#goodbye rulebook

[lixiesfreckless]

Early | l. m.

➸ synopsis: God, you want him so bad it's almost pathetic.

➸ starring: lee minho x female reader

➸ word count: 2.5k

➸ general content: acquaintance!minho, reader is horrendously down bad, insane amounts of pining, like- this entire fic is just the reader pining for him lmao

➸ warnings: mentions of alcohol, mild swearing

➸ rating: teen+

➸ author’s note: I'd like to thank @ashonheavenscloud for the ending idea. sorry for the readers I'm about to blueball

♫ early- junny, soulbysel(THIS IS LITERALLY THE INSPO FOR THE FIC)

“Yeah, I can take her home.”

Ryujin claps a little too loudly, courtesy of the several drinks she had shotgunned an hour before.

“Thank you bestest older brother in the universe,” she slurs, wrapping her arms around the older man, who was furrowing his eyebrows in mild discomfort. You stand there awkwardly, already feeling like you were inconveniencing him as well.

As bad as you felt about it though, you couldn't help the nervousness creeping through your veins at the thought of being alone with Minho.

It's not as if you've never been alone with him. You have; just in transitional spaces. Waiting for the rest of the friend group to show up. Waiting for different trains at the metro station. Waiting for the closer mutual friend to come back from the restroom. Hell, him dropping you off wasn’t really any different.

You really don't talk to him much at all, which makes it all the more ridiculous that you even have a crush on him.

And yet, you just let it fester, held back by the classic best-friend’s-older-brother unofficial rulebook. But you think even if he wasn't related to Ryujin, you still wouldn't make a move, simply too shy to find out what was under his impenetrable blank stare and trademark doc martens.

After snatching up your purse, you quickly say goodbye to your friends before catching Minho at the door.

“Sorry about all this again–”

“I was already on my way out, don't sweat it.”

Minho holds the door to the club open for you, and you step out into the crisp coolness of night, trying to appear as collected as the man walking beside you.

“My car is just around the corner, I'm just gonna grab some water for you from the store, okay?”

You find yourself nodding, although you're barely paying attention; you are focusing on averting your gaze from his face, careful as to not give yourself any more daydreaming material.

His car has one of those proximity keys, so there's no cheerful chirp letting the block know that he's about to open the passenger side door for you. Which is how it should be, because that is not a monumental occasion.

Except oh my god, Lee Minho just opened the door for you to get into his car, you might as well be married at this point.

You watch as he disappears into the little corner convenience store, and returns in record time, barely giving you any time to rehearse any cool sounding conversation starters. Then again, it's not like there would be a long line at well past three in the morning.

Shit. You're in Lee Minho’s car going to your house at three in the morning.

Your thoughts are cut off by Minho jumping into the driver’s side, swiftly starting the car and dropping two bottles of water into the cupholders.

“You live right in front of the memorial park right?”

You settle on a hum, not trusting your voice to sound calm in the slightest as his hand reaches for the gear shift. Coincidentally, that's the same time you choose to take your bottle of water from the center console.

And this is how you learn that Minho’s hands are softer than they look.

You don't stand a chance against the tidal wave of thoughts that flood your mind immediately after the accidental contact, your mind suddenly reeling with images of his hands cradling your face, sliding behind your neck, around your waist, through your hair–

“Sorry,” you squeak out, immediately seizing the bottle and twisting it open, desperate for something to lower your rising body temperature. He actually chuckles in response, and the sound has you focusing on the cool leather seat against your bare back in an attempt to round up your remaining brain cells.

He pulls the car away from the curb, beginning what will probably be the longest ten minutes of your life.

There are some things you pick up on immediately.

For one, Minho predominantly drives with one hand.

You honestly don't get how he looks so relaxed doing it either, side profile completely at ease as his right hand absentmindedly taps on the gear shift. If you were in the driver's seat, both hands would be at 10 and 2 o’ clock, just like your driving instructor taught you. Which is exactly why you take the metro; you feel like a stressed suburban mom when you drive, but don't have the time to rewire your brain to make your hands sit at 8 and 4 o’ clock like everyone else.

But he looks like he's shooting a Hyundai commercial, hand resting comfortably on the top of the wheel as the soft orange glow of the dash illuminates his perfect nose bridge and perfect eyelashes–

“Are you cold?” 

“No, I’m good,” you reply, trying and failing to keep the questioning tone out of your voice.

“Sorry- thought I saw you shiver just now,” he chuckles, glancing at you and letting his eyes drop to your legs for a split second.

Honestly, you probably did shiver; just not from the cold.

Also, why on earth did you decide to wear this dress of all dresses tonight?

Backless and short with a halter neckline, one could call this a revenge dress if you had an ex. Except it’s starting to feel like revenge on yourself, because as fleeting as Minho’s glances towards you are, they never go unnoticed, and each one makes the hem feel an inch shorter.

Granted, the slope of the seat makes the skirt ride up anyways, so it was inevitable, but you can't pull it down—he would immediately think you lied to him about being cold. Or get the idea that you didn't want him to look at your legs. Which would be ridiculous; he's practically the whole reason you wore this dress in the first place. 

You're stretching your legs out before you can give it a second thought, and you don't miss the way Minho’s jaw sets, or how his finger stops drumming against the gear shift.

Now that made you more than a little curious.

The second thing you notice is Minho’s excellent taste in music.

You assume his phone automatically connected to the car once he turned it on, because no radio station you can list off the top of your head has beats this smooth. You've never considered what kind of music he would listen to, mostly because you were worried about what he would think of your music taste. 

But this? 

These are exactly the kinds of songs you would play if you wanted to set the mood. They sound like what the world looks like after the last hues of purple leave the horizon. Indigo. Whatever that means.

You can't help but wonder if he was trying to set the mood.

Oh god, you're almost to your apartment and you haven't said anything interesting since you left the club.

You steal a glance at his side profile, once again reminded that Minho can rock any hair color he chooses as the street lights reflect blue off of his jet black hair. It gives him a darker aura, one that stops most lingering gazes on him from ever getting closer. Sure, it's not much different from the color he had before, which was dark brown, but the change makes a difference. To you at least. 

You saw its effects in action, watching all night as girls at the club try to approach him to only end up shooting their shot with his companion, who was always eager to down tequila shots with bright eyes and cheeky smiles.

“The new hair looks good.”

“Didn't catch that,” he quickly says, turning down the volume of the music with his steering wheel and slowing to a stop at a red light.

“I like what you did with your hair.”

“Really? I honestly didn’t think anyone would notice.”

“The girls at the club sure did,” you half-laugh, and he turns to look at you in bewilderment.

“You think so?”

“You could have filled a swimming pool with how much they were drooling.”

Minho laughs. He actually laughs at something you said. The sound makes you so dizzy you think someone slipped something into your drink.

The feeling of the car sliding in next to the curb pulls you back down to reality in an instant.

He puts the car into park and you slump into your seat, not at all trying to hide how disappointed you are at your performance tonight.

“Thanks for driving me home,” you whisper, not daring  to look him in the eyes as you unbuckle your seatbelt.

“Anytime,” he says so casually, and maybe a bolder you would take him up on that offer.

Instead you nod and smile, and reach for the door handle.

“Y/n.”

You hum and look back at him, trying your best to ignore the turmoil in your stomach once your eyes meet.

“I…this might sound a bit odd, but can I use your bathroom?” He smiles crookedly. “My place is still a ways away–”

“Sure,” you say without thinking, and he nods and jumps out of the car. You definitely can't read into that. Maybe he really can't wait until he gets home. Maybe he doesn't want an excuse to be in your apartment past midnight.

Still, your hands tremble as you twist your keys in the doorknob.

You kick your heels off upon entering, and Minho follows suit, ditching his combat boots by the door as he awaits your instruction.

Looking up, you catch him watching you expectantly, and you indulge the attention before realization dawns on you.

“Oh– the bathroom, yes. Last door on the left, sorry,” you hastily choke out, shaking your head in embarrassment. He chuckles out thanks before sliding past you and disappearing around the corner.

Water. You need water.

The coolness of the marble counter feels good against your bare back as you lean against it, trying to get a grip as cold water rushes down your throat. Maybe you should just attempt to make a move on a different night, when you have a little more liquid courage running through your veins and he’s as hazy as he is handsome. Your mind wanders back to that blissful moment in the car, when he threw his head back in a fit of laughter. That felt so natural, so easy. Why couldn’t you make him do that all the time?

