#but it’s only an extra $20 for a two person membership

[ifyourereadingthisblinktwice]

thought of what my ideal life would be today while having a shit time at work and it made me realize why i always align with the lonely

[adventures-in-the-mad-forest]

So as we've got an *official* Adventures in the Mad Forest kofi now: https://ko-fi.com/aitmf

Speaking of you may have noticed some changes regarding the shop, and memberships.

First let's talk shop and the price changes! The Glacie's Guide coloring page went from 20 cents to 60 cents. Why is this? Stripe's fee is 2.9% + 30 cents.

Reminder for the script talk, we are talking purchasing early access only.

The unedited version of the script is No Longer Available!!!

The Edited version of the script went from $12 to $5 per episode, with the first two free and the bundle with all of them is $23!

Now the memberships!

I've changed up and rearranged rewards a bit, especially including early access to scripts And merchandise! The tiers are now as follows:

$1 per month: Exclusive Content (Right now, just exclusive art. But I'm hoping to think of something else that would be fun too) $5 per month: Prev rewards + DMs (1 personalized thank you, and general chatting privileges. I will only promise one response / month but I'll try to do more than that). $10 per month: Prev rewards + Exclusive Discounts (20% off shop items) (+ the unlisted benefit of this tier Including Early Access to the Script!) $25 per month: Prev rewards + Behind the Scenes (Extra bloopers, extra updates, some early access to things) + Merchandise (First two months are sticker packs, I'm trying to think of something cool for 3+ months)

I would like to say that tipping/donating, or purchasing anything worth $1 or more will get your name called out in an episode.

Cool Future Things I'd Like to do:

More tiers possibly??? But those will be added closer to podcast posting time.

More Merch For Sale. I'm thinking of making a few laptop wallpapers of different scenes of the podcast along with a few other things.

Any questions, or ideas, feel free to ask the blog!

[lanaevyssmoved]

The dwelling described below belongs to Geddeil, a standard illithid claiming membership in the Abysmal Creed. Geddeil is only 10 years past its ceremorphosis but already has good standing among other members of its Creed. Thus, its dwelling is only two levels above the axial plaza, and its balcony is quite wide.

Balcony Hanging 20 feet above the plaza is a large stone balcony jutting out from the spherical side wall. A narrow stair connects the balcony to one below it, and then to the plaza's floor. Above, below, and to either side of the balcony, windows, stairs, and ladders protrude from the stone wall, forming a two-dimensional community wrapped around the spherical plaza. Geddeil has placed a portable stone pool at the lip of the balcony, allowing the mind flayer to relax comfortably in its own domicile. For convenience, the balcony possesses a feeding-stock, but it is currently pushed against the far railing away from the steps.

Sitting Room This large chamber serves as the living, dining, and recreation rooms for Geddeil. It contains various throw pillows (filled with spongy, dry moss), artistic sculptures (best appreciated by tentacle touch), resonance stones (small crystals embedded with pleasant emotions; see Chapter 7: Illithid Technology for more information), several feeding-stocks (in case guests show up for dinner), and a large musical instrument, called a bonethriven. While in its dwelling, Geddeil works on a couple of different pet projects. Happily, its hobbies coincide with the stated aim of the Abysmal Creed. Geddeil also spends many hours a day composing discordant music on its instrument; this music unsettles and horrifies any humanoid creatures that listen to it. When not composing, Geddeil gives in to gluttony, eating far more than a single brain per month. Geddeil justifies this resource drain by claiming that it aids the mind flayer's own exploration of the effects of horror on thralls. Its obesity, combined with its sickening pallor and the accumulated debris of past meals caught in its clothing and upon its tentacles, has a certain demoralizing effect on nonillithids. So far, the Abysmal Creed con tinues to pay the extra expense associated with Geddeil's "experiments."

Bonethriven: A massive assembly of tubes carved of discarded thrall bones surrounding a resonating chamber. Illithids proficient in this instrument can produce a wide range of sounds by blowing through the mouthpiece while opening and closing the 12 different stops with both fingers and tentacles. A master thrivenist (a player of the bonethriven) can elicit sounds of such horrible intensity that humans and demihumans must check morale each round they hear the instrument played. Victims failing a single check suffer a -1 to ail die rolls while the "music" continues.

Thrall Quarters Every illithid has at least one personal thrall that rarely leaves its side. Personal thralls open doors, pick up items of interest to its master, clear paths along busy throughways, compliment their illithid owners on a regular basis, and generally accomplish menial tasks. In many cases, once an illithid finds a personal thrall that agrees with it, the mind flayer goes out of its way to avoid eating the thrall's brain in a bout of hunger or anger. Some thralls have lived out their entire lives as the personal servants of a single mind flayer. Personal thralls live in their masters' dwellings; their quarters provide for their basic needs and wants, containing moss mattresses, bundles of dried rations hanging low from the ceiling, and basins of drinking water. Geddeil's personal thrall, a grimlock male named Ogham, is also allowed to store a few changes of clothes in this chamber, as well as a few small trinkets (shiny rocks) and toys (very crude dolls) to keep him happy during his "off" hours.

Study This chamber resembles the office of an eccentric surface-dwelling sage. A clutter of cultural artifacts from various thrall races cover shelves, a desk, and even the floor. For example, an elven wall sconce hangs over a dwarven battlemask, bracketed on one side by a human-crafted decorative clay pot and on the other by a gnomish toolsuit. Geddeil has collected these items in order to make an honest attempt to understand their cultural significance. The creature feels that if it can truly understand the mindset of the various thrall races, it will be that much more successful in devising means of promoting cultural terror and fear. It's all in a day's work for Geddeil. Geddeil´s desk is a simple stone platform. Below it sit several sheaves of stiff blank parchment. A striator (a psionic pen used to imprint parchment with qualith; see Chapter 7: Illithid Technology) lies on the desk along with several sheets of qualith-imprinted parchment. The parchment pieces rest beneath a black, egg-shaped paperweight; the paperweight is actually a resonance stone imprinted with pure horror. Any creature touching the stone must make a saving throw vs. spell or suffer effects similar to a fear spell for 3d6 rounds. The written records beneath the "paperweight" have Geddeil's notes recorded upon them. These notes include such observations as "humans fear the dark," "dwarves fear deep water," "elves fear moral compromise,' and "halflings fear starvation."

Storage This locked chamber holds the fruit of some of Geddeil's past projects—not all of which were completely successful. Piled against the walls and upon a central stone table lie jumbles of odds and ends. These piles include stuffed grouse, dried limes, metal shavings in a steel chest, a bone horn that sounds with a weak and plaintive blast, a water pipe half filled with formic acid (4d10 points of damage if spilled or swallowed), candlelamps carved to resemble illithid heads (the light shines from the illithids' eyes and mouths), a dish of hard candy shaped like miniature human hands, a petrified human foot, and dozens of other items.

Sleep Chamber The fact that illithids require sleep is the best argument that currently exists for the supposition that illithids originated from a planet with periodic sunshine. Why else would illithids develop sleep patterns that so closely resemble the sleeping habits of surface-dwelling creatures? Geddeil's sleep chamber is a 10-foot-diameter mass of thick, damp, cushioning moss bounded by a small stonestep in the center of the room. Various small stands and shelves in the room contain odd knickknacks that appeal to Geddeil's sense of decor: ghastly shells collected from a nameless subterranean sea, humanoid tooth sculptures, a collection of silver bells, and an infra-painting. The painting shows (to those able to distinguish wave-lengths in the infrared) a landscape of foaming chaos through which a shard of floating earth is visible. At the base of the painting, a line of qualith reads, "Beyond the Pale: A Resonance Island." The painting is a memento of Geddeil's travels. An open archway in the chamber leads to Geddeil's walk-in closet. The closet contains several dozen robes, boots, gloves, and other illithid clothing accessories. Most of the clothing is imprinted with the raised sigil of Geddeil's Creed association. Hidden in the inner lining of a robe at the very back of the closet is a contraband wand of magic missiles (56 charges remaining) that Geddeil secretly keeps in disobedience of Abstemious' ordinance. Geddeil keeps the wand out of a secret fascination with magic, a fascination that the mind flayer has only just begun to explore.

[nogling]

$65000 a year is not quite middle class.

It is by no means “rich”.

Most people making $65k a year are living paycheck to paycheck. They cannot afford to buy a house. They cannot afford childcare. Since most jobs that pay $65k a year require some form of secondary education, chances are they have pretty substantial student loan debt.

$65000 in 2024 is the equivalent of, funnily enough, about $17000 in 1980.

A person making $65k a year is likely taking home about $950 a week after taxes/insurance.

Average rent for a one bedroom apartment in the US is currently $1563 a month - let’s say this hypothetical person lives in a part of the country that is somewhere in the middle, between low cost of living and high cost of living, so let’s adjust that down a skosh to, say, $1450 a month.

$950 x 4 = $3800 per month - let’s say $4000 for easier math and to account for months with 5 paychecks, rather than four. That makes the average one bedroom apartment about 36% of your income.

Now let’s get some groceries - average grocery cost per person is $240 to $425 a month. Let’s make that $300, for easy math. We’re down to $2250, now, by the way.

Let’s go ahead and get some utilities for that apartment, shall we? Let’s estimate $150 for electric, $50 for basic internet, and $100 for a cell phone. Down to $1950.

