DISCLAIMER: this post will be heavy. We are dealing with themes of racism, neo-nazi imagery, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and things of that sort. It would be not explained in details, but i will link articles talking about it in lenght. Please be careful while browsing!
Hello again people of Hobbydrama. This time my introduction will be brief since the post will probably be very long, just wanted to say: thank you for sticking with me. Remember to read the disclaimer and also be aware that this post might contain spoilers, particularly for Life Is Strange 1 and 3!
What the hell is Life Is Strange?
“Ready for the mosh pit, shaka brah”
Life Is Strange is a series of adventure games published by Square Enix’s External Studios. Created by Dontnod Entertainment, the series debuted with its first installment which was released in five episodes throughout 2015 on PS3, PS4, XBOX 360, PC, iOS and Android. It also recived a remastered version for the Nintendo Switch in 2021. Which was…not very good tbh, but we don’t talk about that. The story of the first game revolves around Max Caulfield, a girl who discovers that she has the ability to rewind time at any moment, causing each of her choices to make events unfold differently. After predicting the arrival of a giant storm, Max will have to use her powers to try to save her city, Arcadia Bay. She starts this by saving her former best friend (and future love interest) Chloe Price by dying in a bathroom stall. Since that, the plot will also focus on the search of Rachel Amber, a girl who misteriously disappeared without leaving trace. The player’s actions will affect the game’s story, which can be rewritten once they are able to rewind time. The introduction of the possibility of rewinding time allows to go back and do any action differently from the one first done in certain narrative checkpoints. This structure also offers a polarity system: choices made modify and influence the story through short- or long-term consequences. I mean, technically is not really like that because the game has only two possible endings and the choices you make can’t change it, but they affect the way other characters see you and interact with you. Dialogue scenes can also be rewound by choosing a different response option. Once an event is restored the previously provided data can also be used in the future: for example objects found in the future will be preserved after rewinding time. This, as you can imagine, offers a lot of possibilities for puzzle mechanics and things of that sort.
The game was a massive success, winning a shiton of awards in the following years and gaining an immense fanbase. This was due to its emotionally raw plot dealing with themes such as depression and suicide, bullying, fear of abandonment, LGBTQ+ representation, growing up and of course time shenaningans that subjects the main character to an unbelivable amount of trauma! Yay! Jokes aside, the game was so succesfull that it spawned an entire franchise: a prequel with Chloe Price as a protagonist came out in 2017 and a comic spin-off) was published in 2018.
Also: Life Is Strange 2 and Life Is Strange 3 were made, but they are different stories with totally different characters not related with Max and Chloe in any means, besides some minor easter eggs. For the context of this post, is important to know that when Lis became a franchise, they started to explore different stories with different characters: the only one thing in common is that in this world some people have some kinds of superpowers for…reasons that are never really fully explained. Max had time-rewind, it’s heavily implied in the prequel that Rachel Amber had some kind of fire powers or, in alternative, powers very similar to Max’s based on what some characters says about her, Sean’s brother has telekinesis and Alex has an “emotional aura” reading ability
There are also rumors going on about an Amazon Prime series adapting the story of the first game, but nothing has came out of it at the time of writing this.
With that being said, let’s move on.
The weird dynamics between Dontnod and Square Enix
Now, before we focus on the gist of the drama, it’s important to clarify one thing: Dontnod no longer holds any ownership of the Life Is Strange franchise and doesn’t work on the series anymore, only SquareEnix and Deck Nine are in charge now. To explain why this happened we need to go on a tangent here.
Development of the first Life Is Strange began in April 2013: the idea of developing it in episodes was due to creative, marketing and, above all, financial reasons. Mind you, at the time Dontnod was a little french indie game developing company. Their debut title was Remember Me), which at first they wanted it to be a PlayStation 3-exclusive role-playing game, but was dropped by publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2011 on account of cuts in funding. It was presented at Gamescom the same year to attract another publishing deal. The following year, Capcom Europe acquired the rights and reimagined it as an action-adventure game.
In 2013, Dontnod was the most subsidised studio with 600 000€ aid by the French agency Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC), including aid for a new intellectual property project codenamed “What if?” (later retitled to Life is Strange to avoid confusion with the film of the same name.) for something like 200 000 euros. On 28 January 2014, Dontnod filed for rjudicial reorganisation, a form of receivership in France. The proceeding filing was discovered by Factornews and some media outlets like Polygon reported it as Dontnod filing for bankruptcy as a result of the poor sales of Remember Me. However, Dontnod responded to these reports explaining that they were in the process of “judicial reorganisation” to resize the company and denying bankruptcy..
In June 2014, Dontnod announced that they were working with Square Enix Europe on a new game, which was announced as Life Is Strange that year and released in 2015 over the course of five instalments, like i said earlier. The critical and commercial success of Life Is Strange caused Dontnod to be solicited by publishers, whereas they previously had to pursue publishers themselves. Is also important to note that Life Is Strange received attention for the choice to include a female protagonist in the game. Before signing the collaboration with Square Enix, Dontnod had in fact encountered distrust from the curators of the project, who had attempted to insert a male protagonist in Max’s place. Baiscally, Square Enix was the only company that was willing to publish them without questioning the gender of the main character. Remember this, because it will be important later.
Following the release and success of the first Life is Strange, publisher Square Enix chose American developer Deck Nine to develop a prequel game focusing on the life of Chloe Price, while the Dontnod team began developing a direct sequel. Development on the prequel began in 2016 with assistance from Square Enix’ London Studios. Ashly Burch, who voiced Chloe in Life Is Strange, was replaced by Rhianna DeVries due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. However, Burch and Hannah Telle (Max’s VA) both reprised their roles for the bonus episode “Farewell.” The script for the game was over 1,500 pages, written by lead writer Zak Garriss and a writers’ room. Remember this name because it will come up again.
Prior to its official announcement, images had leaked online indicating that a prequel to Life Is Strange was in development. Finally, Square Enix revealed Life Is Strange: Before the Storm on 11 June during Microsoft’s E3 2017 presentation. At that time, Dontnod had declared that prospective follow-ups to Life Is Strange would feature new characters and locations to the original, with the developers feeling that Max and Chloe’s story had run its course over the first two games. Game co-director Raoul Barbet explained that

“It’s a question we asked ourselves at the beginning. Is it Max and Chloe, Arcadia Bay? No, it’s about everyday characters, relatable characters with stories you can involve yourself in, because it reflects your own experiences. With some supernatural stuff on the top.”

Michel Koch added that

“everyone loved Max, Chloe, Rachel. But their story…it’s done. We have nothing more to tell. We don’t want to. Other people will do it, and it’s okay. But for us, we have nothing more to do. Take them and do whatever you want.”

You can read the full interview here
However this would turn out to not be entirely true follwing recent events, but let’s leave this information for later.
Development on Life Is Strange 2 began in early 2016 as the first game shipped its physical edition. Michel Koch and Raoul Barbet returned to direct the sequel, with Christian Divine and Jean-Luc Cano reprising their roles as co-writers.. The game, despite its very heavy advertising campaign, recived a mixed reception from the audience if not downright negative. The main criticism, besides problems with the writing, the characters and the story, was that people…simply didn’t really care about a new cast, to be honest. Particularly when they are not written as good as the character from the first game. They would have much preferred a sequel with Max and Chloe. Keep this also in mind, because it will be important in a bit.
At the same time, Deck Nine began working on True Colors after completing Before the Storm in 2017. You can probably notice that for this new chapter they decided to return to an episodic format (Life Is Strange Before The Storm was released all in once, for context I was wrong, it was relased episodically, the difference is that there was a "complete season" version earlier than the first game! It was also the first Lis game to contain a DLC), just like the first game and Lis 2, both made by Dontnod.
Now, it’s also important to specify that Before The Storm was also recived lukewarmly, mainly because the plot felt rushed and a lot of very important lore bits of the first game weren’t even addressed, like how the fuck Rachel ended up in the dark room. You know…it was just the main reasons people were exited to play the prequel in the first place.
For context, in Lis 1 there are many moments where it is hinted that Rachel tried to deceive and manipulate Chloe, all so she could escape Arcadia Bay without her. In short: Rachel is not depicted as a good person in this game. There is even an entire section where Max finds out that Rachel was cheating on Chloe with her drug dealer. People were intrigued by this and wanted to know what Rachel’s deal was: was she a good person? Was she evil? How did she die? Did she also had powers? Did she caused the tornado? Is she the tornado? Did she passed down her powers to Max?
When the prequel was announced everyone went ballistic. Are we finally going to play as her? Well, no. Instead we got a story centered around Chloe (which we already knew well thanks to the first game), no powers, weird gameplay based on literally insulting npcs and very little of Rachel. Additionally she was depicted as a strangely different character, way more nicer than the first game made by the original developers probably intended. Her entire affair with the drug dealer was…simply not mentioned at all despite being a crucial point to the lore? Plus we got this post credits scene that literally explained nothing and in fact raised even more questions that would never be answered. Thanks!
Back to the point: when Life Is Strange 3 came out it was recived equally lukewarmly in some points. (clarification needed: it was COMMERCIALLY recived better than Lis 1 and 2, it won a shiton of awards too. I'm talking mainly about a section of the fanbase. Obviously there were also people who liked it, however the point is another here.) Many people pointed out that it’s so similar to the first game in terms or plot, general vibe and characters that it feels almost like a blatant copy. The protagonist is a socially awkard, introverted nerdy bisexual girl with a loudmouth, reckless, secretly nerdy lesbian punk-girl love interest and the plot concerns a disapperance of a person, that Alex and Steph need to investigate onto. Sounds familiar yet?
Also, people argued that Alex and Max share a very similar name, they make the literal same pose on the cover of their respective games and Steph was redesigned to look very similar to Chloe, hat and all..
For some people, it was pretty evident that after the lukewarm reception of BtS and Lis 2 and the complaints about it being too different from the established formula, Square Enix wanted to win back the love of former fans who liked the ideas of the original game. The problem is that they didn’t quite understood why the Dontond game had that impact on people, and borrowed from it only the most superficial aspects. The point is that people liked the first game because the characters were alive, with motivations, they were original and capable of making you really empathize with them. The plot was engaging and the mechanics were something new never seen in the video game industry (at that time). People liked the way the story was written and the way the game played, not necessarily the presence of Max and Chloe. People just wanted new protagonists that were written at least as good as them, basically.
So basically the way of thinking in some parts of the fandom was on the line of: rather than trying to poorly imitate Max and Chloe in a new game with an “original story” (do not steal) in a desperate attempt to regain the fans’ admiration, making a direct sequel to the first game with those characters would have been a better choice.
The comic spin-off with Max and Chloe wasn’t doing that good either. Well, it was a commercial success but the fanbase didn’t really liked it that much.. For context: it was not published by Dontnod or Square Enix, the people behind it were from Titan Comics. The series is set one year after the events of the original Life is Strange, and is a continuation to one of two of the games possible endings, known as the “Sacrifice Arcadia Bay” ending. It is written by Emma Vieceli, with interior art by Claudia Leonardi and coloring by Andrea Izzo. In fact the team behind it is entirely italian, which i find very cool as an italian myself. However, the problems were the same as said before: weird plot, character assasinations, introducing new powers for Max that make absolutely no sense, (now she is able to have “visions” of a different timeline and mess with the literal course of time without any real explanation or sensible motivation for WHY she is capable to do this all of a sudden) and in general they read a lot like a bad fanfiction.
Also i think it’s important to mention that the comics gave us a timeline in which Rachel is alive and she is in a romantic relationship with Chloe, while Max is their third wheel friend. I find this extremely hilarious so take this pic. It fucking kills me everytime.
So, to sum up all this mess before going on: Dontnod doesn’t own the intellectual property of Life Is Strange anymore. This happened after Lis 2, for reasons not yet disclosed. Square Enix and Deck Nine are now the heads of the entire franchise and they are not the best at managing it. In a desperate attempt to reach Dontnod success following the bad reception of BtS and Lis 2, they basically copied and pasted the entire plot of the first game (or at least borrowed a lot of context from it) for Lis 3, causing a sensible distaste in some parts of the fanbase.
The hidden hate imagery and the abuse scandal
Ok. Now we are quitting being funny and silly. This is the section were it starts to get REALLY dark REALLY suddenly. So please, keep in mind that i’m hovering a gigantic trigger warning over your head. All the links in this section can be extremely triggering for some people. Read the disclaimer, please. Are we good? Good. Now we can talk about the more recent news that literally throwed the fandom in a maniacal frenzy.
An article (GIGANTIC TRIGGER WARNING FOR THIS ONE) was published by IGN the 5th April 2024, in which it’s described a very strange and disturbing episode that happened in the Deck Nine offices.
IMPORTANT INFO SINCE SOME PEOPLE WERE CONFUSED: I report the article as faithfully as possible given that in its entirety it could be considered uncomfortable by some people. Please be aware that I have copy pasted parts. This is not to plagiarize, I'm not saying that the contents of this article or the points of this speech are my own words. Keep in mind that it is only to give everyone a fair perspective, especially for people who may not like the mentions of certain things in the original article. However excuse me, i should have clarified this earlier. Thanks for everyone that spoke on this.
To put it simply since the article is very long, during the development of the fourth Life Is Strange game near the end of 2022, a few developers stumbled upon hate symbols hidden in the textures. They initially noticed a reference to the number 88, but they simply tought it was an unfortunate coincidence. It was just a number, right? Maybe their boss didn’t knew the implications of it. But then they quickly started to find more problematic and inequivocable signs, such as references to a racist meme, the number 18, and the Hagal rune.. It was definetly not a mistake: someone was putting those simbols there on purpose.
The weirdest thing is that weeks went by, then months, and management remained strangely silent about this. The incriminated assets remained in the game and people started to get really nervous for obvious reasons. At the end, they removed the symbols but the culprit was never discovered. Again, very strange. The company was behaving almost as if they were trying to defend however was behind this attack. This issue however, literally opened the fucking Pandora’s box.
According to current and former employees across several departments, most of whom have chosen to remain anonymus, Deck Nine’s management has caused a very toxic work culture. They claim the C-suite has protected multiple abusive leaders, encouraged crunch, and allowed bullying of individuals advocating internally for more authentic representation in Life Is Strange. Yeah, you heard that right.
Square Enix in particular was another whole can of worms: the employees said that the company was way too “defensive” of the script of True Colors. In the sense that they seemed oddly reluctant or outright hostile to the diverse themes and ideas that Life Is Strange has always explored. For instance, multiple people recalled an incident during True Colors development where Square Enix told multiple developers they didn’t want Life Is Strange to be thought of as the “gay game.” Which…you know, it’s very weird coming from a franchise that, when under Dontnod management, was always pretty open about its bisexual protagonists.
Well, theoretically Max and Sean are driven entirely by the choice of the player, so they are “playersexual”. You can choose what gender to romance in both games, in theory. However, Max is way more implied to be canonically bi or at least to have a crush on Chloe indipendetly by your choice in the original game, while Sean is more “open” in that sense. However, the main point is not really that. Is that Lis as a franchise always explored queer themes, so this kind of reaction by Square Enix is pretty odd. They knew what they were working with, right? Mallory Littleton, a narrative designer who worked on Life Is Strange under Deck Nine, even said that

”There’s a lot of press out there praising True Colors for having the first bisexual lead in a Life Is Strange game, even if in our press guides from Square Enix, all the way up until review copies were out, we were not to say anything about Alex’s sexuality, period, at all. And then they did the advance copies, and all of these reviews came out saying how amazing it was to finally see an explicitly bi protagonist, and after that, Square was like, just kidding, Alex is absolutely, canonically, 100% bisexual.”

Additionally, multiple sources gave the impression that Deck Nine’s relationship with Square Enix for Life Is Strange was one of money convenience rather than a deep appreciation for the series. Square Enix liked that Deck Nine was willing to do the game for a lower budget than other studios, while Deck Nine needed a good IP, so the deal was born solely for economical convenience However, many developers said that the people in charge of Deck Nine seemed seriously unprepared for dealing with a game with “serious” themes, especially when it came to thoughtful portrayals of diverse individuals. And this is when the real shit started. I won’t go into much detail (read the article if you are curious) but people reported a SHITON of accounts of sexual harassment, bullying and transphobia.
Remember Zack Garris? Well, sources say that he began forming close relationships with a number of younger women, often in situations where he had some mentorship or power over them. He was basically love bombing them, staying late at the studio talking to them, inviting them to lunch, dinner, movies or even to his house. He would also instigate personal conversations and text some of this women after work hours about personal topics. If you want more info about his (frankly disgusting) shenaningans, once again read the article.
It doesn’t stop here however.
In short: nobody, male or female, was able to tell him “no” when he crossed personal boundaries due to his status. This feeling only increased over time, with several people reporting incidents of him lashing out against those who disagreed with his decisions. This was especially true with people fighting for more sensitive portrayals of diverse characters. A woman named Tate Littleton, for instance, recalled being formally reprimanded for criticizing Garriss’ reluctance to allow women in his scripts to express anger. Basically he didn’t think representation mattered because “he didn’t necessarily identify with every white man protagonist, and so other people shouldn’t identify with characters because they look the same.”
The main episode that made this entire thing knew in the first place was the removal of a transgender character from True Colors that took place very late in development. Which, again, sounds really unusual considering the type of media Lis has always been. Additionally, two anonymous employees declared that in 2020 Garriss called BLM a hate group when the team at Deck Nine wanted to post something for the protests that were happening in America. In another example he fought weirdly hard for a twist on True Colors’ final choice that a number of writers pointed out included a problematic portrayal of migrant workers (it eventually was removed, so at least we have that i guess). He would also go daily on rants about how everyone was being “too political”. There was also another instance of a scene Garriss wrote for True Colors that the writers felt they had to fight him excessively to change. For those who don’t know, in the final script of True Colors the main character Alex is taken into the woods by Jed, who she view as a friend at this point of the story. He betrays her, shooting her and missing, causing her to fall into an abandoned mine shaft. However, in Garriss’ original version, Jed spikes her drink at a bar and takes her out to the woods for an attempted murder. When they saw this version of the scene, a number of people pushed back, arguing that the scene would unintentionally cause associations with date rape. Multiple individuals had to fight extensively with Garriss about this scene before it was eventually changed.
Additionally, Garris distanced himself from his team of writers. He and another lead would make most of the story decisions, rewriting work from other writers without allowing them the opportunity to give feedback, even on stories centering marginalized characters. Toward the end of True Colors development, Deck Nine implemented a new, anonymous performance evaluation tool: this is what caused all of this to surface recently, mind you, we would have never known if it wasn’t for this. Some time time later, Garriss quit the team voluntarily. But this wasn’t the end: True Colors launched to critical acclaim, and following the wave of its commercial success, Deck Nine parared immediatly the development of another Lis game. But it was struggling with one plot point apperently, and the leadership suggested to bring Garriss back to fix it. As you can probably imagined, the narrative team went insane. Everyone begged them not to bring him back in a series of meetings, messages, emails, everything. HR was even involved at some point and they even suggested that Deck Nine would be legally liable for Garriss’ behavior if they invited him back after the shiton of reports. When the company CEO and CFO persisted in arguing that they needed Garriss, multiple writers handed in resignations. Finally, management relented and the man did not return.
You probably get the vibe at this point. It was a mess. However, Garris later tried to defend himself against the accusations, but he was ultimately never called back again. At least not officially. Because he then landed at Telltale Games, which was working on a project in close partnership with Deck Nine at the time. Only a few months after his departure, several of those who had protested his return were told that a few narrative team members had been holding story breaking sessions at Garriss’ home. So…ok i guess?
However, this is not even the main tea. Remember when i said that Dontnod abandoned the franchise after the second chapter and it was never clarified why? Well, it’s theorized that the main reason why they went away it’s because Square Enix wasn’t willing to make them publish what they wanted in Life Is Strange. Which is incredibly sad and ironic considering the development issues the first game had. The main proof people point over this is another game made by Dontnod in 2020 called “Tell Me Why”, which stars a trans male protagonists and is objectively very similar to a Lis game without being really a Lis game. The main character has supernatural powers, the gameplay is identical, the story has a very similar vibe, you get the gist. The analogies were…a little bit too close for some people. Now, it’s important to remember that this are only speculations and nothing is being officially confirmed, but judging by the time coincidence and what surfaced recently, some people started to think that Dontnod published this game indipendently because Deck Nine and Square Enix didn’t want the main character to be trans. Which honestly kinda makes sense. However, another thing happened that fueled the speculations even more: Dontnod has recently annuced their new game, “Lost Records”, which they directly called a “spiritual successor to Life Is Strange”. They even stated that in this game they will insert ideas that they would have liked to explore with Max and Chloe in Lis sequels, which they can no longer produce since the franchise and those characters are no longer in their hands. Quoting from this article:

”When we started to work on the very first Life Is Strange a long time ago, we had no publishers. We didn’t know exactly where we would sell the game or…if we would even sell it. […] At this time, we were in need of publishing, and Square was interested in buying the games; they bought the rights for it, and they bought the franchise. […] But since they bought the franchise, our hands were tied. We couldn’t really work as we wanted on what paths the character should go, what kind of game we could make, and how we would like to make the franchise evolve.”

Which in retrospect many tought all of this sounded really weird. Didn’t they said years ago that their vision of the series was always to make stories with different characters and that Chloe and Max’s story was “over”? Many people tought this was a weird claim and so speculations started.
Many belive that the initial plan was to have at least a proper sequel to Lis 1 under their management, but the idea went to shit when Deck Nine and Square Enix acquired the IP for BtS, gaining effective ownership to the franchise and to Max and Chloe. Dontnod could not effectively use those character anymore and so they were obligated to create something new.
This theory gains credibility when we take into consideration the fact that recently a leak about a supposed sequel to the first game with Max and Chloe surfaced. Is important to note that in 2021 there was also another leak in which a person predicted very specific details about True Colors when it was still codenamed “Siren”, basically describing correctly the plot, the final title, the name of the protagonist and her powers. They even predicted the remastered of the first game! Additionally, at the end of the post they mention that the team was looking to make a Lis 1 follow up game with Max and Chloe, so the more recent leak was lining up almost scarily with the former. Another thing that adds fuel to the fire is the fact that the leaker mentioned to have saw an initial concept of this idea in 2022 during a survey in which they showed some future Lis content and apparently there was also an NDA involved. However, since this idea (mainly the bit when they describe Max being able to jump into different timelines) is very similar to what ended up happenning in the comics, some people tought it was simply a scrapped idea that they later reworked into the spin-off. Others instead think that the comics served to introduce us to this very concept and that they are still working on this supposed game. At this point in time we don’t know what the future olds, but it’s confirmed thanks to the article concerning the hate symbols scandal, that a fourth Lis game is currently being worked on. However, we don’t know if it’s that sequel the leaker mentioned or an entire different thing.
The aftermath
So…yeah. As you can probably guess, this situation is a total mess. The fandom is still trying to process what happened, and many are unsure whether to continue supporting the series or not, given everything that happened behind the scenes. It created a bit of a Blizzard situation, if you know what I’m talking about.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of the first Life Is Strange and it played a huge part in my growth. The other games didn’t fascinate me as much as the first tbh, but I loved Arcadia Bay and its world, Max and Chloe, the mystery, the characters, the story, the emotions. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was the game that changed my life and helped me come to terms with my sexuality. Seeing two girls get together romantically like this in a video game really triggered something in me. It helped me understand that my feelings weren’t wrong. That I wasn’t alone. That i wasn’t broken. I know that probably sounds very cheesy and cringe, but it’s the way it is and I can’t help it. You can imagine what my reaction was when I witnessed this mess unfold irl. In a way I felt hurt. It’s strange to think that a saga that has done so much for me is being run by people who would like to see me dead. Or at the very least, people who were not that open as they liked to present themselves. And I don’t have an answer to the question “should we still support this video game?” Honestly I do not know. On one hand I feel sorry for all the creatives who desperately tried to make Life Is Strange something special despite everything, but at the same time… my god. What the fuck.
I can’t help but wonder how Life Is Strange could have been if it remained under Dontnod’s creative control: what kind of stories they would tell, what future they would invent for Max and Chloe, what adventures they would get into. But maybe it’s better this way. Those girls have grown up, they went trought a lot, and maybe we just need to learn to let them go. After all, isn’t it the entire point of the game? Learning to grow? As for me, I will continue to replay Life Is Strange 1 periodically, I will continue to be part of the frankly amazing community that is the Lis fandom, I will continue to read fanfictions and support fan creations, being it fangames or fanarts. Because they can never take it away from me. They can’t take it away from us. Never.
Thank you for reading this far, i hope it was interesting and that you learned something new.
That being said…quit with the sad bullshit! I want to use this section to shoutout a fellow creator that is currently working on a fan-made sequel of the first game: Life Is Strange After the Storm. If you like this kind of stuffs, make sure to follow him on twitter and to support the project!
Ok now i’m really over. See ya!
EDIT: added clarifictions in the True Colors section. Changed a link in there too (i realized i put the wrong thing). Corrected some BtS informations. Added a clarification in the article section. Edited some formatting and corrected grammatical errors. Added a link in the Hagal rune section. Uncensored the word "nazi", since a person wrote me in private to make me know that my post would not be put down now that it's approved. Rephrased some words to not make them sounds hostile, since a lot of people were getting on my troath for this. I would also like to clarify while i'm here that i don't hate Lis 3 in its entirety nor i'm alluding that Lis 1 has not recived any valid criticism, since people are putting words in my mouth that i did, in fact, not say.
ALSO IMPORTANT CAVIAT: you are not in the wrong if you liked True Colors! It's ok! The game has it's moments and can absolutely be good. In fact, i personally liked some of its plot points and ideas. A good amount of people recived it very well. In this post i'm talking about general negative fan reception to explain why many people are growing disillusioned with the series and to make clear why people criticize it more than the first game, i'm not saying your tastes are bad/you are in the wrong. It's ok to like different things.

