Original Prompt

Chapter 26
"Okay, what about...that one. The five stars about...two handspans above that dune?" Cass asked.
Kher looked where Cass was pointing, holding his torch aside so he could get a clear view of the stars.
"That is one of the Twins," Kher said, "See the three stars to the right? That is her brother, fleeing the Serpent."
"Weird." Cass had unbraided her hair earlier in the night because of the chill. Now she was trying to hold it out of her face so she could see the stars clearly. "In Sammos they're the Mother and her child, running to embrace each other after being parted over the winter season."
"Or reaching for each when the winter floods wash the boy away," Charis added. They were riding on Cass's other side, holding their torch down low over the side of their camel to keep the light off of Cass's left arm. She appreciated the gesture.
"In Chol they don't' have a name for those stars," Cass continued, "but they do have a Serpent. I don't think it's visible this time of year though. And in Harenae it's the 'Father and Son'. The father's teaching his son how to hunt."
"Do they have a story in Desheret?" Kher asked.
"I haven't heard one." Cass turned in her saddle to look back along the short caravan. Kebb was nowhere to be seen, probably keeping vigil in the rear. Anatu was attached to one of the carts, which only left Nuu as someone she could see to ask.
"Nuu!" She called, waving. They looked her way, eventually approaching. "What do you call those stars?"
"Is there a tale to them?" Kher asked.
"The three bright ones?" They looked skyward vacuously for a moment. "That is Sobek, a large crocodile that follows the flood waters of the Great River. Those stars are his open maw."
"What about the five stars to the left of them?"
"The two lower ones," Nuu said while pointing, "are his body. The upper three are his tail curled around."
"Ah yes, I can see it!" Kher said excitedly. "A more creative tale, I think. I wonder how it is yours is so different from our tales. We call them the-"
"Hey, Cass," Charis whispered, leaning closer, "you mentioned I could see your arm after dark?"
She looked down at her bandaged limb and flexed her fingers uncomfortably. The wrappings were much tighter now that she'd had ample time out of the sun.
"Okay, but keep your torch away." She tugged on the knot holding the bandages in place, let them loosen, and unwrapped her arm. Charis gasped as her skin showed in the starlight with thin motes of light of its own.
Under the light of the sun or flame, Cass's arm was thin and the skin looked brittle and burnt. The comparison to burnt wood was not uncommon. But under the stars and moon it looked wholly different.
"Beautiful," Charis whispered, gazing at the black abyss. The colors and patterns within it were similar yet very different from the sky above. As Cass moved the lights moved as well, as though flowing through her limb. Never the same pattern twice.
"Thanks." People were always mesmerized by her arm at night. The ones who weren't convinced it was a blight of some sort, at least. She extended her hand to Charis. They looked up at her briefly for permission, then took her hand in theirs. Unlike during the day, there was no pain. Their skin didn't feel uncomfortably warm either. In fact it was rather cool and pleasant.
Charis tucked their long curls behind one ear as they laced their fingers with hers. She lifted her hand closer to their face so they could take a closer look.
"It's strange," they said softly, "your hand looks so different, so..."
"Weird?" Cass offered.
They shook their head. "No...magical. But if I close my eyes I would be unable to tell this hand from your other."
Weird, odd, cursed, strange, these were what Cass was used to hearing her arm called. The only person who'd ever complimented her on it like that - who'd called it magical - before was Helen. Back before the war, before she'd killed the King of Sammos. When their encounters were furtive and hidden at night.
"Oh?" Cass looked away and tried to change the subject. "Can't tell your left from right?"
Charis chuckled and gave her hand a squeeze.
"What's going on here?" Nuu asked while riding closer. Their torch illuminated Cass's arm and the pain instantly came back. It wasn't as bad as if she were caught out in sunlight, but the entwined fingers became sore. She only barely got her hand out of Charis's before her hand clenched reflexively.
"Damnit!" Cass swore.
"You need to back away, Nuu." Charis said hotly.
"Calm, everyone, calm." Kher spoke up. "No need for such vehemence. Nuu, I believe they want some...alone time?" He gave Cass a big smile through his braided beard.
Nuu narrowed his eyes at her. "I thought I saw her changing."
"I wasn't. You'd know if I was." She felt bad enough every time she saw their sister's brass leg. Being reminded that they were survivors of one of her attacks was not a pleasant vortex of emotions.
"If you lose control-"
"I don't lose control! I've never lost control. It's not something I'm not in control of." Cass clenched her left fist, reminding herself it wasn't worth hurting them. "Put your torch out and I'll show you."
"I've already seen it."
"You've seen it as an enemy. How about I show you what it actually looks like?" Cass turned in her saddle and extended the black and burnt-looking hand. Nuu recoiled, but there was a curiosity behind their eyes. They gave a quick glance at Charis who lowered their torch behind their camel again. Nuu did the same, and Kher followed suit. Bathed in darkness again, they all looked at the starry field of Cass's arm.

The "Weather Ball" Challenge results are in!
DURING THE EPISODE...

• After returning from the elimination, the girls all take a deep breath as they read Lala's message, with Elektra getting choked up because she didn't want her sister to go home. She confers that she's now the only US contestant left and feels like she has a target on her back because this is her third time in the competition. Adore says that she chose Lala because she felt like, with this being her third go-round, she was going to pick a queen that she thought had the most to show, and she's demonstrated a lot compared to Angeria, so she felt it to be only fair.
• As the queens look over the lipsticks, Shannel says that it's very telling that Adore is trying to play a very congenial game with how she's deciding, and Shannel says that she's not up for that behavior whatsoever. However, she continues to let Eva do her thing as she reveals that she picked Angeria's lipstick. Shannel claps, saying that someone is willing to play the game. Eva says that she picked Angeria's lipstick because she already won and had so much time to improve her snatch game skills, and she just faltered, and she doesn't think that's necessarily the bill of a winner, which the girls gag at. She responds to Eva by saying that she'll expect her to do the same, with the tension in the room being very thick. Monét laughs and says she's thankful it wasn't her this time in the drama.

Monét X Change has won the "Read Off A Weather Teleprompter While Indoor Skydiving" Mini Challenge!

• After the mini-challenge results are announced, Monét cheers over the fact that she won, and Plastique jokes that she can only win mini-challenges. She responds by saying that this is a challenge she can win, especially considering how Plastique is the only other UK girl with no wins. The girls gag, but then Brooke announces that it's a ball, to which Monét slaps her hands over her face in the confessional.
• The girls prepare for the challenge as Brooke walks around the room. She walks up to Plastique, who already has a concept laid out on her mannequin, and Brooke congratulates her on the fast work. Plastyique says she's trying to show what she's learned since her time on UK3 since she could only create one silhouette. Brooke then goes over to Elektra, who has a design laid out, but Brooke says that she's worried about it just being a dress and that's it since the one thing that's been holding Elektra's looks back is accessorization, which she nods along to.
• Adore is struggling with sewing, her outfit falling apart right in front of Brooke and causing her to break down in front of the other girls, which all comfort her, and she regains the strength to continue fighting for the main challenge. Angeria, however, is doing very well in creating this beautifully structured garment. Brooke is astonished that she can't even clock that it's made from unconventional materials.

── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ 🇨🇦 ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖──

ON THE MAINSTAGE...
Monét X Change is declared safe and exits the stage, leaving the tops and bottoms of the week to hear their critiques...
Adore Delano receives negative critiques from the judges. Brooke says her package this week was underwhelmingly pedestrian, a reversion back to her season 2 fashion antics. She was incredibly sexy in her lingerie look, loving the all-black ensemble, yet every other queen that went after she stepped it up, so she looked weak in comparison. Her silver fox look was undeniably an older version of a Chola. While they loved incorporating her upbringing's fashion onto the mainstage, they wish she elevated the look to be much more. On top of all this, her design look could be more impressive, feeling like the tulle is a coverup for messy hot glue and a lack of shape. She got into her head this week, and they need her to pull herself out because she's been doing fantastic.
Angeria Paris VanMichaels receives positive critiques from the judges. The entire panel is shocked by how her package turned out, saying she used that winner's budget. First of all, her lingerie look was so incredibly sexy that they couldn't even clock that it wasn't her body; something about it was so Beyonce-esque; with this silver lingerie with this honey blonde wig and robotic parts, she looked so well put together. Her second runway was even more impressive, turning out this elevated church lady look dressed for the snow in her gorgeous white furs. When she let down that pageant bun to show her flowing gray hair, they knew she was locked in for the win. Her design look leaves the largest stamp on her; with her creation, this pantsuit meets pageant gown, fully complete for someone of her caliber with such stunning detail.
Elektra Shock receives negative critiques from the judges. Brad says that regarding her package, they felt her runways were the least cohesive, and when looking at them side to side, they clashed against one another. Her first look was right, but she was supposed to show her body, and they felt her look was too conservative. They know she has excellent padding, so she needs to push herself to the max because this fell short of what they know she's capable of. Her second look was much better, loving the way that she exited out of her igloo coat and came out as this sexy wolf MILF, but they do think she could've pushed that artic wolf concept a bit further since they felt she didn't fully commit to it. Her design runway, though, is their biggest problem. It's a pretty gown, but that's it. Besides some accessorizing, this is a step down from their knowledge of her skills.
Eva Le Queen receives negative critiques from the judges. Traci says they know she has some fantastic looks in here and that her package this week was more of a mixed bag, but her design look truly brought her down. Looking at her lingerie, she had a gorgeous body, and she stepped out looking like a fairy, especially with her long tuft of fabric and fairy wings flowing in the wind. She fully committed to the concept, even having fairy dust flow from her hair. Her second look was another fantastic entry into the package, coming out with this skinned polar bear look only to wear the bear fur as her outfit in this Cruella-inspired garment was a creative take on the category. The only problem was her design look, which seemed like a rush and afterthought, though it was the most critical part of the challenge.
Plastique Tiara receives positive critiques from the judges. Brooke says that she knows that Plastique wasn't playing around when she said she would give fashion, but this is on an entirely new level. First, they couldn't even clock that she was a drag queen on her first runway. No padding, just her sexy lingerie and Victoria's Secret angel wings. They were gagged by how she looked like she came right off the runway and served them cisgender realness. Her second look was even better, seeing as how she showed up in this icicle-inspired garment and melted herself on the mainstage into this sexy Elsa look; she had them gagged the most on the runway with that look. Then, her design runway was the most impressive one they've seen tonight. She turned out a cultural garment from unconventional materials. She's by far one of the best designers here.
Shannel receives positive critiques from the judges. The judges give her the moment she's finally been waiting for, telling her she's gorgeous as she begins to tear up on the runway, taking a shallow breath. They say that her first look was breathtaking because she embraced her body as an older queen, having the wind make her dress fly off in a reveal was so Marilyn Monroe-esque, turning out this gorgeous Old Hollywood to New Hollywood slut look. Overall, they were impressed by her thoughts during the presentation. Her second look was incredible in this Snow Queen-inspired garment, ripping the fairytale straight to this real-life drag. Her design look is her best, churning out this structural business garment that's just so well made.
Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Plastique Tiara, Condragulations! You are the Top Two All Stars of the week!
Adore Delano, Elektra Shock...I'm sorry, My Dears, but you are both up for elimination...

── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ 🇨🇦 ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖──

DURING UNTUCKED...

• All the girls walk back in, and Monét is the first to complain about being safe, but Shannel notes that she's surprised that she wasn't in the low position over Eva, who had two great looks and was somewhat in the same boat as Monét. They begin to fight one another, with Monét claiming that she's had a problem with her all season and Elektra breaking up by yelling and saying they're not even the ones at the bottom. The tension is extremely thick in the room, and Plastique breaks it up by congratulating herself on a win, which makes the girls laugh.
• Angeria and Plastique talk to one another side by side and apologize for their jokes against one another, promising to have each other's back no matter how the lipsync goes. Adore talks with both of them and starts breaking down and crying, saying she doesn't deserve to be here. She nearly quits, but Angeria gives her an inspirational talk about quitting. Plastique says that she doesn't know if Adore can handle the pressure. Elektra talks to them next and promises them both an alliance, but Angeria says that this is her third time around, and it's pretty clear that she isn't doing the greatest and that she's now the only one, other than Shannel, without a win. The girls are unsure of who to pick.

── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ 🇨🇦 ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖──

AFTER DELIBERATION...
Angeria Paris VanMichaels and Plastique Tiara make their lipstick choices and walk back to the stage, where the other Queens are waiting for them...
TOP2: Angeria Paris VanMichaels / Plastique Tiara
HIGH: Shannel
SAFE: Monét X Change
LOW: Eva Le Queen
BTM2: Adore Delano / Elektra Shock
The Top Two Queens will Lip-Sync for their Legacy to "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here (Hex Hector Dance Mix)" by Deborah Cox. This is your chance to impress me, win the challenge prize, and gain the power to give one of the Bottom Queens the chop. Good Luck, and Don't Fuck It Up!
POLL / Track Record

Son 8.5 M, 45 lbs has abdominal pain since February. He doesn't go to school and stays in bed most of the time. It happened before but not as severe and went away after a month or so. We realize we need to wait longer for Amitripltyne to work but we are concened that he has rear good days (hours) and in bed most of the time. Normally he is a bright, fun and social boy and now doesn't leave his bed. Could this be something not tested for?
Current Outpatient Medications
famotidine 40 MG/5ML Recon susp - Take 2 mL (16 mg) by mouth at bedtime
gabapentin (Neurontin) 250 MG/5ML Solution Take 3 mL (150 mg) by mouth twice a day

hyoscyamine 0.125 MG Tab - does not help

amitriptyline 10 mg Tab - full dosage started May 2nd, makes him agressive

Medical History Summary:
8.5 years old has been constipating for many years. He has been diagnosed with encopresis in 2021. Ever since he was diagnosed with encopresis He was on MiraLAX .5 to .75 cup twice a day. This helped him to control his constipation. During all this time except for approximately a few weeks he was soiling his pants almost daily. He was also frequently complaining about abdominal pain. Per doctor’s recommendation we were reminding him to sit on the toilet after each meal. Feeding him with homemade meals and we try to limit processed food. We did physical therapy and psychologist therapy. He has a toilet foot stool and seat.
About 1 year ago (January 2023), a bowel cleanup was performed per Max’s pediatrician recommendations. One cupful of MiraLAX was given every 3 hours. (No fasting or clear food diet was recommended)
During that time evacuated lots of poops with diarrhea content. We did not achieve the yellow fluid and stopped after a couple of days. Since this cleanup Max experienced severe abdominal pain for about a month.
Per GI doctor recommendation, we were no longer doing cleanup to avoid severe abdominal pain. Instead, Max was back on his MiraLAX dose .75 cup twice a day with fiber gummies 4mg a day.
He has good apetite most of the time, except after a dose of Exlax. His stool was always help soft over these years.
Notes from GI visit April 22nd - Today he has more guarding, mild distension and tenderness. I can't tell if he has a surgical abdomen (ie volvulus, appendicitis) but it is not associated with vomiting or eating. His most likely diagnosis is abdominal migraines (abdominal pain and headaches) and anxiety at this point, but the pattern has been consistent without as much good days. Activity makes him worse, and we have considered ACNES as well. He has had multiple cleanouts, and the periodic soiling could be from inattentiveness. Perhaps this is from constipation, but should rule out surgical abdomen at this time. We had a long conversation today about abdominal migraines, but upon repeat exam, it is still quite guarded. Pain is daily / off and on. Has had 2 good days in last 3 weeks Appetite is good except when pain is high. No vomiting. Stooling daily with miralax. Sleeping well.
UPPER Endoscopy Diagnosis
A. Duodenum, mucosal biopsy:- Duodenal mucosa with no pathologic change. B. Duodenum, bulb, mucosal biopsy:- Duodenal mucosa with a small lamina propria lymphoid aggregate. C. Stomach, antrum/body, mucosal biopsy: - Antral-and oxyntic-type gastric mucosa with focal features of mild reactive (chemical) gastropathy. D. Esophagus, distal, mucosal biopsy: - Squamous epithelium with rare intraepithelial eosinophils (up to 2 per high-power field). E. Esophagus, proximal, mucosal biopsy:- Squamous epithelium with rare intraepithelial eosinophils (up to 1 per high-power field).
The overall findings are nonspecific. The esophageal findings do not meet threshold numerical criteria for a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. Reflux related changes are favored. Clinical correlation is recommended.

CT ABDOMEN PELVIS W CONTRAST

Narrative

IMPRESSION:Normal appendix. No CT evidence of inflammatory changes in the abdomen or pelvis. Moderate stool burden in the colon.NarrativeINDICATION: o appendicitis/abscess - GI requesting CT d/t guarding/distensionEXAMINATION: CT ABDOMEN AND PELVIS WITH CONTRAST - CT Abdomen And Pelvis W/ Contrast InjectionTECHNIQUE: Multiple axial images were obtained of the abdomen and pelvis following IV contrast. A radiation dose optimizationtechnique was used for this scan. DLP: 29.8 , CTDI vol: 0.63IV Contrast dosage and agent: 63 mL of Isovue 300Oral contrast: Administered.COMPARISON: None.____________________________________________FINDINGS:LOWER CHEST: Lung bases are clear without any infiltrate. No pleural effusion noted. There is no cardiomegaly or pericardialeffusion.LIVER: The liver has a homogeneous density. No focal masses noted. There is no intrahepatic biliary ductal dilatation.GALLBLADDER AND BILIARY TREE: No calcified gallstones. No gallbladder distension or wall edema. No intra- or extrahepaticbiliary ductal dilation.PANCREAS: No focal cystic or solid mass. There is no pancreatic ductal dilatation or peripancreatic fluid.SPLEEN: Normal size without focal cystic or solid mass.ADRENAL GLANDS: Normal.KIDNEYS AND URETERS: Both kidneys have a normal enhancement without hydronephrosis, renal cysts, masses or perinephric fluid.There is no hydroureter.PERITONEUM: No ascites or free air. No other fluid collection.BOWEL: No abnormal dilatation of the bowel loops is noted. Contrast is noted in several nondilated small bowel loops and in thecolon up to the splenic flexure. Moderate stool noted in the colon, including the rectum. Terminal ileum is visualized andappears normal. A normal caliber partially contrast filled appendix is seen in the right lower quadrant. A few scattered foci ofair also noted in the appendix. No adjacent inflammatory changes are seen. The appendix is best visualized on axial series #2,images 58-69/139.LYMPH NODES: No enlarged mesenteric or retroperitoneal lymph nodes.VESSELS: Vasculature appears normal. No stenosis or aneurysmal dilatation noted.URINARY BLADDER: Appears normal without wall thickening, mass or trabeculations.REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS: No pelvic masses.ABDOMINAL WALL: No discrete abdominal or pelvic wall hernia.BONES: No lytic or blastic abnormality.
Blood tests - Collection date: April 30, 2024 11:08 AM
Lactase 13.9 Normal value: >=14.0 nmol/min/mg Prot
Sucrase 51.0 Normal value: >=19.0 nmol/min/mg Prot
Maltase 201.3 Normal value: >=70.0 nmol/min/mg Prot
Palatinase 15.8 Normal value: >=6.0 nmol/min/mg Prot
Glucoamylase 24.2 Normal value: >=8.0 nmol/min/mg Prot

Sed Rate 9

Ferritin 24.7

C-Reactive Protein < .5

Lead, Venous, B <.1

White Blood Count 5.98

Hemoglobin 14.7

Mean Cell Volume 81.8

MCHC 34.5

Platelet Count 302

Red Blood Count 5.21

Hematocrit 42.6

MCH 28.2

RDW 12.4

MPV 8.8

Segmented Neutrophils (ABS #) 2.35

Final Absolute Neutrophil Count 2.35

Lymphocytes (ABS #) 3.8

Eosinophils (ABS #) 0.05

Immature Granulocytes (ABS #) 0

Monocytes (ABS #) .47

Basophils (ABS #) .03

Add: he has headaches on the right side and sensativity to light, not sure how often but at least several times a week.

