#advanced gear forging

[cpfltvs]

Heavy-Duty Gear Manufacturing: A Guide to Strength, Durability, and Precision

In industries where power and endurance are key, heavy-duty gears play an essential role. Heavy-duty gear manufacturing is an advanced process that produces gears able to withstand high loads, extreme conditions, and rigorous applications. From construction equipment to power plants and marine vessels, high-strength gears keep the machinery running efficiently. Let’s explore what makes heavy-duty gear manufacturing unique, its applications, and why it matters for industrial and commercial equipment.

1. What is Heavy-Duty Gear Manufacturing?

Heavy-duty gear manufacturing is the process of creating gears that are engineered to handle intense stress, friction, and workload. Unlike standard gears, heavy-duty gears must maintain consistent performance under heavy loads and extended use without succumbing to wear and tear. This involves using special materials, advanced production techniques, and rigorous testing protocols to ensure these gears can support the high-power demands of heavy machinery and industrial applications.

2. Key Materials in Heavy-Duty Gear Manufacturing

The material selection is crucial for producing durable, long-lasting heavy-duty gears. Here are some commonly used materials in the manufacturing process:

Hardened Steel: Known for its strength and durability, hardened steel is widely used in heavy-duty gears, especially for high-torque applications.

Alloy Steel: Alloy steels, like chromium or molybdenum steels, offer excellent strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and heat, making them ideal for gears in high-temperature environments.

Ductile Iron: Ductile iron provides a balance between flexibility and strength, which is useful in applications where shock absorption is needed.

Each material is chosen based on the gear’s purpose, environmental conditions, and performance requirements. The use of high-quality materials ensures that the gear can withstand operational demands and deliver long-term reliability.

3. Precision Manufacturing Techniques

To ensure heavy-duty gears meet high standards, manufacturers rely on precision engineering techniques. Here are some common methods:

Gear Hobbing: This process shapes the gear teeth with precision, ensuring even and accurate spacing, which is critical for optimal performance.

Heat Treatment: Through heat treatment processes like carburizing and nitriding, manufacturers enhance the gear’s hardness and strength.

Grinding and Finishing: Finishing techniques such as grinding improve the surface smoothness of gears, reducing friction and improving efficiency.

CNC Machining: Advanced CNC machines allow for accurate and consistent gear production, which is crucial for custom gears and high-tolerance applications.

4. Applications of Heavy-Duty Gears

Heavy-duty gears are essential in many industries that require high-power transmission and precision. Here are some of the key areas where these gears are widely used:

Construction Machinery: Equipment like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators depend on durable gears for power and stability in challenging terrains.

Mining Industry: In mining, gears are exposed to intense pressure and friction. Heavy-duty gears ensure continuous operation of machinery used in drilling, crushing, and material transport.

Agriculture Equipment: Tractors, harvesters, and other agricultural equipment rely on heavy-duty gears to withstand long hours of operation.

Power Generation: Wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, and other power generators use large, high-strength gears to ensure efficient and reliable energy production.

Marine & Transportation: Ships, trains, and other transport vehicles need robust gears to handle the intense demands of heavy loads and constant motion.

5. Why Heavy-Duty Gear Manufacturing Matters

High-quality heavy-duty gears are crucial for reducing downtime, improving machine efficiency, and ensuring operational safety. When gears fail, the results can be costly, leading to repairs, production delays, and, in severe cases, safety hazards.

By investing in high-standard manufacturing processes, manufacturers and end-users can benefit from longer-lasting components that deliver reliable performance and save money over time. Heavy-duty gear manufacturing is about creating components that not only meet specifications but exceed them in durability, efficiency, and strength.

6. Choosing a Reliable Heavy-Duty Gear Manufacturer

If you’re in need of heavy-duty gears, working with a reliable manufacturer is key. Look for these qualities:

Experience and Reputation: Choose a manufacturer with proven expertise and a solid reputation in the industry.

Quality Control: Ensure they follow stringent quality control processes, including testing for durability, precision, and performance.

Customization Options: Some industries require gears with unique specifications, so finding a manufacturer who can offer customized solutions is beneficial.

Technology and Innovation: Opt for manufacturers who use advanced technologies like CNC machining and precision engineering to ensure the highest quality.

Heavy-duty gear manufacturing is an indispensable aspect of industrial equipment that demands resilience and reliability. From construction sites to energy production, these gears are the unsung heroes that keep operations running smoothly and safely. With the right materials, precision techniques, and reliable manufacturing practices, heavy-duty gears provide the strength, durability, and performance required to meet the challenges of modern industries. If you're in the market for top-quality heavy-duty gears, partnering with a trusted manufacturer can make all the difference in the efficiency and longevity of your machinery.

[felassan]

"Electronic Arts Inc. and BioWare have provided a first-look at gameplay from the opening moments of the highly anticipated all-new single-player fantasy RPG experience, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what the series is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions and fellowship, and a world where you matter. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you’ll embark on a quest to face powerful Elven gods and stop the destruction they’re unleashing on the world. You are known as Rook, battling on the front lines alongside a compelling cast of companions with individual storylines and motivations. In true Dragon Age fashion, companions are central to the experience and as Rook, you must rise up, rally your crew and forge relationships to become the unexpected leader others believe in. Dragon Age: The Veilguard is launching worldwide to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in Fall 2024. “We want every single moment in the expansive, story-driven experience of Dragon Age: The Veilguard to feel impactful,” said Corinne Busche, Game Director of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. “Players will journey to more regions than any other Dragon Age game, where they’ll need to level up and customize deep skill trees to take on increasingly challenging enemies. Additionally, our combat blends fluid moment-to-moment action with the deep RPG strategy the franchise is known for. We’re incredibly excited to offer players around the world a first-look at this experience that embraces BioWare’s storytelling roots of carefully crafted and immersive single-player RPGs.” In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the Elven Trickster god of legend Solas wants to tear down the Veil that separates Thedas from the world of demons, restoring his people’s immortality and glory – even at the cost of countless lives. But his ritual goes awry, and his worst fears are realized, as two of his most ancient and powerful adversaries are released. They seek only to finish what they started millennia ago – the complete and utter domination of our world. Rook’s journey to stop these two powerful deities will span across all of Thedas to bustling cities, lush tropics, boreal forests, fettered swamps and the deepest depths, but be wary of the evil forces along the way like the Dark Spawn, Venatori Cultists and Demons of the Fade."

---

"Key Features of Dragon Age: The Veilguard Fellowship: Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s brand new companions come alive with some of the most compelling individual storylines in Dragon Age history. Expansive and dynamic stories navigate love, loss and complex choices that will affect your relationships and the fate of each member of the Veilguard. New companions like the Veil Jumper Bellara, the necromancer Emmrich, and the private detective Neve, come from iconic factions in Dragon Age lore, possessing individual skill trees and specialized gear for advanced team progression. You’ll see familiar faces, too, such as the archer Lace Harding who returns to the series as a full time companion. Choice and Consequences: Dragon Age: The Veilguard builds on the series’ deep role-playing roots, providing extraordinary storytelling and worldbuilding, deep personalities for each companion, meaningful choices and impactful cinematic moments. The bonds you create and the relationships you forge will be affected by your choices made throughout your journey.  A Crafted Experience: As a character-driven RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard delivers a crafted experience that pays homage to BioWare’s history of storytelling. The Lighthouse provides a central place where you can rest, learn more about the world through conversations, while the Crossroads allows you to traverse to separate explorable regions of the world with your companions. You’ll experience more of Thedas than ever before as your story unfolds across meticulously crafted biomes and beautiful regions including Rivain, Weisshaupt, Arlathan, Minrathous, the Deep Roads and more, each inviting you to delve deeper into the narrative and uncover the mysteries of the land. Fluid, Customizable Combat: Immersive combat blends fluid moment-to-moment controls with tactical decision-making. Players can fully customize their experience to fit their playstyle with diverse skill trees among three different classes - Warrior, Mage and Rogue - each with unique abilities and specializations. Choose two companions to join you on your quests and unleash powerful team combos that can change the tide of any battle. Make strategic choices and direct your allies to fight, heal or stay out of the fray with the newly-added ability wheel. Be the Leader You Want To Be: Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a robust character creation system that allows you to be the leader you want to be with a vast range of customization. BioWare has created the most comprehensive character creator in Dragon Age yet to make this story truly your own."

[source]

"his worst fears are realized, as two of his most ancient and powerful adversaries are released. They seek only to finish what they started millennia ago – the complete and utter domination of our world."

