Barbara brown escort

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1/22/2048 (military calendar)
Campsite, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore


*****


Looking past the dark horizon of the valley below, all that was seen were the crisp peaks and ridges of the Torness mighty mountains. Above the heights was the final shine of the father of all light, the yellow sun god known as Dorash. It almost seemed like his gaze was taking one last peek at the skirt of Alagore mountain peaks before finally fading to rest.
As the sun fell below the distant mountain peaks, a robust and crisp breeze swept through the valley below, bringing a sudden chill. As expected, the darkness came and got the freezing mountain cold. Everything became pitched black as the only light source came from the starlight flickering high above the dark void. That was until a new light from the campfires illuminated the camp, only so slightly not to be discovered.
The half-elf girl Fraeya Holiadon was not used to this type of cold. Being a forest noble elf who grew up in the warmth of cities, she quickly grabbed her black-white pattern cloak and pulled tightly to remain as warm as possible.
She took a long breath from the thin, chilly air and stared into the massive valley below—forests, lakes, and, in the distance, a glimpse of lights from a nearby town. Everything looked natural and wild, where civilization had struggled to conquer. A sight she rarely saw outside the city walls. She found the scenery incredible. Worth the hellish adventurer across the Torness Mountain Range.
"Stay away from the edge," a Lat said. "We don't want to be spotted."
"Alright," Fraeya replied. She looked at the Lat, surprised at how he stood, defiant of the thin air and freezing temperature. "Are you not cold?"
"Of course, I am," the last warrior said as he returned to the camp. "Living away from civilization, you grow used to such conditions."
As the soldier left, she looked at the valley one last time before heading back toward the camp.
Fraeya saw nearly a hundred soldiers huddling their campfires for warmth, gathering supplies, or standing watch within the camp. They are known as the Palatini of Orias, one of the many Republic elite units within the legionary. They were hand-picked by the Legate for this mission.
As the young girl walked past the palatini, she could see the exhaustion from their mannerisms. Many looked hungry; others tired with dark, deep black bags under their eyes. Others shaking as their bodies adjusted to the night. To her confusion, she also could see the determination within their eyes as the environment was just an annoyance toward their objective.
She wouldn't blame them for their exhaustion as she could feel most of her body sore from the non-stop marching and climbing, she had to endure to get to this point. Something that her professors left out of their classes. A part of her couldn't help but chuckle from how she once thought after graduation from the academy that she was ready to face the challenges of their world. Only now did she understand how little schooling prepared her for the real world.
"What is so funny?" Another Lat said as she passed.
When she turned to the man, she felt a slim nerve of fear that ran through her body, believing that she might have insulted them. While most of them accepted her within the platini, she could tell they saw her as a weakling over a comrade. "I am sorry. I meant no insult. I was remembering my time at the academy."
The man turned back to his friend, commenting on her inexperience.
Fraeya felt sad as this was not her first failed interaction. For the better part of a week, Orias had escorted her and her father across some of the roughest terrains on Aldrida, taking great lengths to avoid enemy forces as their orders were to keep the two elves protected at all cost. As many men had stated, it was a near miracle that they made it this far without being noticed.
From what she understood, the commanding centurion hoped to reach the base of the mountain they were on by tonight. Such delays had become the norm; they had to delay their travels because of enemy patrols. They were hiding for hours because of J'avias' patrols from one of the nearby City-States. As they adventured deeper behind enemy-occupied territory, she expected this problem to worsen.
While the Hispana Republic's detachment for the expedition could have defeated them, the legionnaire leader, Centurion Fionntan Henness, did not want to risk exposing their unit to the enemy. He feared that if the J'avias or one of their puppet races could pass a message to the Unity's regional vassal, the Verliance Aristocracy, their mission would fail, and their last hope for victory would vanish. His superiors had invested in this last-ditch effort to turn the tide of the war to risk it on a small skirmisher with fewer soldiers.
Between the dozen campfires and the dark but illuminated sky lit by their mother Tekali, this side of the mountain range had perfectly trapped the cold air, something that Fraeya Holiadon was struggling to adapt to. As a Noble Elf, she was used to the warmth of the forest and the benefits of civilization from the continent's western side. Not the chill of the alpine.
Hearing a loud howl that echoed through the mountains, clearing coming from another party elsewhere within the area, Fraeya noticed her ride panicking. She quickly rushed over and slowly approached the beast once she got close.
"There, there," Fraeya whispered to her Deerip, a four-legged beast with three horns, light brown long hair fur, and red hoofs.
Noticing that these lands unsettled the beast, a feeling she could relate to, she rubbed the side of the Derrip's neck. Slowly and calmly whispering a song to it as the beast to calm down.
Once the beast was calm, Fraeya reached into her backpack and pulled out a bundle of grass to feed it. "I understand how you feel. This place leaves an unsettling chill down my spine, too. But you need to stay calm."
"If your beast is going to cause trouble, it will be wise to let it free," Henness said as he approached.
Looking at the centurion, Fraeya replied, "he is just startled. Deerips do not usually travel these lands. He needs to get used to being here."
Henness reached into his bag, pulling out a dark red amulet. He then tossed it into a fire pit. One of the other soldiers, a pyromancy battle mage, approached the hole and ignited it with a low-level fire spell. Unlike most red and orange flames, this fire was blackish purple, a type of flame known as dark fire by the commoners.
"Half-Elf, it took us over a week to get here through this dangerous path. These mountains are very unforgiving to wandering passengers, even to the Legion. We are deep behind enemy lines with no support. If Kallam vassals discover us, we will be slaughtered without mercy."
"That is if we are lucky," a Lat said as he sat beside the Dark Fire. "I heard stories of what happens to the prisoners that are handed over to them. I wouldn't subject my worst enemy to such a fate. Especially if a little girl got us caught."
Feeling frustrated and hearing the disrespect from the man's tone, she wanted to march over and warn Henness. While Lats could be civil and possess a strong warrior spirit, she is always surprised by how stubborn they could be.
"What is your issue, Lat? Fraeya asked. "I understand the risks. My father has been studying for this mission longer than you have been alive. I know what is at stake. This legend is our only hope in stopping them."
"Hope?" Henness asked while being unfazed by the young elf's aggressiveness. "The only reason the Legate sponsored this insane mission was that your father already got funds from a Kitsune archivist guild with a questionable reputation. They wanted to eliminate your father to focus on winning the war. They cannot afford to chase fairytales from time immemorial."
"Insane mission?" Fraeya boldly stated. "This quest is not insane, you…, damn Lat! It is the answer! We all know we cannot win the war. They are just too strong. I cannot believe how you, of all people, your kind, should believe in this."
"It is a fool's quest, Fraeya," Henness replied calmly, showing his military discipline. "Look at what we are doing." Allowing himself to collect his thoughts, he sat by the Dark Fire. "We are looking for an ancient relic, a Lat-Orc folktale that allows you to travel to another world. Hundreds of sages like your father have looked for this and other relics over the centuries. Even your father was proven wrong on this subject. There is a reason why the Guilds and his own people disowned his research."
The legend of an ancient relic from a lost age was an everyday fairytale throughout the continent of Aldrida. A Bridge that connected Alagore to the world known as Altaerrie. Her father discovered that each species and civilization had their own version of the legend over the millenniums. While the tales had many different versions, they all had the core idea - that all life was brought here by the Goddess Tekali.
In this quest to validate the legend, her father, Raegel Holiadon, dedicated his life to validating the myth and the truth of their people's past. While she did not know why her father was so passionate about searching for this truth, she knew that he believed it was the most crucial mystery of Alagore.
Considered a joke from the magical and sage guilds, Fraeya's father, Raegel Holiadon, was forced to conduct his research in isolation. Dozens of sages before him have searched for the truth and failed, falling into the same ousted fake from civilization. No one believed that this time would be any different. Because of his tenacity, he was banished to the fringes of the world to prove his theories. It was not until the Unity invaded Aldrida that he brought renewed interest to his work, not because of recent discoveries or because they suddenly believed in the legend but out of desperation to survive.
"It is different this time," Fraeya said. "If we could tale the sphere and-."
Henness cut Fraeya off, saying, "I am too tired to debate this right now. All that matters is that my Palatini was ordered to escort your party through these lands. I and the rest of my people will follow those orders to the end; I guarantee that. You shall not have to worry about our duty. I just hope this fool quest does not result in the death of my men."
Fraeya felt a deep urge to defend her father's work. As she approached, a Noble Elf stopped her, her father.
"Do not let your emotions get out of control," Raegel said.
"He called me a Half-Elf," Fraeya frustratedly replied. "And he insults my Deerip and questions your life's work."
"I know, I know, now let it go," Raegel said as he calmed his daughter. "It has been a long journey for all of us. Everyone is tired and is on nerve. Do not let an off comment grow into a wild vine."
She was hearing the wisdom from her father; she took a deep breath to calm her nerves, placing her hands together to relieve stress. The journey was long after leaving the great Hispana fortress of Nervia Glevensium. Unable to take the main highway between regions, crossing the Alps was the only way. Bypassing many Unity air patrols, Cities that pledge loyalty toward Kallem, and rouge monster hordes, she realized that her father was correct. "Okay, Father."
Seeing the warm smile from Fraeya's father, she followed him to their tent. Once settled, she wrapped herself in a blanket and sat by the fire.
She watched her father place one of those dark red amulets into a fire pit; that same battle mage shortly approached and activated it with the same low-level spell, igniting the amulet into Dark Fire. Unlike the natural red fire or the other magical types like green and blue, dark fire is used by soldiers and travelers to provide a heat source at night without attracting unwelcome guests. According to the sages, Dark Fire does not illuminate as brightly, so heat-seeking creatures and constructs cannot see the flames from distances. Perfect for behind-enemy-lines missions like this. However, it provided some warmth but could never match the red flame's natural heat.
Finally feeling some warmth, or at least as Fraeya's body wanted to believe, she turned to her father and asked, "Do you think this time it will work? Can we find this Bridge?"
"I know we will," Raegel replied as he checked their supplies. "I know that Lats can be a handful, trust me. I have been around them since my exile, but Henness is correct to be skeptical. You must understand normally that only a fool would undertake such a mission. A fool that I proved to be once or twice in my lifetime." He said with some laughter. Seeing a smile from his daughter, he continued, "But this time, it will be different."
Holding the blanket tight, Fraeya shook her head. "I don't understand, though. It is their people's legend, their story. Why wouldn't they be supportive of our mission? Especially if it is our last hope to stop the Unity."
"I am not a military man," Raegel said. "I never learned the art of war but put yourself in his boots. While you were at the academy and I conducted my research, these men have been fighting this war. Imagine all the battles, all the deaths of fallen brothers that they have witnessed time and time again. Last hopes are poison for soldiers, who have lost no matter what they do. It is their fault that the war has gone this badly, or at least I assume that is how they feel."
"But the legends," Fraeya stated again.
"Soldiers do not wage war based on legends," Raegel said. "While we believe in the legend, that does not mean they do. Thousands of years have passed and that is why they call them legends in the first place, my dear. Think about all our fellow elves' tales we have, and how many of our kind believe in them?"
Reflecting on what her father had said, she knew her people had many stories. Being one of the oldest civilizations on Aldrida, they have stories relating to dozens of topics, returning to orlilla. One of her favorite legends was how her kind were once flowers that sprouted legs. Some say that this was why the Noble race was so beautiful.
"You think that orb you found is the key to everything?" Fraeya said.
"I do," Raegel said. "Everything I have invested in up to this point has pointed to this moment. Whoever hid the Bridge did so to never be discovered by anyone. They hide it with magic beyond our means. That is why no one has ever found any trace of it. They were missing one piece of the puzzle, that orb."
Thrilled to see her father excited again, Fraeya cannot wait to see his dream finally coming to life. After all these decades of researching and traveling across the world to search for any clue, he eventually will be able to prove his life work was correct. He had toured Alagore for centuries, looking for clues, relics, ruins, and anything from the old era. A life work proved worthwhile.
As Fraeya stared at the Dark Fire, she asked, "What do you think this other world will be like?"
“I have no idea,” Raegel said. "I believe that this other world will be like ours. If the historical archives at Allsari and stories of old are true, then it is the world of the Lats…, Altaerrie."

Context is at the end of this post __________________________________________________
In the stormy northern seas lies the island of Amaria. Under the polar lights in cold forests live the descendants of the once great Varaki, who in turn followed the mammoth herds across the steppes for countless eons. These are the gods and spirits of this land. They live in every tree, every lake, every star, deep below the ocean and beyond the polar lights in four domains.
The underworld, a place of transition between life, death and rebirth. It was made after the creation of the material to help souls find their way back to life. The spirits of this domain all take the shape of dragons with red eyes and golden patterns.