Well, maybe you could, but that requires talking to him regularly, which is something you only do in your daydreams.

Minho suddenly steps out of the bathroom and you fight the urge to choke on your water, setting the glass down on the counter as he approaches you.

“I take it you like jasmine?

“The flower?” The random trivia throws you off guard. “Yeah, it’s my favorite flower…how did you–”

“Everything in your bathroom is jasmine scented,” Minho chuckles, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets.

“Ah, well…I found it helps to match everything to your perfume so it seems to last longer.”

“So you’re saying my car should smell like jasmine when I go back?”

“Only one way to find out,” you say with a smile, internally crying over how you just created a seamless segue for him to leave.

He turns to go find his combat boots, and you punch the air, frantically looking for an excuse for him to stay. But he’s standing by the door too soon, running a hand through his silky black hair before giving you a wave goodbye.

“Goodnight Y/n.”

“Get home safe, Minho.”

The door opens, then closes, and you exhale a sigh of relief, or frustration. Most likely equal parts both.

Perhaps baby steps would be the way to go. You haven’t even texted him, and you want him to make a move? Maybe he thinks you aren’t interested because you haven’t exactly been forward.

Sighing, you move towards your kitchen table, and then you freeze. The universe has never given you a second chance so pointedly before. 

Minho left his keys.

You reach for your phone, deciding that calling him would be faster than chasing after him, but stop halfway through your contacts once you hear him knocking on the door.

“It’s open!”

He steps inside to see you twirling the key ring around your index finger, and you hold it out for him to take as you walk up to the door.

“I didn’t take you as the forgetful type,” you giggle.

“Let’s just say I was distracted.” He slides the metal ring off your finger, and you know the dip his eyes make isn't a trick of the light.

He turns to leave, even opening the door, but when he takes a step out and turns to look back at you, something shifts in his eyes. Like a cat that’s seen something move in its periphery.

And in your mind, it all happens so unbearably slowly. 

He would step back in without a word, moving slowly and soundlessly as he’d break eye contact just to watch the door click shut. You’d find yourself backing into the wall next to him, hands pressed flat by your sides as you’d try to make sense of his approaching silhouette under the dim lighting. 

It would feel all too real, his hands sliding around to the small of your back, his chest pressing into yours, his breath fanning across your face. Your breath would catch in your throat, and the first touch of his lips would be cautious, before diving in with unrestrained desire.

You’ve imagined what it would be like to kiss Minho a million times, and with your ever-descriptive reveries, it almost feels real as you ponder the different ways he could pin you against this wall, mouth hard against yours, or light and teasing with feathery brushes of his lips.

God, you want him so bad it’s almost pathetic.

So bad, in fact, that once he lifts the corner of his lips in a smile and turns to leave for the night, it takes everything in you not to throw caution to the wind, and spin him back around. Find out what Lee Minho tastes like for yourself.

But you don’t.

You watch him walk down your hall until he leaves your sight, and even after you’re gone, you spend at least another minute replaying the few moments you had with him tonight.

Next time, you think, chewing your bottom lip as images of kissing Minho resurface against your will. 

I’ll do something about him next time.

‧⋆ ✧˚₊‧⋆. ✧˚₊‧⋆‧

[boygiwrites]

Harley D. Dixon 6

An amazing edit inspired by this story! (Cred to Cora_Line99) Harley D. Dixon's Pinterest Board! Harley D. Dixon's Playlist!

📖Chapter List.

Author's Note. I'm back!

Sorry for the two-week wait, and thank you for your patience. I'm so lucky to have such wonderful readers :)

Please enjoy this chapter!

The CDC shuts down in ripples.

The ceiling lights are the first to shut off. The second-hand light from the sconces is next. The fixtures die one by one in a fluttering shockwave down the corridor, leaving the solid darkness to swallow us up as they go. Then the vents turn off, which give out one last breath of cold air before going still above our heads. After that, the electric humming in the walls power down; all those hidden wires, arteries of the CDC's pumping heart of a generator flat-lining all around us. I can't even see past my eyelashes, no more.

As a final goodbye, the neon exit sign cuts out. 

Then, that's it — Total darkness and total silence. Like being trapped inside a coffin underground. I'd never even noticed all the white noise that everything used to give off, but now that it's gone, I want it back. It feels so empty without it.

I become aware of the room again.

The fight has been put on hold. The snot in my nose and the tears in my eyes have been put on hold. It feels like all three of our heartbeats and even our breathing has been put on hold. The air bulges with angry, directionless energy.

I hold my breath for a long, long time, clutching the edge of the sofa like it's a teddy bear. 

The building has died.

How can a building die?

"What the Hell was that?" Shane's voice mutters from somewhere inside the darkness.

We hear distant machinery whirring down.

Shane calls the death of the CDC a what, instead of a who, because nobody in their right mind would kill the power here. This is the last place on Earth that should be without power. I think of mysterious scientific specimens going warm in fridges, and important computer codes being lost forever. I think of the oxygen supply down here going stagnant. No, people would die before they let this happen.

I get goosepimples down my arms.

Maybe someone already has.

"Harley." A tight whisper. "Where are you?"

W— Wait, was that Dad or Shane?

Boot-steps slowly approach me.

A big hand bumps into my shoulder and feels its way down my arm.

Who—? Who is that? It might be my Dad. He was closer, last time I could see him, but I don't know.

I don't know if this is the nice hand or the mean hand. It could be Shane's, who was reaching out to me, or it could be my Dad's, who was raising the belt. There aren't supposed to be nice hands and mean hands. That's stupid. Hands are hands. My Dad's hands rocked me to sleep when I was a baby, and they lifted me onto his shoulders when I was a toddler, and they soothe circles into my back whenever I have nightmares. They pinch my cheeks and brush my hair. Those are all nice touches. I should not be scared, and yet my body is telling me that if this is my Dad's hand, I should be.

I don't remember deciding that. It goes against everything I've ever been taught.

When the fingers reach my hand, I flinch away.

I realize I don't want my own Dad to touch me.

"Hey, it's me. It's just me."

Oh, it's— it's not my Dad.

It's Shane.

I shudder against the sofa like a petrified little bunny rabbit.

I keep my mouth sealed tight, refusing to answer.

Even now, I'm still thinking about the consequences to breaking my Dad's rules. Cops are lying bastards and they can't help us, is a phrase I've come to live by. I lived by it when I told Rick I wished he was dead, and I should live by it again, now. I should tell Shane to get away from me, because my Dad wouldn't want me talking to him. My Dad's word is law. He's the angel and the devil that have made their homes on my shoulders. He's my bible; my rulebook, the worm in my ear. He's never been wrong about anything. 

I'm so, so conflicted.

In one ear, I hear my Dad saying, Don't you fuckin' speak to her. In the other, I hear my heart, saying, Answer Shane. He'll help you.

Am I gonna get in trouble for this?

I stay quiet for so long that Shane decides to speak again.

"Are you hurt anywhere, Harley?" He murmurs.

There are rattling sounds in the background. I think my Dad's tryna open the panel for the back-up power, near the bookcase. I saw that there was one in almost every room. I hope he can't hear what Shane's saying.

"You need to tell me, sweetheart," Shane says, "So I can help you. Okay?"

Shane's still using his police-man voice, but it's not the one that he must use on criminals. It's not the one he used on my Dad. It's softer, gentler. It's the one he must use on people he's saving. He's letting me know that he's my friend; he's going to help me. Nobody has ever helped me with this, before. I didn't know I was supposed to need help. I thought getting beat was just a part of life.

Sometimes, cops don't have to be brave in the face of danger. They have to be brave in the face of crying children, and bloody teddy bears, and angry men wearing wedding rings. I know, 'cause the cops used to be out the front of our neighbour Tristan's house almost every night. Their emergency car lights would dash across my bedroom window in the middle of the night. They were the color of toxic frogs — red-blue, red-blue, red-blue — like the ones I'd see on the Discovery channel during the day, so bright that they warn all the other animals to stay away. When I peeked through the shades, I'd see Tristan's Dad on his porch, putting on a charming smile as they questioned him. Then the police would knock on our door and ask my Dad what he heard. He'd tell them things like, yelling, dishes being thrown at walls, crying. They'd scribble it down on a tiny notepad, and that's exactly where it stayed, every single time. Nobody ever came to save Tristan. I wonder if Shane has seen a house like that; if he knows the signs of broken people.

