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mask131 · 1 year ago

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Weird Winds: A map of French winds

If you do not know, France doesn't just have one or two or four winds. When you look at the winds of France, you won't just find your typical cardinal division East/West/North/South. Oh no! You will get tons and tons of winds, with all sorts of bizarre names. Each region has its own set of winds, with its own names, meteorological effects, and cultural associations. The result is that people can write entire books about the French winds just by listing them all.

I just found a little website that can serve as a good introduction to the winds of France. It is a website dedicated to learning French when you're a foreigner, and it has one tiny page about the winds of France. It notably offers this simplified map selecting fifteen winds:

Here is the list of the winds, corresponding to the numbers on the map.

Le suroît. A South wind of the Bretagne region, hot and humid.

Le nordet. A Bretagne North wind, that makes the air colder and causes downpours.

La bise. A dry and cold North wind.

La bise. (Yes, they put it twice)

Baslerwind, an Eastern wind of Alsace.

La lombarde. A dry and violent winds of the Alps and the Savoie region.

La tramontane. A violent wind of the Languedoc and the Roussillon.

Le levant. The gentle and humid East wind.

Le ponant. The (usually) soft, Mediterranean West wind.

Le sirocco. The hot wind that carries into France the Sahara sands.

Le cers. The West wind of the Roussillon region, known to scatter clouds away and bring a sunny weather. The cers is considered a componants of the tramontane.

L'autan. An often strong sea wind, that blows in the opposite direction of the tramontane in the Toulouse region and the Tarn. It can be gentler or colder depending on the places.

La tramontane. A cold and strong wind that blows in the Languedoc-Roussillon. It is also the North wind of Provence.

La galerne. A local wind of the Pays Basque, which blows by "hits" (in an irregular way). Through strong gusts, it lowers the temperature and brings rain.

Le mistral. A typical wind of Provence, which also blows in the Var region and in Corsica. It is known to usually blow several days in a row.

The website also had links to other pages that explained in greater details a handful of those winds. I'll put the explanations below:

A) Le Ponant. When it comes to regional Mediterranean winds, le Mistral or la Tramontane usually come to mind - but people tend to forget le Ponant, whose name indicates its position as the West wind. "Ponant" itself is a Latin-inherited term designating the place where the sun sets (opposing the "levant", where the sun rises), and thus in terms of winds, le ponant wind is the west wind, opposed to the Levant wind, the east wind. However, originally, the sailors used "ponant" and "levant" merely as cardinal directions (West/East), and by extension to designate the two bodies of water they travelled across: the Ponant was the Atlantic Ocean, the Levant the Mediterranean Sea. As such, the French sailors called the "Ponant ports" towns such as Brest or La Rochelle, and "Levant ports" Marseille or Sète. It was only afterward that the two terms came to designate the East and West winds.

The Ponant is a western wind with southern components. It is usually soft and gentle, especially when it blows from the south-west, even though it can be strong on the Balearic area. While it blows all year long, it is most present during spring and autumn.

B) Autan. The autan wind is known for its violence by the inhabitants of the Tarn and Toulouse regions. It is even often called "the mad wind" or the "insane wind". The Autan is one of the three local winds of the Occitanie region, alongside the Tramontane and the Marin. While it is mostly focused on Tarn and Toulouse, it can sometimes touch Quercy and Rouerge. The autan is actually the prolongation of the sea-wind blowing on the coasts of the Languedoc-Roussillon. The "triangle" between which the Autan is the most common is formed by Toulouse, Castelnaudary and Castres. It forms the opposite of the tramontane, which comes from the Mediterranean sea. The autan wind can go from 10 km per hour to 90 km per hour in the span of just two hours, and it can come back several times throughout the year.

Legend claims that the autan wind drives people mad - the superstition seems to come from the fact that the autan wind is very local, meaning in a precise area it can blow very strongly, while it is still and peaceful right next door. This is because the Autan is created by the presence of the Pyrénées, the wind being "channeled" by a series of valleys (the Agout valley, the Tarn valley, the Lauragais-Garonne). When the wind arrives from the Mediterranean sea, it is very humid, but by the foehn effect it dries up by going over the Corbières and the Black mountain - and it is only once the wind is dried up that it becomes the "autan". There are actually two types of autan according to local beliefs, the "white" autan and the "black" autan. [Note: the website unfortunately does not give the exact difference between the two]

C) Le Cers. "Le cers" is actually one of the oldest, if not THE oldest wind-name in the French language. Blowing from west to east, this wind regulates and rules the weather of the Languedoc-Roussillon region - more precisely of its western half. This wind, that removes the rain and scatters the clouds, blowing on all season, usually three days by four, is what gives to the region is very sunny and shining weather, and it is thus considered a "healthy" wind. You can even see how the Cers sculpted the region: the trees of the area are all leaning to the east! And the old houses of the area all are turned with their back towards the cers, to prevent heating problems. All the gardens, great openings, pools, terraces and other things of the sort are placed east. The cers is not a mountain wind, but a plain wind, that passes between the Massif central and the Pyrénées, through Naurouze. On the Golfe du Lion, there is absolutely no north wind - only the cers that blows from inside the lands. On the heights of Saint-Cyr, near the towns of Ouveillan and Sallèles-d'Aude, you can find a former Roman temple that was built to the god Circius - aka, the Latin embodiment of the cers wind... And this temple seems to be located precisely at the center of what is known as the sunniest area of all France.

D) La galerne is a well known phenomenon of the Pays Basque region, called "enbata" by the locals, and the terror of the sailors. A "coup de galerne" (a galerne hit) is a brief and local phenomenon of the Pays Basque coasts, which sometimes extends itself to the south of the Garonne region. You recognize a galerne by the sudden degradation of the atmospheric conditions, and a brutal drop in temperature. The wind suddenly blows from the north-west, and it can blow really hard, up to a 100 km per hour and above. All of this is usually happening alongside a gathering of clouds, and outbursts of rain. The galerne can hit all year long, but is most frequent between spring and summer, usually between April and September.

The galerne starts out as a little movement of cold air coming from the Golfe de Cascogne. This movement of the air, carried on by winds, becomes stronger thanks to the mountains that cover the Spanish coasts (the Cantabrique mounts). These mountains force the wind to go towards the Pays Basque, while strengthening it - without these mountains, there wouldn't be any galerne. Since this air comes from the sea, it is colder than the local Basque air, which comes from inland. This is what causes the brutal drop in temperatures - and of course, the humidity of the galerne is also because it is carried from the sea.

#france #winds #french winds #weird winds #french regions #weather #local winds #climate #map

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spacetimewithstuartgary · 3 months ago

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A Week of Rain Across Spain

On October 29, 2024, a period of intense rainfall inundated Valencia province in eastern Spain. The extensive, deadly flooding destroyed infrastructure and spurred massive search and rescue efforts.

The downpours kept coming as a high-altitude, low-pressure weather system remained parked over the region. These systems, known as cut-off lows or locally by the Spanish acronym DANA, develop when cold fronts encounter warm, humid air masses and become isolated from the jet stream. In the days following the Valencia flash floods, rain continued to fall in Spain’s eastern coastal regions as well as its southwest, causing yet more flooding and disrupting transportation, classes, and other activities.

This map shows rainfall accumulation totals from October 29 through November 4, 2024. These data are remotely sensed estimates that come from IMERG (the Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM), a product of the GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement) mission, and may differ from ground-based measurements. For instance, IMERG data are averaged across each pixel, meaning that rain-gauge measurements within a given pixel can be significantly higher or lower than the average.

Ground-based measurements by Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, indicated that rainfall totals exceeded 300 millimeters (12 inches) in some areas of Valencia province on October 29 alone. A few days later, on November 1, Huelva province in southwest Spain saw torrential rains; 134 millimeters (5 inches) fell in the city of Cartaya in a 12-hour period. AEMET also issued warnings and reported strong storms along the Mediterranean coast on November 2 and 3.

Next, the heavy rains migrated north, and 150 millimeters (6 inches) fell in Barcelona by noon on November 4. Barcelona’s airport cancelled and diverted flights on that day due to flooding, and train services and schools were also suspended.

Cut-off low-pressure weather systems are typical in this region in autumn because intrusions of cold air from the Arctic encounter remaining surface heat from the Mediterranean summer. Storm systems of the same type drenched Spain and Greece in September 2023.

NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using IMERG data from the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) at NASA/GSFC. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

#science #space #news #nasa #spain #disaster #floods

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starr-fall-knight-rise · 5 years ago

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Earth is Space Australia, “Plagues of Earth.”

I finally got to write an earth is space Australia ft. (Australia) lol. I hope you guys have fun, i enjoyed making this, though I had less time than I wanted to elaborate.

Also inspired by a cover of “The Plagues of Egypt” Done by Johnathan Young in a heavy metal style. I would suggest listening to it when you think about this piece.

Also, sorry if I said anything inaccurate about anyone’s country. I had less than two hours and a quick google search for facts

“Their planetary defense is strong, but they prepare for battle on a large scale.If we bring our troops to the surface in small drop ships, and lead their military carriers away by attacking their nearby colony. We will take the planet.”

“What would be the point of this?”

“Humanity is held up as deity by the rest of the galaxy. As long as they fight, the GA fights with them. But if we destroy them, crush their planet at the source, then we crush the morale of the rest of the galaxy.”

“Where do we drop out soldiers?”

“Everywhere, on every major landmass, near every major city. But we do it quietly, drop them into the wilderness first so the humans won’t see them coming.”

“If we can defeat the humans, we can defeat them all.”

***

Location: Upper-Mid Merianda (Previous US/Canada border rocky mountain region)

The burg landed in the thick forests of the north. The human planet was lush and green, and the temperature was moderate, though it leaned slightly towards cold under the canopy of branches. There were sounds everywhere, the chattering of wildlife and strange flying creatures flitting through the trees. The nearest human residence was not far off, maybe a ten cycle march down hill.

They would reach it in no time, and make their sneak attack.

Their team commander barked his commands to the following Burg soldiers and together they began making their way down the hill.

None of them noticed when things began to go wrong.

They had never been to earth, and so were not aware of the sudden silence in the forest that comes before a coming storm.

You see, the Burg are similar to the Iotans, in that they give off a pungent smell. Not so pungent as it tends to affect humans, but pungent enough to affect the nearby wildlife. A wildlife that was not pleased with their presence.

It might have been fine, if they hadn’t stumbled into the den.

It started with a light squeaking. A sound that gave them pause as they looked around for the source. One of the burg pushed aside a green fern to reveal a hole dug into the embankment. He would have investigated if it weren’t for the loud piercing howl that echoed through the trees just to their right.

They all leaped upright in confusion and fear backing into a circle.

Another howl pierced the forest from their left, another form their right. Until they were surrounded by the sound. Shapes flitted through the trees, furry on all fours and hunched.

A howl from directly behind them.

They spun in place.

As the wolf leaped from the top of the embankment her teeth flashing.

As it turns out wolf pups are fond of Burg flesh

***

New Brazilia (Somewhere in what was once central Brazil, Border rain forest district)

This was the perfect climate, nice warm, dark and moist, shady below the trees that towered overhead in great twisting arcs. The foliage below them was very thick and hard to cut through as they made their way towards the human colonies. This was surely going to be their element, and they laughed at the idea of making the humans suffer as they waded their way through the trees.

The ground before them opened revealing an embankment on the side of a river. There was a hole in the foliage here, and the ground was dry. The burg stepped down onto this spot, their feet crunching slightly in the dirt.

One of them slapped absently at one of it’s segmented legs, brushing away a small insect that had crawled onto its body. Another party member did the same.

One of them even shrieked in pain, “It bit me!”

They looked down brushing the little black bugs off their bodies, only to find that the ground was absolutely swarming with them. One of the Burg shrieked, and tried to run his entire body now covered with hundreds of these little black creatures, however he tripped and fell onto his face.

His entire body was black.

The others began to scream as well, swatting at their bodies and their weapons falling to the riverbed as they were overrun by a massive troop of army ants.

They would never make their destination.

***

United Slavic Districts (North/eastern Russia)

This forest was both humid and somewhat cold. It was early morning in the summer, and yet frost still built up on the leaves of the plants overhead. The burg weren’t particularly pleased about this, but they were going to have to deal with it.

It was best to keep moving at times like this, and they hurried their way through thick banks of early morning fog towards the not-to-distant human civilization. Their feet were nearly silent over the frosty forest floor dirt compressing under foot.

They had been walking for some minutes when they heard the sound. A strange mournful cry from the woods almost like the cry of a human infant, though slightly deeper. THe sound made them excited. Where they were infants there were likely humans. And who knows that could be a human noise.

They followed the sound looking about the foggy forest.

The noise came again, so close.

Ah, and there it was, though they were disappointed to find it was not a human at all, but two fuzzy brown animals no bigger than waist height. They were so small, so pathetic and pitiful and they cried out in terror when the burg approached.

One of the burg raised it’s weapon angry.

The bellow came echoing through the trees rending the very air around them and sending birds scattering into the sky.

The burg turned on their heels as the massive brown bear came charging out of the forest bellowing her teeth flashing.

As it seemed the great land, of what was once, Russia was not pleased with their presence.

***

East Trans African Belt (former Ethiopia)

It was hot and dry, and the burg didn’t like it. But at least the ground was mostly flat, and the dirt was easy to navigate. Tall grasses raised to either side of the shallow river just to their left. Animals grunted off in the distance and the sky above was bright and blue. Dust rose up from their feet as they made their way towards the edge of the river, hoping that the water would help to moisten up the air around them.

The grunting grew louder.

They glanced over seeing large bulbous shapes in the water. It didn’t much matter to them, and they mostly ignored the creatures, knowing that anything that big was likely to be equally slow. They were making their way up the riverbank now, and the creatures rested in the water just to their side.

Distant grunting grew louder.

One of the burg was standing just next to the bank now when the water exploded casing great droplets into the air as the Hippo burst from the river mouth open wide at it’s four foot extension and bit down upon the unsuspecting burg dragging him violently into the water.

The others tried to run, slipped on the mud, and were set upon by the rest of the family.

***

Southern Indasia (India)

The river bank was calm, nothing but floating logs out on the distant water. One of the burg officers was listening to her communications. There were reports form all across the human’s home planet, that many of their parties had gone radio silent. She wasn’t entirely sure what that could mean but it worried her. Many of them had been traveling along river pathways just like her and her group, and she wondered if that had anything to do with their current situation.

One of the young burg stood at the edge of the water kicking stones into its murky green depths.

“We should definitely move along from this area.” She was saying moving back up the bank and towards the forest of trees.”

One of he logs had floated closer to shore.

The young burg agreed and bent down to retrieve his weapon from the bank.

A moment later his head had disappeared vanished inside the mouth of a crocodile who then began to spin violently dragging the burg into the water. Alerted to the frenzy others came as well racing up onto the bank.

There was never any evidence that the Burg had visited india, though there were reports about strange noises by the river that morning.

***

Australia (still just Australia)

They came as the sun was rising. A low mist had coated itself over the land, though the day was lucking to be annoyingly hot.

They were just coming up to the edge of the human settlement when they saw it. A distant shape silhouetted between two trees. At first it looked like a man, but as the fog drew back they found a strange creature staring back at them.

One of the burg snorted.

The thing looked like a Tesraki almost, but dumber and a bit taller with large pointy ears, an absolutely massive trunk, and a very long back tail that it used like a Tesraki to stand on iits back legs.

One of the Tesraki crouched down in the foliage resting his hand on a low garden wall.

“Just shoo it off.” Their commander ordered, and two of the Burg moved up to confront the dumb looking creature.

Three things happened at once.

First the crouching burg cursed violently flicking his hand and tossing the angry funnel web spider into the bushes.

A hiss rose up from the leaves.

And the kangaroo violently kicked the first burg in the chest collapsing his carapace beyond repair before moving over to stomp his friend.

The death adder struck.

Two of the Burg were convulsing on the ground, another two lay silent and broken. The next two ran off in different directions, one towards the nearby beach and the other back into the forest.

No one is entirely sure what happened after that. All we know is one was found belly up at high tide near the docks where blue ringed octopus are known to be found, and the other was completely gone, though they did spot a rather bloated and very happy looking python chilling in the bushes not far from where the incident occurred.

More and more berg had stopped answering their calls.

Most of the burg would never find out what happened.

But we do.

Burg were found dead all over the world.

A young girl reported a burg attack in the outskirts of London, though her rottweiler had made quick work of that enlisting another pack of suburban dogs to protect the little girl from the freaky bug things.

Alligator attacks in Florida.

Six burg were found plowed over by a speeding bullet train in Japan.

in Lower Mid Mericanda, a group of self-claimed hillbillies with cutoff sleeves and unironic mullets were speeding through the forests on the back of four wheelers taking pot shots at anything remotely burg shaped. They had at least ten confirmed kills, and the creatures never made it out of the swamp.

Another group of burg had made the mistake of landing in one of the last nuclear fallout zones in eastern europe, and ended up cooked by the radiation, their bodies to remain rotting there until cleanup finally made it to the site. It was likely they didn’t last more than twenty minutes.

A surfer off the coast of New Zealand watched a school of dolphins ravage a group of burg who had through a water approach would be more prudent. He had no idea how the dolphins knew the burg were intruders, but they seemed very interested in helping out.

One group of burg had managed to land themselves in a city in the european provinces, and found themselves beaten to death violently by a group of drunk civilians carrying improvised weapons, one of them even brandishing a pool cue.

Two more teams froze to death before they reached their destination.

Another was washed away by a minor flood.

One of the burg ended up tipped off a cliff by a massive eagle, falling to his death hundreds of feet below.

Another entire group managed to walk their way into a patch of poison ivy breaking out in horrible boils, which later necrosed as they lay paralyzed on the forest floor.

Somewhere someone was trampled by a moose, while their other friends were whisked over a waterfall.

In yellowstone (yeah it still hasn’t blown up yet bc the vents are a good pressure release) at least another team of burg found themselves cooking in the natural hot springs after ignoring the signs that said (keep on the walkway).

Those who chose to land in the city were not greeted cordially either, packs of marauding street dogs, gangs, the homeless, drunk civilians, angry policemen, and a high school baseball team supported by the high school chess team.

Long and short of the story is that earth was-not-having-it.

The burg had made a grave mistake.

Mother earth was fond of her children, even the human ones.

#earth is a deathworld #Earth is space Ausralia #humans are insane #HUMANS ARE WEIRD #humans are space orcs #humans are space australians

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lessonsfrommadamexmas · 4 years ago

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Spite and Temptation

Summary: Brigadier General Armstrong needs competent snipers for Fort Briggs and her eyes are set on a certain hawk. While Lieutenant Colonel Mustang knows she doesn’t stand a chance, the dispute seems too entertaining to pass. Link to AO3 (3-chapter fic).

@meridianheroine here it is! Thank you so much for your endless patience.

Chapter 2

The blonde woman’s long hair locks danced with her every hurried step under the burning sunlight. She only had a few minutes before noon and hoped to find the Hawk’s Eye at the shooting range.

The place was quiet due to it being lunch time, Olivier assumed. The young soldier at the front desk looked busier than his surroundings seemed to demand. He informed her that Hawkeye’s time was up, thus offering to take her to the shooting booth.

Olivier saw an unfazed girl whose sharp senses were traduced in her posture as she aimed and fired. Like child’s play.

— Brigadier General Olivier Armstrong — the man announced.

Hawkeye left her rifle down and stood in attention.

— Sir!

— Ease. So you’re the famous Hawk’s Eye. It is nice to meet you.

Compared to the Lieut. Colonel, her demeanor was on the opposite side of the spectrum. Hawkeye, too, had predominantly immature features, but her wide eyes and round jawline were masked by the seriousness and professionalism that reminded Oliver of herself. So far, she was meeting all expectations.

— Honored to meet you, sir. I’ve seen Major Armstrong speak very dearly of you. Coming to shoot?

— Too bad I can’t say the same about that deserter. I’ve come to speak to you, actually. I know it’s lunch time, so I’ll be brief.

— To me?

The general indicated the way out and both of them started walking.

— Briggs is recruiting and you are the perfect candidate for our sniping team. It has been decided in this morning’s meeting that your abilities are better suited for the Northern border, and I was lucky enough to have you around, so I thought I might come personally to deliver the news.

— That’s, again, an honor, sir — she replied, and although showing mild confusion, she didn’t appear to be easily impressed.

— Now, I heard you’re already aiming at a different position.

— That is true. I plan to stay here in the East.

— Under Lieutenant Colonel Mustang, isn’t it?

Judging by the sniper’s surprised look, the general concluded she might have sounded like some creepy stalker.

— We’ve talked just a while ago — she added. — He told me I might find you here, in fact. I confess I was left curious about what led to this choice. I can see right away how different the two of you are.

— I believe we do have things in common, sir. Apparently, we’ve both made a name for ourselves during the war.

— You, however, isn’t the kind to support yourself on a title, am I correct?

— I would say my deeds in Ishval are exactly what I want to be remembered for. Yet, I hope my future contributions to Amestris can surpass my performance in the War of Extermination in some way.

Hawkeye’s fleumatic humor wasn’t easy to read, despite the fact that she was trying to hide a lot less than Mustang. She was simply being herself and there was some kind of passion, or cause, behind her impassive looks which Olivier couldn’t pinpoint.

— In that case, you could stay in the shadow of an alchemist, or you could step up to a leadership role.

— That’s another thing we have in common, sir. I’m the daughter of Berthold Hawkeye. An alchemist from the region known for discovering and developing the powers of Flame Alchemy.

Armstrong couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at that intriguing statement. They had a history, then.

— The Lieut. Colonel may be laid-back, but he does his job — the sniper continued. — He mastered Flame Alchemy on his own after my father passed. A power like the one he carries must be protected, especially when it offers little defense. I am certain I’ll be serving my country by serving under the Flame Alchemist, sir. And I am certain First Sergeant Dorovan can provide you other outstanding names for Briggs.

— Very well. This brief conversation only further proved your potential. Tell me you will at least give it a thought. And perhaps seek advice from someone experienced like the First Sergeant, even though you’re a rank higher than her now.

— I wouldn’t refuse your offer so quickly. I appreciate it.

Courtesy. That was the moment Olivier realized why Mustang had been so smug.

Olivier returned to the building reflecting about what else she could do before her departure to Briggs the next day. It wasn’t as if she had to add the Hawk’s Eye to the team. Undoubtedly, General Solon was an ambitious man who strived for the best he could have, and she was no different. The Armstrong family was determined, hardworking and always ready to reach their goals. Those were values passed down their line from generations! Thus, if her mission was to gather the most competent soldiers to Briggs, she would do her part.

— Brigadier General, sir. How did it go?

Not again.

— What a tiny place the Eastern headquarters is, that we keep crossing paths... — she mentioned, allowing suspicion to fill her voice, but didn’t wait for a reply. — I managed to talk to her. Thanks.

— That’s great, sir — he replied, but his eyes were shining to gather further information.

— Who wouldn’t want a sharp soldier working for them, isn’t that right, Lieut. Colonel? Sometimes a good team takes us further than our own individual efforts.

— Our efforts start with good choices, indeed, sir.

— However, you should be able to let go of an officer more needed in a different position.

— General Armstrong, sir. I would never stay in Hawkeye’s way. Especially when there are several aspiring soldiers seeking to work under the Flame Alchemist. However, not every man is eager to climb the ladder like you and I. I’m afraid all I can do is advise her to consider if I see her around.

If he was shaking behind that confidence, she wouldn’t know, but Olivier was more aware of their strong bond by the second. From childhood friends to war comrades wasn’t something to underestimate.

— I wouldn’t ask nothing else. Till next time, Mustang.

— Sir. Have a safe trip back.

As she continued to walk by the endless hallways of the headquarters, the future ruler of Briggs settled for playing with the cards she had. She wouldn’t say Riza Hawkeye was devoid of ambition, in fact, the officer knew exactly what she wanted and, although reserved, her loyalty to her father and admiration for the Flame Alchemist showed. Olivier could hardly fight that, but she could take advantage of it, in order to at least deliver the hawk to Solon.

Well, it wouldn’t hurt to spend the rest of her free time trying to coincidently stumble across her target.

That might have been a mistake. She would have preferred to have lunch on a quieter time, instead, decided to try her luck and search for Hawkeye there. In the crowded cafeteria. Olivier had been the smallest of the family for the majority of her life, but never the most subtle one. That short trip was revealing itself more demanding than she expected and the meeting had been the easiest part so far.

She stretched her neck and started to look around discreetly for a blonde soldier with short hair and prominent bang while waiting in line. The two men beside her seemed to notice, but as long as she wasn’t spotted first by the Warrant Officer, she didn’t care. The general turned her attention to all the food on her track. It was time to move to a table and no sign of Hawkeye around.

She took a few steps towards the wall, behind a group of soldiers chatting with their empty tracks in hand, and continued her search. Soon, she spotted a table on the corner where the Warrant Officer ate by herself. All she had to do was walk a straight line and…

— Oh, Warrant Officer. I see you’re almost done, can I sit here?

The woman returned her fork and knife to the plate and replied:

— Sir, of course — Couldn’t find who you were looking for?

Awkward.

— Yeah, you saw me? — she asked casually while taking a sit across from her and placing her track on the table. — At least this table is free in case he still shows up. And you? Giving my proposal any thought?

— I said I would, sir. However, please, don’t keep your hopes up.

Despite all respect Olivier had gathered for Hawkeye, the woman’s stillness was starting to get to her nerves. She needed to shake her up and see what was in there.

— Hawkeye, I believe you aren’t seeing this opportunity for what it is.

— What do you mean, sir?

— Perhaps you see it purely in terms of getting a position, but there’s a lot more you can gain from trying. The North is out of your comfort zone. Nothing like boot camp or the desert night cold, just another kind of challenge. It is for the few and that’s why we go through a period of adaptation, but I don’t think that scares you.

— Some training process?

Finally, there was a sparkle of curiosity in her eyes.

— It could be seen that way. Practical tests to evaluate who’s physically ready for Briggs. I don’t simply bring people to the fort, Hawkeye. I prepare them so that, wherever they go in the future, they’re better. Grab this chance — the general said gazing at her with purpose — and only then decide if you’ll wave it off.

Olivier Armstrong was now betting on the extent of Riza Hawkeye’s loyalty.

[read chapter 3 on AO3]

#Olivier Mira Armstrong #Roy Mustang #riza hawkeye #royai

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warsofasoiaf · 5 years ago

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World building question (btw I love your world building opinions!): The riverlands is quite divserse so how would you describe the north riverlands (Freys/mallisters) vs the south I'm food, weather, and landscape? How much do they differ and compare? Is house Frey and house reed more similar in food and landscape than Frey and mooton or Tully?

While north and south would be important thanks to latitude conditions, I’d say that the geographic features of the Riverlands would break the region a little further.

Up into the furthest north, you’d see relatively cold weather because of the latitude band, but also you’d have winds coming in from Ironman’s Bay since the area is relatively thin without large mountain cover. Since the northern area dominated by the fast-moving Green Fork, you would see a transition from a cold water marsh in the Neck to a grassland. Food would primarily be cold weather grains like rye or barley, farm animals would include chickens, sheep, and hardy pig breeds like the Tamworth. You might see northern pike or carp in the Green Fork once it starts getting deep, with black drum, sheepshead, and flounder in the bay, and there would probably be a healthy duck population, which would be a regional delicacy. The eastern side probably has it’s fair share of clansmen troubles and brigandry that I’d imagine it was relatively sparsely populated.

Further south along the Blue Fork, you’d probably see a lot of good farmland since the ground looks to be nice and well-watered and relatively flat. Since the soil is moist, it would handle temperature variance better than other drier climates, so I could see a rich farming structure growing grains for both human consumption and fodder for animals. I’d imagine the rivers and lakes here would be rich with trout and other delicious fish, with plenty of game and fowl. The western side would probably be more populated than the eastern side.

To the west, you have the Red Fork and the foothills of the Westerlands, so I would imagine this would be a soil far richer in clay content, so I could see fruit trees being grown here along with root vegetables, broad beans, members of the cabbage family. Since the ground would be moister, it would be easier to cultivate and keep nutrient-rich compared to areas further west where it might be drier. Given the traffic on the River Road and the terrain, it would probably have bandits as a regular nuisance who can rob traffic along the road and retreat into the hills. If space is a premium, I could see people keeping goats or chickens as opposed to cattle.

Further east, you’d have the God’s Eye, with a nice mix of temperate forest, rolling hills, and grasslands. Farming would be relatively lucrative here, with managed forests and a relatively mild climate save during the winters. I’d see a strong mix of vegetables like peas and grains, with freshwater fish. As the Trident flows southeast, you’d see lower, flatter lands richly watered. The Bay of Crabs looks like your classic temperate water bay, I always think of the Chesapeake if only because Maryland, and the Chesapeake region in particular, loves to emphasize crab in their cuisine even as I recognize that Martin primarily uses Old World references for his agriculture. There are salt deposits and mudlats common to coastal regions. Obviously, you’d see a lot of salmon, which I guess would resemble the huchen, even if the classic red sockeye salmon is what the Mootons have on their sigil.

When you get much further to the south, on the border with the Reach, you’d probably see the terrain really open up into the grasslands and meadows of the Reach, the notoriously open border with the Reach that leaves the Riverlands primed for invasion.

I would imagine that House Frey, given it’s nature as a noveau riche house, would actively try to cultivate cuisine and culture that emphasizes it as part of the civilized south rather than the barbaric north in a means to demonstrate a noble pedigree, similar to how some folks try to put on airs. The Reeds in the Neck and other crannogmen would probably have their own distinctive culture, so I would think the Freys would have more in common with the Mallisters as far as cuisine goes, albeit one that has more freshwater fish than the coastal Mallisters.

I’m no farmer or rancher though, so someone else who knows better than me can correct me or add to this such as it is.

Thanks for the question, Anon.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

#agriculture #asoiaf worldbuilding #the riverlands

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quoted-text · 4 years ago

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A significant but under-discussed political adjustment in international relations in recent years is the upgrading of low-key relations between Japan and India to a global and strategic partnership. Particularly in the last decade Japan-India relations have gathered significant momentum. It is in tandem with the rise of China and Indo-US engagement that Japan has sought to raise its bilateral relations with India to a higher level with stronger economic and politico-strategic dimensions.

A Little Recent History

During WW2, Indian and Japanese troops fought each other. Post WW2, when Japan was being humiliated by the victorious powers newly independent India had insisted that the world concede to Japan a position of honor and equality among the community of free nations. India also dissociated itself from the victorious powers and did not sign the San Francisco Treaty with Japan in 1951 but signed a separate Peace Treaty in 1952, a few months after having established diplomatic relations, in which it waived any claim to war reparations. In 1958, Japanese aid began to flow to India. Despite the fact that Tokyo did not see trade and commercial opportunities in India’s closed economy.

By 1960, State Of Japan, which had hoped that Republic of India might be a force for stability and development in Asia, had decided that New Delhi was neither geopolitically nor economically aligned with Japanese interests. In turn, Nehruvian India had concluded that Japan was not an independent power. Japan’s post-war position towards Asia was derived from the way Tokyo was firmly incorporated into the United States global strategy, within which it took on the role of America’s ally. It is fair to say that India and Japan stood still more or less for the remainder of the Cold War. After the US rapprochement with China in 1972, Tokyo engineered its own reconcilliation with Beijing later that year. While India's economy was stubbornly closed. China and Japan came to be on the opposite side of the Cold War, against India's quasi ally, the Soviet Union.

By the late 1980s, Japan was India’s largest aid donor, a position it has retained to the present. With the end of the Cold War the strategic divide between the two nations was over. In May 1990, Japanese Prime Minister Kaifu visited India as part of his sojourn to the South Asian region followed by Indian Prime Minister Narsimha Rao who paid an official visit to Japan in June 1992 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of post-war bilateral relations maintained the pace set by Prime Minister Kaifu.The stagnancy which had been observed for many years in Indo-Japanese economic relationship was also broken in the early 1990s as India undertook major economic reforms and unveiled a “Look East” policy. India’s nuclear explosions in May 1998, however, saw Japan taking an aggressive stand on the issue of proliferation particularly nuclear proliferation. The diplomatic impasse ended with Japanese Prime Minister Mori’s visit to India in August 2000. The two countries agreed to establish a “Global Partnership in the 21st Century” and Japan lifted all nuclear-related economic sanctions on India on October 26, 2001. Since Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s visit to India in April 2005, Japan-India summit meetings have become an annual feature.

Since the 1980s, India and Japan have come some way, particularly economically. Trade between the two has grown steadily, and Japan is the third largest investor in India. Diplomatically and strategically too, the two sides know each other better than ever before.

The Evolution of Japan-India Strategic Partnership

In the year 2000 when Japanese Prime Minister Mori visited India "The Global Partnership between Japan and India in the 21st Century" was announced a term which had previously been used by Japan only to describe its relations with the United States. The prelude to the Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India was Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso’s speech1 stating Japan’s hope to build an “arc of freedom and prosperity”. Presenting it as a new pillar in Japanese diplomacy Mr. Aso spoke of this sweeping arc stretching from Northeast Asia to Central Asia and the Caucasus, Turkey, Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic states where Japan would serve as an "escort runner" through diplomacy that emphasizes values freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. To this end Japan would actively work with other countries that share the same beliefs.

In April 2007, the first ever trilateral naval exercises were held between the United States, Japan and India in the Western Pacific and in August 2007, the annual India-US Malabar naval exercise was transformed into large-scale multilateral exercises in the Bay of Bengal involving the United States, India, Japan, Australia and Singapore. Soon after Japan and India unveiled the Roadmap for New Dimensions to the Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India clearly stating that “a strong, prosperous and dynamic India is in the interest of Japan and a strong, prosperous and dynamic Japan is in the interest of India and recognized that Japan and India share a congruence of interests.”2

In addition visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe presented his views on the future of Japan and India in an address at the Indian Parliament.3 The address titled "Confluence of the Two Seas stated: The Pacific and the Indian Oceans are now bringing about a dynamic coupling as seas of freedom and of prosperity. A "broader Asia" that broke away geographical boundaries is now beginning to take on a distinct form. Our two countries have the ability -- and the responsibility -- to ensure that it broadens yet further and to nurture and enrich these seas to become seas of clearest transparence.

The next year, when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Japan in October 2008, the joint statement read as Advancement of the Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan. The two countries also issued the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation between Japan and India wherein it was decided to create a comprehensive framework for the enhancement of security cooperation. The declaration affirmed “similar perceptions of the evolving environment in the region and the world at large” and on signing the declaration, the Japanese and Indian Prime Ministers asserted that the strategic partnership between the two countries would become “an essential pillar for the future architecture of the region”.4. The only other country with which Japan has signed a similar declaration is Australia in 2007.

Japan and India strategic partnership appears set for a new high after Mr. Shinzo Abe once again becoming the Prime Minister of Japan. Signaling strengthened intent in this regard, Mr. Abe has spoken of Asia’s Democratic Security Diamond.5 In his words: I envisage a strategy whereby Australia, India, Japan, and the US state of Hawaii form a diamond to safeguard the maritime commons stretching from the Indian Ocean region to the western Pacific. I am prepared to invest, to the greatest possible extent, Japan’s capabilities in this security diamond.

The Economic Imperatives of Japan-India Relations

From a bilateral standpoint the most noteworthy and tangible improvements in Japan-India relations have been in the sphere of economic relations and it is here that the China factor is directly evident.

Importantly, Japan is also currently India’s largest bilateral developmental assistance donor and India has been the top recipient of Yen loans6 from Japan since 2003 surpassing China, which had been holding that position for many years. In fact as the argument that China was an economic threat gained momentum in Japan correspondingly Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) disbursements to India increased. The share of Japanese development assistance in total ODA received by India has been significantly increasing over the past few years. Delhi Metro is one of the most successful examples of Japanese cooperation through the utilisation of ODA

Given that Japan’s ODA tends to be focused on the economic infrastructure needs of recipients the major sectors attracting the attention of Japanese ODA in China and India have also been largely similar. In China, from April 1980 - December 2007, 48 percent of Japan’s ODA projects belonged to the transportation, electric power and gas sector. In the case of India, from March 1976 – March 2012, 50 percent of the projects have belonged to the transportation, electric power and gas sector.7

Japan-India Cooperation in Northeast India

Northeast India’s physical proximity to the ASEAN countries (a region where Japan has a huge economic stake), its importance in India’s bilateral ties with Japan is only set to grow in the near future. In the last couple of years, Japan has been investing in India’s Northeastern region in a big way. Apart from the connectivity factor, Northeast India is key for both Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” and India’s “Act-East Policy”.

Tokyo has contributed to many infrastructure development projects in Northeast India.

First, it has provided ODA loans for the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (which includes the National Highway 51 in Meghalaya and the NH54 in Mizoram) and will extend a loan to the tune of 2,239 crore.8

Second, Japanese organisations, such as the Nippon Foundation, have provided financial support for the construction of the Imphal War Museum in Manipur in memory of the nearly 70,000 Japanese soldiers who are believed to have died in the Battles of Imphal and Kohima during the Second World War.9

Third, the Japanese government’s IRIS programme saw the visit of 23 young talents from the Northeastern part of India to Japan in October 2017. Announced by Japanese Ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, at the commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of Battle of Imphal in May 2017, the programme aims to enhance friendship between Japan and the Northeast region of India10

Fourth, following up on the memorandum of cooperation, signed during the visit of Abe to India, to establish the India-Japan Act East Forum, India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of Japan in India held the first joint meeting of the Forum in December 2017. The meeting also included representatives from India’s Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Northeastern states. From the Japanese side, there was representation from JICA, the Japan External Trade Organization, the Japan Foundation and the Japan National Tourism Organization.11

Fifth, Tokyo is also hoping to receive more interns from the Northeast under the rubric of the Technical Intern Training Programme in Japan, in areas like elderly care, which is a major concern for Japan, especially given its ageing population. Tokyo is also conducting capacity development programmes for forest management and income diversification in the Northeastern part of India.

Finally, Japan and India are also working towards holding joint counter-terrorism exercises at the Counter- Insurgency Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram. In addition, Tokyo and New Delhi are also looking at cooperation in the field of sports, especially with Tokyo hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. Sports persons from the Northeast have excelled both on the national and the international stage and Japan is mulling about cooperation with Manipur National Sports University.12

Tokyo has already been providing ODA to India since 1958 and it is New Delhi’s biggest bilateral donor. Japanese foreign direct investment to India has also been increasing. It has also been involved in many other flagship infrastructure development projects in India, such as the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the Chennai- Bangalore Industrial Corridor, the Delhi Metro and some others. Japan’s financial help will give a much-needed boost to India’s “Act-East Policy” and speed up New Delhi’s engagement, not only with Japan, but also with the ASEAN region and could very well be a game-changer as far as infrastructure development in Northeast India is concerned.

AAGC: Geopolitics Driven by Infrastructure Investment

In 2015, India and Japan elevated their bilateral engagement to that of “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” — a key relationship with the largest potential for growth, into a deep, broad-based and action-oriented partnership.

Given this convergence of interest to counter China’s ambitions, the most significant response by New Delhi and Tokyo against Beijing came in the form of the “Asia-Africa Growth Corridor”. However, the idea of AAGC was first conceived in the India-Japan Joint Declaration as issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in November 2016 — which emphasised on “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”13 More specifically, India and Japan share the common principles, as noted by Japanese Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu that infrastructure projects should be implemented “in an open, transparent and non-exclusive manner based on international standards and responsible debt-financing practices, while ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule of law and environment.”14

Given this common vision, under AAGC, India and Japan aim to build a sea corridor via the Indian Ocean that will integrate the economies of South, Southeast and East Asia with Oceania and Africa. Here, the key objective is to create “free and open Indo-Pacific region” by rediscovering ancient sea-routes and creating new sea corridors that will link the African continent with India and countries in South Asia and South- East Asia. AAGC would consist of four main components: development and cooperation projects, quality infrastructure and institutional connectivity, capacity and skill enhancement and people-to-people partnerships. Here, common links can be drawn to that of China’s BRI which has similar goals of inter- connectedness in Eurasia, thus reaffirming India and Japan’s counterbalance strategy. However, under AAGC India and Japan aim at developing quality infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region. While in practical terms, AAGC is an opportunity for New Delhi and Tokyo. That is, Japan being a resource- poor nation could benefit from Africa’s vast natural resources; whereas, India is rich in mineral reserves, but fossil fuels are insufficient which it can draw from Africa to meet the needs of its growing economic and population size.15 Besides, AAGC project also provides an alternative development mechanism for Africa, against China’s BRI that is facing challenges of rising debt in various countries.

In providing an alternative to China’s BRI, New Delhi and Tokyo have already put the plan into action by means of funding. That is, Japan pledged US$ 30 billion in public and private funds to Africa over three years to support the development of infrastructure, education and healthcare.[15] While India pledged to extend US$10 billion in low-interest loans to Africa over five years.[15] In addition, Modi and Abe discussed moving ahead with specific initiatives, such as a cancer hospital and a small business development seminar in Kenya.[15] However, given the coincidence with BRI, the challenge for India and Japan lies in making AAGC a lucrative alternative to BRI — mostly how to not make it a “debt trap” like that of BRI.

In conclusion, AAGC is still at the visionary stage, but it’s a strong counterbalance strategy to keep China’s growing ambitions in check. Although, the vision for AAGC still lacks detail, however, if mapped well provides an opportunity to raise both countries’ profile in a strategic continent, that is, Africa. Furthermore, unlike other big powers, India and Japan can make it significant by acting as responsible players in the region.

Final thoughts

I believe, The Indo-Japanese vision of the Asia-Pacific is based on the principles of liberal mutual economic benefits and strategic interdependence that function as the operating frame work for achieving wider geo-political objectives. The commonality of visions and strategic imperatives facilitate economic cooperation, defence collaboration, strategic positioning, joint endeavors in regional mechanisms to meet the emerging challenges in the Asia-Pacific.

Of the various dimensions of the India-Japan strategic partnership, the most discerning is the one which is related to their cooperation in working together to ensure that the current transition which East asia is experiencing is smooth and any future regional order is devoid of conflicts and mutual acrimony. Both India and Japan have strong stakes in East Asia and hence it is incumbent on them to work together towards building the new regionalism in East Asia.

I would really appreciate viewer's thoughts on How Japan-India relations will be transforming in Indo-Pacific region as well in Africa with US influence in the region diminishing.

#study blog #studyblr #current news #news #opinion #general knowledge #analysis #india #japan #international relations

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bernardhiking · 4 years ago

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Rabbit Ear Saddle

Date of hike: April 11, 2021

Country: USA

Region: Organ Mountains, New Mexico

Trailhead: Unmarked parking at mile 3.6 on Baylor Canyon Road (coming from US 70)

Hike Destination: Rabbit Ear Saddle (col between South Rabbit Ear and Rabbit Ear Plateau)

Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km), out and back trail

Elevation gain: 2,400 ft. (ca. 800 m.)

Difficulty: Difficult route

The Organ Mountains of New Mexico are a narrow mountain range running north-south to the east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The range presents a single jagged comb with a few prominent spires called the three Rabbit Ears visible from many miles around.

This is superb hiking territory—wild, scenic, and uncrowded. But the area has a drawback in terms of trail conditions. Except for the most popular trails like the Dripping Springs trail on the western side or the Pine Tree Loop on the eastern side of the range, you will have to proceed under the assumption that the trails are unmarked and very faint at times and that there are few if any directional sign posts along the way. Note also that some of the “trails” are actually just routes. Proceeding along these routes requires that you follow somebody else’s recording trail, using a GPS positioning and tracking service like GAIA or a very detailed description in order keep to the route. A complicating factor with these trails and routes is that cairns have been erected by well-meaning trail users. But the cairns are haphazardly placed, and at times a series of cairns can actually lead you away from the hiking trail/route if they have been erected by climbers going for the entry point to a technical climb. This happened to me on a solo hike along the Indian Hollow Trail, where I ended up at the foot of Sugarloaf Peak, way off trail (note the neatly stacked cairn in the foreground).

We’d already been enjoying several moderate hikes in the Organ Mountains and were looking for something that would stretch our abilities and get us to greater heights. We got more than we bargained for.

Reading up on the more difficult trails Alltrails, we were tempted by the Rabbit Ear Saddle trail. All reviewers all emphasized the difficulty of the trail, but overall it seemed well worth the try. The saddle lies to the south of the three Rabbit ears (see arrow), and it promised to be much more thrilling than the sedate Baylor pass further to the north which also straddles the Organ Mountain range.

One of the reviewers, a local man by the name of Mike Hoskins, even left his contact information on his Alltrails review, along with the offer to guide anyone who was interested to the top. I contacted him, and he answered right away, but unfortunately he couldn’t do it the next day. Still, he kindly offered a wealth of information, including an annotated terrain map from GAIA with some landmarks and tricky passages marked.

Equipped with this information, we set out at 9 am full of vigor and anticipation.

We parked the car at the trailhead along Baylor Canyon Road (Alltrails reliably guided us there) and then set out as the sun was climbing up into a cloudless sky. The first part of the trail proceeds along a former mining road, which has been eroded to the point where it resembles a dried up riverbed. A motorized vehicle would have no chance getting through. The approach to the foot of the Organ Mountains is beautiful, though, as one is heading straight for the most dramatic section of the Organs.

After about a half hour, we met a man coming the opposite way, and he asked us if we planned to go “all the way up.” When we answered in the affirmative, he made a concerned face and said something about us being rather late in the day. “You’re going to get the full sun both ways,” he added with a frown. Since this was early April and we had plenty of water with us (we thought), we were not too concerned about this.

A mile and a half into the hike, we came across a former fluoride mine.

The mine shafts were exposed, with the trail passing right between two deep unprotected clefts. I dropped down a stone and didn’t hear it plunk at the bottom. It’s best to watch your step around this place--once you slip on the scree, you are done for. Here, we met another group with backpacks, but they weren’t going much further than the mine, as we learned. For the rest of the day (another 8 hours) we were completely alone.

The trail climbed up steeply here before easing into the canyon bed where it essentially ended. From here on we were faced with a boulder field. Following the instructions from Mike, we clambered from boulder to boulder. At one point, a truck-sized boulder blocked the way, and to get around it, a slight overhang had to be negotiated. Only after I took off the backpack and flung it up above the overhanging boulder, could I pull myself up, then I grabbed Liang’s hand and got her up as well. This kind of scrambling and boulder-hopping continued for about two hours. Since the hiking poles were now more hindrance than help, we stowed them in the backpack and instead donned gloves, so we could more easily go on all fours, which was increasingly called for as the terrain got steeper.

Brambles and cacti were omnipresent, and soon the water breaks were interspersed with cacti-spike removal stops. The sun was baking the canyon pretty good now, and I began to cast a somewhat concerned look at our shrinking water supply (we brought 2.5 liters). We were now directly underneath the southern Rabbit Ear, and aiming broadly for the col between that and the Rabbit Ear Plateau.

Sometimes, smooth granite slabs were quite steeply inclined and after one tricky passage ,I said to Liang “If there’s another exposed portion like this, we should turn around.”

In this kind of rough territory, the Alltrails map is only of limited value because the blue location dot does not move with the accuracy necessary, and my other apps, including GAIA and OS maps did not have a trail marked that we could follow because there simply was no trail. From here on, we increasingly started to verge off the route. At one point, we again lost the canyon floor and began scrambling up the side of a blunt protrusion that curved away from our intended direction. It got to the point where we either had to backtrack a considerable distance or forge ahead, bushwhacking through dense brambles and traversing a steep slope to rejoin the canyon floor. While I was scouting the terrain ahead, Liang was checking Alltrails, and we both arrived at the same conclusion, i.e. to proceed diagonally downward to the left.

When we were back on the route, a boulder big enough to cast some shadow beckoned as our lunch spot, and here enjoyed a hearty sandwich, while trying to drink (water) responsibly. It was now 2 pm, and we’d been on the hike for over 4 hours. The saddle above us looked still pretty far away, and we began to entertain doubts whether we’d even make it. But refreshed after the picnic, we tackled the slope with renewed resolve, scrambling over endless boulders, trying (often unsuccessfully) to avoid cacti, and keeping an eye on the directional progress.

About 5 hours into this adventure, we had once again lost the route and approached a conveniently located outcropping where we could assess the situation. Panting and gulping water (irresponsibly), we decided to call it quits since the saddle still looked quite a bit higher than our position, and we were running low on energy. After resting a few minutes, though, I suggested to Liang that I might as well press on and see if the saddle was perhaps closer than we thought. Equipped with only a water bottle, I tackled the slope one more time, making swift progress now. Ironically, the going was only getting easier from here on up, and ten minutes later, I stood on top of the Rabbit Ear Saddle, taking a selfie.

Liang and I texted a few times trying to determine whether she should make the effort to come up as well. At first I thought it was barely worth it, but then it seemed silly not to reach that sense of completion. So, while Liang scrambled up toward the saddle with the backpack, I raced back down to meet her halfway. A short while later, we both stood beaming and high-fiving on the col. From here, one could progress up to the Rabbit Ear Plateau, but the way was very steep and would require the better part of an hour to complete it. We were now down to half a small bottle of water, and the afternoon was advancing, so we decided to take in the view and then started our descent.

It’s amazing how much easier it was to keep to the route going down. Assessing the shape of the terrain from the higher vantage point is much easier, and we cold follow the canyon without getting lost. We were going at a good clip now, occasionally entrusting our lives to the soles of our shoes when traversing leaning granite slabs. Some large boulders again posed challenges on the way down, and at one point Liang, trying to slide down from a sharp-edged rock suddenly lost her balance and could have ended up head-down in a crack, but I held on to her forcefully and tilted her back upright. Shaken by this almost accident, we took a break and decided to proceed more slowly from her on.

The wind had picked up ever since we left the saddle, but now it was blowing at an almost frightful force. My eyes watered so badly, I had a hard time seeing clearly, which didn’t make negotiating the extended boulder field any easier. There is a point where strong winds are more than simply an inconvenience but turn into an actual hindrance. This stretch of the way seemed to go on interminably, as we were leaning into the wind, fighting to keep our balance. After a long series of boulder-hopping, we arrived at the tricky rock with the overhang. Here Liang jumped down into my outstretched arms, and things got easier from here on.

After reaching the narrow trail that led down to the abandoned mine, we stopped briefly to finish the last of our water. The former mining road from the parking lot had appeared to us full of stumbling blocks on the way up; but now, heading down, it appeared like a hiking superhighway, compared to the situation back in the canyon. On that final stretch, the scenery turned quite spectacular, as the late-afternoon sun bathed the Organ Mountains in yellowish light.

We reached our car just under 9 hours after starting the hike. We both agreed that this had been among the toughest hikes we’d yet undertaken and certainly the most unpleasant. But looking back on it now, it had certainly been worth the effort.

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talesofthefrontier · 4 years ago

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An Overview Of The Provinces In The Frontier

When it comes to defining the landscape of The Frontier, there’s a huge amount to explore and a good starting point is an overview of all the major provinces and some background on key locations within each area.

The Frontier is split into nine Provinces, which are broken down into smaller Territories and contain villages, towns and cities. Here are all nine of the Provinces:

1. Aortia

Located in the centre of The Frontier, Aortia is a large Province where the most important events in the land take place. Aortia is home to the capital, Crest City, where The Frontier’s ruling government body holds power under the reign of the Prime Marshal.

Beyond Crest City, there’s a lot of smaller industrial towns that live in the capital’s shadow. Whether you’re poor or rich, a street urchin or a wealthy minister, the one thing that unites the residents of Aortia is a feeling that they are at the centre of the world and people outside the Province are moon-eyed country bumpkins.

2. Robuck

Making up a large portion of the western regions of The Frontier, Robuck is all green pastures, rolling hills, flat plains, sleepy towns and villages.

A major site in Robuck is The Great Plains, where a wide variety of wildlife lives, from monsters that stalk travelers in the night, to wild horses that roam freely in the day.

3. Merais

Further west of Robuck is the Province of Merais, a region that’s known for its changeable weather conditions and hardy folk. Merais is most famous (or infamous) for being the stronghold of the Questers, who operate from the fortress city of Black Rock.

A common story about the people of Merais is that they are distrustful of outsiders and mystery looms heavy in the landscape.

4. Deepstead

Located in the deep south of The Frontier, Deepstead is appropriately named and walks the line between civilisation and anarchy. There’s vast swamps, murky bogs and water-logged forests. There’s also towns built above rivers, boat communities traversing the waterways and good times offered if you know where to find them.

Deepstead’s main attraction is GostoVille, a sprawling city of vice and energy that people from all over The Frontier flock to for entertainment.

The general attitude from the folk who live in Deepstead is a laid-back approach to life and a strong pride from where they come from.

5. Eyra

Named after the Eyra Desert, which is the most prominent natural formation in this eastern region, Eyra is the largest and most wild Province in The Frontier. Only the most resilient choose to make their home in Eyra and it’s a place of extremely hot days and cold nights.

This hard living has led to a nomad culture of people trading goods and being less judgemental than other Provinces. On the other hand, it’s also a useful place for criminals to hide and ambush anyone stupid enough not to prepare for survival in Eyra.

6. Karstium

Located in the south-west, Karstium is a Province with a long history of violence and bad memories. It was once the spiritual base of the kamuni, the island people who arrived in The Frontier centuries before the frontiersmen and were uprooted over several generations and forced to leave.

Karstium contains the largest volume of kamuni ruins and structures on The Frontier and there’s an ancient, otherworldly feeling about the landscape.

Many of the kamuni who remain on The Frontier have small settlements in the Province and they are always bumping up against the frontiersmen and women who are trying to make a life for themselves as well.

7. Frithland

Found in the south-east, Frithland is a Province that has a deep connection to water and covers many coastal towns and cities along the Soul Sea. A mish-mash of mariner culture, wealthy merchants and hunters, people from Frithland were born with the sea in their veins and are always proud to shout about it to folk from other Provinces.

A notable site in Frithland is Harbour City, the second largest city on The Frontier and a getaway destination for the rich. The Prime Marshal also has a second residence in the city.

8. Lera

Lera is a Province in the far north and is made up of large mountain chains that outsiders swear go on forever. For locals, the mountains are a way of life and provide a source of food, water and shelter.

One of the most infamous mountains in Lera is Durmack, a stronghold for the witch clans of The Frontier.

9. Ironsford

Named after the iron that was once common in the region, Ironsford is a north-western Province that borders Lera and Aortia. It has a large number of mining settlements used in the excavation of precious materials for Aortia and much of the industry across The Frontier.

#tales of the frontier #the frontier #world building #wild west #landscapes #geography #fantasy worlds #weird western

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aliandrasrhoyne · 5 years ago

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The Women Who Walked The Desert

Whenever we think about GoT the first thing that comes to mind is dragons, ice zombies and the disaster that was the final season. But only readers know that it has been inaccurate since they decided to write a storyline without its main pov. And yes, I’m talking about Dorne and Arianne Martell.

But despite its many failures, there was only one thing pretty accurate, the location. They chose the Real Alcázar in Seville, one of the many monuments erected during the 800-year period in which arabs dominated the peninsula and multiculturalism was appreciated in the bib-ramblas as 3 different cultures coexisted in the same caliphate.

Today we’re going to take a look at The Queenmaker and analyze her caricature as that of her family relationship and love affairs with that of other relevant figure in the culture of Al-Andalus for being the most important poetess.

Wallada bint al-Mustakfi

Her father rose from his chair to kiss her on both cheeks. "The fate of Dorne goes with you, daughter," he said. [...] She did not shed a tear. Arianne Martell was a princess of Dorne, and Dornishmen did not waste water lightly.

Like Arianne, Wallada was a princess and the daughter of Muhammad III of Córdoba, one of the last Umayyad Cordoban caliphs.

"You know me, captain," Arianne had said, as the leagues rolled past. "You have known me since I was little. You always kept me safe, as you kept my lady mother safe when you came with her from Great Norvos to be her shield in a strange land.”

Wallada’s mother, Amin'am, was brought from the distant lands of Hungary. But if we look closely, Norvos has a lot of similarities with Budapest;

Situated among the hills of Norvos, on a tributary of the Rhoyne, a major river on the continent of Essos. / Budapest sits on the eastern edge of Transdanubia (a hilly region extending from the Danube to the Alps).

Gateway for caravans travelling on the ancient Valyrian roads. / Budapest being situated at the crossroads of international trade routes from Eurasia.

Norvos is a city is split in two, the High City which is on a hill and the Low City on the river. / Budapest is split in two. Buda sits on the hills on the western size of the river while Pest sits on the plain to the east of the river.

Norvos is surrounded by small walled villages supporting the main city. / King Bela IV ordered the construction of stone walls around villages after the Mongol invasion.

Home of the bearded priests. / Order of the Dragon & Order of Saint George

There were Myrish carpets on the floor, red wine to drink, books to read. In one corner stood an ornate cyvasse table with pieces carved of ivory and onyx, though she had no one to play with even if she had been so inclined. She had a featherbed to sleep in, and a privy with a marble seat, sweetened by a basketful of herbs. [...] She found a cedar chest full of her clothes at the foot of her bed, so she stripped out of the travel-stained garb she had slept in and donned the most revealing garments she could find, wisps of silk.

Dorne's economy was able to keep them independent from House Targaryen for so long, but how is that possible when they don't have gold mines like the Lannisters or agriculture like the Tyrells? Very simple, the use of water to plant unique fruits that need a warm climate like citrus or olives and the trade relations they have with Essos. Being descendants of the Rhoynar, they have a closer contact with the Archon of Tyrosh or the merchants of Qarth. That’s how Doran met Mellario in the first place.

In Al-Andalus, an irrigation system was also created that went through the subsoil of the Caliphate and thanks to arranged marriages, they won ivory and silk brought from distant China. This is the case of Wallada's mother, being the daughter of a merchant who offered his services in exchange for his daughter rising to a better social position by marrying the caliph.

The decline of the caliphate would begin with the Ottoman-Hungarian wars (1366) that blocked many trade routes and the caliphate soon began to weaken as it was surrounded by enemies (Christian kingdoms in the north and Berbers in the south), which would later generate a disintegration until they were reduced in the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada (1230-1492).

However, Prince Doran did not mean for her to wed a Dornishman. [...] When Arianne reached the age of marriage, Doran presented her with several suitors, all of whom were elderly lords (including Ben Beesbury, Walder Frey, Gyles Rosby, Eldon Estermont, and Hugh Grandison), while rejecting an offer from Lord Hoster Tully, who had invited Arianne to travel to Riverrun and meet his heir Edmure. Arianne refused all of the elderly suitors.

Wallada’s father, Muhámmad III, came to power on January 11, 1024 by assassinating the previous caliph Abderramán V. This generated a turbulent reign, since many didn’t agree that he governed without having been elected before.

That is why, just having a daughter as an heir, he thought, like Doran, to betroth her to eldery Christian dukes and counts of the north to preserve his lineage and annex certain lands, but this only generated more tension and ended up being murdered with poison in Uclés.

Days came and went, one after the other, so many that Arianne lost count of how long she had been imprisoned. She found herself spending more and more time abed, until she reached the point where she did not rise at all except to use her privy. The meals the servants brought grew cold, untouched. Arianne slept and woke and slept again, and still felt too weary to rise. Fresh meals replaced the old ones, but she did not eat them either. Once, when she felt especially strong, she carried all the food to the window and flung it out into the yard, so it would not tempt her. The effort exhausted her, so afterward she crawled back into bed and slept for half a day.

After her father’s death, Wallada was taken away from the capital to a summer residence used by the royal family called "Medina Azahara" and left isolated for a month. During that time they were debating what to do with her as she was the last of the Umayyad dynasty, one of the 4 lineages that dated back to the time of Muhammad.

Unlike Arianne who was confined in a tower, Wallada could go out to the gardens as long as she did not go outside the permitted perimeter. During that time she wrote poetry that resemble Arianne's charisma and way of being;

I am fit for high positions by Allah and am going my way with pride. I allow my lover to touch my cheek and bestow my kiss on him who craves it.

Wallada was lucky that her father's death coincided with the splendor of the political career of Abu ‘l Hazm of the Banu Jawahr. He established a republic with a council of ministers (called wazirs) to advise him. It was for this reason that after being confined, they gave Wallada her father's fortune in exchange for distancing herself from royalty.

Abu al-Waleed Ahmad Ibn Zaydun was, like Wallada, a member of the noble classes. Like Gerold Dayne being famously known as “The Sword of The Night”, he was called “The Scribe of The Night” for being the stage of the day where he had more inspiration to write his poems.

The two wrote poems back and forth, and the entire court was soon buzzing with gossip about the affair between the dashing young wazir and the beautiful princess. And then, it all began to go sour. Wallada caught him with another man and betrayed her trust, like Gerold did with Arianne after trying to kill Myrcella.

You were for me nothing but a sweetmeat that I took a bite of and then tossed away the crust, leaving it to be gnawed on by a rat.

Poison, thought Arianne. Yes. Pretty poison, though. That was how he'd fooled her. [...] Pretty boys had ever been her weakness, particularly the ones who were dark and dangerous as well.

Anyway, thanks for reading! I had a lot of fun looking into this and pulling some comparisons out. Arab culture is so underrated so I hope curiosity has awakened them some of the people that crossed with this post. Keep calm waiting for twow and Unbow, Unbent, Unbroken!

#asoiaf #asoiafmeta #arianne martell #house martell #al-andalus #princess #dorne #freecities #sunspear #watergardens #doran martell #darkstar

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esevoire · 4 years ago

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soo a little bit about the fanclans i use in my books ♡ im noting here that if anything seems off we're gonna blame the tumblr mobile ai ;; constantly warping to the end of the page, trying to delete paragraphs instead of just...select a few words tumblr p l e a s e relax

im also working on a visual map for these clans, but i havent the slightest idea of how to make maps so it's uh . . . it's a work in progress xx

Note: Organisms found in the territories are influenced by both European and North American wildlife and plants, so they are not limited to any specific region, though I've tried to keep it somewhat accurate.

☆ The Gorge

>> One of the five groups of cats that call themselves Clans. They chose their current name from whence they reside—in a cave system above a sheer gorge on the outskirts of Clan territory. Super original, right?

>> Past Name: MistClan

>> Current Leader: Deadeye

>> Past Known Leaders: Crowstar, Shadestar

>> Their training is unlike the other Clans. They are extremely strict with their apprentices, often not even allowing them to attend Gatherings or speak out of hand. Mistakes are met with serious consequences.

>> Camp: Located at the far south of their territory. On the cliffside, there are steep ledges leading down into a complicated cave system that serves as their camp. In the center of the main cave is the Smoothstone, which is a hollowed out, massive stone that serves simultaneously as the leader's perch and den.

>> Territory: The territory is notably rocky almost all over, though it's also consistently forested.

>> Landmarks: Boulderdrop (dangerous rocky outcrop to the east, often used for training). Twoleg nests beyond the eastern border.

>> Typical Physique/Traits: Considering the cats of the Gorge are cats from all the Clans and rogues—some stolen as kits, some the result of forbidden or hidden relationships, some taken in with the desire to be stronger—the builds of these cats are extremely varied, though their nighttime eyesight is incredibly enhanced due to their life inside the caves.

>> Prefix Conventions: As stated above, the Gorge turned into a kind of melting pot of cats from all Clans, and as a result they don't follow much of a pattern with naming conventions—especially considering they often change their names when they receive notable battle scars (Deadeye, Hawkscar). However, they occasionally take influence from plants and critters in their territory, especially cliff- and cave-dwelling flora and fauna such as Aster–, Lichen–, Eagle–, Falcon–, Bat–, Poppy–, Moss–, Spider–, or Ivy–

◇ SwiftClan

>> Current Leader: Fishstar

>> Past Known Leaders: Ivorystar

>> Camp: Between several of the hills, there's a large area where the gorse is especially thick, along with some divets in the hills that make up the dens. It lies in the heart of the territory.

>> Territory: Much more barren than most of the other Clans, though not quite as barren and uninhabitable as BlazeClan; it's a very marshy moorland. The wind hits hard, and the bogs stay nasty and cold most of the year. Many invaders and trespassers often end up stuck in the sticky bogs, and the cats of SwiftClan are known to only save them if they agree to leave the territory.

>> Landmarks: Fallen, partially rotted tree stuck in the bogs by the southern border with the Gorge.

>> Typical Physique/Traits: Cats from SwiftClan tend to be very lanky and long-legged as a result of their lives running along the moorland. In addition, their paws are said to be slightly webbed to help them navigate the marshes in their territory without getting stuck in the mud and bogs.

>> Prefix Conventions: Cats in SwiftClan are more accustomed to the boggy moorlands, and therefore tend to name their kits after plants and terms more applicable to their territory. Prefixes tend to follow themes like the following: Bog–, Marsh–, Swamp–, Mire–, Moss–, Juniper–, Owl–, Cypress–, Adder–, Snake–, Ash–, Elm–, Frog–, Sedge–, Cotton–, Plover–, Bracken–, and more!

♤ NightClan

>> Current Leader: Harestar

>> Camp: In the heart of the territory, there is a massive oak tree that shelters the camp. Their dens are among several uplifted roots, and several boulder piles that they've collected over time. Like BlazeClan, they've learned how to weave together plants, though they use more ferns along with brambles. Beneath the common mossy nest is a layer of pine needles, carefully layered for extra cushioning. The camp is protected like a fortress by thick, woven walls of brambles and bushes.

>> Territory: Very thickly forested area, both pine trees and oak trees. On the east, the river marks a small portion of their border with RushClan. In the west, near SwiftClan territory is an area where Twolegs often come camping. They often bring dogs that have gotten loose in the past.

>> Landmarks: Twoleg camping at the western border, near their southern border with SwiftClan

>> Typical Physique/Traits: Life in NightClan isn't nearly as demanding as the others, so their traits aren't usually so defined. It's not uncommon, however, for them to be notably large-pawed and long-furred, or for them to have plants stuck in their fur.

>> Prefix Conventions: The forest they live in is thick with trees and rich with all kinds of life. Almost anything you'd see in a thick forest could be found here, and their naming conventions often take many plants and animals into mind: Coral–, Bell–, Wren–, Warbler–, Thyme–, Deer–, Doe–, Fern–, Pine–, Skunk– Oak–, Holly–, Weasel–, Sorrel–, Dove–, Needle–, Clover–, Kestrel–, Thorn–, Newt–, Robin–, Mint–, and Thistle–.

♧ RushClan

>> Current Leader: Kinkstar

>> Camp: The camp lies on a strip of land over the river, and said river is often used as protection against invasions or attacks from other Clans. The leader's den is wedged underneath a series of sturdy sunning stones in the center of the camp; while most Clans consider their meetings and announcements to be formal, RushClan cats often relax on the sunning stones while their leader gives announcements from atop the highest one.

>> Territory: Not as thickly forested as NightClan, but still quite forested. A large river runs through the heart of their territory, leaving their bellies full on the many fish that thrive there.

>> Landmarks: On the western side of the river lies a large treebridge; on the eastern side, there are multiple stepping stones. Both landmarks serve as an escape route in the case of an emergency, though most cats know how to swim.

>> Typical Physique/Traits: Because of their fish-based diet, many cats of RushClan are notably sleek-furred, but they're also incredibly lean due to their comfort with swimming in the river. Most have rounder faces and ears, though it isn't uncommon for them to have unusually long tufts of fur on their cheeks, chins, or ears. Like SwiftClan, it's also rumored that these cats develop something similar to webbed paws to help their swimming.

>> Prefix Conventions: Many naming trends in RushClan tend to follow water-based ideas or comparisons, such as: Salmon–, Reed–, Eel–, Spruce–, Duck–, Birch–, Pike–, Turtle–, Newt–, Willow–, Minnow–, Frog–, Lily–, Tadpole–, Aspen–, Snail–, Pond–, Perch–, Otter–, Trout–, Heron–, and Dragonfly–

>> Special Notes: RushClan medicine cats will use water lily roots to help treat swollen limbs and may sometimes trade it to the other Clans for other herbs!

✧ BlazeClan

>> Current Leader: Heatherstar

>> Camp: A circle of huge, sharp, skyward-reaching stones forms the walls of the camp. Along the tallest of these formations, a small ledge leads up until it reaches an overhanging cliff. On this cliff is a cave; the leader's den.

>> Medicine den is half-cave. Stone in the back with large crevice for herb storage; "shelf" ledges on outside of stone for prebundled herbs. Ceiling is brambles and thick leaves interwoven. Far back corner is a pool, with brambles woven at the source of water to manage its flow.

>> Many of their dens are woven together in the same fashion as stated above, utilizing the dry shrubbery that litters their territory.

>> Territory: Mostly barren, sandy, and rocky territory. There are several grassy patches here and there, along with smaller, bare trees, though they're few and far between. At the far eastern edge of their territory lies a small town with Twoleg structures.

>> Landmarks: Abandoned Twoleg structure near the southeast border; very old and made of stones and bricks. Beyond the east border are clusters of Twoleg nests.

>> Typical Physique/Traits: Due to recent attacks and territory loss to the Gorge, many cats, while very muscular, are becoming very gaunt. Usually, the cats are seen as very broad-shouldered and strong, with angular faces and tough, calloused paw pads accustomed to their harsh, sandy territory. Cats whose fur blends into this environment are more often than not used on hunting patrols.

>> Prefix Conventions: Due to the dry and degraded land that makes up most of BlazeClan territory, their naming traditions might be some of the most unique. Plants and animals that thrive easily in sandy soil are more common here, so their common prefixes follow a similar pattern: Sand–, Sage–, Wild–, Iris–, Fern–, Beetle–, Yarrow–, Poplar–, Ant–, Cedar–, Lizard–, Newt–, and occasionally Larch–. Because of their limited fauna and flora, they've become creative with their names, featuring prefixes like Bounce–, Fir–, Pounce–, and Talon–, or names of things they hear in stories from traveling loners!

♡ Sacred Spots

Starfalls ;; A clearing north of the RushClan and NightClan borders. There's a pond that reflects the light of the moon, with a series of waterfalls falling down ledges until it reaches the pool. Because of the waterfalls, mist shrouds the clearing and nearby forest, sparkling in the light of the moon, as if it were tangible starlight.

The Gathering Stones / Tallrock ;; Massive ancient boulder among other smaller boulders in a dirt/sandy clearing, with many large trees and overgrown plants bordering the clearing.

#warrior cats #warriors fanclan #warriors fandom #warriors fanfic #erin hunter #warriors #warriors designs #wcttoc

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alexsmitposts · 4 years ago

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The Secret Agenda of the World Bank and IMF The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) work hand in glove – smoothly. Not only are they regularly lending huge sums of money to horror regimes around the world, but they blackmail poor nations into accepting draconian conditions imposed by the west. In other words, the WB and the IMF are guilty of the most atrocious human rights abuses. You couldn’t tell, when you read above the entrance of the World Bank the noble phrase, “Our Dream is World Free of Poverty”. To this hypocrisy I can only add, ”…And we make sure it will just remain a dream.” This says both, the lie and the criminal nature of the two International Financial Institutions, created under the Charter of the United Nations, but instigated by the United States. The front of these institutions is brilliant. What meets the eye, are investments in social infrastructure, in schools, health systems, basic needs like drinking water, sanitation – even environmental protection – over all “Poverty Alleviation”, i.e. A World Free of Poverty. But how fake this is today and was already in the 1970’s and 1980’s is astounding. Gradually people are opening their eyes to an abject reality, of exploitation and coercion and outright blackmail. And that, under the auspices of the United Nations. What does it tell you about the UN system? In what hands are the UN? – The world organization was created in San Francisco, California, on 24 October 1945, just after WWII, by 51 nations, committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. The UN replaced the League of Nations which was part of the Peace Agreement after WWI, the Treaty of Versailles. It became effective on 10 January 1920, was headquartered in Geneva Switzerland, with the purpose of disarmament, preventing war through collective security, settling disputes between countries, through negotiation diplomacy and improving global welfare. In hindsight it is easy to see that the entire UN system was set up as a hypocritical farce, making people believe that their mighty leaders only wanted peace. These might leaders were all westerners; the same that less than 20 years after the creation of the noble League of Nations, started World War II. *** This little introduction provides the context for what was eventually to become the UN-backed outgrowth for global theft, for impoverishing nations, around the world, for exploitation of people, for human rights abuses and for shoveling huge amounts of assets from the bottom, from the people, to the oligarchy, the ever-smaller corporate elite – the so-called Bretton Woods Institutions. In July 1944 more than 700 delegates of 44 Allied Nations (allied with the winners of WWII) met at the Mount Washington Hotel, situated in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States, to regulate the international monetary and financial order after WWII. Let’s be sure, this conference was carried out under the auspices of the United States, the self-declared winner of WWII, and from now on forward the master over the financial order of the world – which was not immediately visible, an agenda hidden in plain sight. The IMF was officially created to ‘regulate’ the wester, so-called convertible currencies, those that subscribed to apply the rules of the new gold standard, i.e. US$ 35 / Troy Ounce (about 31.1 grams). Note that the gold standard, although applicable equally to 44 allied nations was linked to the price of gold nominated in US dollars, not based on a basket of the value of the 44 national currencies. This already was enough reason to question the future system. And how it will play out. But nobody questioned the arrangement. Hard to believe though that of all these national economists, none dared question the treacherous nature of the gold-standard set-up. The World Bank, or the Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), was officially set up to administer the Marshall Plan for the Reconstruction of war-destroyed Europe. The Marshall Plan was a donation by the United Stated and was named for U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall, who proposed it in 1947. The plan gave $13.2 billion in foreign aid to European countries that had been devastated physically and economically by World War II. It was to be implemented from 1948 to 1952 which of course was much too short a time, and stretched into the early 1960s. In today’s terms the Marshall plan would be worth about 10 time more, or some US$ 135 billion. The Marshall Plan was and still is a Revolving Fund, paid back by the countries in question, so that it could be relent. The Marshall Plan money was lent out multiple times and was therefore very effective. The European counterpart to the World Bank-administered Marshall Fund was a newly to be created bank set up under the German Ministry of Finance, The German Bank for Reconstruction and Development (KfW – German acronym for Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau”). KfW, as the World Bank’s European counterpart still exists and dedicates itself mostly to development projects in the Global South, often in cooperation with the World Bank. Today there is still a special Department within KfW that deals exclusively with Marshall Plan Fund money. These funds are used for lending to poor southern regions in Europe, and also to prop up Eastern European economies, and they were used especially to integrate former East-Germany into today’s “Grand Germany”. Two elements of the Marshall Plan are particularly striking and noteworthy. First, the reconstruction plan created a bind, a dependence between the US and Europe, the very Europe that was largely destroyed by the western allied forces, while basically WWII was largely won by the Soviet Union, the huge sacrifices of the USSR – with an estimated 25 to 30 million deaths. So, the Marshall Plan was also designed as a shield against communist Russia, i.e. the USSR. While officially the Soviet Union was an ally of the western powers, US, UK, and France, in reality the communist USSR was an arch-enemy of the west, especially the United States. With the Marshall Plan money, the US bought Europe’s alliance, a dependence that has not ended to this day. The ensuing Cold War against the Soviet Union – also all based on flagrant lies, was direct testimony for another western propaganda farce – which to this day, most Europeans haven’t grasped yet. Second, The US imposition of a US-dollar based reconstruction fund, was not only creating a European dollar dependence, but was also laying the ground work for a singular currency, eventually to invade Europe – what we know today, has become the Euro. The Euro is nothing but the foster child of the dollar, as it was created under the same image as the US-dollar – it is a fiat currency, backed by nothing. The United Europe, or now called the European Union – was never really a union. It was never a European idea, but put forward by US Secret Services in disguise of a few treacherous European honchos. And every attempt to create a United Europe, a European Federation, with a European Constitution, similar to the United States, was bitterly sabotaged by the US, mostly through the US mole in the EU, namely the UK. The US didn’t want a strong Europe, both economically and possibly over time also militarily (pop. EU 450 million, vs US pop. 330 million; 2019 EU GDP US$ 20.3 trillion equivalent, vs US GDP US$ 21.4 trillion. Most economists would agree that a common currency for a loose group of countries has no future, is not sustainable. In comes the European Central Bank (ECB), also a creation inspired by the FED. The ECB has really no Central Bank function. It is rater a watch dog. Because each EU member country has still her own Central Bank, though with a drastically reduced sovereignty. Out of the currently 27 EU members only 19 are part of the Euro-zone. Those countries not part of the Eurozone, i.e. Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Sweden – and more, have preserved their sovereign financial policy and do not depend on the ECB. This means, had Greece opted out of the Eurozone when they were hit with the 2008 / 2009 manufactured “crisis”, Greece would now be well on her way to full recovery. They would not have been subject to the whims and dictate of the IMF, the infamous troika, European Commission (EC), ECB and IMF, but could have chosen to arrange their debt internally, as most debt was internal debt, no need to borrow from abroad. In a 2015 bailout referendum, the Greek population voted overwhelmingly against the bailout, meaning against the new gigantic debt. However, the then Greek President Tsipras, went ahead as if the referendum had never taken place and approved the huge bailout despite almost 70% of the popular vote against it. This is a clear indication of fraud, that no fair play was going on. Tsipras and / or his families may have been coerced to accept the bailout – or else. We may never know, the true reason why Tsipras sold his people, the wellbeing of the Greek people to the oligarchs behind the IMF and World Bank – and put them into abject misery, with the highest unemployment in Europe, rampant poverty and skyrocketing suicide rates. Greece may serve as an example on how other EU countries may fare if they don’t “behave” – meaning adhere to the unwritten golden rules of obedience to the international money masters. This is scary. *** And now, in these times of covid, it is relatively easy. Poor countries, particularly in the Global South, already indebted by the plandemic, are increasing their foreign debt in order to provide their populations with basic needs. Or so they make you believe. Much of the debt accumulated by developing countries is domestic or internal debt, like the debt of the Global North. It doesn’t really need foreign lending institutions to wipe out local debt. Or have you seen one of the rich Global North countries borrowing from the IMF or the World Bank to master their debt? – Hardly. So why would the Global South fall for it? Part corruption, part coercion, and partly direct blackmail. – Yes, blackmail, one of the international biggest crimes imaginable, being committed by the foremost international UN-chartered financial institutions, the WB and the IMF. For example, the whole world is wondering how come that an invisible enemy, a corona virus hit all 193 UN member countries at once, so that Dr. Tedros, Director General of WHO, declares on 11 March a pandemic – no reason whatsoever since there were only 4,617 cases globally – but the planned result was a total worldwide lockdown on 16 March 2020. No exceptions. There were some countries who didn’t take it so seriously, like Brazil, Sweden, Belarus, some African countries, like Madagascar and Tanzania – developed their own rules and realized that wearing masks did more harm than good, and social distancing would destroy the social fabric of their cultures and future generations. But the satanic deep dark state didn’t want anything to do with “independent” countries. They all had to follow the dictate from way above, from the Gates, Rockefellers, Soroses, et al elite, soon to be reinforced by Klaus Schwab, serving as the chief henchman of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Suddenly, you see in Brazil, a drastic surge in new “cases”, no questions asked, massive testing, no matter that the infamous PCR tests are worthless according to most serious scientists (only sold and corrupted scientists, those paid by the national authorities, would still insist on the RT-PCR tests). Bolsonaro gets sick with the virus and the death count increases exponentially – as the Brazilian economy falls apart. Coincidence? In comes the World Bank and / or the IMF, offering massive help mostly debt relief, either as grant or as low interest loans. But with massive strings attached: you must follow the rules laid out by WHO, you must follow the rules on testing on vaccination, mandatary vaccination – if you conform to these and other country-specific rules, like letting western corporations tap your natural resources – you may receive, WB and IMF assistance. Already in May 2020 the World Bank Group announced its emergency operations to fight COVID-19 had already reached 100 developing countries – home to 70% of the world’s population with lending of US$ 160 billion-plus. This means, by today, 6 months later and in the midst of the “Second Wave” the number of countries and the number of loans or “relief’ grants must have increased exponentially, having reached close to the 193 UN member countries. Which explains how all, literally all countries, even the most objecting African countries, like Madagascar and Tanzania, among the poorest of the poor, have succumbed to the coercion or blackmail of the infamous Bretton Woods Institutions. These institutions have no quarrels in generating dollars, as the dollar is fiat money, not backed by any economy – but can be produced literally from hot air and lent to poor countries, either as debt or as grant. These countries, henceforth and for pressure of the international financial institutions will forever become dependent on the western masters of salvation. Covid-19 is the perfect tool for the financial markets to shovel assets from the bottom to the top. In order to maximize the concentration of the riches on top, maybe one or two or even three new covid waves may be necessary. That’s all planned, The WEF has already foreseen the coming scenarios, by its tyrannical book “Covid-19 – The Great Reset”. It’s all laid out. And our western intellectuals read it, analyze it, criticize it, but we do not shred it apart – we let it stand, and watch how the word moves in the Reset direction. And the plan is dutifully executed by the World Bank and the IMF – all under the guise of doing good for the world. What’s different from the World Bank and IMF’s role before the covid plandemic? – Nothing. Just the cause for exploitation, indebtment, enslavement. When covid came along it became easy. Before then and up to the end of 2019, developing countries, mostly rich in natural resources of the kind the west covets, oil, gold, copper and other minerals, such as rare earths, would be approached by the WB, the IMF or both. They could receive debt relief, so-called structural adjustment loans, no matter whether or not they really needed such debt. Today these loans come in all forms, shapes and colors, literally like color-revolutions, for instance, often as budget support operations – I simply call then blank checks – nobody controls what’s happening with the money. However, the countries have to restructure their economies, rationalizing their public services, privatizing water, education, health services, electricity, highways, railroads – and granting foreign concessions for the exploitation of natural resources. Most of this fraud – fraud on “robbing” national resources, passes unseen by the public at large, but countries become increasingly dependent on the western paymasters – peoples’ and institutional sovereignty is gone. There is always a corrupter and a corruptee. Unfortunately, they are still omni-present in the Global South. Often, for a chunk of money, the countries are forced to vote with the US for or against certain UN resolutions which are of interest to the US. Here we go – the corrupt system of the UN. And of course, when the two Bretton Woods organizations were created in 1944, the voting system decided is not one country, one vote as in theory it is in the UN, but the US has an absolute veto right in both organizations. Their voting rights are calculated in function of their capital contribution which derives from a complex formula, based on GDP and other economic indicators. In both institutions the US voting right and also veto right is about 17%. Both institutions have 189 member countries. *** Covid has laid bare, if it wasn’t already before, how these “official” international, UN-chartered Bretton Woods financial institutions are fully integrated in the UN system – in which most of the countries still trust, maybe for lack of anything better. Question, however: What is better, a hypocritical corrupt system that provides the “appearance”, or the abolition of a dystopian system and the courage to create a new one, under new democratic circumstances and with sovereign rights by each participating country?

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ivendarea · 5 years ago

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The Wylaai

Strength in Unity

Banner art based on and supported by my Patrons ♥

The icy tundra and deep forests of Ivendarea’s north and northeast are the home of the Wylaai. Having a reputation of being the proudest of the Nyr, they strongly believe in fate and prophecy, in the importance of unity, and in daring to walk out of their usual path. Iovana Neron, the founder and unifier of the nation was the leader of a Wylaai tribe. Through him they have been given the reputation of being charismatic, provident, and diplomatic even in the face of great challenges.

Table of Contents:

Culture and History

Cultural Heritage

Language and Dialect

Shared Values

Common Etiquette

Historical Figures

Fashion

Art and Architecture

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Courtship Ideals

Relationship Ideals

Continue reading below or on World Anvil

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Culture and History

Once spread far along Ivendarea’s eastern shoreline, from the northern capital Canwyl to Beldran and beyond, the Wylaai suffered heavy losses during Zerenda’s invasion. After Beldran had fallen many of them returned to the north or fled to the west and south. Until today they are persistent advocates of the nation’s unity. They look forward to a time of being at peace again, be it under Assadin rule or with their own Iovana at the head of government again.

Cultural Heritage

Once wandering nomads at home in the Ivendarean tundra and taiga, the hunter-gatherers, ice-fishers, and animal herders were always used to a life of extremes. Travelling far distances with sleighs that can be re-purposed into carriages and vice versa depending on the weather conditions, the Wylaai roamed for many years before settling down for the first time in the area that is now Canwyl. While the Wylaai aren’t nomadic anymore for the most part, their sleighs are still an important part of their culture and have become the centre of sporting events and spare time.

The same applies to their hunting and fishing days - both aren’t practised anymore by the majority of the population ever since Aman rose to godhood and their Teachings of not killing animals for food or clothing were spread. The Wylaai early on recognized the importance of the “cult” around Aman. After the Gideya were one of the first to fully integrate Aman’s teachings into their everyday lives the Wylaai quickly followed suit.

The old capital is characterized by its use of glass in many aspects of its architecture. This dates back to the founding days of the nation, when the Gideya helped the Wylaai in setting up farmland in the cold north, sharing their knowledge as well as seeds and workforce to bring in the first harvest. The Wylaai would never have to suffer hunger again, even in the harshest of winters. Most of the farmland lies within large green houses still standing until today, and the glass-elements, symbolizing warmth and life, have found their way into many residential and commercial buildings.

The inhabitants of the cold north can also pride themselves with their extensive bath-house culture, brought on by the many natural hot-springs in the region. Canwyl has many public bathhouses, and the relaxation and health benefits a day in the bathhouse promises was already enough incentive for this piece of culture to spread across Ivendarea and be greeted with open arms.

Language and Dialect

The Wylaai speak the purest version of Nyrval - no wonder, as it was through their efforts that the language was standardized to begin with when Ivendarea was in its early years. In day-to-day life most Wylaai speak exclusively in their native language, but Trade or Azash for example are also spoken by most.

Shared Values

Standing strong together as a unity is everything to the Wylaai. Perseverance is a virtue taught to children from an early age, as is looking out for each other and seeking help if needed. The Wylaai easily forgive, even missteps that might not be as easily overlooked by others. But they aim to solve all problems as a community and want to uphold their unity. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and making mistakes is part of the learning process.

This does not mean that there is no punishment. In fact, though it is, important and carried out consistently, it always goes hand in hand with social rehabilitation. Remembering the past and history to prevent the same mistakes from being made over and over is necessary to build a future together.

The Wylaai are known to be the most cheerful people of Ivendarea. Despite or maybe because of the often-harsh living conditions of their original homelands, the Wylaai always have a hopeful outlook to the future. Difficulties and obstacles are a challenge they tackle with fierce ingenuity - and if a plan fails on the first attempt there’s no shame in asking for help and trying again.

Despite their remote and isolated main settlement Canwyl the Wylaai are open to new ideas, wanting to honour the memory of Neron, whose life’s work it had been to celebrate the Nyr’s differences and commonalities alike. Many would call their open-mindedness “naivete”, especially cases such as Iovana Fannyel inviting king Zerenda to the Emerald Palace - still believing that after the destruction of Beldran the invader would be willing to come to a peaceful arrangement. Surviving thousands of years in a hostile, infertile environment has made the Wylaai resilient and inventive - they believe a failure always means new chances, too. Without a positive attitude and a willingness to walk new paths, to go out of one’s comfort zone and trusting in intuition rather than logic, they might not have lasted as long and come as far as they did.

Historical Figures

Neron, called “Iovana”, the unifier; was once an influential chief of a Wylaai tribe. He was the first Nyr to go out of his way and formed alliances with other far away tribes during a series of particularly harsh winters, which eventually led to the birth of Ivendarea as a united nation.

Fannyel was the last Iovana before Zerenda conquered Ivendarea. He tried to make peace with the invader but ended up being slain in front of his throne, and his partner Ylla and daughter Brestine fled to Maan Garth.

Common Etiquette

The Wylaai are open-minded and hospitality is particularly important to them, especially when it comes to strangers from far away paying them a visit in the cold north. A lot of time is spent with family and friends, big dinners for a whole community coming together to are common. Refusing an invitation without a very severe reason is considered rude - even if the host would never tell this to your face.

Positive thinking is a virtue and speaking ill of others (or oneself) is frowned upon. Everyone has a bad day or horrible encounters with others now and then, but chronic moaners and complainers not doing anything to make their unpleasant situation better aren’t well-liked. The same goes for spreading gossip, rumours, and panic; sensationalism and causing a fuss without a life-threatening reason are not favoured among the level-headed Wylaai.

Humour on the other hand is cherished, not taking oneself too seriously, or putting on a smile even in the darkest times can be observed often. This is another reason why outsiders would call the Wylaai naive or even accuse them of never taking anything seriously, but these critics couldn’t be further from the truth. The Wylaai believe that nothing makes your enemies more insecure than brightly smiling at them. Humour and a positive attitude show strength of will and character, not giving in to intimidation tactics.

Fashion

Similar to how red hair is associated with remembering the past and pride for one’s identity, green clothing is a sign of pride for Canwyl and Ivendarea as the Wylaai’s homeland. The Green River is Ivendarea’s lifeblood, the first green saplings of spring symbolize the cycle of rebirth, and Canwyl’s green glass roofs show the great achievements and ingenuity of the Nyr as a nation.

Green, particularly emerald tones are also associated with themes of nobility and heritage, although not exclusively worn by those of a higher social standing. Wylaai clothing is also characterized by its many functional layers that insulate against the cold. The top layer is usually thick and held in neutral tones that blend in with the bleak surroundings. Robust fabrics that are easy to clean and not too much of a loss when damaged during work are also a common choice when it comes to the coats worn on top.

The layers underneath though, the clothing worn for social gatherings, around the house, to the temple - they are richly adorned, bright, vibrant colours of all possible combinations and patterns resembling Canwyl’s famous mosaics, materials ranging from fine wool and linen to silk.

A Wylaai individual in typical work attire with tight-fitting trousers and a short coat as well as thick scarf, compared to a more casual, even festive outfit for indoor wear. On the right a flowing coat richly adorned is worn on top - these types of coats are mostly seen in casual everyday life as well as during travel.

Art and Architecture

The architecture of the Wylaai is truly one of a kind. Canwyl, which was built on their lands, is Ivendarea’s oldest city and has been its capital for millennia until comparatively recently. Considered the birthplace and heart of the modern Ivendarea, immense effort and work went into making the city the most outstanding one using the resources close by, but also not hesitating to incorporate materials from all over the nation in equal parts.

The huge Emerald Palace in the heart of Canwyl is the most unique piece of art and architecture. Built from metal, marble, and stained glass its tallest tower can be seen from miles away, higher than the surrounding forests, and in the harsh winters a lighthouse in an endless white sea guiding lost travellers to safety. Its name stems from the emerald green colour of its glass windows and roofs. In the centre of the building lies a huge garden frozen in ice all year round, beautifully kept and its pools of water adorned with mosaics retelling the events leading up to the founding of the nation.

Canwyl’s architecture isn’t only impressive and beautiful, it is also technically ingenious, looking on the inside. Not only the palace, many buildings have elaborated, often decorative heating elements and running water powered by the subterranean hot springs.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Wylaai grow their hair out long, often wearing it intrinsically braided or pulled to the back for practicality. They Wylaai are a people of artisans also known for grand celebrations. Glass- and metal pearls and other ornaments are sometimes incorporated even in day-to-day life hairstyles. This is a long-standing tradition from before Ivendarea’s tribes were united and the Wylaai were still traveling nomads. The use of decorations of a specific colour or number can give clues to social status, but more often nowadays hair ornaments can also be just that: accessories without any deeper meaning.

Red hair and red eyes are considered particularly beautiful and express a certain melancholy. Iovana Fannyel had both these features, as does his daughter Brestine. Both are symbol figures of the old Ivendarea before its conquest) and dyeing one’s hair red is a sign of Nyr pride and valuing the past.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship is direct and playful, handled a little like a game where the waters are carefully tested, and honesty plays a big part. There are no strict rules, social conventions, or a lot of seriousness involved. Happy small surprises like small gifts left in unusual locations only the receiver would know about are common. It has become tradition to leave a plant sapling in its pot on one’s object-of-desire’s windowsill - symbolizing a new hopeful beginning, life, and growth.

Adventurous escapes to secret natural hot springs and the like are also an activity many couples engage in - it’s so popular actually that it happens on a regular basis to run into a different couple already at the spot one had thought was a top-secret romantic location. It’s all taken in good humour though and who knows... something interesting can sometimes blossom from random encounters like this as well.

Relationship Ideals

Comfort, home, unity - all those are especially important to the Wylaai in daily life and in relationships. Polyamorous and open relationships are common, love and partnership are celebrated, and children are regarded as particularly precious. Childhood friendships usually last a lifetime and even over big distances it is ensured to stay in regular contact. Strength lies in unity.

#fantasy setting #fantasy worldbuilding #fantasy #worldbuilding #elves #article: peoples #the wylaai

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lokisbeautifulangel · 5 years ago

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Merry Christmas Happy Yule 🎄💕🎄 thank you all Who decided not to give up the fight, You are a Warrior Strong at heart, Mind & Soul 💞💕

Santa and Odin - Christmas and Yule

Was Santa Claus partially inspired by Odin?

First things first...

1) We are not denying the obvious influence of Saint Nicholas who gave to the poor during the 3rd century. However, Saint Nicholas did not have gift making elves or flying capabilities. This article is a look at the interesting similarities between the fictitious character of Santa Claus and Odin of Norse mythology.

2) Few historians disagree that many of our current Christmas traditions (decorating trees, wreaths, mistletoe, etc) can be traced back to Yule (or 'Jul'), a popular Scandinavian holiday with connections to the Norse god Odin. Evidence of this would be the many popular Christmas carols that mention Yule, Yuletide, Yule log, etc. While history shows that the church replaced popular pagan holidays with new Christian holidays that focus on Christ, many of the original Yule traditions continued through the years.

Santa was originally called Father Christmas. One of Odin's most popular titles is that of the word Allfather. [1] As previously mentioned, he is also called Jólfaðr (Yule Father). [4]

Folklorist Margaret Baker stated the following,

"the appearance of Santa Claus or Father Christmas, whose day is the 25th of December, owes much to Odin, the old blue-hooded, cloaked, white-bearded Giftbringer of the north, who rode the midwinter sky on his eight-footed steed Sleipnir, visiting his people with gifts. … Odin, [over time] transformed into Father Christmas, then Santa Claus, prospered with St Nicholas and the Christchild, and became a leading player on the Christmas stage."

Consider what Santa Claus would have meant to our earlier ancestors. Santa symbolized facing hardship (for winter is a time of great hardship in agrarian societies) with protection, abundance, generosity, and joy. These same qualities were also inherent in the writings of Odin, who was not merely the god of war, but also of poetry and wisdom, and the embodiment of gift giving and heroic stoicism.

Santa Claus is a complex cultural-conglomerated character. He has many evolving points of origin – Scandinavian and Germanic myth, Saint Nicholas of the third-century Eastern Roman Empire, Medieval and later folk forms like Sinterklaas and other regional variations, Victorian poems and etchings, even the Coca Cola ads of the 1930s and all the other pop-culture since then.

Christmas comparisons to Yule

• Carols and Caroling. Though they were almost certainly of a very different character than our Christmas carols, the Norse sang Yule carols. Nordic children would wear masks and go door-to-door among their neighbors singing carols.

• Nights of magic, magical creatures, and holiday miracles. Vikings believed that the time around Yule was magical, especially at night. As in Celtic Samhain, the barrier between our world and the supernatural world was at its thinnest. Spirits could travel the forests and fields. Elves, dwarves, and other beings were active and could become involved in the affairs of humans. These various spirits and beings could sometimes bring blessings or justice to humans who needed it, and who showed them their due respect. [6,10] Our Christmas imagery of nocturnal magic such as in The Nutcracker, or the spiritual journeys of Ebenezer Scrooge are stories from much later times, but their feeling and themes would have been perfectly familiar to the Vikings.

• Gifts of cakes and sweets. These items were offered to the fates (Norns) and mother (fertility and nurturing) forces that probably originated with older Indo-European cults, but suffused the Aesir Goddesses of the Viking Age (such as Freya and Frigg).

• Veneration of goddesses. To many Christians, Mary is an especially important Christmas character, and often receives special attention. The Vikings were the same regarding their emphasis of the female deities and the celebration of deity motherhood around Yule.

• Wreaths. One Yule tradition involved making large wheels of pine boughs, lighting them on fire, and rolling them down a hill in honor of the sun. The round shape of wreaths also depicted the cyclical nature of the seasons and of the Norse conception of the cosmos/time.

• Yule Logs. At the Yule feast, Vikings would burn large logs of oak inscribed with runes for good fortune in the coming year. Oak is the hardest of woods, and so these logs would burn long and hot throughout the night to gladden the feast and to chase the darkness away.

• Drinking. Christmas and New Year are the main times of year that conspicuous drinking of alcohol becomes more socially acceptable. The Vikings celebrated Yule with nights-on-end of drinking mead and specially-brewed ales from animal horns (and sometimes the skulls of their enemies).

• Mistletoe. Loki, the god of mischief and misfortune murdered Baldur (who was one of the most beloved of the gods) with a spear made from mistletoe. The Mistletoe berries later became a symbol of love in the epilogue of the same story, hence the tradition of kissing under it; Baldur’s death was also supposed to lead to rebirth after Ragnarok, in keeping with the theme of Yule. [12]

Christmas trees. Vikings decorated trees with food, gifts, and small carvings (particularly in honor of their gods). The tradition of lighting candles on trees was not documented until the early 19th century, and so we can hope that the ever-practical Vikings had better sense than that.

Holidays are times when the traditions of our many ancestors come down to us in blended forms. Despite its diverse points of origins, Christmas is still a time in which people brave the cold to come together, strengthening the bonds of kinship and friendship, think of their past and their future, and consider their spiritual place in the world.

#odinism #odin sphere #lokean #loki #queen freya #norse gods #norse mythology #merry christmas #happy yule #odin borson #allfather

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terminallymystical · 5 years ago

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hi so this is an essay on the siege of bastogne i wrote for school!! feel free to just read or use as a basis for your own HIS essays! i just had a lot of fun writing this and i wanted to share :> the cited works are at the very end, no actual links but most of the references can be found in file format online! x

Easy Company and the 101st: The Siege of Bastogne

THE BEGINNING OF HOW THE AMERICANS WITHSTOOD THE NAZI’S LAST OFFENCE

“On December 21, it snowed, a soft, dry snow. It kept coming, 6 inches, 12 inches. The temperature fell to well below freezing, the wind came up… The men were colder than they had ever been in their lives. They only had their jump boots and battle dress with trench coats… Runners went into Bastogne and returned with flour sacks and beds sheets which provided some warmth and camouflage… the cold penetrated right into the bones. Shivering was as normal as breathing.” [1]

The events that occurred between 16 December, 1944 to 25 January, 1945, became known as the Battle of the Bulge. To this day it is the third deadliest campaign in American military history, resulting in estimated 89,500 casualties for the Americans, and between 63,000 to 98,000 for the Germans. This includes killed, wounded, missing and captured men. Approximately 3,000 civilians were killed. [2] For the 101st Division, total battle casualties in the Bulge were 1,766 killed, 6,388 wounded, and 207 missing in action. One of the major battles in the Bulge was the Siege of Bastogne, which happened between the 20th and 27th of December, 1944.

Bastogne is the hub of the highway net covering the eastern Ardennes— a countryside forbidding to the movement of mechanized forces except when the roads are available. Meaning the surroundings of the town are densely forested, with rough terrain and ridges formed by the Ardennes mountain range. By holding Bastogne, the Allies could unhinge German communications who were striking westward to the line of the River Meuse. [3] The German’s plan was to surround Bastogne and capture the Belgian port of Antwerp, consequentially cutting off supply to four Allied armies and trapping them there. If the Germans succeeded, they would have forced the Allies into a peace-treaty that favoured the Axis power. [4] In order to do this they had to gain control of the seven main roads through Belgium, which converged in the crossroads at Bastogne. The Allied Commanders considered the Ardennes area to be unsuitable for a large-scale German offensive. The surprise on the hand of the Germans was achieved, like most surprises in war, because the offensive made no sense. And because the defenders were guilty of gross overconfidence. [5]

After Hitler launched what would be his last offensive attack on 16 December, Eisenhower made a critical decision for the entire battalion without consultation of anyone outside of his staff, declaring the crossroads town of Bastogne as the place that had to be held no matter what. On 17 December alone, 60,000 men plus ammunition and other supplies, were transported into the Ardennes. In the first week, Eisenhower moved 250,000 men and 50,000 vehicles onto the front lines. Not even in Korea, Vietnam, or the Gulf War, was the U.S Army capable of moving so many men and so much equipment so quickly. [6] Easy Company was among them. All the men knew was that there was a gaping hole in the line and they were being sent to fill it. Grossly under-equipped for battle, the men were sent into the Ardennes with insufficient ammunition, no winter clothing, little food, and little medical supplies.

When the troop convoys carrying the 101st stopped outside of Bastogne, the men jumped out and marched down the road toward the Ardennes. The men they were relieving came toward them defeated and exhausted, some were panicked and yelling at their relievers to run away. Easy and the other companies in 2nd Battalion tried to gather what ammunition they could from the retreating soldiers, but it still wouldn’t be enough. Sounds of the battle were coming closer. To the rear, south of Bastogne, the Germans were about to cut the highway and complete the encirclement of the Bastogne area. Easy had no artillery or air support due to the low hanging fog that had fallen in the forest.

“We weren’t particularly elated at being here. Rumours are that Krauts are everywhere and hitting hard. Farthest from your mind is the thought of falling back. In fact it isn’t there at all. And so you dig your hole carefully and deep, and wait, not for that mythical superman, but for the enemy you had beaten twice before and will again. You look first to the left, then right, at your buddies also preparing. You feel confident with Bill over there. You know you can depend on him.” [7]

The men were sent out on patrols. Mortar attacks would fall. Snipers by day, and an even worse bitter cold by night. No one had enough sleep. Shell bursts hitting trees sent splinters, branches, trunks, and metal showering down on the men and their foxholes. For protection, they would cover their holes with logs, but without axes it was extremely difficult. Officers had to watch their men for signs of breaking. Captain Richard Winters of E. Company sensed that Private Joseph Liebgott was on the edge, so he brought the man back to the battalion command post to be his runner. “Just being back 50 yards off the front line made a tremendous difference in the tension.” Winters wrote. [8] Light didn’t come until 0800, and darkness fell at 1600. Sixteen hours of night in frozen conditions made the men miserable, but they pushed through it. Winters recalled, “When a man was hit hard enough for evacuation, he was usually very happy, and we were happy for him— he had a ticket out to the hospital, or even a ticket home— alive. When a man was killed— he looked ‘so peaceful’. His suffering was over.” [9]

Christmas eve rolled around. The men received General McAuliffe’s Christmas greetings. “What’s merry about all this, you ask?… Just this: We have stopped cold everything that has been thrown at us from the north, east, south and west. We have identifications from four German Panzer Divisions, two German Infantry Divisions and one German Parachute Division… The Germans actually did surround us, their radios blared our doom. Their Commander demanded our surrender in the following impudent arrogance:

“To the U.S.A Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.

The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armoured units. More German armoured units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.

There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honourable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.

If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term. All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.

The German Commander.”

Shortly after, General McAuliffe sent the following communication to von Lüttwitz in response:

“To the German Commander.

NUTS!

The American Commander.”

McAuliffe continues: “We are giving our country and our loved ones at home a worthy Christmas present and being privileged to take part in this gallant feat of arms are truly making for ourselves a Merry Christmas. A. C. McAuliffe, Commanding.” [10]

The men of the 101st didn’t share McAuliffe’s upbeat attitude. However, on the day following Christmas, Lt. Col. Creighton Abrams of the 37th Tank Battalion broke through the German lines. The 101st were no longer surrounded, and soon enough supply trucks were coming through and bringing the men food, medical supplies, winter clothing and ammunition. The wounded were evacuated, and in the breaking of the siege the men learned that they had become a legend even as the battle continued. To the outside world, the men of the 101st Division became known as the ‘Battered Bastards of Bastogne’. [11]

While the men were expecting to return to Camp Mourmelon to ‘bask in the Allied world’s adulation and perhaps to celebrate the New Year in Paris’, [12] their hopes were cut short when they were ordered to continue holding the line. Their conditions had improved, seeing as they now had winter clothing and a hot meal every now and then, but the frigid temperatures lingered with the snow and the Germans were now shelling the company daily. “At midnight, on the eve of 1945, every gun in Bastogne and every mortar piece on the MLR joined in a serenade of explosives hurled at the Germans.” [13]

Easy Company and the rest of the 101st Division’s time in the Ardennes over the course of eight days was an excruciating and extremely difficult struggle. One that had brought physical and emotional suffering to men on both sides, and a staggering amount of casualties in such a short period of time. Their ‘victory’ was hard won, but holding the line at Bastogne was essential to stopping the German forces from advancing and successfully capturing the crossroads. The 101st Airborne wouldn’t depart the Ardennes region and enter the French town of Hagenau until January 18, and they would suffer many more losses, but the Siege over Bastogne had been broken.

WORKS CITED

[1] “Band of Brothers” Ambrose, Stephen E. (1992) p. 181 [4] p. 172 [6] p. 174 [7] p. 177-178 [8] p. 187 [9] p. 187 [12] p. 191 [13] p. 193

[2] “Bastogne: The First Eight Days” Marshall, S.L.A. (1988) p. 9

[3] “The Sixth Panzer Army Attack” Cole, H. (1965)

[5] “The Unknown Dead: Civilians in the Battle of the Bulge” Schrijvers, Peter (2005) University Press of Kentucky

[10] “Rendevous with Destiny” Rapport and Northwood, p. 545 [11] p. 586

#bastogne #easy company #wwii #history essay #band of brothers

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cienie-isengardu · 6 years ago

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Bi-Han’s rudeness...?

I guess, it’s common idea that Bi-Han was the rude (if not the rudest) Lin Kuei warrior we had a chance to meet. Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Mortal Kombat 9 (2011) pretty much embody elder Sub-Zero’s crude and sarcastic nature. It was especially seen around Scorpion, his enemy (”Will not...or cannot?"; "To hell with your clan!“), but even around Grandmaster - the ultimate superior & Quan Chi, the important client of Lin Kuei (accussing Quan Chi on hiring another assassin for the same mission and generally being go yourself there if you so badly want that stuff) or Raiden - the god (”That's it? Not even a thank you?").

We may only guessing if Bi-Han at this point of story was simply done with everyone around him, or if the lack of manners & respect ties directly to cryomancer’s genes or did he do that on purpose. Regardless the reason, Bi-Han’s cold, often harsh way of speaking to others distinguishes him from the few known Lin Kuei warriors. Of course, the lack of game examples how he interacts with fellow Lin Kuei, from companions sent on the same mission to his own brother, only adds to general impression of Bi-Han’s rudeness.

Also, comparing Bi-Han’s attitude to Sektor-Cyrax and Smoke-Tundra (Sub-Zero II) duos, where all other warriors to some degree had strong and/or complex ties to each other, the personal isolation of Bi-Han really stands out.

Of course, we know from games and other sources that Kuai Liang cares deeply for his brother and Sareena over the course of years has some emotional ties to Bi-Han as well. But frankly, we are more told that by them than really have insight into Bi-Han’s psyche. I mean, we still don’t have any clue why he would spare Sareena in Mythologies, have we? What only adds to the feeling of Bi-Han’s isolation; we scarcely see him interact with other characters that aren’t stricte enemy.

This is why I want bring three moments from other than game sources, in which Bi-Han thinks about or interacts with people that seems to be liked or at least respected by him.

Mortal Kombat 4 Limited Edition Comics,

in which we are told by narrative that “Several Days later, on Earth, Sub-Zero returns to China to the ancient Temple of the Elements. The Temple’s location is secret, but Sub-Zero learned how to find it from his older brother, the original Sub-Zero.”

So, between one mission (Shinnok’s amulet) and another (Tournament), Bi-Han found time to talk with Kuai Liang. And shared informations about his important assigment. Of course, we do not know Lin Kuei rules, but I don’t think that revealing details of the mission was ever well appreciated. Still, Bi-Han told his brother where to find Temple, and from the panels below, what was there (Shinnok’s amulet), why it was important (”the amulet that keeps [Shinnok] trapped in the Netherrealm”, ”as long as the amulet remains on Earth, Shinnok cannot escape the Netherrealm”), who guarded it (Four Elements / gods of water, earth, fire and wind) and though it wasn’t show in flashback itself, most likely that Bi-Han fought them all.

The flashback itself is really short and part of their talk must happened off panel, so we don’t know how much Bi-Han told Kuai Liang, nor why. But we must remember that in Mythologies: Sub-Zero, Bi-Han alone never heard about Shinnok or Netherrealm before the mission (”Quan Chi could simply be a lunatic sorcerer. I've never heard of an Elder God named Shinnok! Or of a place called the Netherrealm! “) and if he didn’t know that back then, Kuai Liang most likely didn’t either. By sharing his newly acquired knowledge - with or without consent of the Grandmaster - Bi-Han gave his younger brother additional informations that may someday be useful (or maybe even save his brother’s life, especially if he get involved with another Shinnok-related mess).

Did Bi-Han told the story to warn Kuai Liang, or just to satisfy his brother's curiosity, we can’t be sure. Maybe his reason to do so was mix of two, maybe something completely different. What is important, Bi-Han found time to talk to Kuai, even though he did not have much of it between last and future mission.

Bi-Han told the informations in rather stolid (no emotional) way. No rude, but not overly warm, personal way either. Straight to the point, I would say.

Mortal Kombat book by Jeff Rovin (1995)

is a book in which original Sub-Zero is both rude/sarcastic and even more brutal than usual (game) self. Also, is Shang Tsung’s favorite assassin. Unfortunately for sorcerer, “Bi-Han” was not available for important mission; after killing his former partner who left Lin Kuei/criminal life, Sub-Zero went into hiding and no one knewn where in China he is, not even other members of the Lin Kuei.

This turn of events upsetted/annoyed the sorcerer but of course, Shang Tsung is not someone to give up so easily, so he used magic ways to find Sub-Zero. On the occasion,we learn more or else that “Bi-Han” not only brutally killed his former companion (”Scorpion”) but also offended demigod:

There was a long pause. “I… am looking.” Then, the disembodied voice said, “I see him… Shang Tsung. He is hiding.”

“Where?”

“In a cave… in a cliff… north of Wenzhou.”

“That’s just like him,” Shang Tsung said. “With the fees he charges, he could live in splendor. Yet he chooses a life of hardship and study.”

“And death!” Ruthay said.

“Yes, death,” Shang Tsung admitted. “Don’t be too harsh on him, Ruthay. Some people deserve to die. I will summon him–”

“Wait! Be warned, Shang Tsung. He is cursed!”

“Cursed? By whom?”

Ruthay wailed, “By the immortal Yu.”

Shang Tsung felt cold spiders crawl up his spine. “The demigod Yu?”

“Yes… he who is said to dwell in the underground caverns of Horse Ear Mountain… which is sacred to the goddess Kuan Lin. He who protects the canals… and the tunnels… and looks after all who use them, human and animal.”

“What did our brash friend do to Yu?”

“He… killed a man,” said Ruthay.

“What man?”

“A toll-taker… one who had given up a life of crime… one who had been a partner of the man… you… seek.”

“And how did that crime come to the attention of the spirit of Yu?” Shang Tsung asked.

“The man was killed… slowly disemboweled with a sword… while accomplices forced his wife and his son to look on! After his murder… the man’s remains… were dumped into a canal!”

Shang Tsung raised an eyebrow. “Is that all? I was expecting something truly terrible!”

“It was!” Ruthay shrieked. “When he disposed of the body… in that way … he profaned one of the sacred waterways… of Yu!”

Shang Tsung smiled now. “Then he is definitely the man I want,” he said. “Anyone who is impudent enough to insult a demigod won’t be afraid to attack a member of the White Lotus Society, or the gods who watch after them. I will send Hamachi, Ruthay. When he nears his goal, see through his eyes and guide him!”

So, book!”Bi-Han” is by no means a nice person. Sub-Zero spent years searching for a man that betrayed Lin Kuei and when finally found him, not only killed him in brutal way while accomplices forced man’s wife and son to watch his flesh ravaged and his blood spilled, to see his intestines and stomach exposed, still alive, as he squirmed and shrieked and died but also thrown the battered body into sacred water of demigod Yu. And from “Bi-Han”’s own POV: even if Yu himself crawled into the cave, he would find the killer unrepentant and willing to kill the former ninja again.

Because Sub-Zero does not fear (nor respect(?)) gods, Shang Tsung was even more willing to hire “Bi-Han” to do the important job (”Then he is definitely the man I want,” he said. “Anyone who is impudent enough to insult a demigod won’t be afraid to attack a member of the White Lotus Society, or the gods who watch after them”). To reach Sub-Zero in warrior’s hiding place, Shang Tsung sent his precious, the most trusted bird to carry his messeng:

But some of the birds were kept more for practical purposes. His falcons were trained to fly to the mainland and kill with claws of poison, while his beautiful white pigeons were trained to carry messages to spots all across eastern China.

Going to a small writing table tucked in a corner of the stone chamber, Shang Tsung lit a candle, dipped a fountain pen in red ink, and wrote in small, tight characters on a slip of rice paper:

LIU KANG AND TWO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE WHITE LOTUS SOCIETY ARE CAMPED TO THE WEST OF WUHU, HEADED EAST TO INTERCEPT A BAND OF BLACK DRAGONS. THESE INTERLOPERS MUST BE STOPPED. YOU ARE MY LAST HOPE. RETURN THE BIRD WITH A TOKEN SO I WILL KNOW THAT YOU HAVE GONE AFTER THEM.

SHANG TSUNG

After finishing the message, the sorcerer went over to one of the cages, carefully removed a pigeon, rolled the paper around its right leg, and fixed it there with a length of red string. Holding the bird in both hands, he made his way under and around the many cages to the window. The black shutters of the window were closed, and one of the hooded servants scuttled over, released the catch, and threw it open.

Shang Tsung bent close to the bird and said softly, “I know you won’t fail me as my fellow humans have, devoted Hamachi. Fly true and take my urgent message to the region you know so well. Ruthay will see through your eyes and guide you from there. Then return to me, my delicate servant. Come back safely and soon, and I will offer up a human sacrifice to you.”

So, from the book it’s clear that Shang Tsung had high respect for Sub-Zero’s skills and to some degree was familiar with Bi-Han (”That’s just like him. With the fees he charges, he could live in splendor. Yet he chooses a life of hardship and study.”). Looking at how often Shang Tsung asked/demanded to know why he “couldn’t get the man I wanted“, I dare to say even a bit obsessed with hiring him. But then again, Shang Tsung had a lot to lose if the mission failed, so of course he wanted the best assassin for the job.

The cave was located two hundred miles south of Shimura Island, though it was still hours before dawn when the pigeon reached it. Landing in the narrow mouth, the bird cooed once then stood still, as it had been trained to do.

The ninja was awake and beside it in an instant, crouched beneath a ceiling that didn’t allow for him to stand. Dressed only in a white loincloth, despite the cold floor and chill air in the cave. He was reading the message by moonlight a moment later.

A smile crossed his lips, lips so pale and claylike that they appeared dead. His small, very narrow eyes looked from the message to the bird to the moonlight that lit just the entrance of his dark abode.

He ran the back of an index finger up and down the bird’s breast. “Good Hamachi. Return to your master so he will know that I have received his message and am on my way to do his bidding. For a price, of course,” he said. He glanced at the several pyramid-shaped stacks of scrolls in the rear of his cave. His fee was another manuscript from Shang Tsung’s library, one of the many scrolls that were centuries old, dating back to the dawn of the days of the first ninjitsu and containing arcane secrets of the league of assassins to which he belonged, the widely-feared Lin Kuei.

"Bi-Han” smiled at the new task and I think this was a genuine smile; something we rarely had a chance to see. Of course, it may be related to great price he will get, another precious scroll from Tsung’s own collection (what alone raises a question like was Sub-Zero even allowed to work for Shang Tsung without the proper Grandmaster’s approval, because it seems he was hired by sorcerer quite often). So, either he was simply happy to have something dangerous (challenging) to do or the mere idea of new stuff to read warmed his heart or most likely the smile was reaction to mix of those two things.

Does this have anything to Bi-Han’s rudeness? The reaction to carrier-pigeon is unusual and frankly, pretty warm for Sub-Zero’s cold, impersonal nature. Especially compared with his previously described brutality. He did not mind killing a man in front of victim’s wife and son (who both were forced to look on the whole homicide). A man, that was once Sub-Zero’s partner / member of Lin Kuei.

But then when Hamachi brought him messenge, “Bi-Han” ran the back of an index finger up and down the bird’s breast what itself sound as rather affective gesture, petting an animal that did not belong to him in the first place. Even if he was aware how important the bird was to Shang Tsung, that still does not mean he needed to pet it, or praise (“Good Hamachi). Also, looking at sorcerer’s messenger, there is only RETURN THE BIRD WITH A TOKEN but “Bi-Han” knew (and used) its name. The whole scene is interesting because there is no real reason why he should bother to be nice to simply carrier-pigeon, but I think it is right to assume “Bi-Han” to some degree was fond of the animal. Maybe even of Shang Tsung... For a price, of course.

Later in the story, “Bi-Han” was capable of working with Goro and Reptile albeit still was at times sarcastic too. Nothing really drastic, for Sub-Zero’s standards. And hey, even made a joke/snickered at Scorpion’s expense (thinking about it, that frankly is normal thing for Bi-Han):

“Calm yourself, Goro,” said Sub-Zero. “What is your name, boy?”

“I am Scorpion,” said the youth.

Sub-Zero snickered. “I’ve eaten Scorpion, and had scorpion soup. I can’t say I cared for either. Now, tarantula stew–”

“You murdered a toll-taker,” Scorpion cut in. “He was a gracious and blameless man, a gentle husband and caring father.”

“Ah,” said Sub-Zero. “You are... the son?”

So, in the novel “Bi-Han”

showed little respect to demigod Yu,

brutally killed a man that once was his partner but who betrayed Lin Kuei; thus was hunted down and eliminated

was sometimes sarcastic yet capable of working with other Shang Tsung’s no-human servants without much trouble

showed some fondness for Hamachi, by petting & praising the animal and in general seemed to have good working relationship with Shang Tsung

had at least one moment in which said something more personal (two, if we take the joke about eating scorpions and tarantual stew seriously)

Overall, “Bi-Han” is rude and sarcastic but also capable of being gentle & nice( r) to the few he likes(?); in this case mainly to bird Hamachi.

MORTAL KOMBAT BLOOD & THUNDER (1994)

is another take on first Tournament. The Lin Kuei clan was represented by Sub-Zero and Hydro. During journey to Shang Tsung’s Island, the two warriors kept distance from others. When Kano and Johnny Cage fought at ship deck, “Bi-Han” watched it from safe place. When Hydro asked what is going on there, Sub-Zero only stated “a petty altercation, Hydro. It is no concern of the Lin Kuei”. Despite the impersonal answer, the warrior could tell something is bothering “Bi-Han”

Unexpectedly, Scorpion (the Wraith) showed himself, telling Sub-Zero he is gonna kill him and so on, you know the drill. The biggest difference between Mythologies & MK9′s backstory of the conflict is that, “Bi-Han” and Scorpion fought one on one, to test which clan is better and “Hanzo”’s revenge is more about getting into afterlife between his dead ancestors (who for some reason denied him that) and that Shirai Ryu ninja is more dramatic. Like, wishing to kill every “Bi-Han”’s friends, then family, then finally him, even though he died in fair fight. Anyway, Scorpion left and Hydro saved “Bi-Han”’s life

and soon after that once again Hydro was asking if “Bi-Han” is all right

Here some interesting details:

When Hydro asked about Sub-Zero’s physical injury, “Bi-Han” truthfully answered, adding how it happens every year on the same day. He does not keep any ‘tough guy’ act around friend (and looking how Hydro can tell how “Bi-Han” is distracted and knows about his injury, saves his life and in general is assuring/caring, I think this is correct way to call Hydro).

Yet, when Hydro asked if Sub-Zero is all right, “Bi-Han” did not answer that directly. Instead of telling how he is emotionally / mentally feeling, the warrior already was analyzing situation and pointing mistake he did (showing fear)

In both cases, it seems like Hydro is the one more emotionally open and/or supporting of the two. “Bi-Han” does not show much emotions, however he is willing to admit his fear of Spectre, to share informations about the injury - like what the pain means (”he is coming back”) - does not ridicule Hydro for worrying about him, does not bother with tough guy act at all. I wouldn’t say Sub-Zero is overly warm and open there, but definitely not rude or sarcastic. He does care when something is happening to Hydro, but unfortunately does not show much emotion after the warrior was killed by Scorpion. Then again, “Bi-Han” at that point of story is no more affraid of the Spectre and is pretty much willing to kill him again. And did fight against enemy, even though Raiden took him under his protection. So, maybe Sub-Zero did not speak about his feelings but the change from fear into I’m gonna kill you again could be motivated by his friend’s death?

I’m bringing Hydro and Sub-Zero’s relationship for the contrast between how “Bi-Han” is acting around his close(?) companion and people he does not know nor care for. Like Sonya and her partner from SF, who get on Shang Tsung’s ship to find and arrest hiding there Kano.

Just after Scorpion dissapeared, the US soldiers accosted Lin Kuei, looking for a bit cooperation to find Kano. Sub-Zero’s reaction?

and

So, “Bi-Han” very quickly changed from admitting to companion making mistake / showing fear to enemy to “You do not understand. The Lin Kuei do not have to cooperate with anyone!” (saying it while buring picture of Kano, because this is how much he cares) and “Bah! Your threats mean nothing to me, woman” (while totally not caring to call Sonya by her name she told him just moment ago. Rude.)

Those three examples made me think of Bi-Han as someone who is rarely warm to other people, even those he is close to. Even while talking about important and sensitive things, he rather talk in impersonal way. Maybe this is result of Lin Kuei training, maybe just Cryomancers are like that. But for sure Bi-Han’s way of speaking and acting change depending on in whose company he is. Sarcastic and rude way of speak and act is usually directed at people he dislike, does not trust or care, or at gods in general. Which makes probably a long list of people that fits those categories.

Bi-Han may be unable (or not willing?) to be overly warm/nice to people (and creatures/animals?) he likes and/or respects, but at the same time is willing to share important informations, answer their questions, does not ridicule them (as far as we coul see in those little examples) for caring and/or showing their care for him and even praise (at least Hamachi). I think Bi-Han is the type of cold, collected person but no less honest, who does not know (or does not want) how to tell people about his feelings but is showing how he care by small gestures (telling the truth about injury, sharing information, petting the bird).

Of course, this is just my take on Bi-Han, based on various sources (games, books & comics), but I really believe he was not the type of brother to be rude or sarcastic toward his younger sibling or close comrade (unless the situation called for him acting that way). Everyone else though deserves all the rudness and sarcasm.

So, in short, it’s not like Bi-Han can’t be nice(r), it’s just that the list of people he care for and respect is really short.

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