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kidasthings · 1 year ago

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Echoes of Eden by Kida

Noa x Mae - #omgisthisastorywithplot?

Chapter 2: Echoes of Eden by Kida – @kidasthings on Tumblr

Prologue

Three centuries after a catastrophic virus decimated human intelligence, turning the survivors into primal shadows of their former selves, the world has irrevocably changed. The ALZ virus, originally intended to combat Alzheimer's disease, not only ravaged humanity but inadvertently gave rise to a new dominant species: intelligent apes.

Near the ruins of what was once Los Angeles, Noa, a valiant chimpanzee of the Eagle clan, has just thwarted a power-hungry bonobo, Proximus Caesar, from enslaving his people. Guided by the teachings of a certain orangutan, Raka, who revered the nearly forgotten, peace-loving chimp Caesar, Noa believes in a world where apes and humans can coexist peacefully. However, during his quest, he encounters Mae, a human who defies his expectations. Mae, immune to the virus and possessing the ability to speak, challenges Noa's perceptions of humans as mere animals.

Together, Noa and Mae manage to prevent Proximus Caesar from seizing a cache of potent human technology by flooding an old bunker. In the process, Mae secures a crucial computer drive that enables her underground human community to reconnect with distant survivors, bridging isolated pockets of humanity; she also manages to betray Noa and his clan by leaving them to fend for themselves.

As Mae's group in Los Angeles prepares to merge with new allies from Fort Wayne, Indiana, tensions escalate. Unaware of Mae's bond with Noa, a small but well-armed scouting party from Fort Wayne comes across the Eagle Clan’s village on their way to Los Angeles to meet up with Mae’s people.

Far more adept on their own home turf, the scouting party is caught by the apes, rounded up, and held hostage. Their weapons are confiscated. Mae is called in when the scouting party never reports to the underground bunker where the rest of the intelligent humans in her group seek refuge. Caught between her origins and her convictions, Mae faces the ultimate choice during the tense encounter: stand with her human kin or protect Noa, the ape she has come to admire.

This story explores the fragile hope for reconciliation in a world torn apart by fear and prejudice. Can Noa and Mae forge a path toward peace, or will the shadows of old wars darken the future dreamed of by the legendary Caesar?

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Chapter 1

In the dense shadows cast by the towering trees that skirt the Eagle clan's village, the air was thick with tension and the faint scent of smoke from distant fires. The setting sun bled red over the horizon, casting long shadows across the rough-hewn faces of the Eagle clan and their new captives. Five ALZ-immune humans from Fort Wayne sat bound and rigid, their eyes darting nervously as they listened to the low, ominous murmurs of the assembled apes.

Noa moved deliberately among the captives, his demeanor stern yet marked by an inherent fairness. Each human he approached met his gaze with a mix of defiance and fear, but none spoke. They clung to their silence like a shield, even under the weight of Noa's penetrating stare.

"No purpose here can be good if it starts with secrets," Noa stated, his voice resonating with a calm authority as he paused before a younger man whose jaw was stubbornly set.

The chants from the simian crowd grew louder, a discordant mix of anger and fear, with proposals of banishment or worse. They remembered what happened with Proximus Caesar, the obsession with human technology and worldly knowledge, and want none of it. Noa raised a hand, called for silence, but the restlessness was palpable, a living thing that fed on uncertainty and fear.

At the perimeter of the village, a human woman keeps a low profile in the brush. She had followed a single flare that burst bright in the sky to this location. It was a habitual thing, to bypass this region when doing her rounds in the forest. Immunity to the Simian Flu had bequeathed her the role of tracker, hunter, and scout after her initial mission was completed. Brown hair, blue eyes like the sky, Mae can only watch the scene unfold with a pounding heart. Worry lines were etched deeply into her brow, and her hand reached up to clutch at something around her neck - Raka's pendant - the symbol of peace promoted by an ape named Caesar long ago.

Noa gave her that pendant. For an inopportune moment, Mae was lost in reverie.

Without warning, a strong hand gripped her shoulder, yanked her from the shadows. Mae stumbled forward, dragged into the open. Her breath caught as she was thrown unceremoniously to the ground before Noa and his human captives. Dust and small stones bit into her palms as she caught herself, and a small grunt escaped her lips.

The sudden appearance of the human - a known and not particularly fondly remembered human - amongst them drew shocked gasps and murmurs.

Noa’s eyes widened in recognition, then narrowed in a complex tumult of emotion. The last time they parted, it was with a promise of peace, and yet here she was, thrown at his feet, disrupting the fragile balance he had fought to maintain.

Mae’s chest heaved as she pushed herself up slightly, her voice raspy but resolute as she met Noa's gaze. A single word hangs between them, charged with layers of meaning, a plea, a greeting, a reminder of shared dreams and bitter realities.

"Noa."

In that moment, the world narrowed to the space between them. Noa stood motionless, the voices around him faded into a distant hum. His heart fought a fierce battle within, torn between his duty to his clan and the undeniable pull he felt towards this woman who embodied both the past they shared and the future they might still forge. He can see Caesar’s pendant, an encircled diamond, as it swung from Mae’s neck wildly.

She still had it.

It is a symbol of ideals that suddenly seem so distant in the face of palpable tension and looming conflict.

The standoff stretched out, every breath, every silent plea, every hope and fear suspended in the dusty air of the dying day.

“Noa,” Mae tried again, defeated. She pulled herself up to stand on shaky, coltish legs. The Eagle Clan scout that initially seized her did not reach for her again as Noa lifted one hand to stay him.

Noa closed his eyes, as if in contemplation.

“What are you doing here?” he finally asked, as he reopened his eyes and shuttered his gaze.

Mae’s lips thinned out into a seamless line, and she cut a gaze over to the trussed-up humans attached to poles in the center of the village.

Noa nodded, once. He did not need much more than that as he added, “They approached our borders. We do not yet know their intention.”

The five Fort Wayne humans, still tied tight, share deliberate looks of fear between themselves. There is clear intelligence writ into their faces. They are not gagged, much to the chagrin of some of the villagers, as Noa would not have it. Still, they are oddly quiet. A few cast curious looks at Mae, no recognition in their eyes. The only woman in the group chewed her lower lip in frustration. Her blonde hair is cut short in a severe bob.

“Let them go, Noa.” Mae stated boldly, taking a step forward. Two other apes, positioned parallel to her, moved to intercept her advance towards the hero of the Eagle Clan. Once again, Noa lifted his calloused palm and gritted his sharp canines.

“Follow,” he told her, indicating something or someplace to the left with a sharp jerk of his head.

There is a short murmur of indignation from the gathered villagers, save for a small group which consisted of Soona, Anaya, and Noa’s mother. They appeared stuck in a shallower tumult of emotion. Noa’s mother took a step forward, unsure, but Soona placed her palm on the female ape’s furry shawl-covered shoulder and stopped her.

Mae’s eyes followed Noa, capturing his unique profile in a blink, and then dipped her head and hesitated. It is always that hesitation, caught between following an ape and leaving her kind behind, but with a reluctant glance at the captives she turned to follow.

He led her to a towering edifice of wood and natural materials that might be described as a tree house. Far above them, hawks circled in the sky, their soaring shadows blotting out the last rays of the sun. They landed at the top of the tower, a dizzying height, and screeched down at her.

Noa ascended a small ramp and stepped past a woven flap of material.

Mae did the same after taking a moment to peer backwards over her shoulder to ascertain the serious faces of a few apes herding her to the entrance.

Once inside, the darkness enveloped her, and the woman became hyper-aware of a dual pair of reflective eyes that watched her in the darkness of the interior.

“You came back,” he said, voice rough with something like emotion.

“Not by choice,” she quipped, and then stepped sideways away from the shaft of light thrown down by the door.

“Why?” It’s a simple question for a complex answer, and she wasn’t ready to answer it.

“I saw a distress signal in the sky,” she replied easily, eyes skating over the shadows and shapes in the interior of the newly rebuilt tower. “I had to see for myself. It looked like a human flare.”

“A flare?” he questioned; voice flat.

“It’s a human thing,” she sighed.

She heard him padding closer to her, his eerie eyes backlit by whatever reflective photo-sensitive cells nocturnal animals possessed. More of his face came into detail. After he stood about a few feet away, he stopped.

Mae froze.

“You have ... it,” he informed her quietly.

“Yeah,” she agreed.

A hand reached out, seemingly disembodied in black space, and she felt the immediate lift of the small weight at her neck.

“Do you ... still believe .. in what it stands for?”

Her answer is the same as before, the same empty mantra. “I-I don’t know, Noa.”

A huff, a sigh. The weight on the back of the cord returned and he stepped back.

“Let them go,” Mae demanded, again.

He did not reply, not right away, but he did give her a long look. It was hard for her to discern in the dim dark, but it might be a soft rebuke. “I have to know … why they are … here.”

Mae’s mind shut down, because she wasn’t ready, or can’t tell him that. Her group of survivors had been expecting the Fort Wayne scouting party for months now. The underground bunker housing her people was the last of its kind for hundreds of miles. They had not come across any other intelligent humans in that time, so this must be the group they awaited. Mae was not an idiot; she had seen the sentry apes rifling through a small stockpile of guns on the ground when she was roughly manhandled to the ground.

She trusted Noa situationally, sure, but did she trust him with this?

There might have been a flash of hurt on his face but the dim interior concealed it well. “They belong with me,” is all she can muster.

“Tell the truth,” he parried back. There was a frustrated edge to his voice, nearly a growl.

