Been playing modded with low ish zombies as I’m fairly new and I’ve been playing with the bunker and tower series of map mods, and I’ve been living in bunker 25/33 for the past couple in game days, going out to find a car (Found a sick Russian Armoured Car from a mod) and some basic food supplies and ammo for the many weapons I’ve spawned with. Any other good bunker maps I could play? I like being holed up in a bunker and only going out once in a while rather than being out all the time.

So, I’ve been mentioning some ideas for future stratagems here and there, and thought to bring them all together into one post. Just thought you guys might like them, so here they are:
“Car” - it drops a regular, yellow car, the same way we order mechs. You can use it to drive around and it comes with a spare tire and cool windshield wipers. The gas is limited, so the team resupply gets replaced with gas cans. It can get stuck in snow, sand and hard terrain in general, but you can call an Eagle to tow it.
“Orbital Peepee Strike” - it is pretty much a railcannon strike but it shoots you instead of the enemies. It hits three times, in case you survive by wearing armour with that “50% chance not to die” perk. If you somehow still manage to survive three strikes, the game deletes itself from your drive and you have to install it again.
“Eagle 5000000kg bomb” - works the same way as a 500 but it’s bigger. The input is so long that it takes up an entire screen. It’s a high skill-high reward stratagem. When it drops, the explosion destroys the entire planet and it disappears until the galactic war is reset. You also win the game and have to sit through the credits (they’re unskippable but you can increase the scrolling speed).
“Scientist” - it drops a scientist npc in a hellpod. You interact with him to start a small escort quest. He runs faster than you jog, but slower than you sprint. He also has dialogue sometimes but usually not.
“Flag of Liberty” - it’s a support weapon. You can’t fight with it but you can wave it. Every time you do, it randomises the game language for everyone in the lobby. You also can never unequip it, if you die you spawn with it.
“Scuba Steve Diving Gear” - The name explains it all. It allows you to swim around in a pond, and dive underwater to search for treasure. Once you put it on, you will not be able to breathe while on land. Pretty much the same mechanic as swimming right now, where you drown after a bit, but reversed. To accommodate this new mechanic, every map in the game will be reworked to feature rivers and lakes as an alternative way to reach different parts of the map, and every objective will have an underwater section you can do instead. There will be sharks and electric eels, but your weapon will now be a harpoon gun. Also, scuba divers will evacuate by a submarine.

I'm sure this has probably been asked here before, but what are armoured cars good for if for anything? I've never really even tried to use them but I always end up having them due to the AI producing them and getting them on capitulation, so I'm wondering if they have any use or if they're worth anything and are not just worse tanks/better cavalry (which is what I'm guessing they'd be used for?).
Also appreciated if someone shares if there is some strategy or build where they end up actually being viable.

So Astrotrain and Skylynx serve as each other's counterpart. Both are triple changers. They have a cybertronian spaceship that can transport around 5 bots/cons. Astrotrain transforms into an armoured train and Skylynx into a fire train (I figured it fits quite well with each side's themes). In their robot mode (which is the same size as their other two modes) the locomotive forms the main body and the train cars form the limbs.
Omega Supreme and Tidal Wave are triple changers that are similar in size. They both turn into navy ships (as for what type e.g. an aircraft carrier or a battleship please suggest in the comments) that can serve as mobile headquarters and spaceships that are slower than Astrotrain and Skylynx but larger and can transport more passengers. Again, their robot mode is the same size as their other two modes.
Please let me know what you think of this idea.

Now, the reason I'm using the word "abandon" is because that's the word she keeps accusing me of.
It all started roughly 10 years ago. I was very close to getting forced out of the military for failure to progress, it's when you don't get promoted within a certain time period, & I could tell that it kind of freaked her our, but I made points & was able to retire, 21 years!!! Well, it's like something clicked in her because after that she couldn't control her spending. She maxed out several credit cards & when that well dried up, she started stealing. She got herself trespassed from multiple department stores. We were living paychecks to paychecks, but we were nowhere near broke. Our mortgage & bills were paid & there was food always in the fridge, but this wasn't enough for her. Then there were the animals. Pets of all kinds 7 dogs, 10 chickens, hedgehogs, ferrets, even a cat. I'M ALERGIC TO CATS!!! I told her to please stop & she promised every time that it was the last time only to break my heart & lie in my face over & over again. She stopped wanting to spend time with me. I'm an early morning/late night person. I usually get up around 630/700am & go to bed about 100/200am. Well, she'd get up about 100 pm & go to bed about 900/1000pm Next cane the arguments. It's like she would get upset over anything & everything. On my days off, I'd love to read or watch YouTube (Charlotte Dobre) & she told me that I should be doing something, that seeing me just sit there would piss her off. There's so much more, but i don't have the space to put it all out. I had my retirement, and my VA & I was working again, but that wasn't enough for her.
Well, one day, she "found" another dog. I told her to take it to the pound & she wouldn't. I couldn't take it anymore. I told her I was done begging just to be lied to all the time.
It's been over a year since we separated & I'm still paying the mortgage & all the bills, both cars & all the animals' stuff. I don't mind, but she still keeps saying that I abandon her. I just want to make sure that her & our son (18) have a roof over their heads. Maybe I am the A-hole. There are 2 sides to every story, but I tried. 🤷‍♂️😞
Edit: Yes, she's in therapy, but it seems to be making it worse somehow. I was in therapy for over a year & my therapy was amazing she was the one who pointed out a lot of this to me & convinced me that getting a divorce was the best option.
Heck, we even went to couples therapy a few times at her request, but once she saw that the therapist wasn't taking her side, she didn't want to do it anymore.

Like always, I am going to use Interchange and Reserve as my main examples, because they're what I play the most, but this also applies for locations in other maps like the non-marked rooms in Dorms and weather station on Shoreline.
For the past 5 or so years, the locations people have gone to to loot haven't changed. Yes, they've gotten worse over time, but the best places on maps have stayed roughly the same: all marked rooms, KIBA, ULTRA Medical, the usual LEDX/keycard rooms in Resort, all safe room keys. People go for these over and over and over.
So, how do we make other locations more appealing? I think at the bare minimum, all shithouse rooms (eg. utility rooms on Interchange, Dorms keys) need a massive buff to chance of loose loot behind it, even if it's loose loot that people will probably pass over. If I'm dumb enough to take a Oli utility key into raid, I should at least be finding fuel or motors behind it pretty damn often. Or fuck, even if I take one of those awful car keys, I should at least find some food every time I go for it. Locked rooms shouldn't all be equal, but they should at least be better than what's around them.
And then, to double down, some of the places that should be more appealing but aren't need additional spawns added into these rooms. I've written about this before, so to summarise the old stuff:

• 11S21WS: Better chance of valuables and liquor within these rooms, more weapon spawns (presumably items like RPKs to fit with Killa), small chance of Killa's gear in heavily damaged condition within 21WS when he's not on the map.
  
• Reserve weapon rooms: additional types of weapons spawning there (SVDs, RPKs, VSS/VALs and PKs as raree spawns), armour mannequins with Ratnik gear on them. Good chance of surplus boxes of Russian ammo spawning within.
  

In addition, I think some good additions would be:

• USEC stash on Customs: Weapon racks with chances of M4s, MP5s and HK416s spawning on them. Rare chance of blue folders.
  
• Military checkpoint: Intelligence folder and COFDM spawn on desk.
  
