I work for a major metropolitan library in the U.S. Let's say my name is John. My boss assigned me to generate an email template and submit it to the team for review and feedback. One of my coworkers decided to generate her own template with ChatGPT. In response, boss says "Let's stick closer to what John worked on. John, let us know when you have a final draft." Coworker then edits her AI template seconds before I complete my final draft and says "How's this?" I throw up my hands and say "It seems like 'Sally' wants to take the lead on this, and that's fine with me."
I feel stepped on and superfluous. Am I overreacting? "Sally" says she was just "providing feedback" and that I shouldn't have taken it personally, but it would never occur to me to fully do someone's job for them, especially bringing AI into it, and call it feedback.

After 1500 hours I finally start to see the benefit of puppeting over annexation. Before I always annex unless there's an issue (not enough garrison manpower, too much coast line/front line to cover ext.). The reasons for not taking puppet are that they keep going down their own focus tree and could cause trouble (provoke other nations, split into civil war etc). Similarly other nation could also take focus and have a war goal on the puppet, causing unwanted war at an inconvenient time.
But now I start to see the beneficial side: manpower, resource and factories I can get, especially from integrated puppet. But that also comes with an annoying problem: they just won't stop sending me shitty divisions. Not trained, poorly equipped, and shitty template which you can't change. Disbanding them just send them back to the pool and rinse and repeat. Is there a good way to stop this or at least use their manpower effectively? I could use some manpower for garrison, but apart from that there is nothing that could stop this waste of manpower.
One I can think of, is If I create a puppet division template (I did it years ago for the Tanu Tuva achievement. But I forgot how did I do it now, someone please remind me, is it copy their template and modify?). This way if I train a bunch of better templated divisions from now and then, should it be enough to stop the AI puppet creating their own shitty divisions?

Hi there,
I've recently finished SuperSquats just like another fellow gainer u/Runopologist who wrote an extensive post on hist SuperSquats run -> HERE. So i'll let myself skip the fluff ;)
Background & Training History
Almost 40y, M, 187cm/6'2, 97.5kg/215lbs (now) Began lifting in 2019 after 3years fat loss journey (120kg->76kg) started in 2016.
First program i've ever run was GZCLP, after 6m newbie gains pattered out and Covid struck. Eventually i've ended up in my garage building wooden rack to never looked back.
After gzclp i've fiddled with leangains but it didn't stick. Then i've run various 5/3/1 templates for better or worse. Generally i wasn't happy with my progress - lack of muscle mass(although i did gain some) and playing into clean/slow bulk fallacy(imho) caused me to spin wheels. So this year, after winter hiatus (lifting at freezing temperatures of 0C is no fun at all) I've deciced to embrace the bulk and see what happens. After all i KNOW how to stuff myself with copious amounts of food AND how to loose weight. Kudos to u/MythicalStrength and his "fat loss is easy" posts for stating the (now) obvious.
My SuperSquats
I did not run SuperSquats to the T. First change was dropping Rader chest pull - replaced with straight arm cable pulldowns - bonus for finally feeling triceps long head being worked. Second one was running it as uppelower split - due to time constraints(father of 6 did i mention that?)
Diet
Well I never had problem with undereating. So on top of regular 3 meal times (breakfast/dinnesupper) i had 2-3 full fat milka&protein shakes 60g protein each. And my own PBJ: THC, Toasted bread* Ham & Cheese. In general i've been hovering between 4k - 4,5k. I didn't count kcal on purpouse. And avoiding PUFAs as plague.
* I hail from place where bread means "sourdough bread" not the spongy thingie that tastes like cotton wool - thats called "toast bread".
Lifts. I went with conservative weight selection for all the lifts.
squats 40kg x20 -> 92.5 x15 - last workouts were more rest/pause-like. Funny thing is that it's the upper back( bar hold) that was failing not the legs.
bench: 60kg x12 -> 67.5 x12. Worth mentioning because at 3rd workout i've failed 3 straight sets of 12@60 - i had to spread last set over several ones. However during the last workout it was clean 12x67.5kg in 3 straight sets.
btn: Never done this lift so i've been estimating it based on my front/oh press. I've started with empty bar hit plateau at 32.5 rollbacked to 25kg all to 10x 37.5kg in the last workout.
Other lifts were ok - nothing worth mentioning
Results
Weight gain
I've started SuperSquats at 86kg after running 6weeks of PSMF (dropping from 93kg). Now i sit at 97.5 kgs.
Thats 11.5kg which is 25lbs.
The gut got bigger. But that was expected. T-shirts and pants feel tighter in all the right places. But i wont try to guesstimate fat/muscle ratio. Probably more fat than muscle. But remember fat loss is easy!
Future I plan to run the strength program mentioned in SuperSquats book with DanJohn's squat 101 from Mass Made Simple - just to relearn squating. diet wise - dial back to ~2,5k kcals and lass carbs Then it's going to be cutting time - so maybe Jamie Lewis Feast&Famine, PSMF or Velocity diet - not sure which one.
[Edit]
Progress pics:
I dont have pre-supersquats photo. but just for refrence i give you one from weightloss period ~late 2017 where i've weighted 95kg. https://imgur.com/a/FTgO8ed

Okay so my boyfriend (M22) and I (F22) worked at Kroger together in early January of 2023. My boyfriend had been working at Kroger for 4 years prior, but ended up moving to the Kroger near me since we were practically living together at that time. I already had another job luckily, so working at Kroger was just a way to get extra funds in my pocket and to spend more time with my bf.
Just a little side note before we get into things, my bf and I told Kroger we were dating in my interview to avoid troubles of having to pretend we weren’t (not that we were planning on making out in front of everyone lol, we didn’t even kiss whenever we were there), but we wanted to avoid the hassle.
First day I start working, I watch some stupid videos about the company, blah blah, but for some reason they couldn’t get me in the system to do training. So what was their grand idea? Stick my ass out on the floor to start work. By now I somewhat know how it goes since I often visited my bf at work before this and he also would talk to me about it. Also, it’s stocking fruits and veggies, it’s not rocket science lol.
After a couple of weeks go by, I asked my managers if I was getting paid that week. They said “Oh, well we’re actually having troubles getting you paid.” Right then and there, I probably should’ve stopped working, but I was assuming because its a state-wide company that maybe they had their shit together enough to figure it out soon… they didn’t. 6 FUCKING MONTHS go by before I get paid. But that’s a story for another time.
A few weeks go by and nothing was really wrong, but my bf said he was getting dirty looks from some of the workers and I noticed it too. One of them was our bitch of a manager. You know how I mentioned that we told Kroger about us dating? Well, our manager was secretly dating our assistent manager, and didn’t know we knew (we knew only because my bf hears shit cause he’s been working there for son long), but neither of them knew we knew. So then comes the time when us dating became a problem.
I know I said I wanted to work there to spend time with my mans but at the same time, I was avoiding trouble. Often if we wanted to talk we’d talk over the phone with some headphones hidden in our hoodies, but any time in person we only talked when I had a question, or when I needed help. One day, I walk over to my bf to ask him a question and one of the managers (let’s call him Jeff) came over and yelled at us saying “you guys aren’t allowed to talk”…. tf is this, elementary school? You wanna move our seats away? Like okay? THE ONLY REASON I ASK HIM FOR HELP IS BECAUSE ALL THE MANAGERS JUST STAND AND TALK IN A FUCKING CIRCLE LIKE ITS SOCIAL HOUR. Our managers that were dating also talked to us about it as if our manger LITERALLY didn’t quit work in the middle of a shift because her and the assistant manager were fighting. So this is who we’re giving manager positions to huh? A manager who is hypoctritical, lazy, careless, and act like teenager. And I, as NOT A MANAGER, can’t even talk to my bf without getting in trouble? Fucked.
Anyways, the unnecessary and out-of-pocket evil eyes continued towards us from all the managers, so I brought it to the general manager. The general manager continued to say the other managers are racist (My bf is black/white and I’m Mexican/Filipino, so needless to say this made sense, but was sorta out-of-pocket and if you know this as a general manager who works above them, maybe um… fire them?)
They ended up moving me to front end because they said “You’re better off here” and that “you’re lucky because we were gonna fire you”, which they didn’t even say to me they told my bf that, like why are you going around telling others this and not me?? Also, they couldn’t fire me because I only missed 2 days, one because I literally had no way to get there cause I live in butt-fuck Ohio and the roads were terrible, and last time I checked I’m not risking my life for fucking Kroger (you got me fucked up). The other time I called off I was genuinley sick. So no, anyone who’s ever worked at Kroger knows damn well they can’t just fire me for that.
SO, I quit. I came in the next day and told Jeff basically, “screw all of you, goodbye”. He then, told all the other managers he was going to CALL MY OTHER JOB AND TELL THEM WHAT HAPPENED. I genuinley laughed at this because, who the fuck cares besides you, Jeff, the petty, sad, sack of shit. Anyways, I had enough of the bullshit because everyone was super bitchy from the beginning and lemme just say, I’m usually not like this, I’m not gonna say I’m a nice person because I’m definitely not always, but I always try to be kind to everyone, so when people come outta pocket with attitudes and problems, I stick up for myself.
The worst part of it all is that I had to call the union literally 4+ times a week for 6 whole months to try and get them to figure out how to fucking pay me. I deadass wanted to rob them to get what I deserved (obviously I didn’t but I considered it enough to almost go through with it lol).
Fucking Kroger

Hello !
So... I'm rei_mayo, and I have a little bit unrealistic project. I create OCs and I imagine characters in lore what would they be in game.
I'm French, so I'm sorry for my bad English ! I prefer precise that there is just original or official content in the post ! This is just from the currents versions of the game and from my head !
Since one year, I work in my free time on this project and there is multiple things :
-First part : the lore of the project, like the background and the location ;
-Second part : the relics, and the elevation materials ;
-Third part : the characters, and the banners ;
-Fourth and last part : the plot of the history (in the big lines).
I prefer to precise why I do this. When I play video games, I love to create characters when it's possible, and in MiHoYo games, it's not possible... But, create characters that only me like, it's very selfish, so I would like to present them to have notices if they are fantastic !

First part :

