#world soundscape project

[sound-notes]

World faces ‘deathly silence’ of nature as wildlife disappears, warn experts

[novlr]

6 more writing playlists for theme, mood, or specific scenes

These playlists are an eclectic mix to inspire you across a variety of genres, styles, and themes. Got a character starting a semester at music college? We got you! Do you need to encapsulate the spirit of 1960s counterculture? Sorted! There are even some genre-specific playlists to inspire your next Fantasy or Steampunk project, a collection of emotional songs for when you want to break a character’s heart, as well as a mix of lo-fi tracks with an urban feel that you can use to write quiet night scenes, or as an ambient soundtrack to some night time writing sprints.

Writing a Semester at Music College

This playlist, with its modern Jazz vibes, will help you perfectly capture and write about the life of a student at a music college. With complicated rhythms and virtuosic performances, you’ll be able to write your characters’ whole college experience from dorm room to classroom.

Writing 1960s Counterculture

No matter what genre you’re writing, this playlist is the perfect snapshot of the changing musical styles and social politics of the 1960s for the writer looking to capture the vibe. Whether you’re a non-fiction author writing a book on the time period, or a fiction author writing a thriller with a 1960s setting, this is the playlist for you!

Writing Quiet Nights in Urban Spaces

This collection of minimalist lo-fi tracks has the perfect calm feel for a dark city night. It perfectly captures the sounds of the city going by in the darkness. This is the ideal playlist for writers to imagine a moment of calm in an urban world, whether it’s for your characters, or just as an ambient soundscape for a midnight writing sprint.

Writing Fantasy Battles

If you need to capture the epic highs and lows of fantasy battles, then this collection of instrumental music is perfect. Full of thumping drum beats and virtuosic strings, this is the ideal playlist for both historical and fantasy writers to get their imaginations into gear.

Writing a Breakup

Moody tunes to inspire writers to write about heartbreak and breakups. Let the performances of these singer-songwriters wash over you as you prepare to break your characters’ hearts.

Writing Steampunk

This eclectic mix of Victorian-style instrumental music and cabaret carnival sounds will help you write the perfect Steampunk setting. With elements of melodic, symphonic sounds, ticking clocks, and industrial soundscapes permeating the background of these tracks, you’re sure to get all the Steampunk inspiration you need.

We're always updating our writing and inspiration playlists, so give us a follow on Spotify! Are there any specific playlists you'd like us to put together, let us know.

[projectdestati]

today i was driving home and thinking about a world where there was a kingdom hearts game set with the soundscape of mirror's edge. so i made this

[oneshotnewbie]

hii! i would like to request maya x carina x reader, where reader is still in college/university and a whole incident happens. r is taken as hostage and carina and maya panic after getting a call. really angsty pls

⚠️Trigger Warning⚠️ This one-shot includes the mention of a rampage and a brief mention of a hostage situation. Those plots are presented. If this triggers you too easily or you just can´t handle the subject, I urge you NOT to read this work. I am NOT embellishing this topic under any circumstance. Read at your own risk.

ᕚ---ᕘ

For you, the university was not only a place of learning, but also a melting pot of emotions. As the daughter of Maya and Carina, you felt the expectations weighing on your shoulders. Your mother, a respected obstetrician-gynecologist, had already made her mark in the medical world, and you felt the urge to follow in her footsteps.

Your parents had never put any pressure on you to follow the same path as either of them. Nevertheless, you felt an inner obligation to continue your family tradition. Even as a little girl, you listened with fascination when your mother talked about the challenges and successes of her job. The love of medicine seemed to be embedded in your DNA.

The campus pulsed with life as you moved through the crowd, clutching your books on anatomy and surgery, eager to head to your lectures. Like every day, your heart beat faster with excitement and a hint of uncertainty.

In your first year at university you found yourself in a world characterized by complex theories and demanding internships. The anatomy books became your constant companion and you learned to understand human anatomy like a puzzle. In the labs, you made precise cuts and analyzed tissue samples with the dedication of an artist who wanted to perfect every detail of her work.

The challenges of studying became clear as you approached your first internship at the hospital. Beads of sweat appeared on your forehead as you assisted in your first procedure. The smell of disinfectant and the hum of medical equipment surrounded you. You felt the responsibility getting bigger and bigger.

But with each passing day, not only did the challenge grow, but so did your passion. You soaked up the knowledge like it was the sweetest honey and found comfort in the advice of your professors.

The lecture hall you had just entered was filled with a hushed murmur of inquisitive students as you slumped in your seat. The excited atmosphere before another exciting lecture permeated the room as the professor began to talk about the latest advances in surgery. Surrounded by attentive fellow students, you listened intently to the expert's words and the technical details that rained down on you.

The projections on the wall showed complex surgical procedures as the professor delivered her explanations with enthusiasm and expertise and you tried to understand the connections between the details. You found yourself in a stream of information that took you into the fascinating world of medical innovations. Your eyes sparkled with excitement, taking in every sentence as if they could be keys to some secret knowledge.

Just before the professor was about to play a video showing complex open-heart surgery, a shrill alarm code, followed by an urgent warning, ripped through the air. "Attention, active shooter. Barricade yourself in the rooms." The room froze for a moment. You sat up, your eyes wide in surprise. An uneasy feeling settled in your stomach.

Students frantically ran to corners and sought shelter under tables. The professor tried in vain to calm the panicked crowd. But the situation escalated further when muffled shots were heard from outside the building. Recognizing this soundscape captured the attention of everyone in the room. Faces faded with fear and a feeling of helplessness spread.

Your heart was in your throat, you could hear the pulsing of your own heartbeat as you also pushed yourself into a corner, trying to keep a clear head. Panic was in the air, and thoughts of the surgical procedures and advances paled in front of the pressing reality.

A wave of fear passed through you and your thoughts whirled wildly. The idea of the place of learning becoming a scene of violence shook you to the core.

In a moment that seemed like an eternity, doors were thrown open and hooded figures entered. Another wave of fear swept through the room as people realized that this was no mere alarm, but a cruel reality. The shadow of disaster had entered the lecture hall.

Armed men in dark clothes now dominated the scene. Your class was taken hostage and a cold shiver ran through your body. Your eyes searched for allies, for a means of escape, but the men with weapons clung to their control over the desperate crowd.

The professor, your fellow students and you were trapped in a nightmare that was unfolding at breakneck speed. The situation worsened when the men began making demands and firing wildly in the air. You suddenly found yourself in the middle of a threatening drama that you never thought possible.

