, e.g. attachment to a partner and my ability in decision making, but it's all a process. Step by step. Keep your target (happiness?!) in mind and keep going.
(Step one and two are not processes but rather state of mind from which to work on. Let it sink in but don't get stuck on it.)
Step one: Acceptance of your own imperfection. It's okay.
This step sounds obvious but I don't think it is in practice. Too many people I've talked to are ready to talk about the bad things that happen in their life but as soon as you start about their OWN role in the situation, they will get all defensive and maybe even antagonized. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has bad experiences that colour their judgement of things and the way they act. Only if you accept this and what you have done in the past as fact, only then you are open minded enough to change. Otherwise, whatever you'll learn what could've helped you, you'll dismiss from your mind as soon as you leave the therapist, either from stubbornness or as a unconscious selfdefence reflex because you don't accept that yes, also you have weaknesses. This counts especially for people whose insecurity is being percieved as weak, dumb or unlikable. You see, if your insecurity is that you're not good enough, then how painful is it to accept that yes, you have inherent flaws? LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE? That's what keeps people from learning. That's what's keeping people from changing. Accept that you're not perfect and have things to change. Why else are you looking for help? It's like an addiction where you don't like the addiction but the alternative seems worse.
Lastly, know that your perception of others is probably not true. Only you know you because you know your thoughts. You don't see the mind of other people. If only you knew. Other people may seem saint-like but they aren't. Even the nicest people have some dark(er) characteristics and their own insecurities. Once you recognize this you may not feel so crazy anymore. Guess what, the battle between your little devil and angel is a human thing. The difference, though, is that you're open to change. The difference is that you are not in denial or oblivious of your mistakes like your aunt Hilda.
Step two: Accept your own agency and so reject victimhood.
Let me introduce you to my ex-roommate Petrus (pseudonym), who always talked about his troubles in life and how life failed him. The thing is, he'd always go on and on about how it was the effing police who fired him, how it was the effing insurance company who effed him over, how it is the effing women who are all whores and bitches anyway so why bother. His near-exact words. Never him, though! Oh no, that would receive a "yea sure.... but..!" with a scowl. While deep down all this talk is fueled by deep rooted insecurities and pain. You think you're not like that, and you're probably right. At least not to the same degree as he. Be ready to take responsibility for your own (re)actions.
I understand that doing step one and two are actually quite hard. I just mean to point out that as long as you are aware of them, you can change. You'll find out along the way in what ways your own behaviour has shaped your life so far, and what you can do in turn to change it. Life is like a beach, it is up to you to make your sand castle with upcoming waves and running kids. Like everybody else. The roommate mentioned above never accepted his agency and so did NOT have any results from the same therapist that I had. And whom he quit after one session. Scary, I know.
I cannot stress enough that self-reflection is key for anyone who's willing to change !!!
Step three: What do I feel and why?
Or in other words: the popular phenomena called Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. What it boils down to is the focus on self-awareness, to get a good insight into your own emotions and how it subconsciously affects your daily life. Before you quit reading: this is only the start. It is the difference between your mask and your underlying feeling. For instance, I would have the emotional 'mask' of being the joker and pleaser, only because WITHOUT doing that, I'd feel... well, uncomfortable. Now this uncomfortable feeling is important to figure out. For me I could summarize it with "I am not enough" and "I am not likeable". God it sounds so simple in a few sentences but this is a process of trying and trialing, where you'll think it was one thing, but it was something deeper, or they could all be summarized in one overarching insecurity. Finding out your mask personas is an important but scary step. Without your mask you'll feel remarkably vulnerable.
Now, I do not know where you are or if something similar is near to you. However, a good therapist will help you decipher your insecurities and underlying sadness. Understanding what you feel and why is step 3. You will NOT get here just through talking about your day unless the other specialist knows what they're doing, for the simple reason that many people are unaware of many of their reactions in daily life and what childhood trauma's they may have surpressed. Otherwise you'll just repeat the lines you tell yourself without going deeper. Such therapists should have their license revoked ffs.
Step three 'n half: grounding a.k.a. to get into contact with your feelings
There's much to be found online about grounding so by all means find other technique if mine doesn't work for you. I'd suggest you first try the most common way. Don't, the more you do it the faster you can do this. It takes me 20 seconds tops. Anyway: sit up on a chair without distractions nearby, eyes closed, hands on lap, feet on the ground. Take a couple of deep breaths. 4 seconds in, hold 4 seconds, 4 seconds out. Blow out like you blow out a candle. While you do this you repeat to yourself ' relax' or 'calm' or 'it's okay, you're safe' or whichever works for you.Then, take all your attention to your left foot. Feel the contact with the ground. Feel any (dis)comfort, any pain, itch, whether its cold, warm. Observe it, don't analyze it. It's not wrong, it's not good. It's just.. there. After you're ready you go to the left calf. Same thing. Feel the cold, warmth, the pressure, an itch, anything. It's not wrong, it's not good. It's just.. there. It's you. Hold your attention before going to your left thigh. Keep this process throghout your body. In the end, after your face is calm. Forehead is smooth. Eyes are relaxed. Jaw is loose. Deep breath and turn your attention to what you're feeling. Where is it? In your head? In your stomach? For me it's the solar plexus but it differs. Feel the emotion. It's not wrong, it's not good. It's just.. there. Accept it. Name it.
Side note: you may get distracted often. This is fine. Don't get mad at yourself as this only works negatively. Accept it, see it happen like a cloud drifting by and return your attention.
Side note 2: Accepting the emotion is very important. I had issues with that but getting mad at yourself for feeling something will only make things worse and is counter productive. Anyway why would you? Think of a friend. Can he feel lonely sometimes? Of course.
Congratulations, now you are what we call in contact with your feeling. This is DIFFERENT than the self-pitying saddness that's more common. THIS is the emotion that you can process. THIS is the emotion you can write down, cry out, talk about, whatever works for you. Also at the therapist. Especially at the therapist. It may feel redundant to do it with the little steps but believe me, if you're not used to grounding yourself then this is how to start. Sometimes it's harder than other, depending on your state-of-mind at the moment. Later you'll be used to it and 'go to your feeling' faster and more naturally than doing a detailed body scan. You're right if you think it's akin to meditation. Trust me. It's a human thing. You can do it too. Some people have put away their emotions deep down in order to protect themselves and for them it may be harder.
IMPORTANT: learning to ground may also mean you're nearer to your emotions. This is a good thing, as long as your work with them! Depending on the severity of your repressed traumas, it is highly advised to involve a therapist. You don't want to open up a well of misery only to do nothing with it. More on that in the next paragraph
Step four: Accept your past hurtful experiences. Process the associated emotions
This step is actually really important, and I wish I had done it way earlier. It would have saved me maybe three years. Okay so see it like this. Two things to remember. First: emotions that you experience but were unable to express will STAY in your body. Your body is like an emotional hard drive and somewhere there's tension building up. Second: this system you can compare to a hydrolic dam. Imagine: when there's a bit of water in the reservoir, there's no problem. When there's more water in the reservoir it's also okay, but the force on the dam builds up. Still more water all kind of okay, except that the dam is under a lot of pressure. A relatively small damage has to happen for cracks to appear and water to escape. This is exactly how it works with emotions. This is how people have sudden burts of rage, sudden burst of sadness, over relatively small incidents. They just... burst. This tension in addition with perfectionism are root causes for burn out as well. Just how much energy must it take? Anyway, as for the actual processing, I have a few tips.
The major one is a therapy called Somatic Experiencing. This is specialized in bringing up past emotions, even from when you were just a baby (I can tell..). All the stored up emotions will affect your daily life, likely without you noticing. It literally changes the way you react to things. E.g. how you react to some kinds of jokes, to how you may be very sensitive to situations, may feel angry or sad all the time, but also your attachment style in relationships. For me, processing all my fears and feelings of loneliness and betrayal on my innocense has given room for love, compassion, joy/playfulness and a general peace of body.
All in all, therapists are recommended.
Something else is a rage room. This is a place where people come together to literally scream and let emotions out. No experience there, just heard about it. I would think that the problem here is guidance. You can release stuff, but only things you are aware about. A good therapist can ask questions that will trigger things you can't do yourself. If you don't, you'll just scream from frustration which doesn't help much just like shower crying. Still, if you do it right I'm sure it may help.
NOTE: before going here, read the paragraph about grounding. This is an important asset without which you'll not get the results you want.
Step Five: self improvement. Learn by doing. Train your subconsciousness by experience.
It may feel like this step is late in the cycle, however it is not for nothing. To use the metaphor, Would it be easier to upgrade your dam into a hydraulic energy generating dam while the reservoir is still full, or while the water level is low? It is not to be underestimated how much internal conflicts will colour your perspective on yourself and the outside world. This is a major mistake I made, and what many therapists will still try.
Self-Improvement really means to use your self reflection to not just see what you do, but mainly what do you want to do with it? Let's say hypothetically you feel like you don't speak up enough. You've found out this is because of an underlying insecurity, in this case maybe that you feel unimportant because your parents never acknowledged any idea that you
I'd suggest journaling. Or rather, emotion analyzing and bring them up while writing. Ground yourself first. The goal is to FEEL the emotion and so process it without storing it up again. Cry about it if you need to. You know when children are sad, then cry a lot, then are running around happily again? Same with us adults. INFP or no. Except that we, with a little training, can actually name what we're feeling. Warning: this should only be really possible after some mindfulness. Firstly, because how else are you going to identify your own emotions? And secondly, you need to learn to 'ground' yourself, go into 'feeling mode'. Without it, it'll just be feeling sad because you feel sorry for yourself, instead of addressing the emotion itself. Wallowing in your sadness (this case: own victimhood) will only make things WORSE in an vicious cycle of negative affirmation. This happened to me. It's not pretty.
Look at yourself and the traits you want different. Maybe you want to be more orderly? Show love to people? Give a presentation without feeling like you're fainting? Write them down and what you would like instead. Don't push yourself by commiting to do everything. Just as much as you're comfortable with. Think of a dog for example. When a dog gets hit by a human he may just become aggressive or wimpering with his tail between his legs the next time he sees a human. Dogs are not aggressive or flightful from the start, but they learned that certain things are dangerous or scary. You teach an animal that something is not scary by slowly making it get used to the target. The same with humans, except that we're such complex creatures that sometimes it's hard to say exactly what makes you uncomfortable. This is literally what people mean with 'stepping outside your comfort zone'. It's not for nothing. It's not only for 'those bloody daredevils'. It's for a person to get used to situations. I had a fear in front of the class but I forced myself, after some proper therapy, to stand in front of a class to teach exams. Yes I was nervous. I had to calm myself several times, and I reflected on in afterwards. Well now, that actually went better than all the imaginative situations I had before! And even if it doesn't go well you can still write down WHAT you fked up and try to do better next time. Be mindful. Take steps.
Conclusion
It's a lot and I think I can add more but then it would be a book. I hope from this piece will bring structure to the whirlpool of information that's available. I'm not even sure 'regular' psychologists know this, as I've tried a bunch and they all start with something else. Every step is necessary, but some will work best only after the previous steps have been taken.
Now I'm tired. I'll write a proper summary after I see how this is recieved in the comments. Would love to hear feedback, questions, maybe even critique. Take care, you crazy diamond you.
Helpful sources:
Mindfulness training, meditation guides, Chakra healing (yes really)
Fysiotherapist on youtube to work on posture (you'll be surprised). I recommend Body Fix Exercises channel, to the point and effective.
Therapies: EMDR, Cognitive behavioural therapy, Somatic Experiencing
INFP guides on Personality Hacker
Attachment style podcasts (sorry mine was in Dutch)
Books / audiobooks
J. Peterson's 12 rules for life + many lectures on having a meaningful life. (whatever your stance or opinion on politics, his psychological knowledge is undeniable)
Lindsay C Gibson's Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
M. Gladwell's Talking to Strangers
Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now
I'd suggest audio book because it moves me more, however I guess it's personal.
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2023.06.07 23:18 Dismal-Jellyfish Commissioner Hester M. Peirce: "Although I agree with the objectives of these rules—namely, to reduce the incidence of misconduct in the security-based swap markets—these final rules leave unaddressed concerns I had at the proposing stage about their breadth, and I accordingly cannot support them."
