#especially those who rely on their craft for income

[xalygatorx]

was looking for google docs alternatives (and found a couple, yippeeeee) but one of the apps that came up was a fkn ai novel generator

“90k word novel in seconds!” built off the shredded corpses of the graft that came before I guess

with my whole heart, fuck off x

[metropolitankei]

Time to ramble a bit about ICAT bc the tag from @the-nintendo-dsi is making me think HARD on this. (Tag below)

Now for the ramble part. Big wall of text incoming!

Vanilla Bean (Siffrin) and Pitaya Panna Cotta (the King) being from the Vanilla Kingdom makes a whole lot of sense.

If you've not watched the story cutscenes for episodes 9 and 10 of Crispia in Cookie Run Kingdom, I'll explain what happens for you. The story takes place in the Vanilla Kingdom, which had been abandoned due to the war between the Ancients and Dark Enchantress Cookie and overrun by cake creatures that follow under her rule.

Because of the kingdom being destroyed in the process, pretty much most of the cookies that lived there had evacuated the place to go to other locations for safety, and those who weren't able to make it out in time had perished. We especially notice this with a lot of the cookies in the upper region of the Creme Republic, especially with one of the elders being from the Vanilla Kingdom (plus it's mentioned that those who evacuated had found home in the Republic thanks to the sea cookies).

Now, onto Vanilla Bean and Pitaya Panna Cotta. Vanilla Bean is the most obvious (due to the name/flavor and the vanilla bean pods being their safety pins on their cloak), but Pitaya Panna Cotta is not as obvious. Before becoming who he is today, he used to just be Panna Cotta. When he arrived in Dragon's Valley after recovering from the evacuation, he went to Pitaya Dragon Cookie to strike a deal: at the cost of gaining the power to freeze time, they infused some Pitaya flavoring into his dough, causing him to go from a regular-sized cookie to a cookie the size of a Dragon without the ability to transform.

Wish Craft does, however, still exist in this AU, as Panna Cotta used Wish Craft to keep control of his time freeze powers, and Vanilla Bean unknowingly uses the same Craft to loop between the same 2 days. It also causes that burning sugar smell that can be noted when Siffrin in the base game is about to loop back when talking to Euphrasie.

Plus, with the whole thing with the Vanilla Kingdom being in the sky, it makes it easier for the Vanillian denizens to do so many things related to the stars, planets, and even the galaxy. This makes it easier for them to position the stars on a star map since they're closer, but transporting the goods are difficult, since they're have to rely on different transportation methods than the Kingdoms on ground level to get the goods around.

Now, for the part relating to the Wish that made color disappear. Instead of making colors disappear, the Wish was for all cookies to forget what the Vanilla Kingdom was like. Was this a trauma response from one of the cookies that evacuated due to the war? Maybe, but that's how nobody remembers the Vanilla Kingdom, just like how nobody in the ISAT world remembers the Forgotten Island.

There's so much more that I could potentially go on about, but this wall of text is already enough.

[zenlesszonezero]

Join Zenless Zone Zero with Tsukishiro Yanagi, the deputy leader of Hollow Special Operations Section 6! Beneath her ordinary office lady exterior lies a meticulous, emotionally intelligent big sister to the team.

[esoteric-chaos]

Let’s Talk Money Magic

Money bowls. Green candles. Magical Cashbooks. These things all work but how effective are they really in the brand scheme of things?

Let me let you in on a little secret. They aren’t that effective. Well, they are, but they aren’t, and I’ll tell you why. Have you ever done a spell or a manifestation for money, but your car may have broken down, and your insurance gave you a large sum of money to fix it? You still have your money, but at what cost? Or perhaps you came into a large sum of inheritance out of nowhere due to a family member passing. This is more of an extreme example, of course.

This all ties into mundane and magical. If you don’t have a mundane path for that financial sorcery to fall upon, how else are the spirits/universe going to give you what you desire? They are going to find a way, just might not be in the way you want.

At the end of the day we live in a capitalist society, everyone is one paycheck away from becoming homeless these days. In order for financial magic to work we need multiple lines of income. Either that be a job, investments, a business, etc. That’s just the reality of things. You may receive that occasional sum of money from the government for an unclaimed amount but how often does that actually happen? The answer is not often.

Money and Mindset

I’m order for us to become successful with money we need to change our mindset about money. A lot of us have trauma stemming from generations having to due with finances. Some might call these energetic blockages that stop us from reaching our full potential. Which in a way that is true. It stops us from deciding and reaching our goals.

Through changing our relationship with money and our mindset. We start to notice a shift in our life. Maybe we find our passion that leads us to what we want to do as a career that’s more prosperous. Maybe we go into a business and we have great sales. We look into proper investing techniques and make a big decision and it happens to pay off.

Look at your ancestors relationship with money, your parents, and yourself. This is where you need to dig deep and look at it. Once you change your relationship with money, it flourishes in other aspects of your life. Healing that wound with finances is what’s really going to help you.

Being abundant is not about getting a check here and there. It's about enchanting your life.

Money Magic and Disabilities

In a world where we need to constantly learn, adapt and change we need to look at ways for us to make money in order for us to be financially abundant. However we run into situations like being disabled and not being able to work a career, relying on the government. Not everyone will be so lucky to even be able perform successful constant money workings.

Pushing this financial magic can be harmful, especially to those who are disabled and can’t work. So what can we do in the meantime? Here is my post on what we CAN do in the meantime.

For those who are able-bodied, the reality is that in this day and age, you will have to monetize your craft and seek higher education if you are to be financially abundant. Here is a link to a post on different avenues to do just that to build upon skills.

Also, bad grades? No problem. Check out your local community colleges; they sometimes offer free course upgrades.

The Mundane Before Magic

The spirits cannot grant you wealth without a direct avenue for it to deliver itself.

For example, you want a job but are not searching for one. If we look at probability here, there is a very low chance you'll be getting that job without actively looking. Magic can only give you so much before you have to start putting work into it.

Now, if we consider you wanting to get a raise at your job, you've put in the mundane work, lined up all of your avenues, and finally done the magical to set it all up. Your chances of getting that raise are much higher.

Now, the more avenues of income you have, a business, a job and investments, AND you did prosperity workings on top of that. That's where you'll get the real results. However, let's be honest, who has the time for all of that? It is true, though, that the more avenues of income you have, the easier time prosperity magic will come to you.

How to use Money Magic

Now let’s go into how to really work with financial magic. I talked a bit about this in this post.

Prosperity altars are so important, in my opinion, if you want to start building wealth in a magical sense. What not a better way to build wealth than by working with the spirit of money itself?

Here are some basic item suggestions to get started. You're going to want to keep within the gold and green colour scheme, which symbolise wealth and prosperity.

Altar cloth

Corresponding prosperity crystals

Corresponding herbs

Money tree

Prosperity incense

Candles

Coins

A money bowl, Jupiter cashbox, manifestation mirror box, etc

(Realistic) Petitions

Alcohol offerings (Rum or Whiskey)

Want to change your mindset when it comes to money?

In Jason Miller's Book Financial Sorcery, a ritual called Moving Your Setpoint helps you transform your past mindsets into your desired mindset. I have not personally tried this ritual, but I've heard success from those who have.

Alternatively, you could try a dedication/values ritual where you dedicate yourself to the best version of yourself or even a phoenix ritual of transformation.

Blessings

[arianeopenhappy06]

Crafting the Right Revenue Model: Social vs. Non-Social Enterprises

Whether you're running a social enterprise or a traditional business, one thing is clear: a solid revenue model is the backbone of sustainability. But how these two types of organizations approach generating income can be surprisingly different—and that's where the magic happens.

How Social Enterprises Earn Revenue

Social enterprises wear two hats: they solve pressing social or environmental problems while ensuring they stay financially afloat. Here’s how they often make it work:

Charging for Impact: Many social enterprises offer services or products that directly address a need—think affordable housing, clean water, or skills training.

Balancing Profits with Purpose: Ever heard of “buy one, give one” models? Profits from paying customers help fund services for those in need.

Grants & Donations: Partnering with like-minded donors, governments, or organizations provides a boost, especially in the early stages.

Corporate Collaborations: Some social enterprises team up with companies that want to do good—like sponsoring initiatives or co-developing impactful products.

How Non-Social Enterprises Operate

For traditional businesses, the focus is straightforward: generating profit. They often rely on strategies like:

Subscriptions: Think Netflix or gym memberships—customers pay regularly for continued access.

Freemium Models: Offering something free to hook users, then charging for advanced features.

Direct Sales: Selling goods or services, plain and simple.

Advertising: Using platforms to generate income by showcasing ads.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

For social enterprises, the challenge lies in blending purpose with profit—making sure the mission doesn’t get lost in the numbers. For non-social enterprises, it’s all about scaling up while keeping customers happy.

At the heart of it all is understanding your audience. Whether you’re driven by purpose, profit, or a mix of both, success comes from knowing who you’re serving and why it matters.

So, which path are you taking? Either way, keep building something meaningful—because that’s what truly lasts.

[redtapebusters]

Why Grant Writing is Essential for Nonprofits Seeking Long-Term Sustainability

In a constantly changing landscape with global shifts and challenges, nonprofits in Australia and worldwide are often the first to struggle in delivering services aligned with their mission. With 2024 bringing economic downturns post-COVID, funders may have less disposable income to donate to organisations. Revenue sources are not always reliable, and therefore it is wise for nonprofits to diversify their funding sources to avoid the risk of going out of operation. Securing long-term sustainability involves accessing grants to mitigate the risks of relying solely on only a few revenue streams. The key to success is ensuring that applications are of the highest standard, as grants can be highly competitive. That is why hiring a professional grant writer can greatly improve the chances of securing funding. With the support of a skilled Grant Writer Melbourne nonprofits and companies throughout Australia can strengthen their long-term success and continue achieving their operational goals. Here are five reasons why hiring a grant writer increases sustainability for a company:

Expert Knowledge and Skills:

Professional grant writers have specialised knowledge of the grant-writing process, including understanding grant criteria, funder expectations, and application nuances such as project proposals and supporting documents. Their expertise allows them to craft compelling narratives and present the organisation’s case in the most favourable way. Experts also know how to tailor essential documents required for eligibility, which the company may not already have, making them grant-ready for future applications as well. Overall, nonprofits will improve their chances of securing consistent funding over time, which supports sustainable growth and stability.

Efficiency and Timesaving:

Grant writing is sometimes arduous process that requires thorough research, strategic planning, and meticulous attention to detail. Grant writing also involves significant project management and persuasive writing that many nonprofits may not have the time to execute, especially if there is a short deadline. By hiring a grant writer, it will free up valuable time for staff to focus on their core mission and activities, instead of grant applications.

Access to a Wider Range of Opportunities:

Experienced grant writers often have a network within the funding community and stay updated on available grants, new funding opportunities, and trends. They may have access to grant information behind paywalls or that requires subscriptions. Furthermore, with professional experience around grant writing, they can determine aspects the organisation needs funding for that may not have been previously addressed. This knowledge helps nonprofits acquire and tailor grants they may not have been aware of, expanding their potential funding sources.

Enhanced Competitiveness: With so many nonprofits competing for limited funding, having a professional who knows how to refine, persuade and tailor applications to meet funder opportunities is highly desirable. Even a single spelling error can harm a prospective applicant's chances in a highly competitive process. A skilled writer knows how to align the application’s language and goals with those of the funder, giving the nonprofit a competitive edge.

Alignment with Mission:

Grant writers can help nonprofits fund specific projects that align directly with their mission, ensuring they stay true to their purpose whilst also being a desirable candidate for donors. They can also assist organisations in developing project plans that meet important criteria while also improving their structure, resources, or long-term success. Collaborating with both grant writers and staff can greatly improve the likelihood of winning grants while ensuring that grant money is allocated to sustainable and effective areas within the corporation.

By investing in a Grant Writer, nonprofits can ensure long term sustainability and growth in their organisation so that they can thrive and make a lasting impact in their communities.

