#wildcat station

[filmap]

The Fountainhead King Vidor. 1949

Quarry 36772 Rd 606, Raymond, CA 93653, USA See in map

See in imdb

[graphicpolicy]

Mini Reviews: WildC.A.T.s, Danger Street, and Know Your Station!

Mini Reviews: WildC.A.T.s, Danger Street, and Know Your Station! Three reviews to check out! #comics #comicbooks

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations. Logan WildC.A.T.s #3 (DC Comics) – WildC.A.T.s #3 begins and ends with an exciting splash page,…

[thebubblesareevil]

Who’s the bad guy here, really?

(This is pretty rushed, but I completely forgot about this and didn't want to abandon it. Hope you like it)

Danny was tired.

It had been 3 months since he ran away from home and joined the league…well technically he joined the JR league. Apparently, once the league realized he was actually a 15 year old, they decided that MAYBE they shouldn't have him fighting Bizarro on his own.

Danny didn’t get it, but they got him enrolled in school and made sure he wouldn’t miss too many classes so that was a bonus.

That was about a month ago and Danny was certain the main team was mad at him for lying about being a half ghost. He thought he made some real friends before they moved him to the Jr squad, but no one was answering him.

Any hero that DID answer him always gave the same excuse.

“I’m sorry Danny, I’d love to hang out but we have to deal with this new villain duo!”

What’s worse is that any enquiry about the so-called villains was greeted with nervous glances and swift retreats.

(Danny was sure there were no new villain, the team would have heard about them by now)

The team did their best to cheer him after every evasion, but it really wasn't helping.

He did this to himself, but that was fine. His family was safe and that's all that mattered.

Three months ago, the GIW launched an all out war against phantom in amity park. Anyone that was suspected of having anything to do with ghosts was taken in for questioning and wouldn't come back for days. They even started to get aggressive towards his parents after they started advocating for Phantom.

So Danny did the only thing he could.

He left, as publicly as possible, Danny ran away from the only home he had ever known to protect his family.

And now his friends had ditched him because he lied.

Danny felt like shit.

---------

"This is the third attack on a League base in 2 weeks." Batman said sternly to the heroes surrounding the table. He pressed a button.

A holograph appeared over the table depicting 2 Villains carrying large weapons, destroying everything in their wake. The 2 were incredibly resilient. The larger of the two was taking hits from wildcat and the smaller tossed canary across the room, completely ignoring her screams.

Both had been stationed at the outpost to guard against these exact 2 villains, and both were still recovering.

Their threat level was raised, now it was their turn to step in.

-------

Danny dragged himself out of bed as he got up early for training. He heard a knock at the door.

"Come in." He shouted as he put on his shirt.

Conner walked in, scowling as he saw some of the scars littering Danny's chest.

"You ready? We're training with Batman today."

Danny scoffed. "Ready? No. No one's ready for Batman, I am excited though.

The two headed towards the dining room to eat before training when suddenly the alarms blared. They rushed to the comm room, meeting up with M'gann on the way.

"What's going on?!" She asked, bracing herself as the base shook.

"No idea, whatever it is its not good."

As they rushed into the comm room they greeted by the sight of a woman fighting hand to hand with Batman. Superman was on the floor covered in green goop while a large man was getting ready to toss Green Arrow across the room.

The teens stood in shock. Though only one spoke.

Well, maybe spoke wasn't the right word.

"MOM?!?!? DAD?!?!" Danny yelled.

The man spun around suddenly, casually tossing green arrow across the room.

"DANNO!!! MADDIE ITS DANNY!!!"

The man raced over, only to be cut off by the Flash blocking his path.

"Danny, run! We'll hold them off, just get out of here!"

Danny stood there dumbfounded.

His dad on the other hand, wasn't.

"You stay away from my son you damn creep!" He shouted as the Flash charged him, somehow not noticing the man pull out...a baseball bat?

Danny winced as flash got hit with the Fenton anti-creep stick.

"Dad! Stop! They're my friends!" He tried to placate his dad.

"Friends don't convince you to run away from home to join a cult!" He then noticed the other two teens. "Holy Fudge! MADDIE THERES MORE KIDS!!!" He shouted as his wife held off the creep from Gotham.

"Dad! The League didn't make me leave! And it isn't a cult!"

This made the man pause.

"I left to protect you guys! The GIW was gonna come for you, so I led them away! I only joined the league so I could keep helping people!" Danny yelled.

The orange-clad man stopped, giving his son a sad look.

"It's not your job to protect us son, it's our job to protect you." He said picking his son up and wrapping him in a bear hug.

Conner just stood there confused as M'gann clapped and grinned out the outcome.

"Now can you tell mom to stop trying to mace Batman?" Danny asked when his dad put him down. The two turned to the fighting duo.

"Let's give them 5 more minutes. Your mom hasn't had this much fun since she ditched that cult in Asia."

(Feel free to take this idea and run with it. I like the idea that the fentons are a force of nature that defies explanation..but Maddie definitely stole their early ecto samples from the lazarus pit)

[kenandeliza]

a collection of ideas of a post-suspendium Golden Age comics Billy Batson if he ended up in the 21st century (pick any comic continuity

EDIT: IF YOU SEE THIS POST HAVING A WEIRD/REPEATING PARAGRAPH/FORMAT, LET ME KNOW BECAUSE TUMBLR ISNT WORKING FOR MY MOBILE

1.adoption scenario

(If a leaguer wanted to adopt Billy, he’d just show them his birth certificate)

Billy smirking:” Sorry, you can’t legally adopt a grandpa”

2. Billy teasing with a smug boomer voice: “Back in my day, we used to play with atomic machines!”

3. youtube

Billy:thanks for showing me how to use a modern phone (insert friend from 21st century)! But I wonder, where is the tv remote for changing the youtube channel? And Where is the news?

(Friend from the 21st century):*sighs* it’s so over

4. Old friends

Aside from the fawcett city heroes, Billy in this case probably relates more to the older heroes like wildcat, Alan scott or Jay Garrick, maybe they have multiple team ups in the past and would reminiscent over it (the rest having their favorite drinks while Billy preferring his hot chocolate ice cream)

5. Teasing

The younger hero teams who know his identity would teasingly call him a “boomer”, Billy wanted to protest that he technically was born before boomers but they ignored it and still teased him about it.

to the rest of the heroes who didn’t know about his identity, they assume captain marvel is more than centuries old, and thinks this is the reason the kid heroes calls him a boomer.

6. Jokes

Billy: “oh so these memes are like what replaces comic strips i used to read, how nice”

Some of these ideas are taken from the fanfics i’ve written, some just came to me inside my head, but it’s fun to think about it.

(Edited: added more scenarios)

7. Caprisuns

Caprisuns werent invented yet when Billy was in suspendium. After getting out of suspendium, He really likes caprisun.

Other leaguers would be confused, Marvel's liking of caprisun is comparable to Martian Manhunter's love of oreos. When asked about when his capri sun addiction started, Marvel shrugged, "They weren't made before I was born, so it was only recent"

The league is now confused as to how old marvel is. Wonder Woman relates to this with her fascination of ice cream flavors.

8. Billy automatically put on a Mid-atlantic accent whenever he is near a microphone due to his habit and work with Whiz station for his TV segments as well as radio programs.

Whenever Captain Marvel uses a communicator, he unintentionally uses a mid-atlantic accent (this confuses the leaguers, "who is this guy!?"). Some of the leaguers enjoyed listening to his voice

Marvel would occasionally file an audio JL report (yes, with the same mid-atlantic accent) when he's on a hurry and couldn't type it out with his typewriter (he still finds it difficult to use a computer) : "And there you have it, folks! In a nutshell, I managed to handle the There was an outbreak of imps but Mary and I already took care of it, Junior apprehend the acrobat after a terible case of Moonitis, the three of us thwarted Mr. Mind's dastardly scheme to seize control of the sun, and we all prevented Sivana from being promoted to "King of Earth" by hurling his atomic bomb straight into the heart of the sun itself! That's the latest from me, This is Captain Marvel, signing off!"

