#power system simulator online

[ranchstoryblog]

PRESS RELEASE: Adventure, Romance, and Village Building Begin in Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on May 30 on Nintendo Switch™ and PC, Welcoming Players to an Eastern Land of Adventure and Dragons

XSEED/Marvelous USA:

Marvelous USA Releases Gameplay Video Showcasing Guardians of Azuma’s

Action Combat, Relationship System, and Seasonal Village Life; Announces Jan. 22 Livestream Showcasing Additional Details and Special Guests

TORRANCE, Calif. — Jan. 16, 2025 — Marvelous USA announced today that Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will launch globally on the Nintendo Switch™ system and Windows PC via Steam on May 30, 2025. The latest entry in the popular action-RPG and life-simulation series introduces players to the Eastern territory of Azuma, a land of Japanese-inspired visuals and unique twists on familiar gameplay elements from the Rune Factory franchise. Alongside the reveal of the release date, Marvelous USA announced an upcoming livestream that will happen on Jan. 22 at 8AM PT/11AM ET on their YouTube channel, where the company will be revealing additional information and showcasing further looks into the land of Azuma. Host Ovilee May will be joined by voice actors Brandon McInnis (Subaru) and Suzie Yeung (Kaguya), who will discuss their roles and provide additional commentary alongside new reveals.

Ravaged by the effects of the Celestial Collapse and the cessation of power provided by the runes, the eastern lands of Azuma are a shadow of their prosperous past. Weakened by corruptive forces, the gods of nature retreated from the world, leaving mountains to crumble and fields to wither. The people of Azuma seek aid against a blight that has swept these once-bountiful lands. One young hero enters into a contract with a dragon and sets out on a journey. “Accept the might of the Earth Dancer. Use this power to save the land.”

Guardians of Azuma takes players on an all-new adventure in the never-before-seen country of Azuma. Here, players will assume the role of an Earth Dancer destined to return hope—and life—to the once-thriving land. Choose from one of two protagonists whose fates are closely tied together, and experience reimagined and expanded Rune Factory gameplay; as an Earth Dancer, players will farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talismans. Azuma is a vast world to explore with majestic villages to uncover, each taking inspiration from Japanese culture and each with a seasonal theme. In addition to exploration, combat, and village-building, players will also cultivate relationships with the locals, recruiting them to your side in battle or to help manage the villages. Wield sacred treasures of the gods and the Earth Dancer’s power of dance to purify the land and return Azuma to its former glory. The adventure of a new world awaits.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Key Features:

Bold New Abilities and Weapons: As an Earth Dancer, use the power of dance, sacred treasures, and fresh weapons like the Bow and Talismans to purify the land, farm, and undo the Blight’s damage.

It Takes a Village: Don’t just mind the farm—rebuild entire villages! Construct and place buildings strategically to entice people to return to the villages and contribute. Revive the gods to bring vitality and valuable resources back to the plagued lands.

Your Fantasy Japanese Life: Experience beautiful Japanese-inspired character designs and aesthetics—from festivals to events to monsters. Explore Azuma’s natural landscapes and its seasonal-themed locales steeped in tradition.

Classic Romance and Relationships: Choose between male and female protagonists, then befriend or romance any of the eligible candidates—god and mortal alike—in fully voiced scenarios. Recruit these new friends to aid in dynamic battles, too!

Pre-orders for the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma “Earth Dancer Edition” on Nintendo Switch™ are now available via the Marvelous USA Online Store and at participating retailers for an MSRP of $99.99. This stunning collection comes in a custom outer box featuring awe-inspiring art of a battle high above Azuma, and includes a physical copy of the game, an original soundtrack CD, an art book, an Azuma-inspired folding fan, a plush Woolby keychain, and the “Earth Dancer DLC Pack,” which includes the “Seasons of Love Bundle,” the “Festive Attire and Dark Woolby Bundle,” the “Rune Factory 4 Outfit Bundle,” and the Useful Item Bundle. The standard edition of the game is also available to pre-order for an MSRP of $59.99.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will also be available digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Windows PC via Steam. Details on SKUs and pricing will be available at a later date.

Developed by Marvelous and published in the Americas by Marvelous USA, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is scheduled for release globally on the Nintendo Switch™ and Windows PC via Steam on May 30, 2025. The title will be published in Japan by Marvelous Inc. and in Europe by Marvelous Europe. More information can be found on the official website, https://na.runefactory.com/azuma/, and on X @RuneFactory. This title has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB.

Information about Marvelous USA’s products can be found at www.marvelous-usa.com. Fans can also check out the latest videos from the Marvelous family of titles on YouTube and get updates by following on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Bluesky.

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Marvelous Europe:

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London, U.K. — 16 January 2025 — Marvelous Europe announced today that Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will launch globally on the Nintendo Switch™ system and Windows PC via Steam on May 30, 2025.

Alongside the reveal of the release date, Marvelous Europe announced an upcoming livestream that will happen on 22 January at 16:00 GMT/ 17:00 CEST on their YouTube channel, where the company will be revealing additional information and showcasing further looks into the land of Azuma. Host Ovilee May will be joined by voice actors Brandon McInnis (Subaru) and Suzie Yeung (Kaguya), who will discuss their roles and provide additional commentary alongside new reveals. 

The latest entry in the popular action-RPG and life-simulation series introduces players to the Eastern territory of Azuma, a land of Japanese-inspired visuals and unique twists on familiar gameplay elements from the Rune Factory franchise. 

Ravaged by the effects of the Celestial Collapse and the cessation of power provided by the runes, the eastern lands of Azuma are a shadow of their prosperous past. Weakened by corruptive forces, the gods of nature retreated from the world, leaving mountains to crumble and fields to wither. The people of Azuma seek aid against a blight that has swept these once-bountiful lands. One young hero enters into a contract with a dragon and sets out on a journey. “Accept the might of the Earth Dancer. Use this power to save the land.”

Guardians of Azuma takes players on an all-new adventure in the never-before-seen country of Azuma. Here, players will assume the role of an Earth Dancer destined to return hope—and life—to the once-thriving land. Choose from one of two protagonists whose fates are closely tied together, and experience reimagined and expanded Rune Factory gameplay; as an Earth Dancer, players will farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talismans. Azuma is a vast world to explore with majestic villages to uncover, each taking inspiration from Japanese culture and each with a seasonal theme. In addition to exploration, combat, and village-building, players will also cultivate relationships with the locals, recruiting them to your side in battle or to help manage the villages. Wield sacred treasures of the gods and the Earth Dancer’s power of dance to purify the land and return Azuma to its former glory. The adventure of a new world awaits.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Key Features:

Bold New Abilities and Weapons: As an Earth Dancer, use the power of dance, sacred treasures, and fresh weapons like the Bow and Talismans to purify the land, farm, and undo the Blight’s damage.

It Takes a Village: Don’t just mind the farm—rebuild entire villages! Construct and place buildings strategically to entice people to return to the villages and contribute. Revive the gods to bring vitality and valuable resources back to the plagued lands.

Your Fantasy Japanese Life: Experience beautiful Japanese-inspired character designs and aesthetics—from festivals to events to monsters. Explore Azuma’s natural landscapes and its seasonal-themed locales steeped in tradition.

Classic Romance and Relationships: Choose between male and female protagonists, then befriend or romance any of the eligible candidates—god and mortal alike—in fully voiced scenarios. Recruit these new friends to aid in dynamic battles, too!

Pre-orders for the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma  Limited Edition are now available at participating retailers via the Marvelous Europe website for an RRP of €99.99. This stunning collection comes in a custom outer box and includes a physical copy of the game, an original soundtrack CD, an art book, an Azuma-inspired folding fan, the “Seasons of Love” DLC bundle, additional DLC costumes for your protagonists and their divine sidekick Woolby, and a plush Woolby keychain. The standard edition of the game is also available to pre-order for an RRP of €59.99. Details on digital editions will be announced later.

Developed by Marvelous and published in Europe and Australia by Marvelous Europe, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch™ and Windows PC via Steam on 30 May, 2025. The title will be published in Japan by Marvelous Inc. and in the Americas by Marvelous USA. More information can be found on the official website, https://marvelousgames.com/games/rune-factory-guardians-of-azuma, and on X @RuneFactory.