• Räkimarak: Lord of the underworld and of all its riches. Every stone, flint and gems alike, belong to him. A great violet dragon with enormous antlers. He reviews the lives of all that died and guides them to the new lives they deserve. Father of all dragons of the underworld.
• Idaka: Wife of Räkimarak, goddess of love and beauty. She resides at the darkest place, where her light shines the brightest. A violet dragon with a frill and wings of red rose petals with golden patterns. She stands for all encompassing unconditional love and reunites loving souls in their next lives. Mother of all dragons of the underworld.
• Kimorak: Firstborn son of Räkimarak and Idaka, guide of souls who escorts the souls of the dead into the underworld. A great black dragon with golden horns. Every mortal he touches sees and feels their life in great detail from the point of view of those they affected. In the process, mortals always see something they need to see.
• Galorak: Lord of caves and their denizes, bats. A small black dragon with bat ears and a bat nose. Caves are entrances to the underworld and bats are its sacred animals. They are not to be harmed. But since they are also messengers of death, one must keep a safe distance. Don't disturb the bats or Galorak may convince his older brother to take you too soon.
• Letorak: Messenger of the underworld. A small black dragon with golden antlers. Whenever Kimorak takes a soul, they often have something to tell their loved ones. Something they didn't have the time or the courage to say in life. It is Letorak's task to convey these messages through dreams.
• Vhedurak: The white dragon who heals souls between death and rebirth, so they don't take wounds from one life to the next.
• Ohnarak: Craftsman of the underworld. A great yellow dragon who can make anything out of the riches of this realm.
• Vahirak: Builder of the underworld. A great brown dragon with antlers he can use to dig new caves or cover up old ones as needed.
• Voomarak and Vothorak: The great hunters keeping the underworld free of demons preying on scared souls. Two emerald dragon who can turn invisible. The younger brother Voomarak has golden horns and is also the patron of boys and unmarried men. The older brother Vothorak has great golden antlers and is also the patron of married men.
• Mokorak, Kaharak, Roporak and Sukorak: The four golden-headed red dragons guarding the entrances to the underworld. Mokorak has the ears and nose of a bat, Kaharak has four horns, Roporak great antlers and Sukorak the wings and head of a barn owl.
• Tathorak: The great beast, god of violence and bloodshed, the only dragon of this realm who is not a son of Räkimarak and Idaka. A huge gray dragon with three heads, three tails and three pairs of wings. The most powerful beast in the cosmos, but devoid of empathy or understanding. He is imprisoned at the second deepest, darkest point of the underworld, where he guards the only being living even deeper below, the Nameless One.

The boundaries. This is the realm of souls and spirits, dreams and nightmares, the skies and oceans and all waters deep and shallow. This domain has existed before time even began. It is endless and timeless.

• Kavijohka: The moon, a great silver dragon with glowing teal eyes. Sister of Räkimarak and goddess of wisdom, cunning and battle.
• Vellamun: The ocean, husband of Kavijohka, a great blue dragon with red eyes and golden patterns. God of the unknown and lord of all waters. Sometimes, he stretches his hands out to land, creating bogs and swamps.
• Lukilan: The morning star, son of Kavijohka and Vellamun. He is the lightbringer who gives people the power of sight. An azure dragon with emerald eyes and a golden morning star on every scale and a third eye on his forehead.
• Sojulan: The great traveller, son of Kavijohka and Vellamun, a black dragon with red eyes and the neck and wings of a black swan. He travels between the waters, land and air and protects all fellow travelers.
• Turikan: Lord of storms, thunder and lightning. The loudest and most unruly son of Kavijohka and Vellamun. A blue dragon with red eyes and a golden lightning pattern on his scales. His tail is like a hammer, hurling lightning bolts at the ground as he roars.
• Lumika: Goddess of magic, daughter of Kavijohka and Vellamun, a silver dragon with teals eyes and scales shimmering with polar lights. She continues in the footsteps of her mother.
• Ilunika: Goddess of grief, daughter of Kavijohka and Vellamun, a silver dragon with teal eyes and the neck and wings of a black swan. She travels to and from the world of the living and the dead to take the grief of letting go upon her. Whenever she crosses the boundary, she has to go through the ocean and that is where tears comes from. That is why they are salty.
• Avastaja: The great trickster. A shapeshifter, usually appearing with the attributes of a barn owl. Most often as an owl-headed human or a fox/dragon with the head and wings of an owl. The youngest child of Kavijohka and Vellamun who defies all boundaries, uses the powers of all his/her siblings (except for Ilunika, because Avastaja has standards) to protect the jesters and jokers. But he/she is also a scolar and explorer, who uses Lukilan's light to find new ways to mess with people.
• Aiwana: Wife of Avastaja and goddess of memory. A shapeshifter, usually taking the same shape as her husband/wife Avastaja. She paints everything she sees into the skies and caves of Amaria and lives in every single one of the most sacred objects of all Amaria, the fairy memory stones. But Avastaja is rubbing off on her and sometimes, she plays tricks on you.
• The Ashirana: Goddesses of the arts, each of which has its own Ashiran patron. One for painters, wood carvers, musicians and for storytellers.

The world of the living. This is our material world.

• Kadath: The sun, greatest of all dragons with shining golden scales and golden eyes. God of justice who sees all... during the day that is. At night, his sister Kavijohka rules and she has a different idea of justice. Sometimes, she tries to turn the day to night, causing an eclipse. But in the end, Kadath always wins these confrontations. Especially when people light fires and cheer him on.
• Inari: Mother nature, goddess of life and all plants and animals. A great green dragon with wings and a frill made of flowers. She provides all food, but only as long as nature is in balance. Unlike her husband Kadath, Inaro does not care about justice, only balance. Those who anger her are punished mercilessly, no matter how long it takes, sometimes more than they deserve.
• Ilmania: Goddess of healing, firstborn daughter of Kadath and Inari. She was the first fairy, a tall woman with long pointy ears. Her descendant, although far shorter, are still endowed with her healing powers and compassion.
• Vrila: Protector of the home and hearth, patron of married women and the goddess of affectionate familiar love between equals. Secondborn daughter of Kadath and Inari. A woman, always accompanied by a cat and carrying a sling. The weapon of a lady, which requires skill and finesse instead of strong arms and can be more deadly than a bow in the right hands.
• Aria: Protector of girls and unmarried women, goddess of erotic love. A young woman with hair reaching to her ankles. She often reincarnates among mortals for fun. That is why the Amarians do not look down on women looking for fun. They might be dealing with a goddess in disguise.
• Mahaseta: The great white mammoth, goddess of the old world of Varaki. She and Inari together created dogs to protect humanity from dangers of the material and other worlds. All forest elephants and mammoths are her children and as such, sacred. But she was not born a goddess. Mahaseta was born a human. When Avastaja wanted to prove to the others that the material world and humanity are worth preserving, he appeared to Mahaseta in the most terrifying form and ordered her to sacrifice one of her own children to him. But Mahaseta refused. First she begged for the lives of all her children, then she offered her own life instead and when Avastaja refused, she spat in his face. No punishment could be worse than having to murder your own child. With these words, Mahaseta ascended to godhood.
• Retaro: Son of Mahaseta, who became a god by his mother's love. A great white tiger with blue eyes. Guardian of Amaria, lord of the forests and god of the hunt.
• Red Lady and Blue Knight: Also known as the Blue Lady and Red Knight. A pair of lovers who find each other in every new life they are born into. Living as mortals, they are the paragons of loyalty for all Amarians.

Evil. This is not actually a domain, but a state of mind. A very lonely one.

• The Nameless One: God of Evil, who goes by many false names. He lures mortals in with impossible promises to make them do his bidding. The Nameless One orders blood sacrifice and the killing of those who disobey him. He demands to worshiped and praised every day and is jealous of all those gods who receive praise without asking for it. Thus, the Nameless One also seeks to be the only one. No matter the cost to everyone else or even himself.

__________________________________________________
Context: I am currently working on a stone age fantasy novel and I'm sooo close to finishing it, but the last couple chapters are taking longer than expected. It's set on a forested island named Amaria\ at a time when people are making their first steps towards sedentary life and domestication** of plants and animals. Here is the pantheon I worked out for the Amarians.*
You can read my novel for free on Wattpad and Inkitt. I am planning to publish it on Royal Road too. If you know any other platform that might be good for fantasy stories, feel free to tell me.
\Amaria is short for "Amara Aria", which translates to "Gift of the gods/spirits". Aria means gift and Amara is the plural of Amar. The term Amar can not be literally translated into English. It's an umbrella term for all sorts of nature spirits, gods as well as entities one might compare to angels or saints. So it refers to a person with transcendent characteristics and always carries positive connotations.*
\*Dogs have been domesticated by the ancestors of the Amarians for tens of thousands of years already and are central to their culture. It is believed that they have the same souls as humans, so eating a dog would be considered cannibalism. So far the only other note on domestication I have in the books is the pruning of hazelnut trees to get more nuts. That's something I will change in later drafts. Nightshades will be far more important to the civilization emerging on Amaria in the coming millennia.*

I think it was the live stream with the scream. Someone commented to Paul you do not post as much anymore, Paul replied I don't really, I do not need to as, I am Paul. I really don't need to. Does that mean Paul Breach has copyrighted his name and if anyone says his name he gets royalties. As I am confused, I thought if you posted on tiktok you were able to obtain some sort of financial gain from how many people looked at your post. Didn't Kyle Kardashian try and trademark her name, which did not work out for her. Unless he is making hundreds of pounds from Cameos, which I doubt. He has no only fans account. He is not Paul McCartney who makes £70 a minute, how is Paul being paid for just being Paul. The only conclusion that I can make he is an escort. How else do you make money for being just you. So laydees if you want a chocowokky, some haribo, a man who dresses like a teenage boy from 1996, looks like billy bear ham, has issues with hygiene, expects you to provide transport, thinks he has the humour of Deadpool (more like Phil Tubby Brown), has a taste palette of a toddler, so do not expect fine dining plus I doubt he has any sort of clothing for that occasion, has a god complex and will probably want to live with you after meeting you for a day. Then if that sounds good, then I suggest message him for a date, but as his live the other night he seems booked for a while as Paul makes money just being Paul.

