#but it also has the option to dual major

[jinglyhigh-heels]

I feel like shit (mentally/emotionally) and don’t wanna do anything but I have finals I need to work on and WILL feel worse if I don’t do em

[gaydryad]

ok question if hypothetically I were to make a html + css template for making custom pokémon teams (cough such as for OCs cough) in the Bulbapedia widget style, would anyone else be interested in using it? if so I will go into this trying to write it as an actual decent template

[togglesbloggle]

Why do you think tumblr will die in only a few years?

Answer with jargon: a strong correlation between recent economic shifts and chaotic choices by major tech companies is most easily explained if the 'traditional' social media platforms of 2005-2020 are mostly a zero-interest rate phenomenon.

Longer answer, with less jargon: Even though Musk's takeover is making all the headlines recently, the last year has in fact seen major shakeups at many social media platforms, so Twitter is actually part of a trend. Almost inevitably, these are cases of social media companies trying to find a way to squeeze more money out of their userbase (Reddit), cut costs dramatically (Twitter), or both. This marks a sudden departure from a much more relaxed attitude towards revenue in the Pictures Of Cats industry, where the focus was historically more on expanding the userbase to a global scale and then counting on world domination to sort of <????> and then the company would become profitable eventually.

We joke, correctly, that Tumblr has never been profitable. But the entire structure of ad-supported content curation between human users is deeply suspect as a business model; IIRC Twitter was never profitable either, and Facebook has been juicing its numbers in very shenanigany ways. Discord was actually making money on net last I checked, at least a bit, so they're not all completely in the hole. But even if you take the accounting figures at face value, none of these companies has anything like the amount of money that their cultural prominence would suggest. Instead, they're heavily fueled by investment dollars, money given by super-rich people and institutions in the expectation that fueling the growth of the company now will pay off with interest later.

So what changed?

I'm not an expert here, but I'll do my best to muddle through. The American Federal Reserve has one mandate that dominates all others (sometimes called the 'dual mandate'), and one primary tool that it uses to enforce that mandate. The goal is to maintain low (but nonzero) rates of inflation and unemployment, which in their models are deeply interlinked phenomena. The tool is 'rate hikes', or more specifically, tweaking the mandatory rate of interest that banks charge one another when making loans.

As a particular consequence of this, hiking the rate also means that bonds start paying out much better. When the rate hike goes through, that affects people who let the government borrow their personal cash- that is, people who buy bonds- as well as institutions like banks that lend to one another. A rate hike means that you, personally, can make a little extra money by letting the government borrow it for a while. The federal government of the US is a rock-solid low-risk choice for this kind of moneymaking scheme, so the federal interest rate sort of defines the 'number to beat'; to attract investors, a company has to give those investors money at a better percentage than whatever the feds are offering. Particularly since a company is a lot more likely to go out of business than the state!

To wrap this back around to the Pictures Of Cats industry: the higher the rate hike, the better your company needs to be doing (or the less risky it needs to be as an option) to attract big investment dollars. Very high rates make it very hard to convince people to invest in business activity rather than the government itself, and very low rates put moonshots and big dreams on the table, investment-wise, in a way that wouldn't otherwise be possible. Social media companies were one of these big dreams.

In the great financial crisis of 2008, the Fed took the dramatic step of reducing their rate to zero, trying to juice the economy back to life. And ever since then, they've kept it there. This has produced an unprecedented amount of funding for very crazy stuff; it's part of what has allowed so many weird new tech companies (Uber, streaming services, etc.) to get so much money, so quickly, and use that to grow to massive size without a clear model of how they're ever going to make money. This state of affairs kept going for quite a while, with no clear stopping point; that zero-interest environment has been one of the shadowy forces in the background that shaped fundamental contours and limits in how our Very Online World has grown and developed. Until COVID.

Or rather, the bounce back from COVID: we suddenly saw a massive spike in inflation and an incredibly strong labor market, as employees quit in record numbers, negotiated higher salaries, and found better work, and at the same time supply chain issues and other economy stuff caused prices to climb dramatically. Recall the Fed's 'dual mandate', to control the employment rate and inflation. This was, basically, kicking them right in the jooblies. They responded in kind, finally finally raising their rates for the first time in 15 years. For some of the people reading this, it'll be the first significant shift in their entire adult lives.

The goal, as I understand it, is to fight inflation by reducing the amount of outside investment into private companies, forcing them to hire fewer people and pay smaller salaries, ultimately drawing money out of the working economy and driving prices back down by lowering demand for everything. You get paid less, so you eat out less, and buy at cheaper restaurants when you do, so restaurants have to compete harder by lowering their prices; seems pretty dodgy to me as a theory, but it's the theory. And the first part will almost certainly work- companies are going to see less investment.

For social media companies that are still paying most of their salaries with investor dollars instead of revenues, this is especially catastrophic. Without outside investment, they're just a massive pile of expenses waiting to happen, huge yearly costs in developer salaries and server fees. This is why, all of a sudden, every social media company is suddenly making bonkers decisions. They're noticing that nobody wants to give them any more money! So they're trying to figure out how to live a lot more cheaply, to actually somehow for reals turn their giant userbases in to some kind of actual revenue stream, or both.

Tumblr is kind of the ur-example of this kind of thing, supporting a very large userbase with no coherent plan whatsoever to start paying its staff with our dollars instead of investors' dollars. When interest rates were low and Scrooge McDuck had nowhere else to hide his pile of gold coins, a crazy kid with a dream was the best alternative available to him. But now, unless something changes, he's going to notice he can just buy bonds instead, and that crazy kid can go take a hike.

That's why I think Tumblr is living on borrowed time, though I don't know how much. Like all cartoons, the economy doesn't really fall off a cliff until somebody looks down and notices they've been standing on thin air this whole time. But they always fall eventually; that's the gag.

[baldursgate3tempobsessed]

Hiii!

I love your writing, especially Mirror, Mirror! Are you still taking request? I‘ve been thinking about Ascended Astarion and female Tav/Reader attending a ball for the politicians and nobles of Baldur’s Gate, getting all dressed up and socializing, dancing and Astarion flirting with her all night long. Astarion obviously wouldn’t waste a chance to be alone with Tav/Reader, takes her on a romantic stroll in the gardens and has his wicked way with her somewhere in a dark corner 👀

I can not make Ascnedant Astarion not dark I am SORRY but I can't help myself. The intro to this is sad bad, but honestly it gets pretty fun later down the line. Gotta set up that Stockholm syndrome. You gots it here.

Tw: Murder, Violence, not much but it is there, graphic smut, 18+ sweet dark fluff. I do consider this Stockholm on your end. Very inspired by the in-game quote of locking you away for a decade. Also, never write shit only in tumblr post editor, I lost half of this right before I was going to post last and it almost killed me

~

Astarion was.... aware that you'd been having a hard time as of late. If anyone could empathize with the complications of being a vampire spawn, it was certainly him. Even though his circumstance were obviously much, much worse than yours ever could be.

He was no Cazador. Astarion was different, he loved you. He knew what was best for you. All that needed to happen now was for you to accept it.

And in your defense, you were trying. It had taken a long time for you to finally come to terms with the full extent of power he had over you as his spawn. He would always know where you were through sensation alone. Always ready and willing to drag you back home if need be. He could compel you to his side at any moment, though he did have a bad habit of going out to find you during your little tantrums. It seemed to work better to put you in your place, especially since he had very little self-control when it came to who you associated with. Many a possible friend had died at his hand, in front of your eyes. A waste, really, one that wouldn't be necessary if you would just listen.

But the demonstrations had been useful. Slowly but surely you were learning that the option of secrets between the two of you had died the second he sunk his fangs into your wrist. He had personally put an official stop to all of your extracurricular activities. The things you used to do in your spare time were silly and dangerous, always going out of your way to help the undeserving. But now he had the control to stop you, to sequester you at the estate where you were safe.

You had nowhere to be besides his side and you were finally starting to understand that. Things were so much easier when you gave in and listened, happier and more fun.

Lately, it had almost felt like another honeymoon phase, with your sudden predilection for extreme loyalty. It helped that he could still see into your mind through the new connection, fully aware that your love remained real and pure, if not a bit melancholic. It was silly really, the guilt you felt towards him for letting him ascend. Never mind the thousands he sacrificed, you were too concerned with how power had chanced him.

It was cute. Stupid, but cute. Because obviously it had changed him for the better. How else would he be where he was now? With his hands already in nearly every major part of Baldur's Gate's governance? He had made wide, sweeping moves to gain control in the past year, banking on your dual hero status to deflect from his more... unsavory attributes. But it was working, and in a few years time this city would belong to him. Then the two of you would be on to the next major conquest. A future that you were just now coming to terms with.

And Astarion wanted to reward you for that acceptance. He had been a bit paranoid of late, paranoid enough to not let you out of the house for a solid fortnight. But for good reason. The last of the Gur had come out of the woodwork recently, looking for revenge for their children and fallen comrades. With a specific interest in you. It had made sense, in a way. You were his greatest weakness after all. So of course he had to take it upon himself to personally hunt the last of them down to tear them limb from limb.

But now they were officially gone, and he was finally feeling comfortable with letting you out into the world again. Just not out of his sight. And tonight was the perfect opportunity. He had a mandatory soirée to attend, populated by neighboring nobles and a few powerful foreigners. One that would be so much more entertaining with you willingly by his side. Or forced, if need be. Depending on if you decided to be in one of your moods, though they were a rarity nowadays.

But no, you turned out to be too excited at the prospect of leaving the house to even attempt being a brat. Astarion watched you with a smile as you appeared at the top of the staircase, dressed to the nines. He whistled as he watched you descend, beyond pleased with how you looked. He met you at the bottom of the landing, easily wrapping an arm around your waist before setting a quick kiss to your temple, "You look beautiful pet. Absolutely stunning."