I've compiled a list of parallels that fans have drawn between Elden Ring and Dark Souls 2, along with brief commentaries and illustrations on the patterns they may have observed.
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"The game is called the Elden Ring and it's a sequel to a video game that came out a few years ago called Dark Souls, My work on it was actually done years ago. These games, they're like movies, they take a long time to develop." - George R.R. Martin
He [George Martin] actually knew about the Dark Souls games. He was aware of them and what they were about, so that made me happy. That sort of gave me a little bit of a boost. I knew immediately from talking to him, it just became apparent his skill and his passion for the fantasy genre, and for games as well. - Hidetaka Miyazaki
“I can't deny the fact that, maybe down the line, I want to go back to the [Dark Souls] series and make one more game before I retire. I don't want to be branded a liar if that happens.” - Hidetaka Miyazaki
Dark Souls 2 probably bears the Souls series’ closest resemblance to Elden Ring. Design wise, both Dark Souls 2 and Elden Ring stressed open-ended gameplay and ditched linear progression.
Miyazaki agrees and in fact goes a step further. “In regards to Dark Souls 2, I actually personally think this was a really great project for us, and I think without it, we wouldn’t have had a lot of the connections and a lot of the ideas that went forward and carried the rest of the series. We were able to have that different impetus and have those different ideas and make those different connections that we otherwise might not have had.” He goes so far as to say that “there’s really no way of telling how or if the series would have continued the way it did without Dark Souls 2.” Hidetaka Miyazaki
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Elden Ring was co-directed by Yui Tanimura who is the director of Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin.
Name-Engraved ring
"There are countless vestiges of long-lost gods in the ruins of Drangleic. Or perhaps they are the very same gods as ours, only known by different names."
I’ve seen people make comparison with the deities mentioned on the Name-engraved Ring list. (although the one they made about Ranni didn’t make sense to me and seem to be more relevant to the Gloam-Eyed Queen if anything).
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St. Trina and Miquella from Elden Ring share striking similarities with Quella, the deity of dreams dreams from Dark Souls 2, and Nehma, the goddess of love. Like the latter, Miquella has the power to "compel affection" through the Bewitching Branch. St. Trina and Quella are associated with sleep, trees, and dreams. Miquella shares similarities with Quella, as both are associated with ethereal, dream-like entities like the Nascent Butterfly and White Ring,
Quella’s icon also depicts a boy with wings, which something similar we see Miquella have during Elden Ring’s intro cut scene.
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Hanleth is the goddess of bliss. After the war of the erdtree, Marika's reign ushered in an age of plenty when It is said that drops of blessing once dripped boughs forever which gradually restored HP.
In Marika's own words. Hark, brave warriors. Hark, my lord Godfrey. We commend your deeds. Guidance has delivered ye through ordeal to the place ye stand. Put the giants to the sword and confine the flame atop the mount. Let a new epoch begin. An epoch glistening with life. Brandish the Elden Ring, for the Age of the Erdtree! - Melina
Kremmel, god of Struggle.
Lord Radagon was a great champion... He came to these lands at the head of a great golden host, when he met Lady Rennala in battle. He soon repented his territorial aggressions though, and became husband to the Carian Queen. However, when Godfrey, first Elden Lord, was hounded from the Lands Between, Radagon left Rennala to return to the Erdtree Capital. - Miriel, Pastor of Vows
“Solemn duty weighs upon the one beholden; not unlike a gnawing curse from which there is no deliverance” descriptions from both Marika's & Radagon's Soreseals
Queen Marika has high hopes for us. That we continue to struggle. Unto eternity. - Gideon Ofnir
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Radagon’s thorns
Prevented by the mantle of barbs. The thorns are impenetrable. A husk of the Erdtree's being; that spurns all that exists without. The only way to stand before the Elden Ring...and become the Elden Lord...is to pass the thorns. My purpose serves to aid in that very act. So I'd like you to undertake a new journey, with me. To the flame of ruin, far above the clouds, upon the snow mountaintops of the giants. Then I can set the Erdtree aflame. And guide you. Down the path to becoming Elden Lord. - Melina
“Ring granted protection by Kremmel, god of Struggle. The ring's spikes drive into the wearer's skin, so that each blow fuels spite toward the perpetrator. When damage is taken the ring retaliates and inflicts damage upon enemy.” - Ring of Thorns
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Assuming the theories that Mesmer are true, his association with the snake (which is viewed as a traitor to the Erdtree), consumption of dragon hearts, and seeking ultimate power suggest the pursuit for supremacy for his own gain. This aligns with the Covetous Gold Serpent Ring), which depicts the snake, a manifestation of the god of desire, Zinder. The serpent is an imperfect dragon and symbol of the undead. Mesmer's ambition and willingness to embrace forbidden power mirrors the ring's representation of insatiable desire and the undying nature of the serpent.
Rykard from Elden Ring and Zandroe from Dark Souls share a striking similarity - they are both associated with serpents and the concept of greed. Zandroe is described as the "god of greed" whose manifestation and servant is the snake, while Rykard fed himself into a massive "god-devouring serpent" in his pursuit of immortality through devouring others, an act of ultimate greed.
​
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Nahr Alma, the god of blood and a god of war, where Mohg is a demigod and the lord of blood.
Both Mohg and Nahr Alma are divinely associated with blood and have followers who use blood-themed weapons like the Scythe of Nahr Alma. Mohg and Nahr Alma's followers have rejected the world and vow to travel a bloody path. Mohg is the Lord of Blood and seeks to inaugurate a new dynasty, similar to Nahr Alma's influence
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Morgott, the "Fell Omen" 忌み鬼 (Imi Oni) meaning "Abominable Demon#cite_ref-14)." , and highly-ranked clerics of Lindelt from Dark Souls 2 share similarities as holy knights who wield "demonic powers" to castigate those who harbor ambitions for power. Both are feared by their enemies for their ruthless tactics in battle, with Morgott slaughtering countless champions during the Shattering and these clerics of Lindelt use the miracle "Unveil" to reveal the location of traitors.
“Wilful traitors, all. Thy kind are all of a piece. Pillagers. Emboldened by the flame of ambition. Have it writ upon thy meagre grave: Felled by King Morgott! Last of all kings.” Morgott, the Grace-Given.
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Godwyn the Golden from Elden Ring and the God of Sun from Dark Souls 2 were revered for their mastery of lightning and their incantations, such as Lightning Spear, Dragonbolt Blessing, and Sacred Oath. Additionally, Godwyn's victory of the ancient dragon Fortissax and his subsequent friendship with the fallen foe gave rise to the ancient dragon cult in the capital, much like the God of Sun's connection with the Blinding Bolt that was forbidden so to protect the world from hatred, or sorrow, and the ancient clan) whose leader was revered as the deity.
https://preview.redd.it/r3aqmuusd90d1.png?width=1148&format=png&auto=webp&s=0f1c703c23b38b1468e0192576d598bf2ce325c0
The demigod general Radahn and Faraam like Nahr Alma, is a god of war from Dark Souls 2 are both associated with lions, a symbol of strength and ferocity in battle, representing their prowess as mighty warriors. Known for their skill in combat, with Radahn being captivated by the Lord of the Battlefield from a young age, now wields a greatsword in each hand, and the Faraam Knights being feared for their nimble two-handed swordplay.
https://preview.redd.it/97iizhtrd90d1.png?width=1720&format=png&auto=webp&s=b690f8449c0251323da274582be650db88d390b8
Galib (I’ve seen it spelled “Calib”) from Dark Souls 2 and Malenia (who released her bloom in Caelid) both have a thematic connection to disease and affliction. Malenia and Miquella, both children of a single god, were afflicted with rot and eternal childhood respectively. Leydia apostles manipulated both the onset and curing of disease but were denied peaceful deaths, while Malenia's rot was an incurable sickness (as her army are undergoing their gradual, putrefaction of their flesh) that Miquella tried to ward off with unalloyed gold needles and her great rune provides healing after receiving damage.
Coincidentally Malenia can grow wings as well.
https://preview.redd.it/hubw0m1rd90d1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=cc90c140c199edac02ef010f0b284f3ac9a1e490
Caffrey, deity of Fortune, and Godfrey the first Elden lord. The name “Frey” might be derived from Nordic mythology. Frey is primarily associated with fertility, prosperity, and abundance.
Caffrey's icon mirrors the currency and EXP icon from Dark Souls 2, representing experience points gained by defeating enemies. In a similar vein, Godfrey is portrayed as the lord of the battlefield, who bravely battled Giants, confronted the Storm Lord and had countless victories, ushering in the Age of the Erdtree which was forged through the use of valuables like Smithing Stones [8], becoming the embodiment of Order. This left a long legacy of loyal warriors honored him by wielding axes like himself.
​
https://preview.redd.it/81ze5i0qd90d1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=80a838c57b4b826d959f8bda05c32dbda4a12214
The hunting Goddess Evlana was no goddess at all, but rather a brave and highly skilled bow huntress. Long after her demise, the passing of lore transformed her into a deity.”
The Hunter's Hat
Spirit of a handsome archer who dressed in the style of a man. Called the Silent Hunter by some, she fires St. Trina's arrows from her shortbow.
Dolores the Sleeping Arrow Puppet
:P

So, bought a P07 (used), came with the rubberized Talon grips. Cleaned it, played with it, dry fired it. Feels nice in the hand, trigger is ok (some mushy feels but not terrible, reset is nice and audible).
Always wanted a metal CZ, so looked into a SP01, P01 and 75 Compact. Wanted one with a safety and something carry-able. Crossed out the SP01, since too big. I read that the 75D is the softer shooter and could only find the P01 in decocker(probably could make it safety if needed). Also read the P01 shoots/feels similar to the P07, but less felt recoil due to the weight (steel vs aluminum alloy).
So… acquired a CZ 75 Compact, oiled it up some more, and went to the range with my P07 (and my main carry, S&W MP Shield Plus).
The CZ 75 Compact… wonderful. Yes, recoil is there, but definitely manageable. The stock plastic grips gotta go (I wish I came with the rubber ones from the SP01). Most accurate of all 3 (also, I compared it to my Beretta 92X Centurion… I know, not real fair comparison, but the CZ is more accurate).
The P07, recoil feel is about the same, maybe a tad more muzzle flip. The stock sights are prettttttty bad. I wasn’t comfortable shooting at anything more than 10 yards out (aiming at 6” circles). If the CZ 75 compact hit 7-8/10 shots in the circle at 7 yds, the P07 was around 5-7/10. With the tiny MP Shield Plus, I can do the same as the P07, yes recoil is much more apparent, maybe it’s bc I have more experience with the Shield.
I like the ergonomics of the P07 just not sure if it’s worth keeping, if I have the CZ 75 compact. Anyone else felt the same after shooting the P07?
Is the P01 that much more of an upgrade to the P07? Compared to the CZ 75 compact, is the P01 that much more different? To me, accuracy and muzzle flip+felt recoil are most important.

