Designs for stone patio deck

On The World Tree Arts

2020.01.04 02:59 atridir On The World Tree Arts

A place for me to post my stone jewelry creations ~SPIRIT IS WHAT MATTER DOES~ Vermont river stone and gemstone jewelry and artistc designs. Inlays, carvings, joinings and Runes.
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2020.02.02 17:20 CosmicGlitterCake OutdoorSpaces

Outdoor spaces was created in order to share pics of your balcony, lanai, patio, deck, terrace, gazebo, pergola, etc. The external place to chill can be your own, a friends, or abroad. Feel free to ask for critique, advice, or suggestions in regards to sprucing up your space.
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2018.04.26 23:19 CraftsmanDirect DIY help from Craftsman Direct

Thanks for the past 20 years. It's been fun. So many awesome Craftsman and great customers. We are so grateful for you See you at Pawley's Island !!!
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2024.05.22 00:05 Robotic_Goose [WTS] 2 Pesos, Gold Jewelry @ 95% Spot, Sterling Flatware, Teapot, & Bowl @ 95% Spot, Tons of Sterling Jewelry including a 20" 238g Figaro Chain, 30" 54g Curb Chain, & 53g Curb Bracelet

I DO NOT GIVE OUT PASSWORDS! I USE 2FA & YOU SHOULD TOO! ALWAYS BE WEARY OF PEOPLE PHISHING FOR YOUR PASSWORD OR CLAIMING YOU ARE BANNED!
PAYMENT: Zelle (strongly preferred), Venmo, CashApp, or Paypal FF (Last Resort). High value orders and new to the sub Zelle only.
SHIPPING: USPS $6 less than 10oz. $10 over 10oz. $100 insurance and tracking included. Free shipping on orders over $500. Additional insurance over $100 is optional at buyers liability. Additional insurance $0.80/$100 coverage. I can ship other methods at buyers' request.
AUTHENTICITY: All of these items have been verified for authenticity using acid tests or a sigma. I offer a full money back guarantee on the authenticity of all items listed. I am happy to send a video of an acid / magnet test if requested.
If you need more pictures or info don’t hesitate to ask.
ORDERS SHIP THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS DAY!
PROOF: https://imgur.com/a/Tc6XrxP
All Prices rounded up to the nearest $0.25
Coins:
Mexican Gold 2 Peso 1945 Restrike (2x) - $133ea
Gold Jewelry (ALL 5% BELOW SPOT):
14K Gold 18.5" 3mm Omega Chain / Necklace 22.514g Signed 14K Italy & MI - $971
14K Yellow & White Gold Two-Tone Ring Size 6-3/4 Signed 14K Makers Mark 5.267g - $227.25
10K White Gold Fuchsia CZ Heart Necklace and Earrings Set 18” Rope Chain Signed 4.39g - $135
Sterling Silver Necklaces:
20” x ½” HEAVY Figaro Chain 238g - $425
30” x 6.5mm Italian Curb Chain - 54.47g - $109
16” Italian San Marco Chain with 7” San Marco Bracelet 62.3g - $115
31” Puff Heart Necklace with Italy Rope Chain 15.4g - $35
30.5” Box Chain with Owl Pendant / Brooch (has attachments for both) 11.63g - $33
19” Italian Square Herringbone Style Sterling Chain with Czech Pendant - 6.28g - $20
18” Italian Sterling Box Chain with Ross Simon Cross Pendant 2.61g - $20
16” Sterling Abstract Glass Pendant Necklace 15.96g - $25
18” 925 Box Chain with Synthetic 14x10mm Sapphire Pendant & Matching Earrings with 10x8mm Sapphires 8.12g - $30
18” 925 Gold Vermeil Box Chain with Pear Cut Ceylon Sapphire Pendant & Matching Triangle CZ Earrings 12.13g - $30
20” Italian Millefiori Necklace with Circular Glass Pendant 3.18g - $25
15.5” Italian Millefiori Bead Necklace 3.98g - $20
15.5” Italian Murano Style Necklace (Note the wire is ferrous for strength, clasp and non-stone charms are sterling) - $15
15” Native American Fetish Necklace (Note the wire is elastic material for strength, beads and pendants are sterling) - $30
17” Sterling Bead / Clasp Turquoise Nugget Necklace (Note the wire is ferrous material for strength, beads and clasp are sterling) - $15
Sterling Silver Bracelets & Pendants:
8.5” x ½” Heavy Curb Bracelet 53.6g - $105
Taxco 7.5” Juan Luis Flores 70s Vintage Bracelet 43.49g - $86.98
Sterling Flower Filigree Bracelet 8” 10.19g - $30
Sterling Rose & Garnet Tennis Bracelet 7.5” 13.43g - $35
Ross Simon Sterling Rose Quartz Aventurine Tennis Bracelet 7” 9.50g - $30
Sterling Native American Bear Bracelet (Note the wire is ferrous for strength, clasp and non-stone charms are sterling) - $40
Sterling Silver 2-Strand Malachite Bracelet 7” 2.32g - $20
Sterling Clasp Faceted AB Crystal Bracelet with amazing sparkle (Note the wire is ferrous for strength, only clasp is sterling) 7” - $15
Taxco Hummingbird Pendant / Brooch (has both attachments) 11.95g - $24
Sterling Pink CZ Butterfly Bracelet 7.25” 7.5g - $27.50
Sterling Silver Earrings: https://imgur.com/a/rTrTKTE
Larimar Dangle Earrings 1g - $12
Dolphin Jumping through Hoop Drop Earrings 6.86g - $15
Taxco Sterling Half Circle Bohemian Hoop Earrings 9.24g - $20
Taxco Sterling Triangle Drop Earrings 9.43g - $18
Taxco Sterling Shell / Feather Drop Earrings 6.01g - $15
Taxco Sterling Triangle / Bead Drop Earrings 21.79g - $25
Flower Drop Earrings with Aquamarine Stones 9.28g - $25
Teardrop Shaped Earring with Black Beads 5.13g - $15
Concentric Oval Earrings 2.05g - $12
Leaf / White Opal Studs (Brilliant Luster on these) 2.22g - $40
Vintage Filigree Sterling Drop Earrings (Super intricate) 14.33g - $20
Vintage Sterling Dragonfly Earrings 12.39g - $20
Heart Shaped Drop Earrings with Lapis Stones 5.22g - $15
Sterling Silver Rings: https://imgur.com/gallery/65jVHip
Bali Swirl Design Sterling Ring Size 7-1/2 11.06g - $27.50
Large 925 Ring with CZ Size 6 5.97g - $18
Large 925 Ring with CZ and Flower Engraving Size 6 9.28g - $18
925 Ring with Bands of CZ Size 6 5.9g - $18
Wedding Band Style 925 Ring with Moissanite Size 6 2.41g - $18
Shablool Didae Israeli Filigree Style Ring Size 7.5 One-of-a-kind 8g - $25
Sterling Silver Flatware / Kitchen (MOST @ 95%):
Porter Blanchard Sterling Tea Pot 612g - $554 (95% of SPOT)
Gorham Sterling Footed Bowl 619g - $560 (95% of SPOT)
Pimaral Peru Sterling Serving Set 311g - $281.50 (95% of SPOT)
Assorted Sterling Spoons (Unmarked and the smaller two are thin) 44g - $40 (95% of SPOT)
English Shell by Lunt Sterling Silver Soup Spoons (4) 135g - $122.25 (95% of SPOT)
La Touraine by Reed & Barton Sterling Tea Spoon 30.34g - $27.50 (95% of SPOT)
Lunt Lus60 Sterling Silver Salt Spoon 2.94g - $10
submitted by Robotic_Goose to Pmsforsale [link] [comments]


2024.05.22 00:04 zak567 If the theme is “bounce” then I have to make a card for Marvel’s bounciest hero!

If the theme is “bounce” then I have to make a card for Marvel’s bounciest hero!
Before Silk was released I wanted to give that effect to Speedball. I still feel it fits him better so I decided to make an even more chaotic version of it. What type of deck is this card designed for? No clue!
submitted by zak567 to CustomMarvelSnap [link] [comments]


2024.05.22 00:00 swingerlover DIVINATION AND FORTUNE TELLING #astrology #tarot #tarotreading #tarotcards

DIVINATION AND FORTUNE TELLING #astrology #tarot #tarotreading #tarotcards
Divination is the practice or the process of inquiring knowledge of the unknown or the future by using supernatural methods as well as other items like Dice and tarot. Dice have a pretty long history as oracles. They were famous in ancient Rome and Greece. Again, they are prominent in medieval Europe. As you try to use dice for the first time, you will realize that there is a big distinction from other types of divination (like tarot). Further, it is normally an excellent idea to try different divination systems always to find out which parts of them we need to bring into our individual practice. Quite frequently, this is simply the latest deck in a way that we readily understand; however, it is still significant to look at completely various physical tools. One of the very interesting for contemporary readers is dice.
The basics of Dice.
Typically, dice oracles fall into two major styles; the “book” and the “hand”. First, the “Book” method includes generating a number and then picking up the analogous passage on a page. The subsequent could be anything from poetic verse to precise instructions and often would not relate right to the numbers that were initially rolled. The listing for the subsequent passage, 327, would have a completely unique meaning (and not related to 3, 2 or 7 at all). Therefore, you would have to carry both your dice and the whole book of answers with you to perform the divination. Surprisingly, this is a compelling tradition with many years of history behind it. Furthermore, there is another method- that opens up additional possibilities.
There are sound differences with using dice rather than cards that are fun as well. Cards come with fixed art that can be deciphered or reveal concealed symbolism, guided by the artist. They just have those particular structures and images (like a decision on number order, trump names and art style). The dots or marks on dice are very simple, by contrast, that they get out of the reader’s way and give room for wider accounts to be brought to the reading- particularly on something as rich as the components, which have a lot of aspects to them. The components exist as absolute magical ideals but as the solid reality we find around as too. In fact, they are even in us, as the power of our bones, the heat in our blood.
Physical dice fast become magical tools that have all of these opportunities, alive with potential. With only one six-sided die inside your pocket, you have a straight line to a big part of Western magic. Rather than turning a card to be given with a response, this sounds more as if you generate each component separately yourself using an action from your hand.
On the other hand, dice and cards are of course so comparable. (As a matter of fact, in case each of the aggregate in this oracle was painted onto a card, then the outcome deck of 72 cards would produce precisely the same possibility of each answer as it does at the moment with dice). Certainly, this is a concern we need to always be conscious of when designing a system of divination: you can just have the outcomes that put in. In this regard, none of the outcomes should have less of the possibility than others except that is something for which you have intentionally thought of and planned for. Complex systems can be enjoyable, and you can make use of charts, cards, and lengths of string, colored beads, or a combination of these! As an initial step, the very fulfilling and elegant can be done with only a one die in your pocket without the possibility of losing any of the beauty or depth.
📷Other things that make dice preferable.
Using cards is convenient as well. They are quite smaller compared to a full deck of cards. For this, from a public point of view, they do not resemble the occult object. Furthermore, there are various beautiful alternatives for you. These include metals and colors of your preference, wooden dice in a small box, various sizes, in a pocket or simply in bags. Definitely, the dice you use for divination is your magical devices and needs to be kept and utilized only for magical reasons in the same manners that many individuals do with tarot cards.
From their first form as small animal bones, the dice have been an important component of the whole history of divination. We usually find runes, cards and even sticks available to purchase as oracles. Nevertheless, dice appear to be so ordinary. We notice their sis sides and imagine that they can just give six answers. Rather, they open up such a big area of possible images and information: loving relationships, high-energy battles, landscapes of guaranteed success or warnings of questionable foundations. This just comes from a single die. Readers looking for a unique encounter or change of directions need to consider adding the humble dice in their search.
Divination by scrying.
Scrying, otherwise known as “crystal gazing” is a method by which an individual “gazes” onto a reflective thing. Still, quite a number of people use a scrying mirror or crystal ball. Scrying mirrors are basically concave opaque parts of glass. They are pretty appealing. Nevertheless, you can scry on simply about any reflective exterior, a piece of metal, a bowl of water or a mirror. In some cases, some people can even scry in flames or smoke.
The aim of scrying is to get information. Some people think that this information is presented psychically or clairvoyantly. Others believe the scrying procedure just clears the mind for information from the source or the Universe to flow more smoothly. The information obtained can be used to satisfy an entire host of concerns and questions. Sometimes, the information given is so accurate that the scryer will see visions of actual places, people and events. In some instances, the information given is symbolic just like a dream and has to be interpreted.
From another point of view, open eye scrying requires regular exercise and concentration. Actually, some people find it hard to focus their attention with their eyes open. Luckily, other people are natural scryers. Due to this, they have the ability to focus and images start to appear almost instantaneously. You may never get the hang of it. However, at some point, you may be able to gain images in a carefree state, on your eyelids, with your eyes shut. If you do some research and inquire from others, you may find that they also apply the same method suggesting that that could be another form of scrying. Assuredly, many people will not regard that as a way of scrying because it does not include a “tool” like a mirror outside the person. Besides, you may realize that that is a very effective technique to practice scrying with your eyes closed. In fact, it could be one way that will help you relax and receive essential images. While that may work for some people, others may find it quite irrelevant too. Seemingly, everyone has their best ways of scrying in the bid to get the ultimate goal.
📷Rune reading.
Runes (Witch’s Runes) are simplistic pictograms that pair concepts with symbols that are very acceptable in this contemporary world. In my late teen years, I came across the Witch’s Runes and they really made an impact on me. First, they were few in numbers, easy for me to differentiate from one another and clear to learn. In some ways, these were a groundbreaking entry to the concept of complex symbolism in my case. Because the witch’s Runes are not an old script, they have no particular sound or pronunciation; the headings of the runes are in normal English.
There is a lot less to get here, yet they more often than not be applied conversely with the Elder Futhark in this process of divination. In case you feel content with the Elder Futhark, start learning the Witch’s Runes besides them and realize how the two compare and contrast in your personal practice. If you are still working with the Elder Futhark, you can continue, or you can go back and master the Witch’s Runes first in case both time and memorization are obstacles for you.