Now we have to talk about transportation. Most of the US realistically requires a car, and most people buy cars on credit, so let’s say our hypothetical person has decent credit and bought an economical used car - let’s go with a five year old Toyota Corolla, with a little under 100k miles. According to auto trader, with decent credit and a $500 down payment, that 2018 Corolla will cost $371 a month - for easy math, let’s call that $350.

But cars require insurance - and since it’s financed, that means full coverage. Let’s assume our hypothetical person is a pretty safe driver, so their insurance is $150 a month. They also need fuel - average price of gas in the US is $3.25 a gallon. That Corolla has a 12 gallon tank, and gets good gas mileage - chances are our hypothetical person can get by with a full tank every two weeks, which works out to about $80 a month. That car will be pretty reliable, as long as you maintain it - let’s set aside $20 a month for things like oil changes and tires and windshield wiper blades and air filters and brakes. We’re down to $1350.

Okay, so we have a roof, a vehicle, food, phone, and internet. Let’s go ahead and start accounting for things like clothes, shoes, dishes/furniture, the kind of thing that you don’t necessarily buy every month but do require periodic replacement. Let’s set aside $200 a month for these kinds of expenses.

Chances are that one bedroom apartment doesn’t have a washer and dryer, so we need to account for laundry - let’s say $50 a month, or roughly $10 a week, plus a little extra to give us some cushion when the only machines open are the little ones, and the dryers are busted and take three rounds.

Our hypothetical person is trying to stay healthy, so they also have a gym membership - $50 a month will get you access to the Y, which is pretty sweet. Down to $1050 now. They probably also want some kind of entertainment, so let’s give ‘em a Netflix account and a little bit of DoorDash money - let’s go with $150 a month, which lets them eat out once a week and watch some TV.

$900 to go.

The average monthly student loan payment is $500.

Oof, that doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room. Now that remaining $400 a month has to cover things like….doctor’s appointments, prescriptions, personal hygiene, and savings.

What that means is that someone making $65k a year is one emergency away from serious financial struggle. It means they have their needs met pretty consistently, but can’t afford to save for a house or a vacation, can’t afford to have children, can’t afford a wedding, can’t afford a serious illness. They are definitely not rich.

If you make $17000 a year, you deserve to make more money. Period. But that money shouldn’t come from the people making $65000 a year - it should come from the people making $2 million an hour.

We ask your questions so you don’t have to! Submit your questions to have them posted anonymously as polls.

[ehatasamulalom]

Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill Honest Review

It can be tough to pick between Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill. Both offer great features, but they cater to slightly different fitness needs. After testing both, I’ve got a clear picture of what each offers. The Bowflex Treadmill is great for those who enjoy interactive, on-demand workouts, while the Sole F80 excels in performance and durability.

In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with both, comparing their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, this breakdown will help you decide which is the better choice for your home gym.

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!

What I Like About the Bowflex Treadmill

I’ve been using the Bowflex Treadmill for a few months now, and there’s a lot to like about it. Here’s why I think it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their fitness routine:

ComfortTech Cushioning System: The 20” x 60” running belt with the cushioning system offers a softer landing. I’ve found that it reduces the strain on my joints, especially during longer runs.

Motorized Incline: With a 15% motorized incline, I can easily push myself with hill training. It’s a great way to ramp up the intensity of my workouts.

JRNY Mobile-Only Membership: The 2-month free trial gives me access to adaptive workouts and virtual courses, making each session feel fresh and challenging.

Built-in Programs: With 26 built-in workout programs, I never get bored. Whether I’m in the mood for a HIIT workout or a steady-paced jog, the variety keeps me engaged.

Portable Design: The portability of this treadmill makes it easy to move around, which is perfect for home gymGood Home Gym Equipment: Ultimate Extra Guide to Home Gym setups with limited space.

What Could Be Better

While the Bowflex Treadmill is fantastic, there are a few areas where I think it could improve. But overall, these are minor tweaks:

Screen Size: The 7-inch screen is a bit small for some, especially if you’re used to larger displays. A bigger screen would enhance the experience, especially with virtual courses.

Power Cord Management: I think the treadmill could benefit from a more integrated solution for managing the power cord, as it can sometimes get in the way during intense workouts.

Even with these minor issues, the treadmill’s performance and features more than make up for it.

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Bowflex Treadmill Journey

Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve tested out several Bowflex treadmills over the years, so I’m speaking from hands-on experience when I say this treadmill is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their fitness game:

Years of Experience: I’ve been reviewing fitness equipment for over two years, ensuring I can offer well-rounded, practical advice.

Real-World Testing: I use the treadmill regularly in my home gym, so I know how it performs over time in a real-life setting.

Honest Reviews: I don’t just rely on specs; I test and experience everything myself. I give you the pros and cons as I see them, without any fluff.

You can trust my judgment because I focus on what truly matters in a treadmill for everyday use.

How I Tested the Bowflex Treadmill

I’ve used the Bowflex Treadmill extensively to get a real sense of its capabilities. Here’s how I tested it:

Daily Use: I’ve incorporated it into my routine for both cardio and recovery workouts. The motorized incline and various workout programs were perfect for mixing things up.

Variety of Workouts: I tried different types of workouts, from walking to high-intensity sprints, to test the treadmill’s versatility.

Durability Check: I’ve been using it regularly, and after several months of use, I can honestly say it’s holding up well without any issues.

This hands-on testing ensures I provide the most accurate insights for anyone considering this treadmill.

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Bowflex Treadmill Journey

My Personal Experience

I’ve been using the Bowflex Treadmill for about six months now, and it’s been a great addition to my workout routine. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Design

Rating: 8/10

The Bowflex Treadmill has a solid, sleek design that fits well in my home gym. Its compact size doesn’t take up too much space, and I love the portability. The 7-inch screen is decent but could be larger for a more immersive experience. Overall, it’s very functional, and the layout makes it easy to use.

Performance

Rating: 9/10

The motorized incline is one of my favorite features. It allows me to seamlessly adjust the difficulty of my workouts. The speed range from 0.1 to 12 MPH gives me flexibility, whether I’m doing a light walk or pushing myself for a sprint. I also enjoy the smooth, quiet operation, which is ideal for late-night workouts when I don’t want to disturb anyone.

Build Quality

Rating: 9/10

The Bowflex Treadmill is well-built with a sturdy metal frame. The cushioning system is fantastic, and I can feel the difference in my knees and joints compared to other machines I’ve tried. Even after months of regular use, the treadmill remains in top shape with no signs of wear and tear.

The Bowflex Treadmill has truly elevated my workouts. Its combination of performance, comfort, and design makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to boost their fitness routine. I highly recommend it to anyone who values quality and ease of use in a treadmill.

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Bowflex Treadmill Journey

What I Like Sole F80 Treadmill

In this section, I’m excited to share what makes the Sole F80 Treadmill stand out. After using it for a while, I can confidently say this machine ticks many boxes for anyone serious about their fitness journey. Here’s why I love it:

Strong Motor Performance: The 3.5 HP motor gives me consistent power, whether I’m walking, jogging, or sprinting.

Smooth, Spacious Running Surface: The 22″x60″ running area is perfect for my stride, offering comfort for long sessions.

Quiet Operation: Despite the powerful motor, the F80 operates quietly, so I can work out without disturbing anyone.

Space-Saving Design: The foldable feature is a game-changer! I can store it easily when not in use without sacrificing performance.

Smart Technology Integration: Bluetooth capabilities let me sync with fitness apps and heart rate monitors, making it easy to track progress.

This treadmill helps me hit my fitness goals by combining high performance with user-friendly features.

What Could Be Better

Nothing’s perfect, but there’s always room for improvement, right? Here are a couple of thoughts on how the Sole F80 Treadmill could be even better:

Larger Screen Options: The 10.1″ screen is great, but having a larger screen, especially for those who prefer immersive workout experiences, could enhance the experience.

Slightly Softer Deck: While the deck is sturdy and spacious, I think a slightly softer running surface would add extra comfort, especially for longer runs.

That said, these are minor things compared to the treadmill’s overall performance, and I feel confident in recommending it to others. A few tweaks could make it even better, but it’s already amazing!

Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve been testing and using fitness equipment for years, and I understand the importance of getting the right gear for your goals. Here’s why you can trust my insights:

Personal Experience: I’ve been using the Sole F80 for months, incorporating it into my daily workouts to test all aspects thoroughly.

Objective Comparison: I’ve tested several models and brands over time, so I know what works best for different fitness needs.

Real-Life Use: I focus on real-world, everyday use rather than just specs and features. I understand how equipment should feel in a home environment, and I share that with you.

These experiences give me the perspective to offer helpful advice on what will really work for your fitness goals.

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Sole F80 Treadmill Journey

How I Tested the Sole F80 Treadmill

When testing the Sole F80 Treadmill, I wasn’t just checking boxes. Here’s how I made sure to evaluate it thoroughly:

Diverse Workouts: I used the treadmill for everything—walking, running, and incline training. I wanted to see how it performs across different types of workouts.

Long-Term Testing: I’ve used it for over a year, which allows me to give a detailed account of its durability and consistency.

Real-World Setup: I tested the treadmill in my home gym, where space is limited, to check how it fits into everyday life.

My approach to testing makes sure I get the most accurate and honest results, and I’m happy to share these insights.