• Dorms rooms (miscellaneous): addition of 'gamer' PCs as a new loot container, uses the red and black model you see in game. Doubles the chance of GPUs and SSDs spawning within them. Scattered around the various locked rooms with desks behind them.
  
• 2-story 206: water spawns all over floor. Rare chance of superwater.
  

One last thing, I think the random 'loose' containers like the weapon safes deserve a buff of some sort. Add new civilian weapons into the pool and make spawns on them much more frequent. When was the last time you saw a DVL on one? I literally never have despite having checked them hundreds of times.

HAVOC ZERO - DEER ISLE ��
Third Person PVE ⛺ / 1st Person PVP Zones ☠️ / Friendly, Social, Balanced Gameplay / No Raid / DayZ Dog / Helis & Boats
Map: Deer Isle
Name: Havoc Zero DeerIsle PVE 1PP PVP Zones Helis Boats +
Direct: 98.142.246.133:2302
US Central Hosted/EU Playable - 120ms Ping for Western Europe, perfectly good ping for everyone! :) Hosted on a beefy, dedicated machine colocated at a datacenter with 10Gbps networking.
https://havoczero.com
Havoc Zero - Deer Isle is a new and already populated server, offering a PVE experience, with PVP zones for those wanting to choose when they risk it all. Chill out with us, meet some new people, explore the amazing Deer Isle map full of adventures and mysteries, build a base and grind through our cars, helis and now boats! We have custom trader locations, do our best to use stable mods, and look after the community.
Current population is mostly US and around 25 people at any given time. Really nice folks looking to grind out gear and vehicles, and do a bit of PVP when they feel like it :)
* Quests - Interwoven stories and unique rewards
* Harder Zombies - They will chase, seek and bash doors down to get you. Be extra careful!
* Progressive Loot Chests - Find and grind chests to find the best loot!
* Friendly players, really great helpful community and admins
* Balanced grind, a lot of loot-only necessary items - Enjoy success at any play rate and style!
* Advanced Clan System - Build your group, promote, control base permissions, shared bank
* Cars - custom and carefully selected, themed appropriately to the apocalypse. No silly supercars.
* DayZ Dog - Have a loyal companion alongside your travels, or to help with hunting.
* Boats and Helis - Explore Deer Isle's vast disconnected lands and mysteries in various ways
* Mighty's Military Gear - Armoured vests and helmets
* Tactical Flava - Variety of guns with attachment systems, more gear
* SCWS Weapons Pack - High quality, high calibre, rare and fun.
* MuchStuffPack and BaseBuildingPlus to expand on base, item and storage
* No drugs on our servers - Make money by looting gear, finding collectables, and hunting dangerous animals
* Beekeeping, Hunting, Collectables, Gun Running - Varied money making methods.
* More Stamina - No unlimited stamina silliness, but still much more than vanilla.
* Varied Zombies, mostly vanilla, military zombies are tougher!
* Custom Trader Locations
* Incredibly helpful, mature and chill community.
Join us on discord - Come hang out, or check out some more information!
https://discord.gg/BpaEXtA

Some low level criminals want to buy some equipment just to make their next job easier. Others want to become a full on supervillain and have the ideas for their suit, but lack the ability to create it themselves. And some established supervillains just want an upgrade to help with their constant battles against the heroes of the world. All of them make their way to an unassuming fix-it shop in New York to employ the genius of the Terrible Tinkerer, who either for cash upfront or a cut of their profits will make whatever they wish. While Phineas Mason may often work in the background, that doesn't stop him from sometimes having to face superheroes himself, with Spider-Man being his most frequent adversary.

Legend

Creations

Notable Supervillain Clients

Suits - Upgrading

• Repaired the Grizzly's suit after he was let out from prison^Web#58
  • The Grizzly RT
• Upgraded Whirlwind's suit with sawblades within an hour of him first arriving^CA-1#324
• Upgraded the suits and/or weapons of the Vulture, Boomerang, Shocker, Beetle, and Whiplash^Sp-2#300
  • Vulture RT
  • Boomerang RT
  • Shocker RT
  • Beetle RT
• Fixes the Scorpion's tail, with it not being as powerful due to the extra modifications he made as requested^AF#79
  • Later modified it to have further offensive abilities^ASM#370
  • Allows him to control his suit using his mouth^IA#2
  • Scorpion RT

Suits - Creating

• Makes a power-enhancing exosuit for Hammerhead^FF#233
  • Hammerhead RT
• Using his client's knowledge, made the Binary Bug suit^MM#11
  • Binary Bug RT
• Creates a new suit for the original Beetle, according to his blueprints^DF#1
• Created suits for Stilt-Man and Blizzard^She#59
  • Stilt-Man RT
  • Blizzard RT
• Made equipment for Clash^CW#3
• Duplicated the Vulture's suit after being sent the plans^NM#86
  • Vulture RT

Weapons

• Made throwing diamonds for Diamondback^CA-1#369
  • Diamondback RT
• Works with Hobgoblin's weapons, recognizing them as Oscorp tech^ASM#651
  • Hobgoblin RT
• Created Stinger's weapons^Av-1#180
  • Stinger RT
• Arcade outsourced at least a claw machine trap to him, if not more, though he refused to pay for the Tinkerer's work^Sp-1#53
  • Arcade RT

Vehicles

• Made Jack O'Lantern's flying platform^She#59
• Created Rocket Racer's equipment, going on the designs they gave him^ASM#182
  • Rocket Racer RT
• Created the original Big Wheel by repurposing another potential client's equipment^ASM#182
  • Big Wheel RT
• Follows given designs to make Goldbug's ship using advanced equipment, noting its intreguing circuitry concepts and that it only had enough fuel for a couple hours as designed^IH#238
  • Goldbug RT

Other

• S.H.I.E.L.D. has intelligence that he worked on equipment for Jester, Scorcher, and Grim Reaper^SW#1
  • Scorcher RT
  • Grim Reaper RT
• Initially worked with Mysterio, though it's unclear how much gear he made for him^Sp-1#51
• Has a working relationship with the Trapster, though it's unclear if he made any of his equipment^CA-1#324
  • Trapster RT
• Has also done work for the Enclave^DMH and the Maggia

Weaponry

Exo-Suit

• A tank-like suit of armour activated through a watch-like device on his wrist, which Phineas floats in the middle of^Sp-2#3
• Grabs Spider-Man and shoves him through the ceiling^Sp-2#4
• Grabs and throws cars^Sp-2#4
• Drives out of a high floor of a building, crashing to the ground without damage^Sp-2#4
• Fires an explosive projectile^Sp-2#4
• Creates a holographic decoy of Phineas while the real Tinkerer escapes^Sp-2#4

Other Mechs / Mech Suits

• Created a robotic suit which he used to pretend to be his own brother as he fixed gear for superheroes^Sp-2#299
  • This suit is bulletproof and can change into a larger combat form, bursting through a wall and cratering the following one^Sp-2#300
  • This combat form is undamaged from having a car thrown on it by Spider-Man^Sp-2#300
  • Appears to shock Spider-Man or otherwise force him back, allowing the Tinkerer to escape^Sp-2#300
• Modified a giant Spider-Slayer for his purposes, which he dubs the Hero-Slayer^Sp-2#299
  • Slams Spider-Man into the ground, damaging it^Sp-2#299
  • Deactivates Vision as well as Falcon's, Black Panther's, and Ironheart's suits. While he had been fixing superheroes suits for a period, with Falcon explicitly being shown, he never touched Ironheart's armour, meaning while this may have been partially planning ahead there was also a general kill order released by the Hero-Slayer^Sp-2#299
• Uses a mech suit that seemingly grows back an arm that Spider-Man tears off, though it's unclear if he made it or the robotic species he was on the ship of at the time^Sp-2#306
  • Takes a punch from Spider-Man which sends him flying back before growing tendrils from its back to grab the superhero^Sp-2#306
  • Releases a unibeam from its chest, breaking a metal wall^Sp-2#306
• Gives a person a wingsuit to fly with as well as two energy pistols^Sp-2#3
  • Shoots electric bolts to take people out^Sp-2#3
  • Shoots Tinkerer's Exo-Suit, freezing its arm over^Sp-2#4
• Created exo-suits that people wear while Scorpion's testing out his new tail^ASM#370