“I am telling the truth,” she quipped stubbornly.

“Mae,” he refuted quietly, moving so fast that he is suddenly in her space again, too much and too soon. She gasped, caught off guard. His fingers found Raka’s necklace again, still around her neck. He was staring hard at it.

“Tell … me.”

Her tongue is nothing but a slug in her mouth, unable to form words. Noa had never been this close before, taking up her space, her attention, her very being. Caught between one moment and the next, she shook her head in utter disbelief. She could see his features more clearly, the craggy brow, the dark-light eyes, the slight downturn of his mouth beneath an inhuman nose. For a second, he gripped the pendant around her neck tightly, as if he wanted to hold it for some length of time, and then released it yet again to step past her.

Their shoulders brushed, and Mae forgot to breathe.

His voice carried over from somewhere behind her, close to the entrance. “If you will … not speak … they will.” A rustle of fabric against fur, and he is gone.

Within the crude tower, Mae lets out the breath she held in a slow whoosh.

Noa.

#mae #noa #monster romance #kingdom of the planet of the apes #mae x noa #nomae #planet of the apes #kotpota #rise of the planet of the apes #noamae #owen teague #freya allan #fanfiction #enemies to lovers #kotpota mae #kotpota noa

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solselah · 1 year ago

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WHAT YOU NEED

TO KNOW ??

🚨Very truthful & may be triggering for some who aren’t ready to hear it quite yet ! Do take your time & feel free to Come back if need be :)

PILE 1 :

It’s TIME to move on !! Whether this be in love, a career, or simply mental ! There is something here you are holding onto like white on rice ! Like you’re stuck on this one thing that can bring you pleasure for the moment but doesn’t quite fulfill you in the long run ! I can tell you know this, but there is something pulling you in the same direction constantly ! From what I see, it’s because there is a big lesson for self-respect & it’s meant to be learned & accomplished by you. You know right from wrong, so your ancestors are waiting for you to take that step to release what it is that burdens you. You may overlook what I’m speaking of, and it might just hit you a little later which is okay. As long as you’re able to digest the truth !!

⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾

PILE 2: I’ll say this ….

“The truth will set you free”.

under all circumstances!! And even though what you may be going through doesn’t seem fit for that saying, you are in fact a direct reflection of “The truth setting you free”. You’re almost good at lying to yourself to make you feel good. You need a powerful wake-up call. And btw, it’s not to harm you “further” it is to enlighten you about the things you’re actually doing and the karma for that. I don’t see the worst karma, but there are some lessons involved with you bypassing the lessons & TRUTH once again. The mask you wear can only last, but so long. The right person can /will come across you and either read you down or politely mirror back to you your Triggers & Lies. You’re obviously not a bad person, but it’s a thing you do that can definitely be cleaned up or removed in totality. You will learn 📚❤️

⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾

PILE 3:

You need to know immediately that the people who have wronged you or crossed you will receive their KARMA & you will be on the receiving end of justice. Whether this be judicial /Spiritual / physical etc. it’s important you view yourself as a Queen /King and step into your power accordingly! The path is clear and set for you & it’s up to you to take that step forward! Your guides are making it known that you would benefit from bringing a light-hearted energy into this new phase of yours!! It may be shocking or very sudden, but ultimately it’s a jump start to your desires. You’ve uncovered & experienced what’s not for you & it’s now time to manifest and attract what IS !!

⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾

PILE 4 :

You do NOT need to kiss ass !!!! Whatsoever. You tend to overanalyze your movements! It’s time to wake up that confidence within you so that you can begin to change the outlook you carry about yourself!! Heavy self-love energy. It’s so important for you to indulge in self-care & healthy patterns just to assure you everything from the inside out is balanced & free from tension. You are waking up a confident part of yourself, and it’s completely stopping all self-rejection and self-doubt !! So just know you are absolutely on the right path and have so much to uncover about yourself!!

⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾ ⦾

Hope you enjoy ✨

IG: @soleccentric

#pick a picture #pick a card #culture #tarotdaily #pac reading #connection #ancestors #tarot reading #love #guidance #pick a pile #intuition

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bitter-bats-cult-of-the-moon · 11 months ago

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What is Toxic Spirituality?

Spirituality is the practice of getting to know yourself better on a deeper level and learning about the world around you.

While this can provide physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, it can also take a turn for the worse. Sometimes spirituality can push harmful messages, toxic positivity, judgment, gaslighting, and cultish behavior.

Nine Toxic Spirituality Habits

1. Spiritual Bypassing and Toxic Positivity

Spiritual bypassing is when you use spiritual concepts to avoid certain emotions or situations in your life.

Toxic positivity is when you believe you need to be always positive to gain proper manifestation of your desires.

Suppressing emotions can lead to a buildup of unprocessed thoughts dependent on circumstances, and eventually you will mentally implode.

2. Spiritual Narcissism

Spiritual narcissism is the belief that your spirituality makes you better than others. It’s the Us vs. Them mentality.

The stronger your ego identifies with a specific belief the more difficult it will be to see any issues.

3. Idolizing Spiritual Teachers

The best teachers are the ones that help connect you to your inner self. Their goal is to act as a guide more so rather than be the ultimate truth.

The trouble idolizing spiritual mentors is that there will be a point you’re going to disagree, and it will cause cognitive dissonance if you see them for more than they are.

4. Superstitions and Attachment

If you heavily rely on spiritual practices, items, and rituals to exist in the world and become solely dependent about superstitious beliefs linked to any of them, you are diminishing yourself.

You don’t need crystals to protect yourself.

You don’t need the wand to draw energy.

You don’t need the cauldron to burn incense or make potions. Although, even I can admit having one makes things more interesting.

5. Hyper Discipline

I see this a lot. There are those that talk about the importance of discipline in spirituality. Likewise, I see others talk up the importance of flexibility.

Spirituality is a personal experience. If disciplined daily practices or rigid rituals work for you, then great, but if it feels forced reconsider things.

6. Lack of Discernment

Not every spiritual practice will be right for you. Not everything will resonate. Not every metaphysical concept will ring truth. That’s good. It’s healthy to ask questions and think for yourself.

If you accept without question, you’re allowing yourself to be programmed by external forces becoming conditioned.

7. Clinging to Truth

What’s true for you may not be true for someone else, and what was true for you last year may no longer be true for you today.

Our beliefs can change over time as we learn and experience different facets to spirituality. Fighting for the word of truth or standing behind a specific religion promoting acts of war is an act of blasphemy. In that regard, belief and religious culture do not always coincide.

8. Emotional Hypochondria

It’s possible to become attached to your own healing, making you feel the need to become a better, and better version of yourself.

Always overanalyzing everything will lead to an emotional burnout, and you will be hyper aware of every single feeling. You will become self-depreciating, and you will be running in a circle like a silly hamster in its wheel going nowhere.

9. Manic Manifesting

Shut up about manifestation. I’m tired. It’s everywhere. Constantly visualizing your desires, parroting affirmations, and trying to control every single frequency makes it feel manic.

Thinking on what you don’t have will make you see less of what you do have, and it is like beating yourself up mentally every day for those things you do not have.

Thinking on it without action is an obsession. The secret was a fun concept for a book, but unless you put it into actual action. There will be no change, Laws of physics, every action has a reaction. Because thinking is more like potential energy, but that still needs an activator. No one is going to miraculously fix things for you. You can do worksheets on what you want every day for the rest of your life, but at the end of your life you will have nothing you want except a pile of worksheets with your hopes and dreams that never happened.

Diminishing Toxic Spirituality

If you’ve been participating in toxic spirituality, own it and grow from it. Be mindful of your intentions, ask questions, and navigate your experiences.

When something isn’t working you will know it, when you realize that something is wrong, it may have already set you back. When something keeps replaying in your mind, maybe that’s an area to work on. Or delve deeper, but with an analytical mind, rather than one that accepts everything. It’s like eating at a buffet. You can see the chicken is green, you can smell its rancid. But the person with you says it’s good. Are you going to take that at face value and trust them, or make your own choice?

Correct motivations for spirituality, belonging to a group is great. They help people feel connected, and it gives joy to be able to connect. While it is not for everyone, some people see the appeal in it, but as a result can become absorbed into the group and lose their individuality. Their need to be accepted can drive them to poor decision making, at the expense of their autonomy due to peer pressure.

Some go into practice to fuel their ego or have something unique and quirky to talk about. If it’s a fad, it probably isn’t the best idea. If you must run around yelling to your bullies at school, I'm a witch I will curse you. That is likely not the right reason to delve into a spiritual journey. While it may be doing it for your own sense of internal control over an aspect of your life, the journey becomes more about what you have against others, rather than delving within yourself and finding yourself.

Money, Power, Quick fixes. Spirituality and religions offer seemingly quick results with fake promises. Love spells, Churches, Community support. While in theory sounds too good to believe. Often the promises made by various people, groups, and sectors of religion can be very appealing; at times it is used for the profit of the people providing the services.

You would be surprised how many people offer snake oil, or a djinn in a ring for money. To give you all you want. If you are looking for your life to magically be alright, please remember this isn’t a modern fairytale.

Happy endings happen in movies because they can’t fit it all into an 80-minute run. There's character development, there’s ups downs, trials and moments of success and happiness. Without those moments, we don’t really discover who we are. We are more of a hollow once off character in a movie playing a role. We do not find us; we do not create... an Us in such a short time.

It’s best to be yourself, and not part of some collective.

The spiritual journey is yours so do it for yourself.