ᕚ---ᕘ

Maya and Carina stood in the fire station's supply room, surrounded by boxes full of medical supplies, taking inventory of necessary medical supplies. The mood was focused as the two checked lists and made sure all life-saving supplies were present.

"Do you think we should order more bandages? To be on the safe side?" the blonde asked as she pulled out individual small packages, counted them and then sorted them into the cupboards. "Yes, I think so. You can't have enough of them, especially on larger missions."

The sounds of the plastic wraps and packaging had created a calming atmosphere, but it was suddenly broken by a shrill voice. Victoria, who until recently had been sitting in the relaxation room, stormed into the small inventory room, her eyes wide with dismay. "You must come with me immediately," she said in a trembling voice. Her hands were gripping the remote control tightly.

Maya and Carina exchanged a worried look and dropped everything. Both women's hearts began to pound wildly in their chests as they quickly left the room and followed their friend. As they entered the room, they both stopped in the middle of it.

The television flickered as the newscaster solemnly announced the terrible truth. "A serious incident has occurred at Seattle University. Armed attackers have entered the building and taken hostages. Police are on scene, but the situation is extremely critical."

Maya and Carina stared at the screen in shock as the reporter reported on the dramatic scenes, hitting them like a blow. Images of students running out filled the room. An icy shiver ran through the two of them when the name of the affected university was mentioned several times. A feeling of helplessness fell like a leaden veil over their hearts. The words invaded their thoughts, and the images of their beloved daughter studying at this institution seemed like a fragile glass threatened by an impending storm. "Y/n.. she has classes today. She's there."

Carina felt her knees weakening and tears forming in her eyes. The blonde reflexively clung to the back of the sofa. The world of the two, which had just seemed so familiar and safe, was thrown out of control. The maternal instincts awoke with frightening intensity when they thought of the dact that you were currently in a dangerous situation. "Oh mio Dio, no," the brunette whispered, her voice shaky. Maya, usually a rock in the surf, felt tears burning in her eyes too. Fear for her daughter engulfed them both like a blazing fire.

"We have to go to the university immediately," Maya spoke, interrupted by the muffled sound of the news in the background. Carina nodded, the determination in her eyes reflecting the inner strength that mothers could mobilize in times of crisis.

The fear, worry and hope blurred together as they set off together, seeking reassurance that they would do everything in their power to get you out of there.

[zsakuva]

hey saku! not sure if you've ever been asked questions along these lines before- either way, here you go!

1. What's your favourite part of the process of creating an audio? (writing, recording, SFX etc) and why is it your favourite?

2. what's your favourite character to record and why?

Constructing the idea and the latter part of editing.

Constructing the idea: Because that's when my mind does its thing! I set the limitations and wonder about characters. It's so much fun to discover and create new things, and worldbuilding is a part of it too. For my personal projects, I've spent months purely worldbuilding, and I always find it exciting. For audios, the confines I work in are stricter, but crafting a story within it never gets tiring!

Editing: I hate editing the raw voice. It takes hours for me. What I do love is adding the pieces together. Layering the soundscape, fitting in the SFX, and building the auditory world is amazing! It's as if you're listening to the world come alive, and I can't help but smile every time. I've felt the most satisfaction after listening back to The Noble Trials episodes because of the added soundtrack. I can only create the atmosphere from my own imagination, but when I can honour it and see it all the clearer, it's a wonderful feeling!

2. I think... currently, it's Zaros. I just love his character, the accent I gave him, and the tones I can play with. But Dontis is a very close second.

[lady-harrowhark]

Have you ever wanted a fun way to pitch the series to your friends? Look no further!

A while back I was approached by @wilfriede to write a pitch for a podfic event, and now it's available on ao3 with a remastered performance and new and improved soundscaping! Their recording and editing has completely knocked it out of the park, and I'm super excited that it's now out in the world for everyone to enjoy. It was such a fun collaboration to be a part of!

[Audio is 4:32 and the script is included on the same page.]

[allatseapod]

Meet the crew!

Look what the tide washed in!

Noah (they/them) is the writer of All At Sea and the voice of February. They're currently in the process of completing their MA in English Literature, which focuses on the importance of the found family trope in queer, POC-led narratives. When they're not drowning in books or literary analysis, you can find them staring blearily at a blank Word Doc, or drowning in all the different audio dramas they still need to listen to.

Scotchy @secondhand-coelacanth (any pronouns) is a producer of All At Sea and the voice of Sturgeon. They found their passion for podcasting through working on The Hermit Archives as an editor and minor character, and can't wait to bring more sounds and noises right to your eardrums. When he isn't splicing voice lines for enrichment, or surviving the horrors of academia, Scotchy can be found making music, crocheting, or fishing around for a new hobby to try out.

Louis Wolf @louis-dc (he/they) is a producer of All At Sea, he is a disabled artist/actor based in Colorado. Doing theatre in high school helped to reveal his passion for storytelling, specifically with acting and directing. This has fed in well to a love of dnd. When not playing ttrpgs with friends, Louis can be found playing video games, yelling about superheroes, or watching bird documentaries with their cat. Louis is the assistant producer of Soul Operator, you can hear them as Alex in episode eight of The Grotto and Athena in the upcoming audio drama Forged Bonds. He is creator of upcoming talking head podcast Media Microscope.

Rowan Odom @twinstrangersp (they/them) Rowan, sound designer of All At Sea, is a non-binary creator whose passion lies in creating stories in a post-Covid world, specifically those filled with queerness, love, and horror. They also make time for D&D and random crafts in their spare time! They are one of the Strangers of Twin Strangers Productions and the creator of the studio’s first AD, Syntax. They are also the main editor in the upcoming Rites of Descendancy and can be heard as a voice in The Moon Crown as Aria, and Syntax as Elora.

Rusty Cornmagnate @cornmagnate (he/they) 20 y/o artist and graphic designer, author of visuals for All At Sea

El Carters @waysofink (they/them) is our transcriber & beta-reader/listener. Creative writing graduate from Poland who fell in love with the audio drama format in 2022. Since then they have been getting involved in some projects (like this one) & writing their own show - Nightpocalypse. When not writing, El likes to indulge in some sewing, soundscaping, DnD, media consumption, and various arts and crafts.

