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2024.05.29 05:57 Newfoundlander_in_TX Funny stoned Subway Stories
I’m 43. My teenage years, like most normal adolescents growing up in the 90s, largely revolved around playing video games, watching movies, going to the mall and eating junk. Subway was our junk food of choice - affordable, filling and delicious. We would regularly stop at our local subway on the weekend nights for a quick fix.
Subway would often run a meatball sub promo during this time. BOGO 6”. The sub alone was $3.99 CAD. A footlong for under $5. What a time to be alive. When there were no promos, we would buy bologna or peperoni rounds. Cost effective and delicious.
This one night me and my pals are starving, pretty high, and a little drunk . We walk in salivating at the thought of meatball subs. It felt like Christmas.
We lined up and proceeded to order our subs one after the other. The last of our crew, probably the most inebriated of the bunch, waited patiently, stumbling, gazing contently at the menu. His turn finally arrived.
Sandwich artist: “Hi! What can I make for you?”
Stoned/Drunk friend: “FOOTBALL!”
Taken aback, the employee wasn’t sure how to respond. We are in knots laughing knowing full well what he meant and what he wanted.
“Excuse me?” Said the employee.
“Football?!” My friend repeated, standing there staring at the artist confused, not realizing he isn’t saying Footlong Meatball.
It was a good 10 minutes before the laughing stopped. Eventually he got his sandwich.
To this day, whenever I drive past a subway, all I can think about is “FOOTBALL!”
submitted by Newfoundlander_in_TX to subway [link] [comments]
Subway would often run a meatball sub promo during this time. BOGO 6”. The sub alone was $3.99 CAD. A footlong for under $5. What a time to be alive. When there were no promos, we would buy bologna or peperoni rounds. Cost effective and delicious.
This one night me and my pals are starving, pretty high, and a little drunk . We walk in salivating at the thought of meatball subs. It felt like Christmas.
We lined up and proceeded to order our subs one after the other. The last of our crew, probably the most inebriated of the bunch, waited patiently, stumbling, gazing contently at the menu. His turn finally arrived.
Sandwich artist: “Hi! What can I make for you?”
Stoned/Drunk friend: “FOOTBALL!”
Taken aback, the employee wasn’t sure how to respond. We are in knots laughing knowing full well what he meant and what he wanted.
“Excuse me?” Said the employee.
“Football?!” My friend repeated, standing there staring at the artist confused, not realizing he isn’t saying Footlong Meatball.
It was a good 10 minutes before the laughing stopped. Eventually he got his sandwich.
To this day, whenever I drive past a subway, all I can think about is “FOOTBALL!”
2024.05.29 03:18 DissedFunction The William Gude Diatribe a/g ZE part 2
 | This is a written transcription from a video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fRbLZN1pQA It features William Gude and Jessica Palmadessa, two of the most popular Los angeles YouTube Scientology protest/content creators. submitted by DissedFunction to protestingScientology [link] [comments] general timestamps are provided. 6:12 William: Do you even have a job? How you pay your bills?He was hoping Youtube would do it.I don’t think it’s going to happen now.I’m going to make sure your little f*cking,...you know I would have like helped him grow his channel.Jessica: You WERE helping him!William: I was! I was like, oh, he’s going to get up with a million, talking it up, man listen—we end that.Create a whole new, create a whole new f*cking Youtube Zach,It’s done. 6:12:16 William: ..and all because WeinLA (Ever) paid no interest in you. She did not want you . She wanted Eric. She liked Eric. Eric has talent. He plays guitar. He’s a real journalist. He’s written in Daily dot, he’s written in Rolling Stone—a real journalist. Real. He’s (referring to Zachary) like “I’m doing journalism and Scientology—no one reads it” NO ONE reads it. No one. I would never read that. And I’m like don’t read the whole thing, I’m telling you no one’s read the first paragraph, no one. That’s you Zach.Whatever drugs you were on this morning boy when you sober up your going to come off of it.. Jessica: he was on something this morning… William: .…Zach’s been on drugs. Why do you think he’s been acting like that? That first night when he went out to the Fig and sh*t, he was on drugs. You’re a ..you’re a f*cking junkie. Junkie Zach. Zach the junkie! Get off the drugs! Riding around, like who rides around like “Oh I’m a ..look look how f*cking cool I am” (garbled feed) 6:13:33 William: …always hear a lighter sparking cuz he’s always f*cking smoking crap or meth or whatever, I don’t think that’s weed. I think that sh*t is ____like geeking out. Jessica: I told you, I told you, I told the whole chat I said it was a bad idea to go against Will. William: I’ll never stop. (Agreeing with Jessica). Jessica: I said it from the beginning. I said it not because of Will or not because of me, because the chat was going to destroy you (referring to Zach) and that’s what happened. 6:14:02 William: Oh Zach. Zach Zach Zach… So when Zach comes live again (talking and giving directions to Jessica’s chat room) go on in there and troll his sh*t.Make him shut down his chat. Let him know that he’s a f*cking weirdo for being out on Fig. What investigative journalism is being done? What is he doing? He’s filming from a distance…jerking off. That’s what he’s doing. No one, he doesn’t want anybody else in the car with him, no one’s ever in a car…people have offered to come with him, no he’s got to film with his left hand and jerk off with his right hand.Zach (said with Will pointing to the camera). Zachary! He’s not in the chat but he’s watching. Jessica: for some reason it really upset him that I was waiting for you. I was like I thought you liked WeinLa, whatever. (Suggesting that maybe Zach has a crush on Jessica?) 6:15:02 William: (mocking Zach) “But nobody did anything when I was doxed.” (Referring to when Zachary was swatted at Gelsons) No, first off you’re sitting right next to the f*cking person’s car spy stalking her (referring to Koster?) That’s STALKING! (Jessica nodding strongly). No one does that! I told EVERYBODY stay the F*ck away from her car.But no, I’m going to for some reason you got to sit there four cars away and “oh I broke a story”..NO ONE cares! It means nothing. You got to sit there next time you know what his next investigative reporting, he’s going to do it from …he’s going to be hiding in the trunk of her car! —he’s going to be in the trunk of her car.—and yeah I’ surprised that when the cops came and check your car —they didn’t find a rape kit. I just figured they’d find bungee cords, zip ties, knives, ropes all that sh*t. Your Fig gear. That’s what you pack up when you take it out to Fig. We gonna to have to check and see if Zach —we need to see if there’s any missing people. ‘Cuz Zach might have bodies in his f*cking house. Jessica: Got to make sure WeinLA is okay!! (Laughing). William: Is WeinLA okay? Let’s check. I need to know! (slight pause). go to your pool with your f*cking mammories hanging to your knees. Zach’s got tits that hang to his knees!!! He can tie them tits in a knot! OH my God, who’s going to milk them! Who’s milking Zach like a f*cking cow (said making a milking motion) With those tits and he’s hanging around the pool —everybody laughs at you Zach. You look like sh*t.I’m not in the best shape you know what I’m not going to do? I’m not going to go on live in a pool like that and he’s thinking he’s “oh I’m some sexy …” you’re a WEIRDO! Everybody laughs at you. You know what happens when you go in there? (Talking about livestreams from the pool). I get screenshots like look at this guy. They laugh at you.Your neighbors laugh at you! They’re probably wondering what the f*ck is he doing in that pool? Setting up a camera while he’s in a pool. Who does that?You know who does it? Zachary Ellison—the biggest weirdo in LA. My god. 6:17:02 William:You had to run your mouth, huh?Was it worth it? (Mocking) Let’s see what you do oh then we’re going to hear about “oh man I got to get out of here it’s unsafe, it’s unsafe, Streets is out here,” that’s right. I’m going to protest you. And I’m going to come to Fig and I’m gong to find you on Fig —I’m going to tell everybody you got this f*cking weirdo over here watching you, watch out for that guy he may be a serial killer. Jessica: (driving and reading the chat) He’s in the chat? William: F*ck him! F*ck you Zach! Run your mouth against me? I’m gong to f*cking ruin you. and you know it. Bitch ass. You know what I’m going to do, I’m going to go onto Twitter later I’ going to go on Instagram on it I’m going to post videos about you with your tits hanging to your f*cking knees. 6:18:04 William:Your saggy ass titties.You think anybody, you think WeinLA (Ever) is going to look at that video and be like “oh well that looks nice” NO ONE! No one. Maybe a bull will…maybe a bull…right cuz they like you know they like them (starts making a milking a cow gesture again) Then I’m gonna f*cking when you come out there to La Poubelle I’m gonna milk you you right in front. I’m gonna get a little container together and we’re gonna get some Zach milk. We’re gonna milk your titties. Jessica: That’s hot. William: gonna have colostrum and all that sh*t. When you come to La Poubelle I’m going to get you a special bra. Special bra but for those little funnels you got. My God, run your mouth. 6:19:01 William: Zach, you can’t be me. I know you want to.“No I’m not trying to be Streets.” He literally got to have the same —he went and bought the exact same RayBans, same color, everything. And a black hoodie. Like why were you wearing hoodies? You were wearing that f*cking —you had that coat that I see little kids wear—in a winter in Wisconsin and it was like of all colors let’s make it like puke yellow. Jessica:there’s going to be a press conference tonight. William: Oh, press conference Zach. I’m going to crash your press conference. I’m going to come find you, you go live, Zach goes lives, I’m going to show up. You better do live for me at some-I’ll show up there too. Jessica: I don’t think he’s going to show his face again to be honest. Zach all you had to do was not try and you know…(voice trailing off) William: (interrupting) get off the drugs Zach. He should at least blame it on drugs. If you weren’t on drugs then.. Jessica: (interrupting) that’s what everyone, my mom (Jessica’s mom is reportedly a paid moderator in her chats) was like “Zach, just say you were hacked, that’s all you got to do is say that you were hacked but he was standing by it, he kept coming back “I’m the only one that broke the story about Francois” 6:20:13 William: No one cares about that like literally no one cares. No one. You know what matters Zach? That we shut down f*cking Scientology in LA. You had nothing to do with that. You had nothing to do with that. They don’t recruit anymore. You had nothing to do with that Zach. Nothing. You just came with your thing putting the camera in everybody’s face with your weird f*cking smile. Jessica: (reading chat and responding) Is WeinLA okay? I don’t know, you have to check Zach’s trunk (laughing) but I think she should be fine. William: You going to pop sh*t while I’m jail. you should never have said a damn thing. 6:21:00 William: I’m not even pissed off at the cops anymore, I’m focused on Zach you bitch. Jessica: you can’t be pissed so it’s just funny the downfall of himself. William: Yeah, he started feeling himself, no one’s paid Zach any attention. Ever. Like literally. Like I said, and all a sudden he starts getting a little attention on, he’s got 2-3000 followers and subscribers on YouTube.. Jessica: I don’t think he does anymore. Think that dropped a bit. William: F*ck him. That’s what he gets. Of all the people, of all the people you want to run your mouth against …boy... 6:22:00 William: He that I what did I do to get arrested, what did I do stand there filming from a distance and I deserve it? Jessica: first off he thought you were going to be held for 48 hours he was starving— William: —Zach you don’t know sh*t! What the hell do you know, listen I’m gonna tell everybody in the chat, right…Zach does not know what he’s talking about ever. Ever. We just laugh at him. I hope you guys are on with the joke.I think most of you are. Right? But no one takes him seriously. The guy know sh*t but he doesn’t know anything. Jessica: ah so he wasn’t held for 48 hours, I don’t know if you noticed.. William: You want to know why? Zach? Because they said, oh you’re a journalist we verified you’re a journalist.. Zach, if you got arrested, no one would have..are they going to be like you’re a substack —they’re going to go looking for your ..it’s. a substack. It’s a f*cking blog. It’s just a longform Twitter post. That’s all it is. Jessica: he said there’s only been like 3 journalists that’ve ever covered Scientology. I’m like first off, I consider Solomon a journalist… 6:23:01 William: yeah, everybody’s covered Scientology way better than you have Zach, what the f*ck do you know? Oh god. Jessica: you don’t get like a certificate that says journalist. William: the guy sits at La Poubelle, at a distance Jessica: smoking up a blunt William: or something. I mean maybe the blunt got something in it. Jessica: It’s got to. It’s been ever since he demanded WeInLA to go home from that ice cream shop. That’s something— William: —She didn’t want to go home. She wanted to hang out with Eric cuz he’s a cool guy to hang around. And he’s actually you know a good-looking guy unlike you. (Talking to Zach)Unlike you Zach, unlike you, you’re not a good looking guy.Zach, you’re f*cking UGLY! 6:24:00 William: You were pissed off you were f*cking had your little panties in a bunch because she (Ever) was getting attention, she was giving him attention and you weren’t getting it. So I’m going back and I’m going to cock block you guys, got to get out of here. Eric comes to these protests, Eric comes to these protests every day these protests are going on when sh*t is going off he’s not a p*ssy like you Zach. His little piece of sh*t Civic jerking off. That’s what he does. Smoking (garbled) William: How you doing Zach? It’s never going to end. You know damn well. Somebody gets in a fight with me it never ends. 6:25:00 Jessica: and last thing, it’s not dangerous at La Poubelle. That’s not why I— William: (interrupting) —La Poubelle is not dangerous. It’s freaks like you. That’s why people stop going to La Poubelle. Freaks like you Zach. That’s why it had nothing to do with danger, no one’s scared of La Poubelle, literally no one is scared, no one wants to be around a freak show like you Zach. I can’t believe you don’t you haven’t figured that out. Haven’t you noticed when you come walking up at La Poubelle people walk away from you? When I see you filming you come walking over you start talking about “oh it’s unsafe out here” everybody walks away from you like “what the f*ck are you talking about?” They clown you. Everybody laughs about, laughs about you. You started feeling yourself and taking yourself too seriously you going we had to sit there and bring you back to reality—you ain’t sh*t. Jessica: and it’s not groundbreaking that you filmed the guy in the parking lot it was or her talking to the cheeseburger guy or whatever, it was not groundbreaking. It was just creepy. Please stop filming females in a car because if I was her I would get a restraining order. 6:26:01 William: Yeah I mean she’s probably going to get, I can see her working — Jessica: I will be her (Koster, owner of La Poubelle) witness! I will be her witness! William: I can see her trying to get a restraining order cuz this guy is stalking her car at 1:00 in the morning. Who am I do defend Francois but I’ve told EVERYBODY, I’ve told everybody I’m like man this is weird, get the f*ck away from her car. It makes everybody look bad. Zach, you make everybody look bad doing that weird sh*t. It’s embarrassing. So nobody wants to be around you cuz when your restraining order coming and it’s going to be a legit one —nobody wants to be tied up with them. NO ONE. Can’t believe you run your mouth like that.Who the f*ck do you think you are? Jessica: He’s been winding up for this though. William: oh yeah. Zach’s going to go to Twitter like, I’ll film the police you know we’re going to cancel him, nobody listens to you Zach. You’re muted by everybody. Even people that follow you out of a courtesy they then mute you, no one —that’s why no one replies to your tweets. No one. The only people that reply to your Tweet are people who follow you on some of the Scientology stuff —other than that, no one. If I catch you replying to them, I’m going to block your ass. Unless it’s..juicy .I’m going to start a new channel, auditing Zach. The Zach audit. What are you going to do Zach? Zach, if everybody out here scares you, boy, everything’s dangerous. Jessica starts mumbling something William: Zach’s a bitch. Zach’s a bitch. Zach gets nothing done. No one and I mean no one in LA will doubt who’s like top not even not just activist but journalist you ask journalist —they’re not saying you Zach. I promise you.Nobody know who you are. No other journalists knows who you are. No one. F*CK YOU ZACH. Jessica: (smiling at Streets) you’re funny as shit. (Looking to camera) You guys enjoy the show? https://preview.redd.it/mnoor7kpo93d1.jpg?width=1810&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8aab6796c7f9cd192b3d1fe4294f1d687c8d31fe |
2024.05.28 22:17 Matt_Choww An Exploration of Sol Lands - Legacy Fundamentals
Hi All,
It’s been a little while, I’ve been thinking a lot about the fundamentals of Legacy and the core format pillars.
I decided to start with Sol Lands as they have become much more potent over the course of the past few years and are often a starting point for newer Legacy players.
This is of course also available in video form here, personally I think it’s better with the visual aids.
An Exploration of Sol Lands - Legacy Fundamentals
It took me longer than expected to create this piece as Name Sticker Goblin got banned about halfway through my workflow, so I had to go back and re-write and edit a bunch of stuff.
So Let’s Explore Sol Lands!
What Are Sol Lands?
Sol Lands are at the core of a manabase that powers several decks in Legacy.
We call Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors “Sol Lands” because they make the same amount of mana as one of the most powerful cards in magic, Sol Ring.
To offset their high power level each has a downside.
City of Traitors must be sacrificed if it’s controller plays another land afterwards while Ancient Tomb costs 2 life every time it’s tapped for mana.
We also see similar lands that can make multiple mana but that I won’t classify as Sol Lands nor explore their uses, there are a couple categories of similar but different lands.
Gaea’s Cradle, Serra’s Sanctum, and Phyrexian Tower can all make more than one mana but depend on other permanents already being in play.
The Masques Depletion lands like Sandstone Need, have similar effects but are distinctly less powerful as they are both slower and provide mana for only a few turns
Some other options split the difference, Crystal Vein and the Sac Lands like Dwarven Ruins can make consistent mana, then provide a burst of two mana when sacrificed.
What makes Sol Lands Powerful?
This might seem like a silly question, the intuitive answer is “They make 2 mana you dummy”
They certainly do make two mana, but why is this good?
I want to go back to basics for a moment to thoroughly answer this question.
Mana is one of the primary resources of the game along with card quantity.
The game design of magic has a supply and demand curve of mana production being supply and cards in hand to spend mana on being demand.
A common shorthand used to represent this is “the player that spends more mana, wins the game”
It’s a way of saying that the player who’s mana supply meets their mana demand can take more game actions and better leverage their resources to ideally outpace their opponent.
One of the unique aspects of Eternal formats like Legacy is that there are tools to increase mana supply on the turn they are played, called Fast Mana.
There are many forms of Fast Mana but outside of Sol Lands we have the Moxen, Rituals, Lotus Petal, and Spirit Guides.
Apart from Sol Lands, the persistent Fast Mana sources like Chrome Mox and Mox Diamond require a two card investment in order to function.
One shot effects like Rituals, Petals, and Guides are inherently not persistent mana sources.
Rituals often provide more mana but require an initial mana investment, while Petal and Spirit Guides can be an initial mana source but are limited to making a single mana.
Sol Lands are unique in Legacy in that they increase mana supply the same turn played, are persistent mana sources, while only costing a single card to provide this effect.
To illustrate the power lets compare them in a vacuum to a basic land.
If we look at a curve where one deck plays a Sol Land on Turn One and does not make another land drop, vs a deck that makes a land drop every turn using Basic Lands or Dual lands.
It takes until turn 3 for the deck playing regular lands to catch up on cumulative mana generation and requires three times the cards invested, compared to the Sol Land deck.
Not only is this fast but it also illustrates a form of card advantage where fewer resources need to be invested into the mana base.
Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors are good because they make 2 mana each turn but more importantly they are the most stable and card compact way to do so in Legacy.
Without delving into the nitty-gritty, it’s easy to see how a deck that plays Ancient Tomb into City of Traitors can accrue a huge mana advantage.
These lands provide a confluence of 3 advantages, Ramp, Fast Mana, and a form of Card Advantage, all in a land-slot.
What Deckbuilding Restrictions do they Impose?
While they are powerful and do not require the use of any additional resources to generate mana the Sol Lands impose a deckbuilding cost.
They only make colourless mana meaning that there are limitations on what the mana can be spent on.
Efficiency is an extremely important component of card choice in Magic overall, with Legacy having access to all cards printed barring the banned list.
If we look at the most played cards in the format we see a clear lack of colourless mana costs in Legacy Staples, there are cards like Force of Will and Grief that are essentially 0-Mana in most situations, threats like Delver, Orcish Bowmasters, Elvish Reclaimer, and Murktide Regent that require either all or most of their costs paid by coloured mana sources.
The deckbuilding restriction is somewhat obvious, spells need to be castable using the colourless mana from Sol Lands, basically having 2 or more colourless mana in their mana costs.
Cards like this fall into two categories, colourless 2-4 mana spells like Chalice of the Void and The One Ring, and Mono-Coloured 3 Drops that require only a single coloured mana to cast like Goblin Rabblemaster or Show and Tell.
Urza’s Saga is a common inclusion in Sol Land decks, while not being cast using the mana, the 2nd chapter ability is a clean way to spend the mana from a Sol Land.
The Sol Land Mana-Curve
Sol Lands incentivize a very different kind of deck construction compared to the rest of Legacy.
If we look at the mana curve of a couple decks the differences are obvious.
I’ve got a couple examples here to illustrate this.
These mana curves are comprised of spells for which mana is spent to play them.
Evoke and Pitch cards may or may not be included depending on their primary use, Force of Will is counted as a “Free Spell” and not a 5-Drop, Troll of Khazad-Dum is counted as a 1-Drop, but Endurance is counted as a 3-Drop because of how it is frequently cast vs evoked.
In an attempt to compare like-for-like here are some Fair decks without Sol Lands and a couple Fair decks with Sol Lands.
I’m defining Fair as decks that win exclusively through combat damage while having some tools to interact or disrupt the opponents game-plan.
The Temur Delver Mana curve, excluding free and 0-mana spells, a lot of 1s some 2s and flexibility in how much mana to spend on Murktide Regent.
Another Fair deck, Maverick, has a curve skewed towards 1s, 2s, and some 3s, with a single 4-drop, Green Sun’s Zenith can be cast for many mana costs but is frequently cast for one mana, to find Dryad Arbor.
This deck, a classic Sol Land Deck, MUD, from my friend Jim Monolith?, a man who loves MUD so much he changed his entire, totally real legal name, has a curve that realistically starts at 2, has some 3s and 4s, with a small number of 1s that are primarily used as search targets for Urza’s Saga.
The Moon Stompy curve starts at 2 with Chalice of the Void usually being cast for X=1, we see lots of 3s and then a playset of 5s in Fury which can be evoked or hard-cast.
We see a pretty big difference between the mana costs of the cards played these different decks.
Sol Land decks frequently have a mana curve that realistically starts at 2-Mana, whereas decks without sometimes top out at 2 mana with a much higher focus on 1-drops.
While not representative of all decks that include Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors these mana curves illustrate the incentives and costs associated with leveraging a Sol Land mana base.
High Risk = High Reward
The upsides of Sol Lands are clear, they provide mana quickly and efficiently allowing the Sol Land player to out-pace their opponent and run away with the game.
These upsides come with risks and vulnerabilities, consistency being the foremost of these.
In order to take advantage of this compact mana engine, we’re incentivized to play 2-4 mana cards that can be cast with Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors.
Because a maximum of 8 combined copies of Tomb and City can be included in a Legacy deck, this means that casting these cards without a Sol Land is often too slow and possibly low impact for the format.
Consider the difference between playing Chalice of the Void on Turn 1 vs Turn 2 when playing Moon Stompy.
On the play with a Sol Land we can play Sol Land>Chalice cutting off our opponent from casting a 1-drop on turn 1, while also being immune to being Dazed as our opponent has not yet made a land-drop.
If we have a hand that does not include any fast mana and we take this same situation, we play a mountain and pass, our opponent plays Volcanic Island>Delver, we can still cast Chalice on turn two but a Delver is already in play and our opponent can Daze our Chalice, unlocking their future cantrips and 1-drops.
This difference is obvious, but it has implications in mulligan decisions, Sol Land decks often have a narrower band of keepable hands compared to non-Sol Land decks, meaning that mulligans are much more likely.
The increased number of mulligans can offset the pseudo card advantage provided by an Ancient Tomb or City of Traitors.
You likely have guessed the 2nd vulnerability, Wasteland.
At time of writing, there is a greater than 50% chance that an opponent is playing Wasteland in their deck.
Because Sol Lands incentivize deckbuilding with spells that are too slow when cast with regular lands this means that Wasteland has a larger than normal impact.
There are many ways that player can attempt to mitigate these risks but often come with their own costs.
For example some Mystic Forge Artifact Combo decks play Serum Powder to effectively increase the number of mulligans they can take, but this inclusion adds some dead draws during the game.
What Decks Play Sol Lands
Stompy and Prison Decks
I’m grouping Stompy and Prison decks together as they operate on a spectrum with aggressive threats on one end and lock pieces on the other, but each are attempting to resolve 2-4 drops ahead of curve.
The more aggressive Stompy decks like Boros Initiative typically focus on leveraging the mana from Sol Lands and other Fast Mana like Chrome Mox, Simian Spirit Guide, and Lotus Petal to play overcosted threats early and overwhelm the opponent.
On the other hand Prison decks like MUD and Stax have a primary focus on using cards like Chalice of the Void, Trinisphere, and Sphere of Resistance to effectively prevent the opponent from making plays.
Moon Stompy falls roughly in the middle of this spectrum, combining a significant number of Lock Pieces with an equivalent number of stand-alone threats.
Hybrid Decks
Decks like Painter, Cauldron, and Bomberman have both a fast combo kill enabled by Sol Lands and a respectable beatdown plan, often leaning on Urza’s Saga.
Some of these decks play Lock Pieces like Chalice, others, like Painter opt for a larger amount of removal or interaction like Pyroblast.
Combo Decks
There are so many dedicated Combo decks that leverage Sol Lands that I don’t think I could realistically list them all.
They tend to fall into a couple of categories, Spell Based, Artifact Based, and A+B Combos
Show and Tell decks are the most popular of the A+B Combo decks with Sol Lands. Leveraging Sol Lands and Fast Mana to play a turn one or two Show and Tell putting in Omniscience, Emrakul or Atraxa, while still having enough resources left to have Force of Will
The Artifact Based Combo decks include Mystic Forge Combo, and Jewel Artifacts, using the Sol Lands to play gain a huge mana advantage and go over the top of opponents with high mana cost card advantage engines like The One Ring, Mystic Forge and Coveted Jewel+Copy Effects.
The Epic Gamble is the deck I think of when pondering Sol Land Spell Combo decks, it’s roughly 2/3rds Ritual and Artifact fast mana and Sol Lands, a playset of Defence Grid and the rest are card draw spells and Wish effects to either draw cards or fetch a win-condition.
The final prominent Sol Land Combo deck is Creative Technique or Mississippi River, a one-card combo deck that is extremely consistent but if extremely vulnerable to Wasteland and dedicated hate cards like Damping Sphere and Deafening Silence.
Other Sol Land Decks
Apart from Stompy, Prison, Hybrid, and Combo decks, there are a couple of other decks leveraging Ancient Tomb.
GW Sphere Lands only plays a couple copies of Ancient Tomb to increase the number of hands where it can play a Sphere of Resistance on Turn 1, but it already has a playset of Mox Diamond and is often content with playing Sphere on turn 2.
Colourless Cloudpost decks are not very common these days but often leverage Sol Lands in conjunction with Cloudpost and Glimmerpost to power out big colourless threats, often the smaller Eldrazi creatures like Thought-Knot Seer.
Decks that include Sol Lands vs Sol Land Centric Decks
I want to briefly draw a distinction between decks that rely on Sol Lands for their primary gameplan vs decks that include them without relying on them.
Decks like Moon Stompy have few functional hands without a Sol Land whereas The Epic Gamble has a wide range of them.
This depends on what the deck is trying to do and what resources need to be leveraged in order to achieve that end.
Brewing with Sol Lands
What if you want to play your Ancient Tombs but don’t like any of the existing decks?
You can try and brew!
We often see a lot of innovation occur with decks powered by Sol Lands.
There is a huge number of viable combo decks built leveraging Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors.
Many cards that would not be powerful or efficient enough in Legacy unless played in conjunction with Sol Lands and there are constantly new ones being printed, so there will always be new and fresh ways to to play with these lands.
An example of this is the Affinity deck that emerged after the introduction of Simulacrum Synthesizer in Outlaws of Thunder Junction.
This deck leverages Artifact Synergies to go over the top of opponents while being able to leverage some interaction in the form of Metallic Rebuke and some Silver Bullets searchable with Urza’s Saga.
Simulacrum Synthesizer would not be fast enough for the format without Sol Lands providing the additional mana to cast it and then other 3+ mana cards to accrue value.
It seems like a pretty good deck and conveniently can play through some of the most popular Artifact hate like Meltdown and Pernicious Deed due to the high mana values of many threats.
Try some stuff and maybe you’ll break the broken Sol lands!
So we Understand the Lands, Now What?
Now that we have an understanding of the Sol Lands, I want to explore playing with them.
Playing with Sol Lands can be difficult to resolve down to a core competency, not like it will stop me from trying.
This is because the skills needed to play a deck like Boros Initiative is vastly different from those needed for a deck like Omni-Tell, and yet again vastly different than The Epic Gamble.
I think the two key components to keep top of mind are Mulligan decisions and Sequencing.
For Stompy and Prison decks we usually aim to keep hands that make an impactful proactive play on turn 1 or turn 2 at the latest, and are able to survive opposing an Wasteland and/or Daze, if possible.
Sequencing correctly can be difficult but ideally be as mana efficient as possible while trying to playing around Wasteland/Daze.
I think these same principles apply to the Artifact Combo decks like Jewel and Mystic Forge Combo but are admittedly decks that are not really within my range.
Omni and Sneak can be slightly more forgiving with their sequencing and mulligan decisions as they include 8+ cantrips and include the Sol Lands as a way to accelerate and not as a core component of the gameplan.
The new Affinity Deck has similar dynamics to the Stompy and Prison decks but with Metalcraft and Affinity being additional ways to gain mana advantage without having to draw a Sol Land.
Sequencing is even more important here as cards costs and effects change depending on the order in which they are played with both Patchwork and Simulacrum accruing advantage for subsequent artifacts played, while cards like Mox Opal and the Affinity creatures need artifacts in play.
Our sequencing with any of these decks can inadvertently provide information to our opponent and this can be used to mislead them as well.
For example if we want to maximize the use of our lands we typically would lead on Ancient Tomb instead of City of Traitors because we are likely to sacrifice our City if we want to double spell later in the game.
Because of this, leading on City often indicates to our opponent that we are light on mana sources, which lets them know to prioritize attacking our mana.
On the other hand if we have a hand where we have enough permanent and fast mana sources to survive Wastelands we may actually want to lead on City to bait a wasteland on it effectively time-walking our opponent.
Despite being sometimes considered easy or beginner decks, Sol Land decks have an incredible amount of depth and but require a different skill set than many other legacy decks.
Why you should play with Sol Lands
Play Sol Lands because they’re fun and powerful!
I would recommend to play with Sol Land decks if you enjoy sequencing, and don’t mind mulliganning aggressively.
They may not be a great choice if you prefer to cast cantrips, and favour interaction like force of will or discard.
Love’em or hate’em Sol Lands are a core pillar of Legacy gameplay, so understanding the dynamics they introduce is critical to success regardless of which side you’re on.
If you are not practiced with these decks I would encourage you to play some games with them if you have the opportunity as this can be invaluable in learning how to beat them.
Maybe I’m bad but I routinely find that playing the opposite side of a matchup helps me immensely in improving my play.
