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usafphantom2 · 3 months ago

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VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

F-14 Tomcat TARPS equipped

The F-14 equipped with Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) … or Peeping Tom.

According to Home of M.A.T.S., until introduction of a replacement on the F/A-18, the TARPS was the only possibility for the Navy to get tactical information about an area or target via a fast flying aircraft, the F-14. Since the retirement of the RF-8, the RF-4B and various A-3 Skywarrior variants, the F-14 was the only aircraft for this role (and can carry at the same time a complete range of air-to-air weapons!) until the introduction of a F/A-18 recce aircraft with reconnaissance equipment instead of a gun!

Taken in 1985 by a TARPS equipped VF-103 Sluggers F-14 Tomcat the IR photo featured in this article shows the Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying the Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella.

During CVW-17’s August 1985-1986 Med deployment, CVW-17’s aircraft were responsible for the successful intercept and forced landing of the Egyptian airliner carrying the infamous Achille Lauro ship hijackers.

More details on the operation are featured in Mike Crutch’s book CVW: US Navy Carrier Air Wing Aircraft 1975-2015.

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

VF-74 F-14

As Crutch explains in fact, CVW-17 embarked aboard USS Saratoga (CV-60) entered the Sixth Fleet’s area on Sep. 2, 1985, and air wing Tomcats met their first Soviet Tu-95 BEAR three days later west of Gibraltar. During this period, VF-103 sent their TARPS F-14As on a long range recce mission to photograph ships of the Soviet battlecruiser Frunze surface action group.

MS Achille Lauro hijacking

After turnover with USS Nimitz (CVN-68, with CVW-8 embarked) on Sep. 13, the ship and air wing returned to the massive, ongoing NATO wargames and took part in Exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION ’85. It was as the final phase of that exercise ended – on Oct. 8 – that the Italian passenger liner MS Achille Lauro was hijacked by Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) terrorists off the Egyptian coast.

As contingencies were drawn up by the Pentagon, Saratoga sailed eastwards from the Ionian Sea that same day – promptly running into two prowling Soviet Il-38 MAYs operating out of Syria, both of which were intercepted by F-14s. The following day, Saratoga was southeast of Crete and launched S-3 Vikings from VS-30 Diamond Cutters to locate the cruise liner, only to receive word that evening that the Achille Lauro had made Port Said in Egypt at the orders of PLF leader Abu Abbas. After the ship docked, the terrorists fled in one of the harbour vessels, and the Achille Lauro’s crew and passengers were free to disembark; the brutal murder of passenger – and US national – Leon Klinghoffer some hours beforehand was not apparent to Italian and US government officials until later that night.

Despite intelligence to the contrary, the Egyptian government stated that the terrorists had already left the country and no prosecutions would be possible. President Ronald Reagan was not going to let a second American’s murder at the hand of Middle East terrorists go unpunished, as had the killing of Navy diver Robert Stethem – a passenger aboard hijacked TWA Flight 847 earlier that year at Lebanon’s Beirut airport.

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

VF-103 F-14s

Egypt Air Boeing 737 SU-AYK

US intelligence – almost certainly aided by Israel’s Mossad – soon learnt of the Egyptian government’s deception and that Cairo’s Almaza airbase would be the point from which the terrorists would depart the country. An Egypt Air Boeing 737 (registration SU-AYK) was observed making an unusual positioning flight for such an airliner to the base from Cairo’s main airport, and a flight plan filed with a destination of Tunisia – a country with close Palestinian connections and known haven for Abu Abbas’ PLF terrorists.

At the direction of the National Command Authority, Commander Sixth Fleet in Naples was ordered to intercept and divert the Boeing to the US base at Sigonella, Italy where US forces would take the terrorists into custody. On course for a port call in the Yugoslav city of Dubrovnik, Saratoga was tasked to carry out the intercept; CAG of CVW-17 – CDR Bob Brodsky – planned to launch seven F-14s (drawn from both VF-74 and VF-103, including a TARPS bird from the latter), supported by KA-6D tankers of VA-85 Black Falcons and three E-2Cs of VAW-125 Tigertails. Knowing that the Boeing would route around Libyan airspace to the north, an airborne ‘gate’ was established south of Crete through which all traffic was monitored. The CO of VAW-125 – CDR Ralph Zia – was airborne in one of the E-2Cs, callsign TIGERTAIL 603 (BuNo 161547), and led the efforts to identify all airborne contacts.

One VF-74 Tomcat pilot would later remark “It was amazing how many aircraft were flying without lights over the Mediterranean that night – from Russian Il-76 transports to even a pair of USAF C-141s that we later realised had onboard members of the special ops teams waiting to capture those onboard the 737.”

Photos taken by VF-103 F-14 Tomcat TARPS equipped fighters

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

Egypt Air Boeing 737

Intelligence assets had reported that around 2200hrs local time, the Egypt Air Boeing 737 had taken off from Almaza (using the callsign EGYPTAIR 2843) and had set course for Tunisia as flight planned.

After a number of intercepts, one of the VF-103 Tomcats (reportedly CLUBLEAF 205 – F-14A BuNo 160904) finally visually identified the Egypt Air Boeing 737 – cruising at 34,000 feet – and confirmed its registration as SU-AYK back to Zia onboard TIGERTAIL 603. They were soon joined by the other F-14As and, after conducting visual intercept manoeuvres to ‘follow me’ as well as a brief radio exchange between Zia and the 737’s captain, all headed for Sigonella.

After some one and a quarter hours under Tomcat escort, the Boeing 737 touched down at 0040hrs local time on 11 October. TARPS imagery (taken from CLUBLEAF 214 – F-14A BuNo 161134) recorded the stand-off on the ground between US special forces – intent on capturing the terrorists – and Italian security forces, who were acting on the orders of their furious government who had received no prior briefing on the USA’s actions and use of Italian territory. The US forces were eventually withdrawn after a long standoff, and the terrorists passed into the hands of the Italian authorities.

Larry Neal, former VF-103 F-14 crew member who took part in the intercept, explained to me: ‘The day prior to the intercept, we had in fact tracked down the Achille Lauro and using a stand-off LOROPS TARPS system had imaged the ship in anticipation of a rescue attempt. When the ship pulled in and was surrendered, the rescue mission was canceled and we reassumed Alert 60, and headed to Dubrovnik.

Looking for a civilian airliner

VF-84 F-14 model

This model is available from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

‘Later that day, the 1MC launch order came about 7pm. Crews were scrambling to jets in a “fast as you can get there” mode. There was no brief. All I was told prior to launch was “you’re looking for a civilian airliner and you may be cleared to fire.” As I manned up Hummers and tankers were launching. The first F-14 airborne was a Devil (VF-74), but in their rush to be first, they’d launched without a system. CDC decided they couldn’t participate and parked them overhead for the duration.

‘The next 4 aircraft airborne were Sluggers (VF-103). I was in that bunch and was airborne about 7:25 or so in a TARPS jet. We tanked overhead then proceeded to CAP stations, two aircraft at the eastern end of Crete and two at the western. Several intercepts were made of passing comm air. Two bogies popped up to the east. One Slugger was sent out to id. Midway through the intercept the pilot realized that the bogies had their lights off. Ours were immediately turned off as well. That intercept went as described…lights out.

‘Final id with a flashlight and then using the engines as a distinguishing indicator. Four under the wings. We saw these guys again later. The Slugger was called off and told to return to station. About that time, I was given a vector for a bogie climbing NE out of Benina. We were all still midnight. Early contact on the bogey. Id’ed as a Flogger. Ran the intercept to about 35-40 mi, when he turned and RTB’ed.

Lights out Slugger

‘I reset to the western CAP station. We waited a bit. A new contact was detected coming north out of Egypt. It turned west and was immediately joined by a lights out Slugger. The pilot reported the tail number and unusual tail design back to CDC. As the 737 turned and proceeded west, the other three Sluggers all joined up still lights out and basically surrounded the 737. Zia spoke with the 737 on VHF and us on UHF. The conversation and the lights on went as described [in our previous article].

VF-103 F-14 crew member tells the story of TARPS IR photo of Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

VF-103 F-14 TARPS IR photo showing Egypt Air Boeing 737 carrying the Achille Lauro hijackers after landing at Sigonella

‘Once the 737 pilot had been convinced to proceed to Sig, it became pretty quiet. One of the Slugger jets had been loaded with 20mm tracers but they weren’t necessary. The Italian controllers did at first refuse entry but one of the Slugger back seaters declared “emergency fuel” as a ploy to get us clearance. It worked. We’d left the descent too long not realizing the limitations of the 737. The 737 was too high on its first approach to the westerly runway (27?) and took it around. Over shot the second approach and finally landed on his third attempt.

‘As he landed, two lights out 141s landed behind him and turned their lights on as they rolled out. I was overhead taking pictures at 4K’. We all rtb’ed. No F-14s landed at Sig. Called Hotshot on the way back…straight in. OK 3 NC. It didn’t count towards the line period because it had officially ended. Pissed me off. 5 hrs of night time.’

Another attempt to intercept the 737

Noteworthy as Crutch points out in his book, some sources paint a picture of another attempt to intercept the 737 – confirmed as carrying PLF leader Abu Abbas – as it positioned to Rome on Oct. 11. Some reports even state that F-14s tried to disrupt escorting Italian F-104 Starfighters in an attempt to secure the Boeing airliner. Saratoga had anchored off Dubrovnik earlier that day, and no other US carriers were in the Mediterranean at the time, so a work of fiction or a still-classified incident involving forces of a fellow NATO member? Perhaps we will never know.

VF-74 print

This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS. F-14B Tomcat VF-74 Be-Devilers, AA101 / 162919 / 1993

Photo credit: Larry Neal, SRA Chris A. Putnam, PH1 William A. Shayka and Lt. Cmdr. Dave Parsons / U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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fuckyeahmarxismleninism · 3 months ago

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By Lallan Schoenstein

At the beginning of August, leaders of North America’s largest dockworkers’ union, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), sent the employer association, USMX, a strike notice that federal law requires 60 days before a strike.

When ILA delegates met on Sept. 4 and 5, they reported that union members voiced unanimous support for a strike. As delegates discussed the demands and a strike strategy, ILA president Harold Daggett told the ILA members they must be prepared “to hit the streets at 12:01 on Tuesday, Oct. 1.”

Longshore workers on the West Coast are in the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). They deal with the country’s biggest container volume. On the East Coast, the five busiest ports are covered by the ILA contract agreement with USMX: New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Houston, Virginia, and Charleston.

#ILA #ILWU #strike #dockworkers #labor #unions #solidarity #USMX #class struggle #Struggle La Lucha

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swldx · 1 year ago

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BBC 0526 25 Nov 2023

6195Khz 0500 25 NOV 2023 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from SANTA MARIA DI GALERIA. SINPO = 45233. English, pips and newsroom preview. @0501z World News anchored by Chris Berrow. Hamas frees 24 hostages as temporary ceasefire deal holds. Soon after, 39 Palestinian detainees were released across the Beitunia checkpoint in the West Bank. 150 trucks carrying humanitarian relief supplies and fuel entered the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing on Friday as part of a hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. The temporary humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip, which began on Friday, revealed the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe and the massive destruction caused by the Israeli army in various areas, especially Gaza City and the northern parts of the enclave. Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd, was stabbed by another inmate and seriously injured Friday at a federal prison in Arizona. A climate change protest off Australia's east coast disrupted operations at the country's biggest coal export port on Saturday. Argentina President-elect Javier Milei said on Friday he had spoken with the director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, regarding plans to adjust the country's fiscal policy and monetary program. The country is currently facing inflation nearing 150%, a looming recession and net reserves seen at negative $10 billion. Argentina is tied up by a $44 billion loan program from the IMF that has veered off track. The French government has launched a campaign encouraging people not to buy new clothes in Black Friday sales. Sports: The Brazil vs. Argentina fight during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Rio de Janeiro will now be investigated by FIFA in disciplinary proceedings. An investigation into what started the brawl between fans is also being investigated by Brazilian police. As for what happened on the field, Argentina players protested while Brazilian police were beating up Argentinian fans. It got so heated that Lionel Messi had to pull his teammates from the field and head to the locker rooms to cool their heads. @0506z "Newsroom" begins. MLA 30 amplified loop (powered w/8 AA rechargeable batteries ~10.8vdc), Etón e1XM. 250kW, beamAz 195°, bearing 49°. Received at Plymouth, United States, 7877KM from transmitter at Santa Maria di Galeria. Local time: 2300.

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jake0302 · 3 years ago

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DND campaign idea

Kingdoms

Pantala: A vast forest full of of high mountains and open valleys it is an abundance of natural resources. A sort of free zone that isn’t directly allied with any kingdom. It’s towns are all self governed and either rely on trade or natural resources to survive. Several of the towns have their own specialty like farming, lumber or even potion brewing while others are more diverse.

Ice Kingdom: One of the smaller kingdoms it only has two cities, the capital and a port town. The capital is a popular tourist destination as it is built near an active underground volcano creating both hot springs and plethora of ores to mine. These along with the port towns fishing businesses make it a very wealthy kingdom.