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. The new UI decided to fuck up the formatting on this one for some reason, so I had to spend like 20 minutes going through and fixing the paragraph spacing, and adding italics back. I've never had this problem before. If anyone knows how to fix it, please do tell.
My little break is over, and I've started writing again. Working on chapters 13 and 14 now. I'm very excited for these ones. I mean, heck, I've got a bunch of scenes that I'm really excited to write, (and eventually release).
Also, fun fact: Chapter 9, 10, and the yet unreleased 11 were originally meant to be one chapter, but it ended up being way too much to cover in 40k characters.
A big thanks to as always
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Chapter 10: The Brave and Respectable
- Memory Transcription Subject: Arlene Brandy, Human Refugee
Date [Standardized Human Time]: October 19th, 2136
Oh fuck.
Oh shit, even.
I had never treated a panic attack before.
I had never treated an alien before. For anything.
For all I knew, he was having a post traumatic flashback.
Okay, okay, deep breaths, don’t panic. What do I do?
I know some people who have dealt with this. I should call them.
Stupid! My phone doesn’t work here.
Less thinking, more action!
Meba had just about collapsed on the floor, and was now a shivering ball of anxiety on the floor of the hallway.
If I had a nickel for ever- not the time!
I wanted to help, but would getting closer make it worse? Would touching him make it worse?
Fuck it.
I knelt down next to him. “D-deep breaths! Deep breaths!” I was probably failing to sound soothing.
I could go get help.
No. Don’t try to defer the responsibility, this is probably your fault. If they see a panicked human they’ll just run, unless I win the lottery and find someone without double triple PTSD from space lizards.
I waved my hands around, trying impotently to find something to do with them, and of course coming up empty. The only thing I thought of was to take off my coat and use it as a blanket, hopefully to stop the shivering. It made him look cuter, but didn’t help at all, apparently not lending any coziness to the poor fella.
What do you even do for something like that?
I looked in the dustiest annals of my mind, but found nothing about the subject. Probably an oversight, but I had never met anyone who had panic attacks. I cursed my whimsical nature and all the trouble it brought, then realized now was not the time to cope with theatrics.
“Buddy? You there? Talk to me?” He was unresponsive, mumbling something almost inaudibly. My heart was racing faster and faster. “Take deep breaths. Please?”
What calms me down? When I was little grandma used to sing to me. My stuffed animals also helped. Um… are ‘happy places’ a real thing? No, he’s unresponsive, stupid! Move!
I tried his apartment door, finding no purchase, next digging through his bag, pushing past the blood stained wool ball, and uneaten fruit and finding a little key ring with three keys. I rushed back to the door and tried the first. It didn’t open. The second also failed. And the third.
FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK
I tried the first again, finding that I didn’t get it in all the way the first go. The door opened, free of creaks—thanks past me—and revealing his apartment. I went back to Meba, realizing that I didn’t know if I could lift him. Sure he was small, and mostly fluff, but everything was heavier on venlil prime. I crouched down by his side, which prompted a scream of horror from someone standing by the stairs. I thought about trying to explain the situation, but quickly dismissed the thought. I didn’t have time for this.
SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT
I tried to scoop him up in my arms, found that I couldn’t get a grip, adjusted, then eventually, after ruling out dragging, tried lifted with my legs for once, and heaving the shivering venlil up into my arms. I shuffled, almost stumbled into the apartment, laying him down as softly as possible on the first soft area I found: the couch. I put him in the recovery position like I was treating him for shock, even though I didn’t know if it was appropriate for this or if it would even work for his body. He curled back up almost immediately.
I realized I forgot to grab his stuff, so I sprinted back out into the hallway, almost slamming into the wall as I half slipped on the floor, grabbed the bag, rushed back inside and shut the door. He was now whimper-sobbing.
CRAP CRAP CRAP
I grabbed a cup from one of the cupboards, thanking the god of chance that his kitchen was organized in a somewhat similar way to mine. I got a cup of water, and brought it to the table, setting it down.
He’s not gonna be able to drink it. What am I doing?!
Panic was getting the better of me, so I pulled up my mask, and slapped myself on the cheeks.
I can do this!
I grabbed a pillow from the couch and put it under his head, then grabbing another and putting it in between his arms, hopefully helping to calm him down. And I was out of ideas again.
“Meba? Can you hear me?” I tapped him on the shoulder, eliciting a flinch and not much else.
I sat down next to him, biting my nails; something I hadn’t done since ninth grade. On instinct, I started stroking the fur down his back, hoping it would help. Somewhere in my mind were the lyrics to a lullaby, but I was having trouble reaching them. They had probably fallen in some crevice between sheep names and textbooks, or maybe they had decayed in the fridge. Underneath the floorboards most likely. And so they were.
I cleared my throat in that scratchy way you do when you’re not really sure if you should be clearing your throat at all.
“Y-you are my sunshine, my only sunshine You m-make me happyyyy when skies are gray You’ll never know d-deeeaaarrr, how much I love yoooouuuuu Please do not t-taaaake, my suuunnnshiiine aawwaaaaaaaaayyy”
My singing voice was not up to snuff. I was not a musician. I didn’t even sing in the shower except for when I listened to really sad music; i.e. not the type of stuff you try to sing well to.
How did that second verse go?
“The ot- the other night deeeaaarrrr, as I lay sleeeeepiinng I dreamed I hellld youuuuuu, inside my aaaaarrrrrmsss When I a-awoke deeeaarrr, I was mistaaaaakeeeen And I huuuuuunnnnnng myyyy heeeeaaaddd, and crriiiiiiiiiieeeeeeed”
“You aarrre my suuunshiiine, my only suuunshiine You make me haaaappyyy, when skiies are graaaaay You do not know dear, how much I looove youuu Please do not taaake, my sunshine awaaayy”
My throat would never be the same. Nobody give vocalists enough credit. I think something might’ve snapped. Meba was now breathing slowly, sleeping a hopefully dreamless sleep. I continued petting the fur down his back, more for me than for him. Then I remembered that he didn’t like being touched back on the tube, so I stopped. Now that the danger was averted, my mind instantly switched to snooping mode, almost, but not quite forgetting to hit me with a wave of fatigue, exacerbated by my poor sleep.
The cup of water was sitting on the table, along with a book titled—I had to pull out my phone and use a free-with-ads venlil script translator app that I downloaded earlier—‘Predator Psychology’ by ‘Lyran’. Fitting, I guess. If I was more bitter about it, I might have said something snarky, but honestly, I was used to the—to use a venlil phrase—predator shit.
It felt weird for there to only be one name. How many unique venlil names were there? Sensing the water cup mocking my inadequate linguistic skills, and also being so thirsty I thought I might pass out, I chugged the thing in one go—not a hard thing to do when every object is fun-sized—quenching my thirst.
Speaking of venlil, I wanted to know if he kept Alexander. After all, he was my first authentic alien creation. My quest ended shortly after I opened the bedroom door. On the shelves were more books, organized so well that even I could tell they were alphabetical, and I didn’t know the language. There were some trinkets, and statuettes, sitting in an area with Alexander.
“Ah! Arlene! My creator! I’ve been trapped on this infernal shelf for days! You’ve come to rescue me!” My exhausted brain was starting to think Alexander’s speeches were real.
I decided to humor myself. “Ah yes, the brave and respectable Alexander of Sunbrook. It seems your talents were not appreciated by our furry friend.”
“Yes! He’s left me here to rot! Do you think I could…?”
“Come with me? Sorry, no can do buddy. Meba needs you, he just doesn’t see it yet. I’m sure he’ll warm up to you in time.”
“Please? It’s so terribly dull on this shelf.”
“I mean it Alex. You need to be there for him, because he can’t be there for himself.”
“Then at least you could put in a good word for me? He’s not going to take me along without a push.”
A smile crept onto my face. “That I can do.” I picked him off the shelf and brought him out to the living room, where Meba was still snoozing. I placed Alexander in the nook of his shoulder. Then I grabbed my coat back, and replaced it with an actual blanket.
“W-wait!”
“Yes?”
“I-I’m scared. What if he discards me?”
“Do you know why they call you the brave Alexander?” The illusion was already fading. I would have to hurry. “It’s not because you aren’t scared. It’s because you still do what need to be done in spite of your fear. Now, you’re not mine anymore. You have to help him now.”
Alexander would smile if he had lips. “Thank you Arlene.” And the illusion dissipated, along with my energy.
Christ, my coping mechanisms are so weird.
I sat down on the floor, and rested my head against the couch. I had gone maybe 30 hours without a proper 8 hour catnap. Now felt like a good time. But now is fleeting, and I wouldn’t get the chance just yet.
Meba was stirring, eyelids fluttering, and limbs twitching. He groaned, a rather pained groan. ‘Wh- hwngnm’ is the closest text equivalent. Although a ‘Whabehnabg’ would also suffice as a stand in.
He made stretched out on the couch, almost hitting me in the face with his paws. I watched as he began to regain consciousness, ego reforming in whatever twisted dance it makes when the bliss of sleep is stolen, fur bristling like the soft waves of a lake, mind still yearning to go back to before it all, to before the nonsense of life grabbed at the ether to bring itself some unwilling company.
If you couldn’t tell by the flowery language, I was exhausted.
He blinked his eyes a few times to focus them, then looked around for a few seconds, eventually registering me.
I did not remember to lower my mask.
He startled.
I scrambled to hide my face.
He was going to say something.
There was a knock at the door.
A loud knock.
“Exterminators! Open up!”
My blood didn’t run cold. It stopped exactly where it was, almost ready to turn in the opposite direction. Before I could say anything, Meba sprung up from the couch, wiped his tears with the back of a paw, and grabbed my arm. He dragged me over to a closet near the bookshelf, opening the door and leading me inside.
“Open this door!”
“B-be quiet.” He whispered, closing the closet.
I nodded. Through the slits, I could see him going to the door, hesitating for a moment, paws shaking, before opening it. In the doorway stood two venlil in fire-retardant suits. They had flamethrowers. I stuck my knuckles in my mouth before I could make a squeak out of fear.
“Hello. Is everything alright officers?” Meba said.
The larger of the two exterminators pushed his way past Meba. “We got a report from one of the residents here saying that there was a predator abducting a venlil. They gave us this apartment number.”
“T-that’s horrible. But as you can see, I’m perfectly fine. N-no predators here.” Why did he have to add that last part?
The second officer entered as well. “Do you think it was a false report?”
“Doubt it.” He turned to Meba. “There is a human living in this building, isn’t there?”
“Er, yes, in the apartment across from me.”
The larger officer said something I couldn’t hear
“Y-yes. Nothing’s wrong. Why do you ask?”
He said something else inaudible.
Meba replied with a similar whisper.
My eyes widened. He was selling me out, wasn’t he? I was going to die. Oh god. My breath hitched uncontrollably. I was going to burn to death. You don’t die from the fire, you die from suffocation, as your bones snap from your muscles drying and contracting. I knew this.
Why did I agree to live in this apartment building? So I could give someone else a space in the actual refugee center? Stupid, stupid, stupid!
“You don’t mind if we come in and have a look, do you?” Said the second officer.
Oh god, Oh god. I’m going to die. Fuck. FUCK.
“There’s really no need. You should check the other apartments, the caller could have gotten the number wrong.”
“No, I don’t think that’s the case.” Said the larger.
Meba didn’t reply.
They both entered the apartment proper, looking around at everything for evidence. I didn’t leave anything that I knew of, besides the water cup, but that doesn’t say anything. They cleared the room, overturning furniture, opening even the smallest drawer, and treating his couch with particular disrespect, making their way closer and closer to the closet I was hiding in. My skin rippled with dread.
“W-would you like some drinks?” Meba asked.
“Why? I thought you wanted us to check the other apartments, get out of here faster?” Asked the second.
Meba froze.
I ran through my options in my head, blood pounding in my temples.
1: Run. I might be able to make it out of the apartment if I sprinted, especially if they were distracted when I burst out. But where would I go then? Could I sprint all the way to the refugee center?
2: Fight. Not gonna work. They have guns… and flamethrowers.
3: Stay. About to be redundant pretty fucking soon.
But you can do better than that, can’t you?
4: Hostage. When one comes near the closet, I could restrain them and use them as a hostage, maybe even use their gun to subdue the other. Could I actually pull this off? I didn’t know.
They were pulling books off the shelf.
5: Diplomacy. What would I even say? ‘Hi there, yes, I was hiding in a closet, but it was actually completely innocent. The abduction? I was helping him!’ I didn’t even know if Meba would agree with that.
6: Surrender. They’d just fry me, right?
The larger of the two was now walking in the direction of the closet. Meba was calling someone on his pad. Who would he call? Their manager?
7: Cry. This one seems pretty good actually.
“D-don’t open that!” Meba yelled.
“And why not?”
“Um… It has sensitive legal documents in it!”
“I’m just going to take a little peak.”
“N-no! I-I’ll sue the speh out of you!” His fur puffed up, running with nonexistent static.
“As an exterminator, I am well within my rights to search your apartment.” He reached for the door handle.
The call Meba was waiting on went through.
“Hi, yes it’s important. Two officers are here and their overturning my whole apartment!” He pressed the speaker button, and turned the pad around.
The closet door started to fold out. I prepared to tackle the officer, punch, kick, choke, claw, bite, whatever it took to keep myself at room temperature. I fingered a needle in my coat pocket, not sure if it would work as a weapon. In my desperation, through the slits in the door, my eyes located several blunt objects suitable for causing significant trauma; a heavy book, a lamp, a statuette. In the kitchen were knives, but that was too far for me to get to. My best shot was to put the main guy in a headlock, use him as a meat shield and steal his firearm, then I could make the other surrender and escape.
A voice boomed from the speaker, along with the image of a venlil in uniform. One which the officers recognized. “Okay pricks, badge numbers, now!”
Both of the exterminators froze, and sat slack jawed, gawking at the screen. “You conniving littl-” Spoke the larger, before the venlil on call cut him off.
“Shut it! Badge numbers, or I’ll have your asses suspended.” She said.
Both exterminators huffed. The large one closed the closet door.
“X01-F1-AG2.” Said the larger.
“X01-F2-B1L.” Said the other.
“Thank you, now stop harassing him go do your brahking job.”
The officers glared at Meba, before trudging out the door, shooting dirty looks back the whole time. I breathed a sigh of relief. Meba turned the pad back to himself.
“Now what the brahk did you do to get grunts at your door?” Asked the mystery venlil.
“Nothing! They just barged in talking about a kidnapping sighted at my apartment, which as you can see, is completely false.”
“We don’t send out teams for ‘nothing’. You should be careful, whatever human the caller saw might still be around.”
So he’s buddy buddy with an exterminator bigwig? That tracks.
“O-okay. Are you gonna…?”
“Reprimand them? Yes of course I’m gonna brahking reprimand them, that kind of behavior is a disgrace to the entire guild. What point is flipping your couch upsidedown supposed to serve?”
“Yeah…”
“What’s wrong? Did they hurt you?”
Meba stiffened. “N-no. You know, just a lot of confusion lately. There was that whole thing at city hall, and all the other stuff.”
“You heard about that, huh?”
“I got stuck in the crowd.”
“Is that what happened to your face? Brahking speh, how do you always manage to get yourself into so much trouble? Did you make it to the meeting? You still haven’t replied to my messages.”
Meba’s ears drooped, and he was looked almost as nervous as when we first met.
“Y-yes. I really should go, I have to clean this up.”
“How was it? Did it help?”
“I don’t know.”
“Did you meet anyone nice?”
“Um… yes.”
“Really?” She sounded surprised.
“Y-yes! I’m having a meal with him in a paw or two.”
“That’s great. See, I knew you could do it, you just needed a little push. Pretty soon you’ll find a herd of your own.”
“Yeah…”
“Okay, I’ll let you go now, I got to get back to work. I’ll try to drop by your apartment sometime soon, we can have a drink or two. Buh-bye”
“Sure. Bye.” He hung up, and then sighed incredibly loudly, deflating onto his knees.
He soon stood up, and shut the front door, locking it with a frankly extreme amount of latches, bolts, and sliders. “You can come out now.”
I didn’t move, I was still gripping the needle in my coat pocket. My muscles were tense, and I was still ready to hurt someone. I wanted to hurt someone. My brain was playing reruns on old tapes of how I would pummel them, how I would destroy them, how I would make them feel the same way I did.
Helpless. Mortified. Regretful.
“Arlene?” Meba was standing near the closet door.
I wanted to prove them right. I wanted to crush them until nothing but dust and water remained, and my fists were caked with mud, to repay every injustice with the same tenfold—two wrongs don’t make a right, but have we tried ten?—to annihilate even the innocents for their impotence and inaction. In some part of my brain, some ancestral, primal piece of my mind wanted to destroy everything for what they did to us. For what they did to humanity.
“I-it’s safe now.”
But it wasn’t some ‘ancestral’ or ‘collective’ grief. It was just me, sitting in a closet, gripping a felting needle, blood boiling into new concoctions of hurt, of petty anger, and of second hand loss, scared of burning, scarred neurons. It was my anger, and mine alone, even if billions more felt it in parallel. Feeding it would do nothing to fix anything. It would only disrespect the one billion plus people who died, and the thousands that tried to stop it. But still, I felt it.
It hurt.
It burned.
I was really going to hurt someone.
I wasn’t a fighter. I couldn’t do this anymore.
I wanted to sink into the core of the planet, mixing into the iron alloy, where all my fear would disperse among impossible distances, watered down into no more than a whisper. I didn’t want to remember that I had things to lose. My grip on the needle loosened, and I put my arms around my knees instead. If I wasn’t so proud, I’d just come out and say I got into the fetal position.
My chest was tightening, but it didn’t compare to the stinging in my eyes.
You can’t cry. This is nothing compared to what others are going through. Stop.
Meba opened the closet door, floof still puffed out like a cat, revealing my pathetic state. “Are you… crying?”
And that was the straw that broke the camel’s back, heavier from the gravity and all. “Yes, I’m fucking crying! The big scary predator is crying! Do you know why? Because I’m fucking pathetic!” I shot to my feet, pointing my index like a shiv, inward rather than outward.
Meba flinched, his ears pinned back, and his breathing sped up. He didn’t run. “Y-you’re not pathetic.”
I started waving my arms around like a madwoman. “Yes! Yes I am! I can’t even articulate how fucking bullshit this is! I was one of the lucky ones! So why am I sniveling like a little kid, hiding in a fucking closet? I was going to hurt them!”
His eyes widened, and his legs twitched. “N-no, you wouldn’t d-do that.”
“I was going to kill them if I got the chance! I was going to enjoy it! I’m in the miniscule group that didn’t lose anyone, so why am I acting like I have it hard?! When there’s entire cities sitting sideways?! It’s a disgrace to the entire human race!”
He began to shake, eyes watering. “N-no… you don’t mean th-”
“Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up! You think I eat people! You don’t know anything about me! Why don’t you go run away, just like everyone else?” I ripped that stupid mask off my face, baring my teeth, maybe fangs by now; an unusual, yet perfectly comfortable arrangement for me at the moment.
He startled like a wild animal, and fled, but before he turned the corner, he stopped himself, forcing his eyes to meet mine. “No! I-I know lots about you! You’re kind! A-and thoughtful! And you g-gave me needles!” He was hyperventilating. “A-a-and! You’re m-my only real f-friend!” He finally lost control and ran away into some dark corner of the apartment.
Now look what you’ve done.
I crouched down and held my face in my hands, still ugly crying, counting the grains in the floorboards, the speckles of darkness, the twists in the rings, and the knots; the eyes. I always thought they looked like eyes.
You’re supposed to save this for the shower. This is what you get for singing.
“I’m sorry…” I whispered. He wouldn’t hear it. “This is all my fault. I should have just stayed on Earth.” I chuckled. “This sucks, huh? I’m pretty thin skinned I guess, if this is all it takes to break me.”
“T-that’s not true.” I raised my eyes to look at the source of the voice. A fluffy head was poking out from the kitchen, ducking back in when I saw it.
I faced the ground again. “I forgot your ears were so good.” I sighed “I’m just gonna… go, if you don’t mind. Maybe drown myself in that industrial cleaner you guys like to chug.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want you to.”
“And what are you going to do to stop me?” I said, more irritated than I would like.
“I’ll charge you.”
“Then I’ll put you in a headlock.”
“You can’t leave while you have me in a headlock.”
He’s got me there.
“I guess we’ll see about that.” I stood up.
He popped his head out of the kitchen. I stared. He didn’t duck back in. I moved towards the door. He blocked my path. I ducked to the side, and he followed. I jumped back the other way, causing him to stumble. Almost at the door now, but he was running at me. I couldn’t get all the locks undone before he reached me.
Let’s see who’s chicken.
When I didn’t ready to catch, he faltered. As he got in arms reach, I went low, and using his momentum, scooped him up over my shoulder, carrying him like a log.
“Wha- that’s cheating!” He squirmed in my arms.
“There’s no rules in love and war.” I replied.
“I thought humans invented rules for war!”
He wiggled out of my grip, and managed to latch himself onto my back, putting me in a headlock of his own, putting way too much pressure on my arteries. I stumbled backward, having to adjust so I wouldn’t crush him. We were on the ground now, and he was still squeezing my neck like a stress ball. I tapped him on the arms, but the gesture didn’t translate.
“I-ack! Gi-ack-ve!” I wheezed.
Still, he was choking me. Panic was starting to set in, and he wasn’t letting up. I grabbed at his paws, gripping as hard as I could, eliciting a yelp of pain, and freedom. I pushed him off me, and coughed. We were both sitting on the floor.
“F-fuck man, are you trying to kill me?” I was panting.
He was panting too. “Sorry… I’ve never done that before.”
I was smiling, and I didn’t know why. “We’ll call that one a draw.” I laid down on the floor, facing the ceiling fan above us.
“You’re not going to keep fighting?”
I wouldn’t exactly call that ‘fighting’. Maybe ‘rough housing’.
I started laughing, first a little, then a lot, until my sides started hurting. Meba joined in, a little nervous at first, but then growing in confidence until his almost matched mine.
This is ridiculous. ‘Only friend’. Did he mean that?
Once I had control back over my diaphragm, I spoke. “I’m sorry for… all this.” I gestured to the scattered furniture.
“I’m sorry for treating you like an animal.”
I chuckled. “Same here, I guess.”
But he wasn’t finished. “No, I was trying to manipulate you. I thought you were only keeping me alive for wool.”
“Oh jeez. Well I’m glad you had a change of heart.”
“I’m still scared, but you’ve been nicer than anyone else I know. You’re eyes are… very intense.”
That reminded me. “Crap, where did my mask go?” I sat up.
“Ah! No, you don’t have to wear it. I’ll be fine. I think I can handle it now after the first time.”
I’m such an ass. And he just had a panic attack too, or whatever alien equivalent. And I was trying to scare him.
Guilt flooded my mind. “I’m so sorry. I really shouldn’t have said any of that. I was taking it out on you for no reason.”
“I-It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not. You obviously have some sort of trauma going on, and I was intentionally trying to scare you. It’s not fucking okay. It’s horrible.”
“You were scared.”
“I was being dramatic.”
“I was scared. I thought they were going to kill you before I could apologize.”
“You shouldn’t have to comfort me.”
“I want to.” He scooted over to me and put his paw on my head, petting my hair. “This is how you do it, right?”
Oh my god, cuteness overload.
The violent impulses were back, but these were in response to something so adorable that I could just squish it into pulp, instead of from fear. I think my brain overloaded. Just to make it clear, it wasn’t very comforting, or it wouldn’t have been—paw pads are scratchy—if it weren’t for the fact that it was the most amazing misconception I’d ever experienced. I was ready to go into a coma from the pleasure of witnessing something so pure.
He removed his paw from my head. “Did it work?”
“I think I’m gonna die.” I said, when I meant to think it.
His tail drooped. “W-was it that bad?”
“No. That was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Please give me a moment, I think I might be having a heart attack.”
His eyes widened. “I thought cute was a good thing.”
“It is.”

Playing By Ear
Bloodhound Saga
Wakeup Super
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First Prev Next
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Memory transcription subject: Bonti, Yotul Pre-Med Student (Second Term) White Hill University
Date [standardized human time]: October 25th, 2136
“This little community is where you'll be staying,” I motioned to the fenced-off set of buildings stationed in front of us. “Charly over here will get you settled in. He'll be your UN contact, so feel free to bother him at any point you see fit!”
“Hey, I heard that!” The blue-vested Human huffed as our tour group approached the gate. “But, yeah, I'm the guy to talk to for most problems you might face around here. If you'll come with me, I'll show you to your quarters.”
With that, we passed another batch of Human arrivals off to Charly. His partner, Stenit, handed them each an access badge for the Human housing complex. The whole hand-off process had become pretty damn efficient in the short time we'd been giving these tours. Lanyd and I, specifically, had the most experience out of anyone.
On the topic of my fellow tour guide, Lanyd was gradually becoming more comfortable with the whole thing, though she still often took a back seat as we were wrapping up. I was proud of the progress she'd made, though I could tell something new was starting to bother her.
Just a couple of paws ago, she'd called me up all frazzled. Apparently, she'd been stopped by an exterminator on the way home from Professor Haeli's home, but he just wanted to tell her that her bag was open. Still, just being stopped set her nerves on end. I tried to assure her that she was safe, but it didn't seem to help very much. There was definitely something else gnawing at her, but I couldn't say what it was.
I just tried helping her out where I could.
That typically resulted in me walking her home after a draining tour like this, something I was more than happy to do. She kept close to me as I steered us through the White Hill campus.
“You don't have any classes this paw, do you?” I asked.
“N-no,” Lanyd replied. “Nothing until next paw. Have you started yet?”
“Actually, my first class is about to start soon.”
Her tail stiffened.
“Th-then don't worry about taking me home! Go to class!”
“Don't worry. If I didn't have time for this, I wouldn't be doing it. It's not that pressing.”
Lanyd relaxed a little with that, though she still seemed on edge. Sensing her unease, I tried to keep things moving.
“It’s pretty exciting,” I continued. “Last term was mostly just core stuff. This term, I finally get to jump into real medical education! It’s time for actual procedures with all the fancy gadgets. That’s what I came here for in the first place, a quality education.”
“Are the medical schools not good on Leirn?” Lanyd queried. “I would have thought the Federation provided all the new technology.”
I sighed and flicked my ears in annoyance.
“Well…there’s opportunities on Leirn, yeah. Some schools are better than others. Across the planet, though, everything is just such a mess. There are old doctors that don’t want anything to do with the new tech. It’s not the medicine they practiced, and it makes some of their methods obsolete.”
“B-but, doesn’t it save lives?”
“The Federation’s tech is definitely more effective,” I answered. “But, there’s also conflicts with the patients. Maybe they think these new advances are insincere or unnatural. Honestly, the whole medical community has been in a tizzy since before I was born, back when the Federation made contact with us. So, it’s kinda hit or miss on the quality of education, just a clash of traditional practice and new technology.”
“I can see why you wanted to get away.”
“Yeah, but it’s not the big reason. Truth is, Yotul are being phased out of our own educational spaces. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. We’re primitive, so we clearly can’t be trusted as the authority on such complex issues, even on our own planet. I just…wanted to earn a little respect I guess. Figured if I could get an education off-world, it would prove that I wasn’t just some simple, backwoods Yotul with a watered-down education.”
“Is that what they…Stars…How c-could they think that about you?” Lanyd’s look of unease became noticeable again.
Realizing that I’d brought the conversation back to a dark place, I quickly changed the topic.
“Well, don’t worry about it. I’m here now and ready to learn! Speaking of learning, how’s your piano lessons with Grace been going?”
Her ears perked up a little at the thought.
“I…think I’m making headway, though there’s still a lot to learn. I’ve only ever played the flytser. It’s been such a long time since I was an amateur.”
“You didn’t sound all that amateur last time I heard you play,” I chuckled. “I think you’ve forgotten just what qualifies as good, considering you’re only, like, the best flytser player in existence.”
It was Lanyd’s turn to laugh.
“Now that’s a bit much,” She giggled. “The best flytser player?”
“Who’s better? Name one player that does something you can’t do.”
“I’m not even through my schooling yet.”
“Education and skill are separate things. Besides, you had education to begin with. You started out ahead of the curve.”
“I just…there’s no way I’m the best. That’s such a subjective moniker anyway…”
“Well, I’ve never heard anyone better, so if someone asks me for my opinion, I’m giving the title to you.”
“Oh?” Lanyd’s tail swayed with amusement. “Are you often asked who the best flytser player is?”
“Nope, but I've decided what my answer would be anyway!”
As we approached Gold Landing, a lot of the tension had left her body. Although it wasn’t gone completely, she definitely seemed more comfortable than when we started our walk. I took some satisfaction in that. Lanyd was far too capable a person to be bogged down by her own negative thoughts. Sometimes, I just wanted to tell those doubtful parts of her brain to leave her alone and fuck off.
“Thank you for walking me home,” She bowed slightly as we separated. “You really don’t need to do that all the time. I’m…p-probably just wasting your t-time-”
“Not at all,” I cut her off before she could follow that line of thought. “It’s my pleasure. You’re good company to keep.”
“You are, t-too…”
For a moment, we just stood there facing each other. But, an alarm on my pad snapped me from my daze. Class was starting soon, so I needed to get a move on.
“Well, I guess that’s my cue to go. Have a good paw, Lanyd. Call me if you need anything!”
“Good luck with your classes. D-don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
With that, I turned back towards White Hill University proper and started making my way to the biology building.
[Fast-forward transcription: 10 minutes]
Entering the lecture hall for my molecular biology course, I was faced with the demographic I’d become used to seeing on Venlil Prime. Most of the students were Venlil, but there were also a few Zurulians dotted about, yet another unsurprising factor. Other than that, there weren’t any other species that I could see. After all, who else would be studying medicine on Venlil Prime?
Oh yeah. This guy!
I slid into an empty seat next to one of the Venlil. We gave each other greeting signals but left it at that. I started setting myself up, propping my pad against its stand and grabbing a pen and paper in case I felt the need to draw diagrams. Personally, I found it easier than drawing with my claw on a screen. Figured it was a holdover from my pre-uplift teachers.
Just as the class time was about to begin, yet another Venlil entered the lecture hall. He was older, pearly wool with darker gray striping along the arms and legs. This new arrival, it seemed, was our professor.
He tapped a claw against the front podium to make sure he had everyone’s attention.
“My name is Professor Enlek,” he began. “I will be leading this General Molecular Biology course. I’m assuming you’ve all completed the standard Venlil biology last term. I would like to make it clear that this class will be significantly more challenging, and some of you may not persist to the end of the term.”
That caused some nervous shuffling about the room. Enlek certainly didn’t drag his paws. He hadn’t even given a proper hello, but he was more than ready to scare the hell out of everyone.
Spritely old bastard…
“The syllabus is on the course portal, so I’m not going to waste time covering it all,” The professor continued. “Be aware that I have designated office claws. I may be inclined to meet outside of those times if necessary, though it will depend on my schedule. As you might imagine, cheating on any assignments will not be tolerated and will result in immediate failure of the course. Late assignments will not be accepted. This is a medical course. I’m sure the implications of that are not lost on you all. There is no room for laziness nor is there room for ignorance. Now, with that out of the way, the texts required for this class should be available to you in the portal. We’ll be starting in The Mechanisms of Life. Please open to page twenty-seven.”
Just like that, we were throwing ourselves into the lesson. Honestly, I was fine with that. I’d come to Venlil Prime for a proper medical education. Damn it, I was ready to get one!
[Fast-forward transcription: 90 minutes]
The old fart didn't slow down even a little. There was no mercy shown for the first class period. We hit the ground running. Everyone in the class took their notes rapidly, wasting no time on being grammatically correct. I was on the same cart, swapping between my pad and pen as fast as my claws could move.
But, as intense as it was for an introduction , it was also good to know that Enlek was packing as much material into the term as he could.
I don't really mind the trial by fire. If we're gonna learn, let's fucking learn!
And learn we did up until the class period ended. Enlek had used up just about every modicum of time that he was given, and the lecture ended with an assigned reading rather than a goodbye.
A lot of the students seemed a bit shaken by the intensity of our first class, probably expecting just a perusal of the syllabus. I couldn't blame them, really. Enlek was a lot to handle.
While leaving the lecture hall, I sent Lanyd a message just to check on her. The tours always drained her social battery fast, so I wanted to make sure she was okay.

Bonti: How feeling after tour?

It only took a few moments for her to reply.

Lanyd: Fine. Thank you for walking me home.

You don't need to thank me.

Bonti: No problem. My pleasure.

As much as I would have liked to strike up a full conversation with her, I knew she was already running on empty, and my next class would be starting soon. Slipping my pad back in my bag, I shoved off towards the medical science building.
[Fast-forward transcription: 10 minutes]
The room was filled with familiar faces. It seemed that everyone had a similar outlook on scheduling. Best to put all the courses close together. We were all likely within the same major, so I’m sure I’d continue to see many of them even into later terms.
It wasn’t just students stationed about the lecture hall. Up at the front, there was an elaborate apparatus constructed of robotic appendages and countless screens. The device took up a large portion of the room, and it was an indicator of why we were there.
This kind of stuff is a lot more important than it was in my parents' time.
A sandy-colored Venlil, our next professor, made her way to the front podium.
“Good paw, class, and welcome to Introduction to Medical Technology! I am Professor Toli, and I will be heading the course. However, I will also be joined by a new arrival to White Hill University. As a part of the Human exchange program, our lessons will include the cobtributions of Ms. Alice McMurtle!”
The entire class tensed, a response that was both expected, yet surprisingly tame. While I knew personally that there was no good reason to be afraid of Humans, it wasn’t exactly the common perception. Yet, this reaction was less visceral than it would have been before our concert last term. It was a slow process, but public opinion really was improving, and the rate of improvement only seemed to be getting quicker every paw.
“I think it’s best we make the acquaintance early,” Toli continued. “I can assure you from personal experience that Ms. McMurtle is quite civil. Everyone is very much safe in her presence. She was a professor back on Earth, and this is a good opportunity for her to be acquainted with our medical tech just as you all are learning as well. Not to mention, we may learn a thing or two from her! Now, please maintain your composure as I introduce her.”
With that, the door opened once more and the masked Human entered. She was petite, similar in height to Cora, though without the muscles built by lugging around heavy sound equipment.
Many students still shrunk in their seats. I thought I heard a whimper from someone at the front. But, before the unease in the room climbed to a dangerous point, Ms. McMurtle spoke.
“Good paw, everyone! It's a pleasure to be here!”
Her voice was…laughably high-pitched and sing-songy. She almost sounded like a Venlil!
Immediately, the herd of students was disarmed. The Human in front of us seemed to defy the expectations of any latent instincts. Alice McMurtle probably couldn't sound or appear threatening even if she tried.
“I taught a class like this back on Earth,” She explained. “But, I'll be the first to admit that our medical technology isn't quite at this level currently. In a sense, I'll be just as much a student as the rest of you, though I may be able to shed some light on particular processes and procedures. In that regard, we appear to be quite similar.”
So, she's a student teacher in a sense.
“I implore you all to treat Ms. McMurtle with respect,” Toli stated. “With the amount of Humans at White Hill currently, there's no excuse for bigoted remarks. They've more than proven their willingness to work with us peacefully, so while I may excuse latent nerves, I will not tolerate hate speech.”
“You needn't be so intense about it,” McMurtle lightly scolded the professor. “I believe they're all more focused on learning than picking fights with me, so why don't we get this ball rolling?”
“Fair enough,” Toli conceded. “We’re mainly just going to be covering the syllabus and going over some of the equipment standards this paw. Both are outlined on the course portal if you'd all be willing to open that up.”
Hell of a slower pace than Elnek’s class…
McMurtle took her seat near Professor Toli, and we all began to pour over the course documents.
[Fast-forward transcription: 50 minutes]
It was a shorter class period than the last. Still, by the end of it, most everyone was pretty calm. The proximity to a Human had lost its punch quickly, a fact that boded well for the rest of the term.
As I packed up my things, one of the Zurulian students approached me.
“Hey, weren’t you one of the performers in that concert last term?”
“Yeah,” I answered. “What’s up?”
“I wasn’t there, but I did watch the stream. If I’m being honest, I wanted to go, but I was too scared. The fear all seems so silly in retrospect, but you were never afraid. That’s pretty incredible!”
“Oh, uh, thanks. It wasn’t that stressful, really. Actually, it was a fun experience!”
“I don’t think I could ever do something like that so casually, even without the Humans there,” He chuckled. I'm just not much of a performer…Oh, I haven’t introduced myself, have I? My name is Tenseli.”
“Nice to meet you,” I replied. “I’m Bonti.”
“That’s right. They said your name during the concert I think.”
Oh yeah…Forgot about that…
“Anyway,” Tenseli continued. “I actually wanted to ask if you'd like to be study partners. You were in the last class with Enlek, right? It seemed like you were really focused, and I’ve already seen that you're a determined kind of person. I figured it might be good to work together on our assignments.”
A Zurulian wants to be study partners with…me? I would think everyone would be asking him for help in these medical courses…
“Yeah, sure,” I answered. “Might as well put our heads together. Especially with Enlek’s class, it’d probably be a good idea to check answers with someone.”
“That’s what I was thinking! Here’s my pad if you want to put your number in it.”
“Sure thing. Here’s mine.”
After exchanging our contacts, Tenseli went on his way, and with no classes left for the paw, I started a slow walk back to my apartment as well. For a moment, I considered messaging Lanyd to check on her again, but I realized that was probably excessive. I didn’t want to bother her too much.
Still, I found myself retrieving my pad from my bag anyway as it started to ring. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was a call from Kila.
Oh shit. Did she finish it?
I quickly tapped to accept the call, her face taking over my screen.
“Hey, Bonti!” She beeped. “You want to hear some good news?”
“Of course,” I chuckled. “I’m guessing it’s done?”
“About as good as we’re gonna get it. Took us a while to get even the basic pickups designed, but it’s all ready to go now. Just waiting for you to come put it to the test.”
“My classes are done for the paw. I’ll head over to the workshop.”
“Sweet. See you in a bit.”
The call terminated and I changed my route, moving with more pep in my step this time. I’d been waiting on this ever since she built my acoustic guitar. Janet recommended that I get one of these too as soon as I could.
I wonder how it’ll sound. Knowing Kila, it’s probably excellent.
I all but ran to the university workshop.
[Fast-forward transcription: 10 minutes]
The place was as lively as ever when I arrived. Kila made me wear ear and eye protection as she led me between the machines. She took us to the back room where a myriad of completed products were scattered about. A few acoustic guitars hung from the walls. There were keyboard pianos like Lanyd’s in the corner. I even saw a couple trombones! But, it wasn’t only instruments. There were all kinds of Human products lining the shelves, most of which I had no idea of their purpose.
Of course, I wasn’t there for any of that stuff. As interesting as it may or may not have been, my focus was on a soft, black case, set upon a wooden bench in the middle of everything. Approaching it, Kila motioned for me to crack it open, tail swaying expectantly and excitement emanating from her features.
Slowly, I undid the zipper and raised the top of the case.
Housed within was a beautiful electric guitar. I’d gone with a ‘Les Paul’ style, much like Brad’s. But, instead of the off-white coloration, it was a matted black with silvery components. Two ‘humbucker’ pickups sat beneath the strings on the body. Unlike the acoustic, there was no sound hole in the body. It was a solid piece, tapering inward at the middle before expanding out again towards the neck. Little inlays were placed along the dark fretboard, and the headstock was adorned with its own shining inlay.
Of all the string instruments I’d collected, this was perhaps the most beautiful.
“I crafted this one almost entirely on my own,” Kila stated, admiring her work as if she’d only just seen it for the first time. “It took a few tries to get the components right, and the humbuckers took some finagling, but it came together pretty nice. That’s not all, either.”
She slid her paw under the bench and pulled out a boxy device with an equally dark coloration. Naturally, the electric guitar couldn’t be complete without an amp.
“It’s a preamp, amplifier, and speaker all in one. Not much room for customization, but it’s convenient for practice. I tried to keep it small so you could transport it easily. And, given the design, it should bring out that rich sound that the humbuckers are meant for.”
“Holy shit, Kila,” I whispered. “You really went all the way with this. I don’t know how I’m supposed to thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet!” She replied. “Give it a test first. Make sure it sounds to your standards. It should be in tune already. Let me just plug in the amp.”
We got the device powered on and the guitar connected to it. I plucked once on each string to check the tuning. The sound from the speaker was warm and full.
“It’s set to the rhythm pickup right now,” Kila informed me. “Flick the switch to the other side and you’ll get the treble. Put it in the middle and you’ll get both. These knobs control the volume of each pickup and the tone. You can cut off the high end with that latter.”
I played with the knobs a bit, altering the guitar’s sound. I could make it a bit thinner and brighter, or I could really fill out the low end.
“That’s not to mention the EQ on the amp,” Kila continued. “Honestly, you can make a lot of different sounds with this stuff, and there’s even more pedals you can run it through apparently. A lot of the musical jargon went over my head, but if you decide you need a particular piece of equipment you can request it from our shop. We’ll at least try to make the components if possible.”
I placed the guitar gingerly back in its case and wrapped Kila in a hug.
“This is so kick-ass, Kila. Seriously.”
“I did my best,” She replied. “Just be careful with it. I’ve included some spare strings and stuff in the case, but I don’t want to have to replace anything anytime soon.”
“I’ll treat it like a newborn joey,” I promised as I released the embrace. “You have my word.”
“Make sure to send me some recordings, too,” Kila ordered. “I want to see that thing in action! I didn’t make it to be a decoration. Plus, I want to use the footage to advertise our shop.”
“Sure thing!” I closed the case and slung it over my back. “You’ll get plenty of material. Don’t worry.”
I grabbed the little amp and headed out of the workshop, back to my apartment to experiment with the new instrument. According to Janet, it would probably be easier to press the strings down, and I'd be able to do some real ‘shredding’.
This is gonna be so sweet. I wonder what Lanyd will think…
With that, I stopped in place, thinking of our tour earlier.
Should I call her…?
She said not to worry…
But…
Well, I do need to tell her about this guitar.
Unable to resist the temptation, I sat myself down at a bench, grabbing my pad, and tapping her contact. She answered after just a couple rings. Her black and white complexion appeared in front of me.
“Hey, Lanyd!” I chimed.
“Hello, Bonti.”
“I just wanted to check in on you, make sure you're doing alright after the tour.”
“Hmm? I'm doing well enough, just trying to recharge.”
“Have you gotten anything to eat?”
Her ears lowered a bit.
“N-not yet…”
“It's been a while since your last meal,” I chided. “I mean, it’s been a while for me too, but I had classes! Get some food in your system. Your body needs sustenance.”
“I know. S-sorry. I just s-sat down at my flytser when I g-got home and t-time just started flying b-by and I d-didn’t even think about eating and-”
She’s spiraling.
“Hey, woah! It’s alright! I’m just trying to look out for your health a little. Look, never mind all that. Check this out.”
I brought the guitar case into the camera eye, making sure she could see exactly what it was. Lanyd’s eyes widened.
“Is that…?”
“Yep!”
“How does it sound?”
“Smooth.”
I could see the tip of her tail swaying in satisfaction behind her.
“I…Do you want to…N-never mind. You're probably busy.”
“Not right now,” I assured her. “What are you thinking?”
“I was just wondering…if you’d like to come to my place. I'd like to hear what that g-guitar sounds like. Maybe I c-could accompany you with the piano? If it's n-not too much trouble at least.”
“It won't be too much interaction for you? I know your battery was pretty low earlier, and it sounds like you’re stuttering.”
“I’ll be f-fine,” Lanyd assured me. “I've had time to recover. And…the n-nerves aren't as bad with you…”
Was she blooming a little, or was it just the lighting?
“Anyway,” She continued. “I'll g-get the piano set up if you want to drop by.”
“Sounds good to me!” I replied. “I'll hop right over! Hell, I’ll even bring you some food since you havent eaten yet! Honestly, I’m pretty hungry myself.”
“You d-dont have to-”
“Lanyd. Don't worry about it. I was going to get food anyway.”
“O-okay. I'll see you soon then.”
The call ended and I, once again, changed the direction I was traveling.
I've been doing that a lot this paw, huh?
That was fine with me. Elnek’s assigned readings could wait. I’d acquired a new instrument for my collection, and now was as good a time as any to put it through its paces!
Plus, I wanted to make sure Lanyd was eating well. It worried me when she forgot to take care of herself…
She's still healing. Just give her some time. She'll be standing on her own two paws soon enough.
I hope so, anyway…
-
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Because I like useless statistics, here's a list of categories that have been reused as well as what number puzzle it was used in and the words used in that category. Note: I grouped items together if they were close enough even if the categories weren't exactly the same e.g. the Baseball ones.