Leaguer: "Why does he sound like a radio host commenting on a football game?"

Other leaguer:*shrugs*

9. Billy watches a cgi lion movie for the first time

..and thought innocently that there are other talking tigers like tawky tawny.

Some of these ideas are taken from the fanfics i’ve written, some just came to me inside my head, but it’s fun to think about it.

[carnalhaus]

american tradition: title card

subscribe to the substack here.

American Tradition paints an absurd idea of American life, almost cartoonish, with obnoxious usage of the flag, guns, and gas station slushies. It’s completely nonsensical, reminiscent of corn syrup blood and chainsaw massacres. All smiles over here, digital camera family moments punctuated with a severed head, because nothing means anything. I can kill ‘cause in God I trust. It’s evolution, baby! It’s herd behavior! 

Behind all this shocking, violent, bizarre, and brash imagery of the American dream, lies inklings of deeply rooted socioeconomic decline. Urban decay, the rust belt, generational trauma, the war on drugs, and the poverty stricken middle-of-nowhere. It’s a song and dance, an opera, an elaborate fictitious play attempting to make sense of gritty reality. The Northeast is a place of diners, forests, bricks, and factory-working-beauty. 

The culture expressed is something bleak: this is where you’re from, this is what you have, and this is all there is. The nonchalance and acceptance of violence is apart of you and your family before you. There is pride in being a pauper, nobody can take that from you like they took everything else. Cruelty is what it’s all about. Cruelty and hate. Hate and cruelty and no remorse. There aren’t enough mountain lions in the east to kill the deer anymore, but you are an American and you know the barrel of a shotgun like you know the holes in your fathers eyes. You are an American and you kill the weaker ones off like piebald fawns. 

Beautiful women roam around the American wasteland like wildcats, teeth yellow from nicotine and clothes too big or too small because Pizza Hut doesn’t pay well. Beautiful women who should be in magazines with Kate Moss, all cheekbones, pretty eyes, and squared shoulders, with nothing but Cookie Monster pajama pants and a Pure Leaf iced tea, because nothing means anything if the model scouters don’t see you eating Macdonald’s in the mall food court. This is Miss America, patron saint of the All American Massacre. 

There is beauty in the journey of traversing the highway on foot, dodging Ford Wranglers and Honda Civics like corpses reaching out from the River Styx. Barefoot and weary on hot pavement, roadkill in the sun lingering like souls bound to the spirit of the interstate. You hold the fast food bag in your hand like a hawk with a rodent, lukewarm from the journey and greasy with deep fried love, the true American way. Whether your slushie is red, blue, or melted by the sun, it’ll be warm and vibrant when the tremors make you vomit it up later either way, staining your teeth just the same. The Big Gulp and five dollar foot-longs become your saint attributes, what people will remember you by when you leave your things behind in your motel room. 

American Tradition is not white picket fences and jury duty. It’s your neighbor bringing you a plate of food. It’s hitting a buck in the road. It’s crying when your stalker dies. It’s the birth of a newborn. It’s warm, hard, and steely like the freshly fired metal in your pocket. 

US of A, land of the free, where I can get my gun from Walmart, freak out on fentanyl, and get gunned down by the cops all within the same Sunday, day of the lord. Nothing is sacred but the police and the republic, and God bless the holy war on drugs for the good of the people, amen. What’s two things you can put trust in? Your God, and your gun. Your what? Your God, and your gun. My God, and my gun. What’d I say? My God, and my gun. 

[voltrontranscript]

VLD S7E8: The Last Stand, Part 2

Season 7, Episode 8: The Last Stand, Part 2

Transcript by @dragonofyang

Episode Summary: Sendak’s forces launch an assault on Earth, and Sam Holt, Admiral Sanda, and Commander Iverson fight back, but Earth loses ground against the advanced technology of the Galra fleet. The MFE pilots go on a mission for supplies, and the last of Earth’s free inhabitants prepare to make their final stand against the Fire of Purification.

[Google Doc]

[Man on PA] All personnel, proceed to your command stations immediately.

Sendak: Assessment.

Hepta: Scanners have yet to detect any signs of a sub-orbital defense system. Planetary surface reports indicate offensive capability, extremely low.

Sendak: Begin the assault. Fire.

Unnamed soldier: Move, move, move!

[Cut to Galaxy Command Center.]

Sanda: Power the surface-to-air blasters. Dispatch the first wave of Garrison fighters. Prep the next wave immediately.

Sam: Wait! We can’t use the standard defenses.

Sanda: We’re going to hit those aliens with hundreds of thousands of pounds of thermobaric missiles and finish them off with the best pilots the world has to offer.

Sam: They don’t stand a chance out there. We need to scramble the MFE fighters.

Sanda: The pilots of the MFEs are just cadets.

Sam: So are the pilots of Voltron.

Sanda: Launch base defenses according to protocol. Commander!

Iverson: I know you have wartime authorization, but maybe we should listen to--

Sanda: That’s an order! We can’t risk the planet on untested military weaponry piloted by cadets.

Iverson: This is Commander Iverson. Initiate base defense protocol, Beta-Five. I repeat, initiate base defense protocol, Beta-Five.

Adam: You heard the man, we’re up.

Sam: You’ve just doomed those men and women.

[Cut to the air above the Garrison.]

Adam: Our weapons have no effect!

Man: Evasive maneuvers!

Adam: Wildcat’s gone. Titan’s not responding.

Woman: I can’t shake these things. He’s got me on target lock!

Man 2: Hang in there! I’m heading your way!

Woman: I can’t--No!

Woman 2: Be aware, another Galra fleet is launching and approaching.

Woman 3: I’ve got target lock! No!

Adam: [screams]

Sendak: This is Commander Sendak of the Fire of Purification. I am here for the Voltron Lions. Turn them over to me or I will destroy your planet.

Sanda: Open a line.

Veronica: Yes, Admiral.

Sanda: This is Admiral Sanda of Earth. We have received your communication requesting the Voltron Lions. Please be advised that our planet is not harboring them nor do we know where they are.

Sendak: We’ll see.

Sam: Tell all Garrison bases to call back fighters.

Veronica: All Garrison bases are under attack. They’re not responding. They’ve already scrambled fighters.

[Scene change to Sendak’s ship.]

Sendak: Battle report.

Hepta: The planet has offered little resistance with the exception of this single location. It appears to be utilizing particle barrier technology.

Sendak: Focus all firepower on that shield. The ion cannon will make short work of it.

[Scene change to the Galaxy Garrison command room.]

Veronica: Sir, it looks like the alien ships are focusing in on our location.

Sam: Scramble the MFE-Ares fighters. Begin powering up the fusion cannon.

Iverson: Yes, sir.

Sanda: I will court-martial you if you utter one command against my orders.

Iverson: There won’t be a court to try me in if we don’t listen to Commander Holt.

Iverson on PA: MFE-Ares pilots, begin loading sequence. Activate interlock.

Griffin: Dynotherms connected.

Rizavi: Mega-thrusters are go.

Griffin: We’re ready to depart on your mark, Commander Iverson.

Iverson: Three… Two… One… Mark!

Hepta: They’re scrambling fighters, Commander.

Sendak: Fire the ion cannon.

Hepta: The particle barrier shows no signs of structural damage.

Griffin: Okay, team, we’ve trained for this. We know their maneuvers and have the firepower to knock them out. Leifsdottir, you’re my wing.

Leifsdottir: Ten-four.

Griffin: Rizavi, you and Kinkade keep those fighters off our back.

Rizavi: Copy.

Veronica: Fusion cannon online.

Sam: Fire!

Veronica: Direct hit. Target destroyed.

Sam: Fusion cannon status report.

Veronica: It’s drained substantial power. Estimating enough for two more shots before recharge, sir.

Sam: Sendak doesn’t know that.

Hepta: The cannon appears to be charging for another shot.