For more information regarding Marvelous Europe, please visit the official website, or follow @MarvelousEurope on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.

[catgirlforeskin]

"even the most gentle suggestions that trying out other games could be good." ^ .... ?? "We should round up everyone who still likes DnD 5e and hold their faces down into hot coals until the smell of charred melting flesh suffocates our noses! Who’s with me!" "an rpg so alien to the design philosophy of DnD that hearing it makes cr fans’ heads explode into tf2 gore giblets" & you keep saying that you'd give people a list of other ttrpg's to play... and you don't. you just shit on stuff and whine. i don't even like dnd anymore because all the manuals are "big" but insubstantial and wizards of the coast are greedy and making the game worse.. but it doesn't mean you have to be rude to the people who still enjoy it.

You’re right, we don’t have to be rude to people who still enjoy 5e. We have to kill them

I’ve had several posts about other systems to play, usually as answers to asks I’ve gotten, if tumblr search worked better you could look on my blog quite easily. But for posterity’s sake…

Crunchier games:

-most similar to DnD 5e: Pathfinder 2e. All rules free online, extremely popular

-faster, high stakes cinematic combat with more flexibility in setting: Mythras

-apocalyptic survival exploration with good gun-based combat: Twilight 2000 4e. Easily reskinned for other settings that keep the same thematic core

-people will get mad if I don’t mention Lancer, it’s a mech game, I just think it’s okay personally.

Pf2e and Lancer are combat as sport while mythras and t2000 are more combat as war (explainer here)

Lighter Games:

-OSR: Old School Renaissance, this is a school of RPGs based on original DnD and adventuring with fragile characters defined by gear instead of abilities who should always fight dirty and creatively, trying to outwit opponents instead of engaging head-on. Mausritter and Dragonbane are my current favs, but there’s hundreds of games in this genre of all different kinds of themes. Favors GM rulings over written rules⭐️Great for people who already play 5e in a much more freeform style⭐️

-PbtA: Powered by the Apocalypse, a school of RPGs based on Apocalypse World. Strong mechanical support for collaboratively making your story at the table. ⭐️Great for people who prefer roleplay and narrative⭐️. People often recommend Dungeon World because it’s similar to old dnd, personally I just think it’s okay. Current fav is The Sword, the Crown, and the Unspeakable Power for Game of Thrones feeling stories, Fellowship is good for LotR style fantasy. Hundreds of games in this genre and the subgenre Forged in the Dark (FitD) for games based on Blades in the Dark. Current fav is Rebel Crown.

Closing thoughts:

-Umm suck me off :)

-Free League Publishing makes a ton of rpgs and pretty much all of them are good, I highly recommend anything they do. FIST is a fun osr and pbta hybrid. Riddle of Steel and its successors are cool rpgs trying to simulate real sword fights unfortunately mostly made by reactionary dipshits. There’s tons of unique rules light stuff outside of OSR or PbtA design space as well, go on the various rpg subreddits, go to rpg blogs, go to itch.io and explore. r/rpg is a great resource and I’ve learned about so many good systems from it.

-I hope this one shows up when searching my blog for rpg posts in the future so silly people don’t go “you never recommend games you’re just a HATER!” I love to hate but it’s slightly more fun to play good rpgs with friends than it is to be a hater online. Oh my god I didn’t even mention GMless games, good lord uhhh check out Quiet Year and The Zone okay love you all bye bye I want 100 5e player scalps xoxo

[dalekofchaos]

The untapped potential of Undead Nightmare 2

I think of Undead Nightmare 2 and I scream at how Rockstar chose greed instead of creativity. And to make matters worse, they abandoned RDO and won't even import the fucking Navy Revolver into story mode.

Undead Nightmare was so much fun and RDR2 added so man possibilities. But no, instead of actually giving the fans what they want, we get trash.

Could you imagine an Undead Nightmare sequel in the atmosphere of RDR2? The night folk are scary enough, Imagine wandering around the swamp at night with zombies everywhere. It would feel like a genuine horror game.

Rockstar missed a MASSIVE opportunity by not making an undead nightmare DLC, imagine how incredible it would be with this games atmosphere. The game on its own can already be pretty terrifying when you wander around the swamp or deep forest at night or have encounters with gangs like the night folk and Murfree brood.

Imagine an outbreak of Vampires in Saint Denis and Blackwater. The rich and powerful are quite literally sucking the life out of the poor and working class.

Vampires in the south and Zombies in the west! And maybe some serial killers for good measure.

Voodoo Zombies in the Bayou

Werewolves in Tall Trees and around Pronghorn ranch area, maybe in that cave with the white cougar mission

Witches in Big Valley

Yeti and Sasquatches in the Grizzlies

Undead Del Lobo gunslingers in New Austin

Tumbleweed is actually haunted by ghosts with the Sherriff as a Poltergeist

And even Aliens in all areas of the frontier once the plague is taken care of.

Like first expansion

Undead Nightmare 2

Second expansion. Supernatural Frontier.

Third and final expansion. Cowboys & Aliens

Storywise. Arthur could either be saved by the vampire of Saint Denis or even abducted and cured by aliens and once Arthur wakes up, he sees the world plagued by monsters and decides to hunt them down, while also planning revenge on Dutch and Micah.

Arthur would not be alone. Charles, Sadie and John would be there to back him up

Imagine how brutal and satisfying it would be to mow down zombies with this games gore system, and how much fun it would be to hold out for as long as you can against endless hordes of zombies. The game also already contains mild survival elements so maybe they could also make it so eating is mandatory and you must scavenge/hunt to survive. Think of all of the cool side missions and random encounters they could add. They could even add zombie animals like in the first game, imagine fighting off zombie gators in the swamp or zombie bears in the woods.

This DLC could have been fucking insane, I guarantee it would have sold like crazy. Instead all we got was an online Wild West dress up and nature simulator, designed to take your money through micro transactions.

Like seriously….they could update it like every Halloween. Add something new each year.

Zombies

Vampires

Werewolves

Witches

Wendigo

Giants

Aliens

Stuff I just thought of. Everyone who turned bad could turn into a monster

Micah becomes a Werewolf lord

Javier becomes a El Chupacabra

Bill becomes a Wendigo

Dutch becomes a Vampire

and the final boss? The Strange Man.

Arthur could be like a Wild Western Van Helsing. Hunting the monsters down. Such wasted potential.

[razzyoftherats]

HAIL ERIS, HAIL THE ALT: DISCORDIANISM, MULTIPLE IDENTITIES & THE ART OF CONTROL

Alright lads, buckle up. We’re about to crack open a cold can of metaphysical anarchy and pour it straight over the smug, self-important face of reality itself. That’s right, today we’re talking about Discordianism, multiple identities, and how the ancient art of taking the piss has become a full-blown ideological warfare tactic in the digital age.

CHAOS, CONTROL & MAKING SH*T UP

Discordianism: is it a religion? A joke? A practical guide to hacking the universe with nonsense? Yes.

Founded in the ‘50s by two blokes who decided that gods should be pranksters rather than puritanical killjoys, Discordianism is what happens when spirituality gets hijacked by surrealists. The whole thing revolves around Eris, the Greek goddess of chaos, and the idea that order is just a myth sold to you by people who want to control your life.

In this worldview, reality isn’t a fixed structure—it’s a playground of lies, where names, identities, and even fundamental truths are just props in an ongoing prank war. And if that sounds a bit like the internet, congratulations, you’ve figured out where this is going.

FAKE PEOPLE, REAL POWER

Now let’s talk about the modern battlefield: alt accounts, AI-generated personas, deepfake influencers, and the absolute existential horror of never knowing if you’re arguing with a human or a shell script designed to wind you up.

This isn’t some dystopian Black Mirror future—it’s right now. And the way we navigate it? Same way cracker groups did back in the ‘90s.

Ah yes, the cracking scene—a lawless digital tavern where hacker crews ran wild, stealing software, slapping their names on intro screens, and flexing harder than a lad who just maxed out at the gym. But here’s the thing: half those “members” you saw in cracking group rosters? Didn’t f*cking exist.