So, the history would be in a location called the "Shìjiè-Chuán of Xianzhou" (nb : mean Ship-World (世界船) in Chinese). The Shìjiè-Chuán is the capital and the most important part of the Alliance. A little time after Lan became an Aeon, Yaoshi asks to an Emanator to kill the Emperor of Xianzhou and to make a plague mark in the original planet of Xianzhou.
Lan discovers that and he purifies the planet, kill Abominations, destroys the plague mark. With the remains of the planet and the Xianzhouan (?) planet, he creates a huge boat, the Shìjiè-Chuán.
For comparative, the Shìjiè-Chuán is so huge that all the other boats can fit in with no problem. It's contains important locations like :
-The Judgment Palace : The place where the Ten Lords and the Generals Arbiters judges the most dangerous criminals. Despite the fact the criminals are jail in the Xuling, they really are judge in the Shìjiè-Chuán.
-The Starry Streets : Streets where neon, big screens and buildings are. The popular streets of the Shìjiè-Chuán, mix of tradition and modernity.
-The Fallen Garden : A garden where plants of all the planets who were saved by the Hunt are. It's also the place where the Yamato was before the Emanator of Lan gets him.
-The Shackling Prison : The prison of Xianzhou, where all the criminals of the Alliance are located. In the depths of the prison, just one person is remained... Shuhu, Emanator of Abundance.
-The siege of the Ten Lords Commission : The place where all the Ten Lords (not included the Fallen King and the Stellar Queen) are when there is no process. It's also the place where all the Judges, the Wraith Wardens and the Aurumations are when they don't have missions.
-The boats Goldsmithery : The place where the boats of the Alliance are repair. Actually, the Cangcheng is here for reparation after the destruction of Rahu.
-Other places... How to discover them ? Play~
And here is some clarifications !
So, who is the Marshals ?
In my idea, Hua is a false Marshal, to cover and hide the Shìjiè-Chuán, but she's really powerful. She would be a Fu Hua expy... And I will talk about her later...
The reals Marshals are Rei -The Fallen King- and Xingxing -The Stellar Queen-.
Rei is the Emanator (and the only) of Lan. Called the Fallen King because of a legend, he's considered like the most powerful person of the Alliance. He carries a divine katana called the Yamato-Shinigami. (nb : Yamato > Yama, Hindu god and judge of the dead. The Chinese god Yanluowang or Yanluo Wang has his origins in Yama. Shinigami > Death Kami). I will talk about him later.
Xingxing (nb : star (星星) in Chinese) is an Emanator of Nous and a Eclairor (?) of IX. Called the Stellar Queen because she uses stars with martial art for fight, she done renovations in the Shìjiè-Chuán for make it more modern. I will talk about her later too.
The Marshals are the boss of Xianzhou and of all the factions who follow the Hunt, like the Galaxy Rangers. They rule all the commissions, and are very important, but they rule different commissions. For example, The Fallen King rule the Cloud Knights, but the Stellar Queen rule the Artisanship Commission. The only Commission they rule together is the Ten Lords Commission.
Who is the Ten Lords ?
In my idea, the Ten Lords Commission would be composed with eight Lords and the two Marshals, and that would be the Ten Lords. In game, it's said that nobody knows where the commission is despite the members of the Commission them-self, but she would be in the Shìjiè-Chuán. The Ten Lords would be :
-The Fallen King ;
-The Stellar Queen ;
-Yuen (I will talk about her later) ;
-Styx, an Emanator of Finality and a member of the Galaxy Rangers (I will talk about him later);
-Athena (I will talk about her later) ;
-and other people... NPCs, so we don't care about them.
Who is really Hua ?
In my idea, Hua would be a "Marshal". When she (in my mind, she's a she) appears in public, she is the Marshal, but in the Shìjiè-Chuán, she's judge like a General. Her title would be the "Fenghuang" (nb : phoenix of Chinese mythology).She would be in the General of the Cangcheng when he would be repair.
But... The Cangcheng is destroyed, no ?
Yes, he was devoured by the activated planet Rahu. But in the year 8098 (so two years before the game), Rei destroyed Rahu (and killed ~10 000 000 000 of abominations). That liberated the remains of the Cangcheng, and Xianzhou is trying repair him.
Why Shuhu is in the prison ? Shouldn't be dead ?
Technically, she's in prison, but it's precised that nobody knows if it's the really Shuhu of not. In fact, in each prison of Xianzhou, a few reproductions mecha-organics were made by the Stellar Queen for hide the real Shuhu. In the Shìjiè-Chuán, she's just a spirit, seal in a transparant box cell. She just wants to talk with five persons : The Fallen King, the Stellar Queen, Yuen, Blade and Jing Yuan. The unique persons who know that Shuhu is alive are the Ten Lords, the Generals and the Stellaron Hunters. Her real body and remains are with the Abundance, but originally her remains were with Xianzhou, and her spirit was with the Abundance.
Now, here is some more lore that I created :
The Trinity of the Abundance :
If you never see Yaoshi, THEY have a lot of plants in THEIR representation. There is a wheat, a bramble, and a large tree.
I imagine that the members of Abundance considered that these three plants are divines. For them, the wheat represent the immortality, the bramble represent the price to pay for become immortal and the thanks to Yaoshi, and the tree represent the life the Abundance offer to the mortals.Traditionally, the Emanators must wear one of these three symbols. For example, Shuhu wears brambles for gives her blood to Yaoshi.
At the opposite, each plant that the Hunt has purified is considered as a sin. For example, each lotus in the Xianzhou Alliance is a sin for Abundance. But the lotus in the planets of Abundance are holy. The lotus is the incarnation of Yaoshi THEM-SELF, but only if it's in a planet of Abundance.
Rakshasa and Luocha :
If you know Luocha, I think I don't to explain that is said that he's related to the Abundance. And Luocha is an other name for "Rakshasa", a type of evil spirit of the Buddhist mythologize who are cannibals. So, I will tell you who they are :
So, after the planet of Luocha get destroyed and his wife gets killed under his eyes, Yaoshi gave to him immortality and powers to become an Emanator of Abundance. Luocha asks to resuscitated his wife, but Yaoshi tells that THEY will do that if Luocha destroys one of the different boats of the Xianzhou Alliance. But Luocha, who was a doctor in his original planet, cannot do that. But the time past, and he couldn't do that... But Yaoshi implants an sort of mara in him, like an evil spirit, so Luocha decided something.
I imagine that Luocha create a another corpse/puppet with remains of different corpses, and transverse the evil part of him in this, but not his powers and his immortality, to trying to find an another way to resuscitate his wife. He create a coffin with powers of Abundance for conserve the corpse of his love, and decided to leave the Abundance, and became a interstellar merchant for trying to discover how to resuscitate his wife.
But Yaoshi couldn't accept that. So THEY gave powers and life to the puppet contained Rakshasa, and THEY gave immortality. And Rakshasa became an Emanator of Yaoshi, for avenge him and Yaoshi. But because he was born from Luocha spirit, he has his savior of doctor.
Rakshasa tries, with Shuhu and the living planet Rahu, to destroy the Shìjiè-Chuán. But the Stellar Queen fought him, and "kill him". But Rakshasa false his death, and he takes with him the remains of Shuhu.
Rakshasa is known for his cannibalism and for his experiences. He's like a Dottore in term of personality, but more crazy and more psychopathic.
The Yamato-Shinigami and the divine spirits of the Hunt :
So, what is the Yamato-Shinigami ?
This saber is an odachi created by Lan, to purge the Abominations and for the Emanators of Lan. So, Lan created this saber with a galaxy and imaginary energy for this first Emanator, but when he dies, Lan hid the saber in the Shìjiè-Chuán for the next Emanator... A long time ago, Rei meditated in the Stellar Garden after the death of his mother, and the Yamato has called him. Since this event, he and the Yamato are lied and the odachi is his saber.
Lan doesn't choose the Carrier of the Yamato, but it's the saber himself who choose his owner. The saber has only two owners in his life : The first Emanator of Lan and Rei.
Lan doesn't place the powers he gives to his Emanator in the Emanator, he place the powers in the Yamato. More the Emanator does miracles and heroics acts, more the Emanator gain the power. Actually, Rei have 100% of his powers, but there is a state more powerful : the Resonance.The Resonance is a phenomenon that caused when the willpower of the Emanator and the willpower of the Yamato are the same, and the power of the Emanator are increase so much that the people say when the Fallen King reach this state temporary, he becomes powerful as a Aeon.
But this state can be permanent, if the willpower of Rei became so strong that him and the Yamato become just one. The spirit in the saber changes his form according to who is the person who meet him. And he doesn't fight, the spirit of the Yamato-Shinigami doesn't fight with Emanators. The Yamato measure ~225 cm/~7,3 feet, and his pound is unknown. (The pound depend of who carries the blade. Very light for the carrier but very heavy for the other)
But what are the divine spirits of the Hunt ?
Do you know the Lighting Lord ? I think yes.>! In the lore, it's "said" and showed that the past General of the Luofu, Teng Xiao, uses the Lightning Lord, like Jing Yuan. But not the same sword, because of the Starfall Reverie has been forged by Blade when he was Yingxing.!< So I imagined that :
The first Generals, when they passed away, Lan take there spirits and gives a lot of power. Since the creations of these spirits, they are give to the Generals, until they choose to retire. Then, it's give to the next Generals, and this cycle is repeated. These spirits are unlike of the spirit of the Yamato, because they don't give their powers and doesn't are in a weapon. Plus, the spirit of the Yamato can't fight with his carrier.
Technically, the General Arbiters are Emanators, like Rei, but the divine spirits changes all. Rei does have powers of Lan/The Hunt and he has the Yamato-Shinigami, but if he fights without, he changes nothing (just the fact that the Yamato uses as a multiplying for the slashes. But if the Generals fights without the spirits, it would changes. (it's a theory/created lore, so please, not rude in comments !)
So the divine spirits would be like the reasons why the Generals of the Hunt are considered as Emanators.
So, now, I think the first part is finish... Let's go to the second part !

Second part :

The relics :
For the relics, I imagine some relics and some planet ornaments :
1 : Set of the Tearful Child of the Moon :
Memories of the Moon's Child : Beyond dreams, the tearful child of the Moon remembers his mother during the day, and finds her again at night. The child of the Moon is said to protect his mother from nightmarish creatures as she searches for her lost husband among the stars.
Protective cuddly toy of the Moon's Child : Beyond dreams, the tearful child of the Moon protects his mother with his teddy bear during the day, and finds her again at night. It is said that the child of the Moon is always accompanied by his faithful teddy bear, which the Sun himself is said to have woven for him.
Moon's Child pajamas : Beyond dreams, the tearful child of the Moon protects his mother and walks the land by day, and finds her at night. The Moon Child is said to always be dressed in extremely light blue pajamas, and to protect him from any enemies he may encounter.
Warmth of the Moon's Child : Beyond dreams, the tearful child of the Moon protects his mother, the Moon, during the day, and joyfully reunites with her at night. It is said that the child of the Moon never despairs because of a gift from his mother, his maternal love.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases Imaginary DMG by 10%.
4 pcs : Increases CRIT rate by 15% and the CRIT DMGS by 25% for 2 turns after the porter uses his skill or his ultimate. Not cumulative.
2 : Set of the Blazing Goddess.
Divine Crown of the Blazing Goddess : A crown of incandescent flowers that ignite the hope of being rescued. The crown shines like a beacon for a castaway, and illuminates the hope of new and flourishing days.
Divine brambles and roses of the Blazing Goddess : Bracelets sinking into the flesh and blooming incandescent roses of blood, awakening Beauty to the divine state. It is said that these roses are the most beautiful in all existence, and that it only blooms in contact with the blood of Beauty.
Divine dress of the Blazing Goddess : A burning and brilliant dress, making even the stars admire it. The flames of this dress conceal inestimable treasures, the words and thoughts of Beauty, which leave in diamond whispers and stellar sighs.
Graceful step of the Graceful Grace of the Blazing Goddess : Beautiful shoes covered in burning flowers, growing roses with every step. It is said that the whole universe could not help but admire these flowers with their incandescent beauty, and that the flowers admired Beauty itself.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases DoT by 20%.
4 pcs : Increases DoT by 15% when an ally or the porter deals DoT to an enemy. Increases fire DMGS by 15% when the porter uses their ultimate. The effect lasts 2 turns and can be accumulate 3 times.
3 : Set of the Keeper of the Fighting Will.
Ancient helmet of the Keeper of the Will : An old ancient helmet found on the ashes of a battlefield. When putting it on, you can hear the soldiers screaming and fighting, while the previous owner of this helmet beat to the rhythm to galvanize his troops.
Galvanizing Wands and Drum of the Will : Ancient drumsticks accompanied by a drum found on an old battlefield. If you strike the drum even once with the old sticks, you can feel your body filling with the will to fight.
Ancient chain mail of the Keeper of the Will : An old, slightly battered piece of mail, found on an old battlefield. Despite the age of the armor, it shines with a burning brilliance of an insatiable will to win and fight.
Ancient sandals of the Keeper of the Will : Old solid wooden sandals found on an ancient battlefield. When we put them on, a thrill spreads through our body, and a will to victory and battle is triggered.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increase Energy Regeneration Rate by 20%
4 pcs : For each enemy eliminated thanks to the porter's ultimate, increase the Energy Regeneration Rate by 5% and the DMGS by 15% for all the allies for 2 turns. The effect can be accumulated 3 times.
4 : Set of the Hopeless Plague Doctor.
Terrifying mask of the Hopeless Plague Doctor : The mask of a doctor who kills, destroys, and inoculates plague and immortality to the mortals. The hope go away and the despair arrives, to condemned all the patients, and give their blood to the greatest of the greatest Aeon, the Abundance.
Needle claws of the Hopeless Plague Doctor : The claws of a doctor who kills, destroys, and inoculates plague and immortality to the mortals. The plague in one, the despair in another, the immortality in another and the last takes the blood of the patients to give to THEM.
Calamity dress of the Hopeless Plague Doctor : The dress of a doctor who kills, destroys, and inoculates plague and immortality to the mortals. The blood and the suffer of all the people who became patients of this mad doctor are in this dress... But there is also the benediction of the Abundance.
Bloody boots of the Hopeless Plague Doctor : The boots of a doctor who kills, destroys, and inoculates plague and immortality to the mortals. Blood. Just blood. Only blood. Blood of THEM. Blood of Abundance. But serve as the shoes of the doctor. Of the mad doctor.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases Max HP by 15%.
4 pcs : When the wearer consumed their HP or the allies's HP, their CRIT Rate and their CRIT DMGS get increased by 6% for 2 turns. This effect can be accumulated 4 times.
5 : Set of the Godly Hope Doctor.
Kindly mask of the Godly Hope Doctor : The mask of the doctor who has acceded to the redemption. Before, he was a Emanator, who tries to destroy for heals his love. But now, he's a doctor, a healer, and a benefactor... Despite his kind mask, a deep sadness live in his spirit, but he always live with his mask who hide his suffer.
Holy gloves of the Godly Hope Doctor : The gloves and the pendant of a doctor. The redemption and the kindness breathe in those objects, who have heals so many people. An holy energy can be feel in these accessories, and all the kindness of a man who loved his wife live in this.
Greatest coat of the Godly Hope Doctor : The coat of the doctor who heals all his patients. In this coat, all of the kindness and the healing power of this doctor are concentrate, but there is, hide in the depths of the clothe, a melancholy... A melancholy of his ancient planet.
Divine boots of the Godly Hope Doctor : The boots of the doctor who always heals his allies. In those shoes, all the journey of this doctor is gathered... Even if a kindness is present, the deep sorrow of all the travels that is here.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases Max HP by 15%.
4 pcs : When the wearer heals their HP or the allies's HP, their Outgoing Healing and their ATK increase by 20% during 2 turns. This effect can be accumulated 4 times.
6 : Set of the All-mighty Burning Father.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases Max HP by 20%.
4 : When the wearer deals Break DMGS or Super Break DMGS, the wearer and the allies gains Stack of "Blazing Child", up to maximum 6 stacks. "Blazing Child" increase the HP, the Break DMGS and the Super Break DMGS by 20% for each stack, and when the wearer gains 6 stacks, then the Energy Regeneration Rate increase by 10% and the Super Break DMGS increase by 50%.
Now, it's time to present the planet ornaments !
1 : ~Set of the Judgment Ship~
Judgment Palace of the Shìjiè-Chuán of Xianzhou : Sealed within this planar sphere is Shìjiè-Chuán, sacred land of Xianzhou. The World Ship floats and admires a new starry landscape every year to escape the abominations. You can see the Palace of Judgment, the Star Garden, the Goldsmith of Ships, and all kinds of other places, each one as important and fabulous as the last.
Promise of the Lovers of the Shìjiè-Chuán of Xianzhou : In Shìjiè-Chuán, it is said that the wind and rain bring back the dreams and promises of old. And some say that the promise of two lovers kissing in the rain can be heard in the Star Garden.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases the CRIT DMGS by 25%. If the CRIT Rate reaches 40/50, the CRIT DMGS are increase by 25%/35%, and the CRIT DMGS are increase by 10% each time that the porter uses their ultimate. The effect can be accumulated 2 times, and lasts 3 turns.
2 : ~Set of the Floral Echo of the Ashes~
Flowering ashes of Fjoralys : Sealed within this planar sphere is Fjoralys, a once flowery and warm planet. When the Destruction came, life and people on the planet all died. Not one survived. Except a little girl, daughter of the stars. Now, flowers of yesteryear rise from the ashes of Destruction, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Star goldwork of Fjoralys : In the flames of Fjoralys's destruction, only the stars and a little girl witnessed the massacre. And when life, flowers, and trees resurfaced, the stars cried with joy, washing the earth of all this sadness to put, in its place, colorful joy and flowers... Thousands of them.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases DoT by 12%. If the wearer deals DoT to an enemy, then the DoT dealt to enemies increases by 26%.
So, let's go to the next part !
3 : ~Set of the Duality of the Rulers~
Starry Yin and fallen Yang of the duality of Rulers : Sealed in this planar sphere are two complementary wills, that of the two rulers of Xianzhou, a brother and a sister. Depending on the inclination of the sphere, we can see different memories appear and disappear, like fleeting winds facing the erosion of time.
Brotherhood of the duality of Rulers : Tears, blood, joy and friendship are condensed in these threads of destiny. It is said that the years erode certain things, but the threads of destiny grow and become denser to the rhythm of the emotions of the two Rulers.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases Break effect by 12%. Each time that the wearer or an ally deals Super Break DMGS, the wearer gains a stack of "Rule of Flame", up to maximum 4 stack(s). A stack of Rule of Flames increases Break Effect by 20%.
4 : ~Set of the activated planet Rahu~
Floral sea of ​​lotuses of Abundance : Sealed within this planar sphere is the living planet Rahu, eater of Cangcheng and guardian of the lotus scourge. It is said that the living planet blows billions of lotus petals that rip the life force from humans and offer them to the abominations. On this planet lies its heart, the lotus floral sea, where abominations and Emanators bathe in the human suffering.
Bridge of Immortal Hope of Abundance : It is said that every Emanator must pass through the "bridge of immortal hope" if he wants to be in total symbiosis with his body. This bridge was carved from the flesh and blood of Yaoshi, after THEY fought with the Emanator of Lan thousands of years ago, and it now glows a beautiful blood red, and screams the damned who did not know how to listen to their bodies.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases the CRIT DMGS by 10%. If the HP of the wearer reaches 3000 or more, then their CRIT DMGS increases 20% more. Each 1000 HP more than 3000 HP increase the CRIT Rate by 5%.
5 : ~Set of the Sacred Land of Annihilators~
Sacred Temple of Annihilating Destruction : Sealed within this planar sphere are the ashes of the old and new worlds, in the form of the Temple of Destruction. Everything in this palace has been destroyed by Nanook and THEIR Ravager Lords, and the Antimatter Legion pines and enjoys the suffering extinguished by the devastating breath of Destruction itself.
Petals and sobs of annihilating Destruction : On the planets that the Legion destroys, the Ravager Lords always bring back two things, a person, the sole survivor, and flower petals sticky with blood. The petals then mingle with the sobs of the last living creature, creating pitifully perfect flowers and trees.
Effect :
2 pcs : Increases ATK at 14%. If the HP of the wearer reaches 4000/5000 or more, then the DMGS of their ultimate and their skill increases by 15/25%.
6 : ???
2 pcs : ???
4 pcs : ???
7 : ???
2 pcs : ???
4 pcs : ???
So now, the elevation materials !
The Hunt : Ancient runny cord of the Divine Bow :
A thread who was once part of the Divine Bow of the Aeon of the Hunt, and who was emit after of a battle. It's now a shooting star. Used to level up Traces slightly for Hunt characters.
Purge Echo of the Divine Bow :
An image of the bow that Lan uses, who remain in the space and the time after THEY throw an arrow. Used to level up Traces moderately for Hunt characters.
Full Incarnation of the Divine Bow :
The bow that Lan uses, constitute by imaginary energy and stars, who can destroy space-times and galaxies. Used to level up Traces significantly for Hunt characters.
The Nihility : Fragment of lazy memory :
A glowing fragment of the memory of someone who has been blessed by the Nihility. Used to level up Traces slightly for Nihility characters.
Once nihilistic reminiscence :
The glowing piece of the memory of a past Eclairor of the Nihility. The rare images of the memories are colorless. Used to level up Traces moderately for Nihility characters.
Memory of an Auto-Annihilator :
A red glowing jewel, who contain all the life of an Auto-Annihilator. All the memories are scramble by the black sun. Used to level up Traces slightly for Nihility characters.
The Abundance : Godless tear of the Abundance :
Plague of the Immortal :
Suffering of the thousand recoveries :
The Harmony : (I don't have ideas, sorry T^T)
And for the other paths... You have to wait (Sorry T^T)