Sendak: This is the only place on the planet well-defended. Fall back out of its range. We will attack where they are vulnerable.

Veronica: The entire fleet is pulling out. They’re focusing their attacks on the remaining cities.

Sam: Update the rest of the globe. They need to evacuate to safe zones immediately.

Sanda: We should go after them. Your weapons actually mounted an offense.

Sam: The fighters are only short-range and the cannon is immobile. If we leave its proximity, we’d be decimated.

Veronica: Sir, communication with all of Western Europe has gone dark. Russia. China. India. East Coast Base, please acknowledge, over. Can anyone on the East Coast respond? Over. Please?

Hepta: Scouting reports show no signs of the Voltron Lions. Shall we continue the occupation, sir?

Sendak: Yes, the Paladins will return. And we’ll be waiting for them.

[Scene change to Garrison command center.]

Veronica: Commander, we are no longer receiving responses on any channels. What are your orders?

Sam: The Galra just delivered a critical blow. I know many of you in this room feel we should press our attack, and believe me when I say I wish we could. Even with all we’ve accomplished, we’re still not ready to fight the Galra head-on. However, while this base stands, Earth still has a chance. I believe in each and every one of you. You made it here because of your ability to overcome adversity, and now the freedom of planet Earth is dependent on that ability. Everyone break to their sub-commands. I want a full status update of this base. We will prevail.

Sanda: When this is all said and done, I’m going to have you both stripped of your rank and thrown in the brig for defying my orders.

Iverson: Yes, ma’am.

Sanda: Now, we don’t have the Lions. Why is Sendak still invading?

Sam: You don’t understand the Galra. They’ve been conquering the universe for over ten thousand years. Sendak must have a plan.

[Scene change to the Galaxy Garrison meeting room.]

Veronica: Supplies are limited. We don’t have enough food to sustain us for more than a couple of months.

Sam: And construction materials? Do we have enough to complete the IGF-Atlas?

Veronica: Negative.

Sam: Quiznak. We can’t give up. Voltron will come. We just need to get supplies and wait out Sendak.

Veronica: Well, there is a supply depot not too far from here. It was abandoned during the initial attack and the Galra haven’t occupied that area yet.

Sanda: But how would we transport the supplies?

Veronica: We could use the underground tunnel system. It’s an older setup from World War III. The trains haven’t been used since, but the tunnels are sound and the tracks are still intact and run directly beneath the base. If we were to send a small team, we could load up supplies onto one of the old trains, repair it, and ride it directly back here.

Sam: What does Galra activity in that area look like?

Veronica: None currently, but judging by the Galra’s movements, that won’t last long. It’s hard to give an exact estimate. Their occupation efforts seem to be focused on major metropolitan areas, but they’re scattering out in what look like random patrol patterns.

Sam: Then our team will have to move quickly.

[Scene change to a hangar.]

Griffin: Okay, I’ll drive.

Veronica: I’m coming with you. Name’s Veronica. I’m an analyst and your handler.

Griffin: We don’t need a handler.

Veronica: Do you know how to get to the depot?

Griffin: Well, no, but, you know, I’ll just use the guidance system.

Veronica: That uses the world communication network. Which, oh yeah, these tunnels were designed to block. And Cadet Rizavi should drive. She has the highest marks with the AW-Cruiser.

Rizavi: I like her.

Veronica: Oh, and shotgun.

Rizavi: I really like her.

Veronica: Left here.

Kinkade: All clear.

Veronica: Right. These tracks are a straight shot to the depot. Let’s get to work.

Rizavi: They left her in pretty good shape. I think we’ll have her running in under an hour.

Griffin: Griffin checking in. What’s your status?

Veronica: Supplies are ninety-five percent loaded.

Rizavi: Rizavi here. Almost done with repairs.

Griffin: We’ve got company, just south of the Cruiser.

Rizavi: Copy. On our way.

Griffin: Our weapons have no effect on them!

Veronica: Go! Get the train running. I’ll hold them off.

Griffin: You two get this thing started. Kinkade, you’re with me.

Rizavi: Train’s up and running. Let’s go.

Griffin: Veronica, get in here! Veronica! What are you doing?

Veronica: Just go!

Griffin: We’re not gonna leave her. Stop the train. No!

Kinkade: She saved the mission. And us.

Rizavi: Does anyone know how to get back?

Leifsdottir: Two lefts, two rights, left, middle tunnel, right, left, and then one more right.

Sam: Thank goodness you’re back. Wait. Where’s Veronica?

Griffin: She… She didn’t make it.

Sam: Her sacrifice will not be in vain. We have a chance now.

Griffin: A chance for what? We just bought ourselves time. What is that gonna do for us?

Sam: Voltron will come.

Griffin: You really believe that?

Sam: Yes. And in the meantime, we need to finish our work on the IGF-Atlas and figure out a way to power it. She’ll be sorely needed when we liberate the planet.

[Scene change the Galra fleet orbiting Earth.]

Sendak: Begin the next phase of the assault. Destroy their communications network.

Hepta: Forgive me for questioning your orders, but why are we cutting off their communications? Do we not want Voltron to hear the distress signal?

Sendak: When you hear an animal crying out in pain, you proceed with caution. Silence promotes haste.

Sanda: He’s destroying all of our satellites.

Sam: He’s cutting off our communication with the outside world. And all we can do is watch.

Hepta: Commander, how should the fleet proceed regarding the last stronghold?

Sendak: Time will conquer them for us.

[Scene change to the Galaxy Garrison meeting room.]

Sam: It seems we will have enough raw material to complete the superstructure for the IGF-Atlas. How’s morale?

Iverson: It’s low. We’re using every trick in the book to keep spirits high, but when the world is in the shape it’s in…

Sanda: If the IGF-Atlas becomes operational, do you think it could defend Earth?

Sam: She’s been outfitted with all our most advanced weaponry, but it’s still just one ship, and an untested one at that. This is Commander Holt, over.

Man: Sir, you’re gonna wanna come to the hangar to see this.

[Scene change to the Galaxy Garrison hangar.]

Sam: Veronica, you’re alive! How?

Veronica: These people saved me. I’ve been working with an underground resistance network. The network is small, but highly mobile, and they’ve gathered a great deal of intel and supplies that could prove extremely useful to us. Their intel even led me to my family. So I led them here. I thought we should be working together.

Sam: Your brother would be very proud of you.

Veronica: Speaking of Lance… have you heard anything? From Voltron?

Sam: No. Not yet. And supplies are getting dangerously low. What you’ve brought will certainly help, but only for so long.

Veronica: I’m afraid I’ve got more bad news to add to that. I have some intel from the resistance network. The Galra have begun to group able-bodied citizens together into work camps. They’re utilizing them for manual labor. Reports indicate that construction has begun on multiple Galran installations around the globe.

Sam: We need to get one last message out to Voltron.

[Scene change to Galaxy Garrison command center.]

Man on PA: Commencing launch in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four…

Sanda: Let’s hope you’re right about this.

Man on PA: ...three, two, one. Liftoff.

Hepta: Sir, the base has launched a projectile.

Sendak: Destroy it.

Woman: Yeah! We did it!

Sam: He fell for it.

Hepta: I’m picking up a signal. They’re broadcasting. They’re microtransmitters, millions of them, spreading throughout the sector.

Sendak: What are they broadcasting?

Sam on transmitters: To any beings who receive this message, planet Earth has been overrun by Galra. Most of the citizens have been captured. Those of us remaining are making our last stand. If you get this message, please get word to Voltron. We need help.

Sendak: So they do think Voltron will return.

[Scene change to a Galaxy Garrison hangar.]

Sam: Earth has been conquered. We are the last holdout in an evil occupation. And we must face facts. Our supplies are running out. They’ve hammered us and hurt the ones we love. Our backs are completely up against the wall. And nothing makes us more dangerous. We only have enough resources for one last stand. Regardless of the outcome, if we stand united, we will let them know that planet Earth, our home, will not go down without a fight.

[Cut to Voltron.]