Other

• Makes a beam weapon which could kill a normal person (though it only stuns Spider-Man) and another which destroys a machine's control panel^ASM#2
  • Finishes destroying a robot which had just been fighting Luke Cage^Cage#13
  • Destroys his robot assistant Toy, which Spider-Man described as being virtually invulnerable outside of certain stress points^Sp-1#53
  • Implied to have caused the destruction on a street, including breaking and overturning cars^IA#2
• Energy cannons which can fell trees with their shots^Av-2#27
• A gauntlet which shoots energy beams^CA-2#6
• Gave his son micro-bombs^Rick
• A mine which creates an iono-magnetic wave in an area, momentarily stopping vehicles and knocking people out for several hours^Snap
• Made 'tech-enabled trick arrows' for Hawkeye^Sp-2#300
• Used a jack-in-the-box to spray gas on a person who triggered it, which causes a woman to see everyone as a living toy^Sp-1#53
• Created a claw machine death trap which he used against Spider-Man^Sp-1#53
• Creates an add-on which uses phantom electrons to allow certain weapons to fire at double or triple speed^ASM#310

Robots

• Made a robot assistant named Toy who could lift the Spider-Mobile's engine with one hand^ASM#159
  • Tosses Spider-Man with one hand before getting punched back, having a brick wall crumble on top of him^ASM#160
  • Turns his head before Spider-Man's web-shooters hit it at point-blank range, is described as being as far above Spider-Man's strength as the hero's strength is above the Tinkerer's, and is said by Spider-Man to be virtually invulnerable outside of certain stress points^Sp-1#53
  • Used a propeller backpack to fly away without need for an external power source^Sp-1#53
• Made a robot which could fight Luke Cage while mimicking other villain's powers, setting fire to itself and releasing a thick tendril of wires from its arm^Cage#13
  • Releases a fire beam to send Luke Cage flying back before being largely unaffected by a car's explosion^Cage#13
  • Sprouts a tail like Scorpion's which fires a beam^Cage#13
• Made a robot which sprays acid to take down buildings, using this to burn through bedrock and escape^Cable#65
  • Topples a building through its acid on its foundations^Cable#65
  • No-sells a dropkick from Cable^Cable#65
• Creates a giant robot named the Alternator Bug-Bot, which can grow to three times its size, strike Thor away hard enough to break the top off a clock tower, and be deactivated through a control room in its head^DC#1
  • Quickly grows a hammer in place of its severed arm, using it to tear into the ground^DC#1
  • Turns into a small car^DC#1
• Invents androids to act as armed guards^Web#79
• Glass automatons which punch Wolverine down a road, knocking a taxi into the air^WA
• Army toys which fired actual ammunition, one shot blowing chunks off a brick wall^Sp-1#53
• Used a toy zeppelin to let off a flare, blinding Spider-Man^Sp-1

Transport

Spider-Mobile

• Repaired Spider-Man's lost Spider-Mobile^ASM#159
• Uses a web cannon to catch a falling Spider-Man, bundle him up, and yank him into the back seat^ASM#160
• Fires two web lines to make a bridge between buildings^ASM#160
• Can drive up walls^ASM#160
• It could be remote controlled^ASM#160
• He's said to have installed an autopilot in it, with Spider-Man using it at a later date to run into Hobgoblin^AR#1

Other

• Created a tank which blows a hole in a jail wall with a blast and rams into the Hulk hard enough to break him through a brick wall^IH#208
• Rocket boots^Sp-2#300
• Modified his wheelchair to handle stairs^WJ#16
  • Can also be rocket propelled^IM#7
• Constructs a teleportation device^DMH

Bases

• Has what Whirlwind believes is a scanner before dropping a client into his lair^CA-1#324
• Protects a base with electronic bolas, which release on a verbal command^NM#86
• Had approximately 250 weapons trained on a person from the moment they walked into a warehouse which could be triggers from two blinks in his left eye^CA-1#425
• A dome made of resisto-glass which traps Spider-Man inside before sucking all the air out^ASM#2

Other Wearables

• While in an interrogation room, his glasses hack Ironheart's suit after she removed its AI, allowing him to control it completely^Sp-2#306
• Power gloves which allows a person to telekinetically carry an ATM^Snap
• Used a waist-bound device to disguise his appearance^D#4
  • The device in use, where he also says it would be damaged by the rain^D#2
• Made earrings that interact with the wearer's inner ear to act as 'balance compensators', allowing Black Cat can always land on her feet^ASM#370
• Mass produces badges based on what Doctor Octopus discovered in Spider-Man's trackers^YO#4 which overload his spider-sense when activated^YO#5

Other

• His son uses gear the Tinkerer made to survive a large explosion with only two seconds notice^Ms#37
• An energy blade which he uses while gardening^D#4
• Installs spy cameras in radios while fixing them^ASM#2
  • These could be remotely destroyed all at once^ASM#2
• Sells a supervillain surveillance equipment and traps for their base^CA-1#385
• Uses a device to open a metal gas-filled canister containing Nitro^NM#86
• Used a device to unlock a door^D#4
• Gives Black Cat audio implants which allows her to hear distant whispers^Web#84
• Makes a pacemaker-like device out of carbonadium to keep a person encased with adamantium alive^WO#15
• A pocket-sized device which turns someone invisible for two minutes^Ms#33
• Invented a gas which prevented Spider-Man from wall-crawling or using his web-shooters^ASM#160
  • These work by clogging his pores and web-shooters^ASM#160
  • The effect wears off after a period^ASM#160
• Creates a device which removes Spider-Man's powers^ASM#341
  • The device was intended to only incapacitate Spider-Man for a period, and only supresses his powers with them returning on him using the device on himself again^ASM#343
• Creates a mind-control device which affects a large amount of college students at once^SVU#18
• Invented a device which allows Ghost to use his powers over a cellular network, arriving anywhere he calls a phone at^IM#21
• Hacked Starktech phones to make them untraceable and gave them to criminals around the world, with each one holding a unique AI to attract an alien species which judges civilizations depending on how they treat their AI^Sp-2#300
  • Starktech phones are meant to be unhackable, with Ironheart being the only other one to have done so^Sp-2#2
  • Ironheart is unable to trace any hacked phones, despite having one to work with, though she can track the environments around the phones^Sp-2#2
• Created a non-obtrusive waterproofing agent which functions as realistic looking skin for robots^UG#9

