#Marine courses

[himtsite]

The Future of Marine Institutes: Anticipating Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Ocean

Marine institutes play a pivotal role in understanding, conserving, and harnessing the vast potential of our oceans. As the world grapples with an evolving environmental landscape, these institutes face an array of challenges while simultaneously encountering new opportunities. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the present and future scenarios, addressing the critical aspects shaping the trajectory of marine institutes and their invaluable contributions.

Introduction: Evolution of Marine Institutes

Marine institutes have undergone a significant transformation since their inception. Initially established with a primary focus on exploring and comprehending marine ecosystems, these institutes have evolved into dynamic entities that confront multifaceted challenges impacting oceans worldwide. The evolution encompasses an expanded scope, encompassing a wider spectrum of research, conservation, and advocacy.

Current Challenges Faced by Marine Institutes

The contemporary challenges confronting marine institutes are multifaceted and complex. Climate change stands as a central concern, manifesting in altered oceanic conditions, rising sea levels, and disrupted marine habitats. Pollution stemming from diverse sources, including plastic debris, industrial runoff, and oil spills, poses severe threats to marine biodiversity. Overfishing and the consequent depletion of resources compound these challenges, demanding immediate and innovative solutions.

Technological Advancements in Marine Research

Despite the daunting challenges, technological advancements offer a ray of hope for marine research and conservation. Innovations such as remote sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and advanced data analytics revolutionize the study and monitoring of oceans. These cutting-edge technologies empower scientists to gain unprecedented insights into marine ecosystems, aiding in early detection of environmental changes and facilitating more efficient conservation strategies.

Opportunities for Future Marine Institutes

Amidst the challenges, numerous opportunities await marine institutes. Embracing sustainable practices, including responsible fishing methods and ecosystem-based management, stands as a viable pathway towards mitigating environmental impact. Engaging in global collaborations, sharing expertise, and fostering educational outreach initiatives can significantly contribute to addressing challenges on a larger scale. These opportunities represent potential avenues for progress and positive change in ocean conservation.

Adapting to Changing Ocean Dynamics

Adaptation to evolving ocean dynamics remains imperative for the resilience of marine institutes. Predictive modeling, coupled with advanced technologies, enables proactive measures to safeguard marine ecosystems. These strategies involve forecasting changes, identifying vulnerable areas, and implementing adaptive measures to protect and restore ocean health in the face of rapid environmental shifts.

Importance of Research and Development

Research and development (R&D) serve as cornerstones for marine institutes in their quest for sustainable solutions. Encouraging innovation, fostering interdisciplinary research, and exploring novel technologies are pivotal in addressing emerging challenges while preserving the delicate balance of sustainable utilization and conservation of marine resources.

Fostering International Partnerships

Global cooperation stands as a linchpin in addressing oceanic challenges. Collaborative efforts among countries, institutions, and organizations amplify the impact of research and conservation initiatives. Through shared resources, knowledge exchange, and joint strategies, marine institutes can magnify their contributions towards preserving and revitalizing our oceans.

Balancing Conservation and Economic Development

Striking a delicate balance between conservation efforts and economic development in marine industries is critical. Implementing sustainable practices ensures economic growth without compromising the integrity of marine ecosystems. This equilibrium can be achieved through innovative approaches, stringent regulations, and responsible business practices that prioritize environmental sustainability.

Education and Awareness Initiatives

Educating and engaging the public is fundamental in fostering a sense of responsibility towards ocean conservation. Initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, disseminating knowledge, and nurturing a sense of stewardship among individuals significantly contribute to fostering a sustainable future for our oceans.

Policy Frameworks and Governance

Governments and regulatory bodies wield significant influence in supporting marine institutes through robust policies and effective governance. Legislative frameworks that promote sustainable practices, regulate industries, and protect marine environments are vital for fostering an environment conducive to effective ocean conservation.

The Role of Public Engagement

Engaging communities in marine conservation efforts is pivotal. Empowering local communities to actively participate in conservation initiatives ensures that efforts are community-driven, sustainable, and impactful in preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.

Innovative Solutions for Marine Preservation

Embracing cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies is pivotal in preserving marine ecosystems. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and renewable energy applications, hold immense promise in offering groundbreaking solutions to pressing conservation challenges.