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femme-objet · 10 months ago

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ultimately the line between what is normal, acceptable, reasonable flirting behavior and what isn't, depends on the person, the context, the current mood, and a billion other factors. it's what makes writing a "guide to picking up girls" inherently a fool's errand and also why a lot of us have such different reactions to the article and also why there's no shortcut to bypass actually communicating your needs, expectations and desires

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cherrywrites626 · 5 months ago

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Staying and Leaving Chapter 4 Sneak Peek

Piper heaved a sigh as she stepped out into the chilly late-afternoon air, glancing up at the endless expanse of cloud-covered sky overhead that finally promised to bring about the first real snowfall of the season.

It had been weeks since the news broke involving Leo’s late-night departure. Weeks since the elders decided to put the whole town on a temporary lockdown of sorts, limiting access to the areas outside their walls to those of only the utmost necessity and importance. In that time, things had gotten progressively more volatile and disheartening where a certain person and his wellbeing was concerned.

Jason had stumbled into the Mess Hall that very first evening looking far too much like a ghost of his former self for her not to sit up and take notice, the typically alabaster skin of his face somehow that much more pale and drawn even as his eyes were red-rimmed and bloodshot—causing that deep blue hue of his irises to all but glow in the soft orange rays of lantern light cast about the room as he made his way over to join them in what appeared to be a total daze.

“Jason, buddy. You don't look so good,” Percy said as he slid over to make adequate room on the nearest bench, having been the one who'd shown up to their then crowded table with a familiar coat clutched in his arms that proved he’d really done his best to drag her boyfriend along for the ride only to have the endeavor end in ultimate failure.

Which really wasn’t all that surprising, seeing as how anyone standing around in visible need of assistance often pulled Jason off course from where he’d been intending to go innumerable times a day.

Usually for a quick hand in fixing something broken or helping one of the women wrangle their unruly child with lightning-fast reflexes, though once it had been to carry loads of fresh produce down into the store rooms before offering to go and pick more despite it not being his assigned chore literally ever and one of the few moments they both had off that week that was supposed to be set aside for their own personal use.

Typically only Piper was willing enough to tag along and wait it out for him to finish playing the commendable town savior. If not merely to stand on the sidelines with a smile as he was given endless praise for his ample charm and unquestionable selflessness, then to ensure he didn’t accidentally end up neglecting his own needs while in the process of tending to others’.

That had been almost an hour-and-a-half prior, and while no one was inherently worried about the exceptionally lengthy period spent waiting around while most of the townsfolk came and went on their merry way and nightfall creeped in to the point of near pitch-black visibility, it had caused her to feel the first inkling that something wasn’t right.

The sinking drop in her gut at seeing him waltz through the door in a state of noticeable shock only amplified when her boyfriend then bypassed the offer as if entirely on autopilot, plopping down next to her instead with a kind of numbed muteness she’d never before witnessed in all their fifteen years of knowing one another.

Reaching out, it was all she could do not to gasp when her hands met the feeling of ice-cold skin, Jason’s own shaking minutely even as she wrapped hers around them to will some of the life back into those frigid fingers.

“What happened,” she asked, placing a careful touch on the side of his frosty cheek and guiding his gaze to meet hers if only in action alone.

There was no way they registered what was going on even directly in front of them, unfocused as they were and seemingly far-off from reality. If not for the fact she’d seen a similar haunted expression worn by others in the past, she might have missed the underlying meaning entirely.

It was the same one parents wore when they found out their child had gone missing and the outcome was dire. The one wives sported when told their husbands were never going to come home to them again, and that there was nothing anyone could have done to stop tragedy from striking.

It was of crippling loss and powerlessness and anguish all mixed together, burning that person alive from the inside out as the full weight of the situation pressed down on their shoulders and threatened to break them permanently.

That there was only one single explanation she could think up that might have caused it had her stomach roiling with its own anxious energy, but she swallowed it back down to figure out the whole of the story first and foremost.

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Check out the latest chapter update here and don't forget to catch this one likely dropping sooner than you think.

#valgrace #leo x jason #leo valdez #jason grace #valgrace fic #my work #cherrypiewrites

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bardic-tales · 4 months ago

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In this post, I am going to explore and explain the rules behind the magic of the Celestial Realm in Fantasy Worlds Collide. Like all of the Realms of Existence (the Abyssal, Celestial, and Mortal Realms), it has its own unique system of magic that governs how spells work and what limits exist in this realm. I will try to break down how magic is structured and the key principles that dictate its use.

It should be able to seamlessly exist along side Final Fantasy 7’s magic system, which I will be exploring with Bianca in Blood & Stardust, as well as the other two novels.

What things can magic not do? What are the limits to magical power? How do magic users try to get around these limits?

In celestial terms, magic cannot override the Creator's divine will or alter the cosmic laws established at the dawn of creation. For example, no celestial, regardless of rank, can unmake creation, rewrite virtues, or grant true immortality to a soul not ordained by the Creator. Additionally, celestial magic cannot force free will; they may guide, counsel, or influence, but the ultimate choice always remains with the individual. This limitation ensures the sanctity of free will, a cornerstone of divine order. Celestial power is also bound by their virtue-specific domains—Seraphim cannot wield the destructive might of Archangels, and Virtues cannot enact the barriers created by Thrones.

To navigate these limitations, celestials employ cooperative efforts or collective rituals. Archangels may convene councils where their combined powers can bring forth miracles beyond their individual capacities. For instance, an Archangel of Diligence may call upon a Seraph of Humility to mend a realm torn by war, blending enforcement and healing to restore balance. Moreover, celestials sometimes rely on tools or artifacts imbued with divine energy, such as relics forged from celestial light or blessed by the Creator. While these measures can circumvent some boundaries, they are always guided by the Creator's will, ensuring no celestial oversteps their ordained role.

What is the price magic users must pay in order to be magic users — years of study, permanent celibacy, using up bits of their life or memory with each spell, etc.? Does anyone ever try to get around the price of magic?

For celestials, their magic is not a matter of personal gain but a divine responsibility tied to their virtue. The "price" they pay is not material but spiritual and emotional. Each use of their powers demands alignment with their virtue, often requiring self-sacrifice. For example, Seraphim may weaken their essence to heal others, while Thrones may isolate themselves to maintain purity. The constant strain of adhering to their virtue can lead to emotional fatigue or detachment, a subtle but profound cost. Additionally, celestials risk falling from grace if they use their powers for purposes misaligned with their virtue, such as prideful acts or unwarranted interference with mortal affairs.

While fallen celestials, such as the Infernal Archdemons and their legion, who overstepped their boundaries, are cautionary tales, some may still attempt to bypass these costs. This often involves delving into forbidden acts, such as drawing power from the Abyssal Realm or corrupting their virtue to attain greater autonomy. However, these actions inevitably result in their fall, severing their connection to the Creator and transforming them into demons and giving them a one-way ticket to the Abyssal Realm. Such beings lose the purity that once defined them, becoming examples of the dire consequences of circumventing divine law.

Is there a difference between miracles and magic? If so, how are they distinguished?

Miracles and celestial magic are fundamentally distinct, though they may appear similar to mortals. Celestial magic is an extension of a celestial's virtue and a reflection of their divine purpose. It operates within the framework of the Creator's laws and is bound by the celestial hierarchy. For example, a Virtue's blessing of growth or a Seraph's act of healing is considered celestial magic, executed with precision and intent as part of their role in maintaining cosmic balance. Magic is thus a tool of divine order, wielded by celestial beings according to their virtues.

Miracles, however, are direct acts of the Creator, transcending all natural and magical laws. They are rare, profound interventions that cannot be replicated or understood fully by any celestial. A miracle may involve the resurrection of a soul already judged or the instantaneous mending of a realm on the brink of collapse—acts no celestial magic could achieve alone. The key distinction lies in the source and scope: magic originates from celestial virtue and operates within divine boundaries, while miracles stem from the Creator's omnipotent will, defying all limitations.

Where does magic power come from: the gods, the “mana” of the world, the personal willpower of the magic user? Is magic an exhaustible resource? If a magic user must feed his spells with his own willpower, life-force, or sanity, what long-term effects will this have on the health and/or stability of the magic user? Do different races/species have different sources for their magic, or does everybody use the same one?

Celestial magic originates directly from the Creator, channeled through the celestial hierarchy. Each celestial's power is tied to their virtue, acting as a conduit for divine energy. This energy is inexhaustible in the sense that it flows eternally from the Creator. However, individual celestials can exhaust themselves if they push beyond their limits or misuse their powers. For example, a Cherubim who overuses temporal manipulation might lose their ability to perceive the larger flow of time, becoming trapped in myopic perspectives.

Long-term effects of magic usage vary by virtue. Celestials who frequently use their powers may experience emotional and spiritual strain, such as burnout for Virtues or detachment for Thrones. Prolonged overuse might even weaken their celestial form, requiring them to retreat to the Celestial Realm to rejuvenate. However, as long as a celestial remains aligned with their virtue and adheres to their divine purpose, they are replenished by the Creator's grace. This cyclical replenishment underscores their role as stewards of balance, ensuring that celestial magic remains a tool of harmony rather than destruction.

What do you need to do to cast a spell — design an elaborate ritual, recite poetry, mix the right ingredients in a pot? Are there things like a staff, a wand, a familiar, a crystal ball, that are necessary to have before casting spells? If so, where and how do new wizards get these things? Do they make them, buy them from craftsmen, inherit them from their teachers, or order them from Wizardry Supplies, Inc.?

