#Here's this legendary ability user everyone knows but no one has ever seen with this immensely unthinkable powerful ability...

[sskk-manifesto]

Finally got around to watching ep 11 (´；ω；｀)

[matkawezy]

Modern Fantasy!AU a little bit inspired by Matthew Swift Series by Kate Griffin, but it is not necessary to read the books.

In a modern world there’s a well known fact that magic exists: it’s just not for everyone. Typical modern!fantasy or something of this sort. 

Din is one of the sorcerers that take their power from the cities. That means he is the most powerful when he is in the biggest city in the world, but that can be deceiving and if you don’t have a good grip on your magic, the city’s magic can drive you mad or you just get lost in the feeling of it. Similar to that druids take their power from nature, and warlocks are all about controlling raw power with some sort of instrument - wand, sword, phone, whatever. 

He is just making his way through the world, doing some odd jobs here and there, still working for the Covert. The thing with saving Grogu still happens during the job he takes form some shady druids/sorcerers, and he is looking around and trying to find something about his newly acquired son. The thing is that nobody is really sure what he is, exactly, but he feels kind of like a familiar spirit? 

Familiars are spirits that can form a contract with any user of the magic if they want to and help them during their stay on earth. It’s a two way exchange: the mage gets to keep their magic more powerful and can do things that they couldn’t before, and spirits can spend their time on the surface and shone their skills and prowess as well; the terms of the contract are negotiated, but those are more common ones. Most of the magic users get them at the end of their training when their magic is more controlled and mature enough to form that kind of commitment. 

Familiars are often spirits, but can also take the form of an animal guide, or any other supernatural being. You can also summon pixies or gnomes but they tend to be a little bit whimsical and not easy to be around for someone with weak will. Demons are also an option, but they are simply too powerful for a human to bind them together with a contract. 

But Din was never able to summon anything. His magic always burned out all of the summoning circles and he just made peace with it, even if he always felt a bit of a tug during his tires. Not really a good thing for his self-esteem, even if he was considered one of the most powerful sorcerers out there. 

And Grogu happens. Din wants to help the child to find his way home, so he is searching the world with the purpose of finding a way to do that. Not helping that some strong shadow-creatures began to follow them and attack at any given opportunity. So, even if in the past he couldn’t draw out anything from the summoning circle, he began to experiment a little with the basics of the whole ordeal and… 

He summons one. Din isn’t sure what he summons, this sprint not really looking like any other he saw, but Luke seems friendly enough. And Grogu seems to like him, which is enough of a confirmation for Din. 

Din takes the opportunity he has and asks the spirit to take a contract with him. He is his first successful summon and he was kind of hoping that someday this would happen. He is not taking any chances at all. Luke seems powerful enough, and maybe he could help him with taking care of Grogu and figuring the whole situation surrounding the child?

Luke seems flustered but he readily accepts and only asks for “a little bit of your time” in the contract which, weird, but Din’s not gonna look too much into it. They even get to kiss a little, because according to Luke: “in my hometown we seal it with a kiss”. Din is not blind and he can see that Luke is handsome, so one kiss doesn’t kill anybody. 

They make their way and try to find some safe place to train Grogu in his abilities, because that’s the only way to help him cross to the supernatural realm. Din’s not really sure he wants to say goodbye to his son, but he also wants him to be able to protect himself and to have a choice in the future. He does what he can best: takes care of him, loves him and helps Luke with training him. 

And Luke. The thing is that Luke is powerful. They run into more shadows and Luke takes them down without sweating even a little and Din may be a little bit in love. Yes, he may be a little bit of a goof, but is also very caring and protective and has anyone seen his arms? Have you seen his laser sword? Din is very confused and not sure what to do with the fact that he is falling for his familiar. He has never heard of something like that happening but he also never saw somebody like Luke being a part of a contract. He never goes back to the supernatural realm, never asks for anything just… likes to spend time with them and is a bit touchy. 

Next time they are in a bigger city, Din goes around searching for answers. He finds some other sorcerer and is planning to talk with their familiar, but… they seem to be scared of him? Even their mage is surprised, not really knowing why their familiar is acting this way. Din comes back with more questions and no answers. He doesn’t feel that he really needs to worry about Luke and he is sure that his feelings are soon to pass, so he leaves that topic as it is.

Of course nothing good lasts forever. 

With the next attack of shadows comes Moff Gideon, one of the corrupted mages that use their connection to the supernatural as a way to grow unnaturally strong. They kill others and take their familiars and use their blood for injections for themselves or their own familiars, which resulted in some mutations: shadows and monsters. They started trying to summon more powerful creatures but demons aren’t stupid and only one summon was successful: Grogu. They took advantage of his young age and summoned him with lies. Everything was going great for them until the child escaped and then some Mandalorian sorcerer stole it from them. 

Din is angry when he learns about the pain his son has been through. 

But Luke is furious. He unleashes his power on them, and is showing all his true battle glory. He is merciless but not cruel, and soon enough everyone is either dead or trying to escape out of fear. He is the most beautiful thing Din has ever seen.

Din and Moff still can have their duel which resulted in Din getting the Darksaber, the legendary weapon of the only known half-mage, half-demon.

Luke announces that if anybody ever tries to hurt or take away from him his husband or their child, he will show no mercy and leave the world burning for years. Has nobody seen the mark he put on Din as a claim and a warning to others?

That’s the point where Din learns that he accidentally married the Demon Prince and is okay with that. 

[gravityunforgiven]

Right Where You Left Me (Kakashi x OC)

Pairings: Kakashi x OC, Jiraiya x Tsunade

Synopsis:

She was the daughter of a Legendary Sannin, He, a son of a disgraced shinobi. Fate brought them together but life tore them apart. Will they be able to take control of their destinies and find their way back to each other?

...Or will they be another victim of the cruel shinobi world they are both a part of?

Chapter Four

"You didn't tell me." Kakashi's tone was almost accusing.

Their roles were reversed now. She was the one sitting on the bench of the locker room as he stood next to her.

You didn't tell me you were going to be a jinchūriki. You didn't tell me you were chosen.

Of course, that never happened. She was too late to do anything.

Akira looked up, her voice just as cold as his, almost menacing. "I didn't think you should know."

A deafening silence engulfed the two.

"He's dead." She breathed in conclusion. A silence fell over the two as their reality sank in. Minato was gone and so was Kushina. Kakashi knows they were an important figure in her life especially after her mother left the village.

Kakashi sat down next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

They didn't talk much for the next three years. He threw himself at work to relieve his pain and she did exactly the same to relieve her guilt but every now and then, Kakashi would find a neatly wrapped bento box placed on his front door and he would know it came from her because she was the only one he told about how much he hated eating his own cooking.

She remembered.

—

He just turned seventeen the first time he walked her home. Their friends threw him a small party ( against his will) in the dango shop for his birthday. Everyone in their class were invited and Kakashi actually had a good time himself.

Akira was not her usual self that night.

She had just returned from a mission from the Land of the Waves when Kurenai knocked on her door and dragged her to the shop. She was never the one for the parties but she sure does enjoy the company of her friends but she was just dead tired at the moment. The adrenaline cursing through her veins for the past week had died down and fatigue has taken its place instead.

It was half past one when the celebration wrapped. Everyone bid their goodbyes outside the shop and parted ways.

She headed west and him to the east.

However, Kakashi couldn't get Akira's unusual behaviour out of his head. He just turned into the first corner when he found himself running back, past the dango shop, and to the opposite direction of his apartment at full speed.

He found her walking on third street on the way to her house. Akira immediately noticed the familiar chakra signature and stopped on her tracks.

"Kakashi?"

He gave her a smile, his eyes crinkling in the process. "I thought you shouldn't walk alone at this time of the night." He shrugged.

Of course, that was a lie. She was more than capable of taking care of both of them but it was all Kakashi could come up in the short time he had before he was able to catch up with her.

She lived on the far west side of the village, in one of the quieter neighbourhoods. She had too much chaos in her life that she just wanted to have a little bit of serenity in the rare times she was actually home and she figured that the best place to get that was to be away from the center of the village and in a neighbourhood full of civilians. In here, she could just be a normal person just like every body else.

Their walk back to her apartment was quiet, peaceful, even. The two of them basked in the calmness that surrounded them and the presence of one another. There were no words that needed to be spoken, they both knew how nice it was not to walk home alone for once.

Kakashi was at a war with himself the whole way to her place. He didn't know what got to him and he did this. He was not typically the one who acts based on impulse. He was a shinobi, the kind who plans his every move and analyzes the situation he was in.

But this, right now. Walking next to her, Kakashi couldn't put his finger to what he was feeling but somehow...it felt right.

"This is me." She said, stopping in front of a moss-colored door.

He bid his goodbyes and left. But Kakashi lingered in her street a little bit more. He hid behind the shadow of a street lamp and stayed until he heard the click from her door as it locked and the first light in her home burst into life.

On his way home, he concluded that he was just being a good friend and it really was just late. He made himself believe that it was just a lapse of judgement on his side and it would never happen again but ever since that night, they sat a little closer to each other, sometimes their shoulders would brush and although Akira seemed oblivious about it, Kakashi was hyperaware of her skin brushing against his and he couldn't be more thankful for the mask he wore.

Kakashi tried his best to fight against his own instinct. It was no easy task especially for a shinobi who relies on his instincts the most, but for her sake, he did.

He knew he was bad for her and she was too good for him. Everyone he had ever loved died. His parents, his team and most recently, his sensei. He couldn't do that to her. He would rather suffer for the rest of his life knowing she cannot be his than bring her down with him.

He can't live with that. So he did. He did his best to do what he believed was right and ignored his feelings knowing she deserved someone better. Someone who could protect her more that he can. There were no labels between them and he settled on the privilege of walking her home when he had the chance. Every time, he would tell himself that it would be the last time he was going to walk with her only to fail again the next time.

Kakashi knew he was in too deep. He didn't know when he started falling. All he knew was that when he walked next to her for the first time nearly two years ago, deep inside, he wanted to be by her side for a very long time.

She made him feel safe, she didn't treat him any differently when people were calling him names and their friends looked at him with pity in their eyes. She has just always been there. She was his one constant since his days in the academy to his time as an ANBU. She understood his pain when he lost Minato and respected his space when she too was grieving and needed someone but most of all, he fell for her genuine kindness, her bravery and how she always puts others before herself.

It was during the time when Kakashi found himself meddling with Root Division business, a stern warning came from her. She said he may no longer recognize himself if he continued to deal with the division. She said it was made for people specifically like him. But when Lord Third was negotiating with Danzo, she volunteered herself to be in exchange for another wood style user, Kinoe. His abilities were only half of what she can do and yet she willingly went back into the dark so he could find the light. The Third strongly disagreed with this, but like before, Akira did not listen and she was back in the Root Division. She shrugged nonchalantly saying she needed more training anyway.

Kakashi asked if Kinoe knew Akira. He said yes. She was really powerful when they trained together and they became good friends since they were the same age.

When the Root Division was disbanded, Akira was back on the Hokage's ANBU. She was in the hospital for weeks, and when she came back, she was still wincing in pain.

This made Kakashi want to put her first for once. He felt like she had no regards for her life, like she didn't care about it. He knew what that feeling is like and he wanted her to know that she was so more than just another pawn in the war.

She was slowly becoming his world.

She made him feel things that he didn't even know existed, she made him do things he thought he would never do. She made him see the beauty of life once again.

She saved him.

For two years Kakashi kept himself at bay, wondering if Akira felt the same way as he did. A part of him hoped she only saw him as a friend and nothing more, he hoped that the meals she left on his door were just random acts of kindness on her part, he hoped it was just him making up stupid scenarios in his head because he knew wasn't strong enough to stop himself from caving in if she does.

Their friends eventually noticed Kakashi's odd behaviour. He looked for her as he passed through the sushi restaurant where she's mostly seen these days, it was her face he first searches in a crowded room, the one he hoped to see when he tagged along for dinners and the others eventually noticed.

They didn't really confront the two about what was going on (except for Gai which Kakashi outright denied) but they always had their suspicions that there was something more than what meets the eye.

He ran into her in the locker room the night he first held her hand. She just came from a week long solo mission in the Land of the Snow and though he wouldn't admit it, he missed her.

"How did it go?" He had asked her.

"It went well." She replied as she strapped her shoe into place.

She stood up from the bench the same time he sat down. Before she reached the door she called his name and told him she was going to report in to the Hokage and eat dinner after. She was out of the door before Kakashi could ask her if she wanted him to join her for dinner. He stared at the door, perplexed and unsure of what she meant.

He ate next to her anyway. That night when he walked her home on the now familiar streets that led to her house, their hands lightly brushed against each other. Kakashi's heart almost stopped when he felt her hand take his own.

It was warm. So warm that the heat radiating from their tangled hands traveled through his whole body.

She wanted him.

Akira held Kakashi's hand just as tight as he did with hers. They didn't have to exchange words to know how each felt. Their eyes already said a million words. It was just how it's always been with the two of them.

When they reached her house, Kakashi walked her up to her front door. He watched in amusement as she fumbled with her keys before finally abled to unlock the bolt and switched the first light on.

They stood in her doorway, both unsure of what to do next but when her green orbs met his dark ones, Kakashi knew there was no stopping them now. Whatever the consequence may be, there was no turning back. They were both in too deep that the world would just have to deal with them being together.

Kakashi leaned in and kissed her forehead. She smelt like oakmoss, like the forest after the rain. It eased Kakashi's nervousness.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

Everything fell into place soon after that. As the months passed by, the began to fall in love with each other, know each other, it was slow and gentle, like the flowers blooming in the spring.

They became familiar with each other's presence, their small quirks and habits, like how Kakashi likes his miso soup with eggplants in them or how Akira can't go to bed without a cup of warm tea and the way he would stay up late at night just to watch her sleep, wondering how he had gotten so lucky only to discover that Akira talks in her sleep. She mumbled words in a language Kakashi never understood but once in a while, his name would leave her lips and Kakashi swore he could feel himself falling in love with her all over again.

Kakashi never thought he could love someone this much. love. He was in love with Akira. He thought he loved her enough before, but now, having her in his arms, knowing her the way he was the only one allowed to, Kakashi asked himself what he could have possibly done to deserve her.

None of their friends knew. In fact, no one besides the two of them knew about their relationship for an entire year. It was the first time for the both of them and they wanted their relationship to be theirs for the time being. They knew the others would find out soon enough but for now, they wanted to relish the feeling of finally having each other after years of holding back.

It was a little after Kakashi had moved in to her apartment when the news broke out. He had been sleeping in her house for months and didn't do much "moving in" anymore since most of his things were already in her house anyway. In fact, her apartment has been looking more and more like theirs for a while. She had neatly folded her clothes to make space for his growing number of shirts left in her place months ago and the window sill that contained her worn-out books now has his as well.

Their relationship finally became public when Genma had caught Kakashi leaving Akira's apartment early one morning. It would have been harmless and easily dodged if Akira hadn't bolted out of the door to give Kakashi a kiss goodbye on his masked lips. Genma initially kept their secret for weeks but accidentally slipped up during a conversation which Kurenai and Gai immediately picked up. It wasn't long after that when the pats on the back were given followed with congratulations for the couple. Their former classmates weren't really surprised by the news, they always knew it was going to lead to this but what took them by surprised was how they were able to keep it a secret for a long time.

The answer was simple. They were both ANBU members after all.

Kakashi cherished their long walks together the most. After all, it was where everything started. They walked along the streets of Konoha, hand in hand with the moon shining brightly above them. No one could touch the way they laughed in the dark, talking about their future or the way they would spend hours on wrapped in each other's arms, watching the sun go down. He loved how the world seemed to fade away when he looks at her. All he could see was this woman who chose him despite his flaws and accepted him wholeheartedly.

They were no longer two seperate beings, they were two souls merged into one. This time, they will have each other to lean on for the rest of their lives.

That was the plan.

Life doesn't always go according to plan.

—

Next Up: Tsunade and Akira meets again.

[livingwithamouse]

The Best Fanfiction of the Decade (as curated by one idiot)

Hi Friends. 

While I don’t advertise it on here much, I have been a dedicated reader and review of fanfiction for the last 15+ years. While I mostly stick to Harry Potter, I do branch out occasionally for outstanding works. So in the spirit of everyone’s “Best of the Decade” lists, I’ve put together my favorite 15 of the last 10 years. This is not representative of all fandoms, and I’m sure there’s some outstanding ones I’ve missed. Please don’t hesitate to tell me about any I’d enjoy or are particularly good. Otherwise, enjoy!

15. Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality

I’m adding Methods of Rationality to this list not because it is one of my favorites. It’s not. The writing, while decent, is pedantic, condescending, and messy. The plot takes second-fiddle to Less Wrong’s desire to lord his intelligence over the reader. BUT. This story was one of the most influential pieces of fanfiction over the last decade. It helped bring the medium from a niche little corner of the internet into more of a mainstream idea. I just wish it had been any other story on this list.  