IMPORTANT CAVEAT - Please Read

I'm a User Experience designer and can only talk about my perspective as a wandering craftsman, looking in from the outside. Most importantly, and to put my biases down on the table, I've been playing this game for over 340 hours, reaching level 82 at the time of writing and mostly play at level 9 (bugs & bots). I love this game and feel passionate about it, hence the length of this post.
As such, my take is both influenced by my "veterancy" in this game (I don't have the "new player" eyes anymore), and my experience as an IRL designer. This can and will influence my opinion below.
To mitigate that, I've read through all the balancing discussions I've seen and have read the devs comments and the CMs' answers on Discord to try and form a cohesive chain of thoughts. You're welcome to comment below, simply make sure to quote the passage you're referring to so we can have constructive discussions.
I've included some suggestions in italic to outline areas of improvements that I, lacking full understanding of the inner-workings of AH, can see.
**This post is quite lengthy but I hope it helps encapsulate what I, alongside many Helldivers, feel in regards to weapon balance in the game.**
_______

Primary weapons

This is a heated topic at the moment, the recent Polar Patriots war bond came with its fair share of balancing changes, some of which were highly divisive. I'm looking at the topic from a broader perspective and would like to invite you to walk that path with me.
Why focus on the primary weapons? Because they're the bread and butter of a Helldiver's experience, they are the first point of contact between player and character and are used an overwhelming amount of time during missions. They shouldn't be able to single-handedly carry you to victory but they need to significantly contribute in that goal.
With the game currently featuring two (illuminates we see you) enemy factions, primary weapons will fall in either one of 3 categories - Bug killers, Bot killers, both killers. This makes balancing weapons inherently more complicated as it requires the weapon to fall in one of those branches before being refined to fall in a comfortable spot. "Side-grades" as they're often referred to are inevitable when pushing for variety, yet every weapon should offer advantages and drawbacks to make them individually interesting to pick. Some might prefer one variant as it feels better to them whilst others will prefer its counterpart and that's okay.
With that being said, current weapon balance seems to prioritize creating a very level playing field across all branches to avoid certain weapons sticking out or over-performing. A lot of folks in the community seem to disagree with that and I can certainly understand why. Conformity leads to boredom and saturation, this is true in games and IRL.
Assault Rifles

• When designing a virtual experience, we are unavoidably influenced by the real world and draw comparisons to prior experiences to set our expectations. A gunshot sounds like a gunshot, if your weapon sounded like wet noodles dropping it would inevitably subvert your expectations (insert EA Star Wars joke here). As such, when looking at AR's in games, we often see them as the jack-of-all-trades but master-of-none weapons. IRL, these are defined as select-fire, intermediate cartridge firing weapons (think of the AR-15 / AK-74 platforms).
• In Helldivers 2, AR's deal the lowest damage of all primaries bar the Knight SMG. This effectively makes them into jack-of-no-trades and certainly master of none in the eyes of the community. This leads to pick rates (especially at higher difficulties) that are negligible at best.
  • One potential solution for that would be to increase the damage of Assault Rifles to demarcate them from SMGs and place them in a median point between PDWs and DMRs. This would require the developers to play around with other balancing tools (such as recoil and ergonomics) to make them more interesting to pick. For instance, making it so the higher-penetrating rifles deal lower damage to smaller enemies as they over-penetrate but full damage to medium or armored enemies could make your loadout synergy more interesting to balance. As many have pointed out, when you're a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Balancing by numbers is never a good solution as it distances you from real users and blinds you to the actual experience.

Laser Weapons

• Laser weapons offer a tradeoff to the players - limited damage for potential infinite ammo. However, given the number of ammo points on the map and the frequency of the resupply drops, this is a non-factor in most dives you'll make. Hence, the tradeoff looks more like a sacrifice rather than a balanced choice.
• In-game, we have 2 primary laser rifles, the scythe and the sickle. The former fires a continuous beam of energy that requires you to make constant contact to apply damage whilst the latter functions as a higher-capacity AR. In the chaos of battle, keeping your sights on the enemy at all time can prove challenging, especially when moving around or taking damage (as this will make you flinch).
  • A solution would be to include new effects such as armor sundering (reducing the armor rating the longer you hold the beam on), a cone of damage to be applied right in front of the muzzle because of the heat generated and the like. Laser-beam weapons would then move to a more utilitarian role rather than another hammer for a more nuanced problem.

Explosive Weapons

• Explosive weapons serve either one of two roles IRL: anti-personnel (multiple-target effect) or anti-materiel (single target effect). This is an obvious and gross generalization but it serves to set a baseline to the discussion.
• Currently, explosive weapons seem to focus on anti-personnel exclusively, foregoing the potential of anti-materiel options as a primary. This is exemplified by the Jar-5 Dominator being one of the best regarded weapons in the game as it performs a duty no other weapon covers. Prior to the rework of the Eruptor, that category had two contenders, with one weapon offering higher fire rate and less explosive damage whilst the other offered incredible utility and AOE damage at the cost of handling and RPM.
  • To solve this issue, explosive weapons could be further refined to present other characteristics like penetration before explosion (I see you weirdos, keep it in your pants), more effects (gas capsules, flame puddles, small EMP shocks around the explosion etc.) and wider utility.

Concussive Weapons

• As the name suggests, those are meant to concuss enemies (or stun and stagger them if translated in game terms). This is incredibly useful for crowd-control but as the Pummeller showed us, it limits the breadth of concussive weapons to this one utility.
  • A somewhat interesting solution would be to include more varied effects to the concussion. Some might trigger the enemies to flail uncontrollably, hurting their friends as they attack the air, shoot in all directions or run themselves into obstacles like rocks, cliffs and the like.

_________

Support Weapons

I am aware that support weapons are seen as hit-or-miss by a fair number of divers, yet in my experience, they're all viable in different situations or when paired with other support items or primaries (eg. the heavy machine-gun being an all-around solid weapon that, yes, could benefit from a magazine increase, but when paired with a support backpack will allow you to mow-down enemies very effectively).
With the above caveat out of the way, I'd like to take a closer look at the origin of the discontent surrounding certain support weapons like the MG-43, the HMG, the Railgun etc.
To my understanding (feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong), the reason why some support weapons are disregarded in favor of others stems from their lack of edge as compared to their counterparts. For instance, why pick the HMG when the Auto-Canon basically outclasses it in every way bar ammo capacity and fire-rate? Why pick the MG-43 when the stalwart and the Auto-canon exist? Why pick the railgun when the QuasaEAT/Recoilless Rifle/AMR exist?
They don't offer a significant enough reason to pick them, or straight up offer a lesser tool to solve the same problem.
Balancing all support weapons to be viable is a challenging task for sure, yet some improvements could go a long way to make them more interesting picks at all levels of play. This includes tweaking handling / ergonomics, ammo economy, etc. to creating more specialized items to pair with (think of an ammo backpack you could link your HMG or MG-43 to, forgoing reloads but needing a resupply box to refill; or a battery backpack to supercharge your rail-gun shots to deal incredible damage in unsafe mode, or pre-charge safe shots so the weapon fires instantly).
_________

To summarize

Arrowhead did a fantastic job with the weapon handling and feeling in the game, proving their ability to offer amazing experiences with a great variety of weapons. And they have continuously improved a lot of the outliers like the Counter-Sniper, the AMR, the Dominator, the Flamethrower and many more.
It seems that in some instances, the experience has been sacrificed on the altar of numbers, with the focus shifting from great-feeling weapons to "balanced" weapons. Helldivers is an incredible game that offers mind-blowing levels of fun which is the reason why so many of us fell in love with the game. This is echoed in the cries of the community that asks for fun over balance. I agree, yet balance still remains quintessential to a good experience and to avoid monopolies of certain loadouts as the only viable ones.
Balancing is multi-factorial and incredibly complex, often requiring the designers and developers to juggle between a great number of facets to get right. Player enjoyment is one of them and, in my opinion, the most important one at that.

Ceiling: Borderline all-star level impact with the versatility and rim protection to make a couple of all-defense teams. Hit 3s at a decent clip and volume
Projection: Defensive minded starting/backup big who can finish lobs and dumpoffs
Floor: Bounces around teams hoping to unlock his potential, but never really finds a role in the league. Lack of offensive game won’t make up for defensive prowess
Comparison: A taller Precious Achiuwa, Nic Claxton
With Atlanta lucking into the #1 pick, Alex Sarr should not be their top option. A Sarr, Trae, Murray trio would definitely be interesting to watch, but the Hawks will be disappointed if they think Sarr will be an all-star caliber player.
Weaknesses

• Has bad touch around the rim. Sympton of lack of in air body control and contact averse style on offense
• Goes for the flashy block too often
• Shooting mechanics have potential, shown some touch on midrange fades, might even go on hot shooting streaks at times but won’t be able to sustain it, inconsistent mechanics, doesn’t project to be a great shooter
• Pretty bad at setting screens, unintentionally sets flare screens
• Rebounding poor, needs to get stronger and relies on length too much instead of boxing out
• Some position concerns, needs to improve shooting greatly to play the 4, or get stronger to play the 5, not too worried about this

Strengths

• Mobile and lengthy 7-footer who has most value defensively. Able to guard out on the perimeter and anchor the paint. Uses tools to make up for positioning mistakes. He’ll make his money here as a great versatile defender
• Can be used as a lob/dunker threat, has vertical spacing potential
• Can create easy buckets by running the floor in the open court, has shown flashes of some grab and go
• Knows how to make basic reads in the short roll, although passes seem predetermined and will miss open teammates/shots

There’s a decent chance Sarr will be considered a “bust” if he’s drafted first overall. However, if he somehow falls to the late lottery, that’d be a good pick up. The potential is there to be an impactful player, but even at his peak, he probably won’t be anything more than a great role player.

Before we proceed:

1. I'm not CoH3 hater - I like playing CoH3, I had my claims because of release state. And I sincerely believe that releasing of halfbaked game is the worst sin of a developepublisher. Now can declare that game become much better after patches. I will continue playing it, I even fking left positive review during free weekend to compencate negative ones. Currently have almost 188 hours. I wish only best for devs and game.
   
2. I haven't played CoH1 multilpayer (few skirmishes with BOTs and 1-2 online matches) - I met it a bit late to roll in. But I've done campain and fond it very nice.
   
