I know it sounds ridiculous but I'm a guy who prefers and is better at drawing on an angle. Sadly I don't have much of a drafting table. I still want to draw well. Despite that. Until I get one. What's the best way to draw on a flat surface like a regular table.

Hi there, I'm a huge fan of the game since TI3 and when we meet at my house I usually try to get a couple of "new" stuff into the game to spice the game. Sometimes it's a weird map, or 9 players, or 2-day long game 14 VP, etc. This time, we are bringing up again Absol's Politics and Relics deck (which I used in the past quite a bit, always loved them) AND we decided to boost some races that get (in our humble option) the short end of the stick in a 10 VP game.
The races that were boosted and are being played are: Arborec: they start with Sarween Tools AND their Mechs are considered structures. Sardakk : they start with Dark Energy Tap Mentak: they start with either Psycho Archaelogy or AI Dev (they choose) Yin was also boosted (start with Hyper Metabolism) but did not get drafted. The changes were discussed before the Milty Draft, and were supposed to be kept "simple" (i.e. no new wall of texts or modifications to the faction sheet).
As for the map, here it is:
https://milty.shenanigans.be/d/66435bc746f46#map
I am doing this post because I think it's a good feedback about some variant rules, and I'm honestly interested about discussing our table's feedback with Reddit on how the game changes with this. If I manage, I will keep also a "turn by turn" sum-up on this thread.
On the map: David (me): Arborec, Speaker Simon: Sardakk (2nd in turn order) Jacopo: Hacan (3rd in turn order) Francesco: Saar (4th) Sway: Nomad (5th) Matteo: Mentak (6th)
This is Round 0. We did not choose strategy cards yet since the game will start next Saturday (25th of May 2024). Of course, since I am the speaker, I know which card I am going to choose (Warfare). There is not much option considering my slice, but with Arborec with Sarween Tools starting, it seems a pretty much solid choice anyway, whatever the slice.
I do think that Sardakk will pick Tech and research Grav Drive. Hacan could pick Trade, but could probably make a deal with Nomad to let them pick it and get paid for that instead. No clue what Saar would pick. Knowing the player, I guess Politics or Construction I think Nomad will pick anything left of value, and as for Mentak, I think there will be a "surprise" and they will pick Diplomacy, due to the great slice for it, especially since they can tech Round 1 Cruiser 2, and conquer Mecatol Rex. This could mean (if Diplo and Construction are picked) that Leadership / Politics could be left out, ironically.
As for me, besides expanding and try to get the best out of my first Round, I am thrilled for the game and did not decide where to go from Round 2 onwards. I like to play aggressive in general, and do not plan to Tech Round 1, but focus on plastic. As for Round 2, I might tech AI Dev to get to War Suns quickly, or go Scan Link and try to get Relics (remember, the Relic deck has been boosted significantly and is never a bad choice).

I (48F) don’t even know where to begin so let’s start from the end. My daughter, D, (18F, I’ll use an initial for my daughter’s name) graduated high school Tuesday night. I organized a graduation dinner at a nice restaurant Wednesday night on me as part of her graduation present. I picked mom up for the graduation ceremony Tuesday night and mom starts to take digs at me. She has been taking digs at me for a week now ever since my daughter and her reconciled. I have backstory about that further down. I let those digs go since they were in the middle of the ceremony and my ex husband was seated next to us in the arena.
Fast forward to the next day, Wednesday, I am hustling all day to get ready for the graduation dinner. I got flowers from the grocery store and arranged two different bouquets into one. I went to Party City to pick up balloons that I ordered online. I had contacted a local home baker for my daughter’s allergy free graduation cake so I also picked up her cake. These were all things that I had intended to bring to the restaurant as a surprise. After checking with the restaurant about bringing the cake, it turns out the restaurant has an allergy safe dessert so I can’t bring it. I pivot and I let my daughter know that I have a surprise graduation cake for her and that I would like to drop it by her dad’s house. It had a whipped frosting so it required refrigeration as soon as possible. I pick up the cake at the 2:30pm. Ask my daughter if she is home and can I bring it by. She says yes and that her dad isn’t home but maybe we could have a slice together. I said that I don’t have a lot of time (I needed to pick up mom for dinner at 4:45pm plus squeeze in a little work and get ready for dinner) but worst case I can take a slice to go for me and mom. We ended up having a slice with her dad because he came back home right away. I go home. Get dressed for dinner, work on a few work emails, and run to pick up mom.
When I get there, she doesn’t say hello but asks me where her cake is. I groan because I forgot it in the fridge but I can tell that something is off. She then asks me hostilely why I didn’t invite her to my ex’s house for cake. I tell her that it was spontaneous and there was a lot going on in preparation for the graduation dinner. It didn’t occur to me in that moment that my daughter should have been the one to ask her over since it’s not my house. Nor did it occur to me in that moment, that my mom and D must’ve talked about this cake thing.
So I am driving to dinner and my mom is not letting this go. She starts to lay into me about excluding her and I calmly ask her to stop. She continues and starts raising her voice. I tell her there wasn’t anything intentionally done and it was spontaneous! She is yelling on the top of her lungs at this point so I yell back that I have not done anything wrong here and that she needs to cut it out. At this point she starts saying that she needs to get out of the car. I tell her to keep it together for my daughter’s sake. I stop at a stop light and she jumps out after thrusting the glass vase with the flowers at me that she was holding. I start crying and call my daughter immediately. She empathizes, asks what happened, I tell her that I don’t want to ruin her night but she insisted so I pour my heart out and cry most of the way there because our ETA was similar. Note that she is in the car with her dad and best friend and in hindsight I think that I might’ve been on speaker. I arrive at the restaurant with the flowers and balloons and we are having a nice time. Halfway through eating our entrees, my mom shows up. I didn’t tell her where the reservation was. My mom likes to be taken to things and doesn’t care to know in advance where we are going so this is normal for us. I was shocked. My mom looks around the booth and my ex makes room for her. I didn’t move in my shock but I don’t think that I would have made room for her regardless. While she is talking to my ex (whom she has hated for years based on how he treated my dad as my dad was dying), my daughter leans over and asks me if this was okay and I tell her that I didn’t tell mom where we were going. D says that she didn’t either.
Mom doesn’t look at the menu but is prepared and orders her entree. Keep in mind, she has not been to this restaurant before. I ignore her and do not make eye contact from across the table. I have never seen her eat that fast. I lost my appetite the minute she arrived. After she finishes, she leaves the booth to visit to the restroom. At that point, I tell my daughter that to be clear I was not okay with this. My daughter says why and I respond because of how she treated me and she says how did she treat you and I looked at her shocked and said I told you just after it happened. She says oh and then says well I am glad she came. So at this point, I am shocked again. This seems intentional and not coincidental. I had thought maybe it was coincidental because I had talked about what entree I was thinking about ordering. We finish up and I pay for dinner. We leave together. I haven’t spoken to either since.
I would talk to my mom everyday and text my daughter everyday. I initiate those points of contact. I haven’t spoken to either of them since Wednesday. Neither has reached out to me. Am I off track here? What on earth is this? It feels like manipulation and backstabbing. It feels like my daughter went behind my back and triggered my mom against me. I’m trying to understand but I am too close to this to see it clearly. Please help me understand if I messed up or what I should do. I frankly don’t want to speak to either of them for awhile which works out since I am going out of the country for 20 days in less than a week.
Some background; D has been living her last year of high school with my ex husband (53M) because her high school, college (she was talking a college class in the mornings and high school in the afternoons), and work in the evenings were all closer from his house than mine as I live 30 mins away from those areas. She also favors him as he acts as a roommate versus a dad towards her.
She reconciled with my mom (74F) last week after they stopped speaking for 2.5 years. My mom was not understanding of my daughter’s medical diagnosis then and was mean/hurtful about it so my daughter stopped talking to her. I would consistently suggest reconciliation to both of them whenever they would ask about each other because it’s just the three of us. My dad passed 12 years ago. My family on my mom’s side has passed and the remaining family (my mom’s sister and her two daughters that I grew up with) are toxic so we don’t speak to them. They are toxic in the sense that when my grandma died they drafted a fake Will and filed it with the courts cutting mom out.
Ever since D and mom reconciled, my mom has been taking digs at me. Mom has always done this whenever something bothers her. She has been saying things like at least D talks to your face. I am old school and respectful to my elders. My daughter, on the other hand, is influenced by her dad and speaks disrespectfully to whomever she disagrees with. I have been setting boundaries and sticking up for myself with my mom recently.
I’m am trying to figure out what is happening here. I don’t think that I am off track feeling hurt and betrayed. I also don’t think it would make a difference to talk to them until I get back. Am I missing something? Please help me objectively understand.

If you're reading this, you've probably read the weird, crazy comments on tressless posts.
The essence of my AGA treatment method is to do the following during the period of using FDA-recognized medications for androgenetic alopecia (finasteride 0.25-1.25 mg everyday, minoxidil 5% topical 2ml or(and) oral minoxidil 2.5-5 mg everyday) physiotherapeutic actions:

1. Do jogging, running, jump rope, running uphill, cycling, sports (football, etc.), swimming, weightlifting (squats, deadlift), calf raise, leg press and leg extension. You need to exercise in such a way that you experience failure, heavy and rapid breathing, muscle pain, and sweating. You need to work out intensively. It is enough to use different exercises 2-3 times a week, avoiding injuries and overtraining.
2. On exercise days it is necessary to use cold stress i.e. Exposure to uncomfortable temperatures may include:

A) Performing exercises (working outside, sport) in temperatures of -10 to +12 Celsius.
B) Use of a cold shower on the whole body and always on the hair (thermal effect with cold water from +5 to +15 Celsius. Possible dousing with water from a bucket or tap. The effect is short, 10-20 seconds.
C) Drying the body without a towel in a room with a temperature of +18 to +22 degrees Celsius, preferably in a draft or outside in the wind. It is advisable to see traces of piloerection (raising of hair on the skin) and goosebumps on the body, this means that everything is correct. After partial drying and feeling cold, you can dry yourself with a towel as usual, the main thing is to feel the cold from drying in order to activate natural heat regulation.
The essence of the method is to increase the metabolism (anabolism) of your body to the maximum level by reducing the androgenic effect and taking minoxidil. At the same time, exercise maximizes the effects of minoxidil, and since androgens no longer harm the follicle, a growth window appears. When performing exercises and during the period of muscle recovery, many unique anabolic effects appear in the human body: activation of stem cells, improvement of fat metabolism, gene emission, emission of unique proteins, the appearance of growth and regeneration factors. Without training large muscle groups, such effects will not occur in the body of a person who does not exercise and leads a sedative lifestyle. Main pathways of muscle stress: SSH, sympathetic nerves, Foxp1, Fgf18, Adrb2, APM hypertrophy, CXCL12, FGF21, BNDF, Hedgehog-SCUBE3-TGF-β, COL17A1, Lipid metabolic acceleration, SULT1A1, IGFBP-rP1, JNK-1( cold). Also, leg exercises from weightlifting (squats, deadlifts), which have a high androgenic potential, help combat the side effects of finasteride.
At the same time, the activation by cold of the piloerection mechanism and goose bumps as part of the thermoregulation mechanism gives a signal to the follicle and the muscle of the follicle to raise the hair, if it is not there, then the body reacts accordingly, taking into account the absence of obstacles to hair growth (DHT). Cold relief has an anabolic effect and a mobilization effect on cells and the nervous system, enhancing the effects of muscle stress. Pathways of cold exposure: SSH, sympathetic nerves, Lipid metabolism acceleration, JNK-1.
The method should work quickly and have an effect in 1-3 months. The method was developed based on personal experience, taking into account the analysis of hyperresponse tressless, analysis of a large number of scientific papers from around the world. When analyzing hyperresponders, it turned out that they used finasteride and minoxidil, and also played sports indoors or outdoors, responders usually used their leg muscles. The best results were published when therapy took place during the colder months of the year. In fact, h-responders experienced similar levels of stress to the lives of the Amish and the homeless, who are famous for their hair cause hair its natural thermoregulation mechanism for bad weather environment (not for beauty). Amish and homeless both use leg muscle stress to survive. Previously, I thought that the main thing was muscle stress, but I did not take into account temperature stress. All this makes hyperresponding a unique and rare phenomenon. Moreover, the method has a huge anti-aging effect and helps in mewing.
The method should help most AGA patients achieve the hyperresponder effect. Try this!
Data table of TOP hyperresponders: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HNW7X3hp0aKy3mVGlv2FM-DI4PfrFRCA4aW6Hn3RQlc/edit#gid=1215548399

I am a mechanical designer. I began on a drafting table back in the early 1980s. I worked in what we called 'bull pens', big rooms of draftsmen, all 'ass and elbows'. Drinking coffee, smoking, and drawing all day, a phone at either end of the room. Often my jobs were even as simple as just lettering parts lists on drawings. I remember that it was 40 hours billing for a D sized drawing, no matter what was on it.
It took a pyramid of an engineer or two, some designers under them, and dozens of draftsmen to do a drawing. Oh, and a Checker.
Then CAD (AutoCAD to be precise) came along and what happened is that the expectation became that that designers and engineers would do their own drafting. Because of the nature of working with CAD, when you worked out the design, you pretty much had the drafting done too. So just plain old draftsmen disappeared, you really had to be able to do design too.
I don't know what happened when the 30 draftsmen weren't being hired anymore, I assume a lot of them became designers, or quit the industry for other jobs.
Timetables collapsed too. Instead of weeks for a drawing, it became days. People either loved it or hated it. Or both. At first, no one trusted the CAD files and we still printed everything out and considered the print the 'real' work. There was this stink eye about it all. And it didn't help that suddenly we had these 'cad jockeys' that would show up, fresh from ITT or some place, that knew how to work AutoCAD, but knew jack about making a good drawing.
Anyways. In time, industry changed and got used it and was better for it. And I predict the same thing will happen with AI art. That consolidation will happen. You want to create a comic book, an illustrated novel, a movie, animation, whatever, now the 'engineer' (person with the Big Idea) will/can do it all.

☄️HexArchon

HexArchon is a Custom MMO-Inspired SMP with several gameplay features such as unique Custom Mobs, Items, Enchants, Boss Fights, Abilities, Quests, Worlds, and other areas to explore such as the Skylands and Dungeons.
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🔗Links

• Server Trailer
• Discord Server
• Wiki

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📖Our Values

We are a group of people with the ambition of creating something new and unique. We are always committed to putting quality work into gameplay. We love listening to community feedback and creating something that people enjoy.
Here are some of the values that we have pledged to:

• Community voice & transparency
  • We are fully committed to creating an environment where the community is heard. Anyone is welcome to provide suggestions, discuss them, and vote on them. We give updates to pending suggestions and are fully transparent about decisions made on the development of the server, as well as the reasonings. If there are any major changes up for debate, they will be voted on by the whole community.
• Huge range of free-to-choose playstyles
  • There are so many different ways to play and progress on the server, thanks to the wide range and combinations of abilities, stats, and custom items. For instance, you are up to what path they take on abilities. They can focus on ranged abilities for the perfect mage build, abilities that empower melee attacks for the maximum melee damage output, healing and damage resistance for support potential, and so much more! There are also 7 different stats you can level up to help them progress on the server, including strength, dexterity, intelligence, health, stamina, resistance, and criticals. HexArchon also provides a massive catalog of custom items each with unique skills to choose from many different play styles and builds. There are different weapon types such as long swords and greatswords that provide slow but heavy hits, daggers for fast and high DPS, staffs and other magic items for mage capabilities, and many different bows for ranged play styles.
  • Does all of this seem too complicated? No problem! You are free to play casual survival, even with cosmetics such as custom-modeled furniture, pets, decorative heads, and a shop containing a huge category of building blocks and items to enhance your builds. What’s great is that these are all optional additions - there is nothing preventing you from enjoying Vanilla Minecraft.
• Trust & respect
  • We are committed to being transparent, honest, and a group that you can personally trust. We will help players out, enforce rules if needed, and even have casual discussions.
• Dedicated updates
  • We are always looking forward to adding new and fresh content to the server for an always-improving experience on HexArchon. This ranges from anything such as new items, mobs, boss fights, dungeons, and frequently, ideas from the community.

