#High-Quality Ammunition

[aegisprecisionkinetics]

When searching for bulk ammunition in Las Vegas, Nevada, it’s essential to know which calibers offer the best performance and value. Popular calibers such as .223 Remington, 9mm, and .45 ACP stand out for their versatility and widespread availability. Opting for bulk ammunition in these calibers allows shooters to enjoy more time on the range without breaking the bank. Plus, buying in bulk ensures you always have a reliable supply ready for practice or competition.

[goliathindustries]

The Legal Landscape: Concealed Carry Rights and Responsibilities

Explore a wide array of high-quality firearms and ammunition at Goliath Industries in Mohave County. Benefit from expert guidance and find everything you need.

[serpentface]

Retconned Wardi firearms- a basic handgun, a highly decorative ceremonial handgun (belonging to Faiza), and a lance-gun.

Gun tech has officially been nerfed down to hand cannons (press F) (this has been a long time coming but I'd been fallacy of sunk costs-ing myself out of retconning).

Handguns are held similarly to a shotgun, with the butt pressed into the user's shoulder, one hand gripping under the barrel, and the other free to ignite the gunpowder. These represent the most advanced firearms in contemporary usage, both in make and in their use of uniform iron projectiles built to match the gun's bore for greater range and efficiency. Lance-guns are the more basal form, usually larger and mounted with the pole held over the shoulder, and are most effectively used by two people (one to hold and aim, one to light the gunpowder).

The spread of firearms is currently mostly limited to the Eastern Inner Seaway peoples (with some additional distribution via overland trade), and actual manufacture of hand cannons and gunpowder at Significant scale is limited to the region's core powers.

The reason for this limited spread is partially due to specific elements of the technology's history. Gunpowder was first synthesized by Burri alchemists and considered to be the discovery of the legendary divine weapon + solar fire of the deity Inanariya, and its formula (along with techniques for ideally refining its components) remained a closely guarded state secret. It was used predominantly in priestly contexts to generate flame and explosive sounds (in conjunction with earlier practices of generating multicolored flames with use of other chemicals), then integrated into combustible weaponry in the forms of fire lances, which would eventually develop into early handcannons.

The treatment of gunpowder as a guarded sacred or semi-sacred substance continued with Wardi adoption, where knowledge of its making is considered a closed rite. It's name (inya tsatsul or just tsatsul, a derived adoption of the Burri iñazatsūya) still reflects a divine solar association (the Burri word means 'sun's thunder', the Wardi 'inya' invokes the sun, 'tsatsul' is an adapted loanword and has no meaning independent of the substance itself), though its priestly use is now predominantly associated with the firearm'ed Odonii (rather than priests of the solar Face Inyamache). The composition of gunpowder can no longer be regarded as a Secret by any means, though efforts to obscure the methods of its creation are still moderately successful and has kept knowledge of gunpowder manufacture more limited than the total sphere of firearm usage itself.

The actual strongest limiting factor of firearm usage is the rarity of natural saltpeter deposits necessary for making gunpowder. The practice of actively producing saltpeter via nitraries has not been developed anywhere in the setting, and all is instead obtained via natural sources. These sources are rare and limited within the current spread of firearm technology, and result in gunpowder being a limited and expensive substance to produce. The weapons themselves are also very expensive to manufacture (a good quality steel SWORD is far too material-cost prohibitive for most people to own), particularly high quality firearms designed for use with standardized ammunition.

These guns are also very basal, and logistical difficulties in their use (weight, very slow loading and firing speed, high visibility, Relatively low reach and accuracy) along with the restrictive cost of production has kept firearms far from rendering conventional weaponry, armor, and projectiles obsolete (even within the societies that have access to them). They are still, however, very devastating in use within their contemporary context, particularly in that high quality guns have a longer range than the best arrow-based projectiles, and utterly negate most contemporary forms of armor at close range.

[selkieshark]

Your mission is simple: provide fire support from a distance while your comrades engage the primary target. You've been specifically chosen for this job. You've always excelled in long-range engagements, and this is a perfect opportunity to stress test the prototype long-range cannon your sponsor has been developing. You don't know the name of it, you were just given the machine and told to make it work. A piece of cake for you, given your experience.

The cannon you were told to use is heavy. Heavier than anything your suit has ever carried before. There's a twinge of worry that the servos and joints might buckle under the weight, but you trust your machine to carry you and the payload to your destination. It always has.

You arrive at your sniper's nest and prepare the cannon for firing. This thing is massive. The barrel is long, and thick, made of high-quality alloys that even you can't quite recognise. The firing mechanism and bolt action nature of it is simple, yet powerful. Setting this up on the ground is like assembling a mortar. Multiple pieces, big and small, but all forming to make something so much bigger than the sum of it's parts.

You revel in the sounds and feel of the assembly - the clicking and snapping of smaller parts, the sound of friction when metal slides on metal, the delicate nature of it all. There's no way a pilot can do this on their own without their mech, the machinery is simply too large and complex. You work alongside your suit, controlling it as the optical scanner guides your vision and thought process. It is the mind, and you are the hands.

Within minutes, you are finished the assembly. Faster than anyone else could have ever hoped to do it. There's a while longer before the mission is set to start, so you take some time to appreciate this machine of war. Trace the fingers of your mech's hands along it, and feel the grooves and imperfections through the haptic feedback of your controls. Inspect the bolt, the cartridge that holds your ammunition, the scope, everything. Everything about this is perfect to you. It's like this was made specifically for you to use. It's beautiful. It's love, and it's hurt, and it's yours.

It's almost time.

You lay the cannon on the ground, with the tripod attacked to the barrel sticking into the dirt. You use the mech as an extension of yourself in order to position yourself comfortably. Your legs fall to each side of the cannon as you lay above it, almost as if you intend to mount it. Your feet dig into the ground, preparing yourself for the inevitable recoil that firing this artillery will bring. Your knees fall to the ground, for further stability, and your body is mere inches away from touching the hardened steel of this machine below you. Your dominant hand reaches for the trigger, and your free hand holds the top of the barrel down to prevent it from flying away when you fire. You position your head perfectly in line with the scope, and you can see your allies now engaging with the target. You are ready to fire.

Your breath is shaky, heavy and getting faster. This is... exciting. You can't wait to pull the trigger and see how much damage this cannon will do. You're already thinking of names to give it, of how to modify it to make it more reliable, of how to make it yours. All yours. Your eyes are trained on the target, and you're listening to the comms channel for your order to fire, though your focus only allows you to parse half of what is being said.

Finally, you hear the order. Through half-understood chatter, you hear a loud and stern "fire". You pull the trigger.

Time slows.

First, you feel the recoil of the firing mechanism pushing back against you.

Then, the deafening, piercing sound of the combustion that propels the bullet forwards towards your target.

The cannon pushes back against you and pushes you both back several feet, leaving a trail of dug-up dirt and sediment around where you and your weapon are planted. You feel the joints of your suit scream against the strain of the sheer force, and the haptic feedback from your controls is going haywire.

Everything hurts. This hurts to use.

But it's worth it. You feel amazing. You feel alive.

A sudden gasp leaves your mouth, and you start breathing heavily. The ringing in your ears, the tingling feeling in your hands, the pain you feel must be the same way your suit feels in this moment. You are as one. You are together.

But there's no time to revel in this feeling. You have a mission to complete. Another round needs to be prepared before your comrades are struck down. This is what you're ultimately here for.

You don't even have a chance to look at the damage this cannon dealt, you simply start reaching for the next cartridge to load.

You pull back the bolt on the cannon, feeling the friction of it sliding against the body of this gargantuan weapon.

The used cartridge falls to the ground, cracked from the force of this machine, with wisps of smoke trailing off of it.

You hastily slide the fresh cartridge in, holding it in place with one hand as you push the bolt forward to lock it in place.

The strained joints of your suit ache and tremble as you use all of your strength to push, and eventually you load the next shot.

The barrel is still red hot, and dangerous to the touch, but you have no choice but to stabilise it like you did before. There's no time to worry if the heat will melt you suit's hand onto this thing. A small part of you wouldn't even mind if it did.

You readjust your sights and focus on the target again, and finally, you can admire the damage that this cannon did. It's a miracle that your shot didn't finish the job, but that's okay. You have plenty more.

This next one should do it.

Once again, your focus is trained on the comms channel, waiting for the firing order.

Breath getting faster, heavier, warmer. Heart beating out of your chest. Feeling pistons, servos, joints, every mechanism of your suit as a part of you.

"Fire"

[osakanone]

"How realistic are mecha, really?": They aren't, but not for the reason you're thinking of or the one adjacent to it. Trust me.

Crossposted from reddit, since people seemed to like it. Like in the thread, I am very happy to answer questions about any esoteric weirdness.

Hold my beer. Again

They're not becoming a possibility. Yes. I know. This sucks. But stick around. Its not for the reasons you think. Well it is, but it also isn't. You'll see.

The robot needs the technology more than the technology needs a robot.

the technologies which the robot needs will improve and alter the doctrine of every other platform

This creates a doctrinal lock-in where the potential functional space for them to exist is unmet -- that they are so far ahead, that nothing new can emerge that isn't just other platforms becoming more generalized (eg, a post-stall recovery aircraft, or a helicopter with high impact landing-gear and a rigid rotor/jet engine design to act as a surface-fighter -- a tank which walks or manoeuvres like a robot is just flat out of the question: Tanks are made to be simple-as-fuck boxes which tank hits, and shoot and acquire asap and rumours of their deaths as a doctrinal weapon are exaggerated by recent events where obsolete weapons which aren't maintained properly who's crews aren't adequately trained were fighting very clever civilians with drones)

What you consider "realistic" (5th/6th) is just as if not more unrealistic than other gens purely because of their smaller size and very bizarre relationship with the environment -- they're just both too big, and too small to make sense, sitting in a size niche which is just very weird

If such a vehicle does exist, its going to be defined by its functions rather than a humanoid appearance

we know this because specialized platforms tend to beat tasked platforms historically until specialized platforms mature and become generalized enough for it to act as a force-multiplier (eg, your air to ground radar and datalink let you drop bombs smarter, or interfere with Ground-to-Air radar to defend yourself)

thus, the closest you're probably going to get is some weird variation of DARPA's Ground X Vehicle Project meeting with Gravity Industry' style mobility in limited cases, hybridized with smaller robots and wingsuits, which mix manoeuvring operation styles, with some rocker-boogie mechanism elements for terrain handling: It won't be humanoid, whatever it is.

