#crafter and gatherer life

[roguelioness]

I'm only minorly obsessed with her your honor

[castellankurze]

One thing I'd like to see from Dawntrail patch content is some kind of "Labors of Bakool Ja Ja" side chain or MSQ subplot where Bakool Ja Ja retraces the steps of the Succession journey and does some community work.

Ok'hanu Where he attempted to steal the Ihih'hana festival float and threatened violence when opposed. Reparation: Gathering reeds and learning to weave new roofs for the hanu hanu buildings, which teaches delicacy and respect for the work put in to maintain their homes. In specific he works with Linuhanu and Wuk Evu to ensure he gets the job done right.

Wachunpelo We didn't see his work here, but I wouldn't put it past Bakool Ja Ja to hear "bring me an alpaca from the valley" and immediately use his bulk and strength to forcibly carry back a screaming, spitting, terrified animal that needs serious pacification. Reparation: Herding a group of Tobli's alpacas from Wachunpelo to Miplu's Mate Garden to pick up a shipment of mate leaves and bringing them back without them spitting on anyone. Contributes to the pelu pelu love of trade and their care for their animals.

Earthenshire Where he failed to bring in any returning or new Potsworn. (He also tried to fight Zoraal Ja and kidnapped Wuk Lamat, but that's part of the game.) Reparation: It's probably too late to recruit new Potsworn by now, so maybe something to do with crafting, I'm fuzzy on this one. Maybe helping the moblins talk to the independent crafters at Cracked Cistern?

Worlar's Echo The big one; not only did he fail to climb Worqor Zormor and fight Gurfurlur, he loosed Valigarmanda on the world putting untold lives in danger. Reparation: I like the idea of Gurfurlur tasking him with taking up a big load of stone and the pair of them climbing the mountain together, martial arts master & student style; once at the top Gurfulur has him use the stone to build a sepulcher and directs him to carve Yok Huy runes into it which turn out to tell the tale of how he freed Valigarmanda, how he changed the course of history for Mamook and defended Tuliyollal. And then they fight, natch.

Iq Br'aax Another big debacle. Failing the cooking challenge for one, but more importantly kidnapping the Elector Hunmu Rruk and threatening his life. Reparation: I like the idea of him redoing the cooking. Dawntrail is enamored of its food and usage of it in storytelling, and giving the blessed siblings a chance to cook real xibruq pibil (with the challenge being to cook enough for everyone in the village) maybe even with Hunmu Rruk stepping in to help, seems a good way to revisit this part of the plot with a healing metaphor.

Mamook My instinct is to say there's nothing for him to do here; after all we had a whole plot about him helping Wuk Lamat pull the Mamool Ja hardliners away from their obsession with blessed siblings. Add to that the way his father the Autarch bullied him and this was already where Bakool Ja Ja really started his face turn. Reparation: A part of me still likes the idea that he asks the Autarch to resummon the shade of Gulool Ja Ja for a fight and although it's close, he's losing until the three mamool ja he was previously traveling with jump into the fight to help him and they win together; and together they all bury the hatchet on how crappy they all were to each other.

Tuliyollal You squashed our tacos. >:( Reparation: Dinner at the Xbalyav Ty'e to conclude the quest chain.

[russetfoxfur]

alright these are subject to change but ive been getting into headcanons abt the minecraft default skins. not just alex and steve tho im talking bout our underrepresented underappreciated newer defs. under the cut are my headcanoned backstories abt them based off mostly vibes (T-T minecraft plsss you couldve given THEM a story instead of these new fuckin characters in the minecraft movie. pls im begging you)

Efe—a piglin hybrid. They/them. Fighter/builder. They were raised in the Nether as a Brute and journeyed to the Overworld, where they were picked up by Steve and Alex after besting Steve in combat. Infatuated with the water because there’s no water in the Nether—has learned to swim and loves to relax by a lake or ocean. The best fighter of the defs, rivaling Alex in terms of combat, and enjoys learning new combat techniques—loved experimenting with the mace. Builds interiors, something the rest of the defs tend to neglect. In a relationship with Makena and Ari.

Makena—a bee hybrid. Xe/her. Farmer/builder. Xe was part of a Hive before she left to see more of the outside world. She loves gardening and farming and has a green thumb; loves to be helpful and tries her best to better nature in any way she can. Xe’s also very good with agriculture and farming. Loves mobs and the creatures of the world and tends to have five dogs and cats each at minimum. Loves landscaping and creating natural-looking builds; usually calls in Noor or Efe to help her with details. In a relationship with Efe and Ari.

Ari—a fox hybrid. She/her. Redstoner/magic-user. She grew up in a small taiga village and first discovered magic through the local brewery. She was apprenticed to a cleric, but, on an expedition to gather mushrooms for a spell, found Noor and took him in. She resigned from apprenticeship and began to travel the world with him before finding the defs and settling down. She’s very outspoken about her beliefs and hates authority figures with a passion. Very good with enchantments, brewing, and other magical activities. Can hold her own in redstoning due to her cleric apprenticeship. In a relationship with Efe and Makena.

Sunny—a cow hybrid. He/him. Crafter/blacksmith. He grew up as a leatherworker apprentice in a small, cozy village—but, after a zombie chewed off his arm, he abandoned that career to become a blacksmith. He made his own arm and got into redstone to keep his arm maintained—but left his village at the urging of Kai to explore the world. He settled down with her after finding the other defs, and enjoys a plainer life. He’s best at formulating plans and, while he's not utterly useless at it, prefers to let others do the fighting. Mostly makes simple, practical contraptions to ease his quality of life. Also loves fishing. Aroace.

Noor—a frog hybrid. Ze/zem. Culinarist and builder. Ze grew up in the sunny mangrove forests and led a relaxed, easy life, but one day ze returned to find illagers chopping down zir forest. Ze fled and ended up in Ari's village, where ze was taken in and apprenticed as a farmer. Ze and Ari left the village to get revenge on the villagers, and, though ze's settled down with the other defs, ze's never forgotten zir vengeance. Likes the methodical tasks of farming and cooking, and enjoys decorating larger builds. Gay, currently open.

Kai—a breeze hybrid. She/he. Dabbler—leans redstoner/prankster. She’s always lived a relatively mundane life, even though she accidentally spawned in a village instead of the Trial Chamber beneath it and became a villager-breeze, but, after a zombie attack put her village in peril, fled with Sunny and never looked back. He likes accomplishing the most insane achievements he can think of, and loves dragging Sunny into his shenanigans. Bi, currently open.