[taxonation01]

Revolutionizing Tax Learning with Virtual GST Books and E-Libraries in India

In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying updated with tax laws and regulations is more critical than ever, especially for tax professionals, chartered accountants (CAs), and business owners. With frequent amendments and updates in tax policies, physical books and traditional resources often fall short in providing the latest information. This is where Virtual GST Books in India have become a game-changer, offering easy and instant access to current, comprehensive tax knowledge.

This article delves into the evolving landscape of tax education and how platforms like Taxonation are leading the way by offering innovative resources like e-libraries and case law digests, designed specifically for tax professionals.

Virtual GST Books in India: A Modern Solution

The introduction of Virtual GST Books in India has revolutionized the way tax professionals approach their learning. Unlike traditional books, virtual GST books are dynamic, allowing users to access updated information in real time. These books cater specifically to the needs of professionals in various industries who need to stay abreast of changes in Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations.

For Chartered Accountants (CAs), who are often under pressure to interpret and implement the latest tax changes, virtual GST books provide a reliable resource that is easy to navigate and update. No more waiting for the next edition of a physical book—professionals can now access up-to-the-minute information from the comfort of their desks.

The Rise of the GST E-Library for CA

In addition to virtual books, specialized e-libraries are becoming invaluable for Chartered Accountants and tax professionals. A GST E-Library for CA is a one-stop platform where professionals can access a curated collection of GST-related resources, including amendments, notifications, circulars, and case studies.

A digital GST library not only saves time but also provides the flexibility to access essential documents and cases from anywhere. This ease of use ensures that tax professionals can offer timely and accurate advice to their clients, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness in the ever-evolving field of tax laws.

Importance of the INCOME TAX E-Library

An INCOME TAX E-Library is another essential tool for tax professionals and businesses. With the complexity of income tax laws and their frequent updates, having a centralized platform that offers easy access to the latest rules and interpretations is crucial. An income tax e-library acts as a repository of all relevant information related to income tax filings, case laws, amendments, and circulars issued by the government.

For professionals working in income tax advisory roles, having an income tax e-library at their disposal can significantly streamline their research process, allowing them to make informed decisions and offer better client service. It also reduces the need to maintain a bulky collection of physical books, offering a more efficient and space-saving alternative.

The Role of the GST Case Law Digest in Legal Tax Research

Tax professionals often rely on case law to guide their interpretation of complex tax rules. A GST Case Law Digest serves as an indispensable resource for them, compiling relevant legal precedents and decisions in one place. By offering a comprehensive collection of case summaries, the digest enables professionals to understand how courts and tribunals have interpreted various aspects of GST law.

Having access to a case law digest allows tax consultants and CAs to draw parallels with current cases, helping them craft better arguments and advise clients on potential outcomes. Moreover, it helps in predicting how future cases might be ruled based on existing precedents, providing a strategic edge to those practicing in the field.

Advantages of Digital Tax Resources for Professionals

The shift toward digital tax resources, such as virtual books and e-libraries, offers several advantages over traditional methods. Here are some key benefits:

Instant Updates: As tax laws are continually revised, digital resources ensure that users have access to the latest amendments, notifications, and case laws without waiting for updated versions of physical books.

Convenience and Accessibility: Whether you are a CA, tax consultant, or business owner, accessing these resources online from any location eliminates the need for physical books or libraries. This is particularly beneficial during peak filing seasons when time is of the essence.

Cost-Effective: Virtual libraries and books reduce the need for purchasing multiple editions of physical books, which can be costly and take up space.

Comprehensive Coverage: E-libraries and case law digests provide a centralized collection of resources covering everything from basic regulations to complex legal interpretations.

Conclusion

As the tax landscape in India continues to evolve, tools like Virtual GST Books in India, a dedicated GST E-Library for CA, and an INCOME TAX E-Library are becoming indispensable for professionals in the tax domain. These digital solutions not only keep users updated but also improve their efficiency, helping them deliver better services to their clients. Resources like the GST Case Law Digest further enhance the quality of tax research and advisory, providing tax professionals with the knowledge they need to navigate this complex and ever-changing field.

Taxonation is at the forefront of this digital transformation, offering cutting-edge solutions that are tailored to the needs of modern tax professionals, ensuring they stay ahead in this competitive industry.

[my-music-1460]

Why Planning Is the Missing Piece in Your Music Career

Are you feeling stuck in your music career despite your talent and hard work? The missing piece could be a solid, actionable plan. Many musicians focus solely on honing their craft, but without proper planning, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. In the competitive music industry, how planning will help you in boosting your music career is often underestimated. It’s not just about talent and creativity — planning plays a crucial role in maximizing opportunities, building a brand, and ensuring steady growth. Let’s dive into why planning could be the game-changer for your music career and how you can start today.

1. The Pitfalls of a Lack of Planning:

Many musicians, especially those starting out, rely heavily on their raw talent and passion. While these are essential ingredients for success, without a clear roadmap, you may face unnecessary roadblocks. Lack of planning can lead to:

Missed Opportunities: If you don’t have a plan, you won’t be able to identify key opportunities like collaborations, gigs, or promotional moments when they arise.

Inconsistent Progress: Sporadic releases or performances can make it difficult to build a loyal fanbase. Without a long-term plan, your music career may stagnate or feel directionless.

Financial Struggles: Budgeting and financial planning are critical for any musician. Studio time, equipment, marketing, and travel for gigs all add up. Without a plan, you may find yourself overspending or not investing where it counts.

By failing to plan, you are, in essence, planning to fail. The artists who achieve lasting success are those who recognize that every action needs to align with a bigger picture.

2. Crafting a Comprehensive Music Career Plan:

To overcome these challenges, a comprehensive career plan should be your next step. This plan serves as a guide, covering various facets of your music career, from branding to income generation. The key aspects of a well-rounded plan include:

Vision and Mission: Define who you are as an artist. What do you want to say through your music, and what impact do you want to have on your listeners? A clear vision will keep your efforts focused and prevent you from veering off course.

Branding and Identity: Think about how you want to be perceived by your audience. Your unique style, message, and visual representation should all align with your music and help you stand out in a crowded industry.

Marketing and Promotion Strategy: Once you’ve created your music, how will you share it with the world? A marketing plan should include social media strategy, email campaigns, press outreach, and potential collaborations. You can also create a content calendar to stay consistent in your releases and promotional efforts.

Revenue Streams: This is where the business side of music comes into play. Whether it’s selling merchandise, digital downloads, streaming royalties, or live performances, understanding your potential revenue streams helps you prioritize your efforts and ensure financial stability.

Touring and Gigging: Planning your gigs or tours in advance, especially in alignment with your album or single releases, can boost both your visibility and revenue. Make sure your touring plans are sustainable and align with your overall growth strategy.

3. Leveraging Analytics to Shape Your Music Plan:

The rise of digital platforms offers musicians invaluable data about their listeners. Spotify for Artists, Apple Music, YouTube, and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook provide metrics on listener demographics, engagement, and geographical data. With this information, you can refine your plan to reach more of your ideal audience.

Understand Your Audience: Analytics show where your listeners are located, which songs are most popular, and which platforms are driving the most engagement. With this data, you can make better decisions about where to invest your marketing resources and which cities to target for live shows.

Adjusting Based on Performance: If certain types of content or songs are receiving more engagement, adjust your strategy to focus on those. Planning isn't a one-time task — it requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment.

Social Media Analytics: Don’t ignore your social platforms. Track how your audience interacts with you on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Are they more likely to engage with behind-the-scenes videos, live Q&As, or lyric breakdowns? This can guide how you market your music and interact with fans in the future.

4. Breaking Down Your Plan into Manageable Tasks:

A big mistake that many musicians make is overwhelming themselves by trying to achieve too much at once. Breaking your plan into smaller, manageable tasks is essential to staying organized and reducing stress. Here's how to break down your career plan:

Weekly Goals: Identify small, actionable steps to achieve within the week. This could include reaching out to potential collaborators, writing lyrics for a new song, or posting twice on social media.

Monthly Objectives: Set a target for the month, such as finalizing a track, scheduling a gig, or completing a photoshoot for your next single. Focus on tasks that align with your quarterly goals.

Quarterly Milestones: These should be more substantial achievements, such as releasing an EP, securing a press feature, or booking a mini-tour.

Annual Vision: At the end of each year, review your progress and evaluate how well you’re meeting your long-term goals. Adjust your strategies based on what worked and what didn’t. Your plan should evolve as your career progresses.

By breaking the journey down, you'll prevent burnout and ensure continuous momentum in your career. Moreover, checking off these smaller tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment, keeping you motivated.

5. Navigating Industry Changes with a Solid Plan:

The music industry is ever-changing, from shifts in how artists get paid (streaming, NFTs) to new marketing opportunities on social media platforms. The key to staying relevant is flexibility. A well-thought-out plan will give you a foundation, but it must be adaptable to accommodate the latest industry trends.

Staying Updated: Regularly research industry news and keep an eye on emerging technologies like AI in music, new streaming services, or changes in royalty structures. Incorporating new opportunities can boost your visibility and earnings.

Networking and Collaboration: Networking is crucial in the music business, and planning can help you identify the best events, conferences, and opportunities to connect with influential figures. Always seek collaborations that align with your brand and elevate your career.

Conclusion:

Without a proper plan in place, even the most talented musicians can find themselves floundering. By taking control of your career through strategic planning, you open yourself up to a wealth of opportunities that can take you from being just another aspiring artist to a professional musician with a sustainable and thriving career. So, how planning will help you in boosting your music career comes down to foresight, organization, and the flexibility to adapt. The time to stop relying on spontaneity and start building a real plan is now. With the right approach, you can achieve the success you’ve always dreamed of.

[marketingprofitmedia]

FlexiSitesAI Review - Create Beautiful Websites Without Any Coding Skills

Welcome to my FlexiSitesAI Review Post, This is a genuine user-based FlexiSitesAI review where I will discuss the features, upgrades, demo, price, and bonuses, how FlexiSitesAI can benefit you, and my own personal opinion. 1-Click Powerful and Easy to Use ChatGPT4 is a powered website builder that creates beautiful membership sites and funnels in any niche and boosts leads, traffic, and engagement.

Today, you can create professional and local business websites without any coding, designing, or complex editing using just a keyword or website import. The Most Powerful and Easy-to-Use Website Builder That Creates Beautiful Websites in Any Niche Using Just A Single Keyword or Using HTML-Zip Imports In Just 60 Seconds Flat. The streamlined drag-and-drop website builder features 14+ themes and a range of essential modules. Customize dynamic pages, menus, forms, and widgets effortlessly with our user-friendly interface. You can choose from 950+ Google fonts, unlimited color options, and a responsive design for a personalized touch. Enjoy lifetime updates and quality support for a cutting-edge and functional online presence. Manage your site seamlessly using a powerful admin dashboard, multi-language support, and a flexible user role permission system. The modules also help in all aspects of business, like hotel booking, which is very good in business life; real estate is also a very helpful tool; and the food ordering module is one that the world today likes to use the most.

FlexiSitesAI Review: What Is FlexiSitesAI?

FlexiSitesAI is a cloud-based website builder that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the website creation process even if you have zero coding skills. Imagine a drag-and-drop editor packed with pre-designed templates, but with an AI assistant whispering design ideas and even crafting content in your ear. That’s the magic of FlexiSitesAI.

It caters to those who want a user-friendly solution, especially beginners. Key features include AI-generated content to ease writer’s block, ChatGPT4-powered website and HTML builder image selection to save you time, and mobile-responsive design to ensure your website looks great on any device. The one-time payment model is attractive, but be aware of potential upsells for extra features. If you crave complete design control or rely heavily on specific third-party plugins, FlexiSitesAI might not be the best fit.

