#very small group of individuals known to the government

[yzegem]

Sirens of Encounters in the Frontier.

In my setting, sirens are a kind of shark, descendants of a creature most similar to an epaulette shark, wich adapted to hunt fish and mollusks trapped during the low tide and eventually evolved to be fully lunged and mostly amphibian.

There are 3 species of sirens, all 6 limbed.

-The continental mernewt is native to the vast beaches and coral reefs of the southeastern coast of the continent. It's similar in bodyplan to a mudskipper and just as agile. They have jaws strong enough to open shellfish and don a venomous spur next to their tail fin, wich can kill small animals and cause pain, swelling and even necrosis of the limbs in larger animals like humans.

Male mernewts are known to "fence" each other as they are very territorial during mating season. This fights envolve leaps into the air, stabbing with their spurs, biting and their characteristic shriek.

These animals are very important in the culture of the warrior caste in the Sun Empire and represent masculine violence and war, sometimes positively (they are kept in artificial ponds ocasionally) or as a critique in poetry of the futility of war, since the mernewts are vulnerable to birds of prey or other predators while exhausted after a fight.

-The lesser siren is the most terrestrial of all sirens. Its native to the eastern and southern coast of the continent, the north of alwaysummer and the Twisted Islands.

These creatures feed mostly on fish stranded during low tides but many hunt seabirds by staying still between rocks in the shore until the perfect ocasion to leap and catch its prey with their clawed pectoral fins. They usually drag their prey to the water and drown it there. They are very capable of climbing rocks and can be quite fast in short bursts of speed.

They can get quite large and pose a significant danger to some cattle and humans.

-Sirens are native to the Twisted Islands and are the most aquatic of the three, even though they can still return to the sea if they get stranded.

They spend most of the day in underwater caves and are actually quite good at hunting in the sea floor, as they use their long arm like pectoral fins to move rocks and expose mollusks and other small prey. Still, their prey of choice are terrestrial animals. Sirens are indeed quite intelligent animals, though far from sapient, as they resemble the intelect of a marine crocodile, wich manifests in very specialiced hunting tactics.

They have learned to attract land animals close enough to the water by leaving small pieces of fish in the shore as bait for seabirds or imitating animal cries for help to attract unsuspecting predators or worried members of the imitated species. When they get the chance, they rapidly extend their arm-like fins and drag the animal to the sea.

Some sirens have specialiced in hunting humans, specially those on boats, wich is a big problem given how common reed boats and low canoes are for transport in the twisted islands, often used to also transport cattle.

Sirens can easily climb on top of these boats or colaborate between many to topple a ship.

They don't hunt in organized groups, rather they all hunt individually but at the same time, if that makes sense, and later fight for the prey.

These human eating sirens have learn to stand on small islands or unlit shores ar night and waive their arm-like fins while screaming (they can imitate a great variety of sounds) to lure humans closer to them.

The Iliryi people (those native of the twisted islands) have developed many methods to sail safely, such as covering their boats with down facing spikes, tying themselves to the boat or just carrying harpoons and being ready for action. Still, these tactics are not very efective when overwhelmed by a large group of sirens.

The government of the twisted islands hires whalers and fishermen from all across the eastern sea during their low season to work as sirens hunters, wich escort other ships and keep the siren population at bay. This is a high risk high reward job for these fishermen.

[the-moon-files]

YESSSSS I BEG GET INTO THE CULTURAL DIDFERENCES BETWEEN HYLIANS AND HUMANS 🙏🙏

...now ur just sweet talking me 🥰 /lh

Not years, well maybe 1 year-

but i have wanted to ramble desperately to smone, even the tumblr void if i had to, abt humans vs. hylians so much, esp with a guide reader or male reader bc whatdya know im into niche stuff that only u and like 2 other ppl like lmao ¯\(ツ)/¯

Anyway im so shocked, since ur like the third person to be interested in this and wanna hear abt it 🥺 🤲💌 here u go!! Hope u like it <333 👉👈

Sun: Masc!Reader (he/him)

Orbit: Humans are Not Hylians/Humans are Space Orcs AU, Headcanons-ish, long overall but each section is kinda short

Stars: Mostly worldbuilding! you've been warned, don't get mad me for not talking abt the boys too much✌️

Comets & Meteors: Content Warnings: mild cursing, mentions of private area/joke in the clothing headcanons, & Trigger Warnings: none known.

Please comment if I missed any. /gen

☆

just some quick headcanons bc tbh i haven't given it too much thought, and i feel like I've been able to somewhat get into it in other posts? or maybe im thinking of stuff i have in my drafts idk-

Imma make another list, so buckle up for the short ride lol

Courting periods/dating/marriage

individual/small groups society-based hylians v. large personal groups/large community society-based humans

simpler foods hylians v. complex food humans

clothing modesty/style/relationships with fashion

fighting styles/strategies

entertainment complexity/differences

and language

☆

1st one, not much yet, im also making a separate post bc someone else asked me to talk abt that more 🥺

(tysm for all the enthusiastic asks guys <33)

anyway, basically hylian courting is a lot shorter, think “lesbians with the uhaul” type of energy, like sort of the classical medieval “does thee wish to pursue marriage with this one?” ← how hylians ask u out for the first time lmao

if it helps, they do tend to get to know one another well, talking about morals/kids/life goals/preferred lifestyle/house/etc. pretty clearly and quickly, then using the in between time to sort of stew on that information

id say the total time is sort of something like 6 months? maybe 3/4 if they're really compatible

(so bc i love interpreting video game logic for real world building, I actually blame this on how fast Zelda/link get together in games despite having sometimes never met before that moment lol)

like i said, ill be posting about this later

2nd one!!

pretty basic, just saying we don't really see hylians in big groups, despite the organizations they form, like kingdoms/knights or on a more personal level, towns/families/etc.

(once again, in-game appearances/video game logic translated to real life to draw these conclusions)

like not only are family units pretty small, like nuclear family setup, with like 2 parents and 2 kids, or single parent 1 kid type of situation, but the towns or collections of these families arent very big either

hylians kind of use their government the way it was intended lmao?

like the villages and towns matter more for everyday decisions than the kingdom/royalty, like Zelda would esstientally just be the mayor of Castle Town for those constant decisions,

while occasionally is called on to make decisions like for several towns or like is a natural disaster happens

meanwhile humans are, in comparison, in Way Bigger groups, both on an organization scale, and a personal scale

like u have all these specific branches of government, whereas im sure the population difference doesn't help,

and on a personal level, humans can easily have like multiple parents, lots of siblings, and once u combine that with each parent having family too, and those families like to meet up? All together??

yeah, itd look insane to any hylians (who’s smaller extended family may just make up their own village and that's it)

3. I've touched on this

like the use of spices, syrups, seasonings, etc

but also the complexity of dishes too, like chilling cream and mixing it for awhile to make ice cream, or even just getting ordering a pizza,

that's a lot of processing, like making the dough from flour and other ingredients, to letting it rise, to making the tomato paste, making cheese, then combining those things with any other toppings, all into one dish??

i like to think that hylians have only just started to touch on actual complicated cooking processes (as in BOTW, where they sell flour and salt, so people besides Link/Wild must know what to do with it)

this has the advantage of impressing any hylian with what a “creative genius” you are lol

4. look im just a fan of medieval time periods Links

so i think its funny if the hylians are used to like 4/3 layers and ur over here like, “wym, if i take off my shirt there's nothing underneath?”

one of them gets bold enough to ask, “d-do you not. do you not have undergarments??”

you “just my boxers? like just to cover my di-”

also this makes its easy to seduce people here? LMAO

clothes are def higher quality, after all there's not as many artificial processes or materials interfering,

plus u usually get some sick embroidery on it too!!