The Future Landscape of Marine Institutes

The future of marine institutes hinges on embracing technological advancements, fostering global collaborations, and implementing sustainable practices. Envisioning the future involves anticipating advancements and breakthroughs that will shape the trajectory of oceanic research, conservation, and sustainable utilization.

Conclusion: Navigating Future Challenges

In conclusion, the future of marine institutes is intricately linked to collaborative efforts and visionary strategies. Embracing technological innovations, fostering global collaborations, and striking a balance between conservation and economic development are essential to navigate the myriad challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

[sustainable-fabrics]

Exploring the Enchanting Deep: Diving into the Marvels of Marine Life

The world beneath the waves is a realm of wonder and mystery, teeming with a rich tapestry of life that has captivated humans for centuries. Marine life, with its diverse inhabitants and stunning landscapes, continues to intrigue and inspire both scientists and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we embark on a virtual dive into the ocean's depths to explore the incredible beauty and significance of marine life.

The Breathtaking Biodiversity:

Beneath the shimmering surface lies an intricate web of life, from the tiniest plankton to the majestic whales. The ocean's biodiversity is unparalleled, offering a home to a staggering array of species. Coral reefs, often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," are hubs of biodiversity, supporting countless fish species, marine plants, and invertebrates.

Exploring the Depths:

Descending into the ocean's depths, one is met with an otherworldly landscape. Sunlight filters through the water, creating dancing patterns of light and shadow. As we delve deeper, the pressure increases, revealing creatures that have adapted to extreme conditions. Bioluminescent organisms, such as deep-sea anglerfish, illuminate the darkness with their natural glow, showcasing the ingenuity of life in the deep.

The Wonders of Adaptation:

Marine life has evolved in remarkable ways to survive and thrive in various habitats. From the camouflage abilities of octopuses and cuttlefish to the streamlined bodies of dolphins and sharks, each adaptation is a testament to the relentless drive for survival. The symbiotic relationship between clownfish and anemones, where the clownfish finds shelter while providing food for the anemone, is a prime example of nature's intricate balance.

Incredible Migrations:

The oceans are crisscrossed with the journeys of marine creatures embarking on incredible migrations. Sea turtles, for instance, travel vast distances between feeding and nesting grounds, demonstrating their navigation prowess. Humpback whales undertake some of the longest migrations of any mammal, moving between polar feeding areas and equatorial breeding waters. These migrations are essential for the health of marine ecosystems, as they redistribute nutrients and energy.

Conservation Imperative:

While the ocean's wonders are awe-inspiring, they are also under threat due to human activities. Overfishing, pollution, and climate change have taken a toll on marine ecosystems. Coral bleaching, caused by rising sea temperatures, has devastated once-vibrant reefs. Plastic pollution poses a significant risk to marine life, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year. Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard these precious environments and the species that call them home.

Protecting Our Blue Planet:

Marine conservation is a collective responsibility that requires global action. Sustainable fishing practices, marine protected areas, and efforts to reduce plastic consumption are steps in the right direction. Campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine life are gaining momentum, inspiring individuals and communities to take action.

Conclusion:

The world beneath the waves holds a mesmerizing array of marine life that continues to astonish and educate. From the enchanting beauty of coral reefs to the mysterious depths of the open ocean, each facet of marine life offers a glimpse into the intricacies of the natural world. As we dive into the heart of this enchanting realm, let us remember our duty to protect and preserve the oceans and their inhabitants for generations to come. Through concerted conservation efforts and a deep appreciation for marine life's marvels, we can ensure that the wonders of the deep endure for eternity.

In the end, our journey through the marine world serves as a reminder that the ocean's beauty is not only a privilege to witness but a responsibility to safeguard. Let us embrace the magic of marine life and work hand in hand to protect the oceanic wonders that enrich our planet.

Elevate Your Maritime Career with HIMT: Navigating You towards Success

Embark on a transformative journey for your maritime career with the Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training (HIMT). With an unwavering commitment to maritime excellence and a legacy of producing industry leaders, HIMT stands as your gateway to a world of opportunities. Benefit from our experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and globally recognized programs that encompass a diverse range of maritime disciplines. Choose HIMT today and let us steer you towards a future of professional growth and achievement in the dynamic maritime industry.

[cloudcountry]

some of the very sweet (and funny) bits of dialogue i got after marrying shane

[kacievvbbbb]

I don’t know why, maybe because I’ve been on a Garp kick lately.

