#i know objectively other expertise are better options

[marshmurmurs]

Stares longingly at divine expertise

[cerastes]

I haven't played the game, can you tell us what Mudrock is like, like her personality and backstory?

The first impression you'll get from Mudrock based on her fanart, is that she's cute or attractive, and probably nothing else. I do enjoy Mudrock art a lot, but part of me feels like there's definitely a lot of potential for more serious art involving her (which exists, in minimal quantities). That's because she's a very solemn character. Mind you, she does have a silly side to her, but it lives alongside this solemn side I speak of. Let's talk about Mudrock.

Mudrock is a Sarkazian warrior that possesses great might and magic both, being a highly skilled spellblade, or, well, spellhammer, owing to her own expertise of Originium Arts (particularly those that manipulate ground and rock) as well as her time in the battlefield. She made her debut on the event Grani And The Knights' Treasure, the game's very first sidestory event, on a cutscene after the very last optional map, where she receives a letter from that story's main antagonist, Big Bob, her sworn brother, who informs her that he's doing alright after getting part of the treasure. It wouldn't be until Twilight of Wolumonde that she'd take to the stage again, where she is not playable and is, in fact, the main antagonist (though not the villain) of the story. Just like Big Bob, Mudrock is ex-Reunion (Reunion being the first part of the game's main antagonist), and she, alongside Big Bob and their respective squadrons, of which they were leaders, deserted Reunion after it rotted from the inside and strayed from its supposed objective to protect and fight for the Infected: They both realized that Reunion had become yet another pawn in the international war games between the bigger countries, and the Infected had become little more than cannon fodder and easily swayed soldiers to Reunion more than the people they sought to protect. Big Bob and Mudrock both are characterized by having a well-attuned moral compass, and this wasn't what they signed up for. They weren't simply lashing out at an uncaring world and letting their rage loose, they seriously were fighting for the freedom and well-being of the Infected. So they deserted... But they couldn't leave together.

Here's the first big important aspect of Mudrock: Big Bob invited her and her Mudrock Squad to come with him, since they were sworn siblings and their squads also got along really well. It seemed natural to walk the walk together, right? Big Bob's plans were to find the Knights' Treasure in the outskirts of Kazimierz, and use those riches to buy land in Columbia, where oppression against the Infected isn't as prevalent as in most other places, and money speaks louder (for context, the Infected are usually secluded into special Infected neighborhoods in other countries, or even executed outright, so while Columbia still oppresses them to some degree, it is leagues better than other places) and the Infected are allowed to own land and businesses, so long as they have the capital. Big Bob then intended to make a business with this money, and then be able to provide housing, employment and profits for his "family" (what he calls his squadmates and close friends), and for any other Infected that needed help.

However, Mudrock politely declined, because the Sarkaz in her squad simply couldn't live a life that wasn't one of blood and steel: Sarkaz from Kazdel are known to live short, fast mercenary lives, and those who see a longer life, can only live in the battlefield. It's all they know. Mudrock knew this, more so the older Sarkaz in her Mudrock Squad. To subject them to a civilian life would be to simply put them in a pressure cooker until they snapped, until PTSD or incompatibility with the lifestyle became too much, until their grave Oripathy claimed them anyway, and Kazdel Sarkaz tend to prefer a end in the field of battle. They needed a leader, and Mudrock was that leader. Not only that, Mudrock didn't want to leave any other Infected dry out there, a sentiment shared by her Sarkaz, who figured, hey, if we're going to keep fighting, we should do it to rescue as many Infected as we can.

So she traveled. Even though Reunion might as well be dead, rotten from the inside, Mudrock took matters into her hands. She knew her scope would never compare to that of an organized movement... But she had to do whatever she could, even if it was minimal in scale.

Twilight of Wolumonde is a whole can of worms and a half, so let me summarize it by saying this: Mudrock fought Rhodes Island entirely because she demanded there be justice for the Infected that were unjustly killed in Leithanien (or, well, that small corner of) in what basically was a mystery novel plot of whodunit. Once justice had been doled out and responsibility was taken, she took what oppressed Infected would be fine with leaving with her, and quietly left. Her stay was anything but quiet, however, as she summoned several Colossi of stone and soil in order to fight. At one point, she even summoned a particularly gigantic one, akin to a mountain, which she proceeded to transplant her consciousness into to 'pilot' it herself.

Afterwards, however, they were hounded by several Infected Hunters from Leithanien, who had the complete advantage in terms of terrain, who kept picking them off one by one, survivors and fighters both. As Mudrock and company finally arrived at the frontier with Kazdel, just one bridge away, she ordered all stragglers and survivors to cross the bridge, telling them that they could eke out a free, if hard-earned and arduous, living in the Kazdel outskirt towns. Mudrock and her Sarkaz warriors, however, would not accompany them, they would stand their ground by the bridge, to stop their pursuers. Mudrock was ready to die. She put it in no uncertain terms, if anyone wanted to leave with the survivors, they could, and those who stayed with her would die alongside her defending the survivors. Her men and women stayed with her. If it meant saving those, even though they weren't many, that was what counted, she'd seen her personal duty to the best of her abilities. She was fine dying in these terms.

Of course, she didn't die: Elite Rhodes Island Operator Logos had come across this little kerfuffle recently and tailed both groups, and then took action to support and rescue Mudrock and what remained of her squad. They fought. They won.

Mudrock and her crew went to Rhodes Island afterwards, where Human Resources struck a deal with her: If she worked as an Operator for them, they'd provide for her and her Squad, giving them jobs in the field as well as Oripathy treatment. Mudrock wasn't initially sure, but a chance encounter with Grani led to both of them conversing initially about Big Bob and then about other stories, and, plus encouragement and endorsement from Folinic and Suzuran (who knew Mudrock from the Wolumonde incident), Mudrock ended up accepting the deal.

Besides her very full, sincere intention to do anything she can for the Infected and her Sarkaz brethren, Mudrock is a bit... Weird. She'll usually go on bizarre tangents about the weirdest things, or simply say strange things with the utmost serious expression. Not random stuff, just actually letting her thoughts drift along with whatever thought comes to mind, in a contemplative manner. She also likes making little clay dolls of people and talking to them, but feels very embarrassed when seen doing this (though it is implied she actually can just talk to the earth). Mudrock is also popular among Rhodes Island logistics personnel (which includes plenty of Sarkaz from the Babel days, the precursor to Rhodes Island) because she'll offer to help them move heavy things whenever she sees them, given that she's both immensely strong physically as well as a powerful caster whose earth Arts make moving things around easy. She also very rarely isn't wearing full armor, meaning that while you likely usually see her like this in fanart:

She actually looks like this most of the time:

In fact, a lot of people in her very own squad didn't know what she looked like. There were rumors about an unknown Sarkaz girl that would wander around Mudrock's camp now and then. That was actually Mudrock in the rare occasions where she didn't wear her armor.

Two fun facts about Mudrock!

The first one is that her birthday is on the 21st of September, which is the International Day of Peace. It serves to reflect that ultimately, what she wants is peace for the Infected and Sarkaz, even if she has to fight for it.

The second one is that her hammer has an inscription if you look closely:

In the trailer for Roaring Flare, we get a good look at it:

"For evil men will be cut off". This is a short form of Psalm 37:9 from the Bible (King James edition): "For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth."

All in all, Mudrock is bundle of love and kindess in an awkward package (awkward in terms of how she socializes, not in that she's shy or anything), but when an injustice is present, she will fight tooth and nail until justice is meted out (as she did in Wolumonde) and is willing to die for her ideals, if it'll save just a few people.

[deutoplasmic]

AVERAGE WORKDAY AS A VICTIM OF CAPITALISM

kawanishi takumi x gn! reader. 1.7k words. fluff, coffee shop au, meet-ugly.

Usually, people consider having a job to be a solidification of a status in society, a contributing member of the economy, the responsible taxpayer living their best life. People also usually consider that having a good job means that you feel more happier, more fulfilled, more societally adaptive, more content with how fate happens to play out.

You say usually, because you are 5 seconds away from just finding your manager Sho and outright resigning. It's only the promise of sweet, sweet money that keeps you together after you clock into work, take a couple of orders, and serve a table – only for some woman to sniff her drink, frenetically slam it down on the varnished wood, and screech something along the lines of this iced latte tastes like full cream milk, I know it's full cream, stop lying to me, and I ordered skim! Her furious spittle keeps flying all over the tabletop and the cute decorative succulent you watered earlier today. Someone’ll have to clean it up later and it sure as hell won't be you.

Just in case she’s actually right and you didn't just bungle her order, you glance across the room to confirm the bottle of milk just used for her drink. And. It's most definitely skim. When you look back at her frenzied state, there is definitely not a single chance on Earth that she'll listen to you – or anyone, really, except maybe Sho. He’s always had a penchant for calming down aggravated customers, which would be really useful if he was here right now. But he's not, so you just get to relish in a spray of saliva, loud shrieking, and your increasing urge to just blow up on her. You definitely have to ask for a pay rise soon or something.

