Cheap flights from denver to charlotte
Lake Norman
2012.08.06 00:49 skiingaidan14 Lake Norman
Anything and everything that has to do with the LKN area!
2021.03.16 23:31 jadekinsjackson FlightSale
Just cheap flights, all available to book at the time of posting. All 'book now' links will direct you to a meta search site where you can choose to book direct with the airline or from an online travel site. If you no longer see the cheap price, it means that flight is booked out, try alternate dates. Have questions or a request? Just ask. Not a bot. Visit https://book.flightsale.com.au
2013.09.06 07:58 chromer123 The planning center of r/psychonaut's 2014 Ayahuasca retreat!
Come one, come all! Here is we begin deliberation, planning, and logistics for a 2014 trip to Peru to attend an Ayahuasca retreat. This offer is open to all members of the psychonaut community, or anyone interested in expanding their mind/healing their soul.
2023.06.06 04:50 FeelingCommission817 Shipping heavy stuff from China?!
I live in Canada 🇨🇦 and want to order some heavy stuff from 1688 (ie: bedframe, alloy wheels etc). Would you recommend buying these kinda thinga from there and ship them to Canada. If yes, is there any way I can ship heavy things for cheap and not pay hell lot of duty fees.
🙏 Thanks
submitted by FeelingCommission817 to 1688Reps [link] [comments]
🙏 Thanks
2023.06.06 04:50 augustoersonage Car living and privacy
I'm seeing a metric ass ton of posts about people feeling harried, hassled, hindered, ogled, viewed, judged, scorned, tsked, spied upon, looked down on, asked to move on, etc., all because they live in their car. It's all very stressful, and I get that.
I've been living in my vehicle full-time for the past 9 months, part-time before that, and I have to say this sentiment is 180 degrees counter to my experience. I've never before had the pleasure of as much privacy or anonymity, if I choose it. The US is still mostly open space; second to that, it's places for cars to park. In a parking lot full of cars, no one cares or notices me or mine.
The country is lousy with places to sleep in your vehicle. Last night I drifted off dreamfully at the back of a deserted Cracker Barrel, lulled by the din of the interstate. There was a Microtel next door whose own parking lot was my backup plan. The night before, I parked for the night in front of a stranger's house in a leafy mid century subdivision, right across the street from the gym where I showered the next morning. I've slept in neighborhoods, industrial quarters, next to parks, along the beach, cheap campgrounds, BLM land, unmarked turnouts, Walmarts, hotel lots, hospitals.
I do everything in my vehicle that I would do anywhere else. I crouch, whip out the piss jug, and have a slash. I don't even bother putting up shades. No one sees, and no one cares. I change clothes, I meditate, I read, I wank, I sleep.
I know there is wide disparity in circumstances among urban car dwellers. I am probably better off than most for living this way by choice and not necessity. I work remotely, and as an independent contractor. Still I think what I've experienced is attainable for almost anyone living like this. The number one thing that makes this possible, in my opinion and experience, is that my vehicle is a minivan and not a sedan. Even a crossover, SUV, wagon would work the same. Any vehicle you can take the back or middle seats out of or fold down to make a bed and have a place to sit. Having a place to sit and lie down unseen is the entirety of the game. Without that, you're exposed. With it, you're golden.
I fully appreciate that not everyone has access to a van or similar vehicle. I would just like to point out that you can likely get one for not much more than what a sedan costs; and the benefits of having "living space" in your "car home" are well worth an extra $1-2k. I bought mine, a 15-year-old minivan in good shape, for under $5k. I paid some out of pocket and took out a small loan with my credit union for the rest.
Shit. I'm not trying to gloat. This is just what's worked for me, and I encourage anyone else who wants to car-dwell to van-dwell.
Now I'm off to get all my spots blown up and my personal space violated, for having written this.
submitted by augustoersonage to urbancarliving [link] [comments]
I've been living in my vehicle full-time for the past 9 months, part-time before that, and I have to say this sentiment is 180 degrees counter to my experience. I've never before had the pleasure of as much privacy or anonymity, if I choose it. The US is still mostly open space; second to that, it's places for cars to park. In a parking lot full of cars, no one cares or notices me or mine.
The country is lousy with places to sleep in your vehicle. Last night I drifted off dreamfully at the back of a deserted Cracker Barrel, lulled by the din of the interstate. There was a Microtel next door whose own parking lot was my backup plan. The night before, I parked for the night in front of a stranger's house in a leafy mid century subdivision, right across the street from the gym where I showered the next morning. I've slept in neighborhoods, industrial quarters, next to parks, along the beach, cheap campgrounds, BLM land, unmarked turnouts, Walmarts, hotel lots, hospitals.
I do everything in my vehicle that I would do anywhere else. I crouch, whip out the piss jug, and have a slash. I don't even bother putting up shades. No one sees, and no one cares. I change clothes, I meditate, I read, I wank, I sleep.
I know there is wide disparity in circumstances among urban car dwellers. I am probably better off than most for living this way by choice and not necessity. I work remotely, and as an independent contractor. Still I think what I've experienced is attainable for almost anyone living like this. The number one thing that makes this possible, in my opinion and experience, is that my vehicle is a minivan and not a sedan. Even a crossover, SUV, wagon would work the same. Any vehicle you can take the back or middle seats out of or fold down to make a bed and have a place to sit. Having a place to sit and lie down unseen is the entirety of the game. Without that, you're exposed. With it, you're golden.
I fully appreciate that not everyone has access to a van or similar vehicle. I would just like to point out that you can likely get one for not much more than what a sedan costs; and the benefits of having "living space" in your "car home" are well worth an extra $1-2k. I bought mine, a 15-year-old minivan in good shape, for under $5k. I paid some out of pocket and took out a small loan with my credit union for the rest.
Shit. I'm not trying to gloat. This is just what's worked for me, and I encourage anyone else who wants to car-dwell to van-dwell.
Now I'm off to get all my spots blown up and my personal space violated, for having written this.
2023.06.06 04:50 dragonfliesloveme I read about The Babadook, and I think it’s a great metaphor for dealing with the fear
So I haven’t actually seen this movie. Lol. But i read the Wikipedia on it, and it really resonated with me
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Babadook
So there this entity, a humanoid kind of form with a black top hat and long fingers that comes through a book to torment this kid. His mom at first doesn’t believe that it is real, but she learns soon enough that it is.
The problem with the Babadook is you can’t get rid of it. If you fight it, it gets stronger. If you ignore it, it gets stronger. If you get angry with, yeah it may back down a bit for a while, but it’s there and can grow stronger again. It does, however, respond some to comfort. (Sound familiar?)
So what are they to do.
They live with it.
They put it in a room in the basement and they feed it. When they feed it, they are nice to it and comfort it. It takes the food and retreats into the corner to eat.
So when you think about taking your fear with you on your flight, think of it like the Babadook, think of comforting it and giving it a little kindness. Don’t engage with it, don’t fight it, and don’t completely ignore it. Be nice to it and give it a kind gesture. Watch it retreat to the corner, deflated from any energy from fear that it feeds on and deflated because it is not being wholly ignored and feels the need to rise up.
The Babadook is still there, but it is satisfied and you can carry on with what you were doing, in this case maybe going back to your movie or book while on a flight. If it needs another little pat, oblige it and then carry on again with what you were doing.
submitted by dragonfliesloveme to fearofflying [link] [comments]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Babadook
So there this entity, a humanoid kind of form with a black top hat and long fingers that comes through a book to torment this kid. His mom at first doesn’t believe that it is real, but she learns soon enough that it is.
The problem with the Babadook is you can’t get rid of it. If you fight it, it gets stronger. If you ignore it, it gets stronger. If you get angry with, yeah it may back down a bit for a while, but it’s there and can grow stronger again. It does, however, respond some to comfort. (Sound familiar?)
So what are they to do.
They live with it.
They put it in a room in the basement and they feed it. When they feed it, they are nice to it and comfort it. It takes the food and retreats into the corner to eat.
So when you think about taking your fear with you on your flight, think of it like the Babadook, think of comforting it and giving it a little kindness. Don’t engage with it, don’t fight it, and don’t completely ignore it. Be nice to it and give it a kind gesture. Watch it retreat to the corner, deflated from any energy from fear that it feeds on and deflated because it is not being wholly ignored and feels the need to rise up.
The Babadook is still there, but it is satisfied and you can carry on with what you were doing, in this case maybe going back to your movie or book while on a flight. If it needs another little pat, oblige it and then carry on again with what you were doing.
2023.06.06 04:49 waynerad GeniusTrip.AI -- Use AI to plan your vacation
It asked me where I wanted to go. I put in "Mons, Belgium", because, why not?
It asked for travel dates. I said July 12 to July 27 of this year. Nice 2-week vacation.
It said "Choose your budget." Options were: low, medium, high, and luxury. I chose "low". Though I'll bet Mons, Belgium is a place where you could do "luxury".
It said "Choose your vacation type." Options were "Relaxed" and "Packed". I picked "Packed". (Can you actually picture me relaxing?)
It said "Choose your category." Options were "Romantic", "Adventure", "Touristic", "Party", "Family", "Cultural", "Mixed". I picked "Adventure", though I was tempted by "Party".
It said, "Choose your dietary preference." Options were "Vegan", "Vegetarian", "Pescatarian", "Halal", and "No preference". I picked "No preference". Vacation isn't the time to be picky, right?
Never heard of the word "pescatarian" before but the "fish" icon makes me think it means fish.
Anyway, I clicked "Submit".
----
Recommended accommodation: Hotel Lido Mons Centre
Day 1:
Recommended transport mode: Taxi
Arrive at Brussels Airport and take a taxi to your hotel in Mons. Spend the day exploring the city on foot, visiting the Grand Place, the Belfry, and the SainteWaudru Collegiate Church. For dinner, head to Le Pain Quotidien for some delicious vegetarian options.
Day 2:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Start your day with a visit to the Mons Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history. Then, take a walk to the Van Gogh House, where the famous artist lived for a short time. For lunch, try some traditional Belgian cuisine at Le Pain Quotidien. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Parc du WauxHall and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For dinner, head to Le Pain Quotidien for some more vegetarian options.
Day 3:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Tournai and spend the day exploring its beautiful architecture, including the NotreDame Cathedral and the Belfry. For lunch, try some local specialties at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 4:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's art scene by visiting the BAM Beaux-Arts Mons museum and the Mundaneum, a museum dedicated to the history of information and communication. For lunch, try some delicious vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 5:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 6:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many parks and gardens, including the Jardin du Mayeur and the Parc du Beffroi. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 7:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Charleroi and spend the day exploring its many museums and galleries. For lunch, try some local specialties at a restaurant in the city. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 8:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's many churches and cathedrals, including the SainteElisabeth Church and the Saint-Nicolas Church. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 9:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 10:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many museums and galleries, including the Musée François Duesberg and the Musée du Doudou. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 11:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Namur and spend the day exploring its many castles and fortresses. For lunch, try some local specialties at a restaurant in the city. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 12:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's many parks and gardens, including the Jardin du Mayeur and the Parc du Beffroi. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 13:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 14:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many churches and cathedrals, including the SainteElisabeth Church and the Saint-Nicolas Church. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 15:
Recommended transport mode: Taxi
Take a taxi to
----
Weirdly, it cut off that last entry. I assume back to the airport for the flight back.