14.  The Queen Who Fell to Earth

I hesitated to add this, but Bob and Alyx were a pair who helped introduce me to the wider world of fanfiction and writing back in the day. This is a Harry Potter/Dragonriders of Pern crossover that spanned 2 fully complete stories and 1 incomplete. Bob fell ill and passed away before the 3rd story could be completed, but what exists is fascinating worldbuilding and attempting to answer the question: “What is a person?”

13.  Pokemon: Origin of Species

I hesitated including this story on my list, as it is incomplete and can get heavily conceptual and aggrandizing, but honestly? The chapters where Zapdos attacks Vermillion is some of the best writing I’ve found on the internet in a while. Thrilling, heartbreaking, the author was so descriptive that I found myself fervently awaiting the next chapter every month. Inspired by the story “Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality,” but set in the Pokemon-verse.

12.  Triumvirate

A realistic Pokemon story, this puts some heavy stakes on Red, Blue, and Green’s journey through Kanto. Renaerys knows how to write fight scenes across all of the fandoms they frequent (there’s a deliciously Violent Miraculous Ladybug fic they completed a little while back that did good things for me). 

11. The Broken Series

The Dresden Files is my favorite series non-Potter, and this short 5 story fanfiction series brings Dresden to a satisfying-ish conclusion. The writing is extremely in the style of Butcher, and filled the gap between Skin Game and Peace Talks for me nicely.

10. Traveler

A pokemon fic currently clocking in at over 1 Million Words (and still going), the Kanto arc of this story is one of my favorites so far. Starting out a little fast and a little weak, the author really hits their stride about 7 or 8 chapters in, and the rest of the story truly slaps. Deals heavily with the Legendaries and their effects on the world, while drawing from canon enough to keep the story familiar and interesting. Currently in the middle of a delightful Johto arc, and infrequently updated. 

9. Back to Us

The only Miraculous Ladybug fanfiction you’ll find on my list (despite me binging it like crazy recently). Adrien and Marinette are aged up 7 years after the defeat of Hawkmoth, and the story deals with them reconnecting and dealing with a new villain. Definitely an adult story, I enjoyed the hell out of the character interactions and the fight sequences.

8. The One He Feared

Taure is a masterful author and dedicated adapter of the Harry Potter universe to play with as his own. This short 4 chapter story is no exception. Harry obtains Albus Dumbledore’s memories, abilities, and magical talent from before Albus captured the Elder Wand, and uses these to take the fight to Voldemort. Incomplete (and probably never finished), the 4 chapters encompass a pretty good first arc of the story, enough for it to live here in the top 10 of my list.

7. The Shadow of Angmar

Harry Potter/Lord of the Rings crossover, where Harry is pulled by the Witch-King into Middle-Earth, and spends years being tortured by him before being freed during the Fall of Angmar. From there, Harry must travel Middle-Earth, trying to find a way to adapt their magic to his own. Steelbadger manages to capture Tolkien’s writing style fairly well, mixing him, JKR, and his own style.

6. Incorruptible: The Dementor’s Stigma

A Harry Potter Zombie story with some of the best action sequences in the business. This story elevates dementors from scary to truly terrifying, in that they are the source of a Zombie plague that has wrecked the world. If you ever wondered how magic users would deal with a Zombie Apocalypse, this is by far the best one (the scenes of the plague’s origin in Saint Mungo’s are ESPECIALLY good)

5. Renegade Cause

I spent this entire story saying “Holy Shit? Holy Shit? Holy Shit?” Harry doesn’t receive Sirius’s letter telling him to stay put after the Dementor attack, maiming and killing several aurors in his escape attempt, and things to TERRIBLY sideways from there. There is political drama in this story that is unmatched in almost any other writing I’ve found. (TW: there is a rape scene late in the story, which occurs mostly off-screen but was still super disturbing).

4. Seventh Horcrux

You want some humor? Here, amidst all the drama and despair and morbid writing, is one of the funniest stories I’ve ever read. Voldemort, while evil, is hilarious. He is thrust into Harry’s 1 year old body during the murder attempt, with all of his memories intact. What ensues is mayhem, humor, and Harry!mort attempting to not be evil. Sticks fairly true to canon personalities, minus Harry. Great Story. Great ending. It holds up.

3. A Long Journey Home

A Harry Potter genderbend, post defeat of Voldemort. On a tomb raid with Bill, Jasmine (Harry as a woman), is suddenly thrust back 1000s of years into Ancient Egypt. While this would normally be an ordeal to read, the author does something immensely clever and brings Jasmine back into the story immediately, alternating chapters between Jasmine adjusting to life after thousands of years of being alone, and Jasmine’s journey through history (the Merlin/Morgana chapters are especially enjoyable). Unfinished, and hasn’t been updated in 2 years, it is a GREAT story that stands well even though it’s incomplete.

2. The Game of Champions

Deleted by the author and unfinished, this remains the best adaptation of the Pokemon universe I have ever seen. Red and Blue are amazing protags, and the style of writing and the concepts introduced regarding Titan-class Pokemon, violence in the universe, and the plotline of the original games. The author came out of retirement at the desperate pleading of their fans to write up short summaries of what the rest of the story would be and LORD I wish they’d finished the story (ask me for where the rest is).

1. Harry Potter and the Wastelands of Time

It was tough choosing between this and The Game of Champions, but I went with Wastelands because it’s complete. A masterpiece of AU fanfiction. Harry is a Time Traveler, but instead of a single journey to the past, it’s a Groundhog Day type repetition, but without the fun and with more blood and screaming and sadness and madness and magnificent writing. While begun in 2008, it was finished in 2010, which means I’m still going to include it on this list. It’s my favorite to this day, and has a sequel, Harry Potter and the Heartlands of Time, which took FOREVER to finish and ended mildly disappointingly. But the author, Joe, moved into published novels, and can be excused. Sorta.

[mfackenthal]

The MFackenthal Show with Special Guest @choicesarehard

banner created by the amazing @choicesarehard

Disclaimer:  This interview was conducted on July 1, 2019. 

Megs: Welcome, welcome everyone to my 10th show!  I am so blessed that this show has done so well and the network has given me a full 23 episode slot.  I have to tell you - the remaining 13 slots are currently filled!  Which just means that my producers are working on a season 2.  If you want to be on the show - please let me know.  And if you think someone else should be on the show - let me know that too. In fact, today’s show couldn’t have happened without the help of @leelee10898.  

Tonight, I have a wonderful special guest with me tonight, everyone please give a round of applause to @choicesarehard!

Ellie:  stays seated next to Megs on the couch, gives a little smile and waves to the audience. 

Megs:  Ellie, I am so excited to have you on the show tonight.  When we were chatting backstage, I promised I would start today’s show with a story - something to help you forget that my amazing audience is staring at you.  Hmmm .. I’m trying to think of an embarrassing one … let’s see ... I’ve been taught to always sing loud and proud … but that means people often catch me not quite knowing the words to the song I’m singing.  That’s not terribly embarrassing though … Oh!  I understand that you like to travel … I have to be really careful that I don’t sing when I’m on a plane.  It’s harder for me than it sounds.  Ooooh oooh oh - idea forming right now!  We should have plane karaoke.  I really think flights could be more fun if we had a little more to drink and a few more songs to sing together.  Plus I never forget the words when I’m singing karaoke - the words are always right there on the screen.  

Ellie: laughs.  You would certainly have a captive audience.  

Megs:  Exactly!  Okay, your turn.  Tell me a travel story. 

Ellie: Hmmm ... well, Megs, you see, I’m a Texan, and we tend to be really friendly people. Sometimes, a little too friendly. On a flight home from London recently, a British man in front of us was struggling to fill out his immigration form. He asked the flight attendant “What if I don’t know where I’m staying?” This Texas woman next to me, who does not know this man at all, immediately pipes up, “Sugar, don’t give it another thought, you’ll stay with us. We have a spare room.” And the British man looks absolutely terrified, and squeaks “I meant I don't know the address!” It was the most perfect culture clash I’ve ever seen, and I loved every second of it. 

Megs:  Oh, that is a great story.  Gotta love Texans.  

Ellie:  Agreed!

Megs:  Okay, so Ellie, tell me, when did you join the fandom and what brought you here? 

Ellie:  I joined Tumblr in January, after reading every single Damien x MC story on the Choices Fan Fiction Archive. No, seriously, like, all of them. I was desperately Googling for more content, and discovered all the amazing creators on here. I made an account that night!

Now, as I can be pretty shy, I didn’t make a single post or even comment on stories my first month on Tumblr. I probably would have stayed a wallflower if @walkerismychoice hadn’t written a story so amazing I had to say something. So I sent her a DM and panicked until she responded. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Maggie took me under her wing, showed me how to tag and post, sent me my first Ask, and even encouraged me to write my first drabble! Friends like her and what really brought me away from the metaphorical wall and onto the fandom dance-floor.

Megs:  And we’re so glad you are here!  Megs turns to the audience.  As there may be a few of you here who don’t know Ellie very well, let me tell you - she is multi-talented. Not only does she write, but she also creates gorgeous edits.  Seriously, did you see that banner of us when you first turned on the show?  That was all Ellie!  She’s amazing. 

Ellie:  Megs - stop, you’re making me blush!

Megs:  Nope, won’t stop.  Seriously Ellie, you should charge a commission fee! I would have paid for my icon and banners!!! *wink* Ellie:  Ha! You are the sweetest, and I actually get that a lot. But edits are my little way of saying thank you to the fandom for being so kind to the new kid! 

Megs:  Awh, you’re not so new anymore, friend!  So tell us a little about your work.  What’s your favorite work that you’ve written?  

Ellie:  Oh goodness, I can be pretty critical of my own work, but I’m trying to shake that habit.  And I am definitely proud of His Hands. Sometimes the things we hate about ourselves are the things that draw others to us, and it was fun to show both those perspectives in one piece.

Megs:  Oh, that is so beautiful!  Can you tell me more about your edits? 

Ellie:  The edits started as a way to illustrate one of my Outfit Drabbles — these kind of insane little stories I write about the worst outfits in the game. But I started doing edits seriously about two months ago! Clearly, it has kind of spiraled out of control since then, and I’m slapping wrinkles and tattoos and prison uniforms on everyone. I’ve also started making Choices Aesthetics recently. I love trying to capture the feeling and mood of a book or character in just six panels. My Wishful Thinking Emu board is probably my favorite thing I’ve ever made. 

Megs:  Everyone should check those out.  That Wishful Thinking board is amazing!  So, do you prefer writing or the edits? 

Ellie: Oh Megs! Don’t make me choose! Oh goodness, let me think. Making an edit is definitely more fun than writing. I’m giggling almost the entire time I’m creating one. And it’s a much, much faster process. But I pour so much of myself into my stories, and I really love getting to share them with other fans. And I think my stories mean more to me on a personal level. So uh...both? Can I say both? 

Megs:  Of course! I mean, I should probably share something really fast ... if ever I am playing a game - I will look for a way to cheat.  So in either/or questions - I highly respect an answer of both.  

Ellie:  That does explain so much about you, Megs. 

Megs:  Laughs.  Okay, well, getting back to you sharing your work with this fandom.  What do you love about this fandom?  Is there anything you’re less than happy with? 

Ellie: I love how welcoming the fandom is to new writers and artists. My first drabble was literally 77 words… and I had a whopping 13 followers. It should have been totally lost in the noise. But wonderful people like @bobasheebaby @sinclaire-made-me-sin and @ritachacha were so supportive; it made me feel brave enough to write a second story, and a third, and…well, here we are!

And listen, I know no online experience is going to be perfect, but if I don’t like a given topic or series I just filter it from my dashboard, or unfollow the user.  Beyond that, I just try to surround myself with people who are kind. 

Megs:  Do you have any advice for other people in the fandom?  Especially other fanfic writers? 

Ellie: I’m an incredibly slow writer. Seriously, trees grow to maturity while I finish a single drabble. And it can be intimidating to see a flurry of new content appear as I’m writing. But I’ve had to teach myself not to worry about what stories have already been told or are being told as I write. Our voices will always be unique, so even if the trope or setting is familiar, our work will be something that only we could have created.

Megs:  Well … I can’t say much about anyone’s speed of writing.  I’m lucky if I get something out every other week.   Those are truly beautiful words about uniqueness.  Thank you, Ellie!  What’s your writing process? 

Ellie: Simple - I write three words. Then I panic. Erase two of them. Panic some more. I’m kidding…mostly. In all seriousness, most of my writing wouldn’t exist without @brightpinkpeppercorn. We’re both night owls, and tend to brainstorm ideas long past midnight. Telling a story’s concept to a friend helps me develop the idea without the pressure of formatting or picking the perfect words — especially when that friend has an incredible sense of narrative and how to move a story forward. I really do think writing takes a community sometimes, and I’m so lucky to have one on Tumblr. 

Megs:  I love hearing about the community really coming together.  And speaking of community and coming together … fangirl with me about Choices for a little while.  Have you read all the books, what’s your favorite book, favorite One True Pairing (OTP), etc? 

Ellie:  Well, Megs, don’t tell anyone but … I actually haven’t played three of the biggest series — The Crown and the Flame, Endless Summer, and It Lives Beneath. I really want to, but there’s so much amazing new content each week, how’s a girl supposed to find the time?  

Megs:  I don’t know!  I often whine about not being paid to read all the fanfiction out there.  I’m behind right now on both canon and so much fanfiction ... and that is so weird for me.  Oh, but I saw that you’ve decided to read Veil of Secrets next.  Everyone, check out this post on how you can read or reread it with Ellie, if you want! 

Ellie:  Awh, thanks Megs.  Yeah - everyone should read it with me.  As for a favorite choices book … Saying this in an interview makes it real, doesn’t it?  gets up and starts to pace in front of Megs  Oh gosh, oh gosh … sits back down and takes Megs hands … I’m so sorry Damien, but...it’s Ride or Die. Releases Megs hands and faces the audience.  Listen, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Ride or Die was supposed to be a fluffy little story I’d play for diamonds and laugh at. But the narrative has so much more depth and nuance than I’d expected, and your decisions have real consequences. And did I mention the three incredible Love Interests?

Megs:  You actually didn’t no. 

Ellie:  Oh - shush you!  Laughs.  Well, let me get back to my OTP -  It will always be Damien and Kai from Perfect Match. Damien is a man who loves every part of you — your bad jokes, your terrible cooking — and has loved you for years. Besides, his banter is hysterical, and his ability in bed is literally legendary on Tumblr. I mean, come on. It’s a no brainer.

Megs: I do miss Damien!  Sigh  And, on that note, we are out of time.  Thank you, Ellie, for joining me on today’s show.  It was a pleasure to have you on the show.  

Ellie:  Wait, wait - Megs.  Before you go, I have one thing I have to give you. 

This is an edit of us on today’s show.  Thank you for having me and for helping me through my shyness.  

Megs:  It is gorgeous, Ellie!  Thank you soooooo much!  I love it!

Ellie:  You’re so very welcome. 

Megs and Ellie hug then turn to the audience and wave.  

