Ford f250 stock wheels

Considering purchasing this Godzilla for 67k before TTL. 29k miles. Unmodified. Is this a good deal? Does anyone have experience or knowledge about maintenance and reliability? TIA

Hi Legends.
So I’m in a bit of a pickle. I have a 2013 Toyota Hilux with a canopy and no bull bar. In the back I’m going to put some drawers and fridge / camping gear when I go away.
I’ve been reading lots of forums and reading up about suspension though I’m just confused as what to go for.
Plan is to lift it around 1.5-2inch. Probably put 32s on my stock 17inch wheels.
So my question is …
What suspension upgrade would you recommend with what I’ve mentioned above?
I’ve been having a lot of people say upgrade to the parabolic leaf springs from Terrain Tamer.
Is it worth getting the parabolic leaf springs and then get a seperate brand for the rear shocks and also front suspension? Or just get a suspension kit from Terrain Tamer.
Basically I just want a smooth ride. Most of the time my Ute won’t have much weight in the back. If anything it will just be drawers and my fridge.
Thanks

What exactly is Project28?
We officially announced our new Driver Development program a few days ago and wanted to clarify a few things about it.
In 2024, Osman Racing will be fielding two IMCA Stock Cars. Greg Osman will return to action behind the wheel of the #25. The second car is the Project28 car. Identified drivers will have the opportunity to enhance their skill set behind the wheel of our second IMCA Stock Car for a select number of events during the season.
Get your applications in today! We are looking for 8-10 candidates to identify from varying racing disciplines, including eSports.
https://www.osmanracing.net/project28

my 2018 Lariat has unfortunately had some issues recently. First, the wheel bearing needed replaced which was not a huge deal. Recently it overheated and the engine was damaged. It has just over 60k miles sadly so no power train warranty. Ford quoted me at 21k to fix th all of the issues with the cooling and put a new engine in it. That is far beyond what I am willing to pay. A trustworthy local shop quotes me at 11k for a used engine with about 60k miles on it. I could trade the truck in for 20k at the Ford dealership to put it towards a Ranger, as a new F150 is out of my price at the moment. My current truck was about $65k when I bought it. I want to keep the truck as I have put a subwoofer nice rims , lift kit and several things into it that a new truck would not have and I would have to spend more money on. I also have just loved truck outside of its recent issues. I am splitting the cost of either the repair or a new truck with my parents and they are not willing to buy a used truck now after this, only new. So I could either put a used engine for my truck for 11k or buy a new truck. I am for the engine as long as it is not a risky and unwise decision for the future. But, I am very biased here as I don’t want to let go of this truck. Looking for advice here.

I’m 19 based In UK and my first and current car is a 1.3 2012 Ford fiesta boring sluggish etc.
I’ve decided I want a soft top mx5 as my second car (I’m going to be purchasing around September time), now I know nothing about cars so just wanted to ask a couple questions.
Which model is gonna be the most reliable?
I’m aware that they’re susceptible to rust so I’ll be aware of this before purchasing
I seen a 2010 1.8 with 23k miles for £7500 which seemed good to me but if I’m better off going for abit higher mileage for a different model let me know!
I do not drive like an idiot and do not drive ridiculously fast so will the rear wheel drive be manageable? Thank you!

Wheel shopping. 😉
I gather stock 8Jx18 is ET46 so ET45 is the safe choice, but ET35 would look better -- stock are pretty tucked.
With an 11mm lower ET than stock, any substantive issues/concerns with fitment/handling/wear and tear or good to go?
Thanks!

Earlier this year, I (M49) bought a Ford Mustang, which I absolutely love. My wife (F46) was never too fond of the car, but my son (M17) loves it, probably even more than I do.
A few days ago, my wife and I had to leave town to visit her aunt (F78), who has been ill. My son has driven the Mustang before (but only under my supervision previously) and knows he isn't allowed to drive it if I'm not around.
After we came back (we were gone for two days) (this was yesterday), we arrived home. I went to wash up in the bathroom, and when I came out, my wife and son were both waiting for me. My wife told me that while I was in the bathroom, our son told her that he took the Mustang for a drive with his friends (while we were out of town) and slightly damaged it.
I felt very betrayed and told my son that he knew he wasn't allowed to drive it on his own (for this exact reason), and he apologized, mentioning that the damage is very light.
I went to check the car and saw that the front right wheel was slightly bent, with damage to the bumper and headlight (and I suspect their might be some damage underneath the car). I went back inside the house and yelled at my son, expressing how he lied about the damage and called him an idiot. Then, I asked him how exactly the damage happened, and he told me that he went for a drive with his friends, and they wanted to see how the car drove.
I told my son that he's the least intelligent member of his friend group and that they took advantage of that. I also informed him that he'll be responsible for paying off the car's damage. At this point, he became quiet, avoiding eye contact. I didn't speak with him for the rest of the day, and he continued avoiding eye contact.