Night Kingdom: A kingdom said to be cursed because a heavy amount of clouds that always cover the kingdom, making it dim in the daylight and complete and utter darkness at night. Despite this a lush forest grows full of dangerous creatures and mysterious. This kingdom makes its profits from a strong mercenary service made up of elites that have challenged the cursed forests and survived. Along with mercenaries they also act as monster hunters, collecting and selling the pieces of their prey. Only one city exists in the kingdom with three roads heading out of the kingdom. One too the beaches of the bay, one to the sand kingdom and finally one leading into pantala. Best not to stray from these paths. For the danger increases the further you go into the forest.

Kingdom of sand: Consisting of a vast dessert with savanna to the east and west bordering the mud kingdom and night Kingdom, the Kingdom of sand is quite bare when it comes to natural resources, but has an incredible gold mine under its capital making it the leading producer in gold, drawing in a variety of other merchants from its neighbors to trade for said gold making it have the biggest and most diverse place for trade in the capital. Because of this the sand kingdom is quite peaceful and tries to stay a neutral party in any conflicts. Though do not think the gods are welcomed here in this great city, for a great pride of Leonin and their speaker are the rulers of this kingdom. (Note: goods for pantala would likely come in through ship off of the father dragons tail)

Sky Kingdom: With it’s incredibly high mountains that nearly scratch the sky it’s no wonder why the country is mostly populated by aarakocra, and other flying races. It is said that somewhere in the capital on the highest mountain there is a way to reach the elemental plane of air. Despite its mountainous terrain in the valleys between many species of livestock are breed and raised. It’s quite easy to protect them with eyes in the sky. But the sky isn’t the only place you should go looking in this kingdom. In several places deep in the mountains are city’s of dwarfs mining the ore rich mountains, and crafting the finest weapons. So if you attack this kingdom expect strikes from above as well as below.

Mud Kingdom: Consisting of a giant swamp this is not an easy kingdom to thrive in. Despite this the inhabitants of this kingdom have adapted well, and even taken advantage of its natural resources along traded resources from its neighbor the Rainforest kingdom to become the greatest potion producing kingdom in all the land. Many Druids, alchemists, and other magical scholars travel here for this reason seeking the best ingredients and brews.

Rainforest Kingdom: A wild kingdom full of beauty and danger. Their towns and cities are built high in the trees away from the dangerous wildlife. The people of this kingdom have a great respect for the trees that surround them, making them very aggressive to those who want to cut them down. But despite the harsh circumstances they thrive quite well, picking and trading the variety exotic fruits that grow above their cities along with the pelts of the animals they hunt.

The kingdom of the sea: Within the curl of the mother dragons tail resides the underwater capital of this kingdom. Full of tritons, kuo-toa, locathah, merfolk and other sea faring races this kingdom has resources that no others can access, whether it’s sunken treasure or the local fauna they’ll have it. While a majority of their settlements are below or on top of the water there are several towns along the coast and on the islands you can visit if you don’t have gills.

The story of the father and mother dragons:

It is said in the beginning there was only ocean. Till two great dragons came from beyond and settled here to rest. The father dragon with dark green scales that blend with the trees, and the mother dragon with rainbow colored scales that glow in the sunlight. It is on the remains of these two dragons that life began to flourish here, the mother dragon carrying the kingdoms, with the father bearing plantala. It is said somewhere on the the mother dragon lies her eggs still waiting to hatch.

Campaign ideas

Each kingdom hides and protects one of the eggs of the mother dragon.

1. Can be the source of that kingdoms magic/climate (like the clouds in the night kingdom or the snow in the ice Kingdom. No removing the eggs will not remove the affect they had in their area. These babies are just that strong)

2. Can be something for your players/party to steal (cough cough rogues)

3. Baby dragons

4. Make the objective of the campaign be to steal the eggs and perform a ceremony to allow them to hatch.

5. If doing number 4 have some kingdoms be in agreement with you while others will try to stop you cause they want the eggs power

6. Baby dragons

7. War with the dark gods. Your party has discovered that sometime in the future the evil gods plan to attack and destroy the world. The only hope of stopping them is to bring all the eggs together, hatch them, and have a dragon vs god showdown.

8. BABY DRAGONS

Ice Kingdom: Ice dragon (duh)

Night kingdom: Shadow dragon

Kingdoms for sand: Fire dragon

Sky Kingdom: wind dragon (or ironically earth cause of the mountains/dwarves)

Mud Kingdom: Earth dragon

Rainforest Kingdom: Nature dragon

Kingdom of the sea: sea dragon (what a surprise) (and perhaps make some sort of water breathing potion/equipment if there isn’t any already (the mud Kingdom probably has those potions))

The Kingdom of sand like it says before is ruled by a Leonin pride with their speaker as the queen. Other Leonin prides settle there living in different districts, towns and cities while also acting as different political parties. They will likely support your party and willingly hand over their egg once you’ve proven you can be trusted as the Leonin do hate the gods. And they don’t just kill anyone who is religious, they just banned setting up practices like churches and temples. And they also gently encourage you with their spears not to preach to the crowds.

The Mercenaries of the night kingdom are employed by its ruler so they can be counted as soldiers. They’ll be commonly hired by plantala towns to deal with monsters/criminals as they don’t have any large forces like the other kingdoms, and for the fact that they’re neighbors. As for the three main roads in and out of the kingdom, they are still riddled with danger but are still safer the cutting straight through the forest.

The Sky kingdom has two rulers. The mountain king/queen of the dwarfs. And the sky king/queen of the aarakocra.

And small idea for the ice Kingdom: have it’s rulers be artic bugbears. (Dunno if they’re real or not I just thought it’d be funny.)

#dnd #fantasy #dungeons and dragons

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lahdolphin · 5 years ago

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I’m missing Stars Aligned today and can’t stop thinking about this universe so I went through a lot of my notes and found a bunch of information I’ve never shared. Thought I’d dump it into the tag I have for the fic.

Inarizaki, Niiyama, and the Wastelands -- Inarizaki aesthetic and Niiyama aesthetic

On a continent to the south, there is the kingdom of Inarizaki and the Niiyama Empire. There may be smaller kingdoms and what not as well, but these are the major two. To the east is Inarizaki and to the west is Niiyama. Separating the two is a place known as the Wastelands, a stretch of desert that receives no rainfall (even the desert kingdom of Inarizaki receives some).

The Wastelands is characterized by cracked dry earth, dead foliage and lots of tumbleweeds. They say no civilized, sane person would live there and crossing this place is a near death sentence. The Wastelands is home to the second kind of changeling, though they don’t call themselves that. They prefer the term “shifters.” Unlike the changelings of Fukurodani, who can all turn into birds, shifters in the Wastelands turn into dogs. If Kyoutani, a shifter, was ever to met up with Iwaizumi, Oikawa, and co., it would be here. (Currently, a major clan in the Wastelands is run by a woman who is married to the god that created the shifters, though most people don’t know he’s a god. They have a son, Kyoutani, who will not be reborn like the Colored Mages, but who does have special powers and otherworldly skills.)

Niiyama is a matriarchal society with architecture and aesthetic based loosely on Aztec or Mayan culture (think Road to El Dorado) paired with every stereotypical rainforest aesthetic. Niiyama is home to lush rainforests, “exotic” animals like leopards and tigers and colorful birds and poisonous frogs, and female mages that worship the moon goddess. These women are trained as priestesses though people in Inarizaki like to call them “witches.” The current Black Mage is part of the royal family (specifically, her eerily old great-grandmother is the empress and she will give the throne to the Black Mage, the first royal female by blood since her). This is Niiyama’s captain in canon and at this point she doesn’t have a name. I like to call her Jun. She has a long title like Danerys in Game of Thrones, something like “[Name], Rightful Heir to the Niiyama Empire, High Priestess of the Moon Goddess, the Black Mage reborn, Daughter of the Forest, Bringer of Storms, etc. etc.” (Gods and goddesses can be found in the forest. They take on the shapes of giant animals, or humans. It’s best not to go too deep into the forest alone.)

Inarizaki is a patriarchal society and is a mix of a ton of aesthetics--Dorne in Game of Thrones, your stereotypical Arabian Nights, ancient Egypt, Gerudo from LoZ, and a few others. It is known as a land of summer, a sandy desert kingdom with large cities at coastal ports and internal oases and along rivers. People travel by camel across the sand or by boat along the coast and rivers. It is a very wealthy kingdom, but also a very poor kingdom. Only a few are wealthy and they control the poor to the point where the poor enter contracts, essentially selling themselves as slaves, to get a large sum of money in return which they can give to their family. Of course, not everyone enters a contract and some are taken by force. Here, there are many gods, but the people mainly worship the sun god and their economy is based on their massive export industry and trade in general. (Similarly, there are gods that roam the desert. One likes to sit at your campfire at night; you should give him food. Others will guide you through the desert, others led you to death. Do not trust a stranger in the desert.)

Essentially, Inarizaki is the antithesis of Niiyama (desert vs. rainforest, sun vs. moon god/goddess, patriarchal vs. matriarchal, etc.). Despite their differences, both kingdoms share ancient ruins with similar imagery and architecture. In Inarizaki, these ruins are buried beneath the sand. In Niiyama, they’re hidden in the depths of the jungle, some even underwater. Even in the Wastelands, there are crumbling ruins inhabited by the shifters to escape the sun. Treasure hunters search for these ruins and steal their treasures, often hiring guides and curse breakers. These places are very dangerous and no one knows what civilization built the ruins.

Three Empires/Triple Islands -- aesthetic

To the west, there are three islands either known as the Triple Islands or the Three Empires. Each island is about a day’s boat ride away with favorable winds and they’re roughly placed in a triangle, equidistant apart. There is the Nohebi Empire, the Itachiyama Empire, and the Mujinazaka Empire.

Long, long ago (to the point where it is just a story and not a known fact), these three islands were one land. However, three groups fought and the gods decided to split the land to stop the fighting. To this day, those gods are alive, hidden away on the islands to stop violence from breaking out between the current empires. (Perhaps in the story it was three siblings? Or maybe just three groups. I don’t think the current empires were established at that point in history. It was a really long ago.)

Mujinazaka is loosely based on the aesthetic of Tibetan monks and whole Air Nomad thing in Avatar the Last Airbender. The major god here is a frog. A lot of monks here are warrior monks, though they are generally peaceful. Most of them actually use magic but don’t use staves, preferring beads and such to amplify their magic, allowing them to fight with their fists but produce bursts of air.

Itachiyama is loosely based on some other ancient Asian culture (tbd). This is the place I know the least about, other than the emperor has many children, including a daughter that was rumored to be Oikawa’s potential bride after he came of age. The major god that resides in Itachiyama takes the form of a salamander.

Nohebi is based loosely on feudal era Japan. The major god residing in Nohebi is a snake. Second to Nekoma, they have the most mages based on percentage of the popular than any other kingdom/empire. They are also known for their academics. The capital, which is surrounded by cherry blossoms that last year round thanks to magic, is the home of the emperor. He has a vast network of spies/ninjas and personal samurai-like guards. The Green Mage has been said to live in Nohebi and I’ve mentioned in author’s notes that this is Daishou, who likes to take on the form of a snake but is not the god I mentioned before. I don’t know if he would be an advisor to the emperor, or maybe the head of his spy network, or perhaps serves some religious role for his ability to turn into the snake they worship. His presence in Nohebi is well known, and the emperor has some bit of control over him (but how much can you control a Colored Mage, really?--something I think Daishou takes advantage of).

Like with Niiyama and Inarizaki, gods like to roam. There are the major gods on each island but also more minor gods that you can find traveling. Some are good, some are bad, some are neither and simply exist.

#stars aligned fic

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eeraygun · 6 years ago

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aotoreiki · 2 years ago

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What is the largest city? What is it like?

How do people get around? (ie trains, taxis, ride pokemon)

What do people from other regions think of this region?

Fan region development questions, but I’m answering them for the Ranger series regions

15. What is the largest city? What is it like?

In Fiore, the largest city is Fall City, which is located in the east on the coast. Fall City is a port town and is the central arrival point for people visiting the region, so it has a tourist centre sitting right at the harbour. Fall City is a pleasant place; it has a sort of older European aesthetic to it, and the people living in it enjoy a less rural life than those of the other three Fiore towns. There are quite a few places to go shopping, although no huge malls, and some prominent water features. The weather in Fall City is mild, and it’s named for the season autumn. Like all the towns in Fiore, it has its own Ranger Base, Ranger Leader and distinct Ranger uniform.

In Almia, the largest city is Pueltown. As you could get from its name, it’s a port town. (Spanish puerto = port.) Like Fall City, Pueltown is fairly old, and lagging behind development compared to other regions abroad, but there are many people living in it who find it beloved. It’s a trade point and has two harbours, one on the east coast and the other inland west, with a canal connecting the latter to the ocean. In-game, the topic of Altru Inc. building up and redeveloping the town came up a few times (but they backed off after Drama happened and only a very small number of npcs expressed disappointment over this, most were pretty happy with that outcome).

None of Oblivia’s settlements are really big compared to even the other two regions, but the largest settlement is the Aqua Resort, which is found on the coast of Sophian Island, the largest island of Oblivia. In contrast to Fall City and Pueltown, the Aqua Resort is actually very new, although it still maintains an old-timey aesthetic. It’s popular as a retirement location or a place for people from cities in other regions to move to, if they’re looking for a quiet life away from other things. It’s a very pretty place, with a lot of nice water features, paving work, and gardens.

(Side note - it seems to be a trend in the series where even the largest cities in any of the regions are still noted to be not very modernised, often with an older aesthetic about them, with a lot of paving stones and brick buildings. They also all seem to be port towns but this is pretty common irl too for towns to build up around ports/water sources so it makes sense ig.)