Keith: Well, what are we waiting for?

[End.]

[thatswhywelovegermany]

European Wildcat kept group of hikers from leaving the Solling Tower

Police forces in Uslar, Lower Saxony, were called for an unusual operation. A group of 15 hikers visited the Solling Tower, an observation tower at the highest peak of the Strutberg in the Solling range of mountains. When they wanted to leave, they encountered a European wildcat, similar in appearance to a house cat, but a bit larger with bushier fur, which had sat down on the stairs at the foot of the tower, furiously hissing at the hikers. The hikers were afraid of passing the angry cat and couldn't think of another solution but call the police. Officers of the Uslar police station were able to chase the cat away, enabling the hikers to safely leave the tower. The responsible forest warden was informed, who agreed to try to suggest a move to the wildcat – outside the area of the Solling Tower – the police said.

[rushthehollow]

25 days of coasters / 22. wildcat's revenge, hersheypark # of rides: 12 / last ridden: summer 2024

a pretty solid rmc with really good moments of airtime! what really brings this down for me is i'm not really big on the laterals; i find them to be very uncomfortable. regardless, just an overall fun coaster that makes hersheypark's lineup absolutely stacked. i also love the emo station & music a lot. they nailed the light package when it follows the train at night.

[world-of-wales]

THE PRINCESS DIARIES ♚

18 SEPTEMBER 2023 || ROYAL NAVAL AIR STATION YEOVILTON

The Princess of Wales paid a visit to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in her role as the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.

During her visit Catherine met and conducted training exercises with the Royal Navy Survival Equipment (SE) Technicians. She also met service personnel and viewed - the Merlin MK4 and the Merlin MK2.

The former is deployed by Royal Marine Commandos globally to provide disaster relief. While the latter is an Anti-Submarine Warfare platform used for a variety of activities including tracking submarines, supporting disaster relief operations and providing training for the next generation of engineers and aircrew.

Catherine also spent time in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower where she visited the Visual Control Position to meet with staff and view the aircraft operating in the airfield. She also visited a hangar to engage with personnel and hear about different operations within the Fleet Air Arm.

The Princess of Wales also visited the Wildcat Training Centre, to meet the loading team who are trained to fit a variety of weapons to the Wildcat MK2 helicopter.

This was Catherine's first engagement in her new role.

[usafphantom2]

F4U-1 Corsair, FM-2 Wildcat, SNC-1 Falcon, and Culver TD2C aircraft at Naval Air Station Long Beach, California, United States, 10 Aug 1944; note SB2C Helldiver aircraft in background behind pile

@VoicesofWW2 via X

[vintagelasvegas]

Landmark Hotel & Casino

Landmark tower, unfinished, December 1963. Photo by Bernard Gotfryd.

‘60: Frank Caroll & Sheldon Sandler purchase the property from Las Vegas Convention Center; break ground on Landmark Plaza and apt. complex.

'61: Tower design by architects Moffitt & Hendricks; groundbreaking in Sep. with expected opening date Nov. '62; Landmark Plaza and apts opened in Nov.

'62: KVEG AM station opens at Landmark Plaza in Feb; opening date moved to '63.

'63: Construction halted in Feb.

'64: Financiers Appliance Buyers Credit Corp (ABCC), subsidiary of RCA-Whirlpool, foreclosure of the property

'66: Caroll secures funding from Central Teamsters Pension Fund; Plaza Tower (Caroll & partners) buy the property from RCA; new designs by architects George Tate & Tom Dobrusky; construction resumes in Aug.; Landmark Plaza demolished; Caroll’s gaming license revoked in Nov.

'67: Top of the tower “L” sign installed, 11/19/67

'68: Interior design by Leonard England; Landmark completed in Spring; Caroll arrested for assault on England; Cessna 180 crashes into the tower on 8/2/68; Plaza Tower bankrupt in Aug.; Sold to H. Hughes in Oct.

'69: Hughes subsidiary Hotel Properties Inc created to control the Landmark; Grand opening 7/1/69

'77: Gas leak, 7/15/77 – one dead, over a hundred injured. Fire on floor 22, 10/22/77.

'78: Sold from Summa Corp to Mark III Corp (Wolfram, Tickel, Yelverton) in Apr. Casino closed Apr-May, reopened under license to Modica.

'83: Sold to W. “Wildcat” Morris in Oct.

'85: Landmark files bankruptcy, remains in bankruptcy though closing.

'90: Closed 8/8/90; Bought through foreclosure sale by Lloyds Bank in Dec.

’93: Bought by LVCVA in Sep.

'95: Tower demolished 11/7/95

Sources include Above Them All (2018) by Marc Wagner. Updated 7/1/2024.

[writernopal]

🏴‍☠️All Hands To Stations!🏴‍☠️

Yo ho, all together Hoist the colors high Heave ho, thieves and beggars Never shall we die!

Hoist The Colors, Hans Zimmer

Fierce sails crowd the horizon and sturdy keels cleave the seas as violence this way comes. Meet those who'd call themselves the masters of the waves, traders of flesh, devils disguised as man, and lovers of all things brilliant and bright. These are the wretched Pirates of Oepus and the vessels which they call home. But don't just read about them, choose your fave in a poll at the end of this post!

Shoutout to @pheita for her ask here that prompted this post! I didn't forget it just took me a while to get around to it haha.

AASOAF 3 Taglist: @outpost51 @thelivingdeceased @faelanvance @captain-kraken @illjustpretend @elshells @full-on-sam @the-mindless @zestymimblo @tabswrites @void-botanist

Join/leave the taglist using this Google Form.

Graphics made with license free images from Unsplash.

The Mirage

Captain: The Witch of The Drowned Forest, Fay Anara Quartermaster: Wilkes Evos Sikthax-Seymour of Tlanxla First Mate: Thelma-Louise Morely Crew Name: The Siren's Marauders

One minute she's there and the next, she's gone. Such is the nature of this mysterious vessel... Rumored to be over 700 years old, stained black as night, and built for speed, The Mirage houses no brig in her hold, operating solely on the principle of 'give no quarter'. Armed with a whalebone bow-spike and crewed by convicts, only shipwrecks and floating dead are left in her wake, and those who survive, face a worse fate yet--that of being consumed alive by her captain.

Meet her captain:

To my left was the frightening woman I knew as Fay. She was tall and chiseled but not by a blunt stonemason’s tool, rather by something sharper, a razor perhaps, to produce her wildcat-like frame. Her dark hair and skin gleamed in the low light of this room as if they were slicked in oil and set ablaze. And like many spidering cracks in a fine dish, were angular-looking runes, etched into her skin that came together to cradle a dull-glowing, rising sun drawn in the center of her chest. Revealing this sun was a deeply cleaved red blouse that tucked into her pants. It billowed about her like the sail of a ship did about its mast. Despite the almost ordinary clothing she wore, there could hardly be one who might dare view her as plain, for her opulence shone through in other ways. Just in the hollows of her collarbones sat a fat, rough-cut sapphire dangling from a length of twisted tack line. Her magic blackened fingers were adorned with many rings and jewels in all colors, dangerously finished with her long, talon-like nails that presently gnawed at the wooden table beneath them. Golden hoops and bangles decorated her ears and wrists, and dotting her hair like many stars were human teeth. But those mock stars were hardly terrifying compared to her golden eyes. They shivered with a barely contained rage as she glowered across the table at the woman to my right... 

The Angel's Lyre

Captain: Scourge of War, Lord Manthia of Clan Phaxix of The House of War Quartermaster: Lord Ixlar of Clan Oleander of The House of War First Mate: Lord Axtapor of Clan Oxlo of The House of Dreams Crew Name: The Starlight Walkers

A methodical vector of destruction, this frigate represents the long and proud arm of The House of War of The Holtep Empire. Richly carved and brightly painted, she appears like the fiery red-gold Goddess Kava cleaving the seas. Ballista, not canons, defend her decks alongside her bloodthirsty Lizardfolk crew. Raids are her specialty and only the most lucrative of ventures are enough to bend her eye, and that of her captain, your way.