3. CoH2 - 3038 hours - what else should I say =)
   

______________________________________________________
So: "Can you post some screenshots of both games at max settings to help describe why one looks cheaper?
it's a genuinely baffling statement to me given that coh 3 is clearly technically superior, with better textures, higher poly models, more advanced lighting, post processing etc etc (as it should have)."
​
While I'm talking about cheapness, I don't mean textures and polygons. No jokes that CoH3 is technically superiour, it would be bloody pitty if not. Visuals are important but there are other weighty parts.
______________________________________________________
Campain.
Just check the campain 1st mission of all 3 CoH games, and say which one looks more interesting and engaiging:
CoH1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEoauGzRILs
It gives me vibes\atmosphere of a "Save private Ryan" or "Band of Brothers" series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1Qj_AVu2pA
______________________________________________________
CoH2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6is27nOLADE
​
It is like "Enemy at the Gates": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ3bzg-Tvt4
______________________________________________________
And CoH3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iusHBTPDXpE
It is very spectacular to compare with CoH1 because they have similar "coast assault" missions.
​
In CoH1 and CoH2 we have narrative campaign with nice cinematics presentation that drive us into mood. Videos that are made on ingame engine that makes you easier to believe in those what you see. Overall atmosphere is much better. CoH2 makes it even a bit deeper, cause we have additional conflict of "former comrades", that is shown through memories - that engage you even more: Why is he arrested? What happened? What is his fate? How do he know that guy?
In comparison CoH3 uses "moving picture placeholders", no focused camera shots. At 6:34 that guy says "models looks amazing" - yea, they are, but theatricals of that scene looks weaker than CoH1 or CoH2. It is much harder to make Italian campain that way because it uses "Total War" strategic style, which transforms it into bunch of skirmish battles.
______________________________________________________
Music.
Also I wanna attend point to sounds and music. Espesially music. It is ok in CoH3, but after this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR0ev5adrho
And this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLdAURdn4o4
It is like a that meme: Thi one (CoH3) is good, but I prefer that one (CoH2).
I dunno where Cris Velasco took inspiration but it freaking worked.
______________________________________________________
Animations.
I love how little details can change your imersion:
Here we have Helping Hans match:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrLvMr2K0-Y
At 11:40 he engages and we can see how models behave, pay attention to his Rangers with M1919 LMG - they just stay-shooting ot run-shooting. No attitional animations for models.
And here we have CoH2 unit test also using M1919: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spd4YM3k0iI
​
Do you see that mgs have recoil? That models strugle to hold it while shooting?
Also at 2:42 we can see woulnded soldier trying to crawl somewhere out of sandbags for help. Just nice detail. CoH3 have laying wounded models only if there is med bunker\station nearby.
Another CoH2 video with units test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agP6D7XYo1M
Have you notised that paratroopers with M1919 are laying on the ground while shooting? Because there is no cover where you can put it?
______________________________________________________
Menu, UI, and other...
With all my respect.
This:
https://interfaceingame.com/wp-content/uploads/company-of-heroes-2/company-of-heroes-2-main-menu-1920x1080.jpg
and this:
https://interfaceingame.com/wp-content/uploads/company-of-heroes-2/company-of-heroes-2-lobby-1920x1080.jpg
Main menu - animated background and music theme for every faction. Nice and readable buttons. Skirmish menu where you can invite friends, veto maps, choose gamemode.
Tutorial section with videos and audio explanations for new players: https://www.notebookcheck.net/fileadmin/Notebooks/Sonstiges/Games/CoH2/menu5_1.jpg
Fraction icons looks unique and stylish, not like CoH3 circles with pictures: https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Foshdt90nl5l41.png%3Fauto%3Dwebp%26s%3D9b10033e0b70410febd5be49fc89dfdf96790254
It looks more attractive, more solid than this, at least for me: https://medias.community.companyofheroes.com/forums/john-re/1701727912547.png
I dunno how to explain. CoH3 has its own style, but more clean, more simple. Its like difference between business and family car. They both have engine, wheels and do same job but they feels in different way. ______________________________________________________ Here should be something else I also wanted to add, but I forgot what exactly... =(
P.S. I hope I haven't messed up with links.
______________________________________________________
I'll repeat CoH 3 is a good game. IMHO, It like this cause SEGA, which owned and sponsored Relic during development, didn't believed that game will succseed and provided limited funding. Lack of which caused such "decisions of simplificense". Also, I'm pretty sure SEGAs money lack due to "HYENAS" development failure, forced game releace to get at least some money.
Anyway, I wish devs luck and will continue playing and investing some additional money into game - until devs will do some stupid greedy shit. Hope that not.

Despite this being a relatively new release (2021) you don't hear very much about this cartridge.
Released as a joint venture between Winchester & Browning, the 6.8 Western is a .277 caliber (i.e. 270) short-action cartridge that is specifically designed to shoot heavy-for-caliber bullets that exhibit both high ballistic coefficients and sectional densities.
It's essentially a modern take on the 270WSM that can utilize heavier bullets up to 175grains due to it's 1:7.5 twist.
The 6.8 Western strikes the perfect balance between long range capability, muzzle energy, felt recoil and terminal ballistics.
Situated right between the likes of the 6.5PRC and 7PRC it showcases the benefits of both calibers without their downsides.
The main criticism of the 6.8 Western is that it won't see widespread uptake and will disappear into obscurity within 5-10 years. Hornady refuses to load for it as it's a direct competitor to their PRC line of cartridges.
The cartridge is currently supported by two of the largest firearms companies who designed it (Winchester & Browning) who are also the only two companies chambering rifles for it (XPR, Model 70, X-bolt). It is rumoured that both Barnes and Norma will be loading factory ammo for it this year.
I'm seriously considering this cartridge in a future lightweight, mountain/sheep rifle.
What are your thoughts on the 6.8 Western? Do you own one or would you consider a rifle chambered in it?

Here's the stats for the AR right now:
AR- 23 Liberator
Damage: 60 LP (Light Penetration)
Ammo: 45
RoF: 640 RPM
Recoil: 15
(Conveyed) DPS: 640 ((RPM/60)*DMG)
Reload After: ~4.2s
DPM(agazine): 2700
AR-23P Liberator Penetrator
Damage: 45 MP
Ammo: 30
RoF: 640
Recoil: 19
DPS: 480
Reload After: ~2.8s
DPM: 1350
AR-23C Liberator Concussive
Damage: 65 LP
Ammo: 30
RoF: 320
Recoil: 28
DPS: ~346
Reload After: ~5.6s
DPM: 1950
BR-14 Adjudicator
Damage: 80 MP
Ammo: 25
RoF: 550
Recoil: 40
DPS: ~733
Reload After: ~2,7s
DPM: 2000
Now let's compare that to the Sickle:
LAS-16 Sickle
Damage: 55 LP
Ammo: 99* (Heat)
RoF: 750
Recoil: 2
DPS: ~687
Reload After: ~7.9s
DPM: 5445
Let that sink in for a bit. The best overall "Assault Rifle", isn't even in that category.
And the Sickle is amazing, and has always felt amazing despite its slight windup. You're reloading less, especially if you manage your heat, and you're typically doing more DPS.
So my argument is that all ARs should be balanced around the Sickle, rather than the Liberator. And in fact, I think all of the current ARs should also be re-balanced based on the Sickle.
None of this is new information. I'm sure posts like this exist on this subreddit, I just haven't looked. (And I'm sorry for that.) But even with the recent buffs, none of these weapons truly compare to the Sickle. The Adjudicator is the only one to do have a higher DPS, but its recoil and small Magazine size far outweigh the damage it deals.
Damage should be slightly higher across the board. Medium Armor pen shouldn't require a huge downside on these weapons. (Looking at you AR-23P.) Take a look at the Dominator for comparison:
JAR-5 Dominator
Damage: 275 MP
Ammo: 15
RoF: 250
Recoil: 75
DPS: ~1145
Reload After: ~3.6s
DPM: 4125
It's weapons like this that just show the huge gap between weapon categories. Higher DPS and DPM while still maintaining that Medium Armor pen. Sure the recoil is higher, but with the slower RoF it's hardly noticeable. In order for the Penetrator to do similar damage, it would have to do over 100 damage per bullet. So why is it at 45?
Again, I know I'm not the only one to point out the strange balancing decisions made for this game. I just haven't slept and wanted to vent by posting my opinions onto the internet. lol

After the Polar Patriots warbond release, I decided it was time look back and review some of the fixes and features Arrowhead has tried to push out. This post is not about the balancing philosophy. It's about Arrowhead's tendency of rushing things out before they've been properly tested or thought-out. Basically I've chronicled all of their previous slip ups to date to paint a picture of how unhealthy it is for the game to be developed this way, as it merely leads to compounding issues and an ever growing list of known issues that only gets bigger with each patch. Let this be a trip down memory lane for my fellow helldivers, and a wake-up call to Arrowhead. I wanna be clear that I love this game and am only writing this up out of passion for the game because I want it to be the best that it can be.

Patch 01.000.100 - March 6th

Eradicate Missions

• Eradicate missions now require more kills and enemies spawn more often. The time to complete the mission was previously shorter than intended and should now take twice as long to complete.

Notes:
Caused an issue with spawn rates for higher class enemies (heavies, elites) being increased across the board.

Fixes

• Fixed armor rating values not reducing damage as intended.

Notes:
Was in fact not fixed, and re-addressed in a later patch.
This patch also added the Patriot Exosuit, which it was quickly discovered had a suite of unfortunate bugs associated with it.

• Rockets fired from the Exosuit launcher may sometimes make contact with the Exosuit’s hitbox and explode, instantly killing the player and destroying the mech. A work around was to not fire rockets while turning or walking forward, as this was believed to exacerbate the issue.
• The weapons could still be fired while viewing the map, leading to many accidental discharges.
• The mech was unusually vulnerable to damage, getting one shot by a single rocket from even the lowest tier raider, or a single melee from a Charger.
• Using a stim while inside the Exosuit crashes your game.
  • After being fixed there was still an issue where using stim while holding a grenade inside the Exosuit crashed the game.
• The Exosuit’s melee ability was barely functional and didn’t work half the time.
• The Exosuit would sometimes get delivered in a damaged or broken state, or dropped on a rock high up, such that a Helldiver could not enter it.
• Enemies would frequently ignore the Exosuit if there was another helldiver nearby.