Hello everyone, Covenant, Wei, and Duodex here to go over the rest of our technology changes in this new Progress Report. We will go over the rest of the completed changes in each part of our tech trees and doctrines. There are some uncompleted sections that will be finished in a future version, but this will not have any impact on the gameplay. We will start by covering the small changes to trees already covered in Part 1 or trees that are very similar to vanilla.
The Infantry Tech Tree:
The infantry tree has one relatively major change since the last PR. We have decided that Mechanized equipment and Amtracs should be included in the infantry tree. Originally they were going to be in the tank tree back when we were considering making an NSB equivalent for the tanks but with the choice to only do base game tanks it made more sense to include the Mechanized in the infantry tree instead.
The Air Tech Tree:
The air tree has one small change since the last PR, we have moved scouts to be connected to air interceptors instead of as a subtech. Due to scout planes only being available with the La Resistance DLC we needed to add an alternate tech for players who didn't own LaR but this proved impossible in the old implementation. Instead we have attached them to the tree.
The Artillery Tech Tree:
The Artillery Tech tree is an expansion of the vanilla tree. This choice was made not out of laziness but because artillery, conventional anti-tank, and conventional anti-air guns did not develop that much between 1948-1964 OTL. With that in mind the Kalterkrieg artillery tree will be an extension/light modification of the vanilla tree to fit the timeline and that's it. Missile-based anti-air and anti-tank weapons are in the missiles tech tree instead of this one to not over complicate/confuse everything.
Electro-Mechanical Engineering Tree:
Much like the artillery tree the Electro-Mechanical Engineering Tree (or Electronics in game) will effectively be a time shifted version of the vanilla tree with one small change. The growing importance of aircraft and air warfare made us consider adding a tech related to air-traffic control as post-ww2 there were a number of developments in this field that came with the improvements in radio and radar technologies. The 1946, 1952, 1956, and 1960 radar technologies will have a technology connected to each named Air Control (4 in total) that will improve stats such as mission efficiency, accident chance and bad weather penalty.
There is also the rocketry tree that is on the right of the side. The original plan was to incorporate a space race mechanic to the later rocketry techs but instead of developing a half-assed mechanic or delaying release to finish it we have decided to leave it to the future. The early techs do however improve rocket artillery and are required to unlock the first missiles tech (much like vanilla).
Now let's cover tech that is quite different from vanilla…
Armour Tree:
The armour tree is not an extension of vanilla in any way and has two branches in it, Light Armour and Main Battle Tanks. The tanks in each also have subtechs to represent variants of these tanks with the light tanks having amphibious tanks as a subtech and the MBT’s have a subtech for Self-Propelled Anti-air and Self-Propelled Artillery. There are also a number of intermediate upgrade techs that improve certain stats.
There are 4 light tank models researchable, a 1945, 1948, 1952, and a 1960 model with each having an amphibious tank subtech. In between tank 2 and 3 and 4 there are gun and speed upgrades which improve soft attack and speed respectively.
For Main Battle tanks there are 3 models, (though the first model is considered a medium tank) a 1945, 1948 and 1960 model. Between 1948 and 1960 there are 2 upgrades for armor, gun and chassis as well as a general upgrade. The general upgrade is required before the 1960 model can be researched and the general upgrade requires at least both of one upgrade line be researched. Each MBT model has subtechs for SPAA and SPA/SPG which benefit from the upgrade techs.
Some of you may be wondering why there are no heavy tanks or tank destroyers. I assure you this was not a mistake but a conscious choice. We decided that both lost their use post-war and it would be useful to add each to the tech tree. While some heavy tanks were developed by the allied powers post WW2 they were very quickly made obsolete in favour of Main Battle Tanks. The same thing happened with Tank destroyers though they were also hampered by the creation of improved anti-tank weapons like RPGs.
Industry Tree:
While the industry tree is inspired by vanilla some explanation is required due to some effects used in the tree. There are 4 branches to the industry tree, Construction, Industry, Resources, and Oil.
The construction branch is simple. There are 4 techs that improve construction speed with 3 mutually exclusive choices in-between. The choice you make is between improving the land cultivation in a state or receiving improving the civilian economy in a random owned state. Due to some limitation with the engine the location of the factory is only shown in the hover tooltip and not the research effect window.
The production branch has 4 techs that improve efficiency and 3 pairs of techs that improve dockyard and factory output. The dockyard and factory techs are not mutually exclusive (though I don't recommend researching it if you are a landlocked nation).
The resources branch has 4 techs that extraction and in-between them are 3 sets of techs that add steel, chromium, tungsten or aluminium if certain conditions are met. You will gain 5% production of the specific resource in each state that produces 20 or more of said resource. Due to the aforementioned engine issue the states that gain extra resources are only available by hovering over the tech.
The Oil branch is simple, it has 4 techs that each improve how much fuel is gained from oil and refineries.
Missiles Tree:
Missiles are obviously an important part of any Cold War mod and as such that has earnt them their own tree. There are 3 (technically 4 but the 4th is smaller) branches to the missile tree, ballistic missiles, surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, and anti-tank missiles. Ballistic and SAMs require the basic guided missiles (like from vanilla to be researched).
Ballistic missiles and SAMs both have basic and improved tech as well as an intermediate upgrade. Ballistic missiles use the vanilla mechanic for missiles while SAM equipment are used for a SAM support battalion. The reason neither has a unique mechanic (yet) is that we felt that having a half-finished or buggy to use mechanic would be more frustrating than just using vanilla. Ballistic missiles also have 2 subtechs, cruise missiles which right now just increase the strategic bombing strength of ballistic missiles but I hope in future to add cruise missiles (this is yet another limitation created by Paradox where we can’t make unique versions of rocket sites). Ballistics and SAMs also share a subtech that is ship-based missiles that add both anti-ship and ship-based SAM equipment modules.
The air-to-air branch has 3 techs that each improve air attack. As we have chosen not to make a BBA version of the air tree (I, Covenant do not want to deal with balancing BBA planes and NSB tanks so that's why. I also just don't like it in general) the air-to-air techs just add general improvements to attack. There are also 2 IR (infra-red) air-to-air missile techs that improve night attack. These require the research of 2 IR experimentation techs that improve other stats.
Lastly the anti-tank missiles branch has a pre-req tech, optical guidance that you need to research to unlock anti-tank gun 3 which you need to unlock basic anti-tank missiles. Our justification for this is that anti-tank missiles only started to become viable after 1960 which is outside the mod timeframe.
Secret Weapons Tree:
The secret weapons tree is our least complete tree and we will explain why but first the branches. There are 3 branches, atomic weapons, biological warfare, and flamethrowers. Currently the atomic weapons branch has only some techs working, biological warfare is unfinished whereas flamethrowers have actual effects.
The atomic weapons branch is currently, if effectively a retooling of the vanilla atomic techs. You must research basic atomic research, then atomic piles (which allows the building of reactors), then bomb research (which adds research speed), then finally the atomic bomb actually unlocks nukes. The other atomic techs do not do anything but we plan on working on custom nuclear mechanics after release.
The flamethrowers branch has 4 techs, each improves the soft-attack of all infantry and motorized units but it also has a negative impact. Whenever a nation researches flamethrowers that nation gains a -20 opinion modifier with every other nation on earth. This is to illustrate that since the end of the war (and its rampant usage by Russia and Japan) the world now sees flamethrowers as cruel weapons and a war-crime. As such any nation who is seen to be improving their flamethrowers is viewed negatively. Nations that start with flamethrowers will not have this opinion modifier though. We plan to do something similar for biological weapons research.
Land Doctrines:
For our land doctrines we decided to have 4 choices for land doctrines, those being combined operations, maneuver warfare, deep battle and asymmetrical warfare. Instead of covering every element of these doctrines, which would take forever I will give an overview of what each doctrine entails and tease a few of the bonus each gives.
Combined operations encompass the intricate orchestration of diverse military elements, pooling resources and expertise across multiple branches or services of a nation's armed forces, alongside potential collaboration with allied forces. This synergy fosters a unified approach towards achieving strategic objectives, leveraging the unique strengths of each component to enhance operational effectiveness on land, at sea, and in the air.
Maneuver warfare epitomizes a dynamic military strategy characterized by fluidity, agility, and rapidity in troop movements. It emphasizes exploiting enemy vulnerabilities, disrupting their cohesion, and seizing advantageous positions, rather than relying solely on brute force or attrition. Through swift and decisive actions, maneuver warfare seeks to outmaneuver and outwit adversaries, capitalizing on the element of surprise to gain tactical superiority and achieve operational success.
Deep battle embodies a strategic doctrine aimed at penetrating deep into enemy territory to target their rear areas, lines of communication, and critical infrastructure. By striking at the heart of the opponent's logistical and organizational support systems, deep battle disrupts their ability to sustain military operations, eroding their resilience and weakening their overall combat effectiveness. This approach emphasizes the importance of coordinated and synchronized offensives across multiple fronts, enabling forces to exploit vulnerabilities and capitalize on fleeting opportunities.
Asymmetrical warfare signifies a paradigm shift in military engagement, where conventional power differentials are challenged by asymmetric tactics and unconventional strategies. In asymmetric conflicts, weaker forces often employ guerrilla warfare, insurgency, terrorism, or other irregular methods to undermine the strengths of more conventionally powerful adversaries. By leveraging innovation, adaptability, and asymmetry in tactics, asymmetrical warfare seeks to offset numerical or technological disadvantages, maximizing the impact of limited resources and achieving strategic objectives through asymmetric means.
Naval Doctrines:
Naval doctrines similarly also have 4 choices for doctrine. These are brown water navy, green water navy, blue water navy, and naval supremacy (with a shared escort related tree between the last two). I will do the same as army doctrine and explain each while teasing some effects.
Brown water navies primarily operate in inland or shallow coastal waters, focusing on riverine and littoral areas. Their vessels are typically smaller and more maneuverable, optimized for navigating rivers, estuaries, and other confined waterways where larger naval vessels may struggle to operate effectively. Brown water navies are often tasked with patrolling and securing waterborne trade routes, conducting riverine warfare, and supporting ground operations in coastal regions, playing a vital role in maintaining maritime security and stability in these environments.
Green water navies operate in the near-coastal zones and littoral regions of the open ocean, possessing the capability to project power and influence within a limited range from their home shores. These navies typically deploy a mix of surface combatants, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft to safeguard territorial waters, protect maritime trade routes, and deter potential threats in their immediate maritime vicinity. While green water navies may lack the global reach of blue water navies, they play a crucial role in defending coastal territories and exerting maritime control over critical strategic areas.
Blue water navies are capable of operating across vast oceanic expanses and projecting power on a global scale. Equipped with aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, blue water navies possess the capability to conduct sustained naval operations far from their home bases, projecting force and protecting national interests worldwide. Blue water navies are essential for power projection, sea control, and maritime dominance, enabling nations to influence events in distant regions, respond to crises, and protect vital sea lanes of communication crucial for global trade and commerce.
Naval supremacy represents the pinnacle of maritime power projection, embodying unparalleled dominance and control over the world's oceans. Exemplified by nations like the United States during the Cold War and the Royal Navy from during Britain's Imperial Century, naval supremacy entails not only the capability to operate globally but also the unrivaled ability to dictate the terms of maritime engagement and shape international affairs through naval strength alone. Beyond the capabilities of a traditional blue water navy, a nation with naval supremacy commands an overwhelming advantage in both conventional and strategic terms, with a fleet comprising advanced aircraft carriers, stealthy submarines, state-of-the-art surface combatants, and comprehensive maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Such a navy not only safeguards vital sea lanes and strategic choke points but also projects influence across all maritime domains, ensuring unrivaled deterrence and the ability to decisively intervene in any maritime theater of operations. Naval supremacy confers not just military superiority but also significant diplomatic leverage, shaping the geopolitical landscape and underpinning a nation's status as a global maritime hegemon.
Air Doctrines:
For now we are using vanilla air doctrines. We understand this may be disappointing but none of us possessed enough knowledge of different cold war air doctrines to create something good enough. Air doctrines of the cold war is also not something that is documented in an easy to access and absorb place like the others so for now nothing is in place but we will endeavour to produce something post-release.
I hope you all enjoy messing around with the tech we have created for Kalterkreig. I am sure you will find weird and wonderful ways to break them and which equipment is meta and which is not.

I have a lot mine are
Kylie Minogue: I try to replicate her dance heavy neo disco music and goddess flair into my style and music
Donna Summer: In my opinion the original popstar with glitz and glam her music
Beyonce: the Queen Bee I try to incorporate all of her styles from her funky R&B during B-day to her Dark Horror Pop in self-titled to her Psychological masterpieces from Lemonade and her electronic disco from Rennisance and everything else
Lee Hyori: I love her It girl style with her music I use it a lot when designing my putting together my stage outfits
Ayumi Hamasaki: I inadvertedly discovered her one day and learned that she is the female pop star I've been looking for to emmulate
BoA: I kind of feel like She's my second mother a little her hip hop electronic style will always be my favorite
Kate Bush: I recently discovered her and can't stan her more she's one of the greatest artists I've ever seen her eccentricty but grace and being A dancer that also writes music like me she's just perfect the inspiration for creating this post is just ever so perfect a true diva who paved the way for artists like Lana, Billie, Gaga, florence and so many more
Barbara Streisand: I think of her as a revolutionary who brought not just amazing vocals but excellent concert commentary to her performance her comedic style is 'ay perfecta'
Lady Gaga: probably one of my favs of all time someone that I've been a hardcore stan her eccentricity, style, Kindness, and eternal message of just being yourself is what I love about her so friggin much
Taylor Swift
Jenifer Hudson
Little Mix
Hwasa
Shakira
Björk
MAMAMOO
Uhm Jung-hwa
Lauryn Hill
Michael Jackson
Girls Generation
Tina Turner
Diana ross
CL
Rina Sawayama
Brown eyed girls
Ciara
the Pointer sisters
Janet Jackson
Madonna
Whitney Houston
Christina Aguilera
Nine muses
Nina Simone
Afterschool
VIXX
Lana Del Rey
Spice girls
SHINee
Erykah Badu
Girls Aloud
Melanie Martinez
Celine Dion
Cher
Sade
Amy Winehouse
Ke$ha
Ailee
G-dragon
Ghost
Jessica Mauboy
Wham
Taeyeon
Efendi
India Arie
Jessie J
HyunA
Prince
IU
Adele
Son dam bi
Key
Mariah Carey
Jeon Somi
Aretha franklin
Demi Lovato
Mahalia Jackson
Katy perry
Sunmi
Hyolyn
Wonder girls
Dionne Warwick
Ariana Grande
Misia
Alicia Keys
Patti Labelle
Gladys Knight
Florence + the machine
Jojo
rachelle ann go
Sistar
Gummy
Ruth Brown
Cheetah Girls
Daft Punk
the Beatles
Belinda
List yours in the comment section