Meet her captain:

The boards creaked loudly as the source of the sound approached—heavy footfalls and the light scratching of talons on wood. Judging by their cadence, there were at least two approaching, perhaps three, but they did not keep us waiting for long, as the one at the head of the group quickly took shape in the low light. A brilliant cerulean lizard, dressed in what I would call excess. He was positively crusted in jewels and jingling like a purse of gold with his every move.  His eyes shone a beautiful bronze amid his sculpted features and about his neck were many white feathers, haloing him much like someone stepped out of an old painting. One might almost wonder if he was truly the tactician of a great vessel as this and not an overgrown boy with a penchant for overspending. That is until his skills in the art of the duel were put on display. And then it was easy to see where the attitude of ‘more to be had’ originated from.

Orpheus

Captain: Mangrove of Tides, Ka'hra Zelgius Quartermaster: Yggta Tah’vya First Mate: Ceresta Ka’leva Crew Name: The Undrowned Ones

The intrepid and one-of-a-kind elven pirate ship, Orpheus, travels not in silence, but robed in song. She floats along the waves with a choir on board, emitting haunting notes to reach the ears of those she sets her sights upon. Amid this orchestra of dread, she fires her great canons, to fell any foe who would cross her. And once the deed is done, the dead are gathered, their flesh rent from bone, and they are strung up, so they may forever sing alongside the other talented members of the choir.

Meet her captain:

And finally, the ancient Mangrove of Tides, the elven Captain Zelgius of the Orpheus. I’d known him many times over. He was not at all a dawdling character as his moniker might suggest, rather it was an ode to his interesting displacement of habitat. I suppose of late it did take on something of a double meaning, such was the way with elder elves as he. His limbs and all were beginning to harden and so moved less deftly much like those creeping trees.  Indeed many thought his difficult movements were on account of the typical elven reaction when put beside water. Their kind were not swimmers, nor even buoyant, indeed they routinely drowned in waters human or dwarven child might play in. It was then surprising, astonishing even, to find one cutting across the great seas of Oepus, let alone one who would call them home as he did.  No doubt his elven brethren thought him a fool for severing his ties with the forests which bore him and forfeiting those companions which would remember the world as it was those two-hundred or so years ago when he was born. He dressed his age, routinely wearing the fashions from those centuries past. Today, a robed piece of a deep green with an asymmetrical collar, sewn into it, the pattern of fallen leaves. The shade contrasted with the beechwood tone of his skin, but brought out the ochre of his hair. Rather less like hair as humans and dwarves knew it, and more like leafed vines. They rustled about him in long strands, spouting from the style atop his head like a proud cock’s comb.

The Mystic

Captain: Navigator of Kings, Charles Walthorn Quartermaster: Sophie-Marie Morely First Mate: Helena Walthorn Crew Name: Plunderer’s of the East

This vessel has circumnavigated Oepus more than any other in existence. She is far from the fastest, or the most nimble, or even the most terrifying, trading a fearsome outward appearance for seaworthiness. There is none is so reliable as she, and her crew is much the same. A contract taken is a contract honored, and you can bet that she will never lose sight of you. There is nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. To be hunted by her is to be marked for death.

Meet her captain:

The proclaimed Navigator of Kings, Captain Walthorn of the Mystic. He was called so because once upon a time, he himself had pledged his service to the Pale Navy beneath the Emperor Phostos of the Pale Kingdom at the infancy of his reign. He’d never told anyone how he managed to successfully escape such a posting, regarding it as his best kept secret. True old salt if there ever was one. Perhaps he was not as polished as the aforementioned Morely, but every inch the image of what a child or common man might imagine an accomplished navyman to look like.  A snow beard, with thinning white hair to match, a bright red coat with a golden lion’s head pauldron perched on his left shoulder and two long curved cutlasses—affectionately called ‘Tooth’ and ‘Nail’—dangling from his waist. Their handsome golden pommels poked out from coat, appearing like the armrests of a throne.  His belt buckle peaked out from underneath his rum-round gut, which strained against the buttons of his waistcoat. Hard to believe that further beneath that was the instrument which he famously used to produce bastards. I’d long lost count at how many he’d sired, to be sure almost all were by Morely, and the rumor of his children manning his ship the Mystic might be easily discredited, had they not all shared his hazel eyes and crooked nose. 

The Lady of The West

Captain: The Fallen One, Santo Orfeo Quartermaster: Benedicto Vicente First Mate: Benedicto Mauricio Crew Name: Los De Agua Sagrada

Gun decks are hardly what should strike fear into your heart if this vessel crosses your path. Exclusively taking her victims at sunset, she appears to be born of the sun's fire itself and the faceless figures which wander her decks appear like the silhouettes of the departed. With their wailing cries to the god Orran, they plead for everlasting mercy, catching all within earshot in a trance which can only be called divine. So give up your riches and repent alongside them. Or else.

Meet her captain:

Put between he and the last man on the right was the hooded figure of The Fallen One, Captain Orfeo of The Lady of the West. A self-given title, some manner of flagellation for an ill-begotten behavior he didn’t dare elaborate on, let alone speak of. It did not matter the light of day, or the glow of candlelight, or the shine of moon, nor in what power or from which direction they came, his countenance remained always cloaked in shadow. Indeed if he were ‘he’ or man at all.  All that could be seen was his towering figure, cut tall and broad, beneath a sun-bleached version of a priest’s habit. A severe stiletto of the most shining gold rested at his waist and nothing more. His crew just as sullen were lauded by all who crossed them as ‘men of blessed waters’, claiming that indeed they’d seen ‘Orran’s light and love’ and were compelled beyond all reason to part with their riches whenever they appeared. 

Johnny No Hands

Captain: Mother of Waves, Evelyn Morely Quartermaster: Eric Walthorn First Mate: Anna-May Morely Crew Name: The Requisitioneer’s

Contrary to her name, Johnny No Hands indeed requires many hands to operate, the most of any pirate ship on the seas of Oepus. Her illustrious crew is comprised of ex-navymen, ex-merchantmen, mariners, and buccaneers alike. Because of this, it has often been said that this vessel could easily be mistaken for navy-born man o' war for how effortlessly she operates. But don't fool yourself, these men are hardened pirates all the same. A special breed of cruel, calculating, and cunning, so be prepared to fight this floating fortress should you find yourself on the other side of her guns.

Meet her captain:

Following that came the Mother of Waves, Captain Morely of the vessel Johnny No Hands. She hated the name, though not because it suggested age or that tantamount responsibility, but because it sounded silly to her. Even so, with the number of accomplished sailors, pirates, buccaneers, and all other such likes born from her and suckled at her breast, it was little wonder she would not garner such a title.  Her long, stick straight grey hair was slicked back with ship tar and the dark blue of her coat made the sea-like color of her eyes shine. She was a slim, bronze, sun-spotted figure of a woman, beautifully weathered much like her well-traveled ship. Rather less like ‘a specimen exhibiting the finest quality of human leather’ as her bastard daughter, the ever jabbing Thelma-Louise, First Mate of the Mirage, liked to say.  Age became her regal air. A fine, fine woman of autumn years… She lamented the loss of her fire colored hair, but I rather enjoyed her silver. It called to mind the gentle light of dawn just as the sun was waking.

The Virgin

Captain: Gorgon of the Deep, Francesca Cotton Quartermaster: Giulio Espos First Mate: Giulia Espos Crew Name: The Eyeless Corsairs

A flighty vessel who traipses the waters of Oepus as if on her maiden voyage each time she puts to sea, she is the ultimate trickster of the waves. Appearing defenseless is her game, often luring her victims to chase after her when she wanders into their waters. She is the most nimble pirate ship of all, making tacks into the wind look like child's play, and when she finally comes about, well, prepare for a mean broadside and swivel guns full of shrapnel to the face. Give no quarter indeed.

