My first time cikgu

I’m an 18 year old girl and I got diagnosed by my old therapist at 15 (I know they’re not supposed to do that because every doctor I’ve tried to talk to since has doubted the validity of the diagnoses, but to me, my being bipolar is a fact). At the time I was so happy. I felt like I finally had the answer I’d been searching for. And since then I constantly look back on all the ways I showed symptoms even as a super young kid. It’s crazy how prevalent it’s always been. Neither of my parents have it or have chosen to really educate themselves so for the most part, they hurt me more than they support me because they’re not able to understand it. (My mom and I did have a really productive conversation recently though where I was able to explain some of what I deal with). It hurts more than I can even explain, because even though my mom and I are still very close, I felt like my parents were some of my best friends growing up and I know things will never be that way again. I used to be so forgiving when they would mess up, but I know in my heart that I’ll never be able to forgive them for neglecting my mental health for so long and making me go through all of this alone. I always feel so upset that I had to be born if they weren’t prepared to give me the support I need. I first started having real depressive episodes at 13 and at 14, begging my mom to help get me on some type of meds. This went on until I was 16 almost 17 and she got on board. Before, she thought a therapist was the only thing appropriate. The best way to explain the consequence of that is just to say the entirety of my teenage years has been overtaken by bipolar. I was fighting for my life in horrific episodes constantly, just holding onto any fleeting happiness I found and the hope that when me and her were supposed to move to Australia in August 2022 things might be completely different. Truthfully, living here instead has brought me more happiness than I’d had in my life since I was a kid. I have the most amazing relationship with the best girlfriend in the world, and more friends (who are all so wonderful) than I’ve ever had. I’ve been depressed again since school started in January (it’s my biggest trigger because most of my childhood trauma came from the school I went to). I smoked myself into an addiction when I moved here because I was even more suicidal then and not able to get meds fast enough. I genuinely feel like the killing of some of my brain cells made it quieter up there, my depression more functional and my anxiety lessen, and it’s sad because my mental health situation and life is pretty much better in every way than before I moved, but still so awful at the same time. Bipolar makes me feel so horribly fucking alone and like no one will ever understand, despite me being the least alone I’ve ever been. I’m slightly scared of meds now and would prefer holistic treatments but thinking maybe I need both to actually ever have a better and easier life, especially now that I’m an ‘adult’ and will graduate high school in a few months.

Logged into EA WRC for the first time in maybe 2 months. I have 90h on the game and I was around level 24 or something before I took a break from the game. Logged back on today and my plate level was at 0.

So to start, if we had a competition for the most toxic family in the country. My family would get to the finals.
Ever since I can remember, even the simplest of tasks are impossible without 'kalesh' and 'neechpan'. I feel like getting into the details is something I should do only with a therapist.
I personally checked out of this circus mentally like a decade ago. I just laugh at people shouting in my face these days, it has helped me a lot career wise.
Now, my sister has been affected by this a lot. She has developed this habit of not doing even the simplest of things without 'kalesh' and 'neechpan'.
My parents are well off, we don't have any liabilities left. Own multiple properties and so on.
My sister dated a lovely guy for a year and since he's from the same community, they turned it into an arranged marriage. The guy is not aware of how our family is, or how my sister can be. He is from an extremely well off family and is a genuinely great guy, sweet kind and understanding. He had a last relationship fail which sent him into depression which took a lot of effort and time.
When both families met, my parents knew that the groom's side cannot say no and they used it to their advantage. Lowballed them on the marriage expenses talk, said we'll spend only 15L on the wedding. I'm no fan of dowry, especially in my own sister's wedding.
But the least we can do is share the wedding expenses fairly, seeing the status of their family we can easily manage to afford such a wedding by selling off one property, 50L would be appropriate.
But my parents do not even want to spend the 15L, while my sister wants to spend like it is going to be a 1 cr wedding. My parents spent around 30L on her education (barely 5L on mine lol, scholarships) now My sister earns as well, but she does not want to spend her own money on her wedding, she even has some savings she is not willing to spend on her own wedding. I don't pick sides bw her and my parents as they are constantly in a competition to find out who is the worst person in our family.
Normally I would not care about all this and just be there for the photos and the food like I have been in all the family events so far. But this affects my plans as well, my parents have asked me for a year worth of my salary for the wedding expenses, and it's going be my first year of earning properly and having enough money in my account to actually buy something for myself.( Never did that actually, parents have money but never gave me any)
Now I don't understand why she won't use her own money, or why they won't sell one of our properties to pay for it. My parents think they can take their wealth with them after death. My sister thinks they'll change their mind if she fights ugly enough. And here I am learning that family helps each other financial only after I started earning.
I decided to go and meet my would be Jiju, what a lovely guy he is. I feel extremely guilty that someone so nice will have to deal with this never ending 'kalesh' and 'neechpan'. There is almost a moral outcry from within to stop this marriage.
Should I help my sister secure a good future or should I help an innocent guy who's getting in something he cannot handle ?
(I know my wedding is going to be one hell of an event, going to call a camera crew and make The Office style documentary if I can, but let's talk about this for now)