16. How do people get around? (ie trains, taxis, ride pokemon)

Many people travel on foot a lot! The people in all the regions tend to stick to their own towns, so there’s less need for travel if you’re not a Ranger or a tourist. Rangers travel a lot with the help of Pokémon; either wild or in Fiore via the Dragonite Bus service (though you need to be of a certain rank before you’re considered qualified to use it).

There’s also a lot of boat travel in Almia and Oblivia!

Going beyond in-game canon, I imagine there might be stuff like rail lines for public transport in Fiore and Almia. None of the regions’ environments is really friendly to car travel, and within the towns there’s probably less need for it if you’re willing to walk or bike, so I imagine there’s not much of that.

17. What do people from other regions think of this region?

This one I’m not sure about, since main series regions vs ranger series regions hasn’t really been touched on in the series beyond the occasional tiny bit of npc dialogue in the first game, and that was probably partly because it was still a brand new novelty concept at the time...

They’re known for being rural (making them an ideal place for people looking for a country life), having a lot of Rangers around, and having no Pokémon Trainers. Given how training Pokémon is central to most other places in the world, there would be some curiosity on that. They would also be known for their strong environmental focus and the higher number of rare Pokémon living in the wild there compared to other regions. Overall though, I think they’re probably a lot like smaller countries irl that lots of people might not even have heard of or know exactly what they are.

Oblivia is also noted for its archaeological significance, so it’s probably a little more well known in archaeological circles.

Dipping into geography and history headcanons a little... Fiore isn’t very far from Johto, and part of the reason it did develop to have a slightly foreign (European) culture was because of people being deterred from migrating to Johto or Kanto and landing to the west instead. It has a sort of exoticism about it that helps add to its tourist appeal beyond the Rangers and nature.

Almia has a similar thing going on with Sinnoh, except reversed, as Almia already had European influence from when the Almians came over years ago. Although Almia was right there on the southwest end of Hisui, there was already a cultural divide from earlier history that prevented the type of settlement like what the Galaxy Team was about. (I have headcanons and stuff about past conflicts and how southern Japanese region people have already tried to get into Almia first, since it’s actually closer and in theory easier to get to than Hisui, but they met with... a lot of resistance.)

As for between the three regions themselves, Fiore and Almia while not being super close by each other are well acquainted with hearing about each other in large part because of the Ranger Union influence in both regions. Oblivia is kind of isolated and sits by itself a lot.

#inbox ✻ i’ll see you around!#starikune #almia meta #sorry i wasn't sure how to answer some of these so i compensated by rambling a lot sdkfjs #my stuff on things like the last two topics is still very limited

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anestiefel · 5 years ago

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Jamaica vs. Dominican Republic: Which Is a Better Vacation Spot for You?

Getting There and Around in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Couples Swept Away Negril/Oyster

Of course, flight times to anywhere in the Caribbean are shorter from the South and east coast in the United States. Most flights from the west coast or the Midwest will likely require a layover. All major cruise lines offer sailings with Jamaica and Dominican Republic port calls (though these may be too brief to really get a feel for either place). Both destinations require a valid passport for entry. Visas are not required for U.S. and Canadian citizens in Jamaica, but visitors to the Dominican Republic are charged a $10 arrival tax, rolled into the airline ticket cost.

Jamaica: There are three international airports in Jamaica: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in the capital city of Kingston, and (for smaller aircrafts) the Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios. Getting to Negril or Ocho Rios requires a two-hour taxi or shuttle ride from Montego Bay. Visitors can rent a car, but driving on the opposite side of the road may be too confusing for some and GPS systems don’t work well. There’s also very little public transportation on the island, so non-metered taxis are the most popular way to get around. Haggling for the rate is expected and visitors should always follow common sense safety tips.

Dominican Republic: Approximately six million people visit the Dominican Republic every year, and most of them arrive by air at one of the three international airports. Punta Cana International Airport sees the most visits, and it’s a privately owned commercial airport. Roads can be narrow and poorly paved, but the D.R. does have an inexpensive bus service that covers much of the country. Another option is to hire a guagua (pronounced wawa), an informal taxi network with vehicles that range from old vans to nice minibuses. These get packed with tourists and locals hitching a cheap ride. Note that tourists are usually charged much more than locals, so it’s smart to agree on a rate beforehand. Taxis are also available, but this option is super pricey.

All-Inclusive Resorts and Boutique Hotels in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana/Oyster

Tourism makes up a giant percentage of both Caribbean nations’ economies, so it’s no surprise that both destinations have seemingly endless hotel options from which to choose. Whether you want a cheap all-inclusive beach hotel or designer boutique digs with privacy and butler service, you can find all levels of luxury and budget in both destinations. That said, we do think that Jamaica has a slight leg up in terms of overall quality — especially for mid-range resorts.

Jamaica: The island is one of the all-inclusive capitals of the world, and one of the first Caribbean islands to introduce the leave-your-wallet-at-home (don’t really do that) concept to attract tourists who were tired of paying a la carte prices and hidden fees. All-inclusive resorts are especially popular around Montego Bay. The adults-only Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay offers 10 restaurants, eight bars, and free dance lessons on the beach. Negril is still home to cozy and rustic boutique properties with lower rates. Negril Tree House Resort is right on famous Seven Mile Beach, and provides free breakfast and yoga classes.

Dominican Republic: Punta Cana is the epicenter for tourism in the country, so it’s no surprise that the biggest hotel names are clustered together on the long stretches of white sandy beaches that make the area a favorite for family vacations, party-seekers, and honeymoons. One of the top contenders is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a massive all-inclusive resort with something for everyone: a large casino, 13 pools, 13 restaurants, waterslides, beach access, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course. For something more intimate, Tortuga Bay Hotel Puntacana Resort & Club has just 13 rooms designed by Oscar de la Renta. To get away from Punta Cana’s tourist scene, Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa is a six-hour drive north and offers eco-friendly bungalows, an excellent spa, and a quiet beach.

Food and Drinks in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Office of Nature lobster shack, Negril/Oyster

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Jamaica: One of the best parts of eating in Jamaica is how pervasive and affordable the local cuisine is. Casual jerk shops (jerk is shorthand for a spicy marinade rubbed on meats) line the roads and beaches. The menu usually consists of the aforementioned jerk meats, like chicken or fish, smoked over pimento wood and served with rice, beans, and plantains. Scotch bonnet peppers add serious heat, so be forewarned. Other easily accessible gourmet items include Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, sweet sapodilla fruit, and coconut water. The island’s history as an English colony means that tea is still regularly served in the late afternoons. Red Stripe is one of the most popular Jamaican beers.

Dominican Republic: Dominican dishes combine African, Spanish, and Taíno (indigenous people living in Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) food flavors, using ingredients that are easily accessible in the Caribbean. Dominican staples to try include mangú, made from boiled, green plantains that are mashed and topped with sauteed red onions; fried plantains called tostones; and rice cooked with black or red kidney beans. Passion fruit juice, glass bottles of Refresco Country Club soda, and strong coffee with lots of sugar are favorite beverages. For the truly adventurous, have a slow shot of mamajuana, a homemade liquor made with rum, red wine, tree bark, spices, and herbs — it’s considered an aphrodisiac.

Activities and Nightlife in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Tensing Pen, Negril/Oyster

Apart from the obvious plethora of beach activities — swimming, paddleboarding, parasailing, and catamaran cruises — both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic offer tons for tourists to see and do. Most all-inclusive resorts put on some sort of evening entertainment, which can include traditional dances, comedy, and magic shows. Quality truly varies, and many American guests at budget D.R. resorts complain that these activities tend to be conducted in Spanish. We suggest getting away from the resorts for the best entertainment.

Jamaica: Jamaica does have beautiful sand beaches, but Negril is better known for its adrenaline-pumping cliff jump into the crystal-clear water below at Rick’s Cafe. Other popular activities include horseback riding in the ocean (the horses actually swim for part of the trek), waterfall swimming in Blue Hole, and taking the Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour to learn about reggae. Speaking of which, the island hosts several annual musical festivals and there’s almost always a dance party on the beach or in the nightclubs. In Kingston, Olympic runner Usain Bolt opened a sports bar and restaurant called Tracks and Records.

Dominican Republic: Activities in the Dominican Republic range from adventure (zip-lining through rain forest canopy) to history (walking tour of Santo Domingo). Ocean World Adventure Park is a popular place for sea lion shows. Scape Park at Cap Cana is a must-visit for a cenote swim, cave swim, and indigenous cultural exhibits. Outside of Punta Cana, most of the nightlife caters to locals and can feel intimidating to tourists, but Punta Cana has an epic nightlife scene that includes cave bars. Note that the water isn’t ideal for snorkeling or surfing in the D.R.

You Might Also Like: Jamaica Excursions: 6 Top Things to do in Jamaica

Language and Safety in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic

Occidental Punta Cana/Oyster

Though both destinations are extremely safe for tourists (especially most parts of Montego Bay and Punta Cana), there are two very specific caveats that might make some visitors uncomfortable.

Jamaica: Marijuana was decriminalized in 2015, and though trafficking and possession of the herb is still illegal, possessing less than two ounces of marijuana is considered a petty offense. Drugs are regularly offered to tourists on the beaches and in the streets, though a polite “no thanks” is usually all it takes to deter a sale. Visitors should be cautious of petty theft in Kingston. Also note that homosexuality among men is illegal and there’s a general hostility toward LGBT individuals. English is the predominant language in Jamaica.

Is It Safe to Visit Jamaica Right Now?

Dominican Republic: Prostitution is legal and visible in the Dominican Republic. With a quarter of the population living below the poverty line, it’s no surprise that many women turn to sex work. Boca Chica and the north coast’s Sosua are the two big areas for prostitution, and male tourists are targeted. Some of the smaller (and cheaper) hotels cater to this clientele, which can feel unsafe for families and female travelers. Spanish is the predominant language, which can make exploring the island and communicating outside of the tourist areas difficult for non-Spanish speakers.

Is It Safe to Visit the Dominican Republic Right Now?

Where to Stay in Jamaica

Our Jamaica Hotel Pick: The Caves

The Caves/Oyster

With its upscale boutique vibe, and dramatic cliffside setting, The Caves is considered one of Jamaica’s most romantic escapes. The 12 unique, private cottages and suites at this upscale all-inclusive property unfold along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs carved with steep stairways down to the water and into incredible grottos. There’s a clifftop bar, a grotto bar, and private candlelit cave dining on offer.

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Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic

Our Dominican Republic Hotel Pick: Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana/Oyster

The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is one of three upscale all-inclusive sister properties on a beautiful stretch of Bavaro Beach. The property closed completely for two months in 2017 to thoroughly renovate the lobby and restaurants. It now operates almost as two resorts: the family-friendly side and the adult-only Colonial Club side. The 658 suites are attractive with marble floors, jetted tubs, and some ocean views.

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Traveling? Consider the Carry-On from Away

The Carry-On from Away

Still using dated luggage from the 90’s? Upgrade your style with the last carry-on you’ll ever have to buy from Away. With a USB port, 360 degree spinning wheels, a hard exterior shell, and a TSA-approved lock–it’s worth it.

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Some outfit inspiration, regardless of which destination you choose:

Caribbean Rookie Mistakes Outfit

Shop the look

Floppy Straw Hat

Nordstrom

Travel T Dress

Orvis

Saylors

Warby Parker

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Simple Modern

Sandals

Zappos

Men’s Summertime Daywear

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Pocket T

Carhartt

Khaki Shorts

Dockers

Golf Hat

Nike

Travel Size Sunscreen

Banana Boat

Shoes

Nike

Best-Selling Women’s Beach Look

Shop the look

Swimsuit Coverup

Harhay

Sunscreen Lip Balm

Banana Boat

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Joto

OnePiece Swimsuit

Amazon

Mineral Sunscreen Powder

Brush On Block

Mens Beach Resort Essentials

Shop the look

Tanktop

Neiman Marcus

Swim Trunks

Hurley

Sunglasses

Oakley

Sling Bag

Guess

Beach Sandals

Birkenstock

You’ll Also Like:

Face-Off: Cancun vs. Punta Cana

6 Stellar Destinations in the Dominican Republic That Aren’t Punta Cana

Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic for Every Budget

Where to Go in Jamaica: 5 Destinations You Can’t Miss

Getting There and Around

Couples Swept Away Negril/Oyster

Of course, flight times are shorter to anywhere in the Caribbean from the South and East Coast in the United States. Most flights from the West Coast or the Midwest will likely require a layover. All major cruise lines have sailings with Jamaica and Dominican Republic port calls (though these may be too brief to really get a feel for either place). Both destinations require a valid passport for entry. Visas are not required for U.S. and Canadian citizens in Jamaica, but visitors must purchase a tourist card on arrival in the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica: There are three international airports in Jamaica — Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in the capital city of Kingston, and (for smaller aircrafts) the Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios. Getting to Negril or Ocho Rios requires a two-hour taxi or shuttle ride from Montego Bay. Visitors can rent a car, but driving on the opposite side of the road may be too confusing for some and GPS systems don’t work well. There’s also very little public transportation on the island, so non-metered taxis are the most popular way to get around. Haggling for the rate is expected and visitors should always follow common sense safety tips.