Megs:  Have a great weekend, everyone!

~~~~~

And now for the tags.  If you want to be added to the tag list for these or removed, please let me know!

@hopefulmoonobject @queen-among-writers, @hopelessromantic1352, @lilyofchoices, @msjpuddleduck, @theroyalweisme, @lady-kato

[anistarrose]

Dog is an Elf’s Best Friend (TAZ Graduation)

Summary: The summer before our series is set, two brothers search for the cure to a curse and are led to the Unknown Forest.

Word Count: 4100

Warnings: very brief eye horror

AO3: archiveofourown.org/works/21436063

I can’t be completely sure because I can’t read Travis’s mind and I don’t know what canon is going to do, but this is probably an AU. Some parts are based of a theory I think is pretty plausible, but other parts are bigger stretches.

***

Each year, when the hottest months arrive and the students leave their Wiggenstaff dorms to visit family or pursue summer employment, there are exactly four faculty members who remain on campus. One is Hernández, who stays to take care of the resident animals, and the second is of course Groundsy, whose true motivations remain an enigma to all but is ostensibly present to repair the tower and maintain the grounds as needed.

The third is Higglemas Wiggenstaff. They say you have a better chance of catching him outside of his office in the summer than you do during the school year, but it’s still a rare occurrence. Most rooms in Wiggenstaff’s, and in the Annex in particular, get so hot in the summer that they’re practically suffocating — but rumor has it that Higglemas can and will open a portal to the Plane of Air itself, if that’s what it takes to ventilate his office and keep it at a liveable temperature.

(Most students — especially the magic users themselves, who know just how much skill it requires to open such a portal — take this rumor with a grain of salt. Higglemas has been locking himself away like this for years, but has yet to emerge from his office with any grand innovation or discovery to show for it — how competent of a wizard can he really be?)

Unbeknownst to all but Higglemas himself, the fourth faculty member is Higglemas’s dog.

At first impression, and even second and third impression, nothing seems unusual about the collie that wanders the halls of the Annex — at least, nothing more unusual than what would be expected from a pet of Higglemas’s. He’s a well-trained dog, usually aloof but occasionally willing to accept bribes in the form of food, and he seems intelligent, but not uncannily so.

But this impression of mundanity, while incorrect, is a testament to the dog’s ability to keep a secret. And as luck would have it, this ability just so happens to run in the family.

***

Today, there are two deliveries for Higglemas waiting at the wrought-iron gate to the Annex. When the dog fetches them from the courier and brings them to his office, Higg immediately tears off the brown paper covering the larger of the two packages and begins leafing through the book in search of its section on polymorph spells. He hunches over the his desk, ignoring the second package, and presses his thumb to his middle finger to stem the flow of blood from a papercut he’s given himself in his haste.

“Hrm. Smoke from mahogany wood, that might be worth investigating…” he mutters, sloppily underlining a passage in the ancient tome with a ragged-looking quill pen. Then he cross-references his notes, and scowls. “No, what am I thinking? We’ve tried mahogany wood twice now!”

He slams the book closed. “We’ve tried every type of wood by now! We’ve tried every damn combination of components in all of Nua — and none of them have done a single thing!”

The dog whimpers, nudging the second package closer to Higg. It’s a small burlap sack, containing several loaves of bread and sugary pastries ordered from the bakery in Last Hope.

The dog cannot speak, but his message is clear: You’ll never find the right components if you forget to eat and collapse from starvation.

Higg reluctantly breaks off a tiny piece of crust from one of the loaves, popping it into his mouth as he pulls out another book. Unsatisfied, the dog leaps up onto the desk, trampling all over Higg’s notes and setting the bag of food down directly on top of the book, where Higg can’t possibly ignore it.

“Oh, fuck off, Hiero!” Higg snaps. “Do you want to be stuck like this forever?”

Hiero huffs and jumps down off the desk, storming off to disappear behind one of the office’s many bookshelves.

Higg sighs. “Okay, fine! I’ll eat — look!” He magically slices two pieces of bread off of the loaf and puts a piece of cheese between them, then takes a bite and makes exaggerated chewing motions. “See, there it goes! Down the pipe! You don’t need to get all sulky on me!”

Hiero doesn’t emerge from behind the bookshelf.

“I didn’t mean to snap at you like that, okay? I’m sorry.” Higg puts his head in his hands. “It’s just — it’s been five fucking years, and I haven’t come up with anything, Hiero. I don’t know how much longer I can do this. Someone’s bound to figure us out sooner or later…”

He swivels around in his chair, pulling open the curtains covering the office’s sole window and gazing outside towards the Unknown Forest with unfocused eyes.

“Everyone knows you would’ve saved me a long time ago, if I’d gotten cursed,” he whispers. “But I’ve tried every idea I can think of, every single spell component I know, and you’re still a dog…”

Hiero pokes his head out from his hiding place just in time to see his brother abruptly lean closer to the window, a smile suddenly spreading across his face.

“So that means the missing piece of the puzzle must be unknown to us, so to speak…” Higgs muses out loud.

Hiero barks so loud that it startles a bird flying by outside. You’d better not be planning what I think you’re planning! You’re just going to get yourself killed!

But Higg is already on his way to the door, throwing on a cloak and dusting off a longsword that hasn’t seen use in decades.

“Quit being such a worrywart, Hiero. I’m going to the Unknown Forest, I’m gonna burn some of the shit I find there, and then I’m going to get you back to normal.”

***

The smoke is the most vital component of a potent True Polymorph spell, on that much all sources agree. A cloud of smoke can change shape unlike any other substance, responding instantaneously to even the gentle guidance of a faint breeze. It represents impermanence and entropy, and the delicate act of channeling something fluid into a different, yet recognizable form.

But Higg has found all sorts of differing accounts on what type of smoke works best. Not all of them are contradictory — some recommend burnt driftwood specifically for a transformation into a sea creature, and others endorse candle smoke with a dash of copper sprinkled in for bats and other nocturnal creatures. Others still swear by a piece of parchment with writing on it, ideally a few words that evoke the creature one is trying to transform into.

But there is no recorded precedent, much less a scientific consensus, on how to reverse a curse and turn one’s brother from a dog back into an elf, so Higg has resorted to simply trying every possible combination of components he can think of. He still consults old texts from time to time, but neither research nor trial and error have resulted in even the faintest hint of a lead.

Hence his current plan: walking straight into the deadliest forest on Nua. Somewhere in between storming out of his office, and finding himself in the northeast corner of the campus green, he’s come to accept that it’s one of his worst plans ever — but it’s also the only plan he has left, and there’s no plan that’s worse than not trying anything.

He notices that Hiero is trotting after him, lagging behind by a few dozen feet. As much as Higg hates the idea of Hiero following him into the forest, his presence is oddly reassuring, because it tells Higg that even despite their earlier spat, his brother does still worry about him charging off to his death.

We really have flipped our old hero-sidekick dynamic on its head these past few years, haven’t we…

“You’re not heading to the Unknown Forest, are ya, Wiggs?”

Groundsy’s voice makes Higg jump — the groundskeeper, despite his impressive height and lumbering gait, always seems to appear out of nowhere even when Higg is completely expecting to run into him.

“I am heading in, but not so far that I lose sight of daylight. I’ll hurry back out at the first sign of trouble, I assure you.” Higg’s impression of Hiero’s voice is flawless, as is his disguise spell. (It has to be, in order for him to run the school in his brother’s place while he puzzles out the polymorph curse.)

“Well, what in the world for? You’re about to take quite a risk here, Wiggs — what reward are ya hoping to reap from this little expedition?”

Higg summons every ounce of elfin disdain he can muster as he replies: “Need I remind you, Groundsy, that you are in my employ — and so accordingly, I don’t have to justify myself to you? With my unmatched wisdom, I selected this particular site for my school out of nearly a hundred alternatives, and I have lived in the tower above this forest for over two centuries! If anyone knows what is or isn’t worth venturing into the Unknown Forest for, it would be me — the astute and frankly legendary Hieronymous Wiggenstaff! So put a bit more faith into your headmaster and let me go about my business uninterrupted, would you?”

Hiero’s ears twitch with a fair amount of elfin disdain of his own as he listens. This is no longer an “impression” of me. This is flat-out caricature.

Groundsy doesn’t seem too bothered by so-called-Hieronymous’s scathing rebuke. “Well, if ya find yourself in trouble, ya can always call for help!” he reminds Higg. “I won’t come in to rescue ya, but it’ll make the story more interesting when I tell everyone how the legendary Hieronymous Wiggenstaff met his match!”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Higg replies dryly. He puts his hand on the hilt of his sword, about to march into the forest, but Groundsy speaks up again:

“Oh, that’s a new sword, isn’t it?”

“My usual blade is out being resharpened by an expert smith,” Higg fibs. “I’m borrowing this one from Higglemas — since we have about the same build, and he certainly never uses it.”

“Borrowing his dog too, I see! Will you be using him to lead you through the forest by scent?”

“The dog goes where he pleases. I don’t have any say over it.” Higg turns around to give Hiero a glare. “Though I hope he has enough common sense not to follow me into the woods. He has no magic, no sword — he wouldn’t last a minute in there.”

“Oh, I’ll keep an eye on him for ya! Groundsy’s great with animals!” Groundsy kneels down to pet Hiero, who backs away and growls.

“Try and get along for just a few minutes, you two,” Higg tells them. “This shouldn’t take me very long.”

And if it does take longer than a minute or two, you’ll have more pressing concerns than each other’s company.

He casts Light on his sword as he steps closer to the woods, holding it out at arm’s length to illuminate the uneven terrain beneath his feet. He passes several jagged, half-buried boulders and treads across dead and gnarled old roots left behind by a long-gone tree, then warily comes to a halt a few feet away from the forest’s edge. Behind him, the sun is just as bright as one would expect from a cloudless summer day, but in front of him, it’s dark like midnight on the night of a new moon.

He hears Hiero whimper from a safe distance away, but he doesn’t turn back. There is a sapling at the edge of the tree line, bearing only a dozen or so leaves on each of its wiry branches, and he confidently strides towards it, gripping the thinnest-looking branch in a gloved hand and preparing to snap it off —

It doesn’t break. The branch is as rigid as steel, and feels deathly cold even through the insulation of his glove.

“Damn it, why didn’t I just bring a fucking axe?” Higg shivers, reluctantly raising his sword. He’d hate to damage it trying to chop down an unnaturally hardy tree, but collecting branches by hand wasn’t working, and he won’t let this perilous trip turn out to be for nothing.

Hiero barks as Higg swings his sword down, and Higg jumps, missing the sapling entirely.

“What the hell was that about? Don’t do that when I’m holding a bladed weapon —”

Hiero barks again, more urgently this time, and a realization dawns on Higg a second too late.

The tree roots he’d mistaken for dead have come very much alive — now they’re coiling around his feet, snaking up his boots, constricting his legs. As Hiero let’s out another frantic howl, they jerk violently, yanking Higgs off balance and dragging him backwards into the Unknown Forest.

“Fuck!” Higg swings his sword wildly, desperately trying to cut his feet loose, but it bounces straight off the bark of the roots. Its light dims as he’s carried further into the woods, and every other second he either gets a faceful of prickling branches or feels his head slam into the trunk of a tree, leaving his face bloodied and ears ringing.

Who’s going to save Hiero if I die in here? No one else even knows the truth —

He plunges his sword into the ground, miraculously finding a narrow chink between two immobile, iron-hard roots and piercing deep into the cold earth beneath them. The force at his feet keeps pulling, but his grip on the hilt of his weapon stays firm, and he doesn’t budge.

“Take that, you abducting arboreal bastards!” he spits, pulling his wand from his pocket and blindly aiming a freezing blast of wind towards his feet.

The roots immediately convulse, jerking upwards and hoisting Higg and his sword vertically out of the ground — only to stop moving a second later, leaving him suspended in the air. They glimmer in the light of his now-freed blade, and he realizes with a smile that he’s frozen every damn inch of them solid.

“Good riddance,” he growls, and strikes them once more with his sword — and this time, they shatter into thousands of icy crystals.

He feels less triumphant after tumbling to the ground and landing a bit less gracefully than he’d like — and what’s more, he realizes he’s somehow lost his grip on his wand.

“Shit, shit, shit…” He swings his sword in wide arcs, trying to illuminate as much of the surrounding forest as he can. None of the trees here seem to be as mobile as the roots that captured him, but he still flinches every time he feels something brush against his ankle. Once he finds his wand, though, he’ll be able to just levitate above the treetops and fly back to safety…

He glimpses a familiar polished marble rod atop a pile of ebony-dark leaves, but before he can pick it up, a chattering squirrel darts past and snatches it up beneath its teeth. Luckily, the creature doesn’t run far, instead opting to scamper up a tree and perch atop a low-hanging branch. It still holds the wand beneath its teeth as it stares at Higg with accusing eyes.

“I know I’m intruding on your territory, but I promise you, it wasn’t intentional,” Higg says softly, slowly stepping towards the squirrel and holding out an outstretched hand. “Now, I’d really appreciate it if you could just drop that wand you’re carrying…”

The squirrel’s tail erupts into purple flames and it snaps the solid stone wand between its teeth, chattering with delight as it stuffs the two halves into its mouth and gulps them down.

Higg hastily steps back, tightening his grip on his sword, but the squirrel darts away without another glance at him, and the forest falls eerily silent.

“Hiero?!” he shouts. “Groundsy? Can you hear me?!”

There’s no reply. And even worse, it dawns on him that he has no idea which way he came from — if he’d broken any branches or left any sort of trail while being dragged in, the plants have already regrown to cover it.

If he dies here and leaves Hiero stuck as a dog forever, all because he didn’t recognize Hiero’s own warnings in time, then… well, that sure would be an appropriate way to cap off his miserable, failure-wracked life, wouldn’t it? Really, he should’ve seen this result coming from the first moment the idea of entering the Unknown Forest popped into his head —

Think, Higglemas. Don’t give up, think. What would Hieronymous do to get his bearings?

He gazes up towards the blanket of pitch black leaves overhead, through which only a few tiny pinpricks of starlight reach through…

The stars, that’s it! Higg is no scholar of astronomy, but he does know the major constellations, as well as the approximate geographic layout of the Unknown Forest as a whole — with the stars in view, he can surely deduce the fastest route back to safety. Rather than sheathing his sword and blocking his only source of light, he ties it to his belt, and he selects a climbable looking tree — offering a sturdy trunk, ample branches for handholds and footholds, and most importantly, roots that don’t come alive even after giving them an experimental poke.

But almost as soon as he begins to scale the tree, things go wrong. The bark is unnaturally slick, and initially stable footholds melt away beneath his boots, sending him sliding back down the trunk to land on his rear in a pool of foul-smelling oil.

“Damn it!” Higg takes a running start at a different tree, leaping for the lowest-hanging branch, but it liquifies in his hand, and once again he tumbles to the ground.

So much for the stars saving me…

A bush a few feet away from him rustles, and Higg freezes.

But the forest goes quiet.

Concluding that his imagination had worked against him, Higg lets out a sigh of relief — then the bush rustles again.

(Is it the same bush? Or was the sound closer this time?)

He draws his ever-dimming sword, and from the bush there comes an eerie creak, like a footstep on a floorboard. But at least it isn’t advancing towards him anymore — he can work with this.

He’s about to take the first of what would hopefully be many slow steps backwards, away from the rustling creature, when he hears it. Somewhere behind the bush, a dog is barking, and though it’s distant and muffled, Higg recognizes it instantly.

“Hiero! I’m coming!!” he shouts, and charges towards the bushes.

Between the cover of the plants and the cover of darkness, the being that lurches forward to meet him is difficult to perceive, but Higg glimpses it in brief flashes as he swings his blade —

At least four spindly arms, probably more. Fingers whittled into points.

Ash-grey bark peeling away to reveal eyes, so many eyes. Pulsating black pupils, surrounded by spiderwebs of crimson veins.

A cavity between two forking branches, in which rows of fangs drip sickly-sweet sap.

Higg lets out a guttural roar and skewers the beast through its torso, casting its hollow body aside and sprinting onwards to the source of Hiero’s barks. But a stray vine trips him, and his heart skips a beat in his chest as he feels it ensnare his ankle in a familiar death grip —

Hiero springs out of the shadows, a terrifying bundle of momentum and determination in canine form, and barrels into the vine with so much force that even Higg gets jerked a few feet. The vine doesn’t release him, but it goes just limp enough for Higg to slip out of his trapped boot, and Hiero darts to his side as the two of them break into a run again without a single word exchanged.

If Higg didn’t know better, he would’ve sworn his brother had done this before. Hiero keeps his tail close to Higg’s legs and his nose close to the ground, barking and swinging his tail every few dozen feet to signal for Higg to turn. When they finally breach the tree line, they skid to a halt and whirl around to face the forest — Higg with his sword drawn, Hiero with haunches raised and teeth bared — and wait several terrifying seconds before finally collapsing to the ground, confident that no creatures will follow them out of the woods.

“Well, I’ll be a unicorn on the barn roof!” Groundsy begins to applaud, rushing to Higg’s side with a huge smile on his face. “Ya made it out in once piece, both you and your dog!”

“He’s my brother’s dog, not mine —” Higg begins, before looking down at his hands and clothes and realizing that his Disguise Self spell is, of course, long gone.

“Oh, don’t ya give me that schtick! Your secret is safe with me, Higgsy!” Groundsy tells him with a wink.

Higg breathes a temporary sigh of relief, mentally debating the ethics of looking into a memory-erasing spell later. Unless huts are involved, Groundsy’s secret-keeping abilities usually leave much to be desired.

“From the looks of things, ya almost did kick the bucket in there,” Groundsy goes on. “I hope ya at least got ahold of whatever it was ya went in for?”

Higg plucks a few pointed twigs from his cloak and pants, holding them gingerly and cupping his free hand beneath them to catch the oil that they drip.

“Well, not quite in the way I wanted to. But I’m thinking this’ll suit my purposes just fine.”