11 Times

Homophones of Items (#59 "Fruit", #101 "Numbers", #116 "Insects", #194 "Animals", #215 "Colors", #239 "Cities", #254 "Vegetables", #277 "Greek Letters", #321 "Names", #328 "Units of Measure", #337 "Musicals")

LYME, MELLON, PAIR, PLUMB, ATE, FOR, TOO, WON, AUNT, BEATLE, FLEE, NAT, DEAR, HAIR, HOARSE, WAIL, BLEW, CHORAL, READ, ROWS, DELI, NIECE, ROAM, SOUL, BEAT, CHARRED, LEAK, PEE, MOO, NEW, PIE, ROW, CURT, HAIRY, KNEEL, WANE, CARROT, HURTS, JEWEL, OM, GREECE, HARE, KATZ, MAIM

7 Times

TV Shows (#58, #92, #130, #143, #166, #177, #204)

CATFISH, CRIBS, JACKASS, STATE, 24, BONES, FIREFLY, WEEDS, FARGO, FLEABAG, FLIPPER, ER, HOUSE, RATCHED, SCRUBS, ALONE, CHOPPED, SURVIVOR, CHEERS, EUPHORIA, FELICITY, GLEE, FEUD, MILLIONAIRE, PYRAMID, WHEEL

Words Beginning with Items (#228 "Body Parts", #259 "Instruments", #283 "Rock Bands", #292 "Body Parts", #299 "Metals", #308 "Weekday Abbreviations", #326 "Music Genres")

HANDSOME, HIPPO, LEGEND, LIPID, BASSINET, CELLOPHANE, HARPOON, ORGANISM, CREAMSICLE, JOURNEYMAN, KISSCAM, RUSHMORE, ARMY, COLONY, LIVERY, SHINY, GOLDILOCKS, IRONIC, LEADERSHIP, TINDER, FRIAR, MONKEY, SUNDRY, WEDDING, POPCORN, RAPTURE, ROCKETRY, SOULMATE

6 Times

Rapper Names (#6, #21 "Lil", #56 "Minus Numbers", #76 "First Words", #124 "The(e)", #206 "Minus First Letters")

COMMON, FUTURE, ICE CUBE, Q-TIP, BABY, JON, KIM, WAYNE, CENT, CHAINZ, PAC, SAVAGE, FOXY, GUCCI, KILLER, NOTORIOUS, CREATOR, DUDE, RAPPER, STALLION, 40, COLE, PAIN, TIP

Mild Oaths/Exclamations (#25, #130, #136, #185, #222, #239)

DARN, FUDGE, HECK, SHOOT, FIDDLESTICKS, FIE, FRICK, GOODNESS, HEAVENS, LORD, MERCY, ENOUGH, STOP, MERCY, UNCLE, CURSES, RATS, BROTHER, PLEASE, SHEESH

Quantity (#59, #166, #170, #208, #266, #330)

FEW, HANDFUL, SEVERAL, SOME, AMOUNT, NUMBER, QUANTITY, VOLUME, COUNT, GROSS, SUM, TOTAL, DOZEN, PAIR, SCORE, MASS, SEA, SLEW, TON, MANY

5 Times

Homophones of Each Other (#13, #84, #157, #160, #236)

GNU, KNEW, NEW, NU, EWE, U, YOU, YEW, OUI, WE, WEE, WII, PEAK, PEKE, PEEK, PIQUE, HOLEY, HOLI, HOLY, WHOLLY

BotheAnnoy (#49, #186, #208, #255, #336)

NEEDLE, POKE, RIB, TEASE, BADGER, BUG, HOUND, NAG, JOSH, KID, BADGERS, BUGS, HOUNDS, NAGS

Starts of Items (#50 "US Coins", #178 "Zodiac Signs", #284 "Planets", #297 "US States", #329 "Monsters")

DIM, NICK, QUART, PEN, CAN, GEM, LIB, TAU, EAR, MAR, MER, SAT, KENT, MARY, MASS, WASH, FRANK, MUM, VAMP, WERE

Interval of Time/Life (#66, #194, #215, #263, #333)

CENTURY, DECADE, MILLENNIUM, YEAR, PERIOD, STRETCH, SPELL, WHILE, CHAPTER, STAGE, PHASE, AGE, DAY, ERA, TIME

4 Times

Shoes (#2, #69, #250, #262)

BOOT, LOAFER, PUMP, SNEAKER, CLOG, SLIDE, WEDGE, CROC, MOCCASIN, SLIPPER, CUBAN, KITTEN, STILETTO

Magazines (#2, #23, #46, #157)

ESSENCE, PEOPLE, TIME, US, FORTUNE, ROLLING STONE, VOGUE, WIRED, ALLURE, ELLE, GLAMOUR, W, O, OK

Single Letter Homophones (#2, #145, #201, #295)

ARE, QUEUE, SEA, WHY, SEE, YOU, BEE, EX, GEE, JAY, 🐝(BEE), 🐑(EWE), 👁️(EYE), 🫖(TEA)

Countries (#10, #26, #41, #165)

CHAD, GEORGIA, JORDAN, TOGO, DENMARK, GREECE, POLAND, PORTUGAL, CUBA, JAPAN, MALTA, PALAU, TUNISIA, TURKEY

Birds (#10, #28, #43, #200)

CRANE, JAY, SWALLOW, TURKEY, EMU, KIWI, OSTRICH, PENGUIN, BOOBY, GULL, PELICAN, PUFFIN, CARDINAL, LARK, SWIFT

Silent Letters (#13 "G", #90 "L", #165 "T", #230 "W")

GNAT, GNAW, GNOCCHI, GNOME, COLONEL, SALMON, WALK, YOLK, BOUQUET, PARFAIT, RAGOUT, RAPPORT, ANSWER, TWO, WRIST, WRONG

Bands (#23, #71, #249, #325)

BEACH BOY, BEATLE, BYRD, MONKEE, GENESIS, KANSAS, YES, RUSH, BLUR, OASIS, PULP, SUEDE, ANIMAL, DOOR, KINK, SUPREME

Dances (#23, #56, #163, #223)

DOUGIE, MACARENA, MASHED POTATO, TWIST, HUSTLE, SALSA, SWING, TANGO, FLOSS, ROBOT, VOGUE, WORM, MODERN, TAP

Disney Characters (#28, #48, #49, #292)

BASHFUL, DOC, GRUMPY, HAPPY, BEAST, GENIE, SCAR, STITCH, DAISY, DEWEY, DONALD, SCROOGE, GOOFY, LADY

Cuts of Meat (#33, #77, #196, #336)

FLANK, LOIN, ROUND, SHANK, BREAST, DRUMSTICK, TENDER, WING, BELLY, CHOP, HOCK, SHOULDER, CHUCK

Extremely (#68, #220, #292, #306)

AWFUL, QUITE, SUPER, VERY, RATHER, PRETTY, REAL, MIGHTY, REALLY, HYPER, UBER, ULTRA

Pursue (#73, #184, #252, #286)

DOG, FOLLOW, TAIL, TRACK, SHADOW, TRAIL, HUNT, STALK, CHASE

Golf Terms (#77, #111, #185, #211)

DRIVER, EAGLE, HOLE, STROKE, IRON, PUTTER, WEDGE, WOOD, BUNKER, FAIRWAY, GREEN, ROUGH, CART, CLUB, TEE

Information (#93, #144, #219, #311)

DIRT, DISH, SCOOP, SKINNY, DATA, INTEL, INFO, NEWS, DOPE, WORD, INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE, SECRETS

Division (#116, #149, #256, #276)

ARM, BRANCH, CHAPTER, WING, CAMP, DIVISION, FACTION, CLASS, RANK, TIER

Excellent/Cool (#137, #207, #226, #332)

ACES, KEEN, NEATO, NIFTY, FIRE, LIT, SICK, TIGHT, FINE, PRIME, QUALITY, STERLING, BEST, CREAM, PICK, TOP

What Letters Might Mean (#193 "I", #208 "X", #240 "O", #265 "K")

IODINE, IOTA, MYSELF, ONE, ADULT, KISS, TEN, TIMES, HUG, OF, OXYGEN, ZERO, KELVIN, OKAY, POTASSIUM, THOUSAND

3 Times

NBA Teams (#1, #45, #288)

BUCKS, HEAT, JAZZ, NETS, KING, MAGIC, SUN, THUNDER, CLIPPER, PACER, ROCKET, SPUR

Palindromes (#1, #118, #284)

KAYAK, LEVEL, MOM, RACECAR, EVE, HANNAH, OTTO, NATAN, BIB, EYE, GAG, POP

Units of Length (#2, #50, #327)

FOOT, LEAGUE, MILE, YARD, INCH, FATHOM

Eat Voraciously (#3, #164, #272)

CHOW, GOBBLE, SCARF, WOLF, GORGE, GULP, DOWN, INHALE

Dog Breeds (#3, #22, #275)

LAB, PEKE, PIT, POM, BOXER, DALMATIAN, HUSKY, POODLE, BOSTON, GOLDEN

Musicals (#4, #91, #255)

CABARET, CAROUSEL, CATS, CHICAGO, COMPANY, GREASE, HAIR, RENT, ANNIE

Condiments/Sauces (#5, #248, #324)

KETCHUP, MAYO, RELISH, TARTAR, OYSTER, PLUM, SOY, XO, AIOLI, BARBECUE, MARINARA, RANCH

Board Games (#8, #32, #76)

BACKGAMMON, CHECKERS, CHESS, GO, CLUE, RISK, SORRY, TROUBLE, TABOO

Shades of Red (#8, #112, #332)

CHERRY, FIRE TRUCK, RUBY, STOP SIGN, BEET, BRICK, CARDINAL, POPPY, BRICK, ROSE

Vegetables/Vegetables that are Actually Fruit (#9, #31, #120)

BEET, CARROT, CORN, ONION, CUCUMBER, EGGPLANT, PEPPER, TOMATO

Fruits (#10, #28, #98)

DATE, KIWI, LEMON, ORANGE, BANANA, COCONUT, MANGO, PINEAPPLE, APRICOT, FIG, GRAPE, LIME

Spices (#11, #152, #276)

CARDAMOM, CLOVE, CORIANDER, CUMIN, ANISE, DILL, NUTMEG, SAGE, FENNEL, LICORICE, TARRAGON

Animal Group Names (#12, #53, #135)

FLOCK, PACK, POD, SCHOOL, COLONY, HERD, PRIDE, SWARM

Airlines (#13, #99, #308)

FRONTIER, SPIRIT, UNITED, VIRGIN, ALASKA, SOUTHWEST, AMERICAN

Colors (#15, #221, #287)

BROWN, PINK, TURQUOISE, VIOLET, BLUE, GREEN, WHITE, YELLOW, BEIGE, CAMEL, KHAKI, TAN

TV Shows' Main Characters (#18, #99, #105)

GREY, HOUSE, HOWSER, QUINN, LASSO, MARS, ROGERS, SMART, CLEAVER, BUNKER, PARTRIDGE, TANNER

Dispute (#19, #290, #302)

ROW, QUARREL, SPAT, TIFF, FIGHT, SCRAP, CLASH, TANGLE

Facial Hair (#25, #73, #316)

HANDLEBAR, HORSESHOE, PENCIL, WALRUS, BEARD, GOATEE, MUSTACHE, STUBBLE, FUZZ, SCRUFF, SHADOW, WHISKERS

Parts of a Book (#27, #192, #198)

COVER, JACKET, PAGE, SPINE, APPENDIX, CHAPTER, INDEX, PREFACE, FOLIO, LEAF, SHEET

Fish (#29, #58, #90)

TANG, TETRA, SKATE, SOLE, CHAR, EEL, PERCH, SHARK, CARP, CATFISH, FLOUNDER, SMELT

Sandwiches (#33, #51, #331)

CLUB, CUBAN, MELT, SUB, HERO, HOAGIE, GRINDER, BUN, ROLL, WRAP

Move Quickly (#42, #200, #223)

BOLT, DASH, RACE, SPRINT, DART, ZIP, BLAZE, FLY, TEAR

States of Matter (#44, #65, #214)

GAS, LIQUID, PLASMA, SOLID

Anagrams (#44, #94, #243 "Numbers")

LEAST, SLATE, STALE, TESLA, NOPE, OPEN, PEON, PONE, EON, ETHER, NET, TOW

Transportation/Vehicles (#45, #102, #195)

BOAT, CAR, PLANE, TRAIN, BUS, MOTORCYCLE, TRUCK

Cocktails (#46, #150 "Second Words", #336 "Minus Place Names")

COMSOPOLITAN, HURRICANE, MANHATTAN, SCREWDRIVER, BREEZE, MARY, MULE, RUSSIAN, LIBRE, MAMA, SLING

Repeated Words (#47, #145, #179)

CAN, CHA, GO, NAE, HEAR, KNOCK, THERE, TUT, BOO, POM, TOM, YO

Musical Instruments (#52, #171, #289)

HARP, HORN, ORGAN, TRIANGLE, BASS, BASSOON, RECORDER

Exercises (#63, #159, #323)

CURL, LUNGE, PLANK, PRESS, DIPS, LUNGES, PLANKS, SQUATS, BRIDGE, CRUNCH, DIP, SQUAT

Look (#64, #160, #249)

CATCH, NOTICE, OBSERVE, SEE, GANDER, GLANCE, GLIMPSE, LOOK, MONITOR, SURVEY, TRACK, WATCH

Pastries (#67, #83, #165)

CAKE, COBBLER, PIE, TART, BUN, DANISH, MUFFIN, TURNOVER, PASTY

Companion (#69, #267, #316)

BUD, CHUM, MATE, PAL, ASSOCIATE, FELLOW, PARTNER, PEER

Baseball Terms (#90, #205, #229)

BALL, OUT, SAFE, STRIKE, DOUBLE, HIT, RUN, WALK, BASE, BAT, GLOVE

Connect/Connection (#100, #175, #330)

BOND, LINK, RELATION, TIE, COUPLE, HITCH, COUPLE

Decline (#104, #180, #223)

DIP, DROP, FALL, SINK, EBB, FADE, FLAG, WANE

Singers (#104, #268, #334)

KEYS, NICKS, SUMMER, SWIFT, GRANDE, MARS, STYLES, FERRY, MERCURY, PLANT

Rhymes with Each Other (#118, #234, #295)

DARREN, KAREN, SHARON, AARON, CHOIR, FIRE, LIAR, FRYER, 🧠(BRAIN), ✈️(PLANE), 🌧️(RAIN), 🚂(TRAIN)

Origin (#121, #161, #256)

GENESIS, GERM, SEED, SOURCE, BIRTH, CREATION, DAWN, START, CRADLE, FONT, ROOT

Foremost (#122, #190, #221)

HEAD, LEAD, PRIME, TOP, CHIEF, FIRST, MAIN, PRINCIPAL, PARAMOUNT, SUPREME

Balderdash (#132, #158, #314)

BALONEY, BUNK, CROCK, TRIPE, BULL, HOGWASH, NONSENSE, ROT, HORSEFEATHERS

Boldness (#138, #189, #334)

BRASS, CHEEK, GALL, NERVE, GUTS, STONES

Brief Moment (#141, #190, #302)

FLASH, HEARTBEAT, SECOND, WINK, JIFFY, JIFF

Restrict (#174, #198, #333)

CAP, CHECK, CURB, LIMIT, STEM, CONTAIN

Hit Hard (#229, #233, #242)

BLOW, LICK, SOCK, STRIKE, BANG, HAMMER, POUND, SLAM, BELT, CLOCK, DECK, SLUG

2 Times

Keyboard Keys (#1, #273)

OPTION, SHIFT, RETURN, TAB, COMMAND, CONTROL

Sneaker Brands (#4, #114)

ADIDAS, NIKE, PUMA, REEBOK, CONVERSE, JORDAN, VANS

Shades of Blue (#6, #292)

BABY, MIDNIGHT, POWDER, ROYAL, NAVY, SKY, TIFFANY

Things with Keys (#8, #255)

CRYPTOGRAPHY, FLORIDA, LOCKSMITH, PIANO, COMPUTER, SUPER, TESTS

Shirts (#9, #201)

CAMI, HALTER, TANK, TEE, CROP, POLO

Insects (#9, #29)

ANT, BEETLE, MANTIS, TERMITE, FLY, GNAT, MOTH, WASP

Zodiac Symbols (#10, #178)

FISH, GOAT, SCALES, TWINS, BULL, CRAB

Terms of Endearment (#11, #197)

BOO, HONEY, SUGAR, SWEETIE, BABY, DEAR, LOVE

Greek Letters (#13, #62)

BETA, CHI, DELTA, IOTA, MU, NU, PI, XI

Shades of Green (#16, #257)

EMERALD, FOREST, KELLY, OLIVE, LIME, MINT

NFL Teams (#18, #30)

BEAR, BILL, BROWN, COMMANDER, BRONCO, COWBOY, PACKER, RAVEN

Anti-Vampire (#19, #335)

CRUCIFIX, GARLIC, MIRROR, STAKE, CROSS, SILVER, SUN

Movie Directors (#20, #142)

BONG, FORD, LEE, STONE, ASTER, CARPENTER, CRAVEN, WAN

Music Genres (#21, #34)

JAZZ, POP, PUNK, RAP, BLUES, COUNTRY, FUNK, SOUL

Candy Bars (#24, #36)

BOUNTY, CRUNCH, HEATH, MILKY WAY, CHUNKY, MARS, MOUNDS

Band Names Minus (#24 "Numbers", #45 "Colors")

BLINK, MAROON, SUM, U, DAY, FLOYD, SABBATH, STRIPES

Names Minus Numbers (#24 "Bands", #246 "Movies")

BLINK, MAROON, SUM, U, APOLLO, CANDLES, FANTASTIC, SAMURAI

Imitate (#26, #162)

COPY, ECHO, MIMIC, PARROT, APE, MIME, MIRROR

_____Cat (#29, #42)

ALLEY, COOL, COPY, LAP, DOJA, FAT, HOUSE, JUNGLE

Pasta Shapes (#30, #296)

BOWTIE, ELBOW, SHELL, SPIRAL, TUBE, WHEEL

Heteronyms (#31, #202)

JOB, LIMA, MOBILE, POLISH, BASS, DOVE, DESERT, WIND

Parts of a Shoe (#32, #183)

HEEL, LACE, SOLE, TONGUE, EYELET

Names that are Verbs (#33, #118)

CHUCK, JOSH, ROB, SUE, DREW, MAY, ROSE, WILL

Smell (#34, #209)

AROMA, BOUQUET, FRAGRANCE, SCENT, FUNK, MUSK, ODOR, TANG

Male Animals (#34, #217)

BOAR, BUCK, BULL, JACK, TOM

Metal Elements (#35, #138)

IRON, LEAD, TIN, ZINC, COPPER, GOLD, NICKEL, SILVER

Slang for Money (#36, #295)

CHEDDAR, DOUGH, PAPER, STACKS, 🥓(BACON), 🍞(BREAD), 🧀(CHEDDACHEESE), 🥬(GREEN)

Bike Parts (#37, #73)

BRAKE, CHAIN, SADDLE, SPOKE, GEAR, HANDLEBAR, PEDAL, WHEEL

Bagel Flavors (#38, #329)

EVERYTHING, ONION, PLAIN, POPPY, EGG

Hairstyles (#39, #305)

BOB, CROP, PIXIE, SHAG, BOWL, BUZZ, CREW

Woodwinds (#40, #82)

BASSOON, CLARINET, FLUTE, OBOE, SAXOPHONE

Coverings (#40, #333)

CAP, COVER, LID, TOP, CORK, TAB

Keyboard Shortcuts (#44, #126)

COPY, CUT, PASTE, UNDO, FIND, PRINT, SAVE

Yoga Poses (#47, #244)

COBRA, LOTUS, TREE, WARRIOR, CAT, COW, MOUNTAIN, TRIANGLE

Fabrics (#48, #183)

CORDUROY, DENIM, LINEN, TWEED, CHIFFON, SATIN, SILK, VELVET

Newspapers (#59, #233)

GLOBE, JOURNAL, POST, SUN, CHRONICLE, HERALD, REGISTER

Sports Venues (#60, #186)

COURT, DIAMOND, FIELD, RANK, ARENA, BOWL, DOME

Make Happy (#60, #188)

CHARM, DELIGHT, PLEASE, TICKLE, AMUSE

Horror Movies (#60, #295)

PURGE, RING, SAW, SCREAM, 👽(ALIEN), 🧛(DRACULA), 🪚(SAW), 😱(SCREAM)

State Abbreviations (#62, #179)

CO, MA, ME, PA, HI, LA, OK

Fasteners (#63, #181)

BUCKLE, BUTTON, SNAP, ZIP, BOLT, NAIL, RIVET, SCREW

Slang for Zero (#63, #302)

JACK, NADA, NOTHING, SQUAT, LOVE, ZIP

Captains (#63, #245)

CRUNCH, KANGAROO, OBVIOUS, PLANET, AMERICA, HOOK, MORGAN, NEMO

Dog Names (#64, #237)

FIDO, LUCKY, ROVER, SPOT, FLUFFY, REX

Oomph (#65, #197)

JUICE, SPIRIT, STEAM, VIGOR, ENERGY, FIRE, ZIP

AlteFalsify (#67, #130)

DISTORT, DOCTOR, FUDGE, TWIST, FABRICATE, FAKE, FIX, FORGE

Tiny (#70, #192)

MINUTE, SLIGHT, SMALL, WEE, DINKY, LITTLE

Failures (#74, #128)

BUSTS, FLOPS, MISSES, TURKEYS, BOMB, DUD, FLOP, LEMON

Easter (#75, #267)

BUNNY, EGG, ISLAND, SUNDAY, JELLY BEAN, PEEP

Scheme (#78, #188)

CON, FAST ONE, HUSTLE, RACKET, PLOT, PLOY, RUSE, TRICK

Exit (#79, #291)

BOOK, BOUNCE, RUN, SPLIT, DEPARTED, LEFT, WENT

Imperfection (#81, #176)

CHIP, DING, NICK, SCRATCH, MARK

Football Terms (#83, #216)

FUMBLE, PUNT, SACK, SNAP, CENTER, END, SAFETY, TACKLE

Female Animals (#84, #284)

COW, DOE, HEN, MARE, EWE

Pronouns (#84, #94)

I, IT, THEY, WE, ME, THEM, US, YOU

Intelligence Operative (#87, #265)

AGENT, MOLE, PLANT, SPY, ASSET, SLEEPER

Hot Drinks (#93, #238)

CHAI, COCOA, COFFEE, TEA, MATE

Parts of the Eye (#95, #227)

IRIS, LENS, PUPIL, RETINA, CONE

Majestic (#98, #161)

DELUXE, GRAND, LAVISH, OPULENT, AUGUST, NOBLE, REGAL

What Colors Might Mean (#98 "Green", #257 "Blue")

ENVIOUS, NAIVE, FRESH, UNWELL, DEMOCRATIC, EROTIC, NOBLE, SAD

Intelligent (#99, #152)

BRIGHT, CLEVER, QUICK, SHARP, SMART

Featured in Westerns (#99, #323)

COWBOY, DRIFTER, OUTLAW, SHERIFF, BOUNTY, DUEL, SALOON

Web Browser Features (#100, #325)

BOOKMARK, HISTORY, TAB, WINDOW, FILE, VIEW

Soda Fountain Orders (#103, #181)

FLOAT, MALT, SHAKE, SUNDAE, SPLIT

Strong (#104, #235)

FIT, HEALTHY, SOUND, STRONG, BUILT, JACKED, RIPPED, SWOLE

Snakes (#107, #296)

BOA, MAMBA, PYTHON, VIPER, ADDER, MOCCASIN

Summary (#107, #321)

ABSTRACT, BRIEF, DIGEST, RUNDOWN, OUTLINE

Lacking (#111, #153)

LOW, SHORT, SHY, WANTING, LIGHT, SPARE, THIN

Phone Apps (#113, #227)

CLOCK, MAIL, MAPS, NOTES, CALCULATOR, CALENDAR, CAMERA

Chatter (#114, #284)

BLATHER, CHAT, JABBER, GAB, JAW, YAK, YAP

Things with Stripes (#115, #246)

CANDY CANE, CROSSWALK, REFEREE, TIGER, MIME, PRISONER, SAILOR

MLB Teams (#116, #159)

ANGEL, CUB, MET, RED, CARDS, JAYS, NATS, YANKS

Art Movements (#117, #260)

DADA, DECO, GOTHIC, POP, EXPRESSION, MANNER, ROMANTIC, SURREAL

Slang for Head (#120, #276)

CROWN, DOME, MELON, NOODLE, BEAN, NUT

Conceal (#123, #273)

BLOCK, COVER, HIDE, MASK, OBSCURE

Poetry Units (#124, #265)

LINE, METER, RHYME, VERSE, FOOT

Butt (#125, #274)

BOTTOM, BUNS, SEAT, TAIL, BOOTY, BUM, CAN, REAR

Workshop Tools (#126, #253)

HAMMER, FILE, LEVEL, SAW, DRILL, GRINDER, ROUTER

Pull (#126, #308)

JERK, TUG, WRENCH, YANK, RIP, TEAR

Break Contact (#128, #222)

DESERT, GHOST, IGNORE, JILT, DITCH, MAROON, STRAND

Sharp Quality (#129, #271)

BITE, KICK, TANG, ZIP, EDGE, PUNCH, SPICE

Singular Things of Pairs (#129, #217)

BOXER, GOGGLE, PANT, TONG, JEAN, SHORT, TIGHT

Acronyms/Initialisms (#132, #336)

LASER, RADAR, SCUBA, SPAM, MIA, OMG, PIN, RAM

Predicament (#133, #293)

BIND, PICKLE, SCRAPE, SPOT, BINDS, JAMS, PICKLES, SPOTS

Encourage (#134, #247)

DRIVE, INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, SPUR, EGG, GOAD, URGE

Increase (#137, #306)

BUILD, GROW, SWELL, MOUNT, BALLOON, MUSHROOM, SNOWBALL

Go Up Against (#140, #260)

CHALLENGE, CONFRONT, FACE, OPPOSE, BRAVE, MEET

Filler Words (#143, #328)

ERM, UH, UM, WELL, LIKE, LITERALLY

Training (#146, #308)

DRILL, PRACTICE, STUDY, TRAIN, EXERCISE, ROUTINE

Financial Terms (#147, #168)

BOND, CD, OPTION, STOCK, CAPITAL, EQUITY, INTEREST

Car Companies (#154, #166)

BMW, HONDA, JAGUAR, SUBARU, FIAT, MINI, RAM

Shepherd (#158, #193)

DIRECT, GUIDE, LEAD, STEER

Pretense (#160, #282)

ACT, BLUFF, CHARADE, FRONT, AFFECT, AIRS

Religious Figures (#162, #239)

CARDINAL, LAMA, MONK, PASTOR, BISHOP, PASTOR, PRIOR

Fashionable (#163, #228)

CHIC, HIP, HOT, IN, BIG, POPULAR

Criticize (#166, #278)

KNOCK, PAN, ROAST, SLAM, BLAST, TRASH

Rooms (#170, #267)

BEDROOM, DEN, KITCHEN, STUDY, HALL, LIBRARY, LOUNGE

Fill to Excess (#170, #244)

CRAM, JAM, PACK, STUFF, SQUEEZE

Allotment (#173, #311)

CUT, PIECE, SHARE, TAKE, INTEREST, PERCENTAGE, STAKE

Jump (#182, #263)

BOUND, LEAP, SPRING, VAULT, HOP, JUMP

Comedic Performance (#191, #238)

BIT, JOKE, ROUTINE, SKETCH, ACT, SET

Words Ending with _______ (#191 "Numbers", #269 "Clothing")

CANINE, FREIGHT, OFTEN, STONE, FOXGLOVE, GUMSHOE, TURNCOAT, WINDSOCK

Little Bit (#195, #332)

DASH, DROP, PINCH, SPLASH, SPOT, SPRINKLE

Geometric Objects (#197, #325)

LINE, POINT, RAY, SEGMENT, PLANE, SOLID

Parts of a Car (#200, #215)

BUMPER, HOOD, TIRE, TRUNK, DASH, SHOCK, TANK WHEEL

Apex (#208, #231)

HEIGHT, MAX, PEAK, TOP, VERTEX, CREST, SUMMIT

Transaction Record (#217, #324)

BILL, CHECK, INVOICE, TAB, RECEIPT, STATEMENT

Deceive/Cheat (#219, #224)

CON, DUPE, FOOL, TRICK, FLEECE, HOSE, ROB, STIFF

Give Attention to (#230, #311)

GUARD, MIND, TEND, WATCH, FOLLOW, OBSERVE, REGARD

Adjusted Colors (#237 "Minus First Letters", #256 "Changed First Letters")

INK, LACK, OLD, RANGE, CLUE, FROWN, MELLOW, PREEN

Track and Field Equipment (#262, #314)

HAMMER, HURDLE, JAVELIN, POLE, BATON

Food Preservation Techniques (#271, #293)

CAN, CURE, DRY, FREEZE, CANS, CURES, SALTS, SMOKES

Estimated time to complete: 1 hour (not including any stability testing)
Changelog:

[v.04.06.2024] Updated minor things. If you like testing things, you can try this (currently poorly-written alpha alpha) PowerShell script to fix common issues. This may resolve crashes, blackscreen issues or identify devices that may cause them.
[v.03.25.2024] Overhauled memory test section to TestMem5 w/Extreme1anta777 profile. Shortened and simplified instructions. Updated Discord link & mentioned that currently only one file is replaced during File Integrity Verification (nplsm.des) Removed black screen fix; this post is at the character limit 😭
[v.03.22.2024] Updated minor wording and Does not Fix section with an AMD GPU blurb/fix, deleted older changelog to free up space
[v.0.955] Added disabling Memory Context Restore for DDR5 in initial checks

If you are experiencing REPEATED CRASHING AS THE HOST, this guide can probably help you. It can also be applied to any game you're having issues with (not just Helldivers 2).
The Goal: At the end of this guide you will probably be able to play Helldivers 2 without work arounds in most cases (some hardware currently requires them) or you will have identified a hardware component that is causing stability problems.