Meet her captain:

So I gestured to the near and leftmost one, the infamous Gorgon of the Deep, Captain Cotton of the Virgin. She smiled at someone, her blindfold perking up where it sat across her cheeks. Between her dark lips and underneath her low nose were piles and piles of oil black teeth, filed to points. Her skin was scaly as ever and draped in what looked like torn ship sails emblazoned with some pattern.  At present, it was impossible to discern what that pattern might be due to the many folds of the material and the thick line that twisted about her to secure in place. Even so, the garment put the soot tone of her scaled flesh on display, exposing the lines of red cut across her belly just above where the ample part of a normal human woman’s hips would be.  Such a thing she was not, no matter how familiar her trunk might be. What followed were not legs. Instead, she steadied herself on a slim, long, coiled serpent’s tail, decorated with a spike on the end. Upon her bald head, were runic shapes of all sorts, running down the length of her neck and over her shoulders, like a veil soaked in water. She, too, was committed to the dark craft as her ‘eldest sister’—what she liked to call Fay.

Left Hook

Captain: Father of Fight, Torund Hayhurst Quartermaster: Nora Silverkey First Mate: Tamil Tarlock Crew Name: Ofler’s Buccaneers

Flagship of the Dwarven Pirate Collective, this vessel is known for her mean broadside but more than that, hauling other ships alongside her until they fall to pieces. Armed with a cleverly engineered piece of dwarven machinery along her portside hull, she is able to pierce the hulls of enemy ships at close range and drag them through corals or rocky shores. One man is always left standing to tell the harrowing tale of his ship and crew's loss, so don't lose hope, you may survive yet even if her sails cloud the horizon.

Meet her captain:

And the next, the dwarven Father of Fight, Captain Hayhurst of the Left Hook. Just then he stamped his booted foot on the floor of his launch. The poor little vessel jostled under the strength of his blow. A credit to the famed strength of dwarves to be sure. His great black beard nearly caught underfoot of his tantrum, so decorated with trinkets and such, that it rattled like an angry wind chime and sparkled like a starry night sky.  His coat was an impressive thing made of seal fur and a leather looking hide of some kind. Rather than carry a sword or blade of any sort, he favored a pair of hatchets, each one strapped to his thighs. His quartermaster, one Nora Silverkey, squinted through her one good eye and notched a mark in a wooden paddle at her belt with a frown. Counting what? I wondered.

The Blind Vengeance

Captain: Legacy of Rook’s Keep, Antony Anderton Quartermaster: Marcus Anderton First Mate: Luther Anderton Crew Name: Mutineer’s of The Rook

The infamous outcast of Rook's Keep, this vessel is notorious as a paradise for troublemakers, the unwanted, and anyone with a good throwing arm. She specializes in procuring "special" cargo by way of harpooning--sea nymph's flesh, whale carcasses, even demons and vampires on occasion. If it glitters or otherwise shines, her crew will be sure to clear space in their hull for it and will sell only to the highest bidder. But chances are you're not interesting enough to be traded, which is really too bad, because, well, you've already seen too much.

Meet her captain:

Beside him, the incorrigible Legacy of Rook’s Keep, Captain Anderton of the Blind Vengeance. Rook’s Keep was a squalid like place but apparently even it had had enough of him and his unruly band of brothers. He propped one leg up on the edge of his launch, his knee tenting his wide-legged breeches. They raised slightly at the ankle, displaying his leather sandals and mangled feet. Ever the three toed creature. Around his waist, swirled a black cloth belt, decorated with whale bones and beaded trinkets.  His lean trunk sprang from it, tufts of blond chest hair tangled themselves into his many necklaces, framed by his open whale hide vest and his makeshift cape made of fish net. On top of his head, a worn, brimmed hat, enclosed his ratty hair. His quartermaster and first mate—said brothers—flanked him on either side in similar dress, but paid less attention to the general goings on, instead putting their focus on treating their harpoons. 

[mangio-formaggio]

Stranger Things AU for HSM

because it's (almost) the spooky season and this time last year I was obsessed with Eddie x Steve. So you know... angsty teenagers somewhat babysitting their friends and having sexuality crisis? Anyone? May ended up being a little bit Scooby Doo-ish, we will see.

- It's all starts with Wildcats leaving the evening practice and Zeke is decides to shortcut through the park in the night. And he gets caught by the Demogorgon (prob because the cookies in his backpack smells too good lol).

— The only person who knows that Zeke took a turn to the park is Ryan. Cause he may have a tiny crush on Zeke and sneaked that night in gym to watch the boys play. And when the practice was over he had to rush outside before get caught or stack at school for the whole night.

— What Ryan is totally forgot is that he was supposed to pick up Kelsi, who worked late at a new song. And she did indeed got stack in the school. And she hadn't been seen next morning.

— Sharpay on the other hand used to Zeke's attention at this point, and very confused when he's not there next morning to give her fresh bakery before classes start.

— Long story short when Zeke's and Kelsi parents are raising alarm the next morning the whole class is send to the principal's office to be questioned.

— And there's a gossip that Ryan killed Kelsi. Weird quiet brother of the most terrifying girl in school murdered someone? Makes sense.

— Wildcats aren't believe those rumors, but they figures out that Ryan could see Zeke if he was in school last night for Kelsi. So they ask.

— Ryan is pretty stressed at this point, so he absently mentions to the team about Zeke and the park. And of course they immediately decide to investigate themselves.

— At the same time, Sharpay finds Kelsi's stuff at the theater, but the new song is not there. She looks around the piano and there's nothing but wired amount of wet leaves. But it wasn't raining last night.

— In the park Wildcats can't find any clues about Zeke. But Troy finds a girl. Scared and unable to speak. She refuses to be taken to the police station. She can lift thing with her mind and solves equations just after one look at them. All the boys can find out about her is that her name is Gabriella and she worries about her mom.

— Taylor and Martha see how Gabi solves equations an wowed. Also wtf jocks are doing around such a smart new girl? And Taylor being Taylor very quickly understands what's going on here.

— The company of other girls helps Gabi to relax and open up a bit, even if she still in shock: doesn't remember how she ended up in a forest and what's the danger is treating her and the whole East High now.

— While this group is connecting the dots and figures out how to use Gabi's power to communicate with Zeke in Upside-down, Sharpay is trying to help Ryan snaps out of anxiety and insist they should continue rehearsals.

— So twins are at the theater when Wildcats and girls are messing with a school radio. And then suddenly the lights are starts flickering, the speakers around empty school are broadcasting white noise...

— And then everyone hear weak trembling voice. Kelsi's voice. She's singing her new song. Quietly and slightly hysterically.

— Wildcats are confused where exactly the voice is coming from: they tried to reach out Zeke in possible parallel universe, not drama club, right?

— When they rushed into the theater they finds only Evan's twins on a verge of a heart attack (and Ryan is also is about to have nervous break down).

— For a couple of seconds they all are trying to sing along, in a desperate attempt to let the Kelsi know that she's heard. Next moment the lights are off completely.

— The singing stops. But they can hear Kelsi's breathing heavily. And then there's a distinct low growl. One second in speakers. Another somewhere backstage.

— Suddenly the light is on again. And fall clearly inhumane shadow appears on the side of the stage.

— The monster jumps. The kids are frozen by terror. Gabi lifts her hands and screams and the next thing everybody knows is that the speakers are broken with a loud crack, the monster is gone and everything seems back to normal.

— Expect it's not and everybody understands very clearly now what's took their friends. The jocks, the nerds and drama kids join forces. They need a plan.

— While the monster-hunting is discussed and organized, some emotional drama unravels.

— Troy is completely mesmerized with Gabi. But she doubts whether he actually likes her or he likes her cool superpowers. After all they can't even properly communicate. She's also remembers herself we'll enough to understand that her life is somewhere else and she needs to focus on finding her mother.