I wonder if he knows more about what I'm going through than I do.

But I'm not broken. I don't need saving. My Dad is nothin' like Tristan's Dad; nothin' like Sophia's. That's why the cops were never outside our house. That's why I'm smarter than the other kids, 'cause I know that even though my Dad hits me, it only makes me better.

Panicked, I silently shake my head, no.

By answering Shane, I'm bending my Dad's rules just a little bit, but maybe I can convince him that I don't need any help at all. He can just scribble my life onto a scrap of paper and throw it in the wind, and I won't ever have to feel this way again. I'm only answering to make him go away.

"What was that?" Shane whispers.

I feel him tilt his ear closer to my mouth.

Oh, right. He can't see me. It's too dark. I have to gain the courage to answer all over again. I take a deep, deep breath. It shakes in my throat.

"No." I whisper, glancing over to where the rattling is coming from; where my Dad is standing on the other side of the room. I make my voice steady; believable. "Not hurt."

"Anywhere?" Shane questions, making me worry he doesn't buy it. His voice is the stern police-voice again, like he's interrogating me; like my answer is very, very important and he's going to stash it away somewhere to use later. That makes me even more anxious. I don't want this to get brought up again, not ever, and especially not by Shane. I just want to forget about all this.

"No." I say again, hiding the pink, chafed skin on my wrist as if he can see it.

There's a pause. I wait.

Then he speaks again, but in the nice voice.

"Okay. Very good, Harley."

The rattling becomes a slam, and I jump.

"Nothin'. Whole place is dead." My Dad's voice comes. The panel squeaks on its hinges. Then, "Where is everybody?"

Oh. I realize that we should be hearing our people. Where are they? There should be doors opening and foot-steps pattering around. We should be hearing Carol comforting Sophia, and Rick reassuring everyone that we'll figure this out. We should be hearing Glenn asking questions, and Dale asking even more from the next room over. There should be confusion all up and down the corridor. There should be voices, everywhere.

I focus very hard on the silence.

There's nothing.

"I don't know." Shane admits.

"You don't know?" My Dad mocks him, angry. "You's the last one with 'em."

"Hey. All I know is that the water got shut off 'bout ten minutes ago. We were all washing up after dinner; sinks just went dry. I was headed back down here to check how much bottles of the stuff we got left when I ran into you." He lets out a big breath. "Think we all know how that went."

Found you beatin' the shit outta your own kid, the silence says all too loudly. It stretches for so long that I almost start to think that their voices were hallucinations the whole time, and that I'm actually alone. But no, there's a warm hand in mine, and beside me, there's breathing. Heavy breathing. Angry breathing. I can tell that they both still want to kill each other. Shane was designed to hate people like my Dad, and my Dad was designed to hate people like Shane right back. They don't even gotta know anythin' about each other, except that we come from two entirely different worlds that weren't meant to mix.

"Yeah, well ya found us. Congrats." Dad's voice comes shootin' back. "You know why the water got shut off in the first place?"

Right. The water.

"No, but I reckon it's got somethin' to do with the power dying." Shane forces himself to answer. "You got a flashlight in y'all's room?"

There's a tightly-wound pause, and then my Dad spits, "Yeah."

"Looks like we won't be stumblin' around in the dark for much longer, then." Shane sighs. "Find the flashlight and try re-group. That's the plan."

"Let's get on with it." Dad's voice snaps. "Harley, let's go. I'm over here. Come grab my hand."

I freeze.

I'm holding Shane's hand already, and he doesn't even know.

Do what Dad says. My Dad has lots of rules for me, but this is the simplest one I've ever had to follow. I've never needed to think about it, just like I've never needed to think about how to breathe, or blink, or digest food. My body just does it all on its own — Ain't no thinking involved. Even a moron could follow this rule, and my Daddy ain't raised no moron. But I'm still sitting here on the floor, like a big, stupid moron, 'cause following this rule ain't comin' so naturally this time. It ain't like blinking, no more. It's like swallowing a rock.

I hear Dad let out a breath at my silence, either impatient, or desperate, or both. "Harley," He grinds out. "Come here."

I don't want to run to my Dad, but if I stay with Shane, I'll just be getting myself into even more trouble. I can't decide which is worse.

I don't know what to do. 

"Dad, I'm scared."

I almost can't believe I just said that.

I'm scared of the war that's going on inside my head. I'm scared of how I'm clinging onto a police officer's hand, and I'm scared of how my body isn't doing what it knows best, which is to find comfort in my own Dad. I'm scared that nobody's taught me how to feel this way. I'm scared that I'm already in trouble again. I'm scared of what it means when I say I don't want my Dad to touch me. I'm scared.

I'm just so, so scared.

"Don't—" My Dad tries, but then I hear him take a steadying breath, like the words got cracked to pieces inside his throat and he needed to swallow them down. I wait. There's so much I want him to say. I want him to tell me that he knows what's happening to me; that he knows what's wrong with me, and he knows why I can't take a simple beating, and he knows how to fix me. He can fix car engines and broken furniture, so maybe he can fix me, too. I want him to tell me that even though he hurt me, he loves me. I want him to apologize and scold me all at the same time. My Dad finds the words again, and he whispers them to me. "Don't be scared, baby."

I try to regulate my breathing. He's taught me how to do that, before. Maybe I can at least get that right.

"Now come here." My Dad's voice armors itself again. "I'm not askin' you again."

I feel Shane's hand flex.

"Daryl, how 'bout you cover front?" He suggests, but not because he really wants that. "Me and Harley can take up the rea—"

"No need for that." Dad declines. "She's fine wit' me. She knows that. Harley, c'mere."

Yeah, I— I know that. My Dad is the toughest man in camp, and he knows how to keep me safe better than any cop. I know that.

Shane pipes up again. "I just thin—"

"Hang on a second." Dad dismisses. "Harley. Baby, come over here."

Shane answers for me. "She doesn't have to do that."

"I ain't talkin' to you. Harley. Last time. Come here."

I think this is a test, or— or maybe it's just more begging. He's trying to gauge just how scared I really am.

Even though Shane's crouched right beside me, ready to defend me from whatever comes my way, I forget all about him until it's just me and my Dad in the room. I think my Dad's forgotten all about Shane, too; forgotten that he wants to kill him. This is more important to him right now.

It's like the night in the RV again, where my Dad scolded me for picking at my bandage but gave me a kiss afterwards. It was his way of telling me, I disciplined you, but I still love you. I know I could just get up right now, walk over to him and grab his hand like he wants me to, and I'd be telling him, You disciplined me, but I still love you. It would show him that I'm not afraid of him. It would show him it's all forgiven. It would show him that even though I was hurt, I'll recover.

I could, but something is stopping me. I just can't do it. I can't make myself get up.

Choosing to stay with Shane is the lesser of two evils, I decide, so I cower against the sofa and stay right where I am.

For so long that I don't remember ever thinkin' otherwise, I've been taught that even a spanking is a nice touch. It might hurt in the moment, and I might even cry, but it teaches me to never do what I did wrong again. If a dog is smacked upside the head for rippin' up a shoe, it's never gonna touch that shoe again. If I'm smacked upside the head for doin' somethin' dangerous, I'll never do it again. Discipline keeps me safe, and smart, and ready. I wanna be all of those things. My Dad wants me to be those things, too, 'cause he loves me. I've been spanked so many times that I couldn't count even if I used all my fingers and all my toes, but I always picked myself up right afterwards. I'd even feel proud of myself for taking it.

But with each second that passes, I think my Dad is realizing right alongside me that something is actually wrong this time. Whether it was the belt, or the fact we were arguing about my Momma, I don't know. But something broke and it ain't fixing itself, not this time. I'm not getting up. I'm not running to him. I don't forgive him. I'm not okay, and I am scared. I'm even choosing a damn cop over him.

I think that with each second that passes, we lose something that we're never getting back.

"You really gonna make me say it again?" My Dad's voice pretends to be an angry voice, but it takes on a nervous wobble that I ain't never heard before.