You truly did. A navy satin gown that matched your skin tone perfectly, fitted with delicate straps and a low bodice. Perhaps the slit in the leg was a little high, revealing too much of your perfect thigh for the rest of the world. But you looked too good for him to complain.

You really were so gorgeous, could he be blamed for wanting to dress you up?

You rolled your eyes, but Astarion didn't miss the tiny smile dancing on your lips, "You're the one who picked it out."

"And you wear it perfectly," Astarion praised, already leading you out the door. He kept you close to his side during the short journey, his eyes darting around your surroundings every few moments. His paranoia had been quelled, but it hadn't completely died out. But he had already made the decision that he was going to be on his best behavior tonight, and that included not indulging in his protective nature. You deserved nothing less.

But that didn't stop Astarion from taking some mental notes on those who stared at you too brazenly when you arrived. Part of him couldn't blame them, not when he could understand your thrall better than any one else. But the other, more fun part of himself was too busy imagining ripping them apart for the audacious, lustful stares.

But he didn't drag the two of you out for strictly fun, a fact that he was quickly reminded of when you were approached by the main host, "Lord Ancunín! I'm so pleased that you could make it."

Astarion vaguely remembered who he was, though he was much more interested in his friends than the man himself. The man turned his attention toward you, brow raised, "And who is this beautiful creature?"

Astarion could feel his brow twitch at the insolence. How dare he not know who you were? The Hero of Baldur's Gate, his consort, the love of his life, how could someone of his breeding be so ignorant? You had to many titles to choose from for introductions, so Astarion decided on the most important, "This is the future Lady Ancunín, my fiancé."

He could feel you tense at his side, staring up at him with wide eyes like what he said was surprising. Which was odd. He had been extremely clear about his intentions since the day he ascended, marriage was the obvious next step for the two of you.

"Well it's lovely to meet you," The noble said with a smile, his attention going straight back to Astarion, "Now if you'll excuse us, I have a few matters to discuss with your future husband."

Astarion was startlingly close to hurting this man. What on earth made him feel as though he had the right to dismiss you? He tightened the arm he had around your waist, sneering at him, "There is nothing that you can say that she won't eventually know. Don't waste our time."

Then he proceeded to do just that, wasting Astarion's time with useless information and worthless attempts at allyships. It seemed to be an unfortunate trend as the night progressed, just reinforcing how utterly useless the gentry could really be. Not to mention their constant passive dismissal of you. He really was going to need to start letting you out more often, though he had to wonder if they were even worthy of your presence. He would have been a bit more forceful regarding his own displeasure at their arrogance if you weren’t so distracting.

It was hard to hold onto his own indignation when you seemed so content. You were leaning into him the whole night, smiling softly through all of his inane conversations. Never failing to be adorably pleased at your introduction. It made Astarion want to fawn over you, alternating between whispering sweet nothings in your ear and sweeping you onto the dance floor. All of your pleased laughs and giggles music to his ears.

He kept you close all evening, never allowing you to wander past his sight. His arm stayed firmly around your waist, never quite shaken off after your first waltz together. But you didn't seem to mind. If anything you were glowing under the attention, happy in a way he hadn't seen for a long time. Too long. Beautiful enough for him to have the overly romantic thought that he never wanted the night to end.

Even after he had done his rounds, engaged with all whom he had planned on, he wasn't quite ready to leave. They had all been dreadfully dull, but at least a few conversations would prove useful in the future at the very least.

He started to steer you towards the back garden doors, whispering in your ear, "Take a walk with me?"

You followed him easily, happy to leave the bustle of the ballroom and step into the coolness of the night. You both started walking, hand and hand in a comfortable silence. It was a pretty enough garden, hedges and ivy lining the walkways, a white slightly weathered gazebo placed in the center.

"You know," You said eventually, as the two of you went up the gazebo steps. You leaned against the railing, looking at him with a coy smile, "I don't recall you ever proposing."

Astarion barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes as he crowded around you. It was an unnecessary question, considering how you would have no choice in the matter. But he was playing nice tonight. Astarion grinned at you, bracing his hands on the railing to cage you in his arms, "If you want a proposal, I'm more than happy to oblige."

"I do," You were playing with the lapel of his jacket, looking up at him through your lashes, "Sooner than later if you don't mind."

"Your wish is my command," Astarion murmured, shameless as he started to kiss along the line of your throat, "I'm proud of you pet. You've been an angel all night."

"You haven't given me much to complain about," You said with a small laugh, your breath hitching when his fangs scraped against your delicate skin, hard enough to make pinpricks of blood bubble to the surface.

"You know..." Astarion started, pulling back to look you in the eye. His voice gentle but serious, "It could always be like this. If you let it."

"I... I know," You admitted, biting on your lower lip as you struggled for the words, "I-I want that. I want you. Even if... it's like this."

Astarion would take offense at the subtle dig if it was anyone else. But with you? He was just happy that you were finally coming around, at long last willing to accept the fate he'd set for you.

"You have it," Astarion promised, tilting your chin up to press a light kiss to your lips, "For as long as I breathe my love, you're mine. And I'm yours-"

You kissed him before he could finish, wrapping your arms around his neck, forceful in a way that he had desperately missed. But you were pulling back too soon, your mouth swollen and your lipstick slightly smeared, smiling at him like the precious thing you were.

How could he resist?

"I think you deserve a reward for tonight my pet," Astarion said, leaning in to softly kiss along your jaw, "For being such a sweetheart."

His hands were wandering, already moving to pluck at the delicate straps of your dress, slowly teasing them to drop down your shoulders.

You made no moves to stop him as your eyes darted around the empty space, "H-Here? But what if someone sees?"

"Then I'll tear their eyes out and feed them back to anyone who stumbles on us," Astarion said simply, smiling at the way it made you laugh softly.

"Violence isn't always the answer you know," You said, your breath hitching as he lightly bit your neck. Your dress still slinking down all the while, "I thought we talked about that?"

"Perhaps," Astarion murmured, "But it seems to usually work in my favor."

He had already managed to slip the straps down enough to ease the way, brazenly tugging the fabric until your breasts spilled from the top. He leaned back in, taking the opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth as you gasped; mewling when he began touching you, shamelessly pinching your nipples just to hear you whine.

He adored all your little noises, so easy to coax out of your mouth. He could feel his own cock pulsing in the confines of his trousers, the feeling getting worse and worse as you started to whimper.

Astarion let one of his hands travel further down, right through the slit in your gown. He traced the seam of your pussy through delicate lace, smiling into the kiss from how the simple touch had your hips pitching forward. He could feel you getting wet, already seeping through the fabric of your panties, your needy cunt already begging for his touch. And Astarion was more than happy to oblige.

He tore them from your hips, letting the tattered pieces fall unceremoniously to the ground before he started to rub his palm against your clit, more slick gushing out as you moaned.

You were clutching at his shoulders, panting into his mouth as he played with you. Your thighs tightened around his hand, your cunt wet enough to fill the air with messy, indecent sounds.

Whatever trepidation you had before was quickly dissolving, a small chant escaping your lips as you two kissed, Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me.

Astarion was more than happy to oblige.

"Hold onto me darling," Astarion ordered, giving you a split second to tighten your grip around his neck before he was lifting you in the air, settling you on top of the thick railing with your legs spread wide. He made quick work of taking his weeping cock out, rubbing it along the seam of your cunt as you moaned. And then he was pushing inside, the slide soaked and easy.

You felt so tight around him, tight and sopping wet as he started to fuck into you. He bent his head down, popping one of your hard nipples into your mouth as you cried out, your nails clawing into his shoulders. You wrapped your legs around his hips, trying to pull him in even closer, despite the fact that he was pressed deeply inside of you. Hitting all of your sensitive places.

He could tell that you were close, your whining getting more and more high-pitched by the second, your sweet cunt pulsing around his cock. Astarion started to rub at your clit again, at the perfect angle to make you tense up and cry out. And just like that you were squirting against his hand, breathing heavy as your orgasm ravaged through you.

Astarion grinned, popping off your breast to kiss your slack mouth. Naughty thing that you were, making a mess all over your fancy dress. He pulled back to look at you, debauched and panting, your pupils dilated at you stared up at him. You looked gorgeous, fucked out and perfect.

He started to fuck you harder, the erotic image was too much for his mind to handle. You where whining with each thrust, no doubt oversensitive as he roughly slammed into you. But you were a good girl, taking it without a single complaint as you held on for dear life, tears springing to the corners of your eyes. But lucky enough for you, you didn't have to wait long.

Astarion spilled inside of you with a drawn out moan, grinding circles into your cunt as you quivered. You pulled him in for another kiss, messily sliding your lips together as he filled you up. The two of you stayed like that for awhile, lazily kissing as he softened inside of you. It felt good, it felt right, the perfect end to a great night.

Astarion pulled out slowly, cooing at you as you gasped at the feeling. Your legs were still trembling as he set you back on the ground, bad enough for Astarion to wonder if he should just pick you up before you crumpled on the floor.

But first...

Astarion dropped to his knees, ignoring your surprised gasp as he spread your legs back apart.

"Hush darling," Astarion ordered as he pushed your dress back up, "Let me have a look at you."

Astarion was aware that he had gotten a little rough near the end there. It wouldn't be the first time he made you bleed during sex, nor the last. But he would hate to do so accidently. But no, your pussy looked perfectly healthy, if not a little swollen. Flushed and pink, your hole still twitching the slightest bit. The sight of your pussy all slick and red was nearly enough to make his mouth water.

"Spread your legs a little further pet," Astarion murmured, looking just to look. He gently added pressure to your shaking thighs until you complied, "That's it. Good girl."

His cum was already starting to leak out of you, the smallest bit of white making it's first appearance amongst your wet folds. No doubt it would be sliding down your legs soon enough. He could do something about that. But then again... the alternative sounded like too much fun.

Astarion stood back up with a smile, patting your pussy once before letting your dress fall back down, "Try to hold it in darling. We wouldn't want to make another mess, would we?"