/* MyoWare Example_01_analogRead_SINGLE SparkFun Electronics Pete Lewis 3/24/2022 License: This code is public domain but you buy me a beverage if you use this and we meet someday. This code was adapted from the MyoWare analogReadValue.ino example found here: https://github.com/AdvancerTechnologies/MyoWare_MuscleSensor This example streams the data from a single MyoWare sensor attached to ADC A0. Graphical representation is available using Serial Plotter (Tools > Serial Plotter menu). *Only run on a laptop using its battery. Do not plug in laptop chargedock/monitor. *Do not touch your laptop trackpad or keyboard while the MyoWare sensor is powered. Hardware: SparkFun RedBoard Artemis (or Arduino of choice) USB from Artemis to Computer. Output from sensor connected to your Arduino pin A0 This example code is in the public domain. */ void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); while (!Serial); // optionally wait for serial terminal to open Serial.println("MyoWare Example_01_analogRead_SINGLE"); } void loop() { int sensorValue = analogRead(A0); // read the input on analog pin A0 Serial.println(sensorValue); // print out the value you read delay(50); // to avoid overloading the serial terminal } /* Read MyoWare Voltage Example Code Advancer Technologies, LLC Brian Kaminski 1/12/2024 This example reads a MyoWare 2.0 Muscle Sensor output on A0-A3 where A0 is ENV, A1 is RAW, A2 is RECT, and A3 is REF. It then converts the reading to the amplitude of the muscle activity as it appears at the electrodes in millivolts. MyoWare Muscle Sensor Analog Output: 1. Raw EMG Output (RAW) - This is the raw amplified and filtered output: * We will first remove the DC voltage offset using the REF value, converts its value to volts based on the ADC parameters, and remove the gain applied by the sensor using the RAW gain equation which is fixed at 200. 2. Rectified EMG Output (RECT) - This is the full-ware rectified RAW output: * We will first convert its value to volts based on the ADC parameters and remove the gain applied by the sensor using the RAW gain equation which is fixed at 200. 3. EMG Envelope (ENV) - This is the amplified envelope of the RECT output: * We will first convert its value to volts based on the ADC parameters and remove the gain applied the sensor using the ENV gain equation, see below. ENV has an second amplification stage which is adjustable using the gain potentiometer. We will need the gain potentiometer's resistance in kOhms to calcuate the gain. Read more about the MyoWare 2.0 Muscle Sensor & electromyography (EMG) output here: https://myoware.com/learn/tutorials-guides/ In order for this example to work, you will need a MyoWare 2.0 Muscle Sensor with the Vin and GND pins connected to 5V and GND pins on an Arduino compatible board. The ENV, RAW, and REF pins will need to connect to the A0, A1, and A2 pins on the Arduino compatible board, respectively. Hardware: MyoWare 2.0 Muscle Sensor Arduino compatible board (e.g Uno, Mega, etc.) USB Cable Graphical representation is available using Serial Plotter (Tools > Serial Plotter menu). This example code is in the public domain. */ #include  // MyoWare class object MyoWare myoware; // the setup routine runs once when you press reset: void setup() { // initialize serial communication at 9600 bits per second: Serial.begin(9600); // output conversion parameters - modify these values to match your setup myoware.setConvertOutput(true); // Set to true to convert ADC output to the amplitude of // of the muscle activity as it appears at the electrodes // in millivolts myoware.setADCResolution(12.); // ADC bits (shield default = 12-bit) myoware.setADCVoltage(5); // ADC reference voltage (shield default = 3.3V) myoware.setGainPotentiometer(50.); // Gain potentiometer resistance in kOhms. // adjust the potentiometer setting such that the // max muscle reading is below 3.3V then update this // parameter to the measured value of the potentiometer myoware.setENVPin(A0); // Arduino pin connected to ENV myoware.setRAWPin(A1); // Arduino pin connected to RAW myoware.setREFPin(A2); // Arduino pin connected to REF myoware.setRECTPin(A3); // Arduino pin connected to RECT } // the loop routine runs over and over again forever: void loop() { // read the sensor's analog output pins const double envMillivolts = myoware.readSensorOutput(MyoWare::ENVELOPE); const double rawMillivolts = myoware.readSensorOutput(MyoWare::RAW); const double rectMillivolts = myoware.readSensorOutput(MyoWare::RECTIFIED); // print output in millivolts: Serial.print(envMillivolts); Serial.print(","); Serial.print(rawMillivolts); Serial.print(","); Serial.println(rectMillivolts); } 