Zuri—a bat hybrid. He/him. Redstoner/noteblock artist. He grew up in the lush caves, living off glowberries and azalea buds, but, when Alex and Steve explored his cave, he followed them to the surface and moved in with them. He is also pretty bad at fighting, preferring to use redstone to make his life easier. He loves music and redstone, and has the largest store of music discs ever. He loves making his own music and creating cool redstone contraptions. Autistic. Gay-ace, has a crush on Noor.

Alex—a human. She/her. Fighter/builder. The second human ever, created to destroy Herobrine. She chased him away from the burgeoning Minecraft servers and settled down on one. She is undefeated in combat and is otherwise very intelligent. She is also rather friendly and casual, and wants to uphold the peace of the Overworld. Good at creating practical, lived-in builds, grounded in what she knows. Aroace.

Steve—a human. They/them. Miner/builder. The third human ever, Steve was spawned as a test to make sure that Herobrine was indeed a fluke instead of a norm—made up of much of Herobrine’s code, with a few changes to personality and power. Wants a life of peace and simplicity. Easily spooked, especially scared of screaming goats, but resourceful and good at combat. Mute. They tend to build more fantastically than their counterpart, with huge megabuilds and whimsical creations. Aroace.

[southeastasianists]

On the eve of March 11, the streets of the traditional village of Mengwi, Bali, flooded with monsters. The giant figures loomed over villagers’ heads, with grotesque smiles, protruding fangs, and extra arms and eyes. They danced in the night, each one brought to life by dozens of locals who moved as one, lifting, spinning, and shaking the monstrous creations.

The spectacle, known as the Ngrupuk parade, is one of several rituals meant to banish evil ahead of Nyepi and the Balinese New Year. While Nyepi is a day of mandatory rest and meditation for Balinese Hindus, the night before is quite the opposite.

The monstrous figures known as ogoh-ogoh—meaning to shake—represent Bhuta-Kala, evil spirits that need banishing, according to Balinese Hindu tradition. The figures, some as tall as a two-story building, are carried boisterously through town on bamboo platforms before their fiery demise.

Ngrupuk is a rather new Nyepi ceremony; ogoh-ogohs first appeared in Bali’s capital city Denpasar in the early 1980s. Since then, the annual parade has spread to surrounding villages. Local youth organizations build and carry the demonic effigies, and most crafters are teenagers and young men. Young children sometimes give creating a monster their best shot, while older master craftsmen are typically responsible for the most ornate ogoh-ogoh.

The monsters are traditionally burned at the end of the ceremony as an act of purification, but local painter and ogoh-ogoh collector I Ketut Nuada adds a few monsters each year to his growing collection-turned-museum.

Nuada once made ogoh-ogoh, but now leaves it to younger crafters and focuses instead on rounding up a few of his favorites after each parade. He collects whatever he can afford from among the effigies that survive a night of violent shaking. Over the last 12 years, Nuada has filled every inch of a warehouse in Mengwi with rescued and retired demons, some 31 in total.

“Every year there are more… and more technology,” says Nuada, speaking through a translator. The figures are traditionally made from paper, bamboo, and found materials, and brought to life through vigorous shaking. But in recent years, crafters have been experimenting with using electronics to light the monsters’ eyes, turn their heads, or raise their wings.

Anywhere from one to 10 people craft a single ogoh-ogoh between January and March. It takes dozens more to bring the demons to life. Before the event, disciples from the village temple will bless the ogoh-ogoh in a ritual where ceremonial offerings, called banten, are also presented.

Then the heavy lifting begins. Each figure is carried—along with lights and generators—by up to 40 locals on a raft-like bamboo platform. Dozens more walk ahead of the ogoh-ogoh carrying torches, or stand on the route performing traditional music. Everyone else gathers to take in the spectacle.

While many ogoh-ogoh will end their night in flames, some are stored away to be refurbished and sold for the following year, or—if they’re lucky—end up in Nuada’s collection. Photographer Matjaž Tančič captured the passionate creators, performers, and collectors who came together for Mengwi’s 2024 Ngrupuk event.

[gentlyrowan]

Have you spotted this stray Nora wandering the wilds, and wondered what she's doing all the way out here?

A Wanderer's Work

That's just me, a harmless eccentric

adventurer, photographer, lore-gatherer, tale-crafter, and your travel guide to the lands from the Frozen Wilds to the Burning Shores!

As your volunteer Horizon tour guide, I've been pondering some possibilities for the future.

Some Theme Ideas

Sacred Land Summer (already underway)

Sundom September

Oseram October

Nora November

Daunt December

Jewel January

Frozen Wilds February

March of the Ten

Armor April

Machine May

Dune June (deserts)

Sky July (mountains)

Forest August (woods)

... Utaru Who? Quen When? (I'll figure it out!)

Not a finalized schedule: Life will inevitably happen, and other ideas may overtake these. Maybe better ones!

When I'm not exploring the landscapes of the Horizon games with my husband (credit: all the photos I'm in), you can find me on BlueSky @rowanauthor.bsky.social and peddling Horizon fanfic on AO3 as GentlyRowan.

ALT TEXT BELOW COLLAGE & CUT · ALL PHOTOS BY US

TOP ROW

A green slope rising up to a rounded, bare rock mountaintop; a clear, round pool of clear, vibrant, cyan blue water in a landscape of pines; a human hand stretched out for comparison with a fossil replica of a dinosaur claw

MIDDLE ROW

A wandering Nora (me) treading a snowy path in a canyon of orange hoodoos; a long view down a deep, wide canyon from above through a barren branch bent downward

BOTTOM ROW

The base of a massive sequoia, with more sequoias behind it; the aforementioned Nora passing through a doorway in a gray stone ruin; a white archery bow (decorated in brown, red, and blue with wire, beads, and feathers) hanging from a gnarled tree high above an orange stone canyon

[teecupangel]

IDEA

Disclaimer: Fantasy Life (a 3ds game) is relatively unknown and I doubt that you know it. If you do, tell me please I have put 164 hours into this game and have no friends who know it. If you don’t, just ignore this ask, the story and game are complicated and don’t waste your time trying to figure it out for a tumblr ask. Backup question: what’s your favorite dinosaur?

Now, Fantasy Life idea:

Desmond AND Altair, Ezio, and Ratonhnhaké:ton all wake up in Fantasy Life in the place of the pov main character.

I think Altaïr would go for an Alchemist life before pivoting to do all the crafting ones. Get level 15 dagger skill so fast tho.

Ratonhnhaké:ton i think would initially go for Hunter life but mayyyybe the Wizard life would draw him in. He’d also be the most well rounded in terms of weapons even if he thinks it’s bullshit he can’t use a high level sword and shield.

