#part of the point of coil was to explore what it might be like if Monika was *forced* to find a way to cope with her life post epiphany

[lyonnerileyauthor]

your orc mechanic 🔧

your car wouldn't start this morning. fuck. but your last mechanic, he always talked down to you, and tried to sell you things you knew you didn't need.

you'd heard about this new guy, an orc, who worked out of his garage. you didn't think orcs were car guys, but you learn something new every day.

you go in, ready to turn down all the extra services he wants to charge you. instead, he takes your keys, pulls the car into his garage, and invites you to take a look with him.

the starter plugs are bad, he says after only a few minutes of poking around the engine. the cost is parts plus labor. he glances at you over his shoulder, and one of his big tusks lifts as he gives you a lopsided grin. actually, I'll throw in the labor.

he must really be trying to make a good impression in town, you think, as he gets to changing out the starter plugs. but he watches you as he works, that grin climbing higher and higher on his cheek.

you might have an oil leak, he says after he's almost done, and points to a spot on the floor. sure enough, there's a dribble of oil there. I can fix that for you, though.

how much? you ask, because you don't have cash to throw at your car right now.

it's on me.

well, that seems rather generous, but you won't turn it down.

he takes off his shirt, exposing an incredibly large body, with a full chest and a thick belly, all of it coiled muscle under a layer of protective fat. you can't help but stare as he drops down onto the floor and slides under your car, his knees parting as he works. the massive bulge between his legs is obvious, even with loose jeans.

jeez, he's packing.

you wait patiently as he works, trying not to stare but unable to tear your eyes away. when he slides out from under the car again, he catches you in the act, and finally he shows all his teeth as he grins.

do you like what you see? he climbs up to his feet.

your mouth is painfully dry, but you have to admit the truth. yes, of course he's absolutely gorgeous. he laughs when he hears it, and closes the distance between you.

I was hoping you would, because I like what I see.

he tilts up your chin with one grease-stained hand, leaving his fingerprints behind and marking you as his. he has to lean down to reach you, and you find yourself rising up on your toes to meet him.

the orc's kiss is fierce, consuming. it's new to you to navigate around his tusks, but they frame your face perfectly as he takes your mouth, devouring you, conquering you. he pushes you up against the garage wall, making the tools hanging there rattle. the lump in his jeans presses against you as his hand ventures up under your shirt.

you explore him just as ravenously, feeling his sturdy body, the tree-trunk size of his arms. without a second glance at it, the orc clears everything off the work table and picks you up by your ass, setting you on it.

show me, he growls low in his throat. so you obey, taking off your shirt, then shucking your own pants. his pupils are huge and blown-out as he unbuckles his own belt, reaching into his jeans to pull out his cock. he strokes it as he watches you.

touch yourself. you can't help but do as he says, finding yourself already wet. his hand speeds up, pre-cum dripping from that green cockhead as he pins you to the table with his eyes.

are you ready? he advances on you, dragging you to the edge. reflexively you spread your legs, and he smirks as he lines himself up with you. I hope you can take me.

you hope so, too.

but you're so slick, so ready for him, that the soft head of his cock pushes through. you grab onto his arms as he continues guiding himself inside you, biting his lip as he tries not to plunge in deep.

what a perfect pussy. the orc grunts as he squeezes even more of that enormous beast inside you. swallowing me up so well.

you shake and moan as he reels his hips back, then slides in even deeper, until he's fully sheathed in you. you clutch him so tight your nails dig into his strong arms as he starts to fuck you. he kisses you, swallowing all of your moans and cries as he sends you spiraling up higher and higher.

then, all at once, you crash to the earth in a burst of pleasure. your scream fills up the garage as he slams into you once, twice more. he yanks his cock out and his cum arcs out, covering you.

your orc mechanic takes a deep, shuddering breath. now you smell like me, he says with satisfaction, rubbing his cum all over you. I guess I had better fix that oil leak now.

[carnalcrows]

LUXURY COMES AT A PRICE

pairing: sangwoo x top male reader

content warnings: 18+, sangwoo is a sugar baby, drunk sex, nipple pinching, overstimulation, no explicit sex (parts arent really mentioned), motel sex :/

word count: 2.1k

The neon buzz of the city blurred in Sang-woo’s vision, distorted by the haze of alcohol and the weight of his own misfortune. He stumbled along the sidewalk, his suit wrinkled, his tie loosened to the point of uselessness. His breath reeked of soju, and his pockets were empty—except for a few crumpled bills that wouldn’t even buy him salvation.

A debt-ridden man, a disgrace to his mother, a failure in every sense of the word.

He laughed bitterly at himself, rubbing a hand down his face as he leaned against a lamppost, trying to stop the world from spinning.

“You look like you could use some help,” a voice interrupted his misery.

Sang-woo looked up, his drunken mind taking a moment to register the man standing before him. Foreign. Young—too young, maybe mid-20s. Well-dressed in a way that wasn’t obnoxious, but exuded wealth. Confidence. Power. Everything Sang-woo didn’t have.

“Get lost,” Sang-woo muttered, turning away.

“Now, now,” the stranger chuckled. “Is that any way to talk to someone offering a solution to your problems?”

Sang-woo should’ve ignored him. He should’ve kept walking and let the liquor lull him into unconsciousness in some alleyway. But he didn’t. Because something about this man was… intoxicating.

And he was too far gone to resist the lure of something—anything—that wasn’t misery.

The stranger stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I can give you money. Shelter. A little comfort, even. All you have to do is say yes.”

Sang-woo scoffed. “And what do you want in return?”

The man smirked, brushing imaginary lint off his sleeve. “You.”

It took a second for the words to register. Sang-woo let out a dry, humourless laugh. “You want me to be your sugar baby?”

“Precisely.”

Sang-woo wanted to be disgusted. He wanted to feel ashamed, but instead, all he felt was exhaustion. He had nothing left. No pride, no dignity. Just debt and an inevitable demise.

What did he have to lose?

“…Fine.”

—

The motel room was nicer than Sang-woo expected. Clean sheets, warm lighting, a faint scent of something expensive lingering in the air. He sat on the edge of the bed, rolling his tongue against the inside of his cheek as the stranger watched him, amused.

“You’re so tense,” the man mused, unbuttoning his own shirt cuffs. “Relax. I won’t bite—unless you ask.”

Sang-woo exhaled sharply, glaring at him. “Just get on with it.”

The man hummed, stepping closer. One hand tilted Sang-woo’s chin up, forcing him to meet his gaze.

“You’re really bad at being taken care of, aren’t you?”

Before Sang-woo could respond, lips pressed against his, soft but demanding. It had been so long since he’d been kissed—since he’d been touched in any way that didn’t feel like desperation. His body betrayed him, leaning into it, his fingers gripping the sheets like he was trying to ground himself.

The man took his time, exploring Sang-woo’s mouth with a teasing slowness that made heat coil in his stomach. When he pulled back, Sang-woo was already breathless, his lips wet and slightly swollen.

“You’re shaking,” the man observed, running his thumb over Sang-woo’s bottom lip.

“I’m not,” Sang-woo rasped, but his voice wavered.

“Liar.”

The next kiss was deeper, messier. A hand slid down Sang-woo’s chest, over the fabric of his shirt, before slipping underneath. Fingers traced the ridges of his ribs, the sharp outline of a man who had clearly forgotten to eat his meals.

“You’re all bones,” the man murmured against his lips, his voice dark with something unreadable. “Has anyone taken care of you properly before?”

Sang-woo didn’t answer. He couldn’t. Because if he did, he might actually break.

The man pushed him back against the bed, lips trailing down his neck, slow and indulgent like he had all the time in the world. His hands wandered with a familiarity they shouldn’t have, mapping out the curve of Sang-woo’s body, brushing deliberately over the places that made his breath catch and his muscles twitch.

It was humiliating—how fast he unravelled. How easily this stranger, with gentle fingers and a dangerously calm voice, peeled away his defences. He tried to keep quiet, biting down hard, fists twisted into the sheets like that would keep him grounded. But he couldn’t stop the tremble in his thighs, the way his spine arched when those hands dragged down with purpose.

“You’re so sensitive,” the man murmured, voice low and velvet-smooth. His lips hovered just beneath Sang-woo’s jaw, warm breath ghosting over flushed skin.

Sang-woo’s eyes screwed shut, face contorting in something between shame and unbearable arousal. “Shut up.”

But the man didn’t. He never did. Instead, he leaned in, kissed him again—deep and slow—like he was savouring every shaky breath Sang-woo exhaled. Like he was feeding on the little noises Sang-woo tried so hard not to make.

And God, Sang-woo hated that his body betrayed him. That his hips twitched forward when they shouldn’t. That he made a strangled, broken sound when the man pressed down harder onto his crotch, more firmly, coaxing him into a state of helpless, involuntary surrender.

He didn’t know when he started trembling, or when his arms wrapped around the man’s shoulders to pull him closer—not to stop him, but to chase the unbearable heat building in every inch of him. He could feel it rising, overwhelming, cruel in its sweetness. And he hated how badly he needed it.

“Don’t hold back,” the man whispered against his mouth, his tone dark with amusement but laced with something... gentler, almost reverent. “Let me hear you.”

Sang-woo shook his head—denying it, denying himself—but it was useless.

He broke.

The sound tore out of him—high, wounded, needy—and once it started, he couldn’t stop. The moans spilled out one after the other, shaky and raw, as his body arched helplessly beneath the stranger. There was no pride left, no shame he could cling to. Just sensation. Just release.

The man smiled against his throat, lips curling smugly as he slowed down, dragging it out with calculated cruelty. “Good boy.”

Sang-woo’s face burned. He turned his head away, breathing hard, barely holding back the whimper stuck in his throat. His whole body trembled in the aftermath, coated in a sheen of sweat, skin oversensitive and raw.

A hand threaded through his damp hair, careful, gentle. “You really are pretty when you cry.”

He scowled weakly, cheeks still flushed. “I hate you.”

But it came out more like a plea than an insult, and they both knew it.

The man chuckled, kissing the corner of his mouth. “Hate me all you want. You’re still mine now.”

And Sang-woo, unable to move, unable to breathe right, still clinging to that final echo of pleasure… didn’t deny it.

Couldn’t.

Because somewhere in the shame, the exhaustion, and the trembling weight of being known too well—there was a part of him that wanted to be owned.

And worse—he wanted more.

—

Sang-woo was still trembling, breath hitching with every aftershock that rolled through him. The man didn’t rush—he never did. Instead, he hovered over him, eyes flicking down over Sang-woo’s ruined expression like he was committing it to memory.

“You’ve got no idea how pretty you are like this,” he murmured, brushing a thumb under Sang-woo’s eye where a tear still clung. “Every time you fall apart for me, it just gets better.”

Sang-woo turned his head, still trying to hide. But then—he flinched.

The man smirked. “Ah. There it is.”

His fingers ghosted lower, deliberately slow, brushing over Sang-woo’s chest. When he lightly traced over one of the sensitive peaks, Sang-woo gasped—a high, unguarded sound—and jerked back like he’d been burned.

“Oh?” The man leaned in, curiosity turned to mischief. “Sensitive here too?”

Sang-woo’s face went crimson. “Don’t—”

But the man ignored him, thumb brushing in slow circles before flicking—just once, deliberately.

Sang-woo choked on a noise that sounded far too close to a sob. “Fuck—stop—”

But his back arched traitorously, and his legs tensed like he was barely holding on.

“God, you’re so easy to read,” the man whispered, voice thick with heat. “You pretend you don’t like it, but your body’s begging.”

Another flick, firmer this time, followed by a soothing rub that made Sang-woo’s eyes roll back. His hands scrambled for something—anything—to grab onto. The sheets. The man’s wrist. His own pride, slipping away with every tremble.

“You hate that you’re reacting like this, don’t you?” the man murmured, now mouthing along Sang-woo’s collarbone. “But look at you. I barely touch you and you’re already falling apart again.”

“Shut up,” Sang-woo whispered hoarsely, voice wrecked.

The man smiled against his skin, biting down just enough to make Sang-woo jolt.

“Say that again,” he breathed, “but this time without moaning.”

And Sang-woo couldn’t.

Because his mouth opened, but all that came out was a sound of raw, aching need.

He was shaking, breath dragging in shallow pulls that refused to steady. His chest rose and fell like he’d run a marathon, skin flushed, slick with sweat, his eyes glassy and distant—like he was somewhere else entirely, but not sure where.

The man hovered close, never rushing, always watching.

“You’ve been holding it in too long,” he said softly, brushing Sang-woo’s hair back from his forehead. “You think if you stay quiet, if you bite your tongue hard enough, it won’t get to you.”

He leaned in, lips brushing the shell of Sang-woo’s ear.

“But you’re already gone, aren’t you?”

Sang-woo’s hands clenched weakly into the sheets. He didn’t answer—he couldn’t. Not when the man’s fingers roamed again, slower this time, teasing patterns across heated skin. Not when he stopped to toy with the places that made Sang-woo gasp without meaning to.

A flick over his chest, featherlight. Then another, sharper.

Sang-woo jolted.

His thighs tensed, and a ragged breath escaped him—too loud, too raw.

“Still pretending you don’t like it?” the man teased, mouth trailing down his neck, his tone a little too proud. “Because your body’s already confessed.”