Third part :

For the order of apparition of the characters, it would be :
?.0 : Xixian (first phase) 5 star Harmony ; Thunde Yuen (second phase) 5 star Erudition ; Wind, with 4 star character
?.1 : Rakshasa (first phase) 5 star Abundance ; Ice/ Hua (second phase) 5 star Fire ; Destruction, with 4 star character
?.2 : Xingxing (first phase) 5 star Nihility ; Fire/ Rei (second phase) 5 star Hunt ; Imaginary
?.3 : Shuhu (first phase) 5 star Abundance ; Quantum/ Athena (second phase) Harmony ; Wind, with 4 star character
?.4 : Elio (first phase) 5 star Preservation ; Thunder (can change)/ Styx (second phase) 5 star Erudition ; Quantum.
So, who is Xixian ?
Xixian is the Lieutenant of the Shìjiè-Chuán. She's around 60, and she's a long-life specie. She wears a artificial arm, because Rakshasa cut off her arm during the battle of the Shìjiè-Chuán. She trusts the Fallen King and the Stellar Queen, but she's a little overprotective in them.
Xixian is a character of the Harmony who can increase different stats depending on the Path of the character. If it's a Destruction/Hunt/Erudition character, she can increase CRIT DMGS and ATK. If it's a Preservation character, she can increase DEF. If it's a Nihility character, she can increase the Effect Hit Rate and the DoT DMGS. If it's a Abundance character, she can increase the Outgoing Healing Boost. And if it's a Harmony character, she can increase ERR. Her bonus can last for 1 turn. Her ultimate can increase the duration of the bonus of the characters to 2 more turns.
So, who is Yuen ?
Yuen is one of the Ten Lords. Nicknamed as the Erudite, she's the most younger person named in the post of one of the Ten Lords. Despite the fact she's still a child/teenager, she's very wise and intelligent, and she's a very good strategist.
Yuen is a character of the Erudition that inflict wind DMGS. Her technique and her ultimate would change with her talent, Condensation. For example, less enemies are here, more DMGS are inflict : 5-4 enemies in the battlefield : Effect Zone ; 3 enemies in the battlefield : Burst ; 2 - 1 enemies in the battlefield : Unique target. But don't worry, you can choose what type of attack the skill does. Her talent can also increases her CRIT DMGS and ATK.
So, who is Rakshasa ?
Rakshasa is an Emanator of the Abundance, and he was the evil part of Luocha. His body was simply a puppet, but Yaoshi make his body organic... So he would be very flexible. He would fight with needle-gloves.
Rakshasa is a character of the Abundance who can heal... But with a particular way ! So, all the allies have a effect at the beginning of the battle : "Holy Sacrifice", who is his talent. When a character lost HP, the Holy Sacrifice absorbs his loss of HP, until a limit. The skill of Luocha can release the Holy Sacrifice for heals the ally, and makes the effect reborn. Release the Holy Sacrifice can increase the DMGS and the ATK of Rakshasa. Also, his talent take some allies's HP in each turn to increases the Holy Sacrifice. His ultimate, who would be an Burst, can uses the HP of the allies to increase the DMGS and the CRIT DMGS of Rakshasa, and then, he attacks the enemy/enemies. Then, he releases the Holy Sacrifice of all the characters to heal them.
His VA would be the same of Luocha, Craig Lee Thomas.
So, who is Hua ?
Hua is a sort of Marshal of Xianzhou. Even if in public, she appears as the Marshal, she's in reality the future General of the Cangcheng, and she possesses the divine spirit of the boat, the Inferno-Empress. Her nickname is the Fenghuang.
The Inferno-Empress would appears like a gigantic phoenix.
Hua is a character of the Destruction who deals Fire DMGS, but also Super Break Effect. So, the Inferno-Empress would be like the Lightning-Lord, but when shes uses her ultimate, the Inferno-Empress merges with her and she enters in the "Fenghuang" state. When she's in this state, every attack that Hua uses consumes her HP. But, each time that her HP get consumed, her Break Effect increase. The state lasts for 2 turns, and she inflects Super Break Effect. At the end, a sort of a ultimate attack is trigger and all the HP (even the HP that are not here, for example, if her max HP is 10000, but she only has 8000 HP, then her HP are going to be in -2000) are consumed and the Break Effect is increase in a certain value for each 500 HP that are consume, and she inflicts DMGS and Super Break Effect for the enemies who are in Weakness Break. She cans heal herself with the DMGS that she has done, but the heal cannot exceed 75% of her HP ! The Inferno-Empress deals Fire DMGS, and Super Break Effect to the enemies who are in Weakness Break.
So, who is Xingxing ?
Xingxing is one of the two Marshals of Xianzhou, the Stellar Queen, an Emanator of the Erudition, an Eclairor of the Nihility and one of the Ten Lords. She's the possessor of the Stellar Marks, a gift of the Erudition who can permits to create micro-stars and stellar flames to fight. With the power of the Nihility, she create black holes also for fight.
She's 17 years old, and she would uses the same model as for March !
Xingxing is a character of the Nihility who deals Fire DMGS. She cans add more DoT on enemies who already have DoT with her special DoT : Starburn, who can also inflects Burn. Starburn is inflect to the enemies with her skill and her ultimate. She can also reach multiple enemies because she does effect zone attacks. Her talent can increases the DoT DMGS she does to the enemies depending on their HP.
Her VA would be Judy Alice Lee (VA of Melinoë).
So, who is Rei ?
Rei is one of the two Marshals of Xianzhou, the Carrier of the Yamato-Shinigami, the unique Emanator of the Hunt, the chief of the Galaxy Rangers and one of the Ten Lords. Anyway, he's a very important person of the Xianzhou Alliance. He's from a forgotten planet, who has been destroyed by the Abundance. Rescued by the past Marshal, Lingyue when he was six years old, he quickly became one of the greatest fighter of the Alliance at his teenage years.
He is 19 years old, and he is around 1m96/~6,43 feet. (so I think he's one of the most tall character.). He's VERY muscular, and very handsome (according to me)
Rei is a Hunt character (an Emanator of this path) who deals Imaginary DMGS. His gameplay would be concentrate in the CRIT DMGS. Depending on the attacks, it's giving to him "Fallen Royalty" accumulations. When he has a certain number of this accumulation, he entering in the "Fallen King" state, who increased his CRIT rate and his CRIT DMGS and reinforce his skill and his ultimate. For his ultimate, it increases his CRIT rate and his CRIT DMGS, and he gives 9 slashes to the enemy. When he's in the "Fallen King" state, it's would increase his CRIT rate and CRIT DMGS, also gives XIII (4, 4, and 5) slashes to an enemy. For each slash that are a CRIT hit, an additional slash is inflect. Each additional slash increases the Rei's CRIT DMGS, and they do a CRIT vulnerability. If all the all the additional slashes has been concluded, then a last additional slash is inflect. When he does CRIT DMGS when he uses his ultimate in the "Fallen King" state, it's does another hit in the enemy.
Here is his description :
"One of the two Marshals of the Xianzhou Alliance, the Carrier of the Yamato, the Emanator of Lan and the Fallen King. Feared by his enemies, respected by his allies. He always wears a fickle smile, and he always brings death with him.
Lan, the Reignbow Arbiter entrust the Yamato to Rei, the greatest weapon of all the Alliance. As a great strategist, he's also a good brother. He knows all the Stellaron Hunters, and he's apparently in a relation with the Stellaron Hunter named Blade..."
His VA would be Kaiji Tang (the VA of Gojo).
So, who is Shuhu ?
Shuhu is an Emanator of Yaoshi, considered as the "daughter of the Abundance". She's always with a scythe made with the body of Yaoshi and with the bones of her victims. She has a very sense of the sadism and she hates the humanity for all they have done to her.
Shuhu is a character of the Abundance who deals Quantum DMGS. She has three skills : One where she consumes the HP of the allies for increase DMGS and CRIT DMGS, and she attacks the enemies. An other where she consumes her HP for increase DMGS and CRIT DMGS, and where she attacks the enemies. And the last where she attacks the enemies for steal the HP of the enemies for heals her and the allies. In her ultimate, she consumes her HP and the allies's HP for increase her DMGS, her CRIT DMGS and her CRIT rate, and she attacks the enemies for steal the enemies's HP and heals the allies.
So, who is Athena ?
Athena is one of the Ten Lords, nicknamed as the Protector. She's always with a owl named Zhìhuì (nb : wisdom in Chinese (智慧)), and is a real master of the strategy and the war inventions, but she's also one of the more oldest members of the Ten Lords.
Athena is a character of the Harmony who can increase the DMGS and the ATK of the allies with her skill. Her talent can increase all the allies's RES PEN and their SPD. Her ultimate can increase all the allies's CRIT DMGS for 2 turns, for a chosen ally, she cans place her owl for 2 turns, who inflict additional DMGS on the enemy/enemies who the ally attacks. Also, if the ally get attack, the owl defend them with a counterattack.
So, who is Elio ?
Elio is the chef of the Stellaron Hunters (and if you don't know that, you must haven't touch HSR). I imagine him as a cat (practically not imagine, because it's quite official, but not official, so you know), but he uses his puppet... I doesn't draw him because I know that his design already be... You know what. I imagine him very kind and mysterious.
Elio is a character of the Preservation who can predict the DMGS of the allies. His skill would be a shield. For his ultimate, it's would add a status for all the allies and him : "Forecast of the Script". This effect would last one turn, and would cancel all the DMGS the allies receive.
So, who is Styx ?
AH-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ! You have to wait !

Fourth part :

The history would be in the Shìjiè-Chuán, and here is the principal plot :
First quest : " You and the Astral Express receive a mysterious call of Jing Yuan, who telling you that he have something important to said to you. The thing in question is that is a feast for the "saviors of the Luofu" (the Nameless) in the... Shìjiè-Chuán ?! Not time for chatting, Jing Yuan gives you the localisation of the mysterious ship, and the Astral Express start his new journey... "
Second quest : " After a few warp jumps, you finally reach the Shìjiè-Chuán, capital of the Xianzhou Alliance. After meet all of the Generals and the Lieutenant Xixian, it's finally the time for you to meet the Ten Lords, including the Fallen King and the Stellar Queen, real Marshals of the Alliance... "
Other quests...? You have to play~
The quest would be a quest long as Penacony... Maybe a little more... And there would be all the Nameless... Yes, Pom-Pom in the quest and he would use his powers ! If he has powers.
In the final boss of the Shìjiè-Chuán, the music would be like, if it's possible, of the song "Bad Apple". In the battle, the people singing for encouraging the ones who are fighting the final boss.
In the 1st phase, it's would be only the divine spirits who singing.
In the 2nd phase, it's would be all the soldiers and the divines spirits who singing.
In the 3rd and the final phase, it's would be all Xianzhou Alliance (yes, Lan included too !) who singing.
The "R" attack ( like the Dan Heng attack during the Phantylia fight ) would be all the divine spirits and the two Marshals conferring their power to the Trailblazer, and then, he/she slashes the boss.
So, it's the end of the post... If you have questions for clarify something, you can in comments, and I would be respond with pleasure !
Bye byeeeeee !