we are both in our late 20s and have been together for 3yrs. he’s incredible to me. loving, caring, takes care of me…in every way except finances. when we met he was still living at home and had a nice savings account and made decent money but it was long distance and really hard so he moved into my city and since then it’s been an uphill battle.
he didn’t finish college bc he grew up with poor immigrant parents and they couldn’t support him at all financially. because of that he’s worked a blue collar kind of job a long time but has been trying to get a better job for two years.
the first year or so it was okay, because i understood the struggle. but he wasn’t working super hard to get a new job. he would apply here and there. and it made me build up resentment.
fast forward to now and he’s actually making less $ due to him getting laid off. and it’s been miserable. and i’m at my wits end bc i want a life with this man. and we talk about marriage all the time and all my peers now are in marriage with kids and i’m still stuck in the limbo land bc our rule is we can’t get married til he has a good job. and what sucks most is he is trying very hard now. but nothing is working.
i’m glad he finally found momentum but it’s feeling like it’s too late now and idk what to do bc i know if the roles were reversed, he would stay by my side bc that’s who he is. but i’m sick and tired of feeling like i’m responsible for him. i’ve never paid his bills, but anytime i want to do something special, i almost always have to pay. and i just want him to do that for me.
he’s also wanting to live together (i do too) but i’m just scared that we will crash and burn if things don’t change like immediately. what do i do??? do i keep riding this out?
TLDR: bf is broke and i’m getting sick of it. he’s trying but no one will hire him.