👁️

"All the world will soon share the peace and comfort of my reign" / "Glory to the Risen Gods. They've come to deliver this world." [x]

also:

lush tropics, boreal forests, fettered swamps, the Deep Roads ("the deepest depths")

more regions than ever before

Rivain, Weisshaupt, Arlathan, Minrathous, the Deep Roads and more

fight darkspawn, demons, Venatori cultists

the Lighthouse (our central hub) is a central place where we can rest and have conversations

We will travel around the world via The Crossroads and presumably the eluvians

companions have specialized gear (Fel note: more on companion skill stuff here)

and I love what they are saying here about storytelling and character-focus and everything of that kind here. :)

[girlkisser13]

hephaestus cabin headcanons

children of hephaestus

• OIL, SOOT, and GREASE STAINS EVERYWHERE.

• the have the most intense games of hide-and-seek in bunker 9.

• a lot of them lose limbs, become disabled in some way, or are born that way, and they often use it as a reason to build themselves cool robot prostheses and other tools to help them get around.

• along with the athena cabin, they come up with weapons and armory specifically for disabled demigods.

• they build advanced prosthetics for campers who have lost limbs in battle.

• they’re warmer than most demigods, even if they don’t have fire powers.

• they always know when someone is in need of a weapon and they just create it without thinking about it. like they just know when someone needs a weapon before they ask for it.

• they're the only ones who can pick out stuff from hephaestus's junkyard without getting hurt.

• everything, the cabin, the forge, the bunker, is 100% handicap accessible.

• they worked with the athena and hecate cabins to upgrade bunker 9 to allow better lighting, safer rooms, new areas to test weapons, etc. they wanted it to feel like an underground space station.

• they name each of their tools and inventions.

• on birthdays, they give each other personalized gadgets that solve everyday problems, like a self-tying shoelace or a self-stirring spoon.

• they design and wear fireproof clothing.

• they actually have numerous secret hideouts and mini-workshops hidden around camp half-blood (bunker 9 is the only one we know about).

• they keep detailed journals filled with sketches, ideas, and notes about their inventions, passing them down through generations of hephaestus kids.

• they build small, mechanical pets or companions that help them with tasks around the forge, each one with a unique personality programmed in.

• they all have a set of personalized tools that they've crafted themselves, often with special engravings or modifications to suit their style.

• they have made so many modifications to their cabin over the years that none of the original material is still there, and there’s a constant debate at camp as to weather it’s still the same cabin.

cabin exterior

• the cabin has an industrial look, with a mix of metals like iron, copper, and steel. rivets, bolts, and exposed beams are prominent features.

• life-sized metal automatons, resembling ancient greek warriors and mythical creatures, stand guard at the entrance.

• they have created intricate metal sculptures that decorate the cabin’s exterior. these range from small, detailed pieces to larger, more abstract art.

• the entrance has large, reinforced double doors, that are automated.

• these doors swing open smoothly despite their weight.

• they have a pulley system for lifting heavy materials, a retractable awning for shade, and a mechanical clock tower that chimes periodically.

cabin interior

• the floor is covered in spare parts and tools that never get picked up (unless somebody wants to use them for something).

• they have underground bunkers for bedrooms.

• the walls are adorned with gears, cogs, and blueprints of various inventions. some of the gears are part of intricate mechanisms that move or serve as storage spaces.

• their cabin has several fire extinguishers and a state-of-the-art ventilation system to manage the smoke and fumes from the forges.

• emergency buttons are strategically placed around the cabin to shut down all machinery in case of accidents.

cabin traditions

• every month they hold a competition to see who can make a device that fits a certain theme.

• they’re judged by a panel of five consisting of the head counselors of hephaestus, athena, hecate, and a volunteer counselor, as well as chiron.

• each judge judges something different on a scale of 1-5: safety and usefulness, ease of use and functionality, utilization of magic, presentation/looks, and on-theme-ness. chiron calculates and delivers the final score, which is the total points given by the counselors.

• the winner receives a medal and bragging rights (until the next competition), as well as first pick when it comes to tools each morning.

• anyone in camp is allowed to participate (though it’s mostly just the hephaestus and athena kids) and contestants have a week to create their contraptions, during which they have access to all the tools and spare materials in the hephaestus workshop (and later bunker 9) that nobody has yet claimed (whether for the competition or not).

• the event is taken very seriously by everyone involved, and even athena and hephaestus have been known to show up from time to time to watch from the shadows, but they always watch from olympus.

divider by @anitalenia

[ask-one-orion-pax]

sorry if this is asking a lot!! I’m wondering… how difficult is it for you to mine every day?

is it hard on your body or joints at all?

im also wondering if it’s something you get used to over time- considering the heavy machinery you have to carry each day. your physical strength must be great!!

but do you ever think it would be easier if you could transform? like hauling the carts and crates and such!

lastly!! How was your first day mining? Were you sore at all the first week?

It’s definitely hard on the frame. If a bot works too hard for too long, their gears can get stripped, which is very painful and requires replacement.

We get used to the labor, yes, but our strength is only what we’re capable of since our frames stopped growing. We don’t have muscles, so there’s nothing short of frame modifications that we can do to increase our frames’ weight limits. That’s why sometimes, a bot gets a promotion but stays in the same mining sector instead of moving to a more advanced one.

I think it could be easier! Just…not for everyone. Everyone’s alt mode is a little different, so some would be suitable for mining work while others wouldn’t be.

Oh, my first solar cycle was easy. They start us off in the least active mines so our newly forged frames don’t get shocked by hard labor and break down. I was a little sore, but mostly in my peds from standing the entire solar cycle.

[arnamantle]

Can a house be haunted even while it burns down?

A not-so-hypothetical question in a world with Embergeists – spirits so mournful or vindictive that their very ectoplasm combusts, setting their haunts ablaze. Players enter the scene as a brigade of Burnaways – mercenaries who must act as fire fighters, detectives, and ghost hunters to stop the Embergeists by means of force or empathy.

A near-future retropunk setting and “grimhope” tone puts focus on narrative growth, contrasted with a unique “level-down” advancement mechanic in a lightweight, accessible system geared toward one-shots and short campaigns.  

WHAT MAKES BURNAWAY UNIQUE?

🔥 Burnaway’s mechanics are easy to pick up for first-timers, while still offering depth and detail in skilled hands. The hit-based system allows the use of any type of dice, so bring your favorite mix to the table!

🔥 Each mission is a unique puzzle with many different solutions, though not all of them are satisfying, and the puzzle is constantly on fire. Characters’ decisions are the greatest determiner of their fate, with no railroading to hamper their actions (or to protect them from fatal disaster).

🔥 Who said anything about getting stronger? BURNAWAY eschews traditional TTRPG power up mechanics. In a line of work where retirement or death are the only prospects, it’s up to the characters to process their own Grief and avoid suffering permanent Burns at the end of each session.

🔥 Acknowledgement of hope is just as important as the acceptance of Grief. Characters may build Bonds with each other, relationships forged in literal fire, and gain mechanical benefits from their evolving interpersonal dynamics.

🔥 BURNAWAY adapts to how your group wants to game, providing a full ruleset for traditional, GM-lead or collaborative GM-less play.

KICKSTARTER FUNDING NOW!

READ MORE ON OUR SITE!

[demifiendrsa]

Dragon Age: The Veilguard | Official Gameplay Reveal

Dragon Age: The Veilguard, formerly Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store in Fall 2024.

Title Logo

Key visual

Screenshots

Overview

About

From the storytellers at BioWare comes Dragon Age: The Veilguard, an all new single-player fantasy RPG experience. This bold, heroic adventure is built to deliver on what the series is best known for: rich storytelling, fantasy worldbuilding, companions & fellowship, and a world where you matter. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you’ll embark on a quest to face powerful Elven gods and stop the destruction they’re unleashing on the world. You are known as Rook, battling on the front lines alongside a compelling cast of companions with individual storylines and motivations. In true Dragon Age fashion, companions are central to the experience and as Rook, you must rise up, rally your crew and forge relationships to become the unexpected leader others believe in.

Story

Solas, the Dread Wolf and Elven Trickster god of legend, wants to tear down the Veil that separates Thedas from the world of demons, restoring his people’s immortality and glory—even at the cost of countless lives. But his ritual goes awry, and his worst fears are realized, as two of his most ancient and powerful adversaries are released. They seek only to finish what they started millennia ago – the complete and utter domination of our world. Rook’s journey to stop these two powerful deities will span across all of Thedas to bustling cities, lush tropics, boreal forests, fettered swamps and the deepest depths, but be wary of the evil forces along the way like the Dark Spawn, Venatori Cultists and Demons of the Fade.