What This Does NOT Fix:

❌ Known issues or throwing grenades back or throwing snowballs (crash at extract is... 🤷‍♂️)
❌ Networking issues. I have an in-progress guide for those here.
❌ DX11 not working on some AMD/Intel/Nvidia cards (but this might help you get DX12 running). There's an temp DX11 partial fix but game assets will be missing etc. and it will likely only get worse (not Vulkan).
❌ Verifying Steam files: Anti-cheat updates: Helldivers 2\\bin\\GameGuard\\nplsm.des if you verify files you will always have this file reverted back to the original file. This is normal and is not a problem.
❌ Helldivers 2 is a P2P game. Joining someone else's ship means they are the host and their game crashing can take you with them to the intergalactic bitbucket of space! 🚀☄️
❌ If you have an AMD GPU, and you complete this guide to rule out simultaneous issues, you may have GPU stability issues that can be fixed by creating an Adrenaline profile and setting the clock speed to the factory frequency specs.
❌ Low-end hardware won't be able to run the game on high settings. Updating your PC software/firmware using this guide may help with micro stuttering & performance; so feel free to follow those parts!

🧠 Sanity Checks (Please Don't Skip): 🧠

1. Is your computer using the correct GPU?
   1. Check by pressing Windows Key + R and pasting in: ms-settings:display-advancedgraphics
   2. Select the correct GPU for Helldivers 2
2. Did you install Windows on this computer?
   1. If you re-used a hard drive that already had Windows installed from another computer, this can (not always) create all kinds of issues that are difficult to troubleshoot (i.e. time-consuming)
   2. Please reset Windows first!
   3. If that is not possible, well... none of this guide may fix your problem, but have at it!
3. If you switched GPU brands ensure old drivers are removed using DDU
   1. Old drivers can cause crashes.
   2. Check for new graphics drivers for all GPUS-integrated GPUs included! (Laptop users see laptop section)
4. ⚡If your computer completely turns off instantly, verify that your PSU meets the GPU wattage recommended from AMD's, Intel's or NVIDIA's website. No, you don't need a 1000W PSU if NVIDIA said you need an 850W PSU. But if you have a GPU and AMD/NVIDIA/Intel say you need a 600W PSU and you have 400W PSU... that is a problem.
   1. If your PSU meets the recommended wattage per AMD/NVIDIA/Intel, move along! You're good!
5. 🚨Do you have any lighting control software or hardware monitoring software like:
6. iCUE Intel XTU G.Skill Logitec G-Hub NZXT HWInfo MSI Afterburner RyzenMaster Razer Synapse Samsung Magician etc.?
   1. Make sure they are up-to-date! (or you can uninstall them, if you don't have a CPU AIO cooler being controlled by them 🔥)
      1. They have low-level drivers, usually aren't well-written programs, and can definitely cause issues with performance in general and anti-cheat software.
      2. Go to the manufacture website to obtain the latest version
7. 🔥 HD2 is CPU intensive, partly because it simulates everything. Check your CPU temp. If it's 90-100C you likely have a cooling or power limit problem. Each CPU is different. So you may need to do some research, or ask for help if this seems to be your issue.

💻 Laptop-Specific Guide:

I can't write an accurate guide that covers all laptop-related issues.

• The first thing you should do is go to your manufacturer's website and check for updates.
• If there are any UEFI updates, you need to make sure you install them.
• ⚠️ Your laptop manufacturer's update software may not update the UEFI and may not tell you there is a newer version. You will need to specifically check the website manually for your model.
• Be careful installing drivers for GPUs & chipsets on laptops from the component manufacturer. Most times it will be fine; sometimes you have to update to play a new game; sometimes it will refuse to install newer drivers, and you'll have to uninstall old drivers first. Sometimes you will have severe problems like constant crashing or freezing. If you are not comfortable troubleshooting these kinds of issues, it's better to use the drivers the laptop manufacturer provides, or use your favorite search engine and see if anyone has already tried the latest and greatest. 😆
• Do not skip drivers like Intel Dynamic Thermal Platform Framework. These apps are critical to managing CPU load etc.
• Update Windows to the latest version
• The is the end of the laptop guide. It should solve most laptop issues; for others, you may have to keep checking for updates.
• If you'd to keep troubleshooting, you can test your RAM stability.
  • Jump to Memory Troubleshooting and follow Option 1 through step 10

Desktop Guide:

📝Getting Your Hardware Info:

1. Download the zip file version of CPU-Z and extract and run it. (No need to install it.)
2. Collect this information:
   1. CPU Name [CPU tab]
   2. CPU Codename [CPU tab]
   3. Motherboard Model [Mainboard tab]
   4. Chipset [Mainboard tab]
   5. RAM Kit Part Number: [SPD tab]
      1. On the left side, check each Slot #. Make sure you have the part number for each populated slot. You may discover you have 4 DIMMS (RAM sticks) with 2 different part numbers, or two different DRAM manufacturers (SK Hynix, Micron, Samsung, etc.!
      2. If you have 2 DIMMS, verify that the memory is in slots #2 and #4 in CPU-Z. These are almost always the correct slots (not #1 and #3), but verify with your motherboard manual.
      3. Your RAM will report at half-frequency in CPU-Z since it's double-data-rate (DDR).
3. [This section may not be applicable, if you have a Pre-built PC] 🔍 Research!
   1. Search for your motherboard model on your motherboard model's manufacturer website
   2. ⚠️ Make sure you find your exact motherboard. There can be revisions, DDR4 vs. DDR5 etc.
   3. Click the Support tab for your motherboard
   4. Look for something like Compatibility you will likely need to select a certain Memory tab or something like that. It may also have CPU selection menus. Ensure the correct CPU is selected so that the website reports the correct Memory Qualified Vendor List (QVL) (The website tabs are terrible, verify you're looking at the Memory tab, not the CPU tab)
   5. Check your RAM part number & see if it's on your motherboard's Qualified Vendor List (QVL)
      1. If it is, awesome! Look at the # of DIMMS on the right-hand side of the table. This explains if you can use 1, 2 or 4 DIMMS
      2. If you bought two, identical kits and combined them, and the QVL shows 1,2 in the DIMM column... that means that 4 DIMMS likely will not be stable using the overclocked profile setting.
      3. ⚠️ If it is NOT on the QVL, check the RAM manufacturer for your RAM part number. See if they say it's compatible with your motherboard. For example, I have an AM5 system and I have CMH23GX5M2E6000C36 so I Googled it, and uh-oh Corsair says it's only made for 700 series Intel chipsets
      4. If you're running an overclocked profile, this is almost guaranteed to be the issue. Recommend pausing here & returning the RAM you bought. Pick out some RAM that's on your QVL. 🧠 Remember: the info two steps above this one! Don't buy two of the same kit if your QVL doesn't list 4 DIMMS! (Unless you're willing to tweak settings.)
      5. If, when you searched your RAM part number, the RAM Manufacturer mentions your platform/chipset, but it is not on the motherboard QVL, than you may need to adjust RAM settings manually.
   6. For AMD AM5 7000/8000 systems, you can also check AMD's memory list here.
   7. Keep your motherboard support webpage open, we will reference it later

Initial Configuration:

1. Do you have Sonic Suite or Hamachi installed?
   1. ❌ If so, disable the device driver from Device Manager or uninstall it.
2. Do you have Cepstral SwiftTalker installed?
   1. ❌ If so, uninstall it. It's also known to cause crashes in HD2.
3. Are you overclocking your CPU?
   1. If yes, please disable for this guide
   2. Multi-core Enhancement (MCE) is one that is likely enabled by default. Disabling it may resolve issues.
4. Are you undervolting your CPU?
   1. If you have an Intel 13th or 14th gen CPU, skip to Intel Platform Fixes below
   2. For all other CPUs, if you are undervolting your CPU, disable it for this guide. If the CPU is unstable, it may cause issues testing memory.
5. Are you undervolting your GPU?
   1. If you are, please disable it. If removing the undervolt fixes your issue... this is okay and your GPU is fine. (see end of post for brief explanation)
6. If you have DDR 5 RAM, disable Memory Context Restore. MSI boards may call it something like DDR5 Fast Boot. Change from Auto to Slow Training.
   1. This will increase boot times, but may fix RAM stability issues with no other work. It allows the motherboard the normal length of time to train the memory each boot. DDR5 has tighter tolerances than DDR4. It may also enable you to run overclocked RAM profiles without issues. If you're having GPU timeouts, especially on AM5, do not skip this. See if it fixes everything.
7. Move to either AMD or Intel Platform Fixes next based on what you learned in Getting Your Hardware Info

AMD Platform Fixes:

1. For 5000/7000/8000 series CPUs, use your motherboard manufacture's website to update to the latest UEFI version.
2. ⚠️ If you have Bitlocker enabled, make sure you have access to the recovery key in your Microsoft account. If the UEFI resets the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), you will need to input your recovery key to access your data. Yes, you will lose all your data if you don't have your recovery key.
   1. Scroll down on the motherboard model website and make sure there isn't other firmware
   2. AMD has released USB PD firmware and other firmware in the past to address AMD-specific issues with USB devices. Please update these if your motherboard support site has them listed.
3. For 1/2/3000 series CPUs, refer back to your hardware info/verify the codename. Go to your motherboard website and look for the last UEFI update that supports your CPU. Some manufacturer's use codenames, some use CPU model numbers. Read carefully!
   1. ⚠️ Some motherboards may have UEFI updates that will cause your 1/2/3000 series CPU to not work at all. Make sure you only update to the latest firmware that still supports your CPU codename.
4. AMD officially supported RAM Speeds (anything higher is not guaranteed by AMD to be stable). Random CPUs are linked as the source for each Ryzen generation.

CPU Series	2 DIMMS	4 DIMMS
8000	5200 Mhz	3600 Mhz
7000	5200 Mhz	3600 Mhz
5000	3200 Mhz	Unspecified < 3200 Mhz
3000	3200 Mhz	Unspecified < 3200 Mhz
2000	2933 Mhz	Unspecified < 2933 Mhz
1000	2667 Mhz	Unspecified < 2667 Mhz

1. If you have an AMD GPU, download the latest Adrenaline driver. It will update your chipset drivers.
2. If you have an NVIDIA or Intel GPU, go to AMD's support page, and pick out your chipset (chipset name should be in the CPU-Z Mainboard tab) and download/install the chipset drivers.
3. ⏸️ Give your computer a good Restart (Not Shutdown as Windows hibernates the kernel by default). Test as host! Is it fixed? If so congrats! Post below on how it went.
4. If it's not fixed, do you have any riser card/riser cables connected to your GPU and/or M.2 drives? If so, you need to rule them out as the cause of PCI-E uncorrectable errors.
   1. If you have an NVIDIA card you can open PowerShell and run: nvidia-smi dmon -s et -d 10 -o DT to see if you're getting errors on the PCI-E slot. Uncorrectable errors with a riser cable/card are just part of using one. However, if you see ~50 or more errors each cycle, it's likely that this is going to cause issues in some games... or only HD2 🙃
   2. Set PCI-E to 4.0 on your motherboard, or remove the cables/cards
      1. If this works, great! Your riser cable/card is likely causing the issue. Comment below!
      2. If not, move on to Memory Troubleshooting
   3. If this does not work, and your motherboard supports it, try setting the motherboard to PCI-E 3.0
      1. If this works, great! Your rise cable/card is likely causing the issue. Comment below.
      2. If not, move on to Memory Troubleshooting

Intel Platform Fixes:

1. If you have an Intel 13th or 14th generation CPU (first two numbers of model start with 13 or 14) complete this guide/fix first
2. Update your UEFI from your motherboard support website you used in Gathering Hardware Info⚠️ If you have Bitlocker enabled, make sure you have access to the recovery key in your Microsoft account. If the UEFI resets the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), you will need to input your recovery key to access your data. Yes, you will lose all your data if you don't have your recovery key.
3. Update all the Intel firmware (Intel Management Engine, Thunderbolt firmware, etc.)
4. Update all Intel drivers (Chipset drivers, Intel Management Engine) Even if they don't sound like they matter, update them so that they do not conflict with anti-cheat or cause stuttering/performance issues.
5. ⏸️ Pause and test as host! Is everything fixed? Great! Post below on how it went.
6. If nothing is fixed, check this your motherboard manual. Read carefully to determine Intel's officially supported memory speed for that motherboard and CPU combination. Remember: 4 DIMMS will need to run slower than 2 DIMMS.
   1. If you want to try a quick fix, set your RAM to one of the officially-listed speeds for your CPU gen. if you're trying to find it quickly in the motherboard manual, Ctrl + F for speeds like: 2133, 2667, 4800, 5200, 5600
   2. Keep this in mind as you move to the next section!

Memory Troubleshooting:

1. Prechecks:
   1. Boot into your UEFI (BIOS) and verify your RAM is set to default speeds (XMP, DOCP, EXPO disabled)
      1. Do not mess with any of the settings! Unless you see RAM voltage that is above 1.4V leave the automatic settings alone.
   2. You have two choices below, use TestMem5 (Option #1) if possible. if you have to use your computer a lot, and don't have a few hours for it to be barely usable running memory tests, you'll have to pick Option 2:
   3. OPTION 1: Start with TestMem5 (TM5)
      1. 🛑 If you had an undervolt or overclock on your CPU, you removed it, correct? Otherwise... this may be for nothing. You can get false positives that will report issues. If your CPU is stock clocks (not overclocked AND not undervolted), we can trust the CPU engineers did their job, that if MemTest86 fails it will be caused by RAM/CPU memory controllemotherboard
      2. Download TM5. Yes, it's hosted on MegaUpload and looks sketchy. Upload it to VirusTotal yourself if you'd like. It's one of the best free RAM tests.
      3. Other memory test programs may not detect issues or take many hours to detect issues*.* 12 passes in MemTest86 can be used in addition to TestMem5, but if you can only choose one... use TestMem5. If you purchased Karhu that will also suffice for this test.
      4. Extract the TM5 folder from the RAR (You can use 7-Zip if you don't have a program for RAR files.)
      5. Start TM5 as the Administrator, and load the Extreme1anta777 profile from the bin folder.
      6. TM5 will need to be restarted to use the new profile.
      7. Run TM5!
      8. TM5 will either report errors, or it may just close (crash) without any message. Both cases are test failures.
      9. If TM5 🟢 PASSES we can likely rule out the RAM as the issue for Helldivers 2 (and probably for your entire PC)
      10. If TM5 🔴 FAILS at some point (hopefully early) run TM5 again with each RAM stick one at a time in the motherboard using the slot the motherboard manual states for 1 DIMM
      11. Verify that both sticks or all 4 sticks give errors somewhat equally.
      12. If you have one stick erroring and the rest are fine, than you probably have a bad RAM DIMM
      13. At this point, you have a few options: If you bought RAM that wasn't on the QVL, and you're in the return window, probably best to purchase RAM on the QVL. Pay attention to the number of supports DIMMS! If you buy two kits of RAM on the QVL, that does not mean it's on the QVL. The QVL should indicate 4 (four) DIMMS of that part number are okay if you're going to buy two kits. (Also, remember that for DDR4 & DDR5 RAM, 4 DIMMS always stresses the memory controller more... so if you're trying to get the fastest speeds, purchase a 2 DIMM kit).
   4. OPTION 2: Use HD2/applications that are crashing as the test
      1. If you have 4 DIMMS, remove 2 DIMMS per your motherboard manual image that is mentioned in the Memory Troubleshooting >> Prechecks section of this guide
      2. RAM should be in the A2 and B2 slots on most motherboards. See your motherboard manual to verify.
      3. See if it works, if it works fine, congrats! This is why your game has been crashing repeatedly. The RAM is not stable.
      4. This does not mean the RAM is BAD. Buying new RAM may not fix it either! Your CPU memory controller may not be able to handle 4 DIMMS at that speed, or may be defective if you can't run 4 DIMMS of RAM at slower, default speeds. The motherboard may also have issues. Feel free to post below if you're trying to figure out what to do, now that you have discovered there is an issue somewhere.
      5. If this happens, ideally you want to test with two sticks at a time swapping out one stick at time to see if you can determine if you have a bad stick or all the RAM seems to behave similarly.
      6. If all RAM seems to behave similarly, try putting all 4 DIMMS in and move to the Stabilizing RAM section and see if you can get it stable.

Stabilizing RAM (probably XMP/DOCP/EXPO, yea)?

1. (Temporarily) Disable PBO and undervolting on your CPU
2. Go into your UEFI
3. Set your RAM to the XMP/DOCP/EXPO profile you want to run
   1. 🔍 Find the RAM Voltage setting in your UEFI
   2. It will likely be set to something near 1.35V
   3. ⬆️ Raise the voltage one small increment. Different motherboards will be different, but 0.05 increments are fine.💡Some RAM integrated circuits (ICs) can become unstable with more voltage... we're trying to find a sweet spot that makes it stable. If going up in voltage seems to make things worse, try lowering voltage instead. It will be immediately obvious if that helps, or makes it worse.
   4. Examples: Voltage set to (Auto) 1.35V increasing to 1.355or Voltage set to (Auto) 1.4V lowering to 1.38
   5. 🛑 DO NOT GO ABOVE 1.4V
   6. 💾 Save the setting
   7. Use TM5 Helldivers 2 or whatever program is crashing
   8. Keep raising/lowering voltage a little at a time >> 💾 saving >> 🥼testing
   9. If you get to 1.4V and nothing seems to be any better... there are probably other issues. If stability improves, it's likely a stability issue with your RAM and fixable by you, the citizen! Comment below if you're trying to figure out what to do next, as it's not always the RAM.
   10. ✅ If you get it stable, with no crashes, move on to Checking for Data Corruption

Checking for Data Corruption:

1. ⚠️Only do these steps if you've completed the rest of the guide or you've been instructed to follow them by someone. There is no point otherwise... if your machine is unstable, it will keep having issues until the underlying issue is fix.
2. Verify that Windows is not corrupted:
   1. Run Open Command Prompt or Powershell as an Administrator
   2. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   3. Repair if there is corruption: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   4. Run Windows Resource Checker sfc /scannow
3. Verify Steam and Games
   1. Download Steam and install it (re-installs/fixes Steam)
   2. Verify each game
   3. Steam errors can reappear any time HD2 crashes... and 1 or 2 anti-cheat files will always be repaired. This is normal. (see top of guide under the What this does NOT Fix table)
4. ⚠️ Errors should not keep re-appearing after you do this in Windows! Windows shouldn't continue to have errors every time you run DISM/sfc. If this is happening you have (listed in order of likelihood if overclocked):
   1. RAM or CPU is unstable, causing arithmetic errors
   2. Uncorrectable errors on the PCIE lanes
      1. This can corrupt your Windows install if the PCIE lanes connect your storage disk (like most M.2 drives).
      2. If you have any GPU/M.2 drive riser cable/cards, try removing them
   3. A bad drive, back up your data now!
      1. Search for your brand of drive and "SSD Toolbox" to see if your drive offers a toolbox to check drives. This can be used for firmware updates/analyzing it for issues
      2. The SSD Toolbox may report a drive is good when it is not good 🤷‍♂️
      3. If you're having micro stuttering in games, and/or weird short, quick freezes while playing games, this is a sign you may have an SSD that is going bad.
      4. Remember, SSD drives normally just... fail, any warning should be heeded
      5. You can try swapping the drive with another drive, move game installation files, etc. to see if you can rule it out.

🚧Undervolting:🚧

If you remove CPU/GPU undervolts and your issues disappear, that was the problem. Scroll up to Checking for Data Corruption if that is the case.
One other way of saying is: If undervolting was that great reliable, and 100% stable, the voltage from the factory would be that lower voltage you applied. That's why the factory doesn't undervolt things below the specs they've determined. It takes a lot of manual work to determine if it's actually stable.

My 2017 macbook pro runs very high fan speeds. Granted it is usually when I have multiple apps open but my cheap surface laptop is able to handle the same apps without high fan noises. I have an etrecheck report:
EtreCheckPro version: 6.8.4 (68040)
Report generated: 2024-02-03 12:04:39
Download EtreCheckPro from https://etrecheck.com
Runtime: 6:35
Performance: Below Average
Problem: Other problem
Description:
Computer fans running on high
Major Issues:
Anything that appears on this list needs immediate attention.
Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed that could be malicious and should be reviewed.
Minor Issues:
These issues do not need immediate attention but they may indicate future problems or opportunities for improvement.
More than one antivirus app - This computer has multiple antivirus apps installed.
Apps crashing - There have been numerous app crashes.
Apps with heavy CPU usage - There have been numerous cases of apps with heavy CPU usage.
System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background.
Low performance - EtreCheck report took an unusually long time to run.
Limited permissions - More information may be available with Full Disk Access.
Kernel extensions present - This computer has kernel extensions that may not work in the future.
Sharing enabled - This computer has sharing services enabled that could be a security risk.
Hardware Information:
​
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
Status: Supported
MacBook Pro Model: MacBookPro14,1
2.3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 (i5-7360U) CPU: 2-core
8 GB RAM - Not upgradeable
BANK 0/DIMM0 - 4 GB LPDDR3 2133
BANK 1/DIMM0 - 4 GB LPDDR3 2133
Battery: Health = Normal - Cycle count = 700
Video Information:
​
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 - VRAM: 1536 MB
Color LCD (built-in) 2880 x 1800
Drives:
​
disk0 - APPLE SSD AP0256J 251.00 GB (Solid State - TRIM: Yes)
Internal PCI-Express 8.0 GT/s x4 NVM Express
disk0s1 - EFI [EFI] 315 MB
disk0s2 [APFS Container] 250.69 GB
disk1 [APFS Virtual drive] 250.69 GB (Shared by 6 volumes)
disk1s1 - Macintosh HD - Data (APFS) [APFS Virtual drive] (127.51 GB used)
disk1s2 - Preboot (APFS) [APFS Preboot] (1.87 GB used)
disk1s3 - Recovery (APFS) [Recovery] (1.15 GB used)
disk1s4 - VM (APFS) [APFS VM] (4.30 GB used)
disk1s5 (APFS) [APFS Container] (9.33 GB used)
disk1s5s1 - Macintosh HD (APFS) [APFS Snapshot] (9.33 GB used)
disk1s6 - Update (APFS) (6 MB used)
Mounted Volumes:
​
disk1s1 - Macintosh HD - Data [APFS Virtual drive]
Filesystem: APFS
Mount point: /System/Volumes/Data
Encrypted
Used: 127.51 GB
Shared values
Size: 250.69 GB
Free: 106.38 GB
Available: 120.38 GB
disk1s2 - Preboot [APFS Preboot]
Filesystem: APFS
Mount point: /System/Volumes/Preboot
Used: 1.87 GB
Shared values
Size: 250.69 GB
Free: 106.38 GB
disk1s4 - VM [APFS VM]
Filesystem: APFS
Mount point: /System/Volumes/VM
Used: 4.30 GB
Shared values
Size: 250.69 GB
Free: 106.38 GB
disk1s5s1 - Macintosh HD [APFS Snapshot]
Filesystem: APFS
Mount point: /
Read-only: Yes
Used: 9.33 GB
Shared values
Size: 250.69 GB
Free: 106.38 GB
Available: 120.38 GB
disk1s6 - Update
Filesystem: APFS
Mount point: /System/Volumes/Update
Used: 6 MB
Shared values
Size: 250.69 GB
Free: 106.38 GB
Network:
​
Interface en4: USB 10/100/1000 LAN
Interface en0: Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Interface en5: iPhone
Interface bridge0: Thunderbolt Bridge
Interface en3: Bluetooth PAN
Screen sharing: Enabled
System Software:
​
macOS Ventura 13.6.4 (22G513)
Time since boot: About 2 days
Configuration Files:
/etc/hosts - Count: 4
Notifications:
EtreCheckPro.app
3 notifications
Google Chrome Helper (Alerts).app
one notification
Security:
Gatekeeper: App Store and identified developers
System Integrity Protection: Enabled
Antivirus software: Apple, AdGuard, and Malwarebytes
Screen sharing: Enabled
Unsigned Files:
​
Launchd: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.grammarly.ProjectLlama.Shepherd.plist
Executable: /Applications/Grammarly Desktop.app/Contents/Library/LaunchAgents/Grammarly Desktop Helper.app/Contents/MacOS/Grammarly Desktop Helper
Apps: 3
Kernel Extensions:
​
/Library/Application Support/CleverFiles/BackService.app
[Not Loaded] SecureDisk_11.kext - com.cleverfiles.SecureDisk-11 (Justin Johnson, 1.0 - SDK 11)
/Library/Application Support/VirtualBox
[Not Loaded] VBoxDrv.kext - org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxDrv (Oracle America, Inc., 5.2.0)
[Not Loaded] VBoxNetAdp.kext - org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetAdp (Oracle America, Inc., 5.2.0)
[Not Loaded] VBoxNetFlt.kext - org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetFlt (Oracle America, Inc., 5.2.0)
[Not Loaded] VBoxUSB.kext - org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxUSB (Oracle America, Inc., 5.2.0)
/Library/Application Support/com.adguard.mac.adguard/kext
[Not Loaded] com.adguard.nfext.kext - com.adguard.nfext (Adguard Software Limited, 1.0.27 - SDK 10.14)
/Library/Extensions
[Loaded] HighPointIOP.kext - com.highpoint-tech.kext.HighPointIOP (HighPoint Technologies, Inc, 4.4.5 - SDK 10.15)
[Loaded] HighPointRR.kext - com.highpoint-tech.kext.HighPointRR (HighPoint Technologies, Inc, 4.22.1 - SDK 10.12)
[Not Loaded] hp_io_enabler_compound.kext - com.hp.kext.io.enabler.compound (HP Inc., 3.4.0)
[Not Loaded] RazerDeathAdderDriver.kext - com.razer.driver.RazerDeathAdderDriver (3.0.0)
[Loaded] SoftRAID.kext - com.softraid.driver.SoftRAID (Other World Computing, 6.0 - SDK 10.14)
[Not Loaded] AirBeamTV.kext - tv.airbeam.driver.AirBeamTV (AirBeamTV BV, 0.4.0 - SDK 10.9)
Startup Items:
KeyAccess Path: /Library/StartupItems/KeyAccess
System Launch Daemons:
[Not Loaded] 38 Apple tasks
[Loaded] 177 Apple tasks
[Running] 173 Apple tasks
[Other] 3 Apple tasks
System Launch Agents:
[Not Loaded] 20 Apple tasks
[Loaded] 164 Apple tasks
[Running] 213 Apple tasks
Launch Daemons:
[Loaded] com.microsoft.OneDriveStandaloneUpdaterDaemon.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Executable: /Applications/OneDrive.app/Contents/StandaloneUpdaterDaemon.xpc/Contents/MacOS/StandaloneUpdaterDaemon
[Loaded] com.microsoft.OneDriveUpdaterDaemon.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Executable: /Applications/OneDrive.app/Contents/OneDriveUpdaterDaemon.xpc/Contents/MacOS/OneDriveUpdaterDaemon
[Not Loaded] com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper
Location: /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app
[Loaded] com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.microsoft.autoupdate.helper
Launch Agents:
[Not Loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2019-10-04)
Command: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/OOBE/PDApp/UWA/UpdaterStartupUtility -mode=logon
[Not Loaded] com.adobe.ARMDCHelper.cc24aef4a1b90ed56a725c38014c95072f92651fb65e1bf9c8e43c37a23d420d.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2024-01-31)
Executable: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/ARMDC/Application/Acrobat Update Helper.app/Contents/MacOS/Acrobat Update Helper
[Not Loaded] com.adobe.AdobeCreativeCloud.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2022-04-15)
Command: /Applications/Utilities/Adobe Creative Cloud/ACC/Creative Cloud.app/Contents/MacOS/Creative Cloud --showwindow=false --onOSstartup=true
[Not Loaded] com.adobe.GC.AGM.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2024-01-27)
Command: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/AdobeGCClient/Adobe Genuine Software Monitor Service -mode=logon
[Not Loaded] com.adobe.GC.Invoker-1.0.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2024-01-27)
Command: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/AdobeGCClient/agcinvokerutility -mode=logon
[Not Loaded] com.adobe.ccxprocess.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2022-04-10)
Command: /usbin/open -a '/Applications/Utilities/Adobe Creative Cloud Experience/CCXProcess/CCXProcess.app'
[Not Loaded] com.apple.dt.xcode.xcbackgrounddownloader.plist (Apple - installed 2023-12-10)
Command: /Applications/Xcode.app/Contents/Developeusbin/xcodebuild -downloadAllPreviouslySelectedPlatforms
Location: /Applications/Xcode.app
[Not Loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist (Not signed - installed 2020-12-31)

[Not Loaded] com.google.keystone.xpcservice.plist (Not signed - installed 2020-12-31)