Join: https://startplaying.games/adventure/clw0vo5hp001chxs28uvyct26
Summary: A child has been abducted from Outskirt and the trail leads to the Oracle Cave, a winding cave system beneath the Iron Forest. Few ever venture there due to rumors that an ancient horror dwells in its depths – some age-­old creature from before humanity’s arrival in the Misty Vale that is said to possess hidden knowledge. People call the place the Oracle Cave.
Dragonbane is a classic fantasy tabletop roleplaying game full of magic, mystery, and adventure. It is designed from the ground up to facilitate fast and furious play, with very little prep time and adventures that are a breeze to run. This is a game with room for laughs at the table, while still offering brutal challenges for the adventurers. We call this playstyle “mirth and mayhem roleplaying” – great for long campaigns, but also perfect for a one-shot, which is great, because that's what we'll be doing for this Learn to Play!
Cost: $20/player using Startplaying.games
Player Slots: 1-3/5 slots remain, first come first served.
System: Dragonbane
GM: With over 23 years of Dungeon Mastering under my belt, I've delved into the depths of every published edition of D&D since 3rd edition. My games are rooted in a meticulously crafted homebrew world, a diverse tapestry almost two decades in the making. This "kitchen-sink" setting ensures flexibility, enabling players and fellow DMs to integrate characters, stories, and elements from any realm or setting, ensuring a unique experience each session. My most recent endeavor? Translating all 5e published adventures into the mesmerizing Spelljammer setting, beginning with the freshly released "Phandelver and Above". Dive into a universe where every narrative, old or new, can find its niche. Join me for an adventure like no other.

I have lost a decent chunk of weight using CICO since around the start of the year. I took a break from my calorie counting about 2 weeks ago as I had a holiday lined up (one of the motivators for me sticking to my diet!) and regardless I know that taking a break every now and then is a good idea anyway. However I’ve been back at work this week and struggling to get back into the routine of my deficit! Any tips for getting back into the mindset? Should I start with my calories a bit higher this week to ease myself back into the routine? Any tips are welcome as I weirdly binged last night for the first time in months, I have no clue why this week has been so hard when truthfully the whole time on my holiday I was quite keen to come back to healthy, clean, and lighter eating since it’s make me less sluggish

My fever has been coming and going for quite a few days. So it started like 3 days ago and at first it was barely affecting me. I just felt extremely tired at night ( which i thought was normal) and lathargic which made me stop doing my fav things. This continues for 3 days. Yesterday I had a fever of around 99.5 which increased to 100.1 and then decreased very rapidly after 30 mins to 98.4. when I went to sleep I woke up with a lot of sweat and a fever of 101.6 . After some time however the fever decreased to 100.5 and then to 99.8 This was in a very short window. Do I have anything to be worries abt ?

The paper I received goes as follows:
“Remain in your residence or on the property of your residence at all times”
surely that would mean that I’m allowed to check the mailbox, take out the trash, go in my backyard or balcony?
I knows it’s something I should ask my lawyer or cso officer but it’s 8pm right now, and I haven’t my cso officer yet (first meeting in a week) so I thought I’d ask here.

I chatted with a girl online and she agreed to meet. I offered a date,time and place in the area where she lives, in a public busy area so she won't feel unsafe. Originally,the time was 6:30pm but asked for 7pm and I agreed. I had a busy day and had to ride like a maniac my motorcycle to get home and change because I didn't want to show up sweaty. Jumped in my car and took the toll road ($5 one way) and drove 30 miles and sent an ETA 7pm. Arrived exactly at 7pm sharp. Upon arrival I see a message from her received at 6:38pm : "I just got home". I replied I just walked in. At 7:10pm she texts ETA 7:20pm....at this point I felt disappointed a bit but I thought ok 20 min max. I mean it's a first date and no legit excuse. At 7:22pm she texts me: "Are you still there?..." I was like wtf? A minute later she texts:"I arrived but I am not sure you are sill there..." That was all for me so I just left.She tried to call after I left but my phone was on do not disturb. I texted her asking why didn't she walk in? She said, she was shy.....oh whatever 30+ yo mother of two....c'mon. I told her being late is fine but not walking in when arriving after being so late is super weird. I told her I can give her another chance so I texted when I am free this week and if she wants she can contact me with a time a place to meet. She said ok..Never heard of her :) I am sorry but I go 100% for any date but I also have firm boundaries. What do you think?