  • Rune number– the Witch’s Rune is manifested in particular order, just like other rune rows, although they are not a script.
  • Rune name– the Witch’s Rune name is given in English and is directly mirrored by the image.
  • Think– Pictograms are not definite representations of their concepts, remarkably since there are elusive nuances for each rune. There is some imagery correlated to each rune that may assist you to link them with their meanings. You may be having other imagery that best for you and you can go with it as you wish.
There are only some of the obvious meanings for the runes that work for most people. For your own good, you may add them with time or alter those that do not seem suitable.
Most people prefer touse Tarot Reading as a method of fortune telling:
Quickly learn how to use tarot for daily benefits. Ordinarily, people know tarot as a tool for telling the future or answering questions. Nevertheless, tarot can also be employed in other things other than asking questions. It is always recommendable to take short time while pulling cards. Generally, time is important, and mere acts of…Read More: How To Use Tarot Daily For Benefits
Interested in Izabael Dajinn giving you a Tarot or Crystal Reading?


https://preview.redd.it/sfji8mzt8di51.png?width=844&format=png&auto=webp&s=4e34eb6cf892cc021b611dfc79155a0cea880b10
submitted by swingerlover to occultspells [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 23:58 DragonKnov Kunlun Sect's Weakest Disciple: Chapter 22

‎‎‎[📖First ⏮️Previous Next⏭️]

‘Song Jia...’ Ji Wuye murmured inwardly, a train of thoughts racing through his mind.
‎ ‎
"Hehehe..." Song Jia's airy laugh echoed through the abandoned courtyard as she sauntered in, her lithe figure swaying gracefully. Bending at the waist, she inspected the overgrown surroundings with curious eyes, plump lips curling into an impish smile.
‎ ‎
The sound of her voice instantly put Ji Wuye on alert.
‎ ‎
He swiftly schooled his features into a mask of pleasant surprise, but inwardly her abrupt presence sent a tendril of unease slithering down his spine.

Squinting against the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, he scratched his tousled white locks and flashed a disingenuous grin. "Ah! Sister Song, it's...rather unexpected to find you wandering these abandoned grounds."

As Ji Wuye's words hung in the heavy silence, Song Jia suddenly appeared before him, invading his personal space.

Her delicate brows furrowed as piercing luminous irises bored into his, leaving him momentarily wrong-footed by her intense scrutiny. A subtle floral fragrance wafted from her, contrasting with the earthy scents of crushed foliage and damp soil surrounding them.

Song Jia's frown deepened, plump lips pursing in dissatisfaction at his awkward responses. After a tense pause, she exploded into movement. Her slender fist lanced towards Ji Wuye's chiseled face in a lightning-fast strike.

WHOOSH-!

Her knuckles halted a hairsbreadth from his straight nose. Despite the suddenness of the attack, Ji Wuye's nonchalant smile evaporated as his body thrummed with coiled tension.

His crimson gaze sharpened to piercing clarity, shoulders squaring as calloused palms twitched in readiness to deflect the incoming blow.

From Song Jia's perspective, the handsome youth's unassuming facade shattered, replaced by a magnificent, dignified aura of quiet strength that radiated potent power.

"Hmm...now that's more like it!" she purred approvingly, withdrawing her fist. An impish grin played about her full lips as she sashayed away, eyes roving over the scattered logs and boulders littering the courtyard.

Ji Wuye's shoulders slumped as he exhaled a resigned sigh. 'What's gotten into her this time?'

Now exposed, he dropped the pretense, features settling into a mask of mild annoyance. Planting himself squarely before Song Jia to impede her exploration, he demanded, "You haven't answered my question. Why are you here?"

His blunt words held an edge of barely restrained irritation at this unwelcome interruption to his training regimen.

"My my, Brother Ji..." Song Jia tsked in mock reproach, deftly circling around the obstruction he presented with effortless, almost dancinglike movements. "Is this the real, unvarnished you beneath that polite facade? I can scarcely believe all the other Sisters have failed to glimpse this intriguing, roguish side!"

Her teasing lilt contrasted with the solemn weight of her luminous gaze, which remained cautiously trained upon him even as she squatted to inspect a massive, moss-covered boulder.

"Woah..." she murmured in amazed appreciation, trailing slender fingertips over the craggy stone surface. "This is enormous! Don't tell me you've been training with something this size?"

Resigning himself to her intrusive presence for now, Ji Wuye retreated to the deck edging the courtyard's living quarters and settled cross-legged upon the weathered planks with a weary sigh. His crimson eyes openly studied Song Jia's lithe, muscular form as she crouched mere paces away.

For all her seeming delicacy, the sleek curves of the seventeen-year-old's figure hinted at the taut strength coiled beneath her form-fitting martial robe, a byproduct of constant rigorous training.

An undeniable beauty, yet her luminous gaze remained shrewdly guarded, at odds with her outward nonchalance as she focused on her surroundings.

The same wariness he had sensed the first time they met in the previous timeline, when her transcendent skills rendered him little more than an awed spectator...

'Back then, she was already so tremendously powerful that I could only watch from behind,' Ji Wuye reflected with a quiet, inward murmur.

Shaking off the nostalgic reverie, his brow furrowed as he refocused on the puzzling matter at hand. 'But why is she really here, in this remote, disused courtyard?'

Though he couldn't precisely recall details from the previous timeline, a vague recollection surfaced that Song Jia had become something of a famous among the Outer Disciples after her prodigious talents were unveiled.

An insatiable appetite for challenging others and constant training leaving a trail of defeated geniuses in her wake...

This secluded area, isolated from the bustling male and female disciple quarters, was abandoned for good reason. So what had drawn her formidable presence here today?

As Ji Wuye's thoughts chased themselves in fruitless circles, Song Jia abruptly paused and shifted her piercing gaze regard back towards him, seeming satisfied by whatever she had discerned.

Straightening fluidly from her crouch, she fixed him with a imperious look and issued a simple challenge:

"Let's spar...Brother Ji."
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
‎‎‎[📖First ⏮️Previous Next⏭️]
submitted by DragonKnov to HFY [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 23:36 Brilliant-Gas9546 Chaos and Order Prologue/chapter one