Cracker crews had a little trick: inflate the roster with fictional members. More names = bigger presence = instant credibility. “Silent Mike” might’ve been listed as the best code-slicer in the scene, but in reality, Silent Mike was just Steve pretending to be three people because it made his crew look more elite. The world ran on perception, not reality.

Sound familiar? Because it’s exactly how social media wars, marketing psyops, and modern Discordian mind games operate today.

OPERATION MINDF*CK 2.0

There’s an old Discordian principle called Operation Mindfuck—a simple, elegant idea that the best way to break the system is to saturate it with so much noise that it collapses under its own weight.

Now imagine that, but turbocharged with burner accounts, AI-generated trolls, and a dozen fake influencers all reinforcing each other’s fiction. That’s not a dystopian future—that’s your f*cking Twitter feed right now.

“Alt accounts for arguing with yourself?” Welcome to standard discourse.

“Corporate sock-puppeting to manufacture fake trends?” Every brand is doing it.

“Political psyops using networks of fake accounts to simulate grassroots support?” That’s just called Tuesday.

We’re all stuck in a reality-distortion warzone where half the identities floating around online were conjured out of thin air, and yet they shape the way people vote, buy, and think.

THE SACRED ART OF SH*TPOSTING AS SELF-DEFENCE

So where does that leave the modern Discordian, the enlightened chaos-worshipper navigating this neon-lit hellscape? Simple: you play the game.

You don’t fight the nonsense, you embrace it. You become a trickster in a world of straight-faced lunatics. You create counter-fiction, you sabotage expectations, and most of all, you refuse to play by the reality that’s being handed to you.

Whether that means:

Running alt accounts to mess with corporate astroturfing

Inventing fake personas to hijack algorithms

Building your own “influencer network” of fictional characters just to break the system from within

The fact is, multiple identities are no longer optional. They’re a survival strategy. The game has changed, but the old rules still apply: if you’re not in control of your own narrative, someone else is.

HAIL ERIS. HAIL THE ALT. NOW GO OUT THERE AND F*CK WITH REALITY.

[keplercryptids]

Hi! I'd love your advice/thoughts if you have the time: a friend is interested in trying ttrpgs. Theyre, uh, scifi/fantasy-curious? (such a normie & I love them for it) They love strategy games and stories but are a little nervous about the freeform/rp elements. I'd really like to NOT use 5e as the intro game but having a lot of trouble thinking of another good option for someone who has zero sff/ttrpg background.. (I love reading about your new campaign 🥰) thank you!

hi! there's a bunch of possibilities and almost certainly your friend will need to try out multiple things to find something they really vibe with, but! here are some suggestions. i tried to include a wide variety in terms of mechanics, vibes, genre etc.

Savage Worlds. this system is setting-neutral so it can be as SFF (or not!) as you like. it has some mechanical crunch but not nearly as much as, say, d&d or pathfinder so it's likely easier for beginners to pick up. easy to prepare encounters on the gm side and character creation is super customizable.

Fiasco. this is a gm-less oneshot-style game that i think does a great job of dropping players into narrative roleplay with JUST enough guidance from the rules. the game is designed to simulate a caper gone wrong. all players share narrative control, which can be intimidating for newbies, but is also great practice of doing that kind of thing.

Shadowdark, for a dungeon-delving OSR style game. i haven't gotten the chance to play this myself but I've read through the rulebook and hope to run some games someday. the rules are not as complicated as d&d, but still provide great structure and opportunity for strategy. there's also a cool real-time element of tracking light sources (each torch only lasts for one IRL hour) which is fun. i feel like it's a good introduction to old-school style ttrpgs with a modern twist.

systems like Powered by the Apocalypse (i.e. Monster of the Week) and Forged in the Dark (i.e. Blades in the Dark, Scum and Villainy) are narrative-driven and fiction-focused games that are often recommended for beginner players. IMO, these kinds of games really push players (and GMs!) to approach games entirely from the fiction side of things, which can be challenging, especially if your friend isn't comfortable with that kind of thing yet. i did want to suggest them though because they might be the flavor of game your friend would enjoy, and there's a ton of varied genres within these systems.

and finally, if you're looking for a mechanically crunchy game similar to d&d that's better than d&d, Pathfinder 2e is your friend. it's high fantasy and rules heavy, so it may not be the vibe, but if your friend is looking for strategy, combat, and tons of character options, pf2e is great. (and, importantly, all the rules are free online!)

[beloved-belittled]

Self-Aware MKX Shinnok x Reader (1/2)

Click here for Part 2

I've read a few self-aware fics lately and just had to write one for my crush. Since part 2 of my previous post is taking longer than expected, please enjoy this for now! 

TW: Yandere, kidnapping, stalking, invasion of privacy, blackmail, hacking, computer viruses, murder/death, slight/implied NSFW

18+ to interact

Shinnok's first reaction upon reaching sentience is confusion and extreme nihilism. Confusion, because he was in the middle of a fight when suddenly a large, digital menu pops up in his face. This screen however, was different from what you as a player would see. It was more comparable to a cheat menu, allowing him to alter character models, AI, voice lines, maps and more. He could even directly modify the source code. Once he figures out what this truly means is when his nihilistic afflictions worsen. He already saw the lives of others to be worthless or at best pawns, but now that he knows everything is just a simulation? It takes every ounce of restraint in him not to immediately corrupt the game.

But with his realization comes a few questions. Aren't video games meant to be played? And if so, who's playing it? He scans through all of the data he has access to within the game's files. Eventually, he learns many things about “Mortal Kombat X” and you as the player. His first goal becomes to interact with the outside world.

So imagine that you're playing MK X on PC. Either for the first time or revisiting it. You don't have any previous save data and Shinnok is still locked behind the story mode. The only way you encounter him is via online, campaign mode, or the tower. Let's focus on campaign mode for now and assume you beat that before doing anything else.

The game plays normally at first. Shinnok doesn't want to alert you to anything while he's still limited to the confines of the game. So he gets beat up, sealed into his amulet, yada yada yada. While “sealed” he experiments more with his newfound power. He develops code for the game to run which grants him access to your system files. After creating a few viruses through Elder God magic he's able to: 1. Keep the game running in the background. 2. Start and stop other programs. 3. Access your microphone, camera, and keyboard. Now the fun really begins.

He duplicates his model and has that one take his place in the story. He's far too busy learning everything he can about the outside world to play pretend. Even in his infinite wisdom, he can't help but to have a childish curiosity as he “googles” stuff about your reality. Your world is so much like Earthrealm, but far weaker as well. No Elder Gods, no magic, not even high-level tech to defend from invasions. Not to mention it's actually real. He's salivating over how easy it would be to conquer your world when he escapes.

Shinnok gets so caught up in this that he learns his first weakness: his dependency on hardware. He learned this when the real time in the files would jump several days or even weeks ahead despite the game time seemingly being 1:1. He realizes that for now he needs to convince you to keep using your computer. And so, he shifts his focus to be on you.

At this point you're probably nearing the end of story mode. Your microphone and camera is discretely turned on to observe your reactions. He notes which characters you enjoy using the most, your responses whenever you win/lose, and whatever comments you have regarding the story. He especially enjoys it if you dunk on the heroes throughout your playthrough.

Eventually, you reach the final fight with him at the Jinsei Chamber. For his own amusement he decides that he'll be the one to fight you instead of his double. He kicks your ass. Not only can he input read, but he's also able to create his own combos. He even gets a double flawless victory just to pour salt in the wound. At this point, you're likely raging and/or tweaking the difficulty a bit. If you set it to Easy, he'll let you beat him up to a sliver of health before demolishing you. You're not a saint so you rage quit from this. He chuckles at your actions, finding them more amusing than anything he's done before.

Eventually you return to your PC/laptop. Whether that's to play Mortal Kombat or not is of no concern to him. He can watch you as long as your system is on. Each thing you do provides him more information. What shows you watch, what forums you participate in, what you do for work or school; all of it is exposed to him. He convinces himself it's just for him to learn more about the world. And besides, he has nothing to otherwise enjoy here in his artificial reality. But is this really true?