But I do really think that Garp kind of became like a surrogate Uncle to the Roger boys and by extension Mihawk. Like I can just imagine Roger telling them that if they were ever separated from the crew or if something ever happened to him or Ray and they needed help they should go to Garp (I mean he entrusted his own baby to him it makes sense he’d also entrust his boys)

(for whatever reason Mihawk got this talk too despite him already traveling by himself and not being officially part of Rogers crew. But since Ray adopted him he’s Roger’s brat as well)

All this to say that Garp takes his uncle duties very seriously and what is an uncle if not an inconvenience and an embarrassment?

So Ofcourse he pulls up to Kuriagina during the timeskip (Hawain shirt and all) to visit his new grand babies (read Perona and Zoro) that he’s heard so much about. (read shanks immediately gossiped with him abou mt after stumbling upon them last time he came to visit Mihawk)

And because Garp is essentially the one piece equivalent of Florida man, this goes well for absolutely nobody

Except Zoro who is nothing if not a troll. And game must recognize game.

The monkeys love him tho, he communicates with them on a wavelength nobody can quite understand least of all Garp.

[deathberi]

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH (2024)

[cthulhuschild]

ZoSan Week: 40 years old

When you are in desperate need of more 40 y/o ZoSan and you realise you have the power of art.

[amnhnyc]

Teachers: Earn graduate credit and advance your career in six weeks with our flexible online courses! Connect with the Museum’s scientists, labs, exhibitions, and specimens. You can choose from a variety of courses ranging from Marine Biology and the Solar System to Climate Change and Virology. The courses are asynchronous, providing participants with the flexibility to complete weekly activities at their own pace—and can be taken anywhere at any time! Subject to school/district approval, courses may be used toward professional development, salary advancement, and recertification. Sign up for our summer session today—classes start July 8!

Photo: A. Keding / © AMNH

[fishyfishyfishtimes]

Daily fish fact #864

Hagfish!

With their cartilaginous skull, hagfish are the only vertebrates to have a skull but lack a spine — ancient hagfish ancestors had one, but down the line they lost the trait and modern hagfish only retain some vertebral elements! They also very much have a notochord, which all chordates have at some point in their lives but tends to get replaced with a spine in most vertebrates.

[foxsnails]

Falling Jellies 🪼

Finally starting to draw for fun again :) !!

[marinememes]

I am a proud supporter of whatever the hell those orcas are doing

[remembrancersticky]

I had a shower epiphany a few weeks ago and have just been working on cranking out this oneshot. Oh, I had so much fun with this. Thanks to @squishyowl for the dividers! They are very pretty!

You get dragged along for a fishing trip, scent a space wolf, and he carves your name onto his (metaphorical?) heart. Fenrysian is just Norwegian here for the sake of simplicity. Very fluffy given this is 40k. TW for hunting, non-sexual nudity, and cannon-typical violence. Asmundr art here and here.

Space Wolf OC(Asmundr) x Serf!Fem!Reader - SFW - 2.8k Words

The world of Silġ was not the coldest you had ever been to. But it was still the thickest part of winter on this side of the planet, and you could feel the moisture of your breath catch and freeze against your eyelashes when the wind shifted.

You waddled behind the three wolves you served today, waylaid by the heaviest furs and boots you owned and the sled-cart you pulled along behind you. The blizzard that had raged for the last month ended a few days ago, though the warp storm that trapped your ship here had not. The sky still sputtered out a sporadic scattering of snow, powdering the dense ice on which you tread.

The three in front of you wore no more than training armor and pelt. You were envious of their enhanced thermo-regulation as you flexed your fingers to stave off the chill that had seeped through your thick mittens.

“Here,” the venerable veteran, Ægir, announced, stabbing his chainsword into the ice.

You slowed as you caught up to the group and looked about. You were the only thing besides flat ice for several kilometers in any direction.

“Finally!”

The youngest, Asmundr, was not known to keep his opinions to himself at the best of times. He was brash and stubborn in every aspect of his life. He was the one that insisted you join them on this venture.

The company and ship’s crew were trapped on Silġ until the warp storm passed. You had already been stuck more than several weeks and many of the younger warriors were antsy for activity beyond their regular training. And, while rations were not depleted, it did no harm to secure supplementary provisions while they were available. Ergo, the Wolf Lord had allowed the formation of a few small hunting parties.