This is assuming you can magically solve the square-cube law of volume-mass which is partially negatable with certain custom topologies exceeding graphene but actually manufacturing them would be miserable work probably not even be something you can make without microgravity

Energy flat out isn't solvable with what we know about right now. Nothing with that energy density can exist that isn't going to simultaneously make for an incredible fragile, dangerous and problematic source of power given the forces involved. Cooling is also a horrifyingly unsolvable problem on this scale, as is radiation management: You can't just dump molten tungsten in emergency cooling mode - you'll not only proceed to alert everybody who has even the vaguest IRST capacity to your position, but you'll also probably set fire to the environment and cook off your own ammunition. *

Motors aren't well suited to the tasks of such bodies (its like trying to make a slingshot out of dental floss), and we don't have an effective way to turn electricity into a form of motion which corresponds with the shock absorbing and motion control qualities which are actually desirable yet

Even if we did, the actual means of ensuring it doesn't fragment every time it moves don't exist. Every time an A10C fires its main gun, the fuel lines micro-fracture and have to be replaced after it lands. Metal, when you subject it to high physical forces ends up feeling and behaving closer to how you would think of glass. You'd need a material capable of repairing itself too, atop the quasicrystalline property which again, just isn't doable, let alone simultaneously.

So in terms of our mindset going into this?

Its... Probably not happening barring a very, VERY extreme change to how we understand physics to function, or some really kick ass (and actually entirely possible) changes in how engineering achieves outcomes (which could happen if the greatest threat to the mecha didn't exist)

Combat is moving towards information dominance. 

That's drone swarms, and role modularized long range travel, and the idea of fighter beyond-visual-range combat extending out to infared search and track systems which are networked to one another, which we're already seeing in singleton weapons and their mounting strategies even on the personal scale, which DARPA is currently investigating which everybody wants to mate with the gravity industries gear for boarding ops so the most likely avenue is to scale up from people, rather than scale down from vehicles as the development pathway -- but there's probably going to be multiple pathways with competing niches once the technology becomes cheap enough.

Costing

Ultimately its down to "how much money do I have to spend to defeat something more expensive than myself?" -- because our current structure of war is defined by cost, and by making the other guys surrender by using economic, and military violence (private, and publicly funded) instead of convincing them that we (NATO members, etc) have good opinions purely because of the natural benefits of "doing as we say" (which we see with basically any conflict in the last 70 years, which are usually feigned as ideological but pretty much always about disrupting market competition, dominating markets, or controlling a pressure position in another country to achieve those two things).

This isn't because they're particularly excellent weapons, but because they're cheap relative to the strength they offer, and how we define cheap is very different to how we defined cheap 100 years ago -- both in good, and terrible ways (such is the way of history).

Mecha are kinda the ultimate boondoggle. They are very very expensive, and just don't make sense.

They're cool as hell, yes.

But they don't make sense.

DISCLAIMER: If you're prone to depression, are dealing with a lot right now, or don't want your day ruining, you should stop reading NOW. What comes next is a psychosocial hazard and could be very bad for your mental health. LAST CHANCE . . .

The "real" reasons

If conflict some how became a meritocracy of leading by excellence rather than intimidation, and about human outcomes instead of cost outcomes, then things could change, but we don't live in that world.

Remember, violence exists to end human conflict (not to be confused with military conflict, which violence is the primary instrument of): Human conflict is when two parties oppose one another and communicate about what their goals and intentions are. Violence happens when communication stops. Communication stops, because parties cannot come to terms, or because nobody wants to be reasonable because the inherent request is unreasonable to the interests of the other party.

I'd love to say physics is the greatest threat, or maybe our concept of conflict but its not: * Its economics.

The concept of private-equity (not to be confused with venture-capital investment) is kiiiind of the dominant economic system on the face of the planet which dictates the interest of every nuclear power's actions against every non-nuclear power) is functionally dissolved, and investment models as we know them magically become better regulated OR a better economic system comes along which totally undermines private equity.

Its an economic finger-trap where most of the money that would be reinvested into people and technologies to push the world forward ends up getting swallowed up.

It also has private armies) and simulates the economy and political events in order to control them for maximum profitability. Yeah.)

We already live in Armored Core, folks.

And that economic system knows that if it gave free agents like ravens any kind of military power, it would functionally undermine itself, which is why it will never happen.

Private equity benefits from not having technology change, because its primary goal is wealth extraction. It leads to the collapse of every business you've ever seen go under, its why products undergo enshittification, which is coming for everything.

Its why the housing crisis happened, why the banking collapse happened, and its why there's an incentive to continue industrializing diseases like insulin instead of curing them.

tl;dr:

The one thing AC gets super wrong is you can either have the depressing relatable low-saturation late-stage hyper-capitalist dystopia where life is cheap on planet earth and everything terrible about South Korea times a thousand covers the whole world, and you need to have your own organs brought from you and leased back to you to lock you in to a lifetime of debt the same way everything else works...

OR

you can have the robot;

You can't have both.

e: I'd pick the robot any day

--

Apologies for any inaccuracies, I haven't edited this and I threw the original together in the space of around 40 minutes. Questions very welcome: I enjoy giving long detailed and substantiated answers.

If you enjoyed this, please consider reading my other work on the theoretical design factors of mecha, their control systems, and my fictional writing in mechposting.

[mediocrecowboyhat]

Set in sand - Epilogue 2

We mark the year 1934 and a peculiar journal falls into your hands. It's telling the tale of an outlaw and the downfall of a gang. Some pages are torn and others are downright unreadable, but nevertheless, you are still able to make out some parts of the tragic story.

With the help of a certain time traveler friend of yours, will you be able to save the author of the journal or will you be the cause for his demise?

Previous chapter

Word count: 4.5k

TW: sexual themes, violence, gore, death, misogynistic themes (anything that happens in the game as well), she/her pronouns

Note: This is the end and I'm in tears :'D

The Thoroughbred flaps his ears, as he happily munches on the oatcake you're holding out to him. He has been with you since he was a foal, born and raised in your stable. No one could ever replace Penthesilea of course, but you love the stallion just as much as you had loved your precious girl.

"What's his name?", you hear someone ask behind you and you turn around on your heels with a startled gasp.

"John! Don't fucking sneak up on me like that!", you scold him, your lips tightly pressed together into a grim line.

"Sorry. Thought I made enough noise when I came in.", he says, his hands raised high in surrender.

A sigh leaves your lips and you give your stallion a soft pat on the neck. "This is Montgomery. I raised him myself."

The man hums in understanding and studies the horse a bit closer. It's evident on his face, that there is something he wants to talk about, but you don't push it. Instead you continue spoiling Montgomery in content silence.

"This might sound crazy, but...", he then finally starts and scratches his cheek awkwardly. "I bought one of 'em pre-cut houses."

"You went to Mr. Cakes?", you ask with a raised eyebrow.

"You know that guy?"

"I sure do."

Everyone in Blackwater and around the outskirts knows at least of Albert Cakes. The building material he sells are of fine quality, but he's quite the personality to put it mildly. He's nice, incredibly helpful even, but also extremely all over the place. You can't even begin to count the amount of times he has mixed you up with someone entirely else.

But perhaps he just has a large amount of customers. It's difficult to keep track of all of them, you suppose. The ones you and Arthur deal with are mostly regulars, folk who come to rent your wagons and Shires every now and then.

Without another word, you signal for John to follow you to the back and hold out the reigns of a horse to him.

"Two wagons is all we will need.", you say and the two of you make your way outside. He throws you a puzzled look over his shoulder.

"What do you mean?"

"The material.", you answer in a matter of fact way. "How else are you going to bring it to your ranch? You wanna carry all that by yourself?"

Then he stops dead in his tracks and turns his entire body to you. "How much would it cost? Renting out your stuff, I mean."

"Don't be ridiculous, John."

He follows you, as you get the horses ready, his expression a worried mask. "You're not lettin' me borrow this for free, are you?"

"Of course!", you exclaim and throw your arms up. "The road from Blackwater to Beacher's Hope isn't too far, but we'd need to make a stop up in the woods first."

"For what?"

"You don't plan on building your house with thoughts and prayers, do you?" You cross your arms and lean against a wheel. "There's this Norwegian feller, Nils. He makes very good tools and he knows us."

"I-" John's voice falters and he runs a hand over his mouth. "I don't know what to say. Thank you."

"You can thank me by using exclusively our services, once you get that ranch of yours going."

An amused huff escapes him. "Oh, now I see how it is."

As you walk back into the stable, you grab a Carbine Repeater you keep hidden under your desk next to the entrance and walk back out again. John scrutinizes you with a confused expression while you check the ammunition.

"Go grab Charles. Arthur and I will meet you in Blackwater and then we can load the material.", you tell him and he motions with his chin towards the weapon.

"What's that for?"

"There's a pretty mean gang around these parts at the moment. The Skinners. Have you heard of them?" He shakes his head as a 'no' and you continue your explanation. "They're real nasty, so take some strong guns with you."