That evening, my wife told me that I was being way too harsh and that he's upset. She suggested I talk to him more gently before bed so that he doesn't resent me. I replied that I've already said everything I wanted to say and that if she wants to talk to him, she can. She then expressed that my reaction has been disproportionate and that I shouldn't place such a large value on something that can be repaired. Feeling exhausted and frustrated, I said goodnight to her and went to bed. Am I the asshole?
Edit - While I was (and still am) angry about him damaging the car. I mainly anger about how he broke my trust and could have gotten himself killed or arrested just to impress other people
UPDATE - My son came back from school and I sat him down for a talk. I told him that I did not think he was an idiot, but reiterated that his actions that day were dumb. I then asked him to tell me what exactly happened, and I would remain silent the entire time he narrates.
He told me that 3 of friends came over to hang out. After a while they asked to check out the car. My son showed them the car and even started it up and revved it a few times for them (I'm totally fine with). One friend (who kinda always struck me as being a bit of a little shit lets call him Sam) suggest they go for a drive. While son did initially refuse they kept pestering him until he agreed.
After about 5 minutes, Sam then starts asks my son to start driving more aggressively and unfortunately my son agreed and ended up hitting a curb. They drive home (my son told me that Sam was laughing the entire ride back).
I also learned that Sam has been telling people at school to the point of during one class (which Sam is also in), when my son was using a computer the teacher said something like “Don't wreck it like you did your dad's car”

Guide available! Go here.
Series beginning is here.
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Once we had taken down the camp, I loaded the cart with the animal carcasses using my Hands of Air. While I was strong, there was no way I was lifting a female Dire Bear. Once our quarry was loaded onto the cart, I helped my Haarthuu friends up as well. They all situated themselves in the front seat, and I took my place behind the handle.
“Off we go!” I exclaimed and pushed off from the ground. It was difficult to get the cart rolling, but once I did, keeping it there wasn’t too much strain.
We continued in this way for about five hours, which is when we came to a hill that I would be unable to climb with the cart, and I doubted my companions would be much help. I had stopped and was leaning against the handle, breathing hard and heavily.
“Well, I can’t climb this, and I don’t have it in me to tunnel through. What should we do, Liss-ran?” I asked, panting.
Liss-ran sat there in a slight panic. “Um, I’m not sure. If there were Uror nearby, I’d say to convince one of them to help?”
I snapped my fingers. “That’s it! I’ll call Walter,” I said happily.
I closed my eyes and leaned on the cart.
“Walter?”
“Yeah, Boss? You okay? You sound beat.”
“I’m fine. Just kinda tired. Where are you located right now? I could use some help.”
“Yeah? Let’s see…. I’m about an hour or so away from where you are right now. What’s going on?”
“I’m pulling a cart through the woods back to Haruma. I’ve hit a hill that I can’t pull it over. It’s too loaded down, and I’m not strong enough.”
“Ah. I see. Well, I can be there in an hour. Or should I send someone else?”
“Well, this cart is narrower than the last. It may be a bit uncomfortable for you.”
“Okay. I can send a kid over to you. They’ll be able to carry you and pull the cart.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, boss. She’s on her way right now. From a different herd, so she can get to you faster.
“Okay. Should I give her some of my magic so she can communicate with me, or are you the only member I will be able to speak with? I don’t know how this all works.”
“Nah. Don’t worry about it. She’ll be able to understand you, and will take you home no sweat. If she decides to stick around, I might uhh… claim her. Have your woman try to bond with her.”
I laughed and let the matter drop. “Okay Walter. Thanks man. If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know. Oh. We’re leaving the week after last frost. Heading to Klearm. If you could meet us in Haruma beforehand, I’ll make sure you’re fed well and your coat is nice and shiny.”
“You got it, Boss! Looking forward to it!”
I pulled my Pack off, and removed a large piece of leather, as well as my tools. “Gonna need these in a few. We have a female Uror heading our way. I’m going to make a harness and a saddle for her once she gets here, and we will be on our way. Sound good?” I announced.
Four heads looked at one another, then at me. “How did you manage that, Ivor?” Liss-ran asked incredulously.
“Uh, I just reached out to Walter, the Uror that brought us here. Apparently when you bond yourself to a Uror, you can speak with them from great distances. He’s an hour away. The female should be here much quicker. She’s from a more local herd,” I explained. “I won’t be able to speak with her the same as I do Walter, but I was instructed to see if Elizabet would like to try and bond with her.” I concluded.
“Okaaayyy….. If you say so, Ivor. I guess we get to see a different Uror,” Liss-ran said, shaking her head.
I rested there, cutting some strips from the leather for makeshift reins, belts and straps. I also took the time to fashion buckles from the Duplicated knife blade I had in my Pack. About fifteen minutes after I had finished making those, a shaggy Uror trundled up and halted beside the cart. She snorted and stamped a paw on the ground, seemingly eager to get this over with.