Conclusion
Sol Lands are fun and powerful, they are one of the unique aspects to Legacy, this was a very shallow exploration of their dynamics but I would love to hear your thoughts.
I like that many Sol Land decks don’t play City of Traitors and are very light on Reserved List cards allowing them to be more accessible as an entry point.
What Sol Land Decks do you like?
submitted by Matt_Choww to MTGLegacy [link] [comments]
It’s been a little while, I’ve been thinking a lot about the fundamentals of Legacy and the core format pillars.
I decided to start with Sol Lands as they have become much more potent over the course of the past few years and are often a starting point for newer Legacy players.
This is of course also available in video form here, personally I think it’s better with the visual aids.
An Exploration of Sol Lands - Legacy Fundamentals
It took me longer than expected to create this piece as Name Sticker Goblin got banned about halfway through my workflow, so I had to go back and re-write and edit a bunch of stuff.
So Let’s Explore Sol Lands!
What Are Sol Lands?
Sol Lands are at the core of a manabase that powers several decks in Legacy.
We call Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors “Sol Lands” because they make the same amount of mana as one of the most powerful cards in magic, Sol Ring.
To offset their high power level each has a downside.
City of Traitors must be sacrificed if it’s controller plays another land afterwards while Ancient Tomb costs 2 life every time it’s tapped for mana.
We also see similar lands that can make multiple mana but that I won’t classify as Sol Lands nor explore their uses, there are a couple categories of similar but different lands.
Gaea’s Cradle, Serra’s Sanctum, and Phyrexian Tower can all make more than one mana but depend on other permanents already being in play.
The Masques Depletion lands like Sandstone Need, have similar effects but are distinctly less powerful as they are both slower and provide mana for only a few turns
Some other options split the difference, Crystal Vein and the Sac Lands like Dwarven Ruins can make consistent mana, then provide a burst of two mana when sacrificed.
What makes Sol Lands Powerful?
This might seem like a silly question, the intuitive answer is “They make 2 mana you dummy”
They certainly do make two mana, but why is this good?
I want to go back to basics for a moment to thoroughly answer this question.
Mana is one of the primary resources of the game along with card quantity.
The game design of magic has a supply and demand curve of mana production being supply and cards in hand to spend mana on being demand.
A common shorthand used to represent this is “the player that spends more mana, wins the game”
It’s a way of saying that the player who’s mana supply meets their mana demand can take more game actions and better leverage their resources to ideally outpace their opponent.
One of the unique aspects of Eternal formats like Legacy is that there are tools to increase mana supply on the turn they are played, called Fast Mana.
There are many forms of Fast Mana but outside of Sol Lands we have the Moxen, Rituals, Lotus Petal, and Spirit Guides.
Apart from Sol Lands, the persistent Fast Mana sources like Chrome Mox and Mox Diamond require a two card investment in order to function.
One shot effects like Rituals, Petals, and Guides are inherently not persistent mana sources.
Rituals often provide more mana but require an initial mana investment, while Petal and Spirit Guides can be an initial mana source but are limited to making a single mana.
Sol Lands are unique in Legacy in that they increase mana supply the same turn played, are persistent mana sources, while only costing a single card to provide this effect.
To illustrate the power lets compare them in a vacuum to a basic land.
If we look at a curve where one deck plays a Sol Land on Turn One and does not make another land drop, vs a deck that makes a land drop every turn using Basic Lands or Dual lands.
It takes until turn 3 for the deck playing regular lands to catch up on cumulative mana generation and requires three times the cards invested, compared to the Sol Land deck.
Not only is this fast but it also illustrates a form of card advantage where fewer resources need to be invested into the mana base.
Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors are good because they make 2 mana each turn but more importantly they are the most stable and card compact way to do so in Legacy.
Without delving into the nitty-gritty, it’s easy to see how a deck that plays Ancient Tomb into City of Traitors can accrue a huge mana advantage.
These lands provide a confluence of 3 advantages, Ramp, Fast Mana, and a form of Card Advantage, all in a land-slot.
What Deckbuilding Restrictions do they Impose?
While they are powerful and do not require the use of any additional resources to generate mana the Sol Lands impose a deckbuilding cost.
They only make colourless mana meaning that there are limitations on what the mana can be spent on.
Efficiency is an extremely important component of card choice in Magic overall, with Legacy having access to all cards printed barring the banned list.
If we look at the most played cards in the format we see a clear lack of colourless mana costs in Legacy Staples, there are cards like Force of Will and Grief that are essentially 0-Mana in most situations, threats like Delver, Orcish Bowmasters, Elvish Reclaimer, and Murktide Regent that require either all or most of their costs paid by coloured mana sources.
The deckbuilding restriction is somewhat obvious, spells need to be castable using the colourless mana from Sol Lands, basically having 2 or more colourless mana in their mana costs.
Cards like this fall into two categories, colourless 2-4 mana spells like Chalice of the Void and The One Ring, and Mono-Coloured 3 Drops that require only a single coloured mana to cast like Goblin Rabblemaster or Show and Tell.
Urza’s Saga is a common inclusion in Sol Land decks, while not being cast using the mana, the 2nd chapter ability is a clean way to spend the mana from a Sol Land.
The Sol Land Mana-Curve
Sol Lands incentivize a very different kind of deck construction compared to the rest of Legacy.
If we look at the mana curve of a couple decks the differences are obvious.
I’ve got a couple examples here to illustrate this.
These mana curves are comprised of spells for which mana is spent to play them.
Evoke and Pitch cards may or may not be included depending on their primary use, Force of Will is counted as a “Free Spell” and not a 5-Drop, Troll of Khazad-Dum is counted as a 1-Drop, but Endurance is counted as a 3-Drop because of how it is frequently cast vs evoked.
In an attempt to compare like-for-like here are some Fair decks without Sol Lands and a couple Fair decks with Sol Lands.
I’m defining Fair as decks that win exclusively through combat damage while having some tools to interact or disrupt the opponents game-plan.
The Temur Delver Mana curve, excluding free and 0-mana spells, a lot of 1s some 2s and flexibility in how much mana to spend on Murktide Regent.
Another Fair deck, Maverick, has a curve skewed towards 1s, 2s, and some 3s, with a single 4-drop, Green Sun’s Zenith can be cast for many mana costs but is frequently cast for one mana, to find Dryad Arbor.
This deck, a classic Sol Land Deck, MUD, from my friend Jim Monolith?, a man who loves MUD so much he changed his entire, totally real legal name, has a curve that realistically starts at 2, has some 3s and 4s, with a small number of 1s that are primarily used as search targets for Urza’s Saga.
The Moon Stompy curve starts at 2 with Chalice of the Void usually being cast for X=1, we see lots of 3s and then a playset of 5s in Fury which can be evoked or hard-cast.
We see a pretty big difference between the mana costs of the cards played these different decks.
Sol Land decks frequently have a mana curve that realistically starts at 2-Mana, whereas decks without sometimes top out at 2 mana with a much higher focus on 1-drops.
While not representative of all decks that include Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors these mana curves illustrate the incentives and costs associated with leveraging a Sol Land mana base.
High Risk = High Reward
The upsides of Sol Lands are clear, they provide mana quickly and efficiently allowing the Sol Land player to out-pace their opponent and run away with the game.
These upsides come with risks and vulnerabilities, consistency being the foremost of these.
In order to take advantage of this compact mana engine, we’re incentivized to play 2-4 mana cards that can be cast with Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors.
Because a maximum of 8 combined copies of Tomb and City can be included in a Legacy deck, this means that casting these cards without a Sol Land is often too slow and possibly low impact for the format.
Consider the difference between playing Chalice of the Void on Turn 1 vs Turn 2 when playing Moon Stompy.
On the play with a Sol Land we can play Sol Land>Chalice cutting off our opponent from casting a 1-drop on turn 1, while also being immune to being Dazed as our opponent has not yet made a land-drop.
If we have a hand that does not include any fast mana and we take this same situation, we play a mountain and pass, our opponent plays Volcanic Island>Delver, we can still cast Chalice on turn two but a Delver is already in play and our opponent can Daze our Chalice, unlocking their future cantrips and 1-drops.
This difference is obvious, but it has implications in mulligan decisions, Sol Land decks often have a narrower band of keepable hands compared to non-Sol Land decks, meaning that mulligans are much more likely.
The increased number of mulligans can offset the pseudo card advantage provided by an Ancient Tomb or City of Traitors.
You likely have guessed the 2nd vulnerability, Wasteland.
At time of writing, there is a greater than 50% chance that an opponent is playing Wasteland in their deck.
Because Sol Lands incentivize deckbuilding with spells that are too slow when cast with regular lands this means that Wasteland has a larger than normal impact.
There are many ways that player can attempt to mitigate these risks but often come with their own costs.
For example some Mystic Forge Artifact Combo decks play Serum Powder to effectively increase the number of mulligans they can take, but this inclusion adds some dead draws during the game.
What Decks Play Sol Lands
Stompy and Prison Decks
I’m grouping Stompy and Prison decks together as they operate on a spectrum with aggressive threats on one end and lock pieces on the other, but each are attempting to resolve 2-4 drops ahead of curve.
The more aggressive Stompy decks like Boros Initiative typically focus on leveraging the mana from Sol Lands and other Fast Mana like Chrome Mox, Simian Spirit Guide, and Lotus Petal to play overcosted threats early and overwhelm the opponent.
On the other hand Prison decks like MUD and Stax have a primary focus on using cards like Chalice of the Void, Trinisphere, and Sphere of Resistance to effectively prevent the opponent from making plays.
Moon Stompy falls roughly in the middle of this spectrum, combining a significant number of Lock Pieces with an equivalent number of stand-alone threats.
Hybrid Decks
Decks like Painter, Cauldron, and Bomberman have both a fast combo kill enabled by Sol Lands and a respectable beatdown plan, often leaning on Urza’s Saga.
Some of these decks play Lock Pieces like Chalice, others, like Painter opt for a larger amount of removal or interaction like Pyroblast.
Combo Decks
There are so many dedicated Combo decks that leverage Sol Lands that I don’t think I could realistically list them all.
They tend to fall into a couple of categories, Spell Based, Artifact Based, and A+B Combos
Show and Tell decks are the most popular of the A+B Combo decks with Sol Lands. Leveraging Sol Lands and Fast Mana to play a turn one or two Show and Tell putting in Omniscience, Emrakul or Atraxa, while still having enough resources left to have Force of Will
The Artifact Based Combo decks include Mystic Forge Combo, and Jewel Artifacts, using the Sol Lands to play gain a huge mana advantage and go over the top of opponents with high mana cost card advantage engines like The One Ring, Mystic Forge and Coveted Jewel+Copy Effects.
The Epic Gamble is the deck I think of when pondering Sol Land Spell Combo decks, it’s roughly 2/3rds Ritual and Artifact fast mana and Sol Lands, a playset of Defence Grid and the rest are card draw spells and Wish effects to either draw cards or fetch a win-condition.
The final prominent Sol Land Combo deck is Creative Technique or Mississippi River, a one-card combo deck that is extremely consistent but if extremely vulnerable to Wasteland and dedicated hate cards like Damping Sphere and Deafening Silence.
Other Sol Land Decks
Apart from Stompy, Prison, Hybrid, and Combo decks, there are a couple of other decks leveraging Ancient Tomb.
GW Sphere Lands only plays a couple copies of Ancient Tomb to increase the number of hands where it can play a Sphere of Resistance on Turn 1, but it already has a playset of Mox Diamond and is often content with playing Sphere on turn 2.
Colourless Cloudpost decks are not very common these days but often leverage Sol Lands in conjunction with Cloudpost and Glimmerpost to power out big colourless threats, often the smaller Eldrazi creatures like Thought-Knot Seer.
Decks that include Sol Lands vs Sol Land Centric Decks
I want to briefly draw a distinction between decks that rely on Sol Lands for their primary gameplan vs decks that include them without relying on them.
Decks like Moon Stompy have few functional hands without a Sol Land whereas The Epic Gamble has a wide range of them.
This depends on what the deck is trying to do and what resources need to be leveraged in order to achieve that end.
Brewing with Sol Lands
What if you want to play your Ancient Tombs but don’t like any of the existing decks?
You can try and brew!
We often see a lot of innovation occur with decks powered by Sol Lands.
There is a huge number of viable combo decks built leveraging Ancient Tomb and City of Traitors.
Many cards that would not be powerful or efficient enough in Legacy unless played in conjunction with Sol Lands and there are constantly new ones being printed, so there will always be new and fresh ways to to play with these lands.
An example of this is the Affinity deck that emerged after the introduction of Simulacrum Synthesizer in Outlaws of Thunder Junction.
This deck leverages Artifact Synergies to go over the top of opponents while being able to leverage some interaction in the form of Metallic Rebuke and some Silver Bullets searchable with Urza’s Saga.
Simulacrum Synthesizer would not be fast enough for the format without Sol Lands providing the additional mana to cast it and then other 3+ mana cards to accrue value.
It seems like a pretty good deck and conveniently can play through some of the most popular Artifact hate like Meltdown and Pernicious Deed due to the high mana values of many threats.
Try some stuff and maybe you’ll break the broken Sol lands!
So we Understand the Lands, Now What?
Now that we have an understanding of the Sol Lands, I want to explore playing with them.
Playing with Sol Lands can be difficult to resolve down to a core competency, not like it will stop me from trying.
This is because the skills needed to play a deck like Boros Initiative is vastly different from those needed for a deck like Omni-Tell, and yet again vastly different than The Epic Gamble.
I think the two key components to keep top of mind are Mulligan decisions and Sequencing.
For Stompy and Prison decks we usually aim to keep hands that make an impactful proactive play on turn 1 or turn 2 at the latest, and are able to survive opposing an Wasteland and/or Daze, if possible.
Sequencing correctly can be difficult but ideally be as mana efficient as possible while trying to playing around Wasteland/Daze.
I think these same principles apply to the Artifact Combo decks like Jewel and Mystic Forge Combo but are admittedly decks that are not really within my range.
Omni and Sneak can be slightly more forgiving with their sequencing and mulligan decisions as they include 8+ cantrips and include the Sol Lands as a way to accelerate and not as a core component of the gameplan.
The new Affinity Deck has similar dynamics to the Stompy and Prison decks but with Metalcraft and Affinity being additional ways to gain mana advantage without having to draw a Sol Land.
Sequencing is even more important here as cards costs and effects change depending on the order in which they are played with both Patchwork and Simulacrum accruing advantage for subsequent artifacts played, while cards like Mox Opal and the Affinity creatures need artifacts in play.
Our sequencing with any of these decks can inadvertently provide information to our opponent and this can be used to mislead them as well.
For example if we want to maximize the use of our lands we typically would lead on Ancient Tomb instead of City of Traitors because we are likely to sacrifice our City if we want to double spell later in the game.
Because of this, leading on City often indicates to our opponent that we are light on mana sources, which lets them know to prioritize attacking our mana.
On the other hand if we have a hand where we have enough permanent and fast mana sources to survive Wastelands we may actually want to lead on City to bait a wasteland on it effectively time-walking our opponent.
Despite being sometimes considered easy or beginner decks, Sol Land decks have an incredible amount of depth and but require a different skill set than many other legacy decks.
Why you should play with Sol Lands
Play Sol Lands because they’re fun and powerful!
I would recommend to play with Sol Land decks if you enjoy sequencing, and don’t mind mulliganning aggressively.
They may not be a great choice if you prefer to cast cantrips, and favour interaction like force of will or discard.
Love’em or hate’em Sol Lands are a core pillar of Legacy gameplay, so understanding the dynamics they introduce is critical to success regardless of which side you’re on.
If you are not practiced with these decks I would encourage you to play some games with them if you have the opportunity as this can be invaluable in learning how to beat them.
Maybe I’m bad but I routinely find that playing the opposite side of a matchup helps me immensely in improving my play.
Conclusion
Sol Lands are fun and powerful, they are one of the unique aspects to Legacy, this was a very shallow exploration of their dynamics but I would love to hear your thoughts.
I like that many Sol Land decks don’t play City of Traitors and are very light on Reserved List cards allowing them to be more accessible as an entry point.
What Sol Land Decks do you like?
2024.05.28 17:35 bummerlamb White guy here with some questions.
First of all, I’m asking about locs for my poodle, so if this is the wrong place, please let me know.
Last year, I started growing out my poodle’s top knot with the eventual goal of making it into dreads. I watched a bunch of videos and got some tools that look like tiny crochet hooks and gave it a go. I feel like I got nowhere with the tools I had; it made no difference if I used the single, double, or triple ended tool.
When met with little to no success, I put my girl’s hair in a pony and then life happened. Now, four or five months later, her hair has started to develop some free form locs. Some are (what I think to be) a great size: about the diameter of a sharpie marker. Others are quite thin and some are very, very thick.
Questions:
1) Is a felting needle an appropriate tool to use for forming locs? (I collect hobbies and briefly consisted felting, so I have some needles lying around.)
2) Would my crochet hook tools work better if I modified them? (There seems to be more of a bump rather than a hook on the end.)
3) If I go slow and start at the tips, can I tease the larger locs into smaller ones with a pick? Or would I need to brush out the entire length and reform them from the skin?
4) How do I separate the locs at their bases?
Any help you can give would be much appreciated. ☺️👍
submitted by bummerlamb to Dreadlocks [link] [comments]
Last year, I started growing out my poodle’s top knot with the eventual goal of making it into dreads. I watched a bunch of videos and got some tools that look like tiny crochet hooks and gave it a go. I feel like I got nowhere with the tools I had; it made no difference if I used the single, double, or triple ended tool.
When met with little to no success, I put my girl’s hair in a pony and then life happened. Now, four or five months later, her hair has started to develop some free form locs. Some are (what I think to be) a great size: about the diameter of a sharpie marker. Others are quite thin and some are very, very thick.
Questions:
1) Is a felting needle an appropriate tool to use for forming locs? (I collect hobbies and briefly consisted felting, so I have some needles lying around.)
2) Would my crochet hook tools work better if I modified them? (There seems to be more of a bump rather than a hook on the end.)
3) If I go slow and start at the tips, can I tease the larger locs into smaller ones with a pick? Or would I need to brush out the entire length and reform them from the skin?
4) How do I separate the locs at their bases?
Any help you can give would be much appreciated. ☺️👍
2024.05.28 12:42 Vicksin Daily Run Guide - May 28th, 2024
 | Greetings, Trainers!I've been absolutely blown away by the reception my video guide and YouTube channel have gotten as a result of yesterday's text/video guide... thank you guys so much, it truly means the world to help grow a community I'm so proud and honored to be apart of, truly <3
Intro
Discrepancies/Help this didn't work!I can't stress enough that literally every little detail matters
GuideIf forgetting/learning a move is not mentioned, it means skip the new move.Catches and Gym Leaders are in bold for easier finding Wave 1 - Dojo
When going back over my run and testing for issues, my Ampharos didn't die after using Light Screen. In my initial run, he died, and the above instructions worked fine. If your Ampharos also lived after using Light Screen at 31HP...
Wave 41 - Dojo
For those of you that prefer Horizontal...Horizontal Enjojyers
Video Guide
CatchesI'll be consolidating duplicate species into one slot, since that's how the game works too lolCatch Data Let me know how you feel about this formatting! 10 31 IVs, 4 30s, 12 27-29s, and 5 optimal natures! OutroNormally I try and get through these as quick as possible, but since I was so busy today and didn't get home until late, I figured there's a lot more time than usual since I'm so behind anyway, I wanted to optimize what I could to get the most and optimal catches possible.We got an insane 24 catches this time, which is over half the amount of Pokémon in the run (due to Gym Leaders and boss)! Let me know if you'd like to see more of these, any suggestions, feedback, or questions you have, or otherwise, I'm always happy to make changes you all want to see! I double checked the path by running it a second time, but please let me know asap if you catch a mistake somewhere. Especially tonight since I'm so damn eepy. Have a good day, and be good people <3 |
2024.05.28 10:09 Aggressive_Use_7102 [review] after a few sessions with MK1 select lace up gloves
![[review] after a few sessions with MK1 select lace up gloves](https://a.thumbs.redditmedia.com/9HQ2UmAEOK1pXjKyCn2nYkfrHa6hx1fz7SrJZ1Ktbb8.jpg "[review] after a few sessions with MK1 select lace up gloves") | Hi everyone. I have recently picked up a pair of 14 oz MK1 select gloves and have used them for a few sessions. I got them for $160 after a 20% discount code. submitted by Aggressive_Use_7102 to fightgear [link] [comments] Quick pros: - comfortable - good fitting hand compartment (I have between small-average size hands) - ideal padding distribution (personal preference), which has more padding along the front of the knuckles as opposed to around the back & sides of the hand - angled/tilted angle of the knuckle area, so that the index finger side are more forward than the pinky side Quick cons: -Very minor, but the only negative aspect about this glove to me is that part of the stitching along the inside of the opening of the left glove (pictured) felt a little “pokey” on my arm when wearing the glove. I remedied this by just scratching at the stitching a bit with my finger nail, and it smoothed out to the point where I didn’t notice it any more. It caused a few threads to come undone a little, but it looks like it was stitched over enough that it (hopefully) won’t be any issue. Neutral: - the padding is on the softer side. Good for sparring, but might not feel as satisfyingly “snappy” on the bag/mitts compared to gloves with firmer padding. Personally I don’t really care for “training” purposes, but do care for sparring (where I would obviously want it to be softer) I’ve tried a handful of other companies, but the MK1 selects won for me. The list of companies I’ve tried in addition to these: Cleto Reyes - $235 - Not that comfortable for me, the hand compartment felt larger than average, and were very reminiscent of Fairtex BVG1 that I’ve had (kind of blocky/wide compared to what I’ve come to prefer now… also the Fairtex are less than half the price) Ring 2 Cage C17 2.0 - $100 - they were okay. I actually didn’t find them that comfortable, and the leather felt kind of thin to me Hayabusa T3 - $160 - pretty comfortable, but the cuff area was longer and felt stiffer than I would like Hit N Move All Day Agility - $250 - these were really nice, but also more than $50 more expensive. If I get bored of MK1, I might get a pair of these. Phenom SG210 - $195 - these were very comfortable. I would say the quality of the build is a notch higher than MK1. However, what makes me still choose MK1 over the phenoms is the padding distribution. In my experience, the padding distribution of the Phenoms were actually more similar to the Cleto Reyes/Fairtex in padding distribution (less “forward” on the knuckles, and more wide around the back/sides of the hand). The MK1 select had more padding on the knuckles. To me, this is a benefit in 1) more cushioning for hitting sparring partners, and 2) slight addition to reach, even if by only half an inch to an inch or so. And to me, the softness of the padding were pretty comparable Lacing comment: It’s basically the Suave method (there’s a video on youtube) with 2 differences. 1) instead of skipping the 2nd to last hole to go through the last hole, I used the 2nd to last hole and used the last hole for tying the lace off. 2) instead of tying a knot through the hole in the lace n loop straps, I went straight through the hole while going through the lacing process. Bottom line: I like these gloves a lot. Would recommend, and will probably be buying another pair at 16 oz for sparring. Thanks for taking the time to read. |
2024.05.28 01:21 BiasMushroom The Devil You Know Ch 1
A Fanfic of u/SpacePaladin15’s work “The Nature of Predators.” Thank you for the story!
___
Memory transcription subject: Saori, Nivean Diplomat
Date [standardized human time]: July 27, 2160
The blasted sun flickered through the windows of my home, taunting me. The thing new I was expecting to wake up the second its rays blessed my face this morning and chose to hide itself! I awoke with my feathers flattened unflatteringly and little time to apply my favorite feather dust! My mirror hanging in the foyer of my burrow revealed my panic was entirely misplaced.
My normally light gray feathers radiated vibrantly with orange hues coupled with red and yellow accents. The perfectly white toga wrapped around my body without a hint of stain upon it. I flicked my tail and fanned the feathers upon it. My Crest feathers spread perfectly too. I couldn’t help but smile at my own image, like a true narcissist. I just need to remember to not smile in front of our stellar neighbors! Most likely, bearing teeth will be seen as a sign of aggressiveness instead of friendliness. At least someone on my team had the foresight to consider our weirdness.
We proto-avians are a rare breed, after all. The only surviving member of our species and the only one to stand perfectly upright despite our tail. At some point, our specie diverged from the rest, as we didn’t even sport beaks! My team did come to the conclusion that while other species will likely not look too similar to us, they will, of course, have some method of fine motor manipulation skills as otherwise they won’t have the ability to invent tech. They should also be obligate carnivores like ourselves. Sadly, the herbivorous lifestyle doesn’t easily lend itself to the behavior required to gain sentience. Pack tactics and cooperation are what encourage large brain growth. Something just running away from threats and eating can never produce on their own.
It took me very little time to actually make it to the space elevator. Though it’s not my first time riding it, I still can’t help the knot in my stomach looking up at the tower. It just doesn’t feel right that an object orbiting the planet can be tethered to said planet. Yet, here it is. This time, I didn’t have to wait in line to go up. The entire complex had been shut down for myself.
“AH! Captain Saori! Just in time! We are about ready to launch the probe at Epsilon! Ooooo! I can’t wait to see what our galactic neighbors have been building and introduce ourselves. I get the feeling, the only reason they haven’t come to say hello is due to the fact we don’t have FTL ourselves until now. This… by the goddess, is going to be the most important day in Nivean history… I am beyond jealous that you get to be not only the first person to experience FTL, but also the first Nivean to ever go meet with actual extraterrestrials!”
I wrapped my wing-arms around Joi. My claws gently preened her brown plumage, “I wish you could come with me. It’d make for a hell of a date.”
She leapt a good [ten feet] into the air, “I! YOU! Buh! Are you seriously asking me out right now!”
I took a half step forward, “There’s a chance I don’t survive this. I don’t want to die never knowing if I had a chance with you.”
Tears welled in her eyes as we embraced once more, “Of course! By the goddess, yes!”
I felt a claw on my arm, “Sorry love uirits. I need the captain in the observatory for the launch. If you don’t mind, ma’am.”
She nuzzled me and quickly sprinted towards her news crew, who erupted into cheers. I joined General Kovan in the observatory, “Sir. How long until the ship goes into FTL?”
He stood tall and bore his light-gray feathers proudly, “[Two hours] ago. We knew the paparazzi were watching you like a Kufa, so we lied about the actual launch time.”
I gasped at the betrayal, “Why?”
He looked sorrowful as he explained, “As your team pointed out… The aliens may be hostile. If they destroy the probe, I want the broadcast to have a delay to it. So we can get to damage control as quick as possible.”
The mass hysteria that would happen if the Epsilon aliens were hostile was a valid concern, “I understand, sir.”
One of the tech’s jumped in surprise, “SIR! The probe! It’s left FTL early!”
General Kovan rushed to his side, “What?! Report!”
The tech carried on, “The FTL drive is functioning properly. The AI is reporting strange readings… Sir, I think the Epsilons posses tech that can pull ships out of FTL.”
One of the engineers spoke up, “Can confirm, sir. The ship is still capable of engaging its FTL drive if it leaves the confinement bubble. It also appears that while it will be unpleasant, it won’t be lethal to living crews.”
“Sir! We have contact!”
The screen in the center of the observatory flicked to life. A large, sleek vessel slowly grew larger and larger. We were all awed by its sheer size. It could easily take a thousand individuals to man that thing alone. General Kovan’s crest stood on end as he started to count the obvious weapons mounted over its hull. I didn’t doubt for a moment that intergalactic war was a thing, but to see the mass of this ship… intergalactic wars are on a scale unfathomable to us. Considering that our last serious military conflict in the last [twenty years] only had three actual combatants and resulted in only one person losing tail feathers, we were likely never going to hold a candle up to their combat prowess.
Kovan steadied himself, “Start the first contact procedure!”
My joy and pride for the last ten years finally activated. As many different methods of communicating started to active. Everything from radio waves to X-rays were pulsed out of the ship in a method that should hopefully allow us to establish a baseline of communicating. Our ship also began to pulse lights in an obvious pattern, as well as rotate gently before reversing that rotation. As a last ditch effort, we also included multiple different physical media in the craft in case the Epsilons were a touch-based species and were completely unaware of radiation or light.
We all sat and waited for hours. The rest of the world soon joined us in the tension as we watched on. It felt like we were going to be broken in half before the Dreadnought opened its bay doors and began maneuvering in an attempt to pick up the craft. We ordered it to comply and as it drew near the belly, we force shut it down. Something about the ship itself was interfering with our FTL communications.
It took a moment for it to dawn on us. The room erupted into loud cheers as we all jumped in joy! We had just made actual non-hostile contact with an alien species! They trusted us enough to lower their defenses and let us into one of their more sensitive ships!
Kovan nodded to me and I rushed towards the space elevator. It was time to go say hello in person.
___/\___
Memory transcription subject: Khalink, Shield Diplomat
Date [standardized human time]: July 27, 2160
I rushed through the halls of my home and out the front door looking like hot garbage. For the first time since humanity came on the scene, another race has developed FTL and made first contact. This time with my own people, the Deuteran. Our scientists had already made leaps in decoding the alien language as the new arrivals had saw fit to include everything and more necessary to do so on an unmanned craft.
We all felt relieved after seeing the first video of one of the proto-avians simply moving. They possessed cutting teeth and sharp claws on their wing-arms, as well as a wicked looking claw on their legs, but it was clear as day what they were actually for when the alien dug them into a tree to climb up and eat its fruits. Humanity had taught us that appearances did not dictate behavior. Looking closely at them revealed the truth. Though we should have seen that coming as they looked at objects one eye at a time like true prey- I mean like us herbivores.
A shuttle had been scrambled to carry me towards the first contact point when we detected the new arrival's home world had sent a second craft into FTL. We sped through space, diverting all traffic out of our way to ensure no delays. I arrived just in time to watch them come out of FTL in an albeit primitive, but still amazingly beautiful, sleek craft.
We quickly prepared to dock and let what will likely be the shield newest member on board. The door clicked and hissed before finally opening to reveal the sealed door of their ship. After a moment, we watched the locking mechanisms open up and pull away.
I let out a gasp. They looked like an angel. Their suit was a simple piece of stunningly white cloth wrapped around their body. Their feathers were of a magnificent orange with red and yellow hues. They held a golden, ornate box in their arms as they STALKED FORWARD. OH, GODS. THE THING HAD BEEN LOOKING AROUND LIKE WE DID WITH A SINGLE EYE, BUT WHEN IT FELT SAFE IT STARED DOWN ITS SNOUT AT ME AND IT’S HEAD LOCKED ONTO ME. IT DREW CLOSER AND CLOSER BEFORE opening the box to reveal to soft bodied fruits…
It gently picked one up and held the box up to me. I grabbed the other as it set the box down. It held the fruit straight out, and I mimicked its actions. It looped its arm around mine and held its fruit to my mouth. When I held mine up to them, they slowly opened their maw to reveal every sharp tooth in their heads as they gently leaned forward and bit into the fruit. I copied them faithfully and felt the tangy sweet flavor of the fruit wash into my mouth. With a tongue-full of amazing flavor, we fed each other a fruit.
I felt like an idiot for fearing them as they leaned forward and groomed some spilled pulp off my beak. I felt my translator burn as it finished downloading their language, and braced itself to use my own vocal cords to translate my words into theirs.