I want to thank Meatcanyon and Wendigoon for starting Creepcast. I've played around with writing horror, and here is my first short story. I will post it for free in a few other places to see what people think. Please enjoy!
A Hike to Remember
By R.L. Oclen
Chapter 1
A woman sits with hastily pulled-up fire-red hair in the waiting room of the state patrol station. The procedurally sterile off-white walls and decade-old magazines do little for comfort. With her head hanging low, her shoulders pushing forward, and her boots rapidly tapping on the floor, something has to give.
"Please just let her be okay." The woman growls as a pair of officers come in from the field. The officers' demeanors quickly change when they see the familiar face.
"Tabitha, did Officer Nichols call you?" one of the state patrol officers asked sympathetically.
"Yes, he asked me to come in and pick up a few things," Tabitha said, shooting back a muted look.
" I'll let them know you're here." The officer said, nodding to Tabitha as they passed the security door. Tabitha leaned back against the hard plastic chair, staring blankly into the fluorescent light. She had done this dance in the macabre repeatedly over the past month. The last image of her younger sister, Lisa, still burned in her mind. Tabitha had always been protective over her younger sister after their parents died. A pang of guilt shoots through her chest as she thinks about her and Lisa's argument.
"Tabitha Hymm, Officer Nichols is ready for you."
"Okay," she stood up, shaking off her guilt, and followed the officer back. The familiar surroundings of the state patrol station blurred as Tabitha stared forward. She followed the officer as they came to a rustic wooden office door, which was embossed with "Officer Nichols."
The escorting officer turns the old brass door knob. "Sir, I have Tabitha Hymm here." A grizzled West Virginia Highway State Patrol veteran sits behind the desk and nods. The escorting officer steps aside, pushing the door open as Tabitha pushes past him and slumps in the awaiting chair like so many times before. An uncomfortable relationship had formed between the two, born out of necessity and duty.
"Cup of coffee?"
"No thanks. Let's just cut to the chase. You don't have anything new?"
The worn laugh lines and Officer Nichols's face flattens. His eyebrows contour sympathetically as he shakes his head.
"Tabitha, I don't have anything else new for you. I wanted to give you the clothes returned from the lab." Her face darkened at the same response she had heard many times.
"As we discussed two weeks ago, there is nothing new and no signs of struggle or foul play," Officer Nichols said while placing a box marked evidence on the table and sliding it forward. Tabitha began to weep at the realization of Lisa's clothes in front of her. In a coordinated queue, Officer Nichols brought out a box of tissues. Reluctantly, Tabitha took a few moments to unblur her vision.
"How does someone stop their car in the middle of the Remington West Virginia State Park, lock it, and then walk into the woods?" Officer Nichols clasped his hands together and sighed at her worn question.
"Tabitha, I wish I had an answer for why your sister stopped her car in the woods and simply walked off. We're still going through her cell phone, but no signs exist that anyone forced her. On that Tuesday morning, she pulled over to the side of the road, secured her car, and walked away." Officer Nichols said empathetically.
Tabitha became stoic at the same explanation she had heard many times before. " So what next?"
"You should go back to Ohio, and I'll contact you as soon as I have more information." She winced at Officer Nichols's words. Reality began to pull at her that bills and work wouldn't wait much longer.
"If I leave, she's gone for good."
" You staying won't bring her back." Officer Nichols said sympathetically.
" So is that it? She's just gone?"
" Tabitha, I'll be honest with you. In cases like this… when people do things like this. Recovery is harder in the spring due to the weather and the animals. You know her mental condition better than I do. I can't explain why she did what she did. But until I find a solution, a suicide note, some intention, or body. She's not here. Tabitha, I'm-"
" Don't you fucking say sorry!" Tabitha stood up, screaming at Officer Nichols, throwing the plastic chair backward against the wall. " I should just look for myself."
"No!" Officer Nichols said momentarily, gripping the desk as his face hardened, then relaxed. Tabitha was caught off guard by Officer Nichols, who was normally composed. "Tabitha, I know this is unbearable. I've sat on this side of the desk and had these conversations. Trust me; I need you to be safe if I need your help later."
Tabitha nods, knowing Officer Nichols is right. She reaches down, picks up the evidence box of her sister's belongings, and leaves.
" Tabitha, if you're heading home, don't stop your car; just keep driving." Tabitha stops to look at Officer Nichols, feeling an eeriness to his words.
" Goodbye, Officer Nichols," Tabitha said as she closed the rustic wooden door behind her. She counted the tiles as she exited the West Virginia State Patrol Station. Placing her sister's belongings carefully in the back seat of her Jeep, Tabitha then sat momentarily behind the steering wheel, staring at the emblem. The familiar numbness washed over Tabitha as she pushed the start button. She pulled onto the highway, driving to the motel that had been home for the last month or so. Muted pop music accented the drive back as her mind raced with questions. Once inside the two-and-a-half-star motel room, Tabitha sat her sister's belongings on the corner table, crumbled onto the bed, and cried.
***
Tabitha wiped the steam from the slightly spotted mirror above the bathroom sink. The hot water from the shower felt good and loosened some of the stress from her body. Looking back at her, Tabitha's face was framed by damp curls around her shoulders. Her face marked the stress of the past month. Frowning, she examined the bags under her eyes; sleep had to come tonight. Walking into the living area, She changed into her favorite gym shorts and oversized sleep shirt. The alarm on her phone flashed "7:00 am," so she could drive home five hours after breakfast.
Tabitha hated feeling comfortable in this once strange room, but falling asleep was getting easier now. Her eyes closed slowly as the ceiling fan droned evenly. At first, nothing came in her dreams, but she let her guard down and slipped further into sleep.
As she dreamed of floating overhead like a bird of prey, Tabitha soared over the vast Remington National Park. The high noon sun bore down on the crisp woods, perfectly contrasting sky and forest. The heat of the sun felt good on her feathers. Distant cries rang out through the dream-like forest, catching her attention. Tabitha tilted her wings toward the screams, feeling a sense of familiar curiosity.
She now recognized the sobs and cries for help as she flew closer, her sharp eyes locked on her sister leaning against a large oak tree. She glided overhead without care, examining the situation below. Lisa clung to the tree, her eyes darting back and forth, scanning upwards. Lisa's face reflected desperation, looking for help in any direction. Tabitha lazily circles Lisa several times before perching on a sturdy branch higher in one of the oak trees. She watched Lisa intently with hunger. She bellowed deeply, hearing the unnatural sound she made, catching Lisa's eyes. Lisa's expression changed; she became calm, almost uncaring, as she stared back at Tabitha's form. Hunger grew exponentially in Tabitha as she spread her large wings. Her large eyes gaze down at Lisa before diving straight for her sister.
Tabitha jolts awake to the alarm on her phone flashing "7:23 AM." She breathes in sharply, shaking off the last horrible thoughts from the reoccurring nightmare. The strange details become more vivid each time. The lingering memories of folk stories her mother told sat in the back of her mind. In those stories, the dead would reach out in dreams as a matter of warning. Leaning back on the headboard, she searched for the advice her psychologist gave her. During their last session, Dr. Ryland explained dreams are a form of self-actualization of guilt. He told Tabitha that it was natural to feel responsible when losing a loved one in this manner.
Tabitha grumbled, lightly running her hands through her red hair; she pushed everything to the back of her mind. "Get it together!" She grumbled to herself. She pushed herself off the bed and got ready to leave. It was going to be a long trip home, and the only thing she could do now was leave things in the authorities' hands. Packing up was pretty easy since she only cycled through the outfits she brought. The local laundromat must have made a small fortune off her. Tabitha took one last look at the box of Lisa's belongings before throwing them in her duffle bag. She was thankful she didn't have to spend another night in this room.
***
Tabitha sat behind the wheel, waiting for the 90's model minivan to finish their order so she could grab a breakfast burrito on the way out. Considering the situation, the Deer Stop Family Restaurant did have a good breakfast. Finally, pulling up to the 70-style drive-in board, Tabitha rolled off the order she had been accustomed to. " I'll take a large iced tea with the double breakfast burrito meal and hash browns, please."
" Would you like some happy hot sauce with that?"
" That's fine, and a few ketchup packets as well."
" Your total is $8.79. Please pull around."
She pulled around to her window, flashed her debit card, got the receipt, and waited for her food. Luckily, the young woman serving her wasn't very talkative in the morning. The last thing she wanted was a conversation about the weather or meaningless small talk.
" Here's your large iced tea and breakfast meal. Ketchup and happy hot sauce are inside."
" Thanks," Tabitha said while mustering her best fake smile. The woman only smiled and nodded as the service window automatically closed. She pulled into the parking lot and dug into breakfast. Turning the radio to the weather, Tabitha sat back and enjoyed her meal. The local DJ read through the headlines, making nonpartisan comments about politics and grumbling about improving the economy. Tabitha powered through the updates of the "out-of-state woman" who'd gone missing. It was nice that the local radio station gave Lisa's name, description, and a missing person's number for sightings or leads. Tabitha even interviewed with the local news and radio stations, hoping it would bring Lisa home. But she soon found all it brought was a sorrowful look from the locals as she interacted with them in her day-to-day life.
Finishing the last of her hash browns, Lisa wadded up everything in the paper bag and threw it in the back seat. The 9 AM weather report said it was nothing but clear skies and sun the rest of the week. Tabitha flipped the radio over to the greatest hit station, pulled out of the parking lot, and began her trip home. She memorized the roads, every bend and turn in the early weeks as she frantically looked for Lisa. There's something hypnotic about the trees: the way they flow together. The trees' green tops and the oak trees' wide trunks were a relaxing view. Tabitha enjoyed the lazy s-curves of the road, bending and winding around the hills and the trees. The occasional farmhouse or field dotted the sides of the road as she made her way to the main highway.
The blur of a semi-truck snapped Tabitha's attention as she pulled up to the mouth of the highway. She had four and a half hours ahead of her, which would be a long ride. Tabitha pulled onto the highway and picked up speed, noting sparse traffic. She relaxed into her seat, letting her gaze gloss over the blur of green foliage. Without warning, Tabitha caught a large shadow from the corner of her left eye. When she registered the black feathery form, Tabitha tensed up and slammed on the brakes as it swooped across the vehicle's hood. Quickly, she pulled the car safely off the road. She couldn't determine exactly what it was, but it was bigger than any bird she'd seen. It was a bird, right? Tabitha turned off her Jeep and grabbed the keys and cell phone. Standing before the Jeep, she looked over the grill to see if she made contact with the entity.
Bewildered, she scanned the tree line, spotting something in the distance. Sitting in the clearing of the large oak forest was an enormous black owl. It stared intently at Tabitha with bright, shiny yellow eyes. She pushed the lock button on her keys, causing the jeep to beep securely. She turned, looking across the open field, an enormous black owl perched in the upper branches of an old oak tree. Each step she took away from the road piqued her curiosity. Soon, Tabitha stood in the middle of the open field, staring intently into the eyes of the enormous owl.
The horn of a passing semi-truck blared, pulling Tabitha's attention away from the mysterious large creature. She looked back and saw that she had walked farther away from the Jeep than she had thought. She glanced back to the forest line only to see the enormous owl was deeper into the woods than before. She narrowed her vision to find the two large, bright yellow eyes staring back. Had it moved? The day's stress, care, and worry suddenly poured out of Tabitha. It was replaced by only curiosity and overbearing tranquility. She warmly smiled for the first time in months as her feet pulled her further into the woods.
Chapter 2
The tug of gravity pulls Tabitha to her senses as her body reacts, falling forward. Her arms thrust forward, bracing for impact. Water rushes around her face as she struggles to get her bearings. Quickly, Tabitha pushed herself up in the ankle-high stream she fell in. The haze slowly clears from her mind as she stares at the muddy water. The dull ache throbs up her legs. Tabitha can smell the sweat from her clothes. Her face contorted in panic as she quickly stood up in the water, looking for her cell. Thankfully, the device was still in her pocket, dry and unscathed.
"One o'clock. How can that be?" Tabitha says, slowly looking up from the screen to see the vast, dense West Virginia forest encompassing her view. She shakes her head back and forth with disbelief. A smile gently spreads across her face, with the last bit of tranquility leaving her body. How did I get out here? Her breathing becomes faster as her pulse begins to quicken. I'm in the forest. I'm all alone—just like Lisa!
"NO, NO, NO, NO! THIS FUCKING CAN'T BE HAPPENING TO ME!" Tabitha screams into the void of trees. Her eyes well up with tears as she crumbles to her knees, gripping her phone tightly to her chest. Her sobs ring out through the thick oak trees. Her breath slows a little as she regains her composure. She begins to search her mind for anything. What is the last thing I can remember? The image of the black shadow crossing her vision while driving flashes into her mind.
"Okay, I got out of the Jeep, the…then what?" Tabitha says, trying to refresh her memories. She thinks her memory is not just gone; it's a black void in her mind. Complete blackness fills her mind right after remembering locking the Jeep and then turning to see the…
"Fuck I saw something. What was it!" Tabitha says, frustrated with her mind. She knew there must be a logical reason she was out here. Officer Nichols warned her not to go looking for her sister. She wasn't stupid; she just said that as a last-ditch effort to get him to do anything. Now I'm here.
"Run!" Tabitha heard Lisa's voice in her ear. Before she could turn around, she heard a loud bellowing coming from overhead. Fear shot down her back, reminding her of the nightmares she had over the past month. She shot forward full bore as something crashed to the ground behind her. Glancing back as she ran, a black mass of feathers convulsed between the broken branches of the trees. Its slick black feathers rippled across its surface as its bones crackled and flesh tore. Its body contorted and twisted from the shape of an owl to something bigger.
"Run, Tabby! Don't let it catch you!" Tabitha pushed forward, hearing Lisa's scream beside her face. Her breath burned in her chest, and she moved past the old oak trees bent over the creek bed. Her feet slammed rapidly, splashing along the side of the creek. Another loud bellow comes from behind as the trees bend and break to the force behind her. A small opening in the rocky creek bed catches her sight from the left. She dives into the crevasses, not caring where the fathoms lead. Tabitha tumbles in the pitch black, taking scrapes and sharp jabs from the rocks as she tumbles further into the void.
She finally tumbles to a stop on the sandy, wet floor of the cave. Her body aches from the sudden burst of exhaustion. The cool water running around her body from the creek is soothing despite her bumps and bruises. Pushing herself up, she scoots out of the water. Feeling her way forward, she finds a dry spot to collect herself. Quickly pushing her hand into her pocket, she finds her phone undamaged.