My Personal Experience

I’ve been using the Sole F80 Treadmill for over a year now, and I can honestly say it’s been a game-changer for my fitness routine. Here’s my breakdown:

Design

The design of the Sole F80 Treadmill is sleek and practical. It’s large enough to feel like a serious workout machine but doesn’t take up too much space. The folding mechanism is easy to use, making it perfect for home gym setups where space is limited. I appreciate the thoughtful touches, like the tablet holder and the sturdy handles, which make it feel very user-friendly.

Rating: 9/10

Performance

The F80 performance is truly excellent. The 3.5 HP motor provides smooth, consistent power, even when I’m pushing it to higher speeds or incline levels. The 0.5-12 MPH speed range lets me adjust quickly based on my workout, whether I’m warming up or doing a high-intensity sprint. This treadmill offers the perfect balance of versatility and power, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

Rating: 10/10

Build Quality

The build quality of the Sole F80 Treadmill is top-notch. The alloy steel frame feels solid, providing the durability I need for daily use. It doesn’t wobble during sprints, and the deck is spacious enough to accommodate my stride comfortably. Even after a year of intense workouts, it’s still going strong, which speaks volumes about its durability.

Rating: 9/10

Overall, the Sole F80 has made a big impact on my fitness routine. It’s well-designed, powerful, and built to last—making it an excellent choice for anyone serious about their workouts.

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Sole F80 Treadmill Journey

Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill Review

I’ve been testing out both the Bowflex Treadmill and the Sole F80 for a while, and I’ve gathered some key insights into how these two treadmills compare in performance, design, and features. Below is a detailed breakdown of various aspects based on my personal experience and thorough research.

Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80: Performance for Home Workouts

Both the Bowflex and Sole F80 treadmills deliver impressive performance, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Bowflex provides a solid set of features for home workouts, while the Sole F80 focuses on consistent performance for serious fitness enthusiasts.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillMotor Power1.9 HP3.5 HPSpeed Range0-12 MPH0.5-12 MPHMaximum Incline15%15%Programs26 built-in programsMultiple preset programsHeart Rate MonitoringContact and telemetry-enabledYes

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Build Quality Showdown: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

Both treadmills are built to last, but they have different approaches to durability. The Bowflex features a sturdy metal frame, while the Sole F80 has a more reinforced frame with additional cushioning for long-term use.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillFrame MaterialMetalAlloy SteelDeck Length60 inches60 inchesWeight Capacity300 lbs350 lbsDurabilityHighExtremely High

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80 Journey

Speed and Incline Features: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

Both the Bowflex Treadmill and Sole F80 offer impressive speed and incline features. The Bowflex provides more flexible control, while the Sole F80’s incline adjustments are simple and effective for varied workouts.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillSpeed Range0-12 MPH0.5-12 MPHMaximum Incline15%15%Incline AdjustmentMotorizedManual and Auto-Incline

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80: Better for Serious Runners

Serious runners will appreciate the robust motor and features in the Sole F80, which is designed for long-term, high-performance use. The Bowflex is great for general fitness but might not meet the same high demands.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillMotor Power1.9 HP3.5 HPRunning Surface60″ L x 20″ W60″ L x 22″ WCushioning SystemComfortTech CushioningCushion Flex Deck

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 7/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Design Comparison: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

In terms of design, both treadmills are sleek, but the Bowflex offers portability, making it easier to move around. The Sole F80 is larger and sturdier, designed for serious workout spaces.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillDimensions78″ x 37.6″ x 62.8″82.5″ x 38″ x 66″Screen Size7 inches10.1 inchesFoldabilityYesYes

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 8/10

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80 Journey

Technology Face-Off: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

Both treadmills integrate useful technology, but the Bowflex has the edge with its JRNY app for personalized training. The Sole F80 integrates more traditional features without requiring a subscription.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillApp IntegrationJRNY Mobile AppSole+ AppDisplay7-inch LCD display10.1-inch touchscreenInteractive WorkoutsYesYes

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 8/10

Customer Reviews: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

Customer reviews can offer great insight into the user experience. The Bowflex has high ratings for its versatility, while the Sole F80 shines in durability and performance.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillCustomer Rating4.5/54.7/5Common ComplaintsSmaller screen, occasional assembly challengesPrice, sizeOverall SatisfactionHighVery High

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Treadmill Maintenance: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

Both treadmills require regular maintenance, but the Sole F80 is built for long-term durability, making it a low-maintenance option in the long run.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillMaintenance FrequencyLowLowLubrication NeededPeriodicPeriodicLong-Term DurabilityMediumHigh

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80 Journey

Price Comparison: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

The Bowflex Treadmill offers great value for the price, especially for those seeking interactive workouts. The Sole F80, while more expensive, offers superior motor power and durability.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillPrice$1,499$1,799Value for MoneyGoodExcellentPrice-to-Features RatioGreat for budget-conscious buyersGreat for high-performance seekers

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Noise Levels: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

Noise can be a factor for home use, especially in smaller spaces. Both treadmills are relatively quiet, but the Sole F80 offers a smoother, quieter experience.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillNoise LevelModerateLowMotor NoiseSlightly higherVery quiet

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Treadmill Durability: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

Both treadmills are durable, but the Sole F80 stands out for its robust construction and high maximum weight capacity, ensuring it lasts for years of heavy use.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillFrame MaterialMetalAlloy SteelMaximum Weight Capacity300 lbs350 lbsDurability RatingHighExtremely High

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 8/10 Sole F80: 9/10

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!Success with High Performance TKD: My Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80 Journey

Ease of Assembly: Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80

Assembly is an important factor when buying a treadmill. Both treadmills require some assembly, but the Bowflex Treadmill is generally easier to set up.FeatureBowflex TreadmillSole F80 TreadmillAssembly Time1-2 hours2-3 hoursInstructionsClear, easy to followDetailed, but more involved

Ratings: Bowflex Treadmill: 9/10 Sole F80: 8/10

This comparison gives you a well-rounded view of the Bowflex Treadmill vs Sole F80, helping you decide which one best suits your workout needs.

Check out the Bowflex vs Sole F80 Treadmill on Amazon!

[allmenuz]

How Restaurants Use Date Night Passes to Attract Couples

How Restaurants Use Date Night Passes - are a popular promotional tool used by restaurants to attract couples seeking a special dining experience. These passes often include discounted or bundled offers, such as a set menu, complimentary drinks, or a reserved table for a romantic evening. Restaurants use Date Night Passes to encourage bookings, increase customer engagement, and build brand loyalty. By offering an exclusive experience, restaurants create a sense of occasion for couples, making the dining experience memorable. This marketing strategy not only boosts sales on typically slower nights but also encourages repeat visits from couples looking to celebrate special moments.

How Restaurants Use Date Night Passes

Restaurants often use Date Night Passes as a strategic marketing tool to attract couples and boost revenue. These passes typically offer discounts, exclusive experiences, or bundled deals to encourage repeat visits and foster customer loyalty. Below is a detailed breakdown of how restaurants leverage Date Night Passes to attract couples:

1. Concept of Date Night Passes

A Date Night Pass is a promotional offer (digital or physical) that provides couples with special perks when dining at a restaurant. These passes can be:

Subscription-based (monthly/annual fee for regular benefits)

Limited-time promotions (seasonal or holiday-themed)

Partnership-based (collaborations with dating apps, event planners, or local businesses)

2. How Restaurants Use Date Night Passes to Attract Couples

A. Discounts & Bundled Deals

Fixed Discounts:

Example: "20% off every Date Night dinner for pass holders."

Bundled Meals:

Example: "3-course meal for two at a special price."

Free Add-ons:

Example: "Free dessert or cocktail with the pass."

B. Exclusive Experiences

Priority Reservations:

Pass holders get preferred seating (e.g., romantic corner tables).

Chef’s Special Tasting Menu:

Unique dishes not on the regular menu.

Live Music or Themed Nights:

Couples enjoy special entertainment (e.g., jazz nights, candlelit dinners).

C. Loyalty & Retention Strategies

Reward Points System:

Couples earn points for each visit, redeemable for future perks.

VIP Memberships:

Subscription-based passes (e.g., "Unlimited Date Nights for $50/month").

Referral Bonuses:

Couples get extra benefits for bringing friends.

D. Partnerships & Collaborations

With Dating Apps (e.g., Tinder, Bumble):

Restaurants offer passes as incentives for matches.

With Hotels & Event Planners:

Packages for romantic getaways (e.g., "Dinner + Hotel Stay Discount").

Local Businesses (Florists, Photographers):

Couples get discounts on roses or a free photo session.

E. Social Media & Digital Marketing

Instagram-Worthy Promotions:

Hashtag campaigns (e.g., #RomanticDateNightPass).

Influencer Collaborations:

Food bloggers & couples share their experiences.

Email & SMS Campaigns:

Personalized offers for anniversaries or Valentine’s Day.

F. Seasonal & Themed Promotions

Valentine’s Week Passes:

7-day special menu for couples.

Anniversary Packages:

Customized cakes, champagne, and photo keepsakes.

Holiday-Themed Dates:

Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Halloween specials.

3. Benefits for Restaurants

✅ Increased Foot Traffic – Encourages repeat visits. ✅ Higher Average Spend – Couples order more with bundled deals. ✅ Customer Loyalty – Builds long-term relationships. ✅ Social Media Buzz – Couples share experiences online. ✅ Upselling Opportunities – Wine pairings, desserts, etc.