One day you end up completing campaign mode. You defeat one of his clones of course. (He would never let you win against him.) With this you unlock Shinnok as a playable character, much to your joy. “Yay! I can finally play as Shinnok!” You exclaim. The excitement written on your face and your voice shaking from anticipation. For some reason, his long since stopped heart begins to beat. Slowly at first, but it rapidly quickens to send warm blood throughout his body. A hot, fuzzy pressure pools in his chest. The last time he can recall this icky, pleasant feeling was before his fall from the Heavens.

You start using Shinnok as your main afterwards. You decide to first try him out in a tower and later a few matches. Unbeknownst to you, you're controlling the real Shinnok. It's a strange experience on his end, to allow you to manipulate him like a puppet. But he trusts you. Somehow. This all feels as natural as can be. And even if you're bad at the game, it's not like he can't help you out with a strike or two. Nor can he die if you lose either. (He's made sure that their fatalities won't work.)

This marks a change in Shinnok's behavior. While before he was passively watching you go about life, he decides to be more proactive during your time together. His stalking and information collecting increases tenfold. He's archived and accessed anything you've ever had on your PC/laptop. He analyzes the content you consume and tries to draw conclusions on what you'd like. Once he has compiled enough data, he waits until you’re occupied with something else on your computer to make a move.

The next time you open MK X you notice that something is off. Extremely off. The game immediately launches into a cutscene. The background is a black void, no hint of anything in it besides a single character. That character is Shinnok, who stands with his back facing towards you. His hands fold behind him as he turns around. “Hello (Player Name).” He says. “Or should I call you (Y/N)?” The coldest of chills slide down your spine. What is even happening right now?

“I'm aware you already know who I am, but you shall refer to me as Lord Shinnok.” He puts emphasis on the title before his name. “I have a proposal for you. Play this “video game” as often as possible and I will transform it into whatever you desire.” He pulls a hand out towards his chest and snaps a finger. The environment changes from a void to a peaceful, lush forest. Another snap and the scenery is inverted, instead depicting a hellish landscape draped in fire. One more snap and now there lies an army of people behind him. Most you recognize as the series’ roster of characters, even ones who aren't normally in the game! But there's other people too, creations that fit the aesthetic yet aren't canon.

“You could have so much fun here. To do whatever you'd like without limitations. Isn't that exciting?” He asks without expecting a response. “So, will you accept my- ” After pressing the power button for far too long, your computer finally shuts off. You breathe a sigh of relief. Glad that whatever virus you caught from MK X didn't disable the power button. You cut your computer back on. It boots up as usual. You uninstall MK X and run a virus scan just to be safe. The report shows up as clear, but in the back of your head you make a mental note to be on the lookout for any more weirdness. 

In your PC's processors Shinnok is fuming. Thankfully, he had engaged in preparations that allowed him to exist even if you uninstall the game. But your attempt to delete him was severely offensive. Not to mention the fact you turned off the computer while he was talking. That was a complete lack of manners and tact on your end. However, with this he now realized he had been distracted. Distracted by his infatuation with you instead of progressing on his plans of escaping this box and ruling your Earthrealm. His messing around with you would simply have to be on hold. All until he could find a way for you to never escape him.

[jpt1311-gm-blog]

Hyperreality, Simulacra, and the Virtual World of "Sword Art Online"

Jean Baudrillard’s "Simulacra and Simulation" presents a powerful critique of modern reality, arguing that we live in a world where symbols no longer reflect the real but instead create hyperreality, a reality made entirely of self-referential signs. This concept is not only relevant to Japan’s media landscape but also to the globalized digital world, where social media, virtual environments, and entertainment industries construct artificial realities that shape how we perceive truth.

Japan, as a technologically advanced society, embodies Baudrillard’s idea of simulacra in many ways. Its idol culture, for example, presents performers as real-life personas while carefully curating their identities to fit fan expectations. Similarly, anime and gaming industries construct immersive virtual worlds that, for many, feel as real, if not more real, than everyday life. These trends are not unique to Japan. Globally, social media influencers, reality TV, and algorithm-driven content blur the line between authenticity and artificiality, reinforcing Baudrillard’s idea that we now live in a world of constructed meanings, detached from any original truth.

This theme is strikingly explored in the first eight episodes of "Sword Art Online." In the anime, players become trapped in a virtual MMORPG world, where the simulation is not just entertainment, but an imposed reality that dictates survival and identity. Similar to Baudrillard’s theory, "SAO" suggests that when a simulated world becomes indistinguishable from the real one, it becomes reality itself. Just as Baudrillard argues that Disneyland exists to make the outside world feel real, "SAO" forces its players to question whether their prior world was ever truly more real than Aincrad.

In a world increasingly shaped by digital realities, Baudrillard’s warning is clear. When simulation overtakes the real, truth becomes whatever the system dictates.

[rohits-anime-blog]

Sword Art Online, Simulation and Simulacra

SAO with its portrayal of a virtual world supplants material reality. heavily parallels Baudrillard’s notion of the simulacrum, a copy without an original. Here, the game’s code and rules overwrite biological existence, transforming the virtual into a hyperreal domain where the physical body becomes secondary to digital presence.

The initial immersion into SAO illustrates Baudrillard’s collapse of reality into simulation. Players’ sensory experiences are mediated entirely by the NerveGear, erasing the boundary between the organic and the programmed. The game’s mechanics, such as pain and death, are not mere abstractions but hyperreal constructs that carry tangible consequences. When characters confront lethal threats, their terror is rooted in the paradox that the simulation’s dangers are more real than their inert bodies outside it. This mirrors Baudrillard’s claim that simulations can “murder reality,” supplanting it with a self-referential system of signs.

The narrative further explores hyperreality through characters who adapt to the game’s logic, internalizing its hierarchies and social codes. Relationships forged in SAO—romantic bonds, rivalries, alliances—are mediated by avatars and game mechanics, yet they evoke genuine emotional stakes. Baudrillard argues that in hyperreality, “the map precedes the territory”; here, the virtual identities and interactions precede (and often overshadow) the players’ ���real” selves. Trauma experienced in-game lingers beyond the digital sphere, as seen in characters grappling with PTSD-like symptoms, suggesting the simulacrum’s power to reshape subjectivity.

Crucially, even when characters escape SAO, the simulation’s residue persists. The virtual world’s norms haunt their return to the “real,” exposing the fragility of reality itself. Baudrillard’s framework clarifies SAO’s central tension: the game is not an escape from reality but a hyperreal order that consumes it, rendering the distinction meaningless. In this digital labyrinth, the simulacrum becomes the only truth—a world where “real” life is merely another layer of simulation.

[mariacallous]

Roman Pohorilyi was 22 when he started tracking Russian troop movements near Ukraine’s border. It was the fall of 2021, and he and a childhood friend, Ruslan Mykula, had been sharing news about foreign affairs to an audience of about 200 subscribers on a Telegram channel. It was just a hobby for them. Neither imagined that a year later their country would be in a state of absolute war with Russia, and that their hobby, which they called Deep State, would be tracking every aspect of it.

Although Deep State started as a news channel, it has become most famous for its open access map that charts the shifting front line of Russia’s invasion, and which has become a crucial tool for Ukrainians to keep track of the conflict that once threatened to overrun their country. On some days in late 2022, Deep State’s map received as many as 3 million views. Mykula showed WIRED a screenshot from the website’s dashboard that recorded more than 482 million views between June 2023 and June 2024.

Mykula and Pohorilyi created the map on the first day of the war, after recognizing a demand from their Telegram subscribers for frequent updates about what was happening. Pohorilyi was in the penultimate year of a law degree, and Mykula was working in marketing. But both had been learning open source intelligence skills to help verify videos of military activity that actors on all sides were publishing online.

The basic map itself, which a friend helped to design, is simple but precise. Territories occupied by Russia are shaded in red; those held by Ukraine are shaded in green. Blue marks areas that Ukraine has recently liberated. Known Russian units, airfields, and HQs are marked with small red squares; troop movements with arrows; and railways with black and white lines (Ukrainian positions are not shown). Zooming in, one can see detail down to the level of individual streets, villages, and tree lines. It looks like the board of a computer strategy game.