hey y’all, i got hit with two years probation and i have my first meeting with my officer this coming monday. my charges aren’t drug related if this helps what im about to ask. i’m from georgia and weed here is illegal. the only thing we have here that’s legal is thca flower, which is like .3% thc. should i let my officer know prior to my first drug test that i’ll probably test positive for thc and explain that it’s just thca flower from a local smoke shop in town? this is my first time in any sort of trouble/probation, and i really don’t wanna get into any deeper trouble with a failed drug test. should i bring the container with me as proof that im not just smoking weed and lying about it? any tips would be appreciated 🙏🏽 (she also stopped by my house today to verify my address, and when she was there she asked me if i partake in any, and i quote “illegal drugs or alcohol” and i told her no. but i didn’t even think of the thca flower until after she’d left already. idk if this helps or hurts me)

First time installing Linux on an old Sony Vaio Laptop from 2006. Specs: SONY VAIO VGN-SZ3HP - 1GB DDR2 RAM - 533 MHz - Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 - 2 x 1.8 GHz - NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 - 128 MB VRAM -13.30" 16:10, 1280x800 - Custom installed 240GB SSD
Distro: Ubuntu 24.04

1. Booted from a USB I created with Balena Etcher
2. Got a "GNU GRUB 2.12" screen with the options:
3. Try or Install Ubuntu
4. Ubuntu (safe graphics)
5. Test Memory
6. I chose "Try or Install Ubuntu"

It showed a black screen with the current time on the top middle, a battery indicator on the top right, and a sort of pill-shaped icon on the top left. After that, a white window appeared, briefly showing the message "getting Ubuntu Ready" or something like that.
Now it’s just stuck on a completely black screen with my laptop’s fans running at full tilt.
Any help?

Today is my birthday. Our finances are not great so I asked everyone to not do anything for my birthday. But the one thing I asked for was all of us to cook and eat dinner together.
My DD is back from college. She was hanging with her BF and her friends all afternoon. And she forgot about me. Came home an hour after I finished dinner. Didn't say anything.
Its not the first time shes done things like this. I become nothing when her friends are around. Missed dates. Forgotten chores. No love or appreciation.
I am sitting in my room by myself and wondering how I failed as a parent. Hating myself and her at the same time.
Anyone want to chat with a depressed old dad who been cast aside by his kids?