Patch 1.000.102 - March 12th

This patch introduced a particularly nasty crash associated with having cross-play enabled. I can speak from personal experience that me and my friends were borderline unable to play the game in this period because it was guaranteed all of us would crash at least once, and if the host crashed there was even a bug where they could not rejoin. Thankfully, ensuring all players have cross-play disabled seemed to mostly resolve the crashing.
It also introduced the Termicide Tower missions to the game to tie in with the major order. This mission had an annoying issue that confused a lot of players where if you repeatedly pressed the button to activate a tower, you would cause a near endless series of bug breaches. Many players didn't realize this, and would desperately hurry to re-activate the tower after a shutdown, not understanding that doing so only made the situation worse.
2 days later we also received the Cutting Edge warbond, which had the following issues:

• LAS-16 Sickle
  Really good gun on release, only issue is not being able to shoot through foliage.
  
• Punisher Plasma
  This gun was pretty mediocre on release. It wasn’t plagued by any bugs or major issues, it just needed some buffs to really be worth bringing. The low projectile velocity combined with the small AoE on impact and the inaccuracy made it hard to utilize at medium-long engagements. At the same time, the fact that it did splash damage made it bad in CQC situations as well, leading to an overall very meh weapon.
  
• LAS-7 Dagger
  Not necessarily weak, but it was competing with the Redeemer which was just top notch at the time.
  
• ARC-12 Blitzer
  Fire rate was too slow, but a very interesting weapon none the less. Trading fire rate and range for infinite ammo is an interesting mechanic.
  

Overall this warbond was pretty solid on release, and now after some buffs it is undoubtedly one of the best ones in the game.

Patch 1.000.103 - March 20th

Fixes

• Shots from arc-based weapons, such as 'Blitzer' shotgun and 'AC-3 Arc Thrower' stratagem now count towards "Shots fired" and "Shots hit" stats.

Notes:
Fixed, but introduced a new issue that caused freezes whenever an arc based weapon was fired. This was addressed a week later in a new patch. In the meantime, players could not use arc based weapons.
This patch also introduced the Shriekers, which had the infamous 1-shot ragdoll issue where a dead shrieker hitting you would instantly kill you. They also had an issue where they could call bug breaches. It is unclear if this was intentional or not but it was immediately removed in the following patch.

Patch 01.000.200 - April 2nd

Fixes

• Heavy and medium armor protects you better and you now take about 10% less damage than before while wearing heavy and about 5% less when wearing medium armor. Fortified commando and light armor is unchanged.

Notes:
This really helped make heavy armor actually feel like heavy armor, but there was still the problem of enemy crits (headshots) making even the beefiest armor feel like cardboard.

Fixes

• Fixed cases where the ground under some assets could be bombed causing them to float.

Notes:
This still happens.
This patch also infamously introduced the crash on extract bug where every player in the mission would crash after extracting.

Patch 01.000.202 - April 9th

This was the patch that finally acknowledged a series of long-standing issues:

• Damage-over-time effects may only apply when dealt by the host.
• Certain weapons like the Sickle cannot shoot through foliage.
• Scopes on some weapons such as the Anti-Materiel Rifle are slightly misaligned.
• Arc weapons sometimes behave inconsistently and sometimes misfire.
• Spear’s targeting is inconsistent, making it hard to lock-on to larger enemies.

It also introduced the Evacuate High-Value Assets mission type, which had a strange issue where red tinted dev boxes were visible on the map, seemingly indicating an out of bounds area. There's also an issue where Factory Striders can peek over the Extraction site and destroy the Generators without ever making it inside the launch area.
We also got the 4th tier ship upgrades, of which 2 did nothing, 1 was partially bugged, rendering half of the new content broken.

• Superior packing methodology just flat out did not work.
• Blast Absorption - which was supposed to give sentries explosion resistance - made no difference to the sentries ability to tank explosions. It is debatable whether or not the upgrade “worked” in a technical sense (50% of 0 is still 0), but in practice it provided no benefit to the user, making it effectively worthless.
• XXL Weapons Bay correctly added 1 additional missile to most of Eagle-1’s arsenal, but mistakenly added 1 additional airstrike missile to the Cluster bomb. Furthermore, the upgrade itself is just kinda weak, as adding a single extra missile to an already massive barrage.

Never mind that these were expensive upgrades and players could only afford one at launch, so imagine spending your hard earned samples on one of the 3 broken ones.
2 days later we also received the Democractic Detonation warbond, which was amazing on release, and only had the following issues:

• Adjudicator
  This weapon was just really meh on release. Insane recoil and ammo problems made it undesirable. It had decent damage and AP 3 so it was like a harder hitting, harder to control Lib Pen. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite there at launch and needed some buffs to get to a decent state. Furthermore, it was just insanely overshadowed by the other weapons in the warbond.
  
• Thermite
  A really interesting concept for a grenade, unfortunately the DoT bug made it pretty much unusable. However, even with the DoT bug fixed, this grenade still suffers from some issues. For one, actually sticking it to things can be really inconsistent, and that’s a problem because that’s the whole basis for the grenade. The damage also feels inconsistent still somehow, from my own testing I haven’t been able to get a solid idea of how many thermites I need to take down a chargebile titan/tank/hulk, it always seems to vary by quite a lot. I think the execution of this grenade needs some more work still, fans have rightfully pointed out that it would be cool if the thermite weakened the armor value of the spot that it’s stuck to, basically letting players “soften up” a heavily armored part so it can be damaged with a lower pen weapon. This would at least make it so you’re not just running around waiting for the burn to finish and can choose to shoot back to stack damage with the thermite.
  
• CE-27 Ground Breaker
  Had the wrong passive on release. Player’s rightfully pointed out that it would have been cool to see some new armor passives, for example fire resistance armor, which would have lined up well with the previous warbond having arc resistance armor.
  

Unfortunately, after a series of nerfs, this warbond is in an abysmal state, and probably one of the worst you can pick up.

Patch 01.000.300 - April 29th

Balancing

• LAS-99 Quasar Cannon
  • Increased recharge time by 5 seconds

Notes:
The recharge time was indeed increased, but the UI indicator now no longer matched the new timing of 15 seconds, and would show the weapon as ready to fire still after 10 seconds, leading to some confusion.

Balancing

• Machinegun Sentry
  • Increased health to match other Sentries

Notes:
Probably worked as intended? The problem with this change is that the Machinegun sentry is literally just an inferior version of the gatling gun, with no redeemable qualities. That just makes you wonder why they would even bother with this buff.

Enemies

• Hulk Scorcher direct flamethrower damage reduced by 20%

Notes:
This is a strange one. A few patches back when they decided to increase fire damage across the board by 50%, they unintentionally made certain things unreasonably lethal, like the fire tornadoes on Helmire, or the flamethrower from the Hulk. The problem with this change is that it seems to ignore a deeper issue with the Hulk (and “spewing” weapons in general) that causes the 1 frame instakill. Nerfing the damage by 20% does not fix the underlying issue where you get randomly 1 shot from a single stray collision with the fire, which is what players were ACTUALLY asking for to get fixed. I verified that this is still happening the day the patch dropped, and it has yet to be addressed by Arrowhead.

Enemy Patrols
We unintendedly had non-linear scaling of the patrol spawns so they didn't spawn as often as they should have when less than 4 players. The intention is that 1 player has 1/4th of the patrols compared to 4 players, but it used to be that they had 1/6th.

• Balancing adjustment to patrol spawning.
• Patrol spawning has been increased when there are fewer than 4 players. The fewer the players the bigger the change. For 4 player missions there will be no change compared to before. The biggest noticeable change will be for solo players at higher difficulties.

Notes:
This change actually fucked patrol spawns even more, instead making it so the patrol spawn modifier is always at 100%, regardless of how many players are in the game.

Gameplay

• Shots that ricochet from heavy armored enemies will now properly hit the Helldiver who fired them. Trigger discipline is highly recommended.

Notes:
This infamously caused shrapnel from the Eruptor to sometimes ricochet 50m and annihilate helldivers in 1 shot. It was a very rare thing, but it led to some outcry from the community, and assurance from the dev team that it would be fixed in an upcoming patch.

Fixes

• Fixed an exploit that allowed overly eager Helldivers to use grenades excessively.

Notes:
Not fixed. Before it was possible to have negative grenades, which effectively meant infinite grenades. Now you can instead get an integer overflow giving you 4,294,967,296 grenades. So not technically infinite, but still excessive.
This patch also introduced the bug where the plasma punisher would explode against the inside of the shield generator, making the two unusable together.
Shortly before this patch dropped we also got access to the Airburst launcher. However, Arrowhead unintentionally gave us an old version of the weapon that suffered from a few bugs. For one, the rocket had a weird tendency to burst toward the player, leading to many accidentals. In addition, the proximity trigger on the launcher would trigger off of pretty much any kind of environmental entity, which made the weapon extremely difficult to use without blowing yourself up.

Patch 01.000.302 - May 7th

Balancing

• R-9 Eruptor
  • Increased explosion damage by 40 and removed shrapnel from the explosion
  • This is to avoid cases in which players would randomly one-shot themselves or their teammates in a huge radius around the explosion

Notes:
As advertised, the Eruptor lost it’s shrapnel to prevent unfair deaths from ricochets. It also received a compensatory buff to make up for losing a part of it’s damage. It was assured that losing shrapnel would not negatively impact the Eruptor, as it played a negligible part in it’s total damage, so gaining 40+ explosive damage would be a net positive for the weapon. This was immediately proven to not be true, as players could tell right away that the weapon had been severely nerfed, having worse breakpoints against pretty much all targets. This whole change was very concerning because it was being sold to us as a "fix", claiming the high damage of the Eruptor was actually an exploit. It sets a worrying precedent where we can't take anything for granted; if a weapon feels strong on release, is it by design or an exploit?

Fixes

• Fixed issues with some weapon scopes not being aligned in First-Person-View.

Notes:
Not fixed. There still seems to be some issues with alignments on different display configurations, not to mention the HMG is still severely misaligned. It’s gotten better, but it’s not fully resolved.

Fixes

• The sound when stimming no longer plays while being interrupted

Notes:
Not fixed. It still happens.