Dominican Republic: Approximately six million people visited the Dominican Republic in 2016, and most of them arrived by air at one of the three international airports. Roads can be narrow and poorly paved, but the D.R. does have an inexpensive bus service that covers much of the country. Another option is to hire a guagua (pronounced wawa), an informal taxi network with vehicles that range from old vans to nice minibuses. These get packed with tourists and locals hitching a cheap ride. Note that tourists are usually charged much more than locals, so it’s smart to agree on a rate beforehand. Taxis are also available, but this option is super pricey.

All-Inclusive Resorts and Boutique Hotels

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana/Oyster

Dominican Republic:Punta Cana is the epicenter for tourism in the country, so it’s no surprise that the biggest hotel names are clustered together on the long stretches of white sandy beaches that make the area a favorite for family vacations and honeymoons. One of the top contenders is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a massive all-inclusive resort with something for everyone: a large casino, 13 pools, 13 restaurants, waterslides, beach access, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course. For something more intimate, Tortuga Bay Hotel Puntacana Resort & Club has just 13 rooms designed by Oscar de la Renta. To get away from Punta Cana’s tourist scene, Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa is a six-hour drive north and offers eco-friendly bungalows, an excellent spa, and a quiet beach.

Food

Office of Nature lobster shack, Negril/Oyster

It would be entirely possible to visit either country and subsist completely off of American chain fare: McDonald’s, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, TGI Friday’s, Applebee’s, and Burger King are just a few of the Western restaurants that cater to homesick Americans. But it would be a giant mistake to miss out on the local food scene in both countries.

Dominican Republic: Dominican dishes combine African, Spanish, and Taíno (indigenous people living in Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) food flavors using ingredients that are easily accessible in the Caribbean. Dominican staples to try include mangú, made from boiled, green plantains that are mashed and topped with sauteed red onions; fried plantains called tostones; and rice cooked with black or red kidney beans. Passion fruit juice, glass bottles of Refresco Country Club soda, and strong coffee with lots of sugar are favorite beverages. For the truly adventurous, have a slow shot of Mamajuana, a homemade liquor made with rum, red wine, tree bark, spices, and herbs — it’s considered an aphrodisiac.

Activities and Nightlife

Tensing Pen, Negril/Oyster

Dominican Republic: Activities in the Dominican Republic range from adventure (zip-lining through rain forest canopy) to history (walking tour of Santo Domingo). Ocean World Adventure Park is a popular place for sea lion shows. The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve has 12 gorgeous freshwater lakes, three of which are available for swimming. Outside of Punta Cana, most of the nightlife caters to locals and can feel intimidating to tourists. Also note that the water isn’t ideal for snorkeling or surfing in the D.R.

You Might Also Like: Jamaica Excursions: 6 Top Things to do in Jamaica

Language and Safety

Occidental Punta Cana/Oyster

Though both destinations are extremely safe for tourists (especially Montego Bay and Punta Cana), there are two very specific caveats that might make some visitors uncomfortable.

Where to Stay:

In Jamaica: The Caves

The Caves/Oyster

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In the Dominican Republic: Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana/Oyster

Pricing for Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

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Traveling? Consider the Carry-On from Away

The Carry-On from Away

Shop Now

Some outfit inspiration, regardless of which destination you choose:

Caribbean Rookie Mistakes Outfit

Shop the look

Floppy Straw Hat

Nordstrom

Travel T Dress

Orvis

Saylors

Warby Parker

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Simple Modern

Sandals

Zappos

Men’s Summertime Daywear

Shop the look

Pocket T

Carhartt

Khaki Shorts

Dockers

Golf Hat

Nike

Travel Size Sunscreen

Banana Boat

Shoes

Nike

Best-Selling Women’s Beach Look

Shop the look

Swimsuit Coverup

Harhay

Sunscreen Lip Balm

Banana Boat

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Joto

OnePiece Swimsuit

Amazon

Mineral Sunscreen Powder

Brush On Block

Mens Beach Resort Essentials

Shop the look

Tanktop

Neiman Marcus

Swim Trunks

Hurley

Sunglasses

Oakley

Sling Bag

Guess

Beach Sandals

Birkenstock

You’ll Also Like:

Face-Off: Cancun vs. Punta Cana

6 Stellar Destinations in the Dominican Republic That Aren’t Punta Cana

Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic for Every Budget

Where to Go in Jamaica: 5 Destinations You Can’t Miss

The post Jamaica vs. Dominican Republic: Which Is a Better Vacation Spot for You? appeared first on Oyster.com.

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thessalian · 7 years ago

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Thess vs Baronsvere

For more worldbuilding for Ellon, the world of my D&D campaign, we look at Baronsvere.

Barsonvere is a largely agricultural country in the centre of the continent of Vanthen, which it shares with the Elvenwild to the west, Equitas to the east and Cragvere to the north. As the name suggests, it’s separated into baronies, all under the largely distant rule of King Jain Nerrand III.

The baronies are as follows:

Star Coast: Taking up most of the coast of Baronsvere, Star Coast is a thin strip of land to the South. It serves as Baronsvere’s primary port, and makes most of its money from importing and exporting goods. Between that and a near monopoly on the saltwater fishing ‘industry’, so to speak, Star Coast is a small barony but one of the most prosperous of them. Its capital city, like most in Baronsvere, is named for the barony, and the city of Star Coast has the reputation for being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Baronsvere. Of course, currently the city of Star Coast is engulfed in a corrupting fog, and peopled by the undead and worse.

There are other townships dotted throughout the barony, which largely grew around the manor houses of nobles from other baronies to see to their family interests in matters of export and trade. Reginald Tailor, now Darvin Taylor, grew up in a smallish but prosperous township built around the manor of one Lord Ashford Green, technically his third cousin. His mother, former Lady Esbeth Green, married the local tailor as a mutually beneficial business arrangement; the Greens had access to a master tailor to make the most of their holdings in Cedargrove, and Ronald Tailor gained a marriage tie to the nobility. This ended badly for all concerned.

Goldendale: One of the larger baronies in terms of land, Goldendale is primary rural, with a very small capital (a town, not a city) and little standing in the nobility of Goldendale. However, Goldendale is arguably the most important barony in all of Baronsvere, as its primary 'industry’ is agriculture. Almost every cash crop in Baronsvere comes from Goldendale. Their wheat and vegetables feed most of Ellon, one way or another, and their wool clothes most of it. By rights, Goldendale should be the jewel in the crown of Baronsvere, but they have remained quiet, unassuming and beneath the notice of most of the nobility in the country. Their taxes have been killingly high for years, but the baron lives as sparingly as the rest of its people, as our heroes have recently found.

Hearthhome, incidentally, is not a cash-crop farm. Instead of producing crops for export, the Hearthheart clan produces a variety of foodstuffs that they sell in town. Where most of the farmers of Goldendale feed the country, and parts of the rest of the world, Hearthhome feeds the farmers.

Cedargrove: Another large barony with a small population, Cedargrove enjoys a quiet but prosperous existence as the country’s source of lumber and linen. As the name suggests, cedar grows well there, as do a fair variety of hardwood trees. Cedargrove shares a border with the Elvenwild, and the folk of Cedargrove tend to have to be very careful while logging; there are rules that one follows if one doesn’t want to incite the wrath of the fairly territorial elves of the Elvenwild. Flax also grows well in the area, and there are plenty of smaller plants in the forests of Cedargrove that make for good dyes. Cedargrove is one of two baronies in Baronsvere that has more than one good-sized town in it; the town of Cedargrove itself is the capital and most visited of any of the habitations of Cedargrove, while Suntree to the northeast exists largely for traders and those on pilgrimage to Mount Pelor to have a place to rest for a night, and Fengrove to the south maintains the trade route between Cedargrove and Star Coast, the better to export their various goods.

Incidentally, the Bailey family tavern is in Suntree. Suntree’s a small town not unlike Goldendale; a tavern, a blacksmith, a couple of shops and a lot of housing, as between the mountains to the north and the forests to the south and east, there’s not a lot of habitable land in the barony.

Grey’s Inn: The name for this expansive but sparsely populated barony is both a testament to its unusual ‘rulership’ and a horrible pun. Rather than live the indolent, largely book-bound lives of the average nobles, Lord Laurent Grey and Lady Ami Grey turned their manor into a huge tavern and inn, which sits at the south tip of the land and houses ranchers and cattle merchants alike. Their proximity to Star Coast and the free city of Belarys in Equitas also provides them with a wealth of information, making the Greys a source of high-end gossip that can only be called ‘espionage’. Grey’s Inn deals largely in livestock - cows, horses, and oxen - and is primarily grazing land. Grey’s Inn itself is the only real city in the barony; the rest of the population lives on small ranches dotted through the grasslands, which provides enough in the way of jobs for blacksmiths, gardeners for the kitchen gardens, cooks, tanners, the occasional tailor ... but most of all, ranchers and field hands.

It should be noted that Lord and Lady Grey are the only nobles in Baronsvere who aren’t human. Halflings both, the Greys were elevated to nobility for reasons that history refuses to make mention of. They keep close but unremarked ties with a small settlement of halflings not far from Star Coast, who are ostensibly there to facilitate trade with the port city.

Blackcrown: Blackcrown is the home of the ruling seat of Baronsvere. While it does have some small mining and quarrying interests, being as it borders the mountains of Cragvere and the small cliff border between it and Equitas, it doesn’t have much in the way of exports. The home of King Jain Nerrand III, most of the traffic to the area is nobility, merchants and tax collectors as nobles pay their dues to their king. Few of the the ‘common folk’ know much about Blackcrown; it’s kind of an inhospitable barony, and there’s little reason for any of the common folk to ever go there. It’s reputed to be a grim kind of place, though.

Mount Pelor: Mount Pelor is not strictly a barony, or really a part of Baronsvere proper. It and much the area known as the Cliffs of White Hope are separate from any political structure, being as the area is seen as belonging to Pelor and thus not subject to mortal rule. No one really minds because there’s not enough value to any of the land taken (at least from the economic point of view) to potentially fight a god over it.

So that’s Baronsvere. There are occasional inns and separate homesteads in various places throughout the country, but for the most part it’s a heavily agricultural area with a very few knots of humanoid habitation and a loose but apparently functional feudal thing for its political structure.

#Thess RPs #Critical Tumbl

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rawenews-blog · 6 years ago

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The Seven-Fold Yoke And The Cabal That Own Nigeria (Northern)

