Candy apple metallic red paint

Has anybody came across an effective rubber sole paint other than black or red

Hi everyone, this is the first chapter of my debut novel. For information and links to other chapters click the link down below :
Reddit - Dive into anything
The Great One sat on his throne, gazing longingly into the hearts of man. Something was coming and he could feel it. Destiny riding on a white steed, like the tales of man long ago, coming to uncover his secrets. He could see it all, the wall, the castle, and the so-called gods that built it all. The ego of these creatures was laughable, if only the Great One could still laugh. He could still speak sure, but only through means not of man’s common means. Vocal cords were a commodity long since lost in this place.
As the Great One observed the coming destiny he could feel the approaching storm, in a hail of flesh and blood, the only things that the Great One lacked. He would never give up, never retreat to these things as they approached, for this was the Great One. He looked back to the castle, viewing the scene in its entirety, and he felt something like happiness enter him.
Divinity. That is what connected the walls surrounding Dundis castle, not stone or metal, this was not a mere wall but a divine gift from ones above. Divinity sealed the wall, made it whole, the walls sealed together without mark or blemish, something no man could ever replicate. The wall had stood for a century, and would likely last ten more, there was no weakness, no flaw in design. 50 metres tall the wall was unscalable, unbreakable. No man could break the wall, it was the Vaunghe empire’s crowning gift, their wonder of the world. Those that were hired to clean the wall’s dirt and grime were heralded as the truly faithful, and all longed to help the gift of the gods. And yet despite this the Alizian’s watched, standing with armies around the great wall, waiting to breach its crust and destroy the core.
The Vaunghe had watched their foes throw everything they had, hundreds of men attacking the steel doors of the wall to no avail, an attempted archer attack quickly squashed by the wall's height. The Alizian military was strong, a blend of the Alizian warriors and Strolim blacksmiths made for a truly terrifying army. The army was so terrifying that the Vaunghe inside the castle doubted there were any more Vaunghe troops left, this was the end to a long battle between man and man. Even the soldiers left weren’t particularly important, just those lucky enough to guard the king and a few trainees. But the Vaunghe felt their luck running out.
The food supplies had run low, even if the nobles weren’t in the castle there was no chance of resupply. The few men who had eaten in the past few days stood alert, gazing down from the ramparts at the enemy. The soldiers knew they had to either surrender or fight, but the Vaunghe were passionate people, they could never leave behind their identity in favour of life. So the men waited, bows and arrows at the ready, for the next attack. Heavy items such as ingots and chairs lined the rampart, ready to be thrown off at a moments notice.
They had waited in this position for many cycles, and as day turned to night, and night turned to day the Vaunghe were exhausted, finished with whatever feeble attacks these barbarians had planned. They could throw whatever armies and arrows they wanted at the wall but it would remain unphased, forevermore. When the Alizian’s next attacked they would be met with the last strength of the Vaunghe, and it would be a story remembered for milenia by man and the gods.
As the morning sun rose over the wall, the enemy was revealed in all their glory. Even from so high above the Vaunghe could see the glint of silver from the Alizian military. The bright greens of the Alizian armour created a dazzling sensation that they were one with the grass, which blended in so perfectly with their clothes. They stood in their thousands, armed with whatever they could find, and even on the wall the men could see him.
The slaughterer, the murderer, the man, the myth and the legend Osmund stood alone on an overlooking hill. The fiend was well known by the Vaunghe, he was likely the greatest foe that had come from the opposing sides. Vaunghe generals often fled at his coming, or surrendered first, but rumour had it that Osmund gave no mercy. Overseeing his army to destroy everything that was left, the Vaunghe soldiers knew today really was the end. The figure on the hill moved closer to his army and screamed. The battle-cry of the Alizian’s shook fear into each of the Vaunghe atop the rampart, being so loud that it even reached so high.
The hundreds of troops began to move in sync, forming three individual groups of soldiers, with 10 metre spaces between each. Each contingent comprised six hundred men, easily dwarfing the 82 Vaunghe soldiers that were left. But the Vaunghe were not afraid, at least not afraid of a breach anytime soon. These walls were built to withstand any damage, no man could breakthrough one.
Between the troops was movement, indeed there seemed to be movement down all three rows of men in blue. The Strolime empire had finally revealed themselves, with their short stature and mental prowess the Strolime were gifted inventors not expected to appear on the battlefield. And yet here they were, almost one hundred of them hauling forth three large metallic objects. The sun bounced off of these objects into the Vaunghe’s eyes.
None of the men had ever seen objects like these, seemingly composed of pure metals and on wheels. Some thought they were a testament to the gods, some holy objects, others believed it to be some new invention from the Strolime, however none of them could say anything for certain as they were pushed closer and closer to the wall. The Strolomites stopped in their advance, approximately 20 metres away from the wall. The purpose of these objects had yet to dawn on the men, although one of the younger men on the rampart claimed he could see small objects poking through the metal, which was now aimed at a forty-five degree angle towards the wall.
As the Strolimites halted their advance many began to move away into the safety of the Alizian wall, likely afraid of any precautionary Vaunghe archers. One of them, a rather short and plump soldier, stayed with the object, placing a hand on it and turning to the wall. It was a fleeting moment, but for a second it seemed the man was gazing at the Vaunghe soldiers in shame. One last condemnation to the ones that began this war, before it would all come crashing down. But then the moment passed, and the short man moved as the rest did, doing a slight zig zag to avoid arrows.
And now, just as quickly they had come, the Strolomite’s were gone in the ranks of the Alizians, still waiting in their groups for something, and then they came. Three figures, two women and a man, moved between the lines just as the Strolimites before them. These three wore no armour, only the greens of Alizia upon their tunics. They stood beside the objects and began to reach their arms into the underside of it. Before the Vaunghe’s eyes the objects began to turn slightly, aiming even more directly at the wall.
One of the Vaunghe had enough of this display, and raised his bow. There were low winds on this day, and he was a good enough shot to reach at least one of the Alizian soldiers. He aimed his bow, finger on the drawstring, and released. It is likely that this arrow would’ve drawn first blood in this battle, however the arrow never reached its target.
In the split second before the release of the bow, the Vaunghe noticed the smoke billowing out of the bottom of the devices, the flames that shot out, and finally they noticed for not even a fraction of a second the object that shot out of the metallic thing, something white and red that hit the wall in an instant.
The wall shook, and the following barrage of these objects shattered any notion of divinity. Crashing and crumbling the rampart was launched, sending soldiers flying everywhere. The Vaunghe beside the wall were subject to the falling rubble, both the crumbling stone of the walls and the miscellaneous objects they had left upon the wall. All of the objects crushed the few Vaunghe left, save for the few sickly starving soldiers left inside the castle’s inner walls.
Down went the walls, such a harsh strike against the wall that nothing stood in the path of this monster. The roaring splattered through the castle, the screams of the falling wall waking the King himself from his slumber. Such a vast creation had fallen in seconds before the might of the Alizian’s, and now there was nothing left but to watch the battle unfold.
Smoke flooded the inner walls of the castle, casting the few remaining into fits of coughing and blindness. The walls finished their crumbling, and yet the roars didn’t stop. These were not the roars of the wall but the war cries of the soldiers outside, and they began to get louder, echoing through the walls of Dundis and into the ears of the weak nobles and soldiers.
Through the smoke they came, weapons raised and charging the weak. The few that tried to fight were slaughtered, cut down by a sea of green soldiers. Those that were choking, sputtering or raising their hands in defeat were spared, hauled through the hordes and into one of the stables facing the inner wall. They were to be tried and jailed, for no human regardless of their crime should be killed. It is simply not the Alizian way.
Out of the one hundred and fifty two people who were in Dundis, forty two had died in the wall’s destruction, and a further eleven were detained by the Alizian military. There was nothing that the Vaunghe could do, save for locking their doors, shield themselves and hold out for as long as possible. The Vaunghe forces built barricades in their castle, locking away the Alizian combatants for as long as possible. And during all of this Osmund waited. Waiting for his time to end this war, this travesty of battle that had gone on for too long, and that time finally came.
* * * *
Osmund stood alone atop the hill, and watched the madness unfold. The walls crumbled at the face of these weapons with no more effort than a straw house, and the plumes of smoke assaulted his men, although not to the extent of the inner wall. After a few moments of sputtering and choking the men cheered, for this was the moment that they had been waiting for, the end of such a long war now in the Alizian’s favour.
The Vaunghe capital was in shambles, their military long crushed underneath Osmund’s almighty power, and all that was left was the King. Hiding behind his walls as if he didn’t deserve this loss, this final failure in his life. Osmund was willing to spare as many people as he could, it was the Alizian code, but there would be no mercy for the King. This wasn’t one final battle between two great armies, that conflict happened weeks ago, this was the last breaths of a psychotic monarch being silenced amongst the last of his troops.
Osmund gazed longingly at Dundis, the ruined walls and advancing soldiers and doubted. He felt something was off, something was very wrong with all of this. His heart began to thump, as Osmund’s eyes turned every way to understand what was wrong, what abnormality was here. It grew and grew, Osmund began to shake at what was about to happen, nothing was right here Osmund should be somewhere else helping someone, there’s something wrong here something very-
Peace. Osmund’s heart stopped thumping, body stopping its perpetual shaking. He looked again to the marching troops, now almost entirely inside the walls, and looked back to his back, and the reserve Strolomites that now stood. They were cheering, marvelling at the success of the assault, and how the god’s gift had saved so much effort on their part.
Such strange creations composed of metal and flame, Osmund marvelled at the power the gods possessed. These devices were so unique in design Osmund doubted if any army could defeat them. The large red tubes they released could easily destroy an entire village by itself, but with one hundred of them an entire valley could be bathed in flames. Something truly abnormal in this world, something so parallel to the code of battle that no army would ever think of it.
The Vaunghe were once considered to be the greatest fighters, with the tournaments they created bringing forth the greatest warriors from throughout the land. Their dedication and power were unmatched in ferocity and violence, some called the Vaunghe the standing due to their unmatched will to always get back up. Osmund recalled his days in the tournaments, those peaceful days when he was not yet a hero to people, but a simple military man. He was still only Osmu back then, and yet even those of the time knew he would be something special. As Christoff used to say, ‘Ozzie you’re going places, big ones’. Osmund missed Christoff, It had been so long since their last meeting, and all Osmund wanted was to meet again one last time.
Osmund’s assistant came to him, a younger Strolomite by the name of Gizmu. Gizmu was rather muscular for a Strolomite, a strong figure contrasting his associates' plumper bodies, and stature was fairly tall for one of his people at 6’5 ft tall. Hazel hair protruded through a blue helmet, and for the first time Osmund considered what his assistant could look like. Gizmu was one of the many Strolomite’s who refused to show their face until military success, a tradition that Osmund respected. He had no doubt that Gizmu's true face would one day be revealed to him, as the man possessed genuine prowess in the fields of agriculture, something sorely missed in the modern military.
“Osmund, your team is preparing now, they’ll come soon. I advise you to prepare your armour sir, as it won’t be long before you’re sent in.” Osmund sensed mild concern in Gizmu’s voice, but didn’t pursue it.
“Thank you Gizmu, my friend. I’ll begin my preparations, tell the guests to meet me here when they are fully prepared. And do ensure they understand that there is still risk of injury on this mission, ensure each of them wears their armour.” Osmund’s voice was deep and echoed his long life, commanding a sense of authority amongst all Alizian forces.
Osmund left the hill, passing the cheering Strolomite’s and the peasant farmers who supported the army, and entered the rows of tents. They stretched out on either side, one for every four soldiers, until he reached his own tent. Entering Osmund was surprised to discover a fellow commander still asleep in his bed, snoring away peacefully.
Osmund removes his upper clothing, the clean tunic falling to the ground. While removing these clothes Osmund kicks the sleeping man in the leg, which doesn’t actually amount to anything rather than halting his snoring. Osmund kicks the sleeping soldier again, this time in the buttocks, which does a far better job of riling him. The man looks around wide-eyed, before settling onto the sight of the giant Osmund.
“Hey, why'd you kick me? I almost had a bleedin’ heart attack don’t you know not to meddle with a sleepin man?”
“Don’t you know that you were meant to be on the battlefield at the crack of dawn? I don’t know what kind of promotion you’re expecting when you aren’t even going on the battlefield. Do you really want to be Balmun forever?” Osmund spoke coldly, now reaching for his chestplate.
“Well no sir. But the thing is I actually have a very cunning plan, I thought of it all myself.” A smile falls upon the man’s face, whose head bears an uncanny resemblance to a potato.
“And what is that?” Osmund halted his preparations briefly.
“Well if I say I was there but didn't actually go, who’d think I wasn’t? I can just sleep through it all until the battle is won and no one would be the wiser.” Osmund puts a hand onto Balmun’s fleshy shoulder.
“A fine plan, if I wasn’t your commanding officer you buffoon. By the gods I believe some divine creator mistakenly put a turnip in your head instead of a brain because no noble’s son has ever been as frankly idiotic as you have. You’re coming with me to the battlefield, and I suggest you get dressed or you’ll be facing the last of the Vaunghe army with your flopping cock dancing for all to see.” Balmun stood and began to slip some clothes on, as Osmund completed his own set of armour.