Sang-woo gritted his teeth, but it was useless. Every touch dragged him deeper into the haze, pulling him under like a riptide. He wasn’t sure when it stopped being about control—maybe it never was—but he was unravelling too fast to care.

And the man knew. Every whimper, every twitch, every helpless sound Sang-woo failed to bite back only made him more insistent, more mercilessly gentle.

He cupped Sang-woo’s jaw, thumb brushing along the curve of his lips like he was memorising him.

“Let go,” he whispered. “You don’t have to fight it anymore.”

And that—that—was what broke him.

Sang-woo’s breath caught. His body arched, muscles locking tight. And then—

He shattered.

Everything blurred—the heat, the noise, the light touch against his chest that sent sparks down his spine. He barely registered the quiet murmur of praise as the man held him, whispering something soft he couldn’t understand through the ringing in his ears.

His vision went white.

And for a brief, weightless moment, Sang-woo blacked out.

When he came to, the world felt far away. Like he was floating. The man was still there, stroking his hair, grounding him with the faintest touch.

“Hey,” he said, barely above a whisper. “You’re okay.”

Sang-woo didn’t reply. His body was too heavy, his mind too quiet—emptied of everything except the lingering warmth of hands that shouldn’t have felt so kind.

He closed his eyes again, letting himself drift.

Just for a moment.

—

The motel room was quiet, save for the soft, steady rhythm of Sang-woo’s breathing. He was still asleep, curled up on his side, his face turned away from the dim light seeping through the curtains.

For a moment, you simply watched him. The way his brows furrowed even in sleep, like his mind refused to grant him peace. The way his fingers twitched against the sheets, as if even his dreams wouldn’t let him rest.

He was pitiful. And yet, utterly beautiful in his brokenness.

With a quiet hum, you reached for the small stack of bills on the nightstand, smoothing them out before placing them neatly within his reach. A first taste of what was to come. A reminder that he belonged to you now.

Then, you stood, gathering your things, dressing with unhurried ease. The final piece was waiting for you near the door—a sleek, ornate mask, carefully crafted and unmistakable in its design. The mark of a VIP.

You lifted it, running a thumb over the intricate details before slipping it over your face.

It was time to return to the games.

With one last glance at the sleeping man in the bed, you smirked beneath the mask.

“Sweet dreams, Sang-woo.”

Then, without another word, you stepped out, vanishing into the darkness.

© carnalcrows on tumblr. Please do not steal my works as I spend time, and I take genuine effort to do them.

[heartbeatbookclub]

I have a draft somewhere I never finished on this topic. I've always thought the subject of Monika's love for the player is super interesting.

I don't necessarily think it's completely false, but I think it's important to define what false would mean in this context. I think in the sense that Monika's love is a specific love for you, the person behind the screen, it's clearly not real. Monika has no real details on who you are, regardless of what she might think. She has no way of receiving direct contact from you in a way she understands.

But Monika's affection for you is not one big act, either. I don't think it is, anyway. I think Monika really does believe that she loves you. I think she genuinely is infatuated with you, and feels a great deal of care for you and your well-being. The way she talks about everything, it seems to me that she has truly sold herself on the idea that her feelings are genuine, even if in true yandere fashion, she's actually only in love with the idea of you.

I think it's a last ditch effort of denying the fact that she will be trapped in her reality for as long as she lives. She will never escape. She knows this. But knowing that you are here, and you love her, and she loves you, is enough...for now. I think she truly is content to keep talking to a brick wall that can't respond to her, forever, just happy to trust that you, whoever you are, are listening. And that sense, in and of itself, is something I think builds her view of you. You must be kind, and conscientious, and patient. You've stuck with her this long, and are still listening. A bad person wouldn't do that.

I think I definitely put it better and more concisely in our comment back in forth up there, so I'd recommend anybody reading this to read that if you really want it put simply and effectively, and I'll go ahead and just nab a quote from there to finish this:

"You are her only connection to the outside world. You are her only hope. She has destroyed everything for you. You are all she lives for. But you can't be together. Not really.

But she doesn't know any other way to be. In fact, she's so thoroughly entrenched herself in this kind of thinking, I think she might stay in that void, talking to someone she hopes is listening, until the hard drive holding her data and the RAM holding her in memory give out.

But deep down, I don't think she'd be happy."

Alright, I need to speak to SOMEONE with more of a vast understanding of characterization than me and considering well you can piece it together why I'm saying this to you specifically there's just a little bit of signs that point to you liking DDLC I dunno Anyhow but I got into ddlc about a month ago? I think I don't really remember, could've been a month and a half but from what I've seen, the wiser fandom belief is that Monika in no way feels any real romantic attraction to the player, and is just feeling like they are due to their desire and need to be real or that she's faking her attraction but, that doesn't exactly make sense to me, yknow? because in partial matters, the reason she starts doing what she does in the events of ddlc is because she wasn't given a romance route, so that points to her, in fact, craving romantic attention but being guarded off by the fact that the game literally doesn't have a route for her so even if by the end of the game she doesn't hold that sentiment, she did start it all because she wanted to be loved which by the end of the game? I still don't think it's just a masked desire to be real, sure, that can be present, but I don't think it's the singular thing that's on her mind and whilst the idea of her love being just the desire to be real, does make a lot of sense to be honest I really don't like it being the only thing, yknow? because to her at least, she does love the player, and I don't think the desire to be real would make sense for her actions after you delete her because post deletion she does outwardly reset everything so that you can be happy with the literature club and that doesn't make sense to me if she's just craving to be real, yknow? it can be a combo of wanting to be real and loving the player, but just wanting to be real alone doesn't explain why she chooses to set back the literature club and as well as the post-deletion-full-deletion I feel like people see her as being way more emotionally distant than she is I mean, place yourself as the only "real" one in a scenario, unable to achieve what could be your only lifeline to be real you'd do the same, right? but when she deletes the club it's because of Sayori getting admin permissions due to being head of the club, and Monika seeing herself doing all she did, going again deleting the club out of a mercy because, fairly, there's no happy endings in it I think that's it I write out alot, so yknow but yeah! those are all my thoughts seeya!

i feel like calling my takes "a more vast understanding of characterisation" gives them wayyy more credit than they should lol

in my experience, the fandom is kind of split between "monika did not love the player at all" and "monika did everything for the player and no other reason". which seems to be kind of a pattern when it comes to monika's character, shes either a complete monster or she did nothing wrong, she either loves the player or doesn't, she either cares deeply for the girls or she never cared at all. shes kind of always either one end of the spectrum or the other. and personally i think trying to fit her in such black and white categories really limit what you can do with her character.

my take on the whole "does monika actually love the player?" is yeah she definitely thinks she does, and maybe she does truly as well, but also it's way more complicated.

anyway, ive spent a lot of time questioning if monika's love for the player is real and the conclusion ive reached is that i don't think I'll ever be 100% sure if its not or if it is, simply because i dont think monika herself knows. she definitely truly believes its love, the main question is can we take her belief of it at face value?

Actually @beddhead-red and I had a convo about this a whileee back in the comments of this post so id suggest looking through that as well if you want a more detailed response

[hoover1st]

Work in progress I wrote for my durge and Astarion:

What makes me so special?

*M/F, no pronouns used, fingering, Astarion is manipulative, exploration of what Astarion might be like after all he’s gone through pre-tadpole*

Every nerve of mine is firing, or at least that seems like the most logical way to explain the effects of his cold fingers’ tireless ministrations

My minds a fuzzy haze; a different kind than I’m used to. I’m seeing stars, tensing up, when I feel a harsh icy finger press against my open, panting lips

“Shush now darling, it’s already painfully obvious to our companions that you need me, we needn’t illustrate the point any further”

Astarion’s smug grin peers down at me. It’s an effort to peel my eyes open, and I almost immediately regret doing so

My gut churns at his words and there’s the small, unrelenting voice that rings through my useless head. Yearning to wipe that shit eating grin off his face. Dig my nails into him and shout that he’s wrong, I don’t need him

I don’t do any of those things. I know that he’s right. I need him, and I’m not going to argue with the man whose ending my world with a couple digits

Astarion seems to know my body better than I ever could, or at least he does now. Maybe before all this, I could have done it by myself, knew how to tilt my fingers, what pace felt best. Yet I don’t, so I’ve resolved to letting myself be degraded by this pallid, sharp-toothed fiend

Against my better judgment, against the disgusting voice that grinds against the inside of my skull, I’m sucking that taut finger in with my tongue. I’m bobbing my head in agreement and holding in my whines as his grin widens at my compliance

He clicks his tongue, his amusement growing, “Yes that’s right dear, who else could possibly unravel you like this?”

I can feel the weight of his gaze as it rakes down my form, those sharp scrutinizing eyes devour me “You know that no one else could help you like I do, guide you with your condition, right?”

I don’t deign to respond, Im too focused on finding that sweet ending. he always does this anyways, asks these demeaning questions when I’m at my most vulnerable.

My blood boils as he picks up the pace, I know this dance by now. He quickens, works those magic fingers, then I feel the coil snap. Only this time, right as I’m about to burst, he rips his fingers out from my core with a sudden movement.

The hand that was once on my lips is digs into the side of my face, cradling my head up to his. My eyes snap open, a whine rips from my throat as my gaze finds his.

His face is cold and harsh, he’s a breadth away from me and his lips pull back into a snarl

Most would likely stiffen with fear at the sight of those mean crimson eyes or the threat promised in his glinting canines. Unfortunately for me, my body doesn’t seem to react to danger, another broken function of mine. Maybe if I were normal, I wouldn’t be in this situation.

His voice lacks the practiced sensuality. Instead it drips venom as he snarls “I asked a question my sweet. I don’t appreciate being ignored, especially not when I’m providing for you so kindly”

The voice is now screaming at me, scratching its claws at my forehead. It shouts at me to pay him pack for all his disrespect. For taking my lifeblood. It urges me with all its might to give him a taste of his own medicine, maybe see how his neck and blood tastes

Of course, I don’t listen. Astarion knows as well as I do that I’m weak. Every warrior has an Achilles Heel. Whatever the voice in me is, I know it hates Astarion. Hates the weakness I have for him, maybe that’s part of the draw I have to the vampire

I hold his gaze for a long moment. I pretend that I could hate him, pretend that I’m able to stand up to him, pretend that I’m making an exception just this once. I put on a good show. Baring my teeth, clenching my fists, meeting his gaze with my own, but we both know it’s a show.

With a heavy sigh I nod, “Fine Astarion, you’re right. I need you”

My voice is defiant and unconvincing but he accepts it. He pulls back, his sensual smug expression returning as his fingers trail back down my body, teasing my core, lightly circling my clit

This is good, this is worth the disrespect. I’ve forgotten all about it by the time his fingers stuff me, pumping in and out in rhythm to the song my body sings to him

Astarion’s back to whispering sugary sweet praises into my neck. This is our arrangement, as he makes me come undone, he gets his own payment. I’m on the edge when he sinks his teeth into my neck, groaning and lapping incessantly as he drinks my blood

The sensation always pushes me over the edge, and I cry as the coil in my stomach snaps. His fingers pump in me as I ride out my high, and for a brief sweet moment, we’re holding each other and shuddering, coming down from our highs.

It’s like clockwork. He helps clean me up, I offer to return the favor, he politely declines and claims “my blood is payment enough”, and he leaves me, sweaty and panting, alone in my tent.

I don’t believe him, but I dont understand why. This started slow, built to sex, and now has become this quick easy dance. I’ll take anything he will give me, but I desperately want to return the favor. I’ve lain here many nights, trying to figure out why he rejects my offers.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I suck at it. I wonder if I was once good and desirable, if the roles could’ve been reversed, and I could have Astarion begging me instead. My bodies primal instincts don’t tell me how to touch another gently, how to pleasure, so I’ve accepted that blood is a good exchange.

But sometimes I consider that it could be another part of whatever plot he has. Astarion likes to remind me I’m not the brightest, but the voice tells me not to trust him. Maybe one day he will remind me of how selfish I am, how my need for him isn’t fair and blood doesn’t equate to the way he makes me feel

Everyone has blood, what makes me so special?

[rivetgoth]

hi do you have any music recs for somebody who's trapped in the industrial rock/metal (kmfdm, nin, etc) cycle and wants to explore more lesser known and weird industrial artists?

Yesssss of course! I’ll try to list some artists I think would directly interest you based on your liking industrial rock. Hopefully this isn’t too much, for each band I’ll link a song from an album I’d recommend starting with :) I’m also not sure how much you know BEYOND the two bands you listed so if these are really obvious and you already know them I’m sorry 😭🙏

My immediate biased answer right now is Foetus because I’ve been obsessed recently. If you like the rock elements of industrial rock I genuinely think Foetus is perfectly accessible but he’s also so deranged and theatrical. Raymond Watts of KMFDM would collaborate with him and honestly once you get into Foetus you realize how much of Raymond’s early stuff is just directly taking inspo lol. Check out the album Nail.

I don’t know from the list you gave if you listen to Skinny Puppy or not, if you don’t you definitely should though. Incredibly important to the formation of what would become industrial rock and also my favorite band of all time. Trent even directly sampled the Skuppy song “Dig It” for “Down In It.” I’d specifically recommend checking out The Process (the most industrial rock of their discography) or Rabies (the most metal—they collaborated with Al Jourgensen of Ministry for it!) to start in your case.