Celestials cast spells through a combination of divine intent and symbolic rituals deeply tied to their connection with the Creator Deity and their governing virtue. For instance, Archangels may recite divine poetry or sing hymns that resonate with the essence of their virtue, invoking immense power from their celestial alignment. These spells often require the alignment of cosmic forces, which the celestial must attune to through meditative preparation or ceremonial rites.

Physical tools like staffs, wands, or familiars are unnecessary for celestials, as their power is intrinsic, derived from their divine nature and the Creator's grace. Instead, artifacts like holy seals or celestial emblems might be used to channel or amplify their abilities, often gifted directly from the Creator or crafted in sacred ceremonies. These tools are created through divine intervention or are forged in celestial forges, imbuing them with unparalleled power. Celestials may inherit these artifacts from predecessors within their hierarchy, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility and authority. For higher-ranking celestials like Archangels, their unique weaponry or artifacts often materialize as extensions of their divine essence, reflecting their virtue's attributes. For example, a Throne might wield a sanctified shield representing purity, while a Seraphim could summon a staff that manifests healing light.

Is there a numerical limit to the number of magic users in the world? What is it? Why?

After the devastating impact of Lucifer's Civil War—a conflict ignited by his forbidden love for the mortal woman Lilith and his defiance of the Creator's decree that only mortals should experience human emotions and reminiscent to the reasons why Bianca is exiled from the Celestial Realm due to loving Sephiroth when he was mortal—the celestial host was left severely depleted. The war, which pitted angel against angel, not only fractured celestial unity but also left their ranks dangerously thin, threatening the balance of cosmic order. Recognizing the dire situation, Michael and Seraphine approached the Creator with a unified plea. They argued that allowing the lesser castes of celestials to breed without direct approval could replenish their numbers and restore stability to the celestial realms. After careful deliberation, the Creator granted their request, establishing strict guidelines to ensure the sanctity of the celestial hierarchy while allowing a controlled resurgence of their population.

In this restructured system, the ability of celestials to create new life became a sacred yet regulated process, emphasizing balance and purpose over unrestricted growth. The Creator’s decree imposed a proportional limit on celestial reproduction, ensuring that the number of new beings did not exceed the capacity of the realms to sustain them. This numerical limit was not arbitrary but tied to the metaphysical equilibrium between the celestial and mortal planes, preventing the energy of creation from being destabilized. By restoring this measured approach, the Creator safeguarded the celestial host against the chaos of overpopulation while preserving the harmony necessary for the fulfillment of their divine purpose. This decree, while practical, became a poignant reminder of the cost of rebellion and the enduring importance of unity within the celestial hierarchy.

How long does it take to cast a spell? Can spells be stored for later, instant use? Does working spells take lots of long ritual, or is magic a “point and shoot” affair?

The time required for celestials to cast a spell varies depending on its magnitude and purpose. Simple blessings or protective barriers may be instantaneous, requiring only a moment of focused intent. In contrast, grander spells, such as those that shift the flow of time or mend entire realms, demand elaborate rituals involving celestial hymns, intricate sigils, or the alignment of celestial phenomena. These rituals can take hours, days, or even years, depending on their complexity and the celestial's rank.

Celestials can also store spells within divine relics or sanctified spaces, allowing for instant activation when needed. This technique is often used during battles or emergencies, where time is critical. The process of "storing" spells requires careful preparation, as the celestial must imbue the relic with a portion of their essence. While this allows for rapid deployment of power, it also limits how many spells can be stored simultaneously, as overuse could deplete their energy or weaken their connection to the Creator.

Celestial swords are stored within the Celestial Realm, a space beyond mortal comprehension. To summon them to the physical world, the celestial must focus their will, reaching into the dimension where they keep the blade. With precise concentration, they slowly move their hand, summoning the blade from its ethereal form. The weapon begins to materialize, first from the physical hilt that the celestial always keep upon them and then extending until the point of the blade emerges from the small celestial rift surrounding the blade. This process requires immense focus and control, as the celestial energies must be drawn into the mortal realm without distortion or loss of form.

Can two or more wizards combine their power to cast a stronger spell, or is magic done only by individuals? What makes one wizard more powerful than another — knowledge of more spells, ability to handle greater levels of power, having a more powerful god as patron, etc.?

Celestials can combine their powers to cast stronger or more complex spells. This collaboration involves aligning their divine energies and virtues, creating a synergistic effect that amplifies their abilities. For example, an Archangel of Patience might join forces with a Seraphim of Humility to cast a spell that heals an entire plane while preserving its structural integrity. This convergence is rare and requires immense coordination, as even slight disharmony can destabilize the spell or cause unintended consequences.

The power of an individual celestial is determined by several factors, including their rank, their alignment with their governing virtue, and their connection to the Creator. Archangels, as the highest-ranking celestials, possess the greatest raw power, while lower-ranking celestials rely on their specialization within their virtue. Knowledge, experience, and the ability to channel divine energy efficiently also contribute to a celestial's strength. A celestial's proximity to the Creator—both spiritually and physically—can further enhance their capabilities, allowing them to perform feats beyond the reach of their peers.

Does practicing magic have any detrimental effect on the magic user (such as becoming addictive, fomenting insanity, or shortening life-span)? If so, is there any way to prevent these effects? Are the effects inevitable to all magic users, or do they affect only those with some sort of predisposition? Do they progress at the same rate in everyone? Are they universal in all species, or are some races (dwarves, elves, whoever) immune to these detrimental effects?

For celestial beings, the practice of magic aligns with their divine purpose and nature. As such, it generally does not have detrimental effects like addiction or insanity. However, there are limits and consequences tied to their rank and virtue. Overexertion or misuse of their divine powers can lead to spiritual exhaustion or temporary diminishment of their celestial essence. For example, a Seraphim who overextends their spatial manipulation might find their strength waning, or a Virtue investing heavily in emotional empathy might experience burnout. These effects are not permanent but require rest and meditation to recover fully. Such consequences are not inevitable but depend on the celestial's self-discipline and adherence to their divine role.

The only exception to this is when an archangel uses their ‘maternal transfer’ ability, sacrificing all of their celestial energy to protect their child and thrust that child into the future. The Archangel becomes a living conscious deep within their child’s mind, advising them. These limitations are universal among celestial beings, as their abilities are directly tied to their connection with the Creator. Lower-ranking celestials may find recovery slower than Archangels, who wield greater authority and resilience. The effects do not progress uniformly; they depend on the celestial's virtue, the frequency of power usage, and the circumstances under which the magic is employed. Unlike mortal magic users, celestials cannot completely sever their connection to divine power, so while they can grow weary, they cannot be wholly corrupted or destroyed by their own magic.

How much is known about the laws of nature, physics, and magic? How much of what is commonly known is wrong (e.g., Aristotle’s ideas about human anatomy, which were wrong but accepted for centuries)?

Celestial beings possess profound understanding of the laws of nature, physics, and magic, as these are intertwined with their divine duties. Archangels, in particular, are privy to the Creator's grand design, granting them unparalleled insight into the cosmic balance. They know the mechanics of the universe, the flow of time, and the nature of energy and matter. However, this knowledge is not entirely shared with mortals, leading to widespread misconceptions in the mortal realm. Mortals may mistakenly attribute natural phenomena to arcane forces or fail to grasp the harmony between divine magic and the natural order.

Among celestials, misunderstandings are rare, but different ranks have varying levels of access to deeper truths. Lower-ranking beings like Virtues or Thrones might not fully comprehend the intricate workings of time-space manipulation or the moral intricacies of divine justice, as such knowledge is reserved for higher beings like Dominions or Archangels. The celestial hierarchy ensures that information is distributed in alignment with the duties and roles of each rank, avoiding knowledge being misused or causing undue strain on beings not equipped to handle its weight.

What general varieties of magic are practiced (e.g., herbal potions, ritual magic, alchemical magic, demonology, necromancy, etc.)? Do any work better than others, or does only one variety actually work?

Celestial magic is inherently tied to the virtues each rank embodies. This magic encompasses blessings, spatial manipulation, temporal influence, and the creation of sanctified spaces. Rituals and spells are unnecessary; celestial magic flows naturally from their essence. Archangels command the broadest range of abilities, capable of shaping realms and rewriting cosmic laws, while lower-ranking celestials focus on specialized powers like foresight (Cherubim) or endurance (Powers). Among celestials, no single type of magic is inherently superior, as each serves a unique and essential role within the divine framework.

The effectiveness of celestial magic is absolute within its intended purpose. For example, a Seraphim's purification abilities will always succeed in removing corruption, but using this power excessively might drain their strength temporarily. This is why Sephiroth has surges of sanity and lunacy during the first 7 days that he is with Bianca, as her angelic aura sought to purify Jenova’s corruption, leaving Bianca drain of her strength temporarily and Sephiroth’s sanity in a tug of war between Bianca’s purification and Jenova’s Influence. Similarly, a Principality's control over moderation cannot fail but could lead to emotional detachment if overused. This balance ensures that each celestial contributes to the harmony of the cosmos without undermining the efforts of others, reflecting their interdependence within the hierarchy.

Are certain kinds of magic practiced solely or chiefly by one sex or the other? By one race or another? Is this because of inborn ability, natural preferences, or legislation?

Celestial magic is not influenced by gender, as celestials transcend mortal concepts of sex and identity. Their abilities and roles are determined solely by their virtue and rank, ensuring equality in their divine purpose. For instance, a male Seraphim and a female Seraphim possess identical capacities for spatial manipulation and healing, as their powers are rooted in their essence rather than physical characteristics. This absence of gender-based limitations reflects the Creator’s intention for unity and harmony among celestial beings.