5. so like i get it, Link is the main fighter in games

but like, the few times there is a war/army in loz games, there's rlly not a lot of strategy, beyond just finding the enemy and fighting

tho im partial to that hylians/most inhabitants of Hyrule abide by the “lets meet up either literally by inviting each other or just between our territories to fight”

with occasional guerilla warfare (by any means necessary/stealth/ambush attacks/strategy) that's only rlly used either by Demise/Ganon, or by the wilder individuals/races in games

or maybe even the more civilized fighters in an emergency

and so that means by this logic that all of the Chain use kind of wild techniques compared to their race/kingdom lmao

id imagine its not too surprising to also see “every fight is a bar fight if its for my life” from individual travelers, so im sure they're not viewed too crazy (esp when ppl know their the hero that constantly has to deal with guerilla warfare from Ganon)

but its be hilarious to watch the reactions of both the Links realizing they’re in a bigger group that should be using “proper” fighting strategies and seeing the general publics reaction to this absolutely feral, armed to the teeth, trained hylians with their equally wild human lol

LMAO everyone thinks ur the reason they started using the more brutal fighting methods bc ur human, ur a bad influence lol

(humans would use it primarily, esp after we converted to use that method in warfare a couple hundred years ago i think?)

changing course a bit, hylians tend to use weapons (to compensate for difference in strength compared to humans, and since they don't experience/get a lesser version of adrenaline)

while humans tend to equally rely on weapons and our body as a weapon (marital arts/basic self-defense)

6. this is mostly bc the hylians only rlly seem to have the basics of music, books/stories, theater, and art

i have, surprise surprise, another post abt how i think this came to be,

mostly based on how human curiosity is indomitable and insatiable and the endless force that has not yet met its immovable object.

or at least an immovable object they haven't at least poked a little, out of curiosity lol

like we went to space for that reason, we reach the most dangerous corners of our planet (deep underwater/volcanoes) out of sheer curiousity/for the sake of simple knowledge of the thing

so needless to say, curiosity can absolutely drive any field to its limits, including the arts, which is why we can have stained glass, or movies/tv shows, hell, the marvel that is Hatsune Miku lmao

(fully for entertainment, a projection of light and sound, what is essentially magical illusions but u did it hte hard way, to the hylians)

on a different entertainment related note, i don't know if the hylians would be super into sports, or not really at all? mostly bc they have to use their fighting/training against real threats, not the sort of “fake” threats that sports are

but on the other hand i could see people like knights wanting to use their abilities for something other than violence and fighting bc their life or their villages lives depended on it

bet the Links would enjoy it for those reasons especially, what with at least sumo wrestling being a sport or activity for them at some point in history, and practically beg u for any new games to play, or to ref their games, bc whewwww

im sure they could get pretty competitive lol

7. obviously, their mostly influenced by the Japanese language

id almost like to imagine a sort of, if not outright Japanese (like with earlier heroes like Sky) then a sort of English-Japanese hybrid further along the line

sort of like how English has German/Greek/Latin roots and therefore u can see what words or structure comes from where, or even how u can understand a fair amount of basic words when other languages share the same roots (english, pants = spanish, pantalones)

would make for some funny miscommunications

or even better, most hylians liking ur unique accent or the Links love to hear u talk bc of it lol

☆

well the fever has broken, i am now free of the sickness that made me hack this up geez

i hope u got some enjoyment out of these my beloved anon!! esp since u were so nice as to ask abt it <33

hope u guys have a great weekend, look out for some more posts, bc its been great to get some more asks in lately and very motivating,

not to mention i actually have time to write now that my siblings graduated/we’ve moved several states over 💀

so i have reliable internet now too! sheesh :’)

Peace out,

🌙

[yakotalks]

APUSH - Period 2

Colonial America: English colonization, regional differences, transatlantic trade, slavery, and Native relations. (1607-1754)

English Colonization

Types of colonies

Royal Colony - Directly in control of the King/Queen (NH, MA, NY, NJ, VA, NC, SC, GA)

Proprietary Colony - Granted to certain individuals or groups by the King/Queen (PA, DE, MD)

Charter Colony - A charter granted to joint-stock companies (CT, RI)

Jamestown, Virginia (1607) - First permanent English settlement (Roanoke failed). At first had many issues -- famine and conflicts with the natives -- but soon discovered these amazing things known as cash crops like Tobacco

Regional Colonial Differences

New England Colonies

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire

Mainly focused on fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. A couple small farms. Also mainly settled by families.

Mostly Puritans, very religious with little tolerance

Governed with Town Meetings (Democratic)

Extra Notes:

Plymouth -> Settled by the pilgrims who were fleeing religious persecution in New England. Had the Mayflower Compact which was an early form of self government and democracy.

Massachusetts Bay -> Settled by Puritans who wanted to reform or "purify" the Anglican Church of New England. Wanted to create a "City on a Hill"

Rhode Island -> Founded by Anne Hutchinson who was kicked out of Massachusetts for her beliefs. Rhode Island was a lot more religiously tolerant. Bought the land from the Natives

Middle Colonies

New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware

Mainly focused on agriculture with wheat (known as the Breadbasket Colonies) and trade. Also mainly settled by families

Very diverse, ethnically and religiously

Extra Notes:

New York and New Jersey -> New Jersey split off from New York b/c it was too big. New York used to be part of the Dutch.

Pennsylvania -> Founded by William Penn (Fun fact: the name literally means Penn's Woods). This was a refuge for Quakers and was religiously tolerant of all religions (even Catholics!). Quakers were pacifists.

Southern Colonies (Including Chesapeake)

Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia

Mainly focused on large scale agriculture with cash crops, did this with plantations

Indentured Servitude -> Slavery

Indentured Servitude - Farmers would sponsor people financially to help them migrate to the Americas and in return they would get labor from that person for a certain number of years. After that the person would be free to do whatever. Promoted by the Headright System.

Headright System - Anyone who sponsored someone to come to the Americans would receive 50 acres of land

Extra Notes:

Virginia - Named after Queen Elizabeth I, was the first permanent settlement. Ruled using the House of Burgesses (Democratic).

Slavery

First slaves arrived in 1619

Growth in Slavery due to the problems that came with relying on just indentured servants

Bacon's Rebellion (1676) - Led by Nathaniel Bacon, a rebellion against the Governor William Berkely of the Virginia Colony. Berkley's administration wasn't helping enough with the threat of Native American attacks on the frontier settlements. Also caused by anger from economic and social tensions between wealthy landowners and the poor farmers. Burned Jamestown. Led to the realization of the instability of indentured servitude and switched to slavery.

Cash crops were also incredibly labor intensive and many indentured servants were unwilling to do that.

Triangular Trade - Colonies would trade raw good to Europe. There those raw good would be turned into manufactured goods. Those manufactured goods would be traded to Africa. Then Africa would send slaves over the the Americas and the cycle would continue

The Middle passage - The passage on the Atlantic Ocean between Africa and the Americas which ships would take when transporting slaves. Brutal, dirty, and cramped and many wouldn't even make it to the Americas.

Relations with Native Americans

Initially mixed, the northern colonies had less of an issue compared to the southern ones. However, the relationships worsened and became more hostile as the colonies expanded.

Conflicts

Powhatan Wars (1610-1646) - Against the Virginia Colony, Jamestown. They used to be chill but tensions increased due to land disputes and the English's demands for food and supplies. 1st war -> peace treaty, 2nd war -> bad for both sides, 3rd war -> Powhatan land lost, English won

Pequot War (1636-1638) - Against New England @ modern day Connecticut. The English wanted to expand onto Pequot land and the Pequot resisted. Tensions grew over control of the fur trade and English settler's demands for more territory. The English massacred many Pequots. The tribe stopped existing after that.

King Philip's War (1675-1678) - Against New England @ Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The English settlers kept using Native hunting grounds and had their laws imposed on Natives. English Settlers won, King Phillip (Metacom) was killed.

[palmtreepwr]

Please info dump about your hsr sea planet ocd ty I love them

thank you so much anon! here you go, a quick little story about my HSR ocs: The Nereus Chain also hello hello long time no see i am so sorry i've been gone, lots of stuff happening irl but i am BACK baby

the nereus chain, which is the name of the planet of where these guys are from, is mostly made up of water except for a chain of islands that make up the shape of a whale. the people of the nereus chain are known as pyrates. there isn't really any ruling faction on the planet, as pyrates believe that the people of their own home should decide what is right and wrong, thus creating a community that thrives off of democracy and support for each other.

a very special and unique feature about the nereus chain other than their lack of government/control is the water. pyrates have the capability of surviving underwater for extremely long periods of time, never having to "rise for oxygen". because of this, there are many yet small areas in the sea that are popular marketplaces or ruins of civilizations before that lived beneath the surface and on the ocean floor. however, the deeper one goes, the harder it is to resist the anomaly: serpent fever. serpent fever is a phenomenon where someone may experience delirium along with an abnormal amount of energy pulsing through their body. this energy can enhance physical capabilities, yet too much could warp their body, resulting in unfortunate victims to turn into creatures of the depths, basilisks.

it takes a lot for someone to reach this point, but it has been a growing plague among the pyrates. in some cases, though, this growing excess of serpent fever can slow down, altering only the appearance of those who had to deal with the illness. in recent amber eras, those of the nereus chain have found ways to use the surplus of water around them and convert it into energy, reducing the pollution and rise of serpent fever by a longshot. now not having to rely on the galactic market for certain supplies, pyrates have now began to explore other facets of life that they didn't really have the chance to. many became galaxy rangers while others sought out connections to the intelligentsia guild or so on.