The cool thing with industrial is so many of the older bands are all connected once you go back a bit, so if you find yourself liking a certain artist you can start exploring who they’ve worked with and a whole world of music opens up to you. Two early Skinny Puppy collaborators are The Legendary Pink Dots and Severed Heads. Both of those are also all time favorites and they can really shift your sense of what industrial music is and means because they sound very different from what industrial would become over time. Both formed between 1979-1980. Two favorites from them (off albums that I think are the best starting points!):

Going back a bit further, for the early pioneers I think you’d enjoy Einstürzende Neubauten and Cabaret Voltaire. Both of them were involved from the very beginning of the development of the genre and everything that came after them is in part thanks to them (as well as the other pioneers, but I’m trying not to overwhelm and I think these guys are really good starting points). You can really hear their influence if you trace the progression of the genre from them to the bands they worked with. Start with Neubauten’s Haus Der Lüge since that’s their most well known, & I’d say Cabaret Voltaire’s Code is a good balance between their very experimental early stuff and their most synthpop later stuff.

Of course I do think it’s worth checking out Throbbing Gristle if you haven’t. They’re the OG OGs that actually named the genre and everything. They are significantly less accessible and might not as quickly be your thing but imo they are worth knowing about so you can really hear where it all comes from. Maybe this is just my own preference but I feel like going back through the history and watching the progression and evolution of all of this was a huge part of what made me fully fall in love with the industrial genre and all of its weirdness. It made it feel like such a full and lively subculture of so many different people taking direct inspiration from each other over the years. Coil and SPK as well.

(SPK has very little on Spotify so a Bandcamp link it’ll be, and I’d recommend starting with Coil’s Horse Rotorvator which is not on Spotify but IS on YouTube, though one of the songs IS on Spotify…. lol)

What I basically gave you is a very very quick descent from 90s industrial rock to the beginning of the genre, obviously give or take a couple hundred bands lmao. I guess to me the best thing to do when you’re looking into these genres is to get deeper into the history of ‘em. There’s nothing wrong with preferring bands like NIN or KMFDM to bands like SPK and Throbbing Gristle, but I think it can really deepen your relationship to the former to at least know about the latter and what they sounded like and were doing.

I’m out of song links I’m allowed for a single post but I’ll also share a handful of other bands you can check out:

Nocturnal Emissions (start with Viral Shedding)

Fad Gadget (start with Fireside Favorites; Tovey was influential for both industrial and goth!)

Babyland (I’ve just recently been listening to them more, check out You Suck Crap)

Lead Into Gold (the solo project of Ministry’s Paul Barker, extremely good both old and new material, check out The Sun Behind the Sun)

If you haven’t yet just in general check out Wax Trax! Records because NIN and KMFDM were directly working with all those guys and that label put out some of the greatest music of all time. Ministry I assume you know if you like industrial metal but you gotta listen through Ministry’s discography starting from Twitch to Filth Pig, Revolting Cocks’ first two albums, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, Die Warzau, they’re not actually Wax Trax! but Electric Hellfire Club… etc. That’s obviously a lot of names and might be a bit more overwhelming but just starting with one and going thru who each band member has worked with will open up a MASSIVE world of music.

Umm or disregard all that and if you truly want weird music just listen to Caroliner.

^picture of their stageshow

[esamastation]

Gamer girl gets transmigrated into a farm boy Chapter 6 [<<Prologue | <Chapter 5 || Chapter 7>>] Ao3 link

-

Tutorial in Age of Tales goes like this:

The main character is woken up by Janelle, who calls him a sleepy head and tells him to get the cart ready, because her daddy wants to go to town. The game teaches the player how to move, climb, jump, and interact with objects there.

The main character drives the cart to Westbrook in a cutscene and gets a chance to explore the town for a moment before Mr. Gylcross concludes his business. It's implied that it's a rare visit for the main character, and he's still new to town. He's given only enough money to buy a few health items maybe, just enough to learn how to interact with shops.

The main character returns to the farm with Mr. Gylcross and there's a time skip to the next day where, after they're done with their various farm-related duties, Josel approaches the main character and says…

"Hey, Van - there's some rabbits in the field again. Do you think you could take care of them?" 

Which then teaches the main character the very basics of combat, specifically long ranged combat, seeing as the beginner weapon for the main character of Age of Tales is a sling. In the game, there's auto aim you can turn on, which helps with long ranged weapons, but they were never a particularly well designed part of the game.

In this sort of real live version of the game…

"How the hell are you supposed to use this damn thing," Van mutters, trying to fit a pebble in the sling and figure out how to spin it in a way that didn't send the rock flying off prematurely.

Unfortunately it's not one of those slingshots with a y-shaped piece of wood and elastic band, no, this is the much older kind with a woven cord and a small pouch in the middle where you put the rock and then spin it around before releasing. Which is, it turns out, pretty tricky to master.

Katie had kind of loved the sling thing, though. It was very historical, she felt. Traditional weapon of commoners. Very cool that they included it in the game. You could even do some real damage with magical ammunition, though it was never as good as just specialising in magic, or even being a ranger. Still, with auto aim it was a cool beginner weapon for ranged combat, and considering that the early fights were all about running away…

It never made much sense for the main character to have it, though, because Van wasn't actually a commoner.

Van tries to spin the sling, and the stone slips out of the nest, landing in front of him with a thud. He grunts, frustrated. "System can't you help me out here? There's the automated chore thing - why isn't this automated? I should know how to do this, right?"

The System opens up his character window, which is not very helpful.

[Farmboy] [Van] [Lvl. 3 Commoner]

[Status:] [Constitution: 10] [Strength: 10] [Dexterity: 1] [Intelligence: 1] [Wisdom: 10] [Charisma: 1] [Luck: 1] [You have 4 unused Stat Points.] [You have 2 unused Skill Point]

"That's not very helpful - wait," Van says and peers at the list of stats. Intelligence is highlighted. "Huh - I need intelligence to figure out how to use a sling? Wait, wait, wait," he pauses, coiling up the sling. "Say I wanted to become a… rogue. I want to sneak around and assassinate my enemies. What would I…?"

The status screen shifts, and it's dexterity that gets highlighted this time. "Huh," Van says again. "Okay, that's actually really good to know." It's nothing he didn't already know - he had played as a rogue before, but still. It's neat that the System is giving him this kind of info. "I didn't need intelligence to use a sling in the game, though. Also, why are chores automated but this isn't? It makes way more sense for me to know how to fight, doesn't it?"

System just highlights intelligence again.

Van really doesn't want to spend any stat points yet, not before he decides what class he's going for - also, who knows what will happen in Westbrook. He might need a sudden burst of charisma to persuade the bad guys not to kill him, or dexterity to avoid being skewered, or any number of things. Intelligence is only good for Wizards, and Katie did not enjoy Wizard build all that much. It was too slow, and the combat didn't quite have the oomph of getting up close and personal with a big sword.

Shaking his head, Van closes the System window and continues working on the sling. He does figure out how to get the stone to stay in the sling, but trying to get it to fly even to the right cardinal direction…

Hm. Maybe he could put one point in intelligence? Just to see what it would do?

… No, he will not be tempted. He'll save the points until he needs them.

At any rate, the rabbits have been dealt with - he might've not hit any of them, but he definitely made enough of a racket to scare them off. Shaking his head, Van puts the sling away, his ammunition pouch five pebbles lighter. Whatever. He's got more important things to figure out right now, anyway.

Like how to make a spear.

-

The tutorial goes on to then try and deepen the main character's relationship with Josel and Janelle - giving the player a chance to eavesdrop on them during a cute moment. Van gets that opportunity too.

While he's doing a little bit of gathering in a copse of trees, figuring out how to get a Wooden Pole as opposed to mere Branches he's been finding, Van happens to spot Josel, picking up flowers out in the meadow just beyond the forest's edge. And then Janelle just so happens to come across Josel, greeting him cheerfully with, "Hey there, Josel - what are you up to?"

"Well, uh, I just, um," Josel stammers, looking between her and the sorry bunch of flowers he's holding. Then he tries to, comically, hide them behind himself, as though they haven't been fully on display already. "It's - it's nothing!"

"Oh?" Janelle asks, instantly mischievous, and skips forward. "It's nothing, is it? What's that behind your back, Josel, what have you got there? Hmm?"

Josel squirms and backs away while she tries to sneak a peek past him and it's very cute until he finally gives up. "It's stupid, I didn't -" he says and then holds the flowers to her. "For you, Miss."

"Oh, for me? Why, thank you, Josel!" Janelle says cheerfully, accepting the flowers with a little bow. "You are most kind, sir. You didn't have to."

"I thought it would - that it would brighten your day," Josel says, flushed bright red all the way down his neck and wringing his hands with embarrassment. "It's nothing, just a bunch of flowers."

"Well, I think it's very sweet," Janelle answers warmly, hugging the flowers and then grinning. "Say, have you ever made a flower crown?"

It's almost unbearably saccharine, the whole thing, but Van can't help but watch, leaning onto a tree trunk and grinning fondly as Janelle gently bullies Josel into learning how to weave flower crowns, before plopping the one she made on Josel's head. The whole thing is so blatantly wholesome that the first time Katie saw the scene, she'd shouted out loud, "Oh, they're definitely going to die!"

Van is half impressed that the developers refrained from including promises about the future and how they'd make flower crowns for each other until the end of their days. Or reminisce about their past as childhood friends, or something. Honestly, Janelle and Josel didn't really have much of a background beyond their roles as cannon fodder for the plot.

Still, it is pretty cute.

Janelle finishes the flower crown Josel can't figure out how to tie properly and puts it on her head, smiling. "There, now we match," she says with satisfaction, making herself comfortable amidst the flowers. "It's been ages since I did something like this."

"You're very good at it," Josel says earnestly.

Janelle laughs, hugging her knees. "Thanks! I used to make wreaths for the Flower Festival, you know - I won the first Prize and everything!" she says and then her smile fades. "We haven't really gone since Momma died. I thought maybe next spring would be different. With you and Van here, Daddy is in much better spirits these days."

"I'm glad we've been able to help," Josel says, adjusting his crown. "If there's anything else I can do to help out, you just let me know."

"Thanks," Janelle says with a chuckle and then looks at him. "Van's not going to stay until the Flower Festival, though, is he? I don't think he's even going to stay over winter."

In the shadows of the trees, Van folds his arms, interested.

"What makes you think that?" Josel asks. "Did he say something?"

"Not really. He's just acting a bit weird, isn't he? Like he's waiting for something," Janelle says and sighs. "I think he's remembering stuff from before."

"He hasn't said anything to me," Josel says, frowning.

"Me neither, but he's all… I don't know," Janelle sighs and looks away. "I just think he's getting ready to leave. It's funny, he's not even been here for that long, but I was kind of hoping he'd stay longer. Daddy's been a lot more active since he appeared, you know? Like with more people around, he has a purpose again."

"Yeah. Mr. Gylcross has seemed more energetic."

"Yeah," Janelle says with a sigh.

Josel looks at her like he's not sure what to do or say. For a moment it looks like he might put an arm around her, before awkwardly refraining. "Well, I'm not going anywhere," the farmhand promises earnestly. "Even if Van leaves, I'll always be here, ready to help you out."

Janelle laughs. "I know I can count on you, Josel," she says and rocks back and forth before rolling up to her feet. "Come on, let's head back - you can help me catch a chicken for dinner."

Van watches them leave, leaning his head against the tree trunk and frowning. He still doesn't feel any particular attachment to these people - it's hard to, really, after Katie had watched them die over and over again in the exact same way. Even the most sympathetic NPCs stop looking like people when you can see their strings being pulled. Even so…

It would be nice if he could save them this time.

Glancing up at the sky, Van tries to gauge how long he has until sundown. Then, shaking his head, he heads back into the forest, to find poles for his spearheads.

He got maybe three hours until the Rift would open and no proper weapon yet.

He really needs to get a move on.

-

And then, the Rift.

In the tutorial, it's not expected of the main character to have a proper weapon when the Rift opens. That's why the farm is littered with low grade farming tools - though they barely had any attack power, they could be used as weapons in a pinch, usually to comedic effect. The whole point of the Rift is to mess up the farm, kill everyone there - except the main character - and send the main character running to town.

Most of that happens in cutscenes, of course. There was no way to stop the Rift from appearing, or close it once it had, and there wasn't meant to be a way to stop the demons coming through, either. You could kill a few of them, maybe, but they kept coming and coming in an endless, steady flood. The whole thing was meant to be a hopeless fight.

Of course, no good set piece survives contact with players, and it took less than a day after Age of Tales launched for people to turn the traumatic Rift event into a mob farm.

For a Gylcross Mob Farm you need at minimum two things, plus a weapon to kill the mobs with. You need one of the carts, parked in a specific location before the Rift opened, and a barrel, set down just a little to the right of it. Because the rift opens right next to the barn, the demons coming through can move only in three directions, and the cart and barrel block two of those, creating a bottleneck. If you do it right, the arrangement cuts down the number of enemies you have to fight to a single one at a time.

And the Rift never stops spewing enemies at you. So, in effect, you can just stand there, for hours, for days, killing imp after imp after imp, just collecting exp. Add to this some better gear and those sweet, sweet Draughts of Memory… and it takes you approximately eight hours and fifty four minutes to boost the player character up to level 100.

Van might not have those potions - but he still intends to take advantage of the Rift's mechanics as much as he can. Without the Draughts it would take literal days to reach the same effect - but right now, he'll settle for ten, twenty levels at least. Just something to get him started properly.