It looked startled as I spoke, “Do not be afraid. I can speak your language do to two things. The first being the drone your people sent to us and the second being our translator chips which are allowing me to speak your language. I must say, It is a pleasure to meet you and share this first meal together. May it be one of millions.”
They took a half step back and their outward beauty was only matched by their voice, “The pleasure is mine! I am Captain Saori. My people have observed the signals yours has been emitting into space for some time now. You inspired us to invent, to cooperate and yearn to meet you. If you don’t mind, I am so curious about your people.”
I let my tail feather fan out in delight, “Peoples! I am Khalink, Shield Diplomat. We are a defensive organization comprising dozens of different species all working together to keep ourselves safe.”
“Amazing… simple amazing! If I may ask, would you be so kind as to settle a debate that has been held on my home for quite some time? How many of these species are herbivores, omnivores or carnivores?”
I shuddered at the word carnivore, “Well, The majority of all aliens are herbivores like myself. With only a small section being omnivores that lean towards being true herbivores, and only one that I know of that is a true omnivore and must be one. There is also only two known instances of true carnivores.”
I wanted to avoid talking about the Arxur. Those abominations were quarantined and not something I wished to scare them with. Saori looked delighted as he placed a claw to his chest and closed his eyes, “This is… the opposite of what we thought it would be! To think my own people are only the third true carnivores to become sapient!”
Every thought in my head came to a halt, “I’m sorry? You just ate a fruit…”
They let out a lite chirp, “Oh! Yes. While we can eat fruit, we get almost no nutrition from it. It mainly helps us digest meat… Are you ok? You’re looking a little wobbly.”
I awoke in the medical bay of my ship. Sitting up I could see numerous staff standing around me with… them only a few feet away. Oh, gods… a second- third race of obligate carnivores, and these have developed FTL on their own…
___/\___
This! Is my second story. No multiple arcs, not huge storyline. Just a small little idea that popped into my head that I will be working on at least once a month… hopefully. I hope you enjoyed!
submitted by BiasMushroom to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
___
Memory transcription subject: Saori, Nivean Diplomat
Date [standardized human time]: July 27, 2160
The blasted sun flickered through the windows of my home, taunting me. The thing new I was expecting to wake up the second its rays blessed my face this morning and chose to hide itself! I awoke with my feathers flattened unflatteringly and little time to apply my favorite feather dust! My mirror hanging in the foyer of my burrow revealed my panic was entirely misplaced.
My normally light gray feathers radiated vibrantly with orange hues coupled with red and yellow accents. The perfectly white toga wrapped around my body without a hint of stain upon it. I flicked my tail and fanned the feathers upon it. My Crest feathers spread perfectly too. I couldn’t help but smile at my own image, like a true narcissist. I just need to remember to not smile in front of our stellar neighbors! Most likely, bearing teeth will be seen as a sign of aggressiveness instead of friendliness. At least someone on my team had the foresight to consider our weirdness.
We proto-avians are a rare breed, after all. The only surviving member of our species and the only one to stand perfectly upright despite our tail. At some point, our specie diverged from the rest, as we didn’t even sport beaks! My team did come to the conclusion that while other species will likely not look too similar to us, they will, of course, have some method of fine motor manipulation skills as otherwise they won’t have the ability to invent tech. They should also be obligate carnivores like ourselves. Sadly, the herbivorous lifestyle doesn’t easily lend itself to the behavior required to gain sentience. Pack tactics and cooperation are what encourage large brain growth. Something just running away from threats and eating can never produce on their own.
It took me very little time to actually make it to the space elevator. Though it’s not my first time riding it, I still can’t help the knot in my stomach looking up at the tower. It just doesn’t feel right that an object orbiting the planet can be tethered to said planet. Yet, here it is. This time, I didn’t have to wait in line to go up. The entire complex had been shut down for myself.
“AH! Captain Saori! Just in time! We are about ready to launch the probe at Epsilon! Ooooo! I can’t wait to see what our galactic neighbors have been building and introduce ourselves. I get the feeling, the only reason they haven’t come to say hello is due to the fact we don’t have FTL ourselves until now. This… by the goddess, is going to be the most important day in Nivean history… I am beyond jealous that you get to be not only the first person to experience FTL, but also the first Nivean to ever go meet with actual extraterrestrials!”
I wrapped my wing-arms around Joi. My claws gently preened her brown plumage, “I wish you could come with me. It’d make for a hell of a date.”
She leapt a good [ten feet] into the air, “I! YOU! Buh! Are you seriously asking me out right now!”
I took a half step forward, “There’s a chance I don’t survive this. I don’t want to die never knowing if I had a chance with you.”
Tears welled in her eyes as we embraced once more, “Of course! By the goddess, yes!”
I felt a claw on my arm, “Sorry love uirits. I need the captain in the observatory for the launch. If you don’t mind, ma’am.”
She nuzzled me and quickly sprinted towards her news crew, who erupted into cheers. I joined General Kovan in the observatory, “Sir. How long until the ship goes into FTL?”
He stood tall and bore his light-gray feathers proudly, “[Two hours] ago. We knew the paparazzi were watching you like a Kufa, so we lied about the actual launch time.”
I gasped at the betrayal, “Why?”
He looked sorrowful as he explained, “As your team pointed out… The aliens may be hostile. If they destroy the probe, I want the broadcast to have a delay to it. So we can get to damage control as quick as possible.”
The mass hysteria that would happen if the Epsilon aliens were hostile was a valid concern, “I understand, sir.”
One of the tech’s jumped in surprise, “SIR! The probe! It’s left FTL early!”
General Kovan rushed to his side, “What?! Report!”
The tech carried on, “The FTL drive is functioning properly. The AI is reporting strange readings… Sir, I think the Epsilons posses tech that can pull ships out of FTL.”
One of the engineers spoke up, “Can confirm, sir. The ship is still capable of engaging its FTL drive if it leaves the confinement bubble. It also appears that while it will be unpleasant, it won’t be lethal to living crews.”
“Sir! We have contact!”
The screen in the center of the observatory flicked to life. A large, sleek vessel slowly grew larger and larger. We were all awed by its sheer size. It could easily take a thousand individuals to man that thing alone. General Kovan’s crest stood on end as he started to count the obvious weapons mounted over its hull. I didn’t doubt for a moment that intergalactic war was a thing, but to see the mass of this ship… intergalactic wars are on a scale unfathomable to us. Considering that our last serious military conflict in the last [twenty years] only had three actual combatants and resulted in only one person losing tail feathers, we were likely never going to hold a candle up to their combat prowess.
Kovan steadied himself, “Start the first contact procedure!”
My joy and pride for the last ten years finally activated. As many different methods of communicating started to active. Everything from radio waves to X-rays were pulsed out of the ship in a method that should hopefully allow us to establish a baseline of communicating. Our ship also began to pulse lights in an obvious pattern, as well as rotate gently before reversing that rotation. As a last ditch effort, we also included multiple different physical media in the craft in case the Epsilons were a touch-based species and were completely unaware of radiation or light.
We all sat and waited for hours. The rest of the world soon joined us in the tension as we watched on. It felt like we were going to be broken in half before the Dreadnought opened its bay doors and began maneuvering in an attempt to pick up the craft. We ordered it to comply and as it drew near the belly, we force shut it down. Something about the ship itself was interfering with our FTL communications.
It took a moment for it to dawn on us. The room erupted into loud cheers as we all jumped in joy! We had just made actual non-hostile contact with an alien species! They trusted us enough to lower their defenses and let us into one of their more sensitive ships!
Kovan nodded to me and I rushed towards the space elevator. It was time to go say hello in person.
___/\___
Memory transcription subject: Khalink, Shield Diplomat
Date [standardized human time]: July 27, 2160
I rushed through the halls of my home and out the front door looking like hot garbage. For the first time since humanity came on the scene, another race has developed FTL and made first contact. This time with my own people, the Deuteran. Our scientists had already made leaps in decoding the alien language as the new arrivals had saw fit to include everything and more necessary to do so on an unmanned craft.
We all felt relieved after seeing the first video of one of the proto-avians simply moving. They possessed cutting teeth and sharp claws on their wing-arms, as well as a wicked looking claw on their legs, but it was clear as day what they were actually for when the alien dug them into a tree to climb up and eat its fruits. Humanity had taught us that appearances did not dictate behavior. Looking closely at them revealed the truth. Though we should have seen that coming as they looked at objects one eye at a time like true prey- I mean like us herbivores.
A shuttle had been scrambled to carry me towards the first contact point when we detected the new arrival's home world had sent a second craft into FTL. We sped through space, diverting all traffic out of our way to ensure no delays. I arrived just in time to watch them come out of FTL in an albeit primitive, but still amazingly beautiful, sleek craft.
We quickly prepared to dock and let what will likely be the shield newest member on board. The door clicked and hissed before finally opening to reveal the sealed door of their ship. After a moment, we watched the locking mechanisms open up and pull away.
I let out a gasp. They looked like an angel. Their suit was a simple piece of stunningly white cloth wrapped around their body. Their feathers were of a magnificent orange with red and yellow hues. They held a golden, ornate box in their arms as they STALKED FORWARD. OH, GODS. THE THING HAD BEEN LOOKING AROUND LIKE WE DID WITH A SINGLE EYE, BUT WHEN IT FELT SAFE IT STARED DOWN ITS SNOUT AT ME AND IT’S HEAD LOCKED ONTO ME. IT DREW CLOSER AND CLOSER BEFORE opening the box to reveal to soft bodied fruits…
It gently picked one up and held the box up to me. I grabbed the other as it set the box down. It held the fruit straight out, and I mimicked its actions. It looped its arm around mine and held its fruit to my mouth. When I held mine up to them, they slowly opened their maw to reveal every sharp tooth in their heads as they gently leaned forward and bit into the fruit. I copied them faithfully and felt the tangy sweet flavor of the fruit wash into my mouth. With a tongue-full of amazing flavor, we fed each other a fruit.
I felt like an idiot for fearing them as they leaned forward and groomed some spilled pulp off my beak. I felt my translator burn as it finished downloading their language, and braced itself to use my own vocal cords to translate my words into theirs.
It looked startled as I spoke, “Do not be afraid. I can speak your language do to two things. The first being the drone your people sent to us and the second being our translator chips which are allowing me to speak your language. I must say, It is a pleasure to meet you and share this first meal together. May it be one of millions.”
They took a half step back and their outward beauty was only matched by their voice, “The pleasure is mine! I am Captain Saori. My people have observed the signals yours has been emitting into space for some time now. You inspired us to invent, to cooperate and yearn to meet you. If you don’t mind, I am so curious about your people.”
I let my tail feather fan out in delight, “Peoples! I am Khalink, Shield Diplomat. We are a defensive organization comprising dozens of different species all working together to keep ourselves safe.”
“Amazing… simple amazing! If I may ask, would you be so kind as to settle a debate that has been held on my home for quite some time? How many of these species are herbivores, omnivores or carnivores?”
I shuddered at the word carnivore, “Well, The majority of all aliens are herbivores like myself. With only a small section being omnivores that lean towards being true herbivores, and only one that I know of that is a true omnivore and must be one. There is also only two known instances of true carnivores.”
I wanted to avoid talking about the Arxur. Those abominations were quarantined and not something I wished to scare them with. Saori looked delighted as he placed a claw to his chest and closed his eyes, “This is… the opposite of what we thought it would be! To think my own people are only the third true carnivores to become sapient!”
Every thought in my head came to a halt, “I’m sorry? You just ate a fruit…”
They let out a lite chirp, “Oh! Yes. While we can eat fruit, we get almost no nutrition from it. It mainly helps us digest meat… Are you ok? You’re looking a little wobbly.”
I awoke in the medical bay of my ship. Sitting up I could see numerous staff standing around me with… them only a few feet away. Oh, gods… a second- third race of obligate carnivores, and these have developed FTL on their own…
___/\___
This! Is my second story. No multiple arcs, not huge storyline. Just a small little idea that popped into my head that I will be working on at least once a month… hopefully. I hope you enjoyed!
2024.05.27 17:57 Longjumping-Ad-6775 Tadaima, Okeari Episode 8🧸Anime🍼
 | Where to Watch »»-----------► Crunchyroll\I will note this has been uploaded on youtube I think unofficially by serval people if you want to do a quick search on youtube you will find it*This is supposed to be released sometime today but I'm not sure when. I think in a couple of hours. When I have the links I will update the post. Tadaima Okaeri is a new omegaverse anime brought to us by Studio Deen. Studio Deen has given us alot of BL such as Junjou Romantica, Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, Sasaki to Miyano , Super Lovers , Gravitation, Hybrid Child, and Princess Princess. https://preview.redd.it/c4p9qh42rz2d1.jpg?width=2677&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=587acfcd309862677fd347bc3f31453b101e0b3b 🧸 Story 🍼Tadaima, Okaeri by ICHIKAWA Ichi is an ongoing 5-volume manga serialized by Omegaverse Project. Volume 5 will be out on 4-24. It was licensed in English but has been pulled. You can still find it on the 🏴☠ sites with a google searchhttps://preview.redd.it/3hagxds3rz2d1.jpg?width=1732&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4daae86765c55d6df1d6ef926fe81b34cfdb4ecf Masaki Fujiyoshi is a stay-at-home spouse and parent. He has fought long and hard with feelings of being a burden to his loving husband, Hiromu, due to his status as an omega—a secondary gender, allowing one to give birth regardless of if they are male or female— and the difficulty they faced to achieve this domesticity. When their son, Hikari, was born, the family moved to an area better suited for raising children.Hikari is now nearing his second birthday, and he and his parents are forging meaningful bonds with those around them. These include the beta college student living next door, Yuuki, to whom Hikari has become rather attached; Hiromu's friend from work Matsuo; and the mysterious single dad seen wandering around the park.Despite their newfound domestic bliss, the family's ties to their past are in tatters. There are people they left behind to pursue the creation of their happy family, and when they begin to return, Masaki and Hiromu aren't quite sure they have good intentions. (Source: MAL\*******)*Subbed Trailer ║ 30sec teaser ║ Trailer with the opening theme 🧸Cast & Crewhttps://preview.redd.it/li4c19q4rz2d1.jpg?width=300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f76c342278209e582b6e1afa488e555cdc7897b5
🧸Music🍼Opening ふたつのことば (Two Phrases ) by MADKID Youtube MV🎧 Spotify🎧 AppleEnding つなぎあい( Tsunagi Ai) by 谷本貴義 (Takayoshi Tanimoto) 🎧 Youtube music🎧 Spotify🎧 Apple 🧸General Info🍼https://preview.redd.it/99dcywoarz2d1.jpg?width=360&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d2e55cf08b9eabb897135a6ba13732ff2a7474c
🧸Omegaverse🍼Since this is an omegaverse here are some links for people to better understand what omegaverse is in general. Keep in mind this one is a more family-oriented anime with children so some of the more sexy aspects of knotting and rutting probably won't be focused on. I look for it to be more of the social aspects that get dealt with. If you have some good guides comment and I will add it to the post.They are mostly geared towards the western ABO where the genre originated in but they are the same basics whether Eastern or Western.
|
2024.05.27 17:53 Longjumping-Ad-6775 [Japan] Tadaima, Okeari Episode 8🧸Anime🍼
Where to Watch »»-----------► Crunchyroll
\I will note this has been uploaded on youtube I think unofficially by serval people if you want to do a quick search on youtube you will find it*
This is supposed to be released sometime today but I'm not sure when. I think in a couple of hours. When I have the links I will update the post.
Tadaima Okaeri is a new omegaverse anime brought to us by Studio Deen. Studio Deen has given us alot of BL such as Junjou Romantica, Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, Sasaki to Miyano , Super Lovers , Gravitation, Hybrid Child, and Princess Princess.
🧸 Story 🍼
https://preview.redd.it/mws2aaq7qz2d1.jpg?width=2677&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=edbab4f42aa0963d510f10e4df39069be847c8ca
Tadaima, Okaeri by ICHIKAWA Ichi is an ongoing 5-volume manga serialized by Omegaverse Project. Volume 5 will be out on 4-24. It was licensed in English but has been pulled. You can still find it on the 🏴☠ sites with a google search
https://preview.redd.it/98qrf0k8qz2d1.jpg?width=1732&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=200a46ed70c4125577c220c31392db117bdac5aa
https://preview.redd.it/czkq5ovdqz2d1.png?width=300&format=png&auto=webp&s=1ddc5dfdd56402581a787c1e05986bcc1311a209
https://preview.redd.it/wa5j30weqz2d1.png?width=300&format=png&auto=webp&s=3a5f1620fb4acdedb4239e317fae0327849154d7
Ending つなぎあい( Tsunagi Ai) by 谷本貴義 (Takayoshi Tanimoto) 🎧 Youtube music🎧 Spotify🎧 Apple
They are mostly geared towards the western ABO where the genre originated in but they are the same basics whether Eastern or Western.
Previous Episode: Episode 1🧸 Episode 2🧸 Episode 3 🧸 Episode 4🧸 Episode 5🧸 Episode 6🧸 Episode 7
submitted by Longjumping-Ad-6775 to boyslove [link] [comments]
\I will note this has been uploaded on youtube I think unofficially by serval people if you want to do a quick search on youtube you will find it*
This is supposed to be released sometime today but I'm not sure when. I think in a couple of hours. When I have the links I will update the post.
Tadaima Okaeri is a new omegaverse anime brought to us by Studio Deen. Studio Deen has given us alot of BL such as Junjou Romantica, Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, Sasaki to Miyano , Super Lovers , Gravitation, Hybrid Child, and Princess Princess.
🧸 Story 🍼
https://preview.redd.it/mws2aaq7qz2d1.jpg?width=2677&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=edbab4f42aa0963d510f10e4df39069be847c8ca
Tadaima, Okaeri by ICHIKAWA Ichi is an ongoing 5-volume manga serialized by Omegaverse Project. Volume 5 will be out on 4-24. It was licensed in English but has been pulled. You can still find it on the 🏴☠ sites with a google search
https://preview.redd.it/98qrf0k8qz2d1.jpg?width=1732&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=200a46ed70c4125577c220c31392db117bdac5aa
Masaki Fujiyoshi is a stay-at-home spouse and parent. He has fought long and hard with feelings of being a burden to his loving husband, Hiromu, due to his status as an omega—a secondary gender, allowing one to give birth regardless of if they are male or female— and the difficulty they faced to achieve this domesticity. When their son, Hikari, was born, the family moved to an area better suited for raising children.Hikari is now nearing his second birthday, and he and his parents are forging meaningful bonds with those around them. These include the beta college student living next door, Yuuki, to whom Hikari has become rather attached; Hiromu's friend from work Matsuo; and the mysterious single dad seen wandering around the park.Despite their newfound domestic bliss, the family's ties to their past are in tatters. There are people they left behind to pursue the creation of their happy family, and when they begin to return, Masaki and Hiromu aren't quite sure they have good intentions. (Source: MAL\*******)*Subbed Trailer ║ 30sec teaser ║ Trailer with the opening theme
🧸Cast & Crew
https://preview.redd.it/bi47659aqz2d1.jpg?width=300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd02f8d91b358b46e90c0ee005d645264739a0fc- Ω Fujiyoshi, Hiromu voiced by Morikawa, Toshiyuki
- 𝜶 Fujiyoshi, Masaki voiced by Tamaru, Atsushi
- 👶𝜶 Fujiyoshi, Hinata voiced by Kohara, Konomi
- 👶 𝜶 Fujiyoshi, Hikari voiced by Tanezaki, Atsumi
https://preview.redd.it/czkq5ovdqz2d1.png?width=300&format=png&auto=webp&s=1ddc5dfdd56402581a787c1e05986bcc1311a209
- β Hirai, Yuuki voiced by Yashiro, Taku Shy college neighbor and friend of the family
- 𝜶 Matsuo, Tomohiro voiced by Toriumi, Kousuke Childhood friend of Masaki and friend of Hirai
- 𝜶 Matsuo, Shuuto voiced by Okitsu, Kazuyuki Tomohiro's younger brother and a twin with Yuuto
- 𝜶 Matsuo, Yuuto voiced by Masuda, Toshiki Tomohiro's younger brother and a twin with Shuuto
https://preview.redd.it/wa5j30weqz2d1.png?width=300&format=png&auto=webp&s=3a5f1620fb4acdedb4239e317fae0327849154d7
- Ω Mochizuki, Aoto voiced by Asanuma, Shintarou single family friend
- 👶Ω Mochizuki, Michiru voiced by Hondo, Kaede
- Director ➤ Ishihira Shinji also directed Super Lovers
- Assistant Director➤Juria Matsumura
- Series Composition➤ Nakamura Yoshiko worked on Sasaki and Miyano
- Character Design & Animation Direction ➤ Oosawa Minaworked on Given
- Art Director➤Masaki Mayuzumi
- Sound Director➤Shoji Hata
- Music➤ Megumi Ohashi
🧸Music🍼
Opening ふたつのことば (Two Phrases ) by MADKID Youtube MV🎧 Spotify🎧 AppleEnding つなぎあい( Tsunagi Ai) by 谷本貴義 (Takayoshi Tanimoto) 🎧 Youtube music🎧 Spotify🎧 Apple
🧸General Info🍼
https://preview.redd.it/vo06rz6kqz2d1.jpg?width=360&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4e50b83e2c7041494dfd3768dcd501c76212e072- Complete Info ➤ MAL ║ ANIDB ║ ANN
- Episodes ➤ 12
- Duration ➤ 25 Minutes
- Aired ➤ Apr 9, 2024 to ?
- Air Date ➤ Tuesdays at 00:30 (JST)
- Studios ➤ Studio Deen
- Socials ➤ Website ║ Twitter ║ Instagram
- Trailers➤ Subbed Trailer ║ 30sec teaser ║ Trailer with the opening theme
🧸Omegaverse🍼
Since this is an omegaverse here are some links for people to better understand what omegaverse is in general. Keep in mind this one is a more family-oriented anime with children so some of the more sexy aspects of knotting and rutting probably won't be focused on. I look for it to be more of the social aspects that get dealt with. If you have some good guides comment and I will add it to the post.They are mostly geared towards the western ABO where the genre originated in but they are the same basics whether Eastern or Western.
- Fanlore ➤The basics of ABO in wiki form with some notes on Eastern omega verse
- A in depth look at Mpreg➤ You want to know where babies come from this has a section that explores the ways some authors make it happen.
- FAQ ➤This answers some of the questions you might have asked while watching/reading an ABO done by a western ABO author
- Omegaverse - What Is A/B/O? ➤A fairly comprehensive video on ABO with a history of how it started
- Omegaverse: Male Pregnancy In Romance➤Another video on ABO done by a straight guy
Previous Episode: Episode 1🧸 Episode 2🧸 Episode 3 🧸 Episode 4🧸 Episode 5🧸 Episode 6🧸 Episode 7
2024.05.27 16:28 flatline000 Double Dragon loop as good as bowline family of knots?
Youtube started recommending lots of videos to me about the Double Dragon Loop for some reason. It's a fixed loop that can be tied at the end or in the middle of a rope that is stable with or without tension (like a double or water bowline) and won't jam if heavily loaded.
Is this knot an acceptable replacement for the bowline in all cases?
submitted by flatline000 to knots [link] [comments]
Is this knot an acceptable replacement for the bowline in all cases?