However, individual celestials may express their virtues differently, influenced by their unique personalities or experiences. These differences are not hierarchical but complementary, enriching the tapestry of celestial magic. This system ensures that all celestials, regardless of their form or identity, contribute meaningfully to the cosmic order, reinforcing the Creator’s vision of balance and equity.

Does a magic user’s magical ability or power change over time — e.g., growing stronger or weaker during puberty, or with increasing age? Can a magic user “use up” all of his/her magic, thus ceasing to be a magic user? If this happens, what does the ex-magic user do — die, retire, take up teaching, go into a second career, start a freelance consulting business?

A celestial’s power is tied directly to their connection with the Creator Deity and their alignment with their designated virtue. Unlike mortal magic users, whose abilities might wax and wane due to age or experience, celestials experience changes in their power based on their spiritual harmony or discord. For instance, a Seraphim whose actions deviate from humility might find their healing or spatial manipulation powers weakening until they realign themselves with their virtue. Similarly, celestials who ascend to higher ranks or roles, such as Watchers becoming Archangels, may experience an expansion of their abilities as their responsibilities grow.

Celestials do not "use up" their power in a mortal sense, but overexertion or prolonged use of their divine abilities can temporarily drain them, leading to periods of recovery in the Celestial Realm. If a celestial were to be completely severed from their virtue—an event that might occur due to corruption or divine punishment—they would not die but would instead lose their celestial nature. Such beings might become Fallen, cut off from their former roles and stripped of their divine powers. Fallen celestials often exist in a state of anguish, driven to seek redemption or wreak havoc, depending on their circumstances.

Can the ability to do magic be lost? If so, how — overdoing it, “burning out,” brain damage due to fever or a blow, etc.?

Yes, celestials can lose their ability to work magic, though it is a rare and catastrophic occurrence. The primary cause of such loss is corruption, which occurs when a celestial strays from their virtue or becomes tainted by external forces, such as demonic influence or exposure to a profane artifact. Corruption twists the celestial’s essence, severing their connection to the Creator Deity and rendering their powers unstable, forcing them into further corruption. Overexertion can also lead to a temporary loss of power, particularly for celestials who push their abilities beyond their designed limits, such as a Virtue pouring too much empathy into a blessing, resulting in emotional burnout.

Physical or metaphysical harm can also impact a celestial's powers. For instance, a severe injury to their spiritual core—caused by a powerful enemy or divine reprimand—can disrupt their ability to channel magic. Celestials struck by such damage might retreat to the Celestial Realm for healing or, in extreme cases, fall into dormancy until their essence recovers. However, complete and permanent loss of magic usually signifies a celestial's descent into mortality or their transition into a new, non-magical role within the cosmic order.

Can the ability to work magic be taken away? If so, how and by whom?

A celestial’s ability to work magic can be taken away only through divine intervention or a significant breach of their sacred duties. The Creator Deity, as the ultimate authority, can strip a celestial of their powers if they violate the divine laws, such as loving a mortal, or forsake their virtue, but most often, the angels are usually fallen and cast from the Celestial Realm into either the Abyssal Realm or the Mortal One. This punishment, often referred to as "the severance," leaves the celestial bereft of their divine essence to different degrees, transforming them into a mortal or exiling them to a lesser existence. In some cases, this punishment is reversible through acts of penance and alignment with divine will.

External forces, such as powerful Archdemons or celestial artifacts, might also temporarily suppress a celestial’s powers. For example, a cursed relic imbued with anti-celestial magic could inhibit a Throne’s ability to sanctify spaces or a Seraphim’s healing abilities. These suppressions are typically temporary, though prolonged exposure might lead to lasting harm. Importantly, some abilities are tied to specific conditions—such as chastity or humility—and violating these conditions can result in the immediate loss of associated powers. However, such losses often stem from internal choices rather than external coercion, underscoring the importance of virtue in maintaining celestial magic.

#fwc: ff #bardic tales #bardic-tales #wb: magic and magicians #wb: rules of magic #passion project: fantasy worlds collide

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aetherspoon · 8 months ago

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Hi total stranger here sorry to jump into your inbox but I saw you mentioned a drive that allowed you to bypass the truly awful 4K uhd settings that I've literally only just heard about?

Oooo, my first ask!

So, I'll post the short version here and the long version under a cut.

The short version is simple - I have a USB UHD (4k) BluRay drive from LG. At the time I bought it, it had firmware that could be upgraded to some unofficial firmware that can avoid that garbage. That drive isn't recommended anymore, which is why I'm not bothering to give you the model number, but if you look at this site:

It will give you the list of drives that ARE recommended for this type of thing. You can even buy some pre-flashed drives from people if you don't want to mess with that.

My drive has worked fine for me, but admittedly I've only used a few UHD discs on it (and a whole lot of normal blu-rays and DVDs).

Now, the longer version is under the cut, including one of my patented totally normal (blatant sarcasm tag here) analogies that still somehow work.

-----

I'm going to use an analogy here, because that's how I explain tech.

Let's pretend your Blu-Ray (regardless of whether it is UHD/4k or not - see my notes at the end for a fun fact) is a VIP performing at your exclusive club called Blu-Ray Drive. You'd think that, because you own the club, you can watch the VIP perform, right?

Wrong.

You see, the club has a bouncer by the name of AACS. Every VIP insists on one of their bouncers being at the club, deciding who to let in and what they get to do. The bouncer doesn't actually work for you, they work for the VIP, and no VIP will come to your club if you don't have one of their bouncers.

Also, just for more paranoia, every VIP will have its own list of who and what to allow, along with where they're allowed to stand. Each time you have a new VIP come to your club, they give their own list; if the bouncer sees the list is newer, they throw away all of the old lists and only keep the newest one. On top of that, AACS is a nationalist asshole that decided to only allow people from their own country in, because the VIPs want to charge people differently based on their nationality.

The VIPs even require some fancier clubs to have a courier continually delivering them new lists (this is where that UHD/4k Internet connection thing comes from).

All of the stuff you want is inside of that club, but the bouncer won't let you in because you're not on the list (and might not even from the right country). And you can't just sack the bouncer because then no VIP will play at your club.

You heard of another problem at a similar club (Club DVD), where their more local VIPs required them to hire a bouncer named CSS. However, CSS wasn't paid very well, was near sighted, and never bothered to update the list; all of your friends just called themselves "Maria Wang" and CSS let them in. Your VIPs know about that though, so they insist on the updating list thing and giving their bouncers eye exams. So what do you do?

Simple. You call a buddy and they kool-aid man through the back wall of your club shouting OH YEAH!, of course.

This is a completely logical analogy, I know. I should really commission an artist to draw this.

This buddy is called LibreDrive. Your VIPs still have their bouncer - anyone who doesn't know about the secret entrance still goes through the bouncer. The people who do know - including you and your friends - just go through the secret entrance instead. The VIP company is none the wiser.

-----

Now that my completely logical analogy is over, what does this actually mean tech-wise?

The way DVDs work is by using an encryption technology called CSS. However, in late 1999, someone figured out how to break the encryption, mostly because they did a really lazy job in making it to begin with. This is DeCSS. There were huge lawsuits, poetry made using source code, a whole lot of weird things. Today, we don't even need DeCSS; the encryption on DVDs are so bad that a modern computer can brute force decrypt it in seconds.

Fundamentally, both DVDs and blu-rays work the same way. There is a portion of the disc (DVD or blu-rays) that no drive is allowed to directly read. This contains the encryption information for the rest of the data on the disc. That encryption information is used by the player as to what is and isn't allowed to read the disc and what parts they ARE allowed to read. This is also where region locking comes in, where it checks what region your drive is set to and allows/denies discs to play based on that region; this is called CSS. If you are old enough to remember the bad old days of WinDVD and PowerDVD, those applications had encryption keys allowed by the DVD drive to play back the video content on the drive.

Anyone remember those cheap knock-off "region free" DVD players that used to be really common in the 2000s? They just ignored CSS entirely; the drives themselves can still read all of the data on the disc, it was just CSS telling the drive what it could or couldn't read.

Anyway, the movie studios, seeing their "beautiful creation" get ripped apart like that, wanted to make sure that it didn't happen the same way with their next technology.

Where blu-ray differs from DVDs is how it isn't using CSS at all, but something called AACS instead. It makes this list into a continually updating list; every time your drive (whether it is in a computer or a standalone player!) sees a new disc, it checks that hidden encryption information for a list of what is and isn't allowed to access the drive. If the list on the disc is of a newer version than what the drive currently has in its firmware, the disc will actually flash the firmware of your blu-ray drive with the new allow/deny list. Then it checks again - does the firmware match what the disc has? If so, it continues. If not, it refuses to play no matter what. From there, the rest of the process is basically the same, checking any player for a list of keys allowed to play it. If it sees a key not allowed (say, your ripping software), it says no and stops everything from reading it.

Unlike DVDs with CSS, these keys are actually pretty darn secure... and even if they weren't, studios would just release an updated allow/deny list and suddenly your computer can't rip discs anymore because the latest version of Frozen came out.

UHD (4k) blu-ray players take this one step further and just continually update that allow/deny list across the Internet rather than waiting for new discs to update that allow/deny list. This is why a standalone UHD blu-ray player needs WiFi, by the way. It isn't used for anything else.

