Worlds smallest caliber gun
Balance Suggestions for (almost) Every Primary Weapon
2024.05.16 10:17 DemocracyManaged Balance Suggestions for (almost) Every Primary Weapon
There's been a lot of talk around balance lately, particularly some (in my opinion) valid complaints about certain nerfs not making sense.
With that in mind, here are some suggestions around balance. The focus here is on fun and uniqueness.
Credit for most suggestions goes to the Helldivers community. I've mostly compiled what others have said, though I've tried to be more specific about stat recommendations.
For anyone who doesn't know, the stats shown on-screen are not the full picture. For instance, the CEO has said recoil is actually governed by 14 different values. However, I wanted to be as specific as possible.
For anyone wondering, I'm around level 50 and play on various difficulties, most often 7.
When in doubt, I've erred on the side of smaller versus larger changes, which I think is a good approach to balance in general.
Some more general thoughts about balance about the bottom, but for now, let's just dive in...
Liberator: Honestly great as-is; well-rounded starter for clearing crowds, compensated by being bad against armor.
Liberator Penetrator: VERY underpowered due to a 30-round mag (versus 45 for the Liberator), and 45 (versus 60) damage, though it does have Medium armor penetration. It's very strange that the "Penetrator" does far less damage than its "vanilla" variant. Suggest raising damage to 65 and keeping the clip at 30 rounds to emphasize its specialty anti-armor role.
Liberator Concussive: Suggest raising damage to 75. Come on... it shoots explosive, um, concussive rounds. The smaller clip would still balance it versus the basic Liberator, while the lack of Medium penetration would mean it doesn't invalidate the Penetrator.
Tenderizer: Suggest raising damage to 75 on this one too, or it will be completely invalidated by the Liberator variants (as it currently is...). This would make it a smaller-capacity, higher-caliber alternative, which aligns with the description. Also, ammo should be fully refilled by drops (as most other guns are) and the color fixed to match the trailer. Guessing these were oversights.
Adjudicator: Well-balanced thanks to recent buffs, but I do think the recoil should be more like 30-35 instead of 40. I'm a big fan (and liked it even before the buff), but it feels strangely hard to control the recoil, especially now that it's considered an assault rifle.
Diligence: Think it's great after the buffs. Not always ideal for bugs (though I use it for that too), but great for bots. No changes.
Diligence Counter-Sniper: Love it after the buffs; it was terrible before. I do think it should have 8 mags instead of 6 (matching the Diligence in mags, but still with less ammo overall due to a clip of 15 versus 20). It feels like it runs out way too fast.
Defender: Honestly not sure; I rarely use it and haven't read much about it. I suspect this means it's decent as-is.
Pummeler: Similar to Defender but less fire rate and lower damage in exchange for stun. Well-received by the community; good as-is.
Punisher: Powerful and well-rounded, good as-is.
Slugger: People were using it as a stagger sniper rifle, and somehow the balance "fix" was to remove the stagger and power, but keep the sniper accuracy? This is a slug shotgun. Suggest reverting damage and stagger to pre-nerf, but make it somewhat less accurate (or have the damage drop off more) at longer ranges.
Breaker: Good as-is.
Breaker Spray& Pray: Nearly half the damage / twice the capacity of the regular Breaker, but only 10% more fire rate? Granted this is a light crowd clearer, but I really think the fire rate should be more like 400. This would still be notably lower DPS than the Breaker, but with more ammo and much faster firing... it is called the Spray&Pray!
Breaker Incendiary: One of the best weapons imo, with a very reasonable trade-off of less immediate power for more BURN THEM ALL. My teammates often use it to set me ablaze with patriotism. Good as-is.
Exploding Crossbow: One of the worst-balanced weapons right now. The question is whether it should be more of a light crowd-clear (as it was pre-nerf), or armor penetrator (as the devs have claimed was their original intention), as currently it is bad at both. I would favor the former, only because A) that's what it was before and what people seemed to prefer, and B) that sets it apart from the Eruptor more, rather than basically serving the same role but without the ability to close holes. (I personally wish it could close them, as it is explosive, but being semi-auto that might be a bit OP.) I think it should be reverted to pre-nerf, but adding a couple more clips and keeping the faster-flying bolts (a nice change!). It was odd and a bit annoying how slow the bolts were when it first got released; even strafing could throw them off. It's a crossbow, after all, not a trebuchet. The tooltip should also say its level of armor penetration (currently it doesn't.)
Dominator: Not sure why it was recently nerfed down to 275 damage. I honestly feel the recent nerf made no difference to the balance, but I'd revert it just as a show of good faith.
Eruptor: There is a lot to say here... suggest reverting its stats and performance to the original release, but keeping the fix to it not 'imploding' players toward the explosion, and keeping the magazines at 6. I think it is potentially OK to keep the slight nerf to damage radius fall-off too (I didn't feel much difference, but it seemed more realistic somehow, whereas at release the explosion felt like it went abruptly from full damage to 0 at the edge of the radius).
HOWEVER, removing the "shrapnel" mechanic absolutely needs to be reverted. This was a massive, unnecessary nerf that removed the gun's identity and took it from being great to being awful.
A couple more points about that:
-Yes, it could randomly kill you from 30 meters away... like 0.5% of the time. Anyone claiming it didn't is wrong, though it was very rare. I had it happen maybe twice in a 10-hour period.
-No, it was not a big deal at all. However, it also did not make sense, and added nothing fun to gameplay. None of the other "explosive" guns, airstrikes, etc, work that way, and it appears from dev comments the rare weirdly long ricochets were not intended. If that could be fixed without removing the shrapnel, I think it should be... though I would personally rather have a quick revert/fix that adds back shrapnel but keeps the weird ricochet, versus a slower fix that resolves the issue completely.
-Removing the shrapnel was a dev decision. Some people need to stop blaming the community for that, because no one was asking for it to be removed completely; they just wanted the explosive mechanics to be more consistent, fun, and intuitive.
Punisher Plasma: Feels way better after the buffs; love the increased flight speed for the shots. I could see a slight buff to power or explosive radius, but think it's pretty good as-is.
Blitzer: Feels amazing after the buff to fire rate. Kudos to the devs, because this has gone from hot garbage to being my favorite gun... unless/until the Eruptor is fixed. Democracy rating: Taste My Lightning / 10.
Scythe: The buff helped, but it still feels quite weak. I'd buff power significantly (up to 450-500 DPS) and up the Fire Limit from 8 to 10. For comparison, the Sickle has a DPS of 687.5 (assuming its 750 "Fire Rate" means roughly 750 rounds per minute) and a Fire Limit of 9.
Sickle: Super fun, no notes. Great crowd clear, not so great against heavies. I think the nerf to its ammo cartridges was fine, though unnecessary. It didn't change much.
Scorcher: I haven't used it personally (literally just unlocked), but the community seems to feel it's in a good place. Looking forward to some Scorching!
Purifier: Also have not used this personally, so take with a grain of salt, but the consensus seems to be that it's like a much worse Scorcher. The chargeup is a neat mechanic, so I'd lean into that and add a lot more power... like, 400 versus the current 250. Maybe increase recoil to give it that extra kick. Also, I could be wrong, but the 250 displayed for the fire rate seems strangely high based on the gameplay videos I've seen... not sure if that's accurate.
General balance suggestions:
1) "Spreadsheet" balancing based on gun popularity is a bad strategy.
It's good to encourage loadout variety, but guns will never be used equally, and "more used" does not necessarily mean "overpowered." There are many reasons besides a gun being unbalanced that it might be used by more people. It could be unlocked earlier, or easier to learn, or just more fun to use (in which case it's the last thing you should be nerfing!). Some will be used by more people simply because they see other people using it. There are many examples of this in other games. In Rocket League, the "Octane" car is literally identical to many other cars in its stats, but it's still the most used by a wide margin. In Age of Empires 2, the French civilization has a higher win-rate among low-level players because it's easy to learn, but at a higher level, it's well-balanced.
2) Ideally balance for low and high difficulties... but high is more important.
At a high level, if a gun underperforms, you will either die, or worse, not contribute properly to your team... and Freedom.
Because there are some enemies that only appear on higher difficulties, you simply can't get away without playtesting on higher levels.
With that said, if something works well at a high level, the lower levels take care of themselves to an extent. There are some caveats (for instance, crowd-clearing weapons with low armor penetration are relatively better on lower levels), but it's hard to have perfect balance across all difficulties, and it's less important for lower levels because you can get away with a lot more and still survive. The same is not true in reverse.
If the devs don't have the time or inclination to play at a high level, a Preview server (as some have suggested) could help. Tapping skilled streamers/content creators for balance suggestions (after vetting them and/or putting some kind of NDA in place) is an option, too. Microsoft does that with Age of Empires, for instance.
3) This is a PVE game, not PVP. It's best to err on the side of limited changes... especially with nerfs. Fixes take time, but it takes 0 development time to NOT nerf something.
People emotionally invest in weapons they enjoy. (I bring my emotional support 500KG everywhere!) If you change them, they probably won't like it! This goes double for unnecessary nerfs (see 1 above).
In a PVP game, if something is overpowered, the person it's used against generally has less fun. In Helldivers, our enemies are subhuman and have no feelings to consider besides a hatred of all things free and Democratic.
If you've read this far, thanks for taking the time!
I'd love to hear what others think about these suggestions.
The CEO (Pilestedt) has made it clear that the community's concerns around balance have been noted, and the recent Discord posts indicate it's something the team is currently looking at, so hopefully there will be more positive changes soon.
See you on the front!
submitted by DemocracyManaged to Helldivers [link] [comments]
With that in mind, here are some suggestions around balance. The focus here is on fun and uniqueness.
Credit for most suggestions goes to the Helldivers community. I've mostly compiled what others have said, though I've tried to be more specific about stat recommendations.
For anyone who doesn't know, the stats shown on-screen are not the full picture. For instance, the CEO has said recoil is actually governed by 14 different values. However, I wanted to be as specific as possible.
For anyone wondering, I'm around level 50 and play on various difficulties, most often 7.
When in doubt, I've erred on the side of smaller versus larger changes, which I think is a good approach to balance in general.
Some more general thoughts about balance about the bottom, but for now, let's just dive in...
Liberator: Honestly great as-is; well-rounded starter for clearing crowds, compensated by being bad against armor.
Liberator Penetrator: VERY underpowered due to a 30-round mag (versus 45 for the Liberator), and 45 (versus 60) damage, though it does have Medium armor penetration. It's very strange that the "Penetrator" does far less damage than its "vanilla" variant. Suggest raising damage to 65 and keeping the clip at 30 rounds to emphasize its specialty anti-armor role.
Liberator Concussive: Suggest raising damage to 75. Come on... it shoots explosive, um, concussive rounds. The smaller clip would still balance it versus the basic Liberator, while the lack of Medium penetration would mean it doesn't invalidate the Penetrator.
Tenderizer: Suggest raising damage to 75 on this one too, or it will be completely invalidated by the Liberator variants (as it currently is...). This would make it a smaller-capacity, higher-caliber alternative, which aligns with the description. Also, ammo should be fully refilled by drops (as most other guns are) and the color fixed to match the trailer. Guessing these were oversights.
Adjudicator: Well-balanced thanks to recent buffs, but I do think the recoil should be more like 30-35 instead of 40. I'm a big fan (and liked it even before the buff), but it feels strangely hard to control the recoil, especially now that it's considered an assault rifle.
Diligence: Think it's great after the buffs. Not always ideal for bugs (though I use it for that too), but great for bots. No changes.
Diligence Counter-Sniper: Love it after the buffs; it was terrible before. I do think it should have 8 mags instead of 6 (matching the Diligence in mags, but still with less ammo overall due to a clip of 15 versus 20). It feels like it runs out way too fast.
Defender: Honestly not sure; I rarely use it and haven't read much about it. I suspect this means it's decent as-is.
Pummeler: Similar to Defender but less fire rate and lower damage in exchange for stun. Well-received by the community; good as-is.
Punisher: Powerful and well-rounded, good as-is.
Slugger: People were using it as a stagger sniper rifle, and somehow the balance "fix" was to remove the stagger and power, but keep the sniper accuracy? This is a slug shotgun. Suggest reverting damage and stagger to pre-nerf, but make it somewhat less accurate (or have the damage drop off more) at longer ranges.
Breaker: Good as-is.
Breaker Spray& Pray: Nearly half the damage / twice the capacity of the regular Breaker, but only 10% more fire rate? Granted this is a light crowd clearer, but I really think the fire rate should be more like 400. This would still be notably lower DPS than the Breaker, but with more ammo and much faster firing... it is called the Spray&Pray!
Breaker Incendiary: One of the best weapons imo, with a very reasonable trade-off of less immediate power for more BURN THEM ALL. My teammates often use it to set me ablaze with patriotism. Good as-is.
Exploding Crossbow: One of the worst-balanced weapons right now. The question is whether it should be more of a light crowd-clear (as it was pre-nerf), or armor penetrator (as the devs have claimed was their original intention), as currently it is bad at both. I would favor the former, only because A) that's what it was before and what people seemed to prefer, and B) that sets it apart from the Eruptor more, rather than basically serving the same role but without the ability to close holes. (I personally wish it could close them, as it is explosive, but being semi-auto that might be a bit OP.) I think it should be reverted to pre-nerf, but adding a couple more clips and keeping the faster-flying bolts (a nice change!). It was odd and a bit annoying how slow the bolts were when it first got released; even strafing could throw them off. It's a crossbow, after all, not a trebuchet. The tooltip should also say its level of armor penetration (currently it doesn't.)
Dominator: Not sure why it was recently nerfed down to 275 damage. I honestly feel the recent nerf made no difference to the balance, but I'd revert it just as a show of good faith.
Eruptor: There is a lot to say here... suggest reverting its stats and performance to the original release, but keeping the fix to it not 'imploding' players toward the explosion, and keeping the magazines at 6. I think it is potentially OK to keep the slight nerf to damage radius fall-off too (I didn't feel much difference, but it seemed more realistic somehow, whereas at release the explosion felt like it went abruptly from full damage to 0 at the edge of the radius).
HOWEVER, removing the "shrapnel" mechanic absolutely needs to be reverted. This was a massive, unnecessary nerf that removed the gun's identity and took it from being great to being awful.
A couple more points about that:
-Yes, it could randomly kill you from 30 meters away... like 0.5% of the time. Anyone claiming it didn't is wrong, though it was very rare. I had it happen maybe twice in a 10-hour period.
-No, it was not a big deal at all. However, it also did not make sense, and added nothing fun to gameplay. None of the other "explosive" guns, airstrikes, etc, work that way, and it appears from dev comments the rare weirdly long ricochets were not intended. If that could be fixed without removing the shrapnel, I think it should be... though I would personally rather have a quick revert/fix that adds back shrapnel but keeps the weird ricochet, versus a slower fix that resolves the issue completely.
-Removing the shrapnel was a dev decision. Some people need to stop blaming the community for that, because no one was asking for it to be removed completely; they just wanted the explosive mechanics to be more consistent, fun, and intuitive.
Punisher Plasma: Feels way better after the buffs; love the increased flight speed for the shots. I could see a slight buff to power or explosive radius, but think it's pretty good as-is.
Blitzer: Feels amazing after the buff to fire rate. Kudos to the devs, because this has gone from hot garbage to being my favorite gun... unless/until the Eruptor is fixed. Democracy rating: Taste My Lightning / 10.
Scythe: The buff helped, but it still feels quite weak. I'd buff power significantly (up to 450-500 DPS) and up the Fire Limit from 8 to 10. For comparison, the Sickle has a DPS of 687.5 (assuming its 750 "Fire Rate" means roughly 750 rounds per minute) and a Fire Limit of 9.
Sickle: Super fun, no notes. Great crowd clear, not so great against heavies. I think the nerf to its ammo cartridges was fine, though unnecessary. It didn't change much.
Scorcher: I haven't used it personally (literally just unlocked), but the community seems to feel it's in a good place. Looking forward to some Scorching!
Purifier: Also have not used this personally, so take with a grain of salt, but the consensus seems to be that it's like a much worse Scorcher. The chargeup is a neat mechanic, so I'd lean into that and add a lot more power... like, 400 versus the current 250. Maybe increase recoil to give it that extra kick. Also, I could be wrong, but the 250 displayed for the fire rate seems strangely high based on the gameplay videos I've seen... not sure if that's accurate.
General balance suggestions:
1) "Spreadsheet" balancing based on gun popularity is a bad strategy.
It's good to encourage loadout variety, but guns will never be used equally, and "more used" does not necessarily mean "overpowered." There are many reasons besides a gun being unbalanced that it might be used by more people. It could be unlocked earlier, or easier to learn, or just more fun to use (in which case it's the last thing you should be nerfing!). Some will be used by more people simply because they see other people using it. There are many examples of this in other games. In Rocket League, the "Octane" car is literally identical to many other cars in its stats, but it's still the most used by a wide margin. In Age of Empires 2, the French civilization has a higher win-rate among low-level players because it's easy to learn, but at a higher level, it's well-balanced.
2) Ideally balance for low and high difficulties... but high is more important.
At a high level, if a gun underperforms, you will either die, or worse, not contribute properly to your team... and Freedom.
Because there are some enemies that only appear on higher difficulties, you simply can't get away without playtesting on higher levels.
With that said, if something works well at a high level, the lower levels take care of themselves to an extent. There are some caveats (for instance, crowd-clearing weapons with low armor penetration are relatively better on lower levels), but it's hard to have perfect balance across all difficulties, and it's less important for lower levels because you can get away with a lot more and still survive. The same is not true in reverse.
If the devs don't have the time or inclination to play at a high level, a Preview server (as some have suggested) could help. Tapping skilled streamers/content creators for balance suggestions (after vetting them and/or putting some kind of NDA in place) is an option, too. Microsoft does that with Age of Empires, for instance.
3) This is a PVE game, not PVP. It's best to err on the side of limited changes... especially with nerfs. Fixes take time, but it takes 0 development time to NOT nerf something.
People emotionally invest in weapons they enjoy. (I bring my emotional support 500KG everywhere!) If you change them, they probably won't like it! This goes double for unnecessary nerfs (see 1 above).
In a PVP game, if something is overpowered, the person it's used against generally has less fun. In Helldivers, our enemies are subhuman and have no feelings to consider besides a hatred of all things free and Democratic.
If you've read this far, thanks for taking the time!
I'd love to hear what others think about these suggestions.
The CEO (Pilestedt) has made it clear that the community's concerns around balance have been noted, and the recent Discord posts indicate it's something the team is currently looking at, so hopefully there will be more positive changes soon.
See you on the front!
2024.05.16 10:13 Tiny_Bug2742 The Nature of evil
In the bowels of the earth, there thrives a city unseen. Streets like veins run deep, each path a story carved from the very stone. Buildings stand, not reaching for the sky but in defiance of the abyss. Their walls a tapestry of lives lived in the shadows. Candlelight flickers, a silent testament to those who endure.
Stoneford's gaze sweeps the expanse. "This is Edîñbûrgh. Here power is the only law, the only truth. A place of ruins, of remnants." A commotion, a man beaten, unnoticed. Saburo's voice, a whisper in the dark. "Why does no one help?"
Stoneford watches, unmoved. "Commonplace, this violence. The dead lie as detritus, guts spilled upon the tracks. This is the den of the damned, a haven for the violent. Embrace the chaos or be consumed by it."
They continue walking, the dust floor, people with all kinds of ethnicity, religion, belief resides here. A large crowd have circled a pile of rocks, and there a man standing, The zealot doctrine is preaching something, but the crowd was against him throwing rock's calling him names.
"Nah, it's just one of those guys trying to preach there deform construct of fate." Stoneford said, Sigh's "Let's go, wait what are you? Hey! Where are you going!" Saburo didn't listen and Stoneford lost him to the crowd.
"Have they heard our cries?! The church doesn't deserve to hold such authority! They have poison our mind with there doctrine! For it's wall's are built by there lies!" One of the crowd shouted "How dare you speak against the tongues of men?!" The people agreed screaming at him. "Yeah!" "Blasphemy!" "Thy tongue speak the devil mischief!"
"Whom ever seek the truth! Come forward and I'll show you the true path into discovering the secrets of the world! Not like those who burn the scrolls have saw that great event!" He looks at Saburo's direction pointing at him. "You there, come forward my child, i saw horror's beyond what eyes can see." He extends his hands. "I show you the truth, the wanders of this world."
...
We raided a establishment, we take all them hostage, the building is filled with screams and terror, and one of them was a pregnant woman, with her child between 5-7 years old. "Please spare us! Just kill me and not my child! I'm begging you!" She kneels to us. "Hey! Saburo why are you doing there! Shoot them!" My hands are shaking, "CAN YOU HEAR ME?! SABURO!" My mind was in a blank space, a lead that pull both my arms between what's right and wrong. I don't know what to do then suddenly. "Give me that!" He pulls the gun to me shooting both of them, there body falls like a ragdoll. "What is that saburo?!" My eyes are shock.
I fell in love with violence and blood shedding, i started laughing, like a rabbid dog that have broken to a cage, i see my enemy's like none other than a cog. There blood spilling what fills my hunger for wrath, that each kill forms the image of my deceased mother, that her death will relinquish it. I mounted a camel along with my companions, we decimated the dessert of dawn
Musket shot, bodies falling to the heat of battle, his laugh is heard across the battlefield. That of a maniac. His dancing, and dancing he says he will never die, he painted himself with the blood of his enemies. "You gave us more trouble than the king of abyss!" At that day he earned the nickname "lion of the dessert." famously known as "The laughing clown of death."
"War is triggered by ones different form of belief, war was there before men, and that man loved it, children and old people love it too. But those who've fallen at the battle we're not remembered, that war is for the entertainment, that moral conduct doesn't apply for sharping sword or axes."
"As long the concept of life and death, many will fall, and one will stand to them all. "But they share one common thing, is that they protect what is right for them, for it's there way of life."
submitted by Tiny_Bug2742 to stories [link] [comments]
Stoneford's gaze sweeps the expanse. "This is Edîñbûrgh. Here power is the only law, the only truth. A place of ruins, of remnants." A commotion, a man beaten, unnoticed. Saburo's voice, a whisper in the dark. "Why does no one help?"