— Sharpay is mad because she likes to be in control. And currently is nothing can be controlled except her own sanity. She hesitant about joining the upcoming quest. She's a performer and a school princess. Not a fighter. She can't wander through the park in this shoes, thank you very much. On the other hand, she can't leave her brother, who's very determined to help Kelsi as much as he can. Lastly, even if she would never admit, she worries sick about Zeke.

— Taylor knows their plan is just absolutely terrible, dumb and suicidal idea. But she's also have a ridiculously amount of fun navigating the attack plan and investigating where the portal to Upside-down is. Also the feeling of community is so new and nice. She just can't leave those idiots on her own.

— Chad isn't jealous. That would be stupid. And what kind of jerk would be jealous of Gabi when she's evidently went through horrible trauma, apparently wanted by some shady government people and is under constant pressure of saving everybody. But it just so hard to take that in a crisis like this Troy is neglecting his leadership in order to look after his new girlfriend... Surprisingly good thing, however, is that Evans twins are actually helpful. Ryan is very easy to become friends with actually: he can handle that bat, sincerely care about this small Kelsi person and is fun to joke around. His arms are surprisingly strong, his eyes are... well, blue. Oh, and his sister undeniably was born to lead some small army or shoot some monsters right between eyes.

— Ryan is probably running on a pure adrenaline at this point. His body just can't tolerate this amount of stress anymore, so it's almost euphoric state of confidence now. He almost doesn't recognize himself. Like volunteering on a reconnaissance mission? Or agreeing to arm himself with a gigantic bat? Or talking to Chad Danforth like they knew each other for ages? And Ryan even dares to flirt? And tease? And yeah, having a crush on an another straight athlete is still absolutely terrible idea, but maybe they gonna die tomorrow so what the hell?

— Anyways... They find the portal. They find both of their friends. Alive and mostly well. They survived on Zeke's cookies.

— And Demogorgon finds them.

— The fight is unravel. Boys kicking and punching. Sharpay shooting. Taylor and Martha are evacuating Zeke and Kelsi. Gabi stays behind to close the portal.

— Everyone makes it out alive. Chad and Ryan make out celebratory. Sharpay is already planing a show based on this adventure. She would go out with Zeke the next day after he will rest, don't worry.

— Troy is brooding though. He rushes to the park like everyday since. But it completely normal trees and grass now. Nothing paranormal. So he slowly loses hope. Until one day they're having a game and the broken speakers are suddenly working again. And there's a Kelsi's song singing with the most beautiful and gentle voice he had ever heard.

— So they make a hole in theatre's wall to helps Gabi get out. Ms D isn't pleased though. They all got detention till the graduation. Can as well start to participate in musicals yk.

[topazadine]

A Non-Comprehensive Look at Sina

Sina is a coastal country with a number of outlying islands. Lift-ways ("east") is the Melinun Sea, the reason for its prosperity as a bastion of trade. Drop-ways ("west") is Breme across the Rimuk Mountains. This impenetrable mountain range has been a source of frustration for the Sinan Royal Family since the two countries were split in two by High Poetry.

Sinan Geography

Sinan geography is wildly different from that of Breme. Instead of sweeping steppes, Sina is swampy, mostly flat, and very rainy. Breme is in the rain shadow of the Rimuk Mountains, while Sina is on the windward slope.

One can think of Sina as the first stair in a staircase. The Rimuks are the rise on one side, and the cliffs on the edge of the continent are the foot. Rain cascades down the Rimuks and percolates throughout the country down to the sea. Below the rich muddy soil is granite, meaning that little water penetrates below the surface.

Sina's borders are clear on the mainland: the Rimuk Mountains and the edge of the continent. Its capital city, Kulniryi, is located along the middle of its coastline; the deep, natural harbor is one of the only places where the ground dips down to sea level, making it a perfect fit for commerce.

Around the harbor, the cliffs rise again; most are not of interest but for Thieves' Quarter, where ruffians have carved their homes directly into the rock for better protection for their illicit activities. Some whisper that these carved homes have secret passages that thread all along the underside of the city, popping up in unexpected places to ease the work of ne'er-do-wells.

The Melinun Sea is dotted with additional islands, some large and some small. The largest and most isolated of these are penal colonies, where the worst prisoners are sent to dog-infested islands to be eaten alive. Other small clusters may be farms, military outposts, lighthouse stations, or pleasure oases.

Sina has several territorial disputes with its neighbors on some of the farthest-reaching islands, a constant source of consternation for the queen. She resolved the disputes with their closest neighbor, Iunis, by marrying one of her daughters to their king.

As one moves drop-ways, a lacey network of small rivers provides fertile ground all across the country, though some areas are too swampy and fetid for habitation. Of particular intrigue is the area around Heretic's Way, whose rich soil has lay abandoned for centuries. This was the path that the traitorous Princess Yiella took out of Sina when she joined with the proto-Bremish against her mother, who was attempting to subjugate the nomadic tribes.

Most of the major cities are named after previous rulers; they are designed around the landscape, giving each a sense of place and a unique flair. For example, Traifalnar is built on a swamp, with deep foundations buried in the rock and homes bolstered by an interesting network of steel wires that keep them upright.

Kayaks are a common mode of transportation because they are lightweight and maneuverable, though there are also excellent trails for bicycles.

Threaded throughout the country are tin mines, some abandoned and others still active. Spies, smugglers, and the general criminal rabble use these to pass from town to town. While the Sinans are not generally superstitious, most fear these mines, as they whisper that kidnappers use them to sell women and children - or simply murder them.

Sinan Fauna

Briar bear - Haunts the swamps and briars of the country. A large, mottled, streaky-looking animal with enormous claws. Terrifying.

Velvet deer - So named for their beautiful antlers that never lose their velvet, but remain fuzzy and soft all year round. The velvet was previously used as folk medicine. Much has been written about how velvet deer's antlers sparkle after a rainstorm.

Rimuk wildcats - As in Breme, Rimuk wildcats haunt the highest reaches of the mountains. Their screams are bone-chilling when they resound off the rocks.

Esker - A type of aquatic mustelid that swims through the many channels, eating fish. Supposedly tastes delicious.

Alnan rabbits - Large, loping rabbits, technically an invasive species. They are named after the country's founder, Queen Alnan, who brought them from her home country. Some were released and became feral; now they practically overrun the country.

Herons - Found all across the country along rivers.

Rock eagles - Typically found along the Rimuk Mountains, but they have also been known to make their eyries in tall buildings, including the Kulniryi palace where the Sinan Royal Family lives.

Black squirrels - They have excellent camoflage for the deep, shady forests.

Blue spotted lizard - Bright blue, poisonous lizard found in the swamps.

Peeping frogs - There are dozens of different subspecies of peeping frogs throughout the country. They each have a slightly different song, which means that you can tell what part of the country you are in based on the melody of the frogs. This has given Sina several nicknames amongst other countries, not all of which are very nice. One is "The Land of Natural Music," while another is "Croakland."

Lacy turtles - So named for the light, lacey patterns along the shells.

Koi - The most common fish in the country. Good eating.

Suluk sea lions - Important to Sinan mythology, as it is said that a miraculous Suluk sea lion protected their founder after a shipwreck.

Whelkies - A type of mollusk.

Silver crabs - Not actually made of silver, of course, but their light gray shells are very striking. Good camoflage against the gray cliffs that make up the edge of the continent.

Blue dolpins - Often found cavorting and playing in the waves along the shore.

Harbor whales - Small whales that prefer protected inlets and bays.

Mules - Stubborn and hardy, they are great for long-distance trips.

Goats - Used for their meat and milk.

Timber horses - Large draft horses used to drag away timber.

Sprig horses - Light-boned animals that are mostly for sport and casual riding. Only owned by the upper classes.

Sinan Flora

Cedar

Pine

Black spruce

Boxwood

Ficus

Pothos

Quince

Azalia

Peonies

Hydrangeas

Custard apples

Pears

Sedge grass

Sea buckthorn

Kelp

Bladderwrack

Forest orchids

Forest grass

Cattails

Rushes

Duckweed

Water fern

Important Personages in Sina

While Sina has had numerous rulers, only a few are remembered well (or are currently important).