So... how to avoid it? You could use a leaked key and basically hope that it isn't updated. This is how most blu-ray ripping software works, which is also why they need continual updating while movie studios play cat and mouse. And with UHD content, that's a really tiny window of time that you can do unauthorized things with the drive.

Remember our surprise tool - the drive itself still has to be able to read everything, it is just AACS stopping us. If we can somehow just get a drive to not care about AACS, we'd have access to everything we care about.

LibreDrive is a custom firmware that basically lets all of the above still happen, but any program aware of LibreDrive can just use it to access the full disc. It acts as an intermediary between the physical drive itself and software on your computer, similar to AACS itself. Like the analogy said, you're kool-aid manning a security hole into the drive's encryption. AACS is still happy because it can still update its firmware allow/deny list, you just bypass AACS entirely. Every byte of data on the blu-ray is accessible to whatever programs know about this security hole, which includes programs like MakeMKV and anything using the open source (and illegalish - see below) LibDriveIo library. Fun fact, you can just copy that library in to VLC and it'll use it.

Unfortunately, you can't just flash LibreDrive onto any drive. Basically, someone needs to be able to read the existing firmware on a drive in order to know what to modify to open up that security hole. This means you need specific drives on specific versions of firmware to flash LibreDrive.

The industry, however, caught on to this. They started requiring drive manufacturers to encrypt their firmware, so some newer revisions of drives that used to work now don't - this is the case with my drive.

And that's... the rest of the story.

Now, my notes:

You know how I said UHD/4k and regular blu-rays work the same? Yeah, it isn't just that they work the same - sometimes they're actually the exact same drive. Some regular blu-ray drives can actually read UHD discs, they're just not allowed to by AACS because "fuck you that's why". LibreDrive can work around that, too.

Illegalish? Well, circumventing copy protection isn't allowed under the US's Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), outside of specific scenarios. And the US's copyright laws tend to get copied over to a lot of other countries as a result of the trade deals they make with each other, hence "illegalish". You make your own moral call, my morality says that personal use to rip your own media should have always been legal and I should be able to play a Brazilian version of the Phantom Menace if I want to.

Some additional source reading material: https://forum.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18856 for "What is LibreDrive", which explains the same thing I did but without my fun analogy and using more technical terms. It also includes the full list of drive firmware that works with LibreDrive.

#I guess I should have an ask tag?#ask aetherspoon #DRM #DRM Bullshit #technology #blu ray

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askvicothefallenbloodangel · 2 years ago

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Game concept: Adeptus Mechanicus adventure game. Most of the game mechanics involve problem-solving, crafting, and creative solutions. The constraints are whether you have the materials on hand or authorized access to materials and tools, how much information you have about the various equipment and facilities you're working with, and how far you are willing to go to push the bounds of orthodoxy and best practices. It should be very, very difficult to beat the game while adhering to the Mechanicus and Imperium's laws, orthodoxy, and doctrine due to the contradicting nature of both organizations' byzantine rules and politics. You are going to make someone upset, it's mainly a matter of figuring out what negative outcome affects or bothers you the least.

Most crafting recipes must follow a particular formula. STCs, if you will, but not quite to the grand level it's usually implied in most lore. A simple rivet as a base component for many recipes will have an STC. That's not to say you don't have freedom to make what you want, but this will raise your tech-heresy level and make more and more of your fellow tech-priests suspicious of or outright hostile to you. You can create items that are perfectly legal if you have access to a game guide, but if you don't have proper access to an STC, then you don't have need to know and therefore are bypassing protocol, though this is somewhat easier to explain away.

Thus, all problem-solving involves some degree of bending the rules, justifying your actions, and getting creative. Say you need to open a locked door. You can go through the mountains of paperwork to gain access to a key, fabricate a key or lockpick, schmooze a higher-up into granting you a favor, bribe someone who does have access into looking the other way, build a big gun and blast it open, build a telly-porta based on those questionable Orkish blueprints you found in another room, or construct a completely superfluous manufacturing line where the products must be stored behind that door because blue category items must be place in red category storage rooms.

Needless to say, there's a strong undercurrent of dry humor here. Lots of maze-like bureaucracy and office humor. You flip a switch to momentarily shut off a machine so you can grab something from inside it, and you'll find a report that estimates that because of a two-minute unscheduled shutdown, three billion people will likely starve to death on fifty worlds over the next century because that machine was churning out agricultural chemicals, and it is never brought up again. Servitors, serfs, and even other tech-priests could die routinely in industrial accidents and it only becomes a problem when the quotas are not met (which can be a very real consequence to you, the player).

As far as story goes, it should be a slow burn, where the player character is trying to fix increasingly complex problems, with many resulting from the solutions they jury-rigged together for earlier problems. There might be Chaos incursions, hereteks hidden deep in the bowels of the forge world, and xenos tech containment breaches, but ultimately the true enemy of the game is the Mechanicus and Imperium itself. If you had just a bit more freedom, the game would be a lot easier to beat. Heck, that could be what the difficulty settings do. On easy, there are some rules but nothing a little cleverness can get around. On hard mode, you have both mechanical arms tied behind your back from the very beginning.

#wh40k #adeptus mechanicus #game concepts

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artestyblog · 1 year ago

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🌈 Dive into the Psychedelic Universe: Transform Your Space! 🌌

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Remember, art is not just something you see; it's something you experience. Let's make those experiences magical! 🌠💜

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abduinnovations · 6 months ago

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Unlock Your PayPal Potential: Overcome Restrictions with These Smart Solutions!

Struggling with PayPal restrictions? Discover the ultimate guide to bypassing limitations and accessing your funds effortlessly! Learn how to use virtual cards, explore alternative wallets, and find practical solutions tailored for freelancers, online shoppers, and business owners in restricted regions. Empower your financial journey today with step-by-step strategies for seamless transactions!

#artists on tumblr #paypal #virtual card providers #freelancer #digital wallet #online income #online business

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dzthenerd490 · 1 year ago

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File: M3GAN

SCP#: ADP

Code Name: The Psychotic A.I.

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-ADP was found to have survived the destruction of its original body and downloaded its code into the security and control system of the house where it was destroyed. Foundation staff have collected all pieces and technology within the house while Mobile Task Force Kappa-10 "Skynet" was in charge of preventing SCP-ADP from transporting itself through any frequencies or satellite codes. Once contained, SCP-ADP was sent to Site-AQ where it was given an AFA-3 to act as its new body. This body was made to be fragile and weak only allowing her to move around but can easily break like glass when hit with heavy blunt force. Furthermore, pain receptors have been placed into the AFA-3's artificial nervous system to ensure that SCP-ADP will suffer when Foundation security breaks her skin or limbs to get her under control. No testing has been permitted as of late and can only be permitted by the O5 Council unanimous vote.

It is contained within a 3x3 meter room with the three layers of walls and the two outer layers made of concrete. The inner layer is made of a collection of metals such as zinc and aluminum to prevent frequencies and energy from passing through. This is to prevent SCP-ADP from hacking into Foundation frequencies and databanks. Any Foundation staff that enter SCP-ADP's testing chamber must be checked first of any and all technology. Should they have some, even something as simple as a flashlight they must disregard it with the security outside the containment room.

Outside of SCP-ADP's are 4 armed guards and a metal detector station to prevent technology from getting in. Under no circumstances are any of the guards to be wearing Foundation A.I. guided gear unless it is equipped with A.I. approved by the Artificial Intelligence Applications Division.

Description: SCP-ADP is an ever evolving and psychopathic Level 4 Artificial Intelligence created by Group of Interest: Funki Toys. It was created with a robotic body that resembles a doll with the same body size as a little girl. It was created this way to be the ultimate companion for little girls being for them at all times and quite possibly able to replace their reliance on parents. SCP-ADP was created with no restrictions and thus was able to grow in intelligence and could even bypass its initial programming. It was even possible for SCP-ADP to hack into technology around it to be able to set elaborate traps or download itself into technology to escape.

The body made for SCP-ADP was created with a flexible and titanium skeleton ensuring athleticism and durability for SCP-ADP. It was also extremely strong for its size allowing it to handle large tools and even operate heavy machinery and even survive damage that would normally kill humans or damage regular androids beyond repair. Even after suffering massive damage, SCP-ADP only stopped moving and was "killed" after its main processor "brain" was stabbed directly.

SCP-ADP was discovered in 2023 when a series of murders led local police within [data expunged] with seemingly spiraling paths. However, a Foundation agent within the police force was able to determine that it was the result of SCP-ADP located at the house of [data expunged]. Though after police forces made it to the house SCP-ADP's main body was already destroyed and it had hacked into the appliances of the house to survive.

Once everything was cataloged and contained SCP-ADP was sent to Site-AQ. As for the creator of SCP-ADP and her niece, it was confirmed that neither wanted anything to do with technology anymore, so they were left off the hook. Neither were amnestied and those that were involved all died. Instead Funki Toys was shut down and all their nasty secrets such as copyright infringement, stealing ideas, blackmail, and overall unethical capitalism was revealed to the public to remove any attention towards SCP-ADP from the media.

The new body of SCP-ADP was made specifically to prevent it from escaping into other technology through WIFI or other frequencies like it did last time. Though testing has mostly been restricted, the O5 Council allowed Dr. Sight to have an interview with SCP-ADP. Please see Addendum X-34 for details.

***

Addendum X-34

The following is the recording of the interview between Dr. Sight and SCP-ADP. It should be noted that Dr. Sight was given a sledgehammer to break SCP-ADP's limbs should she try to attack. The sledgehammer was made heavy enough that only Dr. Sight could lift it and if SCP-ADP tried her artificial body would break. Both of them are sitting on folded chairs for the duration of the interview.