Hey everyone. My partner and I are planning on moving and received a residential rental agreement in Wisconsin from a potential landlord, however, it is quite a bit different than the standard WI residential lease agreements that we have received in the past. A TurboTenant template was used and modified to generate the lease. We are looking for some quick advice on whether or not the following language / clauses should be of concern to us as tenants:
1) “Landlord shall have the right at all reasonable times during the term of this agreement to enter the Property for the purpose of inspecting and exhibiting the Property and all buildings and improvements thereon. In non-emergency situations, Landlord will make a good faith effort to notify Tenants at least 24 hours prior to entry by one of the following methods: telephone message, email message, or door hanger, and having made such good faith effort shall enter as necessary. In emergency situation, or of a repair is requested by the Tenants, Landlord is permitted to enter immediately without prior notice.”
2) “Tenants are required to notify the Landlord in writing of any anticipated absence from the Property in excess of 7 days and shall make arrangements for the Property to be routinely checked on during the absence. Such written notice must be provided no later than the first day of such absence. Landlord may enter the Property at any time for any reasonable purpose during Tenants’ absence.”
3) “Tenants are hereby notified that a negative credit report statement may be submitted to a credit reporting agency if Tenants fail to fulfill the terms if this Lease Agreement”
4) “The Tenants are entrusted with the care and maintenance of the rented Property during the term of the lease. Specifically, the Tenants are responsible for promptly addressing minor maintenance tasks and repairs that arise in the course of occupancy. These tasks may include, but are not limited to:
a. Routine cleaning and upkeep of the interior of the Property, including floors, walls, and fixtures.
b. Please be mindful that the kitchen is fitted with laminate flooring. To prevent any potential expansion, we kindly ask that you ensure the floor remains dry at all times. Promptly attending to any spills or moisture will help preserve the condition of the flooring material.
c. Regular replacement of light bulbs, and air filters, as needed.
d. Minor repairs to plumbing fixtures, such as fixing leaks or clearing clogs caused by normal usage.
e. The rental unit is equipped with a range, over-the-range microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, and dryer for the convenience of Tenants. It is the responsibility of Tenants to ensure the proper maintenance, care, and cleanliness of these appliances throughout the duration of the tenancy. Tenants are responsible in reporting any malfunctions to the Landlord in a timely manner.
f. Proper disposal of trash and recycling in accordance with local regulations.
g. The Tenants are responsible for upholding cleanliness standards around the Property, including ensuring that no items are left outside and discouraging loitering on the Property. It is expected that the Tenants take proactive measures to maintain the tidiness and appearance of the Property at all times.
h. Tenants are not permitted paint anything including but not limited to walls, ceiling, cabinets or any Property.
i. Tenants shall maintain proper humidity to not facilitate growth of mold or mildew.
j. Tenants are allowed to hang pictures, clocks, and other decorative items on the walls of the rental unit. However, it is important to note that all decorations must be removed and the walls restored to their original condition upon the termination of the Lease Agreement. This includes filling any holes or damages caused by hanging the items. Failure to return the walls to their original state may result in deductions from the security deposit or additional charges for repair and restoration.
k. The Tenants agree to maintain the lawn and landscaping of the Property in a neat and orderly condition throughout the term of the lease, which includes regular mowing, watering, weeding, and trimming of grass, shrubs, and trees. The Tenants are responsible for providing all necessary equipment and materials for lawn maintenance unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Landlord. If the Tenants are unable or unwilling to perform lawn maintenance, the Landlord reserves the right to arrange for professional lawn care services at the Tenant's expense. The Tenants shall promptly report any lawn care issues or concerns to the Landlord for resolution. Furthermore, the Tenants agree to ensure that the lawn and landscaping are maintained in accordance with local ordinances and regulations to prevent fines or penalties imposed by the city or relevant authorities.
l. Tenants take responsibility of snow maintenance during winter months and agrees to ensure the safe passage and usability of driveways on the Property. This includes promptly arranging for snow removal and salting or sanding of walkways and driveways following snowfall or icy conditions. The Tenants agree to assist in snow maintenance efforts by promptly reporting any snow or ice accumulation that poses a safety hazard to the Landlord for prompt resolution.
m. Tenants shall not keep on the Property any item of a dangerous, flammable, or explosive character that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire or explosion on the Property, or that might be considered hazardous or extra hazardous by any responsible insurance company.”
Apologies for the length. Thanks in advance!

You can find my first treatment update: here
You can find my second + third treatment update: here
So I actually waited a little longer than a month for my final Accure session. I wasn't having many new breakouts and was overall pretty happy with my results. However, I did spend a lot of time traveling and changes in my diet I just wanted to be precautionary and make sure I get the best results possible. Like I've said in my previous posts, my experience at Qazi's office was great. His staff is really friendly and attentive. Again, I opted for all the goodies so I could be as comfortable as possible.... Nerveblocks, Topical Numbing, Pronox, Massage chair and weighted blanket. Again I listened to some EDM mash up music lol I don't remember which one exactly but I couldnt hear a thing. I do want to make note that Qazi changed his protocol slightly. He is now offering a BBL Laser treatment as an "add-on" to your treatment to control and purging or breakouts. I was kind of skeptical but I really didn't want to breakout again like I normally do after my Accure sessions so naturally I did the add on. I never really had crazy breakouts, but I am just so sick of dealing with any acne that I figured it would be worth it. And holy sh*t I didn't have a single breakout following my session. I had some red marks but that is expected from all the lasers on my face....but as for breakouts, none. I am hoping to be more active on reddit now that I'm done with school and working part time so feel free to ask any questions - hope this gives hope to others!!