A thoughtful noise leaves his throat, but he doesn't comment on it. Instead he mounts his horse and rides off.

---

Arthur and you park the two wagons on the side of the road and he rushes over to help you off the driver's seat. A deep, worried crease has taken form between his eyebrows and he looks anything but happy.

"You should let us get the tools and stay back.", he grumbles and you immediately shake your head.

"Absolutely not.", you respond in a tone that won't tolerate any protest. "You guys will need all the guns you need."

"The three of us will be enough.", he argues, but you wave it off.

"But four is better and I can work a gun just fine. You know, that I won't let you put yourself in danger by yourself."

"And we all know how well that went last time, don't we?" His words are harsher than he has expected himself, judging by the way his eyes go wide in slight shock. Immediately, his rough features soften and he takes both your hands in his. "I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"It's okay."

"No. It ain't." Arthur plants a soft kiss on your forehead. "I don't want anythin' to happen to you."

"Nothing will happen. We will have Charles and John with us."

As if on cue, the two men appear on horseback and hitch their rides close to you. Right after their arrival, the four of you get to work and load the wagons with planks and other material. Arthur and Charles are driving ahead with the first one leading the way to Nils. John and you are following behind.

"Have you heard anything from Abigail and Jack yet?", you ask and watch him from the side. Upon hearing the names, his face slightly drops.

"No, but I'll write them." There's a pause. "I just wanna get things goin' first. Have somethin' to show, you know?"

"I think that's a great idea, John."

The rest of the drive continues on in comfortable silence. That and your gaze scanning your surroundings and listening to every single sound. It's not that you're overly nervous about an ambush. Every sane outlaw would be thinking twice about robbing you and those three mean looking men you're with.

Once you arrive at the cabin, you tell Arthur and Charles to wait while John and you make your way into the garden. Nils is working in the back and you shoot him a bright smile when you get closer.

"Hey, Nils!", you greet him, but he keeps his gaze on his work. "We were wondering if you have some tools for us to buy?"

"Okay.", the Norwegian answers not much to your surprise. He has always been a man of very few words.

"My friend John here bought that place at Beacher's Hope."

"Okay."

"We can also pay you upfront."

The pair of you follow the man, as he picks up a tool box and walks to your wagon. "Okay."

Without saying anything else, he loads the box onto the back and disappears in his garden. John gives you a strange look, but you wave it off and jog after the Norwegian to give him the cash. Once everything is settled, you find yourself on the way again.

"That was...somethin'.", John comments while steering the horses and you hum in agreement.

"He is a bit odd, I agree. But his work is fantastic. You will see once you start building your stuff."

As you get closer to the edge of the forest, you begin to relax in the seat. So far you haven't been ambushed and you doubt the Skinners will do so when you're out in the open again. Just as you lean back and let out a sigh, something flies right past your nose and into a tree trunk.

Your eyes widen when you recognize that it's an arrow and you quickly push John off. The two of you crouch behind the wagon and you swing the Carbine Repeater off your shoulder. A fast look to the side tells you that Arthur and Charles have taken cover as well and relief washes over you.

Some of them shoot with bows and arrows, but others use guns as well. It's difficult to find an opening for you to shoot, having to be careful about not being impaled. In the corner of your eyes you spot something stir and you breath gets caught in your throat.

One of the men is charging at John, his machete raised high and you aim. The man goes down, producing a few gurgling noises before going completely limb. Your friend mumbles a breathless 'thanks' before focusing on the fight again.

"Those bastards stole the tools!", Arthur shouts and you hiss a curse.

Once all the Skinners are down and you get to catch your breath again, Arthur and John are already sprinting for the trees. Charles and you stay behind and on high alert in case more of them try to steal the rest of your cargo.

Waiting for the two men to return takes an agonizingly long time and you grow anxious. Your gaze is fixed on the tree line and you pace back and forth like a tiger in a cage. Charles eventually puts his big hand on your shoulder and you stop in your tracks.

"They'll be fine."

"They jumped us out of nowhere.", you murmur with a shake of your head and run a hand over your face.

"I know." He turns his head towards the direction Arthur and John had run off to. "But try not to worry too much."

A deep sigh escapes your lips and you let out a dry chuckle. "It was very peaceful before you, John and Uncle showed up, you know?"

Your words were meant as a joke, nothing too harsh. Charles laughs at that and nods along.

"That I can imagine."

A great weight is being lifted off your shoulders when the bushes begin to rustle and the two men step into sight. They both look exhausted, but all in all still in one piece. With a relieved gasp, you lean back against one of the wheels and you quickly resume your drive.

At Beacher's Hope, Uncle is sitting under a tree with his hat deep in his face. The volume of his snoring had probably alarmed every animal in the area and John looks like he's about to explode. With his features contorted into an angry mask, he stomps over to the old man and gives him a good, strong kick.

"Weren't you supposed to stand guard?", he shouts while the three of you load off the wagons.

"You took so long!", the older man defends himself and John waves it off before joining you again.

"You're useless!"

It takes almost the entire rest of the day to set everything up to get started and John is bend over the table, inspecting the instructions. His gaze is a mix of thoughtfulness and slight doubt. It seems like he still doesn't quite trust those pre-cut houses.

"We should get these wagons back.", Arthur starts, walking up to the first one. "I'll come back tomorrow mornin' again."

You shoot your husband a warm smile upon hearing that. The fact that he's going to come back to help build the house makes you incredibly happy and proud. He tries his utmost best to not make a big deal out of it, but you can tell that he's glad to have his family back.

Quickly you jump onto the second wagon and you both drive them back to your stable. After parking and getting the horses ready for the night, you retreat into your own home. It's a small and humble, yet cozy cabin. The cooking, eating and sitting area is all connected with a hearth in the middle to keep your warm.

On the side are two doors to separate the bedroom and washing room. Even though back then, your budget didn't quite allow it, Arthur had still insisted on buying a large tub. As you get on making dinner, he lights a fire in the hearth. Once you're done with your evening routine, you find yourself cuddled up to his side in the bed you two share.

"I'm glad they're here.", you whisper into the darkness, as your hand rubs his broad chest.

The moon shines a faint light through the window to the side, but the curtains block out most of it.

"I thought you was mad.", he counters with that raspy chuckle of his. "Seemed like it everytime we all got together."

"That's because everytime we got together, someone shot at us.", you immediately argue and feel his arms wrap around your hips.

In one swift motion he pulls you ontop of him and even in the dim light, you can see the lazy smile and gleam in his eyes. The way his hands roam your sides sends a warm feeling from your chest down to your stomach.

"We'll be alright. All this will be alright.", he murmurs against your lips, before pressing his own on them.

The kiss is gentle and slow, as if he's trying to savor you and your taste and you melt into his touch. Even after all these years together, he still manages to turn you into a puddle of molten wax in his arms.

---

The next few days, Arthur is a lot more absent. Half of his week he works at the stables, but the half he spends helping the others on the house. You ride over with Montgomery to pay them a visit every few days or so and the progress leaves you impressed everytime.

"My my, gentlemen.", you call out, as you dismount your stallion and walk over to the half-build structure. "Can't believe that this is still standing."

"You have no idea, my dear.", Uncle chimes in from the side and shakes his head, as if he's disappointed about something. "It's like these morons have never build anything in their entire life."

His words get a small chuckle out of you, but John raises his hammer in the old man's direction. The motion is menacing and you don't doubt for a second, that he's serious.

"If I hear one more goddamn word from that big mouth of yours..." He doesn't finish his threat, but he doesn't have to to get the wanted effect.

Uncle throws up his hands in surrender and backs off with a nervous laugh. While the three men get back to work, you try to help here and there as well. Though you can't linger for too long with your own business needing attention.

Once you lead Montgomery back into his spot and brush the dust off his coat, the familiar squeaking of the front door cuts through the air. A customer.

"I'll be with you in a second!", you shout over to them, not looking up from what you're doing.

"Don't let me wait too long.", the person answers and you nearly jump out of your riding boots.

As you take a peak from around your horse, you spot Sadie standing at the entrance with a bright grin on her face. Immediately, you run up to her and fall into her arms.

"You idiot! Why didn't you write me that you were coming?", you scold her half-heartedly.

"And ruin the surprise?", she asks with a raised eyebrow.

You usher her outside and towards your homestead closeby. There you leave her on one of the chairs on your porch and disappear inside, only to come back out with two glasses and a bottle of whisky. It's a special brand, one that Mary Linton had sent you as a wedding gift.

The whisky had been aged in sherry casks, giving it a sweet undertaste and you usually keep it stored for special occasions. Such as when your best friend spontaneously drops by. The first time you had opened one of the bottles was when Arthur and you bought the stables and the house. The second time was when you became business partners with James, an opportunity that had you pay off your bank loan in just a few months.

"What brings you here? Another bounty?", you ask while pouring in the liquor.

"Yes. It's kind of a nasty one. Ramone Cortez, if that tells ya anythin'." That name does ring a bell in your head and you nod. "I was thinkin' about askin' for Marston's help."

"John? You two have been working together?"

"Yes, when the reward is good enough to share."

"I see." You pause for a moment. "They're building a house right now. You could stay the night here, with us and then ride out with him tomorrow."

She seems to contemplate your offer for a while, swirling the alcohol around in her glass. "Sure. If you have room. I don't mean to intrude."

"You're not intruding at all.", you immediately exclaim, shaking your head profusely. "You could never."

"Oh, I don't know." A sly smirk begins to spread over her face and she throws you a meaningful look from the side. "Don't wanna interrupt whatever you and your husband dearest do in your free time."

A shy chuckle escapes you and you playfully slap her shoulder. "Shut up."

After a while of chatting and more drinks, the sun starts to set, painting the sky and prairie in a deep red. The sound of hooves can be heard approaching in the distance and you watch Arthur ride onto your property. An amused scoff leaves his throat when his eyes land on you and Sadie.