2024.05.27 11:58 Count-Daring243 Best Cord Hider Wall
 | submitted by Count-Daring243 to u/Count-Daring243 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/q6onf3w4zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1935d285eb3a3c3b6ffc3729b4c68369fc38a343 Are you tired of seeing cords cluttering your living space? Look no further! In today's article, we're showcasing the best Cord Hider Walls that effectively conceal unsightly cords and wires in your home or office. These innovative solutions will not only enhance your room's appearance but also bring some order to your technology setup. Stay tuned and get ready to transform your space into a clutter-free haven! The Top 19 Best Cord Hider Wall
Reviews🔗Durable & Flexible Duct Cord Cover - 10ft (Gray)https://preview.redd.it/kivx20m5zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f056342dbe13b86753838f679a4acfad157c1ed0 I recently installed the Electriduct D-22 Rubber Duct Cord Cover in my living room to conceal a white extension cord running between my sofa and a comfortable chair. I must say, this split channel design has been a game-changer! The grooved bottom ensures the duct doesn't slide on our polished hardwood floors, making it skid-resistant, safe, and visually pleasing. With three color options available (black, brown, and gray), it perfectly complements our interior décor. One aspect that really stood out was its non-conductive and heat-resistant properties, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. However, it's essential to note that it can only accommodate pedestrian foot traffic, so it might not be ideal for high-traffic areas. What I appreciated the most about this product is its ability to withstand heavy traffic, making it a perfect choice for garages and warehouses. The large center channel is excellent for managing thick cables, while the two smaller side channels can accommodate additional smaller cords or wires. Overall, the Electriduct D-22 Rubber Duct Cord Cover has made managing my cords and wires effortless. I can now focus on my daily tasks without worrying about trip hazards. Highly recommended! 🔗153in Wall Cable Concealer for 2-3 Cordshttps://preview.redd.it/1e2sels5zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bd23dfa41c68657bf01e384edbe6992753b8e53 I recently received the ZhiYo 153in Cord Hider Wall and I couldn't be more pleased with its performance. As someone who loves a clean and organized space, I was on the hunt for a cable management solution that wouldn't damage my walls. That's when I stumbled upon this cord hider. The installation process was incredibly easy, thanks to the pre-applied adhesive tape, which made it a breeze even for a novice. All I had to do was peel and stick the cable cover base onto the wall before placing in the cords. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to organize their messy cords and create more space for activities. One of the features that stood out for me was the high-quality PVC material used in the cable raceway. It not only provided better flame retardancy but also made it safer and more reliable. Plus, it's paintable and cuttable to match my home decor. However, one downside I encountered was the limitation of using the adhesive tape on textured walls. Despite this minor inconvenience, I have to admit that the ZhiYo Cord Hider Wall has made my living room both safer and more aesthetically pleasing. In summary, if you're looking for a reliable and easy-to-install cable management solution without causing damage to your walls, then the ZhiYo 153in Cord Hider Wall is worth considering. 🔗Wiremold CordMate Cord Cover Kit for Neat and Tidy Spaceshttps://preview.redd.it/z30zoq36zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80a0aca70de66fafc9e3aabf2fe9bf0182db14db I recently used the Wiremold C110 CordMate Cord Channel Kit to conceal a few cords and wires in my living room. The first thing that stood out to me was its stylish design; the smooth, white finish blended seamlessly with my room's interior, making it almost invisible. The kit's flexibility was another highlight. Being able to cut and shape it to fit into tight spaces around furniture and moldings made it incredibly convenient. Plus, the fact that I could easily paint or stain it to match my room's color scheme was a huge plus. However, there were a few minor issues. Firstly, the adhesive wasn't as strong as I'd hoped it would be, especially on freshly painted walls. Secondly, although the kit comes with enough pieces for an average project, I wish there were more corner cover pieces included. Despite these cons, I must say, overall, the Wiremold C110 CordMate Cord Channel Kit did a fantastic job of hiding unsightly cords and wires. It was quick and easy to install, and the result was a clean, organized look that perfectly matched my room's design. If you're looking for a way to tidy up loose cords and wires, I highly recommend giving this product a try. 🔗D-Line Cable Tube: Hide TV Cords and Desk Cable Managementhttps://preview.redd.it/b6ch2ys6zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ac0f416cd026fb0853f0497a3f78b486e443ee4 I was on the lookout for a cable management solution to get rid of the unsightly jungle of cords and wires behind my TV and computer desk. That's when I came across the D-Line Cable Tube. This product has made hiding and organizing my cables such a breeze! The cable hider is pre-split for easy insertion of cords, and its length is perfect for accommodating most desk and TV heights. It's easy to trim to size with scissors if necessary. One feature that really stood out is how the material is both durable and flexible. The cable management tube is made from LDPE, which is a sturdy material that can be easily cut to size but also withstands the wear and tear of daily use. The tube's diameter can comfortably accommodate multiple cords, preventing any tangling or knotting that can often occur with unorganized wires. However, one drawback that some users mentioned is that the tube can be quite stiff after cutting, making it difficult to shape it around furniture or tight spaces. Additionally, some reviewers felt that the length of the tube was not long enough to cover all their cords, requiring them to purchase additional units. Despite these minor inconveniences, the D-Line Cable Tube has been a game-changer in managing my cords and keeping my space clutter-free. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to bring some organization to their mess of cables. 🔗Simple DIY In-Wall TV Power Kithttps://preview.redd.it/1058hcu6zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be72935b30c40239701d44d680f06f65a91c568e You know how after a long day, all you want to do is unwind in your cozy living room with your favorite show? But those unsightly cords coming out of your TV really disrupt the aesthetic vibe. Well, let me tell you about my experience with this Echogear in Wall Power Kit. Firstly, it's incredibly easy to install. Just bring a drill and maybe a beer, and you're good to go. It comes with a pre-wired, power-ready system that's ETL In-Wall Certified, which means it meets high safety standards. It also ensures that your house stays up to code. The cable pass-through on this kit is a game changer. It's got plenty of space for all your HDMI, Ethernet, and audio cables. It's like giving all those cords a secret hideout behind your wall. I must admit, seeing how clean my room looked after I hid all those cords away was super satisfying. However, there's one thing that could be improved. The kit only includes a single outlet, which might be limiting for some people who have multiple devices connected to their TV. But overall, this Echogear in Wall Power Kit is a fantastic investment if you're looking to clean up the look of your entertainment setup. 🔗Wall Cord Hider - Simple and Compact Solution for Cable Managementhttps://preview.redd.it/brm5ls77zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=828b4b9c3f6fc27fa3dfa3baec0b2f6f2c8f12f2 I recently purchased a wall cord hider to help manage the cables and cords in my home office. I have to say, this little gadget has been a game-changer! Gone are the days of tangled, unsightly cables all over the floor. The double-sided mounting tapes make it incredibly easy to install this cord hider on the baseboard or wall. The self-adhesive backing gives me peace of mind knowing that my devices will stay securely in place. Not only does this cord hider keep my space looking organized, but it also helps prevent potential accidents by keeping those loose cables out of sight and out of reach. One minor drawback I noticed is that once the mounting tape is installed, it can be quite difficult to remove without heat. So, if you're planning on redecorating or moving furniture, you may need to invest in a hairdryer or heat gun to loosen the adhesive. All in all, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase and would highly recommend the wall cord hider to anyone looking for a simple and effective way to manage their cables and wires. 🔗D-Line Paintable TV Cable Raceway Organizerhttps://preview.redd.it/4b8vmyo7zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fdabe8160b98e34af2e71ee18e56131ac28b3fa2 When I first started using the D-Line Cable Raceway, I was skeptical about its ability to neatly hide cables on my walls. However, this product has surpassed my expectations! With its half-round profile, it effortlessly subtly blends with my home decor. Its dimensions make it perfect for concealing cables from wall-mounted TVs, desks in offices, home entertainment systems, and even TV/video cabling. One of the highlights of this D-Line Cord Cover is its innovative single-piece hinged design. This design provides flexibility, allowing me to easily add or remove cables at a later date. Plus, the self-adhesive backing makes installation quick and simple - just peel and stick it onto your desired surface, or screw fix it for added stability. Not everyone knows that D-Line Cable Raceway is also paintable! This feature adds a perfect finish to your installed cables. It was so easy to conceal and blend with my home's aesthetic. One minor drawback I encountered was the bulkiness, but that's a small price to pay for the neat appearance it provides. I would recommend D-Line Cable Raceway to anyone looking for a high-quality and good-looking way to hide unsightly cords. 🔗D-Line 39" Low-Profile Cable Cover - Blackhttps://preview.redd.it/5hsmqu08zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=899e94a7fed340140846221de0394a9b9a7dc17d As an avid home entertainment enthusiast, I was excited to try the D-Line 39" Cable Cover - Black to improve the appearance of my setup. This cord hider boasts a unique half-round profile that blends seamlessly with my decor, neatly concealing cords, wires, and cables in my home. The quick and easy installation process, involving simply peeling off the adhesive backing and sticking it to a wall surface, made this product stand out. Its innovative one-piece design also allows for easy addition or removal of cords at a later date. However, one issue I encountered was the strong adhesive strip on the back, which can potentially cause damage to the sheetrock when trying to remove it. Perhaps using a few inches of the adhesive strip or drilling holes for drywall anchors may be a better solution for situations where the cord hider needs to be removed. Despite this minor inconvenience, I am very pleased with how my home entertainment area looks after using the D-Line 39" Cable Cover. It effectively hides and manages cords, giving my setup a polished and organized appearance. 🔗DIY Wall-Mounted TV Cord Hiderhttps://preview.redd.it/1utqchr8zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8443fd1764b3aecee257a8fcbb93c4e7b02a3d58 I've been using the A+ Electric Cord Hider to keep my home office tidy and clutter-free. The blended design, which can be painted to match my wall color, made it incredibly easy for me to install without disrupting the aesthetics of my room. This cord hider is perfect for both residential and commercial use, allowing me to maintain a clean and organized workspace. I also appreciate that it's family-safe, providing a safe solution for cable management in my home with two young kids and a curious pet. Plus, its easy installation options make it a breeze to set up. If you're looking for an effective way to keep your cables hidden and your space looking pristine, this cord hider is definitely worth considering. 🔗Decorative Wall-Mounted Cord Hiderhttps://preview.redd.it/4s1zg5s8zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be8133c3cceace7b533810b358fbcb7829bab648 I recently stumbled upon the D-Line Oak Wood Effect Cable Raceway while rearranging my living room, and I couldn't be happier with this little gem. As a self-confessed cable management enthusiast, I've tried numerous solutions to keep my wires neat and tidy. However, none of them seemed to truly blend in with the rest of my home decor - until I encountered the D-Line raceway. Its unique half-round profile made it an instant hit for me, as it subtly blended in with my brown-toned decor, helping me achieve that clean and organized look I cherish so much. I was especially impressed by how easy it was to install the raceway, all thanks to its high-grade pvc material that allowed me to cut it to the exact length I needed. One of my favorite features of the D-Line raceway is its hinge-like mechanism, which opens up along the entire length, making it incredibly easy for me to insert multiple cords at once, without needing to pass them through from the front. Plus, it's flexible enough that I can add or remove cords with ease at a later date, making it super versatile for all my electronic devices. Another aspect that truly stood out for me was the raceway's adhesive back, which not only made it a breeze to stick onto smooth surfaces but also allowed me to remove and reposition it as needed, without leaving any residue behind. This was particularly useful when I changed the position of my furniture and needed to adjust the cable management accordingly. In terms of cons, there's not much to mention, except that perhaps the "Oak Effect" isn't as convincing as one might hope, but it still manages to look pleasing to the eye and complements my existing decor quite nicely. All in all, I would highly recommend the D-Line Oak Wood Effect Cable Raceway to anyone looking for an effective and visually appealing solution to their cable management woes. It truly is a game-changer in the world of home organization! 🔗White 39" Cable Cover for Wall Cord Managementhttps://preview.redd.it/gzbz6n89zx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce4826e0ed4d53b306900f82417d38bf91bf0267 I recently got my hands on the D-Line 39" Cable Cord Cover - White, and I must say, it has been a game-changer for managing all those unsightly cords in my living room. The smooth, round profile blends seamlessly with my decor, making it nearly invisible to the naked eye. One of the things that really stood out for me is how easy it is to install. This cord cover is a no-brainer even for the most DIY-challenged among us. Plus, it's paintable, so you can match it perfectly to your baseboards or skirting boards, giving your room a clean, finished look. However, I did encounter a minor hiccup. The piece I received was slightly bent, which was a bit disappointing. But hey, nobody's perfect, right? Overall, I'm quite pleased with the D-Line 39" Cable Cord Cover - White. It's a simple, effective solution for organizing and hiding cords, and it definitely gets a thumbs up from me. 🔗DIY Low-Profile Wall Cable Covers for TV, Speakers, and Morehttps://preview.redd.it/u2k9692azx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=00f549eb2b8048e8cc90c0dd96f8112ac00c3ddd Echogear's Wall Cable Hiders are a game-changer when it comes to cord management. These easy-to-install grommets are perfect for TVs, speakers, and other mounted devices. I personally used these to declutter my home office, and let me tell you, it made a world of difference! The best part about these cable hiders is how versatile they are. I was able to route wires through my desk with ease, making my space look more organized and professional. Plus, with the included drywall hole saw drill attachment, installation took no time at all. One standout feature is that the grommets come in both black and white, so they blend in perfectly with any color scheme. And if you're feeling creative, you can even paint them to match your decor. However, I did find one minor con: the included saw is meant for drywall only. If you want to install these on a wooden desk, you'll need to purchase a separate 1.5" wood hole saw. Overall, Echogear's Wall Cable Hiders are a must-have for anyone looking to take control of their cable clutter. They're affordable, easy to use, and make a huge difference in the appearance and functionality of your space. 🔗157-inch Black Cord Cover for Hiding Surface Wires on Wallhttps://preview.redd.it/vk1jj94azx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5fc38e959c806775a608409bf57346b013fe99f I recently got my hands on the D-Line 157-inch Cord Cover Kit, and I must say, it's made my home look much cleaner and organized! This cable raceway does exactly what it promises - it hides those unsightly wires on my wall while blending seamlessly with my decor. It's perfect for organizing cords above baseboards or hiding them vertically on open walls, like for my wall-mounted TV. The best part is how easy it is to install. The self-adhesive backing makes it a breeze to stick onto my wall, and I can even cut the lengths to my preferred size. Plus, there are accessories available to help hide cables around corners, making this product incredibly versatile. I also love that the cable raceway is paintable, which means I don't have to worry about it not matching my wall color. As for negatives, well, if you're planning to use this to hide wires on a particularly heavy-duty appliance, you might need a few small nails or screws to keep everything secure. Overall, the D-Line 157-inch Cord Cover Kit has made a significant difference in how my home looks. It's easy to use, versatile, and helps keep those nasty wires hidden. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a seamless, attractive solution to cable management. 🔗360 Lighting Antique Brass 30" Cord Coverhttps://preview.redd.it/qhdp4ofazx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54ebc12883f3a05532ac6bed0acf9eae2969719a I recently installed the 360 Lighting 30" Long Antique Brass Cord Cover in my living room, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. The antique brass finish blended perfectly with my room's modern decor, making the electrical cords practically disappear. I didn't expect such a simple addition to make such a difference! One thing that really stood out for me was how easy it was to install. It took me just a few minutes, and it made an immediate impact on the overall look of the space. Plus, the 0.5" width allowed me to cover just one cord without any issues or complications. On the other hand, one small drawback I noticed was that the product isn't available in black. While the antique brass color is lovely, it might not match everyone's decor preferences. Additionally, some users have mentioned that the product description can be a bit misleading, as the cord cover is made up of two pieces instead of one 30" piece. Overall, I would highly recommend the 360 Lighting 30" Long Antique Brass Cord Cover to anyone looking to tidy up their space and conceal unsightly cords. It's a small investment that can make a big impact on your room's overall appearance. 🔗Sleek Cable Sleeve Wrap for TV Stands - 6fthttps://preview.redd.it/8vanq8xazx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0677b0758c9af8c494e6254356f2e28f55b0d096 I recently installed this sleek and versatile wall cord cover in my living room to tidy up a mess of cables that were running from my TV stand to the power outlet. I'm pleased to say, it's made a world of difference in terms of organization and aesthetics. The mesh cable sleeve is incredibly easy to use, just wrap it around the cords you want to conceal and voila! My living room now has a cleaner, more polished look without those unsightly cords jutting out. The size of the cover is just right too, fitting perfectly around the width of each plug-in outlet. Plus, with its 2-meter length, it's long enough to cover multiple outlets, making it ideal for bigger or complex setups. However, one minor issue I've experienced is that the tight grip of the cover can sometimes lead to cords getting pulled slightly when pulling on them. But overall, this cord cover has been a game-changer for my cable management woes. So if you're looking for a stylish and practical solution to hide those unsightly cords, look no further! This wall cord cover is a definite must-have for any home. Buyer's GuideWhen you want to clean up the mess of cords and cables behind your television or computer setup, a cord hider wall is a perfect solution. These fixtures help organize and conceal cables, enhancing your room's appearance while keeping your technology running smoothly. This buyer's guide will help you understand the important features, considerations, and general advice about cord hider walls.Important Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/8s7ccxtczx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8c5feeda272027f0f3ad101fead08f8bbdb7b730
Considerations
General AdviceWhen choosing a cord hider wall, prioritize features that best suit your needs, considering factors such as size, material, cable management, and ease of installation. Keep your room's decor and cable capacity in mind to ensure a seamless integration and effective cable organization. https://preview.redd.it/mvqzxb0dzx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3ae4c9702a643dbff45983d4390200551654ea6 ConclusionInvesting in a cord hider wall can help declutter your space, while providing a clean and organized appearance for your television or computer setup. By considering the important features, relevant considerations, and general advice provided in this buyer's guide, you'll be well-equipped to select the perfect cord hider wall for your needs.FAQWhat is a Cord Hider Wall?https://preview.redd.it/g1dv5fgdzx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=efc4d8b694ddb40aae6c4d2bd4c91b87e028c93a A Cord Hider Wall is a product designed to conceal and manage the cords and cables of electronic devices, such as televisions, gaming consoles, and laptops, that are plugged into a power strip or surge protector mounted on a wall. This helps create a cleaner and more organized appearance in your room or office while also preventing potential hazards from exposed cords. How does a Cord Hider Wall work?A Cord Hider Wall typically consists of a protective cover or enclosure that slides over the cords and cables, effectively hiding them from view. Some models may also include built-in adhesive strips or mounting hardware for easy installation on the wall, while others may require drilling or screwing into the wall surface.What benefits do Cord Hider Walls offer?
https://preview.redd.it/5f3ed82ezx2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7a611e22edc607dc8aa914ddc42db5b725be9e1 Which products are compatible with Cord Hider Walls?Cord Hider Walls are designed to be compatible with most power strips, surge protectors, and electronic devices with standard cords and cables, such as televisions, gaming consoles, and laptops. However, some models may have specific size or compatibility requirements, so it's essential to check the product's specifications before purchasing.How easy is it to install a Cord Hider Wall?The installation process for a Cord Hider Wall varies depending on the specific model and design. Some models may feature adhesive strips for easy installation, while others may require drilling or screwing into the wall. Detailed installation instructions are typically provided with the product, and it's essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a secure and properly aligned installation.How do I choose the right Cord Hider Wall for my needs?When choosing a Cord Hider Wall, consider factors such as dimensions and compatibility to ensure that it can accommodate your power strip or surge protector and the devices you wish to connect. Additionally, consider factors such as material quality, ease of installation, and available features, such as built-in cable management systems or USB ports. Reading customer reviews and consulting with a knowledgeable sales representative can also be helpful in making an informed decision.What is the warranty or return policy for Cord Hider Walls?Warranty and return policies vary by manufacturer and seller. It's essential to review the specific product's warranty information and any applicable return policies before purchasing to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your purchase.How can I maintain and clean my Cord Hider Wall?To maintain and clean your Cord Hider Wall, it's important to follow any specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer. In general, you should periodically inspect the product for signs of wear or damage, and ensure that all cords and cables remain securely connected and properly aligned within the enclosure. To clean the outside of the product, use a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent, if necessary. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these may damage the product's surface or coating.Can I customize the appearance of my Cord Hider Wall?Some Cord Hider Walls allow for customization, such as painting or applying decals to match your room's decor. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer or follow any specific care instructions provided to ensure that any modifications performed do not compromise the product's functionality or safety features.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.27 10:18 Sornaensis For those who don't think BDI, why?
Title says it all-- I've only recently heard of this case, and while the wikipedia article sent me on a roller coaster of thoughts on possible explanations, after watching a few videos, one documentary, and reading through a number of in depth theories and discussions online including here on this subreddit, I can only really see Burke as the likely perpetrator. While it's certainly _possible_ that it could have been his parents, it just doesn't seem to add up. Esp I won't go over all of the specific reasons because other people have done that much better than I can, so instead I will bring up some apparent misconceptions(?) I see thrown around here, and what I see as the probable timeline of events and why I think it is the simplest answer.
The first is that since there was a sexual element to the crime, Burke can't have been involved, as he was only 9. This is just a general misconception I guess. There are certainly documented cases of sexual assault or inappropriate touching between children this age and younger.
The second is that Burke can't have cracked JonBenet's skull, since, again, he was only 9. This has been proven to be a false assumption, and probably comes down to people not realizing how fragile a 6 year old's skull is nor how strong a scrawny 9 year old can actually be when swinging a blunt object.
The third is that the cover up by John and Patsy must have involved at least one of or both the sexual assault and strangulation. This one is just refuted outright by the evidence-- the body was staged and the persons responsible couldn't bring themselves to properly tie her arms. Why on earth would one assume the stager actually then strangled her _to death_ and violated her? Big leap of logic, or at least a misunderstanding.
The timeline I see as likely, given BDI:
The course of events that requires the fewest leaps of logic, as far as I can tell, is that some kind of sibling squabble lead to a physical altercation where Burke struck JBR unconscious. The ME determined she was in this state for around 45 minutes before being strangled to death.
Now if the two of them were up later than they were supposed to be, and they were playing in the basement while Patsy was also awake somewhere else in the house (she didn't apparently undress for bed, so it's fair to assume she was awake but possibly not with her children), this could actually explain the strangulation. We know Burke was a boyscout, and he did learn to tie knots similar to the one used to make the garrote. Perhaps at first, he believes his sister is simply faking being unconscious. He tries rousing her and when that fails he proceeds to angrily probe her with the paintbrush. This fails to get a reaction from her. From this point, anything could have happened but I do believe the simplest explanation is that he spends some time trying to inflict pain to try and get her to wake up. I think he may not have realized she could be dying, since there was no blood from her injury.
Some time passes and she possibly regains consciousness slightly, or at least starts making noise. It is my belief that at this moment he decides to kill her in an attempt to keep her from waking and telling their parents what had happened. Why? Because enough time had passed for even this 9 year old to reflect on his actions and realize that if she lives, his life may be functionally over. His sister was younger than him and she was already the clear favorite, or at least she was clearly favored by their parents in his mind. If she can tell their parents that he attacked her, he will surely lose them forever.
He likely does not realize that a medical examiner can figure exactly out how someone died, so killing her with the garrote to him means he can tell their parents that his sister simply died in a freak accident; she fell down the stairs-- something like that.
At this point, enough time has passed and it is late enough past bedtime that I would fully expect Patsy to arrive on the scene, finding Burke with a deceased JBR before he is able to remove the garrote and stage an accident. A neighbor reported they heard a blood-curdling scream that night and this would certainly explain that.
This brings me to the fourth point I see brought up-- that John and Patsy would never cover for Burke if he had obviously deliberately murdered his sister. And that I just think is totally refuted by the evidence we see. John and Patsy are both very superficial, image obsessed people. They live their life projecting the image of one perfect life. A business man who acts like a public figure, and a pageant queen. To expose that their son had committed such a heinous act would be the absolute end of their life to them, because their image of their life, was more important to them than their actual life.
No in fact I think if Burke killed his sister in such a transparent and brutal way, it would drive them much harder to cover it up and protect him. If this was a simple accident they would have just reported it as such. An accident. You only engage in a cover up when you have something to cover up!
The fifth and final one I see often is that since Burke got away with killing his sister if BDI, it's unusual that he hasn't turned into a raging Ted Bundy. I don't have much evidence on hand about this, but I think it's a strange assumption that someone who commits a murder must become a serial killer. The basic outline of the killing was a crime of passion followed by an attempted cover up by murdering the victim and finally a cover up of the entire thing by third parties. I don't know if people who commit crimes of passion make habits of them but again I think it's at least an assumption to say they will.
To address the other theories, I think an intruder committing this act is just out of the question by the ransom note alone, but additionally there is simply no evidence of any other person entering the house and no DNA or footprints or anything, and there is the fact that the body was staged by someone who seemingly took care not to injure her corpse while doing so.
I think John and Patsy have no motive and if either of them killed JBR alone it seems less likely to me they would try to help the other cover it up. Not impossible of course, but I really have to stress that the incongruence between the staging of the body and the killing itself, to me, rule out the parents. JBR was not killed in a single fit of rage, she was incapacitated and then nearly an hour later strangled to death. Why then was her staging so obvious? The nature of her death seems to indicate a decisiveness that whoever staged her body lacked. This is easily explained however if a parent covering for their child is the one who stages the body of the deceased while having had nothing to do with her death.
For John specifically there is just nothing that places him with his daughter at her time of death, whereas Patsy and Burke both are directly connected to JBR's final hour or so of life. There is also a lot of story-shifting around Burke's whereabouts and insistence that he was asleep all morning, and then later a recanting of that when evidence (the 911 call 'enhancing') came to light against it. This makes sense if they are trying hard to insist Burke was nowhere near the scene of the crime, but doesn't seem to make sense if he's innocent and Patsy is the killer.
On top of all that, I just don't see Patsy killing her daughter. Her daughter at that point in her life was a vehicle for reliving her own glory days and by all accounts JBR was doing very well at it. It doesn't add up, and especially so when a much simpler explanation solves all problems with the case-- Burke did it.
I think Burke had a motive, sibling rivalry, and on top of that there was a precedent of violent and potentially inappropriate behaviour from him towards his sister. The initial attack was unplanned and the subsequent murder was not well thought through. All the rest of the oddities about the case stem from the parents creating a smokescreen to cover up the killing.
So with alllll of that said, my question is, if you don't think BDI, why not? What is a better or simpler solution?
submitted by Sornaensis to JonBenetRamsey [link] [comments]
The first is that since there was a sexual element to the crime, Burke can't have been involved, as he was only 9. This is just a general misconception I guess. There are certainly documented cases of sexual assault or inappropriate touching between children this age and younger.
The second is that Burke can't have cracked JonBenet's skull, since, again, he was only 9. This has been proven to be a false assumption, and probably comes down to people not realizing how fragile a 6 year old's skull is nor how strong a scrawny 9 year old can actually be when swinging a blunt object.
The third is that the cover up by John and Patsy must have involved at least one of or both the sexual assault and strangulation. This one is just refuted outright by the evidence-- the body was staged and the persons responsible couldn't bring themselves to properly tie her arms. Why on earth would one assume the stager actually then strangled her _to death_ and violated her? Big leap of logic, or at least a misunderstanding.
The course of events that requires the fewest leaps of logic, as far as I can tell, is that some kind of sibling squabble lead to a physical altercation where Burke struck JBR unconscious. The ME determined she was in this state for around 45 minutes before being strangled to death.
Now if the two of them were up later than they were supposed to be, and they were playing in the basement while Patsy was also awake somewhere else in the house (she didn't apparently undress for bed, so it's fair to assume she was awake but possibly not with her children), this could actually explain the strangulation. We know Burke was a boyscout, and he did learn to tie knots similar to the one used to make the garrote. Perhaps at first, he believes his sister is simply faking being unconscious. He tries rousing her and when that fails he proceeds to angrily probe her with the paintbrush. This fails to get a reaction from her. From this point, anything could have happened but I do believe the simplest explanation is that he spends some time trying to inflict pain to try and get her to wake up. I think he may not have realized she could be dying, since there was no blood from her injury.
Some time passes and she possibly regains consciousness slightly, or at least starts making noise. It is my belief that at this moment he decides to kill her in an attempt to keep her from waking and telling their parents what had happened. Why? Because enough time had passed for even this 9 year old to reflect on his actions and realize that if she lives, his life may be functionally over. His sister was younger than him and she was already the clear favorite, or at least she was clearly favored by their parents in his mind. If she can tell their parents that he attacked her, he will surely lose them forever.
He likely does not realize that a medical examiner can figure exactly out how someone died, so killing her with the garrote to him means he can tell their parents that his sister simply died in a freak accident; she fell down the stairs-- something like that.
At this point, enough time has passed and it is late enough past bedtime that I would fully expect Patsy to arrive on the scene, finding Burke with a deceased JBR before he is able to remove the garrote and stage an accident. A neighbor reported they heard a blood-curdling scream that night and this would certainly explain that.
No in fact I think if Burke killed his sister in such a transparent and brutal way, it would drive them much harder to cover it up and protect him. If this was a simple accident they would have just reported it as such. An accident. You only engage in a cover up when you have something to cover up!
The fifth and final one I see often is that since Burke got away with killing his sister if BDI, it's unusual that he hasn't turned into a raging Ted Bundy. I don't have much evidence on hand about this, but I think it's a strange assumption that someone who commits a murder must become a serial killer. The basic outline of the killing was a crime of passion followed by an attempted cover up by murdering the victim and finally a cover up of the entire thing by third parties. I don't know if people who commit crimes of passion make habits of them but again I think it's at least an assumption to say they will.
To address the other theories, I think an intruder committing this act is just out of the question by the ransom note alone, but additionally there is simply no evidence of any other person entering the house and no DNA or footprints or anything, and there is the fact that the body was staged by someone who seemingly took care not to injure her corpse while doing so.
I think John and Patsy have no motive and if either of them killed JBR alone it seems less likely to me they would try to help the other cover it up. Not impossible of course, but I really have to stress that the incongruence between the staging of the body and the killing itself, to me, rule out the parents. JBR was not killed in a single fit of rage, she was incapacitated and then nearly an hour later strangled to death. Why then was her staging so obvious? The nature of her death seems to indicate a decisiveness that whoever staged her body lacked. This is easily explained however if a parent covering for their child is the one who stages the body of the deceased while having had nothing to do with her death.
For John specifically there is just nothing that places him with his daughter at her time of death, whereas Patsy and Burke both are directly connected to JBR's final hour or so of life. There is also a lot of story-shifting around Burke's whereabouts and insistence that he was asleep all morning, and then later a recanting of that when evidence (the 911 call 'enhancing') came to light against it. This makes sense if they are trying hard to insist Burke was nowhere near the scene of the crime, but doesn't seem to make sense if he's innocent and Patsy is the killer.
On top of all that, I just don't see Patsy killing her daughter. Her daughter at that point in her life was a vehicle for reliving her own glory days and by all accounts JBR was doing very well at it. It doesn't add up, and especially so when a much simpler explanation solves all problems with the case-- Burke did it.
I think Burke had a motive, sibling rivalry, and on top of that there was a precedent of violent and potentially inappropriate behaviour from him towards his sister. The initial attack was unplanned and the subsequent murder was not well thought through. All the rest of the oddities about the case stem from the parents creating a smokescreen to cover up the killing.
So with alllll of that said, my question is, if you don't think BDI, why not? What is a better or simpler solution?
2024.05.27 02:46 BeautifulQuail8954 Angry, sad, confused, and not knowing what to do or think.
I believe that I am being cheated on again or most definitely having information withheld from me. To put the whole situation into perspective, I met my 34m boyfriend seven years ago when I was 19m. When I first met him I could tell he was a drug addict lost, hopeless and confused. After meeting in person I could see the cries out for help hidden behind his sad eyes. After spending time in thought about it I decided I would try to help him making myself vulnerable to hurt that I was sure was going to come and boy did it. Straight from the get go he was seeking attention from other men via social media apps. He was in the closet for 27 years and hid his sexuality from his family. Me being his first boyfriend ever. First ever doing things with a male ever. Me the ever so curious person I am goes through his phone and finds these social media apps and confronts him. Stupid and scared I decided to believe his web of lies due to not wanting to be alone. After being caught a second time sending inappropriate videos and pictures to strangers he would meet on these apps i confronted him again. This second time a lot had changed. He built trust in me by being faithful and focused on us. To the point he had a very good job and I was comfortable taking him up on his offer of me quitting my job and staying at home to focus on me, what I wanted to do in life and building my relationship with God. It was summer of last year I caught him sending these pictures and videos again. As I confronted him completely broken and caught off guard because of how well things had been I was unable to leave him. You see I own the house we live in and I had no income at the time. I was stuck. I had to express to him how much he had broken me again but was unable to act on it not wanting to lose my house and screw myself financially. After many hours of tear filled conversations I started the healing process again and trying to trust him. All was well. He was sober, faithful and life was going well. Well he started an alcohol addiction. That lead to me taking him into detox this past week. As I have done frequently, I would wait until he would pass out from the mass amounts of alcohol he would consume daily and go through his phone. Not ever finding him being deceitful and unfaithful. So that trust started to come back. Wow he’s finally not seeking attention from other men. Well he’s been in detox a couple days now and last night I got an ich. Go through his phone. Well I cannot go through his phone because before he left for detox he changed his passcode and now I don’t know what it is. I have his phone disabled for 3 hours now because of all the failed attempts of trying to get into it. Now mind you I work now. I have a very good job and he is unemployed due to his alcoholism. I have nothing holding me back other than just the fear and sadness that comes from breaking up and losing him. If he had nothing to hide from me that passcode wouldn’t have changed. So now I lay here with my heart in my butt, depressed, sad, and angry because I know there’s something hiding from me behind that screen and I have no idea what it is and no way of knowing until after he gets back from detox. It’s been torture. Why does he do this to me? Why can’t he just love me? How do I confront this? My sadness is turning into anger and I believe this will be the last time I can allow this to happen as I am starting to in a way hate him. Typing that last sentence just brought tears to my eyes and a knot in my stomach.
submitted by BeautifulQuail8954 to heartbreak [link] [comments]
2024.05.27 01:40 DreamingAtTheWake My family feels anger down to their bones
The sounds of chittering teeth overlayed the solemn service. My cousin, Aidan, sat in the front row, one ahead and two seats down from me. Rigid and tense, his eyes were fixed on the lower steps before the coffin. By all accounts it would seem he was frozen in place, except for whatever chill sent his jaw into a shiver.
The loss was hard on all of us. My brother, Gabe, sat beside me with his hands folded in his lap and barely held back tears. Despite the gravitas of the ceremony, it amazed me the contradictions between these two. My brother, barely holding it together. My cousin, stoically enduring the funeral seemingly unfazed save for his clacking teeth. The death hurt me as well, we were close ever since we were children, but with my brother falling apart beside me, I felt I had to be the strong one. I rested my head on his shoulder, and grabbed one of his hands, hoping the physical touch would ease his mind. His grip tightened, and remained so for the duration of the service.
“Are you okay?” I asked once the funeral came to a close, and we were free to stand.
Gabe shook as if he felt the same cold as our cousin. He sniffled, and I saw the path along his cheeks traced from two leaking damns. “Yes, I think so, or I will be” he breathed in deep and hard.
“I didn’t think you would be affected this much” I commented, slightly surprised by his sensitivity.
He shook, rubbing his palms against his eyes, “Well, I just... You two were so much alike and, the whole service, I just kept imagining you. You know, what if that was you.” The last word cracked in his throat.
I didn’t know he cared about me so much. I felt touched, my emotions had been simmering beneath the surface, but this pushed them out. Tears welled in my eyes and all I could manage was “Oh,”.
My brother sniffled again, seemingly unfazed by my lack of shared expression. “I don’t know how he’s doing it,” he said, nodding toward our cousin.
Aidan stood near the coffin with his parents and girlfriend, accepting condolences. Or, in his case, deferring to his family. He stood so still, an unnatural freeze frame in a video, seemingly stuck in place as the movie goes on around him. Except for his trembling jaw.
“I’ll talk to him,” I said quietly, feeling the need to continue the role of a rock in the whirlpool of emotions around me.
Gabe nodded, “I’ll meet you at home,” he replied, and left for the parking lot. The service was over, but the ground was frozen so the burial would take place another day. Our parents and my aunt and uncle, planned to handle some legal details after the ceremony, but we were free to leave whenever we wished. I watched my aunt and uncle move to a small table with my parents. They left a small space open in their circle around the table as if expecting one more. They always did this, an observation I made as a kid watching them have serious conversations. The space was left open for an Uncle I never met, who they lost in their childhood. The details of his passing were muddled at best, but the parallels to the present weighed eerily on my mind.
Before I left, I wanted to check on Aidan. Approaching the front, the remains, I felt unnerved. Shaky. She was so young, and the circumstances so bizarre. My focus settled for too long on the casket, and I felt the chill my cousin must be feeling. Uncomfortable, I adverted my eyes and turned my attention to Aiden. He had a thousand-mile stare, his blue green eyes gazed at memories only he could see.
“H-hey, how are you doing?” I asked awkwardly. Liza, his girlfriend and my best friend, with her arms around his shoulder trying to offer comfort, shot me a look. It was quite clear how he was doing, obviously this was the worst day of his life. In spite of my poorly worded question, he seemed to understand.
“I hate this.” He muttered, still afflicted by winter’s grip. “I hate this so much. I hate to it my bones.” His voice was flat, monotone, matter of fact.
Empathy swelled within me. Between my own grief and suppressed emotion, seeing him in so much pain was like tossing a stone in a bucket full of water. I threw my arms around my cousin in an awkward three-way hug between him, Liza, and me. Although he didn’t return the gesture, I felt him trembling beneath against me.
After separating, I muttered a hushed goodbye and told Liza I would call her soon. Her focus now, understandably, was singularly for my cousin, but I craved an opportunity to unload on my her. She nodded her assent, and I left the funeral home.
As I made it outside, a solid grip grabbed my arm and spun me around. I was pulled into a deep, meaty hug that took the wind from me and smothered me quiet, muffling any attempt at disapproval.
“Ohh, honey! Lord, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you too must have been close, gawd, I was tearing up just at the thought of how you and your brother must’ve been feeling!”
‘Let me go,’ I wanted to shout but her grip only tightened, and I only whimpered.
“Lord, to think how she got herself into that mess. I mean, did ya have any idea the sins she was playing with? So sad, just like your uncle. That boy going off into them woods with that other boy. Doing Lord knows what, and findin’ lords punishment for their sinning. How a child could be so far gone, I never know. I mean, if she were mine, I woulda beaten out those awful thoughts from her before the truck did. Mmm, mmm. If she were mine, she never woulda been in that position. Naked and her brain in the clouds. Mmm, mmm. No, child of mine woulda behaved that way, but now she’s flyin with the angels. She wanted to be in the clouds so bad, smokin for it here on earth, but she got her wish I suppose. Don’t let nothing ever tempt you here like that, honey.”
I began to tremble again. I thought it must have been the cold, but I was also angry. This lady, this woman I couldn’t even identify, shaming my cousin at her own funeral. I felt sick, disgusted, mad.