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🎮Gameplay Mechanics

• Custom Mobs - We take pride in the distinctive traits of each mob. Each of our custom mobs are drafted and developed from scratch, featuring their own unique skills and behaviors. There are over 200 different custom mobs in total.
  • Regular Mobs
  • There are plenty of custom mobs that spawn across the Overworld, Nether, and End, with unique traits including attacks and skills. Custom mobs can drop money, exp, ability points, and custom materials for crafting custom items!
  • World Bosses
  • You may also encounter mini-bosses when exploring. Mini bosses have a lot more health than regular mobs and have more challenging attacks than normal custom mobs. They also drop larger amounts of money, exp, ability points, and can drop custom materials and even exclusive items!
  • Mini Bosses
  • World bosses are bosses that can be summoned in the Overworld, Nether, and End. They may require teamwork to defeat as they have a lot of health and are more difficult than other bosses. World Bosses can drop custom materials used to craft exclusive, high-tier items.
  • Arena Bosses
  • Arena bosses can be challenged solo or with up to 4 players. You will encounter bosses of varying difficulties as you progress, so watch out! Defeat the arena bosses to unlock new regions to explore.
• Custom Items - There are many different types of custom items you can obtain. There are different weapon types for each category of weapons. Melee weapons include swords, katanas, daggers, long swords, greatswords, thrusting swords, spears, greatstaffs, hammers, and axes. All item types have varying attributes; for instance, daggers can sustain high DPS due to their fast attack speed, and greatswords have slow attack speeds but high damage per-hit. Magic weapons include staffs, catalysts, wands, and consumables. All custom items have unique abilities that you can use and even combo with other abilities. Custom items can also be upgraded and have runes applied to them to enhance them even further.
• Custom Enchants - There are more than 240 custom enchantments all geared toward unique builds and uses. There are a huge variety of ways to obtain custom enchantments. They can be obtained from the shop with in-game money, enchanting tables, villager trades, dungeon loot chests and completion rewards, crates, fishing, supply drops, daily rewards, and server events. Enchantments can be upgraded and stacked onto multiple armor pieces to grant even more power.
• Dungeons - Unlock and explore dungeons to discover ruins and obtain various exclusive loot! Complete various objectives and battle with gatekeepers, mini-bosses, and defeat the final boss to complete the dungeon! There are many hidden side objectives as well, so keep your eyes out!
• Quests - There are more than 180 quests of varying types and difficulties. There are three varying difficulty levels of daily quests that each include a full-completion bonus. There are repeatable quests that you can start and finish at any time. There are also hardcore quests that may take a lot of effort to accomplish, but pay out the most. Each quest may ask you to locate and slay certain mobs, mine ores, interact with mobs, defeat varying levels of bosses, and much more.
• Abilities - Obtain points from slaying custom mobs and bosses, and use them to unlock and upgrade abilities! Some abilities may contribute to a ranged mage build, a close-range melee build, or any build that you want!
• Stats - Use XP to upgrade 7 different stats of your character! Stats can grant boosters to your abilities and custom items, such as attack damage, cooldown reduction, health/mana regeneration, attack speed, and much more.
• Auto Farms - Auto farms can be bought and utilized to ease the management of your farms. They feature upgrades such as crop growth speed, radius, and collection bin size. Make sure to keep them fueled!
• Furnaces - Furnaces can be enchanted to grant them special attributes. This includes increased smelting speeds, smelting multipliers, fuel duration, and fuel conservation.
• Furniture - You can purchase many different furniture models to further decorate your builds! Some furniture can also be interacted with.
• Player Shops - Build and run your own shop to sell items to other players!
• Pets - You can purchase a variety of modeled pets to follow you around! You can also rename them, ride them, and showcase them around.
• Fishing - Fishing can be quite extraordinary on HexArchon! Try it and see… :) May involve some creatures and deaths.
• Quality-of-life Improvements -
  • Discord Link: Talk with in-game players from Discord!
  • Keep Inventory: Never lose your items. You will still lose a partial amount of money though, so watch out!
  • Rollbacks: Ability to track and roll back any griefs - just open a ticket!
  • Invisible Item Frames: Label your chests with invisible item frames that you can click through.
  • Custom Armor Stands: Tweak your armor stands to the perfect postures you want.

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🖥️Technicals

We strongly prioritize server performance and responsiveness. Not only do we put focus on resource utilization during development, but we also have powerful top-of-the-line hardware that the server runs on.
The server is run on dedicated hardware with the following specifications: * CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X * RAM: 3200MHz 16GB * Storage: 400GB NVME SSD * Hosted on the US East Coast.
We guarantee strict, zero-lag gameplay. If you are having any issues with lag, open a ticket and we will gladly help you out - even if it’s not the server’s fault.
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🚪Joining

• Server IP: play.hexarchon.net
• Supports Bedrock (Port 19132). This is experimental with many technical limitations.

Thanks for reading! We hope to see you on :)

Short version is that no one has ever asked me to do more than the bare minimum in excel before now, and I never really had a reason to learn for myself in the 20+ years I've been working with it.
I work for a small business as a bookkeeper now, and my boss started asking me for reports and charts from data that I've pulled from our CRM and QuickBooks. I'm learning how to track weekly sales and commissions, build pivot tables and charts, creating dashboards and reports, learning more formulas than just SUM, and a ton of other stuff. I really appreciate this subreddit because of the wiki and FAQ, and have come back to it regularly as I need to learn more. I'm working on adopting best practices, but realize that my work may need a couple rounds of drafts before it's more than a kludged together mess. My boss has said that I've done more in the last few months than a previous employee did in six years, and that he would pay for any professional development classes/programs I wanted to take regarding Excel, QuickBooks, or any other relevant programs. He's a pretty excellent boss, all things considered, and he's been really happy with the work I've done so far.
Just wanted to say thank you to the mods and members for creating a community and resource like this, and I'm looking forward to learning more!

I have ground water leaking through my deep end of a vermiculite / vinyl pool. My end goal is to patch this whole then fill the deep end in to have an 18x36 with 4.5ft pool all around.
Will hydraulic cement stop the flow of water so I dont have a mosquito breeding ground since we are going to do the work later in the summer when the water table is lower? The water flow is pretty high. Probably around a gallon a minute

Context: I thought that AEW did a great job with the Continental Classic 6 months ago and I want to try to book the next one (as I imagine they will be doing this again). For this booking, I will be doing the men's continental classic in 2024. Now for this, we are changing one major thing for this tournament compared to what they did last year. The winner of this tournament will get a shot at the AEW World Championship at the Revolution PPV. The finals of the Continental Classic will take place at World's End. The world champion in this fantasy booking for around this time is Will Ospreay. All of these matches take place on episodes of Dynamite and Collision respectively (I won't book what match takes place on which network) , I'll just be booking the tournament week-to-week. Below are the competitors listed for each block.
EDIT: My first draft exceeded the character limit for a post so I will be trimming down match details
Gold Block:

• MJF
  • Just made his return recently, defeating Adam Cole at the latest PPV to settle their rivalry. Now has his sights set on winning the tournament and challenging for the World Championship.
• Konosuke Takeshita
  • The Don Callis family has representation in this tournament as Takeshita has been taking the AEW world by storm the last few months, being the stand out in the Callis family. Konosuke Takeshita is Don Callis's chosen one and declares that Takeshita will be bringing the World Championship to the family.
• Jack Perry
  • Has been put in thanks to the Elite, looking to bring the World Championship to the Elite.
• Dax Harwood
  • Playing the Mark Briscoe role of this tournament. Storyline-wise, he's been placed in this tournament by the Elite to keep the FTR from being able to compete for the Tag Team Championships. Cash encourages him to make this the biggest mistake of the Elite's life.
• Darby Allin
  • Since returning from injury in May, has been on fire with key wins over The Elite in Anarchy in the Arena, Jay White, and Big Bill. Looking to get back in the title hunt.
• Eddie Kingston
  • Last year's winner looking to go back-to-back, this time for a new prize. (I know he is injured in real life, i'm hoping he is recovered by then).

Blue Block:

• Kenny Omega
  • Has returned from injury and looking to get right back on track after being put in this tournament. (The Bucks tried to keep him from the tourney but was overruled by TK)
• Kazuchika Okada
  • The Elite have two members in to try to ensure that the World Championship goes to the Elite. Commentary puts over his familiarity with this kind of tournament).
• Chris Jericho
  • Seen as the veteran in this whole tournament, looking to make a statement and show his followers of the Chris Jericho "Learning Tree" how to succeed at the highest level and compete for a World title at this stage of his career.
• Ricky Starks
  • Has also returned from injury recently and considers himself a master of tournaments (puts over his win in the Owen Hart tournament) and looks to win this one, and win the gold.
• Malakai Black
  • The House of Black has been kicking all sorts of ass for the last several months and has a lot of momentum on their side. Malakai Black (the leader of the House of Black), will be part of this tournament to win the tournament, beat Will Ospreay, and continue to strengthen the momentum of the House of Black. The House always wins.
• Penta El Zero Miedo
  • Was originally going to be PAC, but a week before the tournament, PAC was mysteriously attacked and deemed unable to compete (storyline). While AEW investigates to find out of PAC's attacker, Penta El Zero Miedo steps in on PAC's behalf to compete.

Scoring: Win=3 points, Draw=1 point, Loss=0 points
20-minute time limits for each match
Outside interference is prohibited! No one is allowed at ringside (breaking these rules result in a point deduction)
Gold Block: Week 1

• Eddie Kingston def. Dax Harwood
  • We kick off the tournament with our first matchup in the Gold League between last year's winner of the Continental Classic, Eddie Kingston, going up against Dax Harwood. These two have a competitive match, with Dax pushing Eddie to his limit, but Kingston wins with the Spinning Back Fist. The two shake hands after the match and Eddie continues to celebrate his win.
• Konosuke Takeshita def. Darby Allin
  • For this match, Darby takes control early in the match, going at a very fast-pace, hitting dangerous and high flying moves to keep Takeshita at bay. However, Darby goes for one too many high risk moves and it costs him, as Takeshita hits his Power Drive Knee to pick up the victory. Post-match, Takeshita brawls with Darby and throws him off the stage, sending him crashing into some tables, as medical personnel tend to Darby.
• MJF def. Jack Perry
  • Before the match, there is a backstage segment between the two, as Jack Perry talks about how he remembers what MJF told him a long time ago and how he did in fact cut the goody-two-shoes act, but, instead of ruling AEW together, Jack has surpassed MJF and will prove that tonight. MJF tells Jack that Jack hasn't done anything yet to think that he has surpassed him and that being a top guy is more than just a cute arm band saying "scapegoat" and being friends with the EVPs. Max says that if he thinks that he is on MJF's level, that he can prove it in the ring against him. Jack is not amused. These two will main event whichever show they're on as they go back and forth. Both of them are using dirty tricks against each other and it appears that Jack has learned from their last encounter. Jack works over the shouldearm of MJF that comes into affect when MJF goes for Salt of the Earth but can't keep it locked in. The match ends after Jack attempts Salt of the Earth on Max but is able to turn it into a roll up and hold onto Perry's tights to secure the pinfall victory (because he's still a scumbag, but our scumbag). MJF gains 3 points and smiles and winks at a very frustrated Perry as he walks up the ramp, telling Perry that he still has much to learn.
• Gold Standings after Week 1:
  1. Konosuke Takeshita: (3 pts)
  2. Eddie Kingston: (3 pts)
  3. MJF: (3 pts)
  4. Darby Allin: (0 pts)
  5. Dax Harwood: (0 pts)
  6. Jack Perry: (0 pts)

Blue Block: Week 1

• Ricky Starks def. Chris Jericho
  • Starks and Jericho go about 13 minutes. Jericho uses veteran trickery to get an advantage at times but Ricky is able to take control at times, showing how good he truly is. In the end, Jericho goes for Judas Effect but Starks ducks it and running against the ropes and hitting Jericho with a second spear. Starks immediately picks Jericho back up and hits his finish, Rochambeau and gets the pinfall victory. Starks gets his first 3 points of the tournament.
• Malakai Black def. Penta El Zero Miedo
  • Malakai and Penta square off against each other and go a little over 10 minutes. The whole match is a sprint, as Penta tries to be more aggressive after being familiar with Malakai from their past encounters. The match ends after Penta goes for his package piledriver but is countered as Malakai then hits Black Mass to Penta, getting the pinfall victory. Malakai Black gets his first 3 points of the tournament.
• Kenny Omega vs Kazuchika Okada (TIME LIMIT DRAW)
  • This is the main event of a very special episode of Dynamite. These two go back and forth with plenty of callbacks to their previous matches, but Okada specifically targets the midsection of Omega (who has had his surgery). Both men go for their finishing moves multiple times in the match but is countered by the other man. In the end, Omega goes for the One Winged Angel after hitting several V-Triggers. Okada is able to counter once again, hitting a knee strike to Omega's midsection (that sends Omega to his knees, that one really hurt him). Okada hits his finish, Rainmaker but is down as he is completely exhausted. He crawls over to the pin but before he can get to him, the bell rings as the time expires, ending the match in a draw (a callback to their first match). Commentary puts over how this may affect both men for the rest of the tournament. Both men are awarded 1 point.
• Blue Standings after week 1:
  1. Ricky Starks: (3 pts)
  2. Malakai Black: (3 pts)
  3. Kazuchika Okada: (1 pts)
  4. Kenny Omega: (1 pts)
  5. Chris Jericho: (0 pts)
  6. Penta El Zero Miedo: (0 pts)