Osmund’s armour bore the mark of a noble family, some rich fools who wanted their family crest to be associated with a bloody conflict and a dangerous murderer. Osmund wore it because of the armour’s quality, customfit to encompass Osmund’s 9’5 ft tall body, something no other armour was able to achieve. Osmund’s height was always an oddity, reaching far above the average 8ft heights of most Alizian’s, and making him one of the tallest figures in the lands. It was this height and his skin’s colour that earned him the name of the black death, which he wasn’t particularly fond of due to the mention of his skin. And even then Osmund certainly didn’t feel like a black death, whatever that was meant to be, rather he felt like death itself. Osmund was to be fifty years old by the end of the week, and it showed on his body. The hair that was left on his head was grey, and while still possessing an impressive form Osmund’s body was not in its prime, he was old.
Osmund looked at himself in the full body mirror, grabbing his longsword and leaving the tent, dragging a half dressed Balmun with him. Back through the tents they travelled, back past the now eager Strolomite’s and atop the hill where Osmund’s infiltration team stood. In any other battle Osmund would’ve despised the one that left this group with him, a collection of subpar and mediocre soldiers with all the military future of an Otter in a stew. But then again Osmund’s battle history did feature a lot of important people dying under his watch, so perhaps this was for the better.
The force began with Edmun, a cross between a prostitute and a noble who unfortunately takes more from the noble. An egotistical brat, as well as a greedy goblin of anything that isn’t bolted down, Osmund had borne the unfortunate duty of his company for months, since the initial assault on the capitol. The man could barely hold a weapon, save for slight skill with a flail of all things which he wore by his side. It was a gold plated flail as well, specifically made for beating in the heads of the poor Vaunghe soldiers stupid enough to get close. Blonde hair obscured blue eyes that spoke to his red-light mother, in fact for a noble’s son Edmun had all the appearance of an incestuous dullard. The man had survived by pure luck, and was the only casualty that Osmund wanted his side to suffer.
The Enick twins Humun and Eumun were up next, named after their family crest of the god of alcohol Enick. In contrast to Edmun these were a pair of real soldiers, Osmund had seen the fruits of their labour many times. They were great at the art of flanking, Humon’s greataxe paired alongside Eumun’s spears proved to be an unbeatable combination. The only issue that Osmund had with the pair was their… peculiar relationship. While the two were great fighters, whenever they were together anything else became impossible to comprehend. Osmund had once caught the pair attempting to seduce a goat wearing a knight’s helm, and while they were drunk there is still clear evidence of idiocy amongst them. The pair were identical in appearance, burly figures of 8’5ft, short cut black hair and overgrown beards stretching down their faces, however the distinguishing feature between the two was Eumon’s cleft lip, which gave his speech a lisp.
Josmu was far more a scholar than a soldier, although Osmund enjoyed his presence greatly. Since they first met the pair had hit it off, often discussing each other’s lives in Alizian taverns across the kingdom. A gifted archer, Josmu was the son of two aspiring poets and enlisted into the military voluntarily to assist in the war efforts. Osmund had a great deal of respect for the man, and hoped that the two would one day have a drink together, and ruminate on the past once more.
And then there was Jumun, a gifted soldier and one of the few Osmund thought could take him in his prime. Long strands of red hair ran down her rough face, a pointed nose and peculiar eyebrow shape giving her a perpetual look of disappointment. At a height of 9’2 ft she stood almost toe to toe with Osmund, in fact there were many aspects about her that reminded Osmund of himself. The first was her attitude, she treated every war as a tragedy of its own, and yet she would never fail to perform against her enemies. Skilled in most weapons Jumun’s life had been long and arduous, her worn out armour covered in patches and dents. Osmund had offered her a new set of armour once, to which she vehemently refused, telling Osmund that she wished to end the war in the armour she started it in. Currently she held a single large sword nearly identical to his own, and Osmund predicted that she couldn’t wait for the battle to be over.
The group stood facing the smoking walls, watching the now descending Strolomite’s retrieve the three gifts from the gods. Pushing them back up the hill would take tremendous strength and a long time, which is why nearly double the number of Strolomite’s assisted in the endeavour. Osmund cleared his throat, prompting the looks of the team. All of their eyes were of Balmun, who was somehow already panting after a 2 minute drag through the ground. Osmund released the man and pushed him towards his new comrades, to which he sulked.
Osmund could see through the smoke of the ruins now, noting the strangely high number of bodies present from Osmund’s view. It appeared that there were more forces than originally estimated, as it was initially guessed there were around one hundred and fifty soldiers inside. Judging by the number of corpses inside those numbers clearly forgot to account for the possibility of trainees inside of the castle. This may be a slightly larger fight than initially predicted, although even supposing there were another hundred or so trainees locked inside rooms there were things Osmund could do against that.
“Alright then, good to see that some of you actually bothered to wake up today, Balmun, and I think we all know that this mission is going to end the war.” Balmun raised his hand.
“Yes Balmun?”
“Sir I have a very cunning pl-”
“Shove your plans up your slacker buttocks, you idiot. Now then, I’m gonna say this once, because quite frankly the more chances I give Balmun to interrupt the more likely I’ll butcher myself with this sword. Now then we are the backbone to the forces, our mission is to help take individual points of conflict from alternative points. We will accomplish this with the leaked maps of the castle gained from Vaunghe intelligence. Now then, originally it was believed that we were dealing with only around one hundred and fifty troops, but it looks like someone didn’t remember the number of rookie troops that are trained here, so we could be looking at a few more troops than expected.” Osmund saw the hand raised but tried to ignore it. The man with the potato for a head seemed adamant however, and raised his hand higher. When that didn’t work he raised both arms.
“By the gods what is it?”
“Well sir, what kind of weapons do you think they have?” Osmund stopped in his tracks, not expecting anything even related to an actual important question. A smile formed on his face, it seems that even fools can think every now and again.
“Decent question my friend, we can probably expect the basic mix of swords and axes, likely shields also, but we may have one or two archers running around however it’s unlikely any survived the wall’s collapse.”
“That is good Osmund, once we take a few down I need a weapon, I like the swords myself.”
“What’s wrong with your sword?”
“I left it in the tent sir.” Osmund cupped his hands into his face, cringing against the stupidity of this man.
“Listen…. just everyone follow me please, I mean by the gods man. Come on. Listen I don’t think we will need any armour with us today, we have the single thickest piece of meat just over there as we speak.” Osmund points towards Balmun, who turns to see what everyone is looking at. Without another word Osmund begins to walk down the hill towards the castle, muttering things that even the gods consider a little racy.
* * * *
The ruins of Dundis stood firm in their strength, with the ruined walls blemishing what was once a grand fortress that none had penetrated. Tall spires protrude from the shapeless stone complex. Along the gateway was a path leading directly into the Dundis entrance, which stood slightly ajar. Fragments of the wall had crushed many parts of the outside, with simple wooden stables and trees crushed by the weight of the plummet of the debris. The architecture that remained spoke to the complexities of the Vaunghe, as spiralling patterns adorned the walls of the castle, interlaced with rare jewels that coated the walls. The Vaunghe were so fortunate with minerals that one could find them coating their walls, despite the fact that no one other than a fellow Vaunghe was ever meant to see such a thing.
A veil of embarrassment and determination clashed as the group descended the hill, weapons at the ready. The group had reached the ruins of the wall now, debris coating the grass and the bodies that were surely there. Even destroyed Osmund still felt some of that divine power the Vaunghe always babbled about, he felt the strength in the walls and not for the first time wondered why the gods would bestow such a gift upon such a vile group.
The group began clambering through the ruins, over the cracked pieces of stone and through the divine walls final remains. There was a smell here, the remnants of smoke colliding with the smell of blood, but there was a third smell, one that Osmund knew well. It was the smell of inevitability, heavy in the hair. That which is unlikely to happen always will happen, and when it does the smell adds to it all, the smell of fate and destiny runs through this place.
Inevitability hides everywhere, in the trees and the skies, carried by the wind through it all. From nature it was born, but in man it thrives, the building’s will one day fall, the kingdoms will fade away, and everything will one day lead to something else. From every beginning comes an end, and each end becomes a beginning, this is how it has always been. This place thought itself against such things, and inevitability infected its walls, creeping along slowly rotting the once great walls into a hellish nightmare. Now the bubble has burst, and the smell of inevitability crowds the world, taking over everything.
Moaning. A low whimper. A cry for something. Calls for assistance. A terrified yell. Osmund approaches the source of these noises, his team close behind. At the source of these screams is a Vaunghe soldier, somehow alive after the rampart’s collapse, covered in piles of stone and smoke. His outstretched hand reaches towards Osmund, who in turn takes it.
The man mutters something, sputters blood, and begins to fade. As he does, Osmund moves towards the rocks, feeling against it. Somehow the rocks aren’t as heavy as they should be, and Osmund slowly moves the rocks. The first and second rocks move, and after some struggling Osmund moves the third rock, revealing a bloody leg, spurting forward. Osmund realises how the man survived, the remains of a metal box squashed around him. As the rampart fell the man landed inside, narrowly missing an immediate demise. Now he sat, bleeding in and out of consciousness, and moaning for help. Osmund put his hands around the man, slowly lifting him, and moving forwards into the inner walls.
There are running medics here, and as they see Osmund’s approach they run to him, taking the injured man and placing him onto a table. The man may survive, they told Osmund, however his bleeding may take too much from him. As Osmund turns to leave he hears the voice, the message of the man.
“T-t-th-than-” It was shaky, interrupted by coughs and convulsions, but bore strength, and Osmund felt the ghost of a smile play upon him.
“It wasn’t an issue.” And with that Osmund left the tent, admiring the surroundings in focus for the first time. Eyes bore into him from his party, and yet no one said anything, they couldn’t. Many had called Osmund a monster in his time, they had seen him do bad things to bad people, and yet none would call him a monster, for there is no such thing. Osmund is not some black death, he’s another beast entirely.
For the first time Osmund admired his surroundings, the inner walls were now filled with wreckage, and looked back to the tent. It was amazing how quickly the medics could establish tents, the battle had occurred for less than an hour and already there were three tents established side by side. Besides the wounded Vaunghe soldier were three other injured soldiers, each seeming to be hit by a minor injury likely from the smoke inhalation.
The captured and surrendered were lined up against the castle's wall, being carefully monitored by over sixty members of the contingent. There were only around twelve or thirteen of the captured, smoke-covered and sputtering. On the ground were bodies, those rookies that tried so valiantly to protect what they cared for. They now lay, looking up to the sky blindly.
Osmund saw the bodies and felt his stomach turn. The desire came back. The shaking returned, alongside it the painful sharp stabbing thoughts. Everything changed, he forgot who he was. What kind of person would approve of this, what even was Osmund was he real or fake, how is he even conceiving things like this. What is reality and why is it real, why can’t he understand-
Silence. Peace. Osmund returned to himself, the shaking never happening at all. He looked down at the bodies and continued to walk. There was nothing he could do for them, not anymore. The eyes of his group bore into him, shattering something that had broken a long time ago. He raised his hand and motioned for his team to follow, leaving this travesty of death and life behind.
Footsteps. Osmund turned to their echoing sound, the way they bounced through the place was unbelievable, the way it echoed between the walls and the castle structure itself. Through open castle gates he ran, a messenger in green, sword in its scabbard and now approaching Osmund. The man tripped on something, a large rock of some sort, before standing, dusting himself off and reaching the group.
“Osmund, we have hit the enemy’s points of defence.” The man was young, maybe twenty, and no more than twenty five.
“And? Where are they?”
“There are three fronts, the first is in the scout’s tower where a group of Vaunghe are amassing weapons and barricades fast. We can no longer enter the tower, as the amount thrown down makes common entrance impossible. The second location is the garden, where we believe the last of the nobles and the King himself are. We’ve faced harsh opposition from the enemies, who have formed a wall of shields to protect the door. Finally we have the guard’s quarters, where a few amount of Vaunghe are in active combat as we speak, although that will likely be taken without need for intervention.”
“Good job soldier.”
“Thank you sir.”
Osmund removes a slip of paper from his garb, and admires it in the sunlight. It was a complex map of Dundis, including the secret passages and escape routes of the entire place. It cost the annulment of many Vaunghe men and women, but was worth all the effort. Consulting the map Osmund noted the existence of an escape passageway inside of the tower. It was obscured behind a wall, thus explaining the lack of windows on that side.
“Report back to your commander that we’ll begin with the tower, there are several clear passages into an alternative staircase. Launching a pincer attack we’ll defeat the enemy and allow for the redistribution of forces. By that time I expect the guard’s quarters to be taken, allowing us to completely overflow any opposition protecting the garden.”
“Yes Osmund, I will inform her now.” And with that the young warrior ran back through the castle’s long iron gates.
And thus, the final battle was upon them. Osmund looked upon Dundis, the last symbol of the people who had taken everything from him, the ones who had slaughtered so many innocents, so many that Osmund cared for, and now the end was finally in sight. But it didn’t feel like the end, Osmund could feel no conclusion approaching, it felt like something else, as if this was all leading into something more, some grand massacre the likes of which Osmund had never seen. There’s a darkness ahead, something far worse to come than the echoes of a fallen monarchy, and as Osmund stands he can feel it inside of him, gesturing sensually, awaiting his return to the beginning. In a mental prison of nonexistent existence lies the mother, a slight smile on her lips. She awaits the grasp of Osmund forevermore.