The players have been made aware of this, and have agreed. This is not meant to be a discussion of railroading.
Each player, some in groups, have had, or will have a private session leading up to the official start. They all start in the same place, against their will. Each character has something unique about them, or valuable, that would be appealing to slave traders. A very popular line of work in this part of the world. With undead being pretty much eradicated, cheap labor had to come from elsewhere. The party are more special than cheap labor.
A orc who wanted to escape the violence of his people and live peacefully. The reputation of his kin follows him everywhere.
An elvish princess, a rare thing in a world where there's around 500 elves left.
A bounty hunter, apart of a very well known clan, who possesses many trade secrets and tools. Many want their revenge.
A pair of twins who stumbled upon artifacts they shouldn't have. Otherworldly powers, and an unfair debt owed.
This corner of the world attracts many tourists for the same reason LA or Vegas does. There is endless opportunity for those willing to work for it, or a life of luxury for those who can afford it. Streets are filled with gambling, and exotics imports from all over the world. Gladiator style areas however is what brings in the most. Warriors from all over to come to show off their strength, willingly or not. For slave traders, this is where the money is. A fighter who can put on a show is a very valuable thing, and why 3/5 of the characters start off as prisoners.
The orc, elf, and bounty hunter are from across the region. Kidnapped for purposes that will be revealed later to them, backstory elements coming into play that made them desirable and worth the risk. The twins are apart of the gang who takes them, but they are not involved with this part. They simple are muscle, and smuggle drugs around for the gang. Session 1 is the first time the twins meet the other side of the business, and it's not for a promotion.
The session starts with the twins arriving to the hideout. Located at an old mining operation in the middle of the desert, it has been fortified and turned into something more. The old gates reinforced to create an area, and the entrance into the mines a jail. Deeper inside has been turned into a temple of Anubis, the prominate god of the area, but not all is what it seems. The twins are brought here to witness a fight. An elf druid, one traveling with the elf princess at the time of her capture is in the area trying to talk an owlbear out of eating with with little success. He wild shapes into a small bird in an attempt to escape, only to be shot out of the sky immediately by a guard with a long rifle. His death is quick, and gruesome as the owlbear does its thing to the prone man.
Afterwards, the twins are escorted inside. Past the jail, into the deeper chambers where they meet their boss. A Dwarvish women who immediately comes across as disliking them. She wants to test the twins loyalty, and this is when the characters are all brought together. The other 3 characters are brought into the room. One by one they are shot by the boss, and brought back by a cleric of Anubis, leaving only the twins left standing. This is just a showing of how she's willing to get her hands dirty, cause the twins want something that belongs to her.
The twins last big job was a heist. They needed to retrieve a silver jewelry box, and they had one rule. Under no circumstances is that box opened. Well, it was, but not willingly. The jewelry box contained a scale of a mercury dragon - dragons are rare, god-like beings here, and a scale like this is akin to an artifact rarity magic item. This Mercury dragon just happens to be the patron of the brother now, as the scale absorbed into him, through no choice or fault of his own. The boss wanted this power to herself, and upon retrieving the box, it didn't appear to be opened. Imagine her disappointment when she found it was empty. The brother was the only one alone with the box.
The sister is presented a deal. Kill her brother, right here, right now. Prove her loyalty without question or they both die. This is the first major decision the players are able to make now. If she pulls the trigger, or not. The boss isn't stupid. The gun handed to the sister isn't loaded. It's simply a test. If both siblings are to be shot, or just the one. The ending is largely the same.
Bleeding out on the ground, the sister, and newly revived party members witness the corpse of the brother forcibly raised from the dead to answer questions. The location of the item in the box. If his sister knew he stole it. Is he still loyal. - my ruling of Speak with Dead is they don't have to answer, but if they do, the answer must not be a lie. He will be brought back, but his answers will determine later interactions. Now, the sister. Every player in the game will have moments in the spotlight. I decided to start with her, as it made most sense, and given the twins background, they will be key members to the party next chapter. She still has the empty gun. If she knows its empty or not will change a few small details. She too is a warlock, and this is the signing of her pact with the Hexblade.