Stoneford watches, unmoved. "Commonplace, this violence. The dead lie as detritus, guts spilled upon the tracks. This is the den of the damned, a haven for the violent. Embrace the chaos or be consumed by it."
They continue walking, the dust floor, people with all kinds of ethnicity, religion, belief resides here. A large crowd have circled a pile of rocks, and there a man standing, The zealot doctrine is preaching something, but the crowd was against him throwing rock's calling him names.
"Nah, it's just one of those guys trying to preach there deform construct of fate." Stoneford said, Sigh's "Let's go, wait what are you? Hey! Where are you going!" Saburo didn't listen and Stoneford lost him to the crowd.
"Have they heard our cries?! The church doesn't deserve to hold such authority! They have poison our mind with there doctrine! For it's wall's are built by there lies!" One of the crowd shouted "How dare you speak against the tongues of men?!" The people agreed screaming at him. "Yeah!" "Blasphemy!" "Thy tongue speak the devil mischief!"
"Whom ever seek the truth! Come forward and I'll show you the true path into discovering the secrets of the world! Not like those who burn the scrolls have saw that great event!" He looks at Saburo's direction pointing at him. "You there, come forward my child, i saw horror's beyond what eyes can see." He extends his hands. "I show you the truth, the wanders of this world."
...
We raided a establishment, we take all them hostage, the building is filled with screams and terror, and one of them was a pregnant woman, with her child between 5-7 years old. "Please spare us! Just kill me and not my child! I'm begging you!" She kneels to us. "Hey! Saburo why are you doing there! Shoot them!" My hands are shaking, "CAN YOU HEAR ME?! SABURO!" My mind was in a blank space, a lead that pull both my arms between what's right and wrong. I don't know what to do then suddenly. "Give me that!" He pulls the gun to me shooting both of them, there body falls like a ragdoll. "What is that saburo?!" My eyes are shock.
I fell in love with violence and blood shedding, i started laughing, like a rabbid dog that have broken to a cage, i see my enemy's like none other than a cog. There blood spilling what fills my hunger for wrath, that each kill forms the image of my deceased mother, that her death will relinquish it. I mounted a camel along with my companions, we decimated the dessert of dawn
Musket shot, bodies falling to the heat of battle, his laugh is heard across the battlefield. That of a maniac. His dancing, and dancing he says he will never die, he painted himself with the blood of his enemies. "You gave us more trouble than the king of abyss!" At that day he earned the nickname "lion of the dessert." famously known as "The laughing clown of death."
"War is triggered by ones different form of belief, war was there before men, and that man loved it, children and old people love it too. But those who've fallen at the battle we're not remembered, that war is for the entertainment, that moral conduct doesn't apply for sharping sword or axes."
"As long the concept of life and death, many will fall, and one will stand to them all. "But they share one common thing, is that they protect what is right for them, for it's there way of life."
2024.05.16 10:07 AdamantAce The New Titans #9 - War Dove
DC Next Proudly Presents:
Issue Nine: War Dove
Written by AdamantAce, GemlinTheGremlin & PatrollinTheMojave
Edited by Deadislandman1 and Voidkiller826
Next Issue > Coming Next Month
“Raven!”
Slade’s gruff voice pierced through the deafening, wave-like roars in Raven’s head, but the rage was too much to bear. Her hands sizzled as hellfire danced in her palms, her body readying for another attack. She locked eyes with a reptilian soldier, dismounting his simian steed and charging on foot, but as she lunged forwards to strike him, she watched a man fly into her path. Slade Wilson caught the young Titan’s hand and pushed, throwing Raven backwards.
“Come on, kid, snap out of it!” But as Slade’s words fell on deaf ears, he felt the familiar sting of a fist to his jaw, a crack echoing in his ears. He recoiled from the attack but powered through his injury and stood his ground. Sinking his heels into the ground, he locked eyes with the girl before him. Her face seemed contorted and uncanny, as if all of the rage she was feeling was pouring out of her. She groaned angrily as she thrusted her head downwards, her forehead making contact with Slade’s teeth, before pulling her head back up again in preparation for another attack.
Before she could make one, however, one of the lizardmen had almost reached the warring duo’s sides, and as he lunged forward with his long spear, he made contact with Raven’s side. A small rip formed in the side of Raven’s outfit, which seemed to only anger her further. However, it did seem to distract her enough; Mar’i fired off a single Starbolt which struck only the ground - a warning shot.
“Raven! Please!” the half-Tamaranean cried out. But the Raven she knew was buried under unfathomable amounts of fury; she ignored her teammate’s call and instead flew forwards and swung out at the reptiloid. The strike glowed with red flame, sending the creature skidding across the floor, barely conscious. Slade spotted a flash of something else on her face, as if she was finally able to fight back against the endless rage - pain, perhaps, or anguish. But in an instant, it was gone.
That flicker of something other than white-hot anger was enough for Slade.
He clutched his side as his still open wound began to ache, the bandages feeling wet with fresh blood. His jaw felt crooked, and as he gritted his teeth, it felt as though they sat differently atop each other. And yet, he clutched his staff tightly in one hand, and with the other he beckoned to Raven.
“Kid, you’re fighting it, I know you are!” Slade felt his mouth filling with blood rather than saliva.
Within a moment, Raven’s attention was locked on the white-haired man once again. She fired bolt after bolt of black and red flame, but Slade was still dextrous despite his pain. He dodged and dived, weaving through the fire, until he finally managed to make contact with his opponent. He drove his staff into her chest and pushed his weight against the weapon, forcing her backwards. She rose into the air, a black mist pouring from her arms and over her face, a large ghostly corvid taking her place. He felt the deathly cold shadow of the bird’s wing fall over him, his feet leaving the ground as she scooped him into the air.
He looked down at the ground far beneath him. A fall from this height would kill anyone, he thought, let alone someone beaten half to death.
Then, as a verdant bolt of energy struck it in the side, Raven’s Soul Self shrieked and the shadows retreated inwards. Slade felt himself falling through the air for a second, then two, before he felt his back collide with something soft and cushioned. As he looked up, he met the gaze of Conner, who soared to the ground in an instant, placing the snow-haired man on the ground and giving a swift nod.
Raven let out a pained, frustrated yell as she returned to the ground, aided by a grappling line expertly positioned by Tim, and in response, Conner jetted off towards the sound of her cries. Slade’s feet faltered beneath him, and he stumbled to keep his balance. His breathing was laboured and his vision was becoming fuzzy. It felt as though, he realised, all the blood loss and violence he had suffered over the past few hours were finally catching up to him. Was this what dying felt like?
“Slade!” shouted a voice, followed by the dulled drumming of hurried footsteps. Slade pulled his hand across his face to wipe away the mental haze and drops of blood. It was Don, sprinting towards him. When Slade felt Don clasp him by shoulders, he realized just how slowed he was by his injuries. “Plan?,” Slade coughed out.
“You’ve seen what she can do. I only see one way out of these without one of the kids getting hurt. I’d do it myself, but I’m out of practice and this is too important to leave to chance.” Don looked around anxiously, his face betraying that he had a lot on his mind. “I’m giving you the powers of a god.” Slade opened his mouth to ask a question, a million came to mind. He glanced across the battlefield. Through a blurry film, he saw Raven’s Soul Self bat Conner away with its wing. He careened into the trunk of a thick tree, uprooting it with a deep crunch. “Are you sure?,” Slade asked, breathless.
“I’m not losing another Titan.” Don squeezed his eyes shut. His grip on Slade tightened as pale, almost blinding light enveloped them. It felt warm. No, better than that: it felt peaceful. With his enhanced senses, Slade could hear his erratic heartbeat slow. Fleeting visions bubbled up in his mind, opening up his awareness beyond the wildest dreams of Project Veritas. He felt rivers of magical energy flowing through the air and earth. Each of them spiralled towards a depression. Towards Raven, he knew instinctively. Iridescent blue light spread outward from his shoulders. It washed over his body armor, bleaching the jet black panels until his entire body shone with radiance. The pain from wounds old and new faded, replaced by serenity - and power. Don opened his eyes again and sighed gently; a concoction and joy, relief, and quiet mourning.
“There,” Don remarked. Slade felt lighter, less angry, less burdened. He looked down at the iridescent light enveloping his body. Magical energy buzzed against the surface of his skin. “The powers of the Dove - officially yours.”
Slade sucked in a nervous breath. “Don…” Even rejuvenated, he was still lost for words.
“They’re yours now,” Don smiled weakly. “Now go earn them. There’s a Titan in dire need of our help.”
Conner floated out of the dense jungle, rubbing his forehead. “Is Slade glowing or do I have a concussion?”
Slade looked over at Raven. She seemed less erratic, her movements driven by her brain rather than her gut. Tim’s staff batted fiercely against her, each strike buffeting her back more and more, but it was clear to Slade that Raven was not any weaker physically - her mind, however, was another story.
Slade began marching towards her, the ache in his side dulled. “Raven. You’re strong. Fight this rage inside of you.” Raven glared at him, a spark of something in her eyes, as she swooped in towards him at top speed. As she neared him, however, Slade readied his staff, stretching it out in front of him. As the tip of the weapon struck Raven, a beam of white energy coursed through her, as if she had been struck by lightning, and her body was flung backwards across the dirt.
Slade danced a hand over his rifle, but something felt different. He pulled it into his hands and inspected it swiftly; nothing seemed out of order. Raven rose slowly from her supine position, snarling softly to herself. Her movements had slowed, the expression on her face becoming closer to horror than rage. She was doing it.
“You’re nearly there, kid,” Slade soothed, his words suddenly like butter. He watched Raven’s shoulders start to relax. “That’s it. Just fight this, Raven. You’re almost there.”
Despite her tremendous progress, Raven’s blistering fury won out once more, and she charged a large bolt of hellfire in her hands. Slade fiddled with his rifle and crossed his fingers. There was a standstill between the two. Slade analysed his rifle again; there was something different about the barrel, as if it had been swapped out for another similar model. The stock felt lighter, too, as if the weight had been–
Raven roared at him, swiping wildly with glowing fists, and in an instant Slade instinctively pulled the trigger.
What fired from the gun was not a silvery bullet, but a familiar glowing bolt of white light, cloud-like in appearance. As it struck Raven, she sucked in a deep breath, the energy engulfing her. Her face softened and her posture relaxed. Then she swung out for the man’s weakened side, his bandages poking through the aura of light. And yet, as he stayed steadfast, not even attempting to dodge the attack. Sparks flew from the point of contact. Slade just readied another shot and fired.
Her body swayed with the blow. Slade closed the gap between them and focused on the new warmth he felt, concentrating it into his staff as best he could. Then, as he held it out in front of him at arm’s length, he swiped at Raven and struck her in the side of the shoulder. Each blow seemed to be more effective than the last, but as Raven’s movements continued to slow, Slade held fire.
“You’re doing it, Raven,” Slade encouraged. He watched as the other Titans surrounded Raven, each of them ready for any further attacks. Everyone watched with bated breath as their teammate and friend thrashed and recoiled from the hit. Her breathing was rapid, although it felt closer to panic than unabashed fury. She clasped her hands over her head, groaning. Then, suddenly, she stopped.
Her face had softened completely, her jaw slack, and tears filled her vision. She looked up at Slade with a comfort in her eyes. The aura emanating from him was pervasive and contagious, and although she had felt lost in a sea of impossibly vast emotions, its warmth and comfort cut through. The anger was still there somewhat, the last remaining dregs still working its way out of her system, but the comfort, the peace that Slade was providing was the anchor for her to stabilise herself. She had only ever seen this kind of power when Don…
Raven’s eyes widened as she realised what that meant. She collapsed to her knees, suddenly feeling the bone-deep fatigue her rage had suppressed. Her teammates rushed in around her. Mar’i dropped to a knee by her side and put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s OK. You’re safe. Everyone’s OK.”
“Don I’m—” She wiped away a stream of tears, stumbling her way out of the emotional vortex she’d been sucked into. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I’ve lost control before, but never like this.”
Don looked older. Creases ran across his forehead and around his eyes. His smile hadn’t changed. “Raven, my brother and I got those powers when I was a kid. We didn’t ask for them. We weren’t ready for them. We didn’t know how to use them, let alone control them.” He laughed dryly, recalling Hank. “I don’t regret anything. Giving my powers to Slade is the best thing I’ve done with them in years. I know Hank would feel the same way.”
In the moment of silence that followed, Raven rose to her feet and pulled her cloak tightly around herself. She was still shaking. Tim’s eyes drifted from her to Slade. “Something’s gnawing at me. Kestrel’s powers are weakened in Skartaris. Don’s…” He coughed, “Slade’s powers are amplified. If this place is what affected you—”
Mar’i’s face flashed with recognition, “—your powers must be tied to the Lords of Order and Chaos!”
Tim furrowed his brow. “Maybe.” He hardly had time to consider further when a thundering crack tore open the sky. Two bolts of swirling energy - one red and one blue - met above them, forming a swirling portal at their vertex. The Titans readied their weapons, expecting the worst.
“It’s them.” Slade murmured, still put off by his uncanny awareness. Terataya and T’Charr descended from the sky, one wreathed in mist, the other, magma. The two elementals stopped a few feet above the ground, hovering.
Terataya was the first to speak. Even at a whisper, her voice reverberated through the air. “I don’t usually care for surprises, Don, but this was a pleasant one.” A thin smile appeared on her face.
“Slade Wilson.” Terataya’s neck turned at an unnatural angle to face him. “You wield the powers of Order with great skill. Who understands the dangers of unchecked War better than a soldier. Become my champion. Protect the balance.”
Slade took a step back, then glanced at Don.
“She’s right.” Don said, with only a hint of hesitation. “It took me years to use the powers like you used them today. You’re a natural.”
Slade looked at his hands, still gently pulsing with pale blue light. “Thanks.” He allowed himself a weak smile. “But no thanks.”
“What.” T’Charr’s voice boomed.
“It doesn’t take Zatanna to realize an old soldier like me makes a piss-poor Avatar of Peace. I fight for a living, and I’m not deluded enough to think that makes me good at anything but fighting. If you want someone who understands the need for balance, Don just sacrificed everything special about him for it.”
Don raised an eyebrow. “None taken.”
“His actions today were noble, but they do not make up for years spent squandering the gift.”
“Squandering? The Titans wouldn’t exist today if he hadn’t pulled them together. Everything they’ve done. Everything they’ve achieved for your balance wouldn’t have happened without him, including stopping that monster you made.”
“Watch your tone, mortal.” T’Charr threatened.
“There may be a vein of truth to his words, lover.” Terataya said. “But *if we were to restore Don Hall’s power, we would need assurances. His indecision led down this path.”*
Rocks ground against each other as T’Charr landed beside Don. “You would have weeks, not years, to select a counterpart and return to your duties.”
Don’s response was instantaneous. “I’ve made a decision.”
“You’ve decided if you’ll take up the mantle of Dove again?”
Don nodded. “And who should be the new Hawk.”
Terataya giggled. “Full of surprises today. T’Charr?”
“We should discuss this.” He said. “In private.”
The three of them vanished, leaving the Titans and Slade alone on a battlefield riddled with bits of dino meat and ape fur.
○○ Ⓣ ○○
“You don’t think they’re gonna come back in like, 200 years, right?” Conner asked. He sat beside the depowered Slade Wilson, who was downing aspirin to make up for the sudden deficit in peace energy.
“I don’t know.” Tim said. “But we should give them more than fifteen minutes.”
As if on cue, the skies opened again. Again, the chromatic energy lit the sky and again a portal opened its swirling maw. This time, however, it wasn’t two elemental Lords to descend. Raven squinted to make the figures out.
“Oh my god.” Conner said, having a far easier time with his super-vision.
“What? Who is it?” Tim asked.
“Donna!” Mar’i shouted. She shot off the ground towards her. Her black combat armor was replaced with a crimson and white bodysuit studded with stars that seemed to twinkle as the light shifted around her. The sword at her side was gone too, replaced with a coiled loop of rope suffused with the same brilliant energy. The two collided into an embrace, spinning through the air as they held each other tightly.
Don was the first to land, restored with the powers of Dove. He looked stronger than ever, and maybe more importantly, happier. Even Tim’s typical thoughtful brooding has been pierced by an unimpeachable joy.
“I don’t understand,.” Raven said. “S-She’s alive. How is this possible?”
“I knew there was only one person who could be trusted with the powers of War, with Hank’s abilities.” He scratched the back of his neck, a bit guilty. “And she’d been staring me in the face for years. It took some doing, but eventually T’Charr and Terataya saw that too.”
Donna landed beside him, Mar’i only a step behind. By now Conner had stepped forward. He tried not to choke over his words. “I’m sorry. If I’d—”
Donna didn’t let him get the words out before pulling him into a grapple-turned-hug that quickly grew as the rest of the team piled in. Slade flicked another aspirin into his mouth.
“Danyah!” A voice called out from over the ridge. It was Travis, mounted atop a fanged reptilian creature in the vague shape of a horse and flanked on either side by his gold-armored honor guard. He broke into a gallop, stopping just short of the Titans. “When I saw the skies, I feared the worst. Is it really you? Has sorcery brought you back to us?”
“It’s me, Travis. A Lord of Chaos brought me back.”
“Not to interrupt,.” Slade said, still nursing his wounds. “But did either of you ask them to bring us back to Chicago?”
“I…” Don grimaced. “Donna, how do we get home?”
“How did you get here? Surely you could return the way you came.” Travis said.
“No, we can’t.” Tim said, pressing a few buttons on his wrist’s holographic display. “Whatever magic pervades Skartaris is also causing some extreme time dilation. I can’t guarantee we’d return to the 21st century, or even to Earth.”
“I spent a decade in Skartaris and returned to Earth nearly two centuries later. It’s the influence of Chaos. We’d need a Skartaran mage of overwhelming power to stabilize our return.” She spat the word mage with disgust. Travis’s expression seemed to confirm the reputation of Skartaran spellcasters.
Before their anxiety could spiral, the sky above began to churn. Moments later, the ground shook as a violent bolt of lightning cleaved the air, striking with such ferocity that all but Conner and Donna were flung backward. Mar'i skidded across the damp undergrowth, her senses overwhelmed by the acrid scent of ozone. Her mind was racing; their victory was hard fought, and she doubted they had much left in the tank for another confrontation. She dug her hands into the ground and pushed herself up as she choked from the smell. The Warlord Morgan and his military guards snapped to attention, forming a protective ring around the crater that now marred the earth.
From the smoking pit, a figure rose, unfolding from a crouch like something out of Terminator. Adorned in a red and white jumpsuit that accentuated his lithe build, the young man's appearance was marked by a red cowl and goggles, with sandy brown hair rebelliously spilling out.
Conner squinted through the dissipating smoke, murmuring under his breath, “A speedster?” The Flashes had had a variety of different sidekicks and other allies over the years, but none of them recognised this one
With a nonchalant flair that seemed at odds with the charged atmosphere, the newcomer greeted them. “Hey, everyone chillax. I'm here to get you guys back home.”
Donna, ever the leader, stepped forward and spoke with a commanding curiosity, now emboldened with the war aura of Hawk. “And who are you exactly? Why should we trust you with such a claim?”
Flashing a cheeky grin, he tilted his head and responded, “Well, I’m a speedster for one. Name’s Impulse. If I run fast enough, then I can… well, I guess bend time.”
Behind Donna, the group exchanged sceptical glances. Raven's face remained shadowed by recovery, Mar'i and Conner braced for action, and Tim discretely checked his gadgets, no doubt for something that he could use on a speedster should the need arise.
“Yeah, we figured that much,” Don cut through the tension, his voice calm yet insistent. “Who sent you?”
Impulse chuckled, his demeanour remaining unfazed by their scrutiny. “Look, the details aren't the fun part. Trust me, I can get us back.”
As a silence thick with doubt and scepticism settled over the group, Impulse seemed to realise his casual assurances weren't sufficient. With a theatrical sigh, he reached up and removed his mask, revealing a face familiar to both Mar'i and Raven.
“Brody!?” Mar'i exclaimed, her surprise echoing through the clearing as she stared at the boy who had once hobbled through their college classes with his leg in a cast.
The young man’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief and a hint of pride. “Actually, it’s Bart.”
○○ Ⓣ ○○
When Slade emerged from the shower, his skin was glistening with moisture, the water tracing the contours of his scars. He wrapped a stark white towel around his waist, and crossed the plush carpet to sit on the edge of the hotel room bed. He released a slow, deep breath; it was a good job the speedster kid arrived when he did. The notion of being stranded in an alien land or, worse, a different time had gnawed at him with a ferocity that was hard to admit. Without Bart’s intervention, every one of Slade’s meticulously crafted plans would have been utterly dashed.
Facing him, a wall-mounted mirror caught his rugged reflection. Drawn to his own image, Slade studied the scars that mapped his trials, the slick white hair that crowned his head, and the deep lines etched into his face. A familiar discomfort nagged at him, focusing his attention on his right eye. Unable to alleviate the irritation through the skin, Slade exhaled heavily and carefully removed the eye altogether. The movement, fluid and practised, spoke of years of adaptation.
He placed the prosthetic gently on the bed beside him and as he massaged the socket, a decades-old habit, his mind wandered. He wasn't accustomed to keeping the prosthetic in for extended periods. Showering with it had been an uncomfortable experiment in necessity - he didn't like it, but understood the importance of maintaining the facade. The Slade he would have people believe he was would have never lost an eye, because that Slade had led a life far from by the darker paths Slade had truthfully trodden.
His thoughts wandered to his brief time wielding the potent powers of Dove, and Slade felt a twinge of regret at their loss. The clarity and strength those powers had provided were intoxicating, yet he recognised that he had a more important goal, one he couldn’t compromise. His current role demanded not the accumulation of power but the perfection of his deceit, ensuring that all believed he was not the Slade Wilson they knew, but a Reawakened, more innocent doppelganger.
Now, with the glass eye resting beside him, Slade stared at his unmasked visage. Maintaining the myth of the noble Slade was critical. The ruthless mercenary, the World’s Deadliest Killer - those identities had to remain buried. The Titans had believed him enough to entrust him with divine powers, their faith a testament to his performance, but the game was far from over; in fact, it was entering its most critical phase.