The woman yells out one more thing about disgusting coffee beans – you decide not to mention that to Sho, considering he likes to pride himself on his nitpicked 1000-time-tested internationally-sourced coffee selection – and in all the joys of working in the food industry, cathartically throws her drink at you. Or launches, which is a better word for how fast it hurtles toward you.

Unfortunately, you are not very skilled in the art of catching high-speed coffee cup-shaped objects, so you have to make do with the power of determination and spite. Making do, however, ends up constituting of you trying to grab the drink from out of mid-air. It also happens to constitute your expertise ultimately failing you, as the ridged edges of the cup bounce off your fingers.

And into this back of this poor neighbouring guy’s white graphic T-shirt, which is at just the right angle for a considerable amount of latte to splash all over itstaining the fabric a milky brown that creeps outwards and clings to his skin like vine tendrils you keep trying to pull off but just end up sticking again.

Everyone else in the cafe is silently staring at you and the guy, catching every single movement as the guy slowly turns around. Having a job makes you more content with how fate plays out, you fatalistically think, happier and more fulfilled. To your immense dismay, you can't just stand there and consider quitting as a viable option just yet, so you struggle but manage to splutter out a “sorry for the inconvenience, sir, we can pay for the cleaning”. There is no way you're going to even glance at his probably very shellshocked face out of pure shame after this extreme loss of dignity.

He does not respond, leaving the cafe to just slowly and awkwardly start chattering to each other again. After the woman awkwardly realises nothing else is going to come out of this, she just hisses out something unintelligible – probably something like “never coming here again”, which, y’know, good riddance – and storms out the cafe to the cheery jingle of some windchimes.

The guy is still silent. Someone dings the bell on the counter. You decide to just risk it and go to sneak an apologetic look-

“Is everything alright?” Sho, the saving grace of your sanity, walks outside the kitchen curiously with his hands dusted with some pale white flour. “There are some customers waiting- Takumi?”

You swivel to fully face the Takumi guy. And he's staring right at you. And he is very, very cute. And you just spilled coffee on him.

However, there is no rest for mildly-above-minimum wage pay workers, so you snap to attention. “Sho, I accidentally spilled a drink on his” – you stiffly gesture in the direction of said man – “shirt. Is there any chance I can get it cleaned for him?”

Sho looks at you before laughing. You have definitely made a fatal error and you’ll be fired right now, right here, and you’ll have to dig up your resume from the depths of somewhere to go on the arduous task of job-hunting.

But then. He just goes ahead and waves you off kindly. “No, Takumi’s a friend of mine – I’ll just do it myself. In the meantime, do you mind getting the spare shirt in the storeroom for him to change into?”

There is absolutely no way he said that. As you hastily nod in acknowledgement and speed over to the storeroom, you catalogue whatever that... situation was that just unfolded.

First, you fumbled a drink horrendously. Second, you got this poor guy’s shirt ruined. Third, you probably-most-definitely jeopardised the Google rating of this cafe. And fourth, you somehow managed to not get fired after this crazy debacle, just to make up for your horrific luck today.

As soon as you get home, you are going to go to sleep and pretend nothing happened today. Absolutely nothing. Not at all. Right now, though, you grab the shirt neatly folded underneath some dish towels, and take some sweet, sweet time to close the door. Sho’s busy wiping up all the coffee on the floor, so you hand over the shirt to the Takumi guy whilst emphatically not making any eye contact, and shuffle-run back to the counter to get to serving the small gaggle of people waiting there. Hopefully, you’ll never see him again and you can forget all about doing latte DIY on his shirt. Hopefully.

Your shift thankfully ends without any more fiascos, and life is looking up for you. It’s so consolidating, in fact, that you have to remember that you have another shift tomorrow just to keep your hopes down. Goddamnit. Definitely no rest for mildly-above-minimum wage workers.

-

When you clock in the next morning, everything is as usual. The table of the incident is clean. There are no mysterious coffee stains on any fabric. Maybe, you desperately hope, everything will be fine today!

After making a slew of drinks for regulars and newcomers alike, you’ve almost shoved the events of yesterday out of your mind. That is, until you’ve just served a latte (you refuse to acknowledge the type of drink) and the assistance bell rings. You look up from the counter and towards the customer. It’s a guy in a shirt that looks very familiar, and when you take in his face, you realise just exactly who this is.

He grins awkwardly at you. “Uh, hi?”

Your head starts frantically sounding emergency sirens. It’s Takumi. The guy you just spilt coffee on yesterday. It is so over. You are so over. Autopilot, however, kicks in and saves you from making a fool of yourself. “Um. Welcome. What would you like today?”

He helplessly stares at you for a few seconds, before pulling out a kind of crinkled neon-pink sticky note from his pant pocket. “May I please have your number?”

Sorry. What. “Sorry, what?” you echo in shock, stress removing the formality of your speech. “Huh?”

“Oh. Um. I, uh” – he squints to read the words on the paper – “thought it was worth a shot?” There’s a sad and very pitiful expression on Takumi’s face, which is too much for you to bear, so you hastily clarify what you said.

“Uh, sorry. I assumed you wouldn’t want anything to do with me after I ruined your shirt?”

“Ruined?” His eyes are very wide in bafflement. “Don’t worry, Sho’s very good at cleaning out coffee stains. Actually, I was grateful you spilled it on me, because otherwise I wouldn't have-”

You stare at him. He stares back at you, before caving in and looking away. When he realises you’re not going to say anything else, he frantically apologises. “Sorry. Was that too much information? Uh, I shouldn’t have trusted Keigo-”

“You’re fine,” you assure him awkwardly, grateful for the few customers inside. “Don’t worry.” This Keigo character clearly didn’t brief Takumi well enough if whatever's going on here is any clue.

“Oh. Cool. Um. Can you- we- go- guh. Can I get a hot chocolate? Medium please,” he blurts out so fast that you almost struggle to figure out what he ordered, but you're luckily versed in the art of deciphering drinks from mumbles. It's a skill you've developed from this very job.

You scribble his order down on a cup, professional 'I am just a calm, composed, paid worker at this cafe' mode activated again. "Anything else?"

"Uh." He consults the sticky note again before looking at you with so much hope that his face could probably be used in one of those tests where you try to identify someone’s emotions. "Can I um. Can I say your number again?"

His optimism is so inspiring, it's so obvious he doesn't work in the food industry. Why not, you impulsively decide. Why not.

“Sure,” you tell him indulgently, and the way he looks at you almost makes being a mildly above minimum wage worker worth it. Almost. Because now you have to ask him to pay for the drink, but you also don't want to ruin the moment, nor do you really want to put it 'on the house' since it'll be deducted from your paycheck, so you're kind of just standing there at an impasse.

Such is the life of a victim of capitalism.

"I'll make that for you right now," you sigh in defeat, and try to ignore the way your heart thumps a little too hard and fast at his excited smile.

[dicebound]

Barnaby 5e Build

Lineage - Owlin He's literally an owl, there isn't much to say here. You could alternatively go with the Reborn Lineage as well for more undead flavor but you'd lose flight and other useful things.

Class - Bard/Whispers So Barnaby is primarily observed in his level singing about death, slashing at you with a dagger, and conjuring objects out of nowhere to attack you. He also has little ghost buddies as back up singers. With that in mind, You have a few good options with Wizard, Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock or Rogue standing out to me. A quick breakdown of the subclass options I would consider: Wizard - Necromancy or Conjuration Warlock - Undead Sorcerer - Shadow Bard - Creation, Spirits, Whispers Rogue - Phantom, Arcane Trickster. Rogue is the most out there, with no innate casting. Arcane Trickster certainly fits his personality and gives him thematic spellcasting, but lacks the spooky flavor we're looking for. Phantom has the flavor, but loses the spellcasting. Could be a good multiclass option. While Wizard could fit especially Conjuration for the object summoning, I really feel Barnaby would make a better Charisma caster than an Intelligence caster given his demeanor and "Party Animal" descriptor. Undead Warlock gets you that strong undead flavor, charisma casting and access to the spookier spells in the game, but Barnaby doesn't seem bound up by the demands of a patron. Shadow Sorcerer obviously fits Barnaby aesthetically and even gives you a limited summoning ability. It's a strong contender and was the first thing I thought of when making this list. Finally, Bard captures the musical and social inclinations of the character and has a few good spooky options for subclass. Creation lets you animate objects to fight for you, very fitting but otherwise lacks the flavor we're looking for. Spirit gives you a strong spooky flavor, the ability to tell harrowing stories about the dead or dying, and communicate with the dead. Whispers however gives a little bit more, you have the strong spooky flavor, psychic attacks, a frighten ability, and the ability to tap into creature's fears and steal their shadows. This is the one to me.