4. Successful Examples

Olive Garden’s "Never Ending Pasta Pass" (Adapted for couples).

The Cheesecake Factory’s "Date Night Bundle" (Appetizer, entree, dessert at a fixed price).

Local fine-dining spots offering "Monthly Romance Passes" with exclusive perks.

Conclusion

Romantic getaway passes are a win-win for restaurants and couples—they drive sales while offering memorable experiences. By combining discounts, exclusivity, and smart marketing, restaurants can turn casual diners into loyal patrons while boosting revenue.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning!  I hope you slept well and feel rested?  Currently sitting in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day.  Welcome to Too Much Information Tuesday. 

Australian cats kill one million birds per day.

The risk of penile fractures rises at Christmas.

46% of Americans did not read a book in 2023.

Liechtenstein’s national anthem has the same tune as Britain’s.

About a third of pregnancies in women over 40 are unplanned.

The Great Wall of China is partially held together with sticky rice.

Frédéric Chopin could only grow sideburns on one side of his face.

Bats give birth upside down and catch their babies in their wings.

Being slightly tipsy makes you better at speaking a foreign language.

People over 40, on average, feel 20% younger than they actually are.

Cyclists in the Tour de France need to consume up to 9000 calories a day.

7% of adults have broken up with a significant other on Valentine’s Day.

12% of Britons admit to taking part in a work video meeting while using the toilet.

About twice as many Britons would rather time travel to the past than the future.

Before mating, the male spider mite will undress the female by stripping her skin off.

A YouGov survey found that 35% of Britons say they are just too tired to lead a healthier lifestyle.

The hands of an amputee who had a double hand transplant in 2017 have changed colour to match her skin tone.

A study of sexual libidos found women who slept for an extra hour were 14% more likely to want to have sex the next day.

An official U.S. government website – fatherhood dot gov – provides educational materials on how to be a father.  It includes a collection of dad jokes.

In several Finnish libraries, children with reading difficulties can practise reading aloud to reading dogs who listen patiently without criticising or interrupting.

The Victorian version of fake news was ‘evening wheezes’.  They were stories, often untrue, spread in the half-penny newspapers distributed in the evening.

Items that got stuck in Americans’ orifices in 2023 include one ecstasy pill (ear), two engagement rings (throat) and “an unknown amount of magnetic balls” (rectum).

Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, and James Earl Jones, who provided the voice for Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’ in 1977, met for the first time on a 2014 episode of ‘The Big Bang Theory’.

The term ‘barista’ was introduced during Mussolini’s campaign against the use of foreign languages.  It was considered a more Italian word to replace the common English term ‘barman’.

The German publishing company Langenscheidt has an annual ‘Youth Word Of The Year’.  In 2008, it was ‘Gammelfleischparty’ or ‘rotting meat party’, a way to refer to a gathering of people aged over 30.

The marine biologist Joel Hedgpeth was the founder and sole member of the Society for the Prevention of Progress.  He rejected all membership applications, because “growth in members would represent progress.”

Marie Curie, the first person to win two Nobel prizes, was not allowed to attend university in her home country because of her gender.  Instead, she spent several years attending a secret, underground university.

In Sweden, you have a constitutional right to allemansrätten, which is the right to peacefully hike, camp, bike, and enjoy nature anywhere in the country unimpeded, with the only restriction being you must not hike close to someone’s house or damage a garden.

The toilet paper roll is only about 100 years old.  Prior to indoor plumbing, outhouses were more sanitary than one might think.  An ash bucket was kept nearby with a scoop and was used frequently to cover one’s business.  This kept down down smell, bacteria and flies.

Have a tremendous & tumultuous Tuesday.  I love you all.

[couponawk]

How to Get Bounty Hunter Wine Promo Codes & Use Them Availably?

Table of Contents

1. How to Get Bounty Hunter Wine Coupons?

2. What’s Bounty Hunter Wine Shipping Policy?

3. Does Bounty Hunter Wine Have a Loyalty Program?

4. What Are the Benefits of Being a Bounty Hunter Wine Member?

5. What Payment Terms does Bounty Hunter Wine Accept?

Bounty Hunter Wine is experienced businessmen who deliver superior wines and spirits with authentic and uncompromising standards. Since 1994, their motto is: “If it’s not good, we won’t sell it.” As merchants, traders and vintners, they have a great treasure trove of wine and spirits. Bounty Hunter Wine will be your best friend if you are wine lovers. And you can’t miss the following information about Bounty Hunter Wine promo codes because it can help you buy wines with a better price.

1. How to Get Bounty Hunter Wine Coupons?

Bounty Hunter Wine knows how necessary it is to save money, so they will also give you coupons that you can buy their quality products with less money. How to get and use these coupons? First, after you’ve added your favorite product to your shopping cart on Bounty Hunter Wine’s website, you’ll need to go to couponawk.com, select the coupon for that product and copy the promo code you need. Once you’ve finished selecting, go back to Bounty Hunter Wine’s shopping interface, click on the “My Basket” link at the top of the page, confirm your shopping cart and enter your promo code, and then your discount will work and you will be able to purchase your favorite product at a lower price. It’s so easy to operate that you can have a try. 

2. What’s Bounty Hunter Wine Shipping Policy?

In consideration of the wine, Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Spirits deliveries are all handled by UPS. Their delivery and handling rates are based on the weight and number of bottles in your order. The insurance value is based on the value of the purchase. Generally, you will be charged $1 of insurance for every $100 of item value in your shopping cart. They will not deliver a package without insurance, also the website is unable to process orders without insurance. As for the time of shipment, when you receive your order will depend on what level of service you have chosen for your package. 2nd Day Air Service is their recommended level of service to ensure the safe transportation of your wine. Ground service can take up to five business days from the time your package is delivered from their warehouse.

3. Does Bounty Hunter Wine Have a Loyalty Program?

Join one of their exclusive Wine or Spirits Clubs and you can enjoy hand-picked wines or spirits throughout the year. Because they are not a single winery, they have a wide range of products. In fact, they taste thousands of wines and spirits every year and only serve you the best. They promise two things: high quality and 100% satisfaction. With a Bounty Hunter Wine or Spirits Club membership, you’ll get at least a 20% discount on their wines year-round. Moreover, you can get discounts on dozens of hotels, entertainment venues and restaurants that are cooperated with Bounty Hunter Wine. Isn’t it pretty good?

4. What Are the Benefits of Being a Bounty Hunter Wine Member?

At Bounty Hunter Wine, they want to ensure you have not only the best wine-purchasing experience but also the best online service experience. Thus they offer different kinds of member programs. Except for Wine or Spirits Clubs as mentioned above, they also put a Trailblazer Membership which means you can receive free standard shipping on all your purchases for an entire year and year-round cold wine delivery available at no extra charge. Besides, Bounty Hunter has a professional team of seasoned wine and spirits who are ready to become your personal alcohol experts. Because they know not everyone can understand the culture and knowledge about wine. It’s pretty cool, isn’t it? 

5. What Payment Terms does Bounty Hunter Wine Accept?

At Bounty Hunter Wine, everything you can get is not only a shopping experience of wine but the convenience of paying. In cooperation with the payment platform, they currently support Credit Card, Paypal, Pay with Amazon. These are common payment methods. If you think they still can’t meet your needs, you can check out their official website. They introduced more types of payment methods in more detail. Please contact bountyhunterwine.com for details on supported payment options. When the customer has completed the product selection and is ready to pay, the customer can choose the most suitable payment method to pay the order.

Bounty Hunter Wine is a wine company that lives in the Napa Valley and tastes between five and six thousand wines every year. Their services cover all the contents of acquiring, storing and transporting your precious wines and spirits. Whether you want to buy one to taste or collect, you come to the right place. Before you are obsessed with their wine, please do not forget to get some Bounty Hunter Wine promo codes at their website and couponawk.com, because it can help you get your favorite by a better price.

https://linkcoupon.wordpress.com/2023/06/13/how-to-get-bounty-hunter-wine-promo-codes-use-them-availably/

[weightlossideea]

When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to stay healthy and not just focus on the number on the scale. That’s why this list of healthy weight loss tips will help you shed pounds in a safe way that doesn’t sacrifice your overall well-being. Whether you want to lose 10 pounds or more, these suggestions will help ensure your weight loss is as healthy as possible and keeps up with your goals!

Shedding excess pounds safely

You’ve likely heard of crash diets, which come with severe limitations. They also come with extremely quick weight loss, but at a cost. If you’re trying to lose weight for good without putting your health at risk, it’s best to look into safe ways to shed excess pounds. Here are a few tips that can help you on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. For example, check out how some of these tips have helped me personally. I’m confident they can work for you too! For example, I recently decided to focus on losing fat in my belly region (I had gained a lot over time) by cutting back my calories significantly—without going hungry or resorting to extreme measures like unsafe fad diets or unhealthy supplements—and simply eating natural foods while exercising regularly. It took some time and dedication, but in less than two months I was able to go from carrying around 10 extra pounds around my belly region down to 6. Not only did I get rid of those pesky extra inches; but more importantly, I felt better about myself knowing that I achieved my goal safely and naturally! Good luck on your journey towards healthy weight loss!