Ezio im honestly not sure about. He might go for Paladin for the weapon style but I could honestly see him wanting to be a gatherer life instead. Or maybe a crafter.

Next to Ezio, Desmond would still probably switch the most. I have zero clue what he’d choose first he’d probably choose something out of panic at first and end up an Angler or smth lol.

During the story: Ezio tries and fails repeatedly to woo Yuelia, you can’t change my mind. Desmond finds it hilarious that he died due to problems with the Sun and now he’s having problems with the Moon. Altaïr is somehow the one keeping them all on track but also is the highest leveled in any and all of the skills he’s focusing on. Somehow, some way, impossibly, Altair makes a philosophers stone before they even make it to Al Maajik. Ezio is thrilled when he sees the Azure Rose and Rose Shield and uses them even if he has access to better weaponry. Ratonhnhaké:ton gets a dog from all three regions. Desmond immediately realizes they need the home in the Shopping District to hold all their stuff. Desmond unlocks the majority of the Bliss. Desmond at some point becomes a Cook. At least for a little bit.

I’ve got more but I think that’s enough.

I did not know about this but, considering it’s a Level 5 game, I am not surprised. Level 5 games tend to go under the radar with word of mouth being their best source of publicity (unless you get a super hit like Ni no Kuni).

It does remind me of Rune Factory a bit though. I would have tried it but the 3DS shop is already down. Oh, there’s going to be a new game for the Switch though, apparently, so we’ll see XD

I think you’re spot on with their life choices, especially Altaïr. He looks like the type of person who would craft lots of bombs and chuck them all to the enemies with his team wondering if this is Altaïr’s way of destressing and if they should be worried? Altaïr would probably try out Blacksmith too considering he did reworked the Hidden Blade and created the Hidden Gun. Did he recreate them in this world as well? Yeah, probably. It’s Altaïr.

No notes for Ratonhnhaké:ton, could totally see him going for Hunter first before branching out to check the other lives just to get a feel if any of them would be interesting in his eyes.

Ezio would go for Paladin at the start until he realized that he didn’t have to focus on fighting anymore. Sure there was the whole ‘the world is in trouble’ plot going on but he’s not alone in this and they have allies they can rely on. Ezio would change to something more chill like a Woodcutter, Angler or Tailor. He’s trying out the more chill lives to see which one he would enjoy and he’s happy that being a Farmer isn’t an option because he believes farming would just remind him of how much he misses his family.

Desmond would pick Mercenary first because Ezio had already picked Paladin and Ratonhnhaké:ton picked Hunter so he thought he’d pick the last remaining combat class. He doesn’t know magic so he didn’t pick Wizard. Also, he expected Altaïr to pick Wizard and Altaïr picking Alchemist is what made Desmond slowly start to realize the same as Ezio, that he doesn’t have to pick a ‘combat’ life. Sure, the first time he started to cook was when Altaïr invented protein bars (wtf) and Desmond needed to put his foot down because he is not going to eat protein bars for the rest of his life (Ezio was still in his Paladin phase). The reason why Ezio didn’t pick Cook is because Desmond eventually settled on a Cook life because he enjoyed cooking. There’s a kind of control in it that he didn’t have before and, also, this way, he can be sure his ancestors actually eat (especially Altaïr who tend to forget he needs to eat when he’s in a middle of experimenting).

I feel like in the end of this entire thing, Altaïr would have managed to recreate an Apple of Eden (which he just throws at Desmond because Desmond is a cook. Desmond is offended and wanted to hit Altaïr with his frying pan) and the Armor of Altaïr (which he gives to both Ratonhnhaké:ton and Ezio).

(Feel free to add more. I read TvTropes for this one hahahaha)

(I think it would be Archaeopteryx mainly because they’re supposedly around the size of a magpie and looks like the midway point of a dinosaur and bird looks like.)

[theanoninyourinbox]

The Support Roles and Honor Titles for the New Longstar AU

The Historian

Historians are a dual-pronged role, often taken by Elders not ready to fully retire.  They are mostly known for keeping accurate records of the Clans, though this may vary in accuracy and information.  One Historian may focus more on births and deaths, while another only records the glories of battle.  Their secondary role is to keep the Clan bloodlines from crossing over.  If a Historian stops you from flirting, it’s most likely because you’re related to your crush.  Or they think you’re being an idiot.

The Storykeeper

Every clan needs entertainment, and the Storykeeper is the go-to cat for that.  Their stories are often drawn from histories, but may be entirely fictional, and may or may not have a moral.  Storykeepers are called upon by queens and kings, Leaders and Elders, by just about every cat at least once in their lives.  On cold Leafbare nights or sunny Newleaf mornings, a Storykeeper is a treasured part of the Clan.

Permaqueen/Permaking

A queen or king who have decided that their role lies in taking care of the next generation.  Often being trained by Nursery Guards, they watch over kits of all kinds, whether their own or others.  Oftentimes they will branch out into other roles, such as Historian, Storykeeper, Tactician, or Herbalist.  Traditionally the role has only gone to queens, but occasionally a tom will become a king by choice.

The Tactician

Tacticians are the planners of the Clans.  Whether it’s expanding a den, drawing out battle lines, or figuring out what to do with your day off, a Tactician is on the case.  They look at a problem from every possible angle before putting out ideas.  Often called upon by queens and kings to help their kits find the Role best suited for them.

The Crafter

The cleverest of paws and the artistic of minds become Crafters.  They decorate the camp, often helping out Camp Guards, and see that their home is, well, homey.  Crafters are called to help other cats decorate their fur, for everyday wear or ceremonial wear, and have the honor of decorating their Leader on Gathering nights.  Some Crafters even have made tools, mostly to comb out fur.

The Herbalist

Quite possibly the most overlooked Role in the Clans, the Herbalist grows the herbs used to treat injuries.  Many a Warrior sees them as not contributing – they just dig in dirt and water plants?  Those warriors do not see the moons of work put into growing plants, often in places they do not grow, and making compost of prey scraps and unusable old herbs from the Healer’s Den.

Honor Titles

Leader

The Head of the Clan, chosen by the previous leader.  They have the honor of caring for an entire clan like they would their own kittens, with some Leaders abstaining from having a mate or kits to better care for their constituents.  The receive nine lives from Starclan, feeling the death of each life-giver when they die, and are denoted with the suffix -star. For a false leader, known as a False Star, to have extra lives, means they received theirs from another place entirely…

Deputy

The next-in-line to become leader.  Usually an older cat with plenty of experience, but sometimes an up-and-comer will be chosen.  Many Leaders have a list of cats to succeed them, and chose the one that makes the most sense at the time.