Looking for more active players to join a Modern 5e PBP game run by myself, and one other assistant DM on discord. We use tupperbox for RP, Arcane bot for rp experience, and dndbeyond/Avrea/foundry for rolls and combat. (we simply offer all for more options/convenience of rolling when away from computer)
Here is a video showing the FoundryVTT game and the interactive setup: https://youtu.be/EAQIZwCrznc?si=-0C5ri2X6Clhjg8o
The game is set on the island city-state of Sanctum in a custom homebrew world with many similarities to our own. Including languages, countries, and pop culture references. Although these places have different names/histories their inspirations should be obvious. There is a PDF with the settings specifics available to all players. The overall story is currently unfolding, but explores the political structure of the city state, and its history.
The modern handbook, and The Chronomancer's Guide to the Future, are the two main resource books used for the game. (Though you are free to use all other official dnd content, but your character must admittedly fit a modern setting.) These books add new options such as body augments, modern weapons/vehicles, new races and subclasses, and two new schools of magic with new spells to match. (Technomancy and chronomancy) There is also a google drive with other available approved homebrew content available. It should be noted that is the only acceptable homebrew content and dms will not accept any from players. There is an additional skill called Science, and more tools have also been added. Overall, tools are reworked and enhanced to be more meaningful in gameplay.
Notable things about the game- - Experience leveling. Players get weekly rp experience by being active and posting, and by completing story driven quests. A bot tracks your post amount and you are awarded exp accordingly. -Point buy for stats - You are expected to be active in any scene you join with your character. Though posting times are flexible for real life, we expect at least one decent post a day at minimum or communication on when you will be available. If you are reminded three times (24 hour wait maximum (we have a bot that reminds people every 8 hours)) and do not communicate you will be removed from the scene/skipped over in the order. -There is a implemented training system that lets your character learn new skills/tools that scales with proficiency. -optional PVP/NSFW/lingering injury roles. PVP includes attacking/stealing from other players, NSFW includes things like ERP. Lingering injuries are injuries that will highly affect your character. This is NOT a game that revolves around ERP. It’s simply an option. Without the roles you will not see NSFW channels or be involved in PvP/lingering injuries -the game is def 18+, and mature modern topics/issues like criminal violence, political imbalance/abuse of power, discrimination/bigotry, and other mature topics will be present in the world.
current active homebrew rules are as follow- 1. if you fall unconscious from reaching zero hit points you gain a level of exhaustion. (However this is not the case if you are healed by some specialized classes such as the grave cleric.) there is some homebrew items available in the world that can be bought to remove this. Or you can get medical services as well. 2. you may spend a action to use a healing potion on yourself to receive maximum healing from it or a bonus action to roll the healing dice instead. 3. critical dice are maximized (for PCs and enemies.) 4. rolling a natural one on an attack roll leaves you open to an attack of opportunity. (PCs and enemies) 5. fall damage capped at 500 instead of 200 feet
Who is this servegame good for? What type of players are we looking for? I am looking for more individuals who are passionate about roleplay above all else. Players who love interacting and playing with others, and crafting memorable stories. I dedicate allot of time and effort into making quests/backstory elements/items/artwork and much more, and i just want players that return the same creative enthusiasm. PBP itself is a medium that takes dedication, we want people that will stick it out with us for years to come! <3
Do you think you are a good fit? Reply here using this template:
Your preferred name/pronouns:
What is your timezone: Your PBP experience (can be none):
How often are you available to post: What do you enjoy about PBP:
What do you enjoy about Roleplaying games:

Hello all, We are planning on taking our very first cruise Carnival 7 Night Mexican Riviera on the Panorama . Is going on a 7 night cruise as beginners a good idea, Or should we stick to a shorter cruise? We have never been so I have no idea what to expect as far as getting seasick or anything else. Thanks

TRANSCRIPT:

Asker: I’m confused, so did Ashley mean it or did she not?
Jez Harris: Or did the player mean it?
Tom Heaton: Well I don’t know if the player meant it. I think Ashley… That was quite deliberate by Ashley, not letting Chris in. Yes, I think that’s definitely the case.
Jez Harris: Because of what had gone on before.
Tom Heaton: Very upset. Maybe an over reaction? I don’t know. It’s difficult to judge isnt it? I mean who’s been in that situation? I know I haven’t.

MY COMMENTARY:
This was actually in the same video as the other quote. I think I just assumed they were done talking about the subject and missed it. But it’s there: time stamp.
Basically, it’s what I’ve been saying. There’s no way this wasn’t an intentional action. The game tells us too many times that it is. You get a trophy saying it was a grudge. You see Ashley step away (not freeze). I even watched her interviews and compared them. She does say she couldn’t move to save Chris but she seems insistent, less sad. If Chris died and didn’t shoot her, she sounds emotional and calls him her best friend. We also get other indicators Ashley has a dark side when she feels threatened or wronged (Will Byles has indicated this is her “wrong side” as well). Many things always made me feel like the “just froze” theory made little sense, given the narrative framing. There is story around her action, and the “she froze” theory ends up forcing the theorizer to just act like certain things that happened… didn’t. It wasn’t a solid theory.
THAT SAID, I think it’s also right that Ashley is supposed to be mentally unstable (I have a dev quote here, indicating that she is) She’s going through a weird, delusional experience— rather than being an evil mastermind from the start. I think the one truly misinterpreted thing was the impression that Ashley was just testing Chris by telling him to shoot her then killing him for it. I don’t think she planned it out, I think she became actually deluded and misremembered their conversation (hence her imagining herself pleading despite that not happening). I did used to interpret her as just playing puppet master and have since come to believe she’s supposed to just be mental (and a bit confusingly written here). But that also doesn’t absolve her of her actions. The situation is nuanced, but she killed Chris… because she decided to kill Chris. That’s what we were always shown. It wasn’t some sudden paralyzation of muscles that made everything not her fault.
So the opinion of the devs seems to be “Yes, this was on purpose. But we have some sympathy due to the events leading up.”I think it’s up to players whether or not they personally have a lot of sympathy, a little sympathy, or none at all, but the sticking point here is that this WAS a deliberate action by Ashley.

The Value of Identifying Your ICP
Many businesses miss out on a great opportunity. They stick with the familiar, using a one-size-fits-all approach, but there's so much more potential out there. Sure, they may see some success, but just imagine how much better they could do if they fine-tuned their focus to target only the prospects most likely to engage with their offering.
This is where the power of the Ideal Customer Profile, or ICP, comes into play. To boost revenue effectively, it's crucial to target prospects who genuinely need and value your solution. Marketing strategies that work for a retail marketing director may not resonate with a salesperson. This is where you need to think like a SaaS CEO.
What is ICP?
The Ideal Customer Profile provides a detailed description of the companies that would benefit the most from your product or service. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, the ICP helps you focus on the audience that truly matters, ensuring your efforts are invested in the right direction.
Now, don't confuse ICP with buyer personas. While ICP targets the best-fit companies, buyer personas are detailed representations of the decision-makers within these companies.
What are the Benefits of creating an ICP?
So, why is it so important to create an ICP for B2B lead generation? Simply put, an ICP is the steering wheel that takes you to higher revenue and sales goals in the quickest way possible. It helps you streamline marketing efforts, target only high-quality leads, allocate resources efficiently, and importantly, improve conversion rates. Knowing your ideal customer means you're not shooting in the dark. It's a great tool to use when you're looking to grow your business.
Your approach now becomes laser-focused. It's a great tool to use when you're looking to build your business.
Key Parameters of Creating an ICP -
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of crafting an ICP. It involves looking at specific parameters.
Demographic Data: The first parameter is demographic data that acts like your compass, pointing you to the right industries, company sizes, job titles of decision-makers in your target business, and geographical locations of your best customers. Believe me, these details really do matter.
Firmographic Data: Next, we have firmographic data. It's like having insider knowledge about a business, what their revenue is, what tech they rely on, and what their growth rate is. Understanding these elements helps you recognize prospects' unique patterns and needs, making sure your strategies match them well.
Psychographics: Moving on to psychographics, this is where the heart really meets the mind. It's a deep dive into the soul of your audience, their struggles, pain points, goals, and values. Did you know that if you customize your email message with these attributes, you're likely to increase your response rate by 32.7%? When your solutions echo with their innermost desires, you're not just a vendor now, you're their partner.
Behavioral Data: Behavioral data can't be ignored. What actions are companies or individuals taking that indicate they might need your solution? Are they using competitors' products? Have they attended industry-specific webinars recently?
Creating an ICP is an Ongoing Process
Creating an ICP isn't a one-time task. It might require iterations. As markets evolve and your product or service matures, your ICP will need to be updated. Regularly revisit and refine it.
Overcoming Challenges
Now let's address the challenges. Over the years, I've seen companies fear narrowing their focus. What if we're missing out on opportunities? But remember, the ICP doesn't limit your outreach. Instead, it focuses your efforts where the ROI is highest.
ICP Checklist
So let's create a quick checklist of parameters:
Segment your customers using variables such as demographics, industry, job title, company size, location.
Firmographic: revenue, growth rate, tech stack.
Psychographic: pain points, challenges, values.
Behavioral: buying habits, average order value, content consumption habits, brand interactions.
Tools can be your allies in crafting an ICP. Analytics tools, CRM data, and even customer feedback can be instrumental. Don't forget, the gold is often hidden in the data you already possess.
Step-by-Step Guide

1. Focus on a single market segment for each ICP and see the magic unfold. If you build separate ideal customer profiles for various market segments, you pinpoint your target audience's needs and pain points.
   
2. Select the top 10 customers with the most significant value from the segment, emphasizing those that contribute the highest revenue or with whom collaboration is most seamless.
   
3. Deep dive into research. Use these key customers, utilize resources like CRM, Google search, social media, and direct interviews.
   
4. Populate the best customer template. Fill it in, this is where the granular details come in, from firmographics and financial data to details of the decision-making process.
   
5. Craft your influence map to visualize how your product or service fits into the larger ecosystem of your customer's world.
   

Leveraging ICP
An effectively crafted ICP should act like a north star for your sales and marketing. It should guide content creation, product development, and outbound strategies. Knowing who buys from you the most helps marketing teams tailor lead generation campaigns more effectively and generate the highest quality leads. Detailed ICPs help sales reps reach out to targeted individuals with personalized messages, and close deals faster and more effectively.

It's mid/late-game, you've just finished off Mittelafrika and/or Sand France. You notice there are over three-dozen, new decisions to be made in the decisions tab. You may now release every little hamlet that you now occupy as its own separate tag. You weep as fucking Mali with one civilian, two steel, and three sticks of gum manage to create 12 divisions (4 width irregular cavalry)--them and the two-dozen other puppets you've released. Well, if you're not weeping your supply depots certainly are.
Is anyone tired of this? Why can't players just be allowed to re-establish colonial space-filling states (West Africa, East Africa, enlarged Congo)? It would make sense as a Authdem-Natpop nation to do so. As for the Syndicalists, they could prop up Pan-Africanists, forming states similar to scale as their colonial counterparts.
Literally anything would be better than how African tags are currently managed.

I continue to have the best time exploring my way through Nocturne Alchemy! My previous NAVA reviews are here:

• Batch #1, my favorites including Alchemist Chamomile, Cardamom Musk, Afternoon Tea Cat, and Eternal Ankh Snow
• Batch #2, my favorites including Honeysuckle Crystalline, Snowy Woolly, and Love & Otters
• Batch #3, my favorites including Crystalline #8 and #9, Eternal Ankh Violet, Butterfly Orange and Butterfly Yellow, Tea Rex, and Peter
• Batch #4, my favorites including Spring '23 Musk, Mourning Tea, Aset's Frangipani Sandalwood, Eternal Ankh Rose de Mai, and Eternal Ankh Summer
• Batch #5, my favorites including Eternal Tut Ankh Amun, Eternal Ankh Labradorite, Masquerade RA, and V by Thoth
• Batch #6, my favorites including Sandalwood Musk, Tibetan Crystalline, and Incense Chai

Now here's my next 20 reviews for your reading pleasure!
Nocturne Alchemy, sometimes known as "NAVA" from when they combined Nocturne Alchemy and VApothecary, is one of the most expensive houses, and I want to point out that you don't have to buy hundreds of dollars of full-sizes in order to explore their catalog and enjoy their artistry. I owe huge thanks to everyone who has sold or gifted me a decant, sample, or partial bottle. In fact, I have never actually ordered direct from the house myself! My best advice, if you want to explore NAVA, is to include freebie sniffies in your Ajevie order. When you check out, there's a text box in which you can ask for NAVAs specifically, and if they're available, they'll send you empty full-sizes! There's almost always still enough left to try, and it's been a great (and fantastically cost-effective) way for me to experience so many of NAVA's perfumes. You don't get to pick what you get, of course, but that in itself has been useful because it has allowed me to try a wide range of NAVA's notes, including some things I wouldn't have picked for myself (as you can see in a few of the reviews below). And then I can include these "empty" bottles as freebies when people order from my own destash - always great to spread the love!
Since folks keep saying it's helpful, I'll recopy my "basics of the NAVA collections" information. NAVA sells three categories of things:

• The Permanent Collection are those scents they always keep around. PC scents are available in small 2-mls (which range in price from $11.50 to $12.50) in addition to the larger full-size bottles. (This is useful because if you're placing an Ajevie order during a NAVA pre-order window, you can get PCs as reasonably affordable add-ons - this is a great way to try some of the most beloved NAVA scents.) Unfortunately, the vanillas are not PCs...
• Which brings us to the second category: Studio Limited scents. SL scents are basically permanent as far as I can tell, but they are not offered in 2-ml small sizes. This is troublesome when you're a newbie NAVA fan trying to learn your way around this house but not spend too much money. Ajevie will occasionally decant SL scents, but only when NAVA adds new ones to a given SL collection. Otherwise, you have to buy full-sizes, or seek a friendly decanter. This is where to find the famous "Vanilla Haven" and "Musk Haven" collections. u/anathemas has tried and reviewed a LOT of the musks (bless you!). u/araelykin of Arae Decantery is working on getting a lot of the Studio Limited scents, especially the Musk Haven, in stock as decants, and already has quite a few available for order.
• The third category is the one that seems to turn a lot of people off from this house: the Limited Edition collections. NAVA is a house that runs on FOMO (fear of missing out). Seasonally throughout the year (Valentines, spring, summer, Halloween, holiday, and so on), NAVA releases a giant Limited Edition collection that is made up of two parts. First, the new scents that year; second, the "Resurgence" scents, which are (most of) the scents newly introduced in the previous year. Thus, a given LE perfume is likely to be around for exactly two years, no more: the first year it appears, and the next year when it's a Resurgence. You can find a fantastically useful archive of NAVA LEs HERE (I refer to that handy website all the time!). On the one hand, this is a decent model because you can theoretically sample in the first year (from Ajevie or Arae, or for much faster shipping since they only deal with NAVA, Crypta Obscura; or by seeking decants/samples from this community a few months later) and then buy more the next year if you love it. The NAVA Facebook group contains really useful review roundup posts if you're wondering what folks think of any of these LE scents. On the other hand, this sales model absolutely encourages a spirit of frantic buying to stave off FOMO. ("Oh no, this is its second year, the scent will be gone forever, I must buy more than I'll ever actually realistically use!") The best advice I've heard is not to worry: NAVA recycles basic combinations a lot, so if you miss a particular perfume, chances are something similar will come around within a couple of years.

