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komsomolka · 3 months ago

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Despite Israel’s ongoing brutal assault on the Gaza Strip and its 2.4 million Palestinians, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) continues to pursue a controversial deal to normalize relations with the occupation state. Riyadh has persisted in deepening relations with Tel Aviv in multiple sectors despite receiving ‘death threats’ from opponents of normalization in the kingdom.

So why, then, does the crown prince insist on trudging down this unpopular path unless he believes that establishing ties with Israel is crucial for securing his ascendency to the Saudi throne? [...]

The two states share several strategic goals. Saudi Arabia is opposed to the regional Axis of Resistance, which includes Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Ansarallah, Hamas, and other non-state actors, and has implemented repressive measures against the Palestinian resistance. The kingdom has for years targeted supporters of Hamas and individuals funneling funds to the Palestinian territories. This includes the arrest of more than 60 Palestinians in 2019, some of them Hamas officials and Saudi nationals who received lengthy prison terms.

As recently as May, Saudi Arabia stepped up its campaign to arrest social media users in the kingdom who attacked Israel online – this after more than 34,000 Palestinians had been killed in relentless Israeli airstrikes on population centers.

From the sidelines, Saudi Arabia has also supported the normalization efforts of Bahrain and Sudan while offering the occupied West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA) economic incentives to collaborate further with Israel. [...]

Economic normalization is crucial for MbS’s coveted Vision 2030 project, which aims to transform the kingdom’s economy and institute social liberalization. The deal with Israel includes opening Saudi airspace to Israeli flights and encouraging Israeli investment in Saudi heritage sites. Jared Kushner, the architect of the 2020 Abraham Accords, has played a prominent role in these efforts, working to establish an investment corridor between Riyadh and Tel Aviv.

Among the most ambitious projects is the fiber optic cable linking Tel Aviv to Persian Gulf countries, as well as a planned railway expansion that would connect Saudi Arabia to Israel via Jordan. Ibrahim contends that the Palestinian resistance’s Al-Aqsa Flood operation last October disrupted these plans, placing a whole host of these economic projects in jeopardy: The Al-Aqsa Flood came and thwarted this project and disrupted it for an unknown period. Therefore, the Saudi regime, along with the US and the Israeli entity, was the first to feel that the Al-Aqsa Flood was directed primarily at the normalization project in the region.

Cultural and media strategies have played an advanced role in acclimating Saudis to normalization with Israel. Since the events of 11 September 2001, Saudi Arabia has worked on revising its education curricula, gradually removing references to Israel as an enemy and promoting a more neutral stance on the occupation state. Art and media have also played a role, with Saudi TV channels airing programs that subtly promote peace with Israel.

The media, in particular, has been a powerful tool in shaping public perception, with Saudi outlets often hosting Israeli officials and broadcasting reports from within the kingdom. This propaganda campaign has aimed to create a climate conducive to normalization, although public support for such a move has fluctuated, especially after the events of 7 October.

At the heart of the crown prince’s Vision 2030 is his desire to position Saudi Arabia as a global sports hub. The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, leads this expansive project by purchasing major foreign sports franchises and hosting international sporting events in the kingdom.

The sports sector has been yet another tool of soft normalization, paving the way for official Israeli teams to appear in Saudi Arabia, where they raise the occupation state’s flag and sing its national anthem. Official matches and competitions are held between Saudi and Israeli players, and the Saudi national football team has even participated in matches held in the occupied West Bank.

#saudi arabia #palestine

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fearlesstigerquotev · 5 months ago

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Ensnared

Yandere M!Pied Piper X F!Reader

Warnings: Mild body horror, possessive + yandere behavior masterlist

Once upon a time, in the land cradled between the winding waters of the river Weser, there lay two towns, Hamelin and Weidehohl, each a curiosity of its own. To the west, Weidehohl nestled amidst the towering, age-old trees, where the pagans roamed, their shadows falling on creatures of the forest, and their deeds shrouded in darkness. They committed crimes that troubled the very heavens, where cats were denied their lives, and dogs met a mournful fate.

On the opposite bank, to the east, stood Hamelin, a settlement graced by the protective embrace of four mighty forts, where no soul could pass unseen or unnoticed. It was a city crafted from the warm, welcoming wood of time, its heart radiating with peace and prosperity. In Hamelin, the gentle hand of Christ blessed the land with abundance.

And in the blessed town of Hamelin lived a widow named Y/N. Her heart was as pure as the morning dew, yet heavy with the sorrow of a love lost. Her beloved had embarked on a sacred missionary journey, and for seven long days and seven nights, he had vanished from her sight. It was on the seventh night that his lifeless form was returned to her humble dwelling, a pitiful sight to behold. His body resembled a mangled corpse, the limbs poking out in odd angles, the silver cross ripped from his neck. Even the cherished keepsake, a timepiece adorned with a lovingly-crafted portrait of his beloved wife on their wedding day, had vanished into the shadows.

With tearful eyes and a contrite heart, the widow sought solace in the confessional, where she bared her soul to the priest and questioned the sins that had led to her husband's gruesome fate at the hands of the pagans. But the priest, hidden behind the confessional booth, offered words of comfort and guidance.

"Nay, dear child, the burden of blame lies not upon your shoulders," he whispered gently. "The pagans of Weidehohl are the architects of this sorrow, and their lives shall remain fraught with wretchedness unless they turn to the benevolent embrace of Christ."

"Father," Y/N confessed, "in my despair, I confess to having missed Sunday Mass twice in succession. What penance must I undertake to cleanse my soul of sin and ensure the reunion of my husband and me in the heavenly kingdom of our Lord?"

"My dear child," came the priest's soothing reply, "perform acts of charity, extend your hand to the needy, and become a sponsor to the orphan. Through these acts of benevolence, your soul shall find its path to redemption, and in the divine grace of our Lord, you shall one day be reunited with your beloved in the heavenly realm."

And so, the widow poured the essence of her very being into the sacred act of spreading the love of the Savior. She became the guardian of the forsaken, running a humble orphanage for the downtrodden street urchins. Beneath the sheltering eaves of her makeshift home, she provided not only a sanctuary from the cold, unforgiving world but also warm soups that chased away the hunger that gnawed at their fragile bellies.

To those who approached her with intentions other than those of the divine, she responded with an unshakable steadfastness. Her words, like a sermon from the heavens, would gently rebuke them, reminding them of the plight of the orphans and how humanity had often forsaken those less fortunate. In her wisdom, there was a grain of truth: Why should the Church entrust a humble widow with the monumental task of caring for orphans, while it basked in the wealth derived from indulgences?

Yet, Y/N knew better than to arouse the ire of the Church, for as a widow, a solitary soul, she teetered on the precipice of society's margins. A single misstep could condemn her to the mercy of the clergy, leaving her precarious existence hanging by a slender thread.

But despite her pure intentions, the Devil would test her belief in God once again. This time, He unleashed upon her beloved Hamelin a deluge of rats and mice, a horde of vermin with ravenous appetites. They descended upon the city like the overflowing waters of the river Weser, devouring the meager stores of grain, defiling the once-pure waters of the public well with their loathsome droppings, and spreading pestilence and death throughout the land.

In the face of this vile pestilence, the people of Hamelin turned to their faith with fervor, seeking solace and redemption in daily worship. Their voices echoed with praises to the Lord, sung until they grew hoarse from their devotion. Yet, amidst their piety, the plight of the orphaned souls remained unseen, their suffering ignored. Hearts once kind were now veiled by self-righteousness, their pride preventing even a morsel of bread from being offered to those in need. And so, Y/N toiled away once more, her body growing weaker and more fragile as the weeks passed by.

One day, a curious traveler, bedecked in a garb of vivid hues, sauntered into the fortified realm of Hamelin. Bemused and bedazzled, the city's folk kept a wary distance from this stranger, their wariness ignited by his flamboyant cloak and hair ablaze like Hell's own fire. At his neck, he wore not the sacred cross but a flute, intricately carved from bone.

"Citizens of Hamelin," rang out his voice like a melodious tune, "I bear, through secret charms unknown to most, the power to summon forth all creatures dwelling beneath the sun—those that crawl, swim, fly, or race across the land. These are the creatures that oft bring harm upon you—the mole, the toad, the newt, and the serpent. People call me the Pied Piper. If I but free your town from its rat-borne scourge, shall you grant me a thousand guilders?"