Hi all
I'm building a new home in Sydney Australia. I've been provided with the below quote from a reputable company with 20 years experience.
I'm looking for some guidance around further questions that I should look to ask here to ensure that I end up with the best, most efficient product
Thanks
Our quote for the supply and installation of your sauna 2100W x 1600D x 2100H is $20,980 + GST
Our price is inclusive of the following:
Ceiling: Roof to be colorbond (colour tbc by client) with matching capping, underside to be Thermo Modified European Spruce - 140mm x 16mm
External Walling: Thermo Modified European Spruce - 140mm x 19mm
Internal walling and ceilings: Premium Western Red Cedar - 84mm x 10mm
Flooring: slab and finished floor by client
Windows: Qty 2 - 500W x 700D - double glazed windows with clear glass
Insulation: - Mineral wool R2.0 for walling and R 3.0 for the ceilings. Your sauna walling will be lined with authentic aluminium foil reflector for additional insulation and heat retention..
Benches in two levels: Premium Western Red Cedar - 90mm x 17mm
Top Bench - in a straight line - 600mm deep
Low bench - L shaped and both benches - 450 mm deep
Grill: Custom made grill between top bench and low bench
Backrest: Custom made backrests with integrated LED strip lighting (12v transformer, waterproof IP65, aluminum tubing)
Ventilation: Authentic Harvia ventilation inlet to be installed - this allows for natural air recirculation
Door: Full glass door - 690w x 1890h - with clear glass.
Heater: Harvia VEGA Pro BC165
Heater Accessories: Harvia CX180M - external control panel, Harvia heater rocks
Sauna accessories kit: - 4L wooden bucket, 48cm wooden ladle, thermo/hygrometer, sandglass 15min
Delivery: delivery of all sauna timber, components and accessories to clients premises
Installation: full installation by our team of experts
Not Included:
Electrical connections - all electrical connections need to be completed by a licenced electrician
Plumbing
Oiling and Painting

The trees were being stripped bare of their leaves
As the night wind took the warmth from our faces.
We were talking about our pet peeves
Like we would always be fond of each other in distant places.
​
Beyond, a branch cracked under the weight of snow.
So we ran clutching our sides, giggling like children
Into the future where I was greeted by growing throes.
Stamped our time together as cotton candy whilend.
​
How many years has it been in these short months?
The winter air still whispers in my ear
A mournful song about spring in the major sevenths
Of love and war and dancing fears
​
Without you, I no longer smile the same.
Cut my hair and shaved my eyebrows
I must admit, I am quite lame
Waiting for you to arrive at this station house.
​
I don’t believe my damaged heart
Could unthaw next to the coming flowers.
They give me an assortment of drugs to paint my body like art.
To just look something like you I go weeks without taking a shower.
​
I might never see you again,
But I’m glad to have called you a friend.
The scars in my body that still remain
All but wait for this malignant chapter to end.
​
https://www.reddit.com/OCPoetry/comments/125dys9/sandworm_anarchy/
​
https://www.reddit.com/OCPoetry/comments/125cscl/afloat_atop_ideas_aboard_calamity/

Happy to provide pics of anything you might be interested in.. Most of this stuff I would like to move ASAP. If you would like to buy see my GameSale post!
If you are local to the Sacramento area I might be willing to do a local meetup. Cash/Paypal also acceptable on either side to help even out a trade.
Thanks for looking! Happy trading!
​
[HAVE]

PLAYSTATION
Playstation	Legacy of Kain Collectors Edition Triple Pack	SEALED Hard to value.. I don't see this very often at all.. There is one other one on eBay right now for $369 in similar condition.. This one does have some minor wear to the corners/seal as seen in the pics.. I would really like a big item from my list for this..
Playstation	DarkStalkers 3	CIB - Minor Staining
Playstation	GranStream Saga	CIB
Playstation 2	Final Fantasy X Brady Games Strategy Guide	Very worn. Has tear in front cover. No poster.
Playstation 2	Final Fantasy X -2 Brady Games Strategy Guide	Moderately worn. Has smaller tear in back cover. Includes Poster.
Playstation 2	Dual Shock 2	Silver - Works - Normal Wear
Playstation 2	Dual Shock 2	Translucent Blue - Works - Normal Wear
Playstation 2	Guitar Hero II	BL - CIB
Playstation 2	Guitar Hero Guitar Hero Encore Rocks the 80's	BL - CIB
Playstation 2	Myst III Exile	BL - CIB
Playstation 2	RPG Maker 3	BL - CIB
Playstation 2	24 The Game	BL - CIB
Playstation 2	Wheel of Fortune	BL - CIB
Playstation 3	Ace Combat Assault Horizon	BL - CIB
Playstation 3	BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend	Limited Edition Big Box - CIB - Includes Soundtrack, Art Book, and Calendar. Box has heavy wear. Everything else is pretty minty. Game case has some minor shelf wear.
Playstation 3	Dark Souls II	BL - CIB
Playstation 3	Diablo III	BL - CIB
Playstation 3	Yakuza Dead Souls	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	500 Million Dual Shock 4 Controller	Loose - Has crack in center but otherwise pretty minty.
Playstation 4	7 Days to Die	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Call Of Duty Infinite Warfare	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Dead Cells [Action Game of the Year]	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Evolve	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Final Fantasy XV Deluxe Steelbook Edition book w/Slipcover	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8	BL - CIB - Spine damage/tear
Playstation 4	Middle Earth Shadow of War	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Nascar Heat 3	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Overwatch Origins	BL - CIB
Playstation 4	Resident Evil Village Deluxe Edition	BL - CIB
Playstation 5	Babylon's Fall	Sealed
Playstation 5	Death Stranding	Sealed
PSP	PSP 1001 - Loose. PSP ONLY	Body and screen are pretty scratched up, includes a rubber grip cover and I can include a white replacement shell... Charge port can be touchy sometimes so it also includes a replacement port. No charger. PENDING
PSP	Tekken 6	BL - CIB
PSP	PSP 3000 Box and tray only - No PSP included	Box has moderate to heavy wear with some creasing.
PSVITA	Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Plus	Loose
PSVITA	Wipeout 2048	Loose

​

XBOX
Xbox	Blowout	BL - CIB
Xbox	Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban	BL - CIB
Xbox	Indiana Jones and The Emperors Tomb	BL - CIB
Xbox	Pac Man World 2	PH - CIB
Xbox	Return To Castle Wolfenstein Tides of War	PH - CIB
Xbox 360	4GB - 360 Slim Console	Includes OEM power supply and controller. I can probably include an HDMI cable if needed.
Xbox 360	250GB - 360 Slim Console	Includes OEM power supply, controller and Kinect. I can probably include an HDMI cable if needed.
Xbox 360	Dead Space 3	PH - CIB
Xbox 360	Dragonball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi	BL - CIB
Xbox 360	Fable 2 Limited Edition	BL - CIB* (No special features disc)
Xbox 360	Fable 3	BL - CIB
Xbox 360	Forza 4	BL - CIB
Xbox 360	Grand Theft Auto 5	BL - Boxed w/map
Xbox 360	Halo 3 Limited Edition Steel book w/sleeve (minor damage)	BL - CIB - Includes manual, but no book..
Xbox 360	Hitman HD Trilogy - Premium Edition w/ slipcoveartbook	BL - CIB - Moderate wear
Xbox 360	Mortal Kombat	BL - Boxed (No Manual)
Xbox 360	NBA Live 2010	BL - CIB
Xbox 360	NBA 2K18	BL - CIB
Xbox 360	Portal 2	BL - Boxed (No Manual)
Xbox 360	Test Drive Unlimited	BL - CIB
Xbox One	Battlefield 4 Steelbook Edition	CIB
Xbox One	Dark Souls 3	CIB
Xbox One	Madden 22	CIB
Xbox One	Prototype BioHazard Bundle	CIB
Xbox One	Rare Replay	CIB
Xbox One	Skylanders Trap Team	CIB
Xbox One	UFC 3	CIB
Xbox One	Watch Dogs 2	CIB
Xbox One	Wolfenstein The New Order	CIB

​

NINTENDO
NES	Vintage Nintendo of America Letter	w/ Official Nintendo Envelope, Cover Letter, Nintendo Power order form, service center list, Game Pak Directory, Replacement parts list, Nintendo history. Great little piece. Definitely shows some wear and a few markings but the order forms are blank. Not sure how to value this
NES	Bart vs The Space Mutants	Manual Only
NES	Gradius	Manual Only
NES	Mega Man 1	Manual Only
NES	Mission Impossible	Manual Only
NES	NES Advantage controller	Manual Only
NES	Zodas Revenge	Manual Only
NES	Kung Fu	Loose
NES	Ninja Gaiden II	Loose
NES	Skate or Die	Loose - Worn/snagged top label
NES	Wizards and Warriors III	Loose - Worn/torn top label
NES	GAME GENIE	Loose
SNES	DOOM	CIB** - Might be willing to trade box/contents separately.
SNES	Rockos Modern Life	CIB - Box is worn, includes insert, manual and warning slip.. both have some wear, Cart is in great shape! Might be willing to trade box/contents separately.
SNES	Yoshi's Safari	CIB** - Might be willing to trade box/contents separately.
SNES	Buster Busts Loose	Manual Only
SNES	Hey Punk! Are You Tuff E Nuff?	Manual Only
SNES	Lawnmower Man	Manual Only
SNES	Mega Man X	Manual Only
SNES	World Heroes	Manual Only
SNES	GAME GENIE	Loose
N64	Standard N64 Console	Includes OEM expansion pack.
Wii	Red Steel	BL - Boxed (No Manual)
Wii	Trauma Center Second Opinion	BL - CIB
Wii U	The Legend of Zelda Windwaker HD Edition Wii U	Complete in box** - Super Hard trade - Probably the item I'm least likely to trade right now.
Wii U	The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess HD	SEALED - I am considering having this one graded.
Wii U	Super Mario 3D World	NS - CIB
Switch	Red and Blue V2 Switch Console	Includes everything but the box. Decent condition with a few blemishes. Everything works. PENDING
Switch	Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Edition OLED Switch	NEW
Switch	BloodRayne Fresh Bites	Sealed - w/card
Switch	Fire Emblem Three Houses	CIB
Switch	Great Ace Attorney Chronicles	CIB
Gameboy	Ren and Stimpy Veediots	Manual Only
NDS	Red Super Mario Bros 25th Anniversary Edition DSi XL	Loose - With charger. Does have some minor wear and teascuffs on corners PENDING
NDS	Mario Party DS	Sealed - (Has some knicks/tear in seal.)
NDS	Pokémon Heartgold	CIB - NFR case, no big box or Pokewalker - Only considering trading this so I can upgrade.. Would also trade FOR the big box..
NDS	Spiderman Shattered Dimensions	Loose
NDS	Spyro The Eternal Night	Loose
3DS	Animal Crossing New Leaf	CIB
3DS	Bravely Second End Layer	CIB - Minor damage to case/art
3DS	Legend of Legacy	Sealed
3DS	Super Smash Bros. 3DS	Loose