I managed to wriggle my arms in between me and her and shoved her back. Angry tears welled, but I didn’t want to show her. “Good talking to you,” I muttered, “Hope to see you at the next funeral” I said more loudly.
The drive home I fought back tears. Angry tears. Sad Tears. Confused tears. How my cousin ended up in her predicament was still a mystery to all of us. I turned into our neighborhood, and the drove the same road the truck drove. I passed the spot where they found her, down the street from my house, and I felt myself began to tremble. My teeth clicked together, and I cursed the winter weather. I needed to distract myself. I turned on the radio but what played I don’t remember. I thought back to what that woman, I think my great aunt, said about my uncle. His death was strange too.
Supposedly, he went out into the woods, shaking with anger. A boy, that was known to bully him at school, followed, presumably to harass him more. That was the last anyone saw them. Three days later, the police found their remains, with their bones scattered all over the place.
No one could make heads or tails of what happened. Some said it was cultist, some said animals. Then the reason the boys were together became garbled. Some said they were enemies, then some began to say they were friends or even more. They went into the woods to do something bad, criminal or worse. I asked my grandmother once about the story, and the different versions I heard at family gatherings over time. She said that people often try to find things they don’t like about ones they lost to make their passing more bearable, even if they have to make it up. I then asked her what she thought happened, and Grandma said, “That boy was a terror on my son and, in our family, anger is dangerous and hate runs deep.”
It had begun to snow when I pulled into the driveway and parked next to my brother’s car. I walked through the front door and dropped my keys in their place, a little bowl on small table near the door. Straight ahead was a sliding glass door that leads to the backyard, the perimeter of which is made of a wooden fence with a gate. Beyond the fence is the woods I played in with my brother and cousins, and beyond the woods is my cousins’ home. Cousin’s. Singular now. The thought of us all playing together tightened the knot in my chest a little more.
I walked down the hall towards the sliding doors only to stop halfway, turn, and go up the stairs. A single flight of thirteen steps led to a landing above the garage and the kitchen. On the right, a bathroom, my parents’ bedroom, and a slatted closet door. On the left, my room and my brother’s room. His door was half closed, meaning come or go. The thought of retreating to my own bedroom to mourn alone appealed to me, but I still felt shaky from my interaction with the distant aunt. Wanting to vent, I opened my brother’s door.
He sat at his computer chair pushed towards the window. He watched the snow fall in the backyard, his eyes distant, lost in thought. Perhaps the same thoughts I had earlier. I sat in a bean bag chair at his feet. In his hands he held a joint. A second one with a blue tip sat on the windowsill. I thought the color was odd, but it really only stands out now because he offered it to me. I still feel a dash of fear when I imagine what would have happened if I had said yes. Instead, I declined, and we sat in a silence for a moment as I tried to work through my frustration. My teeth were grinding too hard to open my mouth to start. Instead, my brother spoke.
“What’s the point of funerals?” He asked, his voice tired with a little tremble in it.
The question redirected my thoughts from the obnoxious aunt. Distracted enough to speak, I replied, “I guess, to give us a role in the loss,”
“What roles?”
“You know, there’s those who were closest to our-” I caught myself, extrapolation was fine at a distance, but I couldn’t bring myself to make it personal, “the deceased. They need their role the most, because they can’t move forward without some motions to act out. Everyone else plays a part, provides their condolences, gives the ones grieving a chance to respond, to begin moving on.”
“So, there is the grieving, the condolensers, what about you? And me?”
I paused and thought, “We’re caught in between, I guess. No one’s trying hard to comfort us, but we still try to fulfill the role of helping Aidan.” I was rambling now, not thinking much of my words.
“And the murderer?”
My eyes shot to my brother, his eyes still looking outside. He sat stoically; his question was serious. “The truck driver wasn’t there. Even if he were, he wouldn’t have a role, his presence would make everyone uncomfortable.”
“No, not him,” My brothers voice became, deep, shaky. He seemed to struggle to get the one syllable out. “Me.”
The next ten minutes I don’t really recall. The only memory I have of that conversation, that confession, is what I’ve told others. He picked up the blue tipped bud and told me everything. I remember tensing, my mind disassociating, and yet feeling the stab to my heart. Once he was done, he lit the laced blunt, and began to smoke. “She reminded me so much of you…” He breathed, his tear-stained face turning to me, hoping to see… what? I don’t know. Acceptance, forgiveness? Disgust. That is how I felt, and fear. I had to get out, I had to leave. He laid back on his bed, and I took that moment to run.
I ran out of the room, slamming his door behind me. Down the stairs, into the living room, I jumped on the couch. I cried, I felt sick. I breathe in and out hard, panicking. Then the house creaked.
I flipped around and looked at the stairs. From my spot on the couch, I could see the top landing, but nobody was there. Paranoid, my body ached. I stared at the stairs, wondering what to do. I wanted to run, to drive away, but I couldn’t pull myself from the couch, that spot. I remembered what he said about the joint, what it was mixed with. I remembered he started smoking it. I knew he wouldn’t be moving for a while.
Liza. I had to tell someone, and she was my best friend. I needed to vent, cry, advice on what to do next. I was shaking, trembling. My phone was in my pocket. I pulled it out and typed in her name, pressed call, it rang, she answered.
“Hey! How are you? I have you on spea-“
“Listen Liza! I need to tell you this, please listen!” She could hear the panic, the cry in my voice.
“Okay, slow down take a deep breath and tell me what’s wrong…”
And I told her. I recanted word for word what my brother told me. How he loved our cousin, more than just familial bonds or the familiarity of a friend. He thought she was beautiful, sweet. They were so close, he thought she felt the same. How the night she died, he had invited her over, to talk, for a little smoke, and for a deep heart to heart. How he felt nervous about what he was going to confess, how he hoped she felt the same, but he couldn’t know for sure. How he came to the conclusion that, if he added a little something more to hers, she might be more willing to listen, to agree with an open heart. He tipped the ones that would be hers with a blue sharpie. She came over, they talked, they smoked. She didn’t understand what he was saying but he felt he needed to show her, that he could convince her through action.
I nearly puked again at this point. I hated this, hated it down to my core. I began to shake more intensely. A stutter appeared in my voice between clacking teeth.
He took off her clothes. Her mind was muddled, in a haze. Yet, she felt something was not right, through the cloud she was fighting it. At some point, he realized what he was doing and hesitated. She pushed him off and ran. She wanted to leave, to go home. Confused, still in a daze, she ran out the wrong door. She ran into the street. It was dark, and cars are fast. Trucks are heavy.
Snot ran down my mouth, I was swallowing and spitting it, but I never stopped. I spoke until there was nothing more to say. Then there was silence.
Then a scream.
“Aidan! Are you okay?!?” Liza shouted from her end.
The scream came from the phone but sounded distant. I looked at it in confusion. Liza came back.
“I’m sorry, he’s shaking so bad. Hold on. Aidan? Aidan?!” Another scream. Continuous screaming. Loud, voice cracking, chord tearing shrieks. The kind of scream reserved for death or the discovery of. My phones speakers ripped themselves apart to provide the sound. I never heard Aidan scream, but I was sure that it could not be him. I heard a notable bang, bang. Liza dropped the phone. She was screaming now. The screaming continued, but began to grow distant. She was running away.
The next thing I heard still haunts my dreams. Popping. Popping, ripping, tearing. A squelch, the squeezing of ground meat. Then chittering. Bone against bone. Nothing but clicking and clacking like teeth.
Soon that noise grew distant and vanished too. I was scared, confused. I stared at my phone for a long while. My mind wandered to the glass door, and I got up to stare outside. My eyes following the path to where my cousin’s house would be. I don’t how long I stood there, part of me must have known what I was waiting for, but eventually it came.
Through the trees, up to the gate. The wooden entrance bowed, splintered, cracked, and broke. Through the yard it came, slowly, shambling. My breath caught in my throat. My heart raced, and my face strained from terror. My mind emptied all fear into my throat, and I screamed.
I would only connect the dots later. What that thing was that crept through my yard. After the police questioning, after the trauma center, and after the CBT appointments. Some shared with Liza, many more on my own. Only after years had passed did I learn about my cousin’s house. How they found the bloody scene, like an explosion from the inside out, a fleshy mess of gore, muscle, organs, and clothes spread out down the hall. Out the back door, through the woods. Dropping off pieces of remaining flesh, one by one, piece by piece, as it walked. Up the back porch, in full view.
Aidan’s voice echoed in my memory, ‘I hate it to my bones.’
I stumbled backwards, nearly falling as it approached the glass door. It pressed a hand, colored in white, red, pink and wrapped in vasculature, against the door. It pushed. The door began to groan. I shouted my brother’s name as the glass broke.
Flight kicked in and I ran up the stairs. My anger and disgust were now replaced with the need for survival. I didn’t know why, but I thought if I could just get to my brother, he would know what to do. He could handle anything. But when I reached his door, I found it locked. I pounded on it, begging him to open it, but he didn’t answer. Then I heard it. Crushing glass with sickening squish of what muscle remained attached to the feet. The groans as bone rubbed bone, the pops of air as the knees bent to climb the stairs.
I panicked, and looked to my room, but it was too close to the top of the stairs. Right then, I could see the crest of its skull, a white cap rising into view. I turned and saw the closet door. It had to work, I had to hide. There was nothing else I could do. I ripped the door open, and slammed it shut just as fast, with me on the inside. I shrunk down to floor, my body shaking with a might I have not felt since. I knew for sure it would find me. That it would simply press that skeletal hand to the door. The door would creak, crack, and break. Wood would splinter around me, and then…
The sounds of chittering teeth overlayed the hall. It grew louder, the clacking grew faster, excited. Through the slits of the closet door, I could see it standing there. Just in front of me. My heart nearly burst from my chest. It stepped into view. I stuffed my fist into my mouth to prevent a scream. I still have scars on my thumb from the bite. It stood before the closet door and stopped. It seemed to sway, left to right, as if considering. My breathing grew rapid. Draped in nerves attached to the spine, the lungs had not quite dropped from its chest, and its eyes. It turned toward the closet and I could see its eyes. Round, white orbits, all the larger due to the lack of surrounding tissue. Yet, the iris, the unique hue blue green.
It was my cousin.
Aidan.
It considered me.
It turned around and went to my brother’s bedroom door. It placed a hand against the door.
The events that happened next are burned into my mind as auditory nightmares. There’s the door giving way. My brother’s confused and addled questioning. The dawning scream of terror. The scream that continued just above the sounds of peeling, ripping, tearing, and chittering. The screams eventually fading, but the organic noises continued amongst the clacking and clicking of bones at work.
Eventually, the noises stopped.
I expected Aidan or Gabe to come out, but they never did. I remained perched in that spot against the closet wall for hours just waiting. Waiting for something or someone to emerge.
But nothing, nobody ever did.
Eventually, my parents came home, but those memories of the discovery have vanished. My next memory is of a police officer finding me crouched in the same position as before, curled behind the closet door.
I was eventually questioned, but I could not give answers. I barely trusted my own memory, and knew they would question it to. It was so unbelievable, for everyone involved. The discovery of my cousin’s body at his home, a horrible mush. The discovery of Aidan’s bones in my brother’s room, Gabe’s skin equivalently softened and peeled. My brother’s bone, every single one accounted for, tossed into his closet. And me. Alive. In the closet across the hall.
I would like to say I have recovered now, but recovery is always a work in progress. Nightmares wake me. Stray wandering thoughts intrude throughout the day. But, worst of all, is the anger. The anger I still hold against my brother. It so readily appears now. Whenever I have a bad day at work, or someone cuts me off in traffic. Whenever I’m in an argument, or if I see a picture of my family. Whenever I recall events of that day. I feel my body begin to tighten. My arms, hands, legs, begin to shake. Then I hear the sounds of my chittering teeth.
submitted by DreamingAtTheWake to nosleep [link] [comments]
The loss was hard on all of us. My brother, Gabe, sat beside me with his hands folded in his lap and barely held back tears. Despite the gravitas of the ceremony, it amazed me the contradictions between these two. My brother, barely holding it together. My cousin, stoically enduring the funeral seemingly unfazed save for his clacking teeth. The death hurt me as well, we were close ever since we were children, but with my brother falling apart beside me, I felt I had to be the strong one. I rested my head on his shoulder, and grabbed one of his hands, hoping the physical touch would ease his mind. His grip tightened, and remained so for the duration of the service.
“Are you okay?” I asked once the funeral came to a close, and we were free to stand.
Gabe shook as if he felt the same cold as our cousin. He sniffled, and I saw the path along his cheeks traced from two leaking damns. “Yes, I think so, or I will be” he breathed in deep and hard.
“I didn’t think you would be affected this much” I commented, slightly surprised by his sensitivity.
He shook, rubbing his palms against his eyes, “Well, I just... You two were so much alike and, the whole service, I just kept imagining you. You know, what if that was you.” The last word cracked in his throat.
I didn’t know he cared about me so much. I felt touched, my emotions had been simmering beneath the surface, but this pushed them out. Tears welled in my eyes and all I could manage was “Oh,”.
My brother sniffled again, seemingly unfazed by my lack of shared expression. “I don’t know how he’s doing it,” he said, nodding toward our cousin.
Aidan stood near the coffin with his parents and girlfriend, accepting condolences. Or, in his case, deferring to his family. He stood so still, an unnatural freeze frame in a video, seemingly stuck in place as the movie goes on around him. Except for his trembling jaw.
“I’ll talk to him,” I said quietly, feeling the need to continue the role of a rock in the whirlpool of emotions around me.
Gabe nodded, “I’ll meet you at home,” he replied, and left for the parking lot. The service was over, but the ground was frozen so the burial would take place another day. Our parents and my aunt and uncle, planned to handle some legal details after the ceremony, but we were free to leave whenever we wished. I watched my aunt and uncle move to a small table with my parents. They left a small space open in their circle around the table as if expecting one more. They always did this, an observation I made as a kid watching them have serious conversations. The space was left open for an Uncle I never met, who they lost in their childhood. The details of his passing were muddled at best, but the parallels to the present weighed eerily on my mind.
Before I left, I wanted to check on Aidan. Approaching the front, the remains, I felt unnerved. Shaky. She was so young, and the circumstances so bizarre. My focus settled for too long on the casket, and I felt the chill my cousin must be feeling. Uncomfortable, I adverted my eyes and turned my attention to Aiden. He had a thousand-mile stare, his blue green eyes gazed at memories only he could see.
“H-hey, how are you doing?” I asked awkwardly. Liza, his girlfriend and my best friend, with her arms around his shoulder trying to offer comfort, shot me a look. It was quite clear how he was doing, obviously this was the worst day of his life. In spite of my poorly worded question, he seemed to understand.
“I hate this.” He muttered, still afflicted by winter’s grip. “I hate this so much. I hate to it my bones.” His voice was flat, monotone, matter of fact.
Empathy swelled within me. Between my own grief and suppressed emotion, seeing him in so much pain was like tossing a stone in a bucket full of water. I threw my arms around my cousin in an awkward three-way hug between him, Liza, and me. Although he didn’t return the gesture, I felt him trembling beneath against me.
After separating, I muttered a hushed goodbye and told Liza I would call her soon. Her focus now, understandably, was singularly for my cousin, but I craved an opportunity to unload on my her. She nodded her assent, and I left the funeral home.
As I made it outside, a solid grip grabbed my arm and spun me around. I was pulled into a deep, meaty hug that took the wind from me and smothered me quiet, muffling any attempt at disapproval.
“Ohh, honey! Lord, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you too must have been close, gawd, I was tearing up just at the thought of how you and your brother must’ve been feeling!”
‘Let me go,’ I wanted to shout but her grip only tightened, and I only whimpered.
“Lord, to think how she got herself into that mess. I mean, did ya have any idea the sins she was playing with? So sad, just like your uncle. That boy going off into them woods with that other boy. Doing Lord knows what, and findin’ lords punishment for their sinning. How a child could be so far gone, I never know. I mean, if she were mine, I woulda beaten out those awful thoughts from her before the truck did. Mmm, mmm. If she were mine, she never woulda been in that position. Naked and her brain in the clouds. Mmm, mmm. No, child of mine woulda behaved that way, but now she’s flyin with the angels. She wanted to be in the clouds so bad, smokin for it here on earth, but she got her wish I suppose. Don’t let nothing ever tempt you here like that, honey.”
I began to tremble again. I thought it must have been the cold, but I was also angry. This lady, this woman I couldn’t even identify, shaming my cousin at her own funeral. I felt sick, disgusted, mad.
I managed to wriggle my arms in between me and her and shoved her back. Angry tears welled, but I didn’t want to show her. “Good talking to you,” I muttered, “Hope to see you at the next funeral” I said more loudly.
The drive home I fought back tears. Angry tears. Sad Tears. Confused tears. How my cousin ended up in her predicament was still a mystery to all of us. I turned into our neighborhood, and the drove the same road the truck drove. I passed the spot where they found her, down the street from my house, and I felt myself began to tremble. My teeth clicked together, and I cursed the winter weather. I needed to distract myself. I turned on the radio but what played I don’t remember. I thought back to what that woman, I think my great aunt, said about my uncle. His death was strange too.
Supposedly, he went out into the woods, shaking with anger. A boy, that was known to bully him at school, followed, presumably to harass him more. That was the last anyone saw them. Three days later, the police found their remains, with their bones scattered all over the place.
No one could make heads or tails of what happened. Some said it was cultist, some said animals. Then the reason the boys were together became garbled. Some said they were enemies, then some began to say they were friends or even more. They went into the woods to do something bad, criminal or worse. I asked my grandmother once about the story, and the different versions I heard at family gatherings over time. She said that people often try to find things they don’t like about ones they lost to make their passing more bearable, even if they have to make it up. I then asked her what she thought happened, and Grandma said, “That boy was a terror on my son and, in our family, anger is dangerous and hate runs deep.”
It had begun to snow when I pulled into the driveway and parked next to my brother’s car. I walked through the front door and dropped my keys in their place, a little bowl on small table near the door. Straight ahead was a sliding glass door that leads to the backyard, the perimeter of which is made of a wooden fence with a gate. Beyond the fence is the woods I played in with my brother and cousins, and beyond the woods is my cousins’ home. Cousin’s. Singular now. The thought of us all playing together tightened the knot in my chest a little more.
I walked down the hall towards the sliding doors only to stop halfway, turn, and go up the stairs. A single flight of thirteen steps led to a landing above the garage and the kitchen. On the right, a bathroom, my parents’ bedroom, and a slatted closet door. On the left, my room and my brother’s room. His door was half closed, meaning come or go. The thought of retreating to my own bedroom to mourn alone appealed to me, but I still felt shaky from my interaction with the distant aunt. Wanting to vent, I opened my brother’s door.
He sat at his computer chair pushed towards the window. He watched the snow fall in the backyard, his eyes distant, lost in thought. Perhaps the same thoughts I had earlier. I sat in a bean bag chair at his feet. In his hands he held a joint. A second one with a blue tip sat on the windowsill. I thought the color was odd, but it really only stands out now because he offered it to me. I still feel a dash of fear when I imagine what would have happened if I had said yes. Instead, I declined, and we sat in a silence for a moment as I tried to work through my frustration. My teeth were grinding too hard to open my mouth to start. Instead, my brother spoke.
“What’s the point of funerals?” He asked, his voice tired with a little tremble in it.
The question redirected my thoughts from the obnoxious aunt. Distracted enough to speak, I replied, “I guess, to give us a role in the loss,”
“What roles?”
“You know, there’s those who were closest to our-” I caught myself, extrapolation was fine at a distance, but I couldn’t bring myself to make it personal, “the deceased. They need their role the most, because they can’t move forward without some motions to act out. Everyone else plays a part, provides their condolences, gives the ones grieving a chance to respond, to begin moving on.”
“So, there is the grieving, the condolensers, what about you? And me?”
I paused and thought, “We’re caught in between, I guess. No one’s trying hard to comfort us, but we still try to fulfill the role of helping Aidan.” I was rambling now, not thinking much of my words.
“And the murderer?”
My eyes shot to my brother, his eyes still looking outside. He sat stoically; his question was serious. “The truck driver wasn’t there. Even if he were, he wouldn’t have a role, his presence would make everyone uncomfortable.”
“No, not him,” My brothers voice became, deep, shaky. He seemed to struggle to get the one syllable out. “Me.”
The next ten minutes I don’t really recall. The only memory I have of that conversation, that confession, is what I’ve told others. He picked up the blue tipped bud and told me everything. I remember tensing, my mind disassociating, and yet feeling the stab to my heart. Once he was done, he lit the laced blunt, and began to smoke. “She reminded me so much of you…” He breathed, his tear-stained face turning to me, hoping to see… what? I don’t know. Acceptance, forgiveness? Disgust. That is how I felt, and fear. I had to get out, I had to leave. He laid back on his bed, and I took that moment to run.
I ran out of the room, slamming his door behind me. Down the stairs, into the living room, I jumped on the couch. I cried, I felt sick. I breathe in and out hard, panicking. Then the house creaked.
I flipped around and looked at the stairs. From my spot on the couch, I could see the top landing, but nobody was there. Paranoid, my body ached. I stared at the stairs, wondering what to do. I wanted to run, to drive away, but I couldn’t pull myself from the couch, that spot. I remembered what he said about the joint, what it was mixed with. I remembered he started smoking it. I knew he wouldn’t be moving for a while.
Liza. I had to tell someone, and she was my best friend. I needed to vent, cry, advice on what to do next. I was shaking, trembling. My phone was in my pocket. I pulled it out and typed in her name, pressed call, it rang, she answered.
“Hey! How are you? I have you on spea-“
“Listen Liza! I need to tell you this, please listen!” She could hear the panic, the cry in my voice.
“Okay, slow down take a deep breath and tell me what’s wrong…”
And I told her. I recanted word for word what my brother told me. How he loved our cousin, more than just familial bonds or the familiarity of a friend. He thought she was beautiful, sweet. They were so close, he thought she felt the same. How the night she died, he had invited her over, to talk, for a little smoke, and for a deep heart to heart. How he felt nervous about what he was going to confess, how he hoped she felt the same, but he couldn’t know for sure. How he came to the conclusion that, if he added a little something more to hers, she might be more willing to listen, to agree with an open heart. He tipped the ones that would be hers with a blue sharpie. She came over, they talked, they smoked. She didn’t understand what he was saying but he felt he needed to show her, that he could convince her through action.
I nearly puked again at this point. I hated this, hated it down to my core. I began to shake more intensely. A stutter appeared in my voice between clacking teeth.
He took off her clothes. Her mind was muddled, in a haze. Yet, she felt something was not right, through the cloud she was fighting it. At some point, he realized what he was doing and hesitated. She pushed him off and ran. She wanted to leave, to go home. Confused, still in a daze, she ran out the wrong door. She ran into the street. It was dark, and cars are fast. Trucks are heavy.
Snot ran down my mouth, I was swallowing and spitting it, but I never stopped. I spoke until there was nothing more to say. Then there was silence.
Then a scream.
“Aidan! Are you okay?!?” Liza shouted from her end.
The scream came from the phone but sounded distant. I looked at it in confusion. Liza came back.
“I’m sorry, he’s shaking so bad. Hold on. Aidan? Aidan?!” Another scream. Continuous screaming. Loud, voice cracking, chord tearing shrieks. The kind of scream reserved for death or the discovery of. My phones speakers ripped themselves apart to provide the sound. I never heard Aidan scream, but I was sure that it could not be him. I heard a notable bang, bang. Liza dropped the phone. She was screaming now. The screaming continued, but began to grow distant. She was running away.
The next thing I heard still haunts my dreams. Popping. Popping, ripping, tearing. A squelch, the squeezing of ground meat. Then chittering. Bone against bone. Nothing but clicking and clacking like teeth.
Soon that noise grew distant and vanished too. I was scared, confused. I stared at my phone for a long while. My mind wandered to the glass door, and I got up to stare outside. My eyes following the path to where my cousin’s house would be. I don’t how long I stood there, part of me must have known what I was waiting for, but eventually it came.
Through the trees, up to the gate. The wooden entrance bowed, splintered, cracked, and broke. Through the yard it came, slowly, shambling. My breath caught in my throat. My heart raced, and my face strained from terror. My mind emptied all fear into my throat, and I screamed.
I would only connect the dots later. What that thing was that crept through my yard. After the police questioning, after the trauma center, and after the CBT appointments. Some shared with Liza, many more on my own. Only after years had passed did I learn about my cousin’s house. How they found the bloody scene, like an explosion from the inside out, a fleshy mess of gore, muscle, organs, and clothes spread out down the hall. Out the back door, through the woods. Dropping off pieces of remaining flesh, one by one, piece by piece, as it walked. Up the back porch, in full view.
Aidan’s voice echoed in my memory, ‘I hate it to my bones.’
I stumbled backwards, nearly falling as it approached the glass door. It pressed a hand, colored in white, red, pink and wrapped in vasculature, against the door. It pushed. The door began to groan. I shouted my brother’s name as the glass broke.
Flight kicked in and I ran up the stairs. My anger and disgust were now replaced with the need for survival. I didn’t know why, but I thought if I could just get to my brother, he would know what to do. He could handle anything. But when I reached his door, I found it locked. I pounded on it, begging him to open it, but he didn’t answer. Then I heard it. Crushing glass with sickening squish of what muscle remained attached to the feet. The groans as bone rubbed bone, the pops of air as the knees bent to climb the stairs.
I panicked, and looked to my room, but it was too close to the top of the stairs. Right then, I could see the crest of its skull, a white cap rising into view. I turned and saw the closet door. It had to work, I had to hide. There was nothing else I could do. I ripped the door open, and slammed it shut just as fast, with me on the inside. I shrunk down to floor, my body shaking with a might I have not felt since. I knew for sure it would find me. That it would simply press that skeletal hand to the door. The door would creak, crack, and break. Wood would splinter around me, and then…
The sounds of chittering teeth overlayed the hall. It grew louder, the clacking grew faster, excited. Through the slits of the closet door, I could see it standing there. Just in front of me. My heart nearly burst from my chest. It stepped into view. I stuffed my fist into my mouth to prevent a scream. I still have scars on my thumb from the bite. It stood before the closet door and stopped. It seemed to sway, left to right, as if considering. My breathing grew rapid. Draped in nerves attached to the spine, the lungs had not quite dropped from its chest, and its eyes. It turned toward the closet and I could see its eyes. Round, white orbits, all the larger due to the lack of surrounding tissue. Yet, the iris, the unique hue blue green.
It was my cousin.
Aidan.
It considered me.
It turned around and went to my brother’s bedroom door. It placed a hand against the door.
The events that happened next are burned into my mind as auditory nightmares. There’s the door giving way. My brother’s confused and addled questioning. The dawning scream of terror. The scream that continued just above the sounds of peeling, ripping, tearing, and chittering. The screams eventually fading, but the organic noises continued amongst the clacking and clicking of bones at work.
Eventually, the noises stopped.
I expected Aidan or Gabe to come out, but they never did. I remained perched in that spot against the closet wall for hours just waiting. Waiting for something or someone to emerge.
But nothing, nobody ever did.
Eventually, my parents came home, but those memories of the discovery have vanished. My next memory is of a police officer finding me crouched in the same position as before, curled behind the closet door.
I was eventually questioned, but I could not give answers. I barely trusted my own memory, and knew they would question it to. It was so unbelievable, for everyone involved. The discovery of my cousin’s body at his home, a horrible mush. The discovery of Aidan’s bones in my brother’s room, Gabe’s skin equivalently softened and peeled. My brother’s bone, every single one accounted for, tossed into his closet. And me. Alive. In the closet across the hall.
I would like to say I have recovered now, but recovery is always a work in progress. Nightmares wake me. Stray wandering thoughts intrude throughout the day. But, worst of all, is the anger. The anger I still hold against my brother. It so readily appears now. Whenever I have a bad day at work, or someone cuts me off in traffic. Whenever I’m in an argument, or if I see a picture of my family. Whenever I recall events of that day. I feel my body begin to tighten. My arms, hands, legs, begin to shake. Then I hear the sounds of my chittering teeth.
2024.05.26 18:21 SuicidalBirdie [WTS] TangSlangs, Comfiest quick adjust slings on the market. Same function as VTAC/LBT slings but with longer padding! Most colors are NIR and Berry compliant!
Timestamp:https://imgur.com/a/KWQjSNI
Thank you for 14 months of support! Thanks to my many customers over the past year abusing my slings, I'm proud to say that these are proven in all environments! On M240b's, through the mountains in the PNW, in the rain, sleet, snow, desert, and tiny backwoods forest... From Austrialia, to Germany, Denmark, UK, and Norway... Back home to the good ole USA. Thank you all for your support. Without you guys, I wouldn't have kept this up for so long. I am glad to be able to craft such a quality, improved padded sling for you guys. Whether you use it in the military, during hunting season, or just destroying trash on the flat range...
Thank you.
TangSlang Nood (Not padded) - $35 each
Nood Coyote Brown - 1 left
Nood Ranger Green - 1 left
Nood Black - 1 left
Berry compliant, all materials made here in the states. Same buckles as LBT/VTAC. 2 triglides. And Cordura TrueLock webbing.
As always, shipping is on me!
32 colors of Quick adjust Padded slings for sale:
$65 colors:
Black - 5 left
Coyote Brown - 2 left
Ranger Green - 6 left
$75 colors:
Multicam - 4 left
Multicam Arid - 4 left
Multicam Tropic - 3 left
Multicam Black - 4 left
Multicam Alpine - 2 left
Flecktarn - 3 left
Tropentarn - 2 left
Forest tiger stripe - 4 left
Desert tiger stripe - 3 left
Rhodesian brushstroke (Made in the states, but not NIR compliant after personal testing) - 4 left
Desert Night Camo - 4 left
Desert Digital (MARPAT) - 5 left
Forest Marpat - 5 left
Desert Choco chip - 6 left
Arid frog skin (Made in the states, but not NIR compliant after personal testing) - 4 left
Forest frog skin (Made in the states, but not NIR compliant after personal testing) - 5 left
M81 woodland (have both tan and green webbing) - 3 tan, 2 green left
Swiss M70 - 3 left
AUSCAM (old) - 3 left
AUSCAM (New, like multicam) - 3 left
Strichtarn (original East German fabric made over 40 years ago) - 2 left
Black DNC - 2 left (Custom print on 600D, not NIR Compliant)
Black Tiger Stripe - 2 left (Custom print on 600D, not NIR Compliant)
Miami Tiger Stripe - 4 left (Custom print on 600D, not NIR Compliant)
ATACS-FG (true ATACS nyco fabric. NIR & Berry compliant) - 3 left
British DPM (Imported from the UK, poly/cotton blend. NIR compliant) - 3 left
Poppies of War (Made in the states, but not NIR compliant after personal testing) - 3 left
$80 color:
Serape - 3 left (Custom print on 600D, not IR Compliant)
$90 color:
AOR2 (This fabric was super expensive since it is true AOR2, hence the price) - 2 left
$100 colors:
Pencott Greenzone - 1 left
$160 colors:
Black LV on Black webbing - 3 left
Brown LV on Brown webbing - 2 left
Includes the padded sling, Paracord handle, Berry compliant buckle, and 2 Berry compliant triglides.