Gold Block: Week 2

• MJF def. Dax Harwood
  • These two have an old-school, classic wrestling match as Dax, again, pushes his opponent to their limit and give them their best as MJF has to dig deep to pull out a victory. Both men have their opponent in submissions, testing the will of their opponent as both fight to stay alive. In the end, after missing with a Diving headbutt from the top rope, MJF rolls Dax towards the apron and hits Heat Seeker to get the pinfall victory. After a tense stare post match, Dax finally offers his hand to MJF, MJF with a little hesitation, accepts it and the two shake hands after the match. MJF now has 6 points total and Dax is still scoreless.
• Eddie Kingston def. Darby Allin
  • Darby is BARELY cleared to compete for this match, and it's even encouraged by doctors backstage that Darby pull out of this match to which Darby will of course refuse. During the match, it is clear that Darby is less than 100% and Eddie takes most of the match. Eddie, knowing that Darby is in bad shape, is concerned and tells Darby to stay down (not in a heelish way, but more in a concerned way. He doesn't want to beat Darby this way and hurt him even further). Darby just keeps on fighting, taking advantage of Eddie not putting him down and hitting come back offense, resulting in close near falls. In the end, Kingston finally puts Darby down after slapping Eddie to stop patronizing him and gets another 3 points. Eddie shows his respect to Darby after the match.
• Jack Perry def. Konosuke Takeshita
  • Its a heel vs heel matchup but Jack will be wrestling heel while Takeshita wrestles a babyface style. Perry again is using dirty tricks but it doesn't faze Takeshita, who has been prepared by this in his training with Don Callis. It seems that when it is a fair fight, Takeshita is the one that is getting the upper hand, hitting the more significant moves during the exchanges. In the end, Takeshita goes for his Power Drive Knee but misses Jack, colliding with the turnbuckle instead (he sells the knee) and then, Jack Perry rolls Takeshita up, grabbing the tights of Takeshita, and picking up the pinfall victory. Takeshita and Callis (who now has entered the ring once the match was over) are fuming and argue with the referee who did not see what had happened. Jack Perry celebrates as he goes up the ramp and the Young Bucks congratulate him. Perry is on the board.
• Gold Standings after Week 2:
  1. MJF: (6 pts)
  2. Eddie Kingston: (6 pts)
  3. Konosuke Takeshita: (3 pts)
  4. Jack Perry: (3 pts)
  5. Darby Allin: (0 pts)
  6. Dax Harwood: (0 pts)

Blue Block: Week 2

• Malakai Black def. Chris Jericho
  • Jericho cuts a promo before his match saying that last week didn't go the way that he wanted but to not worry, because he is at his best when he is the underdog and he will still find a way to come back and win this entire tournament (he says this in a babyface way but is still clearly a heel, continuing that story they are doing in real life). Malakai Black beats Jericho in about 13-15 minutes with the Black Mass after countering the Judas Effect with Black Mass. Malakai Black gets another 3 points.
• Kazuchika Okada def. Penta El Zero Miedo
  • These two go a little over 15 minutes and Penta has his moments, but ultimately falls to the Rainmaker as Okada gets the pinfall victory. Okada get 3 points. Penta looks frustrated, as he has now lost twice already in the tournament.
• Kenny Omega def. Ricky Starks
  • These two go back and forth as Ricky is very close to victory at multiple points (this match is designed to showcase Ricky and elevate him), especially at one point, hitting a spear which Kenny sells like death as that spear looks to very much damage his midsection. Starks goes for the pin but Kenny kicks out at 2.9. The ref starts to check on Kenny, who looks to be in serious pain but Starks knows that he is almost out of time and sets up for the Rochambeau to which Kenny counters into a roll up but is kicked out at 2. After being unable to connect with the One-Winged Angel because of his midsection, Ricky goes for his finish again but Omega pins Starks after hitting a small package rollup, countering Ricky's finish. Ricky Starks is shocked and frustrated that he lost but then tends to Kenny who is still on the ground, and helps him to his feet. Starks helps him to the back.
• Blue Standings after week 2:
  1. Malakai Black: (6 pts)
  2. Kazuchika Okada: (4 pts)
  3. Kenny Omega: (4 pts)
  4. Ricky Starks: (3 pts)
  5. Chris Jericho: (0 pts)
  6. Penta El Zero Miedo: (0 pts)

Gold Block: Week 3

• Konosuke Takeshita def. Dax Harwood
  • There's a moment backstage between Takeshita and Don Callis as Don tells Takeshita its time to get serious, and that he needs to go out there and prove why he is the Alpha. Callis tells Takeshita to not disappoint him again. Dax and Cash interrupt the two men as Dax tells Takeshita that while he has no love or respect for Jack Perry, he says that him losing via cheating was karma coming to bite him. Dax says that after doing what he did to Darby, compromising him for possibly the rest of the tournament and aligning himself with Don Callis, any misfortune that happens to him will be of his own doing. Callis says that while Dax is a very accomplished tag team wrestler and respects his accomplishments, he tells Dax that he doesn't have the singles resume to address them in any manor. Callis says that Takeshita is looking for a bounce back, and says that Dax will be the perfect man to make an example of tonight. Dax tells him to tell Takeshita to bring his best, because if he doesn't, Dax will expose him. The two have their match, and despite Dax's best efforts, Takeshita picks up the win.
• Jack Perry def. Darby Allin
  • Jack Perry attacks Darby before the bell rings, the official asks Darby if he can continue and Darby says yes. Jack Perry takes advantage of Darby being less than 100% but is also being cocky, talking trash and taking his time, rather than going for the win right away. Darby takes advantage of this by being able to hit comeback offense and take control of the match at a certain point. After an accidental ref bump where either Perry or Darby hit the ref with an accidental elbow. Darby gets the Last Supper in (and would have gotten the 3-count) but the ref take a little bit to get back up from the strike, and when counting the pin, Perry kicks out at 2. Perry picks up the win after hitting a sneaky low blow to Darby and hitting his finish, Blindside Elbow to get the pinfall victory.
• MJF def. Eddie Kingston
  • Before this match there is a vignette promo from Eddie Kingston where he talks about the importance of winning this tournament and how happy he is that he is off to a hot start but doesn't have his eyes off the prize. He continues by acknowledging his opponent MJF and how different the two are. Kingston says that MJF has always had everything he has ever wanted and grew up different than how he did, he calls MJF privileged, saying that he hasn't had to work to the degree that he has to get what they have achieved in their careers. Kingston finishes by saying that against him there is no easy way out, and that if he is going to win, he's going to have to earn it and tells MJF that he doesn't respect him. He has to earn that too. MJF responds in a backstage interview telling Eddie that even though its true that he grew up different than Eddie to not disrespect and try to minimize his accomplishments and the work that he has put in to achieve his success. He tells Eddie that he doesn't care whether or not Eddie respects him, but that Eddie will have no choice but to respect the fact that he is better than Kingston. MJF nearly loses after teasing using the diamond ring but choosing not to which results in Eddie hitting a spinning back first for a 2-count. MJF ends up hitting the Heat seeker and pinning Eddie. MJF offers his hand to Eddie to shake his hand. Eddie refuses and just walks to the back. (Backstage, Renee tries to get a word with Eddie, but before Eddie can say anything, he is attacked by the Young Bucks and Jack Perry, trying to get an advantage in next week's match).
• Gold Standings after Week 3
  1. MJF: (9 pts)
  2. Eddie Kingston: (6 pts)
  3. Konosuke Takeshita: (6 pts)
  4. Jack Perry: (6 pts)
  5. Darby Allin: (0 pts)
  6. Dax Harwood: (0 pts)

Blue Block: Week 3

• Penta El Zero Miedo def. Chris Jericho
  • These two men are desperate to get their first points in the tournament and stay in contention as they beat the hell out of each other. Jericho starts to use dirty tricks to try to gain an advantage and Penta is wrestling a lot more aggressively and brutally than we're used to (for those who are Lucha Underground fans, he's wrestling like the first few seasons in this match). In the end, Penta picks up the win after Jericho fails with his dirty tricks, getting caught with his feet on the ropes at one point. Penta low blows him after a ref bump, hitting his finish right after. Penta celebrates as commentary says Jericho now is eliminated from winning. Post-match, Jericho attacks Penta, frustrated of this result. However, Penta is able to get the upper hand of the brawl and Penta looks to tease going for the arm snap spot he does where he wrenches back on his opponent's arm, but then decides to spare Jericho, letting go of the arm and walking to the back.
• Kazuchika Okada def. Ricky Starks
  • This is another 15+ minute match designed to showcase Ricky Starks as he comes as close as anyone has so far of beating Okada up to this point. Ricky has many counters to the Rainmaker, even countering one Rainmaker and hitting a spear after for a close 2 count. Ricky seems to have an answer to all of Okada's best moves. However, Okada is able to counter Rochambeau and finally hit the Rainmaker and get the pinfall victory. Okada gets 3 points and Starks has dropped his last two matches, still at 3 points total.
• Malakai Black def. Kenny Omega
  • Kenny looks to be in rough shape for this match. Malakai relentlessly goes after Kenny's midsection, throwing kicks and knees targeting Kenny's injury. Kenny is able to hit big moves and have moments where he looks to be taking control, but before he can fully take control of the match, Malakai hits a heavy strike to the midsection of Omega, flooring him and sending him down to the mat. Kenny is able to fight back and hit significant offense but at another point, Black hits Black Mass to the midsection, sending Omega to the floor and nearly getting counted out. In the end, after Kenny attempts a One-Winged Angel, Kenny hesitates as his midsection is compromised thanks to Black's strategy, Black spits the mist into his hands and rakes Omega's eyes (The ref doesn't see as they are dealing with an exposed turnbuckle that Malakai exposed earlier). As Kenny is blinded, Malakai hits Black Mass, and gets the pinfall victory. Commentary puts over that this may be Black's biggest win in his career and the biggest win in the tournament so far. The final shot is Malakai sitting cross legged in the ring with the biggest smile on his face as referees and doctors check on Kenny.
• Blue Standings after Week 3:
  1. Malakai Black: (9 pts)
  2. Kazuchika Okada: (7 pts)
  3. Kenny Omega: (4 pts)
  4. Ricky Starks (3 pts)
  5. Penta El Zero Miedo (3 pts)
  6. Chris Jericho (0 pts)

Gold Block: Week 4

• Jack Perry def. Eddie Kingston
  • Eddie comes out with a fury, immediately brawling with Perry to start the match after the attack from last week. Perry is able to use Kingston's anger to capitalize on his mistakes and take control of the match at times. Perry targets Kingston's previously injured leg from back in May, slowing Kingston down from being able to hit any major offense. At one point, Eddie is able to hit his Spinning Back Fist out of nowhere to Jack but isn't able to cover him right away because of his leg, but still crawls over to go for the pin. Perry kicks out at 2.9. Perry goes to the top to attempt a cross body but Eddie moves and Perry connects with the ref instead. Eddie gets back up and hits a second Spinning Back Fist and covers Jack (visual 3-count) but there is no ref to count the pin. Eddie is frustrated, knowing that was his best chance up to this point to get a crucial win. Eddie picks Jack up and goes for the Northern Lights Bomb, but his leg gives out, Jack Perry hits a low blow and then follows it up with his Blindside Elbow finish and gets the pinfall victory as a new referee enters the ring to count the pin. Jack Perry has earned another 3 points in a crucial match as now he is in a good spot in the tournament and Eddie looks crushed (though not eliminated yet, he needs a lot of things to happen to have a chance).
• Darby Allin def. Dax Harwood
  • These two go back and forth in a hard hitting match and Dax comes as close as he has gotten to winning any of these matches. Dax nearly wins multiple times but Darby is able to get his Last Supper pin and beat Dax. Darby gets 3 points. Backstage, Cash is trying to motivate and support his tag partner until Jack comes into frame, laughing and talking trash to Dax, telling him that he is showcasing that he was the weak link in FTR and that he will be sure to credit Dax in his victory speech when he beats him next week. As Jack leaves, Dax is fired up, finding the motivation that he needed as Cash tells Dax that this is the opportunity to make the Elite pay for putting him in the Continental Classic.
• Konosuke Takeshita def. MJF
  • MJF in a backstage interview before the match calls Takeshita, "Take-a-shit-a", and tells him that though he has been very impressive since they last had their encounter, he will show that when they step in the ring together, no matter what day, he (MJF) is the alpha. MJF says that there is nothing Takeshita can do to stop him from winning this tournament and in the ring, MJF will show Takeshita that he is better than him, and deep down, he and Don Callis knows it. These two have a main-event level match as they go back and forth, with both men looking to come close to winning at different times. Takeshita looks very intense and motivated for this match, wanting to not only secure a very important win, but get revenge on MJF who has insulted him and beaten him in the past. In the final stretch, MJF puts on the Diamond Ring and waits for Takeshita to get to his feet, but, before he can connect with a punch, the ref catches MJF in the act and takes his ring. The ref makes his way over to the corner to hand the ring off to the ring announcer at ringside, but Takeshita picks up MJF and drives him towards the turnbuckle, they collide into the ref, who drops the ring in the process. As the ref tries to get back to their feet, Takeshita puts on the Dynamite Diamond Ring and waits for MJF to get to his feet. Takeshita nails MJF with the ring, knocking him out right before the ref could see. Takeshita covers MJF and gets the pinfall victory in a shocking upset. Takeshita celebrates wildly as Don Callis comes running in the ring, hugging Takeshita and celebrating as if they have won the tournament already. Commentary puts over that this is the biggest win of Takeshita's career and has put him in a great position in the Gold League. Takeshita nails MJF one more time with the Power Drive Knee and leaves with MJF's diamond ring.
• Gold Standings after Week 4
  1. Konosuke Takeshita: (9 pts)
  2. MJF: (9 pts)
  3. Jack Perry: (9 pts)
  4. Eddie Kingston: (6 pts)
  5. Darby Allin: (3 pts) (eliminated from winning)
  6. Dax Harwood: (0 pts) (eliminated from winning)

Blue Block: Week 4

• Kenny Omega def. Penta El Zero Miedo
  • Kenny is looking to bounce back and secure a victory in order to stay alive in this tournament while Penta is trying to build off his win from last week and secure a victory over Omega to stay alive in this tournament and keep his momentum going. Penta shows a more hard hitting style, using precise strikes to target certain parts of Omega. In the final stretch of the match, after hearing that there is a minute left in the match, Penta abandons the arm break spot that he was teasing and picks Kenny up to attempt a Package Piledriver. However, Kenny counters out of the Package Piledriver, hits a V-trigger and follows it up with the One Winged Angel and gets the pinfall victory. Kenny celebrates his win as he is still alive and Penta is sitting in the ring, furious that he is now eliminated from winning the tournament. The ref tries to tend to Penta but Penta shoves the referee, shouting at him in spanish and looks like he may attack but Fenix comes out to calm him down. There's a tense stare between the two and then Penta superkicks the ref as he gets back to his feet. Penta storms to the back.
• Kazuchika Okada def. Chris Jericho
  • Chris Jericho cuts a pre-match promo, doing the whole style that he has been doing lately where he pretends to be a Babyface but is a Heel where he talks about how the tournament hasn't gone the way that he had hoped but he will be looking to have the biggest wins in the tournament when he beats Okada and Omega back to back. Jericho says that he will show his followers, fans, and the wrestlers in the back what it's like to be the greatest of all time and the Learning Tree. Jericho tries to use some dirty tricks to slow down Okada but in the end, after a little over 10-12 minutes, Okada wins with the Rainmaker, getting the pin. Okada is in a good spot while Jericho is still winless in this tournament as now, even he is looking frustrated.
• Ricky Starks def. Malakai Black
  • A big match with big stakes for both of these men as Black can secure his place in the finals with a win over Starks and Starks needing to win to still have a chance to win this tournament. Malakai takes most of the match but Ricky gives him a fight, nearly pinning him with a spear. In the end, Malakai Black signals to hit Black Mass but Starks counters it into a jackknife pin, 1...2...3! Starks has pulled the upset win over Black! Starks gets 3 points and keeps himself alive in this tournament and Black (who would have guaranteed himself being in the Blue League finals with a win) now has to win next week against Okada. Black is furious, spitting the black mist into the eyes of Ricky Starks, blinding him as Starks screams in pain. Malakai then hits Black Mass to Ricky, and walks to the back as referees and doctors tend to Starks.
• Blue Standings after Week 4:
  1. Kazuchika Okada: (10 pts)
  2. Malakai Black: (9 pts)
  3. Kenny Omega (7 pts)
  4. Ricky Starks (6 pts)
  5. Penta El Zero Miedo (3 pts) (eliminated from winning)
  6. Chris Jericho (0 pts) (eliminated from winning)