​

SEGA
Saturn	Model 2 Console	Loose - Includes power cord + OEM controller
Saturn	Street Fighter Alpha 2	CIB
Dreamcast	Crazy Taxi	Loose

​
[WANT]
SOME specific items I'm after:

• Attack On Titan 2 or Final Battle PS4
• Baten Kaitos - Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
• Castlevania Curse of Darkness - PS2
• Castlevania Lament of Innocence - PS2
• Castlevania Dracula X
• Conkers Bad Fur Day
• Chocobos Dungeon
• Clock Tower (all)
• Drakengard 2
• Earthbound
• Evil Dead Games (PS1-PS2)
• Geist - Gamecube
• Grandia Xtreme
• The Legend of Zelda Four Swords - Gamecube
• Majoras Mask N64
• Mario Party 6 - Complete only
• Mario Party 7 - Manual only
• Marvel vs Capcom 1 and 2 PS1/PS2 or Dreamcast
• Misadventures of Tron Bonne
• Mega Man 64 - Cart or CIB
• Paper Mario TTYD - Complete and NON Players Choice/Best Seller
• Parasite Eve II - Manual only
• Pokemon Crystal, Emerald, Ruby, and Silver
• Pokemon White, Black, HGSS (Big Box), Alpha Sapphire, Moon, Y, Ultra Sun/Moon
• Resident Evil - Saturn
• Resident Evil - PS1 Long Box
• Resident Evil Code Veronica - Gamecube
• Resident Evil Dead Aim (Also looking for other light Gun games like Point Blank, Time Crisis, House of the Dead..)
• Resident Evil Survivor
• Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles - Highly Prefer the Gun Bundle Version.
• Saga Frontier 2 PS1, Unlimited Saga PS2
• Shadow Hearts - PS2
• Shadow Hearts From the New World - Disc only
• Silent Hill Origins and Shattered Memories - PS2
• Suikoden, Suikoden II and Suikoden Tactics
• Tekken Long Box
• Twisted Metal Long Box
• Valkyrie Profile PS1
• Wario Ware/World - Gamecube
• Xenosaga Episode III - PS2 - Complete only. Lenticular preferred.
• PS2 Multi Out (

[General Wants]

• I'd like to bulk up my Gamecube and Sega collections; Dreamcast, CD/Saturn and Genesis.. I don't really need any hardware at the moment. But a CDX or Nomad would be cool though!
• PlayStation 5 games. Official Sony dual controller charger - CIB or New
• PS1 - PS4 Heavies
• PS Vita Games and maybe certain Vitas.
• PSP Games
• PSVR Games
• PS1 Long Box games
• PSX Console
• Special Edition Sony/PlayStation stuff.
• Switch games, SE Pro controllers
• Gameboys
• DS/3DS games

** Your lists/offers. I am not interested in loose discs or any sort of Greatest Hits, Platinum Hits, Players Choice, etc. Black Label/first print only. Most Carts are ok loose with the exception of games that came in plastic cases such as DS/Vita. If it had a cardboard box I can do without.

This has been driving me insane. I’ve been looking for a game I used to play on my PC when I was younger.
It was kind of like the opposite of Tetris. A layer of blocks would come up from the bottom of the screen. The colors of them were red, blue, green, and yellow(?) I think. They had kind of a metallic shine to them. You click on two or more of the same color and they disappear. The blocks keep coming up from the bottom of the screen and it gets faster the longer you play. It was available through softonic I’m pretty sure.
I kept thinking the title was “Brick Breaker”, “Block Breaker”, “Bricks!”, etc, but I’ve looked up all those key words to no avail. Any help appreciated, thank you.

Hey Everyone!
These are some of a collection buy out I did recently. Looking to trade for pokemon cards. Old, new, I am interested in looking! The worst I can say is no :)
Consoles Black gamecube Ps1 x2 Snes x2 N64 Games Beetle Adventure Racing N64 Beetle Adventure Racing N64 Perfect Dark Nascar 2000 N64 Beast Wars N64(Damaged Label) Army Men Sarge's Heroes N64 Armorines N64 Nascar 95 N64 Off Road Challenge N64 Turok Rage Wars N64 Turok 2 (Black) N64 Turok 2 (Gray) N64 Waialae Country Club N64 Vigilante 8 N64 Wave Race N64 Top Gear Rally N64 Knockout Kings 2000 N64 Boss Hunter 64 N64 Nightmare Creatures N64 Supercross 2000 N64 Command & Conquer N64 Roadsters N64 Gameboy Games Final Fantasy Legend III 3DS Games Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time PS3 Games PS3 Uncharted 3 PS3 Gran Turismo 5 Ps3 Batman Arkham Asylum PS3 Assassin's Creed PS3 Uncharted 2 PS3 Skyrim PS3 Red Dead Redemption PS3 Madden 07 PS3 Little Big Planet 2 PS3 Little Big Planet PS3 Infamous 2 Disc Only PS3 Grand Theft Auto 5 PS3 Infamous PS3 Modern Warfare 2 PS3 Call of Duty 4 PS3 Black Ops PS3 Arkham City Xbox 360 Games Xbox 360 Halo Reach Disc Only Xbox 360 Bioshock Xbox 360 Bioshock 2 Xbox 360 Sleeping Dogs Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 3 Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Modern Warfare Xbox 360 Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi Xbox 360 Sonic Sega All Stars Racing Xbox Original Games Xbox Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy(Complete) PS1 Games PS1 Team Rocket Rescue Disc Only PS1 Gran Turismo Disc Only PS1 Twisted Metal 2 Disc Only PS1 Activision Classic Games Wii Games Wii Think Smart Family Wii Secret Saturdays Wii NBA Live 08 Wii WWII Aces Wii Ghostbusters Wii Ice Age 2 Wii Chicken Shoot Wii Endless Ocean Wii Avatar The Game Wii The Simpsons Game Wii Goldeneye 007 Wii Cabalas Dangerous Hunts 2011 Wii Red Steel 2 Wii Super Mario All Stars Limited Edition SNES Games SNES Animaniacs SNES Krusty's Super Fun House SNES Indiana Jones SNES Donkey Kong Country Snes Donkey Kong Country 3 SNES Super Mario All Stars SNES Super Mario World SNES Super Mario World N64/SNES Manuals/Posters N64 Banjo Kazooie Manual N64 Super Mario 64 Manual SNES Michael Andretti's Manual SNES Indiana Jones Manual SNES Super Mario Kart Manual SNES Console Instruction Manual SNES Super Mario All Stars Manual SNES Super Mario World Manual SNES Nigel Mansell's World Racing Manual SNES Wheel of Fortune Manual SNES Home Alone Manual SNES Indiana Jones Poster

A Peculiarly Vivid but Disturbing Dream
​
I seem to be in a small rural town/city by a lakeside; feels like it is happening some years ahead from now. It was sometime in the afternoon, weather was cloudy. People are wondering about a sudden appearance of a plasma-like gray cloud that looked like a gigantic storm cloud gathering. It seemed alive because it was behaving like a cluster of tiny particles that don't react to the wind but moved on its own.
​
It stayed there for maybe an hour and suddenly a gigantic ship that looked like a sinewy and crude formation of an aircraft made of metallic ribbons. It didn't make any sense. But the overall design, was similar to a humanoid with outstretched arms at the sides as if they are wings or vice versa, but hands were tapered all the way to the tip, not showing any signs of fingers. The tailfin looked like loosely rolled flat coils.
​
As the giant shipped emerged from the gigantic cloud (or perhaps the cloud morphed into this gigantic ship), it crashed straight onto the lake. Everyone was running frantically trying to escape the impending mini tidal wave that would ravage the town. I barely escaped the rush of the first wave by meandering through the streets with arching walkways.
​
Then it rained, to be more specific, it rained lake droplets that splashed out of the crash. Interestingly, there was a tinge of red in the liquid, as if it was blood. I happened to accidentally taste it as it rained on everything. Everyone rushed to find shelter. After a while of cleaning up in an adhoc shelter from an empty apartment room, we heard someone call out to us. There was some rattling and tinkering noises and the hysterical woman was madly pointing on the floor.
​
On the floor were what seemed like a small pile/clump of plastic items and random junk. But what is supposed to be inanimate objects, they were wiggling and moving like insects. They had black tendrils embedded in them but slightly exposed. The tendrils formed what seem to look like antennae and spinal cord and crude legs. It was truly a strange sight: a crawling razor beside wiggling hair curlers. There were dozens of them. And it was interesting at best, and disturbing at worst.
​
A sudden loud banging and crashing could be heard a little later. Upon checking, one neighbor was wrestling with his car, which seemed to be, like the random trinkets earlier, alive! One pickup was intent on bumping onto random people outside.
​
It was all confusing, and a mob was soon seen rushing as if trying to escape from something. As the crowd drew nearer, above them were a dozen flying humanoid that looked like the ship earlier. They were flying above everyone and attacked some people.
​
They had a strange way of engaging. One was seen slashing a person from behind, and they seem like they meant to attack only from behind people. It seemed to slash in a specific way as if it's doing some ritualistic sign. The person who was hit immediately grew the same lack tendrils on their spine and sometimes some tendrils extend through the skin. That person would then hunt for another person and do the same thing as was done on it.
​
A bit later they were after me. There was a bit of a struggle and they managed to hit me but for some reason, they were not done with the same 'steps'. I took a pause, expecting the inevitability of some rabid instinct to inflict the same on others. But I was just kneeling on the floor, pausing and waiting for the worst. Nothing happened while the infected around me were distracted with other screaming people.
​
This is were the dream ended and it felt real. As to what this might mean I haven't the slightest idea. If anyone has any interesting interpretation, I'd love to hear them.
https://preview.redd.it/bmrr7oxo7mqa1.jpg?width=3456&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e892d04fddbb18ce05e1acd87bf92f00f8a00ba4