FlexiSitesAI Review: Overview

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Product: FlexiSitesAI

Date Of Launch: 2024-May-13

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Ali goes above and beyond to understand your requirements and goals, providing customised solutions and experienced advice to help you succeed. Ali can help you increase brand awareness, audience reach, and income using cutting-edge tools and techniques.

With a focus on simplicity, customization, and viral impact, Ali has crafted a tool that not only meets but exceeds the diverse needs of users across various niches. He has gained a reputation through a lot of launches like AI Viral Kids Stories, AI Vista Studio, Visual Vault AI, AI ViralFunnelz, Scriptio, CourseX, A.I ViralVid, A.I Pro Domain, A.I Viral News, VidStockGraphics, VidAIGraphics, and many others.

FlexiSitesAI Review: Features

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FlexiSitesAI Review: Verify User Feedback

FlexiSitesAI Review: Why You Must Grab It

Create a Fully Functional website from scratch.

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FlexiSitesAI Review: Who Should Use It?

Product Creators

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E-commerce store owners

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FlexiSitesAI Review: OTO’s And Pricing

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FlexiSitesAI Review: My Recommendation

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Check Out My Previous Reviews: WP Defense Review, HostDaddy Review , Valor App Review, Crypto Cloud Review, $50 Billion Giveaway Review, AI eBookStore Review, Infinite Hub Review, Infinite Hub Review, Vidhive Review.

Thank for reading my FlexiSitesAI Review till the end. Hope it will help you to make purchase decision perfectly.

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[getloansnowsblog]

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[aspiringharlot]

Redolence

You’ve got a pretty lame quirk, but it manages to catch someone’s attention.

Word Count: 5.8k

Okay, second attempt at this whole y/n fanfic idea…I also tried formatting the this beginning bit,  hope you’re still bearing with me!

Trigger warnings: Stalking behavior, noncon/ noncon turned to consent, public sex, name calling (let me know if I forgot something)

Tagged for: @palbabor-writes, @tod0oki, @kugutsuu

p.s. @cupcake-rogue, I know that this isn’t explicitly yandere/incel focused but I figured I’d direct your attention anyways!

For Palbabor, a sprinkle of Hawks!

 Was Hawks the kind of guy to play it fast and loose? No, not even close. Sure, he acted out the charismatic, playboy persona crafted by his PR team, but a careless man he was not. Hawks had self-control, and a sense of self discipline, he’d never just make brash decisions capable of jeopardizing his standing as a hero.

And yet he’d entangled himself in this situation.

It all started when he caught a whiff of you.

Being a Hawk-man had many upsides. Hawks had phenomenal vision, unmatched speed and reflexes, and even telepathic control over his wings, though, that last ability may not be as Hawk related as the others. Still, despite the multitude of benefits, Hawks, like many birds, had a weak olfactory sense.

He’d lived his whole life like that, never seeing the downside to this facet of his life. How could he? Can’t miss what you never had, right?

And then, on a sweltering day approximately two months ago, he smelt a distinct scent.

He had no reference to judge the scent. How could he explain it? It was… good?  

That was your quirk. You’d always lamented the lameness of your quirk, an emitter type known as “Redolence”. You could inspire interest and appreciation in others through your pheromones, in most cases only minutely affecting another’s perception of you. This had helped you out a few times. Before job interviews or dates, you’d typically avoid wearing perfume or using scented soaps, making you more likely to receive a call back, but that was really all it could do.

 You’d never put much thought towards how those with a weak sense of smell would perceive it. Surely, they’d be unable to smell your pheromones and would go on with their day, right?

Wrong.

The scent of your pheromones penetrated all noses, regardless of their capabilities.

It had been months since that fateful patrol in which Hawks had smelt a scrunchie you’d lost on the sidewalk. The smell at first caught him off guard. It wasn’t often that he smelt something, let alone all the way up in the air and that made him curious. He dove lower to the ground to see what that smell could possibly be. Perched at the top of a building he scanned the street side with his trained eyes.

He didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. An average crowd of people milling on with their day, seemingly oblivious to the mouthwatering aroma encompassing the neighborhood.

Really, Hawks should’ve just went back to his patrol. Nothing terribly strange was happening, he just smelt something.

‘Get back to work, Hawks.’ He thought to himself. ‘wasting time now means you’ll get your route done later and that means less personal time when it’s finally over with.’

The hero stood, readying himself to soar back in the air.

Instead he dove down.

The action wasn’t especially discreet, and several citizens flocked to Hawks, asking for pictures or autographs. He dealt with them as he would any other fan, patiently but not allowing himself to be pushed around. Eventually, as they were leaving him to himself, the blond reached out and asked a pair of friends if they’d smelt the pleasant aroma floating through the area.

They looked to each other confused before the shorter of the pair gained a spark of recognition in her eyes.

“Oh, do you mean that super sweet smell? It was a little stronger back the way we came but it wasn’t all that unusual.”

“Hm.” Hawks grunted gruffly, before seeing the taken aback faces of the pair. Misstep, that grunt was too aggressive, mask it with a more carefree response.

“Oh uh, sorry girls, I suspect there’s an illegal quirk user right in the area.” He pushed out a hardy, fake chuckle. “Not that’s anything a pair of beautiful young girls like yourself needs to worry about.”

They began to blush and stammer, allowing Hawks the perfect opportunity to exit the conversation and head off towards the area the short girl referenced. What an easy distraction a simple complement could make.

As he moved on, he smelled that scent becoming stronger and more powerful. His heart was beating, and butterflies began to form in his stomach. What was this smell? And why was he so desperate to find the source of it?

Eventually the scent began to fade slightly. Shit, he must’ve walked right past it. A game of hot and cold began, Hawks walking in circles like an idiot to track down the source of the smell. And then he found it.

A scrunchie, pink and velvety with prominent ruffles.

That was all, just a hair tie. Mystery solved, pack it up, time to move on.

Hawks was pathetic, feeling like a freak, as in one fluid motion he bent at the waist to collect the scrunchie. He held it to close to his face, mouthwatering as something stirred inside him. The scent emitting from the hair-tie was what he’d always thought cherry pie would smell like. Was this sugar? If it was, he had no idea how bakers managed their day to day lives, the scent alone making him feel increasingly excited.

Was he really going to do this? Snatch a hair tie from the sidewalk grate and keep it like a desperate weirdo?

The scrunchie was tucked into one of the many pockets lining the inside of Hawks’ coat.

From that day on, huffing that hair tie became a part of Hawks’ routine. After a long day he’d come home to shower and tend to his wings before reveling in the scent. It came to a point where he’d please himself, in one hand holding the scrunchie to his face as the other stroked his cock. He didn’t know how, but he had fallen in love with a scent.

Tragically, overtime, the smell faded like autumn leaves losing their crunch. He was going to have to stop relying on the scrunchie.

No, he was addicted to this smell, he couldn’t just let it fade out from his life. He thought back to the day he found it. It was left behind in public, maybe there were cameras which had captured the owner of this hair tie. Cameras that captured you.

Being a top pro hero gave Hawks much leeway- contacting the owners of nearby businesses and asking for copies of their security footage inspired no suspicion.  Within a day he had several angles of perspective on the drop sight. He stuck an intern at his agency with the responsibility of reviewing the footage to detect who had dropped the footage.

Five hours later, Hawks saw you for the first time.

His heart fluttered. He saw a beautiful, no- a gorgeous girl resign herself to the side of the path as she dug through a small bag, digging for something.  In frustration she pulls the bag open wider and ruffles more intensely until finally she pulls out a phone. In the roughness, the scrunchie he had held so close for two months now, slipped out of her purse. She hadn’t noticed, instead checking her phone only to noticeably sigh in relief as a car approached her. She entered the car and it drove away.

Finally, Hawks could put a face to a smell. Now he just had to find you.

That poor intern began to reevaluate his position as the agency when Hawks told him to track you down- Hawks wanted an entire file, complete with a name, date of birth, address, summative history. The whole works.

It took several days, but the intern got all the information and organized it in a neat manilla folder, giving it to Hawks as soon as it was completed.

When Hawks received the folder, he could hardly contain his excitement. This was it, using this file he could track down the smell and subsequently the person that he’d been obsessing over for the past two months. After his intern left, he raced to his room, digging the scrunchie from the plastic baggie it was kept in to sniff at it as he read your file. He tore it open right after pulling his pants down to his ankles. He immediately began palming at his erection, softly exhaling as he began to read over your file.

--------

 (Photograph of you)

(clipped behind, are nudes that were obtained from your phone)

-------

Hawks stopped himself immediately to look slack jawed at the nude photographs of you, squeezing himself around the base of his cock to remind him of restraint. He laid the photo out next to the file to reference as he massaged his cock.

---------

Name: (y/n) (l/n)

Date of Birth: (y/D.O.B.)

Gender: Female

Sex: Female

Relationship Status: Single, no romantic partners or interests.

Sexuality: Unclear

Quirk: Redolence (emitter) - produces mood altering hormones capable of influencing perceptions of others. Low calculated threat as a combatant. Possible use in support position.

­­­­­­­------------------

‘Well,’ thought Hawks. ‘That certainly explains how I’ve gotten into this situation.’ He pumped his cock slowly, savoring the information he was learning.

------------------

Legal status: Immigrated Citizen – all paperwork has been processed and completed as of 12/14/20XX

Criminal History: Nonexistent

Address: (Nearby address)

-----------------

‘She’s been that close this whole time?’  Hawks couldn’t help but picture you, walking down his street, your quirk turning heads as people wondered why they wanted you so badly. The inadequacy those strangers would feel when they saw Hawks swoop down to lift you off the street and into the air. Hawks felt even more turned on.

-----------------

 Summary: (L/n) works at (place of employment) as (job position). Current income is ($$) per year. Has scarcely active social media profile. Not a public figure. Little contact with friends and family (out of country, no files available to draw information from). No roommates. No house pets. I.P. tracking shows recent queries centered around, heat death of the universe, 20th century American criminal Ed Gein, plane tickets to (your state), and pornographic material containing Consenting Non-Consent (CNC), public sex, indecent exposure, chikan and degradation.

-----------------

‘Oh boy,’ Hawks felt his cock twitch. He couldn’t believe that you’d be such a naughty little slut. He took a deep inhalation, melting at the fading scent. Right now, all he had was this scrunchie, but soon he’d have you. The reassurance made him being to pump his cock faster, the member throbbing in his calloused hands.

-----------------

Medical history shows she is prone to cavities, complications have arisen from improper healing of a torn muscle. Currently attending physical therapy to aid recovery. P.T. backed by health insurance.

Schedule:

Sunday- Grocery shops at approximately 11:20. Returns home to clean and watch television. No notable pattern excluding these events.

Monday- Attends work from 8:00 to 17:00. Purchases takeout on way home. No notable pattern excluding these events.

Tuesday- Attends work from 8:00 to 17:00. Returns home. Exits at 20:00, goes to building laundry office. No notable pattern excluding these events.

Wednesday- Attends physical therapy from 10:00 to 11:00. Attends work from 12:00 to 20:00. No notable pattern excluding these events.

Thursday- Attends work from 8:00 to 17:00. Returns home. No notable pattern excluding these events.

Friday- Goes to (specific area) public park at approximately 12:00. Remains for approximately two hours. Returns home and orders take-out. No notable pattern excluding these events.

Saturday- No notable pattern detected.

----------------

Hawks was more than pleased with the information that had been gathered on you. And the schedule, that gave him more than enough time to plan out your first meeting. He could see it now, this Friday he’ll swoop through the park and casually run into you.

“Oh, hey there pretty lady, its funny running into you here, I think I saw you a few months ago…” You would start blushing and stammering right away, you’d feel so honored that the Pro Hero Hawks had remembered you, even if you hadn’t technically met.

From there he’d pull out the scrunchie that you lost and play it off like he’d seen you drop it recently. He’d say something like, “Anyway- I saw you drop this a few minutes ago and I thought I’d catch up and return it to you.” He’d hold it out to you and get a little closer than would be strictly necessary. You’d look into his eyes and Hawks could tell you how beautiful you are. He’d offer you out to coffee, he knows you have nothing planned afterwards so there’s no way you’ll say no.