Gold Bock: Week 5

• Konosuke Takeshita def. Eddie Kingston
  • This is a must-win for both Takeshita and Eddie, but even more so for Eddie, who must win to have a chance (though it's a slim one anyway). Eddie comes out with a fury, trying to catch Takeshita off-guard. Takeshita goes for a lariat but misses as Kingston connects with a Spinning Back Fist (after only a minute has gone in the match) and goes for the quick, shocking pin but Takeshita kicks out at 2. The rest of the match is a hard hitting affair with Kingston refusing to stay down, even enduring some of Takeshitas best moves (Blue Thunder Bomb for a close 2-count, Spinning Falcon Arrow where Kingston gets his foot on the ropes, etc.). Kingston at another point hits a second Spinning Back fist but Takeshita rolls to the outside, avoiding the pin attempt. In the end, after attempting the Northern Lights Bomb, Takeshita counters and chop blocks Kingston's leg. Takeshita hits Eddie Kingston with the Dynamite Diamond Ring (the ref doesn't see it) and puts Kingston away, getting the pinfall victory. Takeshita and Callis celebrate the win and await their opponent for the finals and Eddie just looks crushed.
• MJF vs Darby Allin (TIME LIMIT DRAW)
  • MJF can guarantee his spot in the finals with a win over Darby but after Darby won last week, he will be looking to win again especially against a familiar foe from his past. The two go back and forth, MJF working over the arm of Darby to set up for his Salt of the Earth submission but Darby is going for high-risk moves, even hitting a few of them to get himself back in the match. MJF looks to hit a tombstone piledriver on the apron but Darby counters it into a Scorpion Death Drop (Sting's old finish) and then hits the Coffin Drop to MJF on the apron, taking both men out for a little bit. With a minute left in the match, after Darby kicked out of the Heat Seeker, Darby attempts a springboard Coffin Drop but MJF moves out of the way going and goes for a rollup pin, which Darby kicks out at 2. Darby attempts Last Supper, but MJF kicks out at 2. MJF finally is able to get Darby into the Salt of the Earth after attempting it all night, and Darby is in serious pain and trouble. Darby can't get to the ropes but refuses to tap. MJF starts to bend and twist the fingers of Darby but Darby again, refuses the tap. Commentary puts over that MJF might break the arm of Darby if Darby doesn't tap and then the bell rings. The ring announcer makes an announcement, declaring this match, a draw. MJF looks devastated, knowing that a win tonight would have guaranteed him a spot in the Gold League finals. Now, his fate is in Jack Perry's hands when he takes on Dax Harwood later in the night. MJF is pissed off backstage, trashing an area of the backstage area in frustration. Jack Perry shows up (with the Young Bucks by his side) as he laughs, telling Max that he blew it, he choked when it was all on the line. Perry said that he's going to go out there and win, and when he wins and goes to the finals, he's going to win the whole tournament and eventually become the AEW World Champion (and says that he'll be an even greater champion than MJF). Perry leaves to prepare for his match.
• Dax Harwood def. Jack Perry
  • Jack Perry is a cocky prick during this match as he thinks this is a shoe-in to win. Jack seems like he is more focused on showing off and trying to embarrass Dax rather than trying to win the match. Dax starts to fight back and give Jack some serious problems. With a minute left and feeling the pressure, Perry attempts a brainbuster but Dax turns it into a small package rollup and gets the 3-count, pinning Jack Perry! Jack Perry is shocked, now officially being eliminated from the tournament as he argues with the referee (and so do the Young Bucks as they come down to the ring). Dax leaves up the ramp and celebrates with Cash. They have succeeded in making the Elite pay.

Blue Block: Week 5

• Ricky Starks def. Penta El Zero Miedo
  • Ricky Starks needs to win to stay alive and hope for the best with the matchups later tonight as Penta is now playing the role of spoiler. Penta seems to be wrestling different than we are used to, wrestling more like a Heel focusing more on his brutality than his high flying move-set. Ricky refuses to stay down. Eventually, after being frustrated he can't put Ricky away, starts to set up his arm break spot, having the worst intentions in mind as commentary says that this could seriously injure Ricky. Before Penta can snap the arm back, Ricky counters and hits a spear. Ricky then picks Penta up without hesitation and hits Rochambeau to get the pinfall victory. Ricky celebrates his win in the ring as he has done all he can and now awaits the results (he needs Jericho to beat Omega and Okada to beat Black). Penta is as FUMING and attacks Ricky Starks after the match, hitting him with a superkick and then the Package Piledriver to Ricky. Penta has lost it, as he starts to set up the arm break spot but as a ref tries to intervene, Penta hits the ref with a Package Piledriver as well! Rey Fenix comes down to the ring and tries to once again, calm Penta down but it doesn't work as Penta has now turned on Fenix, hitting him with a Package Piledriver too (he has truly turned Heel). Ricky starts to move a little bit and Penta notices Starks. Finally, he hits his Arm Breaker (snapping the arm back, whatever the move is called), injurying Starks as he screams in pain. Commentary puts over that Penta may have just broken Ricky's arm and Penta leaves. (so, with this, if Ricky is leaving for WWE, you have an angle that writes him off for good. If Ricky decides to return to AEW, you have a story waiting for him).
• Kenny Omega def. Chris Jericho
  • This is a must-win for Kenny Omega, as he could potentially be in the finals as long as he wins tonight. Jericho says that this match is personal for him. Jericho says that not only does winning this match mean he doesn't go the whole tournament without scoring any points, but also gets revenge on the man that betrayed him and left him stranded in the tag division when he abandoned the Golden Jets (Kenny needed surgery but Jericho, being self-centered, sees it as Kenny abandoning him and being selfish while Jericho has done nothing "but be completely selfless, wanting to be a teacher and mentor, not a deserter). Jericho uses all of his dirty tricks in the book to try to beat Kenny. Jericho even successfully hits the Judas Effect on Kenny but Omega kicks out at 2.9! Jericho has the Walls of Jericho on Omega but Kenny gets out of it eventually being able to hit multiple V-triggers on Jericho. In the end, Kenny Omega is able to counter the Codebreaker, putting him in a powerbomb position but then is able to shift Jericho around on his shoulders and has him in position to hit the One Winged Angel and gets the pinfall victory. Kenny is officially in the Blue League Finals, awaiting to see who his opponent (or opponents) will be. Jericho just sits there in disbelief, he has not won any matches and has scored 0 points for the whole tournament. He looks over by ringside to see Big Bill, who is looking over at Jericho. Big Bill looks disappointed, shaking his head, and walking straight to the back, without his mentor by his side.
• Kazuchika Okada def. Malakai Black
  • This match has very high stakes as Kenny Omega is now guaranteed to be in the Blue Block finals after beating Chris Jericho. If Okada wins, then it is he and Omega facing off one-on-one in the finals of the Blue block. If Malakai Black wins this, then the Blue Block finals turns into a triple threat match of Omega, Okada, and Black. These two have a very competitive back-and-forth match as Okada looks to avoid Black Mass and the Black Mist at all times and Malakai goes after Okada's arm, targeting and weakening it to affect his finish, Rainmaker. At one point, after missing Black Mass, Okada is able to hit Rainmaker on Malakai but grabs his arm in pain after using it to hit Rainmaker (but it's also the same arm that Malakai has been targeting the whole match). Okada goes for the pin but Black has his foot on the bottom rope to break the pin right before the ref counts 3. At another point, Malakai is able to hit Black Mass out of nowhere on Okada but can't get the pin as Okada rolls out of the ring after being hit with Black Mass just before Black can go for the pin. Malakai rolls him back in the ring and goes for Black Mass again but it's countered into a Rainmaker, but that's countered into a knee strike. Black goes for a lariat but Okada counters and finally hits a second Rainmaker (again, Okada sells the pain of doing his finish) and gets the pinfall victory over Malakai Black as both men are spent. The match is official between Omega and Okada.

Final Standings (Gold and Blue):

• Gold Block:
  1. Konosuke Takeshita: (12 pts)
  2. MJF: (10 pts)
  3. Jack Perry: (9 pts)
  4. Eddie Kingston: (6 pts)
  5. Darby Allin: (4 pts)
  6. Dax Harwood: (3 pts)
• Blue Block:
  1. Kazuchika Okada: (13 pts)
  2. Kenny Omega: (10 pts)
  3. Ricky Starks: (9 pts) (breaks tiebreaker with Black)
  4. Malakai Black: (9 pts)
  5. Penta El Zero Miedo (3 pts)
  6. Chris Jericho: (0 pts)

Gold Block Finals:

• MJF def. Konosuke Takeshita
  • In an interview before the show, MJF addresses Takeshita by his real name (no longer calls him "Take-a-shit-a") and says that he has gotten so much better since their last encounter, but with everything on the line, he won't be able to put down the Devil. These two open the very special episode of Dynamite, "Winter is Coming". They have another great match, throwing everything they have at each other to try to put their opponent away. Takeshita comes very close, but in the end, after failing to hit MJF with the Diamond Ring, MJF makes Takeshita tap to the Salt of the Earth. Post-match, MJF takes his ring back.

Blue Block Finals:

• Kenny Omega def. Kazuchika Okada
  • These two have a face-to-face backstage with the theme of the encounter being, who is the true "best bout machine". These two have a classic that they are absolutely capable multiple times over of having as they also main event a special episode of Dynamite, "Winter is Coming". Omega and Okada again go a long-time and nearly go to another time limit draw. This match comes down who will make the first mistake. After a long battle, Kenny wins with the One-Winged Angel, putting away his biggest rival and going to the finals.

Continental Classic Finals: AEW World's End

• Kenny Omega def. MJF
  • The match is very similar to their first match on Collision. These two hit each other with everything they have, even showing some new moves that we haven't seen them hit. In the end, after going for the One Winged Angel for the entire match, Kenny finally hits it on MJF and gets the pinfall victory. Kenny has won the Continental Classic. They shake hands and then MJF nails Kenny with a low blow and leaves.

(MJF goes on to be a heel from this and Kenny Omega will face Will Ospreay in the main event of Revolution for the AEW World Championship)
What did you think? Did you like it? Did you not like it? What did you specifically like or dislike about it? Let me know!

From all of us at Draft FC, thank you for your support again this season in the interactions, podcast listens, YouTube views and site sign-ups at draftfc.co.uk
Producing content for draft is always tricky as each and every one of you will have a unique team, league and waiver pool, but hopefully with the data tools we provide on the site and discussions we have through various mediums, there is something for everyone. The final gameweek preview of the season was released yesterday and can be watched here or listened to here ahead of the the final 23/24 waiver deadline tomorrow.
Our predicted line-ups have been a very popular feature this season and if you google search 'premier league predicted line-ups', Draft FC's predictions are right up there on page 1 alongside some big media outlets, so thanks to all of you that check those out each week. You can check out our final weekend predictions here draftfc.co.uk/predicted-lineups/
For those that haven't ever signed up at draftfc.co.uk before, allow me one final sales pitch. You may reasonably think there isn't much point to registering for an FPL site on the eve of GW38, and in terms of helping you get the final points you need, you may be right. But, there are a couple of things I would draw your attention to:

1. Global Rank - do you want to be able to back-up your claims of being the best, most competitive FPL draft league out there? We allow you to see how your draft league stacks up against all same-sized leagues worldwide for ultimate bragging rights. (P*.S. if any of you happen to see you're in a no.1 ranked league reach out to me!*)
2. Time Capsule - once the game updates next month all of the draft data for this season is wiped clean. I know many of you will keep your own spreadsheets and screenshots, but it's not ideal. That's where we could help - next week you'll be able to store all of the league analytics (every table, chart & graph) forever more in your Draft FC account. We started this a year ago so some will now be chronicling their second season in the database. For those in long-running leagues it's a good way to preserve the history and more importantly, keep receipts!

(If you sign up for the month for £3.99, download your draft data for the season, then cancel your sub, your data will remain safe and sound with us, so if you then sign up again next year it will be right where you left it!)
Plans are already afoot for our summer content, new site features and of course draft day prep 24/25!
For those with places still to play for best of luck for the final gameweek, keep an eye out for some 23/24 season review content in the coming weeks and as always, stay shook!

From all of us at Draft FC, thank you for your support again this season in the interactions, podcast listens, YouTube views and site sign-ups at draftfc.co.uk
Producing content for draft is always tricky as each and every one of you will have a unique team, league and waiver pool, but hopefully with the data tools we provide on the site and discussions we have through various mediums, there is something for everyone. The final gameweek preview of the season was released yesterday and can be watched here or listened to here ahead of the the final 23/24 waiver deadline tomorrow.
Our predicted line-ups have been a very popular feature this season and if you google search 'premier league predicted line-ups', Draft FC's predictions are right up there on page 1 alongside some big media outlets, so thanks to all of you that check those out each week. You can check out our final weekend predictions here draftfc.co.uk/predicted-lineups/
For those that haven't ever signed up at draftfc.co.uk before, allow me one final sales pitch. You may reasonably think there isn't much point to registering for an FPL site on the eve of GW38, and in terms of helping you get the final points you need, you may be right. But, there are a couple of things I would draw your attention to:

1. Global Rank - do you want to be able to back-up your claims of being the best, most competitive FPL draft league out there? We allow you to see how your draft league stacks up against all same-sized leagues worldwide for ultimate bragging rights. (P*.S. if any of you happen to see you're in a no.1 ranked league reach out to me!*)
2. Time Capsule - once the game updates next month all of the draft data for this season is wiped clean. I know many of you will keep your own spreadsheets and screenshots, but it's not ideal. That's where we could help - next week you'll be able to store all of the league analytics (every table, chart & graph) forever more in your Draft FC account. We started this a year ago so some will now be chronicling their second season in the database. For those in long-running leagues it's a good way to preserve the history and more importantly, keep receipts!

(If you sign up for the month for £3.99, download your draft data for the season, then cancel your sub, your data will remain safe and sound with us, so if you then sign up again next year it will be right where you left it!)
Plans are already afoot for our summer content, new site features and of course draft day prep 24/25!
For those with places still to play for best of luck for the final gameweek, keep an eye out for some 23/24 season review content in the coming weeks and as always, stay shook!

Thread I wrote comment to:
https://www.reddit.com/Psionics/comments/2ef39a/sheepking_here_former_psipog_author_former_psi/
Screenshot of thread I wrote comment for.