| Source: https://www.sec.gov/news/statement/peirce-statement-security-based-swaps-060723 Thank you, Mr. Chair. As we have just heard, today the Commission will vote on finalizing Rule 9j-1, which would prohibit fraud and manipulation involving purchases and sales of security-based swaps, and Rule 15fh-4(c), which would prohibit coercion, manipulation, or deception of a security-based swap entity’s chief compliance officer. Although I agree with the objectives of these rules—namely, to reduce the incidence of misconduct in the security-based swap markets—these final rules leave unaddressed concerns I had at the proposing stage about their breadth, and I accordingly cannot support them. The version of Rule 9j-1 before us today is better than the proposed version. The final rule would adopt a considerably narrower definitions of purchase and sale than the expansive proposed definitions that would have covered the performance of obligations arising out of a security-based swap for the life of the transaction. The definitions in the final rule instead generally tracks the Dodd-Frank definitions of these terms. This change should reduce the likelihood that every action taken by a counterparty to a security-based swap during the life of the transaction, including actions required under the swap’s terms, will expose it to liability. In another positive change, the release also makes clear that attempted violations of the rule require scienter. Finally, the affirmative defenses should mitigate—even if they do not eliminate—the risk that the rule might make it impossible for a lender, which will often possess material non-public information on its borrowers, to use credit default swaps to hedge the risks of those loans. Notwithstanding these improvements, the final rule is still overly broad. The affirmative defenses may not provide market participants with sufficient clarity to allow them, for example, to feel confident somebody on a firm’s trading desk can hedge a loan using security-based swaps when the firm has obtained material non-public information in connection with the loan. As another example, the negligence standard applicable to paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of the rule may facilitate second-guessing in enforcement actions. Most concerning, however, is an overbroad anti-manipulation provision directed at manufactured credit events and other types of opportunistic trading strategies. This provision, too, has been narrowed since the proposal; the provision no longer contains the “directly or indirectly” language, and the release makes clear that violation of this provision requires scienter. But the release describes the scope of the provision in the same broad and ambiguous terms to which I objected when the rule was proposed.[1] Indeed, in words nearly identical to those in the proposal, the release explains that this provision would apply to “an action taken for the purposes of avoiding or causing, or increasing or decreasing, a payment under a security-based swap in a manner that would not have occurred but for such actions.”[2] As did the proposing release, the adopting release does attempt to provide assurance to market participants that the Commission will use this provision to pursue only “actions taken outside the ordinary course of a typical lender-borrower relationship.”[3] Yet, as one commenter noted, market participants must look to the text of the rule, [4] which makes no reference to (and offers no safe harbor for) actions taken in the ordinary course. Moreover, the Commission repeatedly notes in this discussion that whether an action is taken in the ordinary course is a “facts and circumstances” inquiry under which the Commission will review “all relevant facts.”[5] Although this approach does ensure maximum flexibility for the Commission to pursue misconduct that is hard to describe ex ante, it does so at the expense of clarity for firms that will have to guess at what facts the Commission may, in hindsight, determine to be relevant. The Commission feels compelled to preserve maximum flexibility for itself because it is trying to prohibit harmful but exceedingly difficult-to-define behavior that has occasionally appeared in the credit default swap markets. This behavior includes manufactured credit events and other opportunistic trading strategies that can cause the market to question whether these instruments will serve the purposes for which they were designed. Drawing in advance a line that cleanly distinguishes between manipulative conduct and actions taken in the normal course of business, even if they are unseemly and potentially unfair, is difficult. That the opportunistic trading strategies the rule targets have occurred relatively infrequently, and that each generally has presented distinct facts, makes the rule-writing task more difficult. Preserving discretion for the Commission could chill, unnecessarily, perfectly legitimate trading strategies or exercises of a counterparty’s rights under a security-based swap.[6] Moreover, as one commenter noted, security-based swaps are often used to hedge complex financing arrangements that involve heavily negotiated terms providing the lenders with a range of options to protect themselves from the borrower’s default.[7] Lenders worried that they may not be able to exercise such rights without affecting the value of the security-based swap in a way that the Commission later might view as manipulative may be less willing to provide financing in the first place.[8] Moreover, because the release suggests that action—such as rescuing a failing firm—will be subject to greater scrutiny than inaction—such as letting a failing firm collapse—the rule risks spurring inaction and thus reducing market efficiency.[9] Some circumstances might warrant a rule with these chilling effects, but no such circumstances are present here. The targeted misconduct has occurred only relatively infrequently in this market. Our anti-fraud rules likely already prohibit some of that conduct.[10] And, in a demonstration of the power of private ordering, market participants themselves have addressed some of the offending conduct. Sophisticated repeat players are well-placed to police one another for undesirable conduct, even if it is not illegal. In 2018, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association publicly acknowledged that these manufactured credit event strategies could affect negatively the security-based swap market and in 2019 made its Narrowly Tailored Credit Event Protocol available for adherence by counterparties.[11] This Protocol appears to have eliminated much of the destructive behavior simply by introducing greater uncertainty that these strategies could succeed. As the release notes, this Protocol does not address every possible such strategy, but, the release also does not challenge one commenter’s assertion that these strategies have become “extremely infrequent.”[12] In short, the Commission’s desire to maximize its own flexibility in this anti-manipulation provision does not seem to further any regulatory objective. To the contrary, this rule likely will deter far more entirely legitimate activity than it will prevent truly manipulative activity. The Commission instead should delay taking any action here and wait to see whether the problem of opportunistic trading strategies is significant enough to warrant a solution as blunt as the one before us today. We can all agree with the sentiment of Rule 15fh-4(c): coercing, manipulating, or deceiving a CCO is bad behavior. But regulation—even regulation that prohibits bad things—always involves trade-offs. Will subjecting every interaction between employees and a CCO to potential legal liability empower the CCO to do her job or simply make employees less likely to approach the CCO to seek her input on compliance-related issues? I do have a few questions: If a bank provides a loan to a customer and, in the process of negotiating the terms of that loan comes into possession of material non-public information, would the affirmative defenses permit the bank to hedge that loan exposure through a credit default swap? If so, under what conditions? LSTA noted in its March 2022 letter that the broad language of the anti-manipulation provision coupled with the use of a facts and circumstances test to determine whether a transaction was in the ordinary course would likely chill perfectly legitimate exercises of a lender’s rights expressly provided for in heavily negotiated financing arrangements.[13] Can you provide me any comfort that these fears are groundless? The economic analysis suggests that Rule 9j-1 will benefit the market by reducing fraud and manipulation, including opportunistic trading strategies, and thereby increase confidence in the security-based swap market. In July 2022, the Managed Funds Association submitted a comment letter presenting data that it claimed suggested that there was no evidence of any lack of confidence among market participants.[14] The economic analysis seems to wave this evidence away as not persuasive, but does not provide any countervailing evidence that the market is laboring under a significant risk of fraud or manipulation. Is there any such evidence? What evidence, if any, do we have that manufactured credit events or other opportunistic trading strategies continue to present a risk to the market? One law firm submitted a comment letter identifying different types of market activity it described as “legitimate” that “would be threatened by” Rule 9j-1.[15] I’d like to understand better how the staff would view these examples from that letter: “An investor who holds CDS (either long or short) participating in an ad hoc restructuring group.” “An investor who holds bonds and has bought CDS refusing to consent to a restructuring, choosing to rely on CDS protection.” “An investor who owns bonds and has sold CDS selling bonds back to the Reference Entity.” “An investor who has sold CDS providing rescue financing to distressed issuers.” The release states that “misconduct that affects the payments and deliveries under one security-based swap could be prohibited by final Rule 9j-1 if that misconduct occurs in connection with effecting or attempting to effect transactions or purchasing or selling or attempting to induce the purchase or sale of any security-based swap, and not just the security-based swap that was the subject of the misconduct.”[16] Could you provide an example of what type of misconduct this might encompass? The final rule prohibits manipulation of the price or valuation of a security-based swap. The release states that “the pricing and valuation of security-based swaps are intrinsically connected.”[17] If this is the case, why is it necessary to prohibit manipulation of valuation, given that manipulation of valuation would also almost certainly result in manipulation of price? Although I cannot support today’s adoption of these rules, I do appreciate the effort that the staff put into reviewing the comments and taking to heart those comments in an effort to make the rule more workable. I especially appreciate the time that Carol McGee spent with me to answer my questions about the rule and Pam Carmody’s work on drafting it. I also want to acknowledge the contributions of the Office of the General Counsel. What Hester is against: https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2023/34-97656.pdf Overview of Security-Based Swaps Security-Based Swaps Generally: - Although the definition of security-based swap is detailed and comprehensive, at its most basic level, a security-based swap is an agreement, contract, or transaction in which two parties agree to the exchange of payments or cash flows based upon the value of other assets or upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of some event, including, for example, a change in a stock price or the occurrence of some type of credit event.
- The exchange of these payments or deliveries, including purchases or sales upon certain events, is a fundamental aspect or feature of a security-based swap.
- Moreover, this feature of security-based swaps is in contrast to secondary market transactions involving equity or debt securities where the completion of a purchase or sale transaction terminates the mutual obligations of the parties.
- Security-based swap counterparties, who are considered the issuers of the security-based swaps, continue to have obligations to one another throughout the life of the instrument, which can extend for years if not decades.
- Parties may enter into a security-based swap for a multitude of reasons, but often, the parties to the contract seek to gain exposure to an asset without owning it or to manage or transfer risks in their asset and liability portfolios (e.g., credit or equity risks).
- Typical participants in the security-based swap market include, among others, lenders transferring credit risk, insurance companies managing asset and liability risk specific to the insurance industry, activists or hedge funds obtaining exposure to the price movement and dividend payments of a stock without the costs and burdens of stock ownership, and financial institutions that engage in market-making and dealing in security-based swaps.
- The terms of the contract between the counterparties determine the specific rights and obligations of the parties throughout the life of the security-based swap, including, for example, the amount and timing of periodic payments due under the instrument, the maturity of the instrument, and terms of settlement.
- Unlike other types of securities where settlement occurs when the buyer receives the security purchased and the seller receives cash equaling the value of the security sold, for security-based swaps, a final net payment is paid by one party to the other at a future point in time to which the parties have contractually agreed.
Two common examples of security-based swaps – credit default swaps (“CDS”) and total return swaps (“TRS”) - Generally, a CDS is a contract in which a party (the “protection buyer”), such as a lender, agrees to make periodic payments (the “premium”) over an agreed upon time period to another party (the “protection seller”) in exchange for a payment from the protection seller in the event of default by an issuer (or group of issuers) of securities (the “reference entity”).
- The CDS contract states whether the CDS is settled physically or in cash in the event of default by the reference entity. Generally, the protection buyer is using the CDS to manage risk and the protection seller is using the CDS to take on risk in return for a premium. A cash-settled CDS contract relying on ISDA documentation is subject to determinations by a committee with respect to whether a defined default event (a “credit event”) has occurred and, if so, to hold an auction to determine the settlement price of the CDS.
- The auction process includes the determination and publication of a list of deliverable obligations that a CDS protection buyer can deliver to the CDS protection seller after the auction settlement.
- A CDS protection buyer can deliver any of the obligations on the list, with delivery of the cheapest deliverable obligation maximizing recovery.
- This feature of CDS contracts is an aspect of some of the manufactured or opportunistic strategies discussed in section I.B.2.
- A TRS may obligate one of the parties (i.e., the total return payer) to transfer the total economic performance (e.g., income from interest and fees, gains or losses from market movements, and credit losses) of a reference asset (e.g., a debt or equity security) (the “reference underlying”), in exchange for a specified or fixed or floating cash flow (including payments for any principal losses on the reference asset) from the other party (i.e., the total return receiver).
- If the TRS is negotiated over-the-counter, the terms of the TRS can be individually negotiated and could include one payment at the expiration of the TRS or might include a series of payments on periodic interim settlement dates over the tenor of the TRS.
- For TRS with periodic interim settlement dates counterparties could agree to reset the price of the reference underlying on the periodic interim settlement date based on current market prices of the reference underlying (“reference price”).
- Accordingly, throughout the life of a TRS, depending on the terms of the TRS, the reference price that determines that payment on periodic interim settlement dates might be reset based on current market prices of the reference underlying
Security-Based Swap Market Developments - In 2010, following the 2008 financial crisis, Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Act “to promote the financial stability of the United States by improving accountability and transparency in the financial system.”
- Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act addressed significant issues and risks in the swap and security-based swap markets, which had experienced dramatic growth leading up to the 2008 financial crisis and were shown to be capable of affecting significant sectors of the U.S. economy.
- In testimony before Congress introducing the first draft of the Dodd-Frank Act, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner highlighted the risks posed by an unregulated OTC derivatives market, which had been operating without the “basic protections and oversight” existing in the rest of the financial systems, including a “limited ability to police fraud and manipulation.”
- In his written testimony, Secretary Geithner listed four broad objectives of the proposed reforms which were eventually enacted as Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act:
- Preventing activities in the OTC derivatives markets from posing risk to the stability of the financial system;
- Promoting efficiency and transparency of the OTC derivatives markets;
- Preventing market manipulation, fraud, and other abuses; and
- Protecting consumers and investors by ensuring that OTC derivatives are not marketed inappropriately to unsophisticated parties.
- The security-based swap market remains large. Based on information reported pursuant to 17 CFR 242.900 to 242.909 (“Regulation SBSR”), as of November 25, 2022, the gross notional amount outstanding in the security-based swap market is approximately $8.5 trillion across the credit, equity, and interest rate asset classes.
- The credit security-based swap asset class is large, with a gross notional amount of approximately $4.7 trillion, of which single-name CDS (including corporate and sovereign) account for the largest category at $4.3 trillion.
- Additionally, as indicated by data submitted pursuant to Regulation SBSR, the size of the equity security-based swap market is also significant – with approximately $3.6 trillion of equity security-based swaps outstanding as of November 25, 2022.
'The trouble' - In general, the ongoing payments of a security-based swap depend, in part, on its gross notional amount outstanding.
- The particular aspects and characteristics of security-based swaps (described above in section I.B.1) provide opportunities and incentives for misconduct.
- In general, parties to a security-based swap may engage in misconduct in connection with the security-based swap (including in the reference underlying of such security-based swap) to trigger, avoid, or affect the value of ongoing payments or deliveries.
- For instance, a party faced with significant risk exposure may engage or attempt to engage in manipulative or deceptive conduct that increases or decreases the value of payments or cash flow under a security-based swap relative to the value of the reference underlying, including the price or value of a deliverable obligation under a security-based swap.
- Moreover, fraud and manipulation in connection with a security-based swap can affect not just a direct counterparty, but also counterparties to that counterparty.
- For example, if fraud or manipulation leads to a large change in variation margin, the defrauded counterparty could default on its obligations to its other counterparties. In addition, other counterparties to the same security-based swaps could be affected by fraud or manipulation that affects the reference underlying assets, as could investors in those underlying assets.
- Given the global and interconnected nature of the security-based swap markets, it is critical that the Commission has appropriate tools to fight fraud and manipulation in these markets.
- Recent developments in the security-based swap market highlight these concerns.
- For example, in the 2021 Proposing Release, the Commission discussed certain manufactured or other opportunistic CDS strategies that had been reported by academics and the press:
- A CDS buyer working with a reference entity to create an artificial, technical, or temporary failure-to-pay credit event in order to trigger a payment on a CDS to the buyer (and to the detriment of the CDS seller).
- Alone or in combination with the above or other strategies, causing the reference entity to issue a below-market debt instrument in order to artificially increase the auction settlement price for the CDS (i.e., by creating a new “cheapest to deliver” deliverable obligation).
- CDS buyers endeavoring to influence the timing of a credit event in order to ensure a payment (upon the triggering of the CDS) before expiration of a CDS, or a CDS seller taking similar actions to avoid the obligation to pay by ensuring a credit event occurs after the expiration of the CDS, or taking actions to limit or expand the number and/or kind of deliverable obligations in order to impact the recovery rate.
- CDS sellers offering financing to restructure a reference entity in such a way that “orphans” the CDS – eliminating or reducing the likelihood of a credit event by moving the debts off the balance sheets of the reference entity and onto the balance sheets of a subsidiary or an affiliate that is not referenced by the CDS.
- Taking actions, including as part of a larger restructuring, to increase (or decrease) the supply of deliverable obligations by, for example, adding (or removing) a co-borrower to existing debt of a reference entity, thereby increasing (or decreasing) the likelihood of a credit event and the cost of CDS.
- Taking into consideration all of the above, Rule 9j-1 will be an important additional tool to augment the Commission’s oversight of the security-based swap markets including, but not limited to, the markets for CDS and TRS.
Overview of the Final Rules: Rule 9j-1 - Final Rule 9j-1 includes prohibitions on categories of misconduct prohibited by section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and section 17(a) of the Securities Act, when effecting any transaction in, or attempting to effect any transaction in, any security-based swap, or when purchasing or selling, or inducing or attempting to induce the purchase or sale of, any security-based swap (including but not limited to, in whole or in part, the execution, termination (prior to its scheduled maturity date), assignment, exchange, or similar transfer or conveyance of, or extinguishing of any rights or obligations under, any security based-swap).
- The final rule also includes a provision prohibiting the manipulation or attempted manipulation of the price or valuation of any security-based swap, including any payment or delivery related thereto.
- This provision has been moved to paragraph (a)(6) of Rule 9j-1 (from paragraph (b) as proposed) to clarify that these provisions apply to conduct that is undertaken in connection with directly or indirectly effecting, or attempting to effect, any transaction in any security-based swap, or purchasing or selling, or inducing or attempting to induce the purchase or sale of, any security-based swap.
- Final Rule 9j-1 provides that:
- A person with material nonpublic information about a security cannot avoid liability under the securities laws by communicating about or making purchases or sales in the security-based swap (as opposed to communicating about or purchasing or selling the underlying security)
- A person cannot avoid liability under section 9(j) or Rule 9j-1 in connection with a fraudulent scheme involving a security-based swap by instead making purchases or sales in the underlying security (as opposed to purchases or sales in the security-based swap).
https://preview.redd.it/guzs4cyuwn4b1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=d55104e51db1f955fb3520cb652663faa1f8e898 Rule 15fh-4(c) The Commission also is adopting a rule aimed at protecting the independence and objectivity of an SBS Entity’s CCO by preventing the personnel of an SBS Entity from taking actions to coerce, mislead, or otherwise interfere with the CCO. The Commission recognizes that SBS Entities dominate the security-based swap market and also recognizes the important role that CCOs of SBS Entities play in ensuring compliance by SBS Entities and their personnel with the Federal securities laws. As a result, the Commission is adopting Rule 15fh-4(c), which makes it unlawful for any officer, director, supervised person, or employee of an SBS Entity, or any person acting under such person’s direction, to directly or indirectly take any action to coerce, manipulate, mislead, or fraudulently influence the SBS Entity’s CCO in the performance of their duties under the Federal securities laws or the rules and regulations thereunder. https://preview.redd.it/dkubyk9ywn4b1.png?width=966&format=png&auto=webp&s=634948d848a6277ed7247d7803a5a63d2b866972 https://preview.redd.it/5r40tixywn4b1.png?width=943&format=png&auto=webp&s=1757b80d2890e4460c1e4adfe1d3e5f25c4599d6 The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted rules to prevent fraud, manipulation, and deception in connection with security-based swap transactions and to prevent undue influence over the chief compliance officer (CCO) of security-based swap dealers and major security-based swap participants (SBS Entities). “Any misconduct in the security-based swaps market not only harms direct counterparties but also can affect reference entities and investors in those reference entities,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler. “Given these markets’ size, scale, and importance, it is critical that the Commission protect investors and market integrity through helping prevent fraud, manipulation, and deception relating to security-based swaps. Today’s set of rules will do just that.”The antifraud and anti-manipulation rule adopted today is designed to prevent misconduct in connection with effecting any transaction in, or attempting to effect any transaction in, or purchasing or selling, or inducing or attempting to induce the purchase or sale of, any security-based swap. The rule takes into account the features fundamental to a security-based swap and will aid the Commission in its pursuit of actions that directly target misconduct that reaches security-based swaps.The Commission also adopted a rule to protect the independence and objectivity of the CCO of a security-based swap dealer or major security-based swap participant.The adopting release will be published in the Federal Register. The final rules will become effective 60 days after the date of publication of the adopting release in the Federal Register. TLDRS: - Hester cannot support.