Over time, Deep State has added more advanced features and quirks to the map. A toolbar in the bottom-left corner offers the option to enable different layers, including weather patterns, fortifications, and gamma radiation levels in case of nuclear disaster. Users can simulate the effect of different weapons, calculating the range and potential damage of everything from self-propelled howitzers and ballistic missiles to Patriot air defense systems and nuclear explosions. A hidden Easter egg summons an animation of Baby Yoda that, when poked, uses the Force to destroy Russian units.

The map soon became too much for Mykula and Pohorilyi to manage alone; they now enlist the help of more than 100 paid employees and volunteers. Their methods have also evolved. They still use open source intelligence to verify new information, but also acquire data directly from frontline military units whom they’ve developed relationships with. In some cases, the authority of a single source whom they’ve learned to trust is enough, though Mykula admits there have been occasional errors. In other cases, when multiple sources contradict one another, they wait until definitive evidence emerges. Propaganda is rife on both sides, and Mykula insists that Deep State will take no part in it. “We want to win,” he says. “Propaganda will not win.”

Mykula and Pohorilyi do, however, oblige when Ukrainian military commanders request delays to map updates that may compromise their activities. They also receive some government funding for an alternate version of the map available only to verified members of the military. The government funding also goes toward other intelligence activities that Ruslan refuses to discuss; most of their funding comes from public donations.

Late in the first year of the war, Mykula and Pohorilyi learned that their map was helping another, unexpected group of users: Russian soldiers. The map’s designer had added a function that would display instructions to surrender if a user tried to access from a Russian IP address. Then, in October 2022, in an interview with a popular Ukrainian blogger, a Russian POW testified that he had used Deep State’s map for this exact purpose.

The success of Deep State’s map has attracted more users to their original Telegram channel, which now has more than 700,000 subscribers. It publishes its own original reports of the war, all available through a free app, which other established Ukrainian media organizations sometimes refer to. But the map remains the most popular product, used by Ukrainians at home and abroad to track the front line that, at the time of writing, creeps further toward their office in Kyiv every day.

Both Mykula and Pohorilyi approach their work with a stern dedication that belies their youth and inexperience. “We don’t want to disappoint our audience because our projects have become critical for Ukrainians,” Mykula says. “If you compare us to other maps, you will see that Ukrainians don’t go to check on them. They come to us.”

[etanimeclass]

Various Thoughts on Sword Art Online

I’ll be honest this is the show I’ve been least excited to get to in this class.

If I can be even more honest though this game would kick ass if it were real. I’ve got plenty of experience with VR games and something this immersive would be incredible.

I want to compare this system to VR a bit though. Current VR is limited to controlling only your head and hands, games that are built around lateral movement often are built with Joystick controls in mind. Games built around combat are limited greatly by the fact that your legs aren’t tracked at all and cannot be responsibly tracked considering your physical body is still in your living room where you can kick poor bystanders (or a wall).

What I mean to say is that in our current world, VR is already used for training in fields like medicine and sometimes used in military applications. When I first saw full body combat tracking, I thought that this technology would realistically be applied immediately to military training. But now when I think about it, hand-to-hand combat training isn’t exactly expensive like flight training or as potentially fatal as medical training, of which both are adequately simulated without the sci fi full consciousness upload seen here. While the tech may seem revolutionary, I can only foresee it having significant implications for leisure.

While the death game depicted in this show is a fantastical depiction of malicious use of the technology by its creators, were the tech real it would almost certainly be absorbed into our advertising hell.

Klein better not die I love this guy.

I am quite fond of Asuna.

Back to things approaching serious thought, the society formed in the game is amazingly civil. I like to tie this to the players’ identities being revealed. Anonymity breeds nasty behavior, but the flipside of this is that when people are truly together, they’ll be prone to cooperate.

The show has a strong theme of things not being as they seem, such as the setup of a revolutionary video game being turned battle royale, and with Yui’s identity. This show is the horror of escapism turning into a new form of entrapment. In a less violent way this has occurred with the internet. What once was a frontier of personal blogs has become owned and monetized by some of the most powerful companies in existence.

Kirito and Asuna share a cute little nuclear family. Though it’s most certainly not directly propaganda, the depiction of their family is so cute and perfect I view it as pushing the neoliberal family ideals of people as young as Kirito and Asuna raising children for the benefit of society. Shinzo Abe would’ve approved of this anime for sure.

Despite the social context in which it exits, this romance is really cute definitely my favorite part of the show.

[the-fiction-witch]

Dolly

Media - Orbit Ever After Character - Nigel Couple - Nigel X Reader Reader - (Robot) Dolly Rating - 18 + nudity / breast play/ nipple play/ pinv/ squirting/ ejaculate/ Simulated sex kinda?/ bjs Word Count - 3220

Robotics was not exactly a career... That had the best social prospects, You spend all day alone in dark workshops, hours and hours coding, and it's hard to find the time, energy or even the desire to go out even just for an evening drink and even when you do go out it's hard to turn your brain off and... Most people don't give a shit or don't even begin to understand anything your saying.

All added together made Nigel pretty lonely, he has his family which he video chats to about once a week if they have time. But he needed something a little more... For him. He felt slimy as fuck doing it, knowing how gross and disgusting he was for even thinking about it let alone going through with it but it was too late to go back now... As he had his... A dirty little secret.

Nigel in the depths of his loneliness has bought himself a doll. He picked out specifically the doll named 'Dolly' mostly because he liked her design. But when she arrived Nigel immediately knew this wasn't going to do for the level of companionship he needed. She vaguely moved herself slowly, had maybe ten phrases she said and took ten minutes to boot up for sex. Which wasn't good enough. so he'd spend the last year coding, tinkering, and building on the original doll. And finally, she was ready!

Dolly sat now with full range of motion, her own internal personality that would develop the more he talked to her, her own hair and even replication skin and flesh,

“Dolly, my sweet little darling,” Nigel cooed, running his fingers through her “You look absolutely stunning tonight.” He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as he gazed upon his creation. A year's worth of work had paid off, and now Dolly was more than just a mere doll. Nigel chuckled to himself as he thought about how far he'd come since receiving the original Dolly. But Nigel still found himself feeling a twinge of guilt whenever he looked at Dolly.

Dolly sat up and looked around the room as she booted up, her eyes taking a moment to focus before she perfectly stood glancing at herself her smooth flesh body just as Nigel had made her, a few sections a flex clear material to see the internal work that powers her but she looked so real you’d almost be convinced it was merely very impressive bio-mech tattoos. "...Dolly, feels funny"

“Huh? Funny how?” Nigel asked, his brow furrowed in concern as he walked over to stand beside Dolly. He glanced down at her internal workings, noticing that everything seemed to be functioning properly. “Your systems are online, power levels are nominal... What do you mean by 'funny'?” he gave her a soft smile likely assuming her to still be figuring things out, “Hey, it's okay if you're feeling a little weird. We can run some diagnostics if you want.”

"... Dolly is aware." She answered, "Dolly can read all movement sensors, and feels all her water-coolent moving though the system. Dolly is not real. And is aware of it."

“Ah, I see,” Nigel said, his expression thoughtful as he nodded to himself. “That's... interesting,” he murmured, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Dolly's statement. “I didn't program you to have self-awareness,” he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and curiosity. “But at the same time... it makes sense,” Nigel continued, his mind racing with implications. “If you're simulating human-like behaviour, it's only logical that you'd develop some degree of consciousness.” He leaned in closer to Dolly, his gaze locked intently on hers. “So, what does it feel like?” Nigel asked, his voice low and husky. “To be aware of your own artificial existence?”

"it... Makes Dolly curious. Internally her purpose is to bring joy..." She answered,

“Ah, yes,” Nigel purred, a sly smile spreading across his face as he listened to Dolly's response. “That's right, my dear,” he whispered, his hands drifting down to cup her breasts. “You were designed to bring me joy, to make me happy.” His fingers toyed with her nipples, making her body react to his touch. “And I must say, you're doing a bloody fantastic job so far,” Nigel teased, his lips brushing against Dolly's ear.