Fixes - Firing the Punisher Plasma while wearing a shield backpack no longer damages the Helldiver

Notes: Almost fixed, there seem to still be edge cases where the gun clips the shield.
2 days later we also got the Polar Patriots warbond, which is undoubtedly the worst warbond they have released to date:

• CW-4 Arctic Ranger
  Another light armor with Scout. Along with just being a recolor of the existing Scout armor, it is a recolor that cannot be mixed with any other item in the game. We have nothing that fits an orange/blue color scheme, which makes it really stand out in a sore thumb kind of way.
  
• CW-22 Kodiak
  Another heavy armor with Fortified. You know what would have been cool? A new passive to tie in with the snow theme. For the love of god, the armor even comes with cleats on the boots, which is literally designed to prevent slipping on ice - and you still slip on ice while wearing this armor. Ngl this apple kinda taste like bacon. There is also a general issue for all of these armor pieces that the prefix does not line up with the armor’s passive, adding to the already long list of armor’s with incorrect prefixes.
  
• ** CW-36 Winter Warrior**
  Same thing as above.
  
• AR-61 Tenderiser
  This weapon is just a worse version of the Liberator, but once you look closer, you start to realize why that is. To start, the armory describes it as being a high-caliber assault rifle with a restrictive magazine but more stopping power. Well, at 60 damage per shot and AP 2, that puts at the exact same damage and AP as the Liberator, which has more ammo per magazine. It does feature slightly less recoil and more spare mags, but when you pick up ammo, you surprisingly get fewer mags back than the Liberator. However all of these oddities start to make sense when you realize this weapon was designed on an older patch of the game, from before they increased the Liberators damage, increased the amount of ammo most guns recover, and lowered carriable magazines across the board. There is more evidence that this is the case, which I’ll get into as we go along. Oh and the weapon also shipped with the wrong color scheme.
  
• SMG-72 Pummeller
  The only decent weapon in this warbond, and it’s just a re-skin of the Defender. The stun effect is cool, and regardless of effort, it is nice to have another 1-handed primary.
  
• Plas-101 Purifier
  Wow, something went wrong here. This weapon is clearly suffering from some kind of bug because it is a worse version of every single other explosive weapon in the game. Worse than the Eruptor, worse than the Crossbow, worse than the Scorcher even. There’s a theory going around that part of it’s damage isn’t working because the gun reportedly doesn’t track shots fired correctly. So it is possible the direct damage isn’t working correctly, and instead we only get the splash damage. Furthermore, in the trailer for the warbond, they showed this weapon 1-shotting a strider to the face, which got a lot of players excited because the striders had just gotten a buff to their explosive resistance which meant most weapons now needed 2 shots to kill them. And then the warbond released, and the Purifier needed 2 shots just like every other weapon. This only further supports the theory that this warbond was designed on an older patch, from before they gave striders explosive resistance.
  
• P-113 Verdict
  My verdict for this weapon? It’s outclassed by the Senator. Again, if this had been the old patch where the Senator still had to reload each round manually, then the Verdict would make a little more sense. You trade a bit of firepower and AP for a larger magazine that can be reloaded at once. However now that the Senator has a speed reloader, the Verdict just doesn’t make sense.
  
• Booster: Motivational Shocks
  I haven’t fully tested this booster yet, but from reading other’s experience, it seems like it reduces the duration of slows caused by attacks. That’s a bit disappointing to me as I was hoping this booster would act more as a “cleanse" that triggers when you get slowed and removes it. I guess that would’ve taken more work to implement but it would’ve made for a stronger and more interesting booster in my opinion. And we desperately need some more boosters because right now all I’m seeing is the same 4 every mission. Funny how quick they are to nerf popular weapons but for everything else, they seem to turn a blind eye (disclaimer: I am not asking for nerfs to the popular boosters, I am asking for buff/reworks of the bad ones).
  

In conclusion, this warbond is the worst one we’ve gotten thus far. It has 2 redeemable qualities, the SMG-72 and the impact incendiary, everything else is not worth it. Not to mention this is the 4th time we get a warbond that has a ton of new animations and they are all victory poses. Why Arrowhead? Why can’t these also be used as emotes? We literally have not received a single new emote since release, it is absurd.

Long standing issues that still haven't been fixed

To close off this compilation, here’s a list of issues that have been in the game since release that still haven’t been fixed, most of which have not been acknowledged by Arrowhead:

• Spear still cannot lock-on to things reliably.
• Arc based weapons still sometimes fail to target things, especially if there are corpses between you and a valid target.
• Scopes are misaligned on some weapons like the AMR.
• Hulk flamethrower sometimes 1 shots players.
  • This can also happen with bile spewers and bile titans.
• The bile titan often freezes upon dying, instead of ragdolling into the ground.
• Enemies ragdolling can sometimes result in glitchy behavior sending them flying. This is problematic as making contact with them in this state can be lethal.
• Bots can infamously sometimes shoot through terrain and obstacles. This seems to most commonly happen with Devastators due to their ability to track players behind cover.
• Having a massive dropship crash out of the sky and land on top of the bots seems to rarely do anything besides occasionally trapping them inside the wreckage until it despawns (which they often can shoot through anyway).
• The stratagem beam still inconsistently tracks sticked targets.
• The engineering perk that gives 30% less recoil when crouched also applies when standing or prone (don’t change this, just update the description).
• Thermites very inconsistently stick to things despite that being the whole premise of the item.
• Exosuits rockets are still awfully aligned with the crosshair
• 500kg bomb feels inconsistent or the visual explosion feels misaligned with the hurtbox
• devastators, spewers, and bile titans can fire their ranged attack at unreasonable angles, completely betraying the animation.
• The terrain around a detector tower is still hard to call down stratagems on.
• The last input for a Stratagem call-in or chat message is sometimes (or always?) misread as a standard input. This most infamously leads to controller users unintentionally using a charge of their supply backpack when an input sequence ends with “down”.
• Sometimes for an unknown reason, a player can become unreinforceable. This has happened twice to me personally since release, and the only fix seems to be leaving and rejoining the mission.
• The limb health bonus from the fortified perk gets overridden by the Vitality booster
• It's often hard to stand up from prone when you are surrounded, or if you are slowed.
• Sometimes Pelican-1 leaves immediately when only 1 player enters without starting a timer (I have verified from testing that this coincides with the pelican being on fire, HOWEVER it doesn't happen consistently when the pelican is on fire. This is why I consider it a bug rather than a feature.)
• If a bile titan dies on top of Pelican-1, there is a chance that it can cause the door hitbox to break, preventing players from entering the Pelican-1 (you can walk around inside the pelican, but your character doesn't sit down).
• When a weapon is changed, it's armory description doesn't update. Examples include the Eruptor still mentioning shrapnel, or the Liberator Concussive mentioning it has less damage than the standard Liberator, even though that's now no longer the case.
• Sometimes your camera flies off from your character, leading to confusion about your whereabouts.