My comment:
If phones were not considered a luxury during my teen years, I would have no problem producing video of Psychokinesis. I have found that Psi Balls can trigger a EMF reader, whether it was between my hands, or if i programmed it to travel across the room to the sensor, or if I was somewhere further away it still worked.
Stayed away from telepathy because my mother told me something along the lines of I do not have clinical credentials to be messing around with that. May cause irreversible damage. Solid advice. Thank you mom.
Psychokinesis, 100% legit. Spinning the psi wheel, predicting how many rotations it will spin, writing numbers on different sides of it to call when it would stop, now rotate the other direction, now do it again under glass, under glass with witnesses. After a year, spinning the wheel was easy. Stopping and controlling it was what I was practicing.
When you introduce the glass enclosure, you need to get used to it because you know that it does not matter if the glass is there or not, but it still trips you out at first. It was hard to get my high school science teacher to take a moment and open his mind. But, I refused to sit there and have him and the textbook say that it's a scam. Not delusional, a scam.
As time went on and I fucked off his class, I would practice at my desk. Eventually I got him to understand that he himself held many assumptions and logical fallacies around it. Just because I claim this is true, does not mean I claim that is true. I do not know how it works. I just know that it does with practice. The practice began at the pin wheel balanced on a thumb tack. I would place my finger next to it so close i could almost feel it without touching it. Then building my way up over a long time.
Then rolling an empty Monster drink on a table was easy after the second year. I could push it, pull it. Never could slide a pen/pencil.
It began when I saw my uncle sliding a paperclip around on top of the laundry dryer in the garage. I stood in the doorway, but he was unaware I was there. I was going to startle him and it would have been hilarious, so I waited. And he was focused on the paperclip. He stopped when he finally noticed I was there. What the hell was he doing? How the hell was he sliding it without touching it?
My mother said that the mind is very powerful thing when I had asked her. That is it. He wouldn't tell me anything about it, in fact he would deny the paperclip incident flat out to my face after. Not like it was a secret, but like, with a smirk on his face. Like he knew, that I knew, that he knew that we know what I saw.
I was puzzle dusted. Every single person I saw, I had ask them if they ever seen or heard of anything like that. 0 shame. Nobody had any information. And that part still stands out ot me because as time goes on to this day, I asked a huge amount of people. Million people, easy.
I found when asking people about it, they fall into these categories:

1 - They never thought about the idea of moving an object that was not apart of the body: MAJORITY OF PUBLIC.

1.5 - Dragon Ball Z. Was just a dumb kid. Enough said: Notable amount of American Millennial males.

2 - When they were real young child...whatever the story is, they thought about the idea. That is it. No action taken: 8% of public.

3 - When they were real young child...whatever the story is, they thought about the idea...and they tried something. Maybe it was just wishing really hard on it like a birthday cake candle or whatever. Doesn't matter. No results. Did not try more than an hour: Less than 2% of public. Went on with their lives, no second thought about it,

4 - Looking back now as I write this...there should have been more people that had been exposed to the concept as a stage magic trick. But, no, not many at all. Interesting.

Nobody I asked, not a single person, tried it, did not get results, and persisted anyway. That part. Regardless of if they heard of it or not. If they think its just a party trick or that its a scam or its a delusion. NOBODY TRIED IT, DIDN'T GET RESULTS, BUT KEPT TRYING ANYWAY. It took me about 3 weeks of practice every single day to get "maybe that was the wind that moved it...".
Then persisting to the point it became a discipline. Every. Single. Day. Then after a month or two, YOU KNOW that was not the wind. Even if it was the wind, I felt that. In fact, a small draft of air in the room moving it helped me feel what it felt like to move it. Bizzare thing to try and articulate here so I'll try to keep the inner-game details to myself.
Then after 3 months or so, every, single, day - I did it! Woah! You break the state of mind because you are so excited.

Then I smoked pot. I couldn't practice the next day because my mind was still fuzzy. It was noticeably fuzzy the day after that too. Then I got high again.
Now...I am 31 and I have never explained everything like I just did and went to say this part to another person: I never been sober since. I mowed the lawn for my aunt and she gave my a ziplock bag of bud and it was too much...

Overall,
Psychokinesis gave me excellent critical thinking skills that has served me very well.
I try to be honest with myself about what I do know and do not know. Regardless of what other people say is true or false. Regardless of how many other people say what is true or false. Anything I think I know could be proven primitive because of innovation tomorrow.
An example of the mental tools my experience gave me: Look at the recent .xz Linux Backdoor that was discovered. It was right there, nobody noticed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS9em7Bg0iU
Psychokinesis is 100% real.
James Randi has unrealistic expectations for his million dollar challenge.
The million dollar challenge being unclaimed does not equal paranormal phenomena proven false.
The idea that "laws of physics" say paranormal phenomena can not be real is an assumption and a fallacy.
I am skeptical of the godfather of skepticism.
Thank you, whomever reads this for your time.

He hoi me noi my buds. It is your baker man Pirate here. With Human Trauma book two coming to a close in the next week, I wanted to shre with you all the next planned novel I am working on. This time around we will have a stuborn human mercanary, a lizard princess, and one goal---escape Heavalun Mass city. all thats in thier way is corrupt cops, gangsters, the general populace and thier willingness to tolarate one another.
Lets get this Bread.
Shooting up from the blankets, Conor grabbed hold of the neck of whoever was jostling him awake, his cybernetic arm whirring while activating. Suddenly touching someone asleep was a stupid idea to do to anyone from Heavalun. Any sentient from this city was on edge most of the time and was usually particularly ornery when waking up.
He was especially prickly after years of contract killing and near-nonstop battles. While most people from Heavalun Mass City were used to fighting or having to keep an eye over their shoulder, watching for gangers, junkies, pickpockets, or the local police, his experience working and living here made him like a rubber band, ready to snap. Be that a neck, arm, leg, or whatever the poor sod he was fighting had.
“Who the fuck do you think you are,” Conor snarled, his natural and cybernetic eye narrowing and focusing in the wan light of his drab bedroom.
In an action built into him like an instinct, he willed his cybernetic eye to switch to see in infrared thermal sight, letting him get a good look at whoever this was while his natural eye adjusted to the lighting.
In bright orange, reds, and whites, Jurilra's face came into focus. She was a Jurintik, a werewolf like species; while he was human through and through. She had dull brown fur, long, dirty blonde hair, and a gaunt face and frame. The Jurintik was an alien species widespread throughout the galaxy, be it in the GU(galactic Union), Freespace, or here deep in the COS (concord of systems); you can’t swing a pipe without hitting at least two of them.
“Conor—let—-go,” Julitra gagged, clutching at Conor’s cybernetic forearm, her claws scratching roughly at the overlapping metal plates. “It’s me.”
Realizing who it was, Conor let her neck go, and she fell to the ground. He had only lifted her several centimeters off the floor, but doing that when half your torso, including your shoulders, one arm, and most of your organs were non-organic, or at least cybernetically enhanced, was a simple task, and he had done so out of sheer reflex.
“What were you thinking waking me up like that? You’re lucky I didn’t just dust you with my hand cannon,” Conor said, gesturing to the massive handgun sitting on the bedside table. “What in the stars are you doing here anyway?”
Taking a moment to rub at her neck and gag for a moment, Conor pieced together what likely happened. Considering that Julitra was naked, save for a thong, he must have hired her last night to blow off some steam—it wouldn’t be the first time he had done that when drunk.
“You didn’t pay me for last night,” Julitra said, standing up and nervously scratching her furry forearms and looking deeper into the shithole of an apartment toward the room where Conor stored all his weapons, money, and other precious items for barter or fencing purposes.
Conor sighed and scratched behind his still intact ear, the other having been halfway taken off by a frag grenade a few local years ago. After taking a moment to swing his legs out of bed, flexing his sore muscles, and rubbing his palms on his thighs, he looked up at her, having deactivated the thermal vision in his eye. “Fine; in the room top drawer on the right, you will find some bags of Murt and Syntrit. Take one of each.”
“Alright,” Julitra said, turning around and sashaying in that direction, clearly doing her best to move suavely and gracefully.
But Conor knew that was a load of Kret shit; She was little more than a strung-out junkie who just managed to keep herself on another fix fast enough by either guy like himself paying her for a quick lay or by managing not to get taken advantage of by one of the dealers on a street corner.
At least if she was selling herself for the night, she wasn’t going to end up in some slave market in the lower sections of the city or crammed into a skiff bound for a star on the far side of the galaxy. Julitra did have some kids to take care of, after all.
Not that it mattered to Conor if she went missing; there would be another skag he could bring in here. He just preferred her because she never tried to steal from him nor kill him in his sleep—finding another girl that he could trust would not be easy, especially in this shithole of a mass city. That well over a billion sentients were nestled in it did not matter; finding another piece of ass would be a pain.
“And only take one. I know how much product I have,” Conor grumbled, standing and heading toward the kitchenette. The dirty, blood-stained carpet was uncomfortable under bare feet.
God he hated going around with bare feet. It paid to have good boots to keep your feet safe from glass, nails, and other debris. That was especially important when operating in urban areas.
When he was out in the countryside or the house, he would forgo wearing them, and switch to sneekers, but being bare foot still sucked.
“I know,” Julitra replied from the room, “can I use your shower?”
“Whatever,” Conor replied flippantly, pulling down dried stulk leaves and tossing a pot of water on the stove.
So long as she didn't cause any issues with him getting started for the day, he honestly could not care less. All he needed to start the day was a pipping hot cup of stulk, and his stims. On that subject, the datapad built into his artificial arm chimed and reminded him of just that.
He frowned while retrieving the volatile cocktail of stimulants from the cupboard. He was almost out and only had enough for three days. Inside were six small autoinjectors about 20 centimeters long, marked with several warnings indicating that they should only be used in dire combat situations. But he was a particularly unique case and needed them just to survive.
After having a solid forty percent of his body replaced with cybernetics, from a metallic jaw, fake eye, a few replaced organs, torso, numerous enhanced joints, and even a few bits of wire running through his brain, the stims kept him working.
Without his friend Stich’s unique stimulant blend twice a day, Conor would start to fall apart. First would come the tremors, then body lockup, followed by seizures and eventually death. He had never made it that far in relapse; it was just easier to keep his organic parts cranked up to keep pace with his enhanced parts, and the video Stich showed him of sentients who relapsed was a good dissuasion.
Those poor sods were mangled wrecks, limbs at unnatural angles, blood, hydraulic fluid, and bone everywhere. And they were at most twenty percent wired up—what he could end up like was something he would rather not learn.
Dutifully and like clockwork, Conor ripped the cap off an auto-injector and shoved it into his thigh; a dull hiss sounded out as the brackish fluid flowed into his muscles. Just as he tossed the now empty injector into the trashcan, the sounds of Julitra starting the shower and humming flowed into the joint living and bedroom.
While Julitra was showering, Conor's friend and coworker Brakul sent him a message.
Brakul: Hey, conor, what are you doing tonight? I think I might have a contract for us to pick up.
Conor: No plans at this point. I just gotta get Julitra out of my safe house.
Brakul: Are you still fucking that scag? You know that won’t end well.
Conor: Yeah, gotta get my dick wet somehow. Besides, aren’t you still plowing that Kurilta we worked with a few months back—the one with the red hair?
Brakul: Yeah, I am. I like the crazy little woman. Plus, she is only a meter tall and makes me feel massive. But are you in or not?
Conor: Yeah, I'm in. When, where, and who is the client?
Brakul: Perfect, meet me at Zyntle’s around 2100. If all goes well, we got a contract for some new upstart to the north out of town. He is looking to hire some muscle for a few months. Don't worry about the contract's legitimacy; Norla sent this man my way to arrange half a dozen bodies. I just want you there in case something goes down.
Conor: So, bring a few extra solutions?
Brakul: if you would, and keep ‘em quiet, no shotguns. We will be in Zynie's place and need to keep things civil.
Conor: Afirm, see you then.
After switching off the arm-mounted datapad, Julitra stepped back into the room, redressed in her clothes from the previous night. They weren't anything fancy by any stretch of the imagination. Just a simple lowcut dress, showing off a shallow valley of furry cleavage, and cut to give ample view up her thighs and see the thong barely covering her womanhood.
For a hooker, it was good enough.
“Want to have some stulk?” Conor questioned, pouring himself a glass.
“Sure,” Julitra replied, going and lounging at the dingy table in the corner of the room.
They were quiet while eating their meager breakfast; neither had much in common or to talk about as is. The only things Julitra knew about Conor were: he killed people for money, sold stolen goods, and could give her a mean dick down. Whereas Conor knew damn near everything about her, acquired through basic profiling of her actions, attire, and mannerisms or from some of the intelligence brokers he dealt with regularly.
Some friends called him paranoid for keeping such tight tabs on anyone he dealt with; at least Brakul and Stich did. But Conor knew that knowledge was power and was needed if you wanted to always end up with your opponent dusted and not you. Conor knew better than anyone that you don’t survive like he has without a bit of paranoia. Hell, he was more persistent than a Hureclian beetle seeking water.
Once they had finished scarfing down crackers, canned meat, and the bitter, brackish brew, Julitra quickly took her leave, with Conor locking the door behind her. First, the deadbolts, then the chain, followed by a biometric scanner, and lastly, he kicked a metal wedge underneath the door—it would take a whole breaching team from the local government a solid hour to breach that reinforced metal monstrosity, and that was just how Conor liked it.
Unless you were invited into his home, it would behoove you to stay out and not try to get in.
Now that he was alone again, Conor trundled into the room Julitra had gotten her payment from and opened up one of the massive ceiling-high safes lining the walls. Inside was some of his equipment. This specific one contained most of his low-visibility equipment: body armor, weapons, knives, toolkits, and anything else he might need for more subtle operations.
In the other safes were other tools he might want, but those kits were built for more specific jobs: sniping, heavy assaults, aerial and maritime operations, along with anything else he could use in a warzone, but most of that was overkill for tonight.
So Conor pulled out a few items he thought could be useful and started his preparations in such meticulous detail that it would take him the rest of the day.
—-
The area outside of Zyntle’s nightclub was insanely crowded, even for Heavalun standards. Up and down the street, as far as the eye could see, were nightclubs, bars, and restaurants, catering to whatever vice once could possibly want.
Unlike some of the out portions of the city, areas in the inner and lower regions like here, you could not see the sky. Instead, if one looked up, they would be met with obnoxious neon signs and more buildings arching overhead, choking out any star or sunlight that might be visible.
Aiding in the choking and oppressive atmosphere, Aliens of all shapes and sizes bumped into one another with little grace, care, or concern. Most were decked out head to toe in bright neon colors that melded together in a caleidoscope of shifting brilliance.
At least that gave the usual drab greys, rust reds, and browns of the cityscape some color, even if Conor usually found it more annoying than not. Thankfully, neither Conor, Brakul, nor their strange contact could not hear the crowd outside from the second-floor window. Instead, they were being bombarded by something as if not more grating.
The happy tones and idle conversations of the crowd on the dancefloor below them, along with repetitive keyboards, synthetic snapping basslines, and ethereal vocals, filled the air to a near-deafening level. If not for the three of them having wired up to a local chatterbox that Conor brought along, they would not be able to hear one another.
The chatterbox was not fancy; it was just a tiny device Conor had whipped up. That lets them speak normally into microphones on their collars and be heard in earpieces. He had devised the idea for it after a few skiff airborne operations, where unless you were jacked into the aircraft comms, you could not talk without screaming.
Now, the chatterbox just doubled as the perfect tool for having conversations you would rather not have others around listen into. Hell, unless you were inches from them, you would not be able to hear them at all.
Brakul and whomever this Farun’se was, a two-meter tall feline-like alien, had been going over the finer details of the contract for the last half hour. Conor had been listening just enough to keep in the loop, but his focus was elsewhere. Namely in the crowds around them, watching for anything he did not want to see: other contractors, a gang war about to erupt, or anything else that caught his eye. People-watching was one of the things Conor enjoyed about setting up jobs; it gave him plenty of time to keep tabs on the ever-shifting city.
He had not spotted anything yet, in regular vision, Thermal, or through tracking, but something was off—he could feel it in his hackles. As such, One of Conor's hands was in his somewhat oversized brown leather jacket, wrapped tightly around the grip of his suppressed handgun. Neither Brakul nor the Client commented on him keeping watch; they both knew he was just filling the role of an enforcer and was backup for them.
“So, what do you think about the contract?” The Farun’se man questioned before taking a sip from his drink.
Whatever that glowing drink was, it was not ethanol-based; the smell was far too sweet. Conor could tell that much even through the skull-like mask covering his face. Not that the flat black ballistic bask he wore to cover his metallic jaw and mangled face covered scents much. It was built much like the other equipment he wore to enhance his senses, not diminish them.
“I think it is perfectly acceptable. But are you certain you only want a ten-man team to provide escort and transport for your client while within the city?” Brakul asked, flipping a palm up. “I am certain I can get more, considering your daily generous payment offer.”
Generous was one way to put it. The politician the Farun’se represented offered a whopping 15 thousand crit a day for well-experienced mercs. It was enough to get Conor's tail wagging; Most jobs barely pay that out, and this contract was supposed to be ten days long. You could almost buy a house outside the city for that kind of crit. If they were actually paid it out and not betrayed by their employer, at the end of the day, Conor likely would do just that; then, he would have a place to live without the threat of death around every corner.
Each of his jobs over the last few years was a means to that end—escaping this shithole. But getting out of the city was difficult, even for guys like him with opportunities to leave and a reasonably regular income.
“Well, we can work that out via messaging, but for now, I am just offering what I am allowed to,” The client said. “Anything more than that, and I won't be able to pay you half upfront.”
At least they are offering half the credits upfront. Conor must have missed that part during their long-winded discussion about what type of experience each mercenary needed, what weapons they would be allowed, and the specifics of the contract.
All they would have to do was finalize details of the team when Brakul had assembled another eight bodies, but they could do that in a few weeks.
“If that’s the case, then I think we should be good for now,” Brakul said, standing and extending a hand for the client.
“Perfect, expect to hear from me in a few days. Please have your team prepared by the end of the week,” The client replied, shaking Brakul’s hand.
After removing his earpiece and microphone, the client nodded to Conor and disappeared into the crowd looming around the stairs leading to the ground floor.
“So you like the sounds of that?” Brakul asked, sitting back down and sipping at his drink.
Keeping his sight on the crowd below, Conor tracked the client as he struggled to weave through the jostling dancers. The Feline was clearly out of his element in the crowds of the mass city. Based on how quickly he was recoiling from each touch by the intoxicated patrons, he was uncomfortable with all the physical contact forced onto him.
The sight was almost comedic, but Conor was used to dealing with people like the client's representative. If you had enough crit to hire ten mercs, you came from one of two walks of life: you were an influential underground leader who could afford the extra muscle, or you were a sheltered individual with no real business in Heavalun Mass City but decided you wanted to make some friends in low places and needed locals who would be loyal to the almighty crit.
But all of that was neither here nor there for the time being; Brakul would handle any issues with the contract. He was far better at being a politician than Conor was.
“So, any issues with what he wants?” Brakul smirked, knowing that it had been several months since Conor's last contract and that he needed the money.
Conor passively waved at his friend; he did not need to comment. Conor would take any contract that came his way so long as the pay was solid enough. In the past, he had taken contracts Brakul refused for moral reasons.
This contract of defending some high-born trader was in no way out of the ordinary and was relatively tame by Conor’s standards. His last contract was far more low-brow enough that he had almost said no. But for the low, low cost of 100 thousand crits and the fancy nanotech armor he was wearing under his tank top, he was more than willing to blow up the wing of a hospital with a firebomb—insurance paid to fix the building and burry anyone caught up when he killed a lowborn noble or some distant planet.
“I’m more interested in what's going on down below,” Conor said, pointing to a group gathering near the club's back entrance.
Below, barely visible through the flashing strobe lights and low haze of fog machines, seven Kyrail lingered at the back doors. One of the amphibian-like bipeds was giving instructions to the others. It was a shame the music was so loud; if not, Conor and Brakul could easily hear them, but even without sound, it was easy to see what they were doing. They were scouting a mark.
“What do you think, Voodals gang?” Conor posed, scanning the crowd for whomever the lead croaker was trying to target.
Voodal is a leader of one of the area's crime families and merc groups. They had been competitors of Conor and Brakul and their usual hiring groups for a long time. While Brakul and Conor did not have beef with them, one of their usual employers, the Farklut clan, had generations of bad blood.
That rivalry was nasty, to the point anyone who was a direct member of either family would dust the other on sight. Both had been caught up in that rivalry several times and had a negative opinion of the Voodal family and any of their ilk.
“Likely. This is part of a contested city, after all,” Brakul replied, sipping his drink.
“I wonder what they are doing here?” Conor said, still not having located whatever it was they were doing, but he had seen them pull out a particularly nasty drug, giving him an idea of precisely what they planned on doing—abduction.
The gaggle’s leader had passed out plastic bags with what looked like Visage clinging to the bags. That drug might as well be chloroform on the strongest combat stim out there. It would put you in a trance and make you forget the next several days until the effects wore off. The perfect drug for slave traffickers and abductors.
The only reason Conor could tell was that he had used the tactic several times to capture targets alive. It was great; you could fish information from them freely, and they wouldn't remember anything beyond where they had been picked up and whenever the drug wore off.
“I see their target,” Brakul muttered, “switch to IR. I will laze her for yah.”
As his friend and partner told him, Conor switched his false eye to IR and watched, and Brakul’s pistols laser pierced the crowd and danced on the back of a red scalled Kurlatra, dancing happily with some other repltilians of her species. All were woefully ignorant of the Kyrail weaving through the crowd toward them, hands tucked into jackets, likely clutching knives, pistols, and bags of drugs.
“Hmmm, odd, not a lot of Kurlatra on this side of the GU borders,” Conor commented.
“For sure,” Brakul agreed.
Kurlatra were a noble-esc species in the GU and tended to stay in the GU, as opposed ot the COS; most here only cared about their nobility for the sake of making money on ransom after all.
The GU was safe but was overbearing compared to the COS. It had far more laws, restrictions, and limitations on carving out a living. Conor’s chosen profession of being a Mercenary was outlawed in the GU unless you were on the Union congress's payroll, But he was not on that list, despite trying a few times.
“Wanna toss a wrench in their plans?” Brakul questioned.
“How so?” Conor replied, keeping a keen eye on the crimson scalled in the center.
Compared to those around her, she was different. Unlike the others who wore simple clothes, she wore a very revealing yellow dress that was low cut in the back and front, showing offer cleavage, but that's not what made her so different. It was all the glistening jewelry that made her smell of crit.
All those stones and precious metals were likely worth a few hundred thousand crits on their own. That was before you sold her pert ass to some slaver.
“We can go down, nab her after the entourage is dealt with, and be big damn heroes. Then we get an award from that payday of a ruby. If she is not feeling up to it, we could ransom her off to the Voodal; they want her for some reason,” Brakul explained, using his keen eye for diplomacy and deals to guide Conor’s mind to the potential payout.
Conor took a moment to take stock of the situation; he had enough ammo to carve through the Voodal family present and could carry such a Kurlatra if needed. Should this shit go sideways and end up in a firefight, they could just use the crowd and vanish.
“What about the contract we just took,” Conor posed
“We haven't taken one yet,” Brakul reminded, “that rep needs to get back to us with upfront payment. Until then, we are freelance.”
Conor could not deny he was right; no crit had changed hands yet, they were still unemployed, and this bitch might be worth some cash. Before Conor had a chance even to comment one way or the other, Brakul pressed on a nerve he knew would get Conor to act.
“Come on. I got fifty crit that says you can't extract that Kurlatra before the Voodal drug her,” the fellow Jurintik mocked.
The bastard knew how to get to Conor for sure. He was competitive and hated to have his abilities brought into question. Just out of professional pride, Conor could not let that lay.
“Two hundred,” Conor countered.
“One hundred,” Brakul retorted, “oh, look, they already nabbed one of the entourage.”
He was right. One of the Kurlatra heading toward the bathrooms near the back entrance just had a bag of Visage slammed into their mouth and had already gone glassy-eyed. Now, there were only five Kurlatra left, including the clear HVT(High-Value Target)
“One fifty,” Conor snapped, eager to have his friend stop messing with him.
“Deal, I will cover and feed you intel from her. Open channel one,” Brakul sneered.
Without missing a beat, Conor shot up from the table and descended the stairs into the crowd, drawing his suppressed pistol and activating his target tracker to keep sight of the HVT.
Conor did not know it yet, but that little bet, one that was not even worth as much ammo as he was about to expend, would send his life on a journey that would change him forever.
So what did you all think? was it a good time? a fun start at bare min? next chapter we will have connor dealing with the voodal, follwed by us meeting the little princess. It should be fun.
Please dont forget to updoot and comment. I will see you all in the comments.
Your Humble baker
-Pirate
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Ohio online sports betting opened its doors to Buckeye State residents on New Year’s Day of 2023 and it has since blossomed to become a major player in the state. Since launching, more than two dozen state-regulated Ohio betting apps have launched providing sports bettors with numerous choices in Ohio sports betting apps.
However, not all Ohio betting sites are created equal. In this article, we’ll review the best sports betting apps in Ohio and hopefully provide some useful guidance as you choose the best sports betting app in Ohio.