"I see how it is.", he grumbles, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "While I work my ass off, buildin' Marston's dream house, you two are sittin' here all comfortable and drinkin' the day away."

His teasing makes the two of you cackle louder than it should have. Arthur might be right. The whisky might have gone to your head a little and you press a hand against your cheek, noting how hot your skin feels.

"We was discussin' uh...business.", Sadie drawls, dragging the words out in a slurring way.

"What she said.", you hastily chime in and your husband waves it off while leading his horse away.

With wobbly knees, you push yourself off the chair and Sadie follows your actions. She helps you gather the glasses and the almost empty bottle and the two of you stumble your way into the house.

---

Several weeks pass after that until John has his house up. You wake up in the morning to an empty bed and pinch the bridge of your nose with a chuckle. It only makes sense that Arthur had stayed over there to celebrate their success. With a grunt, you kick back the blanket and get yourself ready for the day.

You do your morning chores as quickly as possible and prepare Montgomery to ride out. It won't cause any harm to drop by and see how the men are doing. Just making sure, that they didn't wreck the newly build house during their celebration.

The homestead is standing high in the distance, filling your chest with joy and pride. Those feelings are quickly snuffed out when you notice the many specks of blood on the ground. Quickly, you dismount and barge through the front door. Frantically, your eyes jump from one place to another.

There's Arthur and here's John. Charles is just over there in the back, so that only leaves...

"Where's Uncle?", you bark and they all groan in unison. They're all looking around, grunting and disoriented. Charles is the first one to be up and about, meeting your gaze with a clear expression.

"Uncle! Where is he?", you repeat and motion for him to follow you outside.

A concerned noise leaves his throat when you point at the blood and he searches the area for more clues. After a few minutes, Arthur and John come stumbling out and squint their eyes at the bright sunlight.

"Relax.", your husband says with a wave off his hand. "That old bastard is probably sleepin' by a tree or somethin'."

"No.", Charles argues, his shoulders all tensed up. "He's been taken."

"Taken? By who?", John asks and you feel a pit form in your stomach, already knowing the answer.

"The Skinner Brothers."

That sobers the other two men up right away and they grab their guns before rushing over to their horses. Before you can mount Montgomery, Arthur extends an arm out infront of you and you give him a puzzled look.

"You ain't comin'.", he says, his tone firm. "I want you to ride back home."

"Excuse me?" Your voice comes out harsher than intended.

"You saw them when we got those tools." He stares at you, his eyes cold and demanding, but there is something else behind them. A plea. "This is too dangerous."

"You should know by now, that I'd rather get killed than let you go off by yourself."

Pain flickers behind that stern mask of his and he let's out a defeated sigh. "You'll just follow us."

"Exactly."

With that you hoist yourself onto horseback and follow Charles to the forest. Before entering it, you all continue the way on foot under the cover of shrubs. A patrol passes you, which you successfully evade and then follow a wagon that is dragging a man behind it. His agonizing sounds send a shiver down your spine.

The driver stops momentarily and gets off the wagon to pick up the poor soul, who is now laying lifeless in the undergrowth. Charles shoots an arrow right through his skull, killing the gang member silently. After that is done, you find an elevated spot to oversee the camp. Much to your surprise, it's completely empty.

The hair on the back of your neck is standing up, as you take the chance to approach Uncle. They have tied him up over the campfire and your stomach turns upside down at the sight of his burned back. You and Charles quickly go to untie him and support him on either side.

"I don't like this.", Arthur grumbles and you hum in agreement.

It does seem suspicious that no one was guarding the camp or Uncle. Though before you can even voice your concerns, an arrow whizzes past your face and you almost drop the older man. He screams in pain at your sudden movement and you mumble a quick apology, unsure if he even hears it.

Armed men come charging you from all sides and you force your legs to carry the older man towards your horses that are waiting just up ahead. Arthur and John are firing shots left and right and you can't do anything but trust that they will keep you safe and untouched.

A hysterical shout can be heard and you lift your gaze to watch one of the Skinner Brothers sprint right at you.

What is it with them and their damned machetes?

Almost immediately he comes crashing to the ground, a gaping hole right between his eyes. You give Arthur a thankful smile, but he only ushers you forward. Even on horseback they chase your through the woods. Having the fastest horse out of all of the men, you're riding up ahead with Uncle sitting right behind you. Every now and then you feel his grip on you falter and you have to reach back to keep him steady and conscious.

Back at the ranch, you lay him down on the stomach and tend to his wounds as best as you can. Arthur rides into Blackwater right after to get the town's doctor. Uncle's pained screams and groans fill the room and you do your hardest to stay composed.

"You'll get through this, old man.", John says, directed at him.

---

A couple more months pass. Uncle's back is fully healed now and John has his ranch up and running. You and him are standing infront of his house and going over a contract when you hear the familiar rattling of wagon wheels. His expression changes from focused to utter shock when his eyes land on the two people driving in.

It's Abigail and Jack and you can't fight the grin that spreads from cheek to cheek when you watch him run up to them. You avert your gaze, giving their reunion some privacy. A couple moments later, a shadow is being cast over you and you look up to meet Abigail, who pulls you into a hug.

"How'd you like the place?", you ask, watching her as she takes everything in.

She looks like someone has handed her all the riches in the world on a silver platter. That is probably exactly what she's experiencing right now.

"It's amazing. I-" She turns to you. "John wrote in his letter that you and Arthur have been a great help."

"Of course."

Everything after that goes by slow, but in a peaceful and comfortable way. You manage to organize a partnership between John and Agnes' father, the shopkeeper in Blackwater. The ranch is booming with business and so are your stables.

Abigail's and John's wedding are a perfect way to finish it all off, only that you're forced to part ways with your friends again. Shortly after all that, Charles leaves for Canada. That already has your eyes well up, but Sadie's departure has both tears and snot practically shooting out of you.

"Oh can't you stay?", you ask through sobs and you watch her get emotional as well.

"There's nothin' left here for me."

You understand. Of course you do. Although she has become somewhat of a sister to you, you know that she has never been truly happy after losing Jake.

Arthur holds you close that night, not letting go for a single moment. His rough thumbs brush the tears away and he kisses you until your lips are red and swollen. Parting ways with her hurt, but you manage. Many years pass and you continue living a comfortable live with Arthur right by your side.

---

1934

It's a beautiful day out. The bowl hat on your head shields your eyes from the sun, but you still have to squint to see better. It's odd being back at where you started in that now old body of yours. Memories of a time long ago flood your mind, as you pass the streets of your old neighborhood.

Before taking the journey upon yourself, you were worried that you might not know the way anymore. How foolish. Of course you know the way. You have walked it in your mind and dreams many times. After turning a few corners and crossing the street a couple times, you stop at a door.

Doubts cross your mind, but you know it's important that you do this. Will he be furious? Surely. Will he yell at you? Definitely. But do you have to sit through it to stop him from bringing you back? Absolutely.

You would have almost forgotten about it, if you hadn't looked at the newspaper Arthur reads every morning. The date and year have hit you like a freight train and you had rushed out of the house, leaving your husband confused and worried. Though he trusts you and knows better than to question your odd behavior, knowing you have been this way since you first met.

Taking a deep breath, you ring the doorbell and wait. It only takes a few seconds, but to you it feels like years are passing until you're being greeted with a face you haven't seen in ages. The smile on your lips is awkward and unsure, as you stand before him, a graying and scarred woman.

"Hello, Francis."

Taglist: @shackspossum @abducted-cowz @heloixe @onyxlune

[viktorviolettaenterprises]

ArmaLite AR-15 and Derivatives

(This is Actually Serves for My Remastered CC I Made back in 2022. It Supposed to post on 2nd February but hell got delayed for a Week and glad I Finally Having Chance to upload it. Enjoy! Anyway in this thread The CC Models are Mostly Remastered into Great Quality and Got Fixed. So In Case you already Downloading My Stuff. You may Need to Redownload it again since this gonna be A Final Version)

💥DOWNLOAD💥

In the mid-1950s, the U.S. Department of Defense sought a new assault rifle for its infantry, influenced by the adoption of the AK-47 and the U.S. withdrawal from the FAL program. The Springfield Armory's M14, a derivative of the M1 Garand chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, was adopted in 1958 but soon proved inadequate in Vietnam.

Around the same time, Eugene Stoner developed the AR-10, a 7.62×51mm rifle, but its design struggled with the cartridge's recoil. When the U.S. military switched to 5.56×45mm, Stoner adapted the AR-10 into the AR-15, which ArmaLite proposed to the Army in 1959 but was initially rejected. In 1960, the Air Force, led by Gen. Curtis LeMay, ordered 6,000 AR-15s. By 1965, after proving reliable in combat, the Army adopted it as the M16, with the M16A1 in service until 1984. Before That.. Some Screenshoot I Made Thank you For @chloegamesbroficial For Inspiration! Nice Work Sis!

✨ORIGINAL M16 FAMILY

COLT XM16E1

The Progenitor Of M16 Rifle Series. The one who started it all. The XM16E1 was the first true military-issued M16 variant and played a key role in transitioning the U.S. Army from the M14 Battle Rifle to a lightweight, high-rate-of-fire assault rifle. Despite its early flaws, the refinements made in the M16A1 helped solidify the M16 family as a standard U.S. service rifle for decades. (Thank you for @honeyssims4 For Adorable Pose!)

Key Features of the XM16E1:

Forward Assist: Unlike the initial AR-15 and early M16 models, the XM16E1 introduced a forward assist on the right side of the receiver to manually ensure the bolt was fully locked. This was a response to reliability concerns, though Stoner himself opposed its necessity.