"A thousand guilders? Secret charm?" laughed the crowd. "We'd sooner drink cow's urine than entertain the whims of a charlatan like thee! Why, you are clothed like the pagans of Weidehohl! We good Christians would never associate ourselves with infidels like thee!"

And so, the Pied Piper found himself slumbering upon the city's cobblestone streets, right before the doorstep of the humble orphanage. Unable to turn a blind eye, she fed him with the crusts of bread the children could not eat, and soup made of vegetable scraps.

He looked up at her, bewildered that one of the citizens who had rejected him would dare nourish him. "Dost thou not fear condemnation? To aid a stranger such as I?"

"Nonsense," came her swift reply, "before me, I see neither stranger, nor maverick, nor even one hailing from Weidehohl. In this moment, I behold but a fellow soul, a man who may succumb to the bitter cold if aid is not given."

Bringing the broth to his lips, the Pied Piper relished in its salty aroma. How could a denizen of Hamelin, known for their stern devotion to God's path, radiate such tender warmth? In what felt like but a heartbeat, the soup disappeared from his bowl. "Is... Is this the doctrine of thy Lord?"

She smiled as she took the bowl from him, "Indeed, it is the teaching of our Lord, who bids us to love one another as He loves us."

The Pied Piper could only chuckle and rake his fingers through his red hair, which twirled upwards in delicate curls at the base of his collarbone. "Throughout my long years upon this Earth, they have regarded me as but an exterminator, a mere tool to rid their towns of the earthly vermin. Never have I been graced by the presence of Mother Mary herself."

"Mother Mary? How does a pagan such as yourself know of her?" curiosity laced Y/N's voice as she sat down next to him. Inside the orphanage, the children, intrigued by the unusual encounter, giggled and vied for a view between their surrogate mother and the curious visitor.

The Piper bestowed upon her a subtle, enigmatic grin, and with a deft movement of his fingers, he began to play a soft, mesmerizing tune on his flute—a melody so enchanting that it seemed as if the very stars had descended to dance in the moonlit night.

The children, drawn by the enchanting music, abandoned their timid hideaways and gathered around the pair. Their eyes, wide with innocent wonder, bore witness to the magic of the Piper's tune—a melody that had never before graced their ears. For indeed, the orphans had never heard of the wonderous music before. It was unlike the solemn hymns of the church, rigid and controlled. Instead, it was a music that spoke of freedom, of joy, and liberation from the chains of the mundane.

Y/N couldn't help but feel that it danced on the edge of sin, but she could not deny the children their delight. She allowed them to dance and frolic, their laughter rising like the joyful laughter of forest spirits.

In the end, she never received an answer to her question.

With the passage of time, Y/N perceived a waning in the rat population, witnessed the orphans suffer less from the grip of disease, and felt her own health flourish in the absence of the rodents.

"Perhaps the Lord has graced me for extending sustenance to the Pied Piper?" she pondered, conversing with her fellow women during Sunday Mass.

"Hush, dear," came their swift rejoinder, "you were simply a fortunate soul. Our homes still teem with the pestilence of mice!"

"But consider this," Y/N beseeched, her voice laden with earnestness, "What if God sent this plague as a trial? A test of our kindness and charity, a challenge to alleviate the traveler's suffering, even if he be unconventional? If each working man were to bestow but one guilder upon the Piper, he would amass a bounty sufficient to lead the rats away from Hamelin!"

Her words did not go unheard by the mayor. Share his own coffers of wealth would he not. But pluck a thousand guilders from the working class to please the Piper—a fine deal indeed. After Mass, he called the Pied Piper to his office and told him of the proposal.

In response, the Piper laughed and shook his head, "Gentleman, the thousand guilders were but a jest. All I seek is a fine wife in exchange for my services."

The mayor's eyes lit up in delight. Now, he would not even need to part ways with his beloved coin! "Go forth, and choose an unmarried woman of your liking! Do anything that you must in order to kill the rats of Hamelin!"

On the morrow, the good folk of Hamelin awoke to a sight most peculiar. The Pied Piper, with his mop of hair burning red, led an army of rats away from the town, all the while playing a merry tune on his bone-carved flute. His garments billowed like swallows riding the breath of the wind, whilst the rats scurried at his feet, dancing with mania. They squeaked and chirped, running and tumbling in circles, over cobblestone roads, through the gates of Hamelin, over hills and meadows, until they reached the winding river Weser.

"Little rodents! Ye must be parched from your toil! Go, partake of the waters that the Lord Christ hath graciously provided!" sang the Piper, twirling around his own axis as he played the hypnotizing tune.

As if by some mystical command, the rats leaped into the river, one by one, and there, they met their watery fate.

"My, 'tis sorcery!" screeched the resident priest, clutching his cross in the palm of his gnarled hand.

The mayor interjected, "But Reverend, thou must admit, the young lad hath cured us of this plight! And in return, all he seeks is a companion—a wife!"

The Pied Piper turned toward the crowd and bowed with theatrical elegance. The colors of his cloak simmered and contorted—one moment, a vibrant lemon yellow. The next—deep cerulean blue. Loud gasps of wonder and awe erupted from the crowd, who had formed a small comune along the river bank.

With a dazzling smile, the Pied Piper got down on one knee and raised his arms to the heavens, "Fair maiden, protector of the orphans, a soul akin to the benevolent Mary herself! Amongst the Christians of Hamelin, you alone treated me with the grace of human kindness. Would you do me the honor of becoming my cherished bride, despite the unfavorable reputation that taints my name among your townsfolk?"

Y/N froze and averted her gaze to the ground. Using the sleeve of her dress to conceal her face, she replied, "An outcast for an outcast, it seems. Piper, you have placed me in a most wretched predicament. I have dedicated my life in service to God and find myself an unwedded widow, a spinster by the world's judgment."

His expression darkened but was soon replaced by a charming smile. "Fair lady, I take it as a no?"

Unable to speak another word, the widow nodded, unable to reciprocate his smile. What use was there in accepting the hand of a man whose name remained a mystery to her? Besides, the priest would never officiate a marriage between a believing woman and an infidel. Even an infidel who saved Hamelin from certain ruin.

"Fear not. I had a lingering suspicion that such would be thy response."

Once more, he brought the bone-carved flute to his lips. But this time, the melody that poured forth carried an almost otherworldly quality, a tune that seemed to teeter on the brink of the supernatural.

The children, both orphans and those with families of their own, emerged from their homes, their gleeful laughter and exuberant cries resonating through the air like the unholy revelry of a wicked tarantella. Yet, as the music wove its spell, a sinister transformation overtook them. Their limbs elongated and stretched, contorting to grotesque proportions, as if every ounce of their humanity was being pulled apart by unseen hands.

The adults could not move a single muscle, it was as if their feet were planted firmly in the ground. Y/N herself was no exception, and she screamed and begged the Piper to stop this madness. But whenever she tried to take a step toward him, her legs were met with a gripping pain, searing through her body, mind, and soul.

There was no doubt: The Piper wanted to see the Hamelians suffer. More specifically, Y/N.

Their movements grew wild and untamed, limbs flailing and twisting with a grotesque grace that defied the laws of nature. It was as though their bodies had become marionettes, but marionettes manipulated by a malevolent puppeteer, their movements driven by a dark and unholy force. They twirled and spun, their movements growing increasingly frenzied, entrapped in a wicked ritual that defied the doctrine of the Lord itself.

Laughter mixed with the cracking of bones as the children frolicked and pranced, following the Piper as he led them away from Hamelin. Together, they crossed the shimmering waters of the river Weser, traversed rolling hills, until they disappeared into the foreboding depths of the woods that led to Weidehohl.

Y/N was the first to break out of the trance. With lightning-fast reflexes and a heart heavy with dread, she sprinted toward the looming woods that led to Weidehohl, her voice raised in a desperate cry. "Children! Come back! This is not the path ordained by the Lord!"

But her pleas fell upon deaf ears as the possessed children, their eyes vacant and their limbs contorted, followed the Piper deeper into the shadowy woods. Deeper into the woods she ran, the gnarled branches of ancient trees clawing at her as if trying to hold her back. She followed the trail of broken branches and twisted footprints, breadcrumbs of waning hope that stretched endlessly into the heart of the forest.