Does not come with any attachment hardware.
7 more inches of padding vs BFG vickers and LBT slings. Padding is thicker than both. And with the 2 piece design, it is as tough as non-padded slings
Foam is neoprene closed cell. Means its waterproof and pretty much weather proof.
Fabric is all 500D cordura, unless specified.
550 Paracord is snake knotted "multi camo" color
According to my supplier (Factory in Virginia), all standard colors I have in stock are NIR compliant. (It won’t reflect Infrared light, so you cool boys running NVDs can keep being cool).
Non-NIR Compliant colors - Black Tiger Stripe, Black DNC, Miami Tiger Stripe, Poppies of War, Arid Frog Skin, Forest Frog Skin, Rhodesian Brushstroke, Serape, AOR1 (Maybe)
Dibs take it! Pm after would be great.
I prefer zelle, but take cash app, and PayPal f&f, no notes.
Shipped via USPS.
Since you made it this far... here's a short video of my dumb self yanking on the sling for a couple seconds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXs7t_JvhgY
submitted by SuicidalBirdie to GunAccessoriesForSale [link] [comments]
Thank you for 14 months of support! Thanks to my many customers over the past year abusing my slings, I'm proud to say that these are proven in all environments! On M240b's, through the mountains in the PNW, in the rain, sleet, snow, desert, and tiny backwoods forest... From Austrialia, to Germany, Denmark, UK, and Norway... Back home to the good ole USA. Thank you all for your support. Without you guys, I wouldn't have kept this up for so long. I am glad to be able to craft such a quality, improved padded sling for you guys. Whether you use it in the military, during hunting season, or just destroying trash on the flat range...
Thank you.
TangSlang Nood (Not padded) - $35 each
Nood Coyote Brown - 1 left
Nood Ranger Green - 1 left
Nood Black - 1 left
Berry compliant, all materials made here in the states. Same buckles as LBT/VTAC. 2 triglides. And Cordura TrueLock webbing.
As always, shipping is on me!
32 colors of Quick adjust Padded slings for sale:
$65 colors:
Black - 5 left
Coyote Brown - 2 left
Ranger Green - 6 left
$75 colors:
Multicam - 4 left
Multicam Arid - 4 left
Multicam Tropic - 3 left
Multicam Black - 4 left
Multicam Alpine - 2 left
Flecktarn - 3 left
Tropentarn - 2 left
Forest tiger stripe - 4 left
Desert tiger stripe - 3 left
Rhodesian brushstroke (Made in the states, but not NIR compliant after personal testing) - 4 left
Desert Night Camo - 4 left
Desert Digital (MARPAT) - 5 left
Forest Marpat - 5 left
Desert Choco chip - 6 left
Arid frog skin (Made in the states, but not NIR compliant after personal testing) - 4 left
Forest frog skin (Made in the states, but not NIR compliant after personal testing) - 5 left
M81 woodland (have both tan and green webbing) - 3 tan, 2 green left
Swiss M70 - 3 left
AUSCAM (old) - 3 left
AUSCAM (New, like multicam) - 3 left
Strichtarn (original East German fabric made over 40 years ago) - 2 left
Black DNC - 2 left (Custom print on 600D, not NIR Compliant)
Black Tiger Stripe - 2 left (Custom print on 600D, not NIR Compliant)
Miami Tiger Stripe - 4 left (Custom print on 600D, not NIR Compliant)
ATACS-FG (true ATACS nyco fabric. NIR & Berry compliant) - 3 left
British DPM (Imported from the UK, poly/cotton blend. NIR compliant) - 3 left
Poppies of War (Made in the states, but not NIR compliant after personal testing) - 3 left
$80 color:
Serape - 3 left (Custom print on 600D, not IR Compliant)
$90 color:
AOR2 (This fabric was super expensive since it is true AOR2, hence the price) - 2 left
$100 colors:
Pencott Greenzone - 1 left
$160 colors:
Black LV on Black webbing - 3 left
Brown LV on Brown webbing - 2 left
Includes the padded sling, Paracord handle, Berry compliant buckle, and 2 Berry compliant triglides.
Does not come with any attachment hardware.
7 more inches of padding vs BFG vickers and LBT slings. Padding is thicker than both. And with the 2 piece design, it is as tough as non-padded slings
Foam is neoprene closed cell. Means its waterproof and pretty much weather proof.
Fabric is all 500D cordura, unless specified.
550 Paracord is snake knotted "multi camo" color
According to my supplier (Factory in Virginia), all standard colors I have in stock are NIR compliant. (It won’t reflect Infrared light, so you cool boys running NVDs can keep being cool).
Non-NIR Compliant colors - Black Tiger Stripe, Black DNC, Miami Tiger Stripe, Poppies of War, Arid Frog Skin, Forest Frog Skin, Rhodesian Brushstroke, Serape, AOR1 (Maybe)
Dibs take it! Pm after would be great.
I prefer zelle, but take cash app, and PayPal f&f, no notes.
Shipped via USPS.
Since you made it this far... here's a short video of my dumb self yanking on the sling for a couple seconds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXs7t_JvhgY
2024.05.26 14:00 BigBird__ Hair twisting and pulling
So I am nearly a male and nearly 21. I have been pulling on and off for the past 7 or 8 years I want to say. I have noticed the past 2 or 3 years since ive left school its gotten worse. My dad says that "I get it honestly" because apparently all the males on his side of the family are notorious for playing with their hair and picking their nails etc. Also I have curly hair so it kinda just turns into an afro when it gets long.
I usually go through periods where I wont pull or play with my hair for a month or 2 when I get a haircut but once it starts getting to a decent length, I'll start and cant stop. I am realise that I'm doing it most of the time but I just cant stop myself. often do it when I'm watching videos, playing games, lying in bed on my phone or even doing uni work. Even while writing this and reading through the subreddit, I was doing it. When I do it, I tend to twist it until it gets into a knot then will pull at it
I now have a pretty decent sized bald patch on the right side of the front of my head and the same on the opposite side but not as bad. I think this is because I am right handed. I also tend to pull at the crown a fair bit and just to the side of the crown.
I am afraid to get my haircut because this is the worst it has been. Im scared people will judge me because I'm fairly young and shouldn't be losing my hair. I'm not really sure what to do or how to even start trying to manage it because I do it subconsciously.
Does anyone have any tips that have helped them stop or even just minimise how often they are doing it? What have you guys found that helped with dealing being embarrassed if you get your haircut and it makes the pulling much more obvious?
Any tips, feedback, stories or literally anything will be a great help hopefully.
I'm hoping this is the start of my recovery if you can call it that.
submitted by BigBird__ to trichotillomania [link] [comments]
I usually go through periods where I wont pull or play with my hair for a month or 2 when I get a haircut but once it starts getting to a decent length, I'll start and cant stop. I am realise that I'm doing it most of the time but I just cant stop myself. often do it when I'm watching videos, playing games, lying in bed on my phone or even doing uni work. Even while writing this and reading through the subreddit, I was doing it. When I do it, I tend to twist it until it gets into a knot then will pull at it
I now have a pretty decent sized bald patch on the right side of the front of my head and the same on the opposite side but not as bad. I think this is because I am right handed. I also tend to pull at the crown a fair bit and just to the side of the crown.
I am afraid to get my haircut because this is the worst it has been. Im scared people will judge me because I'm fairly young and shouldn't be losing my hair. I'm not really sure what to do or how to even start trying to manage it because I do it subconsciously.
Does anyone have any tips that have helped them stop or even just minimise how often they are doing it? What have you guys found that helped with dealing being embarrassed if you get your haircut and it makes the pulling much more obvious?
Any tips, feedback, stories or literally anything will be a great help hopefully.
I'm hoping this is the start of my recovery if you can call it that.
2024.05.26 11:36 Significant-Tower146 Best Crossbow String Silencers
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/zb9qfbncqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=43448ccd9e94821e87a7c8477e1e30c4c2016f10 Are you a crossbow enthusiast who wants to enjoy the thrill of your sport without disturbing the peace for others? Look no further than our selection of the best Crossbow String Silencers! In this roundup, we've gathered the top products that will help you achieve pinpoint accuracy and a quieter shooting experience. So, sit back, relax, and let's discover the perfect accessory for your crossbow. The Top 19 Best Crossbow String Silencers
Reviews🔗BowJax Ultra Bowjax Red String Silencer for Noiseless Shootinghttps://preview.redd.it/a5l3pgbdqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae6efa3a9622d3d7c9d907d92ccfe0b4fd398f85 I've been using the BowJax Ultra 1 String Silencer for a while now, and it's one of those rare finds that actually lives up to its hype. It's not just an accessory, but a game-changer in terms of noise reduction and smooth string movement. One of the first things that stood out was the intuitive design – no bow press needed! The zip tips provided make it super easy to attach, even for a beginner like me. Now let's talk about the noise reduction – it's phenomenal. It reduced noise by about 90%, which is more than I could have hoped for. You don't even hear a whisper anymore! What's even better? It didn't affect the performance of my bow at all. The string still had the same velocity, and it didn't twist after installation. However, it wasn't just about the pros. The high price tag made me hesitant initially. But after using it, I realized that the quality and performance justify the cost. Also, be prepared to cut off the excess zip ties – a bit of extra work that could have been avoided. But for the noise reduction and effortless installation, I'd say it's worth it. Overall, the BowJax Ultra 1 String Silencer is an impressive product that's sure to make a difference in your archery experience. 🔗October Mountain String Silencers: Lightweight Reducer for Archeryhttps://preview.redd.it/uk5dl8pdqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=656f49f75416abead2b50cb9499f7882b6b07701 If there's one thing I've learned when it comes to hunting, it's the importance of stealth. And in my book, that's where the October Mountain String Silencers come in. These little green gems just might be the best kept secret in the world of hunting accessories. There's a certain magic to these rubber string silencers, they're so lightweight they barely register, yet they're designed to reduce the vibration and noise that usually accompany string shots. It's like a whisper in the bow season, seriously. The highlight of them? They're incredibly easy to install. No more knots or fumbling around, they just click right into place. It's just another feather in October Mountain's cap when it comes to perfecting the archery experience. But, as with any product, there is a tiny con. These silencers tend to be a bit too small for larger calibers. Not a deal breaker, but worth mentioning. In conclusion, if you're looking to increase your stealth game and eliminate any noise disturbance, then these String Silencers are the answer. They're a compact and efficient solution, perfect for the hunter's bag. 🔗Black Truglo Tru Block String Silencer - High-Performance Crossbow Noise Reductionhttps://preview.redd.it/onifrm5eqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b228deedf870d6f6fecfa8ab4f69d4caaf6baf3e Imagine the peace and quiet of the woods, amplified by the silence of your bowstrings. That's what I found when I decided to give the Truglo Tru Block String Silencers a try. These silencers are designed to reduce unwanted noise and vibration, and I have to say, they do a great job of it. The weather-resistant, technical material ensures they're built to last, and the lightweight yet durable design feels like a comfortable fit for any hunting or target bow. One of the features I appreciated the most is how this product is designed to fit all bows, no matter the make or model. But, there's always a catch, isn't there? Despite their impressive features and positive reviews, they do have their share of drawbacks. For instance, some users have reported difficulty in installing the silencers, and a few even mentioned that the product fell apart after a few shots, making it quite a disappointment. I did face a bit of challenge when installing them initially, but once I got the hang of it, it became simpler. Also, be prepared for the fact that some users have reported slight misalignments with their shot post-installation. But, to be fair, this doesn't happen to everyone, including myself. All in all, the Truglo Tru Block String Silencers are a worthwhile addition for those seeking a quieter and potentially more precise shooting experience. 🔗Lightweight Rubber Crossbow String Silencershttps://preview.redd.it/v60sbrgeqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1cf2aa2e93a278f83b00ad89c0ec1e51ba15818 The October Mountain String Silencers are a set of two pink rubber string silencers that I recently tried out. Right off the bat, I appreciated their lightweight nature, making them a breeze to install. These silencers work by reducing vibration and noise, which is a crucial feature for those who are shooting in close proximity to others or in noise-sensitive environments. One standout aspect of these silencers is their advanced design, using high-quality rubber to provide an effective and long-lasting solution. However, the installation process could be made a bit clearer, with more detailed instructions provided. Overall, the October Mountain String Silencers have made a noticeable difference in my shooting experience by reducing noise and vibration when using my crossbow. 🔗Crossbow Silencing Kit for Quieter Shootinghttps://preview.redd.it/ipvoomqeqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6eec0e3741d343737c5eeee2ef397442ac0af27d I recently tried out the Limbsaver TwistLox Silencing Kit for my crossbow, and I have to say, it made quite a difference! Before, my crossbow was quite noisy, but after installing the kit, the sound was noticeably quieter. The kit was easy to install, and it came with various parts, such as TwistLox suppressors, cable decelerators, and stirrup dampeners to reduce noise and vibration. One thing that stood out was the large size of the Broadband Dampeners, which were designed to withstand the elements and provide a solid fit. The string silencers, or Super String Leeches, did a great job of silencing the bolt and stopping string oscillation, and the kit was compatible with split limb crossbows. However, there were a few things I didn't like about the kit. Firstly, it required a bow press for string installation, which was not mentioned in the description. Secondly, the kit is quite expensive compared to other options available at my local archery shop. Overall, the Limbsaver TwistLox Silencing Kit succeeded in reducing noise and vibration, but I would recommend checking out other options at your local archery shop before splurging on this one. 🔗Lightweight String Silencers for Crossbows - Camo 3 Pk.https://preview.redd.it/rp5uca8fqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f1f80049e2bd0999e2dbab345537a51aa51dbe66 I've been using the October Mountain String Silencers Camo 3 Pk. for a while now, and I must say, they've made a significant difference in my hunting experience. These lightweight rubber string silencers are a breeze to install, and they come in a variety of colors to blend seamlessly with your crossbow. Their main purpose is to reduce vibration and noise, which is exactly what they do. It's impressive how easily these silencers can be attached to the strings, ensuring a smooth and quiet shot every time. One downside I've noticed is that they tend to come off more easily than I'd like, but overall, I can't deny the effectiveness of these string silencers in reducing noise and vibration. 🔗Crossbow String Silencers for Reduced Noise and Vibrationhttps://preview.redd.it/113l70gfqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cbb06e28ba8de50c341b543924fc5455584e64fd It's been an interesting journey experimenting with the Pine Ridge Orange Wishbone String & Cable Dampener. I've used it on both my longbow and crossbow, and it's made a noticeable difference in reducing vibration and noise. Compared to traditional string dampeners like fur puffs, these are much more reliable, especially when they get wet. I appreciate that they're easy to install and don't require a bow press—a major advantage for those without one. The weight, which some might worry would slow the bow, is actually negligible. The Wishbone String and Cable Dampener has one feature that I'm particularly fond of—it comes in a variety of colors, perfect for customizing your setup. However, it took me a bit to figure out how to get them onto my strings with ease. A small pair of pliers made all the difference. It's worth mentioning that they can be a bit tricky to position, but once they stay in place, it's a smooth sail. Overall, I've had a positive experience with this product. It works as advertized and offers a simple solution to the noise and vibration issues I've faced in the past. It's not perfect, but it's a great tool to have in any archer's toolkit. 🔗Premium Crossbow String Silencers for Enhanced Performance and Quiet Shootinghttps://preview.redd.it/6aud1wqfqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ade9b4c37f743e5b28142cd33852cef81c62567 The October Mountain Vibe String Silencers are a game-changer for avid crossbow users. I've personally used these silencers, and the difference they've made to my hunting experience is noticeable. The silencers were designed to reduce bowstring oscillation and noise, making for a more discreet and stealthy hunt. They're also made from high-quality materials, ensuring their longevity and reliability. One of the biggest advantages I've noticed is the increased speed they've provided compared to traditional silicone models. They glide on smoothly, allowing for a faster shot – a crucial element in hunting. Additionally, these silencers can weather any condition, making them a go-to choice for any hunt. But with all great products, there's always room for improvement. Despite their impressive features, the silencers could be a bit more durable in harsh weather conditions. However, they are still an excellent investment for any crossbow hunter. All in all, the October Mountain Vibe String Silencers have definitely enhanced my hunting experience, and I'd highly recommend them to fellow hunters. 🔗Mountain Man Beaver Hide String Silencer for Crossbows (Brown)https://preview.redd.it/3zrxyragqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=446bed6ba1c3dfdb88849cd2c3f0a26c122a1080 The Mountain Man Beaver Balls String Silencer has been a game-changer for my archery sessions. After using these for weeks, I can confidently say they effortlessly silenced the twangy noise of my recurve bow strings. The durability and weather-resistance of the beaver hide string silencers stood out the most, as I've used them in various conditions without any sign of wear and tear. Not only do they mute the noise, but the beaver hide adds a touch of tradition to my bow setup. However, one minor downside I noticed was that the silencers can be quite challenging to install securely around the bowstring ends. It took me some time to find the optimal position, but once in place, they made all the difference. In conclusion, if you're looking for the perfect accompaniment to your recurve or longbow, the Mountain Man Beaver Balls String Silencer will be worth the effort. Its high-quality beaver hide material, combined with the effective noise reduction it provides, makes it an unbeatable choice for those who appreciate the traditional aspects of archery. 🔗October Mountain Blackberry String Silencers for Crossbow - 4 Pack in Black (Silent Strings)https://preview.redd.it/cq3oiskgqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8018396458e61daac8ce2e4e3b742d01c9e51ac3 Imagine spending a crisp autumn day in the forest, surrounded by trees that rustle with the slightest breeze. The silence is only interrupted by the distant crack of a twig or the chirping of a songbird. But then, just as you're about to capture the perfect shot, the noise of your crossbow string snapping back and forth shatters the tranquility. That's when you wish you had the October Mountain Blackberry String Silencer in your pocket. The moment I took it out of the package, I was fascinated by its simple yet effective design. It can easily be tied onto any bowstring, with two deep grooves on each silencer. I found it best to use with. 019-. 021 diameter serving, and it really does make a difference in reducing the noise. But what really caught my attention was its quiet and durable TPR rubber construction. This feature ensures that the silencers don't make any noise while they're in use and they can survive numerous shots without showing any wear and tear. It's as if you're using four whispering ninjas on your crossbow. Despite its effectiveness, it's not without its downsides. The instructions could be a bit clearer on how to tie it properly, which might lead to some trial and error. Also, it's not suitable for all crossbow string diameters, so make sure to check the compatibility beforehand. In conclusion, the October Mountain Blackberry String Silencer Black 4 Pk. is a quiet and durable solution for those looking to reduce the noise of their crossbow. While it's not perfect, it certainly gets the job done. 🔗Lightweight Crossbow String Silencers for Fast Shootinghttps://preview.redd.it/x501z12hqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a624c6fb72ffabb8e468d08d81f3926471f1c0c4 When I first heard about the Bowjax SlipJax String Silencers, I was intrigued. As someone who often uses a compound bow, I love discovering equipment that could make my experience smoother. So, I decided to give them a try and see just how effective these silencers were. Using the bow with these silencers attached was a game-changer. The 19 grains each proved to be just the right amount, providing the perfect amount of dampening without affecting the overall performance of my bow. The lightweight design was definitely noticeable, making it easier for me to carry my gear around without the added burden. Yet, despite their many positive aspects, one thing struck me as strange. The silencers are advertised as being durable and strong. However, on a few occasions, I noticed that the screws responsible for securing the silencers to the string started to loosen. This was a minor inconvenience, but I couldn't help but wonder if it was a sign of long-term issues. Overall, I have to say that the Bowjax SlipJax String Silencers were a pleasure to use, but I would have felt more comfortable if they had been just a bit more securely attached. With that in mind, I give them a solid 4 out of 5 stars. 🔗Killer Instinct Crossbow Limb Silencers: Efficient Shock Dampening for Enhanced Performancehttps://preview.redd.it/gb2mr3ihqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c0ce5f7267fd8807eef60e161065d1dbb6234a74 Recently, I've discovered a new secret weapon for my Killer Instinct crossbow - the Deadening Crossbow Limb Silencers in a vibrant red hue. These sleek silencers are perfect for fitting all Killer Instinct crossbows, as well as most split limb crossbows. As I slung my crossbow, I knew the powerful acoustics were about to cause quite the disturbance. However, these Deadening Silencers worked their magic, and I didn't have to worry about waking up my neighbors or spooking nearby wildlife. Their friction-fit design made mounting them a breeze, and I was amazed at how they effectively dampened the shock and vibration each time I pulled the trigger. What stood out to me the most was their proprietary, engineered visco-elastic material. It not only lessened the noise but also made the crossbow feel much smoother and comfortable to use. I no longer had to tolerate the harsh recoil or the annoying reverberations that usually came with using my crossbow. Though they were a bit tricky to remove when I needed to clean or adjust my crossbow, overall, the Deadening Crossbow Limb Silencers were a game-changer. No more pesky echoes and startled animals while out in the hunt. I fully recommend these silencers to any crossbow enthusiast looking to elevate their hunting experience while maintaining discretion and peace in the wilderness. 🔗Quiet Archery String Silencer for Hunting Successhttps://preview.redd.it/t8vnhpvhqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5e3627d75d00dea64f1e3dd1a2d866ca70d2b51 The Vib-bug Archery String Silencer has become my trusty sidekick in the world of archery. As someone who regularly takes part in hunting expeditions, the importance of accuracy and stealth cannot be overstated. This silencer has proven to be an indispensable companion amidst the dense foliage, allowing me to stay as quiet as a fox. One of the most remarkable features is its adaptability. It can attach to any bow string, no matter the size or shape, making it incredibly versatile. The fact that it doesn't absorb water is a blessing in unpredictable weather conditions - it just keeps performing, no strings attached! However, there's a fine line between convenience and compromise. While it doesn't significantly reduce the arrow speed, I do wish it could be more efficient in terms of noise reduction. Nevertheless, the trade-off is worth it for the heightened success rate in my hunting endeavors. So, in the end, the Vib-bug Archery String Silencer has become my silent partner on the battlefield of nature. 🔗Blue Vibration-Reducing Bowfishing String Silencershttps://preview.redd.it/s7k5kbciqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fd4f93057750f985ed1a8a0227bb0f7b97c0105 The Fin-Finder String Silencers in a deep, captivating blue hue are a game-changer for bowfishing enthusiasts. These silencers effortlessly minimize that jarring vibration and pesky noise that inevitably follows a successful shot. My hands now thank me for these lightweight additions as they work their magic, allowing me to enjoy the sport with a touch more comfort and ease. Plus, their UV resistance ensures these bad boys are as durable as a steak at a barbecue. The only downside? . These only come in one set per pack. Otherwise, I'd be stockpiling them like a hoarder with a penchant for silencers. 🔗Excalibur S5 Crossbow String Suppression Systemhttps://preview.redd.it/tutfv1niqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=44d53ae99d0aaea5b5b765fd3430541409de06fc The Excalibur S5 String Suppression System is designed to help reduce the noise and vibrations caused by an Excalibur crossbow. As a crossbow enthusiast, I recently tried this product on my trusty Excalibur crossbow and was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. One of the key features of this system is its versatility. It can work either on its own or in conjunction with the dissipater bar string system, allowing users to customize their noise reduction and vibration dampening experience. The mounting screws included make installation a breeze, and the system fits securely to Excalibur crossbows manufactured in 2004 or later. However, there were a couple of drawbacks I encountered during my test. Firstly, it is important to note that this system is not compatible with newer Matrix and Micro series hunting crossbows. Secondly, the product is marketed as "Made in the USA or Imported, " but it should be explicitly stated that the product is made in the USA or imported since both scenarios apply to the production of this product. Overall, the Excalibur S5 String Suppression System effectively reduces sound and shock, making it a valuable addition to any Excalibur crossbow enthusiast's arsenal. While it may not completely eliminate noise and vibration, it is a noticeable improvement over the traditional sound and vibration levels of the crossbow. Buyer's GuideA crossbow string silencer is a valuable accessory for any crossbow enthusiast. It helps to reduce the noise and vibration produced during the shot, making the experience more enjoyable and less disturbing for both the shooter and those around them. This guide will help you understand the important factors to consider when purchasing a crossbow string silencer.Materialhttps://preview.redd.it/tghv68mkqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7723938f7e8b0e4158d1d647bea5bae3005b37af The material of the string silencer is crucial as it should be able to endure the repeated impact of the crossbow string. The best materials are generally rubber or fiber-based, as they offer a good balance of durability, flexibility, and noise reduction. Look for a silencer that uses high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance. Some high-quality materials include rubber, Dyneema, and Kevlar. Size and WeightThe size and weight of the string silencer should be considered, as it needs to fit your crossbow and be comfortable to use. Ideally, it should be lightweight without sacrificing quality. Check the dimensions of the silencer before purchasing to ensure it is compatible with your crossbow. In general, silencers that are adjustable in length or have multiple mounting options provide better flexibility for different crossbow models.DesignDifferent brands and models of string silencers will have various designs and mounting systems. Some common designs include bungee, elastic, or rubber straps. The design should be tested before purchase to ensure it works well with your crossbow and provides the desired noise reduction. Some designs offer additional features, such as vibration dampening or integrated string protectors. https://preview.redd.it/l26mdjvkqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=793c5ffc3e2971ee7feaa1b65af90fb6a6a6c8bc DurabilityAnother important factor to consider is the silencer's durability. Look for a product with a high-quality build and excellent resistance to wear and tear, as it will be subjected to repeated impact from the crossbow string. A resistant, waterproof material can also be a bonus, providing protection against damage caused by weather elements.Ease of InstallationA good string silencer should be easy to install and remove from your crossbow. The mounting system should be user-friendly, quick to set up, and secure enough to stay in place during use. Look for products with clear instructions or videos that demonstrate the installation process.Noise Reductionhttps://preview.redd.it/93i7ey7lqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8c1b9f7c3318087c58ccb8e0019885b1e10df92a Of course, the primary purpose of a string silencer is to reduce noise. Evaluate the noise reduction capabilities of the silencer by reading customer reviews and testimonials. It's also good to choose a product with a reputable brand known for producing high-quality string silencers. CompatibilityMake sure the string silencer you choose is compatible with your crossbow model. The length and width of the silencer should match the dimensions of your crossbow's string. Some manufacturers provide a list of compatible crossbow models with their products, so check before purchasing.When purchasing a crossbow string silencer, consider the material, size, design, durability, ease of installation, noise reduction capabilities, and compatibility with your crossbow. By focusing on these important factors, you can find the perfect string silencer to enhance your crossbow shooting experience. FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/1tocmkmlqq2d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=40e6f6812a0c0f62001a939ff287f29b51c9d046 What are crossbow string silencers?Crossbow string silencers are designed to reduce the noise generated by crossbows when they are fired. These silencers can be made of different materials, such as rubber or polymer, and cover a portion of the crossbow's string. When the crossbow is shot, the string wraps around the silencer, effectively muting the sound.What are the benefits of using a crossbow string silencer?
Are crossbow string silencers easy to install?Yes, most crossbow string silencers are easy to install. They usually slide over the crossbow's string, and some models secure themselves in place using rubber bands or other attachments. Consult your silencer's user manual for specific installation instructions.How do I clean and maintain my crossbow string silencer?Regularly inspect your silencer for any signs of wear, damage, or fouling. Clean the silencer using a mild detergent and warm water. Gently scrub it with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before installing it back onto the crossbow's string.Can I use a crossbow silencer on different crossbows?Generally, yes, you can use crossbow string silencers on different types of crossbows. However, it's always a good idea to consult the user manual for your silencer and crossbow to confirm compatibility and any specific installation requirements.How long do crossbow string silencers last?The lifespan of a crossbow string silencer depends on various factors such as the type of material used and the frequency and intensity of use. With proper maintenance, a crossbow string silencer can last several months to a year. Be sure to replace your silencer if you notice any wear, damage, or performance issues.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.26 00:20 VictoriousBaffon Ήλθον, είδον, ενίκησα Theodora Davis - Daughter of Nike
Basic Information
| Type of information | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Theodora Alexandra Davis |
| Nicknames | Theo, Alex, Dora |
| Date of birth | May 25th 2024 |
| Age | 15 |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Sexuality / Romantic stance | Bisexual, monogamous |
| Sex | Female |
| Gender / Pronouns | Cis, she/her |
| Languages spoken | English, Ancient Greek |
Appearance
| faceclaim | height | hair | eyes | build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| boop | 170cm / 5′7″ | dirty blonde | baby blue | athletic |
Personality
Since spending so much time at camp, and the Arena more importantly, where she's really in her element, Theo's become more confident in her abilities when it comes to combat. Fortunately, she's now mature enough for that not to change into arrogance. Listen, she still thinks she's the shit, but what's the point in shoving it into others faces, you know?She's still as competitive as ever, maybe even more. The competition here in camp is definitely far better than out there in the mortal world, which did make Theo take her training even more seriously. Most demigod's have some supernatural powers, which means that you need to work to stand out. Since most people can do what you can, you need to do it very well, ideally even perfectly.
Theo's also become a bit more stubborn and short-tempered during the last year or so. Not that she's ever really been a calm and easy going person, but it has gotten worse. Let's hope that's just the teenage hormones.
Positive Traits: kind, ambitious, confident
Neutral Traits: perfectionist
Negative Traits: stubborn, reckless, short-tempered
Conundrums: ADHD, Dyslexia
Trivia
- Nectar, to Theo, tastes like the kind of hot chocolate her mom makes.
- Ambrosia, to Theo, tastes like the waffles with Maple syrup her stepmom makes.
- Main love languages: affirmations and quality time
- 16personalities: Entertainer (ESFP-A)
- Hogwarts house: Gryffindor
- Bender style: air
Hobbies
As mentioned already, Theo loves spending time in the Arena, where she's training with either her fellow campers or one of those dummies. She also enjoys a daily run around the borders of the camp.As the Nike/Enforcers cabin has a TV and a bunch of consoles, she also spends some of her time playing video games.
Unfortunately, she can't bring all of her instruments to camp, but she did manage to convince her parents to buy her a more compact guitar that she can travel to camp and back with. She spends a fair amount of time playing the guitar.
