#meet mosaic system

[elfy-elf-imagines]

— In the Fields of Poppy | Thranduil *✧･ﾟ

▹ Pairing: Thranduil x Elf!Reader

▹ Genre: Fluff and Angst (mentions of death and the aftermath of war)

▹ Words: ~2k

▹ Summary: In the aftermath of the Battle of the Five Armies, you have a chance encounter with the King.

▹ Notes: This is unedited because we die as men! Also because I'm sleep deprived rn. Let me know what you thought!

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

The carnage had been terrible; the aftermath of the battle more brutal than any recount would ever fully capture. 

Broken stained glass mosaics formed with blood from all sides of the battle glistened in the sun. There was a heavy fog that clung to the ground, the wails of survivors finding the corpses of their loved ones. You couldn’t focus on it, blocking out as much of the noise as possible. Later you would feel the weight of the lives lost, you were certain, but for now, there was work to be done. 

You kneeled before the squirming body of a dwarven soldier, too delirious off his own pain to scorn the healing of an elvish maid. There was a cut on his leg that was bleeding profusely, his skin showing the beginning signs of infection from the poison the orcs used. He was muttering in Khuzdul, his eyes staring blankly at the sky. His eyes were locked on the sun, and if there weren’t other grievous injuries taking priority, you would’ve reminded him to not stare at the sun. But who cares for blindness if you’re already dead?

With ghost-like touches and careful concentration, you placed the healing salve on his leg, cleaning the wound as best you could beforehand. He hissed in pain from the contact, his eyes no longer looking at the sun but at you. He continued to speak in Khuzdul, this time at you, with spite and pain written on his face. You weren’t concerned, continuing to work as you numbed yourself to your surroundings. 

A group of elven soldiers marched past you, carrying the body of their fallen comrade, faces stricken with grief. Your eyes darted away from the sight and returned your attention to carefully wrapping your patient’s leg with bandages. 

“I don’t have anything for the pain, I’m afraid,” you said to him, briefly meeting his eyes that went back to looking at the sun. He muttered incoherently, and while he spoke Common this time, his words were lost on you. 

Tying the final bandage, you then began the same work on the rest of his wounds. More wails and more dead bodies carried from the battlefield, but you blocked it all out. There was no time to be swallowed in the suffering. Once all his wounds had been tended to and your dress was drenched in the blood of another patient, you stood from the ground. A dwarven soldier rushed forward to bring his comrade to the tents where the injured were resting. Words of thanks fell from his mouth, but you had already turned away, moving towards the next person. 

This time it was an elf, so young he couldn’t be more than a century old. Old enough to serve in the guard but too young to die; it made you sick to your stomach. There was a gash near his neck, the veins around it turning black. The poison had already gotten into his system; it was only a matter of time before it took him. Yet you kneeled beside him and gently placed his head in your lap as you began cleaning the wound. 

Unlike the dwarf from before, his eyes met yours, a grin on his lips. It looked out of place on his face, contorted into pain. He spoke softly in elvish, reciting an old song that mothers usually sang to their children when putting them to bed. As the cold salve touched his neck, he froze up, twitching slightly at the sensation.

Silence enveloped the two of you, he no longer sang, yet his eyes stayed on you. A stray piece of hair had fallen from your messy braid, the elf reaching up and grabbing it. He held it between his fingers, mouth parted and eyes a thousand miles away. 

“Naneth--” he trailed off, muttering more incoherent words. You swallowed thickly, forcing yourself to continue working as a spark of pain reactivated your cold heart. He called you mother; the poison must’ve already reached his head, making him see things that weren’t there. 

Tears pricked in the corners of your eyes as you looked away to reach into your healer’s kit. He must’ve been so terrified as death came closer, seeking comfort in a mother that wasn’t even here. You didn’t have the heart to correct him. Let the boy have a small bit of comfort. 

With a strip of bandage in your hand, when your eyes went back to his body, his eyes were shut, and his breathing ceased. Dead. 

Your hand fell limp at your side, eyes unmoving from his face. He looked at peace, expression no longer twisted in pain. A shuttered breath escaped your mouth, the chill in the air allowing you to see it blow away. You stood with shaky legs and trembling hands, two soldiers approaching to take his body away.

You’d been a healer for as long as you could remember, training for this since you were a little elfling running wild. Time allowed you to become numb to tragedy, keeping a clear head to do what needed to be done. But the elven boy’s death managed to stab a needle right through your heart. He was so young and vibrant, his potential severed by senseless war. It left a bitter taste in your mouth, like the ashes of the bodies the humans were burning. 

The mud squashed beneath your feet, eyes unseeing. You were a ghost on the battlefield, blood-stained dress blowing in the wind. How did the other healers seem so emotionless? Was the bite of death something that lessened the more you were near it? In a few years, would you have a disposition that was nearly mechanical? A part of you hoped for that release, while the other part of you was terrified by it. 

You turned, eyes meeting the misty blues ones of King Thranduil. He stood a few feet away from you, a vision amongst the dead. Tall and noble, he looked every bit the king he was. Golden like the dawn, his hair was loose and messy, and his previously pristine armor was dirty with mud and blood, cuts and minor wounds marring his body. Yet he looked eerily perfect. 

His stare was heavy, yet you refused to be the one to look away. A hint of a smirk appeared on the edges of his lips as his head tilted to the side. Long and sure strides brought him closer to you while you stayed locked in place. The king stood before you, towering over your smaller form. You may have been on the taller side; he made you feel as though you were a hobbit.

“What is your name?” 

You lowered your head in a half-bow, a pathetic attempt to show respect, not entirely accustomed to the presence of royalty. 

“Y/N, my king.”  

He nodded, mouthing your name as if to commit it to memory.

“Do you live in Eryn Galen? I have never seen you.”

“I grew up in Lothlorien, where I spent most of my life before training to be a healer in Imladris. I have only recently moved to Eryn Galen.”

Thranduil raised his eyebrows and clasped his hands behind his back. 

“How lucky we are to have a student of Lord Elrond among us.” You could discern if his words were patronizing or genuine, his tone not betraying his intentions. 

“I did not train under Lord Elrond personally.” You felt the need to correct him, not wanting him to think you of a higher station than you were.

“But your teachers were overseen by him, were they not?”

You nodded.

“Then you were trained by Lord Elrond, even if he himself didn’t oversee your education.” 

A small smile appeared on your lips, and you nodded. “I have no choice but to agree; who would I be to disagree with a king.”

A coy smile pulled on the edges of his lips as his eyes shone. 

“A foolish woman is who you would be. Walk with me?” It was phrased as a question, but he didn’t wait for your answer. His long strides carried him towards camp, and you had no choice but to follow.   

“Tell me, do you plan on staying in Eryn Galen long?” His voice was crisp but quiet enough that only you could hear them.

“I do. I have grown fond of the people and its forest.” You spoke genuinely and truthfully. The wood elves were reclusive and suspicious, but once you broke through those barriers, they were full of merriment and loyalty. You cherished the relationships you had already formed and were eager for more. 

“Even in its sickly state,” his tone was sardonic but not enough to hide the pain in his voice. How terrible it must’ve been to see his home twisted into something so evil while powerless to stop it. 

“I believe there is still hope for it to be returned to health.”

Thranduil stopped in his tracks, eyes meeting yours. You stopped as well, patiently waiting for what he may say next. His expression was unreadable, eyes searching yours for the answers to questions you didn’t know. 

Wherever he was searching for, it sent shivers down your spine and made goosebumps form on your arms. The moonlight was kind to him, bathing him in a silvery light that made him look like the elves of Lothlorien who always seemed to shine. You felt your heart stutter as butterflies formed in your stomach. 

It could’ve been a trick of the light, but you could’ve sworn there was a hint of affection in his bright eyes. After the death of his wife, rumors spread of his cold demeanor and harshen disposition. But now, before you, none of those adjectives seemed suited for him. As soft as the stars and as beautiful as the moon, how could he be anything but good and kind?

“I hope that you are right.” He finally broke the silence, eyes raising to the sky before he continued walking, and just as before, you matched his strides. Neither of you spoke, relishing in the silence after a terrible day full of death and terror. 

Finally, the both of you stopped in front of the tent that was yours.

“It was good to meet you today, Y/N. I hope to see you again; I find your company pleasant and your conversation enjoyable.”

A red flush made your face warm, and a child-like grin appeared on your lips. As light as a feather, you would’ve floated away had the king not grabbed your hand, delicately placing a kiss on your knuckles. 

When he released your hand, you lowered into a half curtsey, the movement not as fluid due to your dress that was stiff from the dried blood covering it. 

“It was an honor to speak with you, my king. I wish you a good rest tonight.” 

He smirked in a way that made your flush deepen.

“And if I find it difficult to find rest, will you brew me a tea to lull me to sleep.” 

“Herbology happens to be my specialty.” 

Thranduil gave a single, firm nod, yet his eyes never moved from yours. The affection you’d seen before was brighter, easier seen in the dim lighting. And you were certain your eyes portrayed the same attraction. Could this be the beginning of something wonderful?

“Then I shall know who to call upon in my hour of need.” He lowered into a full bow, his cloak billowing around him. You took a step back, a bout of giggle escaping your mouth. Who would’ve thought the stern king had a sense of humor?

“Farewell, my lady.” 

He then swept off further into the camp, and you stayed in your spot, watching his form disappear, only moving once you could no longer see him. You turned and entered your tent, hand placed upon your flushed cheek. As you readied yourself for bed, the encounter with Thranduil replayed in your mind. And suddenly, you found yourself dancing alone, unable to push back your excitement. 

And as you lay in bed and shut your eyes, you desperately hoped this would only be the beginning and not where the story would end. 

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Tags: @jmablurry | @lunatichaotiche | @aearonnin | @emiliessketches | @vibratingbones | @moony-artnstuff | @ranhanabi777 | @kenobiguacamole | @ceinelee | @thranduil | @samnblack | @abbiesthings | @Strangebananabatranch | @bitter--fruit | @keijibum | @lifestylesleep | @themerriweathermage | @im-a-muggleborn | @sweetheart-syndrome | @boyruins | @AwkwardBecomesYou | @delyeceamaitare |

[colibrie]

Mosaic Moments

Prompt 3, Leo: Not made of stone.

Art by @trilobitepunch

3. Not made of stone (Leo, Casey Jr, brief Donnie cameo)

"Woooowe! Now that was a great run!" Leo exclaimed, chest heaving gently as he skidded to a stop. His muscles throbbed with a pleasant burn, chest gently heaving with the welcome effort of exertion. A thin veneer of sweat cleansed his skin, gently pulling at the slight breeze that blew by the roof.

"Hah yeah," Casy huffed as he came up from behind, face flushed and hair stuck to his face. The humans thin shoulders jumped as he folded over, hands braced on his knees as he sucked in deep breaths of air.

"You good bro?" Leo asked, only half teasing as he stretched his arms above his head, casually nudging Casey Jr with the side of his foot. "Way you're sucking wind someone would think you were the one stuck in bed for over a month and a half."

"Hey, not all of us get to be freaky strong mutants," Casey shot back, a broad grin taking any away any heat that may of existed as he pushed himself upright. "You definitely don't run like someone whose been bed ridden. Then again, you always did heal fast. It was useful for the resistance but it drove uncle Tello and Master Michelangelo crazy trying to keep Sensei in bed long enough to meet minimum rest standards."

The shift was barely perceptible. If he hadn't been raised by older versions of the turtle he was sure he would have missed it. The suble tightness that crept into the corners of Leo's smile, forcing them wider in a way that was to plastic to be genuine. The way the light in his eyes dimmed ever so slightly, even as he let out the perfectly light chuckle to cover.

"Yeah, future me is like six kinds of amazing. Must have been a crazy time."

"It was the apocalypse," Casey replied slowly, mentally trying to make sense of these shifts.

Had it been mentioning sensei? In the aftermath of the Krang invasion Leo had initially had a hard time hearing Casey mention his future counterpart. But they had worked through that. They had talked, under the cover of night when the rest of the lair had been at rest. He'd apologised to the younger turtle for putting so much pressure on him. Leo had accepted with apologies of his own, and had eventually coaxed him to give more details about his life with sensei, stories both good and bad. They'd laughed, they'd cried. They were good...weren't they?