Other

Repairs

• Identifies Spider-Man's new web mode was hindering his web-shooters' performance, giving them a clear coating to fix the issue^Sp-2#1
• Fixed Falcon's wings and repairs Scott Lang's helmet when it wouldn't allow him to grow back to full height, setting his 'base' height to one inch taller than normal^Sp-2#1
• Fixes a device which disguises the wearer as another person, though it can't be worn in the rain without breaking^D#2
• Quickly repairs a wingsuit while he and its wearer are falling from a great height^Sp-2#5
• Is shown to have done repairs for and potentially upgraded the equipment of a number of heroes while in disguise, including Vision and Black Panther, having also put in a kill command he later uses. However, as Ironheart hasn't interacted with him before, it's possible that these specific heroes were just caught in a general kill command released by his mech^Sp-2#299
• Repairs Reed Richard's transporter to bring the building they were in back from the Negative Zone^SI#3

Other Business Offerings

• Sometimes buys in equipment as opposed to making it himself, doing so with Super-Patriot's Captain America shield^CA-1#425
• Runs a respected auction for supervillains, selling reputable gear^MK#6
• Forges an identity for the Gibbon^WJ#16
• Bonded adamantium to Cyber's skin^WO#14
• Grafts portions of the Muramasa blade into Daken's arms, using Adamantium sheathes to account for their anti-biological effects^WO#36

Business Attitude

• Has a code phrase to determine if a customer is there for his villainous dealings, and accepts both cash and a cut of any resulting profits^ASM#183
• Provides his customers with a warranty and care instructions for their new equipment^CA-1#324
• Checks his client's bank accounts to tell how much they can afford^Web#58
• Is sometimes willing to sell gear allowing criminals to use a specific villain's moniker, such as Stilt-Man^WJ#26
• Will sabotage his own creations if he feels that his client will attempt to blackmail him into giving them over before full payment is received^ASM#310

Other

• Vulture is able to identify he's the one who recreated his wings based on the liberties taken in its construction^NM#84
• Recognizes Spider-Man's tracking device on sight^Sp-1#53
• Understands how Nitro died after he disintegrated while fighting a mutant^NM#86
• Isn't intimidated by Wolverine^WO#15
• Wore a mask to hide his true identity in his initial appearance^ASM#2
• Isn't Spider-Man's archenemy, but is "on the top of (his) thwip-list"^Sp-2#1
• Is anti-mutant^UG#9

USSR
I usually do these following stuff
1.build anti tank lv2 like crazy(u should be producing more than 40 of them by d5)
2.research lv2 armour car and spam them with 4 tank factory(more than 25 by d8)
3.research lv2 tank destroyers and spam them(more than 15 by d7)

1. spam sp rocket artillery with 3 lv 3 secret lab(try spam as most as u can ,this can be game changing
   
2. last but not least spam around 10 rocket fighters before d8
   

NOTE FROM AUTHOR: Hello Hello! I am a first-time writer embarking on my first dumpster fire; input is most welcome. I'm not the best self-editor, so get your hiking boots on. It's rough out there. Whenever I read it, I find or create more errors (:
OPTIONAL READS: For the Retro Computer or Programming Enthusiast OR if you are open to other formats of story telling. I tried to combine my love for programming as an UNDERSTANDABLE way to tell a story through a Visual Experience in the Command Line Interface;
A Stand-Alone VISUAL ASCII 'Programming Terminal' Story Prologue. Follow through(Screen Shots of my Command Line Interface) the UNE-EYE Observational Satellite Terminal as Kable extracts Classified Data about his Beloved Military Unit, THE HUMMINGBIRDS, a flying exoskeleton unit. This includes the origin story of a Technology Tree in Book 1.