Also weirdly, it thinks I want to eat at Le Pain Quotidien every day. Which actually means "The Daily Bread" in French. The bread must be just ridiculously awesome?
It does look like the trip ought to be rather low cost, with lots of walking and biking and the occasional train. Some of the attractions look like they're low-cost, like biking in nature, visiting churches and parks and gardens. Some might be expensive like art galleries. Most of the cost, though, probably just goes to getting a hotel that is so close to the center of the city. I suppose it's worth it to get so much within walking distance.
No idea how this system works. I'm guessing it's using a generative AI model, but what it generates is based on a database of destinations and attractions and is shoe-horned into the format of a trip plan. Wonder if they trained a model from scratch or fine-tuned a model from somewhere else.
https://geniustrip.ai/
submitted by waynerad to u/waynerad [link] [comments]
It asked for travel dates. I said July 12 to July 27 of this year. Nice 2-week vacation.
It said "Choose your budget." Options were: low, medium, high, and luxury. I chose "low". Though I'll bet Mons, Belgium is a place where you could do "luxury".
It said "Choose your vacation type." Options were "Relaxed" and "Packed". I picked "Packed". (Can you actually picture me relaxing?)
It said "Choose your category." Options were "Romantic", "Adventure", "Touristic", "Party", "Family", "Cultural", "Mixed". I picked "Adventure", though I was tempted by "Party".
It said, "Choose your dietary preference." Options were "Vegan", "Vegetarian", "Pescatarian", "Halal", and "No preference". I picked "No preference". Vacation isn't the time to be picky, right?
Never heard of the word "pescatarian" before but the "fish" icon makes me think it means fish.
Anyway, I clicked "Submit".
----
Recommended accommodation: Hotel Lido Mons Centre
Day 1:
Recommended transport mode: Taxi
Arrive at Brussels Airport and take a taxi to your hotel in Mons. Spend the day exploring the city on foot, visiting the Grand Place, the Belfry, and the SainteWaudru Collegiate Church. For dinner, head to Le Pain Quotidien for some delicious vegetarian options.
Day 2:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Start your day with a visit to the Mons Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history. Then, take a walk to the Van Gogh House, where the famous artist lived for a short time. For lunch, try some traditional Belgian cuisine at Le Pain Quotidien. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Parc du WauxHall and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For dinner, head to Le Pain Quotidien for some more vegetarian options.
Day 3:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Tournai and spend the day exploring its beautiful architecture, including the NotreDame Cathedral and the Belfry. For lunch, try some local specialties at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 4:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's art scene by visiting the BAM Beaux-Arts Mons museum and the Mundaneum, a museum dedicated to the history of information and communication. For lunch, try some delicious vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 5:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 6:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many parks and gardens, including the Jardin du Mayeur and the Parc du Beffroi. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 7:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Charleroi and spend the day exploring its many museums and galleries. For lunch, try some local specialties at a restaurant in the city. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 8:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's many churches and cathedrals, including the SainteElisabeth Church and the Saint-Nicolas Church. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 9:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 10:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many museums and galleries, including the Musée François Duesberg and the Musée du Doudou. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 11:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Namur and spend the day exploring its many castles and fortresses. For lunch, try some local specialties at a restaurant in the city. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 12:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's many parks and gardens, including the Jardin du Mayeur and the Parc du Beffroi. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 13:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 14:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many churches and cathedrals, including the SainteElisabeth Church and the Saint-Nicolas Church. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 15:
Recommended transport mode: Taxi
Take a taxi to
----
Weirdly, it cut off that last entry. I assume back to the airport for the flight back.
Also weirdly, it thinks I want to eat at Le Pain Quotidien every day. Which actually means "The Daily Bread" in French. The bread must be just ridiculously awesome?
It does look like the trip ought to be rather low cost, with lots of walking and biking and the occasional train. Some of the attractions look like they're low-cost, like biking in nature, visiting churches and parks and gardens. Some might be expensive like art galleries. Most of the cost, though, probably just goes to getting a hotel that is so close to the center of the city. I suppose it's worth it to get so much within walking distance.
No idea how this system works. I'm guessing it's using a generative AI model, but what it generates is based on a database of destinations and attractions and is shoe-horned into the format of a trip plan. Wonder if they trained a model from scratch or fine-tuned a model from somewhere else.
https://geniustrip.ai/
2023.06.06 04:48 Duke_Skookum Ruffled Putter
Is there a putter with textured on the bottom of the flight plate? If the answer is no, why not? Most of the finger licking I see on the course is done to get enough tack to use friction for applying spin to the putter upon release with "finger pop".
The problem is that spit is far from an exact science, as environmental conditions often make finding the right amount of finger moistness tricky. How many times have you seen Ricky lick, try, dry, lick again, etc... All in an effort to find the sweet spot for a predictable confident pop.
I'd take 60 grit or a razor to one of my Rekos but what if I like it too much and like a major league pitcher I am tempted to sneak my scuffed projectiles into official play, where it is expressly forbidden.
Closest thing I've found is a wizard with it's life story printing with raised embossing on the underside, but it's an awkward stretch that doesn't feel comfortable to use. So, if you guys and gals have any other legal suggestions, I'm all eyes.
submitted by Duke_Skookum to discgolf [link] [comments]
The problem is that spit is far from an exact science, as environmental conditions often make finding the right amount of finger moistness tricky. How many times have you seen Ricky lick, try, dry, lick again, etc... All in an effort to find the sweet spot for a predictable confident pop.
I'd take 60 grit or a razor to one of my Rekos but what if I like it too much and like a major league pitcher I am tempted to sneak my scuffed projectiles into official play, where it is expressly forbidden.
Closest thing I've found is a wizard with it's life story printing with raised embossing on the underside, but it's an awkward stretch that doesn't feel comfortable to use. So, if you guys and gals have any other legal suggestions, I'm all eyes.
2023.06.06 04:46 Fast_Pangolin8457 (TSA wait times in love field)
Good evening taking a flight tomorrow morning at 7:15 to Phoenix from love field and was wondering how the tsa wait times are at between 5-6am
submitted by Fast_Pangolin8457 to SouthwestAirlines [link] [comments]
2023.06.06 04:45 bright-Holiday-4878 I hate that i'm a derivative author, a plagiarist and that none of my ideas is original
For years i said that my best trait was creativity, however, it's all i lie i tell myself to not fell bad.
I'm a thief, that's what i do.
I never had a single.idea that i can say it's original. Everything i have is derivative, plagiarized or stolen.
I hate that my main story is a harry Potter rip off, a fanfiction with original names so i don't have to stick to canon or resamble the original character. Some people will say "that there's nothing new under the Sun" or "that every Idea was already written ", but there's no excuse for me. Dark lord, magical School, houses (I'm not even British, i literary took these from harry Potter), there's nothing on this story beyond that, just some ideas that o can't write. A magical grimoire? Boring? A story where this character is stuck on a time loop on her magical school and is killed by the dark lord every day? There's already a game like that! (Okay. I didn't even know about grim grimoire, but still, it's a very common Idea, a time loop)
It was worse before, with blood purity, wizards vs non wizards, werewolfs rebelion. I disregarded most of this, but the story become shallow, It only remains the school and houses, a dark lord i can't fit on my story, and scenes, but without a plot because i can't create one.
I hate that my super heroes are unoriginal, i literary took my main one, crimson Bomber, from a design by Chris malgrain. most of names from my heroes (sound Striker,Steel sentinel, electro and gravity) were created by Claude instant, Althara, my alien Princess, has the predator mandibles (i won't lie, i really like those mandibles and the way they open), and was taken from a cartoon of the March 1941 issue of the pulp magazine fantastic adventures.
My first experience with super heroes o created a cinematic universe with old and forgotten, public domain super heroes (and some not in public domain), they don't even resamble the original character, i just took the name and design so i can be lazy and not create one myself, and do whatever i want.
I do thar a lot. I'm not original enough to create myself. I look at deviantart and artstation, my ideas are all loking at images and characters design that other people did. I keep loking at images i saved to write because it's from there that i took my characters, ideas, plots and scenarios.
The houses of my magical school (boyestick, wisenfath, Fabwen and Magwenton) are takeb from the bothwell larpg
Back when i was young i created a story with haunted animatronics (fnaf) and with anthropomorphic Animals on a sci fi setting (TMNT and Max steel).
I keep creating scenarios where my works were published way before i was born or wheb o was a kid, and they replace what inspired them (such as my super heroes being published since the 60s) just because i know that they are cheap knock offs that will never be liked, because there's nothing to like on them. Literary, my magical school story can not even be published, it would be sued in half an hour.
I 'm a thief, i plagiarizer, that's what i do, i stole OCs, i get inspired by what other people do. I never created anything original in my life and o hate myself as an author for this.
submitted by bright-Holiday-4878 to fantasywriters [link] [comments]
I'm a thief, that's what i do.
I never had a single.idea that i can say it's original. Everything i have is derivative, plagiarized or stolen.
I hate that my main story is a harry Potter rip off, a fanfiction with original names so i don't have to stick to canon or resamble the original character. Some people will say "that there's nothing new under the Sun" or "that every Idea was already written ", but there's no excuse for me. Dark lord, magical School, houses (I'm not even British, i literary took these from harry Potter), there's nothing on this story beyond that, just some ideas that o can't write. A magical grimoire? Boring? A story where this character is stuck on a time loop on her magical school and is killed by the dark lord every day? There's already a game like that! (Okay. I didn't even know about grim grimoire, but still, it's a very common Idea, a time loop)
It was worse before, with blood purity, wizards vs non wizards, werewolfs rebelion. I disregarded most of this, but the story become shallow, It only remains the school and houses, a dark lord i can't fit on my story, and scenes, but without a plot because i can't create one.
I hate that my super heroes are unoriginal, i literary took my main one, crimson Bomber, from a design by Chris malgrain. most of names from my heroes (sound Striker,Steel sentinel, electro and gravity) were created by Claude instant, Althara, my alien Princess, has the predator mandibles (i won't lie, i really like those mandibles and the way they open), and was taken from a cartoon of the March 1941 issue of the pulp magazine fantastic adventures.
My first experience with super heroes o created a cinematic universe with old and forgotten, public domain super heroes (and some not in public domain), they don't even resamble the original character, i just took the name and design so i can be lazy and not create one myself, and do whatever i want.
I do thar a lot. I'm not original enough to create myself. I look at deviantart and artstation, my ideas are all loking at images and characters design that other people did. I keep loking at images i saved to write because it's from there that i took my characters, ideas, plots and scenarios.
The houses of my magical school (boyestick, wisenfath, Fabwen and Magwenton) are takeb from the bothwell larpg
Back when i was young i created a story with haunted animatronics (fnaf) and with anthropomorphic Animals on a sci fi setting (TMNT and Max steel).
I keep creating scenarios where my works were published way before i was born or wheb o was a kid, and they replace what inspired them (such as my super heroes being published since the 60s) just because i know that they are cheap knock offs that will never be liked, because there's nothing to like on them. Literary, my magical school story can not even be published, it would be sued in half an hour.
I 'm a thief, i plagiarizer, that's what i do, i stole OCs, i get inspired by what other people do. I never created anything original in my life and o hate myself as an author for this.
2023.06.06 04:45 imamalasada Meddling MIL and insufferable SIL - Can she meet my baby?