Permanent Collection

"Bastet's Garden" collection

• Frangipani Egyptian Musk [Egyptian Frangipani, Egyptian Jasmine, Egyptian Lilac, Italian Bergamot, Irish Plumeria resting gently in a bath of exquisite original Studio Limited - Egyptian Musk] - I really do adore NAVA's frangipani, but here it's wildly overpowered by the Egyptian musk. Egyptian musk always smells to me like a slightly salty skin musk (but a really strong one, not skin-hugging) that has been made golden, almost caramelized. To me, it goes really well with autumnal scents - resins, incense, spices; I especially like the use of Egyptian musk in Nui Cobalt Ailurophilia [Egyptian musk, tonka, and dulce de leche wrapped in luxuriant cashmere, soft suede, wisps of sandalwood and copal smoke] - but this is my first time trying it in a floral perfume, and perhaps my skin just amps it, because here it is too much. There's an undercurrent of velvety white florals, but this one feels unbalanced - as a Bastet's Garden, I wanted it to be florals foremost, with Egyptian musk in the background. This would be much more successful for me with Bastet's Musk instead.
• White Pear Crystalline [Egyptian White Pear Accord, African Mandarin Essence, a quiet drop of Vanilla of Crystalline and Vanilla of Moonstone] (Note - mine is the old version, not the reformulated 2024 version) - It's named "Crystalline," but it's thicker and richer with touches of vanilla frosting, so coming back to the notes list I wasn't surprised at all to see Moonstone also listed. The pear is soft and fruity and a bit fantasy rather than realistic, and I could swear I get a touch of rose petal as well.

"Dragons, Gargoyles & Mythology" collection

• Artemisia [White Musk, Skin Musk, Bastet's Musk, Tibetan Musk, Vetiver essence, Nevada Sage, Benzoin, Fresh Dirt accord, Vanilla, Dragon’s Blood Incense resin] - This is a remarkably tame, soft and gentle dragon's blood. The whole scent is quiet and velvety, mostly pillowy skin musk with Tibetan incense and dragon's blood incense in the background. The dirt feels more "light grey ash" than "dirty".
• Dionysus [Teak Wood, Mahogany Wood, Honey & Almond accord, Heliotrope, White Musk, Dragon’s Blood resin, eNVie ambre saphir] - A soft, powdery dragon's blood (I honestly didn't know that was possible! Dragon's blood usually hits me over the face) plus a honeyed almond that reminds me really strongly of Nui Cobalt's, Silver Fox [White tea with honey and rice milk, almond macaron, soft grey cashmere and cool woodland musk] in particular, over a base of white musk and powdery heliotrope (which are definitely doing a lot to soften the dragon's blood). As it dries, the dragon's blood does come out more strongly - definitely not for me. If I must do NAVA dragon's blood, I liked Selene more than this one.
• Selene [Dragon Blood Incense, French Vanilla, Vanilla Fleck (and sifted) of Tahiti, White Pepper, Crystal and Egyptian Musks, Dragon's Blood Tears (resin), and aged Moonstone Vanilla] - My blind guesses, not remembering any of the notes list, were lunar musk, ash, and non-gourmand vanilla. It's a very calm, ever so slightly soapy scent, and has very much a lunar effect. Now that I'm seeing the notes list, I can definitely make out the white pepper, which adds just a bit of ashy bite to the vanilla (like in Arcana Haint). And yes, I can now identify the dragon's blood, but it's the calmest, most serene dragon's blood I've ever encountered.

Studio Limited

Originals

• Pink Quartz [Pink Vanilla Blossom, Crystalline, Crimson Egyptian Musk, Bastet’s White Amber Absolute, and a minimal drop of aged Oak] - This sugary pink floral-vanilla musk isn't a bad substitute for Eternal Ankh Pink [White Amber Absolute, Powdered and reconstructed oil of Egyptian Vanilla Husk, Vanilla fleck, African White Vanilla Absolute, Amber Resin, Bastet’s Amber, Pink Sugar and a touch of Crimson Musk] if you can't find the latter. Pink Quartz has more of that fruity warm Crimson red musk than EA Pink does, which (alas, because it's hard to find - I myself have only ever managed to find a half-ml decant) means that I do prefer EA Pink over Pink Quartz. Husband's reaction: "ooh, very nice!" It dries down to a whole lotta Crimson, and at this point I washed it off because I'm here for the vanilla-floral, not the red musk.

Deux

• Indigo/Crystalline [Indigo: Words to visualize with this perfume oil are 'heavenly,' 'purple,' 'peaceful,' 'ethereal,' and 'grounding'; imported African Musk. Crystalline: A thick viscous Vanilla that comes on soft and subtle creates a cacophony of a beautiful cloud of vanilla purity. It is not a food vanilla, but one that makes you feel at peace, tranquil, and right with the world. Crystalline, named in 2009 - for the signature Vanilla scent it creates, is one solid scent of uplifting Vanilla from the stigma of a Vanilla Orchid, especially for this perfume. Wear alone or layered with most any NA perfume from our site. Crystalline is composed of a supple skin musk to lift the vanilla note. Crystalline is a naturally occurring viscous perfume oil due to its vanilla components.] - It's heavenly, ethereal, restful, peaceful, all right, a soft velvet purple haze…but alas, there's something ever so slightly too animalic at close range, that Indigo musk too sheepy or b.o-ish for me to really relax into this scent. I do love the way NAVA blends Crystalline into other things, it's such a wonderful base.

Limited Edition

Eternal Ankh Colors & Gems

• Eternal Ankh Pearl [Crystalline Absolute, aged Bastet Amber Absolute, Heliotrope EO, Siberian Rhododendron EO, White Amber Absolute, Powdered and reconstructed oil of Egyptian Vanilla Husk, Vanilla fleck and Vanilla bean] - I'm in love! It's a baby powder-ish, delicate and ethereal white floral. Is this what rhododendrons smell like? If so, I want one! "Pearl" is exactly the right description for this shimmery white scent. Those florals float on a cloud of Eternal Ankh - of all the EA Colors and Gems I've tried, this one has the strongest proportion of the original EA vanilla with its slightly sandy quality. If this ever comes back around from the house, I would absolutely FS this; it's absolutely glorious. It also has pretty astonishing longevity for such a delicate scent, lasting basically the entire day on me.

Thoth's Archive Winter 2024

• Blueberry Musk [Bastet’s Musk absolute (Tuberose, Mallow, Angelica, Musk Flower, and White Lily), Blueberry essence, Snow Blueberry accord, Bastet’s Amber absolute, eNVie saphir absolute, and Blueberry Mallow essence accord] - It goes on as artificial, over-sweet candied blueberries, but within a few minutes the blueberry calms down and the soft luscious vague white floral blanket of the Bastet's Musk kicks in, and it because just incredibly velvety and pretty, a blueberry-floral-musk. I had thought perhaps this would be best as a layering note, but to my surprise I'm finding I enjoy it quite enough all on its own! Longevity isn't great, but I never expected it to be, and lasting about three hours, it's actually slightly longer than I thought it would be. And it's awfully pretty!
• Raspberry Musk [Bastet’s Musk absolute (Tuberose, Mallow, Angelica, Musk Flower, and White Lily), Wild Transylvanian Raspberry accord, Raspberry skin accord, Crystalline (Studio Limited Vanilla) absolute, Bastet’s Amber absolute, eNVie saphir, Bastet’s Ice Cream Essence] - A fairly realistic raspberry - tart and sweet, juicy but also with a hint of bitter greenery - paired with the soft velvety white florals of Bastet's Musk. I don't get any amber or ice cream; my nose is simply reading them as part of the Bastet's Musk background, if at all. I don't wear raspberry perfumes much (and this is very much a raspberry single-note) so I'll try it alongside my Poesie Fan Dance [Sugar-dusted tart raspberries, vanilla bean, and powder-white skin] this summer and see which one I want to keep because I don't think I need both.

Holiday 2023

• Dream Musk [Blue Chamomile Paste extraction, Bulgarian and Moroccan Rose blend, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Lavender, French Lavender, Cola root extract, Cola accord, Caramel, Frangipani, and Bastet’s Musk absolute] - I love NAVA's blue chamomile note, and I'm coming to realize how much I love their seasonal musks, so this one was kind of an automatic purchase for me. The cola note in the description took me aback, a bit, but I figured it was still very much worth a try! And as expected, this one is gorgeous. Any mix of florals from NAVA, even those that contain jasmine (usually a note I steer clear of), tend to be astonishingly velvety, soft and plush, and super luxurious-feeling, with great longevity, and this is no exception! Here in Dream Musk, blue chamomile is at the fore of the otherwise well-blended florals. And yes indeed, there's a definite cola note, especially when wet - but it really kind of works and makes this a much more cold-weather scent when it could otherwise definitely be extremely springtime. Dry, the cola reads more like an undertone of frankincense, which grounds the florals in a really lovely way.
• Parisian Musk [Lily of the Valley accord, Muguet Musk accord, eNVie saphir absolute, Honeysuckle extraction, Honeysuckle sugar accord, Bastet’s Musk absolute and White Musk] - Super unique in NAVA's catalog? No - but gorgeous as always! NAVA has the most wonderful soft velvety florals, and to my great delight this one features the honeysuckle prominently. There's nothing sharp or loud about this scent - though the perfume itself has great throw and longevity, the florals are feathery and glossy, with the slight lime-ish quality I always get from honeysuckle. The Bastet's Musk helps keep them soft and delicate, and the Saphir, barely noticeable, grounds them so that the floral scent has depth, richness, and longevity. Parisian Musk is closer to Masquerade RA [Honeysuckle Nectar accord, SLO Egyptian Musk, Veil Vanilla Bean Absolute, eNVie saphir Absolute, Amber Resin, and Bastet’s Musk Absolute] )though it has a LOT less amber) than it is to Eternal Ankh Labradorite [White Amber light, Powdered and reconstructed oil of Egyptian Vanilla Husk, Vanilla fleck, enfleurage of South American Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), gorgeous Crystalline Absolute infused Bastet's Amber Absolute blend and a drop of pure Egyptian Honeysuckle and Peony Extract], which has more vanilla and white amber, but if you missed EA Labradorite and are looking for another really fabulous NAVA honeysuckle, this one is a phenomenal choice. The first time I tried Parisian Musk, I liked it but wasn't wowed, but honestly I haven't been able to keep away from it ever since. It has definitely become one of my top-favorite NAVAs!

Summer 2023

• Crystalline #10 [Toasted Coconut, Coconut Pulp, Caramelized Sugar, Tonka, Coconut Milk, Bastet’s Musk, eNVie saphir, Crystalline (Studio Limited Originals)] - Sweetened coconut. It's simple yet gorgeous. The sugary note helps it avoid sunscreen status, and there's something really light and refreshing about this one. Longevity is not great though.
• Amber Cotton Candy & Honey Bee [Fossilized Amber accord, Bastet’s Amber absolute, Labdanum, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedar Chips, Cotton Candy accord, Vanilla-sugar, Whipped Orange Blossom Honey accord, Languid Amber Cordial accord (rich PC Ozymandias amber absolute), French Vanilla, Caramel and Raspberry Essence] - I don't buy NAVA's Bees because their honey doesn't work on me - their orange blossom honey is quite cloying, sickly sweet, and a bit urinous on me. This was a freebie sniffie bottle from Ajevie, which I still tried because it's always fun to try new things, and because (having experienced the orange blossom honey before) I figured I could overlook the honey to evaluate the other notes. This amber definitely has a thick, syrupy quality to it - I get almost a whiff of their limestone accord - and it's heavy on the labdanum. The pink spun-sugar cotton candy note amps the already quite sweet honey note. I also, to my surprise, actually can make out a touch of tart juicy raspbery - but not any patchouli.

Halloween 2022

• Dia de los Muertos - Fuego [Black Cardamom, Wood Ember accord, Smoke, Mexican Wedding Cake accord (ground almonds, powdered sugar, and sugared butter) and the perfume of Horchata; a drink made from ground up rice along with sweet cinnamon sugar infused with almond milk and blended into Studio Limited Vanilla, Crystal. Horchata - (light spices of clove, nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon)] - I can't get past the thick, cloying ember smoke, which sticks in my throat and leans barbeque-y. If I sort of hold my breath and sniff, yes, I can get some underlying cardamom and baked-good sweetness, but oh my gosh I can't handle the smoke. Husband sniffed my wrist and pointed out curry powder, which I can totally see. He laughed and said he kind of likes it!

Summer 2022

• Eclipse Ambrosia [Sugared Summer White Tuberose, Velvet Jasmine, Sugared Ylang Ylang, Vanilla Custard Crème accord, Tonka Bean absolute, Labdanum, Benzoin, Eternal Ankh Vanilla absolute, Moonstone absolute and African Vanilla] - Huh, there's no coconut listed, but the first note I get Is delicate white coconut flesh, followed by a gentle pink tuberose. This is a very feminine, softly floral scent with a tropical flair. I like it - and it's further evidence that I don't need to be nervous when I see jasmine or ylang ylang listed for a NAVA perfume - but I don't love it so much that I'll seek out more after this sniffie.

Spring 2022

• Crystalline Rose de Mai [Our much-loved Crystalline Studio Limited aged to perfection for this particular blend of Vanilla from the stigma of a Vanilla Orchid, Vanilla Bean extract, Bastet’s Musk blended into the special Rose de Mai perfume oil blend] - Sugared rose petals, sweet and pink and absolutely lovely. I really do get sugar crystals alongside the rose (and not, as I expected, immediately recognizable Crystalline vanilla). This is such a delicate and dainty scent, though sweet enough that it also feels quite girlish and youthful. It reminds me of Wylde Ivy's Love Note collection, all sugar and floral and femininity, and also of Death & Floral Macarons & Roses [Sugared rose macarons with a light raspberry and strawberry cream filling]. However, Crystalline Rose de Mai is really too sweet for me, and I found myself always reaching for Eternal Ankh Rose de Mai instead, so I destashed this one.

