#AGI Challenges

[aifyit]

Artificial General Intelligence: The Dawn of a New Era

Introduction Are you captivated by the technological advancements of our time, but also intrigued by the infinite possibilities yet to come? Then you’re in the right place! Today, we dive into the fascinating world of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This technology promises to transform our society, revolutionizing industries and even the way we live our lives. But what exactly is AGI?…

[cagedharmony]

i'll zoom to do starters just had some stuff to do but aaa my sunday slowly is getting more and more crit. i love him sm he makes any character i buff with him so stronk. my sunday & aven solo 2.2 boss fight runs are down to 8 minutes so nice.

[heireau]

0309 agi

it's @taxiderby's agi! they had an Agi pngtuber during a pushup challenge from yesterday's ongoing twitch fundraiser

Posted using PostyBirb

[saph-yells-into-the-void]

This line really puts into perspective the rest of Nagi's character and confirms the theory I've had regarding his dilemma.

The major flaw of Nagi's character is how spoiled he is. Literally. He grew up being a genius and never having to try hard to get what he wants. However, this in turn made him unable to enjoy whatever he did because since it was so easy for him to achieve it, he didn't see a point in it anyways.

When he started soccer, he found it easy so he didn't see any enjoyment in it. Hearing Ego's speech about winning the world cup didn't fire him up because he could imagine himself easily scoring that winning goal.

This is the reason why Nagi finally got fired up when he lost against Isagi. He experienced the feeling of trying his absolute best and failing anyways. Soccer is not so easy that he can breeze by with little effort at this level. This is what sparked his motivation.

Now this is all a basic analysis of Nagi's character: in order for Nagi to get motivated, he needs a proper challenge.

Yet after the Manshine match, when Nagi "wins" against Isagi, he lost that fire. Right after, he begins losing. But how? Shouldn't Nagi be fired up again because he is seeing that his skills aren't up to par with the world-standard if he doesn't try hard? Isn't this a proper challenge for him?

Well, let's go back to Nagi getting fired up after losing to Isagi.

Remember, Nagi's flaw is that he is spoiled. Whatever he wants, he gets it, easily. The key here is what he *wants*.

When Reo found Nagi and they started playing soccer together, Nagi found a new thing he wants. He wants to stay by Reo's side.

I find the wording of this panel interesting. He finds soccer a pain because he has to put a little more effort into the training, although not the matches themselves, and he doesn't want to play soccer anyways. But in doing so, he is also being with Reo, which is what he does want. So basically: needing to try + something he wants = being engaged and/or motivated with the activity. Without his "want," the activity is only a pain.

While Reo's dream is to win the world cup and be the world's best, Nagi's dream is to be the world's best with Reo. He wants to play soccer with Reo. However, up until his loss against Isagi, this had never been challenged. They had won every match so what reason did he have to try in order to get what he wants? He already has Reo by his side. In this case, he didn't have the "needing to try" component of the equation, thus his lack of motivation in the first arc of the manga.

However, when he lost to Isagi, now his dream, his "want", was in jeopardy. He tried his hardest and still lost, proving that this task required his effort. Not only that, but that dream of reaching the top with Reo was no longer guaranteed. It was now a goal he needed to strive for.

Another factor that plays into this is the circumstances. Nagi had to choose between staying with Reo or teaming up with Isagi and Bachira. In fact, he initially invited Isagi to be with him and Reo, but Isagi refused, forcing Nagi to choose.

This likely contributed to Nagi's mindset of needing to win and get stronger in order to be with him again, to "dream" with him again. It forced Nagi to put in more effort. And he didn't find this a pain because he is doing it to get what he wants. He is trying harder in order to be able to dream with Reo again. Hence his motivation.

Now flash forward to the Manshine match. Nagi now has to put in more effort than ever because of Chris and Agi's teachings. But as he stated himself, it isn't fun for him. This is where the circumstances come into play as well. Ultimately, Nagi is playing soccer for the sake of being by Reo's side. He isn't playing soccer *for the sake of soccer*.

He's like, the complete opposite of Isagi in this way. Isagi is motivated by his pure desire to win and be better. Soccer itself motivates Isagi. But for Nagi, it is not enough to motivate him that soccer requires effort to win. it needs to be effort + WANT. He believes he needs to be better at soccer in order to be with Reo. His "want" isn't soccer, it's Reo.

But unlike during the Second Selection, Reo is now on the same team as him. So now when he is faced with the effort to try hard, he doesn't challenge himself by the fact that Reo isn't by his side. Unlike before, Reo is like 5 feet away from him. Whereas before he needs to win to see Reo again, now if Nagi wants to see with Reo, he just needs to walk over to Reo.

Nagi is still chasing after what he wants and he is still putting in effort, but he is no longer being forced to try even harder. Before, his desire to be by Reo's side propelled him forward in situations where this desire is exploited, but now, Reo is right there. All he needs to do is beat Isagi and overcome that obstacle to their dream that had been placed so many chapters ago.

And then... what next?

Does he continue chasing after their dream? Well, they're already at the world's stage. They are experiencing the best of the best. And he has Reo by his side. It's not like he can actually lose Reo at this stage now....right?

Deep down, Nagi had gotten comfortable again. He's fallen into the mindset of believing that Reo will always stay by his side, no matter what he does. This "no matter what" is crucial because that means that even without his effort, his "want" will be achieved. In the equation of Nagi's ego being: needing to try + something he wants = getting fired up, the "needing to try" requirement hasn't been fulfilled.

So what does this mean for Nagi going forward? What does he need to do in order to get truly motivated on a reliable basis?

Um, idfk.

Nagi keeps talking about how he will "get fired up" and he'll finally do it, but we've yet to see him actually do it.

The thing is that Nagi still doesn't understand his ego. He wants to get fired up, but he doesn't understand what he needs to do to get to that point. Everyone else does this by visualizing their ideal, but Nagi doesn't have one. All he wants is to ultimately be with Reo.

First he needs to understand exactly WHY he got fired up before and then recreate those circumstances to do it again.

No matter what happens, I think the ending of this match and Nagi's character will tie back to what Isagi said here

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Argument

If you think Agi was just going to walk away from *that* argument with Emmrich, then you're very wrong. The big argument and after. SFW.