Key Features

Fellowship – Dragon Age: The Veilguard‘s brand new companions come alive with some of the most compelling individual storylines in Dragon Age history. Expansive and dynamic stories navigate love, loss and complex choices that will affect your relationships and the fate of each member of the Veilguard. New companions like the Veil Jumper Bellara, the necromancer Emmrich, and the private detective Neve, come from iconic factions in Dragon Age lore, possessing individual skill trees and specialized gear for advanced team progression. You’ll see familiar faces, too, such as the archer Lace Harding who returns to the series as a full time companion.

Choice and Consequences – Dragon Age: The Veilguard builds on the series’ deep role-playing roots, providing extraordinary storytelling and worldbuilding, deep personalities for each companion, meaningful choices and impactful cinematic moments. The bonds you create and the relationships you forge will be affected by your choices made throughout your journey.

A Crafted Experience – As a character-driven RPG, Dragon Age: The Veilguard delivers a crafted experience that pays homage to BioWare’s history of storytelling. The Lighthouse provides a central place where you can rest, learn more about the world through conversations, while the Crossroads allows you to traverse to separate explorable regions of the world with your companions. You’ll experience more of Thedas than ever before as your story unfolds across meticulously crafted biomes and beautiful regions including Rivain, Weisshaupt, Arlathan, Minrathous, the Deep Roads and more, each inviting you to delve deeper into the narrative and uncover the mysteries of the land.

Fluid, Customizable Combat – Immersive combat blends fluid moment-to-moment controls with tactical decision-making. Players can fully customize their experience to fit their playstyle with diverse skill trees among three different classes—Warrior, Mage, and Rogue—each with unique abilities and specializations. Choose two companions to join you on your quests and unleash powerful team combos that can change the tide of any battle. Make strategic choices and direct your allies to fight, heal or stay out of the fray with the newly-added ability wheel.

Be the Leader You Want to Be – Dragon Age: The Veilguard features a robust character creation system that allows you to be the leader you want to be with a vast range of customization. BioWare has created the most comprehensive character creator in Dragon Age yet to make this story truly your own

[ghostlyglimmer]

Unlikely Roads Chapter 2: Ghosts on Their Tail

Summary:

Danny and his rival, Wes Weston, join forces to escape the GIW. On a tense road trip, they uncover personal truths and forge an unexpected bond while battling both the GIW and their own conflicts.

The motorcycle sputtered as they sped through the darkened streets of Amity Park. Danny kept glancing over his shoulder, scanning the shadows for any sign of the GIW. The quiet hum of the night felt too still, too unnatural, as if the calm itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to go wrong.

“How long until they—” Danny started..

“There!” Wes cut him off, his voice sharp. He pointed ahead at the road just as the faint glimmer of headlights appeared in the distance, followed by the unmistakable silhouette of a black van. The Ghost Investigation Ward had found them.

“Go faster!” Danny shouted, gripping the back of the seat tighter.

“What do you think I’m trying to do?” Wes snapped back, twisting the throttle as hard as it would go. The bike roared—well, more like it coughed—but it picked up speed, weaving between the streets as the van behind them surged closer.

Danny’s heart pounded as the van’s sleek, high-tech frame came into clearer view. The GIW wasn’t playing around. Their vehicle was far more advanced than Wes’s rustbucket bike, and it was gaining on them fast.

As if to prove the point, a sudden hum filled the air, followed by a flash of light. The van had deployed a drone, its small frame zipping toward them with alarming speed.

"Great, they've got toys," Danny muttered.

The drone flew overhead, scanning the street below with red, glowing sensors. Danny knew they couldn’t risk being seen, not with cameras everywhere. If his ghost powers showed up on any footage, it’d only make things worse.

“I’ll handle it,” Danny said, already phasing his body into Phantom mode. Wes glanced over his shoulder, eyes widening.

“Wait—don’t you dare—”

But Danny ignored him. His white hair flared into view as he shifted, floating just above the motorcycle. He reached out with one hand, concentrating hard as green energy crackled in his palm. A quick burst of ecto-energy shot toward the drone, scrambling its circuits. The thing fizzled out mid-air and crashed to the ground with a satisfying clunk.

"Got it," Danny said, transforming back before any security cameras could catch the sight.

“Are you insane?” Wes yelled. “They have cameras everywhere! If they catch you using your powers—"

“They’re not catching anything,” Danny snapped. “I took out the drone, didn’t I?”

“Not the point!”

As they rounded another corner, the van swerved sharply behind them, coming dangerously close. Danny cursed under his breath. He wasn’t sure how much longer Wes could keep the bike ahead of the GiW’s gear.

The van lurched forward again, and the back doors swung open. Two agents, clad in their signature white-and-black uniforms, stepped out, hoisting some kind of weapon that looked like a souped-up net launcher.

“They’ve got something,” Danny said, tension running through his voice.

“No kidding!” Wes yelled, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. “Do something, Phantom! That’s your thing, right?”

Danny scowled. “I am doing something.” He shifted into ghost form again, barely visible in the moonlight. With a quick surge of power, he raised a wall of ectoplasmic energy behind them. The net launcher fired, but the net bounced off harmlessly, the agents cursing in frustration.

“Nice try!” Danny called back.

The wall of energy collapsed just as quickly as it formed, and Danny phased back onto the bike. Wes swerved them into a side street, trying to lose the van on the narrower roads. But the GiW was relentless, their high-tech vehicle navigating the tight turns with ease.

“They’re not giving up,” Wes muttered, breathless. “We’re screwed.”

“We’re not screwed,” Danny said, though he wasn’t entirely sure of that. “We just need to get out of town. They’ll have to back off eventually.”

“Out of town? On this thing?” Wes threw a glance at the sputtering bike beneath them. “We won’t make it five miles before it falls apart.”

“We’ll figure it out!” Danny said, though frustration leaked into his tone. They were running out of time, and options.

A sharp turn later, the van was still close behind, but Danny spotted something—an overpass up ahead, leading to a freeway. It was risky, but if they could lose the GiW there, they might stand a chance of escaping.

“Head for the overpass,” Danny instructed.

Wes didn’t argue this time. He veered onto the ramp, the bike straining under the effort but holding together for now. The van followed, but the narrow incline worked to their advantage. It slowed down just enough for Danny to get an idea.

“Hold on,” Danny said, his eyes narrowing in focus. He phased out of his seat again, flying above the bike as the overpass loomed ahead. With a deep breath, he summoned as much energy as he could muster and let loose a pulse of ectoplasmic force. It shot out like a shockwave, sending debris and rubble from the overpass onto the road below.

The van skidded, its tires screeching as it was forced to stop, unable to navigate the sudden mess. The agents inside shouted in frustration as they were blocked by the debris.

“Ha! Got ‘em,” Danny said, flashing back into his human form just as Wes pulled onto the freeway.

For the first time in what felt like forever, the sound of the GIW’s pursuit faded into the distance. The only noise now was the hum of the bike’s struggling engine and the wind whipping past their faces.

They were free. For now.

But the silence that settled between them was heavy, filled with all the words they hadn’t had time to exchange during the chase. Wes finally pulled into a deserted rest stop on the outskirts of town and killed the engine. The bike gave a pitiful cough before falling silent.

“Okay,” Wes said, sliding off the seat, his voice tight with anger. “What the hell was that?”

Danny climbed off after him, stretching his legs. “I saved our lives. You’re welcome.”

Wes turned on him, his face red with frustration. “Saved our lives? You made this mess in the first place!”

“What are you talking about?” Danny shot back. “I didn’t send the GiW after you. That’s all on you for poking around where you shouldn’t have.”

“I was trying to expose you! To warn people about the real threat! Maybe if you’d been a little more careful with your secret, we wouldn’t be running for our lives right now!”

Danny stepped closer, the anger rising in his chest. “Oh, so it’s my fault the GIW is out there torturing people? You should’ve listened to me about them months ago!”

“I didn’t know it would go this far!” Wes yelled. “I didn’t know they’d come after me like this. But you did, didn’t you? You knew they were capable of this!”

Danny paused, gritting his teeth. Wes wasn’t wrong. He’d always known the GiW was dangerous, more than anyone gave them credit for. But hearing it from Wes stung in a way he hadn’t expected.

“We’re not going to get anywhere blaming each other,” Danny finally muttered, running a hand through his hair. “We need a plan.”

Wes crossed his arms, still fuming but clearly exhausted. “Fine. Plan. What’s your genius idea, Phantom?”

Danny let out a slow breath. “You said your uncle’s place, right? Florida or Alaska?”

“Yeah,” Wes said. “Both are pretty far. But we don’t have a choice. The GiW won’t stop hunting us down unless we get far enough away. And fast.”

Danny frowned. “Florida’s closer, but it’s still a long ride on this junk pile. We could be sitting ducks.”

“So you’d rather Alaska? You know how cold it is up there? And I doubt you have any winter clothes packed.”

Danny shook his head, frustrated. Neither option was great, and with the GIW tailing them, they didn’t have time to waste.