"Must all seem pretty tame now in comparison," Leo said casually as he leaned into his stretch.

"Yes and no," Casey responded, watching carefully as he pushed his hair away from his face. "There's certainly less explosions, and the lack of zombie krang chasing us on our morning run is nice. But other things are crazy. Like how rich everyone is. Uncle Tello used to tell me stories about it, and he had a million folders of ideas and inventions that he'd imagined but lacked the materials to make. Seeing how easy it is to get things here, I get it now. He'd be over the moon, and probably lock himself in the lab for a whole year!"

There. A slight flinch, shoulders hiking a few centimeters up towards his tympanum.

"Heh, once an egghead always an egghead I guess. Anyway, we should-"

"Leo, what's wrong?"

"Uh...Nothing?" Leo replied questioningly. "I mean, I'm kinda hungry. Wanna swing by Run of the Mill on the way back? We can-"

"I thought we were past lying to each other," Casey challenged, a tiny bud of frustration building beneath his ribs as he pinned the turtle with a look.

"I'm not lying Cas, everything is fine now, right? Apocalypse averted, city is in repairs, everyone is healing, and Donnie finally paused updating the security system long enough to eat something other than caffeine and applesauce. Everyone is happy."

"You're avoiding my question. Master Michelangelo said you'd..."

He did not even need to look for the flinch this time. Leo turned away.

There was something here he was missing. Something in his words. But what? It wasn't like he'd never told red eared slider about the future. About the family he'd lost.

About Master Michelangelo.

About Uncle Tello.

About how...

"They all die!"

His heart hit the floor, stomach doing flips as he stared at the mosaic of barely healed pain spiderwebbed across Leonardo's shell. They had talked about a lot of things in the aftermath of the apocalypse, but they had never discussed what had happened in the tunnels beneath the tower. About the fate he'd revealed.

"They all die!"

"Every single one of them."

"The world needs Master Leonardo, and all we have is this guy."

"Leo, I... I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what man? Everything is fine." Leo replied, voice smoothly polished. He did not turn around.

"I've been talking about the future this whole time and..and we never really talked about it like that."

"Sure we have. You were telling me about it yesterday."

"I was talking about Sensei yesterday," Casey corrected, "we've only discussed the...others... once."

A falling pin could have sounded like a gun shot in the quiet that followed.

"There's nothing to talk about there," Leo said eventually.

Gone was the polish, the glitz and the glamorous glow of humor. Leo's tone was flat, a blank slate for this single fact to be engraved.

"I think there is," Casey replied carefully, biting his lower lip hard as he sought the for words that would fix the situation. "The way I told you about what happened to them was... not ideal..."

"Hey, you did what you needed to do to get the message through my thick skull. I don't hold it against you Casey. "

"Yeah, that's partially why I did it. But...I think I also did it because I was mad at you."

The atmosphere between them felt tense enough to explode, and Casey found himself tripping over his words in the haste to get them our before the fireworks could begin.

"I was angry at you for not being Sensei, and I was scared that I was going to fail the mission he and Master Michelangelo sacrificed everything to give me. The mission that could make uncle Tello and Raphel's death mean something. I threw their deaths in your face, and it was...I didn't mean to... I didn't think it would still be effecting you this badly..."

"You didn't think learning my whole family died because of my stupidity would effect me? Jeez Casey, I know I'm an self-centered idiot sometimes, but I'm not made of stone either. "

The words were light, but underneath them was brittleness, fine cracks poised to shatter at the next misstep.

"No!" Casey panicked, desperately backpedaling for the a way to sooth the hurts he'd intentionally and unintentionally afflicted. "I just meant that-"

The soft beeping of Leo's com cut him off mid sentance, and the young terrapin answered it before he could regather his scrambled thoughts.

"What's good Dee?"

"I need to go to the junkyard for some parts, but Raph won't let me go alone incase Repomantis "shows up for a showdown". To appease him I volunteered you for the buddy system. Tell Junior to head home and meet me there in ten minutes," Donatello replied, his voice that perfectly painful bend of familiar irritation, excitement, and affected disinterest.

There was something else there too. Something Casey had never had a name for beyond donnieandleo. He'd grown up hearing donnieandleo in good times and in bad. In the early hours when Sensei would grumble and drag the soft shell into his own bed to ensure he got at least four hours of uninterrupted rest. In the curses that had flown from his uncles lips when he'd fought to keep Sensei from bleeding out after amputating his arm. It was like a secrect code that only they could speak, one that remained uncracked up until the day his uncle had died.

Whatever Donnie was saying now, Leo read loud and clear.

"Fine, but you owe me a smoothie after. Extra large."

"Says the guy who still owes me pizza for that bet from last week."

"Uuuugg fine, but I'm gonna need some serious food to make up for this. On my way."

"Leo, we need to-"

"Sorry Case, duty calls," Leo cut in, never looking back as he walked towards the edge of the roof. "You head back and get some lunch. I know Mikey has a new recipe for you."

"Leo stop! Just let me explain."

"No need. Heard it loud and clear, I promise."

[thehopefuljournalist]

Seed networks are community organizations that have multiplied in the past decade in different Brazilian biomes to collect, trade and plant native seeds in degraded areas.

In the Chapada dos Veadeiros area, in Goiás state members of seed networks from several parts of Brazil met for almost a week in early June.

Along with environmental organizations, researchers and government officials, they participated in discussions to boost Redário, a new group seeking to strengthen these networks and meet the demands of the country’s ecological restoration sector.

“This meeting gathered members of Indigenous peoples, family farmers, urban dwellers, technicians, partners, everyone together. It creates a beautiful mosaic and there’s a feeling that what we are doing will work and will grow,” says Milene Alves, a member of the steering committee of the Xingu Seed Network and Redário’s technical staff.

Just in 2022, 64 metric tons of native seeds were sold by these networks, and similar figures are expected for 2023.

The effort to collect native seeds by traditional populations in Brazil has contributed to effective and more inclusive restoration of degraded areas, and is also crucial for the country to fulfill its pledge under international agreements to recover 30 million acres of vegetation by 2030.

Seed collection for restoration in these areas has previously only been done by companies. But now, these networks, are organized as cooperatives, associations or even companies, enable people in the territories to benefit from the activity.

Eduardo Malta, a restoration expert from the Socio-Environmental Institute and one of Redário’s leaders, advocates for community participation in trading and planting seeds. “These are the people who went to all the trouble to secure the territories and who are there now, preserving them. They have the greatest genetic diversity of species and hold all the knowledge about the ecosystem,” 

.

The Geraizeiros Collectors Network are one of the groups that makes up Redário. They were founded in 2021, and now gathers 30 collectors from eight communities in five municipalities: Montezuma, Vargem Grande, Rio Pardo de Minas, Taiobeiras and Berizal.

They collect and plant seeds to recover the vegetation of the Gerais Springs Sustainable Development Reserve, which was created in 2014 in order to stop the water scarcity as a result of eucalyptus monocultures planted by large corporations.

“The region used to be very rich in water and it is now supplied by water trucks or wells,” says Fabrícia Santarém Costa, a collector and vice president of the Geraizeiros Collectors’ Network. “Today we see that these activities only harm us, because the [eucalyptus] company left, and we are there suffering the consequences.”

Costa was 18 years old in 2018, when the small group of seed collectors was founded and financed by the Global Environmental Facility. She says that working with this cooperative changed the way she looks at life and the biome in which she was born and raised. She describes restoring the sustainable development work as "ant work", ongoing, slow. But it has already improved the water situation in the communities. In addition, seed sales complement geraizeiros’ income, enabling them to remain in their territories.

.

The Redário initiative also intends to influence public policies and regulations in the restoration sector to disseminate muvuca, the name given by the networks to the technique of sowing seeds directly into the soil rather than growing seedlings in nurseries.

Technical studies and network experiences alike show that this technique covers the area faster and with more trees. As a result, it requires less maintenance and lower costs. This system also distributes income to the local population and encourages community organizations.

“The muvuca system has great potential [for restoration], depending on what you want to achieve and local characteristics. It has to be in our range of options for meeting the targets, for achieving them at scale,” says Ministry of the Environment analyst Isis Freitas.

Article published August 3rd, 2023

[auphelia]

Memento Mori - Chapter 1

*Super nice banner once I make it*

One tragedy never arrives alone Two crows never a bore Three meetings never a coincidence Doubt takes root when one decision comes at a price no one could hope to pay. And when praying and pleading with the divine does nothing to dull the ache, it's only natural that curious eyes will look to other means. When an opportunity at redemption presents itself in the shape of a Harbinger, you're all too willing to cast aside reservations and take him up on his word. Dottore laughs in the face of adversity, yet all he can manage with his newest research assistant is a burning rage gnawing away as everything is derailed. Info/tags: Il Dottore x fem reader, research assistant!reader, nuisances to lovers, eventual angst, eventual smut, eventual ending, fem reader with backstory and personality, possibly not very likeable MC, mostly canon compliant, former amurta student reader, slow burn, tags subject to change as I write MDNI - I mean it

The evenings in Sumeru had always been breathtaking, the serenity as the sun settled provided a constant in the busy city. Golden light streamed through the canopy, bathing everything in a warmth that lingered throughout the serene nights. The bustling sounds from the bazaar barely reached your ears as you leaned against the side of one of the little pavilions scattered outside The Akademiya. Your fingers were deftly working to pick apart the flower in your hand, ripping petals out and letting them fall to the ground.

Suspended.

"As if that old fool even has the authority to issue such an order," your voice came out louder than intended, the few students still scattered around the gardens no doubt glancing in your direction. You slumped forward for a moment, focusing on breathing through it as you hoped no one would approach.

It wasn't like you'd hurt anyone or broken any rules. The Akademiya technically had nothing stating someone couldn't use themselves as a subject. Getting the clearance to conduct human studies was a long and tedious process, especially with how busy the sages seemed lately. All of that valuable time could be much better spent on research into cures and remedies for other ailments.

It had certainly been a bit of a careless decision to inject yourself with something you knew was harmful. Your fingers squashed the center of the flower, it's petals strewn about the ground. But honestly, you'd had it under control. You couldn't help but grin to yourself as you toss the naked stem aside.

The antidote you'd made had worked flawlessly, ridding your body of the toxin within mere minutes. It didn't contain any pricey ingredients, and creating it wasn't as labor intensive as you'd feared, overall it was the most satisfying result you'd managed to produce after obtaining your degree. White light danced across the inside of your eyelids as your palms pressed firmly against your closed eyes.

Progress would always sit at the outskirts of acceptability, the moral consensus always shifting to accommodate what turned out to be useful. At least this held true to some degree, some boundaries were not to be crossed, not even in the name of advancement. The six cardinal sins flashed through your mind, the words beaten into your consciousness in every class you'd followed.

You shifted slightly, leaning back to lay on the soft grass. The stained glass mosaics in the top of the pavilion created a swirling display of colors, the sight almost too much as your eyes closed. Was the act of making medicine not conflicting with one of the sins if taken in it's purest form? Bringing life to that which would've otherwise perished, surely it could be argued that anything could be conflicting with the Sages' views if they willed it enough.

The thought made bile rise in your throat, maybe if things had been different, the rules a little more loose… A sigh escaped your lips, it was most likely a system established by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata when she was still around. And questioning the God of Wisdom seemed like a foolish endeavor. Especially when your mind felt all but clear.

There wasn't any real reason for you to stay, lingering behind was only bringing about thoughts of new experiments to plan, mind already working tirelessly to figure out the next medical problem to throw yourself at. The groan you let out as you got on your feet was downright pitiful, hands massaging your lower back. Doubt bubbled right beneath the surface, your next move from here completely up in the air.

It wasn't exactly a matter of lacking options, it had been almost a full year since you'd taken more than two days off. Shops passed by in a blur, chatter and all the tantalizing scent blending together to provide a dull background to the thoughts amassing in your head. They were pressing uncomfortably behind your eyes, throbbing with every step you took, only becoming more evident as you reached the outskirts of the city.