- A security-based swap is an agreement where two parties exchange payments or cash flows based on the value of assets or events, continuing to have obligations to each other for the life of the contract.
- Typical participants include lenders, insurance companies, hedge funds, and financial institutions.
- The specifics of the swap, such as periodic payments and settlement terms, are determined by the contract between the counterparties.
- The two common examples of security-based swaps are Credit Default Swaps (CDS) and Total Return Swaps (TRS).
- A CDS involves a protection buyer making periodic payments to a protection seller in exchange for a payment in case of default by the reference entity.
- A TRS transfers the total economic performance of a reference asset in exchange for a cash flow.
- As of November 2022, the gross notional amount outstanding in the security-based swap market was approximately $8.5 trillion.
- The credit security-based swap asset class accounted for $4.7 trillion, while equity security-based swaps accounted for around $3.6 trillion.
- Misconduct may occur in security-based swaps to trigger, avoid, or affect the value of ongoing payments.
- This includes manipulative or deceptive conduct that alters the value of payments under a security-based swap relative to the value of the reference underlying swap.
- Rule 9j-1 is introduced as an additional tool for overseeing the security-based swap markets, including the markets for CDS and TRS.
- This rule includes prohibitions on misconduct and manipulation in connection with security-based swaps.
- In addition, Rule 15fh-4(c) is adopted to protect the independence and objectivity of a Swap Brokerage Security Entity's Chief Compliance Officer.
https://preview.redd.it/mikc5pyiwn4b1.png?width=610&format=png&auto=webp&s=d7e9f1ec5e1bb791f93a46207a911ae6c30a3e68 submitted by Dismal-Jellyfish to Superstonk [link] [comments] |
2023.06.07 23:14 WriterJSLynch The Hedgewitch of Huntington (Fairy Dust Book 1) - WIP
The Hedgewitch of Huntington
(Fairy Dust - Book 1)
By J. S. Lynch
Chapter 1: Alex
Alex stared out the window of the Greyhound bus, watching the scenery change from urban to rural. She saw nothing but a blur of green and brown as if someone had smeared a dirty paintbrush across a canvas, with the occasional flash of red and yellow breaking the mottled monotony. Coupled with the drone from the bus’s AC and with the steady rumble of the tires on the blacktop, it would almost be enough to lull her to sleep. Except, she wouldn’t let herself fall asleep. The last time she dozed off, she had a nightmare: her mother being dragged away screaming by men in white coats. Technically, that was a memory, but at least she could force herself to not think about it while she was awake.
The scent of gasoline and sweat permeated the air. Alex’s mouth felt dry, and her saliva tasted bitter. She knew she had a bottle of water in her backpack, but it was too much of a hassle to dig it out from under her seat. Someone behind her sneezed.
Gross.
The air felt so stale and suffocating. She wished she could just open her window and get some fresh air. When she tried to pull it open earlier, the window jammed, leaving it just open enough to create a disproportionately annoying whistle for the rest of the trip. Alex was pretty sure the rock-hard seat digging into the back of her legs would leave a bruise. She felt trapped. She felt like a prisoner, being transferred to death row.
But maybe she deserved it; after all, this was her fault. It was her fault that her mom was gone; it was her fault that she was now on a bus to nowhere. Guilt warred with bitterness in Alex’s heart. On the one hand, she had just left behind everything she knew in Baltimore: her mother, her home, her school, her friends. On the other hand, it’s not like she had that many friends. Or a real home. Or a good school. Or a loving mother. But still, it was familiar. It was hers. And Alex had just flushed it all down the drain.
And now she was heading to Huntington, West Virginia, to live with a stranger. A stranger who just happened to be her biological father. A stranger who had abandoned Alex and her mother before she was even born. A stranger who had no idea who Alex really was, much less what he was getting himself into.
Alex glanced at the woman sitting next to her. Ms. Jones, a kind-faced woman with mocha skin and dark, curly hair that seemed to have a mind of its own, sat, sorting through some papers and humming to herself. She had a gentle voice and a friendly energy, but Alex didn’t trust her. Alex didn’t dislike her, she just couldn’t trust someone who acted as if they cared just “oh, so much.” But Ms. Jones was there to help her- she knew that. She was Alex’s caseworker and had been nothing if not kind to her since her mom had been committed.
Ever since I got her committed.
She stopped that train of thought immediately. There wasn’t much point, thinking about that now.
“Are you okay, Alex?” Ms. Jones asked, noticing Alex’s waning gaze.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Alex lied. She wasn’t, but it’s not like that mattered.
“We’ll be there soon,” Ms. Jones said, trying to sound reassuring. “Your father will be waiting for us at the bus station. I’m sure he’s very excited to meet you.”
“Yeah, sure he is,” Alex muttered under her breath.
Ms. Jones sighed and turned back to the folder on her lap, rifling through the papers.
“Here are some documents I will need you to look over,” she said, handing Alex a few papers. “They’re just formalities. You can look them over now, or we can go over them together once we meet up with your dad.”
Alex took the papers and scanned them briefly. They seemingly covered details about how the transfer would be expected to go and how CPS would follow up to ensure Alex was adjusting well and being taken care of. After skimming the papers for a few minutes and pretending to skim them even longer, Alex passed them back to Ms. Jones, who smiled and slipped them neatly into her folder. Alex gave her a tight-lipped smile in return.
“Thank you, Alex,” she said. “You’ve been very cooperative. I appreciate that.”
“No problem,” Alex said, shrugging and looking away.
Ms. Jones checked her watch and looked out the window.
“We should reach the rest stop in a few minutes,” she said. “Are you hungry? Do you want to get something to eat?”
“No, I’m okay,” Alex said, shaking her head. She couldn’t eat even if she wanted to. Her stomach felt like she had swallowed a brick of lead.
“Well, okay. Maybe later then,” Ms. Jones replied.
“Sure.”
Alex closed her eyes and pressed her head against the window, the pane of glass a little warmer than the air. Everything was just too overwhelming. There were too many noises, too many people. Too many thoughts and feelings were running through her head, not all of them her own. Occasionally, she would catch a glimpse, a fragment of a foreign thought or memory, or a quick stab of a random emotion. It was exhausting. It was painful. Alex wished they would all just shut up and leave her alone.
— — —
The intercom crackled, snapping Alex out of her stupor. The bus driver’s voice came through it, a rich and gravelly sound as if she had been smoking a pack a day since birth. It was weirdly comforting.
“Attention, passengers, we’ll be stopping soon to fuel up and let everyone stretch their legs. Please stay seated until the bus comes to a complete stop,” She intoned in a practiced-if-exasperated cadence. “We will be stopped for twenty-five minutes, and any passenger not on the bus by the time I close the doors will be left behind.”
As the driver spoke, Alex opened her eyes and looked around. They were pulling into the parking lot of some podunk truck stop in some nowhere-town.
“Would it have killed them to stop somewhere a little nicer?” Alex muttered to herself sarcastically.
As the bus rolled to a stop, Ms. Jones tapped Alex on the shoulder.
“Come on, Alex,” she said with a gentle smile. “Let’s go stretch our legs and get some fresh air.”
Alex nodded and followed her to the front of the bus. They stepped off the bus and into the gas station’s parking lot. It was a small, shabby place with a few pumps and a convenience store. An unlit sign read “Tony’s.”
Ms. Jones took out her wallet and handed Alex some money.
“Here, take this,” she said. “At least get yourself a snack or something to drink, okay? I’ll be right back.”
She then marched double-time toward the restroom, leaving Alex alone.
Alex looked at the money in her hand and felt a surge of bitterness. She didn’t need her pity or her charity- she didn’t want it. Stuffing the money in her pocket, she looked around at the people milling about the gas station: a couple of truck drivers filling up their tanks, a family with kids buying snacks at the store, a young woman with a dog sitting on a bench.
Alex wondered what their lives were like. Where were they going? Where did they come from? What sort of things did they care about? What kind of secrets were they keeping?
I could find out…
She glanced back toward the bus. The door was open and the driver was nowhere to be seen. Alex figured she would probably be smoking behind the store.
Walking toward the road, Alex stared at the cars and trucks rushing past along the highway. She could try to flag someone down and hitchhike. Or maybe she could pay someone at the gas station to give her a ride, to take her somewhere else. Somewhere far away from here. She retrieved the crumple bills Ms. Jones gave her from her pocket. Ten bucks. Alex sighed and put the money away. Maybe if she just made a run for it? Alex wondered how long it would take for Ms. Jones to come back.
Alex took another step toward the edge. Then she stopped, hesitating.
“How long would it be before anyone noticed I was gone? Would anyone even care?”
She stared down at the speeding traffic, the creeping realization that she had nowhere else to go pressing on her mind. She had nowhere to go, no one who cared about her, and there was nothing she could do. Nothing except go to Huntington and meet Noah.
She tried to swallow but found her mouth still dry. There wasn’t any point in trying to run away, not anymore.
Resigned, Alex walked back toward the store. She might as well use that ten bucks.
— — —
As she entered, she was greeted by a blast of cold air and a jingling bell. The store was small and cramped, with shelves full of junk food, drinks, magazines, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. A TV mounted on the wall played some news channel.
She wandered around the store, looking at the items with little interest. She didn’t want anything, but she figured that buying something would at least get Ms. Jones off her back. Maybe just a candy bar or a soda.
She picked up a chocolate bar and examined it. A thin film of dust covered the wrapper. It must have been older than she was. Dropping it, she moved to the coolers. She scanned the shelves, but nothing looked good.
She wandered the aisles, eventually picking up a magazine. It was one of those gossip rags that had pictures of celebrities and their scandals. Flipping through it, she saw a headline that read “Hollywood’s Hottest Couples: Who’s In and Who’s Out?” She rolled her eyes and tossed it back on the rack.
She felt the faintest hint of a prickling at the back of her mind, barely an itch. Someone was watching her. Looking up, she saw a girl standing at the other end of the aisle, near the counter. The girl was about Alex’s age, maybe a year or two older. She had long blonde hair that fell in waves over her shoulders, blue eyes that sparkled like diamonds, and a perfect smile that showed off her white teeth. She wore a pink tank top that hugged her curves, denim shorts that showed off her legs, and flip-flops that matched her top. She had a silver necklace around her neck and a gold bracelet on her wrist. She looked like she had stepped out of one of those magazines Alex had just discarded.
The girl was holding a bottle of water and a pack of gum. She smiled at Alex and said, “Hi.”
Alex managed a meek “Hi” before quickly walking away, her cheeks burning red.
She felt like she had just seen everything she wasn’t, someone who was beautiful, confident, and happy.
Alex looked down at herself and felt ashamed. She wore an old T-shirt that was too big, jeans that were too tight, and sneakers that were too worn. Her face was plain; her short brown hair was messy and dull and desperately needed to be cut. She wore no makeup or jewelry except for a cheap watch that barely worked.
She headed towards the restroom at the back of the store. She needed to get away from everyone and everything for a while.
The women's restroom was occupied, so she slipped into the men's room instead, locking the door behind her. The room was small and dirty, with a sink, a toilet, a mirror, and a trash can. There was graffiti on the walls and stains on the floor. It reeked of piss and 409.
She felt exhaustion and despair wash over her and walked over to the sink and turned on the faucet. She splashed water on her face and stared into the mirror. Tired, brown eyes stared back at her. She saw a girl who looked lost and powerless. A girl who had no control over her life. A girl who had no future.
She hated what she saw.
She wished she could change it.
She wished she could change everything.
— — —
Back on the bus, she sat quietly, listening to music on her iPod Nano. It was three more hours before they reached Huntington. Ms. Jones tried making small talk a few times, but Alex wasn’t in the mood. The minutes, hours passed. Alex woke with a start when Ms. Jones shook her, not realizing she had even fallen asleep. At least she didn’t have the dream this time. Small blessing.
“Sorry, Alex, I didn’t mean to startle you. We’re here,” came Ms. Jones’ voice, muffled through Alex’s headphones.
Alex stopped her music, got up, and followed Ms. Jones off the bus, resigned to whatever fate awaited her. The bus station was small and crowded, with only a few benches and ticket counters. The air was thick with the smell of exhaust fumes and stale coffee. Alex looked around at all the people scurrying about. She idly wondered which one of them was her father. Obviously, not the angry mom arguing with the clerk. Not the little boy crashing toy cars together at her feet. Hopefully, it wasn’t the raggedy, older gentleman sleeping with his head on his suitcase. She figured it probably wasn’t the black guy in his early twenties playing games on a DS.
She wondered what he would look like, what he sounded like, what he acted like. She almost started to wonder if he would be anything like her mom but stopped herself, digging her nails into her palms.
Ms. Jones took out her phone and loaded a picture of Alex’s father. She scanned the crowd for his face, looking anxious. The older woman showed the picture to Alex and asked her to help look for him.
A wave of disappointment crashed into Alex when she saw it. He was a middle-aged man with brown hair and blue eyes. He had a scruffy beard and a crooked smile. He wore a work jacket and a faded blue Baltimore Ravens baseball cap. He looked like a loser.
“See him yet?” Ms. Jones asked after a few minutes of searching.
“Nope,” Alex said, shaking her head.
“Well, he was supposed to meet us here at the station,” Ms. Jones said, looking displeased. “-holding a sign with your name on it.”
Alex looked around again but didn’t see anyone with a sign. “Maybe he’s late,” Alex said, secretly hoping he wouldn’t show.
“Maybe,” Ms. Jones said, sounding doubtful.
Ms. Jones sighed and put away her phone. She put her hand on Alex’s shoulder with a gentle squeeze.
“Hey,” she said softly, “how are you feeling? Are you okay? Are you nervous?”
Alex shrugged off Ms. Jones’ hand and looked away.
“I'm fine,” she said, maybe a little too irritably.
Ms. Jones frowned and tried again.
“Alex, I know this is hard for you. Believe me. I know you’ve been through a lot. But this is a chance for you to start over. To have a family again.”
Something in Alex snapped.
“A family!? Do you really think I’m gonna live a Brady Bunch life with this guy? He left before I was even born! He didn’t even know I existed until, what? A few weeks ago?”
Ms. Jones opened her mouth to say something, but Alex cut her off.
“Just stop it,” she said bitterly. “I don’t wanna hear your promises about how I’m gonna have this perfect fairytale life from now on, okay? I’m just so sick of everyone lying to me!”
Ms. Jones closed her mouth and looked hurt.
“Alex,” she said softly. “I’m not lying to you. Please, just trust me on that. I won’t promise that everything is gonna be okay from now on ‘cause I have no idea how it’ll turn out. But you’re one of the toughest kids I know, Alex, and I know how much you’ve been hurt. You deserve a chance to start over and have an easy life, and this guy might be able to give you that. He signed the paperwork saying he wanted to be your parent, so can you at least give him a chance to try?”
Alex felt her rage falter like a rug had been pulled out from beneath her. It was weird to hear Ms. Jones speak so honestly, and it had disarmed her. Alex felt a little embarrassed- ashamed, really.
“I’m… I’m sorry,” Alex sputtered out with a sigh. “You’re right.”
“And if he turns out to be a jerk, I’ll let you help me kick his ass, okay?” Ms. Jones said with a conspiratorial smile. “We got a deal?”