***

Hiero sits impatiently at the center of a room that has seen many explosive fires and failed rituals, waiting for Higg to finish his preparations. There are circles of chalk that must be drawn, dust from previous failures that must be swept up, and most importantly, oil from the Unknown Forest that must be burned.

Higg watches the flames turn an unnatural purple color, pointing a freshly obtained wand at the bowl of oil and concentrating on channeling the smoke. As he directs wisps of it past his face and towards Hiero, he’s somewhat put off by how normal it smells — it has a slightly more earthen scent than the usual flammable components he uses, but there’s nothing particularly otherworldly about it. Nothing to indicate that this might be the breakthrough he’s awaited for years.

“Ready?” he asks Hiero, pushing his doubts to the back of his mind, and Hiero nods, sitting up on his hind legs. They’ve always speculated that a bipedal posture might help reversing the polymorph — though of course, it’s not like they’ve had any success to show for it.

Hiero holds his breath as Higg surrounds him with a plume of smoke and begins to chant, carefully enunciating words in a long-dead language that even most elves don’t remember. The room quickly darkens in a way that it never has before, as the smoke absorbs the ambient light and begins to glow in an inconsistent shimmering pattern that evokes stars scattered across a deep indigo sky.

Higg, too, holds his breath as thin wisps of that smoke coil around Hiero one at a time, slowly blending together and changing in shape. The obscured silhouette of a collie transforms, snout shortening and legs elongating — and then it all disperses with a sudden clap of wind, leaving behind an elfin man who instantly collapses to the floor.

“Higglemas?” Hiero croaks, staring down at his trembling hands. “Did we —”

He coughs up a cloud of acrid red smog, convulsing and arching his back.

“NO! WAIT! Do something, Higg! I can’t —”

Higg dives after his brother, eyes stinging from the fumes as Hiero’s voice breaks and distorts back into a howl. Higg wraps his arms around a thrashing collie, and Hiero goes limp, red-tinged foam still dripping from his mouth as his younger brother whispers:

“We’re getting so close, Hiero. Don’t give up on me now, not when we’re so damn close.”

Hiero whimpers weakly, hanging his head.

“We have a lead now,” Higg continues, summoning all the optimism he can muster into his voice no matter how sick he felt watching Hiero revert. “And in just a few weeks, we’ll have a new class of students, too — odds are one of them will know their way around animals and shapeshifting.”

He gently pats Hiero on the back, running his hand over fur until he can feel that Hiero has stopped trembling. “We’ve got more to go on than ever before. We’re going to figure this out one way or another, I promise.”

Hiero’s eyes close as he rests his head on Higg’s knee. I hope so.

***

(End notes:

Thanks for reading, comments are always welcomed!

While I genuinely believe the Hiero Dog Theory as a whole has a lot of weight to it, certain parts of this are certainly going to get proven wrong sooner or later, but it was still extremely fun to write! I am historically a huge sucker for grumpy old men with hidden depths, so I got invested in Higglemas right away.)

[starryseo]

superhero!sicheng

background: in this alternate universe, the members of nct will have various superpowers and abilities. this bulleted series will describe them in school situations - a school of superheroes/ villains - and also outside of school, in non-magical settings, for instance, describing a non-magical job they may have. it’s kind of like harry potter in the sense that only people with powers can access this magical world (where the school is) but magic users can easily travel in between both worlds. enjoy!

super speed & flexibility;

ok so sicheng here is like a mix of elastigirl and dash

dont ask me how that works out it just does ok

a bit weird maybe

but still super (hah puns) badass

he is really ! heckin' !! flexible !!!

like, he's out there doing flips and somersaults and it looks so cool damn

he can even do the acrobatics in super speed it's awesome

the guys took a video of him doing that once and when they hooked it up to a laptop to slo mo it, the laptop couldn’t handle processing it because they had to slow it reaaaaaaaaal down

so it just crashed lmao

he's really humble about his powers though

he never tries to show them off or gloat or anything

but if - when - people ask him to show them something

he just can't say no because he doesn't want to let them down or anything

he has this move that always makes him and the guys laugh

where he does the bridge, but then he elongates his arms and legs

((it’s the best thing ever))

donghyuck always jumps on top of sicheng when he does that

so hyuck is basically overlooking everyone

it makes him feel superior af #longlivekingdonghyuck

and whenever sicheng is in a minutely awkward or embarrassing situation

you bet your butt hes just gonna super speed away the heck outta there

people tend to think he’s always red because he’s always running really fast

but n o p e

he’s a shy bean that’s blushing because people are constantly complimenting him

ok so imagine there was a school vs school competition

but this time with magic !!!

you bet your butt (again) yuta signed him up for all the running races

yuta also has The Best™ signs and posters with sicheng’s face on it

and he coined the nickname Winwin bc sicheng’s always winning

even against the other super speed runners because this boy is always practicing so he doesn’t disappoint anyone during the race

his smile after winning each race is so precious-

ok so he’s great !!! at phys ed (esp. gymnastics and running for obvious reasons) but he’s also amazing at the no magic sports like swimming. he likes the rush he gets because he’s not as fast in water, so he’s trying to improve his personal best

ofc hyuck and yuta have made him try to run on water

after like 7 unsuccessful attempts (mainly bc hyuck kept pushing yuta into the water as sicheng was running) he finally managed to do it without them two interfering

it was legendary

kinda like dash’s run on water, minus the villains behind him trying to kill him

outside of school!!!!

he also has a job outside of being totally badass in school

of course he’s a cute lil’ barista boy at a cafe close-by

hes winwinning hearts there everyday too give him a break ppl

he tries making lots of different designs on the drink, he mainly bases them on different powers like drawing flames or a snowflake

they may not be super detailed but they’re really cute and he always serves them with a smile

so he gets a lot of tips :)))

he also really likes this job because he gets to see different kinds of people all the time

he usually has late shifts after school, so he gets to see how humans cope with their abundance of school work

and when he has really late shifts, how people are really quiet, mainly listening to music, barely awake

on the weekends, he’s there up and early, and he finds it funny how 50% of the customers are in a rush to get to places like shopping or work

but then the rest are coming in happy groups and they’re just chilling, having a good time

he just really likes watching humans do their thing,, makes him think that there really isn’t much of a difference between their kind and his

but there’s still this separation which he has never really liked, but has had to put up with

so he always try to be as happy as possible around them

because even if they don’t know that hes not 100% human he’s still going to be as nice as possible

bc he’s just a really nice guy like that

my beautiful sicheng, the speedy stretcher <3 

so, as cliches go, you guys met in the cafe he works at

and you quickly became a regular there because of a school project that you had

you would always have a hot chocolate with whipped cream but then ask the barista for what they’d recommend as a side dessert

and he sort of just found that cute and you super cute over the days

but he’s a shy lil’ thang so he would just hand you your stuff quickly & quietly when he was serving you

but then he was always cleaning around the table you were at when his role changed

the guys would catch on pretty quickly because he’d be rushing to leave after school and kept ditching their hang-out sessions for extra shifts

they thought he was doing something dodgy and not telling them 

so they followed him and were rlly confused when he did just get on with his actual job

UNTIIIIIL doyoung realised that sicheng kept staring at one particular customer in the far booth

and then the whole gang knew about this crush

yuta geared up and not so subtly used his powers [will be revealed in his one ;^)] to give sicheng a push in the right direction

a.k.a sicheng tripped over and fell right into you

a.k.a some teen nudged you just as you had picked up your now-lukewarm hot chocolate so it spilled onto you

panic ensued (with yuta and co. cackling in the background) and sicheng frantically trying to hand you tissues

he apologised profusely and you were kind enough to brush it off (but it was obvious you were kind of  annoyed)

and he felt so so so bad because there goes any chance he had with having a good first impression

you still came back the next day though and sicheng gave himself a quick pep talk and walked to you before he could change his mind

he started off the conversation saying sorry again and somehow he managed to string along “i’d really love to make it up to you this saturday...”

free food and time with a cute boy? you couldnt have said yes to his offer quicker

saturday came quickly and the date had gone amazingly - by now, sicheng knew the gang knew and they were all being the best WinWinWingMen [thats literally what they called themselves]

yuta & hyuck taught him Flirting 101

jaehyun picked out his outfit after johnny had had his fashion evaluation on it & then taeyong ironed the clothes out

doyoung tried starting a talk show to ease sicheng’s nerves until the dreamies shoved and locked him out

anyways, the date went amazingly and led to more until you guys started dating

it was cute and all but after being together for two years sicheng realised he hadn’t told you that he wasn’t... exactly... human

and he was really scared about how you would react

mainly because he’d seen people confess things in the cafe and usually it went well

but there were times that it didn’t and he remembers them better and so he’s scared

he doesn’t think you’d react in an over-the-top way but he’s still scared you’d leave him because he’s different

he’s never really spoken to you about Supers, fearing you’d realise he is one and leave him

but one day he decides that you should know because the relationship is serious now and he trusts you

when he sat you down to talk to you

first you thought he was going to break up with you because of how serious he was, and he kept saying “i’m so sorry about this, please don’t take this badly”

and you just held his face and stroked your thumb over his cheeks, telling him to breathe slowly

and after he had calmed down, he mumbled out so quietly, “i’m not... normal”

and at first you thought he was talking about his insecurities until he carried on

“i can do things other people can’t... like i can run and stretch myself”

and, to be completely honest, you were lost, and that obviously showed on your face because sicheng smiled a lil’ and decided to show you instead

so he stood up, and dashed to the door and you were like

whoa

how-

and then it finally clicked: he was superhuman

sicheng decided it would be better to stay away from you in case you reacted explosively

but he wished he was closer because your eyes were sparkling in awe

and he wishes he could’ve seen that up close instead

you were so in awe, and that night you got him to explain more about his powers and magic in general

and he’s so happy you’re still with him, that day was filled with non-stop affection 

after that he mixes up the dates by also taking you around the magic world, but he’s always careful to watch out for authority figures

because they might react badly to a non-magic person

but so far so good

and sicheng’s never been happier

highkey felt bad that i hadn’t posted anything in a while so here we go :)) hope you enjoyed!!

[junker-town]

NBA Top Shot, the new crypto highlight phenomenon, explained

Everyone is buying highlights ... but why?

Take a stroll around social media and you’ll see no shortage of people talking about “NBA Top Shot,” a collectible, blockchain-based highlight repository that has been around since July of 2019, but caught fire in the last week with over $50M in revenue hauled in by people still trying to get in on the ground floor of the pseudo crypto currency.

The scarcity is what is bringing people in to Top Shot, and the system is going wild. Right now the highest-priced Top Shot available for auction is a block by Zion Williamson against the Nuggets from January, 2020 — with a ludicrous asking price of $250,000.

It’s addictive and exciting for those involved, and to outsiders the dumbest thing in the world. Why are people paying for trading card-esque “packs” of random highlights, which you can watch for free on YouTube, with no material value? Is this the future of sports collectibles, or a massive grift? And will early adopters be millionaires in 10 years, or the new generation of Beanie Baby collectors?

What is NBA Top Shot?

NBA Top Shot in an online-only collection of NBA highlights which can be obtained by buying “packs” or purchased via auction. Think of it like buying sports cards, but in video form. You might crack a pack and get a highlight of a Steph Curry three-pointer, which is only being produced 99 times. When those 99 clips are gone nobody else will ever get that same highlight, and Top Shot claims you’ll own that clip forever.

The clips are created through Blockchain, which is the same technology that powers Bitcoin, Etherium, and other cryptocurrencies. I’ll spare you doing an extremely poor job trying to explain complicated Blockchain technology, which you can read in detail about here, but the important part is that it’s completely encrypted, impossible to hack, and ensures that it’s impossible to duplicate these files. So, for whatever it’s worth, when you buy an NBA Top Shot it is absolutely yours as a collectible.

So, for the price of an entire house, you could instead buy a highlight of Zion blocking a shot, that exists only on the internet, and can only be bought and sold on Top Shot.

Before you say “well, people can ask whatever they want, it doesn’t mean they get it,” understand that Top Shots of Zion Williamson and LeBron James both sold last week on the site for $100,000 each.

So you can make money off NBA Top Shot?

Theoretically yes, but it’s a little more complicated than you might expect. The tech behind Top Shot is a product of Dapper Labs, a Blockchain service that boasts on its own website that it “uses the power of play to deliver blockchain-based experiences that are made for you and ready for the real world.” What this means is that the NBA and a Blockchain service teamed up to replicate the sporting card market in an online medium, replicating scarcity and rarity to turn these moments into a commodity.

Yes, you can put funds into your account, buy and sell Top Shots and you can have the ability to pull the money out and put it in your bank. However, this is far from the utopia it might seem like at first.

There are three tiers of packs you can buy:

Common ($9): Nine common moments, which all have production of 1000+, with no maximum.

Rare ($22): Seven common moments, one rare moment, which has a maximum production of 999 clips.

Legendary ($230): Six common moments, three rare moments, one legendary moment, which has a production maximum of 99 clips.

There is not an unlimited amount of packs available. Instead they’re released in limited sized “drops” that can sell out, imagine a bunch of PS5s arriving at Walmart and trying to rush at get one. That’s the basic concept here. This ensures the market isn’t saturated, and the scarcity is maintained. Right now that’s driven the system to a fever pitch. Common moments are selling for $20-30 on average right now, meaning yes, if you get a pack drop you’re able to make money immediately — and good money at that. Assuming you’re lucky enough to get a pack.

However, we don’t know how the market will adapt when more are in the wild. Basic logic tells you that if something is bought at an average of 36 cents, it shouldn’t be able to sell for $20 for an indefinite amount of time. Every time there’s a pack drop and more moments are added into the economy the price will be driven down, especially on lesser players or more undesirable moments.

For now, it’s the golden era of Top Shot — especially for people who got in on the ground floor back in 2019 and might have a massive repository of moments. There will undoubtably be stories of people becoming millionaires off Top Shot, and there will be tales of those who were left holding the bag when the eventual crash happens, and the market corrects itself.

So why are people so addicted to Top Shot?

What the NBA and Dapper Labs have created is the perfect storm. A beautiful user interface that marries the thrill of collecting sports cards, with the promise of participating in cryptocurrency. It’s just happened to blow up at the perfect time.

The Covid pandemic trapping people at home got millions of people interested in pursuits they otherwise wouldn’t be, and we witnessed at the back-end of 2020 how many new traders were flooding the stock market. Robinhood boasted introducing a stunning 13 million new traders, and the recent GameStop stock frenzy pushed the idea of trading further into the mainstream.

Lots of people might be confused, or intimidated by the stock market — but they understand the NBA, its players, and feel they have more control over the commodities they’re buying. Plus, Top Shot keeps the carrot on the stick there for the promise of financial independence.

Everyone has FOMO from failing to buy into Bitcoin when it was selling for less than $1, before now swelling to its current value of $53,000, and we’ve seen this with the recent proliferation of Doge Coin, an ostensibly worthless meme coin people are sinking money into now, out of the same dream to see it hit big. Every time new technology like Top Shot enters the market there will be interest, and people believing they can set themselves up for life.

While that possibility remains, it’s also impossible to see the future of the market. Perhaps it will stick around and become a staple of the Blockchain, or people will lose interest and be stuck with dozens of moments they sank real money into, with no market to sell it back to. This is the risk of participating in anything like this, but for now Top Shot is on fire and people are eating it up.

[aion-rsa]

Xbox Game Pass: New Games for December 2020 Revealed

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service for Xbox One owners. It’s designed to be like a “Netflix for games,” where you pay a simple monthly rate and get access to loads of games for download. It’s not to be confused with the Xbox Live Gold membership, which gives users a selection of free games each month.

There was a huge surge in popularity and profile for Xbox Game Pass in 2018, mainly due to Microsoft unveiling a strategy that puts brand new games on the service. Sea of Thieves was the first example of this, followed by State of Decay 2. Crackdown 3 launched on Feb. 15. Since then, the service has seen the Day 1 launch of several Xbox exclusives, including Gears 5, The Outer Worlds, and Halo: Reach on the Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Membership to Xbox Game Pass will set you back $9.99 per month. You can now also get an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for $1 for the first month and $14.99 a month after that. The subscription includes an Xbox Live Gold membership as well as all of the games offered on Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass for PC. Plus, with cloud support, you can play a selection of Xbox Game Pass titles on your Android phone!

New games are added each month to Xbox Game Pass. Here are the games coming in December (with descriptions courtesy of the Xbox team):

Xbox Game Pass: Games for December 2020

Control (Android & Console) – December 3

After a secretive agency in New York is invaded by an otherworldly threat, you become the Director struggling to regain control. This third-person action adventure game will challenge you to master a combination of supernatural abilities that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Doom Eternal (PC) – December 3

Now coming to Xbox Game Pass for PC! Hell’s armies have invaded Earth and now you must become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. Experience the ultimate combination of speed and power in Doom Eternal – the next leap in push-forward, first-person combat.

Haven (Console & PC) ID@Xbox – December 3