The door creaked on it's hinges as you pushed it open, crossing the threshold into the modest apartment. The corridor was always dark these days, the door to the adjoining room on your right remaining closed out of sheer reluctance to touch it. Your fingertips grazed the wall as you pushed straight ahead to the living room, convincing yourself as so many times before that nothing good would come from lingering.

The couch was soft, phantom warmth still lingering in the pillows and blankets that had been carelessly thrown around. Eyelids already heavy from exhaustion, you chanced a look at the opposite wall, goosebumps already spreading before the image was fully formed. Same as always, two picture frames. Two diplomas.

You removed your glasses, willing the lines to blur before you turned away, as if that would somehow erase the knowledge. A heavy sigh left your lips, tears stinging the corner of your eyes before you could bury your head into the plush fabric below. Keeping them on the wall was stupid, but your mother had insisted. Teeth sunk into the pillow as the memory of hanging them flooded your mind.

There was a soft thud as a pillow collided with the wall, your body shaking in time with the wooden frames. The scream you'd let out was still ringing in your ears, foreign and ugly.

"I can't look mum and dad in the eyes like this," every word felt like glass, throat constricting a little further with each syllable that passed.

"But there's no reason to stay as long as they won't let me into the lab," the words stung more than expected when they passed your own lips. The reality beginning to settle.

Your profe- employer, had forced you to take at least a week away, insisting that it would be beneficial for everyone. You could only scoff at the thought, as if he wasn't partially responsible for this in the first place, always urging his students towards perfection. He was a fool if he thought a mindset like that would just vanish once the degree was obtained.

Not bothering to eat or move from the couch, thoughts about possible solutions began to form. There were too many variables with this, even without taking social obligations into consideration. Turning to lay face down helped a bit, blissful darkness enveloping your senses. Feeling unable to justify to friends and colleagues that a week as a shut-in would be good meant you'd have to leave. Being unable to tell family about this meant you had nowhere proper to go. It'd have to be either somewhere secluded or foreign, and risking a trip to somewhere new seemed silly with only one week available.

As sleep began to settle, thoughts of locating old hiking gear, packing food, and something to make camp took your mind back to the time you'd spent as a student. Field trips were always the highlight of the year, a small hope blossoming that this might still be the case. Memories of vast caverns filled with glowing fungi merged brought to mind a hulking colossus made from moss and vines, it's leather boots adorned with yellow crystals as it trudged on. Everything soon turned to nothingness as sleep claimed you, the Archon's gift granting peaceful darkness as the fantasy was forgotten alongside the rest of your dreams.

[aylen-san]

One day in Rome

Morning in Rome, during the August Kalends. The sun, like burning gold, was slowly rising over the horizon, bathing the city in a soft light that reflected off the marble columns and golden domes of temples. Celeborn stood on the terrace of his domus on Palatine Hill, framed by marble railings and iron vases with laurel. A gentle breeze played with his silver hair, glinting in the sunlight. He wore a tunic of the finest white linen, shimmering subtly in the light, and his belt, fastened with a bronze buckle, was adorned with the symbols of Lórien, barely visible to the human eye.

His gaze drifted over the bustling city, where life was already in full swing. On the Forum, Romans were discussing the latest news, merchants were setting up their stalls, and the city was slowly coming to life. Feeling the pulse of this ancient world beneath his feet, Celeborn listened to the hum of the city—so foreign to him, used to the silence of elven forests, but there was something strangely captivating about it. He leaned against the railing, feeling the smooth coolness of the marble under his hands, and pondered the fleetingness of human life and the endlessness of his own.

Today, he was expected in the Senate, where a discussion about the northern borders, threatened by barbarian raids, was to take place. He knew the Roman patricians viewed him as a mysterious advisor, bringing not only wisdom but also a certain enigmatic power. His past, veiled in legend, commanded respect, though Celeborn himself never sought power over men.

Descending the marble steps into the atrium, decorated with mosaics depicting sea monsters, he glanced at the fountains adorned with statues, from which thin streams of cool water flowed. The servants respectfully opened the doors before him, and he stepped out into the streets of Rome. The crowd, heading towards the Forums, was noisy and bustling, but upon seeing Celeborn's tall and graceful figure, they greeted him with deference. Though his slender, almost ethereal build was more elegant and taller than most Romans, he did not stand out but rather seemed an inseparable part of this city.

His path led past numerous temples and monumental arches, where Roman legionaries marched in formation, and philosophers gathered at the Basilica Ulpia for their endless debates. In the Senate, Tiberius Claudius, an experienced general eager to hear the wisdom of the mysterious elf, awaited him. Celeborn entered the hall where the patricians in their purple togas lounged on marble seats, discussing how best to protect Roman civilization from the barbarians.

Celeborn suggested using the strategies of ancient elven wars but spoke cautiously—too much wisdom might not be well received. He spoke of a system of watchtowers and signal fires that had guarded the elven realms for centuries. The Romans listened with fascination, though some eyed him with suspicion—not everyone was comfortable with the idea of a foreigner, no matter how respected, suggesting changes to their age-old strategies.

When the meeting came to an end and the Senate filled with murmurs of discussion, Celeborn left the building, his steps light and soundless, like those of a hunter in the forest. He headed towards the market, surrounded by colonnades. The chaos here was palpable—the cries of merchants, the smell of exotic spices, leather, and oil filled the air. Celeborn passed by a jeweler’s stall selling ornaments with obsidian and gold inlays. Their gleam reminded him briefly of the precious stones of Tirion and those who once wore such treasures. For a moment, he felt a desire to touch them, but he restrained himself, knowing that this was a world where material wealth was merely a shadow of true values.

Celeborn then made his way to the Basilica Ulpia, where philosophers engaged in discussions about time and existence. The Roman scholars always admired his worldview, which he expressed with subtlety and restraint. He spoke of time as a river, flowing continuously, though each person could only see a small part of its course. His words astonished the listeners, who tried to grasp their meaning, but for them, he remained a mystery—a wise figure from a world where reality seemed like a dream.

In the evening, Celeborn went to the Gardens of Lucullus. The lush trees, entwined with grapevines, cast shadows through which the last rays of the setting sun filtered. A calming silence filled the garden, broken only by the soft murmur of fountains surrounded by blooming roses. This garden was his retreat, a reminder of the distant forests of Lórien and the shadowy groves of Eregion. He sat on a marble bench beneath a towering plane tree and closed his eyes, feeling the presence of nature around him, hearing the music of the wind in the branches.

His gaze rested on a statue of Mercury standing by the fountain, as if reminding him that time flows and changes everything. In that moment, Celeborn pondered his place in this fleeting world. To the people, he was but a momentary enigma, passing along with their generation, but for him, each day was merely a blink in the endless flow of time.

Night fell over Rome. The city lit up with thousands of oil lamps, illuminating the streets and squares. Celeborn rose from the bench, casting one last glance at the garden, now sinking into darkness. He knew that this day, like all others, would become just a drop in the vast sea of time through which he continued his journey—always observing, always learning, but never truly becoming part of this world.

[grison-in-space]

One thing you have to understand about me as a scholar is that before I fell wholly under the spell of behavior, I trained as quite a good population geneticist. There is still a large part of my heart devoted to the subject and the addictive intuition I can use when I'm studying it.

What this means is that when I think about disentangling what biological sex even is, I start with the chromosomes themselves. Mammals have a gene called SRY that lives on the Y chromosome, which is tiny and mostly chewed up in our species and several others. If this gene is expressed, the embryo expressing it triggers a cascade of hormonal signals during development that encourages the developing fetus to turn its budding gonads into testes, spin its genital tubercule into a penis, and generally walk along a particular well trod path towards one kind of reproductive destiny. If it's not expressed, by default the budding reproductive system develops ovaries and a clitoris instead.

This is is where it gets complicated.

See, that's how it works in mammals, but that's actually a strange setup in its own right when you think about genetic sex determination systems. You can really get quite exotic with those, including baroque variations on haplodiploidy[1]. But even if you insist on limiting your understanding of what biological sex is doing to mammals... well, for one thing, SRY isn't the way that sex chromosomes always worked. Monotremes don't have that gene. In them, as with birds and their W chromosome, the sex determining part of the heterogametic chromosome[2] is distributed across the whole chromosome, not confined to just one single gene.

And there are reasons that sex specific modulation genes might migrate to the heterogametic chromosome in any case. All sexual dimorphism creates an inherent tension between the expressions of genes and specific variants that are best for any given fitness optimum in each sex, you feel me? Think about the way some show chickens have to be bred to win at shows, between "best hen" and "best cockerel" competitions: often, breeders maintain separate lines for each sex, and never the twain shall meet! There's a pleiotropic pull that makes it harder to select for particular traits in a really dimorphic species. Transpositions of genes from one chromosome to another can mean a relaxation in the conflict of sexual dimorphism by more closely coordinating sex-specific expression.

This is one of the reason dosage compensation is a thing. Everyone remembers those little stories about Barr bodies and tortoiseshell cats, right? How every body with at least two X chromosomes is a mosaic of cell lines that silence and ignore all but one of those chromosomes? In cats where the locus for "no eumelanin" (i.e orange pigment only) happens to sit on the X, heterozygote animals (that is, torties) have hair cells that are a mosaic of cell lines that decided to turn off the X chromosome with the "black" allele and cell lines that decided to turn off the orange X? The thing is, most phenotypic variations are not driven by changes in coding regions: they're driven, often very strongly, by changes in gene regulation. This is why having an extra copy of an autosome is almost always lethal in humans: the sole exception is trisomy 21, which we usually know as Down's syndrome. Adding another whole chromosome's worth of gene product to the system for any but the very smallest of chromosomes just isn't survivable for long unless you have a mechanism to even out the imbalance of gene product--and the X chromosome is not a small chromosome in humans. It's what, somewhere between six and eight in size? (Autosomal chromosomes are named biggest to smallest.)

To make this survivable and okay, sex chromosomes get all kinds of special tinkering. They need to make sure that gene expression between sexes, in species with sex chromosomes, is as perfectly equal as possible. A surprising amount of the time, you'll find sex differences whose main function appears to be keeping things in some other system totally the same, minimizing variation between sexes rather than creating them. Bodies are complicated things!

So ANYWAY: if you want to understand sex differences as they are, outside the realm of typical genital development? You have to understand that biological sex is a function of tons of different systems that might or might not uniformly all co-vary in the same direction. For example, let's take a list of five imaginary traits, each of which can be scored on a scale from -1 (most masculine) to +1 (most feminine). If sex is a single uniform thing, you'd expect all of these things to covary, such that you'd see a relationship like this imaginary dataset:

Ind 1: 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8

Ind 2: 0.1 -0.1 0.3 -0.2 0

Ind 3: -0.7 -0.6 -0.8 -0.5 -0.9

[1] Haplodiploidy means that if you have one copy of all your chromosomes, you develop as male; if you have two copies, female. This is how bees and ants and wasps work. In some cases, as in cottony cushion scale insects, you can even do a frankly bizarre thing in which you have some haploid "invasive male tissue" that exists pretty much entirely to fertilize your eggs so you can lay diploid daughter eggs without having to bother to find a male.

You can see a strong covariance of traits between these individuals, such that some measure of sex is inflected along a spectrum that then gives rise to the five related traits, with a filter for noise laid over top. But this isn't usually what we see in the sex differences literature: with the exception of reproductive organs themselves, usually we actually see results more like this:

Ind 1: 0.0 0.1 -0.4 -0.8 0.3

Ind 2: 0.7 -0.6 0.1 -0.7 -0.4

Ind 3: 0.5 0.3 -0.2 0.1 -0.8

See how variation at one spot doesn't do a good job of predicting the next in this data set? All of these traits are variable, and all of them have some individuals who don't quite cluster with "their" group. It's the covariance between the scores on various "levels" of sex that is low: that is, real differences between sexes exist, but we don't know why they're there, and scores on each don't correlate well with each other--especially for behavior.