By the time you finished your coffee you’d be in love with Hawks, equally infatuated with him as he was you. You’d shyly ask if he was busy and if maybe he wouldn’t mind walking you home… As soon as you got there, you’d offer yourself to him, stripping off your clothes to reveal your sensual breasts. He’d eagerly be led to the bedroom and immediately work himself down to your core, hoping for a chance to smell your sex. He’d lap at your folds, savoring the taste as he’d dip is tongue past the ring of muscle protecting your hole.

You’d mewl beneath him or pant his name and just beg him to fuck you with his cock. The sounds you’d make underneath him, downright sinful. You’d cum on his cock and flood the room with the smell of your pheromones, making him cum right inside you before he’d collapse on top of you to breath in your scent at the source.

In reality, Hawks was pumping his cock fast, occasionally twisting is hand to change up the rhythm, getting closer and closer as he dropped the scrunchie to instead hold the nude photograph. As he imagined the way you’d beg for his cock he came, hard, shooting white ribbons of cum right onto the picture of you.

He smiled.

Yes, Hawks had this whole thing planned perfectly. This encounter was going to end spectacularly.

When Friday came, Hawks came to the park an hour early, keeping an eye out for you just incase you’d decided to come early. The pro hero was circling the circumference of the park, his eyes darting from person to person until finally he saw you. Or, more accurately, smelled you.

You were entering the park from the west end, in your arms a yoga mat and a large opaque water bottle. On your body was a pants tightening outfit- black high-rise spandex cupping your legs and ass with a white cropped t-shirt straining against your tits. The little shirt was tied into a little knot in the front, the shin white fabric doing nothing to hide your black sports bra, enticing glances from men and women alike. Your hair was another matter of interest for Hawks, the soft strands clipped out of your eyes, only allowing the barest element to frame your face.  Most importantly, you smelled great, Hawks could tell from all the way up in the air. The smell was not the same as the smell of your scrunchie- that one had been more, flirty somehow. Today all that Hawks could smell was that underlying scent that screamed ‘you’. Hawks didn’t mind though, he’d work your quirk’s full potential out of you when the time came.

The way he was getting excited, Hawks didn’t think he could wait any longer, he had to go down and make contact.

He managed to hold off another 7 minutes, allowing you to position yourself in a secluded area of the park, ideal for yoga and meditation. At this point he’d grounded himself to be more discreet and was casually approaching you, not that you noticed with your back to him and eyes closed.

For a tense moment, Hawks stood silently in front of you, breathing quiet. His heart pounded, ba-dum, ba-dum.

“Hey there.” You jumped in surprise, eyes shooting open as you gasped out an awkward sort of “guUh!” noise.

“Whoops!” Hawks chuckled merrily. “Didn’t mean to spook ya there.” When you looked at him, it took you a moment to process that there was a pro-hero in front of you. As you looked up at him, you took notice of his stance. He was calm, standing languidly and unbothered. He must have just felt like acknowledging you and now that he had, he’d probably move on with his day.

“Hey, don’t I know you from somewhere?” you blanched. Did he know you?

“ah, no, uh… you must be thinking of someone else.”

“No, No, I wouldn’t forget a pretty face like yours.” He winked confidently. ‘What?’ you thought.

“What?” you said.

“Where was it… Oh!” He snapped, pointing at you. “On the sidewalk outside (business), about two month’s back, yeah, that’s it! (y/n)! That’s your name!”

You furrowed your brow trying to remember what the hell he was talking about. Sure, you’d gone through that area several times in the past three months, you had to in order to get to your physical therapy appointment, but you couldn’t recall seeing Hawks there. You’d never seen the guy in person to begin with!

“Uh, yeah maybe…” Hawks smirked at you.

“Oh, it’s fine if you don’t remember,” his face switched from playful to informative. “there was that villain with the memory erasing quirk, he probably hit you.” You supposed that made sense. Perhaps you did have a conversation with Hawks at some point, that’d explain why he knew your name.

“So-ahem,” you cleared your throat. “what’d we talk about?”

“Well, I saw you drop a few dollars and a hair tie from your purse and decided to do the heroic thing and return them to you” Hawks became carefree again. “We were chatting, and this little stand offered me some chicken kebabs- I asked if you could have some too and we just chatted until that villain came through. If I remember correctly, we were talking about exchanging numbers.”

You widened your eyes. Not only had you been approached by Hawks in the past, but you’d been about to get his number? You weren’t even a huge fan of hero’s, how had that happened?

“Wow, uh, I don’t know what to say.” You giggled.

“You know, I’m free at the moment, mind if I sit and enjoy the park with you?” Without waiting on a response Hawks plopped himself down near you, his great, red wings flexing for a moment before relaxing.

“Oh, uhm, sure…” Now you weren’t sure what to do. You were clearly here to do yoga, but would it be rude to keep doing it while someone was with you?

As if he read your mind, Hawks opened his mouth again, saying, “Don’t mind me, you can go on with your yoga.”

Now it’d be rude if you didn’t continue. You moved into a high lunge pose, stretching your thigh muscles before groaning just a little. Your sore muscle still experiencing some pain.

“Oh, was that the leg you were going to physical therapy for?” he asked innocently. You looked over to see him sprawled on the grass watching you.

“Yeah… I told you I was going to physical therapy?” Something about the way he said that ground your gears. Come to think of it, you only went through that way as you where heading to your appointment. Why would you stop and chat with Hawks beforehand and risk being late?

And, who would be serving chicken kebabs at 9:30 in the morning?

Something was off.

“Oh yeah!” Hawks brought you from your thoughts. “You were talking about how you couldn’t hang out long, you had your appointment to get to. Heck, you left in such a hurry I forgot to hand that hair tie back to you… hmmm… I wonder if…” Hawks began shrugging his coat off before rummaging through the pockets.

So, it seemed possible that you may of ran into Hawks at some point, but he must have been lying about the kebab thing… or maybe he was exaggerating to justify his interest.

“I knew it!” He pulled a pink scrunchie from one of his pockets and sure enough you did recognize it. It certainly was yours.

“Your scrunchie, m’lady.” He scooted closer to you and offered it back.

“Thanks…” you accepted it, wrapping the tie around your wrist twice. You noticed that some of the material seemed worn and stretched, like it had been handled a lot. “I’m surprised you kept it this long.”

“Me too,” Hawks laughed. “To be honest, I forgot all about it till just now.” His face was lit with a cheery smile. He held the smiled uncomfortably long and you weren’t so sure he was telling the truth.

Similarly, you were holding your yoga position too long. When you went to shift your position you grunted, your butt hitting the ground as you were destabilized.

You let out a high pitched, “Shit…” as you felt pain envelope your thigh.

“Oh, fuck, are you okay?” Hawks asked, sitting up and moving even closer to you. It was kind of weird how he kept scooting closer. Brief conversation or not, you were still strangers.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” you assured. “This happens sometimes, I just have to rub the area a bit, it’s just a pain doing it myself-“

“I could do it.” Hawks eyes kept moving from your inner thigh to your face and back again.

“heh, uh, no thanks…” you tried to laugh it off.

“No really, let me at it. You’ll feel much better.”

“Uh, thanks for the offer but, it’s not that bad.”

Okay, that was weird too. That was really weird. People don’t just offer to… do that, nor do they insist, and he seemed completely serious.

You were starting to feel not so safe around Hawks. Several things weren’t adding up. A villain with a quirk that could alter a person’s memory… When would you even be hit with that quirk? You did make it to your appointment- Hawks said so himself, so at what point would you get hit with a quirk like that?

The two of you sat it tense silence, not that Hawks acknowledged it. At the moment, he was just happy to be close to your scent. It would’ve been ideal if you’d let him in between your legs to massage your sore muscle but, could he really complain right now? No, even if this was awkward, he could see this working out for him.

“So, Hawks uh, how did I get hit with a memory loss quirk?” you asked.

“I don’t know that one, I just figured you had since you didn’t remember me and there was a villain with that quirk in the area, you must have been hit.” He seemed nonchalant and by all means, trustworthy; he was a hero for crying out loud!

But you couldn’t shake the gut feeling that something was wrong. Hawks would look at you, smiling charismatically, but you couldn’t help but feel like a chicken trapped in a fox’s den.

You’d really rather be going.

“Well, um…” you awkwardly start. “I think I’m going to head out…”

Hawks tilted his head as he looked at you. “What? Are you kidding? You’ve only been here for 20 minutes…Oh, don’t tell me that your one of those people who only does yoga in the park to say that they did yoga in the park.” His inflection. Were you imagining the bite you heard in his tone?

“O- oh, no, it’s just ah… I’m not feeling well…” You started to gather your stuff together, rolling up your mat before starting to stand. Before you fully straightened yourself out you started to sink back down, your leg muscle throbbing. You yelped and Hawks caught you, lowering you back down.

“’Not that bad’, huh?” Hawks chucked and he started to lightly push you back. You resisted, anxiously blabbering, “No, Hawks, I’ll be fine- I think I’ll feel better once I’m back home.”

You couldn’t stop him from pinning you down. Hawks straddled your good leg, holding the knee of your bad so you couldn’t close your legs. Humiliatingly, a single feather flew to rest on your forehead, subtly preventing you from lifting your upper body.

With his free hand, Hawks tenderly explored your inner thigh first only rubbing you through your spandex with the pads of his fingertips.

Alarms were ringing in your head, red alert, red alert, stranger pinning you down to creep on your thighs

“Hawks please-“ you tried to start.

“If you’d just let me finish this, you’d be out before you even realize I touched you.”

You tried being quiet, maybe submission would aid you.

Hawks got rougher with his caresses, making you whimper underneath him. Frustratingly, the position he’d pinned you in was… kind of erotic. There was this handsome man, holding you down, forcing your legs open and subsequently exposing your core. Your brain was recognizing the pattern, remembering all the porn you watched, the erotica you read. Your pussy started getting wet.  You hoped to God that your quirk wouldn’t activate- it’d only make Hawks more aggressive.

You didn’t realize the half of it.

Because Hawks could smell your pheromones, inviting him to continue, making his head feel dizzy with excitement. His mouth watered and he began to lower closer and closer to your legs. Closer to your pussy.

“Oh (y/n),” he crooned. “Your leggings are getting in the way, I hope you don’t mind if I just-“ a feather detached itself from his wing, sharpening and dragging across your pantleg. A slit was torn in the fabric, exposing your leg to him.

“Hawks- please stop!”

He didn’t stop. Instead you felt his hands wander to the slit to physically rip a bigger hole, making the leggings a mere scrap of spandex. The action revealed your clothed cunt and the increased intensity of your pheromones drove Hawks wild, making him as feral as an opossum. He gave up the pretense of massaging your sore muscles and cupped your pussy with his palm, feeling your heat and wetness through your panties.

For a moment he just held it there before taking the hand to his nose and inhaling deeply.

And then you understood.

The scrunchie wrapped around your wrist, you last wore the thing on a hookup. Your pheromones must have gotten into the fibers of the fabric. If you lost it… and Hawks found it…No wonder Hawks had held on to it for so long… the fucker developed an obsession with the scent of your pheromones.

And then, he sees you, in public- of course he’d try to initiate something with you… Shit.

You’re taken back to the reality of your situation when you feel the scrape of a feather against your shirt. That- That fucker was cutting open your shirt! How the fuck were you going to get home in a bra and panties… soaked panties at that.

Rip Rip

Okay, scratch that, now all your clothes were shredded and unwearable.

Hawks finally changed positions, swinging around to hold you in a 69 position. The action kept you pinned down even when you jumped in surprise at the sensation of Hawks dragging his tongue over your pussy lips. He didn’t hesitate to dive in, eating your pussy like a man starved of nutrients for 12 to 13 days.