Holiday 2021

• Whale Totem [Copaiba Balsam, Amber Incense, Musk Incense, drop of Ambergris accord (vegan) and Bastet’s Amber Absolute] - I absolutely see why everyone raves about this - it's ethereal, alluring, captivating, the best kind of my-skin-but-better scent. For me it's a multifaceted grey musk, white amber plus a delicately dirty, slightly salty musk. It is totally work-appropriate but also totally unique. And as much as I appreciate its beauty, and see why everyone loves it, it's also not quite my thing - I don't think its gossamer "dirtiness" suits my general persona or wardrobe. I suspect I'd always reach for a white amber or a silk note (now that I think about it, this is very similar conceptually to Arcana Moth-Like Stars [Creamy white amber, elegant cashmere, soft silk voile, salty Ambroxan, and diaphanous musk], which I love) before I'd reach for this. I'm truly delighted to have had the chance to try this, and I was also happy to pass it along to someone seeking it.

Spring 2021

• Orchid Yellow [Kobalt Vanilla SL Absolute, Dogwood accord, Sweet Egyptian Musk, Plumeria and Cyclamen] - First and foremost is the dogwood, an extremely musky that truly reads to my nose more like a dirty, earthy cottonseed than a floral. I'm not opposed to dogwood - I love it in Nui Cobalt Robin's Egg [Dainty forget-me-nots and lily of the valley, a dollop of whipped blueberry creme, and a cozy birch nest tucked into a flowering dogwood tree] - but here it's too strong and makes the perfume unbalanced. Along with the musky dogwood I get lime soda, with a very distinct fizzy note. Apparently cyclamen can be quite aldehydic, so that's probably where the fizz comes from. Meanwhile, I adore NAVA's plumeria, but I really don't get any of that intoxicating while floral here, except for the lime overtone I associate with plumeria. Orchid Yellow is a swing and a miss for me, unfortunately.

Valentines 2018

• Cardamom & Coconut Milk [Beautiful pure Sri Lanka Cardamom essential oil bathed in creamy California coconut milk, an ember of coconut husk smoke, Indonesian Vanilla bean with natural hints of caramel and chocolate notes] - Oh this is absolutely lovely - not too foodie, artificial, or sweet! Just a very vanilla-ish coconut milk that highlights the cardamom so well. This cardamom also feels spicier, more like Poesie's than most of NAVA's cardamom notes which feel a little musty and disappear quickly. (The cardamom does recede within about an hour, but unlike some - looking at you, Meditating Raccoon - Cardamom & Coconut Milk isn't left feeling "empty" but only less spiced.) Pity I could only eke out one scant wear from my sniffie.

Hi Everyone, I currently have a TS express server as a backend for a simple service I built. The only challenging part of my project is that it needs to be Dockerized and it needs to be able to run Puppeteer inside the container, I struggled and finally made it work with very a specific environment and tsconfig etc.
Now I’m looking to add a new package which only works with the latest ESM configurations, I don’t mind upgrading my project but I don’t want to figure out puppeteer in docker again, so I got the idea to move all the puppeteer functionality to a separate service, this would free up my main service from all of its constraints and give me the freedom to set it up again in the best and most future proof way possible.
Does anyone have any advice or opinions on the best configurations and stuff to use to make it as robust as possible? I have ideas like using starter templates that are supported by docker and expressjs, or maybe even rewriting the backend using Bun, but i’m very lost on how to make a decision. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

The Context:

Our drama takes place across two threads in /Renters, beginning with OOP posting a screenshot of a letter from their property manager informing them of a 100% rent increase.
OOP includes the property manager’s contact information in the screenshot and says they “felt comfortable enough to share this man [sic] information because he's a scumbag piece of shit.”
The sub quickly moves into action.

The Drama:

Some question OOP’s story:

I love how we are just taking the OP's word as truth, it's just as likely they did do $10k worth of damage Edit: when someone responds to you and then immediately blocks you it kind of illustrates that they know their point is weak at best.

Regardless, most landlords are scum.

Because they make you pay for the things you use?

Way too much, yes.

Just how much do you think the average landlord makes on a rental? I'm curious as to your thoughts, because I have actual numbers and I guarantee they are not nearly what you think.

Is this all Biden’s fault?

Welcome to Biden America 🤣

You advocating for socialist housing policies? More renters protections? More tenants rights? Congrats man you’re more a socialist than I am.

Guaranteed he doesn't get it. XD

Nah. Obviously you morons don't get it. Probably don't own real estate either🤣. That's what happens when the country is becoming a third world country due to the far left policies of America today. I'm not saying how the guy went about raising rents went, but it's happening everywhere. But, come back and try again tomorrow. Maybe you'll be a little smarter when you wake up.

Wake up to what? The fact that presidents don’t dictate rent prices? Why does a studio apartment in Kalamazoo cost 1/5 what it does in Manhattan? Why did Biden decide that?

[Continued:]

I didn't once mention the word president. I said the far left policies brought us to this point. So I see all you want to do is run your mouth, because you're blaming a president which I didn't do. Nice try though.

“Far left policies?” What specifically policies did the dems pass, that are considered “far left”, that cause landlords to raise rent prices more than inflation rates?
And you said “Biden America” so don’t play dumb now about not using the word President.

Hahaha, your low IQ is showing. I'm guessing 80 since you can spell, but that might just be a smartphone doing the heavy lifting.

Awe, did I trigger a snowflake? I see aim dealing with a keyboard warrior here, but would never say that to my face🤣. Get lost worm!

OOP is condemned:

Doxing is wrong. OP this is shameful.

Greed is wrong. Dox pieces of crap like this landlord more often any maybe then won't do shit like this.

Nah. It’s not only generally wrong it’s against reddits rules. It doesn’t matter what you think.

And no one CARES what YOU think about it. Go cry elsewhere

Others defend the property manager:

Doxxing isn't cool no matter the context bruh

Yes it is
You’re lame
No it's not but that isn't doxxing.

[…]

You know this guy is just working a job to pay his bills too? A property manager isn't going to fully control rent prices and if he does price it they have a responsibility to their client (the owner) to charge the market rate.
While it's a shame that rent is increasing for OP, this company sent a fair warning advanced notice to either expect to pay up or find another living arrangement.
This guy did nothing wrong, didn't deserve for the Internet to white knight attack him, and you are an asshole.

ehhh,...bullshit!, the problem here is this Asshole is jacking up the rent %100, like everyone is made of money you complainer-motherfucker, greed= you get what you get, and the rents are way the fuck out of control just like everything else.

Sorry to break it to you that owners of investment properties aren't developing projects to shelter people out of the goodness of their hearts.
I'm not saying the system doesn't have flawed or isn't tough on people, but as a renter you need to face the reality that your rights to the property do not go further than the lease contract you signed.

Oh, they're doing it for profit? Real profound statement, dipshit.

Hey man go buy some homes and give people deals. Or keep crying online your whole life.
Yes, that’s how people make money. Stay broke lil bro

[Continued:]

Yeah that was established by the OP genius. Most literate redditor right here, good lord lol

Looks like I hit a nerve broke boy

yawn

[…]

as a human being with morals intact, maybe your responsibility is to the owner. You still owe it to the people who rely on you and your client (the owner) for housing to not raise rent 100x. Maybe it's legal, but it is absolute scumbag behavior. Maybe you aren't a scumbag, but you picked a career where they flourish

not raise rent 100x

100x and 100% are completely different.

For all we know OP could have been locked into an extremely low rate on rent for the last ten years and this could be the first adjustment catching up to market rate. In a contract your only locked in for the length of the contract, and when that contract ends friendly reminder that you don't own the property nor have rights to it or in the future. Laws on rent increases vary based on area and there may not be anything illegal here.
While I wouldn't be happy if I was OP either due to the 100% increase being pretty significant, it's totally unreasonable to think you rent will never increase in the future.
Attacking a guy who had his personal info leaked on the Internet because you don't like the rental system is pretty pathetic behavior.
Simply put if you don't like renting go buy your own property where you don't have to deal with this.

Who the fuck is signing a 10 year lease for residential property?

Probably no one. Regardless your rights end with the lease expiration date in any circumstance.

[Continued:]

There's something incredibly basic that goes over your head, along with people who argue like you.
Your entire strategy here is to enumerate descriptive truths (e.g your rights end at X point, property managers have a fiduciary responsibility to serve landlords, etc.) to imply normative ones (e.g therefore the behavior of the property manager or landlord is justified).
This isn't how ethics works. If it was, then the Holocaust would be justified. What the Jews did was illegal, they existed during the Nazi regime, which meant they had no right to life. That's a descriptively true fact, they literally lacked the right to life, and Nazis could engage in the exact same game you are playing, enumerating descriptive truths about the political reality of Germany in 1942 to justify rounding up Jewish people.
Descriptive and normative truths are built up the same way (through axioms and logic). However, the legality of something does not universally indicate how ethical something is.
If you want to continue playing the game of listing descriptive facts about the world, I have a fun one for you. The commodification of housing materially harms the working class, and has done so to such an extent that peasant revolutions within the past 100 years have literally rounded up landlords and shot them dead because of how much harm they were causing. This didn't require decades or centuries of anti-landlord rhetoric to dehumanize landlords, because the harm landlords cause is real and can be felt by people. Sometimes, when a large group of people are harmed enough, they get frustrated and revolt against said harm. That's a real risk landlords should realize they're engaging in, they tend to feel safe because the State backs the interests of the bourgeoisie, but that's not always necessarily going to be the case.

Thanks man I'm obviously going to rethink my stance that people shouldn't be doxxing this guy

You said a lot more than just an anti-doxxing stance. If all you said was "damn I wish this dude wanted doxxed", I wouldn't have bothered to comment. You mentioned a property manager's responsibility to serve the interests of the landlord. You mentioned your rights to the property ending with the expiration of the lease. These descriptively true facts were done to imply the landlord/property manager were behaving justly and didn't deserve to get doxxed.
Whether they deserve it or not, when one group consistently engages in harming another group, sometimes the other group fights back. The working class has very few avenues for actually fighting back against this sort of thing, and most of the tactics in this thread generally boil down to moderately annoying the landlord. They'll still evict the tenant, the tenant will still potentially become homeless because of housing commodification. The harm is still being done, and the landlord is benefitting from it.
Worse things have happened to landlords for engaging in this behavior, and they can happen again. It's not a game worth playing for anyone. It'd be best for everyone if landlords just fucked off and stopped scalping houses, but they won't. And peasants don't generally put up with this shit indefinitely.

Well damn man I wish that dude wasn't doxxed.
I appreciate the six paragraphs you wrote me and apologize if the economic model we have (that neither of us can change) has somehow hurt you today.

Yes, nobody can change economic models, yet they somehow change anyway, weird. It's almost as though the base-structure informs the super-structure, and as the contradictions of capitalism intensify, material harm skyrockets, people "radicalize" (see what used to be externalized costs actually internalized). Conversations are part of this change, the introduction of language and ideas allows people to navigate and reason about the harm they're feeling, and correctly place the blame, which is incredibly important.
If you look at the fascist movement in the U.S, you'll commonly see they actually agree on what's harming them (this is easy to tell). Rising prices (rent, groceries, etc.), shit pay, no control in decision making. However, they misunderstand the system.
People like you have baked capitalist realism into their heads (the system is immutable, this is the true way of the world, there's no reason to think or discuss an alternative because it's unreasonable), so they don't even consider that capitalism is the problem.
Instead they blame the Mexicans "not sending their best", or how LGBT communities are "attacking traditional values". They look for ways the world is changing, and assume that change is what's causing the harm they're feeling. You're an important part of the fascist pipeline, and even if you're not a fascist yourself, I'd suggest you get your head out of your ass before we literally live in a fascist dictatorship and this shit is illegal to discuss. Liberalism has many times devolved into fascism to prevent socialism. Bourgeoisie interests operate fine in fascist environments, so they'd prefer to move in that direction instead of something that actually fixes class contradictions.

[Continued:]

Your right we should totally be cool with OP getting hundreds of redditors to harass this property managers personal life about an issue we all literally don't even know the full story of, because fascism.
Dude I'm going to stay out of this subreddit and genuinely wish you all well please try not to go postal next time rent increases.

At no point did I greenlight anyone's actions, and you responded to none of my points. Stop fabricating a strawman to justify your own position.

Hey man if you actually have the capacity to talk about what I'v been talking about the entire time I'll chat.
Please don't respond with anything about Hitler, bourgeoisie, fascism, economic disparity, or assumptions you have about me.
What do you think about OP getting hundreds of people to harass the personal life of this guy over something we all have limited info on a single side of the story. Justified or unjustified?

You discussed tenant rights, property manager responsibility, and even directly alluded to capitalist realism. It's an incredibly unfair tactic to mention all of these things, then the moment you get a rational response dismantling every one of your points, move the goalposts and back down from every point you've made in this entire thread except one.
Like everyone can scroll up and read, you're not fooling anyone into thinking your only point has been anti-doxxing. You just lack the capacity to have a genuine conversation, so you'll simply retreat from every point you've made instead of considering that maybe you were wrong.
I think what the OP is doing is harmful, but not as harmful as what the landlord did. I don't have enough information to say if it was justified or not, and neither do you. Sometimes harmful things can be done and they can be justified, especially in retaliation. I can list off a ton of extreme examples that are potentially justified but far more harmful than what either of these people are doing.

Well at least we agree what OP is doing is harmful.
Now I guess we need to ask should we or should we not harass real life people based on unverifiable stories from anonymous people online?
Sorry if you didn't like how I laid it all out. But i think not liking the realities of the rental systems isn't good enough justification to get hundreds of people to harass someone over what could potentially be a fabricated story, but that's just me.

[Continued:]

Most reasonable diamond hands joker
You said you were leaving.

Is a rent increase ever justified?

Fuck apartment complexes! They raise it for zero reason and have no idea what they’re doing.

No reason, like higher taxes, higher demand, higher insurance rates, higher trash fees, higher utilities, on and on.
Tell me you don't pay your own bills, without telling me you don't pay your own bills.

Maybe these cooperate assholes should pay their own bills

They do.

Hahaha you’re trying to sell airbnb management and consultation, dude go read the book of matthew and become a better human.