[Not Loaded] com.malwarebytes.mbam.frontend.agent.plist (Malwarebytes Corporation - installed 2023-09-15)
Executable: /Library/Application Support/Malwarebytes/MBAM/Engine.bundle/Contents/PlugIns/FrontendAgent.app/Contents/MacOS/FrontendAgent
[Loaded] com.microsoft.OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Executable: /Applications/OneDrive.app/Contents/StandaloneUpdater.app/Contents/MacOS/OneDriveStandaloneUpdater
[Loaded] com.microsoft.SyncReporter.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Executable: /Applications/OneDrive.app/Contents/SyncReporter.app/Contents/MacOS/SyncReporter
[Not Loaded] com.microsoft.update.agent.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-01-15)
Command: /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft Update Assistant.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft Update Assistant --launchByAgent
Location: /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app
[Loaded] com.microsoft.update.agent.plist (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Command: /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft Update Assistant.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft Update Assistant --launchByAgent
[Loaded] org.gpgtools.Libmacgpg.xpc.plist (Lukas Pitschl - installed 2020-06-03)
Executable: /Library/Application Support/GPGTools/org.gpgtools.Libmacgpg.xpc/Contents/MacOS/org.gpgtools.Libmacgpg
[Not Loaded] org.gpgtools.updater.plist (Lukas Pitschl - installed 2020-06-03)
Executable: /Library/Application Support/GPGTools/GPGSuite_Updater.app/Contents/MacOS/GPGSuite_Updater
User Launch Agents:
[Loaded] com.adobe.GC.Invoker-1.0.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2024-01-27)
Command: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/AdobeGCClient/agcinvokerutility -mode=scheduled
[Not Loaded] com.adobe.ccxprocess.plist (Adobe Inc. - installed 2022-04-10)
Command: /usbin/open -a '/Applications/Utilities/Adobe Creative Cloud Experience/CCXProcess/CCXProcess.app'
[Running] com.grammarly.ProjectLlama.Shepherd.plist (Not signed - installed 2024-02-01)
Executable: /Applications/Grammarly Desktop.app/Contents/Library/LaunchAgents/Grammarly Desktop Helper.app/Contents/MacOS/Grammarly Desktop Helper
User Login Items:
​
[Running] AdobeResourceSynchronizer (Adobe Inc. - installed 2024-01-31)
Application
/Applications/Adobe Acrobat DC/Adobe Acrobat.app/Contents/Helpers/AdobeResourceSynchronizer.app
[Not Loaded] AmphetamineLoginHelper (App Store - installed 2024-01-31)
Modern Login Item
/Applications/Amphetamine.app
[Running] CheatSheet (Stefan Fuerst - installed 2024-02-01)
Application
/Applications/CheatSheet.app
[Loaded] magnetLauncher (App Store - installed 2024-01-31)
Modern Login Item
/Applications/Magnet.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/magnetLauncher.app
[Not Loaded] Launcher Disabler (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Modern Login Item
/Applications/OneDrive.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/Launcher Disabler.app
[Not Loaded] OneDrive Launcher (Microsoft Corporation - installed 2024-02-01)
Modern Login Item
/Applications/OneDrive.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/OneDrive Launcher.app
[Not Loaded] StartUpHelper (Spotify - installed 2022-02-16)
Modern Login Item
/Applications/Spotify.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/StartUpHelper.app
[Not Loaded] WhatsApp Login Helper (App Store - installed 2024-01-31)
Modern Login Item
/Applications/WhatsApp.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/WhatsApp Login Helper.app
[Not Loaded] HP Device Monitor (HP Inc. - installed 2019-01-21)
Modern Login Item
/Library/Printers/hp/Frameworks/HPDeviceMonitoring.framework/Versions/1.0/Helpers/HP Device Monitor Manager.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/HP Device Monitor.app
[Not Loaded] HP Product Research (HP Inc. - installed 2019-01-21)
Modern Login Item
/Library/Printers/hp/Utilities/HPPU Plugins/ProductImprovementStudy.hptask/Contents/Helpers/HP Product Research Manager.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/HP Product Research.app
[Not Loaded] AppCleaner SmartDelete (Julien Ramseier - installed 2020-12-05)
Modern Login Item
~/Downloads/AppCleaner.app/Contents/Library/LoginItems/AppCleaner SmartDelete.app
[Loaded] GRLoginHelper (Grammarly, Inc - installed 2024-02-01)
Modern Login Item
~/Library/Application Support/com.grammarly.ProjectLlama/GRLoginHelper.app
Applications:
​
578 apps
113 x86-only apps
20 unsigned apps
App Extensions:
​
Finder sync extensions:
OneDrive Finder Integration - /Applications/OneDrive.app
FinderSyncExtension - /Applications/Google Drive.app/Contents/Applications/FinderHelper.app
Core Sync Helper - /Applications/Utilities/Adobe Sync/CoreSync/Core Sync.app
File providers:
Google Drive - /Applications/Google Drive.app
OneDrive File Provider - /Applications/OneDrive.app
Safari extensions:
Grammarly for Safari - /Applications/Grammarly for Safari.app
Zotero Connector - /Applications/Zotero.app
QuickLook Previews:
EtreCheckQuickLook - ~/Downloads/EtreCheckPro.app
com.etresoft.etrecheck4 *.etrecheck
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End of report

Warning for slight mentions of violence/pedophilia and general ick

The Many Tales of the Shatters Discord

As we all know, Discord can be home to both some of the most interesting and simultaneously low stakes drama apart from possibly RP forums, although both platforms do seem to have many similar traits and ideals going on. Likewise, video game communities in general, especially of the MMORPG variety, also tend to be hotspots for both pointless and intense drama themselves. Combining both in a pot would obviously spawn an unholy writeup in and of itself, but the ingredient X that makes me want to really catalog some of the brain-numbing tales of a pixel-based gaming discord? Yes, that would be the internet authority gained by being a Discord Moderator™. While this is the point in time that I usually would say grab a snack and drink, it really isn’t the best kind of phrase to use as this writeup is going to be more of a 9 course meal due to the many similar, but not exactly concurrent or even directly related dramatic situations, instead of one big course. Think of a music festival; different bands and performances at different times just with the same stage. A quick disclaimer as well, I was very involved in this community so while I will be trying to be as unbiased as I can, the majority of these tales are from my viewpoint and there are always two sides of the story. Furthermore, to preserve privacy, I will be using placeholder names in sections and censoring names in screenshots. It’s easy to find out who said what, especially if you are part of this community, but let’s respect the privacy of everyone for the sake of this writeup and keep these tales for what they are, entertainment. If you know any of these people or want to do any digging about who said what, nobody can stop you, but I will be keeping it to myself as should you.

Realm of the Mad God

Some background information to start with; what is the Shatters Discord and what is RoTMG? A quick summary would be that it is a “raiding” Discord server for the roguelike game Realm of the Mad God, and I’ll break down all this terminology so that the average internet user can understand, and even comprehend the degeneracy I’ll be describing. Realm of the Mad God of a 8-bit style, bullet-hell MMORPG, where you take your character in a world called a realm, where you must defeat monsters and bosses in order to face down the “final boss” Oryx, who has 3 different fights of increasing difficulty. Death in the game is permanent, with your character and the items held being gone forever on death. You do have the ability to have multiple characters at a time, and a vault to save valuable items, and upward progression is determined by maxing out a character's stats through potions and higher tier gear, both obtained through completing dungeons. There are many other factors to learn, but key ones to know would be that stat increase potions only affect the character they are used on; progress starts from 0 upon death; with there being 8 stats to farm, hence the terms 0/8 to 8/8. The only other way to permanently increase stats would be to complete certain end-game dungeons using an 8/8 character, with one called the Shatters being the one in question today. This information is obviously a gross oversimplification of the game and how to play, but it should help you understand the many bites of drama in question.

The Shatters

As one of the very first endgame dungeons, The Shatters was originally designed by a player on the Wildshadow Forums (The original developer of RotMG), and was for a long time, one of the most difficult dungeons during that time period. It should be noted however though that this version of the dungeon was easily cheesed, and players of RotMG know that once the game transferred hands to the current owner, DECA Games, many of the content updates featured reworks of many original dungeons as the overall skill level of the players rose alongside new items and classes available to play. Keep this in mind when the terms “Old Shatts” and “New Shatts” are mentioned, as the old version was objectively broken, easily cheesed, and fairly boring compared to the reworked dungeon. Despite this, many veterans, such as myself, have fond memories of the old version.

The Shatters Discord

The Shatters Discord, created in late 2018, follows the format that most RotMG raiding discords for this game do and while other servers may vary slightly, I will specifically describe the hierarchy of this server for clarity's sake. The Owner of the server appoints Admins, who then appoint both a Moderation team and a Raid Leading Team. The Raid Leading branch of the server Consists of Head R(aid) L(eaders), Veteran RLs, RLs, and Almost RLs; users who want to try their hand at leading raids are Trial RLs. With HRLs being the most senior with the most authority and (supposed) experience, Raid Leaders will start a discord voice call that other players join and give callouts for the rest of the players to safely beat the dungeon boss(s), and collect their loot in an organized, efficient manner that is generally not seen in the general game, and is far safer for players learning a new dungeon. The ease of this is due to DECA allowing players to purchase “keys” to certain dungeons for real money, both serving as a way for discord servers to host private dungeon raids, and as a cash cow for DECA themselves. On the moderation side, are the Officers, Securities, and Helpers. These people generally “verify” users, forcing you to link a username to a discord account to help prevent bot spam, and make sure the users in the current dungeon are also in the raid’s voice call. It should be said that nobody gets paid for any of these positions, but drama brews easily when terminally online people get any kind of perceived authority, so on to some tales from the crypt.

Staff Meetings from Hell, European Style

One thing to note that is pretty common among any large player base video game, is the ebb and flow of active players, which is very noticeable in games that have a large population specifically in one country or region. RotMG, at least based on Steam’s player tracking database, is one where there is a spike in players in the evening when players in the North America region play, and a spike in the morning where the European players get online, which of course from my perspective. Anyhow, Shatters Discord was, and is largely based in the US time zones, with another smaller faction that plays during European peak times, creating a bit of two waves of raids that would happen, however the server would always be far more active when the US players got online just due to basic lack of raid leaders in a european based time zone. Staff meetings also were a thing, and generally would be used to discuss upcoming game events, changes to promotions, new staff rules, and general housekeeping matters pertaining to people involved; this sets the stage for our next course of drama, which also happens to be the first one that I happened to be involved in, so it's very near and dear to my heart, especially due to the absurdity of it all. A certain Raid Leader by the (fake) name of B lived over in Europe, forgive me for not remembering the exact country, but he was very outspoken about the lack of Euro RL’s and would continually ask for changes to be made for it easier for Euro based RLs to be accepted. It really wasn’t a bad suggestion, as it was tough for him in general to get feedback for his runs due to the lack of online higher staff members, but the fact of the matter is trying to push through a change, no matter how beneficial it could be, does not work if you come across as abrasive about it, and B was very, very passionate regarding this issue. And so, when the next staff meeting in question happened, the issue was again brought up, and dismissed; the crux of the issue was really that the people who wanted to be a raid leader in the timezone in question simply did not have the chops, and the admins were firmly against a specific euro raid leader role. In all fairness to the server, the application process for staff roles was very thought-out and effective in weeding out people who wanted the role just for power's sake and the admins and members who designed it knew this. So when the immovable object of “my way or the highway” upper staff meets the unstoppable force of a determined European boy, what happens? Why, a over two and a half hour voice call of back and forth nonsense that I was told boiled down to “You’re wrong and I’m right” from both sides.. After the dust settled, B eventually stepped from his post and started a new RotMG raiding server; which was moderately successful for a period of time before being nuked by another admin for the fun of it. Ah, the circle of life.

The Drunk Bus

A relatively drama free section, but important for the next one, would be the inception and quick downfall of what the staff members at the time called the Shatters Drunk Bus. As the majority of the staff members at the time were college students in the 21-25 age range, a certain raid leader had the idea to create a drinking game while doing the dungeon. Take a drink if somebody rushes a section of the map, if a raid leadestaff member dies, if you’re taken out by a notoriously dangerous enemy. The first and second gathering not only proved to be incredibly fun for the people involved, but left the other random raiders who had the misfortune to join these runs incredibly confused as staff members employed more and more ridiculous and outlandish strategies in the run at their BAC rose throughout the night. It was also discovered at that time who could not hold their liquor, and many screenshots were posted of members’ drunken ramblings, some more authentic than others. It could be said that for certain disliked members of the server, the cracks would begin to show in their facade due to this event. Eventually, in the eyes of some members, the Bus began to get a little bit long in the tooth and lose its charm after the second or third wave, and it eventually fizzled out as a team-building activity, especially after the dungeon was reworked.

Everyone Loves Mental Illness

Like most communities, Shatters Discord was home to some very interesting people if I wanted to enter the competition for the understatement of the century. Our person in question, a user by the name of D, was a well known figure and not really in the good way. An outspoken furry with a questionable relationship to pretty much everybody in the server, he was understandably a lightning rod for drama. To break it down, he was a good enough raid leader to get to VRL status, but was never really mature enough to be considered for anything past that. Over time, be it because of the uncomfortable comments to underage members of the server, a less than PG-13 fixation with Judy Hopps from Zootopia, or a relationship with alcohol that was either fake or liver-killing depending on who you ask, he began to become very unpopular, very fast. Things really began to ramp up during a stretch of time where every time a raid happened that he led, a user by the name of Fresceno would join and began to spam the chat, as well as the in-game messages of other raid leaders with death threats towards D, usually for being a furry. This went on for a good week, with most of the staff understandably concerned about the harassment; while D was weird, there were only two or so people that had a genuine issue with him. Myself, like the majority, just thought he was an overall odd guy with interests that we didn’t understand nor like. Investigations continued, until the unthinkable happened, the culprit was caught and it was the last person you would expect: Himself. You heard it right folks, the call was coming from inside the house the entire time. And while there was some major detective work involving matching users not in the call to associated friends, guild members, the way it was discovered was really kind of underwhelming looking back on it. Shatters Discord, like most, has a policy of staff members not being allowed to cheat, or use modified clients. The way this is enforced is relatively easy in that if someone is suspected, they are basically ambushed by Securities and/or Officers right after they end a raid, and made to share their screen before they can exit the game. During that time they may be asked to view their options for telltale signs of a modified client, use certain commands that only cheaters would be able to use, or simply just open their game directory to make sure that the game files don’t have any extras. Usually closing the game would be automatic demotion, as would be finding evidence of cheats. However, during a “Hack-check” for D, upon going to the main menu, the username listed was not D, but Fresceno. Yikes. He ended up leaving the server only coming back occasionally to be weird or troll depending on the day, and was eventually perma-muted, and banned. This was the last that anyone heard of him before interest was renewed when his unholy DM’s got posted onto the RotMG subreddit for all to see, with the following drama both unimportant to me and not actually allowed to be linked due to Rule 13. If you happen to find the thread in question or know this person’s actual username, please keep it to yourself. For what it's worth, I do hope that the man at least gets some therapy, as there seemed to be a lot going on in the guy's life that he was most likely projecting about, but I’m not qualified to really say what he truly needs besides maybe a break from the internet. Maybe that's all we really need.

VRLs and the art of Entitlement

A permanent fixture of this server, and really most hierarchies, but made exceptionally worse due to online nature, would be infighting; specifically the arguments that would break out between the Veteran Raid Leaders and the Head Raid Leaders. At this point in time, the VRLs spent most of the time doing their weekly required runs one day, and using the rest of the time arguing in a channel about who had the chops to be promoted, or just complaining about how useless everybody else was. While raid leader promotions where intended to come as a leader was able to you know, lead more effectively, nepotism ran rampant, and this era of VRLs was more concerned with promoting people they liked as opposed to promoting people who led better, which the HRLs at the time did not take kindly to. At peak degeneracy, it was not uncommon to step away from the channel (#vrl-chat) and come back an hour later to nearly 500+ unread messages, a few muted members and multiple pings. It became such an issue that even when some poor soul actually got a promotion, he would be thrust into a channel with multiple people flaming each other out, the original reason long since forgotten, and no direction or guide on what his promotion actually entailed. Arguments and complaints were so commonplace, the channel description actually got changed to reference this fact instead of the usual serious descriptions. Promotions eventually had to become voted on due to lack of organization and the aforementioned nepotism with many people leaving due them not getting the promotion they felt they should have gotten. And when clashing with less experienced raid leaders didn't work, the VRLs at the time would just clash with HRLs, throwing accusations of the HRLs forcing people through who didn’t deserve the promotion, or taking away their own permissions; this was an especially sore spot for many staff members at the time as the vast majority of the upper staff members were largely inactive compared to the VRLs and below. While the role camping and inactivity of many staff members was a huge cause of animosity for many, it should be noted in normal people terms that people got mad at other people for voicing their opinion despite not being online enough. It sounds absolutely insane to put it that way, because it is. A nice cherry on top for this section would be the drama surrounding name change permissions. In most raiding discords, your nickname is locked to your RotMG in game, but the permission to change names was given to VRLs at the time, under the guise of being able to covertly sneak into runs to give surprise feedback to any other raid leader; staff members usually have a prefix before their name, so they would be bumped to the top of the voice channel without this permission. And with any other permission, it was eventually abused(or rightly revoked, depending on who you ask.) And if we have learned anything from this section, it is that a blowup was imminent. An official announcement was made, and the drama cork popped. Arguments, pings, DMs, pretty much the works regarding this change; no matter where you stood on this ridiculously miniscule issue, you left the conversation unhappy. The VRLs cried that since only one person abused the permission, the single person should be punished, while the higher staff at the time were dead set that while it wasn’t enough for a demotion of the specific person, the permission had to be taken away in order to prevent further abuse. At the end of the day and a few thousand messages later, the permission stayed taken away, leaving only bitter views of other people, and one person who straight up stepped down due to it being such a huge deal. (It really wasn’t, since the permission was reinstated maybe a month and a half later.) And yes, some pretty top shelf memes were made about this situation.

Death of a Vanity Role

Discord is serious business. Discord roles are serious business. And with being totally serious business comes people that are very serious about discord roles.insert pic of general here. A common thing that would happen for people quitting the game or leaving the community would be that they would get a personalized role for their departure provided that they served as a staff member for over a year. The role didn’t provide any bonuses, it just gave your discord name the color of your choice with the role name usually being some sort of in-joke or reference from your tenure. Now this generally was not that big of a deal at first as higher staff members generally just didn’t leave, but eventually the amount of vanity roles began to pile up; this usually would not be a big deal either, but as the server organized its authority based on the power each role had, it could be said that there was incentive to keep the amount of roles low and consolidated. The tipping point eventually came when a HRL decided to step from his post for school and real-life time commitments, and decided that his vanity role would be given the permission to still view and type in a “staff-only” chat, instead of just the former staff and friends chat that was available for all former and staff members alike. Fairly quickly, a few people noticed this and didn’t think too much of it, until people started to take it personally. Not only was there discontent with someone having a special colored name, but they get to see a private channel as well? It is believed at this time that an admin was not a fan of vanity roles, and most woke up the next morning to the near complete purge of all vanity roles barring a handful of exceptions that didn’t come from the year-tenure source. As usual, there was some bickering, but as the people most angry about the change would be the next in line to get their own personalized discord role, the outrage over this largely blew over within a day or two however it did serve as a way for people to have a reason to dislike other staff members, which was a hobby in of itself for many.

The Great Rework

As I have hinted before, not only was the dungeon rework a major milestone for the game, but it was a major milestone for the server. DECA, while they do get blasted for being money hungry occasionally, did have enough foresight to let the community test out the rework before it went live on the testing server; while Old Shatts was easily cheeseable using safe-spots, and abuse of game mechanics to skip entire sections of the dungeon (Rest in peace, lavawalking), New Shatts was bullet-hell to the core. Complex shot pattern, tough enemies, and a variable map layout made it nearly an hour to complete upon release. While the dungeon itself is now well respected as a challenging run, it was absolutely bonkers upon release compared to the old version. The early versions had groups of 40-45 ending with only 5 people completing the final of the three bosses; and while testing did give the community a head start, there was really only a handful of people that could reliably lead other people, which makes sense as even the best players where still learning since the dungeon was, you know, brand new? A couple arguably hilarious situations happened during this transition period; one of which was the absolute outrage from the wider community regarding saved loot spoils and “exaltations”. As mentioned before, Old Shatts was a snoozefest compared to other dungeons, and it was very easy to rack up exaltations with very little risk to your character, at the expense of little chance of good loot. To go a bit more in depth, an Exaltation is earned by completing an end-game dungeon with an 8/8 character, and completing a set number of these will permanently give you a stat boost on the class that you complete these milestones with. As stated before, stat potions are limited to the character that uses them, but completing 75 Shatters on lets say, an 8/8 Knight, would give you a +5 permanent boost on your “Attack” stat on the Knight class for the future; other endgame dungeons would boost your other stats in this same manner. So when the new, harder, longer dungeon was released, the community was understandably pissed off when it was discovered that player Exaltations would not be reset, leaving new players or new accounts with a far steeper hill to climb with they wanted to completely max out this specific stat. Further on after some player feedback DECA did make it so the second boss also would give you an exaltation point, but the veteran players did have quite a chuckle about this, especially considering many people did weeks straight of the pre-reworked dungeon in order to get easy exaltations, and got away with really no consequences, besides having their dungeon completions reset to zero, which does not affect their exaltations. This also raised complaints, but then again the player base tends to complain about everything. While there were other shenanigans going on in the wider playerbase, the Discord specifically well, had some internal discord. The question had to be asked, as the largest raiding discord dedicated to the Shatters dungeon, how was the transition going to be handled? To answer your question, not as poorly as anyone imagined. Due to the player base also being largely unfamiliar with the dungeon, and the testing servers being incredibly laggy and unreliable, the first few months largely just had runs going on with everybody kind of learning at the same time. Many people sprung up who had a knack for the tougher style of dungeon this was, which required much more micrododging and phase recognition and the community slowly caught on, with runs nowadays being an average of about 25 minutes, which is pretty much par for the course for the endgame. And of course for every player that caught on quick, there were just as many veterans that actually used this transition to largely stop playing the game, although my personal opinion is that the players who thought they had it in the bag gave us the most amusing screenshots of them all.

Detroit Mute City

Circling back to the Discord server itself, one channel lurks in the depths, festering, as the root of all drama and evil, at least according to certain people. And that would be a channel called: #former-staff. It seems simple enough, a channel for both current and former staff members, and a few other random friends and users to talk and mingle about whatever they feel, with permissions linked to a colorless role called “Friends”. And to put it simply, the channel was just an absolute black hole for brain cells. Now parted from any kind of implied responsibility of being a staff member, most people who step down and don’t end up leaving the community completely take up the hobby of what the kids call “Shitposting in Former”, which is generally regarded as being as inflammatory, disturbing, rude, and/or argumentative as possible in the former staff channel usually coupled with posting horrible memes or calling people out for past mistakes. Think of a Festivus Airing of Grievances, except all the time and worse, usually ending with someone getting muted, kicked, or their “friends” role removed until further notice. The part that really makes this worth writing about not what you would expect however. In a large discord server with lots of different roles and channels, permissions can get a little murky. Maybe someone can type in a channel despite being muted? Maybe another channel has default permissions that don’t match another, but trying to fix it breaks everything? It was a fairly regular occurrence for something to be broken, and someone only taking the time to fix it (and the inevitable chain of other broken things) when someone would use unforeseen permission bugs to bypass a role removal or mute. This image posted in a mod channel a while back pretty much sums it all up.

American Chunnibyou in London

Some people are passionate about the game, and some people are passionate about a community. But some people are more passionate than other people. Some people will dodge plans or go to bed an hour later to play some more games or work on their interests. Some people may prefer to work a night shift instead of a day shift if it means they get more time to play games with their friends. Some people may give up real romantic relationships, jobs, and spout death threats when someone disagrees with them online. You can see where this is going. Usually, when people have an idea in a group setting they work together to find the best way to implement it going through stages of compromise. But that doesn’t really work when the person in question is just well, on a different wavelength? At this point in time, the Shatters Discord was trying to integrate another dungeon called Moonlight Village into its repertoire to increase server traffic both due to a declining interest in beginner friendly Shatters runs, as well as the game itself having less players compared to Old Shatts. And at the helm, was an HRL by the name of L. And what L lacked in what seemed like basic human interaction skills and not typing like a robot, he made up for in sheer grit and passion for the server itself. Now this chunk of drama is not to flame the guy for putting in work; you’d be a fool to ignore the fact that he put an immense amount of time into updating old guides, streamlining channels and generally trying to make the server itself a better place. The one thing that internet effort cannot do however, is help you interact effectively with your peers and not seem completely unhinged when things don't quite go your way. The saga begins with some good old fashioned trolling, and our boy L does not take it well; he is outwardly antagonistic towards trolls, and since he doesn’t exactly get along the best with other staff members, things start to unravel real quick. Audio is leaked of him melting down over a trolling attempt towards the server, DMs are leaked of him making death threats towards another staff member. It's really just surreal to watch, but the good ol’ boys over in #former-staff take notice, and soon the channel is flooded with people complaining that he should be banned for breaking the rules and being toxic; after a night of discussion, L is demoted, which still leaves a bitter taste in everyone's mouth but we can at least rest easy now someone shown to be unstable is out of a position of power, right? Not quite. The server has a feature called “Modmail”, where you can submit comments about raid leaders, server suggestions, and really anything towards the staff team as a whole via a bot; Our boy L soon drops a multiple paragraph message with a list of demands such as the server admins making a statement to clear the air about his demotion. He then gives a deadline for his terms to happen, and ends the message ominously. This message is obviously leaked, and everyone nervously awaits the fateful day. D-Day approaches, and everyone is called to the attention of L’s YouTube channel; while he in the past has posted RotMG guide and weird fanfiction to the server, a video release is scheduled for the deadline of his demands. While there was originally talk of a voice chat party in case something does go down, all the former boys and staff members alike proceed to go into DEFCON 5. The live footage waiting room gets upwards of 40-50 people waiting for the release, players are biting their nails in anticipation for the expected unhinged rant, and as the clock winds down to 0… The video plays a Microsoft Paint animation of the fursona of one of the server admins. Confusion sets in. Has L gotten the last laugh, or is he well and truly on the verge of breaking down? It is assumed to be the latter, as the video description contains a link to a google doc, with the sole content of said document being 60+ pages of a gif of a brick being thrown at the profile picture of an officer he got into an argument with prior to his demotion. Not much else to heard from L after this, most likely as it was clear that nobody truly wanted anything to do with him besides turn him into the next server lolcow, and he went off to start his own Moonlight Village raiding server, which as we can all expect, proceeded to get nuked as per RotMG discord tradition.

Promotion Drama 2: Electric Boogaloo

Promotions, especially higher staff promotions, have always kind of been a touchy subject in the Shatters Discord. Historically, there were four server owners; One who was the true owner, and 2 others, with the third being yanked up relatively quickly soon after the inception of the server. It should be noted that while server admins have the vast majority of permissions, only “owners” have the administrator privileges clicked on. It became a bit of a running joke that owners don’t get promoted, not only because the actual server owner is inactive as hell and he has the final say, but upper staff promotions in general never really happened, with even a new HRL being a pretty big deal, at least early on. Because of this, nepotism promotions and simply being around the longest are historically the way everyone has moved up, and it’s very tough to be demoted for inactivity if you are high enough on the totem pole. For example, one of the original owners was literally MIA for 2 years straight and it was just universally accepted that he was gone forever, until he randomly came back. Moving on, two raid leaders, Z and R, have always had an oil and water relationship. It arguably began when R got to the HRL position before Z did, and the hatred continued to fester, mostly due to out of touch that R seemed to be about certain subjects, further exasperating Z. Arguments continued throughout the months, mostly consisting of people getting their feelings hurt, justified or otherwise, until both were promoted to admin. The sibling rivalry continued until it ended rather anticlimactically, with Z promptly ghosting with no explanation to anyone, confusing the vast majority of people to this very day. And finally when it seemed things couldn’t get anymore unexplainable, R is promoted to full owner of the server, despite really not being able to consistently complete the dungeon that the server he moderates is based on. After so many years, so many worthy people, and so many missed promotions, people had to ask R; How did you end up getting the promotion to owner? “I really just kind of asked for it after a while.” Some say that Z is rolling in his grave to this very day.

The Last Airbender, or something like that?

There was always a very clear difference between players that were staff during Old Shatts, and people who acquired their role after the rework was done. Like the youngest of 90’s kids hearing a legal adult say they were born in 2002, the concept of actually having to play the game to get their weekly run quota done was incredibly jarring for some. And while there was a pretty large quota grace period for all staff members once the rework dropped, the mass exodus of staff members who had no real desire to learn the new dungeon was well in effect within a month, making the differentiation between the Old Guard and new staff members pretty obvious. Coincidentally, the Discord Music Bot, Rhythm, also was shut down at this time leading to the whole departure of being called Rhythmgate, because of course everything major has to have “-gate” after it. Anyway, as the server continued to chug along, less and less people from the old days continued to stick around, and many just decided to just step down even if they still played the game; when your buds leave there isn’t as much of an incentive to play online policeman. Circling back on the main point of this section, one of the longest running jokes in the server was who was going to nuke upon leaving? As mentioned before, mass deletion of roles or channels by disgruntled admins was very commonplace due to the incredibly toxic community the game has; so of course the question had to be asked whenever someone mentioned stepping down and doing a last hurrah, will you be deleting the Raider role? One Officer in particular, who we will refer to as K, decided to do just that. One of the last remaining players from the staff of the old days, K crept into the server in middle of the night, and proceeded to delete the role that about 25,000 people had, as well as post his own exposé on the Realm subreddit about the people that he hated, which hilariously enough is what brought our acquaintance D into the limelight as described a few sections above. While this didn’t exactly cripple the server as it's pretty easy to just have a bot hand out the role, it was absolutely hilarious for the peanut gallery and served as a send off for a certain squad of players who enjoyed soup.

The End, for Now

That concludes my stories and involvement in this community. I started playing the game right before the initial COVID lockdown, and ended up meeting some really great people, both in real-life and online due to it. I still check in relatively regularly, but I don’t play a whole lot of RotMG anymore due to long hours, but I’ve always wanted to do a writeup on some of the ridiculous drama that went on in this server. It originally started with an iceberg chart with a few inside jokes, but realistically it wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense unless you were part of the community, so this one is for all of you instead. If any other tales come up, perhaps I’ll write about them in scuffles, who knows. As far as the current state of the server? It has, alongside the game itself, been on a steady decline, mostly due to no lackluster attention by the DECA, and the rework of the dungeon as described above making the server's format not meshing well with the players who run the dungeon. Last time I checked in, many of the raid leading roles have actually been consolidated into just general organizers, and the hierarchy of the server is vastly different than it was during my tenure. The question of raider retention and how the restructuring affected it isn't very dramatic however, and is a question that I do not have the answer to. However the server is in fact chugging on and runs do seem to be happening and game updates are on the horizon, so maybe a revival will happen, who knows?

Artist: Leah Kate
Album: Super Over
Genre: Electropop, pop rock
Tracklist & Lyrics: Genius
Release date: September 15, 2023 ([FRESH] thread)
Label: Self-released
Listen: Spotify - Apple Music - Tidal - YouTube Music

Damn. I got it bad.

If you’re familiar with the format of these writeups (and I would judge you if the one about Leah Kate of all people was the one that interested you the most), you probably notice a pattern where first, the artist is introduced to the reader in a sort of new historicist way: background information about the artist, their prior career, scenes they were a part of, the album rollout and so on; followed by the project, presented as a culmination of their efforts thus far. Yet, such an approach with Leah Kate would require a writer who is familiar with the platform that gave her fame, an app I have never installed: TikTok.
My dad likes to browse Reels, and my mom occasionally watches Shorts. I like to chat on our Discord’s #rates channels (which you’re welcome to join! It’s very fun. Currently open All Stars 7 rate is a great start) and browse Reddit, and as terminally online as I am already, I’ve been avoiding an extra time sink in my life in the form of TikTok and the like. The platform’s impact on music has only been growing, however, with some of this year’s biggest hits first picking up steam on the app: Escapism, Water, Nanana… the list goes on. Let’s not even start on the Duster stuff. What I’m getting at is, even a year ago, the songs I associated with TikTok were different, they felt more like songs FOR TikTok, by TikTok. Remember abcdefu? Well, for Leah Kate, that song was Twinkle Twinkle.
Think of the worst song you’ve ever heard (and if you thought of Twinkle x2, think a bit harder) and there is a solid chance the YouTube comments are overflowing with positivity. Twinkle Twinkle is an exception! The way the internet reacted to it reminds me of Friday, and in fairness to Friday, that song has always been a bop, whereas Twinkle x2 is BAD deserved much of its mockery. I don’t think it is as bad as Leah Kate’s follow-up parody, My Bed, which takes the pop divinity of Kylie’s Can’t Get You Out of My Head and desecrates it, getting me way more riled up than Twinkle x2 ever could (sidenote: you can check the YT comments for a demonstration of my earlier hypothesis). Fortunately for Leah, she has been using the trolls for her advantage, or at least that’s what Glamour Magazine says. There is a semblance of truth to that, I think. The day Super Over dropped, I was chatting with a couple of friends about how they’re kinda excited a new Leah Kate album, and how the singles were surprisingly good. I thought they had to be kidding, yet, curiosity persists. It was barely past midnight in my timezone and I’d had a particularly frustrating day at uni. I put the album on, half curious, half dismissive, thinking that at worst it’d be a nice distraction from my daily worries. Oh, it turned out to be so much more.

