#structured downtime

[productiveandfree]

Maximizing Your Productivity to Explore Alternative Investment Opportunities

Alternative investments are a strategic way of diversifying portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds. However, to navigate these options, you need to increase your productivity. Hence, this article explores how to effectively manage your time and resources to capitalize on the unique opportunities presented by alternative investments.

Strategies for Enhancing Productivity in Alternative Investments

Alternative investments represent a class of assets that fall outside the traditional categories of stocks, bonds, and cash. They are vast and varied, each offering distinct characteristics and benefits within a portfolio. For instance, real estate includes investing in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. It is often praised for its low correlation with traditional financial markets, providing a cushion during periods of stock market volatility.

Private equity is another popular alternative to stocks and bonds, and it involves investing in companies not publicly traded on a stock exchange. These include venture capital investments in startups, growth capital for expanding companies, or buyouts. Private equity is known for its potential for high returns, albeit with higher risk and longer investment horizons.

Other alternative investments worth looking at are commodities and hedge funds.

The next step might be knowing where to access these opportunities. Fortunately, digital platforms provide access to a wide range of investment funds previously available only to institutional investors or those with significantly high capital.

Here are ways to maximize productivity so you can reap from the alternative opportunities you find.

Time Management Techniques

Two valuable techniques are prioritization and batching tasks.

Prioritization involves ranking investment activities based on their potential impact and urgency. For instance, you can prioritize due diligence on a new private equity opportunity that’s about to close funding rounds and schedule a routine check of stable, long-term real estate assets later. This technique ensures the most time-sensitive and potentially rewarding tasks receive immediate attention, optimizing the allocation of effort and resources.

On the other hand, batching tasks refers to grouping similar activities to reduce distraction and increase efficiency. You can dedicate specific blocks of time to analyze market trends across various commodities or review performance reports of multiple hedge funds.

It minimizes the mental load and administrative overhead of switching between different tasks. As such, it speeds up the investment analysis process and improves focus, leading to more insightful investment decisions.

Technological Tools

There are comprehensive data analytics and research tools for assessing the viability and performance of complex investment options like hedge funds and private equity. You can use these platforms to gather market data quickly, compare fund performances, and conduct deep dives into financials without manually compiling information from multiple sources.

Another powerful tool is investment management software to consolidate your investment portfolios in one interface. It offers risk assessment features and scenario analysis to help you manage and adjust portfolios easily in response to market changes. For example, you can use these tools to simulate the impact of economic shifts on real estate investments, allowing for proactive strategy adjustments.

Outsourcing

Leveraging external resources can bring specialized expertise and additional capacity to your investment strategies. For instance, consulting firms specialize in market analysis and due diligence, providing deep insights into specific industries or markets.

Further, financial and investment advisors offer personalized advice tailored to individual investment goals. For example, an investor interested in commodities might use an advisory service to understand the timing and scale of investments in precious metals or energy resources, balancing their portfolio based on risk tolerance and market opportunities.

In addition, by joining investment groups, you can access larger, more capital-intensive opportunities that might be beyond your reach independently. This strategy is common in private equity, where investment partnerships pool resources to buy out or invest in larger enterprises. It often leads to higher returns due to economies of scale and shared expertise.

Tips to Maintain High Productivity

The dynamic nature of alternative investments necessitates regular reviews of investment strategies. This periodic assessment allows you to respond to changes in market conditions, regulatory environments, and financial goals.

For example, if you invested in private equity, you can reassess your commitment to various funds based on performance metrics and market outlook and adjust your contributions or exit positions to better align with current objectives. These reviews help you stay proactive rather than reactive, enabling you to manage your portfolio more effectively.

In addition, effective stress management is essential for maintaining productivity and decision-making capacity. Techniques such as mindfulness, structured downtime, and physical activity can help manage stress, leading to clearer thinking and better overall health.

Additionally, the landscape of alternative investments is continually evolving, making continuous learning a critical component of an investor’s strategy. For example, keeping abreast of advancements in blockchain technology might inform decisions regarding investments in digital assets or real estate tokenization.

Conclusion

Alternative investments offer a compelling avenue for diversifying your portfolio and accessing potential high returns that are generally uncorrelated with traditional stock and bond markets.

However, the benefits of alternative investments come with the necessity for proactive management and continuous engagement. You can navigate the complexities of these diverse asset classes by implementing the strategies discussed, such as regular strategy reviews and leveraging technological tools.

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[yuri-for-businesswomen]

im not autistic but i believe in their beliefs (because i share like 80 % of symptoms typical for autistic women with yall)

[hermitshell]

why does minecraft roleplay make me feel the grief of a thousand suns !!!

[little-p-eng-engineering]

Little P.Eng. Engineering: Piping Stress Analysis and Supports Design for Power Plants as per ASME B31.1 in North America

In the world of power generation, safety and reliability are paramount. Power plants play a critical role in supplying electricity to homes, businesses, and industries across Canada and the United States. To ensure the seamless operation of these facilities, various standards and codes are in place, with ASME B31.1 being one of the most important. In this article, we'll explore how Little P.Eng. Engineering specializes in piping stress analysis and supports design for power plants, adhering to ASME B31.1 guidelines. We'll delve into the significance of this expertise and its impact on power plant operations across North America.

Understanding ASME B31.1

ASME B31.1, officially titled "Power Piping," is a widely recognized standard developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This standard provides guidelines for the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of piping systems in power plants, including fossil fuel, nuclear, and geothermal facilities. Compliance with ASME B31.1 is mandatory for power plant operators in North America, as it ensures the safety and reliability of piping systems under various operating conditions.

The Importance of Piping Stress Analysis

Piping systems in power plants are subjected to a wide range of stresses and loads, including pressure, temperature variations, vibrations, and seismic forces. Failure to adequately analyze and address these stresses can lead to catastrophic failures, resulting in downtime, safety hazards, and financial losses. Piping stress analysis is the process of evaluating how these stresses affect the integrity of the piping system, and it is a crucial step in ensuring the reliability of power plants.

Little P.Eng. Engineering employs a team of experienced engineers who specialize in performing comprehensive piping stress analysis for power plants across Canada and the USA. Their expertise in ASME B31.1 compliance ensures that every analysis is conducted with the highest level of precision and adherence to industry standards.

Supports Design in Compliance with ASME B31.1

Properly designed and implemented supports are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of piping systems in power plants. ASME B31.1 outlines specific requirements for piping supports, including their design, material selection, and installation. Little P.Eng. Engineering excels in the design of piping supports that meet ASME B31.1 standards, ensuring that power plants operate without compromising safety or efficiency.

The company's approach to supports design encompasses factors such as thermal expansion, weight distribution, and the prevention of excessive loads on equipment and structures. Their engineers use advanced software and modeling techniques to optimize the support system, ensuring that it can withstand the stresses imposed by various operating conditions.

Benefits of Working with Little P.Eng. Engineering

4.1. Compliance Assurance

Little P.Eng. Engineering's primary focus is to ensure that power plants in Canada and the USA are fully compliant with ASME B31.1. Their team of experts has an in-depth understanding of the standard's intricate requirements, ensuring that every project they undertake adheres to the highest industry standards.

4.2. Safety Enhancement

By conducting rigorous piping stress analysis and designing supports that meet ASME B31.1 criteria, Little P.Eng. Engineering enhances the safety of power plant operations. Their comprehensive approach minimizes the risk of pipe failures, leaks, and other potential hazards, ultimately protecting both plant personnel and the surrounding environment.

4.3. Increased Reliability

Power plant downtime can result in significant financial losses and disruptions in energy supply. Little P.Eng. Engineering's expertise in piping stress analysis and supports design minimizes the likelihood of unexpected failures, contributing to increased reliability and operational continuity for power plants.

4.4. Cost Efficiency

Efficient piping systems and well-designed supports can also lead to cost savings in the long run. By optimizing the design and minimizing unnecessary maintenance and repairs, Little P.Eng. Engineering helps power plant operators reduce operational costs while maintaining high standards of safety and reliability.

Case Studies

To illustrate the practical application of Little P.Eng. Engineering's expertise, let's take a look at a couple of case studies from their portfolio:

5.1. Fossil Fuel Power Plant in Alberta, Canada

Little P.Eng. Engineering was engaged to perform piping stress analysis for a fossil fuel power plant in Alberta, Canada. The analysis revealed potential issues related to thermal expansion and vibration. The engineering team designed and implemented supports that addressed these concerns, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the plant under various operating conditions. As a result, the plant experienced reduced downtime and enhanced reliability.

5.2. Nuclear Power Plant in New York, USA

For a nuclear power plant in New York, Little P.Eng. Engineering conducted a comprehensive review of the piping support system to ensure compliance with ASME B31.1. Their engineers identified several areas for improvement, including the reinforcement of supports to withstand seismic forces. By implementing these enhancements, the plant achieved greater safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Little P.Eng. Engineering's specialization in piping stress analysis and supports design as per ASME B31.1 is indispensable for power plants across Canada and the USA. Their commitment to compliance, safety enhancement, increased reliability, and cost efficiency makes them a trusted partner in the energy industry. With a proven track record of successful projects and a team of experienced engineers, Little P.Eng. Engineering plays a vital role in ensuring the continued operation and success of power plants in North America. Collaborating with such experts is not just a choice but a necessity in an industry where safety and reliability are paramount.

Tags:

Meena Rezkallah

Little P.Eng. Engineering

Piping Stress Analysis

Structural Integrity

Engineering Expertise

Thermal Expansion

Industry Standards

Cost Efficiency

ASME B31.1 Compliance

Power Plant Safety

Piping Supports Design

North American Power Plants

Fossil Fuel Plants

Nuclear Power Plants

Geothermal Facilities

Power Plant Reliability

Power Plant Downtime

Vibration Analysis

Seismic Forces

Compliance Assurance

Safety Enhancement

Supports Optimization

Regulatory Requirements

Case Studies

Energy Industry

Operational Continuity

ASME Standards

Power Plant Operations

Power Plant Maintenance

Engineering Services

Pipe Stress Analysis Services

Located in Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Houston Texas; Torrance, California; El Segundo, CA; Manhattan Beach, CA; Concord, CA; We offer our engineering consultancy services across Canada and United States. Meena Rezkallah.

[deconstructthesoup]

You can tell I'm a weirdo worldbuilder because one of my favorite parts of Junior Year (the Fantasy High season, not actual junior year, that was my personal hell) was learning about how the Adventuring Academy actually worked

Like, in the first season, it was all high school movie tropes, and we rarely ever saw the Bad Kids actually attend class. The most we got from the academic side of things was, well, Porter and Jace, as well as the list of staff towards the end of the season. And Sophomore Year was about a long-scale, actual school-sanctioned quest, meant to flesh out the greater world of Spyre.

But my god, every time we learned a new teacher's name, every time we learned how the academic structure worked, and every time the downtime mechanics came into play, I was on the edge of my seat

[lilyprettyremy]

Mastering the It Girl Life on Campus/ at school : Confidence, Class, and Style

On-Campus Essentials: Sophisticated and Ready to Conquer

Structured mini tote – Think sleek and polished. Choose something that says "I'm on my game" while fitting your essentials: a slim laptop, your chic planner, and a pair of sunnies.

Signature scent – A travel-sized luxury perfume, like Byredo or Le Labo. It leaves a lasting impression without overpowering.

Hydro flask in a neutral tone – Hydration, but make it aesthetic. Bonus points if it matches your outfit.

Protein bar or matcha to-go – Snacks are essential, but we’re keeping it elevated. Opt for a protein bar with clean ingredients or a homemade matcha latte in a reusable tumbler.

AirPods Max or sleek earbuds – Perfect for tuning out the noise between classes with a curated podcast or chill playlist, keeping your energy cool and collected.

In Class: Own the Room with Confidence and Intelligence

Effortless note-taking setup – Digital is where it’s at. Use a tablet with a stylus for sleek, organized notes that sync across all your devices. Bonus: it looks high-tech and minimalistic.

Command attention – Sit where you can engage, but it’s not about the front row anymore—it’s about being present and prepared. Contribute thoughtfully when needed, and stay poised.

All-in-one app for organization – Ditch the old-school planner. Use an app like Notion or Google Calendar to sync your schedule, assignments, and deadlines. Effortlessly keep everything streamlined and on point.

Refined confidence – Instead of always speaking up, choose your moments wisely. Command attention through well-thought-out points that showcase your intellect, not just participation.

Breaks Between Classes: Elevate Your Downtime

Mini face mist – A refreshing face mist with a subtle scent keeps your skin hydrated and glowing, giving you a post-class refresh. Think Tatcha or a rose water mist.

Quick mirror check – Always have a compact mirror to do a quick hair and lip check. It's about looking polished and put together without effort.

Reset with movement – Walk around campus to stay energized, but with intention. Pop in your favorite playlist, take in the surroundings, and use this time to clear your mind before the next task.

Digital declutter – Use breaks to clear out any unnecessary tabs, update your notes, or respond to quick emails. Keeping your digital life tidy is the new version of looking organized.

[olderthannetfic]

Hi OTNF and everyone,

I am finding that it's harder and harder and harder to get into anything - book, show, movie... most things seem, you know, to just not be doing it for me, be it fanfic or original stuff.

In part, I think, it's a general restlessness and that it's become harder to give anything enough time to get into the stories, the characters, the settings, the narrative voices... I guess you can call it attention deficit on my part, just a need for stories to deliver those sweet, sweet hits quickly, but they're not.

I'm not currently ficcing but I did for years (might again in the future, who knows), and it's made reading, specifically, harder. It's like I've become more aware of what goes on behind the scene, I guess? I feel like I can see the writer giving up on a sentence, skipping a scene because fuck this, trying hard to not repeat a word although it's the only one that fits, etc.

Or maybe it's just the *everything* around us in the world that is weighing on me too much? I could say it's adult life, but then again I have more free time than most (and boy do I need hours of doing nothing to survive the other hours), and no family/partner (all that would put even more pressure on me): what is wrong, to make everything so UGHHH?

I feel like I'm stuck in a rut with a brain moaning feed me, feeeed me, and whatever I try to give it, it spits everything out. (Yes, I've tried hobbies, and nothing sticks there either. I've never really found rewards or satisfaction there, so...)

Decades ago as a kid, I was a voracious reader, although studying literature took the pleasure of it away from me. It took time and discovering fanfic that brought me back to reading, but at the time the internet was starting to be a thing, too, and it can't have helped the attention thing. AFAIK I'm not ADHD but then again, I couldn't get a proper diagnosis (the therapists I saw were either dismissive or just about The Talking, which was pointless for me).

I just wonder how it all disappeared, you know? Sometimes I find something that catches my attention for a while - a book (but I read quite quickly when motivated), a fandom... but it's been a while now, and it's just so frustrating! When is it going to come back? Will it ever? *gulp*

I know that books were escapism when I was a child, and then fandom was escapism, but at the moment I find myself grabbing at air and my empty hands are mocking me. Give me my escapism baaaaack!

So, uh. Anyone here with me?

--

Yes.

I felt like that during part of lockdown. Anhedonia is common in those kinds of circumstances.

Getting your mojo back is certainly possible, but you may need to go see a professional about depression and have some chemical assistance (yes, even if you don't feel sad per se), or you may need to change your lifestyle to one that doesn't have the thing causing you to need eleventy billion hours of downtime.

Aside from serious interventions like that, you can consider a social media detox. Remove every source of doomscrolling and time wasting of that type. When the attention span is zero and nothing brings joy, the tiny and useless hits from finishing a game of solitaire or seeing one more instagram post become very attractive. This is a trap. It will suck what little energy and joy you have and make your muscles flabby for the work of getting into an in-depth book/hobby/experience.

I know the feeling of being able to see how the sausage is made, but... well... first, being in a better mental state will make that matter less, and second, reading prose that is more competent will make that less of an issue. A lot of mainstream tradpub genre fiction is not, in my opinion, very well written these days. Obviously, people are still enjoying it, and that's fine, but if you're noticing writers fumbling around, it might be time to check out some literary fiction or some other category known more for prose quality than anything else.

It's also important to have some structure and some things to look forward to. Even if you feel tired, overwhelmed, and busy, sometimes, the answer is to do more... But it must be things that are distinct and significant and that get you off of the couch, like going to one museum every weekend.

I saw some advice once about this kind of thing that phrased it as "One big adventure; one small adventure."

Every week, you should have those two things to look forward to that matter. Check out a new coffee shop. That could be the small one. Go to an event: a gallery opening, a concert, whatever.

Physical exercise and doing some things that aren't as verbal and conscious thought-involving is important too. Painting is a better hobby for zoning out than writing is. Taking long walks in nature is good for most people.

--

The kind of intense, obsessive love I had for reading as a child and that I sometimes have for fandom requires a lot of attention and some time. It's escapist, but that masks how much work it actually was. It didn't feel like work only because we were in training.

If you've filled your brain and your day up with a thousand petty annoyances or minor and useless attempts to feel something, you won't have the capacity for those deeper things.

Because you are already at a point that's equivalent to a bad sprained ankle, trying to get back to running right now won't work. You have to stay off of the ankle for a bit, then build your strength and stamina back up.

[thydungeongal]

I saw your post on DnD having no consequences besides death and was wondering what systems you know that aren't like that,and how they accomplish it.

Really love your stuff btw!

First one that comes to mind is Fate. The way Fate achieves it is simple: instead of having death as a consequence, in Fate if your character gets taken out of combat (which will happen if they take Stress and they have no more Stress boxes to take that Stress and you don't elect to take a consequence instead) they're simply Taken Out. There's no countdown to death, the character is simply out of the conflict. And should the whole party get wiped in a conflict that simply means that they failed to achieve whatever it was they wanted to achieve in that conflict. This means that players can lose individual conflicts but the story doesn't end there. In fact, the game in some ways encourages losing in conflicts, because it can be a source of character development (via Extreme consequences which can only be taken once every now and then and that actually change one of the character's Aspects, basic building blocks of the character). Fate also allows, as far as I remember, simply conceding a conflict, meaning that characters lose the conflict but at least they get out mostly without consequence.

Blades in the Dark is another one: BitD is about doing heists and during heists characters can suffer a wide variety of consequences, including various degrees of injury. The important thing is that BitD allows players to declare that their characters are withdrawing from a heist whenever they want. This means that they get no payoff and go straight into downtime, and still have to deal with the various consequences like heat and entanglements. So, players basically always have the choice to retreat. (And in fact this is something that is very similar to older editions of D&D: before cyclical, individual initiative became the norm, characters would take turns together, and between rounds of combat players could decide that their characters would retreat. It wasn't of course automatic and there was a chance of pursuit, but there was a quick escape button available to players.)

QuestWorlds is another one that allows for players to define what their characters' goal in a given conflict (called Sequence) is, and allows for either retreating (and thus failing to achieve the story goal) as well as simply losing and failing to achieve the story goal with added consequence. QuestWorlds is very similar to Fate in how abstract it is in modeling conflict. QuestWorlds also models difficulty rising with every success since it seeks to model a certain type of narrative structure. It's a fascinating game imo

That's just a few though, and there are countless others as well.

[rose24207]

Safe Place

Summary: feeling exhausted, Lando calls his girlfriend for a night to allow himself to relax.

TW: None!

Genre: Fluff

A/N: English is not my first language. I hope you enjoy it though! Requests are open and welcome :)

Masterlist

It had been a long week for Lando, bouncing between the simulator, press events, and endless meetings with his team. You could tell he was running on fumes when he texted you earlier in the day:

Lando: Pizza, blanket fort, and Mario Kart tonight? Just us. Need my favorite person.

How could you say no to that?

When you arrived at his apartment, you barely had time to knock before Lando opened the door, his messy curls and soft hoodie giving away just how much he was embracing his downtime.

“There’s my favorite human,” he said, pulling you in for a warm hug. He lingered for a moment, resting his chin on your shoulder before stepping back and giving you a small, tired smile. “Missed you today.”

“I saw you yesterday, you sap,” you teased, though you couldn’t help but smile.

“Yeah, well, yesterday wasn’t this,” he said, gesturing dramatically to the living room.

You peeked around him to see chairs, blankets, and cushions already scattered everywhere. “Let me guess—you’re making me build a blanket fort with you?”

“With me? Babe, you’re the master builder here,” he replied, grabbing your hand and tugging you toward the chaos. “I just gather the supplies. You’re the genius behind the architecture.”

For the next hour, the two of you constructed what could only be described as a masterpiece of childhood dreams. Lando insisted on fairy lights, arguing they were “essential for the vibe,” while you focused on making sure the fort didn’t collapse if he decided to dive into it—which he did.

“Lando!” you shrieked as he flopped into the middle, nearly taking down an entire side of the structure.

“I’m testing the stability!” he defended, poking his head out from under the blankets with a cheeky grin.

“You’re testing my patience,” you muttered, though you couldn’t hide your smile as you crawled in after him.

Once everything was perfect, the two of you settled inside, legs tangled as you shared a blanket. The fairy lights gave the fort a cozy glow, and Lando’s hand absentmindedly played with your fingers as you leaned against him.

“This is nice,” he said softly, breaking the comfortable silence.

You tilted your head to look at him. “You okay?”

He nodded, his eyes warm as they met yours. “Yeah. Just... it’s been a crazy week, and I needed this. Needed you.”

Your heart melted a little at his words. “Well, lucky for you, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to your temple.

The rest of the evening was pure chaos in the best way. You destroyed him in Mario Kart—twice—despite his protests that the controller was “clearly broken.” He tried to distract you during the final round by tickling your side, which nearly resulted in a full-blown pillow fight.

“Admit it!” he shouted, holding a pillow aloft as you scrambled behind the couch for cover.

“Admit what?” you called back, barely able to contain your laughter.

“That I let you win!”

“Never!” you yelled, launching a pillow his way. It missed by a mile, but the attack gave you just enough time to dart back into the fort.

Lando followed, collapsing beside you in a fit of laughter. He pulled you close, his arms wrapping around your waist as you both caught your breath.

“You’re lucky I love you,” he said, grinning as he nuzzled his nose against your cheek.

“I’m very lucky,” you agreed, resting your forehead against his.

The night ended with the two of you snuggled under the blankets, sharing slices of pizza and swapping stories. Lando’s hand never left yours, his thumb tracing lazy circles against your skin.

“Thanks for being my safe place, Y/N,” he whispered as he started to drift off, his head resting on your shoulder.

You pressed a soft kiss to his curls, your heart full. “Always.”

Thank you for reading!!

[novlr]

Could you please give some tips to maintain flow and pacing in fiction writing?

Before diving into the tips, let’s briefly define what we mean by flow and pacing:

Flow

Flow is the smooth progression of ideas, scenes, and events in your story. It includes:

Logical development of ideas and themes.

Seamless transitions between scenes.

Natural event sequencing.

Organic character development.

Well-timed information reveals.

Appropriate emotional progression.

Getting the flow right immerses readers in the story so they can easily follow the narrative. It’s the invisible thread that unifies all aspects of your writing, ensuring each element contributes to the whole.

Pacing

Pacing refers to the speed at which your story unfolds and how quickly (or slowly) you reveal information to the reader. It’s a vital element of any narrative that affects the rhythm and tension. Effective pacing keeps readers engaged, controls the emotional impact of your story, and helps maintain momentum.

The most important considerations in pacing include:

Story rhythm: The overall tempo of your narrative can vary from fast-paced and thrilling to slow and contemplative.

Information reveals: How and when you disclose plot points, character backstories, and world-building details to your readers.

Tension and release: The balance between building suspense and providing resolution or relief.

Scene and chapter length: The structure of your story at both micro and macro levels can affect how quickly readers progress through your narrative.

Narrative focus: What you choose to emphasise in your story and how much time you spend on different elements (e.g., action, dialogue, description, introspection).

Both these elements play together to create an immersive and entertaining experience for readers, so it’s important to get them right. But how, exactly, do you do that? Here are some tips!

Vary sentence structure and length

One of the most effective ways to maintain flow and control pacing is by varying your sentence structure and length. This technique helps create rhythm in your prose and prevents monotony. Here’s how:

Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones.

Use sentence fragments for emphasis or to quicken the pace.

Use compound and complex sentences to slow things down and add depth.

Start sentences with different parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives) to keep things interesting (academic writing will tell you not to start a sentence with “and” or “but”, but I’m here to tell you it’s fine to break those rules!)

Use paragraph breaks strategically

Paragraph breaks are often overlooked but are a powerful tool for controlling the flow and pacing of your story. They provide visual cues to the reader and can be used to emphasise certain story points or create suspense.

Use shorter paragraphs to increase tension and quicken the pace.

Use longer paragraphs for descriptive passages or to slow things down.

Create single-sentence paragraphs for dramatic effect or to highlight important information.

Master the art of transitions

Smooth transitions between scenes, ideas, and events are essential for maintaining flow in your writing. They help guide the reader through your story without jarring interruptions.

Use transitional phrases or words (e.g., “meanwhile,” “later that day,” “across town”) sparingly. Clarity is best, but it’s easy to overuse them and turn them into crutch words.

Use sensory details to bridge scenes (e.g., describing a sound that carries over from one scene to the next).

Let your characters’ actions or thoughts link different parts of your story.

Create thematic connections between scenes or chapters.

Balance action and downtime

A well-paced story strikes a balance between action-packed scenes and moments of introspection or character development. This balance helps maintain reader interest while giving your narrative necessary depth.

Follow intense action scenes with quieter moments of reflection.

Use introspective passages to build tension before action sequences.

Weave character thoughts and feelings into action scenes for added depth and character development.

Avoid long stretches of either pure action or pure introspection, as it can be either overwhelming, exhausting, or boring for readers to have too much of the same tone.

Control the flow of information

How and when you reveal information to the reader is a critical aspect of pacing. Carefully controlling the release of information can create suspense, maintain mystery, and keep readers engaged.

Use foreshadowing to hint at future events without giving everything away.

Employ flashbacks judiciously to provide backstory without disrupting the main narrative.

Reveal character motivations gradually throughout the story.

Create mini-mysteries or subplots to maintain reader interest between major plot points.

Use dialogue effectively

Dialogue always seems easy, but it’s difficult to do well. But when it is done well, it’s a powerful tool for controlling pacing and maintaining flow in your story. It can quicken the pace, provide character development, and convey important information.

Use short, snappy exchanges to increase tension and pace.

Write longer conversations for character development or to slow things down.

Intersperse dialogue with action beats to maintain flow and provide context.

Vary dialogue tags and consider using action instead of tags to avoid repetition.

Create a rhythm with scene structure

The structure of your scenes can greatly impact the flow and pacing of your story. By varying scene length and intensity, you can create a rhythm that keeps your story moving smoothly.

Alternate between long and short scenes to create variety.

Use scene breaks or chapter endings to create cliffhangers and maintain suspense.

Vary the intensity of scenes, following high-tension moments with calmer ones.

Consider the overall arc of your story when structuring scenes, building towards climactic moments.

Show, don’t tell

It’s the most common writing advice for a reason. And it all boils down to using sensory language to enhance a reader’s experience. It turns a list of plot points into a story. Sensory details can enhance flow and pacing by immersing readers in the world you’ve created. However, it’s also important to use them wisely. It’s not about showing everything but showing what you need to at the right time for the best effect.

Use vivid sensory details during important moments to slow down time and increase impact.

Use brief sensory descriptions to quickly set the scene without disrupting pacing.

Choose specific, evocative details rather than providing exhaustive descriptions.

Vary the senses you appeal to, not just relying on visual descriptions.

Mini info-dumps work

Knowing when to summarise events or passages of time is often overlooked, but it’s an important part of pacing your story. While in general info-dumping is frowned on, sometimes it’s a necessary part of plotting. Not every moment needs to be shown in real time; sometimes, a brief summary can help move the story along.

Use short info-dumps for less important events or time passages.

Info-dumps can bridge gaps between key scenes.

Combine an info-dump with scene-specific details to make it feel more natural.

[wandamaximoffsbadgirl]

(Are your requests just closed to fics or headcannons too? If they’re closed to both ignore this and have a nice day 💕)

I love all of the dom WandaNat x sub fem reader dynamics

SoftWandanat x reader

MeanWandaNat x reader

Soft Wanda x Mean/Strict Natasha x reader

The list could go on

But there is something so specifically alluring about Mean/Strict Mommy Wanda x Lenient (not necessarily soft) Natasha x reader

Like I can’t explain it but that dynamic of them specifically is just so * chef kiss *

Anyway can I please have Strict Wanda/Lenient Natasha x reader headcannons 🤭

Thank you for this request! I love the idea of all different Wandanat x reader HC, but there truly is something about strict/lenient Wandanat that gets me~

Strict Wanda

-Wanda’s strictness primarily stems from her protective nature. She’s been through a lot and wants to ensure you’re safe at all times. She sets clear boundaries and expects you to follow them to avoid any danger.

-If you're involved in any superhero activities, Wanda will insist on rigorous training sessions. She believes in being prepared for anything and wants you to be at your best.

-Wanda ensures you maintain a healthy lifestyle. She monitors your diet, encourages regular exercise, and makes sure you get enough rest. She might even use a bit of her magic to help you recover from minor injuries or fatigue.

-Despite her strictness, Wanda is incredibly affectionate. She rewards your adherence to rules with loving gestures, be it cooking your favorite meal, giving you a massage, or simply cuddling with you on the couch.

-Wanda is particularly strict about the use of magic, both hers and yours if you have any abilities. She teaches you about the dangers and ensures you use your powers responsibly.

Lenient Natasha

-Natasha’s leniency comes from her deep trust in you. She believes in your ability to make good decisions and only steps in when absolutely necessary.

-Natasha gives you the freedom to explore and experience life but is always there to guide you if you need advice. She shares her own experiences to help you navigate tricky situations.

-Natasha loves spending relaxed, quality time with you. Whether it’s watching movies, going for a late-night drive, or just hanging out at a café, she enjoys the laid-back moments.

-Natasha values open communication. She encourages you to share your thoughts and feelings with her and is always ready to listen without judgment.

WandaNat

-With Wanda’s strictness and Natasha’s leniency, you get the best of both worlds. They balance each other out, providing you with both structure and freedom.

-You feel incredibly safe with both Wanda and Natasha. Wanda’s strict measures and Natasha’s vigilant yet relaxed approach ensure you’re well-protected from any harm.

-You have an amazing support system with them. Wanda’s nurturing nature combined with Natasha’s encouraging attitude ensures you feel loved, supported, and motivated.

-They plan a mix of adventurous outings and relaxed downtime. You might go on a thrilling mission one day and have a cozy movie night the next, keeping your life exciting yet balanced.

-Despite their different approaches, both Wanda and Natasha share an unconditional love for you. They cherish you deeply and are committed to your happiness and well-being, each showing their affection in their unique way.

NSFW Headcanons!

Strict Wanda

-Wanda's strictness extends to the bedroom. She loves taking control and ensuring that you follow her lead. She finds pleasure in directing you and seeing you submit to her desires.

-Wanda enjoys teasing and denying you. She takes pleasure in building up your anticipation, making you earn your release. She might use her magic to heighten your senses or keep you on edge longer.

-After intense sessions, Wanda is exceptionally caring. She ensures you feel loved and comforted, providing gentle aftercare to help you relax and recover.

-Wanda enjoys incorporating her Scarlet Witch persona into your intimate moments. The sight of her in her costume, commanding and powerful, adds an extra layer of excitement.

Lenient Natasha

-Natasha loves exploring new things in the bedroom. She encourages you to express your desires and fantasies, creating a safe space for experimentation.

-Natasha’s approach is more relaxed and seductive. She enjoys taking her time, using her skills to build up a slow, sensual experience that leaves you breathless.

-Natasha likes incorporating toys and tools into your intimate moments. She’s knowledgeable and confident, making the experience thrilling and adventurous.

-Natasha enjoys whispering sweet nothings and dirty talk in your ear, her husky voice adding to the allure and intimacy of the moment.

WandaNat

-The dynamic between strict Wanda and lenient Natasha creates an exhilarating experience. Wanda’s dominance and Natasha’s playful nature complement each other perfectly, offering you a variety of sensations and experiences.

-With Wanda’s magic and Natasha’s skilled touch, they enjoy bringing you to sensory overload. Wanda might use her powers to enhance your senses while Natasha teases you with her hands and mouth.

-They are both very attentive to you, taking turns or working together to ensure you feel adored and pleasured. Their combined efforts make you feel like the center of their world.

-Above all, Wanda and Natasha’s intimate moments with you are filled with love and affection. They prioritize your happiness and satisfaction, making every encounter a deeply emotional and fulfilling experience.

[her-devils-advocate]

Selfish risks

pairings: Levi Ackerman x (GN!) reader

genre: domestic fluff

summary: In the peaceful downtime spent together, Levi decides to risk asking an important question.

word count: 1,435

ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54159382

The Scout headquarters is silent, most of the survey corps members have already taken themselves off to bed, greedily getting as much rest as possible before the next mission creeps up on them. Everyone has been working hard, with both training sessions and squad meetings running longer and longer each day, almost as if each scout could sense something approaching.

The wind howls outside the stone structure, rustling the leaves and causing the windows to rattle. You shiver despite the loud crackling of the fireplace inside your office, the amber flames fighting to keep the chill away.

The warmth and ambient sounds of nature do their best to lull you to sleep, exhaustion tugging on your eyelids as you force yourself to work through the night. A bad habit that you had picked up from a certain captain.

Your relationship with him over the years within the scouts had caused a few of his mannerisms to rub off onto you, for better or for worse. You’ve found that the recruits you are tasked to train tend to listen to you more after you picked up Levi’s “don’t test me” expression. However, you have caught yourself clicking your tongue in displeasure a lot more as well, much to the amusement of all those nearby to pick up on it.

The frantic scribbling of your pen grows louder as you try to rush the piles of paperwork towering before you. A small rumble breaks the silence as your stomach protests, unhappy with the dedication to the mountain of paper causing you to skip dinner accidentally.

You are so engulfed in the moment that you almost miss the gentle creaking of the door. You raise your head only to be met with tired silver eyes cutting through the shadows of the room. 

Levi slowly shuts the door before pausing, simply watching you sign your name and toss the pen to the side, ignoring the halfhearted glare thrown your way as it rolls across the desk and onto the floor with a small clatter. 

You stare at him for a moment, waiting for the small lecture about making a mess, even if it is in your own space. A lecture that, surprisingly, never comes.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" He says instead, his voice is gentle, yet you can sense the small reprimand within his words. 

"Curfew doesn't apply to squad leaders and higher, I thought you knew that?" You shoot him a playful smirk that only grows with the withering look you get in response.

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

"I know, there's just... so much to get through and I figured I would power through most of it while you were in the meeting with Erwin and Hange. Which seemed like a good plan considering how long it took."

Levi lets out a long sigh as he walks towards the armchair by the fire, flopping down onto the worn fabric. You smile at the sight, at how carefree and unguarded he lets himself be around you. 

A sight some could never think to imagine when it comes to the aloof captain, but you know him better than most.

You get up from the desk, groaning slightly as your muscles scream in defiance. A sign that you have been cooped up on the uncomfortable wooden chair for far too long. The sound causes Levi's head to snap in your direction, only relaxing again when he notices you are in no real pain.

The sight makes you smile, even with everything he has to handle within the Survey Corps, he still always makes sure to look out for you as well. Even when he doesn’t need to.

His eyes track your every movement and you see a myriad of emotions swirling through them: exhaustion, concern, wonder, adoration and love all mix with the flickering amber of the fire within the gunmetal of his eyes.

He shuffles to try and give you some space beside him in the small armchair, only to frown in frustration and pull you into his arms instead. You rest your head in the crook of his neck, straddling his lap as you bring your hand up to run through his silky hair.

"Interesting meeting?" You whisper into his neck, not wanting to break the peace that has settled over you both. Something you both rarely get to cherish, yet heavily deserve.

The only reply you get is a small hum, he tightens his grip around you and peppers your shoulder with small kisses.

"Four-eyes has a new experiment they want to try out. Apparently, it's fundamental that Erwin lets them capture more titans for it." Levi says with a small grumble, his voice slightly muffled by your shoulder, clearly unhappy to remember what had held up the already late meeting for so long.

You go to open your mouth to speak, only for his low voice to cut you off instantly.

"And no, you're not helping them with whatever shitty plan they have in mind. You need to stop letting them drag you into their schemes so easily." He punctuates his words with a small flick to the centre of your forehead.

You let out a light laugh, the action sending a shiver across Levi's skin.

"How did you know I was going to suggest helping Hange?"

"I know you too well."

"That you do." You kiss his jawline, slowly moving towards his lips, leaving a trail of feather-light kisses as you do. He sighs when your lips finally meet his own, his eyes flickering shut briefly as you part. 

"Marry me."

Your eyes widen briefly, shock and excitement rushing through you, you are almost certain you had misheard him if it weren't for the slightest blush covering his cheeks and the determined look in his eyes.

"Is that an order, Captain?"

He huffs out a small laugh, his eyes flicking up briefly before he reveals a small ring from the pocket of his jacket. A proud green jewel sits atop the thin silver band, your breath catches as it glints in the firelight.

"I could make it one if you wanted. I got fed up of waiting for some perfect moment or whatever that traditional bullshit is. There are no perfect moments in this world, not when titans could eat us at any moment." He pauses for a moment, his usually stoic voice faltering with emotions as he tries to hide his face from your unwavering gaze.

"Or so I thought until you made me experience peace in these moments with you. Then I realised that every moment where we are alive together is a perfect one."

You stare at him with wide eyes, not noticing the stream of tears running down your cheeks until you feel his calloused hand brush them away with a softness you couldn't begin to imagine.

"The thought of having someone to lose scares me, but you've made me realise that marriage or not, loving you has been a risk I've been taking for a while now. Might as well make you officially mine while we have the chance."

You let out a watery giggle as your hands dance along the fabric of his shirt, smoothing out any creases that dare to cling to him.

"You know, most marriage proposals don't have the implications of a horrible death woven into them."

"That's clearly where the poor fuckers are going wrong then."

Levi's eyes are soft as he watches you, his lips finally quirking up into a small smile as you let out an undignified snort at his comment.

"Yes, I will marry you." 

You don't miss the way his shoulders drop with relief, nor the genuine joy that shines through his eyes. He delicately takes the hand you wordlessly offer him, taking his time to slide the ring onto your finger.

“Good, I want to risk being selfish. Just this once.”

You beam at his words, heart heavy as you place a soft kiss onto his lips before throwing your arms around his neck to pull him as close as possible. His arms quickly wrap around your lower back as he holds you tightly, his head resting against your chest. 

He can almost sense the approaching comment from the way you jiggle with pure, albeit restrained laughter.

“Is it green to match our capes? Don’t get me wrong, love, you choose very well. A fact I’m sure you already know, but…is that the reason?” “Shut up.”

The laugh you give him in response warms both of your hearts more than the now-dying fire could manage.

[byoldervine]

The Trick To Writing Filler

(TL;DR at the bottom)

Filler is when you spend a chapter padding the length of your story between plot-related events. Filler chapters have little to no impact on the overarching plot and can be self-contained, and thus in TV shows filler episodes are often reran the most as people unfamiliar with the show can casually watch without being confused without the knowledge of prior plot beats

So with the chapter being largely self-contained and acting outside of the plot, what do you use to make the filler chapter engaging? I’m going to use filler episodes from Avatar: The Last Airbender to provide examples

1. Worldbuilding. Zuko Alone depicts Zuko’s travels taking him through an Earth Kingdom village and becoming acquainted to the family that allows him to stay with them, especially their young son. He learns about what the Fire Nation’s impact on this village has been; destroyed houses, families torn apart, constant robbery and other abuses of power and injustices. And even after Zuko defends the villagers and his new friend, he’s venomously cast out from the village by even the little boy because he outed himself as a firebender. This episode explored the impact of the war on the people of the Earth Kingdom, the victims of war that have no involvement in it and no way of defending themselves from it

2. Character exploration. In The Beach, we learn more about Mai, Ty Lee, Azula and Zuko and how their own traumas and personal upbringings have impacted their personalities. For Zuko this is part of a turning point for him, but for the girls it’s more to understand why they are the people we’ve gotten to know over the seasons, especially Ty Lee and Mai. The episode also serves to showcase how Azula and Zuko are so out of place being just normal teenagers; Azula has no idea how to talk to her peers and no identity outside being Princess Azula of the Fire Nation, while Zuko’s hotheadedness and jealousy issues lead him to lash out and be far too confrontational and controlling for his own good. This episode isn’t really used to develop these characters, or at least not the girls, but instead explains and showcases their behaviours and the reasons behind them

3. Character development. Going back to The Beach, Zuko does indeed receive development rather than just character exploration like the girls do; he comes to understand that he’s not just angry at the world or angry in general, but angry with himself. This is a notable turning point for Zuko’s redemption arc, because he now understands fully that he truly regrets betraying Iroh and sacrificing his new start in life in favour of returning to the Fire Nation. He might not yet be fully decided on turning his back on Ozai, but without this moment I don’t know if he’d have gotten there, or at least not as quickly as he did

4. Relationship development. Sokka’s Master has a C plot of Aang, Katara and Toph all being rather bored and lost without Sokka’s presence. The A plot exploring Sokka’s feelings of inadequacy and uselessness in comparison to such powerful and formidable bending masters being contrasted with the Gaang unable to function without him already speaks volumes about their dynamics, but looking deeper into the C plot also shows how much value Sokka really does bring to the team; structure, planning, humour, a quick wit, strategic moves. The Gaang always supported Sokka and never seemed to view him as expendable outside of the occasional teasing, but having it acknowledged so clearly and plainly that they can feel a little aimless and flat without Sokka and being so delighted when he returns really shows us the kind of value Sokka brings to this team and brings us and the characters to further appreciate it

5. Downtime. The Ember Island Players depicts the characters taking a break to watch a comedic play based on their wacky adventures, only to be largely underwhelmed and displeased by how they’re portrayed. There are no stakes to this episode and barely any plot, just the Gaang taking a breather as they react to a bad play. This chance to relax and watch something inconsequential is just as important to the viewers as we’ve got the show’s finale in the next four episodes, which will be very plot-driven and intense. The Ember Island Players also has the additional viewer bonus of recapping the events of the show right before it all ends, giving the viewers time to reflect on the journey they’ve gone on with these characters. In order for the stakes to feel high and the tension to rise, there has to be downtime where there are low stakes and low tension; if things are intense all the time, the moments that are supposed to feel super intense will just feel average in comparison. Resetting that intensity right before such a big event while still acknowledging the looming threat coming soon will feel like the calm before the storm and allow your audience to soak it all up like the characters are

Wow, did I just go through all that without talking about Tales of Ba Sing Se? I’ll save that for another post if people are interested in more

TL;DR - filler provides a moment to breathe, reset the intensity levels the audience are experiencing and take a chance to step away from the external conflict (the overarching plot) in favour of worldbuilding and the characters within your setting. Small moments can amount to something big, and can help make large scale decisions or plot twists feel more build-up and in-character

[armageddon-generation]

Empire of Death was bad and cemented several fundemental flaws in this season.

I watched this in the theatre, and the contrast between everyone's excitement before Empire, and their universal disappointment leaving the theatre was super disheartening. I'm gonna try to articulate my problems with episode, and how they're linked to fundenental structural issues of this season.

SPOILERS BELOW:

Sutekh

The moment the UNIT characters died the story was robbed of any stakes. (Also? Kate and Ibrahim?? During Pride month?? Disgusting)

Sutekh was pointless, big CGI spectacle who was barely there. Saying he's been latched onto the TARDIS since Pyramids of Mars was such an asspull. Why couldn't he have latched on during Wild Blue Yonder? wouldn't that make much more sense??

You're telling me the guy who holds all life in contempt is invested enough in learning the identity of Ruby's mum he willingly reveals himself??

And then they defeat him by dragging him through the Vortex just like before, which it's been explicitly stated *didn't work* last time? He just *lets* Ruby leash him??

The 'death of death is life' bit, and the idea of the Doctor representing life as a Ying to Sutekh's Yang, is a cool concept just jammed in there with no real buildup or depth.

The issue is bringing Sutekh back takes so much effort- a literal, clunky clipshow of Pyramids of Mars, a whole episode spent building up to the reveal of a silly anagram entirely unrekated to Sutekh's previous appearance. And it just... amounts to nothing. What a silly way to cap off a season meant to be jumping-on point for brand-new viewers.

Mel was just takingup space. Pointless.

Ruby's Mother

I don't have a problem with the *concept* of Ruby's mum being normal. I really like the idea thematically. The execution was terrible.

First of all it leaves so many unanswered questions (why the snow? Why was time changing? Why was she shadowed? Literally just for the sake of the mystery-box?) and represents the worst thing about this new era- RTD using fantasy logic to handwave any logic at all, and just do whatever he wants without properly justifying it.

Second, I *hate* how easy and simple and neat the reunion is. Ruby seems incapable of getting angry with anyone. She has never once argued with 15, or Carla, or anyone besides that one moment in 73 Yards. She has never expressed any kind of negative feeling towards her mother for abandoning her. And it's fine for her to reach that conclusion! It's just bizzare we never see Ruby struggle with her feelings beyond the shallow goal of wanting to find her.

(Also Carla? Has nothing to say?? Just welcomes that woman in with basically no comment? Carla is a 2D cutout of a person, used as a plot device and otherwise relegated to the single character trait of I Love My Daughter. The children yearn for the ilk of Jackie Tyler, Sylvia Noble, even Francine Jones.)

15 & Ruby

The emotion behind 15 & Ruby's split felt entirely unearned because we've never seen their bond develop. They never argue, never disagree, Ruby hasn't learned anything about herself or grown or changed. The closest we got to that is 73 Yards, which was undone. She was already brave and kind and musical and sure she loved her adoptive family when we met her in Church on Ruby Road.

Similarly, 15 tells us Ruby encouraged him to talk about family in a way he never has, but that was in what, two moments across the season? And they seemed random, unrelated to Ruby being with him. New viewers will assume 15 is just that open anyway- he was discussing fatherhood with a dead man's hologram- and old viewers assumed trauma-dumping was just a new trait of 15's personality, not Ruby-specific.

The problem is we're told Ruby & 15 are best friends but it isn't earned. I liked 15 crying initially but both he and Ruby do it so much (15 cries about 5 times in this one episode) it loses its impact and I'm becoming numb to it. There is no contrast, no downtime.

Season Structural Issues

I think the biggest problem is Season 1's storytelling priorities. It's much more interested in selling *the show* (look at our big budget! And guest stars! And how flexible our format is! Musical episode! The Beatles as props! Bottle episode! Indie folk-horror! Black Mirror! Gay Bridgerton!) it forgot to put effort into developing and investing us in its characters. I liked a lot of the individual stories this year but in retrospect a lot of them feel like they're wasting space that needed to go to essential character and theme setup.

These skewed priorities, combined with the cut down episode count, really impact the pacing of the season. Ruby and 15 were barely together! Even in Rogue they were seperated for most of the story!! We only loop back to a flashback of 15 meeting Carla in Rogue!

This is made worse by the baffling insistence on a 45-minute runtime. We know key sequences were cut from almost every episode, with highlights including:

The Gobin King invading Ruby's flat and her banishing him with scratchcards in The Church on Ruby Road: Her missing 'companion saves the day' moment!

Refrence to the Toymaker in The Church on Ruby Road, which was itself referenced in The Devil's Chord. 'I told you about the Toymaker when we first met' sir, objectively you did not.

The TARDIS jukebox playing the Sugarbabes' Push The Button in the opening scene of Space Babies, hastily cut around in the final edit. This is the setup of a running joke still in the episode, and part of the story's climax. The first encounter with the Bogeyman was also longer, with 15 taking particular interest in its skin

Extended scenes in Abbey Road from The Devil's Chord, including an apparently significant speaking role for Cilla Black, according to her annoyed actress.

Cut dialogue from The Devil's Chord explaining the musoical number was caused by Maestro's power lingering, and that banishing them undid everything they'd done. Fans inferred thos based on the rules established in The Giggle, but again, new fans haven't seen The Giggle and were left clueless.

An opening sequence for The Legend of Ruby Sunday where 15 & Ruby meet Susan as a nanny in 1947 America, a blue-skinned waitress, and an astronaut meeting a colony of giant, sentient ants. At the end of this we actually see 15 decide to go to UNIT for help. In the broadcast version he just sorta shows up.

Really what Empire of Death exposed to me is how emotionally hollow the season was. I enjoy the exoperimentalism, but not at the cost of character. And then in the finale Russell reverts to almost a parody of his RTD1 finales, with the nonsense logic and lack of consequences. All the worst bits of Last of the Time Lords and The Giggle put in a blender.

[utilitycaster]

maybe a slightly unpopular opinion but I love how this season of D20 is about the boring day to day of high school along with all the usual mystery and hijinks. I like how after the wacky chaos and Spring Break Vibes we have to see the characters actually balance all their high school responsibilities, and I love the downtime mechanics. I like how all the running gags from season 1 - D20's first season - are getting fleshed out and explored and made serious, like Fig attending barbarian classes and Porter not liking Gorgug. I like how on some level the party is just exhausted from spending all summer saving the world instead of doing dumb teenage things. I like how the structure of D20 means that we actually do play out the long-term consequences of some of the party's victories that would have been in the endgame of most campaigns (eg: Adaine killing her terrible father). I like how Kristen's story especially echoes this, with her being told that she has to get good at the less flashy stuff, not just the huge miracles. also I definitely think Jace, who was killed by Aguefort very early in the first season, killed Yolanda.

[ostrichmonkey-games]

Cleaning up a thread I posted over on bluesky earlier where I talked a little bit about some thoughts on downtime and time in general, in Forged in the Dark games.

So, whenever I end up playing different fitd games one thing that basically always happens, is the emergence of a "mission session" and "downtime session", really just a doubling down on the separate phases. Which I like! (also, as a GM, a downtime session can be a nice break since the players take charge with what actions they want to use).

Downtime sessions extend from shorter checklists about recovering and working on plans to places where the pace can change, characters have more room to grow, and time can pass at different intervals ( @temporalhiccup's Twilight Throne in particular has a lot of fun with downtime actions for example).

In general, the "spending time" part is something I'm interested in, and something I want to tinker with.

Right now, I'm playing with the idea of removing the typical mission -> downtime -> mission etc, structure, and having downtime be specifically about time passing in larger chunks.

This means you could go mission -> mission -> mission, for as long as you think you can risk it, but once you decide to start downtime any time-sensitive Things you wanted to accomplish are now impacted (and maybe no longer accessible!).

I'm interested in seeing what the effects are when time becomes more of an important resource you have to juggle along with everything else. For example, instead of having a relatively guaranteed chance of recovery after each mission, what happens when you have are faced with pushing yourself to accomplish a time sensitive goal when you're already way up on stress, or missing out on the time sensitive goal and choosing to take a rest during downtime?

Also, having downtime be more explicitly be about larger chunks of time passing seems like it would feed nicely into the "GM Turn" that is the faction/heat/fallout/troubles style of mechanics in most FitD games.

This will probably be yet another Thing i tinker with in "Unnamed Furry Crime Game", along with my quest to rework harm into something more dynamic.

(2025 will be the year i actually come up with a name for this game too)