#the abyss alien secret base

[jeandejard3n]

The Abyss: Alien Secret Base

[queereads-bracket]

Queer Adult SFF Books Bracket: Round 1

Book summaries below:

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff (The Nevernight Chronicle series)

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves.

Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge?

Fantasy, secondary world, series, adult

Planetfall series (Planetfall, After Atlas, Before Mars, Atlas Alone) by Emma Newman

Renata Ghali believed in Lee Suh-Mi’s vision of a world far beyond Earth, calling to humanity. A planet promising to reveal the truth about our place in the cosmos, untainted by overpopulation, pollution, and war. Ren believed in that vision enough to give up everything to follow Suh-Mi into the unknown.

More than twenty-two years have passed since Ren and the rest of the faithful braved the starry abyss and established a colony at the base of an enigmatic alien structure where Suh-Mi has since resided, alone. All that time, Ren has worked hard as the colony's 3-D printer engineer, creating the tools necessary for human survival in an alien environment, and harboring a devastating secret.

Ren continues to perpetuate the lie forming the foundation of the colony for the good of her fellow colonists, despite the personal cost. Then a stranger appears, far too young to have been part of the first planetfall, a man who bears a remarkable resemblance to Suh-Mi.

The truth Ren has concealed since planetfall can no longer be hidden. And its revelation might tear the colony apart…

Science fiction, mystery, psychological thriller, series, adult

[onethverse]

OC-Tober catch-up! days 2-5

Prev: Day 1 | #loz oc

oops all LoZ ocs.

2: NEW OC

Oneth (wunth) ([wʌnθ])

Oneth is dying of memory. A spirit whose power flourishes in darkness, it was weakened as Hyrule left the Calamity behind and entered a new era of peace and enlightenment. Although every mouth that utters its name brings it closer to its death, Oneth still revealed itself to Sabel, and the two formed a pact. To erase the burden of memory from the world, easing Sabel's suffering and grief while saving his mysterious friend's life. It cannot be seen. Oneth is a small, slight creature that glows with a faint light, much like a fairy; absent is the cheery tinkling of fairy bells. It is nearly a foot in height and has wings and long, tangled appendages. Its fish-like gaze betrays a desire to see all swallowed by the abyss. Its domain is oblivion and the lightless abyssal depths of the sea.

how recently did you make them?

Last November probably. So I do have newer ocs. But they needs images :( regarding its design:

i had the idea of an anti-fairy with fish attributes for a little while, but it clicked into place after playing some Ico recently. I had to draw the thing at the intersection of Yorda, Seath the scaleless, and rabbit fish (chimaera monstrosa.) One of my other inspirations for this character was Jenna Moran's oeuvre of RPGs like Nobilis and Glitch. Never even played them I just follow people on tumblr who post about them nonstop

3: OLD OC

now this is crazy. via: maples.im

how long ago did you make them?

Seyches began as my MapleStory character when I started playing around 2005.

Sorry, I've had to reread that sentence about a dozen times now. It's been how long?

In his first iteration, he was an exiled prince with eyes that changed colors based on emotion, in a love triangle with two or more demon boyfriends, and eternally escaping some dungeon or being caged somewhere.

Also, he was called into duty as a silly pirate's first mate and pyrotechnics expert; such are the demands of irc rp.

credit: cata_dioptric, trubadui (via picrew)

Seyches (I already have his IPA right here, so I'll drop it: [sɛʃ]) is a lonely 30-year-old dude. He has a job as a scrivener, but moonlights as a forger. In his spare time, he’s writing a historical play about Gerudo kings. He likes coffee and cats. He is a trans man, born female and living as a man; a move regarded by some as “not Gerudo-like.” Irrelevant.

He's a former "business partner" of Domri, who pretends not to know Seyches despite being well acquainted. He has an ability to suss out people's secrets, so after meeting Sabel and Ark he becomes aware of both their bizarre obsession with each other and the potential doom they intend to bring upon the world. Well, he's neither a user of powerful magic nor a ninja swordsman, so the best he can do is play mind games with them.

⭐ 4: UNDER-APPRECIATED OC

an oc you feel like you don't talk about enough, or you haven't fleshed out as much as you would like

Anika, whose name I misspelled in my previous post, and who I fridged...Um, if there's anything I'd like to say to women, it's this: I'm sorry women.

Here's what we know: she was a girl who liked to sing, chase boys, and privately harbor grandiose dreams. After the birth of her only child, he became her primary obsession. Btw, the father is unknown, but according to genetic testing on the only chromosome he didn't inherit from her (wait, I count 47 here?) we have narrowed down the most likely candidates to Jareth the Goblin King and aliens from ufos. So anyway, Anika and her parthenogenetic clone were able to comfortably get by once the child started talking to fairies, who would lead him to places where caches of treasure had been hidden long ago by people who hoped to retrieve it after the apocalypse.

credit: z idk their socials

This is just another picture of Sabel but they're almost identical to each other. Sabel is taller and has smaller tits I guess

At least Anika has tumblr posts I can associate w/ her even if it's 1. an x-files gifset: “But the baby’s father is an alien?” / “No, no, I didn’t say he was an alien, I said he was from another planet. His name is Luke Skywalker. He’s what’s known as a Jedi Knight.” 2. "splish splash, hobbit overboard"

5: RE-DESIGNED OC

credit: The Illoganatii

an oc who has changed a lot (what changed about them?) or, if you haven't redesigned an oc: is there anything you might want to change about an existing oc?

Ark has been around about as long as Seyches, originating as a doodle based on the main character of Pokemon Trozei, which I read about in Nintendo Power and have never played. Regrettably it was drawn on the back of my state standardized test so I could never have it back.

He was a ponytail girl with a blue beret. and a blonde. He became a copium ranger/repressed ninja. For my own satisfaction, I thought I could make a strongly ftm-coded cis male character, but something else happened.

He's a man but he's a child. He's in love with his murderer. He knows he's being manipulated and he can see through Sabel’s lies. He's a puppet he's a doll. He's sick and full of twisted grief. And he's your next president/owner of the Triforce of wisdom. Wisdom?! I wish I’d been born a… The wanter.

if i redesigned an oc now it would be oneth bc if i had to draw that thing repeatedly i would simply replace it with a fish head with wings

Thanks for reading :3

[animemaniac21]

WHY I HATE TIME REGRESSION TROPE IN ANIME

#AN OPINION BLOG

SPOILER ALERTS !!!!

This is my first opinion blog, or simply a rant you will, but if you have completed Solo Leveling and Dr. Stone, bear with me on this one. Recently I found an anime called Aiyou’s Secret Room, a mystery thriller based on escape rooms, and since the 1st episode, it hooked me on itself. The characters, the plot, everything was thrilling! At that time, 15 episodes were released, and with each episode, I was awe-stricken, the mystery deepening, with no easy solution; made it all the more interesting! The hole of mystery dug in Episode 1 had become an endless abyss by then! So, I binged watch them in a day, and waited, for the final one to be released. The finale- where all threads of mystery will be untangled! And today, it was released. So, how was my experience? Well…now, I’m no author but lemme tell you, if you are writing a story and at the end of it you leave a major plot point unexplained…much less what is the centre plot around which the story revolves, and also move your protagonist back to square one, on the name of taking the story to a ‘full circle’, then regardless of how great and thrilling the story has been, it will all go down the drain. Unless there’s a season 2, but there weren’t any details to be found.

And here’s where I rest my argument. Regressions. The ‘back to square one’ trope. Sorry, but I hate them. Why? Cause going back to square one literally defeats the purpose of the story’s development! All progress is lost. Is it that hard to understand?

Let’s take Dr. Stone for example. The manga is finished, and when it was ongoing, I awaited every week for another fabulous chapter. The story may have a lot of cliché tropes, but it doesn’t disappoint on its very central theme- science in a stone world. How Senku develops modern science once again along with other scientists even in a world of primitives. Its science is top-notch, and so are the adventures. So, what about its ending? Well…

The plot is driven by the mystery of petrification itself, and with each turn it deepens. Until ultimately, in the final arc, it is revealed- that the petrification devices are aliens?! The entire moon arc was ‘maybe’ too rushed, and for the entire thing to develop into this, it also felt weird. But alright, this may be my opinion only, but man, when the in the last chapter Senku decides to create a FUCKING TIME MACHINE, trying to return to 5000 years in past, I lost it. Wait, so what about the present? What about Kohaku, Chrome or Suika? What about going to the future together? Won’t they just disappear? What’s the point?

Solo Leveling. It was thrilling. Every chapter. Up until the end, I remained in a thrill, what would happen, how will he win, will he die? But what our protagonist does? Reverses time itself so that everyone forgets his existence and he goes back to square one, of course with all his powers, so that he could redo it overall! I mean, from the audience’s point, all the development that happened, is lost. What makes Solo Leveling so thrilling is this growth of our weak protagonist, and now what? At the other end, he is just an overpowered ‘all-knowing’ protagonist.

This ‘all-knowing’ is so damn annoying. Now, many fantasy manga/manhwas start with the MC returning to the past to solve the problem all over. This leaves us with an ‘all-knowing’ MC and no mystery is left. A reincarnation is different; you go to a distant future. But overpowered cause you are a ‘know it all’?

Let’s compare it to an anime like, let’s say Tokyo Revengers. Regressions are its plot, the protagonist’s power. He corrects the past to get a better future, but mysteriously the future just worsens. Tokyo Revengers doesn’t put a ‘know it all’ ‘correcting the past’ MC on the plate, but an intriguing MC with some mystery entangling him and the past. Its plot is delivered well, unlike the other regression fantasies.

But that can just be my preference, cause these regressions to correct the past making a ‘know it all’ MC is still a well-received trope. But Dr Stone or Solo Leveling? Heck no! Pulling that shit on end, destroying all the ‘development’, back to square one, WHY?

This distaste that I held for these tropes is just reignited with Aiyou’s Secret Room, and unless anyone can confirm there’s more to the story, my advice: please don’t waste your time watching it.

Or any such story for that matter!

PS: I uploaded this blog a year back, but since I thought I might share all my blogs on other platforms like Tumblr, so I thought to post this one first 😅

[eddiestattoos]

Ok stargate fam. After a rewatch I've compiled a list of character centric eps. So I ask

Quick summary under the cut for those who aren't good with ep titles

Cold Lazarus- Alien entity clones Jack, visits Sara

Brief Candle- "That time Jack got really old"

The fifth race- Ancient knowledge downloaded in his brain (the first time), Asgard meeting!!

A hundred days- trapped on another planet after a meteor shower buries the gate, falls for local woman (name escapes me ok)

Shades of grey- forced retirement and joins Maybournes team as an elaborate secret plan to take down the rogue NID operatives

Abyss- captured, tortured by Ba'al, ascended Daniel as moral support

Paradise Lost- Trapped on another planet with Maybourne (it's always Maybourne, am I right?)

Fragile Balance- Mini Jack! (Asgard cloned him)

Zero Hour- no good very bad day(s) as commander, involving but not limited to a plant taking over the entire base

[beast-towers]

Howdy to all! I’m back… kinda, I might disappear again after this... This is only a update post that I am gonna change my blog up.

And might change ideas that’ll properly fit to my new lore. Old characters will also go through changes (except Otsana through Uri). Thomas, Tobias, Eleanor, and Ein will go through changes. (Maybe except Ein in his base form. I will show that in time.))

As a thank you for waiting, here is my Lore Update. It’s not gonna be the best but I hope y’all enjoy so far…

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Beast Towers Lore:

The Alton Towers park have been created by Alton himself, or Big A as he’s called now a days. A retired Hunter who wishes to help prove that both Paranormal and Human Worlds can really coexist together. “Whenever there is Darkness, a Light can shine through it all.” according to him. With him to aid his goal is his wife, Amal Cockscrew a Medicine Woman and an ex-Druid for the first coaster. Her ability to also shapeshift to Ice Age creatures with an aid of an Ancient Fang, sadly she lost that ability from a hunt and rescue accident against a surviving criminal and Rogue Hunter named Geno, a man full of deep rage against the Abyss Watchers and uses his Scientific Mind to get what he wants and creates. He was able to obtain gemstones that he believed they have enough power to free his old ally, Melanthios from his imprisonment. During the battle, he was able to damage Amal’s Ancient Fang pendant, causing her to retire, that included the coaster. Yet, it wasn’t in vain.

During the Rescue, she and Alton were able to obtain the gems. Feeling a overwhelming power out of them, this was enough for them to be worried that if they fall into the wrong hands… they don’t know what will happen. Thus, a plan has been formed. With Amal aiding his vision, Alton’s former boss, Wolf Van Helsing joined his cause. Even she believed and can see a future, a future where both worlds can indeed coexist, along with other worldly beings.

Thus, the Birth of the Secret Weapons have begun. From Nemesis to Wickerman they have been gifted with the gems that are now called, Hearts of the Secret Weapons (or Hearts for short), however two organizations somewhat have an extreme interest in two gems separately. The Phalanx organization have been keep tracks and studying Nemesis, wanting to understand why she is here… all the while, wanting to find a way to destroy her and the Beasts. Believing with the power of the Heart, it can be possible; unfortunately for them, Wolf had foreseen their plans and warned the Great Alien Beast. Enraged, Nemesis was able to swallow the Heart (along a few souls) as she now holds a new form, Reborn into a stronger and more dangerous creature. Wolf however, had a plan. She was able to help pin down Nemesis and foretold her future, a future where a soul will indeed see her pain and will find a proper plan to not only free her, but will help her return to her origins.

In exchange, Nemesis has to be patient and let her judge the world with the rest of the humans. Nemesis wanted to destroy humanity and claim their world as her own, but upon hearing Wolf and what her future may hold… it left her doubting about the Shiftwalker’s Foresight, but it somewhat left her curious… let alone, Nemesis knows she can’t win against the Walker and her allies, even with this power she holds. With no choice left, Nemesis agreed. Now this left Wolf also trying to make peace with Phalanx, only to be met with aggression and stubbornness. With the aid of Alton and fellow allies, Phalanx have felt an uneasiness and pressure if they don’t make somewhat of a truce… thus, an agreement has been formed.

Phalanx will continue to study and keep checks on Nemesis with no harm or a possibility of them getting raided by Wolf herself. In exchange however, if any of the Beasts try to come in and disturb any work they are doing, the Beast will be captured and thrown out… with the possibility of them being studied if they continue to come in. As much as that’s harsh for the Beasts… it was agreed. Finally making some what of peace… despite their harsh attitude against the Beasts, they kept their promise.

Wish that could be the same with… The Ministry.

For the Ministry of Joy, it was extremely complicated to make peace with them. During The Smiler’s creation, Alton had been warned that the Ministry has captured a Beast that they believe could represent them. A female werewolf by the name of Otsana Risa, a woman who only wished to find peace in isolation. Alton was horrified to learn that the Ministry put her under Marmalisation and attempt to erase her past… his horror grew more upon learning what the Ministry forced her to do, and he has seen what they’ve done. Alton quickly ran out to stop a Turf War from getting worse. He noticed Otsana used the Heart to boost her hypnotic abilities to stun her victims, except one. Charmer a Flaming half wingless Draconic Beast fought the controlled werewolf to somewhat stop her rampage, but it was too intense for the old Beast and it costed him… as he was slain by Otsana… no, by the Ministry. Enraged, he was very ready to destroy the Ministry for the sins they’ve committed, but fear grew in rage’s place as he was stuck with a deal.

For MOJ to “stop” their Turf Wars, they request Alton to allow Otsana to stay as The Smiler Beast, and let them continue to conduct small experiments on Advocates they wish to make them “Happy” and in exchange they won’t force Otsana to continue more carnage to the Beasts in the park nor to him. Including taking everything in the X-Sector for themselves. Alton felt trapped, even Amal felt trapped as well… She wanted to bring Wolf involved to stop this madness, yet that was quickly shut down by the Ministry. Threatening them if they ever report this to Wolf, they and the remaining Beasts will meet the Ministry’s Chambers as they go through what Otsana went through, even using The Smiler’s Heart to make sure they’ll learn their place… Permanently and Mindlessly. Now scared for his wife and the remaining Beasts, he reluctantly agreed. However, the Ministry didn’t know about Wolf’s foresight, as that was their biggest mistake they’ll make. Wolf herself visited the Ministry as she foretold their future if they continue with this deal.

She foretold them of a Burning Draconic Phoenix will rise out of the darkness and torched their sins to faded memories. Blood, sweat, and tears turned to ashes and all that would still stand is the ride itself, along with Otsana. Even Otsana will grow a resistance against them the more they force her to do their dirty work, including forcing her to watch the innocent lives grow fear under her presence. Creating fear of herself and wild rage against the Ministry. So, a new deal has been formed: They’ll have to give up the Heart to Otsana and let her freely choose what she wishes to do while leaving the Beasts and people at peace, and MOJ won’t find all their hard work faded to ashes IF they continue… now feeling what Alton felt, they agreed.

Yet in time, they have gone behind both Wolf’s and Alton’s back as they would sometimes make Otsana go commit Turf Wars, this made Alton frustrated and worried. Especially now he’s doubting Wolf’s vision, but hope did presented herself to him. Uri, Wolf’s granddaughter has volunteered to help Alton and try to make some peace in the park. Alton didn’t want the young Shiftwalker to take on a job that could be this dangerous for her, but Uri wasn’t phased by the danger she wanted to help him out. Wolf pulled Alton aside and requested him to take her with him, telling him that she’ll be the one that MOJ will fear the most once Uri’s sixth tail forms.

Remembering Wolf’s forewarning words to MOJ truly surprised the man, but he had to keep it a secret until the time is right. Thus, Alton agreed, and took Uri to be the new Wickerman Beast as she now dawns its Heart under her Scythe. Causing her fire abilities to become more stronger and a lot more dangerous than before. Uri found herself ready to fight a halved Marmalized Otsana as she attacked the Walker, able to stun Uri in place with a Hypnotic like Flash. Deep within Uri however, a feeling of a burning longing to stop MOJ for bringing pain onto others and a determination to set not only Otsana free, but the people who are also affected by MOJ as well.

Uri quickly snapped out of her stun and fought back. Shifting randomly into different creatures to at least weaken the werewolf, only to find each other out of breath and onto a standstill. Otsana, despite being half conscious was mad that Uri was able to weaken her, while at the same time, she honestly felt relieved she was stopped. MOJ was very furious to see Uri claiming her victory, but they have noticed something as they remembered Wolf’s warning. Questioning if Uri is the very Draconic Phoenix that may scorch their plans… if so, they are now secretly planning ways to make sure she doesn’t reach her sixth tail.

After the incident, Wolf have requested four people to aid Alton and Amal to keep the beasts calm and stop Otsana’s rampage. Edric, a wandering Ice Prince who ventures the Universe to assist other worlds. Sycorax, a Alchemist from a who is studying Arcane Magic but a man full of spell ideas to help heal or defend. Calypso, a Huntress longing to find her childhood friend Otsana. To finally reunite once more; upon learning she’ll be assigned to aid Alton while learning Otsana is being used by the Ministry, a possibility of her Wandering Hope can finally be at peace and heal Otsana; while wanting to protect the werewolf from the Ministry. Lastly Zyran, Uri’s older brother and master of Lightning. He is able to transform into any living being after he unlocked his sixth tail, along with two important forms that runs through his family line: A Thunderous Dragon and a beautiful living Sapphire Space Mist called Vitacreo. A being full of Life Energy, able to create any objects, or a Planet.

Once the four were assigned, everything has settled down… for now at least. MOJ is still planning ideas while trying to figure out ways to get the Heart back from Otsana without Alton or Wolf noticing. Calypso has reconnected with Otsana as the two formed a close bond together, even Otsana is slowly regaining her memories and true identity/personality. Although, Calypso can see Otsana is slowly returning and healing back to normal, she can see the werewolf is growing feelings for her… Calypso is honestly glad that she’s not the only one who is also growing feelings for her, thus, the two began dating! Sycorax is learning about the hearts and trying to figure out how Geno was able to obtain them in the first place. Yet, he is relieved to see that the Hearts are somewhat safe with the Beasts, although he is keeping an eye on Phalanx and MOJ… and he’s not alone. Edric was able to get access to the Forbidden Vally and meet Nemesis, seeing her pain and frustration, he can’t blame her. He was able to communicate to her and wants to find a way to help free her and return her to her original planet. Shocking the great Alien Beast, as she remembered Wolf’s words…. She has been found at last. Despite the hard attitude from the Phalanx Organization, they don’t know about Edric’s original form and he is making sure it stays that way for his safety and theirs. If they do found out, he fears they may capture him for tests… only to be met with both his mother, and wife who are not afraid to let the organization know that they don’t want to see harm come to Edric.

Lastly, both Uri and Zyran work together to make the park a safer place for the Beasts, Guests, and their family. Sometimes they’ll work together to set small fires to MOJ after putting Otsana through pain, while also informing Calypso. However, Otsana asked the two and all of the Beasts to not mention anything about her and Calypso’s relationship. MOJ has no issue in same gender relationships thankfully, but it’s the fear of MOJ will do something to Calypso as Otsana’s punishment. The two siblings, now full of anger, continue to set fires to MOJ for making Otsana scared for Calypso… and sometimes Calypso would join them as well upon learning Otsana’s fear. Unfortunately they’ll get caught by Alton and get scowled at, rightfully so, and Otsana would just Werewolf Hug Calypso out of protection and ask her to not do that again. The two siblings will try to peacefully visit the Forbidden Valley to check on Nemesis’s condition, only to be greeted with Phalanx Soldiers. Thanks to Edric however, as long they’re under his watch nothing happens… except at night when the two go out and commit harmless mischief. Causing Edric to give the two a week of training as their punishment. Besides all of that, they make sure they’ll keep everyone safe, including each other. Zyran wants to see his sister gain her final tail while being the big brother that he is, he wants to protect her; all while Uri wants to make sure Zyran doesn’t overwork himself to a burnt ball of fluff, looking out for each other as family is very important. The Dragons must protect their most valuable Treasures, but for this family, their Precious Treasures are each other.

For now, everything is finally at peace for everyone in the park….

“….Or is it really?….”

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I hope y’all enjoyed it! I am planning to make more Tower themed characters! Slowly but surely! Hopefully I can also repost my characters’ lore to make them better. This was all honestly still being planned out for awhile now, I hope I can finally cement my Lore properly.

Thank you all, please have a good Day or Night!

[demonicangelics-world]

Redamancy - Zestial x Angel!OC

Chapter Six: Welcome to Hell

Synopsis: In the shadowy realms of Hell and the celestial heights of Heaven, two souls grapple with the ache of unrequited love. Zestial, the formidable demon overlord, commands respect and fear. His past has forged a reputation that isolates him. Resigned to a life of power and isolation, he yearned for companionship and understanding, knowing that his intimidating demeanor made such connections seemingly impossible. Gabriela, once a radiant angel, admired the archangel Michael from afar, her heart swelling with unspoken affection for his divine strength and kindness. Casted into Hell on a mission, she now struggles to survive in a world where danger lurks at every corner, her angelic essence buried beneath a demonic exterior. Amidst the chaos of Hell and the secrets of Heaven, a profound and forbidden love ignites between them, challenging the very core of their beliefs

Chapter Six: Welcome to Hell Chapter Seven: Blackout

word count: 5,049

*********************************************************

The elevator doors groaned open, and I stepped out, the oppressive heat hitting me like a physical force. I blinked against the harsh red glow that seemed to emanate from the very rocks of the mountain. The elevators were set into the face of a towering cliff, their cold metal frames an alien contrast to the jagged, fiery stone. Steps carved into the mountainside led downward, an intimidating descent into the chaos below.

I moved with the crowd, trying to blend in. Around me, other sinners stumbled out of the elevators, their appearances twisted and grotesque, reflecting the torment they carried within. Fear and confusion were etched into their faces, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they took in their new surroundings. 

I kept my expression neutral, blending in with their despair and bitter acceptance. As we made our way down the steps, the jagged rocks underfoot were a constant reminder of our new reality. Their despair was palpable, a heavy cloud that hung over us all.

My own appearance had changed too. I caught glimpses of myself in the reflective surfaces of the elevator doors and the occasional puddle of molten rock. 

As we descended, I glanced around, taking in the despair of those around me. Their demon-like appearances were a stark reminder of where we were and what awaited us. Their words and their pain echoed in my mind as I continued my descent, determined to carry out my mission, no matter the cost.

At the base of the mountain, we were herded towards a grim-looking building, its architecture sharp and angular, designed to intimidate. A sign above the entrance read “Abyssal Administration Building” and underneath the sign “Welcome to Hell" in bold, foreboding letters. The flow of sinners funneled into the entrance, where a pair of massive, iron-bound doors loomed before us. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of sulfur and despair.

I followed the crowd into a cavernous hall, its walls lined with flickering torches that cast eerie shadows. Demons that looked like public servants patrolled the room, their forms hunched and menacing. They barked orders, directing us into snaking lines that coiled around the room like a great, twisted serpent.

"Get in line! Move it!" one of them snarled, his voice grating and impatient. His eyes, dark and sunken, scanned the crowd with disdain.

I found myself in one of the lines, the pace excruciatingly slow. The demons behind the desks worked with deliberate lethargy, their expressions bored and hostile. They flipped through papers, stamped documents with heavy thuds, and occasionally glared at the waiting sinners with undisguised contempt. 

As I inched closer to the front, my nerves tightened. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I had to maintain my composure. The sinner in front of me finally reached the desk, and I watched as the demon clerk looked up with a sneer.

"Name," the demon demanded, not even bothering to look at the poor soul in front of him.

"Uh, John... John Smith," the sinner stammered.

The demon's eyes narrowed. "John Smith? Really? You and a million others." He lazily picked up a device resembling a scanner and pricked the man's finger, drawing a bead of blood. He pressed the bloodied finger onto the scanner, which beeped, printed a coded ticket and displayed the man's basic information: 

Name: John Smith

Occupation: Accountant

Cause of Death: Heart Attack

The demon thrusted the ticket. "Move along," the demon grunted, waving the man away without another glance.

Blood. This is not good. My turn came, and I stepped forward, trying to keep my anxiety in check. The demon looked up at me, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Name," he drawled, his voice dripping with boredom.

"Ga—" I caught myself just in time. "Celeste…Avila."

He raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. He grabbed my hand with surprising strength, pricking my finger with the scanner. The sharp sting made me wince, and I watched as a drop of red blood, instead of gold, welled up and was pressed onto the scanner. The device beeped, displaying my forged identity:

Name: Celeste Avila

Occupation: Nun

Cause of Death: Undetermined

The demon glanced at the screen and then at me, a smirk spreading across his face. "Another religious one, huh? We've got so many of you down here, we could start our own choir. Though, I doubt the songs would be quite the same."

I forced a nervous smile, keeping my composure as he continued.. The red blood confirmed it—I was truly a sinner now, no longer an angel. My divine essence, once marked by golden ichor, was gone.

The demon handed me my ticket. "Welcome to Hell, Celeste," he said with a mocking smile. "Next!"

I was directed to another station, where a demon sat behind a desk, a pile of papers and forms spread out before him. He barely glanced at me as he gestured for me to sit.

"Ticket," he said in a monotone voice, staring at a form.

I hand the demon my ticket. He tapped something into a device and handed me a makeshift identity card. "Here's your ID. Next!"

At the next station, I sat down with another demon, who eyed me with a mixture of boredom and irritation. His desk was cluttered with papers and various infernal devices.

"ID," he demanded, holding out a clawed hand. I handed it over, and he scrutinized it for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he read the information.  “Nun," he read aloud, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Well, that's not going to help you find a job here."

Thinking quickly, I added, "I sold coffee and pastries to support the convent." It was partly true— spending time on Earth and helping Évangéline at her café, helped me pick up the skills quickly.

The demon finally looked up, a glimmer of interest in his otherwise dull eyes. "Really?That might be more useful." He tapped his pen on the desk, considering. "There are several cafés and restaurants in Pentagram City. It’s competitive work, but you might fit in there." He hands me a tattered pamphlet

I nodded, trying to hide my relief. "That sounds perfect. Thank you." 

I found it intriguing that Hell had an identification system in place. I had expected chaos, not this level of organization. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to ask the demon about it.

"This is quite a system you have here," I said, trying to sound casual. "I thought Hell would be... more chaotic."

The demon snorted, a dark grin spreading across his face. "Oh, we get that a lot. Control and organization are essential, even in Hell. Imagine the mess if we let all you lost souls wander around without any supervision."

I raised an eyebrow, encouraging him to continue.

He leaned back, tapping his pen against the desk. "Resource management, for one. We need to know who's good at what. Keeps everything running smoothly. Don't want a former accountant trying to shovel lava, do we?"

I shook my head, feigning understanding, while internally, I was piecing together the logic.

"And then there's the matter of security," he added, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Can't have you plotting rebellions. We keep an eye on everyone. Makes things... safer."

"Safer?" I repeated, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. 

The demon's grin widened. "Certainly not for you, if that's what you're wondering." He leaned in closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "There's also the little matter of the exterminations. Got to keep track of who's still kicking after those, don't we?"

Exterminations? My heart skipped a beat and my mind raced trying to piece together the implication. 

"What do you mean by—" I started to ask, but the demon cut me off with a loud, impatient bark.

"Move along! I don't get paid enough to answer questions!" he snarled, waving me away dismissively.

I opened my mouth to protest, but the cold, unyielding look in his eyes told me it was useless. I clenched my jaw, swallowing my questions and my fear, and hurried away from the desk. The word "exterminations" lingered in my mind. I took my ID and pamphlet. 

At the next and final station, I sat down with a demoness who exuded an air of cold efficiency. Her desk was meticulously organized, a stark contrast to the chaotic surroundings. She looked up as I approached, her eyes sharp and calculating.

"ID," she demanded, holding out a clawed hand. I handed it over, and she scanned it quickly, her expression remaining impassive.

"Celeste Avila," she read aloud, her voice dripping with skepticism. She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she examined the information on the screen. "Cause of death: undetermined," she muttered, a hint of curiosity in her tone. "That's unusual. Most sinners have a pretty clear reason for being here.

I forced a neutral expression, trying to hide my discomfort as her eyes bored into me, searching for answers I couldn't provide.

The demoness finally looked back at the screen, her skepticism morphing into a cold, detached demeanor. "Temporary housing is available for newly arrived sinners, but given your previous status, it's going to be challenging for you to make a decent living here."

I tried to maintain my composure, but her words made my heart race. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The demoness leaned back, studying me with a mix of pity and disdain. "Most religious sinners end up on the streets. It's hard for them to adjust to Hell's... unique opportunities. But given the extermination, I'd be surprised if you lasted a year."

Extermination again. My mind reeled with the implication. "Extermination?" I echoed, trying to keep my voice steady.

She gave me a humorless smile. "You really are new here, aren't you? Let's just say Hell has a way of cleaning house every now and then. Thins the herd, keeps things interesting."

I forced a nervous laugh, trying to mask my panic. Internally, I cursed the situation. I wished Sera had given me another sinner's soul, one that might have had a better chance of thriving in Hell.

The demoness leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Listen, Celeste, you might have been someone important up there, but down here, you're just another soul trying to survive. Take this voucher," she said, sliding a piece of paper across the desk. "It’s for some basic assistance. But don't get your hopes up. You're in Hell now, and Hell doesn't care about your past."

I took the voucher, my hand trembling slightly. "Thanks… I guess," I muttered

"Welcome to Pentagram city and good luck," she said with a mocking smile. "You'll need it Next!"

I stood up, clutching the voucher tightly. The word "extermination" echoed in my mind. As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unease. Hell was proving to be more organized and more perilous than I had ever imagined.

Exiting the building, I stepped into the harsh, fiery light of Hell. Before me, Pentagram City sprawled out in the distance, a chaotic blend of ruined buildings and flickering neon signs. Among the dilapidation, one structure stood out: a giant clock tower with an enormous hourglass. It loomed over the city, a stark and imposing figure amidst the wreckage. 

A wave of regret washed over me, threatening to pull me under. Had I made a terrible mistake? But then, I felt the knife in my pocket. Its presence was a comforting weight, a tangible reminder that I wasn't completely alone or defenseless. I took a deep breath, steeling myself against fear and doubt.

I couldn't waste time. If I wanted to integrate myself into Hell, I needed to find work and start blending in immediately. Determined, I pulled out the tattered pamphlet and unfolded it, revealing a map of the city along with several destinations. The paper was worn and faded, but the information was clear enough.

With the map in hand, I began to walk down the road to Pentagram City. Demons and sinners of all walks of life moved around me, their faces a mix of resignation and desperation. The city's pulse was frantic and unrelenting, a constant reminder of the new reality I had to face. 

I had a mission, and I couldn't afford to fail. As I made my way through, I focused on the task at hand, my eyes scanning the map for any promising leads. Hell was my new battleground, and I was determined to survive.

*********************************************************

In the dimly lit office of "Pandemonium Café," the clinking sound of coins and the rustling of bills created a symphony of wealth that brought a satisfied grin to Vincent "Vinny" Jaws' sharp-toothed face. Seated at his mahogany desk, Vinny meticulously counted the day's earnings, each note and coin passing through his clawed fingers with the reverence of a sacred ritual.

"Ah, music to my ears," he murmured, his cold red eyes gleaming with greed. The sales today had been exceptional, thanks to his cunning tactics—luring in the residents of the Pride Ring with promises of exclusivity and premium brews. Who knew sinners could be so profitable?

After tallying the final amount, Vinny leaned back in his plush leather chair, basking in the glow of his success. But before he could get too comfortable, he remembered his daily devotion. Rising from his seat, he walked over to a small, ornate shrine in the corner of his office, dedicated to Mammon, the Prince of Greed. The shrine was adorned with golden trinkets, stacks of cash, and other symbols of wealth.

"Great Mammon, I offer you my gratitude for another prosperous day," Vinny intoned, placing a fresh wad of cash on the shrine. "May your greed fuel mine and keep the riches flowing."

With his ritual complete, Vinny allowed himself a moment of nostalgia.

 He thought back to when Lucifer had introduced the new law permitting hellborns to apply for work permits and travel between the rings. It was a game-changer, opening up new avenues for ambition and enterprise. To his luck, Vinny's application to move from the Greed Ring to the Pride Ring had been swiftly accepted.

Establishing his work permit and residency, however, had been a painfully slow process. The Abyssal Administration, where he had to endure the bureaucratic nightmare, was notorious for its inefficiency. The workers, all from the Sloth Ring, moved at a glacial pace, their sluggishness testing even Vinny’s considerable patience. Still, the headache of dealing with the administration was worth it.

With his connections and abundant funds, Vinny tactically chose to open a café in an upscale part of Pentagram City. He managed to source fresh ingredients for his café, and soon, Pandemonium Café flourished. Vinny knew that sinners and demons wanted quality, and quality is what he provided. More importantly, his café offered a break from the harsh reality of Hell, a respite he capitalized on. His fresh brews and pastries gave sinners and demons a taste of the mortal world they once knew.

However, the downside was the costs of keeping up with the fresh supply. They were becoming harder to come by due to the annual exterminations. On top of that, he had lost clientele and employees because of the exterminations. This, Vinny mused, was why Lucifer had offered work permits in the first place: to establish a consistent labor force that wouldn't perish in the first extermination. The exterminations had their blessings and curses.

Vinny now focused on the list of applications on his desk. He needed to hire new employees, as a few of his staff hadn't made it through the latest extermination. He grumbled, sifting through the stack. He had too many hideous imps and demons working already. What he needed was a worker who would fit his standards. After all, ugly employees worked in the back; the most attractive employees were at the front. Everyone knows that good looks are a profitable asset. Vinny had noticed that attractive servers brought in more customers and, therefore, more money.

He flipped through the applications. "Ugh, this one must have fallen out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down." He tossed the application aside.

"Hmm, this one might pass for decent if I squint. But that nose? Looks like it could plow a field. Pass."

"Ah, finally, someone who doesn't look like they crawled out of a sewer. Might have potential. I’ll put this one in the maybe pile."

Vinny continued, his comments growing more colorful and degrading. "Wow, this one’s so hideous, it's almost an achievement.. Almost."

Vinny flipped through yet another application and sighed in frustration. "What part of 'good looking' don't demons understand?" he muttered, throwing the entire stack into the trash bin with a dramatic flourish. 

Deciding he needed a break from the endless stream of unworthy candidates, Vinny stood up and straightened his suit. He stepped out of his office and headed downstairs to check on his café. It was evening time, and despite the recent extermination, his café had miraculously survived without a scratch, thanks to Vox's costly defense program. Another investment that drained his coffers, but it had paid off.

As he descended, the hum of conversation and the clinking of coffee cups grew louder. Even though it was late, the café was buzzing with activity. Sinners and demons of all types crowded the tables, their faces illuminated by the warm, inviting glow of the ambient lighting. Vinny took in the scene with a sense of satisfaction. His employees were working tirelessly, taking orders, preparing drinks, and serving pastries without a moment's pause.

Vinny's mind drifted back to how he managed to keep such a devoted workforce. Half of them were indebted to him because of loans, trapped in a cycle of servitude. They couldn’t leave even if they wanted to, and their desperation kept them in line. He watched as one of his baristas, a demon with tired eyes, handed a steaming cup of coffee to a customer with a forced smile.

"Keep it up, folks," Vinny called out, his voice dripping with false cheer. "Remember, happy customers mean more tips, and more tips mean... well, you might just be able to pay off a fraction of what you owe me."

The employees barely glanced at him, too busy with their tasks to respond. Vinny's sharp eyes scanned the room, noting the influx of customers. Despite the challenges and the costs, Pandemonium Café was thriving. The scent of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, a rare luxury in Hell, and one that kept patrons coming back for more.

Suddenly, the door swung open, ringing bells. An exceptionally beautiful sinner walked in. Even with her infernal appearance, Vinny could tell she had been stunningly beautiful in her mortal life. Her presence commanded attention, and the room seemed to momentarily hush as she stepped inside.

Vinny’s predatory instincts kicked in. He usually didn’t bother with greeting customers personally, but for this one, he was willing to make an exception. Before one of the hosts approached her, Vinny acted quickly, shoving the host aside with a smooth, yet forceful motion.

"Welcome to Pandemonium Café," he said, flashing his sharp-toothed grin. "My name is Vincent Jaws, but the locals call me Vinny. What can I get for you today? We pride ourselves on offering the finest brews and pastries in all of Hell."

The sinner looked slightly taken aback by his sudden approach, but her curiosity was piqued. 

"Something special, I presume?" he asked, his voice dripping with charm. "For someone like you, we have the best of everything."

The sinner glanced around the bustling café before her gaze landed on the "Hiring" sign in the window. She turned back to Vinny, her expression curious. "I saw the hiring sign outside. Are you still hiring?"

Vinny’s heart skipped a beat, and he silently thanked Mammon for hearing his prayers. This was exactly the break he needed. He usually doesn’t hire sinners as they easily perish in the exterminations, but for her, he will make an exception. "Yes, absolutely! You're hired."

The sinner blinked in surprise, clearly taken aback by the suddenness of Vinny's decision. "Don't I need to fill out an application or something?"

Vinny waved a hand dismissively. "No need for that, sweetheart. You’re exactly what I’m looking for. All I need is your ID to get you set up in the system, and you can start as soon as tomorrow."

She hesitated for a moment, then handed over her ID. Vinny glanced at it, noting the name "Celeste Avila." What really caught his attention was her mortal occupation: Nun. He couldn't suppress a laugh, a harsh, grating sound that filled the café.

"A nun, huh? Talk about falling from grace. What did you do, pray too hard?" He chuckled again, shaking his head. "Well, Celeste, consider yourself lucky. You've traded in your religious tunic for a coffee apron. You're in Hell, but at least you've landed a job in the finest café of Pentagram City."

Celeste’s eyes flashed with a mix of annoyance and resolve, but she held her tongue. Vinny noticed and appreciated her restraint. "We’ll get you set up and ready to work. Be here bright and early tomorrow." He took note of her ID and gave it back to her.

As Celeste nodded and turned to leave, Vinny called after her, "Oh, and Celeste? Don’t let the sinners overwhelm you. You're not in a convent anymore. Welcome to the Pandemonium family."

*********************************************************

Hours later, I stood in the tiny bathroom, the dim light flickering intermittently, casting eerie shadows on the cracked tiles. The sink dripped sporadically, each drop echoing in the cramped space. The showerhead, rusted and barely functional, hung limply from the wall. I turned my attention to the fractured mirror in front of me, its jagged edges reflecting a distorted image of myself.

My appearance had definitely changed. My once lustrous hair was now an inky black, falling in tangled waves around my face. My skin, previously glowing with an ethereal radiance, was now pallid, almost ghostly of its former self. I looked dead, a stark contrast to the vibrant, celestial being I once was.

Most striking, however, were my eyes. Gone were the vibrant blue eyes that had shone with divine light. In their place were demonic eyes, a chilling transformation that startled me every time I caught my reflection. My irises were now a deep, blood-red. The sclera, once pure white, had turned a sickly yellow. 

I stared at myself, the reality of my transformation sinking in. My angelic glow, the very essence of my being, was essentially gone. I felt like a shadow of my former self, my divine essence stripped away, leaving behind only a shell. The face that looked back at me was familiar yet demonic, a haunting reminder of the price I had paid.

My mind swirled with unanswered questions about Celeste. What had she done to end up in Hell? Only time would reveal those answers, I hoped. But the longer I spent in Hell, the more questions seemed to arise, each more perplexing than the last.

On my way to the temporary housing apartment, I noticed the state of the buildings around me. So many of them were in ruins, crumbling and decayed. Given Hell's nature, I had expected a certain level of desolation, but this felt different. It was as if Hell had recently been ravaged by war. Maybe I was just overthinking it, trying to find logic in a place that defied it. After all, this was Hell.

Yet, in the back of my mind, a nagging thought persisted: the mystery of the exterminations. It sounded like a terrifying concept and if it were true that demons and sinners were supposedly purged to make space, then I would have to be prepared. 

I almost gave up on finding work. Every hiring establishment would take one look at my ID, see ‘nun’ and turn me away. It was disheartening, to say the least. Just when I was about to resign myself to defeat, I somehow ended up in what seemed to be an upscale part of Pentagram City.

The smell of delicious coffee and pastries wafted through the air, a stark contrast to the omnipresent odor of brimstone and sulfur. It reminded me of Évangéline’s cafe, a small comfort in the midst of this infernal landscape. Drawn by the scent, I found myself standing in front of a place called "Pandemonium Café." To my surprise, there was a hiring sign in the window.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The warmth and the rich aroma of fresh coffee embraced me, momentarily easing the tension that had built up throughout the day. 

As I was about to be greeted by a host, I was instantly greeted by a towering demon with the features of a great white shark.

The demon shark, named Vinny, flashed a toothy grin that sent a shiver down my spine. I asked about current openings and I was instantly hired on the spot.

The suddenness and eagerness of the hire left me a bit uneasy, but I swallowed my doubts. I have to establish and integrate myself in Hell, to find my place amid the organized chaos and uncertainty. More importantly, I noted that Pandemonium Café was located in what seemed to be an upscale part of Hell, frequented by many clients. It meant I was likely to run into some influential figures, or at the very least, keep up with the latest stories and gossip.

With that, my uncertain journey in Hell took a definitive turn.

 I collapsed onto the worn mattress, the springs poking uncomfortably into my back. I stretched my aching body, feeling the strain from a long day of walking through dangerous streets and narrowly avoiding assaults and attacks. 

Each encounter required quick thinking and physical defense.The streets of Pentagram city had tested my every instinct, confirming that although I was Celeste in essence, my body and mind still possessed the trained combat reflexes from my angelic life. 

The moment a hand reached out to grab me or a weapon was drawn, my body reacted with a precision and swiftness that seemed almost automatic. I had disarmed a knife-wielding demon with a single fluid motion, and a swift kick had sent another attacker sprawling. The training, the discipline, it was all still there, ingrained deep within me. My body remembered the moves, the techniques, even if my soul felt weighed down by the loss of my angelic essence. The instincts were there, sharp and ready, reminding me that while Hell had taken much from me, it hadn't stripped me of everything.

As I lay there, I couldn't help but think back to the wings I once took for granted. The ability to soar through the skies, untouched by the chaos and danger below, seemed like a distant dream now. When I reclaim my wings, I will cherish every moment of flight, a privilege I had never fully appreciated until now. 

My gaze wandered to the old, battered television in the corner. It was clear from its shattered screen that bullets were shot and it hadn't worked in ages. I contemplated reaching out to Sera, wondering if I should update her on my situation in Hell. But what could I say? That I was alive?

Turning away from the useless TV, I sighed and rolled over on the bed. Outside, the cacophony of screams and violence pierced through the thin walls of my apartment. Despite the chaos outside, exhaustion weighed heavily on me and I slept. 

The air was warm, filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the sound of joyous laughter. In the heart of a small town, a wedding was taking place. The quaint church was adorned with garlands of white roses, and the sound of bells echoed in the air.

Father Erick, with his renowned beauty and humility, stood at the altar, performing the ceremony. His hair caught the sunlight, and his serene expression held the congregation in rapt attention.

Erick had come from an extremely wealthy and privileged family that claimed noble lineage from their settlement in the New World. On the verge of inheriting the De la Cruz vast wealth and estate, Erick claimed to have received a divine message from an angel, urging him to abandon his material wealth and embrace priesthood. His decision had caused outrage and a rift in his family, but his dedication had quickly made him a revered figure, even attracting attention from the Vatican. Over time, his family had warmed to him again, recognizing the power and influence he brought to their town.

I, on the other hand, come from humble beginnings. I had fled my home to escape abuse and poverty. With nowhere else to go, I had joined a strict convent. The convent had been grueling, but I had adapted and eventually became a nun. Now, here I was, admiring Erick as he gave his final blessings.

When the young bride and groom kissed, and the entire church erupted into joyous celebration. Part of me felt happiness for them, but another part of me mourned the life I would never have. I was married to the church and considered past the age for marriage. I was doomed from the start. My low and indigenous background had never afforded me the chance for personal happiness. Leaving my family and joining the convent had been my only option to obtain both an education and a roof over my head. 

Erick spotted me from a distance and smiled warmly. I returned his smile, though it was tinged with bittersweet longing. Throughout the ceremony, I had secretly imagined myself and Erick getting married, a hopeless fantasy that I knew would never come true. A member of the groom's family called out to me, "Celeste, come join us outside! The wedding festivities are starting!"

With a deep breath, I turned away from the altar, leaving the church behind. As I stepped outside, the scene shifted, the joyous village wedding fading away like a distant memory.

*********************************************************

Next Chapter: Blackout

Story available on AO3

[sergioguymanproust]

We know so little about the deep.The crushing pressure that makes it almost impossible to live permanently, the mysterious creatures that manage to survive and thrive at the geothermal vents and fissures nothing we haven’t seen at a National Geographic special.My memories that take my back to my first voyage of Jacques Cousteau and its crew aboard the good ol’ Calypso sailing the oceans and showing us the wonders of our blue marble as it was nicknamed this Earth of ours.Well, metaphorically speaking ,because in truth it was never ours .I have a feeling that all those companies exploring and drilling for gas and oil at the continental shelf know much more than they care to share with us regarding their encounters with the denizens of the deep. Memories again of Tektite 1 and 2 and later 3 underwater habitat to explore human adjusting to life in the shallow sea of the the continental shelf in the Caribbean Sea in conjunction with the Navy scientists ,back in 1969, 70 and later.Well , There are so many studies with inconclusive data,and little physical evidence that were shelved mainly because the lack of funding by our dear government and the questioning of living conditions undersea. The deep still keeps its secret and i believe it will for years to come,but not for the shadow goverment that has been for years working with galactic races that do live deep in earth's oceans.Believe what you will but there are countless reports by fishermen and navy whistleblowers that watch how alien crafts are often seen diving straight into the deep off the California coastline. Well, that's fodder for future postings ,In the meantime do your digging and post any new info regarding our galactic neighbors and their bases in the deep abyssal plains.Words by Sergio GuymanProust.

[an-aussie-button-masher]

Adapt, Improvise, Overcome: Five of the Best Survival Games

   Have you ever wondered what you’d do if you were trapped in the middle of the wilderness, or on a lone island? The only real answer to that question is do your best to survive - better hope your best is good enough. Fortunately, there’s plenty of games to help practice. Survival games are actually a very specific subgenre of sandbox games; there’s less focus on creativity and exploration, and more on staying alive in some very hostile environments. Scrounge for food, gather resources to build shelter before nightfall, and most importantly: avoid whatever else might be lurking in the shadows around you. If you think you’ve got what it takes to survive the dangerous wilds, test your mettle against some of these hand-picked best survival games listed here. Enjoy!

The Forest    If being stranded on a tiny forest island in the middle of nowhere wasn’t bad enough, you’ve also got your missing son to find - assuming something doesn’t find you first. The Forest puts the “survival” in survival horror with the player desperately trying to stay safe and fed on an island populated by grotesque mutants and savage cannibals. It’s not a game for the faint of heart. Uncover the secrets of the island as you embark on a rescue mission, scouring the island for tools, resources and clues. Harvest, hunt and hide from things that go bump in the night while you try not to end up just as monstrous as the inhuman creatures that call the island home. You can also bring in some friends to help (slightly) dampen the horror as you work together to make the island your own; if you’re gonna be stuck here, you may as well get comfy. It’s very easy to get sidetracked with all the structures you can build for some reason; try not to forget your son helplessly awaiting rescue while you and your friends are busy constructing a gazebo or cutting down every tree in sight.

Grounded    Your own backyard might not seem like a tricky place to survive, but what if you were barely taller than an ant? Grounded stars four teens shrunken down in an experiment gone wrong like something out of an 80’s movie and trapped in the dangerous jungle of grass and bugs right outside an ordinary house. Explore the backyard, cutting down blades of grass as though they were trees and subsisting off dew drops and bug meat to stay alive, and uncover loose science equipment you can study to find out a way to go big and go home. Venture into spider nests that are much scarier when you’re no bigger than the spider’s mouth, avoid sinking into the dunes of the sandbox, and steer clear of the dangerous insecticide fog drenching one corner of the yard. The insects themselves have their own factions and don’t appreciate when you build your base too close to their territory - be ready to fend off attacks from ant colonies, ladybugs, beetles, spiders and a hundred other bugs that share the garden while you solve the mystery of why you’re here, who did this to you, and who else might be down here with you…

Subnautica    Many people consider outer space to be the scariest place to be stuck in, but under the waters of our own oceans is where all the spooky stuff really is. There’s a reason we know more about the make-up of Saturn’s rings than what’s beneath our seas - it’s just too darn scary to explore down there. Subnautica thrives on thalassophobia, that fear of the deep blue unknown, and cranks it up to eleven when you crash-land on a watery alien world with no way of knowing what lurks beneath the waves. Fortunately, there’s no hunger mechanic; it’s your oxygen that you really need to worry about as you descend deeper and deeper into the otherworldly abyss, searching for precious resources, clues about the planet, and a way home before you become fish food. Terrifying aquatic life lives on all levels; savage enormous leviathans in the reef, spider-like crabsquids in the caverns, and ominous warpers in the depths, all eager to try a taste of this strange new prey in their waters. Construct a base of operations spanning the watery crater as a safe haven, explore the sea in the marginally-safer vehicles, and above all else: watch that O2 metre…

Don’t Starve    “Say pal, you don’t look so good. You better find something to eat before night comes!” That’s all the advice you get when you awaken in the mysterious, desolated Constant with nothing but the clothes on your back - and in Don’t Starve, it’s sage advice indeed. Pick yourself off the ground and start foraging for resources, picking up loose sticks and rocks to make crude tools for hunting wildlife or gathering sturdier materials. Don’t Starve features roguelike-style permanent death and randomly-generated worlds, all rendered in a Tim Burton-esque art style for a creepily cartoonish aesthetic. Stay fed, stay dry, stay sane, and stay out of the consuming darkness of night - the Constant can mess with your head, until the shapes you think you see out of the corner of your eye become all too real and all too hostile. Starvation is, obviously, also a major threat; munch on random berries, raw meat, even strange-looking creatures - you can’t really afford to be picky here. If you can’t handle roughing it in the wilds alone, the sequel Don’t Starve Together lets you drag some friends along for the harrowing adventure as you desperately try to live long enough to figure out a way home.

Raft    The apocalypse has come and gone, the entire planet is flooded, and nothing remains save for a few tiny scattered islands and nigh-infinite junk drifting around. Welcome to Raft. Starting on a floating plank barely big enough for you (and, optionally, a couple friends) to stand on, you’ll need to grab anything that drifts by to build expansions for your raft and keep yourself afloat. It’s not just junk swimming around you though - beware the persistent shark that will follow you to the ends of the ocean, intent on biting chunks off your raft; careful not to let it eat it away entirely, leaving nothing left to chomp on but you! Paddle over to distant islands to gather sparse food and materials, research craftable equipment to build a bigger and better raft, and carefully maintain your thirst and hunger to survive. As you drift around, you’ll uncover lore scattered around detailing the end of the old world and the lengths some people have gone to not just to survive, but thrive - but at what cost? Are you truly alone in the world, or might you have some competition for ruling this wide open ocean? 

   So, how long are you lasting alone in the wild? Think you’ll have a better shot once you’ve tried any of these games? Let me know how long you survive in all of them, or if there are any other great survival games you think would fit this list! Feedback, reblogs and likes are all much appreciated!

   Thanks for reading!

An Aussie Button-Masher

[chaienes]

Read #TheDeathMoon by #ChaieneSantos. (C) All Rights Reserved. Follow the author to read other #scifi stories.

LOGLINE: When a man finds his love making the journey to supply a base on Saturn's moon Enceladus, he must face a threat that could destroy all humanity in the future.

SYNOPSIS:

After World War III, the planet Earth was destroyed. Of him only the memories of his survivors.

Humankind, or whatever remains, lives on Mars in precarious conditions, expecting it to find a place in space to build a new home. Until on Enceladus, one of the moons of Saturn, humans find appropriate conditions for this, including water, for relief of all. But something hides in the depths of this unexplored place. Something ancient, hungry, that when discovering the taste of human blood will not stop, until devouring all the inhabitants of the place. How to fight with what you do not know?

Chaiene Santos, writer of the series #HeirsofPlanetLife, decides to innovate once again, honoring classic films like Alien, the Eighth Passenger and The Secret of the Abyss. Are you ready to dive into your most hidden fears?

#scifi #sciencefiction #film #movie #ott #editora #publisher #wattpad #Amblin #Netflix #amazonkindle #reading #Paramount #studios #terror #horror #Amreading #HBO #streaming #transmedia #executiveproducer #book

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Image created by Bing AI

[celestialconvergence]

🌌 Welcome to the Celestial Conflict Trilogy! 🌌

🚀 Series Overview Prepare for an extraordinary journey through the cosmos with the upcoming Celestial Conflict Trilogy! This thrilling sci-fi saga follows Kael Asteron, a young captain who, alongside his diverse crew aboard the starship Aetheris, will face a mysterious celestial being that threatens the very fabric of their universe.

🌟 Key Themes:

Leadership & Responsibility

Friendship & Family

Sacrifice & Self-Discovery 🔗 Read the full series overview here!

📖 Book Summaries 📘 Book 1: Awakening of Shadows 🔗 Read more about Book 1! Overview: After the sudden disappearance of his mentor, Kael is thrust into a leadership role. He must gather a ragtag crew to confront a celestial being threatening their existence and uncover the truths hidden in the shadows.

📙 Book 2: Echoes of the Past 🔗 Read more about Book 2! Overview: As the crew digs deeper into the celestial mysteries, they confront remnants of Kael's past. Tensions rise, secrets unravel, and they prepare for a confrontation that will test their bonds.

📗 Book 3: Final Confrontation 🔗 Read more about Book 3! Overview: In the epic conclusion, the crew faces the celestial being in a battle that will determine the fate of their universe. Each member confronts their fears, leading to profound sacrifices and powerful revelations.

🌟 Character Spotlights

Kael Asteron Role: Captain Background: A young leader seeking the truth behind his mentor's disappearance. Fun Fact: Loves classic rock music! 🔗 Learn more about Kael!

Elara Role: Engineer Background: Innovative tech prodigy creating powerful tools for the crew. Fun Fact: Collects rare space crystals! 🔗 Learn more about Elara!

Rian Role: Navigator Background: Former pilot seeking redemption while navigating the stars. Fun Fact: Can predict space weather! 🔗 Learn more about Rian!

Mira Role: Security Officer Background: Martial artist protecting her crew while facing her past. Fun Fact: Enjoys cooking exotic dishes! 🔗 Learn more about Mira!

Thorne Role: Diplomat Background: Alien diplomat providing unique insights to the crew. Fun Fact: Communicates with telepathy! 🔗 Learn more about Thorne!

🌌 Celestial Conflict Trilogy: Master Location Guide 🚀

Dive into the fascinating worlds and locations featured in the Celestial Conflict Trilogy! Each place plays a crucial role in the story, shaping the adventures of Kael and his crew. Check out the detailed posts for an in-depth look at each landmark.

Aetheris Station: A bustling home base orbiting a colorful nebula, filled with diverse cultures and intergalactic commerce. 🔗 Read More

Elysium Prime: Known as the "Emerald Planet," Elysium Prime boasts lush ecosystems and rich resources, making it a vibrant hub for exploration. 🔗 Read More

The Nebula Expanse: A treacherous region filled with cosmic storms and stellar anomalies, the Nebula Expanse is both feared and admired by explorers. 🔗 Read More

The Celestial Abyss: An ancient, dark void believed to be the home of the celestial being, steeped in myth and mystery. 🔗 Read More

The Galactic Council Chamber: The political heart of the galaxy, where representatives gather to discuss alliances and important matters. 🔗 Read More

🔗 Explore the world!

✨ Behind-the-Scenes Insights 🖊️ Writing Process: Discover the intricacies of balancing world-building and character development that will bring this trilogy to life. 🔗 Learn about my writing process!

🔍 Character Arcs: Each character’s journey is filled with growth, challenges, and moments that resonate deeply. 🔗 Explore their journeys!

📅 Upcoming Events & Interactions 🤔 Reader Questions: Join the conversation! What character are you most excited to learn about? 🔗 Share your thoughts!

🎉 Upcoming Projects: Stay tuned for exciting announcements about release dates and previews! 🔗 Get updates here!

🌟 Join the Adventure! Thank you for being part of the Celestial Conflict Trilogy journey! Your interest means the universe to me. 🌌✨ Stay connected for updates, sneak peeks, and community discussions. Together, let’s explore the stars and uncover the secrets of the galaxy! 🚀💫

[hellstarhoodies12]

Hellstar

The Enigmatic World of Hellstar

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, there exists a celestial body that has intrigued astronomers, scientists, and dreamers alike for centuries. This enigmatic world, known as Hellstar, lies at the edge of our known universe, shrouded in mystery and cloaked in darkness. In this exploration, we shall embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of Hellstar, delving deep into its history, composition, and the bizarre phenomena that make it one of the most fascinating celestial objects in existence.

The Discovery of Hellstar

The tale of Hellstar begins centuries ago, when early astronomers first turned their gaze toward the heavens. It wasn’t until the invention of powerful telescopes in the late 19th century that Hell star was finally discovered. Dr. Alexander Von Braun, a renowned astronomer of his time, first spotted the faint glimmer of Hellstar through his telescope on a cold, clear night in October 1898.

At first, Hellstar appeared like any other distant star, but as Dr. Von Braun continued to observe it, he realized that there was something extraordinary about this celestial body. Hellstar seemed to emit an eerie red glow, unlike anything ever seen before. Its light pulsed rhythmically, casting strange shadows across the vastness of space.

The Unusual Characteristics of Hellstar

As astronomers studied Hellstar further, they discovered that it possessed a number of unusual characteristics that set it apart from any other known celestial body. One of the most perplexing aspects of Hellstar is its size. While most stars fall into one of several categories based on their size and luminosity, Hellstar defies classification. It is neither a giant star nor a dwarf star, but something altogether different.

Furthermore, Hellstar emits vast amounts of radiation, bathing its surrounding planets in a perpetual glow of red light. This radiation is so intense that it has been known to interfere with electronic equipment and communications systems, making exploration of the star system surrounding Hellstar a daunting task.

The Hellstar System

Despite the challenges posed by Hellstar’s radiation, scientists have managed to explore the star system surrounding it, uncovering a wealth of strange and fascinating phenomena. The Hellstar Shirt system consists of several planets, each with its own unique characteristics.

The first planet in the Hellstar system is known as Infernia, a barren wasteland of rock and dust. Its surface is scorched by the intense heat of Hellstar, and its atmosphere is choked with toxic gases. Despite these inhospitable conditions, scientists believe that life may exist in the form of extremophiles, microscopic organisms capable of surviving in the most extreme environments.

The second planet, Stygias, is a frozen world covered in ice and snow. Its surface temperature hovers around -200 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest places in the universe. Despite its frigid conditions, Stygias is home to a diverse array of life forms, including strange creatures adapted to survive in the icy depths of its oceans.

The Mysteries of Hellstar

While much has been learned about Hellstar Tracksuit and its surrounding planets, many mysteries still remain. One of the most enduring enigmas is the origin of Hellstar itself. Scientists have proposed various theories, ranging from the idea that it was formed in a catastrophic supernova explosion to the notion that it is a remnant of an ancient, long-dead civilization.

Another mystery surrounding Hellstar is the nature of its pulsating light. While some scientists believe that it is simply a natural phenomenon caused by the star’s unique composition, others speculate that it may be a form of communication from an advanced alien civilization.

Hellstar Hoodie 

Introducing the Hellstar Hoodie – where style meets the cosmic abyss in a way that’s never been seen before. Imagine a garment that captures the essence of a distant galaxy’s swirling nebulae, interstellar dust clouds, and the fiery glow of a supernova, all woven into the fabric of a hoodie.

Crafted from a blend of specially engineered fibers, the Hellstar Hoodie boasts a mesmerizing design that seems to shift and morph with every movement. Its deep, cosmic black base is punctuated by bursts of vibrant colors, reminiscent of the celestial phenomena that inspired its creation.

Hellstar T-shirt 

Introducing the Hellstar T-shirt, a garment that embodies the essence of celestial rebellion and cosmic cool. Crafted with the softest, comfiest fabric this side of the Milky Way, this T-shirt isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s a statement, a manifesto, a symbol of individuality in a universe of conformity.

Picture this: a starry sky, the kind that stretches endlessly into the void, speckled with galaxies and constellations. Now imagine one of those stars, not like the others, burning with a fierce intensity that defies convention. That’s the spirit of the Hellstar T-shirt.

Hellstar Shorts

In the depths of the cosmos lies a realm both feared and revered: Hellstar Shorts. This enigmatic universe teems with a tapestry of dark adventure, where the boundaries of reality blur and the unknown beckons with a seductive, sinister allure.

Imagine a star system where every celestial body holds secrets darker than the void itself. In Hellstar Shorts, planets are not just lifeless orbs but living, breathing entities, each with its own malevolent agenda. From the fiery pits of Inferno Prime to the frozen wastelands of Stygian IV, every corner of this universe pulses with a raw, untamed energy.

The Future of Hellstar Exploration

As technology continues to advance, scientists are hopeful that they will be able to unravel the remaining mysteries of Hellstar. Plans are already underway for a series of manned missions to explore the star system in greater detail, with the ultimate goal of establishing a permanent human presence in orbit around Hellstar itself.

Hellstar is a truly unique and fascinating celestial body that has captured the imagination of humanity for centuries. From its discovery by early astronomers to the present day, it has continued to defy explanation and inspire wonder. As we continue to explore the cosmos, it is certain that Hellstar will remain a beacon of mystery in the vastness of space.

[linuxgamenews]

Stellaris new story pack releases you into the dark abyss

First Contact Story Pack launches for Stellaris sci-fi strategy game on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Which is the result for the work and effort from developers Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Arctic. Releasing on Steam, GOG, and Humble Store. Paradox Interactive, a developer and publisher who comes in peace (honest), releases the First Contact Story Pack. Which makes its debut in the sci-fi strategy game Stellaris. First Contact, a pack that focuses on new interactions with pre-FTL civilizations. While offering new stories of exploration and new cloaking technology. All Stellaris players will also receive the free 3.7 ‘Canis Minor’ update. Doing so from the Stellaris custodians team, including gameplay upgrades and new content.

Stellaris: First Contact | Trailer (Linux, Mac, Windows PC)

You are not alone! The galaxy is vast and full of wonders, but it’s also full of alien empires. There you are going to encounter, whether you’re ready or not. First Contact offers a set of new origins and mechanics. Due to give players the chance to tell stories about their civilizations’ early encounters with visitors from the stars. One that may or may not have come in peace.

Features include:

New Origins:

Broken Shackles: You didn’t take to the stars in First Contact; you were taken to the stars as an alien captive. Now, you and your fellow prisoners have overtaken the ship. So now you find yourselves banding together to survive. Due to thrive as a diverse new community. Can you rise to greatness from this humble origin? And will your former captors take notice?

Payback: No one would have believed your world was being watched by minds greater than your own. At least until they actually showed up. But you did not go quietly into the night! Your civilization has repelled a would-be conqueror from space. Along with sudden access to their advanced technology. So now you’re about to discover just what else is out beyond the stars.

Fear of the Dark: As you’ve explored your home system, you’ve always suspected you weren’t alone in the galaxy. Especially when one of your planets suddenly suffered an “incident” a while back. In First Contact, a very large faction of your own people have long gone against tempting fate in the dark abyss. What path will you choose, while needing room to grow?

Technology and New Mechanics:

New Pre-FTL Interaction Options: What will your role be when the next member of the galactic community tells their origin story? New mechanics allow for a broader range of interactions with pre-FTL civilizations. This also depends on their level of tech and their awareness of your presence. Will your arrival be revered, or met with violent panic?

Cloaking Technology: Nobody saw this feature coming! So equip your ships with cloaking devices to survey in secret. Or catch a foe unaware, but keep subtle tabs on your pre-FTL neighbors. Doing so with cloaked observation posts. Just be sure your own scanners and intel are also strong. Since you never know which of your neighbors might be lurking in the shadows!

Full detail of changes in First Contact and the ‘Canis Minor’ Update is available here. First Contact Story Pack launches for Stellaris on Steam, GOG, and Humble Store. Priced at $14.99 USD / £12.79 / €14.99. Along with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. The base game is also Steam Deck Playable. Stellaris also launches a massive sale on Steam and GOG. The game is priced at $9.99 USD / £8.74 / 9,99€, including the 75% discount. Regularly priced on Humble Store.

[neruomancer]

Essayturgy pt.2 update

I want to model the school more around scholarships and magickal research. Maybe the Essayturges are able to create spells from studying their essays. Maybe the essays they make also act as a spell or as a vector?

Other Adepts schools seem to be based on the interpretations of traditional magick in the modern or pre modern era so I wanted to turn the Essayturgy school into more of a scholarly wizard class of obsessive weirdo for UA.

The Essayturges are academics, petty debate streamers, popular influencers, pissant film critics, zine editors, adapts who have their finger in the pulse of pop culture to see the magickal under current. Videomancers hate them because they are disrupting their attempts at revitalizing their magic school, Biblomancers hate them because they are creating new books that didn't exist before and erasing major titles from the literary cannon.

Essayturges are scholarly, like monks who studied the classics, they are knowledgeable in the arcane. Essayturges pick and pull from the collective unconscious by studying modern pop culture, literature genres, or fandom discourse and extract lurid occult secrets from these cracks.

To reframe the paradox, essayturges pull knowledge from the void. The theories they make, the ideas they have, the head cannons they create are pulled from something that may or may not exist but they have created connective tissue to something related. An academic who crafts a massive binder sized manifesto to a documentary that doesn't exist, yet the details of their criticism starts to seep into consensus reality. A Ted Talk that acts as the modern day Nostradamus, they will predict war, famine, death while they talk about how the Barbie movie is about the 2016 election. A ARG storyteller drops clues about hidden spots in the world where the laws of the universe don't apply by having their players read through the Secret. Essayturges have created human shapes and ideas from the formless abyss that is the unconscious mind. Something alien and distant. Something that cannot be understood.

Random magickal domain

Essayturges are sorcerers that dwell in their towers and stare at their mirrors and their crystal ball to ponder the collective unconscious through analyzing the comments of obscure reddit communities or by creating hit pieces in the form of a Twitter thread.

They don't have to be video essayists, but that is a popular type. Many essayturges are also pop culture critics that work for fan zines, student aides for literature and film professors, temps at content mills who write fandom themed pop quizzes. Anywhere they can shape the collective mythology of the world.

They exist in the same cultural milieu of other great and revolutionary texts from essayists and satirists in the past. There would be no horrible hell without Dantes Inferno, we would not understand the horror movie universe we live in without Men, Women, and Chainsaws by Carol J. Clover, we would not understand the sterile and passionless comic book myth cycle we are stuck in without Everyone is Beautiful and No One is Horny by RS Benedict. Without The Navidson Record, every doorway and every house would just be a doorway and a house instead of the gapping maws of the infinite that they became.

Stats

Generate a Minor Charge.

You must create a video that gets 50,000-500,000 views in 9 days. Alternatively you must make a essay, a commentary piece, or generate a piece of media, be it a article or a obscure zine that gets 5,000-15,000 clicks or reads in 9 days, 9 hours and 9 minutes.

Generate a Significant Charge.

You must enter into a major debate or feud with someone in the same field as you. They must respond to you a total amount of 3 times before you can even get the charge. You must also be seen as the "winning" party.

Generate a Major Charge.

You must present a piece that takes at least an hour and a half to finish viewing/listening or a full hour to finish reading. The piece or essay must destroy the reputation of either a advisor or someone completely unknown. They must either lose there job, lose a fan base or following, or just make a major spectical of there existence. The information doesn't need to be accurate, it just needs to be convincing enough for a large community to believe.

Minor Formula Spells

*Easter Egg, cost: 2 minor charges

You can invent a tiny part of someones past retroactively or you can generate a small item that could fit in your pocket to be at the place when you need it.

Significant Formula Spells

*Footnotes, cost: 2 significant charges

You can create a gutter magick rituals that is based of a essay you have created. It has to be something agreed to by the GM in terms of ability. If you are doing an essay on TV tropes you can make gutter magick off tropes.

Major effects

You can create permanently cement an otherspace into stability and existence. You create a powerful grimoire that you can pull minor formula spells from.

What you've heard?

Try not to get into a debate with Phil Phish from the NightDocs board. Yeah he is a trip code user and that is cringe but he posted a large Google doc on gnostic themes of Warstar 7 and the next day it was removed from all major streaming sites. He did that so videomancers couldn't charge off it anymore. He holds it to himself and just watches it and posts clips of it on the site to do 8 hour frame by frame deep dives.

Essayturgy

aka content creators, telegenics, Ted's Talkers

The Internet is a couple hundred miles wide but it is only about a few feet deep. There is so much content out there now that it is difficult to put the time aside to invest into anything. You want to watch that show that everyone else at work is watching? Well it is several seasons in and by the time you get a moment to watch it you have some homework you need to do. But that is ridiculous isn't it? TV and movies should be something you put on in the background as you relax from your day at work. When you play a video game you shouldn't have to invest time in lore or the miniscule textures of the world, you are still trying to figure out the texture of this world let alone a different world. I can't possibly know the entire history or background of a beef between two celebrities, I just don't have the time for investment. What if there was a way for you to get all the information up front in less than half the time it would take to engage? You go to YouTube (or some other video platform equivalent when YouTube explodes in the future) and you type about the topic you want to learn. Let's say that show your coworkers are talking about and bam, there is a four hour YouTube video about "X show is genius and here's why" or "The Consequences of Y character doing X". Now you can get the ins and outs of the entire show in half the time it would take. You find a couple of videos and you find some people you like and from there you find out they have an entire back catalog of other videos. "A retrospective of a show with 10 seasons" and it is 6 hours, you can watch it in the background while you are cooking dinner and you can chat with your friends about it by tomorrow.

Not only that but these videos also can provide hidden aspects of shows or movies you didn't see before. You can apply an entire philosophy or ideology to the ways and means of random or unconnected things and then create connective tissue between them. If you make a video convincing enough you can make people believe that a children's show is the best way to understand a foucauldian panopticon or you can say that a television personality is secretly part of an unsavory ideology due to hidden hand signals that they present while on live.

The sum total experience of anything can be filtered through one person (or a team of people) but you are going to see the face of one person as you go to source on certain topics. Right now there are media savvy alchemists that are taking the pure lead of time and engagement in learning about something and transmuting it into the gold of pure inexperienced knowledge. 100% pure unfiltered qualia right into your brain. You pour the time and hours in a video editor to create visual-auditory hallucinations of reality. Get a couple thousand views on a video, get a nice plaque for your studio, create a platform for your opinions and now you have become a thought leader for your chosen community whether it is the lore and deep dives of a day time television show or you are devoted to the developing lore of an off screen background character.

The central paradox of this school is that you are presenting your essay as the sum total knowledge on certain subjects without the viewer really experiencing it for themselves. They are fans or experts in fields they have no experience in.

Stats

The charging structure for Essayturges is based on a consistent narrative they present in their videos. They must build a platform through any medium of their choice as long as it is a video presented in an essay form. The video must be at least 30 minutes long and must present a topic whether it is a retrospective of a given topic and it must provide a theory or an idea that the topic is addressing. "Bluey is about the nuclear family and here's why" "FNAF is about the fall of/or the corruption of Mascot centered business" etc.

Essayturges can choose multiple topics to address but it is best and easier for an adept to focus on 2-3 topics at hand that way they can spin a constant narrative or idea about a given video. Essayturges cannot gain multiple charges of one video. One charge per video whether it is a minor or a major charge.

Generate a Minor Charge: Make a video that is 30 minutes or longer about a topic. The topic can be informative but it can also present a theory. The video must gain at least 1000 - 10,000 views over a week.

Generate a significant Charge: Make a video that presents a theory or an idea about a subject or a medium. The topic can be informative on the subject but it must present a theory related to the subject invented from whole cloth. The video must gain at least 10,000-100,000 in a month.

Generate a Major Charge: Make a video that casts doubt or upstages another video essayist. You must either provide proof or you must present proof that can be believed beyond doubt even if it is not true. The video must gain at least 500,000-1,000,000 views in two weeks.

Taboo: You can never correct yourself or admit you were wrong about any topic. You can update your theory or you can reword things you have said previously but you can never say that you were incorrect about any subject you presented.

Random Magick Domain: Being a Essayturgist is about changing people's or the audience's perspective to accept your understanding of a certain topic or subject matter. Once you have changed peoples understanding of a certain subject you can change how they think and substance of consensus reality. Reality is at the whims of your editing software.

Charging tips: You can work Essayist magick as a radio show DJ or a podcaster as long as you also film everything you release in tandem with your recording. As long as it is presented in an informative fashion. This goes with Ted talks as well, as long as they are filmed and placed on YouTube. The video you make does not have to be on your channel that you have made you just have to be the one presenting information and it must be on your terms. You can't charge from someone else making a video about you but if an interview you are in goes viral you can charge as long as you are guiding or controlling the narrative.

Essayturgy Minor Formula Spells:

Clout

Cost: 2 minor charge

A Essayturgy can cast this on themselves or anyone and they will appear extremely likeable or at least tolerable for a brief time. If someone is chasing you down wanting to kill you, they suddenly don't feel the desire to hurt or harm you and may just stop in there tracks completely. If someone is indifferent about you, you can turn them into a rabid fan briefly.

Like and subscribe

Cost: 1 minor charge

Have you ever had a thought that didn't feel like your own? Maybe it was a intrusive thought? Maybe a adept is trying to get you to say something you shouldn't or don't want to? With this spell you can make people tell you what is really on there mind. But it will only be exact what is not there mind. You can't extract secrets or interrogate them, they can only tell you what they are thinking at that exact moment.

Copyright strike

Cost: 2 minor charges

You can block something or someone out of view of another person or a group of people. This person for whatever reason will not be registered or viewed by anyone this is effecting. This spell will only work if you or the person under the effect of the spell is playing copyrighted music.

Stats for Nerds

Cost: 2 minor charges

With this effect you can learn specific details about any person. Usually it is only one thing and you typically will not be able to decide what you learn about that person but you will be able to learn about someone's exact date of birth or blood type.

Essayturgy Significant Formula Spells:

Hey Guys!

Cost: 2 significant charges

Essayturgists are strong personalities and have a particular sway over people, this spell enhances that three fold and allows for the adept to implant commands and suggests into a person or into a crowd of choice. If you work the ability on one person or a group of three the suggests are much stronger and last longer while of you where to cast it on a larger crowd it gets diffused and a weak suttle suggest that lasts only a minute or two. Casting the spell on one person you can make them a Manchurian candidate for 24 hours while casting it on a crowd of 15 you can have them look away from you for a brief period of time.

Fix it in post

Cost: 2significant charge

You can change the outcome of a event or a action that happened 5-10 minutes in the past. If your friend gets hit by a car you can go back a minute before it happens and hold them back or redirect the car to crash into a wall.

Major Charge Effects

You can choose one person to retroactively erase from existence. You can pick one day to repeat for 24 hours in a select location, such as a small town or a certain building.

[kaifyer]

Genshin Impact Lore Analysis/Theories Masterpost

Disclaimer: This was made for my own reference. May contain inaccurate/outdated information. Will contain spoilers. A lot of these are discussions rather than proven theories or facts. Linked content belongs to their respective owners. 

Last updated: 7th June 2021

General resources

Timeline of events

Playable characters’ 3D models (with in-browser viewer)

Gods and vision holders (For playable gods, please refer to playable characters)

All about visions - What we know about them and how they were bestowed and received

Vision criteria theory

Seven sins for seven archons theory

Eighth Archon theory

Decarabian: Tyrant or misunderstood ruler?

The Gnostic Chorus is a lie || Dansleif, Dragonspine and The False Sky

Similarities between visions and elemental oculi

Gnosis are shaped like chess pieces 

Allogenes are the pawns in Celestia’s game of chess theory

Meaning of Guizhong’s name

All about Guizhong and theories of her death

Teyvat has its own “laws”

Possibility of the revival of dead people in Teyvat

Is erosion elemental power?

Teyvat is upside down theory

Teyvat is a hollow planet theory

Teyvat’s solar system

The three moons of Teyvat

Teyvat’s links to Honaki Impact

Alchemy and symbols in Teyvat

Loom of fate theory

Teyvat!Idols and Archon Barbara Theory

Playable character-specific

- Albedo

Backstory and analysis

Albedo’s relationship to Alice and her daughter, Klee

Gold, the Magnum Opus and the Heart of Naberius

- Amber

In search of Amber’s grandfather

- Beidou

Meaning of Beidou’s name

- Bennett

Is there a reason for Bennett’s bad luck?

- Childe/Tartaglia/Ajax

Chile’s complexity as a character

Childe analysis based on his constellation (Monoceros Caeli)

- Chongyun

Meaning of Chongyun’s name

- Diluc

Backstory and character analysis

Diluc and Kaeya do not hate each other

- Fischl/Amy

Who is the Prinzessin Der Verurteilung?

Princess Fischl’s story

About Oz

- Ganyu

Ganyu lore and the mythology of the Qilin analysis

- Hutao

Character analysis - humanity and divine insight

- Kaeya

Kaeya’s connection to the Abyss

How Kaeya has been abandoned over and over

Kaeya could be a bookworm

Perhaps Kaeya was inspired by the Snow Queen (a fairytale)

Kaeya and Diluc’s brotherhood

- Keqing

Meaning of Keqing’s name

“Yuheng” is the star that governs relationships in Chinese fortune telling

- Lisa

A brief write-up on Lisa

- Mona

Mona’s relevance to the lore of Genshin

- Ningguang

Ningguang’s association with the phoenix

Ningguang is Guizhong’s reincarnation theory

Meaning of Ningguang’s name

- Qiqi

Meaning of Qiqi’s name

Qiqi could be an ancestor of Keqing

Photos of Qiqi and keqing side by side

- The Traveller/The Twins

PS4 wind glider shows the twins’ care for each other

The details in and the differences between the twins’ fighting styles

- Venti

Analysis on Venti

- Xiao

Developer’s insight

Meaning of Xiao’s name

Xiao was the adeptus who killed Qiqi theory

- Xingqiu

Xingqiu probably helped Lisa organise books in Mondstadt’s library

Meaning of Xingqiu’s name

- Zhongli

Meaning of Zhongli’s name

Backstory and character analysis

Discussing Zhongli’s flaws

Zhongli killed Guizhong theory

Relationships

Sibling relationships in Teyvat

“Sworn brothers” what does it mean?

Paimon

Paimon’s appearance and common symbols in Genshin

Celestia, domains and Paimon

Even more evidence that suggests Paimon is from Celestia

Paimon is a seelie theory

Paimon is the god of time theory

Paimon and P•A•I•M•O•N are different

Non-playable character (NPC)-specific

Vile’s role as an informant

What we know of Rostam the Wolf Pup

Alice (Klee’s mum) is scary

Alice was isekai’d to Teyvat theory

What we learnt through Endora’s quests

Katheryne is a robot

The dark secret behind Childish Jiang’s hide-and-seek quest

Meaning of Baizhu’s name

Enemies and monsters

Hilichurls are people too

Hilichurl language guide

Hilichurls may have existed thousands of years ago

Samachurls are one-eyed

Abyss Lector Catalyst Translation

Elecro hypostasis and similar goetia sigils

Osial may not have been fully awakened by Childe

Domains and symbols

Wildlife

Water sources and surrounding wildlife

Tumblr dedicated to reference images of wildlife and other things

Harbingers

General overview of what we know about the eleven harbingers

Places - Mondstadt

Celestia’s motives, Sal Vindagnyr and Durin

Piecing together Dragonspine’s history

Storied history of Mondstadt

Translations of Teyvat common language

Barbatos statue hand pointing theory

Barbatos statue hand pointing theory visualisation

Old Mondstadt is a giant transmutation circle theory

Mondstadt's waterways

Small details about Mondstadt (and Liyue)

Places - Liyue

Liyue developer’s insights

Blackcliff and Protoype weapons were first crafted by the same person

Liyue character names and their meanings (Beidou, Keqing and Ningguang)

Dunyu Valley and the origins of the Chasm

Small details about Liyue (and Mondstadt)

Azhdaha hints

Places - Inazuma

What we know of Inazuma so far

Inazuma and its parallels to Japan’s history: Theories about Inazuma

Places - Fontaine

Fontaine theory/speculation

Places - Spiral Abyss

Khaenri’ah and the abyss

Is the spiral abyss the path to Celestia?

Places - Celestia

Celestians are aliens theory

Three theories on Celestia

Debunking the ‘Celestia is a prison’ theory

In-game books/folktales/artifacts/weapons

The Gnostic Chorus and the Second Heir of the Black Pearl Theory

‘The Pale Princess and the Six Pygmies’ and the Tsaritsa

‘The Pale Princess and the Six Pygmies’ and Dainsleif

What we know of Seelie through in-game books

Fun bits from the Millelith artifact set

Story behind the Heart of Depth artifact set

Meta-analysis (from a literature standpoint)

Man vs Nature - humans vs the elements

Why Carmen Dei is one of the better stories

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TV Recommendations by Genre

(C) = Mandarin Chinese language (K) = Korean

** Many of these fit into multiple genres, I just put them where I felt they most strongly lean based on how I enjoy them. 

Comedy

Love is Sweet (C)- Two childhood enemies reconnect as adults and manage to aggravate one another into a bratty, loving relationship.

Psychopath’s Diary (K)- A kind young man ends up in possession of a diary chronicling the appetites and murders of a violent serial killer. After surviving a car accident that leaves him with long term amnesia, the young man believes that he himself is, in fact, the serial killer.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (K)- Bong Soon wants nothing more than to hide her superpowers from the world and live a normal life. A dangerous stalker following her new boss- and a killer lurking in the shadows- makes Bong Soon re-evaluate her position on her powers and the kind of life she wants to live.

Crime

Abyss (K)- The Abyss is a device which resurrects a dead person, whose appearance changes to reflect if they were good (they become hotter) or bad (they become uglier). When the young master of the Abyss accidentally resurrects a serial killer- who then kills his best friend (who he also resurrects)- it is a race against the clock to find him before he kills again.

Beyond Evil (K)- A serial killer returns to torture the residents of a quiet village. A young, ambitious detective transfers to the town to smoke out the culprit and prove once and for all that the original suspect- now a police officer himself- was the culprit all along.

Dear Judge / Your Honor (K)- When he needs a place to hide from the cops, a criminal steps into the life of his missing twin brother- a corrupt judge. The young man begins using his newfound power to bring mercy to the law, and falls in love with a wide-eyed optimist intern.

Flower of Evil (K)- After a brutal murder that echoes the pattern of a demented serial killer, a police detective begins to hunt down the long-lost suspect in that case. She quickly realizes that she found the killer long ago by pure chance- and married him.

Guardian (C)- The chief of a secret police unit composed of demons and humans works closely with a mysterious professor to preserve the balance between this world and the Underworld. For the chief, the professor represents a future he could never predict. For the professor- the Dark Lord who maintains order in the Underworld- the chief is a past he will never forget. (The show says ‘aliens’ but it treats them as demons)

Lawless Lawyer (K)- A ganster-turned-lawyer returns to his hometown, where his activist mother was brutally murdered decades ago. He intends to uproot the evil that grew in his home, and will cross any and all lines to do it.

My Roommate is a Detective (C)- In 1940s Shanghai, a police officer partners with a brilliant- but very himbo- young man to solve crime and protect the city. Joining them on their adventures is the reporter daughter of a local crime lord, eager to make a name for herself.

Drama

Chicago Typewriter (K)- A writer comes into possession of an 80 year old typewriter, haunted by the memories and spirit of a young man killed during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s. The writer- and the young woman who delivered the typewriter to him- are caught up with the memories of their past lives- when they were the two closest friends of the ghost inside the typewriter.

The Crowned Clown (K)- The King of Korea is an evil, twisted creature. As his reign crumbles around him, his closest allies secretly bring in an entertainer who bears an eerie resemblance to the mad king in order to save the kingdom.

Hello My Twenties (K)- A group of women sharing an apartment in Seoul experience the ups and downs of life as they try to navigate their early 20s.

Hotel Del Luna (K)- Centries ago, the goddess of fate cursed Man Wol to tend as an immortal overseeing the Hotel Del Luna, a resting place for souls to heal on their way to the afterlife. Now, she has put a young mortal in Man Wol’s path, tasked with healing the hatred in her soul before she succumbs and transforms into an evil spirit.

Mr Queen (K)- A playboy nearly dies and wakes in the body of one of Korea’s last queens. He finds himself falling in love with the King, while helping him fight to save his nation and put off the Japanese invasion.

Oh My Ghost (K)- A depressed young medium is possessed by the ghost of a virgin who believes she just has to get laid to pass on to the afterlife. As the ghost helps the girl make progress with her crush, the ghost begins to remember her own death, and that her unfinished business has nothing to do with sex, and everything to do with solving her own gruesome murder.

Princess Hours (K)- In a world where Korea exists as a constitutional monarchy, the hateful Crown Prince agrees to marry the daughter of a poor family (a deal set up by their grandfathers). The prince married her because he takes sadistic joy in watching the royal life suffocate his new bride and snuff out her obnoxious optimism, but by the time he realizes he has fallen in love with her, it might be too late to save the light and warmth that once burned so brightly in her heart.

Princess Silver (C)- An amnesiac princess is sold in marriage to a rival nation to secure a peace treaty. While there, she falls in love with the crown prince while maintaining her cover as a spy for her kingdom... even though she suspects she may not be their princess at all.

Well Intended Love Season 1 (C, independent of S2)- A wealthy businessman ensnares a sick, struggling actress and forces her to agree to a contract marriage in exchange for life-saving treatment. He treats her well and love begins to bloom, but the question remains: how did he magically appear when she needed a miracle, and why did he make her pretend to be his wife?

Found-Family

The Best Hit (K)- A Kpop star from the early 90s winds up in 2017 Seoul to see the devastating legacy he will leave upon not only those who relied on him, but those who loved him. His only chance to set things right is to solve his own 1994 disappearance (suspected to be murder)... a bit of a tall ask considering he came to the future from 1993.

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (K)- For centuries Gong Yoo has walked the earth as an immortal, cursed ghost, waiting to find the one person who can see the sword pierced through his chest and pull it out, freeing him from his torment. He finds his so-called Goblin Bride at long last, but also finds his way back to the reincarnations of those he loved and lost so long ago.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha (K)- An arrogant dentist from Seoul moves out to a remote fishing village where she learns the healing power of a simpler life, and love of a welcoming community.

Hwarang (K)- Once upon a time, the Hwarang were Korea’s most elite fighting force. This comedy follows the founding of the Hwarang, and the king who secretly trains among their ranks. And everyone brings it up so I’ll say it here- yes, the moony-eyed one is V from BTS.

Mystic Pop Up Bar (K)- Over 500 years, Wol Ju has settled the grudges of 99,990 people in penance for killing herself and damning a sacred tree. To meet her quota in time, she recruits a lonely young man named Kang Bae who, together with an afterlife police officer called Chief Gwi, will work to settle the final 10 burdens and set Wol Ju free.

Sell Your Haunted House (K)- For years, Ji-a has lived in her family home, unwilling to leave the trapped soul of her mother who died inside. She is a real estate agent who specializes in removing the evil spirits from hautned houses, and partners with a charming con-man who serves as her medium until she can unravel the power keeping her mother trapped in death.

Adventure

DMBJ (C)- A series encompassing 8+ standalone shows chronicling the adventures (and misadventures) of three friends as they explore dark, mystical tombs and try to protect their wonders from falling into evil hands.

Handsome Siblings (C)- 18 years ago, a popular hero was cut down and his newborn twins separated and raised on opposites sides of the conflict- with no idea that they even have a brother. Now they have been unleashed upon the world, and must try to survive long enough to expose the darkness of the past and heal the family that was ripped so cruelly apart.

Word of Honor (C)- A dying assassin seeking redemption teams up with an alluring, mysterious young man to uncover the darkness at the heart of the cultivation world. Along the journey they find love and family, but what fate gives, it can also take away.

W: Two Worlds (K)- After a writer vanishes, his popular web novel takes on a life of its own and drags his daughter into the pages. The walls of reality begin to crumble, and it becomes apparent the monster from the story has escaped into this world.

Romance (many of these could also be called fantasy)

A Love So Beautiful (C)- From high school up through their adult lives, the romantic tribulations of a group of four friends plays out.

Ashes of Love (C)- Star-crossed immortals must fight to be together and find their happily ever after. At every turn they are haunted by the darkness of their parent’s generation, and unspeakable horrors committed by their predecessors against one another.

Be Loved in House: I Do (C)- A Taiwanese drama following the almost nauseatingly cliché story of a cold, love-hating new boss who moves in with his kind but inexperienced underling. Mutual hatred melts away to understanding and love.

Because This is My First Life (K)- A man and woman- both enduring trials and traumas of their own- agree to enter into a two-year contract marriage in order to keep their domineering families away. As they heal from their own traumas, they realize that the first step in loving someone else is learning to speak in a language they can understand.

Doom At Your Service (K)- The embodiment of Doom makes a deal with a dying woman to save her from pain for her final 100 days, but in return she has to wish for the destruction of all life. The only way out of the deal is to force herself to fall in love with Doom, so that when her time is up the bargain backfires and destroys him instead.

History 3:Trapped (C)- This Taiwanese drama follows the nauseatingly cliché love story between a gang leader and the police detective who seeks to unravel his whole operation.

Love O2O (C)- A young woman who is prolific at online role-playing games meets and falls for the best male player on their server, after he inexplicably offers to partner with her for couples-based quests. Little does she realize that he has found her in real life and fell in love watching her play.

Oh My Venus (K)- Once a knock-out beauty, Min-Ah has lost her “perfect” figure and been overlooked and disregarded by those in her life. Unhappy with who she has become, she employs a personal trainer who helps her correct medical problems, find healthy stress-coping mechanisms, and overall gives her a brighter outlook on life as the pair fall in love.

Romance is a Bonus Book (K)- Divorced, destitute, and homeless, a woman leans on the shoulder of her lifelong friend for strength. As she gets her feet back under her and sees hope in life for the first time in years, she comes to realize at long last that her friend has quietly loved her his whole life.

The Romance of Tiger and Rose (C)- An author is drawn into her own story and put into the body of a doomed character on the day they die. She must survive to the end of the story to get back to her own world, but falls in love with the ill-fated male lead, and must choose between saving him and returning the home she left behind.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed (K)- The God of Bukhansan, one of Korea’s most powerful mountain gods, gave up his power and chose to exist as a nine-tailed fox in exchange for the soul of his beloved to be resurrected one day. That time has come, and the lonely god will stop at nothing to prevent her from repeating her tragic fate.

Well Intended Love Season 2 (C, independent of S1)- A popular actress and wealthy CEO fake an engagement to get out of a scandal. But as it becomes clear that someone is targeting them both to destroy their lives, they must rely on one another for support in the gathering storm.

What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (K)- When his assistant suddenly quits, an out-of-touch CEO first proposes to her, then tries to woo her into staying. But relationships aren’t so simple- and Secretary Kim has another, secret reason for wanting to leave.

Fantasy (many of these could also be called Romance)

Miss the Dragon (C)- In order to serve his penance and lift the curse on a young mortal, an immortal dragon has to find her and protect her across three lifetimes, knowing he cannot be with his love until the trials are complete. They are aided in their centuries-long love by an immortal bird demon and the seemingly cold God of Death.

Love and Redemption (C)- A young group of cultivators attempts to stop a renegade sect from resurrecting an evil demon general. The key to their success or failure lies with the Goddess of War- and the heavens will stop at nothing to keep the goddess from recovering her memories and rising to annihalate the heavens.

Oh My Emperor (C)- A doctor is in an accident and wakes up in a world where each sign of the zodiac is embodied in a mystical Lord. The thirteenth zodiac sign has been hunted and slaughtered ever since their master was executed for high treason- and the young woman is the new Lady destined for the empty Ophiuchus throne.

Tale of Arang // Arang and the Magistrate (K)- A young man hunting for his long lost mother comes across a ghost who happens to possess his mother’s hairpin- meaning she was holding it when she died. Solving her murder will free her soul and find his mother- but it will bring Heaven and Hell both to their knees.

The Untamed (C)- History remembers the life- and death- of Wei Wuxian, the Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, as a period of strife and struggle. Sixteen years after his downfall Wei Wuxian will rise again, return to his boyhood love Lan Wangji, and uncover the darkness that destroyed him so many years ago.