You hated to admit it… but it felt fantastic. The feeling of his stubble dragging against your skin while he alternated between licking and sucking your clit was making your pussy gush. The taboo of it all as well. Fuck, this shit was all your kinks rolled into one.

You wanted to hate what was happening. Hawks, he was overpowering you- making you feel small and weak. This was wrong…

Fuck it, you were horny.

To Hawks’ surprise you started palming at his erection, trying to work the zipper down to free his cock. Despite his surprise, he was thankful. Hawks Junior was starting to feel like a caged bird, trapped in his pants the way they were.

He was doubly as thankful when he felt your small, soft hand start working his cock, pumping it, letting the tip rub against the skin of your breast. Hawks shakily exhaled, taking a moment’s break from eating you out to focus of the pleasurable sensations overtaking his cock.

“Hawks~” you whined. “You’re wearing too many clothes…”

“Huh?” he said, dumbfounded for a moment.

“Take your clothes off.” He looked down at himself, raising his eyebrows when he compared his state of dress to yours.

“Oh, yeah, right!” He was quick to strip down, undoing his belt and allowing his pants to fall to the ground. His goggles, coat and shirt followed suit and you took in the sight before you.

In a moment of confidence, Hawks fully extended his wings and allowed you to look upon his toned body.  His muscles were well defined and displayed the power housed within his skin.

It made you want to blow him.

You got on your knees before him, nuzzling his cock before taking it into your mouth- not an ounce of hesitation left in you anymore.

“Oh, so is this it real (y/n)? Not some nervous, bashful girl? She’s actually a worthless slut?” he cupped your face in his left hand, pushing your head down further onto his cock. Unprepared, you gagged- pulling yourself off his cock to cough and wheeze. He wasn’t thrilled at that, he wanted to feel your throat convulse around his cock, you weren’t allowed to just pull off.

Hawks grabbed you by the hair, yanking you so you toppled to your hands and knees before his feet.  

“Oh come on, you can be a better slut than that!” You looked up to him, lust making your eyes dilated. Eagerly you repositioned yourself onto your knees, again not hesitating to slurp on his cock. He pushed your head down again like last time, triggering your gag reflex but you held down, forcing yourself to relax overtime, swallowing around his cock on occasion.

“See,” he cooed condescendingly, “there’s a good slut.” Wetness dribbled down your thigh. You pulled off his cock with an audible pop and said three words that made Hawks want to fuck you till you went blind.

“Please fuck me.” The look of it all was so erotic. You, naked on your knees, face red and makeup running, lips, puffy and red from sucking cock, begging to be stuffed with cock.

Hawks grabbed you by the hair again, dragging you to a gnarled tree. “oh, you want to be fucked? Fucked right in your needy hole?” you nodded eagerly. “Good slut, now go on, position yourself for me.”

You braced yourself against the tree, arching your back and planting your feet. You could feel the rough bark against the soft skin of your pillowy tits. It hurt but you didn’t care. You were too caught up in the eroticism of what you were doing.

When you felt Hawks tease his cock against your cunt, you couldn’t suppress your squeal of excitement or stop yourself from eagerly spearing yourself onto his cock. You shivered at the sound of Hawks groaning as he entered your tight, slick, heat.

“Fuuuuuck,” He moaned out as he adjusted to your tightness. It wasn’t long before he was bucking into your, searching for the spot inside you that would make your legs shake.

Three or four thrusts in you squeaked- eyes fluttering shut.

“Oh there? Is that where the little slut likes feeling my cock?” you nodded eagerly but that wasn’t enough for Hawks. “No, I want to hear you say it. Say it!”

“Yes! Fuck, that’s where I like feeling your cock!” Hawks pulled out completely.

“That’s where who likes feeling my cock?” your eyes widened with recognition.

“That’s where the little slut likes feeling your cock!”

“Oh, Good Girl!”

He thrust back in, aiming directly for that patch of skin inside your tight walls that made you see stars. Hawks’ own cock was feeling fantastic, the warm heat making him go a little crazy, groaning louder and louder.  He kept thrusting in, harder and harder, making your brain rattle around inside your skull. He reached around to grind his hand against your clit, adding to the cacophony of pleasure you felt.

You were getting really close and Hawks’ wasn’t far behind you. With each thrust he could feel his muscles tense up in preparation to cum, the only thing keeping him from erupting inside you being his own willpower.

Finally, as the pleasure built inside of you, your muscles firmly clenched around Hawks’ thick cock, milking it around your own orgasm. The pro hero’s hips slowed their pace, fucking you through both of your orgasms until finally they stuttered to a halt, stuffing you to the brim with his cream.

He remained like that for a moment, cock feeling too sensitive to pull out but finally, he eased his cock out of your hole, removing the dam which had kept all of Hawks’ cum inside you. He watched in satisfaction as his cum leaked out of your used hole, completely transfixed until he heard the snapping of a branch.

He whipped around, eyes locking onto a teenaged boy holding his phone up from the bushes. The kid was tiny, with the strangest hairstyle Hawks had ever seen. Purple balls that didn’t even resemble hair. All and all an ugly kid. Even worse was to see that while one hand was occupied holding his phone, the other was held suspiciously low.

Luckily, at sight alone, the kid made a man dash to avoid a scolding. Unluckily, that kid for sure had a first of its kind, hero sex tape.

Hawks looked back at you, now slid to the ground, breathing heavily. Your naked form was a work of art, and his satisfaction with the sequence of events left him with a clear head. He looked around the clearing the two of you had occupied.

Oh, right. He’d completely destroyed all of your clothes… that was tricky.

“Hey, sorry for ruining all your clothes.” He didn’t seem too sorry.

“Its, whatever… I’ll just have to figure out a way home.”

“Well, I could fly you home… no one to enforce public decency when you’re in the sky.” You were not thrilled at the prospect of flying through the air naked. You looked down at your nude body. Unfortunately, you had no choice.

“I don’t really have any other options…” you helped clean up the clearing, and when all was set and done, allowed yourself to be carried bridal style by Hawks.

He leapt into the air, soaring seemingly higher than a plane. The cold made your nipples rock hard.

“oh by the way, (y/n)?” you looked at him.

“When we get to my apartment I’m gonna need you to rub your scent on my bed.”

 Sometimes, you hated your quirk.

[itsclydebitches]

Long Ask incoming sorry 😅. Okay, I'm not 100% sure of how to articulate this but like... I feel like one of the "problems" of RWBY-writing & why ppl disagree is how much some of the characterization rely on copy/pasting irl problems/opinions onto our reading of the show even though they are completely different universes ? To some people Rhodes is awful because he didn't immediatly save Cinder by calling CPS or something similar, but all I can ask myself is : does CPS even exist in Remnant ?

I

Agree 100% and when I talk about the fandom filling in RWBY’s numerous gaps with headcanons, many of those headcanons are pulled from real life. Everything you list here is an excellent example. To expand on Rhodes, he’s viewed as a horrible person because the fandom is basing his actions on a real life context, a context that RWBY doesn’t have  — if we get a context at all. Why didn’t he just call CPS? We don’t know that CPS exists and from what little we’ve seen (Oscar runs away, Blake runs away, 14-15yos are fighting in this war, Ren and Nora were homeless, etc.) there aren’t good measures in place for helping someone like Cinder. If the fan acknowledges this, it expands into, “Well, he should have taken her with him” which is a HUGE expectation that, again, doesn’t engage with any of RWBY’s context. The for hire huntsmen, using this hotel likely because he’s always on the move/doesn’t have a place to live, whose profession is hunting monsters is going to say, “Sure. Keeping a 10yo around is a great idea.” Now, combine that with the fact that he’d be kidnapping Cinder  — that woman likely has at least some legal bearing here, no matter how morally messed up. So we want some random guy staying in this hotel, who saw Cinder be verbally berated (not tortured), to risk everything to kidnap a kid and raise her himself, despite seeming to have few means to do so and living a life that could easily get her killed? That’s not a fantastic option. “But it’s better than living with her abusers!” Is it? Sure, in your imagined scenario where everything works out. But if he’d taken Cinder and been arrested, resulting in her facing harsher treatment for trying to escape, the fandom would blame him. If he’d successfully taken Cinder and she’d been killed on a mission, the fandom would blame him. If he’d just left her on the street to starve and face different horrors, the fandom would blame him. If anything bad happens, he’s at fault... which yes, is why Rhodes was stupid to give the abused, traumatized teenager a sword while still under her abuser’s thumb. But the point is that there’s no Happy Ending here (especially when we knew going into the backstory that Cinder would become a villain) and many in the fandom refuse to accept that. 

Ozpin is ultimately horrible because he failed to stop the immortal woman for good by the time our protagonists came on the scene. Ironwood is ultimately horrible because he failed to make Salem disappear when she showed up on his doorstep. Rhodes is ultimately horrible because he stumbled across a kid in a horrific situation and failed to resolve that problem perfectly. RWBY has crafted a world in which there are terrible problems at play, problems that have no easy, fairy tale solution, and when characters inevitably don’t produce said solution... the fandom turns on them. Part of that is because the show has ensured that Ruby and her friends do bend RWBY’s reality to get good outcomes, so why can’t everyone else manage that too? Clearly they must be at fault here and an easy way to explain why they’ve failed, despite the context showing us that they only had shitty options available, is to pretend that real world/made up options were on the table instead. And what frustrates me in particular is that these options only apply to the character the fandom is currently looking to criticize. Ozpin should have figured out a way to stop Salem, but it’s okay that Ruby hasn’t either. Ozpin also should have figured out how to manage potential betrayal without keeping any secrets, but it’s necessary for Ruby to keep them. Rhodes should have called CPS, but none of the other thousands of hotel guests needed to. Ironwood never should have created Penny, but the man who suggested the project and built her is just the loving dad in this situation. Whitely (the child) is horrible for not calling the (potentially corrupt) authorities on his (very powerful) father, but Klein, the adult already risking his hide to help Weiss, definitely didn’t need to. And so on and so forth. Why didn’t Ironwood just make his security unhackable? Why didn’t Ozpin shove Salem into a vault? Why didn’t Rhodes call some kind of social services? Why didn’t these characters fix everything in my made up version of what’s possible here? The worldbuilding doesn’t account for these ideas, but the fandom assumes that they not only exist, but are easy to utilize in order to criticize the characters. And then this combines with that tendency to assume that fantasy problems can be solved with real world solutions and that real world issues (like police brutality) are applicable to these fantasy scenarios. 

[jackiebuckley]

I kind of posted the prologue to my fic and posted it 🥺🥺 so if you wanted to check this out. I'll be posting it below with the info. Maybe comment for future tags or whatever 💅🏻💅🏻.

In case you wanted to leave comments and what not THIS is also up on here. ×××

Title: if it Stings. Let it burn

Word count: 2,552

Rating: teen and up (nothing yet)

Pairings: aaron hotchner/lorelai gilmore. More to come :)

What identifies a home. Is it a group of buildings that blend together with browns and reds on concrete walls? Is it blues of skies and greens of grasses in parks? What about the people? Passing by you in hurries as they find themselves needing to move to work or elsewhere. They hurry along not wanting to disrupt the pattern that everyone so gently crafted. 

And with and things what happens when your home is reached. When something happens to push everything to the side. What happens when your safety net, the thing that you most rely on catching you — snaps. Do you hold on, dangling with what could verses couldn't happen? Do you push your hope to the back of your mind, hopeful it's just one mistake? One simple thing falling short of something wonderful, beautiful. Or do you fight back, letting your chains become loose, and watching as you learn to gain your wings? Finally free to be who you wanted to be. These things aren't as likely without a reason. Something that makes you want to jump.

November 19th

The road back from Stars Hollow wasn’t too bad. It was a pretty straight and narrow line for the most part. But as for any road, it wasn’t safe when it came to the incoming cold.

“I should probably head home before the first snow comes in. you know how the roads get.” the voice of a boy in his late teens spoke, his car was warming up on the side waiting for him to climb in and go on the road. 