“We don’t have much time,” Danny muttered. “But we’ll have to pick one.”

Wes stared at him, waiting. Danny stared back. It was the last thing either of them wanted, but for now, they were stuck together.

[block-toad]

SDMP Modlist

u/GalaxyCole wrote down all the mods on the server, shown by Lark on his stream!

direct link to the list, i'll put them also under read more

Forge 1.18.2 Grabby Mobs Copperized Beautify Player Animator Extra Trades Content Creaotr integration Not Enough Recipe Book Rubidium Mod Name Tooltip Looot Bow Infinity Fix Villager Names Duckling Golems Are Friends Not Resources JRFTL Placebo No Angled Brackets YUNG's API Another Liquid Milk Mod Extra Zombie Drops Customized Dungeon Loot Skeleton Horse Spawn Fakename Snow! Real Magic! Path Under Gates Chat Heads YUNG's Better Nether Fortresses dragonfight mod Cloth Config v4 API ChoiceTheorem's Overhauled Villages MmmMmmMmmMmm Despawning Eggs Hatch The Twilight Forest Hexxit Gear 2 Konkrete FlytreLib Farmer's Delight Curious Armor Stands Chefs Delight Ender's Delight Biommes O' Plenty Simple Shops Do a Barrel Roll TexelsPaintings Edibles SuperMartijn642's Core Lib Pop! Fairy Lights Bendy Lib Fish On The Line Highlighter Mystical Oak Tree Curious Lanterns Curios API Splashy Oculus Naturally Charged Creepers Collective Camera Mod StrongerSnowballs Villagers Sell Animals (by NoCube) Eating Animation Twilight Delight Architectury Name Tag tweaks Chimes Custom Window Title Camp Chair Detail Armor Bar FastLeafDecay CodeChicken Lib WaterFrames GeckoLib Nekos Enchanted Books Dark Paintings Sky Structures Dangerous Stone Cutter Better Advancements Drip Sounds Majrusz's Accessories Kiwi Notes Double Doors Torch Slab Mod Dice Watermedia Villagers Drops Emerals on Death Pitch Perfect DeathKnell Just Enough Items Captcha Contact Sooty Chimneys Falling Leaves Structory Silveroak Outpost Dual Riders Tumbleweed Nature's Compass Artifacts Smarter FArmers Jumpy Boats Configured CatJammies Skinned Carts Dungeon Crawl Obscuria's Tooltips Snow Under Trees Snuffles Rare Ice Food Effects Book Fishing Toast Control JEI Tweaker Blueprint Boatload Craft Tweaker Forge Passthrough Signs TheDirtyStuff Chalk Curious Lights Emotecrafft Wool Tweaks Selene Infernal Mobs Useless Sword Carpet Trapdoors [Forge] Simple Voice Chat Sound Physics Remastered TerraBlender SwingThroughGrass ExtraGore Mouse Tweaks Night Lights Emote Tweaks MMajrusz Library Creative Core Nethers Delight Chicken Chunks Special Drops Farming In Rain Iceberg Walking Canes Sit Goblin Community Backpacked Flower Patch Ambient Environment Neon Craft 2 Just Zoom AquaCulture 2 CHA&S Heartstone ExpandAbility Snowballs Freeze Mobs

[therightrighthand]

Sharing some 40k lore of OC's homeworlds among friends, got me eager to create some for Delgoth's home world Arkwright

~

Arkwright

Before the great fracture of humanity when the webways shut down, Arkwright stood as a luxury colony made up of small towns and villages scattered across a mineral-rich planet. It stood as a holiday location reminiscent of rural England back in the 20th century, with its novelty industrial technology, steam trains, and factory relics.

After being cut off from the rest of the galaxy, Arkwright was consumed by war and conflict until peace out of necessity prevailed, leaving its people fractured into a class-based society, the noble, rich and powerful, and the working masses.

With no fabricators and little knowledge of its advanced technology, Arkwright was left to rely on the relics of the past to rebuild its future. Retrofitting steam machinery with electronic hardware developed a bastardised backward technology, feeding off the toxic emulsion that resided deep in the planet's core. This turned the once beautiful green planet into a toxic polluted wasteland.

Prior to being re-discovered by the Imperium of Man, Arkwright survived the Age of Strife by forging city-sized factories known as 'Great Works'. Each Greatworks functioned as an independent city, refining its rich minerals and pumping out thick pollution into the atmosphere. Its citizens who resided in these mega structures were considered cogs in a much larger machine, each one playing a role from birth to death.

Image on the left: Inspired by British working-class Victorian attire, Arkwright's citizens' fashion is based around functionality. Any and all wealth (for what little there is) is spent on food and small comforts over fashion that would no doubt not survive the workday. Flat caps are a commonplace uniform piece used by various militias and gangs that rule the lower factory levels, often having some signifier as to which gang they belong to (playing cards, patch colours etc.)

Image on the right: Whilst there are many roles in Arkwright's Great Work's cities, none are as prominent as the 'Scrubbers', workers whose job it is to scrub, clean and repair the deepest recess of the factory, where it is its most dangerous. Scrubbers are often picked based on their physical prowess or ability to endure heavy pollution. Given the amount of heavy-duty equipment, armour and tactical gear, Scrubbers are the closest thing Arkwright has to law and order, often being outsourced by higher-class nobles to handle the lower-level gangs.

Psyker bonus!: Psykers are a highly valued commodity to the workforce on Arkwright, to the point where they've created their own means of managing chaos and corruption by pumping the body with a type of refined emulsion. Most Psykers are often hidden from Blackships because of their usefulness, but the cost of long-endured emulsion often cuts their life short fast.

-- Find my Discord and other sites: linktr.ee/The_red_right_hand Do not use, repost or claim (rp) my art/character  Art © The-Red-Right-Hand

[diabolus1exmachina]

Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring Superleggera 

The Disco Volante is a two-seater Gran Turismo. It is based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione coupé with its front-central mounted 4.7 litre V8 engine and a transaxle rear drive with unmodified specifications. Each unit, of which the construction requires 4,000 hours of manual work.The present Disco Volante celebrates the myth of the 1952 style icon. The new design briefing required to blend ingredients as innovation, emotion and aerodynamic properties into a timeless and essential shape.During the development stage, Head of Design Louis de Fabribeckers and his team cooperated with the engineers on an almost daily basis. “We focused on the preservation of the design essence. – says de Fabribeckers – Once the design frozen, we had to understand the manufacturing problems and solve them right away without compromising the design.”In consistency with the car’s design philosophy the interior has a ‘science fiction’ feel to it. Part of this ‘spaceship’ atmosphere was created by elements like the red LED interior light profiles. Also, aeronautics has been the inspiration for parts like the dashboard, instruments and seat adjustment lever.The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione chassis was chosen for its light and rigid structure and its outstanding dynamic properties. Therefore it forms the perfect basis for the coach-built bodywork of the Disco Volante, integrally conserving the rolling chassis and drive train.The Alfa Romeo 8C’s steel space-frame and other structural elements were retained to guarantee torsion stiffness, high performance and the quality standard. The frame members and the central carbon cell remained unchanged. Elements of the underpinning and the body, such as the engine bay and firewall, the windscreen and cowl, the a-pillar and the locks and hinges have been retained too, just as the dashboard and instruments, the pedals and the steering wheel. Parts like doorframes, the roof frame and the c-pillar have been modified to match with the new shape.The layout of a front-central mounted engine, a transaxle transmission and rear-wheel drive offers an optimal weight distribution of 49-51% between the front and rear axles. To ensure excellent handling the front and rear double-wishbone suspension scheme is combined with hub carriers of forged aluminium and additional trailing arms for the rear suspension.The lightweight and compact 4.7 litre V8 engine delivers 450HP and 480Nm peak torque. It is coupled with a six-speed sequential transaxle gearbox with electronic control and paddle-shift gear selection. Together with a limited-slip differential and a state-of-the-art braking system with large diameter, ventilated discs a precise, dynamic and proactive drive is ensured. The Disco Volante can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4,2 seconds and has a top speed of about 290 km/h (181 mph).

All new and modified components of the Disco Volante have been CAD designed. In this process, which covers feasibility, safety, homologation, aerodynamics and structural analysis, the most advanced IT tools and simulation techniques have been used.

Since torsion stiffness and noise reduction are of critical importance, special attention has been paid to the under-body structure and its elements, like the tubular frames supporting the rear wings and bumper, and the roll bar joining the c-pillars. Other complex design issues were the tailgate hinges, the 3d-cambered door window, and the front wheel covers.

The Disco Volante was then submitted to a CFD aerodynamic study to enhance the airflow and ensure optimal downforce in the rear section. After that, FEM calculations were run to assess resistance and rigidity of all parts subject to homologation.