(this is altagarcia, another hsr pirate oc from the nereus chain who was a galaxy ranger... her and boothill have had many fun times together).

obviously the ipc caught wind of this, and as a result came knocking on the nereus chain's door promising a helping hand to them as a way to make even more credits with their new founded technology. many opposed this, however the idea of being able to help even more planets in need was the driving force for the decision making. taking the deal, the ipc sent out smaller groups that represented them to build shop and manufacturing facilities on pyrate land, slowly integrating themselves into the market. after a while, many business makers came and went, now transforming the nereus chain into more of a tourist destination than anything else, with promise of stocks and supplies in their water-based energy innovations. to make a long story short.. the ipc took root in the NC and once it was time to harvest the rewards, they quickly took charge of any power that was left to the people, forcing most of those who rebelled against them to one side of the islands. now, a group called the lanternlight crew have decided to take reign and fight against the ipc, tricking the astral express to come in and help to prove to them that "trailblazing" doesn't equate to "colonization" (aka what oswaldo schneider, a former trailblazer, has been doing). this was so long i hope this was interesting! if you wanna know more individual character stories plz let me know ILL BE DRAWING THEM WAY MORE NOW!

[thestargazingstrawberry]

A38, Budapest, 2025.03.21.

The Pontiac:

I didn't know the band beforehand, and I'll be honest, I did not do my homework this time around. Very similar style to Fatal Error, so they were a reasonable choice to lead. From the few songs they played they seem to be a bit slower paced, but I'll definitely have to do some more exploration to be able too tell properly. And I will. Very pleasant surprise.

Fatal Error:

I think for the first time ever I'm in danger of hitting the Tumblr text limit. Let's start from the objective part.

Great show, couldn't have been better. The band is always a joy live, and this show wasn't an exception either. They balance their slower songs with their higher energy ones remarkably well, and they can bring the audience along trough these changes as well. In line with this, the crowd was great as well. It was only revealed at about the halfway point of the show, but I was standing next to the lead singer's sister.

Speaking of which, as it should be on a good farewell gig, the arena was full of invited guests on- and off-stage as well. Everyone's families, former band members, other musician friends. Two birthdays were also on the next day, so the venue started singing Happy Birthday on their own. Also just generally very nice crowd, my heart breaks a little bit every time I see a good, respectful pit.

They played stuff from pretty much every era of the band. Old songs, new songs, old songs in different arrangements. But all of them were perceived slightly differently, with the added context of the group disbanding. Very worthy 3 hours to remember the band by.

As much as I don't include politics on my blog, it is important to note (and also I feel it would be dishonest to report about the concert without mentioning it), that on their big day, that everyone was watching on, and 4 cameras were rolling, they stopped the show for a few minutes to voice their dislike for not just the hate campaign of the Hungarian government, but the state of the world in general. Reminding us about the importance of personal relations, and to look after our loved ones, now more than ever. And immediately after they played the song Forradalom (Revolution).

Now, for the slightly less objective part.

Horrible show, couldn't have been worse. I think the Hungarian alt/rock/punk scene is losing a bastion. They never were the most famous, but they were known all around, especially after the Dal appearance in 2019. Immensely talented musicians, and just lovely people in general, certainly role models for many.

As discussed a bit above, we are not only loosing a great crew musically, but also an incredible voice of reason from the public. I can only hope they will remain active individually on some level.

The reason to disband is completely understandable, but it doesn't make it any easier, not on the band members, not on the listeners. To quote Zsola, the singer: "I hate that it turned out this way. If we weren't friends, if I didn't like everyone this much, this could be so much easier." To say that people were crying is an understatement.

A38:

A38 is an alright venue. They are always very much on top of their visual stuff, including the video recording equipment. (Which actually includes an overhead cable track camera, and I think that's super cool.) They are usually on top of their audio game too, not so much this time, had some issues, mostly minor stuff tho, wasn't too bad.

Two things worth mentioning. It is still on the more expensive side when it comes to drinks. More importantly, the ventilation isn't the best. Being a relatively small, enclosed space, for the second part of the shows usually you can start seeing all the moisture in the air start condensing on the ceiling. Usually it isn't a problem, this time a girl did get sick though.

Ultimately amazing concert, both from a technical and emotional viewpoint. But the world will never be the same.

I'm gonna put the entirely subjective part here, because I have to put it somewhere.

Almost exactly 6 years before the date of this concert, I was 18, still in high school, still living in the place I used to. I still consider it a bit of a shitty place, but we especially didn't have any bands coming I would have been interested in. And then I heard that Fatal Error would be coming to play in the tiny café thing next to the library. And then I messaged a friend if they would like to go together.

Long story short, that one was kinda the first concert I went to of my own volition. And I loved every second of it. They were the start to my live show journey. And now, 6 years later, both them and me with many more shows behind out backs (maybe them a bit more than me), it's kinda poetic that I would also be part of the end of theirs.

I got a shirt at their old concert and it still fit reasonably enough, so I went in that. It all comes full circle. So thanks for the last 10 or so years bois. You will not be forgotten for a very long time.

Feels a little bit like my youth is ending. Still not really over it. :')

[immobiliter]

"So, it turns out, if you fund enough reconstruction efforts in a city-state, the nobles give you the worst job they can think of." "They want shit fixed, and I can do that."

so the amount of canon information we actually have on viscount varric is pretty small honestly ( i am hoping we might get some insight in veilguard, even if it's just to know who is in charge of kirkwall now, nearly 10 years on ), but what is made obvious by his scene with the inquisitor in trespasser is that varric didn't want to be viscount, but was voted in because he was one of the most effective individuals involved in reconstruction following the events of da2 and because he could actually make stuff happen rather than adhering to regulations and getting caught up in the red tape that would naturally accompany something on that scale.

this makes a huge amount of sense: varric is incredibly well connected and has a longstanding history of being the one to get things done. for years, he worked behind bartrand as a "professional younger brother" and he very much does the same for hawke during the game. as he says to carver in their da2 banter:

"You've got people who warm thrones, and people nobody sees who do the real work."

the position of viscount, the highest authority in the city, is arguably what varric would least want to be lmao. BUT he knows the state that kirkwall is in after everything that happened, he cares deeply about all of the ordinary people who live there, and has seen the abuse of power that has gone on in the city for years, so i do think this is a sacrifice he makes willingly because there's nobody else qualified or trustworthy enough for the role ( nor anyone else who wants it clearly lmao and, i mean, who would ), and he has the popularity among the nobles to actually win the vote — not only is he a famous author throughout a lot of southern thedas by this point ( i can't wait to find out if his books have made it to northern thedas in veilguard but i digress ), but he's also well known for being friends with the champion of kirkwall.

however, even though he's accompanied to the exalted council by the former "provisional" viscount bran cavin ( who presumably took over in the immediate aftermath of meredith and is a very by the book kind of guy ), i do think that varric only ever intends his tenure as viscount to be temporary. there is no way that he wants this to be his job for the rest of his life — evident seeing as he is currently in tevinter with harding seeking leads on solas's whereabouts. he's either majorly shirking his duties rn or he's handed over to a successor, and i want to say the latter is likely seeing as my working theory is that varric does not expect to return to kirkwall alive. also, as far as we know, he has no living heirs so upon his retirement or death the title would need to be given to somebody else. and, like bianca, kirkwall is one of the true loves of varric's life, so there is no way that he wouldn't ensure that the city is in a safe pair of hands before he left — unless, of course, he was forced to leave at short notice based on intelligence as to solas's whereabouts and i'm hoping veilguard will clarify this a little for us.

the position of viscount would also limit varric quite a bit. we know he has contacts in the carta, his editor runs a significant portion of the coterie and he has his fingers in a number of other morally questionable pies i'm sure lmao. being an elected head of state and therefore accountable to the people he serves would certainly force him to officially cut ties with some of these groups, though i also like to think that maybe varric enacts some kind of systematic reform to governance in kirkwall as a whole? complete change is needed to ensure that it's not just the nobles who elect one guy to serve as viscount, but that the city's needs are met by a group of individuals, perhaps, who all represent the different factions and groups in the city ( templars, mages, the coterie, the city guard ,the alienage, the nobles ) so that everyone is represented. he'd meet resistance, i'm sure, and i don't know whether varric would be able to push things so far that the citizens of kirkwall could actually vote for their leaders in a democratic society, given the feudal/medieval nature of thedas and the fact that this doesn't seem to be a system in place anywhere in the world ( that we know of ), but i think leaving kirkwall in the hands of a collective union of leaders would bring much more reassurance than leaving power unchecked in the hands of one person.