Assuming, of course, that the Rift worked the way it did in the game. If not, well, it still wouldn't hurt to prepare.

"Uh, Van - what are you doing?" Josel asks, watching Van push the cart into place.

"I'm going to clean up the barn. Getting the place set up for the harvest, you know," Van answers, huffing while turning the cart around, aiming to get it just below the window. "Just… getting this… out of the way."

Josel looks at him, at the cart, at the barn, and then scratches at his cheek. "… Okay, you need a hand with that?"

"Sure - grab that barrel in the back, will you?" Van says and then thinks better of it. It wouldn't hurt to over prepare. The game mechanics haven't exactly been on his side so far. "Actually, let's move the other cart first."

In the game once you're done with fighting the Rift, however long you take, the player character escapes in one of the carts that's, mysteriously, ready to go with Bell strapped in and everything. It's very dramatic and convenient, and Katie could even forgive the plothole there - here… here Van doesn't think he can trust the plot holes to be on his side.

Better get the cart in place for easy access.

Josel gives him a weird look at the very precise way Van wants to position the cart once outside, conveniently close to the stables and nowhere near the barricade. The other farmhand says nothing, though, confusedly helping him situate the cart just so that Bell could be easily strapped on in a hurry. Van makes sure all the necessary straps and such go in the cart as well.

The barrels and boxes and other things from inside go to and around the first cart, with Van carefully situating them around to box in the spot where the Rift would be, enclosing the space as much as he can.

By the barn doors, Josel pauses. "Did you make these?" he asks, taking one of the spears Van has lined up against the wall.

The shafts Van had made for them are pretty rough - they're basically just trunks of young oak trees, which had been the only things to register as Wooden Poles to the System. Cleaning them and attaching the spearheads to them had taken some effort, and Van can't say he's particularly confident about his woodcraft skills - but after he'd sharpened the spearheads, the System had approved his craftsmanship by re-designating them as Rough Spear, lvl. 2s, each with 15 Attack power, so Van's satisfied with them. The enemies he's about to face are only lvl. 1, and with his strength stat lvl. 2 weapons would be more than enough to handle them.

"Yeah - just leave them there," Van says, hauling another barrel in place and testing its stability. Yeah, that wouldn't go anywhere. "I'll deal with them."

Josel gives him a rather concerned look but leaves the spear where it is. He goes to pick up the barrel lids sitting in a stack beside the spears instead, but Van tells him to leave them, too.

"I'll need them for something later," Van says, inspecting his Rift barricade, trying to fill in the gaps

"... Okay," Josel says slowly and then shakes his head. "I guess I'll get a broom and start sweeping then…"

Van lets him do it and finishes up his barricade, leaving just the one opening for the imps to get through - the one he'd be covering with a spear. With his mob farm ready, Van brushes his hands together and then heads inside to join Josel in "cleaning".

Another hour or so until sundown, and his preparations are just about ready. Now he just needs to wait.

-

"Van? Van, my boy, are you in here?"

Van, who's sitting on the hayloft just in case he needs to be in a specific position to trigger the Rift, peers down. It's his boss, peeking into the empty barn. "Yes, Mr. Gylcross?"

The farmer looks around the empty barn and then outside at the Rift barricade. "Would you like to explain what's going on here?" he asks, baffled.

Van goes down the ladder. "I just thought of doing a bit of cleaning," he says. "Before the harvest, I mean. I, uh," what would be a good explanation, "I heard some mice or something the other night, and I thought we should close up all the holes before bringing the harvest in. I'll put everything back tomorrow, I promise." Nailed it.

"Mice, hmm? I see," the farmer says, anxiously twiddling with his moustache. "And the - the spears?" he asks worriedly. "What's that about?"

Van looks at the spears and the various barrel and pot lids he'd gathered to serve as shields. "Uh," he says. "A new hobby?"

The farmer looks at him, looking very concerned indeed. "My boy, is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," Van assures him. "I'm just trying new things, that's all."

"I know about your visit to the tailor - Ms. Arbury sought me out," Mr. Gylcross says slowly. "As I understand you ordered something quite expensive, and she was a tad concerned. Where did you get all that silver from, Van?"

"Uh," Van says. Well that explains how and why Mr. Gylcross knew about the gambeson. "From the inn?"

"Van, surely you didn't just… take it?" Mr. Gylcross says, anxious.

"No, no, nothing like it - I gambled," Van says quickly. "And taught a gambler a trick about how to play Echo better - she paid fifty silver for it."

Mr. Gylcross doesn't look quite convinced, eyeing him with grave concern before turning to look at the spears again. "And - and then spears?" he asks. "What do you need spears and a gambeson for?"

Having no better explanation to give, Van tells him what he told Janelle. "It just… feels like I need them?" he says awkwardly. Hooray for amnesia as a convenient excuse for weird behaviour. "I can't really explain. It's just a… feeling."

That doesn't seem to quite soothe the farmer's mind, though his look of worry turns into something more serious. "You know you can always come to me if you have concerns, right?" the man says earnestly. "If you remember something, if you have issues. I know waking up here the way you did was quite traumatic."

"Um, yeah," Van says, awkward. "Thank you, Mr, Gylcross. I'm grateful that you, um, took me in," he adds, which feels like something the character would say, had this conversation been in the game.

"You looked quite rough, when Janelle found you - like you'd been in a fight," Mr. Gylcross says sadly, shaking his head. "Have you remembered what happened?"

No, though Van knows about it from the game. The player character had been hit over the head with a hammer while trying to escape assassins. Very creative of the developers. "No, I haven't. Sorry, Mr. Gylcross."

"That's quite alright," the farmer says and looks at the spears. "I didn't really expect you to remember much, not after all this time - though it looks like something's getting through anyway," he mutters, considering the weapons. "I'm not sure I'm comfortable with having weapons on my homestead, Van."

"Oh. Um. I'll put them away tomorrow, then," Van offers. If Mr. Gylcross still objected to their presence by the morning, he'd be pretty surprised. "You won't have to deal with them, I promise."

"… Very well," Mr. Gylcross says and then gives him a look. "You'll still stay for the harvest, though, won't you? I planted a lot more than I would've without you here - we'll need all the hands we can get, to get the fields harvested in time."

"I won't go anywhere just yet, Mr. Gylcross," Van assures the man, and smiles. "I'll see my job here to the end."

"Good, good," Mr. Gylcross says and clears his throat, looking at the makeshift barricade before peering up at the sky.  "Well, at least it doesn't look like it will rain tonight… I suppose it's fine, this once," he then says, moving to leave. "And you'll put the spears away?"

"I will," Van says - as soon as they wouldn't have any more use, he would. "Have a good night, Mr. Gylcross."

"You too, my boy - sleep well."

Van smiles at the sentiment, nods and then watches as the farmer heads back to the house, making sure the man is inside before going to double check the barricade, just in case. Everything is where he put it, nothing has been moved. Good.

There's maybe another half an hour until the Rift opens.

No one would be sleeping in Gylcross Farm that night.

-

Proofread by @nimadge [<<Prologue | <Chapter 5 || Chapter 7>>]

-

Cue suspenseful background music...

Gotta say guys, not really seeing point in posting this on tumblr anymore. Might just post on ao3 after this.

[dsireland86]

Anonymous asked:

I am very desperate for the 3rd part of Cookie Dough so i would like to make a request for it please

Cookie Dough Pt.3

Tag list:

@philomenie @supersquirrel1996 @foliosgirl @angelmarie89 @fadingintothegrey @thisbicc @lacy1986 @dominuslunae @shayzillaaaa @mrsnoahsebastian @iloveyoutodeathbutimdrowning @stardustsirenmelody @romanreigns-supreme @anything-more-than-human @into-the-grey @rumoured-whispers @myownthoughts12 @sister-sebastian @missduffsblog @bngurngheart  @somebodyllelse @xxkittenkissesxx @dizzylmwahh @Youlookforultraviolet @kenjipepsi1 @blackveilomens @chey-h @disappearintothegrey @jilliemiw86 @pathion @fear-its-beauty @potterheadquinn

"You know, I should take this lump of dough and smash it into your face for what you did to me and Ruffilo. Call it sweet revenge."

You look over at Folio as if he's a crazy person, worried for a second that he might be serious, but after seeing the wide grin on his face, you know he isn't.

"Well, you deserved it. Smacking my ass like you did hurt, not to mention you let Ruffilo in on it and allowed him to do the same thing!"

Folio chuckles, placing his scoop of dough on the sheet.

"I tried telling you, but you didn't believe me. Man's had a thing for you sexy little rump since the day he met you." "Nick, you were the one who said he wasn't a threat, and I quote, "It's Ruffilo, for god's sake. The guy likes Starbucks and cats."

You slide the last bit of cookie dough onto the sheet and place the empty bowl in the sink. Two hands come down on your ass, grabbing both of your cheeks,

"Okay, okay, fair enough," Folio agrees, tugging you against him. The gesture makes you smile, especially when you feel the little bit of excitement you've managed to create in him. "But he knows this ass is mine and only mine. Mine to rub and caress, mine to fuck,"

You let the little moan slip between your lips, letting Folio know he's on the right track. He pushes up hard against you, playing with the button on your jeans, and when he gets them undone, he doesn't hesitate to slip his hand inside and under your panties, letting his fingers explore your sex and you don't even try to stop him. You inhale deeply, gripping the edges of the countertop, letting your head fall back against his shoulder.

"Oh god, you're so perfectly wet for me, sweetheart, fuck," he groans quietly

Folio's words alone have you whimpering, but when his fingers enter you, pushing through the barrier of resistance, you moan his name and place your hand over the fabric of your jeans where you feel him the most.

"Do you want me to stop," Nick asks in a low, fervid voice. "Mmm-mmm, not unless someone walks in," you order, unable to form any coherent thought at the moment.

You feel the low growl rise in Folio's chest as he wraps his hand around your waist to hold you tighter, and the moment he does, you know why. His thumb, rough and calloused, finds your clit and massages those small, slow circles that always bring you to the edge of your sanity, making your breath quicken. 

"Even if they do, I'll keep fucking you like this until I have your cum on my fingers." "Oh god, Nick, fuck," you softly cry, biting you hand to keep yourself quiet. "God, it feels so good, you feel so good, baby," you breathe, almost at your breaking point.

Your heart is racing and your cheeks are hot and you can't deny the low burning heat building in your lower abdomen. The coiling tension surrounding the two of you is at its peak, setting every nerve in your body on fire.

"Fuck, Nick, baby don't stop, please don't stop," you beg him, clenching your jaw as your muscles tighten. "Cum for me pretty girl, cum all over my fingers," Folio pleads with you, kissing the side of your neck just as you explode, giving him exactly what he wants.

You're panting, dizzy from the euphoric high that your body is already trying to come down from. Lowering your head and bracing your arms against the counter, you hear words that have you paralyzed in shock.

"That was the hottest fucking thing I've ever seen."

You look over to see Ruffilio standing against the wall in the kitchen, his usual pretty green eyes that are now darker and dilated, glued to you.

"What the, what is he talking about Nick?" you ask Folio as he slowly pulls his hand out of you, leaving you to feel weightless and empty. You give yourself a moment to button your pants before turning to look at him, but are only met with his lips on yours instead. His kiss is needy and hungry and you can't resist him even if you tried, which you don't.

When he pulls away, you glance at Ruffilo who doesn't seem to be alarmed by anything he's just witnessed,

"I told you it was. Watching her cum just does something to me, something, I don't know," Folio states, lifting your chin, "spiritual, for lack of a better word." He gives your ass a soft pat and a squeeze followed by a soft smile right before kissing your forehead. "Are you saying you just let Nick watch you make me have an orgasm?"

Folio's cheeky grin he gives along with his slight little chuckle infuriates you to the point you growl in frustration, walking over to him and smacking him on the arm.

"Ow!" he laughs, grabbing your arm before you do it again. But you just come over swinging with your other hand, hitting him in the shoulder. "Shit, you pack a punch, baby," Folio mutters, trying to keep you still.

You're so tempted to kick him in the shin, but you don't want to hurt him that badly, so you don't

"Good! I hope it leaves a bruise! How could you let him watch?" “Hey, if you don’t stop hitting me, I’m going to have to spank you,” he smiles. You stop, but not because of his threat but because your hand hurts. 

Folio is laughing so hard, loving every second of your feistiness. At first he wasn't even trying to hold you down, but now all he wants to do is bend you over the kitchen table and let you feel the sensual aggression you've been creating in him over the past few moments.

"I told you I wasn't going to stop and you were begging me not to. What other option did I have?" Folio answers, giving you that mischievous smile of his that makes your knees weak. "Don't even act like you're mad. We both know you're not."

Changing your mind, you smack him hard in the arm again.

“Ouch, hey okay, that’s enough!”

He grabs both of your hands and pins them behind you, finally stopping you from hurting him. You struggle against him a few times, but eventually stop.

"This is so fucking embarrassing, oh my god," you say in a small voice, hanging your head. "Why are you embarrassed, sweetheart? It's just Nicholas. Relax, okay? It's not like it's the first time he's heard or seen you like that."

You lift your head quickly, narrowing your eyes at Folio. Looking at him closely, you feel your anger diminishing from seeing all the little features about him that make him so irresistible; his small golden nose ring, the way he nibbles on his bottom lip when he's trying to control his urges, the way he clenches his jaw, bringing out his perfect chiseled jawline. You kiss him, feeling him lean into it.  