In any case, there's quite a lot of good reason to think that SRY might actually not be the end all be all of genetic variation according to sex, even though it casts a deciding vote in which direction of gonadal development a given individual starts on. How much of variation between sexes in mice is actually a function of SRY and its androgenic changes, and how much is a function of the genes on the Y and the cis acting regulation of those genres, is an open question.

So the thing I'm reading about is: there was a random mutation in a mouse line that deleted SRY, producing mice that are XY but otherwise develop as fully fertile females. On the other hand, there are also transgene constructs that have SRY transplanted to one of four autosomes (the Four Core Genotypes model). This lets us disentangle the effects of chromosomal sex from, essentially, SRY- vs SRY+ positive (or testicular anatomy or whatever) development. It's extremely cool shit and I'm very interested in brushing up.

And that's what I was excited about, folks.

[2] The heterogametic chromosome is the Y chromosome in an XY system or the W in a ZW system-- as contrasted to the homogametic chromosome, which appears duplicated in ZZ or XX individuals. The distinction between the two is which sex is which: XX animals are female and XY male, but ZZ animals are male and ZW animals are female. Either works fine.

[dorokora]

Chapter 15 Episode 8 Part 2

We start with Narration from Amaterasu. After she exiled her shameless brother Susanoo, the shrine where she lived has been quiet for a long time. Since then, she has continue to shine light from one end of Takamagahara to the other as the daytime ruler. She’s glad Tsukuyomi is the ruler of the night. When I see his face, it reminds her of Susanoo even more. If the System of Eden is a ``mechanism for managing sin,'' System of Takamagahara is a ``mechanism for managing shame.'' The difference is, ``Do you see sin through God in yourself?'' or ``Do you see shame through God in others?'' And her younger brother...Susanoo's shame deserved to be banished from this world. Therefore, he is expelled as a heretic. As a politician, it was a natural thing to do. But then what about Amaterasu? She wonder ls who will look at her own sins that need to be illuminated. Who's to say that she didn't just banish him for the sake of the world? Who else but her will tell her, ``I am a sinner too''? As a politician and the top of the world, she has brought to light many ``shame'' ever since. There were many cases in which she had no choice but to regret whatever choice she made, and she continued to judge. That what it means to be in charge of the highest responsibility as an individual. This has been the case in any world and any era up until now. And no matter what the world reps do, they cannot become anything other than the majority in the ``system'' of this world. In that sense, there is no difference in the positions of the ``world reps'' and the ``exiles.'' All alone in a closed world. The only difference is whether you have to stay or leave. And now that Susano has left this world, no one will ever see her as an individual anymore. But she wanted to meet Susanoo just one more time.

We cut to Curren, she says that is the limit of individual judgment. The "mechanism" of the future will only be created by overcoming this. Old-fashioned "world reps" who say they can be relieved. Our future will bring you salvation. Sephiroth starts asking who summoned him and starts talking about the old promise made with the "God" of Eden that tells the story of the feuding siblings. Siblings fight each other, and those who bear the burden of sin end up in the land of Nod, east of Eden, where life flourishes. its meaning is "the land of expulsion". A land for the outcast. Eventually, the exiles built a great city in the far east. God revealed words to the exiles. "You must be able to overcome ignorance." The 10 conflicting rules causing Sephiroth’s sanity to go away and now he’s gone berserk. It eats and absorbs what it sees. It just transforms into something more and reproduces. The ground Sanzo is standing on crumbles and he ends up in a dark room. Curren tells MC It doesn't matter if you guys can't understand anything she’s going to say from now on. Until now, we have logically and statistically observed and recorded that all humans in Tokyo are sinners. By this time, they will consider that we have completed their personalized study of the extreme situation of the local people in this city. The conclusion is as follows. It has been proven that if a majority cannot exist stably, all worlds are equally hellish. In this situation, Plan C has a better chance of becoming the optimal solution than Plan A and B. This was originally a research theme proposed by that latest modified human Kokopelli. Now, let's get started.

We cut to Gunzo and Kyuma who have been freed from the future memory brainwashing. They were recognized for their first-class acceleration aptitude, and cried out “the Future is coming!” We cut to Nomad who looks up in the sky and sees the person he’s been looking all this time. They see a giant metal orb in the sky. It exists. However, Touji and the others were unable to recognize it, as if their thoughts were covered in a mosaic. Curren says this will be the first and last human created by future humans, and will be more than human. This is because the limited consciousness and intelligence of the current human race cannot comprehend the full scale of the situation. Shiro and the other are freed from their future memories only to be absorbed by Sephiroth seconds later. Curren steps in front of MC and says it’s been a whole. MC remembers their last confrontation with Curren back in Akihabara. Curren says she’s here to pick MC up. She says the flotation orb in the sky is her big brother. He was the previous person in charge of Plan C, which taught humanity, and he dedicated his life to the future. If there is someone who can truly be called a utopian world rep right now, that person floating in the sky would be the right person. The orb floating in the sky is the god of the future. They call it "MxOTHER". Eventually, humanity will surrender its top position to MxOTHER, who can imagine a future that we cannot imagine. The world needs a new type of ``God'' to replace the old system that relies on individual roles and rules. And it is desirable that it is not an individual, but an ``optimal individual for future transplantation'' that is equipped with the personalities of multiple people. Once those lost parts are recovered, the new "God" will finally be completed. And MC is that lost parts. The giant robot grabs MC. Toji tries to intervene but the robot stopped time. Sanzo is hanging onto Sephiroth’s arm. So Curren changed her target to him. But she is stopped by Michael and Amaterasu. Amaterasu says that the management was connected behind the scenes to MxOTHER, which acts as the World rep and evasions won't work anymore. Their plan is to steal the "trophy". Back in future city, Sephiroth summoned the soldiers of the future world of utopia, the missing mobs appear. Nobumichi sees this and knows what Moritaka meant. That is future if he continue like this, I'll end up like those missing mobs too.

He heard this from his father, Shino, who is not related to him by blood. About his mother, about a person called Fushihime. In an era when humans and beasts did not interact, their souls were brought to fruition through a connection unlike any other. That is the ``sacred artifact'' of this jewel, representing the Hakkenshi. The ``parts of our bodies'' that they never let go of are gifts from these two people. His soul's father, that Yafusa, said that he still doesn’t understand their mother's feelings. No matter how many questions Masashi asks, he never gets an answer, just like that. However, Yafusa said that's okay. He feels ashamed that he doesn’t understand, but that's okay. What on earth did that Yafusa want to convey? They have come to the future from a time when love between beastmen and humans was not allowed. They came to Tokyo from an era where war after war never ceased. This is a paradise where you can love anyone. But still--he just can't order someone to love him. That's okay, because if you change that regret, even this love will no longer be yours alone. “What I can do” is not the only thing that makes me who I am. In that case---don't turn away from your own failures. That’s what Shino would say.

We cut to the other Rule Makers World Reps. Koropokkuru says he knows that Curren’s plan and the whole "disposal of children" part. He has done a lot of things in his hometown. But you can't fool him. That's the only thing he has to teach her properly! We cut to MC chasing after Sephiroth. Amaterasu saved MC before one of Sephiroth’s roots hits them. She says have no intention of asking anyone to forgive her for what happened like with the Genociders. Until she took responsibility and do what she has to do. But MC says they won’t forget what they did but they should work together now anyway. Amaterasu thinks her brothers future shines brightly. She has always been jealous of that radiance. A single tear flows from Amaterasu's eyes. Amaterasu says she is Takamagahara's World Rep. Let's keep standing with that pride until the end. What I was able to do, what I did, and what I couldn't do, are mine. She wants MC to remember what she does. She doesn’t want them to forget her again, her own selfishness. Battle start as MC and Amaterasu charges at Sephiroth.

After battle, Amaterasu says she knows about Sephiroth from Michael. It just collects life, doesn't differentiate between good and evil, and covers the world. It consumes the "memories" of all things and creates a single "god". But her “shame” is her own. She’s not going to give anyone the regrets of not being able to do it to. If she were to cover the world, she would say, ``I'll do everything I can until I burn it!'' Amaterasu fires a huge beam of light emitted from her mirror that burns the roots of Sephiroth to keep him from regenerating. But unleashing all of that power was too much for her and she starts to disappear. She says once you cross the loop, you will surely forget this memory again. So this is fine for her. MC and Amaterasu do the expection kiss process. She tells MC to stay well and stay safe. No matter where you go from now on. That’s all she wanted. Amaterasu disappeared into the light. Else where, Tsukiyomi wonders if Amaterasu was able to choose this time. Daikoku somberly says farewell to her and that she’s now in the same in the place as him. Daikoku then calls Raven and tells him it’s time to end this otherwise he will reveal a secret to all the app users. Raven agrees and him and the Exter troops withdraw from the battle. We then cut to MC rushing to help Michael who is fighting Curren.

[the-xp-budget]

Goblins - Part 3 (War Chanter)

In the centre of this clearing, you see a single table made out of marble. It’s overgrown with vines, but it’s definitely a table. Especially, since there’s a goblin sitting behind it, drinking and eating from a meal of ham and cheese and wine. You see them notice you and set down the book they are reading.

“Good evening,”

What do you want to do?

Goblin War Chanter

“Bubbling of boiling rain, Shimmering of a setting sun, Flickering of a new-born flame Listen to the devils run.” As you descend towards the amphitheatre’s stage, you finally start see this individual in detail. You notice a fancy looking waistcoat embroidered with snakes and the odd harp, over a fairly simple tunic and breeches. Although it is their face that you focus on. Over one of their eyes, this Goblin wears a diamond shaped patch, apparently made entirely of mosaic tiles. “Watch the candle as it dies Feel the chill of night’s embrace Pierce beyond the daylight’s lies, To see the wolf who lies in wait.”

The Goblin War Chanter exists in conversation with the previous entry on this blog. They are both spellcasters, but where the Pyro is a glass cannon, the War Chanter plays support. This is most exemplified by their spell selection, but their raw statistics also back this up.

The expected Armour Class and Hit Points for a level 1 creature are 15 and 20, respectively, and the War Chanter only slightly better than the Pyro. They have an AC of 17, which is pretty high, but they only have 16 Hit Points, so they can’t take too many strikes. For contrast, the Pyro had the same AC, but 1 fewer Hit Points. In the grand scheme of things, 1 extra hit point is not much, but it might save the War Chanter’s life in a pinch.

The difference comes in their abilities. Most significantly, the War Chanter has two actually viable martial options, their Shortbow, and their Dogslicer.

The Shortbow is the easiest to understand. It deals a d6 damage, with a +8 to hit, and the Deadly property.

I have gone over the general strategy for that in my first post, although I hadn’t yet developed my damage chart system, so that hasn’t been compared yet.

The plan here is to open the turn hiding to gain a bonus to the Goblin’s first attack, before loosing a second arrow with their second action, before returning to a hidden position to set up their next turn.

Hide Then Attack Twice (Standard Cover) 0.6 * (0.5 * 3.5 + 0.3 * 11.5) + 0.4 * (0.5 * 3.5 + 0.2 * 11.5) + 0.4 * 3.5 + 0.05 * 11.5 = 6.72 Hide Then Attack (Greater Cover) 0.7 * (0.5 * 3.5 + 0.3 * 11.5) + 0.3 * (0.5 * 3.5 + 0.2 * 11.5) + 0.4 * 3.5 + 0.05 * 11.5 = 6.83

Since this takes three actions to complete, we account for that in the chart. Assuming that the generic line will have taken all three actions to attack with the expected +7 to hit (plus Multi Attack penalty) for a total of 1d6 +2 damage, we get this:

You may note that the average for the generic strike is below its minimum damage, and there is a reason for that. The minimum assumes all that strikes hit, the average doesn’t.

You hear a faint whistling, and whirl around to see an arrow fly through the air towards you with a twenty-six against your Armour Class. You look for its source, and see the Goblin with his bow raised, loosing another arrow towards you before ducking out of view. I assume a ten misses you.

In any case, the Shortbow is pretty good considering the damage output is lower and the strategy uses one less action to actively attack, but it still doesn’t meet the benchmark. We will come back to this in a bit though, because the War Chanter has a few tricks up their sleeve.