Finally, at the heart of the sinister forest, she stumbled upon the lame boy, his eyes wide with terror and confusion. His frail form quivered, unable to join in the manic dance of his peers. Y/N knelt beside him, murmuring prayers of protection and strength. "Where have they gone, dear child?"

"There..." the lame boy whispered, pointing to a clearing in the midst of the woods.

The widow told the boy to stay put and approached the clearing. To her surprise, the clearing appeared utterly ordinary, as if untouched by the dark enchantment that had gripped the children. Bewildered, she turned back to check on the lame boy, only to have her heart plummet to her very shoes. He had vanished without a trace.

Heart hammering in her chest, she ran through the woods, between the ancient trees, leaping over quaint forest streams. But the lame boy was nowhere to be found. Not even the wretched Piper or the remaining children.

A gloved hand grabbed hers. Y/N shrieked and begged to be released, but it only caused the grip to tighten. She blinked and the next thing she knew, she was in a forest village, surrounded by the children she had come to love oh-so-dearly.

Overcome with relief, she ran forward and embraced the children, sobbing and wailing just like at her deceased husband's funeral. Through tear-filled eyes, she beheld a wondrous transformation of the world around her. Waters gushed and sparkled, fruit trees burst into bloom with an otherworldly splendor, and flowers unfurled in hues that defied earthly comparison. Sparrows radiated a brilliance surpassing that of peacocks, their plumage resplendent. Horses bore wings akin to eagles, and even the honeybees had shed their stingers.

"Welcome to Weidehohl!" announced the Piper, taking her hand once more. Ignoring her pleas for release, he dipped and twirled the maiden with practiced ease, his steps sure and confident. Whispering sweet nothings, he drew her close for a kiss, and his gloved fingers brushed away the tears that streamed down her face. They danced in graceful circles, surrounded by the mesmerizing melody of the birds and the bees, who serenaded them with joyful chirps and buzzing.

It was then that she noticed the transformed children, each playing a flute similar to the one that dangled from the Piper's neck. The tune that flowed from their instruments was all too familiar—a cherished church hymn reserved for weddings. Dread seized her heart as the realization settled in, and all she could do was weep as the Pied Piper kissed away her tears,

As she danced, a small piece of metal fell from within the man's garments and onto the forest floor.

A timepiece, engraved with a lovingly-crafted portrait of herself on their wedding day. But in place of her late husband now stood the Pied Piper.

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leibal · 8 months ago

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Bury Gate Farm is a minimalist house located in West Sussex, United Kingdom, designed by Sandy Rendel Architects. The location is characterized by its heavy clay soils, which have historically limited agricultural productivity but have favored its use for recreational landscape parks.

#minimalism #minimal #minimal interior #minimalist interior #interior design #leibal

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thefairykingssword · 18 days ago

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Well, hello there!

I am working on a Fire Emblem ROM Hack, and this is a blog for that! The ROM Hack being called, as the blog name implies, The Fairy King's Sword.

This game takes place on the continent of Skotika, which is split between four countries.

The Kingdom of Ekata, ruled by King Dagult, known as the home of knowledge.

North of Ekata, the Triumvirate of Finnidas, ruled by a trio of democratically elected lords, a great mercantile hub of the continent.

In the far west, The Holy State of Gilvar, a theocracy devoted to the worship of the divine dragon Nidhogg, ruled by Archbishop Elgos.

And in the centre, the Empire of Fragia, the largest country on the continent, ruled by Emperor Trajan.

A tenuous peace has been kept between the nations for a very long time, but, while returning home from negotiations with Fragia's general Agrippa, Edmund, the heir of Ekata's House Falstaff, is embroiled in a plot that will shatter the tenuous balance on the continent.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the humans, there exists an entire parallel world to their own, populated by the fairies. And the fairies are preparing to march to war with the surface world, at the command of the titular Fairy King, Morrigan.

The Otherworld is split between two nations:

The High Kingdom, ruled by the Fairy King, that dominates the west and the King's authority is virtually unquestioned. But on the other side of the Sea of Dragons is the Elvish Confederacy, a group of rebels who fled the High Kingdom long ago. Between them is the Wilds, virtually unexplored and incredibly dangerous.

Now, to introduce our lords:

First, Lord of the Human world, the aforementioned Edmund, Prince of Falstaff. He is a Mage Lord, or, a mounted Mage. His personal weapon is the Flamegale.

And then Scathah, Lord of the Fairy World. She is an aspiring general of the High Kingdom, and with the help of her mentor Starbuck, she wishes to aid the Fairy King in his war. She is an Elf Lord, or an umounted swordsman, and her personal weapon is a simple Rapier.

For the first several chapters, you will alternate between both lord's armies, as they come closer and closer to conflict.

And the Fairy King himself, architect of all that is to come.

Anyway! More information to come! And if you have questions, just send it in!

#fire emblem #rom hack #the fairy king's sword

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old-antecedent · 1 year ago

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Mysteries of the Dwemer pt. 3: Walk-Brass

Numidium is well-known to any student of the Iliac Bay's history, a "giant robot" possessed of immense power. It is at the center of the Warp in the West, by far the most noteworthy event to ever happen in the region. The Septim Empire and the kingdoms of Daggerfall, Orsinium, Sentinel, and Wayrest simultaneously and separately acquired the Mantella and took control of Numidium. Their enemies, not in control of the largest war machine ever produced, were crushed. The golem was also simultaneously destroyed by the Underking, and the event was over in little more than two days. This sort of thing happens from time to time, and is more properly known as a Dragon Break. We will not be exploring these in depth, simply know they are points of history where time no longer flows in a straight line. Many contradictory things may happen at once. What seems likely to happen before it may be totally impossible after. Numidium is closely tied to Dragon Breaks: it caused another in 2E 896 when one of TALOS's mortal forms activated it. It is plain to see Numidium is of Dwemer make. A very large animunculus made of brass that responds to the commands of its owner could hardly have been made by anyone else. TALOS originally received it as a peace offering from the Tribunal, for they knew a war would destroy them. Despite this transfer of ownership, Numidium was not quite theirs to give. It was of Kagrenac's design, of course, but the ownership of Numidium runs deeper than its creator. Numidium is known by many names. You have likely intuited that Walk-Brass is one. It is also known as the Brass God and Brass Tower. Other names are unimportant. I will not explain the Towers, just know there is one for each race of Mer. The Brass God is the Tower of the Dwemer. In this way, it can have no other owner. In this way, it also owns the Dwemer. In another way, it is the culmination of Dwemer reason and logic. Their crown jewel and logical endpoint. The Aurbis is not, as you might imagine it to be, immutable. Truth can be bent by a properly trained and powerful mind, and even broken with enough force. However, something that was true cannot ever be made false after the fact. This is why Dragon Breaks, once resolved, do not appear to have never happened in retrospect. Fundamentally reality is slipshod, an endless chain of "yes, and"s. A culture focused on reason and logic, which seeks to apply stark and rigid rules to all things, will naturally chafe against this. The Dwemer saw reality did not meet their expectations and set about creating their own god to remedy the situation. Numidium was built in Red Mountain, where the Heart of Lorkhan rested. Dwemer tonal architects under High Craftlord Kagrenac and Dumac Dwarfking constructed it around the Heart, with the intent of "fixing" reality. The ultimate goal of Kagrenac, despite what Vivec and others have claimed, was not to gain immortality and godhood. It was to peel through all of reality and find anything that was immutable. An ironclad rule that could be understood with their reason and logic. The history of the Dwemer was an endless repetition of "WHY". By the time of Kagrenac, they had come no closer to answering this question than when they first asked it. He saw only one solution. "WHY" must become "NO". Deny all with enough force, and the truth of existence itself will break. You can then sift through the rubble for a piece that has survived unscathed. That is the ironclad rule. Many Tamrielic scholars will disagree with this. To them I ask: what is more likely to cause a Dragon Break? Simple apotheosis like that of Raymon Ebonarm and Mannimarco, or telling the god of time "you do not exist" so forcefully that he begins to believe it?