Keep an eye on your nutrient levels

It’s one thing to exercise regularly and take in a healthy, nutrient-dense diet—but it’s important to monitor your levels of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, etc. This is especially true if you have a health condition or an ongoing illness that might make it difficult for you to feel (or see) any effects of making dietary changes. For example, someone with Type 1 diabetes may need higher levels of magnesium and/or zinc than someone without a medical condition. If you find you aren’t losing weight as quickly as expected or experiencing side effects from your efforts, speak with your doctor about supplementing your plan with extra nutrients.

Understand Why Some People Fail

Many of us assume our weight loss struggles stem from a lack of discipline or willpower, but research shows that our body is not as simple as we'd like it to be. For example, certain foods don't just pack on pounds; they also trigger hormones in your body that tell you you're hungry even when you've already eaten. Similarly, sometimes we don't gain weight because we eat too much—we gain weight because a hormone imbalance tells us not to stop eating. Many factors affect our bodies ability to lose fat; some are still mysteries for scientists, so it's best not to take yourself or your own health for granted.

Make Weight Lifting Part of Your Routine

Lifting weights is an excellent way to lose weight. It boosts metabolism, burns calories during exercise, and builds muscle. Increasing your muscle mass will also increase your resting metabolic rate—the number of calories you burn while at rest. Most important, lifting weights doesn't require much time or equipment: A good, 30-minute full-body workout can be done with just one pair of dumbbells, which you can find at most sporting goods stores for less than $50. You don't need a gym membership; all you need is enough space in your home to do a few basic exercises like squats and pushups.

Get Moving in Moderation

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they want to lose weight is over-exercising. It’s common for people trying to shed pounds to do lots of cardio, but what you really need are high-intensity exercises that work your muscles in new ways. High-intensity interval training, where you alternate between low- and high-intensity exercise for periods of 20–30 seconds like sprinting or shadowboxing is one way to do it. Try mixing in resistance training with plyometrics (exercises like squat jumps) which will help build muscle mass without adding a lot of bulk. Follow up these exercises with a 5-minute cool down where you stretch out all your muscles again, rather than rushing off right after your workout is done – cooling down prevents injury.

Change Your Diet, But Don’t Overdo It

Diet plays a crucial role in weight loss. Yet one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to lose weight is going on an extreme diet that leaves them hungry. Try eating small, regular meals instead of large ones (just be sure not to overeat). Make sure you have fiber-rich foods at each meal so you can stay full longer. Drink plenty of water—this will help keep you hydrated, which leads to healthy bowel movements. What’s more, according to research, staying well-hydrated may also prompt your body’s muscles to use more fat as fuel! These are just a few healthy weight loss tips you should start incorporating into your daily routine today.

[soulvomit]

The two 90s Geek Genders were Pagan Fantasy Medieval and Atheist Techie Futurist

Ok so... hear me out. 

There was this weird thing - I won’t say it’s as clear as outright male vs female as much as kiki vs bouba. Kiki in this scenario is roughly masculinized (sharp edged and all) and bouba is roughly feminized (soft edged) but in practice it just wasn’t as clear as that.

I experienced geek culture as being *very* gendered, and what’s more is that there was a hidden set of class and culture assumptions undergirding which of those two groups you’d end up in. 

Pagan fantasy fan and techie atheist were the two ends of the spectrum in the 90s and it’s weird to realize that a lot of my trying to be pagan when I was in my teens/20s was because of this weird gendered shit and most of it was around this platonic female ideal of female geek. I was trying to perform a higher status female role in my own community; all the popular girls were slender white girls named Willow or Heather or Rowan, who were into musical theater and had long, wavy Disney Princess hair and soft hands with long tapered fingers. (Yes, this archetype is THAT SPECIFIC.)  They needed to communicate in ways that indicated that all of their answers came from pure intuition and dreams, extra points if they perform divination of some kind. They couldn’t ever be definitive or “left brained” in their personalities. It was very WASP Femininity only... geeky flavored. WASP by way of Tolkien and Disney instead of WASP by way of idealized domestic figures.  Most importantly, they were NOT Jewish. They did not have “Jewish hair.” They did not come up in Jewish households where argument is a love language. They were not loud and did not talk with their hands. They had beliefs about religion and mysticism couched hugely in Christian-style faith even if it was cloaked in pagan aesthetics, and this was upheld as an ideal to perform.  (And what’s more is that in “bouba” flavored geek culture, I have actually encountered a lot of casual anti-Semitism, in addition to the aforementioned social pressure to conform to a gentile female ideal. I’ve VERY SELDOM encountered ANYWHERE near the degree of casual anti-Semitism in “kiki” flavored geek culture.)  When I’m in spaces where “bouba” is the female ideal, it often feels like I went from there being one normie cis female ideal I couldn’t perform, to finding the same female ideal upheld in a lot of geek spaces and having it be even *harder* to perform. Which is a big reason why I hung out in corners of geek culture that more often were atheist computer types who liked hard sci fi. (The “kiki” nerds.) 

But another thing is that *class* is why I was never able to find a place in “bouba” geek culture.

“Bouba” geek culture participation - actual subculture membership beyond being a casual - actually requires participation in hobbies and habits that can become as expensive as, say, being into ski trips and vacations, and one’s status in that setting depends upon how much they’re able to buy in. “Bouba” geek culture is HEAVILY gentrified, and always has been.

“Cyberpunk/computer kid/harder sci fi fan” culture wasn’t as hard to access. If anything, being in those spaces *made* me money instead of *costing* me money.

I *wanted* to be part of many “bouba” geeky things but... I *couldn’t.* Even when I started making enough money to do it, suddenly, I just *didn’t have enough time.* You have to have whole weekends to spare. Once I started making the money, I was spending my free time going to tech conferences, trade shows, etc. The resentment just grew and grew.

I feel like some geek spaces have always been heavily gentrified in ways outsiders don’t parse in the way that people just Don’t See Class. It’s for that reason that I actually don’t support that being the dominant face-forward of geek culture the way it has become. 

“We aren’t classist. But you must afford xyz activities and have the free time to do them, to be one of us. Because of your gender.”

It was actually much easier to move in kiki space than bouba space.

[akatsuki-shin]

Just stumbled on Word of Honor stuff and it looks so pretty, where do I watch it? Thx!!

Hi, Anon-san!

As far as I know, there are 3 possible ways you can watch it:

From YOUKU apps

From YOUKU Official YouTube Channel

From Netflix

I'm personally not quite familiar with YOUKU apps, especially because I don't really know how to pay for the episodes through a Chinese app. Also, a few details are cut or censored due to their regulations, afaik.

I don't know about the Netflix version because I haven't checked, but from what I know the subtitles sometimes seem a bit off (although it's gradually being fixed).

Therefore, I will cover the version from YouTube because that's where I get all the episodes and behind-the scenes + bonus clips. Pardon me if it gets a bit long. ><

First of all, this is the link to YOUKU's all "Word of Honor"-related playlists: Here

Top Row (left to right):

Members-only videos (I'll explain this later)

Some miscellaneous videos, e.g. Scene Compilations, Fan-reactions, etc (a couple of these videos are members-only, but most are free)

The main episodes of Word of Honor, this is what you want to watch first

MVs for the drama's OST

Highlights/Important cut-scenes from the drama (I personally didn't check this much because it's more like a recap, I suppose)

Behind-the-scenes and interviews

Bottom Row (left to right):

Word of Honor Concerts (will get back to this later), some cuts from the concerts, some cuts from their past livestream events, a few interviews and behind-the scenes

Compilations of fan-reactions to the drama

Just a bunch of trailers for each episode

------

About Word of Honor Main Episodes

The drama has a total of 36 episodes + 1 extra/extended ending (around 7-8 minutes long).

The extra ending can only be viewed by joining the paid membership (will explain below). Otherwise, you can only watch until Episode 36.

The Netflix version does not have this extra ending. Which is pretty weird considering that it's already a paid service. :'))

In the above "Main Episode Playlist", they also include a Special Edition of Episode 6, Episode 12, and Episode 17. These are some fan-benefits they uploaded for reaching a certain number of views.

The Special Editions has a little extended scene that is not present in the final cut of the regular episodes. Since you're going to start watching this now after the show ended, I suggest watching the Special Edition because other than the extended scene, everything else is exactly the same as the regular ones.

Will they add more in the future? Maybe, if they reach a new milestone in the numbers of viewers. Let's just hope. ^^

About Members-only Videos

In the original YOUKU apps there are several videos that you can only watch if you pay, for example:

The extra/extended ending

Exclusive behind-the-scenes

Word of Honor Theme Concert + All of it's interviews and behind-the-scenes

YOUKU recently brought these contents for international fans through YouTube membership features.

There are 2 types of YOUKU YouTube membership and the perks apply to all of YOUKU's dramas and varieties in YouTube, but I will only explain about Word of Honor-related perks.

You can check this in the "Membership" tab on their channel. Also, this should be obvious but of course, you can unsubscribe anytime you want. ^^

1. VIP Gold (around $2 a month)

If you only want to watch the extra/extended ending of Word of Honor, you just need this type of membership.

2. Ultimate Fans Pass (around $20 a month)

You get all the perks of VIP Gold + the ones listed in the above picture. In regards to Word of Honor, these are what you'll get:

The extra/extended ending

Word of Honor Theme Concert from 3-4 May 2021

All of the concert behind-the-scene and interviews

Exclusive behind-the-scenes and some bonus clips (afaik, these are also paid contents in the YOUKU apps)

The full concert has 3 videos for each day, so a total of 6, which are:

Main Stage view

Artist Seat view (basically Zhang Zhehan and Gong Jun focus for the entire event, haha)

Backstage (mainly consists of interviews but this one isn't subbed)

------

I suppose that is all I can explain about this show? Sorry that it gets too long or if you feel overwhelmed. ^^a

If you have more questions, feel free to ask me!