Next: Return to normality in The New Titans #10
submitted by AdamantAce to DCNext [link] [comments]
THE NEW TITANS
In Shadow of KestrelIssue Nine: War Dove
Written by AdamantAce, GemlinTheGremlin & PatrollinTheMojave
Edited by Deadislandman1 and Voidkiller826
Next Issue > Coming Next Month
“Raven!”
Slade’s gruff voice pierced through the deafening, wave-like roars in Raven’s head, but the rage was too much to bear. Her hands sizzled as hellfire danced in her palms, her body readying for another attack. She locked eyes with a reptilian soldier, dismounting his simian steed and charging on foot, but as she lunged forwards to strike him, she watched a man fly into her path. Slade Wilson caught the young Titan’s hand and pushed, throwing Raven backwards.
“Come on, kid, snap out of it!” But as Slade’s words fell on deaf ears, he felt the familiar sting of a fist to his jaw, a crack echoing in his ears. He recoiled from the attack but powered through his injury and stood his ground. Sinking his heels into the ground, he locked eyes with the girl before him. Her face seemed contorted and uncanny, as if all of the rage she was feeling was pouring out of her. She groaned angrily as she thrusted her head downwards, her forehead making contact with Slade’s teeth, before pulling her head back up again in preparation for another attack.
Before she could make one, however, one of the lizardmen had almost reached the warring duo’s sides, and as he lunged forward with his long spear, he made contact with Raven’s side. A small rip formed in the side of Raven’s outfit, which seemed to only anger her further. However, it did seem to distract her enough; Mar’i fired off a single Starbolt which struck only the ground - a warning shot.
“Raven! Please!” the half-Tamaranean cried out. But the Raven she knew was buried under unfathomable amounts of fury; she ignored her teammate’s call and instead flew forwards and swung out at the reptiloid. The strike glowed with red flame, sending the creature skidding across the floor, barely conscious. Slade spotted a flash of something else on her face, as if she was finally able to fight back against the endless rage - pain, perhaps, or anguish. But in an instant, it was gone.
That flicker of something other than white-hot anger was enough for Slade.
He clutched his side as his still open wound began to ache, the bandages feeling wet with fresh blood. His jaw felt crooked, and as he gritted his teeth, it felt as though they sat differently atop each other. And yet, he clutched his staff tightly in one hand, and with the other he beckoned to Raven.
“Kid, you’re fighting it, I know you are!” Slade felt his mouth filling with blood rather than saliva.
Within a moment, Raven’s attention was locked on the white-haired man once again. She fired bolt after bolt of black and red flame, but Slade was still dextrous despite his pain. He dodged and dived, weaving through the fire, until he finally managed to make contact with his opponent. He drove his staff into her chest and pushed his weight against the weapon, forcing her backwards. She rose into the air, a black mist pouring from her arms and over her face, a large ghostly corvid taking her place. He felt the deathly cold shadow of the bird’s wing fall over him, his feet leaving the ground as she scooped him into the air.
He looked down at the ground far beneath him. A fall from this height would kill anyone, he thought, let alone someone beaten half to death.
Then, as a verdant bolt of energy struck it in the side, Raven’s Soul Self shrieked and the shadows retreated inwards. Slade felt himself falling through the air for a second, then two, before he felt his back collide with something soft and cushioned. As he looked up, he met the gaze of Conner, who soared to the ground in an instant, placing the snow-haired man on the ground and giving a swift nod.
Raven let out a pained, frustrated yell as she returned to the ground, aided by a grappling line expertly positioned by Tim, and in response, Conner jetted off towards the sound of her cries. Slade’s feet faltered beneath him, and he stumbled to keep his balance. His breathing was laboured and his vision was becoming fuzzy. It felt as though, he realised, all the blood loss and violence he had suffered over the past few hours were finally catching up to him. Was this what dying felt like?
“Slade!” shouted a voice, followed by the dulled drumming of hurried footsteps. Slade pulled his hand across his face to wipe away the mental haze and drops of blood. It was Don, sprinting towards him. When Slade felt Don clasp him by shoulders, he realized just how slowed he was by his injuries. “Plan?,” Slade coughed out.
“You’ve seen what she can do. I only see one way out of these without one of the kids getting hurt. I’d do it myself, but I’m out of practice and this is too important to leave to chance.” Don looked around anxiously, his face betraying that he had a lot on his mind. “I’m giving you the powers of a god.” Slade opened his mouth to ask a question, a million came to mind. He glanced across the battlefield. Through a blurry film, he saw Raven’s Soul Self bat Conner away with its wing. He careened into the trunk of a thick tree, uprooting it with a deep crunch. “Are you sure?,” Slade asked, breathless.
“I’m not losing another Titan.” Don squeezed his eyes shut. His grip on Slade tightened as pale, almost blinding light enveloped them. It felt warm. No, better than that: it felt peaceful. With his enhanced senses, Slade could hear his erratic heartbeat slow. Fleeting visions bubbled up in his mind, opening up his awareness beyond the wildest dreams of Project Veritas. He felt rivers of magical energy flowing through the air and earth. Each of them spiralled towards a depression. Towards Raven, he knew instinctively. Iridescent blue light spread outward from his shoulders. It washed over his body armor, bleaching the jet black panels until his entire body shone with radiance. The pain from wounds old and new faded, replaced by serenity - and power. Don opened his eyes again and sighed gently; a concoction and joy, relief, and quiet mourning.
“There,” Don remarked. Slade felt lighter, less angry, less burdened. He looked down at the iridescent light enveloping his body. Magical energy buzzed against the surface of his skin. “The powers of the Dove - officially yours.”
Slade sucked in a nervous breath. “Don…” Even rejuvenated, he was still lost for words.
“They’re yours now,” Don smiled weakly. “Now go earn them. There’s a Titan in dire need of our help.”
Conner floated out of the dense jungle, rubbing his forehead. “Is Slade glowing or do I have a concussion?”
Slade looked over at Raven. She seemed less erratic, her movements driven by her brain rather than her gut. Tim’s staff batted fiercely against her, each strike buffeting her back more and more, but it was clear to Slade that Raven was not any weaker physically - her mind, however, was another story.
Slade began marching towards her, the ache in his side dulled. “Raven. You’re strong. Fight this rage inside of you.” Raven glared at him, a spark of something in her eyes, as she swooped in towards him at top speed. As she neared him, however, Slade readied his staff, stretching it out in front of him. As the tip of the weapon struck Raven, a beam of white energy coursed through her, as if she had been struck by lightning, and her body was flung backwards across the dirt.
Slade danced a hand over his rifle, but something felt different. He pulled it into his hands and inspected it swiftly; nothing seemed out of order. Raven rose slowly from her supine position, snarling softly to herself. Her movements had slowed, the expression on her face becoming closer to horror than rage. She was doing it.
“You’re nearly there, kid,” Slade soothed, his words suddenly like butter. He watched Raven’s shoulders start to relax. “That’s it. Just fight this, Raven. You’re almost there.”
Despite her tremendous progress, Raven’s blistering fury won out once more, and she charged a large bolt of hellfire in her hands. Slade fiddled with his rifle and crossed his fingers. There was a standstill between the two. Slade analysed his rifle again; there was something different about the barrel, as if it had been swapped out for another similar model. The stock felt lighter, too, as if the weight had been–
Raven roared at him, swiping wildly with glowing fists, and in an instant Slade instinctively pulled the trigger.
What fired from the gun was not a silvery bullet, but a familiar glowing bolt of white light, cloud-like in appearance. As it struck Raven, she sucked in a deep breath, the energy engulfing her. Her face softened and her posture relaxed. Then she swung out for the man’s weakened side, his bandages poking through the aura of light. And yet, as he stayed steadfast, not even attempting to dodge the attack. Sparks flew from the point of contact. Slade just readied another shot and fired.
Her body swayed with the blow. Slade closed the gap between them and focused on the new warmth he felt, concentrating it into his staff as best he could. Then, as he held it out in front of him at arm’s length, he swiped at Raven and struck her in the side of the shoulder. Each blow seemed to be more effective than the last, but as Raven’s movements continued to slow, Slade held fire.
“You’re doing it, Raven,” Slade encouraged. He watched as the other Titans surrounded Raven, each of them ready for any further attacks. Everyone watched with bated breath as their teammate and friend thrashed and recoiled from the hit. Her breathing was rapid, although it felt closer to panic than unabashed fury. She clasped her hands over her head, groaning. Then, suddenly, she stopped.
Her face had softened completely, her jaw slack, and tears filled her vision. She looked up at Slade with a comfort in her eyes. The aura emanating from him was pervasive and contagious, and although she had felt lost in a sea of impossibly vast emotions, its warmth and comfort cut through. The anger was still there somewhat, the last remaining dregs still working its way out of her system, but the comfort, the peace that Slade was providing was the anchor for her to stabilise herself. She had only ever seen this kind of power when Don…
Raven’s eyes widened as she realised what that meant. She collapsed to her knees, suddenly feeling the bone-deep fatigue her rage had suppressed. Her teammates rushed in around her. Mar’i dropped to a knee by her side and put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s OK. You’re safe. Everyone’s OK.”
“Don I’m—” She wiped away a stream of tears, stumbling her way out of the emotional vortex she’d been sucked into. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I’ve lost control before, but never like this.”
Don looked older. Creases ran across his forehead and around his eyes. His smile hadn’t changed. “Raven, my brother and I got those powers when I was a kid. We didn’t ask for them. We weren’t ready for them. We didn’t know how to use them, let alone control them.” He laughed dryly, recalling Hank. “I don’t regret anything. Giving my powers to Slade is the best thing I’ve done with them in years. I know Hank would feel the same way.”
In the moment of silence that followed, Raven rose to her feet and pulled her cloak tightly around herself. She was still shaking. Tim’s eyes drifted from her to Slade. “Something’s gnawing at me. Kestrel’s powers are weakened in Skartaris. Don’s…” He coughed, “Slade’s powers are amplified. If this place is what affected you—”
Mar’i’s face flashed with recognition, “—your powers must be tied to the Lords of Order and Chaos!”
Tim furrowed his brow. “Maybe.” He hardly had time to consider further when a thundering crack tore open the sky. Two bolts of swirling energy - one red and one blue - met above them, forming a swirling portal at their vertex. The Titans readied their weapons, expecting the worst.
“It’s them.” Slade murmured, still put off by his uncanny awareness. Terataya and T’Charr descended from the sky, one wreathed in mist, the other, magma. The two elementals stopped a few feet above the ground, hovering.
Terataya was the first to speak. Even at a whisper, her voice reverberated through the air. “I don’t usually care for surprises, Don, but this was a pleasant one.” A thin smile appeared on her face.
“Slade Wilson.” Terataya’s neck turned at an unnatural angle to face him. “You wield the powers of Order with great skill. Who understands the dangers of unchecked War better than a soldier. Become my champion. Protect the balance.”
Slade took a step back, then glanced at Don.
“She’s right.” Don said, with only a hint of hesitation. “It took me years to use the powers like you used them today. You’re a natural.”
Slade looked at his hands, still gently pulsing with pale blue light. “Thanks.” He allowed himself a weak smile. “But no thanks.”
“What.” T’Charr’s voice boomed.
“It doesn’t take Zatanna to realize an old soldier like me makes a piss-poor Avatar of Peace. I fight for a living, and I’m not deluded enough to think that makes me good at anything but fighting. If you want someone who understands the need for balance, Don just sacrificed everything special about him for it.”
Don raised an eyebrow. “None taken.”
“His actions today were noble, but they do not make up for years spent squandering the gift.”
“Squandering? The Titans wouldn’t exist today if he hadn’t pulled them together. Everything they’ve done. Everything they’ve achieved for your balance wouldn’t have happened without him, including stopping that monster you made.”
“Watch your tone, mortal.” T’Charr threatened.
“There may be a vein of truth to his words, lover.” Terataya said. “But *if we were to restore Don Hall’s power, we would need assurances. His indecision led down this path.”*
Rocks ground against each other as T’Charr landed beside Don. “You would have weeks, not years, to select a counterpart and return to your duties.”
Don’s response was instantaneous. “I’ve made a decision.”
“You’ve decided if you’ll take up the mantle of Dove again?”
Don nodded. “And who should be the new Hawk.”
Terataya giggled. “Full of surprises today. T’Charr?”
“We should discuss this.” He said. “In private.”
The three of them vanished, leaving the Titans and Slade alone on a battlefield riddled with bits of dino meat and ape fur.
○○ Ⓣ ○○
“You don’t think they’re gonna come back in like, 200 years, right?” Conner asked. He sat beside the depowered Slade Wilson, who was downing aspirin to make up for the sudden deficit in peace energy.
“I don’t know.” Tim said. “But we should give them more than fifteen minutes.”
As if on cue, the skies opened again. Again, the chromatic energy lit the sky and again a portal opened its swirling maw. This time, however, it wasn’t two elemental Lords to descend. Raven squinted to make the figures out.
“Oh my god.” Conner said, having a far easier time with his super-vision.
“What? Who is it?” Tim asked.
“Donna!” Mar’i shouted. She shot off the ground towards her. Her black combat armor was replaced with a crimson and white bodysuit studded with stars that seemed to twinkle as the light shifted around her. The sword at her side was gone too, replaced with a coiled loop of rope suffused with the same brilliant energy. The two collided into an embrace, spinning through the air as they held each other tightly.
Don was the first to land, restored with the powers of Dove. He looked stronger than ever, and maybe more importantly, happier. Even Tim’s typical thoughtful brooding has been pierced by an unimpeachable joy.
“I don’t understand,.” Raven said. “S-She’s alive. How is this possible?”
“I knew there was only one person who could be trusted with the powers of War, with Hank’s abilities.” He scratched the back of his neck, a bit guilty. “And she’d been staring me in the face for years. It took some doing, but eventually T’Charr and Terataya saw that too.”
Donna landed beside him, Mar’i only a step behind. By now Conner had stepped forward. He tried not to choke over his words. “I’m sorry. If I’d—”
Donna didn’t let him get the words out before pulling him into a grapple-turned-hug that quickly grew as the rest of the team piled in. Slade flicked another aspirin into his mouth.
“Danyah!” A voice called out from over the ridge. It was Travis, mounted atop a fanged reptilian creature in the vague shape of a horse and flanked on either side by his gold-armored honor guard. He broke into a gallop, stopping just short of the Titans. “When I saw the skies, I feared the worst. Is it really you? Has sorcery brought you back to us?”
“It’s me, Travis. A Lord of Chaos brought me back.”
“Not to interrupt,.” Slade said, still nursing his wounds. “But did either of you ask them to bring us back to Chicago?”
“I…” Don grimaced. “Donna, how do we get home?”
“How did you get here? Surely you could return the way you came.” Travis said.
“No, we can’t.” Tim said, pressing a few buttons on his wrist’s holographic display. “Whatever magic pervades Skartaris is also causing some extreme time dilation. I can’t guarantee we’d return to the 21st century, or even to Earth.”
“I spent a decade in Skartaris and returned to Earth nearly two centuries later. It’s the influence of Chaos. We’d need a Skartaran mage of overwhelming power to stabilize our return.” She spat the word mage with disgust. Travis’s expression seemed to confirm the reputation of Skartaran spellcasters.
Before their anxiety could spiral, the sky above began to churn. Moments later, the ground shook as a violent bolt of lightning cleaved the air, striking with such ferocity that all but Conner and Donna were flung backward. Mar'i skidded across the damp undergrowth, her senses overwhelmed by the acrid scent of ozone. Her mind was racing; their victory was hard fought, and she doubted they had much left in the tank for another confrontation. She dug her hands into the ground and pushed herself up as she choked from the smell. The Warlord Morgan and his military guards snapped to attention, forming a protective ring around the crater that now marred the earth.
From the smoking pit, a figure rose, unfolding from a crouch like something out of Terminator. Adorned in a red and white jumpsuit that accentuated his lithe build, the young man's appearance was marked by a red cowl and goggles, with sandy brown hair rebelliously spilling out.
Conner squinted through the dissipating smoke, murmuring under his breath, “A speedster?” The Flashes had had a variety of different sidekicks and other allies over the years, but none of them recognised this one
With a nonchalant flair that seemed at odds with the charged atmosphere, the newcomer greeted them. “Hey, everyone chillax. I'm here to get you guys back home.”
Donna, ever the leader, stepped forward and spoke with a commanding curiosity, now emboldened with the war aura of Hawk. “And who are you exactly? Why should we trust you with such a claim?”
Flashing a cheeky grin, he tilted his head and responded, “Well, I’m a speedster for one. Name’s Impulse. If I run fast enough, then I can… well, I guess bend time.”
Behind Donna, the group exchanged sceptical glances. Raven's face remained shadowed by recovery, Mar'i and Conner braced for action, and Tim discretely checked his gadgets, no doubt for something that he could use on a speedster should the need arise.
“Yeah, we figured that much,” Don cut through the tension, his voice calm yet insistent. “Who sent you?”
Impulse chuckled, his demeanour remaining unfazed by their scrutiny. “Look, the details aren't the fun part. Trust me, I can get us back.”
As a silence thick with doubt and scepticism settled over the group, Impulse seemed to realise his casual assurances weren't sufficient. With a theatrical sigh, he reached up and removed his mask, revealing a face familiar to both Mar'i and Raven.
“Brody!?” Mar'i exclaimed, her surprise echoing through the clearing as she stared at the boy who had once hobbled through their college classes with his leg in a cast.
The young man’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief and a hint of pride. “Actually, it’s Bart.”
○○ Ⓣ ○○
When Slade emerged from the shower, his skin was glistening with moisture, the water tracing the contours of his scars. He wrapped a stark white towel around his waist, and crossed the plush carpet to sit on the edge of the hotel room bed. He released a slow, deep breath; it was a good job the speedster kid arrived when he did. The notion of being stranded in an alien land or, worse, a different time had gnawed at him with a ferocity that was hard to admit. Without Bart’s intervention, every one of Slade’s meticulously crafted plans would have been utterly dashed.
Facing him, a wall-mounted mirror caught his rugged reflection. Drawn to his own image, Slade studied the scars that mapped his trials, the slick white hair that crowned his head, and the deep lines etched into his face. A familiar discomfort nagged at him, focusing his attention on his right eye. Unable to alleviate the irritation through the skin, Slade exhaled heavily and carefully removed the eye altogether. The movement, fluid and practised, spoke of years of adaptation.
He placed the prosthetic gently on the bed beside him and as he massaged the socket, a decades-old habit, his mind wandered. He wasn't accustomed to keeping the prosthetic in for extended periods. Showering with it had been an uncomfortable experiment in necessity - he didn't like it, but understood the importance of maintaining the facade. The Slade he would have people believe he was would have never lost an eye, because that Slade had led a life far from by the darker paths Slade had truthfully trodden.
His thoughts wandered to his brief time wielding the potent powers of Dove, and Slade felt a twinge of regret at their loss. The clarity and strength those powers had provided were intoxicating, yet he recognised that he had a more important goal, one he couldn’t compromise. His current role demanded not the accumulation of power but the perfection of his deceit, ensuring that all believed he was not the Slade Wilson they knew, but a Reawakened, more innocent doppelganger.
Now, with the glass eye resting beside him, Slade stared at his unmasked visage. Maintaining the myth of the noble Slade was critical. The ruthless mercenary, the World’s Deadliest Killer - those identities had to remain buried. The Titans had believed him enough to entrust him with divine powers, their faith a testament to his performance, but the game was far from over; in fact, it was entering its most critical phase.
Next: Return to normality in The New Titans #10
2024.05.16 09:54 dillarb2 What am I missing before July?
 | I have a credit a my local gun store from a firearm that I sold to them on consignment 2 months ago. I don’t have a major need but curious on what gun you all love that I should get before July? My caliber that I don’t love is 22lr. I don’t hate it and I have one but it bores me. I am open to anything. I copied below what I currently own. Thank you! submitted by dillarb2 to CAguns [link] [comments] |
2024.05.16 09:44 AffectionateItem9462 Here’s the thing about these psychs. It’s all a big game. The psych system is a game. If you don’t know the rules, you strike out.
The mental health system is a game. Play their little game to get them off your back. All you have to do is say as little as possible, basically gray rock them like you would with a narcissist and don’t give them anything they can use against you. It’s like talking to a cop. Avoid talking to them if possible but if you have to, tell them as little as possible. Don’t say anything interesting or tell them any intimate details about your life. Keep it boring and simple. Don’t accept any drugs, just say no. These are predators.
They are looking for a weakness to exploit. That’s all that they are about. They are there to “help” you only up until the point where you can be used to dispense drugs to, extract money from or exploit, aka drugs that are effectively actually just torture devices. They are evil sadists who are the real “ableists” preying on those of us who are already rejected in society in some way or part of some type of marginalized personhood or abused by our own families.
These people are the real menaces of society. They are narcissists who are basically just deflecting and projecting their own negative traits onto their victims (I mean “patients”). They paint us like we are the enemy so that they can more easily manipulate everyone into giving them power. If they paint us as an enemy or menace to society then they can more easily justify it to themselves and others what they do to us, even though they are the real enemy in the dynamic. It’s basically organized narcissistic abuse that’s also conveniently legal. It’s effectively legal and sanctioned smear campaigning and abuse, and in some ways, they have even made it illegal for us to possess, own or operate a gun.
They keep the general population on board by bending and omitting truths as well as through harboring ignorance. That’s how they stay in control. This is only one appendage of a larger system. Once you become a critical thinker, you become a threat to the status quo so they have to drug you. That’s their thought process. Once you want to unalive yourself because you no longer want to take part in the rat race, they have to stop you, because if you’re dead then they can no longer exploit you for labor.
The psych system is about stripping liberties from vulnerable individuals. It does this in a very calculated way. It uses the false pretense that these people are here to “help” you or your family, friends and loved ones. They are not. They are here to uphold the system. They are here reinforce inequalities and harmful social constructs. It’s about making you uncomfortable until you give up. It’s about snuffing out your flame.