The sound of footsteps pushing against the creek fills the void around Tabitha as the light steps move closer to each other up the underground creekbed. She slowly removes her cell from her pocket and then shines the camera light toward the sound. A pair of scratched and bruised pale bare legs hold up a frail form in front of her in the creek. She wears the darkness as a shroud with nothing else to clothe her. Tabitha froze, not wanting to shine the light further in the pale form before her.
"Tabby, turn your light off. You need to save your battery." Tabitha turned off the light and then rushed forward, embracing Lisa—the how or why didn't matter, only the now. The pale form hugged her tightly. Tabitha felt her cold, bare skin. The darkness couldn't hide the feeling of the marks across her back and torso.
"Lisa, I'm-"
"Hush! I don't have much time. This wasn't your fault! I'm with Mom and Dad now. You have to survive, Tabby! Listen. Wait until the sun shines through the cracks, making a trail out. Follow it down the creek until you come to the opening. You'll see a large hill you hike up for a cell signal. And remember…If you can't see it… It can't hurt you. I love you-"
Tabitha stumbled forward before catching herself. The void in front of her arms was only filled by cool air. She looked up and noticed a faint glimmer of light pushing through the ceiling. She sat down, relaxing against the limestone wall of the cave, waiting for the trail of light to form.
***
After a few hours, the light shining through the cracks of the cave ceiling was bright enough to lead Tabitha to the other side. She stepped onto the creek bed, thankful for the sun hanging lower in the sky. Scanning the sky, Tabitha saw only a few clouds. The foothills of Appalachia backdropped the forest as she scanned for the hill. Her eyes found the trail leading up the steady slope of an impressive hill. The top of the hill was bare. Part of the hill must have sheared off in a landslide, leaving the top void of trees and a jagged cliff face. Tabitha started her hike up the back of the hill. She was careful to stay under the heavy canopy of the old trees, hopefully avoiding the creature's eyes.
She did her best to quiet her mind while hiking up the trail. Come on, almost to the top, then I can call 911, she replayed repeatedly in her mind. Her adrenaline made up for the lack of food since morning. She drank some water from a clean spot in the creek. She was placing her bet on rescue rather than worrying about the water.
Leaning against one of the trees, Tabitha took out her cell and measured the signal.
"Damn it, nothing!" She swore under her breath. She listened nervously and cautiously peered her head out from the tree line. Standing at the tree line, the cell phone still had a low signal. She pushed her anxiety down with a swallow and slowly stepped forward onto the bare rock. Tabitha was now out in the open. She walked with the cell phone pointed upwards, measuring the signal. Within three feet of the cliff face, her signal bar punched up to full. Tabitha began to punch in the numbers just as a pair of large yellow eyes appeared. She felt her legs become weak, and her vision blurred as the creature snared her in its gaze.
Tabitha ducked, missing the giant owl's claws as it swooped for her. She squinted her eyes shut, momentarily breaking the hold of the infernal beast as it crashed to the ground, tumbling down the path of old trees. On her hands and knees, she tucked the dialed phone back into her pocket. She heard the creature's loud bellowing, followed by the snapping of bone and flesh ripping. It was changing its shape to finish her off.
Tabitha tried to get up, but the flash of its eyes did something to her. Her legs were numb, her stomach was in knots, and she could barely put a few thoughts together.
"If you can't see it, it can't hurt you." Tabitha heard clearly in her left ear. She quickly pushed herself into a sitting position and fumbled for the key chain in her right pocket. Pulling the long chain of keys, luck charms, and keepsakes, her father's Swiss army knife dangled at the end. She slowly opened the half-inch blade. Her body wholeheartedly rejected her plan and tried to fight her. Every internal warning system sounded as her body fought against her as she brought the blade against the corner of her left eye.
She didn't know if she could do it until the creature bellowed in her direction. With one quick motion, the half-inch blade sliced across her left eye. The world dimmed and then went black on her left side. Behind her, the beast's thundering gallop was getting closer. Tabitha plunged herself into total darkness with the last bit of her strength. Her hand gripped tightly around the bloody knife as she folded forward onto the ground. She could feel herself weeping blood. She squinted, doing her best to stem the tide of blood loss.
A large feathered paw drove into Tabitha's right side, flipping her onto her back. She lay still as the hulking creature stood over her. It remained motionless, and Tabitha was confused about why it didn't move or bite her. Then she started to giggle, just a little at first. Then, laughing madly into the creature's face as it growled back at her. She could not see it; she couldn't see anything. Her mind couldn't be eaten!
The creature roared into Tabitha's face while plunging one of its sharp claws into her shoulder. Tabitha screamed in pain, slashing the knife downward. The blade hit something soft, and she ripped the blade down, rending whatever she had hit on the abomination. A bright yellow, foul-smelling liquid gushed in a torrent over Tabitha's face. She turned to cough, having swallowed a portion of it. The creature reared back, squealing in pain. Its hind leg came down hard on Tabitha's leg, snapping her tibia. She jerked her leg up, causing the creature to tumble forward and fall over the edge of the cliff side.
Tabitha heard the creature crash below at the base of the hill. A large dead tree speared the creature through its chest. Tabitha could hear the labored whines of the creature as its cries became weak and slowed. A wave of sickness hit her as she rolled over and vomited. The foul smell drenched her. She did her best to focus, reaching into her pocket and pulling out the phone. By memory, she typed in the unlock pin. She held her breath and placed her thumb where the call button should be.
She could hear the call being made then, "911. What is your emergency?"
"Please help me! A bear has attacked me, and I can't see. I think I am on a hill."
"Ok, ma'am, stay with me! Do you know where you are located?"
"No, I'm lost. Please send help."
"It's okay. Stay with me on the phone, and I'll use the cell signal to try to find you."
"I'm on top of one of the hills. I think I am lying on a bare roc-" Tabitha slipped unconscious with the cell still tightly in her hand. Her body began to tremble and convulse.
"Ma'am! Ma'am! Stay with me. I have help on the way."
Chapter 3
A young man in military fatigues frantically compiles images and reconnaissance data from his drone feed. Confirming his hunch, he commands the winged surveillance drone to make a hard left and send a live video feed. His eyes widened as he saw a large owl-shaped shadow crash onto the top of a hill. He watches in awe as the sleek black owl twists and shifts into something much larger, like a grizzly. As the drone turns, he sees a woman at the cliff's edge trying to steady yourself on her hands and knees.
He bolts up from the command module, jotting down the drone's coordinates on one of the printouts. The drab government-issued office motif for the watch station blurs in the corner of his eye as he rushes down the hallway to the watch commander's office.
"Sir, recon has eyes on AMOS! And it's feeding!" the man said, swinging the heavy wooden door open. He took the hastily compiled file and pushed it forward to the commanding officer.
An older, tanned man quickly stands, reaching for the files. His brow furls, seeing his charge is awake. "Keep eyes on it! Go Adams!" The young man nods, turning on his heel and bolting for the drone command module. As his office door slams shut from the subordinate officer, he grabs his headset and frantically dials the closest military outpost to the coordinates.
"Hello, Sergeant Klein; this is Agent Smith of Black Watch outpost 7948! Shadow is active, code Alpha, Mike, Oscar, Sierra. The coordinates and data package have been sent. A civilian is on the ground; deploy strike-and-rescue ASAP.
"We'll be up in five, Agent Smith! The line cuts as Agent Smith closes out the call on his headset and rushes to the door. The normally quiet watch station buzzes alive, with personnel flooding the central command station. The background echoes resource allocation calls, frantic typing, and the hum of cold computers warming up.
"Adams, get our eyes back on Amos!"
"Coming back around in 30 seconds." Thirty sets of eyes stare at the three giant screens, anxiously waiting for the drone feed to clear the bank of trees. The camera clears the tre top to see the giant feathered grizzly rear back slinging its massive head away from its prey. Its large yellow right eye spews bright yellow liquid all over the red-haired woman and the cliff face. The giant feathered grizzly missteps, crushing the woman's leg and causing the creature to tumble over the cliff face.
"Fuck!" Agent Smith yells in horror as he watches AMOS fall four stories, impaling a sharp, 3-meter-tall log lodged in the boulders. The command center freezes wide-eyed at the flailing dying creature on screen. Agent Smith pulls his cell out quickly and dials.
"Klein, Scrub the current request! AMOS is down! Switch to rescue and harvest now!
"What, someone took out AMOS?"
"YES! It's at the bottom of the cliff, bleeding out essence! The woman is covered in it as well. Clean as much of it off her as possible before you take her to the ER.
"Understood!"
Agent Smith, in a rage, slings his phone straight forward, connecting with Private Adams's skull. Adams flinches at the sudden impact of the hard plastic and covers his head. Agent Smith grabs the table in front of him and flips it over, sending the computer equipment crashing to the government-issued tiled floor.
"A two-year cycle gone! All that essence is gone! Now I have to wait another 24 months for AMOS to resurrect!" Agent Smith screams, causing the rest of the staff to recoil away in fear.
"Jones!" Agent Smith says sternly, turning to a petite woman on his left. She stares at him, pleading.
"Yes Sir?'
"Get Officer Nichols on my office line. That fuck up has some explaining. He should have told us AMOS was awake."
"Right away!" Jones quickly sits back down and begins dialing Nichols, thankful she doesn't have to deal with Agent Smith further. The command center quickly shifts gears as Agent Smith returns to his office.
***
Two Weeks later…
"Tabitha… Tabitha… This is Doctor Wilhelm. Wake up." The kind older gentleman said as they gently nudged Tabitha in her hospital bed.
"Where am I?" Tabitha asked, waking from what felt like years of sleep. She sat up, the world still pitch black, but an odd sense of the world around her seemed to hum just behind her eyes.
"You're in the hospital, dear; you scared us. Do you remember anything?" He said as he sat down on the side of her bed.
Tabitha thought for a moment the last parts after she slashed her eyes were a blur. She remembers people yelling and the sound of two or three helicopters over her. " No, it's really all just a blur."
"Well, it's probably for the best. You had some very serious injuries. The first night, we honestly didn't think you would make it. Then…" The doctor trailed off with a concerned expression, not knowing how to explain things further.
Tabitha felt his pulse quicken somehow. She didn't understand it but fully felt or sensed the doctor beside her. She sensed the two other nurses standing at the end of the bed. Her body didn't hurt. She felt great. She felt hungry.
"Doctor, you said had. What happened to my injuries?" She said calmly, trying not to startle the old doctor further.
"Well, Tabitha, it's the closest thing to a miracle I've ever seen. You had violent seizures from the minute you hit the entrance of the ER. We couldn't even set your leg. The medications we gave you had a minimal effect, and you thrashed so much that we had to restrain you. Then, the early morning check-in found you in a deep sleep. All but your eyes were completely healed. So we switched gears to support care and treated your eyes the best we could." He said, watching her reaction.
Tabitha leaned back in her bed, taking in the wild account. "Do you know how I healed so quickly?"
"What happened to you is beyond all scientific reason. A miracle is the only way the staff and I can explain it. I know you have been through a lot, but I want to check your eyes."
"Thank you for all your help, Doctor Wilhelm." She said, sitting up in bed.
"You are most welcome, dear. Now I am going to unwrap your eye-dressing. Hold still, please." he said as he reached up and pulled on the bandage tape. Tabitha felt a quick tug and felt the bandages loosen from around her head. The doctor slowly unwrapped the bandages. The doctor's brow wrinkled as he examined the two large black scabs covering Tabitha's eyes.
"Tell me if this hurts at all, ok?"
"Yes, doctor." She relaxes as the doctor's gloved fingers pass over the scab. He pushes and gently tugs at the side of one, and it starts to lift. He pulls on the scab more, and Tabitha begins to sense the light as it hits her eyelid.
"Oh, I can sense the light, Doctor Wilhelm!" She said, smiling.
"Wonderful! Nurse Allen, please hand me some saline solution. I think a little water will loosen these right up. Hold still; this may feel cold," he said as he reached for the solution. She felt the cool liquid flush over the left eye, then the right. The scabs fell away with a gentle tug from the doctor. She could see the light shine through her eyelids. She grinned widely, happy to have some form of sight left.
"Please open your eyes for me," he said as he sat back on the bed. Tabitha slowly opened her eyes. The flood of light was almost too much, causing her to squint. After a few moments, she adjusted to the fluorescent lights. Three figures began to take shape in front of her. First, the distinguished older features of Doctor Wilhelm came into view quickly, followed by the brunette and blonde younger nurses standing at the end of the bed. Suddenly, her vision snapped into place, crisp and clear.
"I can see perfectly! This is amazing! Thank you, Doctor Wilhem!" she said, turning to look directly into his eyes, but he stared back at her unmovingly.
"Doctor Wilhelm?" she said as her expression became more worried. Doctor Wilhelm just sat staring, intensely focused on her eyes. His expression was overbearingly calm. She glanced at the nurses, rigidly staring back at her with trapped, calm expressions. Doctor Wilhelm began to twitch slightly. It traveled from the base of his spine out to his limbs, finally convulsing.
"Doctor Wilhelm, are you okay?" Tabitha yelled as the doctor began to have a seizure and fell on top of her bed.
"Help Him!" She screamed at the two nurses only to see both of them crumble to the tiled floor. One of them bashed her head off the bed frame. Tabitha recoils back from Doctor Wilhelm in terror as he starts foaming at the mouth. She climbs over the bed rail and hits the tiled concrete floor with a thud. Her adrenaline surges as she bolts for the door, looking for help.
At the entrance of her hospital room, she sees another nurse leaving the adjacent room. "Please, my doctor and staff need help!" As the male nurse turns to see Tabitha, he suddenly goes stiff before collapsing into a violent seizure, spilling his cart over with him.
"What's happening!" Tabitha screams, thinking something is in the air, or everyone has come down with something. A pair of security guards round the corner, hearing the screams and commotion.
"Ma'am, are yo-" The guard freezes mid-stride as he makes eye contact with Tabitha. Both men start to convulse and topple over, thrashing violently on the hard tile.
"No, no, no, no!" Tabitha yells as she darts into the women's bathroom, a few doors up the hall. She runs in, terrified of the situation. She approaches one of the sinks, bracing herself against the cool porcelain. Her stomach turns, and she dry heaves in the sink. She steadies herself while turning on the cold water. Leaning in, she takes a drink. As she looks up, a glint of two yellow eyes catches her. Tabitha stumbles backward on reflex. Then, she sees her reflection in the mirror. Two completely bright yellow eyes stare back at Tabitha. She screams at herself in the mirror, not feeling hungry anymore.
The end.
I will