“Deal,” replied Alex, with her own small smile.
“Now, where the hell is he?” huffed Ms. Jones as she began to look around again.
“Maybe he died,” Alex said with a wicked smirk and a shrug.
Ms. Jones grimaced and shook her head. She checked her phone, noticing a missed call from her office. She hurriedly punched in a phone number and hit the call button. A staticky voice picked up on the other end. Alex couldn’t hear what the other agent was saying, but she could tell by Ms. Jones’ expression that it wasn’t good news.
The older woman frowned and began to pace. Alex only heard Ms. Jones’s side of the conversation, “What? How? Why? Oh, gosh. What do we do now? Another placement? Okay. Alright. Thank you, I’ll talk to her..”
She ended the call and looked at Alex with a sad and sorry smile.
“Alex,” she said, taking a deep breath. “I have some bad news.”
Chapter 2: Noah
A hateful sound, like that of a tone-deaf bell with a personal vendetta, jolted Noah awake. He shot up and immediately regretted it when a searing headache threatened to split his head open. Vertigo overtook him, and he had to fight down… whatever he had eaten last night. A barbed wire and sour milk stew? That was his best guess, based on the pain in his gut. He heaved. With his eyes shut so tight that it started to hurt, Noah took a very, very deep breath.
And then another.
And then another.
Slowly, he tried to open his eyes. Why am I on the ground? Noah blinked away the spots, rotating his head at a glacial pace. When his eyes finally focused, he saw Doris, a plump, older woman who worked at the-
Shit.
He finally noticed the metal bars separating him and Doris. Judging by the way she swiveled her head and smiled, Doris had noticed him noticing the bars. She took a satisfied sip from her big, metal mug. She had a glossy name badge hanging from a Bengals lanyard that read “Dispatcher.” Noah squinted when it caught the light.
“Heeyy, you. You finally awake? Get enough beauty rest?” She asked in her lilting, sing-song tone, which Noah learned long ago meant she was being condescending.
“Doris. What the hell happened?” Noah asked as he gently shifted to a sitting position. “What time is it?”
“It’s just after nine.” She answered. Then with a snort, she added: “And you got your ass beat, that’s what happened.”
“That doesn’t sound like me,” Noah said with a small laugh.
Then the amusement left her eyes. A frown settled on her face as she tilted her head ever so slightly upward. “What the hell, Noah? Why are you here?”
“I- I don’t know,” Noah shook his head. Bad idea. “What do you mean?”
“What I mean is: you’re a thirty-four-year-old man, not some frat boy, so why the hell are you getting into bar fights?”
Oooohh…
The previous night’s events slowly returned to him, meandering through his hazy mind. He had gone out drinking, and a fight broke out. He had been hit, so he hit back. And then he got hit again. And again. Which probably explained why everything hurt so much.
“It wasn’t my fault- some asshole punched me. I was just defending myself.”
“Yeah, I know. Bill and them got the security footage about two hours ago,” Doris huffed, seeming annoyed.
Bill was the local police chief, a pudgy, straight-laced kinda guy. Noah didn’t strictly dislike Bill. He knew the man was just doing his job, but he also knew he and Bill wouldn’t be sharing a milkshake with two straws anytime soon.
Doris continued: “They watched the video, took a statement from anyone sober enough to talk, and booked the guys who started the brawl. Everyone else is getting processed out.”
“What about me?” Asked Noah as he wiggled, trying to crack his spine.
“You’re toward the bottom of the list, and they’re short-staffed today, so it’s gonna be awhile.” Her demeanor softened. After a short pause, she sighed and added: “I’ll let ‘em know you’re awake. Someone will grab you and take your statement.”
“Thanks, Doris. Have I ever told you how much I love and appreciate you?” Noah teased.
Doris frowned, and Noah got the sinking feeling he had just made a mistake.
“Didn’t you have something important to do today?” She asked with a chiding undertone.
“What? No. I don’t think-” Then the memory resurfaced and hit Noah like a brick.
Shit.
“Shit.” Blurted Noah as he scrambled to his feet and to the bars. “Shit. Shitshitshitshitshit! Doris, I fucked up. You gotta let me outta here!”
“You know I can’t do that, Noah,” Doris said, flinching when Noah grabbed the bars. “Why? What’s going on?”
“My kid! I was supposed to pick up my kid today!” Noah shouted. He slowly sank to the ground, muttering to himself. “Oh, my god. Doris. Oh my god, this isn’t good. I’m so screwed.”
— — —
Noah stared down the clock on the wall, and the clock stared back, ticking, unblinking. A tiny part of Noah’s mind acknowledged how this felt like one of those stand-offs from old cowboy movies. If the rest of his mind hadn’t been focusing on stopping him from blowing a hole in the wall and running away, he probably would have been screaming his head off, trying to get someone to let him out.
Instead, Noah sat and waited. And waited. Watching the seconds tick slower just to spite him. He was seated on the bench, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands clasped in front of his mouth.
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2023.06.07 23:04 Lower-Reward-1462 34 / PC / Central Time -- Really miss having a friend to game with
I dream of one day having a good close friend that I play video games with everyday. I've slowly lost all my gaming friends through the years and I seriously miss it. I don't really know how to go about finding a friend to play with. I've tried playing with random people in Last Epoch, for example, but it's just not working out. I don't want to play some random game that is boring alone, like, say, New World, just to look for a friend. It sounds a bit much.
So I'm looking for people here, though it doesn't seem to be working that well either. People keep ghosting me with no explanation why. But who knows, maybe one day the perfect person will come along and read this. And it only takes one person, right?
Gaming alone is not nearly as fun. I don't really care what game we play, as long as we're having fun. That said, here's some games I like:
I just got Age of Wonders 4 and have been playing it a lot in my free time. I have never played an AoW game before. I also just got Darkest Dungeon 2.
Just before that, I had gotten back into Last Epoch, with the 0.9 patch that released not long ago, and now multiplayer is a thing! I mostly played my offline necromancer by myself, but let's make new toons together and play together!
I also like Old World some, but have never played it with another person. Maybe we could, if you want?
Aside from that, I used to play Hearthstone a lot. But not anymore. I would love to find a new TCG/CCG type game to play. Not Marvel SNAP or Legends of Runeterra.
Would also like to find someone to play Slay the Spire with too where we watch each other. I'm not sure about the co-op mod as I hear it sucks, but maybe. I've played it a lot and have beat Ascension 20 and then some with the Silent, been getting into the Defect some but don't play the other 2 classes at all. Would love to have someone to play this game with or show them the ropes.
And I play some other obscure titles like Thea 2. Would be nice to find somebody to play that with.
I would really love to find someone to introduce a new game to me in a genre I like. TCG, MMO, ARPG mainly. Really, I'm just looking for a friend to play with that is fun and we get along. That's all that really matters. Sucks playing alone every night.
MMORPG's I have played and enjoyed include Elder Scrolls Online, ArcheAge, Bless Unleashed, New World, and Wakfu. I would love to get back into one of those with someone! I'm NOT interested in playing FFXIV, WoW, GW2, or Lost Ark! Don't ask! If you know of any other good MMO's, though, let me know and maybe we can play it together. Though I could definitely have fun playing one of those MMO's I've played before if I was playing with the right person.
ARPG's I have played and liked in the past include Path of Exile, Last Epoch, Diablo 3, Undecember, and Grim Dawn. I think I might be permanently done with playing PoE alone, but would like to try playing it with someone else, especially someone knew who I could teach everything to. Diablo 4 looks lame.
A little about me: I'm 34 years old, live in the US in central time zone, and live alone with my 2 cats. I'm looking for friends to game with because I don't really have many. I'm online every night and usually gaming! I'm super friendly and talkative and looking for the same, and someone who has time to talk and to play. I'm also LGBTQ+ friendly in case that needs to be said. Also looking for people who have a sense of humor. I don't care about your age as long as we get along. Voice chat is mandatory (sorry!).
I pretty much game 24/7 when I'm not working or sleeping. I sleep odd hours but I will be online for the rest of the evening, and I'll definitely stay up late tonight! You can add me on Discord: MeltedWater#9972 (Please don't message me here on Reddit, the messages aren't going through for some reason.
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2023.06.07 22:39 primalmachina Unveiling pm-td-ameritrade-api: A Comprehensive TD Ameritrade API Wrapper with Pydantic Models and More
pm-td-ameritrade-api: A wrapper for the TD Ameritrade API Spec
https://github.com/primalmachina/pm-td-ameritrade-api What's new???
- Pydantic Models for nearly everything (Orders, Rest and streaming endpoints, etc.)
- More dynamic functionality (e.g. auth flow, logging, QueryInitializer)
- True sync or async for streaming api
- Config module
Take a look at samples/ to see use cases for REST endpoints and samples/stream_client for streaming services.
How to install
python pip install pm-td-ameritrade-api
This project takes inspiration from two other API wrappers for the
TDA API Spec: * The original version I edited, which was the main inspiration for the code structure:
https://github.com/areed1192/td-ameritrade-api * Another version I used at least for base orders classes:
https://github.com/alexgolec/tda-api Detailed Changes
1) Authentication and Configuration: Now handled automatically through a config file specified with an environment variable,
TD_API_CONFIG_PATH, this config file automates the login/auth process using Selenium all done through a new Config.py module, as well as information for various other modules. Here's an example of what it looks like:
found in samples/z-config-example.ini
ini [app_info] app_name = meep client_id = meepmeep redirect_uri = https://127.0.0.1:XXXX [credentials] username = meepmeepmeep account_password = meepmeepmeepmeepmeep secretquestion0 = General secretanswer0 = Kenobi secretquestion1 = Secret to life secretanswer1 = 42 secretquestion2 = Favorite color secretanswer2 = Blue! No..wait-AHHHHHHHHH! secretquestion3 = Should you revenge trade secretanswer3 = No [accounts] default = 123456789 ROTH_IRA = 123456789 TRADITIONAL_IRA = 123456789 CASH = 123456789 MARGIN = 123456789 [logging] log_root_path = C://Users//meep//OneDrive//Desktop//meep//td-ameritrade-api//logs use_bulk_app_name_logging = True [symbols] full_equities_path = .../tda-symbols.csv tda_futures_path = .../tda-futures.csv actively_traded_equities_path = .../tda-actively-traded-equities.csv [data_paths] equity_data_base_path = .../tda-data/equity futures_data_base_path = .../tda-data/future
So now in terms of the login flow/process, if the environment variable is specified, you can just do this:
python td_client = TdAmeritradeClient()
instead of...
```python
Initialize the Parser.
config = ConfigParser()
Read the file.
config.read('config/config.ini')
Get the specified credentials.
client_id = config.get('main', 'client_id') redirect_uri = config.get('main', 'redirect_uri')
Intialize our Credentials object.
td_credentials = TdCredentials( client_id=client_id, redirect_uri=redirect_uri, credential_file='config/td_credentials.json' )
Initalize the TdAmeritradeClient
td_client = TdAmeritradeClient( credentials=td_credentials ) ```
2) Added Logging: Colored logging is now done to the console, and, if specified, to a logging directory from the config.ini file. In the config file, use_bulk_app_name_logging, dictates whether, in addition to module-level logging, all logging is written to the log file specified by app_name. Also, for logging, I added variables to the client for whether you want to log sent/received messages. I have log sent True and log received as fault for both REST api and streaming api by default. td_client = TdAmeritradeClient(log_sent_messages=True, log_received_messages=True) Debug logging - Program will look for the environment variable, TD_API_DEBUG, set to True or False.
3) Pydantic Models for dataclasses and validation - REST / Orders: In td/models I added a variety of models for various things in the api. For the REST endpoints, I have a decorator called QueryInitializer, that specifies the model for the function in a specific service (e.g. Price History service, price_history.py, has a get_price_history function, decorated with "@QueryInitializer(PriceHistoryQuery)" that allows three different calling methods:
``python 1. Population by field names specified inPriceHistoryQuery`
price_history_service = td_client.price_history() price_history = price_history_service.get_price_history( symbol="MSFT", frequency_type=FrequencyType.DAILY, frequency=1, period_type=PeriodType.MONTH, period=1, extended_hours_needed=False, ) 2. Pass a dictionary with field names specified in PriceHistoryQuery price_history = price_history_service.get_price_history({ "symbol": "MSFT", "frequency_type": FrequencyType.DAILY, "frequency": 1, "period_type": PeriodType.MONTH, "period": 1, "extended_hours_needed": False, })
3. Pass an `PriceHistoryQuery` object directly
price_history_query = PriceHistoryQuery(**{ "symbol": "MSFT", "frequency_type": FrequencyType.DAILY, "frequency": 1, "period_type": PeriodType.MONTH, "period": 1, "extended_hours_needed": False, }) price_history = price_history_service.get_price_history(price_history_query) ```
Orders has a recursive model defined in orders.py along with a builder class, builder.py, and various builder helper functions in equities.py and options.py
4) Pydantic Models for dataclasses and validation - Streaming: The streaming messages, with the exception of order activity, all have formal Pydantic models defined. Take a look at samples/example_handlers.py for how to use them. In general, there's a BaseDataMessageHandler that acts as a dynamic initializer. There are also, BaseChartHistoryHandler, and BaseActivesHandler..
5) Synchronous or Asynchronous asyncio usage of streaming API: See samples/stream_client/use_synchronously.py vs something like samples/stream_client/quotes/use_level_one.py
6) Ability to use camelCase or snake_case for Pydantic models: All models have an alias generator for camelCase so they can use either. This is also used in sending a payload. Although the data classes have snake_case, sending a request with by_alias=True, allows conversion into what the API endpoints expect.
python res = self.session.make_request( method="get", endpoint=f"marketdata/{movers_query.index}/movers", params=movers_query.dict(by_alias=True), )
7) Various other touch-ups and reworking of the code: Like reviewing documentation, touching up and making sure enums were correct, consolidating helper functions, etc.
Future: Who knows how much the API will change with the Schwab mergeacquisition. I plan to update the API further when the Schwab spec is available.
1) Testing: All testing is currently done by manually calling the sample files. This isn't nearly robust enough and a testing strategy needs to be developed. I'm largely waiting for Schwab's new spec before writing tests though. 2) ACCT_ACTIVITY: Handling this service and parsing the XML from there and converting that into Pydantic models is a task I wasn't ready to tackle yet, especially since this process may change. 3) Saved Orders / Watchlists: In addition, for now, I don't have the code for watchlists or saved_orders since Schwab plans to remove them. If someone wants to add that code back in I'd be happy to review a PR and merge. I did not spend the time since I currently don't use them and they're being removed by Schwab. 4) Expand Order Types and Examples: Add more types of orders and examples (e.g. stop loss orders) 5) Sync/async of REST endpoints: I plan to do this same type of interface of having an event loop running in the background for the main REST endpoints and also allow those to be async/sync soon. So using aiohttp in the future, maybe do asynchronous logging at the same time as well as look at where else async can be used. 6) Better documentation of validation for rest endpoints: Although using Pydantic and QueryInitializer is neat, convenient, and concise, when hovering over a function definition, it just says it takes the model but doesn't specify exactly what it expects. This could use some work. Not sure how to go about that at this point. 7) Event-based trading architecture: Potential changes to make the project "pluggable" into such an architecture.
Discord: I made a discord if anyone is interested.
Join Discord Hire Me: I'm looking for work. DM me if you're hiring / interested. I have python, React, javascript, etc. experience.
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2023.06.07 22:26 Gaarawarr Year 6 Champion Guide: BBEG, the Drow Wizard
Last Updated: Initial Post This is a stand-alone information guide for this Champion that will be updated as necessary for use during Events or when doing a Time Gate.
If you have questions about this Champion or find something that needs updated, feel free to let me know in the comments. Please know reddit archives posts after a certain amount of time, so PM me if something needs updated and the comments are locked.
You can find all 130+ of my Idle Champions guides here.
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Year 6 Champion - BBEG, the Drow Wizard
- Source: The 1 for All YouTube series
- Arrival Event: [Dragondown]()
You can read their original Champion Spotlight here.