While you assisted the entire pack as your services were needed, Asmundr had all but named you as his personal serf. Not that he had asked anyone in particular, nor would he ever be granted a personal serf given his rank and status if he had. He was simply dogged in requesting your time, specifically. Not that you minded spending so much time with him; he had grown on you quite a bit, and you enjoyed the stories he would regale you with as you cared for his armor.

And so, here you were. Accompanying the small expedition on their fishing trip. You had given up on getting an explanation for exactly what you were meant to do beyond ferry equipment or attend to whatever unfavorable task may arise. Frankly, it was simply a nice change of pace from the monotony of the last few weeks, nice to be away from the stagnant air of the ship, and you were thankful to have been allowed to attend.

Hodr swiped his boot along the ground to disturb the thick layers of snow and reveal the solid ice beneath. Though not as old as Ægir, the scars upon his face told a story of numerous battles fought with unfettered ferocity. He was cold, stoic, but on occasion you glimpsed something wild lurking deep within his eye.

After stomping solidly on the ice without so much as a crack, Hodr gave a nod to Ægir, who activated his chainsword.

Still stuck in the ice, the blade began throwing up shards of ice and compact snow. You turned slightly and covered your face with a mitten to prevent anything from lodging in your eyes. You felt the pitter patter of debris against your form suddenly disappear. Looking up, it seemed Asmundr unthinkingly shifted his position to effectively shield you from the onslaught.

“Mortal,” Hodr called, as the roar of the sword died down. “Bring the pick and shovel.”

You pulled the tools from the sled and made your way to the hole-in-progress. In order to support the weight of three space marines (and especially the earlier stomping), the ice was undoubtedly thick. This pass with the chainsword had not even been close to reaching the water below. Hodr reached down to grapple with the large slab of ice that had been cut away while you worked on extricating the smaller shards. Once the site was cleared, Asmundr gently pulled you a step back as Ægir began his next series of cuts. This process repeated three times before a sufficient opening was formed.

Standing, you wiped the snow off of your knees and pushed the ice shards nearest the opening away with your boot. Suddenly, you felt something thick and heavy land across your back and weigh down on your shoulders. You were almost embarrassed about the surprised yelp you let out, but it was worth it to hear the youngest of the wolves let out a full bellied laugh.

“I trust you to keep this warm for me, vennen min!” Asmundr’s voice bounced with mirth behind you. You rearranged the large pelt he had thrown on you as you turned to face him. And quickly decided to look anywhere else as he undressed to the fullest extent possible.

“O-Of course, my lord.” You elected to keep your head pointed towards the sky as you extended your hands to take the remainder of his clothes. You could clearly hear the other two wolves snickering behind the sound of blood rushing through your ears. It did not seem nearly as cold out as it did just a few minutes ago.

Asmundr placed the wad of clothes in your hands with a smirk before leaning into the sled to fetch his polespear.

“Be ready, brother,” Ægir said as he nudged Hodr bodily. “You’ll have to make up the pup’s slack.”

The young pup bristled in agitation before he sharply pivoted on his brothers with a note of forced laughter. Coincidentally, you suddenly received a full view of all his glory.

“Ha! Afraid you’re not gonna be able to keep up, old man?”

You forced your eyes not to wander below his ribs, which was very difficult as he stood with his chest puffed out and fists confidently resting on his hips. Your face felt so hot that you thought the ice would melt under your feet and swallow you whole.

Despite your years in service to the Vlka Fenryka, you doubted that you’d ever understand just how…comfortable they seemed to be in their plain skin. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact they were Astartes, specifically. You’d imagine it would be difficult to feel vulnerable in any state with the physique of one of the Emperor’s Angels.

“Worried that you’ll drive the best game away in your haste.” Hodr’s voice sounded suddenly closer than you anticipated. Your heart jumped when you felt his hand reach around from behind you, lifting your chin to look Asmundr in the eyes and gently squishing your cheeks together. “It just won’t do if there isn’t enough to go around.” The narrowing of the younger wolf’s pupils was almost hidden by the steam billowing from his flared nostrils. “We can’t have thralls of skin and bone.” His whisper tickled your ear, sending a shiver shooting up your spine.

“I do not leave her wanting,” Asmundr snarled, closing the distance and gripping Hodr’s wrist tightly. You could hear something creak beneath your chin, but the grip on your face never tightened.

“Prove it.” You could hear Hodr’s grin as he finally released you.