“Yeah, I’ll see you. Stay safe.” the voice of a girl no older than 17 spoke as she waved him off. They had talked whenever the other came into town. In this case, what the girl didn't know was that this would be for all she knew, the last time she would see him. 

Music played from the stereo as he changed the radio, again and again. God, it seemed all these stations only played the same nine or ten songs. Especially in a small town like this, it was all they could hear when moving around the different areas. Yet all of it from top to bottom made it so he never wanted to leave. Some remixed version of Amazing Grace could be heard. Fixing his eyes back to the road. As he stopped at the stop sign in front of the road he looked before driving more down the road. 

“Stop the car.” a voice popped in from the back seat. Fight or flight mode turned on and he realized that he would do anything at this moment to 

“What?!” panic rose in his voice. 

“STOP THE CAR.” he slammed on the break. That was the moment that everything went dark.

November 21st

"Living in a small town, I knew everybody and everybody knew me."

-- Anna Nicole Smith

 “Chip Macenstoch, 18. He was last seen leaving back home. They found his car with the keys still in the ignition but no sign of Chip seen.” Penelope's voice carried as she clicked through the slideshow she had on the screen. “Matt Schoenfeld, found with his window wide open, his bed was empty. There were no signs of struggle.” she clicked through the slideshow again. “The only connection between the two is a last reported conversation, and the area they come from.” she clicked off the slideshow. 

“Stars Hollow according to tourist websites, it has a population of less than one-thousand.” JJ offered as she looked through the file sitting in front of her. 

“And we need to be there before anything happens to turn that town’s population any less…” Hotch sighed as he made his way to standing up.”wheels up in thirty.” he offered, and the room dispersed. 

Not much happened here, not much has happened in the last seventeen years she had lived here with Rory. there had been some slight scandal involving the town priest. But nothing huge here or there. This though was a shock. 

The cold of the November wind lasted an ongoing chill to the brunette at the desk as she communicated with a woman on the phone. “It's a week before Thanksgiving it might be a little rough in order to get enough rooms.” the brunette behind the desk offered. “Yes, we do offer breakfast. Yes there's double bed rooms.” she offered. “three rooms for today? Will do. Thank you." She sighed as she moved from the desk to the small entrance to the inn. She ran a hand through her hair. So much had happened to their small town within the past few days. Two teens vanished without a trace. Both teens, very safe, smart boys. She looked out the window. 

"They canceled school for the rest of the week. Which, while I should be relieved.  They said they were canceling due to the vanishes in Stars Hollow. Which is weird." Rory spoke appearing from next to her.

"Woah Woah Woah — slow down speedy," Lorelai responded in return to her daughter's tangent.  The cases of the missing boys had made news in all the towns nearby, her parents swore they wanted Lorelai and Rory. to come to stay with them until it all blew over. It didn't seem like a good idea though. With a week till Thanksgiving they could use as much help in the Independence inn as possible. Plus — it was home to them. Even if their home seemed to be a little crooked. "Go get something from Sookie to eat to work at the tables.  Okay?" She offered. Seeing her daughter nod before walking off. 

It took some time, but as Lorelai was writing down some notes she saw from the corner of her eye two cars, she knew from the looks of the black sleek vehicles, that these were the guests they were waiting for. “It’s go time Gilmore,” she stated to herself, waiting for what was to happen next. 

What was there to expect from a small town that didn't even show up on a map? Was there something to expect from a place where some who exited called the "friendliest town on earth?" From the bright-eyed townsfolk who walked around looking like they belonged in a Disney film to the distinct smell of farm life and coffee beans that drifted throughout the entire place. Was there more than the sidewalks that cracked and crinkled yet how this place seemed to call the names of those around them. 

This place looked as if it hadn’t experienced constant shock and trauma. As if it was the perfect Disney town where birds braided hair and good peeked at every corner. As if truly things were perfect. The biggest shock factor had been when they found out the Organic Milk wasn't truly organic. So this really was the worst possible thing to happen. Emily commented that it looked straight out of a Hallmark film. And the little inn they were staying in, definitely brought more of that message forward. The agents walked out of their cars, into the small lobby area. Immediately seeing how it was decorated. They wouldn't be spending too much time here, but it did have a nice way of being subtly decorated for the holidays. “I’ll go grab our bags.” Derek offered as Reid mumbled a fun fact in the direction of Emily. 

“Welcome to the Independence Inn. I’m Lorelai.” a bubbly brunette offered and JJ stepped in. 

“Pleasure to meet you Lorelai. We should have three rooms under Garcia?” she offered, knowing Penelope had set them the reservation. 

“Oh yes yes!” she nodded as they stood in the center of the room. “4, 7 and 10A are all open and ready for you.” she smiled and Hotch wondered how this woman was so bubbly and full of energy. He would have mentioned it but Emily did with a comment of 

“Someone clearly had their coffee.” she commented, getting a roll of the eyes and a comment of “be nice.” from JJ. 

There was something about the way that the place had a small humming of home to it. It was a shame they wouldn't get to experience the town. Sure they were probably going to be in town for Thanksgiving, but that wasn't a reason to celebrate. There was a lot of wonder in the town. From the little Cafes and Diners they saw as they entered into the area. They had a place called Luke’s recommended to them a good nine times. He knew they would most likely eat there at some point for their trip. They just needed to get something established for the case first, figure something out. There also seemed to be a lot of mystery, from the woods that surrounded where they were. He had a lot of questions. From what other things lay unstirred behind these walls. 

And what about the bubbly brunette who walked around. Bright eyed as she talked to all the members of the team , asking them different statements as JJ happily conversed. To Reid, looking like he was absolutely shocked that someone could talk as fast as he could. Maybe there was something about her young daughter. Well not super young. Probably late teens. The way her eyes flickered around whenever someone would ask her something. How when Derek and he had pulled her for questioning she asked a few times if this would be on any kind of record for her

 “Do you have anyone we can talk to for an alibi?" Derek asked from beside him. And Hotch could tell right away. There was no way in hell this girl had anything to do with this. From the way her doe eyes shined, curiosity to the brim of them. To the way the books in her arms sat perfectly. She was grace, and he could tell that she was the woman in the lobby's daughter. 

“My mom and I have a movie night every Tuesday Night. My boyfriend came to watch with us. You can ask him, or my mom, I was home.” she commented and a mental note was made to ask. After Hotch included his own question. Wanting to get more of an idea for what was happening.

“Is there anyone with foul wishes or harmful intent for him?” he added in his own question. 

"Everyone loved him, he would come to town meetings and see if anyone needed anything. He came to a town meeting the night of his disappearance. Next thing we knew the newspaper came in with news that he was gone." She explained. She explained Chip and his role in the town. He was a local farmer's son. He would come into town every week to get supply and then he would come back home. "Is he okay?" They had found his truck on the side of the road. But they didn't have the heart to tell her that there wasn't much hope of where he was. 

 They sighed. Looking at one another "we'll keep you updated — okay kid?" Morgan stated before Rory as they learned her name was walked off. Running over to where her mother was waiting. As they prepared to go back for some of them to the scene of the crime. And others to remain questioning. Hotch ran a hand through his hair. There was something about these small towns that hit harder than anything else. from the way they came together, which meant it would hit harder knowing there was someone among one of them causing harm. 

What they had learned about Rory Gilmore. Real name Lorelai.  Bright eyed girl, smart, charming. Going to attend an ivy league within a year. She had a knack for reading lately getting into classics. "In Cold Blood" had been one of her favorites lately

He found that as being ironic. But not a funny irony. More of a cold irony. 

They had to be cautious with their next moves. 

 "Miss —." Morgan paused looking for a name.

"Lorelai. Lorelai Gilmore." She offered and her voice was rushed but still had music to it. 

"Do you mind if we question you?" He asked and Hotch watched as Rossi and Morgan took the brunette to the dining room. He watched as they walked away, she had some kind of wonder the way she did things.  

JJ approached him, "sir we should probably head back out. See if there is anything we missed." What was there to miss? This looked a lot like the rest of the things they had seen. He hated cases where the  best thing was to wait for whatever came next. Spend a day or two and see what pops up. Immediately as he stepped into the cold, feeling of air hitting his face he climbed his way into the car. Allowing Emily to take the wheel as they went to what was next. 

It wasn't that he didn't trust his team. He trusted them more than anything else. This case just had so little to go by at this moment. He didn't want things to crash and burn before they even started. They go back to the scene of the first abduction and immediately they’re back to not noticing anything new. What they did notice was their victim’s parents were standing off to the side, their arms wrapped around each other. Hotch had seen this look plenty of times before. Had seen the way their entire bodies would collapse, it was as if all they had known was crumbling. He tried his best not to get involved in the cases, he knew it wasn't the best thing to do. So he continued to push it aside. 

 “Please tell me you found my son.” someone would ask, at first when he started in the field he didn't know what to tell them. How did you break someone’s heart? Take away the hope they have kicking in their soul. He was called cold, broken. So that is what he allowed himself to become. He hardened his shell and bounced back stronger than anything else. 

His voice finally beckoned out of him as he looked at the family. “He's gone… they found his body in the creek.” he looked at them, his eyes not leaving the couple. He hated this type of news. 

“What do you mean he’s gone?” the response would come and then they would see the body pass on the stretcher. Tears would fill the eyes and he wished that all of this didn't happen. Yet it was. Bad people filled the earth. 

“No, no no, that can't be him. It can’t be my baby boy.”

He didn't know what stirred him out of all of this, but when he noticed Emily and Reid “we asked around and according to people nearby the last seen person near both of them has been identified.” 

“name?” Hotch offered. Hopefully, this person would have some kind of connection that could truly get them closer to where they needed to be. Even if they only had only been here for less than a day. 

“...Rory Gilmore,” Reid stated, he noticed the connection between the name and the situation.

The daughter of the woman back at the inn. This case just got a lot more intense.

@willlemonheadsupremacy

[connectboosterfargo-blog]

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Promotions drive sales. A good way to get slow adopters to take action is to offer them a targeted incentive. That may include providing prospects with a free cybersecurity evaluation or a 10% discount for signing a twelve-month services contract. Shorter-term inducements include branded promotional items or research reports for filling out a lead form (a great boost to the sales funnel). Deliverables that appeal to the targeted audience are usually a great way to generate interest and leads!

Boost SEO Programs

Businesses live or die online today. The value of search rankings continues to increase and effective SEO strategies are a sure way to add quantity and quality leads to an MSPs’ sales funnel. Investing in keywords and phrases and optimizing every possible section of a company’s website, from content and images to connected links, will improve its ranking on Google, Bing, Yahoo, and other platforms. Those actions, in turn, will strengthen the firms’ sales funnel.  

Embrace Social Media

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter are becoming essential communications platforms for the MSP community. Sharing events, news articles, tips, promotions, and other valued content that speaks to a managed services firm’s business, especially those connected to their company website, can indirectly fuel their sales funnel. Whatever they can do to get a site visitor to fill out a lead form will help the MSP’s growth. Carefully crafted and properly implemented social media programs increase awareness and engagement and feed the sales funnel that feeds new business opportunities.  

Optimize Landing Pages

While many may scoff at making frequent website revisions, those activities are essential for keeping an MSP looking innovative and successful today. Online improvements can significantly strengthen lead generation and add a major boost to their sales funnel. Adding search-optimizing plugins, keyword-rich text, meta descriptions, title tags, and other features to a website can vastly improve its online rankings. Web developers can evaluate and upgrade current pages, adjust content to bolster SEO rankings, add links and lead forms to articles and sections, and enhance visibility with target audiences.        

Focus on Sales Funnel Health

Strengthening the lead generation process should be a top priority for every MSP today. A healthy sales funnel is essential for meeting revenue and profitability goals and growing the business.