By the way, you might have heard of this, but Word of Honor is based on a novel "Faraway Wanderers" by Priest. It is a sequel to her previous novel "Lord Seventh". The two main leads from Lord Seventh made an appearance in both "Faraway Wanderers" and "Word of Honor".

The novels have been fully translated. In case you are interested to read, you can find them here:

七爷 Qī Yé (Lord Seventh)

天涯客 Tiān Yá Kè (Faraway Wanderers)

P.S. Fun Fact: The ending theme of Word of Honor is also titled "Tian Ya Ke", hehe...

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #75: Jack the Ripper

Today on Fate and Phantasms, we’re making the cutest lil baby to ever disembowel, Jack the Ripper! Watch your ankles as you go below the cut for a build breakdown, or check out her character sheet here!

Race and Background

Jack’s a Human, kinda, but bringing a child character with as few clothes as Jack to a D&D session triggers the fight or flight response in a lot of people, so we’ll play it safe and call her a Halfling instead. We’re specifically making her a Lightfoot Halfling for the extra Sneakiness, giving her +2 Dexterity and +1 Charisma. You’re Lucky, letting you reroll natural 1s- Jack’s an anime character, she doesn’t mess things up. You’re Brave, giving you advantage against being frightened (you mostly do the frightening). Finally, you’re Nimble, letting you move through larger creatures’ spaces. Your movement speed is only 25′, but we can fix that later.

Jack’s certainly a criminal, but she’s more of a lone wolf, so the background doesn’t really suit her. Also she may be one criminal, but she’s a lot of Urchins. This gives her proficiency with Sleight of Hand and Stealth, and she can move twice as quickly in cities-great for establishing an alibi.

Stats

Make sure your Dexterity is high, you need to be good at hiding and stabbing to be the most famous serial killer in the western world. Also to be famous, you need a personality-that’s Charisma. Your Constitution is next; if those scars are any indication, you can take a beating and keep moving. Your Wisdom isn’t bad, you’re pretty perceptive for a kid, Your Intelligence isn’t great, you never got to go to school. Finally, dump Strength. You’re a child/halfling, and you clearly haven’t been to the gym in a while. I don’t think you’re even old enough for a membership.

Class Levels

1. Rogue 1: This shouldn’t be a surprise for an assassin class. You’re proficient with Dexterity and Intelligence saves,  as well as four skills. You’re surprisingly Perceptive and Insightful, and of course you’re good at Acrobatics. Intimidation isn’t just about threatening people, it’s also about acting in ways that are disconcerting, and you’ve got that down pat.

You get a Sneak Attack, letting you deal more damage with finesse weapons if your target is distracted or can’t see you. You also learn Thieves’ Cant, to speak with other rogues all sneaky like. Finally, Expertise doubles your proficiency in two skills; double up on Stealth and Acrobatics to be even better at making getaways.

2. Sorcerer 1: We’re not going magic initiate with our rogue levels, so we’ll have to grab spells from somewhere else. Somewhere like here. First level sorcerers get Spells that use Charisma to cast. They also pick a sorcerous origin here, and no-one’s quite as good for sneaking around at night as a Shadow sorcerer. This gives you Eyes of the Dark, giving you 120′ of Darkvision now and the Darkness spell for free at your third sorcerer level. If you cast it using 2 sorcery points, you can see through it as well. You also have the Strength of the Grave; when you drop to 0 HP, you can make a Charisma Save to see if they actually hit another one of the kids in you instead, letting you go to 1 HP instead. This only works once per long rest, and not at all if it’s radiant damage or a critical hit.

For cantrips, Mending will help you patch up any cuts you didn’t mean to make, Message lets you chat with your mother without anyone eavesdropping, Minor Illusion will let you make a bit of fog even when you run out of spell slots, and Poison Spray is the closest we’re getting to true demonic fog this build. 

For spells, grab Fog Cloud for some cloud cover and Mage Armor for some not dying. The closest thing you wear to armor is a cloak, and that’s not going to help against an ax. Or the cold for that matter, those lostbelts are pretty chilly.

3. Rogue 2: Second level rogues are cunning enough to take Cunning Actions, letting you dash, disengage, or hide as a bonus action. This frees up your normal action for more stabbing; convenient!

4. Rogue 3: At this level you pick your roguish archetype, and the Soulknife lets you do all sorts of cool things with magic knives. You get Psionic Dice that can be used to activate your Psionic Powers. You have twice your proficiency bonus in dice, and they start as d6s. They regenerate at the end of long rests, but you can also regain one die each short rest as a bonus action. You can use your dice to power your Psi-Bolstered Knack, adding a die to a failed skill/tool check that you’re already proficient in, using up the die if you succeed. You can also send out Psychic Whispers, telepathic communication to a number of creatures equal to your proficiency bonus. This lasts a number of hours equal to a roll on your psi die, and has a range of 1 mile. The first time’s free, but every time afterwards needs to spend a psi die. Finally, the real selling point for this class is its Psychic Blades. You can create psychic weapons with finesse and thrown properties when you’re going to attack, dealing psychic damage instead of piercing. The blade vanishes after use, and leaves no mark on targets. After attacking with your action, you can use your bonus action to make another attack with a weaker blade. You typically prefer to leave quite a few marks on your victims, but a flawless takedown has its uses too.

Your sneak attack grows to 2d6.

5. Rogue 4: Use your first Ability Score Improvement to gain Squat Nimbleness, adding 1 to your Dexterity and increasing your movement speed to the typical 30′. You also become proficient in Athletics, and have advantage against being grappled.

6. Rogue 5: Fifth level rogues can make an Uncanny Dodge, halving a single attack’s damage against you as a reaction. Your psionic dice also grow to a d8, and your sneak attack deals 3d6 damage.

7. Sorcerer 2: Second level sorcerers get a Font of Magic, a number of sorcery points equal to your sorcerer level that can currently be used to make new spell slots.

Speaking of, grab Disguise Self so people never see the real you when you’re stabbing them. We’ll get something more Jack flavored in a bit though.

8. Sorcerer 3: At this level you get two Metamagic options to customize your spells. Grab Subtle Spell to make casting a bit sneakier and Extended Spell to make your spells last longer and really get the most out of each slot. You get Darkness from Eyes of the Dark, and pick up Blur too to make yourself harder to hit and see. If a spell makes you so hard to see you can’t get smacked with a sword, it probably makes you hard to pick out of a lineup too.

9. Sorcerer 4: With this ASI, round up your Charisma for stronger spells and Constitution for a stronger you.

10. Sorcerer 5: Fifth level sorcerers get a third level spell, and Haste doubles your movement, adds 2 to your AC, and gives you an extra action each turn for up to a minute. You have to take a break afterwards, but odds are there won’t be much left after the sugar high wears off.

11. Rogue 6: Use this round of Expertise to hone your Acrobatics and Perception, so you can find new targets and hunt them down in cramped alleys.

12. Rogue 7: As a seventh level rogue, your sneak attack increases to 4d6, and you learn Evasion. When you have to make a dexterity save to avoid damage, you take half damage on a failure, and no damage on a success. You’re pretty good at avoiding damage, and pretty bad at having health in the first place.

13. Rogue 8: Use this ASI to become a a Skulker, letting you hide when lightly obscured, avoid giving away your position when you miss a ranged attack while hiding, and you don’t have disadvantage on perception checks made in dim light. Nobody plays darkvision right anyway, but deep in your heart you’ll know.

14. Rogue 9: Ninth level Soulknifes get another die on their sneak attack but also Soul Blades! This gives you two additional ways to use your Psionic Die. Homing Strikes, adds the die to a missed attack roll, spending the die on a hit. Psychic Teleportation lets you blink around a number of feet equal to ten times a psionic die roll as a bonus action, and also spending that die. Currently you can teleport up to 80′ thanks to your d8 psi dice.

15. Rogue 10: Use this ASI to maximize your Dexterity for the best stealth and best stabbing.

16. Rogue 11: Eleventh level rogues have Reliable Talent, meaning you always roll at least a 10 on checks you’re proficient in. You’re probably not going to be grappled any time soon. Or seen, for that matter. Also, your sneak attack does 6d6 damage now, congrats. Also also, your Psionic Die is now a d10 for more accurate strikes, cool teleporting tricks, larger audiences for your creepy mind speeches, and an even stronger way to cheese skill checks if Reliable Talent somehow wasn’t enough.

17. Rogue 12: Use your last ASI to bump up your Charisma. You only have a couple spells, but some of them are illusions so they need to be strong.

18. Rogue 13: Thirteenth level Soulknifes get yet another sneak attack boost and a Psionic Veil. You can use an action to become invisible for up to 1 hour. This ends early if you will it or if you deal damage to force a saving throw. You can use this once per long rest, but you can also spend a psionic die to get another use. Honestly you’re pretty much invisible already with those stealth skills, but another layer of insurance wouldn’t hurt.

19. Rogue 14: At this level you get Blindsense, letting you see creatures you can’t see within 10′ of you. Fog and darkness are your gimmick, so now you can use those without making things harder for yourself.