Relationships
| name | relationship | age | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | Mother | ??? | Theodora's feelings have become a bit complicated since actually meeting her mother face to face. Ultimately, Theodora wants to make her proud, though, she can't help but resent her for leaving. | |
| Emma Davis | Mother | 35 | A professional musician turned private music teacher. The relationship Theo and her mother have is possibly the only normal thing in her life. The two get along great, if we ignore the occasional argument. | |
| Nikita Davis | Step-mother | 34 | Theo met Nikita when she was six. She wasn't a fan of her at first, but ultimately Nikita won her over. As a daughter of Aphrodite, Nikita acts as a sort of mentor for Theo when it comes to the demigod world. | |
| Samuel "Sam" Davis | cousin | 16 | Sam is much closer to her heart than Theo would like to admit. They didn't spend much time together growing up, only the important holidays, so being around each other so often was at first a bit weird. Theo still insists that he's the annoying cousin. | |
| Alexandra Davis | aunt | 38 | Like with Samuel, Theodora didn't see her aunt often while growing up, but she looks back on their brief times together fondly. | |
| Maxwell "Maxie" Flammia | boyfriend | 14 | The two of them met at a Campfire. Theo asked him on a date, Maxie stopped functioning, and the rest is history. | |
| Quincy Rockford, Rowan Micheaux, Danny Hernández-Salter, Darius Jones and others | siblings/cousins | various | They, the ones that are still here at least, live together in what could sometimes be considered harmony. | |
| Casey Neimann | friend | 17 | Theodora and the daughter of Techne first met when Casey arrived at camp and Theo helped her find her cabin. The two soon became friends and frequently sparred together. Unfortunately, Casey has been away from camp for a while now. | |
| Sadira Andersen | friend | 13 | Likewise, Sadira and Theodora first met when Sadira first came to camp and showed her where the cabin of the Oneiroi cabin is. They soon became friends as they bonded over their love of music. | |
| Oliver Blackwell | 17 | Oliver signed Maxwell up for the Matchmaker as an extra, and Theo not so calmly confronted him about it later. |
Powers
| Type | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Domain power | Summon Weapon | The ability to summon a set of particular weapons. The user may be able to distribute up to 10 of these weapons at any give time, but they break or dissolve after 10 minutes (or 5 turns). They are not on the level of Celestial bronze, iron weapons at best, but are still capable of monster-slaying. |
| Domain power | Disarm Opponent | The ability to instantly disarm an opponent (targeted). It can only happen once every 54 minutes, if the user is holding a weapon. It can happen twice in the same amount of time if the user is unarmed. |
| Domain power | Weapon Proficiency | A trait where one is naturally adept to various kinds of weapons, especially those preferred by their parent. That includes spears, swords and shields, mid-range melee weapons, such as maces and morning stars |
| Minor power | Legendary Speed | A trait where one displays one of the highest levels of speed, agility, and dexterity known of half-bloods. The character is able to reach speeds up to 35 mph (56.33 km/h). |
| Minor power | Competitive Sports Proficiency | A trait where one is naturally adept in competitive sports. |
| Minor power | Self-Gratification Buff | A trait where one is invigorated by the presence of their own awards. Their senses, reflexes, and fighting ability are heightened. The buff requires at least one applicable item to be within 30 feet of the user. |
| Major power | Victory Foresight | A trait where one is able to foresee opportunities or possibilities of events that would lead to victorious outcomes. |
Inventory
| Type | Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achilles sword | Σπαθί (Spathí), sword | A sword Theo got for her 12th birthday. It's not particularly special in any way, but it is made out of Celestial bronze. | |
| Xiphos | Νῑκηφόρος (Nikephoros), bringer of Victory | A gift from her cousin Samuel. It's a standard xiphos made out of celestial bronze. Though, it does transform into a bracelet when not in use. It's her main weapon nowadays. | |
| Guitar | LXK2 Little Martin | The guitar Theodora drags along with her to camp. | |
| Notebook | The Notebook | Theodora has started copying Maxwell when it comes to jotting her thoughts down on a piece of paper. Unfortunately, her notebook has a limited amount of pages and needs to be replaces every so often. |
Some history
Theodora Alexandra Davis was born to Emma Davis and Nike on the 25th of May 2024 in Toronto. Nike left shortly after, as all gods do, leaving Emma to raise their child by herself. That's exactly what she did until she met Nikita. At first the two were just friends, as Emma is clear-sighted and has a demigod as a child and Nikita is a daughter of Aphrodite, the two had a bit in common. They soon started dating, though, and soon after that tied the knot. While Theo knows that she met her step-mother when she was six, she doesn't actually remember the moment, or what her life actually was before Nikita was in it.Due to Theodora being a very energetic child, her mother tried to get her to stick to a few hobbies in order to get her energy out. Of course, sports was the first option, being naturally good at them, the second option however was music. Theo excelled in both, often going to competitions in both sports and music. What Theodora did not excel in, and still doesn't, is school. While she's passing all her classes, right now at least, her grades could be a lot better.
Theodora was raised with stories about the Greek myths and legends, she was ten when she found out she's a demigod, though. That's when her powers started showing up, and frankly, it's impossible to convince someone they're normal after they accidentally summon a sword. Multiple times.
From that day forward, Nikita spent some time teaching her about the demigod life every day. At first, it was just telling her stories of what happened from the antiquity till now, then they started training, both powers and combat. There was also some preparation for camp, but that was mostly stories as well.
Theo got claimed on her 13th birthday, just as she was cutting the cake a pair of golden wings appeared over her head, however she decided to not go to the camp yet. To be completely honest, she just didn't feel ready at the time, but now? Now, she feels ready and wants to go to this magical and slightly terrifying place her step-mother told her about.
Present
The Cabins
Theo is known in her little circle as a late riser. Seeing her up before 9AM would be a cause for concern. Today, however, is a special day it seems, besides the whole Theo turning 15 thing. She couldn't get a wink of sleep once the clocks struck 7AM. She tried, believe me, she tried, but it was in vain, so she got out of her bed, frustrated and ready to curse Hypnos out, but deciding against it at the last second. That would surely only make things worse.She had no wonder what to do with all this free time she now has in the day. She was tempted to play her guitar for a bit, but someone
In the end she decides to go for a quick run to start the day off. She first gets dressed, putting on some random sweatpants and a sweater that were previously thrown on the free bed in her room, before leaving the cabin and greeting the new day.
The Arena
It's been nearly a year and a half since Theodora first came to camp, give or take a few months. And since then she's trained almost every day. It'd be a shame not to, with all those amazing weapons just lying around. And despite what her boyfriend thinks, she has been brushing up on her defensive techniques.Like on most days, Theodora spends some of her time in the Arena today as well. Yes, even on her birthday. The grind never stops.
Plus, she just got her gift from her cousin, and how could she not immediately go to the Arena and test it out. She's currently by one of the dummies, stabbing and slashing at it repeatedly. If only there were any
The Lake
Once all the training and counselor duties were done for the day, Theodora finds her way to the Lake. The dock to be more specific. She sits at the end of the dock, a pair of Nikes and some socks laying next to her, while her legs are splashing in the cool water of the lake.She sits there, looking at the lake, at the fish, at the nymphs, while thinking about the recent and not so recent developments in her life. She's been at camp for almost fourteen months. A lot's changed. She's met a lot of people. Some of them are still here in camp. People come and go, seems like campers follow that rule as well. But let's not dwell on the negatives.
In the last thirteen months, Camp Half-Blood became her home. A place where she belongs, where people don't look at her weird if she accidentally uses her powers. It almost makes Theo feel normal. Nothing in this place is normal, therefore every odd thing seems pretty normal. Now, if only there was someone else to share this fine evening with...
2024.05.25 22:43 Snati_Snati Scraping By (3/3)
Story set in the NoP 1 universe, created by u/SpacePaladin15
[First] [Prev] [Epilogue]
Memory Transcription Subject: Lyra, Dossur
Lakeshore, Twilight Region of Venlil Prime
Date [Standardized Human Time]: 7 January 2137
I’m staring at the mangled corpse of the Terran rat as my brain, oh-so-helpfully, points out this rat is the same size as me. My whiskers quiver as my eyes trace out every gash and puncture wound on the rat while my brain maps each wound onto my own body, trying to visualize the size and shape of the claws and teeth that did this.
Solgalik, spare me! I was too critical of my instincts this past herd of paws – it wasn’t paranoia; there’s actually a predator lurking around Lakeshore. A predator that has been stalking me all this time… OK, don’t panic, everything will be fine… Heh, every brahking thing the federation ever taught us has been turned upside down by the Terrans, so maybe shadestalkers are actually friendly.
I take another look at the eviscerated rat.
I don’t feel like testing that theory… Those crazy humans might try to cuddle every ‘fren-shaped’ predator they encounter, but we Dossur are literally bite-sized!
As these thoughts swirl around my brain, I dash back into the warehouse to retrieve my tranquilizer gun. Stopping at the exit, I catch my breath and brace myself before going back out into the cold wind. Living this far nightward on a tidally locked planet, a constant harsh wind blows from the frozen wastes of Venlil Prime’s night side. I shake my whiskers and tail and dash out into the eternal dusk of the twilight region. Time for a more thorough search of the grounds.
The harvest of evidence doesn’t feel like a full bushel. A shadestalker wouldn’t leave their prey behind. Whatever this creature is, it hadn’t even started to eat the rat. Even if a shadestalker wasn’t hungry, it would take the kill back for the rest of its pack. And those eyes, the eyes that have followed me this past herd of paws, if that was a shadestalker hunting me, why has it never attacked me? A grown shadestalker is the size of a Terran dog; why would it stalk me and not do anything? Stars above, nothing makes sense!
My racing thoughts come to an abrupt halt as I find the body of another rat. Well, the remains of another rat; there’s not much left, just a grisly scene of scattered bones, claws, skull, and clumps of grey fur in a puddle of blood. The bile rising in my throat gives me only a brief warning before I’m thoroughly sick.
Speh! I can’t believe some blood and bones still affect me this much after watching all those detective dramas with Rolf. As violent as Terran media can be, it’s still a burrow-length from reality!
After several slow breaths, I return and take pictures of the scene to send to my supervisor at the local extermination office. As I finish, I notice tufts of fluffy white fur tangled around several of the rat’s claws. I pick up some of the white fur and find that it’s unusually fine, similar to fiberglass. When held under the light on the side of the warehouse, the white fur looks iridescent.
That’s shadestalker fur. Nothing else looks like that. Speh!
I send the images of both rats to the extermination office with a note about the shadestalker fur. My tail twitches with trepidation as I retrieve the cargo vehicle. I gather up the remains of the two rats outside the warehouse, adding them to the rats I gathered earlier from the traps inside the warehouse. I instruct the autopilot to take these remains to the extermination office for incineration and start my long walk home.
Well, that was an exhausting work claw! Physically and emotionally…
In an attempt to ground my spiraling brain, I pull out my holopad and request a video call with Rolf as I continue walking home. Upon answering, his face quickly changes to an expression of deep concern.
“Lyra, you look like shit!”
“Oh, you know me, just trying to appeal to your predatory bloodlust. I figured a little rat blood in my fur would help you feel like you’re back home.”
I try not to chitter in amusement as Rolf’s face contorts into an absolutely fantastic mixture of shock and amusement.
“Seriously though, are you injured? Did a rat bite you? Do I need to find a doctor?”
I close my eyes for a moment and sigh.
“No, physically I’m fine. My instincts are definitely freaking out. I think I messaged you earlier about finding a dead rat outside the warehouse – the one that looked like it was killed by some kind of predator. Well, I found the remains of another rat and this one was torn apart and eaten. There was some white fur at the scene, so there’s definitely a shadestalker prowling around. This blood is from cleaning up that mess. Ugh, it’s going to take forever to wash this out of my fur!”
Instead of a sarcastic comment, Rolf is unusually silent. His face is quite pale and he’s simply staring past me with his eyes unfocused.
“Uh, Rolf? Hello? You look like you’ve just seen an alien.”
Not even that terrible joke elicits a response.
“OK… Based on the warehouse machinery I maintain at my other job, it would appear you’re brain has had a segmentation fault. When I get home, I’ll ask the Terran medic for that defibrillator device so I can power you down and then turn you back on again. I believe that should get your brain working again, right?”
I signal >concern< with my ears while waiting for a response. Eventually, I can hear Rolf mumbling something about the dead rats, white fur, and eyes in the darkness. Suddenly, he shakes his head and looks at me with panic in his eyes and a surprisingly harsh tone of voice.
“Lyra, you’re in danger! You need to find shelter, right now!”
My ears signal >confusion< as my whiskers twitch.
“Woah, calm down. I have my tranquilizer gun. I agree, it looks like this shadestalker is what’s been following me the past herd of paws or so. I can’t figure out why it hasn’t attacked me yet. Maybe one of your fellow humans has been feeding it. How long would it take a human to domesticate something like a shadestalker? You humans seem to be rather good at taming vicious predators.”
Rolf just continues to stare at me.
“Lyra, I’m not joking! This isn’t a shadestalker; I don’t think it ever was. Look, dead rats, white fur, you’re covered in rat blood… I can’t… I don’t know how I’d live with myself if anything happened to you. Please, I’m begging you to find somewhere safe, somewhere you can lock yourself inside.”
I stop walking and study Rolf’s face in my holopad. There’s no trace of sarcasm or humor, just fear, panic, and even some anger in his eyes. My hackles begin to rise as that feeling of being watched descends upon me.
“Rolf, you’re really freaking me out here. What aren’t you telling me?”
Before Rolf can respond, I hear a noise behind me. I turn just in time to see something with white fur disappear into the darkness of an alley. I double check my tranquilizer gun, drop my holopad, and aim into the darkness. I can hear Rolf yelling something, but I can’t let that distract me now. My ears scan the surrounding area as I continue to watch the alleyway. I can see the faint glow of bioluminescence in the darkness.
Speh! That’s the shadestalker. I’d recognize the distinctive glow of their hackles anywhere. OK, remember your training – don’t stare at the glow or you’ll get dazzled.
I begin counting my heartbeats to make sure I avert my eyes every 5th beat. Suddenly, I can see light reflecting off a pair of eyes that stare directly at me. I aim a half tail below the eyes and shoot a tranquilizer dart into the darkness. A high pitched yelp tells me that I hit my mark. However, the shadestalker appears to be unaffected as it emerges from the darkness and charges directly at me.
I fire off several more darts, but I can’t see if any of them hit their mark. Instinctively, I swing my gun up with all my strength just in time to smash it into the lower jaw of the shadestalker. The force knocks me backwards as the broken pieces of my gun fall to the ground. I scramble backwards as fast as I can, but a swipe of the shadestalker’s paw throws me across the road.
The breath is knocked out of me when I land and it takes several panic-inducing moments before I’m able to breath again. I try to get up so I can run, but I can’t move. So many places hurt that it’s difficult to discern what’s injured. I glance down and see green blood oozing from several deep gashes in my side. One of my legs is bent at an unnatural angle, clearly broken. My head throbs in time to my heartbeat. I probably have a concussion.
My entire body is tense, waiting for an attack that doesn’t come… I blink my eyes several times and attempt to focus on my surroundings. I can see two shadestalkers now – two large, white, blurry figures. But, they’re fighting each other? My vision is cloudy and my brain is too sluggish to make sense of what I see. I can hear yelps of pain, hissing, and other angry sounds from the two predators.
I guess they’re fighting over who gets to eat me. Hmph, they sound like my younger brothers fighting over the last sourberry... Aren’t shadestalkers supposed to be pack predators? Why would they fight over their prey? Ugh, I’m so tired… I hope my brothers finish their argument soon. I really need to sleep. Why can’t my brothers be quiet…
[[ Memory Transcription Error: Subject no Longer Conscious; Advancing Transcript ]]
It’s so wonderfully warm and peaceful.
I’m surrounded by a familiar scent that calms my mind. All the stress seems to seep out of my muscles as I feel the repetitive strokes of my mother’s tongue grooming my fur.
Oh, it’s so nice to be home again. I can’t remember the last time I let mom groom me. I could just lay here like this for an entire claw.
A sharp pain disturbs my meditative half-sleep. Again, and again, I feel a stinging pain on my side.
“Mom… don’t groom me there. I… the shade, the shadestalker, its claws… Ow! That hurts! Can’t you see the claw marks in my side?”
My brain is pulled fully into consciousness as the wounds in my side continue to sting. I open my eyes to a nightmare – the shadestalker is still here! It’s trying to eat me! It’s licking the blood from my wounds. Ignoring the pain in my broken leg, I dig the claws of my front paws into the ground and try to crawl away from the predator. The beast stops licking me and just watches as I slowly drag myself over the ground. The panic-inducing chemicals filling my brain make it difficult to think clearly, but my instincts are screaming at me to do anything possible to get away. Before long, my strength gives out and I collapse. I don’t even have the energy to cry. I can smell the beast standing over me. I feel its teeth as they bite the back of my neck. The world feels like it’s spinning as my thoughts shatter into panic-filled fragments.
[[ Memory Transcription Error: Subject no Longer Conscious; Advancing Transcript ]]
Date [Standardized Human Time]: 8 January 2137
This is so peaceful. It’s so warm. Everything is soft and cozy. Why are so many people afraid of death? I can’t imagine anything as serene as this. I could just snuggle up and sleep like this for the rest of eternity.
My tranquility is shattered by a scream, a shrill human scream. I can’t understand what is being said, but I think I hear my name. I feel a large hand trying to pick me up followed by a terrifying hiss and a growl. My heart begins to race again. My instincts are yelling at me to run. I want to cry, but I don’t even have enough energy to open my eyes. I can still hear yelling, but it’s muffled now. Do I hear a human crying? My brain is moving too slow to follow what’s happening. I’m so confused.
[[ Dream State Detected – Warning: Fragmentation Exceeds 85%, Skipping Corrupt Sections. Correlation with Previous Memory Detected, Supplementing Dream State Transcription ]]
[[ Memory Fragment, 6 Dec 2136, Lakeshore, Terran Refugee Center, Game Room ]]
Argh! Rolf is going to win this round, again! I need something to distract him…
My ears twitch mischievously as I pull a long white hair off of Rolf’s pant leg.
“Another of Teeya’s hairs, I see.”
Rolf sighs and shakes his head.
“Not this again… Just focus on the game, we’re almost done with this race!”
I flick my tail dismissively and continue.
“You know, I was doing a deep dive on your internet the other paw…”
Rolf raises one of his eyebrows.
“How do you even have access to… Lyra, you do realize that the Terran internet is not a healthy or balanced source of information, right? Please, tell me you know that?”
I flick my ears in acknowledgement.
“Well, I was fascinated to learn that it’s only older humans who have white head-fur. Honestly, I find that kind of weird – we Dossur don’t change fur color as we get older.”
Rolf’s posture visibly relaxes somewhat.
“That is surprisingly accurate. It also doesn’t seem nearly outrageous enough to catch your attention.”
My tail wags in excitement.
“Well, the other fascinating thing I learned about was cougars.”
Rolf looks extremely uncomfortable at this statement.
“Lyra, please tell me you haven’t been watching nature documentaries. I really don’t want to explain that to the UN.”
I sign >interesting< with my tail.
“Nature documentaries, you say? I’ll add those to my list of things to look into.”
Rolf sighs, “Why me?”
I flick my ears and continue.
“Anyhow, I believe you’re thinking of a different kind of predator than I am.”
Rolf’s face goes pale. He looks like a Venlil just before a stampede is about to start.
“Oh, no! Please, don’t…”
“These white hairs that are always on your clothes suggest you and Teeya enjoy getting a bit snuggly, right? And now I know that Teeya must be considerably older than you to have such stunning white hair.”
Rolf is frozen, looking like a Dossur pup caught stealing sourberries when he was supposed to be napping. I flick rolf with my tail.
“I believe you humans would call a woman like Teeya a cougar, right?”
Rolf blushes and looks deeply uncomfortable. While he stumbles over some kind of explanation, I manage to bring my race car up from behind and cross the finish line before Rolf.
Another victory!
[[ Resuming Standard Memory Transcription ]]
Date [Standardized Human Time]: 9 January 2137
What is that strange rumbling sound? It feels like my entire body is shaking. And why is everything so sore? I feel like I’ve been stepped on by a Mazic.
I slowly open my eyes and find myself enveloped by soft, white fur. The creature curled up around me is… snoring? growling? I expect to be overwhelmed by a wave of panic, but nothing happens. My brain remains calm despite being wide awake and finding myself surrounded by some large creature. This animal smells strangely familiar. Its scent reminds me strongly of Rolf for some reason. As fragments of my previous dream drift around my brain everything suddenly fits together. The long white hairs that I’ve always teased Rolf about are identical to the long white hairs of this creature. This creature’s scent is exactly the scent I’ve noticed on Rolf’s clothes but not on the other human refugees. It feels like my brain is a tangled knot as I try to reframe so much of the past few [months]. I tentatively reach a paw out and stroke the large creature’s fur.
“You… You’re Teeya?”
The enormous creature lifts its head and yawns, displaying a gaping maw full of needle sharp teeth. Once again, the expected wave of panic never arrives. Looking carefully at Teeya’s features, I decide she’s obviously a cat. But, she looks nothing like the house cats I’ve seen in Terran movies or art. Her ears are far too tall and pointy and her face looks too wild.
“Those ears! Was Rolf really crazy enough to smuggle a Lynx onto Venlil Prime?”
A sleepy voice answers me from a dark corner of the room.
“She’smane, she’s a… a Maine Coon. They’big… big cats. Bigger’nsum, ‘n some dogs. But, friendly… Gold’n‘triever cats…”
Teeya begins grooming my fur again and I settle down, relaxing under the meditative repetition. I feel myself starting to doze off when Rolf finally stands up with a loud groan. The joints in his back and limbs cracking loudly.
“Ugh, my back is killing me! The eternal sunset here is bad enough, why does the gravity have to be so much stronger than Earth’s?”
With another yawn, Rolf walks over and sits down next to Teeya and me.
“How are you feeling, Lyra? You really had me really worried!”
I open an eye and look at Rolf. He looks like a mess!
“Well, everything is sore. But my head feels much better than before. And, wait… my leg and side are feeling better? How long have I been asleep? My leg was definitely broken!”
Rolf smiles and starts petting Teeya’s fur.
“Maybe two paws? Less than two days, but… well, let’s see; a paw is 20 hours, so… Honestly, I don’t even know what time it is right now. That’s the first time I’ve actually slept since you went missing.”
I close my eyes and sigh contentedly as Teeya moves from grooming my back far to the fur on my neck and head.
“Rolf, I’m famished! Do you have anything safe for me to eat while you fill me in on what I’ve missed the past few paws?”
Rolf brings me one of those sweet, crumbly, Terran strayu with the flattened [oats] and dried wine-fruit inside. I nibble on the [cookie] while he relates what happened.
“I don’t know how much you remember. You called me while you were walking home from work. At one point, you looked worried and dropped your holopad. I couldn’t see what was happening; but, I could hear the sharp cry of an animal followed by growling and the noise of a struggle. After that, I heard you cry out in pain. Naturally, I completely freaked out and dashed off to find you. I followed the route you usually take to work and eventually found your holopad, with some blood on it, and broken pieces of your tranquilizer gun scattered on the ground.”
Rolf looks rather guilty as he scratches behind Teeya’s ears.
“I’m not proud of this, but I honestly thought it was Teeya who attacked you.”
I flick my tail and ears at Rolf in annoyance.
“I told you multiple times that it was a shadestalker on the prowl and you didn’t believe me? Hmph, some friend!”
Rolf looks down and his shoulders droop.
“Well, you found that white fur. And all those times you were certain you were being followed… Look, let’s back up a bit. Before you called me, I had given up looking for Teeya. I managed to convince one of the UN guards to let me look through some archived security footage from cameras outside the refugee center. Well, it turns out this fluffy menace here found a way to get in and out of the apartment by herself. She’s been out exploring off and on for the past [14 days]. Anyhow, she’s been getting out of the apartment during the same time period when you kept seeing eyes following you to and from work. Well, that already had me worried and then you found those dead rats and the white fur. I’m not proud of myself, but, well, I figured Teeya must have been following you and that she must have killed those rats. And then, with you having rat blood on your fur… Look, I’ll be the first to argue how friendly Teeya is; but, if it was her that had killed those rats, I was just so afraid she might attack you.”
Teeya turns her head and glares at Rolf. I flick my ears in agreement and reach up to scratch under her chin.
“It’s OK Teeya. We’ll get our revenge. We need to teach this human what happens when he doesn’t trust his friends!”
Rolf chuckles, but I can see a hint of fear in his eyes.
“Uh, well… back to the story. I came home in such a panic that I was planning on calling the exterminators for help.”
I flick my ears and tail in appreciation.
“Rolf, I’m really impressed! If you were willing to call the exterminators, you really were concerned about me.”
Rolf just shakes his head and continues.
“Well, I came inside and saw Teeya with you; you had all that blood in your fur and those deep gashes in your side… I honestly didn’t know if you were dead or alive. I tried to pick you up, but Teeya was crazy protective – she would not let me take you away. At least I could see that you were alive. But, I didn’t know what to do. If I tried to get help from anyone at the refugee center, they’d take Teeya away. If I tried to get help from any of the locals, they’d assume Teeya attacked you and have the exterminators burn her to ash. Eventually, as I watched the two of you, it was clear that Teeya was trying to clean you up and comfort you. Honestly, she was acting like you were an abandoned kitten that she needed to mother.”
I roll over and cuddle up to Teeya, closing my eyes as she starts grooming the fur under my neck and my belly.
“At some point, I noticed that your holopad was actively recording. So, I checked to see if you managed to record anything during the attack that would help make sense of what happened. Most of the video was useless, of course, but I was able to see you smash that creature… the, uh, shadestalker? You have a fantastic shot of you smashing it in the face with your gun. Then I saw it dig its claws into your side and toss you across the road. That’s when Teeya came charging out of nowhere and attacked that thing, uh, the shadestalker, more fiercely than I’ve ever seen.”
Rolf scratched behind Teeya’s ears and smiled at her.
“I’m so proud of this little devil. She saved my best friend’s life.”
Rolf just sits silently for a minute, scratching Teeya’s side while watching her continue to groom my fur. Almost in a whisper, Rolf speaks again.
“I’m so glad you’re safe, Lyra. I don’t know how I’d survive on this alien planet without you.”
I wrap my tail around Rolf’s wrist and sign >thanks< with my ears.
“I can fill in a little bit of the story. It’s a bit fuzzy – I was fading in and out of consciousness – but, I remember seeing Teeya fight with the shadestalker. I was confused at the time because I thought she was a shadestalker, too. I couldn’t understand why two shadestalkers would be fighting over me. After chasing the shadestalker away, Teeya came back and started cleaning my wounds. She then carried me by the scruff of my neck back to your apartment.”
I sign >embarrassed< with my tail.
“I have to admit, I didn’t realize she was trying to help me at the time. I was in a panic because I thought she was trying to eat me…“
Rolf brings me some water and continues to narrate the events of the past two paws.
“Well, once it was clear that Teeya had rescued you and brought you home. I knew it was safe to leave you with her, so I went to find a friend of mine who worked with the Zurulians during the rescue efforts immediately after the attack on Earth. He had training with that futuristic healing gel stuff the Zurulians use and also had access to their medical database on xenobiology. He used the healing gel on those gashes in your side and he also used the healing gel when setting your broken leg. That stuff is amazing! Those gashes are almost completely healed and your leg isn’t nearly as swollen or bruised as it was even last paw.”
Teeya finishes grooming me. I close my eyes and nuzzle into Teeya’s soft fur.
“Thank you, Rolf. I’m really glad you and Teeya were here to help me.”
I open one of my eyes and look at Rolf.
“Now that Teeya and I are friends, can I move in with you guys?”
Rolf laughs.
“I was wondering when you’d ask. There’s nothing I’d like more.”
[[ Memory Transcription Error: Subject no Longer Conscious ]]
[First] [Prev] [Epilogue]
submitted by Snati_Snati to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
[First] [Prev] [Epilogue]
Lakeshore, Twilight Region of Venlil Prime
Date [Standardized Human Time]: 7 January 2137
I’m staring at the mangled corpse of the Terran rat as my brain, oh-so-helpfully, points out this rat is the same size as me. My whiskers quiver as my eyes trace out every gash and puncture wound on the rat while my brain maps each wound onto my own body, trying to visualize the size and shape of the claws and teeth that did this.
Solgalik, spare me! I was too critical of my instincts this past herd of paws – it wasn’t paranoia; there’s actually a predator lurking around Lakeshore. A predator that has been stalking me all this time… OK, don’t panic, everything will be fine… Heh, every brahking thing the federation ever taught us has been turned upside down by the Terrans, so maybe shadestalkers are actually friendly.
I take another look at the eviscerated rat.
I don’t feel like testing that theory… Those crazy humans might try to cuddle every ‘fren-shaped’ predator they encounter, but we Dossur are literally bite-sized!
As these thoughts swirl around my brain, I dash back into the warehouse to retrieve my tranquilizer gun. Stopping at the exit, I catch my breath and brace myself before going back out into the cold wind. Living this far nightward on a tidally locked planet, a constant harsh wind blows from the frozen wastes of Venlil Prime’s night side. I shake my whiskers and tail and dash out into the eternal dusk of the twilight region. Time for a more thorough search of the grounds.
The harvest of evidence doesn’t feel like a full bushel. A shadestalker wouldn’t leave their prey behind. Whatever this creature is, it hadn’t even started to eat the rat. Even if a shadestalker wasn’t hungry, it would take the kill back for the rest of its pack. And those eyes, the eyes that have followed me this past herd of paws, if that was a shadestalker hunting me, why has it never attacked me? A grown shadestalker is the size of a Terran dog; why would it stalk me and not do anything? Stars above, nothing makes sense!
My racing thoughts come to an abrupt halt as I find the body of another rat. Well, the remains of another rat; there’s not much left, just a grisly scene of scattered bones, claws, skull, and clumps of grey fur in a puddle of blood. The bile rising in my throat gives me only a brief warning before I’m thoroughly sick.
Speh! I can’t believe some blood and bones still affect me this much after watching all those detective dramas with Rolf. As violent as Terran media can be, it’s still a burrow-length from reality!
After several slow breaths, I return and take pictures of the scene to send to my supervisor at the local extermination office. As I finish, I notice tufts of fluffy white fur tangled around several of the rat’s claws. I pick up some of the white fur and find that it’s unusually fine, similar to fiberglass. When held under the light on the side of the warehouse, the white fur looks iridescent.
That’s shadestalker fur. Nothing else looks like that. Speh!
I send the images of both rats to the extermination office with a note about the shadestalker fur. My tail twitches with trepidation as I retrieve the cargo vehicle. I gather up the remains of the two rats outside the warehouse, adding them to the rats I gathered earlier from the traps inside the warehouse. I instruct the autopilot to take these remains to the extermination office for incineration and start my long walk home.
Well, that was an exhausting work claw! Physically and emotionally…
In an attempt to ground my spiraling brain, I pull out my holopad and request a video call with Rolf as I continue walking home. Upon answering, his face quickly changes to an expression of deep concern.
“Lyra, you look like shit!”
“Oh, you know me, just trying to appeal to your predatory bloodlust. I figured a little rat blood in my fur would help you feel like you’re back home.”
I try not to chitter in amusement as Rolf’s face contorts into an absolutely fantastic mixture of shock and amusement.
“Seriously though, are you injured? Did a rat bite you? Do I need to find a doctor?”
I close my eyes for a moment and sigh.
“No, physically I’m fine. My instincts are definitely freaking out. I think I messaged you earlier about finding a dead rat outside the warehouse – the one that looked like it was killed by some kind of predator. Well, I found the remains of another rat and this one was torn apart and eaten. There was some white fur at the scene, so there’s definitely a shadestalker prowling around. This blood is from cleaning up that mess. Ugh, it’s going to take forever to wash this out of my fur!”
Instead of a sarcastic comment, Rolf is unusually silent. His face is quite pale and he’s simply staring past me with his eyes unfocused.
“Uh, Rolf? Hello? You look like you’ve just seen an alien.”
Not even that terrible joke elicits a response.
“OK… Based on the warehouse machinery I maintain at my other job, it would appear you’re brain has had a segmentation fault. When I get home, I’ll ask the Terran medic for that defibrillator device so I can power you down and then turn you back on again. I believe that should get your brain working again, right?”