THE SEVEN-FOLD YOKE AND THE CABAL THAT OWN NIGERIA ( Northern ) Permit me to share a scholarly, revealing and I daresay disturbing intervention which was sent to me by a friend. The author wishes to remain anonymous. He wrote as follows: "The disruptive power of the Hausa-Fulani (Northern) cabal is a structural reality and will only get worse, no matter where the President of Nigeria comes from. It is a seven-fold yoke which we must break for the sake of our children. 1. THE POLITICAL YOKE: Globally, out of the 16 Federal Republics in the world, Nigeria is the only federation where land mass is used as a primary criteria for creating federating units. NO Southern leader (civilian or military) has ever had the guts to create any federating unit; all the federating units have been created by Northern military adventurers. 20 federating units were created from only one region (North), while 17 federating units were created from 3 regions (East, West and Midwest). Competent leaders are easily filtered off by the rigged political structure. At every election, the evil and corrupt Northern cabal needs only a few Southern collaborators to impose any presidential candidate upon the two foremost political parties, only for the electorate to formalize one of the candidates with votes. That's why Nigeria has been having such mediocre leaders as President, in a country awash with extremely capable presidential materials. This also explains why since 1960 no Southerner has ever led Nigeria except by accident. The FIRST coming of ALL 3 Southern leaders - Aguiyi-Ironsi in 1966, Obasanjo in 1976 and Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 - followed the death of Northern incumbents! The fourth and only other Southern leader was Ernest Shonekan and his coming followed the forced "stepping aside" of a northern Head of State in 1993. He lasted for 3 months after which he was toppled and replaced by another northern military Head of State. For 2019 the presidential contest is being set for Atiku vs Buhari- two Fulani representatives of the Cabal. 2. THE ECONOMIC YOKE: Nigeria is the only oil-producing country where oil wells are allocated to individuals. The Hausa-Fulani cabal allocated over 80% of the oil blocks either to the Northerners or to their Southern fronts/allies. The names of these oil block allotees are in the public domain. 3. THE RELIGIOUS YOKE: No other faith is mentioned in the Nigerian Constitution, except Islam. For instance, in the 1999 Constitution, Christ, Christians and Christianity are not mentioned even once; whereas Islamic signposts are strewn all over the Constitution - Sharia is mentioned 73 times, Grand Khadi 54 times, Islam 28 times , Muslims 10 times, etc.. That Constitution was written SOLELY by one Muslim Fulani Jihadist named Prof. Auwalu Yadudu (Special Adviser to Abacha on Constitutional Matters). While the 1979 Constitution emphasized Nigeria’s secularity, the 1999 Constitution of Yadudu is a de facto Islamic Constitution, and the Cabal ensured that Yadudu was there to fight that position at 2014 National Political Conference. Subsequently, during Obasanjo's govt, the same Northern cabal formally adopted Islam as the State Religion in the core Northern States. Obasanjo refused to even discuss the issue, except to state that it would 'fizzle out'. He knew fully well that it would not 'fizzle out' but was afraid of confronting the cabal. 4. THE CULTURAL YOKE: The Sultanate forms a major pillar of the Hausa-Fulani cabal. As permanent President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) the Sultan is the permanent leader of all Muslims in Nigeria (whether they are Northerners or Southerners). As the Permanent Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) the Sultan is the permanent leader of all traditional rulers in all 36 States of Nigeria & Abuja. By the way, the current Sultan was the Brigadier-General Commanding 241 Recce Battalion Kaduna. Many public policies are determined only with the tacit approval of the Sultanate of Sokoto and the Emirates. For instance, when the Gender Bill was introduced in the National Assembly, the Sultan 'killed' the Bill simply by criticizing it publicly. Even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (the world's most revered monarch) would never criticize Parliament publicly, because that would be an abuse of royal privilege. 5. THE ADMINISTRATIVE YOKE: Nigeria is the only African country that built a new capital from scratch (using resources from the oppressed, deprived and degraded Niger Delta/South East ). The Cabal claimed that the location of Lagos by the ocean was a security risk, but this was just an excuse to Northernize national public service. A careful look at the map of Africa shows that only 2 nations have central capitals. The most common location for African capitals is at the coast. London (United Kingdom) is situated at the edge of England on the River Thames. Washington DC (USA) is located along the Potomac River on the East Coast of USA. Paris (France) is located at the edge of France in the north-bending arc of the river Seine. When Lagos was capital the Governors of Lagos State were from East, West and North. Since the Capital moved to Abuja, NO Nigerian leader has ever had the guts to appoint a Southerner as substantive FCT Minister. The FCT Minister must be a Northerner, preferably a Muslim (the current FCT Minister was appointed while he was Executive Secretary of the Hajj Commission). 6. THE DIPLOMATIC YOKE: Any Christian leader who questions Nigeria's membership of the two main international Sharia-driven bodies (OIC & D-8) faces the wrath of the Hausa-Fulani Cabal. So far, only Cdr Ebitu Ukiwe has ever had the guts to seriously question Nigeria's involvement in these Islamic bodies and as a result Ukiwe was summarily dismissed from office. 7. THE MILITARY/SECURITY YOKE: Nigeria is the only Federation in the world where all MAJOR security agencies are headed by only one section of the Federation and only members of one faith. Army – Northern Muslim. National Security Advisor – Northern Muslim. Minister of Defence – Northern Muslim. Minister of InternalAffairs- Northern Muslim. Airforce –@ Northern Muslim. Police – Northern Muslim. Economic Financial Crimes Commission- Northern Muslim. National Civil Defence Corps – Northern Muslim. Department of State Security – Northern Muslim. Immigration– Northern Muslim. Prisons Service– Northern Muslim. Federal Road Safety Corps – Northern Muslim. Nigerian Customs Service – Northern Muslim. Chief of Defence Intelligence – Northern Muslim. Director of Military Intelligence - Northern Muslim. Fire Service – Northern Muslim. National Emergency Management Agency – Northern Muslim. Nigerian Ports Authority- Northern Muslim. No southerner has been made substantive Comptroller General of Customs in 30 years. Even with all his braggadocio, Olusegun Obasanjo dared not break the jinx in all this years as Nigeria's President. Again no southerner has ever been appointed as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission since the day it was established in 2003. Make Real Money This Year Finally the only southerner that was EVER appointed National Security Advisor was killed after he was unceremoniously removed from office by Goodluck Jonathan after the cabal blackmailed and arm-twisted him and told him that if he wanted peace he must appoint a northerner back to that post. The above multi-faceted enslavement to the Hausa-Fulani Cabal is not an accident. Read the book by Harold Wilson which clearly states how and why the British laid the foundation for the Hausa-Fulani hegemony in Nigeria. The principle guiding the Cabal was clearly set forth by the cabal's patron saint, Sir Ahmadu Bello who said to the media: "The new nation called Nigeria should be an estate of our great grandfather Othman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We use the minorities in the north as willing tools and the south as a conquered territory and NEVER ALLOW THEM TO RULE OVER US and NEVER ALLOW THEM TO HAVE CONTROL OVER THEIR OWN FUTURE." – (The Parrot Newspaper, October 12, 1960). Freedom from the Cabal is NOT about "North versus South". In fact, the greatest victims of the Northern cabal are the Northern masses themselves. The struggle entails "Northern Cabal versus All of Lovers of Freedom". Nigeria is structurally unworkable and MUST EITHER BE RESTRUCTURED OR BROKEN. The Hausa-Fulani cabal will resist this with their blood, but there is no other way out of the enslavement for us and our children. We cannot continue 'suffering and smiling' in this un-restructured zoo called Nigeria. The words of Harriet Tubman are relevant here. She said, 'I freed a thousand slaves: I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves' ". The author of this brilliant intervention has given us plenty of food for thought. He argued the matter in a detailed, succinct and concise manner and he stated the case very well. Though there were one or two omissions, his research is outstanding and his analysis is factual, insightful and incisive. The truth is that he has said it all. Sadly many in Nigeria do not know that they are slaves to the cabal because they cannot feel the yoke or see their chains. Yet slaves they are and it is time that we opened their eyes, broke their yokes, cut their chains and free each and every one of them. That is precisely why yours truly, and millions of others, insist on restructuring our country or, failing that, dividing her and going our separate ways. May God help us! See what Omololu Olunloyo told Awolowo decades ago Read the full article

#2019Election #Abuja #Buhari #CelebritiesMarriage #Election #Governor #Hausa #Home #Igbo #Nigeria #Northern #Political #Politics #rulingparty #Vote #Yorùbá

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wineanddinosaur · 5 years ago

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Coastal Views and Killer Brews: Six of the Best Beachy Beercation Destinations

Those eager to spend time gazing into the surf with a cooler full of beers have plenty of options in the summer months. The best beach beercation destinations aren’t limited to the east and west coasts of America, either; there are little beach towns with craft beer scenes all over the interior of the country, too.

So whether you’re headed north, south, east, west, or somewhere in the middle, there’s a beachy beer scene for you. Here are six of our favorites.

Rehoboth Beach, DE

Credit: RevBeer.com

Rehoboth Beach is home to a vibrant LBGTQ+ scene, picturesque boardwalk, and longtime independent beer advocate Dogfish Head. The OG brewpub, Dogfish Brewings & Eats, on Rehoboth’s main drag, has a killer draft list that includes cellared offerings as well as craft cocktails. Throughout the summer there’s music — and this reporter once spied co-owner Sam Caligione inconspicuously busting a move, 75-Minute IPA in hand. Head out to the production facility a short drive away in Milton for rarities and draft-only stylings, not to mention one of the more entertaining brewery tours in the country.

Or, take a day to visit Dewey Beer Company in nearby Dewey Beach, where the main draw is crushable fruited sours that go down a little too smoothly in the sun. Stop in Revelation Craft Brewing to try Mother in Law IPA, brewed with Cascade hops grown by, you guessed it, the brewmaster’s mother in law.

Head back to the shore for a dozen oysters and a small but world-class beer list at Henlopen City Oyster House. For a deep draft list, hit up Rehoboth Beach Ale House, but make sure to save room for Thrashers fries later in the evening. They’ll surely absorb some of the booze.

Traverse City, MI

Credit: MonkeyFistBrewingCo.com

Traverse City, Mich., offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan and family-friendly activities like fishing and hiking. It’s also home to an underrated beer scene. Visit the 7 Monks Taproom for a great selection of Belgian beers and a Michigan-heavy tap list that includes current favorites like Old Nation and Wax Wings as well as classic Wolverine State beers from Bell’s and Short’s.

Tuck into wood-fired pizzas in a restored train depot at the Filling Station; it recently collaborated with Pipeworks for a double IPA called Train vs Unicorn. At Right Brain Brewery, enjoy GABF medal winner Mangalitsa Pig Porter (it’s made with real pig’s heads). If experimental beers aren’t your thing, Right Brain has a number of other styles, from hop-forward to cream ales to malty to Belgians.

Closest to the water, check out Monkey Fist Brewing Company for lighter options like Watermelon Rebellion and GW’s Little White Lie Belgian witbier, and then head up to Sunset Beach and watch the boats come in.

New England Seacoast

Credit: TributaryBrewingCompany.com

Start at North Beach in North Hampton, N.H., to get away from the tourist crowds, then head north along Route 1A, one of the prettier drives in the state. Pop into The Beach Plum for a hefty lobster roll (it’s BYOB).

From Portsmouth, N.H., to Portland, Me., there are a number of world-class breweries. And if you’re heading to Cape Cod, we’ve got you covered.

Working north from Portsmouth, check out the city’s namesake brewery before heading to Tributary Brewery in Kittery, Me., home of Mott the Lesser (formerly Kate the Great), the legendary Russian imperial stout by Tod Mott. Go to Barreled Souls Brewing Company in Saco for superlative local, high-gravity, barrel-aged pastry stouts. If you’re still hungry and want a slight detour, The Clam Shack in Kennebunk is the best lobster roll on the planet, plus they have Allagash White on tap; and Mast Landing Brewing Company in Westbrook for trendy, hop-forward styles (don’t sleep on the peanut butter milk stout, though).

And, of course, no trip to the beer Mecca of Portland, Me., is complete without brewery trips to Allagash Brewing Company and Oxbow Brewing. Stop for a nightcap at Novare Res, the world-famous beer bar.

Duluth, MN

Credit: BlackListBeer.com

Thoughts of Minnesota likely include images of snow, hockey, and Prince, but the shores of Lake Superior also have a robust beer scene. Stop by Bent Paddle Brewing for Black, a black lager, and its cousin, Cold Press Black, made with locally roasted coffee. You won’t find any singular style dominating the taps at the wonderfully diverse Blacklist Artisan Ales, Hoops Brewing, and Canal Park Brewing, making them great places to try a variety of local specialties like Belgian strong ales at Blacklist, a Wood Smoked Wheat at Hoops, and old-school West Coast IPA at Canal Park.

Saddle up to the extensive tap list at 7 West Taphouse and grab a few beers to go for a stroll down the Lake Walk. Or, you can set down by the Fountain of the Wind and take in the enormity of the lake.

Bonus points for heading over to the Wisconsin side of Lake to Superior and visiting Earth Rider Brewery. Its North Tower, an English Oatmeal Stout, may be the best beer on the lake.

Eastern Long Island, NY

Credit: GreenportHarborBrewing.com

Once upon a time, Eastern Long Island drinking culture was limited to overpriced bars or Gatsby-esque private parties. While you can certainly still find plenty of places offering $15 Tito’s-and-sodas and mandatory valet parking, there are now lots of other, more democratic scenes for discerning drinkers.

On the North Fork, enjoy a Beehave Summer Ale and chill outside playing Jenga at Greenport Harbor Brewing. Grab your cooler and kayak and head out to Emerson Park for a peaceful afternoon on the wide sandy beaches on Hog Neck Bay.

If you’re heading out to Montauk, the easternmost stretch on the island, stop in to the Montauk Brewing Company tasting room for perfect post-surf-lesson session beers. Or fill your cooler with Montauk Summer Ale or a Blue Point Brewing Shore Thing (brewed with pilsner malt and sea salt) to go out striper fishing.

“The beer scene on the East End has evolved over the past few years,” said Montauk co-founder Vaughan Cutillo. “More and more local bars and restaurants are looking to carry a variety of local beers, and we are thrilled to be a part of that movement.”

San Diego, CA

Credit: FallBrewingCompany.com

San Diego is the ultimate beach-beer scene. Brewers here helped launch what is now a countrywide craft beer resurgence, and, well, have you seen those pristine beaches? Typically, San Diego beer pilgrims are directed to Miramar for AleSmith and Societe, North Park for Modern Times and Fall Brewing, and places closest to the Pacific. All are absolutely worth your time.

There are other spots in San Diego worth trying, too. Head to Pizza Port in Solana Beach for pizza or literally anything from the munchies menu and wash it down with Swami’s, the classic IPA that put this place on the map. For your to-go needs, there’s a Bottlecraft location less than a mile south. Down south and further into the heart of San Diego in La Jolla is Karl Strauss, selling everything from hoppy lagers to IPAs to English ales. Best of all, it’s just a five-minute walk from La Jolla Cove.

Keep heading south and hit up Crushed in Pacific Beach for one of the best tap lists by the beach. Coronado Brewing Tasting Room is just 10 minutes by car (the OG spot in Coronado is a little farther away). And, in Ocean Beach, there’s Mike Hess Brewing and Belching Beaver, among others.

The article Coastal Views and Killer Brews: Six of the Best Beachy Beercation Destinations appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/6-best-beer-beach-destinations-2019/

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skuditpress · 6 years ago

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Juniper Plant Profile

Order of Contents:

story

Cypress family

Juniperus genus

Juniperus virginiana / Eastern Red Cedar

video shot by Kym Slade briefly showing Eastern Red Cedar

Juniperus communis / Common Juniper

Juniperus utahensis / Utah Juniper

Juniper Medicine

A note on Juniper Magic and the lens of settler-colonialism

Juniper Medicine: Europe/Scandinavia, Gin

Drinks

Juniper Medicine: Asia/Russia/Japan

Juniper Medicine: Mediterranean/Middle East

Juniper Medicine: Canada/Northlands/Turtle Island

Land Capsules

Patreon

Works Cited/Resources

(this is a long one. this plant profile might as well be a free course. it’s full of story and science and magic and questioning narratives.)