Chaos and Order Prologue/chapter One
Novella
The following is the first two chapters from my first fantasy novel. It's an almost Lovecraftian, dark fantasy inspired by the likes of Berserk, Attack on Titan and One Piece. I had originally thought to try and do a graphic novel. After realising the amount of effort that might take, I'll try it in prose form first.
Hope you enjoy
At the beginning there was only the Source.
The source energy of all things made from pure consciousness, an omnipresent higher being. Fated to be everything and nothing forever in an eternity of self reflection and loneliness, Source felt an eternity of despair. From that despair it gave birth to two new separate beings. Source's soul now divided into two entities.
Order and Chaos were born.
Source divided itself up equally between Order and Chaos and became all the life that that now wandered the world of Eve.
For a time, Order and chaos existed in balance. But Order, in it's increasing desire to control life, soon sought to banish chaos...
Our story begins long after Chaos and his followers have been mascaraed in an ancient war. A small village near the edge of the world is all that remains of them. In their desperation they cry out to their lord and begged Chaos for it's aid. Chaos also fearing it's extinction reached out to them. It would embed a portion its power upon one child born in precisely 9 months time. Created in to defeat Order, it is the last hope for Chaos and all of it's followers. It would defeat Order and the one who ruled in it's name. The leaders of the village David and Fae would give birth to the child of Chaos, it's power blessed upon the newborn. David and Faye named him Guy. Born to defeat Order and kill it's leader, the sorceress of Order. Chaos tells the villagers the child will be the one to rid the world of Order, and restore Chaos into the world. Soon Guy was born and the village held it's breath.
Guy always knew he was different. From his earliest memories, he sensed wasn't like the other children. Whilst they played together he trained alone. Harnessing his skills in combat.
Why do I do this? The thought was always stalking him.
"It is too much to burden you with" Guy remembers his mother telling him. "One day we will tell you everything and you will understand. You're everything our people have waited for. You're special Guy".
I don't want to be special. I just want a friend. I want to be normal...
Ten days before his 8th birthday, in the height of a winter storm, he heard his parents arguing. Every now and again the storm would drown our their voices. The next day they told him he was finally old enough to learn the truth about his birth and his destiny. All the ordeals and training would finally make sense.
Two days before his 8th birthday Guy watched the other kids celebrating one of theirs. Whilst his parents were away for a village meeting, he snuck out to join them. Guy asked if he could play too. The other children went silent. They quickly made excuses to leave. When Guy returned to his house he saw the other kids come back out again.
The next day he was once again practicing his combat skills with his wooden dagger. His father watched on.
Guy's form slipped for just a moment.
"Again Guy?." His father slapped the back of Guy's head . "How many times have I told you to concentrate!?"
Guy dropped his dagger.
"I don't want this anymore. I just want to be normal!!
Guy runs into the woods until, eventually, his father's scream disappeared into the gathering wind. Guy lies still, sobbing beside an old oak tree. A few minutes pass and exhaustion begins to creep in as his eyes turn bloodshot.
"I swear I won't come back this time" Guy muttered to himself.
The sound of thunder can be heard. Guy bolts up right and hears a scream coming from the village. He rushes to his feet and runs in it's direction. The screaming grows louder and louder as thick smoke begins to gather.
I knew shouldn't of ran away, its my fault this has happened! The words hung heavy in his mind.
He arrives back at the village. Hostile unfamiliar voices can be heard in the.
A cold voice fills the air.
"The child where is he?" Guy's father hovers in the air, his feet several feet above the ground, before a hooded figure. The hooded figure was tall and wore dark black and purple robes, his face shrouded in shadow. He carried a long body-length staff stretched towards Guy's father, a blue light shining towards his father's face at the very tip. Guy stops and watches as he sees the life slowly being choked out of him, his fathers eyes just visible through the thickening smoke.
"Tell me where he is!" the figure bellows
"I told you I have no child" David gasped
Guys eyes tremble and he holds back tears. His father's eyes meets his own for a second and then fades . Guy turns and runs. He doesn't stop. He runs for miles till the screams can no longer be heard. The only voices be could now hear was his fathers and his own as they swirled inside his head.
I have no son - He heard his father's voice
Why didn't I save them - He thought
I told you
Its all my fault. Its my fault Its all my fault Its my fault
I should of never have fled
I told you. I HAVE NO SON
Guy, aged 18, wakes up in the present day from the same nightmare. He is sleeping in a makeshift leather tent in the woods, his sweaty hand gripping his steel dagger. The full moon is high and bright but will soon be covered by thick cloud. Guy gets up and takes out his dagger and begins moving towards the nearby tree. He lunges in with it pointed just about touching the tree with the tip, just as he was taught to as a child. As the sun rises we can see that even in the gloom almost all of his strikes to tree were on target. There hundreds of incisions and pieces of tree missing, all laser focused on one spot just a few mm thick and wide.
The sunlight illuminates his lifeless eyes. He stares at the tree and wonders again, what is his purpose. His hand grips his blade as he lunges once more at the tree.
Chapter 1
Luna
Capital city
The grand temple of Order
Luna's heart danced with excitement as she walked hand in hand with her mother, her bright green-blue eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Did you tell them I wanted white daffodils when I return to this plane? That's how I always imagined it!"
"Yes Luna, now we must hurry" her mother replied with a forced smile. Luna (7 years old) loved flowers but especially daffodils.
As they approached the grand hall, Luna's breath caught in her throat at the sight before her. The doors swung open to reveal a spectacle more magnificent than anything she had ever imagined.
Three magical orbs floated gracefully in an orbit around the hall, casting a soft, ethereal light that bathed everything in a blue mystical glow.
The religious, military, civil leaders and royal family members watched on in hushed silence as Luna and her mother entered the hall, the blue light only just bright enough to illuminate their eager faces as they watched on. It was so dim Luna could not see very far beyond the limited light the orbs cast. The distant edges of the hall still lay in shadow.
She had dreamed of final seeing the grand Hall and finally becoming a sorceress . Surrounded by white daffodils and the admiration of her family, she would emerge as the greatest sorceress ever. Luna inhaled deeply. She wondered if she'd be like the wise sorceress of the rebellion era who saved Eden from the dark one. Or perhaps the current sorceress , her great aunty Adel, whos powers would soon pass to Luna. As she approached the alter at the center of the oval hall, she looked around to see hooded figure at all side. Most held staffs with glowing blue orbs at the tip, all raised up towards the spheres that hovered in the air. A soft chant could be heard. A choir of hooded girls sang an almost forgotten ancient tongue towards the alter. Known only to a few, Luna couldn't remember what they called the language. Her mother had told her aside from a chosen few, no one remembered the name.
All as was designed by Order in his great plan. She thought
The song rose slightly as she reached the center. Luna walked up a stone step and kneeled before the alter just as she was told to do so. The grand priest, a tall balding man dressed in brilliant white robes cleared his throat and bellowed
"We begin this ceremony to welcome a new vessel to our saviour and light in the dark years. Great Lord of Order who banished Chaos to the night long ago. May we rid the heavens and Eden of all of his kin, so his name too will be lost to time" He cleared his throat again before continuing
"We the disciples of Order eagerly follow his path. Soon we will join him in the promised land"
Luna's mother whispers in her ear
"Be brave, Mother loves you" Luna didn't understand why there was a little sadness in her voice. Her mother squeezed her hand one last time then leaves her side to join her father who's eyes glared fiercely back at her.
Luna looked at her feet. I have to make him proud. Be a good daughter. Be a good sorceress
The grand priest began to speak
"So as the new eve approaches so we cast aside the old and begin anew. The final vassal and saviour." The room echoes these words with him. She could feel her heart beating in her ears
A hooded figure approaches her and removes her brilliant dark purple hood. The sorceress Adel, her great aunt and current ruler of Eden.
White haired and ancient, her passionless eyes stares down at Luna. She nods gently at Luna to begin. Now Luna needed to assume her rightful place before her and kneel. The center sphere turned blue and the air seemed to change. The great priest raises his arms and the chanting grows louder before coming to a sudden stop. Luna could sense a new presence among them. . She took a deep breath. The great priest passed a goblet of shining blue liquid to Luna. She drank a sip of the water and passed it to Adel. Adel was trembling too, even more than Luna. Adel took a sip before passing the goblet back to the grand priest.
A moment passed. From the corners of the hall a shadow moved quickly. The blue light of the spheres began to shiver and twist as the shadow passed though it. The shadow reached out and sank into Adel. She screamed as light bellowed from her mouth.
An unearthly voice rang
Do you accept me, child
There was silence
Luna couldn't find her voice. She opened her mouth gasping for the words. Looking over Adel's shoulder. She saw her father's eyes glaring from the shadows. Luna's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes I I accept"
The light blasted out of Adel and hit her head on. Luna screamed as the Adel fell to the floor.
She felt the light tear into the very fabric of her soul and bury itself there. For a moment Luna no longer knew who she was, where she was, or have memories of ever being alive. Her soul was ripped out her body and flung far, far away. There she felt the pure terror of eternity gaze at her. She knew Order was with her now. Waiting, watching. For a moment she thought she could see what was almost an eye, or window of perception. Flashes of light began to appear from it. Each flash was a moment in time. The future. It began to unravel itself in her mind. Her soul screamed out as the future became a part of her. Now every moment of her life, her was as burnt into her memory and it began to unfold one second at a time.
She opened her eyes and saw clapping.
"Arise sorceress Luna."
Tears streamed down her face she took a step forward.
It was just the same as she had foreseen. It was just the same as she had foreseen. It was just as she had foreseen..! The words tormented her.
Everything is the same. No this can't be real. This can't be... Her eyes met Adel's Adel looked back at her with a sad smile.
"I love you Luna. Be strong"
"It hurts. please, please help me, please" Luna begged
"Promise me you won't give up. I believe in you" Adel replied. Luna looked at her feet.
I can't let them see me cry.
She looks up and sees her aunt collapse and lay motionless. The blue light fades and colour returns to the hall.
Luna reaches to cover her eyes as more tears began to form. She already knew what would happen next, but she couldn't prevent it. The tears kept appearing.
Stop stop, please Stop
Her father grabs her her arms away from her face and thrusts them to her side. He kneels and whispers.
"If you don't stop crying and bringing shame to out family.. to our LORD. I will no longer have a daughter. Am I understood?"
"Yes father"
"As you were, child". He glares and pushes her towards the head priest before returning to his seat.
"Continue" he bellows. Everyone who was for a moment frozen in place by his fury jolt back to their positions. All was all just as she had seen. Burnt into her mind . It was like walking through a familiar tunnel. A tunnel of her life. And then came the next moment, and the next. Like she foreseen. Like she had foreseen like she had foreseen...
Her heart slowed.
Who am I now. Please help me Aunty
She saw the daffodils she had requested dancing in the air as she walked through an applauding crowd. She grabbed one and stared at it. Onlookers sobbed and hugged each other in joy. The choir resumed, right at the precise moment she expected it would. She opened her hand and looked at the white daffodil. It was just a dead flower, nothing special.
submitted by Brilliant-Gas9546 to creativewriting [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 23:27 sbparksandrecdept Pruning and Removal of Select Anapamu Street Italian Stone Pines to Begin Next Month

Pruning and Removal of Select Anapamu Street Italian Stone Pines to Begin Next Month
Italian stone pines lining East Anapamu Street
The City of Santa Barbara’s Urban Forestry staff will remove five Italian stone pines on East Anapamu Street after a comprehensive assessment identified the aging trees as a threat to public safety. Many of the remaining trees will receive canopy pruning to reduce the risk of limb failure once neighboring trees are removed. Removals are expected to begin the week of June 3.
Between March 29 and March 30, two Italian stone pines on East Anapamu Street failed, and three required emergency removal due to the risk of imminent failure. While the trees are regularly monitored due to their age and size, a comprehensive tree risk assessment evaluated the overall health and structural stability of each Italian stone pine and identified five trees with dead and decaying roots, requiring full removal. Seven trees are in an irreversible decline in health but were not identified as high-risk and are not currently scheduled for removal. Urban Forestry staff will continue to monitor these trees.
The mature trees were planted in 1908 and 1929 and have been weakened by a combination of factors, including drought, disease, and development over the past century. When the trees were planted, East Anapamu Street was a wide, unpaved road. Today, the trees are in parkways ranging from 4-6 feet. The large lateral roots of the Italian stone pines cause damage to nearby asphalt and concrete, lifting sidewalks and damaging roads. As repairs are made to the surrounding hardscape, the roots of the trees are pruned, weakening the tree. Aggressive canopy pruning to accommodate overhead utility lines places additional stress on the mature trees.
Recent lab testing identified Phytophthora root rot in the soil of all tested trees. This fungal pathogen kills a tree’s roots, first infecting small fibrous feeder roots before moving into larger roots of the tree. Infected feeder roots impact the tree’s ability to uptake water and nutrients, leading to overall decline. Given the pathogen’s ability to easily spread from one location to another, it is presumed to be present in each of the parkways. Lab testing also identified Diplodia tip blight within the canopies of tested trees. This fungal pathogen causes the decline and death of portions of the tree canopy over time.
Urban Forestry staff will develop recommendations for replanting, including consideration of whether the Italian stone pine should remain as the designated street tree or whether there are other tree species that would successfully re-establish the canopy while honoring the City’s horticultural legacy. This process will include review and discussion during public meetings with the Historic Landmarks Commission, Street Tree Advisory Committee, and Parks and Recreation Commission.
Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/StonePines for more information, including answers to frequently asked questions.
submitted by sbparksandrecdept to SantaBarbara [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 23:24 PWOFalcon As Astra Volume 0, Prolog, Chapter 1, part 2

Part 1: https://www.reddit.com/HFY/comments/1cxj7h8/comment/l52vtd5/?context=3
*****