Kit

The youngest of the Clan, usually less than 6 moons old, though sometimes kits can be held back; illness or immaturity or even a Leader’s pettiness.  Well beloved and watched with care.

Elder

The retirees of the Clan, sometimes only semi retired.  Whether by age or injury, the Elders of the clan are well cared for and protected.

Senior

The highest rank of a Role, often the oldest and most well respected.  For a Senior to ask to train a kit is a high honor for both kit and family.

Star-Blessed

The Stars may choose to give gifts to cats, different than the Sight they give to Seers.  Whether feeling the pain of another, or having the ability to twist hearts with their words, the Star-Blessed are seen as a sign that times are changing. For ages, Star-blessed have been forced into Support or Healing roles, but this view has been changing as of late.  Many cats see being Star-Blessed as a blessing, but for some cats, and the victims of their crimes, it can be a terrible curse.

[ladyrijus]

Oh how DARE (/lh dw) you give me feelings ab the Yiga clan, I already love them enough, I would absolutely love to hear if you have more thoughts ab them and ever want to say!!

*kicks door open with an armful of Yiga Clan thoughts* I GOT YOU.

The Yiga Clan are descendants of Sheikah rune-crafters, who knew how to inscribe runes associated with a certain type of reality manipulation onto different surfaces. The guidance stones you see? Those are their works left remaining. When water collects at the tip of the guidance stone, it collects the effects of the runes before transferring them to the Sheikah Slate. However, the Yiga Clan have learned how to inscribe runes on their paper slips, which activates when the finger runs over the symbol of the inverted Eye. These cards help them with their traveler's guise and teleportation. Additionally, their windcleavers are inscribed with runes associated with wind manipulation, but the effects are dampened due to the rune's deterioration when used in battle repeatedly.

A Yiga's guise cannot work near a statue of Hylia. She unmasks all illusions. This is why not many of them can get into Kakariko Village; they're outed almost instantaneously. When Dorian left the Gerudo Highlands and met his wife, he knew his life was going to change, for better or for worse. He definitely thought worse when he was getting married though, since he was scared his illusion would drop before Hylia. However, the goddess, sensing his change of heart, actually made the illusion permanent. This makes him the first of his kind to be divinely redeemed. When he helps the Yiga again after his wife is killed, the roots of his air are darkened to black as a rebuke from the goddess, but they do not seep any further as she accounts for the fact he only sabotages the tribe for the life of his two children, as well as Impa and Paya. He covers the dark parts of his hair with his amigasa hat.

This next headcanon veers towards OC territory but it's to explain the lore behind Urbosa's hatred for the Yiga. To put it shortly, there was a Yiga woman who had once, while guised, seduced Urbosa's mother. She was deployed in Gerudo Town to acquire the Thunder Helm, with the idea that there were runes inscribed on the helm for electric resistance that could be used to leverage their efforts against the Hylian kingdom. Urbosa, a child at the time, had caught her in the act after a few months of courtship. She was very perceptive for her age, and immediately asked what the Yiga thought she was doing. The Yiga, despite her conflicting emotions, immediately resolved to kill her to avoid having any witnesses. But what she didn't realize was that Urbosa's mother had already seen everything. Swooping in, she shielded Urbosa, deflected the attack, and promptly electrocuted the Yiga. Whether the Yiga lives after the electrocution or not is up to you. I think it's another tragic love story either way! This experience leaves both Gerudo women feeling very, very conflicted and betrayed. For that reason, she calls the Yiga traitors.

Pikango is a Yiga informant. His paper slips are hidden behind the sheet on his canvas, and he uses them to teleport between stables periodically to gather intel about the Sheikah. He frequents the Dueling Peaks Stable out of all of them. What's interesting is that he's the first Yiga member to have been born in Kakariko and return despite the discoloration of his hair. This is why everyone is wary about telling Pikango about the location of the fairy fountain when he returned: most Sheikah who leave Kakariko for good turn out to be Yiga, and certainly none had ever come back before. Purah and Robbie are exceptions for obvious reasons. Pikango's hair is however, mostly white. Why? As I've mentioned before, it takes a while for a Sheikah's hair to turn black since it's based on their faith. I like to think that Pikango is carefully neutral about his opinions regarding Hylia. He helps the Yiga not necessarily as a "fuck you for not letting me have doubts about you" to Hylia, but because they helped him out when he was forced to leave his home. They have definitely tried to recruit him as a footsoldier but he probably admitted that he was not of the fighting type. So they got a different use out of him: spywork. With that deal, Pikango gets to live most of his life just travelling, while keeping an ear open for anything regarding Hyrule Castle, the nearby shrines, or the traveler clad in Hyrulean Blue.

[lets-try-some-writing]

You know how human music is on a certain frequency? well how would cybertronian music be? What would it sound like? Would they be appalled by human music? idk I just thinks it's interesting to dive into the culture clashes

What an interesting concept! Cybertronian music doesn't seem to be brought up much in any continuities that I know of, so it would be a fun little cultural aspect of Cybertron to explore. I will try my best to make some reasonable headcanons on this subject, but I am no musician.

Music Across Cybertron

Despite being one people in theory, music differs wildly across Cybertron. Before the great war, the music one could find depended entirely on location, caste, and then profession. Every group of bots had their own unique take on music.

In large cities like Iacon, music overall tended to be complex, hard to master, and most notably, ancient due to the Primacy's powerful influence. The music was of an incredibly low frequency, an old custom that stemmed from the times when music was a viable method of worshipping Primus. High frequency and fast paced music was frowned upon due to how it inspired movement of the body instead of connection between the spark and the mind. High caste bots in such cities only ever listened to old hymns and Primacy sanctioned songs. Not necessarily because they liked it, but because hiring the bots capable of performing such a feat was expensive and a great way for them to show their superiority to others.

Middle caste bots in cities tended to listen to the less reverent versions of the old songs over the city wide comm link. However such songs quickly grew to be dull, and so middle caste bots tended to create their own songs. Their music was still mostly slow paced and of relatively low frequency, but their songs were different from the high caste selection in that it was not sung in the ancient language. Their songs told stories, spun tales of their work and the meaning behind it.

In the hall of records one would hear the low, near constant, and almost solemn songs of the archivists, each bot adding their own addition to the great overarching music. Police would walk down the streets in pairs chanting their oaths in time with their steps. Doctors would hum comforting tunes and occasionally raise their voices to celebrate the recovery of a patient or to mourn the loss of a life. Crafters and merchants would proudly sing songs of their successes, regaling all those listening with the tale of their efforts through their music.

Low caste bots did not have the luxury of being able to listen to music. And so to make life more bearable and the break the monotony of it all they would also make their own songs from scratch. They kept their music quiet for fear of punishment, and rarely did they raise their voices if ever. As such, their songs had no instruments besides their work tools and their own frames.