“Hello, my lady! Thank you for answering Walter’s call to help us. I trust he has explained the situation to you?” I said to the shaggy beast.
She tossed her head twice, which I took as an affirmative. “Excellent. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to fit you for a harness so we can hitch you to the wagon. Would you mind if I got to work? I’ll do my best to make it as comfortable as possible. If it pinches or is uncomfortable, please snort twice,” I said, receiving another toss of her head.
I smiled and got to work, crafting the harness from memory and sizing it to fit the much smaller female. After a few mistakes, she and I fell into a routine, and I had the harness crafted in short order. Once I explained the concept of the saddle to her, I began the process of making that, with similar results. All in all, it took us the better part of an hour to finish the work.
“There we are. Hmm. You know, I can’t just call you ‘Uror’ or something like that. May I call you Lady?” I asked.
The shaggy beast was still for a moment, and then tossed her head twice. “Excellent, Lady! I am Ivor, and we are going to Haruma. I will direct you, if that’s okay?” Another head toss and she began to strain against the weight of the cart. I quickly climbed up, and we were off.
With the assistance of Lady, we made short work of the hill in front of us. I let her choose the pace, and we were slowly, but steadily, on our way to Haruma once more.
“Liss-ran? How long do you think we have until we get home?” I asked.
“At this rate?” she said, taking stock of our surroundings and pace. “We should be there around dinnertime, I’d say.”
“Awesome. Just in time to have some of Gon-rash’s amazing cooking. This day is getting better and better!” I said happily, shrugging my Pack back onto my shoulders.
We rode and chatted for another hour or so, and I saw how lifted everyone’s spirits were. Even Tren-sun was cracking jokes and smiling.
After an hour or so, Kilik-ma called out, “Hey Ivor. What kind of entertainment does your world have?”
“Entertainment? Well, we have books, plays, theater, dance, songs, musical bands, and a form of entertainment that absolutely doesn’t and hopefully will never exist on Chaia, television,” I said. “Why?”
“Well, Liss-ran was describing your music to me when we were hunting, and I was curious to hear some.”
“Oh. Well, that device is back in Haruma, actually. I left it with Elizabet for safe-keeping, so I can’t use it right now to show you my music,” I said regretfully.
“Oh. Okay,” Tren-sun said, sounding dejected.
“But I’m feeling pretty good, so how about I sing a song for you?” I ventured.
Four voices replied in the affirmative, and even Lady tossed her head. Looks like I was committed. I racked my brain, trying to think of a decent one that I actually knew all the lyrics to, when a shiver ran through me. That’s it! I took a deep breath and began…
“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?....” My rich baritone rang out through the forest, echoing off the trees and the mountain beside us.
As I was atop Lady and had my eyes closed, I was naturally unable to see the stunned reactions on the faces of my companions, as I was also facing away from them.
As I sang, the very air around us changed. The scent of snow that I had grown accustomed to had multiplied, finally depositing its bounty of crystalline glory across the entirety of the forest. Unnoticed by me, some of the buckles had been Duplicated, and now hung on the reins as small tinkling bells.
A smattering of small, blue birds had taken flight shortly after I began, wheeling their way south. The Haarthuu watched, openmouthed, as they took flight, as there had been no birds in those trees before.
Feeling joy course through my core, I opened my eyes to a forest covered in a blanket of fluffy snow. I continued, nearly trancelike, with my song, seeing the images from my mind’s eye blossom into being in a clearing to our left.
Two people made of snow, resembling myself and Elizabet, were building another snowman, giving him a defined beard and a book. These snowy puppets acted out the lyrics to the song I was singing, bowing and dancing about.
The scene shifted, and there was a fireplace made of snow, complete with dancing flames made of snow within. Two puppets, easily the size of a dire bear, pantomimed speaking and were then covered by a snowy blanket.
Once more, we saw an empty field, with the same three puppets from before. They danced and glided about the field, “speaking” to the snow-preacher.
As my song concluded, we saw the two puppets walking arm-in-arm beside the cart, and then they collapsed into a pile of wet snow once I closed my mouth.
As I came back to my senses, I realized I was sweating profusely, and my stomach was protesting loudly.
“Ivor. What. Did. You. Just. Do?” Liss-ran asked breathlessly.
I sat there, panting. Trembling, I reached into my coat for the jerky that I had taken to keeping there. I began stuffing piece after piece into my starving gullet, trying to stave off the unconsciousness that loomed on my horizon. I swallowed more and more of the meat, my mouth eventually going dry. I slung my Pack to the front, and pulled out the pitcher and drank deeply of its cool bounty.
My thirst slaked, my hunger staved off for the moment, I turned and looked at Liss-ran.
“I have no idea. It looks like I can’t be singing things like that. I hope I haven’t royally mucked up the weather…” I said in a shaky voice.
“Was that the Ancient Tongue?” asked Piri-thak.