Your faves are OVER.

Out of all the albums in the writeup series, Super Over has been the one I relistened to the most this year. Over time, I have realized that my feelings toward it changed from getting a kick out of the novelty of “that TikTok girl releasing actually decent music” to thinking “this is just one of the most enjoyable releases of 2023”. So what makes it so good?
Many of the highlights of this album tap into a sound which I’ve been missing for a while: they sound like Icona Pop’s I Love It. The songs are petty, wordy, but also brought together not by any kind of enticing, personal lyricism (like the stuff many other “alt-pop” artists are going for); but by how catchy the beats and the riffs are. The silly lyrics, the obnoxiously loud, distorted vocals and the 128kbps sounding electric guitar riffs make for a very trashy (complimentary) package. The first two songs are the best examples and the perfect one-two punch to open the album. The title track is a result of Leah thinking that she doesn’t have a proper “breakup anthem” (I guess F U Anthem didn’t count?) and Space has a similar theme: one guy needed space, so she moved on to another guy who’s all over her (like, physically, there is no space. lol). The on the nose, or as Leah herself puts it “brutally honest”, lyrics are not that different from her older, pop punk songs like 10 Things I Hate About You. But the pivot from pop punk to “electroclash” gives these songs a different flair, another way to channel the angst out, which (to me) is infinitely more fun, both as a listening experience and as songs to sing along. Let me be brutally honest and say that, if these songs were still pop punk, I don’t think Leah Kate has the “personality” to make them interesting. The magic of electropop, then, is how it kind of adds a layer where the songs can revel in their “personality-lessness” without losing their identity. I don’t know if that argument made sense. I just know Leah Kate slayed. Hard.
By the next two tracks, Leah has already forgotten that this was her album of breakup anthems. In some of the most insane 180° tracklisting I’ve seen, the third track on this is called Unbreakup. You can’t be serious. This one doesn’t commit to the electropop thing I mentioned above as much, in one interview with the Grammys (yeah, the Grammys. I didn't even know they did interviews. Where was the nomination for Super Over guys), Leah called it a sad song, I guess that’s why it’s more similar to her past songs. It’s not as good as the first two songs. It’s probably straight up not good, but this album wormed its way into my brain so I enjoy every song to a certain degree now. Desperate is similarly a song where she reminisces about an ex that she is desperate to forget. Four songs later, we have a song called I Forgot. Can you tell how much fun I’m having writing this? Anyway, Desperate has this underlying bass beat and when the guitars come in with the chorus it’s so good. It’s definitely a return to boppery after Unbreakup.
Then we have the biggest curveball in the album, which is Brainwash. Brainwash, instrumentally, reminds me of Twenty One Pilots’ Blurryface singles like Stressed Out and Ride with its underlying reggae inspiration. It also has one of my favorite hooks in the album, with Leah Kate using the term very literally: I need to wash out my dirty thoughts, is the idea. But what makes it fun to me is how the dirty thoughts escalate during the chorus, and then there is this brief stop as she comes back to Earth and repeats the “God I need a brainwash” line. It's weirdly successful in capturing the feeling of getting lost in your fantasies. Maybe Leah's brutally honest lyrics made a point here.
Next song, Get In Loser is weirdly “relevant” right now, with the new Mean Girls movie that came out recently. As you can understand from the title, it quotes Mean Girls (bonus footage of me doing writeup research). It’s one of the louder songs in the album and I love loudness!! It has an f-bomb that doesn’t really land unfortunately, but it also has a very short and silly pre-chorus that’s just “Let’s G.T.F.O.” and I love that, so she's forgiven for the clunky f-bomb.
Bored is her take on the nu-disco/synthwave revival, which is not unfamiliar territory to Leah if you look at some of her songs before 10 Things took off and she hopped on the pop punk trend. Thankfully it doesn’t stray too far from the core sound of the album and strikes a nice balance between nu-disco sheen and the rougher rock edges, making it one of the best songs here imo. “At least with me you’ll never be bored” is the motto here, well, I’m realistically never gonna hang out with her but at least it applies to her album!
Then you have Weird! which I find similar to the 00s rock revival thing Olivia Rodrigo went with this year. If you liked that, you might find this song interesting! For me it’s all about the way the second chorus has a deeper mix, which, alongside the outro, makes the song one of the more memorable cuts here despite its short runtime. Neither Leah nor Olivia have got shit on this banger though. It’s followed up by Bad Taste, which is the closest song here to We Are Never Getting Back Together, or some other Taylor song from that period. I can’t pinpoint the exact song this reminds me of, it just gives Taylor vibes to me. It’s a fine song which I mainly enjoy because the lyrics are so ??? but I’ll get to that later.
Speaking of songs that sound like other songs, 911 is Charli XCX’s Good Ones. Clearly Leah Kate didn’t watch that 4 hour Hbomberguy video. Okay despite the near-identical instrumental, the songs do have their differences, and the main one is how the chorus goes. Whereas Charli XCX lets the chorus go, Leah stays on it going wee-woo-wee-woo like a police car, and I find 911 to be more fun simply for that reason! It doesn’t seem to lose its momentum the way Good Ones does for me (not that I dislike Good Ones btw). If you clicked on the fresh thread for this album, you might have seen me strike a comparison (albeit jokingly) between this album and Crash. I felt there was a point to be made here, so I dug a little and found this interview with Charli where the author writes “Aitchison had framed it as a response to the escalating obsession with authenticity in pop music” and there is this quote from Charli: “Obviously with Crash, the whole idea was I wanted to make the most major label album I could possibly make. But by the time it came out, I was really just drained from that. It kind of showed me that actually, like, maybe that’s not where I thrive. To make that kind of music in that way, it became an interesting social experiment for me.” Now full respect to Charli, I love most of her songs, but I was disappointed with Crash because I felt like it tried too hard to flex its creative muscle despite being a sellout album; if that makes sense. Maybe I just wanted Charli to find inspiration in her older material like SuperLove and was disappointed with getting something else. In a way, Super Over finds that inspiration in SuperLove, in I Love It, and it sounds like the sellout album I wanted: it is the proof that pop music doesn’t need to be authentic to be good. Now, one other key difference here is Charli tried specifically not being authentic, whereas I don’t think Leah is unauthentic in any of these songs: if anything she talks about being “brutally honest” in her songwriting all the time. But I don’t tune into Super Over because I find Leah’s songwriting relatable or anything of that sort, I tune into it because it is a banger buffet!
That would be a nice point to end, but we have more songs to go through, starting with the next track Lucky! If Brainwash was 21p-esque alternative pop reggae, Lucky is full-on Ace of Base and other silly Eurodance people type pop reggae. Which is my favorite kind of white people doing pop reggae! This is my favorite turn-my-brain-off and bop music and Leah Kate does it justice with having all these silly rhymes that elevate it to another level. I just can’t have an unbiased take on this. Not that I can do that with anything, but with Lucky, I can’t even try. Only thing this song is missing is a dubstep drop and then it'd be the song of the decade in my book.
Rounding up the album, we have Liar and Happy. Liar is boring and my only skip in the album. Happy supposedly interpolates Eminem’s My Name Is but doesn’t interpolate (or at least I can’t hear it) Labi Siffre’s I Got The…, the song Eminem sampled in his song. I guess the “interpolation” here is just because of the lyrics but I won’t lie, if it sampled Siffre it would be an improvement. It’s not a particularly striking closer. Oh and I forgot about I Forgot, like how Leah forgot to forget her ex. I actually didn’t forget it, I only wanted to do a bit. That song is good. My favorite thing about it is–

Only The Most Nonsense Lyrics (Cuz In America They Stand For Something Different)

Hey, tomorrow, set a reminder to Stop being such a dumb bitch Take the trash out, that’s a metaphor for you Guess that makes me a hypocrite (na-na-na-na-naa)

I Forgot

I’m looking through your phone cuz I’m so insecure So-so so insecure S^oo^oo^oo so insecure I might just start a fight in the middle of the store Mi-mi middle of the store Mi^mimi^mi middle of the store

Bored

He’s a hot drummer, fuckboy summer Kinda guy you’d never introduce to your mother Got a big ego, even bigger, you know I come over and over, but then I go home emo

Bad Taste (honestly any part of this song)

It’s giving go home, giving american psycho It’s giving no one’s ever said no to you, have they? (I guess not) I’m getting socio vibes, kinda guy where your mom’s your type She don’t care if you cheat and lie, does she? … (manbaby)

Lucky

911, I’mma set your heart on fire (ooh-wee-ooh, ooh-wee-ooh) Make it hurt so much, worse than when I slashed your tires (ooh-wee-ooh, ooh-wee-ooh)

911

Hi, my name is, what? My name's "Fuck you!" And I don't ever wanna see you happy Keep crying, I'm laughing (Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha)

Happy

Listen to the album first! You can think later

• Did you like the album? What songs stuck out to you, as good or bad? Are you converted into being part of the Leah Nation?
• How much do prior expectations affect your enjoyment of an album?
• I’ve jokingly referred to several other artists who I associate with TikTok fame in the writeup, but it seems to me that TikTok is slowly becoming the only viable method of growing your popularity as an up-and-coming popstar. Are there any artists where you think they should be on people’s radars, despite being labeled as “just another pretty girl on social media”?
• What do you think about the authenticity “problem” in pop? I say “problem” with Charli’s quote in mind, but you don’t have to think of it as necessarily a negative thing.
• Will we see Gayle drop AOTY 2024?

Lot of big releases this month with the biggest one being mahoyo finally getting official translation from type moon. There were also bunch of fan translation projects that released as well as some titles from comiket. Overall much better month than the last few months. If I have missed something, so let me know if there are somethings you wanted to add

English releases

Title	Platforms	Developer	Release Date	Store
Succubus Sessions: Mami Mamiya's Sweet Slice of Hell - Censored Edition	Windows	Shiravune	01 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Sona-Nyl of the Violet Shadows ~What Beautiful Memories~	Windows	MangaGamer	07 December	Get @ mg
Shin'en no Yukar	Switch	LocaGames	07 December	Get @ nintendo
Sweet Wife’s affair – Mind Lost in Pleasure	Windows	Saikey Studios	08 December
Mahoutsukai no Yoru	Windows	TYPE-MOON	14 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Destiny Star Girlfriend - 18+ DLC	Windows	Shiravune	14 December
Wanting Wings	Windows	MangaGamer	14 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Gakkou no Seiiki	Windows	Denpasoft	15 December	Get @ denpa
My Slow Life with the Princess Knight and Her Devoted Handmaiden - Censored Edition	Windows	Shiravune	15 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Super Smash Gals: Ultimate Orgy	Windows/Linux/Android	Cherry Kiss Games	15 December	Get @ itch
Animal Trail ☆ Girlish Square 2 - Censored Edition	Windows	Sekai Project	18 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Shinobi Otoshi	Windows	Mango Party	19 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Issho ni Ikimashou Ikimashou Ikimashou	Windows	Kemco Corporation	21 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Kudan no Folklore	Switch	PROTOTYPE	21 December	Get @ nintendo
OPPAI Ero App Academy: Bigger, Better, Electric Boobaloo	Windows	Frontwing	26 December	Get @ jastusa
ONE.	Windows	Novamicus	22 December
My oshi vtuber jumped through the screen and now we're living together: Chill and vibey beast girl game streamer	Windows	Tensei Games	28 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
My oshi vtuber jumped through the screen and now we're living together: I want to make a contract with the lady vampire	Windows	Tensei Games	28 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
My oshi vtuber jumped through the screen and now we're living together: Slightly psycho succubus ASMR streamer	Windows	Tensei Games	28 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Do you like having sex with your colleague? I'll strip her down and make her a porn star!	Windows	Tensei Games	28 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Goblins on the March: Breed All Humans!	Windows	JAST USA	29 December	Get @ jastusa

 

Fan translation releases

Title	Platforms	Developer	Release Date	Store
Fate/Extra CCC + Fate/Extra Perfect Edition+	psp	iwakura productions	08 December
Sweet Wife’s affair – Mind Lost in Pleasure	Windows	Saikey Studios	08 December
4 Seasons, 4 Girls!!	Windows	ijedi1234	10 December	Get @ itch
LoveKami -Divinity Stage- Translation Port	Windows	kevlu123	19 December
LoveKami -Useless Goddess- Translation Port	Windows	kevlu123	19 December
LoveKami -Healing Harem- Translation Port	Windows	kevlu123	19 December
Tsuma Netori ~Onnakyoushi no Choukyou Nisshi~	Windows	Rattan Man Translations	22 December
Can I impregnate myself with another man’s semen…?	Windows	Saikey Studios	22 December
Ebikore+ Amagami - 1.0.0	psp	Ni-shi-shi Translations	26 December
ANONYMOUS;CODE Improvement Patch	Windows	Committee of Zero	26 December
Jan Jaka Jan	p98		31 December

 

Japanese releases

Title	Platforms	Developer	Release Date	Store
Kono Sekai ni Bad End wa Sonzai Shinai - Bundled Download Edition	Windows	SowChild	01 December	Get @ booth
Murder Mystery Paradox - Kono Hitonatsu no Juugonen	Windows	Aniplex Inc.	02 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Gesshoku	Windows/Mac OS	NOLASproject	02 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Sonna Bokura no, Merry Christmas	Windows/Browser	Katsuragi Ayato	02 December	Get @ novelgam
Koi wa Guuzen Tsurete Ikareru	Windows/Browser	Araba Nanunu	02 December	Get @ novelgam
Polaris no Ori	Windows	Gracias	03 December	Get @ dlsite / booth
Anti-Mushi - Paid Edition	Windows	IEOI	05 December	Get @ booth
Yama no Susume: Next Summit ~Ano Yama ni, Mou Ichido~	Switch	ENTERGRAM	07 December
=BABEL= Konton Yume Sakai Tanbou	Windows/Browser	Pau	07 December	Get @ novelgam
Umizoi no Eki nite	Browser	Sinusoidal Wave	07 December	Get @ freem
Momo no Hana wa Senketsu ni Somaru	Switch	One Connect	07 December	Get @ nintendo_jp
Yandere Escape	Windows/Browser	Sekawa	09 December	Get @ novelgam
Kuroyuri Gou wa Azawarau	Windows/Browser	Gracias	10 December	Get @ freem / novelgam
Chokuritsu Neko to Ouji	Windows/Browser	Kyomu Hito	11 December	Get @ novelgam
Tokimeke! Melonpan	Windows	Yüki	14 December	Get @ novelgam
Otome Riron to Sono Shuuhen -Ecole de Paris-	Windows	HIKARI FIELD	15 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Pako Ero! ~Kimo Ota na Boku to Oshiuri Gyarus~	Windows	Pin-Point	15 December	Get @ dlsite / gyutto / digiket / getchudl
Ouma ga Toki 2 - Yoyami ni Inoru Shoujo	Windows	Potato Seikatsu	15 December	Get @ dlsite / dmm
Dream Your Color	Windows	Taneda.	16 December	Get @ novelgam
Gomi no Naka de Oyasumi	Browser	Gracias	16 December	Get @ freem
Nostalgic ★ Summer	Windows	VENUS	17 December
Ano Hi, Bokura wa Himitsu o Umeta	Windows	Tendenbarabara	17 December	Get @ booth
2045, Tsuki Yori. - Regular Edition	Playstation 4	ENTERGRAM	21 December	Get @ playasia
D.C.5 ~Da Capo 5~ Limited Edition	Playstation 4	CIRCUS	21 December	Get @ playasia
Rail Romanesque Origin Regular Edition	Playstation 4	RaRo	21 December
G-mode Archives+: Tantei Kibukawa Ryousuke Jikentan Vol.13 "Tasogare wa Ruri no Tsuioku"	Windows	G-mode	21 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Erotic Devil★Panic!	Windows	Heart Color	21 December	Get @ dlsite
Yami-iro no Maju	Windows	Daisy2	22 December
Imouto to Kanojo - Sorezore no Sentaku - Package Edition	Windows	Waffle	22 December	Get @ melonjp / getchu / dmm / toranoana
Yuzuriha no Uta -Inouryoku Soshiki Hanzai Taisaku Bu: Tokushu Kidoutai Dai Ni Ka- First Press Edition	Windows	propeller	22 December	Get @ melonjp / getchu / dmm / toranoana
Shin Koihime † Eiyuutan - Gaiden - Hakugetsu no Tomoshibi	Windows	BaseSon	22 December	Get @ getchu
ONE.	Windows	Novamicus	22 December
Amase-Jima wa Irokoi Zakari - Package Edition	Windows	Liaison	22 December	Get @ melonjp / getchu
Shinshokukan - Package Edition	Windows	GENDAI	22 December
Hahamusu Gaiden ～Suishou no Joou Delfina～ Package Edition	Windows	bootUP!	22 December	Get @ melonjp / getchu / toranoana
Mahou Senshi EXTRA IGNITION	Windows	Triangle	22 December	Get @ getchu
Kazoku wa (Ore Igai) Succubus Deshita ~ Futari no Ane to Haha to no Seikatsu de Seieki o Shiboritora Remasu ~	Windows	Marine	22 December	Get @ getchu
Amanatsu - Perfect Edition	Windows	Azarashi Soft	22 December	Get @ melonjp / getchu
Yuunagi-sou no S-kyuu no Kanojo-tachi 2	Windows	MOONSTONE	22 December	Get @ getchu
Moratorium ~Blue Hour Shiawase no Jikan~ Package Edition	Windows	WendyBell	22 December	Get @ getchu
Ane Tsumami 2 ~Ecchi na Onee-san Hitozuma ni Tappuri Amaeru Mecha Shiko Love Life~ Simple Edition	Windows	ANIM	22 December	Get @ getchu
Ane Tsumami 1-2 Pack	Windows	ANIM	22 December
Shinsei Kourin S-TRAN[C]XE - DL Edition	Windows	CHAOS-R	22 December
Nukicolle vol.51 - Tsugunai 1+2	Windows	Blue Gale	22 December
Elf to Kemomimi ~Yareba Yaru Hodo Tsuyoku Naru!~	Windows	Confiture Soft	22 December	Get @ melonjp / getchu / dmm
Motto! Haramase! Honoo no Oppai Isekai Ero Mahou Gakuen! - HD Remaster Plus	Windows	Milk Factory	22 December	Get @ melonjp / getchu / dmm / toranoana
Kurazaki Sakuna no Uwaki Chousa ~Netorare Tsuma no Midara na Kahanshin Jijou~ Package Edition	Windows	Atelier Sakura	22 December	Get @ getchu / dmm
Nightmare x Maverick ~Saiyaku no Revenant~	Windows	Guilty Nightmare Project	22 December	Get @ getchu
Tonari no Bijin Tsuma wa Yokkyuu Fuman Deshita ~Aa, Ano Hito no Yori Danzen Ookikute Katai....!~ Package Edition	Windows	Appetite	22 December	Get @ getchu
Ippai Amayakashimasu ♪ ~Boku no Maid wa Gakuen de Ninkimono no Senpai Desu~ Package Edition	Windows	Ammolite	22 December	Get @ getchu
Club Suicide Complete Edition (Android Ver.)	Android	MORPATH	22 December	Get @ dlsite
Bedside Santa Claus	Windows/Browser	IEOI	22 December	Get @ novelgam
Oma Mote!! Okawari - Free Edition	Windows/Browser	Resistlip	23 December	Get @ novelgam
Hatsukoi Crush	Browser	Gracias	25 December	Get @ freem
[Hayasaki no Kuroyuri] Tsuika Scenario "Hana to Itsuki no Gojitsu-dan 1"	Windows	mirai works	26 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Onzoushi mitsugi mazoka keikaku	Windows		26 December	Get @ dlsite
Nuss Jump no Prelude	Windows	Cai Chenglong	26 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Sekimori Gami ~Sakura Bito~	Windows/Browser	SHIONO	26 December	Get @ novelgam
Tsuka Shikiru wa Yarazu no Ame	Windows/Browser	Tsukuyomi Raika	27 December	Get @ novelgam
Gozen 4-ji no Manimani: Nisemono World End - Download Version	Windows	CHARON	28 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / dmm / booth
Musou no Haramase Onaho Kishidan ~Tsuyoi Mesu o Jutsu de Kuppuku Sasete Ero Hidoi Koto Yaritai Houdai no Zettai Chuusei Harem o Tsukuru!~ Download Edition	Windows	Miel	28 December
Tenshi no Takarabako - Paper Box Edition	Windows	WSS playground	29 December	Get @ melonjp
Hime no Rakuen - Package Edition	Windows	Succulent	30 December
Nanagane Gakuen Ryokou Bu -tour:03 Kinugawa Hen- Regular Edition	Windows	Luna System	30 December	Get @ melonjp / getchu / toranoana
Owaranai Kisetsu no Mannaka de	Windows	Lopt software	31 December
Futari Korosu no mo Sannin Korosu no mo Onaji Koto da to Omou kara - Kanzenban	Windows	Nijineko	31 December
Harujion wa Ame to Saku -- Reminiscence in the Rain --	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Tuisou Project	31 December
Akizora no Memories ─Unmei no Chiheisen─ Limited Package Edition	Windows	GALEX SOFT	31 December
Delete	Windows		31 December
Bui Koi!! ~Boku Dake ni Mieru Tenshi~	Windows/Browser	Bui Koi!	31 December	Get @ novelgam

Indy releases

Title	Platforms	Developer	Release Date	Store
Dreamwalker	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	JayzonBH	01 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
OMG! Not Another Isekai	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Sunflower Games	01 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
Twofold: The Perfect Circle Collection	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Salty Salty Studios	01 December
My Tsundere Femboy	Windows	FuwaFuwa Club	01 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Late Night Delivery: The Bewitched Collection	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Monster Box	01 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
Adieu Those In Love	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	OccultLily	01 December	Get @ itch
FISHTIME! - a BAT & MTR ghost story	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	KirimaruWM	01 December	Get @ itch
The Legend of Ogorets #3: Kikimora	Windows/Mac OS	Anne Crawson	01 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Don't Die Digging	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	Inyssa	01 December
The Scenic Route	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Porksbun	01 December	Get @ itch
Aegis Dilemma: Veritas Omnia Vincit	Windows	GhostGaming800	01 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
Furry Boss 💼	Windows	Dirty Fox Games	02 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Lost in Paradise	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	SadPepper	02 December	Get @ patreon
Lunch with Ronan v2.2	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	NofH Group	02 December	Get @ itch
Scars	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Browser	crabcakes	02 December
Love is War (Remake)	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android/Browser	RizVN	02 December	Get @ itch
Echoes from Valeth v1.0	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	Aucyon Project	04 December	Get @ itch / patreon
Hans	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	USC Games	04 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Rabbit Trail	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Browser	Molli Shucker	04 December	Get @ itch
Star Crossed	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Crescendo	05 December	Get @ itch
Mr. President's Best Day Ever	Windows/Mac OS		05 December	Get @ itch / gamejolt
Horny Holiday	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Big Chungus Productions	06 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / patreon
Weak	Windows/Linux	GROADGames	06 December	Get @ itch
A Date with Death	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Two and a Half Studios	07 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
Pesterquest	Switch	Fellow Traveller	07 December	Get @ nintendo
Hiveswap Friendsim	Switch	Fellow Traveller	07 December	Get @ nintendo
Tier Gamma Yuri Ship	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Browser	LezLiz	07 December	Get @ itch
There's No Way I'd Fall in Love With a Womanizer, Right?	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Team ANPIM	07 December	Get @ itch
Stuck in You	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	llonelly	07 December	Get @ itch
Grandma's House: College Days	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Moon Box Games	08 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
I Think I Need Your Help	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Kyanite Heart	08 December	Get @ itch
Please Miss Me	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	ariana rose	08 December	Get @ itch
narcotizeDR	Windows	Clockworkist	08 December	Get @ itch
My Faithful and Loyal Wife Would Never Cheat on Me	Windows/Linux	JellyFluff Games	09 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
Boyband Hell	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Little Miss Lee Stories	09 December	Get @ itch
Stellar Reflections	Windows	Badger Can Fly	10 December	Get @ itch
My Incubi Harem	Windows	Male Doll	11 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Goodbye Time Traveler - Story DLC	Windows/Browser	Fouzi	11 December	Get @ itch
Wishes: Holly Night	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	Mushi	11 December	Get @ itch
MyGF: Another Episode v1.3	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	Meiri	11 December	Get @ itch
A different summer	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	K84	12 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Water Girl	Browser	Florelle Blu	12 December	Get @ itch
My Stepsister - A Short Story	Windows	Alias_Pseudonym	12 December
Quinn & Flynn	Windows	Stanwixbuster	13 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
ERROR143 Day 5	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Jenny Vi Pham	15 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
Speak of the Devil I: A Deathly Proposition	Windows/Mac OS	Husky-Leaf Studios	15 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Good Morning Cruel City	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Ethel Chamomile	15 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
snack machine change	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	npckc	15 December	Get @ itch
Channel 453 -Shadows of the Game-	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Bulhwa	16 December	Get @ itch
Warmth - Christmas	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	PlusHP	16 December	Get @ googplay
Between Humanity 0.1.5	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android		16 December	Get @ itch / patreon
Six Days of Snow	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	ebi-hime	16 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch
Mature Comedy Visual Novel	Windows	YUM STUDIOS	16 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
The Voice from the Well: The Velessar Saga	Windows	Knight of the Northern Cross	16 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Nightly Visits - Censored Edition	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	GayWriter10	18 December	Get @ itch
MyGF: Another	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Meiri	19 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
soundless - A MODERN SALEM IN REMOTE AREA - Final Verse	Android	milk+ visual	20 December
Whisky Business	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Emberune Studios	20 December	Get @ itch
Pandemommyum! Hot Single Moms in My Area	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Monster Box	21 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Synthetic Lover	Switch	Eastasiasoft	22 December	Get @ nintendo
The Bard for Her	Windows	Noxurtica	22 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
(Neg)Entropic Wandering	Windows/Linux	Ryan Nein	22 December	Get @ itch
Fattening Career 0.08a	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android		22 December	Get @ itch
snow day	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	mcq_heartmark	23 December	Get @ itch
Thick Fat	Windows/Linux/Browser	mrTomatoEsquire	23 December	Get @ itch
The Cabin	Browser	CaesarCub	23 December	Get @ itch
Rewriting The Legend	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Mei18	24 December	Get @ itch
1 Date Danger v1.5	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Knives	25 December	Get @ itch
Bloom Of The White Crystal	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Cranberry Shortcake	25 December	Get @ itch
A Momentary Goodwill	Windows/Mac OS	Attica Kish	25 December	Get @ itch
Reclusion	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Fatum Black	26 December	Get @ itch
Changeling Tale	Android	Helmet Fox Productions	27 December	Get @ itch / patreon
Lyre v1.20.1	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Android	atmac	27 December	Get @ itch / patreon
Repurpose	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Cereus Garden Studios	27 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Embraced by Autumn	Android	ebi-hime	27 December	Get @ itch
Welcome to the Karoshi Club	Windows	Kamishibai Interactive	27 December	Get @ steam / steamdb
Speakeasy	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	Open Late Games	30 December	Get @ steam / steamdb / itch / jastusa
Fragile Feelings - Adult Edition	Android	ebi-hime	31 December	Get @ itch
on Christmas he will return home	Windows/Linux/Mac OS	But Wholesome Games	31 December	Get @ itch
a spell of snow	Windows/Linux/Mac OS/Browser	pke1029	31 December	Get @ itch

  Anything in here you want to play this month? Feel free to discuss what you would like to play or even tell others to stay away from a title.

A lot of things happened this year for Tempus.
Vanguards debut, the numerous collab events, Magni and Vespers graduation and finally the debut of ARMIS.
I made this recap to reflect on it and show the most memorable moments.
I'm certain that I still missed many other moments, as I just started making this 1-2 weeks ago.
Hope you all had a wonderful year despite all the up and downs.
See you in 2024! Otsustars~ ✨
P.S. I apologize for the flood of emojis in advance.
I also made a version with the JP Stars, but reddit has a character limit and this sub seems to have a spam filter for big posts, so I unfortunately had to trim the post.

January

8. Tempus DnD final episode 🎇⛓️🧤📗

Tempus DnD playlist (No Erky Timbers were harmed during the playthrough of this DnD session)

8. TEMPUS Vanguard debut 🎩🪫 🔅🏹

Annoucement
Teaser video
Gavis Bettel debut stream 🎩
Machina X Flayon debut stream 🪫
Banzoin Hakka debut stream 🔅
"Raven's Paradigm" first original song by Banzoin Hakka
Josuiji Shinri debut stream 🏹
"DADDY! DADDY! DO!" cover by Josuiji Shinri
First collab stream 🎩🪫 🔅🏹
Original group song "Always Tied"

16. Holosalt 🧂 Monopoly collab featuring Vesper Noir, Magni Dezmond, Mori Calliope & Ouro Kronii (Time is a cruel mistress~) 📗🧤💀 ⏳
15. Flayons Gorimane origin story 🪫🦍
18. PUMMEL PARTY Full Tempus Collab (but Vesper dropped out at the last minute...) 🍤
20. Bettel adopts his horse Brian at a reasonale price (Crane Game Toreba) 🎩
21. Snailtare debut 🐌
23. 6 Month TEMPUS HQ anniversary cooking stream 🎇⛓️🧤📗

Axels POV (adult content)
Altare and Magnis POV

28. "KISS OF DEATH" cover by Machina X Flayon 🪫
30. Regis Altare birthday 2023 🎇

Tempus Poker Night 🍤

​

February

5. Bettels first Taco (ok guys, I also never ate a taco in my life, so this was a highlight for me~) 🎩
10. heff jardys superchat foreboding Bettels death 🎩
13. Vesper Noir birthday 2023 (Vesper dates an A.I.) 📗
14. "Sentimental Feelings of Love" cover by Banzoin Hakka 🔅
15. "Märchen Kareshi to Märchen Kanojo" cover by Machina X Flayon & Banzoin Hakka 🪫🔅
18. KUREIJI ARCADE Apex Mini Game Tournament hosted by Kureiji Ollie 🧟‍♀️

Initial Announcement
Explanation
Holostars side stream

22. Vesper reveals Vestea, the first Vestie and his assistance 📗
25. Wolfquest Tempups collab featuring Magni, Altare, Shinri, Hakka, Flay & Bettel 🍤
​

March

1. Holosalt 🧂 Monopoly collab Season 2 featuring Vesper Noir, Magni Dezmond, Mori Calliope & Amelia Watson 📗🧤💀🔎
8. Axel having a mature little chat with Monika about relationships (final DDLC episode) ⛓️
13. Magni and Bettel off collab 🧤🎩
16. "RAD DOGS" cover by Minase Rio, Airani Iofifteen, Hakos Baelz, Axel Syrios ⛓️ & Tokino Sora
🕯️🎨🎲⛓️🐻
18. "Prologue" cover by Yatogami Fuma, Utsugi Uyu, Hizaki Gamma & Minase Rio 🦝🃏🖌️🕯️

1. hololive SUPER EXPO 2023 TEMPUS walking tour with Axel, Hakka and Flayon ⛓️🔅🪫

26. "KiLLiNG ME" cover by Banzoin Hakka 🔅
​

April

1. HOLOSTARS TEMPUS 3rd Gen debut 🪳🦍🐴🪱

Teaser
Morf le Rosh stream 🪳
Gorira Manager stream 🦍
CL0PB0T stream 🐴
Justa Worm stream 🪱

1. "YATTA" cover by TEMPANTSU (Axel, Altare, Magni, Vesper, Astel, Shien, Rio, Gamma) 🩲
7. Holosalt🧂 UNO collab featuring Vesper Noir, Magni Dezmond, Mori Calliope & Ouro Kronii
📗🧤💀⏳
15. V-Saikyo #5 Apex Tournament

Participants
Axels POV (The end of the TSB journey) 🐍
Axels Aftertalk ⛓️

21. VCR Rust (featuring Astel, Roberu, Axel, Gamma, etc) 🎭🍷⛓️🖌️

playlist with clips
Axel playlist (the EXCITING shota) ⛓️

22. Banzoin Hakka birthday + second orginal song 🔅

birthday stream
Song "Shattered Wings"
Tempus birthday loteria group collab 🍤

23.HAKKAFE SPECIAL W/ HAKKA MOM!
30. "Inkya Impulse" cover by Gavis Bettel & Banzoin Hakka 🎩🔅
​

May

13. "KICKBACK" cover by Axel Syrios ⛓️
18. Gavis Bettel birthday 2023 featuring Bettel2 + new cover song 🎩

Stream (Better2 debut)
"MONSTER" cover

1. Holosalt 🧂 TTRPG: GUN collab featuring Vesper Noir, Magni Dezmond, Mori Calliope & Ouro Kronii (Full Mental Alchemist: Cowboyhood) 📗🧤💀⏳

20. - 27. Holostars RUST Season 1 hosted by Kishido Tenma ✨🦔💨

Rules
Playlist of some clips
Altare playlist 🎇

26. "Idol" cover by Banzoin Hakka 🔅
27. Axel losing his dignity (while playing Genital Jousting) ⛓️
28. "Shinigami" cover by Vesper Noir 📗

Aftertalk

​

June

1. Magni Dezmond first original song "Copium" 🧤
5. Machina X Flayon birthday 2023 🪫

birthday stream
Tempus Jackbox group collab 🍤

8. "Bokura no 16-bit Sensou" - covered by Hanasaki Miyabi, Yatogami Fuma, and Regis Altare 🌺🦝🎇
11.