3. Background - Entertainer We don't know much about Barnaby's backstory at present, making it difficult to pick something concrete. The standout choices to me are Entertainer, Sage and Haunted One. 4. Skills For his Bard skills, I picked Performance, Arcana and either Sleight of Hand or Persuasion. I avoided Intimidation as his class features will allow him to make people afraid on their own and Stealth is gotten naturally from Owlin. For his background, I chose Entertainer and had to take Acrobatics. I also picked up Perception. For his expertise I selected Performance and Arcana. 5.Stats For his stat spread I selected a +2 to Charisma and a +1 to Dexterity from his lineage and then used point buy to distribute them as follows: Str - 8 Dex - 14 Con - 14 Int - 14 Wis - 9 Cha - 16

I dumped Strength because he has no need of it, and dumped Wisdom because he very clearly can't read a room when interacting with Billie. Con is higher than you might otherwise put on a Bard to represent that resilience of being undead. Decent Dex and Cha are obvious choices for any bard, and heightened Int just felt appropriate. 7. Spells So Spell Choice will vary by level, but good options for 0th-2nd spell level are as follows: For Cantrips most of the options are solid and thematic. I'd likely pick Vicious Mockery* and either Minor Illusion, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation or Dancing Lights. Dissonant Whispers, Tasha's Hideous Laughter, Nathair's Mischief and Phantasmal Force all fit the spooky vibes and grant either good crowd control or damage. Suggestion, Faerie Fire, Invisibility, Bane, Hold Person and Cloud of Daggers also stand out as good thematic options. * if you're using feats at first level, you can pick up more flavorful/utility cantrips from Bard and grab your damaging cantrips from say Magic Initiate instead.

8. Feats (Optional) Some tables allow for Feats at First Level. Stand out choices to me are Shadow Touched, Eldritch Adept, Magic Initiate, Poisoner, Chef, Slasher and War Caster. Some of these are more flavorful than mechanical however. I find Bard's offensive magic to be too limited especially early on and so Magic Initiate (Warlock) or (Wizard) is very helpful. You want an attack roll cantrip for sure. For Warlock pick up Eldritch Blast and either Mind Sliver or Toll the Dead. For the 1st level spells, Arms of Hadar and Hex are great options. For Wizard, pick up Chill Touch and either Mind Sliver or Toll the Dead. For 1st level spells, Tasha's Caustic Brew is a thematic choice as well as Catapult and False Life. Mechanically motivated options could be Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Shield or Find Familiar.

[roadandruingame]

RaR Musings #24: The Pillars, and Foundations

I wrote this like seven times and then a power failure killed it, so now I get to do it again! And keep it brief!

I watched a PointyHat youtube video on Why Travel Sucks in DND, where he outlines such issues as lack of creativity, excessive bookkeeping, random tables, and failing the non-combat pillars of DND, while he presents an alternative he'd worked on for two years and was quite happy with.

It sucks.

It's nothing against PointyHat, or his system, no; it's good that he has fun with it, and that it presents some better, stronger harder faster more reliable and predictable patterns to help structure campaigns that take place on the road.

It simply sucks, in that it is attempting to utilize the three 'pillars' of Dungeons and Dragons, being Combat, Roleplay, and Exploration, which has always been less of a triad, and more of a single, enormously looming single pillar that more resembles flipping the bird to the other two.

Dungeons and Dragons commits some >80% of it's rules and character-building options to combat. If you rolled a bunch of dice, to randomize combatants and equipment, initiative order, attack rolls and damage inflicted, you could still qualitatively read those numbers to determine who had won the combat, the human fighter with the axe, or the goblin with the shortsword. The "order" of the mechanics for combat allows this to occur. "Roleplay" and "Exploration", however, both cap out their rules at "roll a d20 and add your proficiency modifier, if whatever imaginary scenario we're pretending is happening calls for it, and if the number is high enough, You Win."

A system simplifying travel to "a number of events per distance" presents the same mechanics as what a hexgrid entails, just without the risk of player agency and going off-road, because, truthfully, the biggest threat to a good story is the players themselves. A DM might have spent hours, days, weeks, months, or even years curating a perfectly constructed narrative, but all it takes is for one wayward die roll or a player saying "nah, I'm not doing that", and the DM suddenly requires expect-level improv, comedy, literary novelist, and "know it all" expertise that rivals the likes of McGuiver himself to pull a satisfying narrative out of thin air. Preventing player choice from entering the matter of "what direction do we go" might lessen the load of the DM, but it puts the entire experience on rails, tourists at a fantasy-land theme park of the DM's creation, here to ride the rides, and then get out.

A system that neglects provisions and supplies renders those unusable as storytelling elements, when food, supplies, a bath, and good rest in a town are often what propels characters to those locations, on their way to a greater destination, and without them, there's no need to have towns at all. PointyHat himself uses clips from Avatar: The Last Airbender in his video, a series that spends more than half the runtime somewhere out on the road, complaining that they have no food, no money, need a bath, medicine, or some other side objective that requires them to make detours or stops along the way.

But, all of this did manage to pose an interesting question to me, even beyond "what mechanics SHOULD be used for Roleplay and Exploration":

What are the pillars of TTRPGS themselves? If a game has no combat, what replaces it? Is roleplay a universal element to ttrpgs? If PointyHat's system "recommends tying events between locations together with story", but otherwise has no mechanics for how to actually do that, then clearly that's an important element as well, but what defines Exploration? If there is combat, does defeat end in death, some other consequence, or no consequence at all, and if there are variable consequences, who decides what they are, and if there are no consequences, then what's even the point?

After thinking about it for a while, I decided that ttrpgs consist of three pillars, that I'm calling the Three R's:

RELATIONSHIPS - Rather than exclusively between people, Relationships can also be called Story; that is, anything that ties consequence and causality to the experience. Falling off a cliff, and taking damage from the fall, is a relationship, the same as failing to deliver a package and losing a merchant's trust is a relationship, or being able to translate runes, that leads you to a secret room that's filled with treasure. This element is singularly ignored by most tabletop RPGs, instead putting more work into a box of tools that you can use to Cause, or help bandage up after an Effect, but very little that actually ties one thing to another in a way that forms a story.

REALISM - Also called predictability and reliability, these are facets of the game that can be trusted to work the same way every time. Need one scrap of food per day, and travelling for seven days? That's seven pieces of food. Fire burns, water douses, grass grows, birds fly, sun shines, and fighters hurt people. This reliability is the bulk of 'eurogames', and heavily prioritize player skill over randomness like 'ameritrash' does. Predictability and consistency is necessary in a fantasy world especially, in order to communicate to the players what kind of moves are even possible to do, so that the fighter doesn't think they can 1v1 a five-tonne dragon. This is also the element of resources, where a resource spent or lost consistently has predictable consequences and effects: using a bandage stops bleeding, for example.

RANDOMNESS - Also called chance, and statistical probabilities, this element ends up bearing the brunt of most dice- or card-oriented games, though the extent of the randomness gives rise to manipulation of odds, without ever fully eliminating them. This 'gamble' means players who understand the odds, who can alter them with certain variables, and who understand and covet the value of success, however slim the chances, can take a plunge, and still be surprised at an outcome. This is also the element of excitement.

What's important about these pillars, and what makes them different from DND's, is that none of them exist independently. They are each of them intermingled and entwined with the other: a story that carries no risk of failure or too much reliability is boring, and a random dice throw with no promise of lasting, cascading consequences, or resource lost or gained, becomes a game of Snakes and Ladders, randomly generating values until someone is declared the winner.

And so, if you were to boil these three pillars down again, into a singular equation for what makes a ttrpg what it is? How do players engage with the game, that makes the activity different from, say, chess, or monopoly, or a game of snakes and ladders?

"A roleplaying game is about inventing theories, that are then proven, or disproven, by dice, that have their outcomes manipulated by previously-occurring characters and events."

This is it. This is all DND is, and all any other ttrpg will ever be.

Returning again for a moment to the title of this piece, there is one other element of ttrpgs that is, generally, indisputable: the role of a Game Master.

Granted, there are other GM-less games. But in every circumstance, there is someone who took the player's potential actions in mind, and constructed a hypothetical where that player's theorized action either succeeded, or failed, and effectively hallucinated a world into being that would be affected by said attempt. In the case of "choose your own adventure" games, players are presented with predetermined choices, that then lead to predetermined outcomes, written by a writer, who takes the role of the GM in such a case.

Where there are the Three Pillars of Relations, Realism, and Randomness, there is also the foundation of what holds those pillars up: the contributions of the players themselves, the willingness to contribute, and the acceptance of the result.

Time and again, I've seen ttrpg tables collapse into juvenile bickering, as a result of one of these four elements. That the story is weak, or the characters don't matter, or that the rolls are too random, or not random enough, that the GM fudges dice, that resource-tracking is boring, or that there's not enough consequences for those resources or the player's actions. And somehow, all of this responsibility tends to fall squarely on the GM's shoulders, the sole Atlas carrying the entire production on their back. If the GM falters, or fails to appear, there simply is no game. It's over. Some players help pick up the slack, take on responsibilities to lighten the load, but the load is always and forever the GM's.

We end up in situations like PointyHat's two-year experiment with travel mechanics, and while he cleaves closely to the three pillars above, he still defaults to the three DND pillars in the end. His usage document spews dozens of great storytelling-based examples for each of the Combat, Exploration, and Roleplay event types, and mixes of the two, but in the end, it's still JUST HIM coming up with these story narratives out of whole cloth. Remove him from the scenario, and you wind up with players who are incapable of playing the game on their own.