“Huh?”
“Ivor, we couldn’t understand a word of that. Are you telling me that you didn’t realize you were singing in the Ancient Tongue?” Liss-ran asked gently.
Realization hit me like a truck. I sang the weather into existence. It was effortless and easy. I didn’t even register that I was doing so until after I was done and the shakes hit. What’s more, I sang what I saw in my head into existence. All the images I would see when I heard that song manifested in this world as snowy puppets and props. Even the bells that were on the harness were exactly as my mind’s eye saw them. I could only guess that I may have created a new species of bird. I felt mortified.
“No… I had no idea I wasn’t singing in your language. Well. Now to deal with the fallout. Is this the normal time the snows would begin, Liss-ran?” I asked quietly.
“Thankfully, yes. It’s a week early, but nothing too far out of the ordinary. I wouldn’t worry too much about altering the weather. Those birds, though. That may be a different story. There _were _only twenty or so,” she replied.
I nodded and closed my mouth. This was a new lesson, and one that I needed to ensure stayed present in my mind. I zipped my coat up against the wind, and Lady trudged on.
As the skies darkened, we could see the main road that led into our home. Kilik-ma jumped down and raced ahead, probably to let the village know we were back a little early.
About ten minutes after he left, we had a throng of people rushing out to meet us. At the forefront were Elizabet, Talah-ma’at and our boys.
“Hi everyone! We’re a little early, I know. We’ve got some goodies in the back of the wagon, and a lot more in my Pack. Let’s get Lady into the city, and we’ll unload everything, okay?” I called out.
The crowd of maybe thirty individuals parted and walked beside us like an honor guard, leading the Uror into the central hall of Haruma. Once inside, I called the gentle beast to a halt, and dismounted. I unhooked her from the cart and began to remove her harness when she snorted twice.
“Lady? Is something the matter?”
The Uror walked out of the twin shafts of the cart and turned to face us. Or, more specifically, she faced Elizabet. She looked directly at her and tossed her head.
“Present your magic to her, Elizabet. See if she’ll take it,” I said softly.
Slowly, Elizabet raised a trembling hand and a small, iron-gray sphere rose from her palm and hovered four inches above it. She approached the shaggy beast with her outstretched hand, and waited.
Lady stepped forward and gently plucked the sphere from Elizabet with a delicate tongue. She stood there chewing on it for a moment, and it was then that I heard Elizabet gasp.
“She said her name is Lola. And that she’ll follow us wherever we go. And that you…” she trailed off and turned to stare at me with an arched brow. In a low, dangerous tone she said, “What. Did. You. Do?”
I knew that tone. I sighed and shook my head. “Thanks, Lola. I was going to get around to that shortly.” I said in a wry voice. I looked Elizabet in the eye. “I appear to be able to control the weather to a degree. I don’t know to what extent it goes, but…. I sang a song into existence,” I said, defeated.
Elizabet looked confused. “You… Wait, you can sing?”
Liss-ran piped up. “His voice is rich and deep, too! It was nice,” she said with a little giggle.
“And loud. He has some lung power, he does,” Tren-sun added.
“Does anybody else wish to make her even more upset with me than she already is?” I asked in a loud, exasperated tone. “No? Thank you.”
“Try it again, Ivor. Tell me what you did,” Elizabet said firmly, crossing her arms beneath her prodigious chest.
“Yes, genius. Tell us what wonder you pulled out of your ass this time,” Blainaut said, coming up from behind Elizabet.
“Oh, gods. Not again,” I said, hanging my head.
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Master List

Once we had taken down the camp, I loaded the cart with the animal carcasses using my Hands of Air. While I was strong, there was no way I was lifting a female Dire Bear. Once our quarry was loaded onto the cart, I helped my Haarthuu friends up as well. They all situated themselves in the front seat, and I took my place behind the handle.
“Off we go!” I exclaimed and pushed off from the ground. It was difficult to get the cart rolling, but once I did, keeping it there wasn’t too much strain.
We continued in this way for about five hours, which is when we came to a hill that I would be unable to climb with the cart, and I doubted my companions would be much help. I had stopped and was leaning against the handle, breathing hard and heavily.
“Well, I can’t climb this, and I don’t have it in me to tunnel through. What should we do, Liss-ran?” I asked, panting.
Liss-ran sat there in a slight panic. “Um, I’m not sure. If there were Uror nearby, I’d say to convince one of them to help?”
I snapped my fingers. “That’s it! I’ll call Walter,” I said happily.
I closed my eyes and leaned on the cart.
“Walter?”
“Yeah, Boss? You okay? You sound beat.”
“I’m fine. Just kinda tired. Where are you located right now? I could use some help.”
“Yeah? Let’s see…. I’m about an hour or so away from where you are right now. What’s going on?”
“I’m pulling a cart through the woods back to Haruma. I’ve hit a hill that I can’t pull it over. It’s too loaded down, and I’m not strong enough.”