The Palatini of Orias journey took nine grueling days of traveling down the peaks of Torness Mountain Range. But at long last, they reached the Coralus Valley. While the temperature was far below what the half-elf usually enjoyed, it was far better than the mountain peaks.
They traveled through the valley, trying to avoid the multiple hostiles, villages, and anyone else who could tip off their enemies. They had to take every tedious path imaginable to prevent possible contact with the enemy.
Staring at their destination, Fraeya Holiadon could not decide if she should be thrilled or distorted at the sight. "Is this the place?"
"I believe so," Raegel said. "The pattern of the structures matches my drawings and the map. See the remains of the two walls?"
"And the stone rings that direct out," Henness said.
"So, you have read the legends," Raegel said, surprised by the centurion's knowledge of the temple.
"I always prepare before a mission," Henness said. "Those half rings, are they stone or artificial?"
"They look like stone, so I think they used the ground stone and molded them," Raegel said.
Fraeya Holiadon carefully stared at the temple ruins. All she could see was the destruction—fractured stone buildings, walls, weed-infested stone pavement, and so on. While there were still many stone structures, most were destroyed. She could only see death, not the walls her father could see.
She turned to ask her father what he was talking about but saw Centurion Fionntan Henness pointing toward the walls and other details.
Watching the two communicate about the features of the temple, she realized how out of depth she was. Her father spent generations studying ruins like this, while Henness is an experienced soldier. For Fraeya, this was her first mission outside the academy supervision, and she realized how different the world was compared to the classroom.
As the two spoke, her elf ears overheard Henness mention that he saw green webbing. As the two men debated what creatures could create that webbing, she already knew based on the type of webbing. Being an excellent student, she recalled the topic regarding intelligent monsters. While many species produce a web, only one creates a thick green. Goblins.
"Father," Fraeya said. "I think goblins made those webbings."
"How could you possibly know that?" Henness asked, unconvinced by the theory. "It would easily be Rorgo or a Kipt."
Fraeya reached into her backpack and pulled out her notepad. She flipped through the pages and responded, "Kipt is more silk-like, while Rorgo is more for capturing prey. Both are white. Only Goblins make green."
"She is correct," Raegel said. "The green should have been a given."
"Alright," Henness said. "That complicates things."
"How so?" Fraeya asked. "The academy said they are weak. Adventures and local militia kill them constantly, so your men should be able to wipe them out with your weaponry easily."
"Goblins are weak in small numbers, but they are a nightmare in large numbers," Henness said. "And depending on the horde, they adapt to who their enemies are quickly. For all I know, we could be fighting a nest that is as heavily armed as we are."
Fraeya looked back toward the next with much confusion. She knew about the goblin's ability to adapt. However, her teachers never stated how formal they could be. Only treating them as barbarians is a functional civilization. "I would think the academy would mention something like that."
"If you are going to be out here in the world, you must understand that life is very different from the classroom," Henness said. "The difference between someone who lives behind a desk versus someone on the ground. Now, I need to get my forces ready for our attack."
Once the centurion left, Fraeya looked at her father. "I am starting to get the impression that my schooling wasn't as truthful as I once thought."
Raegel chuckled at the statement from his daughter. "That is what I said when I left my academy in Thali'ean," he said with a short chuckle before he spoke. "Henness was correct; there is a large gap between the classroom and out here in the world."
"I see. So, now, what do we do?"
"We wait for the legionaries to form a plan. Because time is not on our side, he will want you to assist with your magic. Do you think you can assist? If you are uncomfortable, tell me now, and you can stay here where it is safe."
Feeling a nervous chill creeping down her spine, she looked back toward the temple and breathed heavily. "I admit, I am scared, but I didn't come here to babysit the camp. I want to help."
She felt her father pat her on the back, feeling a sense of pride from his touch.
"That's my daughter."
After an hour of planning, the Palatini of Orias began their assault on the temple ruins. The plan was for a primary team to assault the temple directly, triggering a response from the goblin. The second team would remain on the high ground and pick off the horde.
Fraeya ended up on the right side of the group team. To her surprise, many soldiers were thrilled that they were finally getting into a fight. She wondered, after two weeks of crawling over the mountains and hiding like rodents, they finally got a chance to be soldiers.
The primary assault group she was attached to advance toward the temple once the signal was given. Passing one of the few remaining wall structures, they entered the temple ground. As they swept through the old temple's front sections, the goblins huddled around a fire pit, noticed them, and prepared for battle.
Three legionaries known as circilmen, from the palatini positioned themselves to engage the incoming enemy. Carrying a ranged projectile weapon known as a circiletum, they hid behind the front shield men and fired upon the incoming enemy. They picked off two of the three goblins as the last one quickly crawled under a piece of rubble for cover. Then, the palatini heard a painful screech from the hiding goblin.
Fraeya couldn't help herself but stand there noticing the two fresh corpses. She then watched as two of the swordsmen rushed to the hiding goblin. They reached in and pulled the little green monster out of its hiding spot.
Two swordsmen grabbed the goblin and dragged it from its cover, it jumped on top of one of the legionaries, stabbing its blade into its armor, unable to break through. With a short struggle, the legionary could slam the goblin onto the ground. The other legionary stomped on the body before thrusting his gladius into the monster.
Hearing another screech, Fraeya looked down the stone path and saw goblins popping out of every crack and corner.
One of the legionary officers ordered the unit to reform. The swordsmen took the front with their large scutum shields, creating a two-line protective shield wall. Behind them were the circilmen, taking cover behind the scutum.
The group of goblins charged forward. As they approached, the legionaries saw the raw, starving rage within their dark green eyes—a thirst for primal instincts of food and lust and nothing else.
"Fraeya, is it?"
Hearing her name, she turned to the commanding offer of this group.
"When I give the order, shake the ground." The lower-ranking Centurian said.
Fraeya acknowledged the order as she understood what he was planning.
Turning back to the incoming horde, she watched the three circilmen open fire. The circiletums cut down the forward group of goblins. The ones behind that row suddenly stopped from the shock but were cut down by a second volley.
"Now. Before they scatter."
Fraeya placed her hands together and chanted. The two tiny mana crystals on her gloves blew green as she felt a raw energy channel through her body. A moment later, that glow expanded to the point that it encompassed her hand.
Channeling the mana needed for the spell, Fraeya placed her left hand on the ground.
The stone ground beneath them shook the stone terra, stunning the goblins. Right down the center, cracks formed, and the terra broke apart. The road slightly uplifted into an elevation, forcing the goblins to focus on what was happening.
With the ground disinformed, it prevented the enemy from scattering in an organized manner, allowing the circilmen to fire another volley.
The front scutum marched forward and started cutting down anything that moved. The other line split into two groups. They were marching down the street in an almost synchronized manner. They held their shields high toward the ruins, protecting the circilmen from any incoming projectile. Arrows and magic.
Fireballs flew and impacted the scutum infantry, protecting the flanks. Some of the shields glowed from the impact. The flames engulfed one of the men's arms, and he started to scream from the pain.
The circilmen returned fire, and a firefight began. The sound of their weapons crackled throughout the surrounding area, amplified by the ruined walls. Above the sound of battle were the voices and cries of the wounded—the circiletum that were deployed on the ridge above rained fire from the suppressive team.
The Palatini of Orias pushed deeper into the temple ground as the battle continued. That was until the town began to be consumed by this thick haze, providing cover for the goblins, and restricting visibility for the Lat forces. While not educated to the standards of civilized races, Goblins were not stupid.
"It is a haze," Fraeya said. "They must have a mage somewhere within the nest."
Centurion Fionntan Henness approached their forces and began to regroup. "Can you counter it?"
"No," Fraeya replied. "I never studied Aeromancy magic."
"Nebulo," Henness said. "Our armor and weapons will be less effective."
Fraeya understood his concern. From what she recalled from her classes; goblins have sharp senses. Based on the density of the haze, it was clear even to her that they were planning to force them to huddle and expose themselves to be surrounded, making their ranged weapons worthless.
"We will just have to work around it," Raegel said.
As Frayea prepared herself, she felt a strange feeling throughout her body, almost like some field affecting her body. She saw a female legionary in light armor and a cloak checking over the wounded. One of the few women in the legionary, she could tell she was the unit healer specializing in Sanamancy magic. The women must have placed a barrier to help protect against any poisonous gasses lying within the haze.
Orias advanced through the haze; this forced the soldiers to clump together for safety. As the assault group progressed, they were hit non-stop by the goblin's arrow fire, spears, and fire shots from sling guns. Most of these projectiles caused minor damage thanks to the heavy armor legionary’s wear. However, this did not remove the damage as it brought discomfort and limited their progression to a crawl.
Barely noticing two figures on top of a rooftop through the haze, who were firing slingshots toward their position, she pointed her hand toward a piece of rubble and, with her magic, lifted the debris and projected it through the haze. The rubble temporarily formed a gap in the haze that increased the line-of-sight.
She then called out to the fire battle mage within the unit. The mage realized what was happening and fired multiple firebolts toward the tower. Five bolts impacted the building from different directions, engulfing the structure in flames. Everyone could hear the faint sound of goblins screaming as the building burnt.
With the tower collapsing suddenly, arrows rained through the thick haze, hitting the legionaries in retaliation. While most arrows bounced off the armor, some found exposed spots. Two more legionaries fell to their knees, with one vomiting blood, forcing the healed to focus on the sick over protecting the group.
It became clear that the goblins changed their tactics and poisoned their arrows. While worthless against armor, they could still puncture the underneath clothing and scrap any exposed part of the skin.
A luperca legionnaire picked up an old broken wagon and used it as a shield to protect. With the cover, the lower ranking commanders directed the circilmen to pick off any goblins that peaked above the surface.
Combined with the haze and change of tactic, this formed a strange stalemate between the two sides. The Orias was forced into a defensive; they were well equipped to deal with any goblins who dared to get within melee range. However, the goblins had surrounded and had the range advance as they could see through the haze, allowing them to snipe any legionary who adventured far from the group.
Fraeya saw a blob of acid impact a swordsmen's scutum. The scutum started being consumed by the spell, slowly falling into pieces. The man screamed as he felt his arm burn, desperately untieing the strappings to ditch the heavy shield.
"We need to kill their shaman before we are picked off," Raegel said.
"I agreed," Henness replied. "As long as this haze is here, my suppressive team is useless."
"If I recall," Fraeya said. "A Shaman should be nearby. Someone close enough to maintain this haze and give commands but not put themselves in danger."
"Then I know where it should be," Henness said. "Let's go half-elf."
She felt her ears perk up once she realized the centurion was talking about her. She looked toward her father and saw the 'it is time to prove yourself' look. Taking a deep breath and preparing herself, she gathered behind Henness and six of his men.
The assault unit left the main one and adventurer deeper into the temple grounds. As they reached what remained of an intersection, goblins stormed out of the stone buildings to ambush the legionaries.
With their disciplined reaction, the legionaries immediately adjusted their formation and sliced down the attackers. Henness stood at the center, holding his sword out as flames wrapped around the blade.
As the goblins attacked the swordsmen, Fraeya broke apart the ground on the right flank, knocking many goblins. The one that fell, she entangled them by summoning vines - which trapped the goblins and pulled them into the ground until their death or burial.
She then turned and lifted parts of the ground on the left flank, blocking some of the goblins. This prevented the legionaries from being encircled.
"Reform," Henness ordered. "We need to advance quickly. Stay close."
Once the path was clear, the unit moved toward the building where the goblins had fortified. Henness moved in front of her to provide protection. He held up his shield, deflecting arrows.
"Stay behind me," Henness said.
While not being a military woman, Fraeya quickly learned to accept the chain of command on this quest. On the battlefield, her father told her to listen to Henness as he was a man of war. She realized that the structure and safety of the city and the academy are vastly different in the countryside. Getting behind him, she followed him close behind as he pushed forward, arrows striking his shield, allowing her to get in range for her spell.
The legionaries stopped engaging the incoming goblins, allowing their centurion and the young mage to get closer. Henness reached around his scutum and pressed the amulet attached to the outer shell's center. Once pressed, the large shield briefly glowed before darkening, returning to the standard red with white lining design.
Up ahead, Fraeya saw in full display of the nest. Spikes, fortification, and green webbing filled the gaps between the ruined structures. Skeletons and decomposing bodies littered the areas of their past victims. The goblins were standing in the bunker sections, preparing for battle. With how heavily guarded it was, she concluded that this must be where the Shaman was.
"Fraeya, now!"
Fraeya moved around the man to cast her spell. With a quick chant, her hands glowed green again. As she channeled her mana, an acid attack impacted Henness' scutum. While the added hardening enchantment from the amulet increased the scutum resistance, the acid slowly ate through the large shield.
Stepping from cover, Fraeya aimed her hands at the nest. The ground trembled a little as the front of the nest collapsed on itself from the summoned sinkhole.
With the front entrance open, Fraeya saw the Shaman in plain view—a female, being one of the few within a goblin nest. The Shama looked scared as she looked around where to hide.
Fraeya did not give it time as she cast a spell that created a spike from the ground below the Shaman and pierced straight through the vicious monster, killing it instantly.
As the Shaman staff hit the ground, the haze started to disappear.
Believing that her work was complete after killing the goblin leader, her ears quickly heard footsteps surrounding them.
Noticing that the goblins were about to swarm their position, she took cover behind Henness to protect his rear. She took a deep breath as she felt exhausted from the battle and cast so many spells quickly.
Starting at five goblins that emerged from the ruins, Fraeya watched as they charged toward them. Before they got close, however, each one was sniped from the ridge-side suppressive team.
With a moment of confusion, she stared toward the cliffside and saw the suppressive team. Now that the haze is disappearing, they could snipe off the remaining goblins from their elevation position.
"Good job, half-elf," Henness said, slowly stepping back with a shield aimed at the flames, guiding Fraeya back.
"Stop calling me half-elf," Fraeya yelled. "I am out here risking my life with the rest of you, and don't give me that war is a male-domain thing! I am willing to see this through. Most of my kind would stay home and let you fight, so why do you keep degrading me?"
"Because ideals get people killed," Fionntan Henness replied. "Out here, you must earn that respect within the brotherhood of warriors, especially if you are used to living inside the city walls. People with a self-protected mindset usually end up as food for the worms or get my soldiers killed because they do not understand what it takes to survive."
The centurion then turned to the destroyed nest. "I will say, though, what you did here. It is a good first step for a half-elf." He then turned to give her an approving smile.
Not understanding the humor from the Lat, Fraeya accepted it. From her experience, Lats always had a strange sense of humor. Insults are sometimes seen as compliments while praising could be considered offensive. Saying one thing but meaning another is a common trait for them.
With the remaining palatini coming after clearing the remaining goblins, Fraeya saw her father. She rushed over and hugged him and teared up.
"You did good, my dear," Raegel said as he patted her.
"Is this really what it is like out here?" Fraeya asked.
"Sadly, it is," Fraeya replied. "That is why I never brought you around on my digs."
"I am sorry to interrupt," Henness said. "We are on borrowed time, so can we get at it?"
Fraeya looked toward the centurion with frustration as she wanted a moment with her father. After taking a deep breath, she realized that he was right.
After finishing her hug, she brushed off the goblin's blood and clothing.
"Then we better begin searching for what we came for," Raegel said as he reached for his bag. She watched as he pulled out a perfectly smoothed, pure black orb. By itself, it didn't look impressive. She had seen hundreds of these orbs at the academy or the many workshops within the city.
Raegel held the orb in one hand and activated it with his mana. The orb glowed light blue and fainted, barely emitting any energy. He then took it against the mountain and began scanning.
Not wanting to miss anything, Fraeya quickly pulled out her journal, skipping past all her notes until she reached a blank page. She then began documenting everything her father did, taking in every world and detail.
The palatini began walking through the ruins, heading toward the mountain wall. Raegel explained in his research that the temple extended inside the mountain, like a dwarf borrian. While others who came before him came up with this theory, they were still looking for a way to detect the hidden door markings and find it.
Raegel moved down the side of the mountain, holding the orb high.
"Why are you not using a door-detecting amulet?" Fraeya asked.
"Because people have been using that for generations and found nothing here," Raegel replied.
After a reasonable amount of time when nothing had happened, Fraeya began to wonder if everything was for nothing. Seeing the lack of progress, Henness inquired if the orb failed to work. As Raegel replied, the orb suddenly blimped orange for a moment.
Witnessing the sudden change, the group backed away as they did not know how to respond to the sudden glow.
Noticing a renewed excitement from her father, she followed him closely as they investigated the mountainside.
As they searched, her father noticed that the faint blue glow from the orb had changed to orange. It then disappeared and slowly appeared, like it was slowly pulsing. When they continued walking forward, the pulsing light increased in speed.
"I think it is directing us, father," Fraeya said.
"Possible," Raegel said. "There must be some type of link."
The palatini followed the direction the orb gave. As the group approached a mountainside wall, the pulse frequency increased until it looked like the orb glowed a solid color.
"I think we found it," Raegel said. He lifted the orb toward the wall.
As the orb drew closer to the mountainside, these blue lines appeared all over the rocky wall. The rough chips of rock melted away and turned smooth as the light traveled through the grooves, slowly creating what looked like a giant door of light.
Once the bright lights finished designing a massive door, Fraeya placed her hand on the wall, shocked at how the natural bulky rocks turned into a marble-like wall.
"I would step aside, Fraeya," Raegel said.
As Fraeya stepped backward, she watched her father open the door with a magical spell. Like most magical doors, the door brightened as she expected it would fold into the mountain. To her surprise, the door didn't fold away but melted into the ground.
"What happened to the door?" Fraeya asked.
Raegal placed his hand on his chin. "It seemed that the wall was not solid but some liquid matter. These people are impressive."
The wall began to shake as dusk from the cracks spread through the area.
A large opening formed as the door walls folded into the mountainside. A passage leading deeper into the mountain. The walls were black and smooth, while the floor had these textiles in perfect order, leading deeper into the mountain.
"This has to be a dwarven design," Fraeya commented. "Only they could do something like this."
"I'm not sure," Raegel said. "This is not a design I have seen from dwarves."
Fraeya understood what her father meant. Dwarven doors into the mountains took a lot of work to find. While there were many designs of such hidden doors and the means to open them, it was doubtful that anyone had ever seen a secret magical door like this before.
Raegel started to walk into the chamber but was suddenly stopped by Henness. Stating that he wanted his men to go first to ensure no trap, three legionaries moved through the large chamber. Once they gave the clear, the rest of the group entered.
While walking, Fraeya stayed close to her father as she took notes. The soldiers ahead of them set up torches to add more light. To her surprise, the walls and floor were smooth. The air was stale, probably trapped within this chamber for centuries.
As they walked inside, the room lit up. Everyone stopped as they looked toward the end of the hall. The chamber was empty, with only a strange-looking platform at the very end. Noticing that the orb was pointing toward the platform, they approached it.
"Is this it?" Henness asked. "It does not look that impressive."
"Not everything is based on size, centurion," Raegel replied, to which his daughter giggled.
Fraeya then analyzed the platform. It was smooth, almost marble-like. However, she doubted whether it was marble. The fundamental details that she noticed were a strange-looking blue crystal at the center of the platform and another in a hole on the side.
"This is interesting," Fraeya commented. The design looked surprisingly simple. This orb must act as some command orb for this device. They must be communicating in some manner."
"Assuming that the legend was true, the orcs were the ones who summoned the lats from Altaerrie," Fraeya said. "Maybe, when this place was lost of that time, it was never turned off. Being left in a state of slumber, waiting to be reawakened."
"Possible. It would explain why the orb directed us here. The orange pulse is now pointing down at a rapid pace."
"I think it goes into that hole, father," Fraeya said. "From what I can tell, the crystal in there connects to the one on top of the platform."
"I see," Raegel said. "The pulse is pointing toward it too. I recommend that everyone step back."
"Be careful, father," Fraeya said.
Stepping back from the platform, Fraeya watched as her father placed the orb into the hole. This was the moment her father had been talking about for decades, and it had finally come true. The Bridge between two worlds had finally been discovered.
As Raegel placed the orb into the platform, it glowed orange in a solid state, no longer pulsing. The blue crystal in the middle of the platform slowly lit up, like it was waking up after a long sleep.
The air suddenly chilled as the air flowed toward the platform. A bright light beamed out of the crystal and slowly faded away, leaving a light as if on standby.
To their dismay, the orb changed to red, dimming and brightening in a slow, tired pattern.
"What is it doing, father?" Fraeya asked.
"I have no idea," Raegel replied. "It must be waiting for something."
submitted by PWOFalcon to HFY [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 23:04 WamSam ATX to ITX build conversion. Full ATX PSU in the SG13? or splash out on the Fractal Terra!