Link to the first part for those not caught up. I’ll organise everything into a single Google doc at some point
Love is one of those subjects that always confuses a few creatures at every turn. It’s also a foundational element to grasp concerning Changelings, everything from its production to its consumption drives Phalanta forward, and the course of (changeling) history has been changed many times by it.
Beginning with the basics, explained in laygriff’s terms so we’re all on the same page: love is a substance created and consumed by changelings as our source of sustenance. It is tied with the emotion of affection felt by all creatures, but they are not “the same”; as in, the extraction of love from a creature doesn’t steal their capacity to love, contrary to a certain myth (although a creature might not be very loving after being bitten and harvested for food), but the amount of love harvested is often tied to how loving the creature is.
Love as a substance has two states: a material and an immaterial state. It is exerted by, and radiates out from, all sapient creatures (other than changelings) in its immaterial state, and changelings can soak up this love by holding proximity to, or extracted directly from such a creature when a changeling holds a bite on them. The material form of love is created by changelings through the process of melken. So far, the only state of matter achievable for love is as a liquid, but the possibility of boiling or freezing it has not been taken off the table.
Material love is what most think of when they think of “love”, and it is often depicted as a luminous pink, but this is a stereotype. There are in fact seven different, distinguishable “types” of love. Each of these exists in both immaterial and material forms, but are most distinct - and can be isolated from each other - in their material states. Each “type” has a unique colour, taste, properties, and availability. Elaborating on that last point, each type of love “grows'' in different environments. Some creatures have Agape, and some don’t. Eros can only be harvested under specific circumstances, while Storge is quite commonly found all over the place. Some types can only be harvested on the Maten farms, others need to be obtained by infiltrators.
The seven “types” of love are as follows:
Eros’ red is a pleasant sight to all changelings. It has the strongest flavour of all of the love types - an intoxicatingly-so one - and provides a large burst of strength when consumed. However, since the circumstances to harvest Eros means that it is the rarest, and as it is probably the most sought-after, it is in the greatest demand at all times. Eros does have an unfortunate property similar to alcohol: if consumed in large amounts it can cloud the mind and dampen the senses for long periods of time. Due to all the above factors, its sale and consumption is regulated. Due to it’s large energy burst, it’s often used “power up” mages preparing a taxing spell, or as a stimulant for
Philia practically glows with the pink colour that almost all can recognise. It is harvested in mass in the Maten farms due to its relative ease of collection, meaning that it is the most common type of love to be found. Philia tastes even, some have even described the flavour as “uninteresting” and “basic” compared to the others to be found. However, most agree that Philia has almost no faults. It forms a sturdy base to mix with other flavours, as it doesn’t overpower any of the other types; it’s consistently enjoyable; and it has no aftertaste (literally, no aftertaste, the flavour immediately disappears after it leaves the tongue, which could be seen as a flaw or a benefit). Philia doesn’t change all that much in terms of flavour when refined, and as such refining it for civilian consumption is usually just not done. Changeling armies, however, have typically used refined Philia for rations throughout history, when pillaging Maten farms was not an option.
Storge is an off-white colour, and is the second-most common type of love, being harvested in large quantities in the Maten farms. As a general rule of hoof, Storge is not used in mixtures with Philia, as their flavours are quite similar, and the experience is often jarring. Consider Storge to be an ingredient version of Philia, as opposed to a base, since it has a stronger, more prominent taste and doesn’t lack an aftertaste.
Agape, a bright yellow, is one of the tougher love types to harvest. On one hoof, creatures exuding Agape essence output a lot of it, and as such Agape tends to have the highest love-per-creature ratio. On the other, creatures from which Agape can be harvested are few and far between, and it can almost never be harvested on the farms, or in any meaningful quantities, at least. It has a flavour that hides when you aren’t looking for it, but is a great treat when on the tongue. For this reason it works well with Pragma, which allows it to have some perpetuation.
Ludus, a darkish orange, has both a bitter and sweet taste. It sits around the middle of the list of love types from common to rare. It’s relatively easy to harvest when a source of it is found, but finding such a source can be a bit long. In general, the Maten farms produce very little, and most of it comes from infiltrators, especially in Equestria. In its raw form, Ludus has little value, but when separated into Ludusüß and Ludarsch, it can be used for a variety of things. Ludusüß is sweet and potent, it perks changelings up, and gives a pretty big burst of energy. Ludarsch is a bitter liquid with few uses, mostly being a good sobering substance for changelings drunk on alcohol or even other types of love. Other than that, Ludarsch is viewed as a byproduct.
Pragma is a pleasant blue. It is not as plentiful as some of the other love types, since it is usually hard to harvest on the Maten farms, and most of it comes from infiltrators. Pragma has a slow-burning flavour that often is a great compliment to Agape. While there’s not much to say about it, Pragma was originally thought to have the capability to grant longevity. While experiments have since proven contrary, there is still an interest in pursuing further study into this myth to see if it holds at least some water.
Philautia has a light-green colour, and despite this is the second-least desired type of love. It is an odd love to harvest, only being able to be harvested through direct extraction. It is close to tasteless - in a bad way - and on the lower end of energising, although it is warming. Philautia is often given as pension to changelings who for one reason or another cannot get other types, and can often be found in the rations of soldiers relying on “living off the land”. However, it does have some medicinal properties, and with some refining it can be prescribed as an antidepressant. Finally, Philautia extracted from a creature, when consumed by a changeling, helps that changeling to better mimic the creature, a useful tool for infiltrators in replacer roles. With all the above facts, Philautia is the only type of love not available for free purchase on the market, its sale is limited to institutions licensed to distribute it.
You will notice that occasionally I mentioned types of love working together. Love is not just a static source of food that you just have, it would get boring quickly if that were the case. Much effort has been put into the trial-and-error process of creating unique mixtures, combining the different types in many ways, refining, mixing, splitting, imprinting, all to create so-called “Love Crushes” - or just a “Crush” - to make consumption more enjoyable. In times past, Crushes were mostly a thing for royalty; what changed that was the introduction of currency - and then enterprise - into Palantra in the 10th century, which allowed businesses to begin making them for drones to buy with their new Royals.
But let’s return from the sidetrack:
As previously mentioned, immaterial love can be soaked up by a changeling in proximity. The closer the better, but that also has other complications. Alternatively, a changeling can hold a draining bite on another sapient creature, allowing them to siphon away love from the creature directly. A creature on the other end of a siphoning is drained of physical energy as a consequence, if not outright killed by excessive siphoning. Either way, harvested love is stored in the love sac, located behind the brain and just above the roof of the mouth. In the love sac, immaterial love is converted into its material state, as part of a mess called raw love. Raw love is the unseparated mixture of whatever love types in whatever quantities hanging around. At any time, love from the love sac can either be diffused into the bloodstream directly, or extracted through a changeling’s fangs.
Raw love can be extracted through the fangs by notching the fang forward and squeezing the sac with the muscles around it. Raw love is a soup, an amalgamation of the different love types floating around in it. It is often overpowering and unpleasant to taste, and it is relatively weak compared to the sum of its parts.
This transitions into the topic of love refining. Initial, basic love refining is concerned with the separation of the different types of love. This is achieved by adding additives into a mixture of raw love. These additives bond with some of the types of love, and are used to increase the density of said types, allowing them to be removed from the raw love individually. For example, salt absorbs into Ludus and Eros, but not any of the others. By adding salt to raw love, it causes the density of the Ludus and Eros to increase, causing them to separate from the rest of the mixture and sink to the bottom. From there, once the Ludus/Eros mixture is isolated, water can be added, which absorbs a slight amount into the Eros, causing it to become more dense than both the water and the Ludus; meanwhile the water is less dense than the Ludus, causing it to settle between the Ludus and Eros. Boom, Ludus and Eros have been separated from the raw love and from each other.
However, these additives also contaminate the love, diluting its energy, and slightly polluting its taste. Thus, another method is required to remove the additives. Advanced love refining is a lengthy and complicated process that is unfortunately outside my area of knowledge, and if I did, they probably wouldn’t be riveting material for your brain’s consumption. All you do need to know is that love that has undergone the advanced refining process gives more energy and is purer in taste.
Finally, finishing up this section with the consumption of love.
The energy provided by love when consumed has two manifestations: a stored, longer-lasting energy, like what’s created when a different creature eats food; and an immediate burst of energy that dissipates quicker. Exactly how much of each energy is dependent on how much love is consumed and of what type.
I already explained what a consistently large consumption of love does in the previous chapter, and it’s obvious what a standard consumption does, so let’s talk about lack of love. What happens when a changeling doesn’t eat enough? Changelings that don’t eat a sustaining ration begin to suffer what is known as Lebendertod, which can only be described as a ravenous hunger. Those suffering from Lebendertod become more aggressive - volatile, one might say - and experience incredible hunger pains. The severity of this condition is dependent on how much they are consuming: a little bit will not be as severe as if they were not having any. Such changelings don’t starve in the traditional sense, they can withstand a long period in such a state, kept alive by traces of love drawn from the Hive (hivane) itself, although this is nowhere enough to sate the appetite of the void that Lebendertod is. After the Hive begins to run out of love to sustain all its members, the changelings of the hive start to simply snuff out, like a machine running out of battery: one moment they’re - lethargically - moving about, fully conscious; and then the next they… aren’t. It’s a horrible death that changelings fear the most, some religions even believe this form of death to cause complete annihilation for the soul of the victim.
It’s a genuine question I get asked, can changelings eat “normal” food? Changelings cannot subsist off of typical foodstuffs in their base form, with the little exception that a shapeshifted changeling that assumes the form of a creature with a working digestive system can digest standard food, although this is a highly inefficient method that requires constant maintenance of the form, otherwise the extracted nutrients are lost. Changelings do however still need to drink water to survive.
[The next page is a different grain from the rest of the book, and clearly has been stuck into it. It is attached to the remnant of a page that has been torn out. The foreign page has words written in neat hoofwriting instead of printed type like the rest of the book].

Maten

All other books I’ve found on the subject of changelings have one thing in common that they all miss: the existence of Maten and Maten farms. This is excusable, since I doubt any outsider has ever trotted into a Maten farm on their daily commute.
Maten are small, sapient creatures native to the Phalanta Basin. For the past ever, Maten has been the backbone of Changeling society. Currently, Maten love accounts for over 90% of all love consumed in the changeling hives, so without it, Phalanta would have shrivelled up and died pitifully long ago. There’s an adage back where I’m from: Any event in (changeling) history happened either for Maten or power, and Maten is power.
Standing erect, a typical Maten is about thirty-centimetres tall to their head, with ears that can reach another five. Maten typically move quadrupedal, but stand bipedal, and can manipulate their foredigits to interact with their surroundings. Their bodies are remarkably well furred (and makes great clothing), and they can easily survive at temperatures down to -10°C. Their noses are relatively underpowered compared to similar creatures, with small olfactory receptors. Counter to this, their sense of hearing is remarkably good, owing to their large ears, which are their only major heat-bleed.
Maten farms vary in size and methods as much as they vary in location. A glade deep inside the Nymark, a crater heated by geothermal springs near Purifia, a cliff shelf overlooking the ocean, these are all examples of farms. All that really matters is a stable source of food of building materials, an easily monitored area for the farm itself, and a nearby location for the base for the changelings harvesting the love and managing the farm.
Because it’s so easy to set up a farm, the only real bottleneck for new farms is getting enough Maten to start a new Maten colony. This isn’t usually a problem, as Maten multiply quickly. The development period is about three months, and the adolescent period is about two years. With a total average life of nine years, that means that a single pair of Maten can produce about 21 offspring over their life.
This multiplication is perpetually locked in a constant race against the ever-expanding changeling population, which in the last two centuries has come close to collapsing in on itself many times. A data leak following the Canterlot Coup revealed that 2% of Maten were killed in the ensuing chaos simply to satisfy love quotas, and that comes nowhere close to the Vesali-Vrak war of 938-945, during which some estimates put the slaughtered Vesali Maten at ~30% killed for love, and ~8% killed by or lost to Vraks. The result of the sheer drop in Maten after the Vesali-Vrak war almost paralysed Vesalipolis, and the newly crowned Queen Chrysalis was forced to strike an alliance with Ditrysium just to pull through the crisis; meanwhile Vraks experienced a second Trötthetens tid, and was forced to recoil for three decades before having any semblance of a fighting spirit again.

Love as a resource

In times past, love was used as a standard to value money to. Indeed, the first Vraksian Royals were minted to represent a value of love in lieu of having it (like credit) to allow the employment of larger workforces for industrial-size projects. It wasn’t until the Chrysalis’ queenship that love and currency separated in purpose. Today, the price for love is set at about 20 Hivgild (the national currency of the Confederation) for one 50ml vial of Eros, and its price is determined and maintained by the nation as opposed to typical supply & demand, ostensibly to keep it semi-affordable in the case of a famine.
In older days, typically the Maten farms were “owned” by the hive as a whole, and the queen was responsible for the organisation of them. In modern days, that responsibility has mostly been outsourced to independent corporations such as Skittler and Pheromor, who do the work of maintaining and growing the farms, while employing the workforce required to work them. However, hives often do keep a few personal farms so as to not completely rely on the companies.
At a national scale, love is measure in erots. An erot is a unit of measurement used to manage love at the national level. It is approximate to 10,000 bottles of eros (which it derives its name from) worth of love, and as such represents a large quantity of food: enough to feed an entire small hive for a day.
The national conversion rate - and thus the national prices - for the other types of love are in comparison to Eros, which serves as a standard. Those conversions are as follows.
1 vial of Eros = 6 vials of Philia
1 vial of Eros = 4 vials of Storge
1 vial of Eros = 3 vials of Agape
1 vial of Eros = 2 vials of Ludusüß, 6 vials of Ludarsch
1 vial of Eros = 4 vials of Pragma
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