You nodded slowly, still looking half out of it. A sweet, hazy look still plastered onto your face. You were already leaning in for another kiss, naturally desperate for more contact. Contact that Astarion was more than happy to give. He pulled you closer, kissing you deeply; your fingers tangling in his hair to pull him even closer. He wrapped his arms around your back, dipping his tongue between your lips as you dreamily sighed.

You pulled away first, to his displeasure, but you didn't go far. You rested your forehead against his, smiling softly with loving eyes, "Hi."

Astarion couldn't help but smile back, taking the time to tuck a wild piece of hair behind your ear, "Hello my treasure. Did you have fun tonight?"

"I think you know the answer to that," You giggled softly, "I'm not even sure I can walk."

That he did. And there would be many more nights like it. Though for now, he'd prefer to get you home. He felt a bit reluctant to parade you back out there for the masses eyes, so obviously debauched by his hands. No, the sight of you happy and flushed was for his eyes only. Your night would be ending here.

You squeaked as he swept you up in his arms, already muttering the magic for a portal under his breath. And just like that the two of you were gone, completely uncaring to give any good byes.

The two of you popped right into the entry hall of the estate, sudden enough to nearly scare a maid half to death. Astarion paid them no mind, too busy with carrying you upstairs to the sanctuary of your quarters.

You cuddled into his chest, looking up at him with a nervous look, "Did... Did I do good tonight?"

"Of course you did," Astarion cooed as he kicked the door to the bedroom open, trying to softly drop you on the bed, "Perfect creature that you are, what else could have possibly happened?"

But you didn't let go when he tried to pull back, clinging hard enough for Astarion to simply follow you. But he didn't mind, no he preferred you like this. Needy, wanting, and his. He twisted the two of your around, settling only when he had you laying on top of him. He would set a bath for the two of you later, but for now he was more than happy to lay here, watching as your tired to stay conscious. You always got so tired after sex, just one more silly thing that he was endeared by.

"I love you," You mumbled, your eyes falling closed, "Thank you for taking me tonight. For trusting me. I... thank you."

"I love you too darling," Astarion murmured back, kissing your forehead, "You get better by the day. I really am proud of you."

It was true. You were learning, adjusting. Give him a decade and you'd be completely immersed in your new life, all thoughts of useless things like "freedom" forgotten.

You were his. Until the end of time, you'd be together.

He'd make sure of that.

[celticcrossanon]

BRF Reading - 25th of August, 2024

This is speculation only

Cards drawn on the 25th of August, 2024

Question: How ill is the King? Will he recover from his cancer?

Interpretation: The cards are all negative. It is not looking like The King will recover from his illness.

Card One: The Knight of Swords in Reverse

As a health card, the Knight of Swords brings disappointing news. Things are not going to plan. Test results are disappointing, there is little to no progress towards good health. There may be a fair amount of mental frustration over the state of the body.

Generally, The Knight of Swords means quick, decisive action. It is someone who is assertive and direct, who can be impatient, who jumps into action and rushes towards his goals. In the reverse, that fast action is stilled. There is energy but no direction. The person make react to things impulsively, or with disorganised ideas or no logic.

This card is telling me that The King is making little to no progress forwards in his journey back to good health. He has bad news from his test results and no matter what he tries he can not seem to make things better. This is very frustrating for him as he wants to get better and he can't, he is stuck in his current state of health. This frustration with a lack of progress may be manifesting as actions that have not been thought through 100%.

This is a card of Gemini, so the King may be suffering from the same thing as his father, who is a Gemini, or something inherited from his father, or there may be some sort of duality in his illness - two points of the body under attack, results that go from good to bad to good again - something like that.

Card Two: The Lovers in Reverse

This is the major arcana card for Gemini, and like the minor arcana card for Gemini above, it is in reverse. There is something to do with Gemini that concerns The King's illness. In medical astrology, Gemini rules the lungs, airway, arms, hands, shoulders, and nervous system. Any of those could be involved. My attention is on the lungs and breathing - that is what is standing out for me - but it could be anything ruled by Gemini. As I said above, Gemini is a dual sign, so there could be some sort of duality around this illness. Gemini is also communication, so we may even get a communication about The King's health soon.

As a health card, The Lovers upright represents excellent physical health. In the reverse, it indicates the reverse - poor health. It can also mean that you are not looking after yourself, that you need to step away from your current lifestyle and give yourself the time and rest you need to heal. You need to work within your limits and not continually push yourself to do more.

Generally, the Lovers is a card about making a choice. It is usually a romantic choice, but it can be a choice between any two or more desirable options. It is a card of being in harmony with yourself and your partner. In the reverse, you are deliberately not making a choice or you are making bad choices. Your decisions are not in harmony with your inner values. It can also indicate inner or outer conflicts in your life. Things are not in balance.

The first thing that hit me about this card was the double Gemini aspect. Two cards, both representing Gemini, both in reverse. If The King was a sun sign Gemini then this would be it - it would be a message that he is not recovering from his illness. However, The King is a sun sign Scorpio, so this message is not about him as a person. It could be about him as the King, who celebrates his birthday in June (Gemini season). In this case the message is that he needs to abdicate. The Kingship is contributing to his ill health and he needs to let it go before it kills him.

The other energy from this card is about choices. The King is making the wrong choices. He is pushing himself to hard, not resting enough, not balancing the demands of his office against his body's need to rest and repair itself. He needs to stop, look at what his body needs, and give that to himself. Otherwise he will end up literally killing himself - which, if he knows he has cancer and the cancer is terminal, may be his choice - to go out in harness rather than to step down.

Card Three: The Five of Pentacles

As a general card, this is exile, hardship, loss, adversity.

As a health card, it is poor health, illness, feeling cold, pain, suffering, lifestyle creating or contributing to the illness, feeling powerless, feeling helpless, neglecting yourself, needing medical care and attention etc.

The energy of this card for me is the same as The Lovers reversed - not taking care of yourself. It confirms that The King is ill, he is not currently getting better, and he is not making the changes he needs to get better. He is pushing himself too hard. He is going through a period of hardship and loss, and instead of being gentle on himself he is pushing himself to do things to the detriment of his health.

This also indicates that The King may feel powerless in the face of the current state of his health, as nothing he is doing is making it better.

The main energy from this card is that The King is currently in a bad state of health and he is not relaxing his expectations of himself so he can heal and get as well as possible. He may even have given up on getting well and just be trying to get as much done as he can before he can't work any longer.

Underlying Energy One: The Eight of Cups

This is one of my death cards. Not "I am going to die tomorrow' but 'I am on the path down towards death', like Psyche in the card is walking down into the underworld (the place of death).

Generally, it is a card of abandonment, walking away, and letting go. As a health card, it indicates exhaustion, fatigue, listlessness, and being emotionally drained, being fed up, and being unhappy with things.

This card tells me that The King is on the downwards path to death. He is tired, physically and emotionally, and he needs to let things go so he can rest. I'm also getting the energy that he has abandoned hope of getting better, i.e. back to full health, and he wants to make the most of the time he has now.

Underlying Energy Two: The High Priestess

This is another of my death cards, as it shows Persephone in her role as Queen of the Underworld, stopping the dead from returning to the sunlit world shown at the back of the card.

Generally, the High Priestess is a card about listening to our intuition, spirituality, to meditate and look within to find the answers we seek.

As a health card, the High Priestess says to listen to our body, trust our intuition in matters of health, and to make sure we are taking care of our physical self and not neglecting ourselves,

The energy from this card is the same as of the Eight of Cups - someone who is on the downwards path to death. It also echoes the messages from the cards above it about listening to your body and taking care of yourself, giving yourself the time to rest that you need.

Conclusion:

The King is on the path downwards towards death. He is not going to recover from his cancer - not fully. He may linger for a year or so yet, but he is not going to return to his previous state of good health.

The King is not looking after himself. He is making bad choices and neglecting himself, i.e. pushing himself too hard to do things. His progress to good health appears to have slowed, if not stopped, and there is nothing he can do to speed it up or making it start up again. He is tired, emotionally and physically, and he is not letting himself rest. He is also very frustrated about the state of his health.

What the King should do is let go. He should step away from ruling and spend his time resting, with his loved ones around him. However, I don't think this is going to happen. I think it is more likely that he will continue to push himself to do his job and that he will die like that. If he does decide to let go and take time off to rest then I will be both relieved and happy for him.

The King can't stop this downwards decline into death. What he can do is stop working, look after himself, rest, and enjoy his time with his family and friends. That may give him a positive boost in his health. Otherwise, the end will come sooner rather than later. It is possible that The King knows he is dying and he has chosen to 'die in harness', in which case all I can do is respect his wishes.

The element of Gemini is very strong in this reading. That could be referring to the King's father in some way, or to the lungs, arms, hands, shoulders and nervous system of the King, or to the King's official birthday and so to his role as King, or to duality in his illness in some way. I'm not 100% sure which of these meanings apply. I just know that Gemini is important.

[bisphenol-a]

Tomorrow, Friday November 17, the German Bundestag will vote on a draft law that could decide that naturalization for residents would be dependent on a commitment to Israel’s right to exist.

The bill, which includes a law that would change the criminal code, was submitted by the Christian Democratic Party’s (CDU) parliamentary group.

It would impact individuals seeking residency, asylum, and naturalization, and its intent is to “provide better protection against the further entrenchment and spread of antisemitism that has “immigrated from abroad.”

“Since the day of the attack,” the law states in its introduction, “disgusting rallies and demonstrations have also taken place on German streets, expressing unconcealed joy at the deaths of Jews and revealing an alarming level of antisemitism.”

A majority of protests across Germany have not only been peaceful but have only called for the German government to back a ceasefire to stop the genocide of the Palestinian people.