Does love really conquer all? Play as two lovers who gave up everything and escaped to a lost planet to be together. Glide through a mysterious landscape, explore a fragmented world and fight against what’s trying to tear them apart in this RPG adventure about love, rebellion, and freedom.

Rage 2 (Android) – December 3

Dive headfirst into a dystopian world devoid of society, law, and order. Rage 2 brings together two studio powerhouses – Avalanche Studios, masters of open world insanity, and id Software, creators of the first-person shooter – to deliver a carnival of carnage where you can go anywhere, shoot anything, and explode everything.

Slime Rancher (Android & Console) ID@Xbox – December 3

Slime Rancher is the tale of Beatrix LeBeau, a plucky, young rancher who sets out for a life a thousand light years away from Earth on the “Far, Far Range” where she tries her hand at making a living wrangling slimes. Attempt to stake a claim, amass a fortune, and avoid the continual peril that looms from the rolling, jiggling avalanche of slimes around every corner.

Va-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action (PC) ID@Xbox – December 3

Welcome to Va-11 Hall-A, the original cyberpunk bartending simulator!  Take on the role of Jill Stingray, bartender at the downtown watering hole of Va-11 Hall-A (affectionately nicknamed “Valhalla”). In this story-driven game you’ll influence a myriad of decisions through the drinks you prepare, so listen carefully to your clients and mix the drink that will change their lives.

Yes, Your Grace (Android, Console & PC) ID@Xbox – December 3

In this kingdom management RPG, petitioners will arrive in the throne room each turn to ask for your advice and assistance. Decide whether to help them with their problems, or to conserve resources for more important matters. Remember: supplies are limited, and not everyone has the kingdom’s best interests at heart…

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition (Console & PC) – December 4

Follow the perilous journey of The Luminary who must uncover the mystery of his fate with the aid of a charismatic cast of supporting characters. This Definitive Edition includes all the content from the acclaimed Dragon Quest XI, and adds extra scenarios, a grand orchestral version of the music, the ability to switch between 2D and 3D graphic modes, a Japanese audio option, and much more!

Call of the Sea (Android, Console & PC) ID@Xbox – December 8

Dive into an otherworldly tale of mystery and love set in the 1930s, South Pacific. Play as Norah, an enigmatic woman on the trail of her missing husband’s expedition. The search takes place on a strange but beautiful island in the South Pacific, filled with secrets waiting to be unearthed. Call of the Sea is a story-led game with puzzles, where every clue leads you deeper and leaves you questioning everything.

Monster Sanctuary (Android & Console) ID@Xbox – December 8

On your quest to become the ultimate Monster Keeper, you’ll unravel the cause of a mystery that threatens the peace between humans and monsters. With over 100 monsters to encounter and dangerous lands ahead, you’ll need to build a powerful team if you want to save the Monster Sanctuary.

Starbound (PC) ID@Xbox – December 8

In Starbound, you can create your own story! In this space-sandbox adventure you may choose to save the universe from the forces that destroyed your home, uncovering greater galactic mysteries in the process, or you may wish to forego a heroic journey entirely in favor of colonizing uncharted planets. Farm, collect, craft and build – the possibilities are limitless.

Unto The End (Console & PC) ID@Xbox – December 9

Unto The End is a challenging combat adventure game in the style of a cinematic platformer. The story is simple: get home to your family. Master read-react combat in intense sword fights. Spot opportunities to trade and use items. An adventure told through your actions; how will you make it home?

Assetto Corsa (Android & Console) – December 10

Assetto Corsa is the ultimate racing simulator. Featuring legendary circuits such as Monza, Silverstone and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, each track has been reproduced using Laser scan technology, offering racers the most realistic experience possible out on track. Assetto Corsa features advanced aerodynamic simulation, with each car developed using knowledge gained through collaboration with manufacturers.

Gang Beasts (Android & Console) ID@Xbox – December 10

Gang Beasts is a silly multiplayer party game with surly gelatinous characters, brutal slapstick fight sequences, and absurd hazardous environments, set in the mean streets of Beef City. Customize your character and fight enemies in the melee game mode or fight with friends against the gangs of Beef City in the gang game mode.

GreedFall (Android, Console & PC) – December 10

Engage in a core roleplaying experience with GreedFall, and forge the destiny of a new world seeping with magic, and filled with riches, lost secrets, and fantastic creatures. With diplomacy, deception, and force, become part of a living, evolving world. Influence its course and shape your story.

Superhot: Mind Control Delete (Android & Console) ID@Xbox – December 10

Time moves only when you move. The long-awaited third game in the groundbreaking Superhot franchise, Mind Control Delete gives you more insight into the signature power fantasy world of Superhot with more story, more signature gameplay, more action, more guns. Keep dancing the slow-motion ballet of destruction for so much longer than ever before.

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Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair (Android, Console & PC) ID@Xbox  – December 10

Get the Royal Beettalion ready to take down Capital B and his Impossible Lair! Join Yooka and Laylee in an all-new 2.5D adventure! Run, jump, and roll your way through a series of challenging 2D levels and explore a puzzling 3D Overworld packed with secrets and collectibles.

Mørkredd (Android, Console & PC) ID@Xbox – Available now

The Orb is your fate. Mørkredd is a tense, physics-based co-op puzzle game for one to two players combining skill-based puzzle-solving, a challenging balance of light and shadow, and a dark world full of secrets to unlock.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (Android & Console) – December 15

Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, the Skyrim Special Edition includes the game and add-ons with all-new features like remastered art and effects, volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, and more. Also, bring the power of mods to consoles. New quests, environments, characters, dialogue, armor, weapons, and more – with Mods, there are no limits to what you can experience.

Among Us (PC) ID@Xbox – December 17

Play with 4-10 players online or locally on your home network via WiFi as you attempt to prepare your spaceship for departure, but beware as one or more random players among the crew are Impostors bent on killing everyone!

Beholder: Complete Edition (Android & Console) ID@Xbox – December 17

Set in a dystopian world where privacy is non-existent and the State controls every aspect of life, Beholder gives you the choice to be what the State requires, or be the empathetic landlord who turns a blind eye. Beholder Complete Edition also contains the Blissful Sleep DLC, a new scenario based on an ex-landlord, with all new tenants and stories to discover.

Code Vein (Android & Console) – December 17

In the not too distant future, a mysterious disaster has brought collapse to the world as we know it. At the center of the destruction lies a hidden society of Revenants called Vein. Team up with your friends and embark on a journey to the ends of hell to unlock your past and escape your living nightmare in Code Vein.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan (PC) – December 17

In Man of Medan, five friends set sail on a holiday diving trip. As the day unfolds, and a storm rolls in, their trip soon changes into something much more sinister. Who will live? Who will die? It’s down to you and the choices you make. Share your terrifying story with a friend online or go for safety in numbers with the offline “movie night” mode with up to five friends.

Monster Train (Console) ID@Xbox – December 17

Monster Train is a strategic roguelike deckbuilding game with a twist. Set on a train to hell, you’ll use tactical decision-making to defend multiple vertical battlegrounds. With real-time competitive multiplayer and endless replayability, Monster Train is always on time.

MotoGP 20 (Android, Console & PC) – December 17

Rev your engine on MotoGP 20! Live the full 2020 official MotoGP season and experience the return of the managerial career where you decide to join an official team or totally new one as an entire entourage supports you on your career path. Discover new graphical and technical improvements to customize your rider and bike, compete with the legends of the sport in the renewed historic mode, challenge your friends online, or take on the most challenging races with A.N.N.A, the Neural AI based on machine learning.

My Friend Pedro (Android) ID@Xbox – December 17

A violent ballet about friendship, imagination, and one man’s struggle to obliterate anyone in his path at the behest of a sentient banana. The strategic use of split aiming, slow motion, and window breach create one sensational action sequence after another in an explosive battle through the violent underworld.

Neoverse (Android & Console) ID@Xbox – December 17

Neoverse is a beautiful, fantastic game consisting of adventures with thrilling challenges. It is a strategic, action, rogue-lite, deck building game that will test the player’s skill. Start an adventure with unique heroes to save the world along various timelines.

Wilmot’s Warehouse (Console & PC) ID@Xbox – December 17

Wilmot’s Warehouse is a puzzle game about keeping a warehouse running in tip-top shape. Just remember where you put everything, because when the service hatch opens, you’ll need to find the things people want quickly, in order to earn the coveted Performance Stars.

The post Xbox Game Pass: New Games for December 2020 Revealed appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[elegiacescapist]

A List of Archons

Since I’m sickly and bored today, here’s my working list of Archons for quick reference; includes titles, a short overview, and an indication (†) if they are confirmed to be deceased. Kyros and the major Archons in the game get a short description because there’s not enough room on this list to do them justice. Again, like the post on locations, please let me know if they are any corrections or additions to be made as this isn’t 100% complete or accurate, and it’s been a while since I made some of these notes. (I am also sick, so there may be typos and mistakes that I didn’t catch).

WARNING: TEXT DUMP & SPOILERS FOR TYRANNY

Kyros, Overlord & Archon of Edicts:  Believed to be the most powerful Archon ever known.

Tunon the Adjudicator, Archon of Justice: Master and creator of the Order of Fatebinders, and one of the few archons bestowed with the powers of adjudication. He is one of Kyros’ eldest vassals. Was known as Tunon the Fair prior to his ascension to the ranks of the Archons.

Archons of War

Graven Ashe: General of the Disfavoured legion, former general of the Northern Kingdom. Father of Ashelryn (†), Priam (†), Brennix (†), and Amelia.

Blood Echo/Ruin (†): Slain by Graven Ashe during the Northern Conquest. According to the Voices of Nerat he wore his best disciples’ knuckle-bones as jewellery and fashioned a breastplate out of his brother’s rib-cage. Killed Ashe’s daughter Ashelryn.

The Voices of Nerat, Archon of Secrets: Kyros’ Spymaster and Interrogator, as well as the General of the Scarlet Chorus and patron of the Blood Chanters guild.

Archons of Shadow

Bleden Mark: Kyros’ assassin and executioner, attached to Tunon’s Court as a headsman. He sometimes teaches the more promising of Tunon’s pupils. His name or sigil (the flavour text is vague) has been used to augment the Nightwalker’s Boots.

Unknown, Beastwoman Archon (†): Her sigil/rune can be found on the Nightwalker’s Boots. A peerless stalker and trapper, she eschewed civilisation and lived for centuries as a nomadic figure. Some still believe she lurks in the wilderness, but it is heavily implied she was the Archon whom Bleden Mark killed at the Ashweald.

Unknown (†): The Everwell is thought to be his decapitated head- the ink his arcane talent and substance forever bleeding out. Might be the Archon that Bleden Mark had to challenge for his title. (I will write more on this theory later.)  Dark story bro. This is a busted theory now because of the confirmation of Bleden Mark killing the Archon of Blood around his [Mark’s] ascension.

Cairn, Archon of Stone (†): Originally known as the “Wild Man of the Hills” before bowing to Kyros in 402 TR after being subdued by Graven Ashe. Patron of the Earthshakers guild and subordinate to Graven Ashe. His original name was likely Stelio, a name Sirin used in her letters to him. (Epistolary of Song and Stone, short story)

SIrin, Archon of Song: One of the youngest Archons recorded. Sworn to the service of the Voices of Nerat, his Bloodchanters developed the Sigil of Emotions through their study of Sirin’s abilities. Occasionally referred to as “Songbird”.

Pox, Archon of Ruin: General of the Plaguebearers, who spread disease during the Northern Conquest, one of her victims being Priam, a son of Graven Ashe. A variation of her sigil of Atrophy was discovered by a cult of mages in the east to have its own powers, perhaps indicating the existence of a previous Archon of Ruin.

Icarix, Archon of Time (†): His powers allowed him to rewind time while keeping his memories of the future. Slain by Bleden Mark for using his powers on Kyros, he’s also a known womaniser, and is implied to have attempted to put the, ahem, moves on Kyros (and Bleden Mark, disguised as a woman during Icarix’s assassination). (Shush, short story)

Occulted Jade, Archon of Tides: Leader and patron of the School of Tides, arrived in the Tiers with the first human settlers over 400 years ago. Is referred to as an Archon despite not being under Kyros’ rule. Fled with the majority of the School of Tides across the ocean shortly before the Conquest. 

Moramus of the Mire, Archon of Fungus: A stooped hermit who lived in the Nettlebog and produced most of it’s flora. Apparently he resembled a dapperling mushroom (He’s a funguy!). Hasn’t been seen for 300 years, but some believe he’s still alive in his land. 

The Orphan Midwife, Archon of Rebirth: Born in 160 TR, bowed to Kyros in 201 TR. Her powers caused various arcane effects around her, such as plants sprouting and the sick becoming vigorous where she walked… But they also sent most folks into fits of rage and animals into heat. Imprisoned for transgressions against Kyros, including the illegal immigration of one of her disciples into the Tiers in 222 TR. The Sigil of Life is her personal sigil.

Nox Mirea, Archon of Pestilence (†): A rather disliked Archon, when she opened her eyes or mouth, flies would gust out into the air. Died in her twentieth year after suffering a string of unusual and grotesque symptoms. It’s possible that the mass dislike towards her made everyone believe she’d die from her powers, and that belief became reality.

Thunder Mane, Archon, Unknown Aspect (†): A Beastwoman Mystic who became an Archon. Killed five other Archons before she was slain.

Fading Wrath, Archon of Concealment: Associated with illusion magic. Status Unknown.

Archons of Fire (fiery personalities here)

Thousand Embers (†): Had a strong motivation to assist others, and obsessively wrote on the “inner fire” of humanity (the drive to eat, reproduce, and destroy), and reflections on his own use of fire. Slain by Bleden Mark in 73 TR after continuously refusing to join and serve Kyros. The School of Wild Wrath was among three mage cabals that appeared after his death claiming to be the true inheritors of his powers.

Sun Queen (†): First user of the Sigil of Fire centuries ago. Was challenged by an Exarch of Fire in a legendary battle that created a swath of destruction known as the Scar.

Unknown, Exarch of Fire: Challenged the Sun Queen for her title, may have been Thousand Embers. Status Unknown.

Unknown (†): @kittymaverick found some seemingly cut dialogue for Rhogalus that indicated the existance of a third Archon of Fire (and a third style of fire magic). If their existance is still “canon”, they would likely be dead as Thousand Embers is the most recent Archon of Fire.

Archons of Frost

Ranna, Nirabel, & Slayr: Triplets that simultaneously held the title of the second recorded Archon of Frost and were never seen apart. When they were born they were thought to be stillborn because they were so cold to touch. Status Unknown.

Unknown (†): The first recorded Archon of Frost, not much has been recorded about him.

Archons of Lightning

Rin: “Accidentally” killed an Archon of Water during an electrifying diplomatic embrace. Might be the Archon of Storms under a different title.

Unknown (†): First recorded Archon of Lightning.

Archon of Blood (†): Kyros’ first assassin, and Bleden Mark’s predecessor. They were, quote, “destroyed” when Bleden Mark ascended to the status of Archon. The first incarnation of the dagger Heart’s Blood was their weapon of choice.

Archon of Enchantment (†): An ancient and long-forgotten Archon, runes associated with them decorate the Rune-etched Buckler (item).

Archon of Entropy: Fought for Kyros in the Northern Conquest, their powers were used to destroy the weapons and armour of the Northern armies. Status Unknown.

Archon of Humours: An accomplished magician in his day, known for his ability to destabilise the balance of liquids in others, such as causing internal hemorrhaging, mood adjustments, and bowel disruption. He also advanced medical practices (with trial and errors at times), pioneering Leeching and other methods of siphoning fluids, and finding medical uses for avoided herbs. Status Unknown.

Archon of Misery: Mentor of the Voices of Nerat, previous Spymaster and Interrogator. Might be the Archon of Sorrows under a different title. Status Unknown.

Archon of Sorrows: Fought for Kyros in the Northern Conquest, using their powers to sap the morale of the Northern armies. Might be the Archon of Misery under a different title. Status Unknown.

Archon of Snow: Their teachings enabled the Ice-Shod hunters to create weapons out of ice and snow before the practice was lost after the tribe was absorbed by the Empire. Status Unknown.

Archon of Storms: The Governor of the Blazing Reach district. The core sigil of Lightning is his personal sigil. May be Rin, Archon of Lightning under a different title.

Archons of Tharavis: For some reason I can’t remember, I only have the title and their association with preservation magic in my notes. Please clarify if you have more information.

Archon of Thralldom (†): An ancient Archon, known for his interest in the Bane and any means of taming them as useful servants. His runes provided the means to create the Baneward. (The flavour text on the Baneward is positively enthralling)

Archon of Turmoil: An Archon who some claim wielded the Gravebow in a war to single-handedly destroy the Bane. Unknown if they actually existed or are just part of a rumour. 

Archon of Water (†): Killed by Rin, Archon of Lightning during an allegedly diplomatic embrace by electric shock.

Archon of Wind: Received the dubious honour of being called the “Archon of Gullibility” for a decade in the Voices of Nerat’s head for losing a race with him through Nerat’s trickery. Status Unknown.

Archon of Wounds: Developed various methods of arcane healing with their powers. Status Unknown.

Archon of Unknown Aspect (†): A female “Archon of old” whom wielded the first incarnation of the weapon Deathbringer, and is described as having “brought death to all her enemies.” Likely deceased as her weapon has been shattered by 431 TR.

Unknown Archons (x2), (†): Two Archons that the Voices of Nerat was allowed to consume.

[mimicveil]

   The beautiful Alola region-- though primarily for vacationing, those within the age of admission are expected to enroll and attend classes as all youth do. It’s okay if you missed registration-- truthfully, there is no due-date; the doors are open and the admission is free, all to make towards a better world and better battlers! So we ask you, future champion of Alola-- no, future champion of the WORLD-- will you be attending?    

     The basis is simple-- no matter your muses age or species (yes, Pokemon are allowed too, as well as Gijinkas!) they’re welcome to enroll in the trainer’s school. Though primarily for learning to battle, it also doubles as the actual academics that they’d learn-- but, honestly, think of it like a Highschool AU. Younger muses can be there too since there’s a headcanoned middle and elementary on the same grounds!     The rules and some info is under the readmore, so if you’d be interested in joining, like this post and we’ll send you a link! Otherwise, if you could, reblog this to signal boost it! You can come and ask questions in IM too if you’d rather do that!