[aaditnayyar]

What exactly is Blockchain

A Comprehensive Guide for All: What is Blockchain?

Try to picture yourself with a notebook in which you record every purchase or sale. Each time you do a transaction, you note it in the notebook. Now, what if you distributed this notebook amongst your friends and everyone had one? All of your buddies would scrutinize your entry before adding it to their notes. This way, nobody could fake an old entry, since everyone else would spot it.

Something known as blockchain is built upon this basic concept — sharing a record of transactions open for everyone to verify. Though it may sound intimidating, it is a technology gaining traction in the financial and computer sector. We will clarify it in this blog in simple words, so anybody may follow it.

What Exactly Does Blockchain Mean?

Fundamentally, blockchain is simply a unique form of digital record-keeping. Think of it as a series of blocks (hence the name “blockchain”), each block including transaction information. These blocks are related in a way that makes them quite stable and difficult to change.

Step by step, this is how it works:

A Transaction Occurs: Suppose Alice wants to give Bob $10. This is an interaction.

The transaction is registered: the information of this transaction is passed to a network of computer nodes instead of being written in one notebook.

Everyone Checks the Transaction: The computers in the network check to make sure Alice has $10 to transmit. By examining her past deals kept in earlier blocks, they do this.

The transaction is added to a block: Once everyone concurs it is legitimate, it gets formed with other transactions into a block.

The Block Is Sealed, attached: The block is assigned an individual code (known as a hash) and then included in the chain of already existing blocks. This makes a fixed, permanent record of the deal. There it is! It is like one huge, common ledger keeping track of all system events.

What Makes Blockchain Different?

Now, one might be wondering, “Why not simply use a normal database or spreadsheet?” Fantastic issue! Blockchain distinguishes itself by several distinct qualities.

It is distributed across.

Most models today have one main custodian — be it a bank, company, or government — that manages the records. The entire system can crumble if something goes wrong with that central authority — say, hacking or corruption.

Blockchain relies on many, but not one authority. It rather distributes the blame amongst several computers (nodes). Every node has a full blockchain copy, therefore no individual or group may manage it. This all but prevents evil actors from using the data.

It is transparent.

Given that each transaction is visible to all people in the network, and recorded on the blockchain, it is clear. You can observe when and where money or assets traveled from one location to another. Since no one can hide anything, this openness fosters confidence.

Consider how a nonprofit uses blockchain to monitor contributions, for instance. Donors might observe very clearly how their funds are used, therefore guaranteeing that they reach the intended beneficiaries without middlemen siphoning off funds.

Safe.

Adding a transaction to the blockchain makes it virtually irrevocable.

Therefore: Every block has its distinct code (hash), including the one from the preceding block. Trying to change a block would also require one to re-compute the hashes for every subsequent block, hardly a small job.

Since the blockchain is decentralized, hackers would have to simultaneously compromise more than half of the computers in the network to fiddle with the data. Considering how vast these networks can usually be, this is virtually impossible.

Such a level of security makes blockchain perfect for sensitive uses including medical records, banking, and voting systems

It cuts out intermediaries.

Usually, when you want to buy anything online or move funds, you go via middlemen including banks, payment processors, or even legal practitioners. These intermediaries increase both costs and time for the project.

Blockchains free you from the need for intermediaries. Transactions take place between parties on their own, therefore saving both time and financial means. Sending funds abroad the old way can take days and incur large charges, for example. Using blockchain-based cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the same transaction can take minutes for a small percentage of the cost.

Examples of blockchain in the real world:

To know more about how blockchain operates in practice, let us look at some instances:

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have the most well-known applications of blockchain. People can transfer money and accept it without a bank using these digital currencies. Each time somebody sends Bitcoin to another, the blockchain notes the transaction.

Supply Chain Management Tracking

As goods traverse the supply chain, enterprises including IBM and Walmart use blockchain to monitor them. If you buy a mango, you can scan a QR code, for instance, and find exactly where it came from, who touched it, and when it reached the store. This ensures product quality and reduces fraud.

Election processes

Some nations are trying voting systems based on blockchain. Blockchain might help to lower voter fraud and raise public faith in election results since it is open and safe.

Health information

Ways hospitals and clinics could leverage blockchain for patient records storage are under investigation. This would let doctors quickly access precise and current data while permitting patients complete control of their information.

Some popular misunderstandings surrounding blockchain

Though blockchain is growing in popularity, some questions remain about its nature and usage. Those should be cleared away:

“Blockchain Is Just for Cryptocurrencies.”

Though cryptocurrencies were the first significant application of blockchain, the technology itself has great applications beyond finance. Industries including logistics, healthcare, and government are discovering creative applications of blockchain.

Blockchain is anonymous.

Though blockchain provides privacy, it is not entirely anonymous. Since transactions are listed publicly, anyone can see them. Users’ identities are typically expressed by codes — rather than actual names — thus granting some level of pseudonymity.

“Blockchain is flawless.”

Though very secure, blockchain is not free from dangers. Thankfully, such attacks are really rare because of the complexity and size of the majority of blockchain networks — for instance, if someone gains control of more than 50% of the computing power of the network, they could theoretically manipulate the blockchain in what is known as a “51% assault.”

The Future of Blockchains

Though blockchain is still fairly new, its possibilities are vast. Improvements in general efficiency, openness, and security across the board will probably follow the more widespread acceptance of it. Some professionals think that blockchain could transform everything from our personal data management to our voting.

Still, popular usage will need time. Scalability (managing vast transaction numbers), regulation (governments determining how to deal with blockchain), and education (assisting people in understanding and embracing the technology) are obstacles to be tackled.

Wraps up.

So, at its most basic, blockchain is a decentralized, clear, and secured means of documentation. Whether it is assisting farmers in obtaining fair prices for their products, accelerating international payments, or safeguarding sensitive medical information, blockchain has the capacity to change our lives and employment fundamentally.

Next time you learn about blockchain, recall the notebook analogy: It’s a shared, tamper-proof book everyone can view but no one can edit. And who knows? Maybe someday soon, blockchain will become as common as smartphones or the internet!

Even a small tip goes a long way!

ETH: 0x788571C4c836ec733a72ff84c626BF7F20736d76

Thanks for reading Aadit’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

[d0etickk]

Caligo. "The Great Preparer". "The Sightless One."

(A developing project.)

An enigmatic force with intentions not entirely known, save for populating the earth with its “children”(humans conceived under ritual to in part inherit some of Caligo’s blood). Itself embodies sightlessness(both literal and metaphorical), deception, and corruption. Presents itself as the source of true knowledge.

Somewhere far from earth, having been betrayed long ago and nearly entirely consumed. Uses technology, such as radios, telephones, and corrupted digital/physical media to access the minds of humans.

Voice is imperceptible to the human ear, but still very much effects them.

Witnesses of the Caligo’s voice are often seen remaining still for hours at a time, jaw slack and drooling as they listen to seemingly the barest hint of static on the other end of whatever device they were using. Most have to be physically disconnected from the vicinity of the device to break this trance-like state.

All who interact with its voice have little memory of the incident, but obtain a Knowing. Whether they realize or not, their actions henceforth are puppeted by the orders given by the entity, unless the individual’s mind is manually reprogrammed. When questioned, most explain having knowledge on various hyper-specific subjects that they do not recall having prior.

Has a widespread, secretive cult of what can only be described as sleeper agents, among much fewer who actively worship and organize all cultly affairs between close-knit groups around the world.