However, sticking to the basics, the War Chanter also has a Dogslicer, which has the Agile and Backstabber properties, as well as dealing a bit more base damage than the Shortbow. Once again, I am repeating a strategy from before of move and then strike twice. Although, this time with the added variable of whether or not the target is being flanked applied to both this and the generic strike.

Attack Twice (Not Flanking): 0.5 * 5.5 + 0.2 * 11 + 0.45 * 5.5 + 0.05 * 11 = 7.96 Attack Twice (Flanking): 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.3 * 13 + 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.1 * 13 = 11.7

The Goblin steps back from you for a moment, leveling a short, straight sword at your head and allowing you to see the holes that have been drilled into its blade. Then they lunge, stabbing once at your neck, followed up immediately by a strike towards your abdomen. That’s a twenty-three and a twelve to hit?

So, we have one main option, get into a flanking position and start slashing. We have one more means of dealing damage on its way, but I want to briefly highlight a theme that will come up again with the War Chanter, and that is best exhibited in the Generic line on this graph.

Often, the biggest cause of a damage increase is a bonus to the attack roll, rather than to the damage roll. The generic attack above only changed this one variable, and the average damage increased by more than two points. It’s not much, but it adds up pretty quickly.

In any case, that final damaging ability is the War Caster’s only damaging spell, Telekinetic Projectile. This spell uses two actions and an attack roll, so it can interact with that hide action. It deals 2d6 damage, so the same as two Shortbow strikes, but crucially, it does so with only one attack roll, so the multi attack penalty has no effect.

You hear a whispered word from somewhere you can’t see. “Volare.” Then, you notice a piece of rouble lift into the air and begin spinning in place. You see it gain momentum, moving faster and faster, until it suddenly flies through the air towards you like a stone released from a sling. Does a sixteen beat your Armour Class?

With the War Caster’s +7 to hit with spells, the formula for casting this spell and then hiding is as follows:

Hide Then Cast Telekinetic Projectile (Standard Cover): 0.6 * (0.5 * 6 + 0.25 * 12) + 0.4 * (0.5 * 6 + 0.15 * 12) = 5.52 Hide Then Cast Telekinetic Projectile (Greater Cover): 0.7 * (0.5 * 6 + 0.25 * 12) + 0.3 * (0.5 * 6 + 0.15 * 12) = 5.64

So, not that, then. The War Chanter seems precision designed to be in melee, which is weird for a spellcaster.

Come to think of it, a lot of this creature’s kit is weird. The War Chanter’s defining ability is Goblin Song, which allows them to make a performance check against two creatures, applying a penalty to Perception and Will saves on a success.

The question I have, is why? The only one of the War Chanter’s abilities or spells that even interacts with Will is this one, so it only serves to perpetuate itself. Other than that, it counteracts perception, which isn’t used in combat except in two places. Stealth, and initiative.

Let’s circle back for a moment and look at this creature’s skills, because this is the only Goblin for whom Stealth doesn’t have the highest modifier. Instead, this Goblin specialises in Deception.

Suddenly, things are starting to click. I’ve talked about Goblins relying on ambush tactics in past posts, but here we flip the switch a bit. The War Chanter serves as bait that can keep the targets’ attention and make hiding easier for their comrades.

One of my favourite uses for this is as a signal. The War Chanter rocks up before the fight and offers to guide the characters to a location where, unbeknownst to the party, the Chanter’s friends lie in wait.

Maybe the War Chanter wants information, so they play things casually, asking leading questions and just waiting for the players to get comfortable. When they have got everything, and the trap is about to be triggered, they start singing, targeting the two characters whom it has seen notice things with Goblin Song to make sure that the ambush goes off without a hitch.

You watch the Goblin find a bench and lie down on it, placing their hat over their face and singing a jaunty little hymn to themself. You catch the names of a few of the deities they have mentioned up until this point in there and find yourself entranced by the music. You feel secure in the Goblins calmness.

When combat does break out, I think it would be the War Chanter who offers the chance of surrender to the targets, mostly because they are the most charismatic of the Goblins, but also because they are a mage. They know more than most others that a fight doesn’t have to end with one side dead.

Speaking of being a mage, this Goblin does have a slightly larger repertoire than just Telekinetic Projectile, so let’s talk about those.

“Wait.” The Goblin stops, extending one hand in front of themself and pointing at the hall ahead. It looks normal to you, but obviously your guide has noticed something. “Artis Manus.” They flex their hand, and you watch, emerging like a ghost, a second translucent hand made from what appears to be different mosaic tiles that begins to float ahead of you. You watch the hand move onwards, until it stops above a specific part of the floor, and presses down gently. Immediately, it is shattered by a bolt from a hidden crossbow, dissipating immediately. The Goblin looks back at you, their grin widening.

Telekinetic Hand is a role-playing spell. It picks things up and puts things down, but as you can see above, I would allow it to also trigger traps. In this case, our War Chanter friend is trying to earn the loyalty of the player characters, so that betraying them later will be easier. So, they’re protecting the party from a trap. It would probably have been seen it anyway, but now it seems like the Chanter is helping.

Message is similar, but with a different use. It conveys information, something the Chanter can use to take note of the targets’ abilities. Either for the sake of counteracting them later, or realising that this party is way out of the Goblins’ league, and that the ambush is a bad idea.

Perhaps to make best use of this, the War Chanter leads the party through the lair of another beast and fights alongside them to diffeat it. If they decimate the beast, the Goblin will take a hint and call off everything, but if the group makes it through in bad shape, now the War Chanter knows about their skillsets, strategies, and maybe even weaknesses, all of which it can relay to its comrades later on.

Your guide staggers to their feet, they don’t look too badly hurt, but they are limping slightly. “I’m impressed. You’re very good with that sword, my friend, I never would have expected… well… I didn’t expect it to light on fire at all.” They give you a wide, earnest smile, and you could almost swear that their eyepatch begins to glow a little. It must be the light though. The second you look to closely at it, it’s just a normal eyepatch, if a quirky looking one.

The key to this strategy is that the War Chanter doesn’t ever reveal their full hand. They have a pretty high deception score, but even that won’t save them if they spill the beans too early. They don’t even have to hide the fact they are a spellcaster, just the number of slots they have at their disposal, and especially what happens when they start singing.

It also allows for the War Chanter to grow attached to the party and maybe decide to go against their original crew.

Anyway, the next spell on our list is Figment, which allows the Goblin a bonus to making a diversion, offering an escape. With the War Chanter’s base +7 in Deception, and the expected +7 to perception for a level 1 creature, this has a 65% chance of success.

Naturally, there are two uses to this, one noticeably more viable than the other.

Since a creature is off-guard if distracted by this, the War Chanter could use their final action to make a strike against them. See if you can see the flaw with this idea.

Figment Then Strike 0.65 * (0.5 * 6.5 + 0.3 * 13) + 0.35 * (0.5 * 5.5 + 0.2 * 11) = 6.38

This strategy is not worth it, but what if we used the third action to hide instead. The cover would have to be within 10 ft. of the War Chanter, so this is a niche option, but its still a decent option for escaping the fight.

You watch the War Chanter wipe the trickle of blood from their mouth, as that patch of theirs begins to glow. Before you can react, they make a wild gesture like throwing something upwards, and you hear a growling from behind you. You look around, and watch the corpse of one of those already slain begin to rise to its feet and glare at you with lifeless eyes. As you glance back, however, the War Chanter has disappeared.

Which brings me to Bless and Courageous Anthem, two spells that do mostly the same thing, although it is the difference that key here. Bless offers a +1 to all attack rolls made by allies within a certain radius, while Courageous Anthem offers that and a damage boost to a larger radius at the cost of an action each turn. Bless has the benefit of not needing to be sustained, which frees up that action for something else.

The equation here assumes that the first ally is a Goblin Commando who is flanking the target (+8 to hit, 1d8 +3 damage), and any more are Goblin Warriors at range (+7 to hit, 1d6 damage), outside the radius of the Bless spell.

I feel the need to break this down step by step, so here goes:

Three Attacks – War Chanter (Bless In Effect): 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.35 * 13 + 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.2 * 13 + 0.4 * 6.5 + 0.05 * 13 = 16.9

This is the War Chanter just standing there and whaling on their opponent. They gain the bonus to attack rolls from bless and

Three Attacks – Commando (Bless In Effect): 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.35 * 15 + 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.1 * 15 + 0.25 * 7.5 + 0.05 * 15 = 16.88

This is the same for the Commando, with the caveat that his damage per strike is higher, and his Horsechopper doesn’t have the Agile property.

Hide Then Attack Twice – Warrior (Unaffected By Bless): 0.55 * (0.5 * 3.5 + 0.25 * 12.5) + 0.45 * (0.5 * 3.5 + 0.15 * 12.5) + 0.35 * 3.5 + 0.05 * 0.05 = 6.16

This part of the equation assumes that the Warrior is using the “hide then attack twice” strategy with standard cover, because I don’t want my brain to explode.

This is easier to understand visually.

Each of these represents the total damage of that many Goblins added on just the War Chanter. Once again, however, this doesn’t mean anything without a baseline.

The grey here stands in for the same strategy, just without the Bless spell. Obviously, Bless doesn’t have nearly as much of an impact as it should. It helps, but let’s try another situation.

What if we scrapped the Warriors and just made all the extra Goblins Commandos (“c”)? Forget flanking for the moment. In that case, the graph and equation both look like this:

Three Attacks - War Chanter (Bless In Effect, Not Flanking): 0.5 * 5.5 + 0.25 * 11 + 0.5 * 5.5 + 0.05 * 11 + 0.3 * 5.5 + 0.05 * 11 = 11 Three Attacks - Commando (Bless In Effect, Not Flanking 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.25 * 15 + 0.45 * 7.5 + 0.05 * 15 + 0.15 * 7.5 + 0.05 * 15 = 13.5

Noticeably, Bless starts to add on some serious damage when everyone is within its reach. Remember that this is over one round, so if there are five Commandos, this is doing 8.5 extra points of damage per round.

The Goblin raises both of their fists to touch their chin with their thumbs before pushing forwards with open hands. At the same time, their eyepatch begin to shimmer as the tiles that make it up shift around, now forming a different symbol. As you watch, their allies seem to stand up a bit straighter, as if filled with a sudden burst energy.

But that per round thing is important, because it means the War Chanter is sacrificing two of their actions to get this effect up, which begs the question: is it worth it?

For this, I need to contrast two scenarios. In the first, the War Chanter casts Bless, then spends the next few of their turns in melee. In the second, it spends that first turn attacking instead.

For the sake of realism, in each of these scenarios, the Goblins will get two attacks per turn, and spend the third action moving into position. They will also try flank when they can.

Commando Damage Per Turn (Bless) 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.35 * 15 + 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.1 * 15 = 14.25 War Chanter Damage Per Turn (Bless) 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.35 * 13 + 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.13 * 13 = 12.74 Commando Damage Per Turn (No Bless) 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.3 * 15 + 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.05 * 15 = 12.75 War Chanter Damage Per Turn (No Bless) 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.3 * 13 + 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.15 * 13 = 12.35

We’re catching up, but it’s still not worth it. Well, not with only one Commando. What if we added in another? This one can’t flank with anyone, but it will remain within the Bless radius.

Commando No. 2 Damage Per Turn (Bless) 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.25 * 15 + 0.45 * 7.5 + 0.05 * 15 = 11.63 Commando No. 2 Damage Per Turn (No Bless) 0.5 * 7.5 + 0.2 * 15 + 0.4 * 7.5 + 0.05 * 15 = 10.5

Here, Casting Bless catches up after about four turns, which is pretty decent. Naturally, this will increase with the number of Commandos in the radius, and if it is set up before the fight, this entire thing is irrelevant.

But what about the War Chanter’s other buffing option?

At first glance, Courageous Anthem is just Bless but better. It offers the same bonus to attack rolls, but it also grants that to damage rolls and saves against fear. It’s radius is also greater, so what’s the catch? Why is this spell a cantrip but Bless is a 1st rank spell?