Three-Prong Flash Hider: It retained the three-prong flash suppressor, which was later replaced with a birdcage-style suppressor on the M16A1 due to durability issues (the prongs could snag on vegetation).

Chrome-Lined Chamber Issue: Early XM16E1 rifles lacked chrome-lined chambers, leading to frequent malfunctions when used in Vietnam's humid jungle conditions. Fouling and corrosion contributed to "failure to extract" malfunctions, which were later addressed in the M16A1 by adding a chrome-lined chamber and barrel.

Full Auto & Semi-Auto Selector: The rifle featured a selector switch for semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes.

Early Vietnam Deployment: The XM16E1 was issued to U.S. troops in Vietnam around 1965 and was the first Army-standardized version of the M16 before being officially designated the M16A1 in 1967.

Problems & Fixes:

Ammunition Issue: The original 5.56×45mm M193 rounds used ball powder instead of extruded powder (as originally intended), leading to excessive fouling and jamming.

Cleaning Kits & Training: Many soldiers were not initially issued cleaning kits or proper maintenance instructions, worsening the reliability issues.

M16A1 Upgrade: The XM16E1 was formally redesignated as the M16A1 in 1967, incorporating a chrome-lined chamber and barrel, improved buffer system, and closed-end flash suppressor to resolve its issues.

COLT M16A1

The M16A1 was the first fully standardized M16 variant adopted by the U.S. military in 1967, replacing the XM16E1 and improving upon its shortcomings. It became the primary service rifle for U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and remained in widespread use until the 1980s. (Thank you For @plazasims For "Cliff Unger" Uniform!)

Key Features & Improvements Over XM16E1:

Chrome-Lined Chamber & Barrel – Addressed the fouling and corrosion issues that plagued the XM16E1 in Vietnam's humid environment.

Birdcage Flash Hider – Replaced the three-prong flash suppressor, which was prone to bending and snagging on vegetation.

Forward Assist – Retained from the XM16E1, allowing soldiers to manually close the bolt if needed.

Reinforced Buttstock & Pistol Grip – Made from stronger polymer to prevent cracking.

New Buffer System – Helped reduce felt recoil and improve reliability in automatic fire.

30-Round Magazine Compatibility – Originally issued with 20-round magazines, but later compatible with the more practical 30-round STANAG magazines.

Weight & Length – Weighed around 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs) loaded and measured 986 mm (39 inches) in length, making it much lighter than the M14 it replaced.

Combat Use:

Vietnam War (1967–1975) – Saw extensive use, replacing the heavier M14. Soldiers appreciated its lighter weight and high fire rate, though early reliability issues due to poor maintenance training and improper ammunition caused setbacks.

Post-Vietnam Conflicts – Used in Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989) and by allied forces worldwide into the 1990s.

Foreign Military Use – Many U.S. allies adopted surplus M16A1s, with some still in limited use today.

Replacement & Legacy:

By the mid-1980s, the M16A2 replaced the M16A1, introducing a heavier barrel, burst-fire mode, and improved sights. However, the M16A1 remains one of the most widely produced and battle-proven rifles in U.S. history, influencing modern designs like the M4A1 and civilian AR-15 variants.

COLT M16A2/M16A3

The M16A2 is an upgraded version of the M16A1, featuring a longer stock, improved pistol grip, reinforced carry handle, and a more durable round handguard. It introduced a three-round burst mode instead of full-auto M16A3, Variant that Issued for United States Navy Having A Full Auto Configuration like Old M16A1. The rifle also had a heavier barrel for increased durability and accuracy.

The M16A2 saw combat in Operation Just Cause (Panama), the Gulf War, and the Bosnian War. It later served as a reserve rifle in Afghanistan and Iraq and remains a popular service weapon for military and police forces worldwide.

M16A2 (1983 – Standard Issue Upgrade)

Key Features & Improvements Over M16A1:

Stronger Barrel – Heavier profile for improved accuracy and heat resistance.

3-Round Burst Mode – Replaced full-auto with safe-semi-burst to conserve ammo.

New Rear Sight – Adjustable for windage and elevation, improving long-range accuracy.

Longer Stock & Reinforced Grip – More ergonomic design for stability.

Round Handguards – More durable and symmetrical, easier to grip.

Flash Hider Change – Birdcage closed at the bottom to prevent dust kick-up.

Improved Ammunition – Designed for the 5.56×45mm M855 "Green Tip" round, offering better penetration.

Combat History:

First issued in 1983 and widely used in Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989) and Desert Storm (1991).

Phased out in the 2000s as the M16A4 and M4 Carbine became standard.

M16A3 (1990s – Full-Auto Navy Variant)

How It Differs from the M16A2:

Retains Full-Auto – Uses safe-semi-full auto, unlike the M16A2’s 3-round burst.

Used by U.S. Navy and SEALs – Needed for maritime operations and boarding teams.

Physically Similar to the M16A2 – No other major differences besides the fire control group.

Limited Use & Replacement:

Never widely adopted outside of Navy units and special forces.

Eventually replaced by the M16A4 and M4A1 due to modularity and compact size needs.

COLT M16A4

The M16A4 is the final standard-issue variant of the M16 rifle family, introduced in the late 1990s to replace the M16A2. It was widely used by the U.S. Marine Corps and some Army units, particularly during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The M16A4 was the last major evolution of the M16 series, transitioning the rifle into a more modular, optics-friendly platform.

Key Features & Improvements Over M16A2:

Flat-Top Receiver with Picatinny Rail – Allowed for easy mounting of optics, scopes, and accessories, unlike the fixed carry handle of the M16A2.

Removable Carry Handle – Featured adjustable iron sights but could be detached for mounting optics like the ACOG (widely used by U.S. Marines).

Three-Round Burst Mode – Retained the safe-semi-burst firing modes from the M16A2 (no full-auto, unlike the M16A3).

Knight’s Armament M5 RAS (Rail Adapter System) – Allowed attachment of foregrips, lasers, flashlights, and grenade launchers (M203/M320).

Heavy Barrel – Improved accuracy and heat resistance for sustained fire.

30-Round STANAG Magazine – Standardized across NATO forces.

Combat Use & Replacement:

Widely used in the Iraq War (2003–2011) and Afghanistan War (2001–2021) by U.S. Marines.

Phased out in favor of the M4A1 carbine, which offered greater mobility in urban warfare.

Still in use by Marine reserves and allied forces worldwide.

🎈CARBINE FAMILY

The AR-15 carbine family includes a wide range of compact, lightweight rifles derived from the original AR-15/M16 platform. Carbines typically have shorter barrels (14.5 inches or less) and are designed for mobility, versatility, and close-quarters combat (CQC).they has evolved into one of the most widely used and modular weapon platforms worldwide, serving military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters.

COLT CAR-15 (XM177E2 Model)

The First Of The Family The Colt CAR-15 was a family of compact, lightweight rifles and carbines developed in the 1960s as shortened versions of the M16/AR-15 platform. The name CAR-15 ("Colt Automatic Rifle-15") was originally an umbrella term for Colt’s modular rifle system, but it later became associated specifically with short-barreled carbines.

Key Features of XM177E2 ("Colt Commando")

Most famous CAR-15 carbines Variant, issued to MACV-SOG, Navy SEALs, and Green Berets in Vietnam.

11.5-inch barrel for better velocity and reliability.

Iconic Moderator (flash and sound suppressor) to reduce muzzle flash and noise.

Used extensively in close-quarters jungle warfare.

Legacy & Evolution

The CAR-15 series evolved into the M4 Carbine, which became the U.S. military's standard rifle.

Though retired, CAR-15 remain iconic for their role in Vietnam and special operations history.

Colt M733 ("Commando")

The Colt Model 733, commonly known as the Colt M733 Commando, is a compact carbine developed in the 1980s as part of the CAR-15 / M16 family. It was designed for special operations, law enforcement, and close-quarters combat (CQC). (Thank you for @r-jayden For the Pose!)

Key Features of the Colt M733:

Short Barrel (11.5 inches)

More compact than the M16A2 (20 inches) and M4 (14.5 inches).

Balances maneuverability and effective range.

Fixed Carry Handle & A2 Sights

Uses M16A2-style rear sights, improving long-range accuracy.

Full-Auto or 3-Round Burst

Available in safe-semi-burst (like the M16A2) or safe-semi-full auto (like the M16A3).

A1 Lower Receiver & A2 Upper Receiver

Mixed features from M16A1 (simpler controls) and M16A2 (better sights & barrel twist).

Flash Hider & Handguards

Uses an A2-style flash suppressor to reduce muzzle flash.

Short round handguards, unlike the triangular ones on early CAR-15 models.

Combat Use & Operators

Used by U.S. Special Forces, including Delta Force, Navy SEALs, and Army Rangers.

Deployed in conflicts like:

Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989)

Gulf War (1991)

Somali Civil War (1993, Battle of Mogadishu)

Popular among law enforcement SWAT teams.

Legacy & Influence

The M733 inspired the M4 Carbine, which became the U.S. military’s standard service rifle.

Still used by law enforcement, private security, and some military units.

Its compact size, reliability, and firepower made it a favorite for close-quarters combat (CQC).

COLT M4A1 Carbine

The Colt M4A1 is a fully automatic, compact, and modular carbine developed as an improvement over the M4 Carbine. It has been the standard-issue rifle for U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) since the early 2000s, and it is widely used by military and law enforcement worldwide. (Thank you for @plazasims For Unique Costume!)

Key Features of the Colt M4A1

1. Barrel & Accuracy

14.5-inch barrel (shorter than the M16A4’s 20-inch barrel).

Heavy barrel profile (since 2015) for better durability and accuracy.

1:7 rifling twist, optimized for 5.56×45mm NATO M855A1 Enhanced Performance Rounds.