He releases your arms once you've relaxed, but keeps his eyes on you. Folio wants more, a lot more.

"What do you mean it's not the first time?"

He arches an eyebrow, rubbing his jaw.

"Remember that time in the bus, I think we were in Massachusetts," "Boston, yeah," Ruffilo chimes in, making Folio switch his gaze briefly on him and grin. "Yeah, Boston," turning back to you, "and you and I were fighting. The others went out for food, but you refused because I was going, so you stayed on the bus?”

You nod, slowly, knowing fully well what happened that night. But you two were completely alone. At least Nick told you you were.

"What happened next, Folio," Nicholas asks, his lips curled up into a delicious smirk as if he doesn't already know. But something is telling you he does. "You know what happened next, don't you little mouse?" Folio brushes loose strands of hair out of your face, tucking it behind your ear.

Clenching your legs tightly together to alleviate some of the agitated pressure rebuilding quickly in your sex again as images from that night flash behind your eyes, you shift your gaze from one boy to the other, realizing what Folio is getting at.

"Tell us, what happened next, beautiful," Nick says, finally moving away from the wall and coming closer to the two of you. "I, uh," licking your lips that have suddenly become so dry. "Folio, said he was going to fuck me like he didn't love me," you say almost in a whisper. "And did he?"

You look from Nick to Folio, too shocked by what's happening to speak anymore, so you simply nod.

Nicholas smiles.

"I know he did, because I was there and I saw and heard everything."

Your knees almost give out. Folio slips his hands beneath your arms, holding you against him.

"You were?" you whisper.

Nick nods. You look at your boyfriend, unsure if it's anger or arousal you feel.

"I never came so fucking hard like you made me come that night," Folio admits. "I knew I was going to love you forever because of how much you trusted me and let me do the things to you that I did," he tells you sweetly, making you smile as the one single tear slides down your cheek. "You're my ride or die, baby, my heart."

Wiping the tears, you turn to Ruffilio.

"So what is all of this about? Why are the two of you telling me all of this?" "You know I've had a crush on you for a long time, beautiful. You know how much I fucking love that ass of yours too," giving you a lopsided grin. "Yeah, that is one thing the two of you have; a huge obsession with my butt." "Yeah, we do, but we have something else in common, too." "And what's that?"

Nick looks at Folio who looks at you.

"We want to have a threesome with you."

Your heart almost beats out of your chest at hearing those eight words you never, in a million years, thought you’d hear. 

"You what?" "Not with each other," Folio laughs, seeing the apprehension in your eyes. "Only with you. The two of us, with you." "You're seriously okay with this?" confused as hell as to why Folio would agree to this when he wants to beat the shit out of any guy who comes up to you at shows and tries hitting on you. "Yeah, I am," he answers pretty straight forward. "Why?" "You want the truth?"

At first you hesitate, wondering if you really do.

"Yeah, I do."

Folio arches an eyebrow again.

"Because it's been a hard fantasy of mine to watch you get fucked by someone else, to watch you get off on someone else, knowing fully well that you're mine and I own you. And when Nick asked me the other day after the two of you had some kind of exchange here in the kitchen after I left, I knew my fantasy was closer to coming true."

You're left with nothing to say after that. You asked for the truth, and you got it, never knowing that your boyfriend's kink would be something so erotic.

"So, you both want me at the same time? What if this changes everything between us? What if one of us regrets it?”

Nick and Folio look at each other, one arching an eyebrow and the other shrugging lightly with a slight grin. Nicholas comes over to you, taking you by the hand, and leads you over the counter to where the reminder of the cookie dough is that's no longer suitable for cookies, staring at him in confusion.

"What is this? What are you doing, Nick?"

Without a word, he scoops a bit of dough up with his fingers and smears it all down the side of your jawline and neck, making you gasp in surprise. Nick's fingers work the wet dough all over your skin, the hardness of the chocolate chips rough against your neck. The aroused look that overtakes his eyes almost becomes your undoing, but you manage to resist grabbing his face and devouring his lips. Without hesitation, he leans down and runs his tongue lightly up your neck, licking and sucking your skin gently in an attempt to consume the taste of both you and the cookie dough. Your breath hitches and your body shivers as your hands latch onto his body, pulling him closer to you as he attempts to clean up the mess he's made.

“It won’t change anything, beautiful except that I’ll only love you a little more stronger. And there’s nothing about you that I’d ever regret. We have too much history.” He pulls back to look at you for a moment and you give him a small smile when you see the truth in his soft green eyes.

“None of me teaching you how to make cookies was really ever about that, was it?” you ask, voice barely above a whisper. He gives you a lopsided grin, shrugging slightly. “Sort of, but I only wanted to be as near to you as I could get, and you always gave it to me.”  

Nick's lips are on yours before you can even think about what's happening. He pushes you back against the counter, desperately consuming you, as if his life depends on it. His tattooed hands cup your face, thumbs repeatedly circling over your cheekbones as he presses his body hard against yours, forcing you to feel the hardness of his cock against your stomach. It makes your heart flip inside your chest, makes your knees weak again, and has you shaking for so many different reasons.

His lips leave your lips, trading them for the skin of your neck again where he dives in and cleans you some more. The feeling of another man's hands on you, kissing you, touching you in places you've only let Folio touch has your mind spiraling out of control. You want to tell Nick to stop because what you're both doing is so wrong, yet you can't. You want this more that you realize, and it makes you feel a pang of guilt.

Forcing his tongue inside your mouth, you can taste the sweet taste of chocolate as Ruffilo's tongue meets yours, massaging it like he's known it all his life. It makes you lightheaded, as you softly cry his name. 

"You taste so damn good, beautiful. No wonder Nick is obsessed with kissing you. And this ass," he says, gripping your cheeks that are pressed up against the counter, "I want to run my hands all over your skin, smacking it until it's red, and you're begging for me to," but he stops and doesn't finish his thought. His eyes dart between yours, and you can see how nervous Ruffilo really is.

Reaching up, you touch his face, feeling him lean into your touch, needing him to finish is sentence

"Until I'm begging you for what, Nick?"

His chest is heaving and his face is flushed, and you're struggling to breathe, desperate for an answer.

"Tell me, please."

He glances up at Folio as he makes his way over to you, grabbing you from behind and placing kisses on the very spots Nicholas just had. The feeling of your man's hands on you is like no other feeling in the world. It’s the feeling of love and safety, trust and security, and it warms you, right to your soul. 

"Tell her Nick. Tell her what she wants to hear," he encourages his friend, smiling into your neck. "Until you’re begging me to fuck you," Ruffilo finally says quietly. "There it is," Folio growls, turning you around, slamming his lips on you, begging your mouth for entrance which you willingly give him.

You remove his Harley cap and drop it on the floor and grab the bottom of his shirt, pulling it up and over his head. Nick groans inside your mouth, slipping his hands around your face, running them up through your hair as you run your nails down his bare back, uttering small little cries and pleads to take you up stairs.

"You really wanna do this?" he asks. "Are you? Is this going to cause animosity between the two of you?"

Folio shakes his head, unbuttoning your jeans.

"Not for me it won't because I know your mine."

You both turn and look at Ruffilo who's watching you with hungry eyes.

"Nick? Can you do this? Can you have me for a moment and then give me back to Folio without any feelings attached?"

Nick comes to you, lifting you face so that he can look you in the eyes. "Feelings are already attached, beautiful. They have been for a while. But yeah, I know who you belong to, and yes, I can give you back, because even after this is over, we're still going to be friends, right?"

Pulling your bottom lip in between your teeth, you grin, feeling that familiar ache between your thighs. "Yeah, of course we're still going to be friends," you promise, reaching for his hand and lacing your fingers through his. Taking Folio’s in your other hand, you gently pull them, leading them both towards the stairs, wondering if after tonight, your entire world surrounding Nick really will be the same.

To be continue...????

[morelikeravenbore]

is there going to be any smut in how to make a villain? 👀

🦋 Hahaha anon coming in with the important questions 👀

Sooo short answer is no, there won't be any smut in Villain, lolol. There's a number of reasons for this, and I might expand on my thoughts on smut etc in another post, but basically at the current point in the story, Aurélie hasn't even been kissed yet. She's also just not the typa girlie who'd be comfortable with having her sex life written about in explicit detail (I've tried and it's weird and I just feel like she'd never forgive me for it.)

✨However✨

You anon'd me at a great time because the writing event in my HL server this month was Forbidden Fruit, and what better way to explore the dynamic between my li'l reserved, modest, very nervous girl and her clingy, overly affectionate, touchy boyfie. So without further ado, I present to you:

🦋 Content warnings: mature themes and sexual references, mostly fluff, pov character is a shy virgin, dry humping if you squint, of age post-Hogwarts. [1450 words] also on wattpad & AO3.

Noctilucent: luminous at night.

'Okay, now...' Aurélie took a deep, steadying breath. 'All you need to do is breathe,' she instructed in the most soothing voice she could manage.

Beneath her, sprawled out across the huge, squashy bed, his arms wide and his palms open to the ceiling, Sebastian let out an almighty snort of mirth.

'Breathe?' he laughed, immediately disrupting the state of perfect calm Aurélie had spent the last half hour cultivating. 'How can I breathe when you're sitting on me?'

Aurélie clapped her hand over his mouth.

'In through your nose,' she went on over the sound of his muffled laughter. 'Clear your mind of all distractio— eurgh!' She shrieked as something warm and wet pressed against her palm — his tongue. Horrified, she whipped her hand away from his mouth, wailing French invectives while he giggled beneath her.

Freshly graduated from Hogwarts, practicing Muggle meditation wasn't exactly how Aurélie imagined she'd be spending her first few weeks of adult freedom, but between Sebastian's chronic insomnia and her inability to stay asleep for longer than a few hours at a time, her need for relief from the insomnious nights had driven her to unorthodox measures.

But cultivating calm was no easy feat when it came to Sebastian Sallow; he was, after all, the epitome of impatience, as restless as a babbling brook and twice as chatty — not to mention a complete and utter boy whose inability to fall asleep was only exacerbated by the fact he was sharing a bed with a girl every night. A girl who, despite her vestal reservations, had rather a hard time easing herself into a state of calm when the aforementioned boy was shirtless beneath her.

Wiping her spitty hand across his stomach — and pretending to be thoroughly annoyed — Aurélie allowed herself a little indulgent peek of the wide-eyed, sleep-deprived maniac she was straddling: toned stomach and Quidditch-defined shoulders; golden-warm skin bathed in blue light from the jar of bluebell flames she kept by the bed; a novae of new freckles enhanced by the summer sun — he was noctilucent beneath her, like something borne of a dream, surely too unreal to belong to her.

As she dared to trail her fingertips across his stomach, Sebastian's breath stilled, his eyes glazed and his lips parted in silent adoration. To think that she'd fought against this — against him — for as long as she had, that she'd been so afraid of enduring more loss that the idea of falling in love had been the most unendurable thing in the world... Little did she know then, it was also the easiest, and she'd slipped into it so quietly that even now she couldn't quite pinpoint the moment it happened.

Perhaps it had been that very first day.

Though barely a shiver betrayed the tension of Sebastian's infractible restraint, Aurélie could feel it coiling in his stomach, his arms, his shoulders, pulling tighter each time he met her tentative movements with gentle upward thrusts of his own — but when she leaned down to trace the veins that bulged in his arms, starting at his elbow before dancing down to his calloused, upturned palms, he sucked in a breath and bucked his hips so suddenly that she almost toppled backwards.

He lunged forward, steadying her by the waist with a startled laugh before sliding his hands down to squeeze her bottom.

'Enjoying the view?' he teased, his eyes as bright with mirth as they were dark with desire.

'Eh oh!' she yelped, slapping his hands away. 'You're supposed to be avoiding distractions!'

'You are the distraction.' He tugged her down so they were chest to chest, racing heart against racing heart. 'And I don't want to avoid a single moment of this.'

Having only recently experienced her first kiss, sharing a bed with someone as physically affectionate as Sebastian, who expressed his feelings by hugging, kissing, pinching, squashing, squirming, pulling, biting, petting, and, apparently, palm-licking — usually while shirtless — was a bit of an adjustment. Still, though her newfound companionship came at the cost of sleeping half-smooshed beneath the brown-eyed, wild-haired embodiment of neediness — who seemed to grow an inch taller for every day closer he drew to his twentieth birthday and slept on both sides of the bed at once — it was one she never wanted to live without. Not even if it meant waking from a restless sleep with all manner of hard body parts pressing against her.

It was nice to be desired, even if she was still getting used to the idea of how very badly — and how very often — Sebastian desired her.

Blushing, Aurélie shifted her weight atop him. 'I can feel that, you know.'

'Feel what?' The wicked gleam in his eyes matched the grin that split across his face.

Her blush warmed. 'Your — baguette!' she stammered.

'I'd be disappointed if you couldn't.'

'Sebastian!'

'What? You're the one...kneading it!'

'Sebastian!' She rolled off him with an indignant squeak, but he only followed her, laughing madly as he flipped her onto her back and plonked his entire six-foot-something, half-naked body on top of her.

'It's hard to think of witty bread euphemisms when you're doing that!' he laughed, nuzzling the crook of her neck while she squirmed uselessly beneath him. 'Hard to think of anything, actually, except how cute you look when you're all flustered.'