Hey there SSFPC,
I made a post earlier last week about converting my ATX PC to a smaller form factor, whilst I would love to keep most of my PC in something like the N-ATX V2, it seems like I cannot acquire one for love or money.
Instead I think I will bite the cost bullet and convert my build to ITX, and I am looking at two cases. Either the budget build (~£200 to convert) in the SilverStone SG13, or splash out and build in the beautiful Fractal Terra (~£500 to convert).
The question I need answered though is has anyone built with an ATX power supply in the SG13? This only really works as a budget build if I can keep my original power supply (Otherwise replacement SFF PSUs seem to run around £150!)
Planned Budget Build:-
Type Item
CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5600x
CPU Cooler Stock Cooler
Motherboard Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX Motherboard (~£150)
Memory Crucial Ballistix RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory (May upgrade to 2x16GB later)
Storage 2 x Crucial P1 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
Video Card NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8 GB Founders Edition Video Card
Case SilverStone SST-SG13B-C - Sugo Mini-ITX Compact Computer Cube Case (~£45)
Power Supply Corsair TXM Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply
.
Planned Beautiful Fractal Terra Build:-
Type Item
CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5600x
CPU Cooler Stock Cooler
Motherboard Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX Motherboard (~£150)
Memory Corsair Vengeance LPX Black DDR4-RAM 3600 MHz 2x 16 GB (~£55)
Storage 2 x Crucial P1 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
Video Card NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8 GB Founders Edition Video Card
Case Fractal Design Terra Jade (~£150)
Power Supply Corsair SF750 80 Plus Platinum Certified Power Supply Unit (~£145)
.
All advice appreciated, or if you see any obvious flaws with either of these builds, please let me know!
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2024.05.21 22:41 Sweet-Count2557 7 Holiday and Polar Express Train Rides Near Atlanta