2. Full-Auto Fire Mode

Unlike the M4 (which has a 3-round burst mode), the M4A1 features full-auto capability.

This makes it preferred for special operations where rapid fire is needed.

3. Modular Rail System

Uses the Knight’s Armament RAS (Rail Adapter System) or Daniel Defense RIS II (used in SOPMOD Block upgrades).

Supports optics, grips, PEQ laser designators, suppressors, and grenade launchers (M203/M320).

4. Flat-Top Upper Receiver

Picatinny rail instead of a fixed carry handle, allowing ACOGs, EOTechs, Aimpoints, and NVGs.

The backup iron sights (BUIS) are removable.

5. Telescoping Stock

6-position collapsible stock, making it adjustable for different users and gear setups.

More maneuverable than the fixed stock of the M16A4.

Combat History & Use

The M4A1 has been the primary weapon of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) since the Global War on Terror (GWOT), replacing the CAR-15, M16A2/A4, and early M4s. It has seen combat in:

Afghanistan War (2001–2021)

Iraq War (2003–2011)

Operation Neptune Spear (Bin Laden Raid, 2011)

Syrian Civil War (2014–Present)

Users:

U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), Navy SEALs, Delta Force, Army Rangers, and Marine Raiders.

Standard issue for U.S. Army and Marines (replacing M16A4 in infantry units).

Used by NATO and allied forces worldwide.

Modernization & Future

The M4A1+ program introduced features like free-floating handguards and ambidextrous controls.

Being replaced in some roles by the Sig Sauer XM7 (NGSW Program), but still widely used.

COLT MK18 MOD 0/M4 CQBR

The Colt Mk18 Mod 0 is a compact and highly modular 5.56×45mm NATO carbine, designed for close-quarters battle (CQB), special operations, and maritime missions. Developed as part of the U.S. Navy's SOPMOD program, it is essentially a short-barreled version of the M4A1, optimized for special forces, vehicle crews, and hostage rescue units.

Key Features of the Colt Mk18 Mod 0

1. Ultra-Compact 10.3-Inch Barrel

Shorter than the M4A1’s 14.5-inch barrel, making it ideal for CQB and vehicle operations.

Uses a heavy barrel profile for durability.

Often paired with a suppressor (e.g., Knights Armament NT4 or SureFire SOCOM556-RC) to reduce noise and flash.

2. Flat-Top Upper Receiver (Picatinny Rail)

Unlike earlier Colt carbines with fixed carry handles, the Mk18 Mod 0 has a flat-top rail, allowing optics like:

EOTech EXPS-3 / Aimpoint T2

ACOG TA31 (for mid-range engagements)

PEQ-15 / MAWL Lasers (for night ops with NVGs).

3. Rail Interface System (RIS)

Uses the Knights Armament RAS handguard for mounting:

Foregrips (TangoDown, BCM, Magpul)

Weapon lights (SureFire M600 Scout)

Suppressors and lasers (PEQ-15, DBAL, MAWL)

This early version (Mod 0) still used the KAC RAS, while later Mk18 Mod 1 versions switched to the Daniel Defense RIS II.

4. Full-Auto Fire Mode (Unlike M4)

The Mk18 Mod 0 is select-fire (safe/semi/full-auto), making it more effective in high-intensity CQB situations.

Later models were built with Colt’s M4A1 lower receiver, which shares the same fire control system.

5. SOPMOD Block 1 Compatibility

Issued with SOCOM’s Special Operations Peculiar MODification (SOPMOD) kit, including:

Suppressors (Knight’s Armament NT4, later SureFire SOCOM)

Optics (EOTechs, Aimpoints, ACOGs)

PEQ-15 / AN/PEQ-16 laser/IR systems

Enhanced stocks (LMT Crane SOPMOD Stock, B5 Systems, Magpul CTR)

Combat History & Operators

The Mk18 Mod 0 became the go-to CQB weapon for U.S. Special Forces, particularly Navy SEALs, Delta Force, Army Rangers, and Marine Raiders. It has been widely used in:

Iraq War (2003–2011)

Afghanistan War (2001–2021)

Operation Neptune Spear (Bin Laden Raid, 2011)

Syria & Anti-ISIS Operations (2014–Present)

Other users include:

FBI HRT (Hostage Rescue Team)

DEA FAST Teams

British SAS & SBS

Various European and Middle Eastern special forces

Legacy & Influence

The Mk18 Mod 0 set the standard for modern CQB rifles, inspiring later models like the Mk18 Mod 1 and civilian AR pistols (Colt 6933, Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW, BCM CQB-10).

Even as the U.S. shifts to the XM7 (Sig MCX Spear), the Mk18 remains a favorite in SOF circles due to its compact size, reliability, and versatility.

SPECIALIZED VARIANTS

This Part Will covered the Unconventional Layout Of AR-15 Rifle something that Slightly Deviated with Their Original Mainstream M16 Or M4 Guidelines.

Colt 9mm SMG (Colt RO635)

The Colt 9mm SMG, also known as the Colt Model 635, is a submachine gun (SMG) chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, designed as a pistol-caliber variant of the M16/AR-15 platform. It was developed in the 1980s for law enforcement, special forces, and security personnel who needed a compact, controllable firearm for close-quarters combat (CQC).

Key Features of the Colt 9mm SMG (Model 635)

1. 9mm Blowback Operation (No Gas System)

Unlike the M4/M16’s gas-operated system, the Colt 9mm SMG uses a simple blowback mechanism.

Lacks a gas tube, gas block, or forward assist, making it simpler and more reliable with 9mm ammo.

2. Shorter 10.5-Inch Barrel

More compact than the M16 (20 inches) or M4 (14.5 inches).

Perfect for CQB, SWAT, and VIP protection.

Often fitted with a threaded barrel for suppressors.

3. 32-Round Stick Magazine

Uses a curved 32-round magazine, similar in appearance to Uzi magazines, but modified for the AR platform.

Feeds from Colt’s proprietary SMG lower receiver, not interchangeable with standard AR-15/M4 lowers.

4. Fixed Carry Handle (A1-Style)

Standard M16A1-style upper receiver, with integrated iron sights and no Picatinny rail (early versions).

Some later versions feature flat-top Picatinny rails for optics.

5. Fire Selector: Safe-Semi-Full Auto (Model 635)

Model 635 (Standard SMG): Full-auto (Safe/Semi/Auto)

Later law enforcement models (RO995, RO699, etc.) have semi-auto configurations.

Combat Use & Operators

Though not widely adopted by the military, the Colt 9mm SMG became popular among:

FBI SWAT & HRT (Hostage Rescue Team)

DEA, ATF, and Secret Service

U.S. Navy SEALs (limited use in the 1980s–1990s before transitioning to MP5s & HK416s)

Foreign law enforcement agencies (e.g., Colombia, Mexico, Middle Eastern special units)

Colt CM901 (Colt Modular Carbine 901)

The Colt CM901 (Colt Modular Carbine 901) is a multi-caliber, modular battle rifle, designed to bridge the gap between 5.56×45mm NATO (M4/M16) and 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) rifles. Developed by Colt Defense, it was unveiled in 2010 as a highly adaptable AR-platform weapon for special forces, designated marksmen, and infantry roles.

Key Features of the Colt CM901

1. Multi-Caliber Compatibility (7.62 NATO & 5.56 NATO)

Primary caliber: 7.62×51mm NATO (battle rifle performance, extended range).

Can quickly convert to 5.56×45mm NATO by swapping the upper receiver and using a magazine adapter.

Compatible with standard AR-15/M4 uppers, making it one of the most versatile battle rifles on the market.

2. Monolithic Upper Receiver

The CM901 features a one-piece, free-floating monolithic upper receiver, improving:

Accuracy (more rigid than two-piece designs).

Optic mounting (full-length Picatinny rail).

Accessory attachment (foregrips, lasers, bipods).

Provides a seamless rail system similar to the LMT MWS and KAC SR-25.

3. Shorter 16-Inch Barrel (Battle Rifle in a Carbine Package)

Compact for a 7.62 NATO rifle, giving it more maneuverability than traditional battle rifles like the M14 or SCAR-H.

Available in various barrel lengths (13”, 16”, and 20”) for different mission needs.

4. Ambidextrous Controls

Features ambidextrous safety selector, magazine release, and bolt catch, making it ideal for left-handed shooters.

A big improvement over standard AR-10 platforms, which typically lack full ambidextrous controls.

5. Battle-Proven Reliability

Uses a reinforced lower receiver to handle the power of 7.62 NATO rounds, while still functioning smoothly with 5.56 NATO conversions.

Built to military durability standards, making it rugged and reliable for combat use.

Why the CM901 Didn't Fully Replace the M4/M16

Heavier than standard M4 carbines (even with a 5.56 upper).

7.62 NATO recoil & ammo weight limit its role in CQB settings.

SCAR-H and HK417 were preferred for SOF battle rifle roles.

Military demand for a dedicated 7.62 platform (SR-25, M110) outweighed the need for a modular hybrid.

[captain-price-unofficially]

Video published by Al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas) allegedly showing them tracking an officer in the elite Shaldag unit, Yitzhar Hoffman, before he was killed by a sniper. Hoffman is said to be responsible for the siege and storming of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

Translation:

A unit of the occupation forces is holed up in Gaza City. The images obtained exclusively by Al Jazeera allow the location of the concentration to be determined. The field command center was established in a sports club, about one kilometer away from Al-Shifa Hospital, and located within the Jawazat area, which witnessed fierce clashes between the Israeli army and the Resistance factions for weeks.