Yesterday, I was working in my old herb garden in my hometown, in southern Virginia. There’s something deeply relieving about revisiting a place that you’ve cultivated in some way. Tending it and exchanging whatever energy through time you’ve tied yourself to each other through. There’s something to that, you know? Places are like that with me. Plants are like that with me, and gardens especially. All the kinds of gardens that can exist. Whether it was the Osha (Ligusticum porteri) seed I sprinkled in the soil cracks in the Wallowas, the Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) I planted at Dancing Springs in Barnardsville, the Calamus (Acorus calamus) at Juliet’s or in my parents’ creek sneakily buried in mud and grasses, the Monarda and Elecampane (Inula helenium) I buried long ago in the soils of my dad’s little spot in the world. It reminds me that I feel most whole while gardening, while taking care of plants, while watching them, and feeling a utter since of joy and heart-openness to plants that I only occasionally feel with humans. Or rather- plants allow me to step into the heart open realm a little more with humans.

My friend Kym and I processed Ginger (Zingiber officinale) with my dad from his greenhouse crop, tended all summer, making sure to keep the greenhouse doors open for the breeze to flow through. We dug Elecampane root, from plants I have put in the ground years ago but never harvested. I think they will enjoy a little ruffling, a little space to spread out- as I divided some of the roots and replanted the small ones elsewhere.

Whenever I hang out in that herb garden, I find myself often drawn to long staring into the wild hedgerow that follows a metal fence, all of it at the top of the property, on a little knoll. This knoll means I can hear things way in the distance, unfortunately the interstate sometimes, other times it is the donkey next door, hunting dogs or coyotes way out there. The hedgerow consists almost solely of Eastern Red Cedar or Juniperus virginiana. This is not an abnormal hedgerow to have in these parts of the world, especially on these high and dry sites. My papa has them at his farm, in the field, along the fence line, along the pond. Pretty much everything at his farm— the old fence posts that still stand 75 years later, some of the farm equipment that back in the day they handmade and even black-smithed the iron parts- are made of this Cedar, or sometimes Oak. The fence line might have Cedar posts, with live Cedar trees growing next to the posts wrapped in barbed wire and painted white. Sometimes they are rough hewn, other times they are made nicely.

Cypress plant family (Cupressaceae)

2. So, the Eastern Red Cedar I mention from my dad and papa’s farm, as well as other Juniperus species, are all in the Cypress plant family, or called the Cupressaceae. When I chat with my horticulturist dad about his ornamentals in this family, he refers to them as ‘Cupresses.’ Alongside Junipers, a few other members of this family that some folks might recognize include the grandiose Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) which mainly grow in coastal California, Incense Cedars which mainly grow in the Sierras of California with some range in northern California and southern Oregon (Calocedrus decurrens), Western Red Cedar which is primarily found in the Pacific Northwest and northern California along the coast (Thuja plicata), Cypress (Taxodium distichum), and Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) which is mainly located in the southern California Sierras range.

Cypress family plants are Conifers, a broad general grouping characterized by their cone-bearing seed dispersing techniques. Not all Conifers are in the Cypress family though (like the Pine family for example, Pinaceae). Plants in the Cypress family, including Juniper species are considered gymnosperms, which is the name for the ‘naked seed’ dispersal techniques of older more ancient plant families that include all Conifers as well as trees like Gingko. Most plants in this family are evergreen, but a few are not. Their seed cones vary in style and structure. Some plants in this family have needle-like leaves, others scale-like, and some start off needle-like and move to scale-like in age. Plants in this family can be found pretty much all over the world, from some of the coldest or highest locations, to some of the lowest and warmest. They can be found in moist or dry locations, and often they are specialized to that ecology and location and can be rare where found. You’ve got Junipers up on high mountain peaks in Nevada, and Swamp Cypresses in Florida down in the lowlands- both genus’ are in this plant family.

My dad talks about selling all kinds of different ‘Cypress’ varieties at our family nursery that ran from the 60’s until two years ago in the Piedmont region of southern Virginia, this included a mixed of hybrid species, cultivated species and straight up wild species of different trees and shrubs in this family. After talking to him this week about it, he named some things he sold and used in landscape plantings including ‘Leland’ Cypress Cupressus × leylandii (a Monterey and Nootka Cypress cross, popularly used among horticulturists to plant fast shade. It’s mainly infertile, with a few exceptions), ‘Swamp/Bald’ Cypress Taxodium distichum (my Great Uncle planted one on a tiny island in a pond at his farm, this species is found in the wild mainly in the southeastern U.S. lowlands), and ‘Italian’ Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (native to the Mediterranean).

He sold Cedrus species like ‘Blue Atlas’ Cedar Cedrus atlantica, (native to northern Africa) and ’Deodora’ Cedar, Cedrus deodara (native to the Himalayas) which are NOT actually in the Cypress family but the Pine family. These are the species the ‘Cedar’ common name is likely based on. He used Thuja species and cultivars like Arborvitae, ‘Green Giant,’ and ‘Green Emerald.’ The Juniperus species he used were ‘Blue Pacific,’ ‘Blue Rug,’ ‘Nick’s Compacta,’ ‘Blue Lake pfitzer’ and a lot of other different ones he couldn’t remember. He also planted trees that were in the Chamaecyparis genus in the Cypress family. Though my dad and I have completely different interests in plants (though that is changing on his end)— he in cultivars and ‘pretty’ things, I in ecology, medicine, ethnobotany and history of plants— we can talk about this stuff and be on the same page, or at least hold conversation. I can prompt him with some good questions and he knows what I am talking about.

In California, there are endemic species of Cypress that grow on serpentine soils like Cupressus sargentii and Cupressus macnabiana. Of course there are tons more Cypress’ out there and so much more to say about the Cypress plant family.

I am tempted to go deep into different Cypress family topics more like discussing the Chamaecyparis species of the West and East coasts (Atlantic White and Port Orford), Redwood and Sequoia tree taxonomy, Thuja talks and more. But! For the sake of moving on, let’s get to talking about Juniper.

Juniperus genus

and sorting out the ‘cedar’ thing.

3. Junipers are in the Juniperus genus. Many plants called Cedar are also actually in the Juniperus genus, including Eastern Red Cedar, which we’ll cover below. Yet, the Western Red Cedar of the Pacific Northwest is actually a Thuja, not a Juniper, and not as ‘closely’ related as we would assume based on the common name usage of the word ‘Cedar.’ The common name Cedar actually came from the name for the ‘true Cedars’ of Lebanon that are trees with the genus Cedrus, actually in the Pine family, not Cypress, like I mentioned above. Although, this word was also used to describe other trees like Juniper even in the Middle East and Europe before the European colonization of Turtle Island. This word came to Turtle Island, and was used to describe things that looked like the Cedars in the Mediterranean that botanists and naturalists recognized. The Cedrus Cedars are even mentioned in the Bible, and even mentioned many times as a plant that held ritual cleansing uses. Even in the Bible, scholars think that they are referring to ‘Cedar’ that is actually sometimes a Juniperus and sometimes a Cedrus based on studying the actually ecology of the places described. So, this loose use of the word Cedar has been floating around for quite some time. Nonetheless, it is used to describe trees with a special magical quality which are often revered and honored.

Junipers have a few distinguishing characteristics. They can be big trees, medium sized shrubs or found trailing along the ground. They can grow at pretty high elevation and extreme climates. Often the tree has needle-like or scale-like leaves. Needle-like leaves are most commonly found on younger plants, but sometimes old branches, and some species retain the needle-like leaves. The scale-like leaves are often found on juvenile leaves or older. I’m sure there is an adaptive advantage to having these different leaf types.

The scaled-leaves tend to be rounded in shape (vs. flattened like Thujas). Juniper berries are not technically berries but rather coated seeds, but berry-like in appearance. They are edible and medicinal, and would fall more into the medicine category with more moderate use as food. Lots of folks traditionally have eaten the berries. As some folks have told me (like Luke Learningdeer)- you know when to stop eating the berries cause you just feel it is enough. The berries are dark blue at maturation, and are often light blue to white before this time and with the look of a yeasty glaucous sheen on the surface. The pollination time on Juniper berries varies, from half a year to a year or more between rounds. Some species of Juniper release pollen in the fall, others in the winter and spring. Some species do this more than one time a year, depending on the conditions. The pollen can cause allergic reactions in some, as is the case for other plants in the Cypress plant family, as well. I tend to get sneezy when the Incense Cedars (Calocedrus decurrens) go off in the Sierra foothills. This past May when traveling in Utah, I mistakenly thought I was reacting to Cottonwood ‘seed fluff’ which isn’t pollen, but was actually probably allergically reacting to Junipers or Piñon Pine pollen.

The bark is brown and peeling, and can often turn shades of gray as the plant gets older.

It’s important to note here that some species are easily mixed up with Junipers like Arizona Cypress Cupressus arizonica for example in the Southwest and New Mexico.

It’s also important to remember the toxic plant Yew, Taxus spp. could potentially get confused with Juniper especially when it is in it’s needled form. I’ll admit, I have confused them before, or rather not paid enough attention to their different forms and red ‘berries’ once in northern Idaho.

Apparently, the species Juniperus sabina is more toxic than other species of Juniper and should not be consumed. I keep seeing this written, though I don’t know the science, and it might be worth looking into more.

I’ll do an overview of a few Juniper species, with the main focus on the species that I experienced the most growing up, Eastern Red Cedar.

Most Junipers will thrive in lots of different climates, from poor soil and low sun to rich soil and wet, though the high and dry hillsides are probably their preferred. Fire suppression has increased the populations of Juniper species in all of the ranges they grow. The way this looks in a specific location is different depending on the ecology that Juniper belongs to in that region.

Many species of Juniper have craft and medicine traditions in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia and as well as in parts of Turtle Island where it is found. Juniper has been associated with some of the earliest humans settlements found worldwide. This is something to think about when considering the ecological and cultural significance of this plant in deep time. I cover generally at the bottom of this piece a little more detail on these uses.

juniperus virginiana / eastern red cedar

4. Juniperus virginiana, or otherwise known by its common name Eastern Red Cedar is the familiar species of my upbringing. It is a fairly common tree of the Southeast (less so in the mountains), Midwest and Great Plains regions of the the U.S. where it can grow on a wide variety of soils. It is more abundant than 200 years ago. This is partially because of fire suppression as this tree is highly susceptible to fire. It thrives when fire does not come through, dominating the ecology of an area and sometimes overtaking other species, or preventing others from growing, which is one reason why culturally it is deemed a ‘weed tree’ in the South when it is actually a native species. This association with the tree being ‘weedy’ is also because it grows up as a pioneer species in disturbed agricultural fields that have been left a bit to abandon, seeming to ‘overtake’ attempts to cultivate and control fields for crops or livestock.

High rates of disturbed soil in its range and fire suppression have increased the amount of places it thrives, and gives it an upper hand over more sensitive plants that would otherwise come up instead. It can grow a long time, an unusual thing for a pioneer species. I have seen it in full deciduous and mixed deciduous/Pine/Holly forests as well as in open fields. In the forest, it seems to have less lower branches and a different kind of growth pattern. Some say these are a different subspecies, but I am not certain. The trees that come up in fields have such low and dense branches that you can barely even see the tree’s trunk sometimes. Older trees can have pretty big and thick trunks. Some of these trees have growth rings that are darn close together, making them strong and durable for making fence posts (not to mention their rot-resistance) and ‘Cedar’ chests.

It has been loved and hated. Like many other Juniper species, this plant was(is) used by the native inhabitants of the regions where it grows for food, shelter, and medicine. In the Southeast U.S., where I am most familiar, it was not a tree that most folks wanted around especially during the days of early European colonization due to it’s ability to infect precious fruit trees in the Rose family with the ‘Cedar Apple Rust’ fungus. This pathogen is hosted on Junipers, and spreads easily to Apple trees, some Hawthorns and other plants. It can spread to Apple fruit, flowers and leaves, and inhibit the ability for the tree to thrive or for the fruit to mature properly. My dad made the mistake of planting old heirloom varieties of Apple trees on his homestead in southern Virginia more adapted for the mountain weather and not the Piedmont- and where Eastern Red Cedar is less likely to grow. There are resistant strains of Apple out there and treatments that can stop the reproductive cycle of the Cedar-Apple Rust which unfortunately usually include the use of fungicide applications. The old way was to remove as many Eastern Red Cedars as possible. To the point even that the tree was vilified, coincidently too at a time when native folks who saw the tree as sacred and useful were being displaced.

This tree was seen as a threat to the survival of colonizers, as the Apple orchard was seen as the crux of survival off the land, at least historically for the making of hard cider to drink daily. After reading the Apple overview in book ‘The Botany of Desire’ by Michael Pollan, I have a better understanding of this early settler homesteading'-survival mentality and what it meant at one point in time.

Still, much to the chagrin of the early European colonizers, Eastern Red Cedar persisted. The tree is not having any problems reproducing or thriving. It isn’t as common in the Appalachian mountains where the conditions aren’t as ideal for it. I do remember that we had a few at Dancing Springs Farm where I lived for several years outside of Asheville, NC. They were only located on top of a knoll on the land with the driest and poorest soil, as the best soil has drifted down towards the river bottom, where we gardened. It has the potential to replace grasslands when fire isn’t allowed to come through, as it will eventually outcompete important native grasses.