“Ah. I see. Well, I can be there in an hour. Or should I send someone else?”
“Well, this cart is narrower than the last. It may be a bit uncomfortable for you.”
“Okay. I can send a kid over to you. They’ll be able to carry you and pull the cart.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, boss. She’s on her way right now. From a different herd, so she can get to you faster.
“Okay. Should I give her some of my magic so she can communicate with me, or are you the only member I will be able to speak with? I don’t know how this all works.”
“Nah. Don’t worry about it. She’ll be able to understand you, and will take you home no sweat. If she decides to stick around, I might uhh… claim her. Have your woman try to bond with her.”
I laughed and let the matter drop. “Okay Walter. Thanks man. If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know. Oh. We’re leaving the week after last frost. Heading to Klearm. If you could meet us in Haruma beforehand, I’ll make sure you’re fed well and your coat is nice and shiny.”
“You got it, Boss! Looking forward to it!”
I pulled my Pack off, and removed a large piece of leather, as well as my tools. “Gonna need these in a few. We have a female Uror heading our way. I’m going to make a harness and a saddle for her once she gets here, and we will be on our way. Sound good?” I announced.
Four heads looked at one another, then at me. “How did you manage that, Ivor?” Liss-ran asked incredulously.
“Uh, I just reached out to Walter, the Uror that brought us here. Apparently when you bond yourself to a Uror, you can speak with them from great distances. He’s an hour away. The female should be here much quicker. She’s from a more local herd,” I explained. “I won’t be able to speak with her the same as I do Walter, but I was instructed to see if Elizabet would like to try and bond with her.” I concluded.
“Okaaayyy….. If you say so, Ivor. I guess we get to see a different Uror,” Liss-ran said, shaking her head.
I rested there, cutting some strips from the leather for makeshift reins, belts and straps. I also took the time to fashion buckles from the Duplicated knife blade I had in my Pack. About fifteen minutes after I had finished making those, a shaggy Uror trundled up and halted beside the cart. She snorted and stamped a paw on the ground, seemingly eager to get this over with.
“Hello, my lady! Thank you for answering Walter’s call to help us. I trust he has explained the situation to you?” I said to the shaggy beast.
She tossed her head twice, which I took as an affirmative. “Excellent. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to fit you for a harness so we can hitch you to the wagon. Would you mind if I got to work? I’ll do my best to make it as comfortable as possible. If it pinches or is uncomfortable, please snort twice,” I said, receiving another toss of her head.
I smiled and got to work, crafting the harness from memory and sizing it to fit the much smaller female. After a few mistakes, she and I fell into a routine, and I had the harness crafted in short order. Once I explained the concept of the saddle to her, I began the process of making that, with similar results. All in all, it took us the better part of an hour to finish the work.
“There we are. Hmm. You know, I can’t just call you ‘Uror’ or something like that. May I call you Lady?” I asked.
The shaggy beast was still for a moment, and then tossed her head twice. “Excellent, Lady! I am Ivor, and we are going to Haruma. I will direct you, if that’s okay?” Another head toss and she began to strain against the weight of the cart. I quickly climbed up, and we were off.
With the assistance of Lady, we made short work of the hill in front of us. I let her choose the pace, and we were slowly, but steadily, on our way to Haruma once more.
“Liss-ran? How long do you think we have until we get home?” I asked.
“At this rate?” she said, taking stock of our surroundings and pace. “We should be there around dinnertime, I’d say.”
“Awesome. Just in time to have some of Gon-rash’s amazing cooking. This day is getting better and better!” I said happily, shrugging my Pack back onto my shoulders.
We rode and chatted for another hour or so, and I saw how lifted everyone’s spirits were. Even Tren-sun was cracking jokes and smiling.
After an hour or so, Kilik-ma called out, “Hey Ivor. What kind of entertainment does your world have?”
“Entertainment? Well, we have books, plays, theater, dance, songs, musical bands, and a form of entertainment that absolutely doesn’t and hopefully will never exist on Chaia, television,” I said. “Why?”
“Well, Liss-ran was describing your music to me when we were hunting, and I was curious to hear some.”
“Oh. Well, that device is back in Haruma, actually. I left it with Elizabet for safe-keeping, so I can’t use it right now to show you my music,” I said regretfully.
“Oh. Okay,” Tren-sun said, sounding dejected.
“But I’m feeling pretty good, so how about I sing a song for you?” I ventured.
Four voices replied in the affirmative, and even Lady tossed her head. Looks like I was committed. I racked my brain, trying to think of a decent one that I actually knew all the lyrics to, when a shiver ran through me. That’s it! I took a deep breath and began…
“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?....” My rich baritone rang out through the forest, echoing off the trees and the mountain beside us.
As I was atop Lady and had my eyes closed, I was naturally unable to see the stunned reactions on the faces of my companions, as I was also facing away from them.