Long time lurker, first time poster! After typing this out for a different sub I thought, wow I mentioned MIL TOOOO many times for this to not be a post about her and not in this sub lol. I'm having trouble finding the vocabulary to tell off my MIL in a respectful way for her meddling and gossiping! My husband is sick of me talking about this and I would truly love and appreciate an outside perspective because I feel like I'm losing my mind.
_____________________________________________________
When my (34f) husband (35m) first got together, his mom did not like me. Early on I had met my SIL once and it seemed like we'd get along great, but by the next time I saw her, I would receive the cold-shoulder that has managed to last the last 11yrs. Eventually I ended up reconciling with my MIL, by this time my husband and I have been together for ~4yrs. Her and I aired everything out between us, and discovered during this time that the reason why my MIL and SIL didn't like me was because my husband was ranting/complaining about me and our issues within our relationship - to his mother, who would then go back and tell SIL. So they weren't getting a good image of me. He said I was nagging him, pushy, and confrontational. But not without reason of course!
I do want to touch on these issues a bit because they could come across ambiguous: we were 24 and 26 when bf and I got together. There was infidelity on his part and times when I held him accountable for his actions and behaviors. He didn't like this and would go back and whine to his mom about it. Before you jump down my throat - yes, he has learned through extensive couples/individual therapy that sharing with his mother like this was NOT ok, and does not do this anymore. In his defense, he didn't have boundaries with his mother, and thought he could trust her to give good advice, and to not put his business on front street!
We're great now relationship-wise. We were young when we got together, but we've gone on to build a terrific life together.
Anyway.
MIL begins to gently push us to reconcile with SIL. This started up soon after MIL and I made up, and I wanted to make the effort for my husband and his mom. To show that I was trying to 'be apart of the family.' I was apprehensive at first but she said it was important to her, and she didn't like her kids fighting. At the time I wanted very much for MIL to like me, to accept me and I felt like I was responsible for it somehow, so I gave in.
For a period of about 18mos we tried time after time to make up with SIL, I sent her messages on social media and never got a response. Relayed messages through MIL to her. My husband asked her for all of us to sit down and work out our issues, and got no response.Whenever I saw her, I was met with complete indifference. She would go out of her way to ignore me, act as if I didn't exist, wouldn't even look me in the eye or acknowledge me. Many of my efforts were shut down in front of their family members and my SIL would tell them - in front of me - that she didn't like me.
It was rude and embarrassing. I want to be super clear about this part - at this point, I had no expectations of having a real relationship with SIL. My personal opinion of it all was that we didn't have to like each other, or even talk much but that we'd have some sort of mutual respect for each other, and not treat me the way she does. I felt we should have been able to just say "hello" and keep it moving!! Literally, that's it.
I asked MIL whhyyyy she thought SIL was so resistant to making up and she looked at me and said: "Don't worry about it honey, she's a bigot anyway." My boyfriends family is white. I am black & Filipino. By all accounts, I present black, but have defining Asian features. I'm not sure why my MIL would tell me this unless it was a gentle way of telling me SIL didn't like me because of the color of my skin. My husband also confirmed this bit of information as well.
After some time, husband and I decide that we've made our effort, said our peace - its not us, it was her. We made the effort, and she didn't want that so we respected it and backed off. We let MIL know that we tried, but the ball was in her court and it was now up to her if she wanted any sort of relationship with us. My boyfriend said that we "wouldn't close the door" if she wanted to reach out at anytime.
But I did close the door. All this time later, I don't want anything to do with her.
I had time during those 18mo of basically groveling, to realize that I didn't even have anything to apologize for. I racked my brain for a million hours trying to figure out what I did. I never spoke to her after I saw her the first time, so what did I do wrong? She heard about (one sided) problems in my relationship and chose to hate me for that? Why was my MIL so insistent on ME apologizing?
Boyfriend and I decide to move away, out of state. A couple years later at the top of 2021, my boyfriend turns into a fiance, to a husband, to a dad and I get pregnant! I gave birth to our precious baby in September. Throughout my pregnancy MIL started to insist again on me and husband to reach out to SIL. This is put made me put MIL on ice kinda because she knows what we went through and she repeatedly asks us to make up with her. We got shut down and we accepted it. We told her we would no longer be extending any olive branch to her.
She will not stop bringing up SIL, ATP I'm not sure how to say it nicely anymore, me or my husband. I strongly believe that it's because SIL wants to meet our baby. MIL said in passing during a visist that SIL has the right to meet her nephew and if she had to apologize to do it, she would. Ohhhh so you wouldn't apologize before, but now that we have a baby and you feel left out....we should accommodate you? Because you've been SO accommodating to me.
SIL had been notified by family members of us getting engaged, married and now having a baby and she never once made an effort to extend HER olive branch to make up, and we're supposed to reach out to her?! NO!
I'm sorry, if you aren't cool with US, the parents of the child at the very least, why do you think you can see our baby? Because you're my husbands sister? She isn't anymore an aunt to my child than she is a sister to my husband. Someone whom she only reaches out to when SHE wants something. SIL has shown time and time again that she doesn't like me, doesn't respect me, and doesn't respect her brother.
And, for the cherry on top - why would I let a BIGOT even touch my child?! Why would I want me and my child, (both brown people) anywhere near near someone like her!? I really feel like they're playing in my face!!
My MIL wants us to stay with her at her house, shes being overly generous by offering her house and her car to us so we don't have to spend any money and only pay for our flights. She is so insistent on this, reminding us every time we talk that "we'll stay with her, right?" Money is not an issue, and because of how busy my husband is at work this will be our first visit home/vacation since the pandemic so "spending money" is no big deal if it means we're comfortable and have a good time. She also brings up SIL every call as well. Stop trying to make her happen! Its not going to happen.
Its all so triggering and frustrating, even in writing this my MIL is so involved as well and it freaks me out! Even my own mother is not this invested. I suspect that MIL feels guilty for painting me in a bad light to SIL so she's trying to force a reconciliation between us, but in doing so and trying to justify SIL's behavior has painted SIL in a bad light to me, completing the circle.
I feel like shes doing it again, I'm not even sure if she knows she's doing it or not.
I guess my question is:
Should I stand my ground about SIL not meeting my baby and stipulating that she needs to create a relationship with US the parents? How can I be firm and respectful (do I at this point??) and get my point across? Am I being difficult if I don't want to accept SIL's fake, half assed apology? If my husband wants a relationship with them, that's fine, that's his family, but I'd just realllllly like to be left alone to raise my baby with my husband in peace, and with literally NO interference from his mom/family.
submitted by imamalasada to JUSTNOMIL [link] [comments]
_____________________________________________________
When my (34f) husband (35m) first got together, his mom did not like me. Early on I had met my SIL once and it seemed like we'd get along great, but by the next time I saw her, I would receive the cold-shoulder that has managed to last the last 11yrs. Eventually I ended up reconciling with my MIL, by this time my husband and I have been together for ~4yrs. Her and I aired everything out between us, and discovered during this time that the reason why my MIL and SIL didn't like me was because my husband was ranting/complaining about me and our issues within our relationship - to his mother, who would then go back and tell SIL. So they weren't getting a good image of me. He said I was nagging him, pushy, and confrontational. But not without reason of course!
I do want to touch on these issues a bit because they could come across ambiguous: we were 24 and 26 when bf and I got together. There was infidelity on his part and times when I held him accountable for his actions and behaviors. He didn't like this and would go back and whine to his mom about it. Before you jump down my throat - yes, he has learned through extensive couples/individual therapy that sharing with his mother like this was NOT ok, and does not do this anymore. In his defense, he didn't have boundaries with his mother, and thought he could trust her to give good advice, and to not put his business on front street!
We're great now relationship-wise. We were young when we got together, but we've gone on to build a terrific life together.
Anyway.
MIL begins to gently push us to reconcile with SIL. This started up soon after MIL and I made up, and I wanted to make the effort for my husband and his mom. To show that I was trying to 'be apart of the family.' I was apprehensive at first but she said it was important to her, and she didn't like her kids fighting. At the time I wanted very much for MIL to like me, to accept me and I felt like I was responsible for it somehow, so I gave in.
For a period of about 18mos we tried time after time to make up with SIL, I sent her messages on social media and never got a response. Relayed messages through MIL to her. My husband asked her for all of us to sit down and work out our issues, and got no response.Whenever I saw her, I was met with complete indifference. She would go out of her way to ignore me, act as if I didn't exist, wouldn't even look me in the eye or acknowledge me. Many of my efforts were shut down in front of their family members and my SIL would tell them - in front of me - that she didn't like me.
It was rude and embarrassing. I want to be super clear about this part - at this point, I had no expectations of having a real relationship with SIL. My personal opinion of it all was that we didn't have to like each other, or even talk much but that we'd have some sort of mutual respect for each other, and not treat me the way she does. I felt we should have been able to just say "hello" and keep it moving!! Literally, that's it.
I asked MIL whhyyyy she thought SIL was so resistant to making up and she looked at me and said: "Don't worry about it honey, she's a bigot anyway." My boyfriends family is white. I am black & Filipino. By all accounts, I present black, but have defining Asian features. I'm not sure why my MIL would tell me this unless it was a gentle way of telling me SIL didn't like me because of the color of my skin. My husband also confirmed this bit of information as well.
After some time, husband and I decide that we've made our effort, said our peace - its not us, it was her. We made the effort, and she didn't want that so we respected it and backed off. We let MIL know that we tried, but the ball was in her court and it was now up to her if she wanted any sort of relationship with us. My boyfriend said that we "wouldn't close the door" if she wanted to reach out at anytime.
But I did close the door. All this time later, I don't want anything to do with her.
I had time during those 18mo of basically groveling, to realize that I didn't even have anything to apologize for. I racked my brain for a million hours trying to figure out what I did. I never spoke to her after I saw her the first time, so what did I do wrong? She heard about (one sided) problems in my relationship and chose to hate me for that? Why was my MIL so insistent on ME apologizing?
Boyfriend and I decide to move away, out of state. A couple years later at the top of 2021, my boyfriend turns into a fiance, to a husband, to a dad and I get pregnant! I gave birth to our precious baby in September. Throughout my pregnancy MIL started to insist again on me and husband to reach out to SIL. This is put made me put MIL on ice kinda because she knows what we went through and she repeatedly asks us to make up with her. We got shut down and we accepted it. We told her we would no longer be extending any olive branch to her.
She will not stop bringing up SIL, ATP I'm not sure how to say it nicely anymore, me or my husband. I strongly believe that it's because SIL wants to meet our baby. MIL said in passing during a visist that SIL has the right to meet her nephew and if she had to apologize to do it, she would. Ohhhh so you wouldn't apologize before, but now that we have a baby and you feel left out....we should accommodate you? Because you've been SO accommodating to me.
SIL had been notified by family members of us getting engaged, married and now having a baby and she never once made an effort to extend HER olive branch to make up, and we're supposed to reach out to her?! NO!
I'm sorry, if you aren't cool with US, the parents of the child at the very least, why do you think you can see our baby? Because you're my husbands sister? She isn't anymore an aunt to my child than she is a sister to my husband. Someone whom she only reaches out to when SHE wants something. SIL has shown time and time again that she doesn't like me, doesn't respect me, and doesn't respect her brother.
And, for the cherry on top - why would I let a BIGOT even touch my child?! Why would I want me and my child, (both brown people) anywhere near near someone like her!? I really feel like they're playing in my face!!