Her interpretation of this place is her own to make. She awakes in a void, and although she is still herself here, she is consumed by nothingness. No pain, no sound, no feeling at all. Not even a heartbeat. Here she meets an entity. A "shadow" that mimics her every movement. It even shifts slightly, becoming a silhouette of herself. When she touches it, it is an overwhelming sense of feeling. Fireworks going off at the tip of her fingertips. The warmth of her blood becoming as hot as the sun, but somehow feels comforting compared to the nothingness shes felt for all this time. Outside seconds have past. Here, it could have been years, or seconds. Impossible to tell. But with this touch she hears a voice reach out to her. "Squeeze". She's back in the room, vision blurry as her life fades. Gun raised, aimed at her boss, who doesn't fear an empty gun. Only, it's no longer empty. This is her new pact weapon. It functions as a gun, but she can choose to shoot normal bullets or eldritch blast from it.
Their escape comes soon after. The hideout is attacked by a Sand Stalker - a purple-worm like creature. Other captives save them, and the campaigns first chapter begins here. They are in the middle of the desert, very limited supplies, uncertain where exactly they are. Few npc trying to get to the capital city to find help. The twins, bounty hunter, and other npc know that everyone who bares the mark of the clan will have bounties out on them, to be returned to their owners. The world in now open to them, as they learn how to free themselves of this debt one way or another.
The slave contract is as good as a deal with a devil. Legally binding, and magical in nature. Each master / house has its own distinct mark to show ownership. Once the debt is paid off, the mark will fade on its own. Their starting debt is 10k gp each. It is meant to be ridiculous. The bounty on a slave is always 10% of their total debt. So, 1k gp to return them if they job is put out, and it will be. If captured the reward money is added to the debt they owe, making it 11k gp now. The system is designed to be nearly impossible to be free.
In the main city there are several patrons willing to help them for one reason or another. Old contacts of the twins and bounty hunter in the party are expected to be called upon. There's multiple escapes from the city I have ready, and I am looking forward to what they come up with. I don't expect them to ever pay off their debt. The main story will later being them back here, when they're ready to take on the challenges of the city in full, and save the world. Standard stuff.
This is a new attempt at an intro. Throwing them into the fire with a clear goal. A long "cinematic" before giving them full control. They all know the stakes, and are in a position of "our chances are better together" apposed from the classic meeting in the tavern and dealing with rats.
Every character has elements from their backstory that matter here, and will drastically effect the campaign going forward. They had all known the basics of the intro, and details where they started prior to making characters. Changes were made to my plans based on their characters, incorporating them into it one way or another. There were always slavers, and they were always going to die. The twins backstories are the only ones from this region and they provided me a lot to work with, and ability to tie them into the scenario.
The boss killing and betraying the twins is a detail I think is very important. The other characters may see them as enemies, so by doing it this way they have common enemies and no secrets about it. Only the sister is not in debt, giving her a few special privilege's while in the city. All the players know each other, have played in other games together, and know what's expected. I am trying to make the party's coming together seem natural by immediately giving them a common problem and no one else to turn to. [BG3 SPOILERS] as the mindflayer parasites provided the main cast common problems, and Out of the Abyss first chapter being major influences. There are many other politics involved also, some sub plots that will come up later that tie to this, and a lot of world lore involved giving insight to why this region functions like this.

hey everyone! im a first time tama mom and my tamagotchi gen 1 just became an adult two days ago. im going on a day trip out of tokyo to go to the beach and i TOTALLY forgot him at home😭 he was sleeping when i left. what will happen? will he die? i really dont want him to die🥹 i feel so bad😭 its 9:30 am right now, and i probably wont be home until late😔