Miners would bring down their picks in patterns, creating a song of sorts which would be accompanied by the shuffle of pedes and the squeals of their equipment. While not considered music by most of the higher caste mechs, their quiet endeavors did create a wonderful symphony when one bothered to listen closely. Gladiators would sing together in the lowest frequency they could manage, each singing tales of their battles and reciting old warnings and guidance. Factory workers and other expendables would hide their songs behind the constant noise around them. Only those trained to hear their songs would be able to notice it.

Outside of the cities and in the less savory parts of them, music had no boundaries. Towns and villages would dance and cheer, their music fast paced and more electronic in nature. Travelers and wanderers would sing loudly and without fear, their songs seemingly without symphony and only meant to provide a means of expending energy. In the red light districts of Cybertron where the criminals and the forgotten members of society gathered, music was whatever one found appealing. Some gangs and organizations would make their own unique songs but more often than not, if one wanted music, they could do whatever they wanted without consequence.

Music was an integral part of every Cybertronian's life. Every moment of every day there was music around them. It was completely normal and expected for a mech to sing and produce music even while going about their activities. So long as the music was on a low enough frequency to not be bothersome it was encouraged as a way to keep up morale.

Music During the War

The soothing and near constant music came to a sudden halt when the war began in earnest. It was too dangerous to sing or even to hum. Sides had to be chosen and too much noise could be fatal. However as music was such a universally desired and integral part of everyday life, both factions ended up coming to a compromise on the subject.

In honor of their hardship filled lives, the Decepticons music remained calm, quiet, and controlled. Every note sung was with purpose and filled with a reminder of grievances past. It became tradition to only sing when a loss was sustained or one needed to remember what they were fighting for. The only other times the Decepticons sung where when they charged into battle and screamed their battle cries. Their cries were as high pitched as possible to irritate the enemy and personalized to the bot in question but still tied to the greater whole. It was both a fear tactic and a method devised to create a much unity in the army as possible.

The Autobots devised their own way to keep their music. When preparing for or heading into battle, the Autobots would chant old oaths and remember the purpose behind the war. Some would sing the oaths at low frequencies, others would recite Primacy blessings for victory at high frequencies, and the rest would hum to the beat of the march. It created a sense of unity and made the Autobots into one voice while they marched towards possible death. Outside of the battlefield however, music while tending to be more akin to middle caste songs, and had no restrictions so long as it wasn't too disturbing. But on occasion, mainly after great victories or on holidays, the controlled atmosphere was allowed to be broken with fast paced music and silly songs meant to rile every bot up.

Thoughts on Human Music

Generally speaking for both Autobots and Decepticons, human music isn't exactly anyone's cup of tea. The language of Cybertron is complex and built to have a thousand and one meanings hidden within each and every glyph. Songs for Cybertronians therefore have deeper meaning than just the words being spoken. When a bot sings a very portion of their spark is being exposed, their emotions left open for others to see. It is not just their words, but their voice, their field, and their posture. Everything a bot does when singing adds to the music, makes it greater, creates a deeper meaning.

As such human music is bizarre to them and more akin to the singing attempts of a sparkling. At most, human music has one or maybe two meanings hidden behind the initial front. Not only that but symphony is hardly present in human songs, only being found in a few works and the rest being a mismatched mess of sounds that please the human ear. Both Autobots and Decepticons spent weeks trying to decipher the meaning behind human music before coming to the conclusion there simply wasn't one, at least not in the way Cybertronian music has meaning.

Optimus doesn't mind human music generally, and in fact, he appreciates the human effort to preserve their history through song. However he hates pop music with a passion due to the sheer mindlessness of it. Music is an artform, an expression one's own spark, the endlessly repeating and surface level music that falls into the pop music genre is very nearly heretical in his mind.

Ratchet is in a similar boat and doesn't like most human music. He is fine with classical works and choir songs as they are the closest thing the humans have to true symphony. However much like Optimus he despises pop music and most of the modern music that has been produced by humanity.

Bulkhead and Wheeljack find modern music and rock song to be fun, even if it is mindless. For them it is almost like candy. So long as they don't consume too much of it at once, it is a fun little thing to pass the time. They also like the freedom that comes with Miko's choice of music, no boundaries and an essentially blank slate to compose music with. However human music is still lackluster when compared to Cybertronian songs, and so they can only handle so much before needing a break.

Bumblebee and Smokescreen have a similar belief. To them human music is like an exotic fruit, fun to look at and interesting to try, but usually a 50/50 experience, with the music either being awful or surprisingly pleasant. They tend to make a game out of creating some form of meaning for human songs that supposedly have no meaning behind them. Sometimes they will even take human songs and rework them into Cybertronian to make them better.

Ultra Magnus and Arcee are of the opinion that human music is trash and the humans have no musical talent. As such they make it a duty of theirs to teach the human children what real music should sound like. They both tend to vacate the area when Miko blasts some music or begins practicing on her guitar. To them it is like nails on a chalk board.

The Humans Thoughts on Cybertronian Music

There have been times when the bots tried to show the humans what true music sounds and looks like. They have received varied results. Most of their music can't even be heard by humans, at least not in its entirety. This has led the general consensus on their music to be "Sounds cool but what the heck does it mean?". And when the bots attempt to explain, they usually end up confusing the humans or find themselves unable to translate their meaning properly.

Miko likes the folk music found in Cybertronian towns best as it is the closest to her rock and pop music. Rafael prefers the middle caste songs, he find the music to be pleasing to the ear and likes learning about the meaning behind each song. Jack is rather indifferent but he does love the marching songs developed during the war, the amount of unity required to sing it properly amazes him. June doesn't like Cybertronian music all that much, to her it feels wrong, alien, and put her somewhat on edge due to the indescribable sounds that the bots produce. Agent Fowler is in a similar situation but can appreciate the amount of effort that goes into their music.

Overall the humans and the bots find each other's music weird.

[rahgrondov]

META ;; val's home above the museum

with almost every museum, valvari's family lives above and/or within it. this allows them to respond to any emergencies quickly and it was known early on between haldir and auryen that it'd take a lot to drag auryen away from his work. so it was decided living inside or on a home attached would be best. this new museum is val's first home by herself, whereas her father has his own office just off the main foyer of the building. they do spend a lot of time together in the home, but at the end of the day auryen is sleeping down on the main floor. none of this valvari really asked for, this was just something auryen wanted to gift her now that she was the main source of relics and curios for the museum. she does, however, love her home and is willing to share it with any friends she may make along the way.

below is a breakdown of the rooms within her home

── entryway - a space for parties or company, fit with a fireplace and sitting area, a small bar and a desk for valvari to keep leads, notes, scrolls and keys she collects over time. auryen will also put her share of anything he sells of hers that she gathers on her adventures and donations from the museum in a small chest here. overall, val doesn't spend time here unless she has guests. it feels too large for her to just sit and read or drink on her own. there's a thin layer of dust over the mantle and much of the seating area as a testament to this.