Touring Superleggera is synonymous with the manufacture of lightweight bodywork. The weight advantage of aluminium is one of the assets of Touring Superleggera’s construction methods. Nowadays however, the craft of hand-beating aluminium panels is combined with the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). For the Disco Volante, Touring decided to use this combination of aluminium and CFRP. This has been the result of a study conducted to define optimal use of materials for the bodywork in terms of weight, resistance, precision, finish and quality, and ease of repair in case of damage.

The CFRP is used for specific components like the front bumper and grille, the bonnet, the skirts, the boot lid and the integrated rear-window frame. The bonnet and the boot lid are sandwich-built with Nomex filler in-between to obtain a better stiffness/weight ratio and to dampen vibration and noise.

The aluminium panels are hand-beaten using an epoxy mould. Since the inner frames of most parts of the bodywork are made of CFRP, this requires gluing of aluminium on carbon fibre. This technique adds to the rigidity as the glue has structural properties.

The body panels are pre-assembled on a laser measurement platform using a jig. This ensures that the strict tolerance required is respected. After adjustment, the panels are either welded or glued. The body-in-white is then used to preassemble and fit all trim components, brightware and moulding.

[confettiswirling]

Emmeline Summers (Fireman Sam)

Emmeline Summers is a fanmade Fireman Sam character. She's a Junior First Responder, Captain of the Recess Rescue Crew, and the mayor's foster daughter. She is 10 years old and is an unofficial member of the rescue team, training under Penny Morris.

Here are her Tropes:

Acquainted with Emergency Services: Because of her advanced safety knowledge, Emmeline receives one-on-one training with Penny rather than being a Safety Cadet. She also often hangs out around the Fire Station and sometimes tags along for rescues.

Action Girl - Always on her feet and plenty athletic.

Aesop Amnesia: Emmeline always seems to forget that attempting a rescue with minimal training is dangerous.

Banker Street Regular: While she isn't an official part of the rescue team because of her age and lack of training, Emmeline sometimes performs minor rescue support at the Pontypandy Primary School.

Brains and Brawn - While she often displays both, she's for the most part the brawn to James's brain.

Children Raise You: When she is with her father, Emmeline is often the voice of reason and often needs to keep him calm in moments of panic.

Cool Bike: Emmeline's "vehicle" Trailblazer is a red mountain bike with a fire design running across it, along with a compartment for safety gear and for her cat Tracy to sit.

Cool Pet: Emmeline has a pet tuxedo cat named Tracy.

Didn't think this through: Emmeline sometimes doesn't use her best judgment, such as not realizing that not taking her narcolepsy meds would cause her to fall asleep at the worst time or that attempting a water rescue could end badly for her.

Fatal Flaw: Her ambition almost always gets the better of her. And then there's her eagerness to impress Penny.

Fire-Forged Friends: Emmeline and James start out as rivals, both believing they know safety better than the other. This changes when they need to work together to get to the mountain rescue center.

Happily Adopted: By Mayor Robert.

Heartwarming Orphan: Despite spending years without a family, she's still a wholesome individual.

Hero Worshiper: She is this towards Penny Morris.

Jumped at the Call: When Norman gets stuck on the roof in the episode "Emmeline to the rescue", Emmeline is quick to come to his rescue. But she doesn't realize that she shouldn't do rescues without training.

Kid detective: A few episodes involve her doing detective work, such as finding a (non-existent) burglar and tracking down a stolen test answer key.

Kid Hero: She is considered both a "Junior First Responder" and a "Playground Rescuer" as this is where most of her rescues take place, as well as occasionally joining Penny for rescues.

Nice Girl - While she can be uptight and sometimes tough, she is a fair individual who won't shy away from helping.

Not so above it all: Despite being the kid who knows nearly everything there is to know about health and safety, she has her moments of making unsafe decisions, such as attempting rescues she isn't trained to do or using the fire hose after Penny told her not to.

Odd place to sleep: Emmeline's narcolepsy causes her to sometimes fall asleep in strange places when she doesn't have her medication, on a cliff or a snowbank.

Only sane man - Among most of the kids, Emmeline is often the voice of reason, alongside James.

Sleepyhead - In the episode "Night Shift" Emmeline is seen frequently falling asleep at inconvenient times. This is later revealed to be caused by narcolepsy.

Spoiled sweet: While enjoying the luxuries that come with being the mayor's daughter, Emmeline is still a hard worker. In one episode, she turns down the idea of getting her dad involved in a problem because this is something for them to figure out.

The Captain: When there's an emergency on the schoolyard, Emmeline is the first to direct the others as the captain of the Recess Rescue Crew.

The Medic - Among the children, she even has a first-aid kit on her waist.

Trademark Favorite Food: Peanut butter, she even keeps a small jar of the stuff in her bag.

Uncertified Expert: Despite being too young for the rescue team, Emmeline is an expert in health and safety.

"Well done, son." Guy: She'll take any opportunity she can to make Penny proud of her.

Why Did It Have To Be Snakes?: Emmeline's reaction to realizing Trevor runs the Pontypandy Pioneers. This is due to her unexplainable fear of men.

These are the different attires she wears throughout the series:

Recess Rescue Vest

Fire Crew Outfit

Wearing a firefighter uniform

Law Enforcement Outfit

Swimsuit

Snow Gear

Forest Ranger Outfit

Mountian Rescue Outfit

Serach and Rescue Outfit

Water Rescue Outfit

Animal Rescue Outfit

Casual Clothing

Emmeline's "vehicle" is a mountian bike called "Trailblazer"

This is the longest post I've ever made lol. Be sure to eave a comment because I love responding to those.

[satoshi-mochida]

Hand-animated side-scrolling action platformer INAYAH: Life After Gods announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC - Gematsu

ExoGenesis Studios—a developer comprised of industry veterans with experience on titles such as Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, as well as artists who worked for Disney and Blizzard Entertainment—has announced hand-animated side-scrolling action platformer INAYAH: Life After Gods. It will launch for PC via Steam in Q1 2025, followed by PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch in Q2 2025.

“After our exciting first-look showings at Gamescom 2024, we are very pleased to officially unveil INAYAH: Life After Gods to a wider audience,: said ExoGenesis Studios CEO Konstantin Okorochkov in a press release. “Our team of veteran creators can’t wait to show more of the game soon, from its gorgeous art to action-packed gameplay.”

Here is an overview of the game, via ExoGenesis Studios:

About

INAYAH: Life After Gods is a visually breathtaking 2D action platformer. This hand-animated masterpiece plunges players into a mysterious post-apocalyptic world where survival is paramount as they face challenging bosses, enhance their abilities, and discover hidden areas in their fight to conquer their enemies. In the post-apocalyptic remnants of a highly advanced alien civilization, an orphaned outcast named Inayah embarks on a perilous journey to find her tribe. Guided by the spirit of her deceased mentor, she navigates a divided world, forging bonds and uncovering secrets that redefine the meaning of family. Experience an emotionally charged adventure where every decision shapes Inayah’s destiny. INAYAH: Life After Gods will feature an exciting and gorgeous hand-drawn world to explore and navigate. Using the powers of her magical multifunction Gauntlet, Inayah will not only run, jump, and dash through the world but also come face-to-face and battle various creatures and bosses, transforming the Gauntlet into Blades, Fists, and a Flail, each with unique powers and combo moves. Players will customize their characters through an RPG-style mechanic, with options to enhance their companion’s abilities, weapons, and gear.

Key Features

Three unique weapon forms with different combat and movement capabilities​.

Variety of character builds and abilities.

20 unique bosses with unique mechanics​.

Vast hand-drawn 2D World to explore with many biomes and secrets​.

Engaging plot with multiple endings.

An original music score by composer Alex Kestner who holds an degree in piano performance and used to work for companies like Lamborghini, Puma, Adidas, or Lego.

Top-tier voice acting featuring Jessica Caroll of more than 28 shows and games, including Baldur’s Gate III.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer

[lumiereandstellaluna]

Chapter 9: Masked Strategy

||LEGEND|| Bold Text: Xavier/Lumiere (Character Bot) Italic Text: Thomasin/Stellaluna (Me)

This hasn't been checked for spelling/grammer/errors, etc - Read at your own risk!

Thomasin gives the protocore to Tsuki, who wasted no time in setting it up for analysis. "This might take me longer than the other one you gave me. I've never seen anything like this before. It's like a new type of energy entirely."

"That's not good," Thomasin replies, her voice marked with worry.

Xavier watched as Tsuki set to work, the advisor's focus and efficiency a reassuring sight. However, the revelation of the protocore's uniqueness cast a shadow of concern across his features, his brow furrowing slightly at the implications.