The list of potential activities in this article is by no means all-inclusive. Innovative MSPs leverage every potential tool and all available resources to drive the leads that not only fuel their sales funnel but maximize their profitability and customer satisfaction. Listening closely to gauge the needs of clients and prospects makes that possible.  

MSPs who adapt their activities to current and future market demands typically have no problems filling their sales funnels. They leverage targeted promotions and optimize SEO and content to maximize awareness as well as the return on their marketing dollars.

There are many resources available to boost an MSP’s sales funnel. Leveraging peers, vendors, distributors, and third-party marketing experts to bolster those activities is also an option. Developing a solid sales funnel is easy with the right plan and good people to make it work.

[officialpapapump]

Reapers in Space

So I’ve never made a tumblr post before, but I’m writing a different story with the same concept that I have of the Reapers. They’re not the Grim Reaper or anything, just an organization of high level assassins and warriors within the human race. Just an idea I figured I’d share. More to come later! I’m not nearly finished with this particular story. Enjoy!

The planet below had been at siege for 3 months. 3 months, and the cities were already running out of supplies. Hunger was a necessity. Disease was rampant. Death was welcomed as an old friend. The Kiyagu had been a peaceful race up until a few years prior. They were large, their smallest standing at an even 6 units tall. Two legs, four arms, excreting a jelly like substance that hardened with age, until it was nearly impenetrable by adulthood. They started their war by sweeping their way across the outer rim of the known galaxy, taking up empty planets and civilizations before hardly anybody knew what was going on. Now they were here, laying siege to the Mezoons, a birdlike, peaceful race who had never fought a war in their lifetime. They weren’t even a part of the Galactic Alliance, so why the Kiyagu found them worth the time and effort, nobody knew. At least, that’s what Captain Hink thought. Hink was neither Kiyagu nor Mezoon, he was Stantu in origin. What the humans called “octopus” he called normal, though he couldn’t see the uncanny resemblance from his body form and tentacles to that of one of Earth’s underwater creatures. He clicked his beak in frustration. The Kiyagu had blockaded this planet that lay before him with such efficiency that he had lost 3 ships already to their plasma cannons. In every battle plan he had been sent by his superiors, and every plan he himself had come up with, the projected results always ended in his fleet either being repelled or destroyed. The only feasible plan any of them had was to wait for reinforcements and take the blockade by force, but the nearest ships who could actually do anything were thousands of light years away, unable to help the fleet get through any time soon.

Captain Hink turned away from the consoles laid out on the pedestal before him. He couldn’t deal with watching his failure any longer for this cycle, whether it be on the screens in front of him or the view ports beyond those, that made up the far wall of the command center. “Captain!” called an assistant shipmaster. “Incoming hailing, human in origin!” Captain Hink turned back, and said “I’ll take it on screen 2.” He mounted the podium and opened the line. “This is Captain Hink of the Queen Azrael. To who am I speaking to?” There was static across the screen for a moment before the signal cleared and a human face grew into focus. “This is Captain Baldwin of the Halcyon class Shadow’s Regret. We’re here to assist, Captain. Dropping out of slip space now.” One of the largest ships Captain Hink had ever seen dropped out of slip space in his view port. “We have supplies for the planet below, Captain. Have you found a way through their blockade yet?” Captain Baldwin asked. “No” said Hink. “Not a single plan we’ve come up with or received has had any chance of working, and even with a ship that big, I doubt you’ll have much success either.” He saw Baldwin nod on screen. Humans and their silly gestures. He didn’t even know what emotion or meaning that motion was supposed to convey. “Regardless” said Baldwin, “The nearest convoy are months away, meaning we’re all that planet has to rely on. We’ve got to try our best.” “Captain, you are not a military class vessel. There is nothing you can do about that blockade” said Hink. “I think you’ll find our services to be more than enough” he said. “I might have a plan. You ever hear of a human tactic called ‘blockade running?’ I think I might know exactly what to do. I’m officially taking command here, Captain Hink. I hope you don’t mind.” Captain Hink said nothing, for while what Captain Baldwin said was clearly asking permission, it sounded like Hink had no choice in the matter at all. He waved one of his tentacles across the screen, ending the video call. “Let’s see what this human can do” he said. He hated to lose another ship to the blockade, especially one that had fresh supplies. At least his crew could use some fresh food and water, since they weren’t going through the blockade anyways. He pushed a nearby button, and an anti-gravity well appeared around him and started levitating him off the ground. His species couldn’t stand on their tentacles for very long, so they often used these anti-gravity wells to help them keep upright throughout their days of work.

An open communication signal beeped on one of his screens, and he brought it up. It was Captain Baldwin again, but instead of being a one on one video call, it was a broadcast. “This is Captain Theodore Baldwin of the Reaper sanctified Shadow’s Regret. This is an open hailing to all ships and communication devices in system. Attention all Reaper Field Agents, this is a priority one hailing. I repeat, this is a priority one hailing. All Reaper Field Agents in the system are requested by authority of myself, Reaper Adjudicator, to report to armory bay 3 of the Shadow’s Regret for planning of blockade assault. You are required to appear in full combat uniform. Extra weapons and armor will be provided if you do not currently have access to the necessary equipment. We await your arrival.” The screen went dark again. Hink chuckled to himself. “As if there are any Reapers in system. They’re all just space-fairing myth.” 2 of his bridge commanders all of a sudden signed off of their computers and stood up, walking to the doors. Hink said “Where do you two think you’re going? Your shifts aren’t over yet!” Instead of saying anything, they both reached into their collars and pulled out an identical necklace. It was a silver human skull, no larger than the length of a standard human’s thumb from what he could see, and its jaw was open as far as it would go, as if in a perpetual scream. It was the mark of the Reapers, a group Captain Hink had wholeheartedly believed was a lie sailors told in bars to impress potential mates, until now. He was too stunned to say another word, and watched as they strode off the deck. He pulled up the security cameras and tracked them all the way to their quarters, where they went in for a minute or so and then came back out, each carrying what the humans called a duffel bag. They both walked shoulder to shoulder down to hangar bay 4, where they had their pick of vessels to use. He had assumed that they might try using one of the larger, faster vehicles, as humans are attracted to those over others for some reason. Instead, they chose a smaller, lighter craft. They were walking up the ramp when a human security guard came rushing over. Hink couldn’t hear audio, but it was clear to the guard that these men were not supposed to be there. He stopped mid sentence when they both pulled out their skull insignias. He snapped to attention immediately and saluted them both, turned on his heel and walked away. Captain Hink was furious. He could not believe that these two men had simply strode all the way off of his ship. He turned off his screen with disgust. He wanted nothing more to do with these silly “Reapers” on their suicide mission.

[mediaeval-muse]

Video Game Review: Assassin’s Creed Rogue (Ubisoft, 2014)

Genres: action-adventure, third person, open world

Premise: During the mid-18th century, Assassin Shay Patrick Cormac uncovers a First Civilization temple in Lisbon and unwittingly triggers an earthquake that kills thousands. Desperate to keep the Assassins from finding more of these temples and harming more innocents, he joins the North American Templars, whose hold over the British colonies is starting to grow. In the present, research into Shay’s memories triggers a server failure at Abstergo Entertainment, and the unnamed employee from Black Flag must help restore the system.

Platform Played On: PC (Windows)

Rating: 4/5 stars

***Full review under the cut.***

I am evaluating this game based on four key aspects: story, characters, gameplay, and visuals. Because I played this game on a PC, I will not be reviewing the Remastered version, which is only available for consoles.

Content Warnings: violence, blood

Story: Assassin’s Creed Rogue primarily follows Shay Patrick Cormac, an Irish Assassin-turned-Templar who operates during the French and Indian/Seven Years War in North America. Starting as a member of the Brotherhood, Shay is sent to Portugal by Achilles Davenport (the mentor of the North American chapter of Assassins) in order o recover a First Civilization artifact. Unbeknownst to Shay, removing the artifact from the temple triggers an earthquake, killing thousands of innocent people. Furious that Achilles (and perhaps other Assassins) knew this would be a possibility yet refusing to tell Shay, Shay leaves the Assassins and joins the Templars in order to prevent the Brotherhood from accessing more temples and artifacts and from harming more innocent people.

I really liked the overarching story because it gave us clear goals and a clear structure. Shay has one purpose: prevent the Assassins from gaining access to the next First Civilization site. To do that, Shay has to track down and neutralize all of his former Brotherhood colleagues, which adds a level of personal involvement and angst. Structurally, I think this plot made a lot of sense and was well-done, and though it wasn’t as involved as a headliner game (like Black Flag), it did present the player with a straightforward narrative.

The Seven Years War/French and Indian War was an interesting backdrop, though it didn’t have the same entanglement with history as headliners. Shay isn’t really involved with any landmark historical events, but he is responsible for the Templars gaining a foothold in North America, which serves as the setting for Assassin’s Creed III. In that sense, I think this story is more meaningful for people who have played both Assassin’s Creed III and Black Flag. I also think this plot works better for those who intend to continue to Unity, since the end of Shay’s story serves as the beginning for Arno’s.

The main thing I didn’t like was the game’s treatment of Native Americans. While I don’t think it was outright offensive, there was a point in the narrative where Shay had to rescue an Oneida tribe from Assassin thugs, and Shay does have to confront and kill one of his former friends, who is Native. In that sense, Rogue may be triggering for some people, but I personally didn’t find it egregious like the brutal scenes in Assassin’s Creed III. Rogue does contain some missions where Shay has to seek out Native “totems” to unlock some special Native armor, so that could be appropriative, but I’ll defer to Native gamers on that issue.

I also just wish the game was longer, mainly because it’s the only one where we get a full Templar perspective, and it had interesting missions. If it had been a headliner and gotten the amount of time and resources other headliners receive, I think this game could have done really well.

The present-day Abstergo arc continues to be less compelling than the Desmond Miles frame from previous games. I didn’t find the system failure to be very exciting, nor did I think the unfolding narrative about Otso Berg was communicated in a particularly engaging way. I do think the idea of the Assassins confronting the flaws in their belief system is an interesting one, but we barely see any Assassins in the modern day arc, so it’s difficult to feel like there are stakes.

Characters: Shay is a compelling protagonist in that he has complicated motivations and grey morality. He’s obviously very concerned for ordinary people, even as a Templar, and is very conflicted over the prospect of confronting his former friends. I liked that he seemed to have legitimate concerns about the Assassins and the way their hierarchy is constructed, which made his turn to the Templars more understandable. I liked the opportunity to see why someone might join the Templars, especially if that someone wasn’t completely on board with the authoritarian viewpoint the Order holds.

Shay’s Assassin companions are interesting in that they each seem to have their own combat abilities, which made for unique confrontations. Hope, for example, is an Assassin who is skilled with poisons, and Liam is pretty precise with a firearm. Encountering them, therefore, felt like several different boss fights that avoided repetition. I also think Shay spent enough time with each person at the beginning so that confronting them felt like an emotional challenge. I think the emotional stakes could have been enhanced if the game was longer and contained more time for character interactions, but with what it had, I think Rogue used its time effectively.

Shay’s Templar companions are also well-used in that the game makes clear that Shay feels an emotional bond with them. Shay first grows attached to Colonel George Monro, and it’s clear from the outset that Monro’s fondness for Shay is what motivates the latter to devote himself to the Templars, not necessarily the Order’s ideology. I liked this personal dimension to Shay’s Templar companions because it parallels how people in the modern day become drawn to harmful ideologies or groups: they mainly stay out of fear of being socially rejected. It was a pretty nice touch, and I think it worked better than just having players experience a “gritty” game centered on being unambiguously evil and just wreaking havoc and misery everywhere.

I also liked that we got some familiar faces, such as Achilles Davenport and Haytham Kenway. The conflict between Shay and Achilles serves as background for why Achilles is so broken in Assassin’s Creed III, and I think Rogue does a good job in showing how Achilles’ motivations are just as complex and grey as Shay’s are. Haytham continues to be ruthless, and I liked the budding mentor-mentee relationship between him and Shay. It served as a nice counter balance to the lack of affection between Shay and Achilles, while also giving us more of Haytham’s witty banter.