He's always told me that being afraid is a sign of weakness, and that I ain't weak — I'm brave. I'm his brave girl.

I want to be brave. I want to, I swear, but I can't help being scared.

"Harley. Please get over here." 

I still do not get up.

After a while, he just can't stand trying to beg me no more; can't stand the thought of his own daughter being afraid of him. He's done asking. It's time to do what he does best, which is not giving me a choice in the matter.

"Harley! Come here!"

Even officer Shane flinches.

As if I've just been shot at, I jump to my feet. I scurry through the darkness toward my Dad's voice. Shane's fingers snag on the back of my shirt, and I almost knock into three different hidden pieces of furniture, but I make sure I get over there like my life depends on it. There's that strange blockage in my body again, screaming at me that I shouldn't be doin' this, just as it would scream at me if I was running into a burning house. I can't listen to it. I can't listen to my own body, or my heart, or even my own voice, and I don't know why I ever thought I could, 'cause my Dad's voice is the only one that matters. I bump into his hip, and he catches me; grabs my arm. I try not to gasp.

I can't see it exactly, but when he squats a little to get in my face, I can imagine his frowning brows and his flaring nostrils.

"You're fine wit' me." He says, laying each word down very slowly. "You know that, don't you?"

He's not asking, no more. I am not afraid. I just have to believe this.

"I know."

No, I don't. Not completely. There will never be a moment in my life again where I know that. If I ever break a rule or anger my Dad, I'll be glancing at his pants-line, anticipating the clink and the rustle and the whip. I'll only feel safe in half-measures, 'cause even if I have memories of my Dad singing me to sleep, and patiently teaching me to fish, and cutting the crusts off my bread, and joking with me on early morning bike-rides, my body has a memory of its own — Tonight. 

I've learnt another lesson. Be afraid of Dad.

"Alright." He hesitates to say, grabbing onto my hand. I wonder if he even believes his own words. It doesn't matter. We don't have enough time to figure this out, not right now. The CDC is dead, and our friends are missing. "Let's go. Shane, you can take up the damn rear on yer own."

I can hear more of that angry breathing behind us.

"Lead the way, buddy."

I am very glad to leave the games room.

Author's Note.

This chapter KICKED. MY. ASS.

I'm sorry there's only one scene. I just needed to post it so I could get it out of my mind, and be able to move on. For some reason I totally lost my writing groove on this one. I was feeling very frustrated with how it was turning out, and I had to write about six other drafts before I finally came across one that felt right, which is the one you just read. At long last, I made it out alive!! I hate writer's block.

Hope you enjoyed reading. As always, sending love! :)

[carecrowgames]

Yazeba Read Through #4

We are on Page 18 now, and I am extremely excited, as it seems we have actually entered the rules this time folks! And I thought that might make me go less granular .. BUT as I said I have been wondering how the book would begin to explain to its reader what it actually is, so I just have to immediately hone in on the second sentence of the page.

It's a bed & breakfast of course but it's also this book right here.

There is something about stating these two as a dual existence that just works so well with the magical realism of the bed and breakfast itself. I guess I also just love when a fictional world gets legitimacy as existing similar to how the book (or in this case pdf) does

The playful voice from the welcome section continues here, but as it invites you to explore the bed and breakfast it also gains a gentle tone. The specific metaphor used, the sprawling bed and breakfast standing in for the complexity of a rulebook, both promising to become easily navigateble after some guidance, somehow manages to make both of them a more imaginable space. My mind begins to draw in what's missing within my image of one one with what I know of the other and conjures my own experiences of sprawling social spaces to lend familiarity and extrapolate development over time. I find myself remembering how I got used to life in the computer science faculty until it’s sprawling series of laboratories and hallways were simply another home.

I get away being able to imagine both Gertrudes life in the b&b after months and years pass and my own potential relationship to the version of it that could manifest in my games in it.

This is where the melancholic Amelie OST (the fact that this movie has the same name as one of the residents will break me oh my god. I am only noticing now) reminds me that at some point in this book there are late chapters, the last of which is Goodbye Yazeba and I have to wonder how much this is going to be a story that will have to end. What I can also imagine is the late chapters giving a number of open ending points, that would still allow you to replay some chapters, but this also feels like the kind of story that at some point just. Ends. I think I would find myself feel very content and sad in the healthy measures about that.

As a note, I am delighted to see the playlist I'm making for this already influencing how I interact with the book. The fact that the moon princes melancholic longing was able to carry forward to make me think about how this story might end is just really cool. Can recommend the method!

And now we get the confirmation that there are parts of the book that are off limits to start with - a super cool decision for a ttrpg book honestly. Explaining the choice by likening it to the way some parts of a bed and breakfast might be off limits to a new visitor is so clever too. It continues to build the book-building double reality, and in that playful way puts rules for reading the book down without having to spend much time explaining them immediately. It just makes sense this way!

This is also why this reading experience is extremely different for me than the usual ttrpg book I read. Normally I would have jumped immediately to the playbooks, read up on central mechanics and started browsing different parts of the book as I put some first session prep together. And I know that's not how other ttrpg books are intended to be read either, but the way Yazeba specifically presents itself as overlayered fiction book / bed & breakfast / ttrpg makes me want to engage with it as an authored experience more then I tend to with a ttrpg book, that invites me more to approach it as a box of toys.

 If i were to read it like I usually do though, this is where I would actually feel invited to start jumping, as the page continues to lay out how exactly Yazebas Bed and Breakfast is played it gives us all the needed key elements to get started, and importantly all of their page numbers.

I find this whole buildup so far works really well for me. We've been invited layer for layer to the fantasy and fiction of Yazeba, got first impressions of its central cast, narrative hooks to go along with then and some character voices to lead us along when trying to play them.

Now the book is pointing all the unruly readers with no attention span, who might have been hooked by the fiction, but won’t stay long for rules explanations (that’s normally me!) to exactly where the toys are - with just enough context to use them well. The rest, I would feel if I took on that mindset, can be figured out in play.

I really appreciate when a game recognizes, that not all its players are going to approach it the same way. Laying out different courses through it, that reward different interests and needs is a great way to do so.

The entire part laying out the rhythm of play is wonderfully efficient btw. Every section is at most 3 sentences long, contains bold keywords to keep attention going and manages to leave me with a good grasp of what's going on. For how gigantic this book is, making such short work of the overview feels very restraint, I'm super impressed.

I also love how encouraging the language is. You WILL be able to confidently guide your friends. Remember to take breaks, the bed and breakfast will wait. Rules often are hard for me to keep focus on mentally, and I know for many they can be overwhelming. The use of a strong, friendly and guiding voice here I think really helps keep the mind motivated.

In honor of that, the new song added to the playlist is Ben E. Kings “Stand by me” which, is a song that has symbolized a vibe of positivity and support for me since years now.

Speaking of language, the Nouns for the mechanics integrate so very well into the fantasy. Concierge for the facilitator for example is very flavorful. I feel like this book makes a consistent effort to make the feeling of playing the game make you feel like you’re a part of the b&b and that rules. In addition, Whoopsies and Bingos as names for what I’m pretty sure are going to be weak and strong moves feels like they very much help reinforcing the genre space, making the characters feel less mechanic and more like people with fuckups and cool moments to come, you know?

But now I’m really getting ahead of myself. Afterall the section is about the flow of play and I have not talked at all about it yet!

Let's get this out first: chapters are so cool! They are so cool it makes me want to work out my thoughts on them so bad, that I forget we don't even know much about them yet as far as the book goes. I already know a bit on how they look like from the ashcan (which released along the indiegogo campaign), but that only leaves me burning to revisit them as part of this more!

In addition, i think this is where we actually see how powerful the fiction book/ttrpg double-life the book is living is in communicating information. It is obvious from the text that chapters are at the core of playing out life at the bed and breakfast, being the thing characters are used to play, and putting out what is needed to unlock more chapters and characters (more on that in a sec). They are how you interface with life in the bed and breakfast, but that alone would not give much of an impression of what they are. But the name *chapters* and the consistent fiction book/ttrpg duality that has been build up, immediately conjures the kind of stories they will tell in your mind. We already know what it is like to read a chapter in a story, now our mind is left to ponder what it will be like to play them.