#it doesn't take much to make aka lose track of time after the Selective #but the brass god probably gave un-shattered aka a real scare at least #dwemer #the elder scrolls #numidium

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brookstonalmanac · 4 months ago

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Holidays 7.4

Holidays

Alice in Wonderland Day

Apocalypse Day

Army Day (Guatemala)

Baal Fire Day (Northumberland, UK)

Buffalo Bill Day

Bullion’s Day

Caribbean Community Day

Commemoration Day of the Victims of the Genocide Against the Jewish People (Latvia)

Damavand Național Day (Iran)

Day of Agwe (Haiti)

Dree Festival begins (Apatani people, India) [Ends 7.7]

F-Day (Alaska)

Fighter’s Day (Yugoslavia)

Filipino-American Friendship Day (Philippines)

Forensic Expert Day (Ukraine)

Garibaldi Day (Italy)

Helicopter Flight Anniversary Day

Hillbilly Day

Independents’ Day (UK)

International Whippet Day

Invisible Day

Jewish Genocide Memorial Day (Latvia)

Joey Chestnut Day

Jumping on the Mattress Night

King Tupou VI Day (Tonga)

Koko the Gorilla Day

Kwibohora (Liberation Day; Rwanda)

Liberation Day (Northern Mariana Islands)

Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day

National Architect Day (Venezuela)

National Karl Day

National Micah Day

National Police Day (Ukraine)

National Safe House Day

National Sophie Day

National Tom Sawyer Day

Queen Sonja Day (Norway)

Republic Day (Philippines)

704 Day

Steve Rogers Day

Stone Skipping Tournament (Mackinac Island, Michigan)

Tobacco Day (French Republic)

Tom Sawyer Fence-Painting Day (Hannibal, Missouri)

Unity Day (Zambia)

Virgin Islands Day (British Virgin Islands)

White Cloud’s Birthday and Tatanka Bison Festival (North Dakota)

World Day for Captive Dolphins

World Day of the eBook

World Sarcopenia Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Build a Pasta Sculpture Day

Caesar Salad Day

Honor American Beer & Cyder Day

Independence from Meat Day

Independent Beer Day

Jackfruit Day

National Baked Beans Day

National Barbecue Day

National Barbecued Spareribs Day

National Caesar Salad Day

National Pub Opening Day

Sidewalk Egg Frying Day

Independence & Related Days

Abkhazia (from Georgia; 1993)

Caricom Day (Barbados; 1973)

Hawaii Statehood Day (#50; 1960) [observed 3rd Friday]

Lanao del Norte (Philippines)

Lunar Independence Day (from “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”)

North Carolina (Readmitted to the Union; 1868)

Orly (Declared; 2010) [unrecognized]

Philippines (from US; 1946)

Providence Day (Rhode Island; 1636)

United States (from UK; 1776) a.k.a. …

Barbecue Day

Boom Box Parade (Willimantic, Connecticut)

Firecracker Day

Holy Firecracker Day (in John Updike's Couples)

Independence From Meat Day

Independent Beer Day

Indivisible Day (Minnesota)

National Country Music Day

Valnor (Declared; 2006) [unrecognized]

1st Thursday in July

Kid Lit Art Postcard Day [1st Thursday]

Ommegang Pageant ends (Belgium) [1st Thursday]

Thirsty Thursday [1st Thursday]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

Weekly Holidays beginning July 4 (1st Week of July)

Freedom Week (thru 7.10)

Festivals Beginning July 4, 2024

Anime Expo (Los Angeles, California) [thru 7.7]

Anthrocon (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.7]

Berrien Springs Pickle Festival (Berrien Springs, Michigan)

Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Bucheon, South Korea) [thru 7.14]

Buxton International Festival (Buxton, United Kingdom) [thru 7.21]

Eurockéennes de Belfort (Belfort, France) [thru 7.7]

Fan Expo Denver (Denver, Colorado) [thru 7.7]

Fishin' Fiesta (Freeport, Texas) [thru 4.6]

Lexington County Peach Festival (Gilbert, South Carolina)

Main Square Festival (Arras, France) [thru 7.7]

Mountain State Art & Craft Fair (Ripley, West Virginia) [thru 7.7]

Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog-Eating Contest (Coney Island, New York)

Northern Lights Festival Boréal (Greater Sudbury, Canada) [thru 7.7]

Old Fashioned Farmer Days (Van Wert, Ohio) [thru 7.6]

Ottawa Bluesfest (Ottawa, Canada) [thru 7.14]

Portland Craft Beer Festival (Portland, Oregon) [thru 7.6]

Quebec City Summer Festival (Quebec City, Canada) [thru 7.14]

Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash (Lahaska, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.7]

Rock Werchter (Werchter, Belgium) [thru 7.7]

Sand Mountain Potato Festival (Henegar, Alabama)

Shoals Catfish Festival (Shoals, Indiana) [thru 7.7]

Tech Open Air (Berlin, Germany) [thru 7.7]

Tremolo (Tolyatti, Russia) [thru 7.7]

Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland, Oregon) [thru 7.7]

Feast Days

Admiral Abigail Breeze (Muppetism)

Andrew of Crete (Christian; Saint)

Bertha of Artois (Christian; Saint)

Bolcan (Christian; Saint)

Build a Pasta Subculture Day (Pastafarian)

Build a Scarecrow Day (Pastafarian)

Carolus-Duran (Artology)

Catherine Jarrige (Christian; Blessed)

Day of Pax (Ancient Roman)

Elizabeth Montgomery Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Elizabeth of Aragon (or of Portugal; Christian; Saint)

Feast of Translation (Ordination of St. Martin; Christian)

Finbar (Christian; Saint)

Flavian (Christian; Saint)

Jumping on the Mattress Night (Shamanism)

Mescalero Apache Gahan Ceremonial (Spirit of the Mountain; Everyday Wicca)

Nathaniel Hawthorne (Writerism)

Nellie Mae Rowe (Artology)

Odo of Canterbury (Christian; Saint)

Old Midsummer’s Eve (England)

Peter the Hermit (Positivist; Saint)

Pier Giorgio Frassati (Christian; Blessed)

Procopius, Abbot of Prague (Christian; Confessor)

Rube Goldberg (Artology)

Sam Eagle (Muppetism)

Sisoes (a.k.a. Sisoy), Anchoret in Egypt (Christian; Saint)

Solstitium IV (Pagan)

Sun Dance (Paying homage to the god who dwells within the fire of the sun; Ute Indian Tribe; Utah)

Tomaž Šalamun (Writerism)

Ulrich of Augsburg (Christian; Confessor)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day (Philippines) [38 of 71]

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

About Last Night (Film; 1986)

Alice in Wonderland (Novel; 1862)

America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee), by Lowell Mason and Samuel Francis Smith (Song; 1831 or 32)

American Top 40, by Casey Kasem (Radio Show; 1970)

Bats in the Belfry (MGM Cartoon; 1942)

Bedtime Bedlam (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1955)

Big Trouble in Little China (Film; 1986)

Cats & Dogs (Film; 2001)

Die Hard 2 (Film; 1990)

Doomsday for the Deceiver, by Flotsam and Jetsam (Album; 1986)

Droopy Leprechaun (MGM Cartoon; 1958)

Farnham's Freehold, by Robert A. Heinlein (Novel; 1964)

Fernwood 2 Night (TV Series; 1977)

Foo Fighters, by the Foo Fighters (Album; 1995)

Gonzo (Film; 2008)

The Great Mouse Detective (Animated Disney Film; 1986)

The Green Berets (Film; 1968)

Greenfields, by The Brothers Four (Song; 1959)

The Great Escape (Film; 1963)

Hail to the Chief, performed by the U.S. Marine Band (Song; 1828)

Jungle Jumble (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1932)

Kylie, by Kylie Minogue (Album; 1988)

Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman (Poem; 1855)

Mamma Mia! (Film; 2008)

Mexicali Shmoes (WB LT Cartoon; 1959)

Once Upon a Time in the West (Film; 1969)

Poor Little Butterfly (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1938)

The Schooner the Better (Phantasies Cartoon; 1946)

Summer in the City, by The Lovin’ Spoonful (Song; 1966)

Tess of the d'Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy (Novel; 1891)

Tony Orlando & Dawn (TV Series; 1974)

U.S. Declaration of Independence ratified (Political Document; 1776)

Walk This Way by Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith (Song; 1986)