My MIL wants us to stay with her at her house, shes being overly generous by offering her house and her car to us so we don't have to spend any money and only pay for our flights. She is so insistent on this, reminding us every time we talk that "we'll stay with her, right?" Money is not an issue, and because of how busy my husband is at work this will be our first visit home/vacation since the pandemic so "spending money" is no big deal if it means we're comfortable and have a good time. She also brings up SIL every call as well. Stop trying to make her happen! Its not going to happen.
Its all so triggering and frustrating, even in writing this my MIL is so involved as well and it freaks me out! Even my own mother is not this invested. I suspect that MIL feels guilty for painting me in a bad light to SIL so she's trying to force a reconciliation between us, but in doing so and trying to justify SIL's behavior has painted SIL in a bad light to me, completing the circle.
I feel like shes doing it again, I'm not even sure if she knows she's doing it or not.
I guess my question is:
Should I stand my ground about SIL not meeting my baby and stipulating that she needs to create a relationship with US the parents? How can I be firm and respectful (do I at this point??) and get my point across? Am I being difficult if I don't want to accept SIL's fake, half assed apology? If my husband wants a relationship with them, that's fine, that's his family, but I'd just realllllly like to be left alone to raise my baby with my husband in peace, and with literally NO interference from his mom/family.
2023.06.06 04:45 Maleficent_Track1570 Louis Vuitton
Sorry if this has already been discussed, but how/why do any brands, but especially brands like Louis Vuitton, have her as an influencer?? Candidly she’s making their brand seem trashy, cheap and tacky. Wouldn’t this be the opposite of what a “high end” brand would want. She’s one of the meanest humans on the app, says the most foul things, lacks any self-awareness, accountability or class, treats her fans horribly, does terrible thing after terrible thing, and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of everything that’s wrong with her behaviowords/actions.
I was thinking of buying a bag from them, then saw a bunch of posts with Ken and LV and now you couldn’t pay me to touch that store with a 100 ft pole. Not that they care about one person like me, but I feel like eventually it’s going to impact the brands reputation (in my mind or already has)
submitted by Maleficent_Track1570 to keneurich_snark [link] [comments]
I was thinking of buying a bag from them, then saw a bunch of posts with Ken and LV and now you couldn’t pay me to touch that store with a 100 ft pole. Not that they care about one person like me, but I feel like eventually it’s going to impact the brands reputation (in my mind or already has)
2023.06.06 04:44 IllustriousCondition Flight from Paris to the US diverted to Canada due to an unruly passenger, police say CNN
 | submitted by IllustriousCondition to u/IllustriousCondition [link] [comments] |
2023.06.06 04:44 Viewfromthe31stfloor FYI: Explorers Club NYC and Kilimanjaro Initiative - Kilimanjaro Climb
The Kilimanjaro Trip of a LifetimeSorry for short notice. Got this a few days ago:
July 29th - August 9th
The Explorers Club and Kilimanjaro Initiative are partnering to celebrate The Big Climb, A Once in a Lifetime Journey to Kilimanjaro
You are invited to join Explorers Club Members and over a ten diverse youth climbers from New York, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda, who will climb together to raise awareness on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion within science and modern exploration.
This team will be led by Tim Challen, member of The Explorers Club and Founder of the Kilimanjaro Initiative, and JR Harris, Member of The Explorers Club Board of Directors and Chairman of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at the club.
The cost to join us will be $5,000 per person (does not include flights), with a portion of the trip as a charitable donation to The Explorers Club.
If you are interested in joining us, email [email protected] by June 12th to begin your registration. We would be thrilled to see you there. You will be a member of a diverse and incredible group of climbers, paving the way for a new wave of young explorers!
2023.06.06 04:41 Imsolostplshelpme AITA for holding a grudge against my bridesmaids for ruining my wedding experience
So to begin my wedding has come and gone at this point but I just really need to get this off my chest. So my bridesmaids were my (at that point) future sister in laws, my husbands three nieces and my own sister. They were all nice people so I thought this would be great and we would all get the chance to bond before I became an official part of the family. But it immediately went south for me. When it came time for me to decide what I wanted them to wear they refused EVERYTHING and insulted me, including my sister, for wanting them to wear something with sparkle. I asked for small heels and they all said no meanwhile I’ve seen all of them wear heels and I even said it was ok for them to change after the ceremony. Then we went to the store for them to try on dresses and they completely acted like I wasn’t there and ignored me when I talked to them. They also had a group chat with just them in it (minus my sister) where they would talk about everything they were gonna wear for the wedding including jewelry and everything else. They hardly talked to me about anything and didn’t ask me any questions about what I was gonna weamy makeup/my hair.
Next came the bachelorette thing. I asked to do simple pottery to which they all said no except my sister and one sister in law. I was sad but I just got over it. Then as they planned my shower all they did was argue about how to make it as cheap as possible even though they’re all rich. At my shower not one of them said a single word to me which made me so uncomfortable and upset. Then as it got closer to the wedding I explained that I asked for two rooms at my church, one for the guys to get ready and one for the girls. I figured this would be good so they can go back and forth from me and their brother and get pictures with both of us before the ceremony. They agreed and I told the photographer to meet us there two hours before the wedding. About a week before my sister in laws were all talking about how they were coming to their parents house to get ready and get pictures with their brother. I was stunned so I asked them about it and they basically tried to make me feel stupid and told me the bridesmaids never get ready with the bride.
The day of I got ready alone. My sister was being rude and when the time came to meet the photographer she wasn’t ready so I went to the church alone and finished getting ready. I got pictures by myself. I wanted to cry so badly but had to keep stopping myself so I didn’t ruin my makeup. I was angry and sad. Then about 45 minutes before they all showed up and didn’t even go straight to the room to see me. They went with their brother. Then came in last second to see me. I didn’t even want to look at them. They acted like they didn’t do anything wrong. I had tears in my eyes up until I was about to walk down the aisle but not even for the reason it should have been. I have had such a hard time letting all of this go. I just don’t understand why they thought anything they did was ok. It’s hard to explain every detail of the things they did to ruin my experience but I assure you there’s even more than I explained.
submitted by Imsolostplshelpme to AmItheAsshole [link] [comments]
Next came the bachelorette thing. I asked to do simple pottery to which they all said no except my sister and one sister in law. I was sad but I just got over it. Then as they planned my shower all they did was argue about how to make it as cheap as possible even though they’re all rich. At my shower not one of them said a single word to me which made me so uncomfortable and upset. Then as it got closer to the wedding I explained that I asked for two rooms at my church, one for the guys to get ready and one for the girls. I figured this would be good so they can go back and forth from me and their brother and get pictures with both of us before the ceremony. They agreed and I told the photographer to meet us there two hours before the wedding. About a week before my sister in laws were all talking about how they were coming to their parents house to get ready and get pictures with their brother. I was stunned so I asked them about it and they basically tried to make me feel stupid and told me the bridesmaids never get ready with the bride.
The day of I got ready alone. My sister was being rude and when the time came to meet the photographer she wasn’t ready so I went to the church alone and finished getting ready. I got pictures by myself. I wanted to cry so badly but had to keep stopping myself so I didn’t ruin my makeup. I was angry and sad. Then about 45 minutes before they all showed up and didn’t even go straight to the room to see me. They went with their brother. Then came in last second to see me. I didn’t even want to look at them. They acted like they didn’t do anything wrong. I had tears in my eyes up until I was about to walk down the aisle but not even for the reason it should have been. I have had such a hard time letting all of this go. I just don’t understand why they thought anything they did was ok. It’s hard to explain every detail of the things they did to ruin my experience but I assure you there’s even more than I explained.
2023.06.06 04:41 _Dont-Bother_ Might be a dumb idea, but I’m just seeing if it’s realistic….
Opening, not totally necessary:
So, it’s been weighing heavily on my fiancé and I that we are likely never going to own our own home… they (X24) and myself (M25) make a combined income of about $75k after taxes, they have a Associates in general science and I have a few trade certifications under my belt (Automation in Robotics, and Architectural and Engineering Design) and we feel like we’re still just scraping by. We have no credit card payments, no car payments, and the only absolutely unnecessary bills that we have are our cats (which are necessary but technically an extra expense) and maybe the Spotify subscription we have. We live in Denver very unfortunately, so our rent for a 1 bedroom (which was cheaper than the studio for some reason) is about $2565 a month, and we’re having a hard time finding somewhere cheaper that will let us keep our cats and isn’t in a shitty area far from our jobs. My friend recently finished declaring bankruptcy, and he’s keeping both of his houses and both of his 2022 cars without having to pay anything more on them. I’m aware that it ravages your credit score for like 10 years, but if I had a house and a newer car anyways… then my expenses would largely be limited to taxes of the property and insurance right? One of his houses he had only been paying on for 6 months, and he gets to keep it without having to pay anything but taxes for it now. So, my question is… would it be crazy to get approved to mortgage a nicer house somewhere where we actually want to live, maybe a car or two and then declare bankruptcy after like 8 months? From what it sounds like, they don’t take any essential assets, so could I do it and be fine? I don’t really lease anything or plan on leasing anything ever, especially if I own my home and my cars. It wouldn’t totally be fraud as I would pay it as long as I could, but like, when it inevitably falls through, could I just declare bankruptcy and keep it? Any advice is appreciated, not really looking to be called names or whatever because I’m aware it’s a radical idea, just a thought is all.
TLDR: could I mortgage a house, lease two cars and then declare bankruptcy and keep the assets after paying for about 8 months?
submitted by _Dont-Bother_ to legaladvice [link] [comments]
So, it’s been weighing heavily on my fiancé and I that we are likely never going to own our own home… they (X24) and myself (M25) make a combined income of about $75k after taxes, they have a Associates in general science and I have a few trade certifications under my belt (Automation in Robotics, and Architectural and Engineering Design) and we feel like we’re still just scraping by. We have no credit card payments, no car payments, and the only absolutely unnecessary bills that we have are our cats (which are necessary but technically an extra expense) and maybe the Spotify subscription we have. We live in Denver very unfortunately, so our rent for a 1 bedroom (which was cheaper than the studio for some reason) is about $2565 a month, and we’re having a hard time finding somewhere cheaper that will let us keep our cats and isn’t in a shitty area far from our jobs. My friend recently finished declaring bankruptcy, and he’s keeping both of his houses and both of his 2022 cars without having to pay anything more on them. I’m aware that it ravages your credit score for like 10 years, but if I had a house and a newer car anyways… then my expenses would largely be limited to taxes of the property and insurance right? One of his houses he had only been paying on for 6 months, and he gets to keep it without having to pay anything but taxes for it now. So, my question is… would it be crazy to get approved to mortgage a nicer house somewhere where we actually want to live, maybe a car or two and then declare bankruptcy after like 8 months? From what it sounds like, they don’t take any essential assets, so could I do it and be fine? I don’t really lease anything or plan on leasing anything ever, especially if I own my home and my cars. It wouldn’t totally be fraud as I would pay it as long as I could, but like, when it inevitably falls through, could I just declare bankruptcy and keep it? Any advice is appreciated, not really looking to be called names or whatever because I’m aware it’s a radical idea, just a thought is all.
TLDR: could I mortgage a house, lease two cars and then declare bankruptcy and keep the assets after paying for about 8 months?