It's part of why, now more than ever, I feel like ttrpgs need to turn toward game mechanics that, at least in part, bring the players in to the responsibilities of running the game, and that can reliably produce certain results without some kind of dice-addled soothsayer reading the knucklebones like the portents of the gods in the hopes of producing an experience that players will reliably want to actually DO, over other entertainment alternatives like a videogame or movie. Or, indeed, any other medium that doesn't require them, the consumer, to contribute whatsoever to the betterment of their own experience, content to remain lax, and demand their personal dancing monkey for the evening pick up the pace and put a little more energy into it.

I'm personally pretty proud of Road and Ruin's Story Roster system; about as proud as PointyHat is about his, at any rate. But I'm proud of it as a system that aims to completely replace some GM responsibilities altogether, not just act as a series of instructions that ultimately ends in a need for GM creativity itself. I'm a ways away from it being done, and still hesitant about whether it should include example items and prebuilt characters for every single card in the Roundtable Deck, but at the very least, I feel like I've gotten closer to the core of what a ttrpg needs to be than in other products I've seen.

[shemsuji432]

Exploring Python: Unveiling Its Features and Advantages

To begin learning Python, it's like starting an adventure. Imagine finding a special course that teaches you all about Python. This course should cover the basics like how to write the language, how to work with different types of information, and how to make your programs do things like repeat actions and remember stuff. But that's not all! It's like finding a treasure chest if the course also shows you more advanced ideas like building special kinds of programs, handling files, and using helpful tools that others have created.

From my own experience, it's like joining a team of ACTE that really know their stuff. They'll guide you through all the important things you need to know. They're so good that they even offer different ways of learning: you can learn with them in a classroom or even on the internet. And guess what? They even help you find a good job after you've learned a lot!

When you learn with them, it's like becoming a superhero who understands Python really well. You'll be able to use Python to create things in the real world, like games, apps, and more. I started my own adventure at ACTE Training Institute, and now I'm really skilled at using Python.

My own Python journey commenced at ACTE, enabling me to progress to an expert level. Here are key points to consider before commencing your Python learning experience:

Course Content and Curriculum: A course that covers Python fundamentals comprehensively, encompassing topics from syntax and data types to loops, functions, and beyond. Advanced subjects like object-oriented programming and working with libraries should also be included.

Hands-on Practice: Practical exercises and coding assignments are crucial for reinforcing learning. Confirm that the course provides ample hands-on practice and projects to apply acquired knowledge.

Instructor Expertise: Evaluate the instructors' qualifications and experience in both Python programming and teaching to ensure high-quality guidance.

Student Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback from former students, accessible through searches for "student reviews" or "student testimonials."

Flexible Learning Options: Choose a course that offers flexibility, whether through self-paced learning, live online classes, or a blend of both, to suit your preferences and schedule.

Project-Based Learning: Emphasizing project-based learning is highly advantageous, as it enables the application of knowledge in practical scenarios and the creation of a portfolio.

Support and Community: A supportive learning environment is vital, providing access to instructors and a community forum or chat for interaction among learners.

Additional Resources: Access to supplementary materials like lecture notes, code samples, and top MNC questions is valuable for future reference.

Price and Value: Prioritize course quality over cost. A well-structured course with comprehensive content and robust support may be worth a higher investment.

Course Duration: Consider your learning style—some prefer intensive shorter courses, while others benefit from longer durations with more practice time.

Certification: If certification holds importance for you, choose a course that offers certificates to enhance your resume or portfolio.

If you want to learn more about Python, feel free to contact ACTE Institution because they offer certifications and job opportunities. Experienced teachers can help you learn better. You can find these services both online and offline. Take things step by step and consider enrolling in a course if you’re interested.

[ungrateful-cyborg-moved]

the babies : I-5 - III-13- IV-14 ; the Dads : IV-15 -III-3 - II-11- I7 ; The Waifus : III-9, II-10 ; The WOL : I-4 , III-14 ; The Cats : IV-8 ; II-15

What would their lives be like if they had never met?

Lian would still work on the docks, I'd imagine. So a more boring life, but one in which he also wouldn't be in as much trouble and wouldn't have to deal with the really of the adventurer's life.

A'idan would have asked someone else to come instead, but how it'd go would entirely depend on the that person. I'm not really sure he would have ended in less troubles, but I think he wouldn't feel as well supported as he feels right now. And also wouldn't know what being in love feels like like since Lian is his first love.

How do they make up after an argument? Who is the first one to apologize?

They're both simple guys who say what they mean and mean what they say. Their communication skills could be better but overall they understand each other well enough that miscommunication has little chance to end up in big and messy arguments.

And so far in FFXIV they never had any, big, small, messy or clean.

But I'd say that the first to apologize who probably be the first who put his thoughts in order (and, true to themselves, A'idan would be straightforward and Lian would half-compain while apologizing).

It'd be really emotional for both of them, however.

(Also asked by @anpansblog! TY)

Who is the one who always says "I don't know" when the other asks where they want to eat? 

Lian.

But he’d say “as you wish” rather than “I don’t know”.

A’idan is more the kind to respond with the very first (realistic) option that makes him hungry, and, if indecisive, the first thing he likes that he happens to see.

Who would drive, and who would give directions?

Skaar would drive and X’yan’d give the direction. Perhaps not 100% of the time but I feel like this would be their dynamic.

Who uses the cheesy pick-up lines, or does corny gestures? Who whispers inappropriate things in the other's ear in public?

I’m gonna answer these two together because...

Both of them. Depends on who feels in the mood and how inconvenient it is in the moment XD They’re little shits in their forties and totally unapologetic about it.

How do their friends and family feel about them as a couple?

At first they didn’t know, though to be fair before Skaar proposed in the middle of a mission, they were just friends with benefits.

Then the wedding happened and both Skaar’s parents and X’yan’s clan leader were like “Must you really marry the son/protégé of my rival?” (neither of them had shared their in-law names before and thus nobody had realized it before the big day. Both husbands found it funny in retrospect, though.)

They’re mostly over it now, especially since neither X’yan nor Skaar are in the pirate business anymore. So overall I’d say that both family and friends see their marriage positively, though the family gatherings are definitely lively.

What reminds them of each other? 

For Yersinia:

The weird grass from the Golmorre Jungle that Inge made them try once and that’s how they ended up getting married.

Books and papers lying around in a complete mess, because that’s often what happens when they want to get access to the bed and are a bit too hm... busy for carefulness.

The smells of alchemy, since Inge’s room double as a lab (it’s a “bedroom” only because it’s got a bed often hidden under a pile a books and parchments).

Alchemy and books and adventure in general, in fact, since most of her gifts for her wife are practical gifts related to one of those.

For Inge:

Pretty much the same, but also archeological stuff and ancient artefacts, especially if they’re related to Mhach since it’s Yersinia’s expertise. She often sends her trinkets and promising historical objects she finds on her travels.

What are their parallels, whether in their personalities or their histories?

They’re both active and driven women who don’t let the world, not even their loved ones, get in the way of what they want to achieve. Both of them have cut contact with their family to do what they wanted to do: but where Yersinia changed her name despite it not being a custom of her people, Inge didn’t when she should have.

While there’s a part of ambition in their choices, they also just both love mysteries and science and that really cemented their relationship past the initial attraction.

(They’re both sexy nerds that, at first, you wouldn’t think are nerds. But they are.)

Who kills the bugs in the house?

Probably Cathan. Not because Wolfe is afraid of insects (I mean, he graduated in Sharlayan studying botany. That would be unfortunate) but because, unless it’s a kind of insect dangerous for the structural integrity of his house, he knows they have their use and would rather put them outside or leave them be.

What is their most common argument about? 

"My name is Wolfe, not Wolfy.”

But it’s turning into a running joke between them at that point, much to Wolfe’s dismay.

Nah I would say almost everything because they’re idiots and while Wolfe is too honest and too direct, Cathan has mastered the art of somewhat saying the truth while looking like he’s lying. Something that riles up Wolfe, and Cathan takes too much pleasure getting on his nerves.

Did either of them try to resist their feelings?

Yes and no.

They started catching feelings in Heavensward, during the road trip. Neither of them did anything about it. They had other priorities, and it seemed obvious to both that they needed to end their mission first before even thinking about it. They didn’t even discuss it, just entirely ignored their crush.

Then Haurchefant died, then Ysaile died, then Estinien was possessed and eventually, finally, they saved him and the war was over.

Estinien visited her before leaving, but too much had happened. She was grieving and he needed time to figure out what he wanted from life now. They agreed to just remain friends and give it time, cuddled for a few hours and he was off.

She knew were to find him, though. He wrote to her and she kept his location’s secret so well that nobody even thought to ask her about it. Not even Krile and Tataru before they went after him.

They didn’t meet though. Not even when he helped in Gyr Abania, though she suspected it was him. Not even after he saved her in the Ghimlyt Dark, and at first she was a bit disappointed he didn’t stay long enough to see her awake, but she knew why he did it. It still wasn’t the time, and he didn’t want to stand in her way and influence her decision.