[7grandmel]

Rip of the week: 09/12/2024

no more nuzzles in my skin

Season 8 Featured on: The Joke-Explainer™ 7000's Highest Quality Rips: Sunset

Ripped by UUN4

Ah yes, the humble YTPMV. A format of ripping that long precedes ripping in of itself, the process of making shit purely for the sake of making it, and perhaps in hopes of making others laugh. It may as well be classified as an entirely new genre of music at this point, made yet more interesting as it was developed just about entirely by bored teenagers on the internet. I've talked aplenty about its appeal on here before, in particularly in relation to Friday Night Funkin' rips like Satin PantE's, but it bears repeating; there's a soundscape to YTPMVs, a world of crafting just about any possible soundbyte or clip into any possible instrument for a song, that gives them a noisy yet ever-so-catchy appeal all of their own. I've discussed some of my favorites, like Going Somewhere Jerma?, A streamer's tireless effort to entertain., and Mr. 2​.​718281828459045235360287471352662497757247093699959574966967627724076630353547594571382178525166427427466391932003059921817413596629043572900334295260595630738132328627943490763233829880753195251019011573834187930702154089149934884167509244761460668082264800168477411853742345442, yet I feel as if I haven't shone enough of a spotlight toward the rips that demonstrate the genre's strengths in audio appeal. YTPMVs are fantastic as expressions of creativity, and hilarious ways to utilize recognizable sources in bizarre and out there ways. Yet its a rip like no more nuzzles in my skin, a rip balancing the tightrope between quality and insanity just as tightly as its creator, that best showcases just why the genre is so compelling.

I'll be honest, I still have no idea what exactly the "Undertale Halloween Hack" even is, but after an explosion in popularity with YTPMVers across 2021 and 2022, the song No More Nuzzles in particular from it has become a huge favorite amidst rippers on the SiIvaGunner team. I did cover Hella Pummel a while back using a different track from the same project, but No More Nuzzles is pretty unquestionably the star of the show; and, like like Stickerbush Symphony and rips like Sidelined Symphony, a frequently-ripped track only equates to fierce competition. It's almost the direct opposite to the last post I made on the blog regarding [Quiet], a rip that intentionally approached a track that the channel had never ripped before; UUN4, by contrast, tackles No More Nuzzles head-on against all its competition on the channel. Adding to the YTPMV trend of the track's origin seems like the obvious route to go down at first brush, yet I could easily imagine that its fast pace and bouncing melody would make it daunting for a lot of specific sources to work properly; Nevertheless, UUN4 chose to stick by his choice of Crawling's iconic chorus opener and shows that he had the chops to handle it.

UUN4 is a ripper I've covered on here a handful of times, but its mainly been focused on his earlier work. The duology of Despacito-themed Shovel Knight rips in the form of Plains of Des-passing-to and From the Shad-slows nevertheless highlight the running trend I've found in his work, an ability to commit to executing seemingly absurd and shitpost-y ideas with such finesse to where you question why you found them absurd to begin with. There are moments where UUN4 will show you the deepest recesses of his mind – THIS RIP WAS MADE BY TEETH GANG has visuals I'll never be able to properly suppress – and yet he executes all that he does with an expert touch reminiscent to me of toonlink and Nape Mango's work in the channel's earliest months. With YTPMV in particular I find myself very wary of these smallest details; just one part sounding off, one syllable cut or emphasized wrong, can ruin the entire listening experience in ways some may not realize. This is part of the concern that may arise when imagining the combination of No More Nuzzles and a source made most iconic not by its sound but by its lyric; "Crawling in my skin // These wounds they will not heal" is as funny as it is to hear both due to the delivery of the lines, and the lines' contents themselves.

Luckily, UUN4 already has a star-studded record of excellent YTPMVs under his belt; most notably, perhaps, being OMORIBOY the PIRATE!!!☠️☠️☠️ from his own YouTube channel. With over a million views, its popularity exceeds even the original Omoriboy video its pulling from despite using a song from a relatively underground chiptune-nerd game akin to ones discussed on Viva la Robocop. Despite using a somewhat-niche source and arranging an even nicher track, UUN4 nails that which I described worry for in the end of my last paragraph by having every syllable and spoken word of its source's hilarious vocals crisp and clear without overtaking Pirate Island's melody. Given that skrillex tribute 2023 from last year also showed me that UUN4 is well in touch with that specific period of internet culture that made Crawling so infamous online, no more nuzzles in my skin became, in a way, like stars aligning for greatness.

As not so subtly foreshadowed, the greatest quality of no more nuzzles in my skin, much like OMORIBOY the PIRATE!!!☠️☠️☠️, is its ability to make such a perfect balance of the two sources featured. It allows Crawling's iconic chorus verse to remain wholly comprehensible, without having it overtake No More Nuzzles' restless rhythm. The endeavor reminds me of rips like SUNGORE, which highlights once again just how satisfying a YTPMV-adjacent rips using sources with lyrics become when the lyrics themselves are slotted in so perfectly. The differing amounts of notes used across No More Nuzzles' repeating melody and Crawling's iconic chorus bar is accounted for in a really expertly done way, condensing the drawn-outness of the initial shout of "craaaaaw-ling" to just one syllable and ever so slightly extending the "skin" at the end, while raising its pitch in line with the main track's melody. It hits you just three seconds into the rip how well done it is, only to be reiterated at the song's break past its cold-open intro at ten seconds in; two pairs of two percussion hits are turned into "craw-ling (in) my-skin" so effortlessly as to feel downright magical.

I hope nerding out over incredibly minute detail in syllable and rhythm adjustment like this (that, given my complete lack of actual knowledge of music composition, is likely hugely incorrect) hasn't bored you half to death, but the point I'm making is that; UUN4 placed REAL care toward making sure that no more nuzzles in my skin works out. The hype and excitement of No More Nuzzles is somehow heightened magnitudes through just getting to follow this hyperactive pitch-shifted voice throughout it, be it when its left into the background of the song in its midpoint, or the climactic bridge by 0:53; a lead instrument proudly proclaiming "innn my skinnn, crawling-crawliing in my skin, crawling in my skin" with perfect clarity despite its pitch and pace. The absurdity and initial gut laughter of the opening wears off mere seconds into the rip and you're left amazed at just how well the two halves compliment one another, and before even that's been able to register you're banging the fuck out to a kind of lead instrument you never thought would be possible.

Indeed, like If Pazuzu Sneezes Do You Still Say Bless You?, this is the kind of YTPMV that has forever affected my psyche, its words and phrases eternally stuck repeating in my head whenever No More Nuzzles even so much as grazes my train of thought. I think a large part of that is just due to the vibe and atmosphere that the rip creates, an abstract concept I've discussed on rips like Super Ludacris JB World and Slope Dude. Through listening to as much SiIvaGunner as I have, you come to notice that a combination of sources can either shift the atmosphere of one source to fit the mold of the other in an unexpected way like the former example, or in cases like this and the latter example create something greater than the sum of its parts. Through pitching and mixing Crawling in such bizarre ways as to eliminate so much of its intensity, removing its pauses and drawn out syllables to fit No More Nuzzles' fervent pace, it hits a vibe that moreso invokes the imagery of an angry kitty than a brooding teenager; a vibe only enhanced by the out-there choice of adding audio from Jigsaw into the deeper parts of the mix.