”Rentoid”:

Ah yes, doxxing. Classy 👌

found the wannabe landlord
like ahh, yes, let’s be offended that the exploiter might face consequences for their actions
lol
Yea what do you expect from a rentoid sub lmao

tf is a rentoid what 😭

A term for renters used by toxic landlords and homeowners that believe themselves superior to people who rent.

they've got bootlicking down to a science i tell ya

[…]

No not really. Everyone in this sub admitting they are calling and texting him and harassing him online need to be more careful. And grow tf up

This guy deepthroats the whole boot

Child response. I'm sorry you willfully signed your lease and no one forced you too. Grow up

Haha 🤣 if I cared what you thought I’d ask how the shoe polish tastes. It’s honestly not even doxxing. That’s a letter they sent, with facts they provided, and a public number to be contacted at. Op is under no obligation to protect the management company from their own stupidity.

Our drama now shifts to a second thread where another user posts a screenshot of their texts to the property manager.

Some people question OOP’s story:

So we’re just taking OP’s word that this actually happened? And the phone number on that letter is really his landlord? The low IQ Reddit mob mentality at its finest.

Google is your friend

I too can write a bullshit letter, stick a business’s phone number, screencap it and karma farm on Reddit. Unlike OP I’m not an idiot.

Sounds like you wrote the letter, mate.

You are making me rather confident in the assumption

[Continued:]

I can tell you blindly accept whatever OP posts on Reddit. Easily manipulated.

What are you talking about lol. Why are you so angry at a box of lights. Go to bed, or at least take a nap.

Same to you buddy. I’m baffled why you’re getting active over me calling out the truth.

[…]

Bro chill

The lack of critical thinking on this sub is mind blowing.

It’s not about critical thinking, it’s about sending a message.

Sending a message on the premise that OP is being honest? If OP put your phone number there I bet you’d be singing a different tune.

[…]

Google the number. It belongs to that business

So we’re assuming the landlord wrote that letter? If you look at their properties nothing even comes close to the rents OP is claiming.
I think OP has successfully trolled you and a hundred other people.
Subreddits get shut down for this tho.

Is this all doxxing?

Oh man so you sent the landlord specific information about the person who posted it… so now he can go after them legally for “doxxing” him? 😬🫠🤔 who’s side are you on lol

Sharing a document you are a party to online that isn’t under NDA isn’t doxxing. OP didn’t ask Reddit to harass the landlord in the original thread. There’s nothing here to worry about since he’s not renewing his lease there.

Unless the landlord is in the….mob
OP said (in the text): "I felt comfortable enough to share this man(s) information because he's a scumbag piece of shit"
As any lawyer would tell you, intent matters, esp. in civil cases. -or- more pragmatically as any competent lawyer would tell you, if you're sweating $1k/month in rent, don't bank on legal technicalities to save the day when intentionally picking fights with entities with the capital to buy buildings.

The number is publicly available, you could literally say "please say nasty things to this number" and it would still be completely legal and any claim against it would be immediately laughed out of court.

I don’t know why you keep posting stuff similar to this. The behavior that you’re stating is completely legal is 100% not legal in Pennsylvania, where the area code for the number comes back to.
Harrassment is not legal behavior. And (3) engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which serve no legitimate purpose, is language that could be used to define what’s going on here. It could also qualify under 4, 5, and 6.

[Continued:]

The behavior that you’re stating is completely legal is 100% not legal in Pennsylvania, where the area code for the number comes back to.

No lol.

Harrassment is not legal behavior. And (3) engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which serve no legitimate purpose, is language that could be used to define what’s going on here. It could also qualify under 4, 5, and 6.

Read the definition you just posted lol, OP did not do anything remotely quantifiable as harassment, he just posted the publicly available number, if OP is spamming offensive messages or something to the landlord sure but that is categorically not what is visible here. Further a customer complaint and warning is a legitimate purpose and is well established as protected speech thousands of times over. Unless you knowingly lie in a review you are protected completely. "This company sucks don't rent from them and here is their publicly available contact info" is completely indisputably first amendment protected speech everywhere in the US.
It is extremely funny that you would post evidence of yourself being wrong.

People have been calling and texting the number and some even stated that their calls and texts have been answered. The person who is answering is apparently the ownelandlord. That person is being harassed. Look at the comments describing what people are sending him. Pictures of their asses and random shit talk. That does not count as a customer review or a complaint.
All of that communication has been facilitated through the OP, who also stated that they intentionally left the contact information because they believe the landlord is an asshole.
Maybe stick to legal issues in Australia instead of trying to incorrectly educate Americans about our first amendment. Freedom of speech is not freedom to blow up someone’s phone because you don’t agree with their business practices. Even if they are unethical and shitty.

Others upbraid people for ruining OOP’s life:

Congrats on fucking up OPs life even worse. Hope you step on a lego and learn to not text random numbers and step into a situation you were never a part of.

hands you a box of tissue
What do you mean?

By texting the number, it could be considered outing the OOP for Doxxing which is illegal.
OOP could potentially be in legal trouble now because they forgot to edit out the contact information and posted it and people decided to text the number.

Attacks become misogynistic:

As a woman, I’d never be ok with you doing this unsolicited to anyone. But I’m having a really hard time having an issue with this landlord asshole looking at your asshole. 🤷🏻‍♀️

As a woman, you should be in the kitchen.

Aww, bless your heart. I know it’s hard, but just know, that with an attitude like that, you’ll die alone because no woman will want you. But, you already know that 💕💕 here’s hoping you learn to have a personality beyond misogyny before it’s too late!

He hasn’t had pussy since it had him. No worries there.
God you're limp.

The Flairs:

• “And no one CARES what YOU think about it.“
  
• “Real profound statement, dipshit.”
  
• “Looks like I hit a nerve broke boy”
  
• “go read the book of matthew and become a better human”
  

Chapter 25:
On the other side of the galaxy....
In the dimly lit chamber of Zortan Blart, a figure emerges from the shadows. The agent, cloaked in secrecy, approaches the Moafia Don with a report that hums with the electric tension of covert operations.
"Boss," the agent begins, voice a modulated whisper, "the beaurocrats have been swayed. Doubts have been seeded, their integrity questioned. They're ensnared in our narrative, believing the Convoy harbors contraband and fugitives."
Zortan Blart, a silhouette against the star-strewn viewport, nods slowly. "And the fleet?" he inquires, his voice a low rumble.
"The fleet's nature has been... embellished. Tales of their firepower exaggerated, their purpose cloaked in mystery. The officials are hesitant, fearing a Trojan horse within their midst."
A sly smile curls the lips of Zortan Blart. "Excellent. Let the Federation choke on their bureaucracy. By the time they untangle this web, the Convoy will be mine."
The agent bows, a move as calculated as the game they play. "Your will be done, Boss."
Inspector Xilthar's arrival at the Federation station was supposed to be routine. Every form had been meticulously filled, every protocol followed to the letter. Yet, as the Inquisitor docked, a flurry of red flags greeted him, each more absurd than the last.
The station's justices, known for their impartiality, were suddenly citing trivial infractions and absurd claims. A missing comma here, an outdated code there—each filed with a severity that belied their insignificance. And the accusations of sentient trafficking were outright insulting! Xilthar's brow furrowed as he sifted through the paperwork. It was unlike the Federation to behave like this.
As he delved deeper, patterns emerged. Two justices, in particular, seemed to be at the center of the bureaucratic maelstrom. Their rulings were erratic, their justifications flimsy. It didn't take long for Xilthar to uncover the truth: these justices were puppets, their strings pulled by shadowy hands.
The realization hit Xilthar like a rogue asteroid. They had an antagonist, one that lurked within the very system meant to uphold justice.
With a steely resolve, Xilthar began to hack through the red tape. If the Convoy was to continue its journey unimpeded, he would need to confront this new threat head-on. The Great Human Convoy had faced pirates and perils of the void, but now they were up against a foe that wielded bureaucracy as a weapon.
The station was abuzz with the usual commerce and chatter, but an undercurrent of unease ran through the corridors. Xilthar's discovery of the meddling was troubling enough, but the missing military escort was a glaring omission that couldn't be ignored.
The Big Ugly Stick, the Convoy's capital ship, was a fortress among the stars, its presence a reassurance to all. The Pimp Hand, with its arsenal of missiles, was a deterrent to any who dared threaten the fleet. The Attitude Adjuster, a destroyer known for its formidable firepower, and the Mama Bear, a carrier, were integral to their defense. Yet, none had arrived.
Xilthar's instincts told him this was no coincidence. The military's delay, coupled with the farcical red flags, painted a picture of a coordinated effort to undermine the Convoy. Someone was pulling strings, creating distractions, perhaps to mask a more sinister objective.
As he navigated the station's labyrinthine bureaucracy, Xilthar kept one eye on the comms, awaiting news of the escort. The Convoy was vulnerable without its guardians, and every passing moment was a moment too long.
As the chronometer approaches standard evening, Xilthar sends a secure call to Jeb, "We have an antagonist within the Federation. Be cautious."
Jeb tips his hat back, "Have I got a story for you!"
In a dimly lit cabin aboard the Hodgepodge, Jeb, sits across from the storied pirate lord with the unfortunate name of Peg Leg Polaris. Chessmaster floats nearby holding a holographic scale with a feather on one side and a heart in the other.
Jeb: "Alright, let's cut to the chase. You used to be a big shot, now you're wantin' to join up with us. Why should we even consider it?"
Pirate Lord: "Look, I ain't gonna sugarcoat it. I was the best there was, and then I wasn't. Got locked up, paid my dues. I'm here 'cause I got nothin' left to prove but to myself. I can navigate, I can lead, and I sure as hell can fight."
Jeb: "Hmm. Chessie, what's the read on him?"
Chessmaster shows the scale the heart tilted slightly downward "His physiological responses indicate sincerity, Jeb, even if he was lying a little about being the best." She grins. "However, caution is advisable."
Jeb: "You got a rep for bein' a bit too full of yourself. How do we know you ain't gonna cause trouble?"
Pirate Lord: "Jeb, I got humbled, hard. Ain't lookin' to stir up no hornet's nest. Just wanna sail with a crew that's got a purpose beyond lootin' and shootin'. Im giving up the name of my boss cause I have no future with Blart after this anyway."
Jeb leans back, eyes narrowing: "Don Blart, huh? That's a heavy name to drop. You sure you're ready to burn that bridge?"
Pirate Lord: "It's already ash, Jeb. I'm done with that life. Done with lookin' over my shoulder. If it means a clean slate with you and the crew, then so be it."
Chessie's projection flickers with intrigue: "A bold move. The Convoy does not take kindly to mafia ties. This information will be... evaluated."
Jeb: "We'll verify what you're sayin'. If it checks out, you've got yourself a deal. But remember, we're a family here. No secrets, no backstabbin'. You step outta line, and it's the airlock for you."
Pirate Lord: "Understood. I ain't lookin' for family, but I reckon I could use one. I'm as good as dead alone."
Chessie: "I will monitor the situation closely, Jeb. Should he prove deceitful, I will alert you immediately."
Jeb: "Good. Welcome to the Convoy, Polaris. Let's see if you can navigate more than just the stars."
Back on the station, Xilthar, armed with the name of their opponent, begins his meticulous research. He sifts through historical records and databases, uncovering the intricate web of connections that tie the criminal underworld to the echelons of power within the federation. His investigation reveals a complex network of influence and corruption, where suspect justices may have been compromised, swaying their decisions and undermining the very pillars of justice they are sworn to uphold.
Jeb adjusts his hat, speaking to his crew and the pilots, "Alright, folks. We've set things in motion. Now comes the hard part—waiting. The gears of bureaucracy grind slow, but they grind. Our defenders will come, and when they do, we'll be ready."

What's up all! 4thWall here. Hope you guys have had a fantastic weekend.
If this is your first episode of "The Black", Welcome!! I hope you will join us from the beginning!
First, Previous, Next
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tense silence greeted Corellus Grarzia. Moments ago, he had stepped off the shuttle sent for him, and now he was standing in the entryway to the main conference room aboard USN Wisconsin. This meeting greatly reminded him of his first meeting after taking captainship of Olyvia. This time however, there were many more players. All but two of the Privateers were present, the latter being simply too deep into a mission, and too far away to make it in time. Both of the missing ships had completed their objectives, and were in transit, but waiting for them was simply not an option. Admiral Grarzia had arrived with Wisconsin and the rest of the Privateers inside of a week from Cory’s transmission, and Admiral stevens had arrived a week after that. Admiral fulmori had retained the USN Texas as his Flag, having grown fond of Captain Gleeson. Unity High Admiral Kawmarin was still currently flagged aboard USN Galveston and was currently using her superior speed to respond to race across unity space in an attempt to rally Unity forces.

Admiral Clint Stevens had arrived with a five-ship battle group. He was flagged aboard USN Tharsis and was escorted by USN Furlong, USN Iowa, a recently retrofitted and upgraded DDS Protectorate, and a newly commissioned Delmar Frigate. The DDS Stormhold was a hybrid vessel. She had been in the early stages of construction when Humanity and Delmar met for the first time, and she had been modified during construction to make use of the recent innovations born of the their budding alliance. She had but half the displacement of an Iowa Class, but she sported two thirds of the weight of fire by destructive potential. Stormhold had struck many human sailors as what a battleship class would have looked like if the Martians had decided to build the class during Humanity’s civil war. Stormhold carried but a pair of super firing Kinetic batteries in dorsal and ventral positions with a single pair of super firing batteries at her midships. Each turret in the battery only boasted a pair of barrels, and they fired the same 1005 projectile. Stormhold was armed to please however, and she carried twice the same number of PAC batteries as USN Tharsis, and she boasted a full-length central weapon that was very uniquely Delmar. The combined minds of the Brothers grem and their research counterparts in Sol had spent years researching and iterating on the Martian Particle Acceleration Cannon, and they had found something.

DDS Stormhold sported a single long low profile blister stretching the length of her ventral hull, set just to the left of centerline to make room for her kinetic batteries. No less than 6 PAC systems were arrayed in parallel, all feeding one focusing array of titanic size. Stormhold could fire up to all 6 at the array, varying the amount of destruction she wished to adjudicate upon her enemy. Bart had dubbed tis weapon the C-PAC, or “Compound Particle Acceleration Cannon”. The discovery however was not that combining Pac beams was doable. Mars had tried and failed to accomplish this. The discovery was how to make it efficient enough to create a viable weapon. This accomplished, something became abundantly clear from the initial testing…. A C-PAC did not scale linearly, but exponentially. A C-PAC could produce the same destructive energy as an Eros, but only within two hundred fifty thousand Kilometers. The rate of fire was still low, and firing all 6 feeder PACs at once was a cautious calculation, as the heat generated was still a problem, but early tests in a long dead system had seen the accidental cracking of the target planet’s crust. The reaction that followed destabilized the planet entirely and said star system was now one interstellar body lighter.

