#Maritime Trade Shifts

[just2bruce]

Red Sea ripples spread across trades

The repercussions of the Red Sea crisis have been longer-lasting and more severe than many shippers thought. Shippers expected delays proportional to the extra sailing time. They may have expected proportional cost increases as well. But they did not count on such factors as the extreme congestion in Singapore and in other ports. And in ports that have become pivotal, there are looming shortages…

[no-phrogs-in-hats]

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Regina Mills x fem!reader

Chapter 2: The Little Mermaid is my Sister-In-Law?

10 years later

There, in that god forsaken hospital, you sat with him.

Henry Daniel.

If there was one kid in the world who you adored above everyone else, it was Henry. So kind, so innocent. 

“You’re princess of the Maritime Kingdom, see?” he once said.

You were sitting at your desk while he waited for his mother to get out of a meeting when he came over and started talking about his book. 

“And this is your brother, Prince Eric!”

“What, like from The Little Mermaid?” He nodded. “So, Princess Ariel is my sister-in-law?” you asked.

He grinned. “Exactly.”

You held his storybook in your hands, having traded off shifts with Mary-Margaret just a half hour before to read to him. 

“His favorite story is Snow White,” she had told you. “I just finished reading it to him, but I don’t think he’ll mind hearing it again.”

“Thank you, Mary-Margaret,” you smiled before hugging her. “Get home safe. Goodnight.”

When Mary-Margaret had left, you sat in the chair beside the bed and chose a random page–a story you had never even recognized but somehow felt familiar. 

“Perhaps the Queen could be saved,” you read. “Perhaps true love could rid her of her darkness. So, that’s what the fairy did.” The illustration on the page depicted a blonde woman in green, ‘Tinkerbell’ she was called, who took the Queen’s hand and flew to a far away land. “In the window was a princess. “That girl there, with the star-shaped birthmark on her wrist, that’s your soulmate,” Tinkerbell said. “She’ll bring you happiness like no other.” The Queen wanted to believe her, but what would she be without her anger and resentment?” 

You looked down at the page where a familiar sight lay. The birthmark. The exact same birthmark you possessed on your wrist. But how could it be possible? This is the real world. Soulmates don’t exist and magic certainly doesn’t either. But, could Henry be right? Could the dreams you’ve been having be memories? Relics of your past life in a land that is no longer? 

“Henry,” you whispered, closing the book. “I know you can’t hear me, but–”

Your words were cut off by rapid beeping on the monitor. “What’s happening? Dr. Whale!” you shouted right as the glass doors of the ICU burst open and you were ushered out. 

__________

“Thank you.” You smiled at the server as a plate of pancakes and bacon was set in front of you.

It was a long and sleepless night. You were on your third cup of coffee and it was only eight in the morning. So many thoughts ran through your head. The birthmark. The Maritime Kingdom. Your brother. Every dream you had experienced about this strange land. With each bite of your breakfast, it became harder and harder to swallow. You wanted to cry, to scream, to leave this world and go back to the world that you were apparently so happy in. And, as if your wish was granted by a shooting star, everything stopped in a rush.

You looked around the diner and noticed everyone looked dazed and confused. Standing up, you threw a twenty down on the table and rushed out the door. You had to find your brother. You had to find your family. You had to find Regina.

Henry was right.

[communist-manifesto-daily]

Socialism: Utopian and Scientific - Part 10

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To return to our British bourgeois. The French Revolution gave him a splendid opportunity, with the help of the Continental monarchies, to destroy French maritime commerce, to annex French colonies, and to crush the last French pretensions to maritime rivalry. That was one reason why he fought it. Another was that the ways of this revolution went very much against his grain. Not only its "execrable" terrorism, but the very attempt to carry bourgeois rule to extremes. What should the British bourgeois do without his aristocracy, that taught him manners, such as they were, and invented fashions for him – that furnished officers for the army, which kept order at home, and the navy, which conquered colonial possessions and new markets aboard? There was, indeed, a progressive minority of the bourgeoisie, that minority whose interests were not so well attended to under the compromise; this section, composed chiefly of the less wealthy middle-class, did sympathize with the Revolution, but it was powerless in Parliament.

Thus, if materialism became the creed of the French Revolution, the God-fearing English bourgeois held all the faster to his religion. Had not the reign of terror in Paris proved what was the upshot, if the religious instincts of the masses were lost? The more materialism spread from France to neighboring countries, and was reinforced by similar doctrinal currents, notably by German philosophy, the more, in fact, materialism and free thought generally became, on the Continent, the necessary qualifications of a cultivated man, the more stubbornly the English middle-class stuck to its manifold religious creeds. These creeds might differ from one another, but they were, all of them, distinctly religious, Christian creeds.

While the Revolution ensured the political triumph of the bourgeoisie in France, in England Watt, Arkwright, Cartwright, and others, initiated an industrial revolution, which completely shifted the centre of gravity of economic power. The wealth of the bourgeoisie increased considerably faster than that of the landed aristocracy. Within the bourgeoisie itself, the financial aristocracy, the bankers, etc., were more and more pushed into the background by the manufacturers. The compromise of 1689, even after the gradual changes it had undergone in favor of the bourgeoisie, no longer corresponded to the relative position of the parties to it. The character of these parties, too, had changed; the bourgeoisie of 1830 was very different from that of the preceding century. The political power still left to the aristocracy, and used by them to resist the pretensions of the new industrial bourgeoisie, became incompatible with the new economic interests. A fresh struggle with the aristocracy was necessary; it could end only in a victory of the new economic power. First, the Reform Act was pushed through, in spite of all resistance, under the impulse of the French Revolution of 1830. It gave to the bourgeoisie a recognized and powerful place in Parliament. Then the Repeal of the Corn Laws [a move toward free- trade], which settled, once and for all, the supremacy of the bourgeoisie, and especially of its most active portion, the manufacturers, over the landed aristocracy. This was the greatest victory of the bourgeoisie; it was, however, also the last it gained in its own exclusive interest. Whatever triumphs it obtained later on, it had to share with a new social power – first its ally, but soon its rival.

The industrial revolution had created a class of large manufacturing capitalists, but also a class – and a far more numerous one – of manufacturing work-people. This class gradually increased in numbers, in proportion as the industrial revolution seized upon one branch of manufacture after another, and in the same proportion it increased its power. This power it proved as early as 1824, by forcing a reluctant Parliament to repeal the acts forbidding combinations of workmen. During the Reform agitation, the workingmen constituted the Radical wing of the Reform party; the Act of 1832 having excluded them from the suffrage, the formulated their demands in the People's Charter, and constituted themselves, in opposition to the great bourgeois Anti-Corn Law party, into an independent party, the Chartists, the first working-men's party of modern times.

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[calliopieces]

Michi and Ukano headcanons

Yes, you've read that correctly lol. I guess this doubles as a sneak peek for the new fic I'm working on?

I tried making up a background story for Mai's family (by pinpointing the source of their generational wealth). Because you don't really get to enter the Princess and Prince's inner circle and grow up with them if your family isn't powerful, yeah?

Michi:

According to the ATLA cookbook, nurturing the Fire Nation chili plants is a revered practice. I imagine that her family owns huge chili plantations. (Aunt Mura expanded the business by adding flowers to the mix)

I like to think that Mai being good at weapon-wielding came from her side of the family. It's a recurring theme in fanfics that her uncle (the Boiling Rock Warden, Michi's brother) was the one who first supported her interest in knives.

So aside from being the leading supplier of an important crop in Fire Nation culture, they're also a famous clan of nonbenders/weapons experts. (This is something I mentioned in passing in my Maiko childhood sparring partners fic)

Ukano:

Before he got into politics, his family was already pretty prominent. Their most famous ancestor is a key figure in history who strengthened the nation's maritime trade network.

But when the Hundred Year War raged on, their clan shifted their focus on manufacturing warships.

[friendlydungeonmanager]

Crown of Candy: A Campaign Setting for 5e

Introduction

The land of Calorum is a world of edible kingdoms, each representing different types of food, embroiled in political intrigue, war, and divine intervention. Inspired by Crown of Candy, this setting blends high-stakes fantasy with absurd and dramatic food-based storytelling.

Core Themes:

Political Intrigue & Betrayal: The noble houses and kingdoms are in constant power struggles, with shifting alliances and dangerous gambits.