They are there to perpetuate the status quo. They do not care about you. They care about upholding the system by whatever means necessary, including electrocuting your brain, drugging you, imprisoning you, torturing you, kidnapping you, etc until you beg for mercy. Then, you will be so afraid to go through all of that again that you will become silent and subservient.
The goal is to scare you into submission. I hope you won’t fall for it. The only way to get out of the wards is to be obedient and accept their drugs. You won’t appreciate it later, you will be left feeling coerced and violated because they made you do something against your will in order to buy back what little freedom or rights you had left. You will leave traumatized and scared, which may tempt you to go back to these psychs for “therapy” or help working through your trauma, so that they can then trap and torture you again.
The reality is that there is no actual help out there for mental health. You have to figure it out on your own. These people don’t care about you. They care about keeping the status quo, themselves and money. It’s about silencing the brilliant. It’s literally just an arm of oppression made to keep certain individuals silenced and ignored. They want people to never take you seriously again because you are a threat to expose the ultra wealthy and anyone else with an agenda— which can be your own family or another abusive person/people in your life.
The problem is, people with power often use psychiatry as a way to conveniently gag, shun and gaslight anyone who they see as a threat to their status and psychs just let them do it. They never side with the patient because the patients cannot be trusted as long as someone thinks there is something wrong with their mental clarity and/or one person has more money than the other. It’s not about finding truth or looking for actual concrete evidence of insanity. Nope, they just go off of what the patient or the people in their life have to say.
Not even in a court of law would this make sense unless it’s mental health court, because you see, psychs have corrupted the legal system as well. He said she said cases rarely get any kind of legal traction. They may not even be given a police report, but in the mental health world, you can get a person committed on a 72 hour psych hold with nothing to show for it but your word.
submitted by AffectionateItem9462 to Antipsychiatry [link] [comments]
They are looking for a weakness to exploit. That’s all that they are about. They are there to “help” you only up until the point where you can be used to dispense drugs to, extract money from or exploit, aka drugs that are effectively actually just torture devices. They are evil sadists who are the real “ableists” preying on those of us who are already rejected in society in some way or part of some type of marginalized personhood or abused by our own families.
These people are the real menaces of society. They are narcissists who are basically just deflecting and projecting their own negative traits onto their victims (I mean “patients”). They paint us like we are the enemy so that they can more easily manipulate everyone into giving them power. If they paint us as an enemy or menace to society then they can more easily justify it to themselves and others what they do to us, even though they are the real enemy in the dynamic. It’s basically organized narcissistic abuse that’s also conveniently legal. It’s effectively legal and sanctioned smear campaigning and abuse, and in some ways, they have even made it illegal for us to possess, own or operate a gun.
They keep the general population on board by bending and omitting truths as well as through harboring ignorance. That’s how they stay in control. This is only one appendage of a larger system. Once you become a critical thinker, you become a threat to the status quo so they have to drug you. That’s their thought process. Once you want to unalive yourself because you no longer want to take part in the rat race, they have to stop you, because if you’re dead then they can no longer exploit you for labor.
The psych system is about stripping liberties from vulnerable individuals. It does this in a very calculated way. It uses the false pretense that these people are here to “help” you or your family, friends and loved ones. They are not. They are here to uphold the system. They are here reinforce inequalities and harmful social constructs. It’s about making you uncomfortable until you give up. It’s about snuffing out your flame.
They are there to perpetuate the status quo. They do not care about you. They care about upholding the system by whatever means necessary, including electrocuting your brain, drugging you, imprisoning you, torturing you, kidnapping you, etc until you beg for mercy. Then, you will be so afraid to go through all of that again that you will become silent and subservient.
The goal is to scare you into submission. I hope you won’t fall for it. The only way to get out of the wards is to be obedient and accept their drugs. You won’t appreciate it later, you will be left feeling coerced and violated because they made you do something against your will in order to buy back what little freedom or rights you had left. You will leave traumatized and scared, which may tempt you to go back to these psychs for “therapy” or help working through your trauma, so that they can then trap and torture you again.
The reality is that there is no actual help out there for mental health. You have to figure it out on your own. These people don’t care about you. They care about keeping the status quo, themselves and money. It’s about silencing the brilliant. It’s literally just an arm of oppression made to keep certain individuals silenced and ignored. They want people to never take you seriously again because you are a threat to expose the ultra wealthy and anyone else with an agenda— which can be your own family or another abusive person/people in your life.
The problem is, people with power often use psychiatry as a way to conveniently gag, shun and gaslight anyone who they see as a threat to their status and psychs just let them do it. They never side with the patient because the patients cannot be trusted as long as someone thinks there is something wrong with their mental clarity and/or one person has more money than the other. It’s not about finding truth or looking for actual concrete evidence of insanity. Nope, they just go off of what the patient or the people in their life have to say.
Not even in a court of law would this make sense unless it’s mental health court, because you see, psychs have corrupted the legal system as well. He said she said cases rarely get any kind of legal traction. They may not even be given a police report, but in the mental health world, you can get a person committed on a 72 hour psych hold with nothing to show for it but your word.
2024.05.16 09:25 Chromograph Infinite craft is completely broken for me
For some reason, when i try to drag an element, it just jumps to the top left corner, and i cant move it away from there. The points that float around in the backround still hints at the element still being there. This doesnt go away by resetting, restarting the computer or even switching account on my computer. Has this happened to anyone else and does anyone know how to fix it? Id reallt like to create more "world war 12212 V we are the man with the golden gun titan trump trump".
submitted by Chromograph to infinitecraft [link] [comments]
2024.05.16 09:11 paraire13 New Aquaracer
Hey, I’m new to the watch world. I’ve been looking at a few brands and popped into the local Tag shop while I’m at the mall.
Does anyone know much about or have any info on the new Aquaracer?
I’m not the biggest fan of the dial, but he said the movement is a lot better than the Caliber 5.
I’m also looking at the Carrera Day Date… so one sports watch and one classic watch.
I’m not particularly sold on the brand, but I like these two aesthetically.
Thanks in advance.
submitted by paraire13 to tagheuer [link] [comments]
Does anyone know much about or have any info on the new Aquaracer?
I’m not the biggest fan of the dial, but he said the movement is a lot better than the Caliber 5.
I’m also looking at the Carrera Day Date… so one sports watch and one classic watch.
I’m not particularly sold on the brand, but I like these two aesthetically.
Thanks in advance.
2024.05.16 09:07 0ut_0f_Nowhere II Méndez Núñez, The Mini Atlanta (El pequeño Atlanta)
 | Saw her in the the new Token event and my first thought was "It's a mini Atlanta!" 8 guns, with 7 to a broadside with faster reload than its tier but also smaller caliber than its tier, plus the turret arrangement. When this line releases I'm getting this ship just to have in port. submitted by 0ut_0f_Nowhere to WoWsBlitz [link] [comments] |
2024.05.16 09:00 Mizzno [H] Games [W] Cornucopia, Headbangers: Rhythm Royale, art of rally, Games (Listed Below), Steam Gift Cards
N.B.: I'm mainly looking for the games listed in the title and at the bottom of the thread. Feel free to post other offers, but if I haven't responded to your comment(s) by my next posting, I likely wasn't able to find a trade that interested me.
For sale (for Steam Gift Cards or gifted Steam Wallet balance):
For trade:
*signifies that a game is tentatively up for trade, assuming I buy the bundle
WANT:
IGS Rep Page: https://www.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/ti26nz/mizznos_igs_rep_page/
submitted by Mizzno to indiegameswap [link] [comments]
For sale (for Steam Gift Cards or gifted Steam Wallet balance):
- Dark Souls™: Prepare To Die™ Edition (removed from Steam Store;
$350$400 or best offer) - Fall Guys (removed from Steam Store)
- Fall Guys - Dragon Hugger Pack (removed from Steam Store)
- Fall Guys - Icy Adventure Pack (removed from Steam Store)
Marvel's Avengers - The Definitive Edition (removed from Steam Store)Spec Ops: The Line (removed from Steam Store)
- Humble Hunie Sakura Bundle (can also trade for a full "charity" bundle (Australia Fire Relief Bundle or similar))
- Humble Sekai Project Bundle (can also trade for a full "charity" bundle (Stand with Ukraine Bundle or similar))
For trade:
*signifies that a game is tentatively up for trade, assuming I buy the bundle
- Destroy All Humans! 2 - Reprobed
- Life is Strange: True Colors
- Scorn
- There Is No Light: Enhanced Edition
- Arkham Horror: Mother's Embrace
- Blood Rage: Digital Edition
- Gloomhaven - Solo Scenarios: Mercenary Challenges
- Small World
- Small World - A Spider's Web
- Small World - Be not Afraid...
- Small World - Cursed!
- Small World - Grand Dames
- Small World - Royal Bonus
- Splendor
- Splendor - The Cities
- Splendor - The Strongholds
- Splendor - The Trading Posts
- Terraforming Mars
- A Short Hike(?)
- A Story Beside(?)
- Aces & Adventures(?)
- Arcade Spirits(?)
- Battlestar Galactica Deadlock(?)
- Beyond Blue(?)
- Cat Quest(?)
- Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!(?)
- EARTHLOCK(?)
- Harmony's Odyssey(?)
- Homeworld Remastered Collection(?)
- Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure(?)
- Minecraft: Java Edition - MCC Island Jingle Jam Rewards Pack(?)
- Monster Prom(?)
- Sifu Deluxe Cosmetic Pack(?)
- Spirit of the Island(?)
- SUPERHOT(?)
- Tinytopia(?)
- Toodee and Topdee(?)
- Train Valley 2(?)
- Turbo Golf Racing(?)
- Valthirian Arc: Hero School Story(?)
- Xenonauts(?)
- Back 4 Blood
- Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition
- Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition
- Batman: Arkham Knight Premium Edition
- Batman™: Arkham Origins
- Injustice 2 Legendary Edition
- Mad Max
- Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Game of the Year Edition
- Middle-earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate Add-On Bundle
- Mortal Kombat XL
- Bionic Commando: Rearmed
- Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
- Lost Planet 3 - Complete
- Mega Man Legacy Collection
- STRIDER™ / ストライダー飛竜®
- 112 Operator
- 911 Operator
- The Amazing American Circus
- Armello
- Backbone
- Calico
- Euro Truck Simulator 2
- Farming Simulator 17
- Ghostrunner
- Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
- Lust from Beyond: M Edition
- Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine
- Orbital Racer
- Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition
- PAYDAY 2
- Pilgrims
- Soulblight
- Space Crew: Legendary Edition
- Starfinder Core Rulebook (Paizo key) and Starfinder Adventure: Junker's Delight (Paizo key)
- Strange Brigade
- Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones
- System Shock 2
- System Shock: Enhanced Edition
- Ticket to Ride
- XCOM® 2
- X-Morph: Defense Complete Pack
- Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York
- Vampire: The Masquerade - Shadows of New York
- Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Heart of the Forest
- Day of the Tentacle Remastered
- Grim Fandango Remastered
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- STAR WARS®: Knights of the Old Republic™ II
- Highway Blossoms
- HunieCam Studio
- KARAKARA
- Sunrider Academy
- Sunrider: Liberation Day - Captain's Edition
- The Elder Scrolls: Legends: 2 Card Packs (Skyrim) 1 Event Ticket 100 Gold 100 Souls
- ESO Vanity Pet: Bristlegut Piglet and 15 Days of ESO Plus
- Ame no Marginal -Rain Marginal-
- KARAKARA
- Memory's Dogma CODE:01
- Narcissu 10th Anniversary Anthology Project
- Narcissu 10th Anniversary Anthology Project - Season Pass
- A Kiss For the Petals - Remembering How We Met
- Sakura Angels
- Beach Bounce
- Beach Bounce - Soundtrack
- Blue Rose
- Lionessy Story
- My Personal Angel
- Natural - Beyond Nature -
- Postmen Of Horizon (removed from Steam Store)
- Koi-Koi Japan [Hanafuda playing cards]
- Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle
- Mahjong Pretty Girls Battle : School Girls Edition
- Poker Pretty Girls Battle: Texas Hold'em
- Pretty Girls Mahjong Solitaire
- Guns of Icarus Alliance
- Guns of Icarus Online
- Impossible Creatures Steam Edition
- Lethal League
- Tempest: Pirate Action RPG
- Tempest - Treasure Lands
- Tempest - Original Soundtrack
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf
- Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
- Tenta Shooter
- Gun Gun Pixies
- DUSK
- For The King
- Book of Demons
- PlateUp!
- Kingdom Two Crowns
- White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
- Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
- Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
- Steel Rats™
- Hue
- Sifu Deluxe Edition Upgrade Bundle (Epic key)
- Gal*Gun: Double Peace
- The Invisible Hours
- Synergia
- ROCKETRON
- Project Nimbus: Complete Edition
- Dead Age
- Spirit Hunter: NG
- Slain: Back from Hell(?)
- Cook, Serve, Delicious!
- Tower of Time
- Danger Scavenger
- Survive the Nights
- Valfaris
- Nongunz: Doppelganger Edition
- This War of Mine
- 112 Operator
- 911 Operator
- Book of Demons
- Broken Age
- Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons
- Crying Suns
- Crying Suns
- Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
- Driftland: The Magic Revival
- Liberated (GOG key)
- Moon Hunters
- Out of Reach: Treasure Royale
- Wanderlust: Travel Stories (GOG key)
- WARSAW
- X-Morph: Defense + European Assault, Survival of the Fittest, and Last Bastion DLC (I believe this redeems as the linked Complete Pack, minus the soundtrack)
- ΔV: Rings of Saturn(?)
- Arcade Paradise
- Calico
- Say No! More
- Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
- Fobia - St. Dinfna Hotel
- Phoenix Point: Year One Edition
- Deliver Us The Moon
- Morkredd
- Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
- Spirit Hunter: NG
- Survivalist: Invisible Strain
- Warhammer: Vermintide 2
- ENDLESS™ Space 2
- Surviving the Aftermath
- The Long Dark
- Duck Game
- SCP: Secret Files
- WWE 2K23
- The Jackbox Party Pack
- Outward (redeems as the base game only, not the linked Definitive Edition)
- Outward - The Soroboreans
- Outward Soundtrack
- Blade Assault
- Founders' Fortune
- Hokko Life
- Monster Crown
- Othercide
- Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition
- ScourgeBringer
- Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey
- HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™
- Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Game of the Year Edition
- Sonic CD (removed from Steam Store)
- LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4
- LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- STRIDER™ / ストライダー飛竜®
- Bionic Commando
- Full Metal Furies
- Ultra Street Fighter® IV
- Starbound
- Mafia III: Sign of the Times
- BioShock 2
- Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Game of the Year Edition
- Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter
- The Mean Greens - Plastic Warfare
- Crusaders of the Lost Idols Legendary Starter Pack
- Project CARS (removed from Steam Store)
WANT:
- 5D Chess With Multiverse Time Travel
- Astebreed: Definitive Edition
- Avernum: Escape from the Pit
- BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
- CrossCode
- Dead Rising 4
- Dungreed
- Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2
- Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection
- Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition
- Myst (2021)
- NBA 2K23
- NECROPOLIS: BRUTAL EDITION
- Omensight: Definitive Edition
- OPUS: Echo of Starsong - Full Bloom Edition
- OPUS: Rocket of Whispers
- OPUS: The Day We Found Earth
- Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
- RAGE
- Resident Evil Village
- The Jackbox Party Pack 5
- The Jackbox Party Pack 6
- The Jackbox Party Pack 7
- Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
- Zombie Army 4: Dead War
- any extra copies of WWE 2K23
IGS Rep Page: https://www.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/ti26nz/mizznos_igs_rep_page/
2024.05.16 08:51 Obliviation92 With your current mindset, health, skills and weapons, how would you do in a sudden zombie infected world?
Where are you in your life right now? How old are you? Are you depressed or happy? Are you satisfied with your health? What work do you do irl? Will your work experience help you survive? What kind of skills have you acquired that could help you? What are objects closest to you that you could turn into a weapon? Do you feel that you have survival instincts and can adapt to the new world?
All of these and more are key to how long you are going to make it if a zombie outbreak suddenly happened. If your mindset, health and age are not where it should be, then you wont make it far unless you are really lucky or dependent on others to keep you alive. What skills and tools you have acquired during your worklife does have something to say in how you will do.
If you work with something gun related or have hunting hobbies, you have a very high chance of survival I guess. If you are an engineer or carpenter, you will have knowledge to keep you alive for a while.
So there is no denying that some people have a much higher survival rate than others depending on how your life is.
So Champ, will you become the ultimate survivalist and live in the new world or will you be one of the first to fall before it even starts?
submitted by Obliviation92 to gaming [link] [comments]
All of these and more are key to how long you are going to make it if a zombie outbreak suddenly happened. If your mindset, health and age are not where it should be, then you wont make it far unless you are really lucky or dependent on others to keep you alive. What skills and tools you have acquired during your worklife does have something to say in how you will do.
If you work with something gun related or have hunting hobbies, you have a very high chance of survival I guess. If you are an engineer or carpenter, you will have knowledge to keep you alive for a while.
So there is no denying that some people have a much higher survival rate than others depending on how your life is.
So Champ, will you become the ultimate survivalist and live in the new world or will you be one of the first to fall before it even starts?
2024.05.16 08:30 Humo_Loco My define of the System of Satan.
The System of Satan is also known as the Devil, works to oppose God and deceive humanity. This is concept is derived from various passages in the Bible and interpretations by theologians over centuries. What I see the System of Satan is a list of elements commonly associated: 1. Deception. Satan is often referred to as the Father of lies. Deception is a key strategy, leading people away from the Truth of God and into falsehood. Read John 8:44.
How do we avoiding to being member of the System of Satan? This will help you to avoid falling into Satan’s traps according to my experience. Yes, I sin more than all of you, so that is why I want to help you to understand and avoid falling into Satan’s traps. Read Ecclesiastes 7:25.
You must faith in Jesus Christ, because he is the one who has paid his red blood and flesh to cleanse your sins. Central to the believers belief is faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord or King(the better word) and Savior. The best is to accepting Jesus and His sacrifice for sin is foundational. Read John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10.
Study the Bible. If you don’t read the Bible then you are Stupid one. Ecclesiastes 2:16 explain, “How will the Wise One die? Along with the Stupid one.” I don’t want to be part of your Stupid, but I want to share my wisdom to help you grow wisdom. The more you earn wisdom the better. If you regular reading and studying of the Bible help you understand God’s Truth and recognize falsehood. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 119:105.
Try to pray. If you keep maintaining a consistent prayer life keeps believers connected to God, seeking His guidance and strength. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Philippians 4:6-7.
Community and Fellowship, being part of a society and the student study bible community provides support accountability, and encouragement. Read Hebrew 10:24-25 and Acts 2:42.
Living a Righteous Life, striving to life according to God’s commandments and principles helps guard against sinful behaviors and influences. Read 1 Peter 1:14-16. Galatians 5:22-23.
Spiritual Discernment, developing discernment through the Holy Spirit helps believers distinguish between truth and deception. Read 1 John 4:1 and Philippians 1:9-10.
Avoiding Temptation, being mindful of situations and environments that lead to temptation and avoiding them when possible. Read Matthew 26:41 and 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Renewing the Mind, transforming one’s thoughts and attitudes through God’s Word helps resist conforming to Worldly values. Read Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:22-24.
Wearing the Armor of God, in Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the Armor of God, A metaphor for spiritual defenses against Satan’s schemes, including Truth, Righteousness, Faith, Salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.
Resisting the Devil, actively resisting Satan and his influences is essential. James 4:7 stated “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”
Confession and Repentance, regularly confessing sins and seeking God’s forgiveness helps maintain a right relationship with Him. Read 1 John 1:9 and Acts 3:19.
Be the Witness, sharing the Gospel and living out one’s faith publicly helps spread God’s Truth and counters Satan’s deception. Read Matthew 28:19-20 and 1 Peter 3:15. By focusing on these principles, Christians believe they can guard themselves against becoming part of the System of Satan and live a life that honors and glorifies God.
If you truly want to avoid the System of Satan, to be honest I am truly sorry for anyone for being blind to the Truth. In my perceptive of the System of Satan. If you don’t want to be hurt feel, I would say to you to the best to become Amish known as the Old Order that is a group of traditionalist Anabaptist Christian. They are still remaining in maintain a degree of separation from surrounding populations and hold their faith in common. They are known for simple living, plain dress, Christian pacifism and slowness to adopt many convinces of modern technology. The Amish value rural life, manual labor, humility and submission to God’s will. Be like them. Go melting all Weapon such as guns into a farm equipment.
The most important is we must follow the Ten Commandments. Who told you that Ten Commandment is no longer applied to you as Human?
You must not be involved to take part in an activity or event or be connect with in some way to get involved in these lists below.
The Form of Government by the human along with Satan. You aint God. You are human the same as I am.
Money. You cannot serve two masters. Yet you better pay tax no matter what, because the money cannot be appropriate if it belongs to others or to other families.
Do not worship the Celebrity such as the movies, Hollywood, tv series. They growing us become stupid and stupider.
Internet War. Such as be one of toxicity community. Applied to video game when you raging over something.
Joining Military. Applied to Enforcement Law such as police. For the kills. We no honor for their death served in the Military.
That is why I can go add on, but this is enough for you to understand the concept of the System of Satan. If you have a question for me, let me know.
submitted by Humo_Loco to JehovahsWitnesses [link] [comments]
- Temptation. Satan tempts individuals to sin, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Read Genesis 3 whole page and Matthew 4:1-11.
- Accusation. Satan is described as the “Accuser of the Brethren”, constantly accusing believers before God and fostering guilt and condemnation. Read Revelation 12:10.
- Persecution. Throughout history, Satan is believed to inspired the persecution of Christians and the suppression of the Gospel. Do not trust them, only you can trust is the Word of God so go read Bible for real.
- False Religions and Idolatry. Satan is seen as promoting false religions and idolatry to divert worship away from the true God. Read 1 Corinthians 10:20.
- Worldly Systems known as System of Satan. The Bible suggests that Satan has significant influence over worldly systems and governments, often described as the God of this World and the Prince of the Power of the Air. Read 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Ephesians 2:2.
- Moral Corruption. Encouraging moral decay and ethical compromise in individuals and societies is another aspect of Satan’s influence.