Oh, something in Asmundr’s eyes sparked as he threw his brother’s hand away. He spared you a brief glance as he squared his shoulders and quickly cracked his neck.

“Time me!” Asmundr yelled back to Ægir as he raced to the opening and jumped into the abyss.

The air was pregnant with silence for a moment.

“Well,” Ægir laughed, rough and gravelly, “He should be plenty motivated now!”

Ten minutes. It had already been ten minutes.

A space marine could hold his breath for approximately twenty-five minutes, or so you’d been told.

You had heard from one of the company’s Kaerls that she had once heard a story of a chapter that regularly held their breath for the better part of a standard hour. You thought it sounded a bit outlandish, but you prayed now it was true as the minutes continued ticking on.

The first several minutes were spent in a bit of an awkward silence. Or, at least, you felt it was awkward. You busied yourself by meticulously folding Asmundr’s clothes and running an inventory of the little equipment in the sled before cleaning the hole of any lingering debris. You noted that Hodr’s gaze seemed to return the distant tree line frequently while Ægir whittled away on a piece of bone.

“It’s been ten minutes.” The booming voice of the veteran seemed to rattle through your chest, and you nearly lost your footing at the sudden announcement.

 The undignified sound you made as you recovered your stance drew a chuckle from the eldest wolf.

“I’m curious,” Ægir said, pointing his knife in your direction. “What do you suppose the pup’s hunting for right now?”

You stared blankly at him.

“Fish, my lord?”

That veteran laughed, tried to control himself, and began laughing some more before he started coughing.

“You’re not wrong, thrall,” he conceded. You watched a flock of dark birds chitter and flee their roost in the distance. So far away they were like a smear against the sky.

“You know,” he started back up, dropping his gaze to return to the bone figure he was making. “I was out on campaign with the pup.” A thin flake fell away from his hands. “And it was fierce, to be sure. Well, while we were holed up in some throne-forsaken pit, the daft boy starts singing. Badly, mind you, and quiet, but singing nonetheless. And so, I ask him ‘Boy, what do you think you’re doing?’” Ægir looked up and you realized that you’d thoughtlessly drifted closer as the veteran continued. “And do you know what he tells me?”

“No, my lord.”

“He says, ‘Well, that little serf sings this when she’s in the armory, and I thought maybe it would help me focus.’” Another flake fell from his hand as he scoffs, “Focus, my missing big toe.”

Ægir looked like he was about to continue, loudly, but shut his mouth and looked past you a moment before you heard it.

A loud wet thwacking noise echoed across the empty plane and time seemed to pass slower than usual as you saw a vibrant, gleaming, blue fish that could rival the stature of terminator power armor surge out of the icy depths and caress the grey sky, before making its arched decent like an angry torpedo with needlepoint teeth.

You hadn’t survived this long in such a cruel galaxy without any wits at all, and ran to give the beast a wide berth upon its impact with the surface. Its furiously flailing body splashed little droplets of water against your form, which froze solid in the cold air.

“Ha! No wonder he likes you so much,” Ægir ribbed at you, as he seamlessly stabbed the wriggling thing through the back of its head, piercing whatever brain it could have. “You scurry about like ei lita kanin!”

The burning retort that had definitely been on the tip of your tongue was tragically cut short by a sudden series of muted vibrations that traveled up your legs. Something was hitting the ice…

Your feet were moving before you could think. What help could you realistically offer Asmundr from here? You could not dive into the freezing water, you could not drag him back to safety, you could not even pull his body up onto shore without dislocating your shoulder in the attempt. But you knelt stupidly by the hole anyways; you had to be as close to his side as possible, in case he needed you. Because you would do all those useless things if he so much as hesitated in telling you not to.

Not long after, the surface of the water began bursting with bubbles of air from the depths, bringing with them deep oily blood. You called out to him, as if he would be able to hear you meters away and underwater.

“Mundi! Are you okay?!”

Time seemed to drag on for an eternity as the bubbling died down and the water remained still.

You had just started to loosen the straps of your outermost layers to dive in yourself when a crimson streak began racing towards the surface. You could feel your heart fall back into place.

Asmundr’s red hair clung to his forehead and neck as he beamed at you in pride. Or, as best he could.

The spear he lifted out of the water held four native fish, each easily as long as your arm and thicker around than both of your thighs. A massive bony fish with pearlescent armor still wiggled in his maw, cracked where his fangs dug tightly into its flesh. He threw the spear up onto the ice before hefting his bulk out of the hole.