As I sang, the very air around us changed. The scent of snow that I had grown accustomed to had multiplied, finally depositing its bounty of crystalline glory across the entirety of the forest. Unnoticed by me, some of the buckles had been Duplicated, and now hung on the reins as small tinkling bells.
A smattering of small, blue birds had taken flight shortly after I began, wheeling their way south. The Haarthuu watched, openmouthed, as they took flight, as there had been no birds in those trees before.
Feeling joy course through my core, I opened my eyes to a forest covered in a blanket of fluffy snow. I continued, nearly trancelike, with my song, seeing the images from my mind’s eye blossom into being in a clearing to our left.
Two people made of snow, resembling myself and Elizabet, were building another snowman, giving him a defined beard and a book. These snowy puppets acted out the lyrics to the song I was singing, bowing and dancing about.
The scene shifted, and there was a fireplace made of snow, complete with dancing flames made of snow within. Two puppets, easily the size of a dire bear, pantomimed speaking and were then covered by a snowy blanket.
Once more, we saw an empty field, with the same three puppets from before. They danced and glided about the field, “speaking” to the snow-preacher.
As my song concluded, we saw the two puppets walking arm-in-arm beside the cart, and then they collapsed into a pile of wet snow once I closed my mouth.
As I came back to my senses, I realized I was sweating profusely, and my stomach was protesting loudly.
“Ivor. What. Did. You. Just. Do?” Liss-ran asked breathlessly.
I sat there, panting. Trembling, I reached into my coat for the jerky that I had taken to keeping there. I began stuffing piece after piece into my starving gullet, trying to stave off the unconsciousness that loomed on my horizon. I swallowed more and more of the meat, my mouth eventually going dry. I slung my Pack to the front, and pulled out the pitcher and drank deeply of its cool bounty.
My thirst slaked, my hunger staved off for the moment, I turned and looked at Liss-ran.
“I have no idea. It looks like I can’t be singing things like that. I hope I haven’t royally mucked up the weather…” I said in a shaky voice.
“Was that the Ancient Tongue?” asked Piri-thak.
“Huh?”
“Ivor, we couldn’t understand a word of that. Are you telling me that you didn’t realize you were singing in the Ancient Tongue?” Liss-ran asked gently.
Realization hit me like a truck. I sang the weather into existence. It was effortless and easy. I didn’t even register that I was doing so until after I was done and the shakes hit. What’s more, I sang what I saw in my head into existence. All the images I would see when I heard that song manifested in this world as snowy puppets and props. Even the bells that were on the harness were exactly as my mind’s eye saw them. I could only guess that I may have created a new species of bird. I felt mortified.
“No… I had no idea I wasn’t singing in your language. Well. Now to deal with the fallout. Is this the normal time the snows would begin, Liss-ran?” I asked quietly.
“Thankfully, yes. It’s a week early, but nothing too far out of the ordinary. I wouldn’t worry too much about altering the weather. Those birds, though. That may be a different story. There were only twenty or so,” she replied.
I nodded and closed my mouth. This was a new lesson, and one that I needed to ensure stayed present in my mind. I zipped my coat up against the wind, and Lady trudged on.
As the skies darkened, we could see the main road that led into our home. Kilik-ma jumped down and raced ahead, probably to let the village know we were back a little early.
About ten minutes after he left, we had a throng of people rushing out to meet us. At the forefront were Elizabet, Talah-ma’at and our boys.
“Hi everyone! We’re a little early, I know. We’ve got some goodies in the back of the wagon, and a lot more in my Pack. Let’s get Lady into the city, and we’ll unload everything, okay?” I called out.
The crowd of maybe thirty individuals parted and walked beside us like an honor guard, leading the Uror into the central hall of Haruma. Once inside, I called the gentle beast to a halt, and dismounted. I unhooked her from the cart and began to remove her harness when she snorted twice.
“Lady? Is something the matter?”
The Uror walked out of the twin shafts of the cart and turned to face us. Or, more specifically, she faced Elizabet. She looked directly at her and tossed her head.
“Present your magic to her, Elizabet. See if she’ll take it,” I said softly.
Slowly, Elizabet raised a trembling hand and a small, iron-gray sphere rose from her palm and hovered four inches above it. She approached the shaggy beast with her outstretched hand, and waited.
Lady stepped forward and gently plucked the sphere from Elizabet with a delicate tongue. She stood there chewing on it for a moment, and it was then that I heard Elizabet gasp.
“She said her name is Lola. And that she’ll follow us wherever we go. And that you…” she trailed off and turned to stare at me with an arched brow. In a low, dangerous tone she said, “What. Did. You. Do?”
I knew that tone. I sighed and shook my head. “Thanks, Lola. I was going to get around to that shortly.” I said in a wry voice. I looked Elizabet in the eye. “I appear to be able to control the weather to a degree. I don’t know to what extent it goes, but…. I sang a song into existence,” I said, defeated.