Heroic Tragedy & High Drama: Expect battles with devastating consequences, and choices that shape the future of nations.

Food-Based Fantasy: The world and its inhabitants are inspired by different food cultures, leading to creative character designs and locations.

---

Chapter 1: The World of Calorum

Geography & Notable Locations

Calorum is divided into several food-themed regions, each ruled by its own monarchy and traditions.

The Kingdom of Candia (Candy & Sweets)

Capital: Castle Candy

Culture: A kingdom of knights and honor-bound warriors, where chivalry and royal bloodlines reign supreme. The people are made of confections, from chocolate bar soldiers to gumdrop squires.

Notable Locations:

Castle Candy – The royal palace, adorned with sugar-glass spires.

The Jelly Jungles – A vibrant, semi-solid rainforest of bouncing jellies.

Licorice Mines – Treacherous caverns where black licorice veins twist like roots.

The Dairy Islands (Cheese, Milk, and Dairy Products)

Capital: Fondueford

Culture: Seafarers and merchants, the Dairy Islands are a maritime trade hub. Their navy is powerful, with warships of hardened parmesan and cheddar ballistas.

Notable Locations:

The Gorgonzolan Abyss – A deep trench filled with glowing bioluminescent blue cheese creatures.

Butter Bay – A dangerous, slippery coastline where dairy pirates lurk.

The Meat Lands (Meats & Savory Dishes)

Capital: Meatchunk Keep

Culture: A warlike region where might makes right, and feasts celebrate victory. The ruling clans settle disputes in brutal pit fights.

Notable Locations:

Bloodgrill Arena – A colosseum where warriors duel for dominance.

The Sausage Steppes – Rolling plains of linked meats stretching to the horizon.

Vegetania (Vegetables & Fruits)

Capital: Greenhold

Culture: A kingdom of druids and scholars, focused on nature, medicine, and diplomacy.

Notable Locations:

The Avocado Canyons – Treacherous cliffs filled with rolling stone pits.

The Broccotree Grove – A vast forest where elders commune with the gods.

The Grain & Starch Dominions (Bread, Rice, Pasta)

Capital: Crusthaven

Culture: A mix of nomadic traders and industrious bakers, their power comes from controlling food supply routes.

Notable Locations:

The Great Spaghetti Falls – A cascading river of never-ending pasta.

The Sourdough Bastion – A fortified bakery monastery where monks perfect the art of battle bread.

---

Chapter 2: The History of Calorum

Notable Historical Events

The War of Rot and Frost: A catastrophic conflict when an ancient Lich-Lord of Spoiled Food attempted to spread decay across Calorum.

The First Bakers' Rebellion: The revolt of the Grain Kingdom against Candia, demanding freedom from royal tariffs on bread and rice.

The Dairy Purge: When rogue sorcerers attempted to turn the ocean into cheese, nearly destroying the Dairy Islands.

---

Chapter 3: Playable Races of Calorum

Candyfolk (Candians)

Ability Score Increase: +2 Charisma, +1 Dexterity

Traits:

Sugar Rush: Once per long rest, you can Dash as a bonus action.

Sticky Resilience: Advantage on saving throws against being grappled or restrained.

Delicious: Beasts and hungry creatures have advantage on bite attacks against you.

Meatfolk (Carnisians)

Ability Score Increase: +2 Strength, +1 Constitution

Traits:

Blood of the Beast: Resistance to poison damage.

Carnivore’s Fury: When below half HP, gain advantage on melee attack rolls.

Dairyfolk (Lactites)

Ability Score Increase: +2 Wisdom, +1 Constitution

Traits:

Chilled Resistance: Resistance to cold damage.

Gooey Form: You can squeeze through spaces as if you were one size smaller.

Vegetablefolk (Verdanians)

Ability Score Increase: +2 Intelligence, +1 Constitution

Traits:

Hardy Stalk: You require half as much food to survive.

Photosynthesis: During a short rest in sunlight, regain an extra 1d8 HP.

Grainfolk (Starchians)

Ability Score Increase: +2 Dexterity, +1 Intelligence

Traits:

Yeast Surge: Once per long rest, you can grow one size larger for 1 minute.

Crumbly Defense: When hit, roll a d6; on a 6, the attack deals half damage.

---

Chapter 4: The Pantheon of Edible Gods

The Great Oven (God of Creation & Baking) – Worshiped by Grainfolk and pastry priests.

The Butcher Saint (God of War & Meat) – Patron of the Meatfolk warriors.

Mother Milk (Goddess of Comfort & Dairy) – Protects sailors and mothers alike.

The Verdant Hand (Deity of Nature & Growth) – Revered in Vegetania.

---

Chapter 5: Faith of The Bulb

The Faith of The Bulb: The One True Light

The Faith of The Bulb is a theocratic and totalitarian religious order that seeks to unify all of Calorum under a singular, absolute faith. Worshippers of The Bulb believe that it is the first and only divine truth, a celestial force of illumination and sustenance that brings order to a chaotic world. Any competing faiths, traditions, or beliefs are considered heresy—falsehoods that must be purged for the good of all.

The Faith of The Bulb is not just a religion—it is a regime, a political entity, and a militaristic force bent on absolute dominion.

---

Doctrine and Beliefs

The Bulb is the Source of All Nourishment. Just as a plant grows from a seed buried in the dark, The Bulb grants light and truth to those who follow it. To reject The Bulb is to reject life itself.

All Other Gods are Lies. The Butcher Saint, The Great Oven, Mother Milk—these are distortions of the truth, remnants of a chaotic past. The Bulb is the singular, supreme deity.

Heresy is a Rot That Must Be Cut Away. Those who do not submit to The Bulb must be converted or cleansed. There is no middle ground.

The Faithful Shall Be Rewarded with the Eternal Harvest. Devout followers are promised a place in The Luminous Orchard, a paradisiacal afterlife where their spirits bask in The Bulb’s endless warmth and sustenance.

The faith is highly ritualistic and intolerant of deviation, enforcing its doctrines through strict laws, inquisitions, and military might.

---

Hierarchy of The Bulb’s Faithful

1. The Grand Luminary (Supreme Pontiff)

The singular ruler of The Bulb’s faith, the Grand Luminary is considered the living voice of The Bulb. Their word is law, their vision absolute. Only one Grand Luminary exists at a time, chosen through "divine revelation"—though in reality, the succession is often orchestrated through power struggles and assassination.

2. The Council of Illumination

The Grand Luminary is advised by twelve High Shepherds, each overseeing a different region of Calorum. The Shepherds enforce the faith’s will, directing military actions and inquisition efforts.

3. The Inquisition of The Bulb

The militant arm of the faith, the Inquisition is tasked with rooting out heresy at all costs. Its members are known as The Blazing Hands, feared for their brutal tactics. They conduct public purges, interrogations, and forced conversions.

4. The Congregation of the Faithful

Common worshippers must adhere to strict laws of devotion, attending daily sermons and participating in The Offering, a ritual where food is burned in honor of The Bulb. Failure to participate can result in imprisonment or worse.

---

Methods of Control and Suppression

1. The War Against False Faiths

The Bulb actively wages war against other religions. Priests of The Great Oven, druids of The Verdant Hand, and even warrior-cults of The Butcher Saint are hunted down. Their temples are razed, their followers forced into reeducation camps or executed as heretics.

2. The Cleansing of Literature

All historical records that contradict The Bulb’s doctrine are burned or rewritten. Even children's fairy tales are altered to reinforce the faith’s dominance.

3. The Purification of Names

Citizens are forced to abandon surnames tied to old gods. A child once named Bakerus, after the Great Oven, might be renamed Lumon or Radias to honor The Bulb.

4. The Heretic Trials

Public spectacles of punishment, Heretic Trials are designed to instill fear. Those accused of worshipping old gods are subjected to The Trial of Light—exposure to The Bulb’s sacred radiance, which in reality is an agonizing magical brand that sears their flesh. If they do not "confess," they are burned at the stake in a ritual called The Purge of Shadows.

5. The Conversion of Cities

Entire cities are brought to heel through forced conversion ceremonies. Worshippers of other gods are gathered into the central square and given a choice:

Renounce their old gods and swear eternal loyalty to The Bulb.

Face The Luminous Cleansing—public execution by radiant fire.