I could likely peel back yet more layers with the aforementioned Saw audio and the ways in which Crawling bounces around and around toward the song's climax, yet I also don't know what else I could add to the discussion other than point out that it continues to all sound fucking incredible. YTPMVs like no more nuzzles in my skin are exactly why I adore the genre so dearly, such a perfect blend of listenability and melodic perfection whilst adding a genuinely funny new twist on pre-existing music. Its the embodiment of internet users – in this case, UUN4 – operating at peak efficiency, and I'm forever aboard for the ride.

[mariacallous]

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu made headlines in April after coasting to a second term in office by nearly 12 percentage points. Imamoglu, who has served at the city’s helm since 2019, is seen as a major political threat to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP). The latest win in Istanbul cemented Imamoglu’s continued popularity among the Turkish public.

But Imamoglu is only the most prominent face of a broader opposition, led by the Republican People’s Party (CHP). In March’s municipal elections, the CHP secured its most crushing victory over the AKP in decades. Possibly more notable than Imamoglu’s reelection was the newly elected class of women executives of provinces and districts across the country.

One of these women—Sinem Dedetas—may hold the keys to the future of Turkey’s opposition. Imamoglu is currently battling slander charges in the country’s high court, in addition to a slew of other cases that could eventually ban him from politics, even as he is the favorite to run for the CHP in Turkey’s 2028 presidential election. No matter how those fortunes play out, Dedetas promises to be central to the party’s strategy in a post-Erdogan Turkey.

Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Uskudar, a seaside constituency on the Anatolian side, lacks many of the bars and clubs across the water in the European districts. Instead, the conservative area is known for its historical mosques. It is also one of Istanbul’s key transportation hubs, home to a confluence of ferries, rail, metro, and bus lines. Millions of people from all over the city—and world—pass through Uskudar every day.

In April’s elections, Dedetas, a 43-year-old engineer, made history as the first woman to ever win the Uskudar municipality mayorship, a position similar to that of a New York borough president. She also flipped the district from the AKP to CHP rule.

Dedetas moved to Uskudar from her native Eskisehir, a city in northwest Turkey, for college in 1999. After receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in naval engineering from Istanbul Technical University, she got her first job in the district as an engineer. In 2014, she went on to work as a marine engineer at the Halic Shipyards, the oldest continuously operating dockyard in the world. Over the centuries, the facility has produced vessels from sail boats to steamships and submarines to electrical passenger taxis.

Dedetas’s career has featured many firsts. In 2014, she became the first chairwoman of the Turkish Chamber of Naval Engineers. While she was in that position, Istanbul’s AKP mayor tried to privatize the public harbor and turn it into a terminal full of restaurants and shops. Dedetas protested the project and was barred by the government from entering the shipyard.

She continued to oppose the new real estate development, concerned that the city’s ferries—an indelible part of Istanbul’s social history, skyline, and soundscape—would grind to a halt without the vital maintenance work done at the docks. “We fought to keep [it] from being lost,” Dedetas later said after her success in blocking the project.

Then Imamoglu became mayor of the city, bringing Istanbul back under CHP rule. “The privatization processes of the shipyard were being carried out,” Dedetas told Turkish media. “If [the mayorship] had not changed hands in the 2019 elections, there would be no shipyard left.”

One of the new mayor’s first orders of business was to appoint Dedetas as manager of Istanbul’s maritime public transportation system; she was the first woman in the role. Over the last quarter century, the city’s water transport fell into disarray as Istanbul’s population swelled and moved further inland, contributing to congestion and gridlock on road and rail. Yet municipal-run ferries predate the first Bosporus bridge and remain one of the city’s fastest options to cross continents.

Dedetas proved herself to be a masterful administrator, overhauling the entire water transit system. She opened 11 new ferry lines and launched a 24-hour weekend ferry that connected the European and Asian sides of the city. She also doubled the patronage of public water transport, in part by restoring the iconic white and orange vapur ferry ships. And she launched an electric sea taxi service, providing a personal, environmentally friendly option to traverse the Bosporus Strait and the Marmara Sea.

Through the effective management of maritime transportation, Dedetas gained national attention. She set her eyes on her home district, Uskudar—the Istanbul neighborhood with the longest Bosporus shoreline—ahead of the 2024 municipal elections. “Uskudar is the first gate for people who arrive from Anatolia, and for Istanbul, it is the gate to the rest of the country,” said Onur Cingil, an Uskudar native and CHP member.

The borough had been an AKP stronghold for as long as Cingil and most others could remember. It is even home to Erdogan’s private villa. Cingil said he saw local government officials claim eminent domain and exaggerate concerns about earthquake vulnerability to demolish buildings and hand over lucrative sites to construction companies, religious associations, and other party loyalists. “This happened … to my own student dormitory, and many other places,” Cingil said.

Cingil was one of the many CHP candidates vying to be the nominee for Uskudar’s mayorship in March’s elections, but the CHP leadership eventually selected Dedetas to run due to her reputation for being a technocratic consensus builder.

“Normally, I wouldn’t expect such a profile to be nominated for Uskudar,” said Burak Bilgehan Ozpek, a professor of political science at TOBB University of Economics and Technology. He described Dedetas’s young, professional, and secular profile as going against the grain in the district. The CHP typically nominated old-school, male party insiders for such roles, Ozpek said, adding with a laugh that they always lost the race. “This was a radical change,” he added.

Dedetas took a pro-people approach to her campaign against the AKP incumbent Hilmi Turkmen, who had been a mainstay in Uskudar’s politics for decades. She canvassed the district neighborhood by neighborhood, underlining her accomplishments governing the city’s maritime transit system, which has a budget the same size as Uskudar’s.

Dedetas vowed to redress the AKP’s neglect of women’s issues on both the district and federal levels. She promised to prioritize women’s employment and noted that, during her time helming Istanbul’s maritime transit system, she nearly tripled the number of women working there. She also proposed the creation of a free HPV vaccine program to protect against some forms of cervical cancer. (The cost of the vaccine has become nearly equivalent to Turkey’s monthly minimum wage.)

The candidate pledged to create child nurseries in every neighborhood in Uskudar. “This will enable women to work,” especially residents with low incomes, said Rumeysa Camdereli, an activist and member of Havle Women’s Association, the first Muslim feminist organization in Turkey.