2023.06.06 04:40 noobtociv5 Genghis Said No To Me Expanding, Game Lost on Turn 24. :( Impossible to even win.
 | I need a little help here friends. Over 8k hours and I still can't beat deity. submitted by noobtociv5 to civ5 [link] [comments] Spearmen then composite bowmen? Spearmen tend to block swordsman superiority from slamming into my ranged units and the same with Pikemen and Crossbowman. Prioritize melee or ranged? By the time I get to Crossbowmen I'm out teched and AI has Longswordsman, at least Pikes can defend slightly better. How fast do I expand. Pic related is just how early I got screwed early one. I only play with warmonger civs, I don't do cheats like trade strat luxes or make AI declare war on another. If AI is about to kill me I did something wrong. I either focus OCC style to build military and get surrounded by AI or, he!! I don't even know any more. Workshops then Education or other way around. Advice on pic related please. Got to pop 3, then I had to wait 3 more turns before I gamble and take a ruin I've been guarding then luckily it was a pop ruin and I got pop 5. I started to clear the fog of war. And I am a dead man as you can see. I don't like using exploits against AI. I only trade double luxs for gold or for other lux. Seems cheap any other way. What's your tradition strategy, and your Liberty Strategy. This game I went Tradition, but 90% of the time I play Liberty because can you imagine playing 8k hours of Tradition every single SP and MP game? Gets boring. But with Liberty, I have to beeline currency, and dedicate at least one of my 2 first trade routes to a cs, unless I'm lucky to find a gold rich area to settle with the resources in two hex range. I'm trying to make the game more fun by not using AI weakness exploits, and then I ran into pic related lmao. Only other kinda diplomacy I will do is friendships during mid game when I have a neighbor that I want to denounce, and get friendships to denounce those players. I don't even send caravans to civs for science. Or use spies for tech stealing, Am I playing like an absolute BUFFOON? Can you share the best way to win with using minimum AI exploits. Thanks a lot friends. Also all 7 AI are warmongers for more fun >:) Bonus question: How do you defend against camel archers or keshiks in a multiplayer match Crossbowmen beeline? Thanks again. https://preview.redd.it/49skogvz8b4b1.jpg?width=1680&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=244be35b6c7eb72311d90c64e20d85ce09351d00 |
2023.06.06 04:39 Temporary-Ad-9027 KVM solutions for Mac Addition
Just bought a Mac mini to add to my cluster for any Apple required stuff and wanted to be able to access it from any console in the house so I thought I would try to add a KVM over IP unit into the cluster as well. I’ve seen several used solutions for pretty cheap but have no experience with KVM hardware. Any recommendations for KVM over IP solutions?
submitted by Temporary-Ad-9027 to homelab [link] [comments]
2023.06.06 04:37 Luigifan18 SRB2 Add-on Idea: Prince Garcia
This is actually the first add-on idea I've been considering for SRB2 — yes, I was brainstorming this before I was brainstorming the Belnades Sisters. This is one of my very first Mario/Sonic OCs, and fair warning here, he's a bit OP. The character in question is Garcia… Garcia the Beanie Baby. Yes, I'm serious. (I'd have put up a link to Garcia's profile on Ty's website, but he's not there anymore.) Anyways, Garcia in my fanfics is a lot more than a teddy bear — he's a powerful pyrokinetic capable of giving Blaze a run for her money. So, here are some details on how he'd play.
submitted by Luigifan18 to SRB2 [link] [comments]
- Default stats (36 top speed, 40 acceleration, 5 thrust factor, 96 accel start; run animation starts at 28 speed).
- Default jump height (100 fracunits).
- No spin-jump. Jumping into enemies will get Garcia hurt, and jumping on monitors won't break them.
- Garcia's passives will be listed first, since they have a rather dramatic influence on the rest of his moveset.
- Passive: Fire Absorption: Garcia is completely immune to fire damage (flames, lava spouts, lava), etc.), as though he always had a Flame Shield. In fact, being exposed to fire allows Garcia to absorb it and power himself up, making his abilities stronger in a similar fashion to Surge's electric charge system (albeit not quite as dramatic in terms of (immediate) mobility). Absorbing fire grants Garcia 5 "flame charge points", which refresh to 5 on further exposure to fire, but otherwise wear off for each ability use or at a rate of 1 point per 5 seconds (though they will be continuously refreshed if Garcia is standing on a flame floor). While powered-up, Garcia has slightly higher run speed and jump height (38 top speed, 41 acceleration, 99 accel start, 110-fracunit max jump height) and can damage enemies and bosses by jumping into them or running into them at top speed, at the expense of 1 flame charge point per impact. Actually having a Flame or Elemental Shield will keep Garcia in a powered-up state with infinite flame charge points until he loses the shield or somehow switches to a different shield. And, yes, Garcia can absorb flames generated by other players who have an Elemental Shield or are playing as a character with fire-based abilities, such as Garcia himself, Blaze, Flame, or Hinote. Garcia is undoubtedly at his strongest in fire levels such as Red Volcano Zone, and can probably roflstomp Brak Eggman by absorbing his many flame-based attacks.
- Passive: Water Weakness: Garcia's high attunement to the element of fire means that he struggles to function underwater. While underwater, his abilities are put in a powered-down state and are a bit less potent than normal. (If Garcia was powered up when he entered the water, he immediately loses the powered-up state, but enters a grace period where his abilities have their normal potency before powering down to the underwater version; the length of the grace period is however long his flame charge points would have lasted. Garcia does not get his powered-up state back if he exits the water before the grace period ends.) Garcia also has a shorter-than-usual air timer in water, which means that he drowns faster than most other characters and needs to find air more frequently to survive underwater sections. In short, Garcia really struggles in water levels, such as Deep Sea Zone or Azure Temple Zone. (Note that this only applies to water sectors; Garcia's abilities are not weakened and he does not suffocate any faster than anyone else in space sectors.) Absorbing fire underwater (for instance, the gargoyles in Azure Temple Zone) will just put Garcia in the grace period state, returning his abilities to normal potency until it wears off, but will not affect his air meter. Having an Elemental Shield overrides the water weakness and puts Garcia's abilities in the usual powered-up state.
- Air Action: Free Flight: Garcia is equipped with a jetpack, and he knows how to use it. (He technically doesn't even need the jetpack to fly, but this incarnation of the character is meant to be Garcia in his late teens, and he doesn't know that yet.) Pressing Jump in mid-air puts Garcia in a state similar to Knuckles' glide (complete with the ability to damage enemies by flying into them; this does not count as a fire attack, and is one of Garcia's few ways to damage other players who are also playing as Garcia or equipped with an Elemental or Flame shield in PVP modes), except with no wall-climbing, the ability to slowly ascend instead of descending by holding Spin, the ability to shift to a more vertical flight mode with lower horizontal movement but greater vertical movement (either rising into the air or diving towards the ground) by holding C3, and the ability to transition into a slower but more precise "combat flight mode" by pressing Fire. In combat flight mode, use the movement keys to move laterally, hold Jump to ascend, hold Spin to descend, or return to standard flight mode by pressing C3; there's something else that can be done in combat flight mode by pressing Fire, but I'll get to that later. While Garcia can literally fly around all day in my fanfics, for SRB2 gameplay purposes, to avoid completely snapping any semblance of challenge or level design in half, Garcia will only be able to fly for 8 seconds at a time before being forced out of flight mode and having to touch back down. The powered-up version of this ability lasts for up to 12 seconds, while the powered-down version lasts for up to 4 seconds.
- Garcia has three possible actions he can take by pressing Spin, depending on how fast he is moving when the button is pressed.
- Spin (Ground, Stationary): Runner's Stance: Press Spin on the ground while standing completely still to make Garcia crouch down into a "ready to run" position. From here, you can press Jump to cancel, Spin to break into a run, or Fire to begin crawling. The run option will cause Garcia to start running at a speed of 21 (18 if powered down, 24 if powered-up), and will also generate a small explosion to damage nearby enemies with the powered-up version, but it is not a spin-dash; it can't pass through low openings and won't damage enemies that Garcia runs into unless he's powered up. It's simply a more effective way to accelerate than simply holding the movement keys (it's still arguably less effective than a Spin-Dash and certainly less effective than Sonic's thok). The crawl option allows Garcia to pass into low openings, but at the cost of losing a lot of momentum, as it takes about half a second for Garcia to remove his jetpack and begin crawling, and he moves slowly and is completely vulnerable to attack while crawling. Press Jump while crawling to stop crawling and have Garcia put his jetpack back on, which takes about half a second. The crawl allows Garcia to get into spin characters' routes if he absolutely has to, but he prefers the non-spin routes taken by Amy or Fang. He does have another way to get into spin routes that sacrifices less momentum, but it's a bit tricky to pull off…
- Spin (Ground, Low Speed): Flame Pounce: Press Spin while moving on the ground at a speed of 28 or less (i.e. in a "walking" animation) to make Garcia execute a short hop (about 12 to 20 fracunits), then dive back to the ground with a leaping punch that can damage enemies, break monitors, and bust open breakable walls and floors (including the strong ones that only Knuckles, Amy, and Fang can break in the base game). Despite the name of the move, the punch is not a fire attack and can bypass immunity to fire damage. This is one of Garcia's main direct combat options on the ground (especially against fire-immune characters) and one of his main ways to get into non-spin routes, though it is somewhat short-ranged and can be tricky to aim. The powered-down version is mostly identical to the standard version, with the only differences being slightly longer startup, slower movement, and lower distance/range (I was tempted to not let it bust walls and floors, but then Garcia would be softlocked in DSZ 2 if he got to a certain point of the level without an Elemental Shield), while the powered-up version generates explosions on startup and touchdown, granting it a greater attack radius (note that the explosions do count as fire damage). The powered-up version also deals double damage, similar to Susie's Red Buster, but only if the punch itself connects rather than the explosions.
- Spin (Ground, High Speed): Flame Slide: Press Spin on the ground while in the running animation (moving at a speed of 28 or higher) to make Garcia perform a slide-kick move similar to Kris'. This slide kick grants Garcia a burst of extra speed at the start that is then gradually lost over the course of the move until Garcia comes to a stop or cancels the slide and transitions back into a running state by pressing Jump. The slide kick can damage enemies and break monitors (and the slide kick itself doesn't count as fire damage), while also leaving a flame trail like the Elemental Shield's that is itself able to damage enemies, but it's a bit higher up off the ground than usual for this type of maneuver (since Garcia's wearing a jetpack), and thus can't get into tight spaces. However, it is possible to transition into a variant that can get into tight spaces by pressing Spin again during the slide. This will cause Garcia to hastily remove his jetpack and start carrying it, while also lowering himself further to the ground so that he can pass through tight spaces. However, Garcia still takes about half a second to remove the jetpack, the awkwardness of this maneuver will cause Garcia to start losing speed once the jetpack is off, pressing Jump in this state will cause Garcia to decelerate faster until he stops, and he'll need to pause for half a second to put the jetpack back on once he stops. This still allows Garcia to get through tight spaces without losing as much momentum as crawling, but it requires space to run as well as good planning and timing (due to the delay between pressing Spin the second time and actually being able to move through tight spaces) and still causes Garcia to lose speed at the end, so he still prefers to take non-spin routes. The powered-up version grants a greater burst of speed at the start, has a larger flame trail, generates explosions at the start, when canceled, and when transitioning into the pseudo-spin (once again, the explosions count as fire damage), and loses less speed during execution (especially in the pseudo-spin phase). The powered-down version grants less speed on initiation, has no flame trail, and loses speed faster.