• Magni Dezmond 1.5 debut (The Alchemist Prologue) 🧤
• Vesper buys a Spear Gun 📗

17. "Tower Of Babel" cover by Banzoin Hakka 🔅
20. Flayon being wholesome to Bettel~ 🪫🎩
23. Josuiji Shinri birthday 2023 🏹
30. "Kyu-Kurarin" cover by Axel Syrios ⛓️
​

July

1.

• Vesper Noir 📗 2.0 debut 📗
• Flayon opens the eroge floodgates. (the fist HolopPro TROUBLE DAYS stream) 🪫

6. 6 Month Tempus Vanguard anniversary 🎩🪫 🔅🏹

Mario Party Superstar collab
6 Month in Review

10. Magni Dezmond & Vesper Noir hiatus (no....) 🧤 📗
19. - 29. VCR GTA Season 1 (featuring Axel, Astel, Roberu etc.)

Axel paylist (La Familia arc) ⛓️

23. Regis Altare 1st anniversary (debut stream reaction, Chibi 3D model reveal) 🎇
24. Axel Syrios 1st anniversary (debut stream reaction) ⛓️
26. Minase Rio birthday (2x 6 hour karaoke streams) 🕯️

Part 1
Part 2

28. Flayon on his first period (period.) 🪫
29. "MY ROAR" cover by Banzoin Hakka 🔅
31. National TEMPUS Radio first episode 🍤
​

August

1. Hakka enjoing duck a little bit too much (Placid Plastic Duck Simulator) 🔅

4. Axel being a polite young man (Fortune Reading collab with Evalia) ⛓️
5. "Everything Goes On" cover by Regis Altare 🎇
17. Bettels Oundgac origin story 🎩

1. Shinri on his first period (must be seasonal) 🏹

19. The Death of Gavis Bettel + new cover song 🎩

Stream (And all I got was this T-Shirt)
"One Reason" cover

24. Magni Dezmond & Vesper Noir graduation announcement 🧤📗
25.-31. Holostars RUST Season 2 hosted by Kishido Tenma ✨🦔💨

Tenmas Announcement
Playlist with clips
Altare playlist 🎇
Shinri playlist 🏹

​

September

4. - 10. TEMPUS Week + 3 new group original songs 🍤

Details
Playlist
"Woven Fates" by Regis Altare, Axel Syrios, Josuiji Shinri & Gavis Bettel
"FLEX" by Regis Altare, Axel Syrios, Gavis Bettel, Machina X Flayon, Banzoin Hakka & Josuiji Shinri
"DEAD WORLD" by Gavis Bettel, Machina X Flayon & Banzoin Hakka
Summary

23. Axel not cheating on Sayuri, Tifa, Ame, Maki Nishikino and Kaine (TROUBLE DAYS Ep.2) ⛓️
29. "Do as I say" cover by Banzoin Hakka & Josuiji Shinri 🔅🏹
​

October

24. Axel being a polite young man again~ (Fortune Reading with Evalia) ⛓️
30. "Mr. Schadenfreude" cover by Axel Syrios, Banzoin Hakka, Mori Calliope, Ouro Kronii, Ayunda Risu, Moona Hoshinova, Vestia Zeta & Kobo Kanaeru ⛓️🔅💀⏳🐿️🔮📜☔
30. "When You're Evil" cover by Gavis Bettel 🎩
30. "GRATEFUL☆DEAD☆MARCH" cover by Machina X Flayon 🪫
31. "Fixer" cover by Banzoin Hakka 🔅
31. -TEMPUS- visual Novel “Doppelganger” release 🍤

Announcement
itch.io release
Steam release

​

November

2. Axel Syrios birthday 2023 featuring Papa Syrios ⛓️
11. "Tarine" cover by Banzoin Hakka 🔅
18. Holostars EN ARMIS debut 🦖🦅ထ💢

Details
Debut PV
Jurard T Rexford debut stream 🦖
"Jenny" cover by Jurard T Rexford
Goldbullet debut stream 🦅
Octavio debut stream ထ
"HOLLOW HUNGER" cover by Octovio
Crimzon Ruze debut stream 💢
First group collab
"BLOODHOUNDS" orignal group song

30. "Connecting" cover by HOLOSTARS ✨
​

December

7. - 23. VCR GTA 2 (featuring... A LOT)

all Participants (in JP)
playlist with clips
Axel playlist ⛓️

9.-10. TSB HoloNIJI Apex Custom hosted by Selen Tatsuki 🐍🏆

Announcement
Participants
Hightlight clip
Axels ⛓️ POV

14.- 25. 12 days of TEMPUS hosted by Banzoin Hakka 🍤

Schedule
Song

What was your Tempus highlight in 2023?

As a followup to the my previous post below, at the request of several redditors, I'm sharing my tips, mental approach, strategy and just a few recipes I used over the past year.
https://www.reddit.com/CICO/comments/18c7pgb/1_year_in_191_lbs_gone_40m_6_sw_366_cw_175_gw_180/

WEIGHT LOSS & FOOD STRATEGY

Outline

• General Tips
• My Personal Daily Food Target
• Tools
• Eating Out
• Proteins
• Substitutions: Make the Most of your Calories
• Recipes

General Tips

1. The first few weeks are the hardest, if you feel discouraged don’t be! You’re already winning!
2. Figure out WHY you overeat: is it hunger? Boredom? Comfort? Find a way to replace it with a healthy habit. I feel better 1 hr after I clean a room or do a project, I don’t feel better or remember a dessert I ate 1 hr later.
3. Give yourself TIME to adapt and adjust to a healthy diet with reasonable portions.
4. Focus on mental toughness and mental health, it’s 2023 if you need help get it!
5. Work with a dietician if your insurance covers it or you can afford it, but follow reputable sources like Mayo or Cleveland clinic for health advice if not.
6. Do something SUSTAINABLE: calculate maintenance calories at your target weight and plan what you would eat each day, eat the same stuff but less to lose weight
7. Non-scale victories are real! Focus on how you feel mentally, physically, bloodwork, blood pressure, blood sugar, how your clothes fit, energy level and otherwise. I felt better only 5 days into my new lifestyle.
8. Avoid fad diets (I won’t list what I think are fads or transition only, but realize nutrition/dieting has more misinformation online than politics)
9. Use a TDEE calculator to figure out your maintenance calories and target deficit
10. Vet calories in apps or online, I’ve found huge errors in Loseit and myfitness pal and other rules of thumb. USDA FoodData Central and the manufacturer’s nutrition label are what I trust. USDA is very useful for things you don’t have nutrition facts. Is there error? Yes, but error goes both ways and overtime it cancels out.
11. Spend calories wisely like money (don’t waste them on non-nutritious or non-filling food)
12. Track calories, even if it’s a questionable estimate
13. Use a meal app such as LoseIt to track meals or a google sheet on your phone
14. Weigh everything you can to the gram, it’s much more accurate than volume or servings per container, just hit zero as you add things to your plate. It’s also a heck of a lot easier than measuring things in cups and scraping them out. Things like avocado’s and sweet potatoes there is no other way to be accurate, not 1 large or small fruit etc. The only thing I measure by volume is salad dressings and condiments at times with a 1 TBSP measuring spoon, but they can be weighed too. (baking is a different issue-I obviously use volume). Over time you’ll become skilled at eyeballing food and portions.
15. Don’t let a bad meal or day carry on to the next meal or day, it happens and isn’t a reason to get discouraged or an excuse to binge the rest of the day. You went over 500-1000 calories? Guess what that’s probably a lot less than you would’ve gone over before you started your journey. It’s actually a victory. I went 1500 calories over on my birthday, totally unplanned, but a year prior I would’ve been 3000+! That is a WIN!
16. Plan meals ahead for the day
17. Have a reserve contingency heading into late afternoon/evening
18. Eating out can be controlled, don’t view it as you have to give up or will always go over
19. Eat high protein, high fiber food and get plenty of VARIED greens and fruits. Variety is important because no one fruit or vegetable has everything you need.
20. If you have a lot of extra calories available because you skipped a meal, don’t eat them all at once, spread them out an hour especially if you are still training your body to a reasonable portion
21. COOK! You can make better, more filling meals for your money and calories than you can buy!
22. Healthy foods without a corn subsidy can be more costly, but are cheaper than chronic issues associated with a bad diet
23. Meal prep so you have options available if you’re short on time
24. I usually batch cook a lot of chicken on the grill and freeze it in Ziploc freezer bags and defrost as needed and it’s the base in most of my meals if I don’t have time to cook fresh-this leaves me with no excuses to eat healthy
25. Meal prep and freeze complete meals-I do this with my chicken pasta, chilli, soups, etc. These reheat very well and are my go to when strained or working 12 hour shifts.
26. Weigh only once a week, your weight varies too much day to day to track and for many it is discouraging when they see weight from either a delayed bowel movement or a salty meal making the “numbers” look bad when in reality they are doing well.
27. Your palate will get better! If you’re a foodie like me you’ll become able to taste and appreciate things you couldn’t before because you were overwhelmed by junk foods and insane amounts of sugar or Guy Fieri entrees that use every spice known to humanity.
28. Plan a cheat day or reward, but be reasonable and don’t let a meal turn into a day or week, we hit reset every morning
29. Do what works for YOU, this is just what worked for me and is supported by my goals and dietician

My Personal Daily Targets
Most of my days are 30-40% protein, 35-45% carbs and 20-25% fat (note: I eat high fiber foods)
140 grams of protein a day minimum (usually higher)
35 grams of fiber minimum
Saturated Fats <20 grams (or lower)
Sodium <3500 mg
Multiple servings of leafy greens
Multiple servings of vegetables
Multiple servings of fruit (varied fruits)
No white bread, white rice, or processed food
Limited sugar
Healthy Fats
Healthy Oils
At least one treat a day
Tools

1. $10 electronic food scale
2. 1 TBSP measuring spoon (I recommend a stubby coffee scoop)
3. Travel stainless/silicone condiment containers (can also be used for nuts or cheese to add to salads, not just dressing or BBQ sauce)
4. Cooler with ice packs (so you can bring meals when needed)

Eating Out
Research beforehand
Don’t be afraid to ask for a menu item to be modified or a side changed
Look for chicken, particularly boneless skinless, fish not breaded or fried, salmon, or grilled shrimp
Realize some “grilled” items sometimes are really cooked in oil on a flat top or skillet
Salads are a good option but you have to watch salad dressing as restaurant dressing can be very calorie heavy, obviously cheese is not low fat or calories, nuts and candied nuts you need to watch.
Almost every restaurant, even if they don’t have a healthy option, I’ve managed to find one. My panic button is a salad with lean protein. If there is an adder for chicken or shrimp I have them do that and often I ask to double the adder as usually it’s not a whole lot of meat. I bring my own salad dressing that is 5-10 calories a serving in small pocket cups (stainless with silicone lids). There are squeeze silicone bottles you can use but they are more difficult to clean properly.
Proteins
I eat primarily boneless skinless chicken breast, cod, salmon and shrimp. Most of my protein is chicken as it's cheap, has a lot of protein for the calories and is low in saturated fat. I view calories as money and I get a lot more bang for my buck with chicken versus 80/20 ground beef. For less calories I hit my protein target more easily and have calories to spare on other items I enjoy. Cod, crab and shrimp are good too, particularly prepared in a non-stick pan with a minimal amount of healthy fat. I eat salmon once a week for the Omega 3. If I do eat ground beef I use 93/7 to get more protein for the calories and less saturated fat. My cholesterol numbers were poor before and now optimal with this strategy.
Substitutions: Make the Most of your Calories
Potatoes
I love sweet potatoes, they are so good they can be eaten plain, but I sometimes top with cinnamon, splenda brown sugar blend, a sugar free syrup, or cheese.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great food. It is reasonable in calories and has a lot of protein for the calories and if bought in low fat or nonfat versions has low saturated fat. I use it as a sub for sour cream, to create dips (fiesta ranch seasoning, ranch seasoning, add sals or hot sauce). I also use it with fruit to create a nutritious snack or pre or post workout snack that's high in protein. In that case I add splenda to it and pure vanilla extract. You can even strain it in the fridge overnight, add artificial sweetener and vanilla and it's almost like an icing or frosting.
Sauces
BBQ sauce for example look at Sweet Baby Ray's the primary ingredient is sugar (HFCS). If you look at a sauce like Stubb's you'll see the first ingredient is tomato's so it has a lot lower calories and isn't as bad for you. You can take that a step further and use a sugar free sauce like G Hughe's line of BBQ sauces that are only 10 calories for 2 TBSP's. There are a lot of low calories hot sauces, but you have to watch sodium content.
Salad Dressing
Look for light or reduced calorie dressings as they are often 45-60 cals per 2 TBSP versus 110+. You can take it further and utilize a dressing like I use at times called Skinny Girl which is 5 cal for 2 TBSP Balsamic vinaigrette or 10 cal for 2 TBSP for Honey Dijon. I also like Bolthouse Farms for ranch dressing. Take those calorie savings, add extra protein, fruits, nuts or avocado! Watch the salad dressings for sodium level-some are insane.
Cheese
Cheese can be high in calories, sodium and watch the saturated fat. I use skim mozarella, it's low in calories and has the most protein per calories out of most cheeses. Alternatively I use a reduced fat mexican cheese which is 10 calories more a serving. You still need to watch the saturated fat.
Fats
With eating boneless skinless chicken breasts I found my fat consumption too low. I add back in heathy fats. I bake or cook with olive oil or avocado oil. I also eat nuts or avocado's. I vary the nuts but primarily use almonds. I'll have nuts plain or add them to salads. Avocado's I eat by themselves, as part of a salad or on taco's.
Cooking Oils/Baking Fats
I only cook with Olive Oil or Avocado oil to keep fats healthy and avoid unsaturated fats. I use Avocado oil when I need a high temp oil to avoid smoking. As a butter substitution when baking I use avocado oil 1:1 where it calls for butter or for lower calorie usage I substitute greek yogurt or a mix of greek yogurt and avocado oil. Some Keto diets push coconut oil, but the saturated fat is very high.
Fruits
Fruits are full of all sorts of things so I won't write an article on these. My big takeaway is that they aren't all equal so I eat a variety to get the full picture. I love tomatoes, apples, strawberries, raspberries, blue berries, and blackberries. I add them to salads or soemtimes I add the latter to greek yogurt.
Rice
I avoid white rice and utilize brown rice or a rice subsitution. Cauliflower rice is popular and a good low calorie filler. My favorite rice is Right Rice which is 165-170 cal per serving and has 10g of protein and fiber. I use Right Rice 90% of the time in place of regular rice because I'm getting more for my calories.
Pasta
I use pasta from Barilla either their Protein+ line or the red lentil pasta made from chckpeas and/or red lentils. I like both, but they have higher protein content than regular pasta and the Protein+ tastes like regular pasta. Like Right Rice I like that I'm getting more for my calories.
Tortillas
I love Mexican food. I use La Banderita Carb Counter tortillas. They are much lower in calories and add a small amount of protein and fiber. I make taco's, quesadillas, and even toast them to add to salads.
Snacks
Kind mini nut bars 90 cal
Clif mini energy bar 100-110 cal
Clif energy bar 260 cal before cardio/run
Yasso greek yogurt bars
Lowfat Greek Yogurt and Fruit Bowl (Greek yogurt, Splenda, pure vanilla extract, then add raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries for a high protein snack)
Optimum Nutrition protein powder plus frozen fruit above, add 1% milk if calories allow, but still tastes good with water
KETO Products
They’re not all equal and some have really high saturated fats if that concerns you as it does me.
Salads
I eat a salad once a day. I aim for 500-550 calories and 40g or greater protein and good vitamins and plenty of fiber. It makes me feel good and keeps me full. Early on I skipped some of the higher calorie adders. I sometimes add a fairly plain salad to add volume and fiber to keep me full if I feel my entree isn't filling enough or needs a healthy balance of fruits and veggies.
I eat primarily a romaine blend and or spinach as they are both well regarded versus iceberg.
For protein I add chicken, shrimp or salmon.
The volume helps in feeling full and you need greens.
I add any of the following:
Tomato
Red onion
black olive
almonds or other healthy nuts
apple
peppers
low fat cheese
toasted low carb tortilla strips
shredded carrots
cucumber
raspberries or other berries such as strawberries
avocado
Some Recipes (I have lots more)
Fajitas & Quesadillas
This usually comes out to be 350-500 cal and 40-55ish protein plus fiber depending upon how I adjust
4.5-6oz chicken breast grilled seasoned with fajita seasoning
1 bell pepper sliced and cooked in non-stick skillet with limited olive oil spray and fajita seasoning
1 yellow onion sliced and cooked in non-stick skillet with limited olive oil spray and fajita seasoning
3-4 Street/snack size La Banderita Carb Counter tortillas toasted n skillet at medium high heat
1 serving reduced fat Mexican shredded cheese as desired
1 serving low fat Greek yogurt as desired
Street tac sauce as desired
Avocado as desired
Fish Tacos or Shrimp (from Mayo Clinic)
Note: I use frozen cod or shrimp and thaw in cold water
Paprika, ½ tsp(s)
Thyme, dried, ¼ tsp(s), ground
Onion powder, ½ tsp(s)
Garlic powder, ½ tsp(s)
Sugar, ½ tsp(s)
Salt, ½ tsp(s)
Black pepper, ¼ tsp(s), ground
Cayenne pepper, 0.13 tsp(s), (1/8 tsp)
Oregano, dried, ¼ tsp(s), ground
Cumin, ground, 0.13 tsp(s), (1/8 tsp)
Pineapple, ½ cup(s), chunks, cut into small cubes
Roasted red peppers, ¼ cup(s), chopped
Jalapeno pepper, ½ pepper(s), seeded and diced
Cilantro, fresh, 2 tbsp(s)
Red onion, chopped, 2 tbsp(s)
Salt, 0.13 tsp(s), (1/8 tsp)
Honey, 1 tsp(s)
Mahi mahi, raw, 4 x 3 oz fillet (I use cod or shrimp)
Flour tortilla, 4 tortilla, medium (approx 6" dia), warmed (I use carb counter tortillas)
Avocado, ½ medium avocado(s), chopped
Feta cheese, reduced-fat, crumbled, ¼ cup(s)
Method
Prepare the Blackening spice by mixing together in a small bowl the paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and cumin.
To make the Roasted red pepper pineapple salsa combine the pineapple, roasted red pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, red onion, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and honey.
To make the tacos, preheat the grill. Rub mahi-mahi with blackening spices for at least 4-5 minutes. Lightly coat with cooking spray on each side of fish fillets.
Grill fish for 3-4 minutes a side, depending on size of fillet, until you reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
To assemble tacos, place a warm tortilla on a plate. Top with 3 ounces fish, ¼ of the roasted red pepper pineapple salsa, ¼ of the chopped avocado, and 1 tablespoon feta cheese.
Chicken Parm (Grilled)
This usually is 500-550 cal and 50g protein plus fiber depending on exact proportions
6 oz boneless skinless chicken breast seasoned with Italian seasoning (you can lightly bread and bake)
56g Barilla Protein+ pasta in noddle or penne form
28g Skim mozzarella or Parmesan in noodles (some I put on the chicken breast and broil it to melt/brown)
½ cup homemade marinara sauce
Marinara Recipe (This is NY times)
28oz can San Marzano Tomato’s crushed or pulsed in blender (San Marzano really does matter)
2 cloves fresh garlic minced, adjust quantity to taste-I use more
1 TBSP olive oil (recipe calls for 2)
2 Tbsp fresh basil chopped, fresh!
½ t sugar or more as needed
Salt if desired
Chicken Chilli (fit foodie modified)
This is usually around 470 calories 45-50g protein and a bunch of fiber and carbs to fuel you, you can add cheese or greek yogurt or sometimes I add a healthy homemade cornbread
Ingredients-4 servings
24 oz boneless skinless chicken breast or 24 o 93/7 ground beef (either cooked in chunks or crockpot just the chicken and shred)
1 yellow onion finely diced
1 bell pepper diced
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic or more
1 15-oz. can pinto beans drained and rinsed
1 15-oz. can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce no salt added
2 10-oz. cans no salt added rotel or more, may consider sub’ing one can with hot
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
Crab Cakes & Remoulade
I adapted this from a cooking class I took a while back.
Crab Cakes
Mix everything but the crab first! Then lightly fold the crab in, divide and handle as little as possible, you can bake and broil to get some crust or cook in pan with limited oil-I adjust to my calorie target, but baked they are low calorie and high protein combined with the Greek yogurt remoulade sauce
Makes 2-4 servings depending upon if it’s your main or a side
16 oz lump crab
2 eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs (it’s very little, but if worried use whole wheat)
2-4 Tbsp fresh parsley minced
2 Tbsp Light Mayo
2 tsp old bay seasoning
3 tsp dijn mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
½ dry mustard
Traditional recipe has you add 2 TBSP butter to this, but you can sub a healthy oil, yogurt or leave it out
Remoulade
This is a great all purpose sauce
½ cup lowfat Greek yogurt (if you’re not going to use much you could use light mayo)
1-2 Tbsp dijon mustard to taste (this varies for a lot of people)
1 Tbsp Ketchup
‘1 Tbsp Paprika (no smoked)
1 t horseradish
1 t lemon juice
½ t garlic powder
Dash hot sauce
Salt/Pepper as desired
Korean Ground Beef (Recipe Critic modified)
Adjust the quantities and portions, I usually adjust the batch/servings to be somewhere around 400-450 cal a serving
1 pound lean ground beef 93/7
3 garlic cloves minced
1/4 cup Splenda brown sugar
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Fresh ginger grated quantity to taste
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Right rice or brown rice
sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Fajita Bowl
500-650 cal 50-60 g protein 10-15 g fiber (adjust as needed for your target)
4.5-6oz chicken breast grilled seasoned with fajita seasoning and then cut up
1 serving right rice
1 can rotel no salt or lime cilantro
Avocado
Reduced fat Mexican cheese as desired
Lowfat Greek Yogurt seasoned or plain
Cilantro and lime or other items including street taco sauce
85 g Romaine
Salads
This is varied and I listed my salad strategy above, but here’s just one example of items and ranges:
400-600 cal 40-50 g protein 16 g fiber
6 oz chicken breast grilled seasoned and cut up Or shrimp Or salmon
200 grams romaine salad blend
35 grams shredded carrots
100-150 grams tomatoes
30 grams red onion
40 grams cucumber
45 grams avocado
15-30 grams nuts (usually that OR avocado)
70 g slice apples or strawberries or raspberries
28 g skim mozzarella
6-8 TBSP salad dressing varies but a sugar free one
Toasted carb counter tortilla strips
Sweet Potato
Bake 1 sweet potato (250g is my typical size) 450 degrees 50-70 minutes until very soft inside
Top with Splenda brown sugar, sugar free syrup and or cinnamon or cheese or just eat plain with cinnamon which is what I usually do since they are naturally sweet
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
4.5-6oz chicken breast grilled seasoned with cajun or BBQ seasoning
Kroger Carbmaster Bun (high protein, low calorie)
1 TBSP light mayo
2 TBSP Hughes Sugar Free BBQ sauce
Red onion
Lettuce, Tomato, banana or jalapeno peppers as desired
Cheese as desired
Chicken Fried Rice
4.5-6oz chicken breast grilled seasoned with cajun or BBQ seasoning
1 serving Right Rice or Brown Rice
1 egg scrambled
2 tsp sesame oil
28 g unsalted cashews if calories allowed
1 serving frozen peas and carrots no sodium or sauce added
1-2 servings frozen broccoli no sodium or sauce added
Add Siracha or other sauces as desired, you can even use a sweet hot bbq sauce or reasonable amount of low sodium soy or Thai chili sauce
Salmon
4 oz salmon seasoned with lemon pepper seasoning
Leave skin on cook flesh side down in skillet with olive oil medium high heat to sear
Flip to skin at medium – medium low heat and cook a few more minutes
Cook on sides until done
Rice and broccoli or a side salad for sides
Pumpkin Pie
You can use all Splenda and its 218 calories a slice or you can use some Splenda some regular sugar, this is a spiced one, not a boring grocery store pumpkin pie. You may top with sweetened Greek yogurt (sweetener and vanilla)
t is teaspoon
1 cup Splenda
½ t allspice
½ t salt
½ t cloves
1-1/2 t cinnamon
½ t nutmeg
½ t ginger
1 regular can pumpkin-pure pumpkin
12 oz can evap milk
2 eggs
Uncooked pie crust
Standard pyrex 9” pie dish
Bake in an oven preheated to 425 for 20 minutes
Lower heat to 350 and bake at least 35 minutes and likely more until done enough
Pancakes or Waffles
I use Kodiak and depending upon targets for the day add either milk or eggs for more protein, I also eat a bowl of Greek yogurt with these and fruit to ensure I have enough protein. I use Kroger sugar free pancake syrup
Here’s a great fruit topping:
1 lb strawberries cut up
1/4 cup Splenda
1 tsp Lemon juice
1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Heat on low-medium low heat stirring occasionally until strawberries are soft and liquid builds
Do not add water, the strawberries will liquify
Taco Enchilada Bowl
Stuffed Peppers
Tortilla Soup
Black Bean Soup
Black Bean Chili

https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2023/12/04/the-fourteenth-doctor-1583-1701672741032.jpg
The Fourteenth Doctor, {G}{W}{U}
Legendary Creature - Time Lord Doctor
When you cast this spell, reveal the top fourteen cards of your library. Put all Doctor cards revealed this way into your graveyard and the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.
You may have The Fourteenth Doctor enter the battlefield as a copy of a Doctor card in your graveyard that was put there from your library this turn. If you do, it gains Haste until end of turn.
3/4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm sure many of you are already dismissing this out of hand, but a few points as to why it piqued my interest:

• With [[Clara Oswald]], the 14th Doctor can be five color.
• His "tutor" ability doesn't have the restriction that Doctor's Companion does, meaning that you can search for Changelings in addition to other Doctors.
• The "doctor" you find goes directly on the battlefield, meaning it will cheat mana costs.

Some quick math on how many "doctors" you have to play to be consistently hitting with #14's 14 card trigger:

• Five: 53.7%
• Six: 60.6%
• Seven: 66.4%
• Eight: 71.5%
• Nine: 75.8%
• Ten: 79.5%

Mind you, this is math to determine what you want as far as not whiffing. To get the specific "Doctor" you want to win the game, the chances are of course... 14% (although the odds get a bit better as you draw/use cards). The question is, how many doctors are there that can assist us in winning the game?
Relevant "Doctors" to build around:

1. [[The War Doctor]]: There was a small amount of hype around the War Doctor when it was first spoiled, with it triggering on every card you Cascade or [[Thought Lash]]. Combine that with haste and access to all five colors, all for less mana, and... well, it seems worth exploring.
2. Orvar, the All-Form: I struggle to even think of all the nonsense Orvar could do with access to all five colors, honestly.
3. [[Realmwalker]]: Casting creature spells from the top of your library isn't as good as winning the game, but with a deck that's already going to have a surplus of Doctors and Changelings, it's not nothing, either.
4. [[Unsettled Mariner]]: Ward 1 on us and all our stuff.
5. [[Morophon, the Boundless]]: We're going to go at least somewhat deep on "doctors", so why not just get rid of all those bothersome color pips?
6. Mirror Entity: Pseudo-Sac outlet and win-con with infinite mana.
7. [[Masked Vandal]]: Sub-par removal, but that's not the worst thing in the world when it comes to swinging and missing for what you really want.
8. [[Nameless Inversion]]: Again, sub-par removal that will be a draw off of our commander if we miss.
9. [[The Eighth Doctor]]: Strangely and perversely, this doctor allows you to kind of double dip off of #14's trigger, letting you put two "doctors" into the graveyard, make #14 a copy of #8, then mill three and play historics once a turn. The chances that you get 2 "doctors" or just have an artifact/legend in your graveyard after milling three seems more than high enough for this to be viable.
10. [[Crib Swap]]: Again, sub-par removal that will be a draw off of our commander if we miss.
11. [[The Sixth Doctor]]: Copies your historic stuff, at least once a turn. Six mana is usually too much, but if you can get this down on turn two and then play down a mana rock or two, you're going to be really far ahead. Just keep in mind that your moxen that require you to exile/discard will want the copy to do the same, so... this one might not be worth it?
12. [[The Fourth Doctor]]: Minor card advantage, so you'd have to be pretty desperate to go this deep.
13. [[The Twelfth Doctor]]: There's a bad combo with #12 and cards that cause your opponents to lose the game, where you can cast them and Demonstrate to force opponents to do the same. The problem is, most of these cause you to have to find your way around two different "You lose the game" triggers, so this one is probably also a bust.
14. [[The First Doctor]]: I feel like the world is sleeping on how good The First Doctor is, getting you the TARDIS in hand and handing out triggers on Cascades that the TARDIS provides that will often also be able to cascade for zero, guaranteeing a mana rock. Still, I know when I'm hyping a pet card, so here you are at the bottom of the list, #1.

I'm going to be putting together a perfunctory list once I've done a bit more research on what people have already tried to do with The War Doctor, but I am wondering what other's opinions are. Obviously most of the above list is trash, but I think 8 "doctors" is more than enough to take a swing and at least end up with some value for casting your commander, which combined with access to five colors seems like it should be enough to try for a strong deck.
How would you go about brewing The 14th Doctor? ...Or would you, even?

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TW:

Mentions of kidnapping/missing person incident, cheating, anxiety and self-guilt.
If these topics unsettle you to any degree, please prepare yourself before reading!! Please take care of yourself first!!!

​

[ Mod-Approved ]✨
Chat Log Status: Part▇ally Recovere▇ Date Recovered: ▇/▇ /▇ [1] [2] [✦] [̷4̶]̸

────────────────────────────────────────────────
! NEW NOTIFICATION !

( [ USER 2 ]: [ A b ◼ g ◼ i l ] told me you were ranting about the “My Dearest Rose” 's web-novel. )

You let out a grumble at the mention of the infamous web novel and open up the chat messaging app:

[ USER 2 ]: Also congrats on finishing “My Dearest Rose”!!
[ USER 2 ]: Probably should have started with that lmao

​
You write a response:
​

[ USER 3 ]: thanks ahah
[ USER 3 ]: [ A b ◼ g ◼ i l ] let me borrow her copy of the web-book and I binged read it after playing “My Dearest Rose”.
[ USER 3 ]: And I gotta say, It really ticked me off.

​

[ USER 2 ]: You want to talk about it?

​

[ USER 3 ]: The ghostwriter butchered VN M◈rg◈et.

​

[ USER 2 ]: a h

​

[ USER 3 ]: They ----
[ USER 3 ]: (I’m assuming this is a ghost writer that the game creator hired to help them since they were busy on the sequel game "And All That Remains Are Thorns" )
[ USER 3 ]: --- made M◈rg◈et into a mary sue!!!
[ USER 3 ]: She is credited with being the sole person who solved the mystery of T◈e H◈ros O◈ Lig◈t and giving the cure to Duke Jul◈an when that’s literally not that case!!!!
[ USER 3 ]: in the VN Corb◈n Hexi◈ was vital in helping Ori◈n Grimsp◈ll build the confidence in revealing the truth of what happened!! M◈rg◈et wouldn’t have even met Ori◈n if it wasn’t for Corb◈n!!!!
[ USER 3 ]: And if “Sweetheart” didn’t send M◈rg◈et the letter containing the 'Twilight Herb Tea' recipe and the 'Healing Curse Incantation' then Duke Jul◈an would have been consumed by his ‘Twilight Curse’ a lot sooner!!!
[ USER 3 ]: They focus more on the “wish-fulfillment” aspect of the visual novel rather than the connections M◈rg◈et made in the “true route”!!
[ USER 3 ]: The ghost writer seemed to have decided that their manic pixie dream girl version of M◈rg◈et is apparently the smartest women in the land jfc.