── workspace - a large door on the right of the fireplace will lead you into a space where val can either enchant items, create potions she may need, or patch up her armor. she can also be found here if she's working on recreations and wants more privacy than the larger recreation room down in the museum. armor that she wears often and needs to keep its shape will be on the mannequins that are in the center of the room. val is very organized within this space, as she's found that knowing where everything is keeps her from making mistakes in her enchantment and potions. (keeping in mind this is few and far between. she's not an avid crafter, but she can throw something together if she's in a pinch.)

── kitchen/dining area - the door on the left of the fireplace will bring guests immediately to a dining room with a large bench table, then a separate room further in that's a kitchen kitted with a freezer and pantry as well as a cooking area. while valvari does like to cook meals, this is usually only during downtime, not when she's stopping between jobs. if auryen is given enough time in advance, he will make her meals and keep them in the kitchen for her to pickup when she's on the run. unlike potion crafting, she does adore cooking when she can. learning about different cultures and their foods has her always testing out recipes she's learned, and over time she's discovered a propensity for spicy things, especially in colder months.

── bedroom - up some stairs on a loft is valvari's bedroom. here she keeps her clothes for events, sleeps in a large down bed, has a desk for quick note taking or transcribing she may have to do and a small washbasin if she needs to clean quickly. the next photo does show a room that is a larger bathroom with a heated bath. within some shelves and closets are salts, oils and herbs for longer soaks as well as towels to dry off. after an especially long adventure, she's in here for a soak for hours, paying special attention to her hair and horns.

── hidden bank - hidden within her bedroom is a switch that opens a sliding door where she keeps money made on jobs and treasures that the museum doesn't need. this is kept for people she may come across who need it or friends. valvari doesn't need a lot in life, so most of this money just sits until she finds use for it. reasons could be to help towns build buildings they need, someone entering the winterhold college, fees for stables that someone can't afford, etc. she can and will be someone's sugar mama if she loves them enough.

[suesimming]

Dawn Of The Simfected Set-Up

(2)

Meet Charles, a nightshift dock worker, a loner that likes to curl up with a good book and avoid social interactions. When the neighbours start to get a bit bitey, Charles manages to avoid becoming a Sim-burger and finds himself in charge of a small group trying to make it to tomorrow and not only survive but thrive. Or do they? Try the challenge and see.

To begin: 

When selecting a new game, select the story option where you answer questions to create a Sim. Select young adult and then just click randomly on the answers. Don't change too much about the Sim created. You can also use https://perchance.org/random-sim-generator. Best is to start with a male Sim.

Your Sims will have to be tested for the virus on a regular basis. The test is simple, just roll the dice and if you get even numbers, your Sim is safe. Uneven number means your Sim is infected so roll again and if you roll even numbers, they stay alive. Uneven numbers means your Sim didn't make it. If your Sims rolls clean or survive, they are immune for two rolls. When your Sim “dies” because of a roll, you can either have them die for real and have Grim come get them or change them into a zombie and move them out.

Start in Spring in San Myshuno in 17 Culpepper House in the spice market. Set life span to long and seasons to max, turn off the celebrity system, turn on the basic living system in lot challenges and you're only allowed to have the cheapest of the cheap furniture. Open the calendar and go to the first day of autumn. Create a holiday called "supply run" and choose fighting as a tradition(this holiday can be deleted once done). After a few days in game, go to the first day spring and create a holiday called "The Beginning" so your Sims can always celebrate this day. Set funds to $500.

Go to Strangerville to the Sigworth household. Give Jess the pack items(by pressing shift on Jess and going to pack cheats), put her in a hazmat suite and open all the doors to the motherplant at the secret lab to activate the Strangeville storie. When she returns to her lot, zombie proof it the way you'd think someone with a military background and in a hurry would do. Give her ammo, a weapon and a radio from the zombie mod and listen to the broadcast to activate the zombie event. Do one event every day for 3 days.

Mods for this challenge: ⦁ Deaderpool's MC Command Center ⦁ Sacrificial's Zombie, Life Manager, Release Bladder Anywhere ⦁ Zero's historical mods ⦁ Turbodriver's Wicked or Wonderful whims ⦁ Frankk's Language Barrier ⦁ LittleMsSam's Miscarriage ⦁ Pandasama's Child Birth ⦁ NeedCoffee4That's Begging and Pick-pocket ⦁ Lumpinou's RPO Collection and Rambunctious Religions ⦁ Midnitetech's Hunter, Gatherer and Crafter careers When moving over to stage: ⦁ Kuttoe's Enlist in war ⦁ adeepindigo Health redux ⦁ Basemental's drugs and gangs

Supernaturals are "infected" so they can't be added to your household.

World Setup:

Rooftop lot in the City: should be on one of the roofs with a campfire, generator, water tower, tents, washing line and tub. This lot will have water and power but the simple living trait.

In the spice district create a clinic lot with a army feel to it on one of the ground lots in the spice district.

Create a groceries store in the city.

Build a vet clinic that doubles as a hospital. Willow Creek, Newcrest, Windenburg, Evergreen, Mt. Komberi, Tartosa and San Sequoia are all available.

Build a "trader" post on the bar lots in Henford, Brindelton, Chestnut and Sulani.

Build a military base in Oasis Springs with family housing

Build a science facility in Strangerville with family housing

In Henford, Brindleton and Chestnut on the largest lot build a town (think Hilltop from The Walking Dead). Make it a rental property so many Sims can live in your town.

All towns are destroyed. It's the apocalypse, seed your worlds accordingly.

This challenge is ever evolving. I'm trying to use every world, every pack and use every bit of what Sims 4 has to offer.

Next post you'll get to meet the Sims your going to find in game. I've uploaded most of them to the gallery already or you can create your own. Gallery ID: suesimming

[irisopranta]

Crafter/Gatherer: Why did they choose this line of work, or was it even a choice for them at all?

The reason why Iris decided to pick up the seamstress life was because she wanted to be like her mother.