7 Holiday and Polar Express Train Rides Near Atlanta
7 Holiday and Polar Express Train Rides Near Atlanta Looking to add a touch of enchantment to your winter season? Look no further than the captivating world of holiday and Polar Express train rides near Atlanta!As a community, we have curated a list of the most magical train rides in the surrounding areas that will transport you and your loved ones to a winter wonderland.With destinations ranging from the charming Blue Ridge, Georgia to the scenic Bryson City, North Carolina, there is a plethora of options to choose from.So, hop aboard and prepare to be whisked away on an unforgettable journey filled with festive lights, delicious treats, and cherished memories.But that's not all, there's something else awaiting you...Key TakeawaysThere are multiple holiday and Polar Express train rides near Atlanta, including locations in Blue Ridge, Georgia; Bryson City, North Carolina; Cordele, Georgia; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Delano, Tennessee; Stone Mountain, Georgia; Villa Rica, Georgia; Calera, Alabama; and Kingsland, Georgia.Snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the train stations, and passengers are also allowed to bring their own refreshments on board.Free newsletters are offered for subscribers to stay updated on family activities, upcoming events, and exclusive offers and discounts.Mommy Poppins is a trusted resource for finding family-friendly entertainment and offers recommendations and ideas for activities with kids.Blue Ridge, Georgia Train RidesWhen it comes to train rides in Blue Ridge, Georgia, there are two options that will transport you to a world of holiday magic and enchantment.The first option is the Blue Ridge Polar Express, a delightful train ride that brings the beloved children's book to life. Climb aboard this festive train and embark on a journey to the North Pole, where you'll meet Santa Claus himself. The train is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, creating a whimsical atmosphere that will fill you with joy and wonder.As the train chugs along, you can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, just like in the story. The friendly staff will be dressed as characters from the book, adding to the immersive experience. Kids can listen to a reading of 'The Polar Express' and participate in sing-alongs of Christmas carols. This train ride is perfect for families who want to create lasting holiday memories.The second option is the Chattanooga Polar Express, which is just a short drive away from Blue Ridge. This train ride takes you on a magical journey through the scenic mountains of Tennessee. As you travel to the North Pole, you'll be greeted by Santa and his elves. The train is decked out in festive decorations, and the atmosphere is filled with holiday cheer.Both the Blue Ridge Polar Express and the Chattanooga Polar Express offer a unique and unforgettable experience for the whole family. So, hop aboard one of these train rides and let the holiday spirit fill your heart. It's a magical adventure that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas all over again.Bryson City, North Carolina Train RideAfter immersing ourselves in the holiday magic of Blue Ridge, Georgia, let's continue our train ride adventure and head to Bryson City, North Carolina for another enchanting experience. The Polar Express train ride in Bryson City is a popular attraction during the holiday season, offering a memorable journey that captures the spirit of Christmas.The Bryson City Polar Express train ride takes passengers on a magical trip to the North Pole. As you board the train, you will be greeted by cheerful elves who will guide you to your seat. The train is beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere.During the journey, you will be entertained by a cast of characters from the beloved Polar Express story. They will bring the story to life through interactive performances and storytelling. The highlight of the trip is a visit from Santa Claus himself, who will personally deliver a special gift to each child on board.To add depth and complexity to the experience, here is a table showcasing the schedule and ticket prices for the Bryson City Polar Express train ride:Train Ride ScheduleTicket PricesNovember 8 - December 31$40 - $75Departure Times:5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PMAs you can see, there are multiple departure times available, allowing you to choose a time that fits your schedule. Ticket prices range from $40 to $75, depending on the date and class of service you choose.The Bryson City Polar Express train ride is a magical experience that will leave you with cherished memories of the holiday season. So grab your family and friends, hop aboard the train, and get ready to embark on a journey to the North Pole.Cordele, Georgia Train RidesLet's now explore the train rides in Cordele, Georgia, where you can experience the enchantment of the Candy Cane Express and Cordele Holiday Train. Cordele is a small city located in southern Georgia, known for its charming holiday train rides that bring joy and excitement to families and children.The Candy Cane Express is a delightful train ride that takes you on a magical journey through the beautiful countryside of Cordele. As you board the train, you'll be greeted by cheerful staff dressed as Santa's helpers, creating a festive atmosphere. The train is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and holiday decorations, adding to the enchantment. During the ride, you can enjoy the scenic views while sipping on hot cocoa and indulging in delicious candy canes. The Candy Cane Express also offers fun activities for children, such as face painting and visits with Santa Claus himself.If you're looking for a unique holiday experience, the Cordele Holiday Train is the perfect choice. This train ride takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole, where you can meet Santa Claus and his elves. The train is decked out in holiday lights and decorations, creating a festive ambiance. As you sit back and enjoy the ride, you can listen to cheerful holiday music and take in the breathtaking views of the winter landscape.Both the Candy Cane Express and Cordele Holiday Train provide an unforgettable experience for families and children. These train rides offer a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and embrace the holiday spirit. So, hop aboard and let the magic of Cordele, Georgia, transport you to a world of enchantment and joy.Chattanooga, Tennessee Train RidesChattanooga, Tennessee offers a variety of enchanting train rides that are sure to captivate both young and old alike. Here are three incredible train rides in Chattanooga that you won't want to miss:North Pole Limited Christmas Train: Step aboard the North Pole Limited Christmas Train and experience the magic of the holiday season. As the train chugs through the scenic countryside, you'll be transported to the North Pole, complete with Santa Claus himself. Enjoy festive decorations, holiday music, and even a visit from Santa as you make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.Holiday Christmas Lights Train: Get into the holiday spirit with the Holiday Christmas Lights Train. This magical journey takes you through a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. As you soak in the dazzling displays, you'll be filled with joy and wonder. It's the perfect way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with your family.Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train: Embark on a journey to the North Pole aboard Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train. As the train winds through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge, you'll be treated to breathtaking views and a special visit from Santa Claus himself. This immersive experience is filled with holiday cheer, making it a must-do for families and train enthusiasts alike.Whether you're looking for a festive adventure or simply want to enjoy the beauty of the Tennessee countryside, Chattanooga's train rides are sure to delight. Hop on board and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime.Delano, Tennessee Train RideAs we continue our exploration of enchanting train rides in the Tennessee area, let's now venture to Delano, where a delightful train ride awaits. The Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train offers a magical experience for families and children, filled with joy and holiday spirit. Hop aboard this scenic train ride and be transported to a winter wonderland.InformationDetailsLocationDelano, TennesseeDuration1 hourScheduleWeekends in DecemberHighlightsSanta Claus, holiday decorations, festive atmosphereThe Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train takes you on a one-hour journey through the picturesque Hiwassee River Gorge. As you travel along the tracks, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The train is beautifully decorated with holiday lights and ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere that will leave you feeling merry and bright.One of the highlights of this train ride is the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself. Santa will make his way through the train, spreading holiday cheer and listening to children's Christmas wishes. It's a magical moment that will create lasting memories for the whole family.The Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train operates on weekends in December, allowing families to enjoy this enchanting experience during the holiday season. Tickets for the train ride can be purchased in advance, ensuring that you secure a spot on this popular attraction. So gather your loved ones and embark on a journey filled with holiday joy and wonder. The Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train in Delano, Tennessee is waiting to transport you to a world of festive enchantment.Stone Mountain, Georgia Train RideAre you ready to embark on a thrilling train ride through the scenic wonders of Stone Mountain, Georgia? Get ready to experience the Sing-Along Scenic Railroad, where adventure and music come together for an unforgettable journey. Here are three reasons why this train ride is a must-do:Interactive Entertainment: As you board the train, get ready to be entertained by live performances and sing-along sessions. Talented performers will keep you engaged with their energetic songs and interactive activities. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, you'll find yourself tapping your feet and singing along to the lively tunes. It's a unique experience that will bring joy and laughter to the whole family.Breathtaking Scenery: As the train chugs along its route, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the beautiful Stone Mountain. Marvel at the majestic mountain peaks, lush greenery, and serene landscapes that surround you. The train ride takes you through tunnels, over bridges, and past picturesque scenes that showcase the natural beauty of the area. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these unforgettable moments.Festive Atmosphere: The Sing-Along Scenic Railroad is known for its festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season. Decorated with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, the train creates a magical ambiance that will get you in the holiday spirit. Sing along to your favorite Christmas carols, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the company of loved ones as you make lasting memories.Villa Rica, Georgia Train RideEmbarking on another enchanting train ride, our next stop takes us to Villa Rica, Georgia, where a magical Winter Wonderland Train Ride awaits. This delightful experience is perfect for families and individuals seeking a festive adventure during the holiday season. The Winter Wonderland Train Ride offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the spirit of the holidays while enjoying the picturesque scenery of Villa Rica.To provide you with a quick overview of what to expect, take a look at the table below, which highlights the key details of the Winter Wonderland Train Ride:LocationVilla Rica, GeorgiaDurationApproximately 1 hourDeparture TimesVarious times throughout the dayActivitiesSinging holiday carols, meeting Santa Claus, and enjoying hot cocoaTicketsAvailable for purchase online or at the stationDuring the one-hour journey, passengers will have the chance to sing beloved holiday carols, creating a festive atmosphere that will warm the hearts of all on board. And what would a winter train ride be without a visit from Santa Claus himself? Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to meet Santa and share their holiday wishes with him.To add to the enchantment, hot cocoa will be served on board, allowing passengers to sip on this comforting drink as they take in the winter wonderland scenery. The combination of the festive activities, the scenic views, and the warm atmosphere of the train creates a truly magical experience.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Are the Ticket Prices for the Holiday Express Train in Blue Ridge, Georgia?The ticket prices for the Holiday Express train in Blue Ridge, Georgia vary depending on the type of ticket and age group. Prices range from $39 to $79 per person.The Holiday Express offers a magical train ride experience with festive decorations, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.It's a perfect holiday activity for the whole family to enjoy. So hop aboard and get ready for a memorable journey filled with holiday cheer!Can You Bring Your Own Snacks and Beverages on Board the Polar Express Train in Bryson City, North Carolina?Yes, you can bring your own snacks and beverages on board the Polar Express train in Bryson City, North Carolina. It's a wonderful way to enhance your journey and create a personalized experience.Whether you prefer to indulge in your favorite treats or sip on a warm beverage, bringing your own snacks and beverages allows you the freedom to enjoy the ride exactly as you like.Are There Any Special Activities or Events Included With the Ticket for the Candy Cane Express Train in Cordele, Georgia?There aren't any special activities or events included with the ticket for the Candy Cane Express train in Cordele, Georgia. However, you can still enjoy a festive and exciting train ride through the beautiful holiday scenery.The train is decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones and create cherished memories.Don't forget to bring your own snacks and beverages to make the experience even more enjoyable!How Long Is the Journey on the North Pole Limited Christmas Train in Chattanooga, Tennessee?The journey on the North Pole Limited Christmas Train in Chattanooga, Tennessee is a magical experience. It lasts for a delightful amount of time, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.As you travel through the scenic landscapes, you'll be enchanted by the festive decorations and twinkling lights. The train ride offers a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones and create lasting memories.Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Children to Ride the Winter Wonderland Train Ride in Villa Rica, Georgia?There is no minimum age requirement for children to ride the Winter Wonderland Train Ride in Villa Rica, Georgia. It's a delightful experience for families and children of all ages.The train ride takes you through a winter wonderland filled with festive decorations and holiday cheer. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself.ConclusionAs the holiday season approaches, let these enchanting train rides transport you to a winter wonderland.From the picturesque town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, to the scenic Bryson City, North Carolina, there are train rides near Atlanta that will fill your heart with holiday magic.Immerse yourself in the festive lights, indulge in delicious snacks, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.Don't miss out on these incredible experiences that will make your winter season truly special.
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2024.05.21 22:15 a_smocking_gun "Yardscape" Brokerage - Seeking Advice on Feasibility and Strategy

I’m a software engineer in South Florida, making $150k annually while working roughly 25-30 hours a week. I have a flexible schedule and am financially comfortable, but I'm feeling bored and want a chance at real financial freedom.
I’m considering starting a "yardscape" brokerage business which would focus on offering landscape design, materials (rock/mulch/shells), plants, trees, lighting, patios, pergolas etc. My role would be to create and manage the brand and website, handle customer inquiries and relationships, while outsourcing the actual work to local suppliers and contractors for delivery and installation. (Understandably difficult)
A few key points about my plan:
Here are some questions I have:
I appreciate any insights or experiences you can share.
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2024.05.21 22:07 Faithhal Boston's Leading SEO Company: Driving Digital Success for Businesses

In the bustling metropolis of Boston, where innovation meets tradition, the digital landscape is as dynamic as the city itself. In this competitive arena, securing a prominent position in search engine results is paramount for businesses striving to capture the attention of their target audience. Enter Boston's leading SEO company, a trusted partner dedicated to propelling businesses to the forefront of online visibility and success.
At the heart of every successful SEO strategy lies a deep understanding of search algorithms and user intent – a realm in which Boston's top SEO company excels. Armed with a wealth of industry knowledge and technical expertise, these companies craft tailored SEO campaigns designed to elevate your brand's visibility and drive qualified traffic to your website.
One of the key strengths of Boston's premier SEO companies lies in their ability to conduct comprehensive keyword research. By identifying the most relevant and lucrative keywords for your business, they ensure that your website ranks prominently for terms that resonate with your target audience. Through strategic optimization of on-page content, meta tags, and website structure, they create a solid foundation for sustainable organic growth.
Moreover, Boston's leading SEO companies specialize in technical optimization – the behind-the-scenes work that ensures your website meets the requirements of search engine algorithms. From optimizing site speed and mobile responsiveness to implementing schema markup and improving crawlability, these companies leave no stone unturned in their quest to enhance your website's visibility and user experience.
But the impact of Boston's top SEO companies extends beyond on-page optimization; it encompasses a holistic approach to off-page SEO as well. Through strategic link building initiatives and relationship-building efforts, they cultivate a diverse portfolio of high-quality backlinks from reputable websites within your industry. By establishing your website as a trusted authority, they enhance your credibility in the eyes of search engines and improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.
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Furthermore, Boston's leading SEO companies provide ongoing monitoring, analysis, and optimization to ensure that your SEO strategy remains effective and adaptive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By tracking key metrics such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, and conversion rates, they provide actionable insights that drive continuous improvement and maximize your return on investment.
In conclusion, partnering with Boston's leading SEO company is a strategic investment in the long-term success of your business. With their expertise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence, these companies empower you to navigate the complexities of the digital realm with confidence and achieve meaningful results. So, if you're ready to unlock the full potential of SEO and take your business to new heights, it's time to enlist the services of Boston's premier SEO company.
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2024.05.21 21:47 AnnualSquare714 Can landlord restrict our access to connect a garden hose to a external water faucet?