Washington Monument (Cornerstone Laid; 1848)

The Werewolf of Paris, by Guy Endore (Novel; 1933)

Today’s Name Days

Berta, Elisabeth, Ulrich (Austria)

Berta, Elizabeta, Elza, Laura (Croatia)

Prokop (Czech Republic)

Ulricus (Denmark)

Virgo, Virmo, Virvo (Estonia)

Ulla, Ulpu (Finland)

Florent (France)

Berta, Else, Elisabeth, Ulrich (Germany)

Loukia (Greece)

Ulrik (Hungary)

Antonino, Cristina, Elisabetta (Italy)

Sandis, Uldis, Ulriks (Latvia)

Gedgailė, Malvina, Skalvis, Teodoras (Lithuania)

Ulla, Ulrik (Norway)

Ageusz, Alfred, Aurelian, Elżbieta, Innocenta, Innocenty, Józef, Julian, Malwin, Malwina, Odo, Teodor, Wielisław (Poland)

Andrei (România)

Prokop (Slovakia)

Berta, Isabel (Spain)

Ulla, Ulrika (Sweden)

Bohdanna (Ukraine)

America, Calvert, Calverta, Calvin, Calvina, Kalvin (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 186 of 2024; 180 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 27 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Duir (Oak) [Day 26 of 28]

Chinese: Month 5 (Geng-Wu), Day 29 (ji-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 28 Sivan 5784

Islamic: 27 Dhu al-Hijjah 1445

J Cal: 6 Red; Sixday [6 of 30]

Julian: 21 June 2024

Moon: 2%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 17 Charlemagne (7th Month) [Peter the Hermit]

Runic Half Month: Feoh (Wealth) [Day 11 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 15 of 94)

Week: 1st Week of July

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 14 of 31)

#Holidays

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gemsofgreece · 1 year ago

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The mystery of the Greek regalia has been solved...?

A mystery counting centuries was solved recently, when the Greek regalia, missing for many decades, were apparently discovered carefully stored in Tatoi Palace during its maintenance works.

The regalia of the Greek Kingdom were commissioned in Paris 1834, before the coronation of Otto of Greece. However, the regalia's transfer was delayed and Otto was coronated before they arrived at the country. As a result, Otto never actually used them but he did take them with him to Bavaria when he was exiled 30 years later.

The regalia reappeared almost a century after their creation when Albrecht von Wittelsbach, Prince of Bavaria, returned them to the Greek Kingdom during the wedding of King Paul of Greece to Frederica of Hanover, even though Paul belonged to a different house (Glücksburg).

The crown reportedly shortly appeared in the funerals of Paul and Frederica, however after that there was no more information on the whereabouts of the regalia. This led to conspiracy theories or even a conviction shared by historians and the public alike, which accused Constantine II, their son and last King of Greece, of sneaking the regalia out of the country and keeping them to himself, even though those belong to the Greek state and not a particular royal house.

Finally, the regalia were recently found carefully stored in Tatoi palace, outside Athens. This led to some re-evaluation of the theories blaming Constantine although some, including a significant historian, speculate that Constantine's descendants, sneaked the regalia back to the palace after the ex-King's death, to end these rumours casting a shadow over the ex-royal family.

The Greek regalia were commisioned to the French royal goldsmith house, Fossin et Fils, which had crafted the regalia of Napoleo Bonaparte. The sword was commissioned to the famed swordsmith Jules Manciaux. The regalia were made of gold, gilded metal and silver.

Otto tried to diverge a little from Bavarian archetypes for the designation of the regalia and establish a style slightly differing from the western kingdoms. The use of gems is very modest; only the sword is decorated with lapis lazuli. The decorative patterns refer directly to Greece, Christianity and the ancient greek culture. Lapis lazuli was chosen for its blue colour, the trademark colour associated with Greece. The sword case bears the Greek royal flag. The base has a sculpted presentation of a trident and two dolphins, as well as Goddess Nike (Victory).

The crown was very modest compared to most crowns in the west. Its base was crafted to look like a wreath of laurels. It has additional details of acanthus leaves and lion heads. The globus cruciger lies on the top of the crown and the cross resembles that of the Orthodox Church, unlike the ones in western kingdoms. In his own words, Otto had written to the architect Friedrich von Gürtner that his vision was for the architecture and designs used for him to be relatively strict, with noble dignity and simplicity.

The regalia will now be kept in the trophy hall of the Greek parliament.

Sources:

Newsbomb

Θέμα

#greece #europe #royalty #greek royals #otto of bavaria #history #royal history #greek history

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elveneclipse · 1 year ago

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Hey. Guess what i did.

Portait of a Blank Slate but its badly translated into Shakespearean

He toldeth me this much and now he's passed

Toldeth me to killeth mine indulgences

With a sharp blow to the temple

Catcheth the pigeon, readeth and do allst he wrote

I could maketh a faked portrait

We could maketh such a pretty picture

Oh, so jolly, oh, oh, so jolly

I beest a good fellow once you get to knoweth me

I feel at some point I broketh mine mind

I always searcheth, the silent type

How doth you all maketh it look so easy?

You display your hearts so quickly, it befrightents me

She beest an artist, painteth across my chest

Goeth to gatherings, acteth like nobility

Arisen Monday, now tis over

Doth you not knoweth no one gets what they cameth here for?

I could painteth her, wrapped around her

We could maketh such a pretty picture

Oh, so jolly, oh, oh, so jolly

I beest a good fellow once you get to knoweth me

But I beest the same

I doth have a boring name

Across the kingdoms from what you want and what you cameth here for

So I'll wait here for you

Sayeth, "I beg, just let me stay"

Oh, just let me stay, oh

I suppose you doth know now what to expect

He liveth your own life in retrospect

Doth you knoweth it boreth me? These insecurities

Breaketh you down just to act as the architect

I shall waiteth here, by the west pier

Watcheth that wreakage float, slowly disappear

Oh, so jolly, oh, oh, so jolly

If only you kneweth just how much better things could beest

Another week of action

Another bad-humored reaction

But I beest the same

I doth have a boring name

Across the kingdom from what you want and what you cameth here for

I shall waiteth for you

I sayeth, "I beg, just let me stay"

Oh, just let me stay

Oh, just let me

Forgive me, tis very predictable

Forgive me, tis very predictable, I knoweth

#lovejoy

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kangamommynow · 1 year ago

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GenCon day 3

Started with Diced Veggies, a nice family dice game. I wandered around and handed out the rest of my side quests. Checked out the cosplay, including Me-goosa. Then I played a simple area majority game called Pollen. Finally, I got to play Architects of West Kingdom, a worker placement and resource management game. I enjoyed that a lot.

We were supposed to go do an escape room, but Julian lost his ticket. Tickets are still mostly paper, so if you lose it there’s no fixing it. We returned the other tickets so at least we weren’t out $90.

Got some Critical Hit soda. I chose a diet Treant- root beer, vanilla, butterscotch.

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whovian223 · 1 year ago

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Friday Night Shots - Playing with Non-Gamers?

It’s another clear, and cold, Friday night, but it’s warm here in the bar, isn’t it? I think I turned up the heat. Or maybe I just have a bad fever. Either way, have a seat and let me get you your favourite libation! We can start chatting after David Gray is done. That was nice. I hope you’re looking forward to a nice weekend! Maybe you’ll be playing some games with new gamers? Hey, let’s…

View On WordPress

#Architects of the West Kingdom #Arkham Horror: the Card Game #Brass: Birmingham #Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition #Diamonds #Flash Point #Food Chain Magnate #Imhotep #Marvel Legendary #Schadenfreude #Ticket to Ride #Twilight Imperium : 4th Edition #Uno

0 notes

celestial-ascension · 1 year ago

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(This is just a little something I wrote regarding a college assignment that I was required to do. I figured I would post it here since it deals with my series and my instructor permitted me to use it. This is my current writing style and I hope you enjoy it! Please let me know if you would like to see more of these short writing pieces!)

The Ascenders Writing Endeavors.