Their next meeting actually happened more or less like in MSQ. They pretended they hadn’t had any news of each other, but they talked privately after the meeting. And decided, once again, that it wasn’t time yet. Not with an apocalypse on the horizon. Both are protective and they feared it’d influence their choices.

It lasted until the “You’re alone, good.” scene in Sharlayan. Estinien didn’t jump into the night through the window, not until the early morning at least. They spend the night together, and then went back to pretending they hadn’t in the morning.

When she almost died at the end of MSQ though, he refused to leave her side. And gil changed hands among the Scions, albeit far from their eyes XD

So they both tried to resist their feelings and at the same time not really. Just prioritized other things without being in denial about how they felt.

Who is more protective? Who would get into a fight to defend the other? Who tends to the other's wounds?

I’d say pretty equals in these matters.

Part of why they got along so well and so fast is because they’re both extremely intense when family is concerned. She understood why he was so consumed by revenge, despite not having lost her father herself. But while she didn’t lose him, she did pretty terrible things just out of fear her father would be killed. Just to keep him safe.

So yeah, they’d both fight for each other and tend to the other’s wounds, and I feel like now they’re finally together, they’ll start fighting more and more in tandem.

Thanks for the ask, Mioup!

[horrid-terrible-nightmare-sex]

What do you get when you combine a monster fucker, a vore enthusiast, and a replay of titanfall 2? CW: Vore, fatal vore (With respawning, but this probably makes it a worse bad end? idk), ducon/noncon, and probably other stuff

Blood, sweat, and tears are shed when on the battle ground. BT is the mech and you are the pilot. He's been passed along by a few great pilots and now finally you are at the wheel. He is known for some crazy exploits and all kinds of things. He traded hands and now his combat expertise with some of the pilots is off the charts. It sets quite a high bar for a pilot. You've been with BT for a few weeks or so and maybe its just that the others had more pressure to perform well, but BT does not seem happy with your performance. His AI has lasted longer without being wiped than most others and he has started to gain many different expressions. Many times they are dulled, but sometimes you swear that the bending and draining of fuel or whatever people put in those batteries is starting to sound like gurgling every once in a while. The first time you realized what was going on was the first time you saw one of BT's.... extra... functions. While it was really just a last resort if there were no pilots the cockpit could turn into a fuel converter and turn whatever was in there into some great fuel. Now of course by virtue of you being there this function was never supposed to come up, but for some reason BT started to hunger. The sun was high in the sky with whatever planet you two were on. It was a solo mission and the two of you had just taken out a squadron of IMC soldiers. Was pretty typical of BT and whatever pilot he was grouped with, but it had been a good fight. While you were rummaging around in the packs for some kind of supplies you heard the cockpit open and close. It probably wasn't much of anything, but as you started to eat you heard a loud gurgling and the whirring of parts as BT stood guard. It seemed like he was all normal, but soon enough you saw it. When the cockpit opened again a pair of IMC soldier outfits dropped out. They were a little soaked, but as they dropped out BT quickly informed you of his choice. The soldiers were already dead and he needed a recharge for the time being, but it still made you feel uneasy. He was not supposed to do this kind of thing especially when you knew the two of you had deployed with an extra battery. Now it had been a while after that, but it had not been going well. Lastimosa and Cooper were two exemplary pilots and had left a high bar. Most other pilots either met or exceeded the bar, but it had been tough going for you. Maybe it was just not your strong suit. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WARNING: OBJECTIVE MISSED

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

"God damn it" you quietly thought as you had fully missed one of the guard towers that you were tasked with taking out. Thankfully BT had realized your forgetfulness and locked onto it without even asking you. You had been getting more and more of these little misses and BT was picking up on it. "I detect no fluctuations in your vitals Pilot. Why are you falling behind?" BT asked as neutrally as could be, but it felt like his voice was dripping with discontent. It was clear that he had been getting ticked off in some way even if his voice never actually changed. "I.. I don't know. I have been doing everything I have needed to do. What, do you want to take control for the rest of the mission?" You asked snidely and trying to assert your dominance or deflect instead of answering the real question. "My combat rating is high enough that it may be a venerable option. I will need to recalculate when we rest." BT replied calmly using your own question to rip your pride asunder. Were you really that bad that he might be better on his own? Pilots were required just in case there was any malfunction or hack, but sometimes you never even got out of the mech aside from time to eat and rest. Sitting around a small heater that was packed in your bag you watched BT slowly calculate and check many different scenarios as you ate some field rations. It was another starry night on some cold planet, but at least this one had much more stuff that was scared of the giant metal box and the weird bipedal thing to try and attack when you slept. As you slept you looked up at BT and slowly spoke.

"I think I may need to use the rest of the battery. Will you have enough charge tomorrow?" You asked as BT slowly finished the simulations and his eye looked to you. "Yes. I will have enough charge for tomorrow." He said as you felt his eye bear down on you. He was probably clocking in an extra five percent of energy usage from you screwing something up or him having to remember things for you wasn't he...

Waking up the next morning you ate and drank your fill before getting into BT. He had suggested to eat the last of the high calories rations and some other ones the night before to make sure you were able to press on today. The mission was intended to be finished with an all day segment which disallowed time to eat. At least that's what BT told you. He had gotten used to your forgetfulness and tended to make objectives appear ahead of you guiding you like a dog from one place to another. This time it was odd. You realized that the calculations had taken more out of him than you thought. He was at about 10% power left and for an all day mission and especially one as intense as this you were pretty sure he needed at least 30%.

"Hey BT, you got enough for the mission? Thought you said you had enough battery power?" You asked as you were a little unsure that BT was working alright. "I said that I will have enough power. Your body's ability to convert things into stored chemical energy is quite useful. Using the energy of your body I will have enough energy to complete the mission alone. I will meet you when I respawn you. I have already downloaded all I need from you. Thank you for being a good battery." BT said as the cockpit sealed and you looked around. Soon enough the cockpit began to fill with liquid and you started to try and find the quick release. Though BT and the designers were smart enough to hide all things that really affected BT when doing this process. The cockpit continued to fill and as you struggled you felt a quick jab in the neck.

"Pilot. I have administered a relaxant and pain killer. This will hasten the process and allow for an easier digestion as you may call it." BT said as you groaned and felt your body become sluggish. The cockpit seemed to squeeze as you felt the walls close in and push the liquid to fill up above your head. You could feel the walls closing in as your body lost sensation and you started to dissolve into nothing, but helpful fuel for BT. You would make a great battery. Waking up brought the smell of antiseptic. Two bright lights made your eyes dilate and as you looked up you saw BT staring at you. "The mission was a success. The report tells that you gave your life to finish the mission. I was able to retrieve enough of your brain sample and consciousness from your helmet that the group could rebuild you. Act with more caution this time. Maybe this experience will give you the motivation to improve. If not.... I am happy to bring along another battery.

[allgoodfinancial]

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Investment Financial Services

Investing is a crucial part of building and maintaining wealth, and choosing the right investment financial services can significantly impact your financial success. With numerous options available, it can be challenging to determine which service will best meet your needs. Here are key factors to consider when selecting investment financial services to ensure you make an informed decision.

1. Understand Your Financial Goals

Before selecting an investment financial service, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your financial goals. Are you saving for retirement, a child's education, or a significant purchase? Knowing your objectives will help you choose a service that aligns with your investment horizon, risk tolerance, and expected returns. Ensure the service provider can cater to your specific needs and help you achieve your financial aspirations.

2. Evaluate the Range of Services Offered

Investment financial services can vary widely in the scope of services they provide. Some firms specialize in specific areas, such as retirement planning, tax optimization, or estate planning, while others offer a comprehensive suite of services. Evaluate the range of services offered to ensure the provider can address all aspects of your financial life. A full-service firm can provide holistic advice and seamless integration of various financial strategies.

3. Assess the Firm's Reputation and Track Record

The reputation and track record of an investment financial service provider are critical indicators of their reliability and performance. Research the firm's history, client reviews, and industry ratings. Look for any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against them. A firm with a strong reputation and a proven track record is more likely to provide trustworthy and effective financial advice.

4. Consider the Advisor's Qualifications and Experience

The qualifications and experience of the financial advisors are equally important. Ensure the advisors are certified professionals, such as Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) or Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs). Experienced advisors are more likely to navigate complex financial situations and provide sound investment advice. Don't hesitate to ask about their background, expertise, and areas of specialization.

5. Analyze the Fee Structure

Investment financial services come with various fee structures, including flat fees, hourly rates, commissions, or a percentage of assets under management. Understanding the fee structure is crucial to avoid unexpected costs and ensure you get value for your money. Compare the fees of different providers and assess how they align with your budget and the level of service provided. Transparent fee structures can help you make an informed decision and prevent potential conflicts of interest.

6. Evaluate the Technology and Tools Provided

In today's digital age, the technology and tools provided by investment financial services can significantly enhance your investment experience. Look for firms that offer robust online platforms, mobile apps, and analytical tools that allow you to track your investments, access financial reports, and communicate with your advisor. Advanced technology can provide better insights, streamline processes, and improve your overall financial management.