20. Rogue 15: Your final level of rogue caps off with Slippery Mind, making you proficient in Wisdom Saves. Also, your Sneak Attack is as strong as it’s ever going to be at 8d6 damage.

Pros:

You’re very Sneaky, making it easy to get the drop on people. You’ve got a high skill check, a small body, silent spells,  and you can blink around the battlefield to avoid line of sight.

Even when you’re out in the open, you’re really hard to see. If it’s not fog, it’s Darkness, or Blur, or your Psionic Veil. Even if someone does see you, they won’t be seeing “you”.

All this leads up to your powerful Sneak Attack, and thanks to your psychic blades that’s all psychic damage too, which hard to resist.

Cons:

Splashing into sorcerer means you don’t have many spell slots or sorcery points, so you’ll want to make every spell count; a problem increased by the fact that your concentration isn’t that great.

A lot of your sneaking is accomplished through magic and illusion, so going up against someone with Truesight will be a headache. 

Blindsense and Slippery Mind are super useful abilities, but they don’t come in until the end of the game. Most campaigns don’t even reach this high. 

Next up: I hope you like bad girls, because this one’s so bad at being a girl he’s a guy.

[wlntrsldler]

To Be So Lonely (Bucky Barnes Series)

When Bucky and Y/N signed up for this online penpal system, they never expected to grow attached to the other person behind the screen.

In the penpal system, they can only unlock the other person’s messages on the 25th of each month. They can write and send off their response as soon as they want but the other person is not able to see it until the 25th.

letter 8.0

letter 7.0

TBSL MASTERLIST

-

“Dear James, 

I still don’t know if there’s even anyone reading these letters. I haven’t gotten a “read” notification or anything in my inbox. It’s been months now, James. I’m way past worried now. 

I’m trying my best to not think too much about things. Maybe your old laptop died and you haven’t gotten around to getting a new one. Or maybe you already have a new one but you’re like me and you just save all your passwords in your laptop, not bothering to memorize them, and now you’re locked out of your account. I’d like to think that if that were to happen, you’d be calling the Customer Service hotline for this penpal system to get your account back. In my head, they’re not helping you much so now you’re trying to figure things out yourself. But alas, to no avail. 

That’s what I like to imagine. You’re still around, probably arguing with Sam about how Alpine doesn’t need to be taken out for a walk because, “He’s a goddamn cat. Have you ever seen cats walking around on a leash?” You have put on a brave face because you have Sam and Alpine leaning on you and you know you can’t be selfish right now. Sam needs you, just as much as you need him, so you go on with your life. But this time, you found a new appreciation for soggy oatmeal. You probably add some syrup in there to make it better, but most days, especially those days where you miss Steve a little extra, you leave it alone. 

I like to think that you’ve managed to tape yourself back together, despite how you broke into a million pieces. I think you’re choosing to push past this and cut ties with anything that makes it feel like you’re being dragged to the past. Maybe that’s why you stopped reading and replying to my letters. I’m okay with that, as long as you’re still around. 

So halfway through writing this letter, I have come to terms that this will be the final letter I’ll be sending you. I didn’t think I’d grow this attached to you but here I am. I’ve always had a problem with that. But for the sake of our penpal traditions, I’ll act like nothing is out of the ordinary so we’ll end on a sweet note. No bitterness, no resentment. Just two strangers sharing extremely personal things about themselves. The usual Y/N and James. 

Well... they offered me the job and I took it. I’m now writing to you from my humble apartment in New York City. It’s different, is one way to put it, but in a good way. It was built in the 20′s and it still retained a lot of the original details and designs. They renovated a bit, to make sure there weren’t any safety hazards or anything like that. 

Other than the broken elevator, it’s perfect, James. I do have to climb up three flights of stairs but truth be told, I do need the steps. I’ve been stress eating because of this job and I have yet to sign up for a gym membership here. There was a silver lining to the broken elevator, though. If I had taken the elevator, I wouldn’t have run into the cutest little cat in the world, maybe after Alpine. Actually, they’re on the same level of cuteness to me. And before you get offended, Alpine and the cat look very similar. Could pass off as twins actually. 

I picked it up and cuddled with it a bit before the owner’s roommate showed up. He apologized for the cat saying how his roommate was out of town and left “The troublemaker of a cat with him,” but I reassured him I didn’t mind. We got so caught up in conversation about “Too Hot To Handle” because he heard it playing in the background in my apartment and he had just finished binging the series. We talked about how insanely irritating the players are. The conversation flowed so naturally that I didn’t even get to ask for his name. He’s hilarious. 

I’m trying to find the right time to talk to him again. I really need a friend in this city. I just don’t want to seem weird so I’m trying to let things run its course, no staged run-ins or anything like that. I’m bound to run into him again anyway. After all, he’s my neighbor. 

I guess you’ll never get to know if I ever run into my neighbor again or if I get to see that cute cat. If you ever open these letters, maybe you’ll start imagining how my life is going, the same way I choose to imagine yours. I really hope you’re still out there, James. I’ll miss you.

A stranger from your past life, 

Y/N Y/L/N/I.”

-

A/N: TBSL is coming to an end!!!! i’m a little emotional. 

TAGLIST:

@howliebucky

@mc225g

@randomrandomthoughts

@kpoplover1306-depressedgirl315

@ceeellewrites

@igothroughphasesalot

@imahoeforbucky

@sweetestcherrycola

@intovert-gone-wild

@i-cry-so-much

[cbraxs]

Warped [Time Warp Trio Fanfiction] - Chapter 13

Izzy didn’t pay attention to Cleo teaching her friends how to play Senet on the floor in the center of the room. Not that she needed to; her mom taught her years ago. At least she’d have some people to play with now.

She sat on her bed beneath a wide window overlooking the bay. Her eyes gazed at the dark water; the glittery flecks dancing along the surface reflected the gorgeous stars above. She'd seen stars before, but they were always a welcomed view (she loved New York but all the light pollution ruined casual star gazing. She'd tried searching for her constellation; Andromeda. It was hers on account she had a collection of moles on her back that resembled the star formation.

A sigh escaped her lips. Izzy’s mind drifted towards what happened in the boys’ room. She had no clue what she did to upset Jodie. She didn’t say or do anything, at least nothing significant she could remember. Was it because Izzy was an outsider, someone who shouldn’t get to time travel and didn’t belong with the trio?

A flick to her forehead broke her out of her thoughts. “Earth to Izzy. Helloooo? Anyone home?”

Fred stood in front of her with his usual goofy grin. Somehow he made his way to her bed without her noticing.

Izzy scooted over and made a spot for him to sit. “Sorry. I was… thinking.”

“No kidding, you were more spaced out than my brother’s eyes.”

“You don’t wanna learn to play Senet?”

Fred put his hands behind his head leaned back. “Nah, it’s pretty much chess with extra steps.”

Izzy tried to laugh, but it quickly fizzled out.

Fred frowned. “What’s up?”

She hugged her knees to her chest. “I think Jodie hates me.”

“What gave it away?”

Ow. Sometimes Izzy wished Fred wasn’t so blunt. “Y-you think so, too?”

“I mean… she’s kind of a mean girl, but she’s not that bad. I wouldn’t worry about her, she’s still getting used to me, and we’ve been friends for years!”

Izzy smiled. “Thanks, Fred. Still… I’m worried about what her and Joe were talking about.”

Fred shrugged. “Don’t sweat it. They’re just trying to fix The Book.”

“You’re probably right– wait, they found The Book?! When?” At Izzy’s outburst, the others turn to look at the two of them. Cleopatra screamed.

Arms snaked around Izzy’s throat and waist and dragged her towards the window. Izzy yelped. She grabbed the arms of her kidnapper and flipped them will all her weight.

It worked a little too well. The momentum dropped them both on the floor with a thud. The whole room wobbled like a spinning top. Thankfully, Fred was there to help her up.

Her cloaked attacker stood, glaring at them beneath the hood, seemingly unfazed. They didn’t cower, even when outnumbered.

“What’s going on?”

Joe rushed into the room, Jodie right behind him. They stopped in their tracks once they noticed the cloaked figure.

“Some creep tried to yank Izzy through the window,” Sam explained.

Cleo stomped towards the hooded would-be kidnapper, despite Freddi warning her not to. “What is the meaning of this, villain?!”

The figure reached into their sleeve and pulled out something small and wooden. In an instant, Fred tackled the assailant to the ground. The item flew out of their hand and shattered to pieces on the floor.

The hood fell and they all could see the person underneath: tall nose, proud dark eyes, and she looked like–

Cleopatra gasped. “Berenice!”

Izzy’s heart sunk. “What?”

“Crocodile!” Sam shrieked.

Where Berenice’s wooden trinket fell, stood a crocodile, slimy from the Nile. A normal crocodile was bad news enough, but this one must have had a gym membership because it was easily twice as big. It hissed and snapped at them with razor-sharp teeth.

Sam, Freddi, and Samantha, who were the closest to the beast, yelled and scrambled away, almost toppling Joe and Jodie. The crocodile’s eyes glowed with an unnatural human hatred, but despite this it wasn’t going after any of them. It was like a yapping dog on a porch: it insisted you watch your step, but was incapable of making you do so.

Izzy looked at the wooden pieces and the croc, and slapped herself for not putting two and two together sooner. She rushed to her friends. “Guys, it’s not–”

Berenice kicked Fred off her and grabbed Izzy’s ankle, sending her a quick trip to the floor.