- Slot 3
- Good with: Awful Ones; DPS Champions with INT 12 or less; Evil Champions, Lawful Champions, or Champions with a total ability score of 78 or less
- Affiliation: None (Adjacent to Awful Ones - Antrius, Evandra, Nixie)
- Eligible for Mirt, Strahd (Zariel w/Feat)
- Time Gate Priority: High
Race | Class | Alignment | Gender | Age | Role(s) | Overwhelm Point |
Elf (Drow) | Wizard | Lawful Evil | Male (He / Him) | 500 | Support / Speed | 5 |
Strength | Dexterity | Constitution | Intelligence | Wisdom | Charisma |
10 | 13 | 8 | 18 | 15 | 12 |
Bio: BBEG is the Big Bad Evil Guy, a Drow necromancer who believes immaculate planning will always lead to success. Unfortunately his constant failures contradict this conviction. BBEG likes to monologue and taunt his opponents, leaving his summoned zombies to engage directly in combat.
Basic Attack: Chill Touch - BBEG conjures a spectral hand over the enemy with the most health and touches it, dealing one hit.
- Base Attack Type: Magical
- Base Attack Speed: 5 seconds
- Self-DPS Buff: 1.32e23%
Ultimate: Balgronuuth's Undead Horde - Balgronuuth's symbol appears in the air for 30 seconds. While the symbol is in the air, every time Rise, my Minions! summons a zombie, it summons two instead of one.
- Base Ultimate Cooldown Time: xx
Gaar's Note: This is a huge ultimate due to how Rise, My Minions! works with Sources of Corpses. Having this up as often as possible is nice.
Passive Ability
Awful Nemesis: As the sworn enemy of the Awful Ones, BBEG is eligible for any adventure that any of them are eligible for. However, they still don't remember who he is.
Interesting Abilities
Evil Overlord: BBEG increases the damage of all Champions with an Intelligence of 12 or less by +100%.
- 1.64e10% after upgrades; Supported by an Item & Feats
Gaar's Note: This is their primary support buff and is fed by another ability. Don't bother using DPS that are INT 13+ with them as they won't get the buff.
Homebrew: BBEG increases the damage bonus of Evil Overlord by 100% for each active potion, stacking multiplicatively.
- 2.56e04% after upgrades; Supported by an Item & Feats
Gaar's Note: Well, that's one way to make us use potions I guess. This counts each size of potion as a uniquely active potion so can get into the 20s in terms of stacks if you use everything you've got.
Rise, My Minions!: Every 10 seconds BBEG creates a plodding zombie that appears in front of the front-most column and slowly moves across the screen from left to right. It takes 30 seconds for a zombie to plod from its spawn point to the right-side of the screen where it despawns. Zombies persist with area changes. Enemies near the zombie take 0.2 second worth of BUD-based damage per second.
- No upgrades; Supported by an Item & a Feat
Gaar's Note: Moving, pulsing AoE damage is a unique ability and can help clear out waves on your tank line as well as stationary bosses in the back.
Sources of Corpses: The time it takes for Rise, my Minions! to summon a zombie is reduced by 2.5 seconds for each Awful Ones affiliation member in the formation, and the damage bonus of Evil Overlord is increased by +25% for each summoned zombie, stacking multiplicatively, with buffs applying to the pre-stack value.
- No upgrades; Supported by an Item
Gaar's Note: Because this bonus stacks multiplicatively and has item support that buffs the pre-stack values, this ability makes BBEG OP. Running up the item levels on this pays big dividends.
Railroad: If the current area is completed (for the first time) in 5 seconds or less, BBEG reduces the next area's quest requirements by 25%.
- No upgrades; Supported by a Feat
Gaar's Note: This is the speed ability and requires you're clearing levels fairly quickly to keep active. It stacks with other abilities that do the same thing to reduce area goals super low.
Global DPS Buff: 9.33e06%
Specializations
Powergaming: BBEG increases the damage bonus of Evil Overlord by +200% for each Evil champion in the formation, stacking multiplicatively and applied multiplicatively.
- No upgrades; Supported by an Item & a Feat
Min-Maxing: BBEG increases the damage bonus of Evil Overlord by +150% for each Champion with a total ability score of 78 or less in the formation, stacking multiplicatively and applied multiplicatively.
- No upgrades; Supported by an Item & a Feat
Rules Lawyering: BBEG increases the damage bonus of Evil Overlord by +100% for each Lawful champion in the formation, stacking multiplicatively and applied multiplicatively.
- No upgrades; Supported by an Item & a Feat
Equipment
| White | Green | Blue | Purple | Gild Priority |
Slot 1: Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability | 25% | 87.5% | 150% | 275% | 3 |
Slot 2: Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability | 25% | 87.5% | 150% | 275% | 2 |
Slot 3: Increases the effect of BBEG's Rise, My Minions! ability | 25% | 87.5% | 150% | 275% | 3 |
Slot 4: Increases the effect of BBEG's Sources of Corpses ability | 10% | 30% | 50% | 100% | 1 |
Slot 5: Increases the effect of BBEG's Specialization choices | 25% | 87.5% | 150% | 275% | 2 |
Slot 6: Reduces the cooldown on BBEG's Ultimate Attack | 9s | 18s | 36s | 90s | 1 |
Legendary Effects
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
Gaar's Note: Find more information on the Legendary system here.
Feats
Here is the info for when you can unlock each Feat Slot:
Feat Slot | Unlocked at Level | Rough Cost |
First | 665 | e19 |
Second | 1565 | e38 |
Third | 2685 | e62 |
Fourth | 4070 | e91 |
Gaar's Note: Currently, you will need to level this Champion past their current upgrade softcap which will require you changing the blue update indicator from UPG to one of the numbered options.
Here is the info on what Feats are available for this Champion:
Obtained | Recommended | Name | Effect |
Default | | Selflessness | Increases the damage of all Champions by 10% |
Default | | Recruitment | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 20% |
Default | | Balgronuuth's Pact | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 20% |
12,500 Gems | | Inspiring Leader | Increases the damage of all Champions by 25% |
Regular Gold Chest | Pushing | Derailed Campaign | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 40% |
Regular Gold Chest | Situational | We Brought Snacks | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 40% |
12,500 Gems | | Immproved Summoning | Increases the effect of BBEG's Rise, My Minions! ability by 40% |
50,000 Gems | Speed | Skipping Ahead | Increases the effect of BBEG's Railroad ability by 100% |
Regular Gold Chest | Pushing | Evil Plan Completed | Increases the effect of BBEG's Powergaming, Min-Maxing, and Rules Lawyering abilities by 40% |
Regular Gold Chest | Zariel | Motivational Monologue | Increases the Charisma score of BBEG by 1 |
Level Upgrades
Gaar's Note: Level Cost is the cost to go from your current level to the stated level. It is not a cumulative total. However, since we're dealing with very large numbers, it's in the ballpark.
Level | Level Cost | Upgrade Effect |
0 | | Awful Nemesis |
1 | | Add to Formation |
20 | | Evil Overlord |
50 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% |
80 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
100 | | Homebrew |
140 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
150 | | Specialization Choice |
180 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
200 | | Rise, My Minions! |
210 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
250 | | Ultimate Ability |
270 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
300 | | Sources of Corpses |
320 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
360 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% |
370 | | Railroad |
380 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
430 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
480 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
500 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
530 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
550 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 100% |
590 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
650 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
700 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
740 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% |
750 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
770 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
840 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
900 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
970 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1000 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
1010 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 100% |
1050 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1130 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1170 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% |
1220 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1250 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
1300 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1430 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1450 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 100% |
1500 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
1550 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1600 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% |
1680 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1780 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1800 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
1880 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
1900 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 100% |
1950 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% |
1980 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
2000 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
2100 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
2190 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% |
2200 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
2220 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
2350 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 100% |
2360 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
2400 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
2500 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
2550 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% |
2600 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
2700 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
2780 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 100% |
2800 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
2900 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
2940 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
2950 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% |
3100 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
3190 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 300% |
3200 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% |
3250 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 100% |
3300 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
3420 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% |
3430 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 100% |
3500 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
3650 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% |
3660 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 200% |
3700 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Evil Overlord ability by 100% |
3760 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 200% |
3800 | | Increases the effect of BBEG's Homebrew ability by 100% |
3810 | | Increases the damage of BBEG by 100% |
3820 | | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% |
Current max upgrade level is 3820
Formation & Mission Information
Once you complete the first mission, three Variants and a Free Play show up. It uses a formation that holds 10 Champions. It has a Champ-specific format that I've done my best to re-create below.
Back Column | 3rd Column | 2nd Column | Front Column |
| 0 | | |
0 | | 0 | |
| | | 0 |
0 | | | |
| 0 | | 0 |
0 | | 0 | |
| 0 | | |
New Player Formation & Specializations:
While I recommend learning to build your own formations, here's a set of starter formations for brand new players to use while they get the hang of things. Anyone with other options should check that link for how to figure out how to make the best of them. You can also ask for help in the #formations channel in the official Discord.
Back Column | 3rd Column | 2nd Column | Front Column |
| Hitch - Charismatic | | |
NA | | Bruenor - Battle Master | |
| | | NA |
Asharra - Dwarves & Elves | | | |
| Calliope - College of Valor | | Nayeli - Oath of Devotion |
Minsc - Humanoids | | Jarlaxle - Leader of Bregan D'aerthe | |
| Celeste - Life Domain | | |
This formation is for the first couple of runs where you're just not going to get enough Gold to get everyone on the field, let alone level people up into their power curves. At this point, Jarlaxle is focusing on being your Primary DPS while everyone else is set up to support him.
The following formation is for once your Hitch starts doing more damage than your Jarlaxle. You can find this out by pulling Asharra out of the formation and swapping Jarlaxle and Hitch around to see whose damage is better. If Hitch is higher, next run change Asharra's Spec to buff Hitch instead.
Back Column | 3rd Column | 2nd Column | Front Column |
| Jarlaxle - Leader of Bregan D'aerthe | | |
Makos - Dark Blessing | | Bruenor - Battle Master | |
| | | Nayeli - Oath of Devotion |
Asharra - (Swap) | | | |
| Calliope - College of Valor | | Tyril - Wild Shape |
Minsc - Humanoids | | Hitch - Charismatic | |
| Celeste - Life Domain | | |
This formation should get you through the Event as a new player. If you have other options or think a different DPS is geared better, try it out and see what happens! Swapping DPS around like this can help you figure out what works best for you with your specific items.
These are the rough Favor values you need to reach to make a Variant say Difficulty: Easy. Keep in mind that this is just a generic rating system and some Variants may be harder than others, even with Favor in this range.
Variant | Favor Level (Normal) | Favor Level (Scientific Notation) |
75 | 20,000 | ~2e04 |
125 | 15,000,000 | ~1.5e07 |
175 | 150,000,000 | ~1.5e08 |
Initial Adventure: Let Sleeping Dragons Lie (BBEG)
Cost: 100 Dragon Claws
Complete: Level 50
Reward: BBEG + whatever Waukeen's Favor you earned
Info: No restrictions.
Gaar's Notes: This adventure requires over-leveling Champs a lot more than usual due to the AoE damage and stuns coming off the Boss. You may want to add extra Tanks for health share as well. Efficiently farming Favor is very important in this adventure and it may require farming Favor in Free Plays to reach the gains you're used to seeing from normal Time Gate adventures due to the Favor-check status of the Boss.
Boss Abilities (as best as I can tell):
- Claw Swipe - Attacks a random Champion
- Roar - Strikes fear in any Champions that fail their saving throw, preventing them from attacking or using abilities for a short time.
- Breath Weapon - AoE damage to your Champions
First Variant: Roll For INT-ish-a-tive!
Cost: 1,000 Dragon Claws
Complete: Area 75
Reward: Gold BBEG Chest & whatever Waukeen's Favor you earned
Info: BBEG starts in the formation and can be moved, but not removed. You may only use BBEG and/or Champions with an INT of 12 or lower.
Gaar's Notes: This isn't an overly-restrictive variant so you should be able to do it rather easily as long as you have the Favor shown in the chart above. If you have any empty formation slots, aim for e01+ Favor more per empty slot to help out.
Second Variant: Herding Cats
Cost: 2,500 Dragon Claws
Complete: Area 125
Reward: Gold BBEG Chest & whatever Waukeen's Favor you earned
Info: BBEG starts in the formation and can be moved, but not removed. Every second, a cat spawns and moves towards a random Champion. When the cat reaches the Champion, they are stunned for 3 seconds because of overwhelming cuteness. The cats can't be attacked. Stunned Champions can not attack, but their formation abilities remain enabled.
Gaar's Notes: This may slow down your overall progress, but shouldn't be too horrible as long as you have the Favor shown in the chart above. If you want to be careful, wait until you have enough Favor for the third variant before attempting. Firebreath Potions can be your friend here as they'll keep attacking even when you aren't!
Third Variant: It Was Me All Along!
Cost: 5,000 Dragon Claws
Complete: Area 175
Reward: Gold BBEG Chest & whatever Waukeen's Favor you earned
Info: BBEG starts in the formation and can be moved, but not removed. You may only use Lawful Champions, Evil Champions, or Champions with a total ability score of 78 or less.
Gaar's Notes: They're trying to focus you in on the Specialization Choices here. You can test out your formation in a Free Play and see if it can complete area 175 to be safe. If it can't, just convert it to a pushing formation and get some more Favor, then try again. If it can, go do this variant.
Free Play
Cost: 500 - 2500 Dragon Claws (Cost scales based on how many you do to a max of 2500)
Complete: Area 50 to earn a random BBEG chest
Reward: See above + whatever Waukeen's Favor you earned
Info: No restrictions.
Achievements
Gaar's Note: All of these achievements can be earned at any time, not just during their Event, except where noted.
Recruit BBEG - 1%
Recruit BBEG, the Drow Wizard
This Is Not The Last You've Seen Of Me! - 1%
Complete all three variants of the "Let Sleeping Dragons Lie (BBEG)" adventure. (This achievement can be earned via Time Gates.)
Obliterate The Minotaurium Emporium - 1%
Obtain a piece of gear for each of BBEG's six equipment slots. (Event Champ gear does not come from regular SilveGold Chests. You can earn Event Champ gear from their specific Event Chests, Time Gates, qualifying Patron Chests, and other Chests as noted.)
Let Waking Dragons Fly - 1%
Complete area 275 in any "Let Sleeping Dragons Lie" free play. (This achievement can only be earned during the Dragondown Event, but it can be earned in any Champion's free play.)
It's Hard Raising a Family - 1%
Have 8 of BBEG's plodding zombies active at the same time.
Gaar's Note: Park yourself on a level with a couple Awful Ones in your formation and hit BBEG's Ultimate and wait. With enough Awful Ones, you don't even need the Ultimate.
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2023.06.07 22:23 nevadamba Always feeling the need to perform or create value for people ... exhausting
This is a double edged sword because I know what self care looks like, I just get anxious when I use the skills I have learned as a result of self awareness. I was raised by not one but THREE narcs... dad, mom and stepfather. Mom and dad "parentified" me as I was the oldest child. Stepfather was overly needy and treated us like we were in his way or some kind of burden, a very mean person. Any sense of self that I had or tried to express was shut down. I'm 54 and it's been about a 10 year journey of realizing all of this, getting therapy, and reworking my relationship with my parents in a way that strong boundaries exists (i.e. meaning I have very little interaction with them beyond the small talk).
But even with all of this (and I am really proud of myself for how far I have come), I fall into a pattern of people pleasing, over-performing at work, and finding it very difficult to just "be". For example today I am working from home, something I have the option to do more than I choose to do. I worry that if people don't see me in the office, they will think I'm not really working or creating any value... while I had to work from home today since I had an appointment near my home and going back and forth to/from work didn't make sense, it has me feeling anxious. Same with just about anytime I am not doing "something". I respond to texts and emails right away, I solve work problems fast as if my life depended on it, and I find it hard to even justify not doing something all the time. If I have any downtime, I'm usually out walking or hiking, doing something for my health (which I'm not obsessed with but feel the need to be "on the move" and not sit still for long). I know that I over-compensate in ways that are counter productive to others too - for example, I told my 15 year old that on nights that I make dinner, she will need to do the dishes... yet I can't seem to hold to that. I end up jumping up right after dinner and clearing all the plates. Same with her laundry. How is this teaching her life skills? That much I know but I can't really help it, because I feel bad if I am not doing for others.