Excitingly, we have learned how unlocking works now!! As I said I already knew how to play a chapter from the Ashcan, but with added context much more about it is coming together. The way the loop works feels super elegant to me. You get familiar with characters and their connected narrative threads, you look at what chapters you are able to play and which might allow you to explore what you are interested in, you slot in your preferred characters and play to find out what happens, you go and check what characters and chapters you’ve unlocked and that gives you new chapters to pull on more threads, and new characters to explore and play with. The entire thing feels a lot like a narrative exploration loop I would design for a video game, which is actually the second time in today’s session that I was reminded of video game design specifically (the first being the way the page numbers create a dynamic playspace that can be explored based on player preference). I am fascinated to see these strategies implemented with how you interact with the BOOK instead of in play loops only.

Talking about game mechanics, the whole Shelf, Journey and Track system reminds me a bit of achievement systems. Which in turn makes me wonder if the game will invite us to look at the potential unlocks and what we’ll need to do for it beforehand. If it did it would give extra incentives to explore the chapters as well as extra prompts of what to do with them. If it doesn’t it makes for nice surprises. I am super curious about this!

As a last note on the page for now, Mementos you can put on your Shelf is another one of these amazing images, that already makes me nostalgic for experiences I didn’t even have yet. It actually reminds me of my favorite game Signs of the Sojourner ~ maybe I’ll add an ost from that game to the playlist at some point.

Aand I think that’s about it for the day. I might actually have even more notes on this tomorrow, but I need to sleep at some point don’t I.

See you tomorrow as we enter Page 19: Characters.

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

you can find my other Yazeba readthrough posts under #zeebthrough!

Preorder the game on https://possumcreekgames.com/pages/yazebas-bed-breakfast

[goat-and-a-pig]

Chapter 3

“Ford?” The stranger asked, a bewildered look on his face.

Icarus promptly whacked him unconscious with his D, D, & More D rulebook.

“Icarus! Did you just kill him?!?” Mabel exclaimed, coming out of hiding. “No, just unconscious. Here, help me drag him into the closet- we can’t let Bill see him!” Mabel nodded, and they pulled him into the closet. When he was finally stuffed in there, Bill floated up and called for Icarus.

“Hey, whatcha doing up there?” Icarus startled. “Uh, we were just, uh, debating on whether it’s better to play as an elf or a magician in Dungeons, Dungeons, and More Dungeons! I was just looking for my D, D, & More D character guide up here!” He pulled it off of the shelf. “Found it,” he added weakly.

Bill sighed. “Alright, just come down here. I have news for you!” Icarus perked up and slid down the rail. “Icarus,” Bill warned him. “Sorry, sorry. So, what is it? Did you travel to another dimension? Ooh, did you finally hear from your mysterious contact? Or can I go-”

“Icarus!” Bill interrupted. “Please! I have a headache! And quit the rambling, you know I hate it!” Icarus’ shoulders drooped. “Oh. Sorry, Bill.” Bill sighed, then apologized. “It’s fine. You were just excited. Anyway, I’m sorry for the way I shut you down yesterday, so as a make-up gift, is there anything you want? I’m open to suggestions.” Icarus knew that Bill was truly saying he never wanted to speak of this again, and Icarus had a man in his closet he needed to interrogate, so he quickly gathered a plan to keep Bill away for a bit. “Well, could you perhaps see if the new Sibling Brothers book is out? I’ve been waiting for it forever.” He took a deep breath, hoping Bill would take the bait.

“You know that that is a very long and tiring journey to find something like that on the market-” He broke off, then changed his mind. “But if that’s truly what you want, then it’s yours.” Icarus had succeeded! “Thank you Bill,” he whispered gratefully. “Yeah, yeah.” Bill waved him off. “I’ll get going now. You fix yourself some food, eat, then go to bed, you insufferable mortal,” he said lovingly. Icarus smiled and bid him goodbye.

It was time to interrogate the human from his world.

[aeaeaexxzd]

what doesn't make any sense about Ambers death is that none of her relatives or parents were there to say goodbye ? or even showed or mentioned ? like its just wilson ??? a guy shed been dating for a few months... bad writing imo. the finale is very cringe. like it was ok. but the previous seasons were better and more believable. i liked that the season finale in season 2 and 3 sortof overlapped. it got more serious right at the start of the season instead of the end. season 4 was just sooo 'straight from the rulebook tv'. but i also cant blame them because thats just 2007. like wilson finding the note under the pillow, the whole ordeal surrounding amber dying ... it was so extra and still came off as shallow and too easy, very hurried.

[gamesception]

Unlike the 'they don't read the playtest feedback' bit, the rumors/leaks here all track and I expect to be basically accurate. Thoughts below cut.

.....

Setting aside for a moment the issue of the OGL and the 3rd Party Publishing community and even the brewing legal battle between Hasbro/WotC and existing VTTs, and just looking at what all of this likely means for the upcoming new edition of D&D as a ttrpg and nothing else, things still kind of look bad.

Weekly digital releases as the primary vector for new game content, with phsyical books as collectors items, ensures that content glut will crush 6e as surely as it did 4e, while those who want to stick to physical rulebooks will have to pay out the nose for them - and if you miss the initial release you may not be able to pick up a supplement at all.

Negative impact on the game even for physical world player groups won't be limited to weekly content glut either, as the VTT focus will ensure that no 1st party rules or mechanics will be published for 6e that can't be fully implemented in the video game space, while WotC's moves to alienate the 3pp community will mean you won't have much in alternative content options for 6e to make up the difference. So you can say goodbye to esoteric, interesting rules and imaginative abilities that let you do things in D&D that just wouldn't be possible in a video game.

If you forget the tabletop roots and judge 6e as a live service online multiplayer game, then things look even worse. The WotC VTT will be unavoidably lacking compared to already established alternatives like Destiny or Genshin or Fortnight or League or WoW or Final Fantasy 14 or Guild Wars 2 - full featured video games - many of them free to play - capable of such modern marvels as real time combat, play sessions demanding less than four hours of your time, and underlying game math more complicated than a middle schooler can do in their head.

Basically, because they're making 'D&D the tabletop game the video game' instead of just a separate D&D video game, it still has to be at least theoretically playable /as/ a pen & paper tabletop game with no computers involved. As such, 6e will have all the constraints of both a video game and a tabletop game, leaving it unable to employ the unique potential of either medium. Even if they weren't also saddling it with weekly content glut, even if they hadn't made the entire player community angry going in, even if they weren't trying to carve out space in an already overcrowded 'live service' market - one where dozens of more promising and better funded offerings from more established publishers get mercilessly culled every year, even if 3rd party publishers and VTTs simply gave up the fight and quietly disappeared into that good night... even if 6e were facing none of the many other fatal roadblocks in its path, this alone would doom the entire 6e project to mediocrity and ultimately failure.

Maybe Hasbro could have turned the D&D brand into a major cash cow, but not by directly monetizing the tabletop game itself as though it were a mobile game. Rather, they needed to treat the ttrpg the way Disney treats Marvel comics or the way Nintendo and the Pokemon Corporation treat the actual main line pokemon video games - as IP farms to generate and test content that then gets spun out into a wider media and merchandising empire. Sadly they've already done enough damage to the brand that I'm not sure they could pull this off now if they wanted to.

6e, despite what I felt was a promising start in the first couple play test documents, pretty much cannot succeed at this point - not the way WotC's execs want it to, but not even as a just a stand alone game in spite of those execs, no matter how skilled and well intentioned the ground level developers are. The way I see it, we're headed towards an even more spectacular failure than 4e. Hopefully it will be quickly followed by a 7e walk back as dramatic as what we saw in 5e, and we can all start joking about odd numbered D&D editions being good and even numbered editions being trash fires.

[themistechnologies01]

UK Tech Market Updates

Are you new to the newsletter?

Each week, I delve into the latest trends and developments in the UK tech market.

Let's explore what's new.

Big Tech Boosts Britain!

Tech’s getting a turbo boost in the UK, with fresh investment streaming into British data centers! The Tech Secretary recently welcomed new funding aimed at boosting the UK’s digital infrastructure, promising a future where data centres are primed to support AI innovation and economic growth.