🔥 Top Ohio Betting Apps

Below is a table listing our top Ohio sports betting apps, each sportsbook’s latest welcome offer promotion, and our overall rating for the sportsbook. Please look at each sportsbook listed and how the Ohio sportsbooks compare.
These are some of the best sports betting apps in Ohio so you should be able to find the perfect Ohio sports betting app for you.

Rank 🏅	Sportsbook 🏠	Welcome Offer + Code 💲	Our Rating ⭐
#1	DraftKings Sportsbook	Bet $5 Get $200 instantly in Bonus Bets + SGP every day of the NBA Playoffs	4.95/5
#2	FanDuel Sportsbook	Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!	4.9/5
#3	BetMGM Sportsbook	$1500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets if you don’t win	4.85/5

Best Ohio Sports Betting Sites: Where to Bet in Ohio

In the section below, we’ll provide a more thorough review of each of the best sports betting apps in Ohio. We’ll detail the reasons behind our rankings and ratings and do a bit of a deeper dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each of the Ohio sports betting sites and Ohio sports betting apps.

#1 DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio

DraftKings is our number-one best sports betting app in Ohio for several reasons. It’s not only the most popular Ohio sports betting app but it’s also the perfect Ohio sportsbook for both new and experienced users.
DraftKings welcome offer
DraftKings’ latest new user welcome offer provides qualifying bettors with $200 in bonus bet credits once they bet $5 or more plus get a No Sweat NBA SGP every day of the NBA playoffs. You’ll receive your bonus bet credits regardless of the outcome.

• Welcome Bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 instantly in Bonus Bets + SGP Daily
• Legal in Ohio from: January 1st 2023
• Available Platforms: Desktop / iOS / Android
• Payout Speed: 2 days (PayPal) - 10 days (check)
• Best Feature: Valuable betting odds in a variety of markets plus daily odds boosts for existing customers
• Our Rating: 5/5

#2 FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio

FanDuel is our second-best sports betting app in Ohio. Similar in popularity to DraftKings, FanDuel is one of the largest sports betting operators in the United States and they’ve acquired such a massive following for several reasons. They’re widely known for their player props and Same Game Parlays, though their game lines are also valuable.
FanDuel welcome offer
The latest FanDuel welcome bonus promotion provides qualifying players with $150 in bonus bets once they win a bet of $5 or more. You’ll earn your bonus bets so long as you win your wager.

• Welcome Bonus: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if You Win
• Legal in Ohio from: January 1st 2023
• Available Platforms: Desktop / iOS / Android
• Payout Speed: 0-2 days
• Best Feature: Exceptional welcome offer available without manually entering a promo code.
• Our Rating: 4.9/5

#3 BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio

Continuing our list of best sports betting apps in Ohio is BetMGM Sportsbook. Like Caesars, BetMGM is also a veteran in the sports betting industry and their Ohio betting app reflects this fact.
BetMGM offers precious prop lines and specials that cannot be found on other Ohio sports betting platforms plus a wide range of betting markets. BetMGM is ideal for new and experienced users and is considered the best sports betting app in Ohio for many users.
BetMGM welcome offer
BetMGM’s latest new-user promotion provides players with up to $1500 worth of first-bet insurance once they qualify. This means you’ll earn your entire first bet back in bonus bets if it loses up to $1500.

• Welcome Bonus: $1500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets if You Lose
• Legal in Ohio from: January 1st 2023
• Available Platforms: Desktop / iOS / Android
• Payout Speed: 3-5 days
• Best Feature: BetMGM’s user-friendly app is perfect for new bettors and it offers extensive options for more experienced bettors.
• Our Rating: 4.8/5

How to Sign Up With an Online Sportsbook in Ohio

Here’s how you join one of the Ohio sportsbooks in this article:

1. Navigate to one of the Ohio sportsbooks you’d like to sign up with.
2. Click the “Create a New Account” button.
3. Input your personal information and create a unique username and password combination.
4. Complete the required identity and location verification steps.
5. Deposit any qualifying amount for promos into your account.

How to Bet on Sports Online in Ohio?

Here’s how to utilize online sports betting sites in Ohio:

1. Find your desired betting market on your choice of Ohio sportsbooks.
2. Select that in the website or app.
3. Find the particular bet you’d like to make under your betting market of choice.
4. Type the amount that you’d like to wager.
5. The stake and potential payout will auto-populate in a separate field to give you all the information you need for placing your bet.
6. Click “Submit Bet”.

Ohio Betting Overview

• Is betting legal? Yes
• State legalized on: January 2023
• Legal age to bet: 21
• Online sportsbooks: Yes
• Retail sportsbooks: Yes
• Tax rate on winnings: 10%

When Did Sports Betting Become Legal in Ohio?

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law on December 22nd, 2021, which legalized Ohio online sports betting throughout the state. The actual opening of Ohio sportsbooks and Ohio sports betting started at the beginning of the year on January 1st, 2023.