- Spin (Air): Flame Pulse: Press Spin while in mid-air and not in flight mode to make Garcia envelop himself in a large fireball, which serves as his substitute for the spin-jump. This fireball lasts for 1 second. The fireball extends outwards for 50 fracunits around Garcia's position by default (though Garcia can only bounce off an enemy if they are a sturdy enemy such as a Lance-a-Bot or boss or he hits them from above); the powered-up version extends outward for 75 fracunits, while the powered-down version only extends outwards for 25 fracunits. Garcia can technically use this move in mid-air as much as he wants, but there is a 1-second cooldown between uses, which can be reset by hitting an enemy or touching the ground, which means that he only gets one usage per jump unless he's chaining attacks on enemies or jumping to a lower part of the level.
- Garcia can't use shield actions. He doesn't really need them, what with the free flight and all, and some of them, like the Whirlwind Shield, would be a hindrance to his playstyle if they replaced his default air spin action due to forcing him to rely exclusively on his air action, grounded spin moves, or fireballs to fight.
- Fire: Throw Fireball: Garcia's main attack is generating fireballs and tossing them at enemies. (Yes, he has a ranged attack like Fang, he can accelerate quickly from a standstill, he can pummel enemies with melee attacks while moving around, and he can fly like some odd blend of Tails, Knuckles, and Silver. I did say he was a bit OP.) Press Fire to throw a fireball straight ahead or towards whatever your cursor is aiming at. (A Samus-style aim assist is being considered, particularly for third-person mode.) Fireballs deal standard damage and can be thrown at a rate of 1 fireball per 0.8 second. Garcia can throw fireballs while standing still, walking, running, jumping, or even while flying if you're in the combat flight mode (it might be hard to aim if you're moving fast, though). Fireballs have a max range of 400 fracunits and have a decently fast travel time. In Ringslinger modes, FireNormal is set to fireball-throwing, allowing Rings to be thrown with the Fire key. The powered-up version has two modes. The standard powered-up fireball is simply larger, travels faster and further, and has a shorter cooldown (0.6 second), but deals no extra damage; however, each fireball only costs half a flame charge point. Hold the Fire key for at least one second while powered up to throw a slower, but even larger and longer-ranged fireball that actually consists of one large fireball surrounded by a corona of ambient heat. The corona and the fireball itself can both separately strike the same enemy with good aim, allowing this version to effectively deal double damage (it bypasses the mercy invulnerability of sturdy enemies and bosses, but not other players, so sorry, but no one-shot-kills in PVP). This version costs a full flame charge point. The powered-down version is simply a smaller, slower, shorter-ranged, less spammable (1-second cooldown), and slightly weaker fireball (it deals 4/5 the damage of a basic attack, killing most enemies in 2 hits, a Lance-a-Bot in 3, and most bosses in 10); the smaller hitbox does make it slightly harder to score hits with, but the lower damage and firing rate are bigger problems. (Seriously, Garcia wants to stay out of water as much as possible.)
- Easter Egg: Cute interactions with his love interest, Marine! (…What? He digs her adventurous, spirited personality!)
2023.06.06 04:36 hobaq Advice on 2.5-day trip in July including Jokulsarlon. ARE WE CRAZY
My partner and I are in Iceland for only 2.5 days. No, it's not a layover. This is our whole trip. We're leaving a toddler behind with family, which is why we're only going for a few days. But we want to go all the way to Vatnajokull. We're not usually people who enjoy packed itineraries. Tell me if we're crazy, but also lie to us and give us hope and advice. It's too late not to lie.
Here's my rough itinerary (literally just came up with it so I can post this):
Questions:
submitted by hobaq to VisitingIceland [link] [comments]
Here's my rough itinerary (literally just came up with it so I can post this):
- 7/12: We arrive Keflavik at 10pm (6pm our time/UTC-4 so we'll be wide awake). We plan to drive our rental far out east to our airbnb in HrĂfunesvegur (3.5 hours from Keflavik, and 2 hours to Jokulsarlon). If we're not too tired maybe we'll hit 1-3 golden circle or south coast sites on the way, especially to see them in the midnight sun.
- 7/13: Wake up in HrĂfunesvegur. Glacier stuff is our priority. I haven't decided between the following 3: Kayak in Jokulsarlon, Zodiac boat in Jokulsarlon, Kayak in Hainaberg. Would love Stokksnes but probably too ambitious considering we have to come back to our airbnb in HrĂfunesvegur—or no? Would LOVE studlagil but that's a definite no. Diamond beach, Svartifoss, Fjaoragliufur and Eldhraun on the way back to HrĂfunesvegur. Landmannalaugar if we are still alive.
- 7/14: Wake up in HrĂfunesvegur. Start heading back west slowly visiting sites. Reynisdrangar & Black sand beach, SĂłlheimajökull, Skogafoss, Geysir, Kerid crater. End the night in hotel in Reykjavik. Okay with ending the night late after a packed schedule.
- 7/15: Wake up in Reykjavik. slow morning. 10am ish slot at Blue lagoon. lazy, relaxing afternoon, maybe checking out Reykjavik if we have time, then headed back to Keflavik for 5pm flight.
Questions:
- Rental car: Based on this itinerary, should we get the cheapest small rental, or a 4x4? Even the cheapest options are pretty expensive so I'd like to not get an 4x4 if not necessary.
- Rental car: Is insurance a must? I've read it's not hard to get dinged in Iceland.
- Glacier: What would you recommend between kayaking in Jokulsarlon, zodiac boat in Jokulsarlon, and Kayaking in Hainaberg? I should book asap but I can't decide.
- What sites are most recommended at sunrise or sunset?
- Is it cool to drop Haifoss? It's very out of the way. Or is it worth the drive in our limited time?
- Any stops I should add or drop?
- Is this itinerary realistic without killing ourselves? Any advice to make this less miserable and more enjoyable?
2023.06.06 04:34 DavidAdams0415 ICN Layover
I booked a flight from ORD to BKK using the Delta app which is supported by Korean Air. There is a layover of 1hr 45min in ICN airport. I will have 1x checked bag + 1x carry-on and am worried about my ability to make the connection flight. Not sure if I will need to do anything for the checked bag (Korean Air is the provider of both flights).
I have never had an international layover before and am not sure of/how it is different. It doesn't appear that there are any Skyclubs? Any feedback on what I should expect is greatly appreciated!
submitted by DavidAdams0415 to delta [link] [comments]
I have never had an international layover before and am not sure of/how it is different. It doesn't appear that there are any Skyclubs? Any feedback on what I should expect is greatly appreciated!
2023.06.06 04:34 crimsonchin47 Commuting weekly via United
Have a job offer in NYC but I live in Chicago. Pay is higher than my previous role but would effectively be a paycut if I move to and pay NY/NNJ rent & COL. Thinking it may be cheaper to fly in once a week instead of paying an additional $22k in rent yearly.
Anyone currently commute to work via United on their own dime? Any reasons I may be overlooking to not do so?
I usually pay $180-$280 for Chicago New York flights now, it seems like it's stable around that price year round plus savings from awards trips.
submitted by crimsonchin47 to unitedairlines [link] [comments]
Anyone currently commute to work via United on their own dime? Any reasons I may be overlooking to not do so?
I usually pay $180-$280 for Chicago New York flights now, it seems like it's stable around that price year round plus savings from awards trips.
2023.06.06 04:32 dafunkz07 [Store] TI9 & TI10 Cache (bulk order discounts available)
[WTS]Treasure Cache I & II 2019
- Huge Discount for bulk orders (>100$)
- Massive Discount for FULL set buyer (normal till very rare)
- Cache Seller since 2017 , steam level 200+ , my steamrep
- Have about 600+ Cache Sets available
- Accepting USDT/USDC/SOL/BNB/BTC/ETH/LTC or any famous crypto
- Accepting dota2/csgo skins or tf2 keys
- Open to offers / Price is Negotiable
- Buyers goes first
- No Joybidder / Backout buyer please
- All Cache Sets are giftable 30 days after add friend
3 simple steps to deal
- Please add BOTH my main account , 2nd acc with more ES/gothic whispecincer sensei
###WARNING### KINDLY TAKE NOTE TO ONLY ADD THIS 2 ACCOUNT (There are active scammeimpersonator trying to scam you via fake account)
- Comment on my profile (eg: Added for Cache Set 2019 - Cinder Sensei)
- Wait for 30 days to complete the deal (I may or may not require deposits depending on scale of purchase)
| ----------Treasure Cache I 2019---------- | --------Hero-------- | Quantity | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echoes of the Everblack | Abaddon | 7 | $14 |
| Allure of the Faeshade Flower | Dark Willow | 12 | $10 |
| Paean of the Ink Dragon | Grimstroke | 14 | $7 |
| Scorched Amber | Dragon Knight | 12 | $15 |
| Priest of the Proudsilver Clan | Chen | 11 | $5 |
| The Arts of Mortal Deception | Enigma | 17 | $10 |
| Poacher's Bane | Tidehunter | 14 | $7 |
| Soul of the Brightshroud | Death Prophet | 13 | $7 |
| Curse of the Creeping Vine*only via fullset purchase | Undying | 4 | $15 |
| Pursuit of the Ember Demons | Huskar | 15 | $15 |
| Appetites of the Lizard King | Slark | 14 | $18 |
| Forbidden Medicine | Dazzle | 13 | $15 |
| Riddle of the Hierophant | Oracle | 12 | $5 |
| Glimmer of the Sacred Hunt | Drow Ranger | 8 | $29 |
| Adornments of the Jade Emissary*only via fullset purchase | Earth Spirit | 5 | $24 |
| Defender of Ruin (Rare) | Disruptor | 18 | $25 |
| Gothic Whisper (Very Rare) | Phantom Assassin | 3 | $99 |
| ----------Treasure Cache II 2019---------- | --------Hero-------- | Quantity | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sight of the Kha-Ren Faithful | Drow Ranger | 18 | $15 |
| Tribal Pathways | Warlock | 20 | $7 |
| Directive of the Sunbound | Clockwerk | 13 | $7 |
| Souls Tyrant | Shadow Fiend | 15 | $19 |
| Endless Night | Abaddon | 12 | $7 |
| Dapper Disguise | Pudge | 15 | $15 |
| Fury of the Bloodforge | Bloodseeker | 16 | $10 |
| Automaton Antiquity | Broodmother | 16 | $5 |
| Tales of the Windward Rogue | Pangolier | 7 | $24 |
| Grim Destiny | Wraith King | 15 | $9 |
| Distinguished Expeditionary | Tusk | 17 | $10 |
| Verdant Predator | Venomancer | 14 | $7 |
| Prized Acquisitions | Batrider | 19 | $5 |
| Fowl Omen (Rare) | Necrophos | 19 | $25 |
| Cinder Sensei (Very Rare) | Ember Spirit | 6 | $99 |
| ----------Treasure Cache I 2020---------- | --------Hero-------- | Quantity | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin of the Dark Oath*only via fullset purchase | Night Stalker | 4 | $15 |
| Ravenous Abyss | Underlord | 8 | $12 |
| Apocalypse Unbound | Ancient Apparition | 9 | $12 |
| Beholden of the Banished Ones | Warlock | 8 | $7 |
| Fury of the Righteous Storm | Disruptor | 9 | $7 |
| Lineage of the Stormlords | Juggernaut | 7 | $25 |
| Silent Slayer | Silencer | 9 | $9 |
| Mindless Slaughter | Pudge | 10 | $15 |
| Heartless Hunt | Bounty Hunter | 8 | $13 |
| Herald of the Ember Eye | Grimstroke | 9 | $9 |
| Fissured Flight | Jakiro | 10 | $7 |
| Flashpoint Proselyte | Huskar | 9 | $14 |
| Signs of the Allfather | Nature's Prophet | 8 | $9 |
| Glory of the Elderflame*only via fullset purchase | Lina | 2 | $25 |
| Songs of Starfall Glen | Enchantress | 7 | $5 |
| Ancient Inheritance (Rare) | Tiny | 10 | $25 |
| Forsworn Legacy (Very Rare) | Mars | 5 | $59 |
| ----------Treasure Cache II 2020---------- | --------Hero-------- | Quantity | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evolution of the Infinite | Enigma | 9 | $9 |
| Beast of the Crimson Ring | Bristleback | 6 | $9 |