I attended multiple demonstrations across Germany, and the only visible threat to public safety has been from the police. In fact, I was a witness to one demonstration in Frankfurt where the police banned it from taking place mere minutes before it was about to begin. Hundreds of people were met with water cannons, extreme levels of police presence, and kettling by law enforcement that led to the detainment of over 300 people.

In another I attended in Mannheim, the only act of antisemitism committed was a man on the sidelines of our protest raising his hand in a Nazi salute to antagonize and intimidate pro-Palestinian demonstrators. He was arrested soon after, and local publications reported he was, in fact, not a part of our planned demonstration.

In 2022, over 80 percent of all antisemitic crimes in Germany were committed by the German far right, according to the federal police. However, the new draft bill does not include these statistics. Instead, it attributes violent antisemitism with sympathy with “Hamas terrorism,” which they claim is “cheered and propagated on German streets and schoolyards.”

The bill clearly singles out Arabs and migrants, claiming antisemitism in Germany is now only “imported.”

“A significant portion of those are obviously immigrants from countries in North Africa and the Middle East, where antisemitism and hostility towards Israel have a particular breeding ground,” the draft law states, backed by no concrete evidence for such remarkable claims.

It continues: “as well as their descendants, the instruments of residence, asylum and citizenship law must be used more consistently than before- in addition to general means such as criminal law- in order to combat antisemitism in Germany more effectively.”

In summary, the law not only creates a prerequisite where a citizenship application will only be granted if the individual declares a commitment to Israel’s right to exist and swears that they did not pursue any endeavors directed against Israel, but it can also strip the residency status and the citizenship of dual nationals who have been convicted of an antisemitic crime. This would also include a prison sentence of at least one year.

“Maintaining the legal status quo is not an option,” the draft law says, “as the current legal situation is clearly not suitable for effectively combating the specific antisemitism that is widespread among some foreigners in Germany.”

In Germany, what constitutes an “antisemitic crime” is extremely ambiguous. In 2017, the federal government officially adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. Advocates, scholars, and legal experts at the European Legal Support Center (ELSC) as well as other organizations for example, have long criticized the IHRA definition, arguing it redefines antisemitism by wrongly conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish racism.

According to a report conducted by ELSC and published earlier this year, the invocation of the definition almost exclusively targets Palestinian rights advocacy, harming Palestinian and Jewish activists in particular.

Now that Germany has specifically labeled the protests as examples of antisemitism that should be criminalized, there is much cause for concern for pro-Palestinian activists. Already, there have been examples such as the stripping of refugee status from a Palestinian activist from Syria and denying residency to Palestinian doctors who have only been a part of a Palestinian cultural group.

...

“Violent excesses at demonstrations- such as the pro-Palestinian demonstrations in October 2023- must be appropriately sanctioned. However, the increasing abuse of the right to demonstrate can often not be adequately punished,” the draft law says. “The regulation of breach of the peace is too narrow.

We have already witnessed banned demonstrations in cities and violent police arrests detaining people only carrying flags and wearing keffiyehs or simply holding anti-war signs. In Berlin, home to one of the largest Palestinian diasporas in Europe, there have been regular police presence and clear examples of racial profiling, and harassment against anyone who might “look” like they are attending a previously banned demonstration. 

[kemetic-dreams]

IGBO MARRIAGE

Marriage is not a matter for the man and woman alone; it concerns the close kin of both. Marriage arrangements are negotiated between the families of the prospective bride and groom. With regard to the paternity of the wife's children, they belong to the lineage of the husband. When a woman has children out of wedlock, however, they belong to her natal lineage, and not to that of the children's father. Igbo have also institutionalized marriage options permitting “female husbands” in woman-to-woman marriages, in special circumstances. Some daughters with a male status (i.e., “male daughters”) do not even have to marry to procreate.

Although females are brought up looking forward to this dual role, it would be misleading to think that the major roles of women in Igbo society are as wife and mother, since Igbo women are prominent in public life as an organized force in both economics and politics. A significant part of a young girl's or a young man's childhood training is geared toward their future roles in the family and as useful and responsible citizens. Women are fully involved in matchmaking and usually participate directly or indirectly in the actual negotiations of marital arrangements for their sons or their daughters, in cooperation with the male members of the families concerned. Women have powerful and active behind-the-scene roles in seeking out the girls they would like their sons to marry. The approval of the mother is vital because the young bride is generally expected to live with her mother-in-law and to serve her for the first few months of marriage, until the new couple can set up an independent household and farmland.

[noxiatoxia]

I am ignoring my duties so instead I made this chart: I was wondering, who gets the most episodic focus/screen time in Ouran? These were the results...

Note "multi/other" means either there was A. more than 2 characters given complete focus or B. a focus on a non-main character such as Renge, Kanako, Kasanoda, etc.

Cuz of that, it's unsurprising that category is the biggest, nearing almost half.

The second (or first, depending on how you look at it) is Haruhi, which I expected.

Next is interesting. Third is Tamaki, although if you want to count the twins together instead of separately, they would actually be third, beating Tamaki out by a whopping 8%

After that, Kyoya and Hani and Mori are tied. Technically, beyond Haruhi and Tamaki, they're all tied.

This is actually very interesting to me, as I expected Mori to be the lowest, but he's actually on the same tier as most characters! I suppose his focus just wasn't as prevalent...sorry Mori.

I know some people don't like this "dual" focus approach I've gone with, so I made another version, forcing myself to choose the SOLE character of that episode ("multi" not being an option). The only exception is the twins, because in some cases, they are literally impossible to place in importance from one another.

This is where it gets really interesting. Now with "multi/all" taken out and that category is reserved for side characters only, Haruhi is indeed the winner. However, "other" becomes second place.

Mori's score seems more appropriate now. Sorry mori. You were done dirty king.

What shocks me is Kaoru has MORE focus than Tamaki (tbh I thought he had less focus than HIKARU let alone TAMAKI...), however, again, this is by virtue of having to ignore Tamaki's major influence on most episode. Tamaki may have not been the "main" character for many episodes, but he was almost always the "second" main character.

Also, the reason I chose Kaoru for episode 20 and not both twins is due to the fact the episode is told from Kaoru's perspective. (actually thinking on it, Kaoru usually narrates for both twins...) And for episode 15, it seems we are shown the most detail with the twins, even if it is a small margin.

Also, does anybody else find it funny the episode titled "Mori-senpai has an apprentice candidate" focuses more on a side-character than Mori? Man...

Anyway, this was fun, though I may have made a minor error here and there.

[waycaseuk]

The **evolution of the iPhone** since its introduction in 2007 has been a defining journey in the world of smartphones, with significant advancements in design, performance, and features. Here's a brief overview of key milestones in iPhone evolution:

### 1. **iPhone (2007)**

- **Notable Features**: 3.5" touchscreen, 2 MP camera, 4GB/8GB storage.

- **Innovation**: The first touchscreen-only smartphone, removing the physical keyboard seen in other phones at the time. It introduced multi-touch technology and mobile internet.

### 2. **iPhone 3G (2008)**

- **Notable Features**: 3G network support, App Store.

- **Innovation**: Faster internet browsing with 3G connectivity and the launch of the App Store, which opened the door to third-party apps.

### 3. **iPhone 3GS (2009)**

- **Notable Features**: Faster processor, video recording, voice control.

- **Innovation**: Significant speed improvements ("S" stands for speed) and better camera capabilities, including video recording.

### 4. **iPhone 4 (2010)**

- **Notable Features**: Retina Display, FaceTime, 5 MP camera, glass design.

- **Innovation**: A major redesign with a stainless steel frame and glass front/back, and the introduction of the Retina Display, which had higher pixel density for crisper visuals.

### 5. **iPhone 4S (2011)**

- **Notable Features**: Siri, 8 MP camera, A5 chip.

- **Innovation**: Siri, the first virtual assistant on an iPhone, was introduced, along with significant camera and processor upgrades.

### 6. **iPhone 5 (2012)**

- **Notable Features**: 4" display, Lightning connector, LTE support.

- **Innovation**: The iPhone grew in size to a 4-inch screen and introduced the Lightning connector, replacing the 30-pin dock.

### 7. **iPhone 5S & 5C (2013)**

- **Notable Features (5S)**: Touch ID, 64-bit architecture.

- **Notable Features (5C)**: Colorful plastic body.

- **Innovation**: The iPhone 5S brought Touch ID for fingerprint authentication and a powerful 64-bit A7 chip. The 5C was a more affordable model with colorful designs.

### 8. **iPhone 6 & 6 Plus (2014)**

- **Notable Features**: 4.7" & 5.5" displays, Apple Pay.

- **Innovation**: Apple entered the "phablet" market with larger displays, along with introducing Apple Pay, the company's mobile payment system.

### 9. **iPhone 6S & 6S Plus (2015)**

- **Notable Features**: 3D Touch, 12 MP camera, 4K video.

- **Innovation**: The introduction of 3D Touch, which allowed the screen to detect varying levels of pressure, creating new ways to interact with the phone.

### 10. **iPhone SE (2016)**

- **Notable Features**: 4" screen, A9 chip (same as iPhone 6S).

- **Innovation**: A smaller, more affordable model, resembling the iPhone 5S but with the internal power of the iPhone 6S.

### 11. **iPhone 7 & 7 Plus (2016)**

- **Notable Features**: Dual cameras (7 Plus), no headphone jack, water resistance.

- **Innovation**: The removal of the headphone jack was controversial, and Apple also introduced dual cameras on the 7 Plus for improved zoom and portrait photography.

### 12. **iPhone 8 & 8 Plus (2017)**

- **Notable Features**: Wireless charging, glass back, True Tone display.

- **Innovation**: While similar to the iPhone 7, the 8 series introduced wireless charging through the glass back and enhanced display technology with True Tone.

### 13. **iPhone X (2017)**

- **Notable Features**: Edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, no home button.

- **Innovation**: A radical redesign that removed the home button and Touch ID, replacing it with Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition technology. It also introduced the first OLED display in an iPhone.