- Demonic Activity. Involvement of demonic forces in afflicting individuals, promoting evil, and resisting the work of God. Read Ephesians 6:12.
- Spiritual Blindness. Blinding people to the Truth of the Gospel and keeping them in spiritual darkness. Read 2 Corinthians 4:4.
- False Teachers and Doctrines. Promoting false teachings and heresies within the education to lead believers astray. This also applied to the public and private school. Read 2 Peter 2:1 and 1 Timothy 4:1.
- Division. Sowing discord and division among believers to weaken the unity of the Bible. Romans 16:17-18.
- Pride. This is one of top dangerous sin. Encouraging pride and self-exaltation, as seen in Satan’s own fall and in the temptation of individuals. Read Isaiah 14:12-15.
How do we avoiding to being member of the System of Satan? This will help you to avoid falling into Satan’s traps according to my experience. Yes, I sin more than all of you, so that is why I want to help you to understand and avoid falling into Satan’s traps. Read Ecclesiastes 7:25.
You must faith in Jesus Christ, because he is the one who has paid his red blood and flesh to cleanse your sins. Central to the believers belief is faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord or King(the better word) and Savior. The best is to accepting Jesus and His sacrifice for sin is foundational. Read John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10.
Study the Bible. If you don’t read the Bible then you are Stupid one. Ecclesiastes 2:16 explain, “How will the Wise One die? Along with the Stupid one.” I don’t want to be part of your Stupid, but I want to share my wisdom to help you grow wisdom. The more you earn wisdom the better. If you regular reading and studying of the Bible help you understand God’s Truth and recognize falsehood. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 119:105.
Try to pray. If you keep maintaining a consistent prayer life keeps believers connected to God, seeking His guidance and strength. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Philippians 4:6-7.
Community and Fellowship, being part of a society and the student study bible community provides support accountability, and encouragement. Read Hebrew 10:24-25 and Acts 2:42.
Living a Righteous Life, striving to life according to God’s commandments and principles helps guard against sinful behaviors and influences. Read 1 Peter 1:14-16. Galatians 5:22-23.
Spiritual Discernment, developing discernment through the Holy Spirit helps believers distinguish between truth and deception. Read 1 John 4:1 and Philippians 1:9-10.
Avoiding Temptation, being mindful of situations and environments that lead to temptation and avoiding them when possible. Read Matthew 26:41 and 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Renewing the Mind, transforming one’s thoughts and attitudes through God’s Word helps resist conforming to Worldly values. Read Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:22-24.
Wearing the Armor of God, in Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the Armor of God, A metaphor for spiritual defenses against Satan’s schemes, including Truth, Righteousness, Faith, Salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.
Resisting the Devil, actively resisting Satan and his influences is essential. James 4:7 stated “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”
Confession and Repentance, regularly confessing sins and seeking God’s forgiveness helps maintain a right relationship with Him. Read 1 John 1:9 and Acts 3:19.
Be the Witness, sharing the Gospel and living out one’s faith publicly helps spread God’s Truth and counters Satan’s deception. Read Matthew 28:19-20 and 1 Peter 3:15. By focusing on these principles, Christians believe they can guard themselves against becoming part of the System of Satan and live a life that honors and glorifies God.
If you truly want to avoid the System of Satan, to be honest I am truly sorry for anyone for being blind to the Truth. In my perceptive of the System of Satan. If you don’t want to be hurt feel, I would say to you to the best to become Amish known as the Old Order that is a group of traditionalist Anabaptist Christian. They are still remaining in maintain a degree of separation from surrounding populations and hold their faith in common. They are known for simple living, plain dress, Christian pacifism and slowness to adopt many convinces of modern technology. The Amish value rural life, manual labor, humility and submission to God’s will. Be like them. Go melting all Weapon such as guns into a farm equipment.
The most important is we must follow the Ten Commandments. Who told you that Ten Commandment is no longer applied to you as Human?
You must not be involved to take part in an activity or event or be connect with in some way to get involved in these lists below.
The Form of Government by the human along with Satan. You aint God. You are human the same as I am.
Money. You cannot serve two masters. Yet you better pay tax no matter what, because the money cannot be appropriate if it belongs to others or to other families.
Do not worship the Celebrity such as the movies, Hollywood, tv series. They growing us become stupid and stupider.
Internet War. Such as be one of toxicity community. Applied to video game when you raging over something.
Joining Military. Applied to Enforcement Law such as police. For the kills. We no honor for their death served in the Military.
That is why I can go add on, but this is enough for you to understand the concept of the System of Satan. If you have a question for me, let me know.
2024.05.16 08:19 HashTagFinallyWoke Deadly Home Invasion Robbery, Shot Victims' Mother & Bit Off Her Finger, Dari Garcia, Viclei Hernandez & Victor Hernandez Charged in the Death of Richard Catalano
2024.05.16 08:02 PropRatActual The Albino Ep 10
Well, Hi all! again! 4Th Wall here, I figured since I just got power back, I might as well play some catch up on both series. Hope you enjoy this episode!!
Yup, I fucked that up. This is a repost with the correct Episode number, LOL! It's been a while since I've done that.
First, Previous, Next (Patreon)
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Benjamin smiled, watching the girls skip ahead of him. Today was a testing day of sorts for him. Unwilling to release firearms into this world haphazardly, yet unwilling to go without them as a backup; he had pulled from one of his sister’s favorite video games. He had “melted down” his bowie knife, repurposing the metal to be used in his latest creation. The final product rode on his hip like a short sword, but Ben was satisfied in the design when the vast majority of the people he passed ignored it as just another adventurer’s blade. Benjamin hoped, that with the existence of Majik, that he would be able to pass off any… peculiarities... as the realm of the supernatural.
The three of them arrived at the tailor’s establishment, and the girls were met with a customary indifference that seemed to present itself when a slave’s “master” was present. The moment Benjamin entered, the seamstress ceased to pay attention to the girls, and instead addressed him directly, “Ah, The Forgemaster’s Protégé. What can I do for you this day.” She said cooly, bowing slightly in welcome. “I’m here commission some clothing for these two, a reward for good service.” Benjamin began. It was technically true; the success of the forge had afforded him much more coin than a mere apprentice could have made. Qort had taken him on as a true partner, and Benjamin earned enough to comfortably afford to cloth his “slaves” in whatever he chose.
Some stigma’s remained however, and the seamstress seemed to glare sideways at the girls as they perused the fabrics adorning the walls. “Is that wise? A slave could lose her place with such gifts.” she asked, her polite tone barely hiding her disapproval. Benjamin sighed internally, ‘oh for fucks sake’ he groaned in his own mind before putting on facad, “I find that proper reward, afforded on the right servant can result in” he paused, projecting a smug expression and blatantly looking the girls up and down. “a profound dedication to their duties” he finished with a satisfied smile as the seamstress covered her mouth with a hand to hide a smile of her own. The gambit worked, and the Seamstress was obviously satisfied that the “Aereesen slave whores” were being properly “used”. “Ah, I understand. What did you have in mind for them.” She practically moaned back at Benjamin. ‘This hag needs a good pounding….’ Benjamin’s inner monologue threatened to crack his facade, “That’s the fun part, my good lady. It’s their choice. The surprise is half the excitement.” He chuckled.
The seamstress openly smiled at him this time before nodding and stepping over to the two girls. Benjamin breathed a sigh of relief as she seemed to treat them at least marginally more warmly. The old racist bag didn’t need to know that Benjamin was secretly building a small nest egg for his girls, or that his sending them out to do errands for him was how he was teaching them about money, value, and the application of Mathematics. She also didn’t need to know that the full Cutlery set that she had purchased last week had been made by Vi’s own hand as her first full solo commission set. Benjamin had stamped his “mark” on them, because slaves were not allowed to own anything, including their own work; but Vi had begun with raw steel and finished with one of the finest cooking knife sets he had seen in this world or his.
Benjamin settled onto a bench outside, using the excuse of wanting to enjoy the morning air to afford his girls some privacy. Now that Viola and Valtrya were eating a healthy diet, and the right calorie amount; they had blossomed into absolute bombshells. Their hair had recovered, and both sported long flowing locks that boasted a silky satin black color and texture that betrayed hints of deep royal purple. The color reminded Benjamin of one of those expensive custom car paints that changed color depending on the lighting.
Their skin recovered almost as quickly as their hair. The sickly, scabbed look was quickly replaced with the same satin quality as their hair to the touch, but with a light grey coloring that almost seemed to tease the edge of hinting at a greyish purple. A dense pattern of Small freckles of the same dark, almost royal, purple as the highlights in their hair frolicked on both girl’s cheeks, and down the sides of their necks. Because of their early lack of understanding on modestly, Ben knew that those freckles traveled much further. The sad truth was that Benjamin understood fully why Aereesen’s were the prize of slavers and brothels, and he silently prayed that he could give them enough self-worth and skill to have a better life than that, once he got them out of the Principality.
A door’s soft creaking broke Benjamin from his thoughts as the two sisters stepped out smiling, “Get everything you need?” he asked standing as the three of them departed the establishment. Val nodded vigorously, and Vi smiled as she spoke, “I think so, but I had to practically beg the woman to stop showing us lingerie… what did you tell her?” Benjamin felt his cheeks heat as he responded, “What I had to. The old hag doesn’t get enough at home. It’s not my fault that your ‘enthusiasm’ is in the forge and your studies, not between the sheets. I didn’t lie to her, I just let her draw her own conclusions, sorry.”
Vi’s eyes twinkled for a second, “Oh,” She smirked, “Thaaat’s why she broke out the silk. Some of her options were..” She blatantly bit her lip at Benjamin. “You didn’t…” He asked in shock, and Vi lifted up on her tippy toes to brush her lips against his ear, “Not telling” she purred, setting Bens senses on fire. She backed up a step, openly smirking at his beet red face. “But your expression is adorable… My Lord” She stated the last two words with a deep sultry tone, knowing that Ben couldn’t scold her in public before taking his hand, “May we visit the bazar next? Val saw some jewelry she wanted to look at.” Benjamin gave her a pointed look, that turned into a smile as she beamed at him, “Ok, sounds good. I need to pick up some food for the week.”
It was later that afternoon when the three of them left the bazar. They found Jukha waiting on the bench in front of their home. “Jukha! How are you!” Benjamin called, clasping the Orc’s hand firmly as the girls rushed inside to put up their purchases. Jukha reciprocated, if somewhat stiffly, to the strange to him gesture. “Benjamin, it is good to see you well.” His tone stopped Ben in his tracks, “What is it. Is your wife, ok?”
Jukha shook his head, “Vilora is well, but I have been tasked with finding you.” He said carefully, “The slaver, the one you dueled for those two,” he nodded to Vi and Val as they stepped back out of the building, “The Heir of The Romoregin house is here. He has lodged an official demand for satisfaction, and he brought a champion.”
Benjamin stiffened, “Another duel? You said an ‘official demand’… what happens if I refuse.” Jukha winced at Ben’s tone, “It is an archaic practice of my people, rarely remembered, and even more rarely demanded. You cannot deny a satisfaction claim, but should you prevail, no further claims can be made upon your person. I am sorry Benjamin, but if you flee or refuse, your life is forfeit; and your property goes to the claimant.” Jukha looked pointedly at Viola and Valtrya. “The young puke has put me in danger as well, if I do not deliver you and them to the duel, I can be detained. If they torture me….” Benjamin’s eyes widened before hardening in understanding. “Jukha…” He turned to find Viola standing next to him, with his musket in one arm and his ammunition bag in the other, and sighed, “Fuck”. He loaded his musket with a single roundball cartridge this time, unwilling to fire buck and ball in the town streets. He pealed the ball out of the paper wading after pouring the poweder, reaching into his haversack to retrieve a small round patch made of pillow ticking. Jukha looked on in mild fascination as Benjamin spit on the cloth patch before wrapping the ball in it and ramming the whole thing down the barrel. It wasn’t much, but it reduce windage, ensuring at least reasonable enough accuracy from the smoothbore to keep from hitting innocent bystanders. It would also virtually eliminate blow-by, upping the chamber pressure and giving him a little more velocity. “I’m ready.”
The four of them entered the small city square to be met with Qort and three Org guards. These soldiers wore different insignia that Benjamin had been taught were the mark of the capital. “Beenjaymen Shayfe” one of them butchered his name, “I am.” Ben nodded firmly, the other guard nodded, “And your two slaves, good. Has Jukha informed you of the proceedings.” Benjamin scowled, “A legalized way to attempt a revenge killing? Yea, I’ve been told.” Ben didn’t bother to hide his vitriol, “So I have to kill a motherfucker for defending myself from his father?”
“Not quite. The Heir has brought a champion. The rules are simple, all forms of combat are allowed” The first guard began as the second one began chaining the wrists of Viola and Valtrya. Benjamin began to move before thinking, only to be held back by Jukha, “Peace albino. They must do this. Fighting them will cause a forfeit.” Benjamin looked at the terrified faces of the two girls. He forced himself to calm down outwardly, but Benjamin could feel the rage building. He had worked so hard to save those two, to get them out.. now some snot nosed brat was going to try to kill him because his father didn’t know when to fuck off. Benjamin stepped out from around the guards. The “heir” was a young Durr. Ben had no frame of reference for age, but the Heir was substantially shorter, and his facial tentacles were almost mere buds. Beside him stood a crimson colossus, the same species as the Hunter he had shot saving Jukha. He was taller than that female, and was wearing plate armor, gilded in silver. He hefted a great sword of some kind and smiled openly at Benjamin. It was not a pleasant expression. “Ah, so You’re the puke I’ll be cleaning from my blade. I am Krastorin. Come here, pale one, I’ll make it quick.”
Benjamin looked him over, subtly shifting into a shooting stance but keeping his musket looking like he was resting the butt of a spear on the ground. “You look accomplished, what makes you do the bidding of the boy.” He asked, blatant scorn on his tone. The Young Durr flinched, his small tentacle buds writhing violently. “H’Dare Yee!” he bellowed, voice cracking with the strain of fury, “Aye’ll ‘ave Yee Head on Me’Wall!!”
Benjamin ignored him, focusing on the Hellirine. The man looked back at the boy with a raised eyebrow, “The young puke promised me one of those.” He pointed at Vi and Val, who had reverted to their former trembling submissive postures that Ben had met them in. “It appears that they are as well kept as claimed. I look forward to sampling them.” He leered. Benjamin looked over at the Young Durr and found his face a mixture of relief and anger. ‘Ah, lied about daddy’s slaves.’ He turned to the soldier standing next to him, “Is the duel on?” he growled.
“Combatants! Begin!” was the Soldiers response, and the crimson mercenary lifted his sword from his shoulders advancing forward with a long confident stride, “at last, let’s get this over wi..” a clap of thunder echo’d through the Feral wood, and most of the crowd cried out in surprise as Benjamin disappeared, seemingly behind a bubble of fire, and brimstone. The single round ball ignored the mercenary’s plate armor. Punching straight through as the soft lead mushroomed out into a ragged disk that measured almost an inch and a half. The mangled projectile, still travelling at almost half the speed of sound, eviscerated the chest cavity of the Mercenary before blowing a one foot wide hole out of the crimson man’s back. The exit wound missed Krastorin’s spine by an inch, but it didn’t matter. The projectile embedded itself into a post, thankfully missing any bystanders by mere inches in some cases. The Young Durr, who was standing just behind and to the side of his champion, was screaming as he pawed at the bits of pale yellow blood, bones, and fragments of internal organs now covering him from head to toe.
Benjamin handed the smoking musket to Jukha, drawing his short sword and walking over to a sputtering, choking, and coughing Krastorin. The Hellirine lay face down on the ground, having fallen that way from the momentum of his initial advance. The back of Benjamins mind was sickly amused as he remembered the old Hollywood trope of bullets throwing people backward, and a pinch of regret sparked in his soul as his opponent death rattled. He stepped up to the Heir, resting the blade against his neck, “Are we done here. Be a better man than your father and learn when to save your own life.” The Young Durr froze, staring up at him in abject terror for several moments as a puddle formed at his feet. Benjamin opened his mouth to speak again when the boy simply passed out, falling into the puddle of his own mess as his mind refused to stay conscious.
Benjamin turned to walk back towards Jukha and the girls. “Unchain them.” Benjamin’s tone could have frozen a raging forge’s inferno. To his surprise, two of the soldiers drew their weapons on him, “You need to come with us. All Touched must be registered with...” Benjamin pointed his short sword at the one talking… and pulled the trigger. The percussion revolver built into the hilt of the short sword was zero’d using a notch Benjamin cut into the crossguard, and the tip of the curved blade as a crude set of open sights. The barrel of the revolver lay along one side of the blade, and was rifled. The speaking soldier orc’s took the smaller pistol round through the forehead, exploding the back of his skull in a cone of dark green and grey mist. The exit wound showered his companion in bits of bone and brains. Benjamin’s thumb found the hammer, and four satisfying clicks echo’d in the stunned silence, “HEAR ME!” He growled, “I, am touched by the Gods. I posses the power to end any life I choose using the power of Hell itself!” ‘if I have to show them a gun, might as well throw them off the trail’ “The violence of the raging volcano obeys my very fingertips.” His revolvesword bucked a second time as another soldier orc made a move to rush him. The smaller pistol round still punched through the orcs armor and out the back, but only left him screaming on the ground. Benjamin re-cocked, and leveled his weapon at the orc holding the chains to Val and Vi. “Now, release them.” This last remaining Orc did as asked, before gathering up his screaming companion as the girls rushed to Benjamin, he pulled them close, whispering, “I’m sorry we wont be able to pick up your dresses.”
The three of them packed up that night. Qort had understood, knowing all too well what the Principality would do to acquire a Touched of Benjamins ability. “Stay safe my friend. I pray our paths cross again.” Jukha snuck them out of the village that night, using his wagon to get them to his home. They stayed a week, laying low while they planned their next move. The girls spent their time learning recipes from Jukha’s wife, and ben took the time to unwind a bit. Jukha and He went on a hunt, and Benjamin was given a run down on the flora and fauna of the Feral wood. The two of them brought back a pair of Stags, and the three women cooked them a feast.
“Dinner’s ready!!” called Viola, setting the last of the sides on the table as the dutch oven roasted meat was brought off of the stove top. It was a simple yet elegant meal. Stag, potatoes, some kind of Kale style vegetable that Benjamin had never seen before. Soon enough, everyone at the table was leaning back, as full as they could make themselves. “So, pinkskin,” Jukha asked, “Where do you plan on going. I wouldn’t mind you staying with me. I could use another hunter, but I suspect that they would notice the extra product I brought to the village.”
Benjamin Hummed, “The Maridian Combine. Qort told me that they banned slavery over a century ago, the girls have learned so much already. It would be easy to find jobs for them.” Vi and Val drooped slightly but hid it well. Jukha noticed it but said nothing. “A good choice, their boarders are well guarded, you would need to free them before you cross, or end up in a dungeon yourself.”
“Good point, I can write up a simple writ of freedom. Something I can sign and give to them.” Benjamin nodded, “I can get started on that to…” he paused as a hand fell on his. He looked to see Viola staring at him, fighting back tears, “Hey, what’s wrong. You will be free…” Jukha nodded slowly and stood. “love,” he said to Vilora, “I need some help with the livestock” The Farie met his eyes in unspoken understanding, fluttering out the front door with Jukha.
“Vi, what’s wrong.” Benjamin asked gently.
“No… go… Val… stay…” Both of them turned to Valtrya in shock. She was trembling, “I wont..leave.”
“You speak?” Benjamin looked in shock, but Viola spoke next, “Benjamin, we don’t want to leave. We want to stay, with you. I…” She paused. Ben sighed, “I want you to stay too.” He said, finally admitting it to himself, “But I can’t own you. It’s killing me that you are my property.” He reached up and wiped a tear from Vi’s eyes, “You are so much more than property. I feel evil, every day that I wake up knowing that I could do anything I wanted to you, or worse, die and have someone else hurt you for the fun of it.” Benjamin bowed his head. Viola reached out, lifting his chin to look into his eyes, “Then come with us.” She whispered as Val stood up and stepped around the table, “yes.. You, come.” She wrapped herself around Ben from the side leaning in until she was resting her head against his shoulder, “I’m… staying.. with you.” she said softly. Viola nodded, “Benjamin, how old do you think we are.”
Ben looked at her in confusion, “I have no idea, I’ve always assumed you were teenagers. 13-14 years old for Val, maybe 16 for you, but that was when you were skin and bones.” He admitted.
Viola’s eyes widened in understanding. “You did not want to bed us because you thought us children.” Benjamin nodded slowly, answering. “And forcing sex on a child is the worst kind of crime on my world”. Viola and Valtrya looked at each other, before Vi spoke. “Ben, my sister will turn one hundred and three in a fortnight. I just had my one hundred and fifteenth birthday last week.” She leaned in, pressing her lips to Bens as she kissed him passionately for a moment. “We are no children,” Viola paused as Valtrya leaned in, kissing Ben lightly on the neck, “You are not forcing us to do anything, but leave.” Viola whispered as she began to close in to a surprised Benjamin for another kiss.
The door to the cabin flew open violently, and the girls pulled back to a more modest distance. Jukha walked in, carrying a panting Vilora. “What happened.” Ben asked hurriedly, hoping he wasn’t blushing as hard as the heat on his cheeks suggested. Vilora waved a hand as Jukha set her down in her chair, “The Vin… My sisters… they reached out… They wish to meet…” The Farie gathered herself, “They also sent a warning. We must leave, tonight… hunters.”
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If you made it this far, I very much appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed the episode! If you believe I have earned it, I have a Patreon that is two episodes ahead of the free releases for this series. I hope you feel taking a look is worth it. Either way, come hang out in the comments. Everyone's welcome! I've discovered Im a bit of a "warts and all" poster, so even critical comments are welcome. Hell, You might even teach me something (it happens more than I'd like to admit).
I have heard people off and on reference Royal road, So I am going to give it another shot. I'll be adding the Royal Road link from now on. If you like reading over there, It is on the same schedule as here. I would greatly appreciate a like/review/comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you again for stopping by.