I have a constant sense that if I don't keep doing things for people or performing at such a high level, they will just drop out of my life. And in reality, that has been the case sometimes. So it re-confirms my theory and motivates me to keep it going.
What ends up happening is that I feel exhausted sometimes; I will sometimes need to take a nap, not because I didn't get enough sleep the night before, but because my body and mind have to "shut down" for a while. It stinks that it has to get to that point.
Has any experienced this, and knowing full well the root of it, have you been successful in changing your pattern and general outlook? I'm not even angry with my parents anymore, I know they just are who they are, and I deal with them in a healthy way that protects me... for that I am very grateful. But the fallout I described still remains... would be happy for any insight, advice or even shared experience.
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2023.06.07 21:29 HeadOfSpectre Memories of Splashtown and the Electric Blue Death Slide
TW: Child Abduction
If you grew up near Tevam Sound back in the 1970s, you might have fond memories of Splashtown. If you didn’t and don't know what that is, then I'll clue you in.
Splashtown was a small water park that opened just outside of Tevam Sound back in the late 1960s and it was a riot! I used to love going there when I was a kid, and back then my favorite ride was the Electric Blue.
I guess compared to other water slides in fancier water parks, the Electric Blue wasn't anything that special. It was the biggest and most impressive slide at Splashtown, but that probably wasn't saying much. It stood about two storeys tall (pretty big for a small town waterslide) and was (as the name implied) electric blue in color. The climb up wasn't too long, but the slide down was intense! The slide spiraled around for at least 3 or 4 loops on its way down to the pool, and you always felt like you were going Mach 1 as you descended! When you rocketed out of the slide and into the pool, it felt like being shot out of a canon and it was awesome!
I always figured that the intensity of coming down the Electric Blue is part of what originally earned it the nickname of ‘The Electric Blue Death Slide’. Although the disappearances probably contributed to it too.
If you were to ask the police, they’d say that someone had abducted the kids from the water park itself, and that the slide had nothing to do with it. But for some reason, people started equating the slide with the disappearances and eventually, the rumor became that if you went down the Electric Blue Death Slide, you might not come out. Supposedly, if you went down at the wrong time, or slid down the wrong way, or even went down this secret part of the slide by accident, you’d wind up someplace else. Nobody exactly knew where. Only that you couldn’t get home once you were there, no matter how hard you tried.
The rumors really didn’t do much to keep people away from the slide. Nobody put that much stock into them and the allure of a sick ass waterslide beat out most kids quiet superstitions. The disappearances weren’t super common either. A few of them even got resolved within the day, when it turned out that some kid had just gotten separated from their parents.
Nobody, save for a few grieving parents who’d never found their kids were that worried about it, and since neither ten year old me nor anyone I knew were one of those grieving parents, we fell into the ‘not that worried about it’ camp.
With the benefit of hindsight all these years later, I can safely say that ten year old me might have been a fucking idiot.
***
I remember that the last time I went to Splashtown, I was pumped to tackle the Electric Blue Death Slide again. I was a bold, brave, tough man and I was going to face death head on by going down that water slide! Okay… not really, but that’s what if felt like!
I remember my heart racing as I climbed up the stairs slide. It wasn’t my first time riding by myself. I’d done it before, and I knew that my Mom was waiting for me by the pool at the bottom.
As I reached the top, I was almost bouncing up and down in excitement. One by one, the people in line before me went down and when it was finally my turn, an attendant helped me get settled before sending me down the slide after them.
For a few moments, my world turned blue as I raced through the electric blue tube, screaming with joy all the while. I could feel the blood rushing to my head with every loop, as I spiraled down toward the pool and when I finally reached the bottom and was launched into the pool, I was screaming with laughter.
The water surrounded me, and I kicked my way up to the surface before swimming toward the side of the pool, near where I’d seen my Mom not too long ago.
“Mom, did you see?” I asked, although she didn’t respond.
Her chair was empty. Her stuff was still there, but she was gone.
“Mom?”
I looked around for her, but she was nowhere in sight.
“Excuse me, are you Ezra?” A voice asked, and I looked over to see a man approaching me. He was wearing an employee's uniform and had a long face with messy dark hair. It was hard to guess at his age, but looking back I’d say that he was somewhere in his mid thirties. I didn’t answer him at first, not until he spoke again.
“I’m supposed to go and bring you to your Mom, she fell sprained her ankle. We’ve got her over in the infirmary right now.”
Mom was hurt?
The man offered me a hand, and I took it. He smiled at me, as he helped me out of the pool.
“Come on,” He said. “She’s just over here.”
He led me away from the pool and I followed him without question. There was a small fenced off area that he led me toward with a sign that read ‘Employees Only’ on it.
“Just in here!” He said. “This will take us right to the infirmary!”
I could see the pump for the pool nearby, although there wasn’t much else in that area. The man seemed to know where he was going though, and as he led me toward a wooden shed, I followed.
“Just getting the key for the gate on the other side,” He said as he ducked into the shed and gestured for me to follow him inside. I did.
The door closed behind me, and I watched as the man rifled around on a nearby counter.
“Should be right here,” He assured me. I saw him opening up a toolbox, and noticed him taking out a hammer, although didn’t think too much of it at the time.
“She’s not hurt badly, is she?” I asked, more worried about my Mom than the stranger.
“No, she’ll pull through. She just wanted to make sure you knew where she was, that’s all!” He said. I noticed him wrapping the hammer in a towel, before turning toward me again. He smiled, and before I even knew what was happening he cracked the hammer across my face, sending me to the ground with a pained scream. I felt my jaw dislocate from the impact and I could taste blood.
The man walked over to the door of the shed and quietly slid a bolt in place to lock it, before going back to his toolbox. I saw him taking out a pair of gloves, before letting out a contented sigh. He was still smiling, as he stood over me.
“Just relax, kiddo…” He said, “I’m not gonna hurt you.”
I tried to crawl away from him, only for him to grab me and pull me toward him. He was still smiling at me… he had his hands all over me and he was smiling at me, like all of this was normal to him. Like he’d done this a thousand times before.
I didn’t know what he was going to do to me.
I didn’t want to know.
I tried to scream, but I knew that nobody heard me between my busted jaw and the screams from the nearby pool. I was all alone with him, and somehow in my gut I knew that he was going to kill me. He was going to kill me, and nobody was going to know.
Then I heard it.
A knocking on the shed door.
“Ezra?”
The voice belonged to my mother.
The man's eyes widened as his head jerked toward the door, eyes wide. I seized my opportunity. I was ten, but I knew where to kick a man so that it would really hurt, and when I heard him scream, I screamed too. I crawled for the door, scrambling to my feet as i reached for the bolt that would unlock the door, before the man grabbed me from behind.
He was too late.
He caught me, but the door burst open and my Mom charged in. She only needed to look at the man who was holding me, and I could see rage filling her eyes as her every fear became manifested.
The man could only stare helplessly as my Mom lunged for him, acting on pure instinct. She tried to rip me out of his grasp, slapping and kicking him as she did. I sank my teeth into his arm, forcing him to let me go and scrambled out of the shed as my Mom fought the stranger off. It didn’t take me that long to run into an actual employee and from there… well… everything is a blur.
***
I found out later that the same ‘employee’ who’d taken me had told my Mom that I’d fallen and gotten hurt on my way up the slide a few minutes earlier. She’d only noticed the man leading me away by chance when she’d spotted me out of the corner of her eye and gone to see what was going on.
I thank God every day that she did.
The ‘employee’ who’d taken me wasn’t actually employed at Splashtown. He was a man from Sudbury by the name of Paul Young, although some of the people who worked at Splashtown swore they’d seen him ‘working’ there several times before, and when the police searched Young’s house, they found ‘trophies’ he’d taken from some of the other kids who’d disappeared at Splashtown and once they found those trophies, it wasn’t too long before they found the bodies.
Three of them, all buried in shallow graves a short distance away from the shed that Young had taken me to, just on the edge of the property.
People finally knew the truth about the kids who’d disappeared after riding the Electric Blue… and the truth was far more horrifying than any of them could have imagined.
Paul Young died in prison about three months after he was sentenced, but that wasn’t really surprising. I don’t think they ever figured out who killed him, and I don’t think they looked that hard either.
Splashtown closed about a week after my kidnapping, and it never reopened. The water park sat vacant through the 1980s before eventually getting demolished. Now all that’s left is the memory.
I wish I could say that every memory I have of Splashtown was a happy one, like some people. But every time I pass the spot where it used to be, all I can think about is that last trip. It’s a strip mall now, with some condos behind it. I don’t think there’s anything left of the old Splashtown.
I’m of two minds about that. On one hand, there’s a small nostalgic part of me that misses it. On the other, I think I can do without the reminder of what almost happened to me that day.
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2023.06.07 21:29 bubblegumbxtch11 AITA for being distant with my parents?
i (19f) have a complicated relationship w my (separated) parents.
when i was young (under the age of 5) i was pretty close to my dad until i started to notice how he would treat other people.
he would verbally abuse & scream at my mum constantly (making racist & misogynistic comments), he was cruel & made demeaning comments to both me & my older sister, he would seem happy & encourage us to joke but then snap out of nowhere, he would publicly ridicule us etc. (e.g. when i was 6 i wet myself at home, & i begged him not to tell anyone bc i was embarrassed & the next day when we were in a cafe w my sister he said v loudly so that other people were looking, omg L (sister) did you know T (me) wet herself last night?! it was hilarious she was so pathetic etc etc & then said i needed to grow up when i got upset).
he’d invade my privacy (play “jokes” on me by pulling my pants down (i’m british so i don’t mean trousers, i mean underwear) whenever i walked in front of him even though i kept asking him to stop bc i was like 11).
however, in general, he came across as extremely charming & funny to other people & everyone would tell me how lucky i was to have him as a dad.
bc of this i suddenly became very attached to my mum, esp after my parents separated, until i was about 16 as i felt she was all i had & she truly cared. this was until it was pointed out to me that her “caring” was being v controlling, constantly criticising my appearance, my weight, my personality, controlling & restricting my diet, blowing up at me over nearly nothing (e.g. accidentally cutting in when she’s talking) & telling me i’m an inconvenience & that she shouldve stopped having children after my sister.
anyway, since all of this i’ve become distant & quite cold towards my parents as interacting w them just causes me too much pain. if they text, i answer very shortly, i don’t go out of my way to spend time w them etc.
friends have asked why i don’t spend time w them & i’ve explained, but they say i’m selfish & ungrateful to people who have raised me & given me everything & that they’re both sweet older people who are lonely & need their children. they say i should feel lucky to have them as some people have no one.
now i just feel incredibly guilty & selfish. AITA for limiting my contact?
EDIT: typos corrected
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2023.06.07 21:17 wutperson Can we just agree that ecco2k is the best artist in drain gang?
Okay hear me out
Bladee is super versatile, and I think I've listened to him the most out of the three, maybe because of how much music he has. My fav album from him is 333 just because i feel it's consistently really good front to back, it's basically bladee discovering the formula for perfect pop songs, but pretty much every album he made has something i LOVE. He can capture vibes amazingly well, but his more experimental stuff is great too.
(also every song by bladee that has the word "girl"/"girls" in it becomes one of his best look it up)
I admittedly haven't listened to thaiboy much, i like his vibe and sound but in small doses
BUT ECCO2K THO
I honestly think E is a near-perfect album. Everything surrounding Ecco has this aesthetic that's super hard to describe but very easy to place, if that makes sense? E has unlimited vibes, but I also find it very artistic, it has this recurring motif of his drug addiction being portrayed as almost something of a love interest, and it's incredibly beautiful and deeply explored without ever becoming corny. It's essentially a concept album, not only in sound and aesthetics but in its meaning and story, I don't think anyone else in DG has done that before.
AAA Powerline opens the album so well, it sets up the state you're in throughout the entire album with just 4 lines essentially, I immediately feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience whenever I listen to it. Also this song and Cc are what I had some of my deepest drug experiences to, when ecco says "energy is eternal" in Cc you die and come back to life immediately.
Calcium and Peroxide make me feel like I'm drowning in air. I'm having a hard time describing them in any other way, but it's the best feeling.
There will never be another song like Time, prove me wrong I dare you. Also I feel like Time and Blue Eyes kinda set up PXE's aesthetic, like a window into where Ecco would develop as an artist later.
The whole concept of Security is both new and instantly understandable, instantly relatable to anyone. It also ties into the whole drug addiction/love interest thing (and "i made a promise not to eat forbidden fruits"). Ik people say that Ecco is super edgy, and imo this is the song where he comes the closest to being that, but I still don't feel like it's edgy ENOUGH to even be that noticeable. Also it's so beautiful dude. This is his pop song if he ever made one.
Sugar & Diesel is the best song anyone in DG has ever made. That's completely subjective but oh my god. "Oh pretty please with sugar on top // I can stop whenever I want"
it's just
like WOW this song feels like so much. It's so good. I can't even begin to describe it. This is the kinda shit Blood Orange and Bon Iver would be making right now if they were 20 years younger. "More, more."
I fucking love PXE too. Jalouse goes so unexpectedly hard, Big Air is a near-life experience, and In The Flesh is in my contention for the second best DG song ever. I won't call PXE influential because it really wasn't that popular, but listen to it and tell me you can't hear the whole "pixie music" thing in what's mainstream today - Yeat, Opium, etc. Also Destroy Lonely fucking definitely listens to Ecco and I will die on this hill, Bane is literally a song DG couldve made.