I signal >concern< with my ears while waiting for a response. Eventually, I can hear Rolf mumbling something about the dead rats, white fur, and eyes in the darkness. Suddenly, he shakes his head and looks at me with panic in his eyes and a surprisingly harsh tone of voice.
“Lyra, you’re in danger! You need to find shelter, right now!”
My ears signal >confusion< as my whiskers twitch.
“Woah, calm down. I have my tranquilizer gun. I agree, it looks like this shadestalker is what’s been following me the past herd of paws or so. I can’t figure out why it hasn’t attacked me yet. Maybe one of your fellow humans has been feeding it. How long would it take a human to domesticate something like a shadestalker? You humans seem to be rather good at taming vicious predators.”
Rolf just continues to stare at me.
“Lyra, I’m not joking! This isn’t a shadestalker; I don’t think it ever was. Look, dead rats, white fur, you’re covered in rat blood… I can’t… I don’t know how I’d live with myself if anything happened to you. Please, I’m begging you to find somewhere safe, somewhere you can lock yourself inside.”
I stop walking and study Rolf’s face in my holopad. There’s no trace of sarcasm or humor, just fear, panic, and even some anger in his eyes. My hackles begin to rise as that feeling of being watched descends upon me.
“Rolf, you’re really freaking me out here. What aren’t you telling me?”
Before Rolf can respond, I hear a noise behind me. I turn just in time to see something with white fur disappear into the darkness of an alley. I double check my tranquilizer gun, drop my holopad, and aim into the darkness. I can hear Rolf yelling something, but I can’t let that distract me now. My ears scan the surrounding area as I continue to watch the alleyway. I can see the faint glow of bioluminescence in the darkness.
Speh! That’s the shadestalker. I’d recognize the distinctive glow of their hackles anywhere. OK, remember your training – don’t stare at the glow or you’ll get dazzled.
I begin counting my heartbeats to make sure I avert my eyes every 5th beat. Suddenly, I can see light reflecting off a pair of eyes that stare directly at me. I aim a half tail below the eyes and shoot a tranquilizer dart into the darkness. A high pitched yelp tells me that I hit my mark. However, the shadestalker appears to be unaffected as it emerges from the darkness and charges directly at me.
I fire off several more darts, but I can’t see if any of them hit their mark. Instinctively, I swing my gun up with all my strength just in time to smash it into the lower jaw of the shadestalker. The force knocks me backwards as the broken pieces of my gun fall to the ground. I scramble backwards as fast as I can, but a swipe of the shadestalker’s paw throws me across the road.
The breath is knocked out of me when I land and it takes several panic-inducing moments before I’m able to breath again. I try to get up so I can run, but I can’t move. So many places hurt that it’s difficult to discern what’s injured. I glance down and see green blood oozing from several deep gashes in my side. One of my legs is bent at an unnatural angle, clearly broken. My head throbs in time to my heartbeat. I probably have a concussion.
My entire body is tense, waiting for an attack that doesn’t come… I blink my eyes several times and attempt to focus on my surroundings. I can see two shadestalkers now – two large, white, blurry figures. But, they’re fighting each other? My vision is cloudy and my brain is too sluggish to make sense of what I see. I can hear yelps of pain, hissing, and other angry sounds from the two predators.
I guess they’re fighting over who gets to eat me. Hmph, they sound like my younger brothers fighting over the last sourberry... Aren’t shadestalkers supposed to be pack predators? Why would they fight over their prey? Ugh, I’m so tired… I hope my brothers finish their argument soon. I really need to sleep. Why can’t my brothers be quiet…
[[ Memory Transcription Error: Subject no Longer Conscious; Advancing Transcript ]]
It’s so wonderfully warm and peaceful.
I’m surrounded by a familiar scent that calms my mind. All the stress seems to seep out of my muscles as I feel the repetitive strokes of my mother’s tongue grooming my fur.
Oh, it’s so nice to be home again. I can’t remember the last time I let mom groom me. I could just lay here like this for an entire claw.
A sharp pain disturbs my meditative half-sleep. Again, and again, I feel a stinging pain on my side.
“Mom… don’t groom me there. I… the shade, the shadestalker, its claws… Ow! That hurts! Can’t you see the claw marks in my side?”
My brain is pulled fully into consciousness as the wounds in my side continue to sting. I open my eyes to a nightmare – the shadestalker is still here! It’s trying to eat me! It’s licking the blood from my wounds. Ignoring the pain in my broken leg, I dig the claws of my front paws into the ground and try to crawl away from the predator. The beast stops licking me and just watches as I slowly drag myself over the ground. The panic-inducing chemicals filling my brain make it difficult to think clearly, but my instincts are screaming at me to do anything possible to get away. Before long, my strength gives out and I collapse. I don’t even have the energy to cry. I can smell the beast standing over me. I feel its teeth as they bite the back of my neck. The world feels like it’s spinning as my thoughts shatter into panic-filled fragments.
[[ Memory Transcription Error: Subject no Longer Conscious; Advancing Transcript ]]
Date [Standardized Human Time]: 8 January 2137
This is so peaceful. It’s so warm. Everything is soft and cozy. Why are so many people afraid of death? I can’t imagine anything as serene as this. I could just snuggle up and sleep like this for the rest of eternity.
My tranquility is shattered by a scream, a shrill human scream. I can’t understand what is being said, but I think I hear my name. I feel a large hand trying to pick me up followed by a terrifying hiss and a growl. My heart begins to race again. My instincts are yelling at me to run. I want to cry, but I don’t even have enough energy to open my eyes. I can still hear yelling, but it’s muffled now. Do I hear a human crying? My brain is moving too slow to follow what’s happening. I’m so confused.
[[ Dream State Detected – Warning: Fragmentation Exceeds 85%, Skipping Corrupt Sections. Correlation with Previous Memory Detected, Supplementing Dream State Transcription ]]
[[ Memory Fragment, 6 Dec 2136, Lakeshore, Terran Refugee Center, Game Room ]]
Argh! Rolf is going to win this round, again! I need something to distract him…
My ears twitch mischievously as I pull a long white hair off of Rolf’s pant leg.
“Another of Teeya’s hairs, I see.”
Rolf sighs and shakes his head.
“Not this again… Just focus on the game, we’re almost done with this race!”
I flick my tail dismissively and continue.
“You know, I was doing a deep dive on your internet the other paw…”
Rolf raises one of his eyebrows.
“How do you even have access to… Lyra, you do realize that the Terran internet is not a healthy or balanced source of information, right? Please, tell me you know that?”
I flick my ears in acknowledgement.
“Well, I was fascinated to learn that it’s only older humans who have white head-fur. Honestly, I find that kind of weird – we Dossur don’t change fur color as we get older.”
Rolf’s posture visibly relaxes somewhat.
“That is surprisingly accurate. It also doesn’t seem nearly outrageous enough to catch your attention.”
My tail wags in excitement.
“Well, the other fascinating thing I learned about was cougars.”
Rolf looks extremely uncomfortable at this statement.
“Lyra, please tell me you haven’t been watching nature documentaries. I really don’t want to explain that to the UN.”
I sign >interesting< with my tail.
“Nature documentaries, you say? I’ll add those to my list of things to look into.”
Rolf sighs, “Why me?”
I flick my ears and continue.
“Anyhow, I believe you’re thinking of a different kind of predator than I am.”
Rolf’s face goes pale. He looks like a Venlil just before a stampede is about to start.
“Oh, no! Please, don’t…”
“These white hairs that are always on your clothes suggest you and Teeya enjoy getting a bit snuggly, right? And now I know that Teeya must be considerably older than you to have such stunning white hair.”
Rolf is frozen, looking like a Dossur pup caught stealing sourberries when he was supposed to be napping. I flick rolf with my tail.
“I believe you humans would call a woman like Teeya a cougar, right?”
Rolf blushes and looks deeply uncomfortable. While he stumbles over some kind of explanation, I manage to bring my race car up from behind and cross the finish line before Rolf.
Another victory!
[[ Resuming Standard Memory Transcription ]]
Date [Standardized Human Time]: 9 January 2137
What is that strange rumbling sound? It feels like my entire body is shaking. And why is everything so sore? I feel like I’ve been stepped on by a Mazic.
I slowly open my eyes and find myself enveloped by soft, white fur. The creature curled up around me is… snoring? growling? I expect to be overwhelmed by a wave of panic, but nothing happens. My brain remains calm despite being wide awake and finding myself surrounded by some large creature. This animal smells strangely familiar. Its scent reminds me strongly of Rolf for some reason. As fragments of my previous dream drift around my brain everything suddenly fits together. The long white hairs that I’ve always teased Rolf about are identical to the long white hairs of this creature. This creature’s scent is exactly the scent I’ve noticed on Rolf’s clothes but not on the other human refugees. It feels like my brain is a tangled knot as I try to reframe so much of the past few [months]. I tentatively reach a paw out and stroke the large creature’s fur.
“You… You’re Teeya?”
The enormous creature lifts its head and yawns, displaying a gaping maw full of needle sharp teeth. Once again, the expected wave of panic never arrives. Looking carefully at Teeya’s features, I decide she’s obviously a cat. But, she looks nothing like the house cats I’ve seen in Terran movies or art. Her ears are far too tall and pointy and her face looks too wild.
“Those ears! Was Rolf really crazy enough to smuggle a Lynx onto Venlil Prime?”
A sleepy voice answers me from a dark corner of the room.
“She’smane, she’s a… a Maine Coon. They’big… big cats. Bigger’nsum, ‘n some dogs. But, friendly… Gold’n‘triever cats…”
Teeya begins grooming my fur again and I settle down, relaxing under the meditative repetition. I feel myself starting to doze off when Rolf finally stands up with a loud groan. The joints in his back and limbs cracking loudly.
“Ugh, my back is killing me! The eternal sunset here is bad enough, why does the gravity have to be so much stronger than Earth’s?”
With another yawn, Rolf walks over and sits down next to Teeya and me.
“How are you feeling, Lyra? You really had me really worried!”
I open an eye and look at Rolf. He looks like a mess!
“Well, everything is sore. But my head feels much better than before. And, wait… my leg and side are feeling better? How long have I been asleep? My leg was definitely broken!”
Rolf smiles and starts petting Teeya’s fur.
“Maybe two paws? Less than two days, but… well, let’s see; a paw is 20 hours, so… Honestly, I don’t even know what time it is right now. That’s the first time I’ve actually slept since you went missing.”
I close my eyes and sigh contentedly as Teeya moves from grooming my back far to the fur on my neck and head.
“Rolf, I’m famished! Do you have anything safe for me to eat while you fill me in on what I’ve missed the past few paws?”
Rolf brings me one of those sweet, crumbly, Terran strayu with the flattened [oats] and dried wine-fruit inside. I nibble on the [cookie] while he relates what happened.
“I don’t know how much you remember. You called me while you were walking home from work. At one point, you looked worried and dropped your holopad. I couldn’t see what was happening; but, I could hear the sharp cry of an animal followed by growling and the noise of a struggle. After that, I heard you cry out in pain. Naturally, I completely freaked out and dashed off to find you. I followed the route you usually take to work and eventually found your holopad, with some blood on it, and broken pieces of your tranquilizer gun scattered on the ground.”
Rolf looks rather guilty as he scratches behind Teeya’s ears.
“I’m not proud of this, but I honestly thought it was Teeya who attacked you.”
I flick my tail and ears at Rolf in annoyance.
“I told you multiple times that it was a shadestalker on the prowl and you didn’t believe me? Hmph, some friend!”
Rolf looks down and his shoulders droop.
“Well, you found that white fur. And all those times you were certain you were being followed… Look, let’s back up a bit. Before you called me, I had given up looking for Teeya. I managed to convince one of the UN guards to let me look through some archived security footage from cameras outside the refugee center. Well, it turns out this fluffy menace here found a way to get in and out of the apartment by herself. She’s been out exploring off and on for the past [14 days]. Anyhow, she’s been getting out of the apartment during the same time period when you kept seeing eyes following you to and from work. Well, that already had me worried and then you found those dead rats and the white fur. I’m not proud of myself, but, well, I figured Teeya must have been following you and that she must have killed those rats. And then, with you having rat blood on your fur… Look, I’ll be the first to argue how friendly Teeya is; but, if it was her that had killed those rats, I was just so afraid she might attack you.”
Teeya turns her head and glares at Rolf. I flick my ears in agreement and reach up to scratch under her chin.
“It’s OK Teeya. We’ll get our revenge. We need to teach this human what happens when he doesn’t trust his friends!”
Rolf chuckles, but I can see a hint of fear in his eyes.
“Uh, well… back to the story. I came home in such a panic that I was planning on calling the exterminators for help.”
I flick my ears and tail in appreciation.
“Rolf, I’m really impressed! If you were willing to call the exterminators, you really were concerned about me.”
Rolf just shakes his head and continues.
“Well, I came inside and saw Teeya with you; you had all that blood in your fur and those deep gashes in your side… I honestly didn’t know if you were dead or alive. I tried to pick you up, but Teeya was crazy protective – she would not let me take you away. At least I could see that you were alive. But, I didn’t know what to do. If I tried to get help from anyone at the refugee center, they’d take Teeya away. If I tried to get help from any of the locals, they’d assume Teeya attacked you and have the exterminators burn her to ash. Eventually, as I watched the two of you, it was clear that Teeya was trying to clean you up and comfort you. Honestly, she was acting like you were an abandoned kitten that she needed to mother.”
I roll over and cuddle up to Teeya, closing my eyes as she starts grooming the fur under my neck and my belly.
“At some point, I noticed that your holopad was actively recording. So, I checked to see if you managed to record anything during the attack that would help make sense of what happened. Most of the video was useless, of course, but I was able to see you smash that creature… the, uh, shadestalker? You have a fantastic shot of you smashing it in the face with your gun. Then I saw it dig its claws into your side and toss you across the road. That’s when Teeya came charging out of nowhere and attacked that thing, uh, the shadestalker, more fiercely than I’ve ever seen.”
Rolf scratched behind Teeya’s ears and smiled at her.
“I’m so proud of this little devil. She saved my best friend’s life.”
Rolf just sits silently for a minute, scratching Teeya’s side while watching her continue to groom my fur. Almost in a whisper, Rolf speaks again.
“I’m so glad you’re safe, Lyra. I don’t know how I’d survive on this alien planet without you.”
I wrap my tail around Rolf’s wrist and sign >thanks< with my ears.
“I can fill in a little bit of the story. It’s a bit fuzzy – I was fading in and out of consciousness – but, I remember seeing Teeya fight with the shadestalker. I was confused at the time because I thought she was a shadestalker, too. I couldn’t understand why two shadestalkers would be fighting over me. After chasing the shadestalker away, Teeya came back and started cleaning my wounds. She then carried me by the scruff of my neck back to your apartment.”
I sign >embarrassed< with my tail.
“I have to admit, I didn’t realize she was trying to help me at the time. I was in a panic because I thought she was trying to eat me…“
Rolf brings me some water and continues to narrate the events of the past two paws.
“Well, once it was clear that Teeya had rescued you and brought you home. I knew it was safe to leave you with her, so I went to find a friend of mine who worked with the Zurulians during the rescue efforts immediately after the attack on Earth. He had training with that futuristic healing gel stuff the Zurulians use and also had access to their medical database on xenobiology. He used the healing gel on those gashes in your side and he also used the healing gel when setting your broken leg. That stuff is amazing! Those gashes are almost completely healed and your leg isn’t nearly as swollen or bruised as it was even last paw.”
Teeya finishes grooming me. I close my eyes and nuzzle into Teeya’s soft fur.
“Thank you, Rolf. I’m really glad you and Teeya were here to help me.”
I open one of my eyes and look at Rolf.
“Now that Teeya and I are friends, can I move in with you guys?”
Rolf laughs.
“I was wondering when you’d ask. There’s nothing I’d like more.”
[[ Memory Transcription Error: Subject no Longer Conscious ]]
2024.05.25 21:43 gr00vyg0rl Financial Struggles Will Be the Death of Me
I’ve never posted on here, but I’m really struggling in silence and could use any feedback that I can get. I’m looking for advice on how to tackle my debts and become free so I can live in the "now".
I’m 29F and I have no money. In fact, I’m very much so in the negative. I also don’t have any savings or investments (except a random $30 in a Mutual Funds account I haven’t touched since opening). I’ve always, always strived to be a positive light in a heavy world and try my best to spread kindness and goodness whenever I possibly can. However, my financial situation has me feeling extremely down over the last few months. I feel intense and constant feelings of shame and dread now because I know it’s a string of poor decisions that got me in this position. I personally can’t see a way out and have realized that I won’t be able to purchase a home despite wanting to achieve that so badly. I live with my partner who splits rent and groceries with me down the middle. I feel bad because I can’t even help him with our utilities or internet.
CONTEXT:
For years I had been extremely impulsive with spending which led to me opening a second credit card that I maxed out after my initial credit card had already been maxed. I eventually discovered that I could consolidate both of these, which I did, and shut the larger credit card down completely. I kept my $5k limit card, but have unfortunately maxed that out again. My loan payment comes out of my primary chequing account monthly and there are months lately that I can’t even make a credit card payment because I don’t have enough money in my account.
I lost my job near the end of 2023 which didn’t help my already bad financial situation. I ended up landing an incredible, dream job of mine after that, but the pay is just keeping me afloat. I’m in a contract position and won’t be eligible to discuss the possibility of increasing my pay until late 2025.
I recently had 2 very large payments to make regarding my driver’s license / registration and for some services on my car, so a couple bills couldn’t come out of my account resulting in a few hefty NSF fees. I also had to move my dog’s vet visit and my dental cleaning for this month into July because I just can’t afford these basic things right now. Even yesterday my coworker said, “we should go out for lunch to XX spot soon!” and my stomach twisted up into knots because I genuinely can’t afford a $30 lunch at this point.
MONTHLY INCOME:
MONTHLY EXPENSES:
DEBTS:
Because I feel so down, I find myself “earning” a bit of dopamine on silly things like getting a new makeup product at Shopper’s or purchasing a new video game. But then it reminds me that what got me into this mess was irresponsible spending, so then I feel intense guilt all over again. This cycle is eating away at my quality of living and I’m starting to feel like an empty shell of who I used to be. I have an appointment to talk to my doctor about my mental state next week, but I had to stop therapy once before because it’s expensive, so I’m not sure that she will be able to assist me emotionally / mentally, but it’s worth a discussion.
To anyone taking time out of their day to read this: thank you. That alone means a lot more than you know.
submitted by gr00vyg0rl to Debt [link] [comments]
I’m 29F and I have no money. In fact, I’m very much so in the negative. I also don’t have any savings or investments (except a random $30 in a Mutual Funds account I haven’t touched since opening). I’ve always, always strived to be a positive light in a heavy world and try my best to spread kindness and goodness whenever I possibly can. However, my financial situation has me feeling extremely down over the last few months. I feel intense and constant feelings of shame and dread now because I know it’s a string of poor decisions that got me in this position. I personally can’t see a way out and have realized that I won’t be able to purchase a home despite wanting to achieve that so badly. I live with my partner who splits rent and groceries with me down the middle. I feel bad because I can’t even help him with our utilities or internet.
CONTEXT:
For years I had been extremely impulsive with spending which led to me opening a second credit card that I maxed out after my initial credit card had already been maxed. I eventually discovered that I could consolidate both of these, which I did, and shut the larger credit card down completely. I kept my $5k limit card, but have unfortunately maxed that out again. My loan payment comes out of my primary chequing account monthly and there are months lately that I can’t even make a credit card payment because I don’t have enough money in my account.
I lost my job near the end of 2023 which didn’t help my already bad financial situation. I ended up landing an incredible, dream job of mine after that, but the pay is just keeping me afloat. I’m in a contract position and won’t be eligible to discuss the possibility of increasing my pay until late 2025.
I recently had 2 very large payments to make regarding my driver’s license / registration and for some services on my car, so a couple bills couldn’t come out of my account resulting in a few hefty NSF fees. I also had to move my dog’s vet visit and my dental cleaning for this month into July because I just can’t afford these basic things right now. Even yesterday my coworker said, “we should go out for lunch to XX spot soon!” and my stomach twisted up into knots because I genuinely can’t afford a $30 lunch at this point.
MONTHLY INCOME:
- $1800 x 2
MONTHLY EXPENSES:
- Rent: $950
- Loan: $332.59
- Groceries: $400 - $600
- Car Insurance: $220
- Telus: $220
- Cash Back Credit Card: $100 - $200
- Gas: $60 - $100
- Dog: $50
- Spotify: $16
- Amazon Prime: $13
DEBTS:
- Second Chequing Account Overdraft: -$500
- Credit Card: $5,294.46 *the limit is $5,000
- Consolidation Loan: $13,961.89 (started at $16,000 in February 2023)
Because I feel so down, I find myself “earning” a bit of dopamine on silly things like getting a new makeup product at Shopper’s or purchasing a new video game. But then it reminds me that what got me into this mess was irresponsible spending, so then I feel intense guilt all over again. This cycle is eating away at my quality of living and I’m starting to feel like an empty shell of who I used to be. I have an appointment to talk to my doctor about my mental state next week, but I had to stop therapy once before because it’s expensive, so I’m not sure that she will be able to assist me emotionally / mentally, but it’s worth a discussion.
To anyone taking time out of their day to read this: thank you. That alone means a lot more than you know.
2024.05.25 20:15 sunkid14 3 Year Journey – Please review my Herbal Protocol
So like many of us here, I've been in the dark in regards to my stomach issues since May 2021. Just woke up one day, stomach in a knot, tight chest, shallow breathing, and since then, my stomach and digestion hasn't been the same. I got bad food poisoning in Oct 2020, and would eat big meals late at night, so maybe a combo of these threw my stomach off.
*From this post, what I really would like is for you to review my Updated Protocol at the last section for feedback. i came up with it based off previous trials.
I've surfed this sub and the internet countless times, have read damn near every single cause and treatment to see if any of what Im experiencing matches up. I'm gona give a timeline of what I've done since 2021.
Symptoms (still experiencing today)
Updated Protocol
submitted by sunkid14 to Microbiome [link] [comments]
*From this post, what I really would like is for you to review my Updated Protocol at the last section for feedback. i came up with it based off previous trials.
I've surfed this sub and the internet countless times, have read damn near every single cause and treatment to see if any of what Im experiencing matches up. I'm gona give a timeline of what I've done since 2021.
Symptoms (still experiencing today)
- Poor digestion – tons of undigested food in my stools, especially apparent after eating something like Chipotle. Each time I eat, I get tired, brain fog, acid reflux, absurd bloating. I also feel like I get hungry quickly after eating. I also can't fart anymore. Like I have to push and push to get it out, never been that way ever.
- Right hip muscle discomfort – This could be unique to me, but when I flex my abs like I used to, theres a gnarly bulge around my illeocecal valve/psoas muscle (hip flexor) that never used to be there. It feels like my hip flexor is shifted a bit, but this bulge prevents me from taking a FULL breath. Like Imagine a small balloon in your pelvis that fights back against your stomach when you inhale. This had led me to focusing on my hip/psoas/pelvic floor. This had contributed to major sexual dysfunction too. More details in the timeline.
- Food allergies – Not as frequent the pas year, but anytime I would eat something deemed "Non-Sibo-Friendly" I would burst out in hives for hours, leaving me covered all day most days. This would also leave me looking pregnant, like Roger from American Dad.
- June 2021 – Symptoms start, immediately go to ER since it's hard to breathe and digestion is nothing like it' ever been. They run some blood tests and tell me it could be the COVID vaccine complications, since I had just got the Pfizer shot the day before.
- July 2021 – I go to see a chiropractor, in hopes of ironing out that knot in my right hip. He's actually the first one that points me in diet direction, suggesting I had gut dysbiosis. He suggests I try Gaia Oil of Oregano and Threelac probiotic supplement. So I go ahead and try them for a couple weeks, and it worked wonders. The oil of oregano kicked in the first few day and I felt great, confirming this was more to do with diet/digestion. I continue to take them (I would take both at each meal, instead of alternating which I believe made it less effective over time), but I was just eating whatever, reverting my progress back to 0.
- August 2021 – Im back in the dark, researching, then come across psoas releases. I try a few YT videos for about an hour, and I somehow pop that right hip muscle in place, and literally everything goes back to normal. Normal breathing, normal digestion, I'm left speechless. This lasts for about a week until it pops back out. Heartbreak.
- September 2021 – My first time moving away for college, weak and lost. I'm doing a lowfodmap diet at the time, which helped but left me weaker than I wanted. I begin to implement GNC Super Digestive Enzymes, and they smack my digestion back right to normal. Im still eating normal foods, but the enzymes stop working after a week. But once again, this confirms diet related changes for me.
- Feb 2022 – I go about my life miserably, confused on which protocol worked best. I go and get a SIBO breath test and a colonoscopy/endoscopy. The X-rays showed nothing wrong structurally, which is a huge plus. No Crohns or anything. My SIBO test came back hydrogen dominant, not super over the limit but enough where you're experiencing discomfort. Little more closure but kinda knew it the whole time. Naturopath sends me a protocol, your basic SIBO diet with like probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, Elemental diet even, and used a blend of all of them. These helped, but once again, I was still smoking, sleeping poor, unstict diet, so progress was limited. With school being so busy, I just continue to thug it out because no way i'm sticking to a strict diet plan in college right now. Since then, I have been researching, reading new articles and posts by people with similar conditions. I feel that I've learned enough about the state im in, just a matter of when I want to flip it around.
Updated Protocol
- Diet – Carnivore/Lowfodmap diet – Im going to try and stick to a carnivore diet mainly, as this has given me the least amount of symptoms. It also keeps you full and not miserable like lowfodmap/SIBO diets.
- Supplements
- GNC Super Digestive Enzymes
- Gaia Oil of Oregano
- Fivelac Probiotic
- S. Boulardii
- St. Lucian Sea Moss
- Herbal routine: I will alternate between Oregano and the probiotics to give time for each to do its thing. I've also found a great source of true sea moss, so I plan to throw that in a smoothie or just consume it a few times a week for its superb mineral and vitamin content.
- Trying to sleep at least 8 hours aday
- NO smoking – I vape and smoke probably a half oz of flower a week, cutting this down to 0 if possible.
2024.05.25 20:12 sunkid14 3 Year Journey – Please review my Herbal Protocol
So like many of us here, I've been in the dark in regards to my stomach issues since May 2021. Just woke up one day, stomach in a knot, tight chest, shallow breathing, and since then, my stomach and digestion hasn't been the same. I got bad food poisoning in Oct 2020, and would eat big meals late at night, so maybe a combo of these threw my stomach off.
*From this post, what I really would like is for you to review my Updated Protocol at the last section for feedback. i came up with it based off previous trials.
I've surfed this sub and the internet countless times, have read damn near every single cause and treatment to see if any of what Im experiencing matches up. I'm gona give a timeline of what I've done since 2021.
Symptoms (still experiencing today)
Updated Protocol
submitted by sunkid14 to SIBO [link] [comments]
*From this post, what I really would like is for you to review my Updated Protocol at the last section for feedback. i came up with it based off previous trials.
I've surfed this sub and the internet countless times, have read damn near every single cause and treatment to see if any of what Im experiencing matches up. I'm gona give a timeline of what I've done since 2021.
Symptoms (still experiencing today)
- Poor digestion – tons of undigested food in my stools, especially apparent after eating something like Chipotle. Each time I eat, I get tired, brain fog, acid reflux, absurd bloating. I also feel like I get hungry quickly after eating. I also can't fart anymore. Like I have to push and push to get it out, never been that way ever.
- Right hip muscle discomfort – This could be unique to me, but when I flex my abs like I used to, theres a gnarly bulge around my illeocecal valve/psoas muscle (hip flexor) that never used to be there. It feels like my hip flexor is shifted a bit, but this bulge prevents me from taking a FULL breath. Like Imagine a small balloon in your pelvis that fights back against your stomach when you inhale. This had led me to focusing on my hip/psoas/pelvic floor. This had contributed to major sexual dysfunction too. More details in the timeline.
- Food allergies – Not as frequent the pas year, but anytime I would eat something deemed "Non-Sibo-Friendly" I would burst out in hives for hours, leaving me covered all day most days. This would also leave me looking pregnant, like Roger from American Dad.
- June 2021 – Symptoms start, immediately go to ER since it's hard to breathe and digestion is nothing like it' ever been. They run some blood tests and tell me it could be the COVID vaccine complications, since I had just got the Pfizer shot the day before.
- July 2021 – I go to see a chiropractor, in hopes of ironing out that knot in my right hip. He's actually the first one that points me in diet direction, suggesting I had gut dysbiosis. He suggests I try Gaia Oil of Oregano and Threelac probiotic supplement. So I go ahead and try them for a couple weeks, and it worked wonders. The oil of oregano kicked in the first few day and I felt great, confirming this was more to do with diet/digestion. I continue to take them (I would take both at each meal, instead of alternating which I believe made it less effective over time), but I was just eating whatever, reverting my progress back to 0.
- August 2021 – Im back in the dark, researching, then come across psoas releases. I try a few YT videos for about an hour, and I somehow pop that right hip muscle in place, and literally everything goes back to normal. Normal breathing, normal digestion, I'm left speechless. This lasts for about a week until it pops back out. Heartbreak.
- September 2021 – My first time moving away for college, weak and lost. I'm doing a lowfodmap diet at the time, which helped but left me weaker than I wanted. I begin to implement GNC Super Digestive Enzymes, and they smack my digestion back right to normal. Im still eating normal foods, but the enzymes stop working after a week. But once again, this confirms diet related changes for me.
- Feb 2022 – I go about my life miserably, confused on which protocol worked best. I go and get a SIBO breath test and a colonoscopy/endoscopy. The X-rays showed nothing wrong structurally, which is a huge plus. No Crohns or anything. My SIBO test came back hydrogen dominant, not super over the limit but enough where you're experiencing discomfort. Little more closure but kinda knew it the whole time. Naturopath sends me a protocol, your basic SIBO diet with like probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, Elemental diet even, and used a blend of all of them. These helped, but once again, I was still smoking, sleeping poor, unstict diet, so progress was limited. With school being so busy, I just continue to thug it out because no way i'm sticking to a strict diet plan in college right now. Since then, I have been researching, reading new articles and posts by people with similar conditions. I feel that I've learned enough about the state im in, just a matter of when I want to flip it around.
Updated Protocol
- Diet – Carnivore/Lowfodmap diet – Im going to try and stick to a carnivore diet mainly, as this has given me the least amount of symptoms. It also keeps you full and not miserable like lowfodmap/SIBO diets.
- Supplements
- GNC Super Digestive Enzymes
- Gaia Oil of Oregano
- Fivelac Probiotic
- S. Boulardii
- St. Lucian Sea Moss
- Herbal routine: I will alternate between Oregano and the probiotics to give time for each to do its thing. I've also found a great source of true sea moss, so I plan to throw that in a smoothie or just consume it a few times a week for its superb mineral and vitamin content.
- Trying to sleep at least 8 hours aday
- NO smoking – I vape and smoke probably a half oz of flower a week, cutting this down to 0 if possible.