Ohio Sports Teams to Bet on

The state of Ohio has numerous professional sports teams within its borders spanning the sports of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer. Among the most popular Ohio-based sports teams to bet on the best sports betting app in Ohio include:

• Cleveland Cavaliers: In the NBA’s Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers have been in the playoff mix for the last several years.
• Cleveland Guardians: MLB’s best team by record in the American League, the Guardians have come out of the gates strong in 2024.
• Cleveland Browns: The Browns in the AFC should be a clear playoff contender for the next several years.
• Columbus Blue Jackets: One of the newer expansion teams in the league, the Blue Jackets have yet to find sustained success in the NHL but have key pieces that could engineer a turnaround.
• Columbus Crew: Founded in 1994, the Columbus Crew is an original MLS team.
• Cincinnati Reds: The Reds in the National League have an exciting core and could surprise soon.
• Cincinnati Bengals: Finding recent success with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals are always in the mix in the AFC.
• FC Cincinnati: The MLS selected FC Cincinnati as one of its expansion teams in 2019.

FAQs

What is the Most Trusted Online Betting Site in Ohio?
DraftKings Sportsbook is the most trusted of the Ohio sportsbooks thanks to it being one of the worldwide leaders and widely used.
Which Sports Betting Site in Ohio has the Fastest Payout?
The Ohio sports betting app with the fastest payout would be FanDuel which can pay out instantly.
How Old do You Need to be to Bet on Sports in Ohio?
The legal betting age in Ohio is 21 to use Ohio sports betting apps.
Can you Bet on College Sports in Ohio?
Bettors can no longer place college bets on individual performance or in-game statistics on Ohio sports betting apps.

My grades are painfully mediocre.
Given that TC applications take hours to draft, I ideally don’t want to waste my limited capacity on firms that will outright reject me for my grades. A lot of firms don’t explicitly say that they will do so, but I saw another user post about Slaughter and May’s brutality when it comes to selectiveness on grades earlier and now I lay awake in my bed at 5:00 am.
How would you distinguish between reputable firms that would genuinely consider the application holistically where I would have a chance with mediocre grades vs firms that would likely not consider an application at all? Is there some kind of secret list outside of the standard entry requirement tables online? Is it just trial and error?
FYI - Bottom-tier RG University, 2:1 overall with very mixed grades across modules (extenuating circumstances), A-Levels A* B C, GCSEs 4A* 3As 2bs 1C.
I have two years’ cumulative work experience as a paralegal. Promoted in my current role as a supervisor over other FHs. Projected to advance to leading a small pre-litigation team in my current not-so-reputable medium-sized firm. I spent post-uni trying to get experience to improve my chances given the grades.
I would really appreciate any insight or recommendations of firms worth applying to.
Thank you!
Edit: To clarify, I’m interested in not only MC/US - I’m considering applying to Pinsent Masons, Shoosmiths, CMS, etc.
A firm reputable enough to open doors, provide decent seats where I can learn from really decent solicitors.

Hey demons, It's me, ya boi...
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Notice: This story is about to humanity, but they are introduced much later into the narrative.
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Prev: Chains of the Veiled (3/?) :
Next:
First: Chains of The Veiled :
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Station 68 was one of necessity, built along with many others to remain active in the case it was needed during any sort of instance of Civilian Hardship. This was a place built for those with no path to rest and wait to walk a new one, and as such had many government-funded commodities to those that sought refuge here. Many found shelter here, homeless through any situation, from financial ruin to wartime refugees. They were civilian projects, for those who could not care for themselves, for those to rest and rely on until they could regain a foothold in reality. To regain control financially and socially.
This was not just free housing however, there are certain conditions that need to be met in order for your stay here to be acceptable. This wasn’t a service meant to be abused, it was for the homeless and poor alike, and those who needed it only... As such, the amenities provided weren’t stellar in any regards. There were recreational activities and freely distributed foods, but it was minimal and decent at best. It was free though, and beggars aren’t in a position to choose what kind of help they get. It’s enough to get reassurance that you don't need to worry about next meals. There was one thing about this place that was rather disappointing though… As Kazzi was currently complaining about in the seat across from me in the larger corner booth.
“Why pay for drinks?! Everything else here is free! Sure, it’s cheaper than anywhere else, but still! It just seems inconsistent with how everything else is here.” she spoke in a fit as she took another swig of alcohol. I could only sigh in a disappointed manner, finding Kazzi’s current behavior both unacceptable, and out of character. I knew that she was supposedly a party animal from what others in the department would suggest, but not to such a degree as to already be at her second bottle halfway into the evening.
After a second of regaining my barrings, I looked back up at the Fulkari woman to respond, “Well, drinking isn’t considered something that should be encouraged Kazzi. It’s an incentive to seek other means of coping with struggle, even if it’s as cheap as it is. It’s also more of a luxury on a station with barely any to give. The fact it’s as cheap as this despite its surprising quality really doesn’t seem to have the effect though. It seems like everyone that was on the yacht who escaped with us is also taking advantage of this feature.” It wasn’t a lie either, I say many others entered before and after us. All grabbing what they could, drawing the bartenders with requests as they wished to drown away problems.
Hopefully those staff got paid aplenty for dealing with shit like this. Some people were less than savory after having to deal with a mechanical extermination that removed them from their very way of life. Everyone and their mothers wanted something to down to distract from the trauma that flooded everyone’s mind, and I was no exception. With a glass of Vlekvir branded Whiskey, I took a long swig, downing a good portion of the bottle. Kazzi seemed to cheek me on somewhat, as she seemed to chuckle at my prolonged chugging. I simply rolled my eyes to Kazzi’s antics and continued to eat my meals. I made sure to drink enough water to not end up a complete Drunk, knowing that I was going to need to direct Kazzi back to the ship considering her tipsy state.
Why is it that I always have to hinder my fun just so this Fulkari doesn’t kill herself in the aftermath of her own?! It’s a serious issue that I refuse to tolerate any longer. Regardless of the current favor Kazzi had in this game of life, the tables would soon turn after I would help her back to the ship. Kazzi would owe me a favor for this, and that was something I intended to make good use of.
“Excuse me?” I heard, jumping at the suddenness of the question, spoke so close. I looked around frantically in response to being so startled, only to look down and find a small entity. A Kraviska, an insectoid species known for rapid repopulation with their method of reproduction being unique compared to most others. As long as they had a type of Queen to their hive, and enough meat and yeast to feed them, then they'd never run out of larvae. Her blue chitinous exoskeleton glistened in the light, and her four compound eyes bore an unease into my gaze. Her two claw-like pincers clicked as she spoke.
I took a moment to recollect myself from the scare, with Kazzi all but laughing at me in her tipsy state. I scoffed at her tease and looked back down at the Kraviska. “How did I not hear you walk over to us?” I asked her, and her antenna seemed to flicker up and down in her species form of embarrassment. For what I could only assume was the scare. She held herself low, keeping her tray of food close to her as she stuttered to respond. “I-I’m sorry,” She spoke. “It’s just something that I end up doing… I’m not trying to sneak about like I do, it just happens. I don’t understand why or how, but I make silent movements.”
“Is that a Kraviska thing, or just something that you do because…” I asked, leaving the question incomplete, waiting for a response. She looked to the side for all but a moment, antenna continuing to wiggle in embarrassment. “It’s something that I myself do, not my species. I’m sorry, I really am.” Seeing her hiding her face with her tray the way she was, I sighed and opted out of any further confrontation. “It’s fine, You just startled me is all… sorry for coming off as so hostile.” I said with a nod, a gesture meant to convey that I meant no escalation of conflict.
She seemed to ease up with this reassurance that I provided and lowered her tray from her face. Her face reverted back to her general curiosity that she initially spoke with. “I’m sorry for the scare. But… you see, the whole establishment is packed with patrons. My significant other and I can’t find a seat anywhere else. You’re in one of the larger booths, so I was wondering if maybe we could squeeze in? I-If you’d be willing, that is…” The Kriviska spoke in a meager tone, trying her best to be as polite as possible. I was honestly surprised to find such an non-confrontational member of her species, considering how prideful some of the supposed hive queens could be.
I nodded and responded in affirmation of the request, “Of course, there’s plenty of space for you and whoever else. Kazzi, could you move in a bit?” The tipsy fulkari huffed in annoyance as she scooted aside for whoever might need a seat. I gave her a glare, and one that seemed to have the expected effect. Being a hardened navy man, she was quick to correct her attitude when she saw me. As for the Insectoid, she nodded her head and went over to speak with…
A… A T’ccoj?! T’ccoj were silicon-based lifeforms that were essentially just massive electrical golems. Electrical signals capable of transmitting all about a metal interior which functioned as neurons in a brain in biological life. These electrical signals are so powerful that it allows them a limited ability to manipulate broad and wide bipedal legs they possess to move. They weren’t able to last long however, only able to live for a few hours after being struck with lightning. Only when they were discovered and provided robotic arms to manipulate tools, and battery packs to increase their menial lifespans, were they able to build up cities and civilization proper. T’ccoj were known for they’re adept learning and utilized in a plethora of roles. This T’ccoj in particular was large compared to most others, easily reaching my height, and my kind were one of the taller species.
When the insectoid walked over with the Living mineral, I found myself nervous and confused. Silicon life was always something that I was antsy around, I wasn’t sure why. It was just a great unease to speak with what was essentially a rock… It would be best to not call it that. I’m pretty sure that’s a racist term for lithoid life to refer to them as rocks.
The Kriviska hopped up into the seating and used her multi jointed legs to scutter across the cushions to the corner. She sat close to Kazzi and gestured to her silicon companion to take a seat just by her. Getting a better look at the T’ccoj, I saw the makeup of the living mineral. Its body was divided between crystalline orange and rocky brown textures. A battery pack along the back of its body, and powerful hydraulic based robotic arms allowing for heavy lifting. They were similar in color and texture to the T’ccoj’s natural body and moved in blocky and stiff manners like that of the Lithoid. It moved to sit downright next to the Insectoid…
What did the Kriviska refer to this entity as?! A significant other?!
“Allow me to introduce ourselves.” She spoke, regaining my direct attention. Whilst she did have my focus, my gaze was still trained on the T’ccoj, trying to get a better understanding of who I was dealing with here. “My name is Zikee, and this is Bocc… my husband.” Whilst I did my best to keep my shock as internal as I could. I found it baffling to see an insectoid like her with a lithoid like this. There was such a divide between compatibility, that I found it strange to be a witness of. Despite my ability to maintain composure, my Fulkari associate wasn’t so like me in the current state she found herself in. Being so tipsy caused her to nearly shout out in raw shock at the fact. As she spoke, it was slurred and unfiltered due to the unnerving amounts of alcohol in her system.
“You married a Lithoid? As a small and fragile Kriviska?! Wouldn’t that lead to some very dangerous situations, like being crushed by the big guy's weight?” I turned to glare at Kazzi, trying to shut her up from this drinking sprawl she seemed to invite with her comment. My glare didn’t have so much of the same effect as before. She seemed to have a bit more resistance to my influence due to the increased effect of her alcohol intake. I should have stopped her sooner, but decided against it since Kazzi needed some relief after the attack. I was beginning to regret that decision even more than before…
Zikee seemed to sigh an annoyed sigh, likely having this conversation many times before. “No… it doesn’t. We Kriviska’s don’t have as fragile exoskeletons as theories believe. Our kind developed in a high gravity world after all! I could bench press Bocc on certain low gravity worlds. Admittedly there are very few where that could happen, but they do exist! Not to mention that I love Bocc, they’re a joy to have around. A shy and gentle giant who’s all but the most tender with little ones. They’re my husband because I love them for who they are. They’re a loving soul despite the hardened exterior they have.” She turned to look at Bocc as she spoke, looking at them with a sense of compassion and devotion that I considered rare to see.
Bocc had a vocalizer attachment, one which allowed them to speak to others freely. Using the electrical signals in their rock brain to operate the machine and speak as needed. “My goal is to be the best I can be… For her. She deserves as much for all she does for me.” He said in a heartfelt tone of conviction. One which caused the Kriviska to turn her head in embarrassment. “Oh stop it you.” She teased, waving one of her arms at him in a dismissive manner, chuckling all the while.
“Seems like you two are really close and trust each other. Can I ask how you two met?” I asked, wanting to know the story to these two. It’s not every day that I find such an interesting duo like the one before me. Bocc seemed to respond on their behalf, “We met years ago when we fell on hard times. We met at a restaurant where I was working, and she was eating at the time. I decided to strike up a conversation after work and it ended up leading me to ask her out. We had our ups and downs, but we pushed through because of the understanding we share. Not to mention, despite our incompatibility in terms of physical appearances, we were never concerned with. We cared about each other because of who we were, not because of any other desires. We wanted to be with one another, because… We just love each other.”
… I was surprised to find such an outlandish couple to be one of the most wholesome I’ve ever seen. “But what about-” Kazzi began to ask before I shut her lips myself with my claws. Kazzi was about to ask something vulgar, and I refused to let her alcohol-ridden system ruin something so pure. The adoration in Zikee’s compound eyes was evident to the devotion she had for Bocc. “As long as we have each other, we’re complete. No matter what else we lose…”
Zikee’s comment left open many interpretations to be made, as the last part was spoken solemnly. As such, it led me to ask the question, “You were part of the evacuation of Fojhiam too, right?”
The two froze up for a moment, before turning back to me. They laid still and motionless as the thick air was left to permeate the surroundings of our booth. From their silence, a thousand words were spoken. It was clear that these two were very much victims like us, victims of tragedy and loss. As hundreds of billions of people lost connection with the wider galaxy. The whole event is almost taboo to speak on, despite us being witness to it. The two of them seemed hesitant to speak up, not wanting to confirm anything right yet. Despite the heavy air, and the stoic expressions they tried to wear, I could feel the heavy emotion radiate from them both. I was going to say something, but Bocc spoke first, their mechanical voice a product of the machine they spoke through.
“We were able to escape on a Jasvikan Superyacht. It was luck that was on our side for such a wealthy individual to permit us entry without leaving. I guess there are good people no matter the walk of life they take.” Bocc said, giving a general idea of his opinion of wealthy individuals. But what my attention gravitated to during their whole exposition was the ship they escaped on… the one that-.
“Oh, you escaped on my ship!” Kazzi spoke up, saying the statement with a drunken burp. I swear this Fulkari is going to be the death of me. The two were shocked at the idea, sitting before the owner of the ship that led them to safety. Zikee was completely stunned by the claim and stuttered to respond. “Y-You’re telling me… T-That you’re the owner of the Jaskivan yacht?! That’s insane! You must enjoy browsing the exotic side of the market! Regardless of the ship itself, you have no idea how grateful I am for you saving us!” She scuttered over to Kazzi to go about shaking her hand and conveying appreciation. The Fulkari woman was able to at bare minimum reply with equal appreciation, even if her words were slurred.
It was amusing to see, but turning to Bocc on the other side gave a completely different look. Something that seemed like a crack in the sort of shy and stoic personality which Zikee advertised. Their tone was one of barely contained anger, shrouded in annoyance. “So… were you the one that flew the ship? Or was it someone else?” Why he was asking that made me unnerved and concerned for my safety. I was the one who piloted the ship and did so in a way which tossed a few folks around, despite the prime conditions of the gravity generators. Was Bocc tossed about, and bitter about the condition that I inflicted upon him with my flying?
Kazzi was dismissive of the claim made by the T’ccoj, which caused the attention of the lithoid to shift onto me. T’ccoj’s didn’t have any sort of face, let alone a head. Despite this inability to convey emotion in a traditional manner, I could see in the way the Bocc composed himself that they were ticked off over something. “Was it you then?” They asked me, with a glare despite not having eyes. It terrified me to answer truthfully, because I was the helm throughout that whole escape. I was once a military man, serviced upon a warship during the outbreak of the GA-Foretold War. Even during the days of service, a loose cannon was the best way to describe my performance at the helm. For better or for worse, I was one to fly in a manner that could only contribute to great insanity.
Flying which seemed to be a major tick in the metaphysical eyes of the T’ccoj before me. I twiddled my claws as I struggled to respond. However, my reaction was enough to provide more than enough evidence to my role during the escape. Evidence which was swiftly examined by the Lithoid, and which attributed to the T’ccoj slamming the robotic appendages they possessed onto the table in aggression. They stood in place as they brought a claw to point directly at my face as they spoke in a tone which clearly cited their annoyance. “Do you have any sort of awareness of how your flying strains the reactor?! I was needing to evacuate the powerplant because of the dangerous conditions that the reactor was reaching with the overclocking that you set upon the suffering machine! Yes, you got us out of that nightmare, but you in turn caused me to experience one in turn! Do you have any idea of how devastating it is as a reactor technician to watch such a tremendously important machine be abused by such reckless flying?!”
Kazzi and Zikee both exchanged glances as they coward away from the seething lithoid, Bocc was creating a bit of a scene with the passion behind their anger. I was able to piece together the story in my mind relatively quickly. Bocc was without doubt the one on the other end of the call that I had during the evacuation. Calling the power plant to prepare for the overclock when I did. It makes much more sense now, considering my actions did cause major stress upon the Prestigious Vow’s framework. I began to speak in a last ditch effort to explain myself to the T’ccoj.
“Bocc, please understand that anything less than the extremes that I was pushing upon the ship wouldn’t have gotten us through the warp gate the way we did. I did what I needed to in order to prevent any contact with enemy missiles, and pass through the warp gate through the collapse. I’m sorry for the stress I put on the ship, but there wouldn’t be a ship if I did anything less.” I stated, causing the T’ccoj to flinch for a moment. I could tell from the way Bocc held itself that they understood that I was right. Despite agreeing with me, they shivered in aggravated annoyance with me for my reckless piloting.
The Lithoid grunted and begrudgingly slumped back into their seat. They held their hands up to the peak of their torso, like how one would palm their face with their hands. Despite not having a head, it was clear whatever was in its place for Bocc was hung low. A great disdain was ever present, but one whose initial prominence was substituted with a current sulking. “That poor reactor…” I heard muffled by the T’ccoj as they struggled to cope with the damage to the machine. I could tell without doubt that this reactor technician took their position very seriously, almost viewing the reactor system as an extension of themselves.
Zikee seemed to scutter to her lithoid partner and rest a claw upon their shoulder, giving them comfort as they seemed to wallow in misery at the condition of the ship. I won’t lie, whilst it got out of the evacuation the least banged up, that meant very little considering all the other ships. Some of those husks shouldn’t have been flying, but they hung within the drydocks of the station, waiting to either be taken to repair yards or scrap yards alike. Most couldn’t afford to repair them like Kazzi, as such I anticipated many of them to be scrapped. That was probably something that ached the lithoid.
“You seem to have a great love and reverence for these kinds of things. Technology is something that you adore isn’t it?” I asked, garnering the attention of the T’ccoj. “Indeed so,” Bocc replied not soon after. “It’s technology that has allowed my people to become a true civilization. To be able to survive for more than a few simple fleeting hours. We exist as a testament to the wonders that such technology provides, as such I feel indebted to the machines that encompass the everyday lives of those loyal to the Assembly. I want to one day understand every modern technological marvel, to one day become more than a reactor technician and become a true inventor.”
I felt a sense of warmth at the rather pure dream, and huffed in amusement before properly speaking. “Your passion for this goal will attest to it coming to reality. I wish you well in achieving it.” The lithoid seemed to appreciate my words of affirmation, and shifted to a much less stiff composure. Bocc sighed synthetically through their vocalizer, before looking back at me to respond. “Thank you for such supporting words Kovvak. I’m… I’m sorry for speaking the way I did. Even though it was a personal reason, it was still unacceptable for me to speak so brashly.”
“That’s quite alright,” I added. “We can all lose sight of what’s important when clouded by heavy emotion. I’m sorry for the reckless flying, but at least you’re here to curse me for it now rather than being cursed to walk through the next life alone, right?” The Lithoid only chuckled at my words. “You are most correct. Maybe I gave you too little credit before… I’m glad to be shown otherwise now.”
“I have that effect on people.” I speak in a joking manner, one which warrants a laugh from Zikee and Bocc. Kazzi said nothing, blacking out rather easily after the alcohol in her system finally took control. I could only sigh at the Fulkari woman… She’s going to really need my help handling such a prominent hangover once all is said and done-
“Everyone listen,” I hear someone speak up from the bar. Causing my train of thought to shift tracks towards the source of the commotion. I wasn’t the only one to have their gaze pulled to this new source, Zikee and Bocc also did the same. The Kraviska hoisting herself to look over the back of the seat towards the bar, and the T’ccoj having their robotic eye lift up without having to move themselves. Kazzi is still blackout drunk from all the alcoholic influence she was subjected to at the moment.
What was a simple conversation between strangers turned into a strange situation as the bartender moved their appendage to show a remote, one with had their eyes fully trained on as they poked away at numerous buttons. The remote was one for the televisions, as they shifted to switch to CCNN, the Core Central News Network. The tv volumes also increased to ensure that this was the main attention grabber in the room. Whilst that was the case, I also looked outside to find that many of the overhead televisions and other such devices were being changed to shift to what seemed like breaking news. The CCNN showed their host news anchor speaking on the GA council head. The representatives of each of the Elder species of the entire organization were present. Each one standing before a podium being recorded by the camera which was transmitting across all channels. This was a PSA, a majorly important PSA given the presence of such important people being presented.
Already I knew well what this was about. After all, practically everyone here in the establishment was a victim of the tragedy. Majority on the station were all there on Fojhiam as it fell. Not everyone in the universe knew however. There were still many worlds in the GA, among outreaches that took around a full day of travel to achieve. The GA would only ever make announcements like this under certain conditions and never anything less.
All instances pertaining to massively influential events. Almost all of them are related to disasters…
The woman who stood in the middle podium was tall and lanky. A Svenoiraq, one of the eight founding species, and chairwoman of the galactic assembly’s council chambers. With three long and spindly fingers holding down firmly at the edges of the podium, her pale white skin glistened against the fabric backdrop of the set. A long neck and pale flat face, adorned with four binocular eyes and a vertical mouth. Chairman Ryu was the most powerful in the GA, and her presence at the PSA conference was no mistake.
“My fellow sapients”, she spoke in a calculated manner, with little emotion in her voice. Her eyes glazed over with an almost lifeless expression, magnified only by her monotone voice. “18 hours, 56 minutes, and fourteen seconds ago, we of the GA high command received an alert regarding unregistered fleet activity in the Fulkari home system. An unknown fleet of an origin that is both mysterious and obvious all the same. Before you, shall be shown what little footage we managed to recover from one of the military vessels that escaped the carnage. I beg you to avert the eyes of your children.”
A Holographic display formed behind the Elders, one that provided the perspective of a ship camera. Raw and unedited footage based on the condition of the camera. A small display was provided in the corner to monitor activity on a diverse and extensive sensor grid. One which remained inactive for what seemed like a concerning amount of time. It was choking with the amount of mental strain this silence caused. In all but a single nanosecond, the display shifted to show the sensor grid flaring alarming all about as a literal supernova worth of activity just spawned… instantaneously, lights flared and sensors went awry with panic. The sensor display on the left showed the size of the active Fulkari fleet compared to that of the enemy that just materialized in the system. And the difference was that of night and day. The Fulkari defenders all but a single atom to the cell of power that was the black fleet. It didn’t matter that those black ships seemed unshielded, the sheer amount of them was more than enough to overpower the Fulkari.
The camera gave all the more unease, as instantly, light from distant stars appeared almost snuffed from reality as the mass of forces blotted any room for light to weave through. Faint lights were visible, which conveyed a sense of primal hatred. Hatred with seared through space like hawking radiation from all but the smallest of singularities. This was only then followed by battle footage, of the enemy forces punched through the stationed defensive craft with beams of terrible firepower. Invisible powers that caused massive explosions upon the defending craft, grilling anyone unfortunate enough to not immediately die. All but a second later was all that it took for the camera to finally be struck, the station that it was attached to likely receiving critical damage. Footage only received by the crews working hastily to escape with all the data they could.
That was all that was recovered from the military craft, all we had as to the source of the Black fleet. A clue with no trail, a lead with no start… but despite the mysterious air to the whole situation, the source of this attack was as obvious as the light of day. With the chairwoman speaking up, the silence was much less heavy than a few seconds before.
“This recording received from one of the surviving members of the planetary Garrison was nowhere near enough to receive a definitive claim on who assaulted the Fulkari territories. As the ships which by all accounts seem to be AI automated, are unheard of in our collective spaces but the most likely theory is what we all suspect. My fellow sapients, such technology is foreign to us, outside of GA jurisdiction and influence. No force could be built within our space without our noticing, and such technology to simply appear in a fixed point in space exists in our collective. There’s only one source we can possibly theorize is the source of this attack. Until any further evidence is presented in spite of the assumption, it’s very much likely that The Foretold Survived… And have bided their time building up these mechanical forces.
“Such a theory, whilst unfounded, is terrifying to reminisce on, especially considering the implications. They were already dangerous without their hostilities to the GA… now more than ever we face a threat of an even greater magnitude. One that is to meet in full force… As such, we of the high council call upon the members of the GA to begin preparations to re-enter wartime production and prepare for total War. Now more than ever we must be ready, for time is no longer on our side.”
It certainly wasn’t…
…
I can’t help but think of how this is a fate that we’ve inflicted upon ourselves… do we really deserve this?
Maybe…