### 14. **iPhone XS, XS Max, & XR (2018)**

- **Notable Features**: Larger OLED display (XS Max), Liquid Retina display (XR), A12 chip.

- **Innovation**: The XS Max brought a massive 6.5" screen, while the XR offered a more affordable option with an LCD display but the same powerful internals.

### 15. **iPhone 11, 11 Pro, & 11 Pro Max (2019)**

- **Notable Features**: Ultra-wide camera, night mode, A13 chip.

- **Innovation**: A triple-camera system on the Pro models enhanced photography, including better low-light performance with night mode.

### 16. **iPhone SE (2nd Gen) (2020)**

- **Notable Features**: A13 chip, 4.7" display, Touch ID.

- **Innovation**: Like the original SE, this model combined older iPhone design (resembling the iPhone 8) with powerful internals from newer models, offering a budget-friendly option.

### 17. **iPhone 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro, & 12 Pro Max (2020)**

- **Notable Features**: 5G support, MagSafe, Ceramic Shield.

- **Innovation**: The iPhone 12 series introduced 5G connectivity and the MagSafe system for attaching accessories. Ceramic Shield provided increased drop protection.

### 18. **iPhone 13 Mini, 13, 13 Pro, & 13 Pro Max (2021)**

- **Notable Features**: Smaller notch, ProMotion 120Hz display (Pro models), Cinematic Mode.

- **Innovation**: Focused on camera improvements, including Cinematic Mode for video recording, and higher refresh rate displays on the Pro models for smoother performance.

### 19. **iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (2022)**

- **Notable Features**: A15 chip, 5G, improved battery life.

- **Innovation**: Continuation of the budget-friendly SE line with more powerful internals.

### 20. **iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, & 14 Pro Max (2022)**

- **Notable Features**: Dynamic Island (Pro models), 48 MP camera (Pro), Always-On Display (Pro), satellite SOS.

- **Innovation**: The Pro models introduced the Dynamic Island, a new interactive notification area, along with the powerful 48 MP main camera and satellite communication for emergencies.

### 21. **iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, & 15 Pro Max (2023)**

- **Notable Features**: USB-C port, A17 Pro chip, Action Button (Pro models).

- **Innovation**: The transition from Lightning to USB-C for universal charging, along with enhanced performance and camera upgrades.

The iPhone's journey reflects major technological strides and design shifts, focusing on improving usability, camera quality, and processing power with each iteration.

[classicanalyzer]

Jedi Survivor Retrospective - Coruscant/A Hopeless Fight

"Someday when your children see this, they'll know the Jedi never stopped fighting for them." Cal Kestis

After an optional cinematic recap with amazing music, we begin the game with Cal seemingly captured as he sees the former Jedi Temple now the Imperial Palace of the Empire. Outside of LEGO SW media, I think this is the first time we saw the Imperial Palace in visual media. The opening of this game serves as a foil to the first game's intro where Cal is hiding and unsure of himself, now Cal is more confident and mostly in control of the situation.

Coruscant is as oppressive as ever as Sejan forcibly removes people who are already living in poor conditions to benefit himself. It's quickly made apparent that the Senator is way over his head as Cal quickly turned the tables on him. I really like the bond between Cal and Bode..however in hindsight, we know why Bode made sure to tell Cal that he's providing for his daughter. And I love Cal turning the Senator's quote against him into a defiant statement.

After Gab is killed, we see a glimpse of Cal Ketstis' inner darkness emerging as he approaches the Ninth Sister with Lightsaber in hand ignoring Bode and Bravo's calls to him. Even the music fades as Cal's intent on avenging his comrades is all he can think about. Cal even uses the same Force trick that Trilla used in opening Fallen Order on a gunship to achieve more successful results as Cal takes the controls.

Senator Sejan represents the corrupt politicians who traded democracy for "security" at the end of ROTS. Despite him claiming to do this for his people, it's clear with his lavish lifestyle and corrupt nature that he's really doing this for himself. I do find it funny how he was placed in the first trailer of this game as a major antagonist...when he was quickly dispatched by the Ninth Sister.

The Ninth Sister is revealed to be still alive after an ambiguous end to her fight in Fallen Order. Since then, she has become even more unhinged and rage-fueled, no doubt thanks to her humiliating loss at Cal's hands. A major theme for this game's villains is obsession. The Ninth Sister is our first look into that theme. It's clear she's been obsessed with killing Cal and it's all she wants to do. By the end, even when Cal tries calling out to Massana Tide (the Ninth Sister's true name), she can't break out of her obsession and what the Empire made her.

"It's time to set you free." Cal Kestis

Cal's growth is clearly shown as compared to the last game, he can better handle the Purge Troopers (interestingly wearing their Clone armor despite the game taking place in the same year as the Kenobi show) and even the Ninth Sister who went from being a major boss to the starter boss of this game. His dual blade stance now became a proper stance rather than just a few special moves.

Cal would also get along with Ezra on how the Empire uses their old photos for their wanted posters.

By the end, despite getting the intel, Cal feels hopeless about the impact he's making and has just lost his new family. With the Mantis now in dire need of repair, Cal has to seek out the original owner of the Mantis, Greez Dritus, who is now on the world Koboh. Little does he know that he will reunite with his old family in time.

I really love this section for capturing that bombastic SW opening action sequence. We also get to see how Cal is starting to feel the weight of the seemingly hopeless situation against the Empire.

[thedragonagebigbang]

Bang Creator Interview: Tumblr: @fade-and-loathing-in-thedas  |  AO3: Fade_and_loathing_in_thedas

The Collaboration period has begun! In these quiet months before works are due, we want to foster a sense of excitement, camaraderie, and celebration among our participants. To that end, all participants were given the option of a formal interview by our mod, Dema, or an informal “ask-game” survey. We hope you enjoy getting to know our phenomenal creators as much as we have!

5 Signs You're experiencing Deja Vu (Number 3 Will Make You Question Reality!)

Strix and Dema talk reluctant heroes, DA4 (spoilers ahead!) and ALL the worldstates

Dema: To jump right in, on your user intro you mentioned OC creation first in your list of things you love about Dragon Age. What about DA OC creation in particular appeals to you?

Strix: I love the choice of it all. I get the opportunity to craft rich, multi-faceted characters within a deeply immersive world that I love and see everyone else's amazing creations too. I have endless possibilities for creative expression and storytelling and ways to explore personalities, choices and experiences that I don't have personal experience in, and on the flip side I get to explore characteristics that I have in so many different ways. I also love learning about how others approach the same thing and there is always so much diversity in how it is approached.

Dema: Do you create your OCs with writing in mind?

Strix: Not necessarily. I have several that were created with writing in mind, but the majority were created with the idea of exploring the world of dragon age from a particular lens and what that would mean for how they would interact with the world.

Dema: What has been the most interesting character configuration for you, in game? 

Strix: I find it really hard to pick just one. However, I will say I really love any non mage Hawke. They're just a regular guy and because of the tensions between the mages and templars and between their friends, they're always kind of stuck in the middle. I find it's an interesting dynamic because in the end they always have to take a stance, regardless of personal feelings, investment in the mage or templar cause, or the risk to themselves. 

Dema: Do you have a favorite Hawke you've made? (Cruel question, I know haha)

Strix: Hahaha, it really is lol. But I would have to say my canon Hawke. Aeryn Hawke is a dual wielding rogue and purple Hawke. She just wanted to live an uneventful and simple life, but fate had other ideas.

Dema: I LOVE a reluctant hero.

Strix: She's become a bit of a tragic figure as the DA timeline and story has progressed and I'm honestly terrified of Varric dying in da4 because that would honestly be the thing that breaks her. She can't and hasn't saved the world, all she's done is hold back the tide a little bit.

Dema: OOF, yeah! So I assume you're keeping up with the DA4 news to some extent?

Strix: Absolutely! I'm obsessively following all the updates. I have no care for spoilers. 

Dema: What are you most excited about?

Strix: Meeting all the new companions. I have loved all the past companions and I'm so excited to meet all my new friends and LIs. Through a chance to punch Solas is a close second.

Dema: Are you already planning your Rook, or are you waiting?

Strix: I've got plans for at least five already, lol. I have 13 completed world states and uhhhh an addiction to OC creation.

Dema: Hey. You are so valid. Who knows how long we'll have this game before the next one comes out, if we've got a decade surely five play-throughs is reasonable.

Strix: I'm so scared I'm going to create more than 13 Rooks and then I'll have to create wardens, Hawke's and Inquisitors to match them. The backgrounds sound so intriguing.

Dema: To pivot a bit, because I would love to ask a couple writing questions:

Strix: Let's go!

Dema: Pitch is in? How are you feeling about your DABB project?

Strix: My pitch will be in tomorrow, I've been working on it today (blurbs/summaries kill me lol) But I'm super excited about DABB! I can't wait to read all the fics and see all the paired art, it is such a fun concept. I'm also super excited to finally be writing my fic, because it's a fic I've wanted to write for ages now, and the way the DABB has been structured has really helped me kick my ass into gear to tackle the project. I love fandom events and gift exchanges because of the commitment component. You've signed up, you have a deadline and you have to think about how and if you can deliver the project, which means it isn't as self indulgent as regular fic writing is (for me anyway).

Dema: Ooooh so is this your first Big Bang?

Strix: Yes!

Dema: I am excited for you! It is a lot of fun. Finally: it is time for your no-spoilers click-bait title.

Strix: Ooohhhh um.... 5 Signs You're experiencing Deja Vu (Number 3 Will Make You Question Reality!)

Dema: Perfect, thank you! And thank you for taking the time to chat with me!

Strix: Thank you! This was fun!

[00virtuezero]

Saturday : Nov. 11 Misc .

@fromtheboundlesssea

Neither Gods Nor Men Armaments of the Dragons :  List of Weapons used by each Dragonrider and marital warrior of the Green,  Blue, and Black Factions .