The key here is baked into the game system itself, because Courageous Anthem only lasts for one round, so not only is it designed to be cast more often, but it also takes up an action each round to have any affect.

Let’s run that scenario with the Commando’s again. Each Commando will move and take two attacks, ignoring flanking for the moment. Meanwhile the Warrior will move and then make one attack of their own.

One Strike - War Chanter (Courageous Anthem) 0.5 * 6.5 + 0.25 * 13 = 4.95 Two Strikes – Commando (Courageous Anthem) 0.5 * 8.5 + 0.25 * 17 + 0.45 * 8.5 + 0.05 * 17 = 13.18

So, no. This tactic doesn’t work. The extra damage doesn’t make up for the missing action. This spell is designed for everyone to spend their full turn hacking and stabbing, but because of Goblins in general having lower than average hit points, they can’t afford to do this. They have to move, even if its just defensive, to limit the amount of attacks aimed at them.

The Goblin spits at you, their eyepatch shifting around once more to accompany a shout. “Ad victoriam!” Their voice echoes, louder and louder, until it seems like the wind itself is joining in the cry. It almost inspires you as well. Almost.

But we aren’t out of options yet. Let’s bring back the Warriors for a moment, and assume they are all at range, and the War Chanter is for the moment, the only one in melee.

The Chanter’s equation hasn’t changed, but the Warrior now look like this:

Hide Then Attack Twice – Warrior (Courageous Anthem) 0.55 * (0.5 * 4.5 + 0.3 * 14.5) + 0.45 * (0.5 * 4.5 + 0.2 * 14.5) + 0.4 * 4.5 + 0.05 * 14.5 = 8.47

Suddenly, we start making up for lost ground, and you might be able to see where I am going with this.

I mentioned earlier that Bless takes a few turns to catch up and become worth it. But there is a pretty glaring problem with this:

Fights in Pathfinder go quickly, and Goblins in general don’t have that many hit points. Bless takes a few rounds to be worth it, but our War Chanter friend might not have the time for that.

This is where Soothe comes in. It’s a spell that restores a ton of hit points and offers a bonus to saves against mental effects. It’s a also ranged spell, so it can be used for anyone within a certain radius.

You watch the War Chanter’s grin widen. “Aesculapii benedictionem” Their eye patch begins to glow once more, and you watch light pour from their wounds, which fade before your eyes. Then, you see Goblin straighten up and ready their sword as if this fight has just begun.

The maths for the efficacy of healing vs just running away makes my head hurt, so let’s just simplify and say that this spell adds an average of 9.5 hit points to the War Chanter’s team. If the opposing team does less damage than that per turn, this will give the Goblins at least one more round to balance out the Bless, if not, it isn’t worth it. That’s the math I’m going with here.

Here's a summary:

The War Chanter uses Message to coordinate an ambush and tries to set up the combat with Goblin Song. When combat starts, they will spend their first turn setting up Bless and maybe Courageous Anthem, before offering the chance to surrender.

If the fight continues, the War Chanter has two options, depending on how many allies are within the radius of their Bless Spell. If the majority of allies are outside, they it will cast Courageous Anthem and make a single strike.

If the majority are inside the radius, the Chanter will just slash twice with their Dogslicer and hope for the best.

The first time on of the Chanter’s allies in melee is brought down below half of their hit point maximum, they will try to remedy that with a casting of Soothe.

Finally, if the fight is going bad, either the Chanter is brought below a third of their hit point maximum and they have no more healing spells, or if they have only one ally left in melee, they will cast Figment and try to use it as a distraction to help them flee.

Alternate Spells:

I prefer the War Chanter to the Pyro, purely because of how their abilities and proficiencies are laid out. The Pyro is a generic spellcaster, which allows for customisation. But the War Chanter can have their entire repertoire swapped out and they will still feel pretty much the same.

However, here are a few changes that could be made in order to shake things up entirely.

Bane is the obvious option, switching the War Chanter from support to control by reducing enemy likelihood of hitting with attacks. It’s a pretty decent defensive option that can be used in conjunction with Courageous Anthem to really mess with the battlefield.

Similarly, Concordant Choir gives the War Chanter a nuclear option that might be useful for opening the fight with while their companions lie in wait.

Speaking of which, Goblin Song reduces Will Saves, so giving the War Chanter some options that trigger those is always a fun idea. I like the Ancient Roman philosopher/actor aesthetic that I have going, so Cycle Of Retribution works with that as a defensive option, but so does Command, which can set up some interesting scenarios.

I also like Daze, which can really mess up someone’s first turn leading in to that surrender option. Of course, it would mean the War Chanter would have to spend their next turn setting up their Bless aura, but the first round is for threats.

Summary

I do like the identity of this Goblin. Even without the abilities, the proficiency in Deception means it plays a completely different role in the adventure. Maybe it stands on the other side of a pit trap beckoning the players over, or maybe it engages with the players, asking for information and offering some in return.

This is a charisma-based monster, so missing out on the opportunity for roleplay is, in my opinion, missing the point of the monster.

In any case, if you have any suggestions for creatures you’d like me to cover, send me a message or put your suggestion in the replies or the ask box. I’d be happy to oblige.

All credit for this idea comes from the The Monsters Know What They’re Doing blog, I have simply ported the idea over to PF2e.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A common argument against Christianity by many atheists is the idea that Christians don't follow the dietary laws of the Old Testament. I recently heard one ask, "Why are you not firebombing Red Lobster restaurants for serving shellfish?" and "Why are you not calling for the dissolution of clothing companies that produce garments of mixed fabrics?"

The question being asked is a good one, but it shows a common misunderstanding about the role and purpose of Jesus, known as the Messiah.

Before we specifically address the question of shellfish, I would ask as easier question: why do you think Christians no longer participate in the Old Testament sacrifice of animals in the Temple?

The transition from the sacrificial system of the Old Testament to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ provides a solid foundation for understanding why Christians no longer adhere to certain Old Testament practices.

The Old Testament Levitical sacrifices were a significant aspect of God's law for the Israelites. These sacrifices were given by God as a means for His people to atone for their sins and maintain their covenant relationship with Him. However, these sacrifices were insufficient and always intended to point towards something—or rather, Someone—greater.

In the book of Hebrews, the author spends significant time exploring this shift. In Hebrews 10:1, we read, "For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near." The repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament were, in a way, a reminder of sin and an anticipation of the coming redemption.

That redemption arrived in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is described as the ultimate high priest and the perfect sacrifice in one. Hebrews 10:10 says, "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Christ's death on the cross was the fulfillment of the sacrificial system. His sacrifice was sufficient to atone for all the sins of those united to Him, rendering the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament no longer necessary.

This critical shift extends beyond the sacrifices and encapsulates other elements of the law, including dietary regulations and rules about clothing. Like the sacrifices, these laws were also pointers, ways of setting the Israelites apart from other nations and reminding them of their unique relationship with God. With the coming of Christ, these laws found their fulfillment as the Gentiles are now ingrafted into the covenant community. God's people are now defined not by external observance of the law, but by faith in Christ. Therefore, just as we understand that the Old Testament sacrifices are no longer necessary due to their fulfillment in Christ, so too can we understand that the laws regarding diet and clothing have found their completion in Him. They served their purpose under the old covenant, but under the new covenant, we are no longer bound by their specific requirements.

The apparent critique of Christians' non-adherence to certain Old Testament laws, such as dietary restrictions or textile regulations, is one to be further addressed with careful consideration of some Biblical texts.

Let's take a look at Acts 10, wherein we find the apostle Peter's vision from God after the resurrection of Jesus. In this vision, a sheet descends from heaven containing all manner of creatures - many of which are explicitly labelled "unclean" in the Mosaic law. Yet, the voice of God commands Peter to rise, kill, and eat these creatures. Peter, an observant Jew, objects, noting that he has never consumed anything unclean. In response, God declares, "What God has made clean, do not call common."

The declaration signifies not just a change in dietary rules, but a profound theological shift. It anticipates the meeting between Peter and Cornelius, a Gentile - the inclusion of Gentiles among God's chosen people is a theme that reverberates throughout the New Testament, and is in fact symbolized in the dismissal of the dietary laws.

God clearly and vividly illustrated that the legal distinction between what is clean and unclean has been done away with, suggesting that the barrier that once separated Jews and Gentiles has been demolished. This metaphorical barrier is symbolically represented by the dietary laws among other Old Testament laws.

The Apostle Paul echoed this sentiment by declaring a once hidden mystery: Gentiles, who were once considered outside the covenant, can now partake in the same salvation offered to the Jewish people. They are no longer excluded or separate, but are now grafted into the same body of believers, a unified church that transcends ethnic and cultural divisions.

These biblical truths are reflected in his letters to the Ephesians (2:16; 3:6), where he writes of how both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled into one body through the cross, abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. And in the mystery of Christ, the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, the shift from Old Testament dietary and fabric laws to the teachings of the New Testament isn't a contradiction, but rather a manifestation of a greater plan. A plan in which the gospel is for all people, regardless of their ethnicity or cultural heritage, unified in Christ. So, the New Testament believers' practices, including the consumption of shellfish and wearing of mixed fabrics, are a testament to this newfound liberty and unity in Christ. They are visible signs of a heart transformed by the grace of the gospel and a life marked by the Spirit's work, rather than the outward adherence to the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament.

Romans 7:1-6 provides a vivid metaphor to illustrate the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Christ. The Apostle Paul compares the Old Testament law to a marriage covenant, where we were bound to our spouse (the law) as long as we lived. However, when that spouse dies, we are released from the law of the marriage. In the same vein, through Christ's death and resurrection, we have metaphorically 'died' to the law. This death has released us from the binding demands and penalties of the law, akin to a widow being released from her marriage obligations. But the analogy doesn't stop there. Paul goes on to say that we now 'belong to another'. This is a reference to our new union with Christ. We're not left as widows, but remarried—to Him who was raised from the dead. Our relationship to the law has fundamentally changed; we are no longer under its condemnation but live under the grace and liberty of our new 'marriage' to Christ.

Moreover, Jesus Himself in Mark 7:18-19 declared all foods clean. He challenges the Pharisees' preoccupation with external cleanliness, implying that what defiles a person comes from the heart, not from what they eat.

In regards to wearing garments of mixed fabric, it's essential to understand the historical and symbolic significance of this command. The law found in Leviticus 19:19 was given to the Israelites to set them apart from surrounding nations, as a physical reminder of their unique covenant relationship with God. However, under the New Covenant in Christ, this external symbol of separation is no longer necessary. As Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Thus, the Christian is not bound by these Old Testament restrictions because they have been superseded by the New Covenant in Christ. His work has not dismissed the law, but rather fulfilled it, rendering the literal observance of these laws obsolete while preserving their spiritual essence. In Christ, we are all made clean, and the external symbols that once set God's people apart are no longer needed. It is a heart turned toward God, not diet or dress, that now signifies belonging to His covenant people.

[larimar-danika]

I've been writing a dumb superhero story right heavily inspired by the ppg and ok ko, it's about these two kids.

So basically, Professor Jormungandr Ouroboros wanted to have kids but didn't want to get an S/O or have adopted itso she decided to do the reasonable thing and ARTIFICIALLY MADE HER KIDS FROM GEMS. After many months of intense work, this resulted in numerous explosions of her lab she managed to make twins from the gems Azurite and Citrine, and she named them after the gems.

They used to live in a small town functioning as the heros there before moving to Mosaic Bay city. Imagine it like New York but more walkable, and it has more plants around the whole city. The twins aren't a fan but are still determined to be heros as the duo known as the shining duo, they end up going to the middle school there (don't have a name) and thats where their journey starts.

At the school, they meet A rank hero Skadi Berg, known as Icicle. She works as a security guard for the school because I don't think schools in this universe should have regular security guards who don't know how to handle kids fighting with powers so a hero would be better suited at breaking up fight and protecting the students from monsters. She's a stern yet loving women who decided to become a hero after her and Miles daughter, Khione was born because she realized she didn't want her daughter to in such a criminal life style so, broke up with miles, left Khione with her sister and turned herself in and once she got out of jail she decide to make up from her life a crime by protecting the city, she has a complicated relationship with miles. They grew up together and made a gang to survive in mosaic city when it was destory by villians and she didn't want to leave him, she tried to convince him to leave this life together but he declined.