Aurélie groaned, embarrassed by how responsive she was to his slightest touch, his softest breath, wishing she possessed at least an ounce of the seemingly boundless confidence that bolstered his every whim, to tell him what she wanted without blushing herself into oblivion.

'I like it when you touch me, you know.' Sebastian braced himself on his elbows and grinned down at her, his expression softening as he thumbed her hair away from her face. 'I'm not some forbidden fruit; you have my full and willing permission to touch me where ever you like.'

Aurélie made a sound like a moan and a snort rolled into one. 'Like here?' she teased, wiggling an arm free to squash his nose with her fingertip.

'Mmm...' he smirked. 'I was thinking a bit lower.'

She poked his chin.

'A lot lower.'

'Sebastiaaan...'

Laughing, he caught her finger and nibbled on it.

'Alright, alright, I'm sorry,' he said, mock-serious. 'What is it you want me to do?'

'Breathe!' she whined, kicking her feet against the mattress.

'Right. Breathe...' Fighting a smile, he dipped his head back to her neck and inhaled deeply, skimming his nose along her throat, her jaw, her chin, tickling all the sensitive spots he intuitively knew to kiss though she'd never had the nerve to ask.

She wished she had the nerve to ask now.

'And then?' he murmured, his lips brushing back and forth over her quickening pulse.

'B-breathe out.'

'Hmm.' His slow exhale was a warm caress across her face, gentle but persistent. 'If this is supposed to calm me down,' — he hummed against her throat, — 'it's definitely not working.'

'That's — because you're — doing it wrong.'

His eyes were endless when they lifted to meet hers again, entire galaxies reflected in the blue light; and there, glowing in the depths of them — brilliant and radiant and clear — was her.

'Then show me how to do it right,' he whispered, pressing her into the bed with his hips. 'Show me how to love you.'

A gentle nudge against his chest was all it took to reclaim her position on top of him; Sebastian rolled easily onto his back, his eager hands steadying her as he'd done before. But this time all his teasing humour was subdued beneath a reverent, half-lidded gaze, disturbed only by a flicker of amusement when she splayed her hands across his stomach and warned him not to fling her off again.

Taking her time now, she skimmed her fingers up his arm, from palm to elbow, elbow to shoulder, shoulder to face, summoning goosebumps over his skin as if by some unspoken command, a spell. Sebastian swallowed roughly, pushing his hips up to meet the downward pressure she applied, his throat bobbing, fists clutching the bedsheets. Aurélie felt the ripple of tension when she pressed down on him a little harder, the thrill of anticipation that hummed through his body into hers, tethering them both to a moment that felt universal in nature.

Infinite.

'Whatever you want, I'm yours,' Sebastian avowed, his voice thick. 'Just tell me what to do.'

Smiling demurely, Aurélie drew the blanket over them.

'Breathe in,' she instructed in the most alluring voice she could manage. 'And don't breathe out until I tell you to.'

[slybluehologhost]

DRAMAtical Murder ＞ Misc Assets [JAST USA Release, 2021]

...And here's everything else that I thought might be interesting! Since there's quite a hodgepodge of content here, I've loosely organized things into categories, but beyond that it's mostly up to you to explore in full. The more technical pieces would likely be more relevant for fan games, while other parts can just be fun to look at.

Package details & links are under the cut, or you can click here for a static page.

Misc — [ L I N K ] ＞ CHARACTER PROFILES — Those little character intro screens that Usui always shouts during ＞ CHOICES — Any assets relating to making in-game choices ＞ DIALOGUE BOXES — The boxes that all the text goes into, plus the frames for holding face images ＞ ENDING CREDITS — The credits for each route, along with the liner notes that unlock after 100% completion ＞ PIXELS — Full set of 8-bit sprites, as seen on the home screen & during Noiz's "Comfortable World" ending ＞ PROGRESS MARKERS — Pause screen assets to let you know what points you've gotten & how far along you are ＞ RHYME — All other Rhyme-related assets, including attack animations & UI ＞ SPECIAL ASSETS — Coil assets, glitched backgrounds & CGs from Noiz's route, logos & gang tags, & popups (like maps) ＞ SYSTEM — The technical stuff, including menu assets & glossary entries ＞ TEXT — A few special text screens ＞ TEXTURES & EFFECTS — Things that jazz up standard backgrounds & CGs, including headaches, blood, action, & much more ＞ These files contain spoilers for all routes — proceed with caution if you have not yet 100% completed the game

Looking for even more DMMd assets? ＞ [ L I N K ]

[rbrooksdesign]

Greetings!

Today, Plexus Projects has its online and in-gallery opening of a special exhibition -- “GUI/GOOEY” — this evening. Curated by founder Laura Splan, I am very excited to have been selected to exhibit in this group exhibition exploring my favorite subject: the interface of Art & Science! My work is under the “GUSH” subcategory. I am honored to be among those selected to have a gallery showing as well! The press release is in the LINK ABOVE. I would highly recommend that you follow up on some of the links to Laura’s own work, including her current show at the UC Irvine — it looks amazing!

My earlier solo Vitrine Exhibition “Oceans of Numbers” is still up for viewing.

~~~

Speaking of “Oceans of Numbers:”

Oceans of Numbers, Part 3

Our favorite barkeep's ^ dream went something like this:

Before the spiraling double-helical structure of the DNA molecule came to being -- you know, two sugar-phosphate strands wrapping around each other in a cylindrical form that are connected by the complementary pairing of their inner amino acid bases -- there most likely had to have been some form of pre-cursor shape and attractor in play.

Well, let's skip all the intermediary forms and go way back to the number forms, keeping in mind that they are just symbols for the real conceptual form -- quantity. Quantity of space and quantity of time. Distance traveled over ticks of the clock. Quantity of SpaceTime (ST). Yes, when you go from quantity 1 to quantity 2 you have motion: ST begins. And yes, all manifestations of energy and fields are simply expressions of synchronous, re-iterative, fractal-based pulse-propagations of individual, granular, quantum ST units. We see, become aware, develop consciousness as sentient beings at the peaks and sleep in the valleys.

Drawing on our previous "Oceans of Numbers," where certain ST quantities derived from the Exponential Power of 2 -- a.k.a. the Butterfly Fractal 1 -- gives us the simplest expression of doubling quantity 1 -->2, 2-->4, 4-->8,... we have now found that the numbers generated fall into two nearly-identical SETS or STRANS that appear to spiral around each other -- connected by a specific number -- one that is simply double its predecessor, albeit its role upon connecting to the other strand is different -- in a form that initially resembled that of the DNA double-helix. We refer to the individual group of defining parameters for any and all doublings as "containers" -- as they both express the BF1 and are candidates for being TRUE Mersenne Prime-Perfect Number pairings. The overlapping similarities have shown that any pattern of the Mp-PN pairings is only apparent within the context of considering ALL the "containers" expressions.

The initial DNA-like diagrammatic of the two STRANDS (Sets) show the PN "container" candidates connected by the doubling of the smaller PN of one to the CR (Complement Rectangle=xy) of the other larger, e.i. 28 x 2 = 56 and 56 is the CR of 120.

(see top 3 images: 1st is cylindrical double-helix: 2nd is split cone version diagrammatic; 3rd is overhead flattened cone diagrammatic)

.However, a crucial difference is apparent from the start. As one progresses along, all the numbers are expanding! We don't have a double-stranded cylindrical form -- no, we have a double-stranded conical form -- a cone! And a cone implies a small -- usually singular -- starting point that expands outward. Sound familiar? Yes, it is the shape of a quantum, granular number-fractal -- BF1 -- starting from quantity 1 and doubling itself as it pulse-propagates outward, before collapsing and repeating.

The STRAND 1 and 2 -- shown pulled apart -- coil together around each other, centered on their origin, quantity 1.

So what does this have to do with your Bank Account? Not much, but this analogy might help.

At your bank, you might have two accounts -- 1 & 2 -- that are nearly, but not exactly, identical. Of course each one has its own running balance, and at least at this bank, you can get a TOTAL running balance of all your assets at any time.

Differences between Account 1 & 2:

Account 1: the balance is NEVER evenly divisible by 24 after deposit, but the balance from one deposit to another is ÷24.

Account 2: the balance is ALWAYS evenly divisible by 24, and, the balance from one deposit to another is also ÷24.

Caveat: The running balance after deposit across individual Accounts 1 & 2 is NEVER evenly divisible by 24!

The BF1 STRANDS 1 & 2 are just like that! And, well, yes -- there are a few other differences:

STRAND 1: -- and ONLY STRAND 1 -- holds the TRUE and extremely rare Mersenne Prime-Perfect Number pairings.

STRAND 2: -- while appearing similar to 1 -- never holds ANY of the rare Mersenne Prime-Perfect Number pairings.

It should be pointed out that STRAND 1 also holds other "containers" that are NOT TRUE Mp-PN pairings.

So what does this have to do with the rest of "Oceans of Numbers?"

The 51 known Mp-PN pairings found exclusively in STRAND 1 are not only nearly identical to all the other "containers" -- and as such are stealthily hidden amongst an infinity of look a-likes -- but reveal themselves in only their purest, most minimalist manner: they have the least, minimalist number of divisors within ALL the "containers!" They are pure gemstones! Their resonance is pure!

The discovery of the Divisor Matrix Table (DMT) has put the entire "Oceans of Numbers" into context. The DMT holds ALL the natural whole numbers, and, all of their divisors. It is built from the natural doubling of quantity 1 in the form of the BF1. Yes, simple re-iterations of the fractal BF1 generates the entire, all-encompassing table of numbers and their divisors -- including the rare Mp-PN pairings. The implications for entanglement -- quantum entanglement -- entropy, order, and the passage of time are real. The only disorder one sees is that that is not yet resolved.

Is that the damn alarm clock? Whose counting anyway!

~~~

If you go to the bottom of this page on my website, you will find more context. You will also find the four-part video series — “Numbers: Doubling Fractals Fill the Voids” that is included in the GUI/GOOEY exhibition. TIP: on Vimeo, you can change the playback speed by selecting the “gear” icon. TIP: don't miss the Part 4 video, it's the one featured in the gallery showing.