The Greens

King Rhaenor Targaryen I “The Red King”  :   Blackfrye -  Valyrian Steel Bastard Sword,  “ Fang”-  A kiliji ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilij#:~:text=Because%20of%20the%20shape%20of,did%20not%20allow%20the%20thrust ) one handed, single edged and curved scimitar blade that was taken as war trophy by Rhaenor when he killed notable Triarchy Commander, used  a optional weapon besides Blackfrye and also for the King’s rare, but at times used Dual Wielding swordmenship. Dagger of Ice and Fire : Valyerian Steel Dagger with a Dragonbone crafted hilt, passed down from Targaryen King to King.

Prince Aemond “One-Eye”, Targaryen, Heir to the Dragon: “Vilgilance”- A Valyerian Longsword that has belonged to House Hightower for centuries, gifted to Prince Aemond for the Dance and to symbolize Aemond being the Targaryen-Hightower Heir,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messer_(sword) :  Given to from Ser Criston Cole to Prince Aemond,  Messer Sword is native to Stormlands, that was designed to be  single edged sword with knife like hilt,  notable for shearing cuts, and most importantly self defense, 

Staff of the One-Eye/Scythe of the Stranger :  Design wise, the staff Rhaenor gifted is Aemond is Longstaff/Quarter staff made completely from Dragonbone basically given it a major high level durability allowing it with stand blows against armor and also swords or melee weapons as well.  Serving as offensive and defensive staff, allowing Aemond to attack and defend, overwhelming opponents with speed and blunt damage. Do to dragon bone can also potentially break bone or even slightly dent armor.

This also includes two attachable  blades that can be attached two each opposite end of staff, making it Double Bladed Staff.   Can be potentially used as psychological intimidation   given slight oddity and unfamiliarity with two blades attached to opposite ends and along possible attacking opponents on opposite side. 

The Two attachable Blades, can when not put on the staff, be used as Short Swords. Along with being oppotional for one Blade to be attached, thus making a spear and also possible javelin weapon.

Last and optional attached weapon a Single Curved Edged Blade, which would be later dubbed a “ War Scythe”.

Princess Saera “ War Rose” Targaryen :  “ Thorn”-   A Long Sword, made of finest materials found in the Reach, hilt is shape green rose.  “Flare” :  Short Sword and optional melee weapon, has flame shaped helt.   “ Sun Shield” :  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckler  Its size made it poor protection against missile weapons (e.g., arrows) but useful in deflecting the blow of an opponent's weapons, binding his arms, hindering oppotents movements, or punching them. 

The Blues

King Aegon  “ The Blue King” Velayron :  Basilisks Valeryian Steel Sword :https://www.pinterest.com/pin/437482551283112561/ ( Third Century Sparta Sword ). Color of Basiliks : Steel Sword color is Azure and hilt is Silver color, Plommel and Guard are Obsidian Black. Design of Hilt is that of a Sepertine head, with mouth pointed to where the Blade is, pommel is orbed shape with near very a large Fang like blade pointing out it ( Rumored to be an actual Basiliks Fang and can be used melee weapon and stabbing weaponSparta was ancient longsword with a straight and double-edged blade, which is sharpened on both sides to lacerate the opponent effectively. This straight blade tapers to a tip at the very end of the sword, giving it the ability to be effective in a deep piercing motion. To me that also fit’s Symbolism of of Serpents Strike and also Versatility of it as a sword, Valeryian Steel helps as well given it can cut threw almost anything. The Fang at end of Rounded Pommel is intact a actual Basilisk’s fang, taken from a large Basilisk a Velayron ancestor killed and decided to attach its Posion Fang to the Pommel, along with how the sword became known as Basiliks. Of course now a days the Fang isn’t able to produce posion because of age, but it skill can make for effective pierceing weapon.

The Smith’s Hammer :  A one Handed War Hammer that has Silver-Blue Hammer on end and other side perceing Edge on the other in shape of a Shark’s Fin.  Serving a Secondary Weapon and along capable of bashing on enemy armor to break limbs, skulls, and the like.   Rumored to be crafted from the strongest metals that House Velayron could buy.

Laena “ The Valkyrie” Velayron :  “ Shadow Spine”  :  A Silver Longsword with a dragon head shaped sigil, and up pointed guards, designed after the Valeryian Steel Sword “ Dark Sister”.   Short Sword for optional weapon if needed,   Circle Shield for Defense from both Arrows and Melee Weapons.

Prince Viserys “Warhammer” Velayron :  Bastard Sword  with skyblue colored hilt,  One handed Axe-Weapon for Melee Combat,  Long Handed Axe that is wielded with both hands,  inspired by Corly Velayron’s own Long Handed Axe.

The Blacks

Lord Jacerys “ The Unworthy”  Rivers :   Noted for carrying a total of Three different type of Swords on his person, which symbolizing House Strongs Three Swords :   Bastard Sword with a Dark Green colored Hilt,   A Long Sword with a Dark Blue colored hilt, and  a https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falchion  Cleaver Sword with a Black hilt, that has a crossguard.

Giving Jacerys different options in combat and keeping his oppotent guessing as he changes styles.  While his half brothers Aegon and Aemond are among the best warriors of the siblings, Jacerys makes up for by willing to trick and confuse his oppotents, along with a brutal and calculated ferocity.

Lady Baela “ The Siren” Velayron-Rivers :   “Venom” : A Dark Colored Long Sword with a Dragon winged shaped Hilt,   “ Silence” :  A Slight Curved Knife for Melee Combat and keep on person as side armament even when not in full armor .  Bow and Arrows for Long Range Combat, especially while on Moondancer, rumored Bow is made from Old Gods wood tree material.

Lord Lucerys “The Unjust” Rivers :   A Longsword, with a crossed guard hilt,    2 Knifes for Melee Combat and sneak attacks,  One Handed Spiked Mace Weapon.

Lord Joffrey “ The Good”  Rivers :  Bastard Sword, Long Sword as secondary weapon,  Knife as optional and side weapon,  Shield painted in all Three Colors of the Swords on House Strong’s Sigil.

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

The ‘double haters’ (Washington Post) Ask voters here in far western Wisconsin what they think of their two main presidential choices in November—the same two choices they had four years ago—and the answers, even tinged with Midwest nice, come out hard and blunt. “Absolute trash.” “Three hundred-and-some-odd-million people and that’s all we can get?” “Terrifying.” “Both options suck. And it’s going to, I think, boil down to what sucks less.” With Election Day less than five months away, voters here in Hudson are increasingly preoccupied with just which option—President Biden, 81, or former president Donald Trump, 78—is “the evil we’ve got to vote for,” in the words of Gregory Wold, 57, a retired corrections department employee from North Hudson, Wis. These and other “double haters”—voters who are dissatisfied with both major party choices—are again pondering the same two options, and again are coming up largely disappointed. These double haters are likely to prove a critical voting bloc in November. They are a group that could help determine the outcome in a close election, especially in critical swing states like Wisconsin, and one that has become the focus of considerable attention and outreach from both campaigns.

Venezuelan migrants (NPR) Over the past two years, the city of Chicago has struggled to care for destitute migrants arriving from the southern border. The majority, around 30,000, are from Venezuela, a South American country whose economy has collapsed. But the number of Venezuelans in Chicago hardly compares to how many have migrated over the past decade to neighboring Colombia. Bogotá alone, the capital, has received more than 600,000. Colombia initially rolled out the welcome mat and, by many measures, absorbed this population with little harm and many benefits. Nearly 1.9 million Venezuelans gained paths to formal employment as well as Colombia’s education and health care systems. More recently, however, Colombia’s migrant integration has begun to falter due to the indifference of a new president, waning interest among international donors and a wave of xenophobia rippling through the public. Still, Colombia—a decade into a muddled but essentially humane response to a migrant crisis—holds many lessons for Chicago.

Sweden: Youth homes and gun violence (Reuters) The killer was only 14 and had lived in youth homes as a ward of the authorities since he was eight. A year ago, a gang helped the boy escape, put him up in a hotel and gave him cannabis, food and new clothes. Six days later, gang members told him it was time to repay them for their kindness. They had a job for him. Together with another youth, the boy, who as a juvenile cannot be identified, shot dead a 33-year-old Hells Angels biker. He was convicted by a court which described the case as a gangland contract killing. As he was too young to be sentenced, he was handed back to social services and sent to another youth home. Sweden has long prided itself on one of the world's most generous social safety nets, with a state that looks after vulnerable people at all stages of life. But these days it also has another distinction: by far the highest per capita rate of gun violence in the EU. Last year 55 people were shot dead in 363 separate shootings in a country of just 10 million people. By comparison, there were just six fatal shootings in the three other Nordic countries—Norway, Finland and Denmark—combined. In an increasing number of cases, courts have found the epidemic of violence emerging from Sweden's archipelago of youth homes, built to serve the dual purpose of looking after children in state care and punishing youth offenders.

Costly election pledges in France stoke fears of splurges that risk pushing country deeper into debt (AP) The promises are appealing—and expensive. Vying to oust the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron in an upcoming two-round parliamentary election June 30 and July 7, French political parties of both the far right and far left are vowing to cut gasoline taxes, let workers retire earlier and raise wages. Their campaign pledges threaten to bust an already-swollen government budget, push up French interest rates and strain France’s relations with the European Union. “The snap election could well replace Macron’s limping centrist government with one led by parties whose campaigns have abandoned any pretense of fiscal discipline,” economist Brigitte Granville of Queen Mary University of London wrote Thursday on the Project Syndicate website.