The Caligo’s intentions are by its nature obscured and the truth it dispenses incomplete. Its followers likely have little idea of what they truly worship and what they dutifully work toward.

Continue under cut to worship and children.

Worship.

Worshipers of Caligo revere blindness as something holy. To be blind, or visually impaired in some way is seen as being close to their lord.

It is believed they will be blessed with some kind of Other Sight the less their earthly vessel physically sees. In turn, many devout followers have been known to wear blindfolds, damage their sight some way, or in severe cases, gouge out their own eyes to be closer to the being they worship and obtain its knowledge.

Followers are governed by a set of hive-minded Prophets that have been ritualistically transformed into blind, cannibalistic, squid-faced beings who are able to translate the Caligo’s voice into human speech.

This council of Prophets reside deep in secrecy in places dotted around the globe, never to see society once transformed and heavily guarded. 

The ritual performed on these chosen Prophets involve the removal of eyes, and the pouring of a special tar-like substance into their facial orifices while their bodies are carved with symbols and text used to open up their minds and bodies to the Caligo. Their faces turn inside out, sprouting a set of ink black tentacles in place of their facial features with a single opening within, lined in fleshy needle-like teeth down the length of the esophagus. Prophets retain their tongue and lips to some extent, just enough to synthesize speech. Their body pales in complexion to a color similar to a corpse, their form becoming emaciated, fingers elongating into boneless tentacles.

Prophets are known to live for a handful of centuries before expiring, requiring a new one to be appointed. Then, at the command of the council, a child of Caligo is chosen and brought to the closest place of hiding to undergo the ritual.

Children of Caligo.

As stated, children of Caligo are ritualistically conceived. They are, in small part, genetically related to the entity. Meaning they are not truly human, and possess skills and traits that are superhuman/supernatural in nature.

Most do appear human. Though they are generally tall and lanky with hypermobile joints, to an unsettling degree. Though, the hypermobility does not seem to cause any discomfort, no matter how dramatic.

They tend to have dull complexions, impaired or poor sight, and slightly translucent skin. Many possess and are able to functionally use a second eyelid, like those of aquatic creatures.

All children of Caligo excel academically in some manner. They have an insatiable sense of curiosity, photographic memory, and are at a young age often labeled “old souls” by those around them.

Children of Caligo are, on varying levels, resistant to their part-father’s voice. It is difficult for them to be hypnotized in the same way a human can be when hearing it.

They are the only beings known to survive the ritual to become a Prophet. At the moment, the only entities groomed and raised to become one given the need.

[bonesandthebees]

alright so I said the other night that I came up with a huge bullet point list detailing a qsmp au that I have no intentions of writing, and several of my lovely anons told me they were down to hear about it so here we go

the inspo for this was kind of like a fusion of breaking dawn (yes from twilight) and the underworld movie series. it's a modern setting where the federation is essentially the vampire government. they watch over all known vampire covens to make sure they aren't taking risks that could possibly expose the existence of vampires to the human population. vampire hunting groups that exist, but for the most part they're small and scattered around the world and don't communicate with one another.

something ends up changing though. covens are attacked by strange green creatures that the vampires believe are created by the hunters, but they're not entirely sure where they come from (these are the binary entities). the creatures are incredibly strong and many covens that are attack lose members.

several of the covens attacked have connections with each other. they slowly form a network finding others around the world that were attacked by these strange creatures, and realize they all have one thing in common: only covens with vampire children were attacked.

the federation backs off saying they don't know anything about the creatures, sounds like the vampire hunters are up to something but they stay out of that stuff. it's very strange, so the attacked groups come together to investigate what the hell is attacking their children, and if the federation had anything to do with it. eventually, they declare themselves one giant coven, and the federation doesn't like that.

info about the groups under the cut!

before joining up into one group, the individual covens originally consisted of:

Phil (ancient), Chayanne (roughly 10-11 years old*, turned when he was 5), Wilbur (very new vampire, literally got turned a few months ago by Quackity), Missa (ancient vampire who got stuck at the bottom of a well for three centuries so he's still catching up with stuff)

Jaiden (new vampire, turned 2-3 years earlier by Roier), Roier (turned 5 years prior by Vegetta), Bobby (around 9-10 years old*, turned within the last year by Roier)

Foolish (at least 300 years old, probably older, he changes his age every time someone asks), Vegetta (200 years old), Leo (turned when she was 7ish, is now 9*)

Fit (roughly 150-200 years old), Ramón (8-9ish*, turned when he was 4 not by Fit)

Bad (between 600 and 800 years old), Dapper (11*, got turned when he was 9 by Bad)

The Brazilians: Cellbit (around 200 years old), Felps (50-60ish, turned by Cellbit), Pac and Mike (no one knows how old they are exactly but they're a bit younger than Cellbit. Also no one is sure which one is older but they know one of them turned the other), Forever (werewolf, not a vampire. Doesn't age because he's pack bonded with vampires and is around 90 years old), Richarlyson (8 years old*, turned when he was 4 by Cellbit)

The French: Baghera (130ish, turned by Etoiles), Etoiles (600-700 years old), Aypierre (300ish?), Antoine (100ish, also turned by Etoiles), Pomme (7 years old*, turned within the last few months by Baghera)

Solo vampires not in a coven who get involved anyway:

Quackity (60ish), Max (70s)

Humans

Charlie (24), Mariana (24)

Now if you're wondering where some other eggs are, they have their place either later on in the story or as backstory. These are just what I imagine the groups to be at the start of everything

*Vampire children do age in this world. When a child is turned they continue to age until they reach a point of physical maturity and will stop. This age is different for every individual, but ranges from late teens to early 20s. No one is sure what affects when a vampire child will stop aging, but some theorize a diet of solely animal blood can cause them to stop aging earlier due to a lack of proper nutrients

I have so many notes about this au including backstories for most of the characters and how they all got their children but I don't want to make this insanely long so please send me asks about the groups!! If not I might just make a post talking about the characters in more specific detail but yeah this au is very fun for me to rotate in the brain microwave lol

[the-guild-association]

The Guild Association

Introduction

The Tri-Realm Guild Association, known colloquially simply as the TRGA or The Guild, is a critically important organization within the Sins of the Eternal universe, with divisions and branch locations found in major cities all across the Underworld, Overworld, and Brightlands, as well as some locations in more remote areas.

Founded under world leaders from all three realms, the Guild's mission statement is to rebuild the world in the aftermath of The Cataclysm, and maintain peace and justice among people of all walks of life. To that end, each TRGA building serves as a sort of hub space where, for a small fee, any person may submit a commission for Guild-employed associates to accept.

The Process

Prior to being officially posted, commissions are subjected to a series of criteria and filters in order to evaluate the validity of a request, the authenticity of the commissioner, the urgency of the job, and a variety of other parameters. Once the process is complete, the commission will be uploaded to the Guild Database, where it can be picked up by any qualifying Guild Associate on a first-come first-served basis. Additionally, once their commissions have been accepted, commissioners reserve the right to refuse a given candidate at their own discretion, at which point compensation (with an upper limit) will be supplied to both parties via the Guild should excessive resources be expended.

Commissions and Commissioners

In order to submit a commission, a client must first pass a background check unique to the Guild Association. While it does search for a criminal history, what it primarily judges is the client's quality of character, an inexplicable criteria derived from numerous gods related to the concept of justice and balance. The data gathered from said gods was then compiled and used to synthesize an algorithm capable of autonomously and infallibly conclude whether a client may hold the right to submit commissions or not. Regardless of whether they pass or fail, all persons who agree to the test will be entered into the Guild Database for future reference.

Once a client has passed this test and been given a membership card that certifies they are eligible to submit jobs to the Guild, there are very few commissions that are off the table. From requesting assistance with buying groceries to hunting wild monsters, and even ordering hits on less-than-desirable individuals or groups, the Guild Association will happily accept and post any and all commissions as long as they pass the initial filtering process.

Affiliations

From a political standpoint, the Guild Association is firmly an independent party separate from all governments and ruling powers. While each branch is contractually obligated to obey the laws of the land they reside in, they cannot be commanded by the ruling powers of that land, nor are they required in any shape or form to assist the military forces of said land should they desire not to.