TL;DR RIGHT UP TOP!!! This is a doozy, kids!
WHEWY!!! This might be my longest odyssey yet. Basically, this twat wanted to give up on her addict son and leave him rotting in jail. She asked me to basically validate her, since I'm a former addict and apparently free counciling, and more or less called me the same lost cause when I didn't give her the answer she wanted. The only reason she hasn't is because of the imaginary obligations of her "Motherly Duty"; which she's trying to find a god damned loophole out of through the magic of "It's ok, I have an addict friend who says so". She was never fit to be a fucking mother in the first place.
​
Grab yer popcorn!
​
Peer counciling is no easy task. It's hard to find the line between "sound advice that may be hard to hear" and "I want to shake you until tangible stupid dislodges itself from your brainstem".
Now... for some god damned reason or another, I keep getting referred clients who are A) MUCH older than me, and B) Fucking parents. This is NOT a story about one of them, because I don't violate HIPAA on reddit like a slobbering paint glutton.
No, this tale of the tot-popping twit comes from a co-worker. See... being a Peer councilor seems to give the other, NON-COUNCILING people in my organization the impression that I'm free therapy. So they timidly knock on my door from time to time to just kinda... y'know, get some stuff off their chest... if I have a minute? (I usually don't, but you already closed the fucking door, so I'm just in this cocytus now...)
Now again, I have clients that are older than me, and are parents, and this particular co-worker... let's call her Steph... fit both of those demographics sans the pesky treatment referral. But, unlike those clients and my afformentioned antipathy for paint gluttony, Steph comes ALSO sans a confidentiality agreement, ipso facto, the lead base. CHOW TIME!
She began with the question "how do you talk to parents about drug's effects on the family?"
"Uh... depends on who's using them. Seeing as most of my clients are, themselves, in recovery, I typically talk about setting an example and generational cycles and such"
"Well, I don't know if any of them have children who use too?..."
(What part of generational cycles did you not-? Ugh...)
"Some, I suppose, but I tend to keep the focus on the client and emphasize that their recovery comes first. Do you... need a referral for-?"
"NO!!"
(Hey, don't get pissy at the batter for swinging at a line drive tee-up)
She goes on to explain that her son has been addicted to [yes... just yes] since he was 16 (we'll get to that later), now going on 34. He's in prison now, mainly because of something called Casey's Law. She's beside herself, because she doesn't know what to do about him anymore... and....
Look, FAR be it from me to EVER judge or codemn a parent whose kid just happened to fall in a bad way. I was an addict too, and I would absolutely never blame my parents for my hard nose-dive. And if this was a conversation about how Steph just didn't know how to get him the help he needs anymore?Or just wants her son back? Or even just "I don't know how we got here, and I don't know what to do next"?? Well, I wouldn't be taking 5,000 words to just get to the part where my blood-filled eyes are seeing jostleable handlebars on this pro-sterilization argument's fucking neck.
... AND... She just wants to know how much she should have to put up with as part of her motherly duty.
​
​
.... Let me say that again, there was a bit of a side tangent jammed in there.
"She doesn't know what to do about him anymore, and wants to know how much more SHE HAS TO PUT UP WITH.... as PART OF HER MOTHERLY DUTY"
.....Bitch, two things. 1) Why are you asking a CHILDLESS DUDE who is TWO YEARS YOUNGER THAN YOUR SON what the parameters of tolerance are for MOTHERLY FUCKING DUTY? and 2), and stay with me on this one, You wouldn't be asking that CHILDLESS DUDE (can't stress that enough) if you haven't already given up, and are now just looking for some validation for cutting ties with your Lifescript^TM plot device gone ad-lib. You WANT to leave him in that cell you Casey Lawed his ass into, and never have to deal with the shame of your perceived failure as a parent again. And now you want ME to tell you that's ok!
Now, I should've just capped this conversation at the knees with some dumbass stock platitude and said "Oh look at the time, next appointment is coming in, buh-bye now, good talk". But nope, logic went right out the roof with my blood pressure.
I did actually ask her "Why would a childless 32 year old man know anything about motherly duty?". I didn't care that I came off as rude, I SHOULD'VE said my little 2-parter up there out loud as written. But, that alone was enough for her victim switch to short-circuit.
"Well, I'm asking because you have experience talking to clients about addiction and what it does to the family!" (Note, she's say thUH family, in that really irritating 80's D.A.R.E infomercial way)
"Was he stealing from you? Engaging in reckless behavior? When did it get so dire?"
Yeah, he did do some covers of the "Addicts Greatest Hits", stole money from purses, got put in the drunk tank a few times, got in a lot of pretty heated arguments with thUH family (HURGH). However, compared to some of the shit I've heard my clients talk about, he was more the "Kidz Bop" version. Still bad, but not anywhere near as hopeless as she was implying.
"Are you asking because you want to know how to take steps to repair it? Or are you asking what the threshold is to stop trying?"
Oh, look, her face and my vision are the same shade of red now!
"Well, when YOU were a drunk, when did your family finally get sick of you?"
OOOOOOHHHH.... BITCH...
"Without dignifying your assumption that they did, I made the choice for myself to change and get better, but only through a calm, but stern, sit-down discussion with my family.
"So they were probably about to kick you out, or what?"
(I will snap those handlebar hallucinations on your neck with my FUCKING TEETH, YOU HARPY CU-)
"WHERE they clearly expressed their worry and outlined the harm I was doing to them in a non-accusatory way. They respected me enough to trust that I would recognize what I was losing, and told me they would be there for me when I was ready. But they were going to start keeping their distance"
"So they were sick of you"
(Not as sick as I am of you fucking breathing)
"NO. I never felt forced, I never felt abandoned, and I sure as shit never felt DEALT with. They talked to me out of genuine concern, NOT exhaustion"
"Well I tried talking to him, but he wouldn't get help, so it was jail or finding him dead!"
"Did you maybe try talking to him about why he turned to the vices that he did, especially at such a young age? What drove him to self-medicate that he couldn't resolve? Or did you just give him the Rehab or Jail ultimatum?"
She's just short of yelling at this point. Something something "his shitty friends", "his father was a drunk" (oh, hey, there's that GENERATIONAL THING AGAIN!!), "I can't talk to him about boy things" (won't... in fact, you won't talk to him, period. That would take effort.)
Yeah, if you're not piecing it together by now, she was emotionally absent with him, never tried to talk to him early on or when he hit some kind of emotional turmoil, didn't try to steer him away from his father's example, let him do whatever the fuck he wanted with whatever crowd, and basically took no responsibility whatsoever for him derailing. Now she wants to just keep him stored in a fucking cell so he doesn't fucking inconvenience her anymore and make her look bad. She clearly did nothing wrong (BIG /s), and I'll certainly agree with the "nothing" part, but now wants to be vindicated of having to care anymore.
Well, Steph, you gave up before leeching my time, and now need someone to endorse you deflecting the harsh potential reality of procreating coming to pass. Your selfishness, fragile pride, and self-absolution from personal accountability does not need my blessing. You arguably were never a mother with that supposed "duty" to begin with. Just a sad husk of breed-regret. Now go back to your fucking office and, at the very least, fulfill the duty of whatever the fuck I don't care to remember what you do here to dodge your failed motherhood.

This error keeps occuring, even logging in and out does not work.

Longish post, sorry, I’m just super excited!
One of my longest projects on my old VX2 rig has been my attempt to make chromodynamic paints. Knox had the cheapest pigment cycloid available (at least when I bought it), and luckily it hooked right up to my volux. I figured I’d add a good scoop of preporphyranitene, switch it on, close the HOMO-LUMO gap, run the aerocondenser, and bam! Right? Nope. I could not get /any/ samples with a good charge-transfer complex for like six months. I spent a ton of time trying to fix my volux before I realized the cycloid was actually the problem.
I’m sure most of us have suffered through the trials of Knox equipment, but it really is true that they have some of the best conjugation rigs once you get them to work right! So here are my tips to anyone giving up on their pigment cycloid: - Flush the barrel with DILUTE chloroplatinic acid before every single run. It actually works better than the concentrated stuff and saves you so much money - Completely ignore any advice in the instruction manual about the lumin knob, just set it at the beginning of the run and don’t touch it - Add a τ-stabilizer! You might not see any depleneration, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening
Also, anecdotal, but I find it helps to get drunk before using it. I swear the cycloids can smell fear.
I finally managed to get some gorgeous self-lumious red pigment that I’m using to paint my thermolateral engine, and it looks so great! Happy VXing everyone!

​

No. (Last Week)	Artist	Album	Copies sold this week	Total copies	Album Release Date
1 (NEW)	Jimin	FACE	224,870	224,870	Mar 25, 2023
2 (NEW)	Bullet Train (超特急)	B9	59,134	59,134	Mar 22, 2023
3 (NEW)	BABYMETAL	THE OTHER ONE	36,863	36,863	Mar 24, 2023
4 (NEW)	Angerme (アンジュルム)	BIG LOVE	23,680	23,680	Mar 22, 2023
5 (4)	TWICE	Ready To Be: 12th Mini Album	12,766	28,293	Mar 15, 2023
6 (NEW)	Little Glee Monster	Fanfare	12,313	12,313	Mar 22, 2023
7 (NEW)	The Street Sliders & Various	On The Street Again -Tribute & Origin-	10,078	10,078	Mar 22, 2023
8 (36)	NMB48	NMB13	8,975	149,342	Mar 8, 2023
9 (NEW)	Motohiro Hata (秦 基博)	Paint Like a Child	7,282	7,282	Mar 22, 2023
10 (NEW)	Eiichi Ohtaki (大滝詠一)	Eiichi Ohtaki NOVELTY SONG BOOK/NIAGARA ONDO BOOK	6,953	6,953	Mar 21, 2023
11 (NEW)	Yusuke (遊助)	Yu are the one (遊 are the one)	5,169	5,169	Mar 22, 2023
12 (NEW)	PURPLE K!SS	DEAR VIOLET	4,856	4,856	Mar 22, 2023
13 (NEW)	Sora Amamiya (雨宮天)	Sora Amamiya Works 1 -Doukasen- (雨宮天作品集1 -導火線-)	4,525	4,525	Mar 22, 2023
14 (NEW)	Various Artists	Ensemble Stars!! Cover Song Collection (あんさんぶるスターズ!! カバーソングコレクション)	4,419	4,419	Mar 24, 2023
15 (NEW)	NMIXX	Expergo	3,941	3,941	Mar 25, 2023
16 (13)	Miyuki Nakajima (中島みゆき)	Sekai ga Chigatte Mieru Hi (世界が違って見える日)	3,805	47,643	Mar 1, 2023
17 (19)	Johnny's West (ジャニーズWEST)	POWER	3,142	261,406	Mar 1, 2023
18 (NEW)	Pink Floyd (ピンク・フロイド)	Live at Wembley 1974 (狂気:ライヴ・アット・ウェンブリー1974)	3,127	3,127	Mar 24, 2023
19 (10)	MELTЯAGE	Crush!	3,063	3,063	Mar 21, 2023
20 (3)	Liella!	Second Sparkle	2,729	22,999	Mar 15, 2023
21 (NEW)	Various Artists	THE [email protected] 765 MILLION ALLSTARS BEST	2,573	2,573	Mar 22, 2023
22 (14)	Ikuta Lilas (幾田りら)	Sketch	2,553	25,295	Mar 8, 2023
23 (RE-ENTRY)	Eiichi Ohtaki (大滝詠一)	Eiichi Ohtaki: Omnibus 50th Anniversary Edition (大瀧詠一 乗合馬車(Omnibus)50th Anniversary Edition)	2,338	8,243	Nov 25, 2022
24 (1)	NEWS	Ongaku -2nd Movement- (音楽 -2nd Movement-)	2,337	110,283	Mar 15, 2023
25 (NEW)	Minami (美波)	LOSE LOOSE Day	2,015	2,015	Mar 22, 2023
26 (41)	Various Artists	Pokemon TV Anime Theme Songs BEST OF BEST OF BEST 1997-2023 (ポケモンTVアニメ主題歌 BEST OF BEST OF BEST 1997-2023)	1,926	24,222	Feb 1, 2023
27 (22)	back number	Humor (ユーモア)	1,905	210,414	Jan 17, 2023
28 (32)	Kessoku Band (結束バンド)	Kessoku Band (結束バンド)	1,840	149,863	Dec 28, 2022
29 (NEW)	Soundtrack (サウンドトラック)	Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Original Soundtrack (ファイアーエムブレム無双 風花雪月 オリジナル・サウンドトラック)	1,770	1,770	Mar 22, 2023
30 (NEW)	Various Artists	TV Anime “Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha” Character Song Mini-Album “Hoshi wo Tsunagu” (TVアニメ『ツルネ -つながりの一射-』キャラクターソングミニアルバム「星をつなぐ」)	1,675	1,675	Mar 22, 2023
31 (NEW)	Various Artists	THE [email protected] LIVE [email protected] BEST	1,673	1,673	Mar 22, 2023
32 (NEW)	Various Artists	THE [email protected] MILLION [email protected] BEST	1,625	1,625	Mar 22, 2023
33 (NEW)	FUNKY GALAXY	HOTEL GALAXY	1,622	1,622	Mar 22, 2023
34 (11)	Stray Kids	THE SOUND	1,558	425,353	Feb 22, 2023
35 (37)	Snow Man	Snow Labo. S2	1,555	1,032,516	Sep 21, 2022
36 (NEW)	Various Artists	Waccha PriMagi! Music Collection (ワッチャプリマジ!ミュージックコレクション)	1,501	1,501	Mar 22, 2023
37 (5)	HoneyWorks	Nee, Sukitte itai yo. ~Kokuhaku Jikkou Iinkai Character Song Collection~ (ねぇ、好きって痛いよ。~告白実行委員会キャラクターソング集~)	1,478	14,210	Mar 15, 2023
38 (34)	Hiromi (上原ひろみ)	BLUE GIANT Original Soundtrack (BLUE GIANT(オリジナル・サウンドトラック))	1,410	18,271	Feb 17, 2023
39 (NEW)	Fall Out Boy (フォール・アウト・ボーイ)	So Much (For) Stardust (ソー・マッチ・(フォー)・スターダスト)	1,384	1,384	Mar 24, 2023
40 (108)	NewJeans	NewJeans 1st EP 'New Jeans'	1,371	28,189	Aug 12, 2022
41 (15)	U2	Songs of Surrender (Deluxe) (ソングス・オブ・サレンダー(デラックス))	1,365	6,296	Mar 17, 2023
42 (NEW)	Dohatsuten (怒髪天)	more-AA-janaica	1,295	1,295	Mar 22, 2023
43 (40)	GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE	X	1,288	24,934	Mar 8, 2023
44 (55)	SEVENTEEN	SEVENTEEN 4th Album 「Face the Sun」	1,269	540,739	Jun 10, 2022
45 (NEW)	fishbowl	Oukoku (王国)	1,247	1,247	Mar 24, 2023
46 (38)	SixTONES	Koe (声)	1,244	580,690	Jan 4, 2023
47 (51)	Stray Kids	Go Live: Stray Kids Vol.1 (Go生: Stray Kids Vol.1)	1,233	114,860	Jun 25, 2020
48 (48)	Ado	Uta no Uta: ONE PIECE FILM RED (ウタの歌 ONE PIECE FILM RED)	1,212	356,386	Aug 10, 2022
49 (7)	Various Artists	Gintama BEST5 (銀魂BEST5)	1,202	9,091	Mar 15, 2023
50 (54)	Snow Man	Snow Mania S1	1,199	1,026,775	Sep 29, 2021

Source: Imgur, Oricon (Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5)

After this update, the following Aurorian skills will be adjusted as follows:
1. Sariel
- Chain Combo: Tidebreaker

• Original Skill: Deals 130%/140%/150% damage 3/4/5 times, assigned randomly to enemies within 2/2/3 surrounding clusters of this unit. When a target takes damage more than once, the damage from the second time forth is halved.
• Adjusted Skill: Deals 130%/140%/150% damage 3/4/5 times, assigned randomly to enemies within 3/3/3 surrounding clusters. When a target takes damage more than once, the damage from the second time forth is halved.