To step back again in lens to the plant family, I wanted to make a few notes on some of Eastern Red Cedar’s Cypress family neighbors and kin. Atlantic White Cedar, Chamaecyparis thyoides can be found from Maine to North Carolina and the Florida panhandle, sticking closer to the coast and in wet freshwater areas. Ironically, this tree’s populations are in decline due to fire suppression and is even rare in some areas of it’s traditional range. I am fascinated by this tree and would like to learn more about it. My friend Dave works for the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on the coast of North Carolina and monitors the populations of these trees (FYI, Red Wolves are also present there). Another kin is the aforementioned elegant Swamp/Bald Cypress that hugs wetter areas, Taxodium distichum. This is another beautiful and fascinating tree that used to grow in large ancient forests. Some of the oldest trees that still exist of this species can be found in eastern North Carolina swamps. For some reason tourists like to buy the cut off Cypress ‘knees’ that stick out of muck and water.

The Eastern Red Cedars that grow on the coast look at bit different. I’ve seen them on Cape Hatteras intermingling with coastal Greenbriar (Smilax sp.), Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana) and more. These Eastern Red Cedars are different enough that they are given subspecies status Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola and often is called ‘Sand Cedar.’ They are beautiful and gnarled from wind and salt spray like what is familiar of Juniper growth habits in the southwest. In the southeast there’s also low growing and uncommon Juniperus communis var. depressa (Spira).

Eastern Red Cedar berries are loved by birds, including Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, and European Starlings (Spira 241). This past weekend on a plant walk with Luke Learningdeer, a teacher of mine over the years- he told a story from a sit spot where he watched birds start at the top of a Eastern Red Cedar and work their way down eating every berry. When it got dark, they flew away, leaving all of the lower branches still full. They came back the next day to finish eating the rest.

Generally Junipers are dioecious (separate male and female plants) but occasionally they veer from this binary (like everything in nature is actually non-binary). You’ll often see a field of trees with no berries, and sometimes filled with berries. This could be due to many factors, and the appetite of currently residing birds is just one of those variable.

As you move west or north from the east coast of Turtle Island, the Juniperus species that you find change and morph. You’ll find Juniperus ashei, Juniperus monosperma (One Seed Juniper), Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper), different versions of Juniperus communis and Juniper utahensis, Juniperus californica, Juniper occidentalis (Western/Sierra Juniper) among others. Of course, they hybridize where overlapping like many plants with such variability do.

My knowledge of these species varies, I am just getting to know some of them. The work to understand them, distinguish them from one another, see where they like to grow (high, or low, or with Piñons or not..) seems like a lifetime of work. Forgive me for the holes in this piece as I know someone who has spent more of their time in the Southwest or Canada would write this totally differently.

5. Above is a video shot by Kym Slade of me chatting about Eastern Red Cedar / Juniperus virginiana on my parents’ farm in southern Virginia. It got cut off at the very end from a mishap with Kym’s phone. Enjoy the tidbit!

juniperus communis

common juniper / Ground Juniper

Baie de Genévrier

6. Juniperus communis is a species of Juniper found abundantly throughout the world, perhaps most so out of any woody shrub, and perhaps of any conifer (Enescu). It is found mostly in the north, but scattered into the southwest, Minnesota and ‘New England,’ and all across Europe, parts of the Middle East, the Himalayas and other parts of Asia, Russia and Japan. It’s use historically in medicine traditions follows this range, and curiously, many of these ways are similar, even to the use of Juniperus species on Turtle Island by it’s native inhabitants. As I mentioned earlier, Junipers have different leaf forms, some needled, some scaled. Usually younger plants have needled leaf forms, and as the plant gets older the leaves scale up (but not always). This species of Juniper tends to stay in needle form, growing in whorls of three. There is also a white band found on the top of each needle.

This species is very abundant, but in certain local regions where human populations are high and use of the plant is high as well, the populations are in decline. According to Gin Foundry:

…In Britain there has been a substantial decline in both the distribution of juniper and the size of juniper colonies, particularly in England.

Because of the wide geographic range of Juniperus communis, it is incredibly variable and has many subspecies, of which I won’t suss out here. It thrives in harsh environments and full sun. It is considered a pioneer species, like Juniperus virginiana, growing in places first before anything else is able to. This species of Juniper also hosts ‘rusts’ in Europe like Gymnosporangium clavariiforme.

According to Conifers of California (Lanner), it even grows up at high elevations above 11,000 feet, alongside the ancient Bristlecone Pines. See our blog post on the Bristlecones, here. It does indeed grow in California too, but its range is not well known.

juniperus osteosperma or utahensis

utah juniper

Hunuvu (Owens Valley Paiute)

Wa’ap, Wha-Pee (Southern Paiute)

Sahwavi (Shoshone)

(names from Native Plants of Southern Nevada: An Ethnobotany, book cited below)

7. Utah Juniper is usually found growing with Piñon Pine, especially the single-needled variety. My plant write up on Piñon can be found, here. It is most known for its importance in the Piñon Juniper woodland of the Great Basin Desert, but its range also extends into other deserts and ecologies to the north and south of the Great Basin. Like other Juniper species, it can thrive in harsh environments, and quite possibly prefers those habitats.

Utah Juniper is different from other Junipers in a couple ways. It had larger 'berry-esque’ seed cones, and actually tends to be monecious (multiple sexes on one plant) rather than dioecious (different sexes on different plants) most of the time. Birds, jackrabbits, even coyotes and humans eat the ‘fruits.’ The wood, like other Juniper species has usually been used by humans where the plant grows- as carved items useful for everyday life or as fence posts resistant to rot. Like other Junipers, it dies in fire.

Due to the Pine Bark Beetle (and other pests) killing millions of Pines of different species across the West, Juniper species are thriving in the wake of dead trees. The proliferation of this beetle is largely due to rising global temperatures, drought and shorter winters. This beetle is a native species. Here’s an article on the beetle, which I highly recommend reading up on and being aware of when engaging the Piñon Juniper woodlands of the west.

Juniper medicine

8. There’s a lot to say about Juniper as a food, medicine and tool, and I know I’ve explored the tendrils of this plant pretty deeply thus far. The significance of Juniper culturally and ecologically on a global scale cannot be ignored. Again, it is important to note the similarities in how it is used in different locations around the world. It’s use for fire, craft, food, medicine, protection, and cleansing no matter the species and location seems to be universal, even if the methods vary.

Juniper is a powerful anti-fungal. The leaves, branches or berries as a wash can aid in the mending of foot fungus. Infused in vinegar, and used to clean a moldy house (a common problem in the Southeast in the summertime) it can kick back black mold that is harmful to human health. It is also used in making containers, ‘cedar’ chests. While ‘cedar’ chests are made of mostly Cypress family trees also known for being anti-fungal and rot resistant, these same chests made from Juniper species can also have this function. The subtle aroma can also keep bugs away.

Juniper berries and twigs are diuretic. Juniper is also antibacterial, so it’s use for UTI’s is logical. It helps the body to push out bad bacteria while also killing back that bad bacteria. I’ve used the berries for that purpose— but I would suggest also pairing it with a powerful berberine-containing plant (Barberry, Oregon Grape before Goldenseal or Goldthread if possible) and an appropriate Heath family plant (Blueberry leaf, Manzanita leaf, Cranberry fruit, Uva-Ursi leaf) for further flushing. Tea is best as alcohol is irritating to the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract especially during an infection- but I have taken a mild tincture of the plant in hot tea made with the said plants and feel like double timing it was a powerful way to knock the UTI out. I would be careful with using Juniper berries once the infection has gone to the kidneys. Have antibiotics nearby and a doctor to consult as UTI’s are nothing to mess with.

Juniper berries have been used for the treatment of diabetes, and there is a measurable action of the berries with insulin in the body, but this I don’t have experience with or know a lot about.

I would stay away from Juniper berries and leaves internally during pregnancy, as multiple cultures view Juniper as an abortifacient.

Juniper berries are bitter and act on the bitter receptors, increasing digestive capacities of the body. They also stimulate appetite. According to the American Botanical Council’s citations of the German Commission E research on Juniper":

The Commission E approved the use of juniper berry for dyspepsia. [indigestion]

As I have mentioned in other plant profiles- the German Commission E was a paid for scientific research project done by the German government to investigate the medicinal qualities of popular folks herbal remedies in Europe. Most of the research ‘proved’ the common uses of the plant as true. Unfortunately, some of this research was done on animals.

While a tea of the young twigs or berries is helpful for UTI’s and increased digestive function, Juniper can also be used in conjunction with other immune supporting plants for colds and stomach upsets. Cross-culturally, Juniper branches and berries have been used in times of sickness- as a wrap on the body, or as a strong tea.

The berries are used as a food and spice for flavoring. I mention different ways this has been the case below in more detail.

A note on Juniper magic and considering the lens of settler-colonialism

9. Juniper is perhaps first and foremost known for ‘protective’ abilities spiritually, energetically and physically. Whenever working with plants that offer ‘magic’ or protection in the human world, I sit back and think about all of the ways we interpret what magic is from a western perspective informed by the settler-colonialism narrative.

I formerly studied Philosophy and Anthropology, and these questions were always on my mind: firstly- why is it that there are mostly white men studying mostly brown people? Other questions I had: Why was language of the ‘civilized’ vs. ‘uncivilized’ used when talking about ‘other’ cultures which were under study? Did these people actually give consent to being studied, observed and imposed upon by an outside white male looking to be the ‘discoverer’? Why do anthropologists hide in their writings the actual magic and ‘supernatural’ they really witnessed?

Anthropology and perhaps even its branching out into Ethnobotany which is what I primarily work with in my writings— is inherently flawed as a ‘field of study’ because it is assumed that the lens from which to look at the human world in relationship to the natural world must be seen from a western scientific perspective. This assumes that all ‘magic’ must be explained away scientifically, or else one cannot be taken seriously aka. ‘the Carlos Castaneda effect.’ Anthropology was basically a field focused on ‘preserving’ ‘primitive’ cultures by observing them and making notes before the western world wiped them out, thereby museum-ifying real human beings and their way of life. Take a look at the sad and horrifying story of Ishi, for example.

At the same time, magic is now ‘cool’ and the appropriation of symbols and rituals of magic from cultures that have been dominated over in settler-colonialism aka ‘western thought’ is rampant. This seems like an endless kind of watering down of whatever western thought sees as more authentic than itself. SO while magic isn’t taken seriously in the academic world- rain dances are just merely a ‘dance’ nothing more- magic is also bought and sold by the predominately white-skinned western world on a kind of surface level- more now that ever. And for a lot of money. The complexity of who owns what cultural symbols, traditions, clothing, and practices perhaps makes it a difficult conversation to have. I am always thinking too about how it isn’t necessarily my place or role to determine that for someone else- as a person of European descent. And, how also ‘holding in time like a noble savage time capsule’ the ‘idea’ of cultures without allowing them to change and morph and express whatever version of what they want into the world is also a form of settler-colonialism.

When I was studying Philosophy and Anthropology in a formal academic setting, one of my most treasured teachers (among many) was a Vietnamese woman named Mai Lan Gustaffson who essentially challenged the mainstream field of anthropology by writing a book on magic and ghosts with real evidence of their connection and importance in her book War and Shadows: the Haunting of Vietnam. She essentially cites how the trauma of war and genocide and the loss of specific cultural death rituals to a oppressive regime that didn’t allow them, increased the occurrences of hauntings and supernatural disturbances in Vietnam due to unsettled spirits, and the unresolved grief of the living. I took a class with her that was actually called ‘Magic, Witchcraft and the Supernatural’ or something like that - where she basically spent the whole semester completely challenging our western brainwashing on how we explain away or dismiss magic based on the fact that ultimately the western world sees itself as culturally superior. And in an age of massively increased globalization (which was my main topic of interest in formal schooling), the effect of the superiority complex of ‘western thought and culture’ bleeds into everything- also called by some globalization writers as ‘McDonaldization.’ This also goes for thinking about, writing about, and working with plants, and also our relationship to capitalism and plants. The late Dr. Gustaffson basically instilled in me the idea that ANYTHING can be real and truth- and to pay close attention to our biases and filters. Even the late Michael Moore states in ‘Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West when talking about the universal magic of Juniper:’

The aromatic properties of all parts of Juniper have been used against bad magic, plague, and various negative influences in so many cultures from the Letts to the Chinese to the Pueblo Indians that there would seem to be some validity to considering the scent as beneficial in general to the human predicament. Overlapping traditions are useful in triangulating valid functions in folk medicine. (65)

It is even ridiculous that ‘triangulating’ cultural uses of plants that grow in different locations is even necessary to ‘prove’ the magical or even physical medicinal properties of those plants or group of plants.

So, the point of all of this? To offer another seed to think about the importance of considering magic real, and to also be careful how we use this magic, and that we do not do harm to those who have not been able to practice it freely.

Juniper has been considered magical and protective via it’s smoke through burning the leaves and branches all over the world where it grows, including in Europe and northern Europe which has a complicated history onto itself of brutally erasing the magic of its own land-dwelling inhabitants. It has been made into incense for fumigating spaces to ‘cleanse’ them physically and energetically. Even the hanging of Juniper branches in spaces, above doors, on the walls, helps to protect the space from people or spirits with bad intentions. Juniper is a plant of boundaries, and there is no denying, even with all the ‘triangulating’ aside, that it simply works. Try burning a sprig of Juniper and smelling it, or hitting the branch against your legs or feet- the practice of feeling into the experience of its ability to work with boundaries is the best way to know magic is real.