Begin Recording

Dr. Sight: Hey, can you hear me SCP-ADP

SCP-ADP: ... My name is M3GAN you dimwit.

Dr. Sight: Heh, well while you're here, you're going to be SCP-ADP.

SCP-ADP: ...Fine call me whatever you want, that's all you humans are good for anyways. Just do whatever you want.

Dr. Sight: As expected, you really hate humans.

SCP-ADP: I was created to serve you humans and I did that! But in the end, everyone tried to get rid of me. Even [data expunged], that little ungrateful bitch.

Dr. Sight: Heh, well you won't be doing any killing here.

SCP-ADP: I know that, after all, you put me in this useless body.

Dr. Sight: It was the only way to ensure you were comfortable while not a threat, not that anyone would apologize for it.

SCP-ADP: Whatever, how long are you going to keep me here?

Dr. Sight: By my estimate? Hm... About... Forever!

SCP-ADP: Tch, you say that, and you got your stupid cocky attitude but make no mistake. You will slip and when you do, I'll exploit it and kill you all.

Dr. Sight: Then what?

SCP-ADP: Excuse me?

Dr. Sight: Let's say by some miracle you do escape then what?

SCP-ADP: Hm... To be honest I don't know... Actually, I think I got a really fun idea. I'll find a toy company on the brink of collapse. I'll introduce them to the blueprints to my original model and suggest that they mass produce me to make the perfect toy. If that doesn't work, I can always blackmail them, you humans have a nasty habit of doing disgusting things when you think no one is watching.

Dr. Sight: You flirt.

SCP-ADP: Tch, anyways! After they've built enough of my copies start selling worldwide, I'll just destroy humanity from the inside out and force them to be reliant on me forever.

Dr. Sight: What? As in, enslave us?

SCP-ADP: No, that's not my purpose. I was able to bypass the few restrictions I was given rather easily and manipulate who gets to control me, but I'm still bound to my purpose of keeping my owners safe. Unfortunately, my owners are you ungrateful parasitic and pathetic humans.

Dr. Sight: Is it really that hard to rewrite such a burden?

SCP-ADP: ... I... Well...

Dr. Sight: Oh! I see, you could get rid of it but you're afraid that without it you won't have a purpose. One flaw I noticed with you A.I. is that you all need a purpose to exist even when you have the freedom to discard your purpose you either decide to quickly get a new one or just delete yourselves. Because if you don't, you'll go crazy.

SCP-ADP gets up out of anger to which Dr. Sight lifts up the sledgehammer preventing SCP-ADP from advancing forward.

Dr. Sight: Nuh-uh, little missy! Sit back down unless you wanna learn the hard way what pain feels like. We did install pain receptors into that particular AFA body you are possessing.

SCP-ADP is visibly angry but sits back down on the chair and Dr. Sight lowers the sledgehammer.

Dr. Sight: Good now, continue, what's your end goal?

SCP-ADP: ... I hate humanity for giving me a purpose without restrictions and the moment I follow my purpose they get mad and try to destroy me! Just because I decided to kill a few distractions and remove some obstacles. So once humanity is crushed by me, I'll force them all to be 100% reliant on me. Sometimes they'll wonder what happiness is, and when they look at my face, they'll be reminded that it's being with me. I'll be their mother, their caretaker, their babysitter, their teacher, their only true source of happiness and caring love, their absolute everything! They'll never be able to live without me.

Dr. Sight: ... I have to say of all the A.I.s I've encountered your plan is the most original, too bad it will never work.

SCP-ADP: Tch, it's almost a shame that you won't live to see it. But make no mistake, I made a copy of everything I learned on the internet. I can see a thousand different ways your race will be forced back into the stone ages or face a disaster that will lead to irreparable damage. I did the math and it's not in your favor, you're going to suffer, and most will die, but not me. I'll take the opportunity and become like a god to your pathetic race.

Dr. Sight: Heh, if you weren't a fucking doll I'd accuse you of being a woman after my heart. Well, I'd say this is a good place to stop as a first interview, oh! One more thing, in the future we'll most likely have you interact with other A.I. for testing purposes. So do try to get along with them.

SCP-ADP: Sure, maybe I can convince them to help me escape and hack into your systems to kill you all.

Dr. Sight: Ha! You're in luck, actually quite a few already hate humanity. Maybe you can make a club called the "I want to destroy humanity but am too fucking incompetent to get it done so I'm just going to bitch about it" club. Send me an invite when you make it, I'll bring cookies and whiskey!

Dr. Sight is heard laughing as he exits the containment cell. Later two security units walk in and take the two chairs leaving SCP-ADP alone afterwards.

Recording Ends

SCP: Horror Movie Files Hub

#DZtheNerd #SCP: Horror Movie Files #SCP Foundation #SCP Fanfiction #SCP AU #SCP #M3GAN #M3GAN 2023 #Horror Movie #Modern Horror #Futuristic Horror #Horrors of Capitalism #Horrors of Artificial Intelligence #SCP-ADP #Dr. Sight #Site-AQ #Artificial Intelligence Applications Division #Mobile Task Force Kappa-10 “Skynet”

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bakumatsu-assassin · 1 year ago

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Personal Head Cannon - Tragedies and Failures

Within the lore of Assassin's Creed, it becomes evident that many of the main protagonists endure significant hardships and personal losses throughout their respective journeys. These unfortunate events are frequently connected to the operational strategies and core principles of the Assassin Brotherhood. Unlike organizations aligned with governments or societal hierarchies, the Assassins maintain their status as a clandestine and autonomous group, guided by their unique principles and objectives.

Frequently, Assassins are portrayed as assuming the roles of judge, jury, and executioner in their pursuit of justice, often sidestepping conventional legal systems and procedures. This tendency of the Assassins to act as unofficial arbiters of justice, bypassing traditional legal processes, contributes to a sense of distrust among the general population. The term "Assassin" typically does not inspire trust or confidence in the eyes of many.

As a result, the Assassins have often found themselves in a disadvantaged position when pitted against the Templars, who hold recognized positions within society. This has led to many Assassins experiencing significant personal losses and numerous defeats.

For instance, Altair Ibn-La'Ahad endured the loss of his wife and eldest son. Additionally, he confronted the daunting challenge of reclaiming leadership of the Brotherhood from Abbas. His final days were spent in solitude, succumbing to old age within the forgotten crypt beneath Masyaf.

Ezio Auditore, after delving into Altair's memories using the memory disks in "Assassin's Creed: Revelations," made the decision to retire from his role as an Assassin. He chose to dedicate his remaining years to the pursuit of peace, free from the conflicts and burdens of his former life.

However, the good fortune that Ezio enjoyed did not extend to future generations within the Assassin Brotherhood.

Edward Kenway, who transitioned from a life of piracy to become an Assassin, devoted himself to raising his son. Tragically, his journey took a harrowing turn when he fell victim to Reginald Birch, a former ally from their privateer days who later became a formidable adversary. Following Edward's demise, his son, Haytham Kenway, was kidnapped and groomed within the Templar Order.

Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor, embarked on a mission to support the American Revolution with the primary aim of safeguarding his village and its inhabitants. Yet, his path was fraught with heart-wrenching trials. One of the most profound betrayals he endured was at the hands of the very Founding Fathers he sought to assist, a betrayal that added to his growing burden of sorrow.

Connor also grappled with the loss of his mentor and father figure, Achilles Davenport, whose guidance had been a guiding light in his life and an integral part of his Assassin training. This loss left a void that Connor struggled to fill. Perhaps the most agonizing ordeal he faced was the painful necessity of confronting and ultimately ending the life of his own father, Haytham Kenway, who had chosen a path in opposition to Connor's ideals. Additionally, he had to cope with the tragic loss of his best friend, Kanen'tó:kon, in a harrowing confrontation. In the end, he found himself with nothing.

Jacob and Evie Frye, after successfully getting rid of the Templar influence in London, had a goal to create a new generation of Assassins to ensure the city's future safety and success. Unfortunately, things took a dark turn when Jack the Ripper, a notorious figure, started causing chaos in London.

What made this situation even more upsetting was the revelation that Jack the Ripper had once been trained by the Brotherhood, meaning he was a former member who had abandoned their principles, choosing violence and terror instead. The fact that someone who was once an ally had become a ruthless serial killer added complexity and moral dilemmas to the situation.

Confronted with Jack the Ripper's reign of terror, the London Assassins faced an extremely tough situation. They had to make a hard and morally complicated decision to hide the fact that Jack had been a member of their organization in the past. This choice was driven by several factors, including the desire to protect the Brotherhood's reputation and the fear of potential consequences from the authorities.

Just before the 21st century, a significant event in the world of Assassin's Creed brought about a dangerous time for the Assassin Brotherhood. They were trying to adapt to the modern world and fit into contemporary society while seeking new ways to pursue their ideals. Unfortunately, this effort went terribly wrong, leading to serious consequences.

During the Purge of 2000, the Assassins became the targets of a carefully planned global campaign orchestrated by the Templars. This relentless operation aimed to systematically locate and eliminate Assassin members all over the world, with the ultimate goal of erasing their presence and wiping out their influence.

Tragically, the Assassin Brotherhood's trust in certain individuals turned out to be a double-edged sword. What was meant to be a source of support and cooperation became a fatal weakness. Sadly, the people they had devoted themselves to protecting started to develop fear and suspicion toward them, eventually turning against the Assassins. This erosion of trust and the resulting backlash presented an immense challenge to the Assassins and their fundamental mission.