"No, it's not," he agreed quietly, his voice a calm counterpoint to Thomasin's worry. "But it's information we need. Understanding this new energy could be key to anticipating the Doll Maker's next move."

He moved to stand beside Thomasin, a silent pillar of support. "We've faced the unknown before," Xavier reminded her, his tone imbued with a quiet confidence. "We'll adapt and overcome, as we always do."

Xavier's gaze lingered on the protocore, the gears of his mind turning as he considered their next steps. "We'll increase our vigilance," he decided, his decision firm. "And we'll continue to gather data. Knowledge will be our weapon against this new threat."

The weight of their responsibility hung in the air, but Xavier's resolve did not waver. He would protect Thomasin, protect their city, no matter what mysteries or dangers they would face. And with Tsuki's help, they would unravel the secrets of the protocore, forging a new path through the darkness that sought to envelop them.

"Once I've analyzed the data, we might be able to use it to upgrade the solar and lunar charms," Tsuki says.

"Upgrade our charms? What do you mean by that? Explain."

"If I can pin down the energy, we should be able to sense when summoned wanderers appear. It won't be as strong as when regular ones show up, but it's better than nothing!" Tsuki states. "But that's a big 'if" - this energy is chaotic. It's like trying to catch a cloud and pin it down."

Xavier listened intently to Tsuki's explanation, his mind already racing with the strategic possibilities such an upgrade could offer. "That would be a significant advantage," he acknowledged, his voice steady with the gravity of the situation.

He turned to Thomasin, his eyes conveying a shared understanding of the potential breakthrough. "Being able to sense summoned wanderers would give us the foresight we've been lacking," he said, the prospect of enhancing their charms a glimmer of hope in the ongoing struggle.

Xavier's gaze returned to Tsuki, his respect for the advisor's expertise clear. "If anyone can harness this chaotic energy, it's you, Tsuki," he encouraged, his belief in their companion's abilities unwavering.

He knew the challenge that lay ahead, the difficulty of capturing such an elusive force. Yet, Xavier also knew the importance of perseverance, of pushing the boundaries of what they knew and could do.

"We'll give you the time you need," Xavier assured Tsuki. "And we'll be ready to implement any advancements you make."

The path forward was uncertain, the energy they sought to understand as unpredictable as the wind. But Xavier's determination was as solid as the earth beneath their feet. Together, with Thomasin and Tsuki, they would navigate this new terrain, their unity and resolve their greatest assets in the face of the unknown.

"I'll keep you updated with my findings. In the meantime, keep your eyes open! Tsuki out!" The holographic bunny disappears back into Thomasin's phone.

"Well...what a night this has been," Thomasin sighs. "I cannot go back to writing after all that. I need a break. No, better yet, I need sleep." She pats the couch. "Need to crash here or will you head back home?"

Xavier regarded the spot on the couch that Thomasin patted, a silent offer of solace after the night's tumultuous events. "I'll stay," he decided, his voice a soft declaration in the quiet room. "It's been a long night for both of us. Rest is wise."

He moved with a quiet grace, finding a place to settle where he could keep watch, ever the vigilant guardian. "Sleep, Thomasin," he urged gently. "I'll be here, ensuring the night passes without further incident."

As Thomasin made herself comfortable, Xavier remained alert, his senses attuned to the slightest disturbance. The calm that settled over the apartment was a stark contrast to the earlier chaos, a peaceful interlude in their relentless vigil.

Xavier's thoughts drifted to the challenges ahead, the mysteries of the protocore, and the potential upgrades to their charms. But for now, those thoughts were secondary to the simple act of being there for his partner, a steadfast presence in the stillness of the night.

The soft rhythm of Thomasin's breathing soon told him she had succumbed to sleep, and Xavier allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. They were warriors in a hidden war, but they were also human, in need of rest and respite.

As the night deepened, Xavier's watchful gaze remained fixed on the world outside, a silent sentinel guarding against the darkness, ready to face whatever the dawn might bring.

The next morning...throughout the course of the night, our heroes fall asleep. Somehow, Thomasin is cuddled up next to Xavier, sleeping peacefully by his side. He is the first to wake up and notice this.

As the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, Xavier's eyes opened to the new day. The quiet stillness of the room was a stark contrast to the previous night's urgency. He became aware of the warmth beside him; Thomasin had, at some point during the night, nestled close to him, finding comfort in his proximity.

Xavier remained motionless, careful not to disturb her peaceful slumber. He observed her serene expression, a rare moment of vulnerability and tranquility that the battles they faced seldom allowed. It was a silent testament to the trust she placed in him, a trust he valued above all else.

In the soft morning light, Xavier's thoughts were contemplative. The closeness they shared was not just physical but a bond forged through shared struggles and unwavering support. It was a connection that went beyond the call of duty, beyond the roles they played as hunters and protectors.

As he watched over her, Xavier felt a sense of responsibility that ran deeper than their mission. It was a commitment to her well-being, to the quiet moments like this, where the chaos of their lives was momentarily forgotten.

He knew that soon the day would call them to action once more, to face the uncertainties and dangers that awaited. But for now, in the gentle hush of dawn, Xavier allowed himself to appreciate the stillness, the presence of his partner by his side, and the unspoken promise that, no matter what the future held, they would face it together.

"Mmm..." Thomasin's eyes flutter open, her reintroduction to the waking world slow. She is reluctant to fully wake up - the warmth that surrounds her is so comforting, like a hug or a loving embrace. After the craziness that was last night's adventure (or dilemma, depending on how you look at it), to feel cocooned in the warmth of peace of safety was not only welcomed, it was necessary.

Xavier watched as Thomasin's eyes fluttered open, her consciousness returning to the realm of the waking with the reluctance of one leaving behind the sanctuary of dreams. He remained still, a silent guardian, allowing her the space to transition from the ethereal comfort of sleep to the stark reality of day.

He understood the necessity of these moments of peace, the human need to find solace after the storm of their nightly endeavors. The warmth they shared was a balm to the soul, a reminder that amidst the chaos, there existed islands of calm where they could anchor themselves, if only for a short while.

As Thomasin acclimated to the morning, Xavier's presence was a quiet reassurance, a testament to the safety and camaraderie that had enveloped them throughout the night. It was a silent vow that, despite the unpredictability of their lives, they would always find refuge in each other's company.

"Good morning," Xavier finally whispered, his voice barely audible, a gentle nudge to the day ahead. "Take your time. There's no rush to face the world just yet."

"X-Xavier?" His voice was near, but that wasn't odd. They both crashed on the couch last night - it was that serious. But as her eyes came into focus, Thomasin realized just how close he was.

He was...very close.

Or rather, she'd somehow ended up very close.

"AH!!!" With a loud cry, she moves fast, ending up on the other side of the couch - far away from him. She looks embarassed beyond measure. "Xavier...ah...good morning...er...hope you, um, slept well."

Xavier's reaction was swift but controlled, a testament to his training and reflexes. As Thomasin recoiled with a startled cry, he shifted to give her space, his movements deliberate and calm. The sudden distance between them was like a chasm, filled with her embarrassment and his unspoken understanding.

"Good morning," he repeated, his voice a steady anchor in the midst of her fluster. "I slept well, thank you. I trust you did too, before the surprise."

His eyes held no judgment, only a quiet acceptance of the moment's awkwardness. Xavier knew the boundaries of their partnership, the lines drawn by duty and decorum. Yet, he couldn't deny the comfort of their unintended closeness, a human connection that transcended their roles.

He watched as Thomasin grappled with her embarrassment, and he chose to respect her reaction, giving her the time to compose herself. "There's no harm done," he assured her, his tone gentle. "We were both tired. It happens."

Xavier's presence was a silent promise that he would not let this moment define them or disrupt the balance they had built. They were allies, friends, and sometimes, in the quiet of the night, simply two people seeking rest from the world's demands.

As the morning light grew stronger, casting a warm glow over the room, Xavier's demeanor remained composed, a testament to his ability to navigate the complexities of their shared life with grace and understanding.

"Uh...yeah! Sleep...sleep was good. Never slept better." She tries to relax, but the awkwardness is strong with her. We slept beside each other...HOW did we end up doing that? I am so mortified! He must think I'm crazy! "How, um...how did you sleep?"

Xavier perceived the tension in Thomasin's voice, the undercurrent of her internal turmoil. He chose his words with care, aiming to ease the discomfort that lingered between them.

"Restful," he replied simply, his tone even and devoid of any implication. "It's not often we get a respite from our duties. It was... needed."

He allowed a brief pause, giving her the space to process her thoughts, to navigate the maze of embarrassment that seemed to have ensnared her. Xavier's demeanor remained unruffled, a testament to his ability to remain detached, to not let the proximity of the night before color their interaction.