Elizabet looked confused. “You… Wait, you can sing?”
Liss-ran piped up. “His voice is rich and deep, too! It was nice,” she said with a little giggle.
“And loud. He has some lung power, he does,” Tren-sun added.
“Does anybody else wish to make her even more upset with me than she already is?” I asked in a loud, exasperated tone. “No? Thank you.”
“Try it again, Ivor. Tell me what you did,” Elizabet said firmly, crossing her arms beneath her prodigious chest.
“Yes, genius. Tell us what wonder you pulled out of your ass this time,” Blainaut said, coming up from behind Elizabet.
“Oh, gods. Not again,” I said, hanging my head.

Happy Thursday Throttle Jockeys! I have some nice hot rods for you this weeks seasonal challenges. Seasonal Tuning method 1. I always go for a stock look - wheels, rim sizes and aero are only changed if it is absolutely necessary for handling and stability. 2. Tunes are always tuned to max performance with max handling. 3. All cars tuned vs. Unbeatable AI on championship tracks in seasonal weather. Tunes are then baseline ran in Rivals. I again want to thank everyone for the downloads, follows, comments and likes! Remember feedback is important! I like hearing any and all comments on these tunes. There is no “bad” comments. You guys have been awesome with your support.
FORZAthon Weekly “No Compromise” 2017 Ram Power Wagon (AWD) Share Code: 253-357-045 Use the Malpais trailblazer. It’s by far the easiest one.
Trial “Ooh Barranca” C600 Retro Rally 1992 Toyota Celica GT-Four (AWD) Full Aero Share Code: 165-971-941 Little disappointed in this weeks trial settings. Retro Rally could’ve been a great trail had they gone with B700 instead of C600 ratings. Throw in the selection of power tracks like Barranca and it takes the competitive car choices down to a very narrow selection. Any C600 tune with off-road tires will get gapped at the first two tracks. This Celica tune is quick and will get the job done for you.
The tracks for this weeks trail are: 1. Barranca Trail 2. El Pipila Scramble 3. Banjo Trail
Event Lab “By Land, Air, & Sea” A800 Off-road Capable 1993 Toyota T100 Baja (AWD) Share Code: 145-154-052 Fun truck to drive around in and is definitely Off Road capable!
Danger Sign “Salto De Rio” S2 Anything Goes Target: 590.6 FT Jesko (AWD) Share Code: 183-064-856
Speed Trap “Dust Bowl” S2 Anything Goes Target: 160 MPH Jesko (AWD) Share Code: 183-064-856 Start to the south and cut across the desert to hit the trap. You should be between 180-200 MPH.
Seasonal Championship “Rally Good Time” A800 Rally Monsters 1985 Porsche #185 959 (AWD) Share Code: 464-375-484 A800 Rally Monsters is a pretty dull class. There is no “monster” in most of these underpowered cars. I went through every single one of them and I found your monster. This Porsche has a bad attitude. Maybe it’s because someone put those ugly utility trailer lights on its roof? Lucky for you this thing is ready to kill all of the drivatars in true horror movie monster fashion. The tracks for this Seasonal Championship are: 1. Tapalpa Trail 2. La Selva Scramble 3. Cascada Trail
Seasonal Championship “Ready For Lift Off” A800 Unlimited Offroad 2004 #23 Nissan Rally Raid (AWD) Share Code: 123-726-527 Great tune for Cross Country Circuits. Lots of power and good handling will send the drivatars to the back of the pack. The tracks for this Seasonal Championship are: 1. Airfield Cross Country Circuit 2. Costera Cross Country Circuit 3. Ribera Rocosa Cross Country
RALLY ADVENTURES
Speed Zone “Tierras Verdes” S2 Anything Goes Target: 72 MPH 2014 BAC Mono (AWD) Share Code: 253-907-830 Oh boy! This one is very tricky! Start from the north. You can actually get away with being quite a bit of the trail for this one. Once you hit the start gate veer to the left off the road. Cut a straight path through the field. Line yourself up for the right hander. On exit of the last left you will be off the trail again just cut a straight path to the finish gate. My best speed was a 77 MPH pass. Good luck!
Seasonal Championship “Time Warp” B700 Retro Saloons 1991 BMW M3 (RWD) Full Aero Share Code: 861-066-499 Light and nimble. Just what you need for these tight and twisty expansion tracks. I think this tune is the “Ultimate Driving Experience”. The tracks for this Seasonal Championship are: 1. Devils Pass 2. Canyon Trail 3. Arzate Sprint
HOT WHEELS
Danger Sign “Canyon Fire” Target: 1,640.4 FT Jesko (AWD) Share Code: 183-064-856 Jesko Murder tune shines again! One & done with a distance of over 2,200 feet!