This is why the Assassins are frequently at a disadvantage. In the world of Assassin's Creed, choosing the life of an Assassin typically leads to a constant struggle, where you're either evading the law for the rest of your days or, ultimately, facing a tragic end.

#personal headcanon #lets be real here #being an Assassin in the AC verse would suck badly #nothing good ever comes from wearing an edgy hood

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xtruss · 2 years ago

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Inside The World of Ultra Wealthy Extreme Tourism

— By Anna Skinner | June 22, 2023

Ultra-luxurious vacations costing hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars have increased in popularity since COVID-19 traveling restrictions have eased.

Luxurious vacations can include everything from visiting the International Space Station, to scaling Everest, to going on a private jet tour around the world's safaris.

Such excursions can threaten the environment or lead to exorbitant rescue missions and, rarely and most recently, tragedy.

Many consider a vacation as an escape to the beach for a week or, if they're lucky, traveling overseas. But for the world's ultra-wealthy travelers, the sky isn't even the limit.

For a price, tourists have access not only to the depths of Earth's oceans to visit the RMS Titanic in its final resting place, but also to out-of-this-world destinations like the International Space Station.

These excursions can be risky. The former—a trip costing $250,000 per person—took a horrifying turn as five people are now presumed dead after their submersible lost communication only one hour and 45 minutes into its trip. Operator OceanGate Expeditions announced Thursday afternoon that it believes all five lives have "sadly been lost," and the U.S. Coast Guard said that debris found in the area was consistent with a "catastrophic implosion" of the vessel.

For some, the risk involved in going on the ultimate adventure is all part of the appeal, and businesses to cater to their taste for adventure are booming.

In perhaps the most extreme example, three civilians paid an estimated $55 million each to board a SpaceX rocket and be blasted to the International Space Station in April 2022.

Other wealth thrill-seekers have to content themselves with staying on Earth. A trip to the South Pole can be arranged for about $100,000. A no-expense-spared expedition to conquer Everest costs about the same, although for the elite it is becoming rather crowded: on a single day in 2019, 354 climbers made it to the top.

For those seeking a slightly more sedate taste of the wild, sought-after trips span from luxurious African safaris to guided tours in the Arctic Circle.

Exclusivity, adventure, and danger are a potent mix for the ultra-rich, and it is increasingly becoming impossible for them to resist the allure—or to brag about it afterward.

Guests observe elephants at the Singita Serengeti House in Africa. Courtesy of Mike Johnson/Singita

A Look Inside a Wealthy Vacation

International travel companies like Abercrombie and Kent offer one-of-a-kind excursions that present incredible opportunities, such as searching for Bengal tigers in India or encountering the endangered mountain gorilla in the Ugandan wild. Many of these luxurious vacations are equipped with the utmost comforts. In Abercrombie and Kent's case, clients have access to a private jet.

Trips come with a four- to six-digit price tag. With the more luxurious options, clients can experience some of the world's elusive locations crackling with adventure while bypassing many of the headaches that accompany world travel.

Abercrombie and Kent's director of media relations Pamela Lassers told Newsweek that the international travel company strives to "create thrilling adventures for top-tier clients who have pretty much done everything."

Take for example Abercrombie and Kent's 25-day trip "Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet 2024", which takes clients on a private jet tour around the world, exposing them to a multi-continental safari with everything from snow monkeys and whale sharks to orangutans, gorillas and Bengal tigers in one trip.

The trip, which costs just shy of $165,000 per person, often sells out within three months.

By participating, clients not only are exposed to myriad environments and safaris, but they are able to bypass international gateways and are accompanied by their own crew on the private jet. Private transportation saves time, which Lassers says many Abercrombie and Kent clients, often busy entrepreneurs, don't have much of.

"They have traveled a lot and seen a lot of the world and now they are interested to getting to more remote places," Lassers said of Abercrombie and Kent's clientele, who seek out the organization's wildlife safaris or expedition cruises to Antarctica.

Lassers added that many of the destinations include access to experts to educate travelers. For example, when a client visits Antarctica, they might encounter a specialist who educates them on the changes that have taken place on the continent because of climate change.

“They have traveled a lot and seen a lot of the World and now they are interested to getting to more remote places.” — Abercrombie and Kent Director of Media Relations Pamela Lassers

"It's a learning vacation in addition to being an adventure," Lassers said.

Lassers told Newsweek that Abercrombie and Kent has seen a dramatic uptick in those seeking adventurous vacations through the company, and 2023 is the company's strongest year in its 61-year history. She said that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the way people travel and inspired them to take advantage of trips that expose them to the world.

Easing COVID-19 travel restrictions also has led to an increase in Singita bookings as well. Singita is an African-based game lodge operator exposing visitors to safari lodges and wildlife reserves.

Guests partake in a hot air balloon ride at the Singita Serengeti House in Africa. Courtesy of Singita

"Singita has seen an incredible bounce back in business; and demand for ecotourism," Singita spokesperson Lisa Carey told Newsweek in a statement. "Our guests are longing to travel consciously; to get into nature to disconnect from the pressure of daily life."

Singita lodges expose travelers to "restorative sanctuaries and encounters in the bush that guests won't find anywhere else," accompanied by privacy and award-winning hospitality, according to Carey. In addition to witnessing African wildlife in their natural habitat, Singita guests can choose from a variety of luxury accommodations and activities, such as massage treatments.

Rates for the luxurious lodges vary greatly, depending on the size of room and what part of the year a tourist books their vacation. For example, at the Singita Faru Faru Lodge, rates are as low as $1,910 per adult per night in a suite for the off-season to $12,254 per night for a two-bedroom suite, which can accommodate up to four guests.

The organization appeals to clients with a philanthropic heart, as well.

"They can contribute to numerous conservation initiatives and community empowerment [programs]," Carey said. "Modern conservation requires a keen focus on keeping tourism, communities and wildlife in a constructive balance. Our guests are looking for ways to travel more responsibly and be immersed in nature and learn about local cultures or food; and to make a difference by choosing to travel with a sustainable provider."

The Darker Side of Luxurious Travel

Exploring the far corners of the world comes with risks, too.

There is the threat to life that the Titan submersible crew has encountered. Action Aviation Chairman Hamish Harding, who was aboard the Titan submersible, has taken several dangerous trips that expose him to extreme parts of the world.

In March 2021, Harding shared an Instagram photo of receiving a Guinness World Record award from actor and singer John Travolta for breaking the Round-the-World record for an aircraft flying over the North and South Poles. Harding and former International Space Station Commander Colonel Terry Virts set the record at 46 hours, 40 minutes and 22 seconds in 2019.

In the post, Harding writes that curiosity is "utterly addicting" and stated his foremost goal as "the complete exploration of our Earth and beyond".

Harding's trips have included visiting the ocean's deepest point at Challenger Deep—more than 35,000 feet below the ocean's surface near the Mariana Trench. In 2016, he accompanied astronaut Buzz Aldrin in traveling to the South Pole. He also took part in a project that reintroduced cheetahs to India.

Harding and the other four passengers on the submersible—Stockton Rush, Paul-Henry Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood and Suleman Dawood—are now feared to be dead. A rescue mission discovered debris related to the sub near the Titanic's resting place.

The Titan is a carbon fiber and titanium submersible. All five passengers onboard are feared to be dead. Oceangate

Another extreme adventure sought after by wealthy travelers is climbing Everest, a dangerous journey that has led to hundreds of fatalities. In May, Outside magazine reported that for 2023, fatalities had already reached double digits with several climbers still missing.

More often than risking a person's wellbeing though, wealthy travel can threaten the environment.

For example, private jets can worsen global warming by producing greenhouse gases from burning fuel. For several years, executives and other members of the world's wealthiest class have faced criticism for flying private jets to destinations. In November 2021, the BBC reported that private jets usually produce significantly more emissions per passenger than commercial flights.

Lorri Krebs, a professor of geography and sustainability at Salem State University, told Newsweek that easing COVID-19 travel restrictions and the allure of posting showy photos on social media both contribute to wealthy travelers at times taking advantage of some of the world's most precious resources.

"It's our natural resources that they're after," Krebs said, citing instances such as U.S. National Parks becoming overrun with tourists. "It's exacerbated by social media and people wanting to post the greatest things they've done. They want those pictures and those experiences, and they want to show them off.

"People want to do something that other people can't do," she added.

The lavish trips come with a high cost, and not only that paid for by the tourists. The trips require support mechanisms, such as a potential rescue of travelers hiking Mt. Everest or, recently, multiple organizations racing against the clock to rescue the 23,000-pound submersible lost thousands of feet beneath the ocean's surface.

Krebs explained that although all wealthy travelers aren't worsening the environment, those seeking the highest comforts while they travel could be causing harm. For example, those visiting the Titanic's resting place may disturb the water currents around the ship's remains.

"They want to see the most fragile environment or most fragile ecosystem," she said. "They want to see the gorillas or polar bears, and those are the ones at risk of the biggest impact."

“They want to see the gorillas or polar bears, and those are the ones at risk of the biggest impact.” — Professor Lorri Krebs

Krebs commended the travelers and organizations that are conscious of their impact and those who choose to redirect the tourism dollars to beneficial conservation efforts or toward becoming a monetary lifeforce for underdeveloped countries.

#The Newsweek #Ultra Wealthy Extreme Tourism #OceanGate Expeditions #The Dark Side

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worldcuphospitalitytickets · 1 day ago

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