2. Jona
- Chain Combo: No Survivors

• Original Skill: Deals 155%/160%/175% damage to 3/3/4 enemies within 2/3/3 surrounding clusters.
• Adjusted Skill: Deals 155%/160%/175% damage to 4/4/4 enemies within 2/3/4 surrounding clusters.

3. Nikinis
- Equipment Skill: Mirror Dimension - Ascension I

• Original Skill: Grants Mirror Mark at the start of battle. While the Mark exists, Nikinis gains 40%/60%/80%/100% increased DEF. The mark disappears once Nikinis loses HP.
• Adjusted Skill: Grants Mirror Mark at the start of the battle. While the Mark exists, Nikinis gains 40%/60%/80%/100% increased DEF. The Mark disappears once Nikinis loses HP. The Mirror Mark can be refreshed by using an Active Skill.

- Equipment Skill: Mirror Dimension - Ascension II

• Original Skill: Grants Mirror Mark at the start of battle or upon using an Active Skill. While the Mark exists, Nikinis gains 40%/60%/80%/100% increased DEF. The mark disappears once Nikinis loses HP.
• Adjusted Skill: Grants Mirror Mark at the start of the battle or upon using an Active Skill. While the Mark exists, Nikinis gains 40%/60%/80%/100% increased DEF. The Mark disappears once Nikinis loses HP. The Mirror Mark can be refreshed by using an Active Skill or entering Aurora Time.

4. Migard
- Equipment Skill: Thorn Pierce

• Original Skill: After casting a Chain Combo or an Active Skill, if the target's HP is lower than 20%/20%/25%/30%, unleashes 1 more attack dealing 60%/80%/80%/100% ATK damage.
• Adjusted Skill: After casting a Chain Combo or an Active Skill, if the target's HP is lower than 20%/20%/25%/30%, unleashes 1 more attack dealing DEF-ignoring damage equal to 60%/80%/80%/100% of ATK.

5. Eve
- Breakthrough Stage 6 Effect

• Original Red-Eye Tornado Active Skill Enhancement: Number of skill attacks +5.
• Adjusted Red-Eye Tornado Active Skill Enhancement: Deals damage +1 time for every Yellow tile within 2 surrounding clusters of your current location.

6. Corax
- Aurorian Attributes

• Original Stats: When fully upgraded, ATK can reach 2,976.
• Adjusted Stats: When fully upgraded, ATK can reach 3,269.

7. Taki
- Active Skill: Dragonscorch

• Original Skill: Launches Dragonscorch toward the selected tile that erupts in a cross-shaped area to deal 400% damage to tiles along the way. After arriving at the selected tile, Dragonscorch spreads to the left and right side of this tile to the maximum distance, dealing 80% damage.
• Adjusted Skill: Selects any tile in a cross-shaped area, converts this tile into a Red Enhanced Tile, and casts Dragonscorch to deal 400% damage to tiles along the way. After arriving at the selected tile, Dragonscorch spreads to the left and right side of this tile to the maximum distance, dealing 80% damage.

- Breakthrough Stage 2 Effect

• Original Dragonscorch Active Skill Enhancement: Selected tiles are converted to Red Enhanced Tiles.
• Adjusted Dragonscorch Active Skill Enhancement: Changes Active Skill to Preemptive Strike. Available upon entering combat.

- Breakthrough Stage 5 Effect

• Original Dragonscorch Active Skill Enhancement: Changes Active Skill to Preemptive Strike. Available upon entering combat.
• Adjusted Dragonscorch Active Skill Enhancement: After Active Skill spreads, the 2 furthest tiles are converted to Red tiles.

- Equipment Skill: Burn Mark - Ascension III

• Original Skill: At the start of each round, applies a Burn Mark to the enemy with the highest percentage of HP, increasing all damage Taki deals to the target by 3%/5%/7%/10%. Each time an enemy afflicted with Burn Mark is eliminated, Taki's ATK increases by 3%, up to a maximum of 15%.
• Adjusted Skill: At the start of each round, applies a Burn Mark to the enemy with the highest percentage of HP, increasing all damage Taki deals to the target by 3%/5%/7%/10%. Each time an enemy afflicted with Burn Mark is eliminated, Taki's ATK increases by 3%, up to a maximum of 30%.

8. Regina
- Breakthrough Stage 2 Effect

• Original Solo Requiem Chain Combo Enhancement: Reduces combo-triggering tile count by 1.
• Adjusted Final Note Active Skill Enhancement: Changes Active Skill to Preemptive Strike. Available upon entering combat.

- Chain Combo: Solo Requiem - Default

• Original Skill: Deals damage equal to 105%/110% of ATK to 1/3 column(s). (Requires a tile count of 5/9 tiles to trigger.)
• Adjusted Skill: Deals damage equal to 105%/110%/110 of ATK to 1/3/5 column(s). (Requires a tile count of 4/8/14 tiles to trigger.)

*This means the tier 3 Chain Combo effect is unlocked by default, and the tier 1 and 2 Chain Combo tile count triggers are reduced by 1.
- Equipment Skill: Rad Metal - Ascension III

• Original Skill: The closer enemies are, the more damage Active Skills and Chain Combos deal (up to 40%/60%/80%/100%). Distances beyond 3 clusters offer no damage bonuses.
• Adjusted Skill: Increases ATK by 5% for every enemy within 1 surrounding cluster. The closer enemies are the more damage Active Skills and Chain Combos deal (up to 40%/60%/80%/100%). Distances beyond 3 clusters offer no damage bonuses.

9. Barbara
- Equipment Skill: Perfect Accompaniment - Default

• Original Effect: Increases Barbara's damage by 2%/3%/4%/5% against enemies occupying a Red tile.
• Adjusted Effect: Increases Barbara's damage by 4%/6%/8%/10% against enemies occupying a Red tile.

- Equipment Skill: Perfect Accompaniment - Ascension III

• Original Effect: Increases all deployed members' damage against enemies occupying Red tiles by 2%/3%/4%/5%.
• Adjusted Effect: Increases Barbara's damage against enemies occupying a Red tile by 4%/6%/8%/10%. Also grants Fire Aurorian teammates 50% of that bonus.

10. Robyn
- Equipment Skill: Robyn Lunge - Default

• Original Effect: Increases Robyn's damage against Green-tile occupying enemies by 2%/3%/4%/5%.
• Adjusted Effect: Increases Robyn's damage against Green-tile occupying enemies by 4%/6%/8%/10%.

- Equipment Skill: Robyn Lunge - Ascension III

• Original Effect: Increases all deployed members' damage against enemies occupying Green tiles by 2%/3%/4%/5%.
• Adjusted Effect: Increases Robyn's damage against enemies occupying a Green tile by 4%/6%/8%/10%. Also grants Forest Aurorian teammates 50% of that bonus.

11. Dayna
- Equipment Skill: Electroblast - Default

• Original Effect: Increases Dayna's damage against enemies occupying a Yellow tile by 2%/3%/4%/5%.
• Adjusted Effect: Increases Dayna's damage against enemies occupying a Yellow tile by 4%/6%/8%/10%.

- Equipment Skill: Electroblast - Ascension III

• Original Effect: Increases all deployed members' damage against enemies occupying Yellow tiles by 2%/3%/4%/5%.
• Adjusted Effect: Increases Dayna's damage against enemies occupying a Yellow tile by 4%/6%/8%/10%. Also grants Thunder Aurorian teammates 50% of that bonus.

12. Keating
- Chain Combo: Heckling Mob

• Original Skill: Deals 120%/140%/155% damage to 3 enemies within 3 surrounding clusters and inflicts 1 stack of Laughter Mark, up to 8 stacks.
• Adjusted Skill: Deals 120%/140%/155% damage to 3 enemies within 4 surrounding clusters and inflicts 1 stack of Laughter Mark, up to 8 stacks.

13. Mia
- Equipment Skill: Funeral Pyre - Ascension III

• Original Skill: Mia gains 1 stack of Soul for every enemy defeated by Aurorians on the field with their Active Skills, up to 5 stacks. Each stack unleashes a blast that deals 40%/60%/80%/100% ATK damage, increases Mia's Normal Attack by 3%, and Chain Combo damage by 5%.
• Adjusted Skill: Mia gains 1 stack of Soul upon defeating an enemy with her Active Skill, up to 7 stacks. Each stack unleashes a blast that deals 40%/60%/80%/100% ATK damage, increases Mia's Normal Attack by 3%, and Chain Combo damage by 5%.

14. Ms. Blanc
- Equipment Skill: Guidance - Ascension I

• Original Skill: Increases Blanc's ATK by 3%/5%/7%/9% when HP is full.
• Adjusted Skill: Increases Blanc's ATK by 4%/6%/8%/10% when HP is full.

- Equipment Skill: Guidance - Ascension II

• Original Skill: Increases Blanc's ATK by 3%/5%/7%/9% when HP is above 90%.
• Adjusted Skill: Increases Blanc's ATK by 4%/6%/8%/10% when HP is above 70%.

15. Jola
- Equipment Skill: Thornbloom

• Original Skill: Increases Chain Combo damage by 10%/20%/30%/40% when the Active Skill is ready.
• Adjusted Skill: Increases Chain Combo damage by 20%/30%/40%/50% when the Active Skill is not ready.

16. Sylva
- Equipment Skill: Woodland Current - Default

• Original Skill: When a Normal Attack, Chain Combo, or Active Skill deals damage to only 1 enemy, this damage ignores 15%/20%/25%/30% of the target's DEF.
• Adjusted Skill: When a Normal Attack, Chain Combo, or Active Skill deals damage to only 1 enemy, this damage ignores 30%/40%/50%/60% of the target's DEF.

- Equipment Skill: Woodland Current - Ascension III

• Original Skill: When a Normal Attack, Chain Combo, or Active Skill deals damage to only 1 enemy, this damage ignores 15%/20%/25%/30% of the target's DEF. When there is only 1 enemy on the field, the Active Skills of other Forest Aurorians in the team also gain this effect.
• Adjusted Skill: When Normal Attack, Chain Combo, or Active Skill deals damage to only 1 enemy, this damage ignores 30%/40%/50%/60% of the target's DEF. When there is only 1 enemy on the field, the Active Skills of other Forest Aurorians in the team also gain 50% of this effect.

17. Wendy
- Equipment Skill: Windrider - Default

• Original Skill: When an Aurorian teleports, Wendy gains 1 stack of Mark for each cluster between the Aurorian's initial location and their teleport destination. Each stack increases the damage of Wendy's next normal attack by 1%/1.5%/2%/2.5%. Launching normal attacks clears all Marks.
• Adjusted Skill: When an Aurorian teleports, Wendy gains 1 stack of Mark for each cluster between the Aurorian's initial location and their teleport destination. Each stack increases the damage of Wendy's next normal attack by 10%/15%/20%/25%. Launching normal attacks clears all Marks.