To ensure the sanctity of this neutrality, branch heads are personally picked and chosen by the reigning sovereigns of each realm, Aeterna of the Underworld, Ultima of the Brightlands, and Telaris of the Overworld. Once chosen, each branch head is made to sign a blood oath that they not abuse their position within the guild for their own political agendas and/or the political agendas of the land they reside. Should they be found in violation of this oath - and rest assured, they will be found out - their reigning sovereign will personally put them on "indefinite probation" and instate a new branch head.

[a-modernmajorgeneral]

A Neanderthal child with Down’s syndrome survived until at least the age of six, according to a new study whose findings hint at compassionate caregiving among the extinct, archaic human species.

Recent examination of a human fossil unearthed at the Cova Negra archaeological site in the Spanish province of Valencia found traits in the inner-ear anatomy which indicated Down syndrome, in the earliest-known evidence of the genetic condition.

The fossil, which preserves the complete inner-ear anatomy, was excavated in 1989 but its significance was not recognised until recently. It is a fragment of one of the two temporal bones – the right one – that help form the sides and base of the skull, protecting the brain and surrounding the ear canal.

While the researchers cannot be certain whether the fossil was that of a girl or a boy, they have nicknamed the Neanderthal child “Tina”.

Tina’s combination of inner-ear abnormalities is known only in people with Down’s syndrome.

“The pathology which this individual suffered resulted in highly disabling symptoms, including, at the very least, complete deafness, severe vertigo attacks and an inability to maintain balance,” said Mercedes Conde-Valverde, a palaeoanthropologist at the University of Alcalá in Spain, lead author of the study, published in the journal Science Advances.

“Given these symptoms, it is highly unlikely that the mother alone could have provided all the necessary care while also attending to her own needs. Therefore, for Tina to have survived for at least six years, the group must have continuously assisted the mother, either by relieving her in the care of the child, helping with her daily tasks, or both,” Conde-Valverde added.

Among other pathologies, there were abnormalities in the semicircular canals – three small tubes that govern balance and sense head position – and a reduction in the size of the cochlea, the part of the inner ear involved in hearing.

The fossil’s precise age has not been determined, but Conde-Valverde noted that the presence of Neanderthals at the Cova Negra site has been dated to between 273,000 and 146,000 years ago.

Homo neanderthalensis, as Neanderthals are formally called, were more robustly built than Homo sapiens and had larger brows. They lived from about 430,000 years ago to roughly 40,000 years ago. Previous research has shown that Neanderthals were intelligent, and created art, pigments, symbolic objects and perhaps a spoken language, as well as utilising complex group hunting methods.

They disappeared relatively soon after our species spread into their territory.

Previous evidence of Neanderthals caring for their sick and injured prompted a debate over whether this was motivated merely by expectations of reciprocal behaviour or by genuine compassion.

“For decades, it has been known that Neanderthals cared for and looked after their vulnerable companions,” Conde-Valverde said. “However, all known cases of care involved adult individuals, leading some scientists to believe that this behaviour was not genuine altruism but merely an exchange of assistance between equals.

“What was not known until now was a case of an individual who had received extra-maternal care from birth, even though the individual could not reciprocate. The discovery of the Cova Negra fossil supports the existence of true altruism among Neanderthals.”

Archaeological evidence at Cova Negra indicates the site was occupied for short periods at a time by small groups of Neanderthals – hunter-gatherers who roamed the landscape in search of food and other resources. Tina’s age at death, based on the maturation state of certain inner-ear structures, shows unusual longevity for a child in such circumstances with a condition known for intellectual disability and developmental delays.

“The survival of this child, beyond the period of breastfeeding, implies group caregiving, probably more extended than parental caregiving, typical of a highly collaborative social context among the members of the group. Otherwise, it is very difficult to explain the survival of this individual up to the age of six years,” said Valentín Villaverde, a co-author of the study and an emeritus professor of prehistory at the University of Valencia.

Conde-Valverde said: “The discovery of Tina represents the oldest known case of Down’s syndrome and demonstrates that the diversity observed in modern humans was already present in prehistoric times. This finding ensures that the story of human evolution includes us all.”

[tegarrianlore]

Tegarrian Lore official AUs

The nature of the Tegarrian Lore is a bit hard to grasp, part of it is intentional, and the other part is frankly accidental on my part. However, the thing that might be the hardest to understand is that there are official Alternate Universes that exist and are 100% canon. This is due to the fact that the Tegarrian Lore is an infinite multiverse full of possibilities - some of my other worldbuilding projects such as Kyphos or Civen (two fantasy worlds that I will only namedrop) are related to the TGL because they exist in the same Multiverse, called The Tree of Life.

Mainline TGL, the world this blog exists to catalogue, has various moments in history where the timeline splits and a whole new universe is born. Here are the three main ones:

Fallen Grace:

Splitting from the main timeline sometime in the early 1940s, a secretive organization operating for the United States of Torham (USA equivalent) government called PENTAGRAM starts building experimental underground cities/bunkers of gigantic proportions. The biggest of them would be able to house more than 10 million people.

Late into the year 2020, a never-before seen threat emerges: the Infestation. Originating from somewhere beyond the Tree of Life, this cancer spreads selectively through specific universes, and it has chosen this one to nestle. A threat so intimidating that the Sirens flee in terror after their appearance, humanity is left to defend itself against an insurmountable enemy.

By the year 2172, what remains of mankind has settled in two specific enclaves. The Forges of Genansk, a bastion of technological might which produces powerful, colossal God-Engine walking platforms to fight against the Infestation; and the Ark Shelters of Torham, which have taken to mass-producing armies of biotechnological drones known as 'biodroids' to, at the very least, pester the Infestation residing on the surface of the continent of Torham.

Warpath:

In the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium, there is only war. And within a forgotten subsector within Imperium Nihilus, a strange cluster of star systems materialize out of the nothingness of the void. The Sisterworlds of Tegarria and Taubann as they appear at the peak of Freia the Eternal's vast inter-galactic Empire appear without explanation in the brutal Warhammer 40,000 galaxy, reduced to a small group of stars.

Finding themselves alone in an extremely hostile galaxy, the Golden Empire of Freia the Eternal accidentally becomes a major player from the beginning when a fleet lead by Aasir Tsust, the Red Khan and Deuwuulf, the God of the Wild Hunt (son and husband of Freia respectively) encounter a massive fleet from the Chaos Legion of the World Eaters, lead by Angron himself.

From here onwards, Freia and her Demigods will have to adapt to an alien galaxy.

Bureau of Crisis Control:

Diverging late into the 1990s, this universe saw the sudden appearance of a cosmic tree somewhere in Midwestern Torham (USA). When a virus that gives inhumane abilities to its victims spreads through the world population, global society collapses. The Dämmerung Foundation, arguably the most powerful organization in the world, rebrandes itself as the Dämmerung Bureau of Crisis Control, changing their directives to accomodate this new threat.

The world eventually recovers by the late 2020s, as crime-ridden societies full of superhuman individuals form from the ashes of the old world.

The DBCC will have to adapt to restore humanity to its former glory, or succumb to this new strand of humankind that now dominates the world.

[hankwizard]

Doing more Bungeon Crawler posts bc i got some messages saying its cool... blushes like an anime girl and falls over. It's a setting with many countries for the lagomorphic furry inhabitants, so here's one of them: The island of Tephra!

WELCOME TO TEPHRA

Known as the jewel of the Xanadu islands, Tephra (and its small satellite island, Botrus) is one of the world's leading superpowers...

It's also a relatively small island- not even the biggest of the aforementioned Xanadu islands. However, its advantageous position between the oceanic region and the mainland has made it a booming hub of trade- that and its abundant natural resources.

LET'S TALK POLITICS

Tephra is a constitutional monarchy. Their current queen, Opal, is the descendant of the great unifier of Tephra- a revered figure referred to primarily as The Vaporous King. The queen of Tephra is advised by a group of wealthy merchants known as the Affluent Affairs. Tephra is capitalistic, and the city culture has become intensely individualistic in comparison to the still very collectivist farming communities. With the installation of Affluent Affairs, many average citizens have watched as corporate regulations go down, individual taxes go up, and urban development creep into the natural world of the island.