Thanks for the ask @tallbluelady

[alixennial]

🌱 Indie Von Galen ⭐️ Seeker Of Hidden Truths

The only things I'd decided up front for Indie was (1) that she'd have A Past (not necessarily traumatic, but definitely a learning experience that she'd carry into ARR - oops sorry Indie, I did intend to be gentle) and (2) some basic stuff about her character--she's positive, optimistic, and kind. She may not be the prettiest, smartest or most talented in the room, but she's resourceful and adaptable and she always tries her best.

I didn't know much about naming conventions when I created her, but the 'Von' thing gave me a fun opportunity to invent some backstory about how she might have had some Garlean involvements whilst ticking the 'Has A Past' box.

Indie was born and raised on a small crop farm in a quiet backwater outside of Ala Mhigo. She grew up in isolation; a home-schooled only-child of ageing parents. For the first few years of her life her family was pretty much self sufficient, but then the Garlean invasion brought about an end to their way of life. With no strength in numbers, Indie's family submitted to Garlean rule in the hope that they could somehow peacefully retain their livelihood.

"'Tis better to bend with the wind than stand tall and be broken. Therein lies… hope. Therein lies freedom."

Before long, Indie's father was removed from the farm and forced to work in an imperial factory. Indie's mother continued to home-school her and work the farm, but this increasingly became a struggle, especially in times when soldiers would regularly pay them a visit to claim their lot.

Indie had to step up at a very young age to ensure the farm covered enough for them to survive as her mother's health deteriorated. What she lacked in knowledge, in education, she made up for in strength, practicality and resourcefulness. This continued for many years until her mother passed away when Indie was a young adult, her father following just a few weeks later.

"People are pragmatic creatures at heart. They hold on to hope only until they taste true hardship. Then comes fear and regret. Safer not to dream, they conclude at last. They learn to abide the indignities and injustices, the pain and shame."

The farm was taken from her, and with few neighbours remaining, she turned to allies her father had made - a faction of imperial soldiers that had been ensuring the dignity of Ala Mhigan factory workers as well as keeping her village suitably stocked with provisions - one of which, the ringleader Christos van Galen, she later married. (Indie's title of Von was a gift from her husband which he claimed meant Princess - a position earned rather than born into)

Indie continued her endeavours to provide for the ever diminishing community whilst her husband worked on rallying like-minded Garleans and ~whatever else he was doing that he kept Indie firmly away from~, but when the group's activities were discovered, Christos was executed by way of an example. As conditions became less safe for Indie, she journeyed to Ul'dah in search of Ala Mhigan refugees and to find out what became of the Resistance.

She carries the title "Warrior of Light" with some trepidation. She doesn’t feel special but while it gives people hope she will embrace it. She has certainly struggled with imposter syndrome in the past.

As Indie learns more about her abilities and blessing of light, she wonders how much her late husband knew of them and whether he was protecting her, or protecting everyone else from her.

Age: 27 when she travelled to Ul'dah, 29 now.

Race: Highlander Hyur

Home world: Seraph, Dynamis

Hair: Red with highlights of Red

Eyes: Dark

Height: 5 fulms 11 ilms

Distinguishing marks: None?

Common Accessories: HAT

Profession: Monk

Hobbies: A very keen gatherer and crafter, allowing her to make good use of her more practical skills. She also enjoys having a small garden plot to grow crops, it reminds her of home in less complicated times.

Birthplace: Arse end of nowhere, Gyr Abania

Religion: Spiritual but not religious

Fears: A return to isolation

Spouse: Deceased

Parents: Deceased

Siblings: None

Other relatives: Unknown

Indie's Tag

[langevandreren]

Lokean Parable: Loki Ruins Everything (Voluspa, Rígsþula)

(First, a brief disclaimer about these stories)

One day, while Odin and Thor and Loki were out fishing and drinking mead, they met the first two humans, who were scrambling along the rocks gathering shellfish.

Odin called the two humans over, and named them Askr and Embla. He gave them fates, like the gods had, so that they might be part of the world but also able to alter it.

When he was done, he turned to Thor and Loki.

“They are different than the other animals now, and they will be able to interact with us more directly. You should each gift them things that will help them thrive.”

Thor considered it for a moment. “I give them courage so that they can protect each other, and the ability to inspire each other with their examples and their stories.”

Odin nodded approvingly. “That is good. The world is a hard place, and they will need those things.” Then he turned to Loki. “And you?”

“I’m going to make them both smoking hot.”

Odin’s brows furrowed. “What?”

Loki nodded and grinned. “Yeah. And they’re going to have orgasms when you touch them in the right places. Like Sif.”

“Dammit Loki.” Thor growled. “What have I told you about that.”

Loki stroked Thor’s bicep. “Relax. I’m not saying I don’t like you just as much. In fact, I was thinking that maybe you and Sif and I –”

“Loki!” Odin snapped. “Focus. And come up with a real gift, something practical.”

“Okay, okay, something practical. I’ll need to think about it and get back to you guys.” Loki said. “Anyway, all this talk reminds me that I have some unfinished business back in Asgard. No need for you two to hurry back though.” And with that, Loki was gone.

“I’m sure they’ll think of something,” Thor said, “they usually do.”

Odin sighed. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Later, Odin and Heimdall were watching the humans as they hunted and ate and fucked and slept and lived and died.

“That’s all they do?” Heimdall asked.

Odin nodded. “Kind of disappointing, isn’t it?”

“It is. I think I have a solution though.”

So Heimdall went among the humans. He took the poorest and taught them how to bear the burden of manual labor, day in and day out. He taught the thralls to be grateful for what they had and to always obey their betters and to accept their lot in life.

Then Heimdall made the more skilled humans into crafters and farmers. He taught them how to raise livestock and till the land. He showed them how to make clothes from plant fibers, and how to store food so that they might harvest more than they needed to eat and be able to provide for their lords.

Finally, Heimdall chose the strongest and the wealthiest among the humans to be Jarls. He showed them how to command their lesser kin, and gave them the will to accumulate power and the means to make war.

As he was finishing up, he noticed Loki watching him.

“You gave them servitude and exploitation as gifts?”

“I gave them order and a sense of purpose and place.” Heimdall said. “I do not expect you to understand. Stand aside, I must return to my duty.”

“Yea, sure. No problem.” Loki said, and then settled down to watch the humans for a long time after Heimdall had gone. Sure enough, the thralls seemed perfectly content to live out their short brutal lives as work animals. The farmers and craftsfolk willingly gave their possessions to the Jarls who ruled them. In turn, the Jarls raised up armies and sent them against each other to kill and to die for each lord’s benefit.

With each generation, Loki became more and more incredulous. Eventually, he decided he had seen enough. He gave his gift to humanity and went back to Asgard.

Some time later, Heimdall went to look for Odin. He found him drinking with Thor and Loki.