Dedetas promised to expand welfare initiatives, and called for additional municipally subsidized cafeterias in Uskudar. Imamoglu created these during his first term for residents to get a healthy meal for just over a dollar, and his AKP competitor Murat Kurum mocked them on the campaign trail. “We are tired and bored of the rhetoric that tries to deceive the people by … giving half a tea glass of water or milk as if it is a service,” said Kurum. He also made fun of Imamoglu’s background as a kofte vendor.

Kurum’s gaffe turned off blue collar voters. Istanbul’s public eateries fill up every day for lunch and are vital in a country enduring a cost-of-living crisis amid annual inflation of nearly 70 percent.

“Local elections are less ideological and always more focused on services,” said Emine Ucak, the program director for social policy at the Reform Institute, an Istanbul-based policy center, who researches women in Turkish politics. “Women always think about their children, and they had stopped seeing a future for them.”

The campaign also focused on securing areas most vulnerable to earthquakes, a national concern after the devastating February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey’s southeast. Many locals fear that the slate block flats populating the hills above Uskudar’s wharf are in imminent danger in case of an earthquake. In response to their concerns, Dedetas is establishing a natural disaster directorate to help the district become prepared for earthquakes and other catastrophes.

On election night, Dedetas triumphed, beating Turkmen by more than seven percentage points. In doing so, she tore apart the long-held myth that Uskudar was an AKP stronghold.

“It’s a district with a lot of conservative families,” said Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting fellow at Brookings Institution. “For an uncovered woman to win is a real testament to her political appeal.” Unlike past CHP candidates, Dedetas shied away from the hardline, sometimes alienating secularism her party is known for. Pragmatism and empathy won the day.

Dedetas was not the only victorious woman on election day. Altogether, voters tripled the number of women mayors across Turkey. While only four female mayors had been elected in the previous municipal elections in 2019, 11 provinces and 64 municipalities are now governed by women, the vast majority of them representing opposition parties. Together, they won, on average, 53 percent of votes.

Female political representation is a welcome change after what many in the country see as backsliding on women’s rights under Erdogan. In 2021, Turkey exited the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty to combat gender-based violence that was drafted in the city a decade earlier. The Turkish president had urged women to have at least three children, claiming that those who reject motherhood are “deficient” and “incomplete.”

Although Turkey has a highly centralized political system, mayors remain key to managing districts and municipalities. They are where citizens first access the country’s welfare systems, and where businesses are registered, among other duties.

Following March’s elections, Dedetas and other mayors in the Turkish opposition now have their best chance in decades to govern with less interference from Ankara. She has wasted no time in initiating programs that address locals’ needs, such as grocery subsidies of up to $150 for retired residents. The district also plans to provide elderly residents free shuttle services to food markets. (Pensioners, who compose more than 10 percent of Turkey’s national population, receive roughly $293 per month from the state, an impossible wage to live on in Istanbul.)

Uskudar’s new mayor is also working to counteract the AKP’s neoliberal strategies, which many accuse of benefiting political patrons through shady backroom dealings all while poverty has deepened. To help promote transparency, Dedetas has begun to broadcast all municipal council meetings live online.

Figen Kucuksezer, an optometrist and Uskudar resident, is very excited by these changes. They’ve already helped preserve Uskudar’s Validebag Grove, one of the last wild green spaces in Istanbul. The area, which Kucuksezer volunteers to protect, is home to 400-year-old trees and migratory birds.

“The former mayor always wanted to make changes to the grove,” she said, referring to the AKP’s plans to develop the area by adding parking lots and food stalls and removing some native flora. But Kucuksezer and other local activists filed a lawsuit and have fought for years for Validebag to be left alone. “We had to block the Caterpillar [equipment] from entering in,” she said.

Since being elected, Dedetas has promised to protect it as a green space for all residents. In May, the local court annulled the previous government’s construction plan. “It is a breath of fresh air,” Kucuksezer added.

There is a saying in Turkish politics that whoever wins Istanbul will one day win Turkey. It was the case for Erdogan, who previously served as mayor of Istanbul before leading the country for the past two decades.

After years in the political wilderness, the CHP is now trying to repeat its success in the next national election, which should be the first without Erdogan in nearly 30 years. The challenge for Dedetas is to help Imamoglu triumph so that she can be his successor in Istanbul as he runs for the presidency.

So far, her stances have mirrored those of Imamoglu; Dedetas regularly highlights their work together on social media. But she has also bolstered her own profile by engaging in key culture war debates—including by opposing controversial legislation that will kill beloved stray dogs on the streets to rooting for the women’s national volleyball team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a squad that has been vilified by the conservative right. Imamoglu’s and Dedetas’s fortunes are now intertwined.

“And this is just the start of her office,” said Cingil, Dedetas’s one-time party rival. “There are already rumors that she will be the next candidate for Istanbul mayor.” That would be another first.

[echoesoftheeldritch]

[the click of a tape recorder]

[static]

A podcast is nothing without good editors.

Wouldn't you agree?

Then why not help us make ours the best it could be?

[creepy music slowly fading in]

Echoes of the Eldritch is a Magnus Archives fan podcast that takes place after the events of the original story, in one of the worlds that the fears got sent to.

We are currently looking for editors (among others)! So if you have experience, or interest in:

- vocal edits

- soundscaping

-adding atmospheric music

Join us on discord to become part of the team!

Or else...

[a cacophony of impending doom swells]

[it suddenly stops]

Just kidding :)

But we would be very happy to have you!

The project is also still looking for artists, writers and voice actors for a few remaining roles! Find out more right on this blog, or by joining the discord!

See you there!

[static stops]

[click of a tape recorder turning off]

[industrial-horror]

Skinny Puppy is a pioneering band in the industrial music genre, known for their dark, experimental sound and theatrical live performances. Formed in 1982 in Vancouver, Canada, by cEvin Key (Kevin Crompton) and Nivek Ogre (Kevin Ogilvie), Skinny Puppy blends elements of electronic music, punk, and performance art, crafting a unique and unsettling aesthetic that has significantly influenced the industrial and electronic music scenes.

Early Years

The band began as a side project for Key while he was a member of the new wave group Images in Vogue. However, Skinny Puppy soon became a primary focus, with the duo recording their debut EP, Back & Forth (1984), in Key’s home studio. They quickly gained attention for their experimental approach, incorporating samples, synthesizers, and abrasive rhythms to create a chaotic yet controlled soundscape.