Link here: https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards/
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Matchmaker, vol. 6, by Cam Marshall at https://matchmakercomic.com/. (Silver Sprocket)
3rd Voice, by Evan Dahm, https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/3rd-voice/list?title_no=828919 (WEBTOON)
Unfamiliar, by Haley Newsome: https://tapas.io/series/unfamiliainfo (Tapas)
BEST DIGITAL COMIC
Blacksad, Vol 7: They All Fall Down, Part 2. by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido, translation by Diana Schutz and Brandon Kander (Europe Comics)
Friday, by Ed Brubaker and Marcos Martin, vols. 7–8 (Panel Syndicate)
Parliament of Rooks, by Abigail Jill Harding (Comixology Originals)
Practical Defense Against Piracy, by Tony Cliff (delilahdirk.com)
A Witch’s Guide to Burning, by Aminder Dhaliwal (Instagram.com/aminder_d)

(it's gonna be a long ride, so buckle up)
“You’re brown eyes are so beautiful my lady, I could get lost and sink in them…In fact, I’m just YEARNING to dive and drown into those melted chocolate oceans that are your eyes~” (not just in a metaphorical, but in a literally way as well…He literally sees her eyes as “pools of melted chocolate” and wants to dive and sink into them xD)
“For god’s sake, no!! dramatic voice, why would you EVER compare me to anyone in that HORRENDOUS anime that is Yarichin Bitch Club?” puts his hand on his heart and collapses slowly but smoothly
“I brought a bunch of exquisite roses here for all the ladies in the school, so they would never forget how cherished and loved they are~ mwah!”
“After hearing Gen Z slang* “Excuse me Mademoiselle, but I do not understand this new slang that you kids use nowadays, would you please enlighten me on it, my dear?” smiles
“When we’re both dead… I want to be buried in the same gravestone as you, near the same coffin you are in, my princess!” starts tearing up and hugs her
“If my daughter EVER goes to prom… I shall train that boyfriend of hers to be the perfect gentleman and the perfect prince charming just for her, and I will buy her the most elegant, expensive, luxurious, beautiful, pimped out dress a princess like her could ever dream of, Only from a brand like Chanel, Dior, Gucci or Prada, cause my lovely lady deserves only the best!!” his eyes start glittering from his brilliant plan
speaking to his daughter after she does something deemed “naughty in his eyes”: “Oh, my princess!….why would you ever do something as unfathomable as that?? Your poor father almost died over here!~ But it’s okay… if I let my lovely angel do anything she pleases, even if it means I perish…then I accept it!” gallantly puts his hand on his heart his daughter’s reaction to that: Dad! You’re so embarrassing!!
Speaking to his daughter: “My princess… come join me and your mom to dance to some fine music (Celine Dion’s french music for example), it will be a time for all of us~ winks at his daughter and starts slow dancing with his wife to fancy french music in the living room in a romantic way while the daughter dies from awkwardness
-Speaking to his wife and daughter as he wears a navy blazer with a white oxford shirt, designer belt and watch, and navy trousers: “My lovely ladies, today I’m going to treat you two to this very fancy restaurant as a small gift~ Even though, it means nothing to me as what you two mean to me and my existence his eyes start glimmering and he smiles, then he kisses his wifey’s hand, and escorts his wife and daughter into the restaurant
“Girls in dresses?!~ Ohhh~ my love for girls wearing their stunning dresses is just limitless~!! begins to have a nosebleed after gushing Huh?! Gah- I’m NOT THAT MUCH OF A PERVERT!! freaks out
“My job is to make every single lady in this place as happy as possible, it is a sin as a man to make a precious creature such as a lady cry!!” serious face
“Oh my, oh my, my lady… you just know how to make me the happiest man on earth!! blushing with heart eyes, I feel so happy right now whenever I’m with you, that I could die~~!!” faints dramatically into her arms
“A kiss for you, and a kiss for you my princess~ Everyone gets a kiss!!” saying this after kissing the hands of many people
sobs and cries after his lovely daughter goes to her first day of elementary school “Oh…how our daughter has grown up so much since she was born!~ I miss her already!” wipes his tears with his handkerchief and holds his partner’s hand so he won’t faint from the overwhelming happy but yearning feelings he has about his daughter going to her first day of 1st grade “Wait a minute!!! I have an idea!~” Then when his daughter is playing at recess, she randomly sees him pop out like a mole from the dirt in the playground in front of her and she becomes startled “I missed you my princess!~” looks at his daughter with adoring, sparkling eyes Then the daughter is like “Dad what are you doing here?” and she becomes embarrassed)
View Poll

Last night sucked. And like every team that doesn’t win the championship, discussions are needed about how to improve the team. While I’ve heard people suggest the team trade just about everyone on the roster besides 15, the current state of the franchise should be a little steadier.
This means a small trade or two, likely centering around Zeke Nnaji, hopefully the continued development of Payton Watson, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson, and Colin Gillespie, and of course the 2024 NBA Draft.
While the talent at the top leaves a lot to be desired, I think the Nuggets should be able to add a rotational player in the back end of the 1st round. Here are the 3 names I have my eye on:

1. DaRon Holmes II, C/PF, Dayton

It has been a problem for years, but the lack of a quality bench big has plagued this organization for years. Nnaji has fallen out of favor and DeAndre Jordan can’t be getting playoff minutes in 2024.
Enter DaRon Holmes, who averaged 20.4/8.5/2.6 on 54.4/38.6/71.3 shooting splits his Junior year at Dayton. While not the most athletically gifted, he’s a smart player who can space the floor a little and, in my opinion, could operate paired up with Jokic playing the 4 and with AG at the 5.

1. Dillon Jones, PF/PG, Weber State

If you want to talk about a player whose profile just feels like a Nugget, it’s Jones. 6’6” and built like a tank, he averaged 20.8/9.8/5.2 on 54/32.4/85.7 shooting splits.
However, what really makes the former Wildcat stand out is his passing. Watching him run the show in college looked like a mashup of Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon running the offense. People do have concerns about his on-ball defense, but I think when he’s asked to do less offensively, the defensive side will improve.

1. Ajay Mitchell, CG, UC Santa Barbara

Combo guard that brings a little bit of everything to the table, a little reminiscent of last year’s fan favorite Colby Jones with a touch of Jamal Murray. Mitchell, originally from Belgium, averaged 20/4/4 on 50.4/39.3/85.8 shooting splits.
He’s not the most explosive and his 3 point shot improved drastically his final season in college, so he has his share of concerns, but I think he can run the bench unit in the near future.
Honorable Mentions: Kyle Filipowski, C, Duke Kevin McCullar Jr., SF, Kansas KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado Ryan Dunn, SF, Virginia Jamal Shead, PG, Houston

“Get up.”
“What?” Everything was blurring together in a mix of reality and dreams.
She wasn’t having it. “Get up.”
The candle was crying. The wax slipped down the sides and melted into a puddle on the tray. I cracked my crusty eyes open, to be greeted with shadow and flame, black and orange. Everything we owned was overturned and thrown to the floor. It looked like someone had slipped in and taken off with all our valuables.
My heart leapt to my throat. I hoped we weren’t robbed. But in this part of town, anything could happen.
“Get up.”
Her voice was hard, like cold steel. It terrified me. I had never seen her this resolute, this determined. I was used to her crying in the corner when I came home from school or work, or staring at the walls until she fell asleep. She might be my mother, but ever since my dad left she was nothing more than a lost child, waiting for someone to throw their arms around her and tell her everything would be okay.
When I still did not move she resorted to yanking me out of bed and dragging me out of the door. Fabi was already in the car. His glasses were slipping down his nose and his knees were tight against his chest.
My mum got into the driver’s seat. The door slammed. The car took off like a rocket ship, weaving through the streets. Fabi held his gameboy close to his chest and closed his eyes.
I didn’t. I couldn’t. This was a high speed roller coaster of death. My protests were drowned out by the roar of the engine. My mum was laughing. Maniacally. My stomach curled. She was never like this.
She twisted the steering wheel and the car swerved to the left. It burst through the gates of the local park and careered down the slippery slope. Ducks and geese screamed as they got out of the way. The wheels tore through the grass, leaving them burning.
The water greeted us, cold and hungry. I twisted behind me to see the tree branches waving goodbye.
Then this time I closed my eyes.
“It’s a miracle you kids are alive.”
Those words haunted me forever since the moment they were spoken. To say the hospital staff were astonished would be an understatement. They looked at us like God had reached down on us and resurrected us personally with his holy touch. Jaws dropped, face pale, head shaking, scurrying out of the room at a loss of words…yeah I’d seen it all.
Now a few months later, we found ourselves in a hearse travelling out of town. Apparently while we were in hospital there was a bit of a fight on who was to look after us. Dad left us when I was little and before Fabi was born. And Mum, well, the last time I saw her was in a car heading towards her watery grave. They did not let us attend her funeral. Did not let us say goodbye.
She had disappeared from our lives like a careless whisper in the wind.
From what I heard through the grapevine, or from the gossip of the nurses as they scuttled throughout the hospital, whispering through their hands when they thought we weren’t listening, an old great-uncle from our dad’s side had agreed to take us in. He had already covered all of our hospital expenses. We had no say in the matter.
His butler met us when we were discharged from the hospital and he looked like he just stepped out of a black and white photograph. Everything about him was gray, from the colour of his skin to the freshly-pressed suit he was wearing to the intense stare of his eyes.
He towered not just over us kids but the nurse who escorted us out of the hospital, but his shoulders were broad and he was as stocky as a tree trunk. His hair was neatly trimmed too, exactly the same length, like he had drawn a razor horizontally through his hair and left it at that.
The butler packed us in his long and black sausage car and shot off towards our new home.
It had been several hours on the road now and I sensed we were reaching our destination. Fabi had long fallen asleep on my shoulder, holding his broken and waterlogged Gameboy close to his chest. I heard a crack of thunder and peered outside. The sky was crying; the rain was coming down in droves and hammering on the car windows.
“We’re here,” said the butler. It was the first thing he said all day.
I peered out of the window at our new home.
It was an ugly stone and mortar building, squatting on a hill like a king on his throne, leering down at us and a small hamlet down below. I heard the roar of thunder then a great spike of lightning arched down from above and struck the stonework by the tip, revealing that it was completely drenched in black paint, not a single spot of colour to be seen. Gargolyes were scattered around the tips of towers and trees devoid of leaves, upright on their posts. Their beady eyes followed us as we grew nearer. The black iron gates swung open with a creak.
We made our way up a windy path and through a small garden. Every blade of grass was cut to exactly the same length; every flower placed strategically through the green like a landmine. Here I saw more statues, lining the cobblestone road. Like the gargolyes before them they did not seem to welcome our presence, almost leering at us as we made our way up to the stone house.
The butler parked the car in an iron-clad garage and escorted us to the dining room. We did not have any luggage with us. Apart from Fabi’s Gameboy, all of our belongings were lost in our old life.
“Welcome!”
Our new guardian wheeled around the hall and towards us with a smile on his face, although smile was too kind a word. It was more a grimace, his face muscles being forced to contort upwards. He was completely bald, save a wisp of gray hair flapping on each side, and a hooked, beak-like nose, like a vulture, eagle or some other bird of prey.
“Come,” he said next, after we told him our names. “Let us have dinner.”
It wasn’t an invitation. It was a command.
The butler escorted us down the hallway to the dining hall. Everything was red, from the walls to the carpet to the crimson chandelier swinging slowly above our heads. The candles were lit up, the flame floating slowly above the wick, burning bright like lost souls ready to be collected.
Our great-uncle seated himself at the head of the table and invited Fabi to sit next to him on the left and me on the right. Then the food came: roasted chicken crispy and brown and fresh from the oven, salads that look like evergreen forests, mashed potatoes that seemed to just melt in your mouth.
Throughout the meal my great-uncle seemed only interested in Fabi, engaging him in conversation. I saw beads of sweat drip down his face as he answered questions about philosophy and etiquette, his fingers rubbing his sleeves. He also seemed to push more and more food–especially the chicken– towards him until he was full and complained he couldn’t eat any longer.
My plate looked empty next to his.
“Please,” I said timidly. “Can I have some more?”
He twisted back violently, those beady eyes honing into mine. Fabi pretended to be interested in his food. I shrank back in my chair, my blood rushing into my ears.
“No,” he snapped. His beak wagged at me in disgust.
“Girls like you,” he added sourly. Fabi pushed his chair away from the table. His eyes shifted to the glaring moose above my head.
“Should be seen and not heard. Lucius, take her to bed.”
My great uncle gave me one final look of disgust and resumed talking to Fabi like nothing had happened.
I stared at him in shock, my cheeks burning with shame, my eyes boring into his head and wishing
Lucius shoved me out of the dining hall and slammed the heavy door behind him.
My great uncle seemed to have no idea what electricity was. Or even a concept of brightness or light for that matter.
The shadows are flying around like little mites, peeking behind corners and wrapping themselves around flickering candle-lights. I could barely see where I was going if not for Lucius guiding me
Author's Note
This is the last NS I have attempted before just giving up entirely. It is a gothic+psychological horror NS, about two orphaned children (both named after chess players, Elizabeth 'Beth' Harmon from Queen's Gambit for the sister and real world GM superstar Fabiano Caruana for the brother) sent to live with their great-uncle who lives in a large castle
The great-uncle is sexist, clearly preferring Fabi over Beth, and clashes with the latter because of Beth's naturally independent nature. He also believes that Beth should be in the kitchen and know her place to men. But Beth, strong-headed and stubborn thinks he is being ridiculous. The tensions rise until Beth accidentally or intentionally poisons her uncle, killing him, and the rest of the story deals with the children dealing with their grief (and Beth additionally from her guilt) as the uncle rises from the dead and haunts the castle as a ghost.
I remember really trying with this one, really desperate to put something out on NoSleep. By that time Burton's nightmare school story was 2 months old. Ish. But I found myself losing interest in this and even writing altogether as my brain yearned for something new to do. It is only recently that I slowly came out of burnout and found my love for writing again. Especially horror. Always held a special place in my heart.

As of right now, I know that Red Web and Stinky Dragon are going to continue, F*ckface seems to be continuing with Regulation Podcast, 100% Eat instead of FaceJam... Burnie and Ashley's got their Morning Somewhere podcast.
It's hard to keep up, so could we get a list of everyone's socials, YouTube/Twitch channels, and new/ongoing projects?
Edit: This is all I've collected so far. Eventually, it would be nice to have a list that included which cast members are on the projects and what RT property it spun off from and I'll add to this as I have time. Please give me suggestions or new info or call out errors as you see them.
The socials of Funhaus
Regulation Podcast on Reddit, YouTube, Twitch, Patreon, Twitter Geoff Ramsey, Gavin Free, Andrew Panton, Nick Schwartz, Eric Badour
100% Eat on Reddit, YouTube, Patreon, Twitter, Instagram Michael Jones, Eric Badour, Jordan Cwierz, Nick Schwartz
Morning Somewhere Podcast on Spotify, Apple Burnie Burns, Ashley Burns
Stinky Dragon on YouTube, Spotify Gustavo Sorola, Barbara Dunkelman, Jon Risinger, Chris Demarais, Blaine Gibson
Midnight Snack on Twitter, Instagram, Threads Armando Torres, Griff Milton, Andrew Rosas
astrogoblin on YouTube, Instagram Patrick Brown, Charlotte Avery, Jacob Fullerton

Hi! 20 F looking for someone to write with in a longterm Marvel or DC romance plot. I write literate in third person and am looking for someone who can do the same.
As far as pairings go I'm open to FxM or FxF, either is fine. I will only write CanonxCanon though. Having a pre established background for the character appeals to me way more. Here are the characters I can play from both verses. In your message, send what character you want me to play and who you want to play. I'm okay with crossing universes as well.
Marvel: Jessica Jones, Magik, Domino, Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel, Gwen Stacy/Spider-Gwen, Kitty Pryde, Emma Frost, Laura Kinney, Dazzler, Jean Grey, Storm, Psylocke, Gamora, Wasp, She-Hulk
DC: Zatanna, Starfire, Raven, Black Canary, Barbara Gordon, Stephanie Brown, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Donna Troy, Supergirl, Powergirl, Stargirl, Wonder Woman, Jessica Cruz, Livewire
As far as the plot goes, I'm thinking something basic. Heroes working together against a threat or Villains working together if you choose so. The overall focus will be on the romance here and SoL.