    Also, it’s open to any and everyone in the Pokemon fandom-- however, we’ll be a litttle picky about crossovers so you’ll have to talk to us about that.

   Upon joining, make sure to fill out the user app and submit it to either the admin or owner! You’ll find it in the ‘’user-application’’ text channel when we add you in.

   Without further ado, here’s the know:

Owner: Phas (mimicveil) Admins: Void (iiwalani) Mods:  Spook & Roger (relicsxng and hyperspace-hoopa)

FAQ How does the school work? Think of the Trainer School as the same setting as it is in the anime, but split up in three sections-- ( elementary, middle, and high ). Though primarily for battling, the school is also for actual academics and studying. What if my muse is over age? They'd either be someone who is found around Hau'oli, someone held back a couple years, or can be thrown into College. The College will have more information soon, but for the time being, it's for battlers to train and prep for the newly made Elite 4 or for actual occupations in the Pokemon world. ( Cop, Breeder, Office Worker, etc. ) Alternatively, they could be a teacher or staff around the school! If you want your muse to be some kind of staff, ask the owner or admin and they’ll update your role! Can I ever add more characters? Yes! Just let an admin or owner know that you're going to add/subtract a character and give us any additional info that would need to go on the application and we'll edit it for you! Can I have an explanation of the five RP areas? Sure! Trainer School is the main one; mostly students enrolled in it will be found there, but Pokemon aren't banned from coming in too. It's relatively open to anyone that wants to pop their head in-- just keep in mind, an un-owned Pokemon might be seen as odd. Teachers Lounge is for the staff of the trainer and/or college. Teachers, janitors, counselors, the Principal-- the only students allowed in here are student council or a misbehaving student upon being pulled in. I.E-- if a student is breaking rules or causing trouble, cheating, loitering... etc, any of the authority staff can take them into the teachers lounge just the same as if it was the Principal's office for reprimandation. Any students given detention/in-school-suspension will have to stay in here as well for as long as they're given. College grounds is the college, otherwise it's the same as the trainers school. Hau'oli City is open to 100% everyone and is for general RP outside of school and whatnot. And finally, the tall grass is for wild Pokemon and the occasional trainer that wishes to capture them. CODE OF CONDUCT

1) Drama shouldn't be played out in any of the channels, keep it private or bring the issue to an Admin+. They will make a decision to fix whatever needs to be fixed, and they have the final say in the matter once it's brought to them.

2) Respect everyone no matter their gender, race, sexuality or anything.  We're all friends here-- so don't start shit over petty things. If you can't be accepting of your fellow roleplayer, this chat isn't for you.

3) People have triggers and you are expected to respect them. Please read through the list above-- and if you haven't done so already, asterisk mark your triggers ( Example, *blood or *abuse ) that can/will induce panic attacks when submitting your app to a mod. I want a differentiation between things that make you cringe and things that will actually mentally harm you so if, in worst case scenario, someone DOES slip up-- their punishment will be gauged by how much of an impact it had. The ''intense'' triggers will be bolded AND caps'd in the triggers channel so they are EXPECTED to be seen and remembered to the best of ones ability.

4) If you want to invite someone, you HAVE to come to either Void or Phas first. Not that we don't trust you, just that we want to make sure there's no problems surrounding said person before allowing them in // there's nobody already in the chat that has had problems with them. Let us know their name and their blog URL and we'll tell you if it's okay or not. Inviting without permission will get a warning the first time and a ban the second.

5) Muse duplicates are allowed, as are OCs, wild Pokemon, legendaries--- really, anything, so long as you're part of the universe. Crossover muses we'll be a bit selective with, however. Run it by me or Phas first.(edited) 6) There is no turn-based style to the roleplaying channels, so please be mindful not to cut another off // god-mod. Read through a bit to keep up to speed if you're taking part as not to cause accidental plotholes. ( I.E, someone picks up one muse-- but someone like two minutes later says they picked up the same muse. )

7) One-liner, para... even multi is all acceptable so long as you can keep up with each other! You don't have to use icons either, but I personally usually do and I know a few others who do as well.

8) Any Gijinka or Illusionary Pokemon posing as humans that wish to keep their identity secret will have so done. Only the Principal would be canonically aware of such, so unless a Gijinka has told you they are actually a Pokemon, don't refer to them as such unless it's in jest. Whether they wear human clothes or not, if they look primarily human it could be considered the norm in this environment Example being Iwa, who's dressed like a Bewear but is completely human or Latios who disguises himself as your  run-of-the-mill trainer -- showing no signs of being in-human despite the oddity that he's mute and communicates with a whiteboard, which can be easily excused.

The only other exceptions to this rule are trainers who have Pokemon that can speak with them, either through telepathy or other means since they could most likely tell the difference by something as simple as smell. However, even then, unless they tell the trainer right away 'X ISN'T HUMAN!'' the legendary at risk could always attempt to threaten and bribe said 'mon. 9) Recommended age is 15+, but this isn't 100% pushed. I'm rather vulgar with my language && sexual innuendos and stuff might slip here and there, practically-- just be comfortable with mature things. Nobody is going to smut in any of the public rooms I will personally kick their ass but everything else is fair game.

[lejacquelope]

I’m starting to get into watching Game Streaming. (Particularly while I’m gaming, strange, huh?)

Favorite games to watch so far:

Borderlands

Fallout 3, New Vegas, Fallout 4

Skyrim

What draws me to subscribe to a Game Streamer:

Personality - if they’re lively and down to Earth, that’s gonna make me subscribe.

Prowess - flawless aimbot level speedrunning badasses are cool but gamers who sometimes fuck up like I do in games can relate to me more.

Favorite Game Streamers:

Darth Xile (been watching him for a very long time)

Very good at handling his in-game business (Fallout / Far Cry / Star Wars games / Skyrim, plus many others). Excellent settlement builder. Retired mod-maker, knows his game mods damned well

Strengths: Strongest personality I’ve ever seen among gamestreamers, he’s very lively and interacts a lot with commenters while he’s playing. His play style is very relatable to those of us who aren’t aimbot-level /<-r4d 31337 gamers. Fucking hugely (lol) entertaining in his own right while playing. From my experience Xile sets the gold standard for an entertaining streamer. He can be quite vulgar at times, though. It maddens the fuck out of me that he only has like 15K subscribers. But he is fond of his ability to interact with the 100 or so active users who join his Youtube live streams. Kpopp’s non-live streams are a possible example of why he fears having a tenfold rise in subscribers. Nonetheless when he’s streaming, everyone in the house knows to keep distractions to the minimum - I’m watching Xile, lemme the fuck alone! LOL

Specialty: He currently does hard core/Survival playthroughs (often Permadeath runs), loves realistic gameplay.

WARNING: If you have played Fallout 4′s Frost mod and you’ve found Naughrim’s new updates make the game harder than unholy shitfuck, Xile is one of the users that you should thank. Xile play-tests Frost and points out things that it could do better, and his suggestions sometimes (er, often) get implemented.

Meghan Yeah (still getting into this one)

Very good at Fallout as far as I can see, even if she’s currently doing a newbie run in FO4, she’s a great shot in-game. Also does Resident Evil, The Last of Us, Prey, Nier: Automata, Witcher 3, and others.

Strengths: one of the two second strongest personalities I’ve ever seen, perhaps equal to Xile in her own way. Interacts fairly well with commenters as far as I’ve seen. Great shot in Fallout 4 gameplay. Highly entertaining in her own right while playing. Haven’t seen her being vulgar at all. Sometimes her cat gets into the stream for even more coolness and relatability points. (I can’t stream, for instance, because my wife and kids would in no way respect my need to sit alone in front of a green screen for one to five to seven long fucking hours like these gamestreamers do).

Speciality: Unknown.

Kpopp (have watched a moderate number of her videos)

Very good at Fallout, though she also does a yuuuuge variety of games.

Strengths: Her sheer variety of gameplay is her biggest strength here. She plays Fallout 3/4 and Skyrim but also her range includes The Sims series and dating sims, The Walking Dead series, America’s Top Model, and 8 billion other action and other genres that would be considered both “male” and “female”-oriented. But Kpopp is also very lively when she plays. I’ve sampled a few dozen of her videos and like Meghan Yeah she is barely below Xile in how strong her commentary style is, but might in fact match Xile. The videos I’ve seen appear to be pre-recorded without interaction with commenters/visitors (understandable since she has over 500K subscribers!). One other thing - she has a habit of being NSFW and even vulgar... even when naming her streams hahahah!

Personal opinion: when women feel comfortable being as vulgar in gaming as the men:

That is what a free and equal America looks like, folks. 

“Some people are racist. Some people are sexist. I’m power armor-ist.” - Kpopp

Keep America Great, Kpopp.

Speciality: It appears that she generalizes in terms of gameplay.

Deligracy (watched a lot of her Sims videos)

She’s on this list because I’m a huge Sims 4 fan and her Sims 4 speedbuild videos are utterly legendary.

Strengths: strong personality for pre-recorded streams. If you want to know how to build jaw-droppingly structures in Sims 4 that are more dope than a fucking marijuana farm, then seriously, watch her stuff. 

Specialty: Sims 4 speedbuilds

Admiral Bahroo (still getting into this one)

This guy is an absolute master at many games that he plays (Borderlands, Titanfall, Saints Row, and many others).

Strengths: Aimbots couldn’t match him in Borderlands playthroughs. His personality isn’t as lively as Xile or Meghan Yeah. But jeez, this guy picks off enemies like fish in a barrel while in high mid-jump in Borderlands.

Specialty: Speedruns, to say the least.

[fashionwomenover50]

Why Women Who Rock Their Natural Grey Hair Are So Sexy

Grey hair is often associated with wisdom, knowledge, experience and of course a Zen kind of disposition, well, for the men at least. For women, society has conditioned us to believe that our grey hairs are not beautiful, but that they make us look older. This is why we rush to the beauty salon and dye it all the way back as soon as any silver lining appears. Yes, grey hairs are an obvious part of the aging process, but this doesn’t mean that we cannot be beautiful with them. You're beautiful because of who you are, not because of the color or shade of your hair. Matter of fact, there’s something very scintillating about a mature woman with grey hair. This is why we’re going to help you feel as sexy and as confident as possible while embracing your natural grey hair.

Why you shouldn’t Dye your Hair

Dyeing your hair is great at first. There's so much color versatility and you get to be whatever character you want. However, it comes with a price, or prices more like. Hair dye is expensive, and the procedure needs to be repeated every few months or weeks just to maintain its tint. Hence, so much money is literally going down the drain once you become invested in hair dye. Next, the hair dyeing procedure does take up a long time (2-5) hours for some. This is very valuable time you can spend doing something more productive: like grocery shopping or just resting. Dyed hair also needs a lot of maintenance which takes up even more time, effort, consistency and a whole lot of products. This isn’t the best option for average earners, hence it’s best to relish in your natural hair color and textures. Let's be real for a second. Ever wondered why your hair looks or feels thinner after every dye session? Now, your hair will look good and you’ll be satisfied but at another price. Dyes and colors are all made of synthetic chemicals which cause hair damage. This is where the thinning and breakage comes from. This is why some frequent dye users decide to chop off their hair and start fresh because they couldn’t fix the effects of the damage.

Your hair, your Power

Regardless of this, and contrary to societal pressures and opinions, grey hair is actually very sexy on females. Picture this, an older, mature woman sitting in a bar, head full of grey luscious hair, wearing nothing but a black dress and red lipstick. Sounds scintillating, doesn’t it? Your grey hair is your power and repressing it only robs you of the opportunity of unlocking that power. While we’re at this we should also mention that grey hair isn’t just acclimated to maturity and old age. Lots of young people see their first grey hair at adolescence and this doesn’t mean they’re aged. Grey hair can be stemmed from genetics. Hence, you can see a female in her 20’s with a head full of grey hair. She isn’t old, there’s just grey hair in her genetics. With that said, it doesn’t matter how old you are, your race or ethnicities, you should feel comfortable with your natural roots regardless of its color.

Average age for gray hair

Grey hair is a unique symbol regardless of its diagnosis. On Younger women, it gives them a hint of mystery which is incredibly sexy. On mature women, it gives them an experienced and well-versed sophistication which only heightens their perceived class. Regardless of your age bracket, your crown of natural grey hair is a sex symbol that shouldn’t be neglected. Now, as a confidence booster, women all over the world from various backgrounds, cultures, religions, and ethnicities are starting to embrace their natural grey hair. This hair is in all its different textures. These women include celebrities, activists, politicians, etc. and they are feeling their best and most sexy in their natural grey roots.

Women Empowerment in the digital age

This is the season for empowerment in females and apart from equal rights, equal pay and constant misogyny battles we fight. Hence, our ability to wear our hair however we want is just as important. As a bit of inspiration and an empowerment outlet, a certain Instagram account was founded with this sole purpose in mind. To bring positivity, confidence, and sexiness to women who choose to embrace their natural gray roots. The Instagram account goes by the name ‘Grombre’ (pronounced grohm-bray) and has since been verified. With over 154k followers, you can say the account is shedding the light on the beauty of going grey. Instagram is one of the major social platforms where perfection sells and it’s so easy to get sucked into its pressures and lose yourself in it. Hence, creating an Instagram account to showcase and celebrate natural beauty is very empowering for different generations.

Your grey hair is sexy because...

Back to the sexiness. Grey hair is incredibly sexy for a lot of reasons. Here's a highlight of a handful of such reasons: It portrays sophistication and maturity From Lady Gaga to Salma Hayek, the grey hair trend is steadily making waves. It's undeniable that there's a stamp of sophistication that’s associated with a woman with grey hair and it portrays class as well as sexiness. It is different You're likely to get noticed with a head full of grey hair or ombre hair more than you would with any other color. This is because, almost everyone dyes their hair and someone who doesn’t, immediately stands out from the crowd. Thus, it increases the market value of such a person.

There's a certain mystery about gray hair

Grey hair is sexy because it has a certain mystery behind it. Like, if you see a grey-haired woman, there’s a chance she could be an undercover agent, a bartender or a NASCAR driver. You never really know what you’re going to get which is why it’s so sexy. It's trending Grey hair is taking over the social outlets and we’re all for it. From one runway to the other, billboards to billboards, models to celebrities and just the average person, it’s everywhere. We guess you can say grey is the new blonde, or whatever color you had on before. It’s a confidence booster There's something about a woman in grey hair that piques interest. It could be the fact that they seem to have everything under control and not in the motherly kind of way. Or it could be their sense of confidence that’s alluring. Whatever it is, you’ve got to admit it’s very attractive.

It takes away the Pressures of Aging

There's nothing sexier than a woman with no problems, at least none on her mind at the moment. Such women look happier, freer and just less bothered. Aging is something a lot of women fret about. The changes in texture hence being comfortable enough to rock your natural hair eliminates those pressures. Thus, making such a woman glow from the inside, all the way out. These and many more are reasons why grey hair is very sexy in women. Matter of fact, it’s so sexy that women who do not either possess the genetic traits of early grey hair or aren’t yet of the age synonymous with it are seen dyeing their hair grey. On the downside, these women are spending valuable time, money, and effort only to recover hair damage in the nearest future. But, on the plus side, they are helping to normalize the grey-haired look while breaking its associated stereotypes.

The way forward with beauty as you age

Women love to feel comfortable. They love to feel in control, covered and well within their comfort zones. Your natural hair is your comfort zone. It's all you, hence, to stigmatize or shame it because of its color or texture would be to shame the individual for being him/herself. In cases like this, an inspiration would go a long way just as a reminder to never stop shining. Hence with that said, here’s a little reminder that grey hair is as dynamite as the owner. From the likes of Kelly Osborne, Meryl Streep, Charlize Theron, Hilary Duff, to Kim Kardashian and even the legendary Ciara, one can find a common set. These women have all been seen rocking grey to silver hair at different chapters of their lives. These powerful and highly influential women have come together to show young girls and women of this generation that not only can you rock grey hair, but you can also even be sexy in it. Going up this ladder, you can be beautiful, elegant, and anything you want to be but most importantly you can be yourself in your natural grey hair. The message is a powerful one and it should not be ignored.

Conclusion about women with gray hair

Grey hair in men is often appreciated while that in women is less vivified. Regardless of the societal induced stereotypes about grey-haired women, you can still be as sexy as you want to be in it. All you need to do is to style your natural locks however you see fit and prepare to be worshiped like the goddess you are. Remember, just do you, the world will adapt. Read the full article

[charlesjening]

Remarks of FASB Chairman Russell G. Golden at the 2019 AICPA Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB Developments in Washington, DC

Remarks of FASB Chairman Russell G. Golden AICPA Conference on Current SEC and PCAOB Developments Washington, DC Tuesday, December 10, 2019

This is the 12

th

time I’ve spoken at this conference. It is also the last time I will address you as chairman of the FASB. As some of you may know, my term ends on June 30, 2020.

Normally, an outgoing chair might use this opportunity to list the Board’s accomplishments during his or her tenure—or to celebrate successful initiatives.

But I will spare you a discussion about “Standards That Work,” simplification of accounting standards, enhanced international partnerships, or improvements to private company financial reporting.