####

INDEX

1. DEADCOAST - THE HUMMINGBIRDS PROLOGUE -> HERE <-
   
2. DEADCOAST - COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED INTRO -> HERE <-
   
3. HEAT & GRIZZLY REDS - CHAPTER 1 ILLUSTRATED -> HERE <-
   

"Deadcoast Book 1: Heat and the Grizzly Reds" transports readers to a 2063 Earth, a world on the brink, where the scarcity of fresh water has led to previously unseen geopolitical tensions. Amidst this backdrop, the nation-backed militant group DAGGR has emerged as a formidable force, leveraging advanced technology to assert control over Canada’s abundant water resources. At the heart of their arsenal is 'slugTech,' a technology pioneered by James Broadshaw, intended for ecological restoration but repurposed for militaristic dominance.
The story unfolds with the chilling invasion of Vancouver, marking a turning point as DAGGR makes its ambitions clear, culminating in the assassination of the Canadian Prime Minister. This act of aggression leaves the country reeling, exposing vulnerabilities and igniting a global reaction.
The UNE-EYE satellite is central to the international response, a significant narrative element representing the world's most advanced orbital tracking system. Once decommissioned in favour of privacy, the Dutch reactivated the satellite as a strategic move to monitor DAGGR's movements and coordinate a unified international effort against the aggressors. This revival of UNE-EYE symbolizes a crucial turning point, highlighting the global stakes and the interconnectedness of nations in the face of a common enemy.
As Canada grapples with its plight, the DAMU (Deserted American Military Units) rise in solidarity, breaching borders to fight alongside their Canadian counterparts. This act of defiance is mirrored by international forces, including the Netherlands and Ukraine, each bringing their unique strengths to the coalition, underscored by the strategic oversight provided by the UNE-EYE satellite.
Amidst the geopolitical chaos, a man who had all but given up, a boxer on the ropes, emerges from Vancouver's Gastown. Known as HEAT, this leader of the Grizzly Reds becomes a symbol of resistance and hope. HEAT's story, and that of the Grizzly Reds, is one of resilience, rallying not only Canadians but also global citizens to stand against DAGGR's tyranny.
" Deadcoast Book 1: Heat and the Grizzly Reds" is a compelling narrative of survival, alliance, and resistance. It deftly weaves together elements of advanced technology, international politics, and the indomitable human spirit. The inclusion of the UNE-EYE satellite serves as a testament to the complexities of modern warfare and the critical role of global surveillance and coordination in maintaining security and freedom. But something else stirs amongst it. The UNE still shrouds its use, albeit assuring it is for record-keeping purposes- there is no way to be sure. Join HEAT and the Grizzly Reds as they navigate the challenges of Time, War, Science and liberating their fellow man in Vancouver. THE GRIZZLIES NEED YOU, in this action-packed, emotional saga, speaks to the resilience and camaraderie inherent in the human condition.
CHAPTER 1 - The Blood Spattered Maples
ILLUSTRATED VERSION -> HERE <-
The early morning sun cast a serene glow over Vancouver, its golden rays gently coaxing the city from its slumber. The harbour lay still, bathed in a tranquil blend of crimson and amber, defiantly calm as if aware of the day's latent potential for tumult. The awakening streets, pulsating with the vibrant beat of daily enterprise, transformed into bustling arteries of life.
Amidst this urban renaissance, Ryan stood by his apartment window, one eye still tinged a fading shade of deep lavender from last night's ordeals. He absorbed the duality of the world outside – a peaceful façade masking an undercurrent of chaos, much like his own existence. The apartment, a silent guardian of his life's chapters, was awash with tangible memories; some stood proudly like trophies, and others lingered like indelible scars.
"Eugh, need to sort out this money mess," Ryan muttered, his voice a gravelly mix of resolve and weariness. He gingerly touched the bruise beneath his eye, a stark reminder of the previous night's fight. He wasn't just a boxer but a living, breathing paradox. His undefeated record of 12-0 was more than a tally of victories; it was a map of a life spent dancing in and out of shadows. At 17, he was a beacon of hope for Canadian Olympic Futures. Now, at 33, he was a spotlight in his subconscious, illuminating the relentless passage of time and a road riddled with 'what ifs.' Eleven of those wins were echoes from a past steeped in the sweat and blood of the ring before life's currents swept him into the city's gritty underbelly. There, he became an enforcer, not out of choice but a necessity, bound by ties, not of blood but of unbreakable bonds forged in adversity. Stepping back into the ring at 33, Ryan wasn't chasing glory; he was hunting redemption, a chance to rewrite a narrative that had veered off course.
Today's boxing was far from what he once knew; it had transformed into a digital spectacle, a charade he refused to partake in. The sport now paraded fighters adorned with loud chains and face tattoos, pretending to live a life of crime they don't. Vile symbols of fame he doesn't wish for. Ryan had always skirted the fringes of the spotlight, respecting the sport but despising what it had become - a glorified masquerade that he believed led the youth astray. He stared out at the awakening city, contemplating his place in this ever-changing world, just as the first notes of a familiar yet unwelcome voice crackled from the vintage radio on his shelf.
"Ah, jimmy2piece," he scoffed, the name leaving a bitter taste. The vintage radio crackled on, announcing the dazzling exploits of the heavyweight boxing champion, an embodiment of everything Ryan detested about the sport's current state. Ryan's hand lingered over the old radio, a relic amidst the bountiful thrift and trinket that abundantly filled his apartment. The announcer's voice, overly flamboyant in its praise of 'jimmy2piece,' clashed with the morning's tranquillity, grating against Ryan's every nerve. With a flick brimming with contempt, he silenced the intrusive chatter. The ensuing silence was a stark reminder of his path's divergence from the once-noble art of boxing to a life mired in moral ambiguity.
"Enough of this nonsense," he muttered, the disdain in his voice mirroring the snarl on his lips as he spun the dial back to silence.
*Click*
Ryan was a man of contemplation; opening his balcony door, he let the morning breeze mingle with the memories that haunted him daily. These reflections were a tormenting ritual, no matter the joys and love surrounding him. His only respite was constant movement – hobbies, work, art – anything to fend off the sharp claws of the past that threatened to shred the remnants of his self-respect. He had lost ten years to choices and actions that replayed in his mind relentlessly every single day.
"This 'jimmy2shoes' or whatever...pal throws pillows, a poser pretending he's about that gang life; I can see it in his eyes, he's not a killer," he grumbled, gazing out at the awakening city. This day promised a respite from his underground fights – at least for a while. His recent backstreet brawls, a far cry from the glory of the boxing ring, were what paid the bills now. "At least I've bought myself three more months..."
Leaning on the railing of his miniature balcony, Ryan cradled a cup of steaming coffee, his gaze drifting over the streets below. At this moment, the chaos of his life seemed distant, replaced by a transient calm. Despite his bruised, rough presentation, a certain peace enveloped him, a rare stillness that belied the storm of his existence. His thoughts meandered through the serene hum of the city and the gentle brush of the ocean breeze. The skyscape, with clouds dancing to the ocean's rhythm, offered a brief escape from his turbulent past.
Memories of Robin, his mentor and friend, floated into his consciousness. Robin's untimely death in Dubai was a wound that never healed. The sacrifices he had made to keep Robin safe, only to be absent on the fateful trip that claimed his friend's life, weighed heavily on him. "Why did it have to be you, Robin?" he whispered to the horizon, the question, a haunting torment upon his daily routines.
Ryan was a thinker; as he slid over his ashtray from the stool, he sparked up A morning 'dart' (cigarette), as he called them. His past began to creep into his head, as it did every morning. With each inhalation of addiction-soothing nicotine, his blazing thoughts followed as his brain began to become fully active from his sleep. It was a raven on his shoulder tormenting him, pecking at him ever haunting his consciousness. No matter the love he may have found or the happiness, friends, or family surrounding him. The time to reflect was always grim and consistently unbearable. If he stood still, the Ravel's claws sunk more profoundly; the only reprieve was constant distractions. It's why he kept so busy, creative, and active. Ryan constantly kept moving with hobbies, work, or art. Pushing off the switchblade thoughts ready to cut into his subconscious and bleed out whatever self-respect he had left that day. He threw away ten years of his life, and he relives them every. Single. Day.
"Damn man, what's the point of it all?" Ryan's voice was barely a whisper, lost in the morning breeze. His gaze lingered on the horizon, eyes clouded with confusion and pain. "Robin's gone, and here I am, a ship adrift; up shits creek without a paddle. What good can I do? What purpose do I serve? My skillset? My knowledge? Ive wasted my life, nothing is applicable." The questions hung in the air, unanswered. Ryan's life had indeed been a storm of violence and turmoil, from the gritty days working alongside Robin, watching his back to his hard-fought victories in the boxing ring. He had dreamt of leaving the world of fights behind, yet fate seemed to have woven a different path for him, one that he couldn't escape...
The distant sound of boat horns broke his train of thought. These weren't the usual rhythmic calls that echoed along Vancouver's shores; they carried a sense of urgency, growing louder and more frantic by the second. Ryan leaned forward, squinting into the morning light. The sight that greeted him was anything but ordinary. Dark, ominous and foreboding shapes were cutting through the waters toward the Seawall – military-grade ships that seemed like phantoms against the sun's bright backdrop.
"What the...?" Ryan murmured, a wry smile touching his lips as he recalled a line from a 1930s radio show. "Ah yes, the 'Anti-Frackers' upping their game, bravo!" He often found solace in humour, a shield against the world's harsh realities. Ryan was an unbreakable anvil to the world, always struck to sharpen others' steel. But what about his iron resolve? He bore the burdens so others didn't have to, a silent guardian shouldering the world's weight in stoic silence. Yet beneath that armour of stoicism beat the heart of a man grappling with his vulnerabilities, a man with a core as soft as it was intense.
Just like that- The world as we knew it, changed forever.