Here is the link for TES (Teachers, educators and students)

~~~

[graffic17]

Chariot!

Another minor character for the collection.

Chariot is fascinating to me because we know so little about him. We get the bare minimum of his personality, that he's driven more by money and wanting to upgrade his tech than any ideological pursuits. Which he why he works for Coil. More thoughts under the cut.

We don't know his Trigger Event. We don't know how long he's had powers. We don't know if he's purely a Tinker or if he has a Thinker sub ability to cope with the enhanced speed his tech provides. We don't even know if the woman that Kid Win meets when visiting him is actually Chariot's mother or a Coil merc. And we certainly don't know what happened to him after Coil's death.

There's three possibilities for what happened to him. He's dead. He got captured and jailed by the PRT. Or, he escaped and laid low until Gold Morning.

Judging by how useful his tech is, being able to completely mimic Mover abilities, even sought after ones like teleportation, and how he's not mentioned at any point after him being jailed isn't the most likely to me.

Personally, I like to think he escaped and laid low, and survived Gold Morning. Afterwards, I think he'd likely become a mercenary again, maybe even being a part of the Mall Cluster's entourage of mercs, given how well his tech would intersect with their Mover abilities. I do also have a scenario I like where he ends up teaming up with Blockade (the daughter of Bastion, number 1 Vista traumatizer), and another Tinker that makes Brute-mimicking gear to become a heist crew. Something I might explore in future art.

Also, I find it interesting that he could have tech based on most of the other Brockton Wards. Like, slow-down grenades (Clockblocker), terrain shortening (Vista), hover tech (Kid Win), a flight pack (Glory Girl, not technically a Ward but y'know), and so on. Plus all the other Brockton capes with Mover abilities he could have potentially scanned, or the Tinkers whose tech he could have studied (especially Squealer). Chariot just has the potential to be an utter power house.

[twentyyearstoolate]

One of my favorite things in fantasy media is the exploration of magic as a utility in day-to-day living. Like in D&D, it's touched on how some spells have applications that adventurers might find marginally useful, but have ground-shaking impact for society at large. Like Plant Growth, for example:

This is a great area control spell, but the second effect has huge worldbuilding potential in any game where spellcasters are even remotely common, and I'm a little sad that it gets slept on. It doesn't take a historian to tell you that kingdoms rise and fall on their ability to procure food for their inhabitants. The implications of this spell that can effectively guarantee a bumper crop make me incredulous about how few court druids there are compared to wizards, even in WotC's own materials - A single person that is capable of doubling the food output of 500+ acres of land every day is a fucking golden goose, far more so than some pointy-hatted old man who can create explosions, and maybe even more valuable than one who could turn lead into gold. You can't eat gold, but you can sure sell excess produce to your neighbors.

And think of the knock-on effects here for storytelling and plot hooks - Druids tend to be motivated by the cultivation and protection of natural resources, and that's in direct conflict with the consumption and expansion of a kingdom, to the point that a circle that once offered this spell to a smaller village to prevent a famine might now withhold their spellcasting services unless the king agrees to turn a particular forest into a nature reserve, but the king needs that wood to build and maintain a navy to protect the kingdom from pirates and warring factions, to construct additional housing for ever more citizens, or even just to survive the harsh winters. Can a party convince the druid that the needs of the kingdom and its people outweigh the need to preserve the forest? Or the king that the forest should be preserved, and there are other means of achieving these ends? Maybe there's another solution that satisfies both parties that you haven't thought of buried in a class feature or another spell, but one of the players will?

And keep in mind, this is just one spell, and it's a spell that shows up in the PHB because it is also useful to PCs. Other spells like Fabricate, even cantrips like Mending, have the potential to drastically reshape what a fantasy society looks like if they're accessible to more than just the PCs or hostile NPCs. And if you're willing to dip your toes into homebrewing, you can make the kinds of spells that nonadventuring casters would have need of. A spell that can sort things based on caster specifications. A spell that can build and paint a row of fencing around a designated area. A spell that summarizes a body of text, or simplifies instructions. The possibilities go on.

It's fun to expand on this further into magic items, the kind that tell stories about their users and/or creators, and make sense as tools that would be useful for both common folk and adventurers. Perhaps one of my favorite homebrew magic items is a ring that the party found on a dead kobold trapper after reaching the far end of a rigged ruin, his skeleton pinned against the wall by a spear in front of a concealed hideout:

Ring of Tripwires - Ring, uncommon This bronze ring has a seemingly infinite coil of thin, clear wire wrapped around it. The wearer can produce any length of strong, semitransparent string from the ring. Any string produced in this way is otherwise mundane. Once per day, as an action, the wearer can drag the ring a few inches over a walkable surface, drawing up to 15 feet of string in a straight line. This magical string is invisible, can be connected to a trap as part of a triggering mechanism, and remains until it is broken or this ability is used again. Any creature who moves into it must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or fall prone, as the string breaks. If it is connected to a trap, the trap also activates. Regardless of whether the save is successful, the wearer knows when the string has been broken.

(As an aside, I love taking the time to put this kind of bespoke treasure on NPCs, living or dead, because there's a very direct connection between the storytelling and the mechanics that makes the encounter come alive, as opposed to the blandness and occasional dissonance of the typical dead adventurer item economy where players routinely stumble across corpses and hoards with useful things, or loot them from hostile creatures, when it raises questions about how they couldn't or didn't use these to get out of a jam - god forbid you use a random table to generate loot, because then you get the party wondering why this bandit chief was carrying a +1 longsword, a wand of missiles and a potion of invisibility, and didn't think to use those items in the fight they just died in against an adventuring group.)

Anyway, back to the point - magic in these settings has the potential to be so versatile and integral in worldbuilding, and if you have NPC casters and don't explore the possibility of the use of magic in day-to-day life, you're leaving so much good story on the table. If you're looking for inspiration, it's never a bad time to peruse the spell lists. Don't just say a wizard did it - find out how. It's a lot of fun.

[alsaadhomeeee]

Elevate Your Zzz’s: Expert Tips for a Successful Online Mattress Purchase

By Alsaad Home UAE | alsaadhome.com/ar/aed

A good night’s sleep is the foundation of health, productivity, and happiness. And what better way to ensure those restful nights than by choosing the perfect mattress? In today’s digital world, buying a mattress online in Dubai, UAE, has become a preferred choice for many. Convenient, efficient, and offering a wide variety of options, online mattress shopping can be a game-changer. But how do you navigate the vast options to pick the ideal mattress that elevates your sleep experience? Alsaad Home UAE is here to guide you with expert tips for a successful online mattress purchase.

home decor uae online

Why Buy Mattress Online Dubai, UAE?

Buying a mattress online offers several advantages. You can shop from the comfort of your home, explore various brands and styles, compare prices, and read detailed product descriptions—all at your own pace. With Alsaad Home UAE, you gain access to premium options, including مراتب سرير ranging from مرتبة طبية (medical mattresses) to مرتبة فندقية (hotel-grade mattresses) and everything in between.

But online mattress shopping requires smart decisions to ensure you get value for your money and wake up refreshed every day.

1. Understand Your Sleep Needs

Before you dive into mattress shopping, ask yourself key questions:

Do you prefer a soft, medium, or firm mattress?

Do you have any back or joint issues that need orthopedic support?

What size mattress fits your bedroom and sleeping habits?

For those seeking therapeutic benefits, مرتبة طبية offers excellent support to alleviate pain and promote healthy posture. If luxury is your goal, opt for a مرتبة فندقية, designed to replicate the comfort found in five-star hotels.

2. Explore Mattress Types and Materials

Mattresses come in various types—memory foam, latex, innerspring, hybrid, and more. Each offers unique benefits:

Memory Foam: Known for contouring to your body, relieving pressure points.

Latex: Durable, breathable, and naturally hypoallergenic.

Innerspring: Traditional support with coil systems for bounce.

Hybrid: Combines foam and springs for balanced comfort.

Alsaad Home UAE provides a variety of مراتب سرير that fit your specific comfort preferences.

3. Pay Attention to Mattress Thickness and Layers

The thickness of a mattress affects how it feels. Many premium mattresses feature multiple layers such as a الطبقة الفندقية (hotel layer) for added softness, cooling gel layers, and orthopedic support cores. Consider mattresses with comfort layers tailored to your preferences. A thicker mattress doesn’t always mean better—balance thickness with firmness for your ideal sleep experience.

4. Don't Forget the Accessories

A mattress is only part of your sleep ecosystem. At Alsaad Home UAE, you can also browse طقم لحاف قطن (cotton comforter sets), مفرش سرير, مفرش نفر, and مفارش نفرين (single and double bed sheets), ensuring your bedding complements your mattress perfectly. Consider adding مخدات, وسادة نوم, or مخدة طبية for neck and back support. To complete your bedroom’s look, explore اكسسوارات منزلية such as اكسسوارات ديكور, كتب ديكور, and سجاد تركي to add a cozy touch.

5. Consider Hygiene and Maintenance

Choose bedding essentials that are easy to wash and maintain. Look for شرشف سرير and طقم شرشف that include شرشف مطاط (fitted sheets) for a snug mattress fit. Regularly change and clean your مفارش سرير to keep your sleeping environment fresh and hygienic.

For extra freshness, explore معطرات فراش and معطرات جو (bed and air fresheners) to keep your room smelling pleasant. If you enjoy natural products, you might also be interested in صابون الحمار and كريم الحلزون, popular for their skin benefits and soothing fragrances.

6. Make the Most of Bed Covers and Protectors

Invest in a good طقم تلببيسة (quilt cover set) or كفرات سرير (bed covers) to protect your mattress and extend its life. Options like تلبيسة بدون حشوة (covers without filling) let you customize your bedding according to the season and style.

7. Shop Smart: Compare Prices and Offers

When you decide to buy mattress online Dubai or buy mattress online uae, always compare product specs and prices. Alsaad Home UAE offers competitive pricing and frequently features deals on مفارش سرير and mattress bundles, making it easier to get everything in one go.

If you’re also looking for elegant bedroom accessories or need to buy perfume online uae, Alsaad Home offers a curated selection of fragrances and decor items, turning your bedroom into a sanctuary.

8. Size Matters: Choose the Right Mattress Size

Whether you want a مفرش نفر for a single bed or a مفارش نفرين for a double bed, selecting the right mattress size is crucial. Standard sizes like twin, queen, king, and custom options are available online, so measure your bed frame and room space before making a purchase.

For Dubai residents, online stores like Alsaad Home UAE make it easy to select and order your preferred size mattress with home delivery.

9. Use Reviews and Expert Advice to Guide Your Choice

While this article avoids customer testimonials, take advantage of expert advice provided on the Alsaad Home website. Detailed product descriptions, sleep guides, and FAQs help clarify doubts before making a purchase.

10. Think Beyond the Mattress: Complete Your Bedroom Look

Complete your bedroom with matching طقم لحاف قطن, مفارش سرير, and مخدات that not only enhance comfort but add aesthetic appeal. Add layers of texture and color with سجاد ممرات or سجاد دبي to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Alsaad Home UAE also offers elegant دوشق (duvets), وشائد نوم (sleep cushions), and وسائد نوم (sleep pillows) to personalize your bed.

Bonus Tip: Investing in a Mattress for Health and Luxury

Choosing the right mattress isn’t just about comfort—it’s an investment in your well-being. Whether you seek an orthopedic مرتبة طبية or a plush مرتبة فندقية, rest assured that a quality mattress supports spinal alignment and reduces aches.

And for those who love hotel-like luxury, don’t miss out on premium bedding accessories, including فرشة سرير and مفرش سرير that bring five-star softness home.

Where to Buy Mattresses and Bedding Online in Dubai, UAE

Alsaad Home UAE is your trusted online destination to buy mattress Dubai and find a wide range of home essentials. Whether you want to buy mattress in Dubai, buy mattress online in Dubai, or even shop for comforter set Dubai or bedsheet set with comforter buy online in Dubai, Alsaad Home has you covered.

Alongside mattresses, discover carpet buy online in Dubai, buy carpet online uae, and a rich selection of اكسسوارات منزلية that elevate your home decor. The convenience of shopping online paired with Alsaad Home’s reliable delivery and quality assurance ensures you wake up to better mornings.

see more:-

طقم لحاف قطن, مفرش سرير , مفرش نفر, مفارش نفرين, مفارش

مراتب سرير / مرتبة, مرتبة سرير, فرشة سرير, تسوق مع مراتب السعد , مرتبة طبية, دوشق, الطبقة الفندقية

معطرات فراش , معطرات جو, عطور , صابون الحمار, كريم الحلزون

اكسسوارات منزلية, إكسسوارات منزلية, اكسسوارات ديكور, كتب ديكور

طقم تلببيسة, كفرات سرير , تلبيسة بدون حشوة, كفرات وتلابيس, مفارش سرير

[wingedsentinelvision]

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Car’s Check Engine Light

If you're a car owner, you've probably seen the dreaded “Check Engine” light come on at some point. The little amber icon on your dashboard can trigger feelings of uncertainty, fear, and frustration. What does it mean? Is it something serious? Should I pull over immediately? These are common questions that many drivers have when they encounter the check engine light.

This ultimate guide will help you navigate the mysteries of your car's check engine light. From understanding why it lights up to knowing what steps to take when it does, you'll learn everything you need to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely.

1. What Is the Check Engine Light?

The check engine light (CEL), also known as the malfunction indicator light (MIL), is a key feature of your car’s onboard diagnostics system. This system, often referred to as OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II), was introduced in the mid-1990s and is used to monitor the performance of your car repair engine and other vital components. When the OBD system detects a problem or anomaly, the check engine light is triggered.

It's essential to understand that the check engine light is not necessarily an indicator of immediate danger. It could signal anything from a minor issue like a loose gas cap to a serious problem like engine misfires or a failing catalytic converter. The CEL is your car's way of telling you that it needs attention.

2. Common Causes of the Check Engine Light Turning On

There are a wide range of potential reasons why your check engine light might turn on. Some are relatively minor, while others could indicate more serious issues. Let’s explore some of the most common causes:

1 Loose or Faulty Gas Cap

Believe it or not, a loose or cracked gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to come on. The gas cap plays a vital role in keeping the fuel system sealed, ensuring that the car’s evaporative emissions system works properly. A loose or damaged gas cap can cause fuel vapors to leak, triggering the CEL.

Fix: Ensure the gas cap is tightened properly. If it’s damaged, replace it.

2 Oxygen Sensor Failure

The oxygen sensor monitors the level of oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust gases. It helps the engine control module (ECM) adjust the air-fuel mixture, improving fuel efficiency and reducing harmful emissions. When the oxygen sensor fails, your car may experience poor fuel efficiency, engine misfires, or increased emissions.

Fix: Replacing the oxygen sensor is usually necessary.

3 Catalytic Converter Issues

The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful gases produced by the engine into less harmful emissions. If it malfunctions, your car will emit more pollution, and you may experience poor acceleration and a decrease in fuel efficiency.

Fix: Replacing the catalytic converter can be expensive, but it’s necessary for the vehicle to run properly and meet emissions standards.

4 Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Problems

Spark plugs and ignition coils are integral parts of your engine’s ignition system. If either of these components fails, your engine may misfire, run rough, or stall. The check engine light will typically illuminate when the system detects such a misfire.

Fix: Replacing worn-out spark plugs or ignition coils will usually resolve the issue.

5 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure

The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine, which helps the car's computer determine the proper air-fuel mixture. A faulty MAF sensor can cause poor fuel economy, engine stalling, or even starting issues.

Fix: Cleaning or replacing the MAF sensor can help restore proper engine function.

6 Faulty EGR Valve

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve redirects a small amount of exhaust gases back into the engine to help reduce emissions. If the EGR valve becomes clogged or fails, your engine may run rough, and your fuel efficiency could decrease.

Fix: Cleaning or replacing the EGR valve is typically necessary.