So, here’s what that means : more jobs, smarter tech, and a stronger economy! Imagine faster internet, smarter AI, and a tech scene that’s positively buzzing. With this funding, the UK could soon lead the way in digital infrastructure and innovation.

My take? This investment puts Britain right in the digital spotlight, setting us up for the future with some serious tech swagger. So, whether you’re into AI, the economy, or just happy about faster downloads, get ready—Britain’s tech future is looking bright!

Big Tech Goes Nuclear for a Cleaner, Greener Future!

Big Tech has found its new power move—and it’s nuclear! With the demand for data skyrocketing, especially thanks to AI, tech giants are looking to nuclear energy as a clean, powerful solution. Companies like Microsoft and Google are diving into nuclear investments to keep up with massive data demands while reducing their carbon footprints. As renewable sources struggle to meet the 24/7 energy needs, nuclear promises a consistent, eco-friendly power source.

In simpler terms, they’re saying goodbye to ‘dirty’ energy sources and opting for a more sustainable future for all. Think of it as an upgrade from your everyday battery to a powerhouse that doesn’t quit! With Big Tech going all-in on sustainability, AI’s environmental impact might just be a thing of the past.

So, keep your eyes on the grid, because Big Tech’s going nuclear could mean a cleaner, greener digital world!

Google’s Latest Move: Watermarking AI Text! 

Google just dropped a game-changer—tech that watermarks AI-generated text! That’s right, now AI-written content can have a digital “signature” so you know what’s written by bots versus us humans. Why? Well, with AI-generated content flooding the internet, it's getting tougher to tell what’s real and what’s… robotically real. Google’s watermarking tech aims to bring transparency and trust to online content by helping users spot AI-created text quickly.

Yes, you read that right!

This is Google’s way of saying, “We love our AI, but let’s keep it honest, folks!” It’s like giving AI its own “authenticity badge” so we all know who—or what—we’re listening to. Imagine being able to scroll and spot AI text without a double-take. It’s genius! Plus, it’s high time we had a little tech honesty, right?

Cheers to a future where we can tell if it's our buddy GPT or a real-life writer behind those words!

From Homeless to Headlining: Dean Forbes Tops UK’s Powerlist!

Dean Forbes, once homeless, has risen to become the UK’s most influential Black person of 2025, as celebrated in The Powerlist. Dean Forbes, CEO of Forterro, turned his life around with relentless ambition and now stands as a role model in tech and beyond.

Forbes’ journey is a testament to resilience and vision, proving that backgrounds don’t define futures. With Forterro, he’s driving innovative business strategies and showing that the tech world can be diverse and inclusive at the highest levels. Recognized as a leader who hasn’t just broken barriers but rewritten the rulebook, Forbes' journey reminds us all of the power of determination and hard work.

In a world where stories of success often overlook the struggles, Dean Forbes’ ascent to the top is a true highlight—and it shows that big dreams can happen, no matter where you start.

Dean Forbes: a name to remember, and a story to admire.

Apple’s Satellite Service for UK Roadside Emergencies

UK iPhone users now have access to satellite-powered emergency messaging. Yep, that means even without signal bars, help is just a message away.

The new feature lets stranded drivers contact roadside assistance via satellite when they’re out of mobile range. This service is designed for the unexpected—think of it as a lifeline for when your phone has a better chance of talking to the sky than the nearest cell tower. For now, it’s for iPhone 14 and 15 users, giving those with the latest tech an added layer of peace of mind.

So next time your car decides to nap mid-journey, just look up (literally), and let Apple’s satellites handle the rest.

This is Apple’s high-tech way of saying, “We’ve got your back.” A simple tap to request help in the middle of nowhere could save a day—or at least save you from a very long walk!

Subscribe to this newsletter to stay updated on the latest news from the UK Tech.

What do you think of this newsletter? Drop a message on my LinkedIn or Instagram.

[sdntech]

🌟 Cisco Intersight: Your Cloud-Based Data Center Hero! 🌟

Hey there, data center dynamos! 👋 Ever wished you could manage your UCS servers and HyperFlex systems from a single, centralized cloud portal? Well, Cisco Intersight is here to make your dreams come true! 🤩 Let's dive in!

What's Intersight all about?

Cisco Intersight is a cloud-based management platform designed to simplify and streamline your data center operations. It's like having a personal assistant for your servers and hyperconverged infrastructure! 🤝

Why you'll love Intersight:

Centralized Management: Say goodbye to juggling multiple tools and consoles. Intersight lets you manage your UCS and HyperFlex systems from a single, easy-to-use web interface. It's like having a command center for your data center! 🌐

Proactive Monitoring: Intersight keeps a constant eye on your infrastructure, providing real-time insights and alerts. It's like having a security guard that never sleeps! 🛡

Automation and Orchestration: Intersight automates repetitive tasks and workflows, freeing up your time to focus on more important things. It's like having a personal robot assistant! 🤖

Policy-Based Management: With Intersight, you can set policies to enforce consistent configurations across your environment. It's like having a rulebook for your data center! 📜

Easy Troubleshooting: When issues arise, Intersight provides detailed diagnostics and guided remediation to help you resolve problems quickly. It's like having a built-in troubleshooting expert! 🔍

Getting Started with Intersight:

Sign up for a free Intersight account at intersight.com.

Add your UCS and HyperFlex systems to your Intersight account.

Start exploring the platform and enjoy the power of centralized management!

Intersight is here to make your data center life easier, so give it a try and see the difference for yourself! 💻🌟 Until next time, stay cloud-connected! 💫

[alyssalikestoreadbooks]

Borrow My Heart - Kasie West

"When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friend for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day—and pretends to be his online crush. A young adult romance from the critically acclaimed author of Places We've Never Been.

Wren is used to being called a control freak. She doesn’t care; sticking to the list of rules she created for herself helps her navigate life. But when a cute guy named Asher walks through the door of her neighborhood coffee shop, the rulebook goes out the window.

Asher is cute, charming . . . and being catfished by his online crush. So Wren makes an uncharacteristically impulsive decision—she pretends to be the girl he's waiting for to save him from embarrassment. Suddenly she’s fake-dating a boy she knows nothing about. And it’s . . . amazing.

It's not long before Asher has her breaking even more of her own rules. But will he forgive her when he finds out she's not who she says she is? Wren's not so sure. . . . After all, rules exist for a reason."

Read Date - August 2024

Length - 320 Pages

Genre - Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult

Rating - 6/10

Stars - ★★★☆☆

Notes - I've said this in the past, but i think its SO CUTE when books have little quirks or unique features. This book features "rules" at the start of each chapter! i love it. I love how nerdy Asher and Wren are, and the way they converse with each other is just so sweet. The fake identity thing is REALLY interesting and i can't wait to see how that plays out. It's interesting to see how Wren has to deal with Karen's at the animal shelter, and the dynamics of different people is so cool. The concept of Wren reverse-catfishing Asher is genuinely very cool to me and i think it's very interesting the way that it's all played out. Asher slowly falls in love with her, and Wren breaks all her rules. On top of this all, she's lying to him, and hiding the truth. The reveal that Wren creates these rules to protect herself from her mother is heartbreaking, and it makes sense psychologically. The drama between Wren and her mom is such a smart way to draw a divide between the sisters, and Wren wants to make up for it by going on a trip with her sister to her moms. Involving social media in the efforts to get Bean adopted was such a smart and cute thing. I love all the different events, and how people come out of their comfort zone to make it all happen. The reveal that Asher knew the entire time is breath releasing like oh my god yesssss i love this trope. Wren's mom ditching them again is a good way for the author to get Wren's sister to realize that she's a deadbeat parent, without having to manufacture too much drama to create it. Dale and Asher posting the videos about the catfish to go viral literally has anxiety spiked in my chest, like I can't believe he would do that. I don't think this is redeemable imo because Wren is such a shy and reserved person who doesn't like to be on social media and this just betrays her trust despite what she may say. It's a great wrench thrown into a dynamic where she started out the bad guy, and Dale is trying to paint her slightly that way (unintentionally) by doing so. I had to skip some parts because its a hard cringe read when Wren finds out that he's used her to go viral. Bean getting adopted before Wren could say goodbye was so heartbreaking and it literally makes me want to CRYYYY THAT WAS HER BABBYYYYY!!!! Her eventually getting to see him again is so sweet, and im just so glad that no dogs die in this book. it's so amazing. Asher making his brother delete the video and the two of them getting shamed by their mom for posting it was satisfying. It made it alright that Wren and Asher got back together in the end. This is the first time i would've been okay if Wren got together with Chad.... just saying! In general, this was a nice book that i'd recommend to other YA readers but outside of that niche, I'm not sure if others would like it as much. It was an alright book for me.