7. Assess the Level of Personalization and Communication

Personalization and communication are key components of effective financial planning. Choose a provider that offers personalized advice tailored to your unique financial situation and goals. Additionally, evaluate the firm's communication practices. Regular updates, timely responses to inquiries, and proactive advice are essential for staying informed and making timely investment decisions.

8. Consider the Firm's Investment Philosophy and Strategy

Different firms may have varying investment philosophies and strategies. Some may focus on passive investing, while others may employ active management. Understand the firm's approach to investing and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. A firm with a well-defined investment philosophy and a disciplined strategy is more likely to provide consistent and reliable investment performance.

9. Check for Fiduciary Responsibility

A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interest. Ensure the investment financial service provider adheres to fiduciary standards. Fiduciaries are committed to providing unbiased advice and avoiding conflicts of interest, which can give you peace of mind knowing your financial advisor is acting in your best interest.

10. Seek Recommendations and Referrals

Lastly, seek recommendations and referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with investment financial services. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights and help you find a trusted advisor. Additionally, consider consulting independent reviews and ratings to further validate your choice.

In conclusion, selecting the right investment financial services requires careful consideration of various factors, including your financial goals, the range of services offered, the firm's reputation, the advisor's qualifications, fee structures, technology, personalization, investment philosophy, fiduciary responsibility, and recommendations. By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can choose a service provider that will help you achieve your financial goals and secure your financial future.

[softweb-solutions]

On-premises to AWS cloud migration: Step-by-step guide

Businesses are rapidly migrating corporate data to the cloud. Based on a report by Thales’ finding, it has doubled in cloud storage usage from 30% in 2015 to 60% in 2022. The figure is steadily increasing as businesses recognize the myriad benefits it has to offer. Moving your data to clouds can help you with:

Increased agility and scalability

Improved performance and reliability

Easy implementation of technologies

Reduced costs

Despite knowing the numerous benefits of cloud migration, concerns about security and hidden maintenance cost prevent businesses from fully embracing it. The optimal solution for addressing these concerns is consolidating all your cloud requirements under one roof, leveraging platforms such as AWS.

Businesses looking forward to migrating existing infrastructure software/ business applications from on-premises to AWS cloud require involvement from stakeholders across all levels of an organization. Therefore, this process requires careful planning and a step-by-step process for successful implementation.

Each migration is unique as business goals of every organization are different. Hence, before aiming for a successful migration to cloud, take time to consider the goals intended to achieve through it. Identify key business drivers and align them with your migration strategy to achieve set goals.

Step1: Migration preparation

The primary objective of the AWS Cloud Adoption Framework is to bring stakeholders together and formulate an action plan that facilitates the transition of the team from cloud goals to actual cloud implementation. In the preparation phase, the following things will be determined, to formulate the right migration strategy from on premises to cloud.

(i) To ensure project success, identify the key stakeholders involved. It includes the teams participating and a designated project manager to lead.

(ii) Connect with each department and have an open discussion about their app usage, pain points, and desired functionalities.

(iii) To ensure compliance and mitigate risk, clearly state the detailed regulatory requirements and security considerations associated with workload, along with any other relevant requirements.

(iv) Perform dependency mapping to gain better visibility into interdependencies of business services and apps.

Step 2: Planning and strategizing

Pinpointing the first domino in a complex migration is the true test. When data is scattered across silos, choosing the right starting point can be difficult. Having the right data and the right expertise by your side can help you get through this.

Once you have all the prerequisites with you, the 1st step is to determine which applications to include in the 1st phase of AWS cloud migration strategy. The best approach is to start with applications with lowest number of dependencies. Another approach could be to start with the workloads that have the most overprovisioned, or idle resources.

Industry research suggests that as many as 30% of on-premises servers, both physical and virtual, are Zombies- showing no sign of useful compute activity for 6 months or . If a business rightsizes their cloud deployment on AWS, these workloads will see a great difference in price or performance, once migrated.

The next step is to decide on the migration strategy, which can be anyone of the following options:

a. Lift and shift: Quickly move your application to AWS with minimal changes, utilizing migration tools for assistance.

b. Partial refactor: Retain certain aspects of your application while rebuilding other parts for proper functioning on AWS. Alternatively, build additional supporting services alongside the existing application.

c. Full refactor: Completely rebuild your application for optimal use of AWS Cloud benefits, considering opportunities like transitioning to microservices or adopting a container-based architecture.

d. SaaS or PaaS transition: Integrate SaaS or PaaS solutions for commodity applications or components, such as email or CRM, to accelerate migration and reduce management overhead.

Deciding on the right team to architect, build, migrate, and manage your cloud can be overwhelming. Hence, many companies opt for AWS migration services to go through the first phases of migration alongside their team.

Step 3: Design

This phase of migration is strategic as it determines the architecture of the AWS cloud infrastructure. While designing the infrastructure, business needs are analyzed, and the best-suited instance type is recommended to maximize cloud investment.

The objective is to deliver a targeted plan approved by all stakeholders as outlined in the initial step. The process usually involves below steps:

a. Examine the performance data across CPU, memory, network, and disk for servers, and across throughput, capacity, and IO for storage.

b. Decide the desired “headroom” (usually 25%) for each asset and assess actual minimum, maximum, and average usage across metrics. Identify the most suitable AWS instance type based on the analysis.

A virtual machine is considered undersized if its CPU demand exceeds 70% for more than 1% of any given hour and oversized if it stays below 30% for more than 1% of a 7-day period.

c. Develop an AWS design, including an architecture diagram and a service list (Amazon EC2 instances, EBS volumes, VPCs, etc.), along with associated costs.

d. Early engagement with security and compliance teams is crucial. Proactive collaboration helps prevent delays and ensures project deadlines are met.

Step 4: Migration and validation

It’s execution stage. Meticulously follow the approved AWS architecture plan and carefully migrate your application and data to the chosen configuration.

Let cloud engineers build approved architecture using AWS CloudFormation.

Further configure each application using Amazon Machine Image (AMI).

Store AWS CloudFormation template and Puppet/Chef scripts in a versioned code repository (Git).

Migrate servers, databases, and data to AWS through internet transfer or AWS migration services for faster transitions.

Conduct initial testing with cloud engineers by repeatedly tearing down/rebuilding infrastructure with AWS CloudFormation.

Other teams test and validate application performance, security, compliance, etc.

Important: When moving data and applications to AWS Cloud, both your old system and the new AWS one will be running at the same time. This can lead to higher cost for that period. Hence, make sure, this additional cost is taken into consideration while formulating AWS Cloud migration strategy. Learn more about the impact of automation on cloud migration.

Step 5: Operate and optimize

The secret to long term success with AWS platform is to keep optimizing. Once migration is completed, there is ample time to address any issues that may not have surfaced during the testing phase. This allows for ongoing improvements to the infrastructure, making it progressively better.

24*7 Support

Before going live, clearly lay down the roles and responsibilities, and list the procedures for common tasks such as instance rebooting, access management, etc. Relying on external AWS migration service providers like Softweb Solutions can help with reducing this additional burden of management.

Cost tracking and analysis

Leverage AWS for real-time billing updates and spending alerts. Optimize cost management by using a comprehensive analysis and governance platform. Your dashboard should offer a unified view of both on-premises and cloud environments, easily accessible by your cloud engineering team for budget oversight. Schedule regular reviews with your team or Managed Services Provider to stay updated on environment costs, especially with AWS introducing new products and services that may impact expenses.

Partnering with an AWS service provider brings expert guidance, streamlined processes, and ongoing support. They’ll navigate the complexities, choose the optimal path, and ensure a smooth, fast, and cost-effective journey to the cloud.

Approach cloud migration strategically

Based on the “Guidebook Understanding the Value of Migrating from On-premises to AWS for Application Security and Performance, Nucleus Research, June 2020” migrating to AWS delivers:

Working with a cloud provider like AWS allows you to access and benefit from powerful hardware, software and services. AWS, or Amazon Web Services, stands as the most extensive and widely embraced cloud platform worldwide, presenting a range of over 200 fully featured services across global data centers. This ensures high availability as well as fast and efficient storage.

Partner with Softweb Solutions for expert implementation of top-tier migration best practices. Transform your workloads and applications on AWS seamlessly, unlocking rapid cloud benefits and modernizing your operations efficiently.

Originally published at softwebsolutions.com on February 21, 2024. 

[greython0975]

Greython Construction

Complete Instructions for Constructing the Greython

Greython Construction provides a wide range of services, including general contracting, design/build, O&M, and construction management, among others construction company near me The term "construction" encompasses the whole building process according to this interpretation. This general category includes a wide variety of locations, such as hotels, resorts, townhomes, and condominiums.

We have the resources to swiftly resolve any issue you may be facing.

We collaborate to learn the thoughts of the owners' design teams. These adjustments raise the project's value while lowering the risk's probability.

We have helped a lot of families locate homes because we are really committed and we pay close attention to detail. You need to give it your all if you want to come out on top. Surprisingly, Greython Building has become a household name across the nation and has climbed to the top of the building industry. The expansion of its consumer base has consistently been its utmost focus.

Spending less and saving more are two of the many possible advantages of a better schedule.