Nor will I bore you with how revenue recognition, leases, CECL, hedging, fair value measurements—and yes, even share-based payments—have improved our capital markets.

Instead, I want to discuss something a little different. Today, I want to talk about why the FASB gets to do what we do.

I know that some of our projects have made you happy—like hedging—and some have made you grumpy. I’ve been around long enough to know that we’ll never get 100% consensus on anything.

But that’s a good thing. Dissent drives us to make better decisions. It forces us to consider all potential consequences. It challenges us to find more cost-effective ways to provide investors useful information.

I was reminded of this by the movie

Ford v Ferrari

. If you haven’t seen it, it’s the true story of Ford Motor Company’s quest to develop a car that can beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of LeMans race. Henry Ford II gives race car legend Carroll Shelby a blank check to do just that. Shelby taps Ken Miles, a brilliant driver, to help him achieve it.

But it isn’t easy. The process involves countless trials—and many errors—on a makeshift course. These unorthodox methods don’t sit well with some Ford executives, who want to dictate their actions. Nevertheless, Shelby and Miles succeed in their mission—and earn the respect of the Ford executives along the way.

I realize that “speed” and “standard setting” are rarely—if ever—used in the same sentence. And that comparing a legendary race car to an accounting standard is a stretch, even for me.

But like great race cars, great standards really aren’t developed in the board room. They’re developed in the field, on the test course, with continuous input from the person in the driver’s seat. In other words, you.

And it requires a process that considers a broad range of views, out of which we forge the best product possible: a cost-effective standard that produces information investors need and use.

This morning, I’ll look at how we earn our ability to set standards through an open, inclusive, and thorough process. Using examples, I’ll illustrate how that process unfolds in current agenda projects I expect to complete before my term ends—and some I don’t expect to complete.

But before I do, let me pause here and remind you that official positions of the FASB are reached only after extensive due process and deliberations. In other words, what I am about to say are my views and only my views.

The FASB earns our ability to set standards through four things we consistently do:

We listen and we respond

We perform quality research

We engage in quality communication

And finally, we welcome accountability—from all capital market stakeholders.

I’ll take each one separately.

First,

we listen and we respond

. This is perhaps most important, and the foundation of all quality standard setting.

Every accounting standard we ever developed exists because stakeholders alerted us to an issue we should address.

Every amendment to every standard exists because stakeholders thought we could do something better.

And every Q and A or other implementation resource exists because stakeholders told us we did not make something clear enough.

If that feedback loop breaks, a standard won’t achieve its objective. It will not work in the real world, despite our best intentions.

That’s why we listen and respond at all levels of the standard development process. But it’s not quick or easy. It requires an open mind. It almost always requires extra work. And sometimes, it even requires us to do things differently.

For example: our commitment to listen and respond helped us help our stakeholders apply new standards.

Today, I’m proud to say the FASB devotes about 40% of our resources to implementation support.

When I became chairman in 2013, a tidal wave of change was on the horizon. Within a year, we would issue a major new standard on revenue recognition—followed shortly thereafter by leases, credit losses, and hedging.

We had to bridge that implementation gap. And you let us know it—in your comment letters, in outreach meetings, and at conferences like this one.

We listened. We changed to make implementation part of

everyone’s

job. And we responded—by taking a more hands-on approach to helping stakeholders apply new standards.

Additionally, our experiences with rev rec, leases, credit losses, and hedging have given us better insights on how to consider implementation throughout the entire standard-setting process—not just at the end.  

Quality research

is an increasingly important part of our standard-setting process.

In addition to our technical agenda, we have a research agenda of potential standard-setting projects. Stakeholder requests help us decide what to add to that agenda.

When we do decide to add a research project, our goal is to answer two questions: is this an issue that can be addressed with a standard-setting solution? And, if so, is there a solution whose benefits to the user justify the costs to the preparer? Based on what we learn, we then decide whether to promote the research project to our technical agenda.

We’ve also supplemented our own research with academic research. Led by Dr. Christine Botosan, FASB member and former University of Utah professor, we created an academic web portal that makes it easier for professors to submit research papers. Many didn’t even know we were interested in academic research.

We certainly are.

Our best source of information is interaction with stakeholders—through meetings, roundtables, and events like this.  That’s where

quality communication

comes in.

As you know better than anyone, our projects get into the weeds—and if you can’t understand what we are asking for, you can’t help us make our product better.  Therefore, to get quality input, we need skilled communicators who can break down complex technical concepts and ask the right questions.

Fortunately, the FASB staff is made up of people who do that, and well.

That said, we know we can’t meet everyone face-to-face. That’s why we also offer a host of communication resources designed to speak to a wide range of stakeholders. They include our quarterly

FASB Outlook

newsletters, CPE webcasts,

FASB In Focus

and other project overview documents, Q and As, and many educational videos.

Now, anyone who’s ever heard me speak before knows I have a tendency to quote the legendary New York Yankees catcher, Yogi Berra.  And today, I won’t disappoint.

With less than seven months left in my term, I’m reminded of Yogi’s most famous quote: “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” I’d like to spend just a few minutes talking about what I hope to accomplish with my fellow Board members in the months ahead.

Our

liabilities and equity

project is one I hope we’ll complete by the end of my term. During our agenda consultation process, stakeholders described guidance in this area as overly complex, internally inconsistent, and the source of frequent financial restatements.

So we added a project to reduce complexity and provide investors more useful information. To do this, we targeted improvements to guidance on both convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in a company’s own equity.

Last July, we issued a proposed standard that would reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. It would also revise the derivatives scope exception guidance and improve and amend the related disclosure and earnings-per-share guidance.

Tomorrow morning, the FASB staff will present a summary of comments we received on our proposal. The outcome of tomorrow’s meeting will help us determine our next steps.

The Board is also focused on

LIBOR Reform

. With global capital markets expected to move away from the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, the FASB, the SEC, and other regulators are preparing U.S. stakeholders for a successful transition.

Last month, the FASB voted to approve temporary, optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden. We expect to issue the final standard in early 2020.

Among other things, we’ve made it easier to report interest rate changes for contracts that meet certain criteria. For eligible contracts, a change in reference interest rate can be accounted for as a continuation of that contract—eliminating the need to create a new contract. This provision applies to loans, debt, leases, and other arrangements.

Companies will also be permitted to preserve their hedge accounting when reference rate reform takes effect.

The guidance will apply only to contracts or hedge accounting relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to the upcoming reform. The guidance will expire on January 1, 2023.

The Board has also made progress on our project to improve

accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets

. Based on our previous work with private companies and not-for-profit organizations, we decided to revisit this area of financial reporting for all companies and organizations.  We sought to understand the usefulness of the information versus the costs to provide it, especially for public companies.

Since issuing our Invitation to Comment last July, we’ve received about 100 comment letters. And last month, 30 of those letter writers traveled all the way to Norwalk, Connecticut, to share their views on the topic at our public roundtables.

Now, these numbers may not seem earth-shattering to you. But this level of interest at such an early stage of the process is striking. In this case, the staff ramped up communication among affected stakeholders. They employed targeted email campaigns, social media announcements, speaking engagements, and other communication vehicles to put this issue front and center.

Based on the diverse views we heard at the roundtables, I expect an interesting public Board discussion about intangible assets and goodwill early next year.

Our projects on

performance reporting and segment disclosures

are likely to continue beyond the end of my term.

Published academic research and investor input helped us decide to add a project on financial performance reporting. They helped us identify why disaggregating performance information and defining operating income could improve financial reporting.

Our project is focused on the disaggregation of performance information—either through presentation in the statement of income or disclosure in the notes. This is an area we thought we could address more successfully with the information and resources at hand.

The staff has conducted extensive research on various approaches. Based on our work with preparers, we’ve homed in on an approach that would disaggregate—or separate—income statement expense information based on how management internally views consolidated expenses. We continue to work with preparers to understand the operability of the internal view approach.

We also directed the staff to work with users to understand whether the internal view approach would result in better information. This will help us analyze the costs and benefits of establishing guidance in this area.

In a related project, the staff recently concluded its second study on potential improvements to segment disclosure requirements.  It focused on the information that is disclosed by each reportable segment.  The first study, undertaken in 2018, focused on improving the aggregation criteria and the process for determining the reportable segments.

These studies will help inform the Board about the costs and benefits of the different ideas. A summary of the findings will be presented to the Board tomorrow.

Finally, the Board will continue to

monitor implementation activities for all standards

.

When we issued the revenue recognition standard in 2014, we knew it would affect virtually all our stakeholders. And, as we learned through our extensive outreach process, it would require some industries to make major changes to how they report their revenue—one of the most important metrics in financial reporting.

We listened, and we responded. We created—with the International Accounting Standards Board—a revenue recognition transition resource group, or TRG.

It worked. Stakeholders submitted more than 100 implementation issues to the TRG. In response, the TRG created 60 educational papers. And the FASB issued five technical improvement documents. Together, our efforts helped ensure a smoother transition to the standard.

We went through a similar process with the credit losses TRG, which produced 18 educational memos. To date, the FASB has issued 4 technical improvement documents to ensure a successful implementation. We also fielded more than 78 technical inquiries, issued two Q and A documents, and are hosting a series of CECL educational workshops around the country.

Let me state here that our implementation support is never “over.” This is especially true of the current expected credit losses standard, or CECL. We’ll closely monitor implementation progress when CECL takes effect for large public SEC filers next month.

Finally, the FASB earns our ability to continue to set standards because we

welcome accountability from all capital market stakeholders.

If you’re inspired to see

Ford v Ferrari

—which has a 93% freshness rating on “Rotten Tomatoes”—you’ll realize it’s not just about the car. It’s also about the

process

of building the car, of working together, and earning the trust of your colleagues and customers. Despite the obstacles.

It’s a lot like standard setting.

I’ve already addressed how input from preparers, auditors, and academics makes us better. But we’re also accountable to the leaders responsible for the safety and functioning of our capital markets.

Since I’ve been with the FASB, we’ve been fortunate to work with regulators, industry leaders, and others who believe in our mission. They support our Board and our process.

We regularly meet with the Office of the Chief Accountant at the SEC—and with our counterparts at the PCAOB—to ensure we’re working in tandem to promote more accurate and more transparent financial reporting. We also meet regularly with banking regulators and major stakeholder groups to share information and trade points of view on important issues.

Financial reporting improvements are designed to provide useful information to assist in the allocation of capital—an exceedingly important economic benefit. But we recognize these improvements do come at a cost.

We conduct research and analysis that allows each member of the FASB to judge, for him or herself, whether the benefit of change justifies the cost of change. This assessment requires us to clearly identify the need for a change; understand and assess the expected benefits and costs of each reasonable alternative; and evaluate and compare the cost effectiveness of reasonable alternatives.

We take that very seriously. And we stand behind the integrity of that process.

In the end, our number one client is the capital markets. Our number one product is trust.  And if we deliver, all of us benefit.

I’ll stop here. But before I do, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all the members of the FASB and FASB staff I’ve worked with over the years. These are all dedicated professionals who get up every day to support our mission to improve information for our capital markets. 

I’d like to thank the AICPA for inviting me to speak all these years, their support of our mission, and their work towards our shared goal of more transparent capital markets.

I’d like to thank the commissioners and staff of the SEC who have supported our activities and the integrity of an independent standard-setting process. Special appreciation goes to Chief Accountant Sagar Teotia, and his predecessors in that role: Jim Kroeker, Paul Beswick, Wes Bricker…and, of course, Jim Schnurr, who passed away earlier this year.

And, last but not least, I want to thank all of you who support the open, independent standard-setting process that drives our best work—one that allows us to make objective decisions based on the best interests of the capital markets. Your willingness to share your time and your views helps us improve U.S. GAAP.

I encourage you to continue that involvement for the long run. Because, like the 24 Hours of LeMans, standard setting is an endurance event, not a sprint.

Thanks for the great run, everyone!  

Printable PDF

  republished from FASB - Latest News

[gamerzcourt]

PC 2018 Report Card: Year In ReviewPC 2018 Report Card: Year In Reviewvideo games

New Post has been published on https://www.gamerzcourt.com/pc-2018-report-card-year-in-reviewpc-2018-report-card-year-in-reviewvideo-games/

PC 2018 Report Card: Year In ReviewPC 2018 Report Card: Year In Reviewvideo games

2018 was a fantastic year for video games, a non-stop hit parade of amazing titles all over the scene–AAA blockbusters, indies, and everything in between. If you’ve got a Windows machine with the right hardware, you’re already in a good position to experience the overwhelming majority of it. The PC has continued to be an outstanding place to play video games in 2018, and with some companies making interesting technological headway this year, it’s also the place where the first steps to the next generation of games are already taking place.

The Walls Between Console And PC Continue To Fall

If you only have a PC, you might find yourself feeling left out when a major console release rolls around. That’s certainly still the case with Sony and Nintendo, but Microsoft’s Play Anywhere initiative, introduced in 2017, continued to see a small handful of Xbox One releases come to Windows 10 as well. The critical consensus was mixed on Sea Of Thieves and State of Decay 2, though both have seen continual content updates since launch. Forza Horizon continued to be a welcome asset though, so we’re looking forward to seeing what Microsoft Game Studios has in store for 2019, especially with its current focus on acquiring major developers.

Meanwhile, Japanese third-party publishers like Capcom and Sega continued to recognize the value of their PC audiences, and we saw more traditionally console-only franchises make the transition to Steam. Ports and remasters of existing games like Yakuza 0, Devil May Cry, Shenmue I & II, and Katamari Damacy appeared, but we also got significant new releases like Valkyria Chronicles 4, and the mammoth Monster Hunter: World, and we also have Devil May Cry 5 and Resident Evil 2 Remake to look forward to. With the higher potential power of gaming PCs, multiplatform titles overall continue to perform better, too, and there were few instances of dodgy PC ports this year. At least, not to the extent of Nier: Automata in 2017.

There was one incredibly notable third-party game that didn’t make its way to PC, however. Red Dead Redemption 2 released to near-universal acclaim in October, but Rockstar hasn’t made any comments about the potential for a PC version just yet. The PC version of Rockstar’s previous game, Grand Theft Auto V, was announced roughly a year after its initial release.

The Battle Royale For Battle Royale Intensifies

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds dominated PC gaming talk in 2017, capturing a lot of attention and spawning many imitators. But while PUBG hit its absolute peak popularity on PC in January of 2018, its player base diminished drastically throughout the year.

The obvious reason is likely Fortnite, which dominated the talk of 2018 to a much larger and more unprecedented scale than PUBG ever did–it’s become a mainstream cultural phenomenon. But PUBG itself is also to blame. The game had numerous bugs, technical issues, matchmaking problems, and a general jankiness that never really went away.

PUBG’s raw, early-access feel was endearing at first. When the concept felt new and exciting, it was easier to overlook its problems. But the charm started to wear off through 2018, especially since its competition was a more polished alternative. PUBG developer Bluehole eventually acknowledged that the game had numerous issues, launched Fix PUBG, a development roadmap that let everyone know that it is listening, they are working on it, and they want to be transparent about it. But that hasn’t stopped its player base from shrinking.

On the plus side, if battle royale is your jam, the PC is the best place to get access to all the up-and-coming competitors trying to make waves with their own unique takes on the popular format. Fortnite and Call of Duty’s Blackout aside, PC players also have access to SCUM, Ring of Elysium, H1Z1, Battlerite Royale, Fear The Wolves, Fractured Lands, Realm Royale, Cuisine Royale, Darwin Project, Maelstrom, and Radical Heights (R.I.P.), to name a few. How many will make it in the end? Probably just one, really.

Strategy Is Still Strongest On PC

Sure, the major consoles have their exclusive titles. But there’s one genre that you absolutely need a PC to experience the best of: strategy and management games. Statistics, spreadsheets, intricate battle commands, economies, sewerage systems–these games keep you obsessing over the smallest decisions and keep you up all night.