---

Symbols and Worship

Symbol of The Bulb: A golden onion-shaped bulb, radiating light, often held by a hand of fire.

Sacred Rituals:

The Offering – Food is burned in reverence to The Bulb.

The Morning Illumination – Every citizen must stand outside and face the sun, chanting prayers.

The Luminous Blessing – Converts are anointed with holy oil, which is often mixed with a mild hallucinogen to induce “visions.”

Holidays:

The Day of Sole Light – A day where no other gods can be spoken of, under penalty of death.

The Cleansing Festival – A weeklong purge of known heretics.

---

The Resistance Against The Bulb

Not all accept The Bulb’s rule. Underground movements operate in secrecy, seeking to preserve lost knowledge and protect old faiths. Secret monasteries of The Great Oven, hidden camps of Butcher Saint warriors, and rogue druids of The Verdant Hand fight to reclaim Calorum’s religious freedom.

But with The Bulb’s power ever-growing, resistance is costly—and betrayal lurks in every shadow.

[warsofasoiaf]

re: China/Taiwan

All of the examples of Chinese action you mentioned from the last 12 years were, as you pointed out with Joint Sword, in response to something from Taiwan or America (and I’ll own that I should have made Taiwanese agency here clearer - you’re correct that it isn’t solely America leading). Regardless of rhetoric from China it seems like the pace of change isn’t being set by China.

ADIZ incursions are nearly impossible to avoid given the overlapping areas - the Taiwanese ADIZ extends over the mainland, and Taiwan somewhat arbitrarily counts activities in the southwest zone outside or what most people would consider Taiwan as median line crossings. The pace has escalated over the last few years but as you pointed out it follows American and Taiwanese action like Pelosi’s visit.

With natalism, I’m again not clear what ‘investigation’ or ��survey’ you’re referring to (and those terms aren’t interchangeable). There was a recent policy announced to lower the cost of raising children, but there’s also been a lot more work over the last two years to, for example, introduce vouchers for consumer goods upgrades/trade-ins. I’m not sure why you’re evaluating natalism as a top priority for the Chinese government when the Chinese government’s rhetoric and actual policy work seems to downplay it and treat it as an extension of cost of living challenges?

I’m not sure what other foreign policy has to do with anything - water rights negotiations, internal policing in Hong Kong, and the yes aggressive actions in relations to maritime border disputes in the SCS are very different from the sui generis relationship with Taiwan. That would be like saying we should treat America’s relation with Cuba as grounds for assessing Trump’s policy on Canada after his recent 51st state joke, which we hopefully agree would be deeply misguided.

I never said anti corruption was Xi’s primary focus, I said it was his top priority which legislatively it is. He’s promoted the previous head of party discipline, reiterated anti corruption rhetoric far more often than anything to do with Taiwan, and strengthened internal monitoring. He may well be doing it to strengthen his position, I won’t argue otherwise, but it’s definitely a much higher priority than anything Taiwan related.

You’re conflating cross strait relations with reunification rhetoric. Yes there have been swings in the relationship especially in 1996, but Beijing’s position has been consistent. Reunification is inevitable, peaceful reunification is preferred, force remains on the table. Xi hasn’t changed any of that. What has changed is that since the sunflower movement pro-mainland factions in Taiwan have been weakened and the hard greens have been emboldened, and more importantly Trump moved the Overton window to back Taiwan and challenge China more aggressively. In that framework China is the reactive party and unlikely to initiate an invasion in the near future - there’s nothing to suggest Taiwan has moved up the priority lists only that action/reaction framework is more active

Alright, wow, there's a lot to unpack there.

The idea that "pro-mainland factions have been weakened," as if by outside action, doesn't pass merit. Taiwan's democratic push came with a push against reunification because, having experienced decades of the Chiang dictatorship that repressed Taiwanese culture and having achieved a representative democracy, they were not eager to place themselves back under the boots of another dictator who would stamp out the island's heritage. This is a failure of China - they have made reunification unappealing. I'd argue that reunification rhetoric has changed from the Chinese side because it represents a much more drastic shift in the lives of the Taiwanese compared to decades prior. Moreover, I'd argue that Beijing has changed their position - they demanded that Tsai Ing-wen recognize the PRC's interpretation of the 1992 Consensus as opposed to the deliberate ambiguity of previous eras.

The idea that China has been a reactive player is again, completely wrong. Military drills are not cheap, and are not used as mere signaling devices. The first circumnavigation with fighter aircraft came after a statement saying "Our pledges have not changed and our goodwill has not changed." Somehow, though, that's aggression.

The Taiwanese rejection of the "one country, two systems" model is completely China's fault - they had espoused one country, two systems for Hong Kong only to completely brutalize the city. Much as we saw in Ukraine - the failure of the Budapest Memorandum to deter Russian violation of the Ukrainian border in the seizure of Crimea meant that Ukraine sought NATO membership as a deterrent. Taiwanese rejection of the one country, two systems model is because Beijing deliberately violated it.

Natalism, the about-to-go-into-effect pension reform, the relaxing of the previous one-child policy to a two and later three-child policy suggests that the demographic issues are actually of concern to Chinese lawmakers.

You've failed to make your point on the ADIZ. I was using the USAF figures and again, as I've noted, the ADIZ violations have continued for years after the Pelosi visit. This suggests to me that the idea that they were due to Pelosi is false - she's long left the island and the ADIZ violations continue at a high pace. It's used as a continual excuse, thus it holds no meaning. Sorry, but you have failed to create a logical argument for that to be the case as opposed to what it is, a deliberate attempt to intimidate Taiwan into pro-mainland policies as opposed to a reaction.

Your use of the reducto ad absurdum straw man fallacy has been noted and cheerfully ignored. Pattern shifts are a real thing in geopolitics. I'd recommend against using logical fallacies to prove your point - they're quite ineffective.

Characterizing China's foreign policy actions as "water rights negotiations, internal policing in Hong Kong, and the yes aggressive actions in relations to maritime border disputes in the SCS" is not only dishonest, it's outright disgusting and laughably debunkable. The SCS is not a maritime dispute - it's an illegal claim contrary to all international law (UNCLOS), laws which China had signed. The Mekong River issue is not a water rights negotiation, it was an attempt to create an artificial drought downstream and force concessions on independent countries and prevent them from conducting their own independent foreign policy, again in contravention to international institutions already addressing the issue - the Mekong River Commission. Hong Kong was not an internal policing matter, it was a violent crackdown characterized by arbitrary arrests, police brutality, and confessions extracted via torture. To frame them as such is to minimize very real violations of international law and human rights.

I get it, you're trying to push PRC talking points. I'd suggest pushing them elsewhere.

-SLAL

[worlds-of-imaginations]

Legendary sailing ships...

Majestic sailing ships are associated with distant voyages into the unknown, discoveries of new (for Europeans) lands and stories about pirates. How did it all start?

In 1959, near Mount Ararat in Turkey, fossilized remains of a ship were found, considered to be a possible relic of the so-called Noah's Ark, especially since the description of the ship corresponds to the reality of the find. Of course, it could have been another large sailing boat from a historical period that is difficult to determine. There is no doubt that the development of sailing by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans had a strong influence on the development of European countries, but China probably led in this field for a long time.

In 1962, in Nanking, archaeologists discovered the remains of the largest historical sailing ships in history; multi-masted vessels with a height of 60 m probably belonged to the famous fleet of ships called Baochuan. Historical records tell us, among other things, about the expeditions of Captain Zheng He in the Indian Ocean.

In Europe, in the Middle Ages, maritime trade was mainly based on much smaller single-masted ships called Koga. They were common, among others, in the ports of the cities of the Hanseatic League.

In Columbus's time, larger and larger units were built, increasingly boldly venturing into distant unknown ocean waters, but these were still single-masted sailing ships called Karak, popular in the 15th and 16th centuries. Modern Galleons with two masts, also popular in pirate stories, appeared in the 17th century, allowing for greater speed and maneuverability. However, trade routes required increasingly greater efficiency, so by the 19th century, large multi-masted vessels developed, eventually also equipped with an auxiliary steam engine. The development of sailing is currently dated to at least 8000 BC, but this boundary is constantly shifting with new discoveries. Originally, human settlements were established mainly on larger rivers or the sea, so the sail was probably invented long before the… wheel (if we trust the officially accepted version of the history of civilization, because this one is also slowly changing and extending).