Hi! 20 F looking for someone to write with in a longterm Marvel or DC romance plot. I write literate in third person and am looking for someone who can do the same.
As far as pairings go I'm open to FxM or FxF, either is fine. I will only write CanonxCanon though. Having a pre established background for the character appeals to me way more. Here are the characters I can play from both verses. In your message, send what character you want me to play and who you want to play. I'm okay with crossing universes as well.
Marvel: Jessica Jones, Magik, Domino, Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel, Gwen Stacy/Spider-Gwen, Kitty Pryde, Emma Frost, Laura Kinney, Dazzler, Jean Grey, Storm, Psylocke, Gamora, Wasp, She-Hulk, Felicia Hardy
DC: Zatanna, Starfire, Raven, Black Canary, Barbara Gordon, Stephanie Brown, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Donna Troy, Supergirl, Powergirl, Stargirl, Wonder Woman, Jessica Cruz, Livewire
As far as the plot goes, I'm thinking something basic. Heroes working together against a threat or Villains working together if you choose so. The overall focus will be on the romance here and SoL.

Hi! 20 F looking for someone to write with in a longterm Marvel or DC romance plot. I write literate in third person and am looking for someone who can do the same.
As far as pairings go I'm open to FxM or FxF, either is fine. I will only write CanonxCanon though. Having a pre established background for the character appeals to me way more. Here are the characters I can play from both verses. In your message, send what character you want me to play and who you want to play. I'm okay with crossing universes as well.
Marvel: Jessica Jones, Magik, Domino, Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel, Gwen Stacy/Spider-Gwen, Kitty Pryde, Emma Frost, Laura Kinney, Dazzler, Jean Grey, Storm, Psylocke, Gamora, Wasp, She-Hulk
DC: Zatanna, Starfire, Raven, Black Canary, Barbara Gordon, Stephanie Brown, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Donna Troy, Supergirl, Powergirl, Stargirl, Wonder Woman, Jessica Cruz, Livewire
As far as the plot goes, I'm thinking something basic. Heroes working together against a threat or Villains working together if you choose so. The overall focus will be on the romance here and SoL.

Sionia
Chapter 14
Map First Previous
“Lord Wyatt, you are needed” Called Lars that shook me out of my fascinating reading about dragon neuts.
“Yes.” I said as I pulled back the curtain.
“The city guard requests to speak with you. They are restricting entrance to Avalon given the latest attack by Mardor at Black Gate of Rowan.” Lars explained with a salute and chest bump
With a sigh, I handed my book to Gus and exited the carriage and was very impressed with the massive three story gatehouse and huge stone block readouts connected on each side. I was met by a forty something looking man of average build with black hair and dark eyes flanked by six fully fitted out soldiers.
“I am Rhys Redith captain of the guard here in Avalon. You must be Count Ryan Wyatt.” Rhys introduced himself with the question.
“Yes, I am Ryan Wyatt.” I responded with a frown and knotted brow.
“We have been expecting your arrival. The king has ordered us to assist you and provide hospitality. I am to escort you to the fortress and the rest of your party to Duggan's inn.” Said Rhys with a salute and formal bow.
“That will not do! I have several wards under my care which several are nobility.” I objected to the plan given.
“I was not aware. I will of course take you to the fortress where Lady Ludmilla will address your concerns.” Replied Rhys with a salute and bow then motioned for me to follow.
“Follow him, Jace .” I said to my new driver and climbed into the carriage.
The bridge over the north side of the Paradise River to the island of Avalon was very long at around a quarter mile or so. The readouts of the gatehouse extended a good ways into the river which had several firing positions. I suspected that the river rose and fell with a possible rainy and dry season which was why the readouts could prevent an army from getting behind the gatehouse or access to the bridge from land. The island side gatehouse was flush with the city walls and protruded into the river was equally as impressive with a descent sized recessed portico and draw bridge porch extension.
Thinking back to my travels through Europe, I decided Avalon looked like the city of East Looe, Cornwall in England but not as topographically elevated and with more renaissance style architecture than back on earth. The Roman style arched bridge was very much what we just rode across. The fortress of Avalon itself was at the highest point which was off to the left on the far east side of the island and most up stream point on the islands.
The Fortress keep was decent but still half the size of Duke Boasag's Buanna. I realized that the reason for putting my servants at an inn was because of the lack of space. However, I was determined to stay with my wards no matter the violation of etiquette it might cause. As my carriage pulled up to the entrance with the fortress that had both iron gates and metal reinforced wooden doors that were a good six feet wide and twelve feet tall each. These doors were set into no less than a three foot thick wall.
Passing through the gate was a small bricked paved courtyard that was about forty to fifty feet wide in a more or less oval shape. I saw a host of servants and two well dressed ladies waiting at the main doors to the fortress's central keep.
“Lord Wyatt, welcome to Avalon. I am Viscountess Ludmilla Skafhoggr and this is my mother Baroness Grogda Wode.” Stated a quiet plump pretty faced brown haired woman in a gaudy yellow with purple accented dress with unicorns all over it and a matching unicorn hat whose horn protruded a good foot from her forehead.
“Yes, it is a very deep pleasure to meet you as well.” Stated Lady Grogda a good looking woman who seemed to be in her mid to late thirties with black hair and unusual olive colored eyes. Her lite brown dress was quiet plain compared to her daughter's which was kind of comical in their contrast.
“The pleasure is mine for sure in meeting you ladies.” I said pouring it on a bit thick with a formal bow and sweep of my arm.
“I do not understand. Why are all your people with you?” Lady Ludmilla asked looking toward Captain Rhys but speaking to me.
“I have many wards under my protection. Thus, it is impossible to leave them alone without my presence as there are many who would try and take advantage of helpless young girls.” I stated but that failed miserably when Freya and the other three Asgardians approached fully armed with their swords.
“I would hardly call them helpless!” Spat Lady Grogda with a bit of contempt as the Asgardians were better looking than her.
“Despite appearances, they need my protection. After all, I am their guardian as I freed them from captivity.” I responded with a bit of admonishment in my voice.
“Yes, we have heard the tale. You are quiet the knight in shinning armor.” Lady Ludmilla said with obvious sarcasm.
“It is what it is. The wards will be with me wherever I am. If that is at an inn or camping on the side of the road, so bit it.” I stated with irritation.
“Do not be silly. We can host your wards and personal attendant. However, we must insist that the rest stay in the inn over there.” Lady Ludmilla said pointing to a three story building that was about fifty yards away.
“That is closer than expected. However, I accept. My people can stay at the inn while you host me and my wards.” I stated with another formal bow.
“Good, now come and we will see to your comfort.” Lady Ludmilla said with a bit of a laugh with Lady Grogda giving a small laugh and a wicked grin.
I immediately turned to Lars, Razor and Meowth and ordered that they maintain a watch on the carts and carriage around the clock as I did not want any lapse where someone would try to take advantage. I called to the wolf kin brothers to continue to protect the girls inside the fortress. Pointing to Lars, I told him to take our prisoner Andros to the adventure's guild office and turn him over and letting them know he was caught trying to steal from me. Tell them I will see them on morrow to see if Andros was telling the truth or just lying. Turning with a smile and motioned to Freya and the girls to follow me with Gus right behind me.
The inside of the fortress was decently furnished though it had more of the appearance of a military outpost than a holding of wealth as it looked quiet spartan. I was led to an upper chamber where Lady Grogda had already ordered a bath filled by the time we had arrived.
“I will see to you personally!” Lady Grogda stated with that same wicked grin again.
I suddenly felt as though I was a piece of meat put on display before a hungry wolf. I steeled myself to not recoil as I just felt off with this lady.
“See to your master's baggage.” Lady Grogda ordered Gus who was surprised by the command.
Gus gave me a slight shaking of his head and left the chamber. Lady Grogda then proceeded to strip me with efficiency. Once I was naked, she suddenly took her time looking at my nakedness. She even traced my scars on my back with a click of her tongue. Walking over to the tub, I climbed in and sat down.
“Spoil sport” Said Lady Grogda as she grabbed a wash cloth.
“Do not get my wounds wet.” I said warning Lady Groda of what the doctor had told me.
“Why? Your wound is almost well healed. The stitches can be pulled out except here” Stated Lady Grogda and tapped me on my left shoulder blade.
“I have been using a special salve from the high elves. I did not realize it was healing that fast. However, I was warned that getting my wound wet would effect my healing.” I repeated what Doctor Zalzwarth told me.
“Very well.” Groda conceded.
Lady Grogda began washing me where she was absolutely taking her time. It was obvious that she was deliberately feeling me up for her own pleasure. When she grasped my manhood. I stood up and said, “The water is cold and I am tired and hungry!”
“Humph” Pouted Lady Grogda her displeasure but began to rinse me.
Just as I was stepping out of the tub, Gus entered slightly out of breath as he had run to get my clothes with Lukas my footman helping. I sighed with relief as Gus helped me don my dressing gown.
“Old Maude will be here momentarily to apply your salve.” Gus said with a salute.
“Very good.” I replied to Gus then turned to Lady Grogda and said, “I was told you are a Dowager Baroness. Is that not so?” I blatantly asked appearing as innocent as I could.
“I will see you at the dinner bell hour.” Lady Groda said with a sort of half wave salute and stormed out of the chamber in a huff.
“Thank you, Gus. I actually thought I would have to literally fight to save my personal honor.” I remarked with a laugh.
“It was my pleasure, Lord Wyatt.” Gus responded and joined me in laughing.
Old Maude came about twenty minutes later and applied my salve and chatted about how excited she was to be in Avalon and wanting to visit one of the apothecary shops. I gave her permission but have one of the guards accompany her.
About an hour later and I was fully shaven and dressed, I heard a large bell ringing from a bell tower not far away from my chamber. With that, I headed down to the great hall that was just off the main entrance way. I was met by Lady Ludmilla who escorted me to Viscount Skafhoggr chair where she seated herself to my left. Lady Grogda appeared wearing a new pink dress and seated herself to my right. The one missing was the Viscount.
“Where is Lord Skafhoggr?” I asked Lady Ludmilla with a raised eyebrow.
“He is meeting with one of the military commanders. I believe they are deciding on how large a levy they must raise to battle the bastards of Mardor.” Replied Lady Ludmilla as she clapped her hands for servants to begin serving the evening meal.
Four exhausting hours later, I was back in my chamber with my nerves completely shot. The constant fawning and mindless chatter from Lady Ludmilla as well as the constant groping from Lady Grogda under the table had stained me to the max. I was ready for bed and was glad to sink into the lavender scented sheets. Gus grabbed a thin pallet and two blankets. Blowing out the candles he stepped into the hallway closing the door behind him. He would sleep outside my door as custom demands while traveling.
A little over a half an hour later after Gus left, the door opened and closed quickly. I could not see in the darkness but relaxed when Freya spoke softly and slipped into bed with me. Freya did her magic on me as she mounted me taking me to new heights of pleasure. I quickly forgot all about the overly eager pursuit of the Dowager Baroness as I shared the pleasures of being with Freya. After we had sated ourselves completely, we slept peacefully in a loving embrace.
The morning came with a knock on my door that woke both Freya and I. I moaned but Freya nudged me on the chin.
“Time to wake you lazy bones.” Freya said with a laugh.
“I am not a morning person.” I said with a groan.
“Don't I know it! You were quiet the beast were you not?” Freya teased then laughed at me.
The knock on the door was more instant as I rose and put on my dressing gown. Opening the door slightly was Gus and the Dowager Baroness.
“It is early, what is it?” I asked.
“We have prepared a very special meal for you this morning.” Said Lady Grogda with a frown while she tried to look around me into the chamber.
“I see. Well, give me some time to properly dress and I will be down shortly.” I stated and continued to Gus “Have Lukas bring my shaving kit.”
“Right away, Lord Wyatt.” Gus said as he motioned down the hall where I assumed Lukas was.
About forty five minutes later and having snuck Freya out of my chamber, I was fully shaved and dressed in my dark red outfit and black beret hat that actually looked really good on me. Upon entering the great hall, I saw Lady Ludmilla seated. Lady Grogda taking me by the arm led me again to the Viscount's chair where she seated herself next to me.
“Where is Lord Skafhoggr, Lady Ludmilla?” I asked her directly.
Lady Ludmilla was quiet for a moment then said, “I guess he is sleeping. The meetings with the military commanders drag on for hours and hours. I hardly ever see him these days.” Lady Ludmilla said with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Is that so. Very well as it can not be helped. Please send my regards to Lord Skafhoggr for his hospitality. I was informed that the king would have a messages for me that Lord Skafhoggr was to give me. Could you ask Lord Skafhoggr for them?” I asked as I suspected something was just not right.
“Oh. Ah. I will of course ask my Lord Vincent for the king's message once morning meal is finished.” Lady Ludmilla said and looked discombobulated.
“I see. Please do so. The king ordered me to arrive in Camelot immediately. I can not dally and spend extra time as I normally would do. I hope you understand.” I said making extra emphasis on the king's order part.
“Yes. What the king commands we all must obey.” Lady Ludmilla said sourly but not looking at me.
Lady Ludmilla then clapped her hands and the servants brought in the morning meal. What surprised me was my meal was different from everyone else. Looking at both Lady Ludmilla and Lady Grogda something in the back on my head screamed warning warning.
The silver plate before me was a type of stew with a strong overpowering spice scent. I frowned and began to think hard and fast.
“This is a specialty from the High Valley region. I hope you like it.” Lady Grogda said with no expression at all.
My alarm bells went off even stronger this time. A footman came over to fill my cup which I deliberately knocked over and profusely apologized for my clumsiness.
“You know, I am from the High Valley region too. I have never been a fan of overly spiced foods. Lets see how spicy it is.” I stated and took a scoop with a spoon and handed it to the footman to taste.
The footman was surprised but more than happy to taste the food as it was obvious that food for the staff was very plain and simple.
“You should not do that! It is not right!” Lady Grogda said as she stood up showing more alarm than outrage.
The footman had already consumed the sample where he at first looked like he liked it. However, he suddenly started to choke as his face turned bright red and falling to his knees. Lady Ludmilla stood up in horror as the footman was gagging begging for water. I handed him my silver chalice with what I assumed was apple cider where he chugged it down then begged for more.
Finally, after three more cups of water given by another footman, first footman just lay on his back almost in a stupor. It was as if his mind was blank.
“What is this?” I asked as I pointed to my meal looking at both Lady Ludmilla and Lady Grogda.
“I do not know!” Said Lady Ludmilla looking at her mother with a strange look.
“Do not give me that! What did you do?” I demanded with a my voiced raised and now pointing my finger at them.
“It was a love potion. It was to make you like me.” Said Lady Grogda meekly and looking sheepishly at the ground.
“Seriously! That was more than a simple love potion!” I yelled my outrage.
“I swear that is all it was. I had to hide its not so pleasant taste with spice.” Lady Grogda stated her defense but still not able to look me in the eye.
“Lady Ludmilla, I must now ask that you bring me the king's message as I am now leaving Avalon.” I commanded with rage in my countenance.
Lady Ludmilla fled the great hall without replying. Lady Grogda just sat down with her head down looking at the floor saying nothing.
With exasperation, I called out to my people. “House of Wyatt, Ladies and girls we are leaving! Quickly gather your things and be out front within a little span!”
With that, I stormed out of the great hall to the shock of all present. Up in the guest chamber, I changed clothes into my bluejeans, a blue shirt and a tan leather vest. Pulling on my boots and strapping on my weapons belt, I looked over seeing Gus and Lukas already packed up my discarded clothing and was ready to leave as they were staying clear of my angry outbursts.
Down at the carts, I ordered my guards to ready themselves to leave. I sent Lukas to call all the servants in the inn to be ready to leave immediately. Razor and Meowth jumped down from their perch on the first two carriages with questioning looks.
“They tried to poison me! Can you believe it?” I said angrily as I swept my arm to point at the fortress.
“Meow Lord Wyatt, that is clawful. Do you want meow to use them like a scratching post?” Asked Meowth as her tail went straight in what I assumed was either surprise or anger.
Razor just gave a low grumbling growl with teeth bared as he looked at the fortress.
Forty minutes later as my people were loading up, Lady Ludmilla approached with her head down.
“I am sorry Lord Wyatt. It seems you do not have any messages from the king.” Lady Ludmilla said never once looking me in the eye.
“I see. Send a message to the king that I left Avalon today and as commanded traveling as quickly as I can. The king is expecting my update so make sure it is properly sent!” I said with a warning.
I ordered a florse saddled for I needed fresh air as I was still furious. I actually led our people out and toward the main north south road which Nick panicked a bit and settled with riding next to me. As we approached the main crossroads of the city, I saw a large dinning hall and ordered a halt for all of our people to have breakfast. The meal consisted of roasted mutton, eggs, apple pancakes and apple jam. They also had fresh chilled milk and apple cider which really went well with the sweet dishes. Our group apparently cleaned them out and they had to turn away a few customers until mid day.
After breakfast, I went to the adventurer's guild that was a few buildings to the south. It was a four story building of decent size. I allowed Old Maude with a one of the house guards to go to the apothecary shop across the road along with the two Alphardian servants Aura and Sylvia. Inside the adventurer's guild, I asked for Marine as instructed. It was then I learned that Marine was Zack Talley's girl where they were to marry soon as she proudly let me know her good news.
“Zack said to tell you this is a level one escort. Whatever that means.” I repeated what Zack had told me to say.
“Thank you. It simply means Zack thinks there would be no problems and just being present is enough to discourage any potential thieves. The total is two hundred fifty denari for basic escort with an A ranked adventurer.” Marine said with a smile
After paying the fee for the job request, I asked Marine to speak to someone about Andros that was brought in by Lars one of my house guards.
“I am Supervisor Etan Borg and assistant to Guild Master Henry Stewart. It is a pleasure to be at your service Count Wyatt.” Stated Etan with a salute and bow.
“Pleasure is mine.” I replied with a salute and nod of my head.
“We have investigated Andros. His party the Finders of Avalon specialize in retrieving lost items or stolen goods from thieves. It appears his party was specifically requested to recover a lost ventu volpis. We do not have any more details for the job other than this.” Etan stated as he read from a page in his hand.
“Who hired them to steal from me? Make no mistake, they were hired to steal from me!” I said as I was showing my anger and frustration.
“Normally, we would not disclose who posted job requests to those not apart of the contract. However, given the circumstances, I was instructed to tell you it was Viscountess Lady Ludmilla. It seems she contracted and paid a merchant from Xanadu for a ventu volpis. It is our understanding that merchant was placed on a Quenya trade ship where he will go on trial for his many crimes in Svarta. The Finders of Avalon should not have tried to take your ventu volpis. Nor should they have taken on the job given the crimes of the merchant without more information.” Etan explained what the guild knew.
“What will happen to Andros?” I asked frankly.
“The Guild Master will hold a hearing with S and A ranked members who will advise on the issues. I expect he will be found guilty but will escape the ten year punishment. More like one to two years of labor for the guild doing low ranked jobs that no one wants while being supervised by myself or a C ranked or higher adventurer. His pay will be one third of normal with the rest going to repay the guild and costs associated with his lapse in judgment.” Etan replied with a shrug of his shoulders.
“I see. The thing that irks me is they attacked my people and wounded one of my guards with a slinger's stone.” I explained my outrage.
“I was not aware of this fact. Master Stewart will compensate you as the law requires. Unfortunately, Master Stewart left for Camelot for meetings with the war counsel on Astria's response to the Empire's latest invasion. I will send a filoxis to let Master Stewart know that there was injury, offense and honor requirements. I understand you will be traveling to Camelot and am certain Master Stewart will seek you out to give you a formal apology and see you are properly compensated.” Etan stated with a salute and bow.
“Good enough. Let me know the outcome of the hearing for Andros. I do not like loose ends and a potential enemy looking for revenge.” I said mater of factually.
“Understood. I will relay your concerns to Master Stewart. Etan replied with another salute and bow.
Leaving the adventure's guild, I decided to visit the tradesman's guild and merchant's storefront while Old Maude was still busy across the street. The girls came with me as they had been requesting things like combs, brushes and scented oils plus a few other special feminine items they needed.
Once all the girls got what they were needing and getting those items stowed with their baggage, Old Maude came back with a small crate filled with items to make medicines. While the baggage was being loaded and sorted, I went to see the information broker's desk and inquired about Chamberlain Robert Duffy. I paid the requested fee of one erythro given his status in the city. I was shown a file which listed the qualities, character and known habits of Robert. There was a section about vices and food preferences. The only vice was seeing a woman who was a widow listed as a paid mistress. Basically, Robert was a straight as an arrow honorable man. I smiled as the report made me feel better about who I was helping.
Finally, with everyone loaded up, we headed out of the city of Avalon over the southern main bridge and gate that was just like the north one but slightly longer with a guard tower protected draw bridge section to let ships pass. After about two hours, I had calmed down enough that I rode in the carriage as was expected of a person of rank. I just looked out seeing nothing but the vast wheat fields of the Capital Region realizing how lucky I had been to escape the evils of the ladies of Fortress Avalon.