In conclusion, ecco hmu daddy i wil literally pay u to suck ur dick
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2023.06.07 20:30 khoafraelich789 Used Car Guide: 1996-2010 Dodge Viper
| 5 tips to find a first-class example of a secondhand Dodge Viper. https://preview.redd.it/nspzptnvi63b1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=df37c3e53c833087654e9a0c1a946fdfc5727771 I’ve got a Dodge Viper problem. Despite their horrifying fuel consumption, restricted outward visibility, leg-singeing rocker panels, and an exhaust note like a hot-rod UPS truck, I’ve enjoyed driving two of these machines for the better part of 10 years and about 65,000 kilometres to date. My first Viper was a 2000 GTS Coupe. My childhood dream car, we spent five years and about 45,000 kilometres together driving around town, going on road trips, lapping various tracks, and attending car shows and the like. About four years ago I traded this unit in for a 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe. We’ve done about 20,000 kilometres together, partaking in a similar range of activities. I’ve had zero mechanical problems associated with the driveline in either of my cars, and little more than the odd electronic hiccup resulting from a weak battery or wonky sensor. I’ve owned a lot of cars, and my two Vipers have been among the most reliable — second only to my 1993 Nissan 240SX. The key success factor here is that I’ve had both units checked over fully by a qualified ‘Viper Tech’ in a dealer setting, on my dime, before purchase. In both cases, this pre-purchase checkup was worth the investment. For my first Viper, the inspection revealed thousands worth of upcoming repair- and replacement parts which helped me negotiate a much better deal; on my second car, it picked up a dead trunk-release button which the selling dealership fixed on their dime, and also confirmed that this car was in otherwise excellent shape. To be clear: the best thing you can do before buying a used Dodge Viper is to make arrangements to have it seen by a Viper-trained technician in a dealer setting. Still, after a decade of V-10 Mopar motoring, I’ve also come up with some additional tips to share with potential used Dodge Viper shoppers, especially those considering a vintage like mine — that is, the second- to fourth-generation cars. Following these tips can help you enjoy a more trouble-free driving experience and avert potential headaches or surprises with your new toy. Door hinges I’ve found the door hinges in both of my Vipers to be quite fussy, and I’m not alone. In my 2000 GTS, the doors seemed to sag with repeated use over time. The driver’s door hinge eventually needed to be readjusted multiple times to prevent the door from striking the body when closing. The out-of-alignment door hinge also caused damage to the weather seals around the door, resulting in a small water leak. The hinge can be loosened, adjusted, and fastened back into place, but the process is frustrating and somewhat complicated if you’re not the most mechanically-inclined (like me). Professional help may be the best course of action if the Viper you’re considering seems to be suffering from saggy doors; it’s not a difficult job for someone who knows what they’re doing. My 2008 Viper SRT-10 is exhibiting similar symptoms this year. The driver’s door has begun emitting a loud creak when opening fully (or closing), and lubrication of the hinge hasn’t helped. The door is rubbing somewhere, and the hinge needs to be readjusted. Note that leaving this issue unchecked can cause collateral damage to the weather seals (pricey) and window glass (pricier), so you’ll want to address it as soon as you notice any warning signs. These warnings include doors that seem to stick during some portion of their movement, doors that don’t close properly with a light push, doors that fail to engage the striker properly or even bounce back open, doors that require slamming to latch shut, or any used Viper whose door-mounted weather seals are cracked, ripped, or otherwise visibly damaged. In sum: be sure the doors open, close and latch without undue force or noise, and that all weather seals are intact and in solid shape. Powertrain stresses To prevent undue wrenching of the door hinge, I always start the engine after the doors are closed. Firing up the Viper’s big V-10 twists the car back and forth (it’s all that torque), but can also wrench on the heavy doors and their small hinges, which seems to shift things out place in quick order. With the doors closed at engine startup, this excessive wrenching of the hinges is prevented. Fun fact: during a tour of the Dodge Viper factory, one long-time Viper craftsman told me that the original hinge design was intended to be steel (stronger), though the engineers pushed for a lighter aluminum hinge (softer). In the day, he figured this might cause problems for some owners, and it turns out he was right. “The fifth-generation cars use a different hinge, and the doors are much lighter, since they’re made from an aluminum film that’s shaped by air in a mould” he said. Wheel alignment Dodge Vipers have, I figure, a somewhat unfounded reputation for dodgy handling and being difficult to control. In my opinion, these problems are mainly driver-related (not car-related), but that’s a topic for a different story. Of course, the Viper’s steam-roller tires do try and follow every nook, cranny, and tar-strip on the road, which means the car often seems to be squirming and shuffling even as you drive along in a straight line. Still, don’t underestimate the difference that a proper wheel alignment can make. I recently had one performed in a dealer setting on my 2008 for the first time, and the difference in handling, stability, and response while steering and braking were notable — especially in terms of reduced workload at the wheel. It’s easy to assume ‘this is just how Vipers handle’, though a fresh alignment instantly made my 2008 feel more precise, more responsive, and less labor-intensive to drive on the highway. In my case, the difference was night-and-day. As an added bonus, proper alignment means that the (very pricey) tires won’t wear as quickly. Power windows The power windows on both of my Vipers were finicky and fussy. Compared to most cars, I found the power windows in both of my Vipers to feel and sound harsh when in use. They’ve also been the cause of various headaches, especially in my 2008. This Viper has a feature called window indexing, a fancy way of saying that the window drops a half-inch or so when the door handle is pressed, allowing it to clear the body of the car and for the door to open and close more easily. The indexing function on the passenger side window failed one day, meaning that opening the passenger door meant catching the upper ‘corner’ of the glass inside of the opening, contacting it and wearing down the finish. Closing the passenger door likewise resulted in contact of the window against the body in the same spot. This can all result in wear to the vehicle’s paint, a noisier drive, and an increased likelihood of damaging the Viper’s finicky and sometimes-fragile power window hardware because of an unintended impact. On your test drive, note that one, both, or none of the power windows may be suffering this problem, and that the problem may be sporadic in nature. I can’t offer a fix that’s worked reliably for me, though disconnecting and reconnecting the battery does typically fix the issue for a time. On your test drive, confirm that both power windows work as expected, and be sure to carefully inspect the outer edge of the upper door opening above the window itself for signs of marking, paint damage, or scuffing that indicate contact. Cooling system and overheating Some owners have reported overheating of their Viper, especially in situations with high ambient temperatures, and during sustained periods of heavy-throttle driving, such as in a motorsports setting. Other owners have reported random engine overheating as a possibility from time to time, with a temperature gauge that may suddenly push towards the dangerous red zone on the coolant gauge randomly, and without warning. Many other owners have experienced no overheating issues from their Vipers. Several factors may contribute to a Viper’s engine overheating, as well as inconsistent or seemingly random coolant-temperature fluctuations. To protect yourself and avoid surprises, start with a pre-purchase inspection that includes the used Viper’s cooling system, including the coolant level and condition, an inspection of the water pump and surrounding area (for leaks), all hoses, the thermostat, the cooling fan(s) and associated wiring and relays, and the radiator itself. Have a professional inspect both the engine oil and engine coolant for signs of cross-contamination, which could indicate a head-gasket problem. On your test drive, take note of the coolant temperature gauge at various points. The needle should settle somewhere around the middle of the gauge and stay there, perhaps creeping up slightly over the halfway mark on hotter days. If the gauge suddenly climbs towards the red zone for no apparent reason, the vehicle you’re considering should be seen by a professional before you buy. In this application, an overheating engine can be the result of a simple problem like an air bubble in the cooling system, or a serious one like a failing head gasket. You’ll want to know before you buy. Run the Viper’s heater on your test-drive, too. If functioning properly, the heater will have no trouble pushing a lot of hot air into the Viper’s cabin once the engine is warmed up. If that’s not the case, or if the heat suddenly seems to disappear, have the system checked professionally. Some owners have successfully fixed problems by ‘burping’ air bubbles out of the cooling system. Ask a professional if you’re not sure how. Driveline clunks The Viper’s driveline is not a pinnacle of refinement, and certain noises and vibrations are more prominent than you may be used to. The question is which of these are normal, and which are cause for concern? When checking out the user Viper you’re considering, quiet the cabin and listen for a few specific sounds in a few specific situations to prevent unwanted surprises. First, place the vehicle in neutral with the engine running at idle and the clutch pedal pressed fully. Slowly release the clutch pedal, listening closely for any sign of a scraping, whirring, or grinding sound as the clutch is released. If you hear such a sound, press the clutch pedal in again to see if it goes away. The sound may seem to be coming through the floor near the driver’s feet. This sound can indicate a worn throw-out bearing, a part usually changed with the clutch. I’ve noticed this sound on both of my Vipers. In both cases, it’s remedied by replacing the clutch, which includes a new bearing. You can drive your Viper while it’s making this noise, but if the bearing or associated hardware eventually fails, your clutch may become unusable. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for unwanted sounds from the rear differential. The oil in this component needs to be changed regularly with a specific gear oil and a precise amount of friction-modifying additive. Using the wrong type or amount of gear oil or friction modifier can result in unfavourable consequences, including rear-axle noise. If your rear-axle oil isn’t serviced regularly by someone who knows what they’re doing, you’ll likely be hearing from your Viper’s rear end. When driving a Viper, the differential sits just behind and beneath the driver. Though some whirring and light clunking from time to time is largely considered normal, any binding, whining, or heavy clunks — especially at low speed — can be signs of trouble. Final Thought These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test-drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a secondhand 1996-2010 Dodge Viper. Source: driving ca submitted by khoafraelich789 to CarInformationNews [link] [comments] |
2023.06.07 20:20 Haunting_Toe6603 What do I sue my employer for?
I am an EMT and couple months ago got fired due to a wreck which totaled my ambulance. The time I started my shift, I was informed that my ABS was out on the ambulance, and I would need to pump the brake. I had no idea what it meant at the time and trusted my people without a second thought. The beginning of shift went fine and didn’t notice any problems driving. Then I got called to an emergency and drove emergent (lights and sirens). My partner was giving me directions when all of a sudden traffic was stopped, I was already slowing down but slammed on the brake when I saw the cars and the ambulance did not slow down. I hit two cars and thankfully nobody was injured, the other two vehicles had minor damage but the ambulance absorbed the impact and was totaled. I thought it was all my fault until a lot of coworkers and friends told me how serious ABS being out is. Even the police officer who attended the accident told me he had near misses on that same road driving emergent except he had a small vehicle and ABS that works which prevented him from crashing. I live in a at-will employment state and i don’t think there’s enough if any proof of wrongful termination.
I wanted to drop it because everything including being fired was very traumatizing. Even writing this I feel sick. But people keep asking me if I started a lawsuit yet and have been telling me I need to sue for the well-being of their employees. But I have no idea what to sue for and what type of lawyer to talk to.
So what can I sue for?
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2023.06.07 20:10 Terrible_Stuff_9334 Best Nursing Research Topics and Ideas
Best Nursing Research Topics and Ideas
Best Nursing Research Topics and Ideas
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
This topic explores the integration of current research evidence into clinical decision-making. It covers the importance of staying updated with the latest research, identifying credible sources, implementing evidence-based interventions, and evaluating outcomes to improve nursing care.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an essential nursing approach that combines the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to guide clinical decision-making and enhance patient outcomes. It focuses on the utilization of current research findings to inform nursing interventions, policies, and procedures.
Key elements of evidence-based nursing practice include:
- Research Evidence: This refers to the most recent and relevant research studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that demonstrate the efficacy of nursing interventions, diagnostic procedures, and patient care outcomes. Evidence of research can be obtained from credible sources such as scholarly journals, databases, and guidelines for evidence-based practice.
- Clinical Expertise: Nurses contribute to the decision-making process with their clinical expertise, knowledge, and experience. This requires integrating their practical skills, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of patient preferences into the framework of evidence-based practice.
- Patient Values and Preferences: In evidence-based practice, it is essential to recognize and incorporate the values, beliefs, and preferences of individual patients. This involves gaining an understanding of the patient's unique circumstances, cultural heritage, and personal objectives in order to provide individualized care.
The implementation of evidence-based nursing practice typically entails the following steps:
- Asking Clinical Questions: Formulating well-defined and answerable clinical questions is a crucial starting point. Questions are often framed using the PICO (Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework to guide the search for relevant evidence.
- Literature Search: Conducting a comprehensive search for the best available evidence related to the clinical question. This involves using databases, scholarly journals, and trusted sources to locate research studies, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines.
- Appraisal of Evidence: Evaluating the quality, validity, and relevance of the identified research articles. This step involves critically analyzing study designs, sample sizes, data collection methods, statistical analyses, and potential biases.
- Integration of Evidence: Combining the findings from multiple studies and assessing their applicability to the specific patient population or clinical setting. This involves synthesizing the evidence to determine the most appropriate and effective nursing interventions.
- Application of Evidence: Implementing the evidence-based interventions or recommendations into nursing practice. This includes adapting the evidence to the specific patient's context, considering any potential barriers or facilitators, and collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Assessing the outcomes of the implemented interventions and evaluating their effectiveness. This step involves monitoring patient outcomes, identifying areas for improvement, and adjusting the nursing practice based on the feedback received.
Remember that this is only a concise overview of evidence-based nursing practice. Feel free to inquire for more precise information or if you have any other inquiries!
Evidence Based Practice Nursing Research Topics
- Is it possible to improve the quality of care through the implementation of evidence-based nursing practices?
- What is the prevailing viewpoint regarding the implementation of evidence-based palliative care practices in U.S. inpatient settings?
- This paper aims to explore the ways in which evidence-based nursing approaches can be utilized to accommodate patient preferences in healthcare settings.
- What are the pragmatic ramifications of the theoretical underpinnings of evidence-based nursing?
- Examine the empirical backing for the stipulations of Continuing Professional Development in the realm of nursing education. In what ways does the utilization of evidence-based practice facilitate the process of treatment selection in the provision of nursing care?
- The present study examines the perspectives of senior nurses regarding the implementation of evidence-based practice in the provision of nursing care. What is the correlation between nursing education and the attainment of professional excellence in the field?
- The utilization of an evidence-based approach in the recruitment and screening of nursing staff carries significant implications.
- The implementation of evidence-based nursing practices for individuals with disabilities in inpatient facilities.
- The utilization of evidence-based practice in the delivery of mental health nursing care.
- The evidence-based nursing approach is widely recommended due to its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care provided.
- The historical context of evidence-based nursing practices will be elucidated in this discourse.
- Examine the disparity that exists between factual knowledge and nursing practices that are grounded in evidence.
- What are the primary obstacles encountered in the implementation of evidence-based nursing practice?
- What is the nursing staff's disposition towards the implementation of evidence-based practice?
- In what ways can social media be utilized to deliver nursing care that is grounded in evidence-based practice?
- What is the definition of safety in the context of evidence-based nursing care?
- Examine the application of the evidence-based approach within a practical setting.
- In what ways can a nurse utilize evidence-based practice in order to facilitate self-care?
Impact of Technology in Nursing Practice
This topic explores how technology advancements have affected nursing care, patient outcomes, and ethical considerations. It could cover areas such as electronic health records, telehealth, wearable devices, and the integration of technology into nursing workflows.
In recent years, technological advancements have had a profound impact on nursing practice, transforming how nurses provide care, communicate, and manage patient data.
Here are a few significant ways in which technology has affected nursing practice:
EHRs have supplanted paper-based documentation systems and are now an integral element of nursing practice. Electronic health records (EHRs) allow nurses to access patient information, monitor medical histories, document care provided, and share information with other healthcare professionals. This improves care coordination, increases accuracy, and facilitates the exchange of patient information between various healthcare settings.
- Telehealth and Remote Monitoring: Telehealth technology enables nurses to provide remote care, bridging the divide between patients and healthcare providers. It enables video conferencing and digital platforms for virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and the delivery of healthcare services. Telehealth has expanded access to care, particularly for rural or marginalized patients, and enhanced healthcare outcomes through early detection and prompt interventions.
- Wearable Devices and Health Apps: The proliferation of wearable devices, such as fitness monitors and smartwatches, and health-related mobile applications have enabled patients to actively partake in their own health management. The data collected by these devices can be utilized by nurses to monitor patients' physical activity, sleep patterns, vital signs, and medication compliance. This data can facilitate personalized care planning, health education, and preventative measures.
- Point-of-Care Technology: Point-of-care technology consists of devices such as portable diagnostic instruments, barcode scanners, and infusion pumps. These tools allow nurses to collect immediate and accurate patient data, confirm medication administration, and conduct diagnostic tests in real time. By providing nurses with up-to-date information to guide their clinical decisions, point-of-care technology improves efficiency, reduces errors, and enhances patient safety.
- Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are computer-based instruments that support clinical decision-making by providing evidence-based recommendations, alerts, and reminders. These systems allow nurses to receive real-time alerts regarding potential drug interactions, allergies, and preventative care interventions. CDSSs advance evidence-based practice, minimize errors, and improve patient outcomes.
- The use of robotics and automation in healthcare settings is progressively increasing. Such duties as medication delivery, patient transportation, and disinfection can be aided by robots. Automation technologies expedite workflows, reduce manual duties, and free up nurses' time to focus on direct patient care.
- Data Analytics and Health Informatics: As the volume of healthcare data continues to grow, nurses can use data analytics and health informatics tools to extract meaningful insights, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Data analysis can assist in recognizing disease outbreak patterns, monitoring quality indicators, and enhancing patient outcomes.
It is essential to recognize that the incorporation of technology into nursing practice raises ethical concerns, such as patient confidentiality, data security, and assuring equitable access to technology.The impact of technology on nursing practice has resulted in numerous positive outcomes, including increased efficiency, enhanced communication, improved access to information, and increased patient engagement. To provide high-quality, patient-centered care, nurses must continue to adjust to technological advances, embrace continuous learning, and effectively leverage technology.Please contact me if you require additional information or have any other queries!