[joshuamyra]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: AAron Starmer Spontaneous

[homeimprovementway]

Dungeon Master Screen Wood: Craft Your Ultimate Gaming Setup

The Dungeon Master Screen Wood is a concise and useful tool for managing tabletop role-playing games. It provides essential information and quick references for the Dungeon Master, enhancing the gaming experience. Made from high-quality wood, this screen is durable and visually appealing, creating an immersive atmosphere for players. It features built-in trays for holding important game materials, keeping everything organized and easily accessible. The Dungeon Master Screen Wood is an essential accessory for any Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder game, providing a convenient and stylish way to keep the game running smoothly.

Benefits Of Using A Dungeon Master Screen Wood

Elevate your tabletop gaming experience with a Dungeon Master Screen made from premium quality wood. Enjoy enhanced durability, aesthetic appeal, and a sense of immersion during your gaming sessions. Crafted with precision, a wooden DM screen adds a touch of elegance to your gaming setup. Enhanced Privacy During Gameplay Using a Dungeon Master Screen Wood can greatly enhance the privacy during your tabletop role-playing game sessions. When you're the Dungeon Master, it's essential to have a tool that can hide your notes, maps, and other important information from the players. With a wooden screen, you not only create a physical barrier but also set the tone for a immersive gaming experience. This allows you to maintain the element of surprise by concealing critical plot twists, enemy stats, or secret passage locations. With enhanced privacy, both you and your players can fully immerse yourselves in the game without metagaming or unintentionally spoiling key moments. Convenient Storage For Game Essentials One of the major benefits of using a Dungeon Master Screen Wood is the convenient storage it provides for your game essentials. As a Dungeon Master, you often need quick access to rulebooks, dice, miniatures, and other important tools. With a wooden screen, you can easily keep these items within reach using the storage compartments or shelves built into the design. Say goodbye to rummaging through stacks of papers or searching for misplaced dice, as everything you need will be neatly organized and readily available. This not only saves you time during gameplay but also helps maintain the flow and excitement of the session.

Credit: thediydungeonmaster.wordpress.com

Choosing The Right Dungeon Master Screen Wood

Introductory paragraph Choosing the right dungeon master screen wood is an important decision for any Dungeon Master. The screen not only acts as a barrier between players and the DM, but it also serves as a valuable tool for organizing game information and creating an immersive gaming experience. When it comes to selecting the perfect wood for your dungeon master screen, there are a few key factors to consider: material and durability, as well as customization options available. Considerations for Material and Durability Considerations For Material And Durability One of the primary considerations when choosing a dungeon master screen wood is the material and its durability. Your screen should be able to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use, while also adding an aesthetic appeal to your gaming table. Here are some key factors to keep in mind: Unordered list - Strength: Opt for a wood that is sturdy enough to withstand accidental bumps or knocks during gameplay. - Resistance to warping: Find a wood that has good resistance to warping, as it will help maintain the screen's shape and stability over time. - Ease of cleaning: Consider a wood type that is easy to clean and maintain, preventing any long-term damage from spills or stains. Customization Options Available Customization Options Available The customization options available for dungeon master screen wood allow you to tailor the appearance of your screen to your personal style and preferences. Some popular customizations include: Ordered list - Engravings: Many wood options can be engraved with intricate designs, symbols, or images that match your campaign setting or gaming theme. - Stain or paint: Different wood stains and paints can be applied to enhance the natural beauty of the wood or complement your gaming table's color scheme. - Additional features: Some manufacturers offer options like removable panels, magnetic attachments, or built-in dice towers to enhance the functionality of your screen.

Setting Up Your Gaming Space With A Dungeon Master Screen Wood

Setting Up Your Gaming Space with a Dungeon Master Screen Wood Placement And Stability When setting up your gaming space with a Dungeon Master Screen Wood, ensure it's placed on a flat surface. Stability is key to prevent any accidental knocks during intense gaming sessions. Organizing Game Tools And Accessories Use the screen's compartments to keep your dice, pens, notes, and rulebooks handy. Maintaining organization can enhance gameplay immersion and efficiency.

Credit: www.elderwoodacademy.com

Maintaining And Caring For Your Dungeon Master Screen Wood

Maintaining and Caring for Your Dungeon Master Screen Wood ` `` `Investing in a high-quality Dungeon Master Screen Wood can greatly enhance your gaming experience. To ensure its longevity, proper care and maintenance are essential. Here are some tips to help you keep your screen in pristine condition for years to come.` `Cleaning And Protection Tips` `Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent the buildup of dust and grime. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface of the wood, taking care not to scratch or damage the finish. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners as they can strip away the protective coating. Applying a thin layer of wood polish or wax can help maintain its luster and provide an additional layer of protection against spills and stains. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintenance.` `Avoiding Common Wear And Tear` `To prevent common wear and tear, it's important to handle your Dungeon Master Screen Wood with care. Avoid placing heavy objects on the screen or using it as a writing surface, as this can cause scratches and dents. When not in use, store the screen in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Using coasters or mats can also help protect the surface from damage during gameplay. Lastly, consider investing in a protective cover or case to safeguard the screen during transport and storage.` ` https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fqZGqQkdIE

Enhancing Gameplay Experience With A Dungeon Master Screen Wood

Enhancing the gameplay experience with a Dungeon Master Screen Wood can elevate your tabletop role-playing adventures to new heights. This sturdy and stylish addition to your gaming arsenal not only adds a touch of authenticity to your setup but also serves as a practical tool for Dungeon Masters.Creating Atmosphere And ImmersionThe Dungeon Master Screen Wood has the power to transform your gaming space into a captivating realm where imagination thrives. With its intricate design and quality craftsmanship, this screen sets the stage for an immersive and atmospheric gaming experience. The natural feel of the wood and the intricate engravings create an ambiance that draws players into the world of the game.Improving Game Flow And EfficiencyBeyond its aesthetic appeal, the Dungeon Master Screen Wood also serves as a vital asset for streamlining game flow and enhancing the efficiency of your sessions. By providing quick access to essential reference materials, charts, and maps, the screen empowers Dungeon Masters to seamlessly manage the narrative and keep the game moving smoothly.

Credit: www.elderwoodacademy.com

Frequently Asked Questions On Dungeon Master Screen Wood

What Is On A Dungeon Masters Screen? The Dungeon Master's screen typically includes a wealth of game-related information like charts, tables, and rules summaries to assist the Dungeon Master during tabletop role-playing games. It acts as a handy reference tool and helps keep the game flowing smoothly. What Do You Put Behind A Dm Screen? A DM screen is typically used by a Dungeon Master in tabletop role-playing games. Behind it, the DM can hide their notes, maps, and other game materials, keeping them separate from the players. It helps create an immersive and organized gaming experience. What Size Is The Dm Screen Panel? The DM screen panel size is typically around 11 inches in height and 33. 5 inches in width. How Big Is The D&d Screen? The D&D screen measures 8. 5 inches tall and 33 inches wide when folded out.

Conclusion

Enhance your Dungeon Master experience with a high-quality wood DM screen. Elevate your game nights with style and functionality. Invest in a durable and visually appealing addition to your tabletop RPG setup. Level up your game mastering with a Dungeon Master screen wood. Read the full article

[betteryoutipsblog]

Time Blocking: Master Your Time & Boost Productivity ⏳

Feeling overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists? Time blocking might be your secret weapon!

What is Time Blocking?

Time Blocking Meaning Think of it as dividing your day into focused chunks for specific tasks. No more multitasking madness! ‍♀️ Instead, you dedicate each block to one thing, minimizing distractions and maximizing efficiency. ✨

Why is it awesome?

Laser focus: Say goodbye to scattered attention! Time blocking helps you concentrate on one task at a time, boosting your productivity.

Goodbye overwhelm: Feeling swamped? Break down big tasks into manageable chunks and schedule them, reducing stress and anxiety.