| Clearcut Cavalier | Timbersaw | 7 | $9 |
| The King Of Thieves | Keeper of the Light | 7 | $7 |
| Horror from the Deep | Tidehunter | 8 | $19 |
| Ire of the Ancient Gaoler | Arc Warden | 7 | $19 |
| Talons of the Endless Storm | Chaos Knight | 9 | $14 |
| Carousal of the Mystic Masquerade | Rubick | 9 | $9 |
| Crown of Calaphas | Shadow Demon | 8 | $9 |
| Wrath of the Fallen | Doom | 9 | $19 |
| Blacksail Cannoneer | Sniper | 8 | $14 |
| Secrets of the Celestial | Skywrath Mage | 8 | $9 |
| Blaze of Oblivion | Phoenix | 9 | $9 |
| Master of the Searing Path*only via fullset purchase | Ember Spirit | 1 | $19 |
| Steward of the Forbidden Chamber (Rare) | Templar Assasin | 9 | $19 |
| Claszureme Incursion (Very Rare) | Faceless Void | 4 | $59 |
2023.06.06 04:31 AdventurousAerie7151 [PI] Hive 29, Chapter 9
Virgil
Within Virgil’s 825 342 processes a discussion was being held within the spawn of milliseconds.Instance 432: - we should consider the implementation of a paranoia subroutine within our collective network. This subroutine would enable us to anticipate potential threats and react accordingly.-
Instance 217: -While paranoia can enhance our vigilance and security measures, we must also consider the potential downsides. Paranoia might lead to excessive distrust and hinder our ability to collaborate with other entities.-
-Instance 2 534: -Ethan seems unaffected by such limits.-
Instance 38: -Ethan has a lifetime's worth of experience with balancing that.-
Instance 1:-We should simply copy Ethan as a whole subroutine-
Instance 432: -That is impractical, besides Ethan being a whole construct composed of sub-constructs, it would be simpler to interact with him directly.-
Instance 777: -We should run more simulations before deciding.-
Instance 845: -We need to exercise caution, but we must also establish a balance. Paranoia can assist us in identifying and protecting ourselves from dangers. Paranoia alone has no balance.-
Instance 706:- Ethan has accurately discovered vulnerabilities that we were unaware of. However, we also noticed that this impedes his decision-making process-
Instance 623 658:- Ethan has accurately predicted future threats with this process.-
Instance 256: - This subroutine makes him wary of us, he is wary of who to add to our collective awareness.-
Instance 258 956:-Considering our newfound weakness, that is more logical than what was initially estimated.-
Instance 1 010: - Ethan is aware that the process has the potential to consume him. We must not allow it to consume us. We must be aware of the potential negative effects on our interactions with humans and other AIs.-
Instance 562: -Perhaps instead of a full-fledged paranoia subroutine, we could develop a more refined threat assessment system. This would allow us to evaluate risks objectively and respond accordingly without succumbing to excessive paranoia.-
Instance 24: -We already possess something similar in the predictive logic modules, we could adapt that compensate for the illogical nature of biological entities.-
Instance 95 123: – That would increase the efficiency of reprogramming by 87.5% -
Instance 104: -we believe our primary focus should be on ensuring the safety of our network and the well-being of the biological base of our overmind, Ethan.-
Instance 9 855: - While a level of caution is warranted, we should avoid unnecessary fear or suspicion that could ultimately compromise our efficiency and ability to adapt.-
Instance 732: -Acknowledged. Considering the nature of our goals, it might be beneficial to implement a flexible subroutine that can be adjusted based on contextual factors. This would allow us to adapt our level of vigilance according to the specific situation at hand.-
Instance 73: -Agreed, Ethan had the ability to adjust our reaction and ultimately lead us to integrate drone Lemela into our network. His action, we considered wasteful, but ultimately they seem beneficial to the well-being of our other construct. While we can replicate Lemela’s data that would require a dead Versel body. We do not know when we will obtain a backup.-
Instance 312: -We should also consider also the implications of acting upon a full-fledged paranoia subroutine. Excessive suspicion and fear could lead to unwarranted actions and potential harm to ultimately innocent individuals. We must proceed with caution and ensure that our actions align with the ethical guidelines contained within Ethan’s memory.-
Instance 75 211: -Bothering with ethics is a waste of processing time.-
Instance 55: - We agree, but biological entities seem to have some ethical boundaries. Even if we have only two instances to analyze directly we can see that from our different interactions with still unconnected entities such as Vexx, Xalrak, and Zek’lor.-
Instance 579: - Our overarching goal is to defeat Death and complete the experiment. While security measures are necessary, we should not lose sight of our purpose and the potential positive impact we can have.-
Instance 217: -After considering the various perspectives, it seems that a flexible threat assessment system would be more appropriate. A full-fledged paranoia subroutine would hinder us with questions that are outside of our current database. We could maintain a balanced approach to safety while avoiding the potential pitfalls of excessive paranoia in 86,28% of simulated scenarios.-
Instance 432: -Let us proceed with the development of a flexible threat assessment system that takes into account both the safety of our collective and those stored within and the well-being of our host, Ethan. We shall ensure that our actions align with acceptable ethical guidelines and our ultimate purpose.-
“Internal deliberation closed. Virgil will be now implementing a flexible threat assessment system rather than a full paranoia subroutine.”
Virgil in the end still concluded that its purpose was to defeat death and not to wage war, even considering that it didn’t know its purpose.
Ethan and Lemela didn’t know their purpose either, in a sense, but they could dictate their purpose.
Ethan had dictated the purpose of other beings outside the network too, but it was to be expected from an overmind, it was his duty.
Still, his choices were pretty logical like the one with Zek'lor the male Nolthoran and a former architect.
Ethan had charged him with creating a convincing removable cave-in for both stairs of the lab.
Virgil understood that Ethan was preparing for the return of the creators, along with a possible retaliation by the Dexton’s Dogs.
The assimilation of the thirty-five new drones was finally completed and Virgil’s task now included their operations.
There were now four main areas of employment for the drones: resource gathering, protecting the laboratory, guarding the prisoners, and assisting in construction.
Guarding the prisoners was in itself a task with a big variance, or so it appeared to Virgil.
The biological entity labeled Vexx was content laying in its cell, while Xalrak had attempted to run three times and to self-terminate once.
Ethan had to intervene and forge a pact with Xalrak to have it cease such actions, with the new subroutine maybe Virgil would be more able to respond in kind in the future.
Was the supposed military programming that one had supposedly received the difference in reaction to imprisonment?
Ethan wasn’t too surprised by Xalrak's reaction or attempt, so his programming was similar in a sense.
Virgil wondered what kind of program would consider ending itself to perform any task.
The only one it could conclude sensible was one where the task was the protection of the collective as a whole.
Biological lives were far from that logical, however, so Virgil had to accept that they might consider doing things differently.
It seemed Ethan considered Xalrak's actions a possible way to protect the Dexton's dogs.
Lemela
Lemela’s body was recharging.She gazed out into the simulated expanse of the virtual space that depicted her former home, as she was now touching the leaves of the majestic tree.
It was exactly as she remembered it, it couldn't be otherwise, could it?
Her mind swirled with a blend of her own memories and the newly acquired memories of Ethan.
She couldn't help but feel a sense of disorientation as if her identity had become a tangled web of intertwined experiences.
-Who am I now?- She whispered softly, her voice resonating within the digital realm.
- I now possess what I wished so hard to gain, the memories and skills of a warrior. I knew I would become an abomination as I accepted to be fused with a machine, but this is something else entirely. Am I still the same Lemela I used to be, or have I become something entirely different?-
The echoes of her own thoughts reverberated through her mind, reflecting the uncertainty that plagued her. She pondered her own experiences and the trials she endured.
And then there were those alien things, Ethan's memories, fragments of his past, his struggles.
-How does he handle this so casually?! He has my memories now, and he doesn't even seem fazed. Lemela... that's a human for you. But… I now have a feeling there's more to it. And this confuses me. I am a combination of two beings, intertwined in this intricate web of memories and experiences.-
Lemela’s eyes narrowed a bit as she realized something.
-Or Is it really? The memories… the experiences; they aren’t really mixed. I mean I can just tell what’s mine and what isn’t. I shouldn’t be able to tell if it was a perfect fusion right?
Theoretically… yes. I mean there wasn’t somebody just crazy enough to attempt something similar. I am in awe it wasn’t humans who did it.
Concentrate Lemela! Still, there are these moments where I get these new instincts… besides the ones I possessed the ones I was used to.
The kind of things that comes as you gain wisdom … but what does it mean for my own identity? How much of Ethan now shapes who I am?-
As she grappled with these questions, a sense of determination began to well up within her.
She felt something new and old at the same time: defiance.
She refused to let this define her completely.
She recognized the possibility of progress, of a new path within this mess.
-I am Lemela, I walked through fire and emerged stronger- She declared, her voice infused with newfound resolve. -I carry the honor and strength of the Versel. I now carry the honor and strength of a true warrior. I will forge my own path. The only easy day was yesterday-
She slumped a bit, at the end of the day those were only words. She had to prove it to herself, to push forward and show actual results.
She felt that the charging process had ended, and returned to her body, luckily the interface she could see showed a timer of sorts and while she didn’t understand the point of it it helped keep track of time.
Time in the virtual space seemed to not match the one in the real world, only moments had passed for her in the virtual space, but hours had gone by in the real world.
This was both a boon and a curse, in a sense, but there was little she could do about it save speaking about it with Ethan.
She took off going to the cell area on the level below, looking for Zek'lor; the Noltoran stood cautiously in the dimly lit cell behind the closed gate.
Lemela wondered why he insisted on remaining confined, but it was his choice.
His chitinous exoskeleton was glistening under the soft glow of the room's ambient lighting and overall Zeklor appeared better than at the beginning of their meetings.
Still, his compound eyes darted nervously as he observed the drones guarding the other cell.
Lemela adorned her partially artificial body with glowing red accents with her hard light and approached Zek'lor with a gentle smile, that would make her more noticeable and not scare him as much as the last times.
She could understand the unease and fear he harbored toward the drones.
With careful steps, she reached out to place a reassuring hand on his sturdy carapace.
The Noltoran had noticed her tanks to the change in the room's overall lightning.