Stevens brought more than just a battle group, having appropriated four troop transports. Each transport carried a detachment of Marines, with the two MACE squads spread between them for heavy support. It was a small number, but they were to be on hand to evacuate any survivors they could. “Alright people, gather round. All of you have seen the brief by now, and I know all of you are ready for this to happen. Let’s not go in halfcocked” Several heads bobbed in acknowledgement and Stevens turned to spear Cory with a gaze, “For those who might not have met yet, this is Corellus Grarzia, Captain of the Privateer that uncovered this little honeypot of horrors. He’s been the closest to this thing the longest.” Stevens waves to Cory, “Captain?”

Cory stepped up and took a long breath, “The situation’s only gotten worse since my first transmission. The prison freighters and the frigates in orbit are just the beginning of the problem. We’ve since discovered camps on the surface of the planet, I’ve marked them in your updated files” Cory flicked his wrist over his data pad, propagating the information to everyone else’s pad and the table in the center of the room, “This is not just a torture camp, it is an indoctrination and training facility. The kissing of the hand is a surrender trigger of sorts. Kiss the hand, and the child is taken from hell, given food, and given a task. Usually something simple and innocuous, but it is rewarded. If a child accepts without instruction, and without question; they are sent to the surface where they are put into an intense indoctrination program.” Cory took a pause, watching the faces of the men and women in the room. Hard eyes and grim expressions waited for him to continue. “The children are eventually taken on hunts…. Hunts of other failed children and adults of their own species… and hunts of the locals… they are creating insurgents. We may and will encounter opposition made of child soldiers and operatives on the surface. We’ve also discovered a fast response system. Attacking one freighter at a time will trigger the destruction of the other freighters, and it appears that the Frigates in the system are in direct communication with someone outside the system every 20 minutes. That is all we know, at this time.”

Cory nodded to the admirals before stepping back from the table. Mac gave Cory a nod before taking a deep breath, “Thank you Captain. Alright people, no idea goes unspoken. No question goes unasked, we only have one shot at this. Let’s get to work.”

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Warren’s eyes slowly fluttered open, aroused from his slumber by soft lips working their way up from the nape of his neck, “Hmm, Good morning.” He whispered as Jezz pulled herself atop him with a smile of her own. She kissed her way up his chin to his ear before responding, “Morning.” She coo’d back at him, her sultry tone lighting his senses on fire. Warren pulled her the rest of the way to his lips, kissing her gently just as his communicator chirped, “UUgghhhh!!” he groaned, breaking their kiss to open the channel, “L.T. Patterson here.” He stated, trying to keep his voice professional as Jezzaria’s lips began to wander again.
*Lieutenant, We’ve received word. The cargo transports finished loading earlier than anticipated. We will be departing in twenty minutes. Captain Yasushi has asked for your presence on the bridge.*

“Understood, I’ll be there… uh…. Momentarily.” Warren responded closing the channel, looking down at a smugly amused Jezzaria, “Jezz! Now how am I supposed to show up on the bridge with that…”

“Hmm” She mused coyly. “Probably shouldn’t, I better take care of that.” Warren never had a chance to respond.

Twenty minutes later, an only slightly breathless Warren arrived on the bridge, receiving a raised eyebrow from Excelsior’s Captain. “Cutting it rather close, Lieutenant?” Yasushi asked as he scanned the last of the information before departure.

Warren kept his face carefully neutral, “Unavoidable, Sir.” He said formally. “You asked to see me?”

“Yes, Is the Elerian delegation settled in?” Yasushi asked first. “We’ve done what we can to give them ample spaces on the ship attuned to their gravity, and signage to prevent accidents, but I’ve heard rumblings.”

“It not… the gravity sir… May we?” Warren responded carefully, nodding to the captain’s ready room. The two of them stepped into the more private setting, and Warren sat heavily into the chair opposite the desk.

Yasushi regarded the young officer with a studious gaze, “Talk to me son. I need to know if something is brewing during this voyage.”

Warren sighed inwardly. The delegation made up about a quarter of the surviving Elerian race, the Oldest of the Children saved from their planet. They had finished catching up in their education and updating on changes wrought while they were asleep. These Oldest had requested, and obviously granted, permission to travel to their home planet to participate in its recolonization. There was only one real problem with the situation. “Jezz wishes to continue to Delmar, but she is the defacto leader of her species. It is, chafing in some area’s.” Warren finally answered.

“Ah, I see.” Yasushi leaned back into his chair. “Has she told them that She is not staying?”

Warren shook his head, “No sir. She knows she has to stay. It’s just…. It’s just obvious that she hates the reality of the situation, that I must continue to Delmar. It does not help that Many of her people see our relationship as hurtful. They see us as narrowing the genetic pool from which they can recover.”

Yasushi’s eyes softened slightly in understanding, “Atticus’ research?”

“Almost complete sir, it’s all but certain that the Corth placed Elerian DNA in the Human genome. He believes that We could be the key to the genetic diversity needed to jumpstart their species, but… They don’t know that.” Warren sighed, “It’s all still heavily classified pending the conclusion. Her people don’t know what she has put herself through to ensure accurate data. They just see me as stealing their future, and her as a love struck girl playing at leadership.”

Yasushi nodded, bringing up the progress synopsis on his consol, “It appears that Atticus requires only one further ‘experiment’ before his conclusions can be reached. Do you know what that is?”

Warren shook his head, “Sorry, Sir. I don’t. We are to meet him in his onboard lab after lunch. He’s fastidious about records, I’m sure you will know by the time we leave his office.”

“Hmm,” Yasushi mused, taking a moment to review the update before closing it, “I know this is hard for you. You two have been thrust into quite a bit above your stage in life. Let me know if there is anything I can do. Dismissed, Lieutenant.”

Warren saluted crisply, following Yasushi out to the bridge just in time to watch the small convoy leap into slip space. His feet slowly guided him back to the quarters he shared with Jezz, feeling the shift in gravity as he passed into the Eleri safe parts of the ship. It would be a two month sail to the Elerian homeworld, and Warren was not looking forward to its conclusion. His thoughts were interrupted by raised voices, one of which he was intimately familiar with, coming from around the corner, and Warren accelerated his gate.

“You know we barely have the numbers to survive! Instead of doing your duty, you’re bedding that heavy worlder!” It was the oldest Elerian male, Bregan, flanked by two other Elerians. They had ambushed Jezz against the door to the quarters Warren and her shared.
“Back up Breg, I don’t care that your father was pappa’s top general. This is not the play you want to make right now. I am Warren’s, and that is not changing.” Jezz’s voice was stern, and she noticed Warren arrive around the corner. The smallest shake of her head kept him from barging in. Elerian female leaders were a prickly thing, and because He was not Eleri, she needed to do this on her own. They had talked about it, expecting something like this once the first complaints had been whispered. Jezz was still kicking herself for not spending more time with her people, but she had also been instrumental in the Gate project that promised to bind the galaxy more tightly than ever before.

Breg openly scoffed at Jezz, “A woman, ordering me around? Maybe Your precious Human will have an accident.” He sneered, blatantly reaching for Jezz’s wingtips, “Then maybe You’s search for a proper m… UGH!” Warren winced as he heard the tale tale cracking of bone. Jez had slapped away Bren’s outstretched hand before driving her fist into his side. She had underestimated her power, having lived for over a year in various gravities that exceed that of her homeworld, and Bren doubled over with eyes wide as he fell to a knee. He clutched his side, glaring at Jezzaria, “Bitch! I’ll have you brought up on charges! Let’s see your precious human get you out of an assault charges, with witnesses.” Bren sputtered, and his two friends nodded angrily.

“Go ahead, but I do not think you will be successful.” Jezz pointed up to the corner of the corridor opposite Warren, “All hallways are rigged for video and audio. Every threat you have made was logged in the ships computer the moment you puked it out of your pathetic mouth.” Warren had to stifle the chuckle that threatened to escape his lips at the pure vitriol in Jezz’s ton. “As for witnesses, you can come on over, hun.”

Warren put on severe expression, locking eyes with Bregan even as the young mans eyes bugged out of his head. “My husband has been watching for quite a while and would make an excellent witness.” Jezz’s smug expression nearly broke Warrens facade as he crossed his arms in front of the three.

“Hmm, threatening the murder of a Naval officer.. Attempted assault on a reigning monarch… Getting recorded doing so, not a good look.” Warren rumbled, and Breg spat at his feet.

“Fuck you.” Bren spat, “If you believe that to be true, why did you wait for your woman to fight instead of protecting her, coward.”

Warren openly laughed in the boy’s face, “you assume my woman needed saving from you. She’s soared on Luna and Conquered the gravity on Ceres.” Warren paused as a profoundly contemplative expression washed over the three boy’s faces, “What makes you think you were anything close to a threat to MY mate.” Warren growled the last part, making the miscreants take an involuntary step back, “Now get out of here. And get that rib checked out, I heard it break from over there.”

The three Elerian boys scrambled down the hallway, unable to flee on wing because of the narrow space. Warren waited for them to round the corner, and felt Jezz collapse into him almost instantly after. Warren quickly opened their door and pulled her in with him, “Hey, hey, hey. Shhhh” He soothed rubbing her down patch between the base of her wings. She melted into him, but continued shaking for a moment. “Their gone, it’s ok now.”

Jezz took a long shakey breath, “I… I don’t know what to do…. My people are so scared… and I can’t tell them that we need Humans to recover our numbers. I… I don’t know what to do…”

Warren kept rubbing her back, “I’ll have lunch brought here. Breg doesn’t need to see that he shook you.” And Jezz nodded, and a few minutes later a pair of cold cut sandwiches arrived. The two of them ate, Jezz curled up in Warren’s lap. Violence was not a natural decision for her, and it had been the first time she had struck anyone outside her occasional sparring with Warren. Warren partially blamed himself for her not knowing her own strength. He always allowed her to strike at him as hard as she could, knowing that she was incapable of hurting him with her bare hands, and she had gained enough speed and technique to occasionally get through his admittedly average hand to hand skills. He had still not taught her to shoot Kinetics. He worried that she would be simply too fragile to shatter bones should she get behind one of his pistols, or even his rimfire rifle.

They were just beginning to leave when a knock at the door interrupted their clean up. And Warren opened the door, his face a serious mask as he prepared to deal with more of the… “Atticus?” He asked as the Androgenous Corth stepped into their quarters. “I thought we were meeting you in your lab?”

“You are correct Warren. However, after word of Jezzaria’s little incident spread across the ship, I thought it best to have this conversation somewhere more comfortable.” Atticus stated in his usual analytical tone, waving to the seating in the pair’s living quarters. Warren raised an eyebrow and the uncharacteristic catering to circumstances from Atticus and settled onto one side of the queen bed in the corner. Their compartment was spacious considering Excelsiors size, but still lacked any major furnishing outside of the bed, a place for clothes and a chair for the desk which held the computer console. Jezz sat down next to him, and Atticus pulled the desk chair to face them.
“What’s this about Att.” Warren asked, picking up on the small tells that told him that Atticus was stalling.

Atticus flashed a smile to Warren before responding, “I’ve completed my research, at least, as much of it I can without more direct observation, and I am unwilling to ask that with so few Elerians left.” He began, holding up a hand to Jezz who was already opening her mouth to protest, “I have already found some remarkable discoveries regarding you. As you are probably aware, being able to adapt to Luna, and even Ceres should not be possible for your species” he continued looking a Jezz as he spoke, “None of your people, who tried anything like that before have succeeded.”

“But Atticus,” Jezz asked in confusion, “I’m fine… I’m better than fine. Warren and I spent a weekend on Luna to say goodbye to his parents. I don’t have to be tossed to fly there anymore.” Atticus raised an eyebrow and Warren nodded in confirmation.

Atticus seemed to freeze for just a split second, as if adding the information to something before his eyes focused on the two of them again, “I’m impressed, but not entirely surprised, Jezz. You’re ability to adapt has an explanation, I simply needed to prove my original findings from Ceres.” Atticus leaned forward slightly, “My dear, you are an anomaly because of your relationship with Warren. I’ve been told that I am too direct, so I will attempt to be… less so” Atticus gave Warren a semi sharp look as he snorted, but continued, “Both of you already know this first part. My people, many many eons ago, used the fledgling Human species as a library of genetic markers meant to be able to save those species and cultures wiped out by the Cataclysm. What I have learned is that Humanity took many of those genetic markers and evolved with them as their own. Almost nothing of what we added to Humanity’s genetic code is how we left it, but some of our library is still capable of interacting with the origin species. That is what has happened with you Jezz.”

Jezz looked shocked for a moment, but then returned to her confused expression, “But, we haven’t done any of those experiments yet. You told me they were too dangerous.” Warren rubbed her shoulders but said nothing, simply waiting for Atticus to explain himself.

Atticus nodded, “I did, and they are; but I failed to account for something that was already happening naturally. To put it… delicately… Your body has been naturally been exposed those same Genetic markers, including the Elerian ones, in significant quantities since you and Warren chose to become life mates. Because those genetic markers include a hormonal component to them, and because of the extra strain your body had been put through on luna and ceres; your body has reacted to them, using them as a template for survival. Your bone mass has tripled since you travelled to Ceres, and your Muscle mass and composition has dramatically changed as well.”

“But how… Oh..” Warren’s face reddened as his mind finally put the pieces together, and Jezz’s cheeks flushed a bright blue upon her own realization. “But that would mean…”

Atticus shook his head, “No, luckily being able to monitor Jezzaria’s health has led me to a much safer way to help jumpstart the Elerian species, but there is a catch… I believe that this level of artificial genetic hybridization can only be done during the embryonic stages of Elerian life to be 100 percent safe, but I wont know until I study a….. natural hybrid.” Jezz’s breath caught in her chest as her eyes widened but Atticus raised his hands quickly, “I cannot ask this… but I know you would be angry with me if I hid this fact from you. I know the two of you desire children, and I will not lie. It is still a great risk. I’ve learned that the two of you prefer to make your own decisions, so I want you to do so with the most recent information. I’ll leave everything here for you to review.” Leaving a data stick on the desk, Atticus stood. He began stepping toward the door as the stunned couple stayed where they were, “I’ll give you some space. I am sorry for the heaviness of my findings.” Atticus opened the door and stepped out.
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