I will say that I am conflicted on whether or not this game did Adéwalé justice.  Adéwalé was an NPC in Black Flag and a playable character in Freedom Cry, so players who have completed both will have some investment in the character. Since Adéwalé is one of the companions Shay must track down and confront, it may seem like an unfair end to Adéwalé’s story, but again, I’m conflicted - mainly because Shay is supposed to be something of a villain.

Gameplay: The core of Rogue’s gameplay is not that much different from Black Flag’s: players explore the open world using Shay’s ship, the Morrigan, uncovering chests as well as collectibles, such as Templar maps (which are functionally the same as Black Flag’s treasure maps), animus fragments, pieces of a Viking sword, totems, shanties, and others. The Morrigan is upgradable, just like the Jackdaw, and Shay can use it to attack French ships to acquire resources such as wood, stone, metal, and cloth. Doing so will raise Shay’s notoriety, just as in Black Flag, but instead of lowering Shay’s wanted status by defeating enemies, Shay can only reset his wanted level by leaving an area until things quiet down. This made for a scaled-back version of ship combat and exploration, but it wasn’t a huge drawback to my gaming experience.

I did like that even though Rogue borrowed heavily from Black Flag, it did put its own spin on several gameplay elements to make them feel more integrated with the setting. For example, the weather at sea revolved more around cold weather than tropical weather, so instead of thunderstorms and cyclones, Shay was subject to icebergs and freezing water. Shay could also go hunting and craft like Edward, but the wildlife included new animals such as polar bears, arctic foxes, narwhals, and other North American or Arctic creatures. On land, Shay can intercept assassin contracts instead of accepting them, so instead of killing a target, Shay will have to protect a target by getting to the Assassin(s) before they can complete their mission.

Players are also able to unlock zones on the map by capturing forts, just like in Black Flag, but there are far fewer of these than in the game’s predecessor. Rogue relies a bit more heavily instead on “Assassin gang hideouts,” which function something like the Borgia towers in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood or the forts in Assassin’s Creed III. For each hideout, Shay must complete a number of objectives (like kill the gang leader, cut down the flag, sabotage a poison barrel), which will then unlock the area’s harbormasters and general stores. Doing so will also unlock renovations, which Shay can complete to increase his revenue, similar to how renovations gave Ezio an income in previous games.

Shay can also gain income by managing a fleet, similar to Edward’s fleet in Black Flag. Players capture ships via boarding them during gameplay, and then send them out on missions to “progress the Seven Years’ War.” Aside from the resources, which change a bit, this aspect of the game was functionally the same as Black Flag, so it was fairly familiar and didn’t take long to pick up.

In terms of weapons, Shay has access to the staples: hidden blade, pistols, smoke bombs, rope dart, etc. Shay can dual wield with a sword and dagger (rather than Edward’s two swords), but the change is mostly aesthetic. Shay also has access to sleep darts, berserk darts, and firecracker darts via an air rifle rather than a blowgun, but again, the change is mostly aesthetic. The biggest change to equipment is probably the grenade launcher, which can fire sleep, berserk, and shrapnel grenades to affect multiple enemies, and the presence of gas as an environmental weapon (the effects of which Shay can mitigate on himself by using a gas mask).

In terms of combat and stealth, not much is different. Shay can use eagle vision, hide in bushes or tall grass, whistle to draw enemies closer to him, etc. The only thing that’s tricky is that Assassin gang members will hide randomly in the environment, ready to take Shay out as he passes through. Shay can avoid attacks by listening for “whispers” and using eagle vision to spot Assassin thugs before they jump him.

I think that in sum, the lack of innovation regarding mechanics isn’t as bothersome as some people make it out to be. Because the “flavor” of the mechanics changed, I do think Rogue did a good job adapting what it could in the short amount of time it had. Enough is the same where picking up mechanics is easy if the player has completed Black Flag, but narratively, enough is different to make the experience at least feel tailored to the setting.

Visuals: Rogue’s primary strengths in terms of visuals lies in the unique settings and Shay’s Templar aesthetic. Although Rogue doesn’t have the beautiful tropical waters of Black Flag, I do think it rendered the snow-covered mountains well and made the world feel like a cold environment. It took the best elements of Assassin’s Creed III (the trees, the city layouts) and combined them with the spirit of exploration from Black Flag. I particularly liked exploring the shipwrecks, which were not underwater, but fused with ice to create fun sites where I felt like I was playing “the floor is lava” (the lava, in this case, was freezing cold water that could kill you).

I also really loved Shay’s Templar aesthetic, which consisted of a lot of fancy 18th century coats and vests, combined with a strong black and red color scheme. Everything from the Morrigan’s sails and captain’s cabin to Shay’s “house” in New York repeats this color scheme, which was a nice change from what we typically see of the Assassins. I also liked that a lot of Shay’s design contained nods to his Irish heritage, from the Morrigan’s hull to the knotwork details on his coat. It was a nice touch which made everything feel a little more personal.

In terms of animations, I didn’t notice anything that set Rogue apart from other games. Shay didn’t have appealing finishers, nor did I encounter a lot of bugs that affected my impression of the game. There are some here and there, but I’ve come to expect bugs in every Assassin’s Creed game, so...

Final Verdict: Although Assassin’s Creed Rogue replicates much of the gameplay from its predecessors, the complex protagonist, solid narrative structure, and unique settings make it a memorable game that gives players new insight into the Assassin-Templar conflict.

[ppaction]

Don’t Call 6-Week Abortion Bans “Heartbeat” Bills. Here’s Why.

The biased language in these bills has no basis in medicine or reality. They’re written to divert attention away from the fact that they ban abortion and hurt women.

Politicians who support six-week bans on abortion — which amount to complete bans on abortion — have hoodwinked traditional news outlets into amplifying political talking points that mask their true, harmful intentions. Among such talking points: “fetal heartbeat,” a manipulative term deployed to justify banning abortion early in pregnancy.

We call these politicians’ bills what they are: abortion bans. Read below to learn why you should, too.

How “Heartbeat” Language Misrepresents the Facts

Why do politicians and opponents of reproductive rights deploy provocative phrases such as “fetal heartbeat”? Because they evoke false images in people's minds — false images meant to make people view common and accepted health care as immoral and shameful.

In truth, the “fetal heartbeat” talking point is nonsense: misinformation intended to deceive the press and public. As gynecologist Dr. Jennifer Gunter explains, at six weeks of fetal development, there is no "heart" that beats — instead, there is detectable activity within a 4-millimeter wide growth known as a fetal pole:

“The politicians know exactly what they are doing as [the term ‘heartbeat’]  is a way of making a 4 mm thickening next to a yolk sac seem like it is almost ready to walk.”

—Dr. Jennifer Gunter

Why Politicians Want to Mislead You

Here’s why politicians manipulate public opinion with misleading terms: because they know their true agenda is deeply unpopular. Among proponents of six-week abortion bans are groups and individuals whose stated mission is to ban all abortion—even though support for Roe v. Wade and access to abortion is at a record high, with 73% of Americans in favor of protecting access to safe, legal abortion.

An ideologically extreme group called Faith2Action conjured the first six-week abortion bans in 2011. It bills itself as “the birthplace of the heartbeat bill,” and its website features model legislation for politicians to duplicate in their states.

Faith2Action is also an anti-LGBTQ hate group, founded by anti-abortion activist Janet Porter. Porter once served as legislative director at Ohio Right to Life, a group dedicated to banning access to abortion—and she subsequently led the Center for Reclaiming America, a group devoted to combating what it labeled the “radical homosexual agenda.” With full-page ads in major newspapers, Porter quoted gay people who “overcame” their sexual orientation through the dangerous, debunked practice of conversion therapy.

What to take from all this: The people behind six-week abortion bans need misleading talking points as cover for their dangerous—and unpopular—agenda.  

What Makes Misleading Anti-Abortion Language Dangerous

Writing an inaccurate phrase in legislation doesn’t convert it into a fact, or into a legitimate description of what politicians intend to do. Six-week bans block access to abortion before many women know they’re pregnant. Anti-abortion politicians’ talking points are crafted to mislead people about this basic fact.

If these laws take effect, depriving women of the constitutional right affirmed in Roe v. Wade, women will face the heartbreaking—and life-threatening—consequences of losing access to safe, legal abortion. Remember: In 1965, one out of every six women who died from pregnancy-related causes had obtained an illegal abortion—and that’s just according to official reports (doctors believe the actual number was higher).

Real Public Health Crises Ignored—or Made Worse

Some politicians pushing these six-week abortion bans have given lip service to promoting healthy pregnancies, but done nothing to confront real—and life-threatening—public health challenges that face people in their states. Maternal mortality rates across much of the United States have exceeded levels experienced in every other wealthy country — with people of color, especially Black women, dying at the highest rates. Yet anti-abortion politicians have lifted scarcely a finger to address this widespread, growing public-health crisis.

Consider the big picture in three states: Georgia, whose six-week ban awaits the governor's signature; Missouri, which has a six-week ban moving through its legislature; and Ohio, whose governor has signed a six-week ban into law.

In Georgia, maternal mortality rates rank second-worst in the country. Cardiovascular issues like cardiac arrest are a leading cause of death in childbirth. That includes a young Georgia mother named Kira, who bled for hours in the hospital before dying from cardiac arrest. The state of Georgia also has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. Georgia politicians have made these problems worse by refusing to expand Medicaid. The resulting funding shortfall has contributed to hospital closures in rural areas, depriving many women of color of access to maternal health care. Today, half of Georgia’s 159 counties have no obstetric providers.

In Missouri, maternal mortality rates are 50% higher than those recorded in the nation at large. Missouri also ranks among the nation’s 10 worst states for infant mortality. Experts say that a contributing cause is the state’s number of OB-GYNs per capita, which is among the lowest in the nation. A study of the country’s biggest cities, in fact, has found the most overworked OB-GYNs—those carrying the highest patient loads of areas without providers—are in St. Louis, Mo.

In Ohio, women face a triple threat: Abortion could be banned before many women know they’re pregnant, the state is “defunding” vital preventive reproductive-health care services, and President Trump’s gag rule could bar 76,000 low-income Ohioans who get preventive care like birth control through the Title X program from accessing that care at Planned Parenthood health centers.

It shouldn’t surprise you that Ohio also has among the nation’s worst maternal mortality rates, infant mortality rates, and OB-GYN shortages.

The takeaway: If politicians in these places cared about pregnant women and babies, they would work to increase access to health care.

When Do Anti-Abortion Politicians Mislead? All the Time

Politicians at the highest levels have used misleading talking points, misinformation, and outright lies about abortion and pregnancy to further their efforts to outlaw safe, legal abortion. Inflammatory language about abortion later in pregnancy, and claims of “abortion until birth,” remain part and parcel of efforts by anti-abortion politicians to shock Americans into supporting dangerous abortion bans nationwide.

Deceptive, medically unsound rhetoric about six-week abortion bans has to be examined with this track record in mind. Politicians and activists who spread these talking points have one motive: to ban abortion. They use pithy, attention-grabbing talking points in an effort to draw people — including the media, as well as everyday Americans — into giving their agenda the oxygen of amplification.

Why do anti-abortion politicians rely on such rhetorical tricks? Simple: they know their true agenda is outside the mainstream, and deeply unpopular. We’ve said it before, and will say it again: Support for Roe v. Wade and access to abortion is at a record high. In fact, 73% of Americans do not want women to lose their access to safe, legal abortion.

Abortion is also very common. Nearly one in four women in America will have an abortion in her lifetime. Every day, women across the country face the deeply personal decision of whether or not to continue their pregnancy.

Bottom Line: It’s a Ban

Don’t fall for disinformation. And don’t let the anti-abortion movement get away with hiding its agenda. Call these bills what they are: six-week abortion bans. There is no more accurate way to say it.