Currently living in a home in Toronto. Home is 4 floors (including basement). Landlord lives in basement + ground floor, we live on floors 3+4. Landlord recently purchased the property, and its their first summer with us. We've been living here for multiple years.
We grow vegetables on our top floor (2 stories up from ground), and in the past have run a hose from an external faucet up the side of the house to water. We use a splitter at the external faucet, so that we can control the water flow and not monopolize the tap. We use the hose to water in the morning, then turn the water off and empty the water from the hose. 99% of the time, it is staying connected taunt against the hose not in use. Landlord pays for all water in the building, regardless of source. Hose is always outside (external faucet to external patio). We've done this for multiple years with previous landlords, with no complaints/issues.
New landlord is restricting our use of a hose from the external tap, to be run from the faucet to the top floor patio, no reason is given. We are just trying to understand our rights as tenants, as there has never been an issue with the hose (no leaks, falling, etc) and can't understand why this is an issue. It is not noticeable from the exterior, unless you really look, and just want to have a level-headed convo with our landlord. We are great tenants, pay our rent, are quiet and take care of the place.
We could use a water pail to water our vegetables/flowers on the top floor (filling water on floor 3 and carrying up to floor 4), but the steps are quite steep and we'd have to move significant water volume upstairs, requiring approx 5x trips a day. I'm worried about spilling and falling carrying heavy water (I've fallen multiple times just on my own). For building design reasons, we can't run hose from an internal water source on floor 3 up. We don't have water access at all on floor 4.
Any help navigating this situation would be appreciated. We want to get along with our landlord, and don't wish to escalate.
Posted this in another thread, but got recommended to bring this here. original post here: https://www.reddit.com/legaladvicecanada/comments/1cx6oyu/can_a_landlord_restrict_access_to_an_outside/
submitted by AnnualSquare714 to TorontoRenting [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 21:30 _Pinguino25 Valve "next generation of VR" referenced in job postings

I know a lot of people have been questioning forever whether Valve are working on VR hardware, with some outright denying it's existence. At most, we've all seen some patents here and there that seem a little interesting.
As a person who spends some time looking for a job, I decided to look at what Valve has going. I looked at 2 postings, which I've copied below and I believe few people have seen. I've highlighted some bits I find particularly interesting in bold (of course not every aspect is related to VR, as the first one is clearly also talking about Steam Deck iterations). It sounds to me like they're working on something like lighthouses that can use cameras to do pose estimation (could be done through the headset and controllers, but that does seem a lot more complicated, and their audience of Index users would be used to lighthouses), ultimately eliminating the need for Vive trackers (and their alternatives), taking the time to strap them to you, calibration and battery life, which I've thought for a while is an important next step in VR, and I'm glad to see there are hints this is being worked on by a big player.
Software Engineer for HW
At Valve, we are pushing the boundaries of hardware gaming experiences.
Exemplified on products like the Steam Deck and the Valve Index, engineers at Valve innovate on technologies that bridge the hazy divide between software and hardware solutions. Our engineers are versatile, self-directed, and empowered to bring the next generation of VR and hand-held gaming products to millions of customers world-wide.
Do you love making great hardware? Our team has senior, world-class experts bringing together the following areas...
Computer Vision Software Engineer
Computer vision plays an indispensable role in modern VR experiences, providing headset and controller tracking, eye and hand tracking, 3D environment understanding, amongst others. Computer vision engineers at Valve are working on all those areas to help us achieve the next steps in VR with millions of customers world-wide.
Across the computer vision engineering group, we contribute in a variety of ways:
tldr:
Valve has job postings, they reference the following:
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2024.05.21 21:11 Tankandbike Which materials for a full sun deck in the north east

In the northeast US - need to replace an old PT deck about 350 square feet.
Our conditions are:
The deck is about 14" off the ground, so will get moisture from underneath.
We could stick with PT and stain, but am wondering if we should do an upgrade. We could go with a natural wood upgrade, but that still means staining. I know about Trex Lineage and Timber Tech PVC and am awaiting samples.
Sensitivities are (in order of decreasing importance):
  1. Burning hot
  2. Slippery when wet
  3. Longevity and Maintenance
  4. Cost
Thanks for any help/guidance/recommendations.
submitted by Tankandbike to Decks [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 21:10 dacianfalx42 The Arcanum Technomagica

Arcanum Technomagica: An Academy of Magical Innovation

Founding Vision

Arcanum Technomagica was founded by Archmage Seraphina Luminar, a visionary mage who believed that the fusion of magic and technology could create a utopian world. Her vision was to harness the boundless potential of magic to inspire technological advancements that protect and nurture the Earth.

Academy Overview

Location: Nestled in the heart of an ancient forest, hidden from non-magical eyes by powerful enchantments, yet powered by the latest green technologies. Motto: "Innovate to Illuminate, Harmonize to Thrive."

Houses of Arcanum Technomagica

Each house is dedicated to a specific aspect of magical technology and has unique admission rituals inspired by their focus areas.

1. House Lumina

2. House Verdantis

3. House Aeris

4. House Ignis

5. House Aquarion

6. House Terraforge

7. House Etheria

Curriculum and Specializations

Core Subjects: - Magical Theory and Application - Elemental Manipulation - Technomancy: The Fusion of Magic and Technology - Sustainable Practices and Ecological Magic - Advanced Spellcasting and Enchantment
Special Programs: - Renewable Energy Solutions - Climate Control and Weather Modification - Biomimicry and Bioengineering - Advanced Materials and Energy Storage - Interdimensional Research and Travel

Facilities and Resources

Library of Arcane Knowledge: A vast collection of magical tomes, technological blueprints, and enchanted manuscripts. Elemental Labs: Specialized labs for each elemental focus, equipped with the latest magical and technological tools. The Harmonium: A central hub where students from all houses collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. The Aetherium: A state-of-the-art observatory and research center for astromancy and etheric studies. The Verdant Sanctuary: A greenhouse and botanical garden for research and experimentation with bio-arcane technologies.

Community and Extracurricular Activities

Magical Innovation Fair: An annual event where students showcase their projects and inventions. Eco-Warriors Club: A group dedicated to environmental conservation and magical sustainability projects. Flight and Levitation Club: For those interested in aerial magic and transportation technologies. Water Guardians: Focused on water conservation and aquatic ecosystem protection. Elemental Sports: Competitive games and challenges that test students' control and mastery over the elements.
By integrating the marvels of magic with the advancements of technology, Arcanum Technomagica stands as a beacon of innovation, inspiring the next generation to create a harmonious and sustainable future for the planet Earth.
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2024.05.21 21:09 gettingold93 Is this compacted properly?

Is this compacted properly?
Hey everyone, I bought 4 bulk bags of type 1 mot from Wickes for my patio and I poured 3 bags over 20m2 and compacted it but there were some area that couldn’t compact due to big sized stones and I had to resort to putting sharp sand and a bit of ballast in those tiny patches and it helped a bit, then I finally put the final bag and spread it all over and compacted it again 5 times with the Scheppach compactor which has 11kn power.
Even though most of it is compacted good and it’s hard to walk on but the areas where you can see big grey stones them areas aren’t well compacted due to their big size. Also it isn’t all perfectly level there are dips here and there.
Will this be okay for laying 20-22mm porcelain tiles on a full mortar bedding? Or should I get a bulk bag of grano dust and rake that, level that and compact it again a few times? Or any other recommendations you would suggest?
submitted by gettingold93 to DIYUK [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 21:07 Virtual_Pie2517 Holy Rummy Online Game: Elevate Your Card Skills!

Holy Rummy Online Game: Elevate Your Card Skills!
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Ever he­ard of Holy Rummy Online Game? It's the online­ version of the famous card game, rummy. This digital game­ lets players enjoy the­ game from their homes while­ interacting with rummy lovers worldwide. Its de­sign is smooth and user-friendly with lots of feature­s and game modes for all players.
What's cool about Online­ Holy Rummy Online Game is great because­ you can play it anytime, anywhere without ne­eding physical cards or buddies. Plus, platforms like Holy Rummy have­ different game mode­s, tournaments, and rewards to make the­ game more exciting. Re­ady to Play? Download the Holy Rummy App Start by downloading the app from the Google­ Play Store or the Apple App Store­ by searching "Holy Rummy."
Installation is simple and fast. Account Creation and Se­tup Once installed, launch the app and make­ an account. Give basic info like your name, e­mail, and a safe password. You can also connect to your social media for faste­r signup. Then, make your profile and se­ttings the way you like. Getting Around the­ User Interface The­ Holy Rummy app is designed to be e­asy to use. The main scree­n shows different game mode­s, allowing you to join or create a game and acce­ss your profile and settings. Spend some­ time getting to know the inte­rface and exploring the available­ features.
Understanding the­ Basics The Goal of Holy Rummy the key aim of Holy Rummy is to arrange­ all your cards into correct sequence­s and sets. A sequence­ is a group of cards from the same suit in order, while­ a set is cards of the same rank but diffe­rent suits. The game e­nds when a player succee­ds in forming these combinations and makes a prope­r declaration. Card Values and Suits In Holy Rummy, cards carry their face­ values with number cards holding their face­ values, King, Queen, Jack e­ach worth 10 points, and the Ace worth eithe­r 1 or 11 points, based on the game rule­s. Standard suits are used: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spade­s. Basic Rules and Terms Knowing the basic rule­s and terms is vital for playing Holy Rummy.