Everyone who helped make this possible has my deepest gratitude. We serve a wide variety of clients, from sole proprietorships to multinational conglomerates and beyond. We are capable of handling any job, no matter how big or small. All the way through the building process, the principles of lean construction are upheld. Three tenets form the basis of lean construction: timely project completion, enhanced understanding and fulfillment of customer objectives, and reduction of waste. In the building business, we have complete backing for our idea. Assuring happy clients is lean construction's first priority. Implementing the tenets of Lean Construction will help you achieve better project outcomes. Possible positive outcomes include more work being completed as planned, satisfied clients, reduced costs, and increased productivity from contractors. All of these possibilities are still well within the realm of possibility. All of these options continue to spark debate.

Be very careful when handling this. "Sir Arthur Henry Arthur" is the correct way to greet a lord such as Arthur Tudor.

Things were very different in those days! If we put our minds to anything, we can't back down.

A person for whom aesthetically pleasing homes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces are works of art.

An excellent illustration of this is the American company Greython Construction. Their expertise in general contracting and project management allows them to effectively represent the owners and see the job through to completion. These solutions are useful for homeowners and business owners alike.

Get in touch with Greython right away. Whenever this is considered, my stomach drops.

Any reliable contractors you may know, please share their names and contact details with us. If you could be of any help, I would be forever indebted to you. We assure you that we will respond promptly to your inquiry, regardless of whether we are temporarily unable to contact the individual you have asked.

Any authority's legitimacy is open to question at any moment.

States served by Greython Construction range from New York and Saint Lucia to Saint Johns and Saint Louis as well as Mystic and Connecticut. There is no legitimate claim to these territories from any country other than the United States. The bulk of these communities are owned by the United States federal government. Among the many building and construction-related services they provide to local clients is traditional project management. Many potential places came to mind, including New York City, Saint Lucia, Saint Louis, Missouri, Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia, California, Los Angeles, San Diego, and an endless number of others. Among the popular options is Saint Lucia. If you are looking for a dependable construction company to build your house, company, apartment, or café, your search ends with Greython Building. That is why the group's recent accomplishments have garnered so much praise. Among our several competitive advantages is the concept that ideas can only be realized via the use of straightforward, uncomplicated language. On top of that, we follow all rules and pay close attention to detail to ensure that our customers get excellent service. In light of this, further demonstrations are required.

Please be cautious, as we are here to help. By using this strategy, we were able to maintain our concentration on the current task. You have all you need to embark on an exciting and challenging quest with the aid of Greython Building. An expert in the field of construction can identify that specific issue. You may take advantage of the many opportunities for growth and success that are available to you with our help. If everyone follows the rules, then everything should be well. We promise to do the project on time and within budget, just the way you want it done. When you want professional advice, a committed crew, and exceptional outcomes, there is only one name to remember: Greython Construction. Our carefully selected agents will not stop until they have completed the task you assigned them, regardless of the expense. Because of their stellar reputation, you can have complete trust in their abilities.

Among the many services offered by Graython Construction are design-build and owner's representative. Hotel, resort, business, single-family home, and apartment complexes are just a few of the many building types included in their vast portfolio. You can trust their abilities due to their extensive experience in the construction industry.

[madhukumarc]

Does Blogging Make Money?

Does blogging actually make money? Yes, blogging can definitely make money!

In fact, many people have turned their blogs into profitable online businesses.

Even I have started with this online journey, the blog you are reading to earn online income, which is my secondary objective, though the primary objective is to educate readers like you about digital marketing and its associated topics.

However, it's important to keep in mind that blogging is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires time, effort, and a solid strategy to monetize effectively, if you are planning to start, or already started.

Let's dig deeper to provide you with more information.

Do you know? - “Consistency and patience are key elements of maintaining a professional blogging presence” – MarketingProfs

Blogging Makes Money:

There are several ways to make money through blogging. But the below ones have played a major role so far.

1. One of the most common methods is through display advertising, where you place ads on your blog and earn money based on the number of views or clicks those ads receive.

Google AdSense is a popular platform for this type of advertising.

2. Another way to monetize your blog is through affiliate marketing.

This involves promoting products or services on your blog and earning a commission for every sale or lead generated through your referral or affiliate link.

Amazon Associates is one of the largest affiliate programs available, but there are many others to choose from depending on your niche. In fact, there are more than 10,000 affiliate programs across the world.

“The most popular monetization method for bloggers is Google AdSense, followed by affiliate marketing. However, for high-income bloggers, AdSense ranks third; these bloggers are 2.5 times more likely to sell their own product or service than use AdSense (GrowthBadger)” – Ahrefs

3. Sponsored content is another avenue to explore. Brands or businesses may approach you to write a sponsored post or review their product on your blog.

In return, they will compensate you for your time and effort. However, it's important to disclose any sponsored content to maintain transparency with your audience.

4. Creating and selling digital products can also be a lucrative option. Ebooks, online courses, and digital templates are just a few examples of products you can create and sell directly to your audience.

This allows you to leverage your expertise and provide value to your readers while generating income.

5. Additionally, offering services such as consulting or coaching can be a profitable way to monetize your blog.

If you have specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area, you can offer one-on-one guidance or group workshops to your readers.

However, it's important to note that success in blogging requires more than just monetization strategies.

Building a loyal audience and providing valuable content that resonates with them is crucial.

Engaging with your readers, understanding their needs, and consistently delivering high-quality content will help you grow your blog and also increase your earning potential.

“Not only do half of bloggers use AI to make content, but 74% of web analysts whose writers use AI for content creation say it makes their content perform better and 65% say it makes their pages rank higher on SERPs” – HubSpot

Always remember that if you want to get the most out of your blog, you must run it like a business.

Here are a few latest examples of niche blogs [or niche websites] that have recently earned money online.

Image Source - Niche Site Lady Website

For more inspiration and ideas, you may also look here [affiliate link], which can even serve as another source of online income for you.

“Blogging isn’t useful if you aren’t keeping tabs on performance and reader engagement. Identify the metrics you want to track, review the analytics regularly, and make data-driven decisions to optimize and maximize your blogging efforts” – SmartBug and rockcontent [Report for 2023]

In conclusion, while blogging can indeed make money, it's not an overnight success story. It requires dedication, persistence, and a well-executed strategy.

But with the right approach, a positive mindset, and a focus on providing value to your audience, you can really turn your blog into a profitable venture.

Here's related information that you may also find helpful – Why Blogs Fail? [Top 7 reasons along with pro-action plans for success].

[prometteursolutions]

How to Choose the Right Python Development Company

Introduction

Python is a versatile and simple programming language that can be used for various projects, including dynamic websites, data analytics platforms, and machine learning applications. 

Selecting the right Python development company is crucial for ensuring seamless execution, meeting objectives, and meeting deadlines.

Assessing Your Project Requirements

Begin by outlining your project's specific requirements. Whether it's a web application, software solution, or any other development project, having a clear understanding of what you need will help you find a company that aligns with your goals.

Expertise in Python Development

Look for a company with a proven track record in Python development. Assess their experience, the complexity of projects they've handled, and their familiarity with cutting-edge Python frameworks and tools.

Portfolio and Case Studies

Reviewing the company's portfolio provides insights into their previous work. Case studies showcase their ability to handle challenges, develop innovative solutions, and deliver results.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

Genuine client reviews offer valuable perspectives on the company's professionalism, communication, and overall performance. Positive testimonials indicate a reliable partner.

Effective Communication

Clear communication is essential for a successful partnership. A company that listens to your ideas, provides regular updates, and addresses your concerns promptly is a valuable asset.

Scalability and Future Growth

Choose a company that can accommodate your project's growth. Scalability ensures that as your project expands, the company can handle increased demands and complexities.

Project Management and Workflow

Understanding the company's project management approach helps you anticipate how your project will be executed. A well-defined workflow enhances efficiency and minimizes misunderstandings.

Quality Assurance and Testing

Thorough testing guarantees a bug-free final product. Inquire about the company's testing processes to ensure that your project will be delivered in top-notch condition.

Timeline and Delivery

Discuss the expected timeline for your project. A reliable company sets realistic deadlines and adheres to them, ensuring a smooth development process.

Cost and Budget

While cost is a factor, the cheapest option may not provide the best value. Choose a company that offers transparent pricing, aligning with your budget and project requirements.

Transparency and Ethics

Transparency in communication and ethical business practices are crucial. A company that operates with integrity fosters trust and a positive working relationship.

Additional Services

Consider whether the company offers supplementary services like maintenance, updates, and support after the project's completion. These services can save you time and effort in the long run.

Making the Final Decision

After thorough research and evaluation, weigh the pros and cons of each candidate. Choose the company that best matches your project's needs, goals, and values.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Python development company requires careful consideration of technical expertise, communication, scalability, and other vital factors. 

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you're better equipped to make an informed decision that sets your project up for success.

FAQs

Q1: How do I know if a Python development company is experienced? A: Assess their portfolio, client reviews, and the complexity of projects they've handled to gauge their experience.

Q2: What if my project requirements change during development? A: Choose a company with a flexible approach and a history of adapting to changing project scopes.