​
You can feel the annoyance bubbling rising as you remember that another love interest was added to the roster to celebrate the web-novel release.
​

[ USER 3 ]: Also, did they really have to shove in another love interest??? Especially when everyone knows Crown Prince Val◈nt◈n is (unfortunately) endgame???
[ USER 3 ]: VN M◈rg◈et would never do business at Oct◈vi◈s St◈rli◈g’s shifty information guild!! She would never use her powers for monetary gain!!
You let out a exhausted sigh before adding your closing thoughts.
[ USER 3 ]: There were issues with the VN but this novel seemed to make them a lot more prominent. It doesn’t respect the VN characters original arcs at all,,,

​

[ USER 2 ]: huh
[ USER 2 ]: I just realized you never told me your thoughts on the “My Dearest Rose” characters.

​
You think about it, and yeah she's right. You remember ranting to [ A b ◼ g ◼ i l ] but never talking to [ M ◼ a ] about your thoughts on the characters.
​

[ USER 3 ]: Oh, guess I never did
[ USER 3 ]: You got time to hear me rant about these sillies ( affectionate and derogatory)?

​

[ USER 2 ]: You’re lucky I finished my homework for the day
[ USER 2 ]: So spill the tea.

​
You sit up on your bed, and start preparing for your long ranting session:
​

[ USER 3 ]: I guess I’ll talk about my opinions of both the visual novel and the novel version of the characters. I will refer to the visual novel as VN and web-novel as WN cool? cool.
[ USER 3 ]: so uh, spoiler warning xD

​

[ USER 2 ]: go figure lmao

​
You start to type again.
You might as well start with the love interest that you liked the most:
​

[ USER 3 ]: VN Corb◈n Hexi◈ is actually a pretty nice!! I like his small conflict of trying to get to know his mentor, Ori◈n Grimsp◈ll, more. While this happens he growing closer to M◈rg◈et since she wants to learn more about her powers to help others!!
[ USER 3 ]: I might actually play Corb◈n’s route when I get the time,,

​

[ USER 2 ]: I’m glad you seemed to like the visual novel version of Corb◈n. He seems to manages to get M◈rg◈et of her shell and express her true feelings about things.
[ USER 2 ]: I do agree that the web novel clearly lacked Corb◈n content which is a shame since I know he's your favorite boy.

​
Next was [ A b ◼ g ◼ i l ] ‘s precious boy. You can see why she likes him and he's the second best choice for M◈rg◈et for sure in your unbiased opinion.
However you have some complaints:
​

[ USER 3 ]: Li◈m is an okay guy, but I wish got more of his character before he was reduced to a simp by the narrative because M◈rg◈et saved his family from debt.
[ USER 3 ]: I’m also glad we got to learn more about Li◈m’s missing childhood friend’s fate of escaping the Underground Coliseum and became a mercenary for hire.

​

[ USER 2 ]: Ah [ A b ◼ g ◼ i l ]’s poor scrunkly and his best friend, but I agree with you for the most part.
[ USER 2 ]: I would have liked more clarification on shady dealings of the underground colosseum and how it affects the citizens in both the novel and the game tbh.

​
You already had a bad feeling of the place, but the novel confirms most of everyone’s suspicions of it being a less than ideal place.
You do agree that it should have been explored more, especially if M◈rg◈et is going to become Empress in the "true ending/route".
Now is the next love interest, Duke Th◈rne:
​

[ USER 3 ]: Duke Th◈rne Pr◈de has got me side-eyeing him, given how his father’s essentially forced him to ignore his sister Br◈ar, since in their father’s eyes she is somehow responsible “killing his wife” via childbirth…I'm glad we get to hold the guy accountable first for how he treats Br◈ar and help them both reconcile in the visual novel.

​

[ USER 2 ]: Yeah, it’s upsetting to see Br◈ar’s tragic backstory,, she’s got many fans cause of it both in game and cause of the novel.
[ USER 2 ]: I think the novel caused there to be more fans for her actually
[ USER 2 ]: I haven’t played his route yet

​

[ USER 3 ]: The novel doesn’t show this reconciliation btw!! He just ends up being a mini version of his father!!

​

[ USER 2 ]: Oh???

​

[ USER 3 ]: And it breaks my heart!! Cause their father is the absolute worst for blaming Br◈ar for something she couldn’t control!!!

​
The ghost writer basically sucked out all the nuance out of both Br◈ar and Th◈rne’s backstory in order to make Br◈ar more pitiful.
Which is a shame since [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] really liked Th◈rne route of him recognizing the wrongs of his actions and fighting against his father’s orders with the support of M◈rg◈et.
Finally one of the worst love interests for M◈rg◈et:
​

[ USER 3 ]: Finally — Crown Prince Val◈nt◈n.
You crack your knuckles, preparing to rant about your annoyance of him:
[ USER 3 ]: In the VN; he perfectly plays the part of the prince charming that protects VN M◈rg◈et. However in the VN there is a clear underlying feeling of scummyness I feel whenever I see him on screen.
[ USER 3 ]: like he doesn’t say anything wrong or mean to her, in fact he’s the first person comes to M◈rg◈et defense most times when people harshly criticize her in the “true route”.
[ USER 3 ]: But,,, there’s something about him that makes me feel at one point in the relationship, he was just using M◈rg◈et to break off his engagement with Br◈ar Pr◈de.

​
You start collecting your thoughts on his web-novel counterpart:
​

[ USER 3 ]: The ghost writer seems to have made Val◈nt◈n colder and meaner to everyone in the novel — like he's some untouchable tyrant.
[ USER 3 ]: In the VN, Val◈nt◈n treats Br◈ar with respect but puts his foot down when she harasses other nobles that become close to him.
[ USER 3 ]: He even negotiated for exile when Br◈ar was convicted of attempting to poison M◈rg◈et in the “true ending”
[ USER 3 ]: In the web-novel however, Val◈nt◈n openly speaks of his disdain of how the Empress keeps forcing him to be Br◈ar’s fiance.
**[ USER 3 ]:**M◈rg◈et somehow manages to break down Val◈nt◈n’s icy cold walls and they both “fell in love”. Then they live happily ever after the end of the novel and the “true route/ending” after Br◈ar’s execution ( bleh )

​
You stop your rant for a moment, and redirect you thoughts to something that has been nagging you for a while:
​

[ USER 3 ]: tbh the novel made me curious about why his route is the “true” one,,
[ USER 3 ]: I get it, M◈rg◈et “solves” the mystery of the T◈e H◈ros O◈ Lig◈t, she has unlocked her full potential as a Lumis element, and becomes Empress.
[ USER 3 ]: but there is something missing,,
[ USER 3 ]: Well anyways that’s my rant on guys done
[ USER 2 ]: Oh, what’s your thoughts on Br◈ar & M◈rg◈et?

​
You think about it for a few moments, and start typing about M◈rg◈et's characterization throughout both "My Dearest These Roses Are For You" and the web-novel version:
​

[ USER 3 ]: VN M◈rg◈et deserves so much better characterization that whatever we got with web novel M◈rg◈et.
[ USER 3 ]: Even though we the player can control her thoughts and actions, there are some things we can't change, for example: she would never judge people based on if the person has been blessed with an element or not.
[ USER 3 ]: Especially if the element is Umbrus/dark magic element!!
[ USER 3 ]: What’s even worse is that I don’t even think Novel M◈rg◈et is a bad person, just very naive and been easily taken advantage of the people around her,,

​
It just feels like the ghostwriter got the cliff-notes version of what happened in the visual novel game and just ran with it,,,
Then you start to comment about Br◈ar and her frankly more pitiful counterpart:
​

[ USER 3 ]: Tbh, people cut Br◈ar too much slack, especially in the game’s true route ending. Even with Br◈ar's super sad backstory, she still tries to poison M◈rg◈et in the “true route”
[ USER 3 ]: Remember kids, just because you have a sad backstory doesn't mean you have a free ticket to hurt others ( I say as if I have some audience listening to be lmao ).
[ USER 3 ]: The novel made Br◈ar out to be even more pitiful than she actually is.
[ USER 3 ]: It feels like I’m reading some knock-off fanfiction of the true ending,,

​
You wish you were kidding, but the fandom has played with the idea of Br◈ar Pr◈de being the protagonist of her own story.
Heck there was some rumors of her being the protagonist of "And All That Remains Are Thorns", sadly this has been disproved with introduction of ◈̷̢̐◈̵͓́◈̵̨̊◈̷̮͗ in the prologue chapters before the hiatus announcement.
Now full disclaimer, you believe that Br◈ar has the potential to be a wonderful morally gray protagonist, however you can't begin to count the times you rolled your eyes it was "suddenly revealed" that M◈rg◈et ends up being some two-faced women who craves power and wants everyone to adore her.
Most of these fanfiction pairs Br◈ar with Prince Val◈nt◈n or Duke Jul◈an – since in game they are the two popular choices that people pair M◈rg◈et up with. You have seen Br◈ar paired up with a few ocs as well, which makes sense cause's she a pretty popular villainess among fans of the game.
....Now that this web-novel is semi-popular, you're sure there are going to be more of those types of fanfictions showing up more.
You can feel a headache coming on, you just want to read M◈rg◈et and Corb◈n fluffy fics in peace...
​

[ USER 2 ]: Thankfully for everyone’s sanity, most fans have collectively agreed that the web-novel is mostly not canon.
[ USER 2 ]: If you want to hear my crack theory, I think the ghost writer felt bad for Br◈ar’s situation and let that affect how they wrote the web-novel.
That would explain the blatant favoritism towards Br◈ar and how the main plot of T◈e H◈ros O◈ Lig◈t was very rushed compared to how it was handled in the visual novel,,,
[ USER 2 ]: Oh
[ USER 2 ]: You forgot to tell me your thoughts on Duke Jul◈an ?

​
Oh, that guy.
You squeeze the shark plushie next to you out of frustration, before quickly apologizing to the small fella (affectionate)
​

[ USER 3 ]: Don’t get me started with that fella ( derogatory ).
[ USER 3 ]: I mean, I get it. The guy has long hair and trauma due to his curse — but Duke Jul◈an kinda the same as the Crown Prince in my eyes.
[ USER 2 ]: Oh buddy, those are straight up fighting words in some parts of the fandom.
[ USER 2 ]: Especially with the novel giving him more stans.
If that is a contentious opinion in the fandom then that's fine, but you don’t plan on going down without explaining your side of the argument:
[ USER 3 ]: but he is!!!
[ USER 3 ]: Ok in the VN game, he’s an antagonist force given that he wants to monopolize M◈rg◈et’ Lumis/healing power for himself because of his curse from the Twilight Forest.
[ USER 3 ]: In the WN he's treated as the ✨tragic second male lead ✨ who only wanted to be loved and accepted despite his Twilight Curse causing people to alienate him
[ USER 3 ]: But the issue with that is like...he has someone already???

​
You are in fact referring to "Sweetheart", the anonymous pen pal of M◈rg◈et who helps her tremendously throughout both the "true route/ending" and Duke Jul◈an's route.
​

[ USER 3 ]: “Sweetheart”, in her in game letters, describes herself as someone who has unrequited love for the Duke Jul◈an.
[ USER 3 ]: “Sweetheart” only wants what is best for him so she gives M◈rg◈et the ‘Twilight Herb Tea’ to alleviate some of his ailments.
[ USER 3 ]: M◈rg◈et does this but Duke Jul◈an slowly starts falls in love with her.
[ USER 3 ]: Later after the mystery of the T◈e H◈ros O◈ Lig◈t was solved — “Sweetheart” gives M◈rg◈et the ‘Healing Curse Incantation’ to heal Duke Jul◈an’s suffering for good.
[ USER 3 ]: Then “Sweetheart” straight up disappears after that, in both the true ending and in Duke Jul◈an's route's “good ending” of the visual novel.
[ USER 3 ]: "Sweetheart" is just a prop to make Duke Jul◈an’s curse easier for M◈rg◈et, and by extension the player, to solve and get all the credit. Also gives Duke Jul◈an a reason to be ✨interested✨in M◈rg◈et
[ USER 3 ]: All we know about “Sweetheart” is some letters and some skippable NPC dialogue.

​
You rest your hands for a few moments from all the typing you have done, before typing again:
​

[ USER 3]: In the web-novel’s extra chapters, we learn that “Sweetheart” is a magic-less/element-less human and Duke Jul◈an’s childhood sweetheart who later got engaged to him.
[ USER 3]: They even had a good relationship before he got cursed ( cause of the expedition into the Twilight Forest ).
[ USER 3]: He started to considered her to weak for her lack of magic, and treated coldly
[ USER 3]: This didn’t deter “Sweetheart” — she just wanted to help alleviate his pain, since she believes the person she loves is still there.
[ USER 3]: So she spends months learning about curses and how to break them. Once she finishes perfecting the ‘Twilight Herb Tea’ — it was around the time Duke Jul◈an breaks up with her so he could pursue M◈rg◈et in the 'true route/ending'.
[ USER 3 ]: She decides write a letter M◈rg◈et and give her the ‘Twilight Herb Tea’ recipe and then later the ‘Healing Curse Incantation’ as a reward for solves the T◈e H◈ros O◈ Lig◈t’s mystery.
[ USER 3 ]: Since this is the web-novel is of the “true route/ending” of the visual novel — the incantation unfortunately doesn’t work cause M◈rg◈et loves Val◈nt◈n and not Jul◈an.
[ USER 3 ]: Duke Jul◈an exiles himself to the south till he eventually dies… his territory slowly crumbling along with him. His body’s location left unknown.
[ USER 3 ]: “Sweetheart” leaves to start a fresh life in a neighboring country, and uses her research to save other’s afflicted with curses.
[ USER 3 ]: Later we learn she is dating a commoner who treats her right and she has a happy ending!!
[ USER 3 ]: I’m so happy for her but I’m still upset with the fact that we never learned her name!!! Or see her face!!!

​

[ USER 2 ]: Oh speaking of “Sweetheart”, we were supposed to meet her in “Only Thorns Remains” but the hiatus started right after the prologue ended.
[ USER 2 ]: We might have to wait a looooong till we get to meet her.

​
Wait WHAT?????
​

[ USER 3 ]: We were robbed of "Sweetheart" lore in the sequel game???
[ USER 3 ]: We could have had it all!!! I could have learned her name/face!! What even caused the hiatus in the first place??

​

[ USER 2 ]: The creator had developed massive anxiety issues due to the online harassment they faced cause of Br◈ar stans.
[ USER 2 ]: They went under-fire when they changed Br◈ar fate in the novel from exile to execution.
[ USER 2 ]: They had to take a break from producing “Only Thorns Remain”…so that's why we only have the prologue episodes and nothing else currently.

​

[ USER 3 ]: Oh,,
[ USER 3 ]: ( meme of horse on beach with the top caption saying man.png )

​
So that's why the game's creator stopped liking fanart and sharing posts of Br◈ar...
You decide to change the subject before it gets too uncomfortable:
​

[ USER 3 ]: I’m sure [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] would have loved ◈̷̢̐◈̵͓́◈̵̨̊◈̷̮͗ 's character
[ USER 3 ]: He would have made so much cool fanart of her.

​

[ USER 2 ]: He?

​
^fuc–
​

[ USER 3 ]: \she*
[ USER 3 ]: I just got back a while ago from visiting [ H ◼ - e ◼ n ]’s luxury apartment. Sorry if I’m a bit scatterbrained,,
[ USER 2 ]: What was that like?

​
You stop yourself before respond, you start fiddling with your phone charm — [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] gave it to you before…
A ping interrupts your thoughts.
​

[ USER 2 ]: [ E v ◼ l y ◼ ]?

​
You start typing:
​

[ USER 3 ]: It was uncomfortable, seeing her so…silent.
[ USER 3 ]: She’s usually more confident, given she works as a well off business woman.
[ USER 3 ]: She handed me a plushie that [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] had wanted to give me for my birthday…but never got the chance.
[ USER 3 ]: I’m now home, holding onto this shark plushie, and just thinking.

​

[ USER 2 ]: [ E v ◼ l y ◼ ]

​

You can feel your heart sink to your gut, your head starts to hurt even more. You squeeze your little aquatic plushie for some form of reassurance.

​

[ USER 2 ]: [ M ◼ r ◼ e ]’s disappearance wasn’t your fault.

​

[ USER 3 ]: yes it is

​
You keep typing, your head spinning as you recount the day you had lost your dearest friend.
​

[ USER 3 ]: I should have just sent the photo of [ H ◼ - e ◼ n ]’s boyfriend cheating with her best friend at the cafe to [ H ◼ - e ◼ n ] but I didn’t have her contact information so I sent it to [ M ◼ r ◼ e ].
[ USER 3 ]: I told [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] to wait for me but she left to confront them before I could stop her.
[ USER 3 ]: Once I got back home I get like 20+ calls/voicemails from [ H ◼ - e ◼ n ] and her mother about where [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] is and if she’s with me
[ USER 3 ]: I called back and told them I hadn’t heard from her after I sent her the text about the photo.
[ USER 3 ]: I’ll never forget their panicked screams, gods I don’t think I ever will. We tried everything, police, investigation reports, we can’t even find the location of [ M ◼ r ◼ e ]’s phone,,
[ USER 2 ]: No one could have known this would have happened. Her disappearance isn't your fault [ E v ◼ l y ◼ ].
[ USER 3 ]: I should have just gone after her, me being grounded for a weekend would be so so much better than losing to what ever took [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] that day,,

​

[ USER 2 ]: She never have wanted you to suffer like this [ E v ◼ l y ◼ ].

​
Your breath starts feeling shallow, you can’t stop typing no matter how shaky your body feels.
These feelings, you have been holding them in for some time now, for six months in fact.
It's been half a year since [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] had vanished without a trace.
​

[ USER 3 ]: My mom wanted me to get out of the house and she suggested joining a club to keep my mind occupied.
[ USER 3 ]: That’s when I remembered that [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] wanted to play the squeal of the “Stars Of Oethr”..
[ USER 3 ]: The least I could do is play it for [ M ◼ r ◼ e ].

​

[ USER 2 ]: [ E v ◼ l y ◼ ],,,

​
You stare at the chat blankly, you feel the sudden urge to leave your room — to go outside and get some fresh air.
​

[ USER 3 ]: Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring down the mood of the chat lmao
[ USER 3 ]: I’m going to go for a walk.

​
You get up from your bed, and start getting changed. It was still safe to go out for a walk, you just have to tell your mom and keep your phone location on.
You tell your mom, and she tells you to stay near the house. You tell her you will,
You leave you check your phone after realizing the mass amounts of pings.
​

[ USER 2 ]: Wait
[ USER 2 ]: [ E v ◼ l y ◼ ]
[ USER 2 ]: @[ USER 3 ]
[ USER 2 ]: @[ USER 3 ] please be safe
[ USER 2 ]: No one blames you for what happened to [ M ◼ r ◼ e ].
[ USER 2 ]: no one wants you to getting hurt or lost,,,
[ USER 2 ]: [ E v ◼ l y ◼ ] please stay safe,,,

​
You feel a guilty for causing so much panic, [ M ◼ a ] is a nice person and probably didn’t mean to upset you.
​

[ USER 3 ]: I will, I just need time to go cool off
[ USER 3 ]: I already told my mom where I’m going and I have my phone location on, I’ll text you when I get back.

​
She takes a bit before responding.
​

[ USER 2 ]: ok
[ USER 2 ]: please stay safe.
[ USER 2 ]: if anything happens, just call me or [ A b ◼ g ◼ i l ] and we’ll come running to your aide.
[ USER 2 ]: I mean also call your parents if you're in danger but like if you need more emotional support also call us so we can help yaknow?
[ USER 2 ]: I know [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] is one of your closest friends, and having her just leave without a warning must be very hard for handle
[ USER 2 ]: I'm not good with words
[ USER 2 ]: What I'm trying to say here is that even if [ M ◼ r ◼ e ] isn't here, we have your back ok?
[ USER 2 ]: You're our fellow gaming club member, even if technically unofficial at the moment.
[ USER 2 ]: Just please stay safe,,, that's all I want

​
You feel a smile unknowingly grace your lips, you're glad you met [ A b ◼ g ◼ i l ] and [ M ◼ a ].
You’re sure he would have liked them too.
​

[ USER 3 ]: I will.
( [ USER 3 ] has logged off )

​

( [ USER 2 ] has logged off )

────────────────────────────────────────────────

Can anyone with a brain take a look at this and help this poor lost soul. I had PC issues not long ago and did a windows reinstall but didnt wipe my secondary drives. This is the first I've tried to play since then and i cant get the installer to work. Log is below. I've tried clearing everything in app data and roaming but i nothing is working.
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"t":"2023-11-19 14:36:19.335", "[browser][error]": "[Error] getGameClientReleaseObject - {\"code\":\"ERR_INVALID_ARG_TYPE\"}" }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:36:19.336", "[browser][info] ": { "event": "SELECT_GAME_SUCCESSFUL", "data": { "platform": "prod", "gameId": "SC", "channelId": "LIVE" } } }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:37:46.798", "[browser][info] ": { "event": "VERIFY_GAME", "data": { "gameId": "SC", "channelId": "LIVE", "platformId": "prod" } } }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:37:47.070", "[browser][info] ": "Verifying Star Citizen LIVE 3.21.1-live.8892745 at E:\Correct folder\StarCitizen" }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:37:47.070", "[browser][info] ": "Verifying permissions on E:\Correct folder\StarCitizen" }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:37:47.080", "[browser][info] ": { "event": "INSTALLER@INSTALL", "data": { "gameInformation": { "gameId": "SC", "channelId": "LIVE", "version": 8892751, "versionLabel": "3.21.1-live.8892745", "platformURL": "https://robertsspaceindustries.com", "servicesEndpoint": 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"Verification header found for initial download: Filename: DataKickstart_20200806_2.p4k FileSize: 15009779712" }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:41:19.541", "[browser][info] ": "*********************INITIAL DOWNLOAD DONE" }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:41:19.542", "[browser][info] ": "Anti Cheat files not available" }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:41:19.543", "[browser][info] ": "Initial pack installed (SC LIVE 3.21.1-live.8892745) in E:\Correct folder\StarCitizen\LIVE" }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:41:19.552", "[browser][error]": "[Error] getGameClientReleaseObject - {\"code\":\"ERR_INVALID_ARG_TYPE\"}" }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:41:19.553", "[browser][info] ": { "event": "ADD_GAME", "data": { "gameId": "SC", "channelId": "LIVE", "platformId": "prod", "forcePatcher": false } } }, { "t":"2023-11-19 14:41:19.554", "[browser][info] ": { "event": "INSTALLER@INSTALL_SUCCESSFUL", "data": { "statistics": { "gameId": "SC", "channelId": "LIVE", "isInitialDownload": true, "startTime": 1700422669526, "endTime": 1700422879543, 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Quaker Oats: 90CE4CBE18
Share More Joy: 012000018794
Butterfinger: 099900100873
Oprah: Code is on left side of entry page
Coca-Cola/Sodexo:049000000443
end date / contest name
11/18/2023 Anne Cole-Countdown to Holiday
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11/18/2023 Shop LC--Holiday Sweepstakes
11/18/2023 RockMerch--$50 of Rock Merch
11/19/2023 Revolver-Infinite Objects
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11/19/23 RockMerch--Surprise Sweepstakes
11/20/2023 Win a Signed Coloring the Rainbow Book + $100 Gift Card
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11/20/23 Frontera Celebrates The Grammy’s Sweepstakes
11/20/23 Win a $250 Ana Luisa Jewelry Gift Card
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11/22/2023 Unsung 15th Anniversary Sweepstakes
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11/23/23 RockMerch--$75 of Official Rock Merch
11/24/2023 Flipp--12 Days of Black Friday Giveaways
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11/24/23 Win the 1 of 3 Smart Garden Gadgets
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11/25/2023 Win The Meridian Defense AK-47 “Volk-S” Rifle
11/26/2023 Win A MLS Price Pack and More
11/26/2023 $2,600 Live Like a Legend Giveaway
11/26/2023 $2,000 Gifting Vibes Giveaway
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11/26/2023 1000 Museums--Gift Card Giveaway
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11/27/2023 iHeartRaves Trip to FriendShip 2024 Sweepstakes
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11/27/2023 Yocan Black Friday and Thanksgiving Giveaway
11/28/2023 Xero Shoes Anniversary Sale
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11/30/2023 Food Network Thanksgiving Essentials Sweepstakes
11/30/2023 Food Network Thanksgiving Essentials Sweepstakes (2)
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11/30/2023 "BenQ--Mobiuz Gaming Monitor Giveaway"
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11/30/23 EltaMD Shine Bright Holiday Sweepstakes
12/1/2023 Schaeffer Season Instant Win and Sweepstakes
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12/10/23 Impossible Burger Back to the Magic Instant Win Game
12/10/23 NOVEMBER ROCKLAND USA GIVEAWAY #43
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12/15/2023 Modelo College Football Playoff Sweepstakes 2023
12/15/2023 Win a Morphy Richards Traditional Pump Espresso Machine
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12/17/2023 Ferrero Rocher--Give A Golden Greeting Sweepstakes
12/17/23 $275+ Medic Gear Giveaway
12/18/2023 Hidden Valley RanchN Match 2023 Sweepstakes
12/18/2023 Win a Flyaway to Napa Valley, CA from Hannah Ellis
12/19/2023 POR-15 BIG BLOCK CHEVY GIVEAWAY
12/19/2023 Kids 360-Making a Difference Giveaway
12/19/2023 GolfPass--Pebble Beach Sweepstakes
12/19/23 TaylorMade x GolfPass Sweepstakes
12/20/2023 Ramsey $5,000 Christmas Cash Giveaway
12/20/2023 The 2023 Christmas Mortgage Miracle Sweepstakes
12/20/2023 Oklahoma State University Cavender’s Fall 2023 Trivia Game
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12/21/2023 Travel Channel--Winter Wanderland Sweepstakes (2)
12/22/2023 Fireball Ultimate Fantasy Football Championship Party Sweepstakes
12/23/2023 Nabisco Season of Giving 2023 Instant Win Game & Sweepstakes
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12/24/2023 Merry Magpul Giveaway
12/24/23 Talk to Santa Sweepstakes
12/25/2023 Hallmark Channel’s Very Merry Giveaway Sweepstakes
12/25/2023 GoldStar Tool 2023 Holiday Giveaway
12/26/2023 Paulaner “CHRISTKINDLMARKT TRIP” Game
12/26/2023 Stella Artois Spin to Win Holiday Sweepstakes
12/28/2023 INSP In For The Win Sweepstakes
12/29/2023 Quaker Super Bowl LVIII Ticket Sweepstakes
12/29/2023 Frito Lay -Next Dimension Of Snacking Sweepstakes & IW
12/30/2023 ARM & HAMMER 12 Weeks of Hosting Hacks Sweepstakes
12/30/2023 Fleet Farm $500 Gift Card Sweepstakes
12/31/2023 Miller Lite Holiday Instant Win Game
12/31/2023 LocalFlavor.com--Season Of Savings Sweepstakes
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12/31/2023 Coors Light Rural Instant Win Game
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12/31/2023 Riunite Wine Life’s Better Shared Sweepstakes & Instant Win Game
12/31/2023 Dos Equis College Football Sweepstakes
12/31/2023 Heineken Silver 12-Packs Promotion
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12/31/2023 Tito’s Holiday Spin To Win Instant Win Game
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12/31/2023 Pepsi Share More Joy Giveaway
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12/31/2023 Prairie Farms 85 Days of Giveaways Sweepstakes
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12/31/2023 Hallmark Countdown to Chexmas Sweepstakes
12/31/2023 Labatt Fanatics Instant Win (Limited States)
12/31/2023 Red Stripe Beer for a Year Sweepstakes
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12/31/2023 Coca-Cola--Sodexo Share Holiday Magic Sweepstakes
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12/31/2023 Trejo’s Machete Holiday Giveaway
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12/31/23 RockMerch--$500 of Official Rock Merch Of Your Choice
12/31/23 Recipe Lion Giveaways
12/31/23 Blue Moon Holiday Glassware Instant Win Game
12/31/23 Bloomington CVB Holiday Sweepstakes
1/1/2024 Bassett Home Furniture--Giveback Giveaway
1/1/2024 Mount Gay Rum Apres Golf Instant Win Promotion
1/1/2024 BrewDog Fall Gameday Sweepstakes
1/2/2024 Sazerac Holiday Party Guide Sweepstakes
1/2/2024 SNICKERS 2023 NFL Circle K Instant Win Game and Sweepstakes
1/2/2024 Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas Movie Game Sweepstakes
1/3/2024 Stride-Hawaii
1/3/2024 Gargle Water-Amazon Gift Card
1/3/2024 Win a Monstera Pendant
1/3/2024 Win 2 NFC Championship Tickets
1/3/2024 Food Network’s Sip & Celebrate Sweepstakes
1/3/2024 ECS Tuning--Holiday Instant Win Game & Sweepstakes
1/6/2024 Capital One Cafe--Coffee For A Year Sweepstakes
1/7/2024 Litehouse Ranch Cave Sweepstakes
1/7/2024 Packers Weekly Giveaway Sweepstakes
1/7/24 Coca‑Cola Holiday Instant Win Game & Sweepstakes
1/8/2024 HGTV Holiday Central Sweepstakes
1/8/2024 HGTV Holiday Central Sweepstakes (2)
1/8/2024 Modelo Full-Time Fan 2023 Instant Win Game & Sweepstakes
1/8/2024 Little Caesars Pizza! Pizza! Pre-Game Promotion
1/8/2024 Miller Lite Football 2023 Sweepstakes and Instant Win Game
1/8/2024 Nothing Like Game Day Sweepstakes and Instant Win Game
1/8/2024 Hofbräu Central Standard Beer Sweepstakes
1/10/2024 The Little Holiday Happiness Sweepstakes
1/17/2024 Smirnoff We Do Game Days Sweepstakes
1/26/2024 The 2023 Q4 Walmart November – January Sweepstakes
1/30/2024 Gatorade “Mystery Flavor” Instant Win Game and Contest
1/30/2024 Win a Road Runner Sports Prize Pack
1/31/2024 Reese’s University Fall Football Instant Win Game
1/31/2024 Game Better With Butterfinger Sweepstakes
1/31/2024 Nestle Essentia Hydrate To Win Big Promotion Sweepstakes & Instant Win Game
1/31/2024 Daily Kibble Spread the Love Giveaway
1/31/2024 Disney’s Wish Together Sweepstakes
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1/31/2024 NiceRink--Frozen Memories Sweepstakes
2/4/24 American Airlines--Longhorn Perks Sweepstakes
2/5/2024 Pure Arts--DC Heroes Batman PX PVC Statue Giveaway
2/11/2024 KING’S HAWAIIAN Manning 2023 Fall Instant Win Game
2/11/2024 Mahou USA Win on Game Day Instant Win Promotion
2/12/2024 Pass the Pigskin Sweepstakes
2/28/2024 Corona Domino Table Sweepstakes 2023
2/28/2024 Corona Extra Snoop Dogg Bobblehead Sweepstakes 2023
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2/28/2024 Modelo Chopper Bike Sweepstakes 2023
3/1/2024 Corona Premier Custom Clubs Sweepstakes
3/1/2024 Corona Premier Custom Clubs Sweepstakes 2023
3/31/2024 Absolut Vodka Born to Mix AR Sweepstakes and Instant Win Game
3/31/2024 World of Malibu Rum Do Whatever tastes Good AR Sweepstakes
3/31/24 Nerds--Game Day Sweepstakes
4/18/2024 Valpak Pizza Sweepstakes
4/24/2024 Home Run Inn A Pizza My Heart Sweepstakes
6/10/24 FroKnowsPhoto 2023-24 SUPER MEGA Giveaway
6/30/2024 Kahlua Espresso Martini Sweepstakes and Instant Win Game
7/31/24 FindKeep.Love--Cabo San Lucas
8/31/2024 Lexicon Ambassador Program 21 American Express Gift Cards Giveaway
9/30/2024 JTV 30 Year Anniversary Giveaway
9/30/24 FindKeep.Love--Mini Cooper SE
12/31/24 Gofobo Daily Sweepstakes
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