“Something is wrong with the humans.”

Odin frowned. “Really? The hall of the dead has been as full as ever. What is the problem?”

"It is madness down there. Thralls rising up and killing their masters. Farmers and craftsfolk amassing the wealth that should rightfully belong to their lords. Soldiers refusing their own deaths in battle. The humans are tearing apart the order that I created for them.”

Odin nodded, his face grave. “That is odd. Do you know what has gone wrong?”

“Not what. Who.” Heimdall said. “Loki has ruined the humans, as he ruins everything.”

“Loki, is this true? Are you responsible for this?”

Loki shrugged. “I gave them my gift, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“And what, exactly, was that?” Heimdall asked.

“Disobedience.”

The other three gods all looked at Loki for a long moment. Heimdall’s eyes were wide with rage. “You gave them disobedience?”

Loki nodded. “Yeah. I gave them the ability to decide what they wanted to do, and to do that rather than what they were told. I also gave them dissatisfaction and restlessness so that they wouldn’t be content with lives of toil and monotony.”

Heimdall learned forward and leveled his finger at Loki. “You cannot do that. I created their civilization. It belongs to me, to direct as I see fit.”

“Not anymore.” Loki said. “Now it belongs to them.”

[kagrena]

34. bauble

Dumac, who is neither a magnificent king nor a decorated general nor even a particularly celebrated diplomat (yet), but is instead a twenty-four year old legal assistant who stands in shadow to his tedious cousin – as instructed – and slinks between soirées in Bzanth-Vvarden's high spires when he is not giving maverick legal advice – which is not as instructed though largely tolerated – has just been given a gift he cannot receive. It's an awkward position.

"I thought... but this was your gift, was it not?" He looks to the gift-giver, who stands upright like a tower but refuses to meet his gaze. "Was it not gifted to you?"

The gift-giver is resolute. "It is a pretty bauble. The sort you like. I have no need of such things."

The 'pretty bauble' in question is, in fact, an ornate geometric hairpiece spun from glass-woven-into-brass by a Bzanthan master crafter. He is almost certain that it was gifted by the Chief of Crafts themselves. It is intricate, stylish, and - yes, exactly the type of 'bauble' he would covet.

It also is inlaid with a ring of Lzrenti sapphires. The sort that would have been impossible to find during the War of the Mountains.

He sighs.

"This is supposed to be a peace offering. A symbol of harmony between our clans. Would you really turn that down?"

"I don't want peace," says the gift-giver. He is reminded, again, that they are just nineteen years old. "Do you believe the Nords care for our petty disputes? We are all just 'dwarves' in their eyes. They'll slaughter us without discrimination."

Dumac steps forward.

"I understand where you're coming from–"

"No, you do not."

Lzrent is now smouldering ash. Bzanth-Vvarden is not.

"You are right," he says, "but if I may – while 'petty' to you, this gesture means something to the elders here. They'll need help seeing your perspective. Play their game a little, and it will be easier to convince them."

They shake their head.

"I have spent six months playing their games, being placated by diplomats at their ridiculous little events. This city is an extravagant shambles. When the Nords come for us–"

They cut themselves off. They try again–

"When the Nords come for us–"

Their hands crunch into balls. Dumac considers reaching out – but thinks better of it.

"Kagrenac–" he begins–

"I almost think I'd be better off raising an army."

It is actually rather easy to imagine Kagrenac, the bold warrior queen, who unites the clans under a single fiery banner. Brazen and coarse and uncompromising, with all the blood on their hands. It is fanciful image, an almost impossible image, and it compels him as much as it makes him want to recoil. They have already been so many things. A refugee. A daughter of one of the Great Scrollkeepers in Clan Lzrent's Grand Library – reduced to ashes by the Nords less than a year ago. They arrived in Vvardenfell with nothing but rags on their back and pure hunger in their eyes. Sponsored by his grandmother in an act of unabashed self-interest, who seeks to apprentice them as an Architect. They are young and stubborn, they sulk during festivities and bicker with people five times their age. His cousin loathes them. Dumac, who has no younger siblings or relatives his age, for his part, well–

"You would be cut down in less than year," he says, simply. "You have no credentials, no family, and most Vvardenfell Clans have no great love for anyone in the Western Mountains. What little you would gather would be destroyed in a matter of minutes."

"It would be better," they snap, "than another year sitting and doing nothing."

"No, it would not." He wishes he could speak like an earthquake. That he could grasp them by the shoulders and shake them to their core. "It would be a year wasted. And what would that honestly achieve? Who would it serve, except your pride?"

They say nothing to this.

"Kagrena, don't waste your life on nothing. You're worth more than that."

They do not move.

Dumac sighs. "I'll take your bauble and even wear it, if it pleases you."

It takes a moment. Then, they shrug, suddenly, an awkward gesture that doesn't fit with their cutting words or their earlier poise. They place the bauble in his hand.

"I think it would suit you," they say quietly.

[chryza]

Let's demonstrate my point about market value in FFXIV using this chart showing the value of High Durium Sand this past week

(This is Coeurl's market, to show a smaller example.)

What's happening here? Why is the price on the 4th hovering at an average of 300 gil, while today the price on average is about 800 gil?

Simple! The demand increased! You need this component for crafting collectibles for the new level cap, and so as people came in, finished the story, and set about to crafting, they realized they needed this component.

The price remains steady, then slowly increases until there is a sharp increase in the price (Likely, the marketboard ran out of that item and the next person who came along listed the item for significantly more because clearly, the demand was higher). Instantly, the price drops again because the demand was not quite high enough to justify that price--as people listed it for less, the market value went back to about 300-400 gil per.

But you can see that the increase is steady, and as the demand continued to increase, so too did the price. It's starting to taper off towards the end as people finish the level 91-92 collectibles and less people need it, but the price will likely remain at about 600 mark for the next month or so! Now is a good time for sellers to make a steady profit.

In a market this active, if you deliberately list for lower than the market value, someone will buy it, and in all likelihood, it's another seller who is going to relist the same item at the market value. Or crafters will greedily snap up the better prices. Alternatively, you crash the market for good, and suddenly all the time spent gathering high durium sand (or sending retainers to gather it when they could have been gathering other things) is worth less. The crashed market hurts the person who has been stockpiling it since before dawntrail knowing it would be worth something, the guy who has been banking on this selling so he can fund his raid gear, and the bot networks will pick up and move somewhere else (I think there is one network currently active on this item but it could be coincidence).

The market economy is not a bad thing guys. We need gil in this game. You are not above it unless you have never touched the MB in your life. say "i don't care" as much as you like, but the second you buy or sell something you become part of the great FFXIV market ecosystem.