Their first full-length album, Remission (1984), and its follow-up, Bites (1985), helped define the emerging industrial genre, alongside artists like Front 242 and Throbbing Gristle. Tracks like "Assimilate" and "The Choke" showcased the band’s fusion of ominous atmospheres and driving beats.

Themes and Style

Skinny Puppy's music frequently explores themes of dystopia, environmental destruction, animal rights, and the darker aspects of human psychology. They are noted for their confrontational approach to social and political issues, often challenging their audience with disturbing imagery and lyrics.

The band's sound is characterized by dense layers of electronic textures, distorted vocals, and innovative use of sampling. They are also known for their intense and theatrical live performances, which often feature elaborate visuals, costumes, and provocative stage setups.

Evolution and Influence

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, albums like Mind: The Perpetual Intercourse (1986), Cleanse Fold and Manipulate (1987), and VIVIsectVI (1988) solidified their reputation as industrial trailblazers. Too Dark Park (1990) and Last Rights (1992) pushed their sound even further, diving deeper into noise and experimentalism.

However, internal tensions and personal struggles, including Ogre's battles with addiction, led to the band's initial breakup in 1995 after the release of The Process. The death of their longtime collaborator, Dwayne Goettel, from a heroin overdose added to the turbulence during this period.

Reformation and Later Years

Skinny Puppy reunited in the early 2000s, releasing new material, including albums like The Greater Wrong of the Right (2004), Weapon (2013), and HanDover (2011). These later works maintained their signature intensity while incorporating contemporary electronic influences. They continue to tour, delivering politically charged performances that resonate with fans old and new.

Legacy

Skinny Puppy's influence extends beyond the industrial genre. Artists ranging from Nine Inch Nails to Marilyn Manson, and even electronic acts like The Prodigy, cite them as a key inspiration. Their innovative approach to sound design and multimedia presentation has left a lasting mark on the music world.

To this day, Skinny Puppy remains an icon of industrial music, a symbol of uncompromising artistic vision, and a voice for those on the fringes of mainstream culture.

[andmaybegayer]

Last Monday of the Week 2024-09-09

It was Bandcamp Friday last friday so those go up front:

Listening: First up God's Country by Chat Pile which I cannot remember why I found it but is extremely noisy metal. Blunt, to the point.

A Dog A Deer A Seal by Hit Bargain has featured on a Monday before but now I actually bought the album, here's the title track. Very modern-style rock.

The Envoy by Gavlina Rayna Russom, her first solo album after leaving LCD Soundsystem, soundscape electronic and voice based on The Left Hand of Darkness.

Cyberspace Database by Fornax Void, sort of the evil mirror dimension version of Businessfunk which now that I think about it has never come up on here? Incredible. Anyway a sort of fantasy soundscape for a cyberspace environment. Huge album too, like 50 songs.

Alright back to our regularly scheduled programming

Watching: New! Dynamo! Dreams! from Ian Hubert,

This is the first time we're back at what was started in Ep1 so there is in fact some kind of plot, although the series remains supremely vibes-based. Excellent extensive rampaging robotaxi sequence. Dynamo Dreams is mostly about the props and atmosphere.

Reading: Finished The Tyrant Baru Cormorant after a brief lapse in reading. It's got problems! I really like a lot of it but it keeps on pausing the book to tell us about the blogs and wikipedia pages Seth Dickinson has been reading. Have you heard of Euler's Formula? What about the evolutionary argument for homosexuality? Yo did you hear about plants that avert scurvy? I am going to tell you about these in a boringly straightforward didactic way for the next 200 pages while occasionally progressing the plot.

Things I like: There is a very real sense of trying to balance everyone's schemes. Despite the fantasy communication techniques there's a lot of hidden information that gets used well, and the vibe of Baru's person-blindness is felt heavily but by anyone trying to make a plan run smoothly. Baru gets so messed up over the course of these books and it works to demonstrate how she's taking herself to pieces to make this work.

When Baru is actually doing her thing you can ignore the sort of awkward frankensteined nature of the world around her, but when explicit attention is drawn to it it quickly starts to fall apart, and the introduction of the Lightning Cult has me worried that this will only get more severe. Seth Dickinson seemingly cannot do Greg Egan, but they can do the rest of the Baru Cormorant pretty solidly.

Also more Skin Horse. Only to about 2012 so far.

Making: Some abortive soldering projects, hampered by my lack of good quality solder, I only have pure tin/copper blend in pretty coarse gauge, you want something finer and with a little silver for this.

Started working through some Control Theory lectures to brush up on that because I'm also working through some ROS tutorials, I want to make my robotics projects more broadly useful and integrating ROS/microROS might go a long way to helping that.

Playing: Ash and Adam's Gobsmacked, an early access roguelite arena combat goblin game that came out recently. Big focus on mobility, you can run and jump and glide around levels while taking out a bunch of robots. Still pretty finicky, controls are on the slippier side so on the plus side "high skill ceiling" but also "uncontrollable".

A touch of Minecraft, poking at Modrinth mod manager rather than my usual manual mod installation because I was unwilling to spend time figuring out how some of the new mods interact. I really do want to stick with a world long enough to do something interesting sometime.

Tools and Equipment: I set up Tailscale to link my server with my devices when they're in the field, using a headscale node running on my cloud server. It's really nice once you have all the basics sorted out, works smoothly. Worth a look if you want to securely access your home network while on the go.

[rottenraccoons]

No questions here, just a big, big thank you! You all are an amazingly talented and hard working team and the demo I played was INCREDIBLE. Every area is so vibey and beautiful, the sound effects and music is so ethereal and mysterious sounding, all the characters are gorgeous and well-written, and the MC has amazing dialogue and action options. I struggle to find games like this that are queer-friendly, kinky/intense or one where the MC isn't pigeon-holed into making decisions that seem a little goofy. So anyways, huge thank you to all of the team, you've crafted an incredibly detailed and colorful game and I'm super excited to play more! Hope you all have a great day! <3

Thank you so much, nonny!

I'm gonna use your ask to gush about the team because I love them and want everyone to know how hard they work.

Mugi is an incredible artist, and she is always demanding the absolute best from herself for this project. We as writers do our best not to overload her with visual asset demands, but she always rises to the occasion and gives us everything we could ever want. And y'all have seen the gifts she bestows on us in the form of handsome men.

Music is hard and we will never look down on people using creative commons soundtracks and sound effects to create a convincing soundscape. But having Cajsa's audio wizardry has made everything we do that much better. Having bespoke music and soundscapes adds so much depth and texture to the writing and visuals and Obscura would be so much lesser without it.

Tobi loves this game so much, y'all. She puts so much thought and care into her writing and works so hard to make sure the stories she's telling are emotional and intense. She's also the one who wrote all the safeword/aftercare text. Vesper telling you that you're the dream team? That's all Tobi.

(I'll sneak in a pat on the back here for me, because otherwise we will get asks about this because you people are way too nice: I'm learning to code and it turns out I'm okay at it! And if Sateen's randomise shop items isn't proof I'm willing to do some work, I don't know what is.)

Yamiochi is a hero to us. Her knowledge and experience means that the rest of us do not have to do things like learn Swedish tax law and get ourselves set up for Steam. She is the one keeping the rest of us running smoothly. I know there's a scepticism towards business-minded people because (gestures at the world), but if you can find someone who knows and understands business but also cares about the art, the way Yamiochi does? Hold on to them forever, they are absolutely invaluable.

Anyways I love my fellow raccoons and have decided to take your ask as the chance to gush. Thank you, nonny! ❤️

[musicofdoom]

Puce Mary: Sonic Intensity and Emotional Catharsis

Puce Mary, the moniker of Danish experimental artist Frederikke Hoffmeier, has emerged as a powerful force in the world of industrial and electronic music. With her uncompromising soundscapes and intense live performances, Puce Mary has captured the attention of listeners and critics alike. This article delves into the captivating sonic world of Puce Mary and explores her ability to create raw, visceral experiences that push the boundaries of music.

Puce Mary's music defies easy categorization, drawing inspiration from various genres such as industrial, noise, and experimental electronic music. Her compositions are characterized by layers of harsh, abrasive textures, pulsating rhythms, and distorted vocals. The sonic intensity of her work immerses listeners in a disorienting and cathartic experience, blurring the lines between beauty and chaos.

Beneath the sonic assault lies a profound emotional depth in Puce Mary's music. Her lyrics and vocal performances convey a sense of vulnerability and introspection, exploring themes of desire, pain, and personal struggle. Puce Mary fearlessly confronts the darkness within, inviting listeners to explore their own emotional landscapes. The result is a cathartic journey that resonates on a deeply personal level.

Captivating and Unpredictable: Puce Mary's live performances are known for their intensity and immersive nature. With a commanding stage presence, Hoffmeier creates an atmosphere that captivates audiences from start to finish. Her performances often incorporate elements of performance art, visual projections, and sensory experiences that enhance the sonic assault. Puce Mary's ability to create an unpredictable and transformative live experience solidifies her status as an artist who pushes the boundaries of performance.

Throughout her career, Puce Mary has demonstrated a willingness to evolve and experiment with new sonic territories. Her albums, such as "The Drought" and "The Spiral," showcase her growth as an artist, exploring different sonic palettes while retaining her signature intensity. Puce Mary has also collaborated with artists from various disciplines, including visual artists and dancers, further expanding her creative boundaries and pushing the limits of her artistry.

Puce Mary's uncompromising approach to music has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Her work has influenced a new generation of artists, who draw inspiration from her sonic aesthetics and fearless exploration of emotion. Puce Mary's ability to create immersive and challenging soundscapes has solidified her position as a unique and powerful

Puce Mary's music is an immersive and cathartic experience that defies convention and pushes the boundaries of sound. Through her intense compositions and emotionally charged performances, she creates a space for listeners to confront their own vulnerabilities and explore the depths of human emotion. Puce Mary's unwavering commitment to artistic exploration and her ability to create powerful sonic landscapes mark her as an artist who continues to shape and redefine the experimental music landscape.

[howlingdemon13]

Something that I think we don't talk about enough is Beetlejuice and all the cartoonish sound effects that follow him.

This is rambly, but I'm making this surface-level analysis/speculation/headcanon everyone else's problem. >:3c

Ignoring the cartoon (since that's expected in the soundscape of an animated show aimed at younger audiences), Beetlejuice himself is accompanied by over-the-top sound effects in the film and musical that just aren't really present for other characters (at least not in the same way they are for him). While it's obviously to make his scenes funnier, I love the idea of them being an extension of his magic. Either he finds it funny for his actions to be accompanied by goofy sounds and times them himself for comedic effect, or they're a totally subconscious thing/he doesn't even need to think about doing it.

Especially in the context of moviejuice being more malicious than his counterparts, it's an unsettling dichotomy of this centuries-old conartist/manipulator being accompanied by goofy noises. And, if he chooses to actively magic these sounds into exiestence when he's interacting with the people he's tormenting, it implies that he enjoys the victims' suffering and finds it funny enough to go the extra mile to make it humiliating. They do seem to be tied more to when his magic is being used rather than happening in response to what he's physically doing.

I feel like the idea of intentional sound effects is true of musicaljuice, too. Yeah, he's meant to be more sympathetic while still being manipulative and selfish, so I feel like he does it to make himself goofier since he's so painfully lonely and lacks social skills (literally being invisible will do that). It could also be because of some anxiety, but I don't want to project too hard. I'd even go so far as to say that he thinks the sound effects make him less-intimidating.

There's some evidence to suggest that the sound effects are intentionally done since musicaljuice breaks the fourth wall in multiple instances across slight variations of the show (DC, Broadway, tour). Whether it's putting on a show to intentionally mislead the Maitlands/Deetzs (and by extension the audience), or trying to come off as funny in the hopes that it'll make up for his more obvious flaws, it's anyone's guess. Personally, with how desperate he is for friends and for someone to break his curse (we know he's not above manipulating people), I'm more inclined to believe it's a little bit of both.

That said, I also like the idea of them being a result of how Beetlejuice (musicaljuice specifically) interacts with the material world. He's an anomally (half-ghost-half-demon) at best and an abomination at worst. There's a part of me that wonders if the physical world outside of the Netherworld cannot handle his very existence without an assortment of "glitches" happening as a result of his mere presence (like the stretching sound that happens when he phases through walls and tables for example).

And, to really stick to my wishy washy thoughts on the whole thing, the toony sound effects are a bit of both. A reminder that the world of the living can't really handle his existence, but he's embraced it and made it his own. It's now a part of his shtick. It defines him as different, but he owns it and has as much fun with it as he can, or manipulates the ability when he sees fit.

And you know I will be abusing the toony sound effects thing in anything I end up writing.

[rpgsandbox]

Cthulhu Dreamt is a sci-fi horror Tabletop RPG and Original Soundtrack where you and your team of Survivors will explore a near-future Earth that is suffering under the influence of Cthulhu and his cosmic denizens. Using your talents, special tech from the secret government agency Salien-Welf, and even the tools of the old ones, you must rescue one of the few scientists who can help... 

WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?

Horror, Science Fiction, and Cthulhu lovers will delight at the semi-futuristic approach to the mythos, and modern take towards the gameplay-focused storytelling.

Immersion is taken to new depths when the original soundtrack is brought into the mix, with cinematic tracks, metal music, and ambient soundscapes made specifically to score the campaign.

Set on a near-future Earth, this project offers a fresh take on Cthulhu by imagining the horror occurring in our world with the technology of the year 2034. Players will journey across the world, attempting a rescue mission unlike any other, trying to circumvent the abominations in their way, as the reality of their world unravels before their eyes.

Based on an original D12 ruleset (designed by Adam Baffoni, creator of the Tether RPG) with an emphasis on travel and survival, characters (and players) will have to work together to survive against not only the horrifying otherworldly creatures, but also the harsh environments of the Earth... and beyond.

The game features a custom soundtrack, with songs composed specifically for scenes in the main campaign of the book. Facilitators will be able to scan QR codes present in the book to play original songs composed specifically to highlight cinematic moments from the campaign.

Cthulhu Dreamt RPG is a full-size 8.5" x 11" industry standard TTRPG Hardcover, with full color cover and interior.

The book is a Complete Game with everything you'd need in one publication. It features:

A fully playable campaign

Game rules for gameplay, players, AND Facilitator

10 playable specializations - Communicator, Engineer, Mercenary, Navigator, Survivalist, and more...

Dozens of fully original creatures (Flora & Fauna)

Easy to use stress tracking; both physical and mental

Additional Encounters (one-shot side-stories) with pre-built characters

QR codes placed strategically throughout the campaign to inform the facilitator which music from the OST is curated for that particular part of the game

Equipment (Armor, Weapons, Tools) lists

All content-expanding stretch goals

Existential Dread*

*Existential dread may vary from person to person

Original Soundtrack

The stream-safe sound world created by members of Cthulhu Dreamt (the band) will be featured and included digitally at all tiers, and is available to grab physically on CD, as well as a limited Kickstarter Exclusive vinyl pressing, which also includes a gate-fold jacket that can do double duty as a Facilitator Reference Screen!

Encounters are adventures that happen concurrently with the main campaign of Cthulhu Dreamt, but elsewhere in the world. They serve as one-shots for your group, complete with pre-written characters who have their own goals and motivations to immerse yourself in. We’ve created two especially for the Kickstarter.

Springfield Nocturne: This encounter is a perfect entry point into the world of Cthulhu Dreamt. It’s a two-shot set in a mid-western city undergoing a mysterious state of emergency, where players will need to get to the bottom of why Salien-Welf have begun evacuating citizens—if they can survive long enough to find out.

R’lyehian March: Wanna know what the team of EDGe troopers went through when Cthulhu finally awoke? Then this encounter is for you. Set on the island of R’lyeh before the events of the main campaign, this action-packed prequel story includes a party of pre-written EDGe Trooper characters working for Salien-Welf and dealing with the events that kick-off the main campaign.

Basics

Cthulhu Dreamt is built on a unique D12-based system originally designed by Adam Baffoni. Cthulhu Dreamt’s focus is primarily on travel and survival, where the players are more at odds with the world itself than with any wizards or dragons. Players roll against a target number (TN) to accomplish tasks; if they fail to meet that TN, they have the option to spend their attribute points like a resource (provided they can justify it narratively). For example, if a player wants to smash open a door and they don’t roll high enough, they can spend some Strong points to REALLY put their back into it. Players will need to be careful not to overspend these point pools, because once they’ve depleted them, they won’t be able to modify any of their rolls until they refresh the points by resting for the night.

Journeying

The Journey mechanic in Cthulhu Dreamt allows for players to cross great distances actively, rather than passively. Instead of happening in the blink of an eye, travel involves players selecting roles and narrating what they’ll do during their journey, assembling shelter, foraging for food, and overcoming obstacles cooperatively along the way. Travel also presents perfect road trip style roleplay opportunities for the players to grow closer and discuss the chaos of the world once it’s been upturned by Cthulhu’s awakening.

Combat

Combat in Cthulhu Dreamt is taken in rounds, with the players and NPCs alternating their actions back and forth—but that’s where similarities between Cthulhu Dreamt and other conventional TTRPGs end. Rather than enemies having health bars that players wail on over and over until it's depleted, Cthulhu Dreamt’s combat plays out more like a puzzle (that’s trying to kill you). Enemies still have a physical limit, but they can be defeated in a number of ways, and enemies are typically designed with unique facets that make each encounter feel fresh, keeping the players on their toes. Some creatures can be subdued through traditional means, but most will require the players to get creative and think outside of the box to defeat them.

Facilitating

Cthulhu Dreamt uses a system where the Facilitator can roll dice infrequently, instead focusing their attention on building creative outcomes for player characters, running a believable and engaging narrative world, and creating a more in-depth and welcoming experience for everyone at the table. Additionally, thanks to the incorporated soundtrack, Facilitators are equipped to build immersive scenes with music and ambient soundscapes during gameplay.

The Cthulhu Dreamt game book also includes several one-shot scenarios with pregenerated characters, fully written out and ready to play. These one-shot scenarios give Facilitators the ability to still run a Cthulhu Dreamt game night, even if a player cancels last minute.

There are many unique aspects to the version of Earth found within Cthulhu Dreamt: Unique characters which you’ll interact with, and horrific abominations which you’ll face off against. Cthulhu’s presence on Earth has had far-reaching effects, and they’re felt in every corner of the world… and every corner of your mind.

NPCs - From brilliant, planet-altering scientists, to people caught in the wake of these changes, NPC’s like Sheena, Simon, and Alya bring a knowledge of the world, and drive the players to achieve things that might feel impossible.

EDGe Troopers - The EDGe Troopers are the private military owned, operated, and outfitted by the world’s biggest biotech conglomerate, Salien-Welf. Trained in both military and ritualistic combat tactics, the troopers sometimes feel like the only thing holding the line between us and the all-consuming maw of the unknowable. But sometimes, holding that line puts them between the players and their goals, so the troopers are just as likely to be friends as they are foes.

TRACEs - When another plane of existence aligns with Earth, weird and dangerous things happen, and life as we know it can change. Not only will we see new plantlife, and other landscape features that weren’t there before, but we’ll soon find out that we are no longer the only life in this universe.

Specializations - The base game for Cthulhu Dreamt offers 10 different playable Specialties—effectively, backgrounds for the character you will create which translate to skills and abilities in the game. Examples include:

Kickstarter campaign ends: Fri, September 8 2023 3:30 PM BST

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