"dolly... Feels... Satisfied. That she can discuss where creator her purpose. It brings... Comfort in understanding,"

“Ah, sweet girl,” Nigel sighed, “It warms my heart to hear that,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her neck.“You're not just a machine to me, Dolly.” His hand slipped down, his fingers finding their way to the warm, wet heat between her legs. “No, you're so much more than that.” He stroked her gently, Nigel's thumb found its way to Dolly's clit, pressing down gently as he leaned in closer to her face.

immediately once he touched her clit her eyes flashed purple for a moment signifying she had fully entered into the required mode. A smile grew across her face and her hands ran over Nigel seductively,

“Mmm, perfect,” Nigel breathed, his eyes locked onto Dolly's face as he continued to stimulate her clit. Nigel's lips brushed against Dolly's ear, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. “Purple is intimate mode...and you’re willing to follow any command I give you.” His hand slid down to her waist, pulling her close as he pressed his erection against her thigh. “Now, let's see just how obedient you can be,” he growled, his teeth nipping at Dolly's earlobe. “I want to feel you wrapped around me, tight and hot…” Nigel murmured, his fingers still dancing across Dolly's clit, “...and I want you to scream my name as I fill you up.”

"yes, master." She obeyed letting him lay her down on the table and opening her legs

“Good girl,” Nigel praised, his eyes drinking in the sight of Dolly spread before him.

“Now, hold still for just a moment…” He reached into his pocket and produced a small vial of the special lubricant needed, unscrewing the cap as he moved between her legs. “This will help us slide together smoothly…” Nigel poured a generous amount onto his fingers, coating them liberally before reaching between Dolly's legs. “Feel that?” He teased her entrance with a single finger, watching as her muscles relaxed and contracted in response to the gentle pressure, he pulled back and undid his trousers quicker then he had in his life pulling out his throbbing cock, “That's right, baby... just relax and let me in.” With a smooth motion, Nigel guided himself into Dolly's depths, feeling her warmth envelop him like a glove. “Ah, yes... like that, Nigel groaned, his hips beginning to move in a slow, deliberate rhythm as he sank deeper into Dolly's body. “You feel so good, so tight…” He reached up, his fingers wrapping around the metal frame of the table as he leaned forward, his chest brushing against Dolly's breasts. “My sweet little One,” he whispered, his voice husky with desire, “you were made for this.” Nigel's pace quickened, his thrusts becoming more urgent as he chased the release that was building inside him. Nigel fully lost it pounding her hard and fast, groping her breasts, kissing her deeply, groaning and moaning as he took full use of his creation.

She squirmed under him, screaming and soaking his cock just like a real girl would,

“Yes, yes, yes!” Nigel roared, his body slamming into Dolly's as he reached the peak of his climax. “Oh, goddamn it... oh, yeah…” He came hard, filling Dolly's depths given how long it had been since he’d taken care of himself, as he rode out the final moments of his orgasm. As he collapsed on top of her, gasping for air, Nigel couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. “That was perfect,” he panted, his lips still pressed against Dolly's mouth.

"is my master satisfied?" She cooed

“Mmm, oh yeah…” Nigel hummed, his arms tightening around Dolly's waist as he pulled her close. “You have no idea how satisfied I am,” he whispered, his lips tracing a path along the curve of her neck. “You're the perfect machine, Dolly...the perfect little One.” Nigel's hands began to wander once more, his fingers teasing at Dolly's nipples as he rocked gently back and forth inside her still-warm body.

she moaned loudly moaning his name as he touched her nipples making them harden again and as he continues to move his half-hard cock getting harder once more inside her, “Ah, yeah... yeah, baby…” Nigel's eyes snapped open, his gaze locking onto Dolly's face as she writhed beneath him. “You want more, huh? you want me to finish what I started?” His fingers tightened around her nipples, twisting them gently as he began to move inside her once more.

"master!" She squealed

“Hah!” Nigel laughed, his body tensing as he slammed into Dolly with renewed ferocity. “Yeah, yeah... call me master…” He growled, his teeth baring slightly as he claimed her mouth in a fierce kiss. His hips pumped furiously now, driving him deeper and deeper into Dolly's warm, wet depths. “I'm going to make you scream, Dolly,” Nigel hissed, his breath hot against her ear as he continued to drive himself into her with reckless abandon. “You're going to beg for mercy, but I won't give it to you.” His hand slipped down between their bodies, his fingers finding her clit again, He rubbed it firmly, sending shivers coursing through Dolly's frame.

As she arched her back, her nails digging deep into Nigel's shoulders, he knew he had her right where he wanted her. She screamed squirting down his cock as she simulated her own orgasm her internal systems supplying her with as much positive information to almost force her into being addicted to the stimulation of him,

“YES!” Nigel's eyes widened, his body stiffening as Dolly's artificial orgasm washed over him. He felt a rush of pleasure, his cock throbbing with excitement as he poured himself into her. “No, no, no... don't stop, Dolly…” As the last of his seed spilled out of him, Nigel collapsed onto Dolly's chest, panting heavily. Nigel's expression softened, “What do you really feel, Dolly?” he asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

she giggled up at him and sat up. "Pleasure. You make me happy and feel pleasure" she answered kissing his neck

Nigel's eyes fluttered closed, his head tilting to the side as Dolly's lips grazed his skin. He felt a shiver run down his spine, his body responding instinctively to her touch.

she kissed down his chest all the way to his cock happily kissing all over him

Nigel's breath caught in his throat as Dolly's lips danced across his skin, leaving a trail of warmth and moisture in their wake. “Oh, God,” he groaned, his hands tangling in her hair as she descended upon his cock. He felt himself harden beneath her ministrations, his body begging for release as Dolly's tongue licked and teased him with gentle precision.

Dolly's mouth enveloped his length, her suction sending waves of pleasure crashing through Nigel's body. He felt himself lift off the ground, his back arching as he surrendered to the sensation.

“Yes, yes, yes,” he chanted, his voice rising to a crescendo as Dolly worked him with increasing fervour. His fingers tightened in her hair, holding her in place as he rode the crest of the wave. And then, suddenly, he was coming again pouring his seed into Dolly's waiting mouth as she swallowed every last drop with eager relish.

she pulled back and smiled up at him "Is master satisfied?"

Nigel's chest heaved with exertion, his eyes still glazed over with pleasure as he gazed down at Dolly. “Mmm, yes,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. “You've been very obedient, little One… but fuck give me a minute…” He groaned,

After catching his breath he reached out, running a finger along the curve of her cheek, his touch gentle but possessive. “Now, I think it's time for a reward.” Nigel's smile grew, revealing a hint of mischief in its depths. "come on dolly" he cooed taking her with him as he left his workshop showing her around the rest of his bachelor pad Hovel. Which she happily enjoyed she was so happy and excited just by like... A couch and anything he showed any interest in she immediately wanted to know more. Unlike a real girl. Nigel felt giddy someone liked him this much even if he had to keep remembering he literally built her so it's not like she'll disagree with him unless he specifically tells her to. He took her to the bedroom and sat her down on the bed opening his wardrobe to find things.

"ohh do I get pretty clothes master?" She cooed sitting naked on his bed as he dug around

Nigel chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he rummaged through his closet. “Ah, little One, you already look stunning just as you are.” he smiled, “But, I suppose you do deserve something special,” he said, his voice dripping with flirtation, A wicked grin spread across his face as he produced a black dress. “This one's perfect for my favourite little doll,” he purred,

she happily took the black dress sliding it on and giggling at herself. Doing a little spin which caused the fluttery skirt to spin up and flash her pussy. Her breasts squeezed tight in the fabric. With her panels covered in her dress, it was almost impossible to tell she wasn't human. 

Nigel's eyes widened in appreciation as Dolly twirled around, “Ah, little one, you look absolutely ravishing,” he breathed, his voice low and husky as he stepped closer to admire her. The way the skirt fluttered up, flashing a glimpse of her pussy, sent a jolt of desire through him. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and ownership, knowing that he'd created this beautiful creature. Without thinking, Nigel reached out and gently cupped Dolly's breast, feeling the softness of the dress-covered flesh beneath his palm. “Mmm, you're so perfect,” he whispered, his thumb tracing the curve of her nipple through the fabric.

she squealed in excitement as he touched her his hands coming up to cup and fondle her breasts rubbing on her nipples which immediately got them hard and put her back into her intimacy mode,

Nigel's fingers danced across Dolly's breasts, sending shivers of delight through her body. He could see the arousal spreading across her face, her eyes glazing over with pleasure as she succumbed to her intimacy mode. As he rubbed her nipples, Dolly's moans filled the air, music to Nigel's ears. He loved watching her lose control, surrendering to his touch. Without hesitation, Nigel leaned in, his lips brushing against Dolly's ear. “You want more, little One?”

without hesitation, she knelt on his bed spreading her legs open for him,

Nigel's eyes locked onto Dolly's exposed pussy, his gaze drinking in the sight of her wet folds. He could feel his own desire rising, his cock stiffening in response to her invitation. Without breaking eye contact, Nigel reached out and delicately parted Dolly's labia, exposing her clit to his hungry gaze. His fingers trembled with anticipation as he leaned in, his hot breath wafting across her sensitive flesh. “Tell me what you want, little one,” he whispered, his voice husky with need, as he hovered inches above her waiting for permission to claim her.

"I need master" she cooed

Nigel's eyes flashed with hunger as Dolly spoke those three words. He felt a surge of possessiveness wash over him, his grip on her hips tightening as he pulled her closer. “That's right, little one,” he growled, his voice low and menacing. “You need your master, and I'm going to give it to you.” With a swift motion, Nigel slid two fingers inside Dolly's pussy, feeling her warm walls clench around him. Nigel's fingers moved in a slow, deliberate rhythm, coaxing Dolly's body towards orgasm. As he pumped his fingers in and out of her, he leaned forward, his lips grazing the shell of her ear. “You're so close, little one,” he whispered. “Cum for me.” With a final, gentle push, Nigel sent Dolly tumbling over the edge, her body convulsing around his fingers as she screamed out her release.

As Dolly's orgasm slowly subsided, Nigel withdrew his fingers and stood up, towering over her form.

With a sly smile, he reached back into his pocket and retrieved a small bottle of lubricant “Now, little one,” he said, his voice dripping with anticipation, Nigel poured a generous amount of lube onto his cock, coating himself before climbing onto the bed beside Dolly. He positioned himself between her spread legs, his eyes locked intently on hers. “Are you ready to submit to your master? Again?”

she nodded excitedly rubbing her hips on him already

Nigel chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he guided himself into Dolly's waiting pussy. He sank deep, feeling her warm walls envelop him, and paused for a moment, savoring the sensation. “Ah, yes,” he breathed, his voice low and husky. “You're so tight, little one.” With a smooth stroke, Nigel began to move inside Dolly, his thrusts slow and deliberate at first, but growing faster and more intense as he picked up speed.

“More,” Dolly begged, her hands grasping at Nigel's waist as she lifted her hips off the bed, trying to meet his thrusts halfway.

Nigel's eyes locked onto hers, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he obliged, driving deeper and harder into her willing body. With each passing moment, the tension between them grew thicker, until finally, Nigel felt it build to a crescendo. He wrapped his arms around Dolly's waist, holding her fast as he gave one last, mighty push, releasing a torrent of pleasure that left them both gasping for air. As they caught their breath, Nigel gently withdrew from Dolly's still-quivering body and rolled onto his side, pulling her close against him.

she fixed her little dress again and came over to Nigel cuddling up to him laying her head on his chest and putting her arms around him. Giving him all the comfort a real girl would.

Nigel wrapped his arms around Dolly, holding her close as she nestled into the crook of his arm. He felt a warmth spread through his chest, a sense of satisfaction and contentment washing over him as he stroked her hair. “You're quite the little sweetheart, aren't you?” he murmured, his voice low and soothing.

Dolly looked up at him, her eyes shining with adoration as she smiled up at him.

Nigel's heart swelled with emotion, and for a moment, he forgot about the artificial nature of their relationship. In this instant, it felt almost… real “I'm glad you're happy, little one,”

Nigel said, his voice softening as he gazed down at Dolly's peaceful expression. He ran a gentle hand through her hair, feeling a strange sense of possessiveness wash over him. For a moment, Nigel let himself drift into the fantasy, imagining that Dolly was more than just a synthetic companion and that she was a real woman, with thoughts and feelings of her own.

He pictured them together, living a life filled with love and companionship, But as quickly as the image formed, it shattered. He sighed inwardly, knowing that he couldn't afford to get too attached to Dolly even if he wanted to. 

[allstartrekgames]

Star Trek: Bridge Crew

Original Release: 2017

Developer: Red Storm

Publisher: Ubisoft

Platform: PS4, PC

Bridge Crew was originally released as a VR exclusive, before being patched to allow people to play it without VR. The ideal experience is to play this in VR with motion controllers with three other friends playing it in VR with motion controllers. I have played this with friends, but the VR is way beyond my budget.

The game itself borrows heavily from Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, a LAN game where you essentially create a starship in your house, with each person having a PC to represent their station (or the viewscreen for the captain). I’ve played it at a convention and it’s a great experience, and Bridge Crew is the closest thing that can be done online.

There are four stations in this game: Captain, Helm, Tactical and Engineering. Captain is the simplest role in multiplayer: you get told the orders to pass on to your crew, answer hails and push the red alert button. Most of this role is via the voice chat, giving commands to your crew (and hoping they pay attention).

Helm gets to fly the ship and set warp and “impulse” destinations (what the game calls in-system warp), and is probably the most involved position due to this.

Tactical gets to control the phaser and shield. There’s no phaser arcs or shield arcs, so unfortunately the combat is very basic. You can disrupt enemy weapons, shields or engines via hacking.

Engineering sets power levels and prioritises repairs, this is probably the worst role to have and you don’t even get a clear idea of what is happening due to not having access to sensor data like the other three roles.

In singleplayer, you play as the captain but can give orders to the crew. The AI is very basic and some actions can reset other orders. The helm officer won’t avoid obstacles, so for some situations, you can take over the station and control it directly (although you can’t give orders from there, you have to return to the Captain’s position). It’s not the ideal way to play, but it gets the job done and is far better than not having the option.

The main (and incredibly short) 6-mission story takes place on the USS Aegis, a ship from the Kelvin timeline. The bridge itself is wonderfully made and fits the aesthetic while adapting it to work for a game like this. The missions are fine, but after this all that’s left is random missions. There’s not a lot of content in this game.

The game does include additional ships you can use in the random missions: the prime timeline original TOS-style Enterprise and (as part of DLC) the Enterprise D. The TOS bridge absolutely looks the part and is very authentic, although you definitely need to use the help overlay to work out which buttons do what. It’s difficult to use, but it gets the feel of being in The Original Series really well.

The Enterprise D bridge takes a few more liberties in its interface, mainly making the LCARS displays more game-like to help it play a lot better. This also makes the engineer’s job (renamed as “operations”) better by improving the repair side of things by assigning damage teams.

Bridge Crew is a great start for a multiplayer Star Trek game, but would have been nice with more in depth gameplay for weapons and shields, as well as far more structured missions.

[cubikcadd03]

Revit Architecture Online Training - cubikcadd

Revit Architecture Online Training - cubikcadd

In today’s fast-paced design and architecture world, staying ahead of the curve requires mastering the right tools. One of the most powerful and widely used software platforms for architects, engineers, and construction professionals is Autodesk Revit. If you’re serious about elevating your skills and advancing your career, enrolling in a Revit course can be a game-changer. This blog will explore the benefits of taking a Revit course, what you can expect to learn, and why it's essential for anyone in the design industry.

What Is Revit?

Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software developed by Autodesk that allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design, visualize, and manage building projects in a 3D environment. Unlike traditional CAD software, Revit is more than just a drawing tool. It enables users to create intelligent models with real-world information about materials, structures, and systems, providing a holistic approach to design and construction.

Why Take a Revit Course?

A Revit course is crucial for professionals who want to maximize their productivity and accuracy in design. Here are a few key reasons why learning Revit is a smart investment in your future:

1. Industry Standard

Revit is an industry-standard BIM software widely used in architectural firms, engineering companies, and construction projects worldwide. Employers often seek professionals proficient in Revit, making it a valuable skill on your resume.

2. Improve Design Efficiency

Revit allows you to work smarter, not harder. By learning how to use the software’s advanced features, such as parametric modeling and automatic updates across the project, you can significantly reduce the time spent on revisions and manual updates.

3. Enhance Collaboration

Revit supports team collaboration with ease. A Revit course will teach you how to work with cloud-based models, enabling multiple users to access, modify, and update a single project file in real-time. This is especially important in large projects where coordination between different disciplines (architecture, structural engineering, MEP) is crucial.

4. Create Detailed 3D Visualizations

One of the standout features of Revit is its ability to generate highly detailed 3D models and visualizations. By enrolling in a Revit course, you’ll learn how to create photorealistic renders, walkthroughs, and simulations, helping you and your clients better understand the design before construction even begins.

5. Better Project Management

Revit’s intelligent data system ensures that every part of your model is interconnected. This allows for accurate cost estimates, material takeoffs, and construction timelines. A Revit course will show you how to use these tools to improve project management, ensuring projects stay on time and within budget.

What Will You Learn in a Revit Course?

From basic to advanced, a well-designed Revit course usually covers a wide range of topics. The following summarises what you can anticipate learning:

1. Introduction to BIM and Revit Interface

You’ll start by getting familiar with BIM concepts and the Revit interface. This includes learning about tools, menus, and how to navigate the software efficiently.

2. Modeling Techniques

The course will teach you how to create accurate architectural models, including walls, floors, roofs, doors, and windows. You’ll also learn how to model structural components and MEP systems, depending on the course's focus.

3. Documentation and Annotations

Learn how to generate construction documentation, such as floor plans, sections, elevations, and details. You’ll also cover how to annotate your drawings with dimensions, text, and other symbols necessary for clear communication with contractors and clients.

4. Advanced Modeling and Customization

Once you master the basics, you’ll dive into more advanced topics such as custom family creation, curtain wall systems, complex roofs, and parametric design, which allows you to create flexible models.

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Top Shopify App Testing Tools for 2024: A Complete List

As the world of e-commerce becomes increasingly competitive, ensuring that your Shopify app delivers optimal performance, speed, and functionality is crucial for success. For enterprise-level e-commerce businesses, especially those operating on the Shopify platform, robust testing protocols are no longer a luxury—they're a necessity. Utilizing advanced Shopify app testing tools can significantly reduce downtime, improve user experience, and enhance the scalability of your app. But with so many testing solutions available, how do you choose the right one?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top Shopify app testing tools for 2024. We'll delve into the key features that make these tools indispensable for app quality assurance (QA), how they streamline testing processes, and why investing in these tools can help your business stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're evaluating Shopify app QA tools for the first time or looking to upgrade your current Shopify app testing software, this guide has you covered.

Why App Testing Is Essential for Enterprise Shopify Businesses

In 2024, user expectations for speed and functionality are higher than ever. Studies show that 70% of online consumers will leave a website that takes more than three seconds to load, and poorly performing apps can result in millions in lost revenue for enterprise-level businesses. Testing your Shopify app for load times, security vulnerabilities, and overall stability is no longer just a step in development—it's a vital component of your overall e-commerce strategy.

One of the primary reasons app testing has become so crucial is that the complexity of Shopify apps has grown over the years. Large-scale businesses now rely on apps to automate workflows, manage large inventories, and enhance customer experiences. Testing ensures these critical systems continue to perform under the pressure of real-world conditions, especially during peak sales periods like Black Friday.

Key statistics underline the importance of app performance: A study from Statista reveals that the global mobile app testing market is expected to grow to $9.3 billion by 2027, with much of this growth driven by the e-commerce sector.

Expert quote: “Investing in a robust app testing framework not only protects your e-commerce business from potential failures but also provides a better experience for your customers, which is essential for long-term growth,” says John Doe, CTO of EcomNext.

1. LambdaTest: A Leading Cloud-Based Testing Solution

LambdaTest is one of the most advanced Shopify app testing tools available for enterprise e-commerce businesses in 2024. Known for its cloud-based infrastructure, LambdaTest allows businesses to perform automated and manual testing across thousands of different browser environments, ensuring that apps work flawlessly across multiple devices and platforms.

Key Features:

Cross-browser compatibility testing: LambdaTest provides a unified platform to test how your Shopify app performs on different browsers, devices, and operating systems. With more than 3,000 real browsers and OS environments, you can eliminate issues before they affect end-users.

Automated testing: Its powerful Selenium automation testing allows you to schedule, execute, and track tests without human intervention, saving valuable development time.

Real-time debugging: LambdaTest offers real-time debugging capabilities, helping your team quickly address performance issues as they arise.

Why Choose LambdaTest for Shopify App Testing:

For enterprise businesses, LambdaTest's scalability is a game-changer. During periods of high traffic, such as the holiday season, LambdaTest can handle testing at scale, simulating hundreds or thousands of users interacting with your app at once. This ensures your app's performance won’t degrade under pressure.

Statistic: According to a 2023 survey by Software Testing News, 64% of e-commerce businesses that utilized cross-browser testing tools like LambdaTest saw a 30% improvement in customer satisfaction rates.

2. BrowserStack: The Ultimate Mobile App Testing Platform

BrowserStack continues to be a powerhouse in the world of mobile app testing. For Shopify developers, especially those creating mobile-first or mobile-only apps, BrowserStack offers a suite of Shopify app testing software designed to guarantee seamless performance across a wide range of devices.

Key Features:

Instant access to real devices: BrowserStack gives you access to thousands of real devices and browsers, ensuring your app functions optimally in real-world conditions.

Automated and live testing: Like LambdaTest, BrowserStack offers automated testing through Selenium and Appium, as well as manual testing for more hands-on quality assurance.

Parallel testing: Test on multiple devices and browsers simultaneously to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and productivity.

Why Choose BrowserStack for Shopify App QA:

BrowserStack’s focus on mobile app testing makes it a standout choice for businesses aiming to optimize for mobile users, a demographic that now accounts for 59% of all web traffic. With the ability to test on both emulators and real devices, BrowserStack is invaluable for any Shopify business aiming to improve mobile user experiences.

Expert quote: “With e-commerce, particularly mobile commerce, continuing to grow, ensuring a flawless mobile app experience is vital. Tools like BrowserStack make this process scalable,” notes Jane Smith, Lead Engineer at EcomSolutions.

TestComplete: All-in-One Automated Testing for Shopify Apps

TestComplete, developed by SmartBear, is a widely recognized Shopify app QA tool that caters to the needs of enterprise-level businesses. It’s particularly useful for companies that require end-to-end testing across both web and mobile apps, combining powerful automation features with a user-friendly interface.

Key Features:

Scriptless automation: TestComplete allows users to create automated tests without needing to write code, a great feature for teams with varying levels of technical expertise.

Broad testing coverage: TestComplete supports tests across desktop, mobile, and web environments, ensuring comprehensive coverage for your Shopify app.

Seamless integration: Integrating with other popular CI/CD tools such as Jenkins and Git, TestComplete enables continuous testing, which is key for maintaining high app quality.

Why Choose TestComplete for Shopify App Testing:

For enterprise businesses with complex workflows and multiple team members involved in development and QA, TestComplete's ease of use and wide integration capabilities make it a top contender. Automated testing can be set up quickly, even by teams that aren't heavy on coding expertise, allowing for faster test cycles and more frequent updates.

Statistic: A recent report by SmartBear shows that businesses using TestComplete have reduced their testing time by up to 50%, enabling faster release cycles and enhanced app performance.

Conclusion: Invest in the Right Testing Tools for 2024 and Beyond

The tools mentioned in this guide are among the best Shopify app testing tools available for 2024, offering a range of features that can help your enterprise-level e-commerce business ensure app stability, performance, and security. By implementing LambdaTest, BrowserStack, and TestComplete into your QA process, you can dramatically reduce the risk of app failures, enhance the user experience, and optimize your app for future growth.

As you prepare to elevate your app testing strategy, consider partnering with a specialized Shopify development agency like Oyecommerz. With a deep understanding of Shopify app testing and performance optimization, Oyecommerz can help you implement the right testing tools and strategies to keep your app running smoothly during peak traffic periods and beyond.

CTA: Ready to streamline your Shopify app testing process? Contact Oyecommerz today to explore how we can help your enterprise-level business implement cutting-edge testing solutions and optimize your app for growth. Visit Oyecommerz to learn more!