This is Yitzhar Hoffman, a platoon leader in the Shaldag Special Unit. He was responsible for drawing up a plan to besiege Al-Shifa Hospital and then storm it last November. According to photos obtained by Al Jazeera, which are being shown for the first time, the Al-Qassam Brigades monitored Hoffman's movements after storming the hospital. At the end of last January, the Al-Qassam Brigades waited for the Israeli army to announce the killing of Hoffman so that they publish pictures of the operation and identify the targeted person.

The Al-Aqsa flood was not the first confrontation in which the Qassam Brigades used sniper weapons. The developed Al-Ghoul rifle that mimics the specifications of the Austrian-made Steyr rifle, caliber 12.7 mm, has the capabilities and features of an assault rifle with an adjustable system, to transform from an assault rifle into a sniper rifle.

The Al-Qassam Brigades were able to manufacture it locally and it bore the name of one of the most prominent symbols of military manufacturing in Al-Qassam: the martyr Adnan Al-Ghoul. With the rifle, Al-Qassam produced the appropriate ammunition to enhance the rifle’s effectiveness and feasibility.

The ammunition was manufactured with three specifications:

1- Training that enable the preparation of fighters within the special units.

2-Ammunition designed to target flammable materials.

3-Used to deal with the armor and fortifications used by the Israeli army.

The impact of the locally manufactured weapons is show on battlefields, in a way that the bullet penetrates the helmet worn by the soldiers and explodes after penetration. The bullet can also penetrate the protective vest, which is supported by a metal plate that shatters when hit to cause damage to the upper area of the body. It can also penetrate and disrupt devices and systems used by the occupying army.

To put the weapon into use, the Al-Qassam Brigades trained special units of fighters within its combat formations, as the photos obtained by Al Jazeera show. Training takes place after selecting fighters who have qualities that enable them to withstand long periods of waiting to capture a potential target, the ability to work under extreme pressure in difficult field conditions, the flexibility of concealment, determining the importance of the target and making the decision of execution.

The Qassam had previously used sniper weapons in field combat in battles before 2007, when it seized medium-caliber rifles like the Russian Dragunov and Brezhnev models and the Belgian FN FAL rifle. But it suffered from limited availability, scarcity of ammunition and its high cost. Then, heavy snipers including the Austrian Steyr and the Chinese M99, were brought into the Gaza Strip through supply lines. And documented operations were carried out using them.

The Ghoul rifle is the latest weapon in the resistance’s arsenal, which according to Al Jazeera’s information, recorded a verified hitting distance of 1800 meters in Al-Aqsa Flood Operation.

[quietwingsinthesky]

heyyy bug,

can we hear more about millie?

-🌺

absolutely. here’s a list of (mostly) everything she kept in her bags circa 2005

John’s journal

Sam’s copy of Frankenstein of his junior year English class (annotated)

Five pens (two working)

Water bottle, 20 oz (green)

A fresh tube of neosporin

Various bandage rolls

Half-empty box of band-aids

Multiple packets of Quikclot gauze

Alcohol wipes

Small pair of scissors

Sterile suture thread and needle

Gameboy Advance (stolen, original name in sharpie scribbled out)

Pokemon Firered (GBA) (stolen, used, can’t figure out how to delete previous save data), Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (GBA) (stolen, new, has only ever gotten the “bad” ending), The Little Mermaid (GB) (bought, new, almost broken from overuse)

Pink switchblade (Gift from Dean)

Ka-bar combat knife (Gift from John)

9mm Colt Defender + ammunition

Postcard from Dollywood (Dean’s)

Multiple sets of clothes, most of them previously Dean’s from middle to high school (if too large even considering that, often cut by hand around the waist, wrists, or ankles to mitigate that)

Peppermint flavored gum packets

Just as many tootsie rolls as gum packets

Assorted hairties, rubber bands, paperclips

Three weird looking rocks

One matchbox car, blue

Mostly empty Ritalin bottle (not prescribed)

Pack of cards (edges worn down from overuse)

Prepaid flipphone (Selection of contacts: DAD, D34N, JIM, BOBBZ. Later: S4M.)

Wallet (also green)

Multiple fake driver’s licenses and IDs placing her at ages between 18-25 (made alone and with Dean & John's help, good quality, work occasionally depending on situation)

Fake state trooper badge and identification (made by herself, fair quality, has not worked even once)

57$ and 47 cents

Movie ticket stub (The Return of the King, 2003)

[mariacallous]

While many commentators are already speculating over the possibility of Ukraine peace talks in the coming months, there is actually very little to indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin is interested in a negotiated settlement. Ukrainian military commanders are certainly not counting on any pause in hostilities, and are instead preparing for a fourth year of Europe’s largest war since World War II.

Russia held the battlefield initiative throughout 2024, and managed to make gains at various points along the approximately one thousand kilometer front lines of the war. While Moscow was unable to secure any landmark successes, the relatively minor advances of the past year marked a shift from the largely static front lines in 2023. If the underlying causes of this Russian progress are not addressed, Putin’s invading army may be able to achieve a more decisive breakthrough in the coming year.

Russia’s gains in 2024 owed much to tactical and technological adaptations implemented since the early stages of the war. At the same time, Moscow also clearly benefited from a range of problems bedeviling the Ukrainian military, with troop shortages, ineffective leadership, and supply uncertainties at the very top of the list. Ukraine’s survival as a state may now depend on the country’s ability to resolve these issues in the coming months.

Ukraine began the war in February 2022 with a large number of highly capable soldiers who had gained valuable experience during the previous eight years of sporadic fighting against Kremlin forces in eastern Ukraine. These seasoned troops played a key role in Ukraine’s early successes, adopting an often innovative approach to the war that helped cancel out Russia’s overwhelming advantages in terms of firepower.

Russia has countered Ukraine’s greater battlefield creativity by relying increasingly on strength in numbers. In September 2022, Putin announced Russia’s first mobilization since World War II. This dramatically increased the number of Russian troops in Ukraine and set the stage for the human wave tactics that have made Moscow’s subsequent advances possible.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s heavy losses since 2022 have robbed multiple army units of their most seasoned members. In many cases, this has led to a sharp decline in battlefield performance. Large numbers of promising young Ukrainian officers who should have risen through the ranks to senior command positions have instead been killed, wounded, or simply exhausted by almost three years of relentless combat.

The Ukrainian military is now facing growing challenges recruiting fresh troops to replenish its depleted ranks. This is due in part to the demoralizing impact of consistently high casualty rates and the lack of demobilization prospects while hostilities continue. It also reflects declining confidence in the quality of Ukraine’s military leaders and concerns over consistent shortages in both weapons and ammunition.

Revisions to Ukraine’s mobilization regulations introduced in spring 2024 failed to adequately address the underlying causes of this mounting manpower shortage. Instead, the past year witnessed record levels of desertion that have further undermined Ukraine’s already weakening defenses. Unless measures can be taken to reverse this trend, the consequences for Ukraine could be disastrous.

The increasingly acute challenges facing the Ukrainian army in terms of both quantity and quality demand a combined response from Ukraine and its allies. This must include improved training for infantry and officers, measures to root our ineffective commanders and enhance coordination between units, and greatly increased flows of military supplies from the international coalition backing the Ukrainian war effort.

This will require greater cooperation and an end to the current finger-pointing between Ukraine and the country’s partners. In recent months, officials in Kyiv have sought pin their problems on a lack of sufficient international military aid, while allies including the US have begun questioning Ukraine’s mobilization strategy and calling for a reduction in the age of military recruits. This blame game does little to address the mounting crisis within the Ukrainian military.

With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine set to pass the three-year mark next month, it is clear that the policies adopted in Kyiv and other Western capitals since 2022 are no longer working. Ukraine’s manpower problems cannot be overcome via reliance on patriotic sentiment and superior combat experience alone. A more systematic approach to training and equipping new troops is clearly necessary, and must be accompanied by measures to improve leadership and accountability within the Ukrainian military.

Likewise, piecemeal deliveries of weapons will not convince Russia to end the invasion. The extended debates and regular delays that have characterized international military support for Ukraine since 2022 have done much to persuade Putin that he can ultimately outlast the West.

The Kremlin dictator is facing his own manpower issues amid catastrophic Russian losses. However, he can call upon a population more than four times the size of Ukraine’s and can also afford to attract volunteers with large cash incentives. The recent addition of more than ten thousand North Korean troops has further eased the pressure on Russia’s army recruiters.

If Ukraine’s partners really wish to change the mood in Moscow, they must make a far more long-term commitment to providing Kyiv with military support and demonstrate their resolve to defeating Russia on the battlefield. Wars of attrition like the current Russo-Ukrainian War are won and lost through the deployment of superior resources. On paper, the West has the collective wealth and technological capabilities to completely overwhelm Russia. However, almost three years since the start of the full-scale invasion, Western support for Ukraine remains hampered by talk of compromise and fear of escalation. Putin interprets this as weakness and is emboldened.

Ukraine is currently in a race against time to address a number of key issues that threaten to undermine the country’s war effort and hand Putin an historic victory in 2025. Supporting Kyiv’s efforts is a matter of urgency for European leaders and should also be high on the list of priorities for the incoming Trump administration. Donald Trump has vowed to end the war, but he will likely find that Putin is unwilling to enter into talks unless the United States can undermine his confidence in victory and dramatically strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position.

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

Five Russian special forces officers of the "Senezh" Special Forces Centre as part of a subversive group were killed in full squad in Chernihiv region. They had high-quality equipment. They were dressed in camouflage uniforms, each had rifles with optical sights and silencers, a large amount of ammunition, Ukraine, 2024.

In this series of pictures, there are several rather interesting pictures with the destroyed Russian spetsnaz personnel, but since there is ACTUALLY not that much freedom of the press in the Western media, I will not publish them. Otherwise, snowflakes who think that war looks like woke in Hollywood movies will be very upset. It is enough for you to know that Russian special task force soldiers are a publicity product created by Kremlin fraudsters. In real war they die just as well and en masse as all the other common Russian war criminals and their sympathizers….