THE NATURAL WORLD

Tephra is a tropical island with only two seasons: The wet season and the dry season. In the wet season, the land regularly floods with nearly-boiling hot water from the large, volcano-like Great Sauna Mountain. The cities and towns of Tephra are built on elevation above fertile floodplains that grows a resilient crop known as fire rice, while towns closer to the jungle collect a vast array of other crops like chickpeas, potatoes, and nearly every fruit imaginable. The many swamps and jungles of Tephra are nearly completely uninhabited. They absorb the hot floods of the Great Sauna Mountain, so while it is exceptionally fertile land, these jungles and swamps are also filled to the brim with giant, ancient growth trees, dense brush, and ferocious wildlife. It's said the deeper into the jungle you go, the bigger everything gets... Still, the rainforest and swamps are vital parts of the land. Without them, where would all that water go every wet season? The towns. That's where. As corporate interests destroy the wildlife, building playgrounds for tourists and the elite, Tephra is at risk of drowning itself from the bottom-up...

(Should be noted that although it's meant to stand on its own, Tephra is primarily based off of Trinidad. There is also influence from the Southeastern United States (Particularly Florida), South Asia and many fantasy settings I enjoy. Tephra is just one of many varied countries set in Bungeon Crawler- and it is NOT the one with the most messed up government!)

Bonus fun-facts:

Their princess is named Yerettê (Rhymes with Barette)

I generally draw Tephrans as being slightly shorter with smaller ears and blue-ish grey/black fur, but they can look like anything! It's more of a motif than canon traits. Non-diagetic.

There are exceptions, but their names tend to be either gem themed or water themed.

They have been invaded by the closest mainland country, Leporida, many times in the distant past due to their resources and strategic placement. Tephra won every time due to their knowledge of Vapormancy- a magical art thats very, very useful for literally killing someone with Carribean-style humidity.

Despite it's problems, I'd probably rate Tephra as one of the better places to live in the setting. It's one of the more modern countries in the game, and they have (gasp) a middle class!

[caxycreations]

'ello, 'ello, Caxy! Also, Happy Halloween! If that still applies, idk my timezones and everyone else's are just really quite odd.

As it is Wednesday, the 1st of November, I'd love to provide my promised Worldbuilding Prompt, just for you!

Please talk to me about your military, if you don't mind! Picking a specific force to stick with, I'm curious if you have any militaries which do a lot of work with non-military government organisations?

Oooh this is a good one!! I don't get much excuse to talk about the militaries.

Okay, so for this I'll go with the Heavusian military since they're the most fleshed out.

And just to get a little extra worldbuilding in, I'll list the ranks and branches in Dornumite, with their English translations in parentheses. Pronunciations will be in brackets.

Heavusian (Dornumite) Military Basics

Heavusian military is very simplified when put to paper as the essential information, but becomes more complex as you go through it properly.

There are three branches and six, universal, ranks. A soldier chooses their branch when enlisting, and is given several aptitude tests which designate them for their starting rank, as well as their role within their chosen branch.

These aptitude tests include: marksmanship, mathematics, mechanical engineering, language comprehension, computer science, electronics information, world knowledge, geography, geometry, mechanical comprehension, word knowledge, electronics information, divine powerset (a test to determine one's Blessing and how it is triggered and used), and general retention skills.

A soldier may be promoted based on time served or performance in their rank, and may be listed as Do Not Promote for a number of reasons, which include but are not limited to

Incapable of higher duties

Consistently fails to meet standard performance for current Rank

Psychological instability (depending on severity can also be cause for termination)

Protection of Interests (used to prevent a crucial individual from being removed from the duties they are necessary for, or to prevent an individual with specialized, classified knowledge from being promoted to another area of operation where that knowledge may be compromised)

Any species may enlist, save for tribrids which, as those familiar with Dornum's policies will know, are executed on-sight.

Ranks

Rikante (Recruit) [R-ih-k-on-t-ay] - A recruit is an enlisted soldier who has not yet completed training. From the moment you enlist to the moment you graduate from training your rank is Recruit. Seniority does not apply to Recruits, and those hours away from graduating are still seen as no better than those who arrived on base moments ago. Recruits are given menial tasks and minimal responsibility, with their jobs on base often consisting of cleaning, cooking, and general upkeep of their living quarters. Time not spent performing a task for the betterment of the base MUST be spent training except during sleeping hours.

Fizare (Officer) [F-iz-arr-ay] - An officer is an enlisted soldier who has completed training and failed to exceed average expectations. They are assigned to a role based on their highest scores in the aptitude test, and placed under the command of a higher ranking soldier. There will typically be nine Fizare to one commanding soldier of the next rank. This grouping is known as a Dermala (literally meaning "ten man") [D-err-m-uh-l-uh]. Fizare are often seen as the "workforce" of the military, performing jobs alongside Recruits, as well as deliveries between bases, repairmen (small arms and vehicular), and general combat scenarios. Seniority is based on time served, with the military officially recognizing Fizare who have served for certain amounts of time as superior, with Fizare gaining a tally mark across their insignia for each year served as Fizare, denoting their experience to others quickly and easily. This has led to nicknames within the ranks such as "unscratched", "one-scratch", "two-scratch", etc. It is customary that, should a Fizare gain ten tally-marks, they be promoted immediately via Seniority Promotion, unless there is significant reasoning not to do so.

Vorokan (Warden) [V-or-oh-k-ah-n] - Vorokan are those who have either completed training with higher than average scores in three or more fields, or have proven themselves to be above average in their field as a Fizare. Vorokan are often in charge of a Dermala, and given leadership roles over Fizare. They are never asked to work alongside Recruits, with Vorokan duties often consisting of repairmen (small arms, large arms, vehicular, and general machinery), leading small combat operations (in tandem with other Vorokan and their Dermala), low-risk scouting missions, and deliveries from bases to leadership strongholds. Vorokan seniority is, like all ranks Fizare and above, based on time served and is denoted by tally marks on their insignia. Unlike Fizare, Vorokan and all ranks above it only require five tally marks to be given Seniority Promotion.

Karlemala (literally "Career Man") [K-arr-l-m-uh-l-uh] - Karlemala are high ranking soldiers that have either earned their place through years of service, significantly higher performance than the average Vorokan, or those who scored exceptionally well in six or more fields on the aptitude tests. They are tasked with leadership roles in their assigned fields, be that combat, strategy formation, engineering, scouting, or base operations. Karlemala are also tasked with commanding a Cigogarva (literally "Five Group") [See-go-g-arr-v-ah] which is comprised of five Dermala. The Cigogarva that Karlemala are in charge of are invariably designated to perform a task the Karlemala scored exceptionally well on during performance evaluations, training, and the aptitude tests. Karlemala duties consist of ensuring Vorokan perform their tasks to standard expectations or better, as well as training and preparing them for potential scenarios that are likely to be encountered by the Cigogarva or the Vorokan's Dermala. Karlemala are also given the responsibility of evaluating Fizare and Vorokan for performance worthy of promotion, and charged with evaluating them as "DNP", or "Do Not Promote", a special evaluation which permanently prevents an individual from exceeding their current rank.

Zolura (Warlord) [Z-oh-l-yoo-r-uh] - Zolura are those who scored exceptionally well on nine or more fields during the aptitude test, have been promoted due to exceptional performance as a Karlemala, or have served as a Karlemala for five years. Zolura are charged with duties such as training Rikante, furthering the skills and studies of Karlemala to prepare them for promotion, leading Hekgarva (literally "Three Group") which are comprised of three Cigogarvas, high-risk scouting missions, and large-scale combat scenarios. Zolura are also tasked with evaluating Karlemala under their command for early promotion or application of the DNP status. Zolura make up the strategists and high-end leadership roles within the military, and are seen as the penultimate symbol of war within the Heavusian military.

Akkdian (literally "Archdevil") [Ah-k-d-ee-ah-n] - Akkdian are the highest level of leadership within the Heavusian military, with only two ways to earn the rank. You must either be a Heavusi who has served as a Zolura for five years and does not hold DNP status, or you must pass with the maximum possible score in every field of the aptitude test, as well as show exemplary performance in all fields as determined by the Zolura overseeing training. In the case of the latter, you must pass a second aptitude test with a score of 90 points (out of 100) or more. The second aptitude test consists of mock combat scenarios both large and small scale, real-time strategy simulations, complex decision-making tests with various possible outcomes, and a series of firing range and killhouse exercises placing the potential Akkdian in difficult and rapid-paced scenarios to test their judgement, instincts, and reasoning. This second test is administered and scored by a team of five existing Akkdian, each scoring the potential Akkdian individually. The soldier's final score is the average of the scores given by each administering Akkdian, and this average must be 90 or higher to pass and be given the rank of Akkdian. Failure means being Ranked at Zolura, until such time they are able to pass (taking the second test once per year) or are listed as DNP. Akkdian are the generals of the Heavusian military, leading their operations at the largest scale, and are expected to perform vastly above their peers at all times. They have absolute authority, with the only higher command being the Heavusian Council in the capitol city of Dornum.