Gunmen Attack Synagogues and Churches in Russian Republic (NYT) Gunmen attacked synagogues and churches in two cities in southern Russia on Sunday, killing multiple police officers and a priest, in an apparently coordinated assault that underscored Russia’s vulnerability to extremist violence. Officials said six of the gunmen were killed after shootouts in the two cities, Makhachkala and Derbent, in the predominantly Muslim region of Dagestan on the Caspian Sea. Wielding rifles and Molotov cocktails, they attacked a synagogue and a church in each of the two cities. The precise death toll was not immediately clear. Sergei Melikov, Dagestan’s governor, said that “more than 15 police officers fell victim to today’s terrorist attack,” without specifying how many of them were killed and how many were wounded. Dagestan, one of Russia's poorest provinces, is predominantly Muslim and has in the past been the scene of Islamist attacks.

Russia threatens ‘consequences’ for US over Crimea missile strikes (Politico) Moscow on Monday warned of "consequences" for America, as it accused Washington of being involved in deadly strikes on Russian-occupied Crimea using U.S.-made rockets. According to Russia's state-owned RIA Novosti, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said "time would tell" what the response would be to the use of what Moscow claims were five Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles donated to Ukraine by the U.S. “Of course, the involvement of the United States of America in hostilities, direct involvement in hostilities that result in the death of Russian civilians, this, of course, cannot but have consequences," Peskov said. "What exactly—time will tell.” While Russia's defense ministry claims to have intercepted four of the missiles, fragments of a fifth detonated in mid-air after being struck by air defenses, killing four people and injuring 151 on the ground, according to the RIA Novosti report.

Nearly 2 million people stranded as second wave of devastating floods hits Bangladesh in less than a month (CNN) Bangladesh’s unusually wet rainy season has caused a second flooding disaster within a month, stranding over 1.8 million people in the country’s northeastern regions. After weeks of heavy rains fed rivers upstream near Bangladesh’s border with India until they grew past their danger marks, the floodwaters submerged homes and farmland across the region. Villagers have been forced to wade through waist-deep water to recover items from their homes, and some parts of the northeast will likely face food and clean water shortages, according to officials. The South Asian country is expected to be disproportionately impacted by climate change in the near future—the World Bank estimates that about 13 million Bangladeshi citizens could become climate migrants by 2050, causing a 9% dip in the country’s GDP.

The Philippines needs rice—but young people don’t want to farm it (Washington Post) In the Philippines, people say, “Bigas ay buhay”: “Rice is life.” It’s a neutral canvas for every meal. Other foods are often served as “ulam,” the topping or side dish for rice. Rather than unlimited soda, fast-food chains serve “unli-rice.” Rice missing from a meal is almost an accusation: You’re committing papak. Some 2.4 million Filipinos work as rice farmers, toiling on lush paddies that blanket the country, some on ancient terraces that cut through steep hills. But for young people, the grueling, volatile and often impoverished life of a rice farmer holds dwindling appeal. With fewer young people willing to farm, the average age of a Filipino rice farmer is 56—and climbing. The shift away from farming could mean food shortages in the Philippines, which already imports more rice than any other country.

‘Hamster’ crypto craze has taken Iran (AP) Cab drivers and bikers tap away furiously on their mobile phones as they wait at red lights in the Iranian capital during an early June heatwave. Some pedestrians in Tehran are doing the same. They all believe they could get rich. The object of their rapt attention? The “Hamster Kombat” app. A wider crypto craze aside, the app’s rise in Iran highlights a harsher truth facing the Islamic Republic ahead of Friday’s presidential election to replace late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May: an economy hobbled by Western sanctions, stubbornly high inflation and a lack of jobs. Even as presidential candidates make promises about restoring the country’s economy, Iranians, who have been hearing for years about bitcoin, are now piling into this app out of sheer hope it might one day pay off. “It’s a sign of being desperate, honestly,” said Amir Rashidi, the director of digital rights and security at the Miaan Group who is an expert on Iran. It’s about “trying to hang on to anything you have a tiny hope that might some day turn to something valuable.”

Netanyahu says Israel is winding down its Gaza operations. But he warns a Lebanon war could be next (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the current phase of fighting against Hamas in Gaza is winding down, setting the stage for Israel to send more troops to its northern border to confront the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The comments threatened to further heighten the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah at a time when they appear to be moving closer to war. Netanyahu also signaled that there is no end in sight for the grinding war in Gaza. The Israeli leader said in a lengthy TV interview that while the army is close to completing its current ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, that would not mean the war against Hamas is over. But he said fewer troops would be needed in Gaza, freeing up forces to battle Hezbollah.

Israeli Military Says Troops Tied a Wounded Palestinian to a Vehicle (NYT) Israeli troops tied a wounded Palestinian to the top of a military vehicle on Saturday morning during an operation in the occupied West Bank, a scene that was captured on video and quickly went viral, prompting outrage and the promise of an investigation by Israel’s military. Although the Israeli military said it would investigate, human rights groups have regularly criticized the country’s military-justice system, which they say rarely indicts or convicts those accused of inappropriate violence against Palestinians. The troops handed over the wounded man to the Palestinian Red Crescent for medical care, the Israeli military said. Mr. Ballas had been shot in the leg and arm, and his skin had burns from lying on the vehicle’s hood in the scorching sun, said his father, Raed Ballas. Mujahid Ballas was visiting his uncle’s house to play cards during his weekend holiday, his father said. He denied his son was involved in any militant activity, pointing to the fact that the Israeli security services had ultimately released him after the raid.

400-meter runner goes from locked in a porta-potty straight to the Olympics (AP) It was a classic case of going from the outhouse to the penthouse. Less than an hour before her semifinal at U.S. track trials, 400-meter runner Kendall Ellis was trapped in a porta-potty, banging on the door, screaming for someone to let her out. Thankfully, somebody did. She won that race in a personal-best time, then came back Sunday to top that mark and win the final, along with the national championship and the spot in the Olympics that comes with it. “Crazy things happen right before something great is about to occur, so maybe I needed that to get all the nerves and adrenaline out,” she said.

[immortal-elements]

Well, it's balance patch time, you know what that means!

Yep, I'm going to go over all the elementalist changes and say what I think of them.

First up, scepter changes! Historically, scepter has been a really powerful weapon for power builds, fresh air builds normally use scepter due to the fact you can start channeling your air auto-attack, swap out of air and use some instant cast skills during the auto-attack channel, and then swap back to air to do it all again before you even finish the auto channel. These changes mostly increase the power damage scaling of the auto-attacks, as well as water trident, hurl and the weaver dual attacks. This is to help differentiate it from pistol, as the two weapons had so much overlapping identity, being mid-ranged condi weapons. In trying to incentivize power builds using scepter, pistol is finding it's own footing. I just hope they fix the fking bullet UI.

Next, dagger. Shortening the cast time of the flame and ice breath attacks is a great change, but that's not the star of the show here. Let's talk about how busted the new water 3 and air 2 are going to be on catalyst. Catalyst infamously has a hard time giving itself shocking aura. Outside of hammer, (and I guess now pistol, but w/e), air attunement doesn't have combo finishers. This was mitigated in part by things like the arcane skills being combo finishers, or swapping to air mid-cast on a combo finisher, which can be finicky. Now, dagger air 2 is a blast finisher, meaning those dagger/dagger cata duelists you run into in PvP and WvW are going to be that much more annoying, being able to reliably proc shocking aura, transmute it with dagger 3, and then get shocking aura AGAIN! With all the aura synergy in catalyst, this is looking very powerful. As for water 3, it now creates an ice field, (which ele has surprisingly little access to), and then immediately blasts it. Assuming you have no other combo fields out, that translates to area frost aura, which is very powerful in PvP and WvW, and sometimes the -10% damage makes the difference in PvE. All around, these changes make dagger a tankier option for PvP

As for staff changes, they updated the earth wall and the electric fence to do more CC damage more reliably. Gone are the days of being unable to CC xera with the electric fence because her hitbox is too small, gone are the days of whiffing on your earth wall because the boss isn't moving.

Utilities. Basically all of ele's stunbreaks got buffed by means of reduced cooldown. The two winners here are signet of air and armor of earth. Armor of earth is now an incredible defensive skill, breaking stuns every 25 seconds, giving you stability to fight through CC pressure, and protection and barrier! And signet of air already was the best in slot stunbreak, it is now down to a 20 second cooldown. Mist form and arcane shield are meh imo, some people like them, most people don't, but hey, if you happen to be one of the special 8 people who use them, they've got a lower cooldown.

For specializations, Earth! They've baked the barrier gain that used to be on earth's embrace into a minor trait, so you always get that barrier gain. They've also changed how diamond skin works! Now, instead of removing a condi if you get hit while you have over 75% health, you can much more reliably trigger this! Remove a condi from yourself every time you combo with a leap finisher, (sword enjoyers rejoice), and remove a condi from all nearby allies whenever you use a blast finisher! If you've played ele for any amount of time, you know that the majority of it's finishers are blast finishers. The additional blast finisher on dagger air 2 and the additional combo field on dagger water 3 means that this weapon is a condi cleansing machine! Dagger/dagger will now have 4 blast finishers in addition to easy access to combo fields!

And now, water. Flow like water is being changed in PvP and WvW only, it now heals you on evade more frequently, and it also lets you do 5% more damage baseline, and 10% more damage if you are above 50% HP. If you, like me, are a tank weaver enjoyer, then this change is exciting! I already dodge so much on that build, now I get rewarded for doing so more frequently? This build has seen nothing but incidental buffs in these last few patches, and I'm LIVING for it. Soothing ice buffs are nice, they now trigger on healing skill use and can trigger every 15 seconds. It should be noted that unless you are using ether renewal, playing alac tempest, or using the weaver healing skill, this cooldown reduction does not matter as all other healing skills have a 20 second cooldown. Soothing power buff is neat, healers can have an extra 300 vitality, as a treat.

Tempest! They wanted to incentivize people to play power tempest, so they buffed the power scaling on the air overload, and also made it grant fury. Neat! They also increased the amount of might that "Feel the Burn" gives, and it also gives fury. Fire warhorn 4 now always gives fury to allies, because it gives fury to yourself before copying boons! Neat! As for the traits, your boon duration no longer suffers at low health with gathered focus, and you grant allies stability anytime you overload with hardy conduit.