Both Azurite and Citrine look up to her as a role model and want to be like her, she views them with fondness and thinks their good kids even if they get themselves in to trouble.

Theirs also league of venmon lead by the s rank villian Black widow and her brother Laticauda. Black widow has ultra venomous poison powers able to turn weak organic creatures to dust and make strong ones extremely ill. However, it doesn't work on inorganic beings at all, so robots, the gems, and in the case of the Dirty Dogs gang leader Miles, extreme regeneration powers which makes him recover from the poison until it leaves his system.

Speaking of the dirty dogs biker gang it's leader, Miles is basically a motorcycle loving, prideful idiot who is only smart when it comes to crime. He only has regeneration powers, but their really broken, which is why he's hard to jail. He can heal himself from anything, like you can break this man's spine or critacally injury him, and it'll heal good as new in a few days. It doesn't help that he's good at fighting and that he has no problem with fighting dirty. Hes the tallest of the cast like 7 foot.

That's all for now feel free to send asks I'll love to answer them!

[castingcomets]

In my senior year of highschool we had a final project in AP Biology which was open-ended and could be just about anything. I rewrote (and performed) Thrift Shop to be about various branches of biology using the terminology that we had used that year. I titled it "Niche Shop."

These are the lyrics.

^ So you can follow along.

Hey… You wanna go niche shopping?

I’m an organism I’m alive You can tell by how all my cells utilize I’m- I’m- I’m growing, adapting and I’m showing, This is my response

Walk into a niche like what up I’m an organism Organ cells, organelles, carbon-based organ systems If I’m surviving, got the traits you wanna copy Got ‘em like- “Damn, I better acquire mimicry”

Factor in, fitness my kin Nat select me as a king Dressed as a warning or I’m camouflaged from everything The strongest or the fastest, sharper than Damascus But if you really wanna live, you gotta have looooong… Telomeres!

Hoofin’ it, wingin’ it, gonna optimal forage it Passin’ up through the TD forest Humus is a freebie nourish Not rockin’ semelparity but, I am a rarity 1.8 meters too much room for a disparity!

An issue of polarity, Irregularity of molarity, Disrupts cellular activity Lacking biologic dexterity

Dehydration synthesis, poly or di Covalent bonding with all the mama-saccharides!

They had an H ion, I took an H ion For ETC so I can have the energy to hang on Mito makes a maze of its membranes To gain energy used in transduction signal pathway chains

I could take some bases, Rough ‘em up and misplace The wild types would be like “Oh, he got the lactase”

I’m gonna eat some carbs I need energy and I’m on guard I’m- I’m- I’m drinking, drying and I’m linking, This is glycosidic

I’m gonna bond some peptides There are four structures so please stay wise I’m- I’m- I’m asking, amino group and acid, But don’t forget nucleotides (AUOHW!!)

What’chu know about being hydrophobic? What’chu know about being hydrophilic? I’m diffusion’, I’m movin’ right through that fatty bilayer Meet the mosaic and all its necessary players!

Thank Aunt Ester, for linking glycerols and fatty acids It’s an asset keep ‘em like molasses Metabolism, you can have in catabolic (bolic) Minus delta G or you can have it anabolic (bolic)

Prokaryotes, no nucleus All have membranes like eukaryotes Cyto-structure and ribosomes and DNA in that cytoplasm Eukaryotes have organelles in that cytoplasm Lysosomes and vacuoles in that cytoplasm

They’re like “oh, that peroxisome, that’s hella tight” I’m like “yo… that makes hydrogen peroxide” Competitive inhibition will render us quickly illin’ Catalyse that catalase to cure our condition

Don’t forget, ‘bout the mosaic composition Don’t forget, about what lets somethin’ else in That receptor is hella though But havin’ a common one in a pandemic is a hella NO

Peep gang, come take a look at my DNA Find all the nights I spent with retroviral RNA

[Interlude] In your DNA … viral RNA … turned to DNA … and then to RNA Immune … poppin’ cells … yeah!

I’m gonna place some tags Ubiquitin be quittin’ on all these proteins This cellular machine, RNA in vaccines An acid for every codon

I made God to be in my image All these kids descend from my lineage I have eternal DNA My fitness is secured through advantageous traits [X2]

As DNA replicates Every cell from a cell - this never dates I’m- I’m- I’m growing, adapting and I’m showing, This is my response

Are those your Grandpa’s genes?

[nolanhattrick]

something i've just learned recently is that like... people genuinely have no idea that the term "intersex" exists. like, allies know conceptually that there is more than just xx cis woman and xy cis man, but i have spoken to four people today and only one of them knew the word "intersex" and that's because she's dated trans people in the past.

the other three? all medical professionals.

and like. she's a medical professional too, but she Only knew what she knew because she's active in queer spaces. her medical training did not give her any insight as to how to navigate intersexness, intersex bodies, the intersex experience. let alone her mom's training, which was a fucking nursing degree completed in 1985.

and it's easy enough to explain to people that get the gist of it. all four of these people are smart and capable individuals that are able to understand shit like mosaicism and gynecomastia and ovotestis and on and and on and on. but someone like me, someone without a medical degree that's just now aware of his intersex status with zero support system and zero resources, should not have to be the person educating three/four cis/perisex people on what life can look like as an intersex person. it's weird. it's rocky. because like, what if i am saying something wrong? i don't know everything, because i'm in a medical care desert and my doctor didn't know what any of it meant and just... decided to stop pursuing treatment when i told him i didn't really care.

so like. i just. i continue to be at SUCH a loss. i continue to be amazed at where the line is when it comes to meeting people halfway. because it's really not meeting people halfway anymore. it's straight up starting over from scratch, but instead of doing it with yourself when you realized you were a or b or c, it's doing it with everyone around you.

[plagiarismturnitinreport]

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Checking for plagiarism ensures that your work reflects original thought and research. It helps maintain academic integrity, avoids penalties, and demonstrates an ethical approach to learning. With **Check Your Plagiarism**, students can quickly identify and correct unintentional plagiarism, ensuring high-quality submissions that meet institutional standards. The platform promotes responsible writing, which is essential for academic growth and future opportunities.

**2. How can Check Your Plagiarism help me with proper citation?**

**Check Your Plagiarism** identifies missing or incorrect citations and provides suggestions for improvement. It supports multiple citation styles, making it easier to follow guidelines required by your institution. Whether you need APA, MLA, or Chicago formatting, the platform ensures that all references are correctly attributed, helping you avoid unintentional plagiarism and build credibility in your academic work.

**3. Does Check Your Plagiarism detect accidental plagiarism?**

Yes, **Check Your Plagiarism** is designed to detect accidental plagiarism by comparing your work against vast databases of academic content. It highlights phrases or sentences that match other sources, even if copied unintentionally. This feature allows users to revise their content or add citations as needed, reducing the risk of academic misconduct. Regular checks ensure compliance with institutional policies.

**4. Can Check Your Plagiarism be integrated into my institution’s Learning Management System (LMS)?**

Absolutely. **Check Your Plagiarism** supports integration with popular LMS platforms like Moodle, Blackboard, and Google Classroom. This enables institutions to streamline plagiarism detection for assignments submitted online. Educators can easily access similarity reports, encouraging students to submit original content and fostering responsible writing habits across the academic community.

**5. How does Check Your Plagiarism support skill development in writing?**

Using **Check Your Plagiarism** regularly helps users improve both writing and citation skills. Detailed reports provide insights into areas that need improvement, such as paraphrasing techniques or proper referencing. Over time, users develop stronger writing habits and become more confident in their ability to produce original, high-quality content. This platform acts as both a detection tool and a learning resource for academic success.

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## **Conclusion**

**Check Your Plagiarism** stands as the leading plagiarism detection service in Mumbai, providing invaluable tools for students, researchers, and institutions to ensure originality and uphold academic integrity. Its comprehensive reports, seamless LMS integration, and support for multiple citation styles make it an essential resource for improving writing skills and avoiding plagiarism. By utilizing this platform, users can confidently submit original work and develop responsible writing habits.

### Stay Connected with Check Your Plagiarism YouTube channel!

If you enjoyed this article and want to delve deeper into enhancing your writing journey, we invite you to like, share, and subscribe to the Check Your Plagiarism YouTube channel! Our channel offers a wealth of resources, including tips on maintaining originality, improving clarity, and ensuring academic integrity in your writing. Join our growing community of writers and learners who are committed to excellence. Stay updated with our latest videos that can help you craft authentic, engaging content. Your support means a lot to us, and together, we can make writing an even more rewarding experience!

[sisonjmz]

Best Luxury Interior Company in Dubai: Elevating Spaces with Exquisite Interior Design Services

Dubai is known for its luxury and sophistication, and the interior design sector is no exception. As the city continues to grow, so does the demand for high-end interior design services that meet the expectations of its elite and corporate residents.

The best luxury interior design companies in Dubai are distinguished by their ability to combine modern design aesthetics with luxurious details, creating spaces that are not only functional, but also exude elegance.

Key Elements of Luxury Interior Design in Dubai

Luxury interior design goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it focuses on comfort, quality, and meticulous attention to detail. Here are some of the qualities that distinguish the best interior design companies in Dubai:

Customized Approach: Leading companies in Dubai specialize in tailor-made interior design solutions that cater to each client’s unique tastes and preferences. From initial consultations to the finishing touches, these companies prioritize the client’s vision, seamlessly integrating it with expert knowledge.

High-quality materials and finishes: Material selection is a crucial factor in luxury interiors. Top companies in Dubai use high-quality materials such as Italian marble, exotic woods, luxurious fabrics, and metallic details. These materials enhance the space with a timeless appeal and an element of uniqueness.

Incorporating Cultural Aesthetics: Many luxury interior design companies in Dubai incorporate Middle Eastern design elements, incorporating Arabic patterns, intricate mosaics, and ornamental details. This cultural fusion adds a local flavor that enhances the richness of the place.

Innovative technology and sustainability: Modern luxury in Dubai often means incorporating cutting-edge technology, from smart home systems to sustainable building practices. Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs are increasingly popular among luxury clients who value environmental responsibility.

Leading Interior Design Services Offered in Dubai

The best luxury interior design companies in Dubai offer a wide range of services covering all aspects of interior design, from design to implementation:

Residential Interior Design: The best interior design companies in Dubai offer solutions for luxury homes, be it villas, penthouses or apartments. Services typically include space planning, custom furniture, lighting design and personal décor. The goal is to create a harmonious living space that reflects the client’s lifestyle and preferences.

Commercial Interior Design: For businesses, luxury interior design companies in Dubai offer cutting-edge designs that match brand identities. This service includes the design of offices, hospitality spaces, retail spaces, and other commercial environments. These companies create an atmosphere that enhances customer experience and brand loyalty.

Hotel Design: As Dubai is a global tourism hub, the hospitality sector requires interior designs that are both impressive and functional. Leading interior design firms specialize in designing hotels, resorts and spas that balance elegance and functionality, meeting the highest standards of guest satisfaction.

Turnkey Interior Design Solutions: Many luxury companies in Dubai offer turnkey solutions to manage every detail of the project from start to finish. This includes architecture, interior design, project management and final implementation, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Why Choose a Luxury Interior Design Company in Dubai?

Hiring a luxury interior design company in Dubai offers many benefits, especially for clients looking to create spaces that reflect their taste for exclusivity and sophistication.

High-end design expertise: Luxury interior designers in Dubai have a deep understanding of high-end design principles and the ability to keep up with global design trends. They offer an unparalleled level of expertise and creativity, ensuring that each project is unique.

Access to premium suppliers: These companies often work with exclusive suppliers and artisans, giving customers access to rare materials, custom furniture, and one-of-a-kind decor pieces that can't be found anywhere else.

Efficient project management: From budgeting and scheduling to coordinating with vendors and contractors, the best interior design companies in Dubai take care of all the logistical aspects of the project, allowing clients to enjoy a stress-free experience.