Queen Alnan - The founder of the country. Sailed away from her home country of Nuntak, a down-ways ("south") island country, to oppose religious rule. Subjugated and drove out the nomadic tribes already present, who became the Bremish.

Princess Yiella - Also known as "Heretic Yiella," she was Queen Alnan's daughter. She grew sympathetic to the plight of the tribes and joined them on their escape from Queen Alnan's rule.

Queen Kulni - Queen Alnan's second daughter, who was named queen after her mother's death instead of Princess Yiella. While Queen Alnan founded the country, Queen Kulni was responsible for most of the current infrastructure and political system.

Queen Susuma - The Queen of Sina when The Eirenic Verses begins. She is renowned for having developed solar power, one of the most important inventions in the history of the country (if not the world).

Princess Haniya - Queen Alnan's daughter and one of the main characters of The Eirenic Verses. Bratty and petulant, she cares little for being royalty.

Prince Daiski - Queen Susuma's son and Princess Haniya's half-brother. The result of an affair between Queen Susuma and a duke from a foreign country. Once murdered a scullery maid with his bare hands.

The Main Celebrations of Sina

The coronation days of all the queens are celebrated, though they may be more locally focused, usually most strongly celebrated in the towns named after them.

New Years - Unlike Breme, which has a calendar based on lunar movements, Sina has a set calendar codified by one of the previous rulers. This day is celebrated with lanterns, food, wine, and gambling.

Jubilee Day - Held shortly after New Years. After 10 years, a peasant may have their debts forgiven. Traditionally, people would meet to settle other business matters as well, or to reconcile with past enemies and friends. If any municipalities have deficits, the queen may visit and ceremonially forgive the debt.

Festival of Hydrangeas - Celebrated in mid-spring, when the hydrangeas begin to flower, and usually lasts about a week. Hydrangeas are beloved by the Sinan people thanks to their multicolored blooms. A tradition of hydrangea fortune-telling has sprung up around the country; it's believed that the intensity of the color, the exact bunchings, and the overall health of the flower can tell you things about your future. Hydrangea candies and teas are popular snacks.

Titheday - Essentially tax day, when people give their tithes to the queen or to the local authorities. It has come to be a celebration of sorts because people gather together to have their tithes counted, spurring spontaneous celebrations (probably to ease the stress of giving away their money).

The Miracle of Isthmus - One of the few "supernaturally" themed holidays, celebrating when Queen Alnan was saved from a shipwreck by the Suluk sea lion. People put on pageants throughout the country celebrating this feat, and "Sea Lion Dances" will wind through the streets of the larger cities.

Landing Day - Around the summer solstice. Celebrates when Queen Susuma landed on the continent. One of the best parts of this festival is kayak jousting, when hardy competitors will attempt to push one another off their boat using their oars.

Victors' Day - The time when soldiers join the army. They may join without compulsion or be pressed into service to pay off debts. Regardless of the reason, there are a few weeks of flurried recruitment before Victors' Day, when they are formally invited into the service. Military parades, speeches, and tearful goodbyes occur all across the country.

Rockfall Day - Celebrates one of the greatest victories of the Sinan army, when they crushed several Bremish cities with avalanches. It's common to drop paper-mache rocks filled with candies from high places, such as cliffs or tall buildings.

Darknight - Lunar eclipses are considered to be very unlucky. To counteract this, people will bank their fires high and stay up all night singing, banging pots, and drinking strong caffeinated beverages. It's assumed that you'll give your employees the next day off work unless they are essential workers, like guards or doctors.

Lullweek - Sina doesn't have many private schools or universities, but those that do exist operate all year round; however, there are a number of trade schools that operate on the same schedule. There is approximately two weeks between graduation of one class and entrance of the next class. During this fortnight, it's expected that students will get up to mischief and the townspeople will endure it.

Fire Festival - Sina does not really get all that cold in most of the areas away from the mountains, but they still celebrate the coldest, darkest time of the year. Extravagant presents, hot drinks, huge bonfires, and presentations by dancers dressed in scanty, filmy white tunics, shown as a sign of bravery.

[vanosslirious]

BBS Dialogue Prompts #363

ʙʙꜱ ɪʀʟ ɴᴀᴍᴇꜱ & ᴀʟɪᴀꜱ ᴅɪᴀʟᴏɢᴜᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴍᴘᴛꜱ: [ 6 ]

WILDCAT

What's going to happen is Evan's going to fucking land on it.

No, it got Nogla the first time.

You're the outsider here, alright, Puffer, you're getting fucked, okay.

Nogla—oh, Evan, you have to play this game with Brock. Brock and Nogla, the same time.

McNasty, this is going well for you for once, huh.

McNasty's talking a lot of shit for someone who doesn't have the balls to pull the trigger.

What is this one, Nogla, explain.

Brian might still have more than me.

Someone's gonna buy it and steal it from me, probably Evan.

Alright, Brian, you can guarantee your seven here.

VANOSSGAMING

He has the key, what do you want, Nogla?

Oh nice, Droidd, you're alive.

Drive, drive, Brian!

Okay, Droidd, we're headed out.

Imagine Nogla was here, that wouldn't have happened.

Droidd, how's it going?

Droidd, Droidd, let us in.

Do you have a car, Droidd?

Brian, we'll see you there, I guess.

Wow, Droidd, you look super excited.

TERRORISER

Where's Droidd, where's Droidd?

You got it, Droidd, you got it.

I see you, Vanoss, I see you.

Where the fuck is Droidd?

Nogla, can you shut the fuck up, I know how to play!

Okay, I found an important door, Vanoss.

Droidd died three videos ago.

Evan, yeah, here, stay here.

Count it down, Nogla.

Anthony had a mental breakdown.

NOGLA

Oh yeah, Droidd explained it upside down, that makes perfect sense.

Yes, Evan, while you were making shit jokes for your editor to do…

Droidd, you're really good at dying, you want to risk going out?

Follow me, Evan, I need you, you're my sanity, you're my anchor, you're my peace, you're my joy…

Evan, did you already get the thing from the thing?

Evan, let's get going.

Uh, Evan, do you want me to guide you there?

Oh, Droidd's gone, gone, for sure.

Yeah, but open it up again, Evan.

Relax, Brian, relax.

SMII7Y

Matt went flying.

Grizzy has a fucking tank.

I'm not having a good time, Nogla.

Grizzy, don't even try with that car, get out of the way, you're ruining it for everyone.

The car's not fast enough, Puffer, I've already been in that situation.

John, I need your help.

Okay, we're back at the fire station, John, where are you?

Oh, it's a bird with a peace sign, John.

Come on, John, get up here.

Is Tucker hitting on someone?

H2ODELIRIOUS

Marcel, you pointed right at him.

Shut up, Nogla!

That is clearly a weed, Nogla.

I successfully killed Nogla.

Damnit, Moo, can you quit staring at me!

Vanoss, come here

Moo, shoot the barrels!

Moo, don't you run!

Where is Moo at, where is Moo at?

I think Moo heard splashes in the water.

[galaxysharks]

I have not owned an Au yet. So I shall, bask in my niche interests.

Space Ranger/Military Au

Ship: SS East. AKA: The Wildcat

Reporting Officer: Ms. Jenn (name/rank unknown)

Crew

Captain: Kourtney Greene

Co-Captain: E.J. Caswell

Navigation: Ashlyn Moon Caswell

Defense: Regina "Gina" Porter

Communications: Carlos Rodriguez

Engineering: Noah "Big Red" Redonovich

Chef/Botanical: Sebastian "Seb" Matthee-Smith

Supply Liaison: Richard "Ricky" Bowen

Supply Station 77

Reporting Officer: Lt. Benjamin Mazzara

Notable Crew

Docking/Security Officer: Jettson (name unknown)

Supplies Manager/Repair Expert for the 5000th Fleet: Maddox (name unknown)

Main Supplier of natural resources: Dewey Wood.