The morning's peace shattered abruptly as sirens wailed into life, slicing through the air with a sense of impending doom. The tranquil dawn was now a backdrop to a nightmare unfolding in real time. Ryan's eyes, mirroring the turbulent hues of a stormy sea, narrowed in primal alertness. These were not friendly vessels coming to grace the city's harbour; they were harbingers of chaos, their arrival a silent scream in the gardens of Vancouver's tranquility. As the city around him carried on, blissfully unaware of the looming threat, Ryan's mind shifted into high gear, honed by years of confrontation, conflict and reading other peoples intentions. He understood the unspoken language of death, the subtle shift in the air that preluded catastrophe. The serene calm that had greeted the day now seemed like the deceptive stillness before a devastating storm.
PFFFFT~~
Ryan's coffee ejected out his mouth, a clean mist dispersed, dancing in the ocean winds.
His eyes widened in shock. "That... No, that's not right. That honeycomb structure on the bow – that's rumoured military tech, not something you'd find on a civilian vessel. That's definitely not one of our decommissioned ships; Canada has always had a modest military budget- It's not the U.S. either; they've moved on to those massive city carriers," he muttered, recalling the recent unveiling of the U.S.'s latest naval behemoth designed to be a self-sustaining war ecosystem.
"These are destroyers...carriers...and what in the world are those landing crafts?" His voice trailed off as a wave of realization washed over him. A heavy breath escaped his lips, his heartbeat thundering in unison with a growing sense of dread. This kind of military might, sleek and menacing, was straight out of the pages of a dystopian novel. Ryan's pulse quickened, adrenaline coursing through his veins, mingling with an unsettling fear. Vancouver, with its serene beauty and peaceful reputation, was the last place one would expect a military invasion. Yet, as he stood there, the city around him persevered in blissful ignorance. Laughter and the sounds of daily life echoed up to his balcony, starkly juxtaposed against the darkening horizon of his thoughts.
Something sinister was unfolding, and he felt an urgent need to act. "Ah, damn it!" he exclaimed, frustration boiling over as he hurled his mug to the ground, where it shattered into razer sharp ceramic shards—a glimpse of futures past.
The walls of Ryan's apartment, once a gallery of memories from a life half-lived, now felt like they were closing in on him. The space that had been his refuge, adorned with mementos of a tumultuous past, suddenly felt like a prison. He felt trapped, not by physical barriers, but by the weight of the unfolding crisis. Who could he call? Who would believe him about an impending military assault? Was there even time?
Each option seemed as hopeless as the next, leaving him feeling powerless. His fists, which had once brought him victory in the ring, now seemed futile in the face of this immense and unknown threat.
BOOM
A thunderous crash tore through the city's fabric, piercing the veil of laughter and routine. Giggles changed to Shrieks, the buzzing of cars in the city turned screeching of panicked tires. It was a boom resonating with such force that it seemed to shake the very resolve of the most robust steel, a sound that demands attention and captivates a person, a sound of death; it rattles you to the bone. This explosion marked a pivotal moment that would forever alter the course of Vancouver's history and, indeed, the world's.
The resounding echo of the first explosion heralded a declaration of war on all that was ordinary. In Ryan, the shockwave ignited a transformation. Despair morphed into an unyielding determination, a fire kindled deep within. His skin prickled, each hair standing on end as if his nerves were braille, spelling out the moment's urgency.
"Are they firing at us?" Ryan's voice was a mix of disbelief and rising panic. The thought seemed almost too surreal to entertain. He hesitated momentarily, grappling with the reality of the situation. The explosion's roar, so fierce it shook the foundations of his apartment, jolted him back to the present. Racing back to his balcony, what he saw confirmed his darkest fears.
The ships in the harbour were no longer silent, ominous spectators; they had unleashed their fury, sending plumes of smoke and debris skyward. Vancouver's skyline, once a proud testament to peace and progress, now served as a harrowing backdrop to an unfolding apocalypse. Below, the streets descended into chaos. People scattered in a frantic attempt to escape, their screams piercing the air, a chorus of dawning terror.
Ryan's heart pounded against his chest, each beat a call to action. He was no hero, never the 'good guy' in his story, but he did value life above all. Standing there, witnessing his city being torn apart, he knew he couldn't remain a passive observer. Indecision and shock gave way to resolve.
"MOTHA FU-" he cursed, his words lost in the burst of an explosion, spotted at the last second.
The world around him had erupted into a maelstrom of fire and fury.
An air burst shell detonated with ferocious intensity a mere 50 meters from Ryan's sanctuary. The explosion ripped through the building, an unforgiving hatred that jolted reality itself. The blast wave, a monstrous force of destruction, assaulted his apartment, shattering the windows with an ease that mocked Vancouver's fragility. Glass shards, transformed into lethal projectiles, hurtled through the air with a hunter's precision, each piece seeking its target. Instinctively, Ryan lunged for cover, his only protection a vintage oak promotional board, a relic of a bygone era. This wooden guardian, decorated with the iconic image of Stan Lee, stood as a stoic defender, a symbol of comic heroism now repurposed to shield flesh and blood from the brutal onslaught.
A low hum erupts from the depths of his being as the fireball swirled around him. "Breathe... I can't... don't fall asleep... don't...sleep..." he whispered, fighting the encroaching darkness. His cobalt eyes, glazing over open, fighting to the last light, flickered between consciousness and oblivion. The distant, muffled voices of mentors past echoed in his mind, a fading chorus in the theatre of his memories. Ryan looked to his left, cast one last lingering look at the Vancouver sky, a canvas of blue that seemed so distant now. As his vision began to narrow, a tunnel drawing him away from the light, Ryan felt the grip of darkness pulling him under heavy, yet weightless. Once so vivid and alive, the world around him was fading into shadows.
Amid shrapnel-induced unconsciousness, Ryan's mind catapulted him back to a pivotal moment from his youth – the Ontario Canadian Olympic Trials.
The stadium's noise swirled around him, but it was an entirely different world within the ring. There, it was just Ryan and his opponent, every move a testament to the sacrifices he and Robin(Ryan's longtime mentor both inside, and outside the ring) had made together.
Ryan's style in the ring was unique, a blend of calculated ferocity in speed and agility. He adopted the elusive, angular movements that Robin had honed while serving alongside the hardened Ukrainians on the frontlines of Kyiv. This style was compelling and unpredictable, frustrating his opponents with swift and efficient strikes. Ryan's ability to slip away from counters, almost serpentine in its execution, left them grasping at straws.
Point fighting for the Olympics was a system that worked well with Ryan's style but not necessarily with his mindset. Ryan was a fighter at heart, and sometimes, when pushed, the disciplined techniques would give way to a rawer form of combat. Robin, who always believed in Ryan's potential, saw this as his greatest fault and biggest asset to "push past." In his gruff but encouraging voice, Robin would often spew "The stink in that mind, You've got a head on you that'd make an onion cry," highlighting Ryan's occasionally impulsive nature, and inability to control his emotions when it mattered. This characteristic made Ryan fearless in the ring but also sloppy, open, and vulnerable. It often led him into trouble outside of the solace in prizefighting.
In these trials, Ryan's physical attributes – his slender frame, broad shoulders, wide back and a peculiarly long wingspan that gave him an imposing presence in his weight class – it made him stand out. His frame synchronized with his style, creating a truly unique spectacle of genetic gifts, hard work, and skill.
These memories blended nostalgia and pain as they flickered through Ryan's mind. They were reminders of a path once trodden, a journey shaped by the influence of a mentor and the determination of a fighter's spirit.
As the Olympic Trials set to begin, Robin looked to Ryan to instill confidence for his upcoming bouts, but Ryan was in his element. It was fight day, the fun day, the day to show off all of the hard work. Ryan had confidence, and his style in the ring displayed it in full. He moved with an angular rhythm that was both art and battle – slipping, landing a quick stiff counter cross, then gracefully stepping out of reach inches from returning fire. He made it look fun and easy, as if playing with his prey before fangs clench throat, delivering the killing bite. Looking closer, you can only see fire and determination in his bright eyes. He found purpose in the beautiful science of boxing. His strategy was that of a technical boxer, The Counterpuncher; 1. To bait his opponent into committing, then counter, fight long, fight smart. 2. Beat em' up, Frustrate em', then start slinging the heat in the uppercuts and lead hooks.
The bell rang and the fight was officially underway. Ryan controlled the ring with his long frame. Each exchange was rapid yet controlled, a dance of precise strikes and evasive maneuvers. The world's complexities faded in these moments, leaving only Ryan and the pure essence of the sport he loved. He felt invincible, a force of nature within the confines of the ring. To Ryan, the fight was more than a competition; it was a performance, an exhilarating escape from the mundane. It was true Purpose.
The intensity of the round reached a frustrating outburst by his opponent, who grabbed Ryan by the back of his head– 'SPLIT' called by the referee, his hand placed between them. A judge calls for a correction, catching the referee's attention only for a split second. In this second, Ryan's Opponent saw an opportunity. Lifting his head to move away, Ryan locks eyes with his Opponent, sporting a grin and delivering a sly headbutt as a parting gift. It's against the rules, but part of the game's harsh reality if gone unnoticed. Expelling energy and detesting it was a waste of fuel. It was a jolting reminder of "at all times"(protect yourself), a stark contrast to the discipline and respect Ryan upheld, starting his boxing journey in Thailand under "Muay Thai" rules, ideology of the worrior spirit and discipline. There was a sense of Honor in Lumpinee Stadium.
The outcome of these unsavoury tactics here is an advantage for the opponent. Ryan's inner pools erupt, his mind swirled with raging white waters, crashing and colliding against each other, two oceans with opposite currents meeting in his consciousness. His once technical thoughts, muscle memory mixed with fight iq burst with flames, erupting and incinerating all strategy in his path. His eyes widened, open like he'd found his primal genetic ancestry hidden deep within. The slaughter and the war of history. The bloodshed of 1000 lifetimes. He felt it all. Manic in thought. Ryan wanted to take his glove off and rip his cheeks open from the inside out--
BREAK - Ryan snaps back into it, erupting in stoic, silent, primal rage.