Knowledge whether it be intentional or unwarranted, is valuable for they are the stepping stone to a more prosperous and fulfilling future. Writing is one fundamental aspect of obtaining knowledge, it can be traced back to the beginning of civilization or farther back if you count cave drawings and smoke signals. One of the most valuable ways to obtain knowledge to better one's life is by writing, it is a way to leave your mark on history for generations after you acquire and apply the proper rules and regulations. Like anything else, it can be an addiction, craving the sweet information as it is like chocolate, the more you have, the more you need. Unfortunately, this dilemma has befallen Fallon, the Ascender who currently was resting his mind after a tiring day of studying.

Thoughts tumbled around his head like a tumbleweed in the wind, Fallon tried to calm his frayed nerves which were currently on the fritz, in the end, it was in vain as it increased in intensity. Regaining consciousness and eyes gradually opening, Fallon sat up in bed, his emerald green eyes blurry with sleep. Stretching his back and limbs, Fallon vigorously rubbed his eyes. Throwing the blanket off him and swinging his legs off the bed, he sat for a moment to get his bearings.

Casting his gaze on the analog clock resting on the oak nightstand, he recognizes the familiar neon-green letters displaying the current time; half an hour past midnight, the reality of the situation dawned on him. Averting his gaze to the window, Fallon glimpsed the tell-tale signs of storm clouds rolling in from the west, the moon's glow shining faintly through the blinds.

Standing on his feet and sliding them into a fuzzy pair of draconian slippers, Fallon lengthed his body in a stretch, the crack of unused joints echoing through the room. A soft smile of contentment was displayed on his lips as he took a few steps over to the wooden chair propped up against the closet door. Grasping the woolen cerulean bathrobe, Fallon slipped one arm into a sleeve, and then the other, Fallon grasped the belt before tying it into a tight knot.

Taking a few steps forward cautiously, Fallon stopped in the doorway, listening for the sounds of someone waking from sleep to check on the source of the noise. Letting out a sigh of relief as the atmosphere remained silent, Fallon made his way out of the door and into the hallway, illuminated by torches lining the wall.

As he strode down the hallway, the wooden floorboards creaked eerily under his footfalls, Fallon began to gnaw his lower lip in thought, his gaze becoming distant. Should he pursue valuable insight into writing? Or should he let it die like an ember in the wind? Shaking his head vigorously to rid himself of the troublesome thoughts, Fallon lengthened his stride until his lean legs were eating up the distance.

Rounding the corner and halting in front of a pair of double doors, Fallon couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship that had been applied to crafting the wooden frame. Most of the architects in the castle had been hand-picked by his Father King Alaric, their talents are shown in the insignia of the Draconian kingdom which was currently carved into the door frame.

Reaching forward and grasping the brass handles, Fallon pushed the door open before stepping into the grand library. It was the true definition of a library that could be straight from a fairy tale. The grand ceiling extends far above his head, adorned with a mosaic of a night sky, every little detail expertly hand-painted by a professional. Lining the walls towering over him, several wooden bookshelves were arranged in lines, comprising most of the library. Littered across the library were study nooks, a singular lamp sitting atop a long oak desk.

Taking a few steps over to the nearest bookcase and glancing up and down the shelves, Fallon began to browse through the countless books. Coming up empty-handed, Fallon strode over to the next bookcase, tapping his foot in thought as he browsed through them. His eyes lit up with excitement once he had located the book he desired; 'The Ascender Qualifications', the lettering sticking out like a sore thumb.

Gingerly removing the book and feeling the heft of it, Fallon hoisted it under an arm and trudged over to the main table resting in the center of the room, the oaken surface polished to a shine. Plopping the book down on the surface with a loud thud, Fallon pulled a chair over and plopped down onto the cushion. Drawing the book close to him, he blew on the leather cover, sending dust scattering. Opening the first page, Fallon knew he was in for a long night.

Alaric had always been a light sleeper, preferring to grab cat naps whenever he wasn't swamped with his duties. Despite craving the luxuries of everyday sleep and consuming nourishment in the form of sweets and fine wine, Alaric knew he needed to keep a clear head so as not to become too laid back.

Flinching slightly and almost dropping the ceramic coffee mug, Alaric placed it on the marble counter and glanced out the large window. The inky blackness of night was illuminated by a flash of lightning, swiftly followed by a crack of thunder. Letting out a sigh and running a hand through ebony-hued hair, Alaric knew it was only a matter of time until the power went out.

A feeling of unease slowly began to flow from his chest, signifying someone close to him was troubled. Pivoting on his heels and walking out of the door, Alaric heard the distinctive sound of rain beginning to patter against the aluminum of the roof. Following the sensation of a beacon in the night, Alaric began to pick up the pace until he was swiftly jogging through the halls, the rain coming down in sheets that were lashing against the window pane.

Arriving at the library and glimpsing a shadowy figure hunched over a large book, Alaric cautiously approached, not wanting to startle them. Once Fallon came into view, Alaric took in his son's physical appearance. His eyes were troubled, almost like he was conflicted about something. His posture signified defeat, the slumped shoulders were those of an individual who believed they had reached a dead end. Clearing his throat loudly, Alaric approached his son's side.

"Fallon, while I admire your determination to become a well-renowned Ascender, you do realize you don't have to endure this alone, right?" Alaric's question carried genuine understanding and kindness for his son." Ah, I see you have found the ancient tome of our ancestors. How goes the research?"

Letting out a sigh of exasperation, Fallon skimmed the last few paragraphs before slamming the book shut." Alaric, how fortunate for me that you were in the vicinity. I am not making any headway when it comes to gleaning any information from these tidbits of information. If you recall Father, my next assignment is to learn the rules and regulations regarding writing the Ascender documentation." Flipping the book open to a random page, Fallon could feel his annoyance rising at his current predicament.

"Well, that's the beauty of writing is it not? Yes, our ancestors may have recorded what has already transpired, but that doesn't mean the rules can't be bent and twisted to what we see fit. It is the starting point, from which we can build and refine the written word." Pulling up a nearby chair, Alaric slid down onto the soft cushion and turned his attention to Fallon. His eyes shone with the barest hint of a smile as he nodded his head." The world is evolving Fallon, we can't always be stuck in our old ways you know. For instance, did you know that we can use antonyms and synonyms in regards to our written text?"

"It doesn't surprise me. My instructor once uttered the words ' Writing whether it be academic or a hobby can transcend boundaries put forth by those who are blind to the wonders of expressing one's thoughts and emotions.'" His eyes shone with pride as he was able to recall their words so vividly. Glancing down at the book, Fallon was able to glimpse information that struck him as something he had never observed before." Huh, did you know we also believe in applying the rhetorical aspect of things regarding our written word?"

Chuckling deeply from within himself, Alaric nodded his head in confirmation. Reaching over and sliding the book in front of him, Alaric had a gleam of amusement in his eye." Careful Fallon, the definition of a rhetorical question is as follows 'A question asked to make a statement that does not expect an answer.' Ask too many of those and your brain will be as barren as a desert!" Letting out a genuine bout of laughter, Alaric sighed as he calmed himself." Anyway, regarding your assignment, you will need to apply Logos, Pathos, and Ethos for it to be effective and resonate with the proper audience. Seeing as how you are a bonafide worry wart, you have the Pathos part covered!" Alaric let out a laugh that echoed with joy that he was in the vicinity of his son.

"Hey now! Just because my sentiments are more refined than others doesn't mean I can't tell the difference between sarcasm and genuine seriousness!" Unable to suppress it a single moment longer, Fallon snickered before he burst out laughing, tears forming in his eyes. Wiping them away with a sleeve of his robe, Fallon tried to regain his composure." What would that make you then? The Supreme ruler of Ethos? You are so high and mighty that your visual image should be next to the world in the dictionary!" Striking a dramatic pose, Fallon's voice deepened significantly until it carried a hint of humor." I King Alaric command you to patrol the parameters to scout for the adversary! My logic stems from my inflated ego and I am such a know-it-all!"

Snorting with laughter and doubling over in his chair, Alaric was laughing so much his breath abandoned him at that particular moment. Trying to compose himself and catch his breath, Alaric mischievously wiggled his eyebrows." Tread cautiously Fallon, my Ethos and Logos are refined let me tell you! For example, if you keep rambling about my knowledgeable experiences, I have no choice but to let you in on a little secret." Leaning forward to whisper in Fallon's ear, Alaric couldn't suppress the laughter from entering his voice." I do know one thing, how well-refined and experienced my ethos and logos are, who's to say I won't follow through with expanding my genius outlook on life and become further obnoxious and annoying?"