Agnes stopped as she reached the door of Emmrich’s library. Their argument was not as explosive as it might have been, but it still hurts. It hurts so fucking much. She could still hear his “at your age” ringing in her ears, the words making her heart ache.

No.

She spun quickly to face him, her jaw set. “As I’ve told you several times, I’m thirty. I’m not some stupid, frivolous society girl in Nevarra. Do you know how long I’ve been traveling? How many people I’ve met and befriended? Of course I’ve been around couples with significant age gaps. Yes, there are challenges…” In a few long strides, she reached him and cupped his face in her hands. “But there’s love too. Love and tenderness and care and devotion. All things I want. All things I think you want too.” Her lower lip quivered. “I-I want to fight for us. I want there to be an us to fight for. Whatever life has in store for us I want to face it together, no matter how long or short it is. I love you.”

He choked on a sob before kissing her. Though it was brief, it was also the sweetest, gentlest kiss he’s ever given me. “I love you, my darling Agnes, and I’m so, so sorry. I’ve never not…Please don’t ever think…” He shook his head and pressed his lips to her forehead. “You’re what I hold most dear in this world or any other.” Squeezing his eyes shut, more tears fell. “And it would break my heart knowing I left you alone after I die. Alone and sad, my poor girl.”

Follow your heart, and it will never lead you astray.

Agnes brushed away a few tears with her thumb and sighed. “Oh Emm, I wouldn’t be. I’ll carry your love and memory in my heart. That way I’ll never be alone.”

His eyes opened, wide and with no small amount of disbelief.

She smiled and stroked his cheek. “So long as we’re remembered, then we’re never truly gone.”

Emmrich chuckled softly and leaned into her touch. “Wise words as always, my darling.” I think he may finally get it?!?!?! I hope?!?!?

Agnes snorted. “Wise words from my Da. The man had a million fish jokes and even more words of wisdom.”

He flattened her hand against his cheek and turned his head to press a kiss to her palm. FUCK. I love it when it does that!!! “And yet you articulated his wisdom on this subject beautifully.” The smile on his face shifted into a frown. “I truly am sorry, Agi. I love you most ardently, and I—”

SHUT UP AND KISS ME, EMMRICH.

She kissed him passionately while the hand on his cheek reached for his graying hair. “I love you. I want a life with you.”

He whimpered against her lips, more tears falling. “I want that more than anything, dearest.” His expression further softened. “Please forgive this old fool who loves you.”

Always.

“Of course, Emm.” Agnes sighed, offering him a reassuring smile. “Whatever happens next we face it together, agreed?”

Wait a second.

Maybe I should…

I SHOULD!

She then giggled nervously. “Actually, hold that thought. I, um, well…fuck it.” Rummaging in her pocket, she pulled out a plain gold band. “You wanna wear another ring?”

I am the biggest idiot in Thedas.

Did I really just propose to Emmrich “I Choose My Words Carefully” Volkarin like that?!

SHIT.

FUCK.

He blinked once, twice, and then a third time before saying, “Agi, what—”

“It was Da’s, and I’m…” She laughed breathlessly and felt completely nuts. “Will you marry me, Emmrich?”

An incredulous chuckle escaped him. “Yes, dearest Agnes. Yes, I will marry you!” It was then that the professor laughed heartily and held her in a warm and loving embrace. “How I’ve longed for this. All these years. All these decades. I’m yours, darling. I’m always yours.” He nuzzled her dark red hair and gave her a gentle squeeze. “But I’m afraid I don’t have a ring for you, and for that I must apologize.”

She grinned. “You’ve got like twenty you’re wearing right now, love.”

That earned her a groan. Try to deny it, Emm. Try. “You know precisely what I mean, dearest.”

I can’t help but a little sometimes, love! You’re too cute not to tease. Just a little. Tiny bit. As a treat.

She grinned. “I’m not wrong though! You own more jewelry than I do.”

Humming softly, he maintained his hold on her. He said he loves it when we’re affectionate. “I’ve been in touch with my jeweler in Nevarra City,” he whispered. “I want to have the most beautiful engagement ring made for you. For now though,” Reluctantly releasing her, he stepped back and removed his father’s ring. He’s taking off his father’s ring. His father’s last gift to him. He’s taking it off AND GIVING IT TO ME. “Please accept this ring as a token of my deepest affection and commitment, dearest Agnes.”

As they exchanged rings, she had a few thoughts.

Neither of these rings are sized correctly.

Emmrich has a fuckton of jewelry.

“Hey love, do you happen to have any necklaces or simple chains? I think it might be best if we—”

He placed her father’s band in a pocket on his waistcoat and then touched the tip of her nose with his index finger, grinning. “I had the same thought, my dear. Let me see…” Giving her a quick kiss, he turned to enter his bedroom. “One moment, darling!”

She watched him rummage through his jewelry, smiling.

I love him.

He loves me.

And no matter what, we’ll have each other.

***

“The dagger! Rook, you must break its contact with Ghilan’nain!”

Emmrich had been the one who instructed her to obtain the dagger.

Fool.

Useless, stupid fool of a man.

He stared at the partially completed replica, his necrotic magic weaving through the pieces.

We will get her back.

We must get her back.

For her poor mother, who is firm in her belief that Agi will find her way home. “Because she always does, Emmrich.”

For our friends, who miss her dearly.

For poor Manfred, who looks for her constantly. Calls her name with no answer.

And for me, the one who loves you more than anything in this world or any other. Please, return to me.

The pieces fell onto the table below as he was overcome by wracking sobs.

Please…my love…return to me…please…

***

“HEAVE!”

Agnes Aldwir held onto the jeweled hand that reached for her.

EMMRICH!

She stumbled out of the tear and blinked, several pairs of hands on her.

“Emmrich!” Throwing her arms around his neck, she bit back a sob. “It’s okay, love. I’m here. I made it out.”

The next moment she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Stubble?

More than stubble---that’s a lot of stubble.

He shaves every day.

Wait…

In a hoarse voice, Agnes managed to say, “how long” before her knees buckled, and then her world went black.

***

When Agnes next woke, she found herself lying on Emmrich’s bed with her mother and Emmrich (he shaved and he’s asleep) in chairs on opposite sides. “Mum…”

Luci Aldwir placed her knitting in her basket before practically throwing herself at me. MUM! “Oh Agi, sweetie! Thank goodness you’re awake. We’ve all been so worried about you. The others, especially Emmrich, were working day and night to try to get you back.” She cupped her daughter’s face and blinked back tears. “But I knew you’d find your way home. You always do.”

The mage opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Emmrich’s groaning, stretching his back, as he woke. “My dear…how are you feeling? Do you need anything?”

She turned her head towards him and smiled. You beautiful, wonderful, perfect man. I love you so much. I’m never, ever leaving you again. “I have all I need right here.” He then burst into tears, and she, taking some pity on my poor Emmrich, who feels everything so deeply, reached for one of hands to give it a reassuring squeeze.

Her mother, by now realizing we need a little privacy please, excused herself and exited the room, shaking her head but smiling. Mum loves Emm. “He’s the perfect son-in-law” is what she said when they met the first time. Embarrassing but um, well…accurate.

Agnes gently pulled his hand, whispering, “Come here, love.”

His body was wracked with sobs as he got into bed next to her. “Please forgive me. I-I’m so sorry. I labored constantly, endeavoring to find a way for you to return…but I…I…”

Shaking her head, she laughed softly as she watched him lay his head on her chest. “You did. You found me, and I’m here.” She ran her fingers through his graying locks. “I’m here, love.” He’s still crying. Oh no. Think of something, Agi!! “Solas thought he had me figured out, but he underestimated something very important about me.”

“What’s that, dear?”

The former Veil Jumper grinned. “I am the most stubborn fucker alive.” They both proceeded to laugh, and Agnes pressed kisses into his hair. “Do you honestly think that I’d let that bald twat keep me from you and Mum? Never!”

We’ll never be parted again, love.

I promise.

[reasonsforhope]

"Major AI companies are racing to build superintelligent AI — for the benefit of you and me, they say. But did they ever pause to ask whether we actually want that?

Americans, by and large, don’t want it.

That’s the upshot of a new poll shared exclusively with Vox. The poll, commissioned by the think tank AI Policy Institute and conducted by YouGov, surveyed 1,118 Americans from across the age, gender, race, and political spectrums in early September. It reveals that 63 percent of voters say regulation should aim to actively prevent AI superintelligence.

Companies like OpenAI have made it clear that superintelligent AI — a system that is smarter than humans — is exactly what they’re trying to build. They call it artificial general intelligence (AGI) and they take it for granted that AGI should exist. “Our mission,” OpenAI’s website says, “is to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.”

But there’s a deeply weird and seldom remarked upon fact here: It’s not at all obvious that we should want to create AGI — which, as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will be the first to tell you, comes with major risks, including the risk that all of humanity gets wiped out. And yet a handful of CEOs have decided, on behalf of everyone else, that AGI should exist.

Now, the only thing that gets discussed in public debate is how to control a hypothetical superhuman intelligence — not whether we actually want it. A premise has been ceded here that arguably never should have been...

Building AGI is a deeply political move. Why aren’t we treating it that way?

...Americans have learned a thing or two from the past decade in tech, and especially from the disastrous consequences of social media. They increasingly distrust tech executives and the idea that tech progress is positive by default. And they’re questioning whether the potential benefits of AGI justify the potential costs of developing it. After all, CEOs like Altman readily proclaim that AGI may well usher in mass unemployment, break the economic system, and change the entire world order. That’s if it doesn’t render us all extinct.

In the new AI Policy Institute/YouGov poll, the "better us [to have and invent it] than China” argument was presented five different ways in five different questions. Strikingly, each time, the majority of respondents rejected the argument. For example, 67 percent of voters said we should restrict how powerful AI models can become, even though that risks making American companies fall behind China. Only 14 percent disagreed.

Naturally, with any poll about a technology that doesn’t yet exist, there’s a bit of a challenge in interpreting the responses. But what a strong majority of the American public seems to be saying here is: just because we’re worried about a foreign power getting ahead, doesn’t mean that it makes sense to unleash upon ourselves a technology we think will severely harm us.

AGI, it turns out, is just not a popular idea in America.

“As we’re asking these poll questions and getting such lopsided results, it’s honestly a little bit surprising to me to see how lopsided it is,” Daniel Colson, the executive director of the AI Policy Institute, told me. “There’s actually quite a large disconnect between a lot of the elite discourse or discourse in the labs and what the American public wants.”

-via Vox, September 19, 2023

[realcleverscience]

AI

As someone who follows AI news a lot, I really wish the general public was aware of what's going on with it.

AIs are improving at a dramatic rate, I'd say basically doubling in ability every 6 months (possibly even exponential growth by now). If you base your idea of what AI can do based on a tool you used last year, then you are wildly out of date.

Hell, if you base your idea of AI on the tools out right now, you're still out of date - because in 6 months the field will have advanced dramatically.

Again, this sounds crazy but that's because we're not used to this kind of growth. But consider this: Some people have estimated that the latest AI tools could potentially do 1-9% of economically useful tasks. (e.g. it can write emails for you, saving you time. Or it can summarize spreadsheets. whatever.) Let's assume AI can currently do just 1% of tasks. Clearly no-one is in danger of losing their job from just 1%. But if AI is doubling its abilities every 6 months, that means in a year it'll do (1x2x2 =) 4%. In two years from now (4x2x2=) 16%. In three years (16*2*2=) 64%. In four years, 100%. Now, I think there are still challenges to reaching 100%. (E.g. AIs still have master robotics; better 'real world' modeling, and more) But I think we could definitely hit at least 50% with our current trajectory. This could mean that everyone doubles their output, or it could mean that companies maintain output but fire half the workers. Or some mix. But if even 10% of people lose their jobs, our economy is gonna be in crisis. If 50% lose their jobs, it will be a nightmare. (The US great depression of the 1920s saw around 24% unemployment; the US already has 4% unemployment). In addition, even minor growth in unemployment can seriously stress our social safety nets (which are already being damaged by the current administration in the us). So let alone 5, 10, 20 percentage point gains.

And if AI keeps its pace of improvement, that basically means that within a year, the situation should get twice as severe. Forever. AIs will never get worse at performing. They will continue to learn and improve at ever faster rates while human roles will shrink by ever faster rates.

in short: AIs are getting very good, very quickly. The job market is going to get turned on its head. There are a lot of major changes just around the corner. AI is here. AGI is nearly here. ASI is on the horizon.

Buckle Up.

p.s. Even if you hate AI, you cannot stop it. Also, there are lots of reasons to love AI. It could help us achieve a world of plenty for all, excellent health, etc. But, that depends on society. If we keep our current system, it will be a nightmare. But if we reconfigure, this could be the greatest gift to humanity at large. Pps. I know a lot of people are concerned about ai companies controlling ai. i want you all to know that there is a ton of open-source programming for AI happening. The capitalist angle here isn't really the ai as much as the data and data centers. and even then, the data is becoming less important (e.g. we can now create artificial data), so it's really about the people who own the server farms and chip manufacturing (as well as the supply chains). Anyways, my point here is that we shouldn't oppose AI. We should recruit AI to our cause. i.e. we need new economics for an age where machines do most of the work.

[isthepame]

Review of Chapter 296 of Blue Lock

Between euphoria and challenge

The chapter begins with the Ubers players watching the match. This team, which had previously faced Bastard München and been defeated, shows mixed reactions. Some of them smile as they see Isagi in the number 1 spot, as if to say, “This idiot finally made it.” Barou, internally, approves of Isagi's new position. For him, who sees himself as the King, the best, he believes this is the way Yoichi must face him. In his mind, Barou thinks that Isagi should view him as the rival to follow.

On the field of the PXG vs. Bastard München match, we witness Isagi’s thoughts as he enjoys reaching the top spot. He feels the pleasure of finally reaching that position, a place that once seemed unreachable to him. Remember, he was previously in the second-to-last spot in Blue Lock, only surpassing Igarashi. Throughout his journey, Isagi demonstrated his hunger for self-improvement, adapting to every situation to survive within Blue Lock. His mind is euphoric, almost ecstatic, about everything he’s achieved. This euphoria pushes him to want more. He declares that he wants to pursue his destiny. This is a mental transformation for Isagi, who, faced with something as momentous as being number 1 in Blue Lock, is motivated to move forward with more strength than ever before.

Meanwhile, in the Manshine City vs. Barcha match, the duel of the losers is taking place. Bachira and Otoya are carrying the team, giving their all to the point of inspiring their coach, Lavinho, to step onto the field. Seeing this, Prince, from Manshine City, also joins the game.

On the other hand, Nagi’s inner conflicts unfold due to his current decline. He realises that he hasn’t achieved anything, that he’s completely out of the game, disheartened. It’s Agi who points this out to him, warning him that mediocrity will lead him to ruin. After hearing these words, Nagi decides that he no longer cares about assists; all he wants now is to stand out to improve his offer. From that moment, he declares that his goal is to survive in the Neo Egoist League, alongside Reo.

Otoya and Bachira are fully immersed in the match, showing their best selves, so much so that Otoya awakens the “predator’s eye.”

Nagi sees the spark in those who are at the centre of the world. He reflects on his own past, as he too experienced that feeling of wanting to be there, at the top. Only those willing to lose control can achieve it, because to be on the world stage, you must be a monster. If Nagi can reach that level, he has the potential to be number one in the world, and it’s all in his hands to achieve it.

Finally, Reo realises that he can no longer be driven by trivial matters like the good of the team. He understands that he needs to be on the world stage, that he must have that hunger for triumph. Reo acknowledges that he must shine and stand out, and he will do so alongside Nagi. They both depend on each other to reach their goal. Together, they will infect each other with that determination to become monsters, because they need the goal, they need to stand out to remain on the world stage, be in the top 23, and be the best. What they seek is to become legendary players, something that pushes them to keep moving forward relentlessly.

@isthepame

[thumbellina-dumpellina]

I fucking love Agi for calling out these two and slap some sense into them. I get that they have this bond, but it is honestly the most toxic dynamic of all 😭 even if there were times where isagi, sounded like a total asshole for using the other members to shine, at least he ACTUALLY HELPS THEM (OR MAYBE THEY REALIZE ON THEIR OWN TO) FIND THEMSELVES. But with nagi and reo, being together just makes them sooo comfortable with each other they dont even try to challenge themselves..

I swear if they dont cut this codependency bullshit they pulled since vs bastards 😭 idk what to do,

NAGI PLS I CANT DEFEND U ANYMORE,, i don’t hate them, I’m just frustrated to see 2 character assassinations at the brink of their supposed growth 🙃

i actually felt relieved that they kept on losing because that will make them realize that they haven’t reached their full potential, and yet they have slipped back to their bad habits,,

I saved this Reo panel because i was SO HOPEFUL, SO HOPEFUL THAT HE WOULD FINALLY FIND HIS OWN GOAL FOR HIMSELF

Then these panels hit me like a truck,,

It was so frustrating i had to stop reading 🙃

OKAY AN UPDATE ON THIS: im just so fucking disappointed , actually beyond it already

I love nagi though, maybe i will pretend that manshine vs bastard didnt happen at all 🫶🏼

[kingme1002]

This is what's coming next after AGI:

1. Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)

ASI would surpass human intelligence in virtually all domains, including creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving.

This stage might lead to unprecedented innovations in science, medicine, technology, and more.

Ethical concerns, control mechanisms, and alignment with human values become critical at this level.

2. AI-Augmented Human Intelligence

Integrating AI with human biology through brain-computer interfaces (e.g., Neuralink).

Potential to enhance human cognitive capabilities, memory, and sensory perception.

3. AI in Governance and Ethics

Developing frameworks for AI's role in society, including legal systems, decision-making, and ensuring equitable benefits.

Addressing existential risks and preventing misuse of advanced AI.

4. Exploration and Expansion

Utilizing advanced AI for space exploration, colonization, and solving global challenges like climate change or resource scarcity.

AI might assist in creating self-sustaining ecosystems for interstellar travel and habitation.

5. New Philosophical Paradigms

Addressing the implications of coexistence with entities far more intelligent than humans.

Questions about consciousness, rights for AI, and the definition of life might arise.

[handsome-jacks-bottom-bitch]

So the biggest thing about Borderlands is of course, the Vaults. Not only the vaults, but the monsters inside of them. So this post, I'm gonna rank the vault monsters from easiest to fight, to hardest to fight. I'm going to be gaging the difficulties based on the first playthrough, as depending on the game and the mode your playing, all of them can prove challenging. Now as always, this is purely my opinion. Some monsters I may say are hard, may be easy to others, or vice versa. So let's not waste any time and get right into it. This will include all vault monsters in Borderlands 3, not just the final battle. However I will be excluding vault monsters from Tales games, as those are fought both with QTEs.

1. Graveward

So let's start with the easiest one, which is the Graveward from Borderlands 3. The flora themed vault monster living inside the vault on Eden-6. I rank this one the easiest because it's attacks are all extremely avoidable, and if you move around correctly, you can go the entire fight without getting hit even once. The only things you really have to worry about are the grogs that spawn in. The fun thing about the Graveward, is that he's slow, and all his attacks come with beacons, or lit up danger zones. Stay out the zones, and you're set. The trickiest part of the fight is when he lifts the platform, and sends you sliding down. Simply slide into the hole on the right of the platform, wait for the green acid orbs to pass you by, and that's that. Throughout the fight, just aim for the Gravwards weak spot with a rapid firing weapon to quickly whittle down health until he's defeated. Even in higher mayhem difficulties, the Graveward poses very little threat, and is a pushover of a vault monster.

2. The Destroyer (BL1)

Now when I first started playing Borderlands back when the first game came out, I was a mere child and couldn't even make it far enough in the game to fight the Destroyer. When I finally did as a teenager, I would've said it was the hardest fight I've ever seen. Now as an adult, with a better understand of game mechanics (and better aim), the Destroyer is fairly easy on both playthroughs. Simply because you can essentially cheese the entire fight. On the map, there's two pillars. Simply hide behind the pillar and shoot the Destroyer until it's dead. You will have to worry about the flying rakks constantly spawning in, but luckily, they have extremely low health, and should thr Destroyer get a good hit on you, those rakks are a quick second wind.

Now the Destroyer is a bullet sponge, so the fight will take time if you dont have high power weapons, and you will have to get in close if you're a shotgun fanatic. Otherwise, simply hide throughout all his attacks, and the fight is as good as won.

3. The Warrior

Look out, the lava is rising! Liliths constant worry of the lava is arguably the most annoying thing about this fight. By the time you reach the Warrior, you're about level 36, have got a decent arsenal under your belt, and a raging hot need to avenge Bloodwing. The Warriors fight can be tricky, as in order to actually deal decent damage, you need to break the rock on its chest blocking it's soft inner molten core. Thing is, right after you break it, the Warrior retreats back into the lava, causing it to rise, as of Lilith didn't make that obvious enough.

The other thing you have to worry about it the Warriors tail slam, which if you don't jump to dodge it, deals decent damage, and sends you flying into the air. Another thing to look out for is the never ending crystalisks that spawn, and the occasionaly rakk that'll spot you.

Overall, the Warriors fight isn't so much difficult, as it is tedious. Eventually, you'll beat it down enough and crush it's head with the moonshot canon, much to Jack's dismay.

4. The Rampager

Oh the Rampager. My first encounter with you was a devastating one. Not because of your never ending fire waves, or the Eridians constantly up my ass, but because you're just too damn agile for a creature of your size.

The Rampager fight was tough the first time I fought it. He comes in three waves, all with different attacks and abilities that can quickly eat away at your shields and health, and while Maya is there.. she isn't much help. With the ever spawning Eridians constantly knocking you around, and the constant projectiles, the Rampager is a tough one. Especially come the third phase, where even standing still for a second could lead to an instant down.

The Rampager is tough, and agile, and good if you're looking for a quick death on your first playthrough. Kind of makes the Graveward that much more disappointing when the first vault monster you get to kill puts up such a good fight.

5. Tyreen/The Destroyer

Now, is Tyreen a vault monster? No. However, given as how she fuses with the monster of the Great Vault, she technically counts as one.

Now Tyreens fight is tricky. Not only can she leave the arena, most of her attacks prevent her from taking any damage at all. Her attacks are wide, and extremely powerful, not to mention the various creatures that spawn in and hassle you the entire fight. Tyreens attacks can be pretty easy to avoid, but the fact that she makes damaging her such a struggle is the reason she's so high on the list.

Her fight is annoying, and all around a pain to complete your first time fighting her. Once you get it down, much like with any of these monsters, it can quickly become a cake wake, but for have never fought her before? Royal pain, much like the god queen herself.

6. The Sentinel

I say this with the most emotion and sentiment I can portray over text: Screw. This. Fight.

Even today, as I'm writing this, the Sentinel has proven to be such a difficult fight, that any time I manage to defeat it on the first try, I consider myself a master of the trade. From the fact that this thing has 7 whole phases, to the fact that there's Eridians swarming the arena on top of him, it's just an all around nightmare.

The first version of the Sentinel has 4 phases. The first three require you to break down his shield, while avoiding his fast and devastating attacks. When his shield goes down, he becomes immune to all damage, and releases a nova, which if you don't avoid it, is capable of insta-downing you. Each phases comes with a different element that he becomes immune to, until the fourth phase, where you can finally hit his health. Defeat the fourth phase, and you think all is well, right? Wrong.

Once the Sentinel is defeated, he turns into a giant version of himself, called the Empyrean Sentinel. This version can make the entire floor untouchable with electricity, has full AOE attacks, and can only be damaged by hitting its face, so should you end up behind it trying to avoid attacks and swarms of Eridians, you gotta find your way back around. This version goes through 3 phases, all with different elements as well. This fight is just.. agonizing, no matter how well equipped you are. It's long, it's tedious, and if you die? Back to square one.. and to make it worse, the game made him a raid boss post story completion. Meaning you have to pay your hard earned moonstones just to torture yourself for a chance at better loot. Let me tell you, it's not worth it. There's better ways to get the legendary you're looking for, I promise. It's called the Grinder. I'd rather waste away at the Grinder than fight this bastard over and over in a Borderlands game that arguably has the WORST legendary drop chances. My sanity is better drained elsewhere. Like collecting 150 claptrap components for Tannis.

So, there you have it. My list of easiest to hardest to fight vault monsters on the first playthrough. Playthrough 2, TVHM/UVHM, Mayhem Mode, that all changes the game. Makes things difficult all around, but still doable if you build yourself right and bring the right gear. Let me know if you agree with my list, or if you disagree, I'd love to hear some feedback. Let me know your experiences with these badass monsters.. and if you know a way to cheese the Sentinel, maybe throw that my way too. I'm tired of him.

[cypress-punk]

Thinking about Eclipse Phase, a cyberpunk ttrpg with a focus on transhumanism and one of the ideas it brings up in the form of post humans.

So in the setting "transhuman" refers to three groups of beings. The first is humans, like you and me, but in this world basically everyone has a cyber brain and a genetically engineered body or inhabits some sort of fully synthetic robot body but their mind is that of a human. The second is AGI, artifical general intelligences, which are designed to remain at roughly human levels of intelligence and a are engineered to have human like perspectives because AIs allowed to become too smart nearly wiped out the human race fairly recently in the history of the setting. The third is uplifted animals, apes, cetaceans, corvids, parrots, octopi, and pigs which have been genetically engineered to have human like minds and intelligence along with modified bodies that make them more human in body plan (for the apes at least).

This broad and somewhat contradictory set of beings are what you can play as and make up most of the intelligent beings a player might encounter though there are some rather odd aliens and even a weird race of mantis shrimp murder creatures engineered by the bad AIs I mentioned earlier. There are all sorts of contradictions about the category of "transhuman" that the game positions you to explore and challenge in game. Its a very interesting setting in general and worth looking into though the actual rule set is rough (in the first edition, I haven't played the second edition and only skimmed the rules briefly when I read the book)

Anyway that really long preamble out of the way I want to talk about another category of being that exists in the world: post humans. That is to say, if the majority of intelligent beings in the world have become something more than human as it was once understood, these guys have abandoned it entirely. Post humans come in two major flavors from what I recall, Minds, which are people who engineered themselves into enormous brains with equivalently staggering, though alien, intelligence; and Predators, which have abandoned human nature to become pure hunters, highly versatile killing machines that target transhumans as prey, or in some cases have weird space habitats engineered as massive ecosystems over which they are the Apex predators.

Both of these are presented as the result of sort of egoist/objectivist approaches to evolution. In a world where the technology exists to basically engineer a whole viable organism these people have chosen to become something completely unlike what they were. The Minds can be taken as an attempt an organic super intelligence, a piece of meat that can rival the god like AIs that devastated the earth. The predators strike me as a very fascistic view of nature taken to the extreme, seeking to become machines that kill, bending all that you are toward being a weapon. Its almost in line with some Futurist ideas about the body in an industrial world. They also serve as basically stand in for some classic DND monsters. Minds are a lot like Beholders or Elder Brains, Predators can fill many "monster" roles depending on the type of body they've built for themselves.

Anyway I like the post humans because they express an interesting ethos within the setting. Theyre a believable fringe that adds something to the world and provides an interesting element for the players to interact with. But there is one other being in the setting that strikes me as very post human.

There's a description in one piece of fluff of colonies of "barnacles" on certain space ships or habitats. These are extremely stripped down synthetic bodies that are equipped with the tools to affix themselves securely to the hull of some man made object in space and then point a lens at the void of space. A body built for complete isolation and meditation upon the cosmos. A sort of ultimate asceticism. I like the barnacles a lot conceptually.

[goldom]

Let us return to the land of giant tree woman in Honkai: Sumeru Rail 3.1

Never change, Stelle.

*sigh* is it immortality-is-bad-o'clock again, Hoyo? [it was not, for once, thank goodness]

Phainon was in debate club. Yeah, that tracks.

If anything bad ever happens to Mem, I'm gonna riot

I'm sure it's not at all a bad sign that the ghosts have all turned red.

and you'll be tanasinn?

Oh boy you know what time it is again?

Punch Action time! In the Action Hour!*

*It is almost midnight. I guess it's Action Hour in Australia.

I'm realizing the non-safe zones in Amphoreus are much more like traditional JRPG dungeons than the more interconnected areas in the other worlds. That's a win to me.

I groan every time Bartholos shows up to steal a treasure. Sitting there holding L2 while he slooowly rewinds is not my idea of a fun "challenge."

oh my godddd I love you too, Memmm ;_;

Never change, Stelle.

bloop bloop bloop

These dungeon areas really are quite good. They take enough planning and focus on spatial relations that the effortless random battles feel like a little break rather than the bore they become when they're the only active part of an area.

It's Capitano 2.0, now with more Actually Evil. Think we'll ever see who this one is under the mask, or will it be equally unimportant?

I don't know why everyone was acting like Anaxagoras was gonna be some insufferable snob. So far he seems kind and down-to-earth. (But again, I don't watch trailers ahead of time cuz they tend to spoil stuff, so maybe I'll find out later.) I also appreciate having someone willing to question Aglaea's methods other than that comically evil senator lady from last patch. I'm not fully on board with Agy either. I trust her goals are good, but not necessarily how she's getting there.

Oh, Stelle did catch Castorice back there. I thought I misinterpreted the action since no one thought anything of it, but now they're bringing it up. Prediction: Castorice is Stellaron-powered and that's why Stelle can touch her.

Back to bed for sleepy Stelle. All in all a pretty good pa— wait, what's that, another POV change? Oh. I guess we're still not done. Well, that'll have to be for another day. (If we're following 3.0's pattern, we'll get a March update after Tribbie POV... but no way it's gonna be good, not this soon.)

[techverse1]

DeepSeek Shakes Up AI Industry, Challenging Silicon Valley’s Dominance

A little-known Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, has disrupted the global tech landscape with the launch of its artificial intelligence model, DeepSeek-R1. The model’s capabilities rival those of industry leaders such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, raising questions about Silicon Valley’s long-held dominance in AI innovation.

A Cost-Effective AI Breakthrough

Unlike major US tech firms that invest billions in AI development, DeepSeek claims to have trained its model for under $6 million using fewer and less advanced computer chips. This stark contrast has led some experts to label its emergence as “AI’s Sputnik moment.”

DeepSeek’s impact is already being felt in the stock market. On Monday, Nvidia, a leading AI chip supplier, suffered a 17% drop in its shares, wiping out nearly $600 billion in market value. The stock prices of Google parent Alphabet and Microsoft also fell, reflecting investor uncertainty about the competitive landscape.

What is DeepSeek?

Founded in 2023 and based in Hangzhou, DeepSeek is led by Liang Wenfeng, a serial entrepreneur with a background in AI-driven financial investments. Liang, who previously founded multiple AI-focused hedge funds, has long believed that replicating AI models is relatively inexpensive, provided that research and innovation are prioritized.

In past interviews, Liang has emphasized his curiosity-driven approach to AI. He hypothesizes that human intelligence is fundamentally based on language and suggests that artificial general intelligence (AGI) could emerge from large language models.

A Disruptive AI Model

DeepSeek’s success challenges the assumption that large-scale AI models require billions of dollars and cutting-edge hardware. With a team of just 200 employees, the company used 2,000 Nvidia H800 chips—less advanced than those used by its US counterparts—to train its model efficiently.

By employing multiple specialized models to enhance computational efficiency, DeepSeek has demonstrated that high-performing AI can be built without access to the latest chip technology. This development has raised concerns about US efforts to contain China’s AI advancements by restricting chip exports.

The Global AI Race Intensifies

The release of DeepSeek-R1 has reignited debates about AI leadership. While OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged DeepSeek’s impressive capabilities, he reaffirmed his belief that computing power remains crucial for advancing AI. OpenAI plans to roll out its new reasoning AI model, o3 mini, in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, some experts argue that US policymakers should focus on strengthening Silicon Valley’s AI ecosystem rather than attempting to suppress China’s progress. They point out that while OpenAI and other US firms have paywalled their most advanced models, DeepSeek has made its best model freely accessible, creating a perception of a significant leap in AI capabilities.

China’s AI Moment?

Though DeepSeek’s rapid ascent signals China’s growing AI prowess, analysts caution against declaring it the outright leader in the AI race. The field is evolving rapidly, and Silicon Valley’s tech giants remain formidable competitors. However, DeepSeek’s innovative approach demonstrates that AI breakthroughs can emerge from unexpected players, challenging long-standing industry assumptions.

The coming months will reveal whether DeepSeek’s disruptive model represents a lasting shift in AI development or a temporary shake-up in the competitive landscape.

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

FFXIV Write: Duel

In which Agi *actually* notices some light flirting from Gulool Ja Ja after their duel. SFW.

“What exactly did my husband tell you about me?” Agnes giggled before taking a bite of her taco. After relaying her frankly horrifying tale about how that two-headed shit for brains destroyed our tacos, Gulool Ja Ja ordered that the palace’s finest tacos be made for her.

As a thank you for indulging him in a duel, which I normally wouldn’t do.

However…

Gulool Ja Ja laughed heartily. “Oh, nothing scandalous I assure you! Estinien said, ‘My wife is the best warrior on the star. She’ll not spar with anyone, however…” There we go. However. “I believe she wouldn’t be able to resist sparring with you…the challenge excites her.’”

More laughter.

Because of course Estinien would say something like that to a bloke he’s just met and sparred with.

Love, I…

Fucking hells, ser---you know me too well!

Blushing slightly, she smiled. “Guilty. I’ve never fought a two-headed Mamool Ja before, so congrats, Excellency! You’re the first!”

“Ha! Well, I’m honored to be the Warrior of Light’s first.” The Head of Resolve fucking just winked at me?!?! What on earth is going on?!?!?

Wait…

Is…

With the other head asleep…?

What?!?!?

Now giggling more, her cheeks burned. “Oh goodness, yes. I…yes, these are such lovely tacos. Thank you so much, Excellency.”

That’s it, Agi. Get this shit back on track.

Luckily for her, things got one hundred percent less…umm…you know…after she perhaps not so subtly changed the subject.

When she mentioned the interaction with Estinien later, to her surprise, he laughed.

And laughed.

And laughed.

“Estinien Varlineau, what is so funny?!” Agnes pouted, lying next to him in bed after they put the children to bed.

He wiped his eyes and cackled. “Agi, you’re a beautiful woman! People flirt with you all the time, and you don’t bloody notice.” Estinien turned his head to face her very much still pouting face. “And the one time you do, it’s your new friend’s dad!” He quickly kissed her and then laughed more. He. Won’t. Stop. Laughing. Once he calmed his silly, sexy ass down, he smiled ruefully and held her hand. “In case you’re wondering, I’m not bothered by it.”

She smirked. “The laughing was a clue, love.”

“You only have eyes for me, my angel. Not worried about that. Though, it heartens me that His Excellency has such good taste in ladies.” A growing grin tugged on his lips as his pale blue eyes twinkled. “After all, you’re the very—”

“Don’t say it!” She giggled.

“The very breast wife!”

The two exploded in laughter.

I love you more than words could ever express.

My naughty man. I adore you.

[jpdoingwords]

Assassin's Creed Odyssey Fanfiction

Three long fics and a bunch of shorts, drabble, and incomplete fics. Multiple ships, mostly mlm, some het.

All works are rated M unless otherwise noted, because there is canon-typical violence at times and there are multiple mild sex scenes. Some of these works are explicit - please be sure to check before reading if you aren't into that.

All on AO3 unless otherwise noted.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey Fanfiction

The Good Spartan

aka. the Alexidas The Good Spartan Summary: It's 431 BCE. Brasidas prepares to take up his first major posting, unaware of all that lays before him in the coming years of the Peloponnesian War. The story is told almost entirely from Brasidas' perspective and follows him from before his first major historical action at Methone to his last, at Amphipolis. This is a crossover between AC Odyssey and Thucydides' history, The Peloponnesian War, favouring Thucydides. I am being as historically accurate as I can, game canon is paid lip service at best. Historical notes are included at the end of each chapter.

Another Life: [Alternative Ending of The Good Spartan]. Summary: Brasidas survives the Battle of Amphipolis, thanks to Alexios' visit to the Underworld; but even before the battle, he knew he'd never go back to Sparta. He's no longer a good Spartan, nor willing to make the sacrifices required to go on pretending to be one. He just needs to persuade Alexios, and recover from his wounds… and together, find somewhere they might have a little peace.

Hunger, Desire, Anger, Roads [WIP] A collection of short pieces of writing and some art associated with characters (including OCs) and events around The Good Spartan, as it's currently published and alternative versions. These include threads taken from the original version of the fic and reworked; alternative points of view which develop characters who necessarily have no voice in the published fic; and a variety of other exploratory pieces set within this AU. They're all part of the framework around which The Good Spartan grew - and continues to grow.

Another Kind of Odyssey

aka. the Thalexios The Warmth of Home Summary: After the events of Odyssey, Alexios has been hiding from the world, loitering in the northern regions of Greece. When he decides to return to Athens for the winter, Demosthenes seeks him out for a job only he can do - whether he wants to or not. This leads him to cross paths with Thaletas again, discovering that this old flame burns the brightest of all.

Love Me in Storms [WIP] Summary: Following on from the Warmth of Home, Alexios and Thaletas face the challenge of making their relationship clear to their families back in Sparta, with mixed results. This fic fills in some relatively large gaps left between the original Warmth of Home (now completely rewritten) and Unfinished Business (rewrite currently underway), as well as taking some of the plot points out of Unfinished Business entirely and putting them here, in this new context. This is necessary to smooth over some serious timeline problems

Unfinished Business Summary: Stentor arrives at Stymphalos, where Thaletas and Alexios settled four years previously. He comes with a message: Alcibiades is in Sparta, and wants to see Alexios - urgently. Answering this request will sweep them into events they could not foresee. I’ve used many historical details to make this story and glossed over some others. I’ve added footnotes to expand on all of that, including references where applicable.

The Turning Tide Summary: Spring, 413BCE. The Peace of Nikias has ended. Sparta and Athens are at one another's throats again. Before the Peace, Sparta was having few successes; but they have a plan they hope will turn the tide against Athens... Against this backdrop of renewed hostilities, Alexios and Thaletas are called upon to complete a mission for King Agis, which will test them and their relationship in ways they haven’t been tested before...

In the Heart of Things Summary: 412BCE. Reunited after a difficult year, Alexios and Thaletas have been sent to Chios by King Agis to keep an eye on the situation there as the theatre of the Peloponnesian War shifts eastwards, into the islands. There, they will discover more than they could have bargained for about themselves and their people, and what it is that lies at the heart of things...

A Few Olives Summary: Alexios decided to buy a farm. Thaletas went along with it. But the plan was not what he had expected, but then nothing ever had been with Alexios. This is the story of a relationship that has grown up in difficult times, and peace is now the hardest thing to deal with. Thaletas struggles to know himself, and Alexios doesn’t understand. Sometimes things must break before they can be reformed.

The Fire and the Flood

aka. The Alexithenes This series is rated E. An Athenian Summer Summary: Early in the War, Alexios allows Socrates to lure him to Athens for the summer. During his stay in the city, his relationship with Demosthenes, not yet a general of Athens, will change significantly... But as the war rages on, will the pressures of the messy world beyond Athens' walls bring the pair together or drive them apart? This story takes liberties with canon; as much as possible, I try to keep characters true to their game-selves; original characters are mostly secondary characters, though of necessity I have provided Demosthenes with more character than he had in the game.

The Blue Cloak Alexios and Timotheos are flirting with the idea of being an item when, in order to help the brothers move past the events in canon, Alexios comes up with a plan to further Lykinos' dream of being a poet in Athens. Things take an unexpected turn when Alexios finds himself waking up aboard the Adrestia wearing a cloak he has never seen before.... aka. drunk Alexios gets himself into a situation. This is the edited version of a story previously published as So it is With Us. This version has an additional chapter added at the end and has been rewritten in parts, particularly the first half.

Short and Experimental Pieces

aka. The Deimos fic Shadow-Twin He felt like neither Deimos nor Alexios. They were two skins he’d shed - and what remained now? What new skin might he grow? Who might he become? They’d all demanded answers of him at one time or another. They’d all asked where he’d been when he went out, what he’d been doing. With concern or with curiosity or what they perhaps thought of as friendship. What they meant was: Let me in. Tell me who are you. He gave always the same reply: a grunt. How could he answer that when he didn’t know?

From the Darkness, Light: Brasidas & Deimos!Kassandra Having failed to keep his involvement in the assassination of the Monger in Korinth under wraps, Brasidas is sent by the Kings to Paros on a 'special mission' which he suspects is a punishment. His task is to find a missing lokhagos, but what he uncovers is far bigger and darker than the abduction of one man.

aka the Herodietas (Thaletas x Herodianos) Rising to the Surface: Rated E for the first two parts. After the events during the Mykonos arc of the story, Thaletas is left behind to face the consequences of Alexios' actions. Herodianos, who has been his loyal friend for a long time, does everything he can to comfort him - and so the hands of the Fates are set to work. This was an exercise in writing - Smut, Fluff and Angst, a chapter for each, in that order. Features the power of puppies to dispel the pain of existence.

It Was Just Red (Gen). "Nothing ever ends poetically. It ends and we turn it into poetry. All that blood was never once beautiful. It was just red." Kait Rakowski This story was prompted by a post I saw recently on Tumblr. It showed Kass sitting at the empty table back in Sparta during the final dinner scene, against which the poster had written something along the lines of: this is the best possible ending – the least amount of Spartans left alive. The following work is an exercise in exploring what that outcome might look like, and seeks to detail some sense of the possible shifting feelings Alexios might have around losing his whole family, mostly at his own hands (a version of the game I’ve never played and frankly never will) and to explore the main question this post prompted in me: Is there a way in which I might believe this could be the best outcome? Fair warning: This work doesn’t honour the game timeline, and as always, I'm disinterested in strict compliance with canon. It’s canon divergent from the get-go simply because it’s Alexios, anyway.

Odyssey Shorts Summary: This is a collection of odds and ends I wrote alongside longer pieces, mainly in response to prompt lists. So far, these consist of: Four based on the tarot: Alexios as a teenager throwing himself into the sea to Anais' horror (an early version of a piece included in It Was Only Red); Brasidas finding himself in the Underworld (a tiny fix-it fic); a tentative beginning to a Daphnae fic I've always contemplated writing; a scene with Demosthenes and Alexios which fits nowhere else; two snippets of modern day AU with an Alexidas focus; and a random Brasidas x reader which I have never written before and quite likely won't again. I will be adding to this collection in time, as I continue working through existing beginning and maybe a few little new things.