Finally, a curiosity: who was the first to "discover" America?

Of course…the Viking Leif Eriksson (early 11th century).

[northern-passage]

hey whats up!! i'm someone who is writing my own if, and i'm doing bad over here 😰😰😰 i really need help developing my world, and the northern passage is so so super cool, i've never seen anything like it and i love tnp soooo much. do you mind sharing how you did your worldbuilding, or any tips you have (for the worldbuilding or just in general i have no idea what i'm doing any of the time) or anything you think might be helpful at all in any way please i'm doing bad i'm doing so bad

oh this is funny anon i was just ranting about worldbuilding to some of my friends the other day lmfao

firstable i will send you over to brandon sanderson's lectures on worldbuilding (two parts, lectures 5&6, it's a little over 2 hours)

i assume you're writing a fantasy but i know worldbuilding is also pretty significant for scifi and post apoc settings as well, and kind of an integral part across all 3 genres. so i won't get too specific since idk much about your story but i'll tell you what i did for tnp

so tnp's setting is one that i've kinda been kicking around since like.. high school... but it's changed a lot since then, as your writing from high school always should. but the most basic thing i started with was the environment. i knew i wanted it to be cold and i wanted the ocean to play a significant part in the story, which led me to making it a significant part of the culture, both in the religion as well as the economy.

if it's cold and mountainous then what exactly would sustain the people there and how would their economy function? i already wanted the ocean to be a part of the story, so why not make a port city an important location? the north would focus on trading, fishing and whaling and animal husbandry while the warmer southern areas were perfect for farming. the backbone of Adrania is their port cities and trading across the country between the north and the south.

i'm not really one to get super into this kind of worldbuilding, especially since my story is not focused on this aspect of the world, however it's still important to feel out the basics, imo. you want to have a general idea of what day to day life looks like and how it is this country/kingdom/colony/etc functions. and in a broader sense it's a way for me to find roles for my characters to fill, like as an example: Merry works in tnp because maritime trade is very significant to the two countries present, so of course there would be pirates.

from there, my focus shifted to the story itself: the hunters. when i look back, i didn't really ask myself these questions word for word at the time, but i think this is a good general idea of how i started feeling things out:

1. what are hunters?

2. what is their role in the story and in the wider world?

3. how exactly do they fit in? what effect does their existence have?

4. why are they needed?

5. how do other people feel about them?

you can substitute whatever you need in that first question in place of hunters and apply this to just about anything. those 5 questions will get you pretty far, and will lead you to more questions, too. if hunters exist to stop monsters, then where do the monsters come from? they come from the vel. what's the vel? it was put in place by the gods to confine humanity to one plane of existence. well, who are the gods? and how do the monsters still get through? the gods are xyz and they did a bad job so the vel can be weakened. how can the vel be weakened? because it's blood magic. what's blood magic? are there other kinds of magic, too? on and on and on and on....

if you have a magic system, i once again point you to brando sando. if you don't want to watch the full lectures, you can still check out his 3 laws of magic essays on his website. tnp's magic system is something i'm still kind of figuring out (this is a first draft, after all) but i knew i wanted it to be elemental based +blood magic and i knew i wanted it to work alongside alchemy. i've made changes since then to allow for enchantments and other cool stuff i have planned later down the line, and i know it's something that i'll need to refine in the first 2 chapters at some point. so i honestly don't have too much advice on that one... so go read the essays ☝️ i also feel that these 3 laws can also be applied more broadly to like, how the technology works in your scifi/cyberpunk story as well so i still recommend reading them even if you're not using magic.

when it comes to worldbuilding, the biggest thing you want to do is look at your story and ask yourself... "does this make sense?" which sounds very silly but let me use an example (and also continue the rant i was on about the other day lol)

i was watching a review for fourth wing and i'm sorry to anyone that likes this book but it's a good example of very bad worldbuilding. the rundown is that this is supposed to be a very militaristic society, they force people into military training academies for the sole purpose of funneling them straight into The Military. however. for some reason... they just Kill anyone who doesn't "pass" the super elite training courses....? this doesn't make sense. why would they not just delegate them to another role within the military? why not just use them as cannon fodder? what about the logistics-- who is cooking meals for this military, is there a functioning quartermaster, what about people that just take care of the dragons (they have dragons in this book. we could say horses, too, or any other animal, really)? a military consists of more than just Super Special Elite Soldiers.

you want your choices and story to make sense within the society you've created, whatever that society may be. fourth wing gets compared to the hunger games, but it's not the hunger games. the hunger games had in-world reasoning for the kids to die during the games. there was a society that was built around the games and it functioned in a way that made sense. there is no reason for the kids to die in fourth wing except for the author to make an artificial conflict for the mc that doesn't make sense.

so if you already have your story, and you know what you want to do with it, you need to build a society that compliments your story and that actually allows it to happen. they have to hold hands and get along.

anyways that's a lot of rambling... i hope this helps, at least a little bit! worldbuilding can feel very daunting, but honestly i encourage you to start small like i did - something as simple as the weather and the terrain, and that will lead you on to more and more and more.

[jasminewalkerauthor]

Deep dives into folklore: Mermaids

I have heard in many places this year that 2023 is the year of the mermaid, with rise of ocean inspired fashion, release of the little mermaid and one could even say with dua lipa's mermaid barbie. Before the now wholesome representations of the mermaid, they were represented women's sexuality and vengence.

The origins of the mermaid can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where tales of sea creatures with human-like features appeared in various cultures. In Mesopotamia, the goddess Atargatis was depicted with a fishtail, while the Babylonian deity Ea was associated with water and wisdom. In Greek mythology, the sirens were alluring, half-bird, half-woman creatures who lured sailors to their demise with their enchanting songs. Though not exactly mermaids, these early figures laid the foundation for the concept of human-fish hybrids.

The mermaid we are more familiar with today has its roots in medieval folklore and maritime legends. One of the earliest written accounts of mermaids can be found in the ancient Syrian tale of "The Story of Simbad," which dates back to the 8th century. In this story, the protagonist encounters fish-tailed women on an island, emphasizing the allure and danger associated with these creatures.

During the Middle Ages, mermaids increasingly appeared in European folklore, often portrayed as seductive beings who used their beauty and mesmerizing songs to entice sailors to their doom, possibly taking influence from the sirens of greek mythology. These mermaids were seen as symbols of temptation, warning against the dangers of desire and the unknown depths of the sea.

The Renaissance period brought a shift in the perception of mermaids. As exploration and trade expanded, sailors returned with exotic tales and souvenirs, including depictions of mermaids. Artists of the time were inspired by these accounts and started to portray mermaids in their works of art. Renowned painters such as Hieronymus Bosch and Hans Christian Andersen's iconic "The Little Mermaid" further fueled the mermaid's popularity, embedding her in the realm of literature and art for generations to come.

As scientific knowledge advanced, mermaids gradually lost their mythical status and were relegated to the realm of superstition. The Age of Enlightenment and the rise of rationalism questioned the existence of such fantastical beings. Exploration and scientific discovery revealed the true nature of marine creatures, and mermaids were exposed as mere products of human imagination.

However, the mermaid's allure persisted even in the face of reason and skepticism. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the mermaid took on new forms in pop culture. P.T. Barnum, who you may recognise from the greatest showman, capitalized on the public's fascination with the unknown by exhibiting "The Fiji Mermaid," a grotesque hoax of stitched-together animal remains. Mermaids also made appearances in literature, such as "Peter Pan," where the character of Mermaid Lagoon adds a touch of enchantment to the story.

In the 20th century, mermaids experienced a renaissance in film and television. The original Disney Little Mermaid (1989) transformed the mermaid into a beloved and relatable heroine, providing a new narrative that focused on themes of personal agency, self-discovery, and true love. This reinvention not only delighted audiences but also cemented the mermaid's status as a cultural icon.

With the advent of the internet and social media, mermaids have experienced a resurgence in contemporary culture. Mermaid subcultures have emerged, with enthusiasts participating in mermaiding activities, donning elaborate tails, and engaging in underwater performances. The mermaid has also been adopted as a symbol of environmental activism, reminding us of the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Overall, the concept of the mermaid has undergone a remarkable transformation over time. From ancient myths and folklore to modern-day popular culture, the mermaid has evolved from a cautionary tale of temptation to a cherished symbol of beauty, adventure, and environmental consciousness. The enduring fascination with mermaids serves as a testament to their enduring appeal and their ability to adapt to the ever-changing currents of human imagination.