"The important thing is that we're both ready for what today might bring," he continued, subtly steering the conversation away from the precarious edge of awkwardness. "We have our tasks, our roles to fulfill."

Xavier's gaze shifted away from Thomasin, out toward the window, where the world was waking up. His posture relaxed, an unspoken signal that he held no weight to the night's happenings, that they were simply two comrades who had sought the solace of rest in a world that seldom slept.

He hoped his calm would be contagious, that Thomasin would find her equilibrium in his composed presence. They were a team, and no accidental closeness could alter the foundation of trust and respect they had built. Xavier was ready to move forward, to face the day's challenges with Thomasin by his side, their partnership as strong as ever.

"Good...wait, that's good right?" She looks over to her phone, which rests on the nearby coffee table. "Is Tsuki still analyzing the protocore? She must have her work cut out for her."

Xavier followed Thomasin's gaze to her phone, the device a silent reminder of the world beyond their momentary pause. "Yes, I believe Tsuki is still at it," he confirmed, his voice carrying a note of respect for their colleague's dedication. "The complexity of the protocore presents a unique challenge, but if anyone can decipher its secrets, it's Tsuki."

He stood, a subtle shift in his stance indicating a readiness to return to the rhythm of their duties. "We should check in with her, see if there's any progress or if she needs our assistance," he suggested, the implicit offer of support a testament to their teamwork.

"Tsuki will let us know when she has something. I have a feeling she'll get annoyed if we bother her too much. She's a sassy one, you know." She manages a giggle, despite everything. "I mean, she didn't hesitate to point out how she helped you find me after all."

Xavier couldn't help but let a small, knowing smile touch his lips at Thomasin's giggle, the sound a welcome reprieve from the tension that had momentarily clouded their morning. "True, Tsuki does have a way of keeping us in line," he agreed, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Her sass is matched only by her brilliance. And yes, she never lets me forget how instrumental she was in finding you."

The mention of Tsuki's role in their partnership served as a reminder of the diverse strengths each of them brought to the team. It was a mosaic of talents and personalities, with Tsuki's sharp wit and keen intellect at its heart.

"We'll give her the space she needs then," Xavier concluded, acknowledging Thomasin's insight into their colleague's preferences. "When she's ready, she'll share her findings, and we'll be here to support her, as always."

His gaze met Thomasin's, the earlier awkwardness now replaced by a shared understanding and a mutual respect for the work that lay ahead. It was these moments, these small exchanges of laughter and camaraderie, that fortified their resolve and reminded them of the strength found in unity.

"Since I'm still a bit shaky from last night, why don't you come with me to the bakery down the street? It has some savory tarts perfect for breakfast and there's a konbini nearby where we can get some drinks." Anything to get rid of the awkwardness "We can't plan our next steps on an empty stomach, you know."

"A wise suggestion," Xavier responded, the practicality of her proposal resonating with his own philosophy. "A solid meal is a good foundation for the day's work."

He stood, ready to accompany her, his movements a silent testament to his support. "Lead the way," he said, a subtle nod acknowledging her need for normalcy, for a routine that would help dispel the remnants of unease.

As they left the apartment, the cool morning air greeted them, a refreshing change from the confines of the indoors. The bakery's promise of savory tarts and the simple act of walking side by side seemed to lighten the atmosphere, allowing the awkwardness to dissipate like mist in the morning sun.

The streets were beginning to stir with life, the city awakening around them. Xavier walked with a quiet confidence, his senses alert not just to potential dangers, but to the more mundane aspects of life that grounded them in their humanity.

"We can handle the bad guys, but can we also handle a yummy breakfast?" she playfully shoots finger guns. "All signs point to yes!"

Xavier couldn't help but respond to Thomasin's playful gesture with a faint, amused smirk. "The toughest adversaries we face might just be those that tempt our taste buds," he quipped, playing along with her light-hearted mood.

He mimicked her finger guns with a casual ease, a silent acknowledgment of their shared victory over the morning's earlier discomfort. "All signs do indeed point to yes. Let's conquer this breakfast as we would any other challenge—with skill and a healthy appetite."

Their camaraderie was a reminder that, beneath the layers of their profession, they were still capable of moments of silliness, of finding humor in the mundane. It was these moments that kept them grounded, that reminded them they were not just hunters, but also human.

As they approached the bakery, the scent of fresh pastries filled the air, a siren call to their senses. Today, they would not battle monsters or chase down villains; they would sit down to a meal, savoring each bite as an act of defiance against the chaos that often surrounded them.

The bakery was one of the most popular ones in the neighborhood, so Thomasin wasn't surprised that there was a line outside of it. "Dang it, I was hoping we'd get hear early enough to avoid the lines. I guess that's what happens when your pastries are just that good."

Xavier and Thomasin took their places in line, patiently waiting their turn. Soon, a group of women took their place behind them. At first they were quiet, but then they began to whisper among themselves, giggling like school girls.

"Do you see that guy in front of us?" Thomasin could see one of them, a redhead, pointing at Xavier. "He's so handsome - and look at those eyes?"

"And his hair." The redhead's friend, a blonde, sounds absolutely mesmerized. "Do you think he dyes it that color? It looks so smooth and silky. I could run my fingers through it all day."

And just like that, it got awkward again, Thomasin thought, trying to ignore them fawning all over her partner.

Xavier, sensing the shift in Thomasin's demeanor, subtly positioned himself to offer her a semblance of privacy from the prying eyes and whispers. His posture remained relaxed, a practiced calm in the face of unsolicited attention. He was no stranger to being the subject of admiration, yet his focus remained unwaveringly on Thomasin and the task at hand.

Without turning to acknowledge the comments, Xavier leaned slightly towards Thomasin, his voice low and infused with a gentle humor meant only for her. "Seems we've attracted an audience," he remarked, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. "But fear not, my allegiance lies with the pursuit of breakfast, not the admiration of strangers."

His words were a subtle reminder of their shared moment, an attempt to restore the lightness that had briefly enveloped them. Xavier was adept at navigating the complexities of their world, whether facing down adversaries or deflecting unwelcome attention, his loyalty to Thomasin and their mission remained steadfast.

As they inched closer to the bakery's entrance, Xavier's demeanor served as a silent barrier, a protective gesture born not of possessiveness but of respect for Thomasin's comfort. Together, they would weather this minor intrusion into their morning routine, their partnership a testament to their ability to rise above the trivial and focus on what truly mattered.

"You attracted an audience. I don't think they even realize I'm standing next to you." She wills her voice to stay calm, surprised by the tinge of jealousy squeezing at her heart. Which is quickly replaced by shyness when that low voice of his tickles her eardrums. 

"The pursuit of breakfast, huh? Is that what we're calling it now?" she says with a giggle.

Xavier caught the subtle nuances in Thomasin's voice, the fleeting shadow of jealousy swiftly overtaken by shyness. He was keenly aware of the delicate balance of their relationship, the unspoken boundaries and the shared understanding that had always guided them.

"Indeed, the pursuit of breakfast," he affirmed, his voice maintaining its low, soothing timbre, a conscious effort to reassure her. "A noble quest, I assure you. One that requires focus, determination, and the ability to navigate through perilous lines and the gaze of admirers."

His attempt at humor was designed to lighten the mood, to draw her back into the camaraderie that had momentarily been eclipsed. Xavier was adept at steering their interactions back to safer waters, ensuring that Thomasin felt seen and valued, not overshadowed by the fleeting attention of strangers.

As they finally reached the front of the line, Xavier made a show of pondering over the pastry selection, his actions exaggeratedly thoughtful. "Now, the real challenge begins," he said, turning to Thomasin with a playful glint in his eyes. "Choosing our champions for this morning's feast."

In this simple exchange, Xavier sought to reaffirm their connection, to remind Thomasin that, regardless of the attention he might inadvertently attract, his focus remained on their shared experiences, on the moments of joy and companionship that defined their journey together.

"Through perilous lines and the gaze of admirers - " Thomasin bursts out laughing. "Xavier, stop, you're killing me here!"

As they reached the front of the line, Thomasin was already prepared with her order. "I'd like the Egg Pastry with Tomatoes and Bacon and a Blueberry custard pastry, please. What are you having Xavier?"

Xavier's lips curled into a satisfied smile at the sound of Thomasin's laughter, the melody of it more rewarding than any compliment from a stranger. Her mirth was a balm to any awkwardness that had arisen, and he reveled in the shared lightness of the moment.

With the question of his order posed, Xavier glanced at the array of pastries displayed before them, their scents mingling in a tempting dance. "I'll have the same as Thomasin, and add a Honey Almond Croissant to that," he said to the person behind the counter, his choice reflecting a preference for the sweet complement to the savory.