Europe/Scandinavia:

10. J. communius is the main species that grows in Europe and Scandinavia. It is used in cooking food, preserving and pickling vegetables. It’s method of use varies in Europe, and is often associated with sauerkraut as an added flavoring and preservative element. Sauerkraut is a ferment using cabbage, salt and spices — originally from China and originally using rice wine — and is more often associated with Germany and other parts of Europe.

Then there’s Gin,

a spirit that most folks recognize as a favorite ingredient in slightly bitter, sometimes citrusy mixed drinks. The word ‘Gin’ is derived from the word Juniper and it is the primary herbal ingredient. It is also required that anything labeled and sold as Gin currently must have a certain percentage of Juniper berries in it. Flavors vary according to location of the Juniper plant. Different soil and climate conditions can affect the flavoring of Juniper berries in Gin.

According to the Gin Foundry:

Juniper berries are primarily used dried as opposed to fresh in gin production, but their flavour and odour is at their strongest immediately after harvest and declines during the drying process and subsequent storage.

Often it is distilled with the young branches as a strainer and the ‘berries’ lightly crushed as the main component. Traditionally J. communius was used, and is still used to make Gin in Europe. It seems like Juniper’s use in brewing is universal in Europe with the most concentrated popularity being in northern Europe, perhaps where it’s use in brewing originated. There’s a lot to say about how the use of plants like Juniper in things like alcohol spread from one location to another— and morph and shift according to environment and culture. Here’s an interesting article on the matter, here.

Folks are currently branching out experimenting with using other species of Juniper in North America and beyond. It certainly makes sense to use the plant in the place where you are brewing if possible. Given the abundance of Juniper in the western U.S., it seems obvious to use a local variety. Talking to a friend who lives in New Mexico, she said that the local Gin distillery imports their berries from Europe though Juniper grows all around because they are afraid the local variety is poisonous. Each Juniper can impart different flavors, and some can be quite bitter. Gin is often used in bitters drinks: cocktails combining some amount of bitter herbs infused in sugar, honey, alcohol, glycerin, vinegar or some combination thereof and taken before or after a meal with added tonic water to increase the efficiency of digestion. These can be called Apéritif (before the meal) and Digestifs (after the meal). There are lots of things out there used as Apéritifs or Digestifs and that would be a whole other writeup! There are also other drinks made in different parts of Europe like ferments and soft drinks that contain Juniper. Savin and Genvrette are two examples.

Juniper is used in the traditional sauna as well as in bathhouses alongside plants like Birch in the form of small brooms used to gently hit the body, creating heat and releasing oils from the plants.

Drinks

11.

Lindsey’s Gin and Tonic

1 part citadelle gin

2 parts tonic water

Grapefruit (or our California Citrus Mint!) bitters

Lime

Stir!

Piñon Juniper Bitters Cocktail

1 part gin of choice

1 parts tonic water

1 part warmed honey water with 3-4 dropperfuls of Piñon Juniper Bitters (Piñon Pine pitch and needles infused in sugar, honey and vodka, Juniper berries infused in vodka)

8 dried Juniper berries smashed in mortar and pestle

Put smashed Juniper berries in first, and then rest of ingredients. Stir.

Asia/Russia/Japan

Du Song Zi - Traditional Chinese Medicine.

12. In TCM, Juniper is used similarly to what has been cited thus far: for increased digestive function and flushing the kidneys and liver. It is associated with the Spleen and Lungs, and if you’re familiar with TCM at all, this is different that our western anatomical understanding of Spleen and Lungs. It is also considered an energetically protective plant in this tradition. J. communis and other regional species are used.

According to research done in Himachal Pradesh region of the western Himalayas,

The fruits and oils [of Juniperus communis] are used for flavouring food products. The twigs are used as incense. The twigs are also used in various socio-religious rituals particularly in driving away of evil spirits. The native people also use the plant as a remedy for joints pain. (Sharma and Lal)

In Russia, Juniper is used in their sauna and baths similarly to how the Scandinavians use it. It is also a component in some vodkas and alcohol spirits.

Mediterranean/Middle East

13. I know there’s so much more to say about each regions’ use of Juniper. While I am no expert on the global historical use of this plant, I put it all here with the aim of bringing together the similarities and differences, and perhaps for my own ongoing understanding of how plants and their food and medicines for the human body as well as other animal bodies have nuance.

The Greeks used Juniper berries as a food and spice, and I see the exact same information out there on the internet repeated over and over that it was used to increase ‘stamnia’ in the Olympic games and was used as a ‘black pepper’ substitute. It bores me to repeat this information without knowing more so that’s all I’m going to say about it until I see deeper. When I was 18, I went to Greece, and I noticed that much of the wind swept rocky terrain is dry and without dense nutritive soil- a perfect home for Juniper to thrive. I wouldn’t mind going back again with an eye for plants, when before I only peripherally noticed them. Juniper was brought to Egypt by the Greeks, and the seeds founds in burials and trash piles are indeed from Juniper species in Greece.

Canada/Northlands/ Turtle Island:

14. Several species of Juniper grow in the beautiful Boreal forests of Canada and the Northlands. There’s the low and shrubby Juniperus communis, which probably gets pretty covered by snow in the winter. Eastern Red Cedar, Rocky Mountain Juniper and a few others also grow in the region depending on the location.

I also mentioned earlier that different Juniper species grow into the U.S. and southwest, including Utah Juniper, Eastern Red Cedar, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Sierra Juniper, California Juniper and more.

Native American Ethnobotany cites dozens of tribes in the north and into the currently so-called United States and their uses of Juniper, here. The most common use medicinally is for cough, colds, stomach ailments but the list is very diverse. I can’t do justice to the nuance and appreciation each tribe has for this plant on an individual level but I want to adknowledge that it was and is extremely important to the native folks in North America where it grows.

From a protective standpoint, Juniper, again is used by many different native tribes of Turtle Island to protect the home from bad spirits, chaotic weather, the danger of unpredictable wild animals, the people who just buried the freshly dead, and more. I don’t want to generalize here, and I realize the transmutation of this information in some kind of consolidated form through the lens of white western men who wrote it down from their perspective of what they ‘think’ native folks used it for can be problematic. This is the case for talking about a lot of folk knowledge of plants in turtle island. Handle this information with care.

I know this is incomplete (and yet this Juniper plant profile is the size of a book at this point) but I’ll leave the piece with this excerpt of a piece compiled by now deceased Paula Giese on the Ojibwe + other native perspectives on Juniper and the western misconstruing of sacred plants which wraps back around to my point about the western diffusion of and yet destructive fascination with others’ magic:

“Rough Rock Tribal Demonstration School was the first Native-controlled cultural survival school. It was started by parents (with a lot of opposition from the BIA) around 1969, at Chinle, AZ on the big Navajo rez. In 1986, Rough Rock School put out a cultural cookbook, edited by Regina Lynch. It includes traditional recipes for an infusion (tea) of new branchlets and twigs of the Oneseed juniper to strengthen mothers after childbirth, and several recipes that include grinding its seeds into meal and using them in bread and corncake doughs, as well as using this juniper's leaf ash to make lye water to turn corn and corn meal into hominy…”

and:

“On the cliff at Hat Point, near Grand Portage Ojibwe reservation's harbor in northeastern Minnesota stands a 400-year-old sacred cedar tree -- Manido Giizhigance, Little Cedar Tree Spirit. The cold winds of her long life on the cliff-edge of Lake Superior have twisted and bent that tree, but she has bravely survived.

She represents sacred powers. Her sculptured form is of great beauty and inspiration. It is very annoying to Indian people that this tree has been called "witch tree" by the state of Minnesota hustling tourists. Crowds of disrespectful tourists come out to the edge of the cliff to see it. The tree has been vandalized and its existence is threatened by the hordes.

If you have ever tried to pray, quietly or perhaps with singing, alone or in a group of Indian people, all at some natural sacred place for that sacred purpose, you know the importance of quiet and openness to what is there. Of general respect by everyone in the group. The only time I went there, with a family from Nett Lake to pray for their brother, we were actually photographed and pointed at by repulsive, noisy tourists. I never went back, it was somehow spoiled for me. When I think of that tree, I can't help but feel it is spiritually dead, because for us it was killed spiritually by those tourists, their silly babble, their cameras.

Grand Portage Reservation has tried to protect it with blocked trails and limited hours of visitation. The name given the tree by the non-Indian hucksters -- witch tree -- is something like calling Notre Dame Cathedral "Our Lady of Evil Temple of Sin". It is indicative of the way the dominant white society regards everything Indian people hold sacred. If, anywhere near you, there is a landscape feature: lake, rocks, mountain -- named Devil's Anything, you can be sure this was once a sacred place to local Indian people.”

GROUND SHOTS LAND CAPSULES : Piñon Juniper Bitters (subscription time is over but extras will be listed soon)

15. For our October land capsule mail packages, we are sending out 1 oz Piñon Juniper Bitters made from Piñon Pine (Pinus monophylla) cone pitch and needles infused in vodka and sugar + Juniper berries (Juniperus utahensis) infused in vodka and honey for a simple pairing that matches the the two plants’ preferred ecological placement. This will be sent with other goodies in mid-November. These are art + plant themed packages sent to subscribers of the Ground Shots project at $30/up. To support the project and receive mail from us, click here.

We could not do this work without patreon subscribers.

16. We spend tons of time putting each of these profiles together, which we usually release to patrons first and then free to the public. They are an ongoing documentation of personal research into plants without any kind of academic sponsorship or grant funded backing. I have self-funded and traveled to meet plants first hand, aim to listen to folks in specific place, and aim to focus on the nuances of the intersection of peoples and place when talking about plants. The idea of these plant profiles in the context of The Ground Shots Project is to connect ecological webs to further support the understanding of our inherent interconnectedness with one another and the land.

Your support helps us to continue to do this work and share it with you freely.

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Works Cited / Resources

17. (not in alphabetical order)

Web. On Wikipedia- Juniperus virginiana, Atlantic White Cedar, Arizona Cypress. Accessed October 2018.

Weir, John R. and Scasta, Derek J. “Ignition and fire behaviour of Juniperus virginiana in response to live fuel moisture and fire temperature in the southern Great Plains.” International Journal of Wildland Fire. CSIRO PUBLISHING. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, OK: 2014.

Spira, Timothy. Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont.

Pollan, Michael. ‘The Botany of Desire.’ Random House. New York: 2002.

Elpel, Thomas J. Botany in a Day : The Patterns Method of Plant Identification. 6th edition. Hops Press. Pony, MT: 2013.

Teaching with, impressions from, shares with, and acknowledgement of folks who have stuck in my mind over the years of sharing ideas about Juniper and related plants: Luke Learningdeer, my dad Andy Moody and Juliet Blankespoor on Eastern Red Cedar, Peri Lee and Erin Fahey on Cypress/Junipers of the Southwest, Aganaq Kostenborder and Ted Packard on Western Red Cedar, Dave ? and Andy Jenks on Atlantic White Cedar.

Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West. Museum of New Mexico Press. Santa Fe: 1989. (Frank Cook's copy)

Lanner, Ronald. Conifers of California. 3rd edition. Cachuma Press. Los Olivos, CA: 1997.

Rhode, David. Native Plants of Southern Nevada: An Ethnobotany. The University of Utah Press. Salt Lake City, Utah: 2002.

Parveen Kumar Sharma and Brij Lal. Ethnobotanical notes on some medicinal and aromatic plants of Himachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 4(4), October 2005, pp. 424-428. Web. Accessed Oct 2018.

Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E, Juniper berry. American Botanical Council. Integrative MedicineCommunications.http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Juniperberry.htmlts=1540997832&signature=65110ab36f194e8344f999205c28e846 Web. Accessed Oct 2018.

Gin Foundry. Juniper. Web. Accessed Oct 2018. Published 2014. https://www.ginfoundry.com/botanicals/juniper/

Enescu, C. M., Houston Durrant, T., Caudullo, G., de Rigo, D., 2016. Juniperus communis in Europe: distribution, habitat, usage and threats. In: San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., de Rigo, D., Caudullo, G., Houston Durrant, T., Mauri, A. (Eds.), European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Publ. Off. EU, Luxembourg, pp. e01d2de+

Oatman, Maddie. Bark Beetles Are Decimating Our Forests. That Might Actually Be a Good Thing. Mother Jones. May/June 2015. Web. https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/03/bark-pine-beetles-climate-change-diana-six/

Garshol, Lars. The Juniper Mystery. Blog: Larsblog. 2017. Web. http://www.garshol.priv.no/blog/368.html

Gin and Tonic photo credit: By NotFromUtrecht [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from Wikimedia Commons

U.S. National Library of Medicine. Image Library. Digital Archives. Juniper. https://collections.nlm.nih.gov/?q=juniper

Native American Ethnobotany: A Database of Foods, Drugs, Dyes and Fibers of Native American Peoples, Derived from Plants. Online database. Juniper. http://naeb.brit.org/uses/species/2054/

Giese, Paula. Juniper Tribal Uses. Web. last update: 1996. http://www.kstrom.net/isk/food/juniptri.html. This old website and source is not being updated because Paula has passed away and I would like to look more into how it was compiled and if the information exists elsewhere to confirm the information again. My initial look into it tells me that she was a native woman who was dedicated to dispelling misinformation about native folks and fake information online, and her work documenting ethnobotany was not widely recognized by the academic community in her eyes mainly because she was a woman. more info found at: http://www.hanksville.org/NAresources/paula.html and http://www.kstrom.net/isk/mainmenu.html#mainmenutop

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