Sitting on the ledge of the ice beside you, he pulled the fish from his teeth. His smug smile showcased the gleaming red that clung to his canines and dripped down his chin. He glanced about briefly before his expression morphed into one of confusion.

“Where’s Hodr?”

Oh. You hadn’t even noticed he’d left.

“Not far,” Ægir said. “He picked up a scent while you were out.”

“Are you okay, Mundi?” You had been keenly looking him over for any obvious injuries he may have sustained since he surfaced. He didn’t seem any worse for wear, but maybe he just rammed the ice with his thick head. You stood up to get a better look. “It sounded like you hit the ice pretty hard.”

“What are you talking about? I wasn’t near the ice at all.” Rivulets of water trickled down Asmundr’s body, his core temperature just enough to keep the water from freezing against his skin in the cold air. “Are you sure you’re not the one that hit the ice?”

You couldn’t bring yourself to be annoyed by his teasing tone. You were just relieved that he was okay.

Asmundr’s gaze turned sharply from you to the horizon at a noise you could not hear.

“Finally done batting that pest around, Hodr?”

You turned towards Ægir’s call and watched as Hodr dragged along an enormous, white-feathered land-shark behind him.

“Six minutes,” the wolf bellowed, shaking the leg of his kill. “How long was the pup?”

“Thirteen minutes!”

Something rumbled deep in Asmundr’s chest at the veteran’s announcement and he huffed in irritation. If you hadn’t just been willing to throw yourself into the icy void after your companion out of shear worry, you would have found his pouting cute.

“Mundi,” you started softly as he plopped himself away from his brothers to work on his kills. He did not look up. He was still wet and bare and the wind was still so cold and you did not think you could handle the implausible thought of him catching a chill.

“Mundi, you need to dry off,” you chided as you unwrapped the outermost fur you wore from your waist. It would be warmer and drier than the one he placed on your shoulders, which had kept you plenty warm, but also collected a non-insignificant amount of flurries.

He grumbled something as he continued to work on dislodging his kills from the spear.

You pursed your lips before running the fur across his shoulders and up his neck, before tousling his hair the best you could. You left the fur draped across his shoulders, which he gripped closed across his chest with one hand. He remained incredibly tense before in-taking sharply and shaking his upper body vigorously. You did not escape the resulting splatter.

He tilted his head back to look you in the eyes, and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding when you recognized amusement and joy in them.

“I’m keeping this!” Asmundr announced, sounding very pleased. “But you have to hold onto this,” he tugged slightly at the pelt that still engulfed the entirety of your upper body, “for me, in return.”

The request turned something in your chest.

“Of course,” you agreed, and you couldn’t help the smile on your lips.

 He smiled up at you in turn, his eyes softening as his gaze lingered. In that moment, it felt as if something in the universe had clicked into place. After a few seconds, he abruptly looked back down and dragged the armored fish over to him.

“And,” he drew the word out for a long moment, as he began carving familiar runes into the pearlescent plating with his spear. “You need to make good use of this.” He passed you the fish barring your name, and you had to steel yourself to keep from tumbling under the weight of it.

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Okay, I'm way late on the prompt thing, but if you happen to still take them - or as something to hold onto for later - I'd love to see a little snippet from the ill-fated cruise ship HC Legend worked on!

Hadn’t there… been a storm? What…?

Link squinted against the bright sunlight, feeling sore and overheated, strangely stationary but still somehow dizzy. He heard seagulls, and—

Seagulls??

Groaning, Link opened his eyes, the sun seeming to shine directly into his eyeballs. What had happened??

“Link? Oh, you’re finally awake!”

He knew that voice. “Marin?”

The familiar face appeared in his vision next, red hair nearly radiant in the sunlight. She looked haggard, clothes a little torn, face flushed, hair a mess. “Oh, Link, I’m so glad you’re okay!”

“We’re on a beach,” Link slurred, completely disoriented. “Did we…? Weren’t we in a storm?”

“We were,” Marin answered, shadows covering her face all of a sudden. “We were.”

The heaviness of her tone made him nervous. Sitting up, Link looked around, seeing several life rafts strewn along the beach, alongside a handful of other people in various states of disarray. He felt the bottom drop out of his stomach.