First, Previous, Next (Patreon) Royal Road
submitted by PropRatActual to HFY [link] [comments]
Yup, I fucked that up. This is a repost with the correct Episode number, LOL! It's been a while since I've done that.
First, Previous, Next (Patreon)
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Benjamin smiled, watching the girls skip ahead of him. Today was a testing day of sorts for him. Unwilling to release firearms into this world haphazardly, yet unwilling to go without them as a backup; he had pulled from one of his sister’s favorite video games. He had “melted down” his bowie knife, repurposing the metal to be used in his latest creation. The final product rode on his hip like a short sword, but Ben was satisfied in the design when the vast majority of the people he passed ignored it as just another adventurer’s blade. Benjamin hoped, that with the existence of Majik, that he would be able to pass off any… peculiarities... as the realm of the supernatural.
The three of them arrived at the tailor’s establishment, and the girls were met with a customary indifference that seemed to present itself when a slave’s “master” was present. The moment Benjamin entered, the seamstress ceased to pay attention to the girls, and instead addressed him directly, “Ah, The Forgemaster’s Protégé. What can I do for you this day.” She said cooly, bowing slightly in welcome. “I’m here commission some clothing for these two, a reward for good service.” Benjamin began. It was technically true; the success of the forge had afforded him much more coin than a mere apprentice could have made. Qort had taken him on as a true partner, and Benjamin earned enough to comfortably afford to cloth his “slaves” in whatever he chose.
Some stigma’s remained however, and the seamstress seemed to glare sideways at the girls as they perused the fabrics adorning the walls. “Is that wise? A slave could lose her place with such gifts.” she asked, her polite tone barely hiding her disapproval. Benjamin sighed internally, ‘oh for fucks sake’ he groaned in his own mind before putting on facad, “I find that proper reward, afforded on the right servant can result in” he paused, projecting a smug expression and blatantly looking the girls up and down. “a profound dedication to their duties” he finished with a satisfied smile as the seamstress covered her mouth with a hand to hide a smile of her own. The gambit worked, and the Seamstress was obviously satisfied that the “Aereesen slave whores” were being properly “used”. “Ah, I understand. What did you have in mind for them.” She practically moaned back at Benjamin. ‘This hag needs a good pounding….’ Benjamin’s inner monologue threatened to crack his facade, “That’s the fun part, my good lady. It’s their choice. The surprise is half the excitement.” He chuckled.
The seamstress openly smiled at him this time before nodding and stepping over to the two girls. Benjamin breathed a sigh of relief as she seemed to treat them at least marginally more warmly. The old racist bag didn’t need to know that Benjamin was secretly building a small nest egg for his girls, or that his sending them out to do errands for him was how he was teaching them about money, value, and the application of Mathematics. She also didn’t need to know that the full Cutlery set that she had purchased last week had been made by Vi’s own hand as her first full solo commission set. Benjamin had stamped his “mark” on them, because slaves were not allowed to own anything, including their own work; but Vi had begun with raw steel and finished with one of the finest cooking knife sets he had seen in this world or his.
Benjamin settled onto a bench outside, using the excuse of wanting to enjoy the morning air to afford his girls some privacy. Now that Viola and Valtrya were eating a healthy diet, and the right calorie amount; they had blossomed into absolute bombshells. Their hair had recovered, and both sported long flowing locks that boasted a silky satin black color and texture that betrayed hints of deep royal purple. The color reminded Benjamin of one of those expensive custom car paints that changed color depending on the lighting.
Their skin recovered almost as quickly as their hair. The sickly, scabbed look was quickly replaced with the same satin quality as their hair to the touch, but with a light grey coloring that almost seemed to tease the edge of hinting at a greyish purple. A dense pattern of Small freckles of the same dark, almost royal, purple as the highlights in their hair frolicked on both girl’s cheeks, and down the sides of their necks. Because of their early lack of understanding on modestly, Ben knew that those freckles traveled much further. The sad truth was that Benjamin understood fully why Aereesen’s were the prize of slavers and brothels, and he silently prayed that he could give them enough self-worth and skill to have a better life than that, once he got them out of the Principality.
A door’s soft creaking broke Benjamin from his thoughts as the two sisters stepped out smiling, “Get everything you need?” he asked standing as the three of them departed the establishment. Val nodded vigorously, and Vi smiled as she spoke, “I think so, but I had to practically beg the woman to stop showing us lingerie… what did you tell her?” Benjamin felt his cheeks heat as he responded, “What I had to. The old hag doesn’t get enough at home. It’s not my fault that your ‘enthusiasm’ is in the forge and your studies, not between the sheets. I didn’t lie to her, I just let her draw her own conclusions, sorry.”
Vi’s eyes twinkled for a second, “Oh,” She smirked, “Thaaat’s why she broke out the silk. Some of her options were..” She blatantly bit her lip at Benjamin. “You didn’t…” He asked in shock, and Vi lifted up on her tippy toes to brush her lips against his ear, “Not telling” she purred, setting Bens senses on fire. She backed up a step, openly smirking at his beet red face. “But your expression is adorable… My Lord” She stated the last two words with a deep sultry tone, knowing that Ben couldn’t scold her in public before taking his hand, “May we visit the bazar next? Val saw some jewelry she wanted to look at.” Benjamin gave her a pointed look, that turned into a smile as she beamed at him, “Ok, sounds good. I need to pick up some food for the week.”
It was later that afternoon when the three of them left the bazar. They found Jukha waiting on the bench in front of their home. “Jukha! How are you!” Benjamin called, clasping the Orc’s hand firmly as the girls rushed inside to put up their purchases. Jukha reciprocated, if somewhat stiffly, to the strange to him gesture. “Benjamin, it is good to see you well.” His tone stopped Ben in his tracks, “What is it. Is your wife, ok?”
Jukha shook his head, “Vilora is well, but I have been tasked with finding you.” He said carefully, “The slaver, the one you dueled for those two,” he nodded to Vi and Val as they stepped back out of the building, “The Heir of The Romoregin house is here. He has lodged an official demand for satisfaction, and he brought a champion.”
Benjamin stiffened, “Another duel? You said an ‘official demand’… what happens if I refuse.” Jukha winced at Ben’s tone, “It is an archaic practice of my people, rarely remembered, and even more rarely demanded. You cannot deny a satisfaction claim, but should you prevail, no further claims can be made upon your person. I am sorry Benjamin, but if you flee or refuse, your life is forfeit; and your property goes to the claimant.” Jukha looked pointedly at Viola and Valtrya. “The young puke has put me in danger as well, if I do not deliver you and them to the duel, I can be detained. If they torture me….” Benjamin’s eyes widened before hardening in understanding. “Jukha…” He turned to find Viola standing next to him, with his musket in one arm and his ammunition bag in the other, and sighed, “Fuck”. He loaded his musket with a single roundball cartridge this time, unwilling to fire buck and ball in the town streets. He pealed the ball out of the paper wading after pouring the poweder, reaching into his haversack to retrieve a small round patch made of pillow ticking. Jukha looked on in mild fascination as Benjamin spit on the cloth patch before wrapping the ball in it and ramming the whole thing down the barrel. It wasn’t much, but it reduce windage, ensuring at least reasonable enough accuracy from the smoothbore to keep from hitting innocent bystanders. It would also virtually eliminate blow-by, upping the chamber pressure and giving him a little more velocity. “I’m ready.”
The four of them entered the small city square to be met with Qort and three Org guards. These soldiers wore different insignia that Benjamin had been taught were the mark of the capital. “Beenjaymen Shayfe” one of them butchered his name, “I am.” Ben nodded firmly, the other guard nodded, “And your two slaves, good. Has Jukha informed you of the proceedings.” Benjamin scowled, “A legalized way to attempt a revenge killing? Yea, I’ve been told.” Ben didn’t bother to hide his vitriol, “So I have to kill a motherfucker for defending myself from his father?”
“Not quite. The Heir has brought a champion. The rules are simple, all forms of combat are allowed” The first guard began as the second one began chaining the wrists of Viola and Valtrya. Benjamin began to move before thinking, only to be held back by Jukha, “Peace albino. They must do this. Fighting them will cause a forfeit.” Benjamin looked at the terrified faces of the two girls. He forced himself to calm down outwardly, but Benjamin could feel the rage building. He had worked so hard to save those two, to get them out.. now some snot nosed brat was going to try to kill him because his father didn’t know when to fuck off. Benjamin stepped out from around the guards. The “heir” was a young Durr. Ben had no frame of reference for age, but the Heir was substantially shorter, and his facial tentacles were almost mere buds. Beside him stood a crimson colossus, the same species as the Hunter he had shot saving Jukha. He was taller than that female, and was wearing plate armor, gilded in silver. He hefted a great sword of some kind and smiled openly at Benjamin. It was not a pleasant expression. “Ah, so You’re the puke I’ll be cleaning from my blade. I am Krastorin. Come here, pale one, I’ll make it quick.”
Benjamin looked him over, subtly shifting into a shooting stance but keeping his musket looking like he was resting the butt of a spear on the ground. “You look accomplished, what makes you do the bidding of the boy.” He asked, blatant scorn on his tone. The Young Durr flinched, his small tentacle buds writhing violently. “H’Dare Yee!” he bellowed, voice cracking with the strain of fury, “Aye’ll ‘ave Yee Head on Me’Wall!!”
Benjamin ignored him, focusing on the Hellirine. The man looked back at the boy with a raised eyebrow, “The young puke promised me one of those.” He pointed at Vi and Val, who had reverted to their former trembling submissive postures that Ben had met them in. “It appears that they are as well kept as claimed. I look forward to sampling them.” He leered. Benjamin looked over at the Young Durr and found his face a mixture of relief and anger. ‘Ah, lied about daddy’s slaves.’ He turned to the soldier standing next to him, “Is the duel on?” he growled.
“Combatants! Begin!” was the Soldiers response, and the crimson mercenary lifted his sword from his shoulders advancing forward with a long confident stride, “at last, let’s get this over wi..” a clap of thunder echo’d through the Feral wood, and most of the crowd cried out in surprise as Benjamin disappeared, seemingly behind a bubble of fire, and brimstone. The single round ball ignored the mercenary’s plate armor. Punching straight through as the soft lead mushroomed out into a ragged disk that measured almost an inch and a half. The mangled projectile, still travelling at almost half the speed of sound, eviscerated the chest cavity of the Mercenary before blowing a one foot wide hole out of the crimson man’s back. The exit wound missed Krastorin’s spine by an inch, but it didn’t matter. The projectile embedded itself into a post, thankfully missing any bystanders by mere inches in some cases. The Young Durr, who was standing just behind and to the side of his champion, was screaming as he pawed at the bits of pale yellow blood, bones, and fragments of internal organs now covering him from head to toe.
Benjamin handed the smoking musket to Jukha, drawing his short sword and walking over to a sputtering, choking, and coughing Krastorin. The Hellirine lay face down on the ground, having fallen that way from the momentum of his initial advance. The back of Benjamins mind was sickly amused as he remembered the old Hollywood trope of bullets throwing people backward, and a pinch of regret sparked in his soul as his opponent death rattled. He stepped up to the Heir, resting the blade against his neck, “Are we done here. Be a better man than your father and learn when to save your own life.” The Young Durr froze, staring up at him in abject terror for several moments as a puddle formed at his feet. Benjamin opened his mouth to speak again when the boy simply passed out, falling into the puddle of his own mess as his mind refused to stay conscious.
Benjamin turned to walk back towards Jukha and the girls. “Unchain them.” Benjamin’s tone could have frozen a raging forge’s inferno. To his surprise, two of the soldiers drew their weapons on him, “You need to come with us. All Touched must be registered with...” Benjamin pointed his short sword at the one talking… and pulled the trigger. The percussion revolver built into the hilt of the short sword was zero’d using a notch Benjamin cut into the crossguard, and the tip of the curved blade as a crude set of open sights. The barrel of the revolver lay along one side of the blade, and was rifled. The speaking soldier orc’s took the smaller pistol round through the forehead, exploding the back of his skull in a cone of dark green and grey mist. The exit wound showered his companion in bits of bone and brains. Benjamin’s thumb found the hammer, and four satisfying clicks echo’d in the stunned silence, “HEAR ME!” He growled, “I, am touched by the Gods. I posses the power to end any life I choose using the power of Hell itself!” ‘if I have to show them a gun, might as well throw them off the trail’ “The violence of the raging volcano obeys my very fingertips.” His revolvesword bucked a second time as another soldier orc made a move to rush him. The smaller pistol round still punched through the orcs armor and out the back, but only left him screaming on the ground. Benjamin re-cocked, and leveled his weapon at the orc holding the chains to Val and Vi. “Now, release them.” This last remaining Orc did as asked, before gathering up his screaming companion as the girls rushed to Benjamin, he pulled them close, whispering, “I’m sorry we wont be able to pick up your dresses.”
The three of them packed up that night. Qort had understood, knowing all too well what the Principality would do to acquire a Touched of Benjamins ability. “Stay safe my friend. I pray our paths cross again.” Jukha snuck them out of the village that night, using his wagon to get them to his home. They stayed a week, laying low while they planned their next move. The girls spent their time learning recipes from Jukha’s wife, and ben took the time to unwind a bit. Jukha and He went on a hunt, and Benjamin was given a run down on the flora and fauna of the Feral wood. The two of them brought back a pair of Stags, and the three women cooked them a feast.
“Dinner’s ready!!” called Viola, setting the last of the sides on the table as the dutch oven roasted meat was brought off of the stove top. It was a simple yet elegant meal. Stag, potatoes, some kind of Kale style vegetable that Benjamin had never seen before. Soon enough, everyone at the table was leaning back, as full as they could make themselves. “So, pinkskin,” Jukha asked, “Where do you plan on going. I wouldn’t mind you staying with me. I could use another hunter, but I suspect that they would notice the extra product I brought to the village.”
Benjamin Hummed, “The Maridian Combine. Qort told me that they banned slavery over a century ago, the girls have learned so much already. It would be easy to find jobs for them.” Vi and Val drooped slightly but hid it well. Jukha noticed it but said nothing. “A good choice, their boarders are well guarded, you would need to free them before you cross, or end up in a dungeon yourself.”
“Good point, I can write up a simple writ of freedom. Something I can sign and give to them.” Benjamin nodded, “I can get started on that to…” he paused as a hand fell on his. He looked to see Viola staring at him, fighting back tears, “Hey, what’s wrong. You will be free…” Jukha nodded slowly and stood. “love,” he said to Vilora, “I need some help with the livestock” The Farie met his eyes in unspoken understanding, fluttering out the front door with Jukha.
“Vi, what’s wrong.” Benjamin asked gently.
“No… go… Val… stay…” Both of them turned to Valtrya in shock. She was trembling, “I wont..leave.”
“You speak?” Benjamin looked in shock, but Viola spoke next, “Benjamin, we don’t want to leave. We want to stay, with you. I…” She paused. Ben sighed, “I want you to stay too.” He said, finally admitting it to himself, “But I can’t own you. It’s killing me that you are my property.” He reached up and wiped a tear from Vi’s eyes, “You are so much more than property. I feel evil, every day that I wake up knowing that I could do anything I wanted to you, or worse, die and have someone else hurt you for the fun of it.” Benjamin bowed his head. Viola reached out, lifting his chin to look into his eyes, “Then come with us.” She whispered as Val stood up and stepped around the table, “yes.. You, come.” She wrapped herself around Ben from the side leaning in until she was resting her head against his shoulder, “I’m… staying.. with you.” she said softly. Viola nodded, “Benjamin, how old do you think we are.”
Ben looked at her in confusion, “I have no idea, I’ve always assumed you were teenagers. 13-14 years old for Val, maybe 16 for you, but that was when you were skin and bones.” He admitted.
Viola’s eyes widened in understanding. “You did not want to bed us because you thought us children.” Benjamin nodded slowly, answering. “And forcing sex on a child is the worst kind of crime on my world”. Viola and Valtrya looked at each other, before Vi spoke. “Ben, my sister will turn one hundred and three in a fortnight. I just had my one hundred and fifteenth birthday last week.” She leaned in, pressing her lips to Bens as she kissed him passionately for a moment. “We are no children,” Viola paused as Valtrya leaned in, kissing Ben lightly on the neck, “You are not forcing us to do anything, but leave.” Viola whispered as she began to close in to a surprised Benjamin for another kiss.
The door to the cabin flew open violently, and the girls pulled back to a more modest distance. Jukha walked in, carrying a panting Vilora. “What happened.” Ben asked hurriedly, hoping he wasn’t blushing as hard as the heat on his cheeks suggested. Vilora waved a hand as Jukha set her down in her chair, “The Vin… My sisters… they reached out… They wish to meet…” The Farie gathered herself, “They also sent a warning. We must leave, tonight… hunters.”
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If you made it this far, I very much appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed the episode! If you believe I have earned it, I have a Patreon that is two episodes ahead of the free releases for this series. I hope you feel taking a look is worth it. Either way, come hang out in the comments. Everyone's welcome! I've discovered Im a bit of a "warts and all" poster, so even critical comments are welcome. Hell, You might even teach me something (it happens more than I'd like to admit).
I have heard people off and on reference Royal road, So I am going to give it another shot. I'll be adding the Royal Road link from now on. If you like reading over there, It is on the same schedule as here. I would greatly appreciate a like/review/comment if you feel so inclined. Thank you again for stopping by.
First, Previous, Next (Patreon) Royal Road
2024.05.16 07:51 SuperPair2473 When death is near I will welcome it
Its funny because death is not a burning flame that chars your skin if you love it enough, it's a warmth in a freezing night. I feel now as if the warmth is washing over me. With God there's the pressure of being without sin but without God there is the pressure of being without anyone. Inshallah the Lord Jesus Christ will lay me to eternal rest soon, a rest which is the finality of My existence period. I say it all the time, friends are important and without friends I truly have nothing to live for so I have no reason to be alive anymore. Let me be jealous no more, I am in so much pain over something I cannot even comprehend. It would have been better for me to have never been born so that I would not have to feel this sense of unbelonging, I am an alien to all I am not worthy of this world and anyone who says otherwise doesn't know what I feel. I'm scared of the blade, it hurts a lot against my skin and makes no progress despite the pain I am in, how beautiful of a feeling would hope be had I had a gun, it would make death feel so much closer and had I had one from the beginning I would not be here suffering on my own. I would be where I was before my birth, where I belong truly, that's my home but it's far and I have to suffer to get there. Its a mercy on myself to be there, anyone who thinks otherwise doesn't care for me but rather an idea of me, an idea of a human who doesn't actually exist, stop pretending to see me when you have never seen me
submitted by SuperPair2473 to u/SuperPair2473 [link] [comments]
2024.05.16 07:38 Mountain_Counter929 Making Aliens based off every pokemon type combination (Fighting)
Fighting/Normal: OHKO (One Punch Man but instead of one effortless punch it’s a touch of death combo he has to )
Species: Mugen
Planet: Sonof
Appearance
Fighting/Grass: Doungwun Nemetrix predator of the Chunwin (See Kung book in Grass Types)
Appearance
Fighting/Fire: Racaln the Nemetrix predator of the Clabestro (See Firing Squad in Fire types)
Appearance
Fighting/Water: Ultimate Slush (See Original in Water Types)
Appearance
Appearance
Appearance
Appearance
Fighting/Ground: Ultimate Mudripper (See Original in Ground Types)
Appearance
Appearance
Fighting/Bug: Ultimate Float Stinger (See Original in Bug Types)
Appearance
Species: Reffox
Planet: Arbeitar
Appearance
Fighting/Poison: Biolence (Fist of the North Star Powered by drugs, and can weaponize their own explosions )
Species: Gomane Planet: Omawoshindyu
Appearance
Fighting/Ghost: Body-structor (Havik from MK1 with hints of Water Law from One Piece)
Species: Rankensain
Planet: Taxodoom
Appearance
Fighting/Dragon: Medisnake (Combat Snake with Street Fighter Chi abilities)
Species: Ansatryu
Planet: Chakrenin
Appearance:
Fighting/Steel: Weapon Blaster (Tank Knight with hand guns that shoots bladed weapons) Species: Arthmo
Planet: Palawar
Appearance
Fighting/Dark: Spotshot
Species: Dalmate
Planet: Cerberence
Appearance
Fighting/Fairy: Best-O Change-O (Magical Girl/Boy Recruiting Bunny)
Species: Usegin
Planet: Lunakessho
Appearance
submitted by Mountain_Counter929 to Ben10 [link] [comments]
Species: Mugen
Planet: Sonof
Appearance
- Humanoid blank white body
- Thick Smooth/Blocky appearance (like made of pillows)
- Headband and Gi are common wares
- Enhanced Strength
- Unlimited Stamina
- Extremely High Pain Tolerance
- Semi-Mechanical Nature does not need to eat, sleep, or breathe
- Unaging
- Slight combat prowess
- Slightly stuns the opponent on contact with physical force (specifically after a physical hit. Applies to non living beings as well)
- Once an attack lands, it’ll receive enough energy to continue physically attacking it in a never-ending combo. Dealing blows significantly faster, gaining strength with each hit and eventually able to deal noticeable damage to almost any target with each hit.
- Slow movement
- Limited Fighting Capabilities
- Attacks are usually short
- Can extend reach but takes notable time so it needs to make an effort to land combo
- Combo can be interrupted, loses momentum and needs to land another hit when it does.
Fighting/Grass: Doungwun Nemetrix predator of the Chunwin (See Kung book in Grass Types)
Appearance
- Green Body
- Mantis like Body
- 2 Pairs of claws with sharp fanged ends, each with a long membrane hanging off of them.
- Multiple pair of locust-like wings under where abdomen should be.
- Reptilian head
- Pupilless Eyes
- Flight
- High reflexes
- Claws able to capture and break of Chunwin limbs, and attach to body of prey.
- Membranes absorb attack from Chunwin
- Long retractible tongue able to launch with precision and strength, able to pierce the body and grasp onto vital organs.