2018 saw the release of some exceptional new strategy titles, like the phenomenal Into The Breach, the slow and deliberate Battletech, the perilously stressful Frostpunk and the frantic They Are BIllions. These games brought engaging new ideas to the already stalwart genre roster available on PC. We also got great new releases from familiar series–Thrones of Britannia represented a successful, smaller-scale experiment for the Total War series, Football Manager 2019 once again did its thing, and Two Point Hospital was a pitch-perfect spiritual successor to Bullfrog’s classic Theme Hospital.

Meanwhile, the existing strategy heavyweights all saw strong expansions–Civilization VI received Rise and Fall, which added an interesting new dynamic to the ever-popular 4X game, and Paradox continued to roll out multiple expansions for its enduring roster, including Stellaris, Europa Universalis IV, Hearts of Iron IV, Crusader Kings II, and Cities: Skylines.

Valve Finally Releases A New Game

The company behind Steam, Half-Life, and Dota 2 among other things released its first new game in years during 2018, the trading-card game Artifact, based on the Dota 2 universe. It was designed by the legendary creator Richard Garfield (the person responsible for Magic: The Gathering and Netrunner), but its release was surrounded by heated discussion over its unique monetization model. While the base game costs $ 20USD, the only way to get new cards is to either buy more 12-card packs at $ 2USD each, or purchase them individually from other users on the Steam marketplace. This model mimics the real-world collectible card game market, but i seemed to irk players who are used to the more generous free-to-play model of its competitors. However, Artifact’s defenders tout that the relative cost of achieving a full set of cards compared to other games is comparable, and in cases better given the ability to resell on the Steam marketplace.

In more positive and less contentious Valve news, the company this year acquired Campo Santo, the independent studio behind Firewatch and the upcoming In The Valley Of Gods, so expect to see another Valve published game in 2019.

Discovering Indies And Early Access Games Is Still Best On PC

Though Xbox began experimenting with early access games in 2017, the PC is still the best place to try out a large variety of the freshest new game ideas. Wading into the early access pool naturally has its own perils (we’re talking about unfinished games, after all), but there are always games whose concepts are so enticing and executed so well that they demand your attention even before they’re finished.

Significant early access darlings that gained popularity this year included the widely celebrated Dead Cells, which finally came out of early access in August, the deck-building roguelike Slay The Spire, space survival game Astroneer, the aforementioned RTS They Are Billions, Crytek’s competitive western game Hunt: Showdown, among many others.

Elsewhere, Star Citizen is still in development, seven years later. The ever-growing spiritual successor to Wing Commander reached over $ 200 million dollars in crowdsourced funding in November of this year, and its scope continues to be almost incomprehensible. The 2013 phenomenon DayZ also reached its fifth year of Early Access, though we’re not sure if anyone is still playing that.

On the indie front, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have all been getting better in bringing indie games to their respective platforms, and other publishers like Devolver Digital are making sure their titles get released in as many places as possible. But, if you’re interested in the independent scene, the PC is still the place to be. Certain high-profile 2018 titles are PC only, like the exceptional Return To Obra Dinn, and others, like Into The Breach, released on PC long before getting announced for any other platform. Additionally, PC-exclusive services like Itch.io are still the best place to check out smaller-scale experimental titles.

New Technology Is Here. The Future Is Here.

2018 was the year that GPU manufacturer Nvidia took its next big step and revealed the Geforce RTX 20 series of graphics cards at Gamescom, which can very comfortably run modern games at their highest detail levels in 4K resolutions and at 60fps. But even though the raw jump in performance might not seem that drastic on paper, and the cards themselves are expensive, the 20 series pushes GPU tech forward with the introduction of a couple of notable technologies that look to the future of graphics rendering.

The 20 series boasted a major advancement in the form of real-time ray tracing, essentially a superior and realistic-looking way to render lighting, shadows, and reflections, though only a limited number of games are currently able to actually utilize this technology (Battlefield V is the only one at the time of writing). The 20 series also uses a new form of antialiasing, called Deep Learning Super-Sampling (DLSS), which uses a form of artificial intelligence to perform better polygon rendering without the huge computational strain that it typically requires.

Elsewhere, Google unveiled a limited test of its cloud streaming service, Project Stream in October. The company teamed up with Ubisoft to let a selection of users play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey through the service, which streams game through the Google Chrome browser, and by GameSpot’s own accounts, this actually runs pretty damn well.

With rumors of new consoles on the horizon, these two disparate advancements in both local and remote computational technology give us some good ideas of what to expect. We know a number of major games companies are looking towards cloud streaming as an option (if they don’t already have an active service), and we know that there’s always been a bit of a hardware arms race between Sony and Microsoft concerning who gets to boast about having the better graphical quality. So, to see functioning examples of both kinds of advanced technologies this year on PC feels like we’re already getting a taste of the next few years of gaming.

Other Matters, In Brief

Valve’s annual Dota 2’s tournament, The International, once again broke its own record of the largest prize pool in esports history. The final total was $ 25,532,177

Valve’s Steam Link hardware was discontinued and run out at trivial prices during Black Friday. The company plans to continue its Steam Link technology as a software-only platform, utilizing existing smart device technology from other manufacturers.

Valve announced a new Linux initiative titled Proton, which seeks to allow Windows-based Steam games to run from within Steam’s Linux client.

Seminal 90’s PC games Ultima Underworld and Star Control saw modern successors release this year with Underworld Ascendant and Star Control: Origins. Unfortunately, neither seemed to meet fan expectations.

Blizzard fails to announce a new Diablo game at Blizzcon, to the disappointment of its most rabid series fans.

The declining value of cryptocurrency in 2018 leaves graphics card manufacturers with huge amounts of surplus inventory.

Verdict

It’s unsurprising that the versatility and open nature of the Windows PC platform continues to make it the best place to play a large variety of games. Third party publishers are continuing to support their PC audiences, and it’s the platform with the biggest variety of independent and early access games. Big console exclusives from Sony and Nintendo will continue the elude PC audiences, but Microsoft’s Play Anywhere initiative continues to be a positive idea that will hopefully pay off with their recent studio acquisitions. Additionally, the PC still sees its fair share of platform exclusive games, especially in the strategy genre.

2018 was a great year for games, and because you can play the overwhelming majority of them on your computer, it was a great year for PC gaming.

The Good The Bad An increasing number of traditionally console-exclusive games make the transition Some disappointing revivals of classic PC games A strong year for PC-centric strategy games Red Dead Redemption 2 hasn’t been announced, yet Variety of indies and early access games is still largest on PC Nvidia paves the way for Ray Tracing support in the future

GameSpot – All News

[myqualitycollectioncrown]

Benchmade 940-1 Review

Benchmade 940-1 Review

Benchmade is hallowed company among knife enthusiasts. Their name is a byword for quality, and their designs are wildly popular with professionals in every arena. Among the product line of such an established company are a few models that have reached an almost legendary status due to their design, quality, and general badassery. The Benchmade 940 Osborne design has fallen into that category for some time, and recently Benchmade decided to kick it up a notch with their release of the Benchmade 940-1. Is the reputation well deserved, or is this a case of knife industry hype gone crazy? I’ve now owned and carried this knife for the better part of a year and I’m ready to share my views with you.

Get the 940-1 at Amazon or BladeHQ

Benchmade 940-1

Blade

Handle

Design

Value for Money

Superb

Benchmade took the already excellent 940 and added an extra dollop of perfection

Key Specs

Blade length: 3.40 inches

Overall length: 7.87 inches

Closed length: 4.47 inches

Weight: 2.44 ounces

Blade material: S90V

Handle material: Carbon Fiber

Locking mechanism: Axis Lock

County of origin: USA

Price range: About $260

For sure this is not a cheap knife. Not everyone has $260 to splash around on a blade and many of you will be scratching your heads as to who the heck buys pricey knives like these. Most of my readers will get it, but for the rest of you…if by the end of this review you don’t go out and buy this knife or at the very least put it on your Christmas list then I have failed. Here we go…

The Blade

A fairly recent surge in innovation has brought many new blade shapes to the fore in the knife game. By far one of the most popular, and useful, of the new breed of blade shapes is the reverse tanto. Sporting a keen yet beefy tip allows this blade shape to excel at piercing cuts, and the long cutting edge gives it excellent slicing ability as well.

The Benchmade 940-1 sports a top of the line reverse tanto blade, forged from Crucible’s top of the line steel: S90V in all it’s powered metallurgy glory. Without getting too far into the specifics of the chemistry, S90V is a highly hardenable, ultra tough stainless steel with above average corrosion resistance – but really this steel is all about wear resistance.

Crucible’s micro-carbide processed steels display a super fine grain structure with excellent element distribution, which means no brittle spots. The large vanadium carbides (think super hard steel chunks along the blade edge) will ensure the blade holds a keen working edge for a long time for the average user, while resisting edge rolls and rust spots regardless of the climate you’re in. Bear in mind though that sharpening won’t be a walk in the park through so you’ll need patience, and if you want to keep that micro razor edge you should touch up regularly. Look, you guys know I’m a steel nut…and let me tell you that S90V is something I drool over unashamedly.

Benchmade hardens the 3.40 inches of S90V to a Rockwell hardness of 59-61, which is just slightly higher than the S30V of the base model 940. The blade is finished in Benchmade’s classic darkened stonewash, which does a fair job of hiding use. The factory edge is sharp, yet a bit obtuse for my tastes, and is a bit thick behind the edge due to the flat grind which starts only about halfway down the blade stock.

There is a prominent top swedge beginning at about halfway from the base of the blade which thins towards the tip. With a blade stock thickness of 0.12″, there is plenty of steel to tackle tough jobs without worrying about blade flex, while a slender 3/4″ width means it doesn’t get caught up slicing through a tomato, or take up a ton of real estate. There sure is a lot going on with this blade but it’s done with style and purpose.

No blade is perfect, but the Benchamde 940-1 proves that you can come damn close.

Handle and Ergonomics

Arguably it’s most striking feature, the handle of the 940-1 is a beautiful combination of organic, flowing lines, and beautiful materials. Benchmade needs to be commended for choice of materials when it comes to the 940-1, because they managed to find the most gorgeous basket-weave carbon fiber that I’ve ever seen. The carbon fiber is entirely free of voids and defects, and shimmers even in low light.

There is a flowing line towards the top that creates a mock bolster area, and contouring on both sides offers comfort and style. Three small black screws hold the nested liners securely to the carbon fiber scales, and a slightly larger screw makes up the pivot along with a flat black female side. For a knife of this length, nearly 8 inches overall (7.87″) with about a 4.5″ handle, it is amazingly slim and slender: just 0.41″ thick and about 1″ wide at its largest.

When it comes to a knife that skinny, ergonomics and comfort can be a concern. The 940-1 addresses this with a gentle forward choil and matching nested gimping on the front and back, giving traction to your thumb and pointer finger in the saber grip. The handle is equally comfortable in just about any grip, and the pocket clip disappears into the meat of your palm without any discomfort. The proportions on this knife are the most naturally balanced I’ve seen in a long while. In fact, for such a light knife the balance is incrdible. Although I ended up installing the Benchmade silver deep carry clip on my 940-1, the knife is equally attractive and serviceable with the stock clip as well.

Deployment and Lockup

A huge part of Benchmade’s claim to fame and popularity is the Axis lock, which is in use on the 940-1, thankfully. Without getting in to the specifics of how the Axis lock works, it allows the 940-1 to be perfectly easy to use in both the right or left hand. Deployment is achieved by using the thumb studs, and this blade flicks out *fast*!

For traction during deployment, the thumb studs are a tiered design, which creates ridges that allow your thumb to dig in. One small nitpick in this department would be a lack of easy access to the thumb stud when coming across from the handle, and instead you place your thumb below the thumbstud and flick the blade upwards. Alternatively, with a bit of practice you can flick the knife open using your pointer finger on the opposite side thumbstud.

The knife opens smoothly on fairly thick phosphor bronze washers, and rests when the rear of the blade contacts the stop pin. At that point, the Axis lock clicks in to place, and the knife is effectively locked into place until the Axis lock is depressed. Another popular method of opening the knife is to hold down the Axis lock and swing the handle, flicking the blade out and releasing the Axis lock just before the stop pin is reached.

That’s certainly part of the attraction of these Benchmade knives: while they make excellent tools, they also make an addictively fun toy to play with. Lockup is absolutely solid, and there is no blade play side to side or back to front.

Features, Fit & Finish

In all honesty, I’ve had issues in this department with Benchmade before. Two Griptilians I’ve owned had blade play on lockup, as well as centering issues. I’ve had a Presidio and a 530 that I couldn’t center for the life of me. While Benchmade is usually happy to deal with those issues, it can be depressing when your knife isn’t perfect out of the box. The Benchmade 940-1 I can happily say was, for all intents and purposes, without flaw when I received it. The blade was dead center perfect, the lockup was solid without compromising the speed and ease of deployment, and there wasn’t a mark or imperfection I could find.

The pocket clip that comes with the knife is the Benchmade split arrow pocket clip with a black painted finish. The black finish seemed to come off fairly easily, which is what prompted me to call Benchmade and request a silver deep carry clip. A week later I had the new pocket clip, and in my opinion it is a much better stylistic and functional choice.

The original 940 is a closed design with a backspacer, whereas the 940-1 is a flow-through design with two blue anodized aluminum standoffs. Because of the design and material differences, the 940-1 is nearly a full half-ounce lighter than its base counterpart, with the 940-1 weighing in at a feather light 2.44 ounces. Having a knife as slender and lightweight as the 940-1 in your pocket is a true pleasure, mostly because it’s so easy to forget the knife is even there.

Field Test

When it comes to field testing a knife like the 940-1, I try to be as realistic as possible. We are, after all, talking about a knife that weighs under 3 ounces. My testing consists of the day to day activities that I would expect to use a pocket knife for, with a few added tests to make sure the knife won’t fold when I need it most. In the kitchen, the 940-1 excels at processing vegetables and fruit, slicing bread, and basically anything you could use a paring knife for, the 940-1 can do.

Processing cardboard is another area where the 940-1 shines, largely because the full ability of the reverse tanto is on display: piercing cuts through the cardboard followed by the slicing cuts needed to process it down. I found that the S90V Benchmade uses could continue cutting cardboard much longer than I could imagine having a need to do so, while maintaining the ability to shave hair from my arm afterwards.

My rope test yielded equally impressive results. The blade also does a fantastic job as a letter and package opener, without being overkill, by using the keen tip of the reverse tanto.

Now, as I said earlier, I add in a test that goes above and beyond normal use, entirely for my own amusement and peace of mind. I wrap the handle in a towel, secure it in my vice-grips, and whack the back of the blade with a rubber mallet a few times, in a sort of pass/fail test to see if the lock holds up to back pressure. The 940-1 thankfully passed this test as well.

Alternatives

So how else could you spend your $260? This is a fairly tough category for me with regards to the 940-1, because the knife world these days is such a vast landscape. Even with all of the options out there, however, there aren’t many knives that give you the reach that the 940-1 can, while still competing in the lightweight category. One knife that I’ve owned, and feel compares relatively well with the 940-1, is the Spyderco Southard. Both knives pack a huge amount of blade into a relatively compact package, have extremely high level fit & finish, and carry very well in the pocket. The 940-1 is the lighter of the two, and in my opinion the more attractive, while the Southard is the beefier and better in terms of blade steel.

Probably the most obvious alternative to the 940-1 is its predecessor, the Benchmade 940. Both have the same basic design, blade shape, weight, and deployment method. The 940-1 obviously wins when it comes to blade steel, weight, and handle material, but at nearly $100 more than the base model, it really comes down to how much you value the extras that the 940-1 carries. That’s a decision you’ll have to make for yourself, obviously, because we all value different things moreso than others.

Strictly speaking, as a tool first and foremost, the 940 can do pretty much anything the 940-1 can do just as well, while keeping an extra $100 in your pocket. The way I was able to justify spending the extra dough came down to time. I carry my knife every day, I spend time fondling and playing with it, and when I look at my knife I want a sense of pride of ownership, which the 940-1 has in spades over the 940. When you spread that out over a lifetime of ownership, what’s $100 really?

Wrap Up

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this review half as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it, and if I was able to help you to decide on owning the Benchmade 940-1, so much the better. It’s true that I’m in love with the 940-1 and congratulate Benchmade on an outstanding feat. I feel almost as if the 940-1 is as much a piece of art as it is a tool, and in the time I’ve owned it, it has been flicked open and fondled, covered in food and once even in tree sap. One of the greatest strengths of this knife is its ability to continue to perform, while looking damn sharp doing so, day in and day out. Simply one of the very best EDC’s your money can buy. I’m sad to say my original 940 may rarely see the light of day, there’s a new sheriff in town.

The Good: Beautiful, sleek, light with insane levels of performance The Bad: Black pocket clip can lose color, a tad expensive Bottom Line: Quite possibly the perfect large ‘n’ light EDC, if you can afford it

Get the 940-1 at Amazon

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