They were… they were stranded, weren’t they?

“The ship…?” He looked at her, asking for confirmation.

She shook her head. “It’s gone.”

He already knew, really. He could put the pieces together. But hearing her say it made him feel his entire world flip. What were they supposed to do? Who had survived? How had he even gotten here, anyway? He just remembered the storm.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Marin repeated. “When you got thrown I was so worried.”

When he got thrown? He remembered huddling in the medical bay with Marin; they’d both known it was too dangerous to be anywhere on the deck, exposed to the weather. He must have hit something.

“How did I get here, though?” He asked.

“Well, you were awake for a bit, just kind of groggy,” Marin explained. “The captain said the ship was sinking, we all got on life rafts, but the storm flipped some and… we managed to make it here with the rest.”

“And the other medical crew?”

“They’re… they’re gone, Link. They’re all gone.”

Gone?? How could they--he knew those people, had worked with them, they were--

Link grimaced as he moved his arm, staring at a large gash slicing along it. Marin helpfully grabbed a first aid kit, noting, “This is all we have left for medical supplies. This and one other, that is. But… it isn’t much.”

It… he… they…

This was insane. This couldn't be happening.

Shaking his head, Link tried to orient himself to the situation, slowly straightening his posture as he reached shakily for the first aid kit. “How many others are injured?”

“A few,” Marin answered, hastily adding, “I’m okay, though, don’t worry.”

Link looked her over. She was certainly run down, but he didn’t see any immediate signs of injury. Based on her story, they… hadn’t been thrown around too much, right?

Right?

But how had he gotten this wound, then?

Shaking his head, Link tried to focus. “Can you help me triage the others?”

Marin nodded, determined, reaching to help him stand. Link refused to let everything sink in all at once.

They had work to do.

[demonforthesemen]

Thinking about aroace Alastor in a relationship with Lucifer and some specific hurdles they'd face.

Lucifer having to deal with the fact that Alastor is just never going to love or want him in the traditional romantic/sexual sense, never in quite the same way Lucifer loves and wants him. And it's not that he didn't know Alastor is aroace going in, nor that he thought that he could change Alastor - but it's one thing to know something in theory and another to know it in practice. He didn't realize that once he was in this that a part of him would pipe up and say, "Oh hey. It kind of feels like I'm more invested in this relationship than the other person is. Again."

Alastor having to deal with the fact that a part of Lucifer is always going to miss what he had with Lilith, because you don't just forget falling to Hell with someone and then creating a family and home - a kingdom - with them. The grief of losing them stays. For his part, Alastor would be happy forgetting Lilith ever existed, but it would be unfair to ask Lucifer to cast aside those thousands of years (thousands of years that will always belong to someone else). Worse, he knows it would be unfair, and it rankles. It feels like losing a competition he didn't realize he'd entered.

Both of them feeling inadequate, wondering what it would take for them to be enough, to feel like they're enough. Both of them wondering why they can't be satisfied with what they have; feeling petty and stupid and small for wanting more than the other can give.

[kacievvbbbb]

Shanks, because he is infinitely more politically minded than Mihawk (a man actually in the government) will ever have the patience to be, is more than likely aware that the marines will be extremely rattled and that the blow back would be intense if a Warlord of the sea was seen around an Emperor.

And sinces he’s not trying to cause a WG incident everytime he tried to go on a date with his pretty bird and also because he’s just a troll at heart. Shanks has collection of increasingly ridiculous giant sunglasses that he insists (read pouts) that Mihawk wear to hide his gorgeous eyes, before they go anywhere they could be seen.

What started out as a “necessity” had quickly grown into Shanks’ pet project of finding out just how absurd a pair of sunglasses could be and how much would he have to beg before Mihawk put them on?

[aliquid-de-magis]

today i wanted to see if lennyblenny would enjoy having a place to sit while eating dinner (yummy stinky shrimp cube) bc she's not built for hovering...and the answer was an emphatic yes!

she trusts me 🥹

[laurasbailey]

do these stories about nightmare players (and the dms who allow it) baffle anyone else or is this just really common and i've somehow gotten lucky with my groups? like, how is there such a severe lack of respect and communication in these groups? do people not have session zeros? how do people go into games with strangers without establishing what will or won't be tolerated??? op says in the thread two players spoke out against it and he still did it anyway and the dm let him go on making it through every puzzle with luck points like HUH? 💀