Fighting/Fire: Racaln the Nemetrix predator of the Clabestro (See Firing Squad in Fire types)
Appearance
- Large translucent viscous puddle with various organs inside, including left overs from prey
- A lot of mouths and eyes
- Able to reconfigure organs inside body
- Able to raise body in multiple large bumps of various sizes, which usually containing organs
- Raises body with jaw to consume prey on its body
- Full sensory of targets on its liquid body
- Viscous body can regenerate (and even split into multiple organisms)
- Prey stable on body is inflicted with Hallucinogenic and Auditory illusions, to make them unable to see and hear others allowing the Racaln to strike admit this confusion
- Also able to block telepathic and electronic communication
- Able to use the natural weapons of digested prey (ie the guns of the Clabestro)
Fighting/Water: Ultimate Slush (See Original in Water Types)
Appearance
- Dark Green Body
- Loses gourd
- Various sharp attachments that have the appearance of the sharp bottlenecks of broken bottle
- Core with an unbalanced changing color in head
- Retain expert flexibility
- More aggressive fighting style (while retaining it’s drunken boxer like moves)
- Fire Projection
- Can’t feel pain
- Core hypnotizes targets on sight, intoxicating them
- Able to use sharp accessories
- More Violent personality
- Can’t spill out body to trip opponents
- Loses Elasticity
Appearance
- Long thin build made of lightning
- Normally invisible
- Invisibility
- Intangibility
- Invincibility
- Whenever an Influx of energy (Any kind) in an area appears:
- Able to instantly teleport to any place where the energy is dispersed
- Doing so attacking the target with massive strength directly proportional to energy
- Once energy subsides or moves outside of energy influx, body becomes invisible/intangible again
- When visible, can absorb all kinds of energy
- Able to unleash a large burst of both sound and light with absorbed energy
- Unable to extend body parts
- Can only deal damage in large bursts of energy
- Is no longer invincible when exposed a large energy influx in a prolonged duration
Appearance
- Black/Brown coloring scheme
- Face is more crow like
- Tails are longer
- Hawk-like eyes and wings
- Larger body
- Stronger
- Faster
- Enhanced Senses
- Slight Danger Senses
- Hypnotic Stare
- Invokes Intimidation into targets provoking them into either fighting or running
- When staring at foes, they’re able to read gains seconds precognition into multiple visions whether they fight or fly and combinations of timelines when they do both. Visions show what they would do, but is able to be altered with the newfound knowledge in real time.
- Precognition can predict unknown interferences like hidden dangers
- Heightened intelligence and brain processing speed to plan out effective strategy to hunt or combat their attempts
- Unable to split self into two forms
- Using hypnotic stare on multiple targets can overwhelm self
- Predicted precognitive visions can be avoided if target resists hypnosis making them prep for things that won’t happen
Appearance
- Skeletally thin limbs
- Very lanky frame (usually hunched over)
- Large Wooly body
- Long clawed fingers
- Sharp Teeth
- Immunity to cold
- Silent movement
- Inflicts hallucinations on target nearby especially Ashe
- Inflicts shadowy hallucination of a competitive animal (usually the same as the affected prey) causing the target to continuously attack hallucination.
- Target eventually tires out attacking hallucination, losing adrenaline and succumbing to hypothermia or exhaustion.
Fighting/Ground: Ultimate Mudripper (See Original in Ground Types)
Appearance
- Diamond Skin
- Loses eyes
- Elongated Snout
- Six pairs of short legs
- Clawed Hands
- Glass Hairs
- Loses Tail
- Enhanced Smelling Senses
- Heatproof
- Durable and ough Diamond Skin
- Sharp Claws
- High Speed Burrowing
- Thermo-adaptation
- Able to resurface lava and create lava motes/small volcanos on ground from underneath
- Drooling Lava Saliva
- Able to walk on surfaces
- Vacuum Adaptation
- Loss of Eyesight
- Can’t Jump
- Unable to grab object with claws as well as base form hands
- Can’t Swim
Appearance
- Sheep-based body
- Green Wool
- Flowers growing on body
- Wool is able to absorb strong impacts
- Vine-like tendrils on side of body able to connect to cliffsides
- Able to camouflage selves into a grass pile
- Grows a disconnected field perpendicular to the cliffside making it look its prey is on the ground
- Field camouflaged to be unable to be seen from below
- Able to communicate with Sabter to trick it on standing on the field, of the cliff before falling to their deaths.
Fighting/Bug: Ultimate Float Stinger (See Original in Bug Types)
Appearance
- Slightly bigger body
- Longer wasp like structure
- New Vertical striped black and white body
- Able to summon a near indestructible hive shaped structure
- This pocket dimension draws in 2 individuals (which can include the creator) into an arena pocket dimension.
- Telepathic communication with all individuals in pocket dimensions
- Individuals in the pocket dimension must follow certain reality altering conditions to set a “fair fight”
- This usually includes removal of “powers” but can also vary to have no removal or even the addition of powers
- Fight doesn’t have to be direct combat and more of a much as a sport
- Individual size are usually scaled to be relatively similar
- Individuals leaves once one or both is considered ‘defeated’ or by the creator’s permission
- Rules set in arena must be made to be fair for both individuals
- No longer able to project honey to prevent powers
- Slightly slower and weaker outside of hives
- Reality altering rules only affect targets inside a hive
Species: Reffox
Planet: Arbeitar
Appearance
- Tall Humanoid muscular appearance
- Body looks skinless and made of muscles
- Egg-shapd head and single eye
- Enhanced Atleticism
- High combat p rowess
- Able to slowly build up strength and speed
- Photographic reflexes
- When looking at any moving target, able to quickly learn, memorize, and mimic that targets moves allowing them to be able to come up with a counter for it.
- Also applies to their use of tools
- Can only memorize and mimic movements not powers
- Can only enhance strength and speed in short bursts
- May be at risks for learning ineffective techniques
Fighting/Poison: Biolence (Fist of the North Star Powered by drugs, and can weaponize their own explosions )
Species: Gomane Planet: Omawoshindyu
Appearance
- Rough Green Skin
- Orc Like Head
- Muscular Build
- Costume comes with a mouth-covering mask
- Large Hands
- Enhanced Strength
- Strength and size are gradually enhances from absorbing normally hazardous or even just unhealthy substances
- Body is slowly producing its own internal toxins
- Noxious Stench
- Poisons eventually build up into large cysts on skin that eventually bursts into powerful noxious and slightly toxic gas expulsion when ‘popped’, able to do damage from force
- Able to control cyst development early
- Cysts become more powerful with more hazardous substances given
- Able to transfer poisonous cyst development onto others from force of contact, usually other species skin is not built to handle the expulsion causing damage when they pop
- When exposed to hazard substances, the Cysts become faster developed and harder to control possibly hindering the body
- Loses strength build after cyst has popped
- Mind can be altered to be more violent depending on hazardous substances consumed, commonly manifests in an addiction or violent temperament (usually removed when expelled)
Fighting/Ghost: Body-structor (Havik from MK1 with hints of Water Law from One Piece)
Species: Rankensain
Planet: Taxodoom
Appearance
- Tone “Action Figure like structure”
- Smoothed out Joints
- Skeletal head
- Sharp Claws
- Retractable Spikes on limbs
- Leathery skin
- Large tail
- Enhanced Strength and Stamina
- Combat Prowess
- Immortality
- Quick Cellular Regeneration
- Able to detach own limbs/body parts and effectively control them when attached.
- Able to grow a detached body part on the detached body
- Able to detach others limbs/body parts of target on contact
- Able to attach body parts detached this way to self
- Body parts detached this way can still be controlled and are controlled by the head/brain they are attached to (all head/brain are in control of themselves). If their original head/brain is detached they can still be controlled by that head/brain unless it’s on attached to another of the same body part in which case they can’t move.
- With the exception of Rankensains who can control their own body parts even while their heads are on a different body.
- Different body parts can be reattached to other bodies detached this way, even in places the body parts don’t go
- Specifically in the Omnitrix after retransformation original rankensain body parts will dematerialize and all new attached body parts from detached bodies will fall off.
- Slightly slow
- Detachment requires strong force of contact
- Targets dispatched bodies can reattach their own parts, and can’t take them off again when put back into place (Can only be detached again by a Rankensain)
- Body parts attached to wrong part of body can be dispatched by anything even by accident
- Targets can disconnect different a body part that wasn’t originally there’s
- After regrowing a body part that was already attached, the original detached body part will lose its structure and melt
- Will die if all body parts are destroyed too fast
- Only their own body parts can detach other limbs
Fighting/Dragon: Medisnake (Combat Snake with Street Fighter Chi abilities)
Species: Ansatryu
Planet: Chakrenin
Appearance:
- Long Reptilian Body built similarly to a Skink
- Dragonoid Scales
- Small Limbs
- Bipedal
- Enhanced Combat Prowess
- Slithering
- Easily able to enter a meditative state for enhanced self-control, psychological/emotional balance, mental clarity, and even healing
- Able to access pressure points that puts allies in a similar state
- Natural chi-like energy and mastery
- Energy skills normally manifest as enhanced athletic skills and energy projection at a basic level
- Energy can be personalized into a different element or even power
- Personalization initially requires a level of training that the Omnitrix transformation doesn’t initially give.
Fighting/Steel: Weapon Blaster (Tank Knight with hand guns that shoots bladed weapons) Species: Arthmo
Planet: Palawar
Appearance
- Tall metal body
- Tank treads for legs
- Knight-Like Helmet
- Short cannons for arms
- Enhanced Durability
- Enhanced Eyesight
- Full rotating body
- Canon arms launch out metal objects commonly melee weapons like swords, spears, axes etc at high speeds
- Weapons are animated and “preprogrammed to move in ways/fly in a direct path and can be “preprogrammed’
- Can be locked onto a focused target and rotate/swing in a specific way whilst following the target
- Other different types of weapon shooting
- Machine Gun type: able to launch out multiple imprecise smaller metal weapons that can’t be animated
- Sniper: Able to launch a singular fast powerful far reaching weapon
- Giant: Able to launch one giant weapon a short distance that stays out longer.
- Drawbacks of each weapon shooting
- Slow Tank like movement
- Can only create simple metal objects
- Weapon projectiles can be moved offcourse
- Weapon projectiles can only stay out a minute before dissipation
- Weapons take time and varying degrees of focus to charge before launch which increases with duration of animation
- Shooting out a large powerful weapon increases load time, and can’t shoot more weapons while the giant weapon is out
Fighting/Dark: Spotshot
Species: Dalmate
Planet: Cerberence
Appearance
- Dalmatian white and black spotted pattern body
- Monkey like proportions and arms
- Dog like head
- Paws for feet
- Long tail with a forked end
- Enhanced Athleticism
- Enchanted Acrobatics
- Wall Crawling
- Able to use forked tail and string-like mucus in between split as a slingshot
- Shoots able to launch “spots” from tail
- Dark skin works good for camouflage
- Combat Prowess
- Spots inflict a strong force on impact
- Leaves a spot mark on the target, and can potentially blind a living target
- Projectile spots are able to fly out of marks
- Able to make spots launch off objects on impact before making mark
- Hitting mark with multiple projectile creates a bigger mark, and a bigger projectile by extension
- Able to absorb Dalmate spots on own body
- Spots dissipate after minutes
- Unable to projects spots marked on body
Fighting/Fairy: Best-O Change-O (Magical Girl/Boy Recruiting Bunny)
Species: Usegin
Planet: Lunakessho
Appearance
- Anthropomorphic Bunny
- Biological Crystal accessories on head
- Natural mask-like fur pattern on head and pupils eyes (males only)
- Crown like horns on females
- Standard outfit of a Tuxedo-like suit, or School-Girl dress based on gender
- Natural magic potential
- Enhanced leaping
- Enhanced Athleticism
- Costume transmutation
- Able to enhance a small hand held object
- Transmutes the object into a specialized weapon and usually able to project a specialized material/force/or element (depends on a combination of both the individual and object)
- Able to enhance another object allowing an Ally to gain a similar weapon and the same powers of an Usegin except the ability to enchant other objects.
- Only able to utilize one weapon at a time
- Applies to allies, they can only utilize their chosen object
- Takes a while to enchant another object for an ally after the first
- After an allies enchanted objects breaks they lose their gained abilities
- Ally abilities also go away when the Omnitrix Transformation ends
2024.05.16 07:33 BvHauteville Who is the strongest character Yuji without CE beats?
 | Yuji, at the beginning of the series, demonstrated various superhuman feats including jumping four stories to intercept a Cursed Spirit that was threatening the Occult Club. The distance he leaped - while also breaking through a window on that floor in the same movement - which is approximately forty feet whereas the world record for the high jump - which relies just as much on technique as physical prowess if not more so - is approximately eight feet. submitted by BvHauteville to JujutsuPowerScaling [link] [comments] Yuji would go on to arguably do better against a Grade 2 Cursed Spirit than Megumi. That selfsame Cursed Spirit was easily smashing through walls, manhandled Megumi and left him delirious after a single attack, and was roughly the size of a Stegosaurus with Megumi being 1.75m tall, only slightly shorter than 1.8m person. https://preview.redd.it/0co902f85q0d1.png?width=623&format=png&auto=webp&s=56be259663f9281e9017f5cfe5b19ff90022ccf9 Yuji knocked the thing off its feet, was able to briefly react to it, and seemingly rebounded much easier from its strike than Megumi did. He did all of this without Cursed Energy which is necessary to actually exorcise a Curse. Grade 2 Curses, even weaker ones, are supposed to at least require the equivalent of a shotgun or another high-powered rifle, perhaps even the equivalent of some sort of handheld anti-tank gun, to defeat with even that cutting it close whereas even a tank (if said tank was imbued with Cursed Energy) might come up short in a battle against a Grade 1 Curse according to Ichiji's chart comparing how conventional weapons - discounting the fact that they're ineffective against Curses without being infused with Cursed Energy - would fare against differently ranked Cursed Spirits. Its hard to know where this exact Grade 2 Curse ranked but I wouldn't be surprised if it was one of the tougher ones considering Megumi was already a Grade 2 by this time and got bodied by it. Yuji, after his experiences before and after Shibuya, would go on to fight Higuruma without CE who spent the majority of the fight trying to bash his brains in while comparing him to an indestructible doll. We know Higuruma - who was compared to a Grade 1 Sorcerer who are typically stronger than Grade 1 curses - nearly beat Haba to death despite the fact that his bare skin was tough to be pierced by .50 caliber bullets. Yuji also smashed him through a building without him taking much damage even if Yuji would later go on to essentially one-shot Haba when he got serious while in possession of Cursed Energy. So, all in all, who is the toughest character Yuji can beat - lets say prior to the timeskip before the Shinjuku Showdown Arc began - without CE and with what difficulty? For that matter, whose the weakest character, on the flip side, who beats Yuji without CE and with what difficulty? |
2024.05.16 07:31 UnderTheUmbrella08 Clover vs Yellow (Undertale Yellow vs Pokemon Adventures)
 | CONNECTIONS - Both are associated with the color yellow (Clover having the yellow Justice soul, Yellow... well that one's obvious) - Both have an gender neutral appearence (Clover having an intentionally ambiguous gender, Yellow disguises herself in a more masculine way to be taken more seriously) - Both take up an alias (Gun Hat, Amarillo del Bosque Verde) - Both fight with an unorthidox weapon (Clover using random items as ammuniton for their gun, Yellow fighting with a fishing rod - Both have special traits associated with them (Clover's Justice, Yellow's healing and psychic bond to pokemon) - Despite being loved by fans, their stories aren't seen as canon to the main series - Both start their journeys to find missing people (the previous 5 humans, Red), but end up changing their goals after finding why they went missing (Clover deciding to sacrifice their life to put monsterkind one soul closer to freedom, Yellow having to stop The Elite Four's plan of genocide when finding they tried to get the region's strongest trainer out of their way) - Through their adventures both are guided by a deciever with an ulterior motive (Flowey, Blue), meet a kindly shut-in (Professor Oak, Dalv), and are forced to endure a team of four (The Feisty Four, The Elite Four) - Both need to be trained in self defence part way through their story (Clover being trained with the Wild Revolver by Starlo, Yellow needing to be taught the basics in Pokemon battling and leveling by Green) - Both have connections to birds (Clover being close to Martlet, Yellow having the Rainbow Wing and Silver Wing of Ho-Oh and Lugia placed in her hat by Blue) - Despite being pacifists that avoid causing any harm, both are forced into a violent climactic battle against someone ultimately well intentioned but misguided in the worst possible way (Ceroba trying to take Clover's soul to finish her late husband's work and save her daughter after her previous attempt nearly killed her, Lance attempting genocide to create a world with polution and pain) - During said battle, both unlock a special ability that allows them to get an upper hand (Clover weaponizing their own soul, Yellow manipulating the levels of her Pokemon and unleashing MegaVolt), leading to their opponent experiencing flashbacks of the traumatic moments that lead them down this path and redeeming themselves after their defeat submitted by UnderTheUmbrella08 to DeathBattleMatchups [link] [comments] |
2024.05.16 07:21 GrimmCigarretes Regarding Spinoffs
Hello internet
This is a semi-rant I just had to get out of my system, so just bare with me here
TL;DR: I believe Sega could do a lot of side games expanding the Sonic universe without making it a Sonic game
So, we all know Sonic. He's fast, he's cool, he has a chili dog addiction. His friends are... sorta just there most of the time
I've had these thoughts lately, specifically of how they could bring the Freedom Fighters to the canon, and I started to think, maybe a batch of side games starring different side characters (and with time in the oven, Jesus, no pressure), with separate stories from the blue blur himself
He could still make an appearance on these games, and even be playable, just not the main focus. Here's some things I've been thinking of:
Tangle: Tangle gets fast movement, SA1 Tails' levels of acceleration, and platforming using her tail, this would be her main method of combat as well, being able to use the Homing Attack (instead of a ball, she'd kick). Her levels would be fast-paced, with the design philosophy Frontiers has.
Whisper: Slower levels, using the Wisps to solve puzzles around, and her gun as her main combat tool. The type of ammo she uses is dependant on the wisp you decide to equip in the mission, being able to change them on the fly with the D-Pad (ala DMC). She could do her levels pretty fast, although, not intended to be as fast as Tangle
Lanolin: She gets beat-em' up, with fluid combos and modifiers by changing the timing on your button presses, or press diwn a button, for example, O, O, O would be a basic combo of two punches and a kick, but O (wait), O, O moves the kick to the second input and the third one is her smacking her cowbell and creating a shockwave. The slower paced levels
Trio: Some levels have all three gathered together because story ressons, they all finished their parts of the mission and now there's only the final stretch left (of the Zone/Segment). The three would be controlled the exact same as in their solo levels, but you are able to swap between them mid-game by pressing R3. There would be some obstacles you need specific members to get by, like a cracked wall that Lanolin can break, a rail Tangle can grind, or a button that only Whisper's gun can hit.
Boss fights: A mix of all 4. If the boss is at the end of a Trio stage, it works like Solaris, where each DC has to find a way to attack it, and of course, there would be bosses for each one indivudually
A new antagonist is threatening the world, and Tails is the one that decides to go after them, with two main types of levels
Tails: Take what Frontiers did for him and flesh it out more, it was almost perfect. Give him his Sonic Battle Gun back
Chase/Sky: Stages were you fly the Tornado to either catch up to something or to go from Point A to Point B, it has an auto scroll since you are moving in a plane, but it isn't fixed. If you want to go fast, the scroll would follow you right along
The gameplay gives you liberty to adjust your playstyle however you want. Its stages are built for stealth, but also give you the option to go ham and gets noticed. If you do a great job of passing by without triggering alarms nor robots quickly, S Rank, if you trigger them, the S rank is instead rewarded for how many guards were destroyed, how varied your combos were, and the total score. Each Freedom Fighter has a vastly different moveset
Unlike the Diamond Cutters idea, this time you choose what character to play as for each level, with some stuff only certain ones can access, just to make it have more replayability
In short, being sneaky = Metal Gear, getting noticed = Devil May Cry
Sally: Her gameplay would be the second fastest, being able to grind rails, and using energy blades from her bracelets, sorta like post-reboot Archie. She would carry along a small console, Nichole, which you could connect to some terminals to get information about the level, or shape the stage up. Sally is great at stealth as well, being a stat that decides how hard is for a guard to spot you
Antoine: The fastest character, Antoine is insecure of himself, so unlike Sally, he can't grind on rails. He carries a wispon that you can customize before each level, being able to destroy his way through enemies, he is good at platforming, which wouldn't be very prominent on this game. He is decent at stealth
Bunny: The strongest one, she is slower than Sally, and able to break down some obstacles, she can wall jump and use a sneak attack, which will one shot the objective without being detected if executed correctly. Her brute force is her biggest focus, she is bad st stealth
Rotor: He is a bit weaker than Bunny, being able to break some obstacles, but there's some he can't break but Bunny can. His main gimmick is being able to plant bombs around, and entering the same hacking sections as Sally without Nichole. He can shape up entire levels with good planting of his explosives, and his combat proficiency at just using his hands is remarkable. However, he is the worst at stealth
And yes, the same way the combos apply to Lanolin work the same with all four of these
Okay, semi-rant over. Just jad to take this thought out of my brain to be able to sleep. Bring Sally back Sega, pretty please
submitted by GrimmCigarretes to SonicTheHedgehog [link] [comments]
This is a semi-rant I just had to get out of my system, so just bare with me here
TL;DR: I believe Sega could do a lot of side games expanding the Sonic universe without making it a Sonic game
So, we all know Sonic. He's fast, he's cool, he has a chili dog addiction. His friends are... sorta just there most of the time
I've had these thoughts lately, specifically of how they could bring the Freedom Fighters to the canon, and I started to think, maybe a batch of side games starring different side characters (and with time in the oven, Jesus, no pressure), with separate stories from the blue blur himself
He could still make an appearance on these games, and even be playable, just not the main focus. Here's some things I've been thinking of:
Diamond Cutters
Starring the trio of Tangle, Whisper and Lanolin, the story revolves around a new mission they are given either by Jewel or sn anonymous contractor that would be revealed later on in the game, the levels would be divided in 5 types:Tangle: Tangle gets fast movement, SA1 Tails' levels of acceleration, and platforming using her tail, this would be her main method of combat as well, being able to use the Homing Attack (instead of a ball, she'd kick). Her levels would be fast-paced, with the design philosophy Frontiers has.