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The fight escalated, Ryan's disciplined technique unravelled under the seething tide of his rage. The finesse and agility that once defined his footwork gave way to a heavier, more aggressive stance. His feet, usually light and swift under his commanding frame, now felt anchored to the floor, each step driven more by fury than finesse. This transformation in style played perilously into his opponent's advantage. Ryan, usually a master of stick-and-move tactics, found himself engaging in close-quarter brawls, trading his advantage for a risky gamble. His in-and-out maneuvers, once a blur of grace, turned into brutish, in-the-pocket exchanges. This was a terrain where his more muscular and compact opponent had the upper hand. A raw, primal contest of power replaced the tactical dance that Ryan excelled at. Ryan's precise strikes became wild swings, his movements predictable to his seasoned adversary. Seizing the moment, the opponent unleashed a devastating barrage of inside hooks with their compact frame. A vicious right hook, lands clean in the exchange, thrown with the grace of a milkbag, the power hooks brute force, cut through Ryan's defences. The blow landed with a bone-jarring impact, sending a shockwave through Ryan's frame. His world spun as he stumbled, his once dominant presence in the ring now faltering under the weight of his unchecked emotions.
The ground rushed up to meet him as he crashed onto the canvas, the taste of iron and the sting of defeat mingling in his mouth. The crowd's roar faded into a distant echo, a stark reminder of how quickly the tides of battle could turn. Robin's voice sliced through the ringing from the corner, resonating with a force that commanded attention.
"Get your shit together, JUMPIN JESUS RYAN! HEART OF GOLD AND HEAD OF STONE – GET UP, YOU LITTLE COWARD! YOU'RE LETTING IT WIN, AGAIN! STOP THIS ONION HEAD NONSENSE AND DANCE, BOX THIS FELLA – YOU'RE BETTER THAN THIS, ACT LIKE IT, BELIEVE IN IT!"
His words were more than just a call to action; they were a lifeline thrown into the stormy seas of Ryan's mind. Each syllable was drenched in the raw, unfiltered wisdom that only a life spent in the cauldron of combat could forge. Robin's tone was a volatile cocktail of fury and concern, the urgency palpable in his voice. His palms crashed against the ring mat; each hit thunderous punctuation to his fiery sermon.
"You've got the talent, kid, but it's as good as ash if you keep burning it to the ground. I'M HERE FOR YOU, IM RIGHT HERE. SNAP OUT OF IT AND BOX THIS PLASTIC PATTY! MOVE GOD DAMNIT, GET UP!"
On the canvas, Ryan lay dazed, the echo of Robin's voice ringing in his ears. It was more than a mere pep talk; it was a wake-up call that struck a chord deep within him. Amidst the haze of the crowd murmurs and the pulsating pain that coursed through his body, clarity began to emerge. Lying there, Ryan grasped the essence of Robin's message –
"coward? letting it win? Playing my ego are ya Robin...hes right though. Im throwing this shit away."
This moment, sprawled on the canvas under the glaring lights and the crowd's gaze, became a crucible of transformation. The raw emotion and the hard-hitting truth in Robin's words ignited a spark in Ryan. It was time to rise, shake off the shadows of rage, and embrace a fighter's true spirit like he had learned in Thailand – not just with fists but with heart and mind in unison.
Staggered yet stirred by the dual impact of the physical hit and Robin's piercing words, A padded fist crushed into the rings canvas, followed by a kneee and the eruption of the crowd. Ryan was back, and he began to pull himself up from the canvas. His resolve, momentarily dimmed, now reignited with a fierce, clear, calculated intensity. Memories of the gruelling hours spent in the gym flooded back to him – the relentless sparring sessions, the time spent in Thailand, the sweat and toil, and the invaluable lessons etched into his being under Robin's stern tutelage.
With a renewed spirit, Ryan stepped back into the battle, his movements now embodying controlled power and a fluidity to his step. He recalled his time fighting beside the backdrop of the "Sarama" a traditional Thai music played when in combat. The times of learning to move, fight with the music, to flow, to be fluid, to be concise. Ryan finally put it all together in the heat of battle. He had merged his inherent ferocity with the disciplined technique that Robin relentlessly drilled into him, and the mindfull practises of the years he spent under Burklerk Pinsinchai in the jungles of Chiang Mai. His style was now fully displayed, raw and visceral yet refined by countless hours of practice in mind, body and spirit.
The final rounds bell clang to a start in a clinic of skill and sheer willpower. Ryan, driven by a blend of desperation and unwavering determination, unleashed a barrage of calculated and explosive strikes. Each punch and maneuver was a nod to the efficient, no-nonsense Ukrainian style that Robin had imparted to him. Ryan moved rhythmically across the mat, steps measured and precise, executing short, angular movements and deft outside counterpunches. He had returned to his element – the dance of combat, where he felt most alive, a symphony of movement where every step and punch was a testament to his life's journey and experiences as a human being first, and as a fighter second.
In this wake-up call, Ryan reinvigorated and reminded himself of his love for the sport, the exhilarating blend of art and athleticism. He was not just fighting to win; he was celebrating boxing, combat, honouring the path he had walked with Robin, and reclaiming what it meant to be a true fighter through Burklurk Pinsinchai's Teachings.
The round pressed on, and Ryan executed his maneuvers with a surgeon's precision. First;
-- The counterpuncher; a display in timing and accuracy, delivered with the full force of training and innate skill. --