Ethics and professionalism in nursing practice
Ethics and professionalism are fundamental aspects of nursing practice that govern nurses' interactions with patients, coworkers, and the healthcare system as a whole. Professionalism comprises the behaviors, attitudes, and responsibilities that reflect the nursing profession's commitment to providing safe, compassionate, and ethical care.
Here are a number of essential elements of nursing ethics and professionalism:
- Ethical Principles: Nurses adhere to ethical principles which serve as decision-making frameworks. Common ethical nursing principles include:
- Autonomy: respecting the right of patients to make their own decisions and providing them with the information they need to make educated decisions.
- Beneficence entails acting in the best interest of patients, promoting their well-being, and ensuring that the benefits of care transcend the risks.
- Avoiding injury to patients and avoiding actions or omissions that could cause harm.
- Justice: Allocating healthcare resources fairly and equitably, promoting equitable access to care, and treating all patients impartially.
Maintaining trust, maintaining promises, and accepting responsibility for one's actions and professional responsibilities constitutes loyalty.Sincerity, candor, and openness in communication with patients, families, and colleagues constitute veracity.Nurses uphold patient confidentiality by recognizing their right to privacy and protecting their personal health information. When managing patient data, they adhere to legal and ethical standards, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and ensure that information is shared only when necessary.
- Informed Consent: Nurses play a vital role in obtaining patients' informed consent prior to performing any procedures or treatments. This involves explaining the purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed intervention and ensuring that the patient comprehends the provided information. Nurses advocate for patient autonomy and ensure that assent is voluntary and founded on a comprehensive comprehension of the situation.
- End-of-Life Care: Ethical considerations frequently arise in situations involving end-of-life care. Nurses participate in discussions regarding advance care planning, resuscitation, palliative care, and family support during the dying process. The promotion of comfort, dignity, and reverence for dying patients is guided by ethical principles.
- Ethical Difficulties: Nurses are frequently confronted with ethical dilemmas requiring critical reasoning and ethical decision-making. Ethical quandaries may entail conflicts between patient autonomy and beneficence, justice and resource allocation, or conflicts of interest. To navigate these complex situations, nurses rely on ethical frameworks and consult with colleagues and ethics committees.
- Maintaining professional boundaries is essential in nursing practice to ensure appropriate patient relationships. To safeguard patient autonomy, confidentiality, and trust, nurses must establish distinct boundaries. Dual relationships, conflicts of interest, and personal involvement with patients that could compromise professional judgment or objectivity are avoided.
- Professional Development: To enhance their knowledge, skills, and ethical decision-making abilities, nurses engage in lifelong learning and continuous professional development. They remain current on evolving ethical guidelines, research, and healthcare policies in order to provide care that is both evidence-based and ethically sound.
- Interprofessional Collaboration: Nurses collaborate with counterparts from other healthcare disciplines to provide patients with ethical, holistic care. Optimal patient outcomes require effective communication, respect for diverse perspectives, and the promotion of collaboration.
It is essential for nurses to understand ethical principles, ruminate on ethical dilemmas, and seek guidance when confronted with difficult situations. Codes of ethics, professional organizations, and nursing ethics committees provide nurses with resources and support for upholding ethical standards and maintaining professionalism.Consider this
Nursing Ethics and Professionalism
This topic delves into the ethical issues and dilemmas nurses may encounter, including patient confidentiality, end-of-life care, informed consent, and resource allocation. It focuses on the importance of maintaining professional conduct and upholding ethical principles in nursing practice.
Ethics and professionalism are fundamental aspects of nursing practice that govern nurses' interactions with patients, coworkers, and the healthcare system as a whole. Professionalism comprises the behaviors, attitudes, and responsibilities that reflect the nursing profession's commitment to providing safe, compassionate, and ethical care.Here are a number of essential elements of nursing ethics and professionalism:
- Ethical Principles: Nurses adhere to ethical principles which serve as decision-making frameworks. Common ethical nursing principles include:
- Autonomy: respecting the right of patients to make their own decisions and providing them with the information they need to make educated decisions.
- Beneficence entails acting in the best interest of patients, promoting their well-being, and ensuring that the benefits of care transcend the risks.
- Avoiding injury to patients and avoiding actions or omissions that could cause harm.
- Justice: Allocating healthcare resources fairly and equitably, promoting equitable access to care, and treating all patients impartially.
Maintaining trust, maintaining promises, and accepting responsibility for one's actions and professional responsibilities constitutes loyalty.Sincerity, candor, and openness in communication with patients, families, and colleagues constitute veracity.Nurses uphold patient confidentiality by recognizing their right to privacy and protecting their personal health information. When managing patient data, they adhere to legal and ethical standards, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and ensure that information is shared only when necessary.Informed Consent: Nurses play a vital role in obtaining patients' informed consent prior to performing any procedures or treatments. This involves explaining the purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed intervention and ensuring that the patient comprehends the provided information. Nurses advocate for patient autonomy and ensure that assent is voluntary and founded on a comprehensive comprehension of the situation.End-of-Life Care: Ethical considerations frequently arise in situations involving end-of-life care. Nurses participate in discussions regarding advance care planning, resuscitation, palliative care, and family support during the dying process. The promotion of comfort, dignity, and reverence for dying patients is guided by ethical principles.Ethical Difficulties: Nurses are frequently confronted with ethical dilemmas requiring critical reasoning and ethical decision-making. Ethical quandaries may entail conflicts between patient autonomy and beneficence, justice and resource allocation, or conflicts of interest. To navigate these complex situations, nurses rely on ethical frameworks and consult with colleagues and ethics committees.Maintaining professional boundaries is essential in nursing practice to ensure appropriate patient relationships. To safeguard patient autonomy, confidentiality, and trust, nurses must establish distinct boundaries. Dual relationships, conflicts of interest, and personal involvement with patients that could compromise professional judgment or objectivity are avoided.Professional Development: To enhance their knowledge, skills, and ethical decision-making abilities, nurses engage in lifelong learning and continuous professional development. They remain current on evolving ethical guidelines, research, and healthcare policies in order to provide care that is both evidence-based and ethically sound.Interprofessional Collaboration: Nurses collaborate with counterparts from other healthcare disciplines to provide patients with ethical, holistic care. Optimal patient outcomes require effective communication, respect for diverse perspectives, and the promotion of collaboration.It is essential for nurses to understand ethical principles, ruminate on ethical dilemmas, and seek guidance when confronted with difficult situations. Codes of ethics, professional organizations, and nursing ethics committees provide nurses with resources and support for upholding ethical standards and maintaining professionalism.Consider this
Nursing Leadership and Management
Analyze the role of nursing leaders in healthcare organizations, including strategies for effective communication, conflict resolution, delegation, and promoting a positive work environment.
Leadership and management in nursing play essential roles in shaping healthcare organizations, fostering effective collaboration, and promoting positive patient outcomes. Nursing directors provide nursing staff with guidance, support, and mentorship, whereas nurse managers supervise daily operations and ensure the deliverance of high-quality patient care. Here are important aspects of nursing management and leadership:
- Leadership Styles: Various leadership styles, including transformational leadership, democratic leadership, and servant leadership, can be adopted in nursing. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their teams to accomplish shared objectives, whereas democratic leaders involve and value the input of their employees in decision-making. The needs of their team members are prioritized by servant leaders, who support their growth and development. Different situations may call for various leadership styles, and effective nurse leaders are able to adapt their approach accordingly.
- Communication and Collaboration: Nursing leaders and managers must have excellent communication skills. They must be able to communicate effectively with team members, patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Clear and transparent communication facilitates collaboration, encourages partnership, and improves patient safety. Additionally, nurse leaders advocate for their teams by ensuring that their perspectives are heard and contributions are acknowledged.
- Strategic Planning and Decision-Making Nurse leaders and administrators engage in strategic planning to establish organizational objectives, establish priorities, and effectively allocate resources. They are involved in the decision-making processes that affect nursing practice, patient care, and resource utilization. Multiple factors, including patient requirements, evidence-based practices, financial constraints, and quality improvement initiatives, must be considered when making strategic decisions.
- Staffing and Workforce Management: Nurse administrators are responsible for staffing facilities and ensuring adequate nurse-to-patient ratios to ensure the delivery of secure, high-quality care. They supervise nursing personnel recruitment, retention, and development. Leaders in nursing advocate for safe staffing levels and assist their teams with burden management and staffing challenges. In addition, they cultivate a positive work environment that encourages professional development, job satisfaction, and work-life balance.
- Change Management: Nursing leaders play an essential role in influencing and managing change in healthcare organizations. They facilitate the adoption of new policies, procedures, and technological advances. Change management involves confronting resistance, involving stakeholders, and assisting employees during transitional periods. Effective change management facilitates the adaptation of nurses to new practices, enhances patient care, and ensures the successful implementation of innovations in healthcare.
- Quality Improvement and Patient Safety: It is the responsibility of nursing executives and administrators to foster a culture of continuous quality improvement and patient safety. They facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practices, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and monitor patient outcomes. In addition, they promote the reporting and analysis of adverse events, near-misses, and medication errors, nurturing a culture of openness and error-based learning.
- In their responsibilities, nursing executives and administrators are confronted with ethical dilemmas. They must navigate complex situations and make ethical decisions consistent with the patient-centered care, justice, autonomy, and beneficence principles. When confronted with difficult ethical dilemmas, they promote ethical behavior, encourage ethical reflection among employees, and seek guidance from ethics committees or consultants.
- Mentorship and Professional Development: Nurse leaders and administrators support the professional growth of their nursing personnel. They offer mentorship, guidance, and growth opportunities. They foster a culture of lifelong learning, encourage employees to pursue advanced degrees and certifications, and support leadership development programs to cultivate the next generation of nursing leaders.
Leadership and management in nursing are indispensable for optimizing patient outcomes, assuring effective collaboration, and establishing positive work environments. Effective nursing leaders and managers foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and constant improvement.Remember that this is merely an introduction to nursing leadership and management. Feel free to inquire for more precise information or if you have any other inquiries!
Mental Health Nursing
Explore the challenges and strategies for providing holistic care to patients with mental health disorders, including therapeutic communication techniques, medication management, and promoting recovery.Mental health nursing is a subspecialty of nursing that concentrates on the care and support of people with mental health disorders or difficulties. Here is a more thorough explanation of number 5, particularly as it pertains to mental health nursing:Mental health nurses perform a vital role in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of people with mental health disorders. They operate in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, community mental health centers, and residential facilities. To provide holistic care for patients, mental health nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists.Assessment and Diagnosis: Mental health nurses conduct comprehensive assessments to collect data on the mental health history, current symptoms, and psychosocial factors of their patients. They use standardized assessment instruments and interview techniques to identify mental health disorders, identify risk factors, and establish a baseline for treatment planning. Alongside psychiatrists and other mental health specialists, mental health nurses may also participate in the diagnostic procedure.The development of therapeutic relationships is a fundamental component of mental health nursing. The establishment of trust, empathy, and rapport between nurses and patients creates a secure and non-judgmental environment in which patients can express their thoughts, emotions, and concerns. Effective communication, collaboration, and the delivery of patient-centered care are facilitated by solid therapeutic relationships.Mental health nurses frequently play a role in the medication management of individuals with mental health disorders. They inform patients about their prescribed medications, including possible adverse effects, dosage instructions, and the significance of medication adherence. Mental health nurses monitor the efficacy of medications, assess for adverse reactions, and collaborate with psychiatrists to make necessary adjustments to medication regimens.Psychoeducation and Health Promotion: Mental health nurses provide psychoeducation about mental health disorders, treatment options, coping strategies, and self-care practices to individuals, families, and communities. They empower patients to actively participate in their own recovery, educate them on relapse warning signs, and offer ongoing support. Additionally, mental health nurses promote mental health and well-being via health promotion initiatives, such as stress management, lifestyle modifications, and community education programs.Mental health nurses are trained in crisis intervention techniques and play a crucial role in the management of psychiatric emergencies. They assess individuals in crisis, provide immediate assistance, and facilitate interventions that ensure safety and stability. Additionally, mental health nurses aid in the development of safety plans, which define strategies and resources for preventing injury and managing crises.Collaborative Care and Interdisciplinary Approach: In order to provide patients with comprehensive care, mental health nursing frequently requires collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Mental health nurses collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment programs, coordinate services, and offer ongoing support. Collaborative care ensures a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and psychological requirements of those with mental health disorders.Mental health nurses advocate for the rights and requirements of individuals with mental health disorders. They promote destigmatization, combat discriminatory practices, and work to expand access to mental healthcare services. In addition to providing emotional support and assisting patients in traversing healthcare systems, mental health nurses connect patients to community resources and support networks.To provide care for individuals with mental health disorders, mental health nursing requires specialized knowledge, skills, and a compassionate attitude. Mental health nurses contribute to the recovery and well-being of their patients by addressing their unique requirements and providing support throughout their mental health journey.
Nursing research and evidence-based practice
Nursing research and evidence-based practice are essential components of patient-centered, high-quality care. They involve the systematic collection, analysis, and application of evidence to enhance patient outcomes and inform nursing practice.
Geriatric Nursing
Investigate the specialized care needs of elderly patients, including age-related conditions, medication management, promoting independence, and addressing social and emotional well-being.
Elderly Care Nursing Paper Topics
- Strategies for mitigating cardiovascular risk in geriatric patients.
- Safeguarding the elderly population from Parkinson's disease.
- What are the necessary criteria for the provision of critical care?
- Prevention of Joint Disorders
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the legs. This condition can cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to daytime fatigue and impaired functioning. RLS affects a significant portion of the population and can have a negative impact on quality of life.
- Analysis of atrial fibrillation.
- Strategies for stroke prevention
- What constitutes the fundamental basis of osteoarthritis management in geriatric individuals?
- The symptoms and interventions associated with age-related hearing loss.
- The etiology, prophylaxis, and management of malnutrition in geriatric individuals.
- Outline a regimen of low-impact exercises aimed at reducing the risk of bone fractures and falls.
- The benefits of individualized geriatric care.
- What are the salient factors to consider in the management of diabetes among elderly patients?
- Strategizing and coordinating the discharge of geriatric patients.
- Explore strategies for identifying and mitigating suicide risk among elderly patients.
- Strategies for enhancing the comfort of a patient in the final stages of life.
- In what ways can technology augment the delivery of care for elderly patients?
- In the event that an elderly individual refuses to take their prescribed medication, what actions should be taken?
- What are the methods for identifying an elderly person who has been subjected to abuse?
- What are the reasons behind the tendency of certain elderly individuals to exhibit defiant behavior?
Pediatric Nursing
Discuss the unique aspects of nursing care for infants, children, and adolescents, including growth and development milestones, immunization schedules, family-centered care, and managing common pediatric conditions.
Pediatric Nursing Research Topics
- The etiology and management of ADH.
- Enhancements to neo-natal wards that may benefit newborns and young mothers.
- Pediatric patients who suffer from poor nutrition require appropriate treatment.
- Addressing the issue of diminished survival rates in pediatric cancer patients.
- Strategies for mitigating child injuries.
- What are the factors that contribute to child mortality?
- What is the influence of proper nutrition on the overall welfare of a juvenile individual?
- Prophylactic measures to mitigate the likelihood of intestinal parasitic infections.
- The emergence of chronic disorders in pediatric populations.
- Strategies for managing constipation in pediatric patients.
- The management of pediatric near-drowning cases is a critical aspect of emergency medicine.
- What is the primary cause of child mortality in the United States?
- What are the changes that have occurred in neonatal care over the past five decades?
- What are the optimal therapeutic approaches for addressing malnutrition in children?
- Do the existing measures aimed at preventing infant injury during childbirth demonstrate efficacy?
- What are the primary ethical considerations in pediatric care?
- What are the recommended strategies for preventing childhood obesity?
- What are the reasons for the ineffectiveness of contemporary approaches towards tackling childhood obesity?
- What are the underlying factors that contribute to seizures in children?
- Conduct an analysis of antibiotic resistance in pediatric populations.
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