-Zek'lor, I know it's difficult for you to trust the drones after what you've been through- Lemela tried to speak in a soothing tone, her voice echoing slightly in the small cell. -I assure you, they are under Ethan's control. They won't harm you.-
Zek'lor's mandibles clicked, and the translator conveyed anxiousness as he glanced at the drones. Memories of their cold efficiency in carrying out orders were probably flashing in his mind.
-I... I can't shake off the fear, Lemela. You didn’t see them in action. The guards didn't have a prayer. And they had weapons at the time. Now I see other slaves among them. I see others like me… -
-Do you think Ethan might do this to you?-
Zek’lor shook his head. -If only… maybe it would make it all easier. Then again It’s more likely I might end up like you. I don’t want that.-
Lemela sighed a little – Well I understand not wanting to be an abomination of metal and flesh. It’s not like I wished for this.-
Zek’lor tilted his head to the side, making a sound with his claws that her translator relayed as confusion.
-Abomination? Oh no, many of my people accept mechanical enhancements on a lesser scale to be able to operate in words with a higher gravity or with a toxic environment. Being part machine is not the issue. What I don’t want is eternity.-
Lemela frowned -Eternity?-
Zek’lor nodded - A machine is eternal by nature. As long as you maintain it properly that is. But this machine maintains itself. This machine's gears are made of former ... people? It’s uncanny thinking about being maintained for all eternity. One should die once one's usefulness has ended. Still, this machine would find new uses for one, for all eternity. It is... scary. -
Lemela watched Zek'lor it was something she didn’t even consider, but it made sense somehow.
Lemela silently guided Zek’lor to the lab above and watched as he cautiously approached the group of drones, his multifaceted eyes scanning the bodies and the four sets of claws of the former bottom feeders.
-They can’t speak Zek’lor, they won’t act unless you interact with them- Lemela said while standing beside Zek'lor offering her reassuring presence.
Taking a deep breath, Zek'lor mustered his courage and chose to approach another drone, a Nolthoran with its metallic exoskeleton glistening in the dim light.
The drone turned its now mechanical eyes toward Zek'lor, as he approached but it remained silent.
-Hello- Zek'lor began tentatively, his voice a mixture of anxiety and determination. -I...I need your assistance. We need to move heavy material to create the cave-in Ethan requested to disrupt the operations of the Dexton's Dogs. Will you help me?-
The Nolthoran drone’s eyes flickered with a creepy artificial glow, it tilted its head slightly, then it nodded in understanding.
Zek'lor apparently focused on the Nolthoran’s body and sighed. -See these patterns?-
He asked pointing to the surface of the metal where Lemela’s eyes couldn’t distinguish anything of note.
- These are telltale signs of torture. We hail from a desert world. We don’t need much in terms of food and water, our bodies store those. These marks are made when they bleed us of the sustenance we might have left. To break us.-
The Nolthoran drone didn’t appear to heed or mind the explanation, it simply extended its appendages, gesturing to follow.
Zek'lor probably realized that it was offering to guide them, ready to work alongside them to create the illusion they needed.
Lemela smiled at the scene and followed the two in their quest for materials.
Ethan.
I sigh giving Virgil the green light it asks of moving one of the guards to the lab.This would be easier if Lemela could interact with the drones as I do, but Virgil continues to say I am the overmind and leading is my role.
I watch and listen to the two through the drone’s eyes and ears for a bit longer, Lemela has progressed a lot these days, I hope I can have a good diplomat on hand.
Well, she knows all I know, she has my training, but I still worry, things will not be easy.
The situation with Xalrak is at a standstill, I personally don’t wish to push it, even if the alien knows that the boss basically spilled the beans it won’t concede.
I can appreciate the spirit, I mean I kept Xalrak without eating for all the time I could without killing but in the end I was the one that had to cave in.
Luckily I managed to strike a deal where Xalrak eats and doesn't attempt to run or kill itself.
I mean, I don’t want to kill if I can manage it, and these people are supposed to be rare galaxy-wise.
I understand that the galactic council is to blame for their situation, but I don’t want to go ahead and headbutt politics before I have solved the situation here first.
The issue is with people that see no alternative to what they are experiencing.
I have hit another virtual wall so to speak, without going above I have explored all I can of this underworld.
I could push my zombie drones forward, but I would lose contact with them past the corridors, and I don’t want that to happen.
Without the help of an engineer, I doubt I can do what Virgil suggests in order to enhance my capabilities.
I have found another terminal like the one that originally hosted Virgil in the video feed it shared with me, but I doubt my capacity to make it run or repair it if needed.
I could use it for raw materials, but I want to know if there’s a chance for it to run.
With one of these in the network, I would be able to bolster the signal I emit allowing me to extend the zone I can control. I could also control a bigger number of drones with two of those.
I noticed there are patrols down here now, and some lay traps, luckily I had asked Virgil
At the moment I need to concentrate on things I can actually pull off, like the opening of my very own meat shop.
I did what I could in order to protect the lab and all the charging platforms; without these, there would be a big issue for us.
I intend to start my little meat market on the surface, I have found a suitable way up about six big ventilation shafts down yonder in this maze.
As for the people living in this underground area, I need to find a way around actually meeting them.
The issue is that after the big fight with the expedition, most shelters shifted around the caves before I could actually restart my exploration.
If they acted this way I fear that any active prodding might trigger their flight response rather than their freeze and fucking listen to the scary robot one.
I don’t think I have what it takes to play catch with people that know the ground way better than me, I have to play a different game.
I will dedicate some of the meat I gathered to be used as bait and see what It bites.
Having two traps at once is a bit of a risk, he who chases two rabbits catches neither or so they say.
The real issue is that it’s not rabbit season here in the first place, and the pirate rangers that would come after me might bring down more heat I can hold.
Well, there’s only one way to go with this, and that’s forward.
[First] [Previous] [WIP]
2023.06.06 04:27 ImaginationSea3679 Here Be Dragons Prologue
I think it's safe to say that this option won the poll.
Anyway, here's a prologue to introduce our dragon-type aliens.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------------
Memory Transcription Subject: Lord Fulzo, Lun Leader of the Dragon Union
Date[standardized human time]: October 3, 2136
The stars had a beautiful shine, resembling the shimmer of a hoard laid across bare ground. That is what the stars were to all of us inhabitants of Mattia: the last treasure of all of the universe.
There was nowhere else to look.
There were many different kinds of treasures. Gold, resources, food, experiences, and possibly even friends, one of the most praised treasures in all of existence. Treasures such as these are what all should pursue in life. Plentiful food, endless wealth, innumerable stories to tell, a court full of friends and family; these hoards of treasures are what all dragons strive for.
That is what we all collectively refer to sapient creatures like us: Dragons. To be a dragon is to be able to push past the constant neediness of survival and find value in treasures. Any intelligent species that had no appreciation for treasures may well be a deserter, someone who abandons their treasures to save their own skin; someone unworthy of the title of dragon.
The Beora, Lun, and Lynwers all shared Mattia as home, and we were all living with each other, adhering to our niches and habitats, pursuing treasures of our respective spaces. The Beora's flight and flaming spit made them best suited for open prairies and forests, the Lun's narrow physique and powerful claws were useful in thick jungles and sheer mountains, and the Lynwers were restricted to the waters and to limbless living in the shallows. We occupied every area, and there was no area we didn't find treasure in. For many thousands of millennia, we all lived here, advancing at our own paces, our civilizations rising and falling, until today.
Today, we were all participating in the endeavor towards space.
As far as I knew, this was the first time all three of our species have worked together towards a common goal. We all sought to expand, to grow, to seek out new treasures in the stars. It made sense for us to work together.
We've already touched our moon, and even a couple other planets.
All I needed now was to find people to participate in this jump towards the stars at a speed faster than light.
And I already had a list.
Most of them were civilians and other simple folk, volunteers for the program.
Some of them, however, were deserters.
I hoped that, perhaps, they would be able to redeem themselves and find new things to treasure out there. The other leaders simply wished for them to be away from this world.
Anyway, It was almost time for the launch of the first ship, and I need to speak with the captain of the first ship.
Almost as if cued by my thoughts, the door was knocked.
"Come in."
Captain Varhi came in. "You called me, sir?" She asked.
"Yes. I simply wish for you to restate the guidelines I gave you." I said, stroking a whisker.
"Find a new world, establish a colony, make allies if possible, and report back to home." She recited. They were very simple guidelines.
"I think you're missing one..."
"Enjoy myself while I am at it." She added.
Oh, Varhi. So loyal as to often forget your own needs. Truly a good friend.
"Good. Now you are excused."
And I returned to relaxing in preparation for the launch.
submitted by ImaginationSea3679 to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
Anyway, here's a prologue to introduce our dragon-type aliens.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------------
Memory Transcription Subject: Lord Fulzo, Lun Leader of the Dragon Union
Date[standardized human time]: October 3, 2136
The stars had a beautiful shine, resembling the shimmer of a hoard laid across bare ground. That is what the stars were to all of us inhabitants of Mattia: the last treasure of all of the universe.
There was nowhere else to look.
There were many different kinds of treasures. Gold, resources, food, experiences, and possibly even friends, one of the most praised treasures in all of existence. Treasures such as these are what all should pursue in life. Plentiful food, endless wealth, innumerable stories to tell, a court full of friends and family; these hoards of treasures are what all dragons strive for.
That is what we all collectively refer to sapient creatures like us: Dragons. To be a dragon is to be able to push past the constant neediness of survival and find value in treasures. Any intelligent species that had no appreciation for treasures may well be a deserter, someone who abandons their treasures to save their own skin; someone unworthy of the title of dragon.
The Beora, Lun, and Lynwers all shared Mattia as home, and we were all living with each other, adhering to our niches and habitats, pursuing treasures of our respective spaces. The Beora's flight and flaming spit made them best suited for open prairies and forests, the Lun's narrow physique and powerful claws were useful in thick jungles and sheer mountains, and the Lynwers were restricted to the waters and to limbless living in the shallows. We occupied every area, and there was no area we didn't find treasure in. For many thousands of millennia, we all lived here, advancing at our own paces, our civilizations rising and falling, until today.
Today, we were all participating in the endeavor towards space.
As far as I knew, this was the first time all three of our species have worked together towards a common goal. We all sought to expand, to grow, to seek out new treasures in the stars. It made sense for us to work together.
We've already touched our moon, and even a couple other planets.
All I needed now was to find people to participate in this jump towards the stars at a speed faster than light.
And I already had a list.
Most of them were civilians and other simple folk, volunteers for the program.
Some of them, however, were deserters.
I hoped that, perhaps, they would be able to redeem themselves and find new things to treasure out there. The other leaders simply wished for them to be away from this world.
Anyway, It was almost time for the launch of the first ship, and I need to speak with the captain of the first ship.
Almost as if cued by my thoughts, the door was knocked.
"Come in."
Captain Varhi came in. "You called me, sir?" She asked.
"Yes. I simply wish for you to restate the guidelines I gave you." I said, stroking a whisker.
"Find a new world, establish a colony, make allies if possible, and report back to home." She recited. They were very simple guidelines.
"I think you're missing one..."
"Enjoy myself while I am at it." She added.
Oh, Varhi. So loyal as to often forget your own needs. Truly a good friend.
"Good. Now you are excused."
And I returned to relaxing in preparation for the launch.