Years ago I was working on table top war game system that I was going to use for two things. One was something that was miniatures and setting agnostic. For this, I created a setting that was open to interpretation that would allow for different themes and genres to be incorporated . While the other one was set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy. I gave up on it since six of my friends told me that I will never be able to make Warhammer 40K money and that nobody would buy it because of Warhammer 40K. I told that nobody would play either. Recently, I decided to start working on them again. I decided to focus more on the post-apocalyptic setting game since that was a little bit further along and it had a little bit more structure due to the fact that each faction had specific units to it as opposed to something that required players to pick and choose every aspect of their army and to create every aspect of their army.
I finished a first draft of the game with four factions completed that can be used for the draft before I went back and changed some things. The same group of people that discouraged me and kept on telling me it was too much like Warhammer 40K in terms of the rules and that it wasn't doing anything interesting or new, decided that they wanted to play the game. And then they continuously tell me that it isn't enough like Warhammer 40K because that is apparently the standard. I wanted to create a war game which allowed for quicker play while still being dynamic. They kept on making suggestions but everything that they were suggesting was everything that was wrong with 7th edition and everything that was wrong with 9th edition. I was then told that since most post-apocalyptic games were Skirmish style I should just do that instead. To which I said I wanted to give the players the option to play Skirmish style but also wanted them to be able to play a large scale battle with a large army if they so wanted to, they didn't think a large scale post-apocalyptic themed battle would make sense. When I explained to them it does make sense and I gave them examples of that happening in fiction and video games, it still didn't click and the most rememberable response out of the six of them was "I saw the first Mad Max and that didn't have a large scale battle it also didn't have any magic." Apparently my answer that I have an extensive knowledge of post-apocalyptic fiction was not just limited to Mad Max and the fact that I specifically told them I'm incorporating some fantasy elements into the mix just didn't click with them. And fair enough, post apocalyptic fiction is not for everybody.
Then I worked a little bit on my miniature and setting agnostic War game. Using the same system but it doesn't have as much structure. This was done on purpose so that way it gave players more freedom and there was just enough structure so that way players could have a basis of how much they can actually customize their army. Initially the complaint was that there wasn't as much structure as Warhammer 40k. To which I told them that it's not meant to have a lot of structure it's meant to be it's customizable as possible. To let players build units for their army as they saw fit. All I did was complain that it wasn't enough like seventh edition or 9th Edition Warhammer 40K which they hold as the gold standard. They kept on complaining and this ruined the playtesting experience for the other people that had come on board now. Remember, these are the same people that were complaining that it was too much like Warhammer.
They asked me to give it a little bit more structure which I told him I would gladly do if I can have them play test the game as is without having them complain that it's not enough like Warhammer. I have to know what works and what doesn't mechanically before I can start adding things and changing things. And then they started asking me the same questions they did years ago which was why am I even making the game like this?
I had to remind them that I polled 2,763 people. I asked people in my town, I asked people in my college, I went to other game stores then what I would normally do I asked online and the most common answer got to the question "What would you look for in a miniature's agnostic tabletop war game?" Was "I would want to build units using the Miniatures I have that makes sense to the Miniatures I have. Not that I'm playing a Miniatures agnostic war game but everything is all fantasy themed. I want a variety of choices and of what I can choose." Essentially, people also wanted a Miniatures agnostic game that was also free from a setting. Essentially if someone wanted to run an army of superheroes and their friend wanted to run an army of elf barbarians, they could do that.
At the same exact time they kept on saying that I will never get rights to use Miniatures in the book for pictures to explain some of the more complex rules. Which to be fair, when I first set out to do this, getting custom Miniatures was a bit of a difficult thing to do and doing it myself wasn't really an option because I was not that skilled nor did I really have the time to do so. Now getting custom Miniatures is a little bit easier, now it's a matter of legality instead of a matter of finding someone who can make a whole bunch of Miniatures for a reasonable price.
Every revision for these six people out of the 20 people that agreed to help me play test it always came down to 7th and 9th Edition Warhammer 40k. The same people that complained it was too like Warhammer 40K rules and that I wasn't doing anything inherently interesting with the rule set, who now complaining that they just wanted me to reinvent Warhammer 40K using their favorite aspects of 7th edition and 9th edition. Which, I'm not the biggest fan of those additions so I have no idea what they were expecting. They refuse to help me now since I'm not listening to any of that suggestions.
For example, I asked the question about whether or not a particular type of weapon should be allowed on a heavy motorcycle. I got some simple yes and no answers. Most of the responses I got were much more complex. These six people did nothing but tell me how it would not make sense for a magic weapon to be on an outrider in Warhammer 40K if someone's playing space marines. As if at that point it mattered because it was setting and Miniatures agnostic. I explained to them that whatever backstory player gave their army from whatever perspective that they wanted to give it, was their own justification. Because, my idea was to have people post their armies online and kind of give a backstory on how it fit. I was then told that the open setting that I created in order to explain why all these different armies and all these different Miniatures would be on the same Battlefield at the same time was too open to interpretation. That was the whole point. I finally told them to just leave since they weren't being helpful and the only thing that they wanted me to do was reinvent seventh and 9th Edition in one big addition.
I hated that I had to do that but it is what it is.

I am working on table place cards for a wedding with over 50 guests.
I have each place card drafted but when I got to 'print with canva' it seems to only give the option to print page 1. I would like to avoid printing each card separately as the bulk charge seems to be much more discounted than printing an individual card.
How would you all get around this?