Izzy drew ragged breaths, trying to get some air back into her lungs. Berenice pounced on Izzy and dug her knees into Izzy’s back. Izzy clawed at the arm shoved into her neck, but the more she fought, the more Berenice put weight on her.

Berenice held something above her, and Izzy stilled. She thought it may be a weapon… until it glowed gold.

Then suddenly, the weight flew off her. A thud, followed by Berenice spitting curses at Cleopatra. Cleo had lunged past the crocodile and threw herself at Berenice.

“No!” Berenice wailed and reached for Izzy. “He wanted you! He–” The item Berenice held glowed stronger and brighter than before. It enveloped the two of them before dying in a pop! And the royal sisters vanished without a trace.

The others stared where the two once were. The room was deathly silent compared to the chaos before. Joe was the first to speak. “What the–”

The crocodile snapped at him, and he screamed.

Izzy jumped up, “I-it’s okay! Watch.”

She approached the crocodile, ignoring the pleas of her friends to stay back. The animal turned on her, but Izzy simply walked through the crocodile like it was made of mist, kicking it apart like a sandcastle. “It’s an illusion.”

Freddi’s brow furrowed. “So this whole time it couldn’t have bitten one of us?”

“It still could’ve, but it wouldn’t have hurt.”

“There are bigger things to handle,” Jodie said. “Like, I don’t know, how Cleopatra just disappeared!”

“I-I–” Izzy rubbed the back of her bruised neck. “Of course that’s more important, but I had to let you know the crocodile wasn’t serious...”

“It’s fine.” Joe shot Jodie a stern look and stepped towards Izzy. “Thanks, Iz. Are you alright?”

Izzy nodded and slowed her breathing. She hadn’t noticed she was nearly hyperventilating.

A barrage of footsteps thundered down the hall. Two guards burst through the door, one Izzy recognized from earlier, Ahmose.

“We heard screaming!” The other guard said.

“Great reaction time, guys,” Fred muttered. Samantha elbowed him in the ribs.

Ahmose eyes searched around the room. “Where is princess Cleopatra?”

“Berenice took her!” Freddi cried.

His curious looked turned into a glare. “Berenice was here and all seven of you thought to alert no one?”

“It’s not our fault!” Samantha said.

“Yeah, man,” Fred added. “It was all so fast! She had a buff killer crocodile and a glowing piece of wood and then they crossfaded out of here and–”

Sam rubbed his temples. “You’re not helping, you’re not helping!”

Even if Berenice were here,” the other guard said, “how are we to know you weren’t working with her. You foreigners showed up just as she escaped.”

It was fair to be suspicious, Izzy thought, the timing was not in their favor.

“We wouldn't do anything to hurt Cleopatra. You’ve got to believe us,” Izzy pleaded. She looked from Ahmose to the other guard, trying to communicate her honesty through her eyes. The one guard wasn’t convinced, but Ahmose’s glower softened by a fraction.

He shook his head. “It is not up to me to believe you or not. That will be for the Pharaoh to decide.”

~*~

The guards carted the seven of them to the Pharaoh to plead their case. They begged for him to believe them, they tried to reason with him; if they meant Cleopatra harm, then why go about it in this way? But the Pharaoh was incorrigible. He refused to listen to anything they had to say. Fred tried to argue he had diplomatic immunity, but that only served to make the Pharaoh angrier. He had them sentenced to prison until he decided their fates.

Their jail cell was little more than a dank, damp hole in the ground. The air was dusty and hard to breathe, as if they were inhaling 20% dirt. The stone bed against the wall made the floor look like a better sleeping option.

There weren’t any bars covering the hole and obstructing the starry sky above. The view was more haunting than alluring now that they were at least twenty feet below the surface. Despite this, Fred was trying to climb his way out. He’d get about a third of the way up before losing his grip and falling– usually on Sam– scattering prison hole dust every which way.

“Can you stop that!” Jodie said after his third attempt. “It’s not going to work.”

“You got a better plan?” Fred asked.

Apparently not, as Jodie turned troubled eyes on the floor.

“Let’s face it,” Sam said. “We have no way out. If the Pharaoh won’t have us tortured for answers, then we’ll definitely be executed.”

“We could be drowned, impaled, beheaded, burned alive...” Freddi listed off.

Izzy rubbed her arms. “Burned alive?”

“That’s the one that bothers you?” Fred asked.

“The ancient Egyptian’s actually didn’t burn many people as a punishment,” Samantha explained. “They thought that destroying a person’s body would rob them of an afterlife.”

Joe threw up his hands. “Could we not talk about execution methods for a minute and figure a way out of here.”

“Wait a minute.” Fred turned to Izzy. “You can levitate us out of here, right?”

Izzy twisted an earring. “I-I don’t know if I can. I’ve never levitated myself, let alone another person, before. Maybe I could do one at a time, but we’ll get caught doing it that way.”

“Would it be easier with two of us?” Joe asked.

Izzy nodded, considering it. "Jodie, do you think you could help? I think we can do it between the three of us.”

Jodie twisted her hair around a finger. “Magic like that isn’t really my strong suit.”

“So you can’t do it?” Fred said.

“I didn’t say that,” Jodie snapped. “I just don’t do it. Kind of like how you have a brain but don’t like using it.”

“Oh, yeah? Well you don’t like–”

Sam, Samantha, and Freddi stepped between them before they got a chance to really go at it.

“I think you can do it!” Izzy said. “I mean, Anna told me the women in your family are good at magic and you’re Joe’s cousin after all. He picks things up pretty fast so I’m sure you can do it, too.”

Jodie smiled at Izzy, which completely caught her off guard. “I guess I can give it a shot. What do I have to lose?”

“Okay,” Sam said. “So we get out of here. Then what? We need to find The Book and save Cleopatra. Who knows how history will be rewritten if something were to happen to her.”

“At least we know where The Book is,” Jodie said. “I left it in the guy’s room.”

“Good going,” Fred snarked.

“If I had brought it with me, the Pharaoh might have confiscated it. Prisoners don’t usually get to keep their belongings.”

Izzy frowned. “If you had The Book the whole time then why didn’t we warp home earlier?”

“It’s busted,” Joe explained. “Jodie and I were trying to fix it.”

“How–”

“That's not important right now,” Jodie insisted. “Getting out of here and saving Cleo is.”

“How are we supposed to do that?” Sam asked. “We have no clue where Berenice took Cleopatra or why.”

Freddi wrung her hands. “Um, isn’t it obvious why she took her? I mean…”

She didn’t have to finish her sentence for the implication to be loud and clear.

Samantha shook her head. “If she wanted to kill Cleo, she would’ve done so when she had the chance or attack her later when we were asleep. Besides, Berenice wasn’t after Cleo. She was... after Izzy.”

Izzy’s fist clenched. She knew Samantha was right even before she confirmed her fears. But why? What would Berenice want with her? How would she even Izzy? No, Berenice said, “He wanted you!” So she was working for someone who wanted Izzy? For a blissful second, she thought it might be her father, but then a nastier possibility hit her.

“It doesn’t matter,” Izzy said. She pushed the thoughts out of her mind. “First thing’s first, we gotta get out of here. It might be easier if we all held hands.”

“Alright.” Joe offered Izzy his hand. Izzy reached to take it but Jodie was giving the two of them a weird look.

Izzy retracted her hand. “I-it's probably better if we spread out in a circle. To disperse the magic.”

“Oh.” Joe rubbed the back of his head. “Makes sense.”

The three of them spread out evenly among the group, with Fred on Izzy’s left and Samantha on her right.

“Now what?” Joe asked.

Izzy smiled a bit, despite their dower situation. “Now, it’s time for boring meditation.”

~*~

As Berenice feared, the man flew into hysterics upon seeing she hadn’t brought the correct girl back to him. He stomped like a petulant child who hadn’t gotten his way, waving his arms as he ranted.

“What is this, you incompetent buffoon? How on Earth did you manage to bring the wrong girl here? Did I not give you specific instructions? You had one job!”

“I had your girl!” Berenice. “But this,” she motioned in disgust at Cleopatra, bound with rope in the corner, “pushed me away once I had her. I can try again–”

“No. By now, the palace will be on high alert. The Pharaoh’s men will be–”

“They all will be looking for me!” Cleopatra yelled, as if she had any power to intimidate them while tied up. “My father will find you and we will have your heads!”

The mad man rolled his eyes and shot a green beam of light at Cleopatra with his cane. She slumped to the ground, limp and still; proof she was still alive was the shallow movements of her chest as she breathed.

“This is not the end,” Berenice said. “We can use her for leverage. My father will easily trade her for a worthless priestess.”

The man opened his mouth to argue but stopped himself. He paced the floor, rubbing his chin. “Those warp runts are foolish enough to try and tell the truth,” he said to himself, “which will no doubt land them in prison. We need to get her before they’re all surely executed”

“What is this girl to you?” Berenice asked. “Is she... your daughter?”

Berenice winced at her impulsive question. But instead of the usual anger and yelling, the man was silent. He gazed at nothing with an amused look on his face.

“My daughter, eh?” His laugh made Berenice's stomach turn on itself and she wished he'd never saved her.

The man pulled an odd object from his cloak: a circle of wood the size of his hand, the decorative strings across it formed a spider web-like pattern. Three ostrich feathers hung from the bottom.

He grinned wickedly. “I can work with this.”