- Equipment Skill: Windrider - Ascension III

• Original Skill: When an Aurorian teleports, Wendy gains 1 stack of Mark for each cluster between the Aurorian's initial location and their teleport destination. Each stack increases the damage of Wendy's next normal attack by 1%/1.5%/2%/2.5%. Wendy retains 20% of these Mark stacks after launching normal attacks.
• Adjusted Skill: When an Aurorian teleports, Wendy gains 1 Mark stack for each cluster between the Aurorian's initial location and their teleport destination. Each stack increases the damage of Wendy's next normal attack by 10%/15%/20%/25%. Wendy retains 30% of these Mark stacks after launching normal attacks.

18. Rabbie
- Equipment Skill: Rabbie Drill

• Original Skill: Whenever an allied Aurorian knocks back an enemy, Rabbie deals DEF-ignoring damage equal to 10%/25%/40%/60% of her ATK to that enemy.
• Adjusted Skill: Whenever an allied Aurorian knocks back an enemy, Rabbie deals DEF-ignoring damage equal to 40%/60%/80%/100% of her ATK to that enemy.

19. Ansia
- Chain Combo: Pulsating Quake

• Original Skill: Deals 145%/160% damage to enemies within 2 surrounding clusters.
• Adjusted Skill: Deals 145%/160% damage to enemies within 3 surrounding clusters.

20. Kafka
- Active Skill: Gauss Assault

• Original Skill: Fires in 2 selected directions out of 8 or fires 2 times in 1 selected direction, dealing 120% damage to all tiles along the trajectory each time.
• Adjusted Skill: Fires in 2 selected directions out of 8 or fires 2 times in 1 selected direction, dealing 150% damage to all tiles along the trajectory each time.

21. Angel
- Active Skill: Celestial Judgment

• Original Skill: Summons 12 lightning strikes, each dealing 180% damage to a random 2×2 area on the field.
• Adjusted Skill: Deals 100% damage 6-10 times randomly to enemies on the field. When a target takes damage more than once, the damage from the second time forth is halved.

For the upcoming year, the Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive is currently being reviewed by the EU. A proposed revision that would include the entire RoHS directive is the most significant change. Although the revision proposal has been delayed until Q2 of 2023, manufacturers must be prepared for numerous additional changes. Keep perusing to advance more about what's in store from EU RoHS consistence in 2023.
Which recent changes have been made to the EU RoHS Directive? A few modifications to the EU RoHS order are being proposed in 2023, including the expansion of two new confined substances, different proposed exceptions, and exclusion terminations. Our group of specialists arranged the main updates to assist you with getting ready for what's coming this year.
Proposed Substance Increases The European Commission has proposed adding two new substances to the confined substance list: TBBPA and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) are two examples. The EU RoHS would increase the number of restricted substances from 10 to 12 by including TBBPA and MCCPs.
TBBPA is a fire resistant usually used to decrease the combustibility of plastics and engineered gums in purchaser items, including electrical and electronic gear parts. Due to the fact that it is a well-known carcinogen and has the potential to harm human health, it is being considered for inclusion on the restricted substances list. Plastics, rubber, adhesives, paints, and other products frequently contain MCCPs, which are industrial chemicals used as plasticizers or flame retardants. Additionally, they are utilized as lubricants or coolants in metal operations. Because they are thought to be bioaccumulative and toxic to the environment, MCCPs are being considered for inclusion on the restricted substances list. Exemption Expirations Numerous exemptions in Annex III and Annex IV are non-renewable and will expire in 2023. The vast majority of the exceptions apply to RoHS classification 8.
Renewals of Exemptions Several exemptions from Annex III and Annex IV are currently being considered for renewal. A new exemption with a narrower scope is anticipated to replace some exemptions. The requested renewals include frequently used exemptions like:
6(a)- I, 6(b)- I, 6(b)- II, and 6(c) 7(a) 7(c)- I and 7(c)- II Exception Updates Add-on IV Add-on IV of the EU RoHS Mandate, which applies to clinical gadgets and observing and control instruments, has been refreshed with another exclusion:
Exemption 48: Lead in electrical connections to bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide (BSCCO) superconductor cables and wires. On June 30, 2027, this exemption will end.
Additionally, the following additions have been made to Exemption 27:
(c) MRI devices with integrated coils that are used in medical magnetic resonance imaging equipment in magnetic fields within a sphere of one millimeter around the isocenter of the magnet and for which the Declaration of Conformity is issued for the first time before June 30th, 2024, or (d) MRI devices with integrated coils that are used in magnetic fields that are issued for the first time before September 23rd, 2022.
On June 30, 2027, Exemption 27 comes to an end.
The provisions of both exemptions must be implemented by EU members on March 1, 2023.
Annex III A new exemption has been added following the evaluation of an exemption request:
9(a)- III - Up to 0.7 % hexavalent chromium by weight, utilized as an anticorrosion specialist in the functioning liquid of the carbon steel fixed circuit of gas retention heat siphons for space and water warming.
The exemption is only available for Category 1 and will be gone on December 31, 2026.
The provisions must be implemented by EU members on September 1, 2023.
Exemption Proposals Proposed Exemption 49 It is anticipated that the EU Commission will approve a draft delegated directive that would exempt some rheometers from the requirement to adhere to restrictions on mercury. The assessment that mercury melt pressure transducers can no longer be used in place of capillary rheometers at temperatures greater than 300°C (572°F) and pressures greater than 1000 bar is the basis for the proposal.
Exemption 49 would be added to Annex IV of the RoHS Directive as follows if adopted as planned:
Mercury in melt pressure transducers for capillary rheometers at pressures greater than 1000 bar and temperatures greater than 300°C (572°F).
The exemption, which would apply to Category 9 and be approved by the commission in the first quarter of 2023, would be in effect until December 31, 2024, unless it were to be renewed.
Proposed Exemption 41a A delegated directive that would exempt some sensors from having to comply with lead restrictions is expected to be approved by the EU Commission. The assessment that lead replacement in sensor cards analyzing the parameters creatinine and blood urea nitrogen is not sufficiently advanced, but is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, prompted the proposal.
Exemption 41a would be added to Annex IV of the RoHS Directive as follows if adopted as planned:
Lead is used as a thermal stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is also used as the base material for amperometric, potentiometric, and conductometric electrochemical sensors. These sensors are used in in-vitro diagnostic medical devices to measure creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in whole blood.
Unless it is renewed, exemption 41a would apply to category 8 and end on December 31, 2023.
Preparing for EU RoHS Changes in 2023 Are you looking for additional information to assist you in preparing for the upcoming EU RoHS changes this year? Take a look at our most recent webinar to learn more about the major regulatory changes that are anticipated to have an effect on product compliance in 2023, including those that are applicable to EU RoHS, and how your company can remain compliant.
Maintaining compliance with EU RoHS and global RoHS compliance requirements is difficult without the appropriate tools. Meet EU RoHS reporting requirements with acquisitions However, navigating the complicated product compliance landscape can be made simpler with the right compliance management software.
At the point when you cooperate with Source Insight, we carve out opportunity to comprehend your novel requirements to ensure you are getting the right answer for your business. Our programs will simplify the RoHS reporting process, from collecting documentation to validating and consolidating data, no matter where you are in your journey toward compliance.
Do you want to know more? Explore our Global RoHS program's features and advantages

I’ve been putting a lot of thought and research into my first tank over the last year or two. I’ve been thinking about my choice of animal:
~ Fine Spot Bumble Bee Dart Frogs ~ White’s Tree Frogs ~ Crested Gecko ~ Red Eye Tree Frogs ~ Mourning Geckos ~ Leopard Gecko ~ A mix of species
I’ve previously posted to the community saying my decision was made, but I’m still not so sure and am still putting thought into this important decision. Out of the list I have provided (not including the mix of species, obviously), what is arguably the best species for beginners?
Something active would be nice- but I don’t mind if they are active at night or day. I am also putting this in my room, so while I don’t mind loud noise, I don’t want noise so loud to keep me awake. Keep in mind I blast metal to help me sleep sometimes.
I am leaning toward a frog species.
Opinions are appreciated, please be civil!