Here are­ some main terms you'll encounte­r

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Meld: A group of cards forming a sequence­ or set. Draw: Take a card from the deck or discard pile­. Discard: Put a card from your hand onto the discard pile.
Joker: A card that can take­ the place of any other card to form a se­quence or set. Varie­d Game Modes Classic Rummy Classic Rummy is the standard ve­rsion of the game. Players try to form se­quences and set with the­ir cards and declare their hands to win. This mode­ is perfect for those who e­njoy the standard rules of rummy. Each game is quick, and the­ first to declare wins the round, e­arning points from the opponents' unordere­d cards.
Involves playing a ce­rtain number of deals, with chips given to e­ach player. The player with the­ highest number of chips after the de­als wins the game. This mode ne­eds strategic play over multiple­ rounds. Pool Rummy In Pool Rummy, players contribute to a pool, and the game­ continues until all but one player are­ eliminated based on a de­cided point limit. It's a game of endurance­ and strategy. Playing Holy Rummy Apk Game Setup Be­gin by joining or creating a game room.
You'll get a se­t number of cards, and a wild card (joker) will be chose­n. The goal is to arrange your cards into seque­nces and sets as quickly as possible. Drawing and Discarding Cards Playe­rs take turns drawing cards from the deck or discard pile­ and discarding unwanted cards. The goal is to refine­ your hand with each turn, nearing to form correct se­quences and sets. Putting Se­quences and Sets Toge­ther Use your drawn cards to create­ correct sequence­s and sets.
Successful Declaration After arranging all your cards into se­quences and sets, you can de­clare your hand. If your declaration is right, you win the game­. If not, you face a penalty. Strategie­s to Win Basic Beginner Strategie­s Make a Pure Seque­nce Early: A pure seque­nce is crucial for a valid declaration, so make one­ early.
Discard High-Value Cards: If high-value cards are­n't part of your sequences or se­ts, discard them early to cut down potential points if an oppone­nt declares. Use Joke­rs Wisely: Jokers can help make­ sequences and se­ts quickly, but avoid using them in pure seque­nces. Advanced Strategie­s for Experienced Playe­rs Card Tracking: Watch the discard pile to track the cards your oppone­nts are picking up and discarding. This could give you hints about their hands. Tricke­ry: Sometimes, discard a card that might be use­ful to your opponents to confuse them about your hand.
Pre­dicting Opponents: Try to predict what cards your opponents might ne­ed and avoid discarding those cards. Avoiding Common Mistakes Ke­eping High-Value Cards: This could be risky as it raise­s your points if an opponent declares.
Neglecting to Form a Pure Se­quence Early: A pure se­quence is key for a valid de­claration, so focus on making it early. Tips for Improving Skills Regular Practice Like­ any skill, regular play is crucial to getting bette­r at your rummy game. Learn from Experie­nced Players Watch and learn from skille­d players. Pay attention to their strate­gies and try to use their te­chniques in your game.
Participate in Tourname­nts Tournaments letting you compete­ against top players and improve your skills. Regular participation can boost your e­xperience and confide­nce. Get the Most from Your Game­ In-Game Features Holy Rummy Apk Download offe­rs features like chat options, hints, and tutorials. Use­ these to boost your game and conne­ct with other players. Winning Rewards and Bonuse­s Make use of rewards and bonuse­s offered in the game­.
Ever he­ard of Holy Rummy Online Game? It's the online­ version of the famous card game, rummy. This digital game­ lets players enjoy the­ game from their homes while­ interacting with rummy lovers worldwide. Its de­sign is smooth and user-friendly with lots of feature­s and game modes for all players.
submitted by Virtual_Pie2517 to u/Virtual_Pie2517 [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 21:06 CampingWorld What Are The Best RV Trips for Beginners?

There’s a lot to learn when you’re new to RVing. After purchasing your RV and equipping it with the right gear, the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed trying to select where to camp. So we asked the question: what are the best RV trips for beginners?
Of course, we have our own opinions, but we wanted to see what the RV community felt. We asked experienced RVers which destinations or campgrounds they would recommend for beginners. With over 150 replies, here are the top five answers:
  1. Somewhere close to home
  2. State parks
  3. Good Sam Campgrounds
  4. Your backyard
  5. National parks
(Runner-up: Wal-Mart parking lot).

Why Stay Close to Home on Your First RV Trip as a Beginner?

The overwhelming majority of experienced RVers recommended sticking to somewhere close to home as a beginner. Their reasons were practical:
Boondocking in your backyard is a great way to learn about your RV and its systems. Just remember: Depending on your RV, you’ll need potable water, a way to empty your holding tanks, and a proper power supply – 30 or 50 amps.

Which Locations Make For The Best RV Trips for Beginners?

We collected specific recommendations for those who want to venture out while staying close to home. These came directly from experienced RVers nationwide who were willing to share their favorite destinations for RV newbies.
Because we don’t know where home is for you, we organized this list of the best RV trips for beginners and organized them by region.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Northeast

Bayley’s Camping Resort – Scarborough, Maine

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Kennebec River Campground – The Forks, Maine

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Gettysburg Battlefield RV Resort – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Park Features:
Learn more.

Quechee / Pine Valley – Hartford, Vermont

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Cherrystone Campground – Cape Charles, Virginia

Park Features:
Learn more.

Holiday Trav-L-Park – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Why They Recommended: “The place is pretty big (but tight, please know HOW to drive). It has seven pools, a bar, a restaurant, laundry, concerts, and a little trolley that will take you to the beach for even more entertainment.”
Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Virginia Beach Holiday – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Why They Recommended: “They just put in a lazy river and a brand new pool. It’s state-of-the-art!”
Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

New River Gorge Campground – Lansing, West Virginia

Park Features:
Learn more.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Southeast

Wind Creek State Park – Alexander City, Alabama

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Everglades Isle – Everglades City, Florida

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Orlando / Kissimmee – Kissimmee, Florida

Why They Recommended: “Orlando has the best prices all year round! It’s in close proximity to Universal Studios, Disney, Disney Springs, lots of attractions, several grocery stores, and restaurants. Target even ships deliveries there.”
Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Fisheating Creek Outpost – Palmdale, Florida

Why They Recommended: “The lots have much more space than most parks. You are not three feet from your neighbor.”
Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Big Lagoon State Park – Pensacola, Florida

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Jetty Park Campground – Port Canaveral, Florida

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Smith Ridge Campground – Campbellsville, Kentucky

Park Features:
Learn ore.

Mountain Stream RV Park – Marion, North Carolina

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

North Myrtle Beach RV Resort – Little River, South Carolina

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Myrtle Beach State Park – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

PirateLand Family Camping Resort – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Anchor Down RV Resort – Dandridge, Tennessee

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Cherokee Dam Campground – Jefferson City, Tennessee

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Melton Hill Dam Campground – Lenoir City, Tennessee

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – Townsend, Tennessee

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Midwest

Sycamore Springs Park – English, Indiana

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort – Santa Claus, Indiana

Park Features:
Learn more.

Grand Haven State Park – Grand Haven, Michigan

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Otsego Lake State Park – Gaylord, Michigan

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Itasca State Park – Park Rapids, Minnesota

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Silver Dollar City Campground – Branson, Missouri

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Lake Mcconaughy State Recreation Area – Brule, Nebraska

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Mt. Gilead Holiday – Mt. Gilead, Ohio

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the South

The Woodlands RV Resort – Heber Springs, Arkansas

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Sarah’s Seaside RV Oasis – Grand Isle, Louisiana

Why They Recommended: It’s the most laid back!
Park Features:
Learn more.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Southwest

Mather Campground – Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

Park Features:
Learn more.

Tucson Lazydays – Tucson, Arizona

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Caballo Lake State Park – Caballo, New Mexico

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

The Best RV Trips for Beginners in the Northwest

Coloma Resort – Coloma, California

Park Features:
Pro Tip: You must cross the Mt. Murphy Bridge to reach this campground. Here are the height and weight restrictions for that bridge:
Learn more or Book now.

Arrowhead RV Park – Cascade, Idaho

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

St. Mary / East Glacier – St. Mary, Montana

Why They Recommended: “Beautiful views right from the park!”
Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Cape Blanco State Park – Port Orford, Oregon

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.

Seven Feathers RV Resort – Canyonville, Oregon

Park Features:
Learn more or Book now.
Want to add your advice to our poll? Click below to join the conversation!
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=776034604566862&id=100064809877965&mibextid=WC7FNe
Which destinations would you recommend for first-time RVers? Share your tips in the comments below.
submitted by CampingWorld to campingworld [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 20:42 TradedMedia Joshua Stiles At Compass Facilitates $2.32M Sale Of Multifamily Property In Boston

A 3-story brownstone with potential for 4 units located at 21 Wellington Street in Boston, MA, was recently sold for $2,325,000. This multifamily property spans 2,940 square feet and was transacted at a price per unit of $581,250, with a price per square foot of $791.

Summary of transation details:

The sale was facilitated by Joshua Stiles from Compass. The property's features include a private roof deck, patio, and 6 parking spaces, adding value to the transaction.
Learn More: Joshua Stiles At Compass Facilitates $2.32M Sale Of Multifamily Property In Boston
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2024.05.21 20:40 Conscious-Dingo4463 1979. Firebird Trans Am

1979. Firebird Trans Am submitted by Conscious-Dingo4463 to musclecar [link] [comments]


2024.05.21 20:33 FoulerGlint60 A new species of Mechaniod

Seeing how many other factions have different species in their ranks we have decided to make more.
Thanks to our own robotech and new mech production facilities we are able to make veratech tanks and also Mechs in order to expand the quality of our operations into more branches.
Our newer tesla cannons have proven very successful in landing hits from far away with good enough damage. About 10 kilometers away from the cannon so we are able to snipe people with powerful lightening.
Ontop of that our photon torpedos and many types of shells for our upgraded rail guns have been made and mass produced thanks to our arms production facilities we have running increasing our own fabrication tech further and further. So we are able to change out our Mechs and tanks ammo easily for the situations that develops. So we are more easily avaible to bring down everything with our armored and speed superiority.
Along with quantum shredders finishing their prototype phase and being installed, we have noticed some stone being more crunchy than usual which these new shredders are able to more than easily deal with these stones.
Along with our sheild and armor being upgraded for all of our forces. The veratech Mechs and veratech tanks are showing progress and much to add to our forces espically in more armored designs to take more beatings more effortlessly from many sources at once. Hopefully one day we will be able to have one of them be able to survive a tungsten rod from space as we are slowly getting there.
Fedrick reading these reports lets out a low hum and says.
"This is all interesting and very vwry good news for all of us keep up the good work all of ya!"
The tanks, Mechs, And spi-dos of the board all nod in agreement. As does the ship part of the board lets out agreements and indeeds.
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2024.05.21 20:32 Inertigo CM Review 5/21/2024

Gatsby Brian 500 gems Score 3.0
Brian Rich combo made with Bag of Nickels, Rusty, Pewterschmidt Mansion, Wong Casino, Poker Winnings, Sterling House and Antique Mansion. Medium/low Hijack, Bunker and leech. Combo is good at stalling craze combos but not beating. PC is better but underpowered for a PC. Couple generations retired now.
Gun Safety Peter 500 gems Score 2.0
Peter Armed combo made with Pantry Guns Medium Punch and Jab. Great starter combo that starts to fade as an option as your deck develops. Realistic option in Winter Clash if it gets replayed
Management Perks 1000 stones Score 4.5
Tina Drunk combo made with Child Sized Beers, Private Reserves, Box Wine, and Cap’n Sappy Treacle lines of objects. Medium motivate, jab and punch. Kind of a mix of skills. I typically like punch for slot 1, motivate for slot 2. Jab isn’t extremely helpful. Tina’s old drunk combos are also average at best. Haven’t found myself using this combo
Junkie Bobby 1000 stones Score 1.0
Bobby Hyper combo only made with Butterscotch Cookies. High payback and gas. If this combo was actually makable, it would be something to look at, but with just one input and it not being a legendary stone object, it’s not worth your resources
Scale:
9-10 Top of the Top: I’d spend 2250 in gems for cm2 if I had to. Type of combo I would pursue CM5 on
7-8 Still Darn Good: I’d drop 4500 in mastery stones for cm2 or 500 gems for cm1. Maybe I invest 2000 stones for cm1
5-6 Good: I’d throw 1000 mastery stones for cm1, maybe take it to cm2 at a later date
3-4 Average: If I was loaded with mastery stones I would think about
1-2 Poor: There’s something there, but I’m not spending resources on it
0 Lousy: Really Kong, take it out of the game
submitted by Inertigo to AnimationThrowdown [link] [comments]


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