Seasonal Championship “Super Loops” S900 Modern Super Cars 2010 Nobel M600 Share Code: 142-465-956 This Noble is insanely fast!!! Easy winner here. This car and this tune slays on any track anywhere. The tracks for this Seasonal Championship are: 1. Canyon Loop Speed Sprint 2. Twin Loop Speed Sprint 3. Canyon Racer Speed Sprint
There you have it. Congratulations on your victories and another great week!

Festival Playlist Tunes June 1st - June 8th (Autumn S21) Happy Thursday Throttle Jockeys! I have some nice hot rods for you this weeks seasonal challenges. Seasonal Tuning method 1. I always go for a stock look - wheels, rim sizes and aero are only changed if it is absolutely necessary for handling and stability. 2. Tunes are always tuned to max performance with max handling. 3. All cars tuned vs. Unbeatable AI on championship tracks in seasonal weather. Tunes are then baseline ran in Rivals. I again want to thank everyone for the downloads, follows, comments and likes! Remember feedback is important! I like hearing any and all comments on these tunes. There is no “bad” comments. You guys have been awesome with your support.
FORZAthon Weekly “No Compromise” 2017 Ram Power Wagon (AWD) Share Code: 253-357-045 Use the Malpais trailblazer. It’s by far the easiest one.
Trial “Ooh Barranca” C600 Retro Rally 1992 Toyota Celica GT-Four (AWD) Full Aero Share Code: 165-971-941 Little disappointed in this weeks trial settings. Retro Rally could’ve been a great trail had they gone with B700 instead of C600 ratings. Throw in the selection of power tracks like Barranca and it takes the competitive car choices down to a very narrow selection. Any C600 tune with off-road tires will get gapped at the first two tracks. This Celica tune is quick and will get the job done for you.
The tracks for this weeks trail are: 1. Barranca Trail 2. El Pipila Scramble 3. Banjo Trail
Event Lab “By Land, Air, & Sea” A800 Off-road Capable 1993 Toyota T100 Baja (AWD) Share Code: 145-154-052 Fun truck to drive around in and is definitely Off Road capable!
Danger Sign “Salto De Rio” S2 Anything Goes Target: 590.6 FT Jesko (AWD) Share Code: 183-064-856
Speed Trap “Dust Bowl” S2 Anything Goes Target: 160 MPH Jesko (AWD) Share Code: 183-064-856 Start to the south and cut across the desert to hit the trap. You should be between 180-200 MPH.
Seasonal Championship “Rally Good Time” A800 Rally Monsters 1985 Porsche #185 959 (AWD) Share Code: 464-375-484 A800 Rally Monsters is a pretty dull class. There is no “monster” in most of these underpowered cars. I went through every single one of them and I found your monster. This Porsche has a bad attitude. Maybe it’s because someone put those ugly utility trailer lights on its roof? Lucky for you this thing is ready to kill all of the drivatars in true horror movie monster fashion. The tracks for this Seasonal Championship are: 1. Tapalpa Trail 2. La Selva Scramble 3. Cascada Trail
Seasonal Championship “Ready For Lift Off” A800 Unlimited Offroad 2004 #23 Nissan Rally Raid (AWD) Share Code: 123-726-527 Great tune for Cross Country Circuits. Lots of power and good handling will send the drivatars to the back of the pack. The tracks for this Seasonal Championship are: 1. Airfield Cross Country Circuit 2. Costera Cross Country Circuit 3. Ribera Rocosa Cross Country
RALLY ADVENTURES
Speed Zone “Tierras Verdes” S2 Anything Goes Target: 72 MPH 2014 BAC Mono (AWD) Share Code: 253-907-830 Oh boy! This one is very tricky! Start from the north. You can actually get away with being quite a bit of the trail for this one. Once you hit the start gate veer to the left off the road. Cut a straight path through the field. Line yourself up for the right hander. On exit of the last left you will be off the trail again just cut a straight path to the finish gate. My best speed was a 77 MPH pass. Good luck!
Seasonal Championship “Time Warp” B700 Retro Saloons 1991 BMW M3 (RWD) Full Aero Share Code: 861-066-499 Light and nimble. Just what you need for these tight and twisty expansion tracks. I think this tune is the “Ultimate Driving Experience”. The tracks for this Seasonal Championship are: 1. Devils Pass 2. Canyon Trail 3. Arzate Sprint
HOT WHEELS
Danger Sign “Canyon Fire” Target: 1,640.4 FT Jesko (AWD) Share Code: 183-064-856 Jesko Murder tune shines again! One & done with a distance of over 2,200 feet!
Seasonal Championship “Super Loops” S900 Modern Super Cars 2010 Nobel M600 Share Code: 142-465-956 This Noble is insanely fast!!! Easy winner here. This car and this tune slays on any track anywhere. The tracks for this Seasonal Championship are: 1. Canyon Loop Speed Sprint 2. Twin Loop Speed Sprint 3. Canyon Racer Speed Sprint
There you have it. Congratulations on your victories and another great week!