Selecting the Best Luxury Interior Design Company in Dubai

Choosing the right luxury interior design company is crucial to ensuring your vision is brought to life with precision and elegance. Here are some factors to consider:

Portfolio and past projects: Reviewing a company's portfolio can provide insight into their style, diversity, and quality of work. Look for diversity in their projects and how they manage to maintain a high standard across different styles and client needs.

Customer Testimonials: Customer reviews are a valuable indicator of a company’s reliability, professionalism, and ability to meet expectations. Positive reviews and repeat customers often indicate that the company consistently delivers high-quality services.

Design Philosophy: Every company has its own design philosophy, whether it’s modern minimalism, classic luxury, or sustainable luxury. Make sure your approach aligns with your vision and aesthetic preferences.

Level of customization: The best companies are those that prioritize customer ideas, offering customized solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Top Names in Dubai's Luxury Interior Design Industry

Dubai is home to many famous luxury interior design companies. While each offers distinct styles and services, they all adhere to the highest standards of luxury and elegance:

Zen Interiors: Zen Interiors is known for its sleek and simple designs, creating aesthetically beautiful and functionally rich spaces. Its focus on high-quality materials and craftsmanship has made it a popular choice among Dubai’s elite.

Spazio Design: Spazio Design specializes in modern and contemporary design, combining art with practical functionality. It focuses on creating multi-purpose spaces that meet clients' personal tastes and current needs.

Algedra Interior Design: Known for fusing traditional Arabic designs with modern luxury, Algedra is a prominent name in Dubai. It offers a wide range of services from interior design to architecture and landscaping.

ANARCHITECT: This award-winning firm offers a sophisticated and contemporary approach to luxury design. Known for its sustainable designs and attention to detail, ANARCHITECT is ideal for clients seeking a combination of elegance and responsibility.

Conclusion

The best luxury interior design companies in Dubai not only deliver beautiful spaces, but they also provide a unique experience.

With their expertise, access to high-quality materials, and commitment to excellence, these companies ensure that every project meets the highest standards of luxury.

Whether it is a residential property, a commercial space, or a hospitality setting, choosing a premium interior design company in Dubai can elevate any space to a new level of sophistication and elegance.

For those looking to create an extraordinary environment, luxury interior designers in Dubai are ready to bring any vision to life with unparalleled elegance and style.

[interiordesigner4321]

Luxury Meets Sustainability: Karst Galleria’s Eco-Friendly Marble and Tile Options.

As the demand for environmentally responsible products grows, Karst Galleria is at the forefront of offering sustainable luxury through eco-friendly marble and tile options. Combining elegance with a commitment to the environment, Karst Galleria provides homeowners, architects, and designers with beautiful, high-quality stone and tile solutions that are both luxurious and sustainable. Here’s how Karst Galleria’s eco-friendly practices ensure that your next design project doesn’t just look good, but also contributes to a greener future.

1. Eco-Friendly Sourcing

Sustainable Quarries: Karst Galleria carefully selects its marble and natural stones from quarries that adhere to sustainable practices. This includes reducing environmental damage during extraction and rehabilitating the landscape post-mining to preserve ecosystems.

Low-Impact Mining Techniques: By utilizing low-impact extraction methods, Karst Galleria minimizes energy consumption and waste, reducing the environmental footprint of every marble and stone slab.

Responsible Resource Management: The company ensures that only necessary materials are extracted, reducing over-mining and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

2. Energy-Efficient Production

Advanced Manufacturing: Karst Galleria’s tile and marble production facilities use advanced technologies that are energy-efficient, minimizing water use and reducing carbon emissions throughout the production process.

Waste Reduction: The production process focuses on minimizing waste by repurposing unused stone fragments and tiles. Leftover materials are transformed into smaller tiles, mosaics, or aggregates, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

3. Recycled and Reclaimed Materials

Recycled Content: Karst Galleria’s eco-friendly tile options include products made from recycled materials. These tiles are crafted from post-consumer waste and recycled stone, offering a sustainable option without compromising on style or durability.

Reclaimed Stones: The use of reclaimed marble and granite from previous projects reduces the need for new quarrying. This practice not only preserves natural resources but also gives your design a unique, vintage appeal with stones that have history.

4. Non-Toxic and Safe Materials

Eco-Friendly Sealants: Karst Galleria uses non-toxic, eco-friendly sealants and adhesives that are free from harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This ensures that your home remains safe and contributes to better indoor air quality.

Low-Emission Manufacturing: The company employs processes that produce fewer emissions, ensuring that both the manufacturing and final product are as safe for the environment as they are for consumers.

5. Durable and Long-Lasting Materials

Longevity Equals Sustainability: Marble, granite, and stone tiles from Karst Galleria are known for their durability. These long-lasting materials reduce the need for frequent replacements, which translates into fewer resources used over time.

Timeless Aesthetic: The timeless beauty of marble and stone ensures that your design remains relevant for years, avoiding the need for constant updates or remodels, further supporting sustainability in design.

6. Water Conservation Practices

Closed-Loop Water Systems: In its manufacturing facilities, Karst Galleria employs closed-loop water systems that significantly reduce water consumption. These systems recycle water used during the stone cutting and finishing processes, ensuring minimal waste.

Permeable Tile Options: Karst Galleria also offers permeable tiles designed for outdoor spaces that allow water to pass through, reducing runoff and contributing to better water management in gardens, patios, and driveways.

7. Sustainable Design Options

Solar-Reflective Tiles: Karst Galleria offers a range of solar-reflective tiles that are ideal for outdoor use. These tiles help reduce the heat island effect by reflecting more sunlight and absorbing less heat, keeping outdoor areas cooler and contributing to energy savings in adjacent buildings.

Thermal Efficiency: Natural stone has thermal mass properties, meaning it absorbs and retains heat, helping regulate indoor temperatures. When used in homes or offices, this can lead to reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling.

8. Green Building Certifications

LEED Certification: Karst Galleria’s eco-friendly materials can contribute to achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for building projects. By choosing their sustainable marble and tiles, you can earn points towards this globally recognized green building standard.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPD): Karst Galleria’s commitment to transparency is reflected in the environmental product declarations of its products. EPDs provide detailed information about the environmental impact of the materials, helping consumers make informed, eco-conscious choices.

9. Customizable Eco-Friendly Solutions

Custom Designs with Sustainability in Mind: At Karst Galleria, you can customize eco-friendly marble and tile designs to fit your project’s unique needs. Whether you’re working on a residential renovation or a large commercial project, their expert team can guide you in selecting the best sustainable materials.

Innovative Tile Designs: From recycled glass mosaics to low-emission ceramic tiles, Karst Galleria offers an array of sustainable options that combine cutting-edge design with environmental responsibility.

10. A Commitment to a Greener Future

Eco-Conscious Packaging: Karst Galleria is committed to reducing its environmental impact at every stage, including packaging. They use recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials to minimize waste in the shipping process.

Community and Environmental Initiatives: Karst Galleria actively participates in reforestation and community programs to offset its carbon footprint. The company is dedicated to continuous improvement in its sustainability efforts and contributes to environmental causes that promote conservation and ecological balance.

Conclusion

With Karst Galleria, you don’t have to compromise on luxury to embrace sustainability. Their eco-friendly marble and tile options allow you to create stunning, high-end designs while reducing your environmental impact. From responsibly sourced materials to energy-efficient production methods, Karst Galleria is leading the way in providing eco-conscious luxury for modern homes and commercial spaces. Whether you’re designing a green-certified building or simply want to make more sustainable choices in your home renovation, Karst Galleria’s sustainable stone solutions ensure you get the best of both worlds: beauty and sustainability.

[mosaic233]

How Mosaic Development Systems Can Enhance Retail Banking Sales Strategies

In today's competitive financial industry, retail banking sales strategies need continuous refinement to meet customer demands and drive revenue growth. By integrating Mosaic Development Systems, banks can streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and improve overall sales performance. This article will explore how these systems can revolutionize the retail banking sector and lead to increased success.

What Are Mosaic Development Systems?

Mosaic Development Systems refers to a comprehensive framework that assists organizations, particularly in the banking sector, in managing customer relationships, sales, and service efficiency. These systems are designed to provide a holistic view of operations, combining data analytics, customer insights, and automation to improve both customer and internal processes.

When applied to retail banking, Mosaic Development Systems can help banks develop better marketing campaigns, increase their product offerings, and respond swiftly to customer needs. This makes them a valuable asset in any bank’s toolkit for creating more targeted and effective retail banking sales strategies.

Why Retail Banking Needs Innovative Sales Strategies

Retail banking plays a critical role in serving individuals and small businesses with essential financial services, from savings accounts to loans. However, in recent years, competition has increased significantly. Fintech companies, online banking platforms, and evolving customer expectations have put pressure on traditional banks to innovate their retail banking sales strategies.

Banks that rely solely on traditional methods are often left behind. Today's consumers are tech-savvy, expect seamless digital experiences, and want personalized solutions. This shift in expectations calls for sales strategies that are customer-centric, data-driven, and adaptable to changing market conditions.

Mosaic Development Systems can assist banks in these efforts by providing them with the tools necessary to analyze customer behavior, anticipate needs, and create targeted solutions.

Key Benefits of Using Mosaic Development Systems in Retail Banking

Data-Driven Decisions Mosaic Development Systems enable banks to harness vast amounts of customer data and use it to shape their retail banking sales strategies. With real-time data analytics, banks can better understand customer preferences and market trends. This allows for personalized offerings, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Automation and Efficiency In a fast-paced retail banking environment, manual processes often slow down productivity. Mosaic Development Systems offer automation features that streamline routine tasks, such as customer service, account management, and sales processing. By automating these operations, banks can free up their staff to focus on more value-added activities, such as relationship building and sales growth.

Enhanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) CRM is at the heart of any successful retail banking sales strategy. Mosaic Development Systems integrate powerful CRM tools that help banks track interactions, identify potential leads, and nurture long-term relationships. By gaining deeper insights into customers’ financial behaviors, banks can offer products and services that truly meet their needs.

Improved Cross-Selling and Upselling Opportunities Understanding customer needs allows banks to offer tailored products at the right time. Mosaic Development Systems empower retail banks to effectively cross-sell and upsell financial products, such as credit cards, insurance, and loans. With accurate customer profiles and predictive analytics, banks can recommend relevant products, thus enhancing their sales potential.

Implementing Mosaic Development Systems for Retail Success

When integrating Mosaic Development Systems into a bank’s operations, it's essential to have a clear plan. Here are some steps that can lead to a successful implementation:

Evaluate Current Sales StrategiesBefore adopting Mosaic Development Systems, banks should assess their existing retail banking sales strategies. What’s working? What needs improvement? Conducting a thorough evaluation will help identify areas where Mosaic tools can make the most impact, whether it’s customer engagement, sales funnel efficiency, or lead conversion.

Employee Training and SupportEffective use of Mosaic Development Systems requires proper training for employees. Banks must ensure that staff members are comfortable using new tools and technologies. By providing ongoing support and training, banks can ensure their teams are fully equipped to make the most of these systems, improving both efficiency and customer service.

Leverage Customer Insights for PersonalizationOne of the primary strengths of Mosaic Development Systems is their ability to collect and analyze customer data. Banks should use this information to personalize their services. By understanding each customer’s preferences and financial goals, banks can tailor their offerings and communications, leading to more effective retail banking sales strategies.

Monitor Performance and AdaptThe financial industry is constantly evolving, and customer needs change rapidly. Banks must continuously monitor the performance of their Mosaic Development Systems to ensure they are getting the most out of them. Regular performance reviews can reveal new opportunities for optimization and allow banks to adjust their sales strategies as needed.

The Future of Retail Banking with Mosaic Development Systems

As banks continue to innovate their retail banking sales strategies, Mosaic Development Systems will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry. With their ability to automate tasks, provide data-driven insights, and enhance customer relationships, these systems are helping banks stay competitive in a challenging landscape.

Retail banking is moving towards a more personalized, efficient, and customer-centric model. Banks that adopt Mosaic Development Systems are positioning themselves for long-term success by leveraging technology to meet both current and future demands.