Despite the torrential downpour currently transpiring outside and the wind howling through the cracks and crevices, it didn't phase Alaric or Fallon who were occupied with the joys of writing and how it could bring anyone closer together, regardless of opinions and experiences. From this night forward, they would pave the way for others to find euphoria in the written word. For you see dear reader, writing is the cornerstone of knowledge and shall be forevermore valued and revered.

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peeyots · 2 years ago

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2022年に買ったボードゲームのまとめ

(記憶が正しければ、）2022年に届いたものが対象。ミニ拡張は除く。

カーネギー (Carnegie Deluxe Edition) 評価保留（ソロのみプレイ）: バリアブルフェーズオーダー&エレベーターアクション。Kickstarter版より先にリテール版が届くみたいなくだりは散々見てきたけど、届く前に何の金も積んでない奴にBGAですっかり消費されてるパターンは初めて見た。

グランドオーストリアホテル：レッツワルツ！ (Grand Austria Hotel: Let's Waltz! Expansion & Deluxe Upgrade) 6.0: やりたいことはよく分かるんだけど、ただでさえ長いゲームが更に長くなるのは予想通りだった。

エイジ・オブ・アトランティス (The Age of Atlantis) 未プレイ: これは、Kickstarterにて（事情はよくわかるが、）原価高騰により発送のための身代金を要求された初のパターン。そんなキャッチボールをしているうちにリテール版のほうが先に手元に届くという……

西フランク王国の建築家：奇跡の大業 (Architects of the West Kingdom: Works of Wonder) 6.5: 第1拡張までだと、まじめに大聖堂を建てに行くか、闇市場パワーでやりくりしていくか、プレイヤーの動きが直線的で見えすぎちゃうきらいがあったが、影響力という追加パラメータやマップ上での要人の追いかけっこ要素の追加により、より立体的になった。

ファクトリーファナー (Factory Funner） 6.5: クワリの垢抜けない絵面がシュっとした。ファクトリーファンまでだったら何とか手懐けられる気もするが、こちらはリアルタイムでタイルの取り合いをするとちょいちょい事故る。

Bear Raid 5.5: 空売りと風説の流布をフィーチャーした株ゲーム。ストックパイルのようなパーティー感は意外と薄く、負けているプレイヤーはじわじわと苦しくなってくる。リアル！いちるの希望があるとしたら、株を空売りしまくった会社を市場操作で倒産させてチャラにすること。インストでは、金融知識の乏しい人に空売りの概念を説明するのが面倒くさいと思いました。

Ghosts of Christmas 6.0: タイムパラトリックスのリメイク。3ゲーム同時解決のビッド制のトリックテイキング。コントロールできなさそうでギリできる絶妙なバランス。

ハビタッツ (Habitats) 6.0: 陶器コマ芸が木ゴマ芸に変わった。映え重視ながらユニークな木駒を探してタイルに置いていく労力は見合うのか問題が……

9 Lives 7.0: CATTYのリメイク。カードは裏から見てもどのスートがわかるようにできているので、ビット制のトリックテイキングの入門教材として最適。予想トリック数は4でカンストするので、それがオーバーしたときも、１ or 5トリックといった形になっているので、リカバリーが利くという希望を持ってプレイし続けられるのも良い。

バスケットボス (Basket Boss) 5.5: クラシカルな競りゲーム。競りにかけられるプレイヤーはランダム性が強く、痺れるようなカツカツの資金管理が要求される感じは薄い。自チームの選手の衰え具合を見つつ、ある程度運任せにどこで強くアクセルを踏むかを問われる感じ。

西フランク王国の子爵：鍵の番人 (Viscounts of the West Kingdom: Keeper of Keys) 未プレイ

西フランク王国：年代記 (The West Kingdom Tombsaga) 未プレイ: 3つのゲームを連続で遊ぶキャンペーンとしてやるには特にストーリー的な展開もなく、トリロジー出揃ったので、ふわっと作って見ました感が強いな！

Fall of the Mountain King 6.0: 前作の資源の沸かせ方のような発明を期待するとちょと肩透かしを食らうかも。ゲームの芯となるメカニクスは、Smartphone Inc.のカード重ねパズルでアクションを決めていくやつ（の発展系）なので、正直そこに強い独自性は感じなかった。プレイヤーは互いに陣取りをしながら、外から攻めてくる敵とも戦うという構成になっており、そのPvEの部分の処理がなかなか複雑。ただ、ある門が破られて、そこから一気に敵が領��内になだれ込んでくるという表現は十分になされてはいる。

帝国の時代：インペリウム・クラシック (Imperium: Classics) 7.0: より上級者向けにしたインペリアルセトラーズという感じ。共通サプライからもカードを取ってデッキ構築していくので、相手の文明特性を見てカットしていく動きも大事。デッキを一巡させるごとに（通常は）強いカードを獲得できるので、ゲーム後半に掛けて必ず盛り上がりを見せる。問題はルール量とその記述のされ方。ゲーム内用語でアクションを説明するカード記述はとっつきが非常に悪い。あと、こんなに翻訳が大変そうで、遊ぶ人を選びそうなゲームの日本語版が出てびっくりした。

帝国の時代：インペリウム・レジェンド (Imperium: Legends) 未プレイ: クラシックよりも文明特性がよりピーキーになった上級者向けのバージョン。混ぜて遊べる。

テラミスティカ：オートマボックス日本語版 (Terra Mystica: Automa Box) 未プレイ

ゴーレム日本語版 (Golem) 未プレイ

アーク・ノヴァ日本語版 (Ark Nova) 未プレイ

テケン：セトの時代 (Tekhenu: Time of Seth) 未プレイ: 村のゲーム会に持ち込んだら「嫌です」と言われた。

パンドリア：トロールズ＆トレイルズ (Pandoria: Trolls & Trails) 未プレイ

フィヨルド日本語版 (Fjords) 6.0: 4人で遊べるようになりました！も、予想通り、キングをメイクしてしまうので、各々が空気を読んでお仕事をする職場環境が要求される。やっぱり2人で、ということになるが、モジュールの追加でゲームごとに土地の価値が変わり、リプレイ性が上がりつつ、ソリッドなゲームが現代的に丸くなった。

オッドソックス (Odd Socks) 6.0: ノースートのトリックテイキング。ラウンドごとに配分が異なる、勝つともらえる右くつ下と、負けるともらえる左くつ下の数をなるべく均等に取るようにする。わかりやすさとかわいらしさで良いフィラー。

カスカディア日本語版 (Cascadia) 6.5: ちょうど良いルール量とコントロール領域に調整してきたタイル配置パズルの新定番、という感じ。絶妙なバランス。めちゃくちゃソロプレイ感が強いのに、相対評価の得点要素もある点はちぐはぐしていると言えば言えなくもない。

コンコルディア：ソリティア (Concordia: Solitaria) 未プレイ: ルールはかっちり読んだ。2人の協力モードが気になる。

グレートウェスタントレイル第2版 (Great Western Trail 2nd Edition) 7.5: 改めてよくできたゲームだなーと。10年も経ってないゲームをちょい改変して刷り直すブームに物申したい気分��ありつつ、早かれ遅かれ拡張も買っちゃいそう。アルゼンチンとかニュージーランドとかはどうする？ ……嫌な商売してくるなー

クアックサルバー：錬金術師 (The Quacks of Quedlinburg: The Alchemists) 未プレイ

Radlands (Radlands) 6.5: マッドマックス的世界観の2人専用カードゲーム。3つのレーンに置いた建物の前に前衛・後衛の人物カードをデプロイしつつ、穴を開けたら時限式の自動車爆弾を突っ込ませてダメージを喰らわせる…というテーマ再現性が素晴らしい。ただ、各建物は特殊効果を持っており、破壊されるとそれが無効化されるため、陣形を崩してしまったプレイヤーは逆転の目もなくじわじわと負けていきがちなので、ゲームの後半は少々ダレる印象がある。

エクリプス：宇宙船パック1 (Eclipse: Ship Pack One) 未プレイ: 叩き売りされていたので確保。第2版が出ている中で、遊ぶことはあるのか。自分の通夜ではエクリプス9人プレイをやってほしいという遺言はここに残しておきます。んで、宇宙船パック2はいつ出るのカナ？