Weaver. I already covered the dual attack changes to scepter, so the only real change is that in PvE, Twist of Fate is still the best in slot stunbreak for weavers, they just lowered the cooldown on it, keeping it in line with the rest of ele cooldowns.

Catalyst. While most of the exciting changes to catalyst have been covered when I talked about dagger, I want to reiterate that you are probably going to see a lot more d/d catalyst roamers. It's still one of the most difficult builds to play well, but these recent changes are going to make it a lot more rewarding to play. The updates to the air and earth augments are nice too. Air augment gets a lower cooldown, keeping it in line with the rest of the stunbreaks, and the earth augment gets a shorter cooldown too, cementing it's place as a best-in-slot defensive utility.

[waheelawhisperer]

Not V5 defenders trying to wax metaphorical about Yang nobly processing pain, openly reckoning with disability and setting aside anger by...leaving a limb upstairs with the teammates who were getting assbeat 5 seconds ago to enter a likely dual-hostile-Maiden situation with 3 of 4 limbs. I mean, what's the Message? Applauding people who ditch their aid devices under duress 'cause they don't ~really~ need crutches if they can still hop a bit??

I think the Message is supposed to be "Yang Is Controlling Her Temper And Learning To Fight Smarter And Solve Problems With Her Head Instead Of Her Fists", but it falls flat for a number of reasons. Dropping this under the cut so that people who don't want to see criticism of RWBY's writing can skip over it.

She already controlled her temper - we consistently see her vent when she gets frustrated/overstimulated and then calm down and start functioning more effectively. She's already well aware of her anger and knows how to manage it, and her anger wasn't the reason she got hurt in the first place, it was because she got stuck in a no-win situation and correctly identified the only course of action with a chance of success and didn't miraculously manage to pull it off against a superior opponent who also held all the cards. She already fought intelligently (and arguably fights smarter before Tai opens his big mouth to belittle her trauma and the fighting skills she learned from him than she does after receiving his "advice")*. She was arguably more diplomatic than most, if not all, of her teammates prior to Tai (and the writers) telling her to Use Her Brain More, given that even in the Poser era she was the only one to not have a major fight with one of her teammates (guess who started most of those? Oh, right, it was Weiss) and called Weiss out for the way she rejected Jaune (whether Weiss was correct or justified in doing so or doing so the way she did or whether Yang was right to roast her for it is beside the point, the point is that Yang was demonstrably more concerned with averting tension within her friend group than at least two of her teammates).

Also, even if this message held up well based on the evidence the show gave it, or at least held up well enough for me to give it the benefit of the doubt, the actual execution during the Battle of Haven fucking sucks ass. Even ignoring any messaging about Yang's disability and how her treatment of it reflects how the writers see it, detaching her arm was still the stupidest thing she could've done there. Literally one throw she could've pulled off without breaking stride could've put Mercury in a shitty position, set him up for attacks from her allies, and let her continue on toward the vault with both fucking arms.

As for the tactical assessment of sending Yang down to deal with two Maidens and someone who just kicked Weiss's ass, that was also stupid, but it was a desperation move. They just didn't have any choice. There weren't really any forces to spare to send with her, and Yang at least has an outside chance of getting through to Raven somehow. It's just another situation where Team RWBY doesn't truly have a good option, just one that sucks less than the rest.

*her technical skills have outright regressed, she spams more kicks instead of relying on her really fucking good boxing technique, but this is because screen fighting is different from real fighting and the choreography in general got worse when the show switched to Maya, so I'm willing to accept the narrative's argument that her combat skill has improved in-universe even if that's not the case from a real-world perspective.

[etes-secrecy-post]

Hi, before I explain my post, I want to say something important.

• What you see my blog has become a major overhaul. And despite the changes, I decided that my 2nd account will be now my artwork blog with a secret twist.

⚠️NEW RULE! (W/ BIGGER TEXT!)⚠️

⚠️ SO PLEASE DO NOT SHARE MY 2nd ACCOUNT TO EVERYONE! THIS SECRECY BLOG OF MINE IS FOR CLOSES FRIENDS ONLY!⚠️

• AND FOR MY CLOSES FRIENDS, DON’T REBLOG IT. INSTEAD, JUST COPY MY LINK AND PASTE IT ON YOUR TUMBLR POST! JUST BE SURE THE IMAGE WILL BE REMOVED AND THE ONLY LEFT WAS THE TEXT.

⚠️ SHARING LINKS, LIKE POSTS, REBLOG POSTS, STEALING MY SNAPSHOT PHOTOS/RECORDED VIDEOS/ARTWORKS (a.k.a. ART THIEVES) OR PLAGIARIZING FROM UNKNOWN TUMBLR STRANGERS WILL IMMEDIATELY BE BLOCKED, RIGHT AWAY!⚠️

😡 WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT EVER LIKED & REBLOG MY SECRET POST! THIS IS FOR MY SECRET FRIENDS ONLY, NOT YOU! 😡

Okay? Capiche? Make sense? Good, now back to the post…↓

#OnThisDay: Mar 12th, 2018

Title: Dynames Radar

Before he's armoring the powerful range weapon "Zabanya" (which we'll meet him, very soon), he's armoring his beginner "Dynames". 🎯🔫🤖🐵

A sniper type "Cuteness Mecha Armor" w/ a special scope on his hidden V-Fin forehead. Though not only he used his GN Sniper as a main, but also he has pistols, beam sabers, shield cloak on his each side of shoulders and a missile pack located his hidden from skirt. It wasn't enough, he has few special features that he'll handle used so you better read his armor info. 😉

Dynames Radar Based on: GN-002 Gundam Dynames [CLICK ME!]

Armament(s):

GN Beam Pistol • While the GN Sniper Rifle can fire at very long ranges, it is an unwieldy weapon to use in firefights in urban environments or in high-speed melee battles. Dynames is armed with two GN Pistols to offset this. It is mostly the type of weapon that's chosen based on specific mission criterias. The dual-wields these pistols using gun-kata, dodging enemy melee attacks before responding with well-placed shots at close range. While they have a high rate of fire, they possess less power than the GN Sniper Rifle. Its best used on a group of enemies from mid-range distance. During the testing stages, they will burn out after certain usage, thus up to six extra pairs can be equipped for prolonged close combat capability. The problem has since been fixed and the extra pairs are no longer needed. When they are not in use, they are placed in special holsters on the legs.

GN Beam Sabers • For close range combat, Dynames carries two GN Beam Sabers on its rear waist armor. As Dynames is specialized for long range shooting, they are its only melee weapons and possess the same power as the beam sabers on the others.

GN Missiles • A total of 24 GN Missiles are mounted on the Dynames, with 16 located on the front skirt armor and 4 located on either knee. They fire GN Missiles, which are used for destroying large targets like space vessels or for rapidly neutralizing or destroying large groups of enemies.

GN Sniper Rifle • A long-barreled particle rifle, the GN Sniper Rifle is Dynames' primary armament. While its firing rate is low, it is able to snipe at long distances by working with other powerful sensors. As such, its for Dynames to attack enemies from outside their search operation area. The rifle may be detached and mounted on a bipod, but is usually secured to the right rotatable shoulder dock. An optional scope may also be attached above the barrel.

GN Full Shield • The GN Full Shield consists of two large E-Carbon-made GN Shields. Although Dynames has its own standard GN Shield(located at the left shoulder) it can still had to manually evade attacks. Although Dynames' maneuverability is reduced, the GN Full Shield offers a more complete defense comparatively. The sliding shields would switch in between forward, side, and backwards to efficiently defend Dynames while attacking. GN Particles are applied both to decrease the weight of the shield as well as deploying GN Fields on the outer surface for protection.

GN Shield • A shield made from high strength E-Carbon. Because Dynames needs to both hands to operate the GN Sniper Rifle, its shields are placed on the shoulders instead. It is only equipped on the left shoulder.

Special Equipment(s) / Features:

Super Substratospheric Altitude Gun • A special weapon designed for use in sniping orbital targets from the surface of the Earth. It is a massive version of the Dynames' GN Sniper Rifle that requires stabilizing equipment for Dynames to simply aim the weapon. The massive gun is connected via cables to a separate GN Condenser unit nearby where a large amount of it's particles come from. Its extreme size and weight require Dynames to be completely stationary when firing, as the weapon also possesses massive recoil. Though the weapon is powerful, it is rarely used, as this rifle is one of the most fearsomely powerful weapons of the Dynames, and one of the most powerful weapons developed by Celestial Being for its four armors (Exia, Dynames, Kyrios and Virtue).

Sniper Mode • Sniper Mode is a feature when the pilot focuses on sniping and has manage Dynames' peripheral systems. The V-fin would lower and cover the primary optics and a large mono-ocular sensor exposes at the forehead for enhanced image targeting.

Trans-Am System • A hidden system with Dynames' GN Drive. When activated, the GN Drive maximizes GN particle output. Condensed GN particles saturate Dynames' MS frame, giving it a pink-reddish hue. Trans-Am grants Dynames three times the strength, speed, and firepower.

"Veda-based Operating System" • An operating system is linked to Veda, allowing the quantum computer to provide support to the Celestial Being Meisters, exclusively. In the original Anime, they used it to intervene in the Gundams' systems, rendering them inoperable. Fortunately, the Ptolemaios team had considered such a probability and had developed a stand-alone operating system beforehand. he switch to this stand-alone operating system restores the C.B. armors to operating state, but the loss of support from Veda makes the armors and completing missions much tougher for the Meisters.

Radar - Astroblast! © Bob Kolar, Scholastic, Universal Kids (Sprout) Armor (Mobile Suit Gundam 00) - Gundam series © Bandai Namco Filmworks, Inc. (SUNRISE), Sotsu