1. He deftly slipped his opponent's cross, a move as fluid as it was swift.
   
2. He angled off, creating a space wide enough for his next move.
   
3. With an almost predatory precision, Ryan unleashed a powerful right cross, targeting his opponent's cheek from the angle he had just created. But Ryan wasn't done yet.
   
4. He slipped out again, evading any potential counter from his disoriented opponent. The rhythm, he danced in and out with his precise timing, perfected down to inches and angles.
   
5. In a final, decisive movement of the exchange, Ryan slipped in. He timed his step with a long cross that came off-beat, catching his opponent utterly off-guard. The punch landed with a satisfying impact, culminating in a perfectly executed combination. As he watched his opponent stagger, Ryan couldn't help but think, 'cya sleepy boi,' a silent acknowledgment of his dominance in this singular exchange.
   

This sequence was a statement. Ryan was not only back in the fight but also commanding it.
ONE!…TWO!…THREE!…FOUR!…FIVE!…SIX!...SEVEN!..EIGHT!
Ryan's opponent stands, admirable, but futile, driven by sheer will but hampered by sluggish movements, the man rose to his feet, it was clear the fight was reaching its zenith.
The opponent, gathering his remaining strength for a final stand, launched a jab, a last-ditch effort relying more on brute force than finesse. But this was a fatal mistake in Ryan's world – playing right into what Ryan was best at. Counters.
Ryan read the move with the clarity of a seasoned fighter. As the jab came, he effortlessly slipped to the right, evading the punch with a short angular step that spoke of his ring intelligence. Instantly, he countered with the same sharp cross from his right hand, followed by a devastating hook that cut through the air with lethal intent in his left. Grasping at straws, reeling from the counter, Ryans opponent threw a desperate, looping last stand punch, Ryan dipped down and left, rolling the punch with an elegance that made it seem almost effortless. He was Hunting for the Kill Shot. Seizing the moment, Ryan unleashed a ferocious left uppercut, the force of the blow lifting his opponent's chin skyward. He followed up with a right overhand, but just before impact, he halted the punch. There was no need for it; his opponent was already collapsing, the "Lights were on, but no one was Home". The fight was effectively over, Ryan's last combination is the final note, a crescendo that echoed through the ring.
As his opponent hit the canvas, the crowd erupted. Ryan stood in the center of the ring, his chest heaving, every fibre of his being alight with the thrill of victory. This wasn't just a win; it was a performance, a display of skill, heart, and the indomitable spirit of a fighter who had walked through fire and flames to the otherside and emerge victorious.
The final bell Rings with not a single chair in the arena warm; a thunderous clap erupts from the crowd. It was more than just applause; it was an acknowledgment of a battle fiercely fought by both men. In that moment ringside, in a triumphant victory, Ryan and Robin shared a look that spoke volumes, a connection far beyond the usual bounds of mentor and protégé. Their bond, tempered in the crucible of hardship and struggle, was now sealed in the glory of this defining triumph.
Standing amidst the cheers and the adrenaline-fueled euphoria, Ryan found himself momentarily lost in the tide of memories. It was a poignant reminder of the journey that had brought him here, a path marked by triumphs and losses. Robin's teachings transcended the confines of boxing; they were life lessons imprinted deep onto him. Ryan began to slowly step out of the ring; the weight of these reflections settled upon him. The victory was sweet, but it carried the weight of all sacrificed to achieve it. Robin's presence was felt strongly, a guiding force that continued to shape his path, illuminating the way forward even in the most challenging times.

i wanted to try realistic mode with tanks for the first time and every single time I play, my T-28 gets demolished, sometimes a weird armoured car with nothing but a machine gun pounds me from halfway across the map, sometimes measuring distance takes too long and I get destroyed before I can even damage them and other times I just get obliterated before I can even get a kill by the enemy simply being faster then my T-28 tank, does anyone have any tips for solving my skill issue?

I know this is very long. I will post a TLDR at the bottom.
Just to preface things, my partner and I have been together for 8 years. We aren't married yet.
Three years ago, we opened a small business together. His family helped us renovate, and eventually his younger brother (28m), lets call him Mark, started working with us.
At first it seemed fine. We all had our disputes, but we worked through most of them. Mark did help us a lot in the beginning. A few months in, however, the problems started cropping up. Mark would bring his friends over to the business, get drunk, and leave a huge mess for us to clean up in the morning. We tried talking to Mark, but the issue continued. Mark also began complaining to me about my partner's behaviour, and vice versa. He slowly planted a seed in my mind that my partner didn't care about either of us. When I finally broke down crying in the office, Mark came down and sat on the sofa, wiping away my tears and lying down on the sofa. He patted his chest, beckoning me to lie down with him. I refused. (Side note- This was all while he was still mentally intact, and on his medication.)
Mark has bi-polar disorder, and he stopped taking his medication roughly 8cmonths after joining the business. We found out that he was secretly dating an employee, and he kicked her out of his condo after stealing her shoes and phone. She walked barefoot, in the snow, to our business and waited outside in freezing weather until a staff member showed up to open for the day. She told us he stopped taking he meds and was becoming abusive. The downhill spiral began rapidly. He was kicked out of our business and told not to return, in order to protect our employee.
We found out that Mark had been regularly calling the staff, having hours long conversations with them solely to badmouth myself and my partner, even before he went off his medication. It just got worse as he became more manic.
Then he began his reign of terror on us. He sent threatening messages, accused us of money laundering, stalked us, threatened to shoot us, made false police reports under other family member's names, and continued terrorizing and verbally abusing his former girlfriend.
One day, he came to our business unannounced and physically assaulted my partner, in front of 50 of our guests. My partner needed stitches in his mouth and treatment for a concussion. When I defended my partner by placing myself between him and Mark, Mark stole my phone as I was trying to dial 911, grabbed my wrists and threatened to hit me. I was screaming at him, telling him to leave. He screamed back at me "I'm not afraid to hit a woman too". The only reason I wasn't also assaulted is because our male guests stopped him and forced him to leave. He destroyed my phone outside the business.
The next few months were hell. I was terrified that he would come back to hurt us again. He knew where we lived and worked. He continued to terrorize us by driving by the business and sending threats via text or email. I was constantly aware of my surroundings, always checking the parking garage at home or work before exiting the car, watching every person that walked down the street with a hood on. My blood pressure spiked to the point that I needed to go to the hospital. My health drastically declined, both physically and mentally. I couldn't sleep properly.
Mark was eventually arrested hours away at a hotel. An online forum user had reported Mark for making threats to kill him. When Mark was arrested, he was found to have a full set of bulletproof body armour. He was forcibly hospitalized and began taking medication again. A week and a half later, he was released. No charges were ever filed.
It has been almost two years since these events. I haven't spoken to Mark, and I don't want to. My partner and his parents are on good terms with Mark, and he has been living with his parents since his hospitalization.
Now, my in-laws want the family to reconcile. They want me to restore a relationship with Mark, even if it's superficial. The mere thought of this gives me anxiety. I'm terrified that he might hurt us again. I know he still holds grudges against me, and he has never apologized to me for any of the aforementioned events. The family, including my partner, expects me to be around him for family dinners, vacations, etc.
I understand my in-law's craving for family stability, especially as they are getting older. I try to be as open as possible to most other requests, including having a child (which is a whole other story.. I wasn't even sure if I wanted a child, and I can't physically carry one due to health issues). I am trying to make them happy, but I can't ignore my own health. I already had a diagnosis of PTSD and GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) before this all started, and they were made much worse by these events.
How on earth do I navigate this situation? I feel like I don't really have a choice. I'm slowly being pressured into accepting their decision, and I feel like I'm not being heard. I have tried to explain to my partner and MIL that I'm not comfortable around Mark, and I might never be. My instinct is to protect myself at all costs, which is enhanced by plenty of prior trauma (including sexual abuse by family members on my side). I don't hold a grudge against Mark, but I don't feel safe around him. There were a lot of issues with Mark even before he stopped taking his medication, and I can't trust him.
How can I make myself feel safe around Mark? How can I make my partner and his family happy, while maintaining my own health?
TLDR- My partner's brother stopped taking his bi-polar medication and went manic. He assaulted and terrorized us for 6+ months. Now my partner and in-laws want family unity and expect me to reconcile with him. I want to make them happy, but I don't feel safe around him.