アーティチョークなんて大キライ！ (Abandon All Artichokes) 6.0: 不思議なプレイ感のデッキ構築&解体ゲーム。5枚の手札補充時にアーティチョークの札が1枚も無いことを目指すのだが、デッキを厚くして薄めていくアップローチと、圧縮でアーティチョークを廃棄するアプローチとあるので、他プレイヤーの方針に反する攻撃をすることが重要。2人だと直球のドツキ合いになるので、4人プレイを推奨。

ドミニオン：同盟 (Dominion: Alies) 6.5: なんか似たような拡張なかったっけ…… 最近は、アプリ版のほうが先に拡張がリリースされ、セットアップも楽なので、ほとんどアプリ版でしか遊ばないのに、なぜフィジカル版も買うのか？問題。それはたくさんかどまれるから。

ファーストラット (First Rat) 7.5: ネズミがかき集めたゴミでロケットを組み立てて月を目指すというテーマと絵が100点のダイスを振らないすごろく。

ブライアン・ボル (Brian Boru: High King of Ireland) 未プレイ

ドミニオン：海辺第二版日本語版 (Dominion: Seaside) 7.0: 差分カードとかどまる機会の欲しさにまだ付き合ってしまう上客！新カードはよくわからんけど、アタックカードが派手になってる印象は受けた。なお、アプリ版では第1版を持っていれば無償アップデート対応。異郷も。対応が素晴らしい！と思ったら、繁栄第2版から普通に金を取られるように。まーデバッグとか大変よね。

ヒドゥン・リーダーズ完全日本語版 (Hidden Leaders) 5.5: 4つある勢力のうち、2つを秘密裏に応援し、ゲーム終了時に綱引き形式の勢力パラメータを勝利条件を満たすようにセットされていることを目指す。プレイされる勢力カードのバランスと引かれるカードの運でゲームがハネるかスベるかが決まる感が強い。1プレイが短めなので何度も遊ぶと味がしてくる系かな？

アグ��コラ：泥沼からの出発リバイズドエディション日本語版 (Agricola: Farmers of the Moor) 未プレイ: 旧版では暖房が焚けずに家族が寝込むというフィーチャーが大好きだったんだので、それが映える立派なベッドが付いているだけで満足です。

カートグラファー勇者たちの門出完全日本語版 (Cartographers Heroes) 7.0: 得点もモンスターの攻撃も派手になって、みんなでビンゴをやっているような盛り上がり感がより増した。今から無印とHerosのどちらかを買うならば、断然こちらをおすすめする。

ドミニオン：異郷第二版日本語版 (Dominion: Hinterland) 6.5: もともと地味でバランスが取れてるカードばかりという印象の拡張なので、なぜこちらが繁栄よりも先に手を入れられているのかがよくわからない。

アグリコラ：ドゥルチナリアデッキ日本語版 (Agricola: Dulcinaria) 未プレイ: エラッタ適用の手間で十分楽しめました。

メッシーナ1347 (Messina 1347) 7.5: ペスト禍からの復興。外部からの人材流入、検疫しつつ人材センターで一度受け付けてから持ち場に派遣…というプロセスがわかりやすく、要素が多いながらも、手を動かし始めればあまり迷うことがないのが、スヒィがすごいデザイナーと思うところだったりする。合法的に街に火を放つことができるのが一番のお気に入りポイント。

Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North - Wrath of the Lighthouse 未プレイ: ソリティアキャンペーンシナリオ。めちゃくちゃ文量のあるキャンペーンのテキストは大方訳した。Expedition to Newdaleみたいな手垢の付きまくった全然わくわくしないストーリー。世界に5人くらいはいるであろうEotN重度中毒者のためのレクリエーション。

ティルトゥム日本語版 (Tiletum) 未プレイ：ルールは読んだ。2回も。

パンピンポン��ーム 5.5: 4人もいると荒く差し込んでくる輩が必ず現れるので、審判を1人立てておきたい。無理ならば、感想戦時にVARでも。

キャット・イン・ザ・ボックス日本語版 (Cat in the Box) 7.0: スートなしのカードをスート宣言しつつプレイするビット制のトリックテイキング。よくこのアイデアからここまでのゲームにまとめ上げたなとデザイン力に感心する。

Woodcraft 7.0: プラハのアクションホイールの発展形。人気のアクションはしばらく（通常の手段では、）選べなくなり、不人気のアクションにはわんさかボーナスが付いてくる。最近のヘビーユーロにありがちな、少ない手番でボーナスを沸かせて、1アクションあたりの密度を上げていくやつとの相性は非常に良い。明らかにやり足りないタイミングでゲームが終わり、プレイヤーに挑戦しがいのあるゲームだと勘違いさせるズルい作りも最近のゲームっぽい。

ウイングスパン：東洋の翼 (Wingspan: Asia) 未プレイ: 2人専用のスタンドアロン版（デュエットモード）としても遊べる。ラウンド目標は、新たに用意された陣取りボード的なところに、鳥カード配置の都度、条件に合うマス1つ（生息地、卵の種類…）にコマを置いていき、キングダムビルダーめいた得点条件（最も多くの横列にコマを置いているプレイヤーの勝ち…）で勝者を決めていく。取ってつけた感が非常に強いが、果たして……

今年初めて遊んだゲームベスト5

1位ファーストラット

牛歩でセットコレクションの早取りを目指すか、それともショートカットを駆使した速い周回を目指すのか…… いくつかある勝ち手の中から何を選ぶか悩ましさがありつつ、すごろく自体はダイスにもカードにも依存しないという直球ユーロの作り。そしてあのテーマとアートワーク。ユニークキャラの能力差調整が怪しいところ以外に特に文句がない。

2位 Viral

ウィルスとなって、様々な臓器で陣取りを行うという、これまた最高のテーマとアートワークのゲーム。バネストの仕入れセンス！アクションプロット制のままならさもありつつも、動静脈に依存した移動ルートの制限など、テーマがちゃんとゲームの面白さに寄与している。

3位 Tornado Splash 2

今年はテーマ再現とアートワーク評価の年！だったのか。競艇をテーマにした同人ゲーム。カードをテーブルに並べてプールに交錯する引波を表現できただけで勝ちが見えた感がある。プレイヤーの裁量によるファジーな判定がごっこ遊び感を強め、モダンなボードゲームというよりかは、プリミティブな遊びの良さがある。

4位メッシーナ1347

偶然の時事性はさておき、これまたテーマ再現がおじょうずにできたゲーム。今日びのヘビーゲームでの安易手のひとつ、いわゆる信仰トラックに依存しているところには目を瞑ろう。

5位 Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done: Divine Influence

基本ゲームの不満点（とある安易な戦術が強すぎる&ゲームの進行がいささか直線的に見えすぎる）を解消し、真の形でCrusadersが完成。拡張なのでランキングに入れるべきか迷ったけど、マストハブの拡張ということでここに。とうの昔に完成していたのに、TMGの元気がなくなって（最終的には死んで）リリースまでにここまで時間がかかってしまい、日本語版（日中版？）もかなり望みは薄そうという、なかなか悲劇的なタイトルである。

総括

引き続き他の趣味（具体的には通年月1ペースでのキャンプ）との可処分時間の取り合い��問題もあり、プレイ時間は減少傾向…… 誰か平日に遊んで！

なんだかんだで去年とほぼ同数のゲームがリストに並んだのは意外。それくらい自分はボードゲームを遊んでもなければ買ってもない認識があった。こわい。

上記頻度の問題で、重いゲームは買っても回せないスパイラルに陥り、程よい重さでテーマ再現に妙技を見せるゲームを評価する傾向に。

とりわけ上半期はBGAでたくさん遊べて楽しかった。意図せず非リプレイ派になっている自分に取って、しつこく噛めば味がしてくるゲームの存在を確認できる良い機会だった。なお、今年もこんなにキャンプを連打しているのにジョーカータイムを使えず。エリクサー病か。

この年次のエントリー、観測範囲では楽しみにしているのが2人しかいないのに、工数がえらく掛かるので、めちゃくちゃ割に合わないと思いました。

#boardgames #ボードゲーム #2022

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