[willsimpforanyone]

Hi i was wondering if you could do sone of hermes x annabeth chase (plantonic) and how they have been best friends since they were 7 and her always having to stop him form doing something stupid thanks

i can absolutely do that!

---------------------------------------

annabeth came to camp halfblood when she was 7

and you've been at camp for about a year because you were taken in early

being a son of hermes, i think you'd be quite the sociable little kid

and the pair of you were probably one of the few younger kids in camp

so when this somewhat shy blonde girl with piercing grey eyes and a fierce intelligence arrives at camp, you immediately gravitate towards her

it takes about a week for the two of you to become absolute best friends

i feel like annabeth shied away from anyone aside from luke for a long time

but you wormed your way into her good graces very quickly because you were so excited to have someone your age to play with

obviously because you are a boy and she is a girl, you get teased about whether or not you like each other

and both of you are like 'ew that is my brother/sister stfu'

when you get older and more functional, you begin to get more ideas that would definitely get you into trouble

it's your way of connecting with your dad, causing mischief in his name

annabeth has some Thoughts about this

some of your ideas get shot down immediately

anything that involves you jumping off high places or starting a fight with someone? automatic no

her favourite name for you is literally 'idiot'

she could yell 'idiot' across the camp and someone next to you would be like 'hey annabeth's calling for you'

it's a point of pride when you come up with an idea that she approves of

when you have a smart idea she throws herself into planning with you and it's quality bestie bonding time

when percy comes into the picture there's a bit where you feel a little threatened by this new kid who's super powerful and everyone is fascinated by and how annabeth seems to be talking to him a lot

but as soon as you realise her interest might be somewhat romantic, even if she doesn't realise it, you're chill

it just gives you permanent ammunition to use against her and she hits you every single time

------------------------------------

i hope you enjoyed, thank you for requesting!

[talenlee]

Game Pile: High Magic Lowlives

Ah, a concept can get you so very far.

High Magic Lowlives is an indie TTRPG available on itch.io from Gem Room games. It was begun somewhere around 2019 and released somewhere after that point (and I mean if it’d been released before that point, that would be impressive). It is a work worth examining, and definitely has some ideas in it I like.

I don’t like any of them for High Magic Lowlives.

Ah, let us speak of these complexities.

Throughout these years of reading indie TTRPGs, I don’t show you most of what I look at. I show you almost every good thing I find, and anything I like at all, I put in a file to show off at some point. That’s sometimes waiting for a theme month or relating for a good time to engage with it. You might not be surprised to learn that I try to save a good, high quality free product for December. That’s a minority of what I read and write about. Most indie TTRPGs don’t get talked about at all because I don’t like talking smack about what is in many cases, semi-amateur writing for a media space that could afford more good stuff. This can create gaps for commentary; after all, what do I say about a piece of work with an interesting idea, but made of underpants? Do I pretend the problems aren’t there? Do I discuss it in a way that feels like I’m here to smack-talk its failings? I’m not sure. Still, few things I’ve read recently so perfectly encapsulate this problem as High Magic Lowlives.

If I were to treat HIgh Magic Lowlives as an idea box, it would be fantastic at it. If the book was presented as something like Unearthed Arcana, where systems were created, disconnected from one another, with a sort of ‘hey, here’s a way to do something new that you can add to your game,’ I would want to laud it for the ideas in it. In that case��� let’s do that?

A mechanic High Magic Lowlives has for degradable and diminishing resources is a Risk Die. This is indicated with a different icon in the rules, and a risk die degrades as you use it. Any time you roll a risk die, if you roll a 1 or 2, that die representing that object, that entity, or that resource degrades one step. This is a great mechanic for representing something that depletes but unreliably and the way that when your resources are limited you may push a thing to keep going as long as possible, even if you know you’re probably about to break it – and immensely relieved when you don’t. This system also excellently represents the mobile phones that are important to the fiction of the world; a phone is a powerful device, but once it fails once, suddenly it goes from being ‘a good new phone’ to a question of ‘when will this thing break.’

This depleting system, by the way, feels to me like a really good way to represent things like unreliable magical connections, say, shamanism, or maybe even ammunition reserves for a gun-focused kind of game. I like this mechanic a lot and its flexibility makes it great for the kind of game High Magic Lowlives purports to be. At the same time you could use it in a system like (say) Dungeons & Dragons to represent depleting ammunition in unreliable amounts.

The NPC system is also pleasantly simplified, so that an NPC for conflict can scale up in terms of its importance. One of the significant things about very important NPCs is that they are immortal, until their secret is known; that is, the rules pre-emptively treat NPCs at a certain level of significance not as encounters to be overwhelmed but puzzles to be solved.

There’s also a neat part of character creation and put a pin in that statement but it’s where once you have your character selected, you get presented with a question whose answer is fundamental to finishing character creation. It’s a system I’ve seen before, particularly in Avatar Legends, where each of the different archetypes of character have a question that both links to their mechanics and also drives the ways they’re going to change and approach problems.

These are cool ideas!

What’s more I don’t intend to bollock over High Magic Lowlives for its formatting and presentation. It’s not a very good looking book and it’s not put together well, but those are problems that come up and look like this, if you don’t care. That is to say, I don’t think I should criticise this book for doing a bad job at things it doesn’t seem to be trying to do at all.

I do think that editing and layout is an area in which most indie TTRPGs should not be abandoning effort. It is not irrelevant to how people play your games that your book is readable and convenient. Many people learn to play TTRPGs from talking to other people who get it, which means many rulebooks are kind of collaborative decoding processes, but they don’t have to be and indeed, I think any time they become that they are failing. To that end, just better margins, better layout, better recognition of how to make an index or font size or just words on a screen will improve the way a book like this looks and works.

Now, though, to focus on the words on the page… I think this book is not meant for most people. I think this book is not meant for people who are going to learn to play TTRPGs from this book. I think this book isn’t even a speciality prestige system for people who already invest heavily in TTRPGs and love them and hack them. This is again, a question of whether or not this book is trying to be a thing for people to approach and therefore if it’s reasonable to point out that it fails at that.

I’ll talk at times about who a work is for. Make no mistake: High Magic Lowlives is for me. It’s for someone with my level of familarity with the terms in the book, who can appreciate the way it flags down its explicit, in-group lingo, and indeed, the way it brushes past important concepts in the conversation around roleplaying that many Powered by the Apocalypse games feel the need to drag out, but which this one didn’t quite have the courage to just not include when they didn’t have anything interesting to say but a joke. Now, I don’t think this is necessarily an evil but it’s certainly not an approach I would recommend. Before I have even been given a hook for what I can do or how I can do it, this book is making jokes with me about exactly the kinds of things I dislike books like this doing.

It’s meta, it’s charming but it’s also for… well, me.

And it didn’t teach me anything about PBTA, because of course, I’d already know it, right?

The big twist of all of reading High Magic Lowlives for me was when I realised that I was looking at a game that explicitly referenced Forged In The Dark. It was not just a normal Apocalypse World game that thought there was no need to try and onboard new players, but it was a Blades in the Dark game that thought what Blades in the Dark‘s incredibly tight, refined package of near-instant player investment needed was just piles and piles of awful random kludge.

I downloaded this game to look at because it’s promoted as a Forged in the Dark hack on itch which feels like false advertising to me, in the same vein that if I bought a loaf of bread at the store only to get it home and find out I’d bought a giraffe. I wasn’t overcharged for the giraffe and someone put a lot of effort into it (presumably two parent giraffes), but I don’t know how someone mislabelled it as a loaf of bread.

I cannot see how you get from Blades in the Dark to here. I genuinely can’t. If you told me this was an attempt to replicate 2nd edition Dungeons & Dragons with the engine of a Powered by the Apocalypse game, it would make much more sense to me. If it was an Ironsworn hack that sought to introduce deliberately throwback mechanics of randomness and a traditional D&D ability scores, it would make complete sense to me.

But it’s not. It’s this… thing. This messy, coagulated pile of random and optional systems, which may pull in one direction or another but which seem to be best understood in terms of already getting it. Which I guess means it’s very authentic to my experience with Powered by the Apocalypse Games.

(Just wait, someone’s going to comment on this to say ‘well, to understand Powered by the Apocalypse, you just need to remember,’ and then explain the core loop of the game, from the rulebook, as if I didn’t read it.)

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

[gunzlotzofgunz]

C77 NATO; 300 ROUNDS OF CANADIAN C77 NATO BALL ON 10 RND STRIPPERS IN 3 BANDOLEERS. THIS IS VERY HIGH QUALITY AMMUNITION AND THE CANADIAN EQUIVALENT TO US M855 BALL

[chronicle-of-torment]

-This is a warehouse. This is where the weapons are kept and one more thing I want to show you. C5 means "warehouse number five".

Vajra nodded and stood near the door, waiting for Girm to pass first. Girm entered the warehouse. Walking among the Iron Demons and Firestorms, Girm continued to speak:

-This warehouse is one of many. Ammunition and gunpowder are stored separately so that everything does not explode at once.

Finally, they came to a small fenced-off section of the warehouse. Girm opened one of the drawers. Then he took out the contents. Girma found himself with a sickle in his hands. An ordinary, well-made sickle.

-So to speak, orders are on the side. Butcher knives, sickles, pitchforks. In a word, peacetime weapons. And also with the sign of the Forge.

Girm turned the sickle over, revealing the symbol on the back.

-Vajra, you’ve never been alive, have you?- Girm suddenly asked.- Based on your story, you were created. Are you... some kind of golem? Just very high quality. Over the years spent in the mines, I learned to distinguish between rocks.

Girm looked questioningly at Vajra, waiting for an answer.