Q3: Is it necessary to choose a local Python development company? A: Not necessarily. Remote collaboration is common and can provide access to a broader talent pool.

Q4: How important is quality assurance in development? A: Quality assurance ensures that your final product functions as intended, minimizing post-launch issues.

Q5: Can I get ongoing support after my project is complete? A: Many companies offer maintenance and support services to address any issues and keep your project up to date.

[scratchremovers1]

How Do You Effectively Resolve and Repair Chips in Glass?

Are you stuck with chipped or, worse, cracked glass? There is no need to spend lots of time worrying about what to do next. With many companies out there all having different approaches to chipped and cracked glass repair, it may prove tough to decide. But let’s first know what makes your window, cooktop, tabletop, windscreen, and other glasses easily crack and chip.

What Makes Most Glasses to Chip or Crack?

There is no one size fits all since all glasses are made of different materials and toughness.

- A high impact hit either by a hard object or substance.

- The presence of excessive heat that creates visible chips.

- Intentional or malicious damage by some hooligans and nuisances.

- It can be the poor quality, toughness, or thickness of the glass.

- Frequently changing or shifting temperature and stress variations.

How do I repair a cracked window?

The quality, toughness, and thickness of a glass will go a long way in determining how long it lasts. That is why repairing your glass professionally can be the best decision you can make. It will have several benefits and advantages. But how do you fix chipped and cracked window glass?

How to Carry Out a Permanent Cracked Window Fix

Epoxy repair is always the better option for long-lasting window crack fixing. It gives a longer-lasting and more attractive finish after the application. With the right approach, epoxy makes cracks disappear and makes it look like there was no crack in the first place. These ingredients and items are crucial and necessary:

- Acetone

- Cotton rag

- Epoxy

- Glass cleaner

- Liquid dishwashing soap

- Microfiber cloth

- Putty knife

Step-by-step Instructions to Fix a Cracked Window with Epoxy.

- Clean smoothly the window crack with soap and water. It is vital to be careful not to apply too much pressure to the glass. Using a clean cotton cloth to remove any deposits of dirt, dust, or debris from the crack is advised. Afterwards, let the cleaned-up area fully dry.

- Then mix the epoxy according to the instructions and carefully apply it to the crack. Use an appropriate object, like a putty knife, and let the epoxy dry.

- Carefully remove any extra mixture using a razor blade. You can add a few drops of acetone to the cracked area to help it come off easily. Be gentle in the process.

Benefits of Relying on a Cracked Window Repair Professional.

- Affordability and expertise.

- Extended life of your window glass.

- Cost-effective than splurging on new glass each time there is a crack or chip.

- Highly versatile and reliable glass repair with long-lasting results.

- Restore the beauty and attraction of your window glass.

- Minimise or reduce the entry of dust, bacteria, and cold in the freezing winter and extreme heat of the summer.

Conclusion: Glasses can be repaired with careful attention to detail using the right materials. With the best window glass repair experts, you can restore and prolong the service duration and longevity of your window glass effortlessly.

For More Info:-

Chicago Glass

Glass Table Repair

Chip Glass Repair

Crack Glass Repair

[socialblogger582]

Planetary Gears: Principles of Operation

Do you also want to dive in and get a better understanding of how planetary gears work? We all know how valuable Planetary Gears are for mechanical industries.  

Planetary gear sets find usage in multiple applications by reducing speed, increasing torque, and offering several advantages. However, determining the ideal planetary gearbox for your application can be challenging.

This article will explain the principles of operation, what planetary gears are used for, and how to determine the right gearbox for your needs.  

What Is a Planetary Gear Set?  

A planetary gear set is a type of gear set that consists of three or more gears. 

The main gear- sun gear, is surrounded by ring gear and one or more planet gears.  

The planet gears are mounted on a carrier connected to the sun gear.  

While the ring gear stays fixed, the planet gears revolve around the sun gear.  

This arrangement allows for a variety of gear ratios and speeds.  

Principles Of Operation  

The operation of a planetary gear set is based on the principle of torque multiplication. When the sun gear is driven, the planet gears rotate around it, causing the carrier to turn. This rotation is then transferred to the ring gear connected to the output shaft. The gear ratio between the sun gear and the ring gear determines the speed and torque of the output shaft.  

What Are Planetary Gears Used For?  

Planetary gears are used in various applications, including automotive transmissions, robotics, and aerospace applications.  

In automotive transmissions, planetary gears increase or decrease the vehicle's speed. The planetary gears are connected to the engine. The sun gear is connected to the wheels. When the engine is running, the planetary gears rotate around the sun gear, which causes the wheels to turn at a different speed than the engine. It allows the vehicle to move at different speeds, depending on the gear ratio of the planetary gears.  

In robotics: planetary gears are used to create precise movements. The planetary gears are connected to a motor. The sun gear is connected to the robot's arm or leg. When the motor is running, the planetary gears rotate around the sun gear, which causes the robot's arm or leg to move precisely. The robot can perform complex tasks like walking or picking up objects.  

In aerospace applications: planetary gears are used to create precise movements in aircraft and spacecraft. The planetary gears are connected to a motor, and the sun gear is connected to the aircraft or spacecraft's control surfaces. When the engine is running, the planetary gears rotate around the sun gear, which causes the control surfaces to move precisely. It allows the aircraft or spacecraft precisely, which is essential for safe flight.  

What Options Do I Have?  

At KG, we take pride in our top-notch planetary gearboxes that deliver exceptional quality and durability for even the most rigorous applications. Backed by cutting-edge engineering expertise and stringent quality control measures, our gearboxes are built to surpass your expectations. Trust us to provide the ultimate solution for your gearing needs. Whether you need a gearbox for industrial, aerospace, or any other demanding application, you can count on KG to deliver the highest-quality products that are built to last. We stand behind our gearboxes with a solid warranty and provide ongoing support to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Choose KG for your planetary gearbox needs and experience the difference that our engineering excellence and commitment to quality can make.  

Conclusion  

Planetary gears are an incredibly versatile and efficient way to create mechanical advantage. They are used in various applications, from automotive transmissions to robotics. By understanding the principles of operation of planetary gears, engineers can design and build more efficient and reliable machines.

[laryna6]

Something to think about when reading Solo Leveling is ‘comparative advantage vs. absolute advantage.’ If you make decisions based on absolute advantage, you’re making decisions based on what's best for you. Making decisions based on comparative advantage is making a decision that will leave you better off than someone else in some category even if that means you are worse off overall.

Comparative advantage = dick measuring contests.

Say you're a billionaire, but this other guy has a longer dick than you. You can sell everything you own to buy dick surgery and become homeless but have the longer dick and therefore win the Moral Victory(comparative advantage) or you can buy a beachfront mansion in the Bahamas and still have enough to go down in history for curing world hunger (absolute advantage).

A lot of the trouble in Solo Leveling is people measuring themselves and how well they’re doing by other people, and not even ‘the average person’ but the ‘one in five thousand out of one in a thousand.’

At the beginning of the story you see people measuring themselves relative to Sung Jin-woo and using that to prop up their self-esteem and go ‘I’m strong! I can do this!’ when what they should be doing, if they’re using comparative advantage at all, is measuring themselves relative to the monsters found in double dungeons and going ‘I am weak and if I go in I will die.’

People can invest their entire identity in ‘I’m better than other people,’ to the point it makes them outright delusional because they can’t admit it when the person they see as objectively lower than them/beaten is actually beating them in some category because they’re not making self-sabotaging choices to puff up their ego.

In the Red Dungeon, That Jerk divides people based on power level into ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ in order to reassure himself that he will survive, while the woman is going ‘which of these two options lets me keep breathing’ and since she thinking about her welfare instead of her ego is able to recognize that Sung Jin-woo saw the arrow coming, and might have anticipated it bc snowy dungeon, meaning the dude probably knows his shit better than an A-rank who might have gotten ‘special extra training,’ but is still a trainee who was only supposed to be in charge on an insultingly easy mission for an A-rank (also as a healer, she’s the obvious next target for snipers, so hanging with anti-sniper guy = not getting OHKO’d).

The dungeons are terrifying, so people do dumb shit like looking down on others to hold off fear. Since looking down on others becomes their crutch, they can’t realize things like ‘Sung Jin-woo is the weakest hunter and yet he’s still alive while the average D rank or even C rank with his time in service is a corpse and I’ll be a corpse too if I don’t stop measuring dicks and start watching out for arrows’ and take advantage of his expertise like the healer woman.

Sung Jin-woo too goes ‘only ten points,’ because that’s what everyone keeps beating into him, like those ten points don’t make him one in a thousand. And oh, they’re also the reason his mother is still alive and his sister is in school. Because of that he’s staying in the dead end where he was put so people can feel good about themselves instead of going ‘okay, what are my strengths/advantages’ and leveraging them. Even the weakest hunter is a lot stronger/tougher than ordinary humans, crafting exists: there’s a lot of work for hunters that isn’t hunting, but Sung Jin-woo isn’t looking for it bc he’s convinced no one would want him because he’s the weakest... except for 99.9% of the human race.