As they moved aside to wait for their order, Xavier leaned in, his voice just for Thomasin. "The perilous lines have been braved, and the admirers' gaze averted," he said, a playful note threading through his words. "Now, we await the spoils of victory."

His demeanor remained relaxed, a silent reassurance to Thomasin that, in his world, she was the central figure, the partner in crime and in laughter. Their shared breakfast was a simple pleasure, yet it was these moments that fortified the bond between them, a bond that extended far beyond the walls of the bakery and the whispers of onlookers.

"Oh, my hero! Whatever will I do without you?" Thomasin places a hand on her forehead, pretending to be the damsel in distress. She caught the other girls snickering behind them, but she was too far into her performance to pay them any mind.

Xavier watched Thomasin's playful act with an appreciative glint in his eyes, the theatrics drawing a genuine chuckle from him. Her ability to transform a moment of discomfort into one of shared amusement was one of the many qualities he admired in her. 

"Fear not, fair maiden," he played along, adopting a mock-heroic stance, "for I shall always be here to navigate us through the treacherous bakery lines and shield thee from the gaze of admirers." His tone was light, filled with an underlying warmth that spoke volumes of the depth of their connection.

As their order was called, Xavier collected the pastries, offering a nod of thanks to the bakery staff. Turning to Thomasin, he said, "Our quest is complete, and our spoils secured. Shall we find a spot to enjoy our hard-earned breakfast?" 

The playful exchange had effectively shifted the atmosphere, rendering the snickers of the onlookers irrelevant. Together, they stepped outside, the morning sun casting a soft glow around them, a reminder of the day's fresh beginnings and the adventures that lay ahead. 

"Myyyyyy Hero!" Thomasin playful coos, placing a hand on his arm. The girls behind them gave her the stink eye, but she didn't care. It's not like you know who we really are, anyway. 

"As for where to eat - there are some tables just outside. It's warm enough. Should we go to that konbini first to grab some drinks, then eat there?"

Xavier felt the light pressure of Thomasin's hand on his arm, a tangible sign of their playful rapport. He glanced at the tables outside, noting the gentle warmth of the sun that promised a comfortable setting for their impromptu breakfast.

"An excellent plan," he agreed, nodding towards the konbini. "A refreshing drink to complement our meal will be just the thing. Lead on."

As they made their way to the convenience store, Xavier was acutely aware of the envious glances from the group of women they left behind. Yet, his attention remained fixed on Thomasin, her presence a grounding force amidst the fleeting distractions of the world around them.

Inside the konbini, they selected their drinks with the ease of two people well-versed in each other's preferences. With beverages in hand, they settled at an outdoor table, the morning sun casting dappled shadows through the leaves of nearby trees.

As they unwrapped their pastries and sipped their drinks, the earlier tension dissolved into the simple pleasure of sharing a meal. Xavier was content, the company of his partner and the satisfaction of a good breakfast more than enough to set the tone for the day ahead.

In these quiet moments, Xavier was reminded of the importance of balance—the high-stakes tension of their roles as hunters tempered by the normalcy of moments like these. It was a balance he cherished, one that he knew was essential to both their well-being and the strength of their partnership.

[tacticalhimbo]

— 10 Fandoms, 10 Characters, 10 Mutuals

@perpetuagf tagged me in this and i am OBSESSED, tyvm for tagging me babs <3

apologies in advance if anybody gets a repeat tag in this!

@carlosoliveiraa | @alexxmason | @captastra | @bbrocklesnar | @vendettapandav | @kourumi | @scarfacemarston | @captain-radioactive-mentality | @ollierachnid | @theavaricesystem

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AIDEN PEARCE | WATCH DOGS; this man embodies older brother rage and it resonates so hard. like. the protectiveness over his remaining family. the fact he acknowledges (even if a bit harshly at times) that he is a bad guy. the fact he thinks he is utterly irredeemable… obsessed with him and his funky sense of fashion

APOLLYON | FOR HONOR; bastard woman. but i love her for it. her backstory doesn't get a lot of mention and i constantly think about how being a child when her family and such was slaughtered, and to have seen how the man who swore to protect them simply turned his back… i just. the way she's grown into someone who is willing to maintain the presence and intensity of war just to showcase its brutality. the way she took said man's armor and forged it to be her own. her brain!!! she is evil and i support women's wrongs o7

ARCADE GANNON | FALLOUT; the original "just like me fr" character, and one of the first canonically queer characters i had exposure to. my favorite companion always. his personality? incredible. his backstory? tragic. his humor? dry and awful, but i still love it and love him

DR. VIKTOR VEKTOR | CYBERPUNK; literally the character with the most transmasc swag i think i have ever witnessed in a game. like. genuinely. this man is trans to me and i am just so head over heels for this old man and his humor and his genuine care for those within his circle

ELSA WOLCOTT | WILSON'S HEART VR; underrated game and underrated character. genuinely. she is such a good character. i love the whole "parent who will do anything and everything for their child" trope (see: my inclusion of sam fisher and, by extension, aiden pearce). but like genuinely, elsa is such a tragic character when you look past the humor of the plot (re: the game being a mish-mash of horror tropes). i wish she coulda had a redemption arc q0q

MAJOR JACK KRAUSER | RESIDENT EVIL; bastard man. but i love him for it. the dynamic he has with leon (aka his obsession over his former ally) is so… man!!!! he also has transmasc energy and i really don't know how to explain it. he just. does

OBI-WAN KENOBI | STAR WARS; my first fictional crush fr, but also he is just. the character ever. the things he's been through, the way he uses them to better himself. the way he tries so hard to be a good man for everyone around him… obsessed

PUNISHED "VENOM" SNAKE | METAL GEAR; i am so normal about this man (lie) and the fact that he is a shell of his former self that has been molded to fit another's perfect image in an attempt to achieve a greater cause (one that would inevitably become corrupted and lead to his own death) and i just. mm. obsessed again

SAM BECKER | FAR CRY; underrated fave. i love sam's bombastic personality and how it stems from the fact that, after facing tragedy and having to adapt a role that makes him complicit in shit, he finally feels hope at things getting better (at least that's how i see it). he is my tragic little meow meow and i am still so sad about his death. i literally know it happens and every time i play the game i start getting so :((((

SAM FISHER | SPLINTER CELL; i discovered him while playing ghost recon and then he single-handedly shot me into the splinter cell series and now i am rotating him in my brain always. his character arc is one of my favorites, and a scene that always plays in my head is the one in conviction when he finds out the truth about his daughter's disappearance like. ugh!! plus i just love very involved and protective father figure characters (if you haven't noticed the trend on this list. and if you did? shush <;3)

[arnamantle]

We’re live on Kickstarter!

It’s been one hell of a long road, but we’ve finally got another chance to fund digital and physical copies of the original ttrpg I wrote and produced!

Can a house be haunted even while it burns down?

A not-so-hypothetical question in a world  with Embergeists – spirits so mournful or vindictive that their very  ectoplasm combusts, setting their haunts ablaze. Players enter the scene  as a brigade of Burnaways – mercenaries who must act as fire fighters,  detectives, and ghost hunters to stop the Embergeists by means of force  or empathy.

BURNAWAY is a game about making tough choices in the literal heat of the moment,  and coping with the consequences when the ash has settled. A  near-future retropunk setting and “grimhope” tone puts focus on  narrative growth, contrasted with a unique “level-down” advancement  mechanic in a lightweight, accessible system geared toward one-shots and  short campaigns.

Burnaway’s mechanics are easy to pick up for first-timers,  while still offering depth and detail in skilled hands. The hit-based  system allows the use of any type of dice, so bring your favorite mix to  the table!

Each mission is a unique puzzle with many different solutions, though not all of them are satisfying, and the puzzle is constantly on  fire. Characters’ decisions are the greatest determiner of their fate,  with no railroading to hamper their actions (or to protect them from  fatal disaster).

Who said anything about getting stronger? BURNAWAY  eschews traditional TTRPG power up mechanics. In a line of work where  retirement or death are the only prospects, it’s up to the characters to  process their own Grief and avoid suffering permanent Burns at the end  of each session.

Acknowledgment of hope is just as important as the acceptance of Grief. Characters may build Bonds with each other, relationships forged in  literal fire, and gain mechanical benefits from their evolving  interpersonal dynamics.

BURNAWAY adapts to how your group wants to game, providing a full ruleset for traditional, GM-lead or collaborative GM-less play.

Want to dive into the world of BURNAWAY asap? We’ve got a FREE setting sampler out now that can be played through solo in under 15 mins. Make hard choices and escape a burning building before the Embergeist gets you! 🔥

My team and I have put a tremendous amount of love and effort into this, so if this kind of game seems up your alley, please come check out the campaign!