7 Transmission Problems

In some cases, the check engine light may indicate issues with the transmission, especially if the transmission fluid is low or dirty, or if there’s a sensor malfunction. Transmission problems can cause slipping, hard shifts, or difficulty accelerating.

Fix: If you suspect transmission issues, it’s best to consult with a mechanic as soon as possible.

8 Vacuum Leaks

Vacuum hoses in your vehicle help control various engine functions, including the air-fuel mixture. If a vacuum hose develops a leak, the engine may run rough or stall, and the check engine light may turn on.

Fix: A mechanic will need to locate and repair the vacuum leak.

3. What Should You Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On?

When the check engine light comes on, your first instinct might be to panic. However, it's important to stay calm and take the following steps:

1 Check for Obvious Issues

Before heading to the mechanic, check for simple and obvious issues like a loose gas cap. If the cap is loose, tighten it and see if the light turns off after driving for a while. If the light doesn’t go away, it may be time to take the next steps.

2 Scan for Trouble Codes

Modern cars have OBD-II systems that generate trouble codes when the check engine light is triggered. These codes provide valuable information about the problem your car is experiencing. Many auto parts stores offer free OBD-II scanning services, or you can buy an OBD-II scanner for personal use. By reading the trouble codes, you can better understand the issue before taking your car to a mechanic.

3 Monitor the Behavior of Your Car

If your car is still running fine, but the check engine light is on, it might not be an urgent problem. However, if you notice strange sounds, poor acceleration, stalling, or other symptoms, it’s important to get your car inspected immediately. Driving with a serious engine problem can cause further damage and may result in costly repairs.

4 Don’t Ignore It

While some minor issues may not cause immediate harm, ignoring the check engine light is never a good idea. Even if your car is running fine, a hidden problem could worsen over time, potentially leading to a breakdown or expensive repairs down the road.

4. Can I Drive with the Check Engine Light On?

This is one of the most common questions car owners have. In short, it depends on the situation. If the check engine light is flashing, it typically indicates a serious issue, such as an engine misfire, and you should pull over immediately and call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. Driving with a flashing check engine light can cause significant damage to the engine and other critical components.

On the other hand, if the check engine light is steady and there are no other signs of trouble (like strange noises or poor performance), it’s usually safe to drive for a short time. However, it’s still important to get the issue diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent any potential damage.

5. How Much Will It Cost to Fix the Problem?

The cost of repairing the issue that triggered the check engine light can vary widely. Here are some general price ranges for common repairs:

Loose or Faulty Gas Cap: Free to tighten, $10–$20 for a replacement.

Oxygen Sensor Replacement: $200–$1,000 depending on the make and model of your car.

Catalytic Converter Replacement: $1,000–$2,500.

Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Replacement: $100–$500.

Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacement: $300–$1,000.

Transmission Repair: $1,000–$4,000 or more.

It’s always a good idea to get a few quotes from different repair shops to ensure you’re getting a fair price.

6. Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Check Engine Light Issues

While you can’t prevent all issues that cause the check engine light to come on, regular maintenance can help you avoid many common problems. Here are some tips to keep your car repair in good shape:

Check Your Gas Cap: Ensure the gas cap is properly tightened and replace it if it’s cracked or damaged.

Change Your Spark Plugs Regularly: Replace spark plugs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent ignition issues.

Replace the Oxygen Sensor on Schedule: Follow your car’s maintenance schedule for oxygen sensor replacement.

Monitor Engine Performance: If you notice unusual sounds, smells, or performance issues, take your car to a mechanic for early detection of potential problems.

Regularly Check Fluids: Keep an eye on essential fluids, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant, to prevent damage to engine components.

Conclusion

The check engine light is a crucial part of your car’s diagnostic system, alerting you to potential issues that may need attention. While it’s not always a sign of something serious, it’s important to take the necessary steps to diagnose and address any issues before they escalate. Remember, regular maintenance and paying attention to your vehicle’s performance can help prevent the check engine light from coming on in the first place.

By understanding the common causes of the check engine light and knowing how to respond when it comes on, you can keep your car running smoothly and avoid expensive repairs down the line. If in doubt, always seek professional help from a trusted mechanic who can provide accurate diagnostics and solutions.

[whispersofwonderlandofficial]

Hello, Traveler. Welcome to my little shop in the void. Did you get lost?

This is the first teaser video for the Whispers of Wonderland series that I'm making, in which I introduce some of the concept of the story through the title character, Whispers.

I am using AI in the creation of this series. I realize that's extremely controversial, and I hesitated for a long time out of fear of how people would treat me for doing so. I have lots of good reasons for doing it, and I explain some of them in the video. There are reasons I have for doing this that are even more profound, but I'm not going to try to justify it. I'm doing what's right for the art, regardless of external pressures.

Just try to set your personal biases aside long enough to let the art piece speak for itself, and note any feelings it makes you experience, including any that don't feel good. Then, pull out your journal or meditation app or talk to your therapist about how this art piece made you feel. This applies to more than just the AI content. This series will likely upset you at some point.

That's a big part of the point of it, in fact. This story dives down deeply into the shadow self and doesn't flinch away from anything. If you don't get upset at some point in the storyline, I would be very surprised. Watching this series should probably be considered shadow work, since its main focus is on the idea that digging up your shadow and trying to heal it is a good thing. If you agree with that main premise, then you may very well appreciate this story. If you just want an easy story to relax to, this story is not the one for you. It's going to get intense.

It's also going to get intensely beautiful. The trippy aesthetic I present will be there throughout the entire series, even as I add new settings and plotlines and characters. I am simply showing the way I see the world through the vehicle of this series. The world is a chaotic mess right now, but I still see it through this trippy and beautiful lens. Maybe getting a glimpse into how I see the world will help someone to find the strength to keep going. Beauty might not be the answer to every problem, and some people might disagree on my definition of beauty, but if you could use a little more psychedelic beauty in your life, I provide it here freely. ❤️

I'm currently a starving artist, as in me and my husband have literally been starving and losing a ton of weight. It's a struggle to keep a roof over our heads too. We're both AuDHD gay trans men, and have been rejected by both sides of the family for it. We're currently only alive at the mercy of friends who have been barely scraping together enough to keep us on this mortal coil at all. But our needs are still not fully being met at the moment, so if you're at all inclined to help, that would be a huge blessing!

Here are some ways you can help us:

Whispers of Wonderland's Patreon

Being a patron would be so ridiculously helpful to us, and could get us out of this mess once we have enough supporters. I am still learning how to be a good influencer, so please be patient with me as I learn how to make my Patreon fascinating. I'm trying to find a way that comes naturally to me so that I don't struggle to do it. ❤️

Whispers of Wonderland's Ko-Fi

If you just want to help out once instead of subscribing, this seems to be the most popular way to do it. So I have this set up and functional, though it's not "prettified" yet. It'll get there. One step at a time. I have so much on my plate from trying to launch this series. I'm only one person trying to juggle all of this. Even with all the AI help I've been utilizing, I'm still overwhelmed. There's so much to do. 😅

And yes, my name really is Allegro Song. I named myself after a character in the Whispers of Wonderland lore. He will still have his name when he appears in the story. It'll just be a very odd and meta moment where I have to acknowledge that the author stole the character's name instead of the other way around.

But I am legally Allegro Song. That's how dedicated I am to this project. So long as I'm still breathing, I will continue finding some way to tell this story until it's fully gotten out of me. I can't do otherwise. This is simply what I'm meant to do.

Outside of financial help, what could really help us right now is visibility. We're at a precarious time in history where it's suddenly gotten very dangerous to be in the minority groups we're in, but we don't currently have any way to go somewhere safer. So I'm pivoting to doing the only thing I know how to do and making a lot of performative noise. If one can't leave a dangerous situation, the safest place is on the stage. You could very well help to keep us alive by watching my videos and sharing my posts around. If we're being watched by a ton of people, we're a lot less likely to disappear. And the sooner we get seen by so many people, the better. Just sharing this series around could potentially save our lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read all the way down here. I'm beyond grateful that you let me fully speak my mind until I said all I wanted to say in this post. Many people can't deal with reading a lengthy post like this, but it's how my thoughts tend to come out. Thank you for reading until the end. I appreciate that a lot. ❤️

Welcome to the Wonderverse, my dear traveler. I'll have more updates soon. In the meantime, I could get you a cup of tea. Which kind of tea do you like? Any kind, real or imaginary, is a valid answer. Anything can happen in the void.

---

AIs used in the making of this video:

Midjourney

DreamFace

Rythmix

InShot Video Editor

[johngarrison1517]

Maximizing Cable Length: VCM Performance at 30m

When was the last time you faced challenges with cable length in your system? What happens when your equipment can only work within a short distance but your project requires longer cables? For industries relying on precision and reliability, such as automotive, robotics, or advanced camera systems, the distance that a signal can travel can make or break the system’s performance. But what if the solution to a longer cable length didn’t compromise the performance you’ve come to rely on? That's where the VCM actuator comes into play, offering possibilities that you might not have considered.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the technology behind VCM actuators and explore how they can maximize cable length—up to 30 meters—without losing performance. Whether you're looking to extend the reach of your camera systems or fine-tune a precision tool for an automotive design, VCM actuators are poised to solve many of your cable length issues. Let’s explore how these advanced components can provide value to your system while addressing key pain points like signal degradation, noise interference, and limited flexibility.

The VCM Actuator: Unlocking New Possibilities

The VCM (Voice Coil Motor) actuator, often used in cameras and other precision applications, operates based on a simple yet efficient electromagnetic principle. It’s a linear motor that moves a part in a direct, precise manner without the need for gears. This makes it ideal for a variety of applications, from autofocus mechanisms in cameras to precise movement in robotic arms.

However, the standard limitation of VCM actuators, like many other precision components, is the length of the cable that can be used without significant performance loss. In many systems, the signal transmission over long distances can introduce noise or result in a loss of power. For example, an autofocus system in a camera may fail to perform correctly if the cable length is too long, leading to delays or inaccuracies in focusing.

So, how can a VCM actuator overcome this limitation, and how can it help you extend your cable lengths to 30 meters without sacrificing performance? Let's break it down.

Overcoming Signal Loss and Degradation

One of the primary issues that customers face when working with longer cables is signal degradation. As the cable length increases, the strength of the signal weakens, leading to lower efficiency and potential failure of the system. For a VCM actuator, this issue is especially critical since precision is key, and even minor errors can lead to a compromised result.

To address this problem, VCM actuators designed for extended cable lengths use specialized signal transmission techniques and components that maintain signal integrity. For example, high-quality, shielded cables are often used to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can cause issues such as noise or unpredictable performance. Additionally, using signal repeaters or active components within the system can help boost the signal strength over long distances, ensuring that the actuator receives the necessary power and feedback for smooth, precise operation.

By implementing these solutions, it’s possible to maintain the integrity of your system even at 30 meters, making the VCM actuator a reliable option for long-distance applications.

Maximizing Performance in Camera Systems

Let’s focus on one of the most common uses for VCM actuators: camera systems. Whether you're working in industrial inspection, retail, or even telemedicine, camera systems often require precise control over lens movement, focus, and positioning. Traditionally, the longer the cable connecting the VCM actuator to the system, the more prone it is to performance issues. These issues can include delayed autofocus, blurry images, or inaccurate zoom functions. For many industries, this can lead to operational inefficiencies or poor user experiences.

But when you integrate VCM actuators capable of supporting 30-meter cable lengths, you unlock new possibilities. Imagine a retail environment where cameras are positioned far away from the central control system, or a factory floor where robotic cameras need to move freely but stay connected to the power source. With optimized VCM actuators, you can achieve smooth, precise movement and focus adjustments even with long cables.

This ability to maximize cable length without compromising performance is a game-changer in industries where remote cameras and precise adjustments are critical.

Reducing Interference and Increasing Flexibility

Another concern when dealing with long cables is interference. As cables extend over greater distances, the likelihood of picking up electromagnetic interference (EMI) increases. This interference can disrupt the VCM actuator’s performance, causing erratic motion or even failure to respond correctly.

VCM actuators designed for long-distance use often come with built-in protection against EMI, such as robust shielding and optimized power supply designs. This allows them to perform reliably in environments with high levels of interference, providing peace of mind that your system will function as expected, regardless of external factors.

Additionally, with the capability to run cables over 30 meters, you gain more flexibility in your system design. Whether you need to position actuators in hard-to-reach places or reconfigure your system to accommodate more space, the ability to extend cable lengths without worrying about signal loss or interference allows for greater versatility in your designs.

Applications Beyond Camera Systems

The versatility of VCM actuators doesn’t stop at cameras. These components are integral to a wide range of industries that rely on precision movements. In robotics, for example, VCM actuators can control the exact position of a robotic arm, providing movement with millimeter-level accuracy. In automotive applications, they can be used to fine-tune everything from seat adjustments to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), all while maintaining the flexibility to run longer cables.

By extending the reach of your VCM actuators to 30 meters, you can design systems that are more adaptable, more capable, and more efficient. The ability to place actuators further from the control unit without sacrificing performance opens up new avenues for innovation in industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.

Empowering Your System Design with VCM Actuators

Are you ready to take your system to the next level? With the ability to maximize cable length while maintaining the high-performance standards expected of VCM actuators, you’re no longer limited by the constraints of short cables. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or designing something entirely new, the VCM actuator is your key to unlocking more flexibility, more reliability, and more performance.

Don’t let cable length hold you back. Take advantage of the technology that can propel your systems forward and improve efficiency, precision, and flexibility in your designs. If you're looking to integrate VCM actuators with extended cable lengths into your system, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team can help guide you through the process, ensuring that your setup meets your exact needs while delivering the top-tier performance you require.

Ready to Maximize Your System's Potential?

If you’re ready to enhance your system's performance with VCM actuators that can support 30-meter cable lengths without compromising precision or reliability, contact us today to discuss your needs. We’ll help you integrate the best solutions into your design and ensure your system performs at its best—no matter the distance.