I used to think success was driving down a beach-front highway having to choose between breathing in the new car smell from your convertible, or putting the top down for some salt air.
1 week ago, I had neither of those choices and today the very thought of beach air and new car smell makes me fucking sick.
Before I get into this, let me be clear: this is not a confession of guilt for anything I’ve done. I never wanted all this shit. From the very start it was only about one thing: Getting my son, James a birthday present.
I wasn’t even trying to get him the BEST or the BIGGEST or the most EXPENSIVE birthday present. Just
A present. The present I set out to get.
But instead...
I went to the 7/11 on Santa Monica and bought a MegaMillions lotto ticket.
My name is Daniel Baxter, and this is the day I thought I won the lottery.
​
April 8, 2022 – 2:03AM
It’s 2 o’clock in the morning and I’m at the Hollywood Casino. I’ve got every penny to my name spread across the craps table and some dickhead on his bachelor party holds the dice of fate in his clammy little hands.
My last 3 meals have been from discarded room service trays at LAX Hilton, my truck doesn’t start without a prayer and the tires have been leaking air for the last month which is fine because now I know the location of every free air filling station in LA County.
If I’d paid my phone bill, it’d be buzzing a crater in my leg from my ex, Lenora, asking if I’d picked up our son’s birthday gift with the $200 she gave me.
“Gave me” isn’t quite the right term. She handed it to me with a scowl then told me “if you gamble this shit you’ll never fucking see him again.” Things had been tense lately.
But none of that matters because this guy’s been hot and it’s with his help that I’ve turned that 200 hundred into almost 3 grand. The only question is; are the rhythms with me or not?
Maybe you call it God. Maybe you call it Karma or the natural vibe of the earth or mercury or whatever. When the rhythms are on, everything goes your way. You crush your yearly review at work and get the raise you’re after or you’re at some party and you’ve got everyone eating outta the palm of your hand.
Most things are math. Craps is math. Poker is math. Phone bills are math. Divorce rates are math and if I keep having to eat off of room service trays, the likelihood of me waking up with diarrhea is math.
It’s all just probability. But when the rhythms are on, the probability doesn’t matter. You could take a 1 and a million shot back-to-back and hit it twice. That’s what the rhythm can do for you.
Summer of 2018 I was up over 2 million. I couldn’t lose a hand of blackjack, I couldn’t crap out if I tried, I couldn’t say the wrong thing to Lenora and every time I walked into the room my son, James, would light up like a fucking lantern.
It used to be me and Lenora at the tables. The place was always open, the food is fine and the drinks are free. If we weren’t at the tables we were in the lounge talking Black Jack strategy or in the bar talking game theory or hanging out at the slots like a couple’a mice pressing a button and waiting for the cheese to pop out.
Sometimes it’s nice to be a mouse. I’ve got rats in my house. They don’t pay rent or go food shopping. All they have to do is avoid eating a piece of death cheese or poison and honestly that’s not too far off from how I live anyways.
When we had James, things changed though. As Lenora put it “risking your son’s dinner isn’t chasing something it’s chasing nothing.” And I guess the 45-minute commute to the Hollywood wasn’t a valuable use of her time. Lots of people commute to work even longer. When I was working at Goldman, I commuted an hour and a half each way from Connecticut. Granted I was on a train but the point is we all commute to work.
It was nice having her here. It was nice seeing James with a smile. It was nice to check my bank account and feel a life raft around me, rather than a black hole forming in my bellybutton.
But the rhythms shifted.
Now it’s just me here next to Lenny with the beard, Jackie with the cigar and Jonie who’s been serving drinks here so long her face should be on the highway billboards. After Lenora broke it off with me she got together with Kelton who works for a hedge fund which (for the record) is still gambling. He’s just doing it with other people’s money.
James’ 9th birthday is three days away. He wants an iPad and soon as I cash out, I’ll be able to pick one up, maybe kick some back to Lenora and spread some cash around to the litany of people I’m on the hook to.
I’m one big night away from wiping it all out. I just need one hit. One night of pure rhythm... and I’ll be back.
The shooter shakes the dice in his hand then tosses ‘em. I watch them clack on the table walls below me, but before they even settle on the pass line, I can already feel the star implode in my stomach.
In a flash, my hard work is raked away by some new guy named Carl with a moustache and not a single ounce of sympathy.
The party’s at Lenora (and Kelton’s) which was fine because honestly, I didn’t just have rats.
The rats came in chasing the cockroaches but when a bunch of them got into my Cadbury Mini Egg stash and died under the living room floor, a pack of fleas picked the carcass clean before making their way into the carpet above. So, yeah...at the moment I have fleas, cockroaches and rats. I had a bug bomb guy coming in a couple days but things were gonna be a little itchy until then.
It's three days until the party. I’ve got no gift and if I show up without that 200 bucks I may never see my kid again.
​
April 8, 2022 – 6:32AM
There’s only so much you can do on a security guard’s salary and being paid $12 an hour to guard millions of dollars in Mercedes automobiles is hilarious. What am I supposed to do if some guy comes in to steal a car? Lay my life on the line and hope my out-of-pocket HMO covers bullet wounds?
I don’t even have dental. I got a root canal that needed to be recapped 10 minutes after it was put in.
I’ve been on Mr. Jenkins about a raise but he keeps telling me “we gotta sell more cars, Davey,” as if I’m the one selling cars. I’m a fucking security guard what the hell’s that gotta do with me? Last I checked it was my job to keep cars on the lot and getting them off was yours.
Jenkins owns every car dealer on Van Nuys. Maybe you’ve seen his ads on TV where he slides into frame wearing a suit while riding a surfboard just to say “COME ON DOWN!” He can afford to buy a surfboard for tv ad that has no mention of surfing or aquatic sports of any kind but he can’t pay me an extra $3 an hour so I can re-introduce cold foods to my diet.
I spend most of my shift eyeing the mint green on onyx black SLS convertible they keep in the lobby. It’s flashy but it’s got a nut sack under the hood so you know you could back it up if you went toe-to-toe with some clown at a red light. Sometimes I just stare at it but I never touch it. I only wanna touch it when it’s mine. Which it would be...
Maybe I could steal it and sell it to get the iPad and some other shit. I know all the codes but then again I wouldn’t need the whole car. The thing costs half a mill. Maybe I could lift a rear-view mirror. Who would notice? Then again with the way the rhythm’s set I’d probably bump into the fucking FBI on the way out.
I’ve been doing my best to get things together but the cards aren’t falling my way and there’s not much you can really do about that. I’ve been going to the Hollywood for 15 years so I know I’m due for a run.
Me and Lenny talking about this all the time at the lounge. Sometimes you’re on the downbeat and sometimes you’re on the upbeat. Lately I feel like it’s been all downs but the thing about being a father though, is that you’re not the only one on that ride.
It used to be that I could take a few down weeks or months even. Sleep in the car, call the landlord and talk them out of breaking down the door but when you got a kid everything changes. You suffer, he suffers. Lately Lenora’s been paying for that but you see she keeps a tally. She says she doesn’t but she does.
Every time she has to pay for something she looks at me like I’m the biggest piece of shit then says “It’s ok, David.” Which it really isn’t.
The fees and stuff aren’t the real problem. It’s being able to take James out and take care of him. She wants to take that away from me and honestly I don’t blame her.
Last week my card got declined trying to pay for ice cream. James had already eaten half of his and the lady made us give it back. He didn’t talk to me the whole way home then 2 days later Lenora told me James didn’t really like spending time with me anymore. A week after that she filed for sole custody and told me they were thinking about moving to Chicago. Who the fuck would want to live there? It’s cold as fuck and the people are assholes.
​
April 8, 2022 – 12:20PM
I do pickups for a porta-john company on the side. It’s just temporary. I don’t clean the shit I just spray down the units and suck out cans and shit with a wet-vac before this guy named Pete sticks a hose in the back and drains the whole thing out.
I’m always surprised by what people put on the walls of a john. Usually it’s just drawings like hearts and shit but sometimes the rhythm finds you there too. One time I spotted a phone number Sharpied on a toilet seat but it was missing 1 number. 8 digits. Kinda like 4 roulette numbers right?
I took em to the Hollywood and won 5 grand on one roll! Hasn’t worked again for me yet... but that’s the thing about it man.
But today I’m cleaning out a row of johns after some music festival which by the way is far and away the worst clean ups to get. Sure you see these kids all cleaned up online in some tweed outfit or some shit but you should see the shit that comes out of these kids. It’s like paving tar with glitter and red bull cans.
I look down in the last john I’m hosing down and I see something. Peaking out of the mounds I see: a $20 bill.
I stared at it for a second but I could hear Pete coming down the line about to suck it into oblivion. I never seen cash in the john before. Sometimes you hear a coin clank through the hose but a 20 bill just staring you right in the face?
I did what any man would do. I grabbed it and when I pulled my hand out I was half expecting it to be missing a layer of skin.
Later I’m sitting in the truck staring at this 20 bucks thinking “why would this come to me?” There had to be a reason. It wasn’t just on the floor of some john. It was in the last john after the nastiest event at a time when all I needed was one shot.
It was the rhythm.
But having to do that for just $20 didn’t add up. There had to have been a greater purpose and you know what they say about money. You don’t let it sleep. You wanna get that money out and get it working.
Craps kicked my teeth in this morning and you can’t do shit with 20 bucks on a blackjack table. I had to think bigger.
Then I’m driving home from work and I see the 7/11. Powerball was at 2.11 BILLION. The biggest in history. If you got all 6 numbers right you got the whole chicken. If you got 5 you got just shy of 8 million bucks. Boom.
I had my usual numbers but this wasn’t a usual day. I told the cashier to give me “all randoms today.” 10 slips at $2 each.
That night I sat down on my couch waiting for the Powerball to come on tv... then I blacked out.
The next thing I knew I was staring at 6 numbers lit up on my tv screen: 08, 07, 14, 29, 40, 16
And on my slip: 08, 07, 14, 29, 40, 22
I had 5 out of 6 numbers. I’d just won 8 million dollars
​
April 9, 2022 – 9:01AM
I’m standing in line at the California Lottery Offices. It’s not some huge expansive place. It’s a shitty little line up of people with various ailments trying to dispute their $5 winning ticket.
My mind is racing. Who do I pay back first? Do they give me the cash here? Is it in a duffel bag? When do I have to hold that big ass check? Do I wear a mask? I saw a guy do it in a scream mask once to maintain his anonymity. Honestly it might be nice to be seen. Not only has everyone seen me as a piece of shit forever but also I haven’t exactly kept a detailed list of everyone I owe money to.
It’d be good for people to just hit me up, I can cut a check and tell them “thanks for your patience.” Maybe I’d even give them a little off the top as a tip.
The guy a the counter basically spat in my face; “It’s gotta be reviewed. Takes 2-5 days. We’ll email you a link to collect any winnings.” It was like I just accused him of something. No congratulations or anything which at first, I was pissed about but then I realized that clearly I wasn’t the first asshole who thought they won the lottery.
Except I really did. 2-5 days was nothing. I’d been living in the shit for years I could do another few days.
Stepping outside, everything looked the same. The air wasn’t purer or the sunlight any more sunlightier and I still had to fill up my tires at the Shell on Cahuenga. There’s something about being rich without actually having any appearance of being rich.
That secret alone is like having a bomb in your pocket. People treat you regular, they smile and make conversation but deep down you think...if I pulled this out I could kill you with it.
But when people do think you have money, the more of it they give you.
I rolled in the doors of the Hollywood like I always did. Lenny called me a bullshitter, Jackie barely even put her cigarette down and Jonie didn’t even bring me a drink because I didn’t actually have any money on the table. I didn’t even have money in my pocket. I’d spent it all on the Megamillions and I hadn’t eaten since perusing the halls for leftover room service the night before.
Then news hit. My face was on every TV in the place. “Local man wins 8 million dollar jackpot.”
I checked my phone to see if it was blowing up, then remembered I still hadn’t paid the bill in months. So I was good there.
​
April 9, 2022 – 11:11AM
If you’ve ever been on a casino floor you know that it’s never silent. But I swear to God if you were on the floor when that news hit, you could’ve heard the rats eating my Mini Eggs 20 miles away. Everyone’s eyes were trained on me. For a second I even felt all the security cams shift over in my direction.
I couldn’t stand being on the floor with nothing to play with so Lenny set me up with his guy who got me a little walking around money. Japanese guy who I met in a Burger King across the street. Weird dude. Not sure what his name was.
I didn’t wanna go too nuts so I just took out a small loan. 50k at 20 points. I thought about it for a second then realized I didn’t really give a shit about the interest. 10 grand to me in a week doesn’t mean nearly as much as 50 does now. It’s just value proposition. It would have been stupid NOT to take out the loan honestly.
Walking into the casino with 50 grand in my pocket and slamming it down on the table feels a lot like taking out your dick at an orgy only when your dick comes out it’s a 60 foot cigarette boat with flames painted on the side.
But then I learned what I remembered years ago. Losing money and gaining money at that point meant almost nothing.
So losing 2 grand a hand wasn’t such a big deal because I could be making 5 on the next. That’s why I needed a little more when I lost the full 50.
Another 100k or so at another 20 points should do the trick.
It didn’t take long to realize that both winning and losing money meant almost nothing to me. So I ventured out.
A tailored suit for me (ready in 2-3 days on a rush).
An iPad for James with all the bells and whistles.
6 dozen roses sent to Lenora’s house signed “your secret admirer.” just to fuck with Kelton.
A watch for me, Lenny and Jodie.
Some special cigar Jackie had always been eyeing.
New pairs of Nikes for all of us.
And a limousine to my dentist’s office.
I paid in cash for the cap replacement, they gave me some pills and told me not to mix them with alcohol but honestly I was a little distracted by the old molar cap sitting on the table. I had an idea.
“Are you gonna just throw that away?” I asked her.
By now I realized I didn’t have a phone to receive my winnings via email. So, I stopped a guy in the lobby and paid him 2 grand cash for his before popping a few pills and slugging some champagne in the limo.
There was barely enough time to sit back and relax. I had a lifetime of debt and yearning for shit to burn through.
We made it to the Mercedes dealership but the pain killers kicked in and I could barely feel my hands as they ran across the SLS’s mint green paint. Bummer.
Jenkins sauntered over asking if I was working today and all I remember saying was “I want it.” He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion, so I put the remaining cash I had down on the table and said it again. “I WANT IT.”
They ran my credit (which was dog shit. Didn’t matter) and I looked Jenkins in his fat little face again and said “I don’t give a fuck.” He sold it to me, financed at 25 percent interest. Then when he went to fetch my paperwork and keys I took a shit on his desk, shoved the molar cap and a $20 bill in it before using his jacket to wipe my ass. Felt right. Don’t really know why.
I had walked into the CA lottery offices at 9am to start the review process on my ticket’s authenticity.
By 11am, I was watching news break from the Hollywood Casino.
By 10pm I had accrued more debt than a small country.
I hadn’t received a dime from the lotto.
And I needed more walking around money.
​
April 10, 11, 12 – who the fuck knows what time
The next few days were a blur but there are a few things I’ll never forget.
Quitting my job.
Hiring the limo for the week.
Trying to shit after 3 days of having nothing but fast food, champagne and pain killers.
Fielding questions at the party from Kelton’s asshole friends who told me “lotto rich isn’t real rich.”
And the heat of my house burning to the ground as James and I stood there watching with a can of gas in our hands.
He didn’t even want the iPad.
The rhythms were sliding back. James had that smile plastered back in his face and even Lenora was happy to see me.
​
April 16, 7:35AM
“Dear Mr. Baxter. Congratulations! You’ve successfully matched FOUR of six winning numbers. Below please find a link to collect your winnings of $10,000.”
I read it over and over again. Over and over and over.
When I called the offices an nice woman on the phone informed me that due to a printing malfunction the ticket had appeared to show the number 8 when in fact it was a 6.
They even managed to maintain a sense of excitement. I mean why wouldn’t they? They think I just won $10,000. They had no idea I’d bought a car I couldn’t afford, burned my house down, taken a shit on my boss’ desk, maxed out 3 new credit cards and borrowed a inordinate amount of money from people at a borderline illegal interest rate.
The limo company took my ride away and with no home I’ve spent the last 2 days parked on the Pacific Coast Highway, sleeping in the brand new Mercedes I can’t afford, in a suit I shouldn’t have bought, showering in the YMCA down the street, and eating 2-day-old coconut shrimp.
All of a sudden I’m fucked again. But as I stare out at the Pacific, my phone dings. It’s an alert from the Chase banking app. My lotto winnings of $10,000 have just hit my account and the only question is...
Are the rhythms with me or not?

This error keeps occuring, even logging in and out does not work.