The first hurdle to your infiltration of Eochu Bres is entering the Hybrasil system undetected. As you reach the hyperjump point into the system you are contacted by Trion Security demanding you to turn on your IFF transponder or be barred from entry by the hyperspace condenser. You turn it on and enter the system, the megastructure of the hyperspace condenser in your view. You watch as another fleet, a large cargo ship with some fuel carriers and a heavy escort, enters normal space outside of the standard traffic entering and exiting the system before being vaporised by the condenser's security systems. Further scans show Path members in the graveyard formed from their attack force, before they are hoovered up by automated salvage vessels, a reminder of why a frontal assault is not recommended.
The first destination of your shuttlecraft is Culann, the industrial centre of the Hybrasil system. Your ship travels to one of the more sparsely populated sectors of the pseudo-eucomopolis world before heading down. Even in the industrial sector, the chaotic heart of the planet is palpable. Street vendors on every corner, streets filled to the brim with people and buildings browned with pollution and use, or as the people of Culann call it "soul". Although Culann is one of the less pleasent places to live in the galaxy, the inhabitants maintain a firm sense of pride in being the heart of a major industrial empire and a blitz spirit towards the hardships found living in a planet-wide industrial slum. Whilst the meeting place is on one of the lower levels, it is far from the bottom, a place home to unkown terrors as is standard of a world such as Culann. You meet with the Faction Paradox agent who hands you your Eochu Bres passports before running through the plan as is standard. Get to the planet, enter the complex, reach the location and breach the vault. As your ships leave the artificially sustained atmosphere of the ex-gas giant you move past the Starship Bazaar, a gargantuan space station surrounded by more ships than your scanners can count.
Your ships is able to pass through the passport blockade of Eochu Bres with little to no difficulty and enter the planet's interdiction field. The various branch complexes each leave their marks on the planet's cold surface. The great agri-rings of Trion Agriculture, hundreds of miles wide each, sustained by terraforming megastructures that maintain the optimum climates for each of the rings. This starkly contrasts with the mountains that play home to the Trion Security complex, peppered by constant small arms fire that act as training for both Trion's military and mercenary branch. Your ship passes the Trion Shipping complex, the only one not to be based on the planet itself. While less sizable than the Culann Starship Bazaar, it still maintains a respectable amount of traffic as it controls the flow of goods into and out of the planet. Finally, your ship flies over the main corporate complex, guided in by an air traffic control officer who makes sure to check your permissions over three times and probably sends it to a higher up to be checked as well. The Corporate complex is the polar opposite of Culann, where Culann is chaotic and polluted, the Corporate complex is clean and controlled. Every shop has a standardised rotor of goods, every piece of public transport runs on time to the second with no privately owned vehicles in sight and every section of the city is surgically designed to be as efficient as possible. You finally find your way to the base of Trion Tower, the map leading to the datavault uploaded to all your PDAs, let the job commence.

Soo, there’s a lot for me to write here but I’ll try to keep it as short as possible. I wrote a previous post about finding out my bf has a porn addiction, I can attach a link to that for more background. Anyways, turns out there was a lot more to it. Over the course of 3-4 weeks since finding out about his PA, I’ve now learned he was; • Using, paying, and talking to girls on Onlyfans • Was looking and stalking them on Instagram daily • Has various subscriptions on multiple porn sites, he said he had 10, I’ve so far counted 29 • Was watching porn on twitter, Reddit, and Snapchat. When I asked him to delete any app/ account he was using for porn, he said he did, then told me after he “forgot” he had these accounts (even though he said he used them 2-3 times a week to watch porn) • Was still following his ex on instagram that he said he hadn’t spoken to, reached out to,and didn’t have her on any socials (she was his first love who cheated on him and broke up with him in 2019) then I found out he continued to message her and send her flowers for 3 years after the break up, with no response from her (mind you, this happened before we dated) •Was sexting onlyfans girls on Snapchat • he said he used escort services 5 times during covid because he was lonely and he never felt so horrible after. (Again, this was before we dated
Not only does his ex and the type of girls hes been going for look the same and are absolutely nothing like me. They have straight blonde hair, blue eyes, big asses, big titts, big fake lips, fake eyelashes, are curvy petite and are “russian” looking (if that makes sense) and I have curly brown hair, green eyes, small boobs, small butt, small lips, and am tall slim built. It honestly makes me feel like I’m not enough because i have zero qualities to what he finds “hot” or gets him off. He’s also explicitly told me how hot his first love was multiple times, and considers me pretty and cute but not as hot.
To top it off, last night I found out, he wasn’t just talking/ sexting to onlyfans girls on his snap chat, but also the escort girls he’s previously had sex with AND it wasn’t just 5 escorts he’s been with, but in fact he’s been with so many escorts, he doesn’t even know a number. I asked him on average how many and he said for 2 years it was atleast once a week (thats 104) and that the third year it was only once a month for half the year ( another 6) He justified that the escorts happened before we dated. (Regardless, it’s a bit fucked) I asked him if he used protection every time and he said yes, I asked if he had been tested for any stds, and he said anytime he donates blood he hasn’t had a problem…..
He’s NEVER had a full examination for this and I only just find this out. We’ve been dating for over a year and live together.
When I found out about the PA, he said he would never lie to me again, would tell me everything right away, would delete anything to do with porn, would give me all of his passwords (all of this hasnt happened yet)
He has however started therapy for PA, told his family and has a porn blocker app that he uses.
Genuinely don’t know what to do since this seems so much more than watching porn. He’s a compulsive liar, a porn addict, and it seems a sex addict? Even though, I have a higher sex drive, but he hardly ever wants to have sex with me.
What do I do?