Plan like a pro: Visualize your entire day, ensuring you don't miss important appointments or forget errands.

Work-life balance: Schedule personal time too! Time blocking helps you achieve a healthy balance between work, hobbies, and self-care. ‍♀️

Ready to try it?

Define your goals: What do you want to achieve? List your tasks and activities, including repetitive ones like sleep and chores.

Choose your calendar: Digital apps like Google Calendar or Notion are popular options.

Block it out: Allocate specific time slots for each task, considering your energy levels and priorities. ️

Be realistic: Don't overload your schedule! Include breaks and buffer time for unexpected delays. ⏰

Minimize distractions: Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and find a quiet space to focus.

Be flexible: Life happens! Adjust your schedule as needed. Remember, it's a tool to empower you, not a rigid rulebook.

Bonus tip: Experiment with different time blocking methods to find what works best for you!

Share your time blocking hacks in the comments!

[autumnisthenewblack]

"Whatever will be, Will be."

It's painful to imagine how a two person started off so happy, like a perfect day with sunshine and laughter. But as journey twisted unexpectedly, it leaves them with whispers of goodbyes with their memories that slowly faded. And as things ended, they will then realized that maybe some people were right, "Whatever will be, will be". It tells that life doesn't care about the dreams- it just does what it wants- starting all happy and just ending okay feels like a mean joke, a painful lesson that even the best stories can end with a silent ache, leaving behind dreams we couldn't reach.

Being in that situation made me finally understood that though it's tough to swallow, but it's love's rulebook- it's like holding onto memories while learning to accept the way reality turns its page even when they're not what we wished for.

This is how love in reality goes- painful but that's part of how it works. We have to be happy that it's still started, and be okay no matter how or the way it ended.

Outrémind

[safe-ex]

Rise Above the Thorns: How Hydrovac Excavation Rescues Infrastructural Woes

In the previous section, we explored the thorny challenges plaguing the booming infrastructural landscape: project delays, utility damage, and skyrocketing excavation costs. But fret not, for a knight in shining armor emerges – hydro-vacuum excavation. This innovative technology is poised to rewrite the rulebook, transforming these pain points into distant memories.

1. Speed Demon: Slashing Delays and Boosting Efficiency

Imagine an excavation method that operates with the precision of a surgeon and the speed of a cheetah. Hydrovac utilizes high-pressure water to gently loosen soil, simultaneously sucking it away through a powerful vacuum. This targeted approach eliminates the need for brute force demolition, significantly reducing excavation time. Say goodbye to sluggish projects and hello to streamlined efficiency!

2. Utility Whisperer: Navigating the Labyrinth with Finesse

Unlike traditional methods that resemble a bull in a china shop, hydro-vac is the whisperer of underground utilities. Its pinpoint accuracy minimizes the risk of accidental damage, protecting delicate pipes, cables, and other vital infrastructure. This translates to fewer repair costs, avoided legal headaches, and a smoother project flow.

3. Cost Control Hero: Taming the Everest of Expenses

Hydrovac's efficiency and precision directly impact your bottom line. Reduced excavation times mean lower labor costs. Minimized utility damage eliminates costly repairs and fines. And the targeted approach requires less machinery and maintenance, further curbing expenses. So, watch your excavation budget shrink like a deflating balloon, replaced by a smile of financial confidence.

Beyond the immediate benefits, hydro-vac boasts additional advantages:

Environmental Friendliness: No dust, minimal noise, and reduced water usage make hydro-vac the eco-conscious choice.

Safety First: Lower risk of accidents and improved worker safety add another layer of value.

Versatility: From daylighting utilities to trenching and potholing, hydro-vac is a multifaceted tool for diverse needs.

Hydrovac excavation isn't just a technology; it's a paradigm shift. It's about embracing innovation to turn infrastructural challenges into opportunities for efficiency, safety, and cost savings. So, the next time you face the thorns of project delays, utility damage, and soaring excavation costs, remember the name – hydro-vac. It's the ultimate solution waiting to transform your infrastructural dreams into reality.

Know more at Safe-Ex

[ensumo-mart]

Unleash the SEO Revolution: Skyrocket Your Rankings with Wope's AI Magic! 🚀✨

Are you tired of playing catch-up with ever-evolving search algorithms? Enter Wope, the SEO game-changer that's rewriting the rulebook! 📈💥

Introduction:

In a digital world where SEO strategies need to be as dynamic as the algorithms they navigate, Wope emerges as the secret weapon you've been waiting for. Brace yourself for a revolutionary approach to SEO that doesn't just keep up—it leads the charge!

Unveiling Wope's AI-Driven Marvel:

Say goodbye to SEO stress and hello to Wope—a powerful blend of artificial intelligence and SEO expertise. It's not just a suite; it's your personal SEO wizard, predicting trends, dissecting data, and keeping you steps ahead of the competition. 🧙‍♂️💡

Key Features Redefined:

Competitor Analysis, Keyword Exploration, Content Optimization, Backlink Strategy, and Performance Tracking—Wope's arsenal is designed to empower, transform, and revolutionize. It's not just about improving; it's about evolving with the rapidly shifting search landscape. 🌐🛠️

AI Insights Unleashed: Stay Ahead, Always!

Let's break it down. Wope's AI-driven insights redefine the game. From precise data tracking to keyword gold mines, it's the AI advantage you've been dreaming of. Your SEO strategy is no longer a shot in the dark—it's a precision-guided missile aimed at success. 🚀🔍

User Experience Elevated: It's Not Just Numbers, It's Connection!

Wope doesn't stop at numbers. It analyzes user behavior, enhances page loading speed, refines navigation flow, ensures content relevance, and perfects mobile responsiveness. It's not just about rankings; it's about crafting an experience user will love. 💖📱

The Future of SEO: Wope's Impact Unveiled!

Get ready for the SEO revolution! AI advancements meet strategic optimization tools, real-time algorithm updates, and user behavior analysis. Wope isn't just keeping up with the future; it's shaping it. The future of SEO looks bright, and Wope is leading the way. 🔮🚀

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No more playing catch-up. No more second-guessing. With Wope, you're not just optimizing; you're dominating. Elevate your online presence, surpass competitors, and ride the SEO wave with confidence. Let Wope be the wizard behind your SEO success story. 🌊🎩

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[xcziel]

oooops i forgot

tuesday new releases for november 14:

patrick rothfuss novella the narrow road between desires (same size as slow regard of silent things)

david baldacci has new thriller the edge

mitch albom novel about the lives of three holocaust survivors little liar

new novel from michael cunningham day

a return to the time-travel cafe: before we say goodbye by toshikazu kawaguchi author of before the coffee gets cold, english translation by geoffrey trousselot

elizabeth crook's western sequel to the which way tree, the madstone

harmony new book of poetry from whitney hanson

jacquelyn mitchard's new familial drama a very inconvenient scandal

.just once new christian fiction by karen kingsbury

letters of j.r.r. tolkien edited and selected by humphrey carpenter with assistance by christopher tolkien

rush drummer geddy lee's new memoir my effin' life

johnny cash: the life in lyrics with mark stielper

the night parade: a speculative memoir by jami nakamura lin

a woman i know: female spies, double identities, and a new story of the kennedy assasination by filmmaker mary haverstick

city on mars by kelly and zach weinersmith (good non-fiction gift for those who like the martian and laughing at elon mushk)

tomlin: the soul of a football coach by john harris

entangled life: illustrated edition by martin sheldrake - new gorgeous hardcover for the mushroom and fungi fans

core of an onion another micro-history - with recipes - from michael kurlansky, author of cod and salt

new leather gifting style black cover of 48 laws of power: special powers edition

the bill gates problem the myth of the good billionaire by tim schwab

the money kings by daniel schulman

new hardcover collector editions of madeline miller's circe and anthony doerr's all the light we cannot see

also new romance collector hardcovers of archer's voice by mia sheridan and one last stop by casey mcquiston

star wars the eye of darkness a high republic novel by george mann

the marvel multiverse role-playing game core rulebook is out now

the upcycled self by tariq 'black thought' trotter

political books 😔:

network of lies about fox news by brian stelter

biography mitt romney a reckoning by mckay coppins

mike pence's advice(?) book go home for dinner

tired of winning by jonathan karl about trump and the gop