Whisper: Slower levels, using the Wisps to solve puzzles around, and her gun as her main combat tool. The type of ammo she uses is dependant on the wisp you decide to equip in the mission, being able to change them on the fly with the D-Pad (ala DMC). She could do her levels pretty fast, although, not intended to be as fast as Tangle
Lanolin: She gets beat-em' up, with fluid combos and modifiers by changing the timing on your button presses, or press diwn a button, for example, O, O, O would be a basic combo of two punches and a kick, but O (wait), O, O moves the kick to the second input and the third one is her smacking her cowbell and creating a shockwave. The slower paced levels
Trio: Some levels have all three gathered together because story ressons, they all finished their parts of the mission and now there's only the final stretch left (of the Zone/Segment). The three would be controlled the exact same as in their solo levels, but you are able to swap between them mid-game by pressing R3. There would be some obstacles you need specific members to get by, like a cracked wall that Lanolin can break, a rail Tangle can grind, or a button that only Whisper's gun can hit.
Boss fights: A mix of all 4. If the boss is at the end of a Trio stage, it works like Solaris, where each DC has to find a way to attack it, and of course, there would be bosses for each one indivudually
Miles Prower
Starring Tails, just after Frontiers. He thinks of his promise at the end of that game, how he would be stronger and that Sonic would hardly recognize him the next time they meet again. So he gets on his own quest to be the better version of himselfA new antagonist is threatening the world, and Tails is the one that decides to go after them, with two main types of levels
Tails: Take what Frontiers did for him and flesh it out more, it was almost perfect. Give him his Sonic Battle Gun back
Chase/Sky: Stages were you fly the Tornado to either catch up to something or to go from Point A to Point B, it has an auto scroll since you are moving in a plane, but it isn't fixed. If you want to go fast, the scroll would follow you right along
Freedom Fighters
The Restoration is almost done fixing up te damage after Forces, however, there's something that concerns them: some of Eggman's old bases have been reactivated, but that's extrange, since he, alongside with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy are off the radar. Jewel sends this team to check out what's going on. And yes, this idea happens in parallel with FrontiersThe gameplay gives you liberty to adjust your playstyle however you want. Its stages are built for stealth, but also give you the option to go ham and gets noticed. If you do a great job of passing by without triggering alarms nor robots quickly, S Rank, if you trigger them, the S rank is instead rewarded for how many guards were destroyed, how varied your combos were, and the total score. Each Freedom Fighter has a vastly different moveset
Unlike the Diamond Cutters idea, this time you choose what character to play as for each level, with some stuff only certain ones can access, just to make it have more replayability
In short, being sneaky = Metal Gear, getting noticed = Devil May Cry
Sally: Her gameplay would be the second fastest, being able to grind rails, and using energy blades from her bracelets, sorta like post-reboot Archie. She would carry along a small console, Nichole, which you could connect to some terminals to get information about the level, or shape the stage up. Sally is great at stealth as well, being a stat that decides how hard is for a guard to spot you
Antoine: The fastest character, Antoine is insecure of himself, so unlike Sally, he can't grind on rails. He carries a wispon that you can customize before each level, being able to destroy his way through enemies, he is good at platforming, which wouldn't be very prominent on this game. He is decent at stealth
Bunny: The strongest one, she is slower than Sally, and able to break down some obstacles, she can wall jump and use a sneak attack, which will one shot the objective without being detected if executed correctly. Her brute force is her biggest focus, she is bad st stealth
Rotor: He is a bit weaker than Bunny, being able to break some obstacles, but there's some he can't break but Bunny can. His main gimmick is being able to plant bombs around, and entering the same hacking sections as Sally without Nichole. He can shape up entire levels with good planting of his explosives, and his combat proficiency at just using his hands is remarkable. However, he is the worst at stealth
And yes, the same way the combos apply to Lanolin work the same with all four of these
Okay, semi-rant over. Just jad to take this thought out of my brain to be able to sleep. Bring Sally back Sega, pretty please
2024.05.16 07:07 BGodInspired How Do Bible Verses Guide Us in Nurturing Children's Faith and Character?
https://bgodinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715835360.png
Children are often described as bundles of joy, bringing laughter, warmth, and love into our lives. The Bible, rich in wisdom and guidance, speaks volumes about children, highlighting their importance and the special place they hold in God’s heart. In this enlightening journey through Scripture, we’ll explore the beauty and blessing of children as seen through the lens of the Bible. Together, let’s rediscover the joy and wonder that children bring into the world, guided by timeless biblical teachings.
Are you ready to embrace the biblical teachings on children and make a positive impact in their lives? Let this exploration of Scripture inspire you to cherish every moment, teaching and guiding the next generation with love and wisdom. The joy and wonder of children are a gift—let’s honor, protect, and celebrate them, following the beautiful blueprint laid out in the Bible.
If you want to want to research more Bible Answers on your own, please try our Bible Answers GPT. It’s easy to get lost in the interesting responses you’ll find… every search is like a new treasure hunt 🙂
Source =
submitted by BGodInspired to BGodInspired [link] [comments]
Cherishing Our Little Ones: The Biblical View on Children Introduction: Unlocking the Joy of Children Through Scripture
Children are often described as bundles of joy, bringing laughter, warmth, and love into our lives. The Bible, rich in wisdom and guidance, speaks volumes about children, highlighting their importance and the special place they hold in God’s heart. In this enlightening journey through Scripture, we’ll explore the beauty and blessing of children as seen through the lens of the Bible. Together, let’s rediscover the joy and wonder that children bring into the world, guided by timeless biblical teachings.The Special Place of Children in the Bible
In the Bible, children are seen as a gift from God—a heritage and reward from Him. Scriptures encourage us to view children not just as dependents but as blessings entrusted to our care. The Bible’s perspective on children is both refreshing and humbling, reminding us of the purity, innocence, and joy that they represent.- Psalm 127:3-5: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
- Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'”
Inspiring Lessons from Biblical Examples
The Bible is filled with stories that showcase the faith, innocence, and significance of children. From Samuel, who was called by God at a young age, to the little boy who offered his five loaves and two fish to Jesus, these narratives teach us profound lessons about trust, purity, and the pivotal role of children in God’s plans.- 1 Samuel 3:1-10: The story of Samuel’s calling teaches us about listening and responding to God’s voice, even as a child.
- John 6:9: The account of the boy with five loaves and two fish illustrates how God can use the smallest among us for great miracles.
Embracing Our Role in Nurturing Children
Caring for and guiding children is a noble and sacred task. The Bible provides principles for raising children in love and righteousness, highlighting the importance of instilling godly values from a young age.- Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
- Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Conclusion: A Call to Cherish and Protect Our Youngest Blessings
Children, with their genuine curiosity, boundless energy, and joyful spirits, are indeed one of the greatest gifts from God. Through the wisdom of Scripture, we are reminded of their value and our significant role in nurturing and guiding them. Let’s commit to seeing the world through their eyes, filled with wonder and possibilities, as we guide them with love, patience, and godly wisdom. Together, let us cherish and protect these precious blessings, ensuring they grow in the love and knowledge of the Lord.Are you ready to embrace the biblical teachings on children and make a positive impact in their lives? Let this exploration of Scripture inspire you to cherish every moment, teaching and guiding the next generation with love and wisdom. The joy and wonder of children are a gift—let’s honor, protect, and celebrate them, following the beautiful blueprint laid out in the Bible.
If you want to want to research more Bible Answers on your own, please try our Bible Answers GPT. It’s easy to get lost in the interesting responses you’ll find… every search is like a new treasure hunt 🙂
Source =
2024.05.16 07:06 neuroid99 Any other Wolfe fans appreciate The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells?
They're getting pretty popular, so I can't be the only Wolfe fan who's read the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. If you haven't read them, I encourage you, fellow Wolfe fan, to give them a try.
I've read and listened to these books several times over the last few years, and each time I'm struck by the similarities to Wolfe. The narration is told from the point of view of Murderbot, a rogue "SecUnit" -- essentially a constructed security cyborg. In Wolfean style, Wells leads the reader to discover things about the universe and characters through misdirection and obfuscation, rather than by telling or showing.
I don't want to oversell the Wolfean aspects, or imply that they're on level of complexity or depth of Wolfe's work, but I'd bet Wells has read and learned from Wolfe. Not only does she use Wolfean strategies to subtly hint at plot points and add world building details, she also hides affecting and empathetic character development details in plain sight.
For example, in the first book there's a scene where MB tells us something to the effect of "....and then I stared at the wall for a few hours..." in response to some of the humans and augmented humans being supportive and kind to it. It wasn't until my second read-through that I realized that this is a trauma response! MB is having difficulty processing the idea of humans and augmented humans being kind to it because of its traumatic past. Then I realized how deeply Wells understood how that felt. She understood how *I* felt. I had to set the book down and "have an emotion", as MB would put it.
Another example: One of the team members on the "planetary survey mission" described in the first book is an archetypical high-powered and effective lawyer. Wells doesn't comment on this or bring it to the reader's attention other than mentioning her legal skills and introducing a minor plot point about her analyzing some mission records. It's done so subtly that the reader may (I did) fail to ask "why does a mission to survey an alien planet need to bring a really great lawyer along?" It turns out that the MB setting appears to be a capitalist dystopia of some sort, and the survey team needs to bring a high-powered lawyer along because they might have to aggressively assert their rights under the survey contract!
There's also quite a lot of "gun-fu" action, cyberpunk shenanigans, sarcasm, and watching media.
Thoughts?
submitted by neuroid99 to genewolfe [link] [comments]
I've read and listened to these books several times over the last few years, and each time I'm struck by the similarities to Wolfe. The narration is told from the point of view of Murderbot, a rogue "SecUnit" -- essentially a constructed security cyborg. In Wolfean style, Wells leads the reader to discover things about the universe and characters through misdirection and obfuscation, rather than by telling or showing.
I don't want to oversell the Wolfean aspects, or imply that they're on level of complexity or depth of Wolfe's work, but I'd bet Wells has read and learned from Wolfe. Not only does she use Wolfean strategies to subtly hint at plot points and add world building details, she also hides affecting and empathetic character development details in plain sight.
For example, in the first book there's a scene where MB tells us something to the effect of "....and then I stared at the wall for a few hours..." in response to some of the humans and augmented humans being supportive and kind to it. It wasn't until my second read-through that I realized that this is a trauma response! MB is having difficulty processing the idea of humans and augmented humans being kind to it because of its traumatic past. Then I realized how deeply Wells understood how that felt. She understood how *I* felt. I had to set the book down and "have an emotion", as MB would put it.
Another example: One of the team members on the "planetary survey mission" described in the first book is an archetypical high-powered and effective lawyer. Wells doesn't comment on this or bring it to the reader's attention other than mentioning her legal skills and introducing a minor plot point about her analyzing some mission records. It's done so subtly that the reader may (I did) fail to ask "why does a mission to survey an alien planet need to bring a really great lawyer along?" It turns out that the MB setting appears to be a capitalist dystopia of some sort, and the survey team needs to bring a high-powered lawyer along because they might have to aggressively assert their rights under the survey contract!
There's also quite a lot of "gun-fu" action, cyberpunk shenanigans, sarcasm, and watching media.
Thoughts?
2024.05.16 07:01 tasslehawf Thinking about selling a couple of my ARs to get .223 lever gun
I'm going to be moving to WA and I'm thinking about selling a couple of my ARs to get a lever gun. I really feel comfortable pest controlling with .223 so the Long Rager Express is appealing (also I own a YHM fat cat suppressor in .223). However, I realize this isn't a very popular caliber for a lever gun. Am I missing the mark here focusing on .223?
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2024.05.16 06:43 Cultural_Sleep9678 Fulgrim's little Muse and how I'll try to create his backstory (1/?)
"Get your arses clean, lads" our beloved sergeant wakes us, his uniform already neat, with an azure rifle already humming "our Benefactors from Above grants us respite"
We all stand, rifle at our left, as we watch him climb from his trench quarter and pass down the hall. And when he did pass, we have to restrain old Johan there from gathering a mud to "generously" gift it to him
"How many lies?" he mutters, before walking to his part of the trench
The time was exactly 0700, or at least that was the hour before a shipment of supplies came, saying a different hour, days, and months written on it. Sarge said that the war would end exactly at 0900 today, whether it was our time or from this "Benefactor from above"'s time.
"Musa, get your pointing at the ready, if what sergeant said is true, I doubt those on the other side would wait hours before this war would really end" a senior of mine, climb to the steep stair enough to let her rifle peek through the sandbags above the wall. And I follow suit, standing beside her and aiming to the other side.
The trenches was fully alive at 0400, where men and women would done their necessity be it for the good of their body or the good of their spirits. Rations would be cooked and eaten, guns would be meticulously cleanse and rearmed, and by the 0600, we could take a brief rest before the other side would engage. That is, if we didn't get the order to engage first.
Guns lining up between the ashen and muddied bags, like a snake hidden carefully in the earth. Every captain of the company, surrounded by their companion, grip their whistle tightly, waiting and watching for any sign of metal helm peeking out of their trench for their valiant last charge before the war ended.
Their anxiousness spread to everyone, fingers at the trigger yet disciplined enough not to pull it. As do I, as my left palm sweat and grip the wood of my rifle as if they were star-crossed lover.
Minutes stretches by, and they turned into hour. By 0821, hails of tiresome scoffs were audible across the trench.
"If these karkers wouldn't charge, what's the point of this?" she spoke once again
"patient Maria, maybe they are looking for their white flag" I quietly smirk at her antics, she stole my heart and it seems as if fate was generous enough. So far, at least
As when clouds ran faster than they should, bright orange bullets rain upon the other side. Their caliber, even as seen so far away, was clearer that our lead bullets was dwarfed greatly. Trenches belonging to the other side, once the bane of our daily lives, converted into craters no different than the swathes of No Man's Land standing between us, as if it naturally engulfs them, embracing the man-made structures with mud, water and ash. As if God was indeed real and amongst us, and it is a foolish endeavor to earn their ire.
When vapors and smoke finally settles, the land beyond our trench was bereft of life. And what supposed to be our jubilee, we can only stare in fear and obedience, the structure that was slowly reaching on us these past years, reduced to mounds and craters of mud.
Another bullet drops, this time so close to our trenches, big enough to be a piece of artillery.
"At ease you sod, the war is over, look at your watch" the squeaking of sergeant grows quieter by the second. All of us too stunned at the metal pods hitting just few meters from ours, and if it weren't for the whistle blaring on our ears, we would've taken action, done something.
And the pods burst, one being cladded in armor too intricate to be designed by hands emerge from every pod. Their stature impossibly tall, matching that of buildings back home, and their guns was equally baroque, they're gripping them lightly.
One being relaxed their gun-hand at the sight of carnage before them, before spinning their heels to us. Maria, in a panic shot at the bulge of the armor, and we were too late to stop her. The being was covered by their head armor too, but we can see it glance down on us as the bullet ricochet from her, returning back between Maria's cranium. Fate was no longer generous.
The being pulls their piece of armor on their head, bright and sublime pale hair flow gracefully out of her, with sharp eyes scanning across the trench.
"So it seems, a friendly fire was it not?" she turns to the other of her being, on which they nod. She turns back to us, looking for our sergeant it seems "To whom you answer your command to?"
"Gov'ness, we have been expecting of you" he shoves some people, climbing up the trench intending to make friendly gesture to her "my name is Casimir, dearest Gov'ness, and these are the proud men and women of Narodow, express our grandest gratitude to you"
"Amusing, you still clung to your planetary identity, and a primitive one at that" sergeant was taken aback, and it earned him some grin with occasional scoffs "no longer are you child of your nation, nor are you of Moravia, you now pledge your allegiance to great unifier of man, to the Grandest Imperium and to His Majesty, the Emperor" her words travel across the trench, demanding every drop of our obedience lest we face the same way Maria did.
It didn't take long for us to disband the trench, we were eager albeit skeptical of the end of war, yet when it did happened, all hands came to pick up leftover ammunition, supplies, food and barbed wires. None was seen slowing down, as they pack it on top of horses.
But I did slow down, it took great measure before the dam in my eye could flooded, ruining my soot-stained face. I kneel before Maria, gathering her hands and her rifle, placing on top of her cold body, before closing her eyes. It took even greater measure not to crumble at this.
"Casimir told me" a familiar and regal voice came up to me "for what's its worth, you have my most sincere apology" her gigantic palm came to envelop my back, a thing that I'd hope to be a friendly pat in the back
"You need not to apologize, Gov'ness, it is entirely within her fault to anger you so" I'd hope she would drop the matter and be the enticing conqueror, too foreign and alien to even care
"She didn't, nor hadn't, and yet it cannot be changed" I can almost hear her pitying tone "what is your name again?"
"Private Musa, dear Gov'ness" I sat upright, now remembering the hierarchy if even the sergeant pays her respect
"And you need not to be so respectful, Musa, her death is within my hands" she stands up, easily towering against me "and I dearly long to see you again, Musa" and something changed between her smile, her tone follows too "My name is Fulgrim, Matriarch of the Phoenix"
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We all stand, rifle at our left, as we watch him climb from his trench quarter and pass down the hall. And when he did pass, we have to restrain old Johan there from gathering a mud to "generously" gift it to him
"How many lies?" he mutters, before walking to his part of the trench
The time was exactly 0700, or at least that was the hour before a shipment of supplies came, saying a different hour, days, and months written on it. Sarge said that the war would end exactly at 0900 today, whether it was our time or from this "Benefactor from above"'s time.
"Musa, get your pointing at the ready, if what sergeant said is true, I doubt those on the other side would wait hours before this war would really end" a senior of mine, climb to the steep stair enough to let her rifle peek through the sandbags above the wall. And I follow suit, standing beside her and aiming to the other side.
The trenches was fully alive at 0400, where men and women would done their necessity be it for the good of their body or the good of their spirits. Rations would be cooked and eaten, guns would be meticulously cleanse and rearmed, and by the 0600, we could take a brief rest before the other side would engage. That is, if we didn't get the order to engage first.
Guns lining up between the ashen and muddied bags, like a snake hidden carefully in the earth. Every captain of the company, surrounded by their companion, grip their whistle tightly, waiting and watching for any sign of metal helm peeking out of their trench for their valiant last charge before the war ended.
Their anxiousness spread to everyone, fingers at the trigger yet disciplined enough not to pull it. As do I, as my left palm sweat and grip the wood of my rifle as if they were star-crossed lover.
Minutes stretches by, and they turned into hour. By 0821, hails of tiresome scoffs were audible across the trench.
"If these karkers wouldn't charge, what's the point of this?" she spoke once again
"patient Maria, maybe they are looking for their white flag" I quietly smirk at her antics, she stole my heart and it seems as if fate was generous enough. So far, at least
As when clouds ran faster than they should, bright orange bullets rain upon the other side. Their caliber, even as seen so far away, was clearer that our lead bullets was dwarfed greatly. Trenches belonging to the other side, once the bane of our daily lives, converted into craters no different than the swathes of No Man's Land standing between us, as if it naturally engulfs them, embracing the man-made structures with mud, water and ash. As if God was indeed real and amongst us, and it is a foolish endeavor to earn their ire.
When vapors and smoke finally settles, the land beyond our trench was bereft of life. And what supposed to be our jubilee, we can only stare in fear and obedience, the structure that was slowly reaching on us these past years, reduced to mounds and craters of mud.
Another bullet drops, this time so close to our trenches, big enough to be a piece of artillery.
"At ease you sod, the war is over, look at your watch" the squeaking of sergeant grows quieter by the second. All of us too stunned at the metal pods hitting just few meters from ours, and if it weren't for the whistle blaring on our ears, we would've taken action, done something.
And the pods burst, one being cladded in armor too intricate to be designed by hands emerge from every pod. Their stature impossibly tall, matching that of buildings back home, and their guns was equally baroque, they're gripping them lightly.
One being relaxed their gun-hand at the sight of carnage before them, before spinning their heels to us. Maria, in a panic shot at the bulge of the armor, and we were too late to stop her. The being was covered by their head armor too, but we can see it glance down on us as the bullet ricochet from her, returning back between Maria's cranium. Fate was no longer generous.
The being pulls their piece of armor on their head, bright and sublime pale hair flow gracefully out of her, with sharp eyes scanning across the trench.
"So it seems, a friendly fire was it not?" she turns to the other of her being, on which they nod. She turns back to us, looking for our sergeant it seems "To whom you answer your command to?"
"Gov'ness, we have been expecting of you" he shoves some people, climbing up the trench intending to make friendly gesture to her "my name is Casimir, dearest Gov'ness, and these are the proud men and women of Narodow, express our grandest gratitude to you"
"Amusing, you still clung to your planetary identity, and a primitive one at that" sergeant was taken aback, and it earned him some grin with occasional scoffs "no longer are you child of your nation, nor are you of Moravia, you now pledge your allegiance to great unifier of man, to the Grandest Imperium and to His Majesty, the Emperor" her words travel across the trench, demanding every drop of our obedience lest we face the same way Maria did.
It didn't take long for us to disband the trench, we were eager albeit skeptical of the end of war, yet when it did happened, all hands came to pick up leftover ammunition, supplies, food and barbed wires. None was seen slowing down, as they pack it on top of horses.
But I did slow down, it took great measure before the dam in my eye could flooded, ruining my soot-stained face. I kneel before Maria, gathering her hands and her rifle, placing on top of her cold body, before closing her eyes. It took even greater measure not to crumble at this.
"Casimir told me" a familiar and regal voice came up to me "for what's its worth, you have my most sincere apology" her gigantic palm came to envelop my back, a thing that I'd hope to be a friendly pat in the back
"You need not to apologize, Gov'ness, it is entirely within her fault to anger you so" I'd hope she would drop the matter and be the enticing conqueror, too foreign and alien to even care
"She didn't, nor hadn't, and yet it cannot be changed" I can almost hear her pitying tone "what is your name again?"
"Private Musa, dear Gov'ness" I sat upright, now remembering the hierarchy if even the sergeant pays her respect
"And you need not to be so respectful, Musa, her death is within my hands" she stands up, easily towering against me "and I dearly long to see you again, Musa" and something changed between her smile, her tone follows too "My name is Fulgrim, Matriarch of the Phoenix"