[mariacallous]

KODIAK, Alaska—At Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, the USCGC Stratton, a 418-foot national security cutter, was hemmed into port by a thin layer of ice that had formed overnight in the January cold. Named for the U.S. Coast Guard’s first female officer, Dorothy Stratton, the ship was not designed for ice; its home port is in Alameda, California. After serving missions in the Indo-Pacific, it was brought to Alaska because it was available.

Soon the sun would rise, and the ice would surely melt, the junior officers surmised from the weather decks. The commanding officer nevertheless approved the use of a local tugboat to weave in front of the cutter, breaking up the wafer-like shards of ice as the Stratton steamed away from shore and embarked toward the Bering Sea.

In the last decade, as melting ice created opportunities for fishing and extraction, the Arctic has transformed from a zone of cooperation to one of geopolitical upheaval, where Russia, China, India, and Turkey, among others, are expanding their footprints to match their global ambitions. But the United States is now playing catch-up in a region where it once held significant sway.

One of the Coast Guard’s unofficial mottos is “We do more with less.” True to form, the United States faces a serious shortage of icebreaker ships, which are critical for performing polar missions, leaving national security cutters and other vessels like the Stratton that are not ice-capable with an outsized role in the country’s scramble to compete in the high north. For the 16 days I spent aboard the Stratton this year, it was the sole Coast Guard ship operating in the Bering Sea, conducting fishery inspections aboard trawlers, training with search and rescue helicopter crews, and monitoring the Russian maritime border.

Although the Stratton’s crew was up to this task, their equipment was not. A brief tour aboard the cutter shed light on the Coast Guard’s operational limitations and resource constraints. Unless Washington significantly shifts its approach, the Stratton will remain a microcosm of the United States’ journey in the Arctic: a once dominant force that can no longer effectively assert its interests in a region undergoing rapid transformation.

During the Cold War, the United States invested in Alaska as a crucial fixture of the country’s future. Of these investments, one of the most significant was the construction of the Dalton Highway in 1974, which paved the way for the controversial Trans-Alaska Pipeline and the U.S. entry as a major player in the global oil trade. Recognizing Alaska’s potential as a linchpin of national defense, leaders also invested heavily in the region’s security. In 1957, the United States began operating a northern network of early warning defense systems called the Distant Early Warning Line, and in 1958, it founded what became known as the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, such exigencies seemed excessive. The north once again became a domain for partnership among Arctic countries, a period that many call “Arctic exceptionalism”—or, as the Norwegians put it, “high north, low tension.”

But after the turn of the millennium, under President Vladimir Putin, Russia took a more assertive stance in the Arctic, modernizing Cold War-era military installations and increasing its testing of hypersonic munitions. In a telling display in 2007, Russian divers planted their national flag on the North Pole’s seabed. Russia wasn’t alone in its heightened interest, and soon even countries without Arctic territory wanted in on the action. China expanded its icebreaker fleet and sought to fund its Polar Silk Road infrastructure projects across Scandinavia and Greenland (though those efforts were blocked by Western intervention). Even India recently drafted its first Arctic strategy, while Turkey ratified a treaty giving its citizens commercial and recreational access to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.

Over the past decade, the United States lagged behind, focusing instead on the challenges posed to its interests in the Middle East, the South China Sea, and Ukraine. Its Arctic early warning system became outdated. Infrastructure off the coast of Alaska that climatologists use to predict typhoons remained uninstalled, seen as a luxury that the state and federal governments could not afford. In 2020, an engine fire in the sole Coast Guard Arctic icebreaker nearly scuttled a plan to retrieve scientific instruments and data from vessels moored in the Arctic Ocean. Two years later, a Defense Department inspector general report revealed substantial issues with the structural integrity of runways and barracks of U.S. bases across the Arctic and sub-Arctic.

Until recently, U.S. policymakers had little interest in reinstating lost Arctic competence. Only in the last three years—once Washington noticed the advances being made by China and Russia—have lawmakers and military leaders begun to formulate a cohesive Arctic strategy, and it shows.

On patrol with the Stratton, the effects of this delay were apparent. The warm-weather crew struggled to adapt to the climate, having recently returned from warmer Indo-Pacific climates. The resilient group deiced its patrol boats and the helicopter pad tie-downs with a concoction conceived through trial and error. “Happy lights,” which are supposed to boost serotonin levels, were placed around the interior of the ship to help the crew overcome the shorter days. But the crew often turned the lights off; with only a few hours of natural daylight and few portholes on the ship through which to view it anyway, the lights did not do much.

The Coast Guard is the United States’ most neglected national defense asset. It is woefully under-resourced, especially in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, where systemic issues are hindering U.S. hopes of being a major power.

First and foremost is its limited icebreaker fleet. The United States has only two working icebreakers. Of these two, only one, the USCGC Healy, is primarily deployed to the Arctic; the other, the USCGC Polar Star, is deployed to Antarctica. By comparison, Russia, which has a significant Arctic Ocean shoreline, has more than 50 icebreakers, while China has two capable of Arctic missions and at least one more that will be completed by next year.

Coast Guard and defense officials have repeatedly testified before Congress that the service requires at least six polar icebreakers, three of which would be as ice-capable as the Healy, which has been in service for 27 years. The program has suffered nearly a decade of delays because of project mismanagement and a lack of funds. As one former diplomat told me, “A strategy without budget is hallucination.” The first boat under the Polar Security Cutter program was supposed to be delivered by this year. The new estimated arrival date, officials told me, will more likely be 2030.

“Once we have the detailed design, it will be several years—three plus—to begin, to get completion on that ship,” Adm. Linda Fagan, the commandant of the Coast Guard, told Congress last April. “I would give you a date if I had one.”

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has long warned that the U.S. government and military, including the Coast Guard, have made serious miscalculations in their Arctic efforts. For one, the Coast Guard’s acquisition process for new boats is hampered by continual changes to design and a failure to contract competent shipbuilders. Moreover, the GAO found in a 2023 report that discontinuity among Arctic leadership in the State Department and a failure by the Coast Guard to improve its capability gaps “hinder implementation of U.S. Arctic priorities outlined in the 2022 strategy.”

Far more than national security is at stake. The Arctic is a zone of great economic importance for the United States. The Bering Sea alone provides the United States with 60 percent of its fisheries, not to mention substantial oil and natural gas revenue. An Arctic presence is also important for achieving U.S. climate goals. Helping to reduce or eliminate emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and black carbon in the Arctic protects carbon-storing habitats such as the tundra, forests, and coastal marshes.

Capt. Brian Krautler, the Stratton’s commanding officer, knows these problems well. Having previously served on Arctic vessels, he was perhaps the ideal officer to lead the Stratton on this unfamiliar mission. After a boarding team was recalled due to heavy seas and an overiced vessel, Krautler lamented the constraints under which he was working. “We are an Arctic nation that doesn’t know how to be an Arctic nation,” he said.

The Stratton reached its first port call in Unalaska, a sleepy fishing town home to the port of Dutch Harbor. Signs around Unalaska declare, “Welcome to the #1 Commercial Fishing Port in the United States.” The port is largely forgotten by Washington and federal entities in the region, but there is evidence all around of its onetime importance to U.S. national security: Concrete pillboxes from World War II line the roads, and trenches mark the hillocks around the harbor.

As Washington pivoted away from the Arctic, Alaska and its Native communities have become more marginalized. Vincent Tutiakoff, the mayor of Unalaska, is particularly frustrated by the shift. Even though Washington made promises to grant greater access to federal resources to support Indigenous communities, it has evaded responsibility for environmental cleanup initiatives and failed to adequately address climate change.

Federal and state governments have virtually abandoned all development opportunities in Unalaska, and initiatives from fish processing plants to a geothermal energy project have been hindered by the U.S. Energy Department’s sluggish response to its Arctic Energy Office’s open call for funding opportunities. “I don’t know what they’re doing,” Tutiakoff said of state and federal agencies.

Making matters worse, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving ahead to make the northern Alaska city of Nome the site of the nation’s next deep-water port rather than build infrastructure near Unalaska, the gateway to the American Arctic and the port of call for the few patrol ships tasked with its security. It seems that the decision was based on the accessibility needs of cruise ships; Unalaska is not necessarily a vacation destination.

By failing to invest in places like Unalaska, the United States is hobbling its own chances for growth. The region could be home to major advances in the green energy transition or cloud computing storage, but without investment this potential will be lost.

In the last year, the United States has tried to claw back some of what it has lost to atrophy. It has inched closer to confirming the appointment of Mike Sfraga as the first U.S. ambassador-at-large to the Arctic. In March, the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy participated in NATO exercises in the Arctic region of Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The U.S. Defense Department hosted an Arctic dialogue in January ahead of the anticipated release of a revised Arctic strategy, and the State Department signed a flurry of defense cooperation agreements with Nordic allies late last year.

Nevertheless, it has a long way to go. Tethered to the docks at Dutch Harbor, the weather-worn Stratton reflected the gap between the United States’ Arctic capabilities and its ambitions. Its paint was chipped by wind and waves, and a generator needed a replacement part from California. Much of the crew had never been to Alaska before. On the day the ship pulled into port, the crew milled about, gawking at a bald eagle that alighted on the bow and taking advantage of their few days in port before setting out again into hazardous conditions.

“I know we’re supposed to do more with less,” a steward aboard the Stratton told me, “but it’s hard.”

[jovianwishes]

When your sugardaddy is also your enemy

Historical note: Sweden and the Dutch Republic are quite an interesting duo, and they flop from friends/allies to enemies pretty often. The Dutch and French for example spend large quantities of money on Sweden so they could keep on fighting within the Thirty Years War. In other times it was other countries giving Sweden money to fight against the Dutch Republic, but then subsequently failing and having to accept whichever demands the Dutch gave them (this happened..multiple times). In the 16th and 17th century the Dutch also held a dominance in the Baltic sea, especially concerning trade in that region. Whilst Denmark and Sweden fought each other for Dominium Maris Baltici, the Dutch maintained Baltic equilibrium, aka Dutch dominance. Later this power got shifted over to Britain.

Two quotes from the book "Empires of the Sea: Maritime Power Networks in World History."

"The Swedish-Dutch relations in the seventeenth century show a clear hierarchy. It leaves the political dominance of Sweden in the Baltic Sea region as a second order dominance, depending on the will and power of the Dutch Republic and its economic elites."

"It is reasonable to conclude that the Swedish dominance in the Baltic region has to be considered a borrowed empire. Borrowed not only with regard to financial dependence of the Swedish war activities from other powers but also with regard to the political intentions of those economic powers which dominated the Baltic trade with western and southern Europe."

[ff12-ultimania]

Balfonheim; then and now

Situated on a peninsula in the eastern Archadian region, Balfonheim is a port town that, in its earlier days, thrived as a prominent fishing port in Ivalice. Over time, it evolved into a hub for piracy. As the Archadian Empire intensified its crackdown on piracy, the residents shifted towards the legitimate shipping industry, transforming the town into a center for maritime transportation and trade. Despite the shift from piracy to legal trade, Balfonheim has consistently dominated the Naldoan Sea, boasting a high standard of living for a town of its size. While this port town is self-governed, it pays a substantial sum to the Archadian Empire, securing a unique autonomy within the imperial structure.

In the present day, Balfonheim hosts a diverse community, encompassing pirates, sky pirates, fishermen, and the rough-and-tumble; the kind of people who have abandoned their homeland. Many of the inhabitants have anti-establishment views, and so as the empire grows in power, relations with the empire gradually deteriorate. And those who took an anti-imperialist stance became more prominent. Despite this, the people of Balfonheim have yet to throw their lot with the Resistance, as it brings no tangible benefits to their community.

[massfreightforwarding]

Cargo Lashing: Ensuring Safe Transit for Goods

In the world of logistics, where goods are transported across vast distances and varied terrains, ensuring their safety becomes a paramount concern. One crucial method employed to safeguard cargo is known as cargo lashing. This practice is widely recognized as an essential step in securing shipments, protecting them from damage, and ensuring their arrival at the intended destination in optimal condition.

Cargo lashing is defined as the process by which goods are securely fastened to prevent movement during transit. Whether transported by land, sea, or air, cargo is subjected to numerous external forces, including vibrations, turbulence, and sudden shifts. To counteract these forces, lashing is meticulously carried out, ensuring that even the heaviest or most delicate shipments remain stationary.

A variety of equipment is used in the process, including ropes, chains, straps, and tensioning devices. Each tool is carefully selected based on the type and weight of the cargo. For example, heavier loads are often secured using steel chains or heavy-duty straps, while lighter or more fragile goods may be fastened with softer materials to avoid damage. The choice of equipment is influenced not only by the cargo but also by the mode of transport being utilized.

The importance of cargo lashing cannot be overstated. During transportation, goods are exposed to risks such as shifting, tipping, or collapsing. These incidents can lead to financial losses, delays, and even safety hazards for personnel handling the cargo. By implementing proper lashing techniques, these risks are significantly minimized, and the integrity of the shipment is maintained.

Various standards and regulations govern cargo lashing to ensure consistency and safety across the logistics industry. International guidelines, such as those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are strictly adhered to. Compliance with these standards is prioritized to prevent accidents and to promote efficiency in the supply chain.

Specialized training is often provided to logistics personnel to enhance their expertise in cargo lashing techniques. During training, emphasis is placed on understanding the dynamics of load distribution, the proper use of equipment, and the inspection of lashing materials. With this knowledge, workers are better equipped to handle diverse cargo types and to address potential challenges effectively.

Despite its effectiveness, cargo lashing is not without its challenges. Over time, straps, chains, and other materials are subjected to wear and tear, which can compromise their strength. Regular inspections and maintenance are therefore conducted to ensure that lashing equipment remains in optimal condition. Additionally, environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures or exposure to saltwater, are taken into account, as they can accelerate material degradation.

Innovations in cargo lashing are continuously being introduced to improve efficiency and safety. Advanced materials, such as high-tensile synthetic fibers, are now being used to create lighter yet stronger lashing equipment. Furthermore, automated tensioning systems have been developed to ensure consistent application of force, reducing the margin for human error.

The role of cargo lashing in protecting goods and maintaining supply chain reliability is universally acknowledged. In industries ranging from automotive to retail, the safe delivery of products is made possible through the application of these essential techniques. Every shipment secured through proper lashing represents a commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

As global trade continues to expand, the demand for efficient and reliable cargo lashing methods will undoubtedly increase. The evolution of this practice will be shaped by technological advancements, regulatory updates, and the growing emphasis on sustainability. By remaining adaptable and proactive, the logistics industry ensures that cargo lashing remains a cornerstone of safe and successful transportation.

In conclusion, cargo lashing is viewed as an indispensable component of modern logistics. Through the use of specialized tools, adherence to standards, and the application of innovative practices, goods are safeguarded against the challenges of transit. Whether across oceans, highways, or skies, the importance of cargo lashing remains a testament to the industry's dedication to safety and excellence.

[chains-of-destiny]

In what ways has the magocracy's rule and the subsequent rebellion shaped the current political and social landscape of your world?

Hey! In the rewrite, I'm planning to add a Codex (and maybe even a map) to delve into the world's lore.

But, until that becomes a reality, here is what I've imagined as a backstory for the world:

The Naraveneese magocracy was a major power due to its strategic position and the sheer magical power at its disposal. Situated on an island chain, it held sway over a vital maritime trade route connecting the powerful state of Qajir with the mainland continent of Runsas. The magocracy was originally an autonomous and renowned magical academy that later became the rival of the Machian High Kingdom after the magocracy seceded from the it when the first Machian High King died.

Runsas became their battleground for influence for centuries, with Machia consolidating control over the southern territories and Naraveen asserting suzerainty over the many smaller petty kingdoms and city-states of the North (+ one of the Ceovar tribes agreed to pay them tribute and to march to war against the Machians when the time came if they supported their unstable rule over the many Ceovar tribes).

Naraveen employed a system where the magically talented children in their vassal states needed to be transferred to their islands for training (somewhat similar to the Ottoman Devshirme System in our world). This ensured a constant influx of magical talent under Naraveneese control, further cementing their supremacy.

However, the balance of power shifted dramatically with the collapse of the Machian High Kingdom into a brutal civil war. This eventually resulted in the fragmentation of the High Kingdom into dozens of self-proclaimed kingdoms. Naraveen sought to fill the resulting power vacuum and extend its influence in hopes of being able to rival Qajir, but this ambition was thwarted by the Great Rebellion. In a catastrophic turn of events during the fight for the magocracy's last grand citadel, a magical calamity caused an unknown phenomenon that unleashed a deadly brown fog across the islands, rendering them uninhabitable.

The nine great heroes then fled to the mainland with whoever they could put on ships, meaning many tens of thousands of civilians, mundane and magically talented alike. They made landfall in Runsas and established the Republic (the war known as the 'Iron Crusade' also happened not much after this, but that is not significant now).

So, all in all, there is a power vacuum in the continent - the Republic, which is essentially a successor state to Naraveen, is not as powerful as the magocracy once was, and the newly independent northern states are hostile, viewing the Republic as nothing more than an extension of their former oppressors. The former Machian High Kingdom is a land of constant strife and conflict, with claimants to the High Kingdom rising and falling. Currently, the big players on the continent, I would say, are the Republic, the Ceovar Confederacy, and King Roland's western kingdom (a Machian successor state technically still allied to the Republic).

Culturally, Naraveen and Machia diverged significantly after the magocracy's independence. While sharing a common language, the two societies developed distinct customs. However blending of Machian and Naraveneese heritage in the Republic for over a century created a unique hybrid culture among the lower classes. The ruling elite still upholds traditional Naraveneese values while embracing republican ideals championed by the nine heroes.

Originally, the magocracy's rule entrenched a system where magical ability was the primary determinant of power and status. This led to a stark divide between the magical elite and the non-magical majority, resulting in widespread inequality and discrimination.

If the sources are to be believed, the rebellion against the magocracy was fueled by grievances over this inequality and oppression. It sparked a revolution that sought to overthrow the strict hierarchy and establish a more egalitarian society. However, I want to clarify that the rest of the continent still follows the same feudal system as it did before.

I hope this answers your question! Let me know if you have any further questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know.

[quinn-borel]

Modern AU first meeting and/or first date :D

He looked at his watch for the fourth time as the elevator took him up to the venue. He cursed under his breath–first his flight ran late, then traffic, then issues with his hotel room…the list went on. Everything that could go wrong did, which made him late for the Leveilleur Foundation charity event. While he was still rather green to the scene, he wanted to make a good impression towards the potential investors and partners he could make connections with to strengthen Ishgardian Holdings’ foothold in the region. He exhaled slowly while fixing the cuff of his suit jacket over his timepiece–ding, the fourteenth floor. As the doors opened, he was greeted by an usher clad in black with a tablet in hand.

“Name, sir?”

“Aymeric Borel of Ishgardian Holdings.”

The usher checked the tablet and gave him a polite nod, “Ah, yes, Mr. Borel, I see you here. We’ve been expecting you. You may proceed.”

With a sigh of relief, Aymeric made his way into the main venue–a grand ballroom filled with guests from all sorts of different businesses, organizations, and even government entities. Tables lined the inner sanctum while the fringes had buffet tables and pop-up drink bars. One could not want at this event, save for some privacy given the occupants. Aymeric was tasked with meeting and schmoozing with three industry leaders that night–Lominsan Maritime LLC, Elemental Trading Co., and the Bank of the Sultanate. Surely their representatives were around and about, though admittedly he was unable to catch their names in his rush to the venue. Though names were meaningless without a face to put them to…

He closed his eyes to gather his thoughts, allowing the accompanying music to play in the background and calm him down. It was a lovely melody coming from the main stage–smooth jazz, the piano certainly in the foreground. Just as he was about to open his eyes, he felt a hand clap itself on his shoulder, which startled him.

“If it isn’t my old friend! How have you been Aymeric!?”

Aymeric glanced to the origin of the hand, amazed to see that none other than Haurchefant Greystone, his old college friend.

“Haurchefant? I didn’t expect you to be here.” Aymeric said with surprise, fixing his blazer from the sudden shift,

“Oh? Really? I though word of my recent promotion would have made its way to the parent company. But that aside, it’s good to see you my friend! It’s been years.”

“Quite.” Aymeric gave him a nod with a warm smile, “Last time I saw you was at graduation. You mean to tell me you’re working for one of our subsidiaries?”

“Why else would I be here?” he asked with a grin, “When I was informed you were being sent on behalf of Ishgardian Holdings I was elated! I didn’t think they’d send the big guns all the way out here.”

“Well, fath–I mean, President Thordan was apprehensive about it. Needless to say, this venture came out of my own pocket and I’m here rather incognito–the others whom I’m looking for probably don’t know I managed a spot on the guest list.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll find them in time, friend. And when you do, you’ll have them in the palm of your hand I’m sure. That silver tongue of yours is one to be reckoned with.”

“One can only hope so.”

“By the way,” he Haurchefant glanced over Aymeric’s shoulder, “where’s Varlineau? I thought you two–“

“Oh.” Aymeric felt the heat in his cheeks from embarrassment, “That…didn’t last as long as I had hoped. We went our separate ways about a year ago. Nothing messy, just had different goals.”

“Sorry to hear that.” Haurchefant guided Aymeric over to one of the bars, “How about a drink? Whiskey neat?” he pointed to him expectantly,

“On the rocks.” Aymeric put his hands in his pockets, once again taking in the ambiance. Haurchefant gladly took two drinks from the bartender and handed one to his friend,

“So, what do you think of this place?”

“It’s quite the spectacle.” Aymeric’s gaze scanned the room as he took a sip of his drink, “The music is nice, too.”

“That’s because the pianist is one of the best in the area.” Haurchefant nudged Aymeric slightly, motioning towards the stage. There sat a taller woman with fiery orange locks and tanned skin, elegant as ever as she leaned over the piano, tickling the ivories with a warm smile on her painted lips. She appeared…angelic, in a way. Ethereal, even, with how the lights shined down upon her on the stage. Like a siren’s song, Aymeric couldn’t help but to focus his attention on her.

“She’s, ah-”

“Quite the pretty little thing, is she not?” Haurchefant chuckled, “I met her some time ago at another venue she was performing at. Much smaller, mind you–this is her first big gig.”

“Does she have a name?”

“Miss Quinnelainne Varria.” Haurchefant waved his hands in front of him as if he were showing off a spectacle, “Beautiful name, is it not?”

Aymeric looked off to the side before putting his drink back to his lips. He was always taught not to stare at a woman like that, yet something deep within him wanted to gaze at her. She was absolutely beautiful, as was her name. He could only softly grunt in agreement. Obviously, Haurchefant had his eyes on her anyway. But the young man beside him seemed dejected as he took a sip of his own drink,

“She’s a finicky one, though. I asked her on a date and she called me her ‘brother’. Can you believe that?”

Aymeric smirked, “Sorry you struck out, my friend.”

“You should meet her, though. She’s quite something.”

Aymeric raised his brow with surprise. While she was not necessarily the company he was tasked with meeting with, he couldn’t help but to be a tad curious about this Quinnelainne. Haurchefant always did introduce him to the most fascinating of people in their youth. He checked his watch once more–there was still plenty of time to do his business and have another drink. the party was just getting started.

“Can you introduce me?” Aymeric asked. Haurchefant looked rather surprised, yet the grin on his lips was telling,

“Look at you, you sly devil.”

“What?” Aymeric’s cheeks lit up again, “You say she’s interesting to talk to, so I want to talk to her. That’s all.”

“Right.” Haurchefant scoffed and finished his drink, “Maybe you’ll have better luck than me.”

“I’m not trying to be lucky.” Aymeric warned him, “Just forget about it.”

“I’m only teasing.” Haurchefant abandoned his spot next to Aymeric and approached the stage. Just as the number had finished, he waved the pianist down who had stepped to the side to take a drink of water. After a bit of conversation and her glancing over his shoulder, she gave him a nod and went back to the piano. Haurchefant then returned to his spot and ordered another drink,

“She gets to go on break after a few more songs,” he explained, “she would be more than happy to meet you.”

“Just like that?” Aymeric blinked a few times as he, too, finished his drink, “You didn’t promise her anything, did you?”

“Just a drink and a good conversation.” Haurchefant laughed, “I’m sure you can manage that, right?”

Aymeric gave him a nod as his attention went back towards the stage. He and Haurchefant continued their idle chitchat for the remainder of the two songs, catching up on what had happened since their college graduation. Finally, the siren of the night left the stage with a slight bow and she immediately went up to one of the bars at the other end of the room. Haurchefant nudged Aymeric with his elbow,

“Go get her, friend.” he said with a wink. Aymeric brushed him off, sighed, and approached the woman from the other end of the room. As he approached, he felt a slight lump in his throat–completely abnormal from his normal demeanor when he met someone new. But this wasn’t a business negotiation, nay, this was a face-to-face and intimate conversation between strangers. She had her back to him, her sanguine cocktail dress outlining her frame perfectly and…accentuating her assets, much to Aymeric’s dismay. He felt the heat under his collar the second he was inches from her, actually nervous to say something to her.

No. He had to keep cool. This was Haurchefant’s friend, after all. a Friend. Friend.

“One whisky on the rocks, please.” he requested of the barkeep as he took to her side, his gaze falling to her before he cleared his throat, “Good evening, Miss Varria.”

She took a long sip from her cherry sour before setting it down with an unsettled look in her eyes,

“Oh, Haurchie really did tell you my full name, didn’t he?” she sighed, “I hate it when he does that.”

“Is there another name I can call you by, then?”

Already the conversation got off to a rocky start, but maybe it could be salvaged with a bit of finesse.

“Just ‘Quinn’ is fine.” she explained, “Sorry, I guess I should have properly introduced myself when you came over here. Aymeric, right?”

“Yes.” he relaxed his shoulders a bit as he took his drink, “I apologize for using the wrong name.”

“No, it’s fine.” she smiled at him, “Anyway, it’s nice to meet you. Although brief, Haurchie told me a little bit about you.”

“Is that so?” Aymeric’s gaze flickered to across the room, to which Haurchefant was giving him a thumbs up.

“Yes,” she leaned against the counter in her seat, a long finger curled under her own chin as she examined him, “you’re an old friend of his from his college days. Summa cum laude, now in the top brass of Ishgardian Holdings.”

“…He told you all of that in a short conversation?”

“No,” she winked as she pulled out her phone from her purse, “I just have the internet.”

Aymeric chuckled as he took a seat next to her, “Well, there’s only so much Eorzeapedia can tell about a man, right? And yet, I know very little about you. Will you share?”

She leaned back, impressed with how he took to her researching him, “Very well. I’m just a dropout from music school–took to the streets to hone my craft. Played a bit at a shopping mall before my talent was recognized by Scions Inc., a talent agency. They got me gigs at small cocktail lounges before two of the Leveilleurs entered our ranks. They had their connections and, well, here I am.”

“I didn’t realize you were acquainted with the Leveilleurs.” Aymeric sipped his drink, “That’s quite impressive.”

“I can’t say I’m used to this sort of thing.” she sighed, “There’s just something about drunks at a cocktail lounge that make a better audience than one of these upscale events, you know? But, I can say: it has it’s perks. I get to rub elbows with some of the best tippers in the region. Seriously, the big guns in the business love their music.”

“You have other connections?” Aymeric asked quizzically.

“I do,” she explained, “I can tell you exactly who, too.”

She turned in her seat, motioning him to follow her gaze. There she pointed out four individuals who were conversing at one of the far tables,

“So, you have Merlwyb of Lominsan Maritime in the black suit. Kan-e-Senna of Elemental Trading in the white dress. Miss Namo is the shorter girl in the pink dress, that’s the owner of the Bank of the Sultanate. And finally, the big guy is Raubahn of the newly reformed Ala-Mhigan Freight company–they just recovered from an old buyout.”

Aymeric blinked a few times in amazement, “How do you know these people?”

“They’ve hired me at their own private events.” Quinn mused over her drink, “I take it you’d like to meet them yourself, Mr. Borel?”

“Please, just ‘Aymeric’.” he turned his attention back to her, “Anyway, you’ve quite the history with your craft. That’s very impressive.”

“Thank you, not a lot of people really recognize that.” Quinn took the garnish from her drink out, “So, tell me more about yourself.”

“Me?” he mused, “To tell you the truth, you’ve pinpointed most of my achievements already.”

“Yeah, but I wanna know the real you.” she said with a wink, the whole cherry disappearing inside of her mouth. Aymeric exhaled slowly as he tried to think,

“Well, I’m thirty-two years old, I have a pet cat, and my hobbies include cooking, writing, and a bit of dancing here and there. I try to keep things modest when I’m not at my desk.”

She smiled and gave him a nod, her gaze still oddly studying him. Aymeric took another sip before he turned the conversation back to her,

“…’Varria’, right? That’s Hannish, if I’m not mistaken?”

“You’re right.” she replied, “Very worldly of you.”

“I’ve visited that area a few times. Beautiful place, truly.”

“Thank you for not hitting me with a ‘almost as beautiful as the women who came from there’ bullshit.” Quinn laughed.

“Please,” Aymeric also laughed, “if I’m going to flirt with someone I won’t go for such low-hanging fruit.”

“Then, how would you flirt with me?” Quinn leaned in slightly closer to him with a devious smirk on her features. Aymeric could still see her making work of the cherry garnish in her mouth. He sat his drink down next to hers and leaned closer,

“I would first start with a compliment,” he muttered, “I’m more of a gentleman that way. Maybe something about your voice, or your eyes. Nothing too daring, mind you. Something a bit more subtle, I would say.

“I see.” Quinn snickered and pulled back, “Well, the clock is unfavorable for us this evening, sad to say.”

From her purse the pulled out a pen and a small business card, to which she scratched something on the back of it in bright, pink ink. Quinn slid the card face-up towards Aymeric before getting up from her seat,

“What’s this?”

“Give me a call if you need company entertainment–my agent’s number is on the front.” she then leaned in closer once more, taking the cherry stem from her mouth and placing it in his empty glass, “…on the back is if you’d rather have have a more intimate encounter.”

With a wink and a gentle pat on his cheek, Quinn went back to the stage. With flushed features, Aymeric looked down at the card and noticed she had given him her personal cell phone number with ‘Text me <3 ‘ written underneath it. He quickly placed the card in his wallet before he noticed the cherry stem in his glass, knotted right in the middle.

[mnrpardiman]

The Fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked a significant turning point in world history, with profound effects on Europe, the Islamic world, and global trade routes. Here’s an overview of the event and its implications for European conquest:

The Fall of Constantinople:

- Background: Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was a major center of trade, culture, and Christianity. It had been under increasing pressure from the expanding Ottoman Empire.

- Siege of 1453: The city was besieged by Sultan Mehmed II and the Ottoman forces. The Ottomans employed advanced military technology, including large cannons, to breach the city's formidable walls.

- Capture: After a prolonged siege, Constantinople fell on May 29, 1453. This event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and solidified Ottoman control over the eastern Mediterranean.

Immediate Impacts:

- Religious Shift: The fall led to the transformation of Constantinople into Istanbul, with the Hagia Sophia converted into a mosque, symbolizing the shift in religious power from Christianity to Islam in the region.

- Cultural Exchange: The event accelerated the movement of scholars, particularly Greek ones, to the West. This influx helped ignite the Renaissance by reintroducing classical Greek and Roman knowledge to Europe.

Rise of European Conquest:

- Shift in Power Dynamics: With the Byzantine Empire’s collapse, Western Europe no longer had a powerful Christian state to counter the Ottomans. This void spurred exploration and colonial ambitions among European nations.

- Exploration: European powers, particularly Spain and Portugal, sought new trade routes to access the riches of Asia. This led to significant maritime exploration, including voyages by figures like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama.

- Colonial Expansion: The discovery of the New World and sea routes to India allowed for the establishment of colonies and trade networks, leading to the rise of European empires in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

- Military and Technological Advancements: The experiences of warfare during the siege and subsequent confrontations with the Ottomans prompted advancements in military technology and tactics in Europe, which facilitated further conquests.

Conclusion:

The Fall of Constantinople was not just a pivotal moment in the history of the Eastern Mediterranean; it profoundly affected European political, cultural, and economic trajectories. The resulting shift in power dynamics set the stage for the Age of Exploration and colonial expansion, reshaping the world in ways that are still evident today.