Branches

Gaiavantin (Grounders, literal meaning "Ground Walkers") [G-eye-uh-v-an-t-in]

Gaiavantin are the infantry and foot soldiers, comprised of any and all species, be they mammalian, reptilian, aquatic, flight-or-glide capable, Mundane, or Mythic.

The Gaiavantin work with both of the other branches on recon/scouting missions, search-and-rescue, general combat, infiltration, and their individual duties often consist of coordinating efforts in combat with the other branches, as well as taking the lead in destabilization efforts and all ground-based warfare.

Yinrudin (literal meaning "Wind Riders") [Y-in-r-oo-d-ah-ss]

Yinrudin are the air force, comprising of exclusively flight-and-glide-capable species such as Heavusi, birds, bats, flying squirrels, sugar gliders, etc.

Yinrudin are often recon/scouts, and those serving as pilots of planes, jets, and helicopters are typically charged with working as air support for the other branches. Yinrudin also serve as search-and-rescue for all branches, which has earned them the nickname "Kandurin" [K-ah-n-d-oo-r-uh-ss], meaning "Guardians".

Otezanin (literal meaning "Oceanics") [Oh-t-eh-z-ah-n-in]

Otezanin are the naval force of the Heavusian military. They are exclusively aquatic and semi-aquatic species such as Heavusi, sharks, orcas, whales, sharks, and various amphibian species.

Otezanin typically provide safe landing for Yinrudin off-shore, naval transport for Gaiavantin, naval support in combat via naval artillery and anti-air, as well as serving in stealth operations involving aquatic transport by submarine. Otezanin also serve alongside Yinrudin on ocean-based search-and-rescue operations. Their individual duties often consist of coordinating efforts in combat with the other branches, as well as taking the lead in water-based warfare.

Work with Non-Military Organizations

The Heavusian Military works directly under the command of the Heavusian Council, a political faction that controls Dornum. The Council is not a militaristic group, with the council as a whole serving a similar role to a King, simply split among several individuals working as a political whole.

The Council has also dictated that the Heavusian Military is beneath the BGP (Bureau of Genetic Purity, a group dedicated to enforcing the extermination and prejudice against Tribrids in Dornum) in authority, with the Bureau often calling in entire Cigogarvas of Gaiavantin soldiers to aid in large-scale sweeps during their irregular tribrid hunts.

Closing Notes

WHOO this was a big answer. But I loved it!! Thank you so much for the opportunity to go over something I don't typically get to talk about ^-^ Happy Worldbuilding Wednesday, and have a wonderful evening!

[argyrocratie]

"Dear Comrade — Allow me to say a few words on Kropotkin’s article on anti-militarism published in your last issue. In my opinion, anti-militarism is the doctrine which affirms that military service is an abominable and murderous trade, and that a man ought never to consent to take up arms at the command of the masters, and never fight except for the Social Revolution.

Is this to misunderstand anti-militarism?

Kropotkin seems to have forgotten the antagonism of the classes, the necessity of economic emancipation, and all the Anarchist teachings; and says that an anti-militarist ought always to be ready, in case a war breaks out, to take arms in support of the “country that will be invaded”; which considering the impossibility, at least for the ordinary workman, of verifying in time who is the real aggressor, practically means that Kropotkin’s “anti-militarist” ought always to obey the orders of his government. What remains after that of anti-militarism, and, indeed, of Anarchism too?

As a matter of fact, Kropotkin renounces anti-militarism because he thinks that the national questions must be solved before the social question. For us, national rivalries and hatreds are among the best means the masters have for perpetuating the slavery of the workers, and we must oppose them with all our strength. And so to the right of the small nationalities to preserve, if you like, their language and their customs, that is simply a question of liberty, and will have a real and final solution only when, the States being destroyed, every human group, nay, every individual, will have the right to associate with, and separate from, every other group.

It is very painful for me to oppose a beloved friend like Kropotkin, who has done so much for the cause of Anarchism. But for the very reason that Kropotkin is so much esteemed and loved by us all, it is necessary to make known that we do not follow him in his utterances on the war.

I know that this attitude of Kropotkin is not quite new, and that for more than ten years he has been preaching against the “German danger”; and I confess that we were in the wrong in not giving importance to his Franco-Russian patriotism, and in not foreseeing where his anti-German prejudices would land him. It was because we understood that he meant to invite the French workers to answer a possible German invasion by making a Social Revolution — that is, by taking possession of the French soil, and trying to induce the German workers to fraternise with them in the struggle against French and German oppressors. Certainly we should never have dreamt that Kropotkin could invite the workers to make common cause with governments and masters.

I hope he will see his error, and be again on the side of the workers against all the Governments and all the bourgeois: German, English, French, Russian, Belgian, etc."

-Errico Malatesta, "Anti-Militarism: Was It Properly Understood?" (1914)

[wildwinterlunas]

The real big reasons Old Overwatch Fell: The Public idolized them to much, and mission creep.

The orignal team did the impossible and help save the world in the Crisis. This saw the problem of them being practically deified, overstating their abilities, and put Overwatch in charge of peacekeeping in the aftermath. Not a bad idea at the start of it, but after the war, the allowance given to Overwatch… faded.

Overwatch didn't work well with all the red tape and both Gabe and Jack were maybe not suited for staff roles, not allow the same freedom, and latitude in the first war. Overwatch was built to be the Avengers, not CnC GDI, but everyone excepted them to deliver the same godlike results as before as a peacekeeping force.

And when they couldn't simply because enhanced or not, they were ultimately human? People turned on them, especially if those actually behind the failings of the world stirred the pot to cover their own backs.

Blackwatch, something that was probably approved by some of the very higher ups in the UN, that would later try to tear down Overwatch, gave people a very easy target even though Overwatch needed some sort of black ops unit if only to gather information and deal with sensitive missions that shouldn't be public. Mission creep set up a lot of groundwork for OW's fall because it meant that they were trying to be the Leviathan Force AND the Department of Everything Else at the same time

This is why I say that if Overwatch is to continue being a faction after the defeat of Talon and Null Sector it should stay a vigilante organisation, not being tied down by governments or the UN. Not only because it would allow the members of OW to actually stay and make sure things are ok with the people they help, but also because it gives members the freedom to step away from missions when they want to. They wouldn't be in charge of so much because of the fact that the organisation is so small now.

There is also the fact that with people like Cassidy working in public now I think it would be harder to deify them. You can't ignore the stuff some of the characters have done, the mistakes they made. Even if they were because of the fact that this new OW is working outside the law, it wouldn't really matter what the publics opinion of them was, they just want to do what's right.

I've also been on record criticising the OW universes UN, because they're a bunch of idiots. Both back then and in present time. Giving the soul responsibility of peacekeeping to an organisation that was not made for peacekeeping, not only that but handing control over to one individual, is idiotic at best.

Not only that but the UN refuses to actually take responsibility for anything they failed to do. With Overwatch gone the UN has the responsibility of trying to make peace between Humans and Omnics. Which they have obviously failed to do, and when Null Sector, a direct consequence of their own stupidity, come to bite them in the ass.

What do they do?

Nothing.

They do nothing and they threaten the group of people actually doing something;

Not only that but you are right, the UN must have known about Blackwatch's existence, it was a mandatory addition to Overwatch and Gabriel was assigned the position of Blackwatch commander. Blackwatch actively had bases built that were separate form Overwatch. They would have needed approval for that.

I think everyone forgot that Overwatch were human and not these god like saviours. It's why out of all the old guard Reinhardt is the only one to answer the recall, the only one to keep fighting. It didn't help that a lot of the old guard where also isolated save for a few exceptions like Cassidy, Angela and Sojourn. Overwatch became too big, too fast and was given too many responsibilities. Yes, it worked well for awhile but the foundation already had cracks.

All it took was for one big swing from Talon and the whole thing crumbled down.