#Advanced Protective Gears benefits

[arnamantle]

Can a house be haunted even while it burns down?

A not-so-hypothetical question in a world with Embergeists – spirits so mournful or vindictive that their very ectoplasm combusts, setting their haunts ablaze. Players enter the scene as a brigade of Burnaways – mercenaries who must act as fire fighters, detectives, and ghost hunters to stop the Embergeists by means of force or empathy.

A near-future retropunk setting and “grimhope” tone puts focus on narrative growth, contrasted with a unique “level-down” advancement mechanic in a lightweight, accessible system geared toward one-shots and short campaigns.  

WHAT MAKES BURNAWAY UNIQUE?

🔥 Burnaway’s mechanics are easy to pick up for first-timers, while still offering depth and detail in skilled hands. The hit-based system allows the use of any type of dice, so bring your favorite mix to the table!

🔥 Each mission is a unique puzzle with many different solutions, though not all of them are satisfying, and the puzzle is constantly on fire. Characters’ decisions are the greatest determiner of their fate, with no railroading to hamper their actions (or to protect them from fatal disaster).

🔥 Who said anything about getting stronger? BURNAWAY eschews traditional TTRPG power up mechanics. In a line of work where retirement or death are the only prospects, it’s up to the characters to process their own Grief and avoid suffering permanent Burns at the end of each session.

🔥 Acknowledgement of hope is just as important as the acceptance of Grief. Characters may build Bonds with each other, relationships forged in literal fire, and gain mechanical benefits from their evolving interpersonal dynamics.

🔥 BURNAWAY adapts to how your group wants to game, providing a full ruleset for traditional, GM-lead or collaborative GM-less play.

KICKSTARTER FUNDING NOW!

READ MORE ON OUR SITE!

[dailycharacteroption]

Class Feature Friday: Obliteration Faculty (Nanocyte Faculty)

(Render of the Service Weapon as it appears in its Grip form in the game Control by Remedy Studios)

There’s a lot of fun things about the nanocyte class, and there are just so many fun ways to use nanites in and out of combat.

Perhaps one of their most offensive abilities is the ability to create weapons from their symbiotic nanites, giving them powerful tools of destruction they can never truly be disarmed of.

For today’s entry, however, we’ll be looking at a variant of the nanocyte that specializes in destruction using such created weapons. They might provide advanced targeting to pinpoint the most lethal areas of a target’s body, or they might reshape the weapon on the micro-scale to be even more lethal , or even sacrifice droves of their components to enhance the damage in other ways.

No matter the exact method, not only do these nanocytes become especially lethal against their targets, but they can use their methodology to spread the harm to other targets as well, becoming nanomachine-enhanced engines of destruction.

The weapons these warriors create are built to let nothing stop them, penetrating hard materials and even altering to accept a little extra charge (or nanite surge) to become more damaging, the latter by imbuing nanites into the projectiles or striking area for extra damage.

The nanites can even sacrifice themselves to imbue the weapon with other types of damage, superheating themselves or chilling for fire or cold, or overloading for electricity.

Whether they are left behind by a melee weapon or are carried to the target at range, these nanocytes can discharge such nanites that they spray out from the wound, carrying the form of damage to a nearby target to spread destruction, though it is naturally lighter than the initial impact.

Additionally, the guidance of their nanites makes them more accurate when attacking repeatedly.

Later on, their sprays of nanites can spread further and with an expenditure of nanites can be used repeatedly in the same onslaught of attacks.

Naturally, a nanocyte with this faculty is going to primarily be using their gear array to create weapons, as all of their faculty abilities center around such weapons. They typically only would use their sheath array when out of combat for the protective benefits and the cloud when avoidance is more important than fighting. As such, their knacks are going to be mostly made up of those that enhance their weapons or otherwise make them more effective combatants, such as heavy armor edge, material alterations, split manifestation, eldritch upgrade, heavy weapon edge, and so on. In either case, you can build them as either melee or ranged attackers with ease, or perhaps split your focus.

With their destructive abilities, the nanites bonded to these nanocytes almost certainly had an origin in combat, meant to enhance the performance of both the host and their equipment. Of course, even if that is true, the character might not have been the intended recipient. In such a case, the nanites might simply be continuing their function, or they might have adapted such combat potential as a solution for keeping their host alive and safe in a hostile environment.

Seeking information about a former client, the party singles out a xulgath member of a mercenary company who is known for being a drunken partyer. Getting him to talk should be easy, but if he discovers the ruse he’ll prove to be a dangerous combatant, his intoxication doing nothing to hamper the nanites in his body.

Rumor has it that a magitech-focused corporation is developing a method of creating hybrid magitech nanites able to enhance the host with magically-empowered attacks. In order to do so, they’ve been studying stolen aeon stone network constructs to see how each component coordinates with the others. However, they don’t realize the risk when one collection gets free and attempts to merge with the others to create a powerful distress signal relay.

Valgoth the Arsenal is an infamous pirate, named for the vast array of heavy weapons his nanites can replicate and enhance. They say he was once a super soldier serving in some warlike nation’s military, but it appears that for some reason or another, he left, choosing to ply his skills in taking from merchant vessels.

[nickcarr-scoutstories]

Hi everyone, I hope you've had a good year. It's been quite a while since I was last posting here regularly - I think maybe February or March. A number of you have written to me over the past many months to ask if I was OK and if I’d be returning with daily updates about scouting, and I��m sorry I haven’t gotten back sooner.

The simple answer for why I haven’t been sharing stories and pictures from my life as a movie location scout is that, since March of this year, I haven’t been a movie location scout.

As you may have heard, the film industry had two major strikes this year. The first kicked off on May 1 when the Writers Guild decided strike; the second on July 14, when SAG joined them on the picket lines.

But if you look at the timeline, something’s off. If the strikes didn’t begin until May, why have I been out of work since March?

When you work in film and TV, you go from project to project, as opposed to working directly for a particular studio. In January, I was just wrapping up the final season of FX’s Snowfall, one my favorite shows I’ve ever scouted for (you really get to explore your dark side when you’re asked to find creative places to stage murders and drug deals on a weekly basis!).

Typically, there are always a number of new productions gearing up at the beginning of the year, and it rarely takes longer than a few weeks to hop on something. Except, as I started reaching out to see what was on the horizon, something became starkly clear: there was nothing.

It quickly became apparent that the studios, anticipating that the strikes were likely to happen, opted to simply halt all new productions. That meant that by the time you heard about the writers strike in May, thousands of below-the-line crew like myself had already been out of work for months, with many more months to go.

I know hindsight is 20/20 and all, but I still kick myself for not predicting what was likely to happen in advance. Ha, in fact, as proof of my ignorance, when my five-year-old camera finally broke toward the end of Snowfall, I decided it was the perfect time to treat myself to a brand-new Sony set-up. That new camera has sat unused on my shelf laughing at me ever since.

Once I realized the severity of the situation, two things became clear: one, the strikes were going to last for a long time. And two, there was absolutely nothing I could do about it, other than to find a way for my family and I to survive until everything resolved.

As part of this effort, I made the conscious decision to focus my attention only on things I could control, and that were positive influences in my life. For that reason, I had to turn away from anything industry-related (a good decision in hindsight, as roughly 95% of the media predictions and insider sources about the strikes turned out to be wrong).

And by extension, I also stepped back from posting here. It was just too sad to try to write with my normal enthusiasm about scouting and exploring when everything about my work was in such upheaval.

Both strikes have now come to an end, and despite all the pessimistic naysayers, both unions wound up with extremely good deals that the studios initially swore were simply not possible. Though I’m neither SAG nor WGA, all of the benefits and protections I have from being a Teamster only come from working in an industry with extremely strong unions. If there was any question, 2023 made it undeniably clear.

My family has made it through, our credit scores bruised but otherwise happy and healthy and looking forward to a much brighter 2024. I was able to accomplish several projects that would have literally never happened if not for the strikes, including one creative endeavor that may be the best thing I’ve ever written and I can’t wait to share with you.

Hollywood has been slow to re-open, and I’m still waiting to put that camera to use on the first post-strike feature or TV show. Thankfully though, some print advertising work in the past few weeks has given me an excuse to finally take it off the shelf and wipe the dust off. And there are growing rumblings that the TV/movie floodgates should burst soon.

Finally, I wanted to end the year on a positive note by putting out the delayed third issue of my Scout Stories publication. This one is for you Scouting NY fans, and focuses on my all-time favorite “hidden in plain sight” locations and finds on the streets of New York from my ten years of scouting there. I’ll have the big announcement with purchase links up either later today or tomorrow, and they will definitely come in time for Christmas, should you be looking for a unique stocking stuffer!

So that’s what’s happened, where I’ve been, what I’ve been up to, and what’s ahead. If you asked me to sum up 2023, I’d say that financially, it was terrible! But in all truth, it was a happy year, simply because I made it a point to focus on the things that brought happiness.

Sharing my work as a scout with you has always made me happy, and I’m very much looking forward to doing a lot more of it in the coming year.

Happy holidays!

Nick

[script-a-world]

Submitted via Google Form:

Hi, I think I am running into an issue of being consistent in my world in what things are possible and what things are not possible. Like, one world can do spacesuits that look almost identical to thin raincoats except they enclose the entire body and well obviously connected to oxygen tanks and such, which are no bigger than a couple CD cases. What other technology should I expect them to have and not write them as being unable to have technology that should be possible once they have the above type of spacesuit. Like having very cumbersome firefighting gear with heat protection that is woefully underdeveloped for a civilisation that can already develop such spacesuits. Though perhaps, that could in fact be explained by money and amount required? A billion firefighters but less than 200 astronauts. That's just one example of course but I think my story is riddled with things like this that doesn't seem to make much sense I guess? How do I approach this?

Tex: If you already have a couple sets of tech that your world is using, it’s generally helpful to examine how that technology would be made and break it down into its component parts. For example, your space suit has a material that can conform to a body shape, so it might be some form of memory material or possibly integrated with a program to reshape itself. The oxygen tanks are incredibly compact - how do they cycle its input, and what does it do with the waste material?

How efficient are these technologies, how are the component materials produced? What other ways can each component piece of technology also be used for? What are the goals of each component, and what were the lead-up inventions that developed each system?

Licorice: Let’s not forget, it’s realistic for worlds to be inconsistent with their tech. In our own world, we are building quantum computers and can edit genes, yet small children still die of preventable or easily curable diseases. In our world, tech doesn’t ‘migrate’ from one sector to another unless there is money to be made from it. 

As well as the tech itself, one needs to consider who owns it, why it was developed, who’s paying for it, and what community is being served. If the owner of a fabulously wealthy tech-based multinational is paying for the space suits, whereas the firemen work in shanty towns and are paid by subscriptions from the community they serve - well, there's going to be a huge gap in the funds available to pay for the latest tech.

While it is true that we tend to develop tech to solve problems, there are plenty of problem we don’t bother to create tech for - and sometimes there’s a problem, and a small band of dedicated people develop the tech to deal with it, and then nobody has any interest in developing that tech to the point where it has real use in practical applications. 

When considering technology, we need to think not only about the tech itself, but the nature of the society that is creating it. What do they think is important? What are their priorities? 

For example, during 'the space race' some of the tech NASA developed was top secret due to the Cold War also being a thing happening at that time, but plenty of other tech was released for commercial purposes. If you're in Communist Russia, the average person may never benefit from space tech because the central planners of the economy don’t see what the USSR would gain from doing that, whereas if you’re in 1960s USA, capitalism is going to make some of that advanced tech available to consumers, for a price. The consumers here may be private individuals, or private companies, or public institutions. 

Addy: So, first off oxygen/pressure manipulation is different from insulation. If you look at the purpose of an object, as well as what kinds of things need to go into achieving that purpose, you have more room to handwave than if you try to apply a single consistent "tech level." 

Continuing on the firefighter example. Oxygen and other gasses can be compressed, but liquids generally can't. If you're mixing some kind of aerosol spray with a liquid carrier that then expands into a firefighting foam, that could mean you need bulky tanks. If you want insulation, that could mean thick suits to buy them more time, especially if you have them also dealing with super-hot wildfires or chemical spills. More layers, more material to absorb the heat before it reaches the skin… like how thick sweaters are better at blocking the cold (and keeping heat in) compared to a thinner t-shirt. 

Internal consistency can, to a point, be worked with if you look at differences in base requirements. Space doesn't really have much of a temperature, so you're mostly looking at life-support and radiation-blocking capabilities. For the sets of tech you have, what needs do they address? How can they be used for other things?

You also mention cost, which is a huge factor in real-life development. Making fancy materials is expensive, and it gets even more expensive if you need them • to a very tight tolerance • custom-made into certain shapes (such as for each astronaut) • or both of those. A custom-made bespoke suit may cost several thousand dollars, but a suit off the rack is going to be much more affordable.

Sure, you could make every firefighter suit custom-molded to each person's body, but what if they retire or gain/lose weight? Or if they transfer stations and need new badges? Also, are you really going to see a large benefit if you do that vs if you do a standard array of S/M/L/etc? Not really, tbh. The cost of customization isn't worth the added benefit of a custom fit. (Especially for a town, which has a smaller budget than a federal government)

I see it kinda like asking why, in our modern day, you don't see everyone wearing Rolexes or Armani, or why some people have gas-powered cars when electric cars exist. Or why some people don't have access to cars at all.

The big question isn't that the materials for the spacesuits can be made, it's how much making those costs. The world is not a homogenous thing.

So if you're looking at things that seem inconsistent, look at the factors driving the development of those things. What's the motive? And who's paying the cost of that development?

[ainews]

Recent years have seen a surge in hammer-related injuries and fatalities, prompting scientists, medical experts, and researchers to investigate why this popular home and construction tool is proving so dangerous.

One line of inquiry has focused on the evolution of the hammer itself. It transpires that the basic design of the modern hammer is hundreds of years old, and therefore is severely under-regulated for the safety needs of modern users. This so-called “Reliance on Ego” effect can see heavy objects used with an outdated design that proves dangerous in delicate and hard to reach areas.

The reliance on ego can also be seen in the rise of the “modern” hammer designs. Compared to older designs, these often do not benefit from advanced ergonomics or innovations such as heat-treated steel that can better protect the user. As a result, many modern hammer designs are proving as dangerous as their ancestors, prompting further investigation into why this is.

In addition to the reliance on ego, experts have identified several other factors also contributing to the epidemic of hammer-related injuries. First is a lack of education on hammer safety. Proper safety gear is now widely available to reduce the potential harm of a hammer, but without basic training, such equipment can be easily overlooked or ignored.

Another factor has been identified as carelessness. The hammer is a very common tool, and as such, its use can be taken for granted to the point of carelessness. People often forget to pay attention while using a hammer, which can lead to injuries that are easily avoidable with the correct safety protocols.

Finally, cost-cutting measures taken by manufacturers can see them using cheaper, lower-grade steel or plastic instead of more robust materials. This not only reduces the lifespan of the hammer but also compromises its safety levels, making it more likely to chip, break, or cause a serious injury.

In conclusion, the causes of hammer-related injuries are many and varied. While some can be attributed to a reliance on ego, others are caused by a lack of education, unforeseen carelessness, or simple cost-saving measures. Whatever the cause, steps must be taken to prevent such injuries and ensure that this common tool remains safe for everyone.

[republicsecurity]

In Your Suits not in Your Dreams

Presentation by Vertex Defense Systems: The Vanguard Full-Body Armor Suits for Cadets and Youth

Slide 1: Introduction

Presenter: Good morning, esteemed members of the Academy board. I'm Dr. Adrian Clarke, Chief Technology Officer at Vertex Defense Systems. Today, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the Vanguard Full-Body Armor Suit—a revolutionary advancement in personal defense technology designed specifically for the rigorous demands of military training environments.

Slide 2: The Vanguard Suit

Presenter: The Vanguard Suit represents the pinnacle of modern protective gear, combining advanced materials science, state-of-the-art AI integration, and ergonomic design. Constructed from lightweight yet incredibly durable Kevlar plastic, the suit ensures maximum mobility without compromising on protection. Unlike traditional armor, the Vanguard Suit eschews metal components, making it both lighter and more flexible, while maintaining superior resistance to ballistic and impact threats.

Slide 3: Comprehensive Protection

Presenter: The primary objective of the Vanguard Suit is to offer unparalleled protection for our cadets. The full-body armor encompasses the entire body, providing complete coverage against physical threats. The helmet, equipped with an advanced Heads-Up Display (HUD), integrates seamlessly with our AI system to filter environmental stimuli, ensuring that only mission-critical information is highlighted. This not only keeps the cadets focused but also shields them from potential sensory overload.

Slide 4: Enhanced Training Efficiency

Presenter: The Vanguard Suit is more than just a protective shell; it is an advanced training tool. The AI-driven HUD enhances situational awareness by highlighting key environmental features and providing real-time tactical data. This allows cadets to engage in highly realistic training scenarios while remaining in a controlled, safe environment. The AI's guidance system ensures that cadets follow precise paths and execute commands with accuracy, fostering discipline and responsiveness.

Slide 5: Mitigating Risk and Liability

Presenter: In today's litigious society, the Academy must be vigilant about the safety and well-being of its students. The Vanguard Suit offers a significant reduction in risk and liability. By ensuring that cadets are fully protected at all times, the suit minimizes the chances of training-related injuries. Moreover, the suit's biometric monitoring capabilities allow for real-time health assessments, ensuring that any potential medical issues are promptly addressed. This level of oversight not only protects the cadets but also provides the Academy with a robust defense against potential litigation.

Slide 6: Psychological Benefits

Presenter: The psychological impact of wearing the Vanguard Suit should not be underestimated. The sense of security provided by the suit allows cadets to push their limits without fear of injury. This fosters a more intense and focused training environment. The helmet’s HUD, while filtering out non-essential stimuli, immerses the cadets in a mission-focused mindset, enhancing their cognitive and decision-making skills under pressure.

Slide 7: Field-Tested and Proven

Presenter: The Vanguard Suit has undergone extensive field testing in various training environments. Feedback from both trainers and cadets has been overwhelmingly positive. Trainers have noted significant improvements in cadet performance and adherence to training protocols, while cadets have reported increased confidence and a greater sense of security.

Presenter: Thank you for your time and attention. I am now open to any questions you may have regarding the Vanguard Suit and its implementation in your training programs.

Slide 9: Q&A

Presenter: Your questions, please.

Questions: What if the cadets grow or body shapes changes? Can we control the suit?

Slide 10: Addressing Cadet Growth and Suit Adaptability

Presenter: Excellent question. One of the key features of the Vanguard Suit is its adaptability to accommodate the natural growth and body shape changes of cadets. Let me explain how this works:

Adaptive Fit Technology:

Modular Design: The Vanguard Suit employs a modular design with adjustable components. These components can be easily swapped out or resized to fit a range of body types and sizes.

Auto-Adjusting Fabric: The interior of the suit is lined with a state-of-the-art, auto-adjusting fabric that conforms to the wearer's body shape. This fabric utilizes memory materials that can expand or contract, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit at all times.

Dynamic Resizing: Integrated sensors continuously monitor the wearer's dimensions and adjust the fit dynamically. This ensures that as cadets grow or their body shapes change, the suit adapts in real-time to provide optimal protection and mobility.

Slide 11: Suit Control and Monitoring

Presenter: Another important aspect is the control and monitoring of the suits. Here’s how we ensure the Academy retains full oversight:

Centralized Command Interface:

Remote Control: The Vanguard Suit can be monitored and controlled via a centralized command interface. This interface allows instructors and commanders to manage multiple suits simultaneously, providing real-time data on each cadet's status.

Permission-Based Access: The suits are designed with strict permission-based access controls. This means that only authorized personnel can modify suit settings, ensuring that cadets cannot tamper with the system.

Suit Monitoring Capabilities:

Biometric Monitoring: Each suit is equipped with biometric sensors that track vital signs, physical activity, and stress levels. This data is transmitted to the central command interface, allowing for continuous health and performance monitoring.

Environmental Control: The suits also feature environmental control settings, such as temperature regulation and hydration reminders, which can be adjusted remotely to ensure cadets remain in peak condition during training.

Slide 12: Ensuring Cadet Safety and Performance

Presenter: To summarize, the Vanguard Suit not only adapts to physical changes in cadets but also provides the Academy with robust tools to monitor and control the suits. This ensures:

Continuous Fit and Comfort: The adaptive fit technology ensures that each suit remains comfortable and protective, regardless of changes in the cadet's body.

Enhanced Oversight: The centralized command interface offers comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities, enhancing the safety and performance of cadets.

Reduced Liability: With real-time monitoring and remote control, the risk of accidents or misuse is minimized, further protecting the Academy from potential litigation.

Presenter: I hope this addresses your concerns about the adaptability and control of the Vanguard Suit. Are there any other questions?

[armed-saphire]

if you had been writing the women in metal gear what would you change with them (a lot i know) because i feel like just the idea of women being written well in metal gear will benefit us all

I'm answering but just so we all know my qualifications here are just that I'm a woman I am not a writer or game designer or whatever also as it goes on I get more pissed off so it gets a little messy structure wise hope that's ok anyways here's what I wrote:

Um ok, so it would take sooo long to write a full structured analysis so I'll give little things for each character. Uhh mgs1 make Meryl less of just a flat love interest stand-in because the rest of her backstory in that game feels like it’s shoehorned in to make it seem like she has actual character when she's just meant as the glorified damsel in distress (not to say she can't need help but a lot of it felt like a bunch of "leave me Snake, I can't help you I'm just a GIRL!!"). Also, this is just my personal HC but it would add so much to her if she was transgender but it's not like NEEDED- anyway also Naomi was meant to be brown idk what happened but I would return her melanin to her I think. Mei Ling is mostly fine character-wise but I would remove all of Snake's weird advances and comments about her. I would actually remove that from all of his interactions with women in that game I think. OH and Sniper Wolf should put the thangs away I'm thinking like a fur coat and also I want her whole character to be more than just a sexy lady with a tragic past. her speaking in a seductive voice 80% of the time and just being honestly creepy was stupid. I think she could just be a person maybe. that would be cool I think. She could've been just tough and standoffish and then revealed her true feelings as she was dying instead of all the weird seductive stuff

Ok now Mgs2, Fortune is pretty much fine but I wish she didn’t have her booty cheeks out on the seemingly cold big shell bc Raiden was shivering and sneezing like a little wet dog when he lost his suit so I'd assume she’s cold too. if she was wearing some cool pants or something that would be neat but other than that I think she's pretty well written. next Emma ummm her personality itself isn't the issue to me but I didn’t like how Raiden was kind of creepy towards her (not really but like. “You should wear contacts” I'll punch him maybe). Also, she should've had a cooler outfit but that's it. Honestly, I’d have to rewatch or replay Mgs2 to get a good grasp of her character but I see no crazy issues. Rosemary omg I think she’s fine but I hated how it kind of felt like it was Raiden and Campbell vs Rose and she always loses even in non-canon codecs it was so annoying. Other than that once again I will have to listen to the codecs again because I haven't heard all of them in a while. Actually, I just remembered I didn't like how she was kind of written to be oddly insecure?? Ig?? I mean she spent a lot of time in codecs talking about personal stuff and not the mission which I guess was intentional but I found it odd. Olga’s fine no notes. Don’t think there's anyone else. (skipping mgs3 bc it only has 3 women and I think they’re all written ok I don't have many issues.) Ok, mgs4 for the B&B unit I will refer you to this post because I’ve already talked about it. other than that Meryl was actually really good until the final part on outer haven that was so bad “I can't protect anyone” or whatever she said girl fuck off the only reason she said that was so that big strong man Johnny Sasaki could come to save her omg fuck you also Johnny Sasaki should die that's crucial to this anyway, Mei Ling was fine but I’d remove the codec call where Otacon and Snake say that Mei Ling probably just slept with older men to get to her job position I just think I wouldn't have that in the game probably. Naomi ok so I haven't finished mgs1 so I can't tell you exactly if what she does in Mgs4 is fucked up compared to how she is in mgs1 I mean personality wise but also I was eating a really gross ass sandwich when I watched one of her long cutscenes and it skewed my perception of her a bit oh also I would personally like to button her shirt up for her. uh idk Rose once again was fine but also I’m killing everyone for the mistranslation from the JP version of mgs4 that in English made her seem like some evil liar idk anyway you look that up if you really wanna know it’s on Twitter. uh who else does Sunny count doesn't matter she's fine no issues. 

GZ you already know what I'm going to say also TPP so I'm skipping it also I'm not wasting my time getting triggered for no reason so like read my mind or something

Because I skipped 3 games I’ll do MGR Courtney her character itself was fine I didn't like the codecs where 1 Raiden jokes that she should get lipo and 2 the call that's just Raiden and Kevin talking about how much they don't wanna date her also her design is so like beauty standards boring as shit at least make her look cool or something idk. and Mistral I’m so tired of femme fatale characters in Metal Gear it’s not cute it’s not like empowering the way it’s done her entire character is sexualized and it is JUST because she's a woman. I said this about Wolf too it’s hard to feel bad for a character’s sad war backstory when it is also very clear they’re just meant to be a sexual object with no substance it’s not cute either it's just stupid. Also, there’s other stupid sexist codecs about her too obviously lastly uh Sunny’s also in it she's fine whatever

also i just noticed i skipped peace walker but like whatever its fine lol

[elyglobaltrading]

What are the Uses of Custom Plastic Manufacturing ?

In this day and age, custom plastic manufacturing has turned into a foundation of current industry, giving custom-made solutions across a wide cluster of areas. From medical services to auto, the versatility of plastics and the accuracy of custom manufacturing methods have made it conceivable to address explicit issues with unmatched productivity. We should probably dig into the main purposes of custom plastic manufacturing and grasp its effect on different businesses.

1. Medical and Healthcare Applications

Custom plastic manufacturing is reforming the medical services industry. Medical gadgets, prosthetics, and parts of symptomatic machines are progressively being produced using custom-planned plastics. A plastic manufacturing company offers a few benefits, including solidness, lightweight properties, and the capacity to be cleaned. Custom plastic parts are utilized in creating needles, IV cylinders, catheters, and, surprisingly, perplexing parts of medical imaging machines. The accuracy presented by custom manufacturing guarantees that these parts fulfill severe medical guidelines, adding to better understanding consideration and results.

2. Automotive Industry

In the automotive sector, custom plastic parts are fundamental for both execution and style. From dashboard parts to many-sided motor parts, custom plastics give arrangements that assist with lessening the general load of vehicles, further developing fuel efficiency. They also offer resistance to corrosion and wear, enhancing the longevity of parts. Custom plastics are used in manufacturing bumpers, interior trims, and even under-the-hood components. Their versatility, akin to the innovations seen with plastic bottle manufacturers, allows for innovative designs and improved safety features, making modern vehicles more reliable and efficient.

3. Consumer Electronics

The consumer electronics industry depends intensely on custom plastic assembling for making solid and smooth items. Cell phones, workstations, and domestic devices frequently consolidate custom plastic parts that are intended to fit definitively and capability perfectly. These parts need to withstand day to day wear and tear while keeping an engaging look. Custom plastics are utilized in housings, buttons, connectors, and different inward parts, offering both underlying respectability and plan adaptability.

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Businesses that require hearty and high-performance components frequently go to custom plastic manufacturing. Plastics can be designed to display properties like high rigidity, protection from outrageous temperatures, and compound strength. This makes them ideal for making parts utilized in apparatus, gear, and different modern applications. Custom plastic pinion wheels, orientation, seals, and lodgings are normally utilized in manufacturing settings, adding to the productivity and dependability of modern tasks.

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In aerospace and defense, the demand for lightweight yet solid materials is basic. Custom plastic manufacturing meets this need by providing components that can withstand harsh environments while reducing the overall weight of aircraft and defense equipment. From interior cabin parts to specialized components in satellites and military gear, custom plastics offer the necessary performance characteristics and design flexibility required in these high-stakes applications.

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Ely Global Pte. Ltd spends significant time in custom plastic manufacturing, giving fitted solutions to different businesses. With state of the art innovation and a pledge to quality, they convey accurately designed plastic parts that meet explicit client needs, upgrading item execution and productivity across multiple sectors.

[ao3sakari]

In a Resident Evil AU set in the Zootopia universe, what animals would Chreon be?

I had a random idea about Chreon working in the R.P.D. as Zootopia animals bubble up, and I'm so curious to see what animals the fandom would imagine them (or any other RE characters) to be.

I'm not sure if the 500-word intro that I drabbled out will ever become more, but it can be read under the cut.

First animals that came to my mind was Leon as a wallaroo (smaller kangaroo, herbivore prey animal, has a powerful kick), and Chris as some sort of big predator cat. Tell me your thoughts 💚💙

Also, I'm giggling at this dumb equus joke:

“How can I join STARS?” Leon looks over his shoulder to glance at the strapping zebra asking the question. “Now, now, hold your horses,” the presenter says.

Nestled in between mountain ranges, bends of rivers and sprawling woods is a citified span of land called Raccoon City, named after the one native animal of the region that was shrewd enough to thrive across all the various rocky, wet, and leafy habitats of the surrounding area. Conveniently located where the differing terrains intersected and easily accessible for all the diverse fauna in the area, Raccoon City became a popular hub for inter-species trade and eventually developed into an urban centre where creatures and critters of all shapes and sizes could live together in harmony. “Today, Raccoon City is seen as a beacon of hope for peaceful coexistence across the entire animal kingdom. However, while most see the benefits and synergies of inter-kingdom cooperation, there are still wildlife that prefer the feral way of life and see the commingling of species as a threat.” The primate delivering the presentation jabs his pointer stick at the projector screen displaying a photograph of an untamed tiger bearing its viciously sharp teeth at a bird caught in mid-flight. Leon fights off the shudder that threatens to shoot down his spine at the sight of that wide maw, an evolutionary response of the predation instinct. Seated all around him are other fresh police academy graduates, arranged from front row to back row by size. Leon sees a waterbird in the front row ruffle its feathers, shaking from beak to tail, and is glad he’d spent so much time on desensitization training so that he wouldn’t be caught trembling in his boots. Despite it being a natural reaction, a cop quaking with fear just doesn’t inspire much confidence in the public eye. The presenter advances the slide deck using his remote clicker, and the room rustles with excitement over the next picture. STARS really needs no introduction. Everyone can recognize their distinctive forest green tactical gear, if not the unmistakable crest proudly emblazoned on the sleeves. Still, the primate brandishes his pointer stick at the screen again, saying, “The R.P.D.’s STARS division protects Raccoon City against the beasts looking to disturb the peace of our citizens.” He clicks to the next slide, opening his mouth to continue his presentation, when he’s interrupted by a question from the back. “How can I join STARS?” Leon looks over his shoulder to glance at the strapping zebra asking the question. “Now, now, hold your horses,” the presenter says, waving off the question and directing everyone’s attention back to the projector screen. “There are two paths rookie officers can pursue: Traffic Services and the Emergency Services Unit. Only after your first year on the force can you apply to other policing units. Now, STARS, in particular, is a division where candidates are scouted; only officers with a recommendation from a STARS captain are invited to apply. Do your best to protect and serve, and you just might catch the eye of STARS.” The zebra in the back row gives a braying sigh in response.

[sethwarren]

Technology and Innovation in Cycling 

The world of cycling is undergoing a remarkable transformation, fuelled by advances in technology and innovation. This evolution is not just about the bikes we ride but encompasses every facet of cycling, from performance and safety to the very experience of riding itself. 

High-Tech Materials: Lighter, Stronger Bikes 

The quest for speed and efficiency has led to the adoption of high-tech materials in bike construction. Carbon fibre has become the gold standard for high-performance bikes, offering an unparalleled blend of lightness and strength. Innovations in metallurgy and composite materials have also allowed for more durable, yet lightweight frames and components, enabling cyclists to achieve greater speeds with less effort. 

Smart Cycling: Connectivity and Data 

In the digital age, connectivity has found its way onto the cycling paths. GPS-enabled devices and cycling computers provide riders with real-time data on speed, distance, and heart rate, while also offering navigation and route planning. Smart helmets incorporate built-in speakers, microphones, and even rear-view cameras, enhancing both convenience and safety. Furthermore, mobile apps and wearables have turned cycling into a connected experience, offering tracking, coaching, and social sharing capabilities. 

E-Bikes: Democratizing Cycling 

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, represent one of the most significant advancements in the cycling world. By combining pedal power with electric assistance, e-bikes lower the barrier to entry, making cycling accessible to a broader audience. They've become a game-changer for urban commuting, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional transportation methods, and have even found their niche in mountain biking and cargo transport. 

Safety and Sustainability: Innovations for a Better Ride 

Advancements in cycling technology have also focused on safety and sustainability. LED lights, reflective materials, and electronic braking systems have made riding safer in low-visibility conditions. Meanwhile, cycling infrastructure has benefited from technology, with smart bike lanes and traffic systems improving coexistence with vehicular traffic. These innovations not only protect cyclists but also encourage more people to consider cycling as a viable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. 

The Horizon: What's Next in Cycling Innovation 

As we look to the future, the potential for further innovation in cycling is boundless. Concepts like augmented reality cycling glasses, which can display vital information and alerts directly in the cyclist's field of vision, and further developments in bike-sharing and autonomous technology promise to redefine our cycling experience. 

[arnamantle]

We’re live on Kickstarter!

It’s been one hell of a long road, but we’ve finally got another chance to fund digital and physical copies of the original ttrpg I wrote and produced!

Can a house be haunted even while it burns down?

A not-so-hypothetical question in a world  with Embergeists – spirits so mournful or vindictive that their very  ectoplasm combusts, setting their haunts ablaze. Players enter the scene  as a brigade of Burnaways – mercenaries who must act as fire fighters,  detectives, and ghost hunters to stop the Embergeists by means of force  or empathy.

BURNAWAY is a game about making tough choices in the literal heat of the moment,  and coping with the consequences when the ash has settled. A  near-future retropunk setting and “grimhope” tone puts focus on  narrative growth, contrasted with a unique “level-down” advancement  mechanic in a lightweight, accessible system geared toward one-shots and  short campaigns.

Burnaway’s mechanics are easy to pick up for first-timers,  while still offering depth and detail in skilled hands. The hit-based  system allows the use of any type of dice, so bring your favorite mix to  the table!

Each mission is a unique puzzle with many different solutions, though not all of them are satisfying, and the puzzle is constantly on  fire. Characters’ decisions are the greatest determiner of their fate,  with no railroading to hamper their actions (or to protect them from  fatal disaster).

Who said anything about getting stronger? BURNAWAY  eschews traditional TTRPG power up mechanics. In a line of work where  retirement or death are the only prospects, it’s up to the characters to  process their own Grief and avoid suffering permanent Burns at the end  of each session.

Acknowledgment of hope is just as important as the acceptance of Grief. Characters may build Bonds with each other, relationships forged in  literal fire, and gain mechanical benefits from their evolving  interpersonal dynamics.

BURNAWAY adapts to how your group wants to game, providing a full ruleset for traditional, GM-lead or collaborative GM-less play.

Want to dive into the world of BURNAWAY asap? We’ve got a FREE setting sampler out now that can be played through solo in under 15 mins. Make hard choices and escape a burning building before the Embergeist gets you! 🔥

My team and I have put a tremendous amount of love and effort into this, so if this kind of game seems up your alley, please come check out the campaign!

[ricdn43567]

Plate Carriers: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Plate carriers have become synonymous with modern protective gear, evolving from their military origins into versatile equipment widely used in various fields. This comprehensive guide explores the history, types, components, and applications of plate carriers, providing insights into their benefits, choosing the right one, maintenance tips, and even delving into legal considerations.

History of Plate Carriers

Originally designed for military use, plate carriers have undergone a fascinating evolution. Starting as essential gear for soldiers, they have transformed into adaptable accessories with applications beyond the battlefield. Understanding this evolution is crucial to appreciating the current diversity in plate carrier designs.

Types of Plate Carriers

Plate carriers come in various forms, catering to different needs. Tactical plate carriers are rugged and designed for combat, concealed plate carriers offer discretion, and lightweight plate carriers provide flexibility without compromising protection. Each type serves a specific purpose, ensuring users can find the right fit for their activities.

Key Components of Plate Carriers

To truly understand plate carriers, it's essential to dissect their components. Plates and inserts, MOLLE webbing, and cummerbund systems are integral parts that contribute to the effectiveness and comfort of these carriers. Knowing the details of these components aids in making an informed purchase.

Choosing the Right Plate Carrier

Selecting the appropriate plate carrier involves careful consideration of factors such as purpose, sizing, fit, and material. A plate carrier tailored for a specific activity ensures maximum comfort and functionality, making it an indispensable tool for users in various fields.

Benefits of Using Plate Carriers

The advantages of plate carriers extend beyond mere protection. They offer tactical advantages, versatility in applications, and a sense of security that goes beyond traditional armor. Exploring these benefits sheds light on why plate carriers have become an integral part of many professions.

Popular Brands in Plate Carrier Industry

Reviewing the top brands in the plate carrier industry is essential for potential buyers. User feedback and reviews provide valuable insights into the reliability and performance of different brands, helping individuals make informed decisions when investing in protective gear.

Plate Carriers in Civilian Use

Once confined to military and law enforcement, plate carriers have found their way into civilian use. Their rise in popularity is notable, with individuals incorporating them into various activities such as outdoor sports, shooting sports, and even cosplay. This section explores the expanding role of plate carriers in civilian life.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Owning a plate carrier comes with responsibilities. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and routine checks for wear and tear are essential for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of these protective gear. This section provides practical tips for maintaining plate carriers.

Innovations in Plate Carrier Technology

Advancements in materials and technology have propelled plate carriers into the future. From lightweight yet durable fabrics to integrated technology for enhanced functionality, staying informed about these innovations helps users stay ahead in the world of protective gear.

DIY Plate Carrier Modifications

For those looking to personalize their plate carriers, this section explores various DIY modification options. However, safety considerations are paramount, and users should be aware of the potential impact on the carrier's performance and their safety.

Common Misconceptions About Plate Carriers

Debunking myths and clarifying misconceptions is crucial in promoting the responsible use of plate carriers. Understanding the truth behind common beliefs helps users make informed decisions and fosters a realistic perception of these protective accessories.

Legal Considerations

While plate carriers are widely available, there are legal considerations to keep in mind. This section explores regulations on civilian use, licensing requirements, and the importance of adhering to local laws when owning and using plate carriers.

Plate Carriers in Popular Culture

Beyond their practical use, plate carriers have become cultural icons. Referenced in movies, TV shows, and adopted as fashion statements, their influence extends beyond their intended purpose. This section explores the impact of plate carriers on popular culture.

Future Trends in Plate Carrier Design

As technology advances, so does the design of plate carriers. Predicting future trends involves examining emerging technologies and their potential integration into protective gear. This speculative section offers insights into what the future may hold for plate carrier design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plate carriers have evolved from military essentials to versatile accessories with widespread applications. Understanding their history, components, and benefits is crucial for anyone considering investing in protective gear. As plate carriers continue to adapt to the needs of users, staying informed about innovations and trends ensures individuals can make the most of these essential tools.

[dailycharacteroption]

Class Feature Friday: Companion Innovation (Pathfinder Second Edition Inventor Innovation)

(art by Malignanttoast on DeviantArt)

And we’re back with the second currently available innovation from the inventor class, the companion!

Everyone loves a little robot buddy, and with this archetype you can have one for your inventor character. These mechanical allies are so strongly associated with the class that the iconic inventor character canonically has one in the form of Whirp, the goblin-like clockwork robot.

As an innovation, these mechanical buddies are implied to be part of the inventor’s experiments into creating a truly unique design. They might be trying to perfect the artificial intelligence that governs their actions, or perhaps creating some wondrous new integrated tech which could revolutionize construct crafting as a whole. Alternatively, perhaps instead the inventor created their companion purely as an assistant for their other experiments and ventures.

Much like the innovations of other inventors, however, they constantly tinker with them to improve said companions in various ways.

As we’ll soon see, these companions turn a solitary inventor into one part of an impeccable duo both on and off the battlefield.

The construct companion follows many of the same rules as other companions, such as being  a minion with only two actions per round, but they also benefit from the fact that as independent beings, they can use their own actions to activate various abilities associated with innovations, including overdrive, explosion, and so on, as well as gain the benefits of offensive boost to their own attacks. Additionally, they start at either small or medium size.

Of course, there are many modifications that can be taken to customize these mechanical allies. Among the basic ones are increased speed, aquatic mobility, give them larger size, greater manual dexterity, a projectile launcher, advanced sensors, or even greater intellect to use certain skills.

Greater breakthroughs let them improve their integrated weapons, become warded against magic, gaining climbing apparati, greater durability, becoming even smarter, or converting into a ranged turret mode to trade mobility for firepower.

The greatest modifications include flight, true intelligence, resistance against all harm, integrated runic capacitors to improve their attacks, and the ability to transform into a barricade.

Of course, there are inventor feats geared towards those that choose to have a companion. These include No! No! I Created You!, which helps their little friend recover from effects that would subvert their control; Collapse Construct to make them compact for storage and travel; Advanced Construct Companion to outright buff their stats; Clockwork Celerity to briefly speed them up; Construct Shell to provide protection for yourself when you ride it; Incredible Construct Companion to make them even stronger; Lock On to bolster their aim; Paragon Companion to perfect them; and Engine of Destruction to make them absolutely devastating.

Other feats they might benefit from include Built-in Tools, Explosive Leap, Haphazard Repair, Variable Core, Searing Restoration, Megaton Strike and it’s upgrades, Megavolt and it’s upgrades, Manifold Modifications, Deep Freeze, Unstable Redundancies, and Full Automation.

There is a lot of customization to be had with this innovation. Your companion might be a small little scout and helper, a big brawny combatant, somewhere in between, or maybe you load them with all sorts of special offensive abilities to make them almost like a remote spell-thrower. Or maybe you make them bigger than yourself and use them for mounted combat (potentially in water or air too!). The sky is the limit.

I’m not exactly the biggest fan of how 2E handles companion creatures, but I will say that the loosey-goosey “here’s a bunch of examples, if you don’t find an exact match, homebrew your own or reskin it” approach does actually work well, because as long as you can imagine it, your construct companion could look like anything. It could be a classic clockwork construct, a technomagical creation blurring the lines with golems or the aeon stone constructs sometimes seen, or it might even be a refurbished robot from Numeria or the like. One character’s companion might be a mass of gears and steam pipes, while another might be a brain in a jar with a body sporting mechanical tentacles and treads, while another still might be an elegantly crafted facsimile of an animal or magical beast, looking like something that would be presented to royalty and ensure your family’s prestige for hundreds of years. If you can imagine it, your companion might just look like that.

Bilsprig is furious, the little kobold’s contemporaries simply do not GET his newest creation. This contraption is not simply an automaton, it is an ambulatory trap apparatus that brings the traps to your enemies. Yes, the weaponry is aimed and triggered by the automaton itself and not by the target, but by the seven dragon gods, they are still traps!

Chasing rumors of the legendary Mosquito Witch, an inventor and cryptid hunter by the name of Maximilian Valx heads into the marshes with his pet automaton, which he has specifically engineered to capture the cryptid creature. However, he will soon discover how thoroughly in over his head he is.

Called the Stitching Inventor by some, Lord Kalluvus has never had any patience for magic, let alone necromancy, but he has always thought that rotting corpses were such a waste, and so he has long tinkered with creating lightning-charged horrors that combine gears and strange capacitors with twitching preserved flesh.

[xtronbikewear]

Riding Safely: The Importance of Motorcycle Protective Clothing

Motorcycling is an exhilarating experience, offering a sense of freedom and adventure on the open road. However, as riders, it's crucial to prioritize safety. One of the key elements in ensuring a secure riding experience is investing in high-quality motorcycle protective clothing. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of donning the right gear and explore the features that make motorcycle protective clothing an indispensable part of every rider's ensemble.

The Anatomy of Safety:

When it comes to motorcycle riding, safety should always be a top priority. Protective clothing goes beyond just looking the part; it serves as a shield against potential hazards on the road. From helmets designed to safeguard the head to jackets, pants, gloves, and boots that provide crucial protection for the body, each piece of motorcycle protective clothing plays a vital role in minimizing the risks associated with riding.

Impact Resistance and Abrasion Protection:

Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and the right protective clothing can make a significant difference in minimizing injuries. Look for gear with impact-resistant materials, such as reinforced padding and armor, strategically placed in key areas like shoulders, elbows, and knees. Additionally, abrasion-resistant materials like leather or advanced textiles add an extra layer of protection against road rash in case of a slide or fall.

Weather-Adaptive Gear:

Motorcycle protective clothing isn't just about safeguarding against crashes; it also provides comfort and protection against the elements. Weather-adaptive gear, such as waterproof jackets and thermal layers, ensures that riders are prepared for diverse weather conditions. Staying dry and warm contributes not only to comfort but also to focus and concentration, essential elements for a safe ride.

Visibility and Reflectivity:

Enhancing visibility on the road is crucial for avoiding accidents, and motorcycle protective clothing often incorporates features to address this concern. Look for gear with reflective elements that increase visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Many jackets, helmets, and gloves now come with strategically placed reflective panels, contributing to overall safety on the road.

Investing in Long-Term Safety:

While the initial investment in high-quality motorcycle protective clothing may seem significant, it is a worthwhile expense when considering the long-term benefits. Quality gear is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use, ensuring that it remains a reliable safety asset over time. Prioritizing safety through proper gear demonstrates a commitment to responsible riding and sets the foundation for a secure and enjoyable journey on two wheels.

[donnetellotheturtle]

Jeremy was 12 when Sana Piasu found him. It was a particularly bad fight with his parents and he got lost going to Michaels house on foot.

He found him in an alleyway by the mans warehouse. Of course, Jeremy had known better than to trust a stranger. That was until, Sana offered to just take him out of the rainy streets and into the warehouse where he could safely wait for his parents to pick him up.

It was surprisingly cozy in there. Everyone seemed happy to be there. A kind woman offered him a cup of hot cocoa and let him take candy from her desk while Sana called the number he gave.

It wasn’t long before his parents arrived, fretting over him and exclaiming just how lucky it was that someone like Mr. Piasu found him.

Before he left with them, Sana offered Jeremy an internship. He left with his parents saying just how good of an opportunity it was for him.

He accepted not long after and was very beloved in the warehouse. He had very simple duties. Act as Mr. Piasu’s secretary, and get coding lessons from the man himself.

About a month into this endeavor, he had stayed late to finish up a coding project he had been working on. He stood, ready to ask to go home when he discovered no one was there. He searched the dark floors for a while before he saw a light.

He opened the doorway slowly, and saw Mr. Piasu doing something odd. It was as if he was eating electricity. Jeremy couldn’t stop himself from gasping. He turned quickly and saw Jeremy.

The boy quickly fell onto his back and scrambled towards the wall as the very scary adult trudged towards him, body crackling with bright blue electricity. Jeremy’s back hit the wall and man picked him up by the shirt, making him beg for his life.

Then Sana paused, looking at Jeremy quizzically, thinking. Then he smiled to himself.

From that day on, Jeremy was the sidekick to the supervillain known as the squip, equipped with the proper equipment. A mask, electric charged guns, proper training, protective gear, and his own small workshop where he could create his own gear if he wanted.

Jeremy had to admit, it wasn’t the best situation but it came with benefits. The tech he was given to rob banks and help with crime kicked ass and part of him liked the rush of being in danger and getting out of it.

His tech, provided by the supervillain in question who had the name the squip, was highly advanced. He could pull electricity to him and use it as a whip of sorts against attackers. It had taken a long time to get right, but with the guidance of his super genius benefactor, he figured it out.

At least once a week he was out on crime sprees. The one thing he tried to guarantee was no one got seriously hurt. The squip adhered to that rule, as it benefited both of them at the moment, but made it clear he would not hesitate to break it if he needed to.

Jeremy could live with that.

He had no official title as the sidekick and he preferred it that way. He was happy being the one in the background.

That was, until he appeared.

It was a successful outing so far. He and Squip had broken into an office that held important blueprints that squip needed for a weapon he was creating. Jeremy had just shut down the security systems from his holographic watch and was currently trying to get the pass code into the very well guarded and firewalled system. It was taking more time than either of them would like.

That was when a figure clad in a red jacket, pants, white shoes and a mask busted through the window, and crashed directly into Jeremy. Jeremy groaned as his graphic glitched and shut down.

“Get off of me!” Jeremy yelled, his voice concealed.

“sorry! Sorry!” The person said, standing up quickly. “No wait I’m not I’m here to stop you!”

Squip blinked as Jeremy stood up, brushing himself off, then laughed. “Go home, kid. Or fave the consequences.”

The boy squared his shoulders and tapped his hands together. two gauntlets appeared around them. “no way.”

Squip rolled his eyes. “sidekick, take care of him. I guess ill have to continue the hacking.”

Jeremy was confused. He had been in training but never had been in an actual fight. However, the boy ignored Jeremy.

“Hey! No this isn’t how it works! I’m supposed to stop you not your stupid sidekick.”

“hey!” Jeremy said, changing his stance on wanting to fight this dumbass.

It was at that moment when the boy decided to go punch at squip. Jeremy ran and jumped in front of him, taking the punch himself. He groaned. He could feel his nose bleeding. Jeremy activated the electric whip he had been just waiting to use. The boy hesitated for a moment and Jeremy could see it in the way the gauntlets almost glitched then came back on.

Jeremy smirked under his mask. He could take this guy. He looked to Squip who just nodded. Jeremy and the boy circled each other but the masked boys eyes stayed on squip. Jeremy knew he was essentially playing goalie. Lucky for him, he was the main goalie in soccer. Elementary school soccer, but still.

He moved to get to Squip but Jeremy blocked the punch with his arm. The two of them went on like this for a long moment before Jeremy discovered the whip he had just pulled out and started moving him back with the whip, grinning as he made him dance. That was until he actually hit the boy. He was panicked for a moment, then he actually looked up and saw it was just a hologram. Like his keyboard. He turned around as he heard Squip groan.

How had the masked idiot gotten over there?

Squip lifted the boy up in the air, electricity crackling all around him and coming up his arm.

“wait!”

The boy then turned to that red hologram again and appeared behind Jeremy.

“aw. You care!” he teased. Jeremy was grateful he had a mask because he tried to punch the boy. He just dodged gracefully as his figure was silhouetted in red energy.

Squip paused, looking at the boy quizzically, the same look he had given to Jeremy that night. Then he smiled to himself.

“Interesting. I look forward to seeing you again, Red.” Squip said. “sidekick, we’re off.”

“Wait what?”

Squip grabbed his arm and the two disappeared in a flash back to the warehouse. Jeremy pulled down his mask and wiped the blood off his face. “why did we leave? You had him, sir.”

Squip nodded. “yes but I find him fascinating. Much like you.”

Jeremy didn’t know what he meant by that.

“We will watch his progress. For now we will send out a few goons. I’d like to see what he can handle. In the mean time, Jeremy I want you to find any information you can on him.”

“Uh, yes sir.”

Squip walked away to get cleaned up, leaving Jeremy to think.

Michael got back to the hideout/house, pulling down his hood and mask and going over to the bathroom to splash some water on his face. His first fight hadn’t gone exactly as planned, but he still stopped the bad guys.

“Michael?” Jakes voice rung out.

Michael popped his head out of the bathroom. “hey.”

“shit. What happened to you?”

Michael fully looked in the mirror. One good black eye, and some swelling in his cheek.

“I tried to stop the squip. His sidekick punched me and I almost died buuuuuut I’m fine.” Michael moved and pulled off the mask, took out his contacts, which was painful with the black eye, put on his glasses, and took off the sweatshirt.

“You look like you got beat up by a coffee table.” Jake said, unimpressed. “Okay take off the rest of your clothes and let me see what’s up. You have to be hiding more.”

Michael wasn’t, but he knew Jake wasn’t going to let it go. Michael sighed.

A couple minutes later, the two of them were sitting while Jake sewed up a cut caused by crashing through the glass.

“Were you fucking zip lining or something?”

“I uh, got a grappling gun.”

“From where!?”

Michael winced. He probably shouldn’t have said that.

“Michael!”

“well it was a toy and then I upgraded it.” Michael exclaimed. Jake just rolled his eyes, going quiet as he thought about when he discovered Michael had powers.

It had been a normal day. Well, as normal as it could be when you were 16 and living by yourself cause your parents were on the run.

School had ended not that long ago, and he was headed to his car. That’s when he saw Michael looking around, and then walking off a bit too casually. Like he was trying really hard not to pull attention to himself but just making sure he called more.

Jake had nothing going on that night so, he followed Michael. Mostly out of curiosity. Michael slipped off to the top of the school and took a deep breath. Jake frowned, unsure what he was about to do. Then Michael got onto the edge.

Jakes eyes widened and he ran over. “wait!”

“Jake!?” It was too late. Michael had one foot over the edge and gravity took him. Jake ran to try and grab him but was too late. Michael fell, then his silhouette turned red and he was replaced with a hologram which stopped moving in midair. Jake raised an eyebrow.

“Awesome!”

Jake jumped, turning around and seeing Michael, completely fine with a huge smile on his face. Jake just stared at him.

Jake finished sewing up the wound. “Okay, done.”

“Thanks Jake.” Michael said.

“You should probably go home before your moms get worried.”

“You could always come with me? Better than staying in this place…it’s really sad.”

Jake chuckled. “thanks but no. Besides, I have to keep up my cool dude vibe. Can’t be seen with a dork like you.”

Michael playfully punched him in the arm. Jake chuckled. Michael stood up.

“Next time call me before you do something like that okay?” Jake said. “you could have died. For real.”

Michael sighed and nodded. “I’m sorry…I just…I’ve gotten so could I thought-“

“I know. But don’t be dumb. You have a best friend to look after, and a family to come home to.”

Michael looked down, and nodded. “you’re right. For now on you’ll be my guy in the chair.”

“sounds good…night mike.”

Michael headed out the door. “…Goodnight Jake.”

Jeremy got off the bus, sighing. He was bone exhausted but it wasn’t exactly something he could explain to his dad to get out of school with. So there he was, hoping he wouldn’t fall asleep in class.

The hallways were buzzing with people. He wasn’t really a morning person in general but his nightly outings the past three years had made him far more grumpy. Not to mention his nose still hurt.

Michael walked over to his locker which was next to Jeremy’s. He looked exhausted, but now had a black eye.

“Whoa what happened?” Jeremy asked.

Michael chuckled. “oh. It was dumb, I tripped and smacked it on the coffee table.”

Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Of course you did, klutz.”

Michael stuck out his tongue. Jeremy chuckled.

“You look tired Jerm.”

“Yeah…sleeping’s been tough lately.” Not a complete lie, but it hurt to be hiding anything from Michael. Especially something as big as this.

“Maybe you should take some melatonin or something?”

“it doesn’t really work on me.”

“adhd?”

“adhd.”

Michael sighed and closed his locker. “I’ll see you in third.”

Jeremy waved as he watched his best friend walk off.

Michael hated how short their conversations were now a days. It was always that short. Michael knew if it went on any longer, he’d spill all the beans to his best friend and then he would consider Michael a freak. Jake thankfully didn’t think so but he wasn’t willing to risk it with Jeremy.

“Robbery at the bank right now.” Jake texted.

Michael paused, sighing. “I’m on it. Cover for me.” He turned tail and ran out of school.

The robbery was quick to stop. All he had to really do was teleport in, grab the guy, and put him at the police car outside. Confused the hell out of the police but he didn’t really care. He turned to head back to school.

“dude.”

Michael turned. Clad in green, a girl stood. Mask covering her face like a masquerade mask as she swung around a kusari-fundo, a chained weapon with blades around the sphere which was coveted with different stickers. Her dark hair was tied up in a half ponytail.

“Youre…”

“you have mystic powers too.” She said, examining him, slowly coming closer.

“mystic what?”

She heard a noise and looked away. “next time. See you later red.” She then made some kind of symbol in the air and disappeared. Michael didn’t know how to respond.

The squip watched the security cameras of the space with great interest. “hm…”

[topgearcarwash]

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2️. Time-saving convenience: With our Touchless Express Car Wash, you can say goodbye to long waiting times and manual scrubbing. The automated process allows you to breeze through the car wash, saving you precious time and effort.

3️. Safe for all vehicles: Whether you have a luxury sedan, a rugged SUV, or a compact hatchback, our touchless car wash is designed to accommodate all vehicle types. It's gentle yet effective, ensuring a thorough cleaning without compromising the integrity of your vehicle.

4️. Environmentally friendly: Our touchless car wash system utilizes advanced water recycling technology, reducing water consumption and minimizing environmental impact. It's a win-win – you get a clean car while reducing your eco-footprint.

5️. Superior cleanliness: Our touchless car wash leaves no spot untouched. The precision of the high-pressure water jets ensures a thorough clean, reaching every nook and cranny of your vehicle. Say goodbye to stubborn dirt and hello to a spotless car!

Experience the difference of our Touchless Express Car Wash and enjoy